Author's note: Hello everybody. Again my thanks to all who have read and commented on this story. As always I am eager to hear what you think of the following chapter. Feedback and constructive criticism is, as always, very much appreciated!

Chapter 14

A New Start

With the holidays coming and going in a flash, Judy and the other students returned to Hogwarts on the Saturday before the start of term. The castle looked like one from a Muggle fairytale, with a thick layer of snow still covering its grounds. The Great Lake was covered in a layer of ice, with open patches where the giant squid had broken the surface with its tentacles.

The Entrance Hall was as crowded as it had been at the start of the school year, with students meeting up and talking excitedly about their presents. Judy and the twins put down their trunks at the end of a long line of luggage. She was unable to suppress a yawn as she shoved her trunk against the wall; she and Charlie had spent so much time talking the night before that Judy barely made it back to bed in time for Mrs. Weasley to wake her up. She'd intended to catch up on her lack of sleep during the train ride, but when she and the twins had discovered that Willow wasn't on the train, she'd been too worried about her friend to get any sleep.

'Do you see her?' George asked concerned as he scanned the Entrance Hall.

'She probably just missed the train,' said Fred lightly, though his eyes showed a hint of concern as well.

'Well, knowing Willow she's bound to pop up sooner or later,' said Judy, hiding her worries as she slipped out of her coat. The Entrance Hall was ten times warmer than the outside air, due to all the students crammed into it.

'I'd still feel happier if she were here,' said George honestly.

'GEORGE!' The exclamation was followed by a mass of red hair, obscuring George from view. Fred grabbed hold of Judy's arm as George spun Willow around and the latter nearly knocked Judy to the floor.

'Thanks,' she said amused as she watched the couple in front of her.

'Oy, there are underage witches and wizards here!' said Fred as Willow and George shared a long kiss.

'Oh, you're just jealous,' said Willow as she pulled back. 'I bet if you two would try some snogging,-'

'So, why weren't you on the train?' said Judy quickly, sensing Fred tense beside her.

'Snape,' said Willow with more disgust than Judy had ever heard her say the name before. 'The bloody idiot decided to write my parents while we were on holiday, to inform them that I screwed up my last essay…'

'He what?!' asked Judy in disbelief.

'That git keeps getting crazier with age…' said Fred in a disapproving tone.

'What did your parents say about it?' asked George interested.

'Well, my dad agreed with me that Snape finally lost his bloody mind…my mum on the other hand wasn't pleased at all and we ended up breaking off our holiday so I could come back early and work on an alternative assignment for Potions.'

'You're joking!' said Judy, still in disbelief.

'Wish I were,' said Willow truthfully. 'I've spent the past three days in the library, writing an essay about Amortentia and its 'ridiculous uses over the ages',' she quoted, impersonating Snape's silky voice. 'Do you have any idea how many witches and wizards have used love potions in the past decades? Let alone the past centuries?!'

'Oh Will, I'm sorry about your holiday,' said Judy truthfully. 'If there's anything I can do to help…'

'Thanks, but I already finished the essay this morning,' said Willow. 'It's just…you know, I never expected him to go this far…it's like he really has it in for me for some reason…'

'What?!' asked Fred, taken aback. 'Are you telling me that you give a rat's ass about what Snape thinks about you?'

'I think you've been cooped up in that library on your own for far too long,' said George as he slipped his arm around her waist. 'Come on, we're going to have an excellent meal and then we'll take a stroll to talk.' He said, already moving toward the Great Hall.

'Jude?' asked Willow, looking over her shoulder.

'I'll be right there,' she said as she tried to rub the sleep from her eyes.

'Fred!' Lee Jordan walked up to Fred and Judy. Little flakes of snow and small droplets of water had settled in his dreadlocks, making it look as if he wore glitters in his hair. Fred quickly hid his smile behind his hand but Lee had already noticed. 'Yes, I know,' he said annoyed. 'Angelina has already pointed it out to me three times since we arrived…I just can't think of the right spell to,-'

Judy cast a Drought charm at his dreadlocks, before Lee had the time to finish his sentence. The snowflakes and droplets of water disappeared in less than a second.

'Ah,' said Lee, feeling his hair. 'Thanks, Byrne.'

'Don't mention it,' said Judy, putting her wand back in her robes. She quickly hid her mouth from view as another yawn broke through.

'How about we go in?' said Fred to Lee as his stomach rumbled. 'I'm starving.'

'Sounds like a plan, Weasley,' offered Lee as the two of them headed for the Great Hall. Fred had only taken a few steps when he turned on his heel to see Judy still standing by the trunks.

'Do I need to carry you inside?' he asked amused.

'No.' Judy smiled at him. 'I'm tired. I think I'll just head up to bed.'

'OK,' said Fred. 'I'll see you tomorrow then.'

'Yes, see you tomorrow,' said Judy giving him a short wave as Lee pulled him along to the Great Hall.

Judy walked through the now nearly deserted Entrance Hall and ascended the marble staircase. She trailed the banister with her fingers, looking at the moving paintings beside her. As she ascended the staircase alone, it didn't take her thoughts long to wander to the night before. She bit her lip as she thought on the man that had kissed her. She smiled as she realised that Charlie Weasley wasn't just Fred and George's brother anymore…he was her boyfriend.

Judy slid her hand into her back pocket and squeezed the piece of paper in it, as if reassuring herself that she wasn't dreaming. Charlie had slipped her the note that morning, having forgotten about it the night before. It carried his address in Romania so she would be able to write him whenever she wished. Judy smiled as she remembered how Bill had distracted a very perceptive Percy from the exchange, by reminding him that he expected his younger brother to do at least as well on his NEWTs as Bill himself, if not better.

The fifth floor corridor was as deserted as the marble staircase had been. Safe for the conversing portraits, there was no sound to be heard. Judy ascended the tightly winding spiral staircase which led up to the entrance of Ravenclaw tower. The bronze knocker, shaped like an eagle, opened its beak as Judy halted in front of the tower's entrance door.

'How do you distinguish unicorn blood from that of other animals?'

'While usually animal blood is red, unicorn blood is silver-blue and it shines under the moonlight,' said Judy without thinking.

The doorway swung open and Judy stepped into the wide circular room. It looked even more magical than usual with the moonlight being the only source of light. The stars adorning the midnight-blue carpet and domed ceiling, really seemed to glow as they reflected the pearly white light. The white marble statue of Rowena Ravenclaw shone brightly, making it stand out against the blue background. Judy took a long look around the room, savouring the entire scene. She was just about to head to her dormitory when she heard a soft sob.

The dark haired Ravenclaw walked carefully around the blue comfy chair. 'Are you all right?' she asked gently.

'What? Who?' Judy stopped as she stood face to face with the crying girl. Red tangled curls framed the other girl's pale face. She looked at Judy with widened eyes.

'Abigail?' Judy asked, surprised.

'What are you doing here?' Abigail snapped. 'Come to have a laugh, have you?' She quickly rubbed the tears from her eyes, smudging her mascara more than it already had been.

'What? No,' said Judy quickly. 'Abigail, what's wrong?' she asked gently as she sat down on the sofa.

'None of your bloody business, all right?' Abigail said heatedly as she kept her eyes on the fireplace. Judy looked at her room mate in silence, unable to find the right words to say. Admittedly, she and Abigail had never been the best of friends, but they had never been enemies either. Judy hated to see her room mate as sad as she was now.

'OK…' said Judy, already getting to her feet. 'But if you change your mind and you want to talk about it, you know where to find me…' She waited a moment, but as Abigail didn't respond she turned on her heel and headed to her dormitory. She had already crossed half the room when Abigail spoke.

'Have you ever felt like…like you don't belong anywhere…?' asked Abigail in a whisper. 'I mean, like…not even in your own family?'

Judy walked back to her room mate and sat down on the sofa as her eyes met Abigail's. 'Sometimes,' said Judy truthfully, thinking on the many times she'd missed her parents; the many times she'd missed being part of a real family. 'Why do you ask?'

'Because I…well, you know my parents are purebloods, right?' Judy nodded. 'Well, I already knew they weren't pleased with me being sorted into Ravenclaw. But now that my brother Kenneth is in Slytherin they…' Abigail brushed away a fresh tear from her cheek. 'It feels like I don't even matter to them anymore. It's like Kenneth is the only one they care about...'

'Why do you think that?' asked Judy gently.

'Just the way they act toward us…I mean, the entire holiday it was Kenneth this, Kenneth that…my father said he was so proud of Kenneth…he said he was glad that Kenneth didn't turn out to be such a disappointment as I did.'

'He said that?!' asked Judy, taken aback.

'I heard him say it to my mother,' said Abigail, hoarsely. 'But I…I asked the Sorting Hat to put me in Slytherin…I mean, I can't help that it sorted me into Ravenclaw…I never wanted to be in this stupid House!' she said as she broke down in tears.

'Oh, Abigail,' said Judy as she squatted next to her and put her hand on the other girl's shoulder. 'You…this…' she said, trying to search for the right words. 'Listen, I don't know why the Sorting Hat put you in Ravenclaw, but it must have had a good reason.'

'Yes? Well, I don't see it…' said Abigail bitterly.

'Well, I do,' said Judy gently. 'You're very intelligent and motivated to do your utmost in classes. I mean, even if you do things your own way, you're really not that different from the rest of us, Abigail…' The other girl made a face as Judy spoke. 'Well, you're not,' said Judy with a smile.

'I am nothing like Willow,' retorted Abigail.

'All right, you're nothing like Willow,' said Judy amused. Abigail's lips curled up in a satisfied smile. 'Feeling a bit better?'

'A bit,' said Abigail.

'Listen, it must be awful to hear your father say what he said, and I know it's not the same but…just remember none of us think you're a disappointment,' said Judy honestly. 'Not even Willow.'

'Thank you, Judy.'

'You're welcome,' said Judy, squeezing her shoulder gently. The two of them yawned, nearly simultaneously. 'Now, how about we get this rubbish off our faces and go to sleep? I think we're both exhausted from our holiday…'

'Yes, my eyes are falling shut,' agreed Abigail as she got to her feet. Judy waited for her to pass before following in her room mate's wake. 'Hey Judy,' asked Abigail as they ascended the stairs leading to their dormitory.

'Yes?' asked Judy, as she concentrated on picking up her feet.

'How come you're exhausted?'

'Oh…that's a long story…' said Judy with a broad smile as they entered the dormitory. 'I'll tell you some other time.'

'I suppose you'd better. I'd probably doze off anyway.' Abigail yawned as she took her pyjamas from her trunk.

'Yes, me too,' agreed Judy as she walked around her bed. She stopped dead as she saw the orange and blue striped cushion on the floor. 'That's odd…'

'What is?' asked Abigail interested.

'I expected Duncan to be here,' answered Judy.

'He's probably off chasing mice,' said Abigail reassuringly. 'He'll show up sooner or later.'

'Yes, I suppose he will.' Judy looked at the cushion for another moment, unable to suppress a feeling of unease creeping up her spine. She shook it off quickly and started searching for her pyjamas. She wasn't about to start this term with the same feeling of dread she'd felt the previous months. Duncan would show up, she thought firmly. He always did.

&

The first day back for the sixth year Ravenclaw students existed not only of handing in the assignments which had been set for them before the holidays, but also starting on several new ones. By the time Judy returned to the common room that evening, she already new she'd be spending most of her upcoming evenings on writing essays and reading chapters. She couldn't say she minded though; the events of the past holiday had given her a whole new kind of energy and she was looking forward to spending her time amongst her books again. Even the lack of energy she experienced due to her vision a few days before, seemed to be replenished by the bond she shared with a man who lived thousands of miles away.

'What are you smiling about?' asked Willow curiously, eyeing Judy over her Divination book. 'History of Magic can't be that amusing…'

'No?' asked Aidan, who casually leaned back on the hind legs of his chair. 'Binns floated right through Eric Marshall today. He looked like he was going to faint…' Aidan laughed. 'And I thought Gryffindors were supposed to be brave…'

'I seem to remember you throwing up in the Entrance Hall when Peeves floated through you last year…' offered Shania amused.

'That was two years ago,' retorted Aidan. 'And Peeves set off a Dungbomb on me…I'd like to see how well you hold in your lunch when someone sets off a Dungbomb right in front of you…'

'If you don't mind, I'm trying to do my homework here…' said Abigail annoyed as she dipped her quill in her ink bottle.

'I can't believe we've only been back a day and we've already got a pile of homework to work our way through,' said Willow, as she browsed through the pages of her book. 'Trelawney's even set us three chapters…not to mention Snape with his stupid essay…how on earth are we supposed to write three rolls of parchment on Wolfsbane potion? I mean, it's been developed so recently there aren't even any books written about it…'

'Damocles Belby wrote a few articles about it in Concoctions of the mind,' said Judy. 'I think it was in last year's February and April issue. There's a bit in there about the ingredients, brewing time and…' her voice trailed as she noticed the others were looking at her.

'How come you know so much about Wolfsbane potion?' asked Aidan interested.

'What?' asked Judy, slightly alarmed. 'I'm sure Chelsea knows about it as well…' she offered quickly, gesturing at her room mate who shared the sofa with Connor.

'Perhaps, but,-'

'Oh, who cares how she knows Aidan,' Shania interrupted him. 'The important thing is she's saved us time searching, which means we can talk about more pressing matters…'

'Such as…?' asked Aidan, a bit agitated.

'Quidditch!' said Shania excitedly as she shoved away her books and laid down a piece of parchment in front of her. 'Now, we're playing Slytherin this weekend, and I'm sure you will all agree that we can't go out supporting our House without a proper yell.'

'Oh, for goodness sake…' said Abigail as she gathered her books. 'You lot really need to sort out your priorities…'

'Oh yeah? Well you…' Willow's voice trailed as Judy grabbed her arm.

'Let her, Will,' she said as Abigail walked away from them and headed up to the girls' dormitory. Judy couldn't help but smile as she realised her room mate had just proven that she was the most typical Ravenclaw in their year.

'So, any suggestions?' asked Shania excitedly.

'You know, it's times like this when I wish Tonks were here,' said Willow truthfully. 'She could always think of the perfect yell, even if she wasn't in Ravenclaw.'

'Well, she's not here now and I could really use a hand,' said Shania, a hint of desperation in her voice.

'Let me see what you got,' offered Aidan. 'I promise I won't laugh,' he said as Shania was reluctant to show him the parchment. 'I want our House to win as much as you do.'

Judy turned on her seat and scanned the room and its inhabitants for any inspiration for a Quidditch yell. She agreed with Willow that she wished Tonks were there, because she'd always been a genius with words. Judy's contribution to their reputation on the pitch was only being able to yell the hardest. She smiled as she remembered how relieved she'd been that Charlie didn't remember the volume of her voice in the stadium.

'Oh, I've been meaning to tell you, I saw Duncan on the grounds today,' said Willow, pulling Judy away from her train of thoughts. 'He seemed to be heading for the Forbidden Forest.'

'The Forest?' asked Judy confused. 'I thought after all these years he'd know better than to go in there…'

'Apparently not, but I'm sure he'll be all right,' added Willow reassuringly.

'I know, I just wish he'd been roaming the castle for mice,' said Judy truthfully.

'It's weird though that he hasn't been in our dormitory yet,' said Willow. 'He always comes to greet you when you've been away.'

'Yes, I know…' said Judy, as Willow confirmed her own thoughts. She swallowed as a small knot slowly tied itself in her stomach.

'Hey, would you two mind chipping in a bit?' said Aidan a little annoyed.

'Yes…' said Judy absently. 'What do you guys have?' she asked as she took the parchment from Aidan and looked at the letters without registering any of the words.

&

Icy sheets of rain lashed violently against the glass panes of the greenhouses that next morning. Judy wrapped her scarf tightly around her neck and slipped her hands into woollen mints before picking up her stuffed schoolbag. Willow looked so depressed Judy thought she wouldn't be able to find the courage to go outside.

'I suppose the best way would be to make a run for it?' offered Aidan, who had covered half of his face with his scarf.

'Yes, the sooner we get inside, the better,' agreed Connor. He took Chelsea's hand and pulled her to the door.

'All right then, one, two,-'

'Oh, for Merlin's sake just run,' said Willow, who had apparently decided to take the lead as she broke into a run toward the castle.

They reached the Entrance Hall, as soaked as they'd reached the greenhouses an hour before. Judy was quick to cast Drought charms on her House mates. She was also the one to lead the group as they headed to the first floor corridor. Their next class was Defence against the Dark Arts and since Judy hadn't seen Lupin since before the holidays, she couldn't wait to see her uncle again.

'Did you miss him?' Willow asked under her breath as she joined Judy, who walked a few meters ahead of the rest.

'Will!' Judy said warningly.

'Oh come on,' said Willow amused. 'If they overhear us, they'll just think you have a crush on him…'

'And why are you saying that like it's a good thing?' Judy arched a brow at her best friend.

'Come on girls, don't want to be late in class,' Aidan remarked smugly as he overtook them and entered the DADA classroom. Willow scowled at him and Judy laughed as they entered the classroom.

'You shouldn't encourage him, Jude,' said Shania as she passed the two girls.

'Why not?' Judy asked. 'I think he's funny.'

'He's an egocentric, selfish guy who's full of himself and can't talk to a girl without flirting with her,' said Willow disapprovingly. 'I really can't see what you like about him.'

'Oh, I don't know,' said Judy as they took their seats and searched for their books. 'I guess he just reminds me of someone,' she said in a whisper.

'What was that?' asked Willow.

'Good afternoon, class.' They all turned in their seats as Lupin closed the entrance door. 'I hope you all have had enough rest during the holidays, because we've got a busy lesson ahead of us today.' He said as he walked to the front of the class.

'Good, because we haven't got enough homework as it is…' Aidan remarked sarcastically.

'Well, I am glad to hear that you are eager to get started, Mr. Kieran,' said Lupin, pretending not to have heard the sarcastic tone. 'Now, before you open your books, Professor Flitwick has asked me to hand out these,' said Lupin as he took several sheets of paper from his desk. 'They're your evaluation appointments.'

'Our what?' asked Shania, quickly raising her hand after she'd already spoken.

'Your evaluation appointments,' repeated Lupin as he handed out the sheets of paper. 'As you all know your Head of House is very much involved with your progress in school, especially now that you all are on your way to attain your NEWTs. So sixth and seventh year Ravenclaws have an evaluation appointment with their Head of House in the second week of March to evaluate their grades and their progress since the start of the school year.'

'Great, I wonder who will have the worst achievements…' said Aidan.

'I suppose it will be the one who has put the least effort into his tuition,' offered Abigail snidely.

'That will do, Abigail,' said Lupin as he handed her the last sheet of paper. 'Well, now that that is out of the way, we'll start with today's lesson. Please open your books at chapter 15. Ms. Keenan, if you would be so kind to read the first paragraph.'

'Do you think Aidan will be OK?' asked Judy under her breath as she and Willow pretended to read what Chelsea was reading out loud.

'Well, if he's not it's his own fault,' whispered Shania over her shoulder.

'Honestly Jude,' said Willow. 'Why do you care?'

'Because he's my friend, Will,' retorted Judy as if explaining something to a four year old. 'I care because he's my friend.'

'Ms. Byrne,' said Lupin sternly, making Judy startle. 'Would you mind repeating the sentences Ms. Keenan just read?'

'Ehm I'm…I'm sorry, sir. I don't know what she read, I wasn't paying attention.'

'I see,' said Lupin in the same stern tone as before. 'Well, perhaps you will pay better attention in detention next Thursday eve at seven o' clock.'

'What?!' Judy blurted out, before she could stop herself. 'But I only…'

'Detention, Ms. Byrne,' Lupin cut her off. 'And I will be happy to add an extra hour to it if you speak out of turn again.'

'Yes, sir,' said Judy, feeling utterly confused. Lupin had never before been this strict in class, let alone about something minor as this.

'Good. Ms. Keenan, please proceed,' said Lupin, ignoring the several confused looks the students cast each other.

'What did you do to piss him off?' whispered Willow urgently.

'Not a clue,' whispered Judy back as she looked back at her textbook.

&

Judy left Ravenclaw tower at a quarter to seven that Thursday evening. There were only a few students walking up the staircase as most of them had returned to their common room for the evening. Judy hardly noticed them; her mind was too taken up by what lay before her. She couldn't think of a moment when Lupin's detention had not been on her mind. Not to mention what in the name of magic she'd done to deserve it.

The second floor corridor seemed to be deserted as Judy entered it, her mind still too taken up to notice anything around her.

'Well, well, well…' the cold drawling voice seemed to grab Judy by both her arms and pull her away from her daydreams. She instinctively froze as slow, sinister steps closed in on her. Judy took a deep breath before turning on her heel and facing her Potions master as confidently as she could. 'You wouldn't be heading to Professor Lupin's office, now would you?'

'Actually sir, I am, you see…'

'Tsk, tsk…' said Snape, a hint of malice in his eyes. 'I wonder what the Headmaster will say, when he finds out Lupin has been giving you secret lessons to outdo your fellow DADA students.'

'But sir, you don't understand,' pleaded Judy.

'I believe, I understand completely what you and Lupin have been up to.' Snape held up his hand as Judy tried to protest again. 'Now, you will listen to me Ms. Byrne and you will listen to me good. You are to head straight for your dormitory where you will wait for the Headmaster's judgment on this favouritism of your…uncle…' Snape seemed to choke on the word. 'I am sure that Professor Dumbledore will agree with me that this,-'

'Severus?' Lupin's gentle voice instantly calmed Judy's nerves.

'Lupin,' Snape said loathingly.

'Might I ask why you are keeping Judy from her detention?' asked Lupin kindly.

'Detention,' said Snape, amused. 'That is what you call it?'

'Yes,' said Lupin, looking a little confused as he walked up to them. Judy quickly moved aside for the two men to face each other directly. 'Do you have a different name for it, if a student misbehaves in class and you ask them to come to your office for some extra assignments?'

'Honestly Lupin, do you really think I am that naïve?' Snape asked, his lips still curled up in a malicious smile.

'Naïve, Severus?' asked Lupin. 'I don't think I understand,-'

'Oh come on, Lupin,' said Snape agitated. 'You've been helping her with her assignments during the holidays, to help her compensate for her appalling achievements in the past few months.'

'Well Severus, as much as I like to see Judy get good grades, I do not think it is suitable for me, as a teacher, to help her with her homework in any course,' said Lupin seriously. 'Besides, Judy spent the holidays with the Weasleys while I stayed here at the castle. I hadn't seen her for 2 weeks until this Tuesday. So, I'm afraid…'

'I don't believe you,' said Snape, his dark eyes smouldering with anger. Judy moved behind Lupin as discretely as possible.

'I am telling you the truth, whether you believe it or not is up to you,' said Lupin, staying utterly calm.

'You cannot protect her forever,' said Snape tensely. 'I am going to report this to Dumbledore.'

'Be my guest,' said Lupin kindly. 'Now, if you will excuse us. Judy has plenty of work to do.' He took her shoulder as he turned and gently urged her forward.

Judy didn't look back as she walked straight to Lupin's office. Compared to her last visit the room seemed to be filled with even more magical creatures and objects she'd never seen before.

'Well, that was an interesting conversation…' said Lupin as he closed the office door. 'Please take a seat, Jude.' She did as she was told, but couldn't help but look at Lupin confused as he walked around her and sat down at the opposite side of his desk. 'Is something the matter?'

'You're not upset with me?' asked Judy carefully.

'Why on earth would I be upset with you?' asked Lupin amused.

'Well, I don't know,' said Judy defensively. 'But you seemed to be upset about something in class…'

'Would you rather I'd asked you kindly to come by and have a cup of tea with me?' asked Lupin with a small smile. 'I thought this way would be less suspicious, don't you agree?' He asked as he took two teacups from his drawer and put them down in front of them.

'Don't I…? What…? Yes…' Judy stammered as Lupin laughed lightly. 'I just…Do you know, I've been worrying for two days about what in Merlin's name I did wrong?'

'I'm sorry, sweetheart,' said Lupin amused. 'But I had to find a way to speak to you without rising suspicion…'

'Judging how Snape just reacted, I don't think you succeeded,' offered Judy as Lupin tapped the teapot. Steam rose from the pot as Lupin lifted the lid and put in a teabag.

'Why does he dislike you so much, Remus?' Lupin looked at her with a thoughtful look in his eyes.

'He's head of Slytherin house…you know how he feels about half-breeds…' he said, with a hint of sadness in his voice.

'He doesn't like you because you're a were,-' Judy broke off as Lupin looked at her warningly. 'Sorry,' she said quickly. 'I just…when he looked at you…it was like he loathed you, not so much because of what you are but more as if…as if it's personal.'

Lupin looked at Judy for a moment, before his lips curled up in a small smile. 'I sometimes forget how perceptive you are,' he said as he poured the tea in her cup and handed it to her.

Judy took it, without unlocking their eyes. 'So…I am right?'

Lupin leaned back in his chair, his eyes still locked with hers as his lips remained in that small smile. 'Very perceptive…'

'Remus,-' he held up his hand to silence her.

'You know I cannot answer that question…even if I wanted to,' he added, amused by the disappointed look in her eyes. 'Tell me, how was your holiday?'

'It was great,' said Judy truthfully. 'Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were very kind and I had a great time with Ginny and Fred and George and Bill and…Percy,' she concluded quickly. She couldn't help but smile as she thought on the Weasley she hadn't mentioned.

'What about your visions?' asked Lupin carefully.

'I had one last Saturday…the entire Weasley family was there when I came to…' Judy smiled as she thought back on the kindness the family had shown her over the holidays.

'I'm glad you weren't alone,' said Lupin truthfully.

'Yes, me too,' said Judy before sipping her tea.

'Do you mind telling me what you saw?' asked Lupin, again in a careful tone.

'I saw the evening you introduced dad to mum,' said Judy, smiling as she thought back on the vision. 'Mum had a vision about the two of them when Sirius shook her hand.'

'Ah yes…I remember,' Lupin smiled. 'Your mother really turned him around…' Judy eyed Lupin as his smile slowly faded. She knew he was thinking of Sirius…of what he'd done…of how he'd changed…

'Did you want to see me because of him?' asked Judy as she put down her teacup. She did her utmost to ignore the pain in her stomach as she already read the answer in Lupin's eyes.

'Yes…but first, I need to give you something,' he said, as he opened his drawer. He took out two presents and put them on his desk. 'The blue bundle with the red ribbon is from your aunt Andromeda and uncle Ted. The purple box is from Dora. She thought it safer to drop it all off here than to send it to you.'

'Dora was here?' asked Judy interested as she took the blue bundle first.

'Yes…' said Lupin, evading her gaze as he took another sip from his tea. Judy did her utmost to hide her smile as she unwrapped her gift. She took out a short purple dress. 'Dora helped your aunt pick it out.'

'It's beautiful,' said Judy, looking it over before laying it down on the desk. She took the purple box, only now noticing the card tied to one end of the ribbon. Judy opened it and scanned the familiar round letters.

Dear Jude,

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with the Weasleys. I'm sorry you had to spend the holidays away from Remus, I know how much he means to you. Even if his decision may have seemed cruel to you at first, remember that he always has your best interest at heart and that he thought sending you away was the best option to keep you safe. We all want to keep you safe…I hope that, with the previous in mind, you'll understand my reaction to your confession when we last saw each other. I was worried about you, Jude. I still am. But even though I do not regret my reaction, I want to apologize to you. I should have realised how much courage it took you to be as open with me as you were. I'm sorry if I made you feel like I betrayed you or your trust in me. I hope you still feel like you can tell me everything, because you can trust me, Jude. No matter what you tell me, I will NEVER betray your trust.

In closing, I hope you like the presents we bought for you. I know you'll love mine…

Love, always

Dora

P.S. See you at Easter!

'I'm going to Dora's for Easter?' asked Judy as she looked up from the card.

'You're going to your aunt and uncle's,' Lupin corrected her. 'Dora will be staying with them too.'

'That's great,' said Judy honestly as she met Lupin's smile with one of her own. She took the box on her lap and untied the ribbon. As she opened the lids of the box she noticed a picture frame inside, with the back facing toward her. She took it out carefully and turned it with the framed picture toward her. The surge of emotion constricting her throat took her completely by surprise.

Sirius Black and Briana Byrne stood next to each other, their fingers interlaced as they looked back at her. Briana wore two herringbone braids tied together at the back of her head, with the remainder of her long dark hair falling loosely over her shoulders. Her long dark red ball gown consisted of a red polka dotted sheer lace bodice with a skirt consisting of several layers of fabric hidden under a veil of black tulle. Sirius wore black dress robes. His bow tie was the same colour as Briana's dress. His dark hair framed his handsome features so perfectly, he looked like some kind of dark angel. The mischievous look in his eyes and his boyish smile didn't hide the fact that he was approaching adulthood. Judy estimated her parents to be 17 or 18 years old; barely older than she herself was now.

'When was this taken?' she asked hoarsely, unable to withdraw her eyes from the picture.

'In our seventh year, at our NEWT ball,' said Lupin, looking at her affectionately.

'How did Dora get it?'

'Your aunt Andromeda has a few photo albums of your parents,' explained Lupin. 'I gave them to her years ago. I thought it safer to keep them far away from you in case…in case anybody ever came looking for you.'

'They look so happy,' said Judy, looking back at her parents with a mingle of joy and sadness. She looked up at Lupin as she spoke. 'But…wasn't mum already pregnant when this was taken?'

'Yes, she was,' said Lupin truthfully.

'But how…'

'A very complex Disillusionment Charm,' explained Lupin. 'Dumbledore taught it to your mother so she could perform it herself when her pregnancy started to show. With the first war looming on the horizon, your parents knew immediately that the best way to protect you from Voldemort and his followers was to keep your existence a secret.'

'That must not have been easy,' said Judy.

'No, it wasn't,' confirmed Lupin. 'But it was the right choice at the time. Doing what is right is seldom easy.'

'Yes…' Judy sighed as she looked at the picture. 'I can't keep this, Remus,' she said with a hint of regret. 'If one of my room mates sees this on my nightstand…'

'Put it down on my desk,' said Lupin gently. Judy met his eyes for a moment before complying. She put the picture frame on Lupin's desk and almost gaped as the picture faded and a picture of her holding Duncan appeared in the frame. 'Dora put a spell on it so you are the only one who sees the real picture. Your parents only appear in the frame when you hold it.' Judy couldn't help but smile.

'She's brilliant.'

'Yes…yes, she is,' Lupin agreed. He cleared his throat as he noticed Judy's eyes on him. 'So, now that you have unpacked your gifts, there's the other matter I wanted to talk to you about.' Judy's smile quickly faded.

'Has he been sighted again?' she asked carefully.

'No…' Lupin eyed her for a moment. 'He sent Harry a Christmas gift, a Firebolt.' Judy didn't speak as she looked back at him; too surprised by what Lupin had told her. 'Has he…'

'No,' said Judy quickly. 'He didn't send me anything.'

'Good,' said Lupin, sounding relieved. 'Judy, if he still does,-'

'I will tell you,' she said truthfully. 'I won't lie to you again, Remus.'

'I'm glad to hear that,' he said gently as he leaned back in his chair. Judy smiled absently as she stared at the teapot in between them, trying to untangle her emotions.

'Is it wrong for me to feel disappointed?' she asked in a whisper.

'No,' said Lupin quietly. 'It's understandable. But if he does send you something…' Lupin paused for a moment. 'Professor McGonagall confiscated Harry's broom and has all of us take a look at it to make sure it hasn't been jinxed or cursed.'

'Poor Harry,' said Judy sympathetically. 'I bet he couldn't wait to fly his new broom and now he has to wait and see if it survives all of your tests and spells…'

'But if it is jinxed,-'

'It isn't jinxed,' said Judy quickly. 'But I understand you all want to make sure the Firebolt is safe before allowing Harry to fly it.'

'I'm glad you understand, because,-' Lupin broke off as his eyes fell on the pendulum on the cabinet behind Judy. 'Oh dear,' he said as he quickly got to his feet. 'I'm sorry, sweetheart. I really have to go. I promised Harry I'd meet him in the History of Magic classroom tonight at eight. He's asked me to teach him how to do a Patronus, because,-'

'Because the Dementors affect him so much,' said Judy as she got up as well. 'I'm glad you're teaching him how to defend himself against those creeps.'

'Talking about Dementors,' said Lupin as he walked around the desk. 'How have you been holding up since that Dementor on the train? I mean, you were at the match too when they came to the Quidditch pitch, weren't you?'

'Yes,' said Judy, doing her utmost not having to feed her uncle lies again. 'I'm doing all right. Dumbledore told me at the beginning of the school year to be careful around them. So I am. I'm staying away from them as far as I can.' She said as she laid out her dress on the desk and put the picture frame on the fabric, before enveloping it within.

'Good,' said Lupin gently. 'I'm glad you're acting so responsibly.'

'Thank you, Professor,' said Judy as he held the door for her.

'I trust you will head straight back to your dormitory,' said Lupin as he locked the door behind them. 'The last thing I need is Snape catching you after hours…'

'I'll head up to the Ravenclaw common room straight away,' said Judy as they walked down the corridor.

'I will be seeing you in class then,' said Lupin as they reached the marble staircase.

'Yes,' said Judy, halting at the end of the corridor. 'Good night, Professor.'

'Good night, Judy.' He cast her one of his kind smiles before turning around and heading down to the first floor.

'Oh, Re…I mean, Professor,' said Judy quickly, making Lupin turn back to her. 'You haven't by chance seen my cat, have you? I haven't seen him all week.'

'No, I haven't. Last time I saw him was around Christmas,' said Lupin. 'He brought me a dead mouse as a Christmas present.'

'Oh, that was very kind of him,' said Judy amused.

'Yes, very kind…' said Lupin sarcastically. 'Like I said I haven't seen him since, but I'm sure he'll turn up soon.'

'Yes,' said Judy, only half-believing Lupin's words. 'I suppose he will.'

'I wouldn't worry about it too much,' said Lupin kindly. 'Good night, Judy.'

'Good night, Professor,' she said with a weak smile.

Judy made her way up the deserted staircase, holding the purple bundle of fabric in front of her as she tried to ignore her concerns about her missing cat. Everybody believed Duncan would turn up unharmed, she only had to convince herself that he would. But no sooner had she pushed aside her worries about Duncan, or her thoughts were taken up by something else…

Her thoughts were, just like before the holidays, completely taken up by her father again. Putting her own disappointment aside, she just couldn't understand how a man, who was supposedly out to kill his godson, would send that same boy a brand new Firebolt; a gift showing just how well Sirius knew Harry. A gift showing Sirius knew exactly how much Harry loved Quidditch and how much he wanted that present. A gift showing just how much Sirius cared for his godson…

'Are you coming in? Or do you want to answer the question yourself?'

Judy blinked at the gentle voice. Luna Lovegood looked back at her with that characteristic dreamy look in her eyes. Her dirty blonde hair hung down her back and was even an inch or so longer than Judy's.

'No, I'm coming,' said Judy, hurrying her pace and taking the door from Luna.

'You were daydreaming, weren't you?' said Luna curiously as they entered the common room. 'It's nice, isn't it? I do it all the time…even at night.'

'Really?' asked Judy amused. 'I haven't tried that yet…'

'Oh, you should,' said Luna excitedly. 'It's much better than just dreaming.'

'Jude!' Shania beckoned her to the round cherry wooden table, where she sat with Abigail and Chelsea.

'I ehm have to go, Luna,' said Judy apologetically. 'Thanks for the advice.'

'You're welcome,' said Luna happily as she skipped to the small spiral staircase.

'What was that all about?' asked Shania as Judy reached her side.

'I'm not sure,' said Judy truthfully.

'I suppose it's always hard to tell with her,' said Shania amused. 'So, how did it go with Lupin?'

'Not too bad,' said Judy, doing her utmost to keep her lips from curling up in a smile. 'I had to write a hundred lines about paying attention in class.'

'That's it?' Abigail arched a brow. 'I thought he'd make you clean out a grindylow tank or something…'

'I guess I just got lucky,' offered Judy with a genuine smile. 'So, what are you three doing?'

'Chelsea and I are trying to do some homework,' said Abigail as she dipped her quill in her ink bottle. 'Shania is doing her utmost to get me and Chelsea a 'P' in Divination…'

'I said you didn't have to help me,' said Shania offended.

'Then stop asking us for advice,' retorted Abigail.

'I don't mind helping her,' said Chelsea gently. 'I don't really understand much about this Inner Eye stuff anyway.'

'Fine, then help her, but leave me out of it,' said Abigail as she hid her face behind her Divination book.

'What about you, Jude?' asked Shania hopefully. 'I really could use your creativity.'

'What do you have so far?' asked Judy as she sat down on one of the chairs.

'Nothing,' offered Shania apologetically. 'I just can't rhyme as well as you can.'

'Me?' asked Judy amused. 'Dora always came up with our yells, I was just there to yell them and unrightfully claim part of the credit.'

'Oh that's just great,' said Shania desperately, as she threw her quill on the table.

'Listen, may be we just have to accept that we can't really do this without Tonks,' offered Judy. 'I mean, it's not like we had such a great yell last year.'

'It was pathetic really…'

'Thank you, Abigail,' said Judy sarcastically.

'May be we can make a banner or something, instead of a yell?' offered Chelsea. 'You sew really well with a wand,' she said gently, as she looked at Shania, who sat with her hands in her hair. Her luxurious curls hid her face from view.

'That's a good idea,' said Judy truthfully. 'You can work wonders with fabric and colours,' she said as she looked at Shania.

'Yes, I suppose,' Shania sighed. 'I just really wanted to come up with a good yell…'

'Yes, well I've always wanted to get an 'E' in Care of Magical Creatures, and we all know how that worked out,' offered Judy as she got to her feet. Shania laughed.

'Do you remember how that unicorn…' she broke off as another wave of laughter overtook her.

'Yes, I remember,' offered Judy as she got to her feet. 'Now, I trust you two can manage without me.'

'Where are you going then?' asked Shania quickly.

'Upstairs,' offered Judy. 'I have to read a few more chapters for Astronomy and then I'm going to sleep.'

'Yes, these first days back have been exhausting, haven't they?' agreed Chelsea. Judy looked at her and for the first time noticed the dark circles under her room mate's eyes.

'Yes, they have,' admitted Judy. 'I'll see you girls later,' she said, before turning and walking away from them. She headed up the spiral stone staircase, smiling as she overheard Shania and Chelsea exchanging ideas. She was glad Chelsea was eager to be involved in something else than curricular activities.

Judy halted as she reached the girl's dormitory. The dorm she shared with the other sixth year girls was filled with darkness. She placed the bundle in her left hand and took out her wand with her right. 'Lumos' she whispered before entering the dorm.

Willow looked up from her book as Judy entered the dormitory. A single candle stood on her nightstand; the only source of light in the entire room.

'Oh, sorry Jude,' said Willow, taking her wand from her pillow and flicking it at several candles, which immediately ignited. 'I didn't know it was you.'

'That's all right,' said Judy, wordlessly undoing her Lumos spell. 'I can't expect you to light the entire room, because I might be coming.' She walked to her bed and laid the bundle of fabric on her blue blanket.

'What's that?' asked Willow interested.

'Present from my uncle,' said Judy as she unfolded the dress and strategically let the picture frame slide out of it onto the bed.

'I didn't know he had such good taste,' said Willow as she got to her feet. She took the dress from Judy's hands to take a closer look at it. Judy took the opportunity to pick up the picture frame and quickly put it down on her nightstand. There was only a flash of the image of her parents, before the picture changed back to herself holding the dark kitten in her arms. 'Oh, you have to let me borrow this.'

'Don't worry I will,' said Judy as Willow handed her the dress back. 'But I'd like to wear it myself first...'

'As long as you hurry,' said Willow as she sat down on her bed again.

'I'll try,' said Judy amused. She walked over to the wardrobe and hung her dress on one of her free coat hangers. 'What are you reading by the way?'

'Potions,' offered Willow with a hint of frustration in her voice. 'I dropped a grade because of that poor essay. I want to try and get it up to an Outstanding again before Easter. I don't want to spend my Easter holidays listening to my mum going on about my grades...'

'But your grades are fine,' offered Judy as she walked to her bed. 'Even if you keep an 'E' this year, you'll have plenty of time to change it into an 'O' before we have to do our NEWTs.'

'I know that, but my mum doesn't...' said Willow. 'And you know Snape won't hesitate to send her another letter about how I have to get an 'O' in all of my courses to become a Healer...'

'Yes, he would do that...you know, I just ran into him on my way to Lupin,' said Judy as she sat down on the bed.

'What did he say?' asked Willow quickly, as always getting herself ready to defend Judy from him if she had to.

'Well, he's convinced Lupin's been helping me with my homework. I guess that means I did rather well on the Potions essay he set us over the holidays.' explained Judy.

'That stupid idiot,' said Willow heatedly. 'He knows how good you've always been at Potions, you don't need Lupin to help you write a good essay.'

'Well, Lupin walked up to us just when Snape wanted to send me back here and he cleared everything up,' said Judy. 'I don't think Snape believed him, though.'

'Well, he wouldn't, would he?' offered Willow. 'He hates Lupin for stealing the DADA job right from under his unusually large nose...'

Judy laughed. 'You know, I hadn't thought of that.'

'You hadn't?' asked Willow confused. 'Why else would he loathe Lupin?'

'I don't know,' said Judy quickly. 'May be because he wasn't in Slytherin?'

'Naah, it's far more personal,' offered Willow as she leaned back against her headboard. 'What did Lupin say by the way? Did he tell you what you did to upset him like that?'

'He wanted to have a talk,' said Judy. 'To catch up. He couldn't figure out a less suspicious way to have me over for a cup of tea...'

Willow laughed. 'Well, he had us all fooled.'

'Yes, yes he did,' said Judy amused as she leaned back against the headboard of her own bed as well.

'Did he give you that picture too?' asked Willow interested as she walked over to Judy's nightstand.

'Yes, he did,' said Judy as Willow took up the picture. It was her faith in Tonk's magic abilities, which withheld her from grasping the picture frame from her best friend's hands.

'When was this taken?'

'Just before I started Hogwarts,' said Judy. 'Lupin gave me Duncan just before I started school. Did he turn up by the way?'

'No,' said Willow as she put back the framed picture. 'Not a sign. Didn't Lupin see him?' Judy shook her head. 'Well, he's probably out hunting mice,' offered Willow. 'He's been gone days at a time before, right?'

'Yes, he has,' said Judy absently. She bit her lip as the knot in her stomach started to tighten.

'He'll turn up, Jude,' said Willow, reading her mind. 'I'm sure he'll...what's that?!'

'What?' Judy awoke from her thoughts. She followed Willow's gaze to the red coral between her fingers; she'd apparently been holding it while thinking about Duncan. 'Oh this...' Judy said casually.

'Yes, that!' said Willow, looking at the coral as if hypnotized. 'Somebody must have given you that for Christmas and don't tell me it's your uncle.'

'No, it wasn't my uncle...' said Judy amused.

'Then who,' Willow's eyes widened. 'Was it Fred? Are you two...?'

'No!' said Judy. 'How many times do I have to tell you? Fred and I are just mates.'

'Well, then who gave it to you?!' asked Willow desperately.

Judy sighed as she took her wand; she'd never intended to keep her bond with Charlie a secret from her best friend. But the fact that that friend was dating Charlie's younger brother, meant that she had to take some necessary precautions. She flicked her wand at the door. 'Muffliato'. Willow looked at her expectantly.

'Listen, Will. I'll tell you everything, but you have to promise me that you won't tell anybody about this.'

'Of course not,' said Willow quickly.

'Especially not George,' said Judy.

Willow looked at Judy for a moment before answering. 'OK. I promise I won't tell anybody. Not even George.'

'OK. Well, remember I told you that I met Charlie Weasley this past summer?'

'Yes,' said Willow, looking a little confused.

'Well, he was at the Burrow too this Christmas,' said Judy slowly. 'He gave me this necklace as a Christmas present and he said he wanted to get to know me better...' Willow's eyes sparkled with excitement. 'We spent some time together in that last week and the night before I came back here...we kissed.'

'You kissed?!' Willow exclaimed. 'Is he...hang on, you kissed Charlie Weasley, Hogwarts' best Seeker in decades, and you didn't tell me until now?!'

'Well, you've been so busy with Potions...'

'Oh rubbish,' said Willow quickly. 'So is he...is he your boyfriend?'

'Yes,' said Judy, smiling. 'Yes, he is.'

'But he's...how old is he?'

'Twenty-one,' said Judy. 'And that's exactly why nobody can know...especially not George.'

'Twenty-one...wicked,' she said with a grin.

'I see you've picked up some of your boyfriend's vocabulary,' said Judy amused.

'Never mind about me,' said Willow dismissively. 'Now, I want to know everything about you and Charlie.'

'But I just told you everything,' retorted Judy.

'You told me everything in a nutshell.' Willow disagreed. 'I want to know *everything*, what you said when you met, his exact words when he gave you your present, how he kisses...'

Judy smiled as Willow presented her list of demands. She leaned over, took a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, opened it and put it down in between the two of them. Willow quickly took out a couple of beans as she looked at Judy expectantly. Judy took the red coral in between her fingers again, rolling it back and forth as she told her best friend about her meeting with Charlie that past summer.

Judy smiled as she told the story, not because of the memories, but because of the waning knot in her stomach which slowly but surely loosened. Even with thousands of miles between them, her bond with Charlie had a protecting effect on her...a protection she knew she would need, as the knot in her stomach waned, but did not completely disappear.