Diary of an Orphan (original writing)

by BlAcKdAuGhTeR

What if Sirius had a daughter? What would she be like? Jenna spent her early life in an orphanage until the appearance of a man named Remus Lupin changed her life forever. This is the Diary of an Orphan. HPGW, RWHG in future chapters and maybe HPOC.

13. Innocent Lives Spared

AN: hi people. just want to say, don't worry Hermione fans, she will hit Malfoy but the way she did in the film because I needed a reason for Harry to find out why Jenna was an orphan and having her slap Malfoy in defence of Hagrid seemed the best way. oh, and thanks to all the people who've reviewed, you're all brill! well, enjoy!

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Chapter 12

Innocent Lives Spared

April and May passed for me without much notice. I had virtually no contact with Harry, Ron and Hermione now and classes were always a pain; knowing they knew who I was but no one else did put me in a difficult position if anyone else found out. I also learnt that Buckbeak had lost his case and was to be executed thanks to Malfoy gloating about it in Care of Magical Creatures. OK, yes I was angry at Harry and the others for not telling me but I was even angrier at Malfoy for jeering about it. And so I decided to do something about it.

Hagrid had just gone back into his hut and Malfoy was laughing outside it with Crabbe and Goyle. I'd never felt so angry in my life. Harry, Ron and Hermione were nearby. They all looked set to hurt him. I, however, got there first.

'Have you ever seen anything quite as pathetic?' Malfoy laughed as he walked into the castle ahead of me. 'And he's supposed to be our teacher!'

That had done it for me. I just marched right up to him, regardless of the other three being there, drew back my hand and slapped him as hard as I could, causing him to recoil backwards. Crabbe and Goyle stared dumbfounded while Harry, Ron and Hermione came running up behind me.

'Don't you dare call Hagrid pathetic!' I shouted at him, drawing my hand back again.

'Jenna!' I felt someone grab my wrist though and stop me. It was Ron.

'Get off me!' I growled at him. I snatched back my hand then pulled out my wand, pointing it at Malfoy. I found it amazing that he was still smiling.

'Well, well,' he said, 'Black's finally broken away from golden boy Potter? No longer part of his team? Found out your dark little secret, did he?' I just glared at him, willing him to say one more thing about my father and I would curse him. Instead, he just said, 'C'mon.' to Crabbe and Goyle and they left for the dungeons.

I pocketed my wand and was about to walk away when I heard Harry behind me.

'Following your father's footsteps?' I span round to look at him. 'Violence must run in the family.'

'He deserved what he got,' I said. I wasn't justifying what I did but it was true. 'I've got more right to do that to Malfoy then any of you have, even if I was defending Hagrid.'

'Oh? And why's that?' asked Harry, still glaring at me.

'You want to know why?' I asked in disbelief. 'Because his father killed my mother!' I shouted. 'I spent years in that horrible orphanage because of his father! Where's the justice in that? A man guilty of murder walks free when another is condemned for something he didn't do!'

It certainly shut them up. I'd never told any of them how my Mum died. They just stared at me.

'For the record, I am not on Black's side nor am I on yours,' I said. 'But as his daughter, I have to believe he's innocent for the sheer chance of getting half my family back until I'm proven wrong. I'm just sorry my friends can't understand my reasoning in it.'

And I stalked off to get to my Charms class. Behind me, I heard Hermione say, 'I'm not saying what Jenna did was right but if she hadn't of done that, I would have. You'd better beat him in the Quidditch final! You just better had, because I can't stand it if Slytherin win!'

I got to Charms before the others and took a seat between Lavender and Seamus. When the others entered I noticed Hermione had disappeared. It didn't faze me and I got on with trying to put a Cheering Charm on Seamus. I certainly could've done with one but unfortunately his didn't work that well and my mood didn't improve through the rest of the day. After lunch I had Divination and once again I sat with Lavender and Parvati. I had been for the last couple of weeks and it had to be the worst thing ever; each lesson those two were hooked on Trelawney's every word making the lesson even less bearable than usual. We'd started using crystal balls and so I spent the majority of the lesson staring into a lot of grey smoke. Nothing happened.

'Fine!' I looked up, startled, to see Hermione slam her textbook shut and stand up. 'Fine! I give up! I'm leaving!'

To the whole class's amazement, Hermione strode over to the trapdoor, kicked it open, and climbed down the ladder out of sight. What happened?

'Ooooo!' squealed Lavender beside me. 'Oooooo, Professor Trelawney, I've just remembered! You saw her leaving, didn't you? Didn't you, Professor? "Around Easter, one of our number will leave us forever!" You said it ages ago, Professor!'

Lavender didn't seriously believe all that, did she? It had been obvious from the first lesson that Hermione didn't like the subject. It was just a matter of time before she walked out of class.

'Yes, my dear, I did indeed know that Miss Granger would be leaving us,' said Professor Trelawney dramatically. 'One hopes, however, that one might have mistaken the Signs ... the Inner Eye can be a burden, you know ...'

'Signs, my wand,' I muttered under my breath.

Spring soon dissolved into summer and the exams began to loom. In the middle of April also was the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Quidditch final match to which we won spectacularly, winning two hundred and thirty to twenty. I went down to the pitch with the rest of the House but kept my distance, watching as Harry was lifted on to their shoulders as he held up the Quidditch Cup. I was thrilled for him but I couldn't face being there, knowing that I couldn't share his success. Despite that, nothing much really happened. As the weather improved I started to spend more time outside the castle while I did my revision. It was much quieter than the common room was where the rest of the House were revising and I hated being in the library as it was too quiet and I got easily distracted.

It was on a Wednesday afternoon I'd been outside when I noticed something strange. I knew there were numerous animals and creatures around the grounds and in the Forbidden Forest. I just wasn't aware there was a black dog wandering around, besides Fang but he was usually in Hagrid's hut. I'd heard something and looked up from my work to see this black dog sitting a few feet away from me. I stared back at it. It sat and watched me for a few minutes before trotting slowly up to where I was beneath a tree at the edge of the Forest. I watched as it sniffed me then looked up with a pair of grey eyes. Its ears suddenly twitched and it looked round before darting off into the trees. How strange.

Exams weren't that bad all in all. There were two each day, starting on the third of June for the whole week with Transfiguration in the morning and Charms in the afternoon. Being at the top of the register had its advantages; I was always finished in my practical exams before Harry, Ron or Hermione came in for theirs. They still weren't talking to me. I have to say by then I was used to it and contented myself with trying to work out all the threads I had about Pettigrew and Black. The written exams were directly after the practicals and lasted for about an hour each. Again, being at the top of the register, I was sat a good way away from the others and so I didn't have to go near them when I took my place in the classroom.

Defence Against the Dark Arts had to be my favourite exam. It was also one of our last on the Thursday morning. Professor Lupin had made us an assault course with all the creatures he'd taught us about during the year. It was great fun to get around with all the Grindylows and Hinkypunks and stuff. I almost failed the Boggart though. It no longer appeared as a Dementor; instead it changed to my shock into Sirius Black. He came at me laughing manically like he did in the pictures of him in the Prophet and waving his wand. I only just managed to make him change into a clown. Lupin had to deduct a couple of points for that.

That afternoon was Divination which had to be my most dramatic exam. I'd got to the North Tower to see the rest of the class were there apart from Harry and Ron. They got there a few minutes after I did. One by one Trelawney called us up to her classroom for our exam. When people came back down the ladder, none of them said anything about what the exam entailed. After Lavender came down, all giggly and excited, I heard Trelawney call my name. I got up off the floor and headed up the ladder. I walked past Harry to get to it, my shoulder just brushing his as I passed.

An old wooden house ... people gathered, a dog transforming into a haggard man ... a man arrested ... someone escaping ... a swarm of Dementors surrounding their target ...

I stopped briefly as this happened, not looking at Harry, before continuing up to Trelawney's room. The smell of perfume in there was disgusting. I should have done as Hermione and walked out of the class back in Easter. Trelawney waved me to a seat in front of her, a crystal ball sitting on the table between us. Great, I thought, gazing into a load of smoke again. The ten minutes passed by and I was relieved to be able to leave the classroom. My exam went OK, I guess. I just made up a lot of stuff that related to what I'd seen when my shoulder touched Harry's, about someone being captured and the Dementors getting what they wanted. It seemed to satisfy her so I left.

The rest of the afternoon I spent with Lupin. I didn't want to go back to the Tower so I went to his office after my last exam, going back again after dinner. As I left the Hall, I saw Harry and the others head out of the main doors instead of going back to the Tower. I guess they were going to Hagrid's; I'd overheard Buckbeak was to be executed today by none other than Malfoy when we were waiting for our Potions exam a few days ago. He was still laughing about it even though I'd slapped him. Some people never learnt. Anyway, I'd returned to Lupin's office and once again, he was wondering why I was there.

'I'm here because I have no friends,' I said slightly tetchily to him.

'Well, as long as you believe Black's innocent then Harry's going to find it hard being your friend,' said Lupin "wisely". Sometimes he could be so annoying.

'Lupin, I've got to believe he's innocent,' I told him. He looked curiously at me. 'Do you ever get that feeling when you know something's not right and yet everything tells you it is?' Lupin nodded. 'Well, that's what I have with this. Of all the things you've told me, something just doesn't add up.'

'It's your choice, Jenna,' replied Lupin. Next, he pulled something out of his desk drawer. It was the Marauder's Map.

'That's the Marauder's Map,' I said, changing the subject. 'I liked how it insulted Snape when he tried to read it. "Mr Moony presents his compliments to Professor Snape, and begs him to keep his abnormally large nose out of other people's business" eh, Lupin?'

'Very funny, Jenna,' he said dryly. He took out his wand and tapped it, saying, 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.'

'What are you doing?' I asked him.

'I have a feeling Harry and that lot are going to try and see Hagrid before his Hippogriff gets executed.'

'You're a little late. They've already gone.'

'Yes,' Lupin mused. He was silent for a moment as he watched the Map. 'They've just gone into his hut. Why don't you go down and offer your condolences?'

'I don't think Harry would appreciate me following him. I'll see Hagrid later.'

The next half an hour or so Lupin spent watching the Marauder's Map. He remained silent as I stared round his office until something happened which spooked him and me. He just let out a gasp causing me to look up at him curiously.

'What? What happened?'

'Pettigrew …' was all he said and I was off.

Instantly I ran out of Lupin's room and down from the third floor to the Entrance Hall. It seemed to take ages and so, making sure no one as around, I transformed into a wolf, the fastest animal on four legs I could think of first. I made it to the Entrance Hall and out into the grounds. To my dismay I found that Harry, Ron and Hermione were hidden under the Invisibility Cloak so I had no way of knowing whereabouts there were. I ran to a more sheltered area, an outcrop of rocks near the Whomping Willow where I could still see roughly where they'd be, to be safe. I waited for any sign of them. And I saw what had been missing in my mind; all of a sudden, something appeared out of nowhere in the grass. Scabbers, Ron's rat, was back … Pettigrew …

I crouched down on the rock, ready to catch the rat as it started to run away near to where I was. I got on to all fours, ready to catch him. I made to jump down from the rock when I saw both Ron, who'd appeared from nowhere, and Crookshanks running after the rat. He chased Scabbers and he caught the rat, just below the Whomping Willow. He kicked Crookshanks away who hissed loudly at him. Harry and Hermione had followed, leaving the Cloak somewhere behind them.

'Harry, you do realise what tree this is?' I heard Hermione ask.

'That's not good,' said Harry. 'Ron, run!'

'Harry, Hermione, run!' I glanced at Ron to see him pointing at something behind the other two.

A large, black dog with pale eyes came running at them from behind Harry and Hermione. It was the same dog I'd seen a few weeks ago. It leapt at Harry, pushing him to the ground, then rolled off him. It skidded round on its paws ready for a second try at him. But it wasn't Harry it was after; it was Ron. Without thinking, I leapt down from the rocks and landed in between the dog and Ron.

'You hurt him and I'll hurt you!' I growled at it, my teeth bared. It seemed to hesitate for a second before growling at me.

'Move or you'll get hurt as well!'

I stood my ground, growling back at the dog. We were in a stand off until the dog leapt forward and attacked me. It pushed me back so hard I fell against the rocky side of the outcrop. I shook myself and looked up to see it leap at the others again. Ron pushed Harry out the way as the dog lunged. It bit down on Ron's arm and started to drag it towards the Whomping Willow where there was a large hole between the roots. Harry tried to stop it but was only left with a chuck of its fur in his hand. I heard a loud crack and saw Ron's leg disappear into the ground. Quickly, I got back up and ran after Ron and the dog before they vanished, not caring that I jumped on Harry's back to get to them. I dodged a branch that swiped the ground by mere centimetres and jumped in after it.

I looked up to see I was in a tunnel, and a very long tunnel at that. I could hear Ron's pained yells ahead of me and the violent whipping of the Whomping Willow's branches above me. Good luck getting through that, I thought as Harry and Hermione no doubt were going to try and follow. I walked a few paces forwards and put my nose to the ground; Ron and the dog were definitely here, there didn't appear to be anywhere else they could go. Slowly and quietly, I followed. After a few minutes the tunnel began to rise. I sped up when I saw a dim light, finding myself in an old, wooden, torn up room; I was in the Shrieking Shack. I pulled myself out of the tunnel and looked around. There was a trail of blood on the floor. I followed it, being led upstairs to another room. I could hear voices from inside it so I hid in the shadows to listen.

'Get away from me!' Ron shouted. He sounded in a lot of pain.

A light appeared at the stairs then vanished. I backed into the shadows and watched as Harry and Hermione walked past me. They ran into the room.

'Ron – are you OK?'

'Where's the dog?'

'Not a dog,' Ron muttered. 'Harry, it's a trap –'

'What –'

'He's the dog … he's an Animagus …'

I crept out of my hiding place and saw Black standing in front of the other three. A mass of filthy, matted hair hung to his elbows. His grey eyes, darkened as the skin was around them, shone out of their sockets. His waxy skin was stretched so tightly over the bones of his face, he looked almost skeletal. His yellow teeth were bared in a green. He had Ron's wand in his hand and managed to Disarm both Harry and Hermione at the same time. He caught them then stepped closer. His eyes were fixed on Harry. He had been the dog! That was what Lupin had said his Animagus form had been.

'I thought you'd come and help your friend,' said Black, his voice hoarse. 'Your father would have done the same for me. Brave of you, not to run for a teacher. I'm grateful ... it will make everything much easier ...'

Ron and Hermione had to grab Harry when he lunged at Black.

'If you want to kill Harry, you'll have to kill us too!' said Ron suddenly, standing up besides his broken leg, gripping on to Harry's arm.

'Lie down,' said Black quietly to him. 'You will damage that leg even more.'

'Did you hear me?' said Ron weakly. 'You'll have to kill all three of us!'

'There'll only be one murder here tonight,' said Black. I tensed at the manic tone in his voice.

'Why's that?' spat Harry. 'Didn't care last time, did you? Didn't mind slaughtering all those Muggles to get at Pettigrew ... What's the matter, gone soft in Azkaban?'

'Harry,' hissed Hermione. 'Be quiet!'

'HE KILLED MY MUM AND DAD!' bellowed Harry, and he broke free from Hermione and Ron.

Instantly I jumped in between the two of them, again growling and my fur on end. Harry stopped in his tracks. Black stepped back from me. I remained between them. Harry stared at me; behind him, Hermione and Ron too were watching me. Well, it had been a good secret while I'd kept it. I stopped growling then transformed back to my normal self. To say Ron and Hermione were shocked would be an understatement. Harry, however, was unfazed.

'Get out of the way, Jenna!' he growled at me. I stood my ground though I heard Black gasp quietly from behind.

'No,' I said defiantly, 'not until you listen to me!'

He didn't. Harry just grabbed my arm and thrust me aside. I fell against the wall and watched as Harry threw Black against the wall despite him being at least two foot taller than him. One hand kept hold of Black's wrist so that the wands in his hand were pointing in the opposite direction; the other hit Black square in the face. Both Hermione and Ron were shouting as the wands sparked in Black's hand. I got up again to try and pull Harry off him while Black tried to push him away.

'Harry, stop!' I shouted as Black growled, 'No, I've waited too long!'

Black's hand had grabbed Harry's throat. From nowhere Hermione's foot swung at Black and kicked him back. He released Harry, the pair of us falling backwards on to the floor. Ron too had thrown himself at Black who'd dropped their wands. Even Crookshanks joined in, leaping away when Harry tried to kick at him. I grabbed Harry's arm as he tried to get up but he threw me off. Black was slumped against the wall panting. Harry grabbed his wand and pointed it at him.

'Going to kill me, Harry?' whispered Black. I glanced at him; had he always been this reckless?

'You killed my parents,' said Harry, glaring down at Black.

'I don't deny it,' he said, very quietly. 'But if you knew the whole story –'

'The whole story?' Harry repeated. 'You sold them to Voldemort, that's all I need to know!'

'Harry, please!' I begged. 'Listen to him!'

'The girl's right,' said Black. 'You've got to listen to me. You'll regret it if you don't ... you don't understand ...'

'I understand better than you think,' said Harry. 'You never heard her, did you? My mum ... trying to stop Voldemort killing me ... and you did that ... you did it ...'

Before anyone could say anything else, Crookshanks leapt on to Black's chest, his squashed face glaring at Harry. Hermione let out a dry sob at her cat protecting him. Harry didn't seem to care and kept his wand pointing at them both. All of a sudden more rushed footsteps started beneath us. Hermione shouted at them that Black was with us. Black made a startled movement but he wasn't quick enough. The door burst open in a shower of red sparks. Harry span round. To my relief Lupin rushed into the room with his wand raised. His eyes took us all in, landing lastly on Black.

'Expelliarmus!' he shouted, and Harry, Ron and Hermione's wands flew out of their hands to their surprise. Slowly Lupin walked into the room. His eyes remained on Black, Crookshanks still lying on his chest. 'Well, well, Sirius,' he said quietly, 'looking rather ragged, aren't we? Finally the flesh reflects the madness within.'

'Well, you'd know all about the madness within, wouldn't you, Remus?' countered Black. The two stared at each other.

'Where is he, Sirius?' Lupin then asked, emotion suppressed in his voice.

Black's face remained neutral. All he did was raise his hand and point at Ron.

'But then …' Lupin muttered, staring at Black so intently as if trying to read his thoughts, '… why hasn't he shown himself before now? Unless –' his eyes caught mine; I nodded and his eyes widened, '– unless he was the one … unless you switched … without telling me?'

Slowly, Black nodded. I let out a silent sigh. I'd been right! And now, Lupin believed what I'd been telling him. He lowered his wand and walked to Black's side, hauling him to his feet then embracing him like a brother.

'I DON'T BELIEVE IT!' screamed Hermione. I looked startled at her. Lupin did so too, letting go of Black. 'You – you –'

'Hermione –'

'– you and him –'

'Hermione, calm down –'

'I didn't tell anyone!' she shrieked. 'I've been covering up for you –'

'Hermione, don't do this –' I said.

'Hermione, listen to me, please!' shouted Lupin. 'I can explain –'

'I trusted you,' shouted Harry, 'and all this time you've been his friend!'

'You're wrong,' said Lupin. 'I haven't been Sirius's friend for twelve years, but I am now ... let me explain ...'

'NO!' screamed Hermione. I felt like I wanted to slap Hermione to shut her up. 'Harry, don't trust him, he's been helping Black get into the castle, he wants you dead too – he's a werewolf!'

There was a ringing silence. I broke it after a few minutes only to say, 'Hermione, you promised ...'

'Not at all up to your usual standard, Hermione,' said Lupin, now looking quite pale. 'Only one out of three, I'm afraid. I have not been helping Sirius get into the castle and I certainly don't want Harry dead … But I won't deny that I am a werewolf.'

'Lupin –!' I got up and ran over to him. If this looked like I was taking sides, then so be it. Lupin would always come first.

'No, it's all right, Jenna,' Lupin said. 'It's time they knew.'

In the corner, Ron tried to get up but fell back down. Concerned, Lupin went to help him, but he snarled back, 'Get away from me, werewolf!'

Lupin stopped dead, then looked at Hermione. 'How long have you known?'

'Ages,' whispered Hermione. 'Since I did Professor Snape's essay ...'

'He'll be delighted,' he said, his voice as calm as ever. 'He set that essay hoping someone would realise what my symptoms meant. Did you check the lunar chart and realise I was always ill at the full moon? Or did you realise that the Boggart changed into the moon when it saw me?'

'Both. You're just lucky Jenna made me promise not to tell.'

Lupin forced a laugh as he glanced at me.

'You're the cleverest witch of your age I've ever met Hermione.'

'I'm not,' said Hermione. 'If I'd been a bit cleverer, I'd have told everyone what you are.'

'But they already know,' said Lupin. 'At least the staff do.'

'Dumbledore hired you when he knew you were a werewolf?' Ron gasped. 'Is he mad?'

'Lupin, don't do this,' I said, pulling his robe sleeve. 'Please, don't –'

'Jenna, calm down,' said Lupin. He looked at me. 'You don't need to protect me now.' He turned back to the others. 'Some of the staff thought so. He had to work very hard to convince certain teachers that I'm trustworthy –'

'AND HE WAS WRONG!' yelled Harry. 'YOU'VE BEEN HELPING HIM ALL THE TIME!' Harry pointed at Black who was now sitting on the bed in the room, hiding his face in his hand. Ron had edged away from him.

'I have not been helping Sirius, not when I too had someone I could lose.' Lupin put his hand on my shoulder. 'If you'll give me a chance, I'll explain. Look –'

He separated Harry, Ron and Hermione's wand and threw each back to its owner.

'There. You're armed, we're not. Now will you listen?'

'If you haven't been helping him, how did you know he was here?' asked Harry.

'The Map,' replied Lupin. 'The Marauder's Map. I was in my office examining it –'

'You know how to work it?' Harry said suspiciously.

'Of course I know how to work it,' said Lupin, waving an impatient hand. 'I helped write it. I'm Moony – that was my friends' nickname for me at school.'

'You wrote –?'

'The important thing is, I was watching it carefully this evening, because I had an idea that you, Ron and Hermione might try and sneak out of the castle to visit Hagrid before his Hippogriff was executed. And I was right, wasn't I?'

I listened silently as Lupin paced the room as he recounted all that he'd seen on the Marauder's Map when I'd been in his office, confirming how I too knew about them being there, and how he'd noticed someone else accompanying them on the way back from his hut. Harry shouted that they weren't but Lupin and I both knew better.

'And then I saw another dot, moving fast towards you, labelled Sirius Black ... I saw him collide with you and knock another of you away, I watched as he pulled two of you into the Whomping Willow –'

'One of us!' said Ron angrily.

'No, Ron,' said Lupin. 'Two of you.'

He stopped pacing, his eyes moving to Ron.

'Do you think I could have a look at that rat?' he said evenly.

'What?' said Ron. 'What's Scabbers got to do with it?'

'Everything,' said Lupin. 'Could I see him, please?'

Ron hesitated, then put a hand inside his robes. Scabbers emerged, thrashing desperately; Ron had to seize his tail to stop him escaping. Crookshanks stood up on Black's lap and hissed at him. Lupin moved closer to Ron and looked at Scabbers.

'That's not a rat.'

'What d'you mean –' said Ron, baffled, '– of course he's a rat –'

'No, he's not,' said Lupin. 'He's a wizard.'

'An Animagus,' said Black, 'by the name of Peter Pettigrew.'

It seemed to take a few moments for this to sink in. Well, it was quite absurd if you thought about it, a pet rat turning out to be some thirty-odd year old wizard. When it finally seemed to be acknowledged, none of them believed Lupin. They all thought Pettigrew was dead. There was no way to prove it.

'He killed him twelve years ago!' shouted Harry, pointing at Black.

'I meant to,' growled Black, 'but little Petter got the better of me ... not this time though!'

Black lunged at Scabbers, throwing Crookshanks to the floor. Ron yelled with pain as Black fell on his broken leg.

'Sirius, NO!' shouted Lupin, grabbing Black's shoulders and pulling him back. 'WAIT! You can't do it just like that – they need to understand – we've got to explain –'

'We can explain afterwards!' snarled Black. He tried to throw Lupin off but he wouldn't let go. He reached for Scabbers who was squealing loudly in Ron's hands.

'They've – got – a – right – to – know – everything!' Lupin shouted. 'Ron's kept him as a pet! There are parts of it even I don't understand! And Harry – you owe Harry the truth, Sirius!'

'Enough talk, Remus!' said Black. 'Come on, let's kill him!'

'WAIT!'

'I did my waiting!' shouted Black suddenly. He withdrew his attack and pushed Lupin off him. 'Twelve years of it in Azkaban! You of all people know how much I lost!'

I looked at Black when he said this. Was he talking about me? Or about James and Lily?

'They have the right to know why, Sirius,' repeated Lupin calmly. 'You owe them.'

Black and Lupin stared at each other stubbornly. Finally Black relented.

'All right, then,' he growled, not taking his eyes off the rat. 'Tell them whatever you like. But make it quick, Remus. I want to commit the murder I was imprisoned for ...'

It wasn't an easy thing to convince Harry and the others that Scabbers was really the Animagus Peter Pettigrew. Ron was so adamant, he even tried to leave but Lupin made him stay. None of them would believe it though.

'Everyone thought Sirius had killed Peter,' said Lupin, answering Harry's statement about his death. 'I believed it myself – until I saw the Map tonight. You'd already mentioned seeing him on the Map and the Map never lies ... Peter's alive. Ron's holding him, Harry.'

'But Professor Lupin ...' said Hermione, her voice shaking. 'Scabbers can't be Pettigrew ... it just can't be true, you know it can't ...'

'Why can't it be true?' asked Lupin. It was like we were back in the classroom.

'Because ... because people would know if Peter Pettigrew had been an Animagus. We did Animagi in class with Professor McGonagall. And I looked them up when I did my homework – the Ministry keeps tabs on witches and wizards who can become animals; there's a register showing what animal they become, and their markings and things ... and I went and looked Professor McGonagall up on the register, and there have only been seven Animagi this century, and Pettigrew's name wasn't on the list –'

'Right again, Hermione!' said Lupin, laughing. 'But the Ministry never knew that there used to be four unregistered Animagi running around Hogwarts, nor that one still is today.' Lupin indicated me beside him. 'Jenna inherited a rather rare gift which allows her to shape-shift into any animal of her choice. Feramorphs took the name Animagus to hide from prejudice, another just like her at Hogwarts along with three other Animagi when I was at school.'

'If you're going to tell them the story, get a move on, Remus,' snarled Black. 'I've waited twelve years, I'm not going to wait much longer.'

'All right ... but you'll need to help me, Sirius,' said Lupin, 'I only know how it began ...'

Lupin broke off. There had been a loud creak behind him. The bedroom door had opened of its own accord. We stared at it. Then Lupin strode towards it and looked out into the landing. Ron instantly said that the Shrieking Shack was haunted. That was just a silly wizard superstition. The house had never been haunted. Not since Lupin had been at Hogwarts.

'The screams and howls the villagers used to hear were made by me,' explained Lupin. He pushed back his hair. 'That's where all of this starts – with my becoming a werewolf. None of this could have happened if I hadn't been bitten ... and if I hadn't been so foolhardy ...'

I looked at Lupin. I'd never seen him quite this distressed before. He never had told me what had happened when he got bitten.

'I was a very small boy when I received the bite. My parents tried everything, even separated my younger sister from me to stop her getting bitten, but in those days there was no cure. The Potion that Professor Snape has been making for me is a very recent discovery. It makes me safe, you see. As long as I take it in the week preceding the full moon, I keep my mind when I transform ... I am able to curl up in my office, a harmless wolf, and wait for the moon to wane again.

'Before the Wolfsbane Potion was discovered, however, I became a fully fledged monster once a month. It seemed impossible that I would be able to come to Hogwarts. Other parents weren't likely to want their children exposed to me.

'But then Dumbledore became Headmaster, and he was sympathetic. He said that, as long as we took certain precautions, there was no reason I shouldn't come to school ...' Lupin sighed, then looked at Harry. 'I told you, months ago, that the Whomping Willow was planted the year I came to Hogwarts. The truth is that it was planted because I'd come to Hogwarts. This house –' he looked round the room, '– the tunnel that leads to it – they were built for my use. Once a month, I was smuggled out of the castle, into this place, to transform. The tree was placed at the tunnel mouth to stop anyone coming across me while I was dangerous.

'My transformations in those days were – were terrible. It is very painful to turn into a werewolf. I was separated from humans to bite, so I bit and scratched myself instead. The villagers heard the noise and the screaming and thought they were hearing particularly violent spirits. Dumbledore encouraged the rumour ... even now, when the house has been silent for years, the villagers don't dare approach it ...

'But apart from my transformations, I was happier than I had ever been in my life. For the first time ever, I had friends, three great friends. Sirius Black ... Peter Pettigrew ... and, of course, your father, Harry, James Potter. A year later, my younger sister also joined the school and we were reunited after being apart for a year much to our joy. Nothing could be better.'

Lupin continued by telling us how his friends had noticed him getting ill every month and figured out what was wrong with him, much like Hermione had. He'd been worried about them deserting him but they didn't. They became Animagi for him, like Lupin had mentioned to me earlier in the year. Harry was very surprised when Lupin said this. They'd been inspired by my Mum's ability to change into animals and so for the next three years worked out how to do the transformation.

'Lucky they were, because the Animagus transformation can go horribly wrong –' said Lupin, '– one reason the Ministry keeps a close watch on those attempting to do it. Peter needed all the help he could get from James and Sirius. Finally, in our fifth year, they managed it. They could each turn into a different animal at will.'

'But how did that help you?' asked Hermione.

'They couldn't keep me company as humans, so they kept me company as animals, like my sister did when she joined the school, much to her risk,' said Lupin. 'She always was stubborn and had been stubborn enough to go through the full moons with me. A werewolf is only a danger to people. They sneaked out of the castle every month under James's Invisibility Cloak. They transformed ... Peter, as the smallest, could slip beneath the Willow's attacking branches and touch the knot that freezes it. They would then slip down the tunnel and join me. Under their influence, I became less dangerous. My body was still wolfish, but my mind seemed to become less so while I was with them.'

'Hurry up, Remus,' snarled Black. He was watching Scabbers now with an almost hungry expression.

Lupin continued to explain, even with Black's interruptions, about how he and his friends spent the full moon together as animals. After a while they began to leave the Shrieking Shack and roamed the school grounds as animals with James and Black keeping an eye on him as they transformed into animals big enough to control him; a stag and a dog. Harry had been about to ask what James transformed into when Hermione mentioned how dangerous it had been. Lupin didn't need reminding.

'A thought that still haunts me,' said Lupin heavily. 'And there were near misses, many of them. We laughed about them afterwards. We were young, thoughtless – carried away with our own cleverness.

'I sometimes felt guilty about betraying Dumbledore's trust, of course ... he had admitted me to Hogwarts when no other Headmaster would have done so, and he had no idea I was breaking the rules he had set down for my own and others' safety. He never knew I had led three fellow students into becoming Animagi illegally. But I always managed to forget my guilty feelings every time we sat down to plan our next month's adventure. And I haven't changed ...'

I'd never known Lupin had felt so guilty about this. None of it was his fault; they made the decision to help him, didn't they?'

'All this year, I have been battling with myself, wondering whether I should tell Dumbledore that Sirius was an Animagus. But I didn't do it. Why? Because I was too cowardly. It would have meant admitting that I'd betrayed his trust while I was at school, admitting that I'd led others along with me ... and Dumbledore's trust has meant everything to me. He let me into Hogwarts as a boy, and he gave me a job, when I have been shunned all my adult life, unable to find paid work because of what I am. And so I convinced myself that Sirius was getting into the school using Dark Arts he learnt from Voldemort, that being an Animagus had nothing to do with it … so, in a way, Snape's been right about me all along.'

'Snape?' said Black harshly. He finally looked away from Scabbers at Lupin. 'What's Snape got to do with it?'

'He's here, Sirius,' said Lupin heavily. 'He's teaching here as well.'

I didn't understand. How did Black know Snape? Neither did Harry, Ron or Hermione.

'Professor Snape was at school with us,' said Lupin. 'He fought very hard against my appointment to the Defence Against the Dark Arts job. He has been telling Dumbledore all year that I am not to be trusted. He has his reasons … you see, Sirius here played a trick on him which nearly killed him, a trick which involved me –'

Oh yeah, Snape had said so when he caught Harry out of bed. Black made a derisive noise.

'It served him right,' he sneered. 'Sneaking around, trying to find out what we were up to ... hoping he could get us expelled ...'

'Severus was very interested in where I went every month,' Lupin explained. 'We were in the same year, you know, and we – er – didn't like each other very much. He especially disliked James. Jealous, I think, of James's talent on the Quidditch pitch ... anyway, Snape had seen me crossing the grounds with Madam Pomfrey one evening as she led me towards the Whomping Willow to transform. Sirius thought it would be – er – amusing, to tell Snape all he had to do was prod the knot in the tree-trunk with a long stick, and he'd be able to get in after me. Well, of course, Snape tried it – if he'd got as far as this house, he'd have met a fully grown werewolf – but your father, who'd heard what Sirius had done, went after Snape and pulled him back, at great risk to his life ... Snape glimpsed me, though, at the end of the tunnel. He was forbidden to tell anybody by Dumbledore, but from that time on he knew what I was ...'

'So that's why Snape doesn't like you,' said Harry slowly, 'because he thought you were in on the joke?'

'That's right,' sneered a cold voice from behind Lupin.

Snape appeared, pulling off Harry's Invisibility Cloak, his wand pointed directly at Lupin. My blood ran cold. Lupin instantly pushed me behind him. Hermione screamed. Black leapt to his feet. Harry jumped as well.

'I found this at the base of the Whomping Willow,' said Snape, throwing the Cloak aside. His wand never moved from Lupin's chest. 'Very useful, Potter, I thank you ...

'You're wondering, perhaps, how I knew you were here?' he then said. I could see the triumph in his eyes at the situation. 'I've just been to your office, Lupin. You forgot to take your Potion tonight, so I took a gobletful along. And very lucky I did ... lucky for me, I mean. Lying on your desk was a certain map. One glance at it told me all I needed to know. I saw you running along this passageway and out of sight.'

'Severus –' Lupin began, but Snape overrode him.

'I've told the Headmaster again and again that you've been helping your old friend Black into the castle, Lupin, and here's the proof. Not even I dreamed you would have the nerve to use this old place as your hideout –'

'Severus, you're making a mistake,' said Lupin urgently. 'You haven't heard everything – I can explain – Sirius is not here to kill Harry –'

'Two more for Azkaban tonight,' said Snape. He seemed almost mad with glee about it. 'I shall be interested to see how Dumbledore takes this … he was quite convinced you were harmless, you know, Lupin … a tame werewolf …'

'Brilliant, Snape,' said Black, walking round him. Lupin, meanwhile, was still holding me behind him. 'Once again, you've put your keen and penetrating mind to the task and as usual come to the wrong conclusion. Now if you'll excuse us, Remus and I have some unfinished business to attend to.'

'I could do it, you know,' Snape sneered. 'I could do it right here and now.'

'Don't be a fool, Severus,' said Lupin.

'He can't help it, it's habit by now,' said Black.

'Sirius, be quiet.'

'Oh, go bite yourself, Remus!'

'Listen to you two, quarrelling like an old married couple,' laughed Snape.

'Why don't you run along and play with your potion set,' Black growled.

'You fool,' repeated Lupin quietly. 'Is a schoolboy grudge worth putting an innocent man back inside Azkaban?'

All of the sudden then was a loud BANG! Ropes like snakes shot out of Snape's wand and wrapped themselves around Lupin's mouth, wrists and ankles causing him to fall to the ground, bound and gagged.

'Lupin!' I gasped. I made a move to help him only to have Snape shout at me, 'One more move, Black, and I'll personally make sure you're expelled for consorting with a werewolf and a murderer.' pointing his wand at me as well.

I froze. Malice flashed in Black's eyes like never before and he lunged at Snape.

'How dare you threaten her!' he shouted.

I stared at him. He was standing up for me? However, Black had frozen as Snape pointed his wand at his throat, digging it in.

'Give me a reason,' he whispered. 'Give me a reason to do it, and I swear I will.'

Black didn't move but his look of loathing remained. I watched in fear for both him and Lupin. This was a school grudge Snape was not going to drop.

'Professor Snape,' said a timid voice behind me. It was Hermione. 'It – it wouldn't hurt to hear what they've got to say, w-would it?' I couldn't believe she was now defending them, which I was very thankful for, but Snape didn't listen.

'Miss Granger, you are already facing suspension from this school,' spat Snape. 'You, Potter and Weasley are out of bounds, in the company of a convicted murderer and a werewolf. For once in your life, hold your tongue.'

'But if – if there was a mistake –'

'KEEP QUIET, YOU STUPID GIRL!' shouted Snape. 'DON'T TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!'

Hermione fell silent. Snape turned back to Black.

'Vengeance is very sweet,' he breathed. 'How I hoped I would be the one to catch you ...'

'The joke's on you again, Severus,' snarled Black. 'As long as this boy brings his rat up to the castle –' he jerked his head at Ron, '– I'll come quietly ...'

'Up to the castle?' said Snape silkily. 'I don't think we need to go that far. All I have to do is call the Dementors once we get out of the Willow. They'll be very pleased to see you, Black ... pleased enough to give you a little kiss, I daresay ...' My face whitened at that thought; so did Black's. 'Do I detect a flicker of fear? Oh yes, the Dementor's Kiss. One can only imagine what that must be like to endure. It's said to be nearly unbearable to witness, but I'll do my best.'

'You – you've got to hear me out,' said Black. 'The rat – look at the rat –' Snape ignored him.

'Come on, all of you,' he said. He clicked his fingers, and the ropes binding Lupin flew into his hands. 'I'll drag the werewolf. Perhaps the Dementors will have a kiss for him, too –'

'No!' I shouted suddenly, standing up. Snape looked at me. 'Lupin – he hasn't done anything! Please, he –'

'You are already treading on very thin ice as it is, Miss Black,' said Snape, glaring at me. 'Do not make the situation worse for yourself. You are facing expulsion from this school for being in the company of Black and this werewolf; you will be back at home in an orphanage in no time and you will be lucky, dare I say it, to be taken in by another wizarding family if someone should make it known who your relatives are.'

I flushed. He couldn't take Lupin away from me, he couldn't!

'Get out of the way, Potter,' I looked up to see Harry standing in the doorway, 'you're in enough trouble already,' snarled Snape. 'If I hadn't been here to save your skin –'

'Professor Lupin could have killed me about a hundred times this year,' said Harry. 'I've been alone with him loads of times, having defence lessons against the Dementors. If he was helping Black, why didn't he just finish me off then?'

'Don't ask me to fathom the way a werewolf's mind works,' hissed Snape. 'Get out of the way, Potter!'

'YOU'RE PATHETIC!' yelled Harry. 'JUST BECAUSE THEY MADE A FOOL OF YOU AT SCHOOL YOU WON'T EVEN LISTEN –'

'SILENCE! I WILL NOT BE SPOKEN TO LIKE THAT!' bellowed Snape. 'Like father, like son, Potter! I have just saved your neck, you should be thanking me on bended knee, you and your pathetic half-breed friend!' That was low even for Snape in my opinion. My worry for Lupin was instantly replaced with anger. 'You would have been well served if he'd killed you! You'd have both died like your parents, too arrogant to believe you might be mistaken by Black – now get out of the way, or I will make you.' Still Harry didn't move. 'GET OUT OF THE WAY, POTTER!'

Without a second's more thought, I pulled out my wand and shouted, 'Expelliarmus!' and I wasn't the only one. Harry, Ron and Hermione all had drawn their wands shouting the same spell at the same time, pointing them at Snape. As a result, he was flung backwards against the wall. He collapsed on the floor unconscious, a trickle of blood trailing down his forehead.

'You shouldn't have done that,' said Black. 'You should have left him to me ...' Hermione, meanwhile, was whimpering that we'd attacked him. So what? He deserved that.

I turned back to Lupin and tried to pull off the ropes holding him. I felt my hand get taken. I looked up. Black was knelt beside me. We shared a look momentarily, before Black released Lupin's binds. He got back to his feet, rubbing his wrists. I instantly hugged him, glad he was all right. Lupin hugged me back, also saying thank you to Harry.

'I'm still not saying I believe you,' Harry retorted instantly.

'Then it's time we offered you some proof,' said Black. 'You, boy – give me Peter. Now.'

Ron clutched Scabbers closer to him, and said, 'Come off it. Are you trying to say you broke out of Azkaban just to get your hands on Scabbers? I mean ...' he looked at Harry and Hermione. 'OK, say Pettigrew could turn into a rat – there are millions of rats – how's he supposed to know which one he's after if he was locked up in Azkaban?'

'You know, Sirius, that is a fair question,' said Lupin, frowning. 'How did you find out where we was?'

Black put his hand into the pocket of his tattered robes and pulled out a piece of paper, flattening it out. It was a photograph of Ron and his family from their holiday to Egypt last summer. And there on his shoulder was Scabbers.

'How did you get this?' asked Lupin.

'Fudge,' replied Black. 'When he came to inspect Azkaban last year, he gave me his paper. And there was Peter, on the front page … on this boy's shoulder … I knew him at once … how many times had I seen him transform? And the caption said the boy would be going back to Hogwarts … to where Harry was …'

'My God,' breathed Lupin, staring at the page. 'His front paw ...'

'What about it?' asked Ron defiantly.

'He's got a toe missing,' said Black.

'Of course,' said Lupin, 'so simple ... so brilliant ... He cut it off himself?'

'Just before he transformed,' said Black. 'When I cornered him, he yelled for the whole street to hear that I'd betrayed Lily and James. Then, before I could curse him, he blew apart the street with the wand behind his back, killed everyone within twenty feet of himself – and sped down into the sewer with the other rats ...'

'Didn't you ever hear, Ron?' Lupin asked him. 'The biggest bit of Peter they found was his finger.'

'Look, Scabbers probably had a fight with another rat or something!' said Ron. 'He's been in my family for ages, right –'

'Twelve years, in fact,' said Lupin. 'Didn't you ever wonder why he was living so long?'

'We – we've been taking good care of him!'

'Not looking too good at the moment, though, is he?' said Lupin. 'I'd guess he's been losing weight since he heard Sirius was on the loose again ...'

'He's been scared of that mad cat!' said Ron, pointing at Crookshanks.

'This cat isn't mad,' said Black. He stroked Crookshanks' fluffy head. 'He's the most intelligent of his kind I've ever met. He recognised Peter for what he was straight away. And when he met me, he knew I was no dog. It was a while before he trusted me. Finally, I managed to communicate to him what I was after, and he's been helping me ...'

It turned out Crookshanks had been trying to catch Peter for Black all those times he chased him in the common room. When that failed, he stole Neville's passwords for him to get into the Gryffindor Tower. But then Scabbers had disappeared because he'd found out what Crookshanks was doing.

'This cat – Crookshanks, did you call him? – told me Peter had left blood on the sheets ... I suppose he bit himself ... well, faking his own death had worked once ...'

'And why did he fake his death?' said Harry furiously. 'Because he knew you were about to kill him like you killed my parents!'

I sent Harry an irritated look. Had he not listened to anything that had been said in the last hour?

'No,' said Lupin. 'Harry –'

'And now you've come to finish him off!'

'Yes, I have,' said Black, glaring at Scabbers. He wasn't helping his case.

'Then I should've let Snape take you!' shouted Harry.

'Harry,' said Lupin hurriedly, 'don't you see? All this time we've thought Sirius betrayed your parents, and Peter tracked him down – but it was the other way around, don't you see? Peter betrayed your mother and father – Sirius tracked Peter down –'

'THAT'S NOT TRUE!' Harry yelled. 'HE WAS THEIR SECRET-KEEPER! HE SAID SO BEFORE YOU TURNED UP, HE SAID HE KILLED THEM!'

'You don't believe that, Harry,' I said, speaking for the first time since just before Snape had been knocked out. Hesitantly I approached him. 'I know you don't.'

Harry and I stared at each other.

'How can you still defend him?' Harry hissed at me. 'He admitted it. You heard him!'

'Because Pettigrew was one of the Death Eaters who killed my mother,' I said quietly. 'He betrayed the Marauders long before he betrayed your parents when my mother died.'

'Harry ...' Harry and I looked away from each other at Black, 'I as good as killed them,' he croaked. 'I persuaded Lily and James to change to Peter at the last moment, persuaded them to use him as Secret-Keeper instead of me ... I'm to blame, I know it ... the night they died, I'd arranged to check on Peter, make sure he was still safe, but when I arrived at his hiding place, he'd gone. Yet there was no sign of a struggle. It didn't feel right. I was scared. I set out for your parents' house straight away. And when I saw their house, destroyed, and their bodies – I realised what Peter must have done. What I'd done.'

Black looked away. I stared at him; he looked so broken, nothing like the madman who'd been in the papers.

'Enough of this,' said Lupin. His voice was different, almost harsh. 'There's one certain way to prove what really happened. Ron, give me that rat.'

'What are you going to do with him if I give him to you?' Ron asked Lupin tensely.

'Force him to show himself,' said Lupin. 'If he really is a rat, it won't hurt him.' Ron hesitated, then at long last held out Scabbers. The rat squealed and wriggled in an attempt to get free. Lupin took hold of him. 'Ready, Sirius?'

Black had already retrieved Snape's wand and was pointing it at Scabbers. He approached Lupin and the struggling rat, his eyes once again alive in his face.

'Together?' he said quietly.

'I think so.' Lupin held Scabbers tightly at the scruff of his neck. 'On the count of three. One – two – THREE!'

A flash of blue-white erupted from both wands; for a moment, Scabbers was frozen in midair, his small black form twisting madly. Ron was yelling at them to stop, being held back by Hermione to stop him injuring his leg any more. The rat fell and hit the floor. There was another blinding flash of light and all of a sudden I watched as the rat slowly grew until a man was standing between Black and Lupin, cringing and wringing his hands. Crookshanks hissed and spat at him from the bed. Pettigrew, a short squat man with an uncanny resemblance to the rat he'd previously been, looked round at us; he was hardly much taller than Harry or I, and he was balding on to like Scabbers had been losing his fur; it was obvious he'd lost a lot of weight from his shrunken appearance and his clothes were as filthy as Scabbers' fur had been.

'Well, hello, Peter,' said Lupin. It was as if his old best friend had always been there, not a rat seconds previously. Lupin always did have the ability to seem so calm in strange situations. 'Long time, no see.'

'S-Sirius ... R-Remus ...' squeaked Pettigrew, his eyes darting everywhere. 'My friends ... my old friends ...'

Black raised his wand. Lupin seized his wrist and sent him a look before turning back to Pettigrew.

'We've been having a little chat, Peter, about what happened the night Lily and James died. You might have missed the finer points while you were squeaking around down there on the bed –'

'Remus,' he gasped, 'you don't believe him, do you ... He tried to kill me, Remus ...'

'So we've heard,' replied Lupin, his voice getting colder. 'I'd like to clear up one or two little matters with you, Peter, if you'd be so –'

'He's come to try and kill me again!' shrieked Pettigrew. He pointed at Black. I saw he used his middle finger as his index one was missing. Black scowled at him. 'He killed Lily and James and now he's going to kill me, too ... you've got to help me, Remus ...'

'No one's going to try and kill you until we've sorted a few things out.'

'Sorted things out?' Pettigrew looked wildly round us all. 'I knew he'd come after me! I knew he'd be back for me! I've been waiting for this for twelve years!'

'You knew Sirius was going to break out of Azkaban?' asked Lupin curiously. 'When nobody has ever done it before?'

'He's got Dark powers the rest of us can only dream of! How else did he get out of there? I suppose He Who Must Not Be Named taught him a few tricks!'

Black laughed mirthlessly.

'Voldemort, teach me tricks?' Pettigrew flinched. 'What, scared to hear your old master's name?' said Black. 'I don't blame you, Peter. His lot aren't very happy with you, are they?'

'Don't know – what you mean, Sirius –' muttered Pettigrew frantically.

'You haven't been hiding from me for twelve years,' said Black. 'You've been hiding from Voldemort's old supporters. I heard things in Azkaban, Peter ... they all think you're dead, or you'd have to answer to them ... I've heard them screaming all sorts of things in their sleep. Sounds like they think the doubler-crosser double-crossed them. Voldemort went to the Potters' on your information ... and Voldemort met his downfall there. And not all Voldemort's supporters ended up in Azkaban, did they? There are still plenty out here, biding their time, pretending they've seen the error of their ways ... If they ever got wind you were still alive, Peter –'

'Don't know ... what you're talking about ...' said Pettigrew again. 'You don't believe this – this madness, Remus –'

'I must admit, Peter, I have difficulty in understanding why an innocent man would want to spend twelve years as a rat,' said Lupin.

'Innocent, but scared! If Voldemort's supporters were after me, it was because I put one of their best men in Azkaban – the spy Sirius Black.'

'How dare you,' growled Black, his features darkening. He suddenly seemed like that large dog he'd been earlier. 'I, a spy for Voldemort? When did I ever sneak around people who were stronger and more powerful than myself? But you, Peter – I'll never understand why I didn't see you were the spy from the start. You always liked big friends who'd look after you, didn't you? It used to be us ... me and Remus ... and James ...

'Lily and James only made you Secret-Keeper because I suggested it,' hissed Black so venomously Pettigrew recoiled. 'I thought it was the perfect plan ... a bluff ... Voldemort would be sure to come after me, would never dream they'd used a weak, talentless thing like you ... it must have been the finest moment in your miserable life, telling Voldemort you could hand him the Potters, no doubt after you helped corner and hand him my wife!'

'I never – this is ridiculous – far-fetched stories – Remus –!'

'I'm sorry, Peter,' said Lupin, 'but I'm with Sirius on this one. You wronged me the moment I found out you were involved in my sister's death.'

'Professor Lupin?' said Hermione behind him. He looked at her. 'Can – can I say something?

'Certainly, Hermione,' said Lupin courteously.

'Well – Scabbers – I mean, this – this man – he's been sleeping in Harry's dormitory for three years. If he's working for You-Know-Who, how come he never tried to hurt Harry before now?'

'There!' shrieked Pettigrew. 'Thank you! You see, Remus? I have never hurt a hair on Harry's head? Why should I?'

'I'll tell you why,' said Black. 'Because you never did anything for anyone unless you could see what was in it for you. Voldemort's been in hiding for twelve years, they say he's half dead. You weren't about to commit murder right under Albus Dumbledore's nose, for a wreck of a wizard who'd lost all his power, were you? You'd want to be quite sure he was the biggest bully in the playground before you went back to him, wouldn't you? Why else did you find a wizard family to take you in? Keeping an ear out for news, weren't you, Peter? Just in case your old protector regained strength, and it was safe to rejoin him ...'

'Er – Mr Black – Sirius?' Black jumped at being addressed like this. So did I for that matter, surprised to see it was Hermione doing it. 'If you don't mind me asking, how – how did you get out of Azkaban, if you didn't use Dark magic?'

Pettigrew squeaked his agreement again but Lupin silenced him with a look.

'I don't know how I did it,' said Black slowly. 'I think the only reason I never lost your mind is that I knew I was innocent. That wasn't a happy thought, so the Dementors couldn't suck it out of me ... but it kept me sane and knowing who I am ... helped me keep my powers ... so when it all came ... too much ... I could transform in my cell ... become a dog. Dementors can't see you know ...' Black swallowed. 'They feel their way towards people by sensing their emotions ... they could tell that my feelings were – were less human, less complex when I was a dog and so didn't affect me ... like they didn't when I saw this girl as a wolf in the grounds ...' Black pointed at me. I gave him a startled look. 'They thought, of course, that I was losing my mind like everyone else in there, so it didn't trouble them. But I was weak, very weak, and I had no hope of driving them away from me without a wand ...

'But then I saw Peter in that picture ... I realised he was at Hogwarts with Harry ... perfectly positioned to act, if one hint reached his ears that the Dark Side was gathering strength again ... ready to strike the moment he could be sure of allies ... to deliver the last Potter to them. If he gave them Harry, who'd dare say he'd betrayed Lord Voldemort? He'd be welcomed back with honours ...

'So you see, I had to do something. I was the only one who knew Peter was still alive ... It was as if someone had lit a fire in my head, and the Dementors couldn't destroy it ... it wasn't a happy feeling ... it was an obsession ... but it gave me strength, it cleared my mind. So, one night when they opened my door to bring food, I slipped past them as a dog ... it's so much harder for them to sense animal emotions that they were confused ... I was thin, very thin ... thin enough to slip through the bars ... I swam as a dog back to the mainland ... I journeyed north and slipped into the Hogwarts grounds as a dog ... I've been living in the Forest ever since ... except when I come to watch the Quidditch, of course ...' Black actually smiled, 'you fly as well as your father did, Harry ...' He looked directly at Harry. 'Believe me,' Black finished. 'Believe me. I never betrayed James and Lily. I would have died before I betrayed them.'

Harry stared at him. Then, after several seconds, Harry nodded. Pettigrew shrieked and fell to his knees sobbing when Harry did that. He begged Black and Lupin but neither was willing to hear his pleas.

'You don't believe this ... Wouldn't Sirius have told you they'd changed the plan?'

'Not if he thought I was the spy, Peter. I assume that's why you didn't tell me, Sirius?' Lupin said casually, looking at him.

'Forgive me, Remus,' said Black.

'Not at all, Padfoot, old friend,' said Lupin. 'And will you, in turn, forgive me for believing you were the spy? And about Tala?'

Black closed his eyes briefly, then said, 'Of course.' Finally a smile came to my face. It looked like everything was going to be all right now. 'Shall we kill him together?' The smile vanished.

'Yes, I think so.'

OK, not good. Yes, I wanted Black's name cleared, not for him or Lupin then to commit the crime he'd been sent away for no matter how much he deserved it. Pettigrew's hysteria got worse. He begged Ron to help him, claiming he'd been a good rat, which was nothing to be proud of. He then turned to Hermione but she too was repulsed by him.

'Harry ...' pleaded Pettigrew desperately, crawling over to him, 'Harry ... you look just like your father ... just like him ...'

'HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO HARRY?' roared Black, standing between them. 'HOW DARE YOU FACE HIM? HOW DARE YOU TALK ABOUT JAMES IN FRONT OF HIM?'

'Harry ... Harry, James wouldn't have wanted me killed ... James would have understood, Harry ... he would have shown me mercy ...'

Black and Lupin strode forwards, seized Pettigrew's shoulders and threw him backwards on to the floor. They had their wands pointed at him.

'You sold Lily and James to Voldemort,' said Black. 'Do you deny it?' Pettigrew burst into tears.

'Sirius, Sirius, what could I have done?' he wailed. 'The Dark Lord ... you have no idea ... he has weapons you can't imagine ... I was scared, Sirius, I was never brave like you and Remus and James. I never meant it to happen ... He Who Must Not Be Named forced me –'

'DON'T LIE!' bellowed Black. 'YOU'D BEEN PASSING INFORMATION TO HIM FOR A YEAR BEFORE LILY AND JAMES DIED! YOU WERE HIS SPY!'

'He – he was taking over everywhere! Wh-what was there to be gained by refusing him?'

'What was there to be gained by refusing the most evil wizard who has ever existed?' repeated Black. 'Only innocent lives, Peter!'

'You don't understand! He would have killed me, Sirius!'

'THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE DIED!' roared Black. 'DIED RATHER THAN BETRAY YOUR FRIENDS, AS WE WOULD HAVE DONE FOR YOU!'

'You should have realised, Peter,' said Lupin quietly. 'If Voldemort didn't kill you, we would. Goodbye, Peter.

'NO!' Harry and I yelled that at the same time. He ran in front of Peter while I stood in front of Lupin to stop him. I didn't want him committing murder.

'You can't,' said Harry. Lupin sighed.

'Harry, this piece of vermin is the reason you have no parents,' snarled Black. 'This cringing bit of filth would have seen you die, too, without turning a hair. You heard him. His own stinking skin meant more to him than your whole family.'

'I know what he is,' said Harry. 'We'll take him up to the castle. We'll hand him over to the Dementors. He can go to Azkaban ... just don't kill him.'

No one moved. I stared up at Lupin pleadingly, not wanting him to do it. He looked at Harry and me, then smiled. He and Black lowered their wands.

'You're the only person who has the right to decide, Harry,' said Black. 'But think ... think what he did ...'

'He can go to Azkaban,' repeated Harry. He looked across at me. 'If anyone deserves that place, he does ...'

With his assurance, Harry moved aside so that Lupin could tie Pettigrew up so he couldn't escape again. He conjured the same ropes Snape had used on him and bound Pettigrew's wrists with a warning not to transform. If he did, then Lupin and Black would kill him. I privately hoped more for their sake he didn't. Next, Lupin strapped Ron's leg and got him to his feet. As for Snape, we just left him unconscious. Lupin cast a charm on him to make him float so he could move his body. As a final precaution, Lupin and Ron chained themselves to Pettigrew on Black's suggestion.

I have to say in my three years at Hogwarts this was the strangest company I'd ever kept. I led the way out the tunnel with my wand lit and Crookshanks ahead of me; just behind me was Lupin, Pettigrew and Ron shackled together hobbling along; behind them Black was levitating Snape carelessly along the passage; Harry and Hermione bringing up the rear. Crookshanks climbed out of the tunnel and pressed the knot on the trunk so the Whomping Willow froze. I climbed out after him, helping Lupin out after me. Once they were out I walked away from the tree and looked up at the school. I heard footsteps approach me but I didn't move and kept quiet. It was Black.

'I want to thank you for defending me,' he said quietly, standing beside me. 'But I must ask why you did it?'

'I did it because I had to,' I replied. 'I couldn't let him hurt you.'

'I believe there's more to it than that. You're name's Jenna, is it?' I nodded. 'Your parents christened you that?'

'No, my name's Jennifer, and I don't have any parents. My mother was killed thirteen years ago and –' I stopped. I couldn't say it. How could I tell a man I'd just met under bad circumstances that I was his daughter? I couldn't physically say it.

'What about your father?' persisted Black. I glanced at him. I could feel the tears in my eyes.

'He was sent to prison for a crime he didn't commit,' I said, trying to keep calm, 'and he escaped last year. And now he's standing right beside me.' I was expecting Black to deny it or something but he didn't. 'Tala Lupin was my Mum and she married Sirius Black.'

Black's face was still emotionless.

'I lost my wife thirteen years ago as well,' he said. 'The same night James and Lily died, I also lost my daughter. I named her Jennifer. But now, I've finally found her.'

I smiled as the tears finally fell down my cheeks. Black put his arms around me and hugged me. I couldn't believe it. I'd got my Dad back! I was so happy I couldn't speak, just crying silently on his shoulder. After a few moments he let go and held me at arm's length.

'You look so like your mother,' he said, observing me. 'And I'm so sorry about what happened. Harry must have hated you when he found out who I was.'

'I'd worked out the truth,' I said. 'I didn't stop trying to convince him. I even tried to convince Lupin of your innocence.'

'I know you did. Your mother would never have stopped at anything either. I see you've inherited her ability as well as her looks and my stubbornness.'

'Yeah, sort of.' Then, braving it, I said, 'I've really missed you.'

'I've missed you too,' said Sirius softly, 'and as soon as my name's cleared I'm taking you home. It's been good of Remus to look after you so far but it's time I took on my responsibilities.'

I smiled at him. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Harry approach us.

'It's beautiful, isn't it?' Sirius said to the both of us. 'I'll never forget the first time I walked through those doors. It'll be nice to do it again as a free man. That was a noble thing you the two of you did back there,' he added. 'He doesn't deserve it.'

'I didn't do it for him,' I muttered.

'Well, I didn't think my father would want his best friends to become killers, just like I know my best friend wouldn't want her dad and uncle to be ones,' said Harry. I glanced at him. The corner of his lips gave me a small smile. 'Besides, dead the truth dies with him. Alive, you're free.'

I smiled back. Together the group of us set off back for the castle. I couldn't help but feel happy. Soon my Dad was officially going to be cleared. However we never made it back. We walked through the darkness in silence, only Pettigrew's whimpering in the background, until all of a sudden the ground below us became illuminated. I instantly looked into the sky and saw the full moon shining down on us. And Lupin hadn't taken his potion! He wasn't safe! My happiness evaporated and I looked fearfully ahead at Lupin. He'd frozen. Dad flung his arm out to stop Harry and Hermione beside us.

'Run,' whispered Sirius. 'Run! Now!'

As we stood there Lupin began to shake. Instantly I ran to help him but Dad grabbed me, pulling me back from him. I wouldn't have it though; I was scared for Lupin's safety and I fought against Dad's grip.

'Leave it to me,' said Sirius. 'Run!'

'No, I won't leave him!' I shouted.

A terrible snarling noise started. Lupin's head was lengthening. So was his body as his shoulders started to hunch, his clothes ripping off his back; his hands were curling into paws with his nails turning to claws; his feet were coming out his shoes; fur sprouted on his face and body. I watched in utter horror. Dad ran from me and tried to hold him up.

'Remus,' he said desperately. 'You know the man you truly are, Remus! This heart is where you truly live! This heart, here! This flesh is only flesh.'

I knew it wasn't going to work as Dad continually shouted at him.

All of a sudden the werewolf reared on to its back paws and howled. I almost screamed when it threw Dad off and into the bushes. It was then I noticed that Ron was still chained to Pettigrew who in turn was chained to Lupin. Without thinking I ran forwards and transformed. I lunged at the werewolf as a wolf and grabbed its paw to pull it away from Ron. I didn't notice Pettigrew pick up Lupin's wand and use it, nor that he had transformed and gotten away until I heard Harry shout 'Expelliarmus!' Like with Dad, the werewolf swiped its front paw and threw me off. I landed hard on the ground, banging my head; I'd never faced Lupin when he hadn't taken his potion. Looking up I saw Dad was back as the dog. He and the werewolf were locked jaw to jaw until he threw Dad away again. It started to approach him so I grabbed its raised paw, pulling it back, only to be thrown off again. I fell at Harry's feet and transformed when I let go of the image of the wolf, leaving only Dad to defend us. Harry pulled me up and he, Hermione and I watched the werewolf throw the dog around like a rag doll.

Out of the blew, a howl came from down the hill. Another howl replied and there was a rumbling growl; the werewolf had thrown the dog off again and run off.

'Sirius, he's gone, Pettigrew transformed!' yelled Harry.

The dog got to its paws. There were gashes all over its muzzle and back. Before I could stop him, Dad ran off into the darkness.

'Dad!' I shouted. I made to go after him but Harry stopped me. 'Get off me! Dad!'

I pushed Harry off me and ran off in the direction Dad had gone. I had to find out if he was all right, help him if I could. I couldn't lose him again, not now! I stopped dead when I heard a yelping ahead of me. Fear filled me. I ran in the direction of the noise down the hill, the bushes and branches of the trees scratching me as I ran through them without much care. The noise got louder as I got closer. I ran through the last band of trees to find myself somewhere near the Black Lake that had been surrounded by trees in a secluded area. I looked round desperately. Dad was by the water's edge, lying on the stones back in human form. I ran over to him. He wasn't moving. I ran over to him, kneeling by his side. He was badly scratched up.

'Dad!' I said desperately, shaking him. 'Dad, please, get up! You've got to wake up!'

Someone burst through the trees behind me and Harry appeared at my side.

'Sirius! Sirius!'

'Dad, wake up!'

'Nooo ... Noooo ... please ...'

I looked up when Harry said that and suddenly noticed the air getting colder. I looked at the water to see it steadily freezing over towards us. Harry and I looked up to the sky; a whole swarm of about a hundred Dementors flew over us. The chill swept through my entire body. Thoughts of Dad dying filled my mind as I stared at them.

'Jenna, think of something happy!' yelled Harry, getting to his feet. He raised his wand and shouted, 'Expecto patronum! Expecto patronum!'

Harry tried as hard as he could to conjure a Patronus but could only manage fine vapours. He shouted at me to do so as well but I couldn't muster the strength, not when thoughts in my head were of Dad dying. I couldn't think of a single happy thing. One by one the Dementors swooped down on us. I felt them tear at me, attempting to rip every happy thought from me. The Dementors managed to get to me first and I was left hanging on to my energy, lying over Dad's chest still begging him to wake up. It seemed like forever I was there, waiting for them to kill me.

Then … the coldness ebbed away. I only just saw what was doing it … a pair of bright lights across the lake from us …

I fainted.

'I got there to find the four students with the werewolf and Black. They were lucky I got there in time ...'

'Yes, indeed ...'

I moved my head, letting out a small moan. It was hurting so badly. I forced my eyes open. Slowly they focused and I saw I was in the hospital wing. Just through the open doorway I could see the familiar black cloak of Snape and another man with him. It was the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge.

'Black had cornered them,' said Snape. 'My suspicions are that he'd managed to convince his daughter to come to the Shrieking Shack and Potter, Weasley and Granger had tried to stop her. Of course, being naive to what he had done, the girl had led them straight to him as he wanted. The offer to see her father for the first time would have been all too tempting to a susceptible girl such as her.'

'Yes, yes. She would have been the perfect tool for him to use to get them there.'

'Black always was very shrewd, even at school, a heartless thug.'

I sat up as if a bolt of electricity had been sent through me. In the bed opposite mine was Harry. He was still unconscious. Beside him sat Hermione, watching him. At the far end of the room, Madam Pomfrey was bending over an unconscious Ron, his leg strapped in plaster. On my bedside table there was a large lump of chocolate. Without caring what the others said or did, I got up, grabbed some chocolate and shoved it in my mouth, before running to the hospital wing door. I had to find my Dad.

'Miss Black!' I stopped with my hand on the door handle to see Madam Pomfrey staring down at me. 'Get back into your bed this instant! You've just encountered several Dementors! You need your rest!'

She tried to push me back to my bed but I wouldn't have it. I could see Ron and Hermione just watching me.

'No!' I screamed. I didn't care if I woke Harry or Ron. 'I want to see my Dad! Let me see him!'

The doors of the hospital wing opened and Professor Dumbledore walked in. Outside, I saw Snape and Fudge look in, surprised to see me awake.

'Professor, now is not a good time,' said Madam Pomfrey. She had her hands on my shoulders to stop me running off. 'These children need rest.'

'I understand, Poppy, but, if I may, I need to have a word with Miss Black,' said Dumbledore lightly. Madam Pomfrey gave him a disgruntled look but released me. She turned on her heal and went back into her office.

'I want to see my Dad,' I said to Dumbledore straight away. 'I have the right to see him.'

'Indeed, Miss Black,' he replied casually. 'I was actually hoping you had woken so I could take you to see him.' I stared at him, taken aback. 'Come along, time waits for no man.'

Dumbledore walked out of the hospital wing. I followed. Snape and Fudge were still in the corridor when we left. When they saw us, Fudge stopped us. Snape's eyes focused on me; I glared back at him.

'Albus, now really,' he said to Dumbledore. 'Miss Black should be resting. She's been through a distressing ordeal.'

'I am taking her to see Sirius Black,' said Dumbledore.

'Are you sure that's wise?' asked Fudge. 'He has already lured her into one trap. We don't want him tricking her again.'

'I am in agreement with the Minister, Headmaster,' added Snape. 'Played by both a murderer and werewolf –'

'Whom I have already counted for, Severus,' said Dumbledore pointedly. 'Remus Lupin is a more than capable guardian for Miss Black.'

'Albus –'

'If Miss Black is to understand the truth, it is best she confronts it herself,' said Dumbledore, waving a dismissive hand at Fudge. 'Come along, Miss Black.'

He walked off. I gave Snape another dark look then followed quickly after him. I didn't know where he was taking me, only that it would be to my Dad. He took me all the way up the top of the West Tower where Professor Flitwick's office. Dumbledore tapped his wand on the doorknob and it unlocked. He opened the door. Dad was sat in the corner with manacles round his wrists and ankles, crouched in the darkness. The only light was from a small window. I ran over to him.

'Dad.' He looked up at me.

'Jenna.'

Dad made to get up but the manacles stopped him. I fell to my knees beside him and threw my arms round him, close enough so he could hold me too. I held on to him tightly, not wanting to let him go. Dad released me and I looked up. There was a sad look on his sunken face. He gently touched my cheek.

'I thought the Dementors had killed you,' he said. 'I was so scared I'd lost you again.'

'It takes more than Dementors to kill me,' I said. I was trying to hold back my tears again though I knew they were falling down my cheeks. I couldn't help myself and I said, 'I don't want you to die.'

Dad let out a heavy sigh.

'There's nothing you can do,' he told me. 'Fudge has called for the Dementors. They'll be here as soon as he's dealt with them for attacking you and Harry.'

'No, there must be a way to prove you're innocent. We all know the truth. Lupin knows the truth. He can tell them!'

'Remus isn't able to tell them anything at the moment and what with Pettigrew gone again, there's no proof. Fudge will never listen to you all, not with Snape providing a more convincing story.' He stopped and just looked at me. 'I'm so sorry, Jenna.'

I couldn't believe he was just giving up.

'Dad, don't say that,' I cried quietly. 'I'll get you out, I promise.'

'Don't make promises you can't keep, Jenna,' said Sirius. 'I learnt that years ago. You don't need to promise anything to me. Just remember this: I always hoped you were alive. I never gave up that hope and I've always loved you. And this belongs to you.' Dad lifted up something from under his shirt and unclipped it from around his neck. He took my hand and placed it in it. It was a beaded necklace with a small feather in the centre. 'It was your mother's. I gave it to her as a birthday present when she came of age. It's rightfully yours.'

'Miss Black, it's time to leave,' said Professor Dumbledore.

'What? No!' Dumbledore took hold of my arm and gently lifted me to stand up, pulling me from Dad's arms. He was leading me away. 'Dad!' I shouted. 'Dad, I'll save you! I promise!'

Dumbledore led me away from the Tower and back to the hospital wing. I fought against him all the way, telling him repeatedly that Dad was innocent. He didn't seem to hear me. As we approached the hospital wing I saw Snape with Fudge just inside, talking. Then, Hermione's and Harry's tones were heard. They were shouting at him shouting. Dumbledore took me inside. Harry saw us.

'Professor Dumbledore, Sirius Black –'

'For heaven's sake!' said Madam Pomfrey. 'Is this a hospital wing or not? Headmaster, I must insist –'

'My apologies, Poppy, but I need a word with Mr Potter, Miss Granger and Miss Black,' said Dumbledore calmly. 'I have just been talking to Sirius Black –'

'I suppose he's told you the same fairy tale he's planted in Potter's mind?' spat Snape. I glared at him. 'Something about a rat, and Pettigrew being alive –'

'That, indeed, is Black's story,' said Dumbledore.

'And does my evidence count for nothing?' snarled Snape. 'Peter Pettigrew was not in the Shrieking Shack, nor did I see any sign of him in the grounds.'

'That's because you were knocked out, Professor!' said Hermione. 'You didn't arrive in time to hear –'

'Miss Granger, HOLD YOUR TONGUE!' shouted Snape fiercely.

'Now, Snape,' said Fudge, startled, 'the young lady is disturbed in her mind, we must make allowances –'

'I would like to speak to Harry, Hermione and Jenna alone,' said Dumbledore suddenly. 'Cornelius, Severus, Poppy – please leave us.'

'Headmaster!' spluttered Madam Pomfrey. 'They need treatment, they need rest –'

'This cannot wait,' said Dumbledore. 'I must insist.'

Madam Pomfrey returned to her office, fuming. Fudge also left claiming that the Dementors would be waiting for him. A shiver ran down my spine at the thought. Snape, however, was still here.

'Sirius Black showed he was capable of murder at the age of sixteen,' he said through gritted teeth. 'You haven't forgotten that, Headmaster? You haven't forgotten that he once tried to kill me?'

'My memory is as good as it ever was, Severus,' replied Dumbledore.

Snape stared at the Headmaster then turned on his heel and left. Instantly Harry and Hermione began shouting things at Dumbledore. He held up his hand to stop them.

'It is your turn to listen, and I beg you will not interrupt me, because there is very little time,' he said. 'There is not a shred of proof to support Black's story, except your word – and the word of four thirteen year old wizards will not convince anybody. A street full of eye-witnesses swore they saw Sirius murder Pettigrew. I myself gave evidence to the Ministry that Sirius had been the Potters' Secret-Keeper.'

'Professor Lupin can tell you –' started Harry.

'Professor Lupin is currently deep in the Forest, unable to tell anyone anything. By the time he is human again, it will be too late, Sirius will be worse than dead.' A gasp shook my body at that. 'I might add that werewolves are so mistrusted by most of our kind that his support will count for very little – and the fact that he and Sirius are old friends –'

'But –'

'Listen to me, Harry. It is too late, you understand me? You must see that Professor Snape's version of events is far more convincing than yours.'

'Professor, there must be something we can do,' I said, hoping more than anything that there was.

'He hates Sirius,' said Hermione. 'All because of some stupid trick Sirius played on him –'

'Sirius has not acted like an innocent man. The attack on the Fat Lady – entering the Gryffindor Tower with a knife – without Pettigrew, alive or dead, we have no chance of overturning Sirius's sentence.'

'But you believe us.'

'Yes, I do,' said Dumbledore quietly. 'But I have no power to make other men see the truth, or to overrule the Minister for Magic ... What we need is more time ...'

How was time meant to help us? In a matter of minutes, my father would be worse than dead! How was time supposed to help us?

'But –' Hermione began. 'OH!'

'Now, pay attention,' said Dumbledore, speaking very low. 'Sirius is locked in Professor Flitwick's office on the seventh floor. Thirteenth window from the right of the West Tower. If all goes well, more than one innocent life may be spared tonight. But remember this, all of you. You must not be seen. Miss Granger, you know the law – you know what is at stake ... you – must – not – be – seen.'

Dumbledore strode away from us to the door.

'I am going to lock you in. It is –' Dumbledore looked at his watch, 'five minutes to midnight. Miss Granger, three turns should do it. Good luck.'

'Good luck?' repeated Harry as Dumbledore closed the door. He looked at me and Hermione, then said what I was thinking. 'What the bloody hell was that all about?'

'Harry, Jenna, come here.' I looked at Hermione, confused. 'Quick!'

Hermione pulled out a long thin gold chain and put it around mine and Harry's necks, fiddling with a small pendant in the shape of a tiny hourglass. Harry made to touch it but Hermione slapped his hand away. I watched as she gave the thing three turns with the small dial and the hourglass inside it began to spin. Around us, Ron disappeared as day came back, people moving around us backwards, even a person being wrapped back up in bandages. Seconds later, Hermione removed the chain from our necks and shoved it back in her jacket.

'Five to nine,' she said quickly. 'Where were we at five to nine?'

'I don't know,' said Harry, 'going to Hagrid's?'

'What about you, Jenna?'

'I was with Lupin,' I said, confused.

'Come on and we can't be seen.'

Hermione ran out of the hospital wing. Harry and I looked at each other before running after her, Harry yelling at her to slow down. We ran all the way down from the hospital wing to the Entrance Hall. Suddenly Hermione dragged us into a nearby broom cupboard and slammed the door shut behind us.

'Someone's coming!' whispered Hermione. She had her ear to the door. 'I think – I think it might be us! Footsteps across the hall ... yes, I think it's us going down to Hagrid!'

The footsteps must have gone as moments later Hermione pulled us out of the cupboard. I couldn't believe what was happening; Harry, Hermione and I had just been sitting in that broom cupboard when apparently, Harry, Ron and Hermione had just walked past us to Hagrid's. How on earth could that have been done unless we'd gone back in time? I ran after Hermione as she ran along the bridge towards the Stone Circle. We stopped in the archway and looked out into the grounds. There were Harry, Ron and Hermione, plain as anything in front of us, Malfoy and his cronies also looking into the grounds.

'You! You foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach!' We watched as Hermione strode up to Malfoy and drew her wand; he backed against one of the stones, quivering as Hermione pointed it under his chin.

'Hermione, no!' said Ron out there. 'He's not worth it.'

'That's us,' mumbled Harry. 'This is not normal.'

Hermione and I quickly pulled Harry back round the corner. I think I knew what was going on.

'Will you keep quiet,' I hissed at him. 'You'll see us.' That was something I never thought I'd say.

'We've gone back in time,' whispered Hermione. 'Three hours back ...'

'Are you telling me,' Harry whispered, 'that we're here and out there in the Stone circle, too?'

'Quick to catch on, isn't he?' I said, slightly sarcastically. We moved so we could see around the archway again. I couldn't understand why we'd gone back this far in time when we were rescuing Dad. 'Dumbledore wanted us to return to this moment. Clearly something happened he wants us to change.'

Hermione lowered her wand. Malfoy smirked at Crabbe and Goyle. Next moment, Hermione turned round and punched him right in the face. His head smacked against the pillar behind him.

'Good punch,' muttered Harry.

'Thanks,' said Hermione. Malfoy started up the hill towards us, Crabbe and Goyle following. 'Malfoy's coming!'

Hermione grabbed us and pulled us out the arch on the other side where we crouched down as Malfoy ran past us with the other two. We crept forwards so we could see the other Harry, Ron and Hermione. They vanished under Harry's Invisibility Cloak. The grass rustled as they started down the hill. Harry, Hermione and I crept out of hiding and ran over to the top of the hill. Our only clue to where the earlier them were was the movement of the grass.

'Where did you get that hourglass thing?' Harry asked.

'It's called a Time-Turner,' said Hermione, 'and I got it from Professor McGonagall on our first day back. I've been using it all year to get to all my lessons. Professor McGonagall made me swear I wouldn't tell anyone. She had to write all sorts of letters to the Ministry of Magic so I could have one. She had to tell them that I was a model student, and that I'd never, ever use it for anything except my studies ... I've been turning it back so I could do hours over again, that's how I've been doing several lessons at once, see? But ...'

Hermione looked down the hill at Hagrid's hut.

'I don't understand what Dumbledore wants us to do. Why did he tell us to go back three hours? How's that going to hep Sirius?'

Harry thought for a moment, and said, 'We were walking down to Hagrid's three hours ago ...'

'This is three hours ago, and we are walking down to Hagrid's,' said Hermione. 'We just heard ourselves leaving ...'

'Dumbledore just said – just said more than one innocent life could be spared ...'

'Look!' I gasped, pointing at Hagrid's vegetable patch. 'Buckbeak. He's still alive.'

'That's it!' gasped Harry. 'We're going to save Buckbeak!'

'But – how will that help Sirius?' asked Hermione.

'Dumbledore said – he just told us where the window is – the window of Flitwick's office. Where they've got Sirius locked up! We've got to fly Buckbeak up to the window and rescue Sirius! Sirius can escape on Buckbeak – they can escape together!'

'If we manage that without being seen, it'll be a miracle,' breathed Hermione.

'Well then we better get going,' I said. 'Hagrid's door has just closed meaning you've gone in. Let's go.'

The three of us ran down the hill towards Hagrid's hut. We used the outer trees of the Forbidden Forest as cover so no one in the castle spotted us sneaking out. The grounds were steadily getting darker. We ran through the trees and towards Hagrid's vegetable patch. We crouched behind his large pumpkins and watched for any sign of Harry, Ron and Hermione through Hagrid's window.

'Yeh shouldn've come!' came Hagrid's loud whisper. They were inside all right.

'This is the weirdest thing we've ever done,' breathed Harry.

'You think?' I said.

Buckbeak was a few feet ahead of us, tethered to a wooden pole in Hagrid's pumpkin patch with a few dead ferrets beside him. I glanced behind us to see Dumbledore, Fudge and the executioner were walking down the hill. I nudged the others and pointed at them. We were running out of time.

'They're coming,' I whispered. 'Why aren't you leaving?'

'I haven't found Scabbers yet,' whispered Hermione. 'We don't leave until we found him. And Hagrid's milk jug has got to break.'

You had to be joking. If the them in Hagrid's hut didn't get caught, the us out here certainly would. I looked back at the window when I saw a stone beside my hand. Quickly I picked it up and threw it in through the window. Harry and Hermione looked at me startled; I merely ducked down and I heard a smash, meaning I'd hit Hagrid's jug.

'You did that?' asked Hermione. I shrugged. I didn't know I'd done that, did I? I'd only just thought of it. 'So I'm going to find Scabbers in a moment –' and seconds later, we heard Hermione scream.

'Hermione,' said Harry, 'what if we – we just run in there, and grab Pettigrew –'

'No!' whispered Hermione firmly. 'Don't you understand? We're breaking one of the most important wizarding laws! Nobody's supposed to change time, nobody! You heard Dumbledore, if we're seen –'

'We'd only be seen by ourselves and Hagrid!'

'Harry, what do you think you'd do if you saw yourself bursting into Hagrid's house?' said Hermione.

'I'd – I'd think I'd gone mad,' said Harry, 'or I'd think there was some Dark Magic going on –'

'Exactly! You wouldn't understand, you might even attack yourself! Don't you see? Professor McGonagall told me what awful things have happened when wizards have meddled with time ... loads of them ended up killing their past or future selves by mistake!'

'Well, Jenna can go get him then,' said Harry. I looked at him.

'I'm not going in there!' I hissed at him. 'Harry, things happen for a reason. You still think I'm a liar at this moment. If I go in there after Scabbers you might curse me or something and the me with Lupin would be injured. It would be too suspicious. I'm not going.'

The Harry, Ron and Hermione in there still hadn't moved and Dumbledore and Fudge were getting closer. We had to hide and they had to get out of there. I picked up another stone and lobbed it through the window; this time it connected with the back of Harry's head.

'So you're the one who threw that stone at me,' said Harry. He rubbed the back of his head. 'That really hurt.'

'Sorry,' I muttered. 'Quick! You're coming out!'

Harry, Hermione and I got up and ran back into the trees as Harry, Ron and Hermione came out of the back door of Hagrid's hut under the Invisibility Cloak. We watched the grass flatten as they ran past us and back up the hill. The three of us ran out of the trees again. As quick as possible, Harry coaxed Buckbeak to his feet. But he wouldn't move. Inside, Fudge was getting Hagrid to sign some form about the execution.

'One moment please, Macnair,' said Dumbledore's voice. 'I believe I must sign as well ...'

'Come on, Buckbeak,' murmured Harry. He still wouldn't move. 'Jenna, help!' I too took hold of the chain and pulled.

'Just sign on the dotted line,' said Fudge. 'Your name will do.'

'Well it's a very long name ...'

It took two of us to pull on his chain while Hermione enticed him with some of his dead ferrets. We managed to get him into the Forest, not sticking around to see what happened. We heard the door bang open then silence.

'It was tied here!' shouted the executioner. 'I saw it! Just here!'

Good, they'd bought it. With them shouting about Buckbeak, the three of us ran deeper into the Forbidden Forest with Buckbeak. He strained at first against us to get back to Hagrid but Hermione lured him onwards with his dead ferrets. We edged round the Forest as it got darker before stopping when we were far enough away from Hagrid's hut. We tied Buckbeak to a tree trunk and left him with his ferrets. I ran on ahead. I had to find out what was happening. I came to a stop when I saw the big black shadow of the Whomping Willow. I looked out from the trees. Harry and Hermione joined me a few minutes later. We watched as Ron caught Scabbers. Dad charged at them then grab Ron to drag him into the tree.

'Looks even worse from here, doesn't it?' said Harry. 'Ouch – look, I just got walloped by the tree – and so did you – and there goes the wolf – this is weird –'

'That reminds me,' said Hermione. She looked at me. 'Why did you tell us you were an Animagus, Jenna?'

'Same reason I didn't tell you who my dad was,' I muttered.

Harry and Hermione looked at each other. I looked away and focused on the tree. Crookshanks had just allowed Harry and Hermione into the hole. Just after that we heard Dumbledore's footsteps as he and Fudge walked back up the hill. A few minutes later we saw another figure hurrying towards the Whomping Willow.

'Here comes Lupin!' said Harry. Lupin seized a branch and prodded the knot. He disappeared from sight. 'If only he'd grabbed the Cloak. It's just lying there ... If I just dashed out now and grabbed it, Snape'd never be able to get it and –'

'Harry, we mustn't be seen!'

'How can you stand this?' asked Harry. 'Just standing here and watching it happen?'

'Because we have to, Harry,' I said. 'We're causing enough trouble as it is, altering what happened.'

'I'm going to grab the Cloak.'

'Harry, no!'

Hermione and I grabbed Harry and held him back. Just in time as well as Hagrid walked past the place where we were, whistling happily to himself about Buckbeak. Minutes later Snape too came running out of the castle. He grabbed the Cloak then threw it over himself, disappearing. Harry growled under his breath for Snape to get his hands off it. The tree froze and I knew he'd got inside.

'So that's it,' said Hermione. 'We're all down there ... and now we've just got to wait until we come back again ...'

I sighed, 'And now we wait.'

I sat down on the grass and pulled my knees up to my chest, wrapping my arms round them. Harry and Hermione sat down beside me. All I could do was hope that everything would turn out all right.

An hour past and still there was no movement from the Willow. This was getting ridiculous. As the other two talked quietly, I sat thinking about what could happen if we failed. Dad would suffer something worse than death, an eternity without a soul. I shivered at the thought.

'But what was it?' asked Hermione. I glanced at her and Harry though the darkness.

'There's only one thing it could have been, to make the Dementor go,' said Harry. 'A real Patronus. A powerful one.'

'But who conjured it?' Harry didn't say anything. 'Didn't you see what they looked like?' asked Hermione eagerly. 'Was it one of the teachers?'

'No,' said Harry. 'He wasn't a teacher.'

'But it must have been a really powerful wizard, to drive all those Dementors away ... If the Patronus was shining so brightly, didn't it light him up? Couldn't you see –?'

'Yeah, I saw him,' said Harry. 'But ... maybe I imagined it ... I wasn't thinking straight ... I passed out right afterwards ...'

'Who do you think it was?' Hermione persisted.

'I think – I think it was my dad.'

What? I looked at Harry. How could his Dad have cast a Patronus? He was –

'Dead, I know that,' said Harry, finishing Hermione's sentence.

'You think you saw his ghost?'

'I don't know ... no ... he looked solid ... they both did ...'

'Both?' I asked, unable to stop myself. Harry looked at me.

'Yeah, there was someone further back,' said Harry. 'I think they were helping him, whoever he was.' Harry sighed. 'Maybe I was seeing things. But ... from what I could see ... it looked like him ... I've got photos of him ... I know, it sounds mad. I'm just telling you what I saw.'

I looked away, confused. How could Harry see his father or someone who looked like him? It wasn't physically possible. James Potter would have to have an identical twin or –

The leaves overhead rustled. I looked up. Up in the sky the clouds shifted. Every so often I saw the moon flash in and out of them. It was almost time. I stood up and looked over at the Whomping Willow. Sure enough several dark figures were emerging from the base of the frozen tree. Harry and Hermione also noticed. First me, then Lupin, Ron and Pettigrew, followed by Hermione, an unconscious Snape, Harry and Dad. My heart jumped when I saw him. A part of me was desperate to run to him but when Hermione reminded Harry that we couldn't be seen, I stayed put.

'So we're just going to let Pettigrew escape all over again ...' said Harry quietly. I could tell he wasn't happy about it.

'How do you expect to find a rat in the dark?' snapped Hermione. 'There's nothing we can do! We came back to help Sirius! We're not supposed to be doing anything else!'

'All right!'

The moon slid out from behind its cloud. I watched as the dark figures across the grounds became illuminated. They froze. It was even more painful to watch Lupin transform a second time, knowing what was going to happen and how I couldn't help him even a second time round. My worry grew as I watched the fight between the dog and the werewolf, wincing at how vicious Lupin truly could be. There had to be a way to stop him. Then I remembered. I'd heard a howl while they had been fighting. Instantly, I put my hands round my mouth and let out a howl to attract Lupin's attention. Harry instantly grabbed me, covering my mouth.

'What are you doing?' he hissed.

'Saving our lives,' I replied, freeing myself. 'He's a werewolf. They only respond to the call of their own kind. I've lived with him for three years, I know what I'm doing!' and I howled again.

I heard the werewolf howl in reply and run off down the hill … at us. Oops.

'Great, now it's coming for us,' said Harry.

'Yeah, didn't think about that,' I said quickly. 'Run!'

The three of us turned and ran. The werewolf burst into the trees where we had previously been. In seconds he'd be on us. We ran back to where we'd tied up Buckbeak so he didn't get hurt either.

'Back to Hagrid's!' shouted Harry. 'It's empty now – come on!'

'You head there!' I shouted. 'I'll lead it away!'

'Jenna, don't –!'

I didn't listen as I'd already transformed back into a wolf. I sprinted off in the opposite direction to Harry, Hermione and Buckbeak. I stopped long enough to let out another howl to attract its attention. The werewolf stopped when it heard me then ran in the direction I'd gone. I darted off, leading the werewolf away from Hagrid's hut. I ran as fast as I could but the werewolf was faster. It was going to catch me any minute. I had barely a second to think. Not knowing if it would work, I skidded to a halt and turned round. The werewolf was getting closer. I cleared my mind and returned human, quickly transforming into a horse exactly like Mum used to, hoping it'd recognise it. The werewolf leapt up at me. I reared up on my hind legs and hit it with my front hooves. It snarled at me before running off into the forest. I changed back as it disappeared into the trees.

'Lupin's having a really tough night,' I breathed.

With him gone I ran off again. This time towards the secluded part of the lake where I knew Dad would be. By now my heart was hammering hard in my chest and I was desperate for breath but the adrenaline kept me going. I pushed my way through the trees searching for it. It was only when I felt the chill of the Dementors overhead that I knew I was going in the right direction. I followed them through the darkness until I reached the water's edge to find Harry already there. On the opposite shore I saw Dad, Harry and myself all fighting to stay alive as the Dementors began to attack us. I walked up to stand beside Harry.

'We're dying ...' I breathed. It was strange watching it happen before us.

'He'll come,' said Harry. 'Dad'll come.'

'Harry, he can't,' I said. 'The only way he could be here was if –' and suddenly it all fell into place. 'Harry!' I gasped. 'It wasn't your dad you saw. You saw you. That horse Patronus was mine! We're here right now and we're dying over there. You conjured the other Patronus!'

I stared at him hopefully. If he didn't understand then we'd be dead for sure. Realisation seemed to spread over his face. Harry burst out from the bush we were behind, me running after him, and drew out his wand. I did the same with the thought in my head that Dad was going to be all right.

'EXPECTO PATRONUM!'

A bright light burst from mine and Harry's wands. Two Patronuses, full and solid, exploded from our wand tips, charging over the lake to the other us. The Dementors fled in every direction into the sky as the Patronuses charged them down. As I watched I realised why Harry had thought it was his dad who'd conjured it. Not only because he looked like his father but because of what his Patronus was: a stag. Prongs.

Soon, the Dementors had gone. The Patronuses cantered back over the lake towards us, a horse coming towards me. I smiled. My Mum. The horse pawed the ground with its hoof then disappeared. I looked round when I heard a rustling behind us and Hermione came running towards us with Buckbeak in toe. Harry brushed off her panicky question and told us to get into the bushes where he explained to her what happened. Despite her frustration, she was impressed. We looked back round to see Snape had arrived. He conjured a couple of stretchers, another by his side with Ron on it, then disappeared with our unconscious forms back up to the castle. With them gone we made our way back round to Hagrid's hut where we saw Macnair running through the grounds to get the Dementors.

'This is it,' said Harry.

Carefully the three of us climbed on to Buckbeak. It took a little encouragement but Harry managed to get him into the air. He let out a squawk then reared up, flapping his wings. We shot into the air and out of the Forest. Harry steered us towards the castle. I pointed out the West Tower and we flew in its direction. In front of me, Hermione had her eyes closed and was clinging on to Harry. I could tell she didn't like it. I actually would have enjoyed it more if we weren't racing against time to rescue Dad.

'He's there!' said Harry as we circled the tower.

He steered Buckbeak close enough so he could rap on the window. Dad stood up, shock plastered on his face when he saw us there. He tried to open the window but it was locked. Hermione pulled out her wand and managed to open it. Telling Harry to move Buckbeak closer, I climbed off him and into Flitwick's office. When Dad made to hug me, I told him to get on Buckbeak as we were running out of time. He did as I said and climbed out the window. With him safe, I transformed and flew out after them. We landed on top of one of the battlements and moved into the shadows so we wouldn't be seen.

'What happened to the other boy? Ron?' was the first thing Dad asked.

'He's fine, he's in the hospital wing,' said Harry. 'Madam Pomfrey's fixed his leg.' Dad nodded.

'I'll be forever grateful for this,' he said, 'to all of you.'

'I want to go with you,' said Harry instantly. I looked at him.

'One day, perhaps,' replied Sirius. 'For some time, my life will be too unpredictable.' I looked away feeling uncomfortable, knowing Dad was to leave me again. Hermione went to calm Buckbeak down. I remained listening to them though. 'And besides, you're meant to be here.'

'But you're innocent.'

'And you know it. And for now, that will do.' Dad put his hands on Harry's shoulders, looking at him the same way he did me an hour previously. 'I expect you're tired of hearing this but you look so like your father, except your eyes. You have –'

'– my mother's eyes,' finished Harry.

'It's cruel that I spent so much time with James and Lily, and you so little. But know this: the ones that love us never really leave us.' At this I looked up at Dad. 'And you can always find them in here.' He'd put his hand on Harry's chest, over his heart. I guess he was right.

Dad stood straight then turned to me. I couldn't look at him, knowing I had tears in my eyes again.

'I've only just got you back,' I said quietly. 'Please don't leave me again.'

'You know I must,' said Sirius gently, lifting up my face to look at his. 'You're so your mother's daughter, Jenna. Soon, I'll be able to have you back and explain, but for now, you must stay with Remus.' He gave me a tight hug. 'Never give up the hope that I'll come back.'

I nodded.

As midnight approached we urged Dad to go. He got back on to Buckbeak and turned to us, adding, 'You really are the brightest witch of your age.' to Hermione, before kicking his heels and flying away. The three of us watched as they flew away. He was finally free.

'Harry!' gasped Hermione. 'We've got exactly ten minutes to get back to the hospital wing without anybody seeing us – before Dumbledore locks the door –'

At this, we slipped through the door and ran all the way back down the spiral staircase. As we reached the bottom we heard voices and we had to hide in the shadows. It was Snape and Fudge, talking about the Dementors. Snape had a horrid smirk on his face as they passed us. Oh, I would pay big money to see the look on his face when they realised Dad was gone. When they were gone, we ran off back to the hospital wing, taking a slight detour to hide in a classroom when Peeves appeared bouncing along the corridor. We were cutting it very close.

'I am going to lock you in.' Dumbledore was just ahead. We sped up. 'It is five minutes to midnight. Miss Granger, three turns should do it. Good luck.'

Dumbledore backed out the room and shut the doors. He turned round and saw us running up to him.

'We did it!' said Harry breathlessly. 'Sirius has gone, on Buckbeak ...'

'Well done,' said Dumbledore, beaming. 'I think –' he listened at the door, 'Yes, I think you've gone, too. Get inside – I'll lock you in –'

The three of us hurried inside and Dumbledore locked the door behind us. Ron was still unconscious in his bed. Quietly we slipped back to us, just in time as Madam Pomfrey came out of her office in a bad mood. Harry, Hermione and I looked at each other, silently deciding it was safer to accept her chocolate without question.

The rest of that night was spent in the hospital wing at the orders of Madam Pomfrey. Of course, Dad's escape hadn't gone unnoticed and about five minutes after we had got back, Snape stormed into the ward shouting that Harry had done something to help Black escape. Madam Pomfrey said it was ridiculous seeing as Dumbledore had locked us in. Even Dumbledore confirmed this though we knew it wasn't true. Once Snape had disappeared fuming and Fudge had gone to call off the Dementors, we were left in the ward alone. In the silence we heard a moan. Ron was waking up.

'What – what happened?' he asked. 'Harry? Why are we in here? Where's Sirius? Where's Lupin? What's going on?'

Harry, Hermione and I looked at each other.

'You explain,' said Harry and he helped himself to a large chunk of chocolate.

The next day the fact that Black had escaped again had spread around the school like wild fire though the castle and grounds were virtually deserted due to another Hogsmeade visit. Hagrid was in a very good mood when I saw him at breakfast which I could tell was to do with Buckbeak's disappearance. I was there alone as the others were still asleep in the hospital wing. I'd convinced Madam Pomfrey to let me have breakfast in the Hall as I felt all right. When I was finished I went straight to Lupin's office. I had to find out if he was all right. When I got there, Lupin's office was empty so I took a seat and waited. Half an hour later, he came in; he looked terrible.

'Lupin.' I spoke quietly in case he had a headache. He just looked at me. 'Where've you been?' I asked. 'I was worried.' I helped him inside the room and sat him down before pulling out his kettle and making him a cup of tea. I handed it to him and he took a large sip, leaning back painfully in his chair.

'I've handed in my resignation,' Lupin said hoarsely once he was able to speak.

'What? Why? You're the best teacher we've ever had.'

'Jenna, it's dangerous.' He opened his eyes and looked at me. 'I could have killed any one of you last night. The number of times I could have killed you in the past – I can't risk it.'

I sighed and accepted it. I never tried to argue with Lupin when I knew he was right.

'Anyway,' said Lupin, 'I was more worried about you. I heard you got attacked by a swarm of Dementors last night, you and Harry.'

So I told him the events of last night after he'd run off. Lupin just sat, nodding every so often, and listening to what I said. I finished with, 'So Dad got away and Snape, well, he wasn't very pleased.'

'Part of the reason I resigned,' said Lupin tiredly. He got up out of his chair and flicked his wand to his trunk, making it open and start to pack itself. He noticed my curious look. 'Severus let slip that I was a werewolf in his House meetings this morning. It was only a matter of time before he did. Still …' Lupin heaved his briefcase on to the table and opened it. 'Now, you can make yourself useful and help me pack.'

An hour or so later Harry came bursting in, saying Lupin shouldn't resign and he explained the same reasons he did to me. Harry tried to persuade him otherwise but Lupin wouldn't have it. Talk then moved to last night and that Pettigrew still escaped. Lupin was surprised how Harry was acting and told him he saved a man from a terrible fate. I remained quiet. And before Lupin left, he had something for Harry.

'Now,' Lupin said, 'since I am no longer your teacher, I feel no guilt whatsoever about giving this back to you, as long as you share it with Jenna. Her mother and father helped write it after all. So now I'll say goodbye, Harry. I feel sure well meet again sometime. Until then …' Lupin looked at the Map and grinned slightly. 'Mischief managed.' He flicked his wand at the Map and it folded itself up and cleared. Taking a walking stick, Lupin limped through the door and looked back at us. 'I'll see you back at home, Jenna.'

'Yeah, see you, Lupin,' I said and he turned and walked down the stairs. Standing in the doorway, I watched as Lupin limped out of the room. Then, without looking at him, I said quietly to Harry, 'I want to thank you.'

'What for?' he asked.

'For saving my Dad. Believing he was innocent.' I glanced at him and smiled. 'Thank you, Harry. And I'm glad you believe me now. Bit lonely not being your friend.'

I was about to walk away back to the Tower when I felt Harry grab my hand. I looked nervously at him.

'I won't tell anyone about what you can do,' he said to me. I knew what he meant and smiled. He grinned back at me. 'And I'm glad we're friends again.'

The last week of term was full of rumours on how Dad escaped. Malfoy was furious that Buckbeak hadn't been executed but on the whole, when was he not livid about something? So things were back to normal and the main thing was I had my friends back. The last day came and the four of us got a compartment together on the train back to London. And halfway there we got a little surprise.

Outside our compartment window was a tiny owl, the size to fit in your palm, fluttering madly around us when we let it in. It had a letter from Dad, explaining what he was doing and what was happening and also that he had sent Harry his Firebolt. He also wrote that Ron could keep the owl if he wanted to in replacement of Scabbers but the best thing for me and Harry was permission to go into Hogsmeade. And the thing was, I had a feeling I'd see Dad again soon enough which made me even more happy.

The train pulled into the station and Harry, Ron, Hermione and I said our goodbyes and that we hoped to meet up for the Quidditch World Cup, something which was to be the biggest wizard gathering of the century according to Ron.

With goodbyes said, I turned and walked away to catch a taxi to the Leaky Cauldron, seeing as Lupin wasn't there to meet me, and with a feeling this summer was to be even more exciting than last.