Lost and Found...Love

Chapter 25

New Attitudes

Knock, knock. It was Wednesday afternoon and Anna was relaxing in the teachers lounge.

"Enter."

Draco stuck his head in the door.

"Professor Twigg-Jones? A minute, please?"

"Certainly, Mister Malfoy. Come in."

Entering, Draco looked around. The room was empty, he hoped, but those nosy D.A.'s were probably lurking somewhere.

"No one else is here, Mister Malfoy," Anna smiled at him. "You may speak freely."

"Oh, ok." He smiled sheepishly. "I just, well, I need to tell you that I've been doing a lot of thinking and I don't hate you for killing my father. You were right, it was self defense. I thought about what you said and I would have done the same thing if I'd have been in your place. I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"Apology accepted, but Draco... you, of all people, do not need to apologize to me. I know what you are going through; been there, done that. It was the grief and rage erupting. I fully expected you to scream at me. No hard feelings."

She extended her hand and he shook it.

"One day, when it's a little less painful - for both of us - I'll tell you about what happened at Briarwood and the first time your father and I had a confrontation in a garden."

"When he killed your father?"

"Yes."

"That's the 'one time' Professor Snape was talking about, isn't it?"

"Indeed. From the distance of years, it's an interesting study in tactics. Some other time."

X # X # X

Anna tilted her head as she looked at Draco.

"Something else is troubling you. Can I help?"

Draco drew in a breath and then sighed and shrugged.

"I honestly don't know if you can. I feel like I'm all alone. Nobody's there for me anymore. Everyone I always thought would just be there...isn't. My father is dead, through his own foolishness and now my mother has deserted me, just disappeared."

"Draco, don't be too harsh on her. Yes, she's left you to plot your own course in life, but desert you? No. She's undoubtedly thinking of you constantly, worrying about you, whether you believe it or not."

"Then why...?"

"You're of age, Draco. Narcissa must have realized she was about to be forced out of the equation by Voldemort. The hardest thing she's ever had to do, probably, was to turn away from you and focus on herself and the baby she's carrying. She has enough faith in you to make the right decision.

"I also believe she's making sure you can't be forced to make a choice you're not comfortable with. Respect her bravery, at defying Voldemort in the only way open to her; denying him more hostages, pawns to use in his quest for power. And his control of you and your family fortune."

"I have to go and face him sometime, but..."

"Why? You don't have to go to him. Make that choice. Don't go."

"He'll kill me."

"Not if you're here at Hogwarts."

"What?"

"Why go home to Malfoy Manor? To live by yourself? You don't even have a house elf. Stay here this summer. Professor Dumbledore, Severus, Minerva, Filius, Sybil, Hagrid, they all live here year round. Well, the jury's still out on Sybil, but..."

Draco chuckled, then shook his head.

"But I'm expected to..."

"To what? By whom? You're of age, Draco, make your own plans...Look, you were brave enough to come to me, let me ask you a question."

"Ok."

"Has anyone; Voldemort, your aunt Bella, Peter Pettigrew, anyone from that side, contacted you since your father's death or when your mother went into hiding?"

"No."

"So, you're on your own. No invitations or standing orders for you to report for duty, so to speak?"

"No."

"Good. Since they obviously don't care about how you are or what you are doing, make your own summer plans. Go talk to Professor Dumbledore. Ask to stay here. Be honest with him, Draco. He really does have your best interests at heart. You are not alone."

X # X # X

"What about Professor Snape?"

"What about him?"

"He's ... a Death Eater."

"Hummm. Well, Voldemort will probably contact Severus, then, when it becomes apparent where you are staying. If I know Severus, he'll convince Voldemort to let you stay here, safe under his 'watchful eye'. However, I wouldn't go to Hogsmeade with Severus. It would be too easy to Disparate with you in tow. Better go with Albus or Professor McGonagall, if you must get out and stretch your legs, so to speak."

"You think of everything, don't you?"

"No, I just have a very devious mind and can sort of guess what people might do. Better to plan ahead for various possibilities than get caught with your pants down."

"What?"

"Old Muggle expression; it means getting caught off guard."

"Oh. Why weren't you in Slytherin, the way your mind works?"

"Only the Sorting Hat knows."

They both laugh.

X # X # X

"Draco, I know this past month has been difficult. I know how hard it must have been to come to me like this, but it shows you can listen and learn and think for yourself. You have come of age and your Mother would be proud of you. I'd let her know what you've decided, if you have any way of contacting her."

"She sends an owl, occasionally, but I never know when. It's getting near the end of term and she'll want to know my plans. I suppose I should let her know what I decided."

"I wouldn't go into details and reasons behind your decision. Just say you're going to spend the summer here. She'll put two and two together. Narcissa's a smart cookie."

Draco gave her a long hard look.

"Do you know where she is? You aren't her..."

"Draco...Think. Would Narcissa be in the same county as me, much less talk to me? I did kill her husband. Not the most shining recommendation for a Secret Keeper."

"Yeah," Draco grinned and dropped his head, shaking it. "Sounded stupid the minute I said it. What was I thinking?"

"I was speaking generally, as a woman. What would I do, as a mother? That's all."

"I hope she's safe."

"I do, too, Draco. I do, too."

"Guess I'll go talk with Professor Dumbledore, then."

"Sounds like a plan. How do you come up with these ideas?" Anna smiled at him and winked.

"I listen and learn." He grinned back at her, but his smile faded a bit. "Thank you...Anna."

"You're welcome, Draco."

She opened her arms and he walked up to her and gave her a hug.

"My, you're getting tall."

"That's what Mother says." Draco smiled, sadly. "I miss her."

"No more than she misses you, I bet."

"Well, I better go. I've got a class in ten minutes." Draco headed for the door.

"Oh, dear, so do I. Thanks for reminding me, or I'd have been late."

"As usual." Draco teased, opening the door and holding it for her.

"Don't be cheeky."

"Me?" Draco put his hand on his heart, all innocence, but laughing. "After you, Professor."

"If you need to talk, my door is always open, Draco."

"It always has been, hasn't it?"

"Yes, always."

X # X # X

"Potter!"

Harry spun around and saw Draco Malfoy walking toward him.

"What do you want, Malfoy?"

"Just a minute of your time; I have something to tell you."

"You have something to say that I'd be interested in hearing?"

"Don't get smart with me, Potter" Draco said as he caught up with Harry. "That's Granger's job."

Harry eyed him suspiciously. Draco, making a joke, and a good one at that?

"What is it?"

Looking about to make sure they weren't overheard, Draco seemed slightly embarrassed.

"Look, Potter...Harry. I'm staying here at Hogwarts this summer, for a couple of reasons. One, my mother went into hiding, to avoid being kidnapped by..."

"Voldemort."

"Yeah...Voldemort."

Harry's eyes widened when Draco said the name aloud.

"Second...I'm not joining the Death Eaters. I'm of age and that's my decision and I thought you should know. We're on the same side now, strange as that seems."

"Why? What changed your mind? You're going against generations of Malfoy family tradition."

"Hey, if Sirius Black can do it, why can't I?"

Harry bristled at the mention of his Godfather, but then realized Draco was correct.

"True. Well, in that case, Draco, I'm glad to know it."

"This doesn't mean we'll ever be best friends, like you and Weasley, but at least you know where I stand."

"Yeah, but, why?"

"Besides my father being an idiot and getting himself killed trying to impress a maniac, I've been doing a lot of thinking and I've talked with Professor Dumbledore and Anna and..."

"Anna?"

"Yes, Anna. That's her name, isn't it?"

"Right, sorry."

"Anyway, I realize that if my own mother and Anna Twigg-Jones could apparently have the same opinion about Voldemort and wind up on the same side in this war, maybe I should rethink my options before I made any permanent decisions."

"But, why stay...Oh, I get it; Malfoy Manor is empty and you'd be alone and vulnerable to 'persuasion' from Voldemort."

"More likely my Aunt Bella."

"Yeah...her, too. Well, if you've talked to the Headmaster and Anna, I know you're sincere."

"Why would you assume that?"

"Because they are two of the three people in the world that I know you can't lie to. They'd realize it in an instant."

"Who's the third?"

"Snape."

"Ah...right. Well, I thought you should know, too." Draco turned and started to walk away.

"Draco." Harry called, and Draco stopped and turned back. "Do you want me to tell the others?"

Walking back the few steps he'd taken, Draco shook his head.

"Not right now. When school is out, on the Express home, you can tell them, then."

"Right. Mind if I ask a question?"

Draco shook his head.

"Have you heard from your mother? Is she alright?"

"Yeah, she's safe and doing well. I'm going to be a big brother in October, did you know? It's a girl, by the way."

"Really? Cool. Tell her we all said Hello and good luck, Ok?"

"I think she'd appreciate that, Harry. Thanks."

"What are friends for, Draco?"

Harry put out his hand and Draco shook it. They smiled at each other and then headed off in opposite directions.

Stepping out of the shadows of an unused classroom nearby, Anna and Professor Dumbledore exchanged glances and silently walked away down different hallways.

X # X # X

Anna was pacing back and forth outside of the Great Hall, waiting to greet each of her fifth year students after they completed the practical portion of their O.W.L.s. exam. They had all stated, with absolute confidence, that the written portion of the exam had been very comprehensive but not at all difficult.

As each student came out, they gave her a thumb's up before heading to their common rooms. A few came over and gave her a hug and thanked her, but generally, they were more concerned with getting started on cramming for their last exam tomorrow: Potions.

Emerging from the stairs that led to the Slytherin dungeons, Professor Snape crossed the entrance hall to where Anna was pacing.

"Mother Hen Syndrome?" He gave her the smallest of smiles, then frowned. "Are you feeling alright? You look a bit ragged."

"I'm a nervous wreck, Severus," she whispered. "How do you stand it?"

"I only concern myself with those students I consider intelligent enough to have a chance of getting marks good enough for my N.E.W.T.s. class. Whereas, you're stressing out about the entire fifth year. They can't all pass."

"Oh, yes, they can and they will."

She turned to face him, but saw some Slytherins coming up the stairs from their common room and put her hands on her hips. Seeing her eyes flick back and forth, Severus realizes what she was about to do.

"You've got nothing better to do than skulk around here in the hallway?" he growled, giving her a wink.

"Not that it's any of your business, Professor," Anna turned from him, walked a few steps and spun around, "but I concern myself with all of my students, not just those from a particular House."

"Admirable. Time consuming and stressful, but admirable."

"Don't you have a Bezoar to boil or something?" she cocked her head at him.

"Charming."

He turned and swept up the stairs to the teachers lounge. The Slytherins snickered and headed off to their different destinations.

Tears burned in Anna's eyes. She would have given almost anything to have been able to walk into Severus' embrace and have him just hold her. She was fast reaching the end of her rope and the O.W.L.s. couldn't be over soon enough. That should lighten the load considerably. Just end of year exams and then some peace and quiet.

She knew that was not really a possibility; with Voldemort hovering in the background, but the thought of time off was what she was clinging to, in order to hold her focus.

The last of her students came through the door from the Great Hall, smiling. Heaving a big sigh, she smiled and waved at them, then turned and headed up the stairs to tea. Maybe, with any luck, she and Severus could have a little time alone in the teachers lounge, but if it was a typical afternoon, there would be at least a dozen other teachers there. So a quick word was about all she really expected.

Soon, she said to herself, soon we'll be together again.

That brought a small smile to her face and she lifted her chin and continued up the stairs with a bit more spring in her step.

I was afraid you'd say that...

The D.A. meeting was over and the students were piling up their cushions and filing out of the door. There wouldn't be another meeting until right after exams; one last get-together before summer break.

Putting her cushion on top of a wobbly pile, Ginny looked over at Anna and frowned.

"Hermione, does Anna look alright to you?" she whispered out of the corner of her mouth.

"Now that you mention it, she's not been looking well for about a week; a little pale, distracted, too. Wonder if she's feeling all right?"

"Maybe she's concerned about what's going on with Voldemort. It's got to be worrying, knowing an attack could start anytime, being an Auror and all. Maybe she's remembering the last time."

Anna had wandered over to a window and was gazing out, but didn't seem to be actually looking at anything, just staring.

"Professor?" Hermione walked up to her. "Anna?"

"What? Oh, yes, Hermione, what can I do for you?"

"Are you feeling alright? You look a little - well - tired."

"I am a little tired, yes. I've not been sleeping properly. Maybe I need the summer holiday more than you students - eh?" She smiled. "I'm ok, just a little sleep deprived."

"Maybe you should check with Madam Pomfrey. Doctors are their own worst patients, my parents always say. That goes for Healers, too."

"True, Hermione and yes, I think I'll go see Poppy and have a chat. Thanks for noticing and caring enough to say something."

"It's probably nothing; stress. You haven't had a break since Easter, and that was no holiday."

"Truer words were never spoken, Hermione," said Anna as she and Hermione walked over to the others, waiting by the door at the back of the classroom.

"Stop worrying about me, you lot. I'm fine, just a bit tired, but if we can all get through these exams, then it's 'summertime, summertime, sum, sum, summertime'."

Anna did a little dance as she sang the opening line of that 'oldie but goodie'. The students laughed and then left the classroom, waving goodbye. Anna closed the door and slumped against it.

X # X # X

"Hermione's right, you know. You should go and see Madam Pomfrey, darling." Christopher looked down at her, concern etched on his face.

"I know, I know, after dinner, I promise. She can give me a sleeping potion. I've just not been sleeping well at all and I guess it's starting to show if the kids pick up on it."

"Well, Ginny's very observant, but I think Hermione and the rest all have noticed you're not quite yourself these days. And you haven't been eating properly, either; having toast and tea up here instead of going down to breakfast. That will only reinforce the perception that you're not well, for everyone," he added, pointedly

"Oh, now don't you start picking on me. By the time I do fall asleep, it's nearly time to get up, so having some tea and toast up here gives me a bit more time to rest, instead of trekking all the way down to the Great Hall and back."

"Ok, fine, but promise me you'll see Poppy."

"Promise...Poppy? You're on first name basis with her, too? No, don't tell me, let me guess. You two have had some nice long discussions about medical/magical remedies and your book."

"Of course; professional consultations are quite interesting and you do have a tendency to dispense with formal titles after a while."

"Humm, very cozy."

"Jealous?"

"Yes. Oh, I know you're just kidding, but I'm a little bit jealous, just the same."

"I'm sorry, dear, I shouldn't tease. I know the Slytherins have been absolute brats and poor old Severus can't do anything about it. He has to maintain his outward appearance with them, but, still, I know it's been hard on you both."

"I do appreciate you sneaking our little messages back and forth. And I'm sure it relieves Severus' mind when you give him my hellos and my love."

"He said it's the only bright spot in his life right now. This is as hard, if not harder, on him than on you. Everyone knows your involvement with Lucius' death and understands the Slytherin attitude but it's all Severus can do to stop himself from blowing up at them."

"Fortunately, they take his silence as permission to continue. That's worked so far, and in another two weeks, term will be over and I can, we all, can relax for a bit, I hope."

"You better get ready for dinner, Dear."

"Oh, gracious, you're right. Thanks for letting me rant a bit, you're a good therapist."

"I try. Wish I could give you a big hug, but just know I'll always be here to listen."

"I know, love, and thank you." She pats the edge of his portrait frame and heads for her chambers to change.

X # X # X

After dinner that night, Anna walked down the staff table to talk to Madam Pomfrey. Professor McGonagall stopped to chat, also.

"Poppy, could I come up to the Infirmary and have a chat?"

"Certainly, my dear, anything in particular wrong? You look a bit 'peaky'," Poppy inquired.

"Aren't you feeling well?" Professor McGonagall asked.

"Just tired, Minerva, I haven't been sleeping well and I thought Poppy could give me a mild Sleeping Draught."

"I don't doubt you've had trouble sleeping; the stress you're under...classes, the D.A., and the Slytherin attitude and behavior...Severus hasn't done anything to rein them in. I should have lost my temper weeks ago," huffed Professor McGonagall, patting Anna's shoulder.

"Oh, my temper almost boiled over a couple of times, but it's not worth it and I wouldn't give anyone the satisfaction of seeing me break down or lose my temper."

"Well, do you want to come with me now, dear?" Poppy asked.

"Yes, please."

They turned and walked out the side door. Snape, who had been chatting with Professors Sinistra and Vector, made no sign he had seen them leave, but he had. And he was worried. Why were they leaving together? Was something wrong with Anna?

He got away from the staff table as soon as he could, without appearing to hurry. Perhaps she was just having a chat.

No, he chided himself, I'm jumping to conclusions.

If anything was wrong, she'd get word to him through Christopher or one of the house elves. But still...

X # X # X

"Anna, this is a little puzzling. If I didn't know better..." Poppy trailed off.

"I was afraid you'd say something like that," Anna sat up and swung her legs off the side of the examining table. "I'm pregnant, aren't I?"

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened and she nodded.

Anna's head dropped forward, she shook it and then she looked up. "Third time's the charm."

"I don't mean to be indelicate, my dear, but I mean, those dreadful Death Eaters didn't...."

"No, no, this isn't the result of an unwanted attack on my body, I assure you. This relationship is an ongoing one."

"Oh, good...I mean...well."

"Poppy, it's alright. We're in love but we can't let anyone know about it. I can't even tell you who the father is." Anna smiled at her and patted Poppy's arm. "Well, looks like Albus might have to get another D.A.D.A. teacher for next year. Better go tell him. Thank so much, Poppy, and please, let's keep this our secret until term is over. Just tell everyone I'm a little overextended, that's all. Ok?"

"Yes, I think that's best, too."

Anna hopped off of the examining table and the two witches hugged. Anna turned and left, with Poppy watching her closely.

"I wonder if Christopher knows?" she wondered aloud.

"I know now, Poppy." Doctor Jones stepped into the painting hanging by Poppy's office door. "I was getting concerned about Anna, so I suggested she come see you. I suspected, you see. I also know the father and I approve of the relationship; one less worry for you. But watch her for me, won't you and could I ask you to please try and get some vitamins or a strengthening potion made up for her."

"Excellent idea, I'll get right to work. I'm making up a sleeping draught for her, too."

X # X # X

Watching from a doorway down the hall from the entrance of the Infirmary, Draco and Pansy stood, waiting.

"I don't care what she's got, as long as it's fatal, or at the least, very painful." Pansy whispered.

Draco snorted and nodded but he was worried.

"Ever the optimist, Miss Parkinson." Professor Snape glided up behind them. "Any news of impending doom?"

"No, Professor, we haven't seen or heard..."

"Shhh..." Snape hissed as Anna emerged from the hall leading to the Infirmary. Severus pulled Pansy and Draco back into the dark shadows. Anna stopped, heaved a big sigh and then turned and headed toward Dumbledore's office.

"That's not the way to her rooms," Draco whispered.

"Very observant, Mister Malfoy. Shall we see exactly where she's headed?"

The three of them moved silently down the hall and followed Anna to the entrance to the Headmaster's Office. They exchanged looks and then headed for the Slytherins dungeons. It would be too suspicious for them to be seen hanging around that far from the Slytherin common room, without good reason, even in the company of their Head of House.

"I'll find out what's going on, soon enough. Gossip runs rampant in the teacher's lounge." Snape reassured Draco and Pansy as he turned toward his office. They nodded and walked off to their common room.

X # X # X

"Good evening, Anna. Please sit down." Dumbledore gestured for her to take a seat in an armchair near the fireplace. "And to what do I owe this nocturnal visit? Good news, I hope?"

"Well, good news, bad news and good news."

"Ah, and the good news is..."

"I'm pregnant."

"Congratulations are in order?"

"Yes, at least I'm happy about it. It's not like I really was trying to get pregnant this soon, but I think I knew in my heart it would happen, eventually. I hoped it would."

"But..."

"But, the bad news is, should I just come back, next term, unwed and very pregnant, or do you go looking for a new D.A.D.A. teacher, again?"

"And..."

"The good news is...I'm perfectly willing to come back. Gossip doesn't bother me. No one knows about Severus and me, so he's in the clear. Actually, now that I think of it, everyone will probably suspect poor Remus! Not too many in our world know about Gwen and him being involved." Anna started to giggle.

"Well, I agree, Remus does seem like the most likely candidate; staying at your house, working all those late hours on Christopher's research projects. Knowing his sense of the absurd, he'll jump at the chance to raise a few eyebrows. Does Severus know the good news, yet?"

"Not yet. I only had it confirmed ten minutes ago by Poppy. I haven't had the chance to tell him. I needed to come to you first."

"I'm flattered. I would ask you all," Dumbledore said, turned to the portraits hanging around the room, "to keep this information in the strictest of confidence, until further notice."

"Of course, Albus." "Understandable." Yes, yes, too right." "Congratulations, my dear."

"So, should I come back next term, do you think?"

"First, we must all get through the Summer Holiday."

"Oh, dear, that doesn't sound good."

"Anna, I don't think you should spend your summer at the country house. Briarwood is too vulnerable. Your house in London is also known, but not so easily attacked. And as it now has sufficient additional spells protecting it, it should be quite safe for you. However, I think one or more of the order should be in residence with you, besides Remus, of course."

"It's that bad?"

"I'm afraid so. Rumors are surfacing about revenge for Lucius' death, but they may indeed be rumors. However, I'm not willing to take the chance."

"Won't that make extra work for everyone? I could just as easily stay here."

"No, that would look as if you were afraid to leave; afraid of Voldemort."

"Of course, I'm afraid of him. I'd be a complete fool not to be, but I don't want to...well...add to everyone's work and stress load."

"We shouldn't have any shortage of volunteers from the Order, besides I know some of them are very curious about your Muggle residence. Arthur Weasley, in particular, would be over the moon to get in your place again for a few hours, much less stay for a few days."

"Oh, dear, I'm getting visions of every piece of electronics I own, gutted and spread across my rugs."

"Well, maybe not Arthur, then."

X # X # X

"Excuse me, Professor Dumbledore, sir." One of the house elves was standing in the door, extremely agitated.

"What is it, Tykey?"

Tykey ran forward to Dumbledore's chair, but looked back and forth between Dumbledore and Anna.

"It is Winky, sir; she is hearing strange noises, sir and is wanting help, sir."

"Winky!" Anna stood up, alarmed. "Oh, Albus, she's at Briarwood, getting the place cleaned and ready for this summer. She's all alone."

"Let's get her back here, out of harm's way," replied Dumbledore, standing. He walked over to Fawkes' perch.

"Go to Briarwood, to Winky. Bring her back here."

Fawkes nodded and with a flash of flame, took wing, and vanished.

Professor Dumbledore walked to the fireplace, threw in a fist full of Floo powder, bent over and called out, "Alastor!"

"Yes, Albus?" The head of Mad-Eye Moody floated in the green flames.

"Trouble at Briarwood Manor. Be careful."

"Be there in a flash and don't worry, I'll take reinforcements." His head disappeared from the flames.

"What is it, do you think?" Anna was pacing the room.

"We shall find out in a moment or two."

Almost immediately, Fawkes returned, with Winky clinging for dear life to his tail feathers, eyes screwed tightly shut.

Anna grabbed the house-elf and pulled her into her arms.

"It's ok, Winky, I've got you, you're safe. Thank you, Fawkes."

The golden bird returned to its perch, and fluffed its feathers and looked up at Dumbledore, who stroked Fawkes' head and thanked him in a whisper.

X # X # X

Winky opened her eyes, saw that she was in Anna's arms and burst into tears.

"I is sorry, Missy Anna, but Winky was so scared. I is not knowing any thing to do but call for help."

"You did just the right thing, Winky." Dumbledore patted her on the back. "Your Missy Anna would not want you to be harmed, trying to scare off intruders by yourself. So calling for help was the smart thing to do."

"Winky," Anna said as she sat down with the house elf in her lap, "how about we stay in London this summer, instead of Briarwood? It's not as big a house and there'll be more people coming and going. Would that be alright with you?"

"Oh, yes, Missy Anna, I is afraid in the big house, being all alone. I is liking a smaller house in London, with Missy Gwen and Mister Remus."

"Tykey, could I ask you to take Winky downstairs and get her a nice cup of tea? She's had a bad scare and it would do her good."

"Yes, Headmaster, sir, Tykey would be glad to do so. Come Winky, I is going to take care of you."

Winky looked up at Anna.

"It's ok, Winky, you go on; I'll be right here for a while, or in my room."

"Yes, Missy Anna."

Winky hopped down from Anna's lap and went out the door with the other house elf, looking back and smiling shyly."