Author's note: Hello everyone. I'm ashamed to say that it's been a year since my last update. My personal life has been quite hectic for the past year and a half and by the looks of it it won't quiet down until January. But as always, I assure you I will finish this fanfic, hopefully with a lot less time in between updates. I am very grateful for those of you who still join me on this journey. I hope you'll enjoy the following chapter and will take the time to give some feedback. Your reviews keep this story going :). In closing, I've posted a new vid on Youtube. I can't put up the link here, but I will do so in my profile. The vid is about Judy and Sirius and it contains some hints of what's to come in the following chapters.
Chapter 16
The gift of Foresight
As January passed, Judy could tell by the melting icicles on the window panes that the first warmth of spring was chasing away winter's chill. Slowly but surely she regained her strength as she remained confined to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey kept a close eye on her as Judy gradually spent more and more time out of bed, making sure she did not strain herself too much. Lupin visited daily, as did Fred and George, unable to hide their concern at her pale complexion and hollowed features. Judy did her utmost to replenish the energy the vision and her recovery cost her, having seconds of nearly every meal and a fare share of cauldron cakes and Chocolate Frogs of which the twins seemed to have an endless supply. It wasn't until the second week of February, however, that her efforts paid off.
Judy stood in front of the mirror that Saturday afternoon, running her brush through her long dark wavy hair. She smiled as she looked at her reflection, noticing how her cheeks started to fill back into their old form and how for the first time in weeks she had a blush on her pale skin. The dark circles under her eyes had taken on a lighter shade of grey as well. Overall it was clear that slowly but surely her energy was returning to her and with the path that lay before her that was a very comforting thought.
She divided the dark mass of her hair in two and started on a herringbone braid, her eyes focusing on nothing in particular as she concentrated on her hands. Her fingers moved quickly without missing a strand; a result of years of practice. Her arms ached a little as she finally reached the end which reached her hips by now; the aftermath of the Christmas holiday and the consequences of her vision had made her forget all about the hair cut she had planned. Judy made a mental note to see Shania the next day.
She walked back to her bed where a stack of clothes, get well cards and a few boxes of candy lay. She'd stacked it all on top of each other, making a wobbly pile that she intended to carry back to the dormitory on her own. The only thing left on her nightstand was the picture of her holding Duncan as a kitten. Judy leaned over and picked up the frame, the picture changing into one of her mother and father at her touch. Her lips curled up in a small smile as her deep blue eyes locked on Sirius, looking back at her with an all too familiar sparkle in his eyes.
'Listen to my heart…' Judy whispered, trailing the lines of Sirius' face with her fingers.
'Are you still here?' Madam Pomfrey asked kindly. Judy quickly hid the picture in between her clothes as she heard the other approach. 'I thought you'd jump at the chance to leave this place…'
'I was about to leave,' said Judy, turning on her heel. 'I just wanted to wait till most of the students were off to Hogsmeade. I'm not sure I can handle my House mates' questions all at once…'
'That's very wise of you,' said Madam Pomfrey. 'You should take it easy for a while. Just because you're released from my care doesn't mean you're fully recovered.'
'I know,' said Judy with a small smile. 'Thank you for your kindness, Madam Pomfrey.'
'Don't mention it, dear,' said Madam Pomfrey. 'Just promise me you won't return here any time soon?'
'I'll try,' said Judy truthfully.
'Now, you'd best be off. You've been cooped up in here long enough,' said Madam Pomfrey as she helped Judy lift the stack from her bed. 'Are you sure you'll manage, dear?'
'Yes, I'm sure,' said Judy quickly, balancing the pile in her arms. 'Thanks again.'
'You're welcome. Now, go on,' said Madam Pomfrey ushering her out of the hospital wing. 'You're now in need of magic that I can't give to you…' Judy cast her a confused glance. 'The magic of friendship, dear.'
Judy smiled. 'Goodbye, Madam Pomfrey.'
'Goodbye,' she replied with a short wave as she walked toward her desk.
Judy walked down the deserted corridor leading away from the hospital wing, carefully guarding her balance as her legs seemed to have forgotten how to walk straight. She bit her lip as she balanced her clothing, cards and candy in her arms while walking up the marble staircase. Every other staircase she halted to catch her breath, feeling as if she were climbing a mountain.
She finally reached the entrance to Ravenclaw tower, leaning against the wall as she looked at the bronze knocker shaped like an eagle. She really wasn't in the mood to answer a difficult question, not with her own questions claiming her mind. And then, as if the door had read her mind, it swung open, making Judy's jaw drop an inch.
'Oh, hello there,' said a dreamy voice as a girl with long dirty blond hair stepped out of the doorway. She wore a short blue dress with an orange shirt underneath, matching stockings and dangling earrings shaped like little oranges. Her shoes, however, were what attracted Judy's attention most. They were blue speckled with orange spots and they curled up at the front, ending in a pointy tip. They reminded Judy of the shoes wizards and witches wore in Muggle fairy tales.
'Hello Luna,' Judy smiled at her, always having liked the quirkiness of her House mate.
'I thought you were still in the hospital wing,' the younger girl said confused.
'I was until a few moments ago,' said Judy truthfully.
'You're feeling better then?' asked Luna with a bright smile.
'A little,' said Judy honestly. 'I think it'll be a while before I'm back to my old self.'
'Then I guess you won't be going to Hogsmeade today?' asked Luna interested.
'No, I think it's better if I skip it this time,' Judy replied.
'I suppose you'd better. Besides, I don't think you have much of a choice,' said Luna, thinking. 'Hagrid usually feeds the Thestrals in the afternoon, I don't think he'd let them pull an extra carriage.'
'You can see Thestrals too?' Judy let slip, cursing herself for being that careless.
'Yes,' said Luna meeting her eyes with an inquisitive gaze. 'My mother was an experimental witch…unfortunately one of her spells went wrong one day. I was there when it happened.'
'I'm sorry to hear that, Luna,' said Judy truthfully.
'Well, I've still got my Dad,' said Luna with a smile. 'What about you?' she asked interested.
'I saw my mother die too,' said Judy, not wanting to ignore the unexpected connection between the two of them. 'She was killed by a Death Eater,' she added without thinking.
'Oh, I'm sorry,' Luna looked at her sympathetically.
'That's all right,' said Judy. 'It happened a long time ago,' she looked back at Luna, hoping she wouldn't ask the question she'd already answered herself; Judy wasn't sure she could take being reminded of how she'd lost both of her parents. Not in her current condition, anyway.
'You know, I think I'll go and see if I can give Hagrid a hand,' Luna said as if sensing Judy's discomfort.
'Yes,' said Judy with a thankful smile. 'Would you mind holding the door for me before you go?'
'No, not at all,' said Luna kindly.
'Thanks,' said Judy, referring to more than just holding the door.
'Anytime,' Luna replied with a smile. 'I hope you'll feel better soon!' she called as Judy proceeded into the common room.
'Thank you!' Judy called back, hurrying inside as the pile in her arms threatened to topple over.
'Whoa there,' said an all too familiar voice as his arms caught a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.
'Thanks,' said Judy, balancing the remaining gifts. Aidan smiled as he took a box of Chocolate Frogs from her.
'Are you sure you can eat all this on your own?' he said amused.
'If I need help, you'll be the first to know,' Judy replied, playing along.
'How are you feeling?' Aidan asked, his tone more serious. Judy couldn't help but notice how his dark locks framed his face the same way as young Sirius' dark hair had framed his once handsome features.
'Tired...' said Judy in earnest. 'But all right,' she added with a confident smile.
'Yes…you look all right,' Aidan said sceptically.
'Yes well, I'd better get these things upstairs before everything falls to the floor,' Judy carefully reached for the box of Chocolate Frogs and took it from Aidan's hand. 'You can keep the Beans…I tried one yesterday and it tasted like earwax…'
'Well, in that case I guess it's safe for me to eat the rest of it,' he offered with a casual smile that didn't reach his eyes.
'By the way, are the others all off to Hogsmeade?' asked Judy, trying to make her voice sound casual as she looked around the nearly deserted common room.
'I believe they are, I didn't get up till after the carriages left,' he explained with a meaningful look.
'Had a rough night?' Judy asked amused.
'Something like that,' Aidan said with a mysterious smile as he put a dark lock behind his ear. 'I suppose you want me to spare you the details?'
'Yes, please. I'll see you later,' said Judy. 'Thanks for the card, by the way.'
'You're welcome.' He called after her as she walked up the staircase.
Judy entered the dorm, a little breathless from the small spiral staircase, walked to her bed, and held her arms above it to drop their contents on her mattress.
'I wouldn't do that if I were you,' Judy yelped and dropped the cards and sweets. Duncan hissed loudly as he struggled his way from under the pile. 'Now, I don't like cats…but that's just cruel.' Judy turned on her heel to face her room mate.
'I didn't do it on purpose!' she said quickly as she knelt to the floor to look for Duncan under her bed.
'I know,' said Abigail amused. 'You'd definitely be in Slytherin if you did that on purpose.' Judy couldn't help but laugh.
'Since when do you make fun of Slytherins?' she asked amused.
'I'm not making fun of them,' said Abigail, shocked. 'I'm just saying…I mean…'
'I know, I know,' said Judy reassuringly. 'Every House has its bad apples…' She reached out to Duncan and allowed him to sniff her hand. 'I'm sorry, I really didn't see you…' Judy said apologetically as he slowly walked toward her. She sat down as he approached her and allowed him to sit on her lap.
'Speaking of bad apples…' said Abigail as she closed her book. Judy only half listened, picking several plucks of dark hair from Duncan's fur. She smiled as she savoured the texture of the hairs, remembering vaguely how she'd clung onto the fur as a little girl.
'Padfoot…' she whispered with a small smile; for the first time all year feeling her heart warm with love, instead of freeze with fear.
'…are you listening?'
'What? Sorry, no…' said Judy as she looked up at her room mate.
'I said, I think Willow has lost it…'
'Lost it?' asked Judy confused.
'Well, she's been acting weird since you've been ill. She keeps to herself a lot and spends a lot of time up here, alone. If I hadn't seen her setting off to Hogsmeade with that George Weasley, I thought he'd broken up with her or something. She looks like she's been crying half of the time and it seems to have gotten worse since Black broke into Gryffindor tower and nearly killed Ron Weasley…'
'I'm sorry, what?' said Judy confused. 'Black broke into the castle again? When did this happen?'
'Last Saturday, the day of our match against Gryffindor,' said Abigail casually. 'The crazy idiot surprised him with a dagger in the middle of the night…'
'A dagger?' asked Judy, confused. 'Do you mean he meant to attack Ron?'
'Or just picked the wrong bed…' said Abigail darkly. 'I mean, if I were a Death Eater and I was still fighting for You-Know-Who's cause…I wouldn't put a dagger against Weasley's throat…I'd,-'
'Try to kill the boy who lived…' said Judy absently. She frowned as she caressed Duncan, lying lazily in her lap. Her mind worked overtime as it tried to fit the new information with what her heart, her mother's heart, was telling her. There was no way on earth that her father was out to take his godson's life…but then why would he break in his dorm with a dagger...if he tried to do so again…she had to make her preparations rather sooner than later. 'I'm going to the library,' she said, quickly getting to her feet as a protesting Duncan slid off her lap.
'Shouldn't you be resting?' asked Abigail sceptically.
'Not if I want to live through Potions…'
'I suppose you have a point…' said Abigail as Judy opened her trunk and started searching for her ink, parchment and quill. 'Just try not to pass out again, will you?' she said in a serious tone. Judy looked over her shoulder and met her room mate's eyes with a small smile.
'Thanks.' Abigail only nodded before turning back to her book.
Judy slung her bag over her shoulder and hurried down the spiral staircase. She was already halfway through the common room when a hand grabbed her arm.
'Hang on, where are you going?' Judy looked down and followed the hand, arm and shoulder to meet Aidan's dark eyes.
'Are you sure you want to lose that hand?' she asked in a dangerous tone. He loosened his grip with an approving smile.
'Come on, Byrne. Answer the question…'
'The library,' said Judy amused. 'I hope that's all right with you…'
'Yes, that's all right,' said Aidan as he picked up his schoolbag from the ground. Judy looked at him suspiciously. 'I was just heading the same way,' he said amused.
'You?' asked Judy confused. 'You'd rather spend your afternoon in the library than go visit Hogsmeade?'
Aidan cast her the same mischievous grin as her father had had in his younger years. 'I thought you would know it by now, Byrne,' he took her arm and led her out of the common room. 'I am full of surprises,' he said mysteriously, making Judy laugh.
The library was as deserted as every Sunday morning, Judy noticed as she and Aidan walked through the entrance doors and were welcomed by the sight of dark wooden bookcases and the smell of old books and parchment. Judy smiled as she inhaled the air deeply; it was more than a welcome change from the sterile air in the hospital wing.
'Where do you want to sit?' asked Aidan, gesturing at a few of the deserted tables.
'Ehm,' Judy hesitated as Madame Pince walked by with a stack of books. She really didn't need any prying eyes while she made the preparations for her plan. 'How about we take one of the smaller desks in the back?'
'In the back?' asked Aidan interested. 'Sounds like you've got something planned…'
'Oh I do,' said Judy mysteriously, playing along. 'I intend to do some very serious studying.' Aidan grinned and followed her toward the bookcases.
'You know, you never told me what you did to that shy dark haired girl I met in my first year….you know, the one that was always following Willow around…' Aidan added with a smile.
'Oh her,' said Judy amused, as she looked in between the bookcases, searching for the perfect spot. 'I don't know…I think Fred and George…how about we sit over there?' asked Judy, seeing a secluded and deserted corner.
'Yeah, that looks like a nice quiet spot,' Aidan agreed as they walked over to the desk. He took his bag from his shoulder. The hard thud on the floor indicated just how many books he'd crammed into it.
'Exactly how much homework do you intend to catch up on?' asked Judy amused as she put her lighter bag on one of the chairs.
'As much as I have to to get a good evaluation from Flitwick,' Aidan replied.
'Don't you think you're a bit late for that?' offered Judy amused. She stopped smiling as she saw the look in her friend's eyes. 'You're serious about this, aren't you?'
'It's my future, Judy. It's about time I got serious about it, don't you think?'
'Well yeah, but…I mean, I know you don't put more effort into school than you have to, but it's not like you neglect your homework…' Judy said as she sat down beside him.
'Believe it or not Byrne, but I got two P's at Christmas and I have to work harder than ever to turn them into A's before March…' Aidan said as he opened his books.
'Which subjects?' asked Judy interested.
'DADA and Transfiguration…the only two serious subjects I have…' he added, sounding slightly desperate.
Judy looked at him for a moment, feeling sorry for him as he leafed through his DADA book. Aidan had always pretended not to care much about his education, but being put in Ravenclaw meant that he did care about school. Much more than he'd ever shown any of his friends…just as much as he was showing Judy now…
She observed him for a moment, trying to ignore her urge to help him with his homework. She still had so much homework to catch up on herself, not to mention the preparations she had to make if she wanted her plan to succeed. Then again if Aidan would fail without her…Judy sighed in defeat, knowing she couldn't live with herself if she didn't help her friend out.
'Listen, I need to write a couple of letters…but when I'm done with those…how about we study together?'
'No, that's OK. I mean, you're so much behind with your own homework…'
'How about you don't worry about me, but I worry about you for a change?' asked Judy amused.
'You know, you are too good for me, Jude.' Aidan cast her a smile. 'Thanks.' He took her hand and squeezed it gently.
'Don't worry about it,' Judy smiled back at him. She turned to take her ink bottle, quill and parchment from her bag, but stopped as her eyes got caught up in all too familiar blue ones. Judy couldn't help but look back at Fred as he stared at her. 'I'll be right back,' she said to Aidan as she got to her feet and crossed the distance to the end of the bookcase.
'Are you all right?' asked Judy amused, stopping in front of her best friend. 'You look like you've seen a ghost.'
'Why aren't you in the hospital wing?' Fred asked confused.
'Because Madam Pomfrey released me,' explained Judy.
'And she told you to head straight for the library so you can work your way back into a hospital bed again?' Fred asked sarcastically.
'You know, I never thought I'd say this to you. But you worry too much, Fred.' said Judy amused.
'This isn't a joke, Jude,' Fred said seriously. 'You really need to rest.'
'I've spent three weeks in bed doing just that. You can't blame me for craving for homework…' she said innocently.
'Jude, I…you…' Fred shook his head.
'I feel fine. Trust me, Fred.'
'I have…I have all school year, but when I saw you in the hospital wing…' Judy looked back at him, her stomach once again tying itself in a tight knot as she recognized the look in his eyes; it was the same one Charlie had had the day she flew into the goalpost.
'Listen, Fred,' she said gently, putting her hand on his shoulder. 'I know that with everything that's going on, it must be hard to trust me in this. But I'll get through this and I really will ask for your help if I need it.' She said truthfully as she looked into his eyes.
'Swear it…' Fred said seriously.
'I promise you, Weasley. If I need help with this, you'll be the first to know,' she said affectionately. Fred sighed as he looked back at her. 'Come here,' said Judy giving him a tight hug and smiling as he returned it. 'I'm sorry I put you through this.'
'Just promise me I will never see you like that again,' he said, his voice laden with emotion. Judy closed her eyes for a moment, thinking on the path that lay ahead of her; a path that would claim more of her than she'd ever given before; a path that could make her balance on something worse than the edge of life and death.
Judy pulled back, intentionally meeting his eyes as she spoke. 'I can't promise you that…' she whispered hoarsely. 'I wish I could, but I can't…' Fred's lips curled up into a smile, much to Judy's surprise.
'I'd rather you tell me the truth than make a promise you can't keep,' he explained. 'Besides, if you come to me next time, I'll be there to catch you when you fall.' Judy smiled at him. 'Listen, don't strain yourself with doing Potions, all right? If Snape gives you a hard time, I'm sure Lupin will sort it out for you…'
'And if you don't watch your mouth, there will be a lot more to sort out than my Potions homework,' said Judy meaningfully, casting a glance at Aidan who seemed to be absorbed by his DADA book.
'Since when does he make his homework, anyway?' asked Fred in a forced casual tone, making Judy turn.
'I could ask you the same question, choosing homework over Hogsmeade,' said Judy amused.
'I've got my OWLS…' said Fred defensively.
'Well, then I don't think I should keep you from your studying...'
'Oh come on, Byrne. I need someone to blame…' said Fred amused.
'I don't think so,' Judy smiled at him. 'I'll talk to you later, OK?'
'Yes, all right,' he said, casting another glance at Aidan. 'If he tries anything…'
'Then I'll scream…' said Judy, rolling her eyes. 'Now go.' Fred cast her another grin before disappearing behind a large bookcase.
'A bit overprotective, isn't he?' Aidan remarked as Judy walked back to him.
'Oh, I don't know,' said Judy. 'He trusts me enough to leave me in the library on my own,' she said amused as she sat down beside him.
'I'm just returning a favour, Byrne,' Aidan offered innocently.
Judy smiled as she rolled out her piece of parchment on the dark wooden table. She dipped the phoenix feather quill the twins had given her in the dark blue ink, holding it over the bottle as she thought on which letter to write first. It didn't take her long to decide.
Dear Charlie,
Thank you for your letter. I am glad to hear that you are enjoying yourself working with the dragons. On the other hand, I have to admit I am not sorry to hear you miss me…because I feel exactly the same. No matter how short a time we spent together, I agree that it felt so familiar that I can't help but wish to see you again. I wish I could have let you known this sooner, but unfortunately something different than school has kept me from doing so…
You see, despite that part of me wants to protect you from this, I still feel I have to tell you that I've had another vision. A vision which cost me so much energy that I had to spend a few weeks in the hospital wing to recover. I assure you I feel much better now, though I am still a bit tired. I guess it will take me a while before I feel all better again. But even though I am not yet fully healed, I want you to know that despite the miles separating us, you've played an important part in my recovery so far. You see, there's something about you Weasley, something between us which gives me the strength to fight for my recovery, no matter how much energy I've lost. I know it sounds crazy as I write it down, but by simply holding the letter you sent me I felt your energy replenish my own. The only logical conclusion I can draw, is that just as you claimed I used my magic on you, you must have used yours on me. And for that I am very grateful…
As I told you at the Burrow my body and mind will probably get used to my gift in time…but what I couldn't tell you then was that in the meantime my visions may demand an even higher price than I paid at the Burrow…
Which brings me to the reason of this letter. As I said before, your letter had a protecting effect on me. It helped me recover from my loss of energy from the moment I touched it. It was then that I realised that with the visions that lay ahead of me, your protection is what I need to help me pull through. It was then that I realised that without it…
Judy stopped writing as she reread the last line. She'd known from that night in the hospital wing on that going through with her plan could cost her more than she could pay. That even with all the preparations she planned to make the chances of her survival were slim. But it was a chance she was willing to take…if it would give her a chance to prove her father's innocence she'd never forgive herself if she didn't grab it with both hands. She'd missed him too much, she still loved him too much…too much to let him go.
Judy reached into her jeans pocket and drew out her wand, laying it on the last line she'd written. She mumbled a spell and the ink letters erased themselves up to her last dot. The sacrifice she might have to make was one she was more than willing to make…but she knew Charlie would never help her if he knew the truth. Judy tried to swallow away the lump in her throat as she realised there was no way for her plan to succeed without her lying to the man she'd promised herself never to lie to.
It was then I realised that everything might be a lot easier if I could have your protection with me. If I could have something to think of you instantly, for example a photograph. Just something that will help me form a clear picture of you whenever I need it. I hope you will grant me my request.
In closing, I hope I haven't worried you too much with this letter. It's just that I've been keeping this a secret from so many people and I really felt the need to share it with someone. And there is no one else I would rather share this with than you.
I hope to hear from you soon,
Love, Judy.
She exhaled deeply as she lifted the tip of the quill from the parchment. She reread the letter carefully, making sure she'd written everything out as she had intended...making sure none of her words would transpire the fate that might lay ahead of her. After reassuring herself for the third time that the letter was written exactly as it should be she threw a thin layer of sand over the ink and put it in an envelope.
Now, for the second part of her plan…Judy picked up her quill again.
Dear Dora,
How are you? I know it's been ages since my last letter, but I am sure my uncle has informed you of what happened to me. You'll be glad to hear that I am doing all right now. Three weeks spent confined to a hospital bed made sure of that. Of course, I am still tired, but physically (and mentally) I am quite all right. I want you to keep this in mind as you read the rest of my letter. I assure you that every word written was well thought out.
Well, to begin…I am sure my uncle told you that I passed out because of a vision. A vision I summoned myself. I cannot risk telling you everything about what I saw, but I can tell you the most important thing of everything I've seen. Something that will sound crazy, but I swear with my whole heart is true. He is innocent, Dora. She believed in him and she knew, she SAW he was and would remain innocent. And furthermore, she saw it as clear as crystal. I am sure you know enough about Sight to know the implications of her vision. And I know you know me well enough not do anything, unless I believe in it with my whole heart. I believe in him, Dora. It took me twelve years to realise it, but I do...with my whole heart. Therefore, I hope you'll understand that I have to See for myself what my heart has been telling me all my life.
Trust me Dora, I know that what I've written down sounds insane. But still, I hope you understand my reasoning and are willing to consider helping me in this. I still need to sort out how to do this without any severe consequences, but what I do know is that I can't do this without your help. I hope I'll be hearing from you soon.
Love,
Judy
That would have to do, Judy thought as she put down her quill. She threw a thin layer of sand over the parchment before folding it up and putting it in an envelope. She lay her wand on the rim of the envelope muttering a spell under her breath to ensure Tonks would be the only one who could open it. Despite trying to keep the letter as safe as possible she knew that if it would fall into the wrong hands, she'd still be at risk. But with Tonks being such a vital part of her plan, she needed to take risks to convince her cousin to help her.
'Do you want me to post those for you?' asked Aidan, startling Judy.
'No,' Judy replied quickly as she put the envelope in her bag.
'Are you sure…I mean, you have to cross a lot of stairs on your way up to the Owlery.' Aidan explained.
'It'll be a good work out,' Judy offered with a smile.
'Jude…'
'Now who's being overprotective?' she offered amused. Aidan looked at her for a moment, before his lips curled up in a smile.
'Point taken…' he said guiltily. 'So, are you ready to help me with my homework?'
'You don't waste any time, do you?' Judy laughed.
'What? You didn't want me to be overprotective…' he offered as he laid his DADA book in front of her. 'Now, please explain to me why Lupin wears such shabby clothes…'
'And you're wondering how you got a 'P'…' Judy couldn't but laugh as she picked up the book. She would post the letters later that afternoon, she thought as she scanned the page, allowing herself to be a regular Hogwarts student on her first afternoon back.
Judy walked down the marble staircase alone that Monday morning. She'd waited for the others to leave the dormitory before getting up herself; she didn't want her friends to see how tired she still felt. Even her morning routine took up more time and energy than she'd expected, she could only guess how she was going to make it through a day of classes.
Judy grabbed hold of the banister as a bunch of first years rushed by her. She couldn't help but smile as she looked at the group running down the moving staircase. Despite what she'd been through in the past weeks, the knowledge of this part of her life always staying the same, managed to uplift her spirits.
'It's good to see you smile again, gorgeous.' Judy looked up and met Fred's eyes. She was glad she'd paid extra attention to her make-up and overall appearance, making sure every sign of her fatigue was properly concealed.
'You too,' said Judy honestly.
'Are you sure you're strong enough to face Snape?' asked Fred, a little concerned.
'I'm not worried about Snape,' she said absently, looking down as a mass of students filed out of the Entrance Hall and onto the marble staircase. It was easy to spot the two red heads, walking closely together. Despite the distance between them Judy couldn't help but notice Willow's pale complexion.
'How's Willow been?' Judy whispered, unable to ignore the emotions caused by the sight of her friend.
'Haven't you talked to her this weekend?' asked Fred confused.
'Not really…' said Judy guiltily, having done her utmost to avoid her best friend. She remembered all too well how angry Willow had been with her the last time they saw each other…she hadn't had the heart to face her friend and see those strong emotions again. Not in the state they both were in now.
'George says she's worried sick about you…' said Fred seriously.
'Is she?' asked Judy sceptically. 'I mean, last time I talked to her she yelled at me…and she didn't even sign the card the others gave me…'
'Yes, I saw that…' Fred mused. 'And I understand why you think that…but, well it's Willow. I mean, the Willow I know…'
'…would never abandon her friends,' Judy finished. She took a deep breath to still her emotions. 'She looks dreadful, Fred.'
'I know…George's been trying to help her, but she won't let him.'
'Help her with what?' asked Judy interested.
'Homework. Potions mainly,' said Fred. 'Ever since you…' he hesitated. 'Well, her grades have dropped drastically. It's like she's not able to focus…like her mind keeps wandering all the time. At least, that's what George tells me.'
'Knowing Will she probably won't tell him more…she always wants to fix everything on her own,' said Judy.
'That sounds familiar…' Fred said amused.
'I know…the pot calling the kettle black,' Judy agreed. 'I need to talk to her, Fred.' She said as she started walking down the staircase.
'No you don't…' Fred said gently as he put his hand on her arm.
'Fred…'
'Listen,' he looked into her eyes. 'I know you don't realise it yet, but you almost…well, you almost died three weeks ago.' Judy evaded his gaze. 'Look at me , Jude.' Fred said urgently. 'I know you. I know you want to be there for her, but you need to think about yourself now. You can't afford wasting your energy,-'
'But she's my friend, I have to…'
'You have to take care of yourself,' Fred pressed on. 'You won't help anyone by dying.'
'I am not going to,-'
'Aren't you?' Fred interrupted her. Judy looked down at her arm, where his hand still rested.
'Fred…' Judy looked up, now for the first time noticing the fear in his eyes. 'I need you to trust me.'
'I need you to do the same,' he said in a softer voice. 'George will help her through this, Jude.'
Judy nodded as she quickly wiped away a tear, knowing all too well that Fred was right. She knew that Willow needed her right now, and she wanted nothing more than to be there for her best friend…but in order for her plan to succeed, in order for her to prove her father's innocence, she couldn't afford spending her energy on anything else…not even her friends.
'Fine…I will trust you,' she said finally. She took his hand and lifted it from her arm.
'I need to hurry if I want to make it to Potions in time.'
'Then you better take this to make sure you don't faint on your way over there,' Fred said as he handed her a sandwich. 'I figured you'd be running late on your first day of school…' he explained.
Judy smiled as she leaned in and kissed his cheek. 'Thank you for looking after me.'
'Well, somebody has to,' Fred offered. He stepped aside as a group of students passed them. 'I'll see you at lunch, gorgeous.'
'Bye Fred,' Judy looked after him as he ascended the staircase. Her heart warmed as he halted on the fifth floor corridor to cast back a smile at her. It took her a moment to realise the sensation resembled the warmth she'd experienced when holding the card Charlie sent her.
She started her way down the stairs, realising that the bond she shared with Charlie, though strongest, wasn't the only one which could help her plans to succeed. If bonds of friendship could also provide her with energy and strength, she needed to make sure to strengthen those as well. Especially if others were weakening…she thought, seeing Willow's red blazing hair disappear from view.
Judy walked down the damp corridor, leading toward the dungeons, alone. Her conversation with Fred had taken up more time than she'd anticipated and she was now walking to the Potions classroom as quickly as possible. If there was anything she didn't need on her first day back, it was being late for Snape's class…
Judy entered the classroom carefully, scanning the room as she did so. Snape sat at his desk, his eyes on the papers before him. Judy didn't hesitate as she quickly moved to her desk and sat down. She took out her books, quill, ink and parchment, arranging them on her desk faster than ever before. As she looked up, however, she knew she'd failed at trying to fit back in without drawing any attention. Snape looked back at her with a malicious smile.
'Settle down,' he said in a raised voice. The other students fell silent. Snape rose slowly from his chair, his black cape rippling as he did so. He took his time to walk around his desk and he came to a halt in front of Judy's desk. 'Essays,' he said coldly. Judy rummaged through her bag and took out a roll of parchment. Snape arched a brow at her as she handed it to him. Judy couldn't supress a small smile.
'You finished it?' Willow whispered in disbelief as Snape walked away from them a moment later.
'Just barely,' Judy whispered back. 'I finished it last night.' Willow looked at her for a moment, before looking down at her book. Judy didn't know what words and advice went through her friend's head…but she was glad Willow didn't say anything further. She wasn't sure she could handle facing both Snape and Willow on the same morning.
The Potions lesson went as usual; Snape set them an impossible potion to brew. He walked passed the students, smiling as he noticed how the only Gryffindor in the class struggled with his assignment and how the Slytherin students were doing quite well. Connor and Chelsea too were well on their way to brewing the perfect potion. Judy and Willow had started out well, but without communicating at all, had gone wrong pretty soon into the lesson. Snape nearly grinned as he reached their desk.
'You may desist…' he said silkily. 'Once again you've proven that you do not deserve to be in this class…' Snape smiled as he whipped his wand at their brew. The fluid vanished instantly. 'You know Ms. Waters…' Snape spoke as he walked away from them. 'Even I expected better of you…'
Judy looked at Snape's back in disbelief. Willow sat down beside her, staring at the empty cauldron in defeat.
'But…'
'Don't,' Willow whispered. 'He's right…' Judy now looked at her with the same sense of disbelief. It was the first time since they'd known each other that she saw Willow like this. Defeated.
'Will…'
'Flask your potions and hand them in,' Snape said in a sinister tone. Judy looked at him for a moment, a bubble of anger forming in her heart as she noticed him looking down on Willow with a malicious smile on his face.
Willow kept her head down as she gathered her belongings. She didn't speak as she packed her schoolbag. She rushed out of the Potions classroom, bumping into a Slytherin boy as she rushed away.
'Don't even think of it, ….' Connor said in a dangerous tone, as the Slytherin reached for his wand. The boy gave Connor an annoyed look as he headed out of the classroom.
'What…' Judy began as she, Chelsea and Connor walked down the corridor. 'What just happened? I mean, Snape has always been mean toward her but this…and she didn't even say anything back…'
'Well, it's not like she can afford to with the way her grades have been dropping,' offered Connor.
'What do you mean?' Judy asked confused.
'He means that Willow hasn't really been keeping up with homework,' Chelsea explained as they walked up the marble staircase.
'That doesn't sound like Willow.'
'Well, to be honest, she hasn't been herself lately,' Chelsea replied. 'Not since …' she hesitated.
'…not since she found you.' Connor finished.
'Found me?' Judy asked confused. 'Willow found me?'
'Didn't anyone tell you?' Judy shook her head. 'She sent a Patronus to Professor Lupin and,-'
'Willow conjured a Patronus?' Judy asked in disbelief.
'Yes, I guess the threat of losing you gave her the strength to conjure a full bodied Patronus,' Connor mused. 'And as soon as she'd sent it she started with her healing spells. I overheard Lupin telling her that without those spells you might have…'
'Died.' Judy said, unable to withhold a tear. 'I can't believe she didn't tell me…'
'You can't?' Connor asked confused as they walked toward the Entrance Hall. 'Jude, you were on the brink of death…Willow knew you needed to spend all of your energy on your recovery. By the looks of you, you still need to…'
'Yes, I suppose I do,' said Judy quietly. 'But she needs someone to be there for her.'
'Well, isn't that what boyfriends are for?' Connor asked. Despite her own thoughts Judy couldn't help but notice the quick exchange between him and Chelsea.
'I've seen her with George quite a lot,' Chelsea added, ducking her head in the same way Judy did when she felt a blush coming. 'And Shania's been talking with her a lot.'
Judy looked at her friends, biting her lip as a feeling of guilt gnawed at her heart.
'You need to think about yourself, Jude,' said Connor reading her mind. 'Trust me, Willow has enough people around her to help her.'
'Yes, I know,' said Judy, unable to keep her lips from curling in a wry smile.
Thinking about herself, doing what her heart wanted to at this very moment was to rush after her friend and offer her the shoulder she obviously needed. She didn't stay away from Willow because she needed to take care of herself, she stayed away because she needed to take care of someone else. Someone who, in the end, might need her more than Willow did at this very moment.
'We'd better go,' said Chelsea, awaking Judy from her line of thoughts. 'Professor Binns mentioned something about a quiz coming up and I'd like to leaf through my books before he comes to class.'
'A quiz?' asked Judy surprised.
'Oh don't worry,' said Chelsea quickly. 'He knows you only left the hospital wing this weekend. He won't expect you to take it.'
'She's right, only Snape expects that…' said Aidan as he walked up to them with his familiar smile. 'Are you ladies ready to go?'
'We are,' said Judy, looking down at the arm he offered her. 'What do you expect me to do with that?'
'Use it to get up the stairs,' he said amused. 'You shouldn't strain yourself in your current condition.'
'Oh for Merlin's sake,' said Judy, 'please stop treating me as if I'm dying…'
'I will if you take my arm.'
'Fine,' said Judy in defeat, doing exactly as he asked. 'Now can we go?'
'I thought you'd never ask,' he said, leading her up the stairs. 'Are you coming?' Aidan looked over his shoulder at Chelsea and Connor.
'I'll be right there,' said Chelsea quickly. Judy put her hand on Aidan's cheek and turned his face back.
'Give them a little privacy,' she scolded as they walked on.
'But they'll see each other again at lunch,' Aidan rolled his eyes. 'You know, I'm ready to bet a Galleon that those two are going to take even longer to get together than Willow and George.'
'You know what?' said Judy, indulging herself once again as she slipped back into her normal sixteen year old life. 'I'm willing to take you up on that. I bet they'll be an item before the summer.'
'Ha!' Aidan's bark-like laugh took Judy by surprise. 'We've got a bet, Byrne.'
Judy shook Aidan's hand as they walked on, somehow noticing even more than before how much he resembled her father in his Hogwarts days with his dark locks reaching his shoulders, his slightly chiselled jaw, his boyish smile and the sparkle of amusement that never left his eyes. Judy tightened her hold on his arm and smiled at the memories reliving in her mind. And for the first time since she started working on her plan, realised that if it all went well, she'd finally be able to walk these same stairs on the arm of the father she'd missed out on for twelve years.
It wasn't until March that Judy finally managed to escape the castle. Since she left the hospital wing the month before she spent all her time on catching up on her homework, allowing herself to only put her own books down to help Aidan study his. In the scarce moments she had left she visited the library as much as she could, trying to work on the preparations for her plan. She searched the Divination section upon every visit and had found several books which seemed to be useful. But by the time she was finally able to read them, she quickly discovered they weren't specific enough for her plan and had discarded them. As a result, her search for information so far was unsuccessful to say the least, and with Easter quickly approaching that was not a comforting thought.
Judy looked back at the thick book on her lap, sitting alone in the Quidditch stands. She'd cast a spell on it to make sure the pages weren't affected by the weather; Chelsea would never forgive her if she hadn't. Judy lifted the dark green leather cover and scanned the golden intricate letters. Magic of the Mind: the Gift of Foresight. She'd borrowed it from her room mate that morning, deciding to go back to the basics to find her answers. Now she only had to leaf through 400 pages to find the information she needed...
Judy looked up as the pale winter sun slowly emerged from behind a deck of grey clouds. The Gryffindor Quidditch players flew over the pitch, their spirits unaffected by the cold as their uniforms stuck to their skin, soaked by the retreating winter shower.
Judy observed them from under her hovering umbrella, smiling at the familiar scene. The twins chased each other across the pitch, beating a Bludger to one another. Oliver and the Chasers practiced their aim at the hoops as Harry flew after the Snitch high up in the air.
She sighed as she looked back at her book, wishing she could put it away and spend the afternoon watching the Quidditch practice. She put a hand on her abdomen, unable to ignore the cold knot forming there as she realised how little time she had left to prepare.
'You're insane, you know that don't you?' Judy startled and quickly looked over her shoulder to see the origin of the voice…there was nobody there. She quickly looked over her other shoulder, but again did not see anybody. In fact, she was the only person in the stands.
'Who's there?' she asked cautiously, moving her hand to her right pocket where she kept her wand.
'Who do you think?' asked the female voice sarcastically. 'There can't be that many witches you know who spend their workday hidden on these grounds…'
'Tonks?' asked Judy surprised. 'Is that you?'
'Of course it's me,' she said exasperatedly.
'What are you doing here?' asked Judy confused.
'Well, you sent me a letter remember,' said Tonks seriously. 'We have to talk.' Judy looked at her shoulder as she felt a hand there. 'Classroom eleven?'
'Now?'
'No use in postponing it,' said Tonks as she lifted her hand from Judy's shoulder. 'I'll see you in a few minutes.' She didn't look back as the bench creaked when Tonks got up from her seat.
Judy put her book in her schoolbag, cast a drought spell on her umbrella and took it from the air. She got up from her seat and made her way to the stairs, stopping halfway as she realised she hadn't said goodbye to her friends. Her eyes met Fred's as she turned on her heel; apparently he'd noticed her leaving the stadium.
'Are you OK?' he mouthed.
'Fine,' she mouthed back. 'See you at dinner.' He nodded with a smile before returning to the practice session.
Judy held the strap of her schoolbag tightly as she left the stadium and made her way over the grounds. She couldn't help but glance at the Forbidden Forest every now and then, wondering if he knew what she had planned, wondering if he was watching her make her way back to the castle, wondering if his heart warmed as much as hers at the prospect of being reunited after twelve years.
'Sirius is the only one you should trust.'
Judy walked on as her mother's voice spoke in her head. It was the sentence which had convinced her of trusting her father, of trusting his innocence. A sentence which would never be strong enough to convince Tonks, Judy knew as she walked into the Entrance Hall.
She sighed as she turned and made her way to classroom eleven. No matter how many times she'd practiced the conversation in her head, she knew that there was only one way to convince her cousin, and that was to convey the feeling she had in her heart. Unfortunately that wasn't an easy task…
Judy looked over her shoulder to make sure the corridor was deserted and then entered the silent classroom. Tonks already sat waiting on a desk as she entered. She was wearing a pair of dark blue jeans, a pink sweater and matching sneakers. Her hair was also pink, though not as bright as usual. Judy recognized the change of colour as a sign that her cousin was troubled. Tonks waited for Judy to close the door and then cast a Muffliato spell.
'There,' she said, meeting Judy's eyes. 'Do you want to start or shall I?'
Judy dropped her bag to the floor. 'I think I said what I wanted to in my letter. You start.'
'All right,' said Tonks, leaping off the desk. 'Well, let me start with the fact that I think you're absolutely bonkers…'
'Thank you,' Judy said, failing to supress a smile.
'I'm not joking, Jude,' said Tonks seriously as she walked toward her. 'Do you realise you almost died from that vision you summoned?' she asked in an urgent tone.
'Yes,' said Judy quietly.
'Then how can you ask me to help you summon another?' Tonks asked in disbelief.
'Because I will be better prepared this time,' Judy answered. 'I'll be better protected against the consequences than I was last time.'
'And how will you manage to do that?' Tonks asked sceptically. Judy looked at her for a moment, only now realising she would have to tell her cousin about the bond she shared with an adult wizard in Romania.
'I'll tell you, but you have to promise me not to say a word to Remus.'
'Trust me, Jude. I have no intention of telling Remus about any of this…'
'OK,' she drew a deep breath. 'I have a boyfriend.'
'You…what?' asked Tonks surprised. 'Since when am I left out of the loop of your love life?' she asked, unable to keep herself from slipping into the role of friend again.
'Since my boyfriend is of age,' said Judy carefully.
'Of age?' asked Tonks. 'Is he a seventh year?'
'He used to be,' said Judy, evading Tonks' gaze.
'Do I know him?' Judy smiled as she saw her cousin look at her with nothing but curiosity. It felt nice to talk to her about this, the same way they had when they both were still at Hogwarts.
'Yes, you do,' said Judy truthfully. 'He was in your year, though not the same house.' Tonks' eyes widened. 'It's Charlie…Charlie Weasley.'
'Merlin's beard…you managed to catch him then, after all those years of quietly fancying him?' she exclaimed, unable to withhold her excitement about the news. 'Remus is going to kill the both of you if he finds out.'
'Which is exactly why he cannot know,' said Judy quickly.
'Yes…I understand,' said Tonks, her tone once again serious as she brushed a pink lock from her face. She started walking up and down the room, something she always did when she was thinking. 'What I don't understand is how Charlie fits into your plan.'
'Well, when I awoke in the hospital wing, there was a letter from Charlie,' Judy paused. 'I was feeling very weak, but when I took his letter and read it it warmed my entire body. That letter helped me regain my energy,' Judy explained. 'So I have asked Charlie to send me something to remind me of him instantly. A photograph.'
'You told him?' asked Tonks surprised, stopping in her tracks.
'I asked for a photograph to feel better,' said Judy. 'That's all he knows.'
Tonks turned on her heel and met Judy's eyes. 'Does he know you're a Seer?'
'Yes, I've told him that,' Judy smiled as she remembered how understanding Charlie had reacted to that revelation. She took the coral on the silver chain around her neck and rolled it between her fingers.
'What about your friends?' The pink haired woman looked at her intently.
'No,' Judy shook her head. 'I haven't told them.'
'Why not?'
'Because…' Judy sighed as the memory of the vision she had of her mother in her teenage years returned to her mind. 'Because I don't want them to think I'm a freak. I don't want to lose them.'
'You don't want to lose them?' asked Tonks interested as she pushed herself back up on the desk. 'You know, I've been here more than once in the past weeks, Jude. I've hardly seen you with your friends. You talk to Fred and George every now and then, but you and Willow don't even look at each other anymore…'
Judy looked at the ground as she spoke, allowing her long raven black hair to hide the tears welling up in her eyes. 'Willow hasn't been feeling well, because…'
'…because she saved your life,' Tonks finished. 'Because she's seen her best friend getting more and more ill over the school year and then finds her on the brink of death.' Tonks met her eyes as she looked up, confused that her cousin knew this. 'She didn't sign that card, because she couldn't take seeing you like this, not knowing what was happening to you. Do you have any idea how powerless she feels?'
'How do you know all this?'
'Because I've talked to her,' she paused. 'Remus immediately alarmed me and my parents when you were found. He thought you were dying and wanted to give us a chance to say goodbye. I sat at your bed for the first few days, and so did Willow.' Tonks chose her next words carefully. 'Judy, I don't think you will lose her if you tell her you're a Seer. I think you'll lose her, if you don't tell her. And in time, I think the same will go for Fred and George.' Judy didn't speak as she allowed Tonks' words to sink in.
'I don't know if I can, Dora,' she said finally. Tonks looked at her sympathetically.
'I'm afraid you'll have to,' she said. 'Listen, I'm sure your bond with Charlie is strong but you'll need more than a photograph from a boyfriend to get through this. You can't survive this without your friends.' Tonks cast her a reassuring smile. 'They will understand, Jude.' Judy looked at her cousin, suddenly realising what she was doing.
'Hang on…you're helping me,' she stated.
'I was wondering how long it would take you to figure that one out…' said Tonks amused.
'But, a few months ago you yelled at me for believing in Sirius' innocence. I mean, you just said I was insane.'
'I didn't take that back,' said Tonks with a smile, leaping off the desk and walking toward her. 'Listen Jude, I've known you since you were a baby…and I know you well enough to know you've made your mind up about this. You're going to do this with or without me…I just want to make sure you're going to survive.'
'But, I still don't understand,' said Judy in earnest as Tonks stopped in front of her. 'Why aren't you angry with me? Why aren't you trying to talk me out of this?'
Tonks looked at her sympathetically as she brushed away a tear from Judy's cheek with her thumb. 'Last year I was angry with you for believing in Sirius' innocence because you simply had no proof. But now you've Seen your mother's belief in him…I mean, I'm not saying that just because she believed in Sirius that he is indeed innocent. But from the short time I've known her, and from what others have told me, her visions were never wrong.'
'But,-'
'I just put myself in your shoes, Jude,' Tonks explained, her eyes turning moist as well. 'I mean, if it were my Dad I wouldn't stop at anything to prove his innocence. No matter what the cost.' Judy looked at her cousin for a moment, unable to hold her emotions back any longer. She flung her arms around her neck and gave her a tight hug. Tonks smiled against her cheek.
'Thank you,' she whispered, feeling as if a heavy burden had been lifted off her shoulders. 'Thank you for not letting me do this alone.'
'Don't thank me yet,' said Tonks as she pulled out of their embrace. 'Easter isn't that far off and we have loads of stuff to do.' Judy nodded in understanding. 'Like I said you have to strengthen your bonds with your friends, but that won't be enough.'
'What else do I have to do?'
'Well, it would be helpful to know more about Foresight and what could help to summon the right vision. You'll only get one shot at this so we need to make sure you See what you need to See.' said Tonks, thinking. 'Did you have any luck with those Divination books I've seen you walking around with?'
'None,' said Judy truthfully. 'I just haven't had the time with all of the homework I have to do for the exams.'
'That's what I thought,' said Tonks. She looked at Judy for a moment before speaking again. 'Listen, I'm not too fond about the idea myself, but…have you thought about talking to Trelawney?'
'The thought has crossed my mind,' said Judy honestly, her heart shrinking a little at the prospect of facing the Divination teacher. 'Do you really think she can help us?'
'Well, I doubt her Inner Eye will be of any use…I mean, it wasn't working in the years I was at Hogwarts,' she added, making Judy smile. 'But I bet she's read nearly every Divination book in the library. I'm sure she'll be able to help you with how to summon the vision you need.'
'I suppose you're right,' said Judy with a sigh. 'OK, so I have to figure out a way to tell my friends I'm a Seer and I have to face the teacher I've been avoiding since I started here six years ago…anything else?' she offered, as her heart threatened to sink deeper than ever before.
'Not for now,' said Tonks truthfully. 'I mean, it shouldn't be hard to keep this from Remus since he'll be staying at Hogwarts for Easter.'
'What about your parents?' asked Judy.
'Don't worry about them. I'll figure something out,' said Tonks, running her fingers through her pink hair. 'There's bound to be one day I can take you *shopping* without them asking questions…'
'Yes, there's bound to be,' Judy agreed.
Tonks nodded, her eyes looking past Judy's. 'Yes, I'll worry about them and you focus on your friends and your talk with Trelawney.'
'OK,' said Judy, as she bend over and picked her bag up from the floor. Tonks still had her eyes fixed on the wall behind her as she slung her bag over her shoulder. Judy recognized the look of concern all too well; it was identical to the cold feeling threatening to freeze her heart. 'I guess I'd better get back,' she said in an effort to avoid talking about the inevitable.
'Yes, so should I,' said Tonks, much to Judy's surprise. She hadn't expected her cousin to let her go so easily.
'I'll see you at King's Cross then?'
'Yes…' said Tonks absently. Judy quickly turned on her heel and made her way to the door. Her hand barely touched the doorknob as Tonks let out a deep sigh. 'Jude…'
She kept her back to her cousin as she replied. 'Yes?'
'You will survive this, won't you?' she asked, unable to keep a tremor from her voice. Judy turned on her heel to meet Tonk's concerned gaze; her hair was an even paler shade of pink than before. She closed her eyes for a moment as the memory of what Tonks had said when they last saw each other returned vividly to her mind.
'Jude, I know you've never lied to me in your entire life...'
'Of course I will.' The lie came more easily than she'd anticipated. She'd expected her heart to break as she lied to the only person in the world she'd always been truthful to…she hadn't anticipated to feel nothing at all. 'I'll be all right, Dora.' The concern in her cousin's eyes lifted as Judy cast her a reassuring smile.
'Good,' Tonks said relieved. 'I don't know if I can forgive myself if anything happens to you.'
'Don't worry,' said Judy, 'with all the necessary precautions I will be all right.' Tonks nodded. 'I'd better get back, Fred will be wondering where I've gone off to.'
'Yeah, of course. I'll see you at King's Cross.'
'See you there,' said Judy, still wearing her fake smile as she turned back to the door and walked outside. She closed the door carefully as a flock of students crossed the Entrance Hall in the distance, not wanting to attract any attention.
Her smile faded as she walked on and the realisation of what she did dawned on her. The numb feeling she had before was taken over by a sense of fear and sadness. The sense of relief she'd felt only moments ago faded back into loneliness as she realised she could never tell Tonks about the possible consequences of her vision.
For there would be consequences…Judy knew all too well that summoning the vision would cost her more energy than ever before, even with all of her preparations she didn't know whether she'd survive. It was a sacrifice she was more than willing to make for her father, she'd do anything to prevent his soul being taken by the Dementors; she knew she'd never forgive herself if she didn't try.
Judy wiped away a tear from her cheek as a horrible feeling of foreboding grew in her heart. For the first time that year she wished her gift had developed normally; for the first time she wished she could see the future.
'Jude?' She turned on her heel to meet Fred's eyes. He looked back at her, once again concerned, as she rushed toward him. Before he could react Judy threw her arms around his neck and held onto him tightly. 'Jude, what…'
'No questions,' she whispered as she laid her head on his still soaked Quidditch robes. 'Just hold me for a while.'
'Your wish is my command,' he replied, obviously faking the amused tone as he too held her tightly.