An unspoken understanding seemed to have been reached between Professor Lupin and myself. Out of respect for his feelings, I did not bring up the issue of his lycanthropy after that night, and he, in return, continued to treat me as he would any other student.

Given the great speed with which the OWL and NEWT level exams were approaching, all fifth and seventh year prefects were discharged from their duties, which unfortunately for me meant no more Friday nights alone with Professor Lupin. Though as Audrey pointed out, that was more than made up for by the fact that we now have to take extra DADA classes to make up for the fact that Professor Lockhart was a stupid git who knew nothing about the subject he had been paid to teach.

All in all, the next two months were especially hectic for the NEWT's level students; an unpleasant combination of extra classes, revision, coffee, occasional hysteria and lack of sleep. Miraculously, the common room was incredibly quiet during the evenings. It had become an ideal study location, due mainly to the fact that Percy Weasley had taken to handing out severe punishments to anyone audacious enough to disturb the quiet of the common room.

And then, horrifically, the morning of our first exam dawned, and I found myself standing nervously outside the Great Hall with a trembling Audrey.

"It's okay," I said, in a tone suggesting I was trying to convince myself more than Audrey, "We'll be fine, we've studied heaps. We haven't slept properly in ages… it only written charms, we're both good at that…"

Audrey simply nodded as I continued rambling. I'm not sure she could even hear me.

"Seventh year NEWT's, Charms written examination," called out a deep voice, "Please enter the Great Hall and take your designated seats."

Audrey and I looked at each other, wearing matching horrified expressions. I gulped, and we slowly made our way into the hall, ready to face our doom.

As it turned out, I need not have worried so much. Our charms written examination was easy enough. Both Audrey and I came out of the exam beaming, and spent a good half hour discussing the paper over lunch. Our practical exam was even better.

Over the next few days, the same cycle repeated itself. Audrey and I would stand together, horrified, in front of the Great Hall, waiting for the exam to start, and then exit the very same hall hours later, smiling merrily. My potions practical had been perfect, if I do say so myself, and the only real issue I had with my transfiguration practical was that the table I had transfigured into a horse still had a slight mahogany colour reminiscent of the original table, though, as Audrey rightly pointed out, I could hardly loose more than a point for that.

However, no exam left me happier than the very last one – Defence against the Dark Arts. It was with a ridiculously broad smile that I approached Professor Lupin after that exam and explained ecstatically that the exam had gone extremely well and that I was optimistic that I had at least received an E, and possibly even an O.

"Audrey, this is it! Can you believe it?" I cried joyfully that night, as I jumped in to bed, "It's over! Exams are over! NEWT's is over!"

"I know," Audrey sighed, and she pretended to swoon, landing softly on her bed, "It's a bit sad though, isn't it? I mean, this is it. Goodbye Hogwarts, forever."

"Yeh," I replied heavily, "I know what you mean, it's been seven long years. Seven awesome years. I'm going to miss this place so much. It must be the exam pressure finally affecting my brains, but at the moment, I think I would even miss Percy!"

Audrey snorted, "Percy? Well, you might miss him, but if I get the job at the ministry, and he does too, I'll be seeing a lot more of him outside of school than I would have hoped!"

"Ouch. Life's harsh sometimes, isn't it? I really am going to miss this place."

"Well, we have a week left, don't we? I'm sure we can make the most of it," Audrey replied optimistically, "Speaking of which, Hogsmeade tomorrow. I know I told Oliver I'd go with him, but how about we spend the few hours there together first? I can meet up with Oliver later. I mean, it's the last Hogsmeade trip we will ever have together as students!"

I had trouble disguising my grin, "Thanks Audrey. It means a lot to me. How about our traditional sleep in until ten and have breakfast at the Three Broomsticks? I'll leave at around noon, that gives you and Oliver heaps of time to spend together."

And so that was exactly what we did. By the time we had awoken, the school was almost empty, there was hardly a student in sight, though Hogsmeade was alarmingly full. It took us quiet a while to find spare seats in the Three Broomsticks.

After a very satisfying (though admittedly late) breakfast, I let Audrey slip away in to the hands of Oliver Wood and made my way back to the school alone. I watched the castle growing larger in the distance as I approached. It was sad, knowing that I had no idea when I would be seeing it next, after I left here for good. Hogwarts as like a second home to me, indeed, over the past seven years, I had seen more of the castle than I had of my own home.

As I approached the castle, I noticed a horseless carriage parked at the gates. It was not until I was a few metres away from it that I realised who was standing at it's doors, carefully putting away an old suitcase and an empty Grindylow tank.

"Professor Lupin?" I said, frowning slightly, as I approached the carriage.

Professor Lupin started, and his expression was one of worry when he looked around to see who had addressed him, though when he saw me, his expression softened and he smiled.

"Hello, Faylinn. Back early from Hogsmeade?" he asked.

I did not answer, but instead asked, confused, "Are you going somewhere?"

His smile faltered slightly, and he asked, "You haven't heard? Weren't you at breakfast?"

"Heard what?" I asked quickly, "I skipped breakfast, I ate at Hogsmeade."

Professor Lupin looked uncomfortable, and said wryly, "Professor Snape let slip today at breakfast that I'm a werewolf."

I gasped, "No way!"

But Professor Lupin did not deny it, and I knew it was true.

"What did he do that for?" I asked angrily, not waiting for an answer, "The greasy haired git! Doesn't he know how prejudice people are against werewolves? But that doesn't explain where you're going, Professor," I added, frowning confusedly.

"I've resigned, the public will be outraged when the news reaches the ears of parents and the press," he said simply.

I stared at him, dumb struck.

"Resigned?" I repeated, hardly daring to believe my ears.

He nodded.

"But – but you can't go!" I said emphatically, "You're the best defence teacher I've ever had, and that's saying something, I've had seven different teachers! I'm sure most students won't care. They all love you!"

"Thank you Faylinn, but I'm afraid it's too late. I don't have much choice."

"I guess not," I said fairly, silently cursing all the anti-werewolf prejudice that was rife amongst the wizarding community, "But," I added slowly, realising something, "But you're leaving, now? Weren't you even going to say goodbye?" I asked, unable to keep the hurt out of my voice.

"I know, I feel bad about that," he replied, looking slightly guilty, "But to be honest, I don't think I could have faced knowing just how many of my favourite students would have turned against me, knowing what I am."

"I'm sure I'm not the only one sorry to see you leave," I said sadly.

"Yes, I'd like to think so too," he said softly.

"I'll hex Snape for you – a time-locked hair colouring charm should do the trick. I always thought pink was his colour… I'll send you a picture too."

Professor Lupin smiled reminiscently, "Ah, pink haired Severus. That one brings back memories."

"Memories?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, Severus and I were in the same year at Hogwarts, didn't you know? My friends and I once played a prank on him, turned his hair pink in the middle of the Great Hall."

I smiled, impressed, "Quite the trouble maker, weren't you, Professor?"

"Indeed. Be sure to owl me when your results come out, won't you? I'm hoping to see an O for your defence NEWT."

"I will, of course," I replied. I hesitated for a moment, and added, "And I'll definitely need it. I've decided that I want to apply for a research position at St Mungo's. There's a research project about cures for werewolf bites starting soon that I thought looked interesting…"

Professor Lupin looked surprised for a moment, but his expression changed to gratitude when he said, "That's wonderful. I confident you will be considered for the position."

"Thanks."

There was a moments silence as Professor Lupin cautiously looked down the street leading to Hogsmeade. I could tell he was eager to leave before any students with less-than-friendly inclinations showed up.

"Well, Faylinn, it's been a pleasure teaching you. Don't forget that owl, and the picture," he said, extending a hand.

I looked at his extended hand for a moment, and a reckless thought crossed my mind. I know I really shouldn't, but who knew when would be the next time I saw him? And besides, he wasn't a teacher anymore…

I brushed away his hand, and instead stepped forward to hug him, and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. I pulled back quickly though, not wanting the gesture to look anything other than friendly.

"And it's been a pleasure being taught by you, Professor, and don't worry, I won't forget," I replied, suppressing a grin at his bemused expression and at my own daring.

I stepped back as he entered his carriage, and after one quick wave in my direction, the horseless carriage rolled away along the road. I watched it sadly, my lips still tingling slightly from where they had touched the Professor's cheek. A moment later, the carriage was out of sight, taking with it the man who I had hopelessly crushed on for almost a year.

"Goodbye, Professor," I whispered.

I tried not to be too disappointed as I made my way back up the castle. After all, I knew I would be leaving him behind either way, since I was leaving Hogwarts, but at least then I had had the hope of seeing him when ever I visited the castle. Now, I won't have any idea were to find him, and I somehow doubt that he will be able to easily find another job. After all, there was no denying that his werewolf issue was about to become public knowledge. If I know the Daily Prophet, the story of the werewolf teacher was about to make headlines, most likely without mention of the fact that he was the best DADA teacher any of us had ever had, and one of the most loved teachers in the whole school.

I frowned at the thought, and re-doubled my resolve to get a job on that werewolf research project. Professor Lupin deserves a break, and I sincerely hope that I could be the one to give it to him.

I entered the silent castle, and before me stood a greasy black haired git, crossing the entrance hall. He had not seen me, but I glared at him all the same. The man who lost Professor Lupin the best job he ever had – and probably ever will have.

"I've got plans for you yet, Severus Snape," I muttered under my breath, and a slow smile spread across my face, "This ones for you, Professor Lupin. Now, where did I put that camera?"

Well, that's the end. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did! Please leave some feedback!

My new story is up - Love Won't Wait - it's the sequel to my other fic, The Maruaders - Broomsticks and Fairytales. Faylinn makes an appearance in it, I've made her an order member too. Even though its a sequel, you can understand it without reading the Marauders fic.

Check out my profile for the link.

Thanks for reading!