Chapter Five
Friends and Foes
"Congratulations Potter" said Draco Malfoy as the kids emerged from McGonagall's classroom "You've just lost the points you little mudblood had gotten you. That's what I call team work"
Ron and Hermione made it on time for Transfiguration, but Harry didn't and instead of giving him detention, since it was the first day of class, she just took away ten points. Hermione couldn't care less about Draco's remarks but Harry and especially Ron were angry.
"Don't you dare call her that again!" snarled Ron.
Kids from Slytherin and Gryffindor let slip some 'ohs' and 'ahs' as they stopped and gathered around.
"Why not? Is she your girlfriend?" asked Iago Laois as he opened space to enter the circle.
Iago was the new boy. A fifteen year-old with short black hair and deep navy blue eyes, owner of a very soothing voice, and really attractive. Slightly taller than Harry and Ron, Iago moved into the circle where the trio from Gryffindor and Draco were. He came straight at Hermione, who took two steps back.
"So you are the famous Hermione Granger... I have to say I imagined you much differently" he said, inches away from her. She couldn't move. His eyes were cold, too cold and his voice hypnotic. "You are definitely prettier in person" he said as he moved a strand of her hair away from her face. Hermione shivered.
"Stay away from her Laois" threatened Harry as he stood between Hermione and Iago. Some kids stood back and held their breath. Ron took his place beside Harry.
"Please...let's just go" pleaded Hermione by the boys' ears but they didn't move.
"Harry Potter. I imagined you to be taller" said Iago, mockingly, shifting his gaze from Hermione to Harry. "Draco told me all about you and your little friends. Sad really, a wizard like you hanging around people like this" Iago approached and spoke almost in Harry's ear "Although I have to say Granger might be worth a few moments of your time, if you know what I mean."
That did it. Ron heard him and before Harry could think of an answer, Ron threw himself at Iago, punching him in the nose. Hermione called for it to stop, students yelled, some encouraging the fight, some demanding them to put an end to it. Draco was laughing with Crabbe and Goyle and Harry was trying to get Ron away from Iago when they shifted and Iago punched Ron in the stomach. Hermione screamed and Harry pulled Ron away from the boy. Ron was holding his stomach with one hand and another by Harry's shoulder. Iago stood up with a bloody nose and a satisfied smile on his face.
"Very good Weasley. That was very noble of you to stand up for your friend" he pulled a handkerchief from a pocket inside his robe and pressed against his nose. "But I have to say you hit like a girl". Ron was going to throw himself against Iago again but Harry and Hermione held him back.
"It's not worth it Ron." said Hermione
"Yes it is" said Harry, lowering his voice so only Ron and Hermione could hear him "just not the time yet".
Ron looked at Harry puzzled, but shook his head in agreement and struggling to stand up by himself, turned his back on Iago. Several students 'oh'd' in amazement.
"Noble indeed" said Draco, laughing.
"Oh, did I hear correctly?" said Iago, "Is it true that Weasley's sister is a red head? I just love red-headed girls"
Draco stopped laughing at once, but kept a smirk on his face, as to not show that the comment Iago made didn't please him. He wasn't sure he disliked it and that bothered him even more.
But Ron and Harry didn't want to mask their feelings and they both flew at Iago and Draco so rapidly that Hermione didn't even see it happen before it was too late. She yelled for it to stop and several students fled the place when they heard a very low and dangerous voice asking,
"What is the meaning of this?" Snape said as he approached the huddle. He stopped when he saw the four boys all hurt and angry on the floor. They looked at the extremely angry professor and stood up.
"He started it, professor." said Ron, with a purple eye and a sore stomach.
"I did nothing of the sort", Iago replied as if in shock of being accused.
"Liar! You know you did. You insulted Hermione and Ginnny" said Harry, his eyebrow bleeding softly.
"Are you mad? I've complimented them, that's not an insult" said Iago in his sweetest voice, his nose bleeding again.
Iago and Draco went to stand behind Snape while Hermione, Ron and Harry stood in front of him. Harry knew, that by the look on Snape's eyes, he would have detention until he graduated from Hogwarts.
Snape was furious. He couldn't have Liam's son getting into trouble. Not now.
"The five of you, follow me" He turned around and walked in front of the five kids. Ron and Harry protectively guarding Hermione from Iago's glance, the four boys walked with difficulty until they reached the hospital wing.
"Inside" they all followed.
Poppy was outraged to see what had happened. Snape stood in the corner of the entrance and crossed his arms over his chest. His eyebrows were drawn together in a deep frown and anger filling his eyes.
"Detention for the three of you" he said quickly, his voice low and extremely angry.
"Three? What about them?" asked Harry
"We were attacked, professor" said Draco, with a bloody lip. "It wasn't our fault"
"That's a lie!" screamed Ron holding his stomach in pain.
"Sir, just let Hermione go. She had nothing to do with this" protested Harry.
"That is for me to decide, Potter", replied Snape "And Mrs. Granger was the reason for the fighting was she not? Therefore, the consequences are hers to pay as well"
At this, Poppy looked at Snape in disbelief. She was about to protest his choice of words when Snape looked at her with a murderous look on his face and she chose to keep quiet. Harry Ron and specially Hermione were stunned with what Snape had said. Harry opened his mouth to protest when Snape cut him off.
"Friday, after dinner, my office" he finished, turned around and left the ward.
Iago and Draco smiled to each other but screamed when Poppy pushed the cloth soaked with medicine a little harder against their wounds.
After they were all done, Poppy asked Harry, Ron and Hermione to leave the ward before the other two, just so no more reasons to fight would arise.
The three of them walked silently toward the great hall, when Hermione stopped and put herself in front of them. Harry and Ron frowned.
"I'm sorry for everything." she said softly, looking at them.
"But you didn't do anything." said Ron.
"You heard Snape…I was the motive. If you didn't defend me..."
"That's not an option Hermione" Harry cut her off.
"He's right. We wouldn't let him talk to you like that. Not him, nor anyone. And I don't care what that old bat says!" finished Ron.
Hermione had fresh tears in her eyes.
"Oh boys!" she threw her arms over them, giving them a big hug. The boys complained about the pain of their already healing wounds but smiled.
Hermione let go of the embrace and walked towards the hall, Harry on her right side and Ron on her left. They were walking towards the great hall for lunch when Harry saw something that made his heart hurt inside his chest. Cho Chang was arm in arm with Phillip, a seventh year Slytherin.
Harry froze in mid-step. Hermione and Ron hadn't noticed until they followed Harry's eyes towards the two.
"Oh, Harry…" said Hermione
Harry didn't move for a while. Cho was now in front of Phillip, engaged in conversation, both with big smiles on their faces. Phillip, although older than her, wasn't much taller. Dirty blond hair with crystal green eyes, he was one of the few Slytherins who could be considered… nice. Moments later, Phillip left towards the Slytherin common room, leaving Cho talking to Julie by the great hall entrance.
Ron, Harry and Hermione started to walk towards the door. Harry's eyes didn't leave Cho's face until he saw her look at him. His gaze dropped to the floor.
"Hey Harry." she said, cheerfully.
"Hi Cho." he responded, looking at her again
She's even more beautiful than I remembered.
"How was vacation?" she asked.
Julie looked at Hermione and widened her eyes, gesturing for them to follow her into the Hall. They did.
"It was nice. Yours?", Harry replied.
"Good. I hear there will be auditions for the new Gryffindor keeper, now that Wood has left."
Harry nodded. He would miss Wood. Even though he made the team train like mad, and was obviously obsessed with Quidditch, Oliver Wood was the one that kept the team together. He sent an owl to George during vacation, telling the team he was auditioning for the Insane Comets. They all had their fingers crossed.
"There will be a vote for the new captain as well." Harry said.
"I hope you win. You are a very good player, Harry Potter" she said smiling, lightly touching his shoulder.
"You are too, Cho Chang", replied Harry, trying not to blush, but failing miserably.
A friend of Cho called her from the inside of the hall.
"I guess I'll see you on the field, then" Cho said.
Harry nodded and they went into the hall and sat at their different tables.
Hermione, Ron and Julie had been looking at them until that point. When Harry looked at the Gryffindor table, the three curious heads snapped quickly back. Harry took his seat next to Ron, in front of Hermione and Julie.
Julie was also a third year Gryffindor. Although much younger than them, Julie was extremely smart and really nice. Hermione was almost like a mentor to her. They would spend hours at the library talking about spells and enchantments.
Julie was really short compared to the students in her year. The sleeves of her robes were way too big for her and she would constantly have to raise her arms up above her head, letting the sleeves fall back to her shoulders before starting any potion. Constantly tripping on the hem of her robe, she constantly tripped and hung onto anyone that was closer to her, pulling them down with her. Pretty face, hazel eyes and with her shoulder length hair often tied up in a messy ponytail, Julie was a muggle born sweet young witch.
"Don't feel bad Harry" Julie said "I'm sure she'll come to her senses. I mean, a Ravenclaw dating a Slytherin. That won't last"
"Why do you say that?" asked Hermione
"Come on you guys…Phillip is nice but he's a Slytherin. Sooner or later his senses will catch up with him. Poor Cho."
Hermione smiled at Harry. She knew he cared for the young Ravenclaw. Jealousy had struck her when she had first found out, but she knew no one could take away what they had... true friendship. Her, Ron and Harry... although Ron was becoming more than a friend, she would do anything for them as she was sure they would do anything for her.
"Thank you so much!" Ginny said as she got into the hall, went for their table and hugged Ron and Harry from behind.
"You know? Already? How?" asked Ron
"I was coming back from Hagrid's, after feeding Sally, when Lavender told me. Oh... are you all right?"
The boys nodded their heads. It was then when Iago and Draco entered the hall. Ron pulled Ginny to sit between him and Harry. The two Slytherins went to sit down at their own table, smiling maliciously.
Megan Malfoy entered the hall next. She looked directly at Harry, but didn't say anything. She sat down quietly and started to read a book she took from her bag.
"So... what is Megan's story?" asked Julie, almost whispering.
"I don't know. The only thing I know is that she is Draco's cousin" said Hermione.
"She seems to know a lot about Moira Crane" said Harry.
"Yes... she does. How do you think she knows?" asked Julie.
"I don't know? All I know is that professor Crane is not as bad as everyone says. She seemed really nice, didn't she Harry?" asked Ron.
Harry nodded.
"She went to school with professor Lupin, you know?" Ginny said.
"How do you..." started Ron.
"Hagrid, told me. Moira, Lupin and Sirius were inseparable, he said. He even compared the three of them with the three of you" Ginny said, pointing at Harry, Ron and Hermione.
"She had to known your parents, then" said Ron to Harry.
"I think it would be impossible to not know them. But when I asked Hagrid about it, he changed the subject. I don't know why", replied Ginny.
"What else did he tell you?" asked Julie
"Er... Moira was really kept to herself, had her share of friends, not all of them nice as Lupin and Sirius"
"What do you mean? Who else was she friends with?" asked Hermione.
"Snape"
"WHAT!" yelled all of them, unaware of the strange looks they were getting. They also didn't notice the attention Megan was paying to the conversation.
"That was my reaction as well. Hagrid said they got along and that she was the only student from Gryffindor that he didn't mind. I'm not sure if that is good or bad."
Having the Headmaster's daughter, a well known Dark Witch, being friends with a former Death Eater and protector of Slytherin students, couldn't be good news for the young Gryffindors, could it?
"Do you think there's something going on between Lupin and Moira?" Ginny asked, making everyone frown at the out-of-the-blue question. "Well...do you remember the smile on his face when her name was announced as the new Defense teacher?" asked Ginny, trying to prove her point.
Harry remembered but he also remembered really clearly the look of complete shock on Snape's face. And now, after the new information, he started to wonder the reasons for that look.
"I think it would be nice. They would form a good looking couple, wouldn't they?" asked Julie.
"I don't know." said Harry "I think she is more of a lonely type of person."
"She can't fall in love" came Megan's voice from beside them. The girls had moved up a few seats without them noticing.
"Excuse me?" asked Ron.
"Dark witches are not suppose to fall in love"
"Why" asked Harry.
"Because when a witch is married, Dark ones especially, their power and the spouses are shared. So if professor Crane falls in love and marries someone... Dark, part of her powers will go to her husband and vice-versa. And being who she is, this is too dangerous for her to let it happen."
There were frowns on their faces, except Hermione, who had fear on hers.
"You understand now, don't you? She would be unstoppable, as would her husband." Megan concluded, looking straight into Hermione's eyes.
"Is the rumor true then?" Hermione asked and Megan confirmed with her head. Hermione put her hands to her mouth.
"What rumor?" asked Harry.
"Moira Crane Dumbledore was once engaged to Tom Marvolo Riddle" said Megan, triumphantly.
They all gasped! How could she? She was Dumbledore's own daughter! How could she be engaged to the man who killed... her own mother?
"That can't be true" said Harry firmly.
"Oh, but it is. Something about a spell he had cast that fooled her into thinking she was in love with him. Of course he would appear to her as the young handsome wizard he had once been, but she found a way to break the spell before the marriage. I still don't know how, since it's supposed to be unbreakable. Well… then it was all down hill from there. Her mother was killed and a bunch of other powerful wizards with her, including..."
"My parents." Harry concluded. "But why did he kill Moira's mother?"
"I don't know. All I know is that Moira helped to bring him down and since then, she has been out from the public eye. No one had ever heard or seen her until last week and yesterday. People started to think she had died."
"It must be awful, not being able to fall in love" said Ginny with sadness in her voice.
Harry looked over at Megan. If he was right, since she was a Malfoy, she was probably on her way to becoming a Dark Witch herself.
"Well, she can but she must be careful about who she falls for" finished Megan.
The girl stood up to leave but she turned to face Harry.
"I'm glad Draco got what he deserved from the two of you. Hope you'll get better soon." Megan said with no smile on her face, turned, and left the hall.
They Gryffindors looked like they had been struck by lightning. They just sat there, too much in shock to say anything.
"We have to find out more" said Harry, determination in his eyes.
On the outside, Snape was getting closer to the great halls entrance when he heard Lupin calling for him. He stopped and turned on his heals.
"I can't believe you did that" Lupin said as he approached Snape.
"I beg your pardon?", the Potion's Master replied, annoied.
"To Hermione Granger. You told her she was the reason for a fight and then punished her for it? Goodness, Severus, what is the matter with you? How can you tell a student that?"
"Forgive me Lupin, but I don't seem to follow you. The boys fought over her. She was the motive" Snape said, his voice controlled.
"The boys were protecting her..."
"Protecting her?" Snape said, sounding outraged "Laois complimented her and Potter went mad. They weren't protecting her, they were disputing her and I won't have that in this school" Snape turned around and started to walk towards the great hall's door.
"Is this about Moira, Severus?" Lupin started, his voice low, angry.
Snape stopped in mid step. He turned back and advanced on Lupin quickly.
"She has nothing to do with this" Snape hissed between clenched teeth.
"Did you forget the fights you used to have with Sirius over her? In both your minds you were protecting her...one from the other. And if Moira didn't have anything to do with that, neither does Hermione to do with this"
"That was different. Black had always been a disaster waiting to happen. I was not...disputing her", Snape said, a touch of disgust in his voice.
"It felt like that to me" the young werewolf narrowed his eyes at the Potions Master
"This is about the letter isn't it?" Lupin continued "I got one and I know you have one too. This is about the possibility of Sirius returning isn't it?"
Snape was furious. He clenched his hands and controlled his breathing.
"I know you two never got along, Severus, but that is no excuse for you to explode on a student. I also know that when the matter concerns Moira, you are very…territorial about her" Snape looked startled at Lupin but the wizard continued "We are not children anymore, Severus. You need to set matters apart"
"I have my matters set apart as I please and she was never a matter" Snape said, his voice almost a whisper.
"Who?" asked a soft voice from behind him.
He turned to look at the owner of the voice, a voice he hadn't heard for fifteen years. Moira was standing behind him, holding her hands behind her back, one eyebrow raised, and large brown eyes expecting an answer. She looked just like he remembered her. Beautiful.
"Snape" she said, greeting him.
"Crane" he nodded.
Moira's eyes fell on Lupins.
"I really don't think you two should be arguing here, in front of students" she said dryly.
"You're right" Lupin said "There is nothing to argue about, is there?" he looked at Snape and stormed into the great hall.
Moira and Snape watched him leave. She turned to Snape, raising her head so that her eyes could meet his.
"About the detentions... It is not my place to tell you how to handle students" she said "Just choose your words more carefully the next time, please? Sometimes they can hurt more than actions"
Snape studied her. He knew what she had meant and it wasn't all about Granger that she was talking about. He wondered if she had gotten a letter as well. He decided she didn't, if she did she would be smiling now, something that he didn't want to happen…not when Sirius was the reason for it.
"So, is everyday here as busy as today?" she asked, slowly walking towards the door, Snape by her side.
"It gets worse" his voice low.
" I have been away for far too long then."
"Yes... care to share your whereabouts for the past fifteen years?" he asked, sarcasm and disapproval mingled in his tone.
Moira looked at him, half smiling.
"Share my secrets with a former Death Eater? I don't think so"
"I just worked for him, you almost married him. I don't think you are in place to judge me here"
"That is low Snape. Even for you." she said slowly and keeping her voice very steady. She looked at him, not able to tell whether he meant what he said or if he was just joking like she was. Besides, just being close to him again and being able to keep breathing was enough for her…for now.
They continued their way into the hall in silence.
Several students looked at the teachers when they entered. Their black robes flowing behind them, side by side, now, only the sound of the heals she wore could be heard. Moira and Snape held theirs heads high. It was as if they were all in the presence of royalty... evil royalty.
Harry watched they enter. Very white skin, black clothes and tough posture. If Harry was a first year, he'd be very afraid of these two, and he wasn't so sure fear was something he wasn't feeling right now. Moira and Snape had to get along for he wouldn't let anyone walk this close to him, and he bet she was the same. Walking side by side but at a certain distance from each other. The engagement news started to roll inside Harry's head. How could she? After talking to him like that?
Snape looked at Harry and his friends as they passed by them but Moira's focus was ahead, at the teachers' table. Sybil Trelawney looked terrified when she saw them and Snape noticed.
"What in Circe's name have you told her this time?" he whispered to Moira as they passed by where Megan was seated.
"Nothing much, she is just very easy to scare" she said casually.
Lupin was already eating, looking very angry. His eyes followed Moira and Snape up to the table. Neither of them said anything. They just sat down and ate their meal in silence.
After lunch, Lupin left for his room, with no word to anyone and Moira knew they didn't have a class until later.
She followed him into his classroom. Lupin was acting strangely…as if he was hiding something. Moira got in and closed the door behind her, leaning against it. Lupin put his hands on the desk and lowered his head.
"This can't be because of what happened with Granger" she said "What's wrong, Remus?"
Lupin turned to face her, a very tired look on his face and worry in his eyes. He sighed and passed his hands through his hair.
"I can't believe this is happening" he said as he sat down on the floor, looking defeated. Moira knelt beside him, worry in her face.
"You're scaring me. Tell me what's wrong, Remus... please" Moira said softly.
Lupin looked at her. She seemed so fragile, unprotected. He knew that deep down, that was who she really was. He didn't want the news to be true… but it was…. and it would tear her down, once more.
He raised his hand, pointing at a letter on top of his desk. Moira got the envelope and read it.
"Dear Mr. Remus J. Lupin,
We would like to inform you that you are being called for the Sirius Black trial. Tomorrow, at 10 am, at the Ministry Embassy at Hogsmeade. Sincerely, The Ministry of Magic"
Moira gripped the letter, and closed her eyes. The Ministry had Sirius. She shut her eyes tight, not wanting it to be true, struggling to keep her temper, but she couldn't.
Above one of the cabinets, a glass jar shattered to pieces.
Lupin gasped. That had never happened before. He looked surprised at Moira, who still had her eyes shut and evey muscle in her body tense.
"When did this happen?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"I don't know. Dumbledore told me he hasn't been sending his reports…. I don't have a good feeling about this, Moira. If this trial is not a fair one…Sirius will…return to that place" Lupin said, turning his brown eyes at her.
"When were any of you planning on telling me this?" she said firmly as she raised her head, anger in her eyes.
"I figured you would have received one as well. I got the letter this morning and I think Severus got one too. We both know how that is going to end."
Moira got up very fast and started for her office.
"What will you do?" he said as he got up
"Mark my words: Sirius Black is not going back to Azkaban." and she stormed out of the room, followed closely by Lupin.
They entered her office, there was no sign of any letter. They went out of the classrooms and walked through the corridors. Many passing students got out of their way, wondering what was going on. Moira moved fast, her eyes set, dress flowing around her. Lupin followed by her side. The two of them reached the stone gargoyle that was the entrance to Dumbledore's office.
"Smelly Shoes" she said and the gargoyle stepped aside, showing the long corridor ahead of them.
Moira and Lupin practically ran up the stairs and knocked on the door.
"Come in" came the voice of Dumbledore.
The two teachers got inside and found, next to the Headmaster, Snape, Ron, Harry and Hermione. Moira looked at all of them, expecting an answer. Her eyes met Snapes and she fixed them on him.
"I expected you here sooner" said Albus, with a soft smile on his face.
"What is going on?" asked Moira, her eyes still locked with Snapes.
Yes, they got along and whenever she had to end arguments between him and Black, she had always been fair, but now… he was sure she wasn't on his side.
"I was just letting the children know about the trial" said Dumbledore "since they won't be present during it."
The three Gryffindors looked at Dumbledore in amazement.
"We have to go, professor. We know he is innocent and we can prove it!" said Harry, desperately.
"We all know that" said Albus. Snape scoffed, turning his gaze away from Moiras. "But I can't allow you three to go. You will write down your statements and professor Crane will take them for you."
Moiras eyebrows shot up and her eyes traveled to her fathers face. Stunned, Snape looked at the Headmasters' face as well.
"I will?"
"Yes. I believe you have some information that might help Sirius as well, don't you?" her father said calmly. Moira shook her head. "Very well. It is all settled then, tomorrow, the four of us will go try to bring your godfather back" Albus said to Harry.
Harry smiled at Dumbledore and Lupin. He was sure that if it was up to them, Sirius was safe. But he wasn't so sure about Moira and Snape. Not anymore.
After that Hermione, Ron and Harry wrote down their statements and handed them to Moira. She then took the three letters for her father to seal. He frowned at her.
"It is best if you do it. I don't think they trust me enough for it" she whispered by his ear.
After that, the trio went back to class. Lupin, Snape and Moira stayed behind.
"The Ministry has no idea I'll be attending the trial, do they?" she asked.
"No" answered Dumbledore "But my guess is that Sirius will have a bigger chance at a fair trial if they hear what you have to say"
"But Headmaster" Snape said in his calmer voice "Do you think is wise…"
"I'll do whatever it takes to bring him back" Moira said softly, cutting Snape off. Her eyes confirmed her words. Sirius was the brother she had never had and if it was up to her, she would travel to the ends of the Earth to bring him back.
Snape didn't say anything.
Lupin and Moira left Dumbledore's office after that. They still had a meeting to go to before dinner. Discuss Voldemort's whereabouts. Snape stayed behind.
The two Defense teachers went outside, near the forest.
"I can't believe Snape didn't say anything to me! How dare he?" Moira said as they walked towards the border of the Forbidden Forest.
Lupin studied Moira as she was fuming. Snape and her would have the most horrible arguments but she never showed anger after them. Not until now.
Moira paced in front of the forest like a caged animal.
"Calm down, Merlin knows we'll need our wits about us tomorrow" Lupin said
Moira stopped with her back turned to him. She put her hands on her waist and raised her head, taking in a deep breath. She paused in that position for a moment and then, really slowly she turned her head towards the forest.
"Sirius has to be freed this time. We all know he didn't do it. Even Snape does" Lupin said, looking the other way.
"He'll be freed" she said vaguely.
Lupin looked at Moira. Her eyes were fixed on the inside of the forest and her nostrils moving slightly.
"Remus, are there caves here? I forgot" she asked without taking her eyes from the forest.
"I don't think so. There are some hollow tree trunks though, filled with Boggarts. Why?"
"Hum" she examined the forest once again, narrowing her eyes and softly sniffing the air. "Thought I picked up a particular smell, that's all; a smell that is not supposed to be here. It was probably the wind" she looked at Lupin "What?"
Lupin was smiling at her.
"Nothing. I had forgotten that particular quality about you"
Moira smiled briefly.
"Can you imagine when Sirius gets here?" Lupin said as he sat down in the grass with a smile on his face, wind blowing softly, messing his hair.
"No. I can't" Moira said, sadness in her voice. A few strands of hair that were loose on the back of her head danced according to the wind. Surrounded by her long black dress, Moira sat down near Lupin.
"The last time I saw him, he had Potter in his arms. Lily and James were gone" she looked straight at the forest, not meeting Lupins eyes. "He looked so devastated. I got there too late" Moira lowered her head.
Lupin looked at her. He didn't know Moira was there when Harry's parents were killed.
"He didn't see me though. Sirius was so concentrated on his godson that he forgot the world around him. He really loves that boy," she said half smiling, her eyes lost in thought. "After that, I never saw him again".
"I didn't know." Lupin said softly, sadness in those big eyes of his.
"Now you do" she said, finally looking at him. Moira's eyes were sad as well.
They studied each other for a moment. Moira could see that Lupin's light brown hair was getting grayer, and there were circles around his eyes. Full moon should be coming in soon.
Lupin had always been there for her, no matter what and she treasured their friendship as much as she did her life. Now, after all these years, being close to him, it was like nothing bad had ever happened. And with Sirius' return, it would be like their student years again. It will be easier to bear what was happening to her... she hoped.
"Do you remember that Halloween ball? On our third year?" Lupin asked, smiling.
"How could I forget? It was the first time I ever danced." Moira said, smiling broadly.
"Really? I was the first person you danced with?"
Moira nodded.
"Those were good times weren't they?" Lupin asked.
Moira nodded again, silent.
"Maybe one day will have them again" he said
"I'd like that. It won't be the same, but it's something to fight for" Moira concluded.
They both kept quiet for a while, listening to the wind, remembering the good times, times of laughter, peace.
"We should go back. Curious first years are next" Lupin said.
They got up and walked side by side towards the castle.
Inside the forest, the wind blew and two big yellow eyes looked at them from a hole in the ground.
Snape left Dumbledore's office with a grave look on his face. Tsarina was a very powerful witch and by now, Moira should be receiving her powers…her mother's inheritance.
Snape looked through the arches, finding Moira and Lupin seated on the grass near the forest. His lips curled. Keeping an eye on her would be difficult while Lupin was all over her. That werewolf had no idea of what was going on with her…struggling inside to keep control of her powers…getting darker. Snape had felt the same when his father had died. As the power of one generation passes on to the next, the receiver has trouble to administer all of that energy at first. It gets easier after a while, when one learns to control them, but before that happens, it is a tough internal battle to fight. No, Lupin didn't know Moira like he did, and that was why Dumbledore asked him to watch over her, not because he didn't trust his daughter, but because she might need help and was too proud to ask for it.
But there was another problem… Black…if he was to return, it will be even more difficult. Watching Moira like a guard dog…but he'd find a way. He always did.
Snape looked once more in the direction of the two teachers, turned on his heels and left for the dungeons.
"Dumbledore didn't give me the book." Harry said as the trio got inside the Gryffindor common room to leave their books before going to dinner.
The kids got near the window so that no one could hear them.
"Who did then?" asked Hermione
Harry shook his shoulders.
"Do you think it was Sirius?" asked Ron "Maybe he couldn't write a note like he did with the other one. Maybe it was too dangerous"
Harry sat down on an armchair, looking at the floor. Hermione looked at Ron, who nodded. They knew Harry was worried about the trial, so were they, and if Sirius didn't get away this time, he would never be able to come back...ever. Hermione and Ron kneeled down next to Harry.
"Don't worry, Harry. Lupin and Dumbledore will bring him back and he won't have to hide any longer" said Hermione.
"What do you think Moira has to do with this?" asked Harry "How could she possibly help?" an edge could be detected in his tone of voice.
Suddenly Harry stood up and went towards the fireplace, where Megan Malfoy was seated by, reading the same book she was at lunch.
"Megan, is everything you said at lunch...about Dumbledore's daughter true?" asked Harry.
Megan looked up at him. The flames giving her eyes a different glow, an older one. She closed the book and turned to him.
"Yes...why?"
"How do you know so much about her?"
Megan hesitated for a moment, but decided to speak.
"Because of my mother. She and Moira pretty much hate each other"
Harry frowned. He sat down near her. Hermione raised her eyebrows and taking Ron by his arm, ran to the library.
"Why do they hate each other?" asked Harry.
"I'm not supposed to be talking about this", replied Megan, turning her eyes to her book again.
"Please, Megan. This is very important to me" pleaded the young wizard.
"Just promise me you won't tell anyone. Not even those two" Megan asked, looking at Harry, who nodded.
"Alright...it all started when they were younger. My mother, as you probably already guessed, has Dark abilities as well, but nothing remotely near to what Moira can do".
"How did you know about the engagement?"
"Because my mother wanted to be the bride" Megan said in a casual manner. Harry was startled. How could an eleven year old talk about her own mother that way?
"You see, when the Dark Lord was gathering followers, he was looking for a bride as well. The more powerful the witch he married, the more powerful he would get. My mother wanted to be that witch. But..."
"Moira was more powerful than her" Harry finished.
"Yes. When my mother found out, she went mad. But there was nothing she could do. There is nothing one can do when the Dark Lord has his mind set on something. When everything was set, Moira surprised them all by breaking the spell"
"But how did she do it? You said it yourself it was unbreakable."
"I don't know how she did it. The only way I know of breaking a love spell is when the person is already in love with someone before the spell is cast, but I don't think that was it"
"Why?"
"Because if Moira broke the spell only by being in love with someone, she had to be completely insane about the man. Just a crush won't do it, it has to be true, deep, unconditional love, and I don't think that happened. She wouldn't be able to hide such an emotion"
Harry thought about it. Moira wasn't suppose to fall in love and she did. That was what saved her...saved them all. He thought different from Megan. In fact, he was sure Moira could hide such an emotion. He remembered her eyes, so much expression and yet you couldn't see past them if she didn't want you to. Love someone that way and hide it, it had to be horrible.
"After that...you know the story" Megan finished.
"Why did she ran away?" asked Harry.
"She had to. Death Eaters were still around, thirsty for revenge"
"You said she helped bring down Voldemort...how?"
Megan shuddered at the name.
"It was a war, Harry. You brought him down, but she helped ruin his plans before that. After all, she knew him well"
Harry nodded, but something told him there was more to the story.
"She came back to help once again. Mother knows and she is not happy" Megan said as she shut the book and got up.
"How do you know all this? You weren't born when all of this took place"
"My mother and uncle told me a few things. I listened some more and researched the rest"
He must have known. Malfoy's should know all about this since they were so interested in everything that has to do with Voldemort and his return to power. He only wished Megan didn't follow her family's tradition. She clearly had problems with Draco and Harry made a mental note to ask her about that later.
"Megan, why…"
"Did I tell you? You were the only one who didn't treat me like a Malfoy" Megan said, the weight of her family name showing in her face. They young girl left for dinner, never letting go of the book in her hand. Harry sat there, trying to make sense of all he had heard.
"Finally over." Lupin said as he got through the door that connected both classrooms, stretching his arms above his head and bringing them down to his side, "Ready for the meeting?"
Moira looked at him without raising her head.
"Tell me about Maeve. What has she been up to since I left" she asked, putting papers together.
"She got married to a wizard... I can't remember his name, not long after you left. He passed away before Megan was born"
"Did she kill him?" Moira asked without blinking.
"What! No...of course not. He died of natural causes" Lupin replied, surprise at Moira's question "What makes you think that?"
"Please, Remus. She is able to do anything to get what she wants. I'm surprised she didn't marry Snape." Moira said casually "After Tom...Voldemort, I thought he would be her next target"
"You totally missed the point didn't you?" Moira looked at him, frowning "At first she wanted to be the chosen one for Voldemort and she hates you for …taking her place, but Snape…he was just a way for her to make you angry."
Moira stopped her movements, and looked at Lupin.
"Lets make things clear, shall we?" she took two steps in his direction and stopped "I know you think Snape and I had something in the past, but we didn't, so please don't play word games with me, trying to get me to say something about us. There's no us, is that clear?"
Lupin nodded. He knew that Snape's fights with Sirius were caused from his jealousy towards Moira. He also knew she cared for the Potions Master but wasn't sure how much. Now, after her defensive speech he was certain something was up. But now was not the time to pursue the subject. Lupin knew that if the time came when she needed to talk, she would come to him.
"Maeve is just another opportunist witch looking for a way to make things worse for everyone. I hope her daughter doesn't follow her" Moira said as she gathered a few more papers.
"Megan seems nice, don't you think?" asked Lupin, watching Moira's actions, wondering what were all of those papers for. She nodded.
"An old soul in a young body. One has to grow up fast having only one parent and the abilities she has"
Lupin thought about her words. Was she talking about Megan or herself?
"She seems really interested in you" he said.
"Probably because of what her mother told her. I can only imagine the things she made up about me" she answered, annoyance in her voice. "Shall we?" Moira said, arms around a bunch of documents and binders. Lupin took half of the material from her hands and they both left the room.
It didn't take long for Moira to reach Dumbledore's office. Her father, Snape, Sinistra, Hagrid and McGonagall were there. The two teachers went inside silently. Hagrid gave Moira a big smile when he saw her. She returned it, discretely. Low chattering amongst the teachers was the background sound. Moira was in the corner, petting Fawkes. Snape watched her from across the room. Her long thin fingers touched the phoenix feathers softly, making the bird close his eyes. Even from that distance he could smell her; a delicate fresh scent that only belonged to her. She turned away from the bird after it had fallen asleep and walked towards the window, opening a few inches, letting the cool night breeze in. She closed her eyes and let the wind blow at her face. Snape watched her every move. He had memorized them all: the way she moistened her lips with her tongue every time she took a sip of tea, the way her eyes got smaller when she smiled, how she caressed her lip with her thumb when she was deep in thought, the way she walked with her head raised high, fearing nothing. But he knew her fears. It had been his job to know them all... very well.
The few strands of hair that fell down the back of her head moved from side to side, teasing him. Moira turned and met Snape's eyes. She lowered her eyelids in a slow blink and moved her gaze towards Lupin, who was talking to her father. An almost uncontrollable will to punch Lupin rose in Snape's head. He knew what it meant and he hated himself for feeling it. Jealousy.
"Come in, Harry" Dumbledore said, bringing Snape back to reality.
Moira turned around and found Harry Potter standing by the door. Looking just like his father, the boy came inside and sat down in a chair next to Lupin. She looked at her father for an explanation.
"Lets get started shall we?" Dumbledore said as he sat in the head of a long table. Since it had to do with the Dark Lord, Moira concluded that Harry had to tell them what has been going on with him in that regard.
Harry and all of the teachers, except for Moira, sat down. The younger witch came towards the table as the others were looking through the papers that were on top of it.
"This is a detailed account of Voldemort's followers every move. They are separated by date and location." Moira said from behind Dumbledore's desk.
Harry thought about what Megan had said. He didn't know anymore what he thought of Dumbledore's daughter but he could feel she was hiding something.
"There are three days missing during the summer, five years ago" Snape said, disapproval in his tone.
Moira looked at her father then at Snape.
"Yes, during those days I was... detained. But here" she tossed an envelope to him "are the records for those days. An auror named Justine Lorcan did the job for me"
"How did you convince her? She is quite a strong tempered woman" said Sinistra.
"Justine is a personal friend. She was tracking down Dark energy coming from a farm in Scotland. She got there and found me. After I had explained what had happened, she owed me a favor" Moira said.
"And what had happened?" asked Harry, defiantly.
Moira looked straight into the boy's eyes, not blinking. She knew he had something on his mind about her, probably heard the true rumors.
"I was taking care of her sister. She had been cursed and only a certain spell could cure her...a Dark one" Moira finished.
They all looked at the papers. There were maps, lists, photographs, and everything one could think of. She had being spying for her father for the past fifteen years. Places of everything were recorded, but Harry knew that Moira could possibly apparate. He didn't see one record that said where she had been all of this time.
"Do you think he already has a plan?" asked Sinistra. Moira confirmed with her head.
"I know him well." she said. Everyone in the room went quiet. "And probably young Mr. Potter here has been having nightmares and a very uncomfortable pain in his scar, haven't you?" Moira asked, looking at the boy.
Harry nodded slowly, a chill down his spine. He then told them about the dreams he had during vacation.
" Albus…do you think he will try to…come after…" whispered McGonagall.
"Yes, I'm afraid he will. Unfortunately Voldemort is stronger now and I think that both Harry and Moira are his targets…for different reasons" the Headmaster stated. His clear blue eyes filled with worry for Harry and Moira.
Lupin looked at the two. He knew Dumbledore was right but hearing that out loud made things worse. He observed them…Harry had his eyes set on Dumbledore, filled with courage, just like James. He faced Voldemort before and knew he would have to do it again. Moira on the other hand, was unreadable. The girl had suffered so much in Voldemort's hands, been on her own since her teenage years only Merlin knew where, lost her mother and friends to him, but no signs of fear in her eyes…only coldness. Coldness he had never seen before inside those deep chocolate brown eyes of hers.
"Any news, Severus?" Dumbledore asked looking at the dark hared wizard.
"All I know is that the Lord already knows your daughter is back. She is probably being watched. And that instructions were given to followers for them to be more careful" he finished.
Moira just hated the way Snape spoke, acting as if she wasn't in the room. She wondered if he was the one sent by the Lord to watch her.
"Do they still trust you?" asked Lupin
"Unconditionally" Snape answered.
Moira crossed her arms over her chest, sighing and looking away from Snape. How could he be proud of something like that?
"Good, and where do we stand with you, Hagrid?"
"Giants will cooperate, sir" Hagrid said with that unique accent of his, proud to be doing a job for Dumbledore. A golden heart that one has.
"Sinistra?"
Dumbledore and the teachers looked at the astrology teacher and they didn't like the look in her face.
"They are not happy, sir. Some have been working for the Dark Lord and some are too afraid to chose sides" she said, sounding defeated. "Vampires have become his new hunters now"
"Where are they?" asked Moira, quizzical look on her face.
"Ireland"
Moira shook her head slowly, thinking. Her thumb caressed her lip. Snape shifted in his seat. Moira turned to the opened window, taking a deep breath.
The meeting went on for a few more minutes. After some more arrangements, they were dismissed.
"Could I talk to you in private, professor?" asked Harry to Lupin.
"Sure. Lets go to my office."
And the two of them walked to the classroom. Sinistra, Hagrid, Dumbledore and McGonagall went to the great hall to get some supper before it was too late. Harry saw Moira whisper something to Snape and he followed her to the teachers lounge.
Walking towards Lupins classroom, Harry's heart gave a jolt when he saw that Cho and Phillip were hand in hand, walking away from the great hall and towards the library. Harry lowered his head and swallowed down hard.
"What is it, Harry?" Lupin asked as they sat across each other in Lupin's office.
Harry told him all about what Megan had told him about Moira. He wasn't so sure that was the right thing to do since they were so close, but he had to talk to someone and he knew he could trust Lupin.
"It is true, Harry. All of it, and I'm glad to see that Megan went after the facts instead of only believing her mother" Lupin said
Now that Harry brought it up, Lupin started to think about how Moira did break the spell. She never showed signs of being in love, ever, not even when she was under the spell.
"Do you think she can help Sirius tomorrow?" Harry asked.
"I know so. Harry, Moira might seem a bit...different, she might have done wrong things, made wrong choices, but she has a good heart. Believe me...she wants Sirius back as much as we do" Lupin said.
"Thank you, professor" Harry said in a gloomy voice.
"Is there something else bothering you?"
Should he tell him about Cho? Why not?
"Well...there's this girl... but she is seeing someone else" Harry said, blushing. He had never talked about his personal life before.
"Umm...tough isn't it?"
Harry nodded.
"Don't worry, Harry. Sooner or later, someone else will catch your eye"
"Do you think so? I don't want to feel this way anymore. Like I can't breathe when I'm near her" Harry blurted out.
"I know exactly what you mean. When I was your age, no... a little younger, I fell in love for the first time"
Harry looked up at the teacher. He could easily imagine Lupin in love.
"How was it?"
"It was tough. She was an incredible girl, beautiful, clever. She had the best laughter. You know the one that comes from deep down? And her smile...it warms up the soul" Lupin explained, his eyes shining and a permanent smile on his face.
"What happened?"
"We weren't meant to be. It just didn't work out that way. Then I found someone else a few years after that, fell in love again and luckily the girl was insane enough to return the affection. We're still together" he said with a smile on his face "You'll find someone else, Harry, but be sure of one thing: You'll never forget your first love, ever. This girl will always have a special place in your heart"
"What happened to her?"
"Oh, we became very good friends"
"Do you still keep in touch?"
"Oh, yes! She teaches right next door"
Harry's eyes grew so wide they almost passed his glasses.
"Your first love was professor Crane?"
"Shhh... she doesn't know that", Lupin replied smiling and whisperin. "In fact, you are the only person I told that to. Not even Sirius knows it" Lupin said smiling "Do you know how Hermione is important to you and how you would kill if anyone hurt her?"
Harry nodded; after all, he had a detention on Friday because of that.
"That is how I feel about Moira" Lupin finished. "Now, you have to promise me you won't tell anyone. The last thing I want is more rumors and Snape after me"
"Professor Snape?" Harry frowned
"That's a long story... Now, won't you go eat something? Tomorrow is a big day and you'll need your strength"
Harry nodded and left the room. Feeling better about everything and smiling internally after what Lupin had confided in him.
Remus went to his chambers, took a shower and went to bed. His heart light, thinking of his student years, thinking of Abby. He prayed Sirius was released. He didn't want to think what Moira would do if the contrary should happen.
"What is it?" asked Snape as he entered the teachers' lounge, making sure it was empty.
"Why didn't you tell me about the trial?" Moira asked, closing the door behind her.
"I thought you had received a letter as well" he lied.
"Liar, you knew I hadn't." she got closer to him. "I swear to you Snape, if you do anything tomorrow that can put in danger Sirius's return, I'll make you regret it" she said, her voice low and venom in her eyes. He could see it now…her eyes were colder, changing.
"Are you threatening me, Crane?" he said mockingly with a smirk on his face.
"No, I'm letting you know before hand that I will not tolerate your little petty differences with him if they get in the way of him coming home"
"What will you do? Curse me? You wouldn't" he said, his face inches away from hers.
"Don't tempt me" she hissed, her sweet breath making strands of his hair slide to the side of his face. Snape knew she wasn't bluffing and that the changes she was undergoing had nothing to do with this. She was purely and simply mad at him, and she was even more attractive when she was angry.
They were so close he could feel the warmth of her body. Her smell snaring his senses, making him think of things he could never possibly take to action.
"I won't ... tempt you" he said, his vice low, and walked away from her.
Moira put her hand on the back of an armchair, and leaned over it. Taking a deep breath, she recomposed herself. She was over him. She had to be. She was completely over the way his velvet voice spoke her name, the way his hair sometimes covered his face, leaving only his dark bottomless eyes looking back at her, the way his lips curled when he was angry. She was over all that, than why was her heart beating so fast?
Moira walked out of the lounge and headed straight to her room. Appetite lost, mind racing and heart going even faster. She conjured some tea and drank it down, slowly. After that, Moira got herself into a long hot bath, put on her nightgown and went through the memories of fifteen years ago, looking for everything that could help Sirius.
"Hey Harry! Over here!" screamed Ron as he and Hermione walked out of the great hall.
"Where have you been? We've done research and eaten dinner. Here" she handed Harry a small plate filled with seedless grapes on it "Just so you won't sleep with an empty stomach"
Harry thought about what Lupin had said and smiled.
"Research on what?" Harry asked as they started their way towards the common room.
"Well, we've tried to look for Moira in books, but everything that had her name on it has been checked out and Madam Pince wouldn't let us know by whom" explained Hermione. "I have a hunch but I need something written by the her hand"
"Why?"
"You'll see" Hermione said triumphantly.
Suddenly Harry felt it. His scar started to burn. Tears, screams, a green light.
Harry! Oh no!
Harry couldn't see, the pain was too intense. Another green flash. Excruciating pain. Tears on his skin, loss, fear. The seedless grapes rolled down on the floor. Hermione screamed. Harry felt the hard cold floor of the Gryffindor common room against his face. Darkness.
In the room next door, Moira Crane Dumbledore fell unconscious on the floor.
A/N I'm sorry it took me so long to post. I hope you've enjoyed this chapter. Don't forget to review and let me know what you think. A big thanks to all of my reviewers! I just love reading your opinions and thoughts. They are quite a feedback for me. A big kiss to my boyfriend who created our website . and puts up with my rambling on and on about the fiction. I LOVE YOU! To Ruth, Kathi, Trisha, Rosekeet, Devilishly Clever, and everybody else who reviewed! You are awesome! Thanks for always being there for me! See you all in chapter 6, when the things will start to REALLY heat up!