1996

Lupin had been listing reasons why Natalie would love Hogwarts, which she smiled and nodded at, the whole walk up to the third floor.

When they reached the third floor, he said, "…and of course your uncle must have mentioned it-he was the best singer after all-being part of the choir was, well, magical."

He exchanged a chuckle with Natalie and she said, "My uncle Isaac mentioned it, that it was magical, but he never said anything about being the best singer. He told me you were the best."

They stopped and she stood in front of her office and he stood in front of his classroom. He studied her eyes, a little nervously. She felt a sinking feeling in her stomach.

Lupin said, hesitantly, "Natalie, you're uncle Isaac mentioned that he told you about me, did he... The last time I saw him…"

He stopped because by the look on Natalie's face, he knew that she was aware of what he did the last time he saw Isaac.

Lupin lowered his eyes, "I shouldn't have-"

"It's ok."

He looked up and shook his head, "No-"

"Yes." she insisted. "My grandpa told you that, when he saw you. And it was true. It's still true. Most of my family wasn't mad and I'm not mad." She added, like she had a bad taste in her mouth, "I know my uncle Severus isn't…well…"

She had looked down, defeated. Lupin instantly empathized with her having to know the bad side of someone she loved. He took a step toward her, about to speak, then hesitated.

She locked eyes with him, understandingly, "I know James Potter and Sirius Black bullied my uncle Severus and I know he provoked them sometimes-"

Lupin's eyes glistened, "Do you know about what happened after we took our O.W.L.s?"

Natalie struggled not to sob, as she nodded, "Yes." Her shoulders sunk in, but reached up to her ears, as she gasped-sobbed, like she had been stabbed in the chest with Bellatrix's knife.

Lupin widened his eyes, "You… you know… Do you?"

She nodded, "I know." She cried into her palms, "I really know…"

Lupin stared at her, alarmed. He stood very still, barely breathing, while he felt like sludge had slipped down his insides, settled in his stomach.

He shook his head, slowly, "No… no…" She looked up and he covered his mouth. He pulled it away, held it away a few inches, and said, softly, "Natalie…" He looked down and shook his head.

Natalie studied him, somberly. She eventually told him, "Professor Lupin," he looked up, drained, "I…"

"You don't have to tell me about it," he assured her.

She stared at him, thankfully, but also in agony over something. She confessed, "It was Brian Kent, for me too."

Lupin turned away, as he swallowed down emerging vomit that burned his throat. He covered his mouth, partially, "Poor, Severus…" He turned to her and added, in shock, "It was you… When I read it…"

"Well, they had to keep my name out." she pointed out, shakily. "My family made sure they did."

Lupin promised, "I won't tell Harry or Hermione, if you don't want me too. I won't tell anyone, who doesn't already know."

"Mr. Filch knows and Father McKenzie knows." She admitted, "I really trust Hermione and Harry, but if they knew, then whenever someone insulted me or I don't know what they'll do, but…"

"It must be hard for you," he looked away, reflectively, "I can imagine."

She nodded.

He looked back at her and changed the subject, "I'm very grateful to your uncle Severus, for making my potion, when I first came here. And I'm grateful to Isaac for making it now."

Natalie nodded and smiled a little.

(A/N: Poor Natalie and Snape, sexually abused by the same person!)