TRIGGER WARNING: STRONG LANGUAGE, MENTIONS OF MENTAL ILLNESS, MATURE AND DISTURBING SEXUAL CONTENT INVOLVING MINORS: DUBCON + NONCON, ORAL (FEMALE RECEIVING) & SEX.

CANNOT HANDLE? DO NOT READ FURTHER!

SEPTEMBER 1ST, 1993- LONDON, ENGLAND - VEGA RESIDENCE

Electric currents fired violently throughout Rose, stiffening her limbs, curling her toes, and arching her back as it all pooled dangerously into the center of her body. She gasped deeply, fingers curling tightly into the soft, black tresses belonging to the boy who had his face buried between her legs.

"Oh, nine fucking hells!" Rose moaned completely wrapped up in the blissful feeling of his tongue. "Please...don't stop...my god...I'm going to...please..." she managed to breathe out.

A soft chuckle escaped him at her incoherence and he opened his eyes to meet her own. The amusement, arrogance, and lust were etched all over his beautiful pale face and his eyes were dark with hunger with the intention to devour.

To consume.

To possess.

It was too much. Stars danced across Rose's vision again, her back arched violently on its own and she immediately felt his strong hands come down hard on her hips, keeping her in place as his tongue mercilessly continued working her into bliss. Shock after shock, those electric hot currents zapped into her core. Her legs felt like jelly as each trembled uncontrollably. Every moan she emitted was becoming louder and louder and Rose was sure her parents could hear her not that she cared anymore. How could she?

This was her best friend, her mentor, her teacher, and her lifetime companion. In comparison to him, those people were nothing to her and she would risk their shock, horror, shame, and even love for him.

Who cares what he really is?!

An illness of the mind, a demon, an angel, did it really matter? He had been with her all her life, guiding her, protecting her. He knew her better than anyone ever would and he would remain with her forever.

This was right.

This was meant to be.

Wave after wave of pleasure coursed throughout her body. His vice-like grip on her hips was sure to leave bruises, those dark eyes of his lit up as she began to fall apart in front of him.

Closing her eyes, Rose reveled in the sweet release that washed over her, losing complete control over her writhing body and the sounds that were escaping her.

"Oh my god! Yes!" Rose managed to shout out as she gripped the sheets hard upon feeling him increase his speed.

Her stiff body shook, and the coil in the center of her body kept unraveling and spreading itself throughout her limbs until at last with one final convulsion it dissipated. She released the death grip she had on the sheets as the after-high overtook her body and mind. Slowly, she opened her eyes to find him over her, staring down and licking his lips lewdly. Out of breath and flushed he looked even more beautiful if that was even possible. His bare chest rose and fell fast still he was calm and composed as ever.

"Yes, my little Rose, I am your god," he whispered darkly, dipping his head to place small kisses against her neck.

Rose moaned longingly at the touch of his lips and the warmth of his breath. "My god," she whispered softly. "My king," He came up to meet her lust-filled gaze, Rose lifted a hand to caress a flushed cheek. "My lord."

A dangerous smile stretched across his face, his eyes darkening before his lips came down to press against her own. His tongue eagerly pried her lips apart and Rose gladly welcomed the delicious invasion.

She moaned into his mouth upon feeling him press himself against her pelvis and at the touch of warm soft flesh that made her realize they were both completely naked.

"You're mine, little Rose," he whispered seductively after breaking their kiss and gently moving a dark red strand from her forehead. "You've always been mine. No one can ever truly have you. Not Malfoy, not Rosier, or any other foolish boy you may come to fancy and fuck out there. Only I can truly have all of you for I have seen your heart and it is mine." He chuckled richly enjoying the small gasp he elicited from her as he began to slowly enter her.

Instinctively, she moved against him, she couldn't help it when he feel so unbelievably good! Unable to restrain the sounds coming from her or the overwhelming need for him Rose pulled him back down to her mouth.

Are you ready for me? His voice was once again in her mind reminding her of the deep, deep level of intimate connection they truly shared.

'Yes,' She answered through thought as her tongue was much too busy entwined with his.

A sudden searing pain broke them apart, Rose gasped loudly and tightly shut her eyes as she felt herself painfully stretch around him, her hands coming to firmly grip his shoulders as he slowly and torturously slid fully into her.

Open your eyes, Rose, He commanded softly. Look at me!

She did as she was told, tears escaping as soon as the release was granted.

He kissed a tear away, "This is how it was always meant to be, I was always meant to have you," He began moving with slow and gentle thrusts but, despite this, Rose could not hold back the hot tears that escaped at the pain that threaten to rip her apart.

His initial gentleness, however, soon vanished as his thrusts began quickening, becoming rougher, more desperate, and, consequently, more painful. Rose whimpered pathetically, closing her eyes and desperately trying to ignore the white-hot searing sensation that burned her insides hoping and praying to Isolt and Merlin that it would soon be over.

LOOK AT ME! She heard him growl.

She obeyed only to find that his once beautiful face had distorted to become gaunt and deathly pale. His eyes were so sunken that it was skull-like, his soft thick hair was now thin and receding far into his hairline and his once attractive features looked as if they had melted away making the predatory expression he wore all the more horrifying. However, his eyes...his dark intense eyes that had sent Rose into blissful delirium just seconds ago were gone and two terrifyingly vibrant and menacing red pupils stared down at her.

"My gifted little witch," he hissed sending shivers throughout her body.

She screamed at the realization of who she was looking at and who was inside her, twisting her body in an attempt to throw him off but it was futile. He pressed his much stronger and larger body against her and without any effort seized her flaying hands painfully pinning them above her head while he mercilessly continued his thrusts.

"Please..it hurts..." Rose begged weakly seeing herself reflected in the bloody depths of his eyes.

She couldn't take how pathetic she looked, weeping while being helplessly fucked. She closed her eyes and turned her head to the side not wanting to see anymore but he clearly was in charge. His hand came to cup her jaw and roughly turned her back to him.

"I told you to keep your eyes open!" He growled dangerously as his movements became harder and faster. "Look at me while I take you!"

'No!" Rose managed to reply defiantly. However, as if by their own accord and very much against her will, her eyes opened.

He lifted his face, closed his eyes, and let out a loud, almost animalistic, growl as he gave one final thrust.

My gifted little witch, he muttered again looking down at Rose a satisfied smile etched across his deathly face and crimson pupils glowing disturbingly. I knew you'd become more of use to me than just my pretty little weapon."

Maniacal laughter rang loudly in her mind sending chills throughout her body and she risked closing her eyes to spare herself from the horrifying image of the Dark Lord. He's not real, she told herself. She saw and felt him destroy himself twelve years ago, this couldn't be real even though his body that remained connected to hers tried to convince her otherwise.

No, none of this was real!

'Wake up, Rose!' She mentally screamed as his laughter, now amplified by her internal dialogue, echoed in her head.

'WAKE UP!'

'WAKE UP!"

'WAKE UP!'

Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, the eyes were gone, he was gone! Her body was no longer invaded as there was no one over her except the purple canopy of her bed. Relief slowly washed over her, she had been right; none of that had been real. It has been a dream and there was only someone to blame for that.

"What the fuck was that?!" She demanded angrily, sitting up and wiping sweat and tears from her face. The pajama top she wore clung uncomfortably against her skin which was covered with a cold sweat. "You fucking did it again, didn't you?!"

I have done nothing! His voice came defensively. That was entirely your own subconscious! Am I really to blame that you found last night so memorable you dreamed of more?

'Yes!' Rose blurted out her face immediately reddening at what she had just admitted to although it didn't matter as he already knew. "Why did you turn into him?!"

It was a dream, Rose, he said in a bored tone. Do we need to go over how dreams work? Clearly, you could not stop thinking about last night and it seems your memories of the Dark Lord paid a little visit.

"But it felt so real," she said more to herself.

I assure you, I had nothing to do with it but cannot say I did not enjoy watching it or hearing those naughty thoughts. Perhaps you'd like to try it out? You were so eager in your dream.

Are you insane?! I would never think or say any of those things in reality!

Are you sure? He laughed sending a shiver down her spine yet she still felt her blood boil in anger.

She didn't want to believe him, it was easier blaming him than admitting that last night was all she could think about before falling asleep after all, he changed so drastic and sudden! Their entire time together he had always treated her as a friend, a partner, and a student but never as a lover! Wasn't he the one who encouraged her to hook up with Draco and even instructed her how? The one who came to her rescue when she couldn't formulate a simple sentence to Evan Rosier? Now out of nowhere emerges this jealousy and ownership over her when he had constantly pushed the idea that she was in command of herself.

Who was he exactly to think he could reign over her? The better question was what was he?

What was he that he could trap her inside her head with him, take on a physical appearance, and do those things to her?!

Those very delicious, very realistic things.

'Stop!' she berated herself mentally as she felt the warmth in her cheeks glow hot particularly after she felt his satisfaction at her internal beratement. 'You're a Legilimens! Who knows what your mind is capable of especially after splitting your fucking head open! That's what started all of this!'

Was it? He asked spreading doubt into her mind. You've never been a normal witch, Rose. How can you be so sure that I haven't been with you since the beginning? Waiting for you. You need me, Rose, you'll always need me.

He was beginning to scare her now but Rose had one advantage over him.

"You're not actually real," she replied coolly. "You don't exist outside my head. You can mess with my mind and dreams all you want but that doesn't change the fact that you're not corporeal. You can never truly have me, not the physical me at least. But someone else will and you'll have no other choice but to be there for it and watch every second of it."

There was no answer, however, Rose knew he was fuming. He hated when she challenged him much more when she defied him.

"What?" Rose taunted, smiling that she has gotten to him. "Have nothing to say? Merlin knows that would be a first!"

No answer.

There wouldn't be one, he was angry and whenever that happened he retreated until he deemed it necessary to come back.

Rose sighed deeply, pressing the palms of her hands to her eyes.

It was a dream, she assured herself again yet quickly grabbed strands of her hair to inspect that it was still black and not her natural red. It had felt so real, his touch and lips still burned her skin even the pain had felt so real. With that in mind, Rose curiously reached under the waistband of her pajama pants and underwear to find the area extremely wet!

Her heart dropped and she quickly threw the sheets off her only to reveal a large crimson stain on the mattress where seconds ago she had laid her lower half.

"Ugh, fuck!" Rose groaned out and almost instantly her core contracted painfully making her double over.

How could she have forgotten her cycle?! In all the excitement of her new surroundings and what awaited her at Hogwarts, she failed to remember a basic monthly body function!

"Fucking great!" She groaned. "This is exactly what I needed today!"

AFTERNOON

Rose stared at the Hogwarts crest on her robes finding it surreal that in only a few hours, it would change to either a lion, an eagle, a badger, or a snake. Whatever the result it would dictate how she would be treated and viewed from here on out. That thought alone made her incredibly nervous and scared. The absence of his voice only made it worse, as much as she hated to admit it she truly needed him today but who knew when he would stop giving her the silent treatment or if this was his way of getting his point across?

She stared at her reflection as if hoping that if she stared hard enough she could reach into her mind and bring him out. However, after what he did, Rose was terribly conflicted about him. No matter how hard she tried, those burning questions remained in her mind.

He had never pulled her into her own mind before. If that is what he had done, Rose was unsure, unsure about him and what he was.

And that was not counting the dream, the very realistic dream. So realistic that she still doubted his involvement, how could she have dreamed up those wonderful sensations or the nerve-shattering orgasm that had followed?

Or the pain?

She tried not to think of that part and was grateful for the heavy menstrual cramp that momentarily plagued her effectively driving her dream out of her mind along with the blood-colored eyes that were now attached to the memory.

A part of her stubbornly held on to the fact that she was natural-born Legilimens, a magical and medical mystery, who happened to suffer a traumatic head injury at a very young age. The impact could have started all this but without any previous studies on Legilimens it was impossible to know for sure and it would remain impossible. Rose would rather actually fuck the Dark Lord than admit to hearing this voice to anyone.

But where did her friend's new sexual hunger come from? He was a part of her, they shared a mind and body so perhaps she was right in assuming that he was maturing along with her. The sudden interest in sex she had discovered during her time with Draco must affect him too but unlike her, he was alone. He couldn't be with anyone. She was all he had.

Is this where his possessiveness stemmed from? Was watching Draco touch her a reminder that he could not do the same, not in the physical world at least? Was hearing her verbally stumble and blush in the presence of Evan Rosier also a painful reminder that her life was out here and not inside her head with him?

'Stop humanizing him!' She mentally scolded herself. 'He's not even a him or much less a person! He's an illness! Hearing voices and seeing people who are not really there is an illness of the mind! He's NOT REAL! If it wasn't for you learning to appear and act normal, you would be in an asylum by now!'

Despite her attempt at convincing herself of this, deep down a part of her knew that he was something else, a symptom of an illness could not hold the power to suck her into her own mind but it scared her to dwell on it. There was so much wrong with her already, she could not endure adding one more thing.

"Miss Rose?" came a small voice from the entrance of her room interrupting her thoughts.

Rose turned to the small house-elf, Arriety, who had been newly and temporarily assigned to her father, at Lucius Malfoy's urging, and their household by the Ministry for the duration of their time in England.

"Master and Missus are waiting downstairs for you," the elf explained timidly. "They wish for Arriety to tell Miss that it is time to go."

Rose nodded, "I shall be down shortly."

She turned back to the full-length mirror, straightening her posture and smoothing out her robes one last time. Despite her efforts there was still a glint of fear lingering in the honey irises that stared back at her.

'You'll be fine,' she told herself. 'Don't let them see you falter,' Those were the words that the voice would usually give her. Raising her chin confidently and proudly, Rose smiled at her reflection then turned and walked out without a glance back.

HOGWARTS

"Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Vega, welcome," said a gentle but firm voice belonging to an old crooked-nosed wizard wearing magenta sparkling robes and sporting an impressive long white beard. He shut the door behind him and walked towards the fireplace they had just stepped out from, his blue eyes twinkling as they fell on Rose.

Nothing.

There were no reels of memories.

Rose could hear nothing but her parent's inner voices.

"Albus, old friend, how are you?" greeted Rodrigo cheerfully, taking the other man's outstretched hand. The two men exchanged pleasantries before Rodrigo introduced Isabella saving Rose for last as usual.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Headmaster," Rose said politely as she shook the man's hand ignoring the blue pupils that were attempting to dig into her soul making her vastly uncomfortable and wary of the wizard. "Thank you for allowing my parents to come drop me off. I hope it does not inconvenience you or your staff too much, the first evening back is always chaotic as it is."

"Not at all, Miss Potter," replied Dumbledore warmly with a smile. "Hogwarts is not only new to you but also to your parents. It is my wish that you all come to know the Hogwarts staff and faculty particularly if you plan on completing your academic training with us."

"That is the plan," replied her father for her. "I am assigned here for the next three years and even if I wasn't, transferring back and forth would be counterproductive in, my opinion."

"Of course," agreed Dumbledore then turned to Rose. "The rest of the school will be arriving shortly so without further ado, let's meet your new professors and the rest of the Hogwarts staff, shall we?."

With that he turned to the door he had just stepped through, opened it, and beckoned the others to come inside. A stream of witches and wizards, along with their thoughts came walking in. Roses quickly scanned the array of her new professors and school staff who were mostly smiling as they filed in to stop in front of her and her parents. Her eyes went from the stern-looking witch with velvet green robes standing on one end to the matron, a sullen hunched man, a pale annoyed-looking wizard who resembled a vampire, and to the graying but young brown-haired man next to him.

Her eyes stopped on the latter.

He looked so familiar as if she had only recently seen him.

But that couldn't be so, her only impressionable and physical interactions so far had been with Harry, the Malfoys, and Draco's friends. So where could she have possibly seen this man?

"Miss Potter," called Dumbledore from the end of the line opposite them where he stood waiting to make the first introduction.

"Rose?" Her father's voice came from behind her.

Their calls went ignored, Rose's attention was fully on the wizard who by now, along with the rest, had noticed her staring and was looking down at the floor avoiding her gaze.

'Please, Merlin, don't let her recognize me,' She heard him think. 'Please. She'll never forgive me for doing nothing. For abandoning her.'

It couldn't be, could it?

She stared hard into his features which began sharpening and it instantly dawned on Rose where she had recently seen this man, although recent wouldn't be the word as it had been through someone else's memory from long ago.

With her heart thumping wildly and limbs shaking, Rose took a step forward, "Uncle Remus?"

The man slowly lifted his gaze and Rose could feel the remorse and guilt radiating from him before stepping forward hands clasped in front of him.

"Hello, Rosie," he answered softly, a weak smile forming and emphasizing the fine lines on his young but tired face.

Rosie.

Hearing the nickname come from his mouth was all the verification needed and the trigger to a burst of memories she had long forgotten with this wizard. She said nothing as she took several more steps forward coming to a stop in front of him.

Looking up at his scarred but gentle face Rose could feel the immeasurable guilt coming from him and the fear of her rejection and anger. But she felt none of that, on the contrary, suddenly Rose felt overwhelming warm.

"Finally," she said aloud before throwing her arms around the wizard's neck.

There was a brief moment of shock and hesitation before Remus embraced his young niece and another second before throwing reservation out the window and lifting her slightly off the floor, his arms hugging just a little tighter.

'Oh, Rosie, I'm so sorry, please, please forgive me,' his mind begged.

Rose tightened her hold, burying her face into the crook of his collared neck and inhaling the sweet earthy aromas of roasted cacao, pine, and citrus forcing them to embed into her memory as if instinctively scared that she would soon forget these details about him.

It took a minute for Rose to remember that she was currently standing in the headmaster's office in the presence of her new professors giving them an emotional show, the realization came upon her uncle as well as he gently set her back on the floor.

They drew apart and Rose scanned her uncle's face, taking in all the details she could of him from the scars across his face to the prominent crow's feet that formed along his temples. He looked as if he had been recently ill the fatigue heavy in the shadows under his eyes.

"Uncle Remus," she said warmly grasping his hands in her own before he would withdraw them.

"Oh Rosie, look at how much you've grown!" he exclaimed happily. "You look just like Lily, except for your eyes and now your hair! It's a good color on you though, James would have approved."

Rose laughed, her heart was absolutely elated, "I can't believe it's really you. I thought I'd never see you again." He cast his eyes down for a second, the guilt returning. "Why didn't you..."

Before she could finish the question her uncle's eyes, which up to that point had avoided looking directly into her own, finally met hers.

A storm of memories came hurling at her and as each reel rapidly played out it was evident that her beloved uncle had been crushed by the news of Godric's Hollow twelve years ago, that he was been appalled and horrified at her kidnapping, and witnessing of Uncle' Peter's death. That his poverty and condition had kept him from coming forward to claim her.

Werewolf.

Werewolf.

Werewolf.

The word echoed in his mind with disgust and shame despite his efforts to push it back.

"Oh," was all Rose could say in response, her body stiffening a response he noticed but was used to.

Still, a weak smile formed on his thin, chapped lips, "I see your Legilimency is as strong as ever."

She nodded and although he expected her to let go and step away upon hearing the gravity of his condition Rose held on.

"I wasn't suited to take care of you, Rosie," Remus then went on to explain with palpable shame. "I was young, single, unemployed, and penniless. You needed a real mother and father who could provide you with everything you needed and deserved." He turned to the Vegas who were watching intently. "I'm very happy that you found such a wonderful pair."

Letting go of one hand, Remus led Rose over to her parents, "Ambassador Vega, Mrs. Vega," he greeted warmly, extending his free hand out to Rodrigo. "My name is Remus Lupin, I am Rosie's new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor."

"And uncle!" Rose added as they shook hands.

"I didn't know the Potters had any living relatives left," said Isabella surprised.

"We don't," informed Rose. "He's not really my uncle. He was one of my dad's best friends here at Hogwarts and after they graduated he use to come around our house all the time!"

"Ah," said Rodrigo, "One of those types of uncles. Well, it still makes you family, does it not?"

"You're too kind, Ambassador," replied Remus humbly with a smile. "But I do not pretend to think of myself as more than Rosie's new professor."

"Nonsense!" cried Rodrigo waving a hand dismissively as if he was shooting down the professor's answers. "I shall consider it a great insult to us and the late Potters if you diminish your role in Rosie's life to just that."

Remus smiled and nodded feeling grateful and indebted to their generosity and acceptance of course deep down he knew this acceptance would vanish if his condition ever came to light. The thought of losing Rose again scared him though his face remained kindly composed.

"We certainly wouldn't want that," he replied to the wealthier man.

"We shall have it no other way," said Rodrigo cheerfully however, deep down both he and his wife could not hold back the wariness that arose towards this stranger who had such a deep and, until seconds ago, unknown connection with their only daughter. Their instinct rationality however reasoned that he was merely a teacher, someone who had been properly vetted by the world-renowned headmaster.

Dumbledore had to be well aware of her uncle's unfortunate condition and keeping it under wraps. If her parents knew about it they would no doubt remove her from Hogwarts without a second thought!

Rose could not have that.

"Indeed, Remus, you mustn't downplay your role in Miss Potter's heart," came Dumbledore's voice as he strode over to them. "However, I must regretfully ask that this be kept quiet from the rest of the students and, most importantly, Harry."

"What? Why?!" Rose demanded a little too hotly earning herself a quick glare and mental reprehension from Isabella. "He's our uncle, sir," she added softly in an effort to excuse and explain her previous tone while showing respect to the headmaster.

"Rosie, it's alright," said Uncle Remus placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Professor Dumbledore and I have already agreed that this is the best for Harry and yourself."

"What?" she replied incredulously before she could stop herself. Her brows furrowed as she was unable to hide the anger and injustice she felt at her life continuously being controlled with rules and lies set up by others who supposedly knew best. "You're family, why can't he know you as such?"

'ENOUGH!' She heard her parents mentally object both equally mortified at her challenging attitude towards her new headmaster.

Before her uncle could answer Dumbledore interjected, "Miss Potter, it is simply too much of a risk. Your brother is a very bright and curious young man, I have no doubt that if he were to know it would only be a matter of time before he discovers the connection your late father and uncle had with Sirius Black."

The atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted to much more seriousness at the mention of her godfather's name and Rose could not bring herself to argue back while knowing Dumbledore was right. Harry could not know that his new professor was their uncle for the same reasons he could not know that Sirius Black was their godfather. His emotionally driven, ill-thought-of actions would surely get him killed and their uncle fired or worse! No, Rose could not risk losing her family again.

"I can assure you, Dumbledore, that Black will be caught and sent back to Azkaban in no time," her father spoke out. "Every Auror, dementor, bounty hunter, and Hit Squad are out looking for him including a hundred recently graduated cadets."

"I do not doubt that the Ministry is making every effort to find Black, Ambassador," Dumbledore agreed. "But while Black remains at large he remains a great threat, particularly to Harry."

"I understand," Rose replied softly, masking the pain she felt at her defeat. "I'm sorry, Headmaster," she then added to smooth over the atmosphere and their perception of her, particularly the other professors who were forming their own opinions on the situation unfolding before them. "I just wanted Harry to know what it's like to have a family like I have been fortunate to have. He's so lonely, sir, and unfortunately, our aunt and her family leave a lot to be desired."

For a split second, Rose could swear she saw a small glint of sadness or perhaps guilt in the headmaster's twinkling blue eyes but it quickly vanished to be replaced with a comforting and gentle expression, "He has you now, Miss Potter." He replied simply. "You and his close friends, Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger. Between the three of you, I'd say Mr. Potter is a very lucky young man."

Lucky?! She wanted to shout back as Harry's memories of the Dursleys came swirling into her mind but she held her tongue although she could swear the old headmaster knew this from the look he was giving her.

A forced smile spread across her face, "Of course, headmaster."

Dumbledore's eyes lingered on her own for an eternal and silent second as if he was searching for something and for a very quick second she felt a foreign presence entering her mind but it withdrew immediately. Had the headmaster just attempted Legilimency on her?!

"Let's meet the rest of your professors," he said simply, redirecting them back to face the line of teachers.

Uncle Remus stepped silently back into his spot next to the sour-looking wizard in all black at the end of the line as Rose and the Vegas strolled over to the opposite end where Dumbledore stood.

"This is Professor Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress, Head of Gryffindor, and your Transfigurations Professor."

Although the witch appeared very stern and uptight, a warm smile quickly appeared on her weathered face and her thoughts already held a fondness for Rose.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Potter," Professor McGonagall said politely, her eyes roaming over the younger girl's face admiring, as all do, the resemblance to her mother.

"It's like seeing dear Lily again," the Transfiguration Professor added, her eyes glistening slightly. "I hope to see you in Gryffindor Tower tonight."

Rose smiled feeling a fondness beginning to grow, "I hope to be so lucky!"

Down the line they went, meeting and exchanging pleasantries with all the professors and staff, many of them stopping to briefly express their delight at having Rose join Hogwarts as well as their hopes to have her in their preferred House.

"I do hope the hat considers Hufflepuff," expressed Professor Sprout. "We've had many extraordinary potioneers and alchemists as part of my House for centuries!"

"I'm holding out hope for Ravenclaw!" Professor Flitwick piped up excitedly when they had stopped with him. "We've had many fine duelists there and Minnie simply can't continue to hog all the Potters!"

Finally, they reached the end of the line, stopping in front of the sour-looking, pale wizard in large black robes that concealed every inch of him except for his face and hands.

'This must be Professor Snape,' Rose thought nervously as she looked up into his dark eyes. He did not look back at her instead he stared straight ahead wearing an irritated expression as if he wanted nothing more in the world than to not be there.

"Lastly," began Dumbledore. "This is your new Potions Master, Professor Severus Snape."

Unlike the other professors, Severus Snape did not step forward to greet her or shake her hand. On the contrary, he remained still and Rose sensed that he would not appreciate it if she got closer so she stood in her spot in front of his towering form. His bottomless dark eyes briefly peered down at her over his incredibly hooked nose and, like Dumbledore, his mind was completely silent, too silent in fact. There was nothing not even the slightest flicker of emotions to decipher.

A slight sneer formed on his pallid face and it took all control from Rose to not appear offended at the professor's blatant rudeness and lack of common courtesy. She had expected more from someone associated so closely with the elite Malfoy family.

Sure, taking time before the big school feast to meet a new student and her family was surely a waste of time but he could at least pretend!

"Miss...Potter," is all he said as a form of acknowledgment before quickly reverting his eyes upward to her parents. However, Rose did not miss the way he had said her name, almost as if it left an awful taste in his mouth.

"Ambassador Vega, Mrs. Vega, it's a pleasure to meet you all."

"Ah, the infamous Professor Snape!" exclaimed Rodrigo much to the professor's sudden confusion. "Lucius and Narcissa have told us much about you," he went on to explain.

"They speak very highly of you," interjected Isabella, giving the man one of her dazzling smiles. "Rosie's very excited about starting your class!"

Instead of a smile, as most people would do at hearing praise, Professor Snape's face remained expressionless, although his thin lips stretched into a line that left Rose wondering if this man ever smiled or knew how! Regardless, he said nothing opting only to give a short nod.

"Very well now," said Dumbledore drawing their attention away from the Potion Master. "The first wave of carriages has arrived, I suggest we begin making our way to the Great Hall as I'm sure you are looking forward to your sorting."

Rose nodded ignoring the acceleration of her heart as the moment she had been waiting and slightly dreading drew closer. She turned to her parents and without hesitation hugged her mother tightly. Isabella's arms encircled her form as she brought the young witch closer to her body sending a very calming effect over Rose, the kind of calming effect only a mother is capable of giving.

"Te amo," Rose said simply feeling Isabella gently stroke her hair.

"I love you too, corazon," Isabella replied back kissing the top of her head.

Rose let go to turn to her father, immediately embracing him as she had done to Isabella.

"Be good, Rosie," He said softly into her ear. "I love you."

"I love you too, dad."

A blanket of guilt and regret suddenly fell upon the room that was coming from the direction of where her uncle stood. Had he found it offensive that she had called someone else 'dad' in front of him? However, the feeling quickly vanished and when she focused on his mind it was only thinking of how fortunate she had been to find the Vegas.

"We'll see each other soon for the Witches Debutante ball," Rodrigo went on to remind her.

Rose looked up at him and made a face much to his amusement, "Please have an escort picked out by then." He urged. 'Or your mother will lose it and I'll never hear the end of it!' He finished mentally.

She scrunched up her nose in annoyance but nodded nonetheless. Rodrigo then placed a kiss on her forehead before she let go to turn to the smiling Headmaster.

"Are you ready to join Hogwarts, Miss Potter?" Dumbledore asked.

Rose nodded,

"I've been ready, sir."