Author's note: Hello everybody. Again it's been a long time since I posted. But like I have always promised I will finish this one till the end! I am starting on the last chapter now, with possibly a short epilogue...I'm looking forward to finishing this journey with you. But I'm also feeling sad that the end is near. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Feedback is much appreciated!

Chapter 20

The Marauders

It was an unusual warm spring day that next Saturday. Judy lay on her belly on a red picnic blanket, her head resting on her hands as she read her Transfiguration book. With only a few more weeks to go till the end of term and with Dumbledore looking after Sirius, Judy spent most of her energy and spare time on studying. Though most teachers were satisfied with her achievements, she knew she had to work harder than ever in order to pursue her goal of becoming an Auror, especially in Potions…

She looked beside her and noticed Willow was fast asleep. She did that a lot lately, as if catching up on the sleep she'd lost while worrying about Judy's health. Willow's performance in class had fortunately improved drastically, which was also due to Snape's shift in interest; ever since their confrontation in Dumbledore's office, Judy was his favourite student to torment.

A gentle breeze uplifted a few strands of her hair and she followed the wind as it blew through the bright green grass and disappeared in the Forbidden Forest. Despite the bright sunrays it was utterly dark between the thick stems of the trees, lining the forest. She stared at the darkness, hoping to see the familiar eyes she'd seen once before. Hoping she could give him a sign that after twelve years everything was finally going to be all right.

Judy startled as something small exploded near her. Willow yelped beside her as she woke abruptly from her nap.

Fred rushed toward them. 'No casualties I hope?'

'You bloody idiot!' Willow exclaimed.

'Actually,' George said carefully as he reached their side. 'I threw that one. Sorry, Will.'

'Oh, that's all right,' she said, her anger instantly melting away.

'All right?!' said Fred, taken aback. 'You just said,-'

'How about we go for a stroll?' asked George quickly as he took Willow's hand and pulled her up. She ignored Fred completely as they walked away.

'You know, I don't understand what he sees in her,' said Fred, as he lay down beside Judy on the blanket.

'Well, then at least you won't have to compete with each other,' Judy offered as she turned around and smiled up at the sun. She closed her eyes as the rays warmed her.

'You're recovering fast,' said Fred gently.

'Too bad it wasn't fast enough to see Griffyndor win the Quidditch cup,' said Judy, still regretting she'd missed the finals.

'I don't think I'll ever forgive you for that,' said Fred gravely.

'I thought I had a good excuse,' Judy offered amused. She cupped his cheek as she saw the look in his eyes. 'I am the only one to blame for this, OK?' He nodded. 'I would have been worse off if you hadn't helped me.' She assured him. 'But you're right, there is no valid excuse to miss Quidditch.'

'Have you thought about the Quidditch World Cup yet?' asked Fred interested. 'My dad is trying to get us some tickets through the Ministry.'

'I've thought about it,' said Judy truthfully. 'But I really can't afford it.'

'Come on, Jude. It's Quidditch,' Fred pleaded.

'Fred, I've only got one more year at Hogwarts left,' Judy explained. 'I have to buy all sorts of new things to start Auror training. May be I'll even look for a small flat. I have to save money, I can't spend it all on Quidditch.'

'You and your priorities…' he said in defeat, as he leaned back on his elbows. 'Are you two best mates again?' Judy followed his eyes to Willow and George, walking in the distance.

'We're mates again,' said Judy honestly. 'But she doesn't trust me the way she used to.'

'Can you blame her?' Fred retorted.

'No,' said Judy, without flinching. 'Only myself. Why didn't you tell me I was being selfish?'

'Because I saw how torn you were already, by what you felt you had to do,' said Fred, looking at her. 'You were already miserable, I didn't want to make that worse.' Judy smiled at him, realising how good a friend he'd been in the past months.

'Well, well, well…aren't you two enjoying yourselves…' Judy sighed as she recognised Odelia's voice. She sat up as the Slytherin girl walked up to them. Dara followed closely and in their wake Abigail walked quietly. She avoided meeting Judy's eyes.

'We were until you showed up,' said Fred quickly. 'So if you don't mind…' he said, waving her away.

'I wasn't talking to you Weasle,' Odelia remarked snidely.

'It's Weasley. Honestly don't you learn how to spell in Slytherin?' Judy put her hand on his as she saw Odelia, fuming.

'Enough, Fred,' she said, under her breath, thinking on how the other girl might go to Snape and give him a reason to fail her in his class.

'Looks like you have a leash on that Weasle,' said Odelia, taunting them. Judy squeezed Fred's hand hard as he opened his mouth.

'What do you want, Odelia?'

'Want?' she asked confused. 'What could I possibly want from you…Mudblood.'

'Fred don't!' Judy called as he jumped up beside her. She quickly grabbed his arm as he went for his wand. 'Stop!' She said as she quickly blocked Odelia from his view. 'You are not going to risk expulsion because of her,' said Judy sternly. 'She's not worth it.'

'A very tight leash,-'

'Shut up,' said Judy, still looking at Fred and staying his hand. 'Shut up and leave.'

'Leave?! Do you really think you can command me? You stupid Mud,-'

'I said, SHUT UP!' Judy yelled as she turned on her heel, keeping her grip on Fred's arm as she felt him tremble with rage. It took her a few moments to realise she was trembling as well.

'May be we should,-'

'Shut up, Abby,' Odelia hissed. Dara looked at the exchange, clearly feeling uncomfortable as well. Judy looked from one girl to the other and then back at Odelia again.

'Why are you doing this?' she asked, her voice hoarse due to her anger. 'Why are you always doing this?'

Odelia laughed snidely. 'Why?' She started circling them. 'You really need to ask why?' Judy turned with her, staying in between her and Fred.

'Don't,' said Judy warningly, as Odelia walked on slowly.

'Don't?!' Odelia taunted.

Judy blinked as she saw the dark animal in the distance. His eyes were fixed on hers, his paws set as if to run toward her. Despite the distance between them, she knew Padfoot sensed something was amiss as much as she did. She just couldn't figure out,-'

'Snivellus.'

Judy looked at Fred. 'What did you say?'

'Nothing,' he said confused.

'I said,' Odelia continued, unaware of Judy's moment of absence. 'There is only one reason why, Byrne. And that is your filthy, Mudblood mother.'

Judy took a step forward, her wand already in her hand and pointed it at Odelia's heart. Much to her surprise, the other girl's eyes lit up with a sparkle of amusement.

'Ms. Byrne….' Her heart froze as she heard the ice cold voice. Snape's hand took a firm grip on her shoulder and turned her to face him. 'I'll take your wand.' He said silkily.

'Professor, you don't understand,' said Fred quickly.

'He understands perfectly, Fred,' said Judy, meeting Snape's eyes. 'Don't you, Professor?' She said, seeing right through his plans.

'I will take 50 points from Ravenclaw for attacking another student. And 20 for your insolence,' he said as he put her wand in his robes.

'Yes, sir.' She said evenly, squeezing Fred's hand as she felt him move.

'Professor.'

'OWLs, Fred,' said Judy warningly. She looked sideways as he closed his mouth. He squeezed her hand back, in understanding.

'Very wise, Mr. Weasley,' said Snape, unable to withhold a small triumphant smile. 'As for you Ms. Byrne. Detention, starting this Monday and ending when I say so.'

'Yes, Professor,' she said in defeat, hating herself for walking right into his trap.

'Ms. Pellyn. I will take ten points from Slytherin. And I trust you'll refrain from name calling in the future.'

'Yes, Professor,' she said with absolutely no remorse in her voice what so ever.

'Monday, eight o' clock, Ms. Byrne,' said Snape, turning on his heel and walking away from them. Her eyes followed his billowing cape in silence, hardly noticing the Slytherin girls and Abigail walking away. She turned her gaze to the forest where the black dog still stood, watching her from the shadows of the trees. Judy cast him a smile.

'What are you looking at?' asked Fred interested.

'Nothing,' she said with the same smile as she watched the all too familiar eyes disappear into the darkness.

'Then would you mind telling me what that was all about?'

'I think…I think it had something to do with my father,' she said truthfully. 'I mean, Snape has never been fond of me. But ever since he knows who my father is…it's like…he hates me.'

'Hates you? Do you think he knew your father?' Fred asked.

'I think so. They're about the same age. They were probably at Hogwarts together,' Judy mused.

'Have you asked Lupin?' Fred pressed on. 'He and your dad were mates, weren't they?'

'They were. But if he knows anything, he's refusing to share it with me.' She said regretfully.

'I can try and slip some Veritaserum in his tea?' Fred offered.

'You are not breaking into Snape's potions pantry,' said Judy warningly. 'I did not just stop you from risking expulsion, so you can try again.'

Fred rolled his eyes. 'Yes, Mum.'

Judy laughed as she lay down on the picnic blanket again. 'Come on. As of Monday, I've got detention with Snape for Merlin knows how long. Let's enjoy the rest of the day.'

Judy walked down the marble staircase Monday night, trailing the banister with her fingers. Her lips curled up in a smile while her thoughts wandered away from the castle. Her mind tended to do so ever since she saw Padfoot at the edge of the forest. It was all she could do to satisfy her urge to run away from reality and straight into her father's arms. It was all she could do to keep her promise to Dumbledore.

'We will save you,' Judy whispered confidently.

'Judy,' she stopped at the sound of the familiar voice and looked over her shoulder. Abigail quickly caught up with her. 'Can I talk to you?'

'I've got detention with Snape,' said Judy.

'I know, it won't take long,' she paused. 'I just want to tell you I'm…I'm really sorry about the other day. Odelia should never have called you a…'

'Odelia shouldn't have done a lot of things,' said Judy quickly. 'And you shouldn't apologize for her behaviour.'

'No. But I want to apologize for my own,' said Abigail hoarsely. 'I'm sorry I didn't stand up for you, Jude.'

'Don't be,' she said gently. 'I know why you hang out with them.' She said, remembering her chat with Abigail after the Christmas holidays.

'I spent Easter here at the castle,' Abigail answered, sharing Judy's memory. 'I didn't want to face my parents again…' Judy noticed her house mate's eyes turn moist.

'Abigail, the Sorting Hat does not make mistakes. It put you in Ravenclaw for a reason,' she said, putting her hand on Abigail's shoulder. 'And I think if you find out what that reason is, it will make you feel much happier, than trying to fit into a House where you'll never truly belong.'

Abigail's eyes suddenly flamed. 'You're wrong. I belong in Slytherin. I asked the Sorting Hat to put me in Slytherin!'

'But it didn't,-'

'Exactly! It didn't, because it's faulty. It made a mistake,' she said resentfully.

'Abby,'

'It made a mistake!' She yelled, before turning on her heel and rushing back up the stairs. 'And don't call me Abby!'

'Fine!' Judy snapped, allowing her hurt feelings to rule over her mind for a moment. She regretted it instantly.

She exhaled deeply before turning around again and continuing her way to the dungeons. Her eyes wandered over the paintings, as she tried to chase away the cold knot in her stomach. She never liked facing Snape, but she truly hated it now.

Lupin had reacted fiercely when he found out what happened. Judy had tried to keep it all a secret, but Fred apparently found it necessary to share the events of the day before with her uncle. Lupin had gone to Snape immediately, but had no success changing his mind. Judy even saw him heading to Dumbledore's office, but with no avail. She was certain Dumbledore refused to mingle in whatever was going on between her and Snape, remembering how he'd observed their exchange in his office.

She stopped outside of Snape's office and took a deep breath before knocking on the door twice. Snape's cold voice cut right through the thick wood as he told her to enter. It was a dimly lit room, Judy noticed as the entered the office. Shelves with glass jars filled with several potions, plants and slimy looking creatures adorned the walls.

Snape sat behind his desk, his hands folded in front of his mouth and his dark eyes focused on her. Judy closed the door behind her. 'Sit down, Ms. Black.' He said silkily.

'My name is,-'

'Your name is Black,' Snape cut across her. 'Sit down,' he insisted.

'Yes, sir,' she said, recognising defeat. She looked at the desk for a moment, before meeting his eyes. He looked at her in silence. 'Do you have an assignment for me, sir?' she asked evenly.

'Have you ever noticed how you and Potter are so much alike?' he asked maliciously.

'Me and Harry?' asked Judy confused.

'Yes, you and Potter,' Snape continued. 'He doesn't know about you, does he?'

'No,' said Judy carefully, not certain where the conversation was going.

'Dumbledore won't allow it,' he stated. Judy chose not to respond. 'It must be hard for you; seeing him in the Hall, oblivious to your existence. Especially since your parents were such close friends.' Judy met his hatred filled eyes as she felt her own harden with anger. 'I suppose you considered them as family?'

'They're dead,' Judy retorted. 'It doesn't matter what I considered them to be.' Snape surveyed her over his folded hands.

'But Harry…'

'It's been twelve years,' Judy continued, mimicking his cold voice. 'Harry is just a boy. Nothing more.'

'Apparently, you've only inherited your father's arrogance. Not his ability to deceive.' He leaned over his desk, locking their eyes. 'Don't lie to me, Ms. Black. It will bring you nothing but regret.'

'You find me arrogant?' said Judy, without thinking.

'So much like Potter…' Snape leaned back in his chair. 'Now, there is something you need to understand. During detention you will do all the work I give you. Every time you dare question me, it will cost you and extra evening. Do you understand?'

'Yes, sir. I will do as you say, no questions asked.' Judy said obediently.

'Good,' Snape said, satisfied. 'Tonight you'll assist me with grading first years' papers. You will correct their spelling.'

'Of course, sir,' said Judy as she took the stack of parchment from him. She remembered all too well the red stripes on her first Potions paper. She picked up a quill, laying to her left and dipped it in red ink, trying to ignore the images of disappointed first years playing before her eyes.

Judy awoke before her house mates that Saturday. She'd spent every school evening in Snape's office for three weeks, working on the assignments he gave her. He'd even sent her to the Potions class room once to rinse all of the phials, until he told her she could stop. It was well past midnight when he came to collect her, pretending to have forgotten all about her. Judy simply smiled at him before leaving the class room. She was thankful Lupin hadn't asked her why she'd fallen asleep in his class the next morning.

She yawned and stretched her arms and hands, flexing the fingers of her right hand, which were still hurting from all the papers she'd helped to grade. She didn't know how she would be able to hold a quill today, only that she had to. With the end of term drawing near, and all her weekly evenings spent in detention with Snape, she had to spend her weekend in the library to catch up on homework.

Judy tossed her blanket aside and quickly grabbed a pair of socks from the floor, before heading to the bathroom. When she returned, after a quick shower and a change of clothes, her house mates were still vast asleep. Even Duncan still lay curled up at the foot end of her bed. She lifted the stack of books from her night stand and crammed them in her shoulder bag, followed by a bottle of ink and a quill.

'What are you doing?' Willow whispered sleepily.

'I'm going to study in the library,' she answered. 'Don't worry, I saved a sandwich to eat on my way over there. I'll see you at lunch.'

'OK,' she said hoarsely as she pulled her blankets over her head.

Judy crossed the bed room tip toe and gently closed the wooden door behind her. The common room was, as she had expected, deserted. She picked up an apple from a nearby table as she headed to the marble staircase, thinking that whoever left it would just have to take a new one at breakfast.

She took a bite from the sweet fruit as she made her way down the stair case, quickly wiping away a dribble of sap rolling off her chin. She couldn't help but smile as she remembered how her father used to do exactly the same thing.

'You're off to an early start,' Judy smiled as she turned to her right and caught Lupin's eyes. He approached her from the third floor corridor.

'Goodmorning, Professor,' she beamed at him.

'You're in a good mood,' he observed as he stopped in front of her. 'Very curious.'

'Curious?' Judy arched a brow. 'I have a sweet apple in my hand, a stack of books in my bag, the sun is shining…why shouldn't I be in a good mood?'

'Well, I'm glad to see you smile,' said Lupin gently. 'It's good to know detention with Snape hasn't dampened your spirit.'

'Never,' Judy smiled at him. 'If anything I find it very amusing.' Lupin looked at her confused. 'Well, with all the evenings I spend in his office, I have to spend my weekends in the library to catch up on homework.' She grinned. 'What's your excuse for being up so early?'

'The moon is waxing,' he explained. 'Some nights I can feel it grow. It makes me feel restless.'

'You are still taking the Wolfsbane potion?' asked Judy cautiously.

'Of course I am. And I am sure Professor Snape puts all his effort into making it perfect for me.' He added, cupping her cheek. 'Worry about your homework, not about me,' he said affectionately. 'I suppose I'll see you at lunch?'

'Gorgeous!' Judy looked sharply over her shoulder as Lupin turned his eyes to the origin of the voice as well. 'Off to study, I presume?' said Fred as he reached her side. 'Mind if I join you?'

'Not at all,' said Judy with a smile.

'You won't keep her from her studying, I trust?' Lupin said sternly.

'Never, sir,' said Fred. 'I wouldn't forgive myself if she scores anything less than an Outstanding for her courses.'

Lupin smiled. 'I'll see you two later.'

'Bye Professor,' both of them said in unison as he walked away from them. Lupin gave them a short wave as he continued his way back to his office.

'So, how are your nights with Snape?' Fred asked as they continued their way to the library.

'Evenings,' Judy corrected. 'Very interesting actually. He definitely hates my father. So I don't stand a chance at getting an Outstanding anymore.'

'He can't fail you because he hates you,' said Fred convinced. 'Dumbledore would never let him.'

'I don't know, you should have seen him look at me,' said Judy thinking. 'He must have hated Padfoot.'

'I'm sorry, who?' asked Fred as he held the door to the library.

'Padfoot. That was his nickname,' said Judy affectionately. 'I used to call him that when I was little.'

'Padfoot…' Fred mused as they walked through the library. It was so early, even Madam Pince wasn't even present yet. 'I know that name…'

'We really are the first ones here,' said Judy, looking around at the deserted tables.

'He's one of the Marauders,' said Fred suddenly.

'What?' Judy asked, confused.

'Padfoot,' said Fred. 'He is one of the Marauders. He made the map.'

'Oh, yes,' said Judy distractedly. 'I know. I saw his name when we used it last year.'

'What about the others?' asked Fred. 'Moony and Wormtail and…'

'Prongs!' Judy exclaimed without thinking.

'You knew him too?' Fred asked interested.

'I think,' she waited as her mind raced.

Sirius…James…Remus….Peter

'I think I knew them all,' she said, truthfully. 'I wonder…' She looked over her shoulder to make sure they were alone. 'You never saw Black on the map, did you?'

Fred shook his head. 'We checked it after he was sighted last year. His name never showed up on the map.'

'What about Peter?' she mused. 'Peter Pettigrew?'

Fred looked at her, thinking. 'Well, I'm sure I've seen a Peter once or twice. But I don't know if his name was Pettigrew.'

'Do you have it on you?' Judy asked suddenly. 'The map, I mean?'

'We gave it to Harry, right before Christmas,' said Fred. 'He wasn't allowed to go to Hogsmeade, so we gave it to him so he could sneak out of the castle unnoticed.'

'Knowing Black wanted to kill him?!' Judy exclaimed, stunned by his carelessness.

'Only he wasn't, was he?' Fred retorted.

'Only you didn't know that back then, did you?' Judy replied quickly. 'Fine, so Harry has the map.'

'Actually…I think Ron told me that Harry got caught when he visited Hogsmeade in February.'

'Then who has the map?' asked Judy confused.

'Lupin,' Fred said with a grin. 'You should have no trouble obtaining it from him…'

'Very funny,' Judy rolled her eyes. 'I think after Snape he's the person who will be the most difficult to convince. He knows I promised Dumbledore to let it go…I have to think about this…'

Fred hooked his arm through hers. 'Might as well take our books out then.' He said as he led her to a small table in a remote corner of the library. 'Remember, I promised to help you get an Outstanding in every course.'

'An Outstanding for Potions?' Judy arched her brow.

'Ha!' Fred laughed.

'Shush!' Both looked over their shoulder as Madam Pince walked into view.

'Challenge accepted,' he whispered with a grin.

It was eerily silent in Lupin's office. Judy didn't like the atmosphere, created by the darkness and the array of creatures adorning the wooden shelves. She'd never understood how Lupin could spend so much time in here, without becoming utterly depressed. It was a contradiction which had become more and more apparent over the years. Lupin's preference for dark and pale colours, and her own for white and bright colours. She felt completely out of place with her bright blue vest and pink dress. She was contemplating whether to go back to Ravenclaw tower and change into a darker attire, when the door suddenly opened. Lupin stopped in the doorway for a moment, surprised to see her there.

'I made tea,' she offered apologetically.

Lupin closed the door. 'Good, because I was wondering what would be a good explanation to break into my office.'

'I used the Alohamora spell,' she said. 'I didn't do it the Muggle way.'

'Well, I'm glad to hear you are performing magic out of class,' said Lupin sarcastically.

'All right, all right. I'm sorry,' she said, picking up the teapot. 'Put me in detention if you wish, but this couldn't wait.' Lupin sat down opposite her as she poured him a cup of tea.

'Thank you,' he cast her a small smile. 'Now, tell me what emergency happened since I saw you this morning?'

'Fred told me you have the map,' he looked at her confused. 'The Marauder's Map.' Lupin sipped his tea quietly. 'You made it, didn't you? With Dad, James and Peter. You're Moony, James was Prongs and Peter is Wormtail.'

'So the map belonged to the Weasley twins?'

'They gave it to Harry, so he could go to Hogsmeade,' Judy explained. 'And yes, I already told Fred how reckless that was.'

Lupin smiled at her. 'I figured it was only a matter of time, before you figured it out,' he said in defeat. 'Padfoot was your first word…' Judy smiled before sipping her tea. 'Why are you interested in the map?'

'Well, when Sirius was sighted in Hogsmeade, I asked Fred and George if they ever saw him on the map. They said they didn't,' she paused for a moment. 'But I was thinking…did they ever find Pettigrew's body?'

'Judy…' Lupin sighed.

'Were they all Animagi?' she continued. 'I know Sirius was.' Lupin quickly cast a Muffliato spell at the door. 'Why were they called Prongs and Wormtail?'

Lupin looked at her for a moment, clearly contemplating his next words. 'James was a stag…and Peter a rat.'

'I thought all Animagi were registered at the Ministry?'

'Not the Marauders,' said Lupin amused. 'Not to this day.'

'Did they ever find Pettigrew's body?' Judy repeated.

Lupin looked at her for a moment, before responding. 'You know they didn't. All they found was his finger.'

'What if Sirius never killed him?' Judy continued. 'What if he's still alive?'

'Stop.' Lupin's eyes flashed with anger.

'He can turn into a rat, Remus. He could be hiding anywhere in the castle!'

'Stop.'

'May be if we check the Map,-'

'I said stop!' Lupin slammed his saucer and cup on the table. 'You made a promise,' he said angrily. 'You promised Dumbledore you would let it go.'

'But Remus, if Peter is still alive,-'

'Enough, Jude!' Lupin said strained. 'Dumbledore promised to save Sirius, but only if you stop these foolish attempts to rescue him.'

'But he's my dad!'

'Now, you listen to me young lady. I have been protecting you all your life, but if you keep this up, people are going to find out who you are. What do you think will happen if one of the students discovers your true identity? There's a reward on Sirius' head, no wizard or witch will hesitate to turn you in. Fudge will use you to find your father, to lure him to the Ministry and then he'll receive the Dementor's kiss.' He waited only a short moment. 'And that will be your fault.'

Judy looked at him, on the verge of tears. 'Why would you say that to me?'

'Because it's the truth, Jude.' Lupin retorted. 'You will get him killed and yourself along with it.'

'I am just trying to help…'

'And I am telling you to stop.' He said coldly. 'You promised Dumbledore you would stop.'

Judy kept her eyes on him as she stood up. 'He asked you to be my guardian…you're supposed to help me get him back.'

'I promised your father I would protect you. No matter what,' Lupin corrected. 'I know this is not what you want to hear and I know I'm breaking your heart. I can see it in your eyes. But this ends here.' He swallowed as Judy noticed the emotions in his eyes. 'You're not only gambling with your life…and I raised you better than to be this selfish.'

'I hate you,' she blurted out, knowing very well her words were more aimed at herself than the man before her. She turned on her heel and ran out of the office and down the corridor, tears spilling from her eyes. She knew the rational decision would be to let it all go, but she'd already spent most of her life making rational decisions. Weighing every word and every decision a hundred times in her mind. For once, she didn't care that her emotions took the better of her.

Judy made a turn at the marble staircase and ran toward Ravenclaw Tower. She was lucky enough that a fellow student exited the common room as she entered, avoiding having to answer a difficult question. She sprinted through the nearly deserted common room and rushed up to her dormitory.

Willow sat up in her bed with a book and looked up in surprise as Judy appeared. She let her book fall from her hands as Judy fell into her arms, crying.

'Calm down,' said Willow, stroking her long dark hair. 'Breathe.'

'You have to help me,' Judy sobbed uncontrollably. 'I can't let it go. I have to do this. I have to save him.'

'Jude, breathe,' Willow said calmly. 'Come on, in and out. In and out. Catch your breath for a moment.'

'He doesn't understand. The things he said to me…he hates me.' She cried.

'He doesn't hate you,' said Willow soothingly. 'He's spent most of your life protecting you. The thought of you endangering yourself must be frightening. My mom told me about the state he was in when you were in that coma. It nearly ruined him, Jude.'

'But I'm not out to ruin anybody,' said Judy, pulling back. 'I just want to help.'

'You want to rescue your father,' Willow whispered. 'No matter what the cost and I understand that. But we are all paying a price for your actions. Lupin, Dora, Fred, me. You can't keep putting us through this.'

Judy looked at her for a moment. 'Fred told George about the map, didn't he?' Willow nodded. 'All I asked for is to have a look at it.'

'And what if you saw that Peter Pettigrew on it?' asked Willow. 'What would you risk to find him?'

'Everything,' said Judy, without a thought. 'I mean…' she hesitated as she saw the look in Willow's eyes. 'I'm sorry. I didn't mean…'

'You're letting your emotions rule over your mind. This is not like you, Jude.'

'May be I've been letting my mind rule over my emotions for too long,' she retorted.

Willow rolled her eyes. 'Fine, then we'll be irrational for a change. What do you want to do?'

'I want to see him. I want to go to the forest and hug him. And I want to ask him how I can help him prove his innocence. I want to save him. I want my father back.' She said in one breath.

'He's in the Forbidden Forest?' asked Willow surprised. 'I had no idea.'

'I've been seeing him at the edge of it every now and then. It's like he's trying to look out for me.'

'You know we'll be breaking at least 20 school rules, going out after dark?' said Willow, contemplating the idea.

'You'll come with me?' asked Judy confused.

'You might break one less rule with a Prefect by your side,' Willow said with a small smile. 'Besides, considering how you end up at the end of your adventures with help by your side…I'm not going to let you do this on your own.'

'What about being rational and thinking this through?' Judy quickly wiped her tears away. She looked around the room, only now noticing her roommates weren't there.

'This is about love, Jude. There is no rational decision when it comes to that,' offered Willow. 'Trust me, I think that's the most important lesson I've learned all year.' Judy smiled. 'So, when are we going to do this?'

'Tonight,' said Judy. 'The sooner the better. It's just…'

'What?'

'I have to tell Charlie,' she said remembering her promise. 'He said he wanted to have a choice whether to support my decisions or not. If I do this without telling him and something goes wrong…'

'Well, Flooing is the only option then,' Willow concluded. 'And you'll need an empty common room for that. Merlin's beard, this isn't going to be easy.'

'I know. I'm sorry,' said Judy apologetically. 'Thanks for not letting me do this alone.'

'You can thank me after,' Willow replied. 'If we make it out without detention and in one piece. I hate the Forrest,' she added as an afterthought. 'Just promise me, not a word to Fred and George. They'll tell on us as soon as they hear what idiotic thing we're up to.'

'I won't,' Judy held her stomach as she felt an all too familiar sensation.

'What's wrong?' asked Willow worried.

'A cold knot in my stomach,' Judy said. 'Like trouble is coming.'

'Well, I'm sure it has absolutely nothing to do with our plans,' said Willow, only half amused. Judy cast her half a smile, seeing the same hint of fear in her friend's eyes as she felt gnawing at her heart.

She sat on the dark blue rug in front of the fireplace. Her legs crossed under her in a lotus position. Despite the season she'd decided to wear the jumper Mrs. Weasley made for her for Christmas. She held the red coral in between her index finger and thumb, rolling it back and forth, like she always did when she thought of Charlie.

Judy wasn't sure how long she'd been sitting there, when she heard soft footsteps making their way down the spiralling stair case. She didn't bother to look over her shoulder, somehow she knew it was Willow approaching her.

'Oh good, you're ready,' Willow whispered as Judy heard her come nearer.

'Actually,' Judy hesitated.

'Oh no, you're doing this,' Willow said as she walked briskly to the fireplace. She took a handful of Floo Powder and threw it in the fireplace. 'You're going to do this right, or we're not doing this at all.'

'But,-'

'Now, Jude!' she hissed. 'Every second you waste is heightening our risk of discovery.'

Judy crawled to the fireplace on her hands and knees and pushed her head in the emerald flames. 'The cabin.' She whispered and immediately different fire places flashed before her eyes. The images before her then suddenly stopped and she looked into a small cosy living room, recognizing Mrs. Weasley's quilt on the couch. She couldn't help but feel right at home.

'Charlie?' she whispered into the dark room, hoping he wasn't fast asleep in his bed. Something which was very likely since it was past midnight.

'I'm here,' he rushed into view, startling Judy so much she nearly pulled her head back out of the fireplace.

'You're up,' she said surprised. 'How did you know?'

'I don't know,' he said, sitting down on the couch with a glass of Firewhisky in his right hand. 'I just…I just had this feeling, I guess.' He said, looking at his glass, a little confused. Then he suddenly looked up. 'What's wrong?'

'Nothing….yet,' she added quietly. Charlie looked at her attentively. 'I just felt I had to tell you…'

'Tell me what?' he asked, sitting on the edge of the seat.

'I'm going to look for my father in the Forbidden Forest. Now.' She said, eyeing his reaction.

'Why?' he asked, a flicker of fear in his eyes.

'I think the man who betrayed Lily and James Potter is still alive. But Lupin won't believe me,' she paused. 'Charlie, if he's alive,-'

'You can save your father,' Charlie finished. 'You can prove his innocence.'

'Exactly,' Judy smiled at him. 'You understand why I have to do this.'

'I understand…' he sighed and swirled the amber liquid in his glass. 'But I don't like it…at all.' He added, before taking a large gulp of Firewhiskey.

'Well,' said Judy quietly. 'You have a choice.' Charlie looked at her with a sad smile.

'Do I?' he asked softly. 'Jude, if something happens to you, I don't think I,-'

'I'm not asking your permission,' she retorted. 'If anything happens it will be my own stupid fault.'

He emptied his glass.

'Are you sure this is what you really want?' he asked. 'Do you want to risk everything for him?'

'Yes,' she said hoarsely. 'I'm sorry. But I'll never forgive myself if I don't. You don't have to,-'

'I do,' he said, getting up from the couch and kneeling in front of the fireplace. 'Please be careful, love.'

'I will,' she promised. 'Willow is going to help me.' She startled as she felt a hand on her shoulder. 'I have to go. I'm sorry to put you through this.'

'This is my choice,' he said reassuringly. 'Floo me as soon as you can.'

'I will,' she said as the hand tugged on her shoulder. 'I have to go.'

'Jude, I lo-' his voice faded as she pulled her head out of the fireplace. Willow sat beside her, looking at her apologetically.

'It's OK,' said Judy putting her hand on Willow's. 'We have to go.' She said as she got to her feet.

'He chose you, didn't he?' Willow asked gently as they left the common room. 'I knew he would,' she said as she noticed Judy's smile. 'Hang on.' Willow tapped her head with her wand, sending a trickling sensation down Judy's spine. She then did the same to herself and Judy saw how the Disillusionment charm hid them both from view.

'What about the Aurors?' Judy whispered. 'Won't they detect us?'

'They're using the same spell,' said Willow reassuringly. 'By the time they figure it out, we'll be on the grounds.'

They descended the marble stair case as silently as they could, halting every now and then when one of them believed they'd heard footsteps which weren't their own. Halfway down the marble stair case they decided to hold hands, so they could squeeze the other whenever they noticed anything out of the ordinary. They made it all the way down, without any real danger, when Willow suddenly stopped.

Judy quickly looked around, not seeing anything out of the ordinary. It wasn't until she heard a meow that she looked down and saw Mrs. Norris strutting up to them. She carefully pulled Willow against the wall to their left and pressed herself against the cold stone as hard as she could. Mrs. Norris stopped in her tracks, her eyes following them inquisitively, but looking right through them.

'Anything there, my sweet?' Filch asked, popping his head around the corner of one of the rooms nearby. Judy could feel her heart beating in her throat as Mrs. Norris carefully walked up to them.

Willow squeezed her hand hard. 'Now or never,' she whispered as quietly as she could. Judy broke into a run without a second thought, pulling a staggering Willow along in her wake. Fortunately Willow quickly found her footing and quickened her pace. Judy heard Mrs. Norris hissing as they made their way down the Entrance Hall. They halted at the large wooden doors, looking over their shoulder.

Apparently Filch had chosen not to rely on his cat's instincts tonight, as Mrs. Norris still looked at them from a distance, but the caretaker was nowhere to be seen. Before Judy realised it, Willow had opened the door and pulled her outside in the night's air. Her friend closed the door as quietly as she could. This time she pulled Judy along, toward the forest, in a pace which quickly left her gasping for air.

'Will,' she managed to say. 'I can't,'

'You have to,' Willow called over her shoulder, running like she was in a Muggle marathon.

Judy didn't know how long they ran across the grounds, only that they reached the Forbidden Forest at the exact time her legs gave in. Her knees buckled as soon as they came to a halt. Willow tapped her head again and then her own, making them both appear out of thin air.

Judy lay on her back, gasping for air and doing her utmost to keep herself from hyperventilating. Willow sat down beside her, she too had to struggle to steady her breathing. They risked a few minutes, allowing their adrenaline level to subside before continuing their mission.

'Are you all right?' asked Willow hoarsely. Judy nodded. 'Do you know where he is?' she asked. 'It's a big forest.'

Judy shook her head. 'He usually just appears at the edge,' she said. 'Last time it was like, like somehow he knew I needed him. I don't know how,-'

'Shhhh,' Willow shushed her. 'Did you…did you hear that?'

'What?' asked Judy, listening attentively.

'I thought I heard leaves rustle or,-' she looked over her shoulder and yelped. Judy looked in time to see a dark mass jump in between them. She felt the rough structure of the dark pelt, brush past her skin. In the corner of her eye she saw Willow reach for her wand.

'Don't,' she said, staying her friend's hand. She looked in front of her and smiled as she looked straight into the eyes of the black bear like dog she knew so well. But even in his Animagus form, she could clearly see the toll the years had taken on him.

'What do you mean 'don't'?' said Willow, almost panicking.

'He's an Animagus,' said Judy with a smile, outstretching her hands. Padfoot hesitated only for a moment, before walking into her embrace. She clung onto him as strongly as the young girl in her vision. 'Padfoot,' she giggled as he nuzzled in her neck.

'This is…' Willow looked at the exchange in disbelief.

Judy smiled as Padfoot pulled his head back. His grey eyes looked at her with pride, but also sadness.

'I'm here to help you,' said Judy. Padfoot took a step back shaking his head. 'You asked for my help,' she reminded him. 'I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. But I'm here now.'

'I don't think he wants your help,' said Willow carefully.

'Of course he does,' said Judy quickly. 'You asked me to help you,' she said as Padfoot continued to shake his shaggy head.

'Why won't he change into himself?' asked Willow curiously. 'He can use on of our wands if he has to.' She offered her willow wand to Padfoot, but he barked and took another step back.

'Padfoot…Sirius…' said Judy confused.

Willow shivered. 'It is me or is it getting chilly?'

'Don't be silly, it's spring,' said Judy amused. She looked back at Padfoot, confused by the hint of alarm in his eyes.

'I'm serious Jude, it's cooling down fast and it feels like…' Willow stopped talking. Judy didn't have to ask why as the cold knot in her stomach spread to her heart.

'They're not here for you,' she said reassuringly. 'They can't sense you Padfoot, that's why you've managed to hide from them for such a long time.'

'Judy, we have to go,' said Willow, jumping to her feet. 'We both can't do a Patronus.'

'I can,' she lied, looking straight into Padfoot's eyes. She knew it was the only way she could save him now. 'I can,' she repeated as Willow wanted to protest. 'Pettigrew is alive,' she said, 'but you already knew that,' she continued as she saw no surprise in his eyes. 'That's why you're here.' He nodded.

'Judy,' Willow pressed, as dark cloaked figures approached them rapidly in the star light sky.

Judy quickly jumped to her feet. 'Run!' She yelled at Padfoot. 'Hide! Now!' He hesitated. 'Dad, please! RUN!' This time he obliged, rushing back into the forest.

'Jude, do you really,-'

She grabbed Willow's hand. 'You have to run. They're here for me. They won't chase you.'

'But I can't leave you.' She protested.

'Run inside and get the first teacher you meet, even if it's Snape.'

But,-'

'GO!' She yelled, pushing her friend away. Willow finally did as she asked, running away from her, sobbing.

Judy quickly pulled her wand from her jeans pocket and summoned every happy memory she could as the darkness closed in on her. Sirius sang her a lullaby as Briana's lavender perfume surrounded her. Lupin held her close after a bad dream. Tonks cheered on the Gryffindor Quidditch team by her side. Fred put his arm around her as she felt homesick. Charlie pulled her in his embrace and kissed her for the first time.

'Expecto Patronum,' she whisked her wand as a warm feeling settled in her heart. A small puff of white light erupted from her wand and died. 'Expecto Patronum,' Judy repeated as the warmth competed with the cold, instilled in her heart by the dozen Dementors approaching her. Again the white light faded.

'Expecto…' she shivered as the Dementors descended from the sky, their rattling breaths drawing in one memory at a time.

'Expecto Patronum!' She screamed at the top of her lungs, watching a white shield erupt from her wand. She managed to deflect the first two Dementors, flying toward her. When the shield broke, a wave of ice seemed to overtake her and she fell to her knees, as a third Dementor flew over her.

She could feel them slipping now, her happy memories. Like little grains of sand through her fingers as the Dementors formed a dark cloud above her.

Willow faded….then George….then Fred…then Tonks…then Briana…then Lupin…then Sirius…and finally…

'I'm sorry, Charlie….' She whispered hoarsely as the last bit of warmth was sucked from her body.

'EXPECTO PATRONUM!' A familiar voice called.

The spell echoed in her mind as darkness finally overtook her.