Beware The Moon

Disclaimer: see chapter one

Chapter Three

The sun was blazing brightly as Jamie awoke the next morning. The previous night had left her with unsettling thoughts making it impossible for her to sleep well. She had questioned Lupin for hours, growing more terrified inwardly at each answer. After she had lain awake for several hours she had managed to drift asleep.

She dressed into her clothes and went downstairs to find Lupin already awake with good on the table waiting for her.

"Good Morning Jamie" he said.

"Morning" Jamie mumbled sitting in a chair. Sitting down her eyes landed on the paper on the table. She was quickly intrigued by the moving pictures. "Can I see this?" she asked.

"Sure, go right ahead" Lupin said.

Jamie picked up the paper watching the pictures move with interest. , "Who's Bertha Jorkins?" she asked glancing at the headline.

"Works at the ministry of magic" Lupin said, "Why do you ask?"

"Apparently she's gone missing" Jamie said, "Possible linked to the dark mark shooting up into the sky at the Kridick Cup"

"Quidditch" Lupin corrected absentmindedly peering over her shoulder to read the article, "But of course! Rita Skeeter"

"What about her?" Jamie asked.

"Bear this in mind when reading the Daily Prophet," Lupin said, "What Rita says and the truth are often very different"

Jamie nodded realizing that while the magic world was very different, it was very similar to the muggle world in many ways. She was also equally surprised how easily she was understanding the magic world.

"I thought I'd show you around Hogsmeade today" Lupin said, "It's not too far from here, so I figured  you can hang out there"

Jamie nodded, "Sounds ok with me"

"Great" Lupin said, "I just need to finish this" he bent over the table and scribbled a quick note and sent it off with an owl sitting on the windowsill. Then Jamie followed him out and down the road to Hogsmeade.

The first place they stopped at was Three Broomsticks for a drink. Jamie kept looking around at everyone intrigued by everything in the town.

"Remus Lupin! How are you?"

Jamie raised an eyebrow as an incredibly overly enthusiastic man sat beside her and Lupin. If she had been in the muggle world, she would have thought he drunk.

"Hello Ludo" Lupin said, "What are you doing all the way on this end of town?"

"I'm on my way to Hogwarts" Ludo said cheerfully, "Got a few last minute things to go over with Dumbledore on our surprise event for the year"

"Surprise Event?" Lupin asked.

"You don't know?" Ludo asked, "I thought you'd know by now! Well, I can't say with the little lady here!"

"I don't go to Hogwarts!" Jamie assured him with interest in whatever the surprise event was.

Ludo raised an eyebrow, "What school do you go to then?"

Unsure what to answer, she looked at Lupin for help. "She's home schooling with me" Lupin said quickly, "She's new to this area"

"I see" Ludo said,  "Well, between us, after a summerlong debate, we are re-establishing the TriWizard Tournament"

"Really?" Lupin asked in genuine surprise.

"What's that?" Jamie asked looking back and forth between Lupin and Ludo for an answer.

Ludo laughed, "What sort of a box are you trapping this girl in?" he asked, "My dear, the TriWizard Tournament!"

Jamie smiled weakly, not bothering to tell him that didn't answer the question.

"Everything's all crazy at the ministry these days!" Ludo continued, "Arthur Weasley's been on my back all week about Bertha Jorkins!"

"Well, maybe you should send someone to go find her" Lupin said, "Just in case something happened to her"

Ludo waved a hand dismissively, "You know Bertha! Woman probably locked herself in her closet"

"Well, then someone should let her out" Jamie interrupted trying to push Lupin's point along.

Ludo gave her a funny look and got up, "Well, I really must be off!" he said, "Important business to tend to!"

Once he was gone Jamie gave Lupin a curious look , "Who was that?"

"Ludo Bagman, he's little overbearing sometimes" Lupin said, "He's the head of the department of magical games and sports"

Jamie shrugged, "Makes sense"

They got up and were walking over to a small bookstore when they were intercepted by someone.

"Jamie Foster! Remus Lupin!" Amos said , "Fancy seeing you two here!"

"Hello Mr. Diggory" Jamie said shyly. She wasn't quite sure why she felt so embarrassed in front of him, but she felt her face grow hot.

"How are you doing?" Amos asked her, "Cedric seemed to think you were doing better"

Jamie smiled, "I'm much better!" she told him, "Thankyou for asking"

"Also Lupin! I've been meaning to talk to you" Amos added, "Cedric said  Jamie is staying with you!"

Lupin nodded, "That's correct"

"Cedric seemed to think Jamie should come visit Hogwarts once in a while to converse with people her age" Amos said, "Great guy, Cedric, isn't he?"

"He's your son," Jamie said, "I should think you would think he's great"

Amos didn't appear to have heard her comment, "So would you be willing to bring her up there?" he asked Lupin, "I'd do it myself, but this entire year is going to be crazy on the ministry!"

"I'm close enough" Lupin assured him, "Besides I'm still in touch with Dumbledore about various things"

"Great!" Amos said, "I'll tell Dumbledore when I get up there! I thought I'd go up and check and see if Mad Eye gets there without causing any further damage than he already has"

"What?"

"Oh I don't suppose you would know about that" Amos said, "This morning that man went nutters again over someone in his backyard apparently! Oh, and I need to run! Bye Jamie!"

Once he was out of earshot, Jamie looked up at Lupin, "Does everyone who works at the ministry act like that?"

"Most of them" Lupin replied.

Jamie shook her head trying not to laugh.

After Lupin showed her every square inch of Hogsmeade they returned to his home. Upon their arrival there were 4 owls waiting with letters. One of them was from Cedric.

Dear Jamie,

I wanted to write and see how you are doing. I convinced my dad to let you come to Hogwarts this year to visit me and my friends! Did my father tell you about the TriWizard Tournament? It's supposed to be a secret, but my dad has issues with keeping them. Write Back!

                        Cedric Diggory

Jamie smiled in spite of herself. At first she had thought Cedric had been nice to her because he felt sorry for her, but it was becoming clearer that he actually did want to be friends with her. She looked up to ask Lupin for some paper, and stopped when she saw him frowning deeply as he read something.

"What's wrong?' she asked.

"Nothing" Lupin said as his frown grew deeper. He put the letter on the table and left the room looking a little frustrated.

Watching the door to the room, Jamie leaned over to peer through the letter.

Remus,

I need to ask a favor of you. I just received a letter from Harry reporting that his scar was hurting him. He told me his scar usually hurts when you know who wais around. I guess I'm just concerned how he is. Could you maybe go up to Hogwarts and just check up on him. You don't have to talk to him, just see that he's alive and not dwelling it. I'm waiting for Dumbledore to reply before I write to Harry. I am thinking I'm going to head back to that area.

                                                ~Sirius

Jamie tried to remember if Lupin had ever mentioned anyone named Sirius. She remembered hearing about Harry, but the name Sirius did not sound familiar. Trying to decide if she should tell Lupin she read his letter she sat down.

Lupin returned to the room carrying some paper and quills, "Here you can write to Cedric" he said handing her some.

"Thanks" Jamie said taking a quill, "Who's Sirius?"

Lupin looked at her slightly alarmed.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to read it" Jamie said, "I just was curious why you got so upset when you read it"

"It's ok" Lupin said, "Sirius is a good friend of mine, but Jamie please don't talk about Sirius with other people. Don't mention him at all unless you're alone with me"

Jamie nodded, "Why not though?"

Lupin sighed, "Sirius is an innocent man, falsely accused of a crime" he said, "So just don't mention that I'm in contact with him please"

Jamie nodded, "I won't"

"Thankyou" Lupin said, "So I guess that means we'll be heading up to Hogwarts tonight"

"To see Harry Potter?" Jamie asked.

"Yes" Lupin said.

Jamie decided to skip the note and try to find Cedric up at Hogwarts tonight when she and Lupin headed up.  About half an hour later they headed to Hogwarts.

When they reached a building Jamie looked around looking confused, "Is this Hogwarts?"

"Yes, pretty impressive isn't it" Lupin said.

"It's not exactly the word I had in mind" Jamie said, "It looks like a ruined old pile of rubble"

Lupin looked at her like she was nuts for a moment, "Oh right!" he said , "I forgot! Muggle's can't see the outside of Hogwarts!"

Jamie looked at him confused.

"It's a charm, so that muggles don't come invading the school" he said quickly, "Come inside! Then you'll see it!"

Jamie wasn't quite sure she trusted the demolished building, but followed Lupin inside hoping he was correct. Once inside her eyes widened in surprise and delight! The building was quite beautiful from the inside. There were portraits everywhere that were moving around, and she smiled in disbelief as a ghost passed by them.

"This is so amazing" Jamie said, "I wish I were magical! Just so I could come here"

Lupin smiled, "I've got some great memories at this school!" he said, "My friends and I knew every inch of this castle! More than some of the professors"

Jamie looked at him astounded, "They let you come to Hogwarts even though.." she stopped realizing how horrible she sounded, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean that"

"Normally, they wouldn't" Lupin answered, "But with Dumbledore things aren't usually normal. He even let me teach last year"

"That's good!" Jamie said, "Where is everyone?"

"The teachers are probably getting ready for the students to arrive" Lupin said, "They should be here soon enough"

Jamie had already stopped listening to Lupin though. Her eyes fell on a man who was walking by the corrider. He was dressed completely in black. His hair was black and he gave a very menacing appearance.

"Who's that?" Jamie asked as the man started heading towards them.

"Severus Snape" Lupin said in a tone that Jamie wasn't quite sure what to make of.

"What are you doing here?" Snape said coldly to Lupin.

"I'm here to check on Harry" Lupin said, "On request of his godfather"

Jamie saw Snape's face contort.

"You kind aren't welcome here anymore" Snape hissed.

Jamie backed away from Snape, until Lupin's arm wrapped around her shoulder protectively, "I'm not here for a fight" he said firmly, "I'm going to go see Dumbledore"

Snape looked at Jamie who was still shrinking away from him. The look in Snape's eyes changed to one of alarm as he saw her, but he didn't say anything to her.

Lupin lead Jamie away from Snape quickly, "Don't mind him" he said, "He's always hated me"

"Why?" Jamie asked looking back and saw him staring after her.

"It's always been that way" Lupin said, not fully answering her question, "I've grown accustomed to it"

"Ah, Remus!" an old man with a beard that looked about the same length as Elizabeth  said, "I had a feeling I'd see you here very soon!"

Lupin reached out and shook his hand, "Dumbledore, I'd like you to meet Jamie Foster" he said, "I believe you've heard about her already"

Dumbledore nodded, "Of course!" he said, "Feel free to come up and visit Hogwarts whenever you'd like"

Jamie smiled, "Thankyou"

"Why don't you stay for our beginning of the year feast" Dumbledore said, he looked at Lupin for consent.

Lupin nodded, "I don't see any problems with Jamie staying, but I would prefer Harry not know I was here" he said, "By the way, is it true Mad Eye is teaching this year?"

"Alaster will be teaching in your old position for the year" Dumbledore said, "I mentioned that you were leaving, and he said he'd be willing to do it if necessary"

"Student just arrived!" a little elfish creature came flying through the hall carrying blankets.

Lupin quickly told Jamie to stay with Dumbledore and went off.

"Jamie Foster?" Dumbledore echoed her name, "Do you know any of the students here at Hogwarts yet?"

Jamie bit her lip thinking, "I know Cedric Diggory" she said, "but other than that I don't know anyone"

Dumbledore nodded, "Come with me" he said. Jamie followed him into a huge room with grand tables paintings. Students were just starting to sit down everywhere. Dumbledore pointed out Cedric Diggory to her and told her to go sit with him.

Jamie timidly made her way over to Cedric. He was talking with some other people. Jamie stood there for a moment, not wanting to interrupt when someone by Cedric said, "Hey, are you new?"

Cedric turned to see who he was talking about, "Jamie! What are you doing here?" he cried with surprise.

"I was invited to spend the evening here" Jamie said , "Do you mind if I sit with you? I don't really know anyone else here"

"Oh sure!" Cedric moved one of the people over so Jamie could sit beside him.

"How come you guys are all soaked?" Jamie asked looking at everyone who was dripping with water.

"It was raining outside" Cedric said, "Than Peeves, he's a ghost, threw water balloons at us"

"Oh, I feel a little silly being the only one who isn't dripping" Jamie said.

"Consider yourself lucky" a girl sitting across from her said ringing out the sleeve to her robe.

"Hey look!" Cedric said, "The sortings starting"

Jamie watched intently as a hat sang some strange song, then placed kids into houses. Then as Dumbledore made several announcements. She noticed a lot of students get angry when he mentioned there would be no Quidditch Cup competition.

"Quidditch is a huge deal for us here" Cedric whispered.

"I have the great pleasure in announcing that this year at Hogwarts-" Dumbledore was interrupted as the doors to the great hall sounded as a strange figure appeared in the doorway. He began slowly making his way through the tables to the front where the staff were all sitting.

"Who's that?" Jamie asked in alarm.

Nobody answered her question this time. Everyone was too busy staring at the man who had sat down and was eating as if nothing had happened at all.

Dumbledore answered her question by announcing to the school that it was Professor Moody, there new Defense Against the Dark Arts.

"That's Mad Eye Moody?" Jamie whispered, "I heard he was strange, but I think that was an understatement"

Cedric shook his head, "From Quirrell, to Lockhart, to Lupin, to this!" he said, "It's crazy!"

Jamie was so busy staring at Mad Eye Moody that she barely heard Dumbledore announce the TriWizard Tournament. But she caught herself in time to hear him explain what it was. Finally answering that question for her. Then at last sending all of the students off to bed.

Jamie, unsure where she should go decided to continue talking to Cedric, "Cedric, you're 17!" she said, "Are you going to enter the tournament?"

Cedric shrugged, "I might!" he said, "It could be a lot fun! I've heard its really challenging"

"You should definitely try!" Jamie said, "I would come and watch your tasks!" she added.

Cedric smiled, "I'll keep that in mind!" he said, "Come and visit again!" he tried wave but he got swept off by excited Hufflepuffs also trying to convince him to enter the TriWizard Tournament.

Jamie crept away from the moving group of people towards the door where Lupin was standing off.

"Ready to go home?" he asked.

Jamie looked around noticing Snape glaring in their direction again, but shrugged it off. Smiling broadly, "Home?" she asked.

"Oh, well, I meant" Lupin started correcting himself.

Jamie took his hand in hers, "Home sounds great!" she said, "Let's go"

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Author Notes: Umm, I really don't have anything to say except thankyou for the nice reviews. I'm glad to hear the idea is original. That's what I'm really aiming for here. But thanks! I'll start Chapter 4 tomorrow.