Chapter 6: Goodbye

Months had passed, and even though the dementors dampened people's spirits, I felt free. For the first time of my life, I felt like no chains bound my neck. No one scrutinizes my every move. As for my quill pal Viktor, we manage to get a laugh at each other's letters. He's getting better with his English, and he's teaching me (through our letters) a bit of Bulgarian. He told me he's envious of my having the time of my life, while he juggles his studies at Durmstrang and Quidditch. I really feel I could connect with him in some special way. I'm pretty excited to see him in the World Cup. During the holidays, I had convinced my father to let me come with him to the World Cup during the summer. You know me, I always get my way.

Nikki practically ran to the Ravenclaw table the morning after their exams.

"Did you hear about Professor Lupin?"

I already knew that Professor Lupin is a werewolf early on, as I noticed the peculiar patterns of his absences. Of course, I would pretend I haven't got a single clue.

Ianthé shook her head, "What happened?"

"Apparently, Lupin angered Snape in some way. Snape told his darling Slytherins that Lupin is apparently a werewolf. He confirmed this by resigning this very morning."

Ianthé sighed, "I told you, it happens to the best people…"

"You knew?"

Ianthé laid down her spoon, "I would bet a hundred Galleons that Hermione Granger also figured out this especially when Snape gave us that homework on werewolves. Remember the weird pattern when he always gets sick?"

Nikki's eyes grew, "That's why you made the prediction he would be absent the following week! I just thought you're a Seer or something!"

"Look at that rascal Draco. He seems to be quite happy that Lupin has been sacked." Ianthé looked scornfully at the Slytherin table, "Let's change the topic. So, you're heading straight to Romania after we arrive at King's Cross?"

Nikki nodded, "Dad has some business in Romania, concerning dragons. I'm pretty excited!"
Ianthé smiled, "Pretty excited for what?"

"Nothing….."

"Uh-hmm…. Like I would believe you…."

"Clue. Red hair, studying dragons, Dad's dream son…"

"I would roughly guess, a Weasley?"

"The second Weasley to be exact…"

Ianthé laughed silently, "Be sure to write, okay?"

"Don't worry. I'll get back for the World Cup."

"As for me, I'll leave you in your pre-Romania trip trance. I'm going to go see someone."

I went to Professor Lupin's office, I bumped into Harry Potter while I was at the door. He gave me a quick smile as I headed towards Lupin's office.

"Ms. Herze, I never expected you to come here, especially now that…."

"Professor Lupin, I am sticking by what I said earlier of the school year. Just because I'm born from a rich pureblood family, it doesn't mean that I would think like them. You helped me fight my boggart, sir. It is fighting my very own fear, the very thing that holds me back. I can never thank you enough for that."

Lupin smiled, "You cannot possibly thank me, because you fought your fear all by yourself."

"But that is with your guidance…"

"Not all. It was your courage that helped you. I know you are a bright student and pretty cunning, but you are loyal to your friends and also very courageous."

"Sir, you flatter me to much…"

"I'm not kidding, you embody the traits of the four Houses. That's why the Sorting Hat had a very difficult time with you. I already told you that you reminded me of a friend, although he was much more mischievous than you. You don't discriminate people, you help those who are in need. It's all you. In your heart."

"Thank you, Sir. I know, with the whole school knowing your affliction, that you would have difficulty finding another job. Perhaps I could help you that?"

"As much as I would like to accept your offer, I would decline. Don't worry about me."

"Are you sure, sir?"

Lupin nodded.

"I better get back to my packing. You should be outside enjoying the sun."

Ianthé walked towards the door and waved goodbye at the person who became her mentor. Lupin waved back.

I walked outside near the lake to enjoy the last rays before getting back to my dorm room. I wondered why the good people suffer the most. Could there be any possibility to tip the balance onto their side? As I sat on a log, I saw Harry Potter approach the lake also in deep thinking. What kind of burden would be on his shoulders just because he defeated You-Know-Who? I left quietly to return to my packing as I leave the place where I felt free and back to the chains of my family. I know that I have defeated my fear of my father, so why should I be worried?