June 1, 1997

It had been two days, and Callista and Draco were still traveling by train. Callista clutched the small wooden box in her lap, which held all her animals, and basically their traveling home within. They had been taking turns letting each other sleep on the mattress within the box while the other stood guard of it in their train cabin.

At this point in the journey, they were traveling due east, and due to their distance covered, Callista had their destination narrowed down.

If her father had not just murdered the headmaster, Callista would have been traveling with a full heart and excitement. But Draco, knew her verbal silence was not representative of her thoughts. Callista wondered where her father was. She did not know if he had returned to school or not. There was still thirty days remaining in the term before summer holiday began.

Yet it would be a few days more before Draco could perform magic without being traced. He turned seventeen on the fifth, and not even Draco was willing to risk anyone finding out where they were. They both knew the risk of running away- what it may look like to Voldemort. And they both were well aware of the future that lay ahead of them if they returned to the UK while Voldemort was in power. Callista may have recently only turned fifteen, but she felt as though Voldemort's breeding request was coming closer and closer.

As the sun streamed through the window of their cabin, Callista looked up from her book as the train screeched to a stop.

"Next stop Moscow!"

She looked at Draco as she heard the conductor shout the stop.

"This is us." Draco said. Callista looked out her window at the vastness of lush green nature. "We're about twenty minutes from the city if we need anything. But it's best to keep as low of a profile as we can. You-Know-Who doesn't have many supporters out here, but he does have some." Callista was reminded of Igor Karkaroff from the Triwizard Tournament.

"If we get any suspicion of being known then we are headed further east. We'll find somewhere entirely not populated by anyone out there further."

Callista nodded, the vastness of Russia starting to sink in.

She was surprised how lush it was as the train pulled into the station. Callista always pictured Russia to be frozen. It was as though she forgot it also experienced four seasons like northern Scotland did.

They didn't have much to carry since the wooden box was their traveling home. They stepped off of the train and into a long dome shaped room. There was an immediate culture difference. Callista wore comfortable leggings with black sandals and an oversized shirt, while the Russian women were dressed as those they were all headed to a formal gathering. Callista felt bare with her naked face and pony-tailed hair from traveling.

"We want to make it out of here quickly." Draco whispered. Tucking the box under her arm, they moved between the crowds until they were out on the streets. Taxis were waiting for passengers along the curb of the station; they slid into the backseat of one of the cars.

Draco slipped the driver an address as the man said something neither knew in Russian. Callista's eyes were trying to take in everything the city had to offer. They zipped past Saint Basil's Cathedral. Neither spoke to each other; Draco knew she wanted to absorb as much of Moscow as she could.

Her heard her sigh a few moments longer. He could sense the longing. Glancing across the backseat, he could see her window was moving past the Moscow Zoo. His heart ached that he didn't feel it was safe to stop. He knew the chances of being spotted in the city were rare, but he didn't want to risk anything.

Draco handed the man money as the car stopped in front of a market area. She wondered when and how he exchanged the currency.

"We will be quite a walk from any stores, so we need to stock up on food and supplies." Draco spoke into her ear as they entered.

The sign above read, "Izmailovsky." Callista didn't even know how to pronounce the name as they walked under a tall white castle like building with various spots of color such as a green roof.

She was then greeted with the usual market setting. Draco exchanged more of the money for bread, butter, jam, two water bottles, and various snacks. They existed when they had a few armfuls of cloth bags.

"When we are out of sight, we can put these in the box." Callista nodded. Draco wondered if he silence was due to her observations or from another emotion such as fear or even regret.

They walked for nearly an hour before the city began to vanish. Quickly, they dropped the bags into the box when they entered a secluded area.

After another hour of walking, they were in a complete rural area.

Two more hours passed. Callista still wasn't talking, and Draco was too eager to get to safety. Their conversation could wait.

Finally, they reached the sign Draco was looking for. "I don't know Russian, but I do know this park. Losiny Ostrov National Park… Our biggest threat shouldn't be anything but moose here, and it's massive. We should be able to always be safe within this forest."

Callista nodded, only thinking about the beauty of the wilderness before her. It was similar to Scotland. Draco sensed her relief upon learning the location of their stay. He was correct that this was the best place for them. For weeks prior, Draco planned it all on one of his muggle devices. However, he had no idea his daydream of a plan would actually spring into action. Draco was glad he deleted his muggle tablet history, not that any Death Eaters would even dare touch such a device.

They walked for another hour until they felt they were into the forest enough to rest. Callista's legs were starting to ache. Draco put the box down in some brush. It looked completely hidden. He lifted the lid back as they maneuvered their way between the branches and into the box that engulfed them once they took a step in.

Callista plopped onto the mattress on the floor as Draco flicked on a few lanterns and shut the lid. Callista didn't even notice him pack the lanterns back at Hogwarts. Although they provided dim light, the small space was well illuminated. Draco dug through the bag and grabbed a bag of pretzels as Callista took a bag of chips as well. They both thought about how the bread should be eaten first, but that wasn't what they both craved after walking such a distance.

"I heard a stream nearby for bathing. I'm sorry, but we are going to be really roughing it."

"It's perfect." Callista replied. She looked around the small room. She started to notice more things Draco packed without her noticing, probably due to her emotional state when they left Hogwarts. A massive pile of books was in one corner.

Then her eyes fell upon the guinea pig plush. The first gift she got from Severus.

"I was going to bring our muggle tablets, but we don't have electricity- What's wrong?"

Draco turned to her as she tried to hide her face in her hands. "How could he?"

Wrapping her in his arms, he rubbed her back as she cried into his neck. Her entire body shook at one time. Repulsion filled her as she thought of her father taking a life, that particular life. Harry was right all along. Her father never stopped being a Death Eater.

Exhaustion overcame Callista, and she fell asleep in Draco's arms. He carefully let her fall back against the mattress and tucked a blanket around her. He wanted to continue lying with her, but he rose from the mattress to feed the wheeking guinea pigs.

A few hours later, it was dark in their hiding place still other than the dim lanterns, but Draco knew it was night in the real sky as well. Callista was still asleep. He wanted to curl up next to her even more that he was tired now, but there was something stopping him.

It would only be a few more days before Draco could use magic, and he was looking forward to it for adding ease to their small living quarters.

Not wanting to share the bed with her, he took one of the discarded blankets at the food of the mattress. He wrapped it around his shoulders and sat on the floor. It was only a few moments before his head fell to the side on his shoulder, and he was asleep.

June 5, 1997

The best birthday gift for Draco was being able to use magic- finally! He woke up before Callista. Using his best magic, he cast façade windows on the walls and bewitched them to bring in artificial sunlight and moonlight with the time of day. Instantly, the room was transformed.

He conjured a real bed for Callista. A headboard appeared before a frame and box spring. She slept through the bed growing a couple feet higher from the ground.

Following that, Draco cast a spell of a comfortable armchair with a large pouf since that would be where he was sleeping.

He laughed to himself as he realized he forgot probably the most important thing they were missing- a bathroom. Using his best magic, a wall and door were created. He entered the small room and made a toilet, shower, and sink. Callista had all the toiletries in her travel bag.

He watched the animals look around as the room became illuminated with the sun. Looking around the room, he noticed the need for a bookshelf and dresser, not everything was fitting in Callista's trunk, and Draco's items were all around the floor.

Finally, he finished it off with white carpeting, which he then regretted when he remembered Callista had been letting the animals run around the floor, but his color altering spells weren't the best.

He heard noise from behind him as he looked at his work. "Happy birthday, Draco." She smiled as she looked around the room. "I see you're fond of the Trace being lifted. It looks amazing."

Draco knew the darkness was getting to her. They hadn't left the box except to use the bathroom. Callista's hair was in two tight French braids to keep the greasy hair held back.

"Thank you…" Draco replied. "If you want to test out the shower, I'm going to go up and put protective charms up, so we can actually go outside. Do you think a one mile radius is enough? It will be circular, and we can move around as much as we want now. We should probably trek further into the forest."

Callista nodded, Quick rushing from the bed to find a towel, shampoo, conditioner, and face and body wash in her trunk.

"Oh, I didn't think of it until now…" Draco pulled his wand out and created a hamper for dirty clothes.

"The one downside to your magic is that you will be the one to do all the laundry." Callista laughed.

Draco smiled and replied, "Maybe I'll just have to move us closer to the stream so you can wash it like a historical muggle."

"You wouldn't." She squinted at him.

Draco laughed as he made his was up the steps to the ceiling door. "Don't worry, you only have to worry about the Death Eaters- not the patriarchy."

The days went by faster now that Draco had magic. He still refused to share the bed with her. The chair he cast was transfigured into a large couch, so he was more comfortable at night.

July 31, 1997

A scratching noise was heard from above them. Callista put the book down she was reading and moved closer to Draco on the couch.

"What is that?"

"It must be an animal." He replied.

They moved slowly up the stairs.

"It's an owl! I hear it." Callista pushed the lid open. "It's Hedwig!" She took the letter and read it outloud.

Callista and Draco,

Hermione put a protective spell on this letter, so I can actually let you know what is happening. Without fear of this letter getting into the wrong hands.

Voldemort created horcruxes-

Draco gasped. Callista looked at him confused as Draco then explained what horcruxes are. Callista felt sick as she continued to read the letter.

We guess there are seven. Dumbledore told me all about this the night he was murdered. We already have three. The diary from my second year, and Dumbledore found a ring and a locket.

Do not say Voldemort's name. He is tracking who says it in an attempt to find my whereabouts.

Keep Hedwig safe. I leave tomorrow with Ron and Hermione now that I am seventeen to hunt down these horcruxes. Our first stop is Godric's Hallow.

Voldemort has his followers on the lookout for Ron, Hermione, and myself. Additionally, he is activity looking for you and Draco in a worldwide search. I've still been getting visions. He thinks you left solely based on fear of having kids so young. Your parents have not let him believe otherwise for your safety if you are caught.

Callista, your father has been in all my visions. He is working solely with Voldemort. He is also the new headmaster. I'm sorry to tell you.

Be safe,

Harry

Callista rubbed Hedwig affectionately. It was starting to hit her that she and Draco were going to be in the Russian wilderness until the war was over. Part of her wanted to return to fight, but a great deal was scared. She didn't have the urge like the Gryffindors to get out and physically work towards a resolution.

"If we need to… Let's return and be spies." Callista finally said. Draco nodded. He was thinking the same thing.

The following month passed quickly. They enjoyed their time alone together; kisses became more frequent and more passionate, especially at night. Draco had to force himself to return to the couch each evening.

It wasn't much into the fall weather before snow started falling. It was far too cold for any of the animals to spend time outside besides Holly and Hedwig. If Callista didn't have a zoo of animals, she knew her mental health would be in turmoil. She still was nowhere near accepting that he father was a murderer.

Fall turned into winter and spring finally was starting… One year had passed.

Callista was heading back to their wooden box from the market in the nearby town. They needed fresh fruit. The winter without any was starting to be detrimental to their health. Colds were becoming frequent, and they had to resort to muggle medicine they could buy without a doctor.

With a cloth bag full of apples, she looked at the sky through the trees of the forest she was entering. It was getting dark for the afternoon. Clearly, a storm was coming.

Crack

She spun around at the sound of a stick breaking. However, only a deer was with her in the woods.

As she walked into the forest, another crack was heard. She didn't both checking. Deer were everywhere.

Except someone then grabbed her from behind. With a quicken heartbeat, she was forced around to look at Igor Karkaroff.

"I knew this would be a way to get back in the Dark Lord's good graces…"

Callista struggled to get free, but his grip on her arms were tight. She felt his fingers deep in her arms. Panic filled her. She did the only thing she could think of, kicking him in the groin, she managed to get away. Apples covered the ground. It crossed Callista's mind that the deer would be grateful.

Rain began to pour. She heard Karkaroff coughing behind her as she dodged between the trees, her trainers sliding in the mud.

"Draco!" She shouted. "Draco!"

It looked as though Draco appeared out of nowhere, but Callista knew she was near the box.

"Karkaroff is here."

"Get in." Draco put his wand out.

But it was too late. Another figure appeared next to the two. Someone with Draco's same hair color.

"Father…" But Draco didn't put his wand away.

"The Ministry has been increasing raids. Did you think you could get away with taking my storage?" He sneered looking at the box on the ground besides them. "Your foolish to think there wasn't tracking on it. With a little assistance from Karkaroff on the Russian woods, you were not difficult to find."

Rain poured down on the three of them. "Put your wand down, foolish boy!" Lucius snapped. Callista got hers out as well. It wouldn't be the worst thing if the Ministry found them now with her underage magic.

"Your father will be glad to see you… He's been a mess." Lucius sneered with obviously no understanding.

Then it happened all too fast. Lucius accio-ed the box under her arm, grabbed each by the wrist, and soon they disappeared, the trees shrinking from below them.

Callista had never apparated before. She landed in a heap on the floor of Malfoy Manor, soaking wet. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Lucius put the box of her animals down on a nearby table. She was focusing on not getting sick.

"Callista!" He heard her father's voice. Just the sound of him made her feel as though she could breakdown in tears.

Draco quickly stood up and stepped between the two. "Get out of my way." Snape snapped at Draco. "She isn't well."

"She is fine. It's just from apparating across two continents!" He shouted.

Severus ignored Draco and knelt down beside his daughter. "Get. Away. From. Me." She heaved, trying to catch her breath. Severus had never heard such venom on her voice before. He knew Callista thought him a murderer. Part of him wanted to force Callista to listen to him, but he couldn't put her in a situation of further pain. His time would come to explain; he hoped it would be soon.

At that moment Igor Karkaroff apparated into the room. "You-" He moved towards Callista. But Draco and Severus stopped him.

"Bella, Igor, please, escort them to somewhere where they can get warm." Severus replied, sounding softer than usual.

"And do watch that they do not escape." Lucius Malfoy sneered. "Not like Potter is here anymore to be identified by them…"

Callista tensed as she wondered what happened.

Bellatrix Lestrange laughed, "I got that damned house-elf though. I am certain!" Then she turned to Callista, putting a hard on her shoulder, "Let's get you warm…"

However, Callista grabbed the Malfoy's wooden box on the nearby table before leaving the room.

"Excuse me that is not yours-" Lucius began.

Callista spun around, her wet hair flying wildly, the box held safely and tightly under her arm, her arm out before her in one swift movement. "Do not force me to charm your memory away to the point you ever forgot you owned any worldly possessions."

"Severus, please control your daughter." Lucius snapped.

Callista turned to leave the room with Bellatrix, but as she was leaving, she heard her father reply, "She is controlling herself just fine."

Draco was escorted to his bedroom by Igor, and Callista was taken to a guest room in the manor, a few doors down from Draco.

"I suggest a bath to get warmed up." Bellatrix spoke. "I'll be out here…" She spoke airily as she fiddled with an object on the mantle of the room's fore.

Callista shut and locked the door behind her as she placed her animals safely on the marble countertop in their box. She could hear Holly whining to get out. Once she opened the door the fox-like dog bounded upwards, appearing to grow from the size of a figurine to life-size in a matter of seconds. She wagged her tail, not aware they had just traveled thousands of miles. As the water filled up in the tub, Holly curled up on the warm floor.

She slipped her wet clothes off and slid into the warm and bubbly water. Callista couldn't deny it felt wonderful. It had been nearly a year since she had somewhere to bathe other than the small shower Draco created, and Callista didn't want to hurt his feelings, but the water pressure wasn't much more than a dribble of luke-warm water.

After quite some time of soaking, she rose from the water and put on a warm black dressing gown. It was spelled to be warm once she picked it up.

Callista looked at her reflection in the mirror. It had been a year since she actually had a real chance to look at herself. Her hair was long and stringy at the ends. She couldn't deny she looked older. She had gained some weight again after being hidden. By no means was she overweight, but she wasn't as slim as she had gotten after running consistently. Part of her was relieved to no longer be hidden.

Pulling open a drawer, she found silver scissors. In a few well practiced snips, her hair was all the same length a few inches below her shoulders. She took a piece before her face and cut it at an angle starting at her brow. The side-fringe added a softer side to her appearance.

Not caring about underage magic, since her father was the headmaster, she vanished the hair on the floor. It felt spectacular to use her wand. She pointed her wand at her hair, and it was soon dry. She had mastered the spell before running away. Her hair new fell softly with a slight curl at the end.

Casting a final spell, she cleaned and dried her clothes. She slipped her legs back into her jeans and pulled her large black sweater back on; it really was Draco's sweater.

Callista put Holly back into the box, and she shrunk it even more so that it fit in her pocket. Opening the door, Bellatrix was sitting in a chair by the fire. "Time for your orders. This way!" She chimed.

Callista made her way back downstairs and to a large living room. Draco was already sitting near the fire. Callista joined him. Discreetly, he put his hand on his and gave it a comforting squeeze.

Lucius stood before them. Severus stayed back. "Now I have news to announce. The Dark Lord has requested we work on future generations."

Severus's stomach dropped. He was under the impression Voldemort was delaying the request after they had run away.

"Callista, you will be staying in Draco's room-"

"Lucius, I believe we should not begin until I speak with the Dark Lord." Severus interrupted him. "I understand you have orders, but I must insist I confirm with him."

Lucius raised his nose higher, "Very well… You two are dismissed."

"Callista-" Severus began, but she quickly raced past him and out the door, keeping close to Draco's side.

They made their way to the kitchen. They both quickly had warm meals made for them by house-elves.

"We need to get out of here." Draco said softly. "Get to Hogwarts, something. We need to find out what Potter is doing."

But before Draco could speak again, a voice came from behind them, "Leave us, Draco."

"Don't." Callista grabbed his wrist as her father entered the room.

"You have options…" Severus began, sounding strained, not caring that Draco. "I must return to Hogwarts. You may either stay here or return with me." Callista looked at him as though she was stunned. Severus wanted her out of the Malfoy Manor and not forced into having a child at a young age, before she was even at the age of consent. He knew what Voldemort was capable of. She was safer at Hogwarts.

"I will go." She looked at her father in the eyes for the first time in a year.

Turning to Draco, "Since you are of age, you have the same choices or anything else that may be in mind."

The wording of her father's statement puzzled Callista. It sounded as though her father was almost encouraging Draco to work with the opposing forces. Her mind travelled to wonder where Harry Potter was now.

Draco nodded.

"Callista, we will be leaving now." He said, trying to sound warm, but knowing she would want distance. He pulled his usual travel container of Floo powder out, and he threw some into the nearby fire.

"I'll see you soon." Draco told Callista quickly as she followed her father into the fire, repeating the same location request as he had- Snape Quarters.

She was surprised it still led her to their usual home. They looked at each other wordlessly before she went into her room. Severus heard the door click as to lock behind her.

Hearing the lock click felt like the final straw for Severus. He hated that his daughter thought him a murderer, someone to not be trusted, someone she felt unsafe around. His breathing became quicker as he felt emotions dwell.

Trying to calm himself, he took deep breaths. Out. In. Out. He felt better-not really. But it became manageable. He looked at the office. It had been so long since there had been flowers in the vase he still kept on his desk.

Meanwhile, Callista spelled the box to return to its regular size. Shortly, her room looked as though she had never left. Holly bounded around, happy to be home.

Callista was relieved to be back, but when hunger finally was too strong to ignore, and she knew it was dinner in the great hall, she left her room.

She was grateful Severus was not in his office. However, she didn't know Severus had been gone all afternoon and evening because he knew she would be avoiding him.

Slowly, she opened his office door and up to the great hall. She was stunned when she realized what it looked and sounded like. It was completely silent other than the sounds of silverware against the plates. However, when Callista entered, it got even quieter.

She froze. She was not like Harry Potter in the sense that this was something she was accustomed to. Severus was not in the seat Dumbledore used to sit in. In fact, he wasn't even present. The professors looked drained, but stunned to see her.

Not knowing what else to do, she turned around. Quickly, she raced back to their private quarters. Not like she was hungry anymore, but for now on she would eat in their own kitchen. She wasn't even sure if she was still considered a student. She may have read all of Draco's old fifth year books while in hiding, but she knew she was behind.

As she was about to enter her room, a voice stopped her.

"We need to talk." Severus sounded gentle from behind her.

She spun around. It pained him to see her looking nervous and fearful as she drew out her wand.

"Come and sit." He motioned to the living room. Hesitantly she followed him. One they were both seated, he spoke again. "You can put your wand away."

"Can I?" She sounded similar to the tone Severus used with his first years.

"There is only so much I can relay to you, for your own safety." He paused. "Your safety is my top priority."

Callista looked as though she was trying hard not to roll her eyes. She saw her father differently. He sat before her, now a man that was capable of casting death.

Severus wanted to tell her everything he knew. He wanted to tell her about the horcruxes, about the horcrux Voldemort did not intend to make- Harry Potter. He wanted to tell her about the elder wand. But he also knew Voldemort had his eye on her, and if she was ever summoned, she could not protect her mind. She would always be safer if there was nothing for her to give away.

"I'm going to bed." She replied haughtily.

Severus was silent. "You will learn the truth soon enough."

"I already know you are a murderer and a coward." She replied as she left the room, but as she went to take a further step, her feet were glued to the floor. Severus had hexed her.

He moved closer to her, closer than he had been since Dumbledore's death. The word 'coward' had triggered his memory or Harry Potter shouting at him only moments after Dumbledore's death. Severus had not known that would be the last day his saw his daughter for a year.

"Do not make accusations of which you have no evidence." He spoke through gritted teeth. He was angry, not at Callista. He was livid with Dumbledore. Snape followed Dumbledore's orders to kill him. Snape had lived with the repercussions of it. Exile from the Order, his colleagues despising him, and his daughter refusing to even be near him. If Severus had ever wanted out, it was at that moment.

"Dumbledore's body should be enough evidence." Callista spat, still stuck to the floor.

"You have no conception of the situation." Severus turned his back to her. "Callista," Severus was surprised at how gentle his voice sounded. He tried to keep his haughty composure, but his heart wasn't in it.

She looked at him with a softer expression. Severus could see the pain she felt. However, Severus still knew he could not disclose the information. Albus had given him strict instructions. Instructions that would make or break Voldemort. Sighing, he took parchment off of the table near the couch, "Here is your schedule. If you pass enough O.W.L.s then you may move on to your sixth year next term. You can tell Draco the same applies to him and his N.E.W.T.s..."

Callista nodded, and then she felt her feet free again. She walked back to her room with the slightest of ideas that something differently had happened a year ago on the astronomy tower…

The next day, Draco arrived. Callista sat with him in the great hall as they nibbled toast. Callista told him what happened the night before, and how she was starting to wonder what really had happened the night Dumbledore died.

Draco then filled her in on what happened at the manor after she left. "I met him…"

Callista making a choking noise as pumpkin juice dribbled down her chin. Wiping with her sleeve, "What?"

"I had to convince him to let me return to school. That a child needs parents fully educated. He wanted me to take the mark last night. My mother had to step in to stop it."

She looked horrified.

Then someone tapped Callista on the shoulder. She was so engrossed in Draco's conversation that she didn't notice. She turned around to see Luna standing behind her.

Callista felt like breaking down at the sight of her sister. In one fluid motion she stood, turned, and wrapped her arms around her sister's neck. Luna returned the hug just as tight, and she whispered something in Callista's ear, "the room of requirements… After class, bring Draco too. Do not tell a soul."

Nodding, Callista looked at Luna. She didn't seem quite as airy as she normally did. There was purpose to her voice.

That evening

Callista and Draco made their way to the room of requirements. It was harder to get away now unnoticed now that everyone traveled in single file lines down the hallways in complete silence.

However, they made it into the room. Callista looked around. It looked like a large sleepover. Mostly Gryffindors filled the room but a few Hufflepuffs and a couple Ravenclaws. Callista smiled and Luna and Cho Chang.

Ginny stood up. "Neville just got word to get him."

"Get who?" Callista asked Dean Thomas.

"I haven't the foggiest." Replied Dean. "I just got here. Hey, Ginny, who do you-"

"Harry!" Ginny hissed. "He's in Hogsmeade! There is only a couple horcruxes left. He says that last one is in Hogwarts and then You-Know-Who's snake!"

Callista turned to Draco. "Do you think destroying horcruxes will bring him here?"

Draco shrugged. "I don't know if he feels anything, but if anyone finds out Harry is here… That will bring them."

And then four individuals walked through a portrait. Neville stepped out first, then Ron, Hermione, and Harry.

Harry's eyes met Callista and he smiled as Ginny ran into his arms. Ron put an arm around Hermione.

Except the moment of joy was over just as soon as it had started. A loudspeaker was heard over the entire school. Severus Snape was demanding every student present in the great hall immediately. Callista saw Harry put on someone's extra set of Gryffindor school robes; Ron and Hermione did the same.

Slowly, each student snuck out of the room, and moments later they were all in the great hall.

"Sit!" Spat Severus, looking livid. Students took their seat at their house table, except for Draco. He wanted nothing to do with the Slytherins.

Then Severus continued in his normal tone for speaking to students, "Many of you are wondering why I summoned you at this hour, it has come to my attention that earlier this evening, Harry Potter was sighted." Gasps filled the room from staff and other students that were not with Harry moments earlier. "Now should anyone attempt to aid Mr. Potter, staff or student, the result will be punishment."

Severus looked around the room. "Furthermore, anyone who has knowledge of these events must come forth or else you will be deemed equally guilty." His voice turned harsher, "Come to my office if you have any information. You are dismissed!"

Callista watched the golden trio slip back out of the room. She attempted to follow them, but someone grabbed her forearm. She looked up at Severus. "You and Draco must head to my office."

They looked from where Harry was just standing back to Severus. Callista didn't understand how her father had not noticed Harry standing amongst them. Then she wondered if he had known Harry was present. The thought gave Callista hope that her father was still on the good side, and she nodded. Draco looked at her surprised, but he followed her.

They weren't in the office long before Severus entered behind them. "Death Eaters and Order members are arriving shortly. If you two have any sense, it will be to remain in here, where you are safe."

"What if we don't want to?" Draco asked.

"If you have any common sense, you will. The Dark Lord will kill you if he sees you helping his opposing side. You two may consider yourself spies. While I know your true side, he does not." He looked at the two as the stood behind his desk. "His reactions would most likely be deadly."

Severus hoped to appeal the the Ravenclaw and Slytherin side of the two before them. Self-preservation was a trait for both houses. Putting a hand to his forearm, "I am being summoned." He moved around his desk, pausing in front of his daughter. Severus didn't know what was going to happen. He knew there was a chance he would never see her again.

He couldn't help it, he moved as though to embrace her, but Callista flinched and stepped backwards. She had spent a year with the idea that her father was a murderer. That couldn't be changed overnight from a few vague responses. Nonetheless, Callista's reaction hurt Severus more than any crucio he had ever experienced.

"Stay safe." He spoke quietly before turning to leave.

Hours passed. Callista and Draco heard Voldemort in their minds twice. He asked for Harry Potter. Callista hoped Harry would not surrender.

Suddenly, a rapping sound came on the door. "Callista! Draco!"

"That's Harry!" Callista flung the door open.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione rushed inside the office. Harry's hands were covered in blood, but he held a vial of silvery fluid- memories.

"Over here," Callista beckoned to the pensieve. She wondered why it was in her father's office instead of Dumbledore's. "Who's are those?"

"Snape's," Harry replied.

"I'm coming too." Callista demanded as the five of them fell face first into the large basin.

Callista watched her father meet Harry's mother as a young boy. The scene changed to Severus and Lily as adolescents; they were still close friends. Callista watched as her father overheard Professor Trelawney's interview and how he ran to Voldemort with the prophecy. The scene changed again to Severus begging Dumbledore to keep Lily safe. Once more it changed, Dumbledore was requesting Severus swear to protect Harry. Again, they swirled in memories until Callista froze. They were watching a meeting between Albus and Severus… Albus was demanding Severus be the one to kill him. Callista didn't understand what he was talking about in relation to a wand, but she didn't care. She looked at Draco. Her father was not a murderer.

Soon they all left the pensive. Callista's moment of joy was over. The last memory was Dumbledore's request that Harry must sacrifice himself. Harry was the last horcrux. Callista and Hermione were openly tearful. Ron looked as though he was in physical pain from the news.

"Callista, go to the boathouse. Grab blood replenishing potions. It might not be too late." Harry spoke quickly. Callista looked scared, suddenly realizing it was her father's blood on Harry's hands.

Never before had Callista felt so torn. She needed to leave Harry, and she would never see him alive again, to go to her father, so he may stay alive. Her heart ached that she wished she could just freeze time.

Without saying a word, she squeezed Harry in her arms. "You need to hurry." Harry pulled back, wiping a tear from her cheek.

"Here," Hermione found the potions already and thrusted them into Callista's hands as she pulled from Harry. "Run."

Callista felt like she was flying. Draco was right next to her. They raced up the dungeon stairs to the main part of the castle, and then across the lawn to the stairs to the boathouse. Callista didn't even care if anyone saw her. No one cast a spell at them, both believing they were on their side.

Finally she entered the boathouse. There wasn't a sound except the water of the lake. Then she saw a blood stained window. Quickly, she rushed to the other side.

"Severus!" She screamed. Her father was not responsive. Blood covered the ground. Quickly she deciphered between the potions, taking the essence of dittany she poured it on the wound on his neck.

"He still has a pulse." Draco put down Severus's wrist.

Callista spelled the blood replenishing potions into his stomach. She wracked her brain for what else to do.

"Accio bezoar!" Soon a small object was flying towards Callista. "This should handle any venom." Again, she spelled it into her father's stomach.

Draco cleaned the surrounding area. The blood everywhere only added to Callista's distress. They sat there for a half-hour. "Harry must be gone…" Callista looked up at Draco. He was standing, keeping guard as Callista knelt by her father.

"Don't think Professor Dumbledore didn't have something else up his sleeve…" Came a weak voice.

"You're alive!" Callista squeezed her father around the middle. Severus wrapped his arms around her as well. She nearly crawled onto his lap, feeling as though she was finally getting the man who raised her back.

And then Callista felt the weight of everything. Tears filled her eyes as she began to sob in heaves. Severus sat up and held her close. "Everything is okay."

"I-I-I m-missed you!" She whined into his shoulder.

"You have no idea…" Severus squeezed her, pushing her blonde hair away from her face to kiss her forehead.

They two stayed like that for what felt like an hour. Callista was too emotionally drained to want to wonder what was happening outside of the boathouse walls. The sun had sun and was starting to rise again.

"Someone is coming." Draco said. Callista awoke, not even realizing she fell asleep against her father's shoulder. "It's… It's…. Harry?"

Sure enough, Harry Potter entered the boathouse. Severus and Callista rose as she ran to embrace him. "How?" She only managed to sputter one word.

Harry explained how letting himself die was what allowed Voldemort to kill the horcrux but not him. Harry turned to Draco. "Your mother saved me. She lied to Voldemort, telling him I was dead when she knew I was alive." Harry looked at Snape. "Professor, I've already told everyone about your true allegiance this entire time." Sadness came across Harry's face. "Everyone is in the great hall… Everyone who made it…"

Callista's heart quickened. "Who?"

Harry sighed, "Fred Weasley, Lavender Brown, Tonks, and Colin Creevy."

"What about the other side?" Draco asked hesitantly. "I'm not sure of everyone but Bellatrix Lestrange, Karkaroff, and…" Harry paused. "I'm sorry, Draco… Your father."

Draco wasn't sure how he felt. Loss wasn't the first emotion. Guilt was the second emotion because the first was relief. Lucius has been taking a toll of Draco and his mother for as long as Draco could remember. He was never even a decent father. "The only thing that man ever taught me was how I never wanted to be…" Harry nodded, glad he wasn't the bearer of bad news.

"We should return…" Harry said to the three of them.

Slowly, they made their way up the stairs from the boathouse. Shortly, they were entering the great hall. Callista was still at her father's side.

"Draco!" Narcissa moved through the crowd to get to her son. She kissed his face repeatedly as she squeezed him.

Professor Mcgonagall and Remus Lupin were the first to approach Severus. Lupin shook Severus's hand, not saying much. The action spoke louder than words. While McGonagall looked tearful. "If I had known, Severus…"

"It's quite alright, Minerva."

McGonagall looked to Callista, "I can't tell you how glad I am you two are back here." Her cheeks swelled as she smiled. McGonagall wouldn't admit it, but Callista was one of her favorites as though she was one of Minerva's Gryffindors.

"Speaking of which," Severus looked down at his daughter, the corner of his mouth turned up in the slightest smile. "You have detention for the rest of your life."