A huge shout out needs to go to out to the following for leaving such lovely reviews on the last chapter: ColdOnePaul, Guest reader, CygnusRift, stubs1101, aandm20, 1991, d'elfe, and pineapple-pancake. You guys are awesome!

Here is the next chapter - I hope you enjoy it :)

Lauren hastily made her way back to her dorm. The castle was now starting to bustle with activity as students made their way down to the Great Hall for breakfast, their laughter and excitement bouncing against the stone halls. Lauren steadfastly ignored the startled stares and hushed whispers that followed in her wake as she as she walked by, determinedly making her way back to her dorm room while clutching her wand box tight to her chest.

Outwardly she portrayed the perfect picture of calm and indifference, but the reality was that her situation was fast becoming very real, crashing down on her like a crushing wave. She was now, for all purposes, a student and stuck in Hogwarts. There was no escape.

She had to fight the irrational urge to sprint out the front gates and never return. But what good would that do? She would still be stuck in a world she didn't know without any way to return to her own world. And then there was still the fact that she was an eleven-year-old. All she could do was hope that Dumbledore soon found a solution to get her out of this nightmare.

He'd better hurry up, she thought mulishly as she quickened her pace. I don't know how much more of this I can endure.

By the time she entered the Slytherin Common Room, it was mostly deserted, with only a handful of stragglers who had overslept hastening to get to the Great Hall. She wasted no time and headed straight to her dorm room to grab her backpack and supplies, her actions lacking enthusiasm at the prospect of beginning her new life as a student all over again.

When she entered the room, she immediately noticed that one of her dorm mates was there - a young witch with dark brown hair that was cut into a blunt bob that brushed against her small shoulders. She had her backpack slung over her shoulders and looked as though she had been just about to leave when Lauren entered.

"Oh! Sorry," Lauren mumbled. "I was just going to get dressed and grab my stuff before heading down to breakfast," she stated, unsure as to why she was offering an explanation to the young girl.

"I…can wait for you," the girl said timidly. "If you want." She paused, and then added, "I'm Tracey by the way. Tracey Davis."

Lauren was caught by surprise at her offer, and as she stared at her she couldn't remember Tracey being of any significance in any of the movies or books. Her name didn't ring a bell.

She can't be part of Pansy Parkinson's gang then, Lauren thought, somewhat relieved. She had no desire to have any association with those bullies if she could help it.

"Nice to meet you Tracey, but you don't have to wait for me. You'll be late for breakfast," Lauren said, deciding that Tracey might not be so bad after all.

The young girl looked unsure of herself as she glanced at the door and then back at Lauren. Lauren realized that she looked rather lost and had probably offered the invitation more for herself than for Lauren. Lauren could relate, being the social outcast herself as a child. Making friends had never been easy for her, and she felt a pang of sympathy for the other girl. Though, she did wonder why the others hadn't waited for Tracey. She was, after all, a Slytherin.

Maybe it's something else…

"But I would appreciate the company," Lauren continued. "I'll be quick. Promise."

Tracey gave her a solemn nod, though Lauren glimpsed a flash of relief in her chocolate brown eyes.

"I'm Lauren," Lauren stated absently as she took a quick glance at her timetable and then packed the required textbooks she would need for her lessons today. She noted with disappointment that the Slytherin's had no Potion lessons today, though tomorrow would be a double session with the Gryffindors.

"Yes, I was there when Professor Snape introduced you last night."

"Oh, right," Lauren replied, flushing embarrassedly at her faux pas. She hurriedly dressed in the Hogwarts school uniform, flinging her robes over them. Zipping up her backpack, she joined Tracey at the door, pocketing her newly purchased wand in the process. She glanced up to see Tracey watching her, curiosity burning brightly in those solemn eyes.

"Is that where you were? Getting your wand?" she enquired.

Lauren nodded. "Yes. Professor Snape took me."

Tracey didn't seem surprised by this piece of information, or maybe she didn't think it important. "The other girls were wondering where you had disappeared to this morning."

"Why didn't they wait for you?" Lauren asked as they made their way to the Great Hall, climbing the winding staircase as fast as their short legs could take them.

Tracey ducked her head, her pale cheeks flushing. Her body language screamed of discomfiture and Lauren frowned, sure she was missing something vital.

"What's wrong, Tracey?" she asked gently, hoping to coax the girl into revealing what was troubling her.

Tracey drew in a deep breath through her nose and exhaled before meeting Lauren's enquiring gaze, her features pinched in a manner that suggested that what she was about to reveal wasn't exactly pleasant. "I'm a half-blood."

Lauren blinked. Then she blinked again, wondering why, of all the things she had imagined to be wrong, this was the thing that was causing Tracey the most distress. "So?"

Tracey frowned at the offhanded remark. "Most Slytherin's are pure-blood, Lauren."

"Most, but not all," Lauren pointed out.

"You don't understand. Even though half-bloods are accepted amongst Slytherins, we'll never be considered pure enough."

What a load of hogwash!

"But you're still good enough to be part of the club."

"Maybe, but Millicent, Daphne and Pansy are all pure-blood," Tracey remarked bitterly.

The penny dropped then. That's why the girls had not waited for Tracey. She wasn't pure enough for their gang.

"Does that make them any better than us?" Lauren asked, feeling righteous indignation on Tracey's behalf.

Tracey glanced sharply up at her, her eyes widening in surprise as she realized what Lauren had just said. "Does that mean you're not pure-blood?"

Oops. I wasn't supposed to reveal that. Snape is so going to skin me alive for my blunder.

"No idea," Lauren said with a casual shrug, covering her error with ease. "I grew up in a Muggle orphanage, but I have no idea if I'm pure-blood, half-blood or Muggle-born." She stared straight ahead as she spoke, but then glanced back at Tracey. "Does that bother you?"

Tracey regarded her; her expression unnervingly serious. Finally, after deliberation, she asked, "Does it bother you that I'm half-blood?"

"Nope," Lauren immediately replied. What bothers me is that I'm making friends with an eleven-year-old girl. How did my life come to this?

Tracey gave Lauren a small, tight-lipped smile, but even though guarded, this gesture was genuine. "Then it does not bother me what your blood status is."

Lauren grinned back at her, though inwardly she was disconcerted at how serious this girl was. It wasn't right for a child so young to be so somber and uptight.

I'll sort that out soon enough. I'll have her swearing like a sailor in no time…if I can ever lift this blasted spell Dumbledore put on me!

Her anger swelled to epic proportions once again at what the Headmaster had done. Swearing was second nature to her; an outlet for all her pent-up emotions and anger. Dumbledore may have had good intentions taking that away, but it had only served to piss her off. And a pissed off Lauren was not a good thing. Though, knowing Dumbledore, he would only find her ire amusing.

"Hey, you wouldn't happen to know how to lift a spell that prevents someone from swearing?" she asked casually.

Tracey chewed on her inner cheek as she thought about the question. "No, sorry. Why do you ask?"

Lauren sighed. "Dumbledore cast a spell that prevents me from using bad words."

Tracey pressed her lips together, and Lauren had the impression that she was trying not to laugh at the sullen look that was surely fixed on Lauren's face. It wasn't long before a giggle escaped her lips.

What was that phrase Severus used? Oh yes…Impudent girl! Lauren thought to herself, though without heat. Now Lauren, that's no way to make friends, her rare voice of reason reminded her, even as she begrudgingly smiled along with Tracey.

Soon they reached the doors of the Great Hall. Both girls paused, and glanced at each other, Tracey looking at her with a certain sense of trepidation and nervousness. Lauren was sure she had a look of someone resigned to their fate.

Might as well get it over with.

Talking Tracey by the elbow, she guided the other girl into the crowded room.

As they made their way to the Slytherin table, it was unsurprising that the stares and whispers she had encountered earlier on had started up again. Lauren put a mask firmly in place, acting unperturbed as she walked to her destination.

What is that saying? Act like you belong and nobody will notice you…Lauren repeated this mantra to herself as she marched with purpose to the Slytherin, Tracey in tow. Well, I think that saying is bullshit! They're all still staring at me. Oh well.

Having gone through High School once before already, Lauren had perfected the art of ignoring the whispers and looks that followed her, and this time was no different.

Surprisingly, the Slytherins gave her warm welcoming smiles at their approach, and Lauren thanked her lucky stars that Snape's little speech from last night had made a difference in their attitude towards her. If it weren't for him who knows what her welcome would have been like. Probably full of unmasked suspicion.

There were two spaces available, regrettably, right next to Draco and his shadows, Crabbe and Goyle.

Lauren settled down next to the blonde boy, Tracey sitting on the other side of her, and she wasted no time dishing up some eggs, toast and sausages onto her plate, before pouring up a generous cup of tea in an attempt to rejuvenate her fatigued body. Draco, thankfully, barely took notice of her, as he was busy conversing with his two compatriots in earnest whispers.

Taking an appreciative sip of the hot infusing beverage, Lauren chanced a glance up at the Head Table, her eyes automatically drawn to the dark figure of Severus Snape. He was buttering a slice of toast. He must have sensed that she was watching him, for he slowly lifted his gaze to lock eyes with hers. He arched a brow in a silent enquiry, his dark eyes boring right into the darkest recesses of her soul. It was a haughty gesture meant to unnerve her, and it was working.

Lauren was about to look away from his penetrating gaze, but her attention was caught by the person sitting beside the Potion Master – Professor Quirrell. Her whole body froze when she realized that he, too, was watching her with a shrewd and calculating look writ on his features. It was an expression that made the very blood in Lauren's veins run cold.

The last thing she needed was to come to the attention of none other than the monstrosity leeched onto the back of the Professor's head, hidden under that garish turban.

I'm going to need to keep a low profile, she thought as a chill raced down her spine. Do not get involved in events and do not draw attention to yourself. The last thing I need is Voldemort's interest centered on me…

She tore her gaze away and glanced back at Snape, who was now frowning at her. He must have glimpsed some of her anxiety, for he slowly turned his head and surreptitiously regarded Professor Quirrell, who was still watching her. Then he turned his attention back to her, a brow arched ever so delicately in silent question. Lauren swallowed hard and gave an imperceptible nod of her head. An unreadable mask fell over his features like a veil, but Lauren knew that he was now suspicious of Quirrell and would be on his guard from here on out.

Good.

"Just look at him," Draco's hissed beside her side, snapping her out of the moment. She glanced over at Draco, who was glaring daggers in the direction of the Gryffindor table. Lauren didn't need to be psychic to know that Draco was referring to none other than Harry Potter. "He thinks he's so special. What's so special about him? Nothing. Absolutely nothing!" he snarled.

Lauren looked over at the Gryffindor table and saw that Harry and Ron were conversing together like two regular boys. The bushy haired Hermione was sitting further down the table from the duo, having not been included into the friendship just yet.

Lauren turned her attention back to Draco, startled at the venomous look contorting his features into an ugly mask.

He's jealous. Draco is jealous of Harry, she realized with a start. Interesting. Draco comes from wealth and prestige, and has everything a young boy could possibly wish for. Yet here he is, acting all resentful.

Draco turned his head and caught her staring at him.

"What do you think, Ward?" he suddenly asked, his tone lacking the usual snarky bite that he seemed to reserve just for Harry. Instead, he seemed genuinely interested in her opinion.

Lauren wanted to tell him he was acting like a slimy little git, but wisely held her tongue, which was a miracle in itself. Draco was not someone she wanted to get on the wrong side of, even though she didn't particularly like him.

I need to play this like a Slytherin.

She gave a nonchalant shrug, turning back to her food. "I think you have nothing to worry about."

Draco's eyes narrowed into slits. "Who says I'm worried?"

Lauren suppressed her smirk. Oh yes, he's definitely worried. She bit into her toast and chewed thoughtfully before swallowing, thinking that it was a pity that she couldn't give in to the temptation to rile him up. Then, turning her attention once more to Draco, she answered. "What I'm trying to get at, Draco, is that Harry Potter is famous by name only. It will soon come to light that he possesses no real talent and his celebrity status will soon wear off when everyone realizes that. Give it a few weeks and he'll be a nobody."

Draco stared back at her for a moment and then he suddenly grinned at her, his white teeth flashing brilliantly. "I like you, Ward."

Well, I don't particularly like you, Ferret Boy, she thought, struggling to keep her features neutral. But I'm going to have to play nice.

Thankfully, she was saved from a response by the movement of students rising from their benches, getting ready for their first lesson of the day.

Standing, Lauren fished out her own timetable and inwardly groaned when she saw that her first subject for today was Defense Against the Dark Arts.

As she and Tracey exited the Great Hall, followed behind by Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle, Lauren glanced over her shoulder just before they reached the doors. She was disappointed to see that Severus was gone, as had all the other teachers.

I really need to talk to him about Quirrell. At least give him some sort of heads up. But if his suspicions are already aroused, then I'm sure he's going to be on guard. This thought comforted her somewhat as she headed to class, though she made it a priority to talk to him at the end of the day.

~oOo~

Defense Against the Dark Arts was dismal, in her opinion. Quirrell put on quite the act of being a nervous, jittery, stuttering Professor, but she had expected at least something more from his lessons at least. All he did was instruct them to read from their textbooks instead of teaching them anything practical or useful.

Lauren studiously took notes as she read, though she could feel his gaze trained on her the entire time. But whenever she glanced up, he was looking elsewhere, and she couldn't be sure if she had imagined it or not. Though instinct told her that she was not imagining it at all. Lauren didn't like it one bit and she determined to speak to Snape as soon as possible.

The rest of the lessons went by fairly well. McGonagall was strict, yet reasonably fair. Flitwick was quirky and proved to be quite a fun teacher. All-in-all, the lessons held her attention and Lauren found that she was rather enjoying being back at school. Well, Hogwarts school at least, learning magic. Surprisingly, she noted that she wasn't the only one struggling to cast simple spells and charms. All of them, including the Slytherins from pure-blood backgrounds were also having difficulty. That included Draco, much to her delight.

Maybe I will have a chance of succeeding at this, she thought, hope blooming in her heart.

By the time the last lesson of the day rolled around, though, she had a splitting headache, her adult mind no longer used to being back in student mode. It didn't help either that she had already been handed heaps of homework to trudge through. And those stairs…if only they would stop moving, determined to get them lost.

And those blasted dunderheads are still staring! She thought peevishly as she and Tracey passed yet another group of students pointedly staring at her, whispering conspiratorially amongst themselves.

As they descended to the dungeons, Lauren turned to Tracey.

"You go on. I just need to speak to Professor Snape for a moment."

"I can wait outside if you want," Tracey offered.

Lauren shook her head. "No, that's okay. I don't know how long this is going to take. I'll catch up with you and then we can tackle some of this homework together."

Tracey nodded in agreement and left. Lauren watched her leave, a sense of fondness already developing. Tracey wasn't all that bad and Lauren found she quite like the girl's quiet demeanor.

Lauren squared her tiny shoulders and made her way to the Potions classroom. The passageway was silent and devoid of any souls, unless you counted the ghost of the Bloody Baron floating by in silvery, luminous silence.

She paused before the door and then raised her hand, giving the wood a sharp knock. The sound echoed loudly and hollowly all around her.

"Enter," came the sharp command from the other side.

Lauren turned the handle and entered to classroom, finding Professor Snape seated at his desk and eyeing a vial of potion in his long-fingered hand, his obsidian eyes narrowed intently as he studied the liquid within. Lauren approached him, but he did not acknowledge her in the slightest. Finally he placed the vial back down on his desk and marked a grade next to a name written on a sheet of paper, the bright red ink looking vicious especially paired with his spidery handwriting.

"Miss Ward," he drawled, still not looking up at her as he wrote.

"Professor Snape," she greeted back. "Do you have time for a…private conversation?" she asked cryptically, hoping he would cotton on.

Snape lifted his gaze and eyed her before placing his quill back down on the desk. "How is your wand working out?" he enquired, sounding unnaturally conversational as he drew his wand from his sleeve and gave it a subtle flick, causing the door behind her to shut with a resounding bang. She guessed he had also cast a Muffliato Charm as well so their conversation wouldn't be overheard.

"Good so far. I halfway managed to turn a match into a needle, though the blasted thing caught fire," she replied, grimacing at the memory.

The corners of Severus' thin lips twitched ever so slightly and then he reverted back to his usual persona, which was prickly at best. "What brings you to my office, Miss Ward?" he asked in all seriousness now, steepling his fingers in front of him as he leaned back in his chair.

"Quirrell," she replied simply.

He regarded her a moment, his features remaining guarded.

"You know something." This was not a question.

"Yes."

"Then need I remind you that you have been warned to stay out of events and under no circumstance are you to interfere or reveal any pertinent information," Snape warned, his deep voice making her shiver. And not in a good way.

"I know that," she huffed, refraining from rolling her eyes at the fact that he would think her so stupid. "But he seems to have taken a particular interest in me."

"That reaction is to be expected considering your spectacular entrance into our midst last night."

This time Lauren did roll her eyes at him.

"Careful, Miss Ward," he said, his voice still even, but there was an undercurrent of danger to his words. "I will hex you so that you will be permanently crossed-eyed if you continue to roll your eyes at me."

"Well it's hard not to roll my eyes at you when you're being a particular dunderhead!"

"Twenty points from Slytherin for insolence." He leaned forward in his chair, clasping his hands in front of him on the desk. A menacing glint had entered those eyes and Lauren knew she was treading on thin ice with this mercurial man. But her temper was just as volatile as his and she couldn't seem to stop herself.

"I really couldn't give two sweet flying Flamingoes-" Lauren grimaced at the word Dumbledore had chosen to replace the words 'fuck'. Of course he would pick something ridiculous! Ignoring the smug smirk curling Snape's lips, Lauren barreled on. "…about the point system. I'm trying to stay out of everything and not change things, but it's kinda hard to do that when Quirrell's sights are now set on me." She gripped the edge of his desk as she ranted.

She could see by the condescending look now visible on Severus' face that he thought her claim absurd.

"Why aren't you taking me seriously?"

"It's hard to take you seriously when you're acting like a petulant…child," he sneered.

Lauren glared daggers at him.

"I'm not a child!" she hissed through clenched teeth. "And would you just take a minute to listen to my concerns, you Beetlejuice?!"

They glared at each other, the desk the only thing separating them.

Finally, Snape sighed and asked. "And which person was his sights supposed to be on?"

"Not a person. A thing," she replied.

This statement immediately had Snape's full attention and he sat up straighter in his chair, darkness shadowing his pale features.

Lauren waved her hand dismissively. "Yes. Yes. I know about the Philosopher's Stone and all the safeguards set in place. Safeguards that, coincidently, seem to be made specifically for a certain someone." She arched her brow disapprovingly at him before continuing. "By the way – nice riddle."

"Enough!" he shouted, his voice an ominous thunder cloud hovering over them. He pushed away from his desk and, standing to his full and formidable height, continued, "The Headmaster warned you about revealing anything -"

Lauren felt her temper flare and cut him off. "I'm not revealing anything you don't already know!"

His nostrils flared as he vainly tried to rein in his own temper. "Be that as that may, you running around and talking about these things is not wise. Do you want Dumbledore to Obliviate you?"

"At this point it wouldn't be such a bad idea. Then maybe I can forget that I'm an adult trapped in a child's body!" She drew in a deep breath and then muttered under her breath, "And maybe I can forget what an ass you really are!"

Snape's eyes narrowed. He had obviously heard her last statement. They glared at each other, both too stubborn and strong-willed to back down.

Oh, this is going to get us nowhere.

Lauren groaned in both frustration and defeat. "Fine, I'll say no more on it, but what do I do about Quirrell?"

"Nothing."

"Pardon? What do you mean nothing? What if he tries something –."

"I'll be keeping an eye on him," Snape interrupted, his tone even and controlled.

Lauren stared up at him, wondering if the Potion Master would be enough, especially considering who Quirrell really was.

As though reading her thoughts, Snape continued. "Try not to find yourself in a situation alone with him from now on. And don't draw any attention to yourself."

That didn't sound like much advice to Lauren, but she kept her thoughts to herself. There was only so much Snape could do. It's not like he would be able to follow her around all day to protect her, this she knew.

"Now get out. You have tried my patience enough already," he snapped.

Fine by me. I've had enough of you as well.

She turned on her heel to leave but stopped when a thought occurred to her. True, she was very angry with him at the moment, but that didn't mean she wanted anything to happen to him.

"Professor Snape?" she asked, glancing at him over her shoulder.

He stared back at her; his demeanor frosty. "What?"

"I know I'm not supposed to reveal anything concerning future events, but can I at least give you some advice?"

He calculatingly considered her request, and then gave a small nod of his head.

"Do not, under any circumstance, reveal your true allegiance." If Voldemort even had an inkling that Severus was on the side of Light, it would not bode well for him in the future when Snake Face returned to full power.

His expression remained unreadable, but she caught a flash of astonishment in those intelligent dark eyes. As fast as she had glimpsed it, though, it was immediately gone.

That is why he is the penultimate spy, she thought to herself. He reveals absolutely nothing.

"Very well. Now get out!" he ordered, flinging his arm out and pointing a finger towards the door. His patience with her had now run out.

Bristling by his abrupt attitude, Lauren huffed. "Fine! I'm leaving…Sir." Honestly, would it be so hard for him to show even a tiny bit of gratitude at my warning?

Evidently not, she thought bitterly as she slammed the door shut behind her and made her way back to the Slytherin Common Room, dreading the prospect of now having to tackle her mountain of homework in her current mood.

What did I do to deserve all this? She raged internally.

Suddenly the memory of hazy dark figure looming over her flooded her mind, its hand raised as though ready to strike. Lauren stuttered to a standstill, confusion and a spike of fear flooding her. But the more she tried the focus on the memory, the more it slipped out of focus, like trying to grasp at the curling tendrils of fog. And then it was gone as suddenly as it had appeared.

Shaking her head, Lauren continued walking. By the time she reached the Common Room, the memory had completely faded from her mind, forgotten as though it had never been.

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