Domino One

Chapter Sixteen:

"New Light"

" 'Nasty tricks,' the light does play

With hiding, blinding, showing rays,

Sufficient, in its lumen count

Despite the shadow of your doubt.

Believe in all things that you say.

Prepare to see things in new ways. "

No one believed it would last. In the few days before their departures for Christmas Holiday, James, Lily, Sirius and Peter all wore different masks. Peter's was gladness. Sirius's was relief. Lily's was self-confirmation. James's was resignation, and behind that, there was a small part of him that suggested that it was great to see Remus and Ana happy again, like they hadn't been for so many months. But no words, however long past or out of context, ca be erased. And the thought lingered on their minds.

"Are you blind? She's a guardian. How much longer do you really think she is going to be hanging around Remus?"

Opportunities tested her loyalty. The night sky was filled with stars, and new shipments of tea were delivered to her tower. Kezia still arrived periodically, and no one could stop the visions. The Marauders and the world waited and watched for what was the inevitable.

But Ana surprised them. In the days before their departure, James and the rest had the pleasure of sharing their evenings with their long-lost friend. Ana studied with them, and even attempted to sleep more regularly. Though no one saw the conversation with Kezia Doppelle, they did she Ana, and frequently, which said much.

Thought has layers, as any mind reader will contest, resulting in an infinite number of thoughts in even the slowest mind. Those who cared enough to know of Remus and Ana, were happy to see them back together. Thoughts of well-wishes and contentment abounded. Suspicion whispered that this was it, this was the time that Ana and Remus were meant to be together.

But no one believed it would last.

No one.

* * * * * *

It was a wonderful way to wake up on New Year's Eve. Remus, the oldest Gryffindor Prefect that had stayed in the castle over Christmas holiday, was in charge of Gryffindor Tower during that time. He slept easier with that authority, though he did not know why. His room was just the right temperature, his bed, the perfect essence of comfort, and it seemed under his command, everything was as it should be. The sound of Ana, slipping in through the door, was the fulfillment of his dreams. The curtains on his bed squeaked slightly as they were pulled back a short ways and pressure bounced the mattress next to him as Ana settled in, wrapping an arm around him.

"What time is it?" he asked, content where he was.

"Late for you," she replied, resting her head on his shirtless back. The ends of her soft hair tickled him, and he smiled. "Almost 8:30."

The smile disappeared. He hated sleeping in.

"I know," Ana continued, not needed words or a view of his expression to sense his aggravation. "I decided I should probably get you up."

He turned to roll over, and she sat up just enough to let him. He looked down at her as she settled her head to rest on his stomach, her hair spilling all around her. "I was thinking," she said. "Why don't we go to the Shrieking Shack today?"

It was a casual question, but Remus, having known her and loved her for over two years knew better. "Why?" he asked, smirking slightly.

She shrugged. "I just want to get away from here."

He did not relent. "And?"

"And I already packed lunch, so I'm ready when you are," she smiled.

He laughed. "I don't have much of a choice, do I."

"Of course you do!" answered Ana, somewhat shocked. "You can go, or you can stay here. But as for me, I'm going."

Pondering this, he sighed, wondering when he had become such a push-over. "I'll be ready in fifteen minutes."

* * * * * *

Ana was oddly silent as they left the castle. It was only nine o'clock in the morning, but younger students, still untouched by the adolescent late-sleeping syndrome, were running around the lawn happily. A group of first year girls were heading down to the lake with their ice skates. Remus, watching them with his responsible eyes, did not feel Ana's grip on his hand squeeze slightly tighter.

"Do you think the ice is thick enough?" he asked. The weather had fluctuated from cold to cool just enough that it made him worry. Snow covered the lake, but how deep it was, or how thick the ice was could not be determined.

"It's fine," Ana said. He looked at her, there seemed to be a slight chill in her voice.

"You think so?" he asked, studying her.

She nodded, looking off into the distance.

Remus looked back to the first years and nodded. He was sure they would be okay. Stealthily, making sure they weren't being watched, they made their way to the Whomping Willow.

* * * * * *

There was definitely something strange about her. She looked perfectly normal in her flare jeans and one of his oversized sweaters. Her hair hung around her as she bent over the large fire hearth of the Shrieking Shack, throwing in small splinters of wood, and igniting them with a wave of her wand and a smokeless fire charm. When she looked up at him, she smiled in curiosity at his staring. "What's wrong, Moony?

He shrugged. "You're acting different."

She pondered this. "Good different or bad different?"

He shrugged again. "Different different."

Ana gave him a silly look as she started trying to transfigure furniture. She was getting better at it. She successfully transfigured a long plank of wood into a large sofa (though it needed to be softened), and a box into a coffee table (though Remus had to give it legs to keep it from looking like a giant box). They had brought blankets and candles on previous adventures and stored them in a box high on the bookshelf. Remus lit these, sending them hovering in the air. Many other things remained. The Severus Snape dartboard still hung grumpily on the wall and a few books of poetry were tucked away. Ana brought these down as Remus wrapped a blanket around her. He held her to him for a moment and kissed the back of her neck through her thick, brown hair. She turned, smiling as she handed him a book.

It had been some time since they had talked about poetry, and Remus, it was a great relief. Taking the book, he led her to the sofa. He read her his favorite, hardly needed to follow the print.

"It was many and many a year ago, In a kingdom by the sea,

That a maiden there lived whom you may know

By the name of Annabel Lee;

And this Maiden she lived with no other thought

Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child, in this kingdom by the sea;

But we loved with a love that was more than love -

I and my Annabel Lee;

With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven

Coveted her and me...."

Together, they enjoyed the morning, playing cards, reading poems, and talking away hours. Ana told him of the beauties of LeBab, and he could almost see it. He asked Ana if she could show him visions, but she said she wouldn't know where to begin. She added that she probably wasn't allowed to, anyway.

When talk and games and their lunch had vanished, some time around one o' clock, Remus suggested that they go back.

"Why?" she asked. It was an odd question. They had been there for four hours.

Remus couldn't help but ask, "Why not?" She was wearing a calmly apprehensive expression that was only weakened by her eyes.

"I like being here with you," she said, wrapping her arms around him and smiling with the class of a highly trained actress. It wasn't that she was lying. It was that she had motives.

"What are you up to?" he asked, turning her head up to examine her bright blue eyes.

She grinned as took the opportunity of their position and kissed him. He enjoyed the kiss while it lasted, but remained focused.

"Seriously, Ana..."

She sighed. "Let's just stay a little longer," she said, pulling him to the sofa. She sat, and pulled him down, guiding his head onto her lap. He looked up at her, trying to put his finger on the oddness, but only feeling comfort and ease as she began to rub his temples. He closed his eyes.

A few more minutes wouldn't hurt.

* * * * * *

Ana stalled until she could stall no more. She had exhausted every course of action short of snogging the poor werewolf, and she wouldn't do that. As enjoyable as it would have been, it also would have been deceitful. And by the end of the day, she would be labeled as many things. Deceitful was a name she could live without.

For a while, she thought Remus was going to fall asleep. But just as she rested her own head back and closed her eyes, she heard a voice.

"Tired?"

She opened her eyes to find him looking up at her with concern. He knew that she had not been sleeping very often, and he did not at all approve of her chemical dependency on the Circle-supplied energy potion. She had been trying to sleep more often, but last night was full of visions, and lacking in rest. Nodding, she said that she was.

Remus sat up, stood, took her hands up in his, and pulled her to her feet. "Then let's go back to Gryffindor Tower. It's warmer, cleaner and it'll be just as quiet."

Ana had no choice. She nodded again, silently. It had been a week since they had discussed her powers and how it influenced her behavior, and she held on to his words. She had to, because that was the only thing to be grasped.

"And I love you now, even knowing what you've done. Do I disagree? I don't know. I honestly don't know. But I do know I love you."

A small voice spoke up in the back of her mind. 'But will he still love you tonight?' Ana again grasped his hand a little tighter.

Slowly, they walked through the tunnel, the dark and chill growing as they edged towards the castle.

"Is there anyone out there that will see us?" Remus asked. They had to be careful not to draw attention to themselves or the Whomping Willow.

"No," she said simply. There was no one on the lawn. Not anymore.

The afternoon light blinded them as they crawled out from the tree, their footsteps evaporating into the illusion of untouched snow. The sun was shining brightly that day, which Ana tried to take as a symbol of good. But her stomach churned inside of her. She did not want to go back to Hogwarts. Unfortunately, it was not for her to decide.

They walked hand in hand across the barren white land. The castle stood, gray at the top of the hill, and the green fir trees that enclosed the grounds bloomed. The sky was blue, blue, blue, the snow, an angelic white. But one area stood black as the ink of the night sky. Ana looked away, but Remus noticed it.

"Looks like the ice wasn't as thick as we thought," he pointed out. The deep lake was no longer a sea of white. Murky, raven water trembled in the breeze as blocks of ice were pushed to the still-frozen center, twenty feet in.

Ana made no reply, committal or not so.

"It must have been some surprise to whoever was skating," he laughed. "It looks like the ice just disintegrated."

Ana pushed towards the castle, though her soul was pulled toward the pond.

"Are you cold?" asked Remus. "You're shaking."

She still made no reply as her steps became quicker and elongated. At the steps, she took two at a time, letting go of Remus's hand. Once inside the castle doors, however, she froze, beholding the sight in front of her. Students crowded around the doors to the H-Wing, visible just down the corridor. Excitement, fear, and horror filled Ana's sensitive psyche as she watched them, some eerily quiet, others chattering senselessly while their friends sobbed around them.

"What's going on?" Remus asked her, watching the sight.

Ana did not look at him. She had told him silently all morning. "Heidi Weathersby fell in the pond. She won't live to see nightfall."

* * * * * *

From what Remus gathered, the story had been simple. She had been ice skating with a few other Hufflepuff students when the ice cracked beneath her. Had she not been the farthest out, they would have gotten to her sooner. As it so happened, she got trapped under the ice, and it took several icy minutes to fish her out. Who pulled her out and how was not revealed, as he had five hysterical Hufflepuff first-year girls telling him the story. He was lucky to get as much information as he did. Listening to them with most of his attention, he noted Ana, stepping back out onto the castle steps. But Dumbledore, who had spotted him from within the H-Wing, pulled him aside before he could talk to her.

"You have heard?" he asked gravely, once far enough away from the crowd for privacy.

Remus said that he had. He spoke with his voice as hushed as he could make it. "Ana says she won't live."

"Indeed not," replied the Headmaster in equal tones. "She is being kept alive by rather crude manners as we speak, for the sake of the family. They should be arriving shortly. But as the temporary Head of Gryffindor Tower, it will be part of you responsibility to help the younger students deal with this tragedy. I would suggest calling an emergency house meeting this evening." It was not a suggestion.

Remus nodded, wearing his responsibility with grace. Dumbledore squeezed his shoulder as he turned back toward Madame Pomphrey and Professor McGonagall, both of whom were trying to clear the crowd of students from outside the Hospital Ward. Remus moved to assist, taking his duty very seriously.

* * * * * *

They looked just like her, or rather, she like them. That was the first thought that Ana conceived upon seeing the group of visitors. Two of them she knew immediately, as they were recent alumni: Nathan and Luke. Both stood at just over six feet tall, their hair so blonde it almost matched the snow. Just as tall was an older man, perhaps forty-five years old. He had the hair color of yellow straw, which matched the hair very small girl he carried. The woman with him had hair to match that of her sons. One of her hands held her husband's, the other to a girl just a few years shy of being a Hogwart's first year. Ana watched them, frozen with a loss for words and actions as the Weathersby family passed her by.

After they had entered the castle, she looked up at the blue sky as she sat on the steps. "Show me what to do," she whispered. In her heart, she could hear the calling. She had let the stars have Heidi Weathersby. But that could not and would not be the end. If she was to be a Guardian, it was time she learned. Feeling ill, she stood, and followed after the family, letting her mind be consumed with their grief and confusion.

The corridors had been cleared, and everything was quiet. Her footsteps were like bass drums in her ears, and her heart beat out of her chest. The Hospital Ward came too quickly as she stepped through the door, just in time to hear the older of the two girls start to cry loudly. Looking over, Dumbledore, Professor McGongall, and Professor Sprout were talking in quiet consolation. Professors McGongall and Sprout led them behind the curtain where Heidi Weather

Dumbledore moved to follow, but seeing her standing in the doorway, watching, he approached her, wearing sympathetic, knowing eyes. "What may I do for you, Ana?" he asked

As she listened to herself, it was almost as if she was babbling. "I have to do something," she said, "but I don't know what, or how."

Dumbledore pondered this. "But do you know why?"

"Because it's what I am meant to do."

"What are you meant to do?" he inquired.

Ana thought. "Help," was the best answer she came up with.

He smiled as much as could be expected, considering the circumstances. "Then, it would appear that you know what you are meant to do. You are meant to help."

"But how?"

Dumbledore answered in riddles. "You have already said it, though you did not hear. You are to help in the way in which you were meant."

Ana fought for meaning. It seemed clearer when he said it, though he had said nothing new. The code of the Guardians entered her mind. Ease pain and suffering... She nodded, though it could mean a lot of things.

Dumbledore nodded back, in satisfaction that he had assisted her. He excused himself as he walked back to Madam Pomphrey's office, and Ana had a seat in the waiting area. Tears could be heard on the other side of the curtain as Heidi's family spoke to her. Professors McGonagall and Sprout quickly exited, leaving them in privacy. It was not long until Ana felt an ethereal hand on her shoulder. Time was running out.

"Father, give me your strength," she spoke to him, knowing he was watching.

She stepped across the room, pulling back the curtain, and drawing the attention of the grieving family away from the cold, gray figure on the bed. Heidi's white-blonde hair was matted in all directions and her clothes looked as if they had been dried in a wrinkled ball. Ana realized that they had probably used drying and warming charms on them the instant she came out of the water. Tubes were connected to her mouth, forcing circulation and breathing. She was dying, but this was not what scared Ana. It was the hazel eyes of the Weathersby family, looking at her expectantly.

Mrs. Weathersby, tears running down her face, reached for Ana's hand. "Were you a friend of Heidi's?"

Ana, not knowing what else to say, nodded. "I knew her."

The middle-aged woman tried to smile, but broke into sobs. Her husband held her close, looking just as grief-stricken. Ana then realized her blunder. She had said 'knew.' She kicked herself soundly.

She watched as the family sat around their beloved daughter and sister, comforting each other, but feeling awkward when it came to speaking to her. The two youngest girls sat on their brothers' laps while the parents consoled each other. Mrs. Weathersby shook as she spoke in hushed tones to her husband. "She must be so scared..."

It was then that Ana knew what it was she had to do. She searched Heidi's mind, but the girl was as if she were asleep and dreaming. Ana would have to push more. And she felt no emotion from her other than peaceful rest.

"Mr. Weathersby... Mrs. Weathersby," she began nervously, "You don't know who I am, but my name is Ana Anblick, and I think that I'm supposed to be here to help you."

They looked at her with hesitancy. "Help how? Did someone send you?" Ana had to remind herself that she still was and looked like seventh year, a student and a child by the world's eyes.

"The stars," Ana replied gently. "I am a True Seer. I don't know if you believe in divinations or not, and I really don't want to cause you any more pain, but I believe that I can reach out to Heidi, and relay any messages between all of you and her, if you would like."

Nathan Weathersby frowned. "So the rumors were true?" His parents looked at him. "There were stories about her and capabilities of when I still went here, but I never believed them."

"They're probably very true, depending on what you've heard," Ana said. She began to relax slightly. "If it's any consolation, I can pick up on the emotions of others just as if they were my own. And Heidi is neither afraid nor in pain." Ana wondered if she sounded too matter-of-fact. "She at complete rest, as if she were sleeping."

"Do you suppose she can hear us?" asked Mr. Weathersby. He was not quite sure what to believe.

"I could see, if you would like," Ana suggested. The family exchanged glances. The youngest girl was still crying in her brother's shoulder. It was Mrs. Weathersby who made the decision.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt."

Ana nodded, giving her a comforting smile. Taking a deep breath, she stepped through the maze of people to Heidi's bedside and sat down next to the girl. Everything was still, except for the force of the breathing machines. Ana closed her eyes, and took Heidi's cold hand in hers.

It wasn't long before she heard music. It was the forward beat of a waltz, a rich one, as one heard at royal dinner parties. A golden glow flashed before her eyes as Ana found herself in a grand ballroom with enormous glittering chandeliers towering above her. People swirled around her in impressionistic style and post-modern color. Dancing and twirling, the vision continued, Ana walking through as the figures moved around her. And in the center of the dream that Ana could feel was more than what it appeared, she found Heidi Weathersby, looking splendid, standing on top of a grand staircase. Her angel hair was tied up in a perfect French twist and she wore a red, strapless dress that would not have suited her as well in reality. For she looked older, Ana's age or higher, as she smiled, her red lipstick bringing happy highlights to her sparkling hazel eyes.

"Hello, Heidi," she said, as she approached her, climbing the stairs that were figments of the vision. The figures continued to swirl behind her. She did not know if Heidi knew who she was.

The girl turned her eyes on her, but only briefly, unconcerned with her presence. "Isn't it wonderful?" she asked, swaying and spinning to herself in time with the waltz.

"It is," agreed Ana watching her curiously. "What is this place?"

"The Yule Ball, of course!" laughed the girl as if it was the silliest question in the world. Ana looked around. She could make out red flowers and green pine swags on the rich walls around them. It was certainly not Hogwarts, but it was the fitting impression of a black-tie affair on an eleven year old girl. Her energy was contagious.

"Heidi," Ana asked gently, "this is a dream. Don't you know that?"

The girl stopped dancing to smooth her dress as it flowed from its empress waist. "I feel more alive than I have ever felt before." Her eyes were full of laughter. "Isn't it wonderful?" she asked again, looking around at her extraordinary surroundings. Ana placed the music. It was a Strauss waltz.

Ana couldn't help but smile. "I've never seen anything like it," she said quietly. Suddenly, she remembered why she was there. "Heidi, did you hear your parents talking to you?"

She laughed, her laugh as melodic as a summer chime. "Someone brought me a message. It said that they loved me very much. Parents," she grinned, "-they can't even leave me alone in places as important as this!"

Ana couldn't help but laugh with her. But the pain of tears were in her eyes, by some unknown source. "Well don't you have any message for them?" she asked.

Heidi started dancing again, her dress flowing out around her. It seemed to Ana as if the vision was slowing down. Figures were taking a clearer shape, and details were becoming more prominent. "Do you know who brought me here?" Heidi asked. Ana wondered if she had even heard her previous question. "Because," added Heidi, "I must remember to thank the one responsible." Perhaps it was the scenario or the age that came at the end of life, but she sounded much more proper and mature than anyone her age should. "I remember I was ice skating, and the next thing I know, I'm here, in this dress... this is lovely."

The vision slowed further. Ana could definitely make out people, and there was a figure in a white tuxedo approaching, climbing the stairs from the dance floor to the balcony on which they stood. He was a stunningly attractive young man, a perfect match for the belle in the red dress.

"May I have the honor of escorting you to your first dance, Ms. Weathersby?" he asked. His voice matched his looks.

Heidi gave Ana a very tickled look as she giggled slightly. She took his outstretched hand with her own, it covered in a long, red, satin glove. Ana felt a lump grow in her throat. Just as she was taking the first step down, her escort by her side, Ana called after her. "Heidi? No message for your family?"

They kept descending to the glorious ballroom. Just when Ana thought she would go back without word, Heidi called to her. Her face wore a supernatural brightness that reflected her excitement and joy. She called out her message, just as her name was being announced from the guest list to the entire room.

Stunned, amused, relieved, uneasy, and dreaming, Ana watched Heidi disappear into the crowd before everything began to whirl at top speed once more.

* * * * * *

The New Years Eve party was cancelled that night because of the day's occurrence. But it didn't stop Ana from dancing. That night, as soon as she had watched the coroners take Heidi's lifeless body from the H-Wing, and as soon as she had reassured the grieving family, she sped for the library.

They were called Box Sirens, and looked like common, ordinary music boxes. Except for the purposes of enriching the education and accessibility of resources to the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, they had a twist. Any song the student wanted was available, from the Dark Ages to the most popular contemporary wizarding rock. And Ana just wanted one song, to listen to over and over again.

"Special evening planned?" the elderly library asked, giving her a wink. Ana shuddered. She in fact had no idea what she would do for New Years Eve. Unfortunately, her psyche whispered what the old woman would be doing, and it was far beyond what she wanted to know. She sped from the library, trying to erase the image from her mind.

Up, up, up and down the corridors she went until she reached her tower. With a hurried password, she burst through the door, sending candles and the fireplace erupting into bright, cheerful flames. She wasted no time clearing the furniture to edges of the room, and setting the Box Siren on the mantle, turning the silver crank on the bottom before letting it go.

It had a cheerful voice, like that of a clarinet. "Well, hello!"

Ana smiled. The way the top of the music box flapped when it spoke always amused her.

"Need a little music, do you? How's about some nice jazz."

"No, no, I actually have something in mind."

"Oh," the music box seemed disappointed. "Rock, I suppose..."

"Classical," corrected Ana, and the Box Siren seemed to perk up.

"It has been a long time since I was asked to play classical music by a student!"

"Think you can remember the songs?" challenged the Seer with a tease in her eyes. It didn't seem to bother her that she was speaking with a box.

Proudly, it reminded her that it never had forgotten a song in its existence. "Then," Ana continued, "you'll be sure to know Strauss's "Emperor's Waltz."

A noise escaped the magical instrument that could have been confused as a laugh, cry, or squeal of excitement. "I don't believe I could think of a finer choice, myself." At that, the lid of the box shut briefly, and snapped open as wide as its hinges could go. Immediately, the room filled with the distant, forward beats that characterized the beginning of the waltz. Ana smiled as the vision of the grandeur of Heidi's party flashed before her. Closing her eyes, she could almost pretend she was there, wearing a dazzling gown of her own, her own hair swept up behind her, feeling more alive than she had ever felt before.

Her eyes shut, she swayed, dancing to the rhythm of the waltz as if gravity did not effect her at all. And in the midst of the dancing and twirling, her imaginary red gown flowing with her, she felt someone take her hand. A familiar voice spoke.

"Est-ce que je peux avoir cette danse?"

Ana opened her eyes in surprise to see Remus standing before her, one hand extended towards her, the other holding her palm to his. The music played on as a smile grew on her face and she accepted the dance from the most perfect gentleman she could imagine. Together, they waltzed clumsily, laughing as he jokingly tipped her backward in a (terrifying) dip, holding her close as he did so. When the song ended, it being quite long, both were tired, and Ana let the Box Siren play what it would. Soft music filled the air as Ana and Remus sat down wearily.

"You are amazingly beautiful right now," he said, his eyes gleaming.

Ana looked away, embarrassed. "My face is beat read from dancing."

"But your smile is radiant," he insisted, pushing some of her hair back. "You look like you have all the energy in the world. Not bad for someone whose classmate just died."

Ana looked at him, and her smile faltered for a moment. Such relief and excitement had washed over her, that the memory of her fears from the morning had all but disappeared. Indeed, she was so caught up in the emotion that she had neither seen nor felt Remus's approach minutes before. Though her soul quieted, her eyes remained bright, and she knew that Remus was not angry. But he was not happy, either.

"What are you feeling," she asked, gazing at him deeply, unavoidably.

He thought for a moment on this, mouth opening and closing to speak a few times before the words finally came. "I don't know. What should I feel?"

"Happy," replied Ana with a growing smile. "Absolutely happy."

His eyes went wide. "Happy? Angry, sad, guilty, confused... all these I can feel, if I decide to. But happy?"

Ana nodded, resting the side of her head against the back of the settee as she faced him. "Perfectly happy. You should have seen it Remus. You just should have seen where she went, before she died. She was in a dream of some sort, that led her to heaven, and it was beautiful. I could only go with so far and see so much -"

"-You were with her when she died? In her mind?" He seemed disturbed by this.

"It was beautiful," Ana babbled. "Everything was golden, and Heidi, she looked grander than I have ever seen anyone her age look... It was a ball, a dance... an orchestra somewhere playing waltzes and an unbelievably handsome man asking her to dance...."

"Heidi's family just let you enter her mind like that?"

"They wanted me to make sure she was all right, and to bring word from her. You should have seen their relief when I described where she was. It even got her younger sisters to stop crying! I showed it to them, Moony, in their minds! I gave them the vision of her, looking as radiant as she did, being led away by the man in the white tuxedo, amid the red and greens and golds of the ball.... Do you want to see?" she asked, reaching her hand toward his face.

He stopped her, closing her hand in his and kissing it, nearly speechless. "No, no... I don't want to see." Ana came off her cloud as she saw his expression. Well behind many rehearsed walls was the pain that he always had when he talked about death. Death for him led to the afterlife, which both he and she had imagined.

"Your dreams are just dreams, Moony," Ana reassured him. "Dark creatures do not go to Hell, not unless they bite someone, and I'm sure even then, they have a chance -"

But Remus cut her off with a shake of his head. "Just... just tell me more about Heidi...."

Ana sighed, turning so that she could stretch out. Years they had been together, and for years she had worked to get him to see beyond the wolf. And she had and hadn't, a job complete and incomplete. She couldn't tell who was right, but the thought of the love of her life would not win her over without the greatest battle her mind had ever seen. She pulled Remus down tightly, so that he stretched out next to her, and she held him, describing what she had seen in wonder of her own self.

"Really wonderful dreams... even people who don't dream often have those dreams that make them want to always see more. They're the ones you remember and cherish for as long as you need to. They're the ones that never last as long as you would like, and are so rich and beautiful, and seem so real, that you could stay there forever and ever... Do you know the dreams that I'm talking about?" Remus said that he did. "Heidi Weathersby is living that dream right now," smiled Ana, "and she will never have to wake up again. She's in her perfect dream.... maybe that's where we all go, or maybe that's just the way station between this life and the next...."

Remus closed his eyes. "Did she have a message?"

Ana nodded, her eyes bright as she leaned her head into his shoulder. She did not answer immediately. "Tell me about your perfect dream, Moony. Tell me everything...."

She waited for him to think, though she didn't have to wait long. "There's this cottage," he said quietly, "and I'll live there with the most beautiful woman in the world. It's in the middle of nowhere, no one for miles, on the shores of the gray sea, with a picnic table in the back yard and a tire swing hanging from the willow beyond it. Everything will be quiet, and peaceful, despite the three children...."

"Two boys and a girl," smiled Ana, remembering visions she too had seen. "in that order."

"Two boys and girl, in that order," he confirmed. "And all of them will be mine, and yours, without the infection of my blood. And we'll live there until we get old and wrinkled and gray and forgotten by our children, but we'll be happy, Ana. You and me, forever."

The sound of his voice made Ana's eyelids feel heavy as she stretched comfortably in his warm hold, for they were indeed holding each other. "Heidi said this:" Ana whispered. "'Tell them when they wake in the morning, I'll have lots of stories to share.' "

He said nothing, as the words hung in the air. Just before drifting off, she felt Remus kiss her head. "Happy New Year, Ana."

"Happy New Year, Moony."

* * * * * *

Kezia was fuming, and it was not so easily hidden. The Centaurs were careful around her, and the other members of the Circle of Sight were not left in the dark. But it genuinely irked them that she would not tell them what it was that bothered her. Guardians were like that, personally and habitually. Once the secret world of mind and thought was revealed to them, it was annoying to know that they could know everything except what their fellow True Seers were thinking. Throughout the history of the Circle, curious Guardians would try other methods of probing into their colleague's minds and stars, but the most obvious answer was, once again and as always, overlooked.

Of course there were the few that stumbled onto interested pieces of information, by the will of the stars, just plain spying, or both.

When Kezia entered her office at LeBab, she was both startled and not to see a dark figure waiting for her, like the black vocal point of a pastel painting. "Did you need something, Vespera?" she asked, going directly to her desk and setting herself heavily into the cushioned gray chair.

Vespera followed her movements with her great black eyes. "Something's bothering you," she said, her voice almost singing. "Something's bothering you and I know what it is." Her voice curled into a dark smile.

Kezia did not respond to her taunts as she took a quill off her desk and a piece of parchment from her drawer. "If you don't have anything better to say, I would suggest leaving. I'm not in the mood for your games. I have to write our informant with the president of the United States, visit some backward town in Australia, and keep a woman from cheating on her husband in Austin - all of this within the next four hours, and I have little time to waste."

"Why don't you put down your quill," suggested Vespera, "and tell me about Ana."

"Because I don't have time," sighed Kezia, continuing to write.

"Make it," Vespera's voice turned sharp. Kezia looked up. Her elder looked like a tired razor edge, cutting but worn. "I have offered time and time again to help you with Ana Anblick, and I will offer only once more. She has been rebelling?"

"She has decided that she doesn't need to be training as often as I had assigned," was the younger Guardian's quick response. "She has not rejected the Circle, only decided that she has been neglecting other areas of her life -"

"-Which you had been trying to keep her away from."

Kezia paused at the interruption. "She will join the Circle," she said firmly. "She knows she will. She has only to admit it."

"And my offer of assistance?" asked Vespera.

"Laughed at. There is nothing more to be done. She will make her decision in time."

"And the werewolf?" Vespera laughed at Kezia's startled look. "Yes, I do know about him. Not like the average werecreature, is he. So what of him? He's good."

Kezia glared. "But not good enough. Ana will see. Ana has already seen."

Vespera turned, exiting the room with a small, cynical bow. "You'll walk on ice, if you're not careful, Young One. And I'll do nothing to help you."

* * * * * *

The new year brought more than passing time. It brought the funeral of the young Weathersby, once all the students had returned from Holiday. It was a sad homecoming for many, some of which heard the news for the first time. But Ana would smile; it was a tremendous homecoming for Heidi Weathersby. And even if many people doubted, Ana knew, and it made her happy. For the first time in a long while, the young Guardian took pride in her powers. They really could be used for good. They really could be something besides a curse. And she wanted to see more.

Once she stopped forcing herself, the world of sight presented itself to her in a clearer fashion, and more intensely. Ana felt as if her powers were becoming more fine-tuned. Time allowed her to think: What next? Hogwarts was full of pain and suffering. She had her work cut out for her.

In the months that followed, Ana helped many people. She showed them visions, and visions, and visions. She read palms, and drank tea. She talked with the stars. Some things disturbed her, but most things did not. For whenever there was something horrible to happen, the stars showed her why. And when they did not, Ana accepted it graciously, glad to be able to see what she could, for a new tranquility surrounded her. It was as she had been taught. It was as she had told others. There was a greater force at work, and she was its servant, working for the good of the world.

Everyone noticed the change in the young Anblick. Her eyes were brighter, and her smile more natural. Dumbledore was pleased to see her roaming the castle, instead of locked up in her tower. Remus was just plain happy. Nightmares turned to dreams with the hope of a sequel in reality.

Months passed, and Ana visited Lebab Tower frequently. And with each visit, Charles Crouch was close on her heels. The salesman smile gave warning to the good intentions that Ana could feel. His pitch would always be the same, always mentioning Remus as if he were part of the deal.

"Have you thought about that place near Whitby? What does Mr. Lupin say?"

Ana had thought, and so had Remus. His parents, on a favor, went to go look at the house for their son's girlfriend, and the reports came back positive. It was a most beautiful home, one that would keep Ana safe and happy. She wondered if she could both have it and join the Circle. Clearly, that was not Crouch's intention. It was just another reminder that she was running out of time.

It was near Remus's birthday, and a decision still hadn't been made. Kezia became frantic. Crouch, more edgy. Ana, nervous. On the nights when she tried to sleep, she couldn't, and ended up wandering the corridors of the school, deep in thought. Mrs. Norris sometimes proved to be a bit of a problem to keep track of, but she could easily hide from Filch. Psyches were helpful that way.

So was Remus. When he went on his Prefect patrol just after curfew, Ana sometimes accompanied him. She was able to spot a hiding student a tower away, so they made a deal. She would let Remus do his search, but if he missed something, she would point him in the right direction. It became an amusing game. But on one night, on the very first day of March, nothing amused Ana.

They walked in silence, Remus's arms swinging by his side as Ana's wrapped around her torso, the only sound in the entire palace, their shoes striking stone.

"You want to talk about it?" Remus asked, not taking his keen eyes off the search.

"No."

"I'd guess it's about the Circle," he prodded.

"Why do you say that?"

"Because three things bother you: Your psyche, the Circle, and the school's meatloaf. When you see bad things, you shut down. When you eat bad things, you get sicker longer than anyone I've ever met."

"That's not true," she laughed. But it was. She didn't get sick often, but when she did, illness had its way with her.

"When you're thinking about the Circle," he continued, smiling at her laugh, "you're functionally distant."

"Functionally distant?" Remus had a way with ridiculous phrases.

He grinned. "You're here with me, but your mind is elsewhere. Therefore, you're thinking about the Circle."

Ana frowned. "That's illogical. I could be thinking about anything!"

"But you're thinking about the Circle," he insisted.

She blinked, frowned, and looked away. "Am I really that easy to read?" She had spent months training herself to act.

"Only to me," he replied, stopping to open a door to a classroom on their left, flipping the light switch, and inspecting it briefly. "So what is it, then? Problems with Kezia?" He turned off the light and shut the door. They kept walking.

"Same old, same old," she replied. "Everyone wants a decision about the Circle."

"Seems reasonable," nodded Remus gently.

This did not please Ana. "It's not an easy decision to make!"

"You're right, it's not. But school will let out in a few months, and something has to be said, one way or another."

They walked in silence. "What do you think I should do, Moony?"

He made a noncommittal, apologetic noise. "Ana, I can't make that decision..."

This did not please her either. "I just don't know what to do."

"Well, what's holding you back from the Circle. It certainly seems like the better of the two choices...."

It was not the first time that the question had been asked of her. Despite the fact and the time she had to consider it, she shook her head. There was really only one thing that concerned her. "I think it's my father," she replied. "I think it's his ordeal that bothers me."

"That he thought they were playing god?"

Ana nodded. Remus paused to check in a room on their right, but finding nothing, returned to the conversation that had never ended.

"Well, what do you say about it?"

"About whether they're playing God?" Ana asked. Remus confirmed, and she considered all that she had been through in the past three years. For a long time, it was a curse, to see the hidden things. And it was still a curse in many ways. Every time she looked at students playing quidditch, studying in study groups, practicing dueling... even struggling with divinations, she felt completely left out. But when she helped people, showed them what they needed to see, it was then that she felt the power within her. It was a power that would grow until the day she died, and she wondered what her capabilities would be five, ten, and fifty years in the future. This gave her strength.

"I don't think that they are," replied Ana honestly. "I just don't know why my father would say such a thing. What we see is shown to us by the stars. It's not like we make it up as we go along, though the Caucus Resistance seems to think so."

Remus smiled.

"What?" asked Ana. "The Caucus Resistance?"

"No. You said 'we' like you're already one of them."

"I am, though," she insisted. "Even if I don't join the Circle, I still be a True Seer."

"But what would be the point of that? Why not do all the good you can. You'd be able to stop Voldemort, if you went into the Circle. You could see cures to diseases, ends to wars... what's wrong with that?"

"I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that," she shrugged as he checked out another classroom. "All I'm saying is that my father must have seen something to made him think that the Circle was doing more than they should be."

"Maybe he just got tired of being a Guardian."

Ana frowned. "Couldn't have."

"Why not?"

"You haven't seen LeBab Tower. It's intoxicating. Think of the most beautiful thing you've ever seen and multiply it times one hundred. LeBab Tower still rises above that."

"So you're saying that the castle kept him in the Circle?"

"Yes and no. There hasn't been one day that I haven't thought about the LeBab and what I've seen there." A smile grew on her face. "Remus, it's the most peaceful place I've ever been to. It's almost like a support center for True Seers. Something happens when I go there, something that tells me and reassures me that it really is the place that reaches up to the stars. It's as if Stars are even more supreme there, and as if I can see that things really are under control. I guess I could compare it to my old home in Maine in the way it holds me.

"Then," she continued, "there's the issue of Voldemort. If my father was just plain tired of being a Guardian, he pretty much committed suicide by leaving the only place that kept him safe. You don't just tell the stars that you're not going to be their messenger...."

"So if he didn't get tired of being a Guardian, what happened?"

Ana shook her head. "I don't think anyone can answer that. It was his decision, after all. And the only help he has given me is, 'credyn.' Believe. Trust. The Centaur proverb says to first believe in my stars... but...."

"But you don't know what your stars are saying."

She nodded soberly. She played the vision she had been shown at LeBab over and over again. The Circle would find the Seventh Seer, blue star... Ana knew it was her. But something was holding her back. It was like a whisper in the wind. "Slow down, seer. Slow down..." She wouldn't go against the stars, but she wondered what the stars meant.

They walked down the corridor quietly, both deep in thought. Remus spoke again in time. "I don't see what the big rush is to decide. What difference does it make if you are ordained the day of graduation or the year after?"

"My protection," she said simply. "I can't live off of the Caucus Resistance for a year only to join the Circle afterwards. I can't stay here, I won't be a student anymore. And I have to make a decision between the two; I can't decide to go off on my own. I might as well just go right up to Voldemort and let him kill me. Whatever decision I make, I have to make it for good. If I'm going to join the Circle, I have to do it immediately." Remus considered and accepted this. Ana sighed. "What should I do, Moony?"

"I would join the Circle," he said, "but it's your life."

"And my father?"

"Don't you think he would have left you some concrete evidence of what was wrong with the Circle?"

Ana shrugged. "I guess."

"And he hasn't now, has he?"

"He very well could have. It could have been destroyed with the rest of my house after Voldemort took my mom."

"But the point is that you have no real reason not to join the Circle."

"I guess I don't."

Remus made a gesture with his hands that indicated his point had been made.

Ana's nerves seemed to subside as he told her what to do. His logic was acceptable, and it felt good not to have to think about it anymore. "Then I should join the Circle," she said, smiling slightly, for she agreed, and spoke with finality. "Right. Circle it is."

* * * * * *

To: Charles Crouch

Director, Caucus Resistance

European Branch No. 6

March 15, 1977

Dear Mr. Crouch,

I apologize for the tardiness of my response as I recognize that the delay does affect the daily business of your corporation in a negative manner. But in consideration of my impending graduation from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I have had much to decide regarding my future.

As you and your organization can imagine, numerous attacks from a dark wizard are very concerning, and my prime objective is to protect myself from further harm. Both the Caucus Resistance and the Circle of Sight have approached me on this subject, and both have made outstanding points of their capabilities. Truly, I believe I would be safe in the hands of either. So in times like these, I have only more thing to consider. Which position would be more beneficial?

Though your corporation vehemently denies the existence of divinations, the fact remains that I do posses powers that could be included in such a category. With them, I have been able to help many people get through trying times in their lives, and in doing so I have found fulfillment. The Caucus Resistance has assisted me in many ways, even to the point of providing me with applications to several top universities throughout the world. I am grateful for all that they, and specifically you, Mr. Crouch, have done, but I believe that my calling is not in accordance with the Caucus Resistance, and it would not be appropriate for anyone, including myself, to pretend otherwise.

At the end of June, on the day of the Summer Solstice, instead of attending graduation from Hogwarts, I will go to LeBab Tower to accept my position as the Seventh Guardian.

I thank you for all your concern, and if you are even in need of my services, do not hesitate to owl.

Stars be Kind,

Ana Anblick

* * * * * *

Not that it was unusual, but the boys' dormitory was a dump. Besides the clothes that hung from doors and bed posts, pieces of cream colored paper were scattered everywhere, in piles, in stacks, by themselves, and in random places. Among the mess sat the rooms occupants, Peter, Sirius and Remus. James, Lily and Ana also made their way in, bringing in more of the small sheets of paper, adding to the infestation.

"This is ridiculous," groaned Lily, falling back to lean against Sirius's bed from her scrunched position on the floor. She picked up a graduation invitation and glowered at it. "My sister just made me help her with all her wedding invitations, and now I have to do this." She turned her glare to James. "I don't even know these people!"

Graduation loomed just over two months away, and the invitations still had to be sent. Finally, Sirius's mom sent them a collective holler to get them going. The lists ranged in size, James's being by far the biggest. Though his parents had passed, the Potter's were very popular, and James, out of courtesy, felt it necessary to invite them, especially since he was the Head Boy. Sirius's list was the next largest, his family being extensive. Remus's family had some close contacts, which he was required to invite. Lily's was the next, having only her family to invite, and got stuck helping James with his invitations. Peter could only invite his grandmother. Ana's graduation was her coronation into the Circle. No one could be invited to that.

James smiled at Lily. "Just think of it as practice."

"Practice for what!" she demanded. "Sending out thousands of invitations to..."

She drifted off, catching herself before she said anything more. Ana saw them exchange a smile, and nothing more was said. She smiled herself, and let them keep their secret. Peter, Remus and Sirius had not noticed. They were all busy with their own invitations.

Remus wrote names on envelopes, and Ana stuffed them with invitations. Picking up the next cream colored envelope, she glanced at the name. She read it once and twice over before giving Remus a glance. He felt her eyes and looked up at her.

"What?" he asked.

She showed him the envelope.

He grinned.

"What?" asked Sirius from nearby. He had observed the exchange. Ana showed him the envelope.

Sirius laughed. "Sirius, you dog!"

"Who's it to?" asked Peter.

"Berenice," replied Ana coldly

The boys laughed. Lily made a disgusted sound with her tongue. Ana raised a questioning eyebrow.

"She made me promise to invite her," he said, smiling slightly and the ludicous former-slytherin.

Ana glared.

"You don't want me to invite her, then?" he asked, still smiling.

Ana glared further.

"Fine, fine. Rip up the envelope, I won't invite her."

Ana ripped it up instantly. Shaking her head, she reached for the next envelope, stuffing it with an invitation, perhaps a little less gently than before.

Peter's voice spoke up. "Can I invite her?"

* * * * * *

To: Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

April 30, 1977

Dear Headmaster Dumbledore,

It is understandable that you would wish to distance yourself from the situation regarding Miss Ana Anblick, but your experience and relation hold you responsible for preventing the course of actions that may occur in the next few months.

I humbly request, sir, if I may, that I be allowed to schedule another visit with the student. Out of the concern for her welfare that I know we both share, it is in Ana's best interest that I be allowed to convey my doubts about her choice in actions and to reiterate the offers of the Caucus Resistance. Thus far, she has failed to answer my repeated owls, and I feel that perhaps I should speak with her in person.

Your cooperation is most well received. I wish you the best at the end of another successful school year, and good winds on your reply.

Most sincerely,

Charles Crouch

* * * * * * *

To: Charles Crouch

Director, Caucus Resistance

European Branch No. 6

May 17, 1977

Dear Charles,

I apologize for the lateness of my reply. The end of the academic year brings its special challenges and responsibilities and has left me most unfortunately behind in my owling.

In regards to Miss Anblick, there is nothing more I can say or do to make up her mind. She knows that if she has any questions, she can contact you and personally request a meeting be arranged. Other than to support her in her decision, there is nothing I can do in this situation.

I have spoken with Ana on a few occasions since she has written you. I must say, having experience with people in her position, I feel her confidence in her decision.

If there is anything more I can do for you, do not hesitate to owl me in the future.

Best Regards,

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

* * * * * *

The end of the school year brought many special activities. The Quidditch Championships, special student presentations and seminars, banquets... Uniquely of many other schools, the month of June brought with it parents and family and friends. The castle became more and more crowded as time went on, with the parents of Seventh Years crowding in to be a part of their children's last few days in secondary education.

Only a zealous few came more than two weeks early. As Ana watched the stars on the front lawn, cherishing the last few minutes before sunlight, she became distinctly aware of the feeling that Hogwarts might be washed away with the deluge of relatives. Some would stay on campus, others in Hogsmeade. But their presence never left. It had saddened Sirius and James. The Blacks came to see their youngest graduate the full two weeks early. They said they needed the vacation. Sirius supposed Dumbledore needed a vacation from his pranks. They fought to the bitter end, trying to find that one last prank they could pull without getting caught.

But the stars were bright. It seemed to Ana, in the last days, that the stars were not peaking out from behind their dark shield, but were breaking through it, as if it was a wall to conquer. She smiled. "I hear ya," she would say to their messages.

Everything was gray in the morning, and sometimes the blue glow that covered the Earth played tricks on untrained eyes. The centaurs that had stargazed with her that night had long left her side, fleeing from the open field at the first glimpse of sunlight. As Ana sat on the castle steps, squinting to see the last of the stars, she sensed movement. But looking around, she saw no one. Nervously, she stood, insistent on what she had seen, but nothing stirred besides the wind in the trees.

Pulse quickening, she wondered if this was the long promised attack of Lord Voldemort. Everything in the early light seemed so peaceful and out of character. But so had the others: an exciting visit to Hogsmeade, a sunny day on the Lupin Land. Somehow it would fit right in. Anxiety built up within. She was so close to full protection, she decided she must not let herself be overcome with emotion or stress. Both clouded the psyche; both let down her only guard; both led to fatality.

Her senses disturbed, she was just turning to head into the protection of the castle when she heard a voice fill her head. It was thick and heavy.

"Peace, Young Anblick."

Ana looked around. At last, in the glow of the lake, silvered by the sunrise, stood a gray figure, approaching swiftly. Ana felt her breath stop. She knew who he was immediately, but never before had she the honor of talking to him personally, without the others with her. She wondered if she should bow, or kneel, but she reminded herself that despite the title, the Guardians were on equal ground.

"Good Morning, Kasek," she spoke into his mind. "Celisten domiv."

As he reached her side, he motioned towards the steps. "Sit," he said simply. His voice was not cold, though it was direct, and Ana obeyed immediately.

He began as soon as they were on the steps, his voice as silver as his age. He spoke in Centaur, and Ana wondered just how much English he knew. "Your coronation, Ana, is in just over two weeks."

"Ajja," she agreed. But she said nothing more.

He seemed uncomfortable at being there, but spoke with eloquence. "And how do you feel of such matters?"

Kezia had spoken briefly on some of the plans, but nothing of real importance was brought to Ana besides that fact that she could not miss it for the world and life thereafter. Ana was confused.

"I am excited," she said after hesitating. "I am ready to join the Circle, and to leave Hogwarts."

"And there is nothing," he said forwardly, "that you wish to discuss? Nothing that bothers you about the Circle, or anything that we should know about?"

Again, Ana fumbled for words. "Why are you asking me these things? Has something happened?"

Kasek seemed to back down slightly, but his eyes remained like steel. "No, Ana," he said, his voice like a sigh, "nothing has happened. But as the Head of the Circle, I would like to hear from your lips that you are ready to join the Circle, and that you will not follow in your father's footsteps."

"My father's footsteps were lost," Ana replied. "Lost and mistaken. Kezia has done a good job of training me and preparing me for the Circle, and I will not let you down, Stars help me."

Kasek said nothing more. He nodded and left, as quickly as he came, without farewell, leaving Ana to ponder the nature of the powerful man.

* * * * * *

The Great Hall was more crowded than usual. Parents and siblings took up spaces at the house tables Remus was personally pleased that he had convinced his parents not to come until the last few days. It had taken work; the school had many festivities they were sorry to miss. But he begged. He pleaded. He won.

Sirius had not been so lucky. As the youngest, his family felt special obligation to not deprive him of the family tradition. James, Peter and he had great fun making smooth comments about it to Sirius, who would glower and promise revenge. But no one feared Sirius's revenge. It was always more comical than horrible.

"This is getting ridiculous," Peter snipped as they dodged a flurry of pre-Hogwarts girls darting out of the Great Hall. The smell of breakfast was so exquisite, it had dragged them from their Saturday beds. They had gotten lucky. Not all the parents were awake and in the halls quite yet.

"Honestly, it's not that big of a deal! I don't know why parents feel it necessary to follow their kids around like lost puppies. There's nothing for them to do! They'll be bored at the end of their first day, and they'll be stuck here for the next two weeks! Anyone who would come this early would have to be stark mad."

Remus smirked. The smell of bacon and sausage wafted under his nose as they sat down. He again appreciated werewolf smell. But there was an odd odor in the air. He sniffed it in concentration.

James looked at him. "What is it, boy?" he asked. Peter laughed.

"Smells like... perfume..." Remus frowned. It smelled of roses.

"So? I'll bet some of those grandmums over there are wearing half the perfume in England," shrugged James.

"I've smelled it before," Remus said as he tried to place it. Then it was obvious. With a look of sheer terror , Remus threw himself under the table.

James grabbed a breakfast roll. "Mr. Pettigrew, would you mind telling me why Moony has put himself under the table?"

Peter stuck his head under. "Remus! What are you doing?"

"Shhhhhhhh! I'm - not - here...."

Peter frowned and sat up to look at James. But in doing so, he came face to face with an all-too-recognizable figure standing before them, dressed to impress in her soft yellow designer robes.

"Berenice!" laughed James, enjoying himself way too much. "What a pleasure to have you back at Hogwarts."

"Happy Graduation," she said, beaming. "I knew how much you all love me, so I thought I would come and support you."

"You got my invitation?" Peter beamed.

"I did! You were so sweet to invite me, Phillip."

"Peter," he corrected, not at all offended.

"Yes, of course. Where is Remus?" She was direct in asking.

"Couldn't tell you really," shrugged James. "You know him... disappearing behind closed doors, sneaking away unnoticed, crawling under tables.... I'm sure he's around here somewhere. Probably right under our noses for that matter."

Berenice looked bothered as she gazed around the Great Hall carefully.

"Maybe he's sleeping in," suggested Peter.

Berenice snapped to attention. "You're his roommate," she said. It was amazing what she did and did not know. "Was he up when you left?"

"Yes!" insisted Peter. Remus hit him soundly under the table. "ERR... No! No, no, no. He was asleep when we left. Sleeping like a baby." He looked to James for support. James was too busy trying not to laugh.

"Well, perhaps I'll go catch up with some of my Slytherin protegees until he arrives...."

She didn't bother to say "good bye." Walking off as quickly as she had arrived, Berenice buried herself in the hugs and fake kisses of Slytherin seventh years.

James lost it. He just started laughing, and laughing until his side hurt and he had tears running down his face. Meanwhile, Remus had reached up and taken his dinner fork and started jabbing it at him.

"You are terrible," he hissed from under the table. "Why don't you just look under the table, Berenice!" he mimicked, "you might just find some fresh meat!"

James laughed even harder. Lily came in to find him in such a state. Grinning curiously, she sat down where Remus had been. Pulling in her chair, she shrieked and scooted back. "Something grabbed my leg!"

Then Peter started laughing. The two were calling attention to themselves as Lily looked under the table. "Remus?" she hissed. "What are you-"

"Shhhhh!" he hushed her. "Look behind you. At the Slytherin table."

Frowning, Lily turned. She saw immediately. She turned back to Remus. "Make room," she said, as she ducked under the table with him.

Berenice at Hogwarts never ended well.

* * * * * *

Ana lay awake on her bed, staring dreamily out of her window. It was very, very early in the morning- hours from sunrise, and she had yet to get any sleep. More and more, Ana found herself lost in thought over LeBab Tower, the stretching turrets, and the quiet whispers of the world that seemed to flow through the corridors. Crazy thoughts would enter her mind to go and visit- to go and see it again. To sit in her chair and study the Anblicks listed on the pillar in the tower.

Crazy... she would always whisper to herself, trying to push the thoughts out of her mind. But the white steeples of LeBab were like a drug- perhaps to be fought for a while, but certainly not something that she could stand up to for a long time. Sometimes she would find herself sitting up in bed, on the verge of sliding out of the covers towards the door, yielding to the call of the Tower. That night, it was that very call that kept her awake. She tried reading. She tried counting sheep. But she lay on her bed, wide-awake, as if her roommates were making all the noise in the world in the deathly silent room.

Strong, but not invincible, she yielded. Her heart was pounding as she got up and dressed, but her nerves slept. LeBab called her like her own mother, reminding her that breakfast was ready, or that time was running out. "You'll be late! Hurry!" Quietly, she threw on a light cloak, and with one last look at the sleeping room, reading all of her roommates dreams to make sure they were asleep, she stepped out the door.

* * * * * *

"Young Seer," said the wide-eyed centaur at the front gate as he bowed reverently, letting her pass.

"Celisten domiv," she greeted him. "I'll keep my cloak, thank you," she said as he reached for it. She looked around, her eyes absorbing the scene as if she was scratching an itch months in the making. "Are the others here?"

"Yes, would you like me to send for them?"

"No, just show me where the library is. There is no need to disturb them." Ana's heart was beating out of her chest. She couldn't help but notice how loud their footsteps seemed in the large, open hall. Her eyes darted around, seeing if the others came to investigate. She didn't want them to find her. She wasn't even sure if she was allowed in the castle alone.

The library was relatively easy to find. The corridors were towering, wide and logical, unlike the narrow, twisting and ever-changing corridors of Hogwarts. The door, to her relief, was not transparent. Instead, it was curtained off with a large, white, velvet curtain. A centaur standing next to it held it back for her, exposing a blinding light on the other side. When Ana's eyes adjusted, she understood why.

The room was long and triangular, meeting at a point easily 50 meters in front of her, at a large, open window. That window faced east, drawing in the uninhibited sunlight, which was reflected off the floors, the walls, the shelves, the tables the chairs... every piece of furniture in the room, which was oddly made of...

"Glass..." Ana whispered, surveying the room, wide eyed.

The centaur watched her with interest. "Glass is uncommon at your institution?"

"No," she laughed, still staring at the marvelous room before her, "not at all... I've just never seen a glass room..."

"They don't make rooms out of glass?"

Ana blinked, and looked at the centaur, who stared back with intrigue. "No..." she said slowly, "It's too fragile. You don't get out much, do you?"

"Where would I go?" he asked blankly.

Ana was going to suggest that the centaur see the world. But as she turned back to the room. It was so bright, so supernatural, and yet made her feel more alive. The glass glimmered in the sunlight, so far from the level of the sea and so close grasping heaven. And the centaur's question tugged at her shoulder. Where would I go? "Nowhere more spectacular than this..." she realized, seeing that the world had nothing more to offer than the castle in which they stood. Her father came to mind.

She wandered through a maze of short, round, pillar bookcase, holding books of the classics, poetry, and encyclopedias and every book she could ever want. Making a mental note to find a way to bring Remus here in the future, she gazed upwards. Some of the pillars stretched to the ceiling high above her, and were surrounded by spiraling, levitated glass plates. She went up to one and touched it. It was immobile.

"Stairs," she smiled, walking around the pillar, viewing the glass staircase in amazement. She turned back to the centaur. "Where do I find the records of the Devinon Seleum?" she asked.

He pointed to a pillar towards the back of the room. Ana went to it, and started climbing the glass staircase. As soon as her foot touched the first stair, a railing appeared- thin and bright as a beam of sunlight, which by looking at it, was all Ana could guess it was. Pure, solid sunlight. She ran her hand along it as she climbed, letting the warmth spread through her like a hot bath. She didn't have to climb far to find the books.

There were many of them, but as Ana was looking for information on her father, she grabbed the last book. It was thin, but large, with a silver-sheet covering. Across the front, written in intricately carved sapphires, read the words Devinon Seleum, Omri Richard Anblick. Opening it, she found herself staring at almost illegible, curvy, iridescent words. "Written Centaur," she smirked. But she had seen it before, written in every dream she had ever had, and between the lines of every book she had ever read. It was like reading a poem, long forgotten. After a short study, she understood it perfectly. She sat down on the glass stairs, and leaned against the pillar as she read. She didn't even notice the centaur leave.

Omri Anblick:

Born: January 7, 1931 in Stratford, England to Niklaus Otto Anblick and Almyra Regina Dumbledore Anblick.

Ana stopped. Dumbledore... She reread it at least a dozen times, smiling broader each time. She went back through each of her encounters with him- when she first met him, him being a mentor to her...Besides feeling amazingly surprised and thrilled, she also had a great urge to kick herself soundly. She read on, still laughing, and wondering if she carried the genes for her father's blonde hair.

Dead: May 13, 1964 at age 33 at the hands of Lord Voldemort in London, England, outside of the Leaky Cauldron.

Survived by: Hilde Renate Dierksmeier Anblick, wife. (Born June 29, 1938; Died September 4, 1973 at age 35).

-AND-

Ana Hilde Anblick, daughter. (Born May 3, 1958).

Circle Reign: Devinon Seleum (1949-1957)

6^th Guardian (1949-1957); never rose in The Circle

Left Circle to marry Hilde Renate Dierksmeier

Again, Ana stopped. She reread the last part several times. "That's not right," she whispered, frowning.

"No kidding," came a voice from below her. Vespera stood out sharply in the lighted room in her inky black robes, hair and eyes. "That's exactly what we said. It wasn't right at all." She moved to sit down in an easy chair, where she could recline and look up at Ana.

Ana didn't stop to care that she could have been breaking rules by being there. "He left because of some of the practices of the Circle."

Vespera shrugged. "Depends on who you talk to. Maybe that's what he said publicly, and maybe even to his own family, but deep down inside, we all know he was just looking for an excuse to get away. To get married. Selfish bastard."

Ana glared, but ignored that comment. "Why would he leave to get married? Couldn't he do both? What a ridiculous reason to leave." Ana's mind was turning as she dismissed the idea.

"It is ridiculous! I'm glad we agree. But rules are rules. He vowed to them, before the entire world of Seers, only to turned around and break away from them."

The room seemed to dim as if the sun moved to pass behind the protection of cloud cover, though they were at too high and altitude for such to be possible. A pit grew in Ana's stomach. In many ways she had already known. "Rules?" she asked quietly.

Vespera looked up at her, not seeming at all startled. "You still don't know, do you." It was not a question. Her eyes seemed to deepen, if that was even possible, as she shook her head. "Kezia, Kezia..." she spoke under her breath as a sigh escaped her. She looked very white, and very tired.

"What rules?" repeated Ana, forcing patience.

The Guardian's characteristic edge returned. "The rules of Guardianship. The Creed of the Circle of Sight. The vow that every True Seer must take after taking the Vows of Guardianship. The ordination involves two parts: agreeing to those vows, and to the traditions of the Circle. Two separate agreements, but one cannot survive without the other."

"Tell me," she said, authority echoing throughout the room from her higher position.

Vespera hesitated. Her eyes unfocused slightly as if her mind were elsewhere for a moment, as was typical of Guardians. But in a moment, she was back. She spoke slowly and calmly. "We can't get married, Ana. It's forbidden of the Guardians to enter into a relationship of such a deep love."

Ana had seen it coming and wondered why it had not occurred to her earlier. "Why," she asked evenly, Remus entering her mind. She could almost see him standing next to Vespera, staring up at her with his calculating hazel eyes.

"You are young, but think about it. Say you see your love is going to die in a tragic accident. Wouldn't you want to stop it from happening?"

Ana nodded honestly.

"Of course you would," Vespera said, her own volume lowering, if only to gain some chill. "But," she continued, "could you restrain yourself if you knew it was fate?" She paused to see Ana's wide-eyed reaction. "It's not easy being a Guardian... knowing what must happen.... I've watched you Ana. I've seen you have to deal with the your friend's parents, and that young student..."

"-Heidi Weathersby." Ana wondered why no one could remember her name.

Verspera nodded. "It was troubling, was it not? Now imagine it was someone that you had given your life to. Being in love can only makes it worse."

"You make it sound like a weakness," she said, hardly audible.

"Indeed it is!"

Her mind swirled as she tried to come up with arguments. "But, what about family. It's the same thing, and you can't possibly deny Guardians the loving relationships they were born into."

"No, we can't. But we can save the family from needlessly increasing by limiting the actions of the Guardians."

"This is absurd," Ana said, growing angry. She snapped the book shut. "Then how is it that Guardians have children, and pass on the blood and the legacy, and preserve the magic in this world? The majority of Devinon Seeleums before me were Anblicks. That has to say something."

"Yes, it does," her reply was simple. "It means they followed protocol."

"Protocol?" The word was mechanic.

Vespera paused for a moment. "Have you ever noticed, Ana, that Guardians traditionally excel in every aspect of Magical Arts? Have you noticed how powerful a witch Kezia is? I am? Kasek?"

Ana nodded. She had always felt somewhat inferior because of their power.

The Guardian's black eyes narrowed. "Can't you see why that is? Do you really think that happens by chance?"

It couldn't be that easy, and Ana knew it, she stood as she put the book back, thinking madly. They couldn't marry, but they had to pass on the power. They had to preserve the gift, and it involved power. And it dawned on her. The entire underside of the Circle. "Guardians," Ana said shakily, pausing to reassess her conclusion, "Guardians are bred."

A broad, smile spread over her face. "Kezia said you were bright. It took her months to figure it out.'

Ana was not so thrilled. "Bred?"

The smile continued. "The power of the psyche crossed with some of the most powerful wizards and witches in the world," she said, spinning around slightly as if she were on display. "Each guardian is matched up with a volunteer, and one child is required of them. We can tell from birth, where the child will be led. If it is not a guardian, another child may be had, if it is wished."

"It can't always work. What happens if it's not a guardian?"

"Then it's not a guardian. The Stars are left to provide another at a time of their choosing. Even if that child does not have the gift, they carry the blood, and their child, or their children's children may be the next in the line for guardianship."

Ana shook her head numbly. "How is that different from marrying? Have a child to worry about? Have a husband? The love is the same."

"The two types of love are different, but you are right that it is irrelevant. But you also assume that the Guardian has an active role in that child's life."

It made her sick to think about. "Of course she wouldn't," Ana babbled as she explained it to herself. "It's a liability."

"See? It makes sense."

But it did not. Not in the moral way. Ana descended the glass staircase, deep in thought.

"The worst that could happen would be that the child would not be a seer, grow up in a luxurious household - because, face it, the most powerful witches and wizards are often the most affluent - and live a comfortable life. The best case scenario is to have the child grow up in that same scenario, attend the best schools and join the Circle as soon as possible for an even better life."

"Even better life," Ana muttered, snickering slightly. The visions of children, two boys and girl, playing with Remus on a country cottage on the sea pained her. "What about the Anblicks? They just got lucky with the whole breeding process?"

"Unusually so. The last few Anblick-Guardians bred - as you call it - in the clockwork fashion I just described. All of their first children were Guardians. That is why enough time has passed that the hope of any other Guardian coming out the Anblick family blood and name is nearly impossible. There are no Anblicks left, at least not in pure form. You are the last, and will remain so, until you go through the process."

"Who chooses the partner?" Her skin crawled.

"The entire Circle votes on three candidates from which you will chose from. The child and the partner will from then on carry the Anblick name, for the name will be more important than that of the partner."

Ana made her way to a glass chair and sat down. She had a million questions, but none that lent themselves to the moment.

"So Almyra Regina Dumbledore never married my grandfather."

"Not formally, but she was honored as a De Devyirè Salaaeum, or -"

"-'one chosen by Guardians,' " translated Ana.

"Did she every marry?"

"No. Most do not. They feel it would take away from the divinity of the honor."

Ana shook her head at the thought of divinity being in having an illegitimate child. "And if I am to be admitted into the Circle of Sight, I will have to do this?"

"It's an honor."

"You've had children?"

"I had one. He is not destined to be a guardian. I held up my part of the deal. Rules are rules, Ana, and they are made for a reason. Unfortunately, they were rules your own father couldn't follow. There he was, on business in Bremen, when he met and fell in love with Hilde. Oh, there was no doubt that he was in love." Vespera wore a rare, warm expression as she recollected it, but it darkened quickly. "But he was bound by an oath to his loyalty to the Circle of Sight."

Ana listened, hardly able to breathe.

"And then... one day, he challenge the vow. He tried to work his way around it," Vespera said quietly, her eyes downcast in horror, shame and sadness. "Kasek and he argued for hours...Kasek refused to let him marry her." She looked up at Ana. "He was right you know... Kasek... your father did take an oath..." She saw Ana move to speak, but she continued. "He was a very, very strong and powerful man, Ana. But there are magics in the world that even he could not fight. You should have seen the look on his face, Ana... whenever he spoke of her. You see and admire the brightness and beauty of this castle. It lights up your face like the snow-capped mountains on bright winter mornings. But even that doesn't compare to your father's face when he spoke of Hilde..." she drifted off.

"So he left the circle to marry my mom..."

"He was a man of honor, I guess, in some respects. Wouldn't start a family with her without marrying her. So he searched for an excuse to leave the Circle. Looked for anything to disagree with. He found it- a simple and common deal, which he turned into stories of bribery. He tried to cover up that he was about to break a vow he had sworn to. He blamed it on us, calling us corrupt and unjust. He thought we were 'playing God.' Judging by the look on your face, that's probably the story you heard. He walked out of the castle, the fool. Away from all the world had to offer, away from power beyond imagination, away from billions of suffering people in need of his guidance, and most importantly, away from the protection that kept him safe from Tom Riddle's reign of terror."

Daze hit Ana like the first lights at dawn. "All for my mom..."

"He timing was perfect, of course. Kezia was still at Hogwarts, and we were all watching her, just as we are watching you. She was to be the Seventh Seer- to be the one who would complete the Circle, and let us all be united with power beyond our dreams. Power to defeat Voldemort. Power to take the next step in human history. Power to end illnesses, and uphold peace. But no. Omri had to go and think of himself. Omri just had to go back on his word. Omri had to hold up human history, just so he could have a wife. Selfish bastard. All the lives that could have been saved... and just because he-"

"That is enough!" snapped Ana, frowning, her voice echoing throughout the glass room. Vespera looked up, startled. "He was my father! Don't you dare talk that way about him!"

Vespera stood, slowly. "He made a mistake. You have to admit that."

Ana glared, speechless.

"He turned his back on humanity. I know it hurts to hear, Ana, but he made a mistake, and now you have the chance to make up for it."

Ana looked at Vespera heavily. She opened her mouth to say something, but then just smirked darkly, shook her head in disgust, and walked out of the library.

* * * * * *

Although the sun had not completely broken the flaming horizon, the dawn sky was a murky blue by the time Ana had returned to the gates of Hogwarts. Her mind was beyond rest and ease as thoughts flooded her mind. Words kept coming....traitor... mistake...fool... and the one that seemed to move beyond all others: Father.

It was too early to be angry and too late to be passive. But even before she walked halfway to the castle doors, they opened swiftly, and McGongall stepped out.

"Miss Anblick!" she snapped, her voice mimicking the crispness of the early morning. "Miss Anblick, where have you been? We've had the entire castle on alert because of you!"

Ana stopped at the edge of the steps and looked up at the scowling professor. "How did you know I left?"

McGongall glared. "You've had two attacks since you've come here, Ana. We watch you like a hawk, whether you know it or not. Apparently, that seems to have slipped your sight. Honestly, child! We thought you were kidnapped, or worse.... What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I didn't think anyone would mind," she sighed, feeling the guilt of her actions dragging down her shoulders. "I'm sorry, I just had to go..."

"Yes, well when your classmates wake up tomorrow, you can apologize to them. Your little escapade has cost Gryffindor 75 points! Now come along. Dumbledore will undoubtedly want to have words with you as well."

Actually, Ana had a few words she wanted to have with Dumbledore. She walked up the stairway gracefully, but inside, more thoughts of her father whirled through her mind.

He went against fate? He wouldn't...

It was a short walk to Dumbledore's office, but somehow, they managed to pass by most of the faculty (who deemed it necessary to glare disapprovingly at Ana). She was relieved to find her way to Dumbledore's door, but what awaited her on the other side was nothing comforting.

Dumbledore sat at his desk, his forehead rested in his hand. He didn't look up when then entered, or when McGongall told her to sit (which Ana did obediently). Dumbledore sent the Professor away with a wave of his hand, leaving the two to sit in silence. He looked up at her as he leaned back in his chair. His eyes were lacking in their usual sparkle, being replaced by deep, blue exhaustion.

Blue eyes... Just like my father... just like me....

"Explain yourself, Ana," he said heavily.

Ana was quick to speak, and any "matter-of-factness" in her voice was completely unintentional. "I went to LeBab Tower. I wanted to look at the records."

Dumbledore looked neither surprised nor relieved. He just wore the same blank, tired expression. "And it didn't occur to you to tell anyone?"

"I didn't think anyone would miss me so late at night. I was only gone for an hour or so..."

A sad smirk played on Dumbledore's lips as he gazed at her quietly. "You sound too much like your father, Ana. He was caught once, going to LeBab. He acted much like you...seeing little wrong in his actions..."

"No, sir... I see plenty wrong with what I've done. I've obviously put the professors in a frenzy, and hurt you very deeply. And I'm sure those feelings with catch up with me soon... there's just more important things on my mind right now."

Dumbledore looked at her with interest. "Such as?"

She frowned. "Whether my father was a traitor or not..."

Dumbledore smiled down at his desk. "Which member of the Circle have you been talking to?"

"Vespera de los Santos... but the records say the same thing. This may come as a surprise to you, but I guess he didn't leave just because he thought the Circle was becoming corrupt... he left because of-"

"Your mother," he smiled.

Ana grew silent, slightly confused. "You knew?"

"I'm aware of the rumors."

"Vespera seemed pretty sure about it..."

"Wouldn't she be? The lives of the Guardians revolve around the Circle. Your father leaving must have been something of a shock to them, do you not agree?" Ana was sill too stunned to agree. "You have seen LeBab twice now. Omri once told me of the intoxicating beauty of the place. The legend says that it is so grand, that it's not a question of if anyone could withstand seeing it, but would anybody even try? I have heard Seers who claim that it is the Gateway to Heaven itself."

Ana thought of the centaur. "There's nothing in the World that could even compare..." she looked up at him, her eyes blazing blue with the memory. "No one would want to leave... not for anything in the world."

Dumbledore smiled. "Never underestimate the power of love. There is no magic greater, stronger, or more absolute."

"So he did leave for my mother?"

"Honestly, Ana," he replied tiredly, "I do not know. Your father was a man of many secrets."

Ana smiled at him pointedly. "Something that runs in the family."

He looked startled for a moment. Ana watched as he stared at her with calculating eyes. The longer the silence went on, the more Ana felt like laughing. It wasn't everyday that the Headmaster was at a loss for words.

Finally, she spoke. "My grandmother," she grinned, "has a most curious last name."

"Anblick is an unusual last name," he replied.

"Dumbledore Anblick, is even more unusual."

He raised his eyebrows. "I rather like it."

She sat back in her chair. Check. "So why didn't you tell me?"

"What?"

"That you're related to me!"

He smiled. It was still tired, and heavy, but more relieved than anything. "Almyra Dumbledore was my sister, and your grandmother. I was Omri's uncle."

"Which is why my mom contacted you, of all people, when I had that nightmare, the days before I came here..."

"Indeed. Omri and I were very close, dear Ana. As were you and your mother, when he was still alive."

"I knew you before Hogwarts?"

"Yes, of course! You were very young, mind you," he chuckled merrily at the nostalgia. "I used to take you and levitate you so you could touch the ceiling. You would giggle so merrily... as if you were touching the sky." He had his old hands raised, as if he were lifting a young toddler.

Ana just smiled as she listened, not remembering anything. But her smile disappeared. "Why did you disappear, then?"

"I kept in contact for a long while... keeping my eye on you, ready to jump in the moment you showed signs of being a seer. But, as you said yourself, the family is full of secrets. Your mother didn't have the first clue until that night she finally contacted contact me. I personally, though perhaps a bit prematurely, stopped searching for the signs. Your mother told me to stop looking for things that she believed weren't there."

"But you believed?"

"I hoped."

Ana considered this. "It's a curse, you know. To know what people are feeling and thinking... to be haunted by dreams every night of your life... to know the terrible things that must happen... and trying to convince people you know what you're talking about..."

Dumbledore reached across the desk with an open hand. Ana reached out to hold it. "It's a terrible, wonderful blessing. Few people have the ability to help others like you do. Take Mr. Lupin, for example. You have helped him tremendously, thanks to your powers."

Ana gasped, having momentarily forgotten. "Remus..." She removed her hand from her great uncles, and stood. "What am I going to do about Remus?"

"In what regard?"

She turned to him, her eyes wide with seriousness. "I love him," she whispered. "And, this is not just some teenaged girl's swooning, Uncle Albus..." Dumbledore smiled thoughtfully at this title. "I'm serious, I can't leave him..."

"Does he feel the same way?"

Ana nodded, going pale. "Being a Seer is in my stars... every seer- every guardian I've met has told me so..."

"And Remus?"

"No one's said anything about him, except that I don't think he would be the Circle's first choice for the 'breeding' process..."

"Have you looked yourself?"

"Rule number one of being a Seer... don't look at your own life; leave that to the others." She saw Dumbledore nod. "All this time..." she said, sinking into her chair again, "All this time I've stressed over whether I should live up to my Guardianship and join the circle... All this time I've thought about me... how I would feel.. what I would do... I've never even considered how it would effect the ones closest to me.... I didn't think it would effect them at all!"

Dumbledore stood and joined her in front of his desk. He took her hands in his, and stared deep into her eyes. "So you know the power of love. You know exactly the dilemma your father went through... but you're lucky. You have yet to vow yourself to the Circle. You haven't committed to anything yet."

Ana gazed at him. "I can't do it... I can't leave Remus. If I have a choice-"

"-And you do," he reminded her.

She looked at him, remembering the truth in his statement. "-Then I can't," she said with resolve. "I can't join the Circle. I won't." Ana searched him for some sort of reassurance or blessing. But his face was blank and calm. "Is that okay?" she asked meekly.

He chuckled, breaking his concerned look in a moment of amusement. "My dear, it is for you to decide what is okay for your life, and what things you can live with and without."

"Can I have your opinion?"

"Do you value it?"

"Very much."

"Then I say, do what is right."

Ana stared at him. His eyes twinkled, knowing the vagueness of his answer. She knew he wouldn't try to influence her decisions. That killed her.

"Ana," he said, "You know that someone's opinion matters more than mine in this situation. He's the whole reason you're in this predicament. I won't tell you what I think, but I can suggest that you talk to him."

Ana's shoulders sagged in despair. Easier said than done. "But why didn't you tell me before?"

"About the Circle? Or about me?"

"Both."

He pondered this. "To be sure," he started, looking over his spectacles at her, as she reached his height, "I did not tell you who I was because you were to be under my watch for some time. I did not know what kind of person you would end up to be, and for reasons of fairness, I felt it would be better to treat you as a student of this institution rather than a close relative. I was afraid of you becoming too relaxed with the rules, and with your studies."

"And the Circle?" she asked quietly. "You knew the whole time what my father went through. And you let me walk into it."

"I let the Circle train you in the ways of sight. They have their ways, and I am not nearly knowledgeable enough to begin to tell you about their ways. Even I only received on side of the situation, listening to Omri's frustration."

Ana said nothing as she considered this.

"I am sorry, Ana, if this has caused you unneeded stress. But I still believe I made the right decision."

"Then I believe you did, too," she remarked. But her mind was elsewhere. And Dumbledore could see that.

"Your Grandmother, Almyra, used to have a saying. 'Neglected words waste time.' "

"And I don't have very much time anymore," added Ana, nodding.

"Then go say what needs to be said, whatever that may be."

* * * * * *

Remus paced in McGongall's office with the rest of the prefects, and James and Lily. He couldn't relax. Thoughts kept popping into his mind of Ana laying dead in some corner alley, or perhaps worse, in the castle, missed by the several searches.

Lily watched him sleepily as he paced back and forth. "I'm sure she's fine," she yawned, nestling her head on the back sofa cushion. Other prefects looked on, some with annoyance, others with worry, and still others with support.

"She's right," muttered Sirius as he leaned against the wall. "She's a fine witch. She can take care of herself."

Remus stopped pacing, and looked at them. "Voldemort's after her. She's weak in dueling. If he got his hands on her..." His jaw became set, stopping his speech.

Peter (who had tagged along with them) was going to go put a supportive hand on his shoulder when McGongall walked in.

"She has been found, alive and well," she announced to the group, her voice short and slightly tried. A few people cheered. Others gave exhausted, apathetic 'yays.' McGongall continued, "I realize that there is no use in reminding you that your job as Prefects and Head Boy and Girl limits you to confidentiality, as most of school will 'mysteriously' find out what happened before breakfast. But I would like to request that you show a little sensitivity to the situation."

The group nodded as they marched out of her office. Remus lingered behind.

"Where is she?"

McGongall had dark circles under her eyes as she sank into her chair. "With Dumbledore. Has been for the last fifteen minutes."

Remus nodded shortly as he turned to walk out the door. He headed there immediately. He had always enjoyed being a prefect. It gave him the feeling that he had the power to do something good. Not to mention it gave him the password to the staircase to Dumbledore's office. This particular day, it was some weird muggle cookie that he (and Ana, for that matter) was fond of. "Oreo," he said, as the portrait flew open. Ana was immediately on the other side. He took a step back as he regarded her face. It was tired, serious, and as she gazed at Remus with her deep, guilty eyes.

Remus tried to speak but he just gave in and wrapped his arms around her, holding her as close as he could. "Bloody Hell, Ana. What did you go and do..." She rested her head on his shoulder for a moment before she gently pushed herself out of his arms.

"We need to talk," she said, her voice slightly strained.

A pit grew in his stomach as words such as expelled and dying came into his mind. "What is it?" he asked, wondering if he really wanted to know.

Ana grabbed his hand and pulled him down the corridor, to the main stair case, through more corridors, and up to her Divinations Tower. They walked in silence, holding each others hands tightly. She paused before her portrait. He looked at her.

"Aren't we going to go in?"

She nodded. "Credyn," she said, as if honestly thinking about what it meant. Together, they stepped through and sat down on the settee.

Remus regarded her for a moment. She looked older than usual. Her hair was pulled back into a simple, loose pony tail, and he couldn't help but notice her posture- straight and formal, despite the bother of something on her mind. Simply put, she looked like royalty. So she should, he admitted to himself. He smiled at her nervous face. "It can't be that bad," he said, forcing himself to listen to his own voice. "What's going on? Where were you last night?"

He saw her cringe... a move he rarely saw from Ana anymore. "You know how much I love you, right?"

The smile faded from his face. Conversations that started out this way never ended well. "Yeah..."

Ana brushed some of his bangs off his forehead with her fingers gently. "And you love me too?"

"You doubt it?" he asked, smiling.

She shook her head as she turned around on the sofa, and leaned back into his arms. "I went to LeBab Tower," she said quietly.

"What! This morning? Without telling anyone?"

"I found information on my father," she pressed on, leaving his question behind. "He's not regarded well... he left the Circle to marry my mother."

"He couldn't do both?"

He felt her shake her head. "It's against the Guardian rules... no marriage."

Remus felt his mouth go dry. "Ever?" he whispered.

"Ever."

There was a long pause as the wheels turned in his head. Slowly, he took her by the shoulders, and sat her up. He just stared into her eyes, unable to find words. And to his surprise, she smiled.

"That was my reaction too, Moony. It's also what helped me make my decision to not join the Circle."

Thousands of things happened at once, though Remus appeared frozen for the aftermath of her comment. A noise escaped him that mixed laughter, astonishment, question, denial, rejection and joy. And the word that he spoke was simple, though he smiled, much amused. "What?"

"I'm not going to join the Circle."

"Ana," he said, still laughing, sputtering his words, "It's not like you can just say no to the Circle! Look at what they're offering you... everything in the world, even protection. Protection you can't get anywhere else. Ana, you have to join the Circle!"

"But if I do," she said very simply, without distraction, "we'll never truly be together." She was wearing a small smile and twinkling eyes that dimmed slightly. "That is what you want, isn't it? Because I know that when it comes down to it, I don't want to play princess to the world. I just want to be with you."

He snuffled an outraged laugh in his throat, and didn't answer the question. "There is no way that you are going to give up LeBab Tower, and the prospect of saving the entire world from the evils of Voldemort for a poor, miserable life with a werewolf, Ana! There's no way!"

Ana stared. "But I love you! You love me! We-"

"It would be great for a while, Ana. But once you leave Hogwarts, Voldemort's attacks will just get stronger." He stopped for a moment, realizing what he was saying. Oddly enough, the words he never thought he could say, although he thought them often, flowed easily and calmly. "And when he keeps hunting you down, Ana, and when you see the life I can't give you, all those things you passed up for the Circle will look very, very attractive."

"No! Remus, listen to-"

"Listen to me, Ana. You will join the circle. It's in your stars."

She glared. "How would you know!"

He smiled gently. "I see it. In your eyes, in your words and actions- you are born royalty." His face darkened. "And I'm a dark creature." He felt an odd pain in his chest- one that he hadn't felt for years. Not since he had met Ana. He knew he loved her. He had never said it, but he knew. He loved who she thought he was. She never labeled him as a werewolf, never was uncomfortable talking about it... he was a person, just like anyone else. Of course, James and everyone else felt that way too... but there was something more to Ana. And as he stared into her eyes, he felt a coldness growing in him. Werewolf... something so pathetic that he couldn't even give her a normal life...

And finally, despite everything they had gone through, despite all the troubles that they had worked so hard to solve, despite how much he loved her and needed her, despite the fact that no one would means as much to him as Ana, and despite the fact that he knew he was giving up his one chance to be with his soul mate; Despite all of this, Remus beheld Ana, the sunlight coming through the window, and he knew. He knew. He had to think beyond himself. He had to think of the world, and he had to think of Ana. He had to do what was right.

"Ana, you have to join the Circle," he said quietly, searching his soul for any specific emotion.

She would not hear it. "Remus, I-"

"Listen to me," he nearly shouted in a way that he never did to anyone, especially her. "If I am the only thing keeping you from the Circle, then I will make this very easy on you. I don't want to spend the rest of my life with you, Ana, and I won't."

"You're lying," she said coldly. "You know that you are, and you know that I can tell. Why are you saying these things?"

"It's the truth," he insisted fiercely. But he would not look her in the eye. "No more of this. Voldemort is too strong, and the Caucus Resistance is too weak. You are joining the Circle. Go, stop Voldemort. Help the world." His voice shook with fury, though not at her specifically.

Her blue eyes were wide as she gazed at him intensely. "Moony," she whispered, leaning close to him and cupping his face in her soft hands. "Moony, this is not how you feel."

"WHAT DOES IT MATTER HOW I FEEL?" he exclaimed as he stood, swatting her hands off him roughly. "Tell me! What-does-it-matter? Where do feelings come into this game you play with the stars? They don't, Ana! They don't at all. You've told me that time and time again. Fate is fate is fate, and you are fate," he rambled furiously. He avoided her eyes. It almost seemed like he was some other person, and her eyes were his own true pair, watching his actions in silent horror. But the words came, and he did not fight them.

"I love you," she said softly. "And you love me. Even now, I can feel it. Don't you hear me?"

"Don't I hear you? Does this remind you of anything?" Just a few months ago, the roles were reversed. Ana was the victim of the stars, and Remus, the star-crossed lover. "All that pain that you don't even know you feel yet," he spat, "All that pain will remind you of how you made me feel since the beginning of the year. So consider this your payback. I DO NOT LOVE YOU, Ana."

At that, he turned on his heels and forced himself to flee. He stormed out of the room, nearly knocking the portrait clear off of its hinges.

* * * * * *

In seven years of attendance at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, James had never arrived at breakfast before the food was put out. But neither he, nor Lily, Sirius and Peter, could sleep after the incident of the previous night. All wanted to talk to Ana, but all knew Remus had first rights. Therefore James was surprised when he found Remus sitting at the bottom of the Grand Staircase, his face gray, and his hair sticking out at odd angles. Sirius did not seem to immediately notice the eerie aura his friend wore. Speeding up, he kicked him in the shoe, in a playful hello.

"Did you find her?" Sirius asked eagerly.

Remus did not give any indication that he had heard Sirius at all. He did not move or speak.

Sirius frowned and bent over, so that his head was at Remus's eye level. "Hello? Mister Lupin? Ana leave you senseless?"

"Sirius-" started James, now very concerned.

But it was too late. In a flash, Remus was on his feet, and Sirius was on the ground, holding his jaw, and swearing. The punch was so fast that it had hardly been seen.

Before James could act Remus stepped up to Sirius and picked him up by the robes. But he didn't move to attack him again. He looked exhausted.

"Sorry," he said softly. Brushing off his very stunned friend, he stepped around them, towards the Great Hall.

All watched in complete shock.

Sirius was not so forgiving. "Like bloody hell you are!" he hissed as he lunged after him, quite furious (and rightly so). But James caught him.

"Sirius!" he hissed. "Something's up with him."

"Well it'll be worse in a few seconds, I promise you that," was the response as Sirius tried break free of his hold.

"Knock it off!" growled James. "Or I'll get Lily to put you under a paralyzing spell. And she'll make it hurt - you know she will."

Sirius considered this as he looked at Lily, who was smiled sweetly, despite the situation. James knew that Sirius had more than once ended up on the bad end of Lily's wand. He let go of his friend's robes. "Let me just talk to him, okay? You can get you revenge another way."

"-Yeah," piped up Peter, trying to find a place on the winning side. Sirius and James both gave him a look telling him that his comment did not help, while Lily chose to ignore it.

Slowly, they all walked into the Great Hall. It was empty, except for Remus, who was seated at his normal spot at Gryffindor Table. James led them, himself very much wondering what should be said. Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long. A voice echoed through the Great Hall.

"THAT IS PRETTY DAMN UNFAIR, REMUS!" it shouted. Their eyes went to the North Entrance to the hall, where Ana had just appeared. She stormed over to him, her eyes ablaze with fire. "Payback? Bloody Payback? Remus, that it is the biggest bunch of crap I have ever heard-"

Remus stared blankly down at the empty table. Ana did not give him a chance to speak and James thought, by the look of him, that he probably wouldn't have had anything to say.

"We settled that weeks ago, Remus, and we moved on. If you want me to join the Circle, fine. But don't you lie to me. Don't you dare lie to me about it, because you know that I can see right through them. Grow a pair, you coward."

A hand touched James's shoulder. Lily and the rest had observed it, too. Ana looked just about as volatile as Remus had just acted in the corridor. Questioning eyes signaled Lily wanting to know if something should be done. James shook his head, and listened some more.

Remus finally spoke. There was something very matter-of-fact in his voice. "You lie all the time. To your teachers, to strangers, and even," he paused to look directly at James, "your friends."

Ana's flushed face turned white as a sheet as she observed his action. Her mouth opened and closed a few times. Finally she spoke. "I know you're trying to make me angry," she said shakily, her voice lowering to the volume of common speech. "But you know as well as I do that anger doesn't make love go away. You said it yourself. I love you Remus. I am not joining the Circle. So if you want us both to needlessly be apart for the rest of our lives, then that's your decision."

"My decision's made," he said stubbornly.

Ana shook with a thousand emotions. Her voice cracked, as she exited the hall, saying one last thing. "So is mine."

The rest watched the scene in shock and horror. And no one noticed the extra pair of eyes at the door in the far corner.

* * * * * *

Ana threw herself on the settee in her divinations tower, sobbing as she dragged the throw pillow over her head to muffle the sound. She was so sure he would have been happy to hear that she wasn't going to join the Circle. But he had acted so unlike himself; it was as if it wasn't really Remus at all. In her irrationality, three years of knowing him seemed irrelevant as she considered that perhaps it was the 'real' Remus. This made her cry more. Trying mirthlessly to convince herself that it was all some bad dream and that Remus really did love her did nothing but upset her more as she cried. But the thing that hurt her the most, was the feeling- the longing- for something that she could not have. Never underestimate the power of love... She completely understood her father's choice...

"Ana?" came a whispering voice from the portrait. Ana had not closed the portrait completely in her rampage. It was Lily.

"It's not fair, Lily," she sobbed. "I never asked to be a Guardian..."

She felt someone sit down on the corner of the settee. "I know, Ana," she said, rubbing her on the back reassuringly. "But I'm sure Remus will come to his senses soon."

"He said he wasn't in love with me," she said, gripping the pillow tightly.

"Well, that's a lie," said Lily silkily. Ana peaked out from under the pillow and saw Lily and a box of assorted chocolates sitting next to her. Lily smiled. "Want one?" At first Ana shook her head and buried her face in her pillow again. "Oh come one," she coaxed. "Chocolate will make you feel better... I promise."

"I'll get fat." Ana was proud of the fact that her body worked normally when it came to metabolic processes. She was not like the guys or the really skinny girls who could eat the kitchen away and not gain a pound. That and she did not feel like eating. She just wanted to cry. It was not even seven hours into the day and it was already a horrendously stressful.

Lily laughed an odd laugh. "You won't get fat off one piece of chocolate. Chocolate and ice cream are scientifically proven to cure depression, even if it is temporary."

Ana sniffed back a few sobs. "I could just start drinking."

Lily placed the box next to her head. "Come on Ana, it can't be that bad. I haven't seen two people so in love... well... ever. "

Ana picked up the chocolate and examined its wondrously vague shape. "What is it?"

"It could be a lot of things," Lily smiled. "Just cross your fingers and hope it doesn't kill you."

Ana shrugged and popped it into her mouth. The chocolate was sinfully delicious as it melted on her tongue. As she bit, she held her breath, praying it wasn't filled with raspberry goo. It wasn't. Actually, it wasn't filled with anything. It was just a shell. And it tasted wonderful, making her feel perhaps slightly better. Lily was looking at her eagerly.

Ana shook her head, partially relieved. "Just chocolate."

Lily just stared at her hard.

"What?" asked Ana.

But Lily didn't answer. Ana could feel the chocolate slid down her throat as she swallowed. She kicked herself for eating it. She began to feel thirsty as she wiped some tears from her eyes. The whole back of her tongue became sticky and dry and in trying to swallow, she could feel the dryness sweeping down her throat. She sat up quickly, washed with horror.

"Water," she gasped frantically, as all saliva evaporated from her mouth, leaving it nauseatingly sticky and dry. She could have had all the sands of the Sahara shoved under her tongue for all she knew.

Standing, she moved to speak again, but found that the odd clenching in her throat was beginning to constrict her breathing. She turned to Lily with begging eyes. ".....can't..... breath...." Breathing was still a choppy task as it always was for some time after she cried.

It could have been helpful or harmful, but the look on Lily's face made Ana stop trying to breathe all together. She smirked at her darkly. "What's that, dear? I couldn't understand you." She sat back and crossed her legs, admiring her nails.

Ana, in a sudden need for air inhaled deeply but was only able squeeze a tiny amount of air through her painfully constricted windpipe. Her breathing squeaked and choked as she tried to gain more air, never for a moment taking her eyes of Lily's cold green eyes. Swiftly, Ana, backed towards the portrait. But Lily picked up her wand, and shut it with a wave. Desperately, as her breath was cut off completely, Ana felt waves of panic wash over her as tears ran down her face. She kicked and pulled at the portrait as her vision blurred and her stomach ached horribly. Dizzily, she knelt to the ground, smelling the stench of death and roses.

"I guess that's just what you get for taking Remus away from me," Lily smiled. "Silly girl... never learned the lesson to stay away from veela and death eaters? Well you just provoked both."

Ana rushed with anger. Not like this... her mind wheeled distantly as she rapidly lost consciousness. Visions passed before her eyes rapidly. Her father...mother... Remus... Dumbledore... all staring into a sky of dark stars. It wasn't long before the dark stars consumed her, and she began to relax and let herself go.

The figure on the settee laughed mirthlessly as she went to the balcony. "You need your rest," the cold voice hissed, carrying a hint of an accent. "You sleep now. I will take care of your love...." Only moments before the figure of Lily transfigured into a large raven and disappeared into the shining blue skies, she snickered.

"Lord Voldemort sends his regards."

* * * * * *

Talking to Remus failed miserably. They hadn't even gotten one word out before he stormed out of the castle, and headed for the Whomping Willow. After careful planning, James and Peter went to pursue Remus while Lily and Sirius went to go talk to Ana. It made the most sense; Sirius couldn't be with Remus for fear of Sirius getting his punch in. And he was like Ana's brother, so Lily, on the mission of girl-talk, took him with her. James was closest to Remus, except maybe Peter, but Peter, under Remus's rage, wouldn't be able to stand up to anything if he were left alone. So the two went one way, and Sirius's followed Lily glumly.

"I think he broke my jaw," he muttered.

"Oh, he did not," snapped Lily, marching up the stairway and down the hallway swiftly.

Sirius made a feeble noise in response, provoking Lily to make a comment pointing out his "baby-like" nature. They discussed possibilities of what had happened. Sirius suggested that Ana cheated on him. Lily denied that immediately. Sirius also suggested that he cheated on her. Lily called him immature and decided it probably had something to do with choosing between him and the Circle.

Upon reaching the portrait, Lily called out the password. "Credyn."

The door did not budge. Sirius pushed on it a few times, but it was as solid as the brick wall on which it hung.

"I don't understand," muttered Lily.

"It must be locked from the inside."

Lily knocked, pressing her ear to the painting. "Ana? Are you in there? It's Lily. Open up."

"What about me?" hissed Sirius. Lily ignored him.

Silence answered.

"Maybe she's not in there," suggested Sirius in hushed tones.

"The door wouldn't be locked if that were the case," Lily whispered to him. She turned back to the portrait. "Ana, I know you're upset, but I really need to talk to you.

" 'We' need to talk to you, " reminded Sirius, in mock offense.

"Oh, hush," commanded Lily as she again received no response. The two stood in silence for a moment. "She has to be in there."

Sirius was firm. "I don't like this."

Lily agreed. "Is there another way in?" Both thought for a moment. "We could try to get in from the balcony ... I could levitate you up there, but ..."

Sirius cut her off by guiding her to the side. Taking out his wand, he muttered a rather explosive spell, blasting the portrait in. Both coughed through the smoke and embers.

"Nice," she muttered as she stepped through. Immediately, she tripped and fell, landing on the stone floor with a 'smack.' Through the smoke, she could see a black form on the floor next to her.

It was Ana.