Author's note: Hello everybody! As you know it took me ages to finish the first story in this series; to be honest, life just got in the way. I never dreamt of writing the second installment, but here I am posting chapter 2 already. I am so excited I am able to continue Judy's journey with all of you. I am looking forward to hear what you think. Please keep the reviews coming, as they inspire me to keep writing this story!

Chapter 2

King's Cross Station

Judy sat in a lotus position on the sofa, a blue blanket covering her bare legs, as she still wore her night gown. Duncan lay on it, purring as she scratched him behind his ears, his eyelids half closed and his yellow eyes shining brightly against the dark fur. Beside her on the sofa lay her book list for her seventh and final year at Hogwarts. Somehow, she hadn't realized that she would soon be returning to school for the last time in her life...she hadn't realized either it would scare her as much as it did. Then again, she'd hadn't known what task lay ahead of her, until a few months ago.

Apart from endlessly discussing his concerns with her about Dumbledore's plans, Lupin had also informed Judy about the teacher that would help her prepare. Though the thought of attending private lessons from Snape gave her an unsettling feeling, she couldn't help but be intrigued with Dumbledore's trust in the Potions teacher. Especially, considering his dislike for her, which had only grown worse since learning about her true identity. And, thinking back on their last conversation, Judy couldn't help but wonder what exactly happened between her father and Snape when they were attending Hogwarts themselves. Private lessons did mean she might have a chance to find out...

'Up already?' she startled at Lupin's voice, scaring Duncan who jumped off her lap with a loud hiss. Her uncle looked at her from the doorway, still in his pajamas as well. 'Oh dear...bad conscience?' Lupin asked amused as he walked over to her. He bent down and kissed her forehead. 'Good morning, sweetheart. Did you sleep well?'

'Yes, finally,' said Judy honestly, having been woken up by nightmares in the nights before. 'I think the worst is over.'

'Good,' Lupin cast her a warm smile. 'Tea and porridge?' he asked, not waiting for an answer as he flicked his wand at the kitchen to prepare their breakfast. Judy smiled as the kitchen cabinets opened and two bowls flew out, while the kettle filled itself with water and settled on the stove.

'I'll make it next time,' Judy smiled at his confused expression. 'I am of age now, Remus,' she said, amused that her uncle still needed some time to get used to that idea.

'Give me a year,' Lupin said gently, picking up her book list, before sitting down next to her. 'I suppose we'd better get these today. You're leaving for school in a few days...that's odd, it says you need dress robes?'

'I know,' said Judy. 'I suppose there will be a farewell ball or something at the end of the school year?'

'There wasn't in my time,' Lupin said, confused. 'But I suppose there will be a ball of some sort. Well, that means an extra stop at Madam Malkin's. Better try on your school robes before we leave., just to make sure you haven't outgrown them. Otherwise we have to buy new ones of those as well.'

'Yes,' Judy sighed as she met his eyes. 'It's weird it's my final year...'

'You look worried,' said Lupin confused. 'I'm sure you'll finish your education without any problems.' He offered, interpreting her concern wrong. 'Last year's grades were more than sufficient, despite everything you went through.'

'Do you trust Snape?' asked Judy, voicing part of her real concern.

Lupin contemplated his answer. 'I trust Dumbledore...and I trust he has good reasons to trust Snape to help you with your preparations.'

'What did Padfoot do to him?' Judy asked, hoping he would finally grant her an answer this time.

Lupin rolled his eyes. 'I have told you before and I will tell you again...,' he said, getting to his feet and making his way to the kitchen as the kettle whistled and lifted itself off the stove, to pour the hot water in two cups on the counter. 'Ask your father.' Judy rolled her eyes as well at his answer.

'Fine,' she said, recognizing defeat, as she cast back the blanket. She savoured the touch of the wood on her bare feet, before getting up from the sofa and following her uncle to the kitchen table. Two bowls of steaming hot porridge floated toward it, each followed by a cup of hot water and two small teabags. A nearby cabinet opened and a table cloth flew out, spreading itself over the wooden table, underneath the porcelain still floating in the air. Judy and Lupin took their chairs as the bowls and cups settled on the cloth. The tea bags lowered themselves gently as two spoons, followed by a sugar pot, were last to fly in and settle down gently. 'Perfect as always,' she smiled at Lupin.

That afternoon they followed their usual routine and as usual Judy emerged coughing from the hearth at Flourish and Blotts. Several witches and wizards, dressed in multicoloured robes, arched a brow at her. As Lupin emerged, she'd managed to control her breathing, but she still looked at him with teary eyes. He looked at her amused, before clapping the soot off his clothes.

'Do not laugh,' said Judy dangerously, wiping away the tears from her eyes.

'I wouldn't dare,' Lupin said amused as he put his arm around her shoulder. 'How about we shop for your robes and supplies first and then we return for your books?'

'Good idea,' Judy agreed as they walked toward the front door, evading several piles of books that threatened to topple over. Judy couldn't help but look around at the dark bookcases lining the walls, smiling as she looked at the colourful covers.

'Judy, Remus?!' Judy looked in front of her just in time to see a mass of red hair as someone hugged her tightly. 'It's so good to see you are all right, dear,' said Mrs. Weasley, beaming at her.

'Hello Mrs. Weasley,' said Judy, warmed by the other woman's concern about her well being. 'Fred Flooed me everybody made it home safely?'

'Yes,' Mrs. Weasley nodded.

'Are you here alone?' Judy asked curiously, feeling ambivalent about the answer, as she knew she had to avoid Harry if possible but also hoped to see her friends...and perhaps Charlie.

'Yes. My husband is working and I didn't want the children to be wandering around with everything that's happened...'

'Any news from the Ministry?' asked Lupin interested.

'Nothing but chaos,' said Mrs. Weasley truthfully. 'Arthur's been working hard to help clean up the mess. That wretched Skeeter woman elicited a speech from him and twisted the entire statement, claiming people had died in the attack and such things...'

'That's awful!' Judy said.

'I hope Arthur doesn't get himself too worked up about it,' said Lupin. 'All that Skeeter woman does is gossip and write rubbish.'

'Thank you, Remus,' said Mrs. Weasley, thankful for his support. 'I'm sorry, but I really should get going, I still have much to buy...'

'Give Arthur my regards,' said Lupin.

'Give the twins my love,' Judy added. Mrs. Weasley nodded.

'I'm glad when you all will be back and safe at Hogwarts,' she said truthfully. 'Goodbye you two.' She turned around and quickly disappeared from view amongst the stacks of books around them.

'She looks tired, Remus,' said Judy, concerned.

'Hopefully she will have less to worry about when her children are back at school,' Lupin offered as he took her hand and led her out of the bookstore.

Her thoughts still lingering on Mrs. Weasley and her family, Judy was slightly overwhelmed by the crowd in the streets. Her breathing turned shallow as fear gripped her heart for a moment. Lupin quickly responded by gently squeezing her hand. 'I'm here,' he said soothingly. Judy nodded.

She firmed her grip as he led her through the crowd, steadying her breathing as she focused on his presence. 'How about I collect some money from your vault and you go to Madam Malkin's to start your fitting?' He gestured to the building next to Flourish and Blotts.

'Alone?' Judy asked, unable to hide her fear.

Lupin turned around and led her to a quiet corner. 'Sweetheart, what's wrong?'

'Nothing,' she lied, making Lupin arch a brow. 'I'm just...I'm just scared,' she said truthfully. 'I'm scared of what will happen...to all of us...when...when Voldemort returns,' she added in a whisper.

'Dumbledore will not ask anything from you that you are not ready for or capable of,' Lupin tried to reassure her. 'We all have our parts to play...we all have our loved ones to protect.' He brushed a strand of her dark hair away from her face. 'When the time comes, the only thing we can do is fight...with everything we got.' He smiled at her.

'OK,' Judy smiled back at him, somehow feeling relieved.

'Now, come on, I promise I will be right back...besides, I don't think I will be of much help anyway.' He kissed her forehead before bidding her goodbye and continuing his way to Gringott's to collect some of her savings from the vault her parent's left to her.

Judy turned on her heel and looked at the shopping window. A model wearing identical Ravenclaw school robes as hers stood, facing her. The sight of it made her feel a mingle of joy and sadness. She quickly entered the store.

Madam Malkin herself, a squat, smiling witch stood behind a small counter and looked up from her paperwork as Judy closed the door behind her. She looked her up and down for a moment as if guessing her measurements, before putting her quill back in her ink bottle. 'Hogwarts or dress robes?' she asked, kindly as she walked toward the younger witch.

'The latter,' Judy replied, as she'd checked and her school robes still fitted her perfectly, that morning at home.

'Right this way,' the older witch said as she preceded Judy to the back of the shop. On the right side a rack of beautiful dresses lined the wall. There seemed to be a dress in every colour imaginable, and Judy even noticed several dressed changing colour, depending on the angle you looked at them. 'Do you have something in mind, dear?' Judy shook her head, overwhelmed by all the possibilities to choose from. 'Let's see now,' Madam Malkin, looked at her for a moment. 'Considering your hair colour, eyes, complexion...' She turned around and walked toward the section with dark red, purple and blue shades. 'Long or short?'

'Long,' said Judy without hesitation.

'I thought so,' the older witch pulled out a total of six dresses. She turned around and beckoned Judy to follow her to the dressing rooms. 'Try these on,' she said, hanging the dresses inside the dressing room.

Judy closed the curtain and took a moment to look at the several colours. She touched each dress, allowing the fabric to slide through her fingers. Only from looking and feeling she knew she'd found what she was looking for. She slipped out of her jeans and t-shirt, dropping them on the floor, and pulled a navy blue satin dress over her head. The mermaid model accentuated her figure, which she was glad to have gained back over the summer. She gathered her long black locks and pulled them forward over her right shoulder.

'How is it going in there, dear?' Madam Malkin inquired curiously.

'I think this is the one,' said Judy, pulling back the curtain. The other witch smiled at her.

'Good choice,' she said approvingly. 'It is a bit too long though,' she said, looking at the amount of fabric on the floor. She helped Judy on the footstool and took out her pins to adjust the length. Judy couldn't help but smile the entire time as Madam Malkin pinned the dress until it was the right size. She looked up as the door bell rang, indicating another customer. 'I will be right with you,' she called, finishing up Judy's dress.

'No need...' Judy looked up as she recognized Lupin's voice. She kept her eyes on the door opening as he entered the back of the shop. She couldn't help but beam as she saw the look of awe in his eyes. She knew why he looked at her with a mixture of emotions, having felt she'd looked at her mother's reflection in the mirror, a few moments before.

'You look so...beautiful,' said Lupin breathlessly. He sat down on a nearby stool as he looked at her in silence.

'Thank you,' said Judy affectionately.

'There,' said Madam Malkin, making a final adjustment. She took out her wand and flicked it at the bottom of the dress. Scissors, needles and thread flew from nearby and started making their way around the pins she had put in. In a few short moments, the dress was cut to size and the edges sown neatly again. Madam Malkin made some final touches with her wand, before asking Judy to change back into her regular clothes. She did so with a hint of regret, having felt quite special in the navy blue dress.

Judy handed the dress to the older witch as she left the dressing room in her usual attire. Lupin still sat on the stool near the archway leading to the front of the shop. Judy followed Madam Malkin, but stopped at Lupin's side.

'I know what you saw,' she said gently, leaning over and hugging him. 'I miss her too.' Lupin put his arms around her in silence and returned the gesture. 'I think we need to stop for ice cream before we can go on,' she offered as she pulled out of the embrace.

'I quite agree,' Lupin nodded, now smiling.

They left the shop with their first package of the day and made their way through the still crowded street toward Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. Lupin ordered a peanut butter ice cream for each of them as Judy looked around while she waited. She noticed Connor and Chelsea at a near by outdoor table, too taken up by each other to notice her. Judy was glad to see her house mates were still as smitten with each other as the last time she saw them at Hogwarts.

She put the package under her arm as Lupin handed her the ice cream cone, with two scoops of her favourite flavour and a large dollop of whipped cream on top. They picked an empty outdoor table in a more quiet corner to enjoy their treat. They spent their time, mostly in silence, observing the wizards and witches passing by. Judy noticed after a time that most of them seemed a little on edge, more alert than the year before. The events at the Quidditch World Cup and the Dark Mark had clearly left an effect...

'To the Apothecary?' asked Judy as she already got to her feet. Lupin followed her lead and they quickly made their way to the shop. Judy held her breath as they passed the barrel of dragon dung, in front of the shop, wondering how Charlie could work amongst animals producing this smell every day.

She read the list of ingredients she needed to collect out loud and agreed with Lupin that he would look for the top half of the list and she would look for the bottom half. Hoping it was the quickest way to gather all of it and leave the smell of bad eggs and rotten cabbage, which lingered all around the shop, behind.

Both Judy and Lupin welcomed the smell of fresh air as they left the Apothecary behind them and quickly made their way back to Flourish and Blotts.

'Judy!' She looked toward the origin of the voice and again saw a mass of red hair coming toward her. She had enough time to see it was Willow this time, followed in her wake by her parents. The other witch hugged her tightly as she reached her side. 'How are you?'

'All right,' she said truthfully.

'I read about the Quidditch World Cup in the Daily Prophet,' Willow said quickly. 'Dad has been working overtime since it happened. Of course he won't say anything about it...' she rolled her eyes.

'Probably for your own protection,' Lupin offered gently.

'I suppose, Professor...I mean, Mr. Lupin,' she corrected herself quickly. 'Sorry, I suppose I haven't gotten used to the idea that you are not teaching anymore.'

'Willow,' her father, appeared at her side and took her arm. He was a tall dark haired man, dressed in a suit. 'I told you not to run off...oh, hello Judy. Mr. Lupin,' he nodded curtly. Judy felt uneasy at the way he looked at her uncle. She took his hand as she felt him step away from her.

'Hello Mr. Waters,' said Lupin uncomfortably, his faded clothes and pale complexion a contrast to the other man's smart clothes and tanned skin. Judy held his hand tightly, trying to assure him that he had nothing to be ashamed of.

'Well, we have things to shop for and it is getting late so,-'

'Judy!' Willow's mother finally caught up with them and gave Judy a hug. 'You look well. It is so good to see you are all better,' she said, not having seen Judy since she left St. Mungo's months before. 'And of course it is good to see you too, Remus,' Jessica Waters cast him a genuine smile. Judy could see Willow's father did not look pleased at this.

'I was just saying we need to move on,' he said in a serious tone.

'Come on, dad. Can't I catch up with Judy first?' Willow pleaded.

'I am sure we can spare a moment, Kieran,' Jessica Waters, supported her daughter. Willow's father cast her a fierce look. 'Well, perhaps we should...you girls can catch up on the train soon enough,' she offered, with a forced lighthearted tone. 'It was good to see you two.'

'But mom,'-

'We're leaving, Willow,' her father said, nodding curtly at Judy and Lupin, and already pulling Willow along.

'Dad, you're hurting me,' said Willow, pulling her arm out of her father's reach and rubbing the red skin where he'd held her tightly.

'Let's go, dear,' said her mother, quickly urging her daughter to walk on, while observing her displeased looking husband.

'I'll see you on the train, Will,' Judy called after her friend as she moved on with her parents. She looked after them for a few seconds and then turned to face Lupin. 'What just happened?' she asked confused.

'I think Willow's father is not too pleased with my...condition,' Lupin offered.

'Your condition?' asked Judy, taken aback, having forgotten that by the end of the school year all the students had heard about Lupin being a werewolf. 'What a git,'

'Judy, language!' Lupin scolded. 'He is still Willow's father.' Judy snorted. 'Sweetheart, remember you still have to be careful...'

'Yes, I remember,' Judy rolled her eyes. 'Let's just go back to Flourish and Blotts and get my books, parchment and new quills.' She already pulled him along as she spoke. 'And then when we get home I am going to make us a big pot of tea and we'll spend the rest of the weekend away from these...idiots...' she said heatedly. She couldn't help but smile as she heard Lupin chuckle behind her, knowing deep down he did appreciate her protectiveness of him. She thought it was the least she could do, after all the years he'd spent protecting her.

Judy wrapped her blanket closer around her as she looked outside the kitchen window. She'd intended to sit against the large birch tree in the garden and watch the sunrise that morning. The gale outside had made her change her mind however. She looked up as she heard the wooden floorboards creek and turned on her heel as she heard soft steps on the wooden staircase. Duncan pushed the living room door open with his head and then looked up at her questioningly, with his yellow eyes. Judy smiled, relieved that Lupin was still sound asleep as he had been for the past hours.

A s she looked back outside, a soft blend of pink and orange coloured the horizon, lightening up the dark and cloudy sky. Judy could still see Sirius though, through a small clearing in the clouds, shining brightly in the dark blanket still covering part of the sky.

Judy scratched Duncan behind his ear as he crossed the kitchen counter. She was surprised he slept through all the noise she'd made earlier, for what felt like hours of tossing and turning in her bed. He usually was more apt at sensing something was troubling her.

She sighed deeply as she watched the sunrise, relieved the night had finally passed. She felt as if with the darkness, her troubled thoughts too disappeared. It was the combination of the events at the Quidditch World Cup, the prospect of starting her final year and with it the preparations for her task, and the missing of her father and Charlie. All of it together made her feel a mingle of sadness and fear that was quite different from that of the past year. It was perhaps more of a longing, to feel safe, and sheltered from the difficulties that lay ahead. After all those years of having to act responsibly, she wouldn't mind if this time someone else would carry the weight for her.

She took the envelope from under her blanket and opened it once again, to reread the letter she'd received that weekend. The letter that had made her longing for protection stir...the letter that made her realize that despite her father being on the run, his main concern was still his daughter's well being.

Sweetheart,

Thank you for Moony's message. I am glad to hear you are well. It is times like these that are the hardest not to be around you. I really wish I could always keep you safe from harm. I suppose there lies my biggest challenge, since I finally saw you after all those years. I need to let my little girl go and see you as the young woman you've become. Forgive me if I need more time to adjust to that thought. I never was any good at letting go...perhaps you remember that from the time we lost your mother. Despite my reckless reputation, your life and that of your mother's was never something I gambled with. I sincerely hope you do know that about me.

I am doing quite well, considering circumstances. I hate everything about my conditions, but I have seen worse. My travel companion seems to fair reasonably. I hope to be able to meet with you soon. I cannot wait to hold you in my arms and listen to all the stories I have missed. Though, in all honesty, that might take a while. I look forward to your letters in the mean time and I hope to be able to reply to all of them.

Love, always,

Padfoot.

Judy smiled as the first sun rays broke through the clouds for a moment and caressed her skin. She cast back her blanket and allowed their natural warmth to chase away the night's chill. Duncan purred contently as she scratched him behind his ear.

Now that it was day, the letter had a different effect on her. It was not the missing and the longing for her father's protection that prevailed now, it was his words of letting go and seeing her as the woman she had become. There too lay Judy's own most important task. Her final year, her private lessons with Snape, it was all to prepare her for the most important task in her life. It was time for her to grow up, to let go of her school years and accept she had come of age and she was expected to take on a different kind of responsibility than she had the past years.

'Tea?' Judy smiled as she met Lupin's eyes. He already stood beside her, wearing the new pajamas and robe, which Judy had bought him as a gift for everything he'd endured with her the past school year. He whisked his wand at the kettle without waiting for an answer. It immediately whistled this time and poured steaming hot water into two mugs. Soon two tea bags flew over and lowered into the steaming hot liquid.

'I thought I would find you here,' he said as he put an arm around her and Judy leaned against him. 'You remind me of your mother. Pretending you can do it all on your own.'

'I think I am done pretending,' she said truthfully, allowing herself to savour the moment of being in her uncle's protective arms.

'It's OK to be scared you know,' Lupin said gently. 'I know I was when I agreed to take you in that night...'

'I know,' Judy smiled at him. 'I know we all are scared at times...I just hope I'll be able to cope when...when it matters, you know.'

'You will,' said Lupin confidently. 'Look how far you've come already...I know these past years haven't been easy on you, especially last year. But you made it.'

'Barely...'

'You made it,' he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. 'Just remember, even when you feel you can't go on-'

'Giving up is not an option,' said Judy, taking a mug of tea from her uncle.

'Your grandfather used to say that,' Lupin smiled at her.

'Did you know them?' asked Judy interested.

'I met them, a few times, before...' He paused. 'Your mother took me to her home on several evenings...on the nights that there was going to be a full moon. She often prepared Wolfsbane potion for me...but she knew the night would still drain me, so she wouldn't allow me to stay at home on my own. She'd sit with me all night, making sure I was as comfortable as possible. Your grandparents were very kind. They didn't understand everything about our world, being Muggles. But they understood what I was and they never...they never hesitated to let me into their home. It is a shame you did not get to know them better...'

'I think I would have liked them very much,' said Judy honestly.

They stood in the kitchen for a while, drinking their tea quietly, looking out the window at the typical English weather and enjoying their last moment together. Lupin was the first to move. 'We'd better get ready, I don't want you to miss the train. I suppose your trunk-,'

'...is all packed,' Judy confirmed. 'I did all of it last night, since I couldn't sleep anyway.'

'Then you must have been very quiet,'said Lupin confused. 'I did not hear a thing...'

'Silencing Charm,' said Judy with a smile. 'One of the advantages of coming of age.' Lupin smiled at her. 'Don't worry, Remus,' she said as she got up. 'You will get used to it,' she winked at him.

They Apparated onto platform nine-and-three-quarters an hour later, a little away from the barrier, making sure they wouldn't be crashed into by anxious first years, emerging at a run onto the platform. They were welcomed by the sound of hooting owls and the sight of uncountable witches and wizards, surrounded by a white cloud of steam as the Hogwarts Express already stood waiting for Hogwarts' students. Judy smiled as she looked at the gleaming scarlet engine, enjoying the sight of the train.

'Come on, lets find you a seat,' said Lupin, pulling her floating trunk with one hand and holding hers with the other. Judy nodded as she followed him with Duncan in his wicker basket.

They soon found the compartment she usually shared with the twins, and Judy already noticed their luggage in the upper racks. Willow's trunk too was stowed on the rack opposite the twins and Lupin pushed Judy's trunk beside it. She put Duncan's basket on the seat, before following Lupin back outside to the platform to say their goodbyes.

'I'm going to miss you,' she said, as she gave him a tight hug.

'I'm going to miss you too,' said Lupin. 'It will be quiet at home without you.'

'I've left you a stock of Wolfsbane potion in the upper right kitchen cabinet,' Judy whispered in his ear.

'Thank you,' Lupin smiled at her as she pulled back. He cupped her cheek.

'Promise me you will be careful,' Judy said, meeting his eyes, knowing he too had been appointed a task by Dumbledore.

'I will,' he promised. 'You too...and let me know if Snape is giving you a hard time...'

'He will...but no more than usual,' Judy offered with a wink. She turned around to walk toward the train, but halted as she saw a group of red haired witches and wizards only a few meters away from them. She recognized Harry and Hermione too, as they bid goodbye to the Weasley family. She smiled as she saw Charlie give his sister Ginny a hug goodbye. He and Bill shared a grin and a mischievous look in their eyes as if keeping a secret from the rest of them.

Judy's heart jumped as Charlie looked up and met her eyes. She savoured the moment as both their lips curled up in a smile, sharing their own secret. But at that moment, the whistle blew, and Lupin urged her toward the train doors.

She saw Charlie move and Bill quickly taking his arm as he now too had noticed her. She was thankful the eldest brother was around to protect Charlie from himself once again. Her heart too ached, being so close in each others' presence and yet so far away.

Judy closed the door and leaned out the window. She took Lupin's hand for a moment as the pistons hissed loudly and the train began to move. She waved him goodbye, unable to keep her eyes from drifting to the other man she wished to say goodbye to too. Their eyes met for another fleeting moment and Charlie smiled and gave her a short wave as the train gained speed and rode away from the platform.

Judy too held her hand up for a moment, watching him Disapparate with his family. She couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she backed away from the window and turned to walk down the corridor and toward her compartment. Then...she froze.

Fred looked at her with a mingle of sadness and anger in his eyes. Judy's smile quickly faded under his gaze. She remembered that look all too well, from the Christmas she spent at the Burrow last year. She'd hoped to never see it again.

'Fred,' she said, swallowing.

'Who were you saying goodbye to?' he asked, accusation colouring his voice.

'Lupin,' said Judy in a would be casual tone.

'Right,' he said, turning on his heel and walking away from her.

'Fred,' she rushed after him.

'Don't,' he said as she took his shoulder.

'Fred, please,' Judy pleaded. 'I don't know what you think you saw, but,-'

'Don't,' he repeated, turning around this time. 'Don't lie to me,' he said, angrily. Judy met his eyes, torn between breaking a promise and lying to her best friend. He trembled with rage, his hands clenched into fists at his side. And yet his eyes showed how he truly felt...hurt, sad, broken.

'I...I'm sorry,' she said, tears welling up in her eyes. 'I didn't realize...' she said truthfully. 'I never meant to...I never meant to hurt you.'

'You two...you're together then?' he asked, his voice hurt. Judy nodded. 'For how...how long?' he asked, his voice strained.

'Please, Fred,' she said, moving aside for a couple of first years searching for an empty compartment. 'Do you really want to do this now?'

'Now or never, Jude,' he said meaningfully. 'You choose.'

She looked at him for a few moments, feeling their friendship crumble. 'Since Christmas,' she said, not meeting his eyes.

'Christmas,' he said breathlessly. 'You mean when you were at the Burrow you...and since we returned to Hogwarts you...and him...look at me!' He yelled at her. Several students' heads popped out of their compartments and looked down the corridor after hearing him yell.

'Everything all right with you two?' Willow asked as she and George approached them. They too had heard the commotion in their compartment down the corridor. Judy looked up at her with tear filled eyes. 'Oh dear,' she said, understanding the situation. 'George, why don't you take Fred...'

'The hell he will!' Fred said heatedly. 'I want you to look at me when you say it.' He said, still looking at Judy.

'Fred, not here,' Willow took his arm, but he pulled it from her grasp.

'Look at me!' He yelled at Judy.

'All right, I don't know what is going on,' said George, grabbing his brother's arm and holding it firmly. 'But whatever this is, we are not doing this here.' He dragged Fred away with him to their compartment, ignoring his protests and slamming the compartment door shut behind them.

'All right, the show is over,' Willow called. 'Go back to your compartments,' she looked at the younger students. 'I am a Ravenclaw Prefect and I will report every single one of you if you don't do as I say,' she said threateningly. She waited for every head to disappear from view before turning her attention back to Judy. 'I don't get it...how?'

'He must have seen us wave goodbye to each other just now...I didn't realize he was practically standing next to me,' she said, a tremor in her voice.

'Merlin's beard, Jude,' Willow sighed. 'You could have been more careful.'

'I know,' she said guiltily, 'I didn't want him to find out this way...I didn't want him to find out about it at all...'

'Well...this is awful...but, he would have eventually.' Willow offered. 'Perhaps it's better he found out now...I mean, the longer you would have waited, the harder it was going to be on him...you know how much he cares for you.'

'But our families...no one can know, Will.'

'Why not? You are of age now, Jude,' she said reassuringly. 'What are they going to do about it? Besides...haven't you kept enough secrets already?'

'I suppose...how am I going to make this right, Will?' she said exasperatedly.

'You can't' she said truthfully. 'But you do owe him the truth...all of it...and he deserves you looking him in the eye when you tell him.'

'How,-'

'I don't care how you do it,' Willow said, taking her by the arm and leading her toward their compartment. 'You are just going to do it.'

They halted in front of the compartment door. George quickly got to his feet as he noticed them and told his brother to stay in his seat. He opened the door and stepped aside to let Judy enter. Willow waited in the corridor and George joined her, closing the door behind him. They remained there, just in case they again needed to intervene.

Judy took a deep breath before looking up and meeting Fred's gaze. Their eyes locked as she sat down in the seat opposite him. She swallowed as she endured the heat in his eyes.

'I am so sorry,' Judy said truthfully. 'I never meant to hurt you...and neither did Charlie...but I...we...we have feelings for each other.'

'Since when?'

'I don't know...I guess I felt...something during the summer...but I wasn't sure Charlie felt the same way...not until we met again at Christmas,' she said truthfully. 'We didn't tell anyone because I was not of age yet and we didn't think anybody would understand.'

'Willow knew,' Fred retorted, glancing at their friend in the corridor.

'And Tonks,' Judy offered. 'But only because they helped me with my visions last year...Charlie brought me back at St. Mungo's, Fred. If it wasn't for him...' she paused and looked outside the window. 'I didn't know how to tell you, believe me you have always been the hardest to keep this from...I never meant to lie to you.'

'But you did,' Fred retorted.

'I thought...I hoped...I'd be able to tell you without...without hurting you,' she said truthfully. 'I never meant to do anything to hurt you.'

'Why him?' Fred asked, his anger subsiding. He got up and walked to the window to look outside. 'Because he's older? Because he's stronger? Because he,-' he asked without turning around.

'Because he's not my best friend,' said Judy truthfully. 'I'm sorry Fred, I've never...I just don't look at you that way.' She looked at his back. 'I care for you...very much,' she continued. 'You're my best friend, I wouldn't know what to do without you...you've always been there for me, no matter what.' She sighed. 'Fred, I do love you...just not like that.'

They both endured the minutes of silence that followed. Judy continued to stare at his back, trying to read his emotions from his body language. He crossed his arms and then uncrossed them again. He was no longer trembling with rage, neither were his fists clenched. His hands hung by his side, his fingers sometimes tapping on his jeans. His posture did not show emotions either, as he stood with his shoulders upright. Judy could only guess at what he was feeling.

'I know,' he sighed. 'I guess I've always known...I just hoped...'

'Fred,' Judy quickly got to her feet. 'You mean the world to me...I really am sorry.'

'I know you are...,' he added, turning around to face her. His expression was kinder than it had been before. 'But you can't control your heart...I just wished you told me a year ago.' Judy's heart broke as she saw the sadness in his eyes. She wanted nothing more than for him to open his arms and hug her the way he always had, assuring her everything was going to be all right. But she knew she was wishing for the impossible, as she felt something irreversible had just happened between the two of them.

Judy wasn't sure how long they stood there, face to face, yet with a chasm separating them. A chasm seeming impossible to cross. They each stood silent in their sadness, unchecked tears running down both their cheeks.

The door slid open behind her. 'Can we come back in?' Willow asked hesitantly.

'You can,' said Judy hoarsely, her throat constricted by her emotions. Fred turned on his heel and looked outside as he cleared his throat. Judy quickly wiped away her tears as Willow placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. She turned around and met her friend's kind eyes. George too, looked at her sympathetically.

'Fred...?' he asked carefully.

'I'm fine,' he assured his twin, turning around, his eyes red and still glistening. George only nodded. The twins would no doubt talk about the subject later.

They all took a seat, though opposite to previous years the girls sat together and so did the boys. They all understood their usual seating plan would not do for now. Judy opened the wicker basket and Duncan quickly emerged, stretching his limbs, before settling on Judy's lap. She caressed his dark fur and looked outside as George changed the subject.

'Now, what do you think Mum and our brothers' were on about at the platform? What is happening at Hogwarts this year?'