Author's note: Just so you all know: I decided to repost chapters because the lay out of the old chapters for some reason changed. While doing so, however, I deleted chapter 1 instead of changing its content... I couldn't put it back up again the way it was, so I added chapter 1 to this prologue. I hope you'll enjoy this story and please take the time to review as it inspires me to continue writing the story :).
Prologue
She stood on the balcony, looking over the small park across the street. The full moon bathed the scene before her in a white glow. The light calmed her, she had always been afraid of the dark. Briana Byrne rubbed her arms as a cold breeze caught her off guard. She smiled at the surprise, she didn't experience such an emotion often. Her visions always made her prepare for whatever was to come. However, lately her premonitions had waned and the only thing that was left to her was an ever present cold knot in her stomach. An omen she couldn't quite place.
Briana looked down as a movement in the shadows caught her eye. The blackness of the figure's cloak was only broken by a white lock of hair, hanging in front of his face. Her breath caught as she recognized the cold eyes looking up at her.
She ran inside, along the corridor to the smallest room in the house. She knew there was no way to safe herself, but she could try to safe the young girl looking up at her from the crib. The young girl stretched her arms toward her mother, her large blue eyes reflecting the same emotion as her mother's. Briana had always known her daughter had inherited her gift.
She lifted the child from the crib, pressing her firmly against her chest as she ran toward the top of the stairs.
"Mother!" It took a few seconds for an older woman to appear at the bottom of the stairs.
"What is it?" asked the older woman alarmed.
"They're here,' said Briana, knowing those words were enough for her mother to understand. "You and father must hide." It was the only option for her Muggle parents to survive.
"I'll get him." The older woman turned but froze as the front door was blasted open.
"Avada Kedavra!"
Briana's heart stopped beating as she saw the green glow, filling the hallway. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she ran toward her bedroom and locked the door behind her. She sobbed as she heard the curse for the second time. She knew both her parents lay dead downstairs.
"Judy," whispered Briana, as she knelt beside her bed. "You need to be as quiet as a mouse."
"Nanna?" asked the two year old, looking up at her mother.
"Ssshh," Briana pushed the girl under the bed. She took out her wand, pointing it at her daughter for the first time in her life. "Silencio". She quickly got to her feet, aiming her wand at the closed door behind her. "I'm so sorry, Sirius," she whispered.
"Alohamora!" The door swung open and the Death Eater entered the room, his wand aimed at Briana's heart.
"I knew they would send you," said Briana, looking into the man's eyes.
"Then you also know you are going to die," he said in a cold voice. "Avada Kedavra!"
He watched the young woman fall to the floor, her face hidden by the curtain of her long black hair. The man smiled down on the corpse, as he dropped the small note. He turned and walked down the corridor, his long black cape billowing in his wake.
"Will you calm down!" James grabbed Sirius' arm as they walked through the small park they had Apparated in a moment before.
"How can I calm down if she's dead?" snapped Sirius back at him.
"You don't know that," retorted James as they crossed the street toward the house with a small rose garden in front of it. They froze as they saw the front door was ajar.
"No…" Sirius quickened his pace, taking the front steps two at a time. James quickly followed, nearly crashing into him as Sirius stopped dead in the open doorway.
The two men looked at the woman's corpse in silence.
"I'm sorry," James laid his hand on his best friend's arm. Sirius shook it off and stepped over the older woman's body. He stopped again at the door to the living room. An older man lay sprawled on the floor, his glasses lopsided. Sirius looked up the stairs as James came to stand beside him in the doorway.
"She has to be upstairs," said Sirius, turning on his heel.
"Wait!" James grabbed his arm again. "May be they're still here…" Sirius nodded and the two men both took out their wands.
"I'll go first," said Sirius, already on his way to the stairs. James followed in his wake, looking over his shoulder to make sure the first floor was safe.
Sirius made a left as they reached the second floor, walking through the open door to the smallest room in the house. He looked at the empty crib and met James' eyes as he turned back to the corridor.
"Sirius, may be…"
"Not now," said Sirius quickly, rushing past his best friend toward Briana's bedroom.
"Sirius, be careful!" called James, hurrying after him. "You don't know if…" His voice faltered as he reached Sirius' side. The two men looked at the young woman's body, both at a loss for words.
"No…" Sirius knelt down beside Briana's body. He brushed the long black mane of her hair from her face.
"Sirius…"
"NO!" The other man screamed, putting his arms under the woman and drawing her to his chest. "Briana…" He sobbed, rocking her back and forth.
"Sirius…" James scanned the room, worried.
"I thought…we thought she'd be safe here…" said Sirius, half talking to the woman he loved and half to James.
"Sirius!" said James firmly. The other man looked up from the woman in his arms. "Where's Judy?"
Both men looked at the rim of the bed as two small hands appeared from under it. Sirius quickly laid Briana's body back on the floor and crawled toward the young girl, emerging from her hiding place. Her eyes were fixed on her mother, her cheeks stained with tears.
"It's all right, sweetheart," said Sirius quickly, taking her under her armpits to lift her to his chest. It took a few seconds for both men to realize why they hadn't heard the crying girl before.
"She must have put a silencing charm on her," said James, aiming his wand at the young girl. As soon as his spell hit her, a long wail escaped the girl's lips.
James knelt beside Briana's lifeless body, watching as Sirius tried to calm his baby girl. He closed Briana's eyes with his hand as he noticed a small piece of parchment lying at his feet. James unfolded the parchment and read the single line written on it.
Sacrifice is inherent to war.
James looked up and met Sirius' eyes. "Voldemort."
"I know." Sirius held his daughter firmly against him, his hand buried in the mass of her black hair. The same hair as her mother's. She sobbed uncontrollably in his shirt. "I've got you, sweetheart. I've got you."
Two years later
"Remus!" The call was followed by several frantic knocks. "Remus!"
Lupin hurried to his front door, recognizing the familiar voice. He put his hand on the doorknob and it swung his way more easily than he had expected, making him stagger.
"Finally, I've been knocking for ages!" Sirius rushed past him through the small hall and into the almost equally small living room. Lupin quickly closed the door.
"What's happened?" He asked, rushing after Sirius.
"James and Lily." Sirius turned to face him, his young daughter in his arms. "I need you to watch after Judy."
"Of course," said Lupin, "but what's happened?"
"I think Voldemort has found them…" said Sirius, laying the half asleep girl on the couch.
"What?" Lupin looked at him wide eyed. "But you're…"
"Please, I don't have time to explain, Remus." Sirius gave his daughter a quick kiss. "You be a good girl, OK?" The four year old nodded sleepily.
"But Sirius," Lupin rushed after him as Sirius walked back into the hallway. "I don't understand!"
"I'll explain later." Sirius opened the door and turned on his heel. "Promise me you will take care of her, Remus."
"Of course,-"
"Whatever happens." Lupin looked at his friend, confused.
"I promise…" Sirius cast him a small smile, turned and walked over the path to his parked motorcycle. Lupin looked after him as Sirius rose into the air and flew away into the night.
Lupin walked to his front door for the second time that night, expecting the frantic knock to belong to the same man he had admitted a few hours before.
"Now, will you tell me what's,-" Lupin's voice failed him as he stood facing Albus Dumbledore instead of Sirius Black. "Sir, I,-"
"It's all right, Remus," said Dumbledore, walking past him. "It's been a rough night for all of us."
"What do you mean, sir?" asked Lupin, following Dumbledore into the living room.
"Ah yes," Dumbledore walked over to the sleeping girl on the couch. "I had expected him to leave her with you. He'd never let any harm come to her."
"Sir…"
"Please, call me Albus, Remus."
"Albus," said Lupin somewhat uncomfortable. "What has happened?" Dumbledore looked at him, surprised.
"You don't know?" he asked gravely.
"Sirius said something about James and Lily, but,-"
"They are dead, Remus."
"They're dead?" asked Lupin in disbelief. "But how, when…?"
"Voldemort killed them a few hours ago," said Dumbledore, sitting on the small empty spot beside the sleeping girl.
"But the Fidelius Charm…" Lupin paused for a moment. "Sirius was their Secret Keeper…"
"I'm sorry, Remus," said Dumbledore honestly. "We all trusted Sirius." Lupin let himself fall into the chair behind him.
"But Sirius would never...are you sure, Albus?" He looked at Dumbledore, the hope in his heart crushed by the look in the other man's eyes.
"There is no other way…" Dumbledore took off his glasses and rubbed his tired eyes.
"What about Harry?" asked Lupin quickly.
"I left him at his aunt and uncle's about an hour ago," said Dumbledore. "The Killing Curse Voldemort shot at him backfired."
"Backfired?" asked Lupin confused. "But how…?"
"Lily died protecting her son," explained Dumbledore. "That leaves a strong mark."
Lupin nodded. "And Voldemort is…?"
"I don't know," said Dumbledore honestly. "He has disappeared…but whether he's dead….I suppose only time will tell." Lupin sighed and looked at the floor, his hands in his hair. Harry lived, he told himself repeatedly. But the thought didn't ease the pain of the loss of his friends.
"Now," said Dumbledore after a few minutes of silence, "we will have to decide what happens to this little one." Lupin looked up at him.
"I promised Sirius I'd take care of her," said Lupin slowly, "but I…you know I can't."
"I believe Briana and Sirius had some money put away for her," said Dumbledore. "And if necessary there is a fund at Hogwarts for,-"
"You know that is not the reason why I can't hold my promise, Albus." Lupin looked at the older wizard as he surveyed him over his half moon spectacles.
"Arrangements can always be made," said Dumbledore, "around every full moon."
Lupin looked at the headmaster of Hogwarts in disbelief. "But I can't raise a child!"
"I'm afraid you don't have a choice," retorted Dumbledore. "You are the only person left which she can trust."
"What do you mean?"
"After tonight, Sirius Black will not only be sought after by Death Eaters…" explained Dumbledore. "The Ministry will be after him as well…and I'm afraid they won't hesitate to question his daughter about his whereabouts."
"But surely she'll be better off…"
"You are the only one left who knows of her existence, Remus," said Dumbledore, leaning forward. "Sirius' and Briana's choice to keep Judy a secret because of the war, may be the only thing that can save her life now. Her identity needs to be hidden from the wizarding world for as long as possible."
Lupin sighed as he leaned back in his chair. "I care for her…very much." He looked at the little girl affectionately. "But…" Lupin sighed, he knew Dumbledore was right. He was the only person left to look after her, the only person left that she trusted. "This won't be easy…" Dumbledore smiled at him approvingly.
"Right choices seldom are, Remus" said Dumbledore, as he stroked the young girl's long dark hair. "Right choices seldom are."
Chapter 1
OWLs and Quidditch
It was a clear summer morning when Judy stepped out of the bedroom. She did her utmost to close the white wooden door as silently as she could. The morning sun bathed the landing in a warm glow. Judy followed the banister beside her with her fingers as she looked down at the light blue rug. She had always loved the light colours Willow's parents used to decorate their home. Dark colours had never been her favourite.
The young woman yawned as she tiptoed down the light wooden stairs. She hadn't gotten much sleep during the night. The adrenaline that had been raging through her for a month kept her up at night and on the verge of wakeness during the day. She didn't remember ever being so nervous for anything. But then again, OWL results only came once in your lifetime. She was sure hers would arrive any day now.
Her bright purple backpack stood at the bottom of the stairs. Judy already packed it the night before. She bent to pick it up and cast back her long black braid as she stood upright again. She tightened her blue vest over her favourite black T-shirt of the Irish Quidditch team. Her red wide jeans billowed around her ankles as she quietly continued her way to the living room, trying to avoid waking anybody in the house.
Judy had spent a whole week at her best friend's house. Lupin had asked her to with the full moon approaching, but now that it had come and gone, she couldn't wait to go back to her uncle again. Despite him taking the potions she made for him she knew how the full moon drained the energy out of him. He could use her help around the house.
'You have to be joking (!)' Judy's heart leapt. 'You can't leave, Jude!'
'I have to,' she whispered as she turned to face her best friend. 'Go back to bed, Will.'
'Like hell I will.' Willow walked up to her, stepping in the light of the rising sun, her long red hair glowing like a bright flame. 'Why are you leaving?'
'Homesick,' said Judy, she was only half-lying. 'Listen, I've had a great time and you'll thank your parents for me, won't you?'
'Yes of course,' Willow rolled her eyes. 'They'll be disappointed though.'
'I'll make it up to them.' Judy promised.
Willow smiled. 'You just can't stand being away from him, can you?' Judy cast her a small smile, thinking on the many times Willow had comfort her in the five years they had spent together at Hogwarts. She had never liked being away from Lupin.
'He's all I got left,' explained Judy as she preceded Willow into the living room and walked straight to the hearth. She stepped inside it and took a hand of Floo Powder.
'I guess this is goodbye then,' said Willow, looking at her. 'I'll be seeing you when I get back from holiday then?'
'Yeah, bring me back a Leprechaun?'
'May be later,' said Willow with a grin. 'When I'm of age I'll be able to stun them…then I'll bring you one back.'
'Have a good trip.'
'Thanks.' The two girls exchanged a smile. 'Remember to hold your breath,' said Willow warningly. Judy had emerged from a hearth coughing more than once.
'Lupin's house!' the dark haired girl called and threw the powder to the floor. A second later she was enwrapped by emerald flames and whirled around in what seemed nothingness until she stopped spinning and looked into Lupin's familiar living room.
Judy clapped the sooth of her clothes while still in the hearth and stepped into the small living room. There was no sound, Remus usually stayed in bed a little longer after a full moon.
Judy looked around. The faded wallpaper and equally faded furniture needed replacement, they had needed replacement for years. The young girl had often offered Lupin to take some money from her vault at Gringotts and redo at least the living room. He had always refused.
A soft purring made Judy turn to look at the doorway. Duncan, the black cat Lupin had given her six years ago, walked up to her. She bent to pick it up and blew gently in its soft fur.
'How is he?' asked Judy softly, looking the cat in his yellow eyes. He turned up his noise and leapt from her arms. Duncan had never taken a liking to Lupin, cats and werewolves weren't a good mix.
Judy walked to the stove and ignited it with a match, being only fifteen prohibited her from doing it with her wand. She didn't mind. Muggles didn't have a problem living without magic, why should she be different? She took a copper kettle out of a cabinet and filled it with water, the noise of the water on copper seemed to echo in the silent kitchen. She opened the cupboards and took out two tea cups when a few taps on the window drew her attention. Two barn owls looked at her.
Judy opened the window and put a Knut in the pouch of the owl carrying the Daily Prophet. She quickly took the paper and turned to the other owl. The owl hooted thankfully as Judy took two letters from his beak. Then both owls ruffled their feathers and took off in different directions. Judy left the window open as she walked to the kitchen table and sat down.
'Two letters from Hogwarts,' said Judy surprised as she checked the names and saw that only one was addressed to her. She quickly tore open the familiar envelope she had been waiting for for a month now.
Her eyes scanned the parchment quickly, not taking in anything due to the adrenaline rushing through her veins. After taking a deep breath she took a second, slower look.
ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL RESULTS
...
Pass Grades: Outstanding (O), Exceeds expectations (E), Acceptable (A)
Fail Grades: Poor (P), Dreadful (D), Troll (T)
...
JUDY LILIAN BYRNE HAS ACHIEVED:
...
Ancient Runes...E
Transfiguration...E
Charms...E
History of Magic...A
Defence against the Dark Arts...O
Astronomy...E
Care of Magical Creatures...D
Herbology...A
Muggle Studies...A
Potions...O
'I got an 'Outstanding' in Potions?. ' Judy exclaimed in surprise.
'What did you expect then?' A familiar voice asked from the doorway. Lupin looked more wearied than she had ever seen him before. 'You're the best in your year at Potions…'
'Uncle, please…'
'Fine, fine,' he smiled, 'I'll drop it. By the way, I didn't expect to see you back for three days.'
'I was worried,' said Judy, 'how are you? You look terrible.'
'Thank you for that kind observation,' said Lupin with a forced smile. He walked over to her, leaning heavily on his cane. His skin was as grey and faded as his pyjamas.
'Didn't the potion work?' asked Judy anxious.
'You got an 'Outstanding' for Potions.' Lupin rolled his eyes. 'The potion worked fine.'
'Then why-?'
'I just need to catch up on some sleep and I'll be fine.' Lupin assured her as he sat down in front of her. 'Now to the important matter of the day…how did you do?' He looked at the piece of parchment in her hands.
'Passed nine of them,' answered Judy. 'I failed Care of Magical Creatures. And I got a few 'A' s but I'd expected that. I spent more time on studying the courses I'd need to be an Auror.'
'And you did better in those?' asked Lupin sarcastically. Judy knew he wasn't like her when it came to grades, a pass was a pass and a fail a fail to him.
'Got an 'O' for Defence against the Dark Arts as well,' said Judy with a smile at her uncle. Without his private teachings she'd never have gotten more than an 'A'.
Lupin took the piece of parchment from her. 'That's a beautiful list, Jude.'
'Thanks.' She got up and walked to the kitchen. 'What do you want for breakfast?' asked Judy as she poured the hot water from the kettle into two cups.
'Just some porridge,' said Lupin absently as he opened the second letter from Hogwarts. Judy poured milk in a steel pan and put it on the spot where the kettle had been before.
'Important?' asked Judy, as Lupin was completely taken up by the letter before him.
'Yes…quite.' He put the piece of parchment down and enchanted the cups of tea to float to the kitchen table. They each landed neatly on the dark wood. Lupin took up his cup, blew it quickly and took a sip.
'Well…?' Judy urged him.
'Well…I'm keeping this to myself for now.' Lupin looked back at her. Judy recognised defeat. 'So,' Lupin folded up his letter, 'what are your plans for-'
'Oy, Byrne!' Judy and Lupin started at the unfamiliar voice. They both turned to the place from where it originated, the hearth. 'Byrne!' Fred's mouth repeated, his face visible through a curtain of flames.
'Fred Weasley,' she rolled her eyes as she walked to the hearth, 'do you know what time it is?'
'Ah, you were probably up already studying for next school year.' He joked.
'Passed my OWLs…like to see you try…' retorted Judy amused.
'Yes well…we'll pass that bridge when we get there…' Fred smiled. 'Listen, are you doing anything today?'
'I was planning on staying in, why?' asked Judy apprehensively.
'Well, listen. Me and George wanted to practice some Quidditch today, but Ron…you know that younger brother of ours…well he got himself the flu and Mum can't get rid of it with her healing spells so he has to stay in bed for a couple of days.'
'I'm fifteen, Fred. I doubt I can do anything to make him better…can't do magic, remember? Though I could may be conjure up a potion…no wand waving so strictly no magic-'
'What? Oh no, I didn't mean it like that. Just meant to say we're a Keeper short…'
'Fred, you haven't been nicking your Dad's Firewhisky have you?' Judy arched a brow. 'Because it sounds like you want me to fall in for your brother.'
'Exactly, Jude. I knew you'd understand.' He beamed at her through the flames.
'Understand?' exclaimed Judy. 'You remember the last time I flew a broom, don't you?'
'Ah, you only fell off because that snowball of mine hit you in the face.' He grinned.
'I'm just saying there's a reason why I watch Quidditch from the sideline…'
'Byrne, you're good with a broom…in fact, George and I both thought of you to fall in for Ron.'
'Yeah well, I swore never to fly with you two again after that incident.' Judy reminded him. 'It took three weeks for that black eye to subdue!'
'Come on, Jude. Can't still be mad about that…we had a laugh, didn't we?'
'Only because I can't stay mad with you,' said Judy, affectionately. 'Listen, it's not that I don't want to help you out. But my uncle's not feeling well and-'
'Go.' Lupin said gently, Judy turned to face him.
'But-'
'It's your holiday…you should go out and have fun and not stay in to take care of me.'
'Remus-'
'Go,' said Lupin sternly. 'I'll go to bed, get some rest and you can take care of me when you get back.'
'Come on, Jude. He's not dying is he?' Fred joked. 'No offence, sir.'
'None taken.' Lupin waved his hand dismissively. 'You will hear from me if you hit a Bludger her way, of course.'
'Of course, sir,' said Fred gravely. 'We'll return her unharmed.'
'Do I have a say in this?' exclaimed Judy, half-amused.
'I daresay you don't,' grinned Fred. 'See you in an hour then, Jude? You'll need your breakfast before joining us…'
'The Burrow, right?' asked Judy uncertain. She had never been to the Weasleys before, she'd only heard them speak the name when they spoke of home at Hogwarts.
'That's right. See you soon then, Judy.' Fred's head spun and disappeared as the flames died.
'Well, that makes my question superfluous.' Lupin smiled.
Judy turned to face him. 'The milk!' Lupin made a quick flick with his wand to turn off the stove as the white foam reached the rim of the pan. 'Thanks, Remus.'
'You're welcome.' He yawned and rubbed his eyes. 'I think I'll head back to bed after breakfast.'
'You'd better,' said Judy warningly as she took two bowls out of the cupboard. 'And I'll put some essence of dittany on those scratches when I get back. Oh Remus, I really wish you'd just let me stay and take care of you.'
'I'll be fine,' assured Lupin. 'I just need some rest.' Judy walked over to him and put two bowls of porridge on the table. 'I didn't know you're good at Quidditch.'
'I can fly a broom,' corrected Judy. 'And I'm not afraid for a Quaffle or a Bludger heading straight toward me...doesn't mean I'm good at Quidditch. Just means Fred and George can practice their aim on me…'
'I hope you mean by aim, their aim on the hoops and not other players…' said Lupin seriously.
'I'm good at ducking…' offered Judy before closing her mouth over her spoon of porridge.
'I meant what I said about that Bludger…' said Lupin honestly.
'I'm sure Fred meant what he said too, about returning me unharmed,' said Judy with a smile. 'He never meant to hurt me with that snowball…he just tends to get a bit enthusiastic at times.'
'Does he?' asked Lupin amused.
'It's not like that, Remus.' Judy rolled her eyes. 'We're just friends, besides he's a year younger than me…'
'Yes, I see the problem there,' said Lupin sarcastically.
'Oh, shut up,' said Judy, half-laughing.
'Just trying to help.' Lupin blew on his porridge.
'Just wait till I do start dating…you'll lock me up in my room,' smiled Judy.
'I can't say that's unlikely.'
'I bet you can't.' They exchanged smiles.
Judy stood in the hearth, casting another look at Lupin.
'You sure you'll be alright?'
'Go,' said Lupin sternly. The young witch stepped out of the hearth, threw her arms around his neck and placed a kiss on his cheek. She felt Lupin's smile against her face.
'Just rest, OK?'
'OK.' Lupin nodded.
'Bye.' Judy turned and stepped back into the hearth. She took a hand of Floo Powder and held it up before her.
'See you in a few hours,' said Lupin warmly.
'Yeah,' Judy smiled. 'The Burrow!' She called as she threw the powder on the floor. Emerald flames enwrapped her and took her past several living rooms before she landed on a hard floor. She coughed and patted herself on her chest. She had to learn to hold her breath longer…
'Ah, I hear you're here, Byrne.' Fred's voice approached her. Judy wiped the sooth of her clothes, trying to spill nothing on the rug before her. 'Don't worry about the ashes, my Mum can fix that with a flick of her wand.'
'I'd rather not mess up the living room as a first impression,' said Judy as she carefully stepped out of the hearth.
'Yeah, like you make a bad first impression.' Fred said sarcastically.
'I seem to remember being called several names by you and George before we got along,' retorted Judy.
'Well, we still call you names, Jude.' Fred grinned.
'You're a nightmare, Fred.'
'One does ones best.' He said proudly.
'That, one does.' George descended the stairs, wearing an old set of Quidditch robes. 'How are you, Byrne?' He took her hand and kissed the back of it, adding a ridiculously low bow to it.
'More a gentleman than your brother.' Judy smiled.
'Always.' George winked at her. 'So when do I get the pleasure for you to finally go on a date with me?' Fred laughed.
'You know that answer, George.' Judy played along.
'Ah yes…well, I have to warn you I've almost finished a spell to make pigs fly…'
'You're both a nightmare.' Judy rolled her eyes.
'Boys!' Mrs. Weasley walked down the stairs. 'Listen, I…oh hello.' She smiled at Judy. 'You must be Judy.'
'Yes. It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Weasley.'
'You too, dear.' Mrs. Weasley beamed at her. 'Heard a lot about you from Fred and George, of course.' Judy cast an uncertain look at the twins.
'All lies, I assure you.' Fred smiled. 'I'm going to put on my robes as well. Are you just wearing that, Jude?'
'Yeah, just some old stuff. Doesn't matter if it gets dirty or torn.'
'Good, because we don't intend to go easy on you,' said George darkly.
'George!' Mrs. Weasley scolded.
'It's alright Mrs. Weasley.' Judy assured her. 'I'll live.'
Mrs. Weasley smiled. 'Can I get you anything while Fred is getting ready, dear? Pumpkin juice or Gillywater?'
'Gillywater would be nice, thanks.' Judy took a moment to look around the Weasleys' living room. It was only slightly larger than Lupin's, but the difference between the way the rooms were decorated was as strong as night and day. Whereas Lupin's house was mostly filled with grey and faded colours, the Burrow seemed to house every colour in the world. The bright fluffy chairs and the many rugs on the floor, gave the room a very warm atmosphere. Judy couldn't help but feel right at home.
'So, how bad is Ron's flu?' asked Judy as she sat next to George at the kitchen table.
'Mum says it should take a while to clear on its own,' began George, 'he'll survive.'
'Here you go, dear.' Mrs. Weasley put down a Gillywater in front of her.
'Thank you, Mrs. Weasley.'
'How's your uncle?' asked George as he tied his shoes. 'Fred said he was ill.'
'He'll be fine. He just needs to rest a bit. I just hate leaving him alone…' said Judy honestly. 'I'd rather make a potion to make him feel better.'
'Oh yeah, Fred said you got your OWL results today. Passed everything, right? All 'O's I suppose?' He added with a grin.
'No, I got two of those. One for DADA and one for Potions. And I failed Care of Magical Creatures.'
'Snape gave you an 'O'?
'Professor Snape, George.' Mrs. Weasley scolded, who apparently had been listening in on the conversation.
'Right,' said George absently as he still looked at Judy. Mrs. Weasley shook her head as she headed out to the garden.
'Well, it's not really Sn-, I mean Professor Snape giving the grades is it? I got it from a Ministry examination. I don't think Sn-, Professor Snape would have given me more than an 'A'. He hates me.'
'He hates everybody that's not in Slytherin.' George retorted.
'Are you talking about Snape?' Judy turned as she recognized the deep voice behind her.
'It's Professor Snape, Charlie,' said George sternly, looking at his older brother.
'Not to me anymore,' said Charlie amused. 'Don't believe we've met.' Charlie held out his hand to her.
'No, ehm…I'm Judy, Judy Byrne.' She hoped she hid her nervousness with the smile she cast him. After all, it wasn't every day that you met one of Hogwarts' best Seekers.
'Charlie Weasley.' Charlie smiled down at her. 'So, you're going to be our Keeper today?'
'I'm going to give it a try.' Judy offered, turning back to her Gillywater.
'You never played Quidditch before?' asked Charlie, sounding disappointed. Judy's heart sank.
'She's better than she's letting on.' George interjected. 'Fred and I have played with her a couple of times at Hogwarts, you know for fun.'
'Funny that I haven't seen you around the stadium then,' mused Charlie.
'You're joking.' Fred approached them in his robes. 'Judy's at every Quidditch match. You must have heard her at least once.' Judy wished she could do some magic to keep her cheeks from turning scarlet. 'She was always cheering the loudest with that girl with the weird hair colours.'
'Oh, Tonks!' Charlie exclaimed as he suddenly remembered. 'Hufflepuff, she was in my year. Yeah, I remember her. Bit of a clumsy girl, drove Snape mad because she broke like twenty phials a year. Nice to talk to, though. What's she up to these days?'
'She's training to be an Auror.' Judy said quietly, trying to hide her face for as long as it took her cheeks to stop feeling warm.
'That's what you wanna do too, right Jude?' asked Fred.
'Yeah.' She nodded, her face still hidden behind the curtain of her raven black hair.
'Not feeling sick, are you Jude?' asked George sounding a bit worried.
'No, I'm fine.' She looked up, her cheeks were feeling less hot than before. 'Just a bit nervous I'll get hit in the face by something again,' said Judy, somehow managing to return to her old self again. It seemed to help that Charlie couldn't remember her.
'Promised your uncle I wouldn't hit a Bludger your way.' Fred reminded her.
'True…but that doesn't mean George won't give it a go, and I do not consider it unlikely that you had your fingers crossed behind your back when you made that promise,' said Judy with a smile.
'She knows us too well.' George said to Fred.
'We should be more careful around her.' Fred agreed.
'How about some less talk and more Quidditch?' offered Charlie as he already headed for the garden.
'Come on, Byrne.' Fred took her hand and led her out of the kitchen. 'Time to play some decent Quidditch.'
'Decent?' Judy arched a brow.
'Well, Quidditch anyway.' George smiled at her.
Ten minutes later the four of them stood in the orchard and mounted their brooms. Judy braided her long black hair in what must have been record time. Then she kicked off hard from the ground, coming to the same height as the Weasleys who were already hovering in the air. Judy flew around the small pitch a couple of times to get used to the broom she had borrowed from them. She hadn't flown for over a month, not having her own broom outside of school. Nonetheless she got used to being in the air again within seconds and sped up during her last round around the pitch.
'Don't get yourself injured, Byrne,' said Fred amused as he watched her.
'You know me, Fred,' smiled Judy, flying to the three improvised hoops.
'Why do you think he's warning you?' George laughed. Charlie looked at Judy apprehensively, making her wish she hadn't come along at all.
'First some practice shots, I think?' Fred threw the Quaffle to George. 'Charlie can try and catch the Snitch while we practice.'
Judy watched as Charlie let the golden ball fly away from him and then started chasing it around the orchard.
'Ready, Byrne?' George smiled at her. Judy pulled up to the three goals the Weasleys had improvised from iron hoops.
'Ready when you are, George.' She smiled at him, it felt good being in the air again.
George flew back a few yards and then turned. He flew towards Judy, making a few moves to the left and right, trying to unnerve her. Judy took a deep breath as she focused on his eyes darting from the right hoop to the left, but lingering a little longer on the right…George threw the Quaffle at the right hoop and Judy caught it with her right hand.
'Not bad,' George said approvingly. 'You were doing the eye thing again, weren't you?'
'As always. And you forgot about it again, didn't you?' Judy smiled as she threw the Quaffle at Fred, who immediately flew away with it.
'As always,' said George. Judy turned her eyes to Fred as he came flying towards her, darting even more than George. He threw the Quaffle at her, before she realized where he aimed and she missed catching it by inches. Judy flew to the ground and picked up the large ball.
'Too fast for you, wasn't I?' Fred smiled.
'Don't worry, I'll catch it next time,' said Judy, throwing the Quaffle to George again.
The twins continued throwing the Quaffle at her, Charlie flying in and out of the pitch as he chased the Snitch. After he had caught it three times, Fred called it was time for their practice with the Bludger. They split up in two teams, consisting of one Chaser and one Beater. Judy teamed up with Fred, Charlie with George.
Judy didn't find it easy to serve as both Chaser and Keeper at the same time. Charlie had managed to pass her and score five times till she got the hang of it. Fortunately Fred proved to be a good team mate, preventing a Bludger from knocking her off her broom twice and telling George to take it easy, no doubt thinking about Lupin's comment earlier.
Judy darted past Charlie several times, though he was able to stop her about half the time that she shot at the hoops. He would have been a good Keeper as well in her opinion, though being Seeker was obviously his specialty. When Mrs. Weasley called them in for lunch, it was one hundred to eighty and Judy and Fred had only lost by twenty points.
'Not bad for a rookie.' George walked up to Judy as she descended her broom. He clapped her on the back as if she couldn't have done worse.
'Well, could have been worse…' Judy returned the gesture and Fred laughed.
'You're staying for lunch, right?' Fred asked, walking beside her.
'I don't know,' she hesitated.
'Mum's probably counted on you anyway,' offered Fred.
'Yeah, you can't leave now, Judy,' agreed George. 'Besides, may be we can practice a bit more after lunch.'
'Well, I really don't want to stay too long,' said Judy honestly, thinking about Lupin lying in bed at home.
'That's too bad, I wanted to practice catching the Snitch with an opponent,' Charlie said as he caught up with them. 'You're not a bad flyer, Judy.' Judy quickly looked at the ground as her skin burned.
'Ah, Charlie you're making her blush,' laughed George. Judy wished she would have stayed home for the second time that day.
'Nonsense, if she can endure us, it'll take more to make her blush.' Fred smiled at her. Judy hoped the colour had subdued again and took a deep breath.
'An hour long enough, Charlie?' asked Judy, somehow able to make her voice sound casual. 'I really want to be back home around two.'
'Perfect.' Charlie cast her a thankful smile and preceded the three of them into the house.
'Yes, absolutely splendid.' George winked at her.
'Indeed, marvellous.' Fred sad jovially, as Judy preceded him inside. They walked to the sink to wash up and when they turned Judy noticed two of the seven seats at the table were already taken.
Percy Weasley, who was now in his seventh year sat at the end of the table, looking as haughty as ever. He got up from the table and shook Judy's hand, introducing himself.
'Percy Weasley. Good to see you again, Miss Byrne.'
'You too…' Judy said, somewhat uncomfortable at the way Percy addressed her.
'Would you like to take a seat, Miss Byrne?' Fred imitated Percy as he held back a chair for her. Percy scowled at him.
'Thanks, Fred.' Judy sat down and smiled at the red haired girl in front of her.
'Hi, I'm Ginny.'
'Nice to meet you, Ginny. I'm Judy.'
'I know. Fred and George have told me about you.' Judy looked at the twins.
'Again, all lies,' said George as he sat down beside her. Fred took the seat next to George.
'But you said you liked her and that she was really cool and-'
'Nah, we couldn't have said that, could we George?' said Fred, looking genuinely confused.
'You forgot she's good at Quidditch,' said Charlie as he sat down next to Judy. Judy looked at her plate as her lips curled into a smile.
'Everybody here?' asked Mrs. Weasley as she walked into the living room.
'Ron's still missing,' said George.
'But you don't have to send out a search party on our account,' added Fred quickly.
'Your brother is having his lunch in bed. I don't want any of you to catch the flu too,' said Mrs. Weasley as she walked to the stove. She took up a big pot and put it down in the middle of the table. 'Would you like some soup, dear?' Mrs. Weasley smiled at Judy.
'Yes, please.' She handed her deep plate to Mrs. Weasley, who filled it with two ladles of soup and handed it back to her.
'So, Judy,' Percy began as they all started eating, 'got your OWL results yet?'
'Ehm, yes. I passed nine courses out of ten.' She blew on the hot liquid on her spoon.
'Good grades, I suppose?' He looked at her over his horned rimmed glasses. 'Ravenclaws usually do tend to have the best grades.'
'You know that we still have over a month worth of holiday before we go back to school?' interjected Fred. 'I'd like to spend mine having fun and not talking about OWLs.'
'It's not bad if you'd pay a little more attention to your future,' said Mrs. Weasley. 'Do you know what courses you are going to take, dear?'
'Everything I'll need to be an Auror and I'm thinking on continuing Ancient Runes, History of Magic and Astronomy.'
'So basically you don't want any spare time in your timetable?' asked George amused.
'Like you didn't expect that, I thought you two knew me by now.' Judy arched brow at them. 'Besides, if I don't have enough time for my Auror courses I can always drop a course, but I want to try to get my NEWTs in all of them. And it's not like I'm keeping all my courses, I'm dropping Muggle studies and Care of Magical creatures.'
'You don't like Care of Magical creatures?' asked Charlie, sounding, again, disappointed. Judy wasn't sure her heart could sink any lower.
'Well, it's not that I don't like it, it's more…I'm not very gifted with magical creatures,' said Judy apologetically. 'Only magical creature I managed to treat right was a Flobberworm.' Charlie laughed, which lifted her spirits somewhat.
'I suppose you do have to have a knack for it,' admitted Charlie.
They talked on, quickly growing tired of the subject of Hogwarts and turning to Quidditch which especially the twins, Charlie and Judy were interested in. Mrs. Weasley had other interests however, and prodded when Ginny would clean out her room. Ginny left the table ten minutes later, scowling. Percy remained hidden behind the Daily Prophet during the rest of lunch. Fred told Judy he read it about three times a day, making sure he hadn't missed any news.
'Shall we then?' asked Charlie, getting up as he had finished.
Judy followed him outside back to the orchard, hoping not to still make a fool of herself. She looked over her shoulder as Fred and George caught up with them.
'Can't perform without an audience, can you?' asked Fred, coming up to Judy's side.
'We've got no cheers to match yours of course,' said George. Judy wished he wouldn't keep reminding Charlie of how she acted during a match. 'But we will give it our bests.'
'Certainly,' agreed Fred.
Charlie looked at the two of them. 'Just don't distract her too much, all right?'
'Oooooh,' Fred and George said together, both grinning. Judy wished she would be home again, for the third time that day.
'I just want to be able to practice decently,' explained Charlie as he unlocked the Snitch from their Quidditch trunk.
'Yes, of course,' Fred beamed. 'Yes, we'll behave, right George?'
'We will if he will,' said George in a whisper that either didn't carry to Charlie or which he chose to ignore. Judy was putting every effort into keeping her cheeks from turning scarlet again.
Charlie opened his hand and the Snitch immediately took off, skidding from left to right and up in the air.
'Ready, Byrne?' asked Charlie, glancing sideways at her.
'Ready.' She nodded, firming the grip on her broom. She couldn't believe she had agreed to practice with the best Seeker Hogwarts had seen in over a decade. She was bound to fall off her broom or crash into a tree.
'Go!' Charlie kicked off hard from the ground and he must have been ten feet up before Judy realised he had gone. She kicked off as well and soared up into the air, flying around the small pitch and scanning the sky for the Snitch. When she finally had caught sight of a glimpse of gold, Charlie was already chasing it. Nonetheless she tried to catch up with him but he had caught it before she had even drawn up half way.
'One-nil to Charlie,' said George from below. 'Come on, Jude you can take him.'
'Yeah, try and kick him off his broom,' called Fred. Judy smiled.
'Another go then?' asked Charlie as he drew up next to her, the Snitch in his hands.
'Sure…' said Judy softly, knowing her second effort was bound to be as bad as her first. Charlie opened his hand and let the Snitch escape again.
'Try not to focus too much on one point,' said Charlie and flew in the direction the Snitch had gone to. Judy followed him. She scanned the pitch again, peering through the orchard trees in case the Snitch had taken off to there. She saw a speck of gold, fluttering between the leaves and flew toward it. Charlie spun around as she flew past him and followed her.
'Come on, Jude!' called Fred and George, cheering her on. 'Use his weight against him!'
Judy realised they had a point, it was much easier for her to dash between the trees than Charlie. She followed the Snitch, darting from left to right, Charlie cursing behind her as he flew into a branch. She stretched out her hand but missed as she tried to grab the little golden ball. A small golden wing brushed her hand as the Snitch turned direction and flew back toward the small pitch.
Judy turned around and flew after it as hard as she could, Charlie was speeding up in front of her, chasing the Snitch out of the orchard. Her hopes for winning were crushed, Charlie was faster than her in the open.
'Come on, Byrne!' called Fred as Judy soared out of the orchard.
She bent lower over her broom in an effort to gain on Charlie. He stretched his hand toward the golden ball…and caught it. Judy pulled on the handle of her broom to come to a halt.
'Two-nil,' George shook his head. 'Another one and I'm asking my money back…' Fred nodded in agreement. Judy avoided their gazes.
'That wasn't bad,' Charlie pulled up next to her.
'It wasn't good enough,' said Judy, looking at the Snitch in Charlie's hands.
'May be another try?' offered Charlie with a smile.
'You sure you don't want to quit while you're ahead?' asked Judy with a small smile.
'Oy! You're supposed to be competing!' called Fred.
'You know, I can silence them with a spell…' He pointed at Fred and George looking up at them. Judy laughed.
'But then I won't hear them cheering when I catch the Snitch from under your nose…' Judy's heart leapt at the grin on Charlie's face.
'All right, Byrne.' Charlie opened his hand and the Snitch quickly flew away from them. 'Then let's see what you're made of.'
'All right,' said Judy as she already chased after the golden ball. Charlie followed her a few seconds later.
They spent the next hour chasing the Snitch, catching it, and releasing it once more. Fred and George were about to go back to the house by the time Judy finally managed to beat Charlie to the golden ball. It had flown through the orchard again and she had used the advantage of her lean body compared to Charlie's broad shoulders. Fred and George's cheers had only grown louder since that moment.
'One more?' Charlie flew up to her, Judy looked at the tiny golden wings in her right hand. She had managed to catch the Snitch for the third time.
'I have to go home,' said Judy with a hint of regret. She'd rather enjoyed spending time with Charlie. 'My uncle is ill and he's been alone half the day already.' The thought of Lupin lying sick in bed felt like a cold knife of guilt through her heart.
'I understand,' said Charlie as they flew to the ground. 'Thanks for practicing with me, though. You're a good flier.'
'Glad I could help,' smiled Judy, knowing Charlie was exaggerating about her abilities, but not minding it one bit.
'Had enough, Charlie?' said Fred as he and George walked toward them.
'Yeah, you don't want to be losing to a girl…' agreed George. Judy arched a brow at him.
'You mean like you lost to Willow?' asked Judy with a smile.
'That was different,' defended George.
'Yeah, she wouldn't snog you if you didn't let her win,' said Judy with a grin.
'Whereas you'll snog Charlie anytime?' said George. Judy didn't laugh, her cheeks felt burning hot.
'That's not funny, George,' said Charlie, in a would be casual tone. Fred and George exchanged a glance. 'I'm going to put these away.' Charlie gathered the brooms and quickly walked to the shed.
'I've got to get home,' said Judy in a whisper, turning to follow Charlie.
'You'll come back though won't you?' asked Fred, walking to her left. George walked on her other side.
'You two just don't know what to do without me, do you?' asked Judy, feeling more at ease now Charlie was out of ear shot.
'True,' said George, 'but it's not like that. See, Charlie is going back to Romania in a week and Ron's bound to be sick till that time-'
'and we'd like to get some more practice with Charlie around before he leaves,' finished Fred. 'You know he was Hogwarts' best Seeker since ages, it'd be a shame if we couldn't do another game before he leaves.'
'And you can't possibly do this without me, because…'
'We'll need four players,' explained George, 'come on Jude, you had a good time today, didn't you?'
'It's not that…' said Judy honestly, her thoughts drifting to Lupin again.
'I'm sure you're uncle won't mind,' said Fred quickly.
'Oh he won't,' said Judy with a small smile, 'but I will.'
'You care about him a lot, don't you?' asked George as they walked into the house.
'He's all I got, George,' said Judy honestly.
'Then just see how he's feeling,' said George, 'if he's feeling better within the week may be you can still drop by.'
'We'll see.' Judy picked up her bright yellow coat and slipped into it.
'Good,' said Fred and George together.
'Thank Charlie from me for a good game, OK?' said Judy, stepping into the hearth.
'You sure you don't want to do that yourself?' Fred grinned.
'A nightmare,' Judy rolled her eyes. She took a hand full of Floo Powder. 'Bye guys.'
'Bye,' smiled Fred.
'Bye, Byrne,' said George. Judy threw down the Powder called out the name of her uncle's house, and whirled around in the emerald flames again. She got a short look into several living rooms before the spinning ended and she stood in the hearth of the small living room again. It was as deserted as it had been that morning.
Judy clapped the soot of her clothes, realizing that she had managed to hold her breath long enough not to cough. She headed for the stairs and took two steps at a time, now only noticing how the faded wallpaper in the hall also needed replacement. She would have to have a long discussion with Lupin to convince him to take the money from her vault at Gringotts. With Lupin being a werewolf he never had been able to get a decent job in the wizarding world. Judy's inheritance was all they had.
Judy stopped at Lupin's bedroom door, not hearing his usual snoring. She knocked twice and Lupin's hoarse voice immediately told her to enter.
'Sorry I'm late,' she walked into the small bedroom. Judy decided she would also convince Lupin to buy some new paint for his bedroom.
'Did you enjoy yourself?'
'Yes,' she said, walking around the bed and looking down at him. It comforted her to see he looked less tired than that morning. 'Did you sleep well?'
'I think I woke about half an hour ago,' he pushed himself up to sit against the headboard of his bed. 'Did you win?' asked Lupin with a smile that lightened his pale features.
'Almost,' smiled Judy, Lupin faked disappointment. 'In my defence, I was playing against three Gryffindor Quidditch players.'
'Three?' asked Lupin confused.
'Charlie Weasley was at the Burrow too,' explained Judy. 'He's visiting, but he's going back to Romania at the end of the week. He's studying dragons there.'
'Ah yes, Gryffindor's best Seeker since a decade?'
'I think he's the best Seeker Hogwarts has had since James Potter,' said Judy honestly.
'You're way too young to know that,' Lupin arched a brow.
'Knowing what you've told me about James' skills, I don't think I'm wrong,' said Judy.
'Perhaps…you know, it was James who took you on your first flight on a broom?' said Lupin affectionately. 'I think you were about two and half years old then.'
'That sounds like uncle James,' smiled Judy, 'I bet aunt Lily loved that.'
'Lily's reaction wasn't all that bad…well compared to your father's anyway,' said Lupin with a smile. 'He was always protective of you after your mother…well…'
'was murdered,' finished Judy. 'It's all right, Remus. I mean, it's been almost fourteen years since mom died.' They looked at each other in silence. 'Everything changed then didn't it?' asked Judy softly.
'Things often do when some one dies,' said Lupin, eyeing her warily.
'Well, we still have each other, right?' Judy exchanged a smile with Lupin. 'I'll go get started on that dittany. Do you want me to bring you some tea?'
'I'll come down,' he cast back the blankets. 'I've slept enough for one day.'