First of all I would like to thank a few people: Devilishly-clever 34 for writing my very first review. Sharon for showing so much interest. I loved the way you sounded like Dobby! Rosekeet for taking the time to review. Starlight for always being there for me, no matter what! And for correcting my English mistakes. Kathi for being such a cool friend. Trisha for writing such an incredible story and taking the time to review all of my chapters! Thank you all for the support and I hope you enjoy the following chapter! A big kiss to all my Snape Sisters! You are awesome! I would also like to thank people who read the story but don't review. It's ok…I like you too. Hopefully it won't take me this long to post the next chapter. To all my other friends who will never read this story cause they don't like Harry Potter as much as I do "I'll get you my pretty! And your little dog too!"

Chapter Four

A Worthy Opponent

On the first day of class, the Great Hall was packed with hungry students. All chattering as they ate their breakfast, some would turn their curious eyes towards the staff table, looking for the new teacher only to find an empty seat. Some first years would stretch their necks to steal a glimpse of The Boy Who Lived. Harry noticed but didn't mind it anymore.

Megan Malfoy took a seat at the end of the Gryffindor's table. No expression on her face but Hermione noticed she would avoid at all cost the gaze of her cousin. She obviously wasn't happy about the sorting result but there was nothing she could do about it. Hermione almost felt sorry for the girl. Almost.

Snape ate his breakfast quietly, moving his eyes from Megan to Iago. He looked over at Harry, who was laughing along with Ron and Hermione. His lips curled. He finished his breakfast and left the hall, not saying a word to anyone but acknowledging the emptiness of the seat next to him. Dumbledore noted the difference in Snape's behavior, but didn't say anything. He knew enough not to say anything. Not now, anyway.

"Can you imagine when dad finds out Dumbledore's daughter is our teacher?" asked Fred

"Why?" asked Neville, spreading pumpkin jam on his toast

"Well, he said that when the war with You-Know-Who got serious, in spite of everything, she helped a lot" explained George

"In spite of what?" asked Hermione, arranging her books in her bag.

"She never told us. Whenever Moira was mentioned, mum would have this sad look on her face" remembered Ron.

"Must be because she lost her mother" said Harry, looking at Megan, who was eating her breakfast in silence "She used to do that whenever my parents were mentioned"

The table fell silent for a few moments. "It's ok…you can breathe now." Harry broke the ice. Hermione and Ginny were rather pleased he didn't mind talking about his parents anymore.

Harry got up to go to class and the rest of the fifth year Gryffindors followed. He missed his parents but as Dumbledore had once said to him 'It's no good to dwell on the past'. Slowly the images of his parents, Sirius, Lupin, smiling and waving and how his mum and dad were happy holding him in their arms filled his mind and a smile reached his lips. He had to thank Dumbledore for the book.

Reaching the classroom, Harry found Lupin leaving it.

"Professor, don't we have class with you now?" asked a very worried Hermione.

"No, Gryffindor and Slytherin will have Professor Crane. I'm in charge of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw". Hermione raised her eyebrows in surprise and Ron swallowed down hard.

"Since the Defense classes were doubled all the fifth years are having it at the same time so we divided the Houses" Lupin looked at the worried students and smiled, "Don't worry, she's not that bad" and left to teach his own class.

With that, the students slowly went into their classroom. Apprehensive, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville took their seats. There were two doors in the back of the classroom. On the right, it connected Moira's classroom with Lupin's. Above it, on the top of a small and snake-like flight of stairs was another door that led to Moira's office. As soon as the bell rang Moira came in through the right door.

"Good morning" she said in a pleasant but firm voice as she walked to her desk.

The whole room stopped breathing not because she was beautiful or ugly; not because she was Dumbledore's daughter; but because she was there, she was real. The amount of gossip and rumors was so great that, at times, it was difficult to believe the object for them really existed. But Moira Crane Dumbledore was very real. Curious eyes followed the teacher to her desk.

A couple of years younger than Lupin, Moira was tall, thin but curvy, and had the posture of an evil queen. She wore a long sleeve, well fitted black dress that almost touched the floor, and matching robes. The dress didn't cover from her collarbone up, showing her ivory skin. With her dark brown hair tied up in an elegant bun, Moira held herself with elegance and poise. She was beautiful, but not the perfect beauty of a Veela. Moira was intriguing and that plus all the stories they heard about her already made the students nervous.

She put her books on her desk, picked up the attendance sheet and walked to the front of the class, setting her big brown eyes on the students. Harry had never seen anyone quite like her before. It was as if her presence demanded respect. He made a mental note not to cross her. Quickly, he looked at Ron and Hermione and by the look on their faces, they thought the very same thing.

Apparently oblivious to all of it, Moira looked trough the names on the attendance list and, raising an eyebrow, glanced quickly at the new boy, Iago Laois, who smiled softly at her. She turned to the students once more fully aware how nervous they were, and took attendance. Harry answered role call shyly. Just like his father.

"I'm professor Crane, as you probably already know." she said as she walked around the classroom. Her voice was soft, calm, but it had a certain tone of strictness to it. As if she chose her words carefully, as if she knew the effect, the power each of them had. "I also believe you are all aware why changes were made to this class", students nodded. "Unfortunately, the events of the past four years have become more serious," she stopped beside Harry's desk and gave him a quick glance before looking ahead once more "and you all need to be prepared for the worse. That is why disobedience won't be tolerated. It's imperative that you all know what you're doing so don't hesitate to ask. Clear?" students nodded again "Any questions so far?" students shook their heads. "Very well, please stand up and come to the middle of the room"

Harry looked at Ron puzzled but followed the teacher's request. Hermione went to stand by her friends and Iago and Draco were in the back of the class observing the teacher, exchanging comments now and then. The students didn't get too close to Moira but she didn't seem to mind. They were all still very impressed about everything they heard about her.

"Now, does anyone know what an Angrynim is?" Moira searched the room to find Hermione's hand half way up, "Yes Mrs. Granger."

"It's a rather small creature that focus on its opponent's weaknesses and exposes them out loud, confusing them."

"Very good. This creature is a little similar to the Boggart. Not physically violent, their only purpose is to create chaos. Does anyone know how to shut an Angrynim up?" Moira wasn't surprised when Hermione's hand shot up in the air; apparently, the girl was the only one not afraid of her, "Yes Mrs. Granger."

"Wands are not used to fight this creature. As it is saying, well...bad stuff to a person, this person should think hard about positive things. Never lose eye contact or turn around and run, for the Angrynim will chase you until you hear what he has to say. Once he's confused enough, he'll shut up and move on to bother somebody else" At this, all the class was looking in amazement towards Hermione who was blushing. Moira raised her eyebrows at the girl.

"Good Mrs. Granger. You've just earned Gryffindor ten points" said Moira, her voice low, as Hermione glowed with pride and smiled at Harry and Ron. "Now...I've got an Angrynim for us to practice. Volunteers?"

The young professor was quite surprised when Harry Potter raised his hand. Harry himself wasn't really sure about it, but his gut told him he had to do something. Stupid instinct, he thought.

"Come forward, Mr. Potter" she gestured for him to get closer, and as he did, the class opened space for the both of them. They stayed facing each other for a second before she turned and walked to her desk, where a glass box was uncovered and a very ugly creature was pressing its face against it. Slightly larger than a gnome, the Angrynim was covered by long red fur and had small glittery purple eyes. He was complaining as Moira reached for him. Apparently the teacher had shut him up earlier and he didn't enjoy it very much. Moira put the creature down, opposite Harry, and went to stand behind the young wizard. It didn't take long for the Angrynim to smile, put his little claws together and start dashing horrible words towards Harry.

"Your parents are dead because of you. You'll never fit in anywhere. Your godfather hates you more than you know" the creature had a croaky voice, too strong for its size.

Harry turned around and closed his eyes. The creature stopped talking and waited silently for the boy to face him again. Quiets "oh, dear" and "that is so mean" were heard from the students. Harry never thought it would be this difficult. Listening to those words and having a lot of people hearing them too was just a lot for him to handle on the first day of class. His weaknesses exposed out loud in front of people like Draco, who he knew was going to use it against him. Several students made comments about what it had said but stopped when they saw the look on Moira's face. She too, like McGonagall and Snape, had the gift of keeping people quiet without even saying a word.

Harry opened his eyes to find Moira's looking at them, her face very close to his. It was then he noticed the few light freckles she had on her cheekbones, right below her eyes, making her look even younger. What really surprised him was what he saw in her deep chocolate brown eyes: the very same twinkle that Albus Dumbledore had in his.

"You've faced worse tasks and will do again. Focus, Potter." She told him in barely more than a whisper. Harry felt strange; she talked to him as if she knew him. Her voice made him feel warm, confident. "Now...turn around and finish him off".

Harry took a deep breath and turned around, narrowing his eyes at the creature, he started to say things to himself: It's not my fault my parents died. I have a home with the Weasleys and here at Hogwarts and one day, I'll live with my godfather, who loves me very much. Both of them stared at each other for a while longer, the creature saying nasty things and Harry looking straight into its eyes, not blinking until the Angrynim's smile faded. He crossed his arms, lowered his head and sat down on the floor, complaining under his breath. Several students clapped and Harry sighed relieved. It didn't take long for the purple-eyed creature to look at another student and dash nastiness out of his words.

The whole class had their chance with the Angrynim and by the sound coming from Lupin's classroom, so did they. Several bad things were said but, in general, the students did really well. Hermione had tears in her eyes because of what the little monster had told her, but succeeded in shutting him up. By the time the bell rang, the Angrynim was tired and very upset.

The students were leaving, whispering about the class, telling each other how brave they were and comforting each other about the Angrynims accusations.

"Come on Neville…you're my best friend. I don't care if you're bad at potions", said Seamus.

"Thanks Seamus. I'll help you with Herbology if you help me with Potions"

"Deal"

Harry, who was gathering his belongings without taking his eyes from the teacher, came towards Moira, who was putting the cover back over the creature's box.

"Professor?"

Moira turned around, facing Harry once more. He couldn't help to tremble every time she looked at him. There was something about her eyes that made him nervous, almost as if she could read his mind. Shaped like a cats, her eyes met his again.

"Yes, Mr. Potter"

"Er.. I would like to thank you for what you said before, but… how did you know?"

She blinked the long, soft eyelashes, but even though Harry tried, he couldn't tell what she was thinking. Her eyes didn't give her away like Lupins did.

"About you facing dangers?" she asked as she moved around her desk, and sat in her chair. Harry nodded. "Everyone in the wizarding world knows. It reached my ears a few years back". Harry nodded again.

Of course…everyone knows . Harry thought.

Moira studied the boy, narrowing her eyes at him, "Does it bother you?"

"What?" Harry looked up at her and there they were again. Her eyes fixed at him, making him fell helpless near her.

"That everyone knows your name and what you've done?" she continued, her velvet voice serious.

"A little" Harry lowered his head. " It happens to you too doesn't it?"

The moment the words left Harry's lips he regretted he said them, but he couldn't help it. He was curious about Moira. She apparently knew a lot about him, and the way she looked and talked to him... So very different from Dumbledore and yet so alike. He wouldn't deny that she looked like a beautiful evil queen, that her presence made him feel threatened but at the same time, he felt… weird…protected, and the fact that he felt that way towards a teacher that was known for her abilities with the Dark Arts, bothered him.

Moira raised her eyebrows at the question and a small smile was formed in the corner of her rosy lips.

"Yes, it does. And how do you know?" she asked, sitting back.

"Er...there are rumors"

"Ah... rumors" she said, still smiling and widening her eyes "No wonder you were all so quiet" Harry shifted on the balls of his feet. Her smile made him feel a little better, though. "There are a lot of them aren't there?" Harry nodded. The mockery in her tone of voice made him smile, but that tone vanished quickly and a more serious one took its place, "You should go Mr. Potter or you'll be late for your next class". He nodded, smiled softly and walked to the exit. "Oh, and Potter…" she called back, Harry turned around. "You're welcome". Harry nodded again and left the room.

Moira knew rumors about her spread like wildfire wherever she went. They always had, even before it all happened, and she didn't mind them that much anymore. Half of them were so ridiculous she could laugh, but some were true and she often wondered how much people really knew.

She watched Harry leave. Curious just like his mother. Relieved he didn't seem to fear her as much as the rest of his friends did, Moira smiled to herself. Already a young man. I've been away for far too long.

On the outside, Hermione and Ron stood alone by the classroom door waiting for Harry. Hermione still had tears in her eyes but was fighting them ferociously. She was looking away from Ron, who was frowning and had his ears very scarlet.

"You know that wasn't true, don't you" asked the red head. Hermione didn't look at him. "You mean a lot to me, Hermione" he whispered, his face going as red as a pepper. Hermione turned around, her eyes shinning.

"I do?"

Ron nodded, looking so red he could explode. Hermione smiled shyly as one tear trailed its way across her face. She wiped it away quickly, blushing.

"You know, Ron…you mean a lot to me too"

Ron felt like his legs couldn't hold him. Hermione moved closer and kissed him softly on his cheek. Ron smiled and they both giggled looking at the floor. Awkward, neither of them had actually felt this before. Did someone cast a spell? How did butterflies get into their stomachs? How could they fly so freely inside?

"Thanks for waiting", said Harry as he emerged from the classroom, bringing his friends back to reality.

"What happened?" he asked as Hermione and Ron looked at each other nervously, stuttering.

"Never mind" Harry said, figuring out they discussed the Angrynim accusations. If he was right, his friends were on the track of finding out what he had known since last year: they were both crazy about each other but too proud to admit it.

"So…" started Hermione, cleaning her throat "what did you want with Professor Crane?"

Harry told them everything they talked about. Hermione frowned, looking like she was deep in thought.

"Lupin was right. She is …nice." said Harry

"Who?" asked a familiar voice. The three of them turned around to find Albus Dumbledore looking at them. For the first time they froze at the sight of the headmaster. Dumbledore laughed.

"Silly question" the old wizard said as he moved closer to them "So… did she frighten you?" he said, mockingly.

"A bit" answered Ron, shyly as he got an angry look from Harry and was hit by Hermione's elbow "OUCH! But she did!"

"It's alright. She usually gives that first impression, as did her mother" the three bowed their heads slightly.

"Sir?" called Harry. Dumbledore raised his eyebrows at the boy, waiting for the question. "We heard about your wife"

"We're very sorry, professor" said Hermione and Ron nodded in agreement.

"Thank you" replied the old wizard, a sad look behind his half moon spectacles "I guess I don't have to ask how you three found out. Nothing remains a secret for long at this school." a slight smile on his lips. "Now…aren't you late for Transfiguration?" an intense look of "we're dead" spread along the young faces. Ron and Hermione got their bags and ran down the halls towards McGonagall's classroom, leaving Dumbledore looking after them, laughing. Harry stayed behind as well.

"Aren't you going to class, Harry?"

"I'll probably get a detention anyway. I've been wanting to thank you, sir"

Dumbledore frowned.

"What for?"

"For the book you sent me for my birthday. The one that belonged to my parents."

The frown was still on the wise man's face.

"I ask you to forgive me, Harry. I didn't send you a book"

Harry's eyes widened. Who did then?

" But I'm sure you'll find out who sent it to you sooner or later. As I said there are few secrets in Hogwarts"

Harry nodded. Dumbledore turned to enter Moira's classroom when Harry called him back. Albus turned.

"I'm sorry to ask you this..."

" But you can't help it" said the wizard quietly.

"Sir, why haven't you never said anything about your wife before?" second time in one day Harry had regret his speaking his mind.

"Remember when I told you on your first year here that certain things I could not answer you? Well this is one of them"

Harry nodded, embarrassed he ever asked. Dumbledore didn't mind talking about his late wife, only about how he lost her.

"What was her name?" asked Harry softly, before leaving.

"Tsarina" Dumbledore answered, a smile on his lips and a faraway look on his blue eyes. "Now get to class, Harry, before I give you detention"

Harry smiled and started to run to class. It was clear how much he'd loved her. Voldemort killed her, Megan said so once, but why couldn't Dumbledore protect her from him? What about Moira? Why so many rumors about her? He had to discuss all of this with Ron and Hermione later.

Inside Moira's classroom, Lupin opened the left door, popped his head inside and smiled.

"How was your class?" she asked as Lupin entered the room.

"Fine" he said as he leaned against her desk. "The twins from Ravenclaw had a nervous breakdown. The Angrynim told them they were unattractive. I had to take them to see Poppy. Other than that, everything went fine. Yours?"

"I've dealt with worse creatures" She didn't want to tell him how nervous the students were about her. Lupin and Moira were friends since they could remember and he would always tease her whenever he got the chance. He took her seriously, but every now and then he would joke about her abilities just to annoy her.

"So…didn't have to curse anyone? Tsc tsc…You used to be more evil when I met you" he mocked her.

"Evil to you because you deserved it" she said calmly, her eyes closed.

"Please…you were wicked and still are"

Moira opened her eyes in surprise to find Lupins hazel ones glittering with mockery.

"Oh, stop this nonsense!" she said getting up, laughing. Lupin laughed out loud as well.

"Good! I like to hear you laugh again" said Dumbledore as he walked into the room, closer to the two teachers "I've missed it" Lupin nodded in agreement. Moira had always been rather kept to herself and serious most of the time, very put together, in control of her every move. But this time, she just couldn't resist. It felt good…she hasn't laughed in what it felt like years.

"Well, I'm going to take a break in the teacher's lounge" Lupin said.

"We'll meet you there" said Dumbledore. Lupin nodded and left the room.

Moira's smile faded and a worry filled her eyes.

"You told me about Lucius's child but didn't mention Laois" she said as she walked towards her father.

"He just got transferred here. Do you think Liam will be a problem?"

" I can handle Lucius but Liam…he's unpredictable"

"There's more" Dumbledore said as he walked out of the classroom, Moira beside him "Megan Malfoy is also here and she is in Gryffindor" that said, Moira came to a halt and blinked several times in disbelief. "She's Maeve's daughter, Lucius'sister."

One eyebrow raised, Moira controlled her voice, "I didn't know Maeve had gotten married let alone had a daughter"

"She got married a while after you left", she nodded, unmoved "Not to him, Moira". The young witch looked up at her father.

"Father…"

"You don't need to explain. I know nothing happened between the two of you, even if it did, that is none of my business"

He couldn't have been more right. Nothing happened between us. Nothing. Is that word suppose to hurt that much?

"He is here, though".

"Potions" she spoke again "I know" she said firmly, as they reached the teachers' lounge's door.

Dumbledore studied his daughter. Fifteen years is a long time. She looked like she had dealt with her choices, with her duties, but deep down, he feared guilt still had the best of her. They had long talks about everything that had happened, he had told her so many times that it wasn't her fault, that she couldn't have done anything different, but to no avail. She was as stubborn as her mother. Maybe now, back home, she could begin to see that there was nothing she could have done then. Not then, but there was plenty to do now.

"Anyway, Maeve is a widow now but I don't expect too much trouble with her. My concern is her daughter"

"A Malfoy in Gryffindor. That has to be the first time this happens"

"Indeed and that is why I want you to pay close attention to her. She will be having trouble adjusting and I'm afraid she's as gifted in the Dark Arts as you were when you were her age" Moira nodded. Some Dark Magic can be used to do good, but the line between good and evil is really thin and Moira managed to resist the temptation of changing sides. Barely managed.

Dumbledore opened the door and they both got inside to find Lupin drinking tea by the fireplace, Flitwick reading the Daily Prophet sitting in a chair, with his feet dangling out of it, and Trewlaney looking through a window.

"There you are!" said Flitwick as he leaped out of the chair and came towards Moira. "Oh my...you've grown!" he said as he took Moira's hand, or tried to for her long fingers didn't fit into both of his hands.

"It's good to see you, professor", Moira said as she smiled and went to stand by Lupin who was holding a cup of tea for her. Flitwick finished his reading and left. It took him a while to float to his classroom since it took longer for him to climb the stairs. Sybill was looking at her through the corner of her eye but wouldn't dare say anything as long as the Headmaster was present.

The three of them drank some tea while Sybill studied Moira's reflection on the window. Lupin also told Moira about Megan, but Dumbledore chose to discuss this along with other matters in a private meeting before dinner. A few moments later, Dumbledore left.

"So...teaching Defense against the Dark Arts" Sybill said as she turned to face Moira and Lupin. "I'm afraid I don't see a bright future for you, dear" she said, sarcasm dripping from her voice, her eyebrows in an arch giving her a sorry expression, but Moira didn't blink.

"Tell me Sybill" Moira said, putting her tea down and placing her hands on her lap, malice pouring out of her eyes, "how am I going to die this time?" Lupin almost choked with his tea. Behind her thick glasses Sybill narrowed her eyes at the young witch.

"I don't see death coming for you but from you"

Lupin looked from Sybill to Moira, expecting her to explode, but she didn't. Moira got up and advanced on Sybill slowly. Lupin got ready to separate them if it came to it.

"Careful…" Moira hissed by the teacher's ear as she took a small flask from the shelf behind Sybill "you might be right". Sybill's blood froze. Moira's eyes were cold, as if a thick veil had shut all expression from them. In a blink the coldness was gone. Trelawney stood frozen on the spot while Moira returned, putting a few drops of sweetener from the flask into her cup of tea, grinning at Lupin. It didn't take long for the thick-glassed teacher to run out of the lounge.

"Rubbish, Divination is" Moira said quietly as she sipped her tea.

"Why does she hate you so much?" Lupin asked, looking after Sybill, wondering what Moira had said to get her so frightened.

"She thinks I'm a bad omen or something like that. Rubbish I tell you. She was the same with my mother"

"I can understand why she feels that way against you, but Mrs. Dumbledore…I'll never understand"

Lupin looked back at Moira and found her staring at him, one eyebrow raised, waiting for him to explain himself.

"Oh...don't get me wrong. You know I trust you with my life, always have, it's just…well…"

"Say it"

"Your engagement" Lupin spat, closing his eyes and opening them again. "After it was discovered and when it all went down, well…you know?"

"No I don't, why don't you tell me" her voice dangerously low.

"Moira…I know it was a spell. I know that without it he could have never laid his hands on you, but people get scared easily. They don't understand…"

"Do you?"

Lupin widened his eyes in disbelief.

"Of course I do!"

"Then I don't know why we are having this conversation" not a note of anger in her voice. She put her cup down "It's never been easy for me and never was for my mother as it won't be for Megan Malfoy. Dark Witches scare people, Remus"

"I know…I know. But it's different with you because…"

"Of the prophecy" Moira got up slowly with a murderous look in her eyes. Lupin frowned at her. "Oh, I know all about the prophecy. About how I am destined to bring down my father" She stopped in mid-step. Her back turned to him, she raised her head "Or do you think Tom Riddle wanted me as his bride only for my looks?" she said without turning.

Silence feel between them. Lupin knew he had gone too far. It has been a while since he had heard Voldemorts real name. Memories ran through his mind as he remembered how hurt she was when she had found out about the spell. Extremely hurt, but she had never cried. Actually, he couldn't remember ever seeing her cry.

She walked to the mantelpiece and passed her hand through it slowly, thoughtful.

"Do you believe in destiny, Remus?"

He had known her almost his entire life, but there was something about her that had changed. She seemed colder, as if something went lost since the last time they saw each other, over four years ago.

"I don't know" he answered quietly, walking towards her.

"I don't. I believe we make our own decisions and pay for them as we go. I've made mine, I'm still paying for them, but one thing I can tell you for sure" she turned, rising her face to meet his, "I am not killing my father"

Lupin swallowed down hard. Her eyes were not warm as they used to be. He could read them now, and they showed pain and anger.

God, Moira! You've lost so much and I'm not making things easier am I?

"I'm sorry I brought this up" Lupin said softly.

"So am I" she went past him but Lupin caught her wrist. She stopped and looked at him in surprise. He took her hand and looked into her eyes.

"I'm sorry. We all lost people we loved, Moira. I shouldn't have said that", he said it and meant it.

Love. Something she knew once but didn't want to feel again. What good is it if it's not returned? Moira closed her eyes and wasn't surprised when Snape's face came to mind. So much was going through her head she thought she would cry. No. I don't cry. She knew coming back was going to be hard, that it would bring consequences, but she couldn't have Lupin, her best friend, doubting her. She had things to do, Harry to protect and a wizard to kill.

"Don't make me angry with you on my first day back, Remus John Lupin" she whispered and saw him smile. Whenever he said or did something she didn't approve of, she would call him by his full name. She would do that to pretty much to everyone she knew. Moira Crane Dumbledore, what have you done? Her mother used to say, never raising her voice. Wonder if she is saying that now.

"On a lighter note" Lupin said "There's a certain teacher..."

"Don't finish that sentence, Remus"

"What? I'm just saying Snape has competition to the Most Feared Teacher Award, this year"

Moira smiled and shook her head, moving away from Lupin. Moira and Snape argued most of the time, but they also used to...get along, discussing potions and spells. Gifted in the Dark Arts as she was, Severus Snape turned out to be a companion, someone she could try new potions and spells with. She was 'a worthy opponent' as he used to say.

"Most Feared Teacher Award, huh?" she asked, "I see that deep down you haven't grow up at all have you?" she mocked him.

He shook his head agreeing with her comment.

"I guess Abby might have some problems with that" she tossed at him. You talk about Snape and I'll talk about Abby.

Lupin's eyes lit up. Abby was short for Abigail, Moira's cousin. Daughter of Dumbledore's brother Aberforth and Tsarina's sister, Chloe, Abby was called a true seer. Reader of the future, Abigail was a Ravenclaw, different form her Hufflepuff parents. They met when she was transferred from Beauxbaton Academy on her fourth year. She didn't stay long though, returning to the Academy on her final year and graduating there. Their time at Hogwarts wasn't long but enough for them to fall in love with each other.

Lupin was blushing like a schoolboy. Moira knew he still fancied Abby and his affections were returned by her, but they hadn't see each other in over a year.

"Father tells me she might be coming to visit next month" Moira teased as she looked at Lupin, admiring how different the mention of her cousin's name had gotten him.

"She is? Family reunion for your birthday?"

"No. Apparently Nicholas got married to a Muggle woman and they had a child a few years back"

"Abby told me. A boy named Henry. She was really happy to be an aunt. Henry should be about two now"

"Well, Abby thinks something is wrong with him and wants me to take a look I told her about a wizard in Florence that could help them but they want me to do it. You know how Abby can be annoying. Besides, Nicholas wants his wife to meet us"

"It sounds like fun"

"Oh..loads of it" she rolled her eyes and shut them as she turned to the window.

Lupin turned very quickly and ran to the owlrey, to make sure Abby knew he was back in Hogwarts. Moira smiled as he left the room. Looking through the window, she saw the trees dance to the cold Hogwarts wind. It was good to be back home.

Lupin came back to the lounge again.

"Will you be alright?"

Moira nodded.

"You know, I'm here for you, don't you?"

She nodded again.

"Promise me you won't be sad anymore."

"Will you just leave? Go send her an owl already!"

He smiled again and left the room, running.

Moira stared at the empty room. The veil came down in her eyes once more, blocking her expression; her shoulders came down a bit from their formal posture and she sighed softly.

"It's not sadness, Remus. It's caution"

She turned to the window. Her mother wouldn't have made the mistakes Moira had, she wasn't that weak. But she was dead, and nothing could change that. So were Lily and James; killed by the hands of the man Moira had trusted her heart to. Or so she had thought at the time. I'm not under your spell anymore, and I won't pity you this time. With that thought secured in her heart, Moira turned on her heals and left for the Great Hall.