Chapter 57
Remus blinked several times, his eyes adjusting to the light. His hand lifted feebly to his chest. There was a large red welt just above his heart. With a groan of pain he sat up gingerly. He jumped as he realized he was naked and he had no idea where he was. A flood of memories of last night came back to him suddenly. Peter, Sirius, Harry, Ron, Hermione. Pain, horrible pain. Great Merlin, what had happened last night?!
"Good Morning Remus!" a familiar voice said. Remus turned carefully and saw Hagrid standing over a kettle at the fireplace. He was in Hagrid's cabin.
"Hagrid," Remus groaned. "What happened? How did I get here?"
"Meredith brought you here last night. You forgot to take your potion last night, apparently."
"The potion!" Remus gasped. How could he have been so careless?
"Was anyone hurt? The kids…"
"All fine, Professor don't you worry. Lucky you got a quick thinking daughter. Shot ya with the tranquilizer. Harry, Ron and Hermione saw ya transform, but don't ya worry. They'll keep quiet. Oh and not to worry about Meredith breaking her house arrest. Dumbledore said that the circumstances were dire enough to make an exception." Remus's head was spinning. Meredith had shot him. That meant she must have met Sirius last night. Oh Merlin, was Sirius all right? Had he been caught?
"Here ya go Professor," Hagrid said handing him some clothes. "Dumbledore brought 'em down this morning." Remus shakily got to his feet and pulled on the trousers and sweater.
"You missed quite a bit of excitement last night Professor," Hagrid said pouring a cup of tea. Remus paused as he tied his loafer.
"Excitement?" Remus asked, trying to sound casual.
"Sirius Black!" Hagrid said. "He was on the grounds last night."
"Was he caught?" Remus said his heart in his throat. "Was he turned over to the dementors?"
"No," Hagrid said. "He got away. No one's quite sure how. He was locked up in Professor Flitwick's office." Remus bit his lip. That meant Sirius was alive at least. But what about Meredith?
"Are the kids all right?" He asked.
"All a bit worse for wear but no permanent damage. Madam Pomfrey kept them all in the hospital wing overnight due to them being attacked by the dementors."
"What!"
"They're fine," Hagrid said. "All fine, but Dumbledore's had the ministry remove the dementors from the grounds. Good riddance I say." Remus's head was spinning. There was more to this story he knew. He needed to find Meredith. He needed to see for himself that she was okay.
"Well," he said. "Thanks for your help last night Hagrid. I better get up to the castle before people start asking too many questions." He hurried up the hill to the castle and rushed to the hospital wing. He found the room empty.
"Oh Remus," Madam Pomfrey said coming out of her office. "If you're looking for your daughter I released her this morning along with the other kids."
"Will she be all right?"
"There should be no lasting effects," Madam Pomfrey said. "I sent the children back to their dormitories."
"Thank you," Remus said. He turned and went to his office. He gave the password and pushed open the door to his quarters. He smiled when he saw Meredith curled up on the sofa fast asleep. He sat down next to her and gently shook her.
"Meredith, wake up love." She blinked a few times before opening her eyes. She smiled, sat up and wrapped her arms around him.
"Are you all right?" he asked her.
"Yeah," she said. "Madam Pomfrey said I should be okay. I won't be eating any chocolate for at least a year."
"Tell me what happened last night," he said. Meredith sighed and ran a hand through her hair. She told him everything that had happened last night. She told him about running into Snape, seeing the map, grabbing the gun, seeing Peter on the map and figuring out the truth, freezing Peter, shooting him, getting him to Hagrid's cabin, the dementor's attacking them. He was astounded as she told him about the Time Turner and going back in time to free Sirius.
"Incredible," he said. "But how did Peter escape?"
"Apparently he was able to fight off the impediment jinx by transforming back from his rat form. He broke Hermione's arm when she tried to stop him. I guess the jinx wasn't strong enough."
"It's not your fault love."
"If Peter hadn't gotten away we could have proven Sirius innocent."
"If not for you and Harry, Sirius would now be suffering a fate worse than death," he said stroking her hair.
"I guess," she said leaning her head against his shoulder. "I thought I saw my mother across the pond. So foolish."
"An easy enough mistake to make. I make it myself sometimes." He took her hand gently. She seemed so calm and yet he knew her emotions had to be in a whirlwind.
"How are you?" he asked. She sighed.
"It's all kind of fuzzy in my head right now," Meredith said. "Ever since I found out the truth I've just been sort of reacting to things." She sat up and wrapped her arms around her knees. "I wish I could have talked to him more. There's just so much I want to ask him. There's so many questions only he can answer." Remus couldn't help but feel a small pain in his heart. He felt as though he were losing something precious and he didn't know how to hold on to it or if he even should.
"But what I said hasn't changed," Meredith continued. " Sirius is a part of me yes. But, you're still my dad. He'll never take your place in my heart, or my life. Sirius may be my father, but you'll always be my dad." Remus leaned forward and cupped Meredith's face.
"You never cease to amaze me, love." Meredith put her arms around him and hugged him.
"Do you think we'll see him again," she asked. Remus chuckled.
"I'm sure we will," Remus said. "Now that he's free I'm certain he won't be able to stay away." He winced as his movement agitated his wound.
"Are you all right?" she asked pulling his shirt away. She looked sad as she saw the large bruise above his heart.
"I'll be all right," he said. "Thank god you were there. I can't believe I was so foolish to have forgotten my potion."
"Shh," she said. "Don't worry about it now." He hugged her tight.
"I could have killed someone," Remus said fiercely. "That must never be allowed to happen again."
"Nothing happened Dad," Meredith said.
"And it's not going to," Remus said sadly. "I'm going to Dumbledore as soon as breakfast is over. I'm tendering my resignation."
"Will you please reconsider this?" Meredith begged as he packed his belongings. Ever since she had told him that he was resigning she had been trying to dissuade him.
"No one wants you to go," Meredith said. "Every kid I've talked to says you're the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher they've ever had. No one cares you're a werewolf." Remus sighed. After Sirius's escape Snape had let his secret slip. The kids might not mind but he knew it was only a matter of time before the letters would start pouring in from the parents. Dumbledore had not wanted to accept his resignation but Remus had been insistent upon it. It was just too risky.
"Meredith it's done," Remus said silencing her protests. "I've resigned. It's finished."
"But Dad you love teaching," Meredith said. "I've never seen you as happy. I don't want you to give that up because of something that might happen again." Remus sighed.
"If the chances of it happening again were one in a hundred thousand it would still be too much of a risk. Now I don't want to hear another word about it. It's time for you to stop worrying about me and focus on your own future. You're going to be a great healer my dear." Meredith sighed. She glanced down at the Marauders map that lay open on his desk.
"You've got company," she said. He raised an eyebrow and she pointed to the map. He glanced down and saw HARRY POTTER moving in the direction of his office. No doubt the young man had heard the news of his resignation and was going to try to talk him out of it.
"I'll let you talk alone," she said turning and departing. Remus continued to pack until he heard the door open.
"Hello Harry," he said turning. The boy looked surprised. Remus pointed to the map.
"I saw you coming."
"So it's true," Harry said. "You're leaving."
"I'm afraid so," Remus said. "If you've come to dissuade me from my decision I'm afraid you'll have no more luck than Meredith." Harry looked miserable and Remus had a feeling it was not solely due to his departure.
"Why do you look so glum Harry?"
"None of it made any difference," Harry said. "Pettigrew escaped."
"Harry it made an enormous difference," Remus said. "You found out the truth! You helped save an innocent man from a terrible fate. If I am proud of anything Harry, it is how much you learned this year." Harry smiled a little.
"Professor Lupin may I ask you something?" Harry said quietly.
"Of course Harry," Remus said gently. Harry was staring at the ground and shifting as though nervous.
"Meredith told me about Sirius," Harry said. "Well I know Sirius is my godfather and my parents wanted him to be my guardian. Well, I guess I kind of figured if Sirius couldn't take care of me if something happened to them then you would have been their next choice."
"Yes," Remus said slowly. "I suppose."
"So why was Meredith allowed to live with you and I wasn't," Harry said tears now forming in his eyes. "Didn't you want me?"
"Oh Harry," Remus said taking the boy's shoulders. "You mustn't believe that for a second. I'd have taken you in in half a heartbeat. But, Dumbledore insisted that you had to go to your relatives. I don't know why, but I had to trust in Dumbledore's judgment. Believe me Harry, nothing would have made me happier than for you and Meredith to grow up together as brother and sister." Harry smiled a little.
"Meredith's always looked out for me," Harry said. "Now she's graduating, Sirius is who knows where and you're leaving."
"I know it's hard Harry," Remus said. "But goodbye is not forever. I promise."
"Would it be okay if I write to you sometimes?" Harry asked.
"Absolutely," Remus said. "If you ever need anything Harry, just say the word and I'll be there. Sirius, Meredith and I all care about you very much."
"I've never really had anyone like that," Harry said. "Ron's parents they've been good to me but…"
"You have a family now Harry. Even if we're a bit of an odd family." Harry laughed.
"Now as I'm no longer you're professor," Remus said picking up the Marauders Map, "I feel no regret whatsoever at returning this to you. I'm sure you and your friends will find many uses for it."
"Remus," Dumbledore said coming into the room. "The carriage has arrived."
"Thank you headmaster, I shall be there shortly." Remus gathered up his bags.
"Good bye Harry," Remus said. "I'm sure we shall meet again soon. If you ever need me just write."
"Thanks Professor," Harry said shaking his hand. "For everything."
Meredith leaned against the railing on the fifth floor walkway staring out at the grounds. It had been almost two days since her Dad left. She missed him terribly. She'd kept mostly to the dormitory since his departure. She'd see him soon though. She'd be leaving Hogwarts the day after tomorrow and her first day at St. Mungoes was in two weeks. She would be sad to leave Hogwarts but in a lot of ways she was eager to get out of here. Since word had come out about her father's condition, most of the girls in her dorm had been giving her a wide berth. She had come close to slugging Patricia when she saw the smug look in her former friend's eyes. Even Percy came up with an excuse to be somewhere else whenever she entered the room. Only Oliver had stood by her at least to the point where he was still speaking to her. She hadn't seen much of Harry, Ron or Hermione since that night. Her gaze found the whomping willow and she felt a small pang in her heart. The events of that night were still so fresh in her mind and yet it was hard to grasp that they had really happened. Wherever Sirius was she could only pray that he was safe.
"Hey!" she heard someone call to her. It was Oliver. She smiled as he came to join her.
"I've been looking all over for you," he said.
"Well you found me," she said lightly.
"You been hiding from me, Mere?" he asked.
"You and the rest of the world," she said. "There's just been a lot going on."
"I'm sorry about your dad resigning," Oliver said. "Guess we know whose to blame about his secret getting out." Meredith nodded fresh hatred in her heart for Snape.
"That's not what's on your mind though is it?" Oliver asked.
"You become a Legilimens and forget to tell me?" she asked him.
"No," Oliver said. "I just know you too well." Meredith sighed. It was true. She had no secrets from this man. She stared at the willow, the secret burning her up inside. She needed to tell someone.
"Oliver," she said. "I'm going to tell you a story. When I'm finished you're going to think I've gone completely insane but I need you to hear me out anyhow."
"I'm listening," Oliver said. Meredith looked up at him. His eyes were so warm and caring she felt herself calming as she told him everything from finding out that Sirius Black was her birth father to going back in time to save him from the Dementors. When she had finished the tale she found Oliver's face unreadable.
"You don't believe a word of it do you?" she said. Oliver laughed a little.
"Anyone else Mere and I'd be hauling them into St. Mungo's for psychological treatment. But you're the sanest person I know and you've never lied to me. So I don't have much choice than to believe every word you say. It's just…"
"A lot to take in," Meredith said. "Yeah. I'm still trying to get my head around it."
"When did you find out about Sirius? Being your father I mean."
"A week ago," she said.
"God Mere," he said shaking his head. "Why didn't you tell me about this sooner?" Meredith sighed.
"I couldn't even accept it myself," Meredith said. "I didn't know how to tell anyone else." Oliver wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to his side. For a moment she just rested her head against his shoulder. After awhile she noticed that he held something in his hand.
"What's that?" she asked. Oliver grinned and handed her the parchment. She scanned the words and looked up at him.
"Puddlemere reserve?" He nodded.
"I got it this morning," he said. "They want me to play Keeper for them."
"Oliver," she said, "that's…that's great but what about England? I know I'm not an expert but Puddlemere Reserve seems like a step down."
"It's the best offer I got," he said shrugging. "It's not the dream but at least it's professional Quidditch. It'll get me out there on the big fields where I'll be seen. And it is a step down but at least it's a step into the world."
"I guess," she said. "When do you start?"
"They want me in Newcastle tomorrow morning," he said. "My train leaves this evening." Meredith felt her heart drop into her knees.
"Tonight?" she said. "You're leaving tonight?"
"Yeah," Oliver said sadly. "It's sudden I know but training starts early and…"
"So…" Meredith said her voice cracking. "This is kind of goodbye then isn't it?" Oliver took her hands.
"I'm sorry Mere," he said. "I don't want to upset you. I hoped you'd be happy for me."
"I'm…I'm happy for you. Of course I'm happy for you. I just didn't realize…it's so soon." Meredith felt like her heart was breaking. He'd been her friend since they were eleven years old. He'd looked out for her and protected her. He'd been the only one who had stood by her through the best and worst parts of this last year and now he was leaving her.
"I'm gonna miss you," Meredith said tears threatening to choke her. "I'm really gonna miss you." Oliver pulled her into a hard hug. She buried her face in his shoulder.
"I'm gonna miss you too Mere," he said touching her hair. Meredith pulled away and ran her hand over her eyes.
"Oh, god," Meredith said. "I knew this day was gonna come I just…I wasn't ready."
"I know," he said reaching up to brush a tear from her eyes. "But hey we had to grow up sometime." Meredith nodded.
"I suppose," she said. She'd done more growing up in the last few weeks than she had been ready for.
"When do you start at St. Mungoes?"
"Two weeks," she said. "God, it's what I've always wanted but…I'm still just terrified."
"You're gonna do great Mere," Oliver said. Meredith sighed and hugged him tight.
"Will you keep in touch?" she said.
"I will," he said. "I promise."
Meredith stuffed the last of her belongings into her trunk. The train would arrive soon. She glanced around the room one last time. Come the fall a new batch of first years would be in here, young and fresh and innocent. She grabbed her trunk and left the dormitory for the last time and dragged it down to the common room. The room was full of the people she'd shared classes with for seven years. They were all different then they'd been when they'd first walked through these doors. The wonder and fear was gone and now their faces held knowledge, strength and confidence. So many things were different now, Meredith thought with pain in her heart. Friendships once so strong had drifted apart and people were moving on. She took a deep breath and followed the rest of the students out of the school. She gave the halls one last glance as she moved. She'd spent seven years in these halls, and she'd learned a lot. Not just about magic, but about life. She boarded the train alone for the first time. She spotted Patricia sitting with a group of girls and looked away as the other girl looked up. She saw Percy sitting with Penelope they're heads bowed together. She moved past their cabin to search for a seat.
"Hey Meredith," Ron called from a compartment. She smiled a little and stepped inside to join Harry, Ron and Hermione.
"Hey guys," she greeted them. She sat quietly as the three of them chatted until a small owl not much larger than a tennis ball tapped on the glass. It carried a letter for Harry. She sat up straight when she realized it was from Sirius. He assured them that he was safe, and that the dementors didn't have a chance of finding him where he was. He also told Harry that it was he who sent him the firebolt.
"I told you," Hermione said smugly. "I told you Sirius sent you that broom." Meredith smiled a little tugging at the gold locket she wore around her neck. Her dad had given it back to her before he had left the school. He'd told her that he'd given it to McGonagall to have it checked along with Harry's Firebolt out of fear that Sirius might have sent it. It hadn't been off her neck since. When the train pulled into the platform they gathered their things. Hermione and Ron left the compartment but Harry hung back.
"Meredith," he said quietly. "Um, before he left Hogwarts your dad, well Professor Lupin, said it would be okay if I wrote to him. I was wondering if I could write to you as well." Meredith smiled. Harry truly was becoming like a little brother to her. It was so unfair that he had to go back to his aunt and uncle.
"Of course you can Harry," Meredith said. "Anytime, I would love to hear from you." Harry grinned and Meredith put her arm around his shoulder as they left the train.
"So just out of curiosity Harry," Meredith said as they stepped out onto the platform. "What are you going to tell your relatives about your godfather." Harry shrugged.
"I don't know, probably nothing why?"
"Well I think it might interest them to know that you have a godfather who's a dangerous murderer that is currently out of prison and on the run and uh…likes to check in with you to make sure your happy." She winked at him and Harry grinned.
"Now that you mention it, they probably should know about Sirius, but I think I'll leave out the part about him being innocent."
"I would," Meredith said. They gave each other a hug before Harry turned away to leave with his relatives. Meredith watched him go sadly. She wished there were more she could do for him but, her dad was right, she was going to have enough to deal with in the coming days. The future was ahead of her, and she just hoped that she would be ready for whatever came her way.