Chapter 13- A Bright Light amid the Chaos
In December, to the dismay and confusion of the students, Care of Magical Creatures lessons were moved to a classroom on the second floor of Hogwarts. Only the Professors were informed of the growing threat of the creatures released in the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid and a few other chosen Professors spent their nights roaming the grounds, looking for any Dark Creatures from the Forbidden Forest. Though Snape suggested it, Dumbledore refused to cancel the Quidditch season. So far, no student had encountered any dangers.
Remus left Hogwarts on some secret business he couldn't explain to Leslie or his daughter and almost all the Zekan families had arrived at Hogwarts. There seemed to be so many that Anaka wondered where Dumbledore was keeping them all. However, Hogwarts was so big that Anaka didn't doubt there was enough space. Even though the families arrived at night and while the students were in class, everyone knew by morning if another strange group of "refugees" had arrived. The absence of her father only made Anaka more anxious. The dreams of her mother's death were as bad as ever and Anaka knew she was losing sleep.
Only a day or two before Christmas break did strange events begin to take place at Hogwarts. At lunch, Leslie was listening vaguely to something Severus was droning on about when something Professor Sprout said caught her attention.
"…it's not like I left out any food either. I suppose one of the students in my last class could have dropped something but a Knarl! It destroyed all the 5th years Mandrakes, not to mention the plants I had saved for the lesson I had planned as a surprise tomorrow. I mean really, a Knarl all the way from the Forbidden Forest…"
Leslie glanced over at Hagrid who seemed to be giving Sprout some advice on how to keep her greenhouses Knarl proof.
"…you know Fudge will eventually remember you were at the Ministry that day. Now with Sirius gone off somewhere he might decide to visit the Ministry and…Leslie? Leslie are you listening to me?"
Leslie turned back to Severus.
"Sorry," she apologized, "what were you saying?"
Severus gave her a scolding look.
"I was trying to give you some advice on handling the Ministry," he growled, "now that the A.M.M. has let out that the E.M.M. could benefit from a real alliance they'll wonder where they got their information. Eventually it'll come out about you being the thief," he said softly.
Leslie shrugged.
"I'll deal with it when it comes," she murmured, glancing back at Hagrid and Sprout.
"What's wrong with you?" Snape snapped.
"Did Malfoy set Knarls free on the Hogwart's grounds?" she asked.
"Knarls?" Serverus blinked at her in surprise, "I don't think Voldemort would send something as simple as Knarl's against Hogwarts." Leslie nodded, though she still looked preoccupied.
"Dumbledore thinks we have nothing to worry about with all those Zekan families here," she added. Severus shook his head and decided to change the subject.
"I heard you started giving Draco private self defense lessons. Potter and his friends must love that."
Leslie laughed.
"I think they're afraid I'm slowly turning into another you! It's not my fault the Slytherins are better at beating people up without their wands."
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Ron ignored Hermione's pokes as he tuned out Professor Gangly's lecture. Lately he'd been sticking to how to defend against dark creatures and Ron doubted the bland middle aged professor had defended against anything like a Re'em in his lifetime.
"Ron! I will not let you copy my notes again!" she hissed. Ron shrugged and continued to glance around the room dazedly.
Only when Lavender let out a small sob a few feet away from him did he begin to focus. He blinked and stared behind Lavender's desk. It looked like a rock had been placed behind her seat. The girl beside Lavender looked at her worriedly as she started to weep. The weeping started to attract other people's attention and Gangly stumbled in the middle of his lecture but continued stubbornly on. Ron turned his attention back to the rock and let out a cry of horror. The rock had sprouted hairy arms, legs, and a body. It bared its teeth and looked like it was about to leap at Lavender. Ron stood up, knocking his chair to the ground.
"Lavender! Look out!" he cried, pointing at the creature.
Lavender's neighbors screamed as they saw the creature. Harry and Hermione jumped up next to him. Gangly raced forward as the creature leaped on Lavender, who seemed too preoccupied with weeping to ward the creature off. As it scratched at her scalp Gangly and Hermione took out their wands.
"Stupefy!" they screamed. The creature flew off Lavender and was knocked unconscious on a wall. Lavender appeared to have woken up from her dazed weeping and was now crying from pain as she held her bleeding head.
"Escort her to Madame Pomfry!" Gangly snapped. Two Gryffindors helped Lavender up and out of the room. Gangly walked toward the creature and poked it with his foot. He was white as a sheet.
"Seamus, go to Professor Dumbledore's office at once," he said shakily. Seamus nodded and ran out of the room.
"A Pogrebin," Hermione said in a horrified voice, "Professor Gangly, what would a Pogrebin be doing in Hogwarts!"
"What's a Pogrebin?" Harry asked.
"Pogrebin's are Russian demons," Gangly answered in a strangely calm voice, "they follow a person for hours until a feeling of great despair comes over them and they fall into a fit of weeping. Once they are helpless the Pogrebin will attempt to…to devour them."
A horrified gasp emitted from the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors.
"It's a good thing you saw it Ron," Harry murmured. He was very pale.
Ron nodded. Just then Seamus returned, followed by Dumbledore and McGonagol.
"Is everyone alright?" Dumbledore asked calmly. Gangly nodded.
"I sent Lavender to Madame Pomfry. I am sure she only received a few scratches. It was a Pogrebin Headmaster. A Pogrebin. I wasn't going to cover that until next week…" he answered weakly.
"Will all students please return to their dormitories?" McGonagol interrupted, "You are free until your next lesson. Let's hurry now."
The students filed out of the room, looking cautiously around them. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were the last to leave and watched the door slam shut behind them.
"You can't even trust that rocks are rocks anymore," Ron mumbled. He started to walk away with Hermione when Harry stopped them. He put a finger to his lips and gestured at the door. They could hear through it.
"Headmaster, what will we tell the parents? It's obvious Voldemort's creatures have infiltrated Hogwart's," McGonagol said tersely.
"But how?" Gangly asked anxiously, "We've been searching the grounds every night. Except for a small Knarl incident at Sprout's greenhouses nothing has…"
"What?" Dumbledore snapped, "What Knarl incident?"
Gangly hesitated.
"This morning she told me and Hagrid at breakfast that a Knarl had found it's way into her greenhouses and had destroyed the students plant projects, Mandrakes and all. They'll be doing bookwork for the next two days until break."
"Why was I not informed of this?" Dumbledore asked softly.
"I…well…I suppose Professor Sprout didn't see any reason why it should be brought up. After all, more important things have to be done…"
"But this is important Professor," McGonagol interrupted furiously, "It shows that the dark creatures are driving out the smaller creatures. Now with the presence of the Pogrebin we know the dark creatures have arrived at Hogwarts!"
"Professor, talk to Sprout at once. Gangly, dispose of this and send out a memo immediately that there may be more than Pogrebin's roaming Hogwarts…"
Harry motioned the others to move and they quickly walked towards there next class.
"Voldemort sent dark creatures against Hogwarts?!" Hermione whispered furiously, "how could Dumbledore not inform the parents? They'll be horrified."
"What they don't know won't hurt them," Ron pointed out.
"Dumbledore will take care of it," Harry agreed. Hermione shook her head.
"I'm beginning to think we shouldn't have stayed for Christmas…" she mumbled.
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The professors were on alert the next two days and found two more Pogrebin's and two relatively harmless creatures, an Ashwinder and Puffskein. Though the professors reassured their students, angry letters and howlers arrived at Hogwarts the first few days of winter break. The only students staying were Harry, Ron, Hermione, Anaka, two Hufflepuffs, and to everyone's dismay Draco. It seemed odd that he should decide to stay without any other Slytherins but when Harry found him spending most days getting lessons from Leslie or helping Snape he understood why. When they approached Leslie on the subject, she shrugged.
"He doesn't know any better. He has been raised by arrogant pure bloods. Anyway, even if he is an arrogant little bastard like his father I cannot let his potential go unnoticed. It's best that I teach him," she explained.
"You know he'll use it on us and not Voldemort," Harry protested. Leslie only shook her head and said Draco could do what he wanted with his talents.
All the professors stayed at Hogwarts and Dumbledore vowed that every dark creature would be gone by the time the students returned. Severus didn't know how he was going to do it, but when Severus told him how many creatures Malfoy had let go Dumbledore didn't seem worried.
Draco and the two Hufflepuffs were moved temporarily into the Gryffindor dormitories so they could be watched easily. Leslie volunteered to move in with them to keep an eye out for trouble. The only problem Harry and the others had with it was that it seemed to please Draco. It was Christmas Eve and everyone, including the Miffugans and the Zekan families, had been chatting the night happily away. By 11, everyone was starting to drift off to bed. Leslie was walking back to the dormitory with Anaka when she noticed Anaka was starting to walk slower.
"What's wrong Ana?" Leslie asked as they got closer to the dormitory. Anaka hesitated and looked away from her.
"Do you think my dad will be back by tomorrow?" Anaka asked shakily. Leslie frowned.
"I don't know," she answered truthfully, "Anaka, what's wrong?"
She looked up at Leslie tearfully.
"I didn't want to tell anyone but…but its getting worse and I can't take it!"
They stopped in front of the sleeping portrait of the Fat Lady.
"What's getting worse?" Leslie asked.
"My dreams. I've been dreaming about my mother's death for ages now. They have been getting steadily worse, more vivid. I watch as the wolf kills my mother, rips her to shreds. Then the wolf turns on me and I wake up. It's disgusting and I want it to stop!" she growled, "I hate seeing it over and over. I thought I was over it but…every time I see it my hatred grows for…for that damn wolf!"
Leslie stared at her in shock and was surprised when the Fat Lady scolded them.
"Will you two get in here already? Password?"
Leslie quickly gave it and followed Anaka inside. Once inside she turned Anaka around to face her.
"How could you say that?" she asked, "You know it was an accident! How could you hate your father?"
"I don't hate him," she snapped, "I hate that wolf in him. The one that killed her! Not the wolf that comforts me when the moon is full, not the man who taught me everything I know, the uncontrolled wolf in him. I hate that part of him. I've been losing sleep for months over it and I refuse to sleep tonight and dream it again!"
Leslie watched her flop into a chair by the fireplace. Silently Leslie walked to her bed, unsure of what to do next.
In the common room, Anaka eventually drifted to sleep. That night she stopped dreaming about her mother's death and instead dreamt happily of a peaceful future, as if she was being rewarded for recognizing her hatred.
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The next morning Anaka awoke to find presents all around her. Her sudden happiness disappeared however when thoughts of the previous night resurfaced. She felt guilty for saying those things to Leslie and yet she felt slightly relieved. At least getting it off her chest had made the nightmares go away.
Anaka hurried upstairs and quickly changed. Then she retreated downstairs and opened her gifts. Anaka was glad to see a gift from her father, hoping it meant he was at Hogwarts for Christmas. By the time she had moved everything into her trunk upstairs, everyone else was up.
"Merry Christmas!" Leslie yelled, handing everyone except Draco a tiny present.
As they were opening their presents, Ron nudged Harry and pointed to Leslie, who was handing Draco a slightly larger present that turned out to be a book, Self Defense for the Advanced. Ron snorted as he looked at his small travel sized wizard chess set.
"She sure is catering to his needs," he grumbled, though he seemed
pleased enough with his gift.
On the way to the Great Hall, Leslie took Anaka aside. Before Leslie could speak, Anaka apologized.
"Forget about last night Professor. I was just upset and frustrated. I hadn't slept well in ages and just needed to blow off some steam."
"Are you sure you're ok?" Leslie asked. Anaka smiled.
"More than alright. I didn't have the dream last night. I actually slept!"
Leslie smiled and walked with her to the Great Hall. When they entered the Hall they were assaulted by the loud talking and laughing that always accompanied Christmas. Zekan children ran around happily playing with their new toys as others listened intently to Dumbledore, who seemed to be telling them a story. Severus looked absolutely gloomy sitting at a table next to Gangly and McGonagoll.
They walked towards the table, both looking for the same person, and both beamed when they heard him. He was standing with Hagrid a few feet away laughing at something Hagrid had said.
"Dad!" Anaka cried, running to him.
Remus smiled and hugged his daughter. Leslie followed Anaka at a slightly slower pace, a wide smile appearing on her face.
"Merry Christmas darling! Did you get my gift?"
"Yes, it was lovely! I've wanted to read that book for ages but never had enough money for it!"
"I knew you'd like it," Remus said happily, "With the Christmas bonus Dumbledore gave me for my latest assignment I was able to pick up a few special things. You should have seen Lelaca's face when I gave her that cleaning kit she has been wanting. With the money I had left I was able to buy one more gift," he turned to Leslie, "but I'm afraid you'll have to wait till later."
Leslie's eyes widened.
"Remus, you didn't have to," she stuttered, "surely you could have put it towards something more useful…I mean…"
Though Leslie was flattered, she knew she could not accept a gift. She looked at Remus's tattered robes and felt a twinge of guilt. Leslie had thought about getting Remus a new set of robes for Christmas but didn't want him to take it the wrong way. At least John bought Anaka some new robes, Leslie thought as she watched Anaka wish them a Merry Christmas and leave.
"Leslie," Remus said putting a hand on her arm, "you have no reason to feel guilty. I wanted to get you a gift. It was something I had to do." Leslie sighed and stayed quiet. She didn't want to fight about a gift on Christmas.
Together they walked to the table occupied by Severus and the others. As they sat across from them the three professors politely cut off their conversation and greeted them. Remus noticed the three professors hesitate and the edginess around them.
"What's the matter?" Remus asked with a frown.
Gangly jerked his head forward, his eyes gazing behind Remus.
"Not all the Zekans are happy that wizards are helping them find their home," Gangly murmured, "turns out Mr. Miffugan decided to restrict the secret of changing to their Zekan forms to those who were not prejudice against wizards and witches. That leaves a small group very unhappy."
"It really irks them that they need us to find Abaron," McGonagoll added.
Remus and Leslie glanced over their shoulders. Sitting on the other side of the room at a far away table were two or three Zekan families, grandparents and all. They seemed to be having a good time among themselves, though occasionally one of them would glare at the other side of the room. Leslie and Remus turned away when one of the teenagers noticed them staring and gave them a dirty look.
"Well, they certainly will put damper on things," Leslie grumbled. The professors nodded. Before they could start up a new conversation, Dumbledore's voice interrupted them.
"Merry Christmas everyone!" he said cheerily, his voice booming through the Great Hall, "Enjoy your breakfast."
Food magically appeared on plates in front of them and everyone rushed to find a seat. Hermione took a seat next to McGonagoll and Ron sat next to her. With a smirk, Draco sat next to Leslie and Harry reluctantly took the seat next to him. Anaka sat next to Ron and John sat beside her. The Hall was noisy as they ate and Draco turned to Leslie, shaking his head.
"Professor, where did all these people come from? You'd think Hogwarts was turning into a bloody hotel!" he sneered. Leslie smiled at the teenager.
"They're here at Dumboledore's request to help protect Hogwarts. These people are some of the most powerful people in the world Draco," she replied. Draco snorted and looked around before reaching for a roll. He looked at Anaka talking happily to Harry and the others.
"I'll have you know Lupin, that my mother and a hand full of other sane parents are working as hard as they can to get you kicked out of Hogwarts," he said in a calm conversational tone.
Anaka stopped talking in midsentence and glared at him.
"That goes for your half breed pauper father too," Draco jeered, "honestly, you Lupins are as bad as the Weasleys, if not worse! Though there is some talk that the Weasleys are a bunch of half bred…"
"Shut up Malfoy," Harry snapped.
"You're treading a thin line Draco," John snarled.
"Hey, why don't you get your big bad father to kick Anaka and her dad out Malfoy?" Ron asked innocently, "oh wait, I forgot. Your dad's on the run for being a bloody Death Eater. I heard he escaped from Azkaban for the third time a few months ago. Give him any help Draco?"
Draco paled and glared at Ron furiously. They all waited for Draco to reply but all he did was stand up and storm out of the Hall.
"Good riddance," John growled.
"I bet he's going to go cry like the baby he is," Ron snickered.
"Ron stop it," Hermione said quietly, "let's talk about something else."
As Hermione started a conversation with Anaka about the difference between the American and English O.W.L.s, Harry noticed McGonagoll and Brand exchange a glance and he knew they had been eavesdropping. At least they didn't get involved, Harry thought gratefully. Who could blame them for listening in? The argument between them and Draco had to be more interesting than whatever Gangly was blabbering about. Brand and McGonagoll both seemed glad with the way their students had handled the situation except for the slight look of pity on Leslie's face. When will she learn there is no hope for him, Harry thought as he stared at his plate. Once Draco's out of Hogwarts Harry knew he would join Voldemort just as his father did.
And I'll fight them just like mine, Harry thought grimly, returning to his friend's conversation.
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Severus sat at the breakfast table silently, once again zoning out Professor Gangly's insistent droning. He moved the eggs around on his plate not at all hungry. Christmas. It had always been a dreadful day for him ever since he was a child. He didn't understand what made everyone so happy.
It only made him angrier seeing Lupin smiling across from him. Of course he'd always had a great Christmas no matter how poor he was. Remus had had Black, Potter, and Pettigrew at Hogwarts, then Molly and Anaka, and now he had Leslie who had been Severus's friend before Remus even knew she existed.
Snape's angry thoughts were interrupted however by a horrible pain in his arm. Over the last few years the pain had come so often that he was able to hide it from the others. He was surprised to see Leslie drop her fork and put a hand to her chest. Remus asked her what was wrong but she quickly said it was nothing to worry about. She excused herself but threw a look at Severus before leaving. Without an explanation, Severus stood and followed her, ignoring the suspicious look Remus sent him. Leslie was waiting for him outside the Great Hall, pacing anxiously.
"What was that about?" Leslie asked, stopping to stand in front of him.
"What was what about?" Snape countered. He wanted her to admit it. Leslie gave him a furious look.
"Don't give me that. If you must know ever since I came back to Hogwarts I've stopped getting the treatment to numb my Mark. I thought it would help if I could feel what the Death Eaters feel," she confessed. Severus glowered at her.
"Well you're a fool. You don't know what any of the feelings mean. You're only subjecting yourself to useless pain and if he ever found out he could use that pain against you."
"So are you going to explain it to me or not?"
Severus shrugged.
"He wants to have a meeting with his Death Eaters. Now. Tell Dumbledore why I'm gone alright?" Severus hesitated before leaving, "What will he say when he sees it?" he asked softly.
Leslie stiffened.
"I'll handle that when the time comes," she replied shortly, "goodbye Severus and good luck."
With that she walked into the Great Hall and Severus turned to go.
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After breakfast, many of the Zekans and professors remained in the Great Hall to chat and continue the celebrations. Leslie left as soon as she could and to her relief Remus didn't question her. Realizing Draco had not returned since his argument with Harry and the others, Leslie went to search for him.
Leslie found him in the Gryffindor common room reading the book she had given him. Draco looked up as she entered and to Leslie's surprise, he gave her a genuine smile.
"Up to a lesson Professor?" he asked eagerly, closing the book. Leslie smiled back.
"Alright Malfoy, why don't you show me what you've learned from that book so far."
Together they walked to Leslie's abandoned classroom and started their exercises. Leslie let her frustrations out in her movements as Draco blocked and countered her. She couldn't help but wonder what was going on at Voldemort's meeting. After they had gone through all their normal exercises, Leslie took out two waters and handed one to Draco. She always made sure to have water and a first aid kit in her classroom just in case. As they rested, Leslie leafed through Draco's book, wondering where to start.
Meanwhile, Draco was looking through the pockets of his robe which was lying on a desk on the other side of the room. He took out an envelope and hesitated. The small envelope had been in a larger package sent to him secretly by his father. Draco had been ecstatic upon receiving it. Ever since his father had been revealed as a Death Eater, Draco had hardly seen him. Draco quickly opened the envelope and took out the ring that was within it. The band was clear and instead of a jewel a small needle with a plastic cap jutted out of it. Draco felt his stomach churn unhappily. His father had asked him to prick Professor Brand with it during one of their private lessons on Christmas break. His father knew how Draco and the other Slytherins were coming to respect the Professor and had promised him it wouldn't do the Professor any mortal harm, it would just keep her out of Voldemort's way for a while. Draco wondered what she was doing to be in Voldmort's way.
He slipped the ring on his finger so the needle was sticking out on the palm side of his hand. He stuck his hands behind his back and turned to face his Professor, shoving the envelope back into his robe. The Slytherins had also asked him to do something during the break. Over the past few weeks Professor Brand had become one of their favorite professors, second only to Professor Snape. They all enjoyed watching the Gryffindors groan when Professor Brand awarded Slytherin more points. The only thing the Slytherins had reserves about was Brand's kindness to Potter and his friends and her strange association with ex-professor Lupin. Draco cleared his throat.
"Professor Brand, the other Slytherins and I were wondering something if its not too personal," he said hesitantly.
"Go ahead Draco," Leslie said absently, still flipping through his book. Draco plunged on.
"We like you a lot Professor, which is a lot for us to admit. You are as good a Professor as Professor Snape is. We…we know you are a Mud…you're part muggle but we think you've proven yourself better than the usually part muggle. Anyway, we were wondering why you…ugh…" Draco looked at Brand. She was staring at the page in front of her, but Draco could tell she wasn't reading and was listening to every word he said.
"We were wondering why you insisted on spending time with Anaka's dirty werewolf of a father."
Leslie's head snapped up and her eyes narrowed.
"You're getting personal Draco," she warned. Before Draco could respond, Leslie held up a hand.
"I'm glad you and your friends have over looked my 'background' out of the goodness of your hearts," she said sarcastically, "but who I want to spend time with is my own business."
"But Professor," Draco cried, "there are so many better, more respectable men out there. Take Professor Snape for example."
Leslie stared at him a moment and then burst out laughing.
"Snape? Ah, Draco. You will understand things better once you are older. Snape's just a friend and my relationship with Mr. Lupin is none of your or any of the Slytherins business."
With that said Leslie began to explain the next exercises. Draco nervously uncapped the needle on his ring and let it fall noiselessly to the floor. It was a few minutes before Draco was able to find the right spot to prick her. However when he pricked her in the arm Leslie jerked away, causing Draco to drag the needle down her arm before he could remove it. Leslie jumped further back, clutching the long cut on the inside of her arm. Blood trickled to the floor. Draco quickly removed the ring and stuck it in his back pocket. Some blood had trickled onto his hand and he stared at it, plastering a surprised and horrified look on his face.
Without a word, Leslie walked over to the first aid kit and patched it up.
"Professor," Draco stuttered, "I'm sorry…I didn't mean to…I don't know how I did it."
"Perhaps your nails are too long Draco," Leslie said with a strained smile, "I think we've had enough for one day. Go enjoy your Christmas."
With a guilty conscious, Draco grabbed his robe and ran out of the room.
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Leslie spent the rest of the day worrying about Snape and wondering how and why Draco had cut her. The Mark on her chest prickled insistently and her head began to ache. She was heading to the Great Hall when Remus approached her. His appearance surprised her. He was wearing a pair of dress robes and his hair was combed nicely back. He was wearing a beaming smile and Leslie blushed at the way he looked at her.
"I've been looking for you all day Leslie," Remus greeted her worriedly, "Are you alright?"
Leslie nodded and explained how she was just worried about Severus.
"I keep on wondering what was so urgent," she concluded.
"I understand," Remus said slowly, "and I know you must want to go eat dinner in the Great Hall to see if he'll show up but I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me instead? It's all prepared in my quarters."
"That would be lovely," Leslie said in a surprised and pleased voice, "but I'm hardly dressed nice enough…"
Remus laughed and took her hand.
"You look beautiful to me. Come on."
When they arrived at his quarters, Leslie was surprised by the change. Candles were lit everywhere, casting a warm glow around the room. Roses in vases were set up in intervals and their scent added to the romantic atmosphere. A table for two was set in the middle of a cleared space in the room and dinner was set there waiting for them. Remus was happy to see almost all the worry leave Leslie's face as she sat. He smiled nervously at her and poured the wine he had bought. For a while, they spoke about Anaka and Abaron and it seemed like all the worries of Voldemort were light years away.
"This is a wonderful Christmas present Remus," Leslie said softly as they finished desert, "but I hope you didn't spend all your money on me. Surely it could have been used to help you and Anaka in some way."
Remus chuckled.
"What do you mean?" he asked. Leslie blushed.
"Well, I remember you telling me how you could hardly afford to keep your house and…"
"Leslie," Remus interrupted, "with the work I've been doing for Dumbledore I don't have to worry about that stuff anymore. I'm not exactly any richer than in the past but I have enough now that I can get by without worrying all the time."
Leslie sighed.
A/N: There wasn't enough memory or something so I couldn't post the rest of the chapter. Go to the next chapter for the end, its not that much longer!
In December, to the dismay and confusion of the students, Care of Magical Creatures lessons were moved to a classroom on the second floor of Hogwarts. Only the Professors were informed of the growing threat of the creatures released in the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid and a few other chosen Professors spent their nights roaming the grounds, looking for any Dark Creatures from the Forbidden Forest. Though Snape suggested it, Dumbledore refused to cancel the Quidditch season. So far, no student had encountered any dangers.
Remus left Hogwarts on some secret business he couldn't explain to Leslie or his daughter and almost all the Zekan families had arrived at Hogwarts. There seemed to be so many that Anaka wondered where Dumbledore was keeping them all. However, Hogwarts was so big that Anaka didn't doubt there was enough space. Even though the families arrived at night and while the students were in class, everyone knew by morning if another strange group of "refugees" had arrived. The absence of her father only made Anaka more anxious. The dreams of her mother's death were as bad as ever and Anaka knew she was losing sleep.
Only a day or two before Christmas break did strange events begin to take place at Hogwarts. At lunch, Leslie was listening vaguely to something Severus was droning on about when something Professor Sprout said caught her attention.
"…it's not like I left out any food either. I suppose one of the students in my last class could have dropped something but a Knarl! It destroyed all the 5th years Mandrakes, not to mention the plants I had saved for the lesson I had planned as a surprise tomorrow. I mean really, a Knarl all the way from the Forbidden Forest…"
Leslie glanced over at Hagrid who seemed to be giving Sprout some advice on how to keep her greenhouses Knarl proof.
"…you know Fudge will eventually remember you were at the Ministry that day. Now with Sirius gone off somewhere he might decide to visit the Ministry and…Leslie? Leslie are you listening to me?"
Leslie turned back to Severus.
"Sorry," she apologized, "what were you saying?"
Severus gave her a scolding look.
"I was trying to give you some advice on handling the Ministry," he growled, "now that the A.M.M. has let out that the E.M.M. could benefit from a real alliance they'll wonder where they got their information. Eventually it'll come out about you being the thief," he said softly.
Leslie shrugged.
"I'll deal with it when it comes," she murmured, glancing back at Hagrid and Sprout.
"What's wrong with you?" Snape snapped.
"Did Malfoy set Knarls free on the Hogwart's grounds?" she asked.
"Knarls?" Serverus blinked at her in surprise, "I don't think Voldemort would send something as simple as Knarl's against Hogwarts." Leslie nodded, though she still looked preoccupied.
"Dumbledore thinks we have nothing to worry about with all those Zekan families here," she added. Severus shook his head and decided to change the subject.
"I heard you started giving Draco private self defense lessons. Potter and his friends must love that."
Leslie laughed.
"I think they're afraid I'm slowly turning into another you! It's not my fault the Slytherins are better at beating people up without their wands."
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Ron ignored Hermione's pokes as he tuned out Professor Gangly's lecture. Lately he'd been sticking to how to defend against dark creatures and Ron doubted the bland middle aged professor had defended against anything like a Re'em in his lifetime.
"Ron! I will not let you copy my notes again!" she hissed. Ron shrugged and continued to glance around the room dazedly.
Only when Lavender let out a small sob a few feet away from him did he begin to focus. He blinked and stared behind Lavender's desk. It looked like a rock had been placed behind her seat. The girl beside Lavender looked at her worriedly as she started to weep. The weeping started to attract other people's attention and Gangly stumbled in the middle of his lecture but continued stubbornly on. Ron turned his attention back to the rock and let out a cry of horror. The rock had sprouted hairy arms, legs, and a body. It bared its teeth and looked like it was about to leap at Lavender. Ron stood up, knocking his chair to the ground.
"Lavender! Look out!" he cried, pointing at the creature.
Lavender's neighbors screamed as they saw the creature. Harry and Hermione jumped up next to him. Gangly raced forward as the creature leaped on Lavender, who seemed too preoccupied with weeping to ward the creature off. As it scratched at her scalp Gangly and Hermione took out their wands.
"Stupefy!" they screamed. The creature flew off Lavender and was knocked unconscious on a wall. Lavender appeared to have woken up from her dazed weeping and was now crying from pain as she held her bleeding head.
"Escort her to Madame Pomfry!" Gangly snapped. Two Gryffindors helped Lavender up and out of the room. Gangly walked toward the creature and poked it with his foot. He was white as a sheet.
"Seamus, go to Professor Dumbledore's office at once," he said shakily. Seamus nodded and ran out of the room.
"A Pogrebin," Hermione said in a horrified voice, "Professor Gangly, what would a Pogrebin be doing in Hogwarts!"
"What's a Pogrebin?" Harry asked.
"Pogrebin's are Russian demons," Gangly answered in a strangely calm voice, "they follow a person for hours until a feeling of great despair comes over them and they fall into a fit of weeping. Once they are helpless the Pogrebin will attempt to…to devour them."
A horrified gasp emitted from the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors.
"It's a good thing you saw it Ron," Harry murmured. He was very pale.
Ron nodded. Just then Seamus returned, followed by Dumbledore and McGonagol.
"Is everyone alright?" Dumbledore asked calmly. Gangly nodded.
"I sent Lavender to Madame Pomfry. I am sure she only received a few scratches. It was a Pogrebin Headmaster. A Pogrebin. I wasn't going to cover that until next week…" he answered weakly.
"Will all students please return to their dormitories?" McGonagol interrupted, "You are free until your next lesson. Let's hurry now."
The students filed out of the room, looking cautiously around them. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were the last to leave and watched the door slam shut behind them.
"You can't even trust that rocks are rocks anymore," Ron mumbled. He started to walk away with Hermione when Harry stopped them. He put a finger to his lips and gestured at the door. They could hear through it.
"Headmaster, what will we tell the parents? It's obvious Voldemort's creatures have infiltrated Hogwart's," McGonagol said tersely.
"But how?" Gangly asked anxiously, "We've been searching the grounds every night. Except for a small Knarl incident at Sprout's greenhouses nothing has…"
"What?" Dumbledore snapped, "What Knarl incident?"
Gangly hesitated.
"This morning she told me and Hagrid at breakfast that a Knarl had found it's way into her greenhouses and had destroyed the students plant projects, Mandrakes and all. They'll be doing bookwork for the next two days until break."
"Why was I not informed of this?" Dumbledore asked softly.
"I…well…I suppose Professor Sprout didn't see any reason why it should be brought up. After all, more important things have to be done…"
"But this is important Professor," McGonagol interrupted furiously, "It shows that the dark creatures are driving out the smaller creatures. Now with the presence of the Pogrebin we know the dark creatures have arrived at Hogwarts!"
"Professor, talk to Sprout at once. Gangly, dispose of this and send out a memo immediately that there may be more than Pogrebin's roaming Hogwarts…"
Harry motioned the others to move and they quickly walked towards there next class.
"Voldemort sent dark creatures against Hogwarts?!" Hermione whispered furiously, "how could Dumbledore not inform the parents? They'll be horrified."
"What they don't know won't hurt them," Ron pointed out.
"Dumbledore will take care of it," Harry agreed. Hermione shook her head.
"I'm beginning to think we shouldn't have stayed for Christmas…" she mumbled.
****************************************************
The professors were on alert the next two days and found two more Pogrebin's and two relatively harmless creatures, an Ashwinder and Puffskein. Though the professors reassured their students, angry letters and howlers arrived at Hogwarts the first few days of winter break. The only students staying were Harry, Ron, Hermione, Anaka, two Hufflepuffs, and to everyone's dismay Draco. It seemed odd that he should decide to stay without any other Slytherins but when Harry found him spending most days getting lessons from Leslie or helping Snape he understood why. When they approached Leslie on the subject, she shrugged.
"He doesn't know any better. He has been raised by arrogant pure bloods. Anyway, even if he is an arrogant little bastard like his father I cannot let his potential go unnoticed. It's best that I teach him," she explained.
"You know he'll use it on us and not Voldemort," Harry protested. Leslie only shook her head and said Draco could do what he wanted with his talents.
All the professors stayed at Hogwarts and Dumbledore vowed that every dark creature would be gone by the time the students returned. Severus didn't know how he was going to do it, but when Severus told him how many creatures Malfoy had let go Dumbledore didn't seem worried.
Draco and the two Hufflepuffs were moved temporarily into the Gryffindor dormitories so they could be watched easily. Leslie volunteered to move in with them to keep an eye out for trouble. The only problem Harry and the others had with it was that it seemed to please Draco. It was Christmas Eve and everyone, including the Miffugans and the Zekan families, had been chatting the night happily away. By 11, everyone was starting to drift off to bed. Leslie was walking back to the dormitory with Anaka when she noticed Anaka was starting to walk slower.
"What's wrong Ana?" Leslie asked as they got closer to the dormitory. Anaka hesitated and looked away from her.
"Do you think my dad will be back by tomorrow?" Anaka asked shakily. Leslie frowned.
"I don't know," she answered truthfully, "Anaka, what's wrong?"
She looked up at Leslie tearfully.
"I didn't want to tell anyone but…but its getting worse and I can't take it!"
They stopped in front of the sleeping portrait of the Fat Lady.
"What's getting worse?" Leslie asked.
"My dreams. I've been dreaming about my mother's death for ages now. They have been getting steadily worse, more vivid. I watch as the wolf kills my mother, rips her to shreds. Then the wolf turns on me and I wake up. It's disgusting and I want it to stop!" she growled, "I hate seeing it over and over. I thought I was over it but…every time I see it my hatred grows for…for that damn wolf!"
Leslie stared at her in shock and was surprised when the Fat Lady scolded them.
"Will you two get in here already? Password?"
Leslie quickly gave it and followed Anaka inside. Once inside she turned Anaka around to face her.
"How could you say that?" she asked, "You know it was an accident! How could you hate your father?"
"I don't hate him," she snapped, "I hate that wolf in him. The one that killed her! Not the wolf that comforts me when the moon is full, not the man who taught me everything I know, the uncontrolled wolf in him. I hate that part of him. I've been losing sleep for months over it and I refuse to sleep tonight and dream it again!"
Leslie watched her flop into a chair by the fireplace. Silently Leslie walked to her bed, unsure of what to do next.
In the common room, Anaka eventually drifted to sleep. That night she stopped dreaming about her mother's death and instead dreamt happily of a peaceful future, as if she was being rewarded for recognizing her hatred.
********************************************************
The next morning Anaka awoke to find presents all around her. Her sudden happiness disappeared however when thoughts of the previous night resurfaced. She felt guilty for saying those things to Leslie and yet she felt slightly relieved. At least getting it off her chest had made the nightmares go away.
Anaka hurried upstairs and quickly changed. Then she retreated downstairs and opened her gifts. Anaka was glad to see a gift from her father, hoping it meant he was at Hogwarts for Christmas. By the time she had moved everything into her trunk upstairs, everyone else was up.
"Merry Christmas!" Leslie yelled, handing everyone except Draco a tiny present.
As they were opening their presents, Ron nudged Harry and pointed to Leslie, who was handing Draco a slightly larger present that turned out to be a book, Self Defense for the Advanced. Ron snorted as he looked at his small travel sized wizard chess set.
"She sure is catering to his needs," he grumbled, though he seemed
pleased enough with his gift.
On the way to the Great Hall, Leslie took Anaka aside. Before Leslie could speak, Anaka apologized.
"Forget about last night Professor. I was just upset and frustrated. I hadn't slept well in ages and just needed to blow off some steam."
"Are you sure you're ok?" Leslie asked. Anaka smiled.
"More than alright. I didn't have the dream last night. I actually slept!"
Leslie smiled and walked with her to the Great Hall. When they entered the Hall they were assaulted by the loud talking and laughing that always accompanied Christmas. Zekan children ran around happily playing with their new toys as others listened intently to Dumbledore, who seemed to be telling them a story. Severus looked absolutely gloomy sitting at a table next to Gangly and McGonagoll.
They walked towards the table, both looking for the same person, and both beamed when they heard him. He was standing with Hagrid a few feet away laughing at something Hagrid had said.
"Dad!" Anaka cried, running to him.
Remus smiled and hugged his daughter. Leslie followed Anaka at a slightly slower pace, a wide smile appearing on her face.
"Merry Christmas darling! Did you get my gift?"
"Yes, it was lovely! I've wanted to read that book for ages but never had enough money for it!"
"I knew you'd like it," Remus said happily, "With the Christmas bonus Dumbledore gave me for my latest assignment I was able to pick up a few special things. You should have seen Lelaca's face when I gave her that cleaning kit she has been wanting. With the money I had left I was able to buy one more gift," he turned to Leslie, "but I'm afraid you'll have to wait till later."
Leslie's eyes widened.
"Remus, you didn't have to," she stuttered, "surely you could have put it towards something more useful…I mean…"
Though Leslie was flattered, she knew she could not accept a gift. She looked at Remus's tattered robes and felt a twinge of guilt. Leslie had thought about getting Remus a new set of robes for Christmas but didn't want him to take it the wrong way. At least John bought Anaka some new robes, Leslie thought as she watched Anaka wish them a Merry Christmas and leave.
"Leslie," Remus said putting a hand on her arm, "you have no reason to feel guilty. I wanted to get you a gift. It was something I had to do." Leslie sighed and stayed quiet. She didn't want to fight about a gift on Christmas.
Together they walked to the table occupied by Severus and the others. As they sat across from them the three professors politely cut off their conversation and greeted them. Remus noticed the three professors hesitate and the edginess around them.
"What's the matter?" Remus asked with a frown.
Gangly jerked his head forward, his eyes gazing behind Remus.
"Not all the Zekans are happy that wizards are helping them find their home," Gangly murmured, "turns out Mr. Miffugan decided to restrict the secret of changing to their Zekan forms to those who were not prejudice against wizards and witches. That leaves a small group very unhappy."
"It really irks them that they need us to find Abaron," McGonagoll added.
Remus and Leslie glanced over their shoulders. Sitting on the other side of the room at a far away table were two or three Zekan families, grandparents and all. They seemed to be having a good time among themselves, though occasionally one of them would glare at the other side of the room. Leslie and Remus turned away when one of the teenagers noticed them staring and gave them a dirty look.
"Well, they certainly will put damper on things," Leslie grumbled. The professors nodded. Before they could start up a new conversation, Dumbledore's voice interrupted them.
"Merry Christmas everyone!" he said cheerily, his voice booming through the Great Hall, "Enjoy your breakfast."
Food magically appeared on plates in front of them and everyone rushed to find a seat. Hermione took a seat next to McGonagoll and Ron sat next to her. With a smirk, Draco sat next to Leslie and Harry reluctantly took the seat next to him. Anaka sat next to Ron and John sat beside her. The Hall was noisy as they ate and Draco turned to Leslie, shaking his head.
"Professor, where did all these people come from? You'd think Hogwarts was turning into a bloody hotel!" he sneered. Leslie smiled at the teenager.
"They're here at Dumboledore's request to help protect Hogwarts. These people are some of the most powerful people in the world Draco," she replied. Draco snorted and looked around before reaching for a roll. He looked at Anaka talking happily to Harry and the others.
"I'll have you know Lupin, that my mother and a hand full of other sane parents are working as hard as they can to get you kicked out of Hogwarts," he said in a calm conversational tone.
Anaka stopped talking in midsentence and glared at him.
"That goes for your half breed pauper father too," Draco jeered, "honestly, you Lupins are as bad as the Weasleys, if not worse! Though there is some talk that the Weasleys are a bunch of half bred…"
"Shut up Malfoy," Harry snapped.
"You're treading a thin line Draco," John snarled.
"Hey, why don't you get your big bad father to kick Anaka and her dad out Malfoy?" Ron asked innocently, "oh wait, I forgot. Your dad's on the run for being a bloody Death Eater. I heard he escaped from Azkaban for the third time a few months ago. Give him any help Draco?"
Draco paled and glared at Ron furiously. They all waited for Draco to reply but all he did was stand up and storm out of the Hall.
"Good riddance," John growled.
"I bet he's going to go cry like the baby he is," Ron snickered.
"Ron stop it," Hermione said quietly, "let's talk about something else."
As Hermione started a conversation with Anaka about the difference between the American and English O.W.L.s, Harry noticed McGonagoll and Brand exchange a glance and he knew they had been eavesdropping. At least they didn't get involved, Harry thought gratefully. Who could blame them for listening in? The argument between them and Draco had to be more interesting than whatever Gangly was blabbering about. Brand and McGonagoll both seemed glad with the way their students had handled the situation except for the slight look of pity on Leslie's face. When will she learn there is no hope for him, Harry thought as he stared at his plate. Once Draco's out of Hogwarts Harry knew he would join Voldemort just as his father did.
And I'll fight them just like mine, Harry thought grimly, returning to his friend's conversation.
*************************************************************
Severus sat at the breakfast table silently, once again zoning out Professor Gangly's insistent droning. He moved the eggs around on his plate not at all hungry. Christmas. It had always been a dreadful day for him ever since he was a child. He didn't understand what made everyone so happy.
It only made him angrier seeing Lupin smiling across from him. Of course he'd always had a great Christmas no matter how poor he was. Remus had had Black, Potter, and Pettigrew at Hogwarts, then Molly and Anaka, and now he had Leslie who had been Severus's friend before Remus even knew she existed.
Snape's angry thoughts were interrupted however by a horrible pain in his arm. Over the last few years the pain had come so often that he was able to hide it from the others. He was surprised to see Leslie drop her fork and put a hand to her chest. Remus asked her what was wrong but she quickly said it was nothing to worry about. She excused herself but threw a look at Severus before leaving. Without an explanation, Severus stood and followed her, ignoring the suspicious look Remus sent him. Leslie was waiting for him outside the Great Hall, pacing anxiously.
"What was that about?" Leslie asked, stopping to stand in front of him.
"What was what about?" Snape countered. He wanted her to admit it. Leslie gave him a furious look.
"Don't give me that. If you must know ever since I came back to Hogwarts I've stopped getting the treatment to numb my Mark. I thought it would help if I could feel what the Death Eaters feel," she confessed. Severus glowered at her.
"Well you're a fool. You don't know what any of the feelings mean. You're only subjecting yourself to useless pain and if he ever found out he could use that pain against you."
"So are you going to explain it to me or not?"
Severus shrugged.
"He wants to have a meeting with his Death Eaters. Now. Tell Dumbledore why I'm gone alright?" Severus hesitated before leaving, "What will he say when he sees it?" he asked softly.
Leslie stiffened.
"I'll handle that when the time comes," she replied shortly, "goodbye Severus and good luck."
With that she walked into the Great Hall and Severus turned to go.
***********************************************************
After breakfast, many of the Zekans and professors remained in the Great Hall to chat and continue the celebrations. Leslie left as soon as she could and to her relief Remus didn't question her. Realizing Draco had not returned since his argument with Harry and the others, Leslie went to search for him.
Leslie found him in the Gryffindor common room reading the book she had given him. Draco looked up as she entered and to Leslie's surprise, he gave her a genuine smile.
"Up to a lesson Professor?" he asked eagerly, closing the book. Leslie smiled back.
"Alright Malfoy, why don't you show me what you've learned from that book so far."
Together they walked to Leslie's abandoned classroom and started their exercises. Leslie let her frustrations out in her movements as Draco blocked and countered her. She couldn't help but wonder what was going on at Voldemort's meeting. After they had gone through all their normal exercises, Leslie took out two waters and handed one to Draco. She always made sure to have water and a first aid kit in her classroom just in case. As they rested, Leslie leafed through Draco's book, wondering where to start.
Meanwhile, Draco was looking through the pockets of his robe which was lying on a desk on the other side of the room. He took out an envelope and hesitated. The small envelope had been in a larger package sent to him secretly by his father. Draco had been ecstatic upon receiving it. Ever since his father had been revealed as a Death Eater, Draco had hardly seen him. Draco quickly opened the envelope and took out the ring that was within it. The band was clear and instead of a jewel a small needle with a plastic cap jutted out of it. Draco felt his stomach churn unhappily. His father had asked him to prick Professor Brand with it during one of their private lessons on Christmas break. His father knew how Draco and the other Slytherins were coming to respect the Professor and had promised him it wouldn't do the Professor any mortal harm, it would just keep her out of Voldemort's way for a while. Draco wondered what she was doing to be in Voldmort's way.
He slipped the ring on his finger so the needle was sticking out on the palm side of his hand. He stuck his hands behind his back and turned to face his Professor, shoving the envelope back into his robe. The Slytherins had also asked him to do something during the break. Over the past few weeks Professor Brand had become one of their favorite professors, second only to Professor Snape. They all enjoyed watching the Gryffindors groan when Professor Brand awarded Slytherin more points. The only thing the Slytherins had reserves about was Brand's kindness to Potter and his friends and her strange association with ex-professor Lupin. Draco cleared his throat.
"Professor Brand, the other Slytherins and I were wondering something if its not too personal," he said hesitantly.
"Go ahead Draco," Leslie said absently, still flipping through his book. Draco plunged on.
"We like you a lot Professor, which is a lot for us to admit. You are as good a Professor as Professor Snape is. We…we know you are a Mud…you're part muggle but we think you've proven yourself better than the usually part muggle. Anyway, we were wondering why you…ugh…" Draco looked at Brand. She was staring at the page in front of her, but Draco could tell she wasn't reading and was listening to every word he said.
"We were wondering why you insisted on spending time with Anaka's dirty werewolf of a father."
Leslie's head snapped up and her eyes narrowed.
"You're getting personal Draco," she warned. Before Draco could respond, Leslie held up a hand.
"I'm glad you and your friends have over looked my 'background' out of the goodness of your hearts," she said sarcastically, "but who I want to spend time with is my own business."
"But Professor," Draco cried, "there are so many better, more respectable men out there. Take Professor Snape for example."
Leslie stared at him a moment and then burst out laughing.
"Snape? Ah, Draco. You will understand things better once you are older. Snape's just a friend and my relationship with Mr. Lupin is none of your or any of the Slytherins business."
With that said Leslie began to explain the next exercises. Draco nervously uncapped the needle on his ring and let it fall noiselessly to the floor. It was a few minutes before Draco was able to find the right spot to prick her. However when he pricked her in the arm Leslie jerked away, causing Draco to drag the needle down her arm before he could remove it. Leslie jumped further back, clutching the long cut on the inside of her arm. Blood trickled to the floor. Draco quickly removed the ring and stuck it in his back pocket. Some blood had trickled onto his hand and he stared at it, plastering a surprised and horrified look on his face.
Without a word, Leslie walked over to the first aid kit and patched it up.
"Professor," Draco stuttered, "I'm sorry…I didn't mean to…I don't know how I did it."
"Perhaps your nails are too long Draco," Leslie said with a strained smile, "I think we've had enough for one day. Go enjoy your Christmas."
With a guilty conscious, Draco grabbed his robe and ran out of the room.
*************************************************************
Leslie spent the rest of the day worrying about Snape and wondering how and why Draco had cut her. The Mark on her chest prickled insistently and her head began to ache. She was heading to the Great Hall when Remus approached her. His appearance surprised her. He was wearing a pair of dress robes and his hair was combed nicely back. He was wearing a beaming smile and Leslie blushed at the way he looked at her.
"I've been looking for you all day Leslie," Remus greeted her worriedly, "Are you alright?"
Leslie nodded and explained how she was just worried about Severus.
"I keep on wondering what was so urgent," she concluded.
"I understand," Remus said slowly, "and I know you must want to go eat dinner in the Great Hall to see if he'll show up but I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me instead? It's all prepared in my quarters."
"That would be lovely," Leslie said in a surprised and pleased voice, "but I'm hardly dressed nice enough…"
Remus laughed and took her hand.
"You look beautiful to me. Come on."
When they arrived at his quarters, Leslie was surprised by the change. Candles were lit everywhere, casting a warm glow around the room. Roses in vases were set up in intervals and their scent added to the romantic atmosphere. A table for two was set in the middle of a cleared space in the room and dinner was set there waiting for them. Remus was happy to see almost all the worry leave Leslie's face as she sat. He smiled nervously at her and poured the wine he had bought. For a while, they spoke about Anaka and Abaron and it seemed like all the worries of Voldemort were light years away.
"This is a wonderful Christmas present Remus," Leslie said softly as they finished desert, "but I hope you didn't spend all your money on me. Surely it could have been used to help you and Anaka in some way."
Remus chuckled.
"What do you mean?" he asked. Leslie blushed.
"Well, I remember you telling me how you could hardly afford to keep your house and…"
"Leslie," Remus interrupted, "with the work I've been doing for Dumbledore I don't have to worry about that stuff anymore. I'm not exactly any richer than in the past but I have enough now that I can get by without worrying all the time."
Leslie sighed.
A/N: There wasn't enough memory or something so I couldn't post the rest of the chapter. Go to the next chapter for the end, its not that much longer!
