August 1971

Emma and Remus became best friends. They shared everything or almost everything. She still wouldn't say where the bruises came from and he would never tell about his scars. He would be angry when he saw another bruise on her arms and she would say they were from archery. While she would look worried when he got a new scar every month or so. She also wouldn't tell him about the strange things she could do. If she concentrated she could make books fly across the room and sometimes even change the course of the arrow in practice. She was scared he would call her a freak, like her father would. The only one who was excited about the magic was Sasha. She was going to the school her father was teaching and next year Emma would go to. She didn't want to go. She wanted to go with Remus. He was going to a private school after the summer. He told her about it. Apparently his dad went there and after some persuasions Remus was welcome as well. He would be there until christmas. They always met at the park and stayed there. If it was raining they would go to the bookstore on the other side of the road. The old man from the bookstore would always give them chocolate and let them read the books. Apparently he was an old friend from the father of Remus. The whole summer Remus and Emma would be together. Sometimes Sasha would come along. She was the only one who knew about their friendship. If Richard ever found, she would be in so much trouble. Remus also didn't tell his parents about her. Something about not understanding. Emma didn't care. She had her secrets so he could too.

On the last day of August Emma was crying and hugging her best friend. 'Can't I come with you?' Emma looked up at him. Her head would just reach his chin and her brown eyes were full of tears. 'I wish you could, it would be so cool if you would be there' Remus hugged her closer. They stood there for a while. That night Emma cried herself to sleep. When she woke up the next day it was 7.30 and she heard a tik at the window. When she opened the curtains and saw Remus standing by his window. She opened hers and he threw a can at her. The can had a piece of rope attached to it and they started talking. 'I'm leaving in an hour. Do you wanna wave me goodbye?' She looked down for a moment. She would not see him for 4 months. 'yes i wanna come. What are you going to tell your parents?' She scratched his chin, thinking about it. Then he looked up and smiled. 'That your my best friend and you couldn't stay away' She laughed at this. They talked for a couple of more minutes and then Remus had to pack his last things. Emma quickly dressed for the day. Richard already left, something about remedial classes. Sasha was still sleeping, hugging her pillow while lying on her side. Emma laughed softly at this. She took a piece of paper and wrote a quick note to Sasha. Then she walked outside. Remus was standing by the oak tree he was reading a book and wasn't paying attention. She runned up to him and jumped on his back. Because of some miracle or magic Remus caught her and didn't let her fall. They spinned around for some time and then they heard someone calling Remus. It was a beautiful woman and she came around the corner. She stopped walking when she saw Remus and Emma. They stopped dead in their tracks. Then the lady smiled and walked towards them. 'Hello dear, care to introduce me to your friend?' Remus felt a lump in his throat. He swallowed it and coughed. 'Mom this is Emma White' He started sheepishly. Emma looked at her shoes, they were worn and needed to be patched up. 'My best friend' Her head shot up at this. He had been sirius? 'Hello Emma, my name is Hope Lupin-Howell. Nice to finally meet you. Thank you for always looking after my boy'. Emma started to smile. A mother couldn't be mean could they? Her mom never was. She shook her hand and introduced herself. 'Mom' Remus started 'If Emma gave you a letter sometime could you send it with your letters?' Emma laughed 'that's a brilliant idea Remy! Please mrs. Lupin' Hope laughed 'Of course dear. If Emma drops the letters at our place I would love to send them. Then we could have a nice cup of tea and maybe even get to know each other.' They chatted for some time and then it was time to go. They walked to the front of the house and they stopped at the car. In the car was a large suitcase and an owl? maybe they were allowed to take pets to this school. Emma shrugged. She hugged Remus one more time. And he squished her tight. Remus' father looked shocked and almost angry at this. `We have to go or else you will be too late for the train!' he snapped. Remus let her go and quickly got in the car. Mrs Lupin sighed and turned to Emma. 'Would you like to come for tea next week? Remus might have sent the first letter by then' Emma nodded her head and waved while they drove away.

The next couple of weeks were going way too slow for Emma's taste. She went to school, trained with her father and spent time with Mrs Lupin, who insisted she call her Hope. They often spoke of Remus and made letters together. On the 6ste of October Emma woke up with a start. Sasha had woken her up. It was 5.00. Richard was still asleep so Emma and Sasha could celebrate her birthday a bit. Sasha made a small cupcake with yellow frosting and a small red candle. 'Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Emma. Happy birthday to you' Sasha sang softly. 'Quickly blow the candle' Emma took a deep breath and blew. They laughed for a while and shared the cupcake.

The rest of the day was normal. After school Sasha was waiting for Emma at the entrance. They walked home together. When they got home Sasha helped her with her homework. While they worked on math the doorbell rang. Sasha opened the door and there stood a scotch woman with emerald green robes and a pointed hat. 'Can I help you?' The woman smiled. 'Can I come in?' Sasha frowned 'Why?' She looked at the older woman 'Because I am here to offer your sister a full scholarship at the school I work for' Sasha opened the door a little bit more. 'What kind of scholarship? Archery?' The woman laughed 'not quite. Maybe we should talk about this inside?' Sasha let the woman in but looked at her skeptically. Together they walked to the small living room. Emma was bent over her homework. 'Emma, someone wants to talk to you' Sasha said. 'Whatever it is she said I did, i didn't do it' Emma yelled. The woman laughed. 'Hello miss White, my name is Miverva McGonagall. Deputy headmistress at Hogwarts. School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and I am here to offer you a scholarship.' The two girls looked at her. Then Sasha exploded 'You mean there is a whole school for that. That's bloody brilliant Emma!' The girl bounced to her little sister and hugged her. She softly said 'You can get out'. Mrs McGonagall frowned at this. Before she could ask a question. The front door opened and slammed closed. 'Girls! Where are you two? it's time for training!' Sasha and Emma stiffened at the sound. This also didn't go unnoticed by Mrs McGonagall. Richard stormed inside. He stopped when he saw her. 'What are you doing in my house?' He sneered. He looked at the two girls. They still hadn't moved. 'Goodday Mr White. My name is Miverva McGonagall. Deputy headmistress at Hogwarts. I am here regarding your youngest daughter. We noticed her talent and wanted to give her a full scholarship at our school' Richard snorted. 'Hogwarts? Never heard of it. Is this a special school for archery or something? That's all she's good for' McGonagall frowned. 'No, Hogwarts is the British school of Witchcraft and Wizardry' Richard stilled at this. 'The what now…' He sneered