Chapter 3

The Prisoner of Azkaban

A week later, Judy woke early in the small cottage. She spent half an hour in bed, staring at the blue ceiling before she sat up. Today was her sixteenth Birthday and despite feeling happy about turning sixteen, she couldn't help but feel a little sad for the same reason she did every year.

She loved Remus, she always had and for twelve years he had cared for her as much as if she were his own. But still….she couldn't help but miss her real parents every year. Her mother, who she hardly remembered, except for her long dark hair and the lavender scent of her perfume. And her father, who was far away from her, imprisoned in Azkaban. She remembered more of him, his warm eyes, melodious laughter and of course how he would transform to Padfoot and allow her to pet him till she fell asleep. Judy always had trouble believing that that man betrayed his best friends, something which had lead to heated discussions with Lupin in the past.

A determined tapping on her bedroom window withdrew Judy from her daydreaming. As she drew back the orange curtains, she saw a light brown screech-owl, a black and white little owl and a barn owl sitting outside on the window sill.

Judy turned on her heel as her bedroom door creaked. Duncan crept into the room and leapt onto her bed. He cast her a short glance with his yellow eyes, standing out against his black fur, and then quickly looked at the three owls outside.

'You stay put,' said Judy sternly, seeing the look in his oval eyes. 'Or you won't be getting any cream today.' Duncan looked at her for a moment, recognized defeat and started licking his paw.

Judy unlocked her bedroom window. All three owls quickly offered her the leg to which an envelope was attached. Judging by their heavy breathing both the light brown screech-owl and the black and white little owl must have travelled a long way. Judy had intended on giving all three owls some water, but as soon as she untied the third envelope they all flew away.

Judy left the window open as she walked back to her bed and sat down. It was a beautiful summer day and she savoured the warm sunlight on her skin. Duncan laid his head on her lap as Judy opened the first envelope; the one the familiar looking barn owl had carried. She unfolded the piece of parchment with one hand as she caressed Duncan's dark fur with her other. While the dark cat purred contently, Judy read the letter.

Dear Ms Byrne,

Please note that the new school year will begin on September the first. The Hogwarts Express will leave from King's Cross station, platform nine and three-quarters, at eleven o'clock. A list of books for next year is enclosed.

Yours sincerely,

Professor M. McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress

Judy laid the letter with the enclosed booklist on her bed. For the first time in six years she thought examining her booklist could wait. The young witch quickly took up the envelope the little owl had carried and opened it to withdraw the letter inside. She scratched Duncan behind his ear as she read the familiar round handwriting.

Dear Judy,

How are things back in England? I'm sure you're having the same beautiful summer weather as we're having. Ireland is absolutely amazing. I've included a picture of one of the Leprechauns we came upon. They're mischievous little creatures. You wouldn't believe how many wizards they've tricked into searching for their pot of gold. In fact we've come across several witches and wizards who were utterly convinced that they were close to finding a fortune. Dad tried to tell them that their search was bound to fail, but as some of the locals already told us it's pointless. In short it's been a very entertaining holiday, I'll tell you more about it when I get back of course.

But now to the real reason of this letter: Happy Birthday! I bought you an amazing gift, but it was too big for the little owl I sent to you. Have you ever seen a cuter owl? Anyway, I'll give you your present as soon as I see you again, which will probably be on the train back to Hogwarts. I can't wait to go back again, I bet you can't either!

Have a great day and I'll see you soon!

Love,

Willow

P.S. I got a letter from George. I'll tell you all about it when I see you again!

Judy smiled as she reread the last line. From the first day they met, Willow and George had never been able to be just friends. Though both of them also hadn't taken their relationship a step further yet, Judy knew it was only a matter of time till her two friends would share more than friendship.

Judy searched the envelope and took out the picture which Willow had mentioned in her letter. A small green man walked around in it. He seemed to wear a jacket and pants, though it was hard to tell since his clothing were made of leaves. It didn't take long for the Leprechaun to notice that he was being watched, and as he did he quickly hid behind a small bush. No sooner had he disappeared however, or he emerged from behind the bush again, this time holding up a clump of gold in his left hand. Judy smiled as she noticed how the little man was trying to offer her the gold. Willow hadn't been lying when she had called Leprechauns mischievous.

After watching the Leprechaun's in vain attempts at persuading her for a while, Judy took up the third, heavier envelope. She took out the letter and noticed two other things as well; a new quill with a bright red feather and a finely woven golden like bookmark. The young witch looked at the presents with a smile and read the letter accompanying it.

Dear Jude,

Well first of all, here's our letter, as we promised. Just goes to show we're not a total lost cause.

Second of all…Happy Birthday! We've included a phoenix feather quill and a sphinx hair bookmark…that's what the man we bought them from told us anyway. Our brother Bill doubts they're genuine, but we figured it's the thought that counts and we're sure you'll agree as always.

Egypt is amazing. The tombs are wicked and we almost managed to lock Percy in one of them. We had to, because ever since he's gotten his Head Boy badge he is even more annoying than usual. Unfortunately our mother caught us, but we'll keep trying…We'll tell you much more and show you some awesome pictures when we get back.

Have a good Birthday (though it probably will be boring without us) and we'll see you on the train!

Greetings,

Fred & George

P.S. Charlie asked us to wish you a Happy Birthday on his account as well. So consider it done.

Judy reread the last line again, her heart skipping a beat. She couldn't help but think on how she and Charlie said goodbye to each other in the Burrow's garden. The way he had called her back to say that he'd like to see her again wasn't something that sprung from her imagination. And yet, she couldn't allow herself to think on the possible implications of their leave taking, she knew herself well enough to know how disappointed she would be if they turned out to be wrong.

'Judy?' She yelped as she looked at the doorway, quickly folding up the letter.

'Bad conscience?' asked Lupin with an arched eyebrow.

'What? No,' said Judy quickly. 'Just a letter from Fred and George to wish me a Happy Birthday. And I got one from Willow as well.'

'That's nice of them,' said Lupin with a smile. 'Though I was hoping to be the first to congratulate you.' As he walked over to her Judy noticed he was already showered and dressed, instead of still wearing a robe as he usually did in the morning.

'Well, you can be the first to congratulate me in the flesh,' offered Judy as she got up from the bed. Lupin walked over to her and embraced her as he kissed her on the cheek.

'Happy Birthday, sweetheart.' He smiled at her as he pulled back. 'I can't believe you're already sixteen.'

'One more year and I'll be of age,' said Judy with a smile.

'Yes, one more year,' repeated Lupin, to emphasize that she wasn't of age yet. 'Now, hurry up and get dressed.'

'You're in a rush…' said Judy amused. She had always been more of a morning person than Lupin.

'I just don't want your tea to get cold,' explained Lupin.

'You made tea, already?' asked Judy in disbelief. 'How long have you been up?'

'About an hour,' said Lupin casually. 'Now, go on and get dressed and meet me outside in the garden.'

'In the garden?' asked Judy confused.

'Go on,' urged Lupin as he backed out of the room. 'I'll see you outside in a minute.'

'But Remus…' Judy's voice faltered as she heard Lupin descending the stairs. There was no point in continuing to ask him what he had planned; Lupin would never tell her anything if he had his mind made up.

Ten minutes later Judy had taken a quick shower and put on a light blue blouse with a light yellow skirt underneath. Despite it only being ten in the morning the summer sun was already too warm for her to wear a pair of jeans as she usually did.

The young witch rushed down the stairs on her bare feet and quickly headed out to the garden, eager to find out what Lupin had planned for her. As she walked around the side of the house, past the vegetable patch, she stopped dead at the sight before her.

Lupin sat on a large dark blue blanket on the bright green grass. In front of him lay an assortment of buns, marmalade, cheese, pumpkin juice, a pot of tea and several bright red apples. In the middle stood a small chocolate cake with a single burning candle. Judy looked at Lupin at a loss for words.

'Well, don't just stand there…' said Lupin with a small smile.

'Remus,' Judy said softly as she walked over to him, 'you really shouldn't have.' She looked at the display before her, knowing how much more it cost him than a regular breakfast.

'I wanted to,' he said reassuringly, knowing perfectly well what she was worried about. He waited for to sit down before speaking again. 'Here,' he withdrew a package from his back and handed it to her.

'Remus, really…' said Judy, looking at him.

'It's just a little something that I know you'll need when you're back at school.' Judy eyed him for a moment and then unwrapped her present. She took out a sketch book and a box of charcoal and smiled. Since Lupin had given her a similar set on her eighth Birthday, Judy spent many hours drawing. It was one of her favourite pass times during her spare time at Hogwarts and the holidays, though this year she had drawn less than before with her visits to Willow and the Weasleys.

'Thanks,' she said softly. 'I had run out of these.'

'I know,' said Lupin with a smile. 'Now, we'd better get started on this…I'm starving.'

'Me too,' Judy smiled as she looked at him. She knew that deep down she would always miss her real parents, especially on her Birthdays, but having Lupin around was also more than enough to make her happy.

&

'Judy! We need to go!' Lupin called from downstairs.

'Be down in a minute!' called Judy, for what must have been the third time. Fifteen minutes before they were expected at her aunt Andromeda's house she had decided to change into a different outfit. But once in her room she of course hadn't been able to decide what to wear. When she just about decided to wear the same thing she had worn all day she came across a dark blue skirt and matching jacket which her aunt gave her the year before. Combined with a soft pink blouse it was just perfect for her Birthday dinner. She was just adjusting a few pins in her hair when Lupin called up the stairs for the fourth time.

'Judy Lilian Byrne, if you won't come down this instant…!'

'I'm done!' said Judy, already rushing down the stairs. She stopped dead in the doorway as she saw a flicker of anger in Lupin's eyes. As soon as Lupin laid eyes on her however the flicker faded and he cast her a small smile.

'What?' asked Judy apprehensively.

'Nothing,' Lupin shook his head. 'I just forgot how…how much you look like your mother.' Judy cast him a small smile.

She studied his appearance as she walked over to him. She wasn't the only one who changed into a different outfit. Lupin now wore a dark grey suit with a matching tie instead of the blue blouse and slightly worn pants he had worn before. Judy smiled as she took his tie and straightened it.

'There, now you look perfect.' Lupin cast her a small smile. 'Well, we'd better get going, right?' asked Judy softly. 'Aunt Andromeda won't like it if we're late.'

'I've agreed with your aunt and uncle that we'll be Apparating in their garden.'

'Apparating?' asked Judy disappointed. 'Do we have to, Remus? I'd rather use the Floo Network.' Judy had always hated the suffocating feeling that accompanied sidelong Apparation.

'And get soot on those pretty clothes?' asked Lupin with an arched brow. 'I don't think so.'

'Fine,' Judy recognized defeat under his stern look. She cast a glance at Duncan who lay sprawled on the couch, half asleep. At least he wouldn't notice they'd be leaving him behind again.

'Come on,' said Lupin, beckoning her to stand beside him. 'You know what to do.' Judy took his arm firmly and closed her eyes. Within a second she felt herself drawn into a suffocating darkness. She held her breath, knowing she was bound to hyperventilate if she didn't. Just when she felt she had to gasp for air, her feet landed on a soft underground.

They stood on a stroke of grass, between a flowerbed of red roses and a small fishpond. About a meter in front of them a narrow white cobbled path led to a small terrace on which stood a round wooden table surrounded by three wooden lawn chairs. Judy remembered how the fourth one, which stood in the shed, would always be brought out when she visited the Tonks in the past. She regretted how few times she had visited her kin during the past years, but she also knew deep down that visiting them too often would only rouse suspicion about their relationship.

'They're here!' Judy looked up at the source of the familiar voice. Nymphadora Tonks walked toward her and Lupin over the cobbled path. She wore a loose lavender summer dress, which combined perfectly with her bright bubble gum pink hair colour.

'Happy Birthday, Jude!' Tonks kissed her once on each cheek and embraced her.

'Thanks,' said Judy, smiling at Tonks as she pulled back. The two of them had spent much time together at Hogwarts during Judy's first two years, while they both attended the wizarding school. Apart from their shared passion for Quidditch, Tonks was Judy's cousin and knew of her true identity. That had always created a bond of trust between them.

'Good to see you too, Remus,' Tonks cast him a smile.

'Thank you for inviting us,' said Lupin. Judy watched the exchange in silence, noticing as always the hint of tension between the other two.

'Come on, let's go inside,' Tonks put an arm around Judy as they walked up to the terraced house. 'I've got so many things to tell you and I want to know everything that happened to you in the past year.' Tonks preceded Judy and Lupin inside.

The dining room wasn't very large, but the elegant furniture and paintings on the wall gave the room an aristocratic feeling. Several dark side tables with intricate light designs stood against the walls, topped with beautiful vases with red roses from the garden or small sculptures. The bordeaux red wallpaper and the light chandelier which hung over the dining table, gave the room a very warm feeling.

'So,' said Tonks, turning around to face her younger cousin, 'Tell me, is Snape still the same git as always?'

'That will do, Dora,' said Andromeda Tonks as she put a porcelain salad bowl on a dark wooden table, inlaid with the same intricate light design as the side tables. She met Judy's eyes as she looked up. 'Hello, dear.'

'Hello, aunt Andromeda,' Judy smiled at her. Her long light, soft brown hair was partially pinned up while a few loose strands hung over her shoulder. Her kind brown eyes met Judy's as she walked around the table. Andromeda wore a long dark green dress, making her look as elegant as ever. Judy thought that that sense of elegance was a family trait; as far as she knew Narcissa and Bellatrix strived for the same elegance in their appearance. Though admittedly, all she had seen of Andromeda's sisters were old photographs.

'Nymphadora, would you mind getting the potatoes?' Judy was sure that Andromeda was the only person in the world who could call Tonks by her first name without Tonks' hair changing colour.

'Of course, Mom,' said Tonks, already heading for the kitchen.

'Happy Birthday Judy.' Andromeda gave Judy a hug. 'You know,' said Andromeda as she pulled back, 'for a moment I thought I was looking at your mother.'

Judy smiled at her. 'Thank you for inviting us.'

'You're welcome,' Andromeda cast her a smile and turned to Lupin. 'How have you been, Remus?'

'Fine, thank you.'

'Good. Ted will be home late unfortunately,' said Andromeda, looking at the both of them. 'It's been a rather hectic day, I suppose it hasn't been any different for you two.'

'What do you mean?' asked Lupin confused.

'You haven't heard?' asked Andromeda in disbelief. 'It's been all over the Daily Prophet.'

'We don't get the Daily Prophet,' said Judy quickly.

'Oh, dear,' said Andromeda, hesitating for a moment. 'Well, this might come as a bit of a shock, but…Sirius escaped from Azkaban.'

'He what?!' asked Lupin in disbelief. 'But how…?'

'Nobody knows,' said Tonks, walking back into the dining room. 'Scrimgeor has almost every Auror searching for Sirius. He's asked me to research how he broke out. I'm not allowed to go into the field on my own yet,' she explained as she put another porcelain bowl on the dining table.

'But why now?' asked Lupin, looking from Tonks to Andromeda. 'Why did he break out now?'

'The Prophet doesn't say anything about that,' said Andromeda gravely. 'I'll go get it so you can read the article yourself.'

Judy watched after her aunt as she left the room, barely registering the conversation going on around her. She stared at the set table, her mind in a different place than her body. He escaped. Her father escaped from prison and for some reason it didn't disturb or scare her like the other people in the room. If anything she was rather excited about the event. After all, she'd never been convinced of his guilt…then again the entire Wizengamot was convinced of just that when they convicted him twelve years before.

'Actually,' said Tonks, drawing Judy away from her thoughts, 'the Ministry doesn't even know exactly why he's escaped. Though they have their suspicions...'

'And what are those?' asked Lupin interested.

Tonks looked at him for a moment. 'I'm not really allowed to tell you…but I think the two of you have a right to know,' said Tonks as she cast a small smile at Judy. 'Fudge thinks that Sirius is after Harry, and-'

'Nonsense!' said Judy, making both Tonks and Lupin look at her.

'Judy,' said Lupin sternly.

'Well it is,' said Judy defensively. 'You know how much Sirius cares about Harry, he'd never go after him to hurt him.'

'I know how much Sirius cared for Harry,' said Lupin, stressing the passed tense. 'You didn't forget what he did to Lily and James, did you?' Judy answered his gaze in silence. 'Judy,' said Lupin sternly.

'Don't worry, I won't go looking for him,' she said quickly. 'I may think he's innocent but I'm not stupid. I know proof is against him.'

'Good,' said Tonks, looking at her concerned. 'Because you should be careful too…'

'Why?' asked Judy confused.

'If Sirius wants to get Harry,-'

'He doesn't,-'

'But if he does,' cut Tonks across her. 'He might try to do so at Hogwarts…and he'll need someone to help him get past the Dementors.'

'What Dementors?' asked Judy, looking at Tonks.

'If Sirius isn't captured before the start of the school year…which is very likely,' added Tonks, 'the Ministry intends to station Dementors all around Hogwarts.'

'And Dumbledore agrees with this?' asked Lupin in disbelief.

'I'm afraid he has no choice,' said Tonks, now turning her gaze to Lupin. 'It is for Harry's and the other students' safety. Dumbledore has the responsibility to protect them while at Hogwarts.'

'But there are enough protective charms on the castle to protect us,' offered Judy. 'No one has ever intruded the castle and harmed a student.'

'True,' said Tonks gravely, 'but no one has ever broken out of Azkaban either…'

'I've found it,' all three of them turned as Andromeda walked back into the dining room. 'Here, it's all over the front page,' she handed the paper to Lupin who took it and sat down at the dining table. Andromeda sat down next to him. Judy looked over her aunt and Lupin's shoulders.

SIRIUS BLACK ESCAPES FROM AZKABAN PRISON

Mass murderer Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban prison last night. Black was sent to Azkaban twelve years ago to serve a life long sentence. His crimes include the betrayal of James and Lily Potter which led to their death at the hand of He Who Must Not Be Named. When Ministry officials tried to capture Black he killed thirteen Muggles in broad daylight with a single curse while resisting his arrest.

Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge stated that the Ministry is of yet unaware of the exact reason for Black's escape. Despite protests of several members of the Wizengamot, Fudge is intent on informing the Muggle Prime Minister of Black's escape today. According to Fudge 'both magical and non-magical lives are at stake and the Muggles have a right to be informed about a mass murderer's escape. Though of course, Black's magical abilities will be kept secret from the Muggle world.'

Wizards and witches are strongly advised to report any sighting of Black to the Ministry and not try to approach him themselves to prevent a massacre as that of twelve years ago.

'So the Muggles are informed as well?' asked Lupin interested.

'It should be on the Muggle news tomorrow morning,' answered Tonks.

'Dora,' said Judy, thinking back on what her cousin had told her before. 'If the Dementors capture him…what will happen?'

'They've been ordered to perform a kiss…' said Tonks softly. 'I'm sorry, Judy.'

Judy looked at the picture on the front page of the Daily Prophet. Sirius was screaming, his hair unkempt, his eyes filled with anger. It was hard to recognize the father she remembered in the picture. Judy fought back the tears she felt welling up inside her. She put all her effort in avoiding the gazes of the other three people in the room, knowing she would break as soon as she saw the concern in their eyes.

'How about we start on dinner,' said Andromeda after a few moments of silence. 'I don't want it to cool off anymore than it already has.'

Judy sat down next to Lupin and opposite Tonks. She didn't speak as Andromeda took the empty deep plates and filled them with soup. In fact the entire dinner seemed to pass her by. She smiled as she opened Tonks' present and thanked her as she saw the new orange and blue striped cushion for her pet cat. Andromeda and Ted's present was opened with the same smile as she took out two new skirts, an orange and a red one; Andromeda had always believed Judy wore too many jeans and baggy pants than a girl should.

Judy thought that everybody else believed she was enjoying herself. Even Tonks didn't seem to notice that Judy's mind was with another person than the ones around her. Their conversation about Judy's past year at Hogwarts went flawlessly, though Judy had to draw herself away from her thoughts from time to time.

However, despite everything seeming all right, Judy's mind was completely taken up by what Tonks had told her about the Dementors. About what would happen to her father if the Dementors' captured him. Judy knew that even if she believed in his guilt she would still have a hard time accepting that his soul would be sucked out of his body. Her believe in his innocence made her feel even worse.

After dinner Judy excused herself and went outside, not feeling able anymore to hide her tears. She sat in one of the wooden lawn chairs and looked up at the darkening sky; the same way she had done when she was still a child, hoping against hope that her father would come flying out of the sky toward her on his enchanted motorcycle.

'Are you all right?' Judy quickly wiped away her tears with her sleeve as Tonks sat down in the chair next to her.

'I'm fine,' said Judy, deliberately not looking at her cousin.

'Do you want to talk about it?' offered Tonks.

'What is there to talk about?' asked Judy, now meeting her cousin's eyes. 'The Dementors are going to suck my father's soul from his body…' She shook her head as another wave of tears overtook her.

'Come here,' Tonks put a comforting arm around her.

'It's not fair, Dora,' Judy sobbed. 'Why do I have to lose both of them?'

'Because life isn't fair, Jude,' offered Tonks. 'Listen, what happened to your mother was awful and never should have happened. But Sirius…he committed a crime. He can't walk away unpunished.'

'I know,' said Judy truthfully. 'But…he's still my father.'

'He's also a murderer…'

'Don't call him that, Dora.'

'Everybody will call him that, Judy,' said Tonks truthfully. 'You will have to get use to it, if you don't want to give yourself away.' Judy looked at Tonks, noticing how her bright bubble gum pink hair had faded; Tonks' hair colour tended to be influenced by her emotions.

'And what if I do give myself away?' asked Judy defiantly. 'I'm proud to be his daughter.'

'Don't be thick, Jude,' said Tonks disapprovingly. 'You know how much danger you'll be in when the Ministry finds out you're his daughter. They won't hesitate to question you about his whereabouts…and Fudge won't believe that you have no idea where Sirius is. He's too keen on getting Sirius chucked back into Azkaban.'

'I don't care what happens to me,' said Judy bitterly.

'You can't save Sirius from his fate, Jude.' Tonks sighed as she looked at her younger cousin. 'Listen, Remus, my parents, me and Dumbledore have kept your identity a secret for all your life to protect you. Giving yourself away like that would be the most ungrateful thing you could do…'

'I know,' Judy sighed as well. 'I won't tell anybody. It's just…I hate feeling this helpless, Dora. I mean, I know he's probably guilty of those crimes, but I can't help but believe in his innocence…'

'Of course you believe he's innocent,' said Tonks in understanding. 'But you need to take the facts into account, Jude. It's like you said in there, proof is against him.'

'Yes, I know,' Judy sighed deeply as she wiped away her now half dry tears. 'I miss him, Dora.'

'We all do,' said Tonks with a small smile, tightening her hold on her younger cousin. 'But there are enough people still here who care about you…never forget that Judy.'

'I won't.' She smiled at Tonks, whose hair colour was once again vivid pink. 'Thanks, Dora.'

'Anytime,' Tonks smiled at her. 'Now, how about we go back in for dessert?' The older witch asked brightly. 'Mom made treacle tart…'

'My favourite,' Judy smiled as she got up. She cast another glance at the now starlit sky before following Tonks inside.

Somewhere out there was her father… Judy couldn't help but wonder if he had thought as much of her as she had thought of him. If he had thought as much on all of them, just like she had. Her mother, Lily, James and Harry…

She looked at the sky for another moment as the memories of her past also brought back something else she had totally forgotten about. Tomorrow, Harry would turn thirteen…Harry, the boy that had been like a little brother to her and now didn't even know of her existence.

Judy walked back into the dining room, a hint of sadness in her heart as she thought of the life she had missed out on. Lupin cast her a smile as she sat down next to him. Judy took his hand and squeezed it once. She knew he understood how she was feeling and she knew he'd be there for her if she again had trouble to hold her tears back. But she also realized for the second time that day and much stronger than before, that despite the loss of her parents and her father's best friends and despite the sudden disappearance in her life of the young boy she considered her little brother, she hadn't lost everything. There were people who still cared for her and she hadn't and wouldn't forget that.