Chapter Text
Later that evening, after three more familiar Aurors arrived, chaos erupted in the Burrow. In the kitchen, Molly Weasley was preparing dinner, her hands moving fast with frustration. Tonks stood beside her, trying to help, but the tension in the room was impossible to ignore. "For Merlin's sake!" Molly snapped, slamming a pot onto the counter. "This is the last time you children rush into danger like that! What if something terrible had happened to one of you?" Harry stood next to Sirius, looking a little guilty but saying nothing. Sirius, on the other hand, barely seemed to care. If anything, he looked proud of his godson, standing silently with his arms crossed.
Meanwhile, Lupin was pacing back and forth across the kitchen, his face clouded with frustration. It felt less like a scolding and more like a disciplinary hearing for our involvement in the morning's fight with the Death Eaters. Then Molly turned on me. "And you!" she said sharply, rolling up her sleeves, but before she could say anything more, Lupin snapped. "You're becoming more reckless than ever, Sue! If Greyback had bitten you, or even tasted your blood, you would have been nothing but a beast like him!" Lupin's voice shook as he pointed a trembling finger at me. "Is that what you want? You're so proud of your last name, aren't you?" he continued, his eyes burning with something close to fear. "So proud that you forget Greyback is one of the most feared creatures in the wizarding world!"
The room fell deathly silent. Ginny stole a nervous glance in my direction before looking at her mother. Molly's frustration had not faded. "You have to be a good girl! Don't go around starting fights just because you managed to take down Bellatrix once!" Then why do you only scold me? Am I the only burden here? I looked down, clenching my fists, I muttered under my breath "It is not your responsibility to protect me, I can handle myself better than any of you." The words left my mouth, and silence fell over the kitchen, they all stared at me, their expressions full of shock. Molly took two more steps forward, her face tense "Your safety is our responsibility! You don't just get to act however you like! This isn't a game-" , "No, please stop!"
I cut her off, looking straight at her. "You are not my mother, you don't get to scold me like I'm some helpless child!" Molly flinched, her lips parting in shock. "And I am sick of hearing the same thing over and over again! 'You're rushing into danger because you're a Carmine!' 'You're reckless because you're a Carmine!' YES, I am one! And what of it?!" Mr. Weasley quickly stepped forward, placing a firm but calming hand on my shoulder. His voice was gentle and steady. "That's enough, all of you!" he said, looking around at everyone. "She's already been through enough today, no need to scold her so harshly, our own children ran into danger too. It wasn't a wise decision, but they were trying to help people. Let's stop this, alright?"
Sirius cleared his throat, speaking lowly. "Yeah, enough arguing, we've got a whole group of Gryffindors here... that's why most of them are reckless." He tried to lighten the mood, but I was done, I turned and walked away. I shut the door behind me and went to sit in the large, fluffy chair in the corner of the room. The space was cluttered with boxes, big and small, filled with things Fred and George had left behind. The air smelled faintly of ink, fireworks, and mischief, but I didn't care about any of it. My eyes landed on the small wooden stand beside the bed. On top sat a moving photo of my parents. It had been there since the first day I arrived at the Burrow. I'd placed it there myself, just to feel closer to them, because no matter how kind everyone was, this place wasn't home, nothing here really felt right.
Dumbledore said my home wasn't safe anymore, that I couldn't stay alone, that the Burrow was the best place for me. I reached out and grabbed the photo frame. The figures in the photo smiled softly, unaware of the storm raging inside me. I never knew I could feel this jealous and emotional over the smallest things. Every time I see Molly with Ginny, or how her father looks at her with so much love.. I feel like I'm falling apart. It always reminds me of how Gentiana used to love me, how she would always notice when something was wrong, how she kept me grounded, she saw me, loved me. Two teardrops fell onto the frame. I miss you, I wish you were here, I want my own parents.. no one can ever replace you.
I hugged the photo tightly to my chest, curling up in the chair. The fire that had burned inside me earlier slowly faded into guilt. Maybe I had acted childish, I didn't know anymore,maybe I was just mad, or maybe.. maybe I was born mad. The room was quiet for a long moment, until Teddy, started his usual nonsense. He dashed across the room chasing some invisible enemy, then leapt onto my head before darting away again. I wiped the corners of my eyes and gave a small, tired chuckle. He was such a little troublemaker, but somehow, in that moment, it helped.
The last few days at the Burrow passed slowly. I spent most of my time in Fred and George's old room, curled up in the big armchair with a book, though I barely read more than a few pages at a time. Teddy, was always by my side, purring softly, and sometimes Crookshanks would wander in, lazily settling himself on my lap. After that argument in the kitchen, something changed. Molly didn't scold me anymore. Instead, she treated me with a softness I hadn't expected, and it made my chest tighten with guilt. I hadn't meant to snap at her like that, I knew she only cared. So, in my own quiet way, I tried to show that I was sorry. I started helping her in the kitchen, though I wasn't much of a cook. I peeled potatoes, stirred sauces, and set the table while she hummed beside me.
She never said anything about it, but I could tell she knew, and just like that, the tension between us eased. Then, September came, the morning was a whirlwind of last minute packing and rushed goodbyes. At the station, the moment we stepped onto Platform 9¾, I felt the familiar mix of excitement and unease. The Hogwarts Express stood waiting, before I knew it, we were on the train. And then, I saw him, Draco Malfoy. He was standing in the corridor just ahead, alone. His pale face was even paler than usual, his sharp features tense. His grey eyes met mine, and for a second, neither of us moved, before I could say a word, he turned and rushed away. Ron and Hermione disappeared into the prefects' compartment, leaving me with Harry, Neville, and Luna.
The train ride felt long, the steady clatter of wheels filling the quiet moments between our conversations. I stroked Teddy absentmindedly, listening as Neville talked about his grandmother's new owl and Luna read aloud from The Quibbler. The thought of Draco being a Death Eater made my stomach twist with worry. Though his father had failed, I had no doubt that Voldemort had given them a cruel punishment. I let out a quiet yawn and stretched my legs as the train finally stopped. We had arrived at Hogwarts. But instead of Hagrid waiting for the first years, a group of Aurors stood by the entrance gates, checking students as they stepped onto the grounds.
Their presence was meant to make us feel safe, but it only reminded me of how dangerous things had become. As I took my first step near the big open doors of the Great Hall, a wave of memories came rushing back. I remembered my first year, how nervous I had been, holding onto my robes tightly as I followed the other students. I had been so stressed, especially knowing I didn't have a surname like everyone else. A small, awkward smile tugged at my lips. I still remember how professor Snape's suspicious eyes followed me when I walked toward the Sorting Hat... like I'd done something wrong, what was that stare even for? Now, here I was, standing tall and a little more confident. I glanced around and noticed younger students whispering to each other and sneaking glances at me.
A few even pointed, their eyes wide with curiosity and excitement. They must have heard the stories, the battle at the Department of Mysteries, the attack in Diagon Alley.. and, of course, all the true and made up tales about my clan. I sighed softly and made my way to the Gryffindor table, settling down beside Hermione. The familiar warmth of Hogwarts surrounded me, filling me with a small, much-needed sense of comfort. Reaching for a roasted chicken and some fried potatoes, I inhaled the delicious scent and took a bite, chewing happily. Across from us, Neville grinned as he piled his plate with food. "Guess what!" he said gleefully. "I dropped potions this year!"
Just as Neville admitted how happy he was to be free from Snape's class, my heart swelled with joy, knowing I still had the chance to learn from him, even better, I couldn't wait to show him my O.W.L. results, especially the bright, shining 'O' I had earned. My cheeks warmed just thinking about it. Would he be proud? Would he say anything? Maybe he wouldn't, but still.. I wanted him to see it. While I drowned in my thoughts, my friends were chatting about which subjects they had dropped. Hermione was listing her full schedule, Ron was groaning about how much free time she didn't have, and Neville looked positively delighted about never having to brew a potion again. Then, Dumbledore stood up, and the hall fell quiet. He gestured toward a rather round man with a wide belly and an even wider smile.
The man stood up, beaming with pride. "And let us welcome professor Horace Slughorn, who has generously agreed to return and teach his old subject, potions!" The Great Hall went silent, wide eyed students exchanged glances and hushed whispers. "Potions?" , "Did I hear that right?" , "No, it can't be!" Neville looked like he had seen a ghost. We all turned to Harry, who had personally gone with Dumbledore to recruit Slughorn. "Didn't you say he was going to be our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?" I asked, frowning. Harry, baffled and disturbed, turned his gaze back to the staff table, just in time to catch a subtle, satisfied smirk on Snape's face. "No way!" he muttered. And then, Dumbledore continued "Professor Snape will be our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
There was an awkward silence, followed by scattered applause, mostly from the Slytherin table. Over at the Gryffindor table, there was exactly one Gryffindor clapping with genuine, unrestrained joy. Me. I smiled from ear to ear, clapping like I had just won the House Cup. A few first years, oblivious to Snape's reputation, followed my lead and clapped as well. Some of my housemates shot me strange looks, as if questioning my sanity. But I didn't care. Him? My Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher? Excitement bubbled inside me. This is amazing! Just wait, Professor! I'll show you what I can do, no wands, no spells, just me! I could barely sit still, my heart pounded with anticipation. That night, I kept rolling from side to side, unable to sleep.
Excitement buzzed inside me like a hundred fireworks. The thought of Snape finally leaving the dungeons, walking to the third floor, stepping into a new classroom.. how could I not giggle all night? Honestly, if Snape taught every subject, I would master them all just because of him.. He is my true inspiration. The next day arrived, bright and sunny. Being a sixth year had its perks, more free time than before. Since my first class wasn't until right before lunch, I lazily stayed in bed, stretching under the warm sunlight pouring through the window. Eventually, I got up, combed my hair, slipped into black tights, black shoes, and my Gryffindor robe. Before leaving the dorm, I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, gently tugging a few strands of my messy bangs.
My cheeks warmed as I lowered my gaze. I-I want to look good in his class.. I know he doesn't care.. but I still want to be beautiful.. Walking down to the common room, I noticed Teddy and Crookshanks playing what seemed like an intense game of hide and seek in their own cat-like way. Smiling, I waved at them. "Bye bye, have a good day." Ron and Harry were off somewhere, lounging around as usual, while Hermione was the only one who decided to fill all her free time with studying. I stood just behind the D.A.D.A classroom, my nerves kicking in. I couldn't help but fidget with my hair, trying to smooth it down. "You look divine, no need to get stressed." a voice echoed behind me.
I froze, hands still tangled in my hair, and turned around. A tall boy in Slytherin robes stood there, with sharp features and dark brown eyes that matched his messy hair. He was smiling at me, but there was something off about it. I didn't recognize him at all. "Excuse me?" I said, blinking at him in confusion. He took a slow step closer, his eyes studying me with an intense curiosity. "I said, you're beautiful enough, perhaps your crush is among us in the class with Snape." what? "D-do I know you?" confusion turning to suspicion. His smile shifted into a faint smirk, and he crossed his arms. "Theodore Nott." he said, walking toward me.
Eh?! I was going to name one of Teddy's future kittens Theodore! When he becomes a dad! Hmph!! His half asleep-looking eyes moved from one of my eyes to the other, slowly scanning me. "And you're Sue Carmine, niece of that same man who caused my father to go straight to Azkaban." His smile faded, and his eyes grew more serious, almost cold. "So... your father was a Death Eater? Then he deserved to go to Azkaban!" I said, my voice low but defiant, my heart beat faster, the weight of the moment pressing on me. Theodore raised both hands, a mock surrender. "Don't worry, I'm not here to threaten you... I just wanted to be a friend."
His voice softer now, but I could sense the hidden edge. I eyed him with suspicion, still unsure whether I could trust him. Before I could respond, the door to the classroom creaked open, and a silence fell over the students in the hallway. Everyone turned toward the door as Snape appeared in the doorway, his black eyes scanning each of us with an almost palpable menace. The students behind me seemed to gulp, but I couldn't take my eyes off him. My heart was racing as it always did when he was near. "Inside" he commanded, his voice as cold as ever.