It was sunny and bright on that Friday afternoon. And Selene Lily Potter, second year student, was enjoying one of the few moments of peace she was able to get this year with her friends.

Ron Weasley and Blasie Zabini were wrestling around in the grass. While Draco Malfoy, Sel’s best friend, lay on the grass beside her watching the battle with slight ameusement. Sel couldn’t help laughing as the boys tried to get the upper hand of the other.

And Hermione Granger, Sel’s sister in everyway but blood, lay under a tree reading her text book.

“Bet you two chocolate frogs that Blaise wins,” Draco whispered to Sel.

“That’s a fools bet.” Sel wasn’t stupid, she knew that though Ron was bigger Blaise was faster. It was an even match.

Hermione looked up and and rolled her eyes. “Honestly don’t you two have anything better to do than to bet and gamble?”

“Like what?” Draco asked rolling onto his back.

Hermione smirked. “Oh I don’t know…how about studying?”

Sel and Draco looked at each other.

“NAH!”They both laughed.        

Hermione chuckled and went back to her book.         

“Ouch!” Ron shouted.         

Rolling her eyes Sel muttered. “Told you so.” Standing she pulled Blaise off of Ron. “Now boys if you can’t play nice I won’t let you play with each other anymore.”           

Blaise sighed. “Yes mother.”           

Ron chuckled and sat up. “So, who’s exited about the Halloween Feast this Saturday?”           

 Sel shrugged. She was indifferent, after all her parents had died on Halloween. It was unlikely she’d ever love the holiday.

“I wish I could go home.” Hermione said sadly.

“Why?” Ron asked totally shocked.

Hermione sighed. “Every year my grandmother has a Halloween party and then later on we’d all go trick or treating. I just miss it. And my grandma.”

Sel reached out and squeezed her friends shoulder in silent support.

“What’s trick or treating?” Draco asked.

Sel could answer this question. “It’s a tradtion muggles do. Muggle kids will dress up as creatures and then go to peoples houses and get candy. It’s supossed to be fun.”

“Didn’t you ever go trick or treating Sel?” Hermione asked.

Sel waited patiently for reality to sink into her friends. “I doubt the headmaster would let me go.”

Everyone went quiet. This was true. Especially after what had happened to Mrs. Noris.

"What if Professor Snape came with us?" Blaise asked.

Selene threw back her head and laughed. "Professor Snape take us trick or treating and to a Halloween party? Please, no offense, but Sev hates Halloween. Pluss he doesn't want me off school grounds. I'm surprised he hasn't shown up now and dragged me back to the castle. Honestly he won't let me do anything! Only Dumbledore and McGonagall kept him from taking me off the Quidditch team."

The kids were silent. Again this was all true. Professor Snape had become extreamly protective and demanding this year. Some believed he was taking things a little too far.

"We should at least ask." Blaise said. "The worst they can do is say no."

"Yeah, you're right."

Together they got up and ran towards the school heading toward the Headmaster's office, unaware someone had heard the entire conversation.

“Do you think I’ve been too hard on her Albus?” Severus Snape asked his friend while they waited for the students to reach the office. Luckily Severus knew many of the secret passageways.

“Do you, Severus?” Dumbledore asked.

Severus let his mind go back to a few days before. Selene and he had argued over her being on the team. Though Severus wasn’t able to ban her from the team he was able to schedule his detentions durring the games.

(FLASHBACK)

Selene stormed into her Potions teachers office. “This is low Severus, so very low!”

Severus raised an eyebrow. “I beg your pardon?”

“You purposely planned this detention so I wouldn’t be able to play agaisnt Slytherin! And I didn’t even do anything wrong.” Selene snarled. For weeks Severus had been getting on her nerves, well now she was done being good. “I spoke with Professor Dumbledore and he said I don’t need to serve this detention.”

“He did what!?” Severus stood.

“Why are you punishing me? I’m not doing anything wrong.” Selene demanded.

“Do not raise your voice to me young lady. I’m still your teacher.” Severus glared at Selene. ‘How dare she complaine to the Headmaster. And how dare Albus tell her to disregard his authority.’“You will serve this detention Miss Potter. It may not seem fair to you, but that is not your decision to make. Am I understood?”  

Selene glared at her teacher, her emerald eyes filled with rage and hurt.“Crystal Professor Snape but just so we are clear I will not serve this detention. You and I both know it was Mimi Malfoy who disturbed that potion not me.” Selene turned around and left the room angry and hurt that the one person, adult wise, she trusted in this school had betrayed her in such a way.

She left the classroom and Severus was left with his thoughts; both angry with Selene and with himself.

(End of FLASHBACK)

Severus sighed, yes he’d been hard on her. And he’d broke his trust with her. Selene didn’t like that he had to be cruel to her in public but she put up with it. As hard as that was. And this time he’d taken it too far.

“Do you think it’d be wise to…”

“To let them go have fun? Yes. Especially Selene, she needs some fun in her life.” Dumledore said firmly.

Severus felt his insides ache. He should have been there for her these last few weeks.

“Very well.”

Knock, knock.

“Come in.” Dumbledore took out his jar of Lemon drops.

The group came in.

Selene saw Severus and bowed her head. ‘Shit. He’d never let her go.’

“Hello children. How may I help you?”

Selene nudged Hermione.“Well…you see sir. We…we were hoping you’d let us go to my grandmother’s Halloween Party this Saturday.” Hermione bowed her head knowing how lame that sounded.

“Hm.” Dumbledore’s eyes flickered to Severus then to Selene. “I’m afraid Miss Granger I can not allow you to leave the grounds unsupervised. If you had a staff member go with you on the other hand,”

Hermione sighed. She didn’t want to leave Selene behind. “Alright. Thank you for your time Professor.” They all turned to go.

"A moment Miss Granger.” Severus stepped forward. “Miss Potter a word if you please.” He opened the door to the headmasters office and waited until Selene slowly followed before closing it. “Do you truly wish to attend this gathering?”

“Gee Professor you make it sound like a meeting.” Sel said.

Severus eyed his student. “Do you wish to go?”

Sel sighed. “Does it matter?”

“Selene,” Severus sighed. “I know I’ve been difficult these last few weeks. And I appologise, but know that I was only trying to protect you.”

“But you don’t need to Sev. I’m not a baby. What are you going to do? Lock me in a box? Life itself is dangerous, I can’t spend my whole life hiding.”

Severus sighed. “I know. That doesn’t mean I like it, Selene Lily Potter.” He gently gripped her shoulder. “I don’t want you to get hurt again. Is that so wrong?”

“No Sev.” Sel hugged her Professor and sighed. “I’m sorry I’ve been making things so hard for you.”

“You don’t need to apologise.” Severus realeased her. “But you never answered my question; do you want to go?”

“Yes, please.”

Severus sighed and opened the door.

“Headmaster I shall accompany Miss Potter and her friends to their…party.”

The kids yipeed. And shouted Thank You!Selene leaned against the wall and smiled broadly. This was going to be the best Halloween she’d ever had.  

************ 

(Down in Severus’ Quarters)

“So what are we supposed to do?” Ron asked Hermione and Sel as they looked through an old trunk Dumbledore had given them.

“You put on a costume and when we go trick-or-treating you say trick or treat.” Sel answered.

“That’s it?” Blasie didn’t believe it.”

“Believe it Mr. Zabini.” Severus entered the room with a tray floating behind him. On it were 5 glasses of pumpkin juice.

“Thanks Professor.” Draco took a glass.

“Yeah, sir. Thanks.” Ron handed Hermione and Sel a glass before taking one for himself.

Severus nodded and eyed the trunk. “May I inquire as to what is inside?”

“Costumes. Lots and lots of costumes.” Selene answered with a smirk.

“All I ask is that you don’t leave a mess for me to clean up.” Severus nodded to the children and left for his study.

“I still can’t believe he’s letting us go.” Ron said while sipping his drink.

“Yeah me too.” Selene pulled out a black huntress outfit. “Awesome, I’ll be a Huntress of Night.”

“Cool.” Hermione went over and began looking through the trunk. “I know! I’ll be a cat!”

“A cat?” Draco raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah. Why not?”

“It’s not scary!” Ron said.

Hermione glared. “Maybe I don’t want to be scary.” Blaise shot Ron a look telling hin to drop it.

“Sorry Herm.”

Hermione nodded. “It’s fine. Now pick out a costume.”

Ron stood and began rummaging through the trunk. “Why’s there a roll of toilet paper in here?”

Selene laughed out loud. “That’s not toilet paper Ron. That’s paper wrap. Its so you can be a Mummy.”

“Really?” The wheels in his head were turning.

“Ok, ok my turn.” Draco peered over Ron’s shoulder and picked up a mask. “I’ll wear this, what is it?”

“The Grim Reaper.” Hermione said while she looked for make-up.

“Cool.” Draco put the mask on and grabbed the dark cloak and sickle.

“What are you goning to be Blaise?” Ron asked.           

“A cowboy.” Blaise dusted invisible dust off his robe.           

“A-huh.” Ron kept his mout shut.           

“Well we should give this back to the headmaster.” Hermione said as they cleaned up their mess.           

“I’ll ask Sev if I can floo it up to him.” Sel said.           

“Your not comeing up?” Ron asked.           

“I want to talk to him. Hoepfully we won’t argue this time.”           

“Yeah.” Blaise yawned. “Well what time do you want to head out Hermione?”           

“I’d say 5:00. Professor Dumbledore said he’d connect my Gram’s house to the floo network for tomorrow. We’ll meet in his office.”           

“Fine by me. You ready to go Draco?”           

“Yeah, I’m ready.” Draco waved to the Gryffindors.

“See you tomorrow.”           

“See ya.” Sel waved goodbye.            

“So, we’ll see you later?” Ron asked.           

“Maybe. Depends on if he kills me or not.” Sel laughed.           

“True.” Her friends laughed as well.             

“Ok, talk to you tomorrow. I’m going to bed.” Hermione hugged Selene and went to the door.           

“I’m heading out to. Bye.” Ron followed Hermione. And with a final wave he too left the Potions Master’s quarter’s.           

“They’re gone.” Sel said outloud.           

“Indeed.” Severus entered the room and sat down on his ottoman. “Have you chosen your costume?”           

“Yeah we all did.” Selene sat down on the sofa. “Thank you Sev. For taking us I mean.”           

“No thanks are needed.”           

Sel smirked.           

“How are you Selene? Truly.”           

“Honestly? I’m just tired and…dull. Everythings just too complicated and I really would just like to be a normal kid.” Sel sighed. “It’ll never happen though.”           

“And why not? True you’ve done what no other witch or wizard has done before. But why should that stop you from seeking what you want?”           

“Since when are you so optimistic?”           

 “Since I met you.” Severus sighed. “You may use my floo powder to get to your common room.”           

Sel smirked. This was Severus’s way of telling her he wanted her to go to sleep. That was one of the things that had greatly annoyed her last year. Him telling her what to do and giving her a bedtime. But she appreciated it.           

“Ok. Good night, Severus.”           

“Good night, Selene.”           

Selene waved to her Professor and threw her floo powder. “Gryffindor Common Room!”           

In a burst of green flames she was gone.           

“Good night child. Tomorrow will be a night to remember.” Severus sighed and stood to go to bed himself. Unaware how true his words would be. 

Selene looked at herself in the mirror one last time to make sure she looked alright. Her costume was amazing! The outfit consisted of a black tunic with a light black cloak. It also came with a fake dagger that hung on her belt and a bow and arrow(s). She even got to wear big leather boots!           

“Sel, come on its time to go!” Ron shouted from outside the door.           

 “I’m coming!” Selene grabbed her cloak and ran to catch up with her friends.           

 “Lets go. Gramma expects us to be there at 5:10.” Hermione said as she finished putting on her whiskers.           

“Why?” Ron asked.           

“I told her floo powder was fast.” Hermione shrugged and opened the door. “Are Draco and Blaise meeting us at the office?”           

“Last I heard.”Sel said while helping Ron finish tieing his mummy tie.           

“Whats the password?” Ron asked.           

“Reeses pieces.” Selene said as they came to the gargoyle.           

Hermione, completely exited now, ran up the stairs and knocked on the headmasters door.           

“Come in Miss Granger.” Dumbledore said kindly.           

The kids entered to find the Slytherins already there.           

“Now, after you all have your fun Professor Snape will be bringing  you to his home in London. Tomorrow he will bring you all back. Any questions?”           

“No sir.” The children answered.           

“Very well. Off you go.”           

Severus stepped forward and handded the children their floo powder.           

Hermione stepped forward first. “Aggie Granger’s Home!” then she was gone.           

Selene watched as each of her friends followed Hermione and dissapeared.           

“You next Selene.” Dumbledore said when she was the last to go.           

Selene turned to face her Professors. “Thank you sirs. For everything.” Then she too left for Mrs. Granger’s home.

********              

Selene fell out of the fireplace with a loud thump!           

“And this must be young Selene.” An elderly woman stood before her. She was short and thin with short round curly dirty blonde hair with some silver hairs here and there. Aggie Granger had to be in her seventies but she seemed to be full of life. Age  definitely was on her side.           

 “Hello Mrs. Granger. Thank you for having us.” Selene stood and shook the woman’s hand.           

“Oh think nothing of it deary.” Aggie pulled Selene into a firm hug. “And please call me Aggie.”           

Selene smiled. She definitley liked this woman!           

Severus suddenly appeard in all his glory. And without missing a step walked out of the fireplace.           

“Grandma,” Hermione said smileing. “This is my Potions teacher Professor Severus Snape.”           

Aggie smiled and held out her hand. “Welcome Professor. And I must say thank you for letting my granddaughter and her friends come to my little party. I’ve missed Hermione terribly.”           

Severus bowed his head as he shook her hand. “It is no trouble Mrs. Granger.”           

“Please call me Aggie, everyone does.” Aggie turned and smiled at her guests. “I’m afraid you’re the first to arrive. Everyone else will be here shortly though so do not fret. Would any of you like some punch?”           

 “Yes please Ma’am.” Draco and Ron said together.           

 Aggie smiled and led the children to her kitchen where all the food and drinks were. “Just take whatever you like dears. There’s more than enough.”           

Sel laughed. “Be careful Mrs. Granger. Ron might just eat more than you think.”           

Ron glared though a smirk threatened to appear.           

Draco laughed and clapped Sel on the shoulder.           

“Grandma!” a new voice shouted.           

“Sophie! How’s my little angel?” Aggie smiled and hugged her youngest granddaughter.           

“Hermy!” The 6 year old wiggled out of her grandmother’s hold and ran over to her cousin.           

“Hi, Sophie!” Hermione hugged her cousin tightly.           

“How you?” Sophie asked quickly.           

“I’m good.” Hermione laughed.           

Sophie looked over to Hermione’s friends. “Who you guys?”           

Selene smiled and knelt down so she was at eye level with the small child. “I’m Sel, who are you?”           

“I’m Sophie Williams. I’m six years old.” She held up her fingers to prove it.           

“Wow. You almost grown up, aren’t you?”           

“Yeah!” Sophie laughed.           

Draco came to stand beside Selene. “Hi Sophie. I’m Draco.”           

“Hello.”           

Hermione pointed to Blaise and Ron. “These are my other friends Ron and Blaise. "Guys this is my cousin Sophie.”           

“Hi Sophie!” they said in unison.           

Sophie laughed again and clapped her hands.           

“Hello Hermione.” Another girl, older than they by a few years, stood in the doorway. She eyed them silently for a moment before breaking into a grin. “I’ve missed you cousin.”           

“Jessie!” Hermione raced over to her cousin and embraced her.           

“Now the party can really get started.” Aggie smiled and led the adults to the parlor for coffee, leaving the kids to do what they wished until they could go trick or treating.           

“So how are you?” Jessie asked as they all sat down on the grass in the back yard.           

“I’m fine.” Hermione turned to her friends. “This is Sophie’s sister Jessie.”           

“Hi, Jessie.” Selene shook the older girls hand.           

“Hi. I’m glad to meet you all. Hermione couldn’t stop talking about you all last summer. The way I hear things you guys are pretty good friends to have around.”           

Blaise smirked. “Thanks.”           

Jessie sighed and sat back. “So are we going to do the same thing we did last year or are we doing something different?”           

 “I don’t see why not. But my friends might not know any rhymes.”           

“Rhymes?” Ron asked.           

“Yeah scary stories or rhymes. That’s what we do while we wait to go out.” Hermione told them.           

Selene smirked. “Why don’t you two start and if we know one we’ll go?”           

Jessie smiled. “That sounds good. Do you want to go first Herm?”           

“Sure.” Hermione was silent for a moment. “Oh! I know one,” she took a deep breath.

‘One, two, Freddie’s comeing for you. Three, four better lock your door. Five, six wear a crucifix. Seven, eight run don’t wait. Nine, ten never sleep again.”           

“I’ve never heard that before.” Draco said.           

“Never?” Jessie didn’t believe it.           

“Its a rhyme thats in a horror flim. Freddie was a guy/monster who killed people. Mostly kids.” Hermione explained.           

“Oh.” Draco still didn’t get it. ‘What was a film?’           

Jessie smiled. “I know one:

“Beware the stare of Mary Shaw, She had no children only dolls.If you should see her in your dreams, be sure to never ever scream.Or she’ll rip your tounge out at the seam.”           

“What was that?” Draco asked Sel quietly.           

“Another Horror film. That one was about a woman who was a ventriloquist. She got her tongue cut out because a boy disapeared and they thought she did it. So the story goes that she became a vengeful spirit and would haunt people’s dreams. And if you screamd she’d rip your tongue out.” Selene whispered back.           

“Gross.Muggles are nasty.” Draco shuddered.           

Sel smirked. “I know one.”           

“You do?” Hermione asked surprised.           

“Yeah. When I was younger Dudley told me it. He was trying to scare me.” Selene took in a breath.

“Can’t even shout, can’t even cry.The Gentlemen are comeing by.Looking in windows,knocking on doors.They need to take seven and they might take yours.Can’t call to mom, can’t say a word.You’re gonna die screaming, but you won’t be heard.”

“And your cousin told you that one?” Blaise asked.           

“Yeah. A brother of one of his friends told him and he told me.” Selene didn’t go into specifics.           

“Wow.” Ron wondered why Muggles came up with this stuff.           

Jessie sighed. “How about a real horror story?”           

“Sure. You know one?” Draco asked.           

“Yeah. It’s called…”           

“Hermy!!!!” Sophie ran outside and hid.           

“Sophie whats wrong?”           

“There’s a vampire here!”           

Selene burst out laughing.           

“Whats so funny?” Ron asked.           

“I…I bet… you anything…t..that she means SNAPE!” Selene burst out laughing again.           

The other kids laughed too.           

“Sophie, are you taking about tha man in black?” Hermione asked between laughs.           

Sophie nodded while lookin frightened.           

Sel stood up. “Come with me.” She held out her hand. “I’ll be right back guys.” Sel then led Sophie back into the house.           

“Professor, may I speak with you for a moment?”           

Severus looked up from where he was seated and stood. “Is there a problem Miss Potter?”           

“Sort of.” Selene pointed to the small girl hiding behind her legs. “Young Sophie here thinks you’re a vampire.”           

Severus raised an eyebrow.            

“Would you mind reassuring her that you are not?”           

Severus sighed. He knelt down so he was at eye level with Sophie and said. “So, you think I’m a vampire.”           

Sophie nodded and tried to stay behind Selene.           

“Well as Miss Potter here has told you, I am not.”           

“But you look like one. And you’re dressed in black.” Sophie said quietly.           

“But I walk around during the daytime.” Severus pointed out.           

“True.”           

“And as you can see I haven’t any fangs. See.” Severus smiled which forced Sel to giggle. Severus never smiled.           

Severus shot her a look that clearly said, ‘you’ll pay.’           

Still smirking Sel turned to Sophie. “See, he’s no vampire. This is just for Halloween. If he wants to he can pretend to be a vampire.”           

Sophie nodded her head eagerly. “Yeah! And you’d scare all the kids.” She giggled.           

Selene nodded. ‘Is this what I would have been like when I was her age?’ Sel couldn’t help feeling envious of Sophie. She had nothing to worry about. She had loving parents, a grandmother, a cousin who loved her and an older sister. She had everything Sel didn’t and most likely never would have.           

Severus saw Selene’s change in demeanor. “Are you alright, Selene?”           

Sel shook her head as if to clear it. “Yeah I’m fine. Thanks.” She smiled at Sophie. “Are you feeling better now?”           

“Yes. Thank you, Selly.” Sophie hugged Sel tightly.           

“Your welcome.” Sel hugged the child back. ‘Hopefully you’ll never know a life of pain.’ Sel saw that Aggie was watching them and told Sophie she should go tell Aggie she doesn’t have a vamp in her house.           

“Ok.” Sophie ran over to her grandma to tell her the news.           

“Selene, are you sure you are alright?”           

“Yeah Severus. I’m fine.” She lied. “I’ll be in the back if you need me.” She then turned and headed out to see what the other kids were up too.           

“She thought Professor Snape was a vampire?” Blaise asked smirking.           

“Yep.” Sel sat on the grass.           

“Figures.” Ron said while shaking his head. “So what happened?”           

“I just told her Severus wasn’t and asked him to prove it.”           

“A-huh.” The students burst out laughing again.           

“So Jessie,” Hermione said once she was calm. “What was the story you wanted to tell us?”           

Jessie smirked. “The story of Bloody Mary.”           

Selene and Hermione froze. They knew the story of Bloody Mary. Most muggle’s did.           

“Whose Bloody Mary?” Ron asked.           

“Whose Bloody Mary?” Jessie’s eyes widened. “You don’t know who she is?”           

The boys shook their heads.           

Sel leaned back. “Go ahead Jessie. Tell them.”           

“You know this story?” Draco asked.           

“Most girls do.” Sel smirked. She remebered how girls would often dare each other to go into the bathroom and say Bloody Mary in the mirror.           

“Alright then;“

50 years ago a girl your age, Mary Worth, became known world wide as Bloody Mary. There are many  interpretations of this story. But this is the real one.           

“According to the newspapers, Henry Worth tried to kill his youngest daughter, Mary. No one knows why he did it, only that while the police were arresting him he ran into the street shouting that he’d sired a demon and his family would suffer. Two months later he killed himself. Mary and her family wanted to distance themselves from this and moved as far as they could.           

“For a year the family seemed to be fine. But then things began to happen.” Jessie eyed the kids. “As time went on the people in the vilage they now lived in were seeing less and less of the Worth family. Until finally they didn’t go to town at all. For reasons unknown the Worth’s never left their house. Then the Worth Fire happened.           

 “A passerby said that the house just seemed to all of a sudden burt into flames. Nothing and no one could have survived. Yet they did. It is said that Sarah Worth, Mary’s mother, came running out of the house on fire screaming ‘She’s not human! She’s not human!’ Mary came out dragging her older sister out of the house completley unharmed. Neither girl was hurt. But for some unknown reason Mary was covered in blood that wasn’t her own. And she didn’t seem to care. To this day no one knows whose blood it was. It wasn’t Mary’s, or Sarah’s or even Charlotte’s, her sister.           

“When the fire was finally put out the house was black and rotten. It smelled of death. However, somehow Mary’s room was untouched. Her roomwas covered with mirror’s.           

“Sarah was sent to an Insane Asylum and Mary went to live with her father’s brother. While in the asylum Sarah died. The report said she’d killed herself, but the story leads others to believe Mary somehow killed her.”           

“How?” Blaise asked.           

Jessie smiled. “After her father’s arrest rumors began to circle Mary. Rumors like Mary being able to see and do things. People claimed that was why she had all those mirriors. They said she could see and kill anyone. It’s said that her father had hurt her in ways that forever scarred her and made her vow to get revenge on anyone with Darkness within them. So they couldn’t hurt another soul ever again.           

“Another rumor was that she’d talk to herself in the mirror. Some people who knew her said she lost her mind when her sister abandoned her and called her Bloody Mary.” Jessie eyed the students before her. “It is because of this that it is said that if you look into a mirror and call out her name three times you can summon her vengeful spirit. And if she’s darkness in your soul…she’ll kill you. But if there isn’t any darkness within you…she’ll kill the one whose hurt you the most.”           

Everyone was silent.           

“Having fun children?” Aggie and Severus were standing in the doorway.           

“Oh yeah.” The kids smirked.           

“Well children its time to start ToT.              

“YAY!” Everyone stood and raced into the house. This was going to be GREAT!

**********             

“Thank you for having us over Mrs. Granger.” Selene said as the kids prepared to leave two hours later. It was 10:oo now and they were all exhausted.           

“It was no trouble dear. “I enjoyed having you all.” Aggie hugged each child.           

“Are you all ready now?” Snape asked.           

“Yes sir.” Selene took the floo powder and steped into the fireplace.           

“Just say, Severus Snape’s Home at Spinner’s End.” Severus instructed.           

Selene nodded. “Bye Mrs. Granger.” She took in a deep breath. “Severus Snape’s Home at Spinner’s End.” Then she was gone.           

Once all the children had followed Severus turned to the older woman. “Thank you for your hospitality Mrs. Granger. The children enjoyed it immensely.”           

“I’m glad to hear it.” Aggie sighed. “You have good students Professor. You must be a good teacher.”           

Severus shifted, uncomfortable. “I hope so, Madam.”           

Aggie smiled knowingly. “You know…If you care about Miss Selene so much you really should to let her know.”           

Severus stiffened.           

“I’m old Professor not blind.” Aggie laughed. “Never fear though, your secret is safe with me.” She patted the Potions master’s arm gently. “Good night Professor, it was a pleasure meeting you.”           

Severus nodded. “Likewise, Mrs. Granger.” He spun on the spot vanishing instantly.            

 “Happy Halloween.” Aggie smiled and went to go tuck Sophie into her bed.            

*********** 

Selene lay awake trying hard not to think about the story Hermione’s cousin had told them.           

“You alright?” Draco asked from beside her.           

Sel turned in her sleeping bag and said, “Yeah.”           

“Thinking about that story?”           

“No.”           

“Liar.”           

“Ok, ok I was. But its just a story.” Sel tried to convince herself.           

“Based on true facts.” Hermione sat up. “I went online while we were at my Grandma’s house and a lot of the story was true.”           

“Such as?” Blaise asked without openeing his eyes.            

“Such as Henry Worth hurting his daughter. It turns out that Charlotte, who was 18 when her father died, was pressing charges on him for assault.”           

No one said a word.           

“Also I found a report,”           

“How?” Rona asked.           

“The internet is a wonderful thing.” Selene said while motioning for Hermione to continue.           

“Anyway it said that Mr. Worth was alone in his cell when all of a sudden he starts screaming, begging for mercy and saying he’s sorry.”           

“So what happened?” Draco asked.           

“He died.”           

“Just like that?”           

“Yeah, his heart burst.”           

“What a way to go.” Ron said while making a face.           

“I also found out that her mother was well known for being a Lady of the Night. Which was frowned on. To Mary that could have been a darkness.”           

“But Sarah did suicide.” Blaise pointed out as he sat up.           

“The report claimed she did. No one actually knows how she died.”           

“What do you mean?” Sel asked.           

“I mean unless  she  was sick or something, which she was not, there no reason for her to die the way she did. She died the exact some way her husband did. Her heart…” Hermione couldn’t bring herself to finish.           

“What happened to the sister?” Selene asked.           

“She left Mary with their uncle. The article I was reading said that she said she never wanted to see her again. She called Mary a freak, evil and…Bloody Mary.” Hermione sighed. “So she went to live with their father’s brother who was worse than their father. Mary, if it was even Mary killing all these people, didn’t spare him the way she did her father.”           

“What happened?” Draco asked.           

“They said a bear or mountain lion somehow got into his room.”           

The kids gulped.           

“Anyway, Charlotte blamed everything on Mary and put her in a home. As the years went on more and more people started to die until finally someone killed her when she was seventeen. You don’t even want to know what the details. All I can say is Bloody Mary was now a perfect name for her.”           

“What happened to Charlotte?”           

“She died a month later, along with her husband.”           

“Who killed Mary?” Ron asked.           

“No one knows. They blamed it on suicide. They said she’d seen so much death she was unstable and took her own life. No one wanted to believe otherwise so they just accepted it.”           

Sel sighed, she felt sad for Mary. “I think that’s one of our greatest flaws. If we don’t understand something or someone is different we just push it aside or find the easy way out. Eventually forgetting about it.”           

They all agreed.           

“I dare you.” Draco said suddenly.           

“What?”            

“I dare you to go say her name three times.”           

“No way.” Sel lay back down.           

“I thought you werent’ scared.” Draco smirked.           

“Look at it this way Draco, a year ago I didn’t even know magic was real, and it is. How do I know she isn’t?”           

Draco raised an eyebrow. “I dare you.”           

“Draco,”           

“Double dog dare you.” Ron said.           

Sel sighed. Everyone was watching her. “Fine.”

“Sel,” Hermione began.

“It’s fine Hermione. I’ll do it.” Taking a deep breath Selene stood and crept toward the stairs. Unfortunatley the bathroom was upsatairs. ‘You can do this. You can do this.’ Swallowing she quietly went upi the stairs. Praying Severus was asleep.

Creak!           

Sel froze and prayed no one heard that.           

“Keep going.” Blaise said.           

With a sick feeling in her stomach, Sel continued up the stairs. ‘I’m almost there.’ Once she reached the last step she sighed in  semi-relief. The hall was completely dark. She couldn’t see a thing. Speedily she practically ran to the bathroom and shut the door. “Ok. Now’s the hard part. Oh joy.” Closing her eyes she turned to face the mirror which was lit up by moonlight from the window across from it. ‘You can do this. You can do this. You can do this!’ “Bloody Mary.”           

A branch hit the window making it screech a little.           

Biting her lip Sel said again. “Bloody Mary.”           

The wind seemed to pick up momentum.           

Selene looked herself in the eye. “Bloody Mary.”           

The mirror remained blank. Accept for Selene’s reflection. “Oh god.” Sel sighed in relief. “Face it Selly, you’re loosing what little sanity you have.” She looked back and froze.            

Staring back at her wasn’t her reflection, but someone else’s. a girl with black eyes and black hair. Her face was veiny and smeared with blood. As was her shirt. It was Bloody Mary!           

“AWW!” Selene opened the door and ran strait into Severus.           

“What in Merlin’s name is going on?!”           

“In the mirror! No lie!” Sel gripped him hard not wanting to look back.           

“You saw her?!” Ron and the others had raced upsatirs when they’d heard her scream.           

Sel nodded.           

“Saw who? What are you all still doing up? I told you,” Severus was in a very bad mood now.           

“We dared Sel to say Bloody Mary.” Draco said sadly.           

“She didn’t want to but we made her.” Hermione added.           

Severus sighed. “Stay here.” He went into the bathroom with his wand out at the ready. “There is nothing in the Mirror Selene.” Severus came back out. “All of you are to go to sleep you are not to tell any more stories, talk or walk around. You are to go to sleep.” Severus eyed his students. “Understood?”           

“Yes sir.” They all ran back to there sleeping bags not in a hurry to anger their sleep deprived Professor.”

Selene looked around the dark room she found herself in. “Where am I?”           

No one answered.           

It was then Sel saw the tall mirrior that stood infront of her.           

~Selene~           

Sel gulped. “Hello? Who’s there?”           

~Selene Lily Potter~           

Sel pulled out her wand and approached the mirror.           

~Come~           

“I’d be stupid to do that.” Sel said.           

The voice laughed. ~You were foolish enough to call me~           

Selene watched as a girl seemed to walk forward from some far off place inside the mirror. “You’re real?”           

~Yes~           

“But how?”           

Mary tilted her head.            

“Is the whole story true?”           

Mary faded away. Suddenly the mirror was like a tv and Sel watched as a young 12 year old Mary was slapped around by her father. Standing nearby wa a woman and older girl who yelled at her the entire time . ~I was a muggle-born witch. My family didn’t approve. But they couldn’t tell anyone either. You couldn’t claim your child was a witch or demon without causing some pain and hardship for yourself~            

Selene nodded. This was true.           

~Mother blamed Father while Father blamed Mother and Charlotte. He said Mother carried me and taught me the ways of evil~ a girl older than Mary suddenly appeared while the parents vanished.

~Charlotte blamed me for our family’s trouble’s.~ Charlotte glared at her younger sister. Her brown eyes filled with hate and resentment. Just like Aunt Petunia’s.           

“She was jealouse.”           

 Charlotte vanished. Mary shrugged indifferent. ~Perhaps. Charlotte chose her life.  And she payed for her crimes.~               

“What do you mean?”           

Mary’s eyes lowered. ~Charlotte killed me. I killed her.~               

Sel took a step back. “Why do you do these things? How much of your story is true?”           

Mary vanished again.           

Sel stepped forward and saw that she was looking into a darkened room. Another Mary opened the door into the bedroom and took off her coat. She went over to the desk and sat down so she could look into the mirror.

~I’d often stare into mirrors. Even as a small child I was always able to see things.~ Mary’s eyes went from black to grey. As though she was saddend by a memory. ~ The first time I thought I was dreaming. I was watching something, worse than my worst nightmares, through another’s eyes. As it was happening to them.~ Her eyes went black with rage. ~Later I discovered what I had seen had indeed come to pass. It had happened exactly how I saw it. My newfound ability terrified me.~               

 “I bet.” Selene said. Mary tilted her head as though surprised by Selene’s reply.               

~ You ask how much of my story is true, here is your answer. Everything. I killed my family for the sins they commited. I killed whoever I saw with darkness within them. For that is my purpose. I am a Vengence Demon.~           

“A vengence demon?” Sel wondered what that was.           

~Yes~           

“Why are you telling me this?”           

Mary tilted her head to the side and eyed Selene closely. ~I do not know. There is a darkness within you, but it’s not…solid?~           

Sel shook her head and took a step back. “I’m not evil.”           

Mary’s eyes narrowed. ~I’m never wrong. Your souldis stained with blood, death and suffering. It reaks about you~               

“No. I…how? Is it because I killed Voldemort’s servant? I didn’t mean to! It was an accident, my friend was in danger!”           

Mary glared. ~I care not for your reasons. Your soul bares the weight of thousands of lives. Why should you live while they do not?~               

Thousands? Selene didn’t understand. “No.”           

Mary pointed her finger at Sel and said darkly. ~You shall die for your crimes~            

Selene didn’t know what to do. Everything in her screamed RUN! But where would she go? So she did the only other thing she could: “SEVERUS HELP!!!!”                 

“Selene!” Severus’ voice broke through the haze.           

Panting Sel opened her eyes and felt them fill with tears of fright.           

Severus stood over her worry written all over his and her friends faces. “Selene? Are you awake?”           

Selene let out a sob and closed her eyes. ‘Was that all just a nightmare or was that real? Like with Nyx?’ She didn’t know but she was terrified despite everything.           

Severus lifted her into his arms and said, “You all go back to sleep I’ll handle Selene.” With her still in his arms he stood and went up to his room. “Shh. It’s alright. I’ve go you.” He sat her down on the bed. Then went over to his desk and dragged it over to the bedside. “Would you like to talk about it?” he asked when she was calm.           

“I…I saw her again.”           

“Did you?” Severus leaned forward and waited for her to continue.           

Sel nodded. He must think I’m crazy.           

“I do not think you are crazy.” Severus assured her.           

Selene glared. “I swear you’re using Occlumency  on me.”           

Severus held up his hands in peace. “I gave you my word that I would not. Not without your permission.” He shifted in his chiar.           

He probably still feels guilty. Sel thought to herself. Sighing she added. “You do know I forgave you right?”           

“You may have but I have not.” Severus leaned back into his chair. “I need to learn to control my temper.”           

Selene didn’t comment. “Sev, what’s a vengence demon?”           

Severus stiffend. “And why would you ask such a thing?”           

“Mary said that’s what she was. In my dream she like went through her whole lifes story.”           

Severus eyed Sel for a moment then he stood and began to pace.           

“She also said that  she kills people with Darkness within them, stained souls.” Sel bowed her head. “She said my soul is stained.”           

Severus blinked. “You have done nothing wrong.”           

“She doesn’t think so. She said thousands of people have suffered because of me.”            

Severus traced his lips. “A Vengence Demon is a person who can see who has been hurt or who has caused pain to another. Usually the VD is a person who has suffered themselves. Their magic shifts and changes for a single purpose; revenge or justice. It is rare for a witch or wizard to make such a transformation but it does sometimes happen.”           

“So they’re human.”           

“In the beginning. But in their quest for vengence they cause harm and therefore damage their own souls. And in doing so become less and less human. It becomes and addiction for them. Eventually they die as all humans must, but most cannot move on. Revenge was their purpose, their reason. A purpose that unfortunatley keeps them from moving on after death.”           

“So what your saying is when she was murdered she stayed behind so she could continue gatting revenge on people.” Selene said sadly.           

“Yes.”           

“That’s sad.”           

“It is. But that just proves a point that people often forgett. Magic is both a blessing and a curse.” Severus returned to his pacing. “Bck to more important matters; you say Mary said you have darkness inside you?”           

“Yeah.”           

Severus sighed. “The headmaster has a theory.”           

“What is it?”           

Severus ceased his pacing. “We believe that when Voldemort attacked you he accidently placed some of his soul in you. His sould is damaged. Yours is not.”           

Selene took a moment to process this. “So the darkness inside me is Voldemort. Not me?”           

“Yes. That is our theory.”           

 “You could be right, but…Severus!” Sel pointed to the mirror.           

Severus spun around and starred at the woman in the mirror. “Bloody hell.”           

~Actually~ Mary stepped out of the mirror. ~It’s Bloody Mary~           

Sel stood and took a step back. Severus stood protectively infront of her.           

~Step aside~           

“No.”           

~She has to pay for her crimes~           

“She’s done nothing.” Severus glared at the Vengence Demon.           

~Her soul,~           

“Isn’t stained. The Dark Lord Voldemort’s is.” Severus folded his arms infront of his chest.           

~Voldemort?~ Mary’s eyes went from black to white. For a moment there was silence then… ~Lord Voldemort, formerly known as Tom Marvolo Riddle. Son of Merope Gaunt and Thomas Riddle~ her eyes went black again. ~How is it you carry a shard of his soul?~           

Severus went to speak when Mary glared. ~Let her answer~           

Sel swallowed. “He killed my parents and then tried to kill me. The spell went wrong somehow, anyway he died and I didn’t. I don’t remember it.”           

Mary’s eyes narrowed as though searching her soul for lies and darkness. ~I remember Tom Riddle. He was dark, but I couldn’t kill him. Though I have tried.~           

“You know Voldemort?” Sel asked surprised.           

~Yes. We lived in the same orphanage. He’d often taunt me for being a muggle born~ Mary tilted her head and eyed Selene with new interest. ~Strange~           

“What is?” Severus asked.           

Mary remained silent.           

“Are you going to kill me?” Sel asked timidly.           

~No. Your soul is not damaged. At least not in that way. However, I’m inclined to serve you in any way.~           

“Why?” Sel was shocked.           

~I’m a Vengence Demon. Vengence is merely another form of Justice. Many people have hurt you.~ she continued to watch Selene. ~Tonight I vow to avenge you Selene Lily Potter. And if you ever need me,~ Mary smirked and winked at Sel. ~You know how to find me~           

Sel smiled back alittle. “Thank you.”           

Mary nodded then she vanished.           

Selene and Severus stod in silence for a long time. “I hope she doesn’t kill anyone I know.” Sel said suddenly.           

Severus gently squeezed her shoulder. “If Mary does kill anyone it is not your fault. You know she doesn’t kill anyone without reason.”           

“But,”           

“No but’s.” Severus sighed. “Lay down and go to sleep. You’re safe now.”           

“Where will you sleep.”           

Severus pulled out his wand and transfigured his chair into a small bed. “I’ll be fine.” He went to lay down himself.           

Sel lay down and pulled the covers up. “Thank you Sev. This was the best Halloween ever.”           

Severus laughed. “Hopefully you wont have another like it.”           

“I couldn’t agree more.”           

The two closed their eyes and finally went into a peaceful sleep.