A tall hooded figure walked quickly through Diagon Alley, trying to escape the rain. He had his cloak close around him, and suddenly, he stopped. He cocked his ear, and found he could hear a woman sobbing. He sniffed deeply, and followed the scent. It was hard, because of all the other scents from the shops were making it difficult to find the scent of that woman. It was not familiar to him. It was unusual for Diagon Alley to be occupied late at night, particularly on a rainy night such as tonight. The man found the woman in an alley, huddled up and sobbing. A small, skinny boy was curled up next to her, sound asleep. The man crouched down next to her.
"Ma'm, are you all right?" He spoke in gentle tones, although his voice was hoarse after speaking for hours on end all day. She looked up at him, and immediately pressed herself closer to the cold, stone wall. She didn't really go far, as she was already leaning on it. "No, no, it's all right. I'm here to help you. I was just passing through when I heard you crying. IS there anything I can do for you?"
"I just need a bit of help. M-my son and I are homeless. We just got kicked out of our home because my husband was sent to Azkaban, and we ran out of money because we got a divorce." She said. Despite her tears, the woman's voice was still steady.
"Whatever did he get arrested for?"
"Domestic abuse." The man tensed up.
"Good thing he's locked up then. It's a crime to hit a defenseless woman or child. How old is your son?"
"He's eight. Please, sir. Even if you can't help me, help my son."
"Don't worry, Ma'm. I'll take you both to my place for a little bit. I know an amazing Potions professor who does wonders with healing potions." The man helped the woman to her feet. "By the way, I never got your name." HE said, scooping up her son.
"Amy. Amy Carsen."
"Hello, Amy. I'm Remus Lupin." He said, smiling warmly. "Go ahead and take my arm, I'll Apparate you to my house." They turned on the spot, and disappeared with a pop.
Once they reached the house, Remus took the boy into the guest bedroom, and put him in the guest bedroom, where he was settled on the guest bed. He walked out of the room, and invited the woman to sit down.
"Thank goodness you're finally home." A voice said from the kitchen. Remus smiled.
"Hello, love. Come out here." Nymphadora Tonks came into the room, and looks surprised at the scared female sitting on the couch.
"Well, if I'd have known we were to have guests, I'd have made tea." Dora said.
"Look love, we need Severus. Owl him, would you love?" She nodded and left the room. Remus turned to Amy.
"Could I offer you anything?"
"Just a glass of water is fine." She said, still nervous. He was back in thirty seconds, and she drank the water in half that time.
"Would you care for a bit more?"
"No thanks." She said shyly. Dora came back into the room. Remus turned towards her.
"He's on his way, I just Flooed him."
"Good." Remus said. "Oh, how rude of me, I haven't made introductions yet! Dora, this is Amy. Amy, this is my wife, Dora. Amy is currently on the lookout for a place to stay."
"Oh?" Dora asked. Amy nodded.
"Yes, my husband was just arrested for Domestic Abuse." Dora looked thoughtful for a moment, and then her face showed a hint of realization.
"Wait; are you Eric Carsen's wife?"
"Ex-wife. We just recently got a divorce."
"Good thing too. You deserve better than him." She said.
"How did you know that?" Amy asked.
"I had the unfortunate chance of meeting him doing my rounds at Azkaban. I'm an Auror." She said. Suddenly, the Floo was alight with green flames, and a man dressed in all black, clutching a leather bag (much like a doctor's bag) stepped through, bent slightly because his tall frame wouldn't quite make it through the fireplace.
"Ah, Severus. Just in time. I appreciate this, I know it's late." Remus said, shaking the man's hand.
"OF course, Lupin. How can I be of assistance?" Severus asked. Remus indicated to Amy, who looked a bit fearful of the pale, brooding man.
"This is Amy. She might need a few of your marvelous Healing Potions, as will her son." Remus said. Severus turned to look at the woman. Suddenly Severus froze in his tracks as he looked at the woman. He regained his composure, and approached her slowly.
"Hello, Amy." He drawled. Amy looked scared.
"Hi." She said. To Remus' utter astonishment, he saw Severus soften his gaze at her. Suddenly, a piercing scream came from the guest room. Tears welled up in Amy's eyes, and Remus whipped around to face that direction.
"My son." Was all she said.