Domino One

Chapter Seventeen:

"The Devinon Seeleum"

..."Oh thank Heavens."....

..."Ana, do you know where you are? Do you know what day it is?" ...

Ana's eyes were dry and clouded when she regained consciousness, only to find Dumbledore and Madam Pomphrey looking down at her.

"Can you hear me?" the medi-witch questioned further.

Before Ana could answer, another head came into view. Sirius, looking as pale as Ana had ever seen gaped down at her in horror and relief.

"...hospital wing..." she said, her voice cracking sharply in and out of an audible range.

"You gave us quite the scare," frowned Madam Pomphrey. "We found a box of chocolates on your settee, my dear. Laced with suffuco potions. Nasty business! Highly Illegal! Sucks all the mucus out of your trachea, bronchial tubes...mouth... longer it is left untreated, the more constricted your airways become until, as you probably know, you can't breathe, and -"

" - That will do, Poppy. Do you remember who gave you the chocolates?" asked Dumbledore gravely.

Ana fought to remember. She remembered being at LeBab Tower... talking to Dumbledore... Remus...

"Remus," she said, her voice as airy as a cheap whistle. Her heart ached.

"Remus did this?" asked Dumbeldore, not hiding the surprise in her voice.

"Couldn't have," said Sirius.

"No," Ana said, correcting him. She remembered the chocolates. Someone had given them to her, to comfort her. She remembered. "Lily," said, frowning, as she looked up at the faces.

Suddenly, Lily's face appeared over her. "What! I most certainly did not-"

Sirius looked at Dumbledore. "-She couldn't have either, I was with Lily the whole time after Ana left the table."

Ana shook her head. "Polyjuice potion... it looked like Lily."

"Do you know who it was?" prodded Dumbledore with all the silent rage of a father.

Ana strained her mind. But she couldn't remember anything more than someone who looked like Lily giving her chocolate. She shook her head wearily, not even able to remember what the person said.

Sirius turned away. "Are you quite certain?" Dumbledore asked her.

She wanted to speak, but concentrated more on breathing deeper and deeper as the anti-poison potion worked its way through her system. Madam Pomphrey answered in her stead.

"Enough questions!" she scolded the elderly headmaster. "Let the girl be until she catches her breath."

But Ana remembered one more thing. It was almost a relief. "Voldemort," she whispered, the word seeming to cut any other sound to dead silence.

Dumbledore put an old hand on Ana's head reassuringly as he peered at her earnestly over his tiny spectacles. He put on a convincing smile. "We'll get to the bottom of this. Rest now, and I'll be back later."

Madam Pomphrey launched into a spiel about polyjuice potions and the suffuco potion used on her. She also included the story of how she was found, telling Ana that she had apparently been without oxygen for around eight minutes, by all guesses, and all about the medical treatments that had to have been applied to her. Ana listened with polite interest as her mind wandered elsewhere, to Remus, and to Voldemort's promised attack.

* * * * *

Remus looked at her from the edge of her curtain solemnly. For a while he didn't move or say anything, but just watched her looking out the window. He didn't know what she was looking at or even if she was looking at anything in particular at all. All he knew was the look that was in her deep blue eyes worried him and that there was nothing he could do about it. The look was fear. The thing that made him marvel was how he knew. Her face was blank and calm, her breathing was normal, and most people would say that she looked tired, if anything. But that's when Remus knew it was beginning to wear down on her.

He had been best friends with her since about the time they met. More than that, she was his girlfriend. He knew everything there was to know about Ana, and he was confident in saying so. Sure, she surprised him every once and a while, but he knew her and knew her well. She would never cry in public if she could help it- he himself could count the times he had seen her cry on one hand. She got angry before she got scared, and when that happened, she would play it tough. She was a brick wall, and most people knew it. They held on to her for support; she was, after all, a born leader in more ways than one. Remus himself didn't know if he could live without her. She was the stability in his life.

But the things that always gave Ana away, as Remus would swear, were her eyes. Remus had stared into them enough to see the differences in their movements when they were happy, sad, angry... It was almost as if he could see into her soul. No one else could accomplish that quite like he did. He figured it was because Ana let him.

And now, he watched her. She looked lost in thought. But he knew that was wrong. She looked lost. Remus imagined that scared her. She was the one who had everything spilled out for her. Now she had to make choices, choices that could change the rest of her life and the lives of others. Choices that would determine her friends and her enemies. Choices that, Remus concluded, would determine how long she lived. And that scared him.

"Hello," he said quietly as he stepped up to her bed.

She didn't look at him. "Hi Moony."

He looked at her for a moment before sitting down in the chair next to her bed. He hoped that she would let him say what he had to say. She turned to look at him.

"Your face," she whispered, concern washed in her voice.

He was glad it wasn't the anger he had seen in the Great Hall. Touching the bruise that washed over his left cheek, he smiled slightly. James to the rescue once again. After heading to the Shrieking Shack, Remus had smashed many things to bits to release his rage. When James and Peter showed up, they watched for a while. Finally, James went and socked him soundly across his face. It brought him back to his senses, at least long enough for them to talk.

"It's nothing," he replied. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I'm being kept in the H-Wing for no good reason."

Remus smirked. "But you almost died!"

Ana shrugged. "But I didn't."

For a moment neither moved as both said a lot of things that were previous mispoken in the silence between them. Remus looked deeply into her eyes. "I don't know what I would do if you had."

But Ana's face remained blank, and her voice was bitter. "Cause I'm such a good friend, right Remus?"

Remus sighed. He wasn't stupid, he knew this was coming. And he couldn't think of anything more appropriate to say at a moment like this. "I love you."

Ana glared out the window. "No shit."

This wasn't the reaction he had expected. He tried again, trying to change whatever he was doing wrong. "No, Ana, I'm in love with you. The second I heard something had happened to you, I sprinted right here. I haven't left the H-Wing since you've gotten here." He paused to take his hand and hers. She looked at him, her expression calm but pained in the slight twitch of her eyes. Eyes to the rescue, once more. "I know I'm only 18, but Ana, I'm so in love with you it hurts. It hurts to imagine that I caused you pain, and it hurts to imagine a world without you. I love you, Ana. The things I said this morning were horrible. Please believe me, please forgive me." There was a hazel desperation in his eyes. "I love you."

She nodded, with large, sad eyes. "I know you do, Moony. I've known for a long time."

Remus hardly regarded her. He was speaking so fast, he almost forgot to breathe. "You know I would do everything in my power to protect you, right? Even if it meant dying myself? Ana, I would do everything in my power to protect you, even if it meant being miserable."

Realization suddenly washed over Ana. "Remus, I-"

"-At first I thought that if you stayed in the castle, nothing could harm you- not even Voldemort. After all, whenever you left the grounds, he would know. It's like he's watching your every move, Ana..." he rambled on, unaware of her stares, or purposely avoiding them. "But then, today, I realized that even Hogwarts, under the watchful eye of one of the most powerful wizards of our time.... Even Hogwarts isn't safe for you. Nothing can protect you from Voldemort..."

Ana shook her head. "Remus, please, le-"

"But there is, Ana... There is something that can and will protect you. The Circle. They have powers people hardly dream of. Not even Voldemort can hurt you..."

"I won't join the Circle..."

"You have to, and you will," replied Remus as if it were the simplest fact in the world. "You will die, if you leave the Circle. It kills me, seeing you like this. All these times that you almost die... it's too much... I can't imagine living in a world without you, Ana. And if I know that you're out there, safe, even if we're not together, then I'll be happy."

Remus could tell Ana was holding back tears. He moved to the bed and sat next to her. "I do love you, Ana," he said, hardly realizing that his own voice was cracking. "I love you so much. But you need to go, live life to the fullest, be protected, and save the world. It's what you were meant for. It's in your stars."

"You'll be happy if I go?" she asked, her voice hardly audible.

"I'll be happy knowing you're safe."

She paused, and shook her head. "I won't be happy."

"But you'll be safe."

"I'll be miserable."

Remus pushed some of her hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear. "You'll die, Ana," he sighed. "Voldemort will kill you if you stay. He won't just give up."

Ana was silent for a while, looking back out the window. "You know I'm right," he said quietly. Ana didn't say a word or even nod in acknowledgement. She simply lowered her eyes. They always gave her away.... She knew.

Remus watched her as her jaw set in resistance, and her neck and shoulders tightened. Her watery eyes darted around in avoidance. But tears still escaped, and rolled down her cheeks. Remus watched them- the way the sun hit her pale skin, it made it look like they were glowing; drops of diamonds against the face of an angel... Slowly, he reached out, and brushed her face with his hand, wiping away her tears. Ana just sat up, and threw her arms around him.

"It's not fair..." she said, her voice choppy. "I don't want this... I just want to be normal.. I want to stay with you, I want to be happy... "

He held her tightly, his own tears spilling onto her robes. "You will be happy." He tried desperately to convince both her and himself.

"I love you!" she sobbed into his shoulder, squeezing him so hard that she was nearly choking him, but he didn't mind. He was doing the same thing. "I will always love you... I can't stop loving you."

"Then don't. I know I won't stop loving you..." he said, rubbing her back softly, just like he always did. He could feel her shaking her head. "It'll be hard at first," he said, trying to keep calm, but feeling a knife stabbing his heart, "but you'll adjust. You're one of the most resourceful people I've ever met. You'll be okay, Ana, I promise."

"I love you," she whispered again. She would just whisper that from time to time as they sat there, holding each other. Eventually, Remus retreated to the Shrieking Shack- a place where he was sure to be alone. Ana would remain in the H-Wing until the evening, and even then, all she did was go up to her tower, sit out on her balcony, and just shut herself off from the world.

Being in love is like that. Lovers are in their own world. And reality is a very harsh place.

* * * * * *

When the stars brought Kezia Doppelle and Ana Anblick to their first meeting after the events of that tragic day, even a True Seer would have expected to see sparks, blood and tears. But fate, as it often does, proved otherwise.

Ana sat at her desk in her Divinations Tower, waiting for the sun to finish rising as she gazed on the last of her potions readings. Her bare feet rested on top of the smooth mahogany furniture and she leaned back in her desk chair, somewhere between concentration, daydream, and sleep. Distracted, she did not hear Kezia's entrance. But she was aware of her presence immediately.

"Ana," the blonde haired Guardian spoke first, "I just heard about the attack! I cannot believe the stars didn't warn any of us. Are you all right?"

Ana did not look up from her book. "Fine." Even she could hear how disconnected her voice was.

Purple eyes gazed at her with seeing concern. "Are you certain?"

"Yes."

The elder hesitated. "I heard it was a poison...." She paused as she sat down across from her pupil. Ana raised her demanding eyes from the book in her lap. Kezia jumped for an explanation. "It's just that, as Guardians... we should..."

"Should what?" Ana's voice was low. "Be able to sense poison? Sorry if I was a little distracted."

Kezia nodded, puzzled. "You will learn to master your emotions with time. What was so overwhelming?"

Ana's eyes still blazed. Hatred. Anger. Loss. Defeat. Rejection. "I spoke with Vespera."

Kezia's response was measured. The setting of her soft jaw. The raise of her narrow chin and the sink of her regal shoulders. The widening and fierceness that brewed in her eyes. But her composure remained untouched. "And?" was her reply. "What did you talk about?"

"My father. Marriage. Breeding. The Circle. Rules." Ana glared.

"Rules..." replied Kezia with a whisper, her eyes sinking. "This was not the way I wanted you to find out."

"When were you going to tell me?"

Kezia's own voice was distant. "Soon. Very soon...."

The younger girl stood, leaning against the desk as she demanded answers. "I was in love, Kezia. I am in love! How could you do this to me?"

The elder remained quiet and composed. "Would you rather have never?"

"Have never what?"

Violet eyes were raised. "Loved?"

Ana forced patience. "I would rather have known about this three years ago."

"I know," Kezia's reply was simple. "I know you would have. But you weren't ready for it. You weren't seeing from the world in. You were seeing from you to the world. You see now, don't you? That there is a bigger picture? You've seen the prophecy."

Ana thought of the prophecy with scorn. "Yes, I've seen the prophecy. And I don't intend to break it. The stars have shown us that the Circle will find the Seventh Seer. And here I am. I am still going to join the Circle."

Kezia looked greatly relieved.

"But," Ana added, "that doesn't mean that I'm happy about it."

Pity wore Kezia well, like a pair of sneakers broken to a foot for a perfect fit. "You will be, Ana," she reassured her. "I promise you that."

And Ana had no choice but to believe. Or hope.

* * * * * *

"No!" Kezia's voice echoed throughout the great hall of LeBab Tower. "I said I wanted a row of chairs, not a circle!"

The days were counting down to the coronation. LeBab Tower, never looked grander. Centaurs and Seers fluttered around, setting up chairs and decorations. The doves that had been rented in were cooing happily as they flew around the hall, stopping to perch in the gemflowers- huge, tree-sized flowering plants made entirely out of various gems. All six of the Guardians scattered about throughout the room, trying to manage the skittering chaos.

"Kezia, relax," sighed David as he started helping the centaurs move the seven chairs on the main platform into a row. "The castle's almost done, and there's plenty of time."

She looked like she was going to explode. "Plenty of time? David, we have two days."

"David's right, Kezia," said Michael as he raised the banners onto the pillars along the sides of the room. The royal crest of the circle rested in large, gold rings. "There's nothing to worry about."

"Except, perhaps, her blood pressure," said Tomas, as he helped him.

"Yes Kezia, please no heart attacks," added Vespera. "Then you would have something to complain about."

Kezia moved towards her threateningly, but Kasek stepped in the way and gave her a look, which, needless to say, stopped her. She turned back to the chairs, but froze before she got to them, and burst out smiling. Everyone followed her gaze to Ana, who had just entered the room.

Her dress was beyond incredible. It looked, as Ana put it, as if someone had taken the waves of the ocean, and put it into a dress. Her description was right on the money. It was enchanted to ripple when she walked, the colors of deep blue and gray swirling like the sea. When the light hit it, it reflected off onto the ground and the chairs around her, just like a swimming pool. It fit beautifully over the curves of her body, from thin straps over her shoulder down to her ankles, where she wore matching shoes. Against her pale skin and sparkling blue eyes, there couldn't have been a better dress anywhere in the world.

"Look at you!" squealed Kezia with delight. She glanced at the centaurs who accompanied her, and nodded. "This is the one. Definitely."

Ana shrugged. "I doesn't feel like I'm wearing anything..." It was a true statement. The dress was long, and covered most of her body. The neckline was low, but not too low. The material, however, was so lightweight, it made James's invisibility cloak seem heavy. Ana wasn't sure what it was, but it was finer than silk. Much finer.

"That's the point," smiled Kezia, as she circled her, still grinning. "It's absolutely perfect..."

Ana shrugged again. "Don't you like it?" asked David.

She looked startled and smiled weakly. "Oh, it's a lovely dress... thanks again for doing all this for me..."

Kezia grinned at her. "We're basically your family, Ana. We take care of each other."

"More or less," added Vespera.

Ana's smile faltered slightly, but she regained her confidence. She put on a convincing smile, and nodded. "This one will work."

"Good," replied Kezia. "Now go and change. I want to talk to you about rehearsals."

Ana nodded and left, escorted by the centaurs that attended her.

As the others turned back to their work, exchanging excited smiles, Vespera looked after Ana solemnly.

* * * * * *

Ana changed gently, terrified of ripping the dress that easily could have cost ten times the amount of all her school supplies for all her years at Hogwarts. She hung it on a hanger, and placed it gently on the glass fixture against the wall. She was in what Kezia described as "her own cubicle." Ana would have described it as her own palace, but she guessed how one viewed the towering ceilings, white marble walls and pillars, doming windows, and soft, blue-gray furniture, was a matter of opinion.

At the end of the room was a large desk, with a white, cushy desk chair. Ana sat in it, spun it around, and stared out the window to the mountain valley below. The openness of the castle and the vacant environment that surrounded her made Ana feel very small in a way she was unaccustomed to in such a place. Loneliness and nerves shot through her as she thought of Remus. She wondered what he was doing, thousands of miles of away. She wondered if he was thinking about her in the way she was thinking about him. There were ways of finding out- she was a guardian, after all. But she didn't dare look. She couldn't think about him. All she had to do was make it through the next few days...

"I've seen that look before, Ana," said Vespera gravely as she walked into the room. Ana spun around in her chair, looking perplexed. Vespera, though her eyes flashed in slight amusement, did not smile. "You know what I'm talking about."

Ana stood, and bent to pick up her shoes, which had been kicked off in the middle of the room. She slipped them on. "We should be going- Kezia wants to talk about rehearsals."

"Kezia needs a break," Vespera, leaning against the doors. "She works non-stop, you know. She has to, to keep her mind off of other things."

Ana looked at Vespera questioningly. "What are you talking about?"

"I said I've seen that look you were wearing before, Ana. I saw it on Kezia, when she was your age." Ana stared at her blankly. "The look where you're trying to convince yourself and others that you really are happy. You're a fairly good actress, young one, but even though I can't read your mind, your stars, or any of those infinitely helpful things, I can still see it." Ana's heart seemed to freeze, but she kept a blank face. "You don't know too much about Kezia, do you... She came from a poor family, which made things worse as far as protection goes... From Voldemort of course. She wasn't under the protection of the circle yet..." Vespera mumbled on nostalgically. "She was so eager to come and join the circle. It was all she could talk and dream about for years, until all of a sudden, during her Seventh Year, she met someone."

Ana listened intently.

"She was, of course, devastated by the fact that she had to leave him. They had fallen in love, very, very quickly. For a long time, she considered just not coming to the Circle at all," said Vespera quietly, monitoring Ana as she spoke.

"What made her change her mind?" asked Ana, trying to act casual.

"Common sense," she said firmly. "She was in danger for every moment she wasn't under the Circle's protection. And even if she did live with him after she joined the Circle, Voldemort probably would have just gone after him if she even thought to use her powers against his dark reign. If she came here, she would be safe, and her powers could be used for the greater good."

Ana gazed down at the white and gray marble floor, as she heard the door shut. She looked up to see Kezia glaring at Vespera, who looked up calmly. "My business is my own, Vespera," said Kezia sharply as her violet eyes flushed with fury. "You would be wise to remember that."

"Remember what I told you, Ana," said Vespera as she stood and walked out.

Ana looked up at Kezia searchingly. While her face wore an expression of pity, something about her posture reflected what Ana could only guess was sadness. With her hair tied back into an elegant braid, and her long, flowing purple robes, Ana couldn't help but sense how tired and old she was, even though she wasn't even thirty years old.

"How long did it take you?" Ana asked, "-to get over him, I mean."

"Not long," she shook her head slowly. "We keep you busy here, and especially with you being the seventh seer, I think-"

"-Do you ever see him?" She didn't mean to interrupt.

"No." Kezia moved to sit down on the sofa, and motioned for Ana to do the same. "Ana, let me give you a little piece of advice. Just be strong," she said as Ana sat, "and do it. No one's asking you to not love Remus, but instead, take the love you have for him, and concentrate it on everything. Concentrate it on the world. Love and help everyone, Ana."

"How did you know about Remus?"

Kezia smiled. "Remember who you're talking to. We keep a very close eye on you here, but I think I'm the only one who saw Remus." Ana slouched back on the sofa, taking comfort from the throw pillow she was hugging and letting Kezia believe she was the only one who knew. "It's hard to not think of yourself, isn't it," added Kezia. "But you musn't. You're obligated to your stars, now. Try to make the best of the situation."

* * * * * *

It was different from the last time they parted. Months ago, Ana left him without saying a word. Now, with just a pair of days until his graduation, Remus had all the answers that he could ever want. It helped that Ana was hardly around - business at LeBab kept her very busy. More help came from his friends. They had been with him since the beginning - the beginning of Ana and the beginning of his Hogwarts education. And they would be with him after they left Hogwarts.

James was tapping his quill nervously on the broad oak table in the Gryffindor Common Room. Books and parchment were strew about in a disorganized fashion that only made it more difficult to study. Remus could live in a dump, if he wanted, but in certain situations, organization helped him concentrate. And the sound of repetitive tapping of quill on wood didn't help either.

"James?" he muttered, only looking up with his eyes.

He looked up and read his expression. "Sorry," he muttered as he put his pencil down and stretched, sending popping noises from his neck and shoulders. Taking off his glasses, he rubbed his tired eyes. "I don't know how much more of this I can take."

"It's just one more exam. Then you'll be done with tests forever."

James smiled at the thought. "That's a beautiful sound, isn't it? Done with tests forever?"

"You'll still have to take the Appirition Test, and a whole bunch at the Auror Academy."

"Yes, but those I actually care about! Honestly! Who can deal with these questions... 'if a Cornish pixie and a dementor were approaching each other at their maximum velocity, starting from a distance of 550.32 meters apart, how long will it take for them to meet?' This is ludicrous. Defense Against the Dark Arts is a bunch of hogwash."

"You realize you're going to be an Auror?"

James frowned. "I don't expect to be protecting the world from an encounter between a Cornish pixie and a dementor."

"You never know," shrugged Remus, turning the page of his own DADA book.

"I suppose that would be interesting to watch though," James muttered, distracted by his need to stall.

Remus smiled weakly into his book. He couldn't even imagine. Dreaming and creating pictures of ludicrous things didn't seem to have a place with him. He had dreamt once. Now she was gone. What was worse, she was gone and still there.

James kicked him under the table. "How you doing?" he asked, his chin jerking up slightly.

"All right. Few more pages to memorize and then I think I'll try to sleep for a bit." 'A bit' was no exaggeration. Remus turned to notice the clock snoozing in the corner. It was just after two o'clock in the morning. Their exam was at seven-thirty.

But it wasn't what James had meant, and Remus knew it.

"You want to talk about it?" James prodded, not having to explain his question.

Remus shook his head, still staring into the book. Despite himself, he spoke. "She's one in a billion."

"That she is."

Remus shut his book. Studying was futile. Looking up at his friend, he wore a tired, but steady gaze. "I know," Remus said with a yawn, "I know. You knew this was how it was going to be. You saw this coming a long time ago."

James couldn't help but shrug. "Don't think it makes me happy, Moony. I feel for you and Ana."

"While you've got an engagement ring waiting for you at home?" grinned Remus, folding his arms across his chest. "I hardly think you feel for us."

Opening his mouth to speak, he shut it and shook his head. "I don't have an engagement ring," he smiled.

"Don't need one..." Remus retorted with a grin. "You can't honestly tell me that you and Lily aren't basically engaged."

James laughed. It was hard to miss the gleam in his eyes, even in the dim room. "I'm not going to say a word," was the only response he came up with.

"You don't need to," jabbed his friend.

James's expression changed gradually. He glanced down at his book briefly, only to meet Remus's gaze in the end. "Neither do you. I can tell you're hurting."

Remus shrugged. "Not much I can do about it. She has something that she has to do. She'll be safe that way."

"And you wouldn't be able to keep her safe otherwise," James reminded him gently. "None of us would have been able to. It's the best choice."

Remus nodded again, not saying anything. He stood, gathering up his books and parchment. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight," James said, returning to his studies.

* * * * * *

It was strange. Both were doing better than they had ever expected. Though they thought about each other constantly, both knew what was right. Defeating Voldemort was right. Curing diseases was right. And even though their love was right in so many ways, it could not stand up to the others.

It happened quickly. On one of the long stretches of corridor that lined the courtyard, Remus and Ana met. They had seen each other from opposite ends, and slowed their steps. Everyone else was in one place or another, leaving them and the sunlight of the corridor.

Maybe it was the look on their faces, or their postures. Perhaps Ana was speaking into his mind. But if someone were to have seen the sight, it was as if they had walked down the hallway and met each other for one purpose. Their pace quickened at their proximity, and they walked directly into each others arms. Nothing was said. Perhaps nothing needed to be. But the two held each other, Ana's head buried in his chest and his in her long, dark hair. They stayed like that for only a moment before they stepped back, gave each other another glance, and walked in their separate directions.

The next day, Ana would leave.

* * * * * *

"You ready?" It was a loaded question. Ana glanced to her possessions packed away in her open trunk to her overnight back on the floor at her feet. The room looked bare. Several girls shared it, but that day, all girls would be heading for a new life. Ana looked at Lily, who had come down from her bedroom to see her off. It was the crack of dawn, on the day of graduation.

"As ready as I'll ever be," she said. In trying not to shake, her torso tensed as they stepped out of the room. Ana only carried her cloak and her overnight bag; her trunk would be delivered to LeBab Tower later that evening. They walked in silence for what turned out to be a very short journey. Before Ana had a chance to soak in everything that was happening, she was standing on the stone steps of Hogwarts, looking out on the lawn before her. Lily was at her side, and they were not alone. James, Sirius and Peter were leaning sleepily against the railing at the bottom of the stairs. Near them stood Mr. and Mrs. Lupin, looking very awake for the hour, and by them, Professors McGongall, Stickupas, and Professor Holman - the new and completely untalented interim Divinations Professor. (Ana made Dumbledore promise to hire a new professor for the beginning of the next school year.)

Standing on the first step was the elderly headmaster himself, wearing beaming eyes as he regarded her. "It's not every day we have a True Seer at Hogwarts," he said. He took her hands in his. "You will be sorely missed."

Ana did not want to cry. She smiled tightly. "I will be back, Uncle Albus. You know I couldn't abandon my family."

"And you will always have a place here," he added. "Your family will never abandon you."

A squeeze of the hand and kiss on the forehead and Ana stepped from the man who shared her blood. Stepping down the stairs, she found herself facing the professors.

"Good luck, Ana," Professor McGongall said with a smile.

"You can still study potions," said the grizzly Professor Stickupas, "...in your spare time, that is."

"Celste demiv," the divinations professor wished well in Centuar so poor, it was nearly unrecognizable.

Sighing, Ana returned the phrase, both greeting and a farewell. "Celisten domiv." She smiled and nodded to the professors.

Next the Lupins. Their son was not with them. Mr. Lupin's face was grave. Ana did not get a chance to see his female counterpart; she was enveloped in a hug before she could get a glimpse. But Ana could tell that she was crying. She patted her on the back. "It'll all work out," was all Ana could think to say. When she was released, she shook Mr. Lupin's hand as he put an arm around his wife.

"So long," he said, his voice very much like Remus's.

She turned away from one sadness to face another as she came to her friends. Sirius, like the selector of the shortest straw, went first. His dark eyes hid behind his long curls. "You will visit, right?"

"Of course," Ana said, fighting the heartbreak that lynched onto her as she viewed his normally playful face, now downcast in sadness. "Probably sooner than you'd like!" she added, forcing a smile.

James was next. They stared at each other for a moment, recalling the events of the past year numbly. An infinite number of things could have come out of his mouth. Suggestions, advice, criticisms, apologies. But all that came out was a hug. And it was good enough for her. Remus had told her that in his talk with James, he had used a memory charm on him. It wasn't something he was proud of, but James had gotten the idea that Ana had lied to him about his parents. Now that idea was no more. And Ana was content to hug him, for the time being. It was probably the most genuine help she could ever give him, anyway. Wherever Mrs. Potter was (-for Ana had found some peace from her since the ordeal with Heidi Weathersby), Ana figured it was what she wanted Ana to do all along.

Lily joined their hug. "We'll see you soon, then?"

Ana nodded. "As soon as I can."

"But you'll owl us, right?" Peter asked. Ana's heart wrenched. She had almost forgotten about Peter.

"Every day."

He smiled, but his lower lip trembled slightly. "Then what are you waiting for? Go save the world!" He hugged her, and she hugged him back, perhaps a little harder than the rest. "You'll always be my superman," he said to her. Ana took a breath to steady herself, reminding herself fiercely that this was just like any other trip to LeBab, and that she would be back soon, and all these good-byes were unnecessary. But as she hugged Peter, she glanced over his shoulder. The lawn stretched out behind them, to the iron gates, and into the rolling hills around Hogsmeade. Beyond Hogsmeade was England, flat, rolling, high and low. Beyond England, the ocean, and the continents, and each continent housed its own world of people. There was a world to save, as Peter had so aptly pointed out. Ana pulled out of the hug and looked around at the people who had gathered to see her off.

"Have a great graduation," she said, smiling brightly, if just for show. "You be good," she warned Sirius with a maternal eye. "No pranks. This is serious."

"It's a very Sirius Affair," he agreed, grinning with sad eyes.

Ana shook her head and suppressed a groan as she put down her bag and put on her winter cloak. The June morning was cool enough that it didn't suffocate her too much.

"The wards are ready?" Dumbledore asked Remus's father. He nodded shortly. Flipping open the pocket watch that hung from his robes, he spoke. "Raise the barriers."

"Yes, sir!" came the reply from the watch. Ana had been briefed on how stepping off grounds would be a security risk, as Voldemort could pinpoint the day she would be leaving and await her on the other side of the grounds. She knew this wouldn't happen. Voldemort was at a loss. But she did not deny Dumbledore's insistence that the Department of Wards and Protective Charms assist in escorting her off the grounds. Every ward they could think of was placed around the gate. Even, as Ana had checked for guilty humor, a bullet deflector.

The group watched, wide eyed, as fog began to roll in from the fields around them. It never entered Hogwarts property, but mingled thickly around the gate. Mr. Lupin would escort her to there. Her cloak fastened securely, she nodded to him, and he motioned for her to walk beside him. She forced herself not to look back at her friends, and concentrated on the haze before her.

Mr. Lupin was silent most of the way. But he finally spoke, his voice somewhat agitated. "I would like to apologize on behalf of my son. He should be here."

Ana could not think of a time when she needed Moony more. But she would need him for the rest of her life. "No, he shouldn't," she said quietly. She glanced at her bodyguard briefly. "It would just be harder on both of us, and we both know that."

"He really does love you a great deal," Mr. Lupin insisted.

"I know," she acknowledge, "and I love him just as much."

The middle-aged man nodded. "He knows."

The approached the gate, the black iron standing out sharply from the gray fog. Ana stopped. She glanced at the man next to her, wondering if he was going to go through first.

"There are many Aurors on the other side of this gate, so if you see a shadow, do not worry," he informed her.

Butterflies flurried in her stomach as she nodded. She must have let her expression slip because Mr. Lupin spoke again.

"You'll be perfectly safe. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Ana glanced back at the castle, a long distance away. She could still see everyone standing at the door, tiny figures watching steadily. She glanced back at the gate.

"You remember how to get there?" Mr. Lupin asked.

Ana nodded.

He paused, assessing her. "You'll be all right," he said gently. As Ana stared into the fog, he reached into his pocket and brought out an envelope, neatly folded and firmly creased. "My son wanted you to have this."

Ana looked from the envelope to Mr. Lupin. She took it in her hands, feeling Remus in every inch of the paper. Even if he wasn't there, she felt him with her. Her gaze on the fog became calmer, and Mr. Lupin opened the gate for her.

"Go on, then."

And Ana went, stepping through onto the path that she could not see, and apparated away.

* * * * * *

The next thing she knew, Ana was being welcomed in the foyer - if it could be called such - of LeBab Tower. The fortress took its affect on her. She felt more at ease, more at home. All six guardians were there with bright, excited eyes. The seven regarded each other with silent anticipation as they stood at the mouth of the corridor that led to the main tower. Come nightfall, they would all go there, and see what they could see. But not yet.

Preparations began in a frenzy, it being afternoon at Lebab, though dawn in England. The ceremony would begin at nightfall, and there was much to be done. Centuars busied themselves preparing a bath for Ana. Afterwards, she was placed in a sauna for a short while of relaxation. Then came the dressing. A seer renown for his eye for fashion design (-the very one who had designed Ana's ocean gown-) arrived from New York City to assist with Ana's hair and makeup. Seers and Centaurs were at Ana's every beck and call, offering her food, massages, and anything else that she needed. Each time, Ana said that she needed nothing. But just when she thought she was more content than she had ever been, she thought of Remus.

As soon as she had a free moment, she read the note. It summed up their situation completely, in a way only Remus could convey.

" Hearts exchanged in three year's time,

I'll keep yours and you keep mine.

Me, behind my mortal eyes

You, in gazing at the skies,

Together we shall dream of when

Life shall be what it had been.

No more to be torn apart,

But cherishing each other's heart,

Dreams that end not, and where my

Love for you knows no, 'goodbye.' "

- RJL

She kept the note in the only place she could think of, placing it in her silver shoes. It felt awkward, but she needed Remus with her, and it was as close as she could get.

Finally, the last few minutes before the ceremony had arrived. Ana stood in the library, secluded from the flood of visitors, watching guests arrive through a gap in the white curtain. Elegantly dressed wizards and witches grazed into the great hall in droves, murmuring amongst themselves, mingling, and swooning over any Guardians they could find.

Brown-nosers, Ana sniffed, shaking her head. It was shameless.

She could see Kezia standing at the opposite side of the corridor, dressed in a fascinatingly attractive lilac gown. She smiled and waved to various people, but was most interested in talking to a small, old woman with enormous white, frizzy hair. Ana recognized her immediately as Professor Pyrre. She saw Kezia point towards the library, and both of them turned to look. Kezia shook her head as she spoke- Ana could tell that she was telling Professor Pyrre that she couldn't see her until after the ceremony. But after Professor Pyrre smiled and went into the Great Hall, she saw Kezia staring directly at her through the small gap in the curtain. She excused herself from the crowd politely, and walked over.

"You okay?" she asked, moving through the curtain cautiously, not letting the crowd catch a glimpse more than they were permitted.

Ana nodded, shakily. "That's a lot of people."

Kezia put a comforting arm around her. "You'll do fine. Remember the prophecy. It's supposed to be. Many have been through this before you."

Ana nodded, taking this all in, but just feeling even more nervous. "Right."

Kezia smiled her reassuring smile. "Go find Michael. He's supposed to be out here- he's probably still in his cubicle."

Ana nodded. Kezia walked out of the curtain first, looked around, and then motioned for her to follow. Ana did so, and ducked down a nearby corridor to Michael's room. It was a large room at the south end and bottom floor of the castle. Although relatively easy to find and access, it was seemingly further away from the Great Hall than the others. Ana was therefore surprised to hear voices coming from inside his room. With his door slightly ajar, Ana watched listened in the shadows.

"I'm sure you have gotten plenty of propositions by now, and I fear that I am too late," came a strange voice Ana had never heard. Ana peaked in to see an old man dressed in formal robes. Michael was straightening his tie in front of a mirror.

"Actually no, no one has approached us yet. Most people are smart enough not to. Stars are stars. We interpret them, not work against them."

"Of course, of course," smiled the old stranger darkly. Ana could feel the tension radiating off of him. "But we are both in league against Voldemort, are we not?"

"Most certainly."

"And with the completion of the Circle, it is expected that you will find a way to stop him?"

"With the completion of the circle, there will be many things to behold. Stopping Voldemort will be easy. I would imagine we could have it done by the end of the day."

"Then, say, when you finally figure out how to stop him, why not let my administration take care of him."

"If it's convenient, I will certainly consider it," replied Michael calmly.

"So many people, Mr. Blake. So many people die at the hands of such a terrible man... you would think that a faster solution would be most agreeable."

"Ah," smiled Michael, turning and shrugging innocently, "but to go against the stars? What if the stars say to let him live for another five years?"

"Then I say give the stars a reason to change their minds," he smiled in return.

"Oh? What kind of reasons would change the minds of the stars?"

"I'd say there are about seven million reasons," replied the old man, reaching for his suitcase and opening it towards Michael. Ana couldn't see it's contents, but she could easily guess.

"British Pounds?" he asked. The old man nodded. Michael sighed. "This is the greatest Dark Lord of our times. You think seven million pounds is going to change the stars?"

"What would you suggest?"

"At least ten million pounds, plus the possibility of more due to competitors. There are a lot of people who want credit for the capture of Mr. Riddle, Mr. Johanson."

"Well, now, Mr. Blake," laughed the old man nervously, "I can assure you that we have the resources to support your requests, provided you have proof of any such... competitors. "I'll tell you what. Why don't I leave a million here with you now, no strings attached, just so you can think about it."

Ana watched in disgust as he put the money down on the desk in large divided wads. A small pit of fear and shock ran through her as she observed this. And she could imagine her father, not too much older than her, seeing the exact same thing she had witnessed with guilty, opposing eyes. Ana knew exactly why her father left the Circle.

With a step of boldness, she shoved open the door and walked in. The two men turned to look at her. The elderly gentleman stared in awe and resignation as Ana approached.

"Is this her?" he asked Michael. He looked back at her. "Yes, yes, It must be! Such blue eyes!" He fell to his knee as she approached. "The rumors of your beauty hardly do you justice, Devinon Seleum."

Ana was unimpressed. She glared at Michael. "What is it?" she asked innocently waving her hand towards the million pounds on the table.

Michael smiled his usual, cheerful smile. "I'm so glad you're here! You can have your first lesson on how we do business." He seemed proud of his doings.

Ana was astounded by his straightforwardness. "Bribery?" she gasped.

"Oh, no no no," laughed Michael. The other gentleman chuckled at his lead. "More of an auction, really. We can see great things, Ana, but rarely are we the ones to fulfill them. It all comes down to men like Mr. Johanson here," he said, acknowledging the man who was still kneeling, and watching with intrigue.

Once he realized he was staring, he stood, and bowed. "A very pleasant coronation to you, Devinon Seleum. And I hope you, Devino Ambrox, will consider my offer." He backed out of the room and closed the door.

Ana stared at the million pounds in disbelief.

"It's hard to imagine what people will do for fame and glory, isn't it," sighed Michael, turning back to straighten his comb-over.

Ana pondered this before nodding in agreement. "It's hard to imagine what people will do for money," she said quietly, an effect that only amplified the anger in her voice.

Michael turned around, startled. "Well, how do you expect us to make a living? We don't have normal jobs, Ana. You think this castle appeared out of thin air? This is the way it works. It's been like this since the Circle was organized."

"You're going against the stars, Michael," she said, standing a little taller. "You promised that man that regardless of what is in Voldemort's stars, you would give him an immediate answer. You of all people should know how dangerous that is."

"And you, of all people, should realize that I've been in this position longer than you, and I know how it works. Don't you want to see Voldemort dead? Heavens, Ana, he killed your parents!"

"Yes, Michael," she said patiently, "as it was written in the stars."

Michael sighed. "It's the way we work, Ana. I expect the coronation is going to start any moment. We'd better get down there."

Ana's mind was racing as she watched him walk swiftly from his office. She followed. I can't be part of this... it makes everything a lie! My father was right.. he didn't leave just because of my mother.. they were playing God.. They ARE playing God...."

But Ana knew the will of the stars. She was to go and be in the Circle- the prophecy had said so. She replayed the prophecy over and over in her mind. Her star was surrounded by a ring (or an eye) of six stars- it was pretty straightforward. But something was missing. Something had been overlooked....

"Ana!" hissed a voice. David was waving towards her frantically. "Hurry up! We're about to begin."

Ana rushed over, her mind still racing. 'I'm losing Remus to break the will of the stars for money? But I'll be protected...great things could come to the course of human history... it's in my stars....'

Kasek approached the group, carrying seven small, flat boxes. Each one had a label. Devino Srysi... Devino Emyr...Devino Masna...Devino Ambrox...Devinon Nyla...Devinon Lys Ome... Devinon Seeleum...

Kasek handed out the boxes accordingly. Ana took hers and opened it. She nearly dropped it in surprise. It was a dazzling blue sapphire molded to a shape of a star and surrounded by tiny, yet exquisite gems... some aquamarine, blue topaz, and what Ana could only imagine were small diamonds. It hung on a silver chain so delicate, Ana could hardly feel it under her fingers.

"Your crown," smiled Kezia. She had already put hers on. It was identical to Ana's except that it was shades of purple. Ana had seen the crown long ago, when Kezia had visited her for the first time. "Let me help you with that," she smiled, as she took the crown from Ana's fingers and clipped it neatly into her hair, leaving the sapphire star to suspend on her forehead. There was a mirror inside of the box, which Ana held up.

"You look remarkable," said David, giving her a squeeze on the shoulder.

Ana was speechless, her mouth hanging open as she closed the box, and looked at her reflection in the towering mirrors on the back of the doors of the great hall. She did, in fact, look outstanding. The dress, the shoes... her hair pulled back into soft, elegant curls... a diamond necklace so enchanting, no thing or being of this world (let alone an 18 year old girl) should ever worthily lay eyes on it ...and the crown, resting on her forehead as if it had always belonged there. "Wow..." she breathed.

"It's fun being queen of the world, isn't it?" giggled Kezia, who was positively beaming.

But a sound of trumpets from inside the great hall signaled the beginning of the ceremony. Ana, coming back to reality, paled. "Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God..." she repeated softly as she freaked out.

Kezia took her by the shoulders, and stared into her eyes. "Relax. You're royalty. Royalty doesn't fret. I'll tell you everything you need to do telepathically. You'll be just fine."

"The First Guardian, Devino Srysi," came the booming voice of one of the centaurs. Kasek straightened up, and stepped through the doors into the great hall.

Thoughts flew through her mind. She knew, that as soon as she stepped through those doors and accepted her crown, all chances of her being together with Remus were gone.

"The Second Guardian, Devino Emyr." David straightened his bright emerald crown as he stepped gracefully through the doors.

And as soon as she accepted her crown, she would be part of a two-faced organization.

"The Third Guardian, Devino Masna." Tomas raised his head, placed his arms behind his back, and entered the great hall.

But if she didn't accept the crown, she would be at the mercy of Voldemort.

"The Fourth Guardian, Devino Ambrox." Michael almost tripped as he moved towards the door, giving Ana a smile and a pat on the back as he passed.

Even worse, if she walked away from this right now, she would be denying her duty, the prophecy... the stars...millions of people could miss out on the things she could do...She would be no better than the Circle...

"The Fifth Guardian, Devinon Nyla." Vespera made no move to stand up straighter as she moved into the hall, her arms folded in front of her.

"You doing all right?" Kezia asked, watching her carefully. Ana smiled and nodded.

But the prophecy... something was missing.

"The Sixth Guardian, Devinon Lys Ome." Kezia gave her hand a squeeze before walking through the doors like she had been born to live the life of royalty.

A wash of fear suddenly flooded over Ana, as she realized that she was alone. Dumbledore wasn't there, Remus wasn't there... her friends were probably just packing their things... But how could she justify going against the stars?

The trumpets grew louder as two centaurs opened the doors for her. She saw the long isle stretching down the great hall to a small stage set up for all the Seers. All of them stood, and looked at her, the ones who normally smiled were doing so brightly. Tomas, Vespera and Kasek just regarded her with blank expectance. They waited for her at the end of a blindingly long stretch of people, some of whom were beginning to turn around to look at her.

It had to be the prophecy.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Honored Seers, it is my pleasure to introduce to you, The Seventh Guardian, Devinon Seeleum."

Ana felt her feet move forward, as her head rested tall upon her neck and shoulders.

"You're doing beautifully," Kezia spoke into her mind. "You were born to do this."

Ana was replaying the prophecy in her mind, trying not to be distracted as people stood when she passed, and bowed low. Six stars... the eye... the seventh in the middle...they would find the seventh star...

Her heart beat faster ... faster ... faster, the closer she got to the podium. What was she missing? There was something key that she was missing. Rapidly, she went through her book of symbolism, trying to come up with another explanation. But all she could remember was "the simplest explanation is usually the right one."

The Circle would find the seventh star... it would be brighter and more powerful than the others...

Almost shaking, Ana climbed the stairs to the stage, and took her place next to Kezia.

"The hard part is over," she said into her mind. "Relax."

Ana stared at the crowd of people staring at her. There were easily fifteen hundred people there, all staring at her. She could see them smiling to one another, whispering and nodding, as if Ana were a bride at a wedding to be admired.

Kasek motioned for them to sit, which they did in one smooth movement. Ana and the rest took their seats as well.

"Friends, colleagues, and fellow watchers of the stars," he began, "it is a grand day in the history of our people. Today, for the first time in nearly four centuries, the Circle of Sight will be completed, seven True Seers strong."

A rush of applause spread throughout the hall. Ana could feel the excitement in the air. But in her mind, she was focusing on the prophecy. 'What am I missing?' She could hear the advice Kezia had given her on so many occasions. "Just see..."

"Great human achievements have been caused by such an event as this," he continued as photographers took pictures, filling the silence with bright flashes and soft 'clicks,' "And we expect this to be no different. Ana Anblick, the Devinon Seeleum, has already shown great promise. She possesses an excellent talent for sensitivity to human thought and emotion, a keen eye to detail, and clairvoyant, telepathic, and matchless powers. In addition," he added, a small smirk on his face, "she learned the entire Centaur language flawlessly, in two days."

An awed murmer spread through the crowd as they erupted into thunderous applause. Ana tried not to be distracted. The Circle would find her...surround her...see her... It was in her stars. She would be a Guardian.

Suddenly, Ana froze. She was a star...she was a guardian... but... "My star never joined the rest of them..." she whispered.

Kezia looked at her. "Did you say something?"

Ana never got a chance to answer.

"Without any further to do, I give you, Ana Anblick!" announced Kasek, leading another booming applause. As Ana stood, and as she did so, the audience rose to their feet immediately. Looking out, Ana saw women sobbing joyfully and even some grown men wiped tears from their eyes. Parents were holding up their children to get a better look at her and some were whistling between their fingers.

And as Ana stepped up, and Kasek took his wand to administer a voice amplifying charm on her, she couldn't help but fell like she was going to pass out.

"As I hold the position of First Guardian," began the Kasek, as the crowd quieted down, but remained standing, "it is my duty, honor, and extreme privilege to name, Ana Anblick, if she will accept the title, as the official Seventh Guardian." He turned to her, his silver eyes as sharp as steel. "A Guardian is set above by the stars to be one who protects that which is most sacred. The stars will, from the voice of Gna'adig himself, guide the lives of humanity here on Earth until a time of Greater Good can be established. Until then, as a Guardian, your position will be to protect and ensure the fate of the world, as the heavenly messengers show it to us. Your job is to be a servant of the stars and a friend to the people, easing pain and suffering, acting as a diplomat in times of need, a role model to seers everywhere, one who uses her powers for good, not evil, and most importantly, one who follows the stars first, before and beyond all other Earthly things. For this too, shall pass away, but the stars shall rule supreme."

"The stars shall rule supreme," concurred the hall of seers in bold unison.

"Ana Anblick, do you accept this position and title?"

Ana looked around and took a deep breath. "I accept the title as the Seventh Guardian." The crowd erupted into a roaring applause that stretched on for nearly a minute.

Kasek turned to the crowd, smiling brightly. "The stars are kind to us, and it is a blessing that the True Seers, the Guardians of Fate can operate in a world and location dedicated to the mission of the stars without fear of their lives. For there are those who are blind to our ways, and seek to destroy what they do not understand. But not even they can overrun the supremacy of the Heavenly Hosts, and they cannot touch us. Now, to the Charter of LeBab, to which end we are guaranteed protection, diplomatic immunity, and everything required for our protection." He turned back to Ana. "Ana Anblick, do you, as the proclaimed Devinon Seeleum and Seventh Seer of the Circle of Sight publicly declare to abide by the Charter that has guided the Circle for the past twelve hundred and twenty seven years, agreeing to abide by the rules and regulations presented to you before this ceremony, and to keep the sovereignty of the stars and Circle supreme as long as your life shall allow your reign? And to this end, do you accept the Charter of LeBab, the rules and regulations of the Circle?"

Ana's heart ached. For a moment, she thought she was going to pass out. But something stopped her. It was a voice, clear, calm and soothing. Her father was with her.

"Credyn."

Ana smiled. Trust. Believe. Standing a little taller, her head held up high, she stared Kasek dead in the eye and stated simply, "I regret to inform the Circle and their witnesses here today that I do not intend to abide to the Charter of LeBab."

A disruptive murmuring shuddered across the crowd.

"What the hell are you doing?" hissed Kasek, removing the amplifying charms.

Ana grabbed her wand and replaced the voice amplifier. "Ladies and gentlemen, if I could explain. All seers make mistakes. As much as people don't want to admit it, Guardians are no different." The crowd became louder and more agitated.

Kezia stood and removed the charm. "Ana, what is going on!" she demanded.

"The prophecy. You read it wrong. It is in my stars to become a Guardian. And the Circle was supposed to find me- which they did. But my star never became part of the Circle. My stars say I'll be a guardian. They never say I'll join the Circle."

"Don't be ridiculous, Ana," Kasek growled. "What do you think? That six guardians are wrong, and you're right?"

Ana thought for a moment. "Yes. And it's a damn good thing that I figured this out," she hissed at him. "God forbid I get stuck in such a crooked organization. Charging people money to better them. Changing the stars... How absurd!"

"It's no different than any other business," replied Michael, standing and joining the circle. The crowd was getting more and more restless.

"It is when you change divine providence to make a better profit, Michael. You are playing God, and I will have no part in this. I believe that Guardians are good for the world. They can better society. But seven... seven guardians... that can only bring evil. Too much power is a dangerous thing, and I will not be the one who assists in going against fate."

"You're just like your father, Ana," grumbled Kasek with mounting fury.

Ana looked at him pointedly. "Thank you, Kasek." At that, she walked down the stage and out of the hall, with mortified stares as the only resistance.

The six watched as she retreated down the long isle. Kezia called for the centaurs to bring her back, but Kasek denied it.

"Let her go," he said darkly. "She'll be back, once she realizes what she's done."

"She's signed her own death warrant!" Michael nearly shrieked.

"She most certainly has," Vespera replied, the very, very small hints of a smile on her downtrend lips.

* * * * * *

By the time Ana had apparited back to Hogwarts, the students had already left for Hogsmeade to catch the train back to London. She stepped up the stairs, the small train of her gown dragging behind her. Part of her was frightened... she would spend the rest of her life living in fear. But part of her was very much relieved.

She walked through the deserted corridors, running her hand along the wall. She could almost feel the excitement of the students, who were on their way home. As she stepped in the shadowy footsteps of other students, she could single out emotions, and know where they were...what they were doing. All this she received as a blessing. She would bless others through her gifts.

Someone had once told her that it wasn't the situation in that made fate, but what came out of that situation. And this is what came out of her being a Seer. Or was this what came out of her father leaving the circle? Was she the middle of a chain reaction or a beginning? Ana suspected she was both.

As she climbed the stairs to Dumbledore's office, she smiled. She smiled at the thought of what she was going to say to Remus, to her friends... to the press, which most assuredly would hunt her down. As for Dumbledore, she already knew what she was going to say.

"Come in," came the reply from his office. He stood at the surprise to see his grand niece standing in front of him. He smirked. "What have you done now?"

She smiled. "I did what was right." She sat down carefully, trying not to rip the dress. She suddenly found herself giggling mercilessly. "Uncle Albus, I think I've really screwed the Circle over...."

He smiled. He offered her a cup of tea, which she accepted. "Indeed."

"But it was never in my stars."

"And you're happy," he added, smiling at her smile.

"I'm relieved, but that's not important. Stars come first."

"You've never read your stars."

"I just know."

"Your father used to give me that same answer when I asked how he did what he did was right. I just know... the mystery of the Seer... how do they know?"

"Just have faith, and know that I know things you do not," she told the Headmaster regally. He raised his eyebrows at her, somewhat impressed, somewhat humored.

"So then you will be in contact with Charles Crouch?"

Ana smiled. "No."

She managed to surprise him. "No Caucus Resistance? No Circle?"

"Just the stars," Ana replied. She was surprised at her own calm. But in the long run, she would be safer with the stars, who know what would and should be.

"And Voldemort?" asked Dumbledore.

"You asked my father that same question, long ago." She could almost see them sitting in a situation much like this, but considerably more bleak.

Smirking slightly, he leaned back in his enormous chair. "A long time ago, yes."

"And what did he say?" she asked.

"He said," Dumbledore recalled, "Voldemort? Whatever will be, will be. It's not for me to decide what will happen. Stars, Uncle Albus. The stars will decide, and so be it. I fear neither death nor Voldemort."

Ana smiled. She could hear the same voice that had whispered in her ear saying those exact words. "A wise man."

"A strong man. Something that runs in his bloodline."

If Ana was at all unsure of her decision, it was only known to her. "Uncle Albus, may I ask you something?"

"Only if you think this old man has an answer."

She gave him a contradiction look before setting her face in a serious manner. "Now that I've made up my mind, what was your opinion? The one that you would never tell me... Who's right? The Circle or the Caucus Resistance?"

He pondered this for a moment, swirling his tea around in his teacup. Finally, he answered.

"Correct actions come from the heart, my dear."

"Both organizations believe in their causes very much."

He smiled. "They most certainly do."

Ana blinked in confusion, and waited for him to say more. But he never did. Not even years in the future would he ever say whose side he was on. Every once and while, Ana would try to trick him in to telling her. But she never could tell. It didn't seem to bother him one way or another that she had denied the Circle and still refused to join the Resistance. He seemed content knowing that she was happy, and that she did what she felt was right.

"So what of you, and Mr. Lupin?" Dumbledore asked later, after they had finished their tea.

Ana rested her head on her arm on his desk. "What do you think?"

"I think as I have thought since the day that you stepped into this world. I think you should go and be happy."

She smiled. Life had been unkind in many ways. The passing of her parents, the situations that passed with the Circle... the situations that were yet to come. But Ana could still smile. She would be free of Hogwarts, and free in the world. Though it would be far from easy and a close friend of impossible, she would fight. She would live. And she would follow her Uncle's advice.

"I think so too."

* * * * * *

Omri Anblick looked down at his daughter, who now slept soundly in his arms. She was so young, but he could see her future as clearly as a picture book. He would be proud of her. He was already proud of her. But he prayed for her understanding. Her understanding for what would happen to him, what he feared would happen to his wife, and most of all, the things that would happen to his little girl. Softly, holding her tight, he kissed her forehead. As gently as he could, he snuck out of her bed, monitoring her as she slept. He moved to leave, but he stopped at the door and looked back at his daughter. He whispered across the room.

"Twinkling star, hold on tight

For much will come this dreary night.

Much to be lost, Much to be won

Before the morning's rising sun,

When darkness is blinded by the light

And all night's wrongs are put to right.

"Remember life has much to lose

And sometimes, love, you're forced to choose.

Love or Life, which will it be?

If forced to walk, walk blind or see?

For you might shine the whole way through,

But storm clouds will catch up with you.

What do then, star, will you run?

Stride toward the safety of the sun?

In the end, love, do be brave,

For the end is not the grave.

With Eastern Star, it will be won.

But hold on child, night's just begun...

Twinkle, twinkle little star,

How I wonder what you are

Up above the world so high,

Like a diamond in the sky.

Twinkle, twinkle little star,

How I wonder what you are."

*** The Beginning ***