I hope this chapter answers some raised questions.

Chapter 17

Lika awoke on the second day thinking about how long a day yesterday had been. Quite possibly it had been the longest day anyone had ever had. The only thing she had to occupy her time were her own thoughts and those were about to drive her crazy.

The knowledge that Remus would not remember her tore at her deeply and made her feel as if her soul was seeping out. She hoped that by some miracle the charm had not worked but knew that was just a silly little wish. Surely he would have been here by now to rescue her if that was the case.

She paced around the room for the millionth time as her brain worked frantically. Malfoy has done something to this room. My Inner Eye is blocked so I can't feel or see anything. This is the weirdest sensation. I feel nothing. Like I'm a normal person. How do they stand not knowing what's happening around them? What am I going to do? There's no way in hell I'm telling Malfoy anything. I can't escape but a rescue doesn't look to promising either. That really only leaves one option. One permanent option. Although it would end this shit once and for all, she thought sadly.

She decided to give it to the final day before taking action. Maybe by some miracle someone will notice me gone, I'd really hate to kill myself if someone is going to be rescuing me. That would just be way too Romeo and Juliet.

She was pulled out of her revere by the door opening. Lucius strode forward purposefully, looking as arrogant and regal as ever. She stiffened as he drew nearer. Oh, how I miss my Inner Eye, she thought.

"Good afternoon, my dear." He said smoothly.

"Hurmph." She grunted, not looking at him.

"Now now Gypsy, play nicely." He said as he ran his emerald encrusted gold serpent staff over her hairline before using it to turn her face toward him. Her eyes were glittering with repressed anger and he felt his smugness go up a notch. "I said good afternoon."

"Good afternoon." she said indignantly.

"Just to save time in the future, I want you to know I do not tolerate impertinence. When I say something to you, you will answer me with respect and manners. Do you understand Gypsy?" He asked silkily.

"Yes." She said, now simmering with resentment.

"Yes what?" He asked as he pointed his wand at her heart.

"Yes Lucius." She answered.

"There. That wasn't too difficult now was it?" He chided as he lowered his wand.

"No Lucius." She said through clenched teeth.

"I've come for the information. Will today be the day?" He asked.

"No Lucius." She stated stubbornly.

"Ahhh. Well then, three more days. I will see you tomorrow my dear." He said.

"Don't you think people will find it peculiar that Remus no longer knows who I am. Not only were we together but we're co-workers also." She said suddenly.

"I do not think so. You see, I left a little note for the school from you. Explaining that you could no longer work at Hogwarts because you had to return to America for a personal crisis. I doubt anyone will ask questions out of respect for Remus' feelings Have a pleasant day." He said vindictively as he turned and left.

When he left and she was alone again, she had the overwhelming urge to break something. She let out a muffled scream into the pillow to relieve some frustration. Merlin, someone please help me!

Luckily the headmaster remained at Hogwarts during the Christmas break and Sirius was very glad that there weren't many students in the Great Hall. He knew how odd it must look for their teacher to be hauled around unconscious.

"Dumbledore, good to see you. I'm sorry to interrupt your holidays. This is urgent. I didn't know where else to go." Sirius said quietly.

"Certainly Sirius. Come to my office." Said Dumbledore as he stood to lead the way.

Once in the office Dumbledore watched inquisitively as Sirius settled Lupin on a chair.

"What did this to him?" He asked curiously.

"Oh. I did that Headmaster. He was resisting me. It's probably easier to leave him like that until I've explained." Sirius said sheepishly.

"Do go on then." Dumbledore said patiently.

"I think someone has done something to his memory." Sirius said thoughtfully.

"Why do you say that?" Dumbledore asked curiously.

"Well, when I got to his house he called me Padfoot, my old school nickname. We haven't used them in years. It was like he thought no time had passed. There were two wands in his floor and he didn't know who the other ones was. Then when I asked about Lika...he doesn't even know who she is Headmaster. He thinks I made her up. He said he woke up on the floor and his head was hurting him. Those are all signs Albus." Sirius said.

"Indeed those are signs Sirius. There is most definitely something strange going on then. I received an owl this morning that Professor Gypsy was giving her notice and she would be returning to America." Dumbledore said pensively.

"Why? Did it say?" Sirius asked.

"Just said a personal crisis. I wonder Sirius, if you would be so kind as to return to Professor Lupin's and look for anything out of the ordinary and bring back that extra wand? I think I will recognized Professor Gypsy's wand." Dumbledore implored.

"Of course Professor." Sirius said as he stood to leave.

"Thank you. I'm going to get working on the antidote potion. Unfortunately it will take two days to mature and revive him." Dumbledore said sadly.

"Isn't there anything faster Headmaster?" Sirius asked worriedly.

"I'm afraid not Sirius." Dumbledore answered as he watched Lupin's head loll on his chest. "I'm afraid not." And with that Sirius left.

Dumbledore pointed his wand at Lupin and said "Ennervate."

Remus' eyes popped open and focused on the room. He looked around and dully realized he was in Dumbledore's office.

"Hello Professor Lupin." he said kindly from a chair off the side.

"Hello Headmaster. How did I get here?" He asked with confusion. Everything seemed so fuzzy.

"Sirius brought you. He told me about your...state. I must say I'm glad he got you here." Dumbledore answered.

"Really Albus. I'm fine. Honestly." Remus said insistently.

"Are you really?" Dumbledore asked.

Remus looked at him for a moment before nodding.

"I admit I do feel a bit odd but I'm fine." He said as he noticed Dumbledore surveying him carefully.

"Remus where is Professor Gypsy?" Dumbledore asked.

"Who?" Remus asked perplexedly.

"Lika, Remus. Where is Lika?" He asked again.

"Really Headmaster, you and Sirius are just too much." Remus laughed.

"Stupefy." Dumbledore said. He watched Remus' head sag against his chest again.

Dumbledore was very glad that Sirius had brought Remus here since it appeared someone had most definitely modified his memory. He set to work starting the Memory Retrieval Potion and for the first time in a long while he felt like he was racing a clock. Whoever had done this hadn't accounted for Sirius' arrival. He hoped the potion would be ready in time, for he was certain that Lika Gypsy was in danger.