Hey Heather, it's good reading more of your ff. Things are moving right along and I like the way you incorporate the days events into Ella's life away from Hogwarts and her friends. I like how she has become attached to the villagers and defends them to her friends. Why was Harry being so rude to her? And Ron had sent such a sweet letter to her but he was worse than Harry; I know they have it rough at school and all, especially Harry, but I would think they'd be too happy to be with her to let that interfere with their friendship. And it's not like Ella's life is a bed of roses either. And why does Ella not think the DA classes are a good thing? Does she really think it puts the education of the other students at risk like she said?

And one other question, I thought Harry and Ella had feelings for each other. why don't they act like it any more. They're barely sociable at best. And why is Draco calling on her so often. I don't trust him, and I think he is spying for Umbridge.

Now that I got that off my mind I will say this, I'm very pleased how Ella is able to handle herself with that James guy from the Ministry and the Daily Profit. I would be avoiding him at all cost. He's just creepy!

Great chapters Heather, I hope to be reading more soon.

I think with all that is going on, Ella and Harry could never be together. Bronson James is the male version of Rita Skeeter. He is used to ministry rules, because he works for the law enforcement department, but he is new to the prophet.

Chapter 14
Disclaimer: Everything Harry potter belongs to Jk Rowling.


Ella wiped a stray hair from her face. To say it was cold in the basement was an understatement.

“Oh for the love of ….!” Ella stopped staring at the broken machine. “Oh I knew this was going to be one of these days.”

“Ella, could you please come here.” Madame Rosmerta’s voice could be heard from the stairs.

“Ok one minute!” Ella still banging on the washer machine, yelled.

“Ok, I am seriously behind on my work, I almost have that machine fixed” Ella said rubbing dirt of her arms.

“Well, we will have Wendy tend to the laundry; you’re needed in your room.”
Ella gave Rosmerta and odd look. “Excuse me?”
Putting a not so steady hand on Ella’s shoulder, Rosmerta murmured “Please Ella, just go.”

Turning away, Ella felt her breathing getting short. So many questions ran through her mind.

Reaching the door, she almost didn’t unlatch it for fear. Finally, after a few seconds she stepped in.
-------------------------
Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape were sitting there quietly.
Glancing up towards the frantic looking Ella, Dumbledore spoke softly “ Ella my dear.”

“What is going on? Did something happen? My family?” Her words were getting mumbled.

“ My dear, I fear its….” Ella couldn’t help but to cut him off again.

“ What tell me.” Putting her hands on her hips, Ella was getting frustrated because Snape and McGonagall wouldn’t even look at her.

“Severus ,please.” Dumbledore said nodding to Snape.
Getting up, in a float like matter he handed Ella the Daily prophet.

Opening the fold, Ella’s heart fell.
---------------------------------
A Trans- Atlantic Secret

By Bronson James

Author’s note
--Ella R. Greene--- You should have talked.


For the past couple of months, I have been staying at the historical Three Broomsticks inn in Hogsmeade village. On assignment for the prophet, I was excited to seek out all truths regarding the incident in which Ministry worker, Delores Umbridge was attacked. When initially appearing in Hogsmeade, I was ecstatic to run directly into Ella Greene. Upon meeting her, I was shocked. She was smaller in size, long jet black hair, and daunting eyes. The words strikingly beautiful come to mind. Walking me to the Inn, I felt a sense of ease. How could this girl viscously attack a seasoned witch like Delores?
That question might be answered later in my article.

The best thing, about Hogsmead, other than being one of the only all wizarding towns, is the flow of information to and from Hogwarts. I learned that Miss. Greene had been expelled. Yet, she was still in the village. When I awoke the next day, I was surprised to see Ella in an apron. Not only did she work here, she had taken up residence at the inn. This being my breakout story, I was happy at my predicament. But I will say, I have to give Miss. Greene some credit, she was silent and cold. Every day, I asked her to give information regarding her expulsion and every day she ignored. But, readers when a student is expelled , is it appropriate that Head Master Dumbledore , to still make professors tutor Ella? I mean she did attack a teacher, how could she be trusted? Oh did I say professors? I mean one professor.

Every day, sometimes more than once, Professor Snape made his way to the village to help Ella with her studies. Now, after a couple of weeks of observing, I don’t know if Madame Rosmerta’s pumpkin juice soaked in , but I began to see a sort of resemblance between Miss. Greene and Mr. Severus Snape. The same jet black hair, the glass like complexion, and those daunting eyes. I couldn’t have been the only one to notice this strange new observation?

The following interviews are transcripts. All of which are on record. If anyone wants these records please contact the prophet for all evidence.
I first asked Madame Rosmerta.

“ Do you see a resemblance between Professor Snape and Miss. Greene?”
Her response was sudden and suspicious.

“ I , well I never really saw it before , but you shouldn’t say things like this out loud Mr. Bronson. “

A Hogwarts student by the name of Draco Malfoy is a frequent visitor for Miss. Greene. He was the closest to Miss. Greene. Often times, I could see them giggling in the corner, trying not to be seen. One afternoon Ella was running late for their date, so I asked him the same question I did Rosmerta. His answer was shocking.

“Yes, I have. You should see them brewing potions together. They move in sync. Kind of Scary, If you ask me.”

This is all I needed. Did I run into something I shouldn’t have? I was uncovering something big. After coming to this sudden realization, I did some traveling, in search of some answers about the real Ella Greene. I went to America, I learned that only American wizards can obtain birth certificates. But to my delight, the nurses were very nice and understanding to my situation. When the charge nurse came back empty handed and with a puzzled look on her face. I knew something was up. What she told me next was very interesting indeed. She told me that Ella Rae Greene’s birth certificate was requested by Ella herself. To top it off, she requested it last year. Ella was attending Hogwarts last year. Why would she need her records? But wait there is more! I decided to travel to the small Ohio town of Munson. Here I found a good friend of the Greene family.

“Did you know the Greene’s?” I asked .

“Of course, very nice people, horrible thing to happen to Jennifer. She was a wonderful young lady.”
At this point we stopped to sip our lemonade.

“ Did you know Ella?” I then asked.

“ Oh , Ella yes.”

“ Was she different than her family? I guess did she fit in?”

“ Well, Mr. James. Ella suddenly appeared. No one even knew Deb was with child. She made up a big story about how she was older, and she didn’t know if the child would even live. The subject of her sudden appearance was brushed aside well until she began to grow up.Everyone thought as she grew up she looked less and less like Ed and Deb. She didn’t quite fit.”

I had to make my move fast, because I could tell this source would not want to touch on the subject at hand.

“ Please explain, I am confused.”

“ I asked Deborah, why Ella didn’t look like her other daughters. She blew the question off and changed the subject. Ella became close to Jennifer and would dress and do hair like hers. In our minds, they started to look like each other, so everyone just stopped talking. But Mr. James you see, I always knew. “

After my last glass of lemonade I decided to take my leave. Readers of the prophet, I dare say there is something strange going on, and I tend to seek only the truth. If what I think is true, then Ella is a skilled and dangerous weapon forged from her father Professor Snape.

Keep watch for my next installment

Bronson James
-----------------
Ella dropped the newspaper on the floor.

Staring at the floor, she murmured “ What happens now?”

“ You will live with the order.”

“ For protection?”

“Yes.”

“ He won’t stop.” Ella said.

“ I will talk to Mr. Bronson and the minister himself.” Dumbledore spoke in an authoritative tone.

“ He already planted the story.”

“Remus Lupin will help you with your studies.” Proffesor Mcgongall looked at Ella with such kind eyes that Ella began to cry.

“ I just got my routine down. I love this village, and now I have to leave. “

“Everything happens for a reason.” McGonagall whispered.
Turning around so not face her teachers she began to pack her belongings.

“I should of told him my side of the story. That way he wouldn’t have been snooping around.”

“I blame myself. I gave you that advice.” Snape said trying to give her peace of mind.

“ No, it’s my fault. I have a temper, if only I would held back. I don’t want to leave.” Ella knew she was acting childish, but she didn’t care.

“ There is no other choice.” Snape said


“ Well there is one.” Professor Dumbledore stood there eyeing Ella’s every movement.

“ What?” Ella said turning around to face him.

“ Your grandmother is still alive.”
Ella turned back around and began to pack “ No. I am not running away back to the States.”

“ Well then you must live with the order.” Snape said, he had hoped Ella would move back to America for her protection.

“ I can protect myself.” Ella said in a haughty manner

“ You’re a teenager.” Snape said in a fatherly tone.

“ I am well equipped to fight back.”

“ Your talking like a fool, and that is not how my daughter will act.”
Ella fell silent. Holding her tongue was hard for her, but she knew she should.
McGonagall stood. “ You could live as a muggle. In a teenage home”

Ella stared at McGonagall.

“ I will go to the order. But I will not , be under their watch and supervision. I don’t want to be anyone’s burden.” She took a breath “ I am almost of age, and I will not need a babysitter.”
Ella heard a knock.

“ Oh Remus ,just in time.”

“You knew, I would make this decision.”

“Yes”

“ How?”

“ Miss. Greene, you never back down from a fight. Living with the order, you will receive information that if you ran and hid you wouldn’t know. Your nosy, temperamental, intelligent, kind, and everything that defines an order member.”

“ I don’t know how you do it.”
Dumbledore smiled.

“Goodbye Miss. Greene.”

“ Goodbye Professors”
Ella looked over at Snape, who looked tormented. He had to of been out all night. His face looked worn.

“um, I forgot something.” Running back to the room, she grabbed her ring and put it on. She was a Snape now, and although she wouldn’t broadcast it, she wouldn’t deny it.

Glancing behind her, she swore she saw a tear fall from Snape’s eyes.

Hey Heather, I think this is your best chapter yet! I think you're right here; But they are such a great match, and I was hoping they would be able to find a way.

Speaking of Harry; I wonder what he'll say about this; Heather I am very anxious to read your next post, and hope it's soon. Oh and I wanted to tell you how much I really enjoyed the opening imagery you gave us of Ella doing her work in the cold dirty basement. She seems so real.

Hello, this post will be jam packed with tons of information. WOOO HOO

Thanks for the comments, keep them coming.

Oh and when I finish Year 5, I will immediately go to year 7 and epilogue. It also won’t be as long, because it will be a different format.

Disclaimer: Everything Harry Potter belongs to Jk Rowling.

Chapter 15

“I can’t believe you” Ella screamed

“ You are under my rules young lady and you will do as I say.” Sirius Bellowed.

“You’re not my family, you’re not blood!”

Sirius grabbed Ella’s arm in rage. For the first time since meeting Sirius, Ella felt scared.

“I married your sister, blood or not you are my sister, and I protect my family. You may not leave this house, it is dangerous!”

“You cannot coop me up here! I am going crazy, plus that damn Kreacher scares me! “

“Oh so now my house is not good enough! Well I am sorry your highness, but let me get my servant to tuck you in at night. “

“ Don’t do that !Didn’t you hear me you ? He is creepy!”

“Go to your room. You may have tried to take down Umbridge but let me tell you I will put so many spells and charms on your door you won’t be able to leave until your 30.”

“Oh yeah, go and try it. I dare you.”

“Stop this arguing at once.” Remus who had just ran up the stairs, stood between them.

“What is going on, Remus?” His voice dropping Sirius saw the distraught look on Lupin’s face.

“The children are here, something dreadful has happened.”
Running down the stairs Ella saw her friends. Harry, and the weasley’s. They were huddled together looking pale and weary.

“It’s Mr. Weasley he was attacked.” Harry looked a wreck. His Harry was wet, his clothes clung to him and his eyes were blood shot.

“Sit down, I will get the tea.” Remus said.
Ella made her way across the room hoping to comfort her friends.

“What are you doing here?” Harry spat out.

“I live here.” Ella said defensively.

“Then leave this room, this is none of your business.” Harry’s anger grew.

“I am a part of the order, it is my business. What is wrong with you?” Ella was shocked at what was coming at her.

“Everyone read the paper, you were sneaking with Malfoy.” Ginny who had been crying couldn’t keep the tears back as her face began to harden.

“ You guys don’t know the whole story. I was using him. I think Umbridge sent him.” But she couldn’t get the words out because Ron interrupted her.

“Didn’t Harry just tell you to leave. Or are you going to join your little boyfriend in torturing the first years.”

Ella’s face fell.

“Didn’t know that did you.” Ron said keeping his focus on Ella.

“No, but trust me there was nothing going on. Plus, I don’t have to explain myself. So what if he stopped to talk to me.”

Ron stood up knocking the chair back. “He is a vile git, and if you hang with him then so are you.”

Ella felt her body tense up. The need to touch her wand grew strong.

“ Back off Ron. I have been itching and you don’t want to be on the tail end of my addiction.” Her voice shook. Her eyes began to set in on his. His every movement would be locked in to her senses.

“ Ella , you have been doing well. All of you stop it. “Sirius stood up “Reporters give one side and that is not the truth. Only Jennifer Black was a well-respected journalist.” At the sound of her sister’s name coming out of Sirius Ella’s heart began to ache. Still Ron wasn’t backing off.

“Let’s not give Mr. James what he wanted.” Tonks said.

Ella didn’t even hear her arrive.

Ron inched closer.

“My last warning! Get out of my face!” Ella yelled with some authority.

Her wand was twirling in her fingers. She felt it call to her and she began to
smile.

“He is the enemy and since you are with him, so are you.” Ron said

“The hate you harbor against him makes you just as evil.” Ella smiled.

“Excuse me?” Ron took a step back at the insult.

“Both of you! That is enough! “ Mad Eye had seen enough of the teenagers arguing.

“She is just mad because Snape is her dad. I would be embarrassed too.”

Ella reared back, but before she could utter a curse the entire order had their wands to her back.

Lowering hers, she put her hands up to show she had nothing in her hands.
She smiled inching closer to Ron Weasley’s face.

“You should get on your knees, and thank them Ron Weasley. I would have hurt you real bad and you know it.” “ I don’t need a wand to do damage. “Pointing to her head she said “ I can use my mind as a wand. Didn’t know that did you? Like I said thank them”
Running up stairs she gathered her belongings .She could hear everyone arguing but her mind only focused on getting out of the dreadful house.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The cold was almost too unbearable. Wrapping her Gryffindor scarf tightly around her neck helped a little, but the wind was rough.

“Oh Ella, you just can’t live anywhere can you? And now you’re talking to yourself.” Ella shook her head. Closing her eyes she tried to imagine she lived on a warm beach. No parents, no friends and no pesky brother in laws. The sounds of the early morning scared her. It was still black out, but it was nearly 4 in the morning. Hearing the sound of an upcoming car scared her.

The last thing she needed was a muggle to see her.

“Girl, you shouldn’t be out here, do you want a ride.”

“Nope, I am walking to my parents’ house. See that light, they left it on for
me.” Ella pointed at a random house that wasn’t even a mile ahead.

“ Oh, well I will follow you.”

“ No, my father would call the police if he saw you.”

“ What father would allow his daughter out at 4am?!”

“ I was at a slumber party at my friends and I wanted to leave early. I don’t
need to explain myself.”

“ Oh all right.” The man drove off.

Relived Ella kept walking. It was a twenty minutes from Grimmauld Place to
Kings Cross and then about a thirty minute walks to the Leaky Cauldron. Plus,
with her large trunk she knew she would be walking for a while.
---------------------------------------------------
“You look rough, where is your parents?” The innkeeper at the Leaky cauldron was a plump woman with wide eyes. Through her glossy tired eyes Ella took comfort in seeing her.

“ Please , I am so tired can I get a room? I have money.” Ella could barely keep her eyes open, and her legs burned from the cold long walk.

“ I am sorry, but where are your parents?”

“ I don’t have parents. Please, it took me two hours on foot to get here in the freezing cold.”

“ I can’t you’re a minor.”

“ Please I have nowhere else to go.” Ella felt her frustration grow.

“ It’s a new ministry law.”

“ Where do I go, then tell me?” Ella pleaded.

“ There is a home for children.”

“ An orphanage?” Ella said in disgust

“ I wouldn’t call it that. I would say it’s a home for young ones, but for wizarding children only.”

“ Don’t all children go to Hogwarts?” Ella asked.

“ Why aren’t you there?”

“I was expelled, what are the reasons for these children.”

“ Not all families can afford books, tuition, clothes and not all children have
the parents to enroll them. My cousin runs the place.”

“They don’t get an education or have families to help”

“ An old professor comes twice a week for lessons. Dumbledore comes and brings supplies. Dear, these children have no one. You see only a few lucky students get scholarships to go to Hogwarts others get left behind.”

“ Where is it?”

“Two blocks down, and make a right. The sign will appear. It’s of a house with loads of children surrounding it.

Sure enough, Ella stopped right in front of the sign just like the inn women said.

Ella took a deep breath and entered through the threshold of the unknown.

“ How may I help you.” The similarity between cousins was striking.

“ Um, yes I am sorry but I was at the Leaky Cauldron and they, or I mean your cousin told me I had to come here if I had no one.”

“ Please fill out as much as you can.”

“ You’re not a runaway are you?” The women glanced at Ella’s nice clothing.

“ No.”

“ Ok, why are you not at Hogwarts?”

“ I was expelled.”

Handing over the paperwork, the woman was shocked to see the name on the form.

“ Ella Greene, you’re the one in the prophet all the time.”

“ Yours truly.”

“ My name is Mrs. Smith. I am the caretaker here.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“ Follow me.”

Walking through a large door, they entered the main mess hall.

Ella followed but had so many questions.

“ How many children live here.”

“ It changes daily. Usually the number is 35-50.”

“ Oh my.”

“ There abandon and I have rescued them so to speak.”

“ They learn to deal, don’t feel sorry for them.”

“ Why can’t they go to school” She wanted Mrs. Smith to answer, she couldn’t just accept that Hogwarts wouldn’t accept all of them”

“ You’re so young. Some of the children here are squibs, some don’t have parents, some have parents that don’t want them, and it’s a horrible situation. Hogwarts isn’t to blame. Its life.”

“ Any adopted out.”

“ Maybe five a year."

“ What happens when there 17?”

“ They go find work.”

Ella hung her head low .

“ Ok, in you go.”

“ This is the where the females sleep. At nine I lock the doors, so no one in or out. The ages range from 4 to 16, so bear with the different maturity levels. “

Ella looked at the bunks that were spread out. Keep your stuff locked in the dresser next to your bunk. I love my children , but some are simply lost. Ella was given a key in which she used to lock her clothing in the dresser. Her trunk already well-fortified could never be broken into.

“ Do you have a family?”

“ My husband left when he found out I was barren. I devoted my life to children. Dumbledore says this was my calling, and that I am a mother.” Mrs.
Smith smiled .

“ Now follow me into the rec room. Here is where most of the kids hang daily. There is a ping pong table , desks ,couches games and a small television set.”

Walking in, Ella saw all the children piled up on couches and bean bags. The smaller ones sat on the floor squinting to see the black and white tv

‘ Everyone this is Ella , she will be staying here.”

“ Hi”

“ Hey , Ella move.” A teenage boy with brown hair said. He wasn’t even looking at her; she was just a wall in front of the tv.

“ Oh, I am sorry, I guess I make a better door than a window. “Ella smiled, but no one smiled back.

“ It takes a while to fit in, but you will.”
Ella took a seat in the back near the teenager who told her to move.

“Who are you? “

“ I am Ella .”

“ Oh the one in the way. “

“ Pleasure is all mine.”

“ I am sorry. My name is Ollie. I have been here since I was four so pardon I have seen many come and go.”

“ How old are you?”

“Sixteen. In six months I will be out of here.”

“ Where will you go?”

“ With my dad down at the docks.”

“ Oh.”

“ Yes, I have a family. I am different. “

“ Good.”

“ You?”

“ I don’t have parents. Well, I have a dad but he doesn’t live here.”

“ Your American.”

“Yes.”

“ California?”

“ No, Ohio.”

“ Boring.”

“ Aren’t you just honest?”

“ Always”

“ What are you going to do when you leave?”

“ Well, I hope to travel and learn more about foreign ways to brew potions
and then I should be able to teach potions at Hogwarts.”

“ Hogwarts huh?”

“ Yes”

Ella noticed Ollie sat closer towards her. Not wanting to embarrass him she allowed him to sit near her.
---------------------------------------
Two days later
--------------------------------------
“ Ollie I told you all I can about Hogwarts. I wish I was there trust me! “

“ I know, but you were a Gryffindor.”

“ Yes, I was and I still am. I hope to go back next year.”

“ Lucky.”

“ Ok, I don’t think you are allowed in here.”

“ It’s the girls bathroom!” Ella started to laugh.

“ What are you brewing , I’m not brewing I making sure my Wolfsbane has developed. I need to ship it soon.”

“ How do you know when it is done.”

“ The moon cycle and , and the look of it. I think it is done, see that packing material? Give it to me please.”

“ You have a lot of stuff.”

“Well this is my potions cabinet. Of course there is a lot. “

“ You will be a wonderful teacher.”

“ I sure hope so.”

“ Ollie , don’t go with your dad”

“ My OWLS were no good.”

“ So prepare for your NEWTS.”

“ Retake them, do anything you can to go into the ministry, or open your own business.”

“ I think I will work with my dad.”

“ Because it is the easy way out.”

“ Hey don’t judge me.”

“ I am sorry, I shouldn’t. I just think you can do better.”
“ I know.” Ollie put his hand on Ella’s shoulder.

“ Ollie were friends.”

“ I know”

Before confronting Olllie on his behavior, Mrs. Smith voice called for Ella.

‘See you later. You better get out of here.”

“Bye.”

You have a visitor.”

“ Who?”

“Why it is me Albus Dumbledore.”

“ Hello Professor.”

“ Mrs. Smith, thank you could you give us some privacy.”

“ Ella, my dear what are you doing here?”

“ I needed a place to stay, and here they have a bed.”

“ Sad thing to have no family.”

“These kids don’t even have a school.”

“ Ella, we help who we can.”

“ It’s not enough.”

“I never said it was.”

“ I feel guilty about Ron.”

“I know you do.”

“ How’s Mr. Weasley? “

“ Recovering.”

“ Good.”

“ I came to check on you and to give you this.”

“ I hope You find what you are looking for. Before I leave I must say, Ella,
pushing friends, family and others away leads to a lonely existence. Friends
keep us grounded, keep us alive.”

“ Tell Ron, I am sorry. If you could. I mean is father was attacked and I
should have stood down.”

“ My dear, that is why we love you. You don’t stand down. Ron and Harry were both wrong. Write them.”

“ I will.”

“ Dumbledore , thank you.”

“For what?”

“For knowing that I wouldn’t be someone else and that I need to follow my own path.”

Dumbledore smiled.

“ Just like your father.”

Ella opened the parchment to see a letter from Snape.
Christmas Day, Knockturn Alley, Noon.
----------------------------------------
Ella smiled. Knowing what she needed to do to save her friendships she rushed to holler for Chauncey.

Dear Hermione, I am fine. I cannot say where I am, but I am focusing on my studies. I want to take the OWLS early, so I can maybe find some work.
-Miss you
El.

Dear Ron,
I hope your father is doing well. I am sorry I over reacted. I was lonely at Hogsmeade and Malfoy was hiding something. I don’t know how to explain myself. Are we still friends?
-El

Harry,
I am here if you need me. Don’t be afraid to write. I hope we are friends .
-El

There was another letter she had to write.

Draco,
It’s me El. Could we meet during Christmas break? At the Leaky Cauldron? I need to talk to you.
-El“
Ok, Chauncey so there not heartfelt. But I don’t do emotional stuff.”

“ HOOT HOOT.”

“ Be quick and be safe. It’s a hard winter in Scotland right now. “

“ Who are you writing too? “

“ Oh Jeez, Ollie you scared me. Make yourself known next time. Its rude.”

“ I am sorry El.”

“ Excuse me?”

“ I said I am sorry.”

“ No you called me El.”

“ Ollie were friends , but only really close people call me El and when you say
that it reminds me that I don’t have them near me anymore. “

“ Ollie I am sorry if that came off mean, but please understand.”

“ It’s after 7 , don’t you think you should go to the boys dormitory.”

“ I am going.”

“ Good.”

Ella took a deep breath. The situation with Ollie was not going good.
-----------------------------------------------
Dearest El, I will meet you at the Leaky Cauldron Dec 26th at 6 pm. My father has a meeting, so I will be in town .

-Merry Christmas

-Draco

“ Good.” Ella said out loud. She needed to see him.
-------
December 25th
---------------
“ Good morning, Everyone.”

‘ Merry Christmas to you.”

“ Breakfast Looks great!”

“ Courtesy of Headmaster Dumbledore at Hogwarts. So everyone be grateful
and merry!” Mrs. Smith couldn’t hold her excitement.

Ella smiled.

“ I am heading out, I will be back later this afternoon.”

“ Where are you going on Christmas?” Ollie yelled over the caroling.

“ Ollie, I have to meet someone.”

“ Who?”

“ Please, I will back later.”

“ No, where did I put my scarf? “ Ella began to look around.

“Here it is.”

“ Why did you have it?”

“ I didn’t I founded. “

“ Oh, ok I will be back later.”

Ella walked the few blocks to the Leaky cauldron, through there she found herself overcome with joy as the streets were bare. She didn’t want to run into anyone. Never daring to visit Knockturn alley she sifted herself through the curvy alleys.

Finally, she saw a pale man, his face hidden under a cloak, and with a nod she knew it was snape.

“ This way.”

What looked like an abandon café, Ella entered fearing the worst.

“Why here? We could have went to a muggle place.”

“ Not even a muggle place is safe.”

“ Why Knockturn?”

“ No one dares repeat what they see here.”

“ Oh God the food.” Ella said glancing at the dusty menu.

“ Don’t eat here.”

“ I will give you money and you can eat lunch at the leaky cauldron.”

“ Ok, so Merry Christmas.” Ella said smiling.

“ Happy Christmas Ella.”

“Now, how and why did you decide to live at a shelter?”

“ I need to find myself. I feel like I am shuffled from place to place.. I don’t
know, I just want to make it on my own.”

“ Stubborn and young. Two bad qualities.”

“ Do you understand?”

“ Yes. I was fifteen too!”

“I don’t want to think about that.” Ella said laughing.

“ Trust me I don’t want to either.”

“ I want so badly to go to Hogwarts.”

“ I am excited for you to come back.”

“How’s Umbirdge?”

Snape looked as if he swallowed a rat.

“ Same, but more powerful.”

“ I think I am going to look for some work.”

“ No.”

“ Why not?”

“ I won’t allow it! You may think you know about the world but you do not.”

“ Ok, forget I even suggested I do something than other study, eat , sleep
and repeat.”

Snape chuckled.

“It’s nice to hear you laugh.”

“ I missed you Ella.”

“ I have missed you too.”

“ It scares me , I know too much and you so little.”

“ Before we leave.”

“ Already?”

“ I am sorry I have some meetings to go to yet. “

“ I understand”

“ Here is my present too you.”

He handed her an envelope that had a red bow on it. Unsealing it , Ella pulled
a piece of parchment out.

Dearest Severus,
I need a change. Why should we be angry all the time. I am tired and I am only nineteen years old. Life seems to be passing by without us.
Love,
Jane Bowman.

“ Why did you give me this.”

“ Because I want you to know that your mother wasn’t a bad person.”

“ I know “

“ She didn’t want this anymore. You just get caught up.”

“The biggest piece of advice I can give you is follow your heart.”

“ So pursue Malfoy.”

“ Wait what!?” Snap’s jaw dropped. “ How did you get what I just said to.. wait what?”

“ I am meeting up with him tomorrow to talk about us. I need to tell him we can’t even talk anymore. What he is doing at school and his friends, is not what I want to be associated with.”

“ Hmmm” Snape’s lips were pursed.

“ It’s weird right, to be into him? I can’t get him out of my head. The way he
looks at me, says my name.”

“ Okay, Okay, enough I can’t take it.”

“ Dad, I am a teenager.”

“ Dad?”

“ Yes, your my dad.”

“I like hearing that.”

“ Ok, good… So what do I do?”

“ Tell him how you feel. In my opinion I think you shouldn’t pursue anybody. Let someone come to you. Your young, you will find someone who makes you happy and doesn’t do or say bad things. “

“Good advice.”

“ Well, I am running late, can you get back?”

“ Yes.”

“ Good, Merry Christmas.”

And with a flash he left.
------------------
December 26th
------------
“ When is curfew? “

“ I lock the doors at eight pm”

“ Ok thank you. “

“ Out again, Miss. Greene.”

“ Yes.”

“ Wait , Ella there is a funny program on the tele tonight.”

“Oh Ollie, I will be back. I have to go.”

“ Oh. Fine.”

“ Bye”
------------------------------------
Standing in the crowd at the leaky cauldron was nerve racking. It was 6 on
the dot and no sign of Malfoy.

“ Great, he stood me up”

“ So we meet again?”

Jumping and almost knocking another witch over. Ella turned to see Lucius
Malfoy staring at her.

“ Where’s Draco” She barely could mutter.

“ I told him 6:15”

“ You read his letters”

“ Of course.”

“ What do you want from me?”

“What are your intentions with my son.”

“Oh I see, always wanted a daughter. “Ella began to giggle.

He didn’t smile.

“ I am here to tell him we can’t talk anymore.”

“ Do you like him?”

“ I will always have a thing for him, but every time I fall to deep, I get end up getting hurt.”

“I see. Your name is all over the prophet.” With every word that came out of his mouth he seemed disgusted with her.

Keeping the smile, she responded“ All rubbish”

“ You do look like him” His eyes darted towards her.

Again she responded “Coincidence”

“ It’s a shame you know if you weren’t so stubborn you would be a great witch”

This word tango they were going through humored Ella.

“ If you weren’t such a pompous *** you would be a respectable man.”
He began to laugh.

“ I will be seeing you Ella Greene.”
She whispered to herself.

“ I am sure you will.”

A few moments later, Ella saw Draco walk in.

“Over here El, I found a table.”

Ella smiled. He seemed happy and it had been awhile since she saw him.

“My dear” he said while kissing her hand. “ It’s been too long.”

“ Draco, I am going to cut to the chase.”

“ Yes”

“ I know there is chemistry, and passion here between us. It makes me melt when you even look at me. I just can’t be hurt. I end up looking dumb because I fell into your trap.”

“ I have made a lot of mistakes and I want you to know I am sorry.” He was convincing alright, but Ella had to be brave.

“ Don’t apologize.”

“ When I think about what is right for me, I know I shouldn’t have to be conflicted. A relationship shouldn’t have to be about choosing.”

Looking at Ella , he muttered“ We are dangerous.”

“ Exactly.”

“ Is this why you brought me here to break off all contact.”

“ Yes.”

“ We can’t be friends?”

“ Is this what we are now? Face it Draco we both haven’t been honest with each other.”

“ You keep going to the press.”

“ That was a misunderstanding.”

“ Isn’t it always? “She couldn’t help but snap at his excuse.

He remained silent.

“Were young Draco and you never know what the future may bring.”

“ I have to go.”

Ella wiped a tear from her face catching it before it fell.

“ I am sorry.”

“ I am too.”

He rose and left the cauldron.

Ella sat back took a drink of water and left herself.
------------------------------------------------------
Walking the streets were lonely, although it wasn’t far, it seemed to take forever.

Reaching the door to the front office, Ella was surprised to see Ollie.

“ Ella your back.”

“ Ollie, I hope you went back to the rec room”

“ No, I waited right here.”

“ Why is there snow on your pants?”

“ I went outside to check the weather.”

“ Oh.” Ella began to walk into the main entrance of the mess hall.

“ So, how was it?” He asked

“ What?”

“ You left.”

“ Yes, I met up with a friend.”

“ El, tell me who.”

“ Ollie, its Ella and no it was just a friend.”

“ If I dyed my hair blonde would you like me.”

Ella turned around.

“Blonde, like that boy you were with.”

“ You followed me?”

“ To protect you.”

“ Ollie this is getting weird.”

Ollie stood by the entrance.

Closing her eyes, Ella formed it in her mind and sent a message to Mrs. Smith.

“ Let me through the doors.”

“Tell me one thing, why this Malfoy.”

“ How do you know him?”

“ The prophet.”

Ella began to get nervous.

“ I wonder why you would meet up with him. Is he your boyfriend?”


“ No, Ollie he is a friend.”

“ Oliver Louis Morrow, move out of the way!” Mrs. Smith’s booming voice
could be heard on the other side of the door.

“ Move Ollie.” Ella said.

“ One more question, What is so wrong with me?”

“ Nothing. I just don’t feel anything for you. I just meant you maybe a week ago and I thought were just friends.”

“ You want the rich boy with the education rather than the poor orphan.”

“ You’re not an orphan you have a dad.”

“ I have no one.”

“ I am sorry.” Ella spoke very softly.

“ Oliver Open this door!”

Turning around he went through open the door. Following suit, Ella made her way with Mrs. Smith to the door way.

“Your patronus scared me. Oh my, it spoke in such a haunting tone. “front office, come now.” I thought I was dreaming. “

“ Thank you Mrs. Smith.”

“ He got too attached. He does it every time. Happens when you have no one”

“ He doesn’t have a dad.”

“ No, his parents dropped him off only three years ago. “ “Too much of a problem they said.”

“ He told me he was four.”

“No, twelve years old almost 13. I can understand a young child, but almost a teenager. To raise a child and then just give them up. So very sad. Go to bed dearie.

Ella sat awake. The ticking of the faraway clock was heard.


She had a family, what was she doing there? Was she being selfish? Finally,
she fell asleep only to dream about a dinner at the Malfoys and one large snake.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Hey Heather, it's been awhile. I'm glad El landed in a safe place, although Ollie might be a problem. I don't know him well enough to determine exactly what my feelings are for him yet.

There are two questions I have been wondering about. How is it that Sirius let her run when he said he could keep her there no matter what she tried? And I thought she left Grimwald place early in the morning around 4 I think you said, and then she walked for 2 hours before getting to the Leaky Cauldron and from there it was just a short walk around the corner a bit and she was at the shelter for children. So I thought it was about 6 AM, yet all the children were in the reck room. I guess it doesn't matter, it's just a little distracting.

Lastly I think it's kind of strange the way the whole post was just very short sentences and mostly all dialogue. At first I didn't know if I liked it, but I think it made me see how fast Ella's world is turning now, and she really seems to keep track of herself better this way while she is running and finding the direction she needs to go in. It's just a little confusing to follow sometimes.

I love Snape and Ella's relationship getting warmer. I enjoy reading them.

WOW ok, I look forward to your next post.

In my next post, I do say that the children watch television a lot. They all wake early, since they have lights out around 9pm. Also very young children tend to wake early anyways, while some older ones sleep in.

The pace has quickened in the last chapter. She has runaway; she tends to do in hard situations. That is why I made the dialogue very short. When you meet someone you don’t trust, you tend to be very direct and non-trusting.
She is very stubborn and this chapter shows it. Ollie, who never was shown how to love, doesn’t understand his feelings. He feels protective, yet almost too obsessive.
This next chapter is the last of this year.
Months have passed and Ella must take her OWLS. Her life is boring and dull and she seeks adventure, like she once had. She has realized that life with Sirius wouldn’t have been bad and that she is a child and should be treated like one.


I should have clarified. My next story will begin with a recap of year 6th. I think it will actually start at Dumbledore’s Funeral and end with an epilogue.

Hello Everyone, I am glad for the constructive comments!
Hope everyone is well.

This the final chapter, and I can't wait for the next series that will wrap up Ella's story.

Everything Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling.

Chapter 16

Ella sighed.

Today was the beginning of her OWL exams. Ollie sat two seats behind her, and the tension was still there. It had been a few months since Christmas, but since their fight the whole house was against her. Ollie had been there for years, so he had report with the rest of the kids.

“Now, I want you all to know, that you have an advantage over those students who study at Hogwarts.” Mrs. Smith said handing out the quills and ink.

“And what is that?” Ella said laughing out loud.

With a matter of fact tone, Mrs. Smith spoke directly at Ella. “You have three days to take the exams, and Hogwarts’s students have two weeks.”

Ella’s jaw dropped. “How is that an advantage?”

“You can get them over with.” Mrs. Smith said with a smile.

Ella looked around the small testing room. It was a nice set up. Mrs. Smith was of course the proctor. Her desk sat in the front, with six desks allotted to the students. The walls were filled with inspirational posters, geared towards wizards and witches. “Fly like an OWL and pass those exams!” Ella couldn’t help at laugh at that one.

The first morning and afternoon would consist of classes that only had a written part. A break would be given for lunch and dinner. And at Midnight, the Astronomy exam would be given..

“First up, History of Magic.”

Ella felt a bad taste in her mouth creep up. She only took one year of History of Magic at Hogwarts. Would her prior years at Salem hinder her score?
Lunch time had arrived, which marked the end of the first exam.
It was hard, but manageable.

“Hey, Ollie how did you think you did?”

“Fine.”

Ella took a breath, still not talking to me. She thought.

Eating her lunch alone, Ella felt the absence of her friends daunting.
Not even Malfoy had written her since the exchange they had at the leaky cauldron.

She had pushed everyone away.

“Ok, everyone file back into the testing area, Muggle Studies is next!”

“Good, an easy one!” Ella said out loud

Mrs. Smith frowned and walked into the room.

Not Mrs. Smith too! Ella closed her eyes. She was pushing everyone away.

Ella wiped her brow, she had finished early, and clearly underestimating her exam she fought away the thought of getting a bad score.

“Ella, you have post!” Mrs. Smith yelled from her office.

Excited, she skipped over and picked up her letter.

Dear, Ella
How was your first day of OWLS? It can be an intense and stressful time, but please take your time and focus.
Love
Severus.

Ella smiled.
Looking at the board, she read what exams were next. Care of Magical Creatures, Charms, Defense against the Dark Arts written exams were in the morning, and the practicum in the evening. The next day after that would be written, Herbology, Potions, Transfiguration, and practicum in the evening and finally divination practicum at night.
------------------------------------------------------

Ella sat on her bunk. The next two days would be the longest of her life.

Ella was right; the exams tested all of her knowledge on every subject. Potions was the easiest and she knew she would get an O. But the rest gave her trouble and she was afraid of her score.

Dear Severus Snape,
All is well and I am finished. Cramming all those exams in three days has taken a toll on me. Even know it is hard for me to write. Please feed Chauncey, he came back hungry and all I could find for him was a few nuts.
Thanks
Ella

Passing out from pure exhaustion Ella dreamt of dancing with an unknown man at the leaky cauldron.

The next two weeks, Ella felt the need to do some major damage control. No one at the house talked to her and even Mrs. Smith who had been her alley seemed distant. Instead of being alone in her bunk reading, she decided to watch the television with all of the kids.

“You guys are here from sun up to sun down!” Ella said with a smile.

“Everyone looked at her, eyes wide open.”

“Television is all we have. Not everyone can have visitors who take us to dinner.” Ollie said

The same monotonous routine of trying to gain everyone’s trust was temporary over.

Luckily for Ella, the tension was broken when Mrs. Smith walked in saying Ella had a visitor.

Not sure who and why someone would show up for her. Ella prayed that no one was hurt or even killed.
Walking into the foyer, Ella was shocked to see none other than Lucius Malfoy.

“I can see you’re surprised”

“Wow, you’re a modern day Sherlock Holmes.” Ella said flatly.
---------------------------------------

“What do you want?” Ella said sternly

“I have come, because I need your help, and you need mine.”

“Spit it out.”

“I need you to come with me to the ministry and help me retrieve something.”

“Why should I help you? You work there, get it yourself.”

“You need me, Miss. Greene because I am one of the governors of the school. I can be the person who can allow you back at Hogwarts.”

“ I am only suspended for one year.”

“That can easily be changed.” Lucius said with a sly grin.

Black mail, Ella thought.

“What is this thing you need? Are we going to break the law?”

“No, I just need your help.”
Hmmm. Ella’s brain began to race. A real adventure, oh how she missed something like this. Her life here was so dull and mundane.

“How long do I have to think about it?”

“Five minutes.”

“Oh jeez, thanks” After a few minutes, Ella finally gave her answer, “I will do it.”

“Good, be ready by sun up.” “Oh and bring your cloak.”

As Lucius Malfoy walked into the streets of London, Ella gasped.
Covering her face with her hands, she realized she had made a deal with a death eater. Not thinking clearly, she was restless. Trying to sleep was difficult, she had a hard time with the realization that she could be doing some really dangerous.

“Good you’re ready, let’s go.”

“Will I be hurt?”
“Do as I say and no.”

Ella shuddered.

“Put your hood up and look down always. Only until I say ok, can you look up. “

“Am, I a criminal?”

Have you read the past articles about you? You’re not exactly Harry Potter or Dumbledore’s level, but your close.” " Don't you know?"
" Know what?"Ella asked

" Your infamous."

Ella followed closely behind him not making a sound. She thought about his words. " Your infamous." Why was she infamous? She didnt want to be. She just wanted to be normal. Of course anything she has every done wasn't normal.
--------------------------------

Walking into a phone booth, Ella didn’t understand how this was going to take them to the ministry.

“Now, look at me.”
Ella glanced up.

“This is the visitor’s entrance. Once I dial the number, we will be lowered into the ministry. Things can be hectic there. Stay closely behind me. Don’t speak, and don’t breathe for that matter.”

“ Won’t they see me? I will stick out.”

“No one asks questions anymore. The dark lord’s mystery still lingers, and the Ministry is good on breaking that fear. They won’t care if someone is in a cloak. They are too busy with their own work.”
Being lowered down into the ministry made Ella sick.

She didn’t even know what her task was. She walked into a hornet’s nest, without anything, not even a plan.
Following Lucius, she realized they were walking right into an elevator.

Dropping quickly, Ella glanced at the floor. No one was in the elevator, but her and Lucius. Attempting to look up, Lucius snapped. “Keep your head down!”

As the elevator stopped, Ella felt a soft breeze, which sent chills down her spine. Where were they? As if the elevator knew her thoughts, the operator softly spoke

“Department of Mysteries.”
As soon as the last syllable was said the elevator vanished.

“You can look up, now.”

“We can’t be here! My father!”


“Your father has turned into nothing. At one time, I respected him. Since the tragic death of his daughter he has turned into a walking ghost. He speaks nothing, he does nothing. This department keeps s him here only out of fear he will go postal and release any information.”

“I thought anything about this department, down to the employees was a secret.”

Lucius let out a forced chuckle.

“Nothing in this ministry is secret. “
Following Lucius into a strangely lit door, she entered to see shelves as tall as the ceiling with glowing orbs.

“What am I looking for?”

“Do you feel a claim to any of these? “

“What do you mean?”

“Walk around and tell me if they call to you.”
Ella was taken aback, but did what she was told. Disappearing from Lucius, she pulled her wand from her cloak. She did not trust him.
T
he rows were tight and dimly lit. Each orb was labeled with someone’s name, and glowed mysteriously.

“Have you found anything?” His voice seemed right next to her, but Lucius was nowhere in sight.

“Nothing” Ella whispered.

“Keep looking.”

“You’re scaring me.” She whispered again.

“Quit talking and search.”

Ella began to shake, whatever magic he was using to hear her whisper was dark and she knew it.

Suddenly in the tenth row, she felt an odd sensation.

“Lucius!”

Appearing out of now where, his voice quickened. “What is it?”

“I have a feeling, it’s near.”

“Good, close your eyes, and try to hear it.”

Skeptical, Ella closed her eyes.

“The girl with no Identity.” Was spoken by a deep women’s voice.
Opening her eyes, she knew exactly where it was. About ten feet to the right, a small orb with a tag began to glow a deep emerald color.

“There!”

“Good!” Lucius seemed pleased.

Ella saw her name on the tag

Reading it out loud, she said.
“Ella Rae Greene.”

“Hold it, with both hands”, he said.

Her senses told her not too, but out of shear curiosity she did. The orb came alive; a women’s mouth began to speak very slowly.
--------------------------------------------
The girl with no identity grows up to be women of loneliness and heartbreak.

Faced with the longing of power until she dies, she teeters on the side of good and evil. Her decision will be made during the Great War.
Skilled at her craft, she becomes noted for her skills. Her one true love, will find another, as destiny sees them apart, though they will share a common bond. Many will surround her, but she will be alone, left with the memory of those who have died.

Her decisions will affect the future of the warding world.

Thus ends the prophecy of Ella Rae Greene. ---------------------------------------



Ella began to feel nauseous. She wasn’t supposed to hear this. Her future sounded so bleak, she began to sob right away.




“Why did you make me hear this? What was the purpose?”

“My son.”

“Draco? What has he got to do with it?”

“He loves you. I needed to know, if you and him would be together. You see you’re a distraction. He has so much more life to live. He has a destiny that cannot be affected by teenage foolery.”

“You think he is my one true love? Like the prophecy said? “

“I do.”

“You have no proof.”

“I don’t, I only can assume.”

“Well, don’t worry, did you hear it? She said I will have no true love and we will be apart!”

“I know what the prophecy said.” Lucius said

“You are a selfish pig! I will have to live knowing my future.”

Lucius stood there with nothing to say.

Still sobbing, Ella held her hands in her face.

She never felt such deep sadness overtake her. Not even when Jenny died, did she feel like this.

No one is supposed to know the future, and she now knew why.

“Lucius, it’s almost time, get rid of this girl.”
Pulling out her wand, Ella yelled.

“Who is here?”

“Oh dearie, run off now, before you get killed.” The women began to cackle.

“Run.” Is all Ella heard Lucius say. And she did. Making her way back to the door, she found herself in another room.
---------------------------------------
What had happened? Why wasn’t she back in the atrium? It was pitch black and she couldn’t see anything.

“Hello?” She took one step and fell.

Wiping herself off, she glanced around to see herself in an amphitheater of sorts. In the center of the amphitheater was an ornate stone archway with a tattered veil blowing forward. The veil was hypnotizing.

“Do not be tempted, or you shall surely die.”

“Dad?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“What are you doing in here?”

“He threatened me. And Like the coward I am, I folded.”
Ella sighed.

“I come here, to hear her voice.”

“Who’s voice?”

“Did you know wizards have been studying this for centuries? It’s so mysterious and beautiful. When you go close to it, your love ones beg you to come see them.”

“You die and go be with them.”

“Yes.”

“Dad, we need to get out of here.”

“I am sorry for all the wrong I have done.”

“I have forgiven you”

As if a veil of shame was lifted, he smiled.

“Thank you, Ella.” Standing up, he walked over to the archway.

“What are you looking at?”

“ Its beauty. Simply, amazing.” He said

“Dad, I think we need to leave now.”

“As you speak, my beloved Jennifer calls to me. I can even hear my dear brother Andrew.”

Startled Ella asked, “You can hear Uncle Andy”?

Andrew was Ella’s beloved uncle. His death was tragic in that he was killed in a vehicle accident, caused by a drunken muggle. Ella had been nobody’s favorite, but his.

“Dad, I mean it, let’s go. Uncle Andy died 5 years ago. You’re scaring me!” Already up a few of the steps, Ella waved her dad over.

“Tell your mother, she is finally free.” Edward smiled and walked through the veil.

His lifeless body fell on the floor.

Ella felt everything go dark and as her body fell down the stone steps unto the cold floor. Near her was the veil. It stopped fluttering for a moment and then went back to flowing.

Her eyes fluttering open, she realzied she wasn’t dreaming. Her dad had gone to be with Jenny. All the things in the prophecy had come true. But how many more deaths would haunt her?

Her first thought was to try and get up. But that ended quickly when she clutched her leg. It had been broken.

Crying out, she clutched her leg. Pain shot through her in a cold thrashing way.

She needed to get out of here.

Grabbing her wand, she tried to mutter a spell.

Her head pounded. Her thoughts became rapid and her vision clouded.

The pain had become unbearable and she fell in and out of consciences. Finally her body and mind couldn’t bear it any longer, she heard yelling, but not having the energy to move and see what was going on she saw a face and succumbed to a deep sleep.
-----------------------------------
“Where am I”

“Quiet love, you’re at Hogwarts”

Ella tried to sit up but instantly passed back out.
------------------------------------------------------
She could feel the presence of someone beside her. It wasn’t Madame Pomfrey. She knew that because Madame doesn’t linger, she tends and moves on. This person was watching her.

“Who is there?”

“It’s me.”

Ella opened her sleepy eyes to see Draco Malfoy sobbing into his arms.

“Why are you crying?” she whispered.

“I can’t tell you.”

Ella closed her eyes. “Your father thinks you’re in love with me.” As she drifted back to sleep, she hard Draco say “I am.”
----------------------------------------------------------
She wasn’t alone in the hospital wing at Hogwarts. Madame Pomfrey went from bed to bed passing out medicine and talking to the patients.

Ella’s body was weak, and yet she felt alert.

“Okay, dearie you’re okay.”

“I want to talk to Dumbledore”

“I am afraid; he is busy at the moment.”

“Well, then where is Professor Snape!”

“Calm down , Calm down. I will find him.”

“Thank you.”

After a few minutes, Snape appeared.

“Tell me what happened.”

“I don’t think, I am the right person to tell you.”

“Miss. Greene. Please get some rest and we will talk in the morning.” Dumbledore’s voice was booming.

“ Tell me this. Why am I here and not at the hospital that was ten minutes away from the ministry.”

“you are more safe here than there.” As fast as he came, is as fast as he went.

“ Why were you even there!” Snape hissed.

“Lucius is in Azkaban and you’re lucky you’re not!”

“ He wanted me to help him find something.”

“Find what?”

“Well, I found it.”

“What did you find Ella?”

“ I don’t want to talk about it.”

“What did you find?”

“My prophecy.”

Snape’s already pale faced, seemed paler.

“Did you hear it?”

“ Yes.”

“ Oh Ella.”

“ Why did he want to hear it?”

“ Because ,Malfoy was in it.”

“ That selfish pitiful creature.”
Ella’s face wrinkled up.

“Please don’t read too much into it.” Snape said trying to comfort her.

“ I know about prophecies, I know they are right on.”

“Just live for the now, don’t worry about the future.”
Ella nodded.

“Please tell me, my only child doesn’t become Mrs. Malfoy.”

Ella laughed.

“Actually, it said we couldn’t be together, and that I will forever be lonely.”
Ella laughed not because the prophecy had made her laugh, but she laughed at the uncomfortable feeling loneliness gave her. She had been lonely her whole life, seeking solace in being loved.

“I want you to tell me what happened.”

“But Dumbledore….”

“ Your my father, please.”

“I only know from retelling.”

“The Dark lord gave visions to Harry. Similar, to the ones about Mr. Weasley. Instead it was about Sirius. His vision was Sirius was being tortured in the Department of Mysteries. The exact room was where the prophecies are located”.

“ Go on”.

“Harry and his club escaped from Umbridge and went to the ministry. Harry in code told me that Sirius was hurt, so I contacted the order. Ella, it was a trap. Lucius and the other death eaters appeared, after Harry found his prophecy. They wanted it because it had information about Voldermort. They fought hard against them, and then the order arrived. Sirius and Bellatrix dueled and she hit him square in the chest, and he fell through the veil”.

“He’s dead.”

“Yes, sweetie, I am sorry.”

Ella let out a cry.

“My father, Edward. Where is his body?”

“They took it to your mom.”

Tears streamed from her face.

“ Where do I go now?”

“ Well, for the summer you will stay at the Weasley’s. I promised I will pay them for housing you.”

“ You will then go to school in the fall.”

“ Ella listen , I promise once this over, we can be a family. Until then you will see me do unthinkable things. Don’t judge me too harshly.”
Before leaving, he bent down and kissed his only child on the forehead.

“Be brave , Ella.”
-----------------------------------------------
With tears running down her face, she brushed back her hair and took a look at her leg.

It was healed, but very sore.

Gathering her strength she headed to the Gryffindor common room.

“Miss. Greene, How delightful to see you!” Nearly headless nick said as he passed by.

“Hello Nick, I don’t know the new password could you please get someone to let me in.”

“ Of course.”

“ In a matter of seconds, Harry ran out and helped Ella through the portrait hole.”

“ I need to lie down.” Her face was pale and the sweat cold.

“Ella, you’re supposed to be in the hospital.”

“ I don’t like hospitals.”

“ Are you ok, Harry?”

“ I don’t know.”

“ Me either.”

They sat there in silence, like they used too. It was calming to Ella. “Harry , I am sorry I was so selfish this year”.

“Where were you living?”

“ A shelter for kids that don’t have families.”

“You have family.”

“ I know, that is why I was being selfish. I shouldn’t push anyone away. Especially now, you never know what can happen.” She began to cry.

“ He wanted me to live with him. And I choose a homeless shelter.”

“ I feel guilt too, Ella.”

“ Yes, but.” Ella tried to say

“ No buts. I do.”

“ My friends need to be near me.” Ella said still crying.

“ We missed you.”
Ella smiled.

“ No matter what Harry I am your alley.”

“ I know.”

" Harry , what happend to me? In that room, I mean."

" Everyone was fighting and Dumbleodore moved you to the back. I think he also put a sleeping curse on you."

" I should of told someone where Lucius was taking me."

" We all have regrets, Ella."

Ella closed her eyes and feared what the next year would bring.

The End.