It was decided that I wasn't to return to Hogwarts after the Easter Holidays.

Dumbledore turned up at the house after Maureen had written to him, and we had a long chat, we all decided it was for the best, in order for me to look after my newborn child when it arrived, for the pregnancy test had given us a positive result, and we calculated I was around five months.

I was carrying Fenrir Greyback's child.

It wasn't fair, I wanted to go back to school, and prepare for my chosen career, I never expected to be stuck at home with a baby. Oscar was shocked and upset at the news, it was no use hiding it from him, he would figure it out eventually, it would be pretty hard to hide.

There was one person left to tell.

'Merton's here.' said Maureen in a somber tone

'Mara, you uh, wanted to see me?' he asked, sitting down on the armchair opposite, we both felt rather awkward and hadn't really written since what happened before...

'Yes...it's rather serious...' my lips pursed as I pondered how to begin.

'Merton...I...' I paused, glancing up as Maureen's hand pressed against my shoulder 'I have something to tell you...I want you to know that I really like you, I think you're a nice guy but, we can't be together.'

Shock hit Merton's face

'You see, I'm...' my fingers entwined with one another 'I'm pregnant, Merton.'

His eyes widened and jaw fell

'It's Greyback's...' I turned away, unable to face his reaction 'I wasn't with him by choice, I assure you.' my eyes stung as tears threatened them

'That's what happened during the attack?' asked Merton 'That-that sick-I'm so sorry...' his head shook 'But...but why should that mean we can't be together?'

Surprise overtook me

'What? You still...you still want...no, I can't let you. I can't let you take on this responsibility.'

'I'll do whatever it takes to protect you, Mara, and if that means taking on a big responsibility like this, then...so be it...I'm not going to leave you.'

'Merton...' I breathed, tears now fully escaping down my cheeks

'We've been seeing each other for a few months now...' said Merton 'I could even...perhaps...tell people I'm the father.'

'You-you would do that?' I asked 'I can't believe...no, we should compromise.'

'What?'

'Go away and think about all this first.' I said 'This is big, Merton, I don't want you to regret it all later.'

'But...I wouldn't...'

'Please, Merton.'

Merton sighed and ran his fingers through his long dark hair.

'If it'll make you happy, I'll go away and think about it...'

'Thank you.' I said in relief 'I'll see you out.'

When I opened the door to let Merton out, a familiar face appeared behind it.

'I thought I told you-' I growled as my father stood opposite me.

'I needed to see you again, please, Mara, hear me out.'

I glared away 'Fine, you'd better come in before you attract attention. See you soon, Merton.'

'You going to be alright?'

'I think so. See you soon.'

'Who is that?' asked Harold fiercely 'If he's touched you-'

'Not that it's any of your business,' I snapped as I escorted him inside 'but yes, we have been dating. We aren't official yet.'

Harold paused in the hallway 'Well?' I asked, and he followed after me.

'You again.' said Maureen with a scowl

'I just-I just want to say I'm sorry,' said Harold 'Mara, please believe me, I want my daughter in my life.'

My arms crossed and I half turned away from him.

'If I have to get on my knees and beg-'

'Don't bother,' I sneered 'I don't forgive you, but, I can't let you roam around, dressed like and looking like that.'

'Do you mean..'

'If Maureen allows it, you can stay.'

Maureen sighed heavily

'I suppose Mara is right,' her head shook 'I have some of my husband's old clothes in the cupboard, you can use them.'

'Thank you.' said Harold 'I really appreciate it.' Maureen shot him an uncertain look before leading him to the staircase.

'You sure this is a good idea?' asked Oscar 'He is an ex Death Eater.'

'I've been around Death Eater's most of my life, I can handle my father, I'm sure...'

Harold looked unrecognizable when he re-entered the room, and smelt better too. He had a clean shaven face and shorter hair, I could finally tell the similarities between us, the only differences were his hollow cheeks and frame so thin he looked as if he hadn't eaten decent meal in a long time.

'Thanks, Maureen,' said Harold as Maureen placed a plate of steak pie and mash in front of him 'I haven't had a full meal in years.' he actually drooled.

'Harold,' I said, catching his attention 'Oscar said you're an Animagus, and this whole time that fox has been you. How did you escape Azkaban?'

'Dementors have a hard time detecting animals, I just slipped by them, I got the idea of Sirius Black for escaping prison.'

'I see. But there were charms placed around the school to protect it, how..?'

'Animals can waltz in and out as they please, I had no problem.' he shrugged, and went back to his meal.

'Mara.' said Oscar, he made a motion for me to follow and I followed him into the living room, shutting the door behind him.

'What is it, Oscar?'

'Are you going to tell Harold you're...you know.'

'Well...I'm going to wait until Merton has made his decision. Then I'll tell him.'

'I don't think this is a good idea.'

'He'll notice eventually, Oscar,' my head shook 'once Merton comes back, we'll tell him.'