Anna sat in her usual spot in the Slytherin Dungeon, that is, in her armchair by the window with a mug of chocolate next to her, courtesy of the house elves. She was reading a book she had gotten for Christmas from the Notts, Curses for the Damned, which had a lot of useful information but not on the subject she wanted to read about right now. Sure, saying you're going to bring the most powerful dark lord of all time from the dead is a nice thing to say, but how in the name of Merlin was she supposed to do that? As a result, she had been reading all sorts of magic lately, to no avail. Frustration had been welling up in her stomach and her teeth hurt from clenching them for so long.

Draco knew what she was doing, he knew what was going on, and his heart was divided. On the one hand, he wanted to help Anna as much as he could, but he also didn't want to see her wear away in exhaustion. So he sat next to her and made sure to help her whenever she needed it. But he also tried to make her stop reading after eleven. It was eight and they had just gotten back from dinner, so he supposed it was alright.

At that moment, Theo walked in and sat in the chair next to Anna. He had been getting pretty chummy with her lately, Draco realised, he had even asked her for a tour of the Manor at the christmas party, just them. As if he hadn't been at the Manor half a hundred times already! Draco shook his head and kept working on his charms homework, which by some miraculous feat, Anna had already finished.

"Evening." Theo said.

Anna looked up at him and offered a small smile.

"What are you doing?"

"Research."

"On who?"

"You know who."

"Oh. But that's a curse book."

"I know, I'm researching-" She broke off and looked around them. "On how he could come back, theoretically speaking."

Theo looked at her for a second before nodding. He didn't seem to think it was such a good idea, which, Draco had to admit, neither did he. But Theo started reading over her shoulder and was about to say something when Pansy entered the picture.

"Still studying? Connors, you're such a bookworm. Next thing we know you'll be Granger's long lost sister or something." She snickered, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "A know-it-all mudblood, just like her."

"Take that back, Pansy." Draco growled, but even as Pansy turned to him, blushing in anger, Anna closed her book and stood up.

"I'm going to the library, they'll probably have some more useful background information there. Goodnight." And with that she left, ignoring the stunned look on both boys' faces.

Over the next few days, Anna went to the library and devoured all the books she could find which had any information on the last wizarding war. Unfortunately, most of the information was about the Death Eaters and the saviour and not on the Dark Lord himself. They didn't even mention his real name! Of course, she knew what his real name was -it hadn't been difficult to connect Tom Riddle's memories to the fact that she had some of the Dark Lord's magic inside her- but that didn't mean that she wasn't disappointed at the woefully little information available about the man. Though what she did find was incredibly interesting. All of what he did was terrible, sure she agreed with his point of view, but she had to admit that a lot of it was inhumane, but it was all great. He was such a skilled wizard, so powerful and so talented, her own magic was nothing compared to it, though she had tried many curses at the Manor and aunt Narcissa had said she was very good. Obviously that was only because of his magic, by herself she would be nothing worth noticing, she was sure.

There had also been a few tidbits of texts about her parents, most of it saying what terrible people they were. That had enraged her, they were only doing what they believed in after all. It was also what she believed in.

On the third day, Pansy was dragged in by Draco, Theo, Blaise and Daphne to apologise to her. The fear in her eyes as she looked at Anna had been palpable and it told her that Draco had told her about Anna's real identity.

"I- I apo-"

"Don't." Anna cut her off and closer her book. She stood up and walked to Pansy with and outstretched hand. "A clean slate will do, Pansy. I am not one to take insults lightly but I believe we can come to an understanding and... mutual respect."

Pansy's frozen face thawed and her lips curled into a cheshire-like grin. "What do you suggest, Anna?"

"I suggest that you keep an eye out over everything for me. I like to keep out of sight with a smile on my face."

"And for me?"

"Protection."

Pansy grabbed Anna's hand and shook it. "Deal."

Anna smiled and took her seat back, opening her book and finding her page again. "You can stay if you like, I don't mind."

That was how Anna came to have a tentative camaraderie with Pansy. Though they didn't spend much time together, they were now civil towards each other and Anna didn't have to worry about not knowing what went on in the school. Knowing that was very important, particularly if you have secrets.

She mostly prefered to be alone when outside the dungeon, though. Draco and the rest of her friends were around her when in class, but like Theo, she also kept to herself. It was better, that way if they did anything bad, she would not be associated with whatever they did. Or at least, to a certain extent. It was widely known that what one Slytherin did, often counted for the rest of the house as well.

Anna was brought out of her musings by a loud crash, a few tables to her right.

"I had you looking in the wrong section! How could I have been so stupid?" Granger's voice sounded. "I checked this out a few weeks ago for a bit of light reading."

"This is light?" Weasley asked, and Anna begrudgingly agreed that it had sounded anything but light.

"Of course! Here it is! Nicholas Flamel is the founder of the Philosopher's Stone!" Granger sounded almost giddy now and her enthusiasm was contagious. Anna couldn't help but perk an ear.

"The what?" Potter and Weasley chorused.

"Honestly, don't you two read? The Philosopher's Stone is a legendary substance with astonishing powers. It will turn any metal into pure gold and produces the Elixir of life, which will make the drinker immortal."

Anna froze. Immortal?

"Immortal?" Weasley asked.

"It means you'll never die."

"I know what it means!" Weasley raised his voice, but Potter hushed him, which only served to make Anna even more curious.

"The only stone currently in existence belongs to Mr Nicholas Flamel, the noted alchemist, who last year celebrated his 665th birthday!" Granger paused. "That's what Fluffy's guarding on the 3rd floor. That's what's under the trap door... the Philosopher's stone!"

The third floor? Anna stood up and grabbed her books, almost running out of the library. A substance to make someone immortal, right here in the school? She shook her head, supposedly she had to bring her lord back from the dead, but her parents had not believed that he was dead. Was that just the ramblings of a pair of lunatics, or had it been true? All the books said he was dead, but was he truly? Was the strongest wizard of all time defeated by a mere toddler? Impossible, he had to be somewhere, hidden. If so, could this stone bring his strength back?

She rushed into her room and dropped all the books on her bed. The room looked like a war-zone, what with all the books and supplies scattered around, but she didn't really care. She turned around to rush into the common room when she caught sight of herself in a mirror. Her hair was jumping out at all angles, her skin was pale and her clothing was ruffled. It would not do to look like this. Even if most of the students didn't know it, she was Annabelle Lestrange, and she would look every bit the pureblood she was.

Hurriedly she combed her hair, washed her face and changed to a fresh dress and stockings before she headed to Draco. Smiling, she signaled that she was done and they all left for dinner, chatting away and, for once, she joined in.

Anna slid a black cloak over her shoulders and left her room, making sure nobody noticed her departure, and headed out of the dungeons. The way to the third floor wasn't long, but she took her time, making sure she was silent, making sure the paintings were asleep, making sure she didn't run into ghosts.

Unfortunately, she never realised that her older cousin had left the dungeons only shortly after her, trying to follow her but losing her in the dark after a few seconds. Luckily, or unluckily, he spotted three figures running over the field to a certain gate keeper's hut and followed them.

The door was locked. Obviously, she could easily open it, but she didn't know what was on the other side. The trio had said that something was guarding the stone, but 'Fluffy'? What the hell was that?

Sighing she lifted the wand. "Alohomora"

The door swung open with a low creaking sound that made shivers crawl up her spine. The room was completely dark and she couldn't see a thing, but she smelled something foul. Wet dog, maybe, but surely a dog wasn't much of a defence?

"Lumos" She whispered and a small dot of light formed at the end of her wand, illuminating a small portion of the room. A small twinge of pain passed through her head and she was forced to close her eyes, but she opened them up again as she heard something shift in place. There was a huge mass of black fur, curled up on the cold stone floor. Next to the blob was a tiny trap door, which was covered by a giant... tail? Her eyes widened as the mass of fur -Fluffy- started to move and raised its head. Or rather, heads.

Anna's blood ran cold as one of the three heads yawned, teeth as sharp and long as swords glinting in the scarce light, and a deep rumble echoed from its chest. She immediately cut off her magic from her wand, turning off the light. Though the sudden change only seemed to wake the beast up even more as she saw its silhouette move to a standing position. She didn't need any more invitation to turn around and run out of the room, swinging the door shut behind her.

"Colloportus!" She almost screamed, but kept herself in check as she let herself fall against the opposite wall, shivering and shaking at the wild sounds and harsh battering on the other side of the door. There she stayed for a while, hidden between the frightening statues, until the lights started to turn on.

Anna's heart stopped as she heard steps heading her way. She forced herself to keep her movements slow and she shifted to a corner, crouched and hidden as best as she could. She recognised Snape's figure as he stopped in front of the door, raising his lit up wand. He might have been a Death-Eater sometime ago, but now he was her teacher, and he would become suspicious if he saw her here. Anna closed her eyes and held her breath, hoping against hope that he wouldn't spot her.

And he didn't.

He left shortly after, completely in silence, and limping. She stayed were she was, recuperating from another great shock and trying to get her breathing and heart to slow down again. As soon as her knees stopped shaking, she stood up and headed back to the Slytherin Dungeon, only to freeze once more when she found Draco sitting in front of the fire place, a terrified look on his pale face.

"Draco?" She asked, standing next to him. "What's wrong?"

"I followed you out of here." He said, licking his lips. "But I lost you and... and I followed Potter and his friends."

"You did what?" Anna barked, sitting next to him.

"I was worried! You seemed off after dinner so when I heard you leave, I left after you."

Anna glared at him for a second before nodding. "Go on."

"They went to Hagrid's hut. They were talking about... about a stone or something, they said uncle Sev wanted to steal it but Hagrid said he was one of the people protecting it."

Anna sat and nodded.

"They said... they said 'Fluffy is not the only protection' or something like that, but then there was a noise and... and Hagrid took out a dragon egg from his cauldron. It hatched!" He looked at Anna with wide eyes. "There was a dragon on the school property, a baby one but still a dragon! I told MacGonagall and she put them in detention, but she also put me with them." He lowered his head, as if expecting chastisement, but when it didn't come he kept talking.

"Hagrid took us to the Forbidden Forest, I told them father wouldn't want me in there as it's very dangerous but they didn't listen. Then he... he said something had been attacking the unicorns and that we had to find out what so he split us up. I went with Potter and the dog, Granger and Weasley went with Hagrid."

Draco took a deep breath and Anna took this moment to place a hand on his shaking ones. "It was fine at first, just some scary noises and Potter being a Griffindork, but then... but then... there was a... a thing biting a unicorn. Drinking its blood." He finished in a whisper and he closed his eyes, trying to force the memories out.

Anna nodded and put her arms around him, something that had become common since they had told her they were family, and pressed him against her. "It's alright Draco. Whatever it is, it can't get here."

Draco nodded against her chest and she got up, pulling him with her. "We should go to bed. Come on."

He meekly followed her as she led him to his room and he tried to force a smile when she placed a soft good night kiss on his forehead, but the 'smile' slipped off when he entered his room. She knew that.

Anna went to her own room and closed the door softly. She changed into her sleep wear and laid down in her bed, her mind spinning a hundred miles an hour. Unicorn blood. Unicorn blood had magical properties. What was it? She racked her head, trying to remember. It had something to do with health. No, a unicorn was too pure to hunt down for just health, a curse would land on you. What could possibly have enough value that a person would accept a curse in exchange? And then it clicked. Life. Unicorn blood extends life in exchange for a curse. Whatever was drinking that creature's blood was desperate to extend it's life, one had to keep drinking blood to keep living so the blood must only be for a small period of time... so whoever it was must have something else in mind to extend it's life.

The stone.

Whoever was drinking the blood must be dark, no light witch or wizard would ever dream of attacking a unicorn. He or she must be severely wounded or dying and must want to live. The stone was this person's main objective, right? But they couldn't get to it because of Fluffy and -according to Hagrid- other protections.

Potter seemed to think that Snape wanted this stone, but it couldn't be him. He had been at the third floor but he made no move to enter. Plus, whoever wanted the stone was the same as who needed the blood, right? Snape was inside the castle when this... thing was hunting unicorns. It couldn't be him. It had to be someone else. The question was, who?

The person had to have dark magic. Her magical core had an affinity for dark magic. Of course since she now drank that potion she couldn't feel it as well, but she must have felt it at the beginning of the school year. She must have.

Anna sat up and stared into the darkness. Who had been using dark magic? She must have sensed it, noticed it, right? She must have.

Anna got out of bed and started pacing her room, careful not to tip over any stacks of books laying around on the ground. Her footsteps were soft over the carpet but even then her mind was occupied elsewhere. Anna thought about every second she had been here. Had she felt something off about anyone? Had anyone seemed suspicious? A small cry of frustration ripped out of her throat but it froze as she recalled something. Something small at the feast at the begining of the school year. Her sorting. As she walked up, something had hurt. It had felt as if a knife had been lodged in her stomach.

That's not how dark magic felt. At the Manor she had felt the dark magic that uncle Lucius had used. It felt like something pulled her attention, it didn't hurt. She just... noticed it all of a sudden. So why did it hurt? Why did Quirrell's presence hurt? She remembered that she had become weary of him the first few weeks, she had sat as far back as she could. The pain she felt around him had only grown as her headaches grew but then it had disappeared. When?

The day she had that memory of the trophy. Tom Riddle at the trophy room. She had just left the Defence class room, but when she was leaving the pain coming from him had decreased but her headache had increased. She didn't remember what happened inside the room, though. How was that possible? It wasn't, was it? Her headaches only grew when around magic, someone must have... cast... a... spell... on... her...? Maybe. But hadn't uncle Lucius said that only the Dark Lord could do anything about her headaches? He had and so had Madam Pomfrey. But her headaches hadn't gone, the pain around Quirrell had diminished.

Didn't that mean that something had been done about her pain? Something had been changed. But not all of it. The only one that could change it was the Dark Lord... right? But if it had been him, why hadn't he done the whole ritual? If he didn't have enough power... If he was wounded. If he was dying he wouldn't have been able to.

Did that mean that Quirrell... was the Dark Lord? No, it couldn't. Anyone would have recognised him, Dumbledore, Snape, anyone. But... Quirrell had something to do with him. The Dark Lord wanted the stone, and Quirrell had something to do with the Dark Lord. But what?

A strangled cry escaped her throat and she let herself fall on her bed, where she promptly fell asleep.