Chapter 32-Remus Lupin the Voice of reason
"That's a nasty cut" Hermonine said as her and Alana walked into the great hall for lunch the following morning.
"I know" Alana said thinking about what happened the night before.
"I can't believe you slipped in the tub, you are not known for being clumsy" Ginny said as Alana touched the cut on her left hand. Harry and Ron entered the hall. Alana walked towards Seamus who was sitting towards Justin and the hufflepuff table.
Harry looked over at Alana who looked over at him. She raised her eyebrow and continued to talk to Justin.
"Just apologize man" Ron said.
"She needs to apologize" Harry said.
"Everyone was wrong last night, Cho, Alana, and you" Hermonine said.
"Cho was looking at you and Alana dueling making comments, Alana let it escalate, You didn't jump in and you mentioned something that didn't have to do with the situation. The both of you were jealous. You both wouldn't' be if you guys just started dating" Ginny said.
"Did you see the daily prophet" Dean said running towards the Gryffindor table. The group including Alana and Justin gathered around as Hermonine started to read.
"There was an attack on Anne Dutton's jewelry store opening last night. Officials are looking for a dark hair man and woman Martin and Katherine Bennet a couple who fought off the attack of wizards who ambushed the party. The couple escaped by breaking a window. The wizards attacked by the couple worked for Charles Crane grandfather of runaway Paul Crane. The wizards are looking for his grandson" Hermonine read as she looked at Alana.
"Paul must be here" Justin said.
"We don't exactly know that" Alana said.
"You know how Crane is he has resources everywhere," Justin said as Harry looked at the cut on Alana's hand.
"How did you get that cut?" Harry asked.
"Why?" Alana answered as the group looked stunned at the animosity they were giving each other.
"You have a huge bandage on your hand someone is going to ask about that" Harry said angrily.
"Maybe you should apologize to me about lady Cho before you ask stupid questions" Alana said.
"Unbelievable, I'll do that when you stop bragging about people being in love with you" Harry said as the couple glared at each other.
"How did you get that cut?" Justin said.
"I fell in the tub, if that was any of Harry's business" Alana said getting her books and walking out of the great hall.
"Couples dispute still going on" Justin asked.
"All I did was ask her about her cut" Harry said angrily.
"I guess that's a yes," Justin answered.
"Where did Cho get involved" Harry said.
"Where did Paul get involved?" Hermonine joked as Harry glared at her.
"You haven't even met Paul, at least Alana has a valid excuse on why she hates Cho, you really don't have one for Paul" Hermonine added.
"I don't want to hear her name for the rest of the day or even talk about her" Harry lied as he finished his breakfast.
"Ms.Deerr" Lupin said as Alana walked faster.
"Ms.Deerr, I would like to have a word with you" Lupin said as Alana stopped.
"I'm sorry I didn't hear you" Alana said.
"That's quite alright, how did you get that nasty cut" Lupin said looking at her hand wrapped in a bandage.
"I fell in the tub" Alana said.
"Well it's not properly wrapped. I'll fix it" Lupin said leading her to his office.
"That must have been quiet a fall" Lupin said looking at the cut.
"It happened just like that" Alana said trying not to look at him.
Lupin noticed this, "Is something wrong Ms. Deerr?" he asked.
"I'm just tired Professor" she said.
"I noticed that when you were in that make up class for Defense this morning. You usually participate" Lupin said as Alana saw the daily prophet on his desk.
"You must be tired from that opening last night" Alana said trying to change the subject.
"How did you know I was there, Ms.Deerr" Lupin said.
"Well I figured it's in Hogsmade and no students weren't allowed to go so the teachers would go" Alana lied.
"I suppose, I witnessed that woman do the same movement I told you about, it's so rare," Lupin said realizing that it was Alana in disguise last night.
"Really?" Alana said.
"Yes, you must be concern about your friend. Those wizards the couple attacked last night were looking for him. I guess that couple saved him some time" Lupin said.
"I guess so" Alana said feeling very uncomfortable.
"Well all done, your cut should be better in no time" Lupin said as Alana got up.
"Thank you professor" Alana said walking fast to her dorm. Lupin sighed figuring out what to do with this discovery.
Alana closed the door to the dormitory and sighed. "He's on to me" Alana said feeling guilty for lying to him. She laid down on her bed and closed her eyes. "No, I couldn't stand it if anything happened to you. (She pulls Harry's face closer to hers) When I saw you laying on that floor, I thought" Alana began to say as they started kissing passionately" Alana opened her eyes and started to think about Harry. "How could I be so stupid" she thought remembering their argument.
"You wanted to see me" Harry said walking into Lupin's office.
"Sit down" Lupin said looking out the window.
"I spoke to Alana today" Lupin began to say.
"I don't want to talk about her" Harry said starting to get up.
"She's in danger more than she knows" Lupin said turning around to face Harry
. "You read the paper today I assume?" Lupin said as Harry nodded.
"I was there last night and saw Martin and Katherine. Martin and Katherine Bennet are really Paul Crane and Alana Deerr. Katherine used that same move Alana used when she was fighting Little. She's covering for her friend and these wizards after them are death eaters," Lupin said as Harry realized the seriousness of the situation.
"Why is she covering for him, putting her life in danger" Harry said.
"Because she's loyal, strong, has courage. She would do it for you" Lupin said. "
I would do it for her" Harry said starting to worry about Alana.
"I'm going to get her out of this" Harry said starting to get up again.
"No I have an idea, don't let her know that we're on to her and Paul. We don't even know why Paul ran away and there are death eaters after him" Lupin said looking out the window.
Alana walked outside the grounds wearing her leather jacket and jeans, when dinner started.
"What did I get myself into" she thought thinking about the events of the past day.
"Maybe I should drink one potion just to forget for a little while, no don't Alana" Alana thought feeling the temptation. She looked up at the sky and noticed something coming towards her in abnormal speed.
"Get on!" Paul yelled pulling her on the motorcycle.
"Go faster before somebody sees you" Alana yelled as they left the school.
"We have a meeting with someone who can read this map for us" Paul said taking it out.
"Where" Alana asked. "At the Hog's head, he used to work as an auror and is good at this type of thing. I helped get him out of prison in the states" Paul said as he landed the motorcycle. "Camouflage" he said as the bike blended in with the trees.
"He's a little eccentric but he knows what he's doing" Paul said noticing the look on Alana's face.
"Hi, I'm Benny" A short fat Hispanic man said.
"I'm Alana" Alana said as she noticed Paul putting a hat on so people wouldn't recognize him.
"Here it is Benny" Paul said handing him the map.
"Oh this is in different languages, the writing gives it away. The first passage is in Greek, then in Egyptian, then in French. I'll start translating it for you Mr. Crane" Benny said happily as he took out a piece of parchment.
"What's wrong" Paul said.
"Everything" Alana said.
"Those wizards yesterday were death eaters" Alana said as Paul nodded.
"What happens if they catch you?" she asked.
"I don't know" Paul said taking out a bottle.
"Don't do that around me" Alana said. "
You used to do it, now you're a saint" Paul said angrily.
"I don't want you to take that thrill potion because I might get tempted to do it" Alana said as Paul looked down.
"Professor Lupin can help you, I think he was trying to hint that to me" Alana said.
"Wait you told him!" Paul said.
"No, but he was at the opening last night. He's more of a father figure to me now well then Stuart Deerr. Not that I don't think of Stuart as a father figure but it's different. He listens more than Stuart, very kind, notices my accomplishments" Alana said.
"He can help you" she said again.
"Yea and add Harry Potter in there too while your at it" Paul said. "
He's a good friend and he would if I asked him to" Alana said.
"He has feelings for you doesn't he?" Paul said. Alana looked down. "And you have feelings for him?" Paul asked feeling hurt.
"I don't want to think about that right now" Alana said as she looked at what Benny was translating.
"I'm finished" Benny said happily as Alana started to read it. It's near the forest that leaves for Hogsmade" Alana said finishing it and handed it to Paul.
"It's too dark now I would have to wait till tomorrow to get it." Paul said.
"I'm thirsty" Alana said feeling better that this is coming to an end soon. "Can I have pink Lemonade" Alana said as the bartender went into the back.
"Put this in the girls drink" Sorrell said handing the bartender.
"Thank you" Alana said as the bartender handed the drink to her.
"Paul maybe you can live with Mackenzie after this blows over" Alana said as she took a sip.
"This is really good" Alana said drinking the rest of it.
Music started to play, "Want to dance?" Alana said grabbing Paul to the dance floor.
"You seem to chipper up" Paul said happily.
"I guess I just needed to quench my thirst" Alana said as Paul spun her around the room.
"Remember those raves we went too and we got blasted taking the t potion and would watch the sun come up" Paul said.
"I miss those days, no freaking worries in the world" Alana said as Paul noticed that she was sweating.
"You ok?" Paul said as Alana danced on a table.
"Never been better" Alana said as she almost fell.
"Oh my head" Alana said as Paul caught her.
"Oh no" Paul said noticing her eyes her red.
"I don't feel so good" Alana said as Paul picked her up and ran towards his motorcycle.
"There is no sign of Ms.Deerr anywhere" Lupin said to Winky.
"Look again" He said angrily.
"Where's Alana?" Harry said running towards Lupin.
"Padma said the last time she saw her was at the dance club meeting" Lupin said.
"That was five hours ago!" Harry yelled.
"Buckbeak couldn't find her either" Hagrid said as Buckbeak landed. The creature barked as Harry noticed something flying in the air.
"What's that" Hagrid said as the motorcycle landed a few feet away from his hut. Paul carefully picked up Alana from the back and ran towards the entrance of Hogwarts.
"Help her, I think something was in her drink" Paul said hysterically. Harry looked at him angrily as Paul took off the cloak wrapped around Alana. Buckbeak shrieked as Alana's condition seem to worsen.
"Get Madam Pomfrey" Lupin yelled to Hagrid. Her face started to discolor and her body was sweaty. "What was in her drink boy!" Lupin said trying to control his anger. Alana tried to get up and she looked at Harry.
"It's going to be ok" Harry said taking out a cloth from his pocket wiping some sweat from her face.
"I think it was this!" Paul said frantically taking out his potion bottle.
"Oh the thrill potion, popular for young people" Lupin said.
"She didn't take it, I think my grandfather's men put it in her drink" Paul began to say.
"To warn you, why wouldn't you notice someone putting a deadly potion in her drink. What kind of friend are you" Harry yelled.
"Ahh! It hurts!" Alana yelled wrapping her arms around her stomach.
"Shh, look at me Alana. Tell me where it hurts" Lupin said trying to calm her down. Alana pointed towards her stomach.
"This will lessen the pain, I need you to remain calm, I know you can do that" Lupin said holding her left hand.
"Reducio" he said aiming his wand towards her stomach.
"Out of the way" Pomfrey said. "Oh only the thrill potion can do this, you kids will never learn" she said as orderlies brought the stretcher out.
"Your going to be just fine" Lupin said still holding her hand as the orderlies carried her out.
"Ok Crane, what are you going to do now?" Harry said.
"I don't know" Paul said sadly.
"I'm going to tolerate you, because Alana seems to think of you as a good friend. But as soon as this is over, maybe you should leave her alone. Your trouble" Harry said.
"And your not, I believe Voldemont is still out there" Paul said as Harry took a deep breath. "
I will protect her or at least try to. You didn't do that today" Harry said.
"This isn't helping Alana" Hagrid said.
"He wasn't helping her" Harry said. "
You don't either" Paul said.
"She's sick and all the both of you, are trying to figure out who would be the better boyfriend. Maybe the both of you aren't good enough for her. I'm going to see how she's doing since she was outside a while ago changing colors" Hagrid said angrily.
"He's right" Harry said as Paul followed.
"She'll sleep it off. It was probably a dated potion" Promfrey said to Lupin as they watched Alana sleep.
"Is she going to be ok?" Harry asked as him and Paul walked in.
"Just fine" Pomfrey said.
"It usually doesn't do that, it must have been a bad potion." Paul said looking at his bottle.
"People your age use it to have a thrilling feeling, to forget about their troubles, it's popular in clubs am I right" Lupin said to Paul. "Alana used to do it. She drank the whole bottle once and ended up on the roof of the Deerr mansion, she fell unfortunately." Paul said.
"What made her stop" Harry said.
"A talk with her grandmother a year and a half ago" Paul said as Lupin tucked Alana in while she slept.
"You must be Professor Lupin" Paul said.
"Yes I am" Lupin said shaking his hand.
"She said you can help me" Paul said.
"Well I can, I just need to know what is going on," Lupin said taking a seat next to Alana's bed.
"I'll stay here too" Harry began to say.
"Harry go to bed. Hagrid set up a bed for Paul" Lupin said as the boys left.
"How is she" Hagrid said walking into the hospital wing. "
She's getting her color back. Her stomach isn't bothering her anymore. She's sweating less" Lupin said getting a wet cloth and patting her face with it.
"You said yourself she's just has to sleep it off" Hagrid said.
"I know, I don't know why I'm so concerned. I'm concern for all of the students. She scared me today. It's like I have some connection with her" Lupin said as Hagrid smiled. Alana groaned as she started to get up.
"Take it easy" Lupin said softly helping her sit up.
"What happened?" she asked.
"What do you remember?" Lupin asked.
"Lying outside of the castle" she answered.
"Well you slept off that awful potion" Lupin began to say.
"I didn't take it, someone put it in my drink, please don't tell my parents, they'll send me back to that hospital" Alana said frantically.
"Shh calm down, I won't tell them" Lupin said as Hagrid and him tried to calm her down.
"Where's Paul?" Alana asked as Lupin looked inside his bag.
"He's sleeping" Hagrid said pointing to Paul's bed at the end of the room.
"Eat this you'll feel better" Lupin said handing her a chocolate.
"You have to help him, death eater's are after him. They probably spiked my drink tonight." Alana said.
"I know he told us what happened before he went to sleep. His aunt has been owled in she should be here tomorrow morning. After she makes a statement against Charles Crane" Lupin said.
"Thank you" Alana said as she gave Lupin a hug.
"Your very welcome" Lupin said feeling a rush of happiness in his heart.
"I'm sorry" Alana said realizing she was hugging a professor.
"Quite alright, get some sleep Alana" Lupin said getting up.
"And, in the morning, not now, eat a few chocolate. Lupin said as Alana smiled.
"Good night Professor" Alana said as she started to go back to sleep.
"Good night Alana" Lupin said as Hagrid and him left the great hall.
Chapter 33-The Make up
"Morning, well late morning Ms. Deerr" Pomfrey said as she brought her some breakfast.
"Morning" Alana said still feeling week. "Paul" Alana tried to yell.
"Hey you" Paul said walking over to her bedside.
"It's over" Alana said giving him a hug.
"Thanks to you" Paul said as Alana smiled.
"Feeling better Ms.Deerr" McGonagall said walking into the hospital ward.
Alana nodded nervously "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you sooner Professor" she said sadly.
"Well you were being noble but I will have to give you a weeks detention for sneaking out of the school" McGonagall said.
"I can live with that" Alana thought. "Ok" she said as Mackenzie walked into the room with Professor Dumbledore.
"Thank goodness your all right" Mackenzie said as Paul ran to her giving her a hug. "Father is heading to Bombarts as we speak were he'll be for a long time. I control the families assets now" Mackenzie said as Alana smiled.
"Things are going to work out" Alana said.
"We're going to change what people think of the Cranes" Mackenzie said to Paul who had tears in his eyes. "Thank you" Mackenzie said to Alana.
"You always been a good friend to Paul" Mackenzie said as she gave Alana a hug.
"What about mom and dad" Paul asked.
"Their stepping back, read this" Mackenzie said. "We Benjamin and Samantha Crane give our son Paul Crane in the care of Mackenzie Crane" Paul read.
"Are you serious?" Paul exclaimed.
"Yes" Mackenzie said smiling.
"I know this is a lot of change to take in, but we'll get through it as a family work through our problems" Mackenzie said as Paul looked down.
"I'll get you through the addiction" she said picking Paul's head up.
"She could do it" Mackenzie said looking over at Alana.
"You can too Paul" Alana said as Harry, Ron, Hermonine, Ginny, Dean, Seamus, and Justin walked in.
"Hey you guys" Alana said happily as Paul stepped back.
"Good thing you're feeling better, we had no one to make fun of Snape with in class" Seamus said as Alana started to laugh.
"Hey Justin" Paul said.
"Hey Paul, good to see you" Justin said feeling awkward for the way he felt towards him.
"You look great for someone in a hospital ward" Hermonine said as Alana laughed.
"Thanks I think" Alana said as Harry moved his way through the group holding white roses.
"Hey there" Harry said as Ron and Hermonine looked at each other.
"Hey" Alana said. Paul noticed the change in her voice and demeanor.
"These are for you" Harry said handing them to Alana.
"Thank you" Alana said trying to get the vase next to her bed.
"Wait" Harry said walking around the bed and taking the vase.
"I can put the flowers in if you want" Harry began to say.
"But I can do it nicer" Alana said. Harry started to laugh.
"It's a girl thing I understand, the guy gets the flowers but the girl arranges it" Harry said as Alana started to laugh. "
Yes" Alana said as Pomfrey walked towards the group.
"Visiting hours are not till after dinner only one person at a time" she said angrily.
"We can go" Hermonine said as Ron, Ginny, Seamus, Dean and Justin started to leave.
"See you after dinner" Alana said.
"We have to talk to Dumbledore" Mackenzie said as Paul led her out. Harry smiled and took a chair near Alana's bed, Paul looked at them and left.
"How are you feeling?" Harry asked.
"Better I mean I don't look like a zombie anymore, I just feel weak, as you can see" Alana said.
"Look at the DA meeting and outside I'm sorry" Harry said.
"I'm sorry too, I'll be honest I was jealous that you were sticking up for Cho at the great hall and that carried at DA" Alana said.
"I was jealous too, I heard you and Hermonine talking about Paul" Harry said.
"I don't like him like that" Alana said as Harry touched her hand.
"I know that" Harry said.
"We didn't talk about what happened at Hogsmade" Harry said. "
Which part" Alana said with a grin.
"I think you know, after that night I kept trying to figure out where do we go. And I guess me asking you out for dinner at the three broomsticks on Saturday is a start" Harry said as Alana's eyes widened.
"Well that is if you want to?" Harry said looking at her reaction.
"Yes!" Alana exclaimed as she hugged Harry.
"Yes!" Harry said as they both laughed still holding on to each other. Alana brush her hair away from her face as they let go of one another.
"I never been there" Alana said as Harry fixed her pillow.
"Madam Roserta owns it" Harry said. "
She's friends with Cleo, she's very pretty" Alana said.
"Yea, but your beautiful" Harry said as Alana blushed and looked down. "What?" He asked amused at her response.
"Beautiful is a strong word" she said leaning against Harry as he put his arms around her. "
And your strong" Harry whispered in her ear. Alana smiled as Harry turned her around to face him.
"Don't look down, beautiful" Harry said as they kissed.
Alana wrapped her arms around Harry's neck as they broke the kiss. Alana smiled and gave him a quick kiss.
"Good to see you up" Dumbledore said. Alana and Harry blushed and looked down.
"Paul and Ms. Crane are about to leave" Dumbledore said amused by their shyness.
"Ok" Alana said trying to get up.
"Wait, let me help you" Harry said helping her up. "We're going to take this slow" Harry said and they started to walk downstairs.
"Thank you Professor Lupin, for contacting me when you did" Mackenzie said shaking his hand.
"My pleasure, take care of yourself Paul" Lupin said shaking Paul's hand.
"I will Professor" Paul said as he saw Harry helping Alana down, talking and laughing as they walked down the stairs.
"Paul" Alana said with a smile.
"Alana" Paul said.
"Your finally going to have the life you deserve" Alana said giving him a tight hug.
"You are a remarkable person and I am lucky to have a friend like you. Thank you for everything, one day I will return the favor" Paul said with a smile.
"Crane stock will do just fine" Alana said as Paul laughed.
Harry looked down watching them talk more like brother and sister, realizing he had nothing to be jealous of.
"Best of luck to you Paul" Harry said shaking his hand. "Same to you Harry" Paul said as he whispered "Take care of her".
"I will" Harry said as they watched Paul and Mackenzie climb in a horse carriage with his motorcycle tied to the back of it.
"Bye" Paul said waving out the widow as Alana waved wiping a tear from her eye.
"Are you ok?" Harry said noticing this.
"I'm great" Alana said as Harry helped her into the castle.