White Death

by Frini

Former Hary Potter and the White Death. The past returns to Hogwarts on Harry's fith year. New teacher, holder of many secrets, new students, romance, danger and discoveries. ATTENTION! This fic has the older characters as its focus. 7 books spoilers.

17. or Treat

I am thinking of you
In my sleepless solitude tonight
If it´s wrong to love you
Then my heart just won´t let me be right
´Cause I´m drowned in you
And I won´t pull through
Without you by my side

I´d give my all to have
Just one more night with you
I´d risk my life to feel
Your body next to mine
´cause I can´t go on
Living in the memory of our song
I´d give my all for your love tonight

My all, Mariah Carey

Chapter 17

…or Treat

"They are all fine" Sirius said as he moved out of the Weasleys fireplace and got back to his feet "Remus just told me they all got a bit of a tremor there, but everything is back in place"

"What about Professor Craine?" Harry asked, his emerald green eyes searching Sirius' "Is she alright?"

Molly looked from Harry to Arthur, who caught Sirius' eyes and nodded.

"Upstairs everyone!" Molly called.

"What's going on?" Ginny asked, but Ron pulled her by her elbow and left with his brothers.

"Don't ask. He'll tell us later" Ron said as the kids disappeared into the second floor of the house, leaving Harry, Sirius, Molly and Arthur in the leaving room.

"Something's wrong with her, isn't it?" Harry asked as he was led to sit down on the couch in front of the fireplace. Molly and Arthur each sat beside him, as Sirius sat in front of him, at the edge of a coffee table.

"Something very special is going to happen to Professor Craine, Harry" Arthur explained "You see, fifteen years after the death of a Dark witch or wizard, the next generation, if there's any, gets the previous one's powers. The fathers passed them onto the sons, and the mothers to their daughters. This Halloween, it will be the fifteenth since Moira's mother died"

"She died on the same night as my parents.. I know this" Harry said and looked at Sirius.

"By the hands of the same damn wizard too" Sirius completed and got a look from Molly for using language.

"But why did I see her? What does she have to do with me?" Harry asked.

"Nothing" Sirius replied quickly "She has a connection with Voldemort (Molly and Arthur hissed) just like you do, but in a different way" Sirius said the last part fast.

"That is why when she feels something coming from him, you do too and vice-versa" said Arthur.

"He tried to hurt her again, didn't he?" Harry asked.

"Probably" Molly said, getting Harry's hands in her own "She was engaged to him, Harry, and helped in his fall. Not as much as you, but she helped" she said as her hand traveled through Harry's hair, making his scar visible. Sirius cleared his throat.

"Anyway, she'll be going through some rough time until Halloween and Voldemort might want to take advantage on that... bastard" Sirius cursed under his breath and it was Molly's turn to clear her throat at him.

"So you might get to see some things as well. That is why we brought you here" Molly said.

Harry nodded and sighed. There was still something he couldn't identify in him that told him something else was happening to her... to him.

"Will she be alright after it?" Harry asked. Molly looked at Arthur.

"Yes" Sirius answered, his eyes on Harry "She'll be just fine"

"What is happening to Professor Craine is something that happens to every wizard when they have Dark backgrounds. It is no secret, but since she has a different connection with You-Know-Who things are more delicate" Arthur explained.

"What he means is that every one in the Ministry is probably shitting their pants of fear of her" Sirius said and before Molly could argue his choice of words, he continued "You know it's true. Come on, Molly, would you let her into your home if you didn't know her? Damn, would you've let me in a couple of years ago if the Ministry hadn't cleared my name?"

"You have a point" Arthur said before Molly could respond "But Moira is a Dumbledore as much as she is a Craine and that counts for something"

"Tsarina Craine was a great woman" Sirius said as he stood up "And she died for a noble cause, Arthur. That counts for something"

"Yes, she was and yes, she did, but no one really knows why she died, Sirius. Why did Voldemort go after her if not to avenge Dumbledore?"

Caught in the act, Sirius looked from Arthur to Molly, and then to Harry. He had to make something up very quickly. Harry had his mother's eyes and that made it very difficult for Sirius to lie since he was never able to lie to Lilly. Unable to lie, Sirius Black took the only option he had: he told his own version of the truth.

"Even so, she died for our cause" Sirius said.

"She did as did so many, unfortunately" Arthur said. The room grew quiet as neither of them dared look in the other person's eyes. Molly had lost members of her family to the Dark Lord before she married Arthur, Sirius had had his share, being locked up in Azkaban because of the betrayal of a friend, and Harry had lost both his parents. It was hard to find a life that hasn't been touched by Darkness and that all was enough for them to resent, even if just a bit, what was happening to Moira. She wasn't evil, they all knew that, but the fact that she could do evil was enough to doubt unwillingly reach their hearts.

"I still remember Dumbledore's face that day" Arthur said in a low voice "It was very late when he shoved Moira into the carriage. She was so young... had barely left Hogwarts. He kept telling her it was for the best, but she wouldn't answer" Arthur got up, Harry's eyes followed him "She was so pale, so... in shock with everything"

"That was probably the worst day and the happiest of many lives" Sirius murmured as he raised his face to meet Harry's.

"Three deaths, one arrest.. "

"One betrayal" Sirius interrupted Arthur. The younger wizard was standing farthest from the group, his back toward them.

"And the end of a Dark period" Arthur conclude.

"It didn't end" Harry said "Voldemort is still alive"

"Please... don't say his name in this house" Molly pleaded.

"And now he's getting stronger" Harry got up "And he's coming after her... and after me... again. We have to do something"

"Harry" Sirius strong voice held Harry's attention to his godfather's dark eyes, as he made his way toward him again. Even though Sirius lost so many years wasting away in Azkaban, he still had the confident walk, the deep looking eyes and a strong presence. Sirius Black was getting everything back from his lost years; his appearance, although older, still gorgeous, his friends and the only family left: Harry. And, by the way he held Harry's shoulder, he knew he wasn't about to let Voldemort ruin it all again..

"This time, we'll win... once and for all" Sirius said.

Harry nodded, Sirius let go of him and they both sat back down. Harry lowered his head as he remembered Moira. The way she looked when he first set eyes upon her, how that posture changed when she had held him in his arms and told him she wouldn't let him go. How could the Ministry think she is evil if she saved him?

"But you have to understand, Harry, that once the transfer is over, Professor Craine might not be the same..." Arthur said, carefully measuring every word.

"That is not going to happen, Arthur" Sirius said, warningly.

"It is not a very likely possibility, but measures are being taken to insure that…"

"They'll put her away?!" Harry asked outraged.

"Over my dead body" exclaimed Sirius "Aurors are at Hogwarts to investigate other things, Arthur"

"I know, Sirius. Justine Lorcan told me so herself. But from what I know of Alastor Moody, and I do, he'll want to keep Moira into a very safe place inside the castle, just as a precaution..."

"They can't do that!" Harry said as he stood up "She didn't harm anyone! They can't lock her up for nothing!"

"They did that to me" Sirius said in a low voice, his eyes found Harry "And they have lots of reasons to try and do that to her... but they won't" he looked at Arthur.

"Sirius… there's nothing you can…"

"Moira won't turn on us!" he spat before taking deep breaths and turning his face away from the three wizards. Sirius took a few steps away from the group, but he could feel their gaze on his back "Vold… Tom Riddle is everything she stands against. She won't join him" he said between clenched teeth.

"I think that what worries so many, Sirius, is not that she'll join him, but that a new Dark figure might arise" Arthur whispered. A noise upstairs ignored by the adults, but noticed by Harry, made him realize that Ron, Ginny and the twins were listening to the whole conversation.

"That is why we are all so worried, dear" Molly said "We know that even though what is happening to Professor Craine is something that happens to many wizards…"she looked at Harry with sorrowful eyes "she's too close to you for the Ministry to look the other way"

"Moira would die before she hurt Harry!" Sirius told Molly, outraged she could think such a thing.

"She saved me from Voldemort!" the couple hissed at the name "She fought for my soul, she..." Harry's eyes started to shine brighter and his face blushed "She told me she wouldn't do anything to harm me... she told me that" he looked at Sirius for support and got it.

"And she will keep her word, Harry. Azkaban took many things away from me, but one thing that remains true to this day is that I know my friends. Moira won't ever harm you" he looked at the Weasley couple "Ever"

Heavy silence filled the room. Moira Craine Dumbledore had an effect upon him he had never noticed until now... until facing the probability of never seeing her again. Why did he care so much? Why was he feeling so helpless? Harry didn't know, and he didn't care. All he wanted was to know she was going to be safe and, if Sirius told him so, than that was true.

&&&&&&&&&&

"Oh... that was... interesting" Maeve's voice said as she let her body fall into a expensive looking armchair.

"Did he actually take the bait?" Liam Laois asked as he sipped his brandy, standing opposite from her.

Maeve just nodded, her cold gray eyes smiling at Liam. Underestimate a Malfoy and all you get is revenge. Maeve let her head fall back and sighed. Life was being good to her. In a couple of days, she would have the place she so wished and more than that, she'd know that Moira wasn't going to pop up and ruin things for her... no... Moira would be gone for good. Maeve smiled.

The sitting room at Malfoy Manor was filled with the most expensive furniture, all made out of very dark wood, floor covered by ancient tapestries and the walls filled with what was considered the best taste in art. Maeve was seating comfortably on a expensive looking couch while Liam stood by a tall window, sipping his brandy, his navy blue eyes gleaming at the blonde. To have scored against the "good" side was something to be proud of, but having fooled both Snape and Moira in a castle filled with Aurors was almost a miracle, and Liam didn't believe in miracles.

Lucius Malfoy entered the room and closed the doors behind him only after his wife had joined them. Narcissa was a sight for sore eyes: tall and slim, ivory skin and blue eyes, silver blond hair tied up in an elegant hairdo, dressed in deep green silk from collar bone to ankles, she glided into the room so lightly that it looked like her feet didn't touch the ground. Another prize for the Malfoys. Narcissa sat herself across from Maeve and was joined by Lucius. He stood tall behind her armchair, an accomplished smile upon his face.

"So" Narcissa's soft voice said "Are you going to tell me what happened or should I guess?"

"Everything is in place" Maeve said, still smiling, but this time, at Narcissa "No need to worry your pretty head off"

Narcissa looked at her sister-in-law with despiteful eyes and snorted softly. With one gesture, a wine glass appeared in her hand. Her eyes looked at the red liquid as she spoke.

"Do you really believe Moira Craine Dumbledore is going to be killed... just like that?"

Liam's eyes found Lucius, who frowned, but it was Maeve who answered.

"Like that?" she asked "That took a lot of work to be accomplished. Do you know how long it took, how hard it was, for the magic around that woman to get unbalanced?"

Narcissa looked at Maeve from the rim of her glass.

"Yes... I do" she sipped "But you haven't answered my question"

"Do you believe she'll make it?" Liam asked, his face serious.

"For Merlin's sake, Narcissa, she has one chance in a million to survive the transfer" Lucius snapped as he walked away from her.

"Then she's taking it" Narcissa said simply "You should have killed her when you had the chance" she said as she looked at Liam.

"I was trying to get her blood for the rest of the spell, but the bitch bit me first" Liam said.

"And you had to get the blood from her lips?" Narcissa asked as she stood up.

"Craine women" Liam smiled and looked at Lucius, not realizing that Narcissa narrowed her eyes at her husband after that comment.

"Well, then do what you think it's best" she said as she walked toward the door "I just thought that revenging your family was something that mattered to you" she said as she turned and faced Liam "But then again... my pretty head might be wrong. Good night" and she left the room, feeling the glances of the three people burn her back as she walked.

"Oh, we'll get to that" Liam said in barely more than a whisper "Sooner or later... we'll get to that"

&&&&&

Later that night, Narcissa brushed her hair slowly, taking good care of each strand as she saw her image reflected on the mirror. It had been a while since the house had grown quiet. Draco was in bed, Liam had left as did Maeve with her daughter. Still, no sign of her husband. As her blue eyes set on her reflection, Narcissa's lip curled. How could he do it? What did that insufferable Craine woman had to do to bewilder her Lucius so much? Just the thought of it made her skin crawl. Not because she loved Lucius, but because that meant her reputation was going to be tainted by her husband's infidelity, and that, she wouldn't stand.

The door opened and closed and steps were heard in the dark. Narcissa's eyes were fixed on the image of the door behind her and it didn't take long for Lucius to open it. He moved over her so fast she barely had time to turn around. Lucius caught Narcissa with one arm around her waist as his free hand held her face up to him.

"You're drunk" Narcissa said as she tried to pull free, to no avail.

"So? I had a lot to celebrate" he said as he started to kiss her neck in a very non subtle way.

"When you take that woman, are you drunk as well, or is the honor all mine?" she hissed and knew she shouldn't have said a word.

Lucius caught her by her shoulders, eyes flashing dangerously, and pushed her out of the bathroom, into the bedroom, and onto the bed. Narcissa turned fast and tried to crawl away from him, but he caught her legs and pulled her toward him, straddling her and pushing her arms to either side of her head. Then he became really still and lowered his face to almost an inch away from his wife's.

"Get off of me" Narcissa demanded between clenched teeth.

"What do you know?" he asked, his grip around her wrists making her finch in pain.

"You and that little..." Narcissa started "How could you?" Lucius didn't answer and his grip loosened a bit. Was she imagining things or did her husband's eyes show a shadow of doubt? "You didn't sleep with her did you?" she asked and then again no answer. She started to laugh "Did Moira come to the rescue... again?"

Lucius grip returned stronger than before and the weight of his body over hers made Narcissa fall silent and turn her head, so he was speaking against her ear.

"She won't stop me again" he hissed, the liquor in his breath making Narcissa feel sick.

"Yes, she will" Narcissa said as she turned her face "You obviously don't know her like I do"

For one second their eyes met and they both realized why they got married in the first place. It didn't happen for love or money, but for pure interest on the same thing: power.

"How?" he asked "How can I kill her once and for all?"

"You would have to get the ones she loves. The Dark witch has a golden heart, and she won't keep it beating if the ones she cares about fall around her" she looked into his eyes "You wasted your shot, Lucius, now pray that it goes your way, because, if she lives, not even that will make her fall"

"What if I told you we already did that?" he asked, moving even closer to her.

"Then I'd say... well done. But that is not the case" Narcissa said coldly and then pronounced very slowly so that Lucius wouldn't miss a word "Kill.Abigail.Dumbledore. She sees the future, Lucius. Kill her and your plans won't be ruined again"

"And if I don't?" he asked as he let go of her wrists, and placed his hands on other parts of her body.

"Then I'll do it for you" she whispered before her lips found his.

&&&&&&

Moira locked herself in her room and sat by her study. Her hands moved faster than her mind could reason. Parchment and quills at her reach, before she knew, Moira had written a few letters and left them inside her drawer. Each sealed and addressed with one warning : to be opened ONLY on Halloween. As she finished the last one and her wrist was getting ready to write the letter "S", Moira paused. She couldn't bring herself to write to Snape... she had to see him again, she had to voice her thoughts. With no time to lose, Moira got up, and, in the shower, she started to design her plan. She could feel her strength slowly being drained from her body, but she didn't care. She had to see him, even if it killed her. As Moira was finishing to tie her hair up, all dressed in her usual garments, a knock on the door made her stop.

"Come in" she said firmly from inside.

Abigail and Remus entered the room. Abby didn't have the stained dress any longer, but was wearing a pale pink one. Moira looked at them and remembered the words she had put on paper to each one of them. She still had one chance and she was clinging to it.

"What?" Moira asked "Did something else happen?" her heart started to race.

"No... it's just..." Abby said but ran and embraced Moira just like a child would a parent that had spent too much time away from home.

"Hey now... why all of this?" Moira asked as she stroked Abby's hair and held on to her. She could feel her cousin trying not to cry. Moira looked ahead and found Lupin's eyes staring at her.

"Don't you give me that look, Remus John Lupin" Moira warned "I'm not going to die"

"Moira... I..." But Lupin chose silence over the wrong words.

"Listen to me" Moira said as she pulled Abby by her shoulders so that they were facing each other "This isn't the first time I faced death, and it won't be the last" Moira explained "Now, do you trust me or not?"

"I trust you" Abby said, her face wet, but resolute now.

"That's my girl" Moira smiled and looked at Lupin, who nodded with a sad smile "Good. Now, I have everything planned out, but I'll need your help"

"Anything" Lupin said as he took some steps closer.

"Abigail, where did they take Snape to?" Moira asked.

"You're not thinking about... Moira, you can't leave" Abby exclaimed.

"She's right... Moira, this is suicide!" Lupin said.

"What happened to 'anything'?" Moira said, a serious expression upon her face "I can't stay here and wait for my time to come. I need to see him and I need to go to the Weasleys as well" she looked at Abby "But I can't do this without your help. So... are you in?"

Abby and Lupin didn't need to exchange glances for both to agree.

"Abby, you'll stay here and monitor me while I'm gone. Anything comes my way, you'll let Remus know by floo powder. I'm sure to be around fireplaces" Abby nodded and Moira turned to Lupin "Care to join me on an expedition, Professor?"

"How can I help?" Lupin asked.

"Can you manage to Disapparate us both? We can take Harry's cloak to the gates and we'll be on our way to the Weasleys and then to..."

"Saint Mungos" replied Abby "Serious Unit Ward".

Moira took a few seconds for the information to be processed.

"What about your father? What should Abby tell him?" Lupin asked as he conjured his own cloak.

"Make something up... tell him it was my last wish or something" Moira said as she took Harry's invisibility cloak that was folded on her desk "Oh... we should let Molly and Arthur know about our visit" Moira added.

"I'll tell them.... be careful" Abby said sweetly.

"You'll be watching my back. I have nothing to worry about" Moira said with a smile and hugged Abby, whispered something in her ear that Lupin couldn't understand and let go of her.

"Shall we?" Moira asked and as she and Lupin vanished under the cloak and off from the room.

"The Burrow" Abby said soundly as she took a handful of floo powder from Moira's mantle and threw it inside the fireplace. In no longer than seconds, Abby was inside the Burrow's fireplace "Hello! Is anyone home!?"

She saw a pair of feet show up and look at the fire.

"Hello there, Ginny" Abby said, forcing a smile.

"Hi, Miss Dumbledore" Ginny said also smiling "What are you... doing here?"

"Will you fetch your parents for me, please?" and off she went.

&&&&&&&&&

Moira and Lupin managed their way toward one of the secret passages that led them to Hogsmead, him shooting simple confusion spells around them not letting the Aurors catch their presence. Lupin was sure they weren't going to work and the only reason they managed to leave Hogwarts undetected was that they were being allowed out. Lupin also knew Moira was aware of that but chose not to bring up the subject.

Once out of the castle, Moira folded the cloak again and held it against her. She frowned as a sudden weight was invisibly thrown against her.

"McGonagall was right" Moira whispered "I can't even breathe right"

"We should go back.. this isn't..."

"No..." Moira said softly as her eyes met his "I have to see him, Remus"

Lupin sighed and nodded softly. He couldn't blame her. Slowly the two Professors embraced, Moira's head right below Lupin's chin.

"Just concentrate" he whispered and with a soft pop sound, they vanished.

Moira and Lupin turned out a few feet from the Burrow. A bit light headed, Moira had to walk arm in arm with Lupin in order not to fall down.

"How are you feeling?" Lupin asked as they walked.

"Like I'm under water. There's pressure…" Moira answered, her breathing changing dramatically.

"You're getting weaker" Lupin said softly "You should feel a bit better once we are inside the Burrow. The magic in the room will ease the pain… same thing in St. Mungos"

Moira didn't turn her head to meet his eyes, but kept walking forward.

Night was getting there fast and she had no time to lose. They walked side by side in silence for a few moments before...

"This is probably the stupidest thing you ever did, Moira" Lupin said, his teacher tone present in his voice "Very, very stupid"

"No... the stupidest thing I ever did was to think I was in love with Tom Riddle and then actually falling for Snape" she snorted "What can I do... I'm a stupid woman who has the worst taste in men"

"No... you're not..." Lupin said sweetly "Well... you do have bad taste in men, but if anyone is stupid in this equation, they are; Riddle for thinking he could fool you and Severus for..." he paused.

"Not returning my affections?" Moira concluded the sentence without facing Lupin.

Lupin stopped moving, making Moira do the same and turn to face him.

"No... for taking too long to speak his mind" Lupin said "Do you really believe he doesn't..."

"Love is a very strong word and a very powerful feeling, Remus" Moira said firmly "And Severus Snape is a very mysterious man... I don't know what lies in his heart... he won't let me know, and that already gives me the answer"

"Then why are you risking your life to see him again?" Lupin asked as he resumed his walk beside Moira.

"Why do you ask me questions you already know the answer for?" Moira said with a sad smile.

They reached the door to the Burrow and faced each other.

"What's next?" Lupin asked.

"Finish some business" Moira said "Don't want to come back as a ghost now" her eyes were on his as her smile faded from her lips "Don't tell them about all of this" she whispered and knew Remus would do as she asked. She, then, took a deep breath and knocked softly on the Burrow's door. Hurried steps from inside and the door opened to reveal Arthur and Molly Weasley on the other side.

"Miss Dumbledore… Craine… er…" Arthur stuttered for a moment as he searched Moira's eyes. She smiled at him and that was enough for the nervousness he was feeling to go away. They had been talking about her, about her changing, and now, she was standing in his doorstep, with all of his children, plus Harry Potter, on the inside of the house. But her smile, her brown eyes glittering at him, was enough for Arthur Weasley to know she meant no harm.

"Hello there Arthur… Molly" Lupin said as he nodded to each of them "I believe Abigail send word of our visit?"

"Yes, yes… oh, do come in" Molly said as she took Moira's arm in hers "You must be exhausted, dear. Would you like some tea?"

"That would be nice" Moira said in a soft voice as she came into the Burrow.

Moira looked back at the door to find Lupin and Arthur smiling at her. She turned her head to Molly, as she asked what flavor of tea she favored. Lupin was right: it felt better inside the Weasley's home. As Molly and Moira disappeared inside the house, Arthur's smile faded from his face as Lupin looked at him.

"She's not doing so well, Remus. I can tell" Arthur said in a hushed and concerned voice "Isn't it too soon for her to feel so… so weak?"

"Yes" was all that Lupin said and his tone was enough to let Arthur know not to pursue the subject.

"Come in... let's pretend everything is fine and have some of that tea" Arthur said with a smile as they entered the Burrow.

&&&&&

"Apple and cinnamon then?" Molly asked and a nod with a soft smile was her response from Moira. Molly put the cattle with water on the oven, but the silence coming from her guest got her attention. Moira had her eyes fixed on the outside. Sirius was in the backyard with Harry, Ron, Ginny and the twins. Percy wasn't home. Her eyes followed their every move as they ran after the gnomes in the garden and threw them out. Moira noticed Sirius wasn't wearing shoes. A soft smile grew on her face as her heart contracted into a painful knot. So many years in a stone prison, Sirius missed everything from the outside, but, more than anything, he missed the little things, like the feel of grass underneath his feet. She was already missing all of this. An occasional laugh came from Moira as she saw Sirius teach Harry moves to de-gnome the garden, just like a muggle dad would teach a son to throw a baseball.

"Here Harry... you have to toss them high" Sirius said from the garden as the gnome on his hand complained and demanded to be put down "The strength comes from the shoulder... like this" and the gnome flew.

"He was very concerned about you" Molly whispered beside Moira.

"That's a sign he has finally grown up" Moira's soft voice replied, her eyes on the outside "Sirius has bigger responsibilities now"

"Him too, but I meant Harry" Molly replied. Her eyes met Moira's "He felt something… told us you were in danger and all alone" Moira sipped her tea, royal posture in place as if all that Molly had said was nonsense. The red head matriarch took a step closer to Moira, and their eyes met "You're not alone, dear"

A thin smile grew on Moira's face and a soft nod reassured Mrs. Weasley she understood the message and thanked her for it. Both women turned their heads toward the garden again.

"This is what it should be like… always" Moira said softly as she watched the four red heads and two dark-haired people laugh and run around outside. All of them probably knew about the transfer, but not that she was about to leave them for good. As much as she wanted to fight it, deep down, Moira knew she wasn't going to be able to survive this one, so she might as well get others ready to do so.

&&&&

"From the shoulder, Harry... that's it... now toss him!" Sirius commanded and the gnome on Harry's hand flew high above the Weasley's fence. Sirius laughed beside his godson as his eyes got sight of something. Lupin was making his way to meet them and usually the sight of his friend made him happy, but right now, all the hairs on the back of Sirius' neck were up and an empty feeling took hold of his stomach.

Bad news from Moira... oh Merlin... no...

It couldn't be that or Harry would have felt it...

"Hey there, Harry" Lupin said as he met Sirius and Harry "Mind if I speak with your godfather?"

"Not at all" Harry said under his breath as he looked at Lupin. Why was he there?

"Don't worry Harry... everything is fine" Lupin said to Harry. He usually believed Professor Lupin, but the sadness in his eyes told Harry otherwise.

As Harry made his way over to Ron and Ginny, Sirius' brows got together as he frowned at Lupin.

"Remus..." Sirius started but as Remus calmly shook his head, he stopped talking.

"Moira is fine... she's here actually" Lupin said as Sirius' lips parted and his head snapped toward the house "We don't have a lot of time, but she came here to talk to you and Harry"

Sirius looked over at Lupin again and every particle of his body knew and shouted at him that something was very, very wrong. The worst part of it all was that they were all right.

&&&&

"Have you all been doing your homework?" Moira's soft voice spoke from the door, and the effect on the children was an immediate "yes, miss", as they snapped their heads toward her and tensed their backs. Moira smiled at them.

"Professor Craine! What are you doing here?" Harry asked half worried, half incredibly happy to see her. Moira walked toward them in careful steps. Harry noticed that even having her posture intact, she looked paler, more tired.

"How's your salamander doing, Miss Weasley?" Moira asked, her eyes in Ginny's.

"Hagrid has her now" Ginny answered a bit sadly "She was getting a bit dangerous to have around"

"I see" Moira said more to herself than to the others "But I know she's been taken very good care of" she offered a hint of a smile. Moira's eyes caught Remus taking Sirius inside the house as Mrs. Weasley did the same to the children.

"Come on. All washing up for supper" Moira heard Mrs. Weasley call. As Harry passed, her hand caught his shoulder lightly.

"Walk with me" she said in her low voice and Harry didn't bother to ask why. They both moved toward the garden again.

In the garden, as the evening bit its good bye, there were no sounds other than their footsteps in the grass, the wind going through leaves, and the occasional complaining of the gnomes as they came back to the Burrow's backyard through a hole on the fence. Moira and Harry walked side by side until she found a spot under a tree and sat down, Harry beside her.

"Are you alright professor?" Harry asked as his emerald green eyes searched Moira's.

"No, Harry, I'm not" she said and could tell the impact of her calling Harry by his first name had on him "But I will be soon enough"

Moira stared into his eyes for a moment, seeing her friends in his features, remembering him as a baby and wishing… wishing so much. Moira wished she could have been there for him, raised him, and, more than anything, she wished she could tell him the whole truth.

"They said you might be locked up because of some magic transfer" Harry said "They can't do that, can they?"

"Yes, and they will. I asked for it" Moira replied and continued to explain before Harry could argue "I'm sure Mr. and Mrs. Weasley already explained how everything will happen" and he nodded "So you know I'm letting them do this for our own good. But that's not why I'm here, Harry" she took in a breath "There're some things I need to tell you" Harry frowned "Where is the book I sent you for your birthday?"

Harry's eyes got wide on his face. Hermione had been right!

"Take good care of that. It belonged to your parents and I'm sure you'll find it useful sooner or later and this is also yours" she said as she handed him the invisibility cloak.

"Professor…" Harry said, making Moira's eyes find his "Why are you…"

"I'm giving this back to you is because when you go back to Hogwarts I won't be there" Moira said firmly.

"But you're the Headmaster's daughter! They can't sack you!" Harry exclaimed.

"I thought I had grown out of being the Headmaster's daughter" Moira said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes "They're not sacking me. I chose to leave for personal reasons"

"Oh…" Harry said uncomfortable. Now was his opportunity and he probably wouldn't get another one so, once again, his lips were faster than his mind "Why do I have dreams about you?" Harry felt himself blush as he heard the words leave his lips "I mean… I don't see your face, but I've seen a woman, like you, holding a baby... that's me... several times. You sang to me… and I saw that when I was awake… in Hogsmead!"

Moira took that in before she could answer him. How could he remember that? How could she forget? Their connection was stronger than she thought, if he was seeing visions of the past with his eyes wide open.

"I used to baby sit you" she said softly "I'm amazed you remember the singing… I'm not exactly on key" she took another deep breath before she turned to Harry "Harry, do you know what role a godmother has in our world?"

Harry's eyes didn't blink and neither did Moira's. Harry nodded slowly.

"Miss Abigail told me. They are a protection against evil, sort of"

"Yes... and no harm can really happen to a witch or wizard while their godmother is still alive. She is like a shield" Moira paused "Do you know about your godmother, Harry?"

Harry's heart skipped a beat. He had a godmother?

"I didn't know I had one. I didn't know Sirius was married" Harry said but the look on Moira's face was enough for him to fall silent.

"He's not. I can't imagine your godfather married, actually" Moira said with a smile "Godparents in our world don't necessarily need to be married, Harry. And yes, you did have a godmother... long ago" Moira said softly. Harry's heart sank "A woman was chosen because she was the only one strong enough to face the evil that would come her way when she baptized you. That woman was asked to be your godmother, to be your shield. That woman swore to protect you even if her life was to be slain in the process. That woman… was my mother, Harry" she lied.

Harry felt all color drain from his face as the world seemed to stop around him and there were only Moira's eyes to guide him. His lips parted but no sound came out.

"I shouldn't tell you about any of this, but I think you need to know" she looked at him as tender as ever before "I think you deserve to know that she loved you even before you were born, and enough to die for you" Moira said as images of her mother dying in Voldemort's hands came back to haunt her.

Harry got up fast but didn't move away. Anger and guilt took hold of his features, just like Moira knew they would.

"Why?!" he exclaimed. He already felt guilty enough about his parents, about Cedric, and now this? Why was she telling him that? Was she blaming him for her mother's death? "Why would someone want to do this?"

"Because that was the only thing she could do for you" Moira said softly as she watched him pace in front of her "Because being your godmother was an honor for her and you should honor that"

Harry stopped abruptly, his back turned to Moira.

"Voldemort killed her the same night he murdered my parents" he said between clenched teeth.

"So you were sure to have the same fate... only you didn't" Moira concluded.

"Why?" Harry asked as he turned to her again.

Because that's a lie. I'm your godmother and I was still alive! - Moira yelled in her thoughts.

"I don't know" she said confidently.

Harry approached her again, being followed by her almond shaped eyes, and sat down next to her.

"I'm sorry" Harry said, his head lowered.

"You shouldn't be. She would be very proud of you and she's probably laughing right now that Voldemort's plan didn't work" Harry looked up at Moira with a hint of a smile on his lips "I don't blame you, Harry. The very few who know about this don't blame you either" Moira's expression hardened "I think we both know who's fault this is"

Harry's face did the same as Moira's. Voldemort. He was the one to blame… for everything that was on Harry's shoulders. Harry nodded softly as he saw Moira take two envelopes from inside her robes.

"Here" she handed them to Harry "Open this on Halloween... only on Halloween".

One envelope had his name on it and the other Sirius'. As Harry looked at the envelopes, he knew something was wrong.

"Will you go fetch your godfather for me, Mr. Potter?" the change in the way she called him was enough for Harry to know he shouldn't ask any questions. He stood up, took a few steps but turned to her. Moira wasn't looking at him, but had her eyes closed, holding her breath.

"Thank you... for telling me all this" he said and her eyes found his again. They looked so sad.

"Anytime" she whispered with a thin smile.

"In my vision, you were in danger, professor" Harry said without moving.

"Aren't we all?" she joked yet again as she got up to her feet with some difficulty "But I'm not alone... not anymore" she said as her eyes blinked slowly "It was an honor… being your professor, Mr. Potter" she whispered to him as they shook hands.

Harry couldn't find words to reply. He simply stood there, shaking her hand, and feeling that that was the last time he was going to see Moira.

"Now go on" she said and off he went.

&&&&

From time to time, Abigail would gaze into her crystal ball and see how Moira and Lupin were doing, but she couldn't see very far, and that made her extremely nervous. She paced from one side to the other in Moira's office.

A strong sound came from the fireplace and as Abby turned, expecting to see Lupin's face on it, her heart jumped to her throat as Madam Pomfrey's head appeared in the flames.

"Abigail... Oh thank Merlin you're here" Madam Pomfrey said "I tried every fireplace but no one is in the castle"

"They're out on the grounds" Abigail said without paying much attention and moved to kneel down in front of the fireplace "How's Severus?"

"Oh, dear... they tried everything. The wound is healing, but he won't wake up" she said in a trembling voice "He just won't wake up"

"Yes, he will" Abby said firmly "I know he will because he's stubborn and a git, and he won't simply die in a hospital bed"

"Abigail, they say the spells you performed saved his life, but.."

"There's no 'but'! Severus Snape will wake up! He MUST!"

"Yes, but when?" Pomfrey's voice was worried "The longer it takes... it might damage... Abigail..."

"Listen, Moira and Remus are on their way to you. Leave the room clear of doctors so Moira can get in" Abby said.

"But she can't perform magic... she can't..."

"This bit she can" Abby said softly as her baby blue eyes fixed on Madam Pomfrey's "Trust me on this"

&&&&&&&

"Lily and James would be so proud of him" Moira had said "And of you"

"For being locked up while I should have been raising him? That is not a thing to be proud of" Sirius said in a mocking tone, but Moira noticed the pain behind it.

"You are picking up where you left off and that's what counts, right? To all of us?" he nodded.

It was getting harder and harder for Moira to stand there. Not only was she getting weaker, she was also being destroyed by everything she loved, everyone she loved. It was hitting her, harder than before, that she was never to see any of them again. She wasn't going to hear Sirius' voice, see Harry's eyes, Remus' smile, none of that, ever again. Moira took in a breath as pain hit her scar and heart. Sirius was a few steps ahead of her, his back turned to her as he looked at the house. He didn't notice, but he turned his head very quickly toward her when she told him why she was there.

"I'm dying" Moira said softly, her voice almost caught in the wind. Their eyes met and fixed on each other. It hurt more than she thought it would, saying it, admitting it aloud that she wasn't going to live to see Harry grow up, to see Sirius enjoy his freedom "Something came up and I might not make it passed Halloween"

Sirius' eyes weren't blinking as they burned into hers. He was as still as a statue and Moira guessed he wasn't even breathing. Shock was over him but not for long.

"WHAT?!" Sirius yelled as he walked toward her "Is this your idea of a joke? Cause it's not funny Moira!"

"Please, Sirius… I don't want them to know" Moira said as her eyes found the Burrow, making sure none of the others heard them "All of the attacks around school, Harry, Abby, Remus... they were all to unbalance the magic around me so I won't survive the transfer" Moira explained quickly.

Sirius just stood there as he took the information in. He opened his lips but closed them again, several times, as he paced, like a caged animal, in front of Moira.

"How?" he asked as he finally stood still "How could he possibly know all of this?"

"Voldemort is one hell of an ex-boyfriend" Moira snorted softly, her eyes turning away from Sirius'.

Moira thought Sirius was going to yell at her, to shake her and tell her she was mad, but he didn't. He just stood there, in silence, and that was even worse.

"No" Sirius said simply "You're not dying, Moira... I won't let you..." he said as he came closer "Maybe, maybe you can stay here, or... or " but Moira silenced him as her hands caught his face and their eyes met again.

"There's no way out of this one, Sirius" Moira said softly "I wish it was a joke, or a bad dream but it's not... this time, I'm not waking up" her eyes stung, but she refused to cry.

"Moira... you survived Voldemort once... you can do it again" Sirius spoke barely over his own breath.

"I didn't survive him. He took away my life but made sure I was still breathing to see it all fall apart around me" she said, her eyes shinning with unshed tears.

Laughter made them both look away form each other and back to the house. Torches were lit around a big pic-nic table and Mrs. Weasley and Ginny were placing silverware and plates on the table. Fred and George were telling Harry about awkward Ron moments. Everyone laughed, but Lupin, who was just coming out of the Burrow. By the look on his face, Abby had bad news.

Before any of them could say another word, Moira's arms went around Sirius' neck as his went around her waist and back, pulling her close. Tears fled their eyes.

"Promise me you'll protect Harry and guide him to finish what we started" Moira whispered.

"Everything you say sounds like good-bye… don't do this…" Sirius replied.

"Promise me" she repeated as she held on to him, as if trying to hold on to Life a bit longer.

"Only if you swear to me you'll fight to your last breath"

"I wouldn't have it otherwise" Moira replied as she abruptly parted the embrace and turned away from him, her hand slipping from his as she walked toward Lupin, fingertips brushing away the tears from her face.

Sirius stood there, watching Moira rush her steps away, wanting to go after her, to tell her he would fight too, but he couldn't. Deep down, he knew there was nothing he could do to help her, and that… the feeling of uselessness, angered him. But there was nothing to do, so he stood tall, as tears fled his eyes, blurring his vision, but not his thoughts, or feelings. In Azkaban, a place where hope doesn't survive, Sirius managed to keep his intact. Now, surrounded by friends, he was trying to do the same. He didn't think it would be so difficult.

"Thank you very much for the tea, Molly" Moira said with a soft smile.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay for dinner?" Arthur asked.

"We loved to, but can't. Thank you" Lupin said "See you all back at Hogwarts" he told the students, who waved at the Professors.

"Happy birthday, Professor Craine" Ginny's voice made Moira jump away from her thoughts and look at the table "Since we won't see you until after Halloween. Happy Birthday" the wish echoed as they all said the same. Harry said it, but his lips barely moved. He knew he wouldn't be seeing her again, and that was still uneasy inside of him. Their eyes met for just a moment, before Moira turned them to the children.

"Thank you" Moira muttered, almost laughing at the irony of it all.

The door to the Burrow closed. The sky above their heads was a light purple. Moira and Lupin walked slowly to a safe distance before disapparating. She was afraid to ask what Abby had told him, so she remained quiet. The only sound was Moira's heavy breathing and the pebbles beneath their feet, then the door opened again.

"MOIRA!" Sirius yelled, making Moira and Lupin turn around on their heels "The Halloween ball has been postponed. What do you say? Will you be my date?" he asked with not a smile on his face, but the despair of a man who has lost so much in such a short amount of time and couldn't bare to lose anything or anyone anymore.

"I'd be delighted" Moira replied with a soft and sad smile.

Sirius still stood by the door long after Moira and Lupin had vanished from sight.

&&&&&&&

"They're on their way to Saint Mungos now" Abby said "Moira is doing great" she added, trying to bring a bit of relief to herself and the man standing in front of her.

Her uncle looked even older than his many years. His blue eyes were tired, his shoulders heavy, and his heart crying. He sat down in front of his niece, in his daughter's office.

"Don't think that" Abby said, catching her uncle's eyes in hers "Don't think you did wrong in bringing her back"

"I didn't know you could read minds, Abigail" Dumbledore replied, his voice husky.

"I can't... but I know you, and your face" she kneeled down in front of him, and placed her hand above his "your eyes are telling me that"

"Then teach me how not to..." the old man said before letting his face follow his heart and tears flow freely from his eyes "Tell me how this is not all my fault... my child is dying" he said as he buried his face in his hands, and sobbed, silently.

Abigail was certainly not expecting this. See her uncle cry like that brought tears to her eyes and she sobbed as she embraced him. He had always been a fort for all of them; always strong, wise, calm in the face of ultimate danger, but now... now he was a broken down man about to lose the most precious person in his life.

"It isn't your fault" Abby said between sobs "It's her destiny... and Moira... she'll pull through. I'm sure of it"

Dumbledore, then, held her by her shoulders, despair and hope mingled in his eyes.

"Did you see that? Tell me..." he asked, his eyes searching hers.

But the answer wasn't what he expected. Abby had tried to see into Moira's future, but to no avail. As Moira began to lose her powers, her past, present and future were opened to Abby. But the blond witch didn't search the past, for it was too personal, she protected the present, and the future...

"Her future is yet uncertain" Abby said very softly "I didn't see her dead or alive and that means she still has a chance and she's taking it"

Dumbledore had no strength left to do anything else but to unconsciously nod.

"You, of all of us, has to be strong, uncle" Abby said "You once led us all out of Darkness, and it's time to do it again"

"How can I...I placed my own daughter in the hands of the worst creature... I... I'm killing her Abby..."

"STOP IT!" she yelled "Just... no! You gave her life, you were the one who taught her to respect her powers, not to use them against others... you love her, uncle... and no matter what she says, she loves you, very much. And she doesn't blame you... this is You-Know-Who working against us!"

Dumbledore's eyes changed as he faced Abigail. Noticing that, Abby raised her chin.

"Are you going to let him win? Let him take your daughter away from you like he did to your wife?" she said, not believing her own words.

"No" Albus whispered, his voice filled with anger, like Abby had never seen before.

"Then fight back" she said as she pulled her and her uncle up "Moira needs you to be strong... we need a leader, uncle... that leads us to war and to safety"

The fire cracked in the mantle and Poppy's face appeared.

"They're here. Moira and Remus are here" she said.

"Tell them to hurry" Dumbledore said, the power back to his voice "They need to be back at the castle as soon as possible"

"Yes, Headmaster" and she popped away.

A knock on the door.

"Albus, we need you to see this" Ethan said as he opened the door to Moira's study.

"I'll be right out" he said and Ethan closed the door. Dumbledore turned to Abby and embraced her tightly "Thank you" he whispered.

"You are very, very welcome" she whispered back, and smiled as she saw her uncle pulling himself together again.

As he left the room, the blond Seer sat down back in her armchair and curled her knees under her chin, as her eyes pierced her crystal ball.

"Please.... aunt Tsarina... help us"

&&&&&&

The door to Snape's room was guarded by two Aurors, who conveniently left to get a snack as Poppy returned with Lupin and a disillusioned Moira. As the trio entered the room, the sight of a pale and unconscious Snape over a hospital bed froze Moira.

"So, that's the picture. The wound is healing, but he just won't wake up. The longer it takes, the worse it gets" Poppy explained to Lupin and a transparent Moira.

"Can he hear us?" Lupin asked

"We don't know" Poppy said "Moira? Do you think you can help?" she paused "Moira?"

Poppy called her, but Moira's eyes were fixed on Snape. She hadn't realized Lupin had removed the spell and she was already visible to them. She cleaned her throat and blinked as Poppy's questions made her snap her head toward them.

"What?" Moira asked.

"Do you think you can help wake him up?" Poppy replied "I talked to Abigail and she said there's was a small piece of magic that you could perform" she said, completely missing the subtext in Abby's message "You don't have much time. The Aurors will be back soon"

Moira's eyes found Lupin's encouraging ones.

"I'll try" Moira said.

"We'll be just outside if you need us" Lupin said and left the room, with Poppy by his side.

Moira took a deep breath when the door closed behind them. She had never imagined she would ever see Snape as fragile as this. All the years she had know him, Severus Snape had always been strong in his own way. Now, seeing him like this, Moira's heart got heavy with guilt and fear.

She circled the bed, her eyes not leaving his inert figure. White sheets under and over him and hospital pajamas took the place of his usual black clothes. Moira sat down on a chair next to his bedside. She had been to hospitals before, had seen friends hurt before, seen them lose their lives before her eyes, but nothing hurt like this. Severus Snape was there because of her, because she had lost control for just one moment.

Moira let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Snape's raven black hair was the only color to the picture, that and his eyebrows and eyelashes, all colored like Night itself. Moira swallowed, trying to concentrate on what she had to say. Abby had been wrong. There was no magic to be done. Moira could only hope Snape would hang on and get out of the hospital and back to Hogwarts, where he belonged. Pity she wouldn't be there to say she was sorry, to say so many things she should have said so many years ago.

"I'm so sorry, Severus" Moira whispered, unsure if she should use his first name "I'm the one who put you here, but I swear, I didn't mean to. I never meant to hurt you… in any way"

Moira looked over the length of his long body. No movement whatsoever. It was real. The danger was real and tangible in the room, and she hated the fact that there was nothing she could do about it. Her almond shaped eyes captured his face once again, and everything she wanted to say, everything she had orderly put together, vanished from her lips as the thought of never seeing him again crept into her heart.

"This is so unfair. When I finally get you, I don't get to keep you" Moira said in barely more than a whisper.

Moira moved the chair closer to the bed. Silence took hold of her as she watched him breathe. There was nothing else to say but the words that both hurt her so much, and made her feel alive. She thought she would never get to say them, never would get her chance, but it was here now, her only and last chance.

"I love you, Severus Snape" she said firmly but softly "And it doesn't matter that you don't feel the same way" she moved to sit on the bed, next to him, one hand in his, the other on his face "Just wake up and snort at me, Severus... please"

Although they had kissed before, although they had been closer to each other physically before, Snape would have never let Moira get this close to him, this intimate, and Moira would have never tried. This would never have happened if he wasn't so hurt, and if she wasn't dying, and she knew it.

Suddenly Moira squeezed his hand as an unbelievably strong pain reached her heart and back. Moira tried not to scream as her eyes watered. It was getting stronger as she was getting weaker. This was Voldemort's way of telling her she had lost. The pain was too horrible to bear, and she gasped for air. Moira squeezed Snape's hand in hers as if holding a bit of him would make everything go away. Her eyes got wide in her pale face when he squeezed back.

"Severus?" she managed to say, "Severus, can you hear me?"

"Mmmm" he mumbled.

"It's me, Moira... wake up" she asked, between gasps, and not being able to hide the smile on her face "I thought I'd lost you"

"Mmmm.... Maeve" he whispered and Moira simply stopped breathing. Snape called Lucius' sister's name yet again, and Moira let go of his hand slowly. She knew there had been something between them, but not that was strong enough for him to call her name in his deathbed.

Slowly, Moira got up from the bed, put the chair back in its place, and recomposed. The sting on her back had gotten better, but the pain that took its place in her heart was bigger than ever. Ever since she had gotten back, Moira knew things wouldn't be easy for her, especially when Snape was involved. He was the man she had loved her whole life, the man she would argue with and make amends, the one man that told her he wouldn't play with her feelings, and she actually believed, the one man she would die loving.

"Good bye, Snape" she whispered and opened the door to the room, to find Poppy and Lupin on the other side "Disilusion me, Remus" she asked firmly "He's awake, Poppy" she said as her figure softly disappeared from their eyes.

Poppy ran into the room as Snape still mumbled.

"Merlin's beard, you did it" Poppy celebrated, but kept her voice down.

"I don't think she's here, Poppy" Lupin said, a touch of sadness in his voice "Be careful and get yourself and Severus to Hogwarts as soon as you can" he said as he hurried after an invisible Moira. As he descended the stairs, he could hear the fuss of healers around the room.

Moira moved quickly out of St. Mungo's, being followed by Lupin, who removed the invisibility spell from her as soon as they were away from the public eye. He wanted to ask what had happened in the room that made her expression turn so cold, but he didn't dare. He knew, just from looking at her, that she was not only in physical pain, and that was enough for him to keep quiet. They popped back to Hogwarts in a blink of an eye.

&&&&&&

Aurors were already waiting the two teachers by the gates. They both entered the castle, and, although Lupin could hear Moira breathe in soft gasps, she didn't say a word, didn't lower her head, didn't relax her shoulders. Moira was a warrior, she had always been and, now, it was time for her to be put to a test, once again.

"Thank goodness" Abigail sighed as Moira and Lupin reached the Teachers' Lounge. Abby ran toward Moira and embraced her, making sure her cousin was safe "Are you alright?"

"I will be" Moira replied.

"We were all so worried" Chloe said as she reached Moira as well.

"I'm fine" the dark-haired witch replied, a bit of annoyance in her voice "Just need to rest, that's all"

Moira looked around to see familiar faces, but not her father's.

"He's in his study" Abby whispered to Moira "You should go talk to him"

Her cousin's eyes told her everything she needed to know. Moira nodded and turned her eyes to Lupin. The change was almost imperceptible, but Lupin saw it as clear as daylight. Moira's eyes, her pupils were different. They were narrowing in shape, and although they were still round, Lupin saw they looked a bit different; snake like different.

"Thank you, Remus" she said, snapping him from his thoughts "For everything".

Lupin simply nodded and smiled back.

"Come on, I'll make you some tea. This is going to be a long night" Abby said as she led Lupin away.

"Go on, sweetheart" Chloe told her niece.

"What am I supposed to say?" Moira asked her aunt.

"You don't need to say anything… anything at all, dear" Chloe replied "Go on. I'll let you know if they find anything"

Moira nodded and walked toward her father's office. Although it was getting late, the castle was awaken. The paintings discussed the so - called ancient evil the Aurors were searching for, while the ghosts asked about Professor Snape's condition. Moira never felt so out of place. It was worse than when she had first come to Hogwarts. As she went up the stairs, the Aurors that passed her, even some paintings, either looked at her with fear or pity in their eyes, and she hated that.

Moira reached the gargoyle, spoke the password and went up the steps. She opened the door and entered the room quietly, as a teenager would if she was coming home passed curfew. Albus Dumbledore was standing by Fawkes perch, watching the mount of ashes. Moira soundlessly closed the door behind her, and stood by it, her back against it, waiting for words to leave her father's mouth. She waited there as emotion slowly took hold of her. In a few days, she would no longer be here, seeing him, hearing him. Dumbledore remained with his back turned to hear, apparently oblivious to her presence, but Moira knew better.

"He burned just after you left" Dumbledore said, his back turned to Moira "He's taking longer than usual to be reborn" his voice was tired.

"He can't fight his nature. Fawkes is a strong one" Moira told her father, her voice firm, but husky "I'm sure he'll surprise us all when we least expect it" she said, fully aware of the double meaning of their words as she took a few steps toward him.

Dumbledore turned to his daughter with his sky blue eyes shinning with unshed tears. Chloe was right: she didn't need to say anything, she never did. Ever since she was a little girl, her father and her had a certain connection. It was as if they shared the same line of thought, the same frequency, that made them know exactly what the other meant without words being spoken. This made it easy for her not to get lectures on behavior when she was little, but harder for her not to let him find out about stuff when she was a teen. But, right now, Moira was thankful for that as was Dumbledore, for he couldn't find it in him the strength to tell his own daughter that everything they had tried had failed.

Moira allowed herself to melt in her father's arms, as they circled her slim body. Her face drowned in his long, white hair as he let his façade of strength falter. They weren't the greatest wizard of all time and a Dark witch with a golden heart: Albus and Moira were simply a father not wanting to bury his only child, and a very scared woman facing death. They simply held each other as if it was the last time, and cried together, in silence as, near them, Fawkes, once again, was reborn.

&&&&&&&&

The days passed slowly to Moira, and too fast for the Aurors. She spent her days between her room and the gardens, talking to Abby and Lupin, remembering old stories. Sirius had called them a couple of times over the floo network and Dumbledore would spend as much time around Moira as he could. As the time passed, it was getting harder for Moira to move, and she was confined to her bed on the day before her birthday. As for the investigation, they were actually getting somewhere. Dumbledore's pensieve was a great help.

"So the Founders felt evil as soon as they arrived. Evil coming from inside the school" Ethan Leery said as he saw the ghostly figures over Dumbledore's pensieve.

"Yes, while the children were still here" Albus replied "It was hard for Rowena to locate as well. She said it was in the air"

"An ancient evil… and a descendent from someone else, according to Godric" Justine added to the conversation "Then it has to be someone's kid that is doing all of this"

"Impossible" McGonagall said "We know every family in this school, and although a big part is not as righteous as we would like, they don't have an ancient evil in their family tree"

"At least it can't connect with the outside" Ethan said "Not while the inside is still strong"

"And that is what we are fighting to keep" Moody said in return.

Albus vanished the thought from the pensieve just before Salazar told him that Moira was going to fall. He didn't know Moira, so he had been wrong. Albus clanged to that thought.

"So… a descendent from an ancient evil is in the air, around when the kids were still here, and unable to connect with the outside" Ethan said "If it's not someone's child, I have no idea what it could be. An animagus?"

"Maybe both" Moody said as he exchanged glances with Dumbledore "I have a hunch, but I have to come back when the kids are back in class"

"You're more than welcome to" Dumbledore said, already understanding what Moody meant.

"Until then, constant vigilance!" Moody added.

&&&&&&&

"Hey you" Justine said as she entered Moira's bedroom "How are you holding up?"

Moira turned her head to follow Justine's move. The dark-haired witch was under the covers, breathing softly, eyes half shut, hair fanned out on the pillow, dry lips, but still lucid. As Justine sat by Moira's bedside, she saw the woman's eyes changing. They were, as Lupin had noticed before, still brown, but more snake like than ever.

"Like kicking Death's ass" Moira replied softly.

"You'll get your chance, lass" Justine replied in a softer manner than she usually spoke.

"How's the investigation going?" Abby asked.

"We have a few leads, but nothing conclusive. We'll have to wait until the kids are back"

"The students might be involved? How is that possible?" Abby asked.

"At Hogwarts, everything is possible" Moira said before coughing and, in a flash, Abby was by her side, helping her seat up a bit and get a drink of water.

"You're right" Justine continued "Well, anyway, the good news is, Severus is alive and kicking. His normal self is back and it won't be long until he's snorting back at Hogwarts" Justine's eyes found Abby's "They're just waiting for Halloween to pass"

"Does he remember anything?" Abby asked. Moira was silent, but her eyes followed the conversation.

"I don't think so but I'm not sure. Dumbledore wants him here before any questions are asked. Anyway, that's not why I'm here" she turned to Moira "I just wanted to wish you happy birthday and wanted to know what are you going to leave me in your will"

"Deformed psycho" Moira tossed, smiling as best as she could.

"Egocentric serpent" Justine replied.

"The two of you are just helpless" Abby pointed out. They smiled at each other "How about some Death Eater ass to kick? That would be a good inheritance" Abby replied as Moira smiled, indicating she liked the idea.

"No, I'll let that part as unfinished business for you" Justine squeezed Moira's hand, making the witch open her eyes again "Don't you die on me. Abby is not that fun to argue with. Besides, dying on your birthday is bad luck"

Moira snorted and Abby smiled.

"Since when are you superstitious? " Moira asked before she fell silent. It would be nice to see her mother though. Moira started to ask herself if during the transfer she would get that chance. Her eyes were getting heavier, and she was starting to feel terribly sleepy. Moira tried to remain awake, for she knew that if she fell asleep, she wouldn't wake up again.

"She's not dying, just shedding this skin off" Ethan said from the door.

He walked toward the bed as the two women bid their so longs, and left the room, giving them some privacy. Moira's godfather sat by her bedside, and took her hand in his.

"I'm glad you're here" Moira said softly.

"You know, I heard Fudge had plans to take you away to a glass cell in Azkaban for the transfer" Moira tried to ask who had talked him out of it, but couldn't. "Pretty much everyone convinced him to change his mind" Ethan replied, practically guessing what Moira wanted to ask "But I'm not sure he won't try it again, when you're healing" his eyes found and held Moira's glance "It would be fun to see him try, wouldn't it" he completed and Moira nodded.

"I'm so sorry" Moira said, her voice already failing her. Ethan knew what she meant. If his wife hadn't taken the job as Moira's godmother, he wouldn't have lost her and their unborn child. But there was no turning back to any of them.

"You're a warrior, Moira Craine Dumbledore, as your mother was before you. Now you're about to get all of her powers" Ethan said, trying not to let emotion take the best of him "It's an honor".

"Make her proud" another voice said and although Moira's eyes couldn't see him, she knew her father was by her side and that he would always be.

"Always" she whispered before she drifted off to sleep.

"We'll be here when you wake up" Lupin said, from the door, and as Ethan followed the voice, he saw not only Remus, but Abigail, Justine, Chloe, Aberforth, and every single person that wanted Moira to make it through the transfer. They knew that, if she lived, dangers might await them, but it was a risk worth taking. Albus Dumbledore needed help, the Magical World needed help, but it was time to fight back.

&&&&&&&&

Harry looked over at the morning sky that announced the last day of October. Today was Moira's birthday and the anniversary of her mother, and his parents' deaths. Voldemort chose Halloween to kill the most important people in so many lives.

Ron, as the rest of the Burrow, was still asleep when Harry got out of bed. He pulled the two letters that Moira had given him and went down stairs, only to find his godfather seated on the couch, staring at the fireplace. He knew he had been there the whole night, and would remain there until news from Moira's power transfer came from Hogwarts. So, Harry chose to keep him company. He sat beside Sirius, and without a word to each other, they both waited.

&&&&&&&

Moira didn't wake up, but she hadn't given up either. Her breathing was steady, but she was unconscious when taken to the Room of Requirement. The room that changed to serve it's occupants needs was now completely padded with cushions in every wall and corner. No light whatsoever, no window, for the transfer didn't need a path to reach Moira: it was to take place in her whole being; it was present in her very soul.

Hagrid took her into his arms, and carried her from her room to the Requirement one. Moira's body was a bit slimmer than usual, and her skin was even paler in contrast to her black dress. Hagrid placed her carefully among cushions, on the floor, and stepped away. Dumbledore wanted to go inside, but was advised not to. Now the worst part of it all was about to start for him: waiting.

"It should start at any moment, but when the evening comes..." Ethan said "We better put a silencing spell over the room"

Dumbledore only nodded and the spell was placed. He wanted to be with his daughter, but he knew that it would do no good to everyone in the castle to hear her screams. He was sure to feel each stab of pain, for every Dumbledore was connected to each other, so he spared the others of the same suffering.

The Headmaster chose Moira's room to wait for the day and night to pass. The staff paused their daily tasks and retreated to the Teacher's room to keep each other company. Moira's family did the same and the Aurors were placed in guarding positions. Abby followed Dumbledore to Moira's room and took a few envelopes from a drawer, like Moira had instructed her to do.

"Here" she said with a trembling voice as she gave Dumbledore his envelope "Now is as good a time as any"

Each envelope found their way to their owner's hands. Miles away, at the Burrow, Harry and Sirius already had their owns in hands.

"Any minute now" Lupin told Sirius as he appeared on the Weasley's fireplace "Did you…"

And Sirius showed him the envelope.

"Not opening though" Sirius said as he looked at Harry, by the garden's door, his emerald green eyes staring at the envelope through his round glasses "It will just be a good bye that I don't want to read. I'll just burn this as soon as your head pops back at Hogwarts"

"She's a fighter, Padfoot. She didn't come all this way to give up now" Lupin said before they both fell quiet. They knew the chances were very little, but after the ordeal each had gone through in their lives, they had to believe Moira would come through. Hope was their only ally "And you're too curious to burn it" Lupin said with a smile before vanishing.

Sirius remained there, looking at the envelope, and realizing Moony was right.

&&&&&&&

"It won't take long before the beginning of her end starts" Liam said softly "Revenge really is a dish served cold"

Liam walked confidently but with soft steps around Malfoy Manor. He reached the dinning room and walked toward one of the many high windows. As his long fingers opened the curtain, his smile grew upon his face as his cold navy blue eyes watched the sky.

"How?" He heard a boy's voice ask "How will it happen?" the voice asked again, and Liam turned to see Draco standing by the door, his face cold, waiting for the answer.

"Now, now, you, young man, weren't supposed to know about any of this" Liam taunted.

"Iago knows" Draco tossed "So I have the same right, being owner of the place where you are being hosted, and all"

Liam's smile faded a bit, but didn't vanish. The boy really was a Malfoy. Even if he tried, he couldn't deny the snobbish blood running in his veins.

"Yes, well... since you're such a good host" Liam said as he sat by the long dining table "I guess you could learn a bit from this. After all, knowledge is power, boy, and you should have some" Liam's right eyebrow went up "I can only hope you can handle it, since when your father die, you might endure the very same thing your teacher is going through now. But of course, it won't be as strong" Draco snorted, and Liam made the decision to make him regret that action "Let's see. The transfer happens after the loss of your powers and physical strength. When you're just asleep, the worst starts, and then, there's no place to go, no spells to cast, no one to help you"

&&&&&&&&

Moira felt a sting of pain on her scar, but it was different than before. The pain that felt as if hot knives were piercing her body spread through her being, her very soul. With a gasp, the witch opened her eyes wide to find herself in the dark, alone.

&&&&&&&

Lupin walked back to his classroom after talking to Sirius. He opened the door and entered the empty classroom, the envelope on the inside of his robes. His footsteps echoed in the empty room as he walked toward the door that connected both his and Moira's classrooms: it was opened. Lupin stood by it as he found Abigail sitting on one of the students' desks, looking at her own envelope.

"I can't open mine either" Lupin's voice echoed softly, making Abby snap her head up "Sirius thinks it's a good bye"

"I know it is" Abby completed "We all know it is"

Lupin sat down on the chair next to hers. Both sighed deeply as they looked around the room.

"She always wanted to be an Auror, you know" Abby started "But the Ministry wouldn't have her. I guess teaching Defense is the closest she could get" Abby sighed again "So unfair".

Remus took his envelope out of his robes and placed it carefully on the desk, in front of him.

"She knew I was a werewolf from the very first time we saw each other" Lupin told Abby "That exquisite sense of smell of hers told her so, and I had no idea she knew until that conversation on Diagon Alley, when I met you" he kissed the back of her hand.

"That's my cousin for you" Abby added as she picked up the envelope between her long fingers "When we were growing up, she always felt detached, out of place, and coming here made things better. Hogwarts was her home" Abby looked at Lupin "It still is".

"It still is" Lupin repeated as he squeezed Abby's hand "Come on, let's open them together"

With trembling hands and careful fingers, they both opened their letters and read them silently.

Remus,

I wish I wasn't writing this. I wish all of this wasn't happening, but since it is, here I am, saying my good byes. I guess realizing that there really isn't much else to do, that all of our spells and hexes aren't going to save me, is the worst part. Darkness is something we always fought against, although it had always dwelled inside of us. Ironic, isn't it?

Remus, You've been there for me when no one else was and, for that and much more, I'm thankful. You made me realize it wasn't that bad to be a little different. You were a Marauder, Moony, and you made me feel like I was one too. I guess you taught me more than any teacher at Hogwarts. You taught me to dance as if no one was watching. Take care of Abigail, Remus. She can teach you great things, as well.

You're special, Moony, not because of what happens when the full moon comes your way, but because you're Remus John Lupin, and I love you for that.

Always,

Moira

Lupin had tears in his eyes as he closed his envelope. Abby was re reading hers, and tears already wet the paper.

Abby,

You are more than a cousin to me. You're the sister I never had... my better half. I wish I had said it more often, though. I'm sorry if I ever hurt you, Abby, for that was never my intention. I wish I could make things right, but I guess that is up to all of you now.

Please, take care of my father when I'm gone. He'll listen to you. Tell uncle Aberforth and aunt Chloe I love them dearly. Send all my love to Nick and Sophie and tell little Henry to be good when he grows up and don't let Nick give him a hard time if he's sorted into Slytherin.

Although you may not believe it, you are a very strong woman, Abigail Craine Dumbledore. Be sure to tell yourself that from time to time. Live your life to the fullest; tell Remus you love him (daily), and, please, take Trelawney's job.

When things get very bad, I'll be by your side... always. I'm very proud of you.

All my love,

Moira

Abby sighed heavily as tears flowed through her pale face. As she raised and turned her head to meet Remus, his clear eyes were shinning, his face wet with tears, and the unspoken words between them told them all they needed to know.

Before they knew it, they were in each other's arms, holding each other as if that would make things better, make things last a little bit longer. That was it. The beginning of the end was written in Moira's words and it hurt and scared them.

"It started" Abby whispered.

&&&&&&&&&&

"It can't be worse than Cruciatus curse" Draco said with disdain.

"Oh, but it is" Liam replied "As your body aches, and your soul screams, you see the last moments of the generation before you. The last moments before their death, and you feel what they felt… every bit of it"

"So all he has to do is die of old age, in a bed, and I'll be fine" Draco tossed.

Liam's big navy blue eyes studied the boy. He might have overrated him when the plan was traced. Young Draco could become useful after all. The side of Liam's lips curled in a true evil smile.

"Yes… but I doubt that your beloved father will die peacefully of old age"

&&&&&&&&

Moira tried to get up, her bare feet running to the door as she felt her blood boil. The definition of pain was taking place on every inch of her body and soul and she despaired.

"PLEASE!" she screamed as loud as she could, her fingernails tearing the padding on the door "SOMEBODY! HELP ME!" then a vision of her mother being strangled came to her. Moira fell on the floor, hands on her throat, gasping for air.

Voldemort squeezed Tsarina's neck with a satisfied smile upon his face. Moira saw it through her mother's eyes and it hurt even worse. Then, suddenly, everything went black although Moira had her eyes opened. For a moment, she thought she had gone blind, and tried to roll on the floor in order to sit up, but couldn't. Moira had no control whatsoever upon her body. It was as if she was simply a conscious soul in a numb shell. She wanted to scream, but her lips wouldn't open, her voice wouldn't obey. Not even tears fled her eyes. There wasn't pain because there was no sense of feeling. Tsarina had died and Moira thought she was still in her mother's body, in the state of nothingness.

Moira's breathing slowed as she started to feel the floor beneath her back. Slowly, blurry vision came back to her, but as she was starting to calm down, she felt a presence in the room. She hoped to be her mother, to see her again, but it wasn't. As body and darkness bonded, Moira screamed in what seemed to be for hours.

&&&&&&&

Harry was in the garden, bathed in darkness. The Weasleys were already having dinner, and several Halloween sweets, but Harry wouldn't eat, wouldn't talk to anyone, wouldn't go inside. He didn't want to tell them he had felt his scar burn through the whole day, he didn't want to talk to anyone because they just wouldn't understand. No one would, except one person, and that one was in the dark as well, hiding beneath a tall tree, his eyes shinning as they stared at an envelope.

"Sirius?" Harry asked and Sirius gaze met his "Do you know where my mum and dad are buried?"

Sirius frowned at the question.

"Harry, didn't anyone ever take you there?" he asked, his face out of the shadows, being lit by the warm light coming from one of the Burrow's windows. Harry shook his head. Sirius wanted to scream at the Dursleys for not taking him to the cemetery. He had to mourn his parents, it was part of the process, part of dealing with the pain of loss, something Sirius never got to do himself. But he couldn't yell at them, or at Harry, so he just stared at his godson, as if they had always been together; as if Azkaban had never been between them.

"I'll take you there on your next Hogsmeade weekend" Sirius said, a fatherly tone to his voice.

"Thank you" Harry said softly before seating down again in his dark spot.

Sirius got up fast and went inside. Harry heard him talking to Arthur.

"I have to be someplace. Will you watch over him? I won't be long"

And Arthur agreed. Harry heard the front door open and close and the sound of Sirius' motorcycle be brought to life. He ran.

"You're not leaving too, are you?" Harry asked, despair and anger mixed in his voice.

"Not if my life depended on it" Sirius said, his dark eyes glittering in the dark "I'll just be gone an hour or so" he messed Harry's hair just like James did "You won't be alone again, Harry. I promise" and Harry believed him.

He stood there as he saw Sirius ride his motorcycle into the night, as if he was part of it. As the roar of the engine faded, Harry went back inside and sat down under the tree he and Moira had talked. He opened his envelope.

Dear Harry,

You're probably wondering why I left you a letter when I barely knew you. The truth is Harry, I've known you all your life and I'm really sorry I couldn't stay to explain things to you. But know this: you aren't as lonely as you think you are. Don't let that scar tell you otherwise.

I had my differences with your father when I was your age, but we settled them fine. James was a good man, an honorable man, who married the best woman in the world: your mother. Ask Sirius and Remus to tell stories about them. But if you want the true versions, ask Remus. Sirius will make himself look good even when he was being a git.

As I told you, I won't be at Hogwarts when you return, so I leave you the same advice I left your godfather: try not to get into too much trouble, even though that is in your blood. Be true to your friends, Harry, and always, always, be honest to yourself. I'll miss you more than you know.

Thanks for freeing me from the zoo

Prof. Craine.

"Anytime" Harry replied in the dark.

The little cemetery was just like he remembered. He, Remus, James, and Peter had come upon it during one of their Hogsmeade special visits: the ones under the invisibility cloak. Sirius turned the engine off and left the motorcycle by the iron gate. It was almost all covered by vegetation. Sirius opened the gate and went inside. The tip of his wand was lit as he walked among the few gravestones, searching for a name.

"Only great wizards have been buried here. Look at the names" Remus said.

"Then how come it's not guarded?" Peter asked "I heard there are very dark spells that can be performed using the bones of dead wizards"

"Talking to Snivellus much, are you?" James asked.

"It's not guarded in order not to call attention" Sirius replied "See..." he pointed to a black cat that was seated on the top of a gravestone "We mean no harm" Sirius said "We'll just look around and leave" he told the cat, who meowed in response and left.

"Excuse me? Since when you talk to cats, Padfoot?" Peter asked.

"Since that is not a cat, Peter" Sirius replied.

"Do you think we'll be buried here someday?" James asked, melancholic.

"Someday" Remus replied "All of us. Wormtail, Moony, Padfoot and Prongs. Great wizards" he chuckled.

"Yeah. Great wizards" Sirius repeated out loud when he read the name "Potter" on two gravestones, side by side. The tall wizard sat down in front of them and took the envelope out of his pocket.

"I miss you, guys" he said softly "What were you thinking? Leaving me alone to raise a kid? Are you insane?" Sirius started but couldn't continue. He heard the meow and as he looked around, there was the black cat again "Go away... I'm mourning here!" the cat meowed again "Don't make me bark at you!" and the feline left, went up a tree and watched Sirius with its yellow eyes in the dark.

Sirius sighed as he looked around. He read the names on the gravestones again, and it hurt him more than he thought it would. He didn't make it to the funerals, since he was arrested, but now, looking at the names of his friends, engraved in cold stone, he thanked Merlin he wasn't there. He couldn't handle see his best friend's face, who was always smiling, cold, dead. He wouldn't be able to see Lily's emerald eyes, blank. Then how could he deal when it was Moira's turn? He took the letter from inside the envelope.

Sirius,

I know you thought twice before opening this letter. First you thought about burning it but then curiosity got the best of you. I know you, Padfoot, and I'm glad for that.

I resent the years we spent away: you wasting away in Azkaban and me, all over the world. You'd be surprised how lonely all that space felt. Well, I'm glad I got to see you enjoy your freedom again before all of this went down. I really wish things were different, but they're not. You were right about one thing: life really is a bitch.

All I can say is I'll miss our late night talks, our sword practicing, I'll even miss your swearing, your barking. I'll miss all of you. Take good care of Harry and explain to him what really happened. I hope he doesn't hate me. And try not to get into too much trouble. You have godfather's duty now and a professor's. I know you'll do them well. It's time to go bug James.

Mischief managed,

Fithi

"She's going your way, mate" Sirius said, his eyes shining, the gravestones out of focus "Send her back, will you? I can't do this alone"

&&&&&&&

"This doesn't sound that awful" Draco said as he walked around the room "I mean, pain and visions, come on. I heard that Professor Craine wasn't going to live through this"

"Do you think she will?" Liam asked, his eyes not blinking.

"Yes. No offense, but I think she is tougher than that, or my mother thinks so"

Liam got up and walked calmly toward Draco. It was a complete surprise to the young man when Liam got him by his collar and almost lifted him of the ground.

"Do you really believe I didn't take every possible precaution to make sure that bitch suffers util her last breath and dies? Do you really think I'm flawed like your father?" Liam hissed between clenched teeth.

Draco couldn't answer, and Liam dropped him back on the floor. Draco took several steps back, his hand on his neck, his eyes not leaving Liam's. The man was completely out of himself; his pale face was flushed with anger. Liam's eyes shone with what Draco thought to be madness, but it wasn't. It was pure hate.

"Moira Craine Dumbledore is no more" Liam said as his hands traveled through his dark hair, pulling it back.

"What do you have against her, anyway?" Draco asked, already by the door.

"Let's just say it's a family thing... an ancient family thing"

&&&&&&&&

The clock struck midnight after an incredibly long day. The twelve strikes echoed through the castle, and not even Peeves spoke or made a sound. Halloween was passed, and Hogwarts was the definition of silence. Moody let his head fall to his chest, as Justine buried her face in her hands. It was over.

&&&&&&&

Chloe and Aberforth had sent an owl to Nicholas, to ease him about Moira's transfer. He was sure to feel something, because of the family connection. Chloe had fainted and was in bed, sleeping. Aberforth was sitting by her side, his head ready to explode with pain. Abigail was in Lupin's arms, unable to see what was going on with Moira, or her future. It hadn't been decided. All she could do was hope and try not to faint with pain.

Dumbledore was in Moira's room, seated by her desk, his envelope in one hand and a picture of her and him, taken at her graduation, on the other. Moira waved, but was clearly embarrassed about the picture, while he simply beamed with pride. He felt the pains of the transfer, all he wanted to do was let the door of that room open, and hold her in his arms, and tell her she would be alright. But he knew she wouldn't, for if she had any hope, he wouldn't be holding an envelope that contained a good bye letter he never wanted to read.

"Tsarina, give me strength" he whispered as his long fingers opened the letter.

Father,

I hate doing this, again. I hate saying good bye again, and forever. I've spent the day writing letters to everyone, but they never will mean enough, have all of my feelings downs. I'm thankful I'm taking those with me.

What to tell to the only one who knows everything? You are the reasons to my tears and to my smiles. You've always trusted my judgment even when I didn't trust it myself.

This is not your fault... none of it. You did what you thought was best, and even when I said I didn't agree, when I yelled at you, be sure that I've always known you had no choice. It was all meant to be, I guess.

Please, don't let me be the reason for your failure because you were never the reason for mine. I love you so much and I wish I said it more often. Give my love to Ethan, let Mavros over Hagrid's care, and tell Justine to kick some Death Eater arse. Don't let him win.

Watch over Harry, father, and I'll watch over you both.

Forever,

Your daughter

"He won't win, Moira" Albus whispered as tears fell down his face "Never"

&&&&&&&

There had never been so many people at the door of the Requirement Room at the same time. At the very first light of November 1st, all of Hogwarts was awake and alert. Moody looked around the teachers, Aurors, and Dumbledores and sighed heavily. He took out his wand.

"I want you all to be ready for the worse. Be ready to defend yourselves and those around you" he looked at Dumbledore, who blinked but remained stern "Don't hesitate"

The Aurors spread among the teachers, and a few stood their ground, in front of the door. They simply ignored the possibility of going inside and finding Moira's dead body. They ignored it, but didn't rule it out.

"Remus, I must ask you to go inside first" Ethan asked as the teachers frowned "Memory lapses are common to power transfer, but she'll feel..."

"The Darkness in me" Lupin completely silently.

"Yes... she won't feel threatened by you" Ethan replied.

"I'll cover you" Justine said.

Lupin squeezed Abby's hand for strength and took out his wand. He wasn't afraid of finding a dangerous witch but the body of his dear friend. This was worst than any full moon.

The door opened slowly, and many held their breath as they saw the inside of the padded door completely torn. Lupin entered the room with careful steps, his heightened senses more alert than ever.

"Moira?" he called "Moira, can you hear me?"

He didn't have to go much further into the room. Among several pillows, not far from the middle of the room, Moira's body was lying down, her feet bare, hair fanned above her head, indicating her fall, pale face, half parted lips, and closed eyes. Lupin knelt down beside her, and called her again, but she didn't answer. His hand moved to touch her neck, to check her pulse, but as soon as they were inches away from her skin, she snapped opened her eyes; her snake like eyes.

Lupin gasped and fell down. Moira's eyes followed his movement, but the rest of her body didn't move. The brown had given place to a dark yellow, and the pupils were slit like a snakes.

"Can you hear me?" Lupin asked, but Moira didn't move "Blink one for yes and two for no"

Moira blinked once.

"Can you move?"

Two blinks.

"Do you remember where you are?"

Two blinks.

"Do you know who you are, who am I?"

Two blinks.

"I'm going to help you out of here, but you have to give me your word you won't try to hurt me, yourself, or anyone else"

Moira's yellow eyes remained open, staring at Lupin, then she blinked once.

"I'm going to carry out of the room, to your own room. We are at Hogwarts" Lupin told her as he got up, and took her in his arms. Her skin was incredibly cold "There's a lot of people waiting for you, including your family, so just keep your eyes closed for now" he said as he looked into her eyes, no expression in them whatsoever. "No one wants to harm you, Moira" he narrowed his eyes "Do you trust me?"

Hesitation again, then, one blink.

Lupin smiled. She might not remember anything, might be different, but she was still Moira. He knew that.

"SHE'S ALIVE!" he yelled and the celebration on the outside was complete. Some cried out in joy, some let the tears fall, and some simply stayed still as a statue. Lupin left the room with Moira in his arms. Dumbledore kissed her forehead before Lupin continued his walk toward her room, Albus and Ethan following. Moira didn't open her eyes and Lupin heard her heart slow down a beat or two. He hurried his steps.

"She's different" Abigail said softly to her mother, beside her.

"Yes, she is" Chloe said with an almost evil smile "Moira is not a witch anymore. She's a sorceress"

&&&&&

There you have it! I'm sorry once again to keep you all waiting, but life really is a bitch and won't let me sit down and write! Anyway, I hope you like the two chapters. Things will move faster from here on.

I'd like to thank everyone who reads White Death. Feedback is treasured, but just knowing you're all out there makes me happy J If you want to be warned every time I update, please send me an e-mail and let me know.

I'd also like to say hello to my beta Ruth, who is ready to have a new baby in her life! Congratulations, Ruthie! You're my sister in spirit and I love you! Have a great time with your new one J

Flora Fairfield took Ruth's job while she's on "maternity leave" lol and I have to say THANK YOU!!! Flora, you're the bomb!

I'm not gonna promise that the next chapter will come quickly, cause every time I do that, Murphy doesn't let me stick to my plan. All I can say is that I might take long to update, but I'm not abandoning White Death. See you all on the next one!