a\n: please keep the feedback coming! I am incredibly sorry for such plot gaps, but they were intended. I want you all to be stumped for awhile, there are a few key things that need to happen, and then you will figure out your questions for yourselves. In the mean time, enjoy the writing, and please leave reviews.

God Bless,

thegoodgirldoll.

Mella walked as close as she could to her father; she hated being separated from him, especially after getting sick. Mella became dizzy easily, and passed out often, and was a tad fearful of leaving her father, or anyone's side, for that matter.

"What store do you want to hit first, Mel?"

"Any of them, Dad."

Remus smiled and held back a laugh; why did he even ask? His daughter could never make up her mind. Remus decided they would purchase her cauldron first, and after wards they just went in order of the items on her list. Remus hadn't remembered such a lengthy supply list for his sixth year. The second to last store Remus and Mella hit was for Defense against the Dark Arts supplies. Remus's heart warmed immediately: this was the first year she'd be in her father's class,and Remus was glad to be able to keep his eyes on her for at least one class.

"Now, all we need here is your book, and Essence of Murlap. I've got the skulls and things you need otherwise at home for you. I bought them last year when the Skullery had that sale. Poor lad, Ethan was. His first year of business and he never got a chance to really flourish. I write him sometimes; he was a wonderful shop-keeper," Remus opened the door to the small, dingy shop, and Mel squeezed under his arm to enter. "he always gave me free items when I was struggling with money." Mella nodded and quickly collected her supplies, while Remus sifted through a book on Shape-shifters nearby. When she was finished, she handed them to Remus so he could check out, and let him know she'd be sitting on the resting bench near the entrance door. Remus's heart fell a few stories; he could tell she was becoming sluggish, pale. He checked out as quickly as possible, staying in front of people with less to buy than him, unlike his usual politeness of: "you can go first!"

He took the bag of supplies off the counter, handed over 15 galleons, and 3 nutts, then rushed over to his daughter. He knelt in front of her, and rested a hand on her knee.

"Mel, are you too dizzy to walk?"

She gave him an assuring smile, one just like her mother's as she replied a soft, 'no'. Remus was slent for a moment before she spoke again.

"I'm fine, I'm just coming up with a bit of a headache."

He moved his hand to rub her shoulder in soothing circles.

"Well, I have one more stop for us to make. Is that okay with you?"

"To where, Dad?" she asked curiously. They had all her school supplies, so at this point he would usually be wanting to get her home quickly...

He smirked. "It's a surprise."

She rolled her eyes and jumped up as quickly as possible.

The second Mella looked into the window of the shop, she squeeled.

"You're getting her!"

"Already bought."

"Oh my God! Dad!" she squeezed her father tight as she screamed. Remus had been expecting that reaction, and smiled as she hurried into the shop. Every time the went to Diagon Alley, Mella ran into the pet shop. She was an animal who, well, loved animals. Their last three trips had found her taken to the same kitten that no one every purchased. She was the runt, and white as snow, with a light pink nose. Mella had fallen in love, and never had a pet before. Remus had joked with her that he didn't need two animals to care for, but when it came down to it: he couldn't disappoint her. He was set on buying the small ball of fur, though truly, when he found out they were going to put her down if she wasn't bought soon. The wolf in him ached for the animal's life, un-knowing of it's impending doom, and he bought her that day asking them to hold her until he brought his daughter in to surprise her.

He smiled as he watched Mella hold her pack-mate. She ran her fingers through the kitten's fur, and held her frail body as she talked to her. The kitten let out small noises, and occasional, weak purrs. Maybe the kitten would be a life-saver for her...something to hold on for besides him...

Once they were home, Remus sat down to enjoy the chicken noodle soup Hermione had dropped off, with Mella.

"What are you going to name our friend here?"

"Snowball."

Remus chuckled. "That's perfect."

Mella grinned.

"Thank-you so much, Dad."

Remus nodded and joked back: "How will you ever repay me?"

Mella gave him a gentle smile. "I'm sure I'll find a way."