Regulus had Sirius's facial shape, the same eyes, and the same mouth. But Sirius's nose was longer. Regulus had more of a button shape. His hair, the same raven-black, was a disaster, like he rolled out of bed and didn't even attempt to tame it. It was very similar to James' rat nest of black hair.

He had the same arrogant, untouchable look that Sirius had. It was a look I had seen on James Potter many times. The well-cared for, spoiled attitude of children that were adored and given everything. It was a look I would never see on Severus's face. Or mine.

"I don't know you." Regulus said loftily. "A werewolf and a what… a Mudblood? Dressed in Muggle clothes?"

I noticed for the first time that Regulus was wearing his school uniform. With a Slytherin coat of arms sewn into the left-side of his lapel.

"Watch it." Remus snapped.

"I'm actually a half-blood." I clarified coolly, surveying Sirius's little brother. "You haven't been Sorted yet. What's with the Slytherin badge?"

Regulus shrugged. "I already know what I am. I'll make my family proud." He lifted his chin a notch, looking disdainful. "Don't you know that you can choose your own House?"

"That's not true." Remus corrected. "The Hat chooses for you."
"Try reading." Regulus suggested dryly. "You'll see in Hogwarts, A History."

"I've read it. Four times." I remarked. "And that's not how it works. The Hat Sorts you. But it does take your choice into account. The Hat makes the final decision. Not you."

"Whatever." Regulus said, rolling his eyes. "Are you done out there?"

"Why?" Remus said suspiciously. "You going to throw someone's pet off the railing?"

"That's not a bad idea." Regulus said thoughtfully. "Kidding, kidding. I just want some fresh air. Is that a crime?"

Remus stared at Regulus. It reminded me of a dog sizing up a possible intruder, trying to decide if it was friend or foe. He narrowed his eyes. "I don't want to have to have a conversation like this with you again."

Regulus rolled his eyes again. "Yes, Mum. Move."

I blocked his path. "Move, what?"

Regulus snorted. "Move, please." He sounded anything but polite.

Grudgingly, I stepped aside. Regulus pushed past and slammed the door on his way out. He leaned against the iron railing in the exact place that I had.

Remus followed my gaze. "He's a handful. Sirius said he was."

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes. "That's no excuse. I know what it's like to have a favorite little sibling. And Virginia was never this rotten."

Remus made a noise of agreement. "Sorry, Amber. It's not fair."

"Yeah… well…" The fight went out of me instantly, like a balloon deflating. Tears threatened at the thought of my sister, who could have been here now, maybe talking to Regulus, making friends, being a good example…

I quickly redirected my train of thought. "Why don't you go back to the guys and I'll go back to Lily? I've had enough of the Black boys for a few hours."

Remus's mouth twitched in amusement. "Mind if I join you?"

Pleased, I smiled. "Only if James won't get jealous."

Remus followed me into the compartment that held Lily and Angelina. Severus was reading a book while the girls talked.

Lily brightened at our arrival. "Remus! Amber! Where have you two been?"

"I broke out of the boy prison." I joked as I sat down. Remus remained standing.

"We can move over." Angelina offered.

Remus shook his head. "That's alright. I've been sitting for awhile anyway."

I was about to open my mouth and remind him that he had been standing with me for nearly half an hour, but instead Lily beat me to it and started grilling Remus about his summer. They talked back and forth for awhile until James and Sirius rapped on the glass compartment. Severus muttered an expletive and hid his face in his book.

Remus grimaced. "I'd better go. The boys have come to claim me."

"More like the pack." I corrected.

Sirius tapped the glass more firmly. Remus ducked out, smiling at me and Lily before he left. "Nice meeting you, Angelina."

Angelina grinned. "The pleasure's all mine."

I felt a sudden stab of unpleasantness in my stomach. It was cold like ice and felt like someone had just punched me. I didn't want to look at Angelina.

Remus closed the door quietly behind him.

"Oh my word." Angelina squealed. "He is dreamy."

The knife stabbed deeper, twisting with her every word.

Lily giggled. "He's an awesome guy. When he gets older, he's going to get snatched up quick."

"I thought he was gay." Severus said, lowering his book. "He'll end up with Sirius Black, I guarantee it."

"Oh, knock it off, Severus." I snapped, feeling guilty for lashing out at him but feeling better venting the negative feelings swirling inside. "He's not gay. He likes girls."

Severus lifted a brow. "Are you jealous, Harkstone?"

Heat flooded my cheeks. "No. I just asked him, that's all. I know firsthand."

"Firsthand?" Angelina exclaimed. "Are you two a thing?!"

Lily laughed. "Don't tease her, guys. She's turning all red."

Fuming, I wished I had stayed out of the compartment altogether and just had Dad drive me in the old truck. Face on fire, I rummaged through my bag and pulled out a book and stuck my nose in it.

"That's her cue to leave her alone." Lily translated. "So, Angelina… who do you think is cute?"

As much as I wanted to focus on my book, I couldn't help but listen in.

Angelina sighed in contentment. "Sean Locke."

"Oh, yes. He's so dreamy! He's the Hufflepuff Seeker, isn't he?"

"Yes. I'm trying out for Quidditch this year just so that if I get on the team, I can see him."

Rolling my eyes, I delved into the book and quickly became engrossed.

The Hogwarts Express rolled to a stop after night had fallen. Dressed in our school robes, we filed out with the other students and left our luggage near the front gate. The air was getting colder, hinting at autumn and the end of summer.

"I missed that smell." Lily admitted as we climbed into a carriage pulled by a thestral. "That chilly, drying leaf smell. You know?"

"I know." I couldn't be happier about it, either. It meant the end of an awful summer, the worst of my life, and the fresh start at Hogwarts. A second chance.

I rubbed my fingers against the opal necklace. If only you'd had a second chance, Virginia. I'm so sorry.

The carriage rolled up the winding stone path. Near the top of the hill, I was high enough that I could see the wide expanse of dark water that was the lake. The lights on the boats, like second stars on Earth, twinkled warmly.

"Sirius's brother is out there." I murmured to Lily as the carriages halted near the arched entrance of the castle. "Regulus."

Lily lifted a brow. "I hope he's nothing like his brother."

"He's worse."

Lily grimaced. "Great. Another Black."

We filed through the familiar corridor, steadily climbing with the mass of other Hogwarts students. Unlike last year when our class had been isolated, we were grouped together with every year other than the first years. Tall, grown-up seventh years stood out like towering trees among saplings of varying heights. I spotted Sean Locke, the kind Hufflepuff player, who had carried my books for me last year. He caught my eye and smiled. Blushing, I turned away.

Lily nudged me. "Why are you red?"

I shrugged. "Just hot from climbing all of these stairs. You'd think they would have installed elevators or escalators by now. It's 1971."

Lily's eyes twinkled. "I'm sure. And you know that electricity doesn't work here. Too much magic. Didn't you read Hogwarts, A History like four times?"

I could feel my face heat. "I guess."

Lily giggled and hugged me.

The wide oak doors were open and welcoming. The four long wooden tables sat empty, waiting to be filled by their Houses. Lily tugged me to the Gryffindor table, but Angelina pulled me back. "Come on. It's probably the only day in the whole year that she needs to sit at the Ravenclaw table."

Lily gave me a look. She knew about Virginia. She knew that one seat at a House table in the Great Hall would remain filled by a different student this year because my sister was dead. She knew that I needed that extra support right now. Angelina didn't.

But I gave Lily a smile and nodded. "It's alright, Lily. I'll sit with you tomorrow at breakfast."

Lily brushed her long red hair back. It had grown at least four inches over the summer. She had probably helped it along with a charm. "Promise."

It was an order, not a question. I smiled for real this time and held out my pinky. "I pinky promise."

We interlocked our tiniest fingers for a moment and then separated. Sirius and James bumped into me roughly on their way to the Gryffindor table. They both grinned good-naturedly at me. I gave them my best McGonagall-glower. Remus shook his head at them. Peter tagged behind like a puppy. They alighted like fat birds at the table next to Lily, who rolled her eyes and promptly moved away. James Potter watched her go with an almost hurt look. Then Sirius said something to him, and he burst into laughter, distracted.

Slightly disturbed, I turned to face the staff tables at the front of the Hall. Dumbledore was sitting on his high-backed golden chair, looking down at the students. His long silver goatee glinted in the candlelight. His electric blue eyes found mine. He gave a small smile and nodded his head. Remembering my time in his office and the horrible news I'd received there, I could only force a half-smile back before diverting my attention to the incoming first years, led by a formidable-looking McGonagall. I was surprised at how much smaller they looked than my class had been. There were twenty or so, but they looked so scared and nervous that they could have disappeared like fleas. I recognized Regulus Black, who stood out like a crow among chickadees. His head was held high and his gray eyes stared straight ahead.

"He's confident," Angelina muttered as he strode past. I watched Sirius, who only looked at his brother with a cursory glance before looking away.

What kind of relationship did the two brothers have? Clearly, it wasn't anything like the bond I'd shared with Virginia.

McGonagall looked exceptionally sour this year, as if she could permanently taste a lemon wedge in her thin mouth. Though she was tough, I had respect for the woman. She didn't take crap from anyone, especially not Sirius and James, and she held a position of high authority in the school. She was second only to Dumbledore.

If anything happened to him, would she become the new Headmistress?

The first students, Blythe Adams and Hayley Beaufort, were Sorted into Hufflepuff and Gryffindor, respectively. I felt a small blow to my stomach when the first student was Sorted. Would Virginia have gone to the same House? Or would she have gone somewhere else?

Would she have even been able to attend Hogwarts, had she lived? Would her health permit it? Would Mum?

"Black, Regulus." Professor McGonagall called. Sirius's brother loped up the steps and sat down on the stool. I noticed several Slytherins looking at him with interest. Particularly three boys sitting in a group together, Edward Nott, Logan Avery, and William Mulciber. They were staring at Regulus Black like a pack of wolves, like he was a fresh hunk of meat they wanted to devour. I felt a chill spread through me. Was it a warning? Or just dislike?

"Slytherin!" The Hat called almost instantly. Regulus grinned so wide that all of his teeth showed. The entire Slytherin table burst into applause, louder than any other Sorting I'd heard. I glanced at Sirius, who kept his head turned away from Regulus and the table of Slytherins.

"What's going on with them?" Angelina muttered as Regulus jogged to the Slytherin table and was quickly absorbed by the three wolf-like boys, who embraced him like a little brother. They were talking and laughing, but it reminded me of wild dogs who had just won a select piece of prey. Even more disturbed, I forced myself to look away.

Professor McGonagall frowned deeply at the ruckus. "That's quite enough. Settle down."

The Slytherin table slowly eased off into near-silence. The muttering and whispers continued. After a moment, McGonagall resumed the Sorting.

"Did she say 'Black'?" Angelina asked quietly. "Like, related to Sirius Black?"

"Yes." I was watching Regulus now. He was completely invested in whatever those three older boys were telling him. I wondered what kinds of nonsense they were filling him with.

"He does look a lot like his brother." Angelina said thoughtfully. "Handsome. But arrogant. Too arrogant."

But I was only half-listening. Part of me felt cold watching Avery, Mulciber and Nott take young Regulus under their dark wings. I didn't know any of the boys personally, but before I had known the Marauders, the Gryffindor boys had never given me with anything more than annoyance and anger. The Slytherin group filled me with apprehension and dread.

The worst thing the Marauder boys had ever done was bully others. And usually just for a laugh. But those Slytherin boys seemed like the kind who would torture animals to death. Or people. Not just for fun, but for pleasure and for a greater purpose.

I shook my head. Where were these thoughts coming from? I chewed my lower lip, watching McGonagall carry the rickety stool and tattered Hat out of the Great Hall.

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts." Dumbledore said, standing at the golden owl podium, smiling warmly down at his students. "It is my pleasure to introduce myself to our new students as Professor Dumbledore. To our undergraduates, welcome back. As it was last year, the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds. First years are not allowed on brooms unless under the tutelage of Madame Hooch. The Whomping Willow is also out of bounds, to those who do not wish to meet a grisly end."

I felt my heart stop. My blood turned to ice in horror. I stared at Remus, but he was staring down at his plate, his face set tightly and his hand gripped tightly on his crunched-up napkin.

My pulse roared in my ears. What was Dumbledore getting at? Was he talking about me and the other Marauders? Did he somehow know that we knew how to get past the tree, and why it was there in the first place?

Was he talking about the curse?

I swallowed hard, my throat convulsing. Sweat beaded on my forehead, but Dumbledore wasn't looking at me or Remus. Rather, he was looking at the Slytherin table with a look of gentle concern.

"I also want to caution students to be extra vigilant this year. As some of you may have heard, there are rumors of a certain dark wizard and his followers about."

There were several confused murmurs.

"I want to assure you all that there is no danger while you are Hogwarts." Dumbledore continued. "So long as you follow the rules, stay within the bounds, and treat your fellow witch or wizard as you would like to be treated."

For the first time I noticed that there was a new face among the staff table. And one face was missing.

"Where's Professor Munkee?" I mumbled to Angelina. "He's gone."

Her brown eyes scanned the row of faces, then widened in surprise. "You're right."

"It also gives me great pleasure to introduce our newest staff member." Dumbledore announced, as if he had heard us. "Professor Munkee has decided to resign from his position as Professor for the Defense of the Dark Arts so that he can pursue a full-time career as an Auror."

There was a smattering of applause, mostly from the Gryffindor table, where Professor Munkee had been the most popular.

"Taking his place is Professor Mackenzie Folsom. If you would, please join me in welcoming our newest teacher!"

A tall, muscular man stood up from Professor Munkee's chair. He had long blonde hair with visible streaks of brown pulled back in a high ponytail. It fell down his shoulder blades. He had a full mouth and dark, black eyelashes. He wore spectacles, but unlike Dumbledore, they made him look unapproachable, especially when the light reflected white off of the lenses. He looked as formidable than McGonagall.

The Slytherin table exploded into applause again, making me even more uneasy.

"Professor Folsom joins our ranks from the northern mountains of Transylvania. He has much experience with vampires and dark magic and how to protect oneself from the black arts." Dumbledore smiled at the pale man, who sat down stiffly. He didn't smile once.

"I don't like him." I confessed to Angelina. "I think he is a vampire."

Angelina giggled. "He's kind of handsome. His skin is flawless."

"Hold a mirror up so that he can see. If he doesn't show up, then I'm right."

Angelina chortled. "Come on, Amber, I highly doubt that Dumbledore would hire a vampire."

But he'd allow a werewolf to attend as a student. I almost blurted the truth, but kept my mouth closed. Remus was harmless. It was only the beast inside that was a threat to life.

Professor Folsom stared around the room, never blinking. He looked cold and strong. He poured a flask full of red liquid into a wineglass and sipped delicately. Definitely a vampire. I thought, a chill creeping up my spine.

"I also wanted to remind students that Quidditch tryouts are open to second years and above at the end of the month. Please give it your best shot if you are interested. And please do consider our long list of extracurricular clubs and do not hesitate to inquire with your Head of House. Without further ado, let us enjoy our fabulous dinner!"

Mountains of food instantly appeared, clouds of steam curling from whole turkeys and fillets of steak. Other students immediately heaped piles of food onto their plates, but my stomach was a sour ocean churning violently. I wanted nothing to do with the food or with the Slytherin gang or Professor Folsom. I hadn't known Professor Munkee well, but he was kind and fair and reminded me of my grandfather, though a decade or two younger. Professor Folsom made my skin crawl.

I picked up a piece of garlic bread and nibbled it quietly. I knew enough about magical creatures that vampires were repelled by garlic. I'd eat it three times a day if it kept the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at bay.

Sirius never looked at his brother again that night.

The first day of classes was a refreshing reminder from last year. All of my professors were the same. The times had changed for all of them, though. I now had Professor Slughorn at the beginning of the day, still with Lily, and now had Defense Against the Dark Arts at the end, even after Astrology. When I walked into the classroom, lit only by candles, I discovered I was still with James and Sirius. Except this time, they motioned for me to come over and cleared a space at their table. Surprised, I came over and frowned down at them. "What?"

"Sit with us." Sirius said. "We saved this spot for you."

My frown deepened. "Why?"

"Because we're in an awesome club?" James said slowly, as if I was a dumb child he was speaking to. "Just sit down, Harkstone."

I rolled my eyes. "I'd rather not. Just because we're… you know… doesn't mean we're friends. I made that clear."

"Oh, just get off your high horse and sit down." Sirius sighed, exasperated. "Girls."

"What about us?" I pressed as I lowered myself reluctantly in the seat near the window. "Is there some great mystery?"

James and Sirius exchanged a look. "Yeah." Sirius said. "Why are girls obsessed with being clean?"

"What?" I blinked. "Clean?"

"Yeah. They shower like, once a day."
I slapped my forehead with my hand. "It is six. I am tired. I want dinner. Can we please not talk about this now?"

"Ooh, here comes the newbie." James muttered in excitement. I turned my head and watched Professor Folsom descent the small spiral staircase from his office slowly. He paused, his face bathed in moonlight. The class held its breath, waiting for him to say something.

A wolf howled.

I felt a chill run up my spine. Remus. It was almost the full moon. Two days from now, and he'd undergo his transformation. It was unfortunate that the full moon was just three days after term began. Poor Remus.

"Ah, listen." Professor Folsom said slowly, surprising me. His voice was high, feminine, but deep. It was a combination that I had never heard before.

Another wolf joined us, a chorus of howls. "The children of the night." Professor Folsom crooned. "Beautiful music that they make."

I tugged on my opal pendant, already uncomfortable and wishing Professor Munkee had never left. James and Sirius looked dubious. Avery, who shared our class, stared with rapt attention at Professor Folsom.

He sighed and blinked slowly. "Welcome to your second year of Defense Against the Dark Arts, children."

My flesh crawled. I didn't want him calling us children. I didn't want him calling me anything. I just wanted to leave.

For the first time, I was grateful to have James Potter and Sirius Black in my class. At least I wasn't alone.

Professor Folsom swept elegantly to the front of the class. He wore a long ruby-red cloak that almost brushed the floor. My nose wrinkled at the sweet tang of perfume. Was that coming from him?

"The first thing you need to learn about the Dark Arts is that it is magic." His long, pale fingers skimmed his wand. "It isn't evil. Only the wizard who wields it is evil."

I rose my hand into the air. Professor Folsom dipped his head at me. "Yes?"

He spoke slowly, drawing out each word in that odd voice of his. "Excuse me, sir, but if the Dark Arts aren't evil, then why are they called the 'dark' arts?"

Several whispers went around the room. Professor Folsom looked mildly interested. "Just because something is called 'dark' doesn't necessarily mean it is correct."

"So, you're saying that all magic is good." I went on, fueled by a deep, inner fuel of anger and rage that came from somewhere born of grief and pain.

Professor Folsom nodded once. "Children, all magic is good. There is no such thing as magic. There is good and bad wizards. But magic in itself is not evil."

"Yes, you said that." I said tartly. This drew a hard nudge from Sirius. He didn't look at me. But I knew it was a warning to stop.

Professor Folsom chuckled. "You must be a Ravenclaw. So sure of yourself and your precious knowledge."

"You're telling me that the Three Unforgivable Curses aren't evil?" I said coldly, surprised by how loud my voice carried. My hands were cold and shaking.

Professor Folsom's eyes flickered. "Someone has been reading ahead for their year."

He sounded so condescending, so coolly aloof, that it only sparked the fire inside of me. I drew myself up in my chair, meeting his dark eyes squarely. "Knowledge is power."

He tittered. "Are you familiar with the story of Adam and Eve? What is your name, child?"
"It's Amber." I spat. "Not 'child'."

"My apologies, Miss Amber." He said easily. "As stated before… are you familiar with Adam and Eve and the tree of knowledge?"

"My family are Christians." I retorted. "I know about the story of creation."

"Regardless of what you believe, do you know that Eve was told by God not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge? The tree itself was not evil. But God told Eve that she wasn't to know everything, because she would try to become like Him. But Eve did not listen. She was so greedy for power, for knowledge, that she ate the fruit anyway. She disobeyed God and became knowledgable. She lost her innocence and caused sin to enter the world. Violence, death, evil, all entered the world because a woman decided she needed to know it all."

My heart was beating way too fast. And with every word he spoke, I could feel his calm, calculated retort pierce through the anger, leaving only fear and confusion.

Professor Folsom half-smiled, looking curious and expectant. "Well, Miss Amber?"

But I couldn't speak. My mouth was dry, and my tongue stuck to the roof my mouth. I felt like he had ripped open my deepest secrets and laid them bare. When I looked into his dark blue eyes, I could see my sister's death splayed across the windows of his soul. She had died because I wanted knowledge that no one else had. My sister was dead because of that thirst and greed.

He knew. He somehow knew.

Professor Folsom made a noise of disappointment. "I admire your candor, Miss Amber, but I cannot allow such insubordination in my classroom. Five points will be taken from Ravenclaw."

Heat colored my cheeks. Shame.

"Jeez, Harkstone," Sirius hissed in my ear, "I'm glad you're not a Gryffindor. First day back and already losing points for your House!"

I stared at the whorls in my desk. It was a good reminder that Black and Potter weren't my friends. They were just affiliates in our organization.

"Please open your books to page four." Professor Folsom said in his rich, high voice. "I will award five points to the one who volunteers to read first."

Lifting my head slowly, I stared right at Professor Folsom. Shaking with defiance, I slowly raised my hand into the air. I could feel the eyes of every student on me in the classroom.

Professor Folsom looked faintly amused. But his dark blue eyes were as cold as the ocean. "You, Miss Amber?"

I met his gaze as directly as possible. "Yes, sir. I would like to read first."

He chuckled quietly. "Nice try. Five points from Ravenclaw." He looked to Avery and smiled. "And five points to Slytherin for our first volunteer."

Floored, I could only stare in pure shock as Avery grinned and said, "Thank you, Professor," and began to read.

As I listened to Avery stumble through the paragraphs, a strange whining noise began to fill my ears. I glanced around, wondering if anyone else could hear it, but everyone was looking into their textbooks, following along.

Read along, child. Or it'll be ten points this time.

I jumped. I stared at Professor Folsom, who was smiling pleasantly at Avery. But I had heard his voice in my head, clear and strong. I swallowed hard against the horror and panic.

Somehow, he had spoken telepathically. Either he was a vampire, or he was an Occlumence.

Professor Folsom turned his pale face towards mine and smiled his ruby-red lips mockingly. Head down. Or would you care to make it fifteen?

Thunderstruck, I bent my head and followed the words without actually absorbing them. I had read them before.

My head was light and dizzy. How was this possible? How could Dumbledore have hired someone like Professor Folsom?

One thing was for sure: unless I could drop Defense Against the Dark Arts, it was going to be a very long second year at Hogwarts without my little sister.