The Targets (Sarah)

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Vanessa had a wonderful night chatting with Sarah at the Leaky Cauldron, one of her many good friends she had made in Gryffindor during her days at Hogwarts. He ordered a couple of cherry colas, hoping Sarah wouldn't mind her sticking with those as opposed to ordering alcohol. She finally decided it was getting quite late, and headed out.

"Good night, Sarah," she said at the secret entrance that lead to Diagon. "Tell everyone I said hello."

When she stepped away from the Leaky Cauldron, she begin to feel cold and a tad nervous. She forgot how eerie Diagon could be late at night. It was no Knockturn, a place she had avoided for ten years, but it was eerie. She wished she still had her Husky Boris with her instead of having taken him home after work.

She walked quickly, but the precaution seemed in vain as two large brutes blocked her way.

"You have an invitation to Borgin and Burkes tonight, Ms. Veltrino," said the man on the left.

"My name is Vanessa Velmont, and I'm not going anywhere with you!" she said.

"Oh... I beg to differ," chuckled the other man. "You daddy is there waiting for her."

"Fath... no!" she said, her voice a bit stronger and less nervous. "He is no longer my father!" She went for her wand, but was grabbed. Before her mouth was covered, she managed one loud "HELP!!!!!!!"

SARAH JANE FINNIGAN

[SARAH JANE FINNIGAN]

"Goodnight Vanessa. Come by anytime!" Sarah called as her friend who had stopped by to spend the night chatting and catching up with her, walked out the back exit of the Leaky Cauldron and into Diagon Alley. It had been a nice night, the two girls hadn't seen each other lately and it had been nice to catch up and be with someone whom she used to go to school with. Besides Madison, Thomas and anyone at the Order at their occasional meetings, Sarah didn't see many people whom she went to school with. Sarah worked all night, slept until noon then spent the day baking or cleaning or whatever needed to be done. On her days off, Sarah would go out, have a drink with Madison or another friend; but that was the extent of her life.

Sarah had served a regular old man at the end of the counter a mixture of fire whisky and pumpkin juice before she began to wipe down the counter. Only a few more hours, then she would be off and on her way home. Sarah lived close by, just on the other side of Diagon Alley in an all wizard building. She shared her flat with Madison, of course. And Thomas lived in the building as well. But even so, Sarah always knew that it was better to apperate from the entrance to Diagon Alley then to walk through it at night alone. During the day it was fine. During the day it was a nice place full of friendly folk just around to do shopping and catch up with friends. But once the shops closed down, Sarah didn't want to now what was lurking in the Alley. And the scream from outside confirmed her theory. "I'm going out!" She called to the cook who mostly stayed in the kitchen behind the bar.

50 or so yards from the exit of the Leaky Cauldron, two large men had a hold on Vanessa and she was struggling to get away from them. "Hey! Let her go!" Sarah yelled and ran towards the scene digging her wand out of her sleeve and pointing it at the man closest to her, where she had the best aim, "Petrificus Totalus!" she exclaimed as the man froze into a solid block of a body and fell backwards to the ground.

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Vanessa knew she was not going to die, but at the moment she wished they would just kill her. Seeing her parents again would be a fate worse than death. But just as it looked like all was lost, Sarah appeared and hit the man holding her with a spell. Vanessa ran over to her and turned in time to see the other man about to aim his wand. With amazing swiftness, she removed her own and aimed it at him...

Part of her... that dark part that still remained inside her from her initial years as Vanessa Veltrino... wanted to hit him with a painful and merciless curse, perhaps a bone-breaking curse... or perhaps even... an unforgivable one. But no... she would not give into that.

"Stupefy!" she chanted, knocking the guy against the wall, where the impact caused him to go unconscious. Vanessa then turned to Sarah and wanted to say something, but a muddled voice and tears only came out as she embraced her. Did Sarah hear any of the conversation between her and the men? Like her, Sarah was a good friend of the Potters and Weasleys. None of them knew about her past, and she was terrified at the thought of them ever finding out. Then again, now that her real father and mother knew of her existence and were after her...

Perhaps it was time someone knew.

SARAH JANE FINNIGAN

[SARAH JANE FINNIGAN]

Sarah watched as the second man was stunned and fell to the ground upon Vanessa's hit. She wrapped both of her arms around her friend and held tight. The girls first reaction was to get the two of them away from the scene. So with her wand still held tight in her hand, Sarah apperated the two of them together back to her apartment building where she led her friend into her flat and locked the door with a tight magical lock after the two of them were safely inside. She wasn't sure if Madison was home, but based on the fact that the girls bedroom door was wide open, Sarah could infer that she was staying the night with Thomas a few doors down. Sarah sat her friend down on the brown sofa and then walked into the kitchen where she began brewing water. While she was waiting for the soft whistle, Sarah brushed her hair back with her fingers and then rested her face in her hands and her elbows on the counter, taking a few deep breaths and trying to stop her hands from shaking which they had started doing after they had gotten back to the flat.

Sarah walked back out with two cups of peppermint tea in hand and handed one to Vanessa. She set her own mug down on the coffee table and sat herself to it's side on the table as well where she was right across from her friend, their knees touching in the middle. "Are you alright?" Sarah asked first, her friends well being was the most important thing to her. "Did you see who was attacking you? Did they looks familiar at all?" she asked. Sarah knew there were a lot of dark wizards around, but she wasn't sure why they would go after a lone Order member who wasn't even at the top of the line, or from a family like her own.

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Vanessa only let out the slightest gasp of surprise when the two apparrated. She was usually not a fan of doing so as it made her a bit upset in the stomach, but she was so focused on what just happened that she barely felt its affects.

When Sarah served her the tea, the cup rattled in her shaking hands. She was so nervous, so scared. This was partially due to what had just happened, but it was also because every good instinct in her head told her Sarah needed to know the truth. Not just Sarah, but all those who loved her and had accepted her among them- the Potters, the Weasleys, the Finnigans, and so on.

"I wish I could say I was alright, Sarah, but I'm not... I haven't been for quite some time," she said. Not since the night Morgaine DeLuna walked into the Menagerie and discovered her. "I didn't know the attackers personally... but I know why they attacked me." She put the cup down and looked at Sarah. "I need to tell you something, but please keep it a secret. I promise I'll tell others in time, but for right now... Sarah I need your promise. I have to tell someone about this or I'll go mad."

SARAH JANE FINNIGAN

[SARAH JANE FINNIGAN]

Sarah did believe that after an attack like this, an explanation was mandatory. She loved Vanessa of course, but if she was going out and getting herself, not to mention the Order into trouble, then Sarah at least needed to know about it. She didn't want to sound harsh, but these were mad times that they were living in. Everywhere was dark. There were attacks every couple of days. And now, one took place while she was working and right outside of her place of work, possibly in the same place that James, Thomas and Rose had been attacked. Sarah shuddered at the thought. Madison had also been attacked in Diagon Alley. Could the place that always felt so safe and was the center of the magical world now be such a dangerous spot. Sarah didn't want to believe it. She couldn't believe it.

"I think it would be nice if you told me. And I won't tell anyone. But if it's really serious I will suggest that you do tell at least Uncle Harry." She said. Harry was as good as her uncle. He was the leader of the Order and he was the one who everyone looked to for support and leadership. He was the one who saved the wizarding world last time. It was understandable that everyone would think he could do it again.

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Tell Harry Potter? She wondered what would come of that. What that save her? Doom her? Would it cause others to be harmed... people she loved dearly. Enough of the Potters and Weasleys had already been attacked. She nodded when Sarah suggested Harry be told, but she wasn't sure if and when she would go through with that. But for tonight, Sarah would be told... everything.

"My last name is not Velmont," she said. "That is the name of the wonderful Squibs who took me in at the age of eight and loved me as their own daughter. My last name is..." Vanessa squeezed her eyes shut, dreading to speak the name. "Veltrino. My parents are Vincent and Cordana Veltrino. I am a descendant of Victoria Veltrino." Victoria Veltrino, one of the most feared and wicked dark witches in history. A demon of a woman, and Vanessa shared her blood. "My parents believed I would grow to be as great a dark witch as Victoria, perhaps greater. They forced me to learn dark spells from a young age, and had me stay with Dathan Burke for a time to further corrupt me. But... I didn't want to be wicked like my family. I knew I was better than that. So... I ran away. I was adopted by the Velmonts. I went to Hogwarts, convinced the Sorting Hat I belonged in Gryffindor instead of Slytherin, and from there my life was so wonderful. I became friends with you, the Potters, the Weasleys. And I am now Freddie Weasley's girlfriend..." Vanessa then broke down. "But they know... Sarah... THEY know I'm still alive... and my damned family wants me back... to make me a monster like all of them!"

SARAH JANE FINNIGAN

[SARAH JANE FINNIGAN]

Sarah sat and listened as Vanessa explained her situation. She was the descendent of a dark wizard and her birth parents were now after her and trying to get her to join them in their evil plans. Wow. That was a lot for Sarah to take in, but a part of her understood. A no part of her hated Vanessa or blamed the attack on her. It wasn't Vanessa's fault that her evil family members wanted her back. If Lizzie had decided to join the Black Army, Sarah would do everything in her power to get her back to the good side where Sarah thought that she belonged. But in the end, only Lizzie (or Vanessa in this situation) would know which side was best for her.

"Oh my god." Sarah said after Vanessa had finished. "I understand why you would keep that a secret. And if they're after you now and you are truly devoted to the Order, than we... I... since I'm the only one who knows... will protect you and keep you with us." She said. There was a part of Sarah that realized that it could be easy for Vanessa to be a spy now and be playing double agent, feeding information on the Order back to the Black Army. But Sarah trusted her friend. She knew that Vanessa cared about the family and all of their friends. She was sure that she wouldn't go as far as dating Freddie if she didn't care so much and was only a spy. "So this is going to be just the start? They'll keep coming after you?" She asked.

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Vanessa didn't know how Sarah was going to react, and at first her telling all this didn't make her feel better. It made her feel like a new burden had dropped on her shoulders. What was going to happen now...

But then Sarah showed that heart that Vanessa loved her for, the Sarah she had befriended at Hogwarts years before. Sarah promised to help her, protect her. Vanessa gave a small smile and embraced her friend, tears rolling down her face.

"Thank you, Sarah," she said. "You know, I was so scared to tell those I loved so much that I forgot how loving and understanding you all are." She broke the hug and looked at Sarah. "I think I'm ready to talk to everyone."

Vanessa then nodded about them coming after her. She knew they would... and why.

"When I was young, my parents bragged so often to other dark magic users about my potential, how I would be a powerful dark witch," she said. "I think they still believe that, and that's why they'll keep coming for me."

SARAH JANE FINNIGAN

[SARAH JANE FINNIGAN]

Sarah had heard all of the stories that her father had from the old war. He seemed to like telling them and abut how brave he and the others had been during a time of trouble. And, while Sarah would often sigh, she actually really enjoyed hearing them. While most people would view uncle Harry as a hero for saving the wizarding world and all of that, Sarah always saw her father as her own personal hero. Not only had he been active during the war and helped keep up Dumbledore's Army and such when Harry was away from the school; but, when Sarah was a child and hadn't told anyone else about her visions but her family, Seamus Finnigan did everything in his power to comfort and protect his oldest daughter and Sarah would always be thankful to her father. He had told her never to abandon a friend in trouble. And he had explained to her the importance of Love and how Love was the only thing that separated the good from the evil.

"What did you think? That we would all just abandon you now when you need us the most?" Sarah asked and hugged her friend back with a smile on her face. "If they're going to be after you, then we'll stick around and help fight them off." Sarah knew that there was a possibility for someone else to get caught in the cross fire but that was one of the last things on her mind. "I understand if you want to put off telling them, but I think you should. They can all help you. A lot more than I could on my own." She admitted.

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Vanessa felt foolish for hiding the truth for so long. Sarah was right. People that loving, loyal, brave, honest, and true would not turn away from her. They were people who fought and would fight to the death for the sake of good. Vanessa gave a small smile.

"I know none of you would," she said. "It's just that I had spent so many years away from them, so many years of them not even knowing I was still alive. I thought there never would be a need to tell anyone about a past I wanted forgotten. I guess a good thing has come out of them finding out, and that's me having the courage to tell someone who I am... was."

She had to always remember that. She WAS Vanessa Veltrino, but not now. She was Vanessa Velmont, proud and happy daughter of two kind Squibs, a good and noble witch, and a friend of some of the most amazing people in existence.

"I will tell them... but could you come with me?" she asked.

SARAH JANE FINNIGAN

[SARAH JANE FINNIGAN]

When Vanessa asked if Sarah would come with her, there was no question. "Of course I'll come with you. Whenever you're ready." Sarah said. She wasn't exactly meaning right this minute, unless Vanessa wanted to go now. But Sarah was fine with letting her friend rest a while first. The apartment was a safe space and was protected by all of the same charms in place to protect the burrow and other wizard's homes. So if Vanessa needed a place to rest and get rid of the nerves that the attack had caused, she was always welcome at the flat. She was sure that Madison, being a member of the order as well, would feel the same way about it. And if anyone tried to ever break in, they would fight, just as their parents did for Hogwarts when dark forced tried to break through the walls. "If you want to stay here for a while though, you're welcome to. Anytime." She told the girl.

"Do you think, now that they know you're alive and that you have people protecting you, that they will start coming after the Order too?" Sarah asked.

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Vanessa smiled when Sarah said she would go with her. It would be easier to have Sarah, who showed her compassion and understanding there, though Vanessa now knew for sure that the others would be just as understanding. Vanessa was not afraid to tell them anymore.

Sarah actually made a good offer. Vanessa didn't need to be alone. Even with Boris around, she was not safe.

"Sure, that would be best," she said. "Is it alright if Boris stays to? He won't be any... oh no! Boris!!!" Her eyes widened. "I took him back to the apartment before I came to visit you! If they know where I live by now..." Without thinking, Vanessa grabbed hold of Sarah's arm and apparated to her apartment.

(Hope that's okay)

Once there, she grew cold as the place was demolished.

"... Boris?" she said, not trying to sound too loud in case the monsters were still there. She was relieved when she heard her Siberian Husky's whimper and saw him come out from his hiding place. "Oh thank Merlin! My sweet boy!" She held the dog and stroked his fur.

SARAH JANE FINNIGAN

[SARAH JANE FINNIGAN]

Sarah had seen Boris before. He was a rather large dog. And they had a rather small two bedroom flat, but that didn't matter at the moment. Sarah was glad to have him if it meant that he and Vanessa would both me safe. "Of course he's welcome to." She said. She just hoped that Madison would feel the same way about their new guests. Sarah wasn't quite sure what had happened at first when Vanessa grabbed her arm and apperated her out of the flat. But when they landed moments later in what looked like ruins, Sarah knew that they were at her place. As Vanessa called for her dog, Sarah looked around her. Nothing was left untouched. It almost looked like a large fire, or an earthquake had hit the place. This needs to end, she though. Things like this couldn't keep happening to the people she loved. And it was then that Sarah vowed to herself to take a greater position in the Order and put her self out there more. She was going to do whatever she could. "I'm glad that he's safe." Sarah said and patter the large dog on his head.

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Vanessa held Boris as she looked about the place. She HAD to live with Sarah now, at least until things were safe and she could find a place of her own again. Maybe soon she and Freddie could live together. Boris looked at Sarah when she pet him and smiled a bit, thankful for the love after his ordeal.

"He's a smart boy," smiled Vanessa as she wiped her tears. "He knows what to do when there's danger." She rose and hugged Sarah again. "Thank you for everything, Sarah. You're amazing, kind of like a sister to me."

Vanessa was ready now. She was ready to stop hiding, stop cowering and let her blood family know she wasn't part of them anymore, and that she had a new family, good friends who were ready to fight for her... no, fight alongside her. She would show them that she was not and never would be the dark witch they felt she should be. She was a noble witch... and would prove it!

SARAH JANE FINNIGAN