Authors note: I don't do many of these, but I think this chapter needs a little explanation. It's a lot longer because this is a very important emotional part of the story and breaking it up would drive everyone crazy, so bear with me. P.S. I don't own anyone except my characters.

"Hi everyone," Annicka replied with a nervous wave.

"So Annicka what is your favorite Quidditch team?" Bryce asked with a deadly serious face.

She laughed a little before answering, "Isn't that a little like asking a parent to choose a favorite child?"

The boys were silent before Bryce answered, "I might have to steal her from you.

"Not if I do it first," Cole argued. The girls rolled their eyes while Annicka and Jeremy laughed. They all talked for several minutes when Ann spotted Remus moving toward them. "Remus!" she called to him, pulling Jeremy along as she ran to hug him.

"Hey, long time no see," Remus greeted her. "How are you?"

"That's my question," Ann countered as she pulled away, "You never wrote back to me, how did everything go?"

"Dad extended our trip, I barely had a minute to myself," he explained. They finally paused remembering Jeremy was with them. "I'm Remus Lupin," her best friend introduced himself to Jeremy, holding out his hand.

"Nice to finally meet you," Jeremy replied shaking the offered hand. "Ann has told me all about you."

"So the two of you are together officially," Remus guessed, since they were still holding hands. "Ann said that might happen," he smiled conspiratorially.

"Don't tease," Ann admonished him. "So you'd better get back to the gang," she added to Jeremy, "almost time to board."

"Don't damage those beautiful hands by beating him too badly," Jeremy joked, kissed her hand and walked away.

"Well he's interesting," Remus said dryly.

"Come on, we need to talk," Annicka grabbed his hand and pulled him onto the train opening the door to her compartment. She closed the door essentially sealing them in. "Okay, talk," she ordered.

"About what?" Remus asked with a carefully bemused smile.

"Why don't we start with why you really didn't write back to me," Annicka suggested tersely. The two of them gazed into each other's eyes testing their resolve. Remus sighed, took a seat and answered. "I didn't write back for a lot of reasons."

"Remus you can tell me anything," she assured him, taking the seat opposite.

"While we were gone my father got sick, and it only got worse when we came back. Then when I got your letter I thought that I should keep out of your way. Then Padfoot spent most of his time between my house and Prongs'."

"So you had an awful summer," Annicka summarized sadly.

"Don't look like that," Remus pleaded. "Come on; tell me about your summer."

"Well, I had to patch up my father a couple of times," Ann replied, "he gets more and more reckless."

"Why do you think that is?" Remus asked with concern.

"Ever since he heard Voldemort was recruiting werewolves to his side my dad has been trying to convince as many of them as he can that they're better off fighting Voldemort. The only problem is that he can't find them until the full moon. Soon he's going to be nothing but scars and shredded flesh," Annicka grumbled.

"So, neither of us had a good summer?" Remus asked.

"Oh, there were fun moments. Jeremy, despite what you may think, is sweet and funny, and I know what I'm doing," she added before he could argue.

"I thought you might want to talk about that," Remus sighed. "I have decided not to make any commentary on your boyfriend's from now on."

"And where did this new attitude come from?" Ann asked a little skeptically.

"Last year I was a complete ass, and I'm going to be better this year," he promised.

"Well I think we've made our friends wait long enough," Annicka and Remus stood up, hugged and she led them into the train corridor. They split up when they found first the Marauders then the girls. She didn't see Remus pin on a Prefect's badge, but she heard about Lily's new position of authority.

10 September, 1975

Remus neglected to mention that he is a Prefect, so is Lily. So they get to patrol the halls, and Potter and Black will have to be more careful or Lily will start docking our house points. Jeremy has met all of my friends now and as predicted Remus' friends are teasing him for dating me, but he brushed all of it off. We alternate sitting at the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables for lunch. His friends all seem to be accepting, and we laugh almost the whole time. I have a feeling I won't be writing too much this year, I'm having too much fun.

Annicka Llewellyn

1 October, 1975

I'm going to kill them! I am going to kill them both! Black and his brother are evil! How is it possible that they can hate each other and belong to two houses that are constantly fighting and still manage to both ruin my life? I have been put in the hospital wing, and banned from the first Hogsmeade weekend because of them.

Black, once again, framed me for one of his pranks against Professor McGonagall, and she decided that forcing me to stay at school while all of my friends get to go down to the village at the end of the month, along with a week of detention is a fitting punishment. And after all of this while I was still fuming Little Black and his friends his me with a leg locker curse and let me fall down a long flight of stairs. I broke my arm and wound up with a concussion, so now I'm off to detention where I can plot my revenge.

Annicka Llewellyn

2 October, 1975

My torture is complete, Black has detention with me. For the next week I have to deal with him for an extra hour every night. I may wind up actually killing him. Remus keeps telling me to take it easy on him, that he's actually a good guy, and his family problems make him lash out. I understand how upsetting families can be, but he needs to grow up. I'm not going to think about this anymore, I am going to enjoy my day and not worry about Sirius Black.

Annicka Llewellyn

15 October, 1975

Jeremy took me on a picnic on the grounds today, it was wonderfully peaceful. We went during lunch so we were entirely alone. Remus simply looked at me when I got back, a look that said "I know where you were – but it's your life." He has been much less vocal this year, but I can still tell he doesn't approve. Remus ahs always been very protective of me, but I think he is taking it too far this time.

Annicka Llewellyn

"Are you sure you don't want us to stay?" Lily asked as Annicka said good bye to her friends at the front doors to the school.

"No, go and have fun," she urged. "We'll feast like villains tonight," she teased. Lily laughed and they all departed. Annicka sighed and walked back into the school.

"Ms. Llewellyn, come with me please," Professor McGonagall requested from the top of the staircase. Annicka joined the Professor and followed her in a resigned silence. "Have a seat," the professor indicated to a chair in front of her desk. She took the one next to it,

"Is something wrong Professor?" Ann asked a little nervous.

"No I just wanted to have a conversation about you and Sirius Black," McGonagall answered.

"What about him?" Annicka shifted in her seat suddenly uncomfortable.

"I know that the two of you have some sort of rivalry. How may detentions have you had over that past four years because of it?" McGonagall asked.

"At least a dozen," Ann answered, "honestly I've lost count."

"Ms. Llewellyn, if I seem unduly harsh in my punishments it is only because I believe just punishment can be a great motivator," the Professor explained. "The next time Black gives you trouble I want you to come to me."

"Professor," Ann hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I appreciate that offer, and I don't like having detention, but I think this is something I should deal with on my own."

"There is that Gryffindor spirit," McGonagall complimented with a genuine smile, "If it becomes too much, let me know."

"I promise professor," Ann sighed relieved that she wasn't in trouble again.

"Good, now, how about a cup of tea?" McGonagall offered.

"That would be wonderful," they sat, drank tea, and spoke about life at school and how Annicka's studies were going. An hour later Annicka left the office and made her way to the library. She turned around and walked out when she saw Patrick Claymore sitting at one of the tables. Just outside the doors she ran into Regulus Black, "Sorry," she apologized and kept walking. Her friends found her sitting in the common room reading a book. Remus sat next to her as the girls all began talking at once, and handing her things that they had bought for her.

When she could finally get a word in she suggested that they all make their way down to the feast. They joked and laughed, teased and played tricks on each other. Near the end of the feast Annicka suddenly stopped, staring down at her plate, "Are you okay?" Remus asked, noticing her distraction.

"Yeah, my brain just stopped for a minute," she replied with a smile and rejoined the conversation. After the feast she spent some time with Jeremy before going back to Gryffindor Tower, she could not however, sleep. After tossing and turning for several hours she grabbed her book bag and went down to the common room. It took Annicka some time to decide why she felt so agitated, and then she realized and pulled out a new role of parchment. "Dear Mum and Dad" she wrote. She waited until dawn to make her way to the Owlry to send her letter. When she got back to the tower she packed up her bag and took it back to her dorm.

The others were up and getting ready, she dressed for they day and joined them all on the walk down to breakfast. Annicka's friends noticed she was absent and agitated for the rest of the day. When the post arrived the next morning she visibly relaxed. Things went on like this for a week. Every other day she waited for a letter from her parents, and when she received it she became relaxed and joined in conversations. The following Thursday was no different when the post arrived she looked up desperately hoping to receive a letter from her family, but the owl that flew toward her was unfamiliar. It released a royal purple envelope onto her plate and flew away. Annicka paused when she saw the Ministry of Magic seal on the envelope, but decided to open it.

"ANN!" Lily shouted from across the table snapping her attention form the letter in her hand.

"Sorry, what?" she asked completely dazed."

"Are you okay?" Alice asked. Annicka realized that all of her friends were staring at her.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, "I just – um, forgot something in the tower. I'll see you all in class," she grabbed the letter, envelope and her book bag and almost ran from the hall. The girls all exchanged looks, "We'll have to watch her," Mary stated.

"Last time she was this upset she punched Black," Margo observed. They all silently agreed to keep an eye on Annicka.

Annicka was quiet the whole day. She barely spoke to anyone, and spent every spare moment (including meals) studying in a corner of the Gryffindor Common Room. Remus joined her after supper. She glanced up from her work, but made no other acknowledgement of his presence. Annicka's friends were not the only ones to notice her – distraction. Several groups of Slytherins had pestered her gaining no response. The other Marauders had also taken notice. James and Peter decided it wasn't important. Sirius on the other hand was determined to get a rise out of her.

He began by speaking loudly about things he knew annoyed her, then he moved on to making small snide comments about her. Finally he started following her. After supper he tried all three. Sirius sat at the table with Annicka and Remus complaining loudly to James and Remus about his family interspersed with comments that were barely veiled derisions of Annicka. Finally she couldn't stand it any longer. Slamming her book shut she snapped at him, "Will you shut up!" Annicka stood and glared down at him, "I am trying to study, to learn something that could save lives one day."

"It's not my fault you're too slow to get it," Sirius replied with a smirk, pleased he finally got a reaction from her.

"I'm done," she stated, "I'm done." Annicka picked up her book and stepped around the table stopping when Sirius was suddenly blocking her path. "Step aside," she ordered.

"Where are you going?" Sirius asked. Annicka tired to step around him, he sidestepped to block her path.

"Padfoot, don't" Remus warned.

"Why? She can't do anything," Sirius replied arrogantly. Annicka's fingers flexed around her text book, she swung, slamming it into his head. Sirius collapsed to the ground. Annicka threw her book on top of him and ran from the common room. Remus and Lily both stood but she let him chase after Annicka. Sirius groaned as he sat up, "He did warn you," Lily reminded him, managing to be a little smug despite her worry.

Annicka ran looking for a place to hide, she found an out-of-the-way unused classroom filled with shelves of jars and ducked inside closing the door behind her. She paced for a few seconds until she heard a nasty chuckle from behind her. Closing her eyes she ordered "Go away Peeves."

"Make me!" came the poltergeist's reply. Her eyes snapped open. She grabbed the nearest jar and threw it. Peeves stuck his tongue out at her and disappeared through the wall, it didn't mater. Annicka threw another jar and another until Remus found her. A jar burst over his head as he opened the door. He rushed in and grabbed Annicka pinning her arms to her sides. "Ann, stop! It's okay now," he tried to reassure her, as she struggled.

"Let me go!" she pleaded.

"It's okay," he repeated.

"No!" Annicka tried to break free as she cried out, "They're gone! They're gone!" after a minute of struggling she finally collapsed, crying. Remus slowly lowered her to the floor, and sat there with her, shattered glass at their feet as she cried. What seemed like hours later Annicka finally looked up, "I'm sorry," she apologized.

"Don't be sorry," Remus sighed, brushing away her tears. "I just wish you would tell me what's wrong," there was absolute silence for a moment, and then Annicka sat a little straighter and pulled a letter from her pocket. "What is it?" Remus asked, she didn't answer, she just handed it to him.

Ms Llewellyn

The Ministry regrets to inform you of the deaths of your Grandmother, Mother and Father. Your family's remains were discovered yesterday. The Auror's office had investigated and determined that your Mother and Grandmother were burned in the house and your Father was killed using the killing curse by dark wizards unknown. You may come to the Ministry to collect your Father's body and your Mother and Grandmother's ashes on Monday. You may also hear a reading of your parent's will at that time.

Our sincere condolences

Gertrude Finch

Department of Magical Law Enforcement

Remus sat there quietly staring at the short letter that changed everything. "Ann . . . I'm so sorry," he finally gasped. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"I didn't want to believe it," she answered staring down at her hands. "Then when I heard Black talking about his family . . . he would do anything to never have to see his family again, while I –"

"Would do anything to see yours," Remus finished for her.

"What am I supposed to do? Remus, I don't know what to do!" she exclaimed desperately. "They were all I had! I don't have anyone else, and I don't know what to do!"

"Ann," Remus took her face in his hands forcing her to look at him. "You have me," he promised. They silence a moment longer before Remus pulled out his wand and cleaned the room. "Come on," he reached out and pulled her up.

"Where are we going?" she asked trying to dry her eyes.

"Trust me," he pleaded and led her through the corridors of the castle. He finally stopped before a stone Griffin. "Licorice wands," he said. It was a password to somewhere, the statue moved revealing a spiral staircase, still holding Annicka's hand he led her to the top of the stairs, knocking on the door there.

The "come in" was soft; Ann almost didn't hear it before Remus pulled her into a large office. Every available surface was covered with odd whirring instruments, and the walls were lined with dozens of portraits. Behind the desk sat, "Professor Dumbledore," Remus greeted the Headmaster of Hogwarts.

"Mr. Lupin, Ms. Llewellyn what brings you here at this hour?" Professor Dumbledore inquired sounding only mildly curious.

"We're sorry to disturb you Headmaster, but Annicka needs to go home, it's an emergency," Remus explained vaguely.

"The school has not received any requests from her parents," Dumbledore replied a slight frown creasing his brow.

"My parents were murdered," Annicka stated her voice devoid of emotion.

"She needs to make arrangements," Remus added, his tone slightly pleading.

"Of course," Dumbledore agreed. "You may use my fireplace," he stood and walked over to a large fireplace in the corner of the room. Dumbledore held out a small pouch. Letting go of Remus' hand Ann stepped into the fireplace, taking a small pinch of powder from the pouch. She threw it down, shouted her home address and was gone. "I will inform the staff of the circumstances in the morning." Dumbledore assured Remus.

"Thank you Professor," Remus sighed still staring at the fireplace.

"I fear she will not be the last to suffer such a tragedy," Dumbledore commented almost to himself. "Good night Mr. Lupin."

Remus recognized the dismissal, "Good night Professor," he replied and left the office. Annicka was home in moments. She stepped out of the fireplace and looked around the room. A flood of memories overcame her and Annicka collapsed to the floor sobbing.

Minutes after leaving the Headmaster's office Remus arrived back at Gryffindor tower, the Marauders and Annicka's dorm-mates were all sitting around the fire waiting. Sirius was the first to spot him, "Is she okay?" he asked as Remus approached. Remus almost laughed at the irony of Sirius asking if Annicka was okay as a large bruise was already developing on the side of his head.

"No actually, she's not," Remus answered. He sat on the floor at the center of the group. "I just took Ann to the Headmaster's office, she went home."

"What? Why?" Lily asked completely shocked.

"She received news this morning that her parents and her last living Grandmother were murdered yesterday," Remus explained solemnly. There was a sharp intake of breath, almost a gasp, from the entire group. They sat in silence for a few minutes until James Potter suddenly stood.

"Where are you going?" Lily demanded to know.

"I'm going to write to my parents," he replied, "maybe they can help."

Knock, knock, knock, Annicka slowly opened her eyes, and looked up to find the source of the sound, and realized she was in her home. Knock, knock the sound came again. She came to her feet and slowly made her way to the front door. Cautiously Annicka opened the door and was surprised to see "Mr. and Mrs. Potter!" she exclaimed.

"Hello Annicka," Mrs. Potter greeted her. "Have you eaten yet?"

"No," she replied still a little dazed.

"Well, we'll soon take care of that," Mrs. Potter wrapped an arm around Ann's shoulder and they made their way to the kitchen. Mr. Potter closed the door and followed them.

"I don't mean to be rude," Ann qualified her next question, "but what are you doing here?"

"James wrote us last night," Mr. Potter answered, "he said you may need some help." Annicka nodded her head slowly and began to cry. Mrs. Potter stopped cooking and wrapped Annicka in her arms. Mr. Potter went to the stove and finished cooking their breakfast.

November 1975

I'm not sure what day it is, time and days don't mean much to me right now. We buried my father today, with the ashes of my mother. My grandmother always wanted her ashes to be spread over the ocean like grandfathers. The Potters took me to the seaside yesterday. That's it now, my family is gone, put in the earth and sea, and I will not see them again until I die. Tomorrow is Sunday. I think I'll go back to school then. I don't want to face the whole school my first day back. I've already written to Professor Dumbledore and told the Potters. They invited me to spend the holidays with them. I told them I would think about it. I can't just return home, and I can't sell the house until I'm 17 because of my parent's will. So I'll need somewhere to stay, but I don't know if I could live with them. I just don't know.

Annicka Llewellyn

The fire burst into green flames, a girl's form suddenly appeared and Annicka Llewellyn stepped out into the Headmaster's office. Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall were waiting for her. "It is good to have you back Ms. Llewellyn," Dumbledore greeted her with a smile, "I understand quite a few people have missed you."

"Thank you Professor, it's good to be back," Annicka replied with a small smile of her own.

"Come along," Professor McGonagall prompted. Ann smiled at Dumbledore once more and followed her Head of House out of the office.

"Professor," Annicka's voice was quiet, tentative.

"Yes?" McGonagall prompted.

"I want to thank you, for all of your help," Annicka continued, "and I was wondering if I could get all the assignments I missed while I was gone."

"Ms. Llewellyn, you have been excused from all classes and assignments, you do not need to worry," the Professor replied gazing down at the girl beside her.

"I know, but – I need to do it Professor. I need to get things as close to normal as possible," Ann explained staring at her feet.

"Very well," McGonagall agreed, "I will speak to the staff."

"Thank you Professor," they walked the rest of the way in silence. McGonagall patted her shoulder, said the password, and Annicka stepped through the portal. All of Annicka's friends were gathered around the fireplace.

"Ann?" Remus asked, almost gasped when he saw her. The entire group turned toward the entrance, they all ran forward, surrounding her.

"We didn't expect you back so soon," Lily exclaimed as she hugged Ann.

"I know, I wasn't really planning on it myself, but after everything was taken care of I couldn't wait to come back," Ann answered. Her eyes finally found Remus and he came forward to give her a hug. When he pulled back the other Marauders approached, "I'm sorry," she apologized to Sirius.

"I deserved it," he replied with a shrug, Annicka almost smiled. She turned to look at James, "Thank you. I don't know what I would have done without your parents."

"Glad I could help," James replied honestly.

"Well I'm starving," she smiled as she concluded, "Let's eat!" the group laughed a little and walked down to lunch.

15 November, 1975

I've been back for a few days now, and I think everything is going okay. I've spent most of my time with Jeremy and Remus, they're both helping me to catch up on my studies, and I have to say I'm glad of the company. I don't do so well when I'm on my own. I just can't seem to stop crying.

Annicka Llewellyn