November 4th, 1995
"And that's where we have the advantage, sir!" Potter said, waving her arm wildly. "They all think that my blood is some kind of cure! But they don't know that it's going to kill and age them just like it's killing me."
"We're looking for a way around that," Severus said, lacking her enthusiasm. "And you have to realise that both the Dark Lord and Grindelwald are accomplished wizards. There's no doubt in my mind that both will find a way around that little caveat."
"Well, I have you," Potter said, smiling at him. "You're smarter than all of them combined."
"Your ridiculously unfounded faith in me aside," Severus said, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "They are more likely to find a cure before I can."
"I don't need a cure," Potter said after taking a drink. "I need a plan. Without his Horcruxes, Voldie is being held together by his own dark hopes and dreams. So I just have to get rid of his trinkets and relieve him of his body long enough to make him mortal. That gives the Order time to relieve him of life and he's one problem off the board."
"Which leaves us with the far more powerful and knowledgeable wizard to deal with," Severus said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Our only hope is that Vinda Rosier has not spread the word of your current ailment."
"When has our luck ever been that good?" Potter asked, giving him a sidelong glance. "Either way, I have to make her think the ageing thing is temporary."
"What is it you have in mind?" Severus asked, arching a brow at her.
"Polyjuice," Potter said, smirking at him. "Something stronger than these stupid beauty spells that wear off in a few hours. I can't inspire confidence in the ranks if I look like some crotchety old woman."
"It's a little grey hair, Potter," Severus said in his signature snide tone.
Potter waved a hand over her face, cancelling the spells, and gave him a dead stare. Before him stood an aged woman in her fifties, looking drawn and tired.
Severus couldn't hide his grimace. "Polyjuice wears off faster than beauty spells."
Potter held her hand in the air until a book landed in her palm. "The Dark ones don't."
"Potter!" Severus hissed, reaching for the book.
"Wait!" Potter lurched to her feet, tugging the book free from his reach as she scrambled around the couch. "It's only dark because it needs the flesh of the person I want to turn into and it can't be that bad if it's my own flesh, right?"
Severus scowled. "I know the potion you speak of and it not only requires flesh, but the happiest memory of the person you wish to turn into. It's not a memory you will retain even if it's your own, you stupid girl!"
Potter shrugged. "I can make more memories."
"Idiotic, imbecilic Gryffindors," Severus snarled, reaching for the book again. "Have you considered that being able to cast a patronus charm may be more beneficial than looking 'pretty'?"
"It's memorised," Potter said, jumping out of his range. "Either you help me or I make it myself."
"I could Obliviate you and be done with this moronic conversation," Severus countered.
"Then we'd have to fight, professor," Potter said, smiling at him. "I'd hate to have to beat you."
"I hate you, Potter," Severus bit out, waving his hand at the brewing room. "Get started. You're not brewing this without me."
Potter looked from him to the door of the brewing room in quick succession. "You go first, sir. No offence, but I don't trust you to not Obliviate me."
Severus muttered a curse, summoning the bottle of rum into his hand as he walked into the brewing room.
"Wait," Severus said, putting his hand on hers. "Put the memory in the Pensieve first."
"Why?" Potter asked as she turned away from the bubbling potion.
"So that I may watch it and give you a copy," Severus offered. "And Potter, you may want to call forth your Patronus, for this may be the last time you see it."
Potter pulled out her holly wand and took a deep breath. "Expecto Patronum!"
Saphira's massive form illuminated the brewing room as she flew around them, landing at Potter's side as though waiting for instructions. Potter's eyes watered as she looked at her familiar. He would never admit it, but he too missed the mischievous little creature.
"Good job, sweet girl," Potter said, touching Saphira's head. "You can go now. I'm safe."
Saphira walked over to him and touched her forehead against his before she dissipated, leaving them in the dim torchlight. His resolve faltered. Potter was trying to rid herself of both her memory of Saphira and the grief caused by her absence. It wasn't healthy.
"Potter, you can't give up your memory or your ability to cast the Patronus charm," he said, hating himself for the plea in his tone. "It could also affect your ability to retain your Occlumency shields. It's simply not worth it."
"I won't lose my ability to perform the patronus or use Occlumency, sir," Potter said confidently. "It's not a memory that allows me to summon Saphira. It's a feeling. It's my hope."
"But what if you lose that feeling?" He asked, hoping to make her see sense.
"You'll all be safe and happy when Voldemort's gone. Even Saphira," Potter said, a smile on her face. "The potion can't take the truth away from me."
Severus arched an eyebrow at her. "You are basing this 'hope' on your death before his demise, am I correct?"
"Of course, sir," Potter said with a smile on her blasted face.
"And what happens if you lose this hope and are overcomed by a sense of doom?" Severus asked, slapping his hand on the worktable. "Appearing youthful will not stop the Dark Lord from ripping you to shreds mentally if you don't have the ability to keep him out!"
"Trust me, sir," Potter said, laughing as though his concerns meant nothing. "Even if I lose all hope, nothing will stop me from doing whatever it takes to make him mortal. Nothing."
"On your head be it," Severus replied, shaking his head as he watched Potter extract the memory and place it into the boiling cauldron.
Potter didn't hesitate, using the silver knife to slice a piece of flesh from her right arm and drop it into the mix. "That should do it."
The cauldron bubbled and hissed until the liquid inside turned a pure platinum colour. There was no change in Potter's demeanour and he didn't know if that bolstered his hopes or hurt him more. She was too young to wish for death.
Potter removed the potion from the heat and began bottling it, making sure that she labelled each precisely. "I think I'm ready to test it."
He had a bezoar in his pocket should anything go wrong, so he only nodded in response, watching as she drank the first vial in one go.
Her body morphed and changed, her hair going back to its usual jet black as her skin smoothed out, wiping all of the spots and wrinkles away as though they never existed.
Potter stood before him looking younger and stronger than she had since they removed that infernal Cuff from her arm. "It worked!"
"Your patronus," he said, urging her to cast the spell.
Potter whipped out her wand and said the spell. It wasn't as bright as before, but it was there. The damned girl still had hope that she would die like a good little martyr. He hated her and he hated himself for knowing that he couldn't hate her.
It wouldn't stop him from doing everything in his power to save her though. He had an arsenal of knowledge in his possession and he would use all of it to keep her among the living. Even if it killed him in the process.
November 5th, 1995
Mary didn't sleep that night. Instead she stayed awake to finish her homework. Remus and Tonks went to bed early, so she was sure to keep quiet so she didn't disturb them. And at five in the morning, she Flooed to the kitchens where she helped Mickey and Annie cook breakfast until it was a decent enough hour to go to the Great Hall.
"Morning," Ron said, yawning as he sat next to her at their table.
"You look better," Hermione said, her shrewd gaze watching her every move.
"I feel better," Mary said, lying easily. "Bones are mended and the aches are mostly gone. So I'd say it's a good day."
"Did you finish your homework?" Hermione asked, leaning forward.
"Really?" Ron asked, rolling his eyes. "She almost dies winning the match and homework's more important?"
"Her studies are important!" Hermione argued, reaching to grab her hand. "You are okay though, right?"
"I'm fine," Mary said, laughing. "And yes, I finished my homework, but I need some help with my spellwork."
"Practise after breakfast?" Ron asked, a hungry look in his eyes.
"Absolutely," Mary said, grinning as she buttered her toast.
"Hey, MJ!" Fred yelled from down the table. "Scoot on over, old girl!"
Mary rolled her eyes and stood, taking her plate with her as she went to sit between the twins. "How's it going, Gred, Forge?"
"It's going," Fred said, leaning his head toward her. "Big party after the Yule Ball."
"You know where," George said, smiling brightly. "We're only inviting the coolest people in Hogwarts."
"So naturally I'm invited," Mary said, laughing as they piled food onto her plate. "But I have terms before I agree."
"Anything, sis," Fred said, putting his arm around her.
"You say it, we do it," George added.
"Spell practise after breakfast," Mary said. "You know where."
"We're there," George said, nudging her shoulder. "You sure you're okay?"
"You looked a little rough before the match," Fred said, hugging her closer.
"I'm fine," Mary said, trying to hide her frown. "I miss her, but I'm fine."
"That bastard," George said, looking up at the head table. "At least he looks like hell warmed over."
"Nice black eyes too," Fred smirked. "I bet Sirius or Bill got to him first."
Mary rubbed her knuckles. "They didn't."
"Nice job, old girl," George laughed, then frowned. "Still doesn't make what he did right."
"We've got your back," Fred said, smirking at his twin. "He'll regret coming back."
As much as Mary wanted to see Rolf pay for hurting her, she knew it wasn't right. "Don't mess with him. He was doing what was best for Saphira. I lashed out, but I was wrong to do so."
"You can't tell me you still like that tosser?" Fred said, staring heatedly at Rolf.
"I don't," Mary replied honestly. "But I also don't want to lose my only way of checking on Saphira."
"She's smart, George," George said to his brother.
"You're George," Mary elbowed him in the ribs. "Seriously though, I'd love it if you both could help me with my wand work. It'd be great."
"We'll be there," Fred said. "Right, Fred?"
Mary rolled her eyes and finished her breakfast, careful not to glance at the head table.
"So what spells do you need help with?" Hermione asked an hour later, looking at the group of people that had arrived to help.
Hermione, Ron, Lavender, Parvati, Dean, Seamus, Fred, George, Lee, Angelina, Katie, Alicia, and Luna were sitting in a large circle, waiting for her to speak.
"I put a spell over the door to make sure you're all who you say you are, so I feel free to divulge this information to those I trust," Mary said, looking at each face there. "The person who attacked Daphne, Goyle, Malfoy, and myself is still in the castle."
Glances were exchanged and they focused on her as Mary tried to figure out just what to say. "She's an animagus - a black cat with green eyes - and she's well versed in just about every spell and curse you can think of. Honestly, I think Dumbledore himself might be her only threat."
"So what are we supposed to do?" Seamus asked, giving her an incredulous stare.
"Avoid her," Mary said, looking at each of them in turn. "Don't engage. She's old and powerful. She won't hesitate to hurt or kill you. Just avoid her if you see her and find the nearest teacher to help."
"That's no fun!" George hollered.
"You've got the map," Fred said, should be easy to track her.
"Remus has the map," Mary replied. "And he's not always around. I need all of you to stay vigilant and keep an eye out for her."
"Why is she here?" Lavender asked, eyes wide. "What does she want?"
Mary took a deep breath and let it out. "She wants me. She's Grindelwald's most trusted acolyte."
Parvati gasped. "Grindelwald! But he's in prison!"
"And she's trying to free him while the Ministry is focused on Voldemort," Mary said. "I have faith in Minister Bones and the Aurors, but there's not enough of them to keep a reasonable guard here at Hogwarts and defend the other wizarding villages, so it's up to us to keep a lookout."
"We can do that," Lee said, rapping his knuckles on the floor.
"Aye!" Fred exclaimed, mimicking Lee.
"Alright then," Mary said, standing up. "Let's practise."
November 7th, 1995
Mary spent the next few days going through her usual routine, trying to act as normal as possible as she waited for the other shoe to drop. It's not like she was waiting for something bad to happen, but her life was a poster for bad luck, so she was always ready for it. Or she tried to be.
On that particular Tuesday morning, Mary was more than a little tired as she trudged into the dungeons. Snape was waiting in his office wearing robes that were nicer than usual. He barely spared her a glance as he grabbed scrolls of parchment, talking them over with Aunt Andy as though she didn't exist.
Mary rubbed at the scars on her arm that were her biggest source of pain and irritation, waiting for her cue to jump in and help, but she wasn't needed yet. So Mary bided her time by fiddling with the blanket on Snape's couch.
"Mary," a voice called to her. "Mary, wake up."
Mary blinked, disoriented as she yawned and sat up. "What'd I miss?"
"When was the last time you slept, darling?" Aunt Andy asked, kneeling in front of her.
"I'm okay," Mary said, yawning again.
"When?" Snape growled.
"I woke up Saturday morning," Mary said casually. "I just need a coffee or two."
"We have to be at the Ministry in thirty minutes," Aunt Andy said. "If you don't feel up to doing the final spells, we can wait."
"I can do it," Mary said, feeling adrenaline kick in. "Chiara needs this."
"Potter, she'll not survive another mistake," Snape said. "Are you willing to take that risk?"
"I can do this," Mary said, standing up and walking toward the bathroom. "Give me a minute to freshen up and I'll be ready."
By 'freshen up' she meant splashing her face with water and downing enough Invigoration Draughts to kill a horse, but if it got the job done, it was worth it. With the weight of Chiara's life on her conscience, Mary walked out of the bathroom ready to go.
"I'll go through first and let them know we're ready," Aunt Andy said after giving her a hard look.
Mary nodded, ready to follow her into the Floo.
"You can back out at any time," Snape said once Aunt Andy was gone.
"Have a little faith in me, sir," Mary said, not meeting his eyes. "I've failed a lot before, but I won't risk Chiara's health for my own pride."
Snape nodded, taking her arm. "We go together."
Mary felt a little patronised to be escorted through the Floo like a child, but she let it go, focusing instead on the gaggle of witches and wizards that gathered around Chiara's cell.
They shouldn't have been there. It wasn't a circus act.
"They're Unspeakables," Aunt Andy whispered, linking her arm with Mary's. "They're here to observe and help if we need it."
Mary nodded wordlessly as she stepped up to the brewing area and examined all of the ingredients and instruments on the table. It was all there and as it needed to be. Snape stood at her side as she began to brew the modified Wolfsbane potion, not speaking a word as she worked through the laborious process.
Mary shared a look with Snape and Aunt Andy as she started the spellwork, careful that she didn't make any mistakes. Half an hour later, she was finished, stepping back and letting them examine her work.
"It's ready," Mary said at eight fifteen that morning.
"Moonrise is in five minutes," Aunt Andy said after casting a tempus spell for all to see. "It's all on you now, darling."
Mary held the vial in her hands and walked to the door. She pulled the slide over and looked into the tiny window, seeing Chiara in wolf form curled up in the corner of the room. It was now or nothing. Mary locked the metal door behind her and nodded at the short wizard on her right to unlock the door in front of her.
The lock clicked and Mary walked in quietly, locking the door before her, then grabbed her holly wand.
"Stupefy!" Mary shouted, hitting Chiara in the back before she could move.
Mary rushed to her side and pried the wolf's mouth open before pouring the potion down her throat. Mary backed away releasing her spell before transforming into her animagus form.
Chiara let out a low growl, jumping to her feet and spinning around in a rage. The white wolf licked her lips and let out a low howl, before stalking toward Mary. Mary stayed her ground, watching and waiting as the clock on the wall ticked closer to eight twenty.
Chiara faltered, stumbling as the moon cycle completed. Her entire body shuddered and changed until a pale blonde girl fell to the ground, naked and shaking.
Mary transformed as fast as she could, ripping her robe off and wrapping Chiara in it. "It's okay, you're safe."
Chiara only mumbled in response, trying to move away from her.
"It's Mary, Kiki," Mary whispered, holding her tight. "I think it worked."
Chiara's whole body shook and shuddered, tears stained Mary's shirt, but she didn't let go. For hours she stayed right there, not moving, not speaking, just waiting. Chiara's sobs waned into sniffles, and then her breathing evened out as she finally fell asleep.
There was a firm knock on the door, then the viewport opened, showing part of Snape's face.
His eyes narrowed upon seeing her holding Chiara. "Is all well, Potter?"
"It worked, sir," Mary answered. "She's human again."
The door opened and Snape and Aunt Andy walked in, followed by the group of Unspeakables. They helped Chiara onto a stretcher, carrying her into a separate room where she could be examined.
"You did it, darling!" Aunt Andy hugged her.
"We did it," Mary said, allowing herself to smile. "We really did it!"
Snape crossed his arms. "Do not get your hopes up, Potter. We will still have to observe Miss Lobosca to be sure that the modified Wolfsbane doesn't fail."
"Six months, right?" Mary clarified.
"That is correct," Snape said.
"It's going to work." Mary whispered, looking at the door where Chiara was being held. "I know it."
"We hear congratulations are in order," Tonks said, pulling Mary into an enthusiastic hug as soon as she stepped out of the Floo. "Is it true? Is she okay? Is she cured?"
Mary blinked, trying to process her answers. "We won't know for sure until she can go six moon cycles without changing, but she's human again and stayed human during the full moon."
"Miss Lobosca's mental state is yet to be determined," Snape said, looking around Remus' quarters with a sneer on his face.
"She still hasn't spoken," Aunt Andy said, putting a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Maybe you can visit her at St. Mungo's, dear. She always loved you."
At Tonks' crestfallen look, Remus put an arm around her. "We'll take her some chocolate this weekend."
Mary took three steps toward her room and was promptly stopped by Sirius. "You're having dinner with us, kiddo."
"Oh, okay," Mary said, trying to hide her grimace. "I'll just freshen up."
"And I will take my leave," Snape said, walking to the door.
"Wait!" Mary called out, shooting him a pleading look. "Don't you want to stay for dinner, sir?"
Snape raised a brow at her. "Potter, my presence is required in the Great Hall for the dinner hour. I must see to my students beforehand."
"You're welcome here, Snape," Sirius said, actually sounding genuine.
Snape appeared caught off guard by the offer. "Slytherin house needs me, Black. But I will take the offer under advisement."
"So I'll still see you for detention, right sir?" Mary asked, hoping for the best.
Snape saw through her charade. "Eight pm. Do not be late."
"Yes, sir," Mary replied, smiling slightly as Snape left.
"You're asking for detention now?" Sirius asked, leaning on a chair and giving her a piercing look. "Where have I gone wrong?"
"He enjoys my company," Mary said, shrugging as she turned and went into her room, shutting the door behind her.
There was not one owl on the perch, but two.
"Boris!" Mary gasped, moving to pet him and Hedwig. "How are you?"
Boris nipped her fingers in response, likely waiting for his owl treat. Mary untied the letter from his leg and made quick work of feeding and watering both owls before she sat on her bed and opened the envelope.
Mary,
Your last letter gave me great joy. I am happy to hear that you will be Seeker once again. I had no doubts. You are more skilled than the Seekers I face in professional Quidditch. You will do great for your school.
I am sorry for short notice, but I wish to visit over the Christmas holiday with my Elena, if that is well with you and your fathers. I would not wish to intrude. I do miss your company and Fleur said that you could use a friend's advice regarding a boy. I do not know who she speaks of, but I hope to be of service.
All my love,
V.K.
Mary wrote out a quick reply, not bothering to divulge into the details of her love life. That would require a paragraph that she didn't have the energy or time to write. She also didn't bother asking for permission before inviting him and Elena for the Christmas holidays. It was that kind of night.
Mary tied the letter to Hedwig's leg, knowing that she could use the exercise. "Take your time, girl. And let Boris rest tonight. No shenanigans."
Hedwig let out a chirp and bit her finger, swatting her with a wing as she flew out of the window.
Mary sat down on her bed and gave herself a second to breathe. Diving into the fire of her Occlumency, Mary let everything go. All of her pain and frustrations. Her worries and doubts. She focused on the smell of the cool mountain air mingled with cigarettes, worn leather and a star filled sky, until everything else melted away. It was almost like it never happened and she was happy again, just content before life went pear shaped and all to hell at the same time.
"Mary Jane," Remus' voice broke her from her meditation. "Dinner's ready."
Mary blinked, turning to him. "Be right there, Moomy."
Remus walked in and closed the door behind himself. "Are you okay? You're crying."
Mary wiped at her face, feeling the errant tears there. "I'm fine."
Remus didn't ask, he just sat beside her and wrapped an arm around her. Mary didn't know how long they stayed like that, but when her stomach grumbled, Remus decided it'd been too long.
"Everything okay, kid?" Sirius asked as they walked out and sat at the small table.
Mary looked from him to Mac. "It's fine. It was a long day and I'm exhausted."
Sirius and Mac shared a look, but neither said anything. Mary picked at her dinner, trying her best to drown out the phantom anger that threatened to break through.
"I have news," Mary said suddenly, pushing her plate away.
All eyes were on her and she didn't wait for a response. "Viktor and Elena are joining us for the Christmas holidays."
Sirius grinned. "The more the merrier!"
"That's great, Mary Jane!" Remus said, smiling as he refilled Tonks' glass.
"I have news too," Sirius said, ignoring the look Mac sent his way. "Mac and I are engaged."
Mary choked on her drink, coughing for a moment. "That's great!"
"Tonks and I are engaged too," Remus said in a more subdued tone.
"Congratulations!" Mary exclaimed, smiling at her godfathers and their fiances. "I'm so happy for all of you!"
Mary felt her heart in her throat as she hugged each of them. Even Mac. It really was wonderful. They were happy so she was happy. It couldn't get better. It was everything she wanted and hoped for. When she met her end, they would be okay. They wouldn't be alone. But if it was so great, why didn't she feel happy?
Her watch buzzed like a saving grace and Mary stood. "Detention calls. Congratulations again."
"Don't go," Sirius said, standing as well. "Snape will understand."
"I have to finish my report for the Unspeakables and today's homework," Mary said at once, going toward her room. "I'll see you all tomorrow."
Without waiting, Mary grabbed her rucksack and Flooed straight to Snape's quarters. He looked up from his desk, but went back to grading papers when he saw it was her.
Mary didn't say a word, she simply summoned a bottle of Quintin Black and a single glass and began to drink. After she finished her second glass, she started in on her report, then her homework.
"Potter." Snape's voice pulled her from her Transfiguration essay hours later. "Are you well?"
Mary wiped at her eyes and moved to refill her glass, but Snape put a hand on her arm, stopping her. "You were right, sir."
"I'm well aware," Snape said, leaning back. "What are you referring to, Potter?"
"I lost my hope," Mary said, pulling her arm away. "I mean, I'm here. Obviously. But I'm just going through the motions. I feel like I have my own personal Dementor nipping at my heels."
Snape refilled her glass and poured one of his own. "I warned you of this being a possibility."
Mary closed her eyes, playing with a lock of her hair. "And look where my idiocy got me. The stupid potion didn't even work! My hair's white again!"
Snape took a sip of his rum, examining her face. "Call it a fashionable experiment. There's no other signs of the potion fading."
"Hardly my biggest worry," Mary muttered.
"Find a reason to hope," Snape said, pinning her with his dark gaze. "Find a reason to keep fighting."
"Fake it 'til I make it," Mary replied, knowing she was very good at doing just that. "I can play the part."