#thebartonsaga

[wrapped-in-all-your-colors]

Secrets of the Innocent

“What if he were innocent?” Nightmares have been plaguing Anya Barton’s dreams as she deals with the fallout of her previous year at Hogwarts. Meanwhile, mass-murderer Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban to hunt down Harry Potter. Unfortunately for both Anya and Harry, Black is the one puzzle capable of explaining the circumstances behind Cassie Barton’s death.

(The Barton Saga, Book Three) (slight OC/Harry Potter)

Warning: Rated T for language, violence, vague mentions of adult themes such as psychological abuse, toxic relationships, incorrect suspicions of attempted suicide, and depression. Please read at your own discretion. Feel free to message me for more details.

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Chapter Seventeen│Speculating the Past

I dragged Harry back to Hogsmeade powered only by spite. I was heartbroken and furious, and in this case, anger won. So I held his fingers in a vice-like grip that just tightened the more my hand sweat. I had no doubt I was leaving bruises, but Harry didn't complain. Harry didn't say a word, period.

A silent Harry wasn't a bad thing. He was naturally quiet. But with the invisible cape covering him, I couldn't tell if it was a 'good quiet' or a 'bad-about-to-explode quiet'. He could have an outburst anytime now, and the whole town would know he was here. Sirius Black would see he was here, so close to touch—

But the streets were sparse, with no one to laugh or give us—me—a second glance. The snowstorm had grown violent. No one in their right mind would be roaming until it calmed down.

I was leading past Honeydukes when Harry tugged my hand.

"Here?" I said loudly—who would hear but him, anyway?

Honeydukes was filled to the brim, from what I could see through the frosted glass. Darkened by the storm but still colorful, it was hard to believe the sweet shop had a secret passage that led back to Hogwarts. How many students had discovered it throughout the years? Or was it just Harry's good luck at work?

"Yes."

He tried to tug his hand free. I hesitated before letting go.

LINKS: (ffn) (wattpad)

[wrapped-in-all-your-colors]

Secrets of the Innocent

“What if he were innocent?” Nightmares have been plaguing Anya Barton’s dreams as she deals with the fallout of her previous year at Hogwarts. Meanwhile, mass-murderer Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban to hunt down Harry Potter. Unfortunately for both Anya and Harry, Black is the one puzzle capable of explaining the circumstances behind Cassie Barton’s death.

(The Barton Saga, Book Three) (slight OC/Harry Potter)

Warning: Rated T for language, violence, vague mentions of adult themes such as psychological abuse, toxic relationships, incorrect suspicions of attempted suicide, and depression. Please read at your own discretion. Feel free to message me for more details.

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Chapter Sixteen│Kill Them With Kindness

"He's coming. He knows where you are—where you've lived the last few months."

When she looked up (damn Lily's stature), she found that the other woman's gaze had gone dazed.

"What?"

"The Secret Keeper—they betrayed your location. You need to run away!"

Lily shook her head. "No. No, he couldn't have done that. He wouldn't." But her dazzlement faded into horror. "How could he?"

Cassiopeia knew. She knew why. But she hadn't had any chance to write it down, to leave a memory vial behind. The knowledge was only hers.

And it would die with her if they didn't act any faster.

"Lily, snap out of it! You and James need to run!"

"How long have we got?" Lily whispered.

In the distance, a familiar sound—not unlike a gunshot, according to Alec—rang out. Both women had their wands out in a second.

"None," Cassiopeia breathed.

It struck her then, the fact so clear she turned as speechless as Lily: she wouldn't get out of this alive. Maybe the Potters, all of them or some—but not her.

Not her.

LINKS: (ffn) (wattpad)

[wrapped-in-all-your-colors]

Secrets of the Innocent

“What if he were innocent?” Nightmares have been plaguing Anya Barton’s dreams as she deals with the fallout of her previous year at Hogwarts. Meanwhile, mass-murderer Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban to hunt down Harry Potter. Unfortunately for both Anya and Harry, Black is the one puzzle capable of explaining the circumstances behind Cassie Barton’s death.

(The Barton Saga, Book Three) (slight OC/Harry Potter)

Warning: Rated T for language, violence, vague mentions of adult themes such as psychological abuse, toxic relationships, incorrect suspicions of attempted suicide, and depression. Please read at your own discretion. Feel free to message me for more details.

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Chapter Fifteen│ Of Break-Ins, Werewolves, and Deadly Matches

There was silence.

Everything around us slowed. Or maybe it was I who slowed down. But most of the faces—the ones whose cheers had been the loudest—began to lose their smiles. It was gradual, how they morphed into grimaces until fear crept in. A cold feeling settled itself on the very inside of me, stretching like sickness until it touched my hammering heart.

The next time I breathed, I saw the visible white puff of air floating in front of me. I tried to hold onto the railing, but it was pure ice. The more I tightened my grip, the more my hands shook. And then, like a whisper that is coming closer and closer, a familiar voice reached my ears, speaking hurriedly as the dementors came into the field.

"Be careful." "I'm always am -" "I suppose the real reason Anya Barton's like this is because she opened her heart and spilled all her secrets to an invisible stranger." "So foolish, the both of you," "WHY CAN'T YOU JUST DRO—"

Hermione's voice, so quiet and yet so loud to me, broke in like and cut the despair like a knife. I saw her staring at the sky, eyes wide in horror.

And then I saw Harry Potter's scarlet robes as he plummeted down to the ground.

Closer, closer, closer—

I moved.

LINKS: (ffn) (wattpad)

[wrapped-in-all-your-colors]

Secrets of the Innocent

“What if he were innocent?” Nightmares have been plaguing Anya Barton’s dreams as she deals with the fallout of her previous year at Hogwarts. Meanwhile, mass-murderer Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban to hunt down Harry Potter. Unfortunately for both Anya and Harry, Black is the one puzzle capable of explaining the circumstances behind Cassie Barton’s death.

(The Barton Saga, Book Three) (slight OC/Harry Potter)

Warning: Rated T for language, violence, vague mentions of adult themes such as psychological abuse, toxic relationships, incorrect suspicions of attempted suicide, and depression. Please read at your own discretion. Feel free to message me for more details.

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Chapter Thirteen│What You Fear the Most

Summary: Anya gets a rewind of her past—specifically, the close reflection she shares with her murderous relatives.

The murmurs started. The first voice that rose was Lavender's.

"She's gotta be joking—that boy's gorgeous!"

Tall, thin. Dark-haired and pale. A smile that had the girls behind me swooning, the boys making disgusted sounds, and my fingers shaking.

His eyes were clearly different colored. Clearly empty as he spoke.

But the voice that came out wasn't his. It was mine.

"We are the same."

My heart thumped against my will. My legs felt like jelly; like if I took a step forward, I would fall. Tears of frustration stung my eyes and I covered my mouth before I could answer the mirage.

"What will you do, Anya Barton, when all your friends turn from you?"

I closed my eyes tightly. Took a deep breath. And recalled the time Harry had first attended St. Louise's Vendredi des films. 

"Riddikulus," I murmured, then repeated the incantation louder, "Riddikulus!" 

LINKS: (ffn) (wattpad)

[wrapped-in-all-your-colors]

Secrets of the Innocent

“What if he were innocent?” Nightmares have been plaguing Anya Barton’s dreams as she deals with the fallout of her previous year at Hogwarts. Meanwhile, mass-murderer Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban to hunt down Harry Potter. Unfortunately for both Anya and Harry, Black is the one puzzle capable of explaining the circumstances behind Cassie Barton’s death.

(The Barton Saga, Book Three) (slight OC/Harry Potter)

Warning: Rated T for language, violence, vague mentions of adult themes such as psychological abuse, toxic relationships, incorrect suspicions of attempted suicide, and depression. Please read at your own discretion. Feel free to message me for more details.

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Chapter Fourteen│Shadows on the Floor

Summary: The rift between Anya and Harry grows. At the same time, an unexpected character makes its move. 

The feast ended with a spectacular entrance of the Hogwarts' ghosts popping up from the ground and walls, Sir Nicholas getting huge applause for the reenactment of his own failed beheading. Neville and I followed the crowd heading to Gryffindor tower, except that when we arrived at the stairs leading to the room of the Fat Lady, we found all our housemates pushed together as each tried to unsuccessfully make their way to the front. Bewildered at the jamming, I asked aloud why anyone wasn't going in.

"Probably Neville has forgotten the password again, " said Ron behind us, standing on his tiptoes.

I slapped his head. "Don't be mean to Neville."

"Blimey, Anya! I was just joking."

"And look where your jokes led us!" I said and elbowed past him towards the tallest boy in our grade. "Dean, what can you see?"

"Perfect Percy just came from the secret eastern passage," said Dean, squinting. "He's trying to make way to the Fat Lady, but the crowd's really thick there. Hey! They aren't even Gryffindors!"

And silence fell over the crowd. It started up front and travelled to the back, as if a chill had settled in the corridor. Percy said in a sudden, sharp voice, "Somebody get Professor Dumbledore. Quick!"

A familiar redhead popped from the horde, her freckles standing out against her ashen face.

"The Fat Lady!" she gasped. "She's gone!"

LINKS: (ffn) (wattpad)

[wrapped-in-all-your-colors]

Secrets of the Innocent

“What if he were innocent?” Nightmares have been plaguing Anya Barton’s dreams as she deals with the fallout of her previous year at Hogwarts. Meanwhile, mass-murderer Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban to hunt down Harry Potter. Unfortunately for both Anya and Harry, Black is the one puzzle capable of explaining the circumstances behind Cassie Barton’s death.

(The Barton Saga, Book Three) (slight OC/Harry Potter)

Warning: Rated T for language, violence, vague mentions of adult themes such as psychological abuse, toxic relationships, and depression. Please read at your own discretion. Feel free to message me for more details.

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Chapter Eleven│Dementors, Oh My!

Summary: Anya and Harry’s first encounter with dementors goes as well as you’d expect. 

"It's a miracle Mr. Potter did not receive the same treatment," he said, and I snorted.

"He wasn't the one screaming."

No, Harry had fainted. The effect of the dementor had been so harsh on him his body couldn't handle it. After snapping me out of my panic attack, everyone had unanimously decided that Ginny wake Harry up, less Hermione knock him out for a longer period. And when he did come around, Harry had asked about a woman screaming.

"That was Anya. She had a worse reaction than you—" Hermione said.

But Harry shook his head. "No. It wasn't Anya, it was a woman."

"Harry," said Neville tentatively, "nobody but us was here. The dementor fixated on you and it touched Anya."

At that, Harry swung to his feet to peer at me outside the compartment. Ron was rubbing my back awkwardly while I retched on an empty stomach.

"You touched it?"

"Its cloak touched my leg," I groaned, leaning on the window heavily with my forehead. "Oh my God, I think I'm gonna vomit again."

And here I was. My stomach and throat ached, my body felt weak, and I was getting dizzy again.

Important life lesson to remember: never touch a dementor.

LINKS: (ffn) (wattpad)

[wrapped-in-all-your-colors]

Secrets of the Innocent

"What if he were innocent?" Nightmares have been plaguing Anya Barton's dreams as she deals with the fallout of her previous year at Hogwarts. Meanwhile, mass-murderer Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban to hunt down Harry Potter. Unfortunately for both Anya and Harry, Black is the one puzzle capable of explaining the circumstances behind Cassie Barton's death.

(The Barton Saga, Book Three) (slight OC/Harry Potter)

Warning: Rated T for language, violence, vague mentions of adult themes such as psychological abuse, toxic relationships, and depression. Please read at your own discretion. Feel free to message me for more details.

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Chapter Four│Vivo Per Te

Summary: After Anya Barton’s birthday, a chain of events ignites the secrets behind the Black twins.

I haven't cracked yet. I'm not gone. I have... I have purpose. I must pay for my mistakes; I must pay for killing James and Lily and Cassie. Oh, Cassie – I have to live until your daughter dies, until Harry dies. Only then can I be at peace. Only then.

"You're welcome to step inside, Junior Minister," Sirius said. His voice came out surprisingly smooth. "But I'm afraid there's no place for you to sit."

Junior Minister Fudge gaped at him before noisily clearing his throat.

"I'm – I'm not Junior Minister anymore."

"Tough break. I'm sorry."

"Sorry?" he repeated. "Oh no! What I meant is that I am the Minister of Magic. I've been since the last... three years."

"Really? Belated congratulations are in order then." Sirius eyed him up and down. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

LINKS: (ffn) (wattpad)

[wrapped-in-all-your-colors]

Secrets of the Innocent

“What if he were innocent?” Nightmares have been plaguing Anya Barton’s dreams as she deals with the fallout of her previous year at Hogwarts. Meanwhile, mass-murderer Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban to hunt down Harry Potter. Unfortunately for both Anya and Harry, Black is the one puzzle capable of explaining the circumstances behind Cassie Barton’s death.

(The Barton Saga, Book Three) (slight OC/Harry Potter)

Warning: Rated T for language, violence, vague mentions of adult themes such as psychological abuse, toxic relationships, and depression. Please read at your own discretion. Feel free to message me for more details.

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Chapter Ten│Dark Rumours

Summary: Anya gets a direct confirmation about her murderous uncle’s reasons for escaping Azkaban the day she returns to Hogwarts. 

"There's something I've got to tell you before you leave," he said lowly. "Some within the Ministry would strongly discourage me... from divulging what I'm about to reveal to you. But I think that you need to know the facts. Harry and you are in grave danger."

I felt like a balloon, deflating in defeat. "Does this have anything to do with Sirius Black?"

Mr. Weasley scanned the crowd over my head.

"What do you know about him, Anya?"

"That he's my uncle," I muttered. "That he was a Death Eater. That he blew up thirteen people."

Mr. Weasley nodded slowly. "Well, you know enough. But Anya... Black escaped Azkaban because he's after Harry."

I didn't react accordingly. I didn't gasp nor did I feel surprised or fearful. In fact, my mind went straight to the bet Harry and I made when we found out the murderer was my uncle... Harry would be happy to find out he was two Galleons richer today.

LINKS: (ffn) (wattpad)