A/n: Hey! I know it's been a while but I forgot that I had this story up then lost it. I finally found it and had a few minutes available to put it up. I just decided to put it all up at once instead of trying to split it up. Hope you enjoy.
On to the story!
The next day, Rosemary couldn't even get out of bed and she was flushed with fever. Remus conjured a stretcher and hurried with her to Madam Pomfrey. Madam Pomfrey took one look at her and put her in a hospital bed. She fussed over her and when she heard what was wrong she rolled her eyes. "I swear this girl has a death wish." She muttered before going about the business of saving her.
Rosemary slipped into unconsciousness and didn't know anything that happened around her.
Sirius came in as Padfoot and nudged the door closed before changing back to his human self. He came over and looked down at Rosemary. "She hasn't woke up yet?" he asked concern in his voice.
"No." Remus said hoarsely. He was worried. It had been two days since she had first passed out and he really hoped she wasn't going to die. 'She can't! I'd die with her!' he thought frantically knowing it was true. Their bond had grown so much over the months they had been together. Now if they parted like they did so long ago he knew that he would go crazy.
"What caused it?"
Remus hesitated. He knew Rosemary didn't want Sirius to know but didn't he have a right to know?
It was taken out of his hands. Pomfrey came in the room in time to hear his remark. "She's allergic to the Truth Potion of course." Pomfrey told him waspishly. "You would think you would have a little sympathy for someone you say you love like a sister. She could die from the double dosage but all you cared about was getting free." Clearly, she accepted him but wouldn't believe he was completely innocent.
Sirius's eyes widened in horror. "She's allergic to the Truth Potion?" he whispered.
Remus sighed. "Yes. I didn't find out until after she had already taken it and she made me promise not to tell you. She didn't want you to worry."
"Didn't want me to worry?! How am I suppose to keep from worrying when I just found that my best friend took a double dose of strong Truth Potion which she just happened to be allergic to just because she wants to see me proved innocent?" Sirius exclaimed.
Remus grimaced. "It's my fault. I should have realized something was wrong. The day before the trial she was all clingy and hated being apart from me or she was with you or Severus. She wanted me to hold her and seemed like she was scared of something but determined to do it anyway."
Sirius looked at Madam Pomfrey. "Did you know about her allergic reaction?"
"I did. She told me when she was younger in case she ever had to take it, I would know what to do and what happened." Pomfrey looked at him. "You really didn't know?"
"No! If I would have known, I would have found another way to become free once more." He ran his hand through his hair. "But not like this." He whispered. "Not at the cost of her life."
Remus kissed Rosemary's hand. "There's nothing we can do but wait." He said. "We'll just have to trust in her. Maybe she'll wake up soon."
"I hope so." Pomfrey said, going to her room to think. "I don't want her in here if she wakes up during the full moon."
Sirius and Remus exchanged glances then looked back down at Rosemary. They had forgotten that the full moon was only in a few days. If she didn't wake up soon they would have to carry her to the Shrieking Shack.
That never happened. She woke up the next day and immediately put her illusions back up. She had a headache afterwards but she pushed it aside and kept them up. She knew she looked creepy and she didn't care the price to her.
Something moved out of the corner of her eye and she looked beside her in surprise. She felt a warm hand in hers and followed the arm to Remus who was sleeping in the chair. He had leaned over and was leaning against her bed. He looked so sweet and innocent lying there. She didn't want to wake him up. He didn't look like he had gotten much sleep. She hated that she had put him through that.
"Ah, good. You're awake." Madam Pomfrey's soft voice spoke from her other side. Rosemary looked at her causing the woman to frown. "You aren't well enough to put illusions up." She chided.
"I'm well enough." Rosemary retorted keeping her voice quiet and keeping still to keep from waking Remus up. "I know I look terrible and I don't want to gross people out."
Pomfrey snorted and went about checking her over, keeping quiet for Remus. She finished quickly. "You gave us all a scare, Rose." She said softly. "Even that Black and Professor Snape. They were in here every day checking on you."
"How long was I out?"
"Three days."
About then Remus woke up. He jerked awake and looked at Rosemary who smiled weakly at him. "Hello, lover." She told him.
He swallowed. "You're awake!" he said hoarsely.
She raised an eyebrow. His voice was as rough as hers but he hadn't been unconscious for three days. "Were you in here all this time?"
He reddened. "Yes. I didn't want to leave you alone."
She smiled and leaned over to kiss him. "Thank you, my mate. I appreciate it." She grinned. "But I would appreciate a large glass of fruit punch and some food, if you don't mind?"
"Of course. I'll go to the kitchens now. I still remember where they are."
"Thank you." She looked over at Poppy. "It is okay isn't it Madam Pomfrey?" she asked wide-eyed.
Poppy laughed. "As if I could stop you, dearie. Yes, it's fine. You seem fine but I want you to stay here for a day or so to make sure."
Rosemary nodded and watched Remus start to leave. "And Remus?"
"Yes?"
"Take a bath."
Remus laughed and nodded. "I'll do that, love. I'll help you take one later."
Rosemary laughed as he grinned and left the room. She pulled herself up rolling her eyes at Poppy's glare. "I'm fine. Just a little weak, is all. I promise Poppy. I've gone through this before."
"Really? When?"
"When I was younger. Father would make me drink large amounts of it even when he found out I was allergic to it. Made me tell him everything I knew and read. He was bored with his life and wanted to take away the pleasures I had in mine." She shrugged. "He was like that. I would be unconscious for two days or so and when I woke up I would have fresh whip marks and cuts on me. I didn't resist when I was unconscious and nothing can wake me up while my body repairs itself. No biggy."
Poppy sniffed, obviously thinking it was a 'biggy.' She turned. "I'll leave you alone then. I must tell the Professor that you are awake. He wanted to know when you were awake enough to talk."
Rosemary nodded and rearranged the pillows around her to prop herself up. She leaned back with a sigh. It took more out of her than she wanted to admit but she was determined to be up and about the next day at the latest.
Sirius came in a few minutes later. He saw her sitting up and grinned, rushing over to her. "Rosemary! You're awake!"
She smiled. "Yes, I am. I'm fine now."
His expression darkened. "Why didn't you tell me you were allergic to the potion? I wouldn't have let you-"
She put a finger over his lips. "I know." She said softly, her face solemn. "That's why I didn't tell you. I wanted to set you free and I knew I would not die. I didn't want you blaming yourself that's why I didn't tell you after I had taken it. How did you find out?"
"Poppy told me. She didn't believe I was innocent at first until the Ministry wrote to the Daily Prophet telling all that I was innocent. They put the whole trial in the paper yesterday."
She paled slightly. "The whole trial?"
"Yes." He said grimly. "They put every word that was said in it and even pictures of you. I just came from there yelling at them for doing that to you. By the time I left Fudge was feeling Very guilty. He's planning on making it up to you somehow."
"What were the arrangements they made with you?"
He smiled. "I'm free and get my things returned to me including my wand and motorcycle. Harry gets to come live with me and I'll be named his legal guardian even if he only needs one for two more years. They even offered me my old job as an Auror again plus enough Galleons to live comfortably off of for ten years and a new house with wards and everything."
Rosemary chuckled. "They sound like they're buttering you up." She looked thoughtful. "Maybe I'll get a house soon. I want someplace that Remus and I can call our own." She grimaced. "If he wants to of course. I don't even know how he would take the idea."
"He'll jump for joy." Remus said from the doorway. He smiled softly at her. "Did you ever think otherwise, love?"
"Yes." She looked at the tray he held and her eyes went wide. "Remus! My favorite foods!" She rubbed her hands together excitedly. "Thank you!"
Remus chuckled and put it in front of her. "I also got some Butterbeer from Hogsmeade. It didn't take long to get there and when they found out it was for you they gave it to me free. It seems that a new rumor went out telling all what happened to you."
Rosemary's eyes shot up to her hairline and she looked at Sirius. "You didn't have anything to do with that, did you Sirius?"
He looked innocent. "Nope. Don't know what you're talking about. I didn't do a thing. I did tell the Daily Prophet but that won't come out till tomorrow."
Rosemary sighed. "Can't you ever stay out of trouble?" She started to cut up the lasagna and started to hungrily eat. When she finished she saw the bowl of her favorite soup and licked her lips but pushed it away. "I better not." She muttered regretfully.
"I thought that was your favorite?"
"It is but we have a slight problem." She took a deep breath. "We're too close to the full moon. I have problems with eating with utensils now. I had to force myself to eat with a fork on my lasagna."
Remus tilted his head slightly. "You mean you would lap it like a wolf would?" he asked softly.
"Yes. I tried eating soup before with a spoon when I was in my room before I saw you again." She grimaced. "More ended up on me than in me."
"Then lick it up." Sirius said with a shrug. "We don't care."
Rosemary hesitated but her hunger won out and she grabbed the bowl. She hesitated then started to lap the warm soup up smiling in bliss as it traveled down her throat.
About then Dumbledore walked in with Severus and Poppy. "What in the world!" Poppy exclaimed seeing her lapping the soup.
Rosemary's eyes popped open and she put the soup down quickly and wiped her face. Her face went beet red. "Sorry." She muttered and pushed the tray away, not meeting any of their eyes.
Severus glared at Poppy and walked over to Rosemary. "Out of my way, Black." He snarled then wrapped his strong arms around Rosemary. "We don't care, Rose." He whispered into her hair. "How you eat is your business. Eat it like you wish."
"I'm a monster." She replied. "A freak of nature." A tear worked its way down her cheek.
"No." he replied tenderly meeting her eyes. "You are the young lady that brought two Death Eaters back from the Dark Side, that loves a professor reject for a mate, that loves a convict for a brother, that has tons of students worried about you. You are the young lady that has this whole school, yes I'm including the ghosts paintings and professors, wrapped around your finger."
She blinked. "What?"
"I think you even have Peeves worried about you. I hadn't even known ghosts could be worried. And the house elves ask constantly about you. Seems that someone has been giving them treats and telling them stories." He raised an eyebrow.
She reddened slightly. "Yes. I found some children of the elves and started telling them about things that happened in my youth here. Their parents were told and they started coming finding me when they had time for a story. I would go down to the kitchen during the evening when I had free time and tell them stories while they worked. It was actually a lot of fun."
"And the treats?"
She giggled. "Muggle candy and Every Flavor Beans. They have a sweet tooth."
Snape smiled and wiped her face ignoring the stares the others except for Dumbledore was giving them. Professor Dumbledore was smiling knowingly as he watched the scene in front of him. "Now does that sound like a monster or a freak or more like a wonderful human who has too big of a heart?" he prodded gently.
She hesitated then sighed. "Fine. I see your point. I don't believe it yet but I see your point."
He kissed her forehead. "Then I'll tell you every day until you do believe it." He grinned and gave her a copy of the Daily Prophet. "Read this."
She frowned and looked at the part that he pointed at. She blinked and looked up. "You didn't."
"I did. I collected all the letters from the students and published them in the Prophet." Severus said smugly.
Rosemary shook her head and looked back at the page. There in the space that could be rented for advertisements was a whole page of letters talking about her. Many were from students talking about what she taught during class and how she helped them after class. Some were from teachers that talked about how she was willing to help with anything and that she acted nothing like the monster the Prophet showed her as.
That made her raise an eyebrow and she looked quizzically at him then it clicked. "Does anyone have a copy of the paper with the trial on it?"
There was a silence then Sirius sighed and passed her over a copy. On the front page there was only one story and she blinked at the headline.
Monster testifies that Black is innocent!
Underneath was a picture of her before she took off her illusions then her taking them off and showing her true self. Underneath was the whole trial from beginning to ending emphasizing her lycanthropy. She sighed. "Oh well. People would have found out sooner or later." She paused. "Who wrote this?"
"Rita Skeeter." Sirius said with obvious distaste. He grinned. "She's been fired for some odd reason."
"It seems that so many people complained about what she wrote that the paper let her go." Dumbledore said with a slight smile. "It is rumored that so many Howlers came in that they weren't able to be opened before they exploded. The screaming could be heard for miles."
Rosemary laughed. "Why do I have a feeling that you sent one, Sirius?"
"I wasn't the only one." He said with a grin. He pointed at Remus.
She chuckled. "Remus? Who else?"
"I sent one." Severus admitted.
"So did I." Poppy told her.
"Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Potter, Professor McGonagall, and many of the other professors, even some students." Dumbledore put in.
Remus grinned. "And every time Fudge comes here now, Peeves goes after him and soon most of the ghosts here are taunting him and throwing things at him."
Rosemary smiled. "I'll have a talk with him. Peeves is really nice once you listen to him."
"You're the only one that thinks so." Severus muttered.
"He doesn't bother me anymore." Remus said brightly.
"Yeah, because you're mated to her." Sirius griped pointed at Rosemary.
She laughed. "I'll have a talk with him. Maybe I can get him to let up a little."
Poppy watched as Rosemary fought a yawn. "Now that's enough. My patient needs her rest. You didn't even let her finish eating!"
Rosemary smiled slightly. "I'll eat more later, Poppy. I was getting full anyway."
Poppy shook her head. "You still need rest." She said stubbornly. "They can visit later."
"Just a few more minutes." Dumbledore told Poppy. "I need to talk to her for a few minutes."
Poppy huffed. "Five minutes." She turned on her heel and left the room.
Sirius kissed Rosemary's cheek. "Bye, sister. I'll see you later."
"Behave, Padfoot." She told him.
"Always." He grinned and left the room.
Severus kissed her forehead. "I'll tell the classes that you're going to be fine."
"Tell the ghosts too." She told him giving him a hug. "Later, brother."
"Later." He smiled at her then left to spread the good news.
Dumbledore looked at Remus who sighed and stood. "Fine. I'll be back after Dumbledore finishes." He kissed her lips then left the room.
Dumbledore smiled sadly at her. "How are you really feeling and do not lie, Rosemary."
She smiled slightly. "I'm tired and weak, that's all. I'll survive. It might take a few days to be totally up to my normal but I'll be fine."
"Will the full moon hurt you?"
She grimaced. "It might set my recovery back a couple of days. I have what four days left? If that?"
"Yes."
"I should be okay then. The pull is strong but not too strong yet. I'll be fine." She frowned. "Who's teaching my classes?"
"Sirius. Remus would but he didn't want to leave your side."
She smiled. "He's so sweet. I appreciate the gesture but he needs to take care of himself every once in a while. He looks like he took some makeup and created bags under his eyes with it. He looked terrible when I first woke up."
Dumbledore smiled and kissed her forehead. "Rest, little Rose. I'm sure Poppy will be in here any minute saying I've passed my time limit. I'll let you get your rest. I'll tell Remus that I am finished."
"Thank you Albus. I appreciate it." She pulled the pillows out from behind her and scooted down. She yawned. "Maybe I was more tired than I thought." She said sheepishly as it was suddenly hard to keep her eyes open.
He chuckled. "Rest, Rosemary. We shall see you tomorrow."
He left and soon Remus came back in. He smiled when he saw her fighting sleep. "Rest Rose. I'm here and I won't leave."
"Get up here and rest with me." She whispered. "Hold me."
He smiled and climbed into the bed with her, holding her close to him. "Anytime, my mate." He told her. "Now sleep. I will protect you."
She smiled and held his hand before she finally let sleep claim her once more.
The next day, she was reading all of the cards sent to her when Sirius came in with a mile-long grin. "Read this, Rose and then tell me that you think you're a monster!"
Rosemary frowned and took the paper from him. When she started reading her jaw dropped in amazement.
The Truth Comes Out
Sirius Black, the recently cleared convict, came in with updates on Rosemary Forrest, the werewolf whose testimony set him free. She has been in the infirmary of Hogwarts since the trial from an allergic reaction to the Truth Potion. She has known since her childhood that she was allergic but ignored it to set her friend free. This brave young woman was close to death but didn't care. She only cared that her friend was set free and declared innocent. She is doing fine now and is expected to recover fully in a few days. Obviously, the stories and tales that all werewolves were heartless and monsters were a mistake and full of lies. This young woman brings a whole new meaning to Werewolf.
She stared at the paper, reading it several times before staring at him. "I can't believe it." She whispered. "They know but they still think it was brave of me?"
"Yes, and they want to do an interview when you feel like it."
She nodded slowly. "All right. Probably tomorrow if they can or even today." She shrugged. "I feel fine now. No need to fuss over me." She made a face. "I would rather it be before the full moon though. Wolfsbane Potion or not, I'll be drained and I don't want to dreg up memories when I'm drained."
"I'll owl them." He kissed her cheek and smiled. "Now you have more guests. I'll talk to you later."
'More guests?' she looked at the door, smiling slightly when she saw the young Malfoy. 'What's his name? That's right, Draco.' "Come in, Draco. I'm honored that you came to see me."
"How are you feeling, Professor Forrest? Or should that be Professor Lupin?"
She chuckled. "I'll answer to either though I prefer Lupin. What did you need?"
He came over and handed her a thick envelope. "This is for you from my Father." He shrugged. "I don't know what it contains."
"Thank you, Draco. I appreciate it." She paused then sighed. "Did you tell your Father what happened?"
He looked puzzled. "Yes I did. He likes to know what's happening around here."
She grimaced. "That's what it is then. Thank you." She looked at it and put it aside. "I think I'll wait on it because knowing your father it has things I don't want to listen to right now." She smiled. "Thank you for bringing it to me though. I hope you are behaving in class?"
He made a face. "What class? Professor Black," there was a sneer in his voice when he said that. "Only tells stories or talks about spells. We don't do anything in there."
"Well, I'll be back tomorrow hopefully and we'll have class again." She said with a smile. She looked up when she sensed more in the doorway. "Now why don't you go back to what you were doing? I don't want any fights right now."
"Yes, Professor." He sneered at Hermione, Ron and Harry and left the room.
"What was he doing here?"
"Delivering something from an old friend." Rosemary said holding up the letter. "You may not like him but he really isn't that bad." She smiled at the disbelief on their faces and shook her head. "Never mind. I know how stubborn my friends were when I said the same things about Lucius and Severus. If you're any where near as stubborn as James was then I know I won't be able to convince you until you're ready to decide for yourself." She told Harry.
"He's just as stubborn if not more." Remus said with a grin as he came in with a bag. "He doesn't get in as much trouble as James did though."
"Who could?"
"You and Sirius." Remus retorted immediately. "You had a detention everyday and got out of more than you served!"
She grinned. "Came from being sneaky." She looked at the bag in puzzlement. "What do you have?"
"You'll find out later."
She scowled playfully. "Fine. Be that way." She looked at Hermione. "Keeping these boys out of trouble?"
"Trying to, Professor." Hermione said with a grin. "It's hard work though."
Rosemary laughed as Ron scowled at Hermione. "I bet it is, especially with Sirius around. That boy needs to learn management."
"He's not the only one." Remus muttered with a grin as he sat down, giving them room to talk.
She grinned at him and shrugged. "What can I say? It's from being around you for three years." She grinned at his splutter and looked at Hermione. "If anything you could always hex them to keep them out of trouble. I did several times to Sirius just to keep him from doing something bad to my other friends."
Hermione giggled. "I may do that. Thank you, Professor"
Rosemary saw Ron looking at the Every Flavor beans with longing. "Go ahead and eat some, Ron. I don't eat them but people insist on getting them for me."
"Why don't you eat them, Professor?" Harry asked as Ron took a pack and started to slowly eat them.
She grimaced. "I had the misfortune of getting a blood tasting one my first ride here in my fifth year. Took me hours to get the blood taste out of my mouth."
They all shuddered and since all three knew of her lycanthropy she grinned and added. "The wolf part liked it but the human side was disgusted."
"I bet." Harry agreed. "I've had some bad ones but never blood thankfully."
"Be glad. It doesn't taste very good."
Ron made a face. "I think I just found one. It really doesn't taste too good."
They all laughed about that and started to talk. Before they knew it an hour had passed and Sirius came back with a young lady. "Rose! Feel like that interview?"
Her eyes widened. "Sirius Black! You little pest! Why didn't you warn me!"
He grinned. "Rose, I'm bringing a reporter to do the interview with you. Just thought you might want to know."
Rosemary scowled and grabbed her wand. Before he could move she put a tickling hex on him, changed his hair to purple, turned his skin blue, and locked his legs. He fell to the ground laughing. She levitated him and moved him into the hallway while the woman stood by, laughing. Rosemary waved her wand again and she was clothed in soft robes and her hair was fixed. "Go on, Harry, Hermione, Ron. I'll talk to you later."
"We're glad you're back up, Professor." Hermione told her. "Hope you'll be back in class soon."
"I will be." Rosemary promised as she pushed herself up. She scowled when she saw Remus about to help. "I'm fine, Remus. You just sit back down. Better yet, let her use your chair and get me some food. I'm hungry." She looked at him with what he called her sad wolf eyes. "Please?"
He laughed and kissed her. "Very well. It'll take a while to get your order anyway. Don't over exert yourself, love and no more spells." He took her wand from her with a grin before leaving.
She smiled. "Pest." She said fondly. She shook her head and motioned to the chair. "Please sit down." She saw the amazement in the woman's eyes. "What's wrong?"
"It's just I've heard your life story, Mrs. Lupin and it's amazing that you can laugh after all that has happened to you."
Rosemary shrugged. "I am happy." She said simply. "I have family and friends who care for me. My Pack is together again or as together as it will be and I'm whole once more. Why wouldn't I be happy?"
"So the threat of You-Know-Who doesn't bother you?"
"Doesn't it bother everyone? It bothers me but I don't let it drag me down. I promised myself I would have a good time and become whole once more. I have fulfilled that. I'm happy and whole once more. I have a wonderful mate and a good Pack. My cave is warm and safe and the cubs happy." She blinked and groaned. "Sorry. I slipped into wolf talk. I do that often."
The woman nodded. "I don't mind." She frowned slightly then reddened. "I'm sorry. I didn't introduce myself. I am Lisa Knight a reporter for the Daily Prophet."
"You replaced that Rita woman?" she asked with a raised eyebrow after shaking her hand.
"Yes."
"Congratulations. I hope you tell more truth than she did."
Lisa smiled. "I try." She said with a shrug.
Rosemary nodded and shifted until she was sitting with her legs hanging off the bed. "Now what did you want to know?"
An hour later, Lisa told her good-bye and left. Rosemary sighed and leaned back into the pillows. 'Man, I hate interviews!' she thought with a groan.
"Tired, love?" Remus's familiar and beloved voice asked. A pair of strong familiar hands started rubbing her shoulders.
She moaned in pleasure. "Yes. It's been a long day and I still haven't read that letter from Lucius." She let him rub her shoulders a few minutes longer before sitting up reluctantly. "That feels good, love but I need to eat then you can do that if you want." She frowned. "Hopefully in our room."
"Eat first then you can leave." Madam Pomfrey's voice came from her office. "I'm getting tired of your complaining and all the visitors I get."
"Thank you Poppy!" Rosemary called back and started to eat. For the first time since she had gotten at Hogwarts she allowed herself to relax totally and ate like she wanted.
Like a wolf.
An hour later they were in their room relaxing when Rosemary suddenly remembered the package. "What was in the bag, love?"
He grinned and pulled it out. "Just some little get well presents." He pulled out candy from Zonko's then some jokes that he had found. She laughed and grabbed the chocolate frogs. She ate one then froze when she saw a familiar face staring up at her. "Rem, they have Harry as a famous wizard." The picture winked at her then faded away. "Strange."
He chuckled and popped a piece of candy into her mouth. "Just eat love. Enjoy your books on jokes. Think up some good jokes to play and on whom to play them. I'll help if you want."
She smiled at him and kissed him. "Thanks but right now, I don't want candy." She grinned and showed him exactly what she did want.
Much later she remembered Lucius's letter. She grimaced but decided she better open it.
Dear Rosemary,
ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND? YOU COULD HAVE KILLED YOURSELF! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH? I WOULD HAVE SENT A BLOODY HOWLER BUT IT WOULD EXPLODE BEFORE YOU READ IT. DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED I WAS?
Now, I hope you won't do anything else as stupid as that? Next time, tell someone you're allergic to something BEFORE you take it? I don't want to lose you little Rose.
Rosemary frowned at that though she was hard put not to laugh. Lucius knew she hated being called little and since when did he know how to make a talking letter without it being a Howler that exploded if not opened immediately? She got her answer when the letter continued.
Finished thinking and brooding? Good. I found this is one of those old spell books you gave me from your research.
Rose laughed at that. She remembered the gift she had given him right before her capture and imprisonment with all the spells she had found during her imprisonment under her house and during her three years at Hogwarts. She had also given a copy to Sirius, James, Remus, Lily, Severus and Peter. She absently wondered what happened to them all.
Now I hope Lupin is taking proper care of you. If not I'll have to come beat him up and hex him a few times. You're my little sister by two months and I'll protect your honor as best I can. I think that I shall end this letter for now but I shall talk to you again. I miss you my sister. Stay safe for like Severus and I said long ago, we'd both be lost if it wasn't for you holding our heads above the water.
Love,
Your Brother,
Lucius Malfoy
Rosemary smiled and set about answering him wishfully thinking she could see him again but that wouldn't happen for some time. He was suppose to be her enemy.
The evening of the full moon she cleaned up her classroom. 'I can not wait until this full moon is over with.' She thought to herself. "I feel like I was just ran over by an eighteen wheeler." She muttered.
"What's that?" Remus asked as he and Severus came in. "A Muggle thing?"
"Yes. It's a large truck that has eighteen wheels on it. It's really big and suppose to be heavy." She shrugged. "I feel like one just ran over me."
"What are you allergic to in the Truth Potion?" Severus asked her.
She shrugged. "It's not the ingredients but the potion itself. My body fights it and though it still works on me my body goes into a coma to erase it from my system. The more I take the worse it is." She looked at him suspiciously. "Why?"
"Making sure nothing else would effect you that way." Severus said with a shrug. "I didn't want to put you back in the infirmary with the Wolfsbane potion."
"You won't." she promised. She nodded at the glasses in his hands. "Those the potion?"
"Yes. You might want to wait a few minutes to take it."
She nodded and put them on her desk. "How was your classes today, Severus?" she asked with a grin.
"Fine once I got the frogs out of the cauldrons." He crossed his arms and glared at her. "Was there a particular reason you put frogs in my cauldrons?"
"You put snakes in my room." She pointed out. "Scared my second years out of their seats. Some took off running the opposite way."
"Oops." He grinned. "Harry thought it was hilarious. He immediately wanted to ask you how you did that. He helped me catch them all."
"See? He isn't so bad if you don't snap at him all the time taking points from his House just for breathing."
He chuckled. "I know. It's fun at times though and he does deserve it at times. He doesn't cause as much problems as Potter and you did but he still causes problems especially with Malfoy."
"Yes. He hates him with a passion." Rosemary flinched. "I think I better take the potion and get out to the shack. My body is acting strange." She took the canister and gulped the contents down before handing the glass back to Severus. Remus did the same before taking her hand. "Shall we?"
"Yes." She pulled the Invisibility cloak over them and walked out.
"Wait." He called.
"Yes?"
"I'll walk out with you and open doors for you so none will think it weird that doors are opening by themselves. Besides, I wanted to take a walk anyway."
"Thank you." Severus walked out with them and opened doors for them. When he reached outside he smiled slightly. "Have fun you two." He said softly knowing they would hear. "Be safe, Rose."
He felt her gently kiss his cheek. "Thanks, Severus. See you tomorrow." He heard them running before he went back inside.
Rosemary felt he change coming on right when they ducked under the Whomping Willow and went into the shack. She put the cloak up and hunched over with a groan as did Remus. She moved over to the bed and he fell beside her. They hugged each other as the change came over them.
When they were completely changed they sighed and curled up together. "Sirius will be coming." He said with a slight growl that accompanied most of their words. He licked her face and she sighed.
"He has something planned for a surprise." She predicted. "Haven't seen him all day. Harry disappeared right after class and usually he stays after class to talk."
Just then they heard whining at the door then the door slowly opened to reveal Sirius in his dog form and a large lion. Rosemary jumped up, barely able to contain herself. She had to fight the wolf's instincts to protect her home from this stranger who dared to intrude. Padfoot was fine but she didn't know this lion and he was invading in her property.
Sirius came up to her and gently took her paw in his teeth. "It's Harry." He told her. "He's a friend. Ally."
Rosemary took a deep breath and grinned a wolf's welcome. "That's what you've been hiding." She growled. "Come in, Harry and let's have a look at you."
He was large, almost larger than Sirius and was a beautiful tanned color but his eyes were his normal green and even in his Animagi form he had the lightning scar on his forehead.
"This is his second transformation." Sirius told them proudly. He dropped his jaw in a dog's laugh. "Want to have fun?"
They spent the night playing in the Forbidden Forest just like they had as children with Prongs, and Wormtail.
After the full moon was over, things went back to normal as Halloween came closer. Rosemary became closer to her students and ghosts. Soon she was added to the very short list that could control Peeves. She became known as the school counselor because she would listen to any student that needed someone to talk to. She wouldn't tell anybody what they talked about and soon more and more students came to her for advice and to just talk about what was bothering them. She helped them the best she could wishing she could do more. They assured her though that she was doing enough. She was the only one that listened to them all the time, any time.
After Halloween she slipped into a routine once more. She would get up and take a shower with Remus before going to breakfast. Then she would teach her classes and eat before retreating to her classroom where all students knew they could find her if they needed to talk. Then she would go to her office with them until she was finished. After dinner, if any needed her, they knew they would need to knock on her bedroom door because that was when she retreated there with Remus.
Christmas crept up on them and though very few students stayed at Hogwarts and even some teachers left, Rosemary and Remus decided to stay. Harry and Sirius stayed to keep them company and they all had fun on the full moon when they played in the snow together. Rosemary spent as much time as she could with Severus and making time to talk with Dumbledore often. She grew closer to the teachers there and joked with the ghosts, playing innocent tricks on them like moving things around in one of their favorite haunts or filling a room with flour. They had fun with her and would often talk with her.
On Christmas morning, Rosemary slowly woke up. It took a few minutes before it registered that today was Christmas day. She smiled and wondered if Harry and Sirius liked their presents. She had given almost everyone at the school something. She had plenty of money from the Ministry and even her father. He hadn't been caught but she knew his vault number and had gotten a copy of his key, years before. He was filthy rich having several different vaults that were filled to the brim and she knew he probably didn't even miss any of it.
She turned and smiled when she saw Remus. He was curled up on his side with one arm over her and the other under his head. All his weariness that was there during the day was gone when he slept. She smiled and gently kissed him. It took a few seconds but he woke up enough to respond. They kissed for several minutes before she pulled away. He grinned up at her. "That was a wonderful way to wake up. You know that right?"
She grinned and kissed him briefly before looking around for her clothes. She froze staring at the large pile of presents at the foot of the bed. "Remus? What in the tail's end is that?"
He looked and started laughing. "A pile of presents and I'm just guessing that they aren't mine."
"From who?!" she demanded as she scrambled to go to them.
He groaned. "Love, I'm enjoying the view but unless you want them to wait, put some clothes on."
Rosemary muttered something and some clothes appeared on her. "Sorry love but there's so many of them!"
He chuckled at the child like glee in her voice and face. "You're well loved, Rose. People think that you're the most wonderful person next to Harry Potter and Dumbledore and that's more from fame than anything else. You have a whole school wrapped around your finger and many of the parents too. Did you really think you wouldn't get anything?" He sighed at her look. "Love, you're loved and no one who know would forget that today was both your birthday and Christmas. Now why don't you see who sent you things?"
Rosemary happily set about opening them all up. On the top were little things from students: candy, colored ink and paper, beautiful cards made by magic, photos of her and Remus, photos of each of her classes playing around, more candy, dungbombs, joke books, joke packs, and even more. It made her head swim, just looking at the pile of things from her students. Ron had sent her some jokes that a note said was from his brothers' joke shop. Hermione had gotten her a Muggle book about werewolves and Harry had gotten her an album filled with photos of Sirius, Sirius as Padfoot or Snuffles, Ron, Harry, Harry as Braveheart as they all called his lion form, Hermione, Remus, Remus as a werewolf and even her and Remus as werewolves and normal. 'We look so carefree.' She thought wistfully.
She opened some from Professors next. McGonagall had given her a Truth Teller. It would grow gray if someone told a lie around it. Professor Pooch had given her the newest model of Firebolt made, Professor Sprout a beautiful flower that seemed to have it's own personality as it nuzzled her hand. Hagrid gave her a book on different animals and plants. Flitwick gave her a book on Charms but Dumbledore must have found out about her sweet tooth from someone because he sent a large supply of candy both Muggle and Wizard but didn't include any Every Flavor Beans.
Rosemary shared her stash with Remus before she started opening the gifts from her close friends and Pack.
Lucius was first. She read the note first.
Dear Rose,
I hope you like this. I didn't really know what you wanted or needed. I knew this was your size and thought you would look good in them. One is for your birthday and the other for Christmas. Stay safe.
Your Brother,
Lucius.
Rosemary frowned slightly and opened the package with the letter gasping when she pulled out a beautiful Muggle dress. It was long and had sparkles all over it. It was silky to the touch and slinked when she moved it around. She gently put it aside then took out beautiful dress robes that were in a sky blue and shimmered when she moved them around. She smiled and determined to thank him for them.
Next she opened a present from Sirius. He had gotten her two it seemed. She opened the first and grinned when she saw it was another photo album. She took a glance inside and gasped when she realized they were pictures from their youth with Lily, James and others. Even at a quick glance though she noticed he didn't include any with Pettigrew. 'Thanks, Sirius.' She thought wryly. 'Don't want to see his slinky face right now.' She pulled a face when she realized that many of the pictures of her and Remus were taken when they didn't know about it, even the infamous pictures that Severus and Lucius had taken. 'I wonder how he got a hold of those.'
She opened the other one and squealed at what was there. It was a beautiful statue of a Grim. She touched it and would have picked it up but it suddenly came to life in her hand. She almost dropped it but caught it in time. It seemed to move like it barked and ran around in circles in her palm. She petted it and it licked her hand before curling up to sleep. Rosemary swallowed and put it on the dresser. "He is too much." She said softly.
Remus smiled sadly. She still didn't believe that people could care so much for her. She had been hurt too many times to believe. "You have more, love."
"Aren't you going to open yours?" she asked motioning to his pile.
"In a minute. I'm having fun watching you."
She smiled at him and continued opening her presents. The next one was from Severus. It was a bottle of something. She frowned and read the letter.
Dear Rosemary,
This is a potion that will make the person who drinks it have red hair and blue skin. You only need a drop in a glass for it to work. Yes, I tried it and had to use an illusion to cover up the effects. It lasts twenty-four hours. Have fun.
Your Brother,
Severus
Rosemary laughed and explained to Remus what it was. "I'll use it on Minerva." She said with a grin. "Maybe Draco and he'll blame Harry of course. I'll have to explain it to Harry though. That'll be fun."
Remus propped his head on his hand, lying back on the bed on his side to watch her better. "Maybe Madam Pomfrey?"
Rosemary's eyes lit up with glee. "Yes! That's a wonderful idea!" she laughed evilly rubbing her hands together. "I'm going to have so much fun with this!"
'I'll have to thank Severus later.' Remus thought reluctantly. 'We really need to have a talk about this feud we have going on. It's tearing Rose apart that her Pack doesn't get along.'
Rosemary moved on to the next present from Severus. It was an enchanted mirror that commented on her looks plus he had slipped a gift certificate for the bookstore in Hogsmeade in it. She grinned and decided to make sure he knew she appreciated it. 'I hope he likes the presents I got him.' She thought gleefully of the box of shampoo that hid a snake statue much like the dog Sirius had given her.
Professor Dumbledore gave her another present and she started laughing when she found out what it was. It was a large package full of different socks. "He must have gone to the Muggle world for them!" she exclaimed holding up pairs that had a place for each toe. "I told him once that I saw them and thought they were cute. He actually got me several pairs!" She laughed again. "Great minds really do think alike! I got him some too!"
Remus laughed with her at that then watched nervously as she picked up the one from him. It hopefully was touching to her but he didn't know if she would like them or not.
Rosemary slowly opened one from Remus taking a quick glance at him. She carefully unwrapped it revealing a box. She blinked and opened the box wondering what it was. She gasped, her eyes going wide.
Inside was a beautiful wooden box with all kinds of carvings on them like wolves, unicorns, dragons and even roses that she loved so much. She could see a stag roaming around in the trees and two werewolves running side by side with a large dog and lion at their side. Tears started to form at her eyes and she threw herself at him after making sure the box was out of the way.
When she finally calmed down she would have set the box aside when he stopped her. "Look inside, love." He said softly. "The box is your Christmas gift. What's inside is your birthday gift."
She frowned and opened it her eyes going wide once more. Inside was a selection of necklaces, rings and bracelets. One caught her eyes and she slowly lifted the locket out. She opened it and inside was moving pictures. On one side was a picture of her and Remus but on the other side was a picture of her Pack: Severus, Sirius, Lucius, Harry, and Dumbledore. She didn't know how he had gotten them all to get together but they were all waving cheerfully up at her.
She allowed a single tear fall down her cheek and she fumbled with the locket to put it on. Remus stood and came behind her. "Let me love." He told her. He put it on her kissing the back of her neck. "Merry Christmas, my mate."
"Remus, this is too much." She looked at the diamond necklaces and all the rings and bracelets. All were either gold or platinum and sparkled in the light.
He picked up a ring and held up her hand. "To show my love of you for the whole world to see." He said showing her the inside which said, 'I'll love you until the end of time. Your mate forever, Moony.'
Inwardly Rosemary laughed at the irony but she threw herself at him and kissed him passionately. When they parted they were both breathless. He kissed her briefly. "Finish opening your presents, love."
"Who else is there?" she asked with a frown. She picked it up and frowned more. "There's no tag on it." She muttered. She was really puzzled now. Who would give her something and not put a tag on it? She slowly opened it then gasped at what was inside.
It was a gray-the exact color of Remus's eyes-glass figure of a werewolf but before her eyes it started to slowly change into a human form that was as familiar as her own. He looked up at her then morphed into a beautiful wolf that started pacing up and down her palm wanting to go by the Grim that Sirius had given her. It had woken up and was staring at the wolf in fascination. Rosemary slowly moved her hand to the table and the wolf jumped off and sniffed noses with the Grim before running along side of it to explore their new home.
Rosemary stared at them then looked up at Remus. "Remus?" she whispered.
He mutely shook his head. "I didn't do it." He said softly. "I promise."
She nodded mutely. After a few minutes she shook herself. "Now your presents, love."
He smiled and opened them as she watched. Sirius had given him a watch that had one hand showing where he was at and the other showing where he should be. Harry had given him a painting of a howling wolf with cubs around its feet and a female wolf howling beside him. Ron had gotten him some pranks from his brothers' shop and some candy. Hermione had gotten him a Dark Arts book that looked like it was a hundred years old. He laughed when he opened Rosemary's though. "We really do think alike." He admitted. He looked inside the blue ring that reminded him of her eyes and saw the words. 'You'll be mine forever and I'll be yours. Luna.'
She took it from him and slipped it on his finger then met his eyes. All the pleasure that she had gotten from her presents and seeing him came flooding to him through the bond they now shared. They did not know how or why but they were closer now than ever before and could sense what the other felt no matter where or how far apart they were.
It was several more minutes before he realized that there was still another present. He frowned and slowly opened it only to find a werewolf much like Rosemary's had been but slimmer and a beautiful blue like her eyes. It slowly changed into Rosemary who winked at him before changing into a slim wolf. He moved his hand to the table where it rushed off to find the Grim and the Remus wolf.
Rosemary swallowed then looked down at the paper. "Look there's a letter with it." She handed it to him and he slowly read it out loud.
To Remus and Rosemary.
I will not reveal who I am only know that I wish you the best of luck in life. These figurines are enchanted to find the other at any time. Keep them in your pocket with you at all times. They are magically attracted to you and will always find you no matter what. They mirror your moods and will look like you at times. Stay safe and remember to keep them with you.
Your Secret Friend.
Rosemary and Remus looked at each other both wondering who the secret friend was.
Two days later, Remus was wandering the halls while Rosemary was talking to Professor Dumbledore and Sirius in Dumbledore's office when he saw Snape. 'What better time to start the healing?' he asked himself as he hurried his steps. "Professor Snape, if I could have a word?"
Severus turned and couldn't help the sneer that came over his face. He didn't like Remus very much even if he was Rosemary's mate. Bad taste on her part or so Severus thought. "What is it, Lupin?" he tried to ignore the voice inside him that said, 'You were friends until you thought that he had hurt Rosemary. He was as close to you as a brother.'
"Could I have a word with you in a more private setting?"
Severus narrowed his eyes then nodded slowly. "Very well. Follow me." He walked a minute then turned abruptly into an abandoned classroom. He closed the door then scowled. "Now what is it? I have better things to do than talk to you, Lupin."
"Have you noticed Rosemary's face every time we fight?" Remus demanded. 'This is for Rosemary.' He chanted. 'Think of Rosemary.' He saw that Snape had frozen at that. "It tears her apart." He took a deep breath. "You mean a lot to her, Snape and I for one am willing to put aside our differences and at least try to be friends. Don't you think there has been enough fighting to last a lifetime? Don't you think she's in enough pain without her having to see her best friends, her Pack fighting? It hurts her because she loves you so much as her brother. She barely remembers that there is no blood between you or that both of you have done things in your past. All she knows is her brother and mate is at odds and probably will be for the rest of their lives even though for a time we were friends. Can we surprise her and at least be civil to each other?" Remus held out his hand.
Severus swallowed. The truth was, now that Rosemary was back in his life, he really didn't want to fight anymore. He hated the image that he kept up but why keep it up? 'Because of Voldemort you idiot.' Something inside told him. 'If he found out you were friends with his enemies, he would grow even more suspicious than he already is. It's bad enough you're openly friends with Rosemary, a known werewolf.'
Severus took a deep breath then shook his hand. "Very well. For Rosemary." He looked uncomfortable. "But it can't change too much." He said finally. "If Voldemort-"
Remus nodded, knowing what he was about to say. "I understand. I'll tell Rosemary what is going on though so she'll know that it's only an act." He smiled slightly. "I know this is a lot to ask but maybe you'll consider doing the same with Sirius?"
Severus snorted. "Not likely. You aren't so bad but Black acts like a thirteen year old without any brains."
Remus sighed. "I figured as much. Just be warned that Rosemary has already said that one day she will get tired of the feud between you two and do something about it."
"I don't doubt it." Severus muttered. "She always did do something about fighting." He shrugged. "As long as I don't have to spend time with Black I don't care what she does."
Two weeks later, it all came to a head. Sirius pulled a trick on Severus, putting dungbombs in his cauldron making a potion that made everything it touched swell. Severus was covered in it but that hadn't been all. He hexed Severus causing his hair to stand up straight, red and gold. His skin now changed from red to gold, the Gryffindor colors. Sirius was laughing so hard he could barely move but managed to get to the Great Hall before Snape caught up to him.
"That's it, Black! You're dead!" Snape pulled out his wand even with his hand swollen and put several hexes on Sirius before he put his hands on Sirius's neck still holding his wand. Next thing he knew his wand was knocked out of his hand and Sirius's taken from him. Something forcibly pried his hands from Sirius and threw him backwards. Severus found himself facing something he had hoped he would never seeing: a very angry Rosemary.
"Enough! Both of you!" she glared at them both but though she was yelling at them they could see the pain in her eyes. "This is the final straw! I can understand a little harmless pranking but this is ridiculous and in front of the students too!" She didn't pay any attention to the stares they were getting but reached out to each of them. She grabbed both of them by their ears and marched them to an abandoned room where she shoved them in. "Get in there. When you have finally come to a peaceful agreement you will be allowed out but not until then." She glared at them both. "If I were you, I would work SOMETHING or you two will be in here a long time." She turned on her heel and muttered something while waving her wand. The room was surrounded in a silver glow that she easily passed through but when they tried they were thrown back into the room. "If you two want out anytime soon you better start talking. The moment you two have settled this the barrier will fall but you had better mean it!" she turned and left but not before they saw the tears in her eyes.
Both men stared at each other in hatred though soon it turned to shame that the one person that meant the world to them, the one that had saved both of their lives many times both physically and emotionally, was crying because of them.
Severus decided to try to reach an agreement with him. "Look Black. You know I don't like you. I never have and I probably never will. I hate your guts especially since you did this to me." He motioned to his swollen state. "For some reason Rosemary likes you and wants us to be friends. I don't want to. I hate the thought of it but she wants it and I'll do anything for her."
Sirius glared at him. "I've hated your greasy self since the day I first met you." He snarled. "You always called Lily Mudblood and didn't have a heart in your body. You served Voldemort even though you knew that he was evil and took his Dark Mark. Rosemary gave you the benefit of doubt but I will never be friends with you."
"Then I guess we'll be here for some time." Snape said coldly, before sitting in one of the chairs.
"I guess so." Sirius moved to the opposite side of the room not looking at his enemy.
The silence stretched on and on. Finally they were tired of it and decided to try to leave. Severus tried but was thrown against the wall. "No, Severus. Talk to him." Rosemary's voice echoed around the room.
"Who wants to be friends with a Death Eater?" Sirius sneered.
"STOP CALLING ME THAT!" Severus yelled, tired of being called that hated name. He ignored Sirius's wide eyes and stalked toward him pointing a finger at his chest. "You were always so smug, so high, thinking so well of yourself but you never thought that others had problems did you, Black? You thought that everything revolved around you, that you knew everything that happened. Well you didn't then and you don't now. I was forced to become a Death Eater when I was seventeen years old and got out of it when I was offered the chance. I turned for Rosemary just like I'll willingly be civil to you for her. Now stop calling me that name." Severus turned away, horrified that he had just told Sirius all of that.
Sirius stared at him then swallowed his pride. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"Not many do." Severus said humorlessly. "Everyone at school except for Lucius and Rosemary thought I would willingly go to Voldemort after Hogwarts but I didn't. Soon Lupin believed it too though only because Rosemary did. I was forced to it before I even left. So was Lucius."
Sirius hesitated then walked up to him and stuck out his hand. "I'm willing to try to be friends." He said softly. "If you are."
Severus stared at the hand then slowly nodded and grasped it. "I am."
Immediately the silver wall disappeared and they sighed in relief. "Let's get out of here." Sirius said with glee, hurrying to the door in case Rosemary changed her mind. He yelped when a bucket of ice-cold water fell on him.
Severus laughed. "Seems like Rosemary gets the final word Black." He stepped through the door but suddenly stopped laughing when another bucket of cold water came tumbling down on him. He sighed. "Great. Rosemary decides to make us even." He smiled slightly at the laughing Sirius then shook his head. "Let's go get changed then go eat. I have a feeling we missed dinner."
"All right, Rainbow."
Sirius just rolled his eyes and went to his room to change.
After that, things ran a little smoother. Rosemary kept an eye on them both but they were actually being civil to each other though they were still calling each other by their last names but the taunts were gone. Rosemary was glad. She didn't think she would have been able to last much longer with their hatred all around her. Things went smoothly. Sirius and Harry would spend the full moon running with her and Remus in the forest and during the day each had their own schedule to keep though they found the time to spend together, trying out their new presents. Rosemary could be seen zooming around on her new broomstick and Harry could be seen beside her on his that Sirius had gotten him. Remus and Sirius would just stay on the ground watching them.
But as they knew it would, the peace ended. Rosemary saw Harry walking toward the Dark Forrest as if entranced and Rosemary saw the small form of a rat in front of him. She knew then that it was a plan of Voldemort and he was near.
'REMUS!' she 'screamed' with all her might through the bond. 'Harry's in trouble! Voldemort is near. I saw Peter!'
'I'll tell Dumbledore.' He thought back at her.
'I'm going after Harry. Come find me!' She took off running after him hoping she wasn't too late.
She got there in time to see two Death Eaters grab him and get ready to use a portkey. She put her invisibility cloak on as she ran and touched Harry just as they disappeared.
She went with them.
She looked around her surroundings but only saw darkness. It looked like they were in a cell of some sort. 'Azkaban?' she thought wildly. 'It was true! The Dementors have gone to Voldemort and Fudge didn't believe me! Now what are we going to do?'
She saw Pettigrew crouched behind Voldemort and wished she could do something to the little rat but she turned her attention to Voldemort as he started talking.
"Well, Potter, I have you in my grasp once more and this time you don't have your friends around to save you. The great Harry otter was led away by an illusion!" he laughed cruelly and started to lift his wand. "Now to cause you some pain. Crucio!"
Rosemary had been moving forward while Voldemort was talking and stepped in front of Harry as Voldemort threw the curse. She jerked silently as the curse hit her but didn't make a sound. 'For the first time in my life, I'm glad that Father trained me not to make a sound when I hurt.' She thought absently as she pushed the pain away.
"What? You should be writhing in pain!"
Harry smirked though secretly he was wondering why the spell hadn't worked. "You must be losing your touch Voldemort. I don't feel a thing."
Voldemort tried twice more but both times Rosemary caught the curse instead of Harry. Harry was starting to suspect that something had happened but didn't think he was invulnerable to the effects of the Cruciatus curse. His thoughts were confirmed when he saw Rosemary, briefly writhing in pain.
Rosemary's world was going dark but she knew she needed to save Harry. She took out her wand, pushing the pain aside. She muttered something pointing her wand at Harry. He slowly disappeared from sight.
"What? What trickery is this?" He scowled. "Find him!"
Rosemary collapsed to her knees. She had apparated Harry to right outside Hogwarts. He would know to get back to the castle. She curled up in a ball faintly feeling the cloak slip from around her.
"Master! I found why your spell did not affect Potter!" a familiar and feared voice called out. "It's the werewolf that escaped a few months ago!"
"So it is." Rosemary felt a foot connect to her side. "She's still alive so will be useful to us. Knock her out then chain her with the others. She can help with the attack on Hogwarts."
"Yes, Master." Kevin bowed low then pointed his wand at Rosemary who knew no more.
When she woke up she was in the familiar shack. Pettigrew came in and sneered. "Think that you'd escape our Master so easily? He knows your weaknesses and secrets. He will find you no matter where you are. You will never escape him. That shall become very evident in a few days." He grinned. "You shall be the key component in defeating Dumbledore and Potter once and for all."
"I will never hurt them." She snarled.
He laughed. "You won't have a choice, Rosemary. You won't realize what you are doing."
"Enough, Wormtail." Voldemort's cold voice stopped his bragging. "We shall start on her conditioning now."
Wormtail bowed low. "As you wish, Master."
Voldemort walked in and pointed his wand at her. "By the time, I am finished with you, you won't remember anything. Crucio!"
Rosemary writhed on the ground but inwardly she was glad that she had been able to save Harry. She hoped they found her soon. She didn't know how much more she could take of this.
Dumbledore watched Remus with sad weary eyes. "We're doing all we can, Remus, to find her."
Remus shuddered as he felt another wave of pain. "They're killing her!" he exclaimed the wolf in him crying out for his mate. "They're torturing her! Soon she won't remember who she is!"
"All we can do is search for her and hope for the best." Dumbledore told him. "I'm increasing the security here. I have a feeling that Voldemort shall try something soon." He sighed and rubbed his head. "I just don't know what he will try."
He found out a week later, on the full moon. The quiet of the school was broken by several howls cutting through the night. Everyone's hair stood on the backs of their necks and many rushed to the windows to look out the window.
"It's werewolves!" Ron exclaimed. "Dozens of them heading this way!"
Harry swallowed. Remus was in the Shrieking Shack after taking the Potion. He would be the only one who could fight the werewolves and successfully win. He turned from the window and hurried down out of the dorms.
"Harry! Where are you going?"
"To talk to Sirius!" Harry yelled back, not slowing down. He hurried through the halls and went into Sirius's room. "Sirius! There's dozens of werewolves coming this way!"
Sirius's eyes widened. "Go tell Dumbledore. Make sure he knows. I'm going to go get Moony. Rosemary may be with them."
Harry nodded and hurried to Dumbledore's office to find him outside his office. "Professor Dumbledore! Voldemort's coming with werewolves!"
"Your scar?"
"It doesn't burn badly but it's uncomfortable."
Dumbledore nodded. "I take it Sirius has gone to get Remus?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good. We need all the help we can get. Make sure no one leaves the dormitories then come outside in your Animagus form. You'll be safest like that but I want you with me."
"Yes, sir." He turned to go back to his dormitory and suddenly realized that he had never told Dumbledore that he was an Animagi. 'How did he know?'
Remus bounded out of the Shrieking Shack with Sirius at his side. "Werewolves?"
"Yes, dozens of them. We think Rosemary might be one of them."
Remus looked at the direction that Sirius was talking about and swallowed. There were indeed dozens of werewolves coming and all looked like the wolf was in full control. He grasped his figurine of Rosemary that was in the small pouch that Sirius had transfigured for him then bounded toward the werewolves. "I'm finding Rosemary! Go to Dumbledore!"
Sirius bounded away, worried for his godson and friends. Remus didn't think of anything except rescuing his mate.
A familiar howl made his spine crawl. He would recognize Rosemary's howl anywhere but that didn't sound like his Rosemary. It sounded as if the wolf had finally taken control of her. 'Rosemary!' he called out deep within his soul.
He growled as a werewolf came up to him and fought the wolf off knocking him unconscious. He did the same as more and more werewolves came at him. He allowed the wolf to come to the fore, knowing that he had a advantage in that this was his home turf but they had the advantage in sheer numbers.
He was just about to go down when a werewolf howled again and all the werewolves backed away. A familiar form came toward him. "You fight well." She said the growl more pronounced than it ever was. "Join our Master in ridding this world of humans. We shall rule the world!"
"No! Rosemary listen to yourself!" he pleaded. "You are human, not a wolf."
Rosemary growled. "I am the Alpha female and I lead this pack. We shall rule together or you shall die!"
Desperately he pulled out the figurine and held it out in his hand. It started pacing and was an exact duplicate of her. Slowly it changed back into her human counterpart but then changed to the werewolf again.
'Remember, my mate?' he asked using the bond they had. 'Push down the wolf and remember you're true self.'
Rosemary stared at the figurine and slowly put her hand in the pocket of her worn clothes and pulled out her own figurine. She stared at it then looked up at him. 'Remus?' she whispered.
'Yes. It's me love. Fight the wolf.'
Rosemary stared at him then put the figurine in his hand. 'Keep. We shall see each other again wolf that is a man.' She put her nose in the air and let out an ear-splitting howl that made all werewolves stop. She put a command in the howl. 'Protect the castle! Don't hurt any humans except the ones who captured us! Revolt, my Pack, my wolves! Follow me!' With that, she took off running and all the wolves fell in behind her. Remus put the figurines up and ran to her side. 'I'll stay with you.' He promised. 'For now and ever.' She nodded but kept running to where there was a large figure in the distance and a smaller one beside him. As they grew closer Remus recognized them as Dumbledore and Harry in his animagus form.
Rosemary skidded to a halt in front of Dumbledore and growled. "My Master wants Potter!" she growled. Remus looked at her and realized that she was still fighting whatever Voldemort had done to her. "Give him up or be bitten and taken into My Master's power."
"You can not have him, Rosemary. Think again, please." Dumbledore said calmly as if there wasn't dozens of werewolves wanting to bite him. "None will harm you here."
Rosemary looked around as fighting came to her ears. She saw Death Eaters fighting professors and something in her broke through the barriers that Voldemort had put up. She remembered Remus and her Pack. She remembered all that she had ever done and was. She remembered love and friendship. She growled as she realized that he mind had been messed with then turned to the werewolves. 'Destroy our enemies! Destroy our capturers! The silver one is mine!'
They all howled their approval at finally being able to go after the ones who hurt them and hurried to do so. Rosemary went searching for Pettigrew.
"Remus, what happened?"
Remus sighed. "Voldemort did something to her. She didn't remember anything but something triggered in her when I showed her our figurines we got for Christmas. Now she and the others will fight him." He growled. "I see Pettigrew! I'm going to my Mate!" he bounded away toward a figure in the distance. As he grew closer he saw Rosemary circling warily around a thin figure with a silver hand. 'My mate! I come! Do not kill him! He can be used to satisfy Pack Brother Sirius!'
'I hear!' she replied. She threw herself at Pettigrew and Remus threw himself at him also. They carried him to the ground and Remus screamed as Pettigrew touched his silver hand to him. Rosemary went berserk at his pain and jumped on his head. Soon, he was unconscious from her hitting him with her large hands.
They both left him there and went back to the battle. Rosemary saw Voldemort facing off with Dumbledore with Harry pacing beside him. She saw Dumbledore go down and she started running to catch Voldemort unawares. She didn't know why but suddenly she started running on all fours and her body lengthened until she as a full wolf. She bounded and hit Voldemort in the back just as he started to yell Arvada Kevadra at Harry. She growled and bounded to Harry's side. He changed to human and pointed his wand at Voldemort. They started to duel and each time Voldemort tried to use the killing Curse, Rosemary would jump at him and stop it.
One time though she didn't get there in time. He successfully threw it at Harry who tried to get out of the way. He didn't make it and everyone was blinded by a green light.
Rosemary slowly woke up to see the familiar white walls around her. 'What happened?" she asked herself. Suddenly it all came rushing back and she looked around frantically for Remus.
"I'm here love." his familiar voice said and he slipped his hand into hers. "You're one of the last ones to wake up. Everyone is fine."
"My Pack?"
"All recovering. You had the worse of them all."
"Harry?" she tried to sit up. "Is he dead? What happened?"
"Don't worry Professor Lupin. I'm not dead." Harry spoke up coming over with a big grin. He had a bandage on his forehead and he walked stiffly but he was alive and walking. That's all that mattered to Rosemary. "Something kept the curse from working on me and it backfired on Voldemort. He's dead for good this time."
"Pettigrew?"
"Alive and awaiting a trial." Dumbledore told her coming beside the bed. "He should be getting the Kiss afterwards though. None have forgotten your testimony at Sirius's trial. That is against him and others that were in his care have volunteered to testify against him as has Sirius and others."
Rosemary sighed and leaned back. "Good. I don't want to have to see that slimy git anymore. I'll testify if they need me to."
"You will not." Remus told her, steel in his eyes. "Last time you took that potion, I almost lost you. There are plenty others to testify against him. You need rest."
Rosemary smiled and closed her eyes but they immediately popped back open. "Lucius! Was he hurt? Is he all right? He's not going to be punished is he?"
"Calm down, Rose." Severus told her, frowning. "Lucius is fine. He has already had his trial and Dumbledore spoke for him as did I. He's free though I'm afraid his reputation is shot. When he was still under the effects of the Potion he asked how you were. When told that you were unconscious and we didn't know if you would survive he yelled that he hoped you lived because he had to thank you for saving his life again. He said he would never forgive himself if you died."
"Silly git." She said with a smile. "Was anyone killed?"
"Only a few of the werewolves." Remus said smoothing her hair back from her face. "All the students were in their dormitories and the teachers are hurt but fine. You were the worst of the wounded. There weren't even any new werewolves except among Death Eaters and no neither were Severus or Lucius."
"What happened? How did I get hurt?"
"You were too close to Voldemort and Harry." Albus explained. "When he threw the curse at Harry you got a wave of it. It didn't kill you but sent you into a coma for a week. We didn't think you would survive."
"And now, she needs rest." Poppy told them coming up with a potion. "Rosemary you will drink this."
"I've been resting for a week, Poppy." She complained.
"You need more." Poppy said firmly. "Now drink this down or I'll force it down your throat."
"One last question, Poppy." Dumbledore told her. "Rosemary, how did you turn to a wolf?"
She grinned and they were slightly surprised at how much wolf there was in that grin. "Voldemort pushed me too far. My transformation is complete and though I'll change to a werewolf only at the full moon, I can now change to a full-grown wolf any time that I want. Strange but it happened." She grimaced and took the potion from Poppy, draining the cup. "Remus, don't leave." She said as the potion took effect.
Poppy shooed everyone out and Remus climbed into the bed holding her close to him. "I'll never leave you, my mate."
Rosemary smiled and let the potion claim her, sending her into a dreamless sleep.
Rosemary sighed as she packed her bags. "Yes, Albus. I'll be back next year to teach but Remus will be with me."
"I count on it." He watched her pack. "Where will you be going?"
"The Ministry gave us a house near a forest on the outskirts of a wizard town. They'll be sending a potion to us every month for us to take and we'll be able to run in the forest while our werewolf bodies are with us." She picked up her figurine of Remus and sighed. "I wish I knew who sent this to me. Remus has one as well and neither of us know who gave them to us or why. It helped me remember who I was and helped him find me." She turned to the door as Remus came in. "Yes, love?"
"This just came by owl." He held a letter out to her. "I don't know who it's from. Maybe our mysterious friend?"
"I hope so. I want to know who to thank for this." She opened the letter.
"I shall leave you alone. Please come see me before you leave." Dumbledore stood and left the room Remus came up beside Rosemary as she read the letter out loud.
Dear Rosemary,
I hope you are well and happy. I know I have never shown my love to you but I always saw your mother in you. That is why I hurt you so much. I am sorry for what I have done and know that I deserve the Kiss. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for the things I've done to you. I thought that going to You-Know-Who would solve my problems, that I wouldn't be haunted by your mother and your face. I was wrong. Instead I was haunted by the ghosts and memories of the ones that I killed. I'm sorry, Rose. I really am.
If you received this, then it means that I have been captured and You know who is more than likely dead. I don't know what they will do if the Dementors are really on You Know Who's side. Maybe just imprisonment or death by another way. I love you Rose and I hope that you and your husband will find happiness together. I hope that the figurines came in handy. It really hurt me to see you so far gone into the wolf but I thought that your mate would be able to convince you to come back. Stay safe, my daughter and you won't have to worry about me ever hurting you again.
Your Father,
Kevin McClellan.
Rosemary stared at the letter then looked at Remus with tears in her eyes. "He really means it." She said softly. "He's really sorry for what he has done."
Remus held her close as she started crying for the father that she never had. She let all of her pain and frustration out, knowing that he really was sorry and knowing also that she had already forgiven him. Remus wondered if Kevin knew what a wonderful daughter he really had.
Rosemary looked around the modest home and grinned. "Finally, home at last."
Remus chuckled as he put their things down and let out his figurine of Rosemary on the shelf over the fireplace. She did the same with hers of Remus and Padfoot. "Yes, we are, love."
She turned to him smiling softly. "Dream come true, isn't it Moony?"
He smiled back and took her in his arms. "Yes. A dream that I've been dreaming for over twenty years."
She laughed and kissed him passionately, forgetting about the unpacking they needed to do, knowing only that today was the first day of their life together.
Together.
Forever.
The End
That's it! Let me know what you think!