Chapter Nine: February 1976

"That will be all, thank you," Albus called. With that, the members of the Order of the Phoenix began to collect their things and leave the table. Albus, however, only had eyes for his wife. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, I am," Minerva said. Her tired eyes betrayed her, and based on Albus' soft but inquiring gaze, he knew she wasn't all right at all. She lowered her voice. "I'm just upset to hear about Harriet and her family, that's all."

"I know you were close during your Hogwarts years," Albus said softly.

Minerva snorted. "We lived together for seven years. So, yes, I'd say we were close." She sobered for a moment. "We never spoke much after leaving Hogwarts—the odd Christmas card, and I knew she was married, but I never met her children."

"It's a shame," Albus muttered.

Oh, he hated war. Whilst Albus was not afraid of his own death, the senseless number of lives murdered as a result of Tom Riddle's ego was irritating him. He was even more irritated when he had to inform his wife—and the rest of the Order—that her classmate had been murdered due to her blood status.

But charming Tom hadn't only killed Harriet Runcorn, née Urquhart, for being a Muggleborn.

No, he and his friends had also murdered her husband and their four children for being blood traitors and proof of wrongful breeding.

"It's more than a shame," Minerva whispered. "It's horrifying. But, it's a good reminder of what we're fighting for. A world where anyone can do anything they wish and not be harmed because of their lineage or the blood that flows through their veins."

"Well said," Albus agreed. "I need to speak with Alastor for a moment. Would you like to head back to the castle, or wait for me?"

"I'll wait for you in the hall," Minerva said. "After all, you just gave a rather moving speech about how we all must travel in pairs. Since Ro isn't here tonight, I'd feel safer if you come back to Hogwarts with me."

"For my sake or yours?" Albus quipped.

Minerva laughed and patted his shoulder. "Do what you need to do, Albus. We'll be back with plenty of time before curfew. I'll meet you in the hall." She moved past her husband and began to walk to the main door of Scrimgeour Manor. Along the way, she passed a door that was slightly ajar, angry but hushed voices emanating from within.

"Molly, I told you—you need to drop out of the Order now!" A voice Minerva could identify as Arthur Weasley's exclaimed. "It's safer for you and the children. Especially now. I couldn't bear it if something were to happen to you like the Runcorns."

"Arthur, I am a Pureblood, same as you!" Molly argued. "No one is going to come after me for my blood status!"

"No, but they might come after you for being a blood traitor! Our opposition to the Dark Lord is well known!" Minerva could practically hear Arthur pulling on his hair. "I work with Muggle artifacts at work, Molly!"

"I will not be forced into hiding," Molly growled, and Minerva admired her former student's bravery.

"Molly, I'm not saying you need to hide. I'm saying stop fighting. There is a difference, you know," Arthur pleaded. "Look at McGonagall—she's not fighting."

"But she's still involved! So help me, Arthur, if you keep me stuck at the Burrow, I will hex you! Right now, if I must!"

At this point, Minerva thought it best to intervene.

"Did I hear my name?" she asked pleasantly, knocking on the door and pushing it open.

Arthur snorted. "Professor, maybe you can talk some sense into my wife. Molly, I'll be waiting by the Apparition point."

After Arthur had closed the door behind him none too gently, Molly said, "I suppose there's no use pretending you didn't hear any of that."

Minerva chuckled. "I did hear, yes."

"Marriage can be so difficult," Molly grumbled. "And I was silly, Professor. I got married so young that I will be married longer than most by the time we get out of it."

"I'm sure many people wish they could have found their partners so early in life," Minerva laughed gently. "It would save a great deal of heartache."

"I know I'm lucky, Professor, but..." Molly sighed and looked at Minerva with a pleading look in her eyes. "I'm not one to be coddled, not even by my husband!"

"No, you've always been a force of nature," Minerva agreed. "Would you like to talk to me about it? I have to wait for Albus before I can head back to Hogwarts, anyway."

"That's sweet that you wait for each other," Molly said wistfully.

"It's safer," Minerva corrected. Whilst Minerva was close with her former student, Molly was unaware of the nature of Minerva and Albus' relationship. Minerva was hoping to tell the young girl after the war was finished. She liked Molly, and she often felt that Molly would come to her more often if Molly knew that Minerva could share her experiences as a wife and mother.

"That's the crux of Arthur's argument," Molly remarked. "Safety."

"Because of what happened to the Runcorns?"

"In part, yes." Molly bit her lip. "Truth is, Professor, we're expecting again."

"Oh, that's marvellous news!" Minerva exclaimed. "May I ask how far along you are?"

"Two months," Molly said almost shyly. "We're keeping it quiet for now."

"In this world, I don't blame you." Minerva smiled. "Do William and Charlie know?"

"William likes to be called Bill, now," Molly laughed. "But yes, Bill has figured it out. After all, he is five, and after Charlie, I think he knows what to look for."

"And Charlie?"

"Charlie has no idea," Molly admitted, and the two women laughed. "I'm hoping he likes the baby when the time comes."

"I'm sure he will," Minerva assured her. "And, please, Molly: let me know if you ever need help."

"Do you like children?" Molly asked.

Minerva's eyebrows shot up her forehead. "Molly, I work at Hogwarts."

"No, I know that," Molly said, flushing. "I meant young kids. Babies, toddlers, snotty six-year-olds."

"I have two nieces that I adore," Minerva replied. "I spent a great deal of time with them in their youth. I assure you that I am capable of helping you if you need it."

"That would be wonderful," Molly confessed. "With the war, Arthur at work, and two little boys, I often feel run off my feet."

"I'll owl you to set up a time," Minerva said. "Now, regarding your argument with Arthur—I must agree it is safer for you not to be fighting. Not only for your sake, but for the baby's. Duelling while pregnant is never a good idea."

"I know, but I can't bear to be at home whilst Arthur risks his life!"

That was a feeling Minerva knew all too well.

"Arthur will be able to duel more effectively if he is not worried about you in the back of his mind. If he knows you're at home, safe and with the children, he will be able to focus more on the task at hand. Of course, you should still come to the Order meetings. You have a brilliant strategic mind, and," Minerva added, smiling mischievously, "I'm sure these meetings are a nice break from the children."

"You have no idea," Molly moaned. "I don't know why I let Arthur talk me into two children in two years, but life is so hectic at home."

"And now you have a third on the way," Minerva said, laughing as Molly blushed.

"At least Bill is old enough now that I won't have three children in nappies," Molly commented. "And Charlie only needs them at night, so that's a relief."

"You and Arthur will be trained pros by the time this one comes along," Minerva encouraged. "Don't fret. Focus on your pregnancy, and try not to be too hard on Arthur, all right? He means well."

"Thank you, Professor." Molly hugged Minerva. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You know, Molly," Minerva said as they left the room, "I believe it's high time you called me Minerva."

James was perched on his bed with a textbook in his lap after Quidditch practice. He had thought it was a good practice, all in all. Gryffindor was in a good position for their upcoming game against Hufflepuff, and despite the snow pouring down on them, the team had managed to pull off some tricky maneuvers.

He hadn't had time to see his friends after practice, though, so he wasn't entirely surprised when Sirius entered their dorm.

"Hey, Sirius," James said.

"James?" Sirius approached his friend's bed quietly. "I think I fucked up, mate."

"What did you do this time?" James asked carelessly. He knew better than anyone that Sirius did many things that anyone with a brain would characterize as a fuck-up.

"I told Snivellus how to deactivate the Whomping Willow, and I told him when the next full moon was."

James shut his textbook. "You did what?"

"And I think he is going out there now," Sirius said. He fiddled with his tie. "I may hate the stupid git, but I don't really want him to die. I think."

"Jesus, Padfoot!" James leapt up from his bed. "We have to stop him."

"Woah, woah, woah!" Sirius said, raising his hands. "I'm not about to risk getting caught out of bounds after curfew for Snivellous."

"But you're the reason he's there!" James cried. "Oh, and Merlin—Sirius, the grounds are pure ice! He could get seriously hurt!"

"Since when do you care about Snivellous?"

"I don't particularly care about him, but that doesn't mean I want him to die! Besides, he's Lily's best friend. Lily would never go out with me if she thought I let her best friend die. Which," James added harshly, "she would think."

"Of course you care about Evans," Sirius teased.

"In this case, she would be right! If I don't stop Snape from bothering Remus, he might actually die!"

"You can stop him, then," Sirius said. "I think I'll wait here and have a cup of tea."

"Are you kidding?"

Sirius faltered. "Er—yes? I mean, I don't want the prick to die, but I don't know why we have to rush after him."

James groaned. "Sirius, of course, we have to go after him! We can't just let him die! And what about Remus? We can't have news about him getting out. Or did you think Snape wouldn't get past the tree?"

"Pretty much," Sirius admitted. "Look, Prongs, I didn't tell him to go out there."

"No," James sighed, running his fingers through his hair, "no, but you knew he would. Why did you tell him, anyway?"

"Snivellous was making all sorts of noise about how he thought Moony was a werewolf," Sirius said, shrugging. "It seemed like a fun thing to do at the time."

"Great," James muttered. "So not only did you risk Remus getting caught, but you risked Snape's life."

Sirius watched as James took out his invisibility cloak and a warm jacket. "You can't really be thinking of going to save him. If you're going to go, let me come with you. You shouldn't be out alone after dark in this weather!" Sirius sucked in a breath. "This is my mess, mate. Let me come and help. You're right—this was a risky thing to do."

"Risky?" James scoffed and shook his head. "Don't come to the Shack tonight. You and Peter should stay as far away from this as you can."

"You're such a hero."

"I'm not playing the hero." James shook his head. "I'm doing what's right—and that includes not letting you anywhere near Snape tonight. I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to kill you."

With that, James pushed Sirius aside and left the dorm. He was annoyed to see that the common room was full of students studying, including Lily, Marlene McKinnon, and the rest of their friends.

"Where are you off to after curfew, Potter?" Lily asked him.

James inhaled deeply. "Why are you asking, Evans?"

She stood and crossed her arms. "Because I'm a Prefect, and I need to concern myself with the comings and goings of students after-hours."

"I'm going to save your favourite Slytherin," James snapped. "Now, will you let me get on with it, or are you going to report me to McGonagall?" Lily didn't say anything, clearly surprised, so James added, "I thought so," and left.

Once outside, James was glad he had had the foresight to bring a jacket. It was always cold in the Highlands, but even more so when it was snowy and icy in February. He performed a quick warming charm on his hands—he needed the warmth, but he also needed control of his extremities if he was going to be any help to Snape.

"Sirius, I'm going to kill you," James muttered under his breath.

He knew this wasn't his responsibility, per se, but he was doing this for three reasons.

One, to ensure Snape didn't reveal Remus' wolf form to the rest of the school.

Two, to save Sirius' arse lest he get expelled for taunting Snape and sending him to his death.

Three, to save Snape, because no matter how much he liked teasing the git, he didn't really want him to die.

As James approached the Whomping Willow, he took a look around. It was hard to see, thanks to the snow and the dark, and he really just wanted to find Snape, yell at him a bit, and then go back to his nice, warm bed.

"Oh, damn it," James cursed. He realized the tree wasn't moving, and he could see the little entryway at the base of the tree was open. "Snape, Moony could kill you!"

He ran past the tree. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see it twitch, almost like it was coming back to life. James sprinted until he reached the knot at the bottom of the tree. He pressed it and hoped against hope that it wouldn't start attacking him.

James flew through the tunnel and caught sight of Snape at the top, near the door.

"Snape, don't!" James yelled.

Snape turned around and sneered. "Have you come to stop me from discovering Lupin's not-so-little secret?"

"I've come to save you," James warned. "Do not open that door, Snape."

Snape laughed. "I am here for proof that Lupin isn't meant to be a student here at Hogwarts. You're not going to stop me now, Potter."

To James' horror, Snape moved to open the door.

"No!" James scrambled up the path and, thanks to his Quidditch reflexes, he was able to just catch a handful of Snape's robes, preventing him from completely entering the room. "I'm trying to save you!"

"Yeah, right," Snape panted. He tried to step into the room and free himself from James' grasp. "Let go of me, Potter."

"No!"

Then, one of Remus' paws flew out of the door, catching Snape's knee and barely missing James' head.

"Fuck!" Snape screamed. He immediately collapsed, and James could smell the meaty scent of blood.

"Wait here!" James shuffled around Snape and slammed the door shut. Having been here so many times, James knew what security measures there were. "Aha!" He held up a chain and pulled it out of the wall. "This should hold him."

"You think a rope is going to hold a werewolf?" Snape asked incredulously.

"It's a chain, Snape. And yes, I do. Remus said Dumbledore imbued it with his own magic. It's designed to keep this door shut, no matter what. Don't ask me how, but it does. Normally, Remus forgets about the door when he's in wolf form; he's in too much pain. But since you opened it," James added with a glare, "you triggered his memory. We can't have him getting out."

"Why, so his secret stays safe?" Snape taunted.

"Listen, Snape. I just saved your life. You could show a little bit of gratitude while I string this along the door."

Snape didn't offer any thanks, but he stayed silent. James thought that was perhaps the best he was going to get.

After James had restrained the door to the best of his ability, he frowned at Snape and his bloodied knee.

"What do you think you're looking at?" Snape snapped.

"I'm wondering if you can walk, Snape," James said. He hesitated, then said, "Do you need some help?"

Snape glared at James with so much hatred that James took a step back. "No, Potter."

"Okay, fine." James held up his hands. "I'll walk ahead of you, then. I'll hit the knot so the tree doesn't act up."

"Fine," Snape ground out. James wanted to make sure Snape could get up without help, but knew Snape wouldn't take too kindly to that. So, James headed back down the tunnel. He winced when he heard Remus howl.

"Sorry, Moony," James muttered under his breath. He hoped that Remus would eventually understand why the three of them wouldn't be paying a visit to the Shack tonight.

James wanted as far away from the Shack as he could.

He made it outside and hit the knot, watching to make sure the tree stayed still.

"Snape, it's safe!" James yelled behind him.

"I don't need your help," Snape hissed. "You don't have to coddle me."

"You know what? Walk on your own. I'll meet you back at the castle." James shook his head and began to walk.

Five seconds later, an errant tree branch slapped James in the stomach and knocked him over.

"Really?" James groaned. He sat up in the snow and shivered. "Snape?"

"I thought you checked the tree!"

James winced as he saw Snape buried deep in the snow a few feet away. He made his way to the Slytherin and looked over him. "I did check the tree. I was hit too, you know." He paused and winced at the sight of the cold snow seeping into Snape's wound. "Can you stand?"

Snape tried, but the knee that Remus had hit was now bent at a very peculiar angle. "I think the damn tree knocked my knee even further out of place."

"I'd say your leg looks broken," James commented.

"Thank you for the worthless commentary."

James rolled his eyes and held out his hand. "Will you accept some help up, or should I leave you to freeze your arse off?"

Snape seemed to consider it for a moment before extending his own hand. "Fine. It seems I require some assistance."

James pulled Snape out of the snow, looking at his leg closely before quickly dropping his hand. "Jesus, I think we need to get you to the Hospital Wing."

"I don't need the Hospital Wing!" Snape spat. "And even if I did, I could manage the journey on my own!"

"Could you?" James snorted. "Your leg is broken. You're lucky I got here when I did."

Snape stared at him. "I'm not sure why I should listen to you. I don't think you have any medical qualifications."

"Could you stop being an arse for, like, ten seconds?" James asked frustratedly. "Whatever you may think, I had no idea Sirius was going to tell you to come. As soon as he told me, I came after you. Remus could have killed you, and honestly, Snape? You're not making it back up to the castle alone. So you can either freeze to death, or you can accept my help."

He could see Snape considering his offer. For a terrifying moment, James wondered if Snape would threaten to ask Lily for help and blame the entire debacle on James—but then he realized he didn't know how Snape would even tell Lily without making it into the castle.

"Oh, your crony has arrived," Snape sneered.

James turned to see Sirius running towards them in the snow. "James! I felt horrible. I couldn't just let you go after the git and die!"

"You almost got me killed, you fucking idiot!" Snape screamed, lunging at Sirius and nearly falling in the process.

"Can you two both shut up?" James growled. "The last thing we need is for someone to find us. Hagrid lives just over there."

Sirius peered at James. "Holy, your lips are blue!"

"It is cold out here," Snape muttered. James looked and saw, to his horror, that Snape's lips were also turning blue.

"Ugh. We definitely need the Hospital Wing now," James said. "Sirius, help me support Snape."

"No!" Both Sirius and Snape yelled, horrified.

"Shut up!" James hissed again. "I don't think I can fit us all under the cloak—not when we need to carry Snape. So we need to be quiet."

"You do realize that Pomfrey will tell McGonagall, and then we'll all be done for?" Sirius asked. He begrudgingly looped Snape's left arm around his own shoulder.

"I'm not going to die of hypothermia because I'm scared of detention," James replied. "Come on."

"Yeah, when has a fear of the rules ever stopped you lot?" Snape grumbled.

"Snape, I will drop you," Sirius warned.

After that, the unlikely trio made a silent trip to the Hospital Wing.

"Sirius, go in and get Pomfrey," James urged his friend.

"Why me?" Sirius hissed. "She likes you more!"

"Do you think I'm daft enough to leave you alone with Snape?" James asked, not unkindly. "Go on."

Sirius had just closed the door behind him when Snape said, "I suppose you think I owe you now, Potter."

James rolled his eyes. "Honestly, Snape, I don't care if you ever pay me back. Sometimes you just do the right thing because it's the right thing to do."

Sirius and Madam Pomfrey rushed out of the Hospital Wing doors before Snape could respond.

Poppy looked at the scene in front of her. When Sirius Black had barged into the Hospital Wing, Poppy had been surprised, but happy for the distraction. Ro was on duty tonight with the Order, which always put Poppy on edge.

But when Black had told her he had two injured students, she would never have expected those two students to be James Potter and Severus Snape, with Snape's arm strewn across James' shoulders.

"What in the devil happened to you two?" Poppy asked. "Get in here, both of you. Black, help Potter get Snape to a bed. Then, Potter, I want you in a bed of your own."

"Yes, ma'am," the three chorused. Poppy watched as they helped Snape sit down on a bed. James sat on the bed beside him, and then looked at Poppy expectantly.

"Right," Poppy said, shaking her head. "What happened?"

"They're frozen solid," Sirius supplied. He settled into a bed across from James and inspected his arms. "I might be frozen solid after helping them up here."

"Do I want to know what you were doing outside after hours?" Poppy eyed them carefully. "I highly doubt the cold caused that injury to Snape's leg."

"Oh, nothing," Sirius said quickly.

"Do you actually think I believe that?" Poppy asked. She laughed harshly. "Come on, then."

"Tell her, Snape," James urged.

"James, no! We can't get our friend in trouble!" Sirius exclaimed.

"Snape was hit, Sirius," James murmured. "We have to tell her. Besides, she already knows."

"Snape was hit with what, Potter?" Poppy demanded. She wanted to take her nephew's chin in her hand and force him to tell her the truth.

"Remus Lupin's paw," James said heavily.

"What in God's name were you two doing up there?" Poppy all but screeched.

"Sirius goaded Snape into going up there, I went to stop Snape, and I was too little, too late," James said quickly. "Then, the tree caught my stomach and Snape's leg."

"For the love of Merlin," Poppy muttered. She rubbed her forehead. "I'll focus on warming all three of you up—yes, you too, Black—and then I'll heal your leg, Snape. But all three of you will stay here until I can figure out what to do with you." She sighed. "I can't just let you go without any repercussions."

Snape groaned, but James said, "Yeah, that's more than fair, Madam Pomfrey."

Poppy closed her eyes. She wished that this wasn't her best friend's son sitting before her. In his first time at Hogwarts, Dalton had been a troublemaker, but he had never done anything this asinine.

Moving quickly, Poppy worked on the three boys. Afterwards, she looked at her handiwork with a satisfied smile.

"Right, Snape, your leg will be sore for the next few days, but it will be right as rain after that. I want all three of you out of the cold—no Hogsmeade this weekend. Although," she considered, "I wonder if you'll still have that privilege once your teachers take disciplinary action."

"Will you be telling Professor McGonagall?" Black asked, and for the first time that night, he seemed nervous.

Poppy considered the idea for a moment. Her choice, realistically, was between Albus and Minerva. Albus would certainly seem harsher to the students—it was only on rare occasions that the Headmaster was involved in disciplinary measures.

Still, Poppy's head was at war with her heart. She knew she should tell Minerva, but Albus was bound to do so anyways—and really, Poppy was not in the mood to handle a frightened, overprotective mother like Minerva at midnight.

Not when Ro was on Order duty, and her own nerves were already shot.

"I shall call the Headmaster. He can decide what to do with you," Poppy said finally.

"The Headmaster?" Snape asked. "Why not McGonagall? Or Slughorn?"

"Professors McGonagall and Slughorn will likely hear about this after the fact," Poppy corrected firmly. "But this is too big for me to keep from Professor Dumbledore."

Turning away from the teenagers, Poppy created a Patronus to send to Albus. Ro and Minerva had taught her this way of communicating—apparently, the Order used it, and the pair had wanted Poppy to gain the skill.

"Now, you three," Poppy said, turning back around after her Patronus had been sent, "will all get under the blankets and stay there."

Albus was sitting at his desk in his office, working on his overflowing correspondence. There were a great many things he would have rather been doing at midnight—like sleeping next to his wife, for instance—but he had neglected his more menial school duties for far too long.

Minerva had offered to help, but he felt terrible relying on her more than he already was. Besides, she was so emotionally spent after their Order meeting that he couldn't justify keeping her awake simply to help him answer letters.

So, he was alone at his desk when a rather shocking Patronus appeared before him.

One he didn't recognize.

"Hi, Albus. This is Poppy," the little owl said. "Ro and Min taught me how to do this, but I'm not perfect at it, so I hope this gets through. We have a bit of a disciplinary situation in the Hospital Wing. It involves James. Please come quickly, and don't tell Minerva."

Albus raised his eyebrows at that.

"Well, Poppy, you're lucky Minerva isn't with me at the moment," Albus murmured. He looked at Fawkes. "Fawkes, send me a warning if Minerva wakes."

The bird trilled, and so off Albus went.

When he arrived at the Hospital Wing, he was shocked to find Poppy standing outside the doors.

"Poppy, what on earth is going on?" Albus asked urgently. "Is James all right?"

"As long as you don't expel him, he'll be fine," Poppy said. She smiled slightly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you."

Albus waved away her concern. "What could he have possibly done that is worthy of expulsion?"

"I'll let them explain it to you," Poppy said. "I'm not sure I have all of the facts myself. But you should know that Sirius Black, James Potter, and Severus Snape are all aware of Lupin's Lycanthropy, and they were at the Shrieking Shack tonight. After hours."

"Oh, bloody hell." Albus rubbed his forehead. "All right, then. I'll go in."

Albus entered the Hospital Wing, knowing that Poppy would stay outside and let him handle the situation.

"Good evening, gentlemen," Albus said pleasantly. "Now, I understand you were all out of bounds, after hours. Is that correct?"

"Yes, Headmaster." James and Black said together, but Albus noticed the Snape boy pressed his lips together firmly.

"Dare I ask why?" Albus asked, looking at the three of them.

He wished he hadn't when James' eyes, now so like his own, met his gaze.

"I went out there to get Snape," James said.

"Why?" Albus looked between James and Snape. "I may not be in your classes with you, but I was under the impression that you two were not the best of friends."

"We're not!" Snape said loudly.

"All right, then, Mr. Snape. Why would Mr. Potter leave the castle in this cold—at this late hour—to get you, then?"

"Because Black almost killed me!"

"Headmaster, why don't you just look at our memories?" Black interjected. "You can do that, can't you?"

Albus looked at the boy, surprised. "Yes, I can. However, I usually refrain from using Legilimency on my students."

"It's probably your only chance of getting the full, unbiased story," Black said, shrugging. "You know we're not friends—well, we're not friends with Snape."

Snape glowered at Black. "That's the only time you've ever been right."

"All right, I can see what I'm up against." Albus used his most professorial voice. "Mr. Black, I will view your memories first, if you please."

Albus plunged into Black's memories. He watched as Black goaded Snape into paying the Whomping Willow a visit. He witnessed Black fight with James, and then saw his change of heart as he eventually went to meet the other two boys in the snow.

"All right, thank you," Albus murmured. "Mr. Snape, you next, please."

"You'll have to come to me, Headmaster," Snape said quietly. "My leg..."

Albus nodded. "Of course."

When he entered Snape's mind, Albus was shocked. The teenager had more than a few Occlumency shields in place.

Who was teaching him?

Albus put that thought aside for later consideration and watched his memories.

"Mr. Potter, if you don't mind." Albus looked into James' eyes and hoped that James wouldn't notice just how similar their eyes were.

Eventually, he withdrew from James' mind. "Thank you, gentlemen. I believe I have the whole story."

"Are you going to expel us?" James asked warily.

Albus knew he wasn't going to expel these boys. Mr. Lupin had done absolutely nothing wrong—he had gone to the Shrieking Shack, as planned, and was in all likelihood still there, waiting for the full moon to end. James had saved the Snape boy's life, so no, Albus couldn't justify expelling him—especially since he had no proof James was a part of the initial plan in the first place. And, realistically, he would never expel anyone for breaking curfew, so Snape was safe.

Black would be saved purely because James had ensured no harm had come to Snape.

"I won't be expelling anyone, Mr. Potter, but there will be some repercussions. Mr. Snape," Albus said, turning to the Slytherin. "I will let you off with no punishment under one condition: you are never to reveal Mr. Lupin's condition. Not to anyone. If you do so, you will be in detention until you leave Hogwarts. There will be no Quidditch matches, no Hogsmeade visits, and no extra-curricular activities. And, if you do," Albus added, "expulsion will be considered. You're lucky you weren't killed tonight. I hope this serves as a lesson to you: do not busy yourself in the affairs of others."

"Yes, Headmaster," Snape murmured.

"Mr. Black, you will be receiving a week's detention. You never should have goaded Mr. Snape into approaching the Whomping Willow, and you should have come to a staff member if you were concerned about Mr. Lupin's condition being exposed."

"A week?" Snape cried. "You're letting him off easy because he's a Gryffindor! I could have been killed!"

"But you weren't," Albus said coldly. "And no one forced you to leave your room after hours."

Albus knew his displeasure with Snape's influence on his daughter was colouring his judgment, but he didn't much care.

"Black gets a week of detention, and I get two years of living under a threat," Snape mumbled. "Perfect."

Albus ignored him and looked at James. "Mr. Potter, I will simply tell you that you need to exercise better judgment. Next time, tell a member of staff before you decide to go dashing into the snow to save a fellow student from danger. And," he said, smiling slightly, "ten points to Gryffindor for outstanding moral fibre."

James blushed. "Woah, thanks, Headmaster."

"Will anyone else be finding out?" Black asked.

"Like Professor Slughorn?" Snape's question was quiet.

"Or Professor McGonagall?" James chimed in.

"Your m—er, your Head of Houses need not find out about this. Not if we keep it quiet. There's no need to worry anyone else."

Watch yourself, man, Albus thought.

James' eyes widened, then narrowed quickly. "Forgive me, Headmaster, but I feel like we should tell Professor McGonagall. She won't like it if she isn't told about this."

"No, she won't," Albus agreed. "But if I tell her, Mr. Black here may very well be expelled, and you with him."

"Surely she wouldn't expel us?" James asked, horrified. "She knows we're good students!"

"That's going a bit far, mate," Black mumbled. "We cause a hell of a lot of trouble."

"No one is getting expelled for this," Albus said tiredly. "I have issued all of the punishments that this situation warrants. There is no need to mention this again."

Snape's eyes glittered with hatred. "If that's how you view things, Headmaster."

Albus ignored that comment. "Does anyone know you three left your common rooms?"

"Lily Evans," James admitted. "She tried to stop me, y'know, because she's a Prefect."

"Wait, Lily knows?" Snape asked, horrified.

As Snape lifted his head, Albus saw the truth of the matter.

Severus Snape was in love with his daughter, and no Occlumency shield could hide that.

"Surely, Miss Evans will keep this to herself," Albus said. "And I'm sure she is unaware of Mr. Lupin's condition."

"She doesn't know about Remus," James said thoughtfully, "but the common room was full of her friends. People will know we snuck out. They might not know about Snape, but they'll know Sirius and I went out there."

"Well, if the worst people know is that you left the school after hours, I can't imagine that will cause too many issues." Albus looked at the students. "Can I trust you three to get back to bed without further issues?"

As they all nodded, Albus said, "Good. Now, go. And I would like it if tonight's events were never repeated."

James and Black scurried off, Snape limping behind them, eventually leaving room for Poppy to reenter the Hospital Wing.

"Has the situation been handled?" she asked Albus quietly.

"Yes," Albus murmured. "Please don't tell anyone else about this. No one, Poppy. I have to decide how to tell Minerva."

"Of course, Albus."

"I'm sorry they interrupted your night."

"It's fine," Poppy said, shrugging. "I wasn't sleeping tonight anyways."

"Ah." Albus nodded sagely. "It's Ro's night on duty."

"Exactly," Poppy chuckled lowly. "I won't sleep until she's home and in bed beside me."

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to sleep next to my wife," Albus said. "Good night, Poppy."

"Good night, Albus."

"You know, Poppy?" Albus asked, stopping her from leaving. "Your Patronus was really quite good."

Poppy grinned and shut the Hospital Wing doors behind her.

On the other side of the castle, Sirius and James were shocked to find a group of Gryffindors waiting for them in the common room.

"Uhhh," Sirius said as he looked around. "How does McGonagall not know you're all up?"

"We've been quiet. She doesn't care if we're awake so long as we're quiet," Marlene said. "We've been waiting for you. Lily wanted to see you."

"What? Why?" James turned to Lily.

"You saved him," Lily said appraisingly. "We watched you walk up from the forest. You actually saved him from that tree, and the weather, too."

James blushed. "I only did what was right."

Lily narrowed her eyes. "You hate him."

"That doesn't mean I want him to die. Besides, he's your friend. I couldn't have you thinking any less of me." James shrugged.

"Hmmm. I'm impressed, Potter." Lily looked at the rest of the common room. "Everyone, you can head to bed now. Our...heroes made it back in one piece."

As everyone dispersed in the direction of their dormitories, James had never felt happier.

The next night, Minerva went to pay Ro a visit. She always liked to check in with Ro and Callum when they returned from Order duties. Of course, Minerva wanted to ensure her loved ones were safe.

But she also wanted to know what they were up to.

And since her husband wouldn't tell her, Minerva went searching for the answers herself.

Minerva let herself into the quarters Ro and Poppy shared, but she only found Poppy inside.

"What can I do for you?" Poppy asked, taking her glasses off. "To my knowledge, I wasn't expecting you."

"You weren't." Minerva smiled. "I was looking for Ro."

"Ah," Poppy said sagely. "Your habitual after-duty visit."

"Guilty."

"Well, Ro isn't here tonight. She went to blow off steam on the Quidditch pitch."

Minerva raised her eyebrows. "That bad, eh?"

"She wouldn't talk to me about it," Poppy replied. "I'm hoping she'll feel a bit better after she has thrown a quaffle or thirty through some hoops."

"So, what are you doing here tonight? No students in the Wing?"

"No, thank goodness," Poppy laughed. "After last night, I need a student-free night."

Minerva frowned. "Why? What happened last night?"

"You don't know?"

"No, or I wouldn't be asking, Poppy."

Poppy bit her lip. "When Albus told me not to tell anyone, I knew he included Ro. I didn't realize he wasn't planning on telling you."

"What didn't Albus tell me, Poppy?" Minerva growled.

"Your husband is going to kill me."

"Well, choose your murderer, then: me or Albus."

Poppy glared at Minerva. "Fine. There were three students out of bed after hours last night. They wandered the grounds. Two boys had hypothermia, one of whom also had a broken leg and a dislocated kneecap. The other boy was unharmed, albeit slightly chilled."

"Why wouldn't Albus tell me this?" Minerva muttered, clearly confused. "As Deputy, I should know about this! There's nothing abnormal about students out of bed, even if they did venture outside of the castle."

"Maybe because James was involved?" Poppy suggested. She wished she hadn't mentioned James' name when Minerva flinched.

"What did James do?" Minerva asked, her voice deadly quiet. "I need to hear the whole story, Poppy. Now."

"James saved the Snape boy. He dragged him out of the tunnel leading from the Whomping Willow to the Shrieking Shack. Apparently, Snape had made it all the way up to the Shack's door before James caught him." Poppy shook her head. "Snape is lucky James was there. Snape's leg was injured by Lupin, but both James and Snape had hypothermia."

"I'm sorry," Minerva laughed, a sinister tune in her voice. "You're telling me my son not only discovered that Lupin is a werewolf, but he risked his own life to go and save Snape—who he despises—and was then in need of medical treatment?"

"That's the gist of it," Poppy admitted.

"Why wouldn't Albus tell me this?" Minerva screamed. She was thankful that all of the staff members' quarters had silencing spells around them. "My son was injured! Not to mention I am the Deputy of this school! If an issue is large enough for the Head to know about, it's sure as hell big enough for me to know about, too!"

"I know," Poppy soothed. "I know."

"Then why didn't you tell me?" Minerva cried. She felt betrayed that her best friend would trust Albus when the matter concerned her son. "Why wouldn't you tell me?"

"I was scared last night," Poppy admitted. "I feared that you'd show your concern as a parent, and not only as a professor. I believed that if Albus knew, and dealt with the situation, then he could inform you after and take care of you—make sure you could destress. I had no idea that he wouldn't tell you, Min. Honest."

"I believe you," Minerva said quietly. "I believe that you told Albus—and not me—because you had the right intentions." She stood. "But if you excuse me, I think I need to go and deal with my husband."

"Best of luck." Poppy squeezed Minerva's hand. "Try not to be too angry with him."

"We'll see about that," Minerva grumbled. She withdrew her hand from Poppy's grasp, and left.

After failing to locate Albus in his office, she was glad to see him in their quarters.

"Oh, hello, my dear," Albus said as she entered. "I picked up some Ginger Newts for you."

"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore!" Minerva screamed so loudly that Albus dropped the tin of biscuits. "I just came from Poppy's quarters. Do you have any idea what she just told me? She said she needed a student-free night after last night's events."

"Minerva—"

"And when I said I didn't know what she was going on about, Poppy informed me that Severus Snape went out to that godforsaken tree of yours! And, oh, it gets better!" she snarled. "The icing on this cake is that my son is the one who risked his life to save Snape!"

"I can explain—"

"Why you didn't tell me?" Minerva demanded thunderously. "Yes, you bloody well do need to explain that. Not only am I James' mother, but I am Head of Gryffindor! I have a right to know what is going on with my students. Of course, when you add in my position as Deputy, surely you can forgive me for thinking that you would inform me of such dangerous events!"

"I didn't want to worry you."

"Worry?" Minerva laughed hysterically. "Oh, well, I'm not only worried now. I'm infuriated."

"Minerva, I'm—"

She held up her hand. "We'll handle the emotional side after. Firstly, I want to know what the students' punishments are."

"James received ten house points, and Snape is not allowed to tell anyone about the truth of Mr. Lupin's condition."

Minerva raised an eyebrow. "That seems rather lenient."

"Well, I did give Black a week's detention."

"What does Black have to do with this?" Minerva wondered. She suddenly remembered that Poppy had mentioned three students had been out of bed.

"He goaded Snape into visiting the tree. Black is the reason Snape was there in the first place."

"Sirius Black convinced Snape to go to the tree, and you..." Minerva sighed, finding that her words were failing her. "A week's...Albus, how could you only give him one week of detention?"

"I saw their memories," Albus said, shrugging. "Sirius Black did not lead Severus Snape to the Whomping Willow. He did not bring him to the tree under coercion or duress. Mr. Snape realized that Mr. Lupin has been visiting the tree every month at the full moon. He confronted Mr. Black and Mr. Pettigrew about it, and Mr. Black chose to give Mr. Snape incorrect information about the tree's dangers.

"Mr. Snape decided to go to the Whomping Willow—after hours, mind you, and without staff supervision—to try to catch Mr. Lupin as a werewolf, all with the hope of eventually revealing Lupin's malady to the rest of the school."

"You performed Legilimency on three students?" Minerva demanded, knowing the boys wouldn't have offered him that much information.

"They offered!" Albus protested. "It was the only way to get to the heart of the matter!"

"You gave Black a punishment that doesn't fit the crime, and you went easy on James because of who he is!" Minerva paled. "Wait. You simply said that Snape will refrain from telling anyone about Lupin's Lycanthropy. How are you ensuring that? How is that even a punishment, Albus?"

"Oh, I have ensured that Snape will never reveal Lupin's other form," Albus said darkly. "I threatened him. I said that if he ever told anyone at all, he would essentially be spending the rest of his Hogwarts career in detention."

"You threatened him?" Minerva repeated, aghast. "Albus, that boy may be snarky and sullen, but he is not a bad person! He doesn't deserve threats."

"He had plans to tell the entire student body about Mr. Lupin!" Albus stood as his anger grew. "Minerva, I don't take kindly to you thinking I am incapable of disciplining the students at this school."

"I don't think you're incapable, but I strongly disagree with your judgment. Aside from that," Minerva spat, "you were willing to have me wander around this school with less information than my students! Students for whom I am responsible!"

"I forbade them from telling anyone."

"Which naturally means the whole school will know!"

"Minerva—"

"No, Albus." Minerva shook her head vehemently. "No, I think this may be the worst thing you've ever done."

"You can't be serious."

"I am. In fact," she said, willing herself not to falter, "I'd like it if you left my quarters. I think you should sleep in your own rooms for the time being."

He looked at her as though she had sprouted four heads. "Minerva, perhaps I have given you the wrong impression over the years, but this is my school. My word is final in all disciplinary decisions."

"I don't care that you had the final decision," Minerva replied coldly. "I simply am frustrated that you did not see fit to inform me of the situation. As Deputy, or as Head of Gryffindor."

"Or as James' mother," Albus sneered with such venom that Minerva took a step back. He realized his error and quickly apologized, "Minerva, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that."

"I don't think you know how you meant it," Minerva said, her voice oddly void of emotion. "Which is an entirely different issue. Now, please leave my quarters."

Albus suddenly had a flashback to when Minerva had ended their relationship back in 1946. "Min, my dear, this can't be—"

Minerva seemed to know what he was thinking. "No, this isn't the end. But I need some time to process this. You withheld information about my son, Albus—and you undermined my professional duties while doing so. Plus, you asked my best friend to keep quiet about it. This hurts in more ways than one."

"All right," Albus said softly. "I'll go. I shall see you at breakfast."

"Fine."

"Minerva, would it help if I apologized?"

She met his gaze. "No, Albus, I don't believe it would."

"I'll say good night, then."

"Good night."

Minerva waited until Albus had left before screaming into a cushion. She had no idea why she was so angry; it was most likely because she was a scared mother, and she hadn't been one in many a year. But Minerva was scared. Two of her lions had been traipsing around a werewolf—no matter how well-intentioned the werewolf in question—and could have been seriously injured.

One of those lions just so happened to be her son. Her son, who the world thought had died in a werewolf attack in 1968. Perhaps she had overreacted, but when Poppy had told her what had happened, Minerva could only think of the horrid pictures with which the Ministry had supplied her as proof of Dalton's death. This entire situation had felt far too familiar for Minerva's liking.

The fact that Albus had either forgotten that fact or didn't care incensed her beyond reason.

Frustrated, Minerva Summoned her old broom and Transfigured her regular clothes into a jumper and leggings.

Perhaps she could join Ro on the Quidditch pitch.