Chapter 28

Disclaimer – I do not own Harry Potter


"Remus, I just don't think this is a good idea, you realise people could die, right? And what are we even going to do? Kill them?" The Gryffindors in their common room after dinner instantly stop what they are doing and look to the portrait hole, Sirius and Remus ascending the stairs towards them.

"What do you want to do then Sirius? Wait around for them to kill us? God knows what they're after, god knows what they will do to get it. Of course I'd rather not involve anyone else, but despite what people seem to think, I cannot stop everything on my own and this is beyond my skill level. We need help Sirius." The two enter the common room and see everyone watching them. Remus sighs, rubbing his forehead with a hand before looking up to address his house, "Everyone in third year or below, go to bed." Immediately some head off to bed while others start to argue, Remus holds a hand up to silence them, "Non-negotiable. Go to bed." They trudge off to bed, "Fourth years, you are going to remain behind and look after them, ensure none run off and follow and be prepared to defend them in case something happens, is that understood?" The students in question nod.

"Remy, what's going on? Is it the Slytherins?" Henry asks them, Sirius sighs.

"Damn but I miss the days when the only threat to our lives were a bunch of angry children with boundary issues and ill-tempered parents who've not taught them how to deal with another's superiority," He tells them all as he sits on a chair, suddenly very tired.

"If not them, then what?" Severus asks them anxiously, pretending not to know, Remus looks at them with a surprising level of calm given the situation.

"There are Death Eaters in the Dark Forest, they plan to raid the castle, we don't know what for or when. We brought the matter to Dumbledore, obviously, but he says he cannot do anything unless they enter the grounds."

"He what?!" A sixth year cries indignantly.

"Isn't that a bit too late?" Mary asks in astonishment, Remus nods.

"He cannot do anything, but that does not mean that we can't. Now I know what some of you must by thinking, we're just children, what can we do? And you're right, we are children, and this should not fall to us. But it does. We are not defenceless, and slightly more importantly, we are not unarmed." At that, Remus transfigures the coffee table into a larger dining table, he and Sirius begin laying out everything they brought, James raises an eyebrow.

"You emptied out the attic?"

"We kind of figured the situation called for it, this is what it was made for after all, sort of."

"What's the attic, and where did you get all this stuff?" Scarlet asks as everyone looks over their carefully labelled potions, charmed objects, and various other tidbits.

"It's ours, we made it or bought it. We've been stocking up for a rainy day, and right now, it's pouring," Sirius explains. The prefects all exchange looks, the other students do as well, then Henry turns to Remus.

"What's the plan Remy?"

"This entire venture will be volunteer only, anyone who does not wish to participate, go to bed now. No one will be judged for that. There is nothing shameful or cowardly in wanting to stay alive." No one leaves.

"Gryffindors to the bone," Severus mutters as though it's a major offence.

"Don't see you leaving either Sev," Henry points out.

"Apparently stupidity is contagious."

"James, Marlene, you are both going to fly through the forest, we need numbers and a location. If you happen to hear what they are after or when they plan to attack, all the better."

"Won't they see us?" Marlene asks as James summons both their brooms, Remus holds out a hand and a cloak flies into it from his dormitory.

"Not if you wear these and wrap them around so that they cover below you as well."

"Is that my invisibility cloak?" James asks curiously, Remus nods as he passes it to him, then he pulls another out of his pocket and resizes it from its shrunken form, "Where'd you get another one?"

"I made it." Everyone looks at him non-plussed.

"Um, how?" Peter asks him, Remus sighs.

"You remember that thing I was working on for the thing?" The Marauders nod, everyone else sighs, "Well I got it to work and then I understood the cloak and decided to try to make another one."

"It works?" Frank asks, Remus wraps it around himself and sure enough, he's invisible. He then passes it to Marlene who takes it and begins walking to the stairs up to the dormitory.

"Come on Potter, time to go. We'll be back as soon as possible," Marlene promises, James salutes to them before following after.

"In the meantime, who here is well practiced in defensive spells?" The group members and Alice raise their hands, "Besides you lot," Remus says with a roll of his eyes, they lower their hands. Frank raises his.

"Alice taught me a bunch of stuff, guess I can stop wondering where she learnt it."

"We may have all gotten slightly paranoid a few years ago," Lily admits, Kingsley walks over to the table before he looks to them.

"I do believe the phrase, 'it's not paranoia if they're really after you' comes into play here. Clearly you were not wrong." Sirius nods in agreement.

"We're all as well versed in such things as anyone else at Hogwarts in our respective years, some do better in DADA than others."

"We do need to decide what it is we are doing here though, we cannot simply massacre them," Minnie points out, Remus nods.

"We need to capture them, hand them over to Dumbledore," Peter tells them all, Frank sighs.

"Assuming he'll do anything about them then," He points out, everyone around the room looks to Remus when he starts pacing and thinking.

"I am far too sober for this shit," He complains as he rubs his hands over his face. Lily gets up and goes into her dorm before returning with a full cup and handing it to him, he raises an eyebrow.

"Not that I'm condoning your borderline alcoholism, but we have bigger problems right now." Remus smirks as he takes the glass and drinks it in one go before he continues pacing while twiddling with his cup.

"You really think that's going to help, Love?" Severus asks her, she shrugs.

"Worth a shot."

"Actually I think that cup was easily three shots worth," Mary tells her, Lily rolls her eyes.

"Since when is Remy as alcoholic?" Alice asks, worry clear on her face, Mary snorts.

"Since Bella." Minnie frowns, looking to Severus who notices the look and nods.

"Sometimes I really think I should never have drifted from you lot, you get into so much trou– Remy?" They turn back to Remy who's stopped pacing, he turns on his heel to look at them all again.

"The Moral Reversal spell." The group exchanges looks as everyone else just stares in confusion.

"Moral Reversal spell?" Davey Gudgeon asks, the poor blokes face was still swollen and colourful from his run in with the whomping willow. Remus couldn't really find it within himself to feel guilty about that, it was his own stupidity after all.

"It's something we were looking into, we thought that if we could reverse the moral compass of an enemy, they'd no longer believe in whatever they were fighting for. Bad guys would become good," Sirius explains.

"And good could become bad!" Henry points out, looking rather aghast.

"Yes, we realise that Hank, we figured so long as no one else ever learnt the spell, it wouldn't be a problem. Circumstances have changed," Severus replies.

"We never even finished it," Lily points out, Severus sighs.

"I did. But we can't be sure it works," He tells her.

"So we test it, if it works we use it again and it'll go back, right?"

"Possibly, but Alice, the biggest problem we have with this is who the hell are we to decide what people should believe is right or wrong? These are large hallmarks of a person's personality, morals are what make a person who they are."

"Desperate times Severus."

"It can't be our only option, surely? Besides, it's probably a difficult spell, we can't possibly master it without even being able to use it to practice," Scarlet points out.

"Obliviate, Moral Reversal, the Cultural Download spell…"

"Cultural Download spell?" Henry asks, interrupting Remus' listing.

"We thought if we downloaded non Death Eater culture into their brains they'll stop fighting as one, the problem is, to be truly effective we'd need to remove the beliefs they already hold."

"It should leave them confused enough to capture though, at the very least."

"What do you think is best here Remus, really?" Frank asks him, "You lead Mate, we'll all follow." Remus frowns, thinking it through.

"We obliviate them all, give them a second chance to be good people on their own." Everyone looks around at others, they all agree.

"Then let's do it."

"We may not get them on the first shot, so let's run through your basic defence spells. Plus we have various offensive potions on the table, just throw it at them, none are lethal."

"What exactly are we going to do with a bunch of amnesiacs?" James asks when they return and are told the plan, "Thirty-six of them, by the way."

"We help them. The moment we remove their current compulsions to cause harm, they are innocent, they'll have done nothing wrong and have every opportunity to do good. All goes to plan, no one else in the world will know what happened tonight," Remus tells them, they look nervous, but nod.

"They're camping out by the lake, you know, the one over that ridge with the prickle bush," James tells him, Remus nods.

"Do we ask how you two know the Dark Forest so well?"

"It's best you don't Marls."

"All right then, let's do this."

As they start stocking up on potions and such, Minnie pulls Remus down the hall slightly.

"Remus, I need to tell you something." Remus frowns, the use of his full name setting off warning bells within his head.

"What's wrong?" Minnie pulls out a vial from within her pocket.

After Remus and Sirius ran off to tell Dumbledore, the others decided they'd skip their next class and begin heading to the common room to do anything they can think of to distract themselves.

"Ah, Miss McGonagall, just the person I was looking for," Slughorn calls from the other end of a hallway, Minnie and the others turn around to face him.

"Can I help you Professor?"

"Actually, my dear, it is I who can help you. I found out how to reverse what was done to you," He explains as he pulls out a vial and hands it over to her, she takes it and looks at the glass in her hand.

"Professor, I appreciate you doing this, but I have to decline."

"I'm sorry?" He asks feeling extremely bamboozled.

"I do not wish to be re-aged, I am choosing to remain as I am and grow up again at a normal rate."

"My Dear, I'm afraid you can't simply…"

"Yes, actually, I can. It's my decision, and my answer is no." She attempts to hand back the potion despite his protests and her friends' shocked expressions, eventually Slughorn sighs.

"As you wish, however I implore you to keep the potion. Should you change your mind, simply drink the entire bottle." With that he leaves, muttering about speaking with the Headmaster and a permanent change in staff and the like.

"Professor Slughorn found a cure but…"

"But?" Remus asks, Minnie sighs.

"I have decided not to take it. He suggested I keep it in case I change my mind but, I have thought long and hard about this, and as was pointed out to me, no is always an option. It's the one I am choosing as well. I know a lot of people will be rather discomforted and unhappy with that choice, but I ask you, please, respect it." Remus seems sad but he nods and takes her hand in his.

"I cannot deny I will miss the older version of you, but I would have missed this version of you as well. If this is your decision, then I will support it." She smiles at him gratefully, then she licks her lips and frowns.

"Remy, I am afraid. We could all actually die tonight."

"You don't have to come."

"I know, but no way am I allowing you to go out there without me there to watch your back. I care about you Remy, you aren't going anywhere without me." Remus cups her cheek and smiles at her, pressing their foreheads together.

"Nor are you without me, Minnie." Minnie looks in his eyes before she pulls her head back just far enough to press their lips together. Remus freezes for a moment before kissing back, it deepens and suddenly they're full on snogging.

"Are you kidding me?!" Sirius suddenly exclaims from the doorway to the hallway. Minnie and Remus spring apart, looking embarrassed and breathing hard. Sirius rolls his eyes and walks back into the common room, Minnie and Remus exchange amused looks before following after, "All about to die and what do they do? Snog, that's what," Sirius mutters, "Suddenly I'm the one who needs a damned drink."

"Oooookaaayyyy, moving on. Everyone ready to go?" James asks them all, everyone nods.

"Got any comforting poems now, Moony?" Sirius asks Remus as they stand by the portrait hole, the others waiting for them to lead them, Remus chuckles.

"Into battle once more, we fight or we die, yet alone we never will be.

For as the dark surrounds us, our light will break through, and beside you there will be me.

Though hear me you may not, content you should be, in the knowledge that I am at your side.

As I am with you, I know you to be, fighting with me on this ride.

Forever we journey into places unknown and thus forever are free.

Yet freedom is illusion and the lights grow dim as you battle together with me.

Together we fight and together we win so hear me my brothers I plead.

We stand together, brave and proud, and victory is all but guaranteed."

"Seriously where do you pull this shit from?" Remus chuckles as he looks out of the portrait hole, he holds a hand out beside him towards Sirius.

"Once more unto the breach, my friends." Sirius smiles at him and takes his hand.

"Once more."


The Gryffindors journey out of the castle, unsurprised that they meet no resistance. Well, Sirius and Remus are unsurprised, it would hardly help Dumbledore if his soldiers were to be stopped.

"We move quietly and as one," Remus tells them all as they reach the exit, then they leave the castle, heading to the forest.

He stops them again at the edge of the forest turning back and looking over everyone.

"Last chance to back out." No one moves, "Mennään."

"What now?" Marlene asks, she, James, and a few other confident flyers on their brooms for air support.

"It's Finnish, it means let's go."

"You know some weird shit Remy." With that, they're off, heading ever deeper into the forest.

It's not long before everyone starts jumping at every sound, everyone except the Marauders that is.

"How much time do you lot spend in here?" Henry asks, Peter shrugs.

"We have a…clubhouse, in here that a…former member of our group found back in first year. We hang out in it once a month while Moony's visiting his Mum."

"I'd been wondering where you lot went off to."

"How come you never invite us?" Mary asks, actually wondering why they don't bring the others to see Moony in wolf form if the two per moon rule has been lifted.

"Marauders only," Peter, Sirius, and Remus tell them, James and the other flyers too high to hear them.

"If Remy doesn't go then why aren't you afraid?" Scarlet asks, looking at a shadow suspiciously, Remus lets out a derisive chuckle.

"There is very little that frightens me anymore." This is another one of those things Remus will one day regret saying. They continue on in silence, Remus making sure to stop everyone just out of hearing range for humans.

"All right, we need to surround them, shut them in against the lake," Remus tells them all quietly, easily heard in the forest, he brings forth Moony's senses, using the 'night vision' to see, his hearing to hear where everyone is, and sense of smell to keep track of anything else that may be nearby. There are Centaurs that he thinks are keeping an eye on the situation in case they need to intervene and defend their home. They've probably been watching the Death Eaters since they arrived. Remus thinks. "Everyone start spreading out, arms out, hands touching, that distance apart, and start advancing once everyone's in position."

A few minutes later, everyone's right and they start moving in. They move in quietly, hoping to catch as many off guard as possible.

"Obliviate." Many students cast this at once, hitting different people on the first go thanks to the element of surprise, after that the battle began.

Spells, curses, hexes, potions, and a surprisingly well aimed kick to the face from Mary to one of the Death Eaters which knocked the man out cold.

"Imperio!" Remus hears, turning to the side and seeing it cast at Sirius, he instinctually jumps in front, putting a hand out as though that would stop it.

"REMY!" Sirius screams as Remus feels the spell hit him, it spreads throughout his body only he feels oddly…empowered, like he'd just gotten a huge boost of energy somehow. He opens eyes he hadn't realised he'd closed and sees the battle continuing around him, only Sirius is pointing his wand at Remus now, waiting for him to attack.

"Kill him," The Death Eater who had tried to curse him says, but Remus doesn't feel the slightest inclination to follow his command.

"Obliviate!" Remus cries as he thrusts a hand in the man's direction, suddenly he's on the ground dazed and confused, remembering nothing. Remus turns around to see Sirius cautiously lower his wand.

"How'd you do that?" Remus shakes his head.

"No idea."

"Rem, your…your eyes are yellow." Remus frowns, then he hears 'BOMBARDA!' from behind him and tackles Sirius out of the way, the spell hitting a tree behind him.

"STUPEFY!" Remus calls back, the death eater rolls out of the way, but is distracted enough that Sirius' 'obliviate' hits him as had been Remus' plan, "Let's get through this fight, then we'll work it out, yes?"

"Yes."

The battle continues, though so far none have died. Marlene's broom had exploded into splinters below her, but James had caught her and lowered her to the ground. Her leg was hurt from the broom breaking but she keeps fighting.

Rather suddenly, Remus feels something within himself begging for him to run, to move, to reach…something before it's too late. With a glance to Sirius, fighting beside him, he's off. He runs to the other side of the battle where he arrives in time to find Minnie be stabbed with her own wand.

"Stop!" The Death Eater stops, staring blankly at Remus with yellow eyes, he ignores them and skids on his knees to Minnie's side, "Minnie."

"Remy…" Remus bites his lip as he watches her fading before his eyes, he doesn't know any healing spells.

"Minnie, don't leave me. I-I only just got you." Minnie's eyes fill with tears, her hand reaching up to cup his face before it falls and her eyes close, "NO MINNIE!" He shouts, he places a hand on her throat, feeling for a pulse, and he finds it, "Not dead, just unconscious." He scrabbles to think of what to do, searching his mind desperately for an idea, any idea! And then it hits him, or rather he leans forward slightly and feels it jab him in the leg. In her pocket is the potion, the one to undo what was done, "You weren't hurt before the spell…"

Remus closes his eyes, tears falling, he knows she didn't want this, but would that still be true if the alternative is death? He doesn't know, it should be her choice, she can't make it.

"Forgive me for this," He begs her before pulling her wand out of her stomach. He grabs the vial from her pocket as he puts pressure on the wound, opening the vial and her mouth before pouring the liquid in. He closes her mouth, massaging her throat in order to make her swallow, "Come on, work, please work. COME ON DAMMIT!" Remus lays his head on her chest as he tries not to cry, "Minerva McGonagall cannot possibly be beaten by a fucking stick!" He cries, he feels a hand come up to his head, patting slightly.

"That is not acceptable language Mr Lupin." Remus sits up fast, looking into the face of his teacher.

"Mi-erm-Professor, what's the last thing you remember?"

"…Mr Snape and Mr Potter arguing while attempting to perform the aging spell." It's then that she pushes him aside while pulling her wand from his hand, aiming it behind him, "STUPEFY!" A Death Eater hits the ground, Minerva looks around and sees where she is and what is happening.

"Obliviate," Remus casts to the unconscious Death Eater.

"Mr Lupin what in Godric's name is going on?" McGonagall demands, Remus takes a breath.

"All due respect Professor, we have bigger worries. Death Eaters were planning to attack the school, it's a long story and I'll explain later but we're obliviating all of them. Peter, Mary, and a few others are getting those obliviated out of the forest, I would suggest you join them however I can't imagine you agreeing to it so I only ask that you not try and stop us." Minerva looks him in the eyes for a moment.

"Minnie, I find that when people do something drastically out of character, there will always be a good reason for it, even if you are unaware of it."

Minerva isn't sure where the words come from, but for some reason she holds them close to her heart as she nods.

"I will be getting an explanation from you later whether you wish to give it or not. For now, I believe we have a battle to win."


With Minerva McGonagall at their side, they finish off the madness in no time at all, eventually leading the Death Eaters out of the forest and meeting up with the others at the edge of it.

"Professor?" Peter asks as he spots them coming out, they had several injured but for the most part were okay, the now ex-Death Eaters were the same.

"Mr Pettigrew, I have to say, I'm rather surprised to see you involved in all of this, though I've no idea what this even is," She states, gesturing around the place, "I assume you have a plan for what to do with these people?"

"I was planning to take them to Hogsmeade, someone would find them and either contact St Mungos or the Aurors. Hogwarts won't even be mentioned," Remus replies, McGonagall nods.

"Very well."


They lead everyone into Hogsmeade where they get them to stand together and then re-obliviate them so that they remember none of what happened, then they hurry back to the castle. They'd had their injured taken straight to the hospital wing, Remus insists McGonagall go there too to be looked over

"Well Minerva, you are in perfect health. I suppose we can thank Horace's potion making skills for that. Now would someone care to explain why I have so many patients?" Poppy demands, Minerva looks to Remus with an expectant look, Dumbledore speaks up from the doorway before he can respond.

"I'm afraid it's my fault Poppy. You see, there were warnings given about a Death Eater presence in the forest and I did not take them as seriously as I should have. It would seem that several students decided to take matters into their own hands and have more than likely saved the school in doing so," Dumbledore explains, Remus glares at the man, knowing full well he had believed them.

"I assume the two of you are not getting along again, then?" McGonagall asks as she looks between Remus and Albus, Albus raises an eyebrow at Remus who looks him in the eye blandly.

"Pull this shit again and I will eat you on a particularly well lit night." With that, Remus leaves the hospital wing, having already checked in with everyone from his house. He'll be damned if he allows Dumbledore to leave explaining things to Minerva to him again. Besides, he thinks, aren't I the one who lost something tonight?


"How is she?" Lily asks as Remus walks into the common room, most of the house still awake and recuperating, Remus mutters his reply as he continues walking to the dorm.

"Everything is back to normal."

Eight minutes and twelve seconds after he shuts himself into his four poster, Sirius' head comes in through the curtains and finds him staring at the ceiling glumly. Sirius sighs as he climbs in, laying next to him and lifting up an arm. Remus snuggles into his side, resting his head on Sirius' chest as Sirius strokes his back comfortingly.

"Awh Remy, you just can't catch a break, can you?" Remus chuckles despite himself, but very quickly that chuckle turns into a broken off sob.

"This is ridiculous, everything is back as it should be, why aren't I happy?" Sirius sighs, fighting back his own tears.

"Because you cared for her, a lot. And regardless of whether or not Minnie is still here, our friend and your more than friend is still gone. I think, all things considered, you weren't in perhaps the most stable place to begin with, and to now lose something else…you are allowed to be upset Moony. Just remember that, she may be gone, and maybe Bella, and Derek, and Eleenie, and your Brother, and your innocence and childhood and everything else Greyback took from you is gone, but you are not alone. You won't ever be alone." Remus looks up at him and smiles gratefully.

"You're a really great friend, you know that, right?" Sirius smiles back, though there is an edge of pain to it that Remus can't make sense of, he supposes it's been that sort of night for everyone.

"Yeah, the best."


DEATH EATERS FOUND IN HOGSMEADE

Earlier this morning, thirty-six now former Death Eaters were found in Hogsmeade, dazed and confused. All had undergone a full obliviation.

While no suspect has been named, one wonders just how far Dumbledore would go to protect his students…

"Unbelievable. It's his bloody fault we had to get involved to begin with!" Sirius complains, throwing the paper onto the breakfast table. Gryffindor was down a few students, still in the hospital wing, but most were there and in high spirits, if tired spirits.

"Careful Sirius, you're beginning to sound like Remy," James tells him, Peter snorts, Remus glares.

"Hey, I can treat you all to a true 'Remy hates Dumbledore' rant if you'd like…"

"Nope, we're good." Remus snickers into his food.

"JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER!" James sits up straight, looking over to his fuming sister who is heading straight for him.

"Your middle name is Fleamont?" Frank asks him, James glares at him before standing up to greet his sister.

"Del! How wonderful to see you again!"

"DEATH EATERS? REALLY? YOU GO UP AGAINST A GROUP OF DEATH EATERS? DO YOU HAVE A DEATH WISH? DAMMIT JAMES DO YOU REALISE WHAT IT WOULD HAVE DONE TO YOUR FAMILY IF WE'D LOST YOU?!"

"They'd have attacked and you may have lost me anyway Del, at least this way we didn't risk losing you as well. I could never go through that again." Del's face softens.

"I can't lose my big brother either. Your life is worth no less than my own Jimmy, never forget that." James hugs his sister close, she burying her head in his chest and listening to his heart beat for a few moments.

"I'm sorry for worrying you."

"I won't bother telling you not to do that again, it's in your nature to protect people. But James, promise me you'll be careful, promise me you'll always fight to come home alive." James pulls back and holds her shoulders, looking her in the eyes.

"I promise." She smiles, taking a deep calming breath and nods.

"Good. Also, good morning everyone," Del says, only now turning to face the table and everyone else.

"Morning Del," Remus and Peter say in sync, chuckling at each other afterwards.

"Good morning, did um, did you sleep well?" Sirius asks, stuttering slightly, Marlene hides a snigger in her hand, Del just smiles brightly and nods.

"I did, I suppose you wouldn't have really had the chance though, would you? Still, reckless though it may have been, what you did was really brave. Thank you." She kisses him on the cheek before heading back to her own table, leaving Sirius with a dopey smile.

"My god you have a giant arse crush on my baby sister." Sirius sputters at James.

"Wha-? I do not!"

"You so do!"

"Do not!"

"Do too!"

"Children!"

"Sorry Lily/Dear."

"May I have your attention please," Dumbledore addresses the hall, everyone falls silent and looks to him, Gryffindor house looking less than impressed, "I am sure you have all heard of last nights…peculiar events. I would like to thank all of Gryffindor house for their bravery and willingness to protect our school at great risk to themselves. It is with this in mind that I award 100 points to Gryffindor, fifty points in particular to Remus Lupin, for courage and tactical thinking, and also his selflessness, his constant willingness to sacrifice his own happiness in order to save others. With those words in mind, I would also like to welcome back Professor Minerva McGonagall to the role of Transfiguration Professor and Deputy Headmistress." The hall erupts in cheers, happiness abound, everyone applauding and being entirely ecstatic, Remus included. McGonagall joins the table, seeming truly touched by it all, Remus can't help but wonder if she really did realise how much she means to everyone, "Although he has already taken his leave, I would also like to thank Deymour Delurion for acting as transfiguration Professor whilst Professor McGonagall was…shall we say, out of commission. I do request that the events of last night are kept within this hall, lest the general population grow frenzied. Finally, I wish to inform you all that the Dark Forest is now forbidden to all students without express permission from a member of the staff. None are to enter the Forbidden forest. And now, I think this all calls for a celebrational feast!" With that, an even more extravagant breakfast than usual is placed before them, more cheers erupt.

Remus looks down at his plate. Unlike anyone else's, his already has food on it, a quesadilla, there's a note on the side.

So that the cheese doesn't smell like feet.

Remus looks up to McGonagall who shares a secret smile with him and taps her nose once before going back to her conversation with Flitwick. Remus smiles slightly and goes back to his own conversation and food, putting the note in his pocket.

You know, I really think that for once, I might just be okay.


Later that night, Minerva hears a knock on her office door, she stands and goes to answer it, surprised to find Bellatrix Black on the other side. Although she remembered snippets of what had happened, she did not remember everything.

"Miss Black, can I help you with something?" Bellatrix bites her lip as she nods.

"I spoke with your younger self once, yesterday actually. Among other things she spoke about how she felt of the things she heard about her future-self. There were things that she was quite worried about, so in case you didn't remember anything I suggested she write a note that I would deliver once you had been re-aged." Bellatrix hands over the letter with slightly shaking hands, Minerva accepts it with surprise, when the girl doesn't leave, Minerva raises an eyebrow at her.

"Is there something else Miss Black?" Bellatrix seems to debate something for a moment before looking up at her Professor.

"One of the things Minnie told me was that she thought you'd lost the passion you had as a child. Only I don't think that's true, she never really knew much about you, and really, neither do I. What I do know is that the school could not be happier to have you back, now I don't know if you agree with Minnie's assessment of yourself, but one thing I do know, is that no one garners that kind of respect if they aren't damned good at what they do. To be that good you have to be pretty passionate about what you're doing. She spoke about your island and how she felt you'd abandoned your people. I don't know why you are here and not there, but I don't think you abandoned your people, I think we are your people and that's why you are here, caring for all of us as you do. You see, you aren't just a Professor to a lot of us, you are the Mother we were never fortunate enough to have. You may not have ever had a child of your own Professor, but never doubt you have raised a lot of people who love you very much, and all of whom are very glad to have you back." With that, the girl leaves.

Minerva stands in her office doorway for a moment, looking at the note she had written to herself and deciding that perhaps, what needed to be said already had been. She places the note in her top desk draw and gets ready for bed.

She lays down that night, closing her eyes and for once, she has no regrets.

Should she have read that note she would have seen a small paragraph from a teenager that knew nothing about her attempting to tell her how to live her life, but below that was something she'll never know is there.

Bella is in terrible trouble, please Minnie, save her.


As Minerva falls asleep happily, Severus finds himself tossing and turning, eventually giving up and grabbing James' cloak. He leaves Gryffindor tower and walks out into the courtyard for some fresh air, removing the cloak despite the risk of getting caught. He closes his eyes and breathes in deeply, opening them again and gasping, falling back as he looks around.

The courtyard is in shambles, a great battle being fought. He sees trolls, and many carrying the Dark mark. He sees students, and McGonagall, and people he thinks he recognises but can't place fighting side by side. He sees a boy who looks like James running through the battle,

"Avada Kedavra," He hears the boy say, so easily tumbling from his mouth and ending a life. He sees dead, everywhere. He turns around, heading into the castle slightly and seeing the battle fought in there too, he sees a grown man with Remy's scars and somehow knows it's him. He sees him die.

"NOOOOOO!" He screams, dropping to his knees as his friend falls. He shuts his eyes as his hands go over his ears and he shakes his head repeatedly. When he dares open them again, it's all gone. He rises quickly, rushing back to the courtyard to find everything back in it's place, no trace of a battle at all.

Severus sprints all the way back to the common room, jumping through the portrait hole and running up he stairs. He doesn't bother to be quiet as he throws the door open, it slamming against the wall and waking all four occupants of the room up instantly. His eyes find Remus' and he finally breathes.

"Severus, what's happening? Are you all right?" James asks, coming to his boyfriend's side instantly. Severus shakes his head back and forth violently as tears stream down his face.

"No," he sobs out, only it isn't so much an answer to James' question as it is a promise, what he saw would never come to pass.

Never.