10th June

I woke up this morning after the most pleasant sleep which was ruined slightly by the snores of Ronald Weasley who was on the bed opposite mine. Last night Harry, Hermione and I saved two innocent lives, not that we're allowed to tell anyone due to the illegality of our actions. Madam Pomfery continued fussing over us as she provided us with a slap-up breakfast before finally letting us leave the wing around midday. Ron's leg was completely restored and any cuts and bruises had disappeared as though nothing had happened.

Half the school was outside relaxing in the beautiful weather now that their exams were over. The last of the NEWTS were still ongoing, one was starting in an hour. We headed up to Gryffindor tower to change from our dirty clothing when I realised that I still had Lupin's wand in my pocket. I knew I ought to return it to him as soon as possible and so excused myself as I paid our teacher a visit. The other three went down to Hagrid's pretending they had no idea that Buckbeak escaped.

"Come on in, Miss Pink." Lupin's voice sounded as I approached his door.

"The map?" I asked on entering his room. Lupin looked awful, he had scratches on his face, was extremely pale and had a limp. I handed him back his wand, concerned for his condition.

Lupin nodded, "Indeed. Believe me, I've looked worse. And thank you, I knew you'd look after it for me."

I scanned his office, realising that two trunks were lying open on the floor, books were piled up, clothes were folded in piles on his desk and he wore a grave look on his face, "Y-you're leaving?" I felt myself shudder.

"Didn't you hear?" Lupin looked to the floor, "Snape accidently let it slip that I am a werewolf to the Slytherins at breakfast this morning…"

"But you can't! Please…" tears formed in my eyes. Last time I cried was after everything happened with Oliver, the last time I properly lost control of my emotions.

Lupin sighed, "Parents will find out soon enough and the owls will be flooding in, it's best that I leave now before I get thrown out. I'm a danger to this school, I proved that last night, I could have killed you, Kathryn, don't you realise that? I've already handed in my resignation."

"Professor…" the tears started rolling down my cheeks uncontrollably, "What am I meant to do? You get me! You listen! You try to understand…"

Lupin placed a hand on my shoulder, "I'm not dead you know! You can still write to me and I will always reply!"

I wiped the tears from my eyes, "It won't be the same… Besides, my parents don't care who teaches me, I give you permission to stay."

"It's not that simple… I have to go…"

"No one will ever be able to take your place."

"Us being two of the most complicated people who ever attended Hogwarts?" Lupin nudged me and smiled, "You will be perfectly fine without me! You've just got to remember to stay strong!"

"Where will you go?"

"I'm not sure just yet. I'll find somewhere, I'm very resourceful. I've got a bit of money from this job, I'll sort something out."

"You are the best teacher I've ever had, and I'm not just saying that, I really mean it."

Lupin seemed very flattered, "Thank you, that means a lot. It brings me great pride to see how far you have come this year, with everything that has happened, you have learnt so much and have become a better Witch for it."

"I'm sorry for losing my cool with you last night… I feel awful."

"I wouldn't have expected anything different from you. I had previously told you the opposite of how I was acting, you had the right not to trust me. I appreciate you letting me explain before blowing me up, though! But it appears that everything got sorted in the end, thanks to Harry, Hermione and yourself? What about Ron, is he alright?"

I nodded, "Yeah, we have it covered. Ron's leg is completely healed, as good as new, he's walking down to Hagrid's now!"

"That's good, I'm glad." He packed away a large pile of books.

I couldn't help but say, "I'll miss you!"

"It's not goodbye but 'until next time', I promise! Now off you go and get some lunch, keep in touch, Kathryn."

I walked towards the door and placed my hand on the doorframe, hesitated and said, "Just to let you know… You're the closest thing to a dad I've ever had." I saw Lupin nod and then busy himself with his packing. I headed to the Great Hall alone, trying to hold myself together.

"Why are you looking so doom and gloom?" Angelina slid up beside me as I took a seat at the Gryffindor table for lunch.

I couldn't even force a smile, there was just so much going on in my head, "I'm alright."

"We haven't seen or heard from you in ages!" Katie said.

Alicia sat on my other side, "What's going on?"

"Have you and Harry, Ron and Hermione had a fight or something?" Angelina suggested, "Or even more to the point, what is going on with you and George?"

"George? He does this. He acts like my best friend one minute and the next I don't see or hear from him in ages. I'm sick and tired of being a 'phase' for him. He gives me mixed messages and I'm fed up. But he's the least of my worries." I admitted as I tucked in to a bowl of vegetable soup. I was saying exactly what was on my mind and probably wouldn't if I wasn't in such a mood.

"Oh my," Katie had leaned in closer to hear me, "The three of us had you two as the next couple to get together!"

I whispered, "It's not looking likely, I'm afraid girls…"

Ron and Hermione then entered the Great Hall, spotted me and sat opposite, the two of them had grim expressions as Hermione said, "I'm guessing you heard about Lupin…?"

I nodded and sighed deeply. I really was going to miss him. It sounded desperately sad and stupid but I couldn't help but feel upset about his departure from the school.

"Harry has just gone to see him now, I'm really sorry Kathryn…" Hermione consoled me, "but I've got some good news, too!"

I looked up from my bread roll eager for something positive.

"You can come stay with me for the first week in August! My parents have been talking to yours. They wrote in the letter that they were as delightful as always. But I'm sure we'll have a fantastic time! You've one less week to worry about." Hermione was trying to be positive for me.

"Thanks!" I manged a smile and reached over the table to her, giving her an enormous hug. "I've still got to write the dreaded letter to my parents asking them to pick me up at the end of term…"

Angelina butted in, "Why? Do your parents not want to come pick you up?"

I felt a bit awkward, remembering that not very many people knew what my home life is like, so I answered her ambiguously, "My parents have very busy jobs."

"Oh." Angelina seemed interested, "What do they do?"

"Erm…" I thought about how to best describe it, "Dad works in law enforcement and mum has her own business."

Her face lit up, "Magical Law Enforcement? That would be so good!"

"My parents are muggles, remember?"

"Oh." I could see she was kicking herself. "Ron, here's something you can answer for me…"

Ron, who was minding his own business in amongst this bunch of girls looked up in fear, his cheeks reddened a little as he answered with a very quiet, "What…?"

"Your brother, George, does he talk about Kathryn much?"

I felt my cheeks go unbelievably red, "ANGE!" I scolded her out of embarrassment. I didn't want mine and Ron's friendship to be put at risk because of George and me, it must have been really strange for him to see us together.

Ron looked startled, "Sometimes…? If you're going to ask me if I think he likes Kathryn, you're not going to get an answer, because that is simply something that does not get discussed. If you want to find that out, ask Fred. Not me."

Fred and George sat down at the table beside us. Typical. The looks I was getting made me go a deep shade of purple. I could see Angelina go to open her mouth and I was not going to sit and listen. I didn't need to hear what George had to say, yes, I wanted him to say that he liked me, of course I did. But the thought of him rejecting me made me want to cry. So before anything highly embarrassing happened I got up and walked as fast as was possible before I would be considered to be running and made my way outside into the cool breeze where I walked around on my own.

"Kathryn?" Draco called over to me from under a nearby tree.

I glanced over to him, "Oh, hey!"

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" he tapped the grass beside him, he was seemingly alone.

"This sounds ominous," I commented.

He smiled, "No gags, I promise!"

So I (probably stupidly) took a seat down beside him, "What's up?" I asked.

"I just wanted to tell you something, I promise I'm not lying, please believe me. I know about who planted the Firewhiskey that caused Wood to attack you."

I was in a state of shock, "What?! How do you know about the Firewhiskey?"

"I overheard people talking about it, it was more of an accident that I heard and they don't know I know. I remember you saying that you wanted to know, and at that stage I promise I didn't know. It was a couple of days ago in one of the bathrooms… Do you want to know?" he appeared a bit frazzled.

I turned to face him, "Do you realise how many times you said the word 'know' in your past sentence?"

"Sorry, but do you, want to… know?" he spoke sheepishly.

I nodded and he told me. He told me about the Firewhiskey bottle. He told me about the note that was left and how the person was panicking about how I got hurt and how it was their fault. Draco told me that the person only wanted to embarrass Wood for being an arrogant prick. "I just don't want you getting hurt…" Draco concluded.

"I knew it." I said, "It all makes sense now."

Draco carefully placed a hand on mine, not like the way he had before but in a friendly way, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, of course." I smiled, it was such a relief, all the pieces were put together in my mind and it fitted.

"I'm just looking out for you, I think you're great and I mess about around you too much and I want us to be friends." That was the single most real thing Draco had ever said to me. He must have realised that there was no chance on this earth that the two of us were ever going to get together. He was now settling with 'just friends', I on the other hand wasn't too sure how much of a good idea that was. I was firstly going to go enquire around with the new information that I had, carefully asking the right questions to see how accurate his statement was. "I don't want you to dread potions class each week. I want us to start over."

"Okay…" I said slowly as Draco looked very happy with himself, "I'll see you around, then." I got up, not a worry in mind. It was a strange calm. I didn't even feel that angry at the person, I was disappointed, yes, but from what Draco said, they were genuinely very upset about it. He even pleaded their case, which he really didn't have to. I went up to the common room and was surrounded by my friends. Angelina seemed too happy with herself. Katie and Bernie were cuddled up on one of the sofas together. Alicia and Tobias were playing a game of gobstones. Fred, George and Lee Jordan were in the corner laughing and carrying on like they always did together. Hermione and Ron were quietly discussing what happened last night together and I told Harry what Draco told me. At first he was ready to murder the person who did it. But on further reflection, he realised that I was okay, that I understood why. I knew it was an accident and there was nothing I could do to change what had happened.

Later that afternoon, Oliver carefully approached me to ask if I was alright after what happened at lunch. He had just finished his final exam. He was a good guy deep down, just like I had always said. I am a true believer that people are innately good but human nature gets in the way sometimes.

By that evening as I was getting into bed I was certain that what Draco told me was the truth.

30th June

This morning at breakfast results unexpectedly came out. Harry and Ron seemed chuffed to have passed all their exams. Hermione was as pleased as she could be on results day, she was always very tough on herself. I took a deep breath and opened my letter:

Dear Miss Pink,

Your results in your end of year 1993/1994 examinations are as follows.

Subject: Grade:

Astronomy E

Care of Magical Creatures O

Charms O

Defence Against the Dark Arts O

Herbology E

History of Magic E

Muggle Studies OO*

Potions O

Transfiguration O

Congratulations, you have worked extremely hard and have results to show for it.
*OO you are top of the year with 330%.

All the best for the summer holidays.

Minerva McGonagall

It is safe to say I'm very happy with myself, despite all that's lingering in my life right now.

"What did you get, Kathryn?" Hermione asked.

"I passed everything!" I momentarily celebrated.

Someone lifted the piece of parchment straight out of my hands, "Three E's, five O's and one OO, wow! That's an impressive line up! You only get a double O if you get top of the year. That means you beat-" I looked up to see Fred and George studying my grades. Thankfully Hermione didn't hear what they said.

I snatched back the parchment and turned my back on them, "It's not like you two care, anyway." I was really starting to believe it. They hadn't talked to me from the start of May and now it was the end of June. I really just didn't know how to take them. I really felt like I was a 'phase' that they went through when I became suddenly all interesting. Either they wanted me in their lives or didn't. These mixed messages weren't working for me.

"I got 5 OWLS and Fred got 4!" George sat down beside me in the space that had developed.

"Congratulations." I said stiffly. I was annoyed and wanted to make it quite clear.

Fred took a seat further up the table whilst George tapped my back, "What's got your wand in a knot?"

"I'm just fed up George... Some days you act like you're my best friend and next thing we can go for weeks without speaking a word to each other. Please make up your mind what you want. Cause one of these days I will be the one to walk away. I can't take it anymore."

George sat stunned as Harry, Ron, Hermione and I returned to our dormitories to pack up the remains of our belongings. Hermione handed me one of her muggle fiction books to read over the holidays for the long hours I spend alone in my room. She felt sorry for me and I was in a bad mood that was hard to shift. Lavender, Parvati and Fay all said their goodbyes and started making their way towards the station in Hogsmeade, sensing that something wasn't right and giving us a bit of space. I didn't even feel happy that Gryffindor won the house cup last night. I really didn't want to leave Hogwarts, I even asked McGonagall if I could stay with her but she said that it was against all the rules. I even considered hiding somewhere, but the implications were immense.

There was a knock at our dormitory door and it swung open. "What in Merlin's beard did you say to George?" it was Ginny.

"Nice to see you too." I spoke, "I'm doing well, Ginny. Oh yes, I hope you have a good holiday too. Probably be better than mine."

Ginny stood with her hands on her hips, "What's got your wand in a knot?"

"That's what he said." I took a glimpse at her and stared back into my trunk again, "I told him that I was fed up with the way he is around me and that if he wanted me in his life then he'd better start acting like it. I have so many inconsistencies in my life right now and it's about time I do something about the ones I can manage."

"Well, you're clearly looking forward to going home," Ginny could read me like a book, "And good for you, someone needed to say it to him. But you told me there was nothing going on between you two…?"

"There isn't. Promise."

"I'm sorry…" She backed out of the room before I could say anything else. I was in such bad form I felt like I needed to scream, punch something and cry all at once. I got onto my bed and closed the curtains around me, telling Hermione that I needed a minute to get myself together.

"I'm sorry, 'Mione!" I sniffed from behind the curtains, with my head in my pillow, "I'm such a horrible person, I just-"

"Really don't want to go home? I know…" she sighed, "If there was anything I could do, I swear I would, I think my parents are bringing me on holiday and then we'll have you over for a week. I'm sure Ron will arrange with his mum to see if you can come over for a day as well. Try not to worry… Come on, we need to go…"

I wiped my tears and forced myself to move. I dragged my trunk down the stairs and saw Harry and Ron sitting waiting for us in front of the fireplace. One look at Harry told me that he was looking forward to this as much as I was. I saw Draco on my way down to the carriages to bring us down to Hogsmeade, I even forced a smile because I was grateful for how he decided to tell me the truth even though it must have been difficult for him. Life mustn't be that simple for him either, yes, his parents loved and cared for him, but at school he has a bit of a reputation and his friends are a bit dim-witted. In the new school year, I would try and figure him out. I might even befriend him.

On the train I tried my very best to remain positive. Harry was moping around just as much as I was. The other two were extra chatty as they knew I wasn't at myself and I'm usually the noisy one. The main discussion was that the fact still remained about Sirius and Peter, that only the four of us and Dumbledore truly knew what happened that night. Ron was still sad that he had lost his pet rat, yet disgusted at the fact he had effectively been sharing his bed with a full grown man for twelve years. I had to hold in the laughter as Ron told us all the things they had done together. Let's just say if Peter ever talks or writes a book about his life as a rat, Ron will be the one going into hiding. Harry tried comforting Ron by saying if Peter ever shows his face again, he won't be alive long enough to open his mouth. I must say, I believe his word on that one.

Hermione had some surprising news to tell the three of us as she said, "I went to see Professor McGonagall this morning, just before breakfast. Her first worry was that there was something wrong with you, Kathryn, but I set her straight, don't worry… I've decided to drop Muggle Studies."

"But you passed your exam with 320%!" Ron was in shock.

"I know," Hermione sighed, as if wondering if she had done the right thing, "but I can't stand another year like this one. That Time-Turner, it was driving me mad. I've handed it in. Without Muggle Studies and Divination, I'll be able to have a normal timetable again. I'm sorry that I'm leaving you, Kathryn…" I really hope that the real reason she quit Muggle Studies is not because I beat her in the exam…

"I still can't believe you didn't tell us about it," Ron spoke grumpily, "We're supposed to be your friends."

"It wasn't so great knowing, you know." I justified his argument, "I was stuck between a rock and a hard place."

"Oh come on you two," Hermione stared at Harry and me, the two of us sitting opposite her and Ron in the carriage, "cheer up, we've another few hours together! And, you're visiting Ron, Harry and you're visiting me, Kathryn! It's something to look forward to!"

Ron was super excited all of a sudden, "It's the Quidditch World Cup this summer! How about it, Harry? Come and stay, and we'll go and see it! Dad can usually get tickets from work." I couldn't help but feel a little bit jealous.

The trolley Witch passed by and Harry bought himself a very large 'I feel sorry for myself' lunch that contained everything but chocolate. Hermione, Ron and I were considerably more modest in our portion sizes! As we were munching, something small floated by the window, drifting in and out of view. As the four of us got closer to the window we could see that it was a little grey owl, carrying a letter that was much too big for it. Harry opened the latch and the tiny owl tumbled through the window and landed on Harry's lap in an adorable heap. I picked it up in one hand and stroked it carefully as Harry took the letter from its foot which was addressed to him. It read,

'Dear Harry,
I hope this reaches you before you reach your aunt and uncle. I don't know whether they're used to owl post.
Buckbeak and I are in hiding. I won't tell you where, in case this falls into the wrong hands. I have some doubt about the owl's reliability, but he is the best I could find, and he did seem eager for the job.
I believe the Dementors are still searching for me, but they haven't a hope of finding me here. I am planning to allow some Muggles to glimpse me soon, a long way from Hogwarts, so that the security on the castle will be lifted.
There is something I never got around to telling you during our brief meeting. It was I who sent you the Firebolt- Crookshanks took the order to the Owl Office for me. I used your name but told them to take the gold from Gringotts vault number 711- my own. Please consider it as thirteen birthday's worth of presents from your godfather.
I would also like to apologise for the fright I think I gave you that night last year when you left your uncle's house. I had only hoped to get a glimpse of you before starting my journey north, but I think the sight of me alarmed you.
I am enclosing something else for you, which I think will make your next year at Hogwarts more enjoyable.
If you ever need me, send word. Your owl will find me.
I'll write again soon.
Sirius.
P.S. I thought your friend Ron might like to keep this owl, as it is my fault he no longer has a rat.'

Hermione seemed all too happy to prove the boys wrong about the identity of the Firebolt sender. Smugness is not one of her better traits. Harry eagerly looked inside the envelope and ignored her, finding a signed permission slip allowing him to go to Hogsmeade next year. Ron was also too busy celebrating that he had a new owl to listen to Hermione as well. I was silently praying for a PPS on the end of the letter with a present for me too, just for no particular reason. I knew I wasn't that lucky, don't worry.

Just as we were about to pull up to King's Cross I saw a familiar face at our carriage window. George pointed at me and then pointed to the aisle; he wanted to talk. Hermione gave me a shove and told me to go. I really didn't have much of a choice. I made sure that the other three could neither see nor hear what was being exchanged between George and me before I said a word.

"I'm sorry." I could hardly meet his eyes.

George tilted my chin up, "No, I am. Look, I didn't realise how I made you feel. I don't really know what you want, all I know is that I really like spending time with you and I don't want to lose you. Please don't walk away from me, I need you." He took a hold of my hand, "I'll write to you, I'll arrange for you to come visit us over the summer, I'll do anything-"

"I'll hold you to that." I smiled, pulling him in for a hug, "But I'm warning you, I've enough crap going on in my life, and if you're not honest with me…"

"I know, trust me and everything will work out in the end," he rubbed my shoulder gently, "I just need time to figure it all out." I nodded and the two of us went to grab our trunks to disembark off the train, "Katy?!" George shouted, "If you need me, I'll be there."

I slid open the door to our compartment with a smile on my face and didn't say anything.

"So…?" Hermione began.

Ron cleared his throat, "I've come to the conclusion that you two are going to get together at some point, if you haven't already. I'm fine with it so long as I don't have to see you kissing him."

"Have your blessing, do I?" I smiled over to him as I lifted my trunk down from the overhead storage.

Ron scratched his head, "Sure."

"So kind." I gave him a cheeky smile, "I suppose you'll just have to convince him to ask me out, then." At that point I felt like had all the luck I needed.

Harry, Ron and Hermione all looked like they were about to pull their hair out. Hermione said something under her breath. Harry shook his head and Ron just stared at me. I had no idea my friends were all behind George and me getting together. I didn't know if I really wanted George to be my boyfriend, the idea seemed nice though, but it's clear that he isn't ready either. If the time ever comes, we'll know. Won't we?

On the platform, amongst the flurry of muggles going about their daily lives, the four of us headed towards our respective families. We saw Hermione's parents first, I made sure to thank Elizabeth for agreeing to take me on for a week. They had to get home quickly so they could pack for their holidays in the morning. I think they said they were going to Italy. The Weasley clan were nearby, they were hard to miss due to the shock of fiery red hair! Molly made sure to give me a massive squeeze of a hug and said that she, too was in contact with my mother and together they had sorted something for the end of August. I'm pretty sure a wide grin appeared on my face at that moment. I wrapped my arms around Harry as he awkwardly made his way towards his very impatient Uncle Vernon who scooted off in the opposite direction with not so much as a hello. Families, eh?

As the rest of the students cleared and went off home with their families I found myself standing on the platform alone willing myself not to cry at being abandoned. George and Ginny came to my aid as I set my trunk on the cold ground and sat down on it. They tried reassuring me, 'try not to worry', 'they're just running late', 'we'll wait with you', 'they just wanted us to spend more time together' and 'they might have gotten stuck in traffic'.

I had now been sitting there for at least half an hour, half deciding if I should get on a train or a bus half wondering if I should just go on the run like Sirius. Molly was in a bit of a corner, feeling that she should take me home, but I assured her that I would be alright on my own. I went with my better judgement and talked to a ticket sales man to get advice on how best to get home with the little muggle money I had.

"I'm so so sorry my sweet." I turned on the spot to see my Granny standing behind me, completely out of breath.

I broke down in tears I was that happy to see her, "What happened?"

"Your mother informed me an hour ago that I was to collect you. She is off shopping with your brother here in London. By then I was already late. I'm so sorry… I will never be able to comprehend that woman."

I wrapped my arms around her, "I'm just so glad you made it!"

My Granny took a seat on my trunk, catching her breath, "Well, aren't you going to introduce me to some of your friends?"

I grabbed the closest people to me, "Oh, this is Ginny one of my best friends and here's Ron, another very good friend of mine, he's in my year at school…" I smiled, "This is their mum, Molly. Molly says that she's been in contact with mum?"

"Yes, she has. Now which one of you twins is George?" my Grandmother had a very cunning look on her face which made me very worried. Worried to the point that I was not going to point out which one he was. For his sake and mine.

"I am." George stood forward awkwardly, "It's lovely to finally meet you. I've heard wonderful things."

"Good choice, my sweet, I see what you mean about him having a really nice smile and the way he looks at you-" My Granny winked at me, and took a good look at George. If it was acceptable or not, she was checking him out.

The expression on my face dropped. She did not just do that. I thought I was going to die from embarrassment. Fred looked like he was going to wet himself. "Oh please. Stop. They are never going to let me live this down."

"I'm just saying that I agree that the two of you would make a good couple. What I'm wondering is why it hasn't happened yet? I want to see my favourite Granddaughter happy." She turned around on her heels to look at me, "You have been telling me about him from first year. It's now the end of third year. I have the right to enquire."

"It seems you just don't know when to stop." I opened my eyes wide at her, putting an arm around her shoulders (as she was a good bit shorter than me). I could no longer hide my humiliation, George seemed to be enjoying himself though. Good for him.

"Oh." The penny finally dropped, "Well, I must mention now that your parents are taking your brother off on holiday to Australia for a month, they're leaving in two days." She announced.

"You're kidding." My jaw dropped and I was on the balls of my feet ready to bounce in the air in excitement.

"Would I lie to you?" Granny laughed a little, she was loving every minute of this, (I was meanwhile frantically jumping in the air, whooping and celebrating for anyone who would listen), "I just wanted to ask your friends if they'd like to come for dinner some day?" she looked at me and I nodded happily, "What do you say?"

"Are you sure?" Molly looked awfully embarrassed.

"Of course! I'd love to get to know you all. I insist. As long as you promise not to shout down the telephone this time Arthur when I call to arrange."

I stood there, gobsmacked. I was unable to fathom the conversation going on around me. My luck seems to have completely changed, "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" I have never been so happy in my entire life, "Did I ever tell you that I love you?" I whispered in my Granny's ear.

"All the time, my sweet."

"That settles it then, Sue." Arthur stepped in and shook her hand, "We look forward to it."