Thanks to everyone who read and to patronousesandpotions for reviewing.

Betas for this chapter are: LittleDrummerGirl2010 and Literatifan4eva. You guys are great.

Also thanks to Prongs Smitch for looking over this even though you didn't find anything wrong.

Chapter 8: Examining Her Measures

On the 19th of November, two weeks after Gryffindor won the first Quidditch match of the year against Hufflepuff, Mandy knew it was time to see the nurse. Remus had been giving her these probing looks as though he knew what she was going through. Mandy had taken to avoiding his eyes anytime she had been near enough to see the looks. What really broke her however was the day that McGonagall held her back and asked about her concentration. It was then that she couldn't put it off any longer so she made the dreaded trip to the infirmary.

Mandy sat down next to James as he was working on an essay in the Common Room that afternoon. Mandy leaned over and saw it was the Transfiguration Essay that was due in two days. "James, can you come with me?" Mandy asked.

"Where?" James asked.

"The Hospital Wing," Mandy said hesitantly.

"What's wrong?" James asked. He looked up and looked worried. It wasn't often Mandy willing went to the hospital wing. Usually she had to be dragged kicking and screaming.

"I haven't been feeling well."

"Mandy, I need to do this essay plus I have a meeting with Lily and other prefects."

"Just say you don't want to go."

"I'm sorry," James said. He went back to his essay and Mandy knew the conversation was over. She sighed but made the trip to the infirmary by herself.

When she got there Madame Pomfrey looked up and walked to her. "What can I do for you, Miss Hunter? Are you alright?" Pomfrey asked.

"No, I've been feeling off lately and I was hoping to get you to run some tests to see what's wrong."

"Have a seat," The matron said, motioning to the nearest bed. Mandy was grateful the entire wing was empty. She sat down and looked at the elder woman. Pomfrey ran a bunch of spells over the girl and when she got a positive result she rushed back to her office. When she came back she looked at Mandy and had a potion with her. "This will hurt. Give me your arm." Mandy held out her arm and Pomfrey poked it with a sharp knife. Three drops of blood dripped into the potion and it turned bright red. Then a number floated to the top and read six. "Miss Hunter, when did you turn 17?" Pomfrey asked, healing Mandy's arm after setting the potion aside.

"July 24th. Four months ago. Approximately. Why?" Mandy asked.

"You've been dating Sirius Black for how long?" Pomfrey asked, ignoring the girl's question.

"Since April. What was that potion?"

"It's a pregnancy potion. A few drops of blood and it can tell whether or not you are pregnant and how far along you are approximately."

"So you're saying I'm approximately six weeks pregnant?" Mandy asked.

"Yes. How long have you been sleeping with Mr. Black?"

"Since May. We only did it once before I turned 17. And then we did it twice in October. Six weeks ago would have been the first time since we got back together. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that," Mandy said, realizing that being so open with the matron was not a good thing. Especially not with the looks she had been giving Mandy. It was obvious she didn't approve.

"Did you know two weeks ago and not come to me because of the Quidditch game?" Pomfrey asked, staring at the younger woman.

Mandy had to play her cards right here. If she seemed completely casual with being pregnant Pomfrey would make things worse for her. Everyone knew how traditional the nurse was. She couldn't act too scared though otherwise the nurse would write to her parents. "No. I didn't know until three days ago. I got sick in the morning and same thing with yesterday and again today. I was scared. When McGonagall asked me about being distracted, I knew I couldn't put it off any longer. Do we have to tell anyone?" Mandy looked up at the nurse with pleading eyes.

"You are the first student to come to me that has had a positive pregnancy test. Magic can become unstable for pregnant women. I have no choice but to inform the Headmaster."

"What about patient confidentiality?" Mandy demanded, gripping the bed she was sitting on to keep from doing anything to the matron.

Madame Pomfrey took a seat next to Mandy's bed. "Miss Hunter, Mandy, this is your N.E.W.T.s Year. That kind of stress on an average teenage witch is enough to stress her beyond a breaking point. Put that kind of stress on an expectant mother and it could harm the baby. I can't allow you to put that stress on yourself or this child nor can I allow you to continue practicing magic you do not know very well. Many witches are asked to refrain from practicing any kind of new magic while pregnant."

"But what if I ..."

"Miss Hunter, if you choose to end this pregnancy I will have to report you to the Ministry of Magic. There are grave consequences for ending a pregnancy because you don't want the child. It is illegal in this country."

"So my only other option is adoption? I'm not ready to have a baby."

"Yes, that is the only option unless having the child will cause greater harm to you."

"Practicing magic, you mean things like Summoning Charms, Shield Charms, things like that are okay?"

"Yes, but unfortunately that rarely comes up on the end of year tests."

"What am I going to do? Drop out of Hogwarts?"

"Get a personal tutor, one who is very good a magic and refrain from doing practical classes until you know the spell inside and out. Your professors have to know."

"In my Defense Professor finds out he's going to kill Sirius."

"Well, perhaps you should have been more careful."

"We were careful. How does this happen?"

"It only takes one time," Madame Pomfrey said. She looked so sympathetic that Mandy couldn't really be mad at her for having to tell the Headmaster. Pomfrey smiled softly before walking away to summon the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall. When the three entered, Mandy was more nervous than ever especially since the look on Dumbledore's face wasn't friendly. He didn't look angry, but he didn't look happy either.

"I love him, Professor and I won't let you do anything to him," Mandy said fiercely, defending Sirius, barely glimpsing at McGonagall.

"What do you mean, Miss Hunter?" Dumbledore asked, curiously.

"You know exactly what I mean. Madame Pomfrey told you about my new condition."

"I assure you she did not," Dumbledore said.

"She didn't tell you I am pregnant?"

Dumbledore barely flinched at the statement. "She did not."

"Well now you know. I won't let you do anything to Sirius though. We both made this and it's not fair for you to punish him alone," Mandy said. There was no way Sirius alone was taking the fall for something they both had created.

"Miss Hunter, I know how well you and your boyfriend are liked and respected in this school but we must not forget this is a school. What would your parents think?"

"Which ones?" Mandy asked, looking at the wizard. "The ones that are alive or the ones that are dead? I don't think the Hunters are going to mind too much anymore, but the ones that gave birth to me, the Dixons? They'd be mad and highly disappointed but I know they'd want me to finish as much schooling as I could. I'm only six weeks and if I'm anything like my mother there's a chance this pregnancy won't last. So telling them right now, isn't a good idea."

"Don't say that," McGonagall said. Mandy's eyes snapped to the Deputy Headmistress and saw she looked upset.

Mandy shook her head then looked down at her hands. "It's true," she admitted softly, "my mother lost three babies before she had me and my sister. The difference between her and I though, is that after everything I've been through, I'll be ok. Not that my mother wasn't a strong woman, mind you, but she didn't have it nearly as rough as I have had over the past couple of years."

Dumbledore sighed and brought the attention back to himself. Mandy could tell he was going to do something that she wasn't going to like. "You are restricted to book work from now until the baby is born and I want you to keep your grades up. If they fall below passing you will be removed from all classes and be given a private tutor as it is your N.E.W.T.s year. You and Mr. Black won't be allowed to join your fellow classmates on the next Hogsmeade trip and you—"

"I know, can't fly," Mandy sighed. "Wait, why are we being punished? It can't possibly be against the rules to get pregnant."

"True, we don't have a rule against it but punishing you for it makes you realize how unacceptable this really is," Dumbledore said. "Amanda, you are a very popular student and if your new condition gets out," Dumbledore knew about her being a were-tiger as well, "people are going to think it's ok to emulate that. At least with you being punished for getting into this situation it should stave off more girls and make them at least think twice."

"I understand. I will have this baby and I will give it up for adoption. It's my only option. I haven't told Sirius yet. The only one that might know is Remus. Don't tell Sirius yet, please. I want to tell him but how will you explain Hogsmeade?" Mandy asked as her blue eyes connected with Dumbledore's but McGonagall answered the question.

"We will handle that. Miss Hunter, do think of telling him, soon. It is not fair if you don't," McGonagall said. Something in McGonagall's normally hard expression told Mandy the older witch felt it was the right thing to do, to tell Sirius.

"I understand. Can I go?" Mandy asked.

"Yes," Dumbledore answered, nodding.

Mandy stood and surveyed both her Professors. "Please be gentle when breaking this to my brother. He won't take it well," Mandy said. Her brother, though fiercely loyal, was also fiercely protective of his sister. Mandy had every right to be nervous of how Jason would take the news. He had never been happy to find out his sister had a boyfriend and now she had no idea how he'd react to her being pregnant.

Dumbledore nodded and Mandy went back to the Common Room. There she found James packing away his stuff and then he headed up to his room. When he returned he had a broom slung over one shoulder and was now dressed in his practice gear. Mandy watched as he walked out of the Common Room without even noticing her. Her heart dropped into her stomach then Remus called her over. Mandy ignored him and went upstairs to her bed.

Two days later Lily came in and levitated Mandy off her bed and down to the Common Room. She knew it was no good to try to reason with her as she had been trying that for the past two days. Mandy glared at her best friend as she was gently put down on the couch but Lily just left.

"You are coming with me whether you like it or not," Jason said, gripping his sister's arm. Mandy rolled her eyes and followed him to a classroom two floors down.

"What do you want?" Mandy asked, her voice a little harsh from not being used for a few days.

"First you're going to sit there and eat," Jason said, warding the door and silencing the room.

"Eat what?" Mandy asked, not seeing anything on the table he had pointed to.

"Chris," Jason called. The Hunter family house elf appeared and placed a plate of Mandy's favorite foods on the table in front of her. Mandy had nearly forgotten that he now worked at Hogwarts. Jason had named the house-elf when he had been a little kid which was why it didn't sound like the normal house-elf name. Chris bowed low then disappeared from the room. Once Mandy had eaten her brother sat down next to her. "What's wrong? It's Tuesday and you missed my class. You never miss Defense. It's your favorite class."

Not only was Defense Against the Dark Arts Mandy's favorite class it was her best class. "You know what's wrong with me. I guess I'm still in shock," Mandy answered.

"Don't lie to me, Mandy," Jason said.

"James isn't speaking to me. It's like he is totally shutting me out. James has never done that before. It's like he's too busy for me."

"James has never been too busy for you. Only time I can remember was last Christmas when he didn't show for the traditional dance at the Hunter Christmas Ball."

"That was because his father was dying. I don't blame him for that. Now though, he's Head Boy, Quidditch Captain—"

"So was I," Jason interrupted.

"He's also a Marauder, which means he has to keep pranking the school, and there's his budding friendship with Lily, and his grades. I—I know he's worried but I still thought—"

He cut her off. "Hey, none of that excuses him. Even if something does have to give, it shouldn't be his friendship with you. You are amazing and he should recognize that and he shouldn't hold back or cut you out," Jason said.

"Thanks. I guess I am being a bit stupid about this but I'm so scared. James has been there through everything and him cutting me out when I need him the most, it worries me."

"But you have Sirius," Jason said confused.

"He's great, I'll admit that but ..." Mandy trailed off picking apart a roll.

"But what?" Jason asked. "Sirius is your boyfriend, the father of your child, which I still want to kill him for, but you love him. James is just your best friend."

Mandy snorted at the comment. Then she checked her feelings and emotions. It wouldn't do to show Jason everything about her relationship with James. No one could see everything yet. It was too dangerous. James was much more than a best friend to her. Mandy and James had never been lovers or more romantically involved than a few kisses and hand holding but they were closer than most lovers or romantic relationships were. If one could have a non-romantic soul mate that would perfectly describe the relationship James and Mandy had. They loved each other and they fit together like a hand in an oversized glove. Sure there were things that the couple could never share like romance and some of the more sensual parts of a relationship but overall they were perfect for each other.

"Mandy, did you do something stupid?" Jason asked.

"Not at all," Mandy answered. "James is more than my best friend. He is like a brother to me. I can't do this without him. I'd die if I lost him," Mandy said. "I know it's extreme, but it's true. Can I go? I promise to be in class next week." At least this way Jason knew part of it.

"Yes, please do. I know you can't do the practical stuff but being in class is half the battle."

"Ok," Mandy agreed then left the room. She breathed a sigh of relief. That had been too close. She didn't want Jason to find out what they had done years ago. Talking about it now made Mandy realize how stupid they had been and how much danger they had inadvertently put themselves in but looking back Mandy wouldn't change anything she had done with James. She knew if she told anyone about what they had done no one would understand and more than a few of their friends would be upset about it.

XXXXXXXXX

"Mandy, are you alright?" Lily asked as she walked into the dormitory just before dinner. Mandy was sitting on her bed looking at the tattoo on her upper left chest in the mirror. It was of a bear paw print with stag antlers growing out of it.

"Yeah I guess. I just ... I don't know, feel off," Mandy said.

"When'd you get the tattoo?" Lily asked.

"Last year. Right after Marco died," Mandy said, pulling her robes back up and buttoning them. "Er, Mr. Potter," Mandy added at Lily's confused look. "James drew it," Mandy said. "He's done all four of them."

"You have four tattoos?" Lily asked. "Not the point. You and James?"

"The last time James didn't talk to me for three days was after Sirius and I broke up. I'm not used to not having James to lean on and talk to. It hurts. I'm going to dinner." Though it really did hurt how much James was pushing her away, she didn't want anyone to feel bad for her. Sometimes keeping things bottled up just worked for her. Mandy got up and headed for the Common Room. Lily followed slower and spotted James just packing up a book.

"James," Lily said, approaching him.

"Lily, what can I do for you?" James asked, grinning.

"When was the last time you talked to Mandy?" Lily asked, sitting on the couch next to him.

"Uh, a couple days maybe. I've been real busy lately," James said.

"Really?" Lily asked in disbelief. "Busy, that's the excuse you're going with."

"Excuse? Since when do you—"

"Knock it off, James. I know you and I know Mandy; you've never been like this with her. Mandy's supposed to be like a sister to you. You two are comfortable with each other to the point that she's willing to let you use a spell on her that is highly questionable."

"What spell are you talking about?" James asked.

"The tattoo etching spell. There's a reason that there are so few tattoo artists in the Wizarding World. That spell is really questionable if you don't understand it properly. Plus the location of her tattoo on her chest, obviously she had to be very close to you to allow you to put it in that location."

"Which one?"

"The paw print."

"What are you getting at Lily?"

"That I don't want you to sacrifice your relationship with a girl who is like a little sister to you for a relationship with me or because you think being Head Boy is more important. Sure it is this year but your relationship with Mandy is definitely something that is going to be more important next year and the year after and on. Just remember what's important in the grand scheme of things," Lily said.

"You may be right," James said.

"Just don't lose her. There's something deeper between the two of you. Something more than just mates. If something's going on with her I think you might be the only one to get it out of her."

"You think there's something wrong?" James asked, his hazel eyes narrowing on Lily.

"You haven't noticed?" Lizzy asked in shock.

"Noticed what?"

Lily took a deep breath to reign in her temper then spelled it out plainly to the clueless boy. "James, Mandy refused to get out of bed for two days. I had to levitate her down here earlier so her brother could talk to her. Something's definitely going on."

"Alright, I'll talk to her," James promised. Mandy pushed away from the wall she had been leaning against and walked out the portrait hole. Neither James nor Lily needed to know that Mandy had heard every word. As she walked to dinner Remus caught up with her.

"What did the nurse have to say?" Remus asked.

"Yes," Mandy nodded. "But please, don't lecture me. Or him. He doesn't know yet."

"Yes wha—Oh, I won't say a word, I promise. What's going to happen now?"

"I have to sit out practical lessons and they told Slughorn so I have a feeling he's going to be very carefully watching me in classes but at least I'll get to be there," Mandy answered.

"Do you know the kind of responsibility—"

"Yes. I said no lectures."

"OK sorry."

"Thank you," Mandy said.

"Are you," Remus paused and looked around. Then he lowered his voice, "keeping it?"

"No," Mandy said.

Remus's jaw dropped and his eyes widened in shock. "Mandy, you can't possibly—"

"I'm giving it up for adoption. I'm not old enough or responsible enough to take care of this. Neither one of us is. I've already thought it through. I was adopted and I grew up happy and cared for when my real parents couldn't. There's nothing wrong with it," Mandy explained.

"Nothing's going to change your mind?"

"No. I'm not ready to ..." Mandy trailed off and looked away. It was too public to talk about it openly and she needed a code word for it so only select people would know exactly what she was talking about, like Remus's "Fury little problem" or "her condition" for her were-tiger. Unfortunately the only term she could come up with was gift which is what her mum had called all babies, gifts from up above. "I'm not ready to take care of this gift the way it needs to be taken care of," Mandy explained, hoping Remus caught on to the code word.

"That's your decision but you should talk to your mother and to Sirius first," Remus said.

"Speaking of Sirius, I haven't told him yet. Only you and the professors know but—"

Remus cut her off. "I want to know how things are between you two. It's been three weeks."

"He's backed off but he's still Sirius. Flowers and romantic lines. I told him to back off and to give me space but it's kinda sweet," Mandy smiled softly.

"I really hope the two of you work things out." Remus smiled, feeling better.

"Me too, and don't worry you'll find your girl and she won't care about Moony or any of your other excuses."

"Thanks, Stripes. Glad you got my back," Remus said using Mandy's nickname. Mandy nodded and they went the rest of the way in silence.

As the days passed James made no move to talk to Mandy and Mandy felt more and more alone. Sirius was great to her, though he could sense something was off, but never mentioned it. Her brother did his best to keep his temper at bay every time he thought about just how much trouble Mandy was in, but nothing was the same without James.

Then one day Sirius and Lily realized it would take drastic measures to fix things. "Evans," Sirius said one afternoon. They were both in the Common Room.

"Yes?" Lily answered.

"I know Mandy's your best friend and that you care about her and you may not particularly care about James," Sirius said.

Lily spoke quickly to stop him from insinuating something. "I don't know how I feel about James, but I know that Mandy loves him and that their relationship hasn't been the same in weeks, maybe even months. She's his best friend and they've been drifting apart. I'd never forgive us if it was our fault. Mandy told me that I could never understand the depth of their relationship."

"I've been mates with James since we were 11 and I still don't understand them at times. I don't think this is our fault though. I think this might be James's fault." Lily watched as Sirius's face went blank but his eyes clouded over. She had never seen him like this. She wondered what he was thinking about. "He's never pushed her away like this before. It scares me. She has been so loyal to him, so loyal and the fact that he could just cause this rift—"

"Sirius," Lily touched his arm, her heart broke for him, "I know. Mandy and James have been friends since they were five and she is constantly defending him. We have to do something to help them out. I feel like we owe it to them to help them out."

The blank look disappeared and Sirius grinned. "Is dear Lilykins falling for Jamie boy?"

"Don't even go there. But what can we do? Short of forcing them into a broom cupboard there is no way to make them talk to each other."

"It has to be drastic and I think that will work." Sirius grinned. "On the sixth floor there is a broom cupboard not far from the tapestry of the Hogwarts crest. Get him inside there and cast a temporary sticking charm on the door. Once he's inside, I'll get Mandy there too and charm the door to make sure they can't leave until they've made up. It worked when Remus was mad at us and when James and I rowed in third year. Just get him there, I'll take care of the rest."

"I hope this works," Lily answered.

Dun, dun, dun. Will James and Mandy ever work it out? Will they be mad at Lily and Sirius for what they did? Any other questions you have? Please review.