Disclaimer: I do not know J.K. Rawling, I have no ownership of any of her characters, storylines or ideas. I admire her world from afar and find myself walking through the dreamscapes of Harry Potter's adventures. No copyright infringement is intended.

I spent the week in Severus' lab, sparing only a handful of hours a day in my own lab to rectify the damage done. Hermione ran a few errands for me, but for the most part I left her alone to deal with the vandalism. Severus had everything I needed to make the Gubbio potion. When the moon approached, we were ready. Remus and I spent the night of the full moon on the roof of the north tower, watching the silvery orb glide across the sky.

There were no more letters from my mother. Remus asked if he could write to her; I suspect he was seeking to explain our choices and ask for her blessing. I allowed him and made a point not to ask what he had written, even though I was dying of curiosity.

Hermione righted most of the lab, leaving the rifled notes and parchments for me to sort through. Ron helped her during a few days, but took it as his job to distract Harry. They had not told him, as requested. Harry is a good kid but Remus agreed, he was likely to attempt to "solve" the attack on the lab. Instead, we wanted whoever vandalized the lab to make a move on their own. I still didn't know why my lab had been searched or what was sought. When Hermione had finished, I taught her to light sweetgrass and sage to smudge the lab and purify the space of any lingering negative energy from the damage. Only after the holy smoke had seeped into every crack could I feel comfortable again there.

February slipped past and March arrived bright and crisp. The air told of the changing seasons and I watched as the ice and snow began to melt. It had been since I was a student at Lake Placid that I had spent an entire season snow covered; cabin fever was beginning to pester me. Remus and I went to Hogsmead a few times for supplies and dinner at the Three Broomsticks.

In early April an owl arrived with the confirmation from the British Conference of Potions and Alchemy. I would present on the Gubbio Potion, assisted by Remus. Severus was attending as participant; he could hardly not attend since he was potions master at Hogwarts.

By mid-April, Remus and Hermione were bringing dinner to my lab. Hermione had even gotten into the school kitchens and explained to the elves how to make pizza for me. I spent my days between research and creating my presentation. Hermione had patiently explained to me why I couldn't do a Power Point presentation, so I set her the task of creating slides for the candle-powered projector I was going to use.

Remus had grown healthier and stronger than anyone had known him to be. He hadn't transformed since November. The energy his body would have put into transforming now went toward healing years of damage caused by and during those transformations into the wolf. The grey remained in his hair, but the wrinkles on his young face were gradually disappearing.

Then there is my mother. As usual, the moment my life hit its craziest – research, creating the presentation and the recovery of my mate, all while trying to figure out who tossed my lab – the Lady Adele Malfoy Shaw decided to visit.

(Oh, I forgot to tell you my mom is a Malfoy? There's a reason for that: I certainly didn't want to admit that Draco Malfoy is my third cousin. There's also the fact his dad, my second cousin, is in Azkaban where he belongs. I have no association with her family.)

Mom came for a week, following the full moon. I had to suspend my work during most of her visit, which meant the week after that would be totally dedicated to preparing for the conference. After she left, I lit candles in thanks that the torment had lasted only one week.

It began on a Sunday evening. Without owling ahead, Mom Apparated from Heathrow Airport to the front gates of Hogwarts. Mr. Filch was sent to investigate the visitor and showed her to the castle. Far too gleefully, I might add.

I spent that Sunday afternoon flying with Remus, Hermione and the boys after everyone significant in my life decided I needed to take a break from my lab. The kids and Remus had each shown up at the door to the lab holding a broom, Remus holding two and grinning.

"This is for you," he said slyly. "I noticed you seemed to have left yours in the Americas."

He pushed a new Comet 350 into my hands and pecked my cheek. Of course Ron and Harry snickered; Hermione soundly 'thwacked' them both. I turned the broom over in my hands and grinned. It was honey-colored and had a beautiful handle and brush.

"A besom," I said in awe. I hovered it and sat on the long handle. It balanced perfectly. I hopped back off. "Remus, it's wonderful. I haven't had a besom in years."

"So, doctor," Harry chimed in, "are you coming to try it out?"

"The conference –" I started to protest. Remus took one arm and Hermione, the other. Together they pulled me through the door and gave me a gentle shove down the hall.

"Is still three weeks away," Hermione said. "Now it's time for you to go flying with us."

So out to the Quidditch pitch we went. We started by tossing the quaffle but soon ended up playing a game of chase. Harry, with the fastest broom, was no match for any of us. Remus and I drifted off a bit to hover over the pitch, watching the students play.

Remus reached across the open space to take my hand. I gripped his hand in return. The three students darted back and fro; I glanced sideways at my mate and wondered what it would be like to watch our children glide above the pitch. I wondered if he was thinking the same.

We followed the students back to the castle as the sun began to dip behind the highland mountains. They left toward their dorm; Remus and I climbed the stairs leading to Ravenclaw tower and my rooms.

We rounded a corner and Remus slipped his arm around my waist and knocked me against the stone wall. "Wha –" I started to protest but found myself wrapped in Remus' arms. He smiled and kissed me. His mouth was insistent; I surrendered happily to his desire.

"Caitlin Andrea Shaw!" a sharp voice screeched from nearby. I jumped, bumping my forehead into Remus'. We turned, both rubbing our heads, to see Filch behind us, carrying Mom's travel bag. My mother stood with her hands on her hips, glaring fiercely at us. She drew her wand and pointed it toward Remus.

"Mom!" I yelled in return, pulling out my own wand. Unlike some children, I had no problem raising my wand to her in return. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Back away from my daughter," she ordered. The tip of her wand began to glow.

"Lady Shaw," Remus said. He sounded calm and extended both hands, palms forward. "Madam, if you please –"

"It pleases me that you have nothing more with my only child," Mom said, her voice deadly. "Caitlin Andrea, lower you wand."

"No way, dude," I replied. "Not until you take yours from my mate."

"Your mate?" Mom snorted. "Animals mate. Young women make respectable marriages."

"Stop being a snarky Slytherin and lower your wand, Mother," I said slowly.

We glared at each other, neither moving. Finally, Mom slid her wand into her traveling robe. "Foolish girl," she said.

I nodded and slid my wand away. "As always, Mom."

"Heh," Filch interrupted. "Where should I put these bags, ma'am?"

I looked at Remus, who looked as confused as I felt. Mom seamlessly continued up the stairs. "I'm sure my daughter's rooms will be fine, Mr. Filch."

I groaned. Filch started immediately, moving quickly. This was getting worse. I followed after them, Remus taking my hand. Through clenched teeth, I muttered, "I can't believe this."

We came to Hekate and her Familiar. I shouldered Filch aside to move the tapestry and set my hand on the door. I whispered the password softly; only Remus knew it and I wasn't in the mood to share.

"Put her bags in my room," I told Filch. "Mom, you can sleep there."

"I wouldn't want to put you out of your bed," Mom said sweetly. I snorted, brushing past her and Filch to grab my nightgown and a change of clothes. As an afterthought, I ducked in the bathroom to snatch my toothbrush.

"That's fine, Mom," I said with equal sweetness. "I sleep with Remus, anyway."

Mom choked as she swirled around, her face red. Remus had already opened the door between our rooms.

"Dinner's in an hour," I said, following him through. "We'll fetch you then."

Remus closed the door and with a word spelled it locked.

"And here I thought the relationship with my parents was difficult," he said. Remus rubbed my shoulders. I sagged against him.

"Love," I said, my eyelids dropping. "You don't know the half of it."

Mom was dressed formally for dinner when I opened the door between the rooms an hour later. Remus politely extended his arm to escort her to the Great Hall. She sniffed disdainfully and refused his offer. Rather than walk formally beside her, I instead took the proffered arm and we preceded her into the Great Hall.

Dumbledore welcomed her warmly, but as a former student, I noted. His actions, though perfectly polite and kind, made it clear he considered me to be the Lady Shaw and she, the daughter of the Honorable Laurence Malfoy. It did not matter to me, but it mattered to Mom. He seated her between Professor McGonagall and me. I would have preferred he had seated her as a guest of honor, if only so I didn't have to endure a dinner of constant correction and sniping.

When Mom saw Severus, the game got even better. She left her seat to rush over to him, embrace Severus and fondly call him "son-in-law." Severus rolled his eyes and pried himself loose from her grip.

"Serves him right for writing to her," I mumbled, causing Remus to politely cough. "Maybe we can pawn her off on him?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Seems fair to me."

Mom continued to talk animatedly to Severus, who was not replying in kind, and managed to reseat herself on his left. I watched in amazement at her gall. She was going to make it clear to everyone whom she favored.

The tables filled themselves with food and dinner began. Quite a few students were paying attention to the woman sitting next to the potions master; those who had seen us walk in together were sharing their assumptions with their classmates. Hermione leaning back on her bench to catch my eye and mouthed "Your mum?' I nodded and she went red, quickly leaning back to Ron's shoulder.

Half way through dinner, Remus leaned over casually to say, "There is a closet that makes people vanish to places unknown if you lock them in it."

"There is?" I asked brightly. It sounded like a plan to me.

Minerva coughed and frowned, indicating she had overheard us. She lightly tapped my hand. "Professor Dumbledore would like you to bring Madam Shaw by his office after dinner."

"Will he keep her?" I asked quickly. Minerva scolded me with a look. "Happily, will I bring her to Headmaster," I said a little more demurely.

"Good," she said and shot Remus a warning glare for measure, before standing. "Please excuse me, I need to have another chat my Gryffindors."

The Gryfs in question noticed their head leaving her seat and looked a little worried. Remus chuckled beside me. They included Hermione, Harry and Ron, and quite a few people related to Ron.

"And for once, it's not the Marauders," he said softly.

Dinner concluded and the teachers started to drift from the head table. Dumbledore nodded to us before leaving. Remus poured a second cup of coffee for me. "I thought we could wait a minute," he said. I followed his glance to the end of the table where Mom sat with Severus. He looked three shades of uncomfortable and she had her hand on his arm, preventing an escape.

I mixed sugar and cream into my cup and smirked. "And it is quite a show," I said, settling back. Remus slipped his arm around the edge of my chair.

Severus was attempting to excuse himself. His normally pale and neutral face was streaked with red and the lines around his eyes were tight. He managed one glance toward us and I swear it was pleading. He tapped the table lightly with his wand.

At our end, words formed briefly on the table cloth that read, "Call her off!"

"What do you think?" I asked Remus, reading the message. "Should we mount a rescue mission?"

Remus rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, he did ask nicely. For Severus."

I stretched and brushed my hand along his arm. "Well, Dumbledore does want to see her." I stood up and finished the remains of my coffee. Remus was right behind me as I sauntered over to my mother and my ex. Relief flooded Severus' face. It was almost endearing to see.

"Madam Shaw," Severus said blandly as we approached. "It has been a delightful dinner, but it seems Caitlin would like a word with you."

I smiled sweetly at him, inclining my head. "Severus, if I may tear my mom away from you?"

Mom turned and sniffed at me over her shoulder. "Really? After the welcome I have receive thus far?"

"Actually, madam," Remus said from a step behind me. "Professor Dumbledore has asked us to escort you to his office."

Mom rose gracefully and placed her napkin neatly beside her plate. "Albus," she said warmly. "Of course. I would be delighted."

Remus again offered his arm to my mother. This time she took it and I moved to follow them off the high table dais. Severus caught my hand and pulled me close. "Coffee, your lab, in 10 minutes," he said in my ear.

I nodded and bit my lip. "Strong coffee," I replied and then hurried after Remus and Mom.

I caught up with them, falling in step just behind Mom. We walked in silence to the phoenix statue that guarded the entrance to Dumbledore's office. We stepped on the moving staircase and rode upward.

Professor Dumbledore met up at the entrance to his office, smiling warmly. Mom let go of Remus and happily took Dumbledore's hands.

"Albus, dear, it's been ages," Mom said. I rolled my eyes; this was lady politician that I had grown up with.

"Adele," Dumbledore said. "It has been 25 years." He gently steered her toward the chair beside the fireplace. He waved his wand and a tea pot and china for two appeared. "Adele, please, have a seat. We have much to discuss."

Remus glanced at me from the corner of his eye. I winked back.

"I think," Dumbledore said amicably, "that Adele and I would prefer a private conversation."

"Of course," I said, purposely mimicking Mom's false tone. "Shall we return for Mom later?"

"I think not," Dumbledore said, pouring tea. "I will see to her. Shoo, now, children."

We did. Remus and I darted back through the halls to my lab. Remus seemed surprised to see Severus waiting for us, but relaxed when I took the coffee mug offered wordlessly by the potions master.

"She is a Slytherin," Severus said nastily as I gratefully drank from the mug. "And she has no love for you, Lupin."

"The feeling is rapidly becoming mutual," Remus said, fixing his own mug. Severus had brewed coffee from my muggle coffee machine, setting out cream and sugar. He leaned against the work table. Severus' posture was nonchalant, but his face was creased in worry.

"Madam Shaw is plotting something," Severus said. "Caitlin, you have managed to displease your mother."

I hopped on the stool beside the counter. "So what else is new?" I asked cynically. "I've been doing that my whole life. Any idea what she's up to?"

Severus raised an eyebrow. His expression was almost amused. "Other than persuading me to take you back? No, not yet. However," the amused faded rapidly, "I intend to find out."

"You are the spy master," Remus said, taking the chair Hermione normally occupied.

Severus narrowed his eyes at my mate and the edges of his mouth curled upward. "I am," he said. "While you – "

"Don't do it," I said, my voice suddenly more tired than I expected. I stifled a yawn. "Not tonight, boys."

Severus and Remus exchanged and glances, then both turned to me. I ignored them and drank my coffee.

We sat together for a while, exchanging possible motives for Mom's visit and planning how to handle her during the week. I didn't like leaving so much of my preparation to Hermione, but I drew up a list for her to work on while I was out of the lab. Severus offered to spend time with Mom, hoping she would open up to him. Remus planned to take an evening showing Mom around the castle so I could spend the time in my lab. The majority of the week, though, would fall to me.

"I wonder what Albus wanted with Mom," I said absently. My head rested in my arms on the table. Remus stroked my hair. Severus looked on, shaking his head slightly. "What?" I mumbled, eying him.

"I suspect Dumbledore wants to share certain views with Madam Shaw," Severus said dryly. "He is still displeased with the matrimounious charm we were subjected to as children."

"Good," I muttered sleepily. "'Bout time someone yelled at her."

Severus nodded and then shifted his look from me to Remus. "Lupin," he said blandly, "I think it's time you took your mate back to your rooms. It seems she is considering this worktable as place to sleep."

"Nuh-uh," I mumbled from the nest of my arms. "Not sleepy yet."

Remus chuckled. "I suspect you're correct, Severus." He stood up and gently lifted me in his arms. I started to protest, but he lightly kissed me. Severus followed us from the lab, closing and sealing the door with a word.