A/N: --UPDATED-- Gah! I lost the mailing list.. -_- Got to rebuild it, so don't yell at me if I forget your e-mail...

- Cellie

Note: It is advised that you read I Never Knew before trying to tackle this piece.

Disclaimer: Evan Rivera, Wendy Figg Rivera, Venna Rivera, Cellie Rivera, James Metz, and Cassie Black Woods (No relation to Mother's Curse) are all mine. The plot, however odd, is mine. Annie (Andromeda) Black is loosely based on a character created by the great and mighty fanfiction writer Kaydi. The Potters, and anyone else I may mention are property to J.K Rowling, and her alone—Oh, yeah, real smooth, Cells, tell them I'm—That's nice, Cassie.

Chapter Eighteen
The Exception To The Rule


Cassandra did not like her new Azkaban guard. He smelled of dragon liver and burnt onions, and wasn't much of a talker. As an added bonus, he absolutely hated any sign of emotion (When he was implemented into the compound after R—He had left, and saw Cassie sitting rather sulkily, she had gotten a rather nasty shock from the troll's sparkler device). First a werewolf, and now a troll? Cassie blew a strand of black hair from her face and sighed.

I'd much rather have Rem— She shook off the thought. She'd break down if she thought of him.

Suddenly, there was a familiar yell behind her. Cassie perked up, and turned from the new wand she had started to carve. Could it be?

Blinking, she turned from her seat on the courtyard bench and her eyes widened as she saw Jonathan Ollivander waving wildly from a part of the fence near the troll's guarding spot.

Cassandra! Is it really you? He called over her way.

Jonathan! My gosh, I thought you'd never get here! She yelled at the aging wandmaker, while she jumped from her seat and started running over to him.

Well, I had a few, say, complications, Jonathan said, Like the fact that I'm no longer thirty seven any more. Indeed, Cassie could see that her fatherlike figure had aged quite a bit, which struck a waning chord in her. Suddenly, a small shock struck her body, sending her to the ground instantly. Jonathan looked down at her with worry, but she held a small hand up.

I'm.. alright.. She gasped, trying to regain her breath. Cassie raised herself on her feet with some difficulty, and she glared at the troll, who growled at her.

Yeh ain't lowed to spake wuth hoomans. He grunted. Cassie narrowed her eyes in anger.

Now, listen, you— Jonathan shook his head.

No, Cassie, my dear. Not a good idea. He cleared his throat, and the troll turned around slowly, giving him The Glare. Jonathan gulped, and cleared his throat again. Excuse me, but I'm here to validate Miss Woods as a prime member of society and not of this.. lovely place. He finished. The guard's stomach growled, and not for the first time, Cassie was afraid for her former mentor.

Whars init fer meh? His scratchy voice replied. Cassie shuddered inwardly.

"Well.. you won't have the supreme pleasure of being company for the beautiful Miss Cassandra anymore. Jonathan made up, smiling his best eerie customer smile. The troll grunted again, and punched his way through into Cassie's cage. She barely had any time for fear as he suddenly grabbed Cassie by the robes.

I beg your pardon.." She started to say, but didn't get a chance to finish, as he easily threw her over the guard wire. As she passed it, a sharp pain stung her right arm, but she had no time for that. Thinking fast, she grabbed her second wand she was working on (Cassie had given Him her first one), as of yet unfinished, pointed the wand to herself, and shouted,

Wingardium Leviosa! Regularly, this was not a good idea, something about messing around with wizard chi, and putting spells on yourself had serious repurcussions—not to mention the fact she was doing it with an unfinished wand—but that didn't really worry Cassie.

For a couple of seconds, it seemed as if the spell was going to cooperate—before it fell out from under her.

That's it. I'm dead. Cassie thought.

Luckily, her old mentor wasn't at all rusty on his wand skills, and the moment Cassie lost control of the spell, he was on it.

As he lowered her slowly to the ground, she flashed him a grateful smile. Thanks, Jon. He grinned.

Can't have you dying on me again.. Hrm, what's that? He touched her right arm, and Cass winced. A long scratch ran down it.

Ah.. it's nothing. I'm fine, really. Ollivander seemed to accept this statement, and glanced at his watch.

Come on, let's go file a complaint about this big ogre, and get out of here. He offered her his arm, and she took it, flipping her head around and sticking her tongue out at her old guard, who was busy trying to find a way out of Cassie's old cage'.




Cassie breathed a sigh of immense relief as she and Jonathan walked out of the gates of Azkaban.

So, was the food that bad? He asked her as they walked down to the the dock.

She asked dumbly. Jonathan shook his head.

You don't seem to be your usual self. Of course, I haven't seen you in a hundred years, so, you know, things could have changed.. Cassie groaned and rubbed her temples, shaking off the remainder of the shock the guard had given her.

More than you think. She muttered.



replied Cassie. Ollivander touched her arm tenderly. Hey, it's still just me. You can tell, I won't go selling it to the Wand or the Prophet.. For a moment, Cass was tempted to spill the whole story. She needed to get it off her chest, and far away.

However, as they walked through the harbor to the boat they'd be taking—the very smallest, cramped, and most old fashioned rowboat Cassie had ever seen—she decided to scrap that idea. Telling tales on a boat was just not a good idea.

Does that thing.. float? She asked incredulously, brushing his question off. Jonathan chuckled.

I should hope so. You can't exactly apparate on Azkaban grounds. Here, get in. She glared mock daggers at him.

Me? I'm not getting in that thing first. Your choice of transportation, you get in. Ollivander grumbled, and got in.

There. It seems to be fine. Come on. Cassie rolled her eyes, and got into the rickety, paint worn boat. She sat across from him on a very old, outdated cushion—and jumped up in pain seconds later.

Jonathan asked worriedly.

I'm okay.. stupid pillow, there's something sharp in it.. Cringing, Cassie moved over to the other seat, and investigated the pillow she had been sitting on, while Jonathan turned, and started charming the boat for speed. It had an odd tear in the side, and Cass slowly put her hand in, feeling for the object she had sat on. Her hand grasped around something long, cylinder shaped, and smooth. She pulled it out, and gasped silently.

In her hands was the wand she had given Remus. Her heart caught in her throat as she saw what was carved in the side.

Together in spirit, forever apart. Thus is the path of my heart.

She recognized the poem, for Remus had it inscribed in a pocketwatch as well. She had asked about it once, but he had simply said that it was from his mother. Cassie didn't want to bring family up, lest she have to tell someone about the event she wasn't supposed to remember but so clearly did, so she had dropped the subject right after that.

Biting her lip, she slipped the wand into her robe. No need to inform Jonathan about something—someone—she'd never see again.

Let's get out of here, Jonathan. She said, keeping her face calm. Ollivander nodded.

Yes, let's. Azkaban is not the most cheerful of places. Aller! Jonathan shouted, and the boat began to move.

She asked, quizzically. Isn't that french? Jonathan nodded.

You honestly think I've only dealt with English wizards? Cassie shook her head slowly.

Well, no.. but I thought all spells were in Latin. Ollivander grinned.

Cassie, my dear, there is never only one side of the block. Not everyone uses Latin, not by a long shot. She nodded, and they continued in silence for a few minutes, until Jonathan broke it.

Say, Cassandra?

She replied, fingering Remus's wand absentmindedly in her pocket.

Albus Dumbledore.. the Headmaster of Hogwarts.. he wants a word with you. Cassie raised an eyebrow.

Why would he want to talk with me, exactly? Jonathan shrugged.

Not sure. Probably wants to talk with you, to help you get back hom— Cassie glared at him, almost daring him to finish the word.

I have no intention of going back, Jonathan. She replied, icily.

But Cass, if you don't, it'll play havoc with time! She shot another glare his way.

Screw time. Frowning, Ollivander said no more, and directed the boat to the mainland with his wand.




They arrived at the Southampton Wizarding Docks later in the afternoon, and caught a train to Hogsmeade station. All throughout the train ride, there was an overly uncomfortable silence between the two. At about five that evening, the train came to a halt, and Cassie and Ollivander found a carriage awaiting them. Cassie obediently got in, but Jonathan did not.

Hey, come on! She said. He shook his head. You're on your own now, Cassie. And the carriage door shut before she could retort.



After the carriage stopped at the base of the castle, Cassie simply had to just take a moment to admire the huge structure. It was one of the most fantastic castles she had ever seen in her twenty-nine years of life. Walking up the stairs to the oak doors, she was met halfway by a small creature with overly large ears, which seemed to be wearing.. a tea cozy?

Cassie Woods! Miss Cassie! Come this way, Miss Cassie! Dobby will take you to Dumbledore! Cassie raised a skeptical eyebrow, but followed the house-elf though a maze of hallways and paintings. After awhile, they stopped in front of a large gargoyle.

This is his.. office? Cassie asked, her tone crisp.

Yes Cassie Woods! Professor Dumbledore is a grand man, yes! Sugar Quills! Cassie was about to ask about the mention of candy, before she realized it was a password of sorts, because the gargoyle was moving over. A movable stairway was revealed, and both Cassie and the.. thing climbed onto it, riding until the top. The thing then saluted Cassie, and went back down. Cassie, not seeing much else to do, opened the glass door and went inside.

The office was quite spectacular. Numerous wizarding goodies and portraits lined the walls and shelves, and if Cassie was looking correctly, a phoenix stood in a cage over by several armchairs. She collapsed into the nearest one, tired from the journey. Taking out the wand she had recovered, Cass traced the letter carving word for word, a heavy smile on her face.

Oh, for the love of Godric, Remus, why'd you have to do this.. Why'd you have to— But her sentence was cut off by the turning of the door. She shut up, and looked at the occupant coming through it.

Remus Lupin gasped, whether it was from amazement or terror, Cass didn't know. Or care. She took a shattered breath, and looked at Remus, just looked at him. He had come back. He betrayed his words. Cassie knew tears were coming to her eyes, but she made no movement to wipe them away. The glass door shut behind Remus, but neither person looked towards it, transfixed on the other. Cassie swallowed a lump in her throat and tried to get up, managing to stay on her feet. She held the wand out, with the inscription, her hand shaking.

You.. ah.. You forgot it. In the boat. She said hoarsely, her voice suddenly gone.

Remus took a step forward, and then another, his line of sight never leaving her. He laid his right hand on the tip of the wolvesbane wand, several inches, Cassie saw, from her shaking hand.

Did you come all the way to Hogwarts just to—just to give me this? He asked, tenderly. Just ignore him. She told herself. He practically goes and sends you into a nervous breakdown, why should you talk to him?

She cursed the word the moment it left her mouth. Remus shifted uncomfortably.

I.. I told you. My job. Cassie narrowed her eyes.

Not that, She said softly, with an icy tone, I meant why did you never want us to meet again? You act like I mean the frigging world to you, and then you go and say that as you leave. I'm sorry, Remus, but if that's how you think you talk to a girl, you should go and punch your teacher in the face. Remus looked crestfallen, and he stepped closer to her. Cassie turned her back to Remus, dropping the wand fully into his hand.

Oh, Cassie.. He said, his voice cracking. Cass, I'm so, so, sorry.. She shook her head slowly.

No, you're not. She managed to get out, admist conflicting emotions. You thought it was just one big game. Let's see who can break the girl from the past first, huh? Let's see if she's as strong and mighty as what's his name Black! She said, in a cold tone, not bothering to wipe her tears. Remus put his hands on her shoulders, causing her to involuntarily shudder.

Look, Cassie, that's not what it was, I swear. Dumbledore made me promise— She flipped around, angrily, throwing Remus's hands off her shoulders.

Dumbledore? So, he's part of this nasty charade? Did he invite me here just to torture me? Do you know what it's like, to have bottled up feelings you can't spill, not for anything? You look, Remus Lupin. I thought that once, just once, I'd have someone I could actually care about, someone I could share my life with, and then you just decide to throw me out on the streets. I— Cassie suddenly found herself in a tight embrace, Remus's lips upon hers. She blinked several times in surprise, and pulled away.

Hey, I wasn't done talkin— Remus put a finger to her mouth.

And I wasn't done kissing you. He stated. Don't you know it's rude to interrupt someone? Cassie looked at him with disgust.

Not this time, Lupin. It may have worked in Azkaban, but I was vulnerable then. So shove off. No petty mind games are going to work on me this time. Cassie replied.

Well, at least let me speak in my defense, Remus said earnestly. I never got to say what I wanted to in that courtyard; mayhaps I was too scared. All I know is that I love you, Cassie, and no matter who your relations are, I don't want to lose you. Her relatively steady breath pattern shattered, and the tears began to form again. She looked at Remus, and smiled sadly.

She spoke very softly, and the desolation was still visible in her voice. Remus reached up, and brushed the tears from her eyes.

Cassie, I never meant to hurt you. You've got to understand that. It wasn't like I had a choice. Cassie raised a skeptical eyebrow.

Cassie spat. I thought that it was up to you.

He put a hand through his sandy hair in frustration. The decision didn't come from me, Cassie. It's just.. Dumbledore found something about the past—your future. Cassie's face lightened slightly.

What about it? Remus frowned.

I can't say, Cass. It would ruin time's course. One of my friends has already messed it up so much that I'm not sure he won't go straight to Azkaban. It's just.. as much as I want to pretend that the past never happened, it does. And it needs you there. Her heart caught in her throat for the second time that afternoon.

What if I don't want to go back? She asked quietly. What if I want to stay? Remus bowed his head slightly, and Cassie saw how torn the man was.

You can't.. He said, hurt in his voice. You marry someone else. She froze.

What do you mean, I marry someone else? She bit her lip in frustration. And why would you care so much? What happened to the Remus Lupin who didn't care about time's course, or anything? Remus frowned, and his features were deathly pale.

It's.. He's.. Remus started, but didn't know how to finish. Cassie caught the glint in his eye, though.

She frowned. You said something.. Relations.. A dawning look came to her eyes, but before she could respond, the door opened. Cassie looked up, surprised, and saw the old man standing in the doorway. The two had made such a racket that they did not hear the door open.

Remus flipped around, a guilty look on his face. Professor! Where were you? He questioned, a bit of a surprised look on his face.

Dumbledore smiled cryptically. Well, it was as I was opening the door for you that I noticed that I was quite hungry. So I went down to the kitchens for some supper. But, Remus, I feel that this topic.. it is not the one we are to address currently. What we need to speak of, is Miss Woods, here. Please, both of you, sit. He said, gesturing for both Remus and Cassie to take a seat in the conversation lounge chairs. Both did so obediently.

Albus walked around to the back of his desk, and sat down, the chair groaning slightly with the weight. He drummed his fingers on his desk absentmindedly, and looked up at the two. Well, we certainly do have a problem, here. Cassandra, you have gotten yourself in a bit of a time travel mixup. Cassie all but growled at the headmaster.

I don't want to return. She said defiantly.

Miss Woods, you may feel differently in awhile, but as of now, it seems we have no choice. The Timekey was lost during your ride here, and we shall need it to program coordinates into the Time Turner to get you back, lest you wind up duplicating yourself. And here, we run into a different problem. Cassandra, I see no reason to hide the truth from you, for you will find it out sooner or later from someone. Remus stood to protest, but Dumbledore waved him aside.

I know I asked you not to tell her then, Remus, but that was because we weren't sure if we could send her back right away or not. Cassie tapped her foot impatiently as Remus sullenly sat back down. He tried to make eye contact with her, but she brushed it off, instead, choosing to focus on Dumbledore.

Professor, continue, please? She asked, as nicely as she could manage. He chuckled, and nodded.

Yes, of course, Cassandra. Well.. To start off, you are not Miss Woods. You are Miss Cassandra Black. Cassie's eyes widened slightly. How much does he know?

Back in 1901, there was a terrible accident down where Ollivander's used to be. You and your parents were shopping there, when an explosion of some sort went off. You were miraculously unharmed, but your parents died. The Ministry's Auror force assumed you for dead, as well, because you were nowhere to be found. It was only later that they uncovered that you had wandered into Muggle London.

Cellie shuddered as images came rushing back to her. The burning roses, the broken glass.. and that rose. Although she was five at the time, she could still remember the event vividly. Without moving her head, she shot a glance towards Remus. This isn't good.. Does he know about Lizzie?

Dumbledore continued his tale of Cassie's life. You apparently were in muggle London for quite some time—long enough, I recall, that Professor Dippet could not make his Hogwarts acceptance letter reach you. Cassie groaned inwardly, knowing exactly what was coming up. Remus.. Oh, gods, why does he have to hear this?

 One full moon, you were attacked by what was later documented as a pack of werewolves. They drove you into Knockturn Alley, where you spent the better part of a year there. At twelve years of age, you ran back into Diagon Alley, where you took up apprenticeship at Ollivander's Fine Wands, the very place where you had started everything. That is the end of your life as you know it. Cassie nodded, slowly. So he doesn't know after all.

I won't ask where you got that information, Professor, but you have very accurate sources. Dumbledore nodded.

Then of course, there is what comes next. Cassie raised an eyebrow. ..What?

She asked, quizzically.

You have a child, whom you name Orion Black.



Even though Remus had heard this information before, he still shuddered at it. He had remembered Orion, Sirius's father, as one of the nicest people in his friend's life. Orion was Sirius's only magical connection, as his mother was a muggle. But Cassie? His Cassie? Having Sirius's dad? It just didn't seem possible. Apparently, Cassie felt the same way. She shot him an incredulous glance, the first look she'd given Remus since Dumbledore had walked in.

I'm sorry, Cass. He mumbled out the corner of his mouth. Cassie, however, smiled softly at him, as if she finally understood why it had been so hard for him to lie to her, to leave her like that. It had broken Remus's heart earlier, when she had accused him of pretending to love her. He had acted irrationally because of it, but currently, Remus cared very little for the repercussions.

Right then, Dumbledore cleared his throat, throwing both out of their thoughts. Cassie looked at Dumbledore with a loathing Remus had never seen on her face, only Daemon Malfoy, a rather troubling customer that came into Ollivanders once. Professor, I'm truly sorry that you believe such an absurd thing. Besides, wouldn't Sirius—whom I assume is 's son—be disappearing right about now? I don't know much about time, but if I was never there because I'm here, in the future, shouldn't he sort of be, you know.. gone? She asked.

Dumbledore turned to Remus. Have you seen Sirius lately? Remus opened his mouth to respond, but a huge rumble, shaking the school, stopped him. He chuckled.

Does that answer your question, Professor? Cassie raised her eyebrows.

Uh, Remus? She asked.



Sirius.. are you sure he isn't a murderer? Remus chuckled.

Cass, believe me— Dumbledore cut him off.

.. You're glad not to have witnessed his teenage years. Remus nodded, slightly. But, back to the matter at hand. Well, Cassandra, since as of now we cannot do anything, I would wish that you stayed here over the school year. How do you feel about teaching? Cassie blinked in surprise.

Teaching, Professor? I'm sorry, maybe you didn't see my record. Absolutely no schooling, Hogwarts or otherwise. Dumbledore chuckled.

Please, Cassandra, you can't possibly be telling me that Jonathan taught you no spells? She blushed.

Well, yeah..

Splendid, then! We have an opening for a Potions teacher, so if you wish the job.. Cassie shrugged. She would've liked no more to just go back to Ollivanders, pray it still existed, but somehow she swore that the energies in the room were urging her to accept. So, of course, she did.



Remus escorted Cassie out of Dumbledore's office a few minutes later, under the excuse that he'd take her to her office. They walked most of the way down to the dungeons in silence, each not really sure what to say. Besides, Cassie was too busy inhaling the sights of the castle to mind anything else.

They arrived at Snape's old office without much difficulty. Remus stopped, signaling for Cassie to do the same. She glanced over at Remus for the second time, and chuckled weakly.

Why are we stopped? Bathroom break? Remus chuckled.

This is your office, Cassie. She raised her eyebrows.

You have got to be kidding me. Down here? Down seventeen billion flights of stairs? I must relocate somewhere a bit less hard to get to. And a bit.. She pulled her boot out of something green and sticky. .. less slimy. Remus grinned.

Will the lovely lady with the sticky boot allow me to accompany her inside her office? He asked, a mock princely tone to his voice. She glanced at him, a skeptical smirk on her face.

Oh, uh-uh. Don't think you're off the hook yet, Remus.

Love you. Cassie grumbled, and looked up at Remus, a glint in her eye.

That could get a bit annoying, you know. Remus just grinned.

A/N: And here we have the reintroduction to Cassie. I really hope I didn't screw the love scenes up too much.. Trying to take into account Remus's attitude towards life and trying to write a scene are really hard things to do; After all, don't want my story to sound like AOTC's blatantly horrid script.. :p

Tarawen: They weren't really drunk.. just a bit hyperactive. I think Sirius and James were making up for lost time, and a hell of a lot of it. As for Ron and Herm.. Well, you're probably right. Ron won't get along with Cassie very well. Hermione's okay, because she's been in on everything they've done, but he'll naturally shun Cassie. You'll see who it is in this chapter. Good luck surviving a month without an internet connection! x_x;

ra-chan: I know it was Sirius's job, but, assuming that Cassie does exist, it only wasn't Remus's (who, in reality, would be the better choice, as he's not wanted for bloody—er, unbloody murder right about know) because he was watching over her. Dumbledore yanked Remus back simply because he wanted to offer him a job co-teaching at Hogwarts, and he wanted him to take over Sirius's job. At least, that's how it is in my story.

The, uh, boom' you heard in this chapter—well, that's where the broomsticks went. The Time Turner fiasco is a bit dangerous. Observing how strict the Ministry is about these things, telling them that James is alive due to a Time Turner mixup with him changing the future is not a good thing. Even though he could offer the excuse that he saved Remus's life, the fact that Remus is a werewolf, unfortunately is not going to change their opinion about things.