The responses and reviews you guys gave me for the previous chapter absolutely floored me. I had no idea how much you all would respond and it made me so honored as a writer:) I've been planning that point of the story for several months and tried dropping hints all throughout year 3 and I'm sorry if it took you by complete surprise. This is the final chapter of year 3 and I can't wait for you all to see what happens in year 4. thank you for sticking with me and this story!

The sound of a wolf howling jerked me awake. I bolted into an upright position, frozen with fear. I listened for the sound again, but there was only the distant hoot of an owl, followed by total and utter silence.

I was cold. Shivering, I peered up into the impenetrable canopy of black pine trees, blocking out any hint of sunlight. Dense, low-lying fog misted through the tall, dead-looking trees. I swallowed convulsively and drew my wand from my belt.

I wasn't sure why I was here, apparently in the middle of the Forbidden Forest. But here I was, alone, cold, and utterly vexed on how I had ended up here.

My head started to pound. I groaned and shut my eyes, trying to fight off the rising nausea. It throbbed against my forehead, as if I'd been running and smacked headlong into a tree. But when I felt for any blood, I touched nothing but recently-healed slashes.

I blinked, memories rushing back to me. The Hufflepuff Games. Giving up the ferris wheel ride with Remus so that Lily could go instead. Duelling with Angelina, and winning. Her curse that had made me bleed as if I'd been slashed by invisible swords. And then Sean lifting me into his arms, calling for help.

I was blank after that.

I fought against the fuzzy edges of darkness in my vision and tried to stand up. The air was heavy, stale, and filled my nostrils with the odor of dark soil and sunless places. I brushed dirt off of my arms, holding my head as another painful spasm pulsed through my brain.

Concussion. I thought weakly as I leaned against a tree for support. I placed my wand in my palm and muttered, "Point Me."

The phoenix feather and ash wand obeyed. It spun north, directing me out. I could see no footsteps that gave any indication that I'd come here in the first place. I took a step forward and immediately tripped to my knees over a log.

Except it wasn't a log.

The blood iced in my veins. It was Angelina. Her new bob-style hair cut framed her slack face, her gray eyes open, but staring at nothing. She was laying in an odd position, in a crumpled heap on her side, like she had been struck in the back of the head and collapsed where she'd stood.

I crawled over to her and shook her. "Angelina, wake up."

She was like a rag doll.

Fear overtook the pain in my head, which had been swelling like a volcano about to erupt. I shook her again. "Angelina!"

I checked her pulse. Mine rocketed up a few beats when I felt none. She was cold and stiff.

Just like Virginia had been.

I fought to keep myself from vomiting. I glanced around helplessly. There was no one else here. Just us.

"Someone!" I croaked, my throat as tight as a violin string. "Anybody! Please!"

Choking back horrified sobs, I shook Angelina harder than ever. "Please, wake up! Angelina! Please don't be dead, please don't be dead!"

But I knew in my heart that she was. Retching, I bent away from her and vomited onto the black soil. Trembling hard, I scooted as far back into a cave made of twisting pine roots as I could.

Someone had attacked us. Had we been lured here? Why was she dead and I alive? Had someone used Avada Kedavra on her? Why her, and not me?

I tried hard to recall anything after my memory of being in Sean's arms, but it was like trying to see through a sky-high ink-black wall of amnesia, ten-feet thick and impossible to scale. Terrified, I waited a minute in the shelter of the tree roots, watching Angelina's still form and listening for any sound of approaching danger.

Nothing. I knew I would have to find my way back to Hogwarts, and tell them that Angelina was dead.

My mind recoiled at the word.

Dead.

Angelina had once been a friend, a trusted confidante that Lily and I had put our faith in. But whether it was due to puberty's raging hormones or something else, she had changed in the past two years, especially this one, morphing into a wicked gossip queen who thrived on male attention and using her sharp tongue to score wounds into her victims.

We had fought before, over Remus and over the loss of our friendship. But I had never wanted her to die.

Biting back sobs, I emerged from the roots and pointed my wand at the tree. "Reducto."

An X-shape was scratched into the bark of the tree. I did this every few trees as I ran back towards the castle, stumbling over fallen trees and scraping my legs against nettles and thick undergrowth.

I lost track of time as I made my way out of the woods, but eventually a breath of fresh, warmer air drifted over me, and I knew I had reached the fringe of the Forbidden Forest. A line of yellow light glimmered up ahead. Recharged with new energy, I sprinted through the darkness and into what I thought was safety.

I was completely unprepared for what I was about to see.

Once, a few summers ago before I attended Hogwarts, a terrible thunderstorm had struck my hometown of Bellinghall. A column of rotating air - a tornado - had touched down a few streets away and left a trail of utter destruction in its wake on a horse farm.

It was like that now.

The colorful, innocent tents and booths of the Hufflepuff Games were torn asunder. Fires burned where some tents had been torched. The ferris wheel had tipped over and collapsed on the ground. All above me, wizards soared on brooms, surveying the damage. There was a loud buzzing noise of blended voices, cries, and screams. I stood, paralyzed by what I saw.

It was just like Platform 9 ¾, all over again.

I blinked several times, just to make sure I wasn't hallucinating. But I could smell the acrid tang of smoke, hear the cacophony of noise, see the melee before me. A few students sprinted past, white-faced with fear.

I stepped out of the trees, blinking to adjust to the bright light of the sun. No one seemed to notice me as I wandered through the destruction, numb. Briefly, I wondered if I was a ghost, if I was dead too. But when I pinched my arm, I felt the sharp twist of pain and knew I was still alive.

"Students, students, please!" Professor McGonagall cried over the din, her bun loose and her dark hair falling around her face in strands. "Please assemble in the Great Hall! Stay with a buddy and do not separate! Stay calm, please! Come on, all students to the Great Hall!"

I watched her blankly as she hurried past, disappearing into the throng of witches and wizards. I realized these must be Ministry officials, come to save the day.

If there was anything left to.

I followed the winding slopes up to the castle, not sure whom I should tell of the dead body I had woken up next to. The temporary silence was gone the moment I set foot inside the castle. The voices of scared students echoed down the stone corridors and into my ears. I rounded a bend and trickled into the Great Hall, blending in with the crowd of black-dressed students.

"Ravenclaws, to me!" Professor Flitwick squeaked from a table he was standing on. "Everyone, please be quiet for a moment!"

But he went unheard. Too many students were gabbling, shouting, yelling to their friends. Professor Smith stepped up beside him and pointed her wand to her throat and said, "Sonorus."

Her magnified voice boomed across the Hall, stunning everyone. Each head turned to stare at her. Professor Smith took advantage of the temporary lull.

"Everyone, please try and be as quiet as you can right now. We are trying to do a headcount and see who is here and who is missing. When I call your name, please raise your hand high until I give you a nod. Angelina Azadian?"

My heart pounded as I raised my hand. Professor Smith made eye contact with me, looking surprised. I tried to wordlessly convey to her that something was wrong, that she was dead, without causing an uproar.

"Professor Flitwick, please continue the roll call while I speak with Miss Harkstone." Professor Smith said. Professor Flitwick enchanted his own wand and called out, "Stewart Anderson?"

Professor Smith hurried to my side. I bent forward and whispered in her ear, "She's dead."

She pulled back abruptly, her green eyes wide with shock. "Are you sure?" She asked in a low tone.

I nodded once, tears spilling over. "I found her next to me in the Forest."

She nodded briskly and towed me out of the Great Hall. I could feel several pairs of eyes boring into the back of my skull as I followed her out. The only sound was our shoes slapping against the stone floor as she brought me back down towards the lake, towards the carnage.

"Professor," I said softly, "who did this?"

She was silent for a moment. "You were right, Amber. The Ministry failed to listen to your argument, and now, we've reaped the consequences."

There was more than what she was telling me. I stopped. "Please, tell me what happened. I can't remember anything past my fight with Angelina."

Her name brought a fresh wave of tears. There would be no chance for forgiveness, no time for reconciliation or possible rekindling of our friendship. Someone had taken that chance away forever because they had killed her.

Professor Smith gave me a measured look. "That's classified."

"Hippogriff dung." I said immediately. Professor Smith didn't look surprised at my response. Instead, she looked away briefly as if steeling herself and then said, "Dumbledore was called away on a sudden summons from the Ministry of Magic. We aren't sure who summoned him, but I believe it may have been Mr. Rookwood, wishing to speak with him again about your fears. It seemed that the moment Dumbledore departed the grounds, the attack commenced."

I shut my eyes. "Death Eaters, right? How did they get here?"

Professor Smith pursed her lips. "That's the golden question, isn't it? Security is tight at Hogwarts. We aren't sure how they knew how to slip through the cracks."

"I do." I said wearily. "Those Slytherins. Logan Avery, Edward Nott, Reg-" I broke off, unwilling to name Sirius's little brother as a suspect again. Or Severus. For Lily's sake.

"William Mulciber escaped from Coxe Arrington's early this morning." Professor Smith added. I gaped at her.

"He what?" I said faintly.

Professor Smith shook her head. "Dumbledore would like to speak to you, once he has taken care of the Ministry officials. It seems you were right in your suspicions, and now, we need to…" She trailed off, shaking her head.

"What?" I pressed. "Need to what?"
But she was adamant. "I'm sorry, Amber, but I've already said too much. You aren't even supposed to know that the Death Eaters are responsible, let alone what I have just divulged to you. I am only telling you this because you already suspected those responsible and you tried to warn us. You have the right to know that you did everything you could and have nothing to be guilty for."

I merely look at her. Was she suggesting that I had anything to do with this tragedy?

I tried warning them… I thought desperately. Even though I had never penned a letter, I now found myself wishing that I had. But what difference would it have made? They hadn't listened then, and now, the consequences were reaped.

"Where is Angelina?" Professor Smith asked quietly. "Where is her body?"

I wiped away a few more tears that continued to roll down my cheeks. "Follow the X's that I carved into the trees. It'll lead you to her."

Professor Smith turned and strode away, her long black cloak billowing out behind her. I took a few steps after her, gazing down at the remains of what was supposed to be a happy day, full of celebration and innocent fun, honoring what Helga Hufflepuff had valued most: fairness and kindness.

I watched Professor Smith and two other officials set off into the forest, heading to where I had found Angelina's body. Feeling like a deflating balloon, I sank against the stone pillar and stared at nothing, unable to push away the image of my former friend, lying in the darkness, dead.

Just like Virginia.

I hugged my knees to my chest, barely registering the fact that someone had approached. After I heard my name spoken, I lifted my eyes to the newcomer.

It was Peter.

He was alone, which was strange, since Sirius and James usually accompanied him everywhere he went. And without them, he looked terrible. His face was the color of snow. He wrung his wrists nervously, glancing this way and that. Then he swallowed hard.

"Amber." He said again. "Amber, I…"

I blinked slowly, my mind sluggish. Shock. I concluded. I must be in shock. "What is it, Peter?"

Peter bit his nails, which I noticed were raw to the nail beds. "Peter, are you alright?" I wondered if he was going into shock too.

Peter let out a small sob. He hid his face in his hands for a few seconds. I rose to my feet, uneasy. He seemed even more unglued than usual.

"I… I have to tell you something." He whispered hoarsely, his tiny eyes darting back and forth anxiously, as if afraid someone would overhear us.

"Tell me."

Peter gave a shaky sigh. "Do you…" his voice was barely more than a whisper. "Do you remember when you found me Diagon Alley this fall?"

"Yes…" Where was he going with this?

He rubbed his arms fiercely. "Um… uh…" He rubbed his face vigorously. Clearly, whatever he was going to say was costing him. "Well, the reason why they were beating me up was because I overheard their plans… to attack Platform 9 ¾. Those D-D…"

"Death Eaters?" I demanded, my hands balling into fists at my sides.

Peter looked sick. "Y-yeah. They told me if I didn't keep my mouth shut and mind my own business, they'd kill me. And they killed those people that day… and I knew it was going to happen again. I just knew. I heard what you said to Remus and James and Sirius that night in the Shack and I believed you. So I wrote a letter to the Ministry in your name, because your dad works there. I thought they'd listen to you. But they didn't." His face crumpled. "Maybe if I'd said something…"

He dissolved into gasping sobs. I stared down at him, the blood draining from my face.

Peter had known. He had known the attacks would happen on the Hogwarts Station. And now he had tried to protect these people, but it had backfired. And now Angelina, and Merlin knew who else, were dead.

At a loss, I shook my head, dazed. "It's not your fault, Peter. You tried."

Peter cried harder, looking more like a lost little boy than a thirteen year old. "But I feel like it is! I've never anyone… you understand, right? I knew you would. You're not like the others. You've kept secrets that you didn't tell anyone."

I didn't like what Peter was implying. I held up a hand for silence. "Peter, you need to calm down. Come on, let's go find Madam Pomfrey."

But as soon as I said it, I knew she would be overwhelmed with the more seriously injured. Peter hiccuped into his hands.

A clunking noise made us both look up. A man with a wooden stump for a leg and a scarred face narrowed his blue eyes at us. "You two! Have you seen Willow Smith anywhere?"

I drew my wand, on alert. "What's your name and business, sir?"

The scarred man barked a laugh. "On your toes… good. I like that. Alastor Moody, Auror. Willow was my partner at the Ministry before she came here to teach. Where is she?"

Lowering my wand slightly, I jerked my shoulder toward the forest. "She went to… recover a body."

Peter let out a shrill squeal of horror. Mr. Moody nodded once. "Thanks, missy. Stay on guard. Danger Isn't over yet."

I watched him as he passed by. He looked at Peter and gave him an appraising look. Then he smacked him soundly in the cheek.

Peter's ugly sobs abruptly stopped. He gaped at Mr. Moody in pure shock. Mr. Moody grunted in approval and hobbled off down the hill to join the other Ministry members. Peter turned his huge blue eyes on me.

"He… he…"

"He made you get a grip." I said. "We've all seen bad stuff, today, Peter. It'll be alright." I forced myself to believe those words. "Thank you for telling me what you did."

Peter shuddered. "I want James and Sirius. And Remus."

Pain twisted in my heart. Remus. How would he react when I broke the news?

Wait. I hadn't seen any of the three boys. White-hot panic blinded me as I realized that I hadn't accounted for them yet. Or Lily. Or Sean.

"Stay inside." I ordered Peter, dragging him back into the Great Hall. I hurried from his side and wove my way through the crowd of students, most of whom stayed in clusters with their friends, talking urgently. A few girls held each other, crying. Clearly, Flitwick had finished roll call, because it was no longer silent.

I pushed my way through, fear making me aggressive and oblivious to how rough I was being. Someone pushed back, but I didn't bother to see who it was. I felt like the air was being sucked out of my lungs; what if something horrible had happened to my friends? Something like what had happened to Angelina?

I scanned faces, the dread rising with each passing second. Where were they?

And then I saw him: talking urgently with Lily in the corner of the room, the both of them looking agitated and upset. James and Sirius were not with them.

I pushed toward them, sobbing with relief. Lily gasped and wrapped me in a crushing hug, crying. "I was so scared, Amber! I left you for just a few minutes and the moment I got to the castle, I heard the screams and the explosions…"

She pulled back, green eyes red with tears. "I thought something terrible happened to you."

I shut my eyes, unable to bring myself to tell her that Angelina was dead.

"Amber, people are… hurt, aren't they?" Lily whispered. "I mean, I wasn't down there, but I know it was bad."

"Are you alright?" Remus asked quietly, his eyes haunted. He looked like he had lived through an entire war. Legs rubbery with relief, I embraced him tightly, thanking God that he was alright. His arms wound around me, anchoring me to him. I closed my eyes and pretended that the past few months were just a bad dream, that when I opened my eyes, it would be August we would still be in Diagon Alley and we could go from there.

"It's going to be alright." Remus murmured, echoing my words that I had spoken to Peter. Weary, I resigned myself to reality and reopened my eyes, feeling leaden and heavy with the weight of the tidings I bore.

"James and Sirius?" Remus asked urgently.

I shook my head. "I haven't seen them. But I'm sure they're fine. They're excellent with magic… they wouldn't have gone down. They're too good."

Lily buried her face in her hands. "I haven't seen some of the Gryffindors…" She trailed off, unable to continue. Remus put a comforting arm around her. I hugged her again, trying to soothe some of her pain.

"Everything's going to be different now." Lily said softly. "There's never been something like this at school. Why are they targeting children? It's like they're after us…"

"Terrorism. That's how it works." Remus replied grimly. "They go for the innocent and vulnerable. It sends the strongest message."

I was glad we didn't have to sort the situation out. I sank to the floor again, shutting my eyes, pretending I was back in Bellinghall, pretending that none of this had ever happened.

Remus must have been anxious about Sirius and James, but he lowered himself to the ground and put an arm around my shoulders. He drew me close, letting me rest my head against his shoulder. Lily sidled up beside me, her arm touching mine. She trembled with fear. Of course, Severus hadn't been accounted for either.

Because he was part of this. I thought. And his spell nearly killed me, by Angelina's hand.

I inhaled deeply, filling my nose with the comforting, familiar scent of Remus: cinnamon, fresh laundry, chocolate. And Lily: floral, sweet, light. Their comforting, warm, solid presence helped ebb the numbness of shock.

I must have fallen asleep at some point, because I felt someone shaking me gently. "Amber, wake up. Dumbledore's here."

I remembered shaking Angelina, trying in vain to rouse her, and my eyes popped open. Remus stilled me, protective. "You're alright. You're safe with me in the Great Hall."

"Blimey, you look bloody awful." James said, wrinkling his nose at me. Frowning, I sat up straighter, my racing pulse slowing.

"I've felt better." I replied sourly. "Where were you and Sirius?"
"We thought we could try helping." Sirius said, sitting beside James. Peter was next to him, not meeting my gaze. "We Stunned a few Death Eaters before Professor McGonagall ordered us to hide. Your friend Locke was very impressive out there. I think he incapacitated about five of them. "

"We hid, like McGonagall said." James added. "Behind a tent. Perfect spot, really, to curse those scumbags. Padfoot nailed an ugly bloke with a really good Bat-Bogey Hex."

"Simple, but very effective." Sirius said, waving his wand airily.

I chuckled in spite of myself. "I'm glad you're alright."

"No one's seen Severus." Lily fretted.

"He's fine, I told you." James said, sounding exasperated. "I saw him and Regulus. They were heading for the castle when I lost sight of them. Too many people in the way."

Lily didn't look satisfied. "He could be injured."

"You would know it by now." James replied tartly. "Professor Smith posted a list of the accounted for and the wounded. I didn't see Severus on either list."

"Where's the list?" Lily asked immediately. James pointed to the huge double doors to the Great Hall. She jumped up and joined the mass of students trying to see who was on what list.

"I haven't checked it yet." Sirius added. "Too many people. Look at that crowd."

Remus didn't say anything, but I knew he was thinking about Angelina. I swallowed hard. I knew I had to tell them. I owed it to them.

But before I could open my mouth, Dumbledore spoke from his golden podium. I had never seen him look so somber, so restrained. I could see blazing blue fire in his eyes. Whoever had done this would pay. I could see the promise of vengeance in his old face.

"Everyone, I ask for your attention for a few minutes." Dumbledore said, raising his voice over the constant buzz of students. Everyone stilled.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Today, we experienced evil at our doorstep. Our school was the target of violence. Because of our brave teachers and some valiant students, we were able to beat back the threat and defeat this enemy. Many of you are scared and wondering if people you know are hurt or worse. Rest assured, knowing that no student from Hogwarts perished in the attack today."

A huge, collective gasp of relief echoed around the Great Hall. But I could not share in it. How could I, when I knew that Dumbledore was mistaken?

Professor Smith must have not had the chance to tell him yet. Trembling, I hugged my knees to my chest and rested my head against my thighs.

"Many were injured, and thanks to Madam Pomfrey and St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, we expect everyone to make a full recovery."

Another cheer went up at this. I kept my face hidden.

"In light of the events that transpired today, I will be postponing the graduation ceremony for seventh year students until July 5th. Hogwarts will remain open next year for those who wish to learn within its walls. Professor Carriage and other guidance counselors will be available to you for the remainder of your day. Additionally, we will be closing the school for the summer and your parents will come to collect you. Others are offered free transit on the Hogwarts Express, which will be making a few stops before its final destination in London.

"In the face of our enemies, we will not be shaken. I leave you with these words: If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short, and there is no time for hate. Bind together. Stay united. Four strands woven together are not as easily broken as one."

"What the devil did he mean?" James muttered.

"He means we need to stick together." Remus interpreted. "We're stronger together than apart."

James cleared his throat. "Merlin's beard… he's coming this way. Dumbledore's coming to us!"

I lifted my head at last. I knew I had to tell them, I knew it was my duty. And James was right: Dumbledore was indeed heading this way, students parting for him like Moses crossing the Red Sea.

"Guys… listen." I whispered, the words catching in my throat as I rose to my feet on shaky, stiff legs. "Not everyone made it."

The relief they'd all had vanished. I could feel Remus staring at me, but I couldn't look him in the face. Lily rejoined us, puzzled.

"What do you mean? Dumbledore just said…"

I shook my head. "Dumbledore wasn't fully informed. Angelina's... dead."

The Headmaster reached us. He dipped his head to me once. "Professor Smith informed you I would like to speak with you?"

Biting my lip, I nodded. I dared to look into the faces of my friends as I followed Dumbledore out. James and Sirius looked stunned. Peter's mouth hung open. Lily's hands were clapped over her lips. And Remus… his eyes were wide, frozen, like I had just dropped an anvil over his head.

Like a coward, I left them behind to deal with the fallout of my announcement. Dumbledore led me swiftly through the double doors of the Great Hall, down the empty corridors and to the stone griffin guarding the entrance to his office. "Fudge flies."

The statue sprang aside. Dumbledore led me up the winding staircase into his office. The vaulted ceiling gave the impression of being inside of a high tower. Fawkes gave his odd cry from his brass perch. I didn't want to sit down, so I stayed on my feet, pacing around his office, looking at different trinkets and objects.

Dumbledore sat down at his desk, steepling his fingers. I could feel him watching me as I kept my back to him, intent on hiding my true emotions of roiling fear and grief. Angelina had once been my friend. And now she would never have the chance to redeem herself.

"Miss Harkstone, please, have a seat."

"You can call me Amber, Professor," I said quietly, unwilling obliging him. I took a seat in the stuffy red chintz chair, tangling my fingers together. I felt numb, as if my capacity for absorption had been reached and now everything else was spilling over the edges of my mind.

Dumbledore's electric blue eyes pierced me. He indicated toward my neck. "That's quite an exquisite necklace."

I touched the opal pendant. I wore it so often it felt like a body part, like a finger or an ear. "Oh. Thank you. It was a gift from my sister."

"Those aren't opals, are they?" Professor Dumbledore asked. "May I see it?"

Reluctantly, I unclasped the necklace and wordlessly handed it over to Dumbledore. His hands were ancient, prominent blue veins mapping the backs of his hands. I realized, suddenly, how old he must be.

He turned the necklace over and over in his arms, adjusting his spectacles.

"Do you mind if borrow this for awhile?" He asked after a few moments of scrutiny. "I have a friend who would be very interested in the gems in this necklace."

He must have seen my hesitance, because he added, "only for a short while, and we won't remove the stones. I would have it delivered back to you by owl over the summer holiday."

A big part of me wanted to snatch the pendant back, but I reminded myself that this was Dumbledore giving me his word. Dumbledore, one of the greatest wizards of all time. And if I didn't trust him, then whom could I?

At last, I nodded in agreement. Professor Dumbledore placed the necklace down carefully beside him and focused his full attention on me. I squirmed under the analytical force of his gaze, feeling very much like a bug under a microscope.

"I heard what you told your friends." He said quietly. "That a girl is indeed dead."

I nodded miserably, hot tears pricking at my eyes. "Yes."

He bowed his head, tapped his desk once. "Tell me how you found her."

I explained to him what I had told Professor Smith. "I don't… I can't remember anything after a certain period of time. Is that normal?"

Professor Dumbledore looked troubled. "Perhaps. If you've indeed sustained a concussion, memory loss is to be expected. The death of a Hogwarts student within the walls of the school has not occurred for thirty years."

"Moaning Myrtle." I realized. "Professor Smith mentioned that a girl named Myrtle Warren died when she attended the school. She's the ghost that haunts the girl's bathrooms downstairs, isn't she?"

Dumbledore made a noise of assent. "Professor Smith is correct. It is a terrible stain against our school to lose a student, and this year now, we have lost two."

"I know." I murmured, remembering the attack on Platform 9 ¾, the attack today. "Professor, I think I know who did this, and I think…Well, I know I'm only thirteen, but I know something's not right with some of these boys. The Death Eaters."

And I confided in him what I felt I should have done long ago. I told him about Mulciber and his usage of the Cruciatus Curse, which he already knew about. I told him about the scuffle in the halls when I had taken Polyjuice Potion and appeared to be Lily Evans and how I believed that they were meeting Folsom in the dead of night to learn how to become followers of Lord Voldemort. I told him about spotting Mulciber with a Dark Mark and Peter's confession. And then I told him every detail about Folsom, from the first unlucky encounter to the last time I had seen him, when he had nearly bitten Professor Smith. I even told him about taking illegal Polyjuice Potion a second time and hearing Folsom and Orion Black speak of their support for Voldemort.

I didn't know how long I'd spoken, but my mouth was dry when I finally stopped. Professor Dumbledore pushed a glass of water at me. I drank gratefully.

He sat silent for a long time, staring down at the whorls of grain in his desk, his chin resting on his propped up hands. Fawkes gave another low, musical cry from his perch. I awaited the verdict, stripped bare, all of the facts now given.

"Why did you wait so long to come forth?" Dumbledore asked finally, and he sounded weary, tired.

Shame burned my cheeks. "I was afraid of what would happen if you didn't believe me. If I would get into trouble. But Professor, I would rather be expelled and face the the Wizengamot than keep anything else from you. Maybe… maybe if I'd spoken sooner, things would be different." I clenched my fists so hard that my fingernails left C-shaped marks in my palms. "Lives could have been saved."

Dumbledore didn't yell. He didn't say anything. He stood slowly and walked to one of his shelves, displaying mysterious objects and trinkets.

"Professor, I'm really sorry." I said softly. "I didn't realize how damaging secrets could be. I was afraid."

"Quite understandable." Professor Dumbledore said, hands folded behind his back. "You are very young, Amber, and I don't expect you to think like older people do. You have had much put on your shoulders from a young age, and I do not blame you for the death of Miss Azadian."

Choked up, I took a shaky sip of water.

"Professor Smith has told me you have made remarkable progress this year." Dumbledore continued. "As it is, I feel that next year, I will be able to take you on as my apprentice. Once a week, you and I will have private teaching lessons. I would ask that you do not share this information with anyone, except those that deserve that trust. I imagine you have Remus Lupin and Lily Evans in mind."

I nodded, struggling to comprehend the swirling emotions of confusion and apprehension. "Professor, why would you need to train me as your apprentice?"

Dumbledore looked at me intently. "All will reveal itself, in due time. All that I ask of you, Amber, is that you remain close to your friends and continue to perform well in your studies." He paused, then added, "I am so sorry for your loss today. And I'm sorry that you felt that you could not confide in me sooner."

I bit my lip. Losing Angelina wasn't nearly as bad as realizing how foolish I had been for these past years. If I had only told Dumbledore about my fears and experiences sooner, things could have been much different.

"I'm sorry." I buried my face in my hands. "Professor, I wish-"

He held up a hand for silence. I immediately closed my mouth.

"Dear Amber, when you have lived as long as I have, you learn that trust is a very precious commodity that we must be absolutely certain of before we extend it. As it is, I admire your candor and your sense of concealment. Go in peace."

But I felt like I still shared part of the blame. Dumbledore and I left the office together. At the Great Hall, he gave me a nod of dismissal. A third of the students were already gone, parents having retrieved them. I had been gone for a long time, an hour or two passed by. When I approached Lily, she rose to meet me. She gazed into my face seriously, green eyes filled with unspoken concerns.

"I'm fine." I told her without waiting for her to speak. "I told Dumbledore everything."

Remus joined us. He was white and pale, peaky, like he looked near the full moon. "When you say everything…"

"I mean everything about Folsom, about the Slytherins." I said, giving Lily a look. "I'll explain more later. Right now, I just want to go home."

Lily's lower lip quivered. "Will you tell me on the train? I have to take the Express into London. There's a stop in Bellinghall, isn't there?"

"I'm taking the train as well." Remus said, his voice strangely vague and distant. "I want to know what happened to her."

I bit my lip, shaking my head. "I don't know how it happened, Remus." I was careful to step around specific words. "But I'll tell you both everything I know."

James and Sirius stood up. Peter was like a barnacle on the hull of a ship. He looked like he would never separate himself from them again.

"We want to know what Dumbledore told you." James said rudely.

"If they get to know, we do too." Sirius added.

Sighing, I pinched the bridge of my nose and shut my eyes. Instead of snapping, That's none of your business, I said, "I'll tell you later."

"But we're Marauders!" James protested. "Remember?"

I gave him a measured look. I could still feel the phantom burn of the Unbreakable Vow against my wrist as I regarded him and Sirius. My careless words and actions stopped now. "How could I forget? I'm the fifth Marauder."

Without looking at Lily or Remus, I left the Hall, heading towards Ravenclaw Tower, to pack up and leave Hogwarts once more.

When I had finished filling in Remus and Lily in the train compartment, they both stared at me like I had just informed them that the sky was due to fall any second. I had told them everything I had told Dumbledore, surprised at the cathartic feeling it brought. And then I confessed the reason why I had been so melancholy after Virginia passed: because for a long time, I had believed that I was directly responsible, when in reality, I was innocent.

Remus buried his face in his hands. Lily had tears running down her cheeks. Embarrassed, I conjured a box of tissues for her. Lily blew her nose delicately and stuffed the used napkin into a rubbish slot.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me." She whispered, almost accusingly.

I lowered my head. "I know."

"We could have helped you."

"I know."

"Dumbledore could have helped you."

I lifted my head a fraction, glaring at her. "I get it, alright? I was stupid. I should have told someone, I see that now. But I thought I was protecting everyone by not."

Lily shook her head faintly. "Oh, Amber. Don't you see? You tried to solve it all on your own, and look what happened."

"Say it, Lily." I said quietly, appalled at what she was implying. "Say how it's my fault that Angelina is gone."

Lily's eyes popped. "No, no! That's not what I meant, Amber. What I mean is (and I'm sure Remus agrees with me), that you have a solidarity-intelligence problem. You think you're helping everyone by not troubling them with your concerns, because that's how you were brought up. Your parents, especially your mum, never paid any attention to your worries, so you grew up thinking that you had to keep it to yourself and solve it. And at the same time, you took on the full responsibility to free up others to handle their own problems. Don't you see, Amber? You've got a broken way of thinking. You need to be able to trust us and confide in us. If not us, then certainly Professor Smith or Dumbledore!"

Remus had not said a word. But he looked like he agreed with Lily in the way he didn't recoil from her.

I stared at Lily, feeling like she had just sifted through my most painful memories and slapped me with a diagnosis.

"I've got solitary-intelligence?" I repeated.

Lily nodded. "Yes. I studied it in one of my extra-curriculars. Muggle Studies. There was a very in-depth section on human psychology, and, well, it's just how it is. I know you, Amber, and I just wish you'd come forward sooner. That's all."

I looked at Remus, still wondering how he was holding up under all of this. Angelina wasn't his girlfriend anymore, but they had been dating at one point, even though it had galled me for months. "You haven't said anything."

Remus reached into his pocket and pulled out a slab of Honeydukes chocolate. He bit off a piece and heaved a heavy sigh before answering.

"I think Lily's right, Amber. I'm sorry you felt you couldn't tell us your secrets. Nobody said it was easy, but it's a shame that we couldn't help you because you wouldn't let us."

"Nobody said it would be this hard if I didn't start out right." I said quietly. I knew I was being defensive, but I wanted to be honest with them now. Completely honest.

"No more running circles." Remus said. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, green eyes piercing into me just like Dumbledore's had. "We're in this together. No matter what."

Lily nodded. "I told you earlier this year; I'm in it for the long haul, missy. If what you said is true and Voldemort is trying to take over the world, or whatever he's up to, then we need to stick together. And fight back against evil."

"I can't believe Angelina's gone." Remus confessed. Lily reached over and took his hand in a sibling-like way; Severus had been found safe.

"I'm so sorry, Remus." I whispered. "They'll catch whoever did this and give her justice."

The train was slowing down. It was my stop. I stared at both of them, throat tight. All this time, I had believed I was protecting them by not confiding in them. And it turned out I had been doing the opposite.

"I love you guys." I said thickly as the train eased to a halt and I scooped my trunk in my hand. "I'm sorry."

Lily stood up and hugged me. "We're sisters. You can't get rid of me that easily."

I gave a watery laugh. Remus, expression unreadable, rose and embraced me tightly. I closed my eyes, trying to commit him to memory. I couldn't believe that at one point I had believed he had feelings for me. All this time, he had seen me as just a close friend, maybe like a sister.

It was better this way, living in reality.

"I'll write both of you this summer." I promised as I shuffled out of the compartment. I felt full to the bursting with all that I had experienced this year, especially this afternoon, and knew this day would live with me forever.

"Bye, Amber." Lily said, waving. "Write me as soon as you can."

Remus waved, mimicking Lily. "Take care, love."

I hopped off the train step and onto the illuminated platform of Bellinghall. It was after nightfall, and only a few commuters milled around the concrete alongside me. Disregarding the rules about underage magic, I drew my wand and said, "Accio Silver Arrow."

The Undetectable Extension Charm in my trunk made the broom fit perfectly inside. I pulled it out and added a weightless charm to the trunk. I mounted the broom and felt the cool June air rush over my face as I skimmed over the road, high enough to be above the power lines and out of the line of sight for Muggles. I followed the road down to the yellow bungalow nestled near the winding river, coming to a stop at the front door. Dismounting, I walked inside of the front door without knocking. "I'm home." I called.

Immediately, Mum leapt up from the couch, rushing into me with a strangled cry of relief. She crushed me to her chest, sobbing. I let her hold me, patting her back once as I let my luggage drop to the floor.

"Oh, Amber, I was so worried!" Mum cried. "It's all over the news. The Daily Prophet's already issued an emergency edition today about the attack, and the radio is going on and on about it… oh, darling, I'm so relieved you're safe. I would never have been able to live with myself if anything had happened to you!"

She gave me another rib-crushing hug. She burst into tears. I hugged her back again until she released me, startled that Mum actually cared this deeply.

"Naomi's upstairs sleeping." Mum said. "I sent her to bed early after the first report came on. I didn't want her to worry. Oh, darling, I'm so glad you're home safe. You had an uneventful ride home? It's not too far to Hogwarts from here, you know, only about thirty miles."

I nodded. "Mum, why don't you go make a pot of tea? I'll go unpack and come back and we can talk more."

It was more of a distraction tactic to get Mum to calm down. She wiped at her eyes and nodded in agreement. "Alright. Go on upstairs and get into your pajamas and we'll have tea and talk." She gave a tremulous smile. "Better late than never for us to have mother-daughter time, I suppose."

My heart squeezed in my chest. The thought of Angelina's parents sprang to mind. Never again would her mother have time to spend with her, because someone had killed her.

And spared me.

"Where's Dad?" I asked as I headed upstairs, though I already suspected.

"He's working." Mum told me, looking upset. "He tried to come Amber, but the Ministry said if he tried to leave work early during an emergency, they'd fire him and press charges. He couldn't, sweetheart, he had to stay. I'm so sorry. Are you sure you're alright, dear? You're so quiet."

I shrugged, mired in the numbness again. "I'll be alright, Mum. I'll be right back."

Mum sniffled. "I'll be right here."

I left her to prepare the tea. My bedroom smelled like dust and neglect. Clearly, no one had been inside since I had been home for Christmas break, six months ago.

I set my trunk on the bed and set to putting everything back where it belonged. Five minutes into the process, Soren fluttered at my window, a letter clutched in his beak. I opened the protesting window and let him fly in. I reached for the letter, but Soren dropped it before I could take it.

"Soren!" I scolded as the owl descended upon a small mouse that had scurried across my bedroom floor. I made a revolted noise as he sunk his talons into the small gray rodent, clearly about to enjoy his dinner. The letter had skittered beneath the void between the bed and the floor, and I had to crouch down on my knees to retrieve it.

Except there were two letters underneath the bed.

Frowning, I pulled both out and studied them. One of them was layered with dust. Clearly, it had been lying forgotten there for a long time. The second was crisp, fresh, and smelled new. I tore open the newer letter, reading it first.

Dear Amber,

I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning my position as your Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. Due to the recent occurrences this year, the Ministry feels that my skills as an Auror and my extensive personal knowledge of the Dark Arts are more greatly needed in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Because my time will be completely consumed by this endeavor, Professor Dumbledore will be continuing your training in your fourth year at Hogwarts.

I am sorry I was unable to tell you the news in person. You have grown so much in this past year, and it has been a true pleasure helping to cultivate your skills as a witch. I am sure we will meet again.

Yours truly,

Willow H. Smith

I set the letter down carefully on the desk, filled with disappointment. So that was why Dumbledore was going to take over my training. Because now, Professor Smith was being called back into action.

"Things are definitely changing," I told Soren as he devoured the mouse. "I can't believe this. That's a new teacher for each year now. No one stays at the Defense Against the Dark Arts post for longer than a year."

I opened the second letter. I could smell the fragrant tea wafting up the stairs; Mum must be nearly finished. I scanned the letter quickly, assuming it was just one of many correspondences between me and Lily from the previous summer.

It wasn't.

20 June 1972

Dear Amber,

I hope everything is going well for you this summer so far. It's only been three days since holiday started, but it feels like it's been so much longer. I think it's because you and the other Marauders have become so enmeshed with my life that it's hard to picture it without you all.

I want to correspond with you regularly while we're apart. I miss your wit, your comebacks, and your opinions. James is brave and proud, Sirius is arrogant and obnoxious, and Peter is timid and shy. But together, all of us make a great team. I'm still surprised that you agreed to take Polyjuice Potion not just once, but twice, and managed not to get caught.

I agree with you that Folsom is a vampire. I think we ought to consider telling Dumbledore, because I think he might be the only one who is able to do something about this. But since Folsom singled you out the most, I think this should be your decision. I'll support whatever decision you make.

I know we're young, but what I feel for you isn't just friendship. You're my best friend, and more. Whatever it is, I want to see if you feel the same. I miss you when we're apart, and I'm a better person when you're around.

If you would let it happen, I think you and I could have a future. As friends, or more. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Love,

Remus J. Lupin

The letter dropped from my shocked hands. I sat still for several seconds, trying to comprehend what I had just read.

I scanned the date again. 20 June 1972. Nearly a whole year ago.

It explained everything: his stony silence when I hadn't acknowledged his declaration in our subsequent letters, the hand-holdings, the subtle flirting that I now saw clearly as ever, the jealousy and the hurt we'd both felt as Angelina entered his life and Sean swam deeper into mine.

It made it so clear now.

Remus and Lily may have chastised me about keeping secrets, but this was… more than that. Miscommunication turned to misunderstanding, turned to mistakes.

I put my face in my hands and scrubbed at it, trying to push back the rising feelings of hope and excitement. All this time, I had been right: Remus did feel the same way.

And now, was it too late?

I brushed away at the tears flowing freely down my cheeks, heart overflowing. I folded up the letter and neatly stacked it on top of Professor Smith's. I took several deep breaths, forcing myself to calm down.

More than the attack today, more than finding Angelina, more than Mum showing the depth of her emotions upon my return home, this letter left me floored like nothing else had.

I rose from my chair carefully. I knew what I had to do now. I could see the path of action presented before me, a rare opportunity I intended to take. I wasn't going to attempt this new challenge alone. I was going to face my fears and take a chance.

I was going to go downstairs and have tea with my mother. We would discuss friends and school, talk about the ordeal Hogwarts had endured that day, and broach the forbidden subject of love.

I would try Helga Hufflepuff's method and practice forgiveness. I would give Mum a second chance, in honor of Angelina and the time we had already lost. And, after seeking her advice, I would write back to Remus with a long-overdue response.

In spite of myself, I found myself smiling like a fool. In spite of everything that had happened, goodness and love still remained. I set off down the stairs, ready to finally open up to my mother, the coming summer already looking much better than the last.