Despite the victory over Slytherin which of course, we Gryffindors lorded over them, exams soon fell upon us. Fred and George started to study seriously a little too late, so I spent most of my time helping them to practice though they seemed to have their minds set on only passing a couple of the exams in question. They were still adamant they would make their own money by opening their joke shop in the future, and considering I had grown up for the past five years practically at their side and seen what they could do, I had no doubt they would succeed.

Still, exams came and we sat our theory in the morning and practical in the afternoon, whereby the rest of our time was then spent in study, clusters of students finding their own quiet spaces to work fervently. I found myself often in the company of Professor Lupin, because I just wanted some space away from everyone else and since most of my usual haunts were now taken up by studying students, this was one of the quietest and most private places left in the entire castle and he was always happy to let me use his classroom to practice if it wasn't otherwise being used. That gave us plenty of time to talk, and the more we did so, the more I liked him as a person and not just as a teacher. There was a sort of warmth about him that I liked in people, though there was also a kind of look in his eye that felt like he had numerous thoughts kicking around in his head back there, but had no intention of disclosing any of it to anyone. Secretive.

Don't see what was the point, I already knew he was a werewolf. I mean, it wasn't exactly that hard to figure out, if you thought about it. Ill around the full moon, disappearing each month around the same time? Displays lonesome behaviour? Often exhausted or seemingly distant? Textbook werewolf. It shouldn't really have come as a surprise considering Dumbledore was so accepting of many kinds of wizards, and seeing as Dumbledore would never have allowed Lupin into the school if he thought he was dangerous, I figured there was no need to be worried. Hermione had also figured it out, but we'd agreed to keep it between us. If word got out, there would be a huge uproar.

Besides, I as an animagus, had no reason to fear a werewolf. So long as I was in animal form around them, even on a full moon, they were unlikely to show aggressive behaviour. So once again I found myself in Lupin's office, yawning after a long's day work. "So, how did you think your transfiguration exam went?"

"Easy, to be honest. I got extra points for showing them I was an animagus. The examiner practically fainted when I shifted he was so shocked, but then he was so excited he wouldn't stop jumping up and down. Small fellow, yellow hat." I recalled, tossing a ball up and down lazily with a casual flick of my wrist before then using my wand to make it circle overhead. "How did you find exams when you were at school?"

"Moderate. Some areas challenged me more than others, I am not as lucky as some as to be talented across the board." I smiled at Lupin, grinning wickedly.

"I wouldn't say that. History of Magic isn't a strength of mine."

"Is it anyone's?" Taking that as a point, I continued to play around quietly as Lupin shuffled through his own exam papers and when I asked about Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny, he chuckled smoothly. "Not that I would be permitted to disclose such results, but I can freely say that all have done well." Glad to hear it, I closed my eyes for a moment in order to enjoy the breeze that was flowing in through the window. "You know, any other student would be outside enjoying the warmth and sunshine, yet here you are with this shabby old teacher keeping him company whilst he marks papers."

"It's quieter up here. Relaxing." I answered simply, rubbing my head. "I don't have to think so much when it's quiet."

"I see. A lot on your mind, I expect?"

"Well…yes I guess so."

"And not just your exams, from the sound of it." After a few moments, I simply shook my head. Lupin invited me to talk freely, asking if there was anything I could do to help but I knew there was nothing. I mean, it's not like he could change who my real father was, could he? "Mia?" He questioned, now looking at me with those gentle eyes.

"It's…it's complicated, sir." Promising me that he could handle complicated, I managed a wry smile. "Well, it's about my father. My real father. I found out over Christmas that my mum had lied to me about who he was. She doesn't know I know, but it's been pestering me ever since. Of course I know she was just trying to protect me, but I feel quite stupid for not figuring it out sooner and now he's…well. You're clever professor, I guess I don't need to tell you who I'm talking about."

"No, Mia. I know very well to whom you are referring." I winced visibly, swallowing back a vile taste that rose to my throat. "I had no idea you were all this time aware of your parentage. I was made to believe that you were kept in the dark concerning this by Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. How did you come to learn the truth?"

"Ron and Hermione. They overheard a conversation in the Three Broomsticks when Fudge came to Hogsmeade. They heard everything, then they told me that they'd talked about me and my father, Black." Rubbing my face again, I felt like I wanted to sleep for a week but had too much going on in my head to even risk closing my eyes. "I don't know what to do."

"What do you want to do?"

"Well, I'd very much like to never have to meet him, for a start. Other than that, I don't have a clue. I think I'd like to go back to being ignorant, but that won't solve anything. I'd just be running away, and I'm not coward." At this Lupin chuckled so I looked up at him. He seemed to have abandoned the papers in favour of leaning back in his chair and listening to me attentively, which caused a surge of warmth and appreciation towards him within me.

"No, on that we can certainly agree. You are anything but a coward, Euphemia." Thinking for a moment, Lupin deliberated on what to say to me before then continuing. "I think that a witch such as yourself, brilliant and reckless as you are, is completely capable of standing up on your own without having to worry over her heritage. Considering all I've heard of you, no one could ever possibly doubt that you are a loyal friend and that one's parentage has very little to do with oneself. Be bold and confident, and do not allow yourself to be concerned for a man such as Black." Feeling more at ease than I had done in a long time, I once again smiled.

"You're a really good teacher, you know that professor?"

"I try my best. Now, it is a pitiful thing for a young girl to prefer shutting herself indoors on such a fine day as this. Go and enjoy it. You will look back on peaceful days such as these with fondness in the future." So with a new outlook on things, I left Lupin to his marking, deciding that he was right. I couldn't allow something as stupid as blood relations worry me. I mean, there are plenty of people in the Fawley family I'd rather not be related to, so how's this any different? Happy with my newfound perception, I made a mental note to thank Lupin somehow later, perhaps with a new sweater or something. Merlin knows he needs a new one soon.