S i x

She took off at a run for the Gryffindor Common Room. April held the owl gripped tightly in her hand. She felt tears stinging the back of her eyes even though she hadn't yet opened the owl. She couldn't do it without July being there. Didn't want to do it without July being there. July was always there for her and she had never appreciated that fact as much as she had this past year.

Her parents were dead. She'd found that out awhile ago but it was still raw to her inside. Sure, she'd managed to only shed a few tears and had done her best to move on with the school year. She'd been given nothing but support from her closest friends and the entire school had been nothing but sympathetic to her and her sister's loss. Somehow, that made it all the more harder to deal with. Sirius had been perfect though. She'd been seeing Sirius for two years now and he was her best friend. He hadn't dwelled on the death, knowing it was best for her to move on. Instead, he'd enticed her anger more times than usual, which took her mind off everything else but what was making her angry of course.

Now she just needed to be with July though. The twins had been waiting for this owl for almost a month and had started to lose hope that a response would come. Even though it was unlikely, one wouldn't come because this was their brother they'd been writing to.

April kept up the steady pace all the way to the portrait of the Fat Lady. She quickly gave the password and when it swung open, practically leaped through the hole.

"July! July hurry, oh God I can't wait another second." She found her sister in the corner of the common room she'd adopted this year since the news of their parent's death had reached them.

July bolted straight up in her seat at the alarmed tone she heard in her twin's voice. She hoped nothing was wrong, with April especially; she needed her sister now more than she ever had before. She knew that April had no idea just how much of a balance she'd created for her this year.

"What's the matter Apes?" She looked with dry eyes to her sister's glassy ones, meaning she was close to letting a tear slip. She looked around, noticing the common room was empty save for a few first years sitting at the other end of the vast room. She turned back to her sister who was looking down at a piece of parchment. Her mouth went dry, knowing what the only piece of paper that would make April tear up was.

"When did it arrive?"

"Just now," April replied quietly, handing the note to her sister. "You open it I don't think I can." She paled when her sister took the owl and opened it quickly, knowing July wanted it over as quickly as she did.

July read the note so that only herself and April could hear:

April & July,

I know it's taken me a long time to reply and for that I apologize. It's been a hard year for us all, as we know already. Let me get to the point though. I've recently been in touch with Professor Dumbledore and the Minister of Magic. They feel it would be best that you stay with Consuela and myself for the summer holidays. In addition to not returning to Hogwarts next year.

April wipe the glare off your face and July; don't look as shocked as I know you must right now. This is for the best and I agree with the Professor. We're living in a changed time and it's best if we stay together. France and England are far apart from each other and though we could simply apparate, it would be more sensible for you both to permanently live with us. July if you mention being too much of a burden, I may throttle you. You'll hate me for this for awhile, I'm sure. And April you had better not try running off, you'll be easy enough to find.

This is going to take a little while for you to get used to but Consuela and I have a large enough home for us all to live comfortably. And if you feel awkward, we could arrange for you to attend Beauxbatons Academy here in France. I know you're not going to owl me back, you're more than likely hating me right now and I understand but we have to do what we have to do. That's life.

Chin up things will get better.

Love,

Nick and Consuela

April was indeed glaring and hated Nick for what was happening at the moment. July was fuming also but was more shocked than even Nick had suggested she would be.

"How can we do this, Jules? Just up and leave, never come back? Attend Beauxbatons Academy? It's too much, I can't do it."

"We have to April, you heard what Nick wrote. We don't have a choice, it's been made for us."

"Unfairly made for us! July Merriwether, how can you simply pack up and leave and never see anyone again? Nick hates Sirius; I'll never see him. You have a better chance of seeing Remus but only in the summer time, never during school. We only have one year left and we won't be here for it. And I can't simply never see Sirius again," she said, the last part softer than the rest of her spiel.

July bit her bottom lip, a trait the twins shared when they were nervous or stressed. They were both at the moment. The thought of leaving behind Remus, the other Marauders, and all of Hogwarts, was enough to tear at her whole soul. Hogwarts had become her home the past six years, more than living with her family had been and she felt guilty about that now.

"Don't tell Remus, July. Don't tell Remus, don't tell Sirius, don't tell James, Peter, or anyone. Understand? We can't tell them, all of the sympathy and knowing we won't see them again is enough without tearing everyone else up along with us." The passion with which she spoke helped July to see her sister's point. Telling the group that the twins wouldn't be returning would make the separation more difficult.

"We can owl them at the end of the summer. Make the cut swift and final. No if, ands, or buts about it," she finished, holding a promising gaze she knew her twin shared with her.

July reached out and squeezed April's shoulder but April pulled back, shaking her head. "I need to be alone Jules. I'll see you at dinner." With that, she stood and exited the common room, leaving July to crumple up the letter and burn it in the crackling fire. Only another month and she'd never see Hogwarts again. The thought alone was enough to let silent tears run down her cheeks as she looked at the burning letter, her own life burning before her eyes.

April let the tears flow freely as she walked the halls of Hogwarts. Sixth years had a free period and because end of term was nearing so closely, she knew most would be in the library taking advantage of the free studying time. April never cried in front of anyone, never wanted to be in a weak state like that in front of people. She hadn't cried freely in front of her peers when her parents had died and she wouldn't let them remember the last time they saw her was when she was crying. She wouldn't, it was a matter of pride for her.

But she was alone in the halls, her only company being the portraits and they couldn't be avoided anywhere in the large castle. "Damnit!" Was her only exclamation, and shouted angrily as she stopped in the middle of the hall, the shout echoing lightly against the cold stone walls. She clutched her stomach, eyes squeezed tightly shut as tears fought for freedom against her eyelids. They were as trapped as she felt at that moment.

April didn't notice when Sirius stepped up behind her and turned her around, offering her a shoulder. She didn't ask him how he found her; he'd probably been following her for awhile. He seemed to like doing that to her; taking her by surprise when she'd least expected but most needed. She wrapped her arms tightly around her neck and, on tip-toes for she was shorter than him, clung and she cried silently against his shoulder.

Sirius held her, stroking her back while it shook beneath his hand. He didn't know the reason for the sudden sobbing but didn't ask. She didn't need to explain she had plenty of excuses going for her and he knew he wouldn't be able to help being sympathetic- something he knew she least wanted even if she did need it.

He had no idea he would never see her again in a month. The thought made April sick to her stomach and she felt deceitful but didn't tell her secret. She'd take it to the grave with her if she had to. After a few minutes, she separated herself from Sirius. Her eyes were puffy and felt heavy, her throat more constricted, but the tears had ceased.

Sirius brushed her hair behind her ear and lifted her chin up with his hand. Looking into her eyes, he asked, "Are you alright?"

"Yes," she lied. "I'm fine, Sirius."

"You're clearly lying, Vix. You can't lie to me it just doesn't work for you. I can always tell."

"Okay fine. No I'm not okay." She bit her lip, looking downward then back to his steady gaze. Another person in her life who was always there for her. And one she would soon also lose. She didn't have the heart to tell him about the letter from Nick.

Sirius held up a finger as his left pocket vibrated. When April nodded, he removed a small mirror from his pocket, looking into the face of a grim James Potter.

"Sirius," started James from the other side of the mirror in the Great Hall. "Do you have April there with you?"

"Yeah," he replied. "Why?"

"McGonagall's looking for her. She didn't look too happy about something. Any ideas?" April had moved to Sirius's side when he'd mentioned her name the first time. James wiggled an eyebrow up and down at the thought of her doing something against the rules.

April, not wanting anyone to know she'd cried, laughed lightly and shook her head. She'd always been a great actor when it was called for. "No idea, tell her I'm on my way," she said resigned. James nodded from the other side while his face faded away.

A little while later April was following Professor Minerva McGonagall down a hallway. Soon April found herself standing outside the headmaster's office. "Professor, I swear it wasn't me this time."

"I know that Miss Merriwether don't be silly. You wouldn't go to the headmaster for your nimble pranks," she said this almost lightly, even though April had been sent to the headmaster in the past for her troublesome behavior. "Miss Merriwether I'd like to wish you luck, the Headmaster has informed me of your brother's owl-"

"That's not very surprising Professor. He tells you pretty much everything."

"That's besides the point. As Deputy Headmistress, I need to know a certain amount of information. This is included. Have you told the others the two of you won't be returning next year?"

"No Professor. And I'd be grateful if you didn't. Me and July will tell them when we think it's right."

"Very well then, I'll leave you here." Without any final goodbyes, she gave the password to the statue outside the office and turned on her heel to leave. April frowned, swearing she'd seen a glisten in her Transfiguration teacher's eyes.

Saddened by that fact April ascended the staircase that had spiraled open to her. She grinned and went over to Fawkes who made soft chirping noises in greeting to April who was an "old friend" to the fiery bird. Smiling, she summoned some treats for her second favorite bird, next to Tookie her owl of course.

It seemed that as soon as April knocked on the door it opened to her and she was faced with the man she liked to think of as a strict grandfather. Everyone at Hogwarts, or most people, respected Albus Dumbledore tremendously and April was included in that lot. She smiled minutely to him as she spoke. "Hullo Professor."

"Miss Merriwether," he smiled warmly to the young woman. He'd watched her and the rest of her year grow into the young people they were now. It saddened him that recent events the past years had caused them to act so much older than they should be. "Come sit down. I wish to speak to you about something of grave importance."

April moved to sit down. "Sir, Nick's owl came today July and I know already. Shouldn't Jules be here too?"

"No. The other Miss Merriwether's presence is not required at this time. What I'm going to offer you cannot be shared with anyone and it will be a difficult decision no matter which you choose." Dumbledore, knowing April was the perfect person for this, hoped she would agree to his idea. His connections at the Ministry would never work. He needed someone who didn't have any jobs or other priorities of the sort to be in the way.

Now he had her attention. April leaned forward in her seat, curious to see what he was up to.

Dumbledore continued once he knew April was listening intently. "Miss Merriwether, you know this Dark Lord that is rising to power is not to be interfered with. And this is what the Ministry has drilled into the entire Wizarding World. But you see I do believe that some interference is necessary to thwart Lord Voldemort's followers and their plans." He said this sternly, the twinkle gone from his usually kind eyes.

April nodded, a grim line set in her mouth. "I agree Professor. And I have plans to do just that and to find who killed my parents, and get my revenge."

"Revenge is a strong concept, Miss Merriwether. I don't believe you to be so stupid as to chase after those who quickly hide themselves and make it impossible to be found until the tables have turned and you are the hunted. I'm going to ask you a question, Miss Merriwether. I would appreciate it if you would not shilly-shally in your answer."

"Okay sir." Was all April could think to say, thinking the question an odd one.

"If given the opportunity, would you do everything and anything in your power to help bring down Lord Voldemort's followers. Would you do whatever it took under any circumstances to do this?"

"Yes," was the immediate reply. "I wouldn't hesitate to."

April thought Dumbledore looked triumphant. "What is all this about, Professor?"

"Miss Merriwether, I have decided to put together my own group against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. I need only one person who would act as a spy among other jobs. It would be a difficult and strenuous job."

April only nodded; not sure, of what she could say while her headmaster described this open position. She had a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach about what was coming though.

"I believe you would be an ideal candidate for this position, Miss Merriwether."

"Me? Sir, excuse me if I seem rude but of all of the people in the Wizarding World, what on Earth would make you choose me?"

"I've watched you since your first year. You're level headed with enough sense to do what's right and not bend to another's will. You have a good deal of common sense but not so much, so that you can't play a role when needed. You're young, strong, and athletic."

"Excuse me again Professor, but you've just described about a fourth of the students here at school."

"But April you're already personally involved in this war whether you want to be or not. You have a personal reason for wanting to see Lord Voldemort's power brought down and he himself destroyed. Not many of the students here have that connection to his wrong-doings."

Dumbledore watched as that realization swept over her face. All at once, her features had hardened, making her appear stoic and unable to read. Yes, she was perfect for this job.

"And you're offering me this job, this chance to work in secret and bring him down?"

"In a sense yes. That's exactly what I am offering you the chance to do. But indirectly and that is what sets you apart from many with the idea of 'revenge' in their heads. You can have that in your mind but still carry out the requirements of a job you would be on."

April mulled this over in her mind for a small amount of time. But because she was April, she felt the most confident in herself when she blurted out what first came to mind. "I'll do it."

Dumbledore nodded, accepting her answer. "Very well then."

"When do I start?"

"Not for awhile yet. But Miss Merriwether, there is a certain rule I must strictly, along with yourself, enforce. This is the condition on which you will be permitted to acquire this position."

"What is that, Professor?"

"You have to disappear," he replied quite bluntly and quietly. "You need to simply disappear and leave no trace of yourself behind. This is a very dangerous job and having you mingle in public or private would be too dangerous. You'll have a few aliases that you will come to learn to live by, depending on the mission you're sent on."

"You mean I wouldn't be able to stay in contact with anyone? Not even my own twin?"

"Absolutely no one, Miss Merriwether. And this is the condition I was hesitant in informing you about. No one can know where you are and more importantly, what you are doing."

April was never one to throw down an opportunity because of a setback. "And how would I go about 'disappearing' exactly?"

"Nick has offered you the opportunity to attend Beauxbatons Academy has he not?" He nodded when April said yes. "You will accept and attend Beauxbatons for a period of six months. During one of the various vacations they have at the school you will be killed."

April paled. "K-Killed, sir?"

Dumbledore laughed lightly. "Do not take that in the literal sense my dear. It will be a staged death in which there was no body to be recovered. It will be neat and clean enough so that it cannot be traced to the lie it is. From that point on you will begin your training and prepare for your first mission which I will brief you on at a later date."

"So if I take this position I'll 'die', train, work, and help to bring down the people who murdered my parents?"

"That is correct. And you cannot tell anyone of this meeting today. No matter what decision you make."

April stood up from the chair. "I'll do it." Without permission, she needed to think about her new life, she left the office, shutting the door with a quiet click behind her.