Remus safely deposited Sirius in the common room after trying, and failing, to find Emmaline in the library, then set about his evening prefect duties. These were supposed to be performed with Eloise but they had long since agreed not to spend time alone together. He didn't want another mistake between them. She walked her side of the castle and he his.

No matter his level of stress or energy, he always enjoyed the guilt-free rounds through the corridors before bed. Now that his final year at Hogwarts had begun, he used the time to reflect on all of the memories, from the fear and loneliness of his first year, to meeting his friends, flying a broomstick, sipping his first butterbeer, and fumbling his first kiss. Times weren't always good. He constantly had to cover his tracks. A voice in the back of his head reminded him daily that he wasn't like the rest, no matter how well he fit in. If his secret was revealed, he would lose everything in a second. Everything but his friends. They were his anchor and one source of comfort. Even after they graduated he knew they would always be together, and that made going into the world a little less frightening.

From the window he could see that a light was still on in the greenhouse. He walked outside and listened to the crickets begin their nightly orchestra as he made his way to the Herbology department for the second time that evening.

He opened the door and said, "Emmaline, curfew!"

She wore her robe now, face flushed with pink and a sheen of sweat. "Just about finished." She was returning various tools to the cubbies on the wall. When she put the last set of shears on the shelf she used her palm to wipe her forehead.

"Where's the rest of your uniform?" he asked, for her neck was still missing a tie and sweater vest and her feet were bare.

She pointed down. "Just there."

He followed her finger and saw the articles lay on the floor by his feet. He picked them up and handed them to her.

They stood in silence.

"This must look strange," she said.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but I usually find you doing something strange."

"Truth is this uniform is ill-fitting and I'm waiting for a new one to arrive. Until then, I am avoiding having to wear it...or, some of it...when I'm alone. If you think I look ridiculous now, you should see..." She gave a nervous chuckle and rolled her eyes.

He wouldn't have used the word 'rudiculous' to describe the way she looked an hour before. Then again, while many girls dressed to elicit attention, Emmaline did not. She did not like extra eyes watching. That much had always been obvious.

"Why didn't you get one at Diagon Alley before term started?"

"I planned poorly and had already spent all of my money from summer."

"Can't your parents buy you a new one?"

"No."

He nodded. "I see." He took her explanation to mean her parents didn't have the money. "Let's get going before we're late. I'd prefer not to take points away from my own house."

"I believe you're the only prefect honest enough to do that."

On the second morning of school, Emmaline had Defense Against the Dark Arts, a class she'd shared with Slytherin since first year. Among the students was a terrifying creature named Bellatrix Lestrange and her entourage of emerald-clad sycophants. It was they who first mocked her accent and made her afraid to speak aloud, and she had yet to overcome her unease in their presence. They were like a web waiting for a helpless insect to catch and suck dry. When spied down a hallway she took a different route, especially when a seventh year by the name of Zachary Vine joined their number between classes. His eyes had a hollow quality like a rabid dog's; one was never certain what he was about to do, and he set those evil eyes upon Emmaline at every opportunity just for the fun of watching her squirm.

The Slytherins loved to torment Muggle-borns most of all, believing themselves superior through their lineage. In the past they had been caught with lists of students' names that had come from non-magical families. One could only venture a horrified guess as to why they felt the need to keep track.

Bellatrix sat at the desk in front of Emmaline's like a dark cloud. At the top of the staircase the office door opened and down walked a tall, thin man dressed in black, from his pants to his vest and top hat. Scattered over his person were bright silver accessories: a pocket watch, a necklace, a clip on his tie all caught the morning sun and glittered. His long dark hair was neatly clasped at the back of his neck. He appeared no older than forty.

"I am your new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Kresnik."

He spoke with a heavy Eastern European accent.

"You may have heard of me," he continued, walking down the aisle of desks. "I have an extensive background in hunting..." he stopped and looked right at Bellatrix "...creatures. Dark creatures."

He continued to stare. Bellatrix snickered. Emmaline thought if he could tell within the first ten seconds of class that she was a monster, his profession had taught him well.

"Please open your textbooks and we'll begin."

During lunch Sirius kept the seat next to him vacant.

"You've scared her off," said Peter. "She's never going to want to eat in here again."

"She has to come sooner or later," Sirius answered. "The lunch period is almost over."

"We were supposed to practice quiddich with at least some of this hour," James complained.

Sirius looked at the clock and made a face. "Right. Let's go. I'll try her at dinner."

James and Sirius rose from the bench. "Coming, Remus?"

"Tomorrow," he said.

"Don't forget tryouts are on Friday."

He nodded and they left the Great Hall with Peter on their heels. Only he and Lily remained at the table.

She leaned in. "How did last night go?" She asked. "Did Sirius behave himself?"

"He never got the chance. I made sure he didn't find her."

"Brilliant," she smiled. "Keep him in check, will you?"

"I think you're overreacting. I know he can be a little short sighted-"

"He chews girls up and spits them out. All of you do." Remus went to protest but she held up her hand. "Don't try and deny it. I've known you for six years. And while you may have an excuse for keeping your distance from people, he does not. He does it for fun."

Lily had guessed his condition before anyone else and had the goodness of heart never to tell or treat him like a mutant. Apparently she'd noticed all sorts of Marauder activities during their years in Gryffindor. Her humble and kind personality could make it easy to forget her brilliance.

"Aren't you concerned?" Lily asked.

"Not really."

"How?"

"Look, I like Emmaline. I don't want anything to happen to her either, but you saw them at dinner. She isn't interested."

"What I saw was her begin to cave in after a little persistence."

"She just lent him a book."

"What if she's too afraid or polite to keep telling him no?"

"That doesn't mean she's going to tell him yes."

"I can't be sure about that. I hate to admit it, but Sirius has a way with girls. Even the steadfast ones. I don't know how he does it but he always wins them in the end."

Remus shrugged. "Maybe his intentions are pure this time."

Lily regarded him as if he'd just suggested Sirius enjoyed essay writing. "You're giving him the benefit of the doubt because he's your friend. He's been nothing but loyal to you but that hasn't always been the case with others."

That was true. Unfortunately so.

She checked around herself to make sure they were alone. "Emmaline grew up very differently than us. I don't want to say too much but there's a good chance she doesn't even understand the mechanics of sex."

Remus choked on the juice he was drinking. After clearing his throat he looked up to see Emmaline walk into the Great Hall. Her face relaxed when she saw only him and Lily at the table and walked to join them.

"Hello!" She said, taking a sandwich from the tray in the middle.

"Hello!" Lily replied.

"Afternoon," Remus said, his voice still hoarse.

"Forgot my gloves," Sirius called from the door.

Emmaline's shoulders fell.

"There you are," he told her. "Wanna come watch us play quiddich?"

She grimaced and opened her mouth, likely to find an excuse to refuse, and was turning towards Sirius when her eyes widened as big as saucers. A small Hufflepuff girl was leaving the Great Hall the same time Sirius was walking in.

"Eliza?!" Emmaline called.

The girl turned and made a face equally astounded. "EMMY!"

Emmaline darted around a bewildered Sirius and embraced the girl. She held her for a long time, laughing and stroking her hair.

"I've been looking everywhere for you!" Eliza said.

"I had no idea-"

"Why didn't you come home over summer?"

"I'm sorry. I know I should have written."

"Why am I in yellow and you're in red? I don't understand this place at all."

"I know, I know. It was hard for me too at first. But you're a witch! This is wonderful!"

Sirius smiled. "You must be Emmaline's sister. I'm her good friend Sirius Black."

Eliza chuckled. "She's not my sister."

"But you just said-"

"We lived together," the girl said brightly.

Everyone was silent. Emmaline looked like she was waiting for the ceiling to cave in over top of her. Lily watched with trepidation. The tension in the air was palpable.

"At Saint Catherine's home for girls."

Realization dawned on Remus. Emmaline's parents weren't poor; she didn't have parents. And he knew enough about the Muggle world to know what a Saint implied.

Emmaline squeezed Eliza's shoulder and pulled her out of the room. "Please excuse us."

"But you've only just arrived," Sirius called.

"Goodbye!"

When they were gone, Sirius turned towards the table. "Is anyone else confused?"

"I think I understand you now," Remus said to Lily.

"Understand what?" Sirius asked. "Who's Saint Catherine?"

"Isn't James waiting for you?" Lily reminded him.

"Oh, right!" He said, grabbing his gloves and jogging away.

Lily pinched the bridge of her nose. "Well now that's out." She sighed and gave a concerned glance at the Slytherin table. "I sure hope none of them heard that."

But if Bellatrix's face were any indication, she'd just received Christmas morning in September.

"I wouldn't count on it," Remus said.

"I don't believe Emmaline met a boy until she came to Hogwarts and certainly has no experience fending one off," Lily continued in a low voice. "She's been taught that her virtue is her most valuable possession. Even after four years here she's held onto many of those beliefs. Sirius has no concept of how devastated she would be if he did to her what he's done to all the rest."

"I'll speak with him. You have my word," Remus told her. "And by the way, maybe you can help her with something, too..."

Emmaline led Eliza to a bench in the corridor. There they sat, Emmaline studying the girl's face. A full year had passed since they'd seen each other. Eliza's black hair still fell to her shoulders, but her eyebrows were thicker and her stature taller.

"You've lost another tooth," she said, rubbing her cheek. "You've grown up so much."

"Where were you all summer?" Eliza asked. "Did something bad happen? We were all so worried."

"Not at all. I got a job."

"A job?"

"At the most wonderful candy store. I can't wait to show it to you. It has everything from-"

"You stayed away for a candy store?"

Eliza's blue eyes shone with disappointment.

"I'm sorry. I know it was selfish. But...I just couldn't go back."

"Didn't you miss us?"

"Of course I did. But once you've been to Hogwarts..." she paused "...you'll understand soon. Very soon. I promise."

"And you sound different," Eliza said. "You sound English."

"You'll understand that part, too."

"You don't seem like yourself anymore at all. Candy stores and jobs and pretending to be someone you aren't."

Emmaline took Eliza's hands and held them in her lap. "You're right. I am different. I've changed here. But my love for you hasn't. I missed you, all of you, more than you know."

"You sure aren't acting like it," Eliza replied, crossing her arms.

"Look, lunch is almost over. I don't want you late for your next class. I'll walk you there and be waiting for you when it's done. All right?"

Emmaline stood.

Eliza continued to pout.

"So where to?"

Eliza huffed and pulled out a slip of paper from her bag. "Tran...tran..."

"Transfiguration?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Well now, Professor McGonagall," Emmaline started as they walked down the hallway. "She's fair but strict. Kind but firm..."

That night, Emmaline heard a knock on the door. She had just deposited Eliza at the Hufflepuff common room entrance and changed into her pajamas.

"Can I come in?" Lily asked. In her hands she held a stack of folded garments.

Emmaline stepped aside. "Of course."

She entered and turned. "What a day, huh? You must have been so happy to see Eliza again. Though I'm sorry it had to happen so...publicly."

"Yes, it was," Emmaline replied. "I'm going to meet with her at breakfast tomorrow and show her around the castle."

"That sounds lovely! I envy her a bit, just starting out. She's going to have a wonderful time."

Emmaline nodded. She hoped that would be true, but also knew the obstacles Eliza had yet to face. As did Lily.

"Anyways, these are for you."

Lily held out her arms. They contained white button down shirts, sweater vests, and skirts.

"Uniforms?"

"Yes, they're spares of mine and another friend's. I think they'll fit you."

"How did...?"

"Remus asked if I knew of any extras laying around."

Emmaline's heart beat warm blood through her chest. "Remus?"

"Yes. He said you'd ruined yours during potions and needed another right away."

Emmaline didn't trust her ears. "Remus Lupin?"

"What other Remus is there?" Lily chuckled. "I thought two would be a good idea. You have a talent for staining your clothes, after all."

Emmaline reached out and stroked the fabric as if to make sure it was real. "He was fibbing of course," she said. "Too polite to say I didn't have the money for more."

"He's always been the only decent one of the lot."

Emmaline eyed her. "Are you still sure about that?"

Lily smirked, then stepped forward and handed her the clothes. Emmaline received them in her arms as carefully as one would hold a newborn baby. She was overwhelmed. "Thank you," she managed to say. Now she could keep her books and gloves. "You have no idea what this means."

Well after Lily left, Emmaline sat on her bed holding the bundles close to her chest. It was a little thing, some hand-me-downs, but to her they felt big, and made her want to do something big. Something the opposite of petrificus totalis. Remus had given her a thought, just a single thought, when they weren't together. She wasn't foolish enough to let herself believe it meant anything, but still. She cast the clothes aside and made for the door before she could talk herself into staying put.

The four Marauders were gathered in the common room alone by the fire. James, Sirius, and Peter all sat on the floor while Remus leaned against the wall with his hands in his pockets.

"That new defense professor was something," James remarked.

"A monster hunter," Peter added, mocking the man's accent.

Remus didn't comment. He watched the flames in thought.

"Sounds like we need to make him feel welcome," Sirius declared.

"That's right," James smiled. "Very welcome."

"So much so that he's ready to pack his suitcase by New Years," Peter added.

They all grinned.

"Hey Remus," Sirius said. "Do you know if Emmaline is going to keep working at Honeydukes on the weekends or if she's all out during school?"

He looked at his friend. "I think Lily is right. It's a poor match, you and her."

"Oh not you, too."

"I can think of ten other girls better suited to you."

"If you two would tell me more I might 'suit' myself better to her."

"For what purpose?"

Sirius bobbed his head from side to side in contemplation.

"If it's just to deflower her then forget it. You were there in the Great Hall. Saint Catherine's means Catholic. Chaste. Emmaline isn't going to touch a man until she's married."

Sirius smiled sheepishly, "Surely she's not still Catholic..."

"And you're not going to touch her either, understood?"

"That's rich coming from you."

"This is different," Remus replied. "I've never ruined a girl. They all had...experience."

"This one does seem best to let go, mate," James added. "Lily's pretty set on it."

Sirius groaned.

Just then, footsteps sounded down the stairs and Emmaline appeared in her pajamas. She ran to Remus and threw her arms around him. At first he held his hands out in shock, but when he realized what was happening he brought them down to pat her on the back. Her head barely came up to his shoulder.

She stepped away, embarrassed, but beaming a smile from ear to ear.

"Thank you," she said. "For the uniforms." She bumped into a couch and spun around to notice the rest of his friends on the floor. "Oh. Sorry. I didn't know you were-" she bolted back to the stairs. "Thank you!" She called again.

Remus didn't realize he was smiling until Sirius snapped his attention away.

"Congratulations, Remus. You and Emmaline are now married."

"Will the reception follow immediately? I'm hungry," Peter chimed.

They laughed at their own joke.

"Shut up," Remus said, turning his face so they wouldn't see him redden.

"All right, enough," James announced. The room quieted as it always did when he spoke. "Let's get back to Professor Kresnik's welcoming party."