Chapter 9

The next morning, Lupin opens his eyes to feel nearly no pain at all. Looking at his children, he smiles seeing Justin awake and Alex still snoring away.

"You didn't change, dad." Justin smiles wide awake, "We didn't change fully, just part way. But there was barely any pain for us."

"I'll talk to Professor Snape about that."

"How was it for you?"

"I'm not sure. I blacked out."

"It worked for you than." Alex's tired voice comments. Looking at his daughter, Lupin chuckles as Alex just lies there yawning.

"So how did Hermione take it?" Lupin questions.

"Good. She's not going to say a word to anyone."

"She's surprised but still accepts us for who we are." Justin grins.

"She sounds like a great friend for the both of you. At the end of the year, make sure to get their addresses and find where they live."

"We will."

~H&A~

Alex has been hanging out with Hermione slightly more over the new few weeks. Snape has gotten Lupin's review on the potion, which he was proud of almost nailing Lupin's on the very first try.

Surprisingly, Lupin and Snape have been getting along slightly. They have spoken from time to time with not that many insults or rude remarks.

Justin's and Alex's friends have been getting along just fine, even with the age difference. They all agreed to become a group even with their differences.

Justin himself have been studying for his examinations, and helping Alex with her homework. But he has been seeing a girl on the side. He has yet to tell Alex and Lupin.

Lupin has been keeping an eye on the newspapers, watching his friend Sirius Black get closer and closer to the school.

That early April night, Lupin watches his children talking and laughing with their friends of mix Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students.

"How are Justin and Alex in your class, Hagrid?" Lupin questions looking over at his friend, and fellow staff member, next to him.

"Justin is amazing, but he does hesitate when getting involved with some tasks. Alex on the other hand, jumps right in before reading the textbook or asks questions." Hagrid chuckles.

"Alex and Justin are complete opposites. Are their marks alright?"

"Oh, they are really good. No fears on failing. Is it a struggle to not give them marks just because they are your children?"

"I never give them easy ways out. They have to earn their marks. But I do help them outside classes to get a better understanding."

"Remus, I have to admit, you are a lot more grown up than the last time I saw you." McGonagall comments from next to Hagrid.

~A&H~

Listening to her father's conversation with one ear, while listening to her own conversation, Alex turns to Hermione who is whispering to Harry and Ron.

Alex knows Harry, Ron and Hermione have been acting differently since Hermione and Ron have returned from Hogsmeade in the winter. The teachers and students in general have been acting differently since the night Sirius Black somehow broke into the school and attacked the ghost guarding Gryffindor Tower.

Luckily, she and Justin were in the apartment with Lupin, working on homework and nibbling on fruit that Lupin brought from dinner. Alex saw Lupin always looking at some paper for hours on end. He refuses to tell her and Justin, and constantly hides things.

Alex has also seen Justin randomly disappear and wouldn't return for a couple of hours, which confuses her. It is like her greatest fear is coming true, everyone is pulling away and it terrifies her.

Getting to her feet, Alex excuses herself before leaving. Once out in the hall, Alex bolts outside in the rain.

Outside, Alex arrives to the tall grass overlooking Hagrid's home. Sitting down, Alex lays on her back letting her scared and frustrated tears fall. Closing her eyes she tries to piece it together. Not knowing how long she has been out there, it could be minutes it could be hours, Alex hears slushy footsteps.

Seeing a light land on her, Alex sits up shielding her eyes.

"There you are." Alex hears Lupin's voice. Getting up, Alex walks over to him. Watching Lupin come in for a hug, Alex just walks away sniffling and her tears won't stop.

Arriving at the compartment, Alex immediately changes into her pjs, pulling her soaked hair into a ponytail.

"Alex, I need to talk to you." Lupin calls behind her closed door. Angry and upset, Alex disobeys for the first time since she was seven. Crawling into her bed, Alex just cries into her pillow.

~H&A~

With his wolf hearing, Lupin hears his little girl cry. Gently knocking on the door, Lupin slowly opens it. Crossing the short distance, Lupin sits down rubbing her back.

"It's a little after midnight and it's Thursday. You don't have to go to your morning classes." Feeling her nod, Lupin smiles weakly. Climbing over her, he lays down next to her, wrapping an arm around her, "You had me terrified. Can you tell me what's wrong?"

"You and Justin." Alex chokes on her tears.

"What are we doing?" Lupin questions confused.

"My fears are coming true. You are pulling away."

"What do you mean honey?"

"Justin goes away for hours and he rarely hides things from me. Now he's hiding a lot and is starting to barely talk to me. He's always talking to his friends, and barely notices me. Did he even come looking for me after I left?"

"I did, but he didn't."

"What did he do?"

"Talk to your friends."

"See!" Lupin frowns deeply finally seeing her point. Pulling her into a hug, Lupin's heart breaks as Alex pushes him away before crying harder.

"What did I do to hurt you?"

"Why are you always hiding? Do you not trust me? Why are my friends all acting weird? Why is the whole school acting weird? Who is this Sirius Black guy? No one tells me anything! Justin knows and he doesn't give me the time of day."

Freezing, Lupin thinks he understands, she feels untrustworthy, feeling like she's left in the dark not knowing anything, feeling so alone. Plus it doesn't help that he's so secretive.

"Honey, Sirius Black was my best friend when I went here. He is a murderer, he lost who he was after Harry's parents died. Sirius broke into the school and tried to get into Gryffindor Tower. I don't want you or Justin to get hurt." Lupin frowns, "I trust you with my life, Alex. This has nothing to do with you. I don't know why the school is acting weird. Maybe they are spooked that Sirius got into the school."

"Why is Justin ignoring me?"

"I don't know." Finally letting Lupin hug her, Alex cries into Lupin's chest.

In Justin's room, he heard every word. I can't believe I'm hurting Alex.

Please Review. Chapter 10, being written.