MAELSTROM

CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN-CARRIE'S VISION

Remus was in bad shape. He had several broken ribs, a bruise lung, a broken leg and several internal injuries. Madam Pomfrey assured me that she could fix him up good as new. Said he was lucky he wasn't killed.

It was now November and the cold weather rolled in.

Quidditch season had begun and Harry was playing his first match on Saturday against Slytherin.

If Gryffindor won, we would move up into second place for the house championship.

Hermione was a bit more relaxed, although she confessed to me that she felt awful about Remus.

"It's okay," I said softly putting an arm around her shoulder. "Remus is going to be fine. Madam Pomfrey's going to patch him up as good as new."

She smiled weakly.

The day before the match we headed out onto the freezing courtyard during break and Hermione conjured up a light blue fire that could be carried around in a jam jar. We were standing with our faces and hands getting warm when Snape came oddly limping across the yard.

"What's that you've got there, Potter?"

Harry showed him.

It was Quidditch Through The Ages.

"Library books are not to be taken outside the school," Snape said coldly. "Give it to me. Five points from Gryffindor."

I folded my arms over my chest.

"The last time I remember, Severus, books were allowed on the grounds," I said shrewdly. "And I know Dumbledore didn't just change that rule this minute."

Snape turned to me.

Harry, Hermione and Jenna were watching me apprehensively.

"There you go," Snape said smirking. "Sticking up for someone who likes to break the rules."

"What rule would that be?" I demanded. "Stealing?"

Snape's cold eyes flashed dangerously.

"If he's anything like his father was, he doesn't care about rules. He thinks he's above them,"

At that comment, I slapped him.

Hermione, Harry and Jenna gasped.

"How dare you talk about James that way," I spat. "You know damn well there's no rule against taking the books from the library onto the grounds! You just love giving Harry a hard time because you're bitter about James tormenting you. I agree, that wasn't right. James shouldn't have done what he did to you. But that doesn't justify you picking on his son because you have a chip on your shoulder."

Hermione, Harry and Jenna were speechless.

Snape was turning red, but not from anger…from embarrassment mainly.

"I suggest you head back to the castle,"

"Wow," Harry breathed looking in awe at me. "I can't believe you just did that."

"He could get you into serious trouble," Hermione said biting her bottom lip. "You assaulted a teacher. He could also get you expelled."

I laughed.

"Expelled? I'm not a teacher here! I was here for Jenna when she didn't have her memory. Dumbledore told me I can stay,"

"Awesome…so you can like beat Snape up and not get into trouble?" Harry asked with an amused expression on his face.

"Basically," I said grinning. "Me, Remus and Severus all went to school together with your parents. So he has no authority over me."

"But Professor Snape does have authority," Hermione protested. "He could get you into serious trouble."

"I don't think so," I said. "Dumbledore has the final word."

We enjoyed the rest of the afternoon.

The Gryffindor common room was very noisy that evening. Harry, Jenna, Hermione and I sat together next to a window. Hermione was checking Jenna and Harry's Charms homework. She wouldn't let them copy.

Harry was restless I could see. I knew he wanted his book back.

"I'll get it," I said softly. "I've got to check up on Remus anyway."

Harry flashed me a million dollar grin as I got up.

"Thanks, Mrs. Lupin,"

I started to suspect he might have a little crush on me. I got up and left the common room.

I made my way down to the staffroom.

I knocked. Nothing. I knocked again. No reply.

I pushed open the door and peered inside.

Snape and Filch were inside, alone. Snape was holding his robes hefted above his knees. One of his legs was bloody and mangled. Filch was handing Snape bandages.

"Blasted thing," Snape was saying. "How are you supposed to keep your eyes on all three heads at once?"

The three headed dog…why on earth would Snape go near that thing?

I tried to close the door quietly, but—

"LUPIN,"

Snape's face twisted into a look of fury and fear. Snape dropped the hem of his robes hiding his leg.

I stepped inside fully now.

"I want Harry's book back," I said folding my arms over my chest.

"Is that why you're snooping?" Snape asked angrily.

Filch slinked out.

"I wasn't snooping, Severus," I said coldly. "And if I don't get the book back, I might just tell Dumbledore that you were around the three headed dog. I'm sure he'd be very interested to hear about that."

"How do you know about the dog?" Snape asked shrewdly.

I smirked.

"I'm psychic remember?"

Suddenly, my eyes slid out of focus and I dropped to my knees, going rigid.

I saw Harry standing in front of someone…someone definitely wanted to kill him. I saw a snakelike face appearing on the back of someone's head…it was horrible.

"Carrie," Snape's voice said in front of me.

My eyes slid back in focus and I shook myself.

"Another vision?" he asked.

To my surprise, he actually looked concerned.

Snape was crouched down in front of me.

"Yeah," I said standing up.

Snape stood up also.

"Want to tell me about it?" he asked.

Even though Snape was a prat sometimes, oddly enough I did trust him. And now with Remus out of the picture, I needed someone to turn to.

I told him the vision.

He seemed shocked and concerned at the same time.

"Do you have any idea who it might be?" he asked slowly.

"No," I said.

"Keep me posted," Snape said as he went over to his desk, opened a drawer and pulled out Harry's book. He handed it to me.

"I'm sorry," he apologized.

I sighed.

"Listen," I began. "I know we had our differences back in school. I agree James was cruel back then and no one did anything to stop him. We should've…but I'm not the bad guy here. Neither is Harry."

Snape didn't reply.

"I'm sorry I slapped you," I said and went to turn to leave, but Snape grabbed my arm, just above the elbow, turning me around to face him.

"Is Remus okay?" he asked quietly.

"Madam Pomfrey says he should be as good as new," I said my voice breaking. "But I'm not so sure. He took a pretty hard hit with that troll club."

"He'll be fine," Snape said.

This was the first time I've seen him act like this. It was a blessed change, but a bit creepy too.

He released my arm. I continued hugging the book to my chest.

I stopped by the hospital wing. Remus was still out cold. Madam Pomfrey said he was in a coma.

That news just added to my stress and emotional battle. I entered the common room and fell to my knees.

"Mrs. Lupin!" Hermione cried.

She, Jenna and Harry rushed over. I handed Harry his book, but he tossed it aside and they crouched down in front of me.

"What's wrong?" Hermione asked worriedly.

"Remus is in a coma," I said robotically.

"Oh no," Harry said quietly.

"I hope he wakes up," Hermione said looking upset and pale.

Jenna began sobbing softly.

Hermione put her arms around Jenna and hugged her.

"I need some air," I said as I got up and left the common room.

I walked onto the freezing grounds. I hugged myself. I was dressed in a light purple skirt that reached my knees, a white poplin shirt and a black cardigan sweater over the shirt. My hair was fluffed around my shoulders.

I felt tears forming in my eyes.

"Mrs. Lupin?" I heard Harry's voice behind me.

I turned around and quickly wiped the tears from my face.

"What are you doing? You should head to bed. You've got a Quidditch match in the morning," I scolded lightly.

"Are you alright?" he asked with a concerned expression on his face. His emerald green eyes, which reminded me so much of Lily, were also filled with concern. He looked exactly like James, which made me even more upset.

I sat down on an ice cold stone bench in the courtyard and crossed my legs. Harry sat down beside me.

"I miss your parents," I said quietly staring at my hands. "They were good people. I was also good friends with Sirius Black, who would've been your Godfather had he survived."

"My Godfather?" Harry said looking confused.

"Yeah," I said affectionately. "Lily and James had already named him as your Godfather had they had a child. He died saving me."

My voice dropped.

"I miss them so much," I said as tears began forming now, and I wasn't able to stop them from coming. I raised my eyes to the moon, which was a crescent moon. Stars twinkled merrily. "Now Remus is in a coma. I feel like I've lost everyone I've ever loved."

Harry nervously put a hand on my arm.

"We care about you," he said swallowing. "Hermione and I. Jenna is lucky. Mr. Lupin will be fine."

I turned to him. Without hesitating, I threw my arms around him and hugged him.

He seemed embarrassed and shy, but he slowly put his arms around me too.

"You look exactly like James, but you've got your Mum's eyes," I whispered pressing my face into his shoulder.

I sobbed.

Harry awkwardly began patting me on the back.

"Just call me Carrie okay?" I said as I pulled back from the embrace.

"Deal," Harry said looking flushed.

"It's getting late," I said wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. "We should get back inside."

We got up and began walking back into the castle.

I told Harry what I overheard Snape saying to Filch.

"This could only mean that he tried to get past the three headed dog at Halloween! That's where he was going when we saw him remember? He's probably after whatever the dog is guarding…and I'll bet my broomstick he let that troll in to make a diversion," Harry said.

"No—he wouldn't," I said. "I've known Snape for quite a while. He wouldn't do something like that. I mean, he may appear greedy or constipated, but he would never put danger in students' way. He cares about his students."

Harry chuckled at my 'constipated' comment but then turned serious.

"Who would want something then that Dumbledore's keeping safe?" Harry mused.

"Not sure,"

I wondered if I should tell him about the vision I had in the staffroom. I was going to have to tell him and Hermione at some point. So I told him everything…from the beginning.

When I was done, his eyes were wide.

"So Remus, I mean—Mr. Lupin, is really a werewolf?" he whispered.

I nodded.

"And you're psychic? Jenna is also a werewolf and psychic? Basically, a psychic werewolf? And Mr. Lupin bit you so now you're one?"

I nodded again.

"Who do you think you saw in the vision then?"

"No idea,"

Harry whistled low.

"You can tell Hermione but that's it…no one else," I said firmly. "I'm entrusting you two with this. Remus wouldn't allow it, but I'm trusting you with this secret. Don't disappoint me okay?"

Harry swore on his broomstick and life.

I sighed.

"You don't have to go that far,"

He smiled.

"Deal," he said firmly.

Once in the common room, Harry relayed everything to Hermione. She promised as well. Jenna had gone to bed early.

Hermione and Harry headed off to bed as well.

I curled up on the couch in the Gryffindor common room. I didn't feel like sleeping in strange room by myself. Somehow, the Gryffindor common room felt comforting. I guess it's because it holds so many memories. I dozed off shortly.

The next morning dawned very bright and cold. The Great Hall was full of the delicious smell of fried sausages and the cheerful chatter of everyone looking forward to a good Quidditch match.

"You've got to eat some breakfast," I said to Harry.

"I don't want anything,"

"Just a bit of toast," Jenna wheedled.

"I'm not hungry,"

Harry looked nervous and terrible.

"Harry, you need your strength," a fellow Gryffindor named Seamus Finnigan said. "Seekers are always the ones who get clobbered by the other team."

Seamus piled ketchup onto his sausages.

"That's cheering him up," I winked at Seamus.

He grinned and went to his sausages.

"Relax, Harry," I said gently. "You'll be fine."

I leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

He turned several shades of red.