Chapter 22

"Meredith! Breakfast!" Meredith opened her eyes slowly as her dad's voice called from downstairs. She threw back her covers and hurried down to the kitchen where the scent of her dad's banana pancakes was wafting. After planting a kiss on his cheek she poured herself a glass of juice.

"Catch," Her dad called levitating a plate toward her. Meredith snatched the plate from the air and took it over to the table.

"Up late last night reading?" he asked her as she yawned. She took a bite of pancake and looked down sheepishly. Somehow, he always knew these things.

"The Scarlet Pimpernel," she said with a smile.

"I haven't read that one," he said. Meredith reached into the pocket of her robe and pulled out the book.

"It's about the French Revolution, when the French peasants were killing the French aristocracy."

"We studied it a bit in Muggle Studies," he nodded taking the book.

"The scarlet pimpernel is an Englishman who sneaks the rich out of France to England where they'll be safe."

"Sounds interesting," her dad said flipping a few pages. Meredith nodded. She looked up as there was a tapping on the window. Three owls stood there. One was rather old and gray. She recognized it as Errol, Percy's family owl. The second was Oliver's owl, Demeter, and the third she did not recognize but the regal way it held itself made her believe that this was the Patterson's owl. She went quickly to the window and let the owls in. All three owls landed on the table and dropped the letters they carried on her plate. She picked up her letters and was pleased to see the familiar writing of her three friends. She opened Percy's first.

Dear Meredith,

I hope you are having an agreeable summer. Things are a bit hectic here as I'm sure you can imagine. Charlie has been offered a job in Romania. He's going to be studying dragons. He is thrilled of course. We are all very happy that Charlie has found a job. Of course Mum and Dad are a little worried about him moving so far away. It was hard enough on Mum when Bill went off to Egypt. Fred and George are starting school this year. If they are placed in Gryffindor we may be in a lot of trouble, those two are a couple of troublemakers. We went to Diagon Alley yesterday to get our spell books. Ancient Runes and Arithmancy look like they are going to be quite challenging. Have you gotten your books yet? I would recommend getting them early. You will want to start reading soon.

I have to go now, Fred and George are up to something

Percy

PS Dad loved Tom Sawyer

Meredith laughed. Leave it to Percy to already be studying only two weeks into the summer holidays. Charlie was going to Romania. She wondered what Tonks thought of that. She shook her head and took Oliver's letter.

Meredith,

Having a good summer? I hope you are not spending all of it reading those muggle books, or heaven forbid STUDYING. Please don't break my heart and tell me you're studying. I got a letter from Percy yesterday and he's already bought his books!

I've been spending my time practicing for Quidditch tryouts. With Millie Pruitt gone I know this will be my year. I don't know who will be captain this year with Charlie gone. I sincerely hope it's not Harold Corner. He's not exactly captain material. He'll spend more time with his head in books than he will strategizing. He should have been in Ravenclaw.

Have you heard from Patricia recently? She wrote me from Switzerland. Her parents took her there for the summer, some sort of ministry convention. She seemed quite upset. Her parents weren't pleased with her marks, again. I don't know the whole story, but she's not going to be taking Divination this term. She's going to be taking Ancient Runes and Muggle Studies. So I guess all four of us are taking Ancient Runes this year. I hope she'll be able to handle it. Let me know if you don't hear from her.

Gotta go. Dad's helping me practice for tryouts.

Talk to you soon

Oliver

Meredith's brow furrowed in concern. She had a pretty good idea why Patricia's courses for next year had been changed. She quickly opened the letter from Patricia.

Dear Meredith,

I'm sorry I haven't written you before now. The summer has not been going well for me I'm afraid. Mum and Dad were not very pleased with my marks. Mum keeps saying if I would just apply myself I could have the best marks in school. It doesn't do any good to tell them that I do. They were especially upset that my potions marks are so low. They both got O's on their potion NEWTS. Then they found out that I signed up for Divination, oh my lord they hit the ceiling. Apparently, Divination is a worthless course and will not help me find a job. They want me to take Muggle Studies and Ancient Runes. They both aced Muggle Studies, but considering they're both muggle born…anyway. They wrote about ten letters to Dumbledore demanding that my course schedule be changed. At first Dumbledore told them that the schedule had already been made and that the class they want me to take are already full. I'm not sure how it all came about but I'm pretty sure Cornelius Fudge had something to with it. He and dad are old friends. So I'll be taking Muggle Studies and Ancient Runes this year. Ancient Runes is supposed to be really hard. I don't know if I'll be able to handle it. I know a little bit about Muggles from my grandparents. Mum and Dad and I are spending the summer in Switzerland. Some ministry convention they were both required to attend. It's lonely here with both of them away all day. I miss you. I wish you were here to make me smile and to laugh at myself. I can't wait to be back at Hogwarts with you and Percy and Oliver. Even Ancient Runes won't be so bad if you three will be there. I will try to write again soon.

Your Friend

Patricia

Meredith sighed and rested her chin on her hand. She felt so bad for Patricia. Her parents were so hard on her. Patricia tried so hard to please her parents and they never gave her credit for it.

"Something wrong, love?" her dad asked noticing her sullen look.

"It's Patricia," she said. "Her parents are being so tough on her because they don't think she give enough effort toward her schoolwork. She does though. She works so hard. She just doesn't understand a lot of stuff. I mean she spends twice as much time on her homework as Oliver does, but he still gets better marks. Even in potions."

"It sounds to me," her dad said sipping his tea thoughtfully, "that what Patricia lacks is confidence." Meredith thought about that for a minute.

"You could be right," she said. "I mean, Snape is just a awful to me and Percy and Oliver, but it just makes us work ten times harder."

"Some rise in the face of adversity, while others quake under it. You all have different strengths and weaknesses that guide you."

"What's my strength?" Meredith asked. Remus smiled and reached across the table to take her hand.

"Your strengths," he said running his thumb over her fingers. "Where do I begin? Your loyalty to those you care about. Your determination to do well, no matter what it takes. Your courage, your kindness, even your stubbornness when it's directed at something positive." Meredith grinned.

"And Patricia," she asked quietly. Remus smiled.

"From what you've told me of your friend, I think her strength is you." Meredith tilted her head slightly as she considered this.

"Her parents are making her take Ancient Runes," she said softly. Remus bit his lip.

"This is a very difficult course," Remus said.

"I will help her," Meredith said. "I'll help her with Ancient Runes and I'll help her get her potions mark up. That'll help her get her confidence up."

'My dear girl,' Remus thought to himself with a smile. 'It is times like these that I know you are your mother's daughter.'

Later that day Remus sat on the couch reading. It was storming outside and he was exactly where he preferred to be whenever it rained. He lifted his eyes from his book and glanced over to where Meredith lay sprawled on the carpet answering the letters her friends had sent her. He found himself studying her as she tapped her quill against her lips. She was growing so fast and not just her height. She was going to be tall like her father. She was no longer scrawny and knock-kneed. She was still slender but he could see her starting to develop the curves that all woman did as they matured. It amazed him to see her slowly changing from a little girl to a young woman right before his eyes. She would be thirteen in August and he could still remember the frightened little five year old, staring up at him with fear in her eyes. It had been long since he had seen fear in her eyes. Her eyes, Sirius's eyes, had that same confidence that his had always had but without the cocky arrogance that Sirius's had always shown. He supposed he should be satisfied. His daughter was smart and confident. She had friends she cared about and goals she was ready and willing to work for. Truly no father could ask for more.

"You are doing all right by her, Remus," he said to himself. He smiled at the thought and returned to his book.

Dear Percy,

You are quite unbelievable. I cannot believe you are actually doing homework already. I am happy that Charlie has found a job he will love. Charlie's always loved dragons. If it is possible he loves them more than Hagrid. I'm sure it will be hard on your mother having him so far away. Don't worry about Fred and George. If they are in Gryffindor you and I will keep them in line.

I don't know if you've heard from Patricia but her parents are making her take Ancient Runes. You know how hard it will be for her. We will have to help her a lot this year. Her parents will never get off her if she doesn't get her grades up. You know she tries as hard as she can.

Meredith looked up from the letter she was writing to Percy at the loud knocking at the front door. Who had come to visit at this hour, and in this weather? She glanced at her dad and saw that he was just as confused as she was. She stood up as her dad went to the door. She followed him into the parlor where she found a rather wet and rather distressed looking Dumbledore.

"Forgive the hour Remus," Dumbledore said. "But I am afraid this could not wait. I have just received word from a contact at the Ministry…" The headmaster broke off as he noticed Meredith.

"Go on," Remus said wrapping an arm around Meredith's shoulder. Dumbledore met Meredith eye and she felt a sense of dread fill her.

"You know who Delores Umbridge is I assume," Dumbledore said. Meredith felt her dad tense.

"She works for Fudge," he said through gritted teeth. "She drafted the Werewolf Registration Act and all sorts of laws restricting the rights of those who are…not fully human." Meredith bit her lip hard. She had never met this Umbridge woman but she hated her with the fire of a thousand swords.

"Well, she has just managed to get another act passed," Dumbledore said pulling a piece of parchment from his robes.

"I will spare you the long winded legal babble, but it prohibits werewolfs from marrying and having children." Meredith felt light headed all of a sudden.

"The ministry has been debating this law for years," her dad said tightening his hold on Meredith who had swayed a little.

"There are many who agree that werewolves should not have children, including werewolves. There's too much of a risk of passing lycanthropy onto the child."

"Yes," Dumbledore said. "However, this is not why I have come. Remus, there is a clause in the act that prohibits werewolves from adopting children." Meredith's heart dropped into her stomach and for the first time she saw fear in her father's eyes.

"That can't affect us though," her dad said stepping away from her and raising a hand to his head. Meredith felt tears sting her eyes.

"The adoption was four years ago. They can't…" Meredith gripped the banister to steady herself. They couldn't take her away from her father. They couldn't send her back to the orphanage. She couldn't go back there. Her knees were trembling so badly that she had to sit down.

"The ministry is divided as to whether or not Meredith should remain in your custody."

"Bloody hypocrites!" her dad shouted. "They didn't have a problem with me having custody of her when she was five, why should they change their minds now." Dumbledore glanced over at Meredith who was staring at the floor.

"I cannot go into details at this moment. However, I have spoken to Cornelius Fudge. There will be a hearing to investigate whether or not you are fit to be Meredith's guardian."

"I'm not her guardian, I'm her father!" Meredith looked up at him. This was her worst nightmare.

"We will fight this, Remus." Dumbledore said calmly. "You will not be alone." He turned his attention on Meredith.

"Do not be so troubled young Meredith. I assure you, you and your father will not be separated if I have anything to say about it." Meredith smiled just a little. If Dumbledore was on the case, things couldn't turn out too badly.

Remus stared at the letter in his hand as though it were a poisonous snake. It was a summons from the ministry to appear on August 2nd in front of the Wizengamot. He crumpled it in his hand and threw it into the fire. He sat down on the sofa and put his head in his hands. If he ever met Fenrir Greyback face to face he would kill him. Everything that Remus had suffered was because of him. The painful transformations, his inability to find paid work, not being able to marry the woman he loved, and now he was going to lose his daughter, the best thing that had ever happened to him. He'd considered just running away. Throwing some things into a bag, taking Meredith, and leaving the country. But he knew it would not work. He couldn't take Meredith away from Hogwarts and her friends. Plus he would not have access to the Wolfsbane potion which would make it unsafe for Meredith to be with him.

"You should be in bed," he said without raising his head. He felt her come to the couch and sit down beside him.

"I couldn't sleep," she said. He sat up and pulled her into his lap. She leaned her head against his chest as she used to when she was little.

"I'm scared, Daddy," she whispered. He sighed and stroked her hair.

"I know love," he said. "I am too."

"I don't want to lose you," she whimpered. He hugged her tight.

"You will never lose me love," he said.

Remus couldn't remember ever feeling this nervous in his entire life. He was staring up at the entire Wizengamot. Some were staring back at him in contempt, some were scribbling notes. Seated at a desk on the other side of the room was a stout women in a pink dress with a face like a fat toad. Delores Umbridge. He glared at the woman. Dumbledore placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Keep calm," his old headmaster told him. Everyone stood as Cornelius Fudge entered the room and took his place at the front of the room.

"Good morning," he addressed the Wizengamot. "We are here today to discuss the custody of Meredith Lupin and determine if Remus Lupin is fit to remain her guardian. Cornelius Fudge, Minister of magic residing."

"Delores Jane Umbridge," the fat pink toad said standing. "Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. Prosecutor."

"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore," Dumbledore said. "Witness for Defense."

"Very well," Cornelius Fudge said. "Prosecutor and Defense may make their opening statements."

"Thank you minister," Umbridge said her voice syrupy sweet. She stood and addressed the Wizengamot.

"My fellow witches and wizards. As the head of the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical creatures, a position I have held for the past ten years, I have dealt with many creatures both tame and fierce. Among them of course are werewolves." At this she shot a filthy look at Remus who glared back.

"Werewolves are some of the most fierce creatures that roam this earth. Vicious, bloodthirsty and without conscious. A werewolf would kill his best friend if he crossed his path. In the magical world it is not only the duty but the responsibility of the ministry to keep our children as safe and happy as possible. Can we therefore, in good conscious allow a child to remain in the custody of such a fierce beast? Thank you." Remus glared at the woman, wishing the most excruciatingly painful death upon her. Dumbledore stood up then.

"Colleagues," he addressed them. "I have known Remus Lupin since he was a boy. The fact that he is a werewolf is a fate that he neither asked for nor deserves. Were it not for his terrible affliction I've no doubt that Remus Lupin could very well be the next minister of magic." Remus blushed. Fudge cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"However, Remus Lupin is a werewolf. And this subjects him to close examination in many matters including his ability to raise a child. A child whose legal adoption was approved by the minister himself." Again Fudge cleared his throat.

"But of course, as Ms. Umbridge says, we must protect our children and see that they are happy and safe. I will therefore, be calling forth several witnesses to speak on the welfare of Miss Meredith Lupin. They will give testimony that I am certain will leave doubt in the minds of those gathered here, that Remus Lupin is more than fit to raise his daughter." Remus sat tensely as Dumbledore called forth his witnesses. Andromeda and Ted were brought to the stand. They testified that Remus took excellent care of Meredith and that they had never known a happier child. They both swore that Remus would die before letting any harm come to Meredith. Umbridge was almost cruel in her cross- examination. She went so far as to insinuate that Remus was sexually attracted to Meredith and had acted on the desire. Dumbledore had to put a restraining hand on his shoulder to keep him from jumping up and throttling the woman. Dumbledore then brought forth several Hogwarts teachers who testified that while precautions had to be taken due to Remus's condition, they had always believed he was a good person and would make an excellent father. They also testified that Meredith was an excellent student whom they expected great things from. Remus started to feel a little sick when Snape was brought to the stand. But Snape only answered a few questions about the Wolfsbane potion and testified that when properly brewed it made a werewolf perfectly safe. Throughout the entire hearing Remus had been watching the Wizengamot. Their expressions were very hard to read. Some nodded, some scribbled, but he wasn't positive any of them were being convinced.

"I have one more witness," Dumbledore said. "I call to the stand, Meredith Lupin." Remus's heart thudded in his chest as Meredith was escorted into the room. He hated for her to be here, to see him in this situation. He watched her as she made her way to the stand. Her face held no expression, but her head was high and she stood up straight.

"Miss Lupin," Fudge addressed her. "You know why you are here?"

"Yes sir," Meredith said her voice calm and steady. Remus had never seen her so calm. He couldn't help wondering if Dumbledore had had Snape brew her a calming draught before brining her here.

"And you understand that lying to this court is a severe crime?"

"Yes sir," Meredith said.

"Very well," Fudge said. "Delores, Albus you may proceed."

"If you don't mind, Dumbledore," Umbridge spoke up, "If I may question the girl first."

"Of course," Dumbledore said generously. Remus glance at Dumbledore a bit startled. What was the old headmaster up to? He watched Umbridge very carefully as she approached the stand.

"My dear," she said her voice sweet as pure sugar. "I would like to ask you some questions about your guardian." Meredith looked politely confused.

"I'm afraid I don't know who you mean," Meredith said. Umbridge's smile widened.

"Why Remus Lupin dear. The man seated right there."

"Oh," Meredith said with a small smile. "You mean my father." There was a slight murmur through the Wizengamot.

"Yes," Umbridge said. "Your father. Now how long have you lived with him?"

"Since I was five."

"And you are aware that he is a werewolf."

"Yes."

"Well you are certainly a brave child to have lived with a werewolf for seven years."

"I don't know," Meredith said. "He's not dangerous as long as he takes his potion." Umbridge's smile faded for a second then she smiled sweetly again.

"So if he is not dangerous, then you stay at home when he transforms."

"No," Meredith said. "He won't let me. I stay with my Aunt Andromeda and Uncle Ted during the full moon."

"I see. Tell me about your father, Miss Lupin."

"He's the most wonderful man in the world," Meredith said.

"So I take it you don't mind that he is a werewolf."

"No, not at all." Remus could tell that Umbridge knew she was losing. Her face was becoming more and more tight.

"My dear," Umbridge said. "Would you say that Remus Lupin is an affectionate man, physically affectionate."

"Well, he hugs me a lot. He kisses me good night. I don't really know what you mean, by physically affectionate." Remus gritted his teeth. He knew exactly where Umbridge was going with this.

"What I mean dear is, has he ever touched you in a way that made you feel scared, or uncomfortable?" Meredith narrowed her eyes at the woman. Remus had a feeling that Meredith, all of twelve, knew exactly what Umbridge was implying.

"No," Meredith said firmly. "My father would never do such a thing and that you even suggest it is monstrous." Umbridge looked at though she'd been slapped.

"I um have no more questions," Umbridge said sitting down.

"Your witness, Dumbledore."

"Thank you Cornelius," Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eyes. "I will be needing…ah yes they are bringing it in now." Remus's eyes widened as a large mirror was brought into the room. He recognized this mirror. It was not just any mirror. He and James had stumbled across it once when they'd been at school. They'd snuck out of the dorm late at night to visit Sirius in the hospital wing where'd he'd been recovering from a Quidditch injury. They'd been attempting to hide from Filch's cat when they'd come across it. The mirror of Erised. The mirror that showed the person who looked into it the deepest desires of their heart. James said when he looked into it he say him and Lily, getting married. Remus himself had looked and seen himself, standing in the full moon, untransformed. When they had come back later, bringing Sirius and Peter along the mirror had been gone. They had tried to find it for months but they never did. Eventually they had forgotten about it. He didn't understand what it was doing here. How was it going to help him keep Meredith.

"The Mirror of Erised," Dumbledore said. There was again a murmur amongst the Wizengamot.

"Miss Lupin," Dumbledore said. "Will you come here please?" Meredith stood up and went to stand in front of Dumbledore.

"Good day to you Miss Lupin. I would like to ask you to stand in front of this mirror." Meredith looked a little puzzled but did what Dumbledore said. Remus was watching her very closely. What would Meredith see when she looked into the mirror? Meredith stood in front of the mirror, her expression calm and passive.

"What do you see my dear?" Dumbledore asked, the old twinkle in his eyes. Meredith raised her chin just a little before answering.

"I see myself," she said.

"Is that all," Dumbledore said. Meredith turned and looked and Dumbledore.

"Yes, just myself." The Wizengamot began to speak amonst themselves.

"Surely not," Umbridge said approaching Meredith. "Surely you don't see just yourself my dear."

"Well what else does a person see when they look in a mirror?" Meredith said giving the woman a dirty look.

"Now don't lie dear," Umbridge said. "You see yourself doing something don't you. With a family perhaps? Parents, real parents."

"No," Meredith said raising her chin again. "I just see myself exactly as I am. How could I be seeing anything else?"

"Now listen you!" Umbridge shouted seizing Meredith's arm. Remus was on his feet in an instant but was held back by Dumbledore.

"Delores!" Dumbledore shouted in a hard cold voice. "Take your hands off that child, please."

"Delores, please," Fudge said. Umbridge released Meredith instantly.

"So sorry Minister," she said her face as pink as her dress. "Lost my head for a moment."

"Order!" Fudge shouted and the mutterings and objections that had been shouted by the Wizengamot were silenced.

"Miss Lupin," Fudge said when the room was quiet once more. "Will you stand here in front of me, please?" Meredith rubbed her arm where Umbridge had grabbed her and did what the minister said. Remus glared at Umbridge. At this moment he hated her more than Voldemort and Greyback combined.

"Miss Lupin," Fudge said to Meredith, "You are quite certain, that you looked into that mirror and saw yourself, exactly as you are?"

"Yes Minister," Meredith said raising her chin. "I only saw myself." Fudge stared at her for a long moment.

"Very well," Fudge said. "It is the opinion of the Minister of Magic that Remus Lupin shall remain Meredith Lupin's father. Are there any objections?" Remus held his breath but no one raised their hands.

"In that case, this hearing is adjourned. Mr. Lupin you and your daughter are free to go." Remus let out a huge breath and quickly went to Meredith who ran to him and leaped into his arms.

"You were wonderful love," he said kissing the top of her head. Meredith grinned up at him. Andromeda and Ted came up to them then to off their congratulations. Remus went to Dumbledore and shook his hand.

"Thank you sir," he said.

"It was my pleasure Remus. Take care of that young lady," he said guesturing over to where Meredith was speaking animatedly to Tonks.

"I shall sir," Remus said. Dumbledore nodded and quietly left. Remus watched his old headmaster go and his gaze fell on the mirror. He felt himself being drawn to it and unable to stop himself he went to it and stared into it. He saw himself, as he was now. Then another figure appeared in the mirror. He sucked in his breath as he realized it was Angela, alive. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek. He stared transfixed as a third figure appeared at his side. It was Meredith. Her image stared back at him and smiled. A jolt shot straight to his heart as he stared at her. Her eyes! They were not a deep brown but a golden amber color. His eyes.

"Dad?" He tore his gaze from the mirror and looked down at her. She smiled up at him.

"Let's go home," she said. Remus smiled and wrapped her hand in his.

"I believe that is an excellent idea," he said.