Unraveled
Chapter Twenty One: Dragons
Harry barely paid any attention to Professor Lupin's class. He was still thinking of his encounter with Fiona Black. He was now positive that she was the girl he was seeing in his visions. How could he be so blind? Other than him, Voldemort wanted her. Harry gazed at his right hand for a moment. He had grabbed her wrist and felt her pulse quicken. He slumped into the chair because he had made a horrible impression on her. He could also feel his face getting red that all he could do was look down at his notes.
Ron and Hermione were looking at each other, wondering what was wrong with him. "Harry, are you all right?" asked Professor Lupin with concern.
"Fine," muttered Harry, feeling very stupid. He had ruined his chances with Fiona. Why did I do that? What's wrong with me?
Harry wasn't the only one having a bad day, so were Fiona and Draco. He had cut class, instead of going to Tranfiguration. Draco simply didn't care anymore. He couldn't stand being surrounded by everyone else. He hated going back to the dungeons at night, knowing he wasn't completely safe.
Fiona came down the hall rather quickly to get back to the Headmaster's offices, colliding with Draco. "Look where you're going!" he exclaimed. "Fiona? What are you doing outside of Professor Dumbledore's office?"
"Draco! It's so good to see a familiar face around here. I went out for a little walk while everyone continued the meeting. Aren't you supposed to be in class?" she asked.
"I didn't feel like it," he replied with a shrug.
"Oh, would you mind showing me around?" she asked.
"Aren't you supposed to go back to the meeting?" he asked with a raised eye.
"Aren't you supposed to be in class?"
"Good point. Let me show you the Quidditch field."
He went along explaining what Quidditch was to her. He pointed out things about the school, while she asked questions. They were having a nice walk as they finally reached the Quidditch field. It's size made Fiona's jaw drop.
"That's huge. And you play here. Are you going to play any time soon?" asked Fiona.
"There's a game set for next week. I've got to get some practice done. We're playing against Gryffindor," said Draco.
"I'd like to see it. I don't know if I can. I have to ask my father first," said Fiona. Nell told Fiona that she was no longer in charge of giving her permission to do things. She now had to go through her father. He was proving to be rather overprotective of her. Sirius hardly let her go outside into the inner garden where the fountain was in the Shrieking Shack. The house was a large house, but there was a garden in the middle, which was surrounded by the rest of the house. Sirius had his misgivings about her being there, even for lessons.
"Maybe, you'll get to see me beat Potter," said Draco.
"Harry Potter?" asked Fiona.
"There's only one in the school. Thank goodness for that," he replied.
"Why don't you like him?" she asked.
"Why? There are many reasons. The main reason goes back generations. It's natural. The Malfoys have never gotten along with the Potters. They're Aurors. My family's into the dark arts," he answered.
"The Blacks are Aurors. My mother's side is a different story. It's incomplete," said Fiona. "Do you really play Quidditch on broomsticks?"
"Yes, and you've never been on a broomstick, have you?" said Draco. She shook her head. "Come with me. I think there's some thing we can do to pass the time."
*
Arabella Figg was not in Hogwarts. Instead, she was walking along Knockturn Alley waiting to meet with Severus Snape. She waited in an inn called the Rusted Hook. It was one of the few safe havens of Knockturn Alley where the most disreputable of persons met. She had chosen to wait in the room for Severus rather than out in the pub. Most of the people who came to Diagon Alley chose to stay and meet at Tom's Pub, The Leaky Cauldron.
A knock on the door alerted Arabella as she picked up her wand. She called, "What brings you to my chambers?"
"I come bearing gifts," replied a voice. She smiled and pulled the locks open. Severus swept in and closed the door behind him. He re-secured the locks. "Were you followed?" he asked.
"No, I made sure of that. Severus, it's been so long since I've seen you," whispered Arabella with a smile.
"How are things?" demanded Severus, ignoring the look on his face. Arabella was starting to really feel like a teenage girl again. She always liked the dark, silent types.
"Your goddaughter is in Hogwarts with her father and godmother. The house in San Francisco was attacked, but the attacker may never remember his own name. What's happened in Malfoy Manor?" she asked.
"Things are grim. Voldemort is moving more quickly these days. His groups are getting ready all over the world. Timing themselves and gearing up for an attack. They're coordinated. Much more coordinated than the Headmaster has predicted. The first place Voldemort has targeted are the wizarding governments around the world. I think he would have planned Hogwarts first, but it would be easy to detect. He's doing it all under the notice of most of the governments. Do you realize how easy Fudge has made it?"
Arabella frowned. "The Aurors have to be informed, but Dumbledore said that the alliance he is arranging with the other order must be kept a secret otherwise they won't agree to help us. They are powerful, but I've been wondering about that. If they're so powerful, then why didn't present themselves earlier?"
"Have you ever seen Ryu Ran in action? I mean in real action?" asked Severus. She shook her head. "I did. Once. The power he holds is incredible. It's not of this world. It's not the magic we practice. It's a different brand all together," he continued.
"I thought he studied in Shangri-La," she mused.
"He did. His father attended that school before, but his mother is Dumbledore's daughter. His youngest daughter, and Ryu Ran is his youngest grandson. Wei Ran was the representative of China to the Agency of Magic in the United States. Anna Dumbledore worked for the Ministry of Magic and they met on conference in England. They married and moved to Hawaii and had their children. All seven of their oldest attended Hogwarts, but only Ryu attended Shangri-La. I believe that the Headmaster has mentioned them rarely. I believe Ryu is the only one out of the Headmasters' grandchildren, and there are quite a few of them, that became a teacher like him."
"I
see. He does seem very fond of
him. And very proud of him. It's strange because they keep a certain
amount of formality between them. You
wouldn't think that they were related.
He takes after his father's side," said Arabella, recalling in her mind
what Anna Dumbledore looked like. She
was an elegant, handsome woman with auburn hair and blue eyes like her father.
Most people didn't know about Albus Dumbledore's family and what he really did during his summer vacations away from Hogwarts. He went to go visit his family. He had a large family with four children, two in-laws, twenty grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was careful never to mention them openly because of the danger they would be in, especially after the loss of his wife decades ago when Grindelwald murdered his wife, Catherine.
Albus always looked forward to visiting Anna and Wei in Hawaii. They had produced the most grandchildren for him. His favorite grandson was the extremely precocious, Ryu. He delighted in spending time with the unwilling child who called him crazy. He saw that the child had more potential than any of his other grandchildren. He forced him to learn how to play the piano and violin. Albus even had Ryu over to his house during some summer, which Ryu disliked because it rained the whole time he visited. Ryu was adamant about not going to Hogwarts. He faced rigorous physical training that accompanied magical training in the famed school, Shangri-La.
Shangri-La was well known, even in the Muggle world when a Muggle author stumbled upon its location and used its name in a novel. However, most people thought it was hidden in the mountains near Tibet, but there were only Muggle monasteries there for Buddhist priests. It's location was a secret from rival schools.
There was a big gap in the education of Ryu Ran. He had disappeared to go off traveling for a few years by himself and only returned to the outside world recently. Professor Dumbledore was the only relative who knew where he had gone and for what reason.
"Severus," said Arabella softly as she reached out for his left arm. He flinched away from her, but she took it anyway. She saw that he had wrapped his wrist in a black silk bandage. She unwound the bandage and saw the Dark Mark. "Oh, Severus."
He pulled his wrist away from her, showing some distaste at her momentary weakness. This woman was supposed to be one of the top Aurors in the world. How dare she do something so foolish as displaying her emotions? "I have made my decisions, Figg. I have learned to live with them. There is no repentance that will ever be enough for my sins," he whispered harshly.
"I loved you once, Severus. Although, you never let me get close. Don't you think I know who you were really looking at when we were in school? You didn't think I noticed?" she whispered.
"That was more than ten years ago. It was never meant to be," said Severus.
"I never believed it. If you really did, you would have killed me that night, but you didn't. I could have turned you over to the Ministry of Magic, but I didn't. I almost lost my job because of you. And if anyone found out what I did, I might be sent to Azkaban."
"Then you have a vested interest to say nothing. Tell the Headmaster what I have said," said Severus.
Remus Lupin was the only one in Hogwarts, when they were students, who could ever come close to figuring out that the object of Severus' affections was Arabella Figg. Remus knew that Severus was looking towards Lily Evan's way, but she was always with Arabella. She was in Gryffindor, but had a spirit so much like Thalia. However, she had more fire in her. Her spirit was almost untamable. Arabella was attracted to Severus because of his dark, aloof nature. He was just as mysterious as Remus Lupin because of the secrets he hid about his involvement with Voldemort and Thalia.
All the pranks from the Marauders never made Severus loosen his tongue. They were an annoyance that he wanted to get rid of to make his life easier. Finally, there was that prank that Sirius had plotted during their sixth that almost got Severus killed and indebted to James Potter from saving him.
Severus had his reasons to hate Sirius Black even more. He thought that he was never good enough for Thalia. Sirius proved it the night he had abandoned her and forced her to raise their child on her own; their family defenseless. Sirius was not only a bad husband, but an irresponsible father.
Arabella's friendship with the Marauders made Severus not only jealous, but he didn't think highly of her because of it. As for Thalia's marriage to Sirius, Severus had always thought that Sirius had seduced the innocence out of her.
He quickly walked away from the inn, trying to ignore any feelings he had brewing inside him. He had made his decisions long ago, and there was no turning back. And some things were unforgivable.
*
Fiona couldn't believe Draco had managed to talk her into this. She was soaring above the stands on the Quidditch field. He had talked her into trying to fly a broomstick. Having never been afraid of heights, she agreed to do it, but had no idea what she had gotten herself into.
"Draco!" she called out.
"You can't stay in one spot, Fin. You have to move," shouted Draco with a laugh as he zoomed past her. "Come on! Follow the leader!" as he goaded her to follow him.
"Come back here! What if I fall?!" she shouted as she followed him.
"Are you always this slow?" he shouted as he accelerated. "Catch me if you can!"
Fiona sped up the broomstick, which Draco took out of the Slytherin dormitories from one of the other Quidditch players. She was almost a natural on the broomstick, but he knew that she needed more practice with it. It was jerking from time to time and she couldn't stop it as quickly as he could.
"Don't be scared. I won't let you fall," called Draco. Fiona looked up at him with a smile. He looked away from her because he didn't know what he'd said that made her smile.
"It's beautiful up here. I can see everything," she said finally.
"I think Slytherin will be playing against Gryffindor this weekend. I have to play against Potter and the rest of them. I needed the practice anyway," he said with a shrug. Actually, the rest of the Slytherin were suspicious of his behavior, and he wouldn't put it past his own team to attempt to knock him off his broomstick.
"Let's go back down," said Fiona as she started to go back to the ground.
"You have to go back right now, do you? " he asked as they landed.
"No, but I think I have to ask you something. You said you wouldn't let me fall. Can I ask you something?" she said.
"What?"
"About what's wrong. You've been acting like your whole world is falling apart. I know what that looks like," said Fiona quietly.
"You wouldn't understand. No one would. Everyone thinks my life's perfect, but no one really sees what's wrong," said Draco.
"I don't believe anyone's life is perfect. And if it were, then it would be all very boring. I never really understood my mother, but I think I do through you. Mrs. Lawson didn't have a lot of kind things to say about your father. He sounds like…never mind," said Fiona.
"No, I know what you're thinking. I know it for a fact. My father is like Voldemort. He wanted to be the next Dark Lord. You see, I can see things in a different way compared to other people. The Death Eaters have their children with breeding in mind. You don't just marry anyone. That's why the marriages are arranged. Your mother would have been considered to be the best. My mother isn't anything to scoff at either. She's one-fourth Veela. They have powers that include the ability to mesmerize people. I can do it, if I concentrate hard enough," said Draco.
"What does it have to do with what we're talking about?" asked Fiona, but sudden realization came to her. "You think my grandfather did something to your mother?" Her heart was sinking.
"No, I think my father did something without your grandfather having to tell him to do anything," corrected Draco. "I told you before that I wouldn't put it past him to kill me. How much more for my mother?"
"Can't you write her?" asked Fiona.
"No. I don't want to," replied Draco an owl swooped in at that moment. It was his family's very expensive barn owl.
"What?" she asked.
Draco very carefully opened the package. It was a letter from his father. It was laughable. He crumpled it and tossed it. The package was still mostly wrapped up. "I forgot. Today's my birthday."
Fiona nearly fell back in surprise. "I didn't know. I should have gotten you something. I'm sorry," she said.
"No, it's not necessary. I really don't care," muttered Draco.
"What did you get?" she asked. He decided to shut her up by opening his birthday present. It ended up being some kind of strange cloth. "What's that?"
"Nothing says happy birthday better than armor. It's wizards' armor. We're getting ready for a war, Fin. This whole thing is stupid," said Draco.
"Are you afraid?" she asked.
"Hell, yes, I'm afraid. Either way I lose. Voldemort wins, I lose. He loses, I lose. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," he said in despair.
"I won't let you fall," whispered Fiona as she placed her hand on his arm. "Do you want to know what Sensei's name means?"
"It means something?"
"Ryu means "dragon", but it's the Japanese word. I know that your name means the same. In the West, dragons are considered to be the creations of the devil and are evil. That's what the myths say. But, it's different in the East. In the East, the dragon symbolizes strength and power. Those born on the year of the Dragon are considered to be very lucky. Dragons above all are lucky. That might be reason why Sensei is so interested in you," Fiona told him.
"I don't know about that. All I know is, there's something horrible going on in my house. And I won't accept gifts from him," he said as he kept the package underneath his arm. He was going to get rid of it later.
"Don't do that. Use it against him. Protect yourself," whispered Fiona as she realized how fortunate she was that she had a father who loved her enough to put his life on the line for her.
Draco gave her no response as they walked back to the castle.
*
The few days around Hogwarts were uncomfortable for Draco. The rest of his house was eyeing him suspiciously. The only person who helped him stand it was Fiona. They talked regularly because Professor Dumbledore allowed Draco to continue training with Ryu Ran.
Draco noticed that Fiona went out of her way to avoid Harry Potter. Even in conversation, she avoided him completely. She talked with her godfather, Remus, and her father often, and the conversation always seemed to include Harry one way or the other. She stiffened her shoulders whenever they spoke of him.
He wasn't the only one who noticed Fiona's behavior. Remus had spoken with Sirius shortly after the meeting, later on during the day.
"Harry's been acting strange lately, Padfoot," said Remus bracingly.
"Yes, I've noticed. He seems preoccupied with something," agreed Sirius.
"I didn't want to be the one to mention this. I heard him talking to Fiona before my class," said Remus.
"What happened?"
"Harry asked about the crystal. He acted like he'd seen her it before. Fiona tried to leave, but Harry stopped her," replied Remus, carefully not mentioning how Harry grabbed Fiona's wrists so suddenly and tightly.
Sirius looked surprised at this information. "I thought they'd get along," he said.
"Why? Because he's James' son, and she's your daughter? It would be reasonable, if they grew up together. They grew up in two different countries underneath different circumstances. You can't expect them to automatically get along."
"I know, Moony. Sometimes, I forget. If Prongs were here, he'd want them to get along, too," said Sirius.
"Fiona has a hard time making friends, Sirius," said Nell as she came in. Remus looked up at the beautiful doctor. Despite the first meeting, he looked forward to meeting her face to face.
Sirius sighed. "And there's Malfoy. Of all the people in the world, why does he have to be her friend?" he asked out loud.
"He's still better than nothing," said Nell.
"I suppose we could have a small get together," mused Sirius. "I don't think Harry and Fiona got to know each other that well.
"That's a matter of opinion," muttered Remus.
"What was that?" asked Nell.
"Nothing. I was just agreeing with Padfoot," said Remus with a smile.
*
Harry and Ron walked from the library, while Hermione decided to stay there and get a jump on the next round of assignments. "I can't believe it. How much work is she thinking of doing before the end of the year? Is she trying to work herself into exhaustion?" asked Ron exasperatedly.
"Hermione just wants to get the top grades, Ron. It's important to her. She's your girlfriend, you should understand that," said Harry evenly.
"Are you going to see Snuffles again?" asked Ron.
"I don't know. He's busy with other things," replied Harry.
"He wants to talk to you, and you've been avoiding him since he returned. You're not worried about his pup, are you? You said you weren't before," he said carefully.
"I'm not. Really. I just don't know how I fit in anymore," he said. And I can't stop thinking of her. I can't figure out how I feel. I can't even face Sirius, he thought.
Ron fell silent. He wasn't stupid. He knew that Harry was thinking of Fiona. He was sure of it. Harry's abrupt behavior on Halloween was enough to make Ron think that she was the girl in Harry's dreams. Ron also observed how odd Harry acted when he came in class with Professor Lupin. He seemed to pay attention more when she was mentioned.
Ron had to admit that Fiona was beautiful. She was too quiet for his tastes, and she seemed scared of her surroundings. He couldn't blame her, but Harry wasn't giving her a very good welcome either. He sighed. He and Hermione both agreed that it was getting too intense around Harry.
Hermione told Ron that Harry's problem this year seemed more normal than the usual "staying in one piece" problem. They felt that it was a good thing that he had normal problems for a change of pace. Ron said they were starting to sound like Harry's parents. It was nothing to be ashamed of because they both cared for him and wanted him to be happy.
"Harry," said Professor Lupin from behind them.
"Yes, Professor Lupin?" asked Harry.
"I've come to tell you that you, Ron, and Hermione are invited to dinner this weekend after the visit to Hogsmeade. Snuffles wants us all to get together and just enjoy each others company. It's nothing formal," answered Professor Lupin.
"Who else is coming?" asked Harry.
"Well, Snuffles, Fiona, Dr. Lawson, Sensei Ran, and Draco, if he's willing."
"Draco Malfoy? You're inviting him?" asked Ron incredulously.
"Fiona wants him there. Snuffles didn't bother to talk her out of inviting him. He still hasn't agreed to come. He'll probably be there because she'll make him," said Professor Lupin.
Harry's hands rolled into fists underneath his cloak sleeves. Remus immediately noticed. He is like his father, he thought. "So, are you going to be there?" he was predicting that Harry would answer affirmatively.
"Yes, we'll be there," said Harry quickly.
"We will?" asked Ron. He stopped because of the dark look that Harry threw him. The last time he had seen a look like that was the night that Harry thought Sirius had turned his parents over to Voldemort. Ron had hoped never to see that look ever again.
"Then I'll relay the message," said Professor Lupin as he gave them a smile and left.
"Harry, just because she's friends with Malfoy doesn't mean she can't be friends with us," said Ron cautiously.
"I don't care," muttered Harry. "Let's go back to the tower."
*
"You must be careful when attempting to work with this potion, Fiona. It's very complex. Do you know what this potion is used for?" asked Ryu Ran.
Fiona, who was sitting in front of a cauldron, replied. "Wolfsbane Potion is used for lycanthrope. It's for werewolves. Are there real werewolves out there, Sensei?"
"Yes, there are, but they are nothing to be afraid of in their human form. This lesson is a combination of Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions. Do know the symptoms of lycanthrope?"
"Yes, the victims feel extremely tired. They tend to transform once a month during the full moon and are dangerous to humans. Other animals that are in danger are prey, but other animals don't have to worry about them. They really don't attack other animals, only humans. They don't get any sleep during the days prior and after the full moon."
"What are the ways to defend one's self from a werewolf?"
"Um…I'm not sure," said Fiona. "I mean, they're still humans. It's not like they're vampires."
"Excellent answer. That's where this potion comes in."
"Besides, there are worst things to be than a werewolf. You could try being related to Voldemort. Who am I to judge or condemn other people for being something they can't help being?"
Sensei Ran dropped his formal tone. "You have no reason to be afraid of yourself, Fiona. You are not Voldemort," he said.
"I can't help it. You should see Harry Potter. I can't even look him in the face. I feel bad whenever I see him. I feel like…I feel like…"
"It's your fault his parents were killed? It's not your fault, Fiona. It happened before you were born."
"I know. I do. I just can't help it. He looks at me so strangely. I feel like it is my fault. I feel like this whole thing is my fault. If Voldemort was just destroyed before he could have done anything, then none of this would have ever happened. I wouldn't be here nor would my mother, but at least everyone would have a future."
"What about your father?"
"He wouldn't have been sent to Azkaban. He wouldn't have to stay in that Hell for twelve years. He wouldn't have to be in hiding," whispered Fiona.
"He loves you. He wouldn't feel complete without your mother or you. His life would have been empty without ever meeting your mother. Without meaning. You are living proof that his life has meaning."
Fiona's eyes started to fill with tears. "Sensei. I don't think I can fight Voldemort. He's my grandfather. I can't fight him. My mother couldn't fight him. I don't think I can."
"No one is expecting that from you, Fin. I have faith in you. I believe in you," said Ryu with a smile. "Do not let your fear get the better of you. Remember, you said it: he wins when you give in."
She looked down at her potions book and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Let's see. I want to use Wolfsbane as the main ingredient and I'll need some time to brew this."
Sirius spent his time trying to figure out what Ryu Ran had up his cloak. There was something planned that Dumbledore didn't quite explain. He knew that Fiona was brewing a potion. Remus appeared at the hallway, taking the secret passage through to the Shrieking Shack.
"Harry agreed to go to the dinner for himself, Ron, and Hermione. What's going on?" asked Remus.
"Nell went to the village to pick up some stuff for the dinner. Fiona and her teacher are trying to brew a potion. Nothing's exploded yet, so everything should be going fine," replied Sirius.
"Ah, there's hope for this generation. Speaking of potions, Arabella still hasn't returned from meeting with Snape. So, do you know what Fiona is brewing?"
"Nope. Ryu Ran said it would be something useful. Whatever that means. I'm still trying to figure him out."
"Sirius, I didn't want to mention this in front of Nell, but I've been thinking about Harry's behavior lately."
"Yes, you said that Harry mentioned a "her" after his accident on the broomstick. How many people heard it?"
"A lot of people. Professor Dumbledore had a talk with Harry before I came to go and see him at the infirmary. Harry's been staring off into space in my class. He's your godson, so I thought you might be able to figure out what's wrong with him or at least talk to him."
"You mean he's been staring off into space? Is it my imagination or is he getting mad easily these days?" asked Sirius.
Remus nodded. "I see. He is old enough to date. Is he seeing someone?"
"Not that I've noticed. Ron and Hermione are dating, even though they're keeping it quiet. Hermione reminds me of Lily, while Ron reminds me of you," smiled Remus. "Harry's like his father."
"I'll take care of it. I just don't know if I can go through another round of this. Another round of a Potter in love. How is it possible for him to act just like Prongs, but without being raised the same way?" said Sirius as he rubbed his temples. He sighed and smiled. "It's great though. I'm glad. I just hope it won't be as hard for Harry as it was for James. Lily had James practically crawl through Hell for her. Or it could be just as hard. Either way, it's sort of like old times, except—"
The door at the study burst open. "I can't believe I burned my own Wolfsbane. Aw…it's going to take even longer," said Fiona in a frustrated voice. Her dried Wolfsbane had caught fire at the cauldron before she could even add it in. "Hello, Dad. Uncle Remus. I have to go and get more Wolfsbane," she explained as she walked off to the inner garden with a basket.
"Be sure to pick the fresh ones," called Ryu as he came out of the study. "Hello, Professor Lupin."
"You were saying?" asked Remus.
"I'm older and more mature. The proof just went to go and get some more Wolfsbane. What are you making her brew?" asked Sirius.
"Wolfsbane Potion," replied Ryu with a shrug. Remus' eyes widened slightly. He asked Sirius not to tell Fiona just yet that he was a werewolf. Almost everyone knew, but Draco didn't really say anything. Fiona hadn't spent enough time with Harry, Ron, and Hermione to know about Remus' condition. "You don't have anything to worry about, Professor Lupin. Your goddaughter has a lot of compassion for those who cannot help being what they are. You needn't hide what you are."
Fiona came back with a basket full of Wolfsbane. A lock of her hair feel right in front of her face. She blew at it. "Are the students done for today at Hogwarts, Uncle Remus?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied with a nod.
"Great. I'm the only person who's still at school. Oh, I deserve it. I'm behind schedule anyway," she said.
"Sensei Ran," said Draco Malfoy as he walked in.
"Now, I feel better," said Fiona.
"You are ready for your martial arts training?" asked Ryu.
"Yes," replied Draco. He was getting better with each passing lesson. However, he's reflexes were still slower than Fiona's and Harry's.
"What am I supposed to do while you work with him, Sensei?" asked Fiona.
"Keep brewing the potion," replied Ryu. "And be careful. You may be tested on it."
"What's the point? There's no one to test it on," mumbled Fiona. Remus looked at her and turned to look at Sirius.
"It's up to you," said Sirius with a shrug.
"Fiona," said Remus quietly.
"Yes?"
"I'm a werewolf," he admitted with a sigh as he waited for a response.
"Oh."
"Is that all you have to say?" he asked. It wasn't the normal reaction he got from people. He was still getting letters from parents who didn't want him teaching in Hogwarts.
"It's not a bad thing. There are a lot of worse things you can be, Uncle Remus," said Fiona with a slight smile. "As long as you can accept me, then I don't have a problem with you, Mr. Moony. You guys were out of control in school. I'm surprised you both graduated."
Sirius started laughing. Remus gave her a smile. "Thank you. I didn't have a problem graduating. I was the one babysitting your father," he told her.
"I didn't need a babysitter," scoffed Sirius.
"I have to go back and finish the potion. Later," said Fiona as she graced them with a bright smile.
"You see, Moony? Not a problem. She's cute and smart. Just like me," said Sirius proudly.
"I was thinking she took more after her mother," corrected Remus.
"What you don't think I'm that smart?"
"No, I don't think you're that cute. You're sort of annoying."
Sirius laughed. "But, she's smart like me, right?"
"Yes. What she doesn't have in looks from you, she makes up in personality," agreed Remus.
"Just checking."
Two more hours passed before Draco and Ryu returned. Draco was soaked in sweat and bruised all over. His cheek had a massive bruise, due to his inability to block properly. He was tired, but oddly satisfied by the physical activity.
"Are you all right?" asked Remus with some concern.
"Fine. Just tired," replied Draco.
"I'll get you some butterbeer," said Ryu Ran. "Sit down before you collapse."
"How come I haven't seen Fiona do any of this stuff?" asked Draco out loud.
"She's a brown belt. They practice in the mornings before you get here. You wouldn't stand a chance against her," said Sirius.
Fiona opened the double doors at the den and came out. She blew once again at the loose locks of hair around her face. "Done," she announced proudly.
Ryu Ran came back in with two bottles of butterbeer and handed it to his students. "I'll go and check. You have a seat next to Draco," he ordered as he went into the den.
She took a seat a little further away from him because of the sweaty smell. She bit her lip nervously, hoping that she had made the potion correctly. She wasn't strong in potion brewing or transfiguration. A few minutes later, Ryu Ran emerged from the den with a smile on his face.
"Excellent. It appears to be perfect," he commented as he marked the grade down on the roll of parchment he had.
"But, it was smoking. Was it supposed to be smoking?" she asked.
"Yes," replied Remus with a sigh. He stood up. "Do you want to test it?"
"No," said Fiona as she stood up. "I don't think that's a good idea. It's the first time I ever brewed it. Why don't you just wait for the Potions teacher to brew it? Or Aunt Nell, she's really good."
"It's all right," insisted Remus.
"Dad, stop him," Fiona pleaded with Sirius. He shook his head. "It will be fine. How are we supposed to know if it worked or not?" he said.
"But, he could get sick or something. I know I have a surplus of godparents, but I really don't want to kill any of them off."
It was too late because Remus had sampled the potion. "Oh, great," muttered Fiona as she sank back into her seat. Draco had a smirk on his face.
"It tastes right. Just as awful as it should be," remarked Remus.
"It's still a long way off from the full moon. You didn't have to drink it," said Draco finally with a laugh.
Fiona's jaw dropped, but she quickly closed her mouth. "Why did you drink it then?" she asked Remus.
"Thank you for not acting like people normally do when they find out the truth about me," he said to her simply as he kissed her on the forehead. All she could do was smile.
AN: Fiona gets to know Remus better here. Isn't that nice? Some other fun, teenage things are coming up. Or rather high school style stuff. It'll be fun.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. No money. You can't squeeze blood out of a turnip.