September 2nd, 1995
Saphira's loud chirps woke her early the next morning, groaning as she stretched and moved to pull the covers back.
Rolf held her firmly, pulling her back against his chest. "Don't go."
His hands were cool and thin, rough, but not calloused. He smelled like soap and ink, not smoke and sunshine. It felt like a betrayal to herself and an even bigger betrayal to Rolf. Why couldn't life just be easy for once?
"Saphira wants breakfast and I can't be here when Remus gets back." Mary flipped over and kissed his cheek quickly before hopping out of bed. "Go back to sleep. I'll be back later."
Rolf mumbled something under his breath before pulling the blankets over his head. Mary bit back a laugh, summoning her clothes and walking into the bathroom.
An hour later she sat at the table in Remus' quarters, watching Saphira run around the room with a stuffed toy in her mouth when Remus walked in, looking a little worse for wear. The full moon was still a week away, so she knew that wasn't the issue.
"Alright there?" Mary asked.
Remus sat across from her and put his head in his hands, looking ready to pull his hair out. He took in a shaky breath and let it out, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Mary knew that look. She saw it in Harry's memories. But it wasn't supposed to happen this soon. Taking a gulp of her hot tea, she stood up and walked around the table, pulling him into a hug.
"Is someone dead or dying?" Mary asked gently.
"No," Remus choked out.
"Did Tonks step out on you?" Mary bit her lip.
"I wish it were that simple." Remus shook his head.
"Am I going to be an Auntie?" Mary sat down next to him.
Remus' shoulders dropped, an anguished look on his face. "How could I have been so stupid? So selfish?"
Mary leaned back as Remus stood so suddenly that his chair toppled backwards.
"I knew I should have had the talk with you and Sirius sooner," Mary chimed in. "But really Remus, you're being a bit overdramatic. Please tell me you didn't act this way when Tonks told you?"
"I didn't have time to say anything!" Remus paced back and forth. "She just blurted it out and apparated to work."
Mary grimaced. "Well, you two will have time to talk things out when she gets home."
"I have to break things off with her," Remus said quietly. "I have to-"
"Remus, I don't want to slap you, but I will." Mary stood up and moved to stand in front of him. "You're not breaking up with Tonks. You're going to get your shit together, go over there tonight and talk to her. Like an adult."
"I can't do this!" Remus cried out. "Not to her. I can't subject her to a life of scrutiny and shame because of my condition. And the child- I can't- What if, what if it's like me?"
Mary felt her heartbreak for him, but at the same time, she was furious. "This again? You tried to leave me after the accident with the Dementors. You did leave me after my parents died. Do you know how many nights I went to bed hungry, hoping that some long lost family member would rescue me?"
"I couldn't-" Remus looked up with wide eyes.
"So what, you back off and fade into the background? Leave them to fend for themselves? You love her. I know you do. So do the right thing and prove to her that she's worth it. That she's more important than your issues."
"My condition-"
"Isn't an excuse to abandon the people you love when they need you," Mary said, crossing her arms. "Do you love Tonks?"
"More than anything," Remus whispered.
"Then prove it to her." Mary grabbed his shoulders, forcing him to meet her eyes. "Stand by her no matter what she chooses to do. Support her. Gods, Remus, she's probably terrified of you acting like you are now. It's no wonder she didn't stick around for the fallout."
"I don't deserve her." Remus bowed his head in shame. "This never should have happened."
"You're a wonderful father." Mary patted his back. "I know that for a fact. And there's no evidence to suggest that lycanthropy can be passed on, so there's no point worrying yourself or Tonks over that. Not now at least. You have bigger issues to deal with."
"I don't see how things can get direr." Remus looked up flatly.
"Uncle T and Aunt Andy are going to kill you." Mary chuckled. "Not really, I think they'll be thrilled about being grandparents, but please invite me for that announcement dinner. That is if you and Tonks decide on being parents."
"I didn't even think about that." Remus' eyes widened and he rubbed a hand over his face. "Maybe I should buy a ring."
"No!" Mary held her hands up. "You're moving a little fast here. If you go all out with proposals right off the bat, you're going to scare the shit out of her. Talk to her first. None of the self-deprecating stuff, but let her know your thoughts and feelings. And listen to hers."
"Why do I feel like the child in this situation?" Remus looked up at her with a sad smile.
"You're kind of acting like one." Mary shrugged. "I'd suggest a toast, but I'm not risking you pulling a Sirius on me, so I'll just drink to you and Tonks later."
Remus let out a small laugh, looking calmer than before, leaning down to pick up Saphira who immediately started chewing on his ear. "Thank you. For talking me down."
Mary summoned the teapot and another cup. "Have you had breakfast?"
"I don't know if I can eat right now," Remus said with a low sigh. "Breakfast ended an hour ago and it's too early for lunch. Wait, what are you doing here, Mary Jane? Shouldn't you be exploring the castle with your friends?"
"Hold that thought," Mary said, reaching into the pot of Floo powder and stepping into the fireplace. "Hogwarts kitchens!"
"Miss Mary!" Micky rushed to her side. "You were not at breakfast!"
Mary bent down and hugged him quickly. "It's good to see you."
"Come along." Micky grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the tables. "There is plenty left for you."
"Actually, I was going to have breakfast with Professor Lupin," Mary said, looking at the massive amounts of crockery. "Would you mind if I get a couple of trays of food for us?"
"You know where everything is, Miss. Help yourself." Micky nodded before going back to his work.
Mary smiled before she gathered what she needed for a decent breakfast, her stomach rumbling loudly as she danced around the working elves to get everything in place. It'd taken years to get them to a point where they were comfortable with her presence and she didn't want to mess that up.
Ten minutes later, Mary stepped back out of the fireplace, two trays in hand, but stopped at the sight before her.
"This is unacceptable!" Sirius yelled. "They can't force her from her house!"
"Their concerns are valid," Mac said calmly.
"She needs her friends now more than ever," Remus added. "Surely there's a way to fix this."
"A few rounds of the Imperius might do the trick," Mary said, stepping into view. "Though I doubt it'd bolster my reputation."
"Don't joke about that, Mary." Sirius shot her a glare. "Why didn't you mirror call me? We could've settled this last night."
"There's nothing to fix." Mary shrugged. "If Remus allows, I'll stay here until another option is found."
"Kid, you gotta learn to call for backup," Sirius said, moving toward her. "That's what Remus and I are here for."
"Communication's never been our strong suit," Mary said, setting the trays of food on the table. "Phineas Sirius Black?. Real nice to find that out through the Marauders Map and not from you."
Sirius and Mac exchanged a look and Sirius held his hands up. "I've only known for a few days."
"I asked him not to say anything," Mac said simply. "I'd rather not have my son associated with you."
"That's understandable. Though you might want to cover your tracks better next time." Mary swallowed hard. "Remus, eat something. You'll feel better. I'm going out for the day. I'll, uh, be back I guess."
Sirius flinched when the door closed quietly behind Mary.
"That was uncalled for!" Remus spun around, his eyes glowing slightly as he stared down Mac. "And a highly inappropriate way to treat her after what she's been through."
"You could have given her a little context, Mac," Sirius said quietly. "She doesn't know what's happening."
"Nor should she," Mac said, sitting down and holding her head in her hands. "It's better if she doesn't get too close to Finn. We're still being tracked. I know it. I'm not going to risk having the person following us get her too. She's the far more valuable target."
"Should I check and see if she left the Map?" Sirius asked, walking toward the spare room that would now be Mary's.
"It's not there," Remus answered before he could get to the door. "She keeps it on her at all times."
Mac stood up and began pacing by the door. "I can't have her running around acting paranoid, it'll potentially scare off our stalker and leave me with no information to run off of."
"Mary doesn't do well with being kept out of the loop," Sirius pinched the bridge of his nose. "If she figures this problem out before we do, she's liable to do something unpredictable and get herself hurt."
"We can't let that happen," Mac said, letting out a long sigh. "Remus, please try to get the Map from her. I could really use it in comparison with the list of students and staff to make sure we have no unwanted guests. Sirius, make sure she doesn't go off the rails again. Ami's already going through another inquiry after her latest stunt."
"Her latest stunt saved the lives of thirty children," Remus said heatedly.
"And she killed two Death Eaters, leaving the scene and not informing anyone of her involvement," Mac said, raising her brows as though waiting to be rebuffed. "I'm not looking forward to a repeat of that debacle."
"That's not going to happen," Sirius said, clenching his fists. "I'll talk to Mary when she gets back."
"Good." Mac nodded. "I need to turn in my reports to Rufus. Remus, I'll be back before dinner. If Finn needs me, he knows how to get in touch."
Mac moved to the fireplace, stopping in front of him as though she was about to say something else. Sirius' heart stuttered at the way her eyes went from him to the Floo and back. They needed to have a longer talk than the one they'd had days before. Back when he was blissfully ignorant to his status as a father of two.
There was a swift knock on the door and Mac paused, turning as Remus went to answer it. Snape and McGonagall stepped inside, both with matching dark expressions.
"What happened?" Sirius asked, feeling his heart in his throat.
"Is it Mary?" Remus ran a hand through his hair.
"Potter isn't the only student at this school!" Snape sneered. "Miss Greengrass was brutally attacked in her dorm last night."
"Where is she?" Sirius asked, grabbing his coat and rushing to the door.
Minnie put a hand on his arm to stop him. "She's in the private room in the hospital wing. She's sedated."
"What did they do to her?" Remus asked, his voice a near growl.
"We don't know," Minnie said gently. "Her roommates rushed to Severus this morning. Miss Greengrass appears to have been attacked after curfew."
Sirius didn't hesitate any longer, he rushed out of the room and through the halls, changing into his animagus form to get there faster. There was no point in denying it, he loved having Daphne, Neville, and Astoria around. They brought light back into his life and the old house they shared. He refused to lose any of them. Which made rage nearly overcome him when he transformed back, ignoring Madam Pomfrey's shout of surprise when he walked into the private ward.
Daphne's face was scrunched up in pain, but there were no marks or signs of her being cursed. Sirius took the seat next to her bed, holding her hand lightly. She was a good kid with a kind heart. She didn't deserve this.
"When did you turn into a sentimental fool, Black?" Snape asked, walking around the other side of the bed.
Sirius didn't bother to turn to him. "Do you have a way to help her or are you just going to hover there like a Dementor?"
"We're not even sure what injuries she's sustained, Mr. Black," Pomfrey walked in, her lips set in a thin line. "Do step aside and give us room to work. The faster we can treat her the more swiftly she'll recover. That goes for you too, Mr. Lupin and Miss Macdonald."
"Severus, are there any eyewitnesses that we may question?" Mac asked, her pale eyes trained on Snape.
"Her roommates, Miss Parkinson, Miss Bulstrode, and Miss Davis were all distraught when they found me this morning," Snape said, crossing his arms. "As much as they've disagreed over the years, they are close with each other."
Sirius squeezed Daphne's hand one more time, before standing up. "I'll be right outside, kid. I'm not going anywhere, okay? You just get better."
Remus put a hand on his shoulder, walking beside him to the benches on the other side of the infirmary. "Mac and Severus are going to question her roommates. I'm going to try and find Mary. Do you need me to bring you anything?"
"The person who hurt Daphne," Sirius said heatedly. "I want their head on a plate."
"We'll figure this out, Padfoot. I promise."
"And Remus, break the news to Mary before she finds out through other means. I've already failed her enough over the past few months."
"You haven't failed her," Remus said quietly. "We're all trying our best here."
"She didn't even mirror call me last night. Kicked out of Gryffindor and she didn't say a word." Sirius put his head in his hands, taking in a deep breath.
"It's likely that she didn't want you to worry. You know how Mary is."
"Go find her, Remus," Sirius looked up at his friend. "I'll stay here and watch over Daphne."
"True family goes deeper than blood, Sirius," Fleamont said the night he showed up on the doorstep. "They are the people who love you and want to see you happy. Your true family is the one you choose, it's not always the one you're born to."
Mary held in a laugh, watching as Saphira sat on Luna's shoulder like an overgrown parrot, picking at her blonde hair as though she'd never seen such a fascinating thing. Finn walked next to Luna, hands deep in his pockets, shooting shy glances in Luna's direction.
"Isn't that your cat?" Ginny asked, pointing to the black cat that was limping out from behind greenhouse seven.
"Rosie!" Finn cried out, running toward her and picking her up carefully. "What happened to you, old girl?"
"Hold her still," Rolf ordered calmly. "It's only a diagnostic spell, but she's not likely to take kindly to it."
Rosie was unfazed by the wand, going as far as to hold out her injured paw.
Rolf tapped his wand against it gently and frowned, tilting his head to the side. "Looks like a decent sprain and some superficial scratches. You got into a catfight, didn't you, Rosie?"
"You're too old to be fighting," Finn admonished his cat. "Can the nurse help her?"
"Oh, I can patch her up." Rolf smiled, tapping Rosie's paw again and making a small green bandage wrap around her leg. "There. A day or two and she'll be just fine. Just make sure she doesn't put much weight on it."
"Where did you learn healing charms for animals?" Hermione asked, eyes wide as she reached forward to pet Rosie. "Are they more difficult than those created for humans?"
"The spells are the same for bones and smaller injuries," Rolf said with a small smile. "When it comes to more serious injuries, we have to be very careful because each species has a different anatomy."
"Well, I know that," Hermione said quickly, before looking up with wide eyes. "Oh, I'm so sorry Professor Scamander. I didn't mean-"
Rolf leaned his head back and laughed. "Please, it's just; Rolf. Here or in the classroom. I'm not much older than the rest of you."
Mary shook her head in amusement as Hermione and Rolf talked about the book he was writing; Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: II.
Ron leaned toward her. "They'll be talking for hours and we'll never get to Hagrid's."
"I'll race you," Mary said, lifting a single brow in challenge.
"You're on!" Ron grinned, sprinting forward.
Mary ran the rest of the way, touching the side of Hagrid's hut just a brief moment after Ron. "No fair, I'm out of shape."
Ron clutched at his side. "Me too."
"We shouldn't have done that," Mary said, breathing heavily as she opened the door.
Fang bounded out, tackling Ron and then her in quick succession, bouncing around them like a big puppy. Ron shot to his feet, laughing loudly as he dusted off his clothes, watching as Fang bounced in circles around her.
"I've never seen him move that fast," Ron said, grabbing her hand to help her up.
"He moved faster the night we were in detention with Hagrid," Hermione said with a huff. "Only Malfoy was faster."
Mary flinched at the memory, shaking her head as she brushed her hands over her trousers. Simpler times when all she had to do was get through the school year before she tackled the tasks Dumbledore set before her. And stupidly, she'd drug her friends along with her. Never again, she thought.
Rolf walked in and out of Hagrid's hut, carrying two large bowls. "I've told Hagrid that I'd care for Fang, but I don't know if he'll be happy in the castle."
Mary patted Fang's side. "I'm sure he'll be fine. He just doesn't care for being alone. Do you?"
Fang let out a booming bark and Saphira struggled out of Luna's arms, wings tucked back as she moved closer to the large dog with wide eyes.
"Saphira, this is Fang. He's a friend," Mary said, kneeling between the two.
Fang gave the little Snallygaster a cursory sniff and Saphira did the same to him, taking advantage of Mary's jumper so she could attempt to climb onto Fang's back.
"We don't ride Fang," Mary said with a laugh, pulling her away.
"No?" Saphira hissed softly.
"No," Mary confirmed.
"I should add this into the book," Rolf said, grinning widely. "Given the dangerous reputation of her species, I thought Fang would be warier."
Mary stood, wanting to say that Fang wasn't easily frightened, but one look at the dog had her clenching her mouth shut. She loved Fang, but he wasn't well known for his courage.
"Saphira's just a baby right now," Mary said, turning to him. "I'm sure their reactions to each other would be far different if she was fully grown and had the teeth to match."
"Oh, how pretty," Luna said, watching as the wolf Patronus walked toward them.
"Mary, I need you to return to the castle as soon as you can," Remus' voice said in a false calm.
Mary frowned as the patronus disappeared, wondering why she was being summoned so early on the weekend. Pulling the Map out of her pocket, she scanned the castle for any signs of a threat, her breath catching when she spotted the set of names where they shouldn't be.
Mary tucked it back into her pocket. "Daphne, Sirius, and Snape are in the hospital wing."
Rolf took Saphira from her arms, following as she ran as fast as she could, ignoring the stitch of pain in her side. Other random students darted out of her way when she was in the main building, shooting her dirty looks. She didn't hesitate, pushing the doors open and going straight for the private room in the back.
Snape stood up, a scowl on his face as he took in her appearance and then glanced to see that she'd brought an entourage. "Have you no subtly, Potter?"
"Who's hurt?" Mary asked, taking the last few steps toward him. "What happened?"
The door opened and Sirius walked out, followed by Aunt Andy. Sirius pulled her into a strong hug, rubbing her back.
"Daphne?" Mary breathed, struggling to form the words needed. "Is she-"
Neville pushed past her, running into the room and stopping suddenly. Mary walked around him, brows furrowed as Daphne stared at them in confusion.
"Oh, hello," she said quietly. "Do I know you?"
"Daph?" Neville replied, sitting down in the chair next to her. "Are you okay?"
"I don't know," Daphne replied. "I- I can't remember."
"What is it that you can't remember, Daph?" Neville asked.
"Anything," Daphne replied, looking down at her hands.
Mary walked out of the room, walking straight up to Aunt Andy. "Is it a memory charm?"
"A form of one, from the looks of it," Aunt Andy said quietly.
"How long will it take to break?" Mary asked, looking from her to Sirius. "And why do you both look so worried?"
"The memory charm is already broken, Mary." Aunt Andy put a hand on her shoulder. "Daphne's attacker did a very good job of covering their tracks."
"What does that mean?" Mary rubbed a hand over her face. "Can't we use Legilimency or something to help her?"
"Adding more mind magic on top of what has been done to her will only subject her to more pain and potentially break her mind further!" Snape hissed out. "Do us all a favour and keep your useless ideas to yourself, Potter."
Unfazed by his surly attitude, Mary met Snape's eyes. "Is there any clue as to who did this?"
"Why yes, I know the full details of what happened. No matter that these events occurred after curfew last night in the girl's dormitory without a single roommate of Miss Greengrass noticing their presence." Snape's hands shook at his sides. "The assailant also broke through none of the protective enchantments, nor did their actions set off the monitoring charms on my charges! I am presently full of information that I haven't been inclined to share!"
"Severus, that is enough," Dumbledore said, walking into the room avoiding Mary altogether. "Though I do agree that the circumstances surrounding young Daphne's ailment are quite serious, I do not believe that she was the intended target. She was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time."
"How did you come to that conclusion?" Sirius asked heatedly.
"The portraits in the dungeons said as much," Dumbledore answered. "Miss Greengrass was on her way into the dorm when she spotted a dark figure. She spun around to defend herself, called out for them to stop, but the person attacked her."
"And they don't know who it was?" Mary asked, frowning as she turned to Sirius. "I had the Map on me all night, I never spotted anyone out of place."
"Were you staring at it the entire time?" Sirius asked, scrubbing at his face.
"Well, no, but-"
"Then there's every chance you could have missed the suspect," Sirius said, cutting her off. "Did the portraits recognize her attacker?"
"A tall woman with dark hair and green eyes," Dumbledore said, his gaze lifting to her's.
"Headmaster!" McGonagall called out, announcing her presence. "Miss Potter was not involved and you know it. I was holding a house meeting and she was with me the entire time until I brought her to Professor Lupin's quarters."
"I wasn't suggesting that you were at fault, Mary, only that you share a few similarities with Daphne's attacker," Dumbledore said calmly.
"That's not comforting at all," Mary whispered.
"Headmaster, Daphne has no sense of self," Aunt Andy said. "She doesn't know her own name or that she's a witch. We need to contact trained mind healers or possibly a curse breaker trained in the specialities of mind and memory magics."
"I will contact a dear friend of mine who works at the Ministry," Dumbledore said. "In the meantime, Miss Greengrass' continued safety is our biggest concern."
"She can't stay here," Mary said quickly. "She's helpless as a kitten if she can't use magic."
"What if that woman tries to finish the job?" Neville asked, looking at Professor McGonagall.
"I'm taking her home," Sirius said at once, holding up a hand when Neville made to argue. "Not permanently, but it will give her time to adjust to being around magic. Hopefully, we can find a cure."
"Mary," Sirius said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I'm going to need the Map. One of us will watch over it at all times until we find out who hurt Daphne."
"I can do that," Mary said easily. "I rarely sleep these days."
"And that's going to change," Sirius said with a pointed look, holding out his hand. "The Map, please."
Mary reached into her pocket and hesitated.
"Is there a problem, Potter?" Snape asked, a dark gleam in his eyes.
"No, sir," Mary said, handing the Map to Sirius.
It wasn't that she didn't trust them, but it felt wrong, like she was giving up another bit of freedom. How would she go out to train if they were watching her every move? How would she keep watch and know that everyone was safe?
That didn't help Daphne, did it? She thought, taking in a deep breath.
As though she sensed Mary's conundrum, Aunt Minnie put a steadying hand on her shoulder. "You children run along and get ready for dinner. We'll notify you as soon as we know more."
Mary walked out with her friends, feeling as though the world had been turned upside down all over again. All she wanted was a school year where she didn't have to look over her shoulder, but, as always, that'd been blown out of the water, and now she had to deal with some unknown threat targeting her friends and family.
"Can I speak to you for a moment?" Rolf asked, shooting a glance towards the small group.
Hermione's eyes narrowed. "We're going to be late for dinner."
"Go on ahead," Mary said, pulling Saphira away from Luna. "I'm going to have dinner with Remus tonight."
"Are you sure?" Ron glared at Rolf. "We don't mind waiting."
"Just go," Mary said, playfully punching his shoulder. "I'll see you lot at breakfast."
They waited until the others were out of sight and then Mary turned to Rolf. "What is it?"
"Are you okay?" Rolf pulled her into a hug.
"I'm fine," Mary replied. "Just pissed off and wanting to find out who hurt Daphne."
"Let Professor Dumbledore and the teachers handle that," he said quietly. "Focus on taking care of yourself and preparing for the school year."
"That's easier said than done," Mary whispered, rubbing at her forehead. "You mind watching Saphira this evening?"
"You never have to ask," Rolf said, kissing her quickly. "Are you sure you're alright? A lot's happened today."
"I'm fine," Mary repeated, adjusting Saphira on her shoulder. "Just some family stuff that needs to be taken care of. Well, on top of everything else. I'll tell you more when I can."
Rolf rubbed her back and changed the topic to the upcoming class schedule as they walked back to the staff quarters. He left her at Remus' door with a quick kiss. Saphira let out a little hiss of displeasure when Rolf pulled her away, making Mary roll her eyes.
Remus was sitting on the couch, Tonks curled up in his arms when she walked in.
Mary froze, her hand still on the door. "Do I need to leave?"
"No, Mary Jane," Remus said easily.
"Hi, Tonks." Mary crept further into the room.
Tonks jumped up. "Wotcher, Mary."
"Alright there?"
"We're having a baby!" Tonks bounced back on the balls of her heels, a bright smile on her face.
"Congratulations!" Mary swung Tonks around, hugging her tightly. "When is my nephew showing up?"
"Around Spring," Tonks said.
Mary let go of her and went to hug Remus. "Congratulations, papa."
"We're going to Mum and Dad's for dinner tonight," Tonks said with a grimace. "That ought to be fun."
Remus' shoulders shook and she leaned back, meeting his eyes. "You know you can handle this, Remus. Just enjoy the good things in life."
"Thank you, Mary Jane," Remus replied quietly. "How are you?"
"I'm not about to run off and do anything stupid," Mary said, shrugging her shoulders. "Just worried about Daphne."
"Mac's the best there is, if anybody is going to figure this out, it'll be her," Tonks said with a smile.
"I hope so," Mary replied, not mirroring Tonks' confidence in the slightest.
Mary went to her room and grabbed her Cloak and broom, scrubbing at her scar in a worthless attempt to get the daft Dark Lord to shut the fuck up. Shrinking and putting them both in her pocket, she walked back out, leaving the two lovebirds to themselves.
"Be back before curfew, Mary Jane!" Remus called after her. "And stay with your friends!"
Mary waved at them both before shutting the door. She had another plan in mind.
"Miss Mary?" Annie stared up at her in confusion when she walked back into the massive kitchen under the dining hall. "Why are you not with the other students?"
Mary's neck twitched, and she ground her teeth together, willing the pain to stop. "I need something to keep me busy. Can I help?"
Annie crossed her arms and nodded. "There is a pile of pots and pans in the back."
"Thanks, Annie," Mary whispered, going to the large sink and rolling up her sleeves.
An hour later, the kitchen was once again spotless. Mary and the elves sat at one of the long tables, enjoying a small meal together.
"Everything will be alright, Miss," Micky patted her arm. "Headmaster Dumbledore has instructed the elves to be on watch. And we are very good watchers."
"Just be careful, Micky." Mary looked around the table. "All of you be careful. And don't hesitate to get me if you need help."
"Go on now, Miss Mary," Annie said, pushing her towards the door. "Go find your friends and enjoy the night."
"Good night!" Mary waved at them, stepping out the portrait hole.
It felt like her life was playing on fast forward and she didn't have time to catch up. In Harry's time, Remus and Tonks weren't even together yet, but in her's they were expecting their first child. While she was thrilled for them both, it put more pressure on her to make sure things played out the right way. Voldemort had to be defeated soon.
A soft meow caught her attention near the Entrance hall and Mary peered around one of the suits of armour, finding Rosie sitting there and holding up her paw.
"I'm going to have a talk with Finn about keeping a better eye on you, old girl," Mary said, picking up the cat and continuing her journey into the grounds. "You shouldn't be wandering around with a hurt leg. And there's no shortage of creatures around here that wouldn't hesitate to carry you off."
Rosie let out another meow.
"You'll just have to stay with me until I go back in," Mary said, pulling her broom out of her pocket and unshrinking it. "And any fuss out and I'll petrify you. Better that than one of Hagrid's friends making a snack out of your dumb arse."
Rosie let out a hiss of disapproval but Mary paid her no mind, hopping on her broom and flying low to the ground until she was in the newly rebuilt Quidditch pitch.
Hours later, she pulled out of a neck-breaking dive, dismounted her broom and walked toward the edge of the pitch with a lighter heart.
"What are you doing out of bounds and after curfew, Potter?" Professor Snape asked, stepping out of the shadows.
"Flying, sir," Mary answered simply. "To clear my head."
"Did you not get it through your thick skull that someone is in the castle and potentially looking to kill you?" Snape hissed.
"They've had every opportunity over the past three hours, but it's been quiet." Mary rubbed at her scar again. "Out here, at least."
"Has something else happened?" Snape took a step closer. "Another vision?"
"No, sir. He's careful that I don't see anything." Mary shook her head. "I just have to feel it. Kind of sad that feeling happiness means something fucked up is about to happen."
Snape clutched at his arm, letting out a small grunt of pain as he met her eyes. "Minerva has given me a set of journals with an interesting story."
"I think they're useless at this point, sir, but Professor McGonagall is sure that you can help," Mary said, a sad smile on her face. "All I ask is that you don't judge me too harshly for how bad I've fucked everything up."
"I make no promises, Potter," Snape replied. "Come along, I'll walk you back to Lupin's quarters."
"Thank you, sir."
Mary picked up Rosie and fell into step beside Snape, knowing that what little respect he had for her was about to disappear. All good things must come to an end at some point, Mary thought. And my end is creeping up sooner than most.
"What was that, Potter?" Snape turned to her with narrowed eyes.
Mary grimaced, feeling a lump form in her throat. "Oh, it was nothing, sir. Just talking to myself."
"Please don't make that a habit." Snape scoffed.
Mary looked down at her feet, a lead weight settling on her chest that made it difficult to drag in another breath. "I won't, sir."
"You'll be serving detention every night for the next month, Potter," Snape said when they stopped at Remus' door. "As well as costing Gryffindor house fifty points for being out after curfew."
"What time, sir?"
"Seven pm. Not a minute later," Snape said, sticking his nose in the air. "My office, not the classroom."
"Understood, professor." Mary nodded. "Good night."
Snape nodded and walked away as Mary went inside, setting Rosie on the sofa. "I guess you can stay here tonight. I'll take you back to Finn tomorrow."
Mary changed quickly and laid down on her bed, staring at the ceiling until sleep found her.
Red eyes glowed in the darkness, creeping closer until he was close enough to touch. Mary felt her heart hammer against her ribs, seeing the faint light of the torches bloom into existence, illuminating the stone cavern. She was staring down at the group of bound and gagged people that knelt before him. Watching as they thrashed wildly on the ground, snakes of all sizes crawled over them, tasting the air and anticipating their meal.
"Welcome back, Mary," Voldemort said quietly, "I do hope you enjoy tonight's festivities."
A/N:
Much love to my Beta; Nauze, who makes the story look amazing and is a wonderful person.
To CleverBrainer and PatriceAvril for listening to me rant and encouraging me to keep going.
And to all of my lovely readers whose kind words, reviews, and PMs keep me going.
Any questions or comments? Just let me know. :)