Madelia couldn't remember a storm like the one that struck Saturday – it was loud, the rain was persistent, and the lightning was incredibly bright. It was enough to wake Madelia up from her slumber. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't fall back to sleep due to the storm. She stayed in bed, listening to the storm, her mind full of different thoughts. Most of the thoughts were about Sirius Black.
When she was certain it was time for breakfast, she changed and left the Ravenclaw tower with her nose in a book. She didn't pay much attention to the halls, assuming she wouldn't see very many people, but she was wrong as she rounded a corner and ran into someone. Her book fell to the ground and she gasped in surprise. When she looked up, the first thing she saw the lightning bolt scar.
"I'm so sorry," Madelia said as Harry lowered to grab her book. "I wasn't paying any attention."
"That's alright. You remind me of a friend," he replied, looking her over. "You're Professor Lupin's daughter, right?"
"I am," Madelia replied, and thought about him. She made a mental note to go see him before the Quidditch match. "And I know who you are."
"I get that quite a lot." Madelia smiled softly as Harry handed the book back to her.
"Thank you. I wish you luck at the Quidditch match today," she said, nodding his way. "I only hope the rain will let up in the slightest by that time."
"That's unlikely," Harry said. "I've been up for hours and it's been the same."
"I've been, too. I couldn't sleep because of the storm," Madelia replied. Harry looked down the hall at the Great Hall, and Madelia took the hint. "Well, I'm feeling hungry. Care to join me?"
Harry nodded and they walked in-step to the Great Hall. There weren't many people in there, save for five or six students and a few professors.
"I should go to my table," Madelia said, smiling softly. "It was nice talking with you, Harry."
"See you later." She waved goodbye as she walked to the Ravenclaw table, sitting at the very end. It was her and another, older Ravenclaw at the table. Madelia pulled out her book to continue reading.
More people began to flood into the Great Hall a while later, and Madelia had finished eating by that time. Mimose plopped down next to her.
"How's your dad?" Mimose asked. "I know he's been sick lately."
"I'm hoping he's better. I'm about to go see him," Madelia said, and placed an apple into her bag.
"What about the Quidditch match? Aren't you going today?"
"I don't know if I'd like to sit out in the rain," Madelia admitted. "Plus, I need to see my dad."
"Oh, I understand. Hopefully Zoey will, too." Madelia waited for Mimose to elaborate. "She's a die-hard fan."
"Why does that not surprise me?" Mimose smiled as Madelia closed her book.
"Well, I hope you change your mind, anyways. I think it'd be fun to watch today's match. I've heard Oliver Wood has been going nuts over this day."
"You said it," Zoey added once she sat down. "This morning, he was pacing the common room. Now he's refusing to eat a thing."
The girls turned to see an anxious Oliver Wood staring at an empty plate. Zoey pulled food onto her plate, then noticed Madelia's plate was already clear.
"How long have you been here?"
"A while. I have to leave soon, though. I want to check on my dad."
"Are you going to the match?" Zoey asked, raising an eyebrow.
"More than likely not." Zoey looked thoroughly offended.
"But who's going to laugh at the twins with me?"
"I think you mean 'support our boys', as you said the other day," Mimose said quietly, earning a glare. "Speaking of which . . ."
"Hello, ladies," George greeted, sitting across from Madelia.
"Oh, Ms. Lupin, I must say you look rather intelligent reading—"
"—and pretending we don't exist!" Madelia looked over the edge of her book with a laugh.
"It's a good book, not that you two would know," Madelia replied, and George held a hand to his heart in mock hurt.
"Why, Madelia Lupin, after all we have done for you!"
"Agreeing to detention Monday night with Filch!"
"Scrubbing cauldrons!"
"Without magic!" Madelia looked at them with a heavy sigh. "But not to worry, we can always send a bludger Snape's way as revenge!"
"Don't do that," Madelia said. "He may be rude, but it'll only feed the fire."
"Oh, Madelia, are you feeling alright?" Fred asking, holding a hand to her forehead. "George, I don't think she feels well!"
"Oh, she doesn't! She just admitted Snape is rude!"
"Stop it," Madelia said as Mimose tried to avoid laughing. Zoey rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. She closed her book and put it away. "I need to go see my dad."
"What about the Quidditch match?" George asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't know if I'm going." Both twins let out animated gasps.
"She is sick!" Both twins moved until they were standing behind Madelia with smirks on their faces.
"I—"
"No, you aren't fine! You are considering skipping today's match, where your favorite twins are playing!"
"Come!" The twins looped arms with her and pulled her from the bench. Madelia let out a noise of surprise as they pulled her along. Zoey laughed through a gulp of pumpkin juice before standing to follow them.
"Please, knock it off!" she pleaded as they dragged her from the Great Hall. Madelia noticed an amused look on Professor Dumbledore's face as he watched them from the head table.
"Not until you agree to see us!"
"But—"
"No but's!" They continued to drag her down the hall and she sighed in defeat.
"Fine! Fine! I'll come to the match!" They loosened their grip on her arms and she stood straight. "But, I'm going to see my dad first, and if he's very ill, I might not come out."
"But you must!" Zoey exclaimed.
"We'll see," Madelia said, then let out a soft yawn. "I need to head to the kitchens. If I know my dad, he hasn't eaten anything yet."
"Let's escort her, Freddie!" Before she could say a word, George had swooped Madelia up from the ground. She laughed as he slung her arm over his shoulder.
"Don't you two have a game to play?" Madelia asked, laughing as they headed in the direction of the kitchens.
"Of course, but it isn't for another hour." Madelia nodded and they reached the kitchen within the next few minutes. George placed Madelia on solid ground as the portrait opened.
The House Elves, again, were excited to see the twins. They muttered compliments and shoved food into their hands whenever they could, and Madelia walked deeper into the kitchens. Drippy came bounding up to her excitedly.
"Oh, it is nice to see you again, Madelia Lupin!" he said, a smile on his face. "Drippy has missed you!"
"Hello, Drippy. Could I ask for your assistance?"
"Anything for Ms. Lupin!" She smiled at him sweetly.
"My father is ill and I'd like to get him some food. Assuming he hasn't eaten anything yet?"
"He hasn't, Ms. Lupin. We sent a meal, but it was untouched." Madelia sighed, unsurprised.
"I figured enough. Is there any chamomile down here?" Madelia asked, and watched as the elf bounded away. Zoey raised an eyebrow. "That's his favorite tea."
Drippy came back with a cup of tea, bewitched so that it wouldn't spill. Madelia only knew this as he ran carelessly back to her with a tray of other food items. She was pleased to see potato soup as one of the items before her.
"Thank you very much, Drippy. I appreciate it." She held the tray with both hands as she lowered to place a kiss on Drippy's forehead. He immediately broke out into a deep red blush as she turned to walk away. The twins looked at her as she began to pace away.
"What?"
"I think he likes you," Fred sang-song.
"Do I hear wedding bells?"
"May I walk you down the aisle?" Madelia glared sharply at them as she carefully stepped from the portrait hole.
"I'm going to see him. You two need to get ready for the game," Madelia said, eyeing them.
"I'll walk you there," Zoey offered. "So that way, if teachers see us . . ."
"Alright," Madelia agreed, and she looked up at the twins expectantly. They grinned before walking in the opposite direction, leaving the two girls alone. Madelia rolled her eyes.
"How did I ever become friends with them?" she asked, more to herself than anyone.
"I ask myself the same thing every day." They walked in silence in the direction of the Dark Arts room, and once there, Madelia turned. Zoey opened the classroom door for her.
"I'll see you later," she said.
"I hope to see you at the game." Zoey turned on her heel and ran in the other direction, leaving Madelia alone. She sighed, then stepped into the quiet classroom. She went through his office, knowing where his room would be. She followed a hallway and approached his room quietly. She knocked and waited for a response.
"Yes?" She opened the door and peeked inside. Remus was sitting up in bed with a book, but he looked incredibly tired. He was pale and Madelia immediately noticed fresh scratches on his arms. When she stepped into the room, Remus set the book down. "Madelia."
"I brought your favorite tea," she said, holding out the mug to him. "Burning hot, too. With two spoonfuls of sugar."
"You know me too well." He took the mug and sipped it as Madelia set the tray on the nightstand. She sat on the edge of the bed, watching him.
"Was it bad, again?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.
"Significantly better with the potion," he replied honestly. "Although, I still have fresh scratches."
"They don't look as harsh as usual. That's a good sign." She watched him take another sip before placing the mug down. "You know the drill, dad. I won't leave until you eat something."
"I think it should be the other way around," he said with a soft laugh. Madelia shook her head.
"Sometimes I must take your place, and you mine." She lifted the bowl and handed it to him. "You don't look nearly as sick, either. Last time, you could barely lift your hands."
"I have Professor Snape to thank for that." Madelia frowned at the mention of him.
"I didn't appreciate him substituting for you. He taught lessons about werewolves to all the students," Madelia muttered, crossing her arms. "I don't understand why."
Remus sighed, holding the bowl in his hands. He hesitated.
"Maddie, I did some things back in my Hogwarts days that I regret. I suppose it makes sense if Severus still holds a grudge against me and my friends." Madelia urged him to go on, but he said no more. She never heard much about Remus's friends.
"Do you think the students will find out?"
"I can think of a select few intelligent enough to work it out, yes." Madelia sighed, then shook her head. "However, that isn't your concern."
They both sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, the only noise being of Remus eating.
"You haven't mentioned the letters in a while," Madelia said, looking back at him. "I haven't forgotten."
"That fact both surprises me and doesn't as well."
"Did you speak with Dumbledore about it?"
"I did." She looked up, waiting for him to continue. "He would like to read more into the letters before anything. It hasn't been a top priority, especially after last week's break-in."
Madelia thought back to Sirius Black breaking into the castle and nearly shivered.
"When will I know?" she asked quietly.
"Soon." They went quiet again and Madelia walked to the window. She pulled back the curtains to see the rain still coming down in sheets. "I figured you would be at the Quidditch match today."
"I wanted to make sure you were alright first." Remus set the empty bowl onto the tray again and looked at her intently.
"I want you to go watch the game. Don't worry about me."
"But—"
"Madelia." She sighed, knowing better than to argue with him on the issue. "Take your hat, scarf, and umbrella. I don't want you catching a cold."
"I know, dad. Promise you'll be alright?"
"I promise." She smiled at him before hugging him gently, then leaving the room. She walked from the classroom and made her way to the Ravenclaw Tower with a soft sigh. She quickly gathered her items, including an extra scarf in case it was too cold, before heading outside.
Immediately, a cold gust of wind rose up and she shivered, happy to have grabbed the tattered scarf. She wrapped it tightly around her neck as she walked to the Quidditch pitch. The umbrella wasn't much help, as the rain was blowing sideways, and by the time she was halfway there she was drenched. She walked around the edge of the Forbidden Forest as the rain became thicker and it was difficult to see more than a foot in front of her. It was loud and Madelia could barely hear herself think.
It wasn't until she looked to the forest's edge that she noticed a black dog staring at her. It was drenched in water, slightly shaking as its eyes trailed on her. She furrowed her eyebrows and walked closer until it began to step backwards.
"It's you again," she said softly, then lowered down to hold the umbrella over them both. "It's a little cold and rainy to be out here, don't you think?"
It blinked at her, and she hesitated before removing her scarf. She wrapped it around the scruff of its neck and it continued to watch her curiously.
"It might not help much, but I suppose it's warm." She sighed as she stood up, and was taken aback when the dog followed her. It walked towards one of the towers of the Quidditch Pitch and ascended the stairs, then looked back at her. She raised an eyebrow before walking to Ravenclaw tower. Many of the students were cowering together under umbrellas, including Selena and Mimose. They were sitting close together under a small umbrella.
"Maddie, there you are!" Selena moved across the bench, leaving a little spot for her. She sat down and held the large umbrella over their heads, and Mimose put the other away. "How's your dad?"
"Much better," Madelia replied with a soft smile. "What've I missed?"
"Gryffindor's up by 50 points. Wood just called for a timeout," Selena said, looking at them and then to the sky. "It's getting darker out, but I don't expect a cancellation. They're very serious about their game."
"I would have thumped you if you said otherwise," Mimose said, and watched as the game started up again. "I do wish Ms. Granger was a Ravenclaw. I saw her cast a water-repellent charm on Harry's glasses."
"She's very intelligent, yes, but she values loyalty more," Selena pointed out. "I think I should've been in Gryffindor sometimes."
"I think I could've been a Slytherin," Madelia chirped. Mimose and Selena blinked owlishly at her. "I'm serious."
"They're the most hated house at Hogwarts," Selena scowled. "They're all terrible."
"It's not fair to judge then all that way," Madelia retorted hotly.
The three went quiet briefly.
"Yes, but—oh, look! Cedric sees the Snitch!" The girls looked up as the sandy-haired boy zoomed after the golden ball. Madelia watched him zoom around the pitch, then looked for Harry. He was unsettled, judging by the strange glance he sent to an empty tower. Madelia followed his gaze but found nothing.
Harry eventually snapped from his trance and began to follow Cedric around the pitch. As she watched, Madelia felt a chill travel down her spine and she wondered if it was from the rain. She looked to the sky to look at Harry, only to find floating dementors around the pitch. At once, the sounds of students and teachers were silent and it took a moment for Harry to realize what was around him.
Fear made goosebumps rise on Madelia's skin as she watched one near Harry, and she saw his grip loosen. Another jolt of fear went down her spine when Harry began to plummet to the ground. As he neared, she feared that he was dead. The team zoomed after him as he landed to the ground and teachers left their seats to assist him.
"Is he alright?" Mimose asked, one of the many voicing their concerns for the seeker. "Why are there dementors so close? I didn't think they were allowed on the pitch!"
"Cedric caught the snitch," Selena said with a soft sigh, watching as the confused boy landed on the ground holding the snitch. "I don't think he realizes what's happened."
And he didn't until he noticed Harry being pulled off in the direction of the castle, followed closely by his teammates. Madelia stood up, thoroughly drenched in rain.
"We should go back inside," Madelia said, watching the dementors floating around. "I don't like being around those."
"I agree." They followed a steady stream of other students down the stairs and across the grass to the castle. Not one person said a word followed by a laugh, and Madelia looked back once more at the professors still on the pitch before heading inside.
