The Green Flame Torch

Author's Notes: Don't you just hate cliffhangers? Oh BTW. . . did anyone notice that the last things Helga and Salazar said to each other were the same as to what Lilah and Nigel said in the observatory when Nigey passed out? Just thought I would point that out. J

Chapter 14: Rest In Peace

Lilah felt herself falling through the air, eyes closed, and shrieking. She knew it wasn't a dream. She was going to die. Then she felt her body stall in the air, then fall again right into someone's arms. She gripped tightly onto the person as they tried to calm her down. But their voice was drowned out by her hysterical sobs. She buried her face in their chest and felt the long flowing hair in the back, realizing it was Rowena Ravenclaw. Suddenly Lilah's eyes opened and she was slowly descending to the ground, but in Dumbledore's arms. Lilah heard some yells from above and looked up to see Draco and Nigel staring down at her, wands drawn. She shuddered in the realization of what had just transpired. Dumbledore set Lilah down on the dew-covered grass.

"Can you walk?" he asked.

"I think so," she breathed.

Dumbledore took her arm and escorted her back into the castle.

"Follow me," he said softly as they headed back to the observatory.

As they approached the dark staircase they heard rapid footsteps approaching. A very pale Nigel and Draco them. Lilah noticed Draco was grasping his blood-covered shoulder and looked to be in a large amount of pain.

"Is she all right?" Nigel asked gasping for breath.

"Yes, she's fine," said Dumbledore; "I was just on my way to retrieve you two. Now follow me."

Draco and Nigel walked behind Dumbledore and Lilah, silently.

"I saw how you two tried to catch her with Accio. Too bad it didn't retrieve her. But you did stall her. Good thinking," said Dumbledore with a smile still looking forward.

The boys said nothing, but Lilah could almost hear Draco smirk.

They arrived at Dumbledore's office, Lilah was helped into a seat and Draco and Nigel raced for the other one; Draco won. Dumbledore sat at his desk. Lilah saw Fawkes, his phoenix, sleeping on a perch.

"Now, I want you to tell me what happened," Dumbledore said as his eyes rested on Draco.

"Why is it always my fault?" Draco said in defense.

"Because it is your fault!" screeched Lilah.

Dumbledore faced his palm towards Lilah to silence her.

"Mr. Malfoy," he began again, "Just tell me what happened."

"Well, Lilah was having some nightmares," Draco drawled out, "Where she said a voice was trying to make her faithful and do things. Like jump out windows, for instance."

"Draco," Lilah hissed warningly.

Draco turned quickly towards her to say something then winced and gripped his shoulder tightly.

"Lilah was the only one who had these dreams?" asked Dumbledore staring intensely at Draco.

"Well, . . ." Draco stalled, "No. Every Slytherin has at least the first one. I tried to tell her to just do what it says, because then they go away! But, she didn't listen to me!"

"Who asks you to be faithful?" asked Dumbledore cautiously.

Draco said nothing but stared at the floor.

"Slytherin," said Lilah softly.

Dumbledore's eyes grew wide.

"It was Slytherin!" he said as if he suddenly understood.

Lilah nodded.

"Why hasn't anyone told me this before?" implored Dumbledore.

"They go away if you're a faithful Slytherin!" yelled Draco.

"And if not, he kills you," grumbled Nigel.

"What was that, Moon?" snapped Draco.

"Slytherin possesses students in their sleep. And Malfoy was helping him!" Lilah insisted, pointing to Draco.

Dumbledore looked at him, eyes narrowed.

"I didn't know it would go that far!" yelped Draco. "I tried to help! Ask Moon!"

"He did," sighed Nigel, he couldn't deny that Draco was the one who actually did the Accio charm.

"But, he was helping Slytherin from the beginning!" whined Lilah.

"Is this true?" Dumbledore asked Draco.

Draco hesitated then lowered his head and mumbled, "Yes. I'm sorry."

Dumbledore shook his head and sighed, "I will have to inform Professor Snape, Mr. Malfoy. Although you may not have intended it to go that far, it did, and almost cost Miss Snape her life. You will be punished accordingly. I fear that expulsion may be in order."

Draco's eyes grew wide.

"You can't!" he shrieked, jumping out of his chair causing him to grab his shoulder in pain again, "I'll...I'll tell my father!"

"He will find out either from me, if not you," said Dumbledore, "You can not play with dark magic and not expect to pay for it."

"I didn't know! Please, professor! I am really sorry!" pleaded Draco.

At this moment if Harry, Ron, and Hermione knew that Draco was pleading to the point of tears they would have been in Dumbledore's office in ten seconds. But, alas they were dealing with some problems of their own.

"I will have to think this over," Dumbledore sighed.

He thought for a moment then spoke again.

"I don't know what to do with that window. Salazar wished for everyone to be the same as Helga and he at it and they have. Ever since then, feuding lovers lured to the observatory have met tragedy. I've tried everything. I've tried to knock down that tower but it is impossible to destroy. And the ministry is unwilling to give us money to create another tower. The curse on it is too strong. Somehow it always finds a way to survive. We try to lock it up, close it off, but it finds its way open again. I gave up. It had been awhile since the last accident. Almost, fifty years. I guess I assumed too much to think that it was safe. I am sorry for that Miss Snape. Be sure I will make that a restricted part of the castle yet again. Also, I suppose we will have to exorcise the Slytherin house."

"But, wouldn't that get rid of the Bloody Baron?" asked Lilah, who really wasn't worried about the Baron, just curious.

"No, we would do an exorcism for a dybbuk, not a ghost. Be sure Salazar Slytherin is not an ordinary ghost," said Dumbledore.

Lilah suddenly remembered the play Athena had sent her. Why hadn't she read it? Athena was trying to help. Lilah was beginning to feel more and more stupid as the conversation continued.

"Dybbuk's can possess people. It means `to cling to' in Hebrew," continued Dumbledore, "A spirit has to choose to be a dybbuk when it dies. The Bloody Baron is just a ghost. Isn't that right?"

Lilah shivered as the Bloody Baron walked through the wall.

"What is he doing here?" asked Lilah.

"I want you three to meet Bron Hufflepuff," said Dumbledore.

The Bloody Baron looked down solemnly at Lilah and Nigel.

"You're Helga's brother?" gasped Nigel.

He nodded stiffly.

"But, you're not a Baron. And you're a Hufflepuff. Why are you the Slytherin house ghost?" inquired Draco.

"Since my death I have been doomed to walk the grounds of this school," the Bloody Baron lamented in his deep hollow voice. "At first they just called me Bloody Bron or The Bloody Prince. Eventually it became The Bloody Baron. The living are so odd that way. I guess it has a better ring to it."

Nigel looked closely and saw in those dark melancholy eyes the remnants of the beloved brother of Helga.

"What happened to you? If you don't mind me asking," implored Nigel.

"Slytherin killed me. I attacked him after he killed my sister and thought I knocked him unconscious. I ran down to her body after throwing Slytherin's wand out that window. Slytherin followed me, grabbed his wand off the ground and killed me as she was in my arms."

"So, that blood is hers?" asked Lilah pointing to the Baron's tunic.

He nodded.

"I am the house ghost because I always had the feeling Slytherin would come back. I never could prove he did until now."

"Bron was the one who informed me about your interest in the torch first, Miss Snape. He would always sit next to you and Mr. Malfoy while you ate, listening to your discussions," added Dumbledore.

"He did!" gasped Lilah. "Did you write that note?"

The Baron nodded his stern face. He looked over at Nigel and contorted his face into what should have been a smile.

"I am glad history did not repeat itself," said the Baron. "If I am not needed any further I'd like to withdraw now."

Dumbledore nodded to him and the Baron went back through the wall. Nigel watched him leave wishing he had stayed longer.

"Professor Lupin also showed some concern for Lilah because he said she dreamt about basilisks. Also, Professor Binns told me that you had been asking him questions concerning The Green Flame Torch."

"Why did he tell you?" asked Draco.

"Because the last time he was questioned about something supposedly mythological from the school's past, it ended up being true."

"He doesn't think it exists?" asked Lilah.

"No. He is a man who believes things on facts, not theories. Where did you find out about it?" asked Dumbledore

Lilah looked nervously at Nigel.

"From our dreams," answered Nigel for her.

"All three of you had dreams about it?" asked Dumbledore astonished.

"Well, only me and Nigel," mumbled Lilah, "I told Malfoy about it."

"Oh," said Dumbledore glancing over at Draco.

He stood up and grabbed some Floo Powder from a pot and threw it on his fire. "Poppy come here please."

Soon Madam Pomfrey appeared in the fire and stepped out. "Yes Professor?" she asked.

"I will be sending Mr. Moon and Ms. Snape with you in a moment. All of these children have been plagued with sleepless nights do to nightmares and it seems that Miss Snape here was suffering from a typical case of possession," Dumbledore said.

Madam Pomfrey ogled in shock at Lilah.

"However, Mr. Malfoy has a gash on his shoulder that needs tending, so please take him now," added Dumbledore.

Draco got up slowly, gripping his wounded shoulder; he looked back morosely at Lilah, then stepped in the fire.

"Now, tell me about this dream with the torch," beseeched Dumbledore sitting back down.

Nigel looked at Lilah and understood from her expression that she didn't want to start. So he did. He told everything about the torch and Helga.

"You both had dreams about it. Interesting," contemplated Dumbledore.

"Well, I don't know about Lily, but it seemed like Helga's entire life was shown to me. How was it with you?" Nigel asked Lilah.

Lilah shrugged her shoulders.

"Just a bunch of voices telling me to be faithful or find the torch," she mumbled.

"So that is how you knew Miss Snape was in danger? Because of your dreams?" asked Dumbledore.

Nigel nodded, "Yes, when Helga fell in my dream, I woke up. Then I ran to the observatory. I knew it would happen to Lilah because Helga told me."

"I concluded as much myself," said Dumbledore.

Lilah and Nigel gawked at him.

"How?" gasped Lilah.

"You see I know this tale of Helga and the torch. I assumed since Lilah was sleep walking and asking about the torch, that something was getting a hold of her. I just didn't know if it was Salazar exactly. You may have gathered that he was driven to madness by jealousy. I don't believe that his true concern was the torch at all. That is why we didn't know. It sounded more like Morgan Le Fae then her son."

"Slytherin didn't really want the torch?" asked Nigel confused.

"Maybe he thought he did," said Dumbledore, "You do know about Myrddin right?"

The two children nodded.

"You see he was pushed by his mother to the breaking point. All he wanted was Helga, his mother made him think he wanted the torch," sighed Dumbledore.

Lilah hesitated and then told Professor Dumbledore who Salazar thought she was. Dumbledore seemed quite disturbed by this.

"His mother," he repeated to himself.

Nigel stared confused at Lilah.

"He would talk to me a if I was myself and then all of a sudden call me his mother. It was as if this whole thing was a game. That he never wanted the torch, like you said. He just wanted his mother, I guess me, to be tortured," said Lilah.

"Miss Snape, do remember you were dealing with a mentally disturbed young man. But, I do not doubt that you may resemble Morgan La Fae, being that you have tanned skin and have dark hair, but . . ." Dumbledore trailed off in his thoughts."These Slytherin's and their mothers," he sighed to himself.

"Professor?" asked Lilah trying to gain his attention again, "Am I his mother or not?"

"Oh," said Dumbledore looking up, "Well, Miss Snape, you very well may be a reincarnation of her. Maybe."

Lilah thought for a moment, not happy with this prospect.

"Anyway, as I was saying before, we were all concerned for you Miss Snape," continued Dumbledore, "I asked your uncle to go by the observatory window tonight being that it was the same night Helga died on a broomstick to see if history would repeat itself. However, I couldn't find him, so I did it myself."

Dumbledore sat deep in thought for a moment and said nothing.

"Professor," Lilah said, " My dreams were actually a lot different from Nigel's."

"How so?"

Then Lilah, slowly, told Dumbledore about Godric Gryffindor's intervention in her dreams.

"Puzzling," said Dumbledore, "I doubt Gryffindor is a dybbuk haunting the Slytherin's as well."

He looked at Lilah for a moment.

" Maybe," he said, "Gryffindor wanted to help you because he couldn't save Helga or his son before."

"But, Ravenclaw caught me in my dream," baffled Lilah; "I'm confused."

"Ravenclaw didn't do anything of the sort," sighed Dumbledore as he got up and began to look through the shelves in his office. "Helga fell to her death. After that Slytherin made it look like a double suicide with Bron and Helga. Rowena who loved him like a son couldn't bear to think he did it and so believed him, despite her heightened divinating skills. Godric returned after hiding the children to find Salazar there with Rowena. They fought and Godric forced Salazar out of the castle. Salazar vowed never to trust muggles when he was younger because of his father. He later had changed his mind, having fallen in love with one, but because of Myrddin and Morgan he was led to distrust muggles again. He left the castle crazed from killing his beloved Helga. Plus, being chucked out of his home by a man he thought of as his father, and the knowledge that the sangrael, his own creation, brought this upon him. He went to face King Arthur in Camlann in the Salisbury Plains, and the rest is history."

"What do you mean the sangrael brought it upon him?" asked Lilah.

"Well Helga wished for them to end up together at the window. And sadly enough they did, just not in the way they would have liked," sighed Dumbledore.

"So, if the sangrael was working then," began Nigel, "Then Salazar really did curse his family and himself."

Dumbledore nodded.

"Yes, the whole line is cursed. Only until someone makes a wish to break the curse in a way that can't be twisted by the sangrael, will the family be saved. As we have seen Voldemort carried that burden with him all his life," mumbled Dumbledore.

Nigel and Lilah shivered at the name.

"He didn't have any children did he?" Lilah hoped.

"No," Dumbledore answered, "He had none of his own."

Dumbledore stood still for a moment puzzled. He looked at Lilah then Nigel and went about searching again.

After awhile Dumbledore huffed, "Oh where is it?"

"What professor?" asked Nigel.

"My talisman, it is bright blue, with a shooting star going through it. Mr. Moon could you look over there, for it," Dumbledore said pointing over to his shelves on the far left.

Nigel got up and began searching through many goblets, talismans, and other magical devices.

"What happened to the torch and the sangrael?" asked Lilah.

"Well, only the heir of Ravenclaw could tell you where the sangrael is. They are destined to protect it and keep it hidden from the heir of Slytherin. The torch was hidden by Rowena Ravenclaw," Dumbledore continued, picking up a large golden shield and a silver sword with rubies on it.

Nigel walked up to Dumbledore, "Can't find it."

"It's okay. Here, hold these," said Dumbledore handing Nigel the shield and sword.

"What else Professor? I know Rowena hid it," said Lilah urgently.

"Well, Morgan soon found out-"

Dumbledore was cut off by a sudden cry from Nigel. Lilah looked over and saw the shield glowing in Nigel's hand and giving off a low humming noise. Dumbledore turned too and had a great smile on his face.

"Don't worry, Mr. Moon. It just likes you," said Dumbledore as he took the shield and sword back and placed them on the desk. Then he went back looking through his belongings. Lilah leaned forward and examined the shield and sword, and noticed the sword had an inscription on it that read: Godric Gryffindor. Lilah reached her hand out to touch it. When Fawkes screeched and Lilah's attention was diverted to the phoenix that had something hanging from its mouth.

"You found it!" called out Dumbledore who went over to Fawkes and took the talisman.

"Here you are, Ms. Snape. A talisman against further possessions," Dumbledore said as he handed it to her.

Lilah took the small blue stone that was hanging around a thin gold chain. She looked at it carefully and saw a shooting star fly through it. She put it around her neck.

"Thank you," she said to a beaming Dumbledore.

"Well, I guess that's that. You'll be able to sleep tonight. And if not Madam Pomfrey I'm sure can fix you a sleeping potion. When I do find your uncle, we will take care of the Slytherin House. Until then I suggest you sleep in the hospital. Both of you," he said as he escorted them to the fire.

"Oh, but wait! What happened to the torch?" Lilah asked.

"Oh yes, well Morgan soon found out what a mistake having Salazar kill Helga was, because she didn't know that only Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Hufflepuff's family could retrieve the necklace off her neck. But, Godric had fled already with all the children. Believe me, she tried to take it off Helga's neck but was blasted away," he said with a proud smile.

"Where is the torch now?" asked Nigel.

"It was buried with Gryffindor. And yet again is destined to be hidden by the Heir of Ravenclaw," said Dumbledore.

"Now we just need someone to dig up a thousand year old dead guy." Moaned Lilah.

Dumbledore nodded, smiling.

"To bad we don't have a sort of Heirdar," sighed Nigel. "We just need to wait for the last person in their families to show themselves."

"Well, mind you that Gryffindor and Hufflepuff had their genes cross with Helga had Myrddin's child. And, the Ravenclaws crossed with the Slytherins, when Morgause bore Salazar's child. So the lineage is not the best way to tell. They are more or less chosen. Oddly enough however the Heir to Slytherin was indeed the last descendent to Salazar when he was chosen. But, they may not all be that cut and dry. Mind you Rowena and Godric had more then one child," said Dumbledore soberly.

Suddenly the flames were heightened and turned green. McGonagall stepped out of the flames.

"Sir you are needed immediately. They caught Black," she said sternly not noticing Lilah and Nigel.

Lilah looked nervously at Nigel who gulped.

"Yes, of course. Now you two go to the hospital, please," he said to Lilah and Nigel who took some Floo Powder and did what he asked.

Nigel and Lilah stepped into the fire and found themselves in Madam Pomfrey's office. It was filled with books and books on potions and remedies for every ache and pain. Lilah went into the hospital wing first followed by Nigel and a nervous Pomfrey greeted them. Lilah saw Harry lying motionless on a bed next to Hermione. Ron was unconscious across from them. She could almost make out some voices from outside the hospital; one was most certainly her uncle. Lilah was about to call to him when Madam Pomfrey hurried Nigel and Lilah over to the far side, where Draco was lying fast asleep.

"I gave him a special sleeping potion. It has an antidote for nightmares. There are two more draughts there," she said pointing to a nightstand that held two small cups of purplish potion.

Lilah looked back in Harry's direction, Hermione quickly looked up at her and hesitantly waved, then lay still again. Lilah lay down on a bed, between Draco and Nigel. Nigel smiled weakly at her as he reached for his cup.

"Eventful night, huh? Wonder why Harry and Hermione are in here?" he whispered.

"Maybe, it has to do with Sirius Black?" Lilah whispered back.

"You two must get some sleep," Madam Pomfrey scolded while holding a large block of chocolate.

Nigel brought the cup to his lips and drank; instantaneously he fell asleep. Madam Pomfrey began to pull a curtain around the three of them. Lilah reached for her potion and put it in her mouth but didn't swallow. Then pretended to fall asleep. This fooled Pomfrey, who soon left to aid Harry. Lilah spat the potion back in her cup. She heard a groggy voice, most definitely Harry's, begin to speak. Lilah slowly got out of her bed and snuck over to the edge of the curtain. As she did she felt her head rush and had to sit back down. Apparently just holding the potion in her mouth had some affect on her. She collected herself and headed for the curtain again. She gently pulled it back, and saw her uncle and Cornelius Fudge enter. Harry, Hermione, Fudge, and Snape began to talk rapidly to each other. Lilah could only catch a few words, but swore Harry said Black was innocent! She shook her head, apparently the potion also made you hear things. Then Dumbledore came in, asked everyone to leave, and sat down at the foot of Harry's bed. He spoke softly. Lilah was straining to hear their voices and to keep her eyes in focus. Damn potion! she thought as she yawned.

After a while Dumbledore left and locked the door. Lilah saw Hermione beckon Harry over to her and take out a necklace from inside her shirt. She then put the necklace around Harry and they disappeared. Lilah blinked, the potion was having a stronger effect on her then she would have wished. She looked at where Harry and Hermione were supposed to be, but they weren't there. She felt like going over to tell Pomfrey but didn't want to have to explain why she wasn't asleep. She started to head for her bed, thoroughly confused, when she heard the door open again. She went back to the curtain and saw Harry and Hermione run back in. Lilah shook her head again. She quickly went to her bed and sat down. She grabbed her potion. It must be hallucinations from lack of sleep, she thought. She chugged down the potion and immediately fell into a deep sleep.

* * *

The next morning Lilah awoke feeling extremely groggy. As her eyes focused on the curtains surrounding her she remembered the events of the previous night. She sat up quickly and looked around the hospital wing. Nigel was still asleep, but Draco's bed was empty. Lilah slowly made her way out of her bed and walked through the curtains surrounding her and Nigel. Hermione was up talking quietly with Harry on his bed. Ron was up as well, lying still, listening. Lilah felt an instant curiosity as to why they were there. Hermione looked over to Lilah and beckoned her over.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked.

Lilah was hesitant to answer as she walked up to Harry and Hermione. But, she knew it would be a game of give and take, if she wanted to know why on earth Hermione and Harry disappeared last night. She resolved that she would have to gain their trust by telling them what happened to her. So, she told them as clearly as she could make it. The whole situation still seemed so twisted in her still sleepy mind. All three were a very receptive audience and seemed to deal with the odd occurrences with great understanding, as if this sort of thing happened to them all the time. Lilah had no doubt her mind that it did.

"You actually flew out the window?" gasped Ron.

Lilah nodded, remembering the sickening sensation of weightlessness.

"Oh, man," chuckled Ron, "Malfoy is in for it now. No way in hell he is getting out of this one!"

"I wouldn't be so sure," grumbled Hermione, "You know his father."

Lilah looked over at Harry. He seemed to be brooding what she said in his head, or maybe not. She wanted to know what he was feeling. She stared deep into his soul and began to feel a great sense of loss. Something was taken from him, something he wanted back more then anything.

"Lilah? You there?" asked Hermione snapping Lilah out of her trance, "What were you doing?"

Lilah felt her cheeks blush realizing that she was just caught staring at Harry. Oddly for her though was this time it wasn't because she was admiring his looks. She knew she had to save face. So, she told them about her empathy. Harry seemed a little unnerved at the fact that she was channeling him.

"I don't mean to be rude," he sighed. "But could you promise not to do that unless I say you can first."

Lilah pursed her lips and nodded.

There was a moment of silence, but it was broken by a sluggish voice calling for Lilah.

"Nigel!" She called to the curtains. "I'm out here!"

Nigel came walking out from behind the curtains, eyes squinting and hair hanging in his eyes. Lilah was amazed how the same strands of his hair could hang constantly in the same way, even after a long night of sleep. He smiled awkwardly at everyone.

"So," he chuckled, "You lot have problems with windows too, last night?"

Hermione sighed and looked at Harry. Lilah had this feeling they wouldn't tell them anything, but she had to know.

"No," mumbled Lilah, "They were to busy disappearing into thin air."

Hermione's eyes grew wide.

"Lilah you saw that?" she shrieked.

"You can't tell a soul!" shouted Harry, "Especially your uncle!"

"Alright, but could you please explain to me how you did that?" asked Lilah.

Ron and Nigel were looking on intently wanting to know what was going on as well. Hermione and Harry exchanged nervous looks, but eventually told about the curious happenings of their night. Complete with flying and windows.

* * *

Nigel went to the great hall for lunch later that day. Lilah had found some reason to leave with Harry and was out by the lake chatting with him and his friends.

Therefore, Nigel walked in alone and headed to his table. Many curious faces greeted him.

"So like what the hell happened last night?" asked Sally-Anne.

Nigel sat down and groaned, "Long story."

"Well, spill dude!" commanded Sally-Anne poking his arm with her fork.

"Yes," added Justin with a mischievous grin, "And don't forget to include the part where you and Hannah, for some reason were sleeping in the same bed."

Hannah looked up quickly with a red face.

"You aren't still on this?" she gasped, "I told you I don't know what happened. I was probably sleepwalking."

"Er, Han," added Susan, "You hadn't gone up to bed yet. You were playing games with us and then magically disappeared."

Sally-Anne was giggling loudly and grinning at both Nigel and Hannah.

"Leave her alone," groaned Nigel. "She was, er, not herself last night."

Nigel didn't remember he was sitting next to a perverted California girl, and that she would most likely take the last thing he said, wrong. Sally-Anne burst out laughing, much to his dismay, and wouldn't stop until Nigel finally told his friends what had happened to him and Hannah. Hannah sat in shock at having been possessed by Helga Hufflepuff and later thanked Nigel, sheepishly, for saving her from any rumors.

***

Professor Lupin walked hurriedly down the hall. He had all his belongings packed and had said goodbye to Harry. He made his way out wishing Lilah had been with Harry, so that they could have at least said goodbye. But, he didn't want to bother her. He left a letter for her and her mother with Dumbledore. Some things just can't be said face to face. He tried his best to explain his leaving to Lilah in the letter. The rest of the letter was to inform Lilah about a certain pop star that was dying to see her, her mother, and Harry. He didn't mention much else for her mother, but a short, "Hullo" and "Wishing you are well." The letter, he felt, was a bit silly. But, seeing Lilah once more wasn't going to accomplish much. In no way could it bring back the Imogen he had grown up with. He knew if what Severus said was true, Imogen was a completely different person. Scarred and weak, like him. Professor Lupin shook his head. No sense in feeling sorry for himself and the past. He was off to tell Xenia that her little Immie was alive and that her Padfoot was innocent. The future was beginning to show light once again.

* * *

Lilah threw the letter down on the table as she waited in the Great Hall with the rest of the Slytherin's. Their house was being exorcised at that moment. Lilah knew prior to the letter that Lupin was leaving. She had found out from Hermione.

"Oh sure, tell Harry," she mumbled to herself.

Draco looked over to her from across the table and she avoided his eyes. She looked up at the enchanted ceiling. Watching the sky turn from blue to a rosy pink.

In the letter, Lupin asked her not to mention the truth about Xenia to Harry, until it was safe. Lilah scoffed at this and looked down. She didn't see the need for such secrecy. What was the harm really in telling Harry he has a famous Godmother? She picked up the letter again, feeling a tinge of jealousy for the first time towards Harry Potter. What made Harry so special, that he could be connected to her idol? Harry barely even knew who Xenia was.

Well, what Lupin doesn't know won't hurt 'em. She thought.

Professor Dumbledore and Lilah's uncle entered the Great hall, informing everyone they could return to their dorms. As Lilah walked into the common room, still avoiding Draco's eyes, it felt eerily cold and empty. She had never realized how melancholy it had felt before. But, now as she walked up the stairs to her bed to go to sleep, the Slytherin house lacked any feeling with it. It was just the dark cold dungeon.

She changed into her nightgown and lay down to sleep. As her head lay down on the soft pillow she felt the talisman around her neck slide to the side and touch her skin. It was cold like ice. And, she hesitantly took it off. She wasn't really sure why she needed it anymore. And, maybe just maybe, she could get a few words out of Godric before she had to go home. That is if he was still haunting her.

Lilah ran down the corridor leading towards the Gryffindor Common room. The portrait swung open and she entered. And standing there was Godric. Lilah caught her breath. He looked different to her. So young and small in comparison to the man she had seen the night before. His sparkling eyes met hers.

"You told him?" asked Godric, "Harry I mean."

"Yes," said Lilah, "I told him about the torch. But the Heir of Ravenclaw is hiding it."

Godric nodded his head slowly.

"I see. But, at least it has been found."

"Why did you want me to find it? I'm not an heir."

Godric didn't answer and slowly walked around the common room.

"Because you're empathetic," he sighed.

"What?"

"I am not a ghost or a dybbuk, but a spirit. Just emotions of someone that once was. No one else but an empathetic person would even know I am around," he said his voice sending vibrations through Lilah's body.

"The talisman Dumbledore gave you," he continued, "It prohibits you from feeling my presence."

"I see. That's the only reason?" asked Lilah.

"No. It's Slytherin's goal to obtain as many disciples as possible even in death. I didn't want you to have the same fate as your mother," sighed Godric.

"Use the talisman if you wish," Godric continued walking up to her, "Since the torch is in the hands of the Heir of Ravenclaw, I do not need to be in contact with you."

"So you will leave me alone now?" Lilah asked.

Godric nodded."I am sorry for bringing this burden upon you, Lily."

"But, you did help me," said Lilah trying to cheer him up, "You told me about Nigel."

"I did?"

"You said the `Moon will help you',"

"Oh," sighed Godric. "I was referring to the moon on the table in your dream."

Lilah looked up at the raven-haired specter standing in front of her.

"You didn't mean Nigel?" gasped Lilah.

"I didn't even know who Nigel was," chuckled Godric, "You read too much into things."

"But, I mean . . ." Lilah stumbled over her words." You mean, I followed around Nigel for no reason?"

Godric nodded his head and began to laugh.

"You didn't seem to mind," he giggled, sounding more and more like a boy.

Lilah felt impatient and upset that he hadn't even helped her.

"Fine!" she snapped and turned to leave.

"Oh, Lily, don't be angry," called Godric after her.

"You have a temper like your mother," he added.

"Well then, I finally have something in common with her," huffed Lilah and stepped through the portrait hole.

"Lily," said Godric's voice as she walked down the dark hall, "Don't get lost."

His voice no longer merry and laughing, but sorrowful and stern.

"You are a Slytherin, you can't fight it," he added, "Don't get lost like your mother did."

Lilah stopped walking and tried to say something. But her leg jerked and she woke up. She sat up in her bed and looked out the window as the sun shown in. Her hand quickly snatched the talisman and she put it around her neck.

* * *

A week or so later, Nigel was seated in Herbology. Sally-Anne was still teasing Hannah and him about sleeping in the same bed. Harry and Ron were seated with them.

"Sally please, stop," begged Hannah.

Ron found himself unable to stop laughing, which only perpetuated Sally-Anne to keep it up.

"Well, if it was Helga or whatever, it was still pretty funny," giggled Sally-Anne.

"Yes, as you can see Nigel and I are in stitches," retorted Hannah.

"So, Nigel why do you think Helga picked you?" interjected Harry trying to change the subject.

Hannah smiled gratefully at him, which he returned.

"Oh, I don't know," sighed Nigel with his head hanging down, as he dug up the roots of his Asphodel.

"Maybe you're the Heir to Hufflepuff!" exclaimed Ron.

Nigel looked up.

"What?"

"You mean like you have your own Chamber of Secrets? Or Chamber of Badgers or something?" asked Sally-Anne.

"No I don't," said Nigel rolling his eyes.

"Hey, are you holding out on me?" she pouted.

"No. I . . .I'm not an Heir or anything!" stammered Nigel, "I mean if I was wouldn't have Helga or Dumbledore told me."

"I guess," sighed Ron.

"An wouldn't the Heir probably be someone like Helga. And, I know I'm not a genius," said Nigel.

"Or a girl!" chirped Sally-Anne.

"Thank you Sally, we had no idea he wasn't a girl," mumbled Ron.

"You're welcome," she said with a wink to him.

"In light of everything I think I would have been told," mumbled Nigel.

"I guess you're right," said Harry, "But I never really ever thought about other heirs. I mean, I wonder who they are."

"Yeah," sighed Nigel, "The Heir to Hufflepuff I bet is really beautiful and has long blonde hair."

Harry giggled.

"What?" asked Nigel.

"Nothing," mumbled Harry, "But mustn't forget a genius."

"Oh, yes, that too," smirked Nigel.

Hannah smiled over at Nigel. And he couldn't help but think that the Heir of Hufflepuff, probably would look a lot like her. Blue eyes, blonde hair, and . . .

"Oh my god!" Nigel gasped.

"What?"

"Corona!" he exclaimed.

"What about her?" asked Ron.

"I just remembered what she looked like. She was beautiful and blonde."

"That goes without saying," said Ron with a smirk.

"But also a genius and had a soft spot for Slytherins," said Nigel quickly. "She could be the Heir!"

Harry and Ron both exchanged looks and burst out laughing.

"What?"

"There is no way!" chuckled Ron, "First she was in Gryffindor and second ....there is no way."

"They are chosen. She could be related," replied Nigel, "I mean Helga's only child was half Gryffindor."

"No, not Cory," chuckled Harry, "Look mate, she is a nutter. Not this saintly Helga you described. She is the girl who decided she wanted be Bill Weasley's girlfriend because his hair was shiny. She is the girl who took Ron to Switzerland because she ran out of Swiss cheese. She is not an heir and most definitely not a Hufflepuff."

Nigel sighed. Harry had some excellent points, but something in Nigel's mind told him, he wasn't completely off.

* * *

Final exams fell upon Lilah and much to her surprise she passed them all, not with amazing scores however. But, she passed. She even passed potions. Although she believed it was a sad attempt by her uncle to say he was sorry for not being there when she needed him. Instead always running around following Lupin, trying to expose him in some way.

But, truth be told, Lilah didn't care how she passed, the fact was she passed.

She sat happily outside by the lake with Harry and his friends. The sun was beating down and the Hogwarts students were out running and playing and enjoying the end of the school year.

Lilah heard some laughter from behind her. She turned to see Pansy and Draco followed by their cronies, making their way towards the lake. Draco, much to Lilah's dismay was not to be expelled. His father had worked his economical magic in order to have it so. But, Dumbledore promised that Draco would be serving detention until he was around seventy. Lilah smiled at this thought as Draco met her eyes.

"Hope you're having fun!" he shouted.

Lilah didn't know how to respond for a second. It had been a few weeks since he had said anything to her.

"Yes, as matter of fact, I am!" she yelled back.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione turned to see who she was yelling at. Ron rolled his eyes as he saw Draco walking up closer to her. The rest of the Slytherins stayed back.

"Well, well, well, went back to them, eh? You can't make up your mind, can you?" he smirked.

"Sod off!" shouted Harry, looking away.

"You know Lily, I would try to be more stable in who I consider friends," drawled Draco, "You'll confuse people. One minute friends, the next enemies. It is quite dizzying."

"Is there something you want?" she snapped.

"Just you."

Lilah's eyes opened wide.

"To talk to," he added, "Just for a moment."

"Why?" she asked crossing her arms.

"You owe me at least a second of your time."

"Owe you?" she chortled.

Lilah looked around feeling Harry, Ron, and Hermione's stress levels rising. She rose up from the grass.

"Fine. But make it quick, Malfoy," she growled.

Draco escorted Lily away from hearing range of Harry and company.

"I see you enjoy using Malfoy, like Potter does," he snapped.

"I would prefer to call you many other things. But I am too much of a lady," she snapped back.

"You wish."

Lilah's hand raised up to strike him but he intercepted the blow.

"Well," he grunted pushing her hand away, "All I wanted to say, Snape, is that, that night, when I said I loved you, I didn't mean it. Don't let this all get to your head and feel all flattered."

Lilah's fist clenched and her jaw became tight.

"You were lying again?"

Draco nodded.

"I just needed more compassion from you," he drawled, "You weren't cooperating."

"I see," she sighed, and held her composure, "Well, I never really thought you meant it. And I, sure as hell, wasn't flattered. Is there anything else you would like to say? Or can I go now?"

Draco leaned forward and hissed, "This isn't over between us."

"There is nothing between us, you twit!" she shouted, "Get over it!"

"I didn't mean it like that! But, if you're to be their friend, then I will treat you the same way I treat them."

"Oh what a shocker!" she exclaimed, "Like you haven't been that way already?"

Lilah looked down at him and laughed. He was obviously in love with her and couldn't stand it. Oh, the torture this would bring on him. She couldn't help but revel in the pleasure this gave her. Lilah flipped her now chin length hair seductively back.

"You sad, sad, little boy," she said shaking her head, "Well have a crappy life, and I hope you find out the truth one day that you indeed are a girl. Ta!"

And with that Lilah skipped off back towards her Gryffindor friends. She pushed aside a nagging thought in the back of her mind as she sat next to Harry. Maybe keeping the Slytherin's, especially Draco Malfoy, on her bad side might not be such a good idea. But, she quickly thought the better of it.

* * *

Nigel walked into the Great Hall amid his Hufflepuff companions, for the last feast of the school year. The hall was decorated with red and gold in honor of Gryffindor winning the house cup for the third year in a row. He sat next to Sally-Anne who was chattering away about some nonsense. The other houses were walking in as well, and he spotted Lilah walking behind a very grave Draco. She looked over at him and smiled. Nigel smiled widely back at her receiving an annoyed glare from Sally-Anne.

"Nigey, you're not listening to me!" she snapped.

"Sorry," He mumbled, "What were you saying?"

"Do you think Susan will marry Justin or not?" She sighed.

Nigel blinked quickly at her and tried to understand why he put up with her silliness so much.

Sally-Anne suddenly gripped onto Nigel's arm screeching, "Oh my God!"

"What?" he asked startled.

"Look, there's Ron!" she squealed.

Nigel couldn't help but laugh, as did the rest of Sally-Anne's friends as she began to gush about the wonderfulness that was Ronald Weasley.

The teachers were already seated and Dumbledore rose out of his chair after all the students were settled.

"Another year gone past," began Dumbledore, "It was eventful to be sure. And I am glad to say we shan't be needing the presence of the Dementors on our school grounds next year."

The room broke out into a happy applause in response.

" Now before awarding the House Cup to Gryffindor, I would like to give out an award to a special student. It is rare when we have moments when we can award a plaque to a student for special services to Hogwarts, but do to recent events I thought it was time to bestow the honor again."

McGonagall got up and handed Dumbledore the plaque.

"Now this student that is being honored is a person who has shown themselves to be loyal far beyond the station of friendship," continued Dumbledore, "When an entire school had turned their back on a fellow classmate, he stood by steadfast."

Sally-Anne made a funny look at Nigel and mouthed something like "Potter". Nigel began to chuckle in response.

"And helped that same classmate when they were in grave danger. For this I wish to award this plaque to Nigel Moon!"

Sally-Anne's jaw dropped and Nigel felt his body become stiff like cement as the Hufflepuff table irrupted into applause. Lilah hooted loudly and clapped, quickly noticing she was the only one at her house table doing so. And abruptly went quiet, but defiantly kept clapping.

"Mr. Moon could you come up here please?" asked Dumbledore.

Nigel felt his head shaking a no rapidly. Sally-Anne would have none of that and had Justin help her pull him out of his seat. Nigel heard hollers from the far end of the table and saw Cedric Diggory chanting playfully with his sixth year friends, "Moony! Moony!" Nigel prayed that the floor would swallow him whole, but he knew that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. So he sprinted to the front of the hall took the plaque, said a quiet thank you and began to run back. But, Dumbledore reached for his shoulder and whispered in his ear.

"Keep that plaque in your possession. We have enough trophies and plaques in the case as it is. Nothing wrong with giving Hufflepuff some long deserved award to call their own."

Nigel looked up at Dumbledore's merry eyes.

"Off you go," he said with a smile.

Nigel clutched the plaque to his chest and ran back to his table. He placed the plaque on the table in front of him and immediately Sally-Anne snatched it into her hands and began to admire it. It was in the shape of a shield and made of wood except for a gold plaque in the center with an engraving saying, "Awarded to Nigel D. Winthrope-Moon, For Special Services to Hogwarts, 1993-1994".

Nigel stared down at the plaque in Sally-Anne's arms. Truth be told he hadn't even saved Lilah, Dumbledore did. Why did he deserve a plaque? He puzzled this and looked over at Dumbledore who had sat back down. He met Dumbledore's merry eyes again and the old Professor winked at him and then diverted his attention to the food that had appeared on the golden plates. Nigel deduced he should do the same. He reached for a fork and agreed that Hufflepuff did need some over due prestige. But still, why through him?

* * *

The next day, Harry was double-checking that he had everything packed. Through an open window of his dorm in flew Hedwig carrying a small bundle in her talons. The Gryffindor boys looked over at Harry. She dropped it on his bed and quickly flew back out the window.

"What's that?" asked Ron.

Harry shrugged his shoulders and went to his bed and opened up the bundle. Inside some wrapping paper was a stack of Xenia MB's and a note.

"Thought you might want to get to know your godmother," Harry read, "Love Lily."

"Godmother!" gasped Ron.

The other boys looked over at Harry with large eyes.

"That's yer godmother?" asked Seamus.

"Er, well, I . . ." Harry stammered.

"Well, actually it's an inside joke with Lilah Snape and us," interjected Ron, "We call random singers who we like . . . our . . . godmothers."

Seamus, Dean, and Neville stared oddly at Ron.

"R-right," added Harry.

"Okay," mused Seamus, who walked away shaking his head, followed by Dean and Neville.

"Do you think Lily's serious?" whispered Ron.

"Anything is possible," Harry sighed looking over the MB's.

Later, when Harry was boarding the Hogwarts Express he was given proof by Lilah from the letter Lupin wrote. Harry sighed as Ron beamed at the news.

"She wants to bloody meet you?" he gasped, "Oh lord, I'd go as fast as I could. I thought it was hard enough having Corona who is almost a sister being so gorgeous. Wow! Your godmother!"

Hermione rolled her eyes and proceeded to find a compartment to sit in. Lilah followed.

"Calm down Ron," Hermione mumbled.

"Jealous?" he giggled.

"Oh yes. I have always wanted to be Harry's godmother," she sighed opening a compartment door.

Seated happily talking were the third year Hufflepuffs. Nigel looked up and smiled.

"Hi guys!" he said.

They all waved. Sally-Anne immediately scowled at Lilah and continued talking with Ernie.

"Oh, hi, sorry just looking for an empty compartment," answered Hermione.

"Good luck," sighed Hannah.

Hermione smiled and continued her way down the hall. The boys followed and Lilah began to follow as well.

"Er, Lil, you wanna join us?" asked Nigel.

Lilah's eyes went quickly from Harry who was already far down the hall, back to Nigel.

"Well, I," but his brown eyed stare tongue tied her, "I guess."

She beat herself up for agreeing. She wanted to be with Harry right now. She sat next to Nigel and put on a smile for him as the train began to pull away from Hogsmeade. She looked around the compartment, at Sally-Anne and Ernie ganging up yet again on Justin and Susan. And Hannah and Nigel watching on with pitying but amused faces. Lilah soon realized what tedious company they really where. Hannah tried to strike up a conversation with Lilah, as the train rushed through the English country side, but soon found out they had very little in common. So, she turned to Nigel.

"So what are you doing this summer?" Hannah asked.

Nigel shrugged his shoulders.

"Probably just hanging out with my family. Dad suggested going to France for a week or so, but I'm not sure," he said and would of continued if he hadn't felt Lilah's head settle down on his shoulder. His body stiffened up and he tried to remember what he was talking about. He kept his gaze towards Hannah; positive if he looked over at Lilah his face would go bright red.

"I went to Paris over Christmas break," said Hannah, "I thought the walk through the Lourve was going to kill me."

Sally-Anne began to laugh.

"W-what?" stammered Nigel.

"Your talking put her to sleep," giggled Sally-Anne pointing next to Nigel.

He slowly looked over and saw Lilah was peacefully sleeping on his shoulder. She had strange smile on her face. He didn't dare stir her, but let her dream serenely, leaning on him, the whole ride home.

How can you just leave me standing
alone in a world that's so cold?
Maybe I'm just too demanding.
Maybe I'm just like my father: too bold.
Maybe you're just like my mother.
She's never satisfied.
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like when doves cry

-Prince