The train back to Hogwarts was a much happier affair than it had been at the beginning of the year. Emma was still worried, but something about having Remus's old Gryffindor cardigan underneath her coat had given her confidence. She wasn't sure that she believed what he told her, but it helped get her through the rest of the day.

Being back with Persephone had been a welcome highlight. The two were able to hold hands for a while until Neville eventually joined them in their compartment. Though they couldn't hold hands anymore, Emma and Persephone realized they could snuggle up like they usually did. It was something that the two had done so often that anyone else who saw didn't think anything of it. The only person who gave them funny looks was Caspian as he passed by, but neither girl felt that he knew.

Dinner had been a quiet affair, Jocelyn glaring at her and Persephone from the Slytherin table. As it turned out, many of the Hufflepuffs in her year had yet to forgive her for what she said about Harry. Her unwavering support of Harry's innocence didn't win her many favorable reviews. She was surprised when Leanne and Megan had taken a moment to try and catch up and found she wasn't surprised by their hasty retreat.

"They'll get over it," Persephone said eventually, seeing Emma's unease.

She nodded at Persephone with a smile, pulling gently at one of her sleeves, the red and gold peeking out from underneath the folds. Emma had carefully tucked in the hem of Remus's cardigan so that no one commented on the Gryffindor colors. She wasn't ready to take it off just yet.

Even when she made it back into the dorm, Emma still couldn't convince herself to take the cardigan off. She rolled the sleeves back down and then pushed them up her arms so that they bunched up at her elbow. She had gone to the dorm early, knowing that everyone else would still be catching up from the holiday, but she was exhausted. She knew that she should go see Aurora as she had left the owl at the school over the holiday, but that could wait until the morning.

Emma placed her bag on top of her bed, ready to start unpacking her things. The box Remus gave her was sitting near her pillows, and she wanted to investigate. She began to reach for the box but sighed – it would be better to get everything put away before everyone came back.

She grinned slightly as she pulled the bag open and was met with a sketchbook and pencils that Remus had thrown in without her knowing. Her grin widened as she noticed that there was also another bar of chocolate which she opened right away so that she could have a piece. When she pulled her extra gifts out and returned to her bag, she felt her blood run cold.

Just underneath the gifts Remus gave her sat the haphazardly wrapped bundle she had given to Remus to hang onto with a quickly scrawled note sitting on top – Because I trust you. She carefully pulled the small package out and placed it to the side and frowned. Underneath that were small vials of Murtlap and Dittany and another scrawled note – Because accidents happen.

She placed the vials on top of the parcel and opened the drawer to her nightstand, tucking them as far back as she could. Emma was determined to prove that she could stop and that she was as strong as Remus thought she was. She had gone a week not hurting herself, and she was determined to keep that record going. She absentmindedly brushed her fingers along the bottom of the cardigan again – she could be a Gryffindor when she needed to be. With a deep breath, she continued to put her things away.

With her things put away, Emma could finally investigate the box. She shimmied out of her trousers and climbed into bed, not bothering to get changed. Emma closed the curtains around her bed and cast a quick silencing charm and Lumos before settling in and placing the box in front of her. She crossed her legs and pulled them in close, suddenly nervous. She carefully opened the lid and looked in, not exactly sure what she was looking at.

There were two letters, which Emma found strange, but she put them to the side. She carefully reached in and pulled out something with a floral fabric and a leather book. Placing the book to the side, she unfolded the material and was surprised to find it was a small blanket. There was something oddly familiar with the blanket, but she couldn't place why. With a heavy sigh, she realized a lot of her thoughts felt like that lately.

Though the book made her curious, Emma picked up the letters, picking one up at random. She unfolded the paper and immediately began to laugh at the first line - I sincerely hope that this is the first letter that you read. She glanced over at the other letter, wondering why Remus wanted her to read the letter in her hands first, but she decided to continue on.

I knew early on during your holiday that I wanted to find something for you to bring back with you to school. I knew that it would be important, but I wasn't aware of how important it would truly be. Imagine my surprise when I was searching for things to give to you, and I stumbled across three things.

If I did this right, I will have already explained why I gave you my old house cardigan. I don't know that I've met many people outside of Gryffindor who deserve to wear the colors, but you do. It's one of the last ones that I own and has seen a lot of memories. I like to think that by me giving it to you, you'll think of some of the stories that I've told you and will be inspired to create your own mischief.

The next thing I found, which was most surprising, was your old blanket from when you were a baby. I spent so many long days holding you in this blanket when you were small. It was never as many days as I would have wanted, but I took the time that I could. I'm sure that there are photos of you wrapped in this blanket somewhere, I just didn't get the opportunity to find them. I assure you that if I ever come across them, I will send them your way.

The last thing I found was your mother's old diary. I remember she used to carry it everywhere with her. Our mother gave it to her as a gift after getting her Hogwarts letter. It's the same one that's traveled with her through all of the years. The only hand I had in this was finding it, and I had your grandfather break the privacy charm on it.

Emma looked at the small book that sat next to the blanket, her curiosity burning at her to pick it up and read.

I'm aware that the diary seems small, but I'm sure that there's an extension charm on it, which means there will be a lot for you to look through. I do not know what is written in her diary or what you will find, but I hope that it might answer some questions that you may have. I know that you have had your doubts, but you are a lot more like your mother than you think. I hope that in time you'll begin to see that yourself.

With shaking hands, Emma placed down the letter and picked up the book, running her fingers over the worn leather of the diary. It was similar to the one that Remus had given her for her birthday, but the book in her hands was very well worn. She opened it up to the back and flipped through the pages quickly, curious to see just how many pages there were. It was evident that her mother wrote in the diary a lot as it seemed as though she never left the same section of pages.

Nervous and excited, Emma closed the book – wanting to dive into it immediately and then terrified of what she would find. She opened it again just as she heard a noise from outside of her bed.

"Oh, Em already went to bed." It was Megan.

"Well, she seemed weird at dinner, so I'm not surprised." Susan.

"Susan, shut up," Megan said in response, eliciting a small smile from Emma. "You and Hannah really need to shut up about that."

"But Ernie was right about Harry, so why wouldn't he be right about Emma?"

Emma frowned, wanting to know what the girls were talking about, but Leanne had joined in with a hissed whisper. The conversation quickly grew quiet, and Emma could hear the others climbing into their beds, still shouting at each other in whispers that she couldn't understand.

To distract herself, Emma turned back to her mother's diary and turned to the first page. She touched the page, running her finger over the writing with a sad smile.

This diary belongs to Margaret 'Maggie' Mae Lupin, but you can call me Daisy. That's what mom calls me at least, her little Daisy Mae.

Emma wasn't sure how long she stayed up reading through her mother's diary, smiling at how excited her mother had been about going to Hogwarts. It seemed that her mother wrote in her diary nearly every day, which made her excited because she wanted to know more. Not only was she happy to learn more about her mother, but she was also glad to learn more about her the rest of her family. She learned that her grandmother Hope was hilarious and very open and "didn't understand magic, but she wasn't too worried about it."

It wasn't until her eyes starting to burn from exhaustion that Emma finally stopped reading. With a yawn, she closed the book and placed it back in the box with her old blanket and the first letter she read. She had completely forgotten about the second letter. Curious, Emma pushed the box to the end of her bed and grabbed the second letter. With another yawn, Emma slipped under the covers and pulled Boris out from underneath her pillows and into her arms. She had missed the bear over the holidays and was glad no one had touched him.

Content with Boris in her arms again, she leaned back into her pillows, moving her wand closer so she could finally read the letter. By the time she had gotten to the end of the letter, she was crying. For once, her tears weren't from being sad, but from being happy.

With a shaky, whispered, "Nox," Emma placed her wand to the side and folded the letter up and placed it under her pillow. The words repeatedly echoed in her mind, and she was sure that she was going to go to fall asleep with a smile on her face. If only he would have said the words to her before she left…

'Love always,

Dad'

The next morning, Emma found herself becoming quickly overwhelmed being back in the castle. She had gotten used to the quiet of being at home, and the noise, the constant movement, and getting back into a routine was painful. For the most part, it was an easy day as she was able to sleep in as her break for the day was before any of her classes even began.

She couldn't deny that Snape appeared to be grumpier than usual during class, and Lockhart was as aggravating as ever. Double charms after lunch was a dream since Persephone had finally returned to her side. Emma found it odd that Draco sat on the other side of her, taking Theodore Nott's usual spot, but she chose not to say anything. It was easier to act as if nothing was different, though Theo couldn't help but complain about most of the class.

The two girls parted Charms with sly kisses on the cheek that caused Emma's face to flush. She couldn't help but be drawn back to Christmas and walked to Transfiguration with a stupid smile plastered on her face. Nothing could ruin her day. Or so she thought.

The final bell rang loud throughout the castle, and Emma quickly packed up her things to head down to dinner. Though she wasn't planning on eating with the others, she wanted to spend more time with Persephone. Remus had told her how to get into the kitchens and was very surprised that she didn't know how considering it was right down the hall from the common room. She planned to venture to the kitchens later that night so that she wouldn't be bothered by anyone.

"Lupin, could you stay a moment? I would like a word."

Emma silently groaned and sat up with a smile at McGonagall. The fact that it was the first day back and McGonagall wanted to talk to her didn't sit well with her. With a sigh, she placed her bag on her chair and approached McGonagall's desk.

"Yes, Professor?"

"You look well," McGonagall said appraisingly, looking up from the papers sitting on her desk. "The holiday was very much needed for you."

Emma nodded. "It was," she said slowly. "But I'm sure that's not why you wanted to talk to me?"

McGonagall gave Emma a rare smile. "You're very much like your father," she said fondly. She took in Emma's confused face and corrected herself. "Remus, I mean. You're a lot like your mother as well, but she had a habit of being much better behaved. Has he ever told you stories from his time here?"

"A few," Emma said with a grin. "I didn't think he was much of a troublemaker, though."

"Oh, the boys he ran around with were quite the troublemakers. I'll have to tell you some of the stories some time," McGonagall said, her smile fading slightly. "But you're right, that's not why I asked for you to stay. Remus wrote over the holiday and expressed that there have been issues with you and another student. As I understand it, Miss Carmichael and Miss Duffy have been causing you undue distress, which led to the issues we spoke of before term ended?"

Emma's stomach did a flip. She had hoped that Remus wouldn't say anything, but her hope was misguided. She wondered if that was why Snape was grumpy during class earlier that day – did Remus write to Snape as well? It sounded like he only wrote to McGonagall, but she wasn't sure. Emma's throat began to tighten up as she tried to figure out what to say. "Oh," she said, trying to take in a deep breath. "Uhm…"

"It's okay. You're not in trouble," McGonagall said gently. "He mentioned that there were others?"

"Well, I just…" Emma looked down at her feet, unable to look at McGonagall any longer. This was terrible.

"Miss Lupin," McGonagall said with a sigh. "Emelyn…I know that this conversation is uncomfortable. However, I must make myself clear - this behavior will not be tolerated and needs to be dealt with accordingly."

"Er, well…"

"You're not the only one who has run into issues, and I would like to put a stop to it sooner rather than later."

Emma looked up at McGonagall in surprise. "I'm not?"

"No. I had several parents write to myself and the other heads to find out what has been going on. However, from what I understand, it appears as though Miss Carmichael has taken a particular interest in you."

Suddenly it was like Remus was in her head, and Emma nearly let out an audible groan as his words echoed - tell someone, don't push people away. Emma took in a deep breath before answering. "We were both at St. Nicholas's together," Emma said quietly, shifting her feet nervously. "We were roommates."

McGonagall nodded in understanding. "I gathered as much from your father's letter. Would you be able to tell me the names of the others?"

"No," Emma said, blanching at McGonagall's raised eyebrow. "Not – not because I don't want to, but because I don't know."

"All right, then," she said gently. She stood up and pulled a tin down from a shelf opening it. "If you have the names, please don't hesitate to come to me. Professor Sprout has grown considerably busier with the Mandrakes, so I'm afraid she's limited in her resources." She held the tin of biscuits out towards Emma. "Have a biscuit, Lupin, and run along."

Emma gave McGonagall a shy smile before taking a biscuit from the tin. "Thank you, Professor," she muttered, gathering her things and leaving as quickly as she could. She could have sworn that she heard a quiet, "So much like her father…" as she walked away, and that made Emma grin.

When Emma arrived in the Great Hall, it was apparent that the other second-year Hufflepuffs had been talking about her. She made to sit down with the Hufflepuffs but met Persephone's gaze and made the decision to sit with the Slytherins instead. The other second-year Slytherins passed silent glances amongst each other but said nothing.

"Why aren't you eating again?" Persephone scolded, noticing how little food Emma had on her plate.

Emma glanced in the direction of where Jocelyn was sitting to make sure that she wasn't paying attention. "Dad told me how to get into the kitchens," Emma said quietly to Persephone, stabbing her fork into a potato. "I figured that I could make my life easier and not give…well, I don't need to draw any more attention to myself."

"Dad?" Persephone asked questioningly, a slight smile on her face. "Have you finally started calling him that? When did that happen?"

"Oh," Emma laughed. "Well…I haven't. Not yet." Emma grinned and told Persephone about the letter that he had written her and the gifts. "My mum's diary is incredible. She had a friend in Ravenclaw that almost makes me think of us."

"Yeah, but did she have a friend in Slytherin?" Persephone asked in between bites of food.

"I haven't gotten that far yet. I'll let you know."

After Persephone finished eating, Emma decided to drag her up to the owlery to see Aurora.

"I know it's been a while, but could you please come down?" Emma muttered, trying to plead with her owl that sat high in the rafters.

"I told you she'd be mad," Persephone smirked.

"Oh, shut it, you," Emma said, giving Persephone a playful shove.

The two girls eventually left the owlery to return to their common rooms.

"Meet me back here around 10?" Emma asked as they made their way down the hall to barrels.

"10? Look at you, being a rebel and going out after curfew," Persephone laughed. "Of course, I'll be back here."

"Is it really being rebellious when the kitchens are right there?" Emma knocked on the barrel, cringing when she nearly messed up the rhythm. "That would've been your fault," Emma said as the barrel swung open.

"Oh sure, blame me," Persephone said as she walked back down the hall to get down to the dungeons.

When Emma finally walked into the common room, it was very obvious that the other second-years were talking about her. Again. She grumbled as she made her way into the dorm to change into something comfortable and grab a book. The silence was undeniable as she sat down on the couch next to the fireplace.

She could practically feel them stealing glances at her from where they sat, huddled around one of the tables. Emma tried to ignore them and focus on her book, but Ernie was getting progressively louder. The conversation had turned back to the topic of Justin being petrified, and most of them still felt that Harry was the cause. Emma was getting tired of it.

"Ernie, will you just shut up?" Emma finally snapped after Ernie had given the others another possibility of how Harry could have done petrified Justin.

"What?" Ernie asked slowly, glaring at Emma.

"I said, 'shut up.' You're spreading these stupid rumors about Harry, and they make no sense!"

"They make no sense? Then how come Justin was petrified?"

Emma slammed her book shut and turned around on the couch to look at Ernie. She looked between Megan and Leanne, hoping for some sort of back up, but it didn't appear that she would get anyway. "Do you honestly think that a second-year boy managed to do that?"

"You heard him, though! He can talk to snakes! That has to mean that he's the heir of Slytherin!"

"And would the heir of Slytherin be in Gryffindor?"

"That means nothing."

"Whatever, Ernie. I don't think that Harry did it."

"That must mean you're a snake, too," Ernie said, causing the other girls to gasp and the rest of the common room to grow quiet.

Emma took a look at the curious faces that were looking at her and Ernie. She placed her book down on the couch, trying to gather "What?" she asked, standing up and crossing her arms.

"You hang out with the Slytherins more than you hang out with us."

"I hang out with Persephone. A single Slytherin."

"But you talk to the other ones."

"So? I talk to everyone. Unlike you lot, I take the time to get to know people."

"Snake," Ernie said, practically hissing the word.

"Stop calling me that."

"You're a snake."

"Stop it, Ernie," Emma pleaded, her face burning.

"Snake," Susan hissed, pulling an aggravated look from Megan.

"Snake," Ernie repeated. "Maybe you should go be with the other snakes because that's exactly what you are."

Emma huffed, unable to believe what was happening. "Fine," she shouted, picking up her book and raising her hands. "I'll go. I know when I'm not wanted."

"Emma, don't say that," Megan shouted as Emma made her way into the dorm to grab her things.

Grumbling under her breath, Emma grabbed her bag and shoved a pair of pajamas in it, then added Boris, her mother's diary, and Remus's letter. She glanced over at her nightstand, the inside of her wrists beginning to prickle uncomfortably. She forced herself to leave before she did something rash.

When Emma made it back into the common room, she shot the group around the table a look and made her way out quickly. Once in the hallway, she felt herself begin to panic, but she had already gotten that far. She looked longingly at the kitchen but decided to go downstairs to the dungeons in the hopes someone from Slytherin would just be getting back. Worst case scenario, she would just sit outside until 10 came around, but she was hoping that she wouldn't have to. Unfortunately, when Emma turned the corner to get to Slytherin's common room, she found something much worse.

Draco stood at the wall, clearly coming back from somewhere. He turned to look at Emma as she started to turn the corner again.

"Oi, where are you going?" Draco shouted after her.

Emma groaned and peered around the corner to find Draco's piercing silver eyes staring at her. "I was, uh…going upstairs."

"Really? You came all the way down here to just go back upstairs?"

"Yep," Emma said.

"What are you really doing here. I'm not stupid." Draco said, stepping away from the wall and staring at Emma.

Have Draco's eyes always been like that? Emma thought to herself, feeling slightly unnerved by his unwavering stare. She stepped out from around the corner, keeping her distance from Draco. "I, uh…I need Persephone."

"What for?"

"Could you please just get her for me?"

Draco continued to stare at Emma, trying to read her. "What happened?" He asked, shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Nothing happened, Malfoy."

"If nothing happened, you wouldn't be here, Lupin."

"You're not going to get her unless I tell you?" Emma sighed, taking a few steps closer to where Draco stood. He clearly wasn't going to do anything to help her unless he got an answer.

Draco was silent, giving a non-committal shrug.

"I've become a Hufflepuff outcast."

"What does that even mean? A Hufflepuff outcast?" Draco scoffed. "Isn't your house full of a bunch of weak-willed pushovers?"

"Is your house full of brainless gits?"

Draco's lips twitched, his smirk unconscious as he took in Emma's response. "Why don't you just come in?"

"I thought no one besides a Slytherin was allowed in?"

And Draco laughed – an honest to God laugh that Emma didn't think was possible or could have imagined from the boy. "You really believe that?"

"Well, it's not like you hear anyone talking about it."

"Because they know better," Draco said, a smirk plastered to his face. "Would you tell someone you've been here?"

Emma frowned; he had a point. "I suppose not."

"Exactly," Draco said, turning to the blank wall. "Boomslang."

It was always strange for Emma that the entrance to Slytherin's common room seemed to open almost as if the door had been there. She could still remember what it was like the first time she waited for Persephone to leave the common room. It wasn't like Hufflepuff where the barrels were out in the open or Gryffindor's portrait of the Fat Lady or Ravenclaw's door that opened with a solved riddle. Slytherin's entrance was shielded in mystery and centuries of secrecy. A giddiness erupted in Emma's stomach at the idea of being one of the select few to enter. However, she hesitated to take a step forward.

"Are you coming?" Draco asked cooly, standing on the other side of the door.

"Oh, yeah," Emma said quietly, following Draco.

The Slytherin common room wasn't anything like she expected. Persephone had tried to explain it to her, but the opulence that surrounded her was nothing like she had been told. The room was cast in a greenish glow from the hanging lamps. Directly opposite of where she stood, massive windows opened out into the Great Lake, fish and other creatures she couldn't name lazily making their way through the water. A fire was bright underneath a heavily embellished mantelpiece made of dark stone.

Emma realized with a frown that she actually enjoyed the Slytherin common room. It didn't have the same warmth of the Hufflepuff common room, but she could consider it relaxing. It was certainly a lot quieter, and for that, Emma was thankful.

Several heads turned in their direction, and the color drained from Emma's face. She felt almost like an animal caged in a zoo as some people continued to stare. It didn't take long before the curious eyes turned back to what they were doing.

"Pansy," Draco said, noticing the dark eyes of Pansy Parkinson eying them inquisitively from her table. "Could you get Persephone for me?"

"Sure," she said slowly, standing up and casting them a funny look before disappearing from the room.

"Are you just going to stand there?" Draco asked, flopping himself onto one of the couches.

"Oh," Emma said quietly, sitting stiffly in one of the high back chairs across from Draco.

"You still haven't explained to me what a Hufflepuff outcast is."

"Well…"

"Emma? What are you doing here?" Persephone crossed the room before Emma even had a chance to blink, her lips pressing against hers. "Why are you here? Is everything okay?"

"Shit," Pansy said from behind Persephone. "I owe Daphne a galleon."

"Well, I -"

"What do you mean you owe Daphne a galleon?" Persephone shot Pansy a look.

"We had a bet on whether you two were together," Pansy said with a shrug as she sat back down at the table she was working at.

"Arseholes," Persephone muttered under her breath as she turned back to Emma. "Why are you here?"

"Well, as I was trying to say – I got kicked out."

"What?" Persephone asked, eyes growing wide.

"You were kicked out of Hufflepuff?" Draco asked, almost impressed. "Imagine that."

"Shut up, Draco," Persephone snapped. "They can't do that."

"Benji will get a kick out of it," Draco shrugged.

"Draco, shut up."

"Crabbe and Goyle, too. Probably Theo…Oh, you know Blaise will love it."

"Draco," Persephone snarled. "What point of shut up do you not understand?"

Draco shrugged again, pulling his wand out and summoning a random book.

"Well, they don't want me in there, so I don't know what to do," Emma muttered.

"What did you do?"

"I didn't agree with their views and uhm, got called a snake," Emma said, casting a glance over at Draco. She frowned, seeing that Draco's eyes never moved from the page he was staring at. "Ernie said that I should go 'be with the other snakes' because that's what I am."

Persephone was quiet for a moment before tugging Emma up from the chair. "He's a git," she said. "Stay the night. We'll get it figured out tomorrow."

"But what about Jocelyn?

"You mean Grossie Josie?" Persephone's eyes glittered, and she shrugged. "She's in bed already. She won't say a word if she sees you. Trust me."

"Grossie Josie?" Emma asked, her frown deepening at Draco snorted, and Pansy rolled her eyes.

"I'll tell you when we get into our dorm," Persephone said quietly, taking Emma's hand. "Come on. Millicent won't be thrilled to have you, but she'll deal. Hell, she might even be asleep already. She can't complain until the morning."