Author's note: Dear readers, I can't believe it...it's finished! Eight years in the making... (I am so sorry for everyone who has waited this long for the ending, but so thankful that you did!). I had a hard time writing the ending to this first installment of the Raven Chronicles, simply because I felt sad to let it go. I intend to write several more installments and as always hope I will find more time to write. Now that we have reached the end I want to dedicate this novel to my own father, who I lost over 19 years ago when I was 11 years old. I still miss him to this day!

In closing I hope you have enjoyed reading this novel as much as I have enjoyed writing it and sharing it with you guys. Your wonderful reviews kept me going and I hope they keep inspiring me to continue Judy's journey (the prologue of part 2 is already in the making). Enjoy!

The Reunion

She awoke with a quick intake of air as her eyes snapped open. Judy quickly looked around the room, her hands searching for her wand. Fear still had a firm grip on her heart, as the last image she remembered was a flock of Dementors descending on her.

'You don't need your wand,' said a cold voice to her right. Judy looked at the dark haired man, confused. He sat on a chair, in his usual dark robes. Judy grabbed the rim of her bed, her knuckles turning white, as she realised they were alone in the hospital wing.

'What are you doing here?' she asked tense.

'I am making sure you don't run off to meet certain death…again,' he said in a bored voice. 'What exactly were you thinking? Going out in the middle of the night? With Dementors guarding the grounds?' He mocked her. 'You know they can sense your blood bond to him.'

Judy met his eyes in silence. 'You know what I was thinking,' she said, sitting up in the bed and straightening her shoulders. Snape's eyes hardened.

'You don't know him,' he said, unable to suppress his anger. 'He is an arrogant, reckless, law-breaking man…he murdered thirteen people and betrayed his best friends.'

'He did something to you,' said Judy, intrigued. 'Something…something terrible.'

'He betrayed the Potters,' said Snape, unaware he was letting his guard down.

'He did more than that,' said Judy, eager to discover the truth. 'You hate him...more than anything in this world. He did something that affected you directly.'

'Your father is a terrible person,' said Snape, meaning every single word. 'Even then…'

'You were at Hogwarts together,' Judy confirmed her own suspicions. 'Was he in your year?' Snape looked at her for a moment, contemplating his next words. His eyes hardened, as he realised what he'd said.

'He's a murderer,' he said coldly, his greasy black hair framing his pointy features.

'You hate him so much you won't even consider the evidence,' Judy stated.

'He was their Secret Keeper,' Snape retorted.

'He wasn't,' Judy shook her head. 'I've Seen it.'

'Seen it,' he said amused. 'Visions can be deceiving,' he continued. 'You usually only See what you want to See.'

'You know I can't control it,' she bit back at him. 'How in Merlin's beard do you expect me to choose what I See?'

'You want him to be free.'

'Of course I do!' She nearly yelled at him.

Snape got up from his seat, leaned over and placed his hands on the rims of the bed. His crooked nose was only an inch away from Judy's as their eyes locked. She held her breath, refusing to look away from his flaming gaze. 'He will receive the Dementor's kiss…I will make sure he does…'

'Severus!' They looked to their left as Dumbledore walked up to them. 'What is the meaning of this?!'

'She tried to help a wanted criminal,' Snape spoke in his defence, as he straightened up. 'We need to make sure she doesn't do it again.'

'She won't,' said Dumbledore confidently. 'Will you, Judy?' He looked at her over the rim of his half-moon spectacles.

'No, Professor. I won't do it again,' she assured him truthfully.

Snape looked at the Headmaster in disbelief. 'Her word? That is enough?'

'It is for me,' said Dumbledore calmly. 'Now, if you'll excuse us, Severus. I need to speak to Judy in private.'

'Professor,-'

'Goodbye, Severus,' Dumbledore cut across him. He stepped aside as Snape briskly walked past him and left the hospital wing without another word.

'He saved me, didn't he?' Judy spoke as Dumbledore closed the door. 'He cast the Patronus charm and saved me from the Dementors.' Dumbledore turned on his heel.

'He did,' he answered as he walked to the side of the bed. His eyes remained on her as he sat down on the chair which was previously occupied by the Potions teacher.

'I wouldn't be sitting here if he hadn't,' she said, looking at her hands as tears welled up in her eyes. 'I wasn't thinking clearly.'

'Apparently neither was your friend Willow,' he said, folding his hands on his lap. He wore a dark blue robe, covered in stars, reminding Judy of the night's sky.

'I think she was just happy to be included this time. She's been watching me destroy myself and my life from the side lines for long enough.'

'So she decided to help you speed up the process?' Dumbledore arched an eyebrow.

'She was only trying to help,' said Judy defensively.

'Sometimes helping means you turn down a friend's request,' said Dumbledore quietly. 'Or help them keep a promise they intend to break…'

'I shouldn't have gone out there, 'Judy agreed. 'I didn't help him…I nearly got him caught…'

'And yourself killed,' Dumbledore added as an afterthought. 'Judy. Do you understand why I made you promise me not to search for him anymore?'

'Because you didn't want to endanger his life any more than I already had' Judy replied. Dumbledore held her gaze for a moment, before whishing his wand at the door. Judy could sense he cast a Muffliato spell.

'I had not intended on telling you this just yet. I wanted to wait till you were of age. But I fear I can no longer postpone it.' He paused for a moment. 'What do you know of your mother?'

'My mother?' Judy asked, confused. 'I know she was a Seer,' said Judy, thinking. 'She was Muggle born, but very good at witchcraft.'

'She was,' Dumbledore smiled. 'But she was gifted even more as a Seer.'

'She'd been Seeing since childhood,' said Judy. 'She knew how to control it at my age.'

'Not always, Judy,' Dumbledore corrected her. 'Even your mother was sometimes overpowered by her gift. She was in control most of the time, but even she balanced on the brink of death once.' He looked sombrely, all of a sudden. 'I'm afraid I asked too much of her that time.'

'You?' asked Judy, taken aback. 'What do you mean you asked too much of her?'

'Judy, I need you to understand something first.' He said calmly. 'What I am about to tell you is a secret that I shared with your mother…your mother alone.' Dumbledore paused for a moment and Judy noticed his eyes had turned moist. 'I'm afraid she died because of it.'

'She apologised to Sirius, right before she died,' Judy thought back on the awful memory, her eyes tearing up as well. 'I never understood.'

'Your father was very protective of her, and you,' Dumbledore began. 'If he had known, he never would have let her join.'

'Join what?' asked Judy interested.

'The Order of the Phoenix,' Dumbledore continued and sighed. 'A secret order which was formed to fight against Voldemort and his Death Eaters.'

'My father was part of it,' said Judy, remembering how he had spoken in her vision of a failed mission on the night of her mother's death. 'James was too.'

'They were,' Dumbledore agreed. 'But your mother was too, in secret. You see, I couldn't risk anybody finding out about it. Her life was in too much danger already…'

'What did you ask her to do?' Judy asked, supressing her emotions.

'It started with her gift,' the Headmaster remembered. 'She used items, related to Voldemort, to try and See the future. So we could predict his next move,' he paused. 'But when Voldemort learned about her gift, he wanted to use it for his own. There was only one option at that moment, one thing we could do to protect your mother from being kidnapped and tortured…she had to join his forces.'

'My mother was never a Death Eater!' Judy exclaimed.

'No, no she wasn't,' Dumbledore reassured her. 'She only pretended to be. You see with her talents in witchcraft, she'd become a master in Occlumency. So she pretended to join the Death Eaters and spy on Voldemort's enemies.'

'But she failed…' Judy said, her eyes filled with tears. 'She died.'

'She did,' Dumbledore said sadly.

'Sirius blamed himself for her death,' Judy said angrily. 'I bet he still does, to this day.'

'I couldn't tell him,' Dumbledore apologised.

'Why not?!' Judy said heatedly.

'Because of you,' Dumbledore said in a whisper. Judy looked back at him, confused.

'He tortured himself for years with the thought that it was his fault,' she remembered. 'He was a broken man ever since she died. If anything you had to tell him for me. I might have gotten my father back if you had.' She said emotionally.

'Judy, you have her gift,' he said, eyeing her carefully. 'Though it hadn't expressed itself yet at that time, I couldn't exclude that it never would. And considering I never believed Voldemort truly died that night…'

'You said it to protect me,' Judy stated. 'You wanted me to stop looking for him, because you were worried about my life. Not his.'

'Voldemort is still out there,' he explained. 'I don't know in what form or shape, but I know he did not die that night. And when he returns…'

'I cannot control it,' Judy retorted. 'It controls me.'

'And as long as that is still the case I will ask nothing of you,' Dumbledore reassured her. 'But when Voldemort returns, and a new war starts and you have learned to control it…'

'So this is why you always took care of me,' said Judy without thinking. 'Why you made sure Remus could raise me, with the help of my family. Why you called me to you on my first day of school to make sure I would keep my identity secret. Why you did it again when you found out Sirius escaped from Azkaban…because you needed me to stay safe, until the day you…' she choked on her last words.

Dumbledore cast her a wry smile. 'Judy…I know I am asking much of you. You could,-'

'I could die,' she finished for him. She met his eyes for a moment. 'Did she hesitate when you asked her?'

'Not for one second,' Dumbledore replied truthfully.

'She had more to lose than me,' Judy mused, thinking on Charlie for a moment as she took the red coral in between her fingers.

'Dragon blood?' Dumbledore asked, intrigued. 'Very rare…' he added as an afterthought.

'I'll do it,' said Judy, quickly letting go of her necklace.

'Are you sure?'

She nodded. 'I owe it to her. She sacrificed her life for mine. If there will be a new war, then I owe it to her to finish what she started.' Dumbledore cast her a small smile.

'You have her courage,' he spoke gently.

Judy smiled. 'I always thought I was like her. Quiet, sweet, gentle…,' she summed up. 'Remus always said I reminded him of her. But…the way I've acted this year…so reckless, inconsiderate, selfish…'

'You have been rather reckless this year,' Dumbledore agreed with her, as he eyed her over his half-moon spectacles. 'But I can't say that surprises me.'

'I don't understand.'

'Well, in your first five years here you behaved like a model student. Always listening to the rules, always keeping your secrets as promised,' he mused, with a small smile. 'Not common behaviour for a teenage girl, even with a mother as well behaved as yours. Perhaps all of your reckless acts this year are an accumulation of the part of you that you suppressed for five years…'

'The part I inherited from my father,' Judy said hesitantly.

'Though it is no excuse for you to break any more promises,' he said in earnest.

'I won't,' Judy promised, her attention shifting to her stomach as a cold knot formed there, once again. 'Professor, something bad is coming. I'm afraid Sirius will be in danger.'

'I will do everything in my power to save him, Judy,' he said, clasping her hand. 'I intend to keep that promise, a promise I made to both of you.' Their eyes locked for a moment, before they both looked away as the door creaked. It was pushed open carefully and a glossy mass of red hair peeked through it. Willow looked up and froze on the spot.

'I'm sorry. I couldn't hear any voices. I just wanted to check in to see how you were.' She said quickly.

'Come in, Ms. Waters,' said Dumbledore, getting to his feet. 'We are done talking for now. '

'Thank you, Professor,' said Willow, not meeting his eyes.

'No problem at all,' said Dumbledore. He put his hand on her shoulder as he reached her.

'I'm sorry,' Willow sobbed suddenly. 'I should never have-'

'You are a true friend,' he said in a whisper Judy could barely hear. 'Never doubt that Willow.' He said, brushing away a tear from her cheek. Willow looked up and cast him a small smile, though her eyes remained moist. 'You saved her life,' he said kindly. She only nodded. He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze before walking past her and closing the door behind him. Willow stood there silently, still contemplating his words.

'It's over, Will,' Judy spoke, her eyes moist as well. 'I'm done putting you through this, all of you. I've done all I can to save him. I think it's about time I start making amends for everything I've done.'

'Thank you,' Willow said, walking over to her and sitting down on the side of the bed. 'Because I can't do this a moment longer.' Judy opened her arms as her friend broke down in tears. She caressed her long silk red mane, whispering soothing words.

'I'll never ask you to lie or hide anything ever again,' Judy promised, realising for the first time the burden she placed on Willow's shoulders. It had only felt like a light one for her, since she'd been hiding secrets all her life, but she'd forgotten how heavy it had felt all those years ago. 'Never again.'

Judy sat on the rim of the hospital bed, her feet dangling just above the ground. She'd only been in the hospital wing for two days, but it had felt more like two weeks. She hadn't been bored in those days with the twins and some of her friends visiting her as much as they could. The time in between she'd filled up with her homework, making sure she wouldn't miss out on too much with the end of the school year approaching.

She opened the drawer of the night stand and took out an envelope. She'd intended to read it, but instead she just held it, between her folded hands on her lap. The magic of its words, warmed her cold hands, but it couldn't drive away the cold inside. She knew part of that cold was caused by the feeling of foreboding she'd had ever since she'd woken up. But Dumbledore's promise helped her to cope with that feeling. Another part of the cold, which had nothing to do with whatever was coming, she couldn't cope with.

She finally leapt off the bed and put the envelope in her jeans pocket. Carefully she took her first steps toward the door, her feet feeling heavier than ever before. She walked through the castle, as if lost in a dream, but her feet remembered where her heart wanted to go, and so they led her down a familiar path. Her journey felt both long and short at the same time, representing the conflict in her heart between fear and longing.

She halted in front of his office and took a deep breath before knocking gently on his door. His familiar voice told her to enter and she opened the door.

Lupin sat behind his desk, studying a roll of parchment. He didn't see her at first, his attention completely taken up by what he was doing. She remained in the doorway, the doorknob still in her hand, contemplating what to do. Her eyes moistened as she observed him, still oblivious to her presence.

'I failed you,' she whispered hoarsely. 'All of you.' She added as Lupin now stared blankly at the parchment.

'Close the door.' She did as he said, pressing her back against the wood, afraid to approach him. He still stared at the parchment as he continued. 'Why are you here?'

'To apologize,' said Judy truthfully. 'For everything.'

'Everything?' Lupin said, amused as he finally met her eyes. Judy couldn't withhold a fresh wave of tears as she recognized the broken look her father had had when her mother died. 'Do you think an apology is enough for everything you've done?'

'Remus,-'

'Did you even consider what it would do to the people around you if a Dementor had taken your soul?!' He asked in a raised voice. 'Where would that have left us? Where would that have left me?' He asked, his eyes a mixture of anger and sadness.

'I didn't,' she admitted. 'I only did it because,-'

'Don't tell me you did it for him, because,-'

'No, I didn't do it for him.' She said quickly. 'I did it for myself. Everything I did…I only thought of myself.'

'It's good to hear you're finally being honest with me,' he paused for a moment. 'But what you did…this is not how I raised you, Jude. I don't even recognize the girl you've become,' he added in earnest.

'This is not how I want to be. I don't want to hurt the people I care about,' she said truthfully. 'I thought I was doing this for Sirius, to save him. But I only ended up endangering his life.' She paused. 'You were right, I was only being selfish. I just wanted my father back and I didn't realise…no, I didn't care who paid the price.' She took a deep breath. 'I know I can't make this right again. I can never make this right again. But I can stop it. I can do my utmost to change back to the girl you raised.'

'Judy, I…' he looked at her for a moment.

'I don't expect you to forgive me,' she said. 'And I don't expect you to forget.'

'You let me down this year, more than once…'

'I know,' she said, quickly wiping away a tear from her cheek. 'I did... and I said I a lot of things I shouldn't have.' Judy quickly continued before Lupin could speak, reading his mind. 'You were desperate,' said Judy in understanding. 'You wanted to stop me from endangering my life. I know you said what you did to protect me. And even if it hurt me, you were telling the truth, Remus. In fact, I think that's why it hurt so much. I knew everything you were saying was true. I just didn't want to believe it.' Lupin looked at her for a moment, folding his hands and touching his lips with his fingertips. Judy still held the doorknob tightly in her hand, the only way to regulate her fear and remain there.

'So…what now?' asked Lupin after what seemed hours of silence.

'I go back to being a normal student at Hogwarts,' said Judy. 'We've only got two weeks left before exams start. I'll lock myself up in my dorm and bury myself under a pile of books. I have to if I want to finish the year properly. Snape will use anything he can to fail me in Potions.'

'I heard he saved your life,' Lupin said.

'I guess he doesn't hate me enough to let me die,' Judy retorted.

'He doesn't hate you,' Lupin corrected her. 'He hates your father.'

'That's exactly why I have to work harder to pass his course,' Judy said truthfully. 'He may have let me live. But he won't spare me in the classroom.'

'And your quest to save his life?' Lupin eyed her cautiously.

'Ends here,' said Judy, as she put away a loose strand of her hair.

'Why?' he asked interested. Judy looked at him for a moment, thinking back on how Padfoot had refused any help she offered.

'Because I don't want to break any more hearts.' She met his eyes as she spoke, knowing she'd done exactly that by betraying his trust over and over again. Lupin swallowed, before turning his attention back to the parchment on his desk. 'I'll see you in class,' Judy said, knowing everything that had to be said at that moment had been said. She turned the doorknob and opened the door. Lupin whispered a goodbye, before she closed the door behind her. She leaned against the wood and stared down the hallway for a moment. 'Besides,' she whispered as she started her way up to her dorm. 'His life was never mine to save.'

She sat in a lotus position on the rug in front of the hearth that night. The common room was deserted and all the candles had been put out an hour ago. She pulled her warm robe tighter around her before kneeling and taking a handful of Floo powder. She threw it in the hearth without hesitation, put her head in the emerald flames and called the destination. Different fire places again flashed before her eyes, before she reached the cosy living room.

This time the room wasn't dark, several candles burned, casting their warm glow on the colourful quilts and furniture in the room.

'Charlie?' she whispered as she had done a few days before.

'I'm here,' he said as he walked toward her from the small kitchen area. He had a glass of pumpkin juice in his hand, which Judy thought was a welcome change from the glass of Firewhisky he'd held last time.

'Hi,' she smiled at him. 'I'm sorry I couldn't Floo you earlier.'

'That's all right,' he said. 'Ginny sent me an owl.'

'Did she?' Judy smiled at him. 'I'll thank her as soon as I see her. What did she tell you?'

'She said you were in the hospital wing. She didn't know what exactly happened, but that you were recovering.' he said, as he sat down on the couch. 'So, how did it go?'

'I found him,' said Judy. 'But he didn't want my help,' she added regretfully. 'And then…the Dementors came…' Judy couldn't help but shudder at the memory. 'To make a long story short, Willow and I are both all right.' He cast her a warm smile.

'I wish…' he sighed. 'I wish you were here.'

'Me too,' she cast him a sad smile. 'I want to tell you so much more but,-'

'You can't,' he said in understanding. 'And you shouldn't. Flooing isn't safe. But that's not why I said it. I knew you were safe. May be it's this connection between us that you mentioned, but I've felt it every time you were in danger and every time you were safe. But knowing isn't enough…'

'Charlie…I have homework to fill my days and friends to distract me…though it doesn't make me miss you less, it helps me cope. But you…I understand if you don't want to do this anymore,-'

'We both didn't know what we were signing up for. We thought we did, but we didn't. But there's one thing I do know, Jude. I know I want this…more than anything I've ever wanted in my life…no matter how much I miss you, I know it'll be worth it when I see you again.' Judy cast him a smile as a tear ran down her cheek.

'And you keep claiming you're bad with words,' she said amused. 'I still believe we can do this. And I have no intention of walking away from this either.' She sighed. 'I'm sorry, Charlie, but I can't stay any longer. Somebody might wake up…I have to go.'

'Go,' He said with a smile. 'You know where to find me.'

'Bye, Charlie,' she said gently, before pulling back and returning to the Ravenclaw common room. She sat on the rug, pulling her robe closer again as she let a tear run down her cheek, unchecked. Though his warmth couldn't chase away the cold feeling in her heart, she savoured the feeling for as long as she could.

She didn't hear Duncan approaching her and only noticed him when he walked right into her lap and settled down there. Judy absently stroked his black fur, noticing there weren't any coarse hairs in between them anymore. Apparently he hadn't visited Padfoot since they returned to the castle. Duncan purred contently as she scratched him gently behind his ear. Judy had always found the sound soothing. She looked back at the place where the emerald flames had appeared minutes before. And despite several tears escaping her eyes, her lips curled up in a small smile as she looked at the ashes in the hearth.

For the first time that school year, Judy did exactly what she had promised Lupin. She went to all her classes, made more notes than usual to make sure she didn't miss anything and spent every free moment cooped up in her dorm or in the library pouring over her books. Though she'd managed to keep up with everything by studying extra hard every time she'd recovered from her visions, she couldn't help but notice how little she still remembered with all the commotion of the past year.

The common goal of getting through their exams properly, meant she spent a lot of time with Willow. Both of them helping the other whenever they stumbled upon a problem. Though their friendship had been damaged and changed forever, it felt good to spend so much time together. Being completely taken up by her quest to save her father's life, Judy hadn't realised how much she missed their friendship until now. Most importantly Willow seemed to finally blossom back into the spirited girl she once was. Her self-confidence grew stronger by the day and her relationship with George thrived as she finally opened up to him and shared her insecurities. It was good to see some damages weren't beyond repair.

Though their house mates too were caught up in their studying, Judy managed to finally catch up with all of them, or at least hear about how their lives had fared in the time she'd been too occupied with the quest for her father's life. Her friendship with Shania was quickly mended after a serious conversation, but mostly due to Willow's recovery. Abigail, however didn't speak to her anymore. In fact, she spent so much time with her Slytherin friends, that more than one Ravenclaw wondered if she'd changed houses. Aidan remained the same as usual, though Judy noticed he cared more about his studies now that exams were approaching. Between him and Shania, however, nothing had changed. Chelsea and Connor's love had only grown and they were officially a couple now, holding hands at every opportunity. Though Chelsea still blushed whenever Aidan teased them about it.

That Sunday, the last day before the exams, Judy found herself at a familiar place she definitely hadn't spent enough time at in the past year. She sat in the stands, her sketchbook on her lap as she followed the two red haired Beaters with her eyes and drew their swift moves with her charcoal. Willow had called her insane as soon as she revealed her plans to her, thinking Judy should spend her last minutes studying in the library. Judy, however, was glad to be away from her books and the dusty shelves and she enjoyed the warm sunrays, allowing their warmth to replenish her energy. Both mentally and physically. She knew that making her way through the exams properly depended as much on energy as on knowledge.

She smiled as she watched the twins rush through the air. They swung their clubs, beating a Bludger at each other as they raced across the field. Fred cast her grins and winks, as if nothing had changed between them in the past year. But Judy knew all too well it had. Though they'd been very close in the past years, their friendship had grown even stronger. Judy couldn't pinpoint what had changed, only that Fred seemed to care more than before. He was different around her, and she wasn't sure what to think of that yet.

'Hi Judy,' she turned at the sound of the familiar voice. Ginny cast her a warm smile as she approached her in between the benches. Her beautiful red hair glowing brightly in the sun.

'Ginny!' Judy smiled as she put away her drawing and charcoal and jumped to her feet. She quickly crossed the distance between them and gave the other girl a hug. 'Thank you,' Judy said as she pulled back. The other girl looked a little confused. 'Charlie told me what you did.'

'Oh,' Ginny smiled. 'It's nothing.'

'How did you know?' asked Judy interested.

'I've seen you two at Christmas,' Ginny offered as they walked to where Judy sat. 'I'm surprised nobody else noticed.'

'Ginny, I don't want to ask you to keep this a secret, but,-'

'Don't worry,' Ginny said gently. 'You kept my secret. I'll keep yours.' Judy smiled at her as they sat down.

'Thank you,' Judy said with a genuine smile. 'I don't think the rest would understand.'

'I'm sure they won't,' Ginny offered without a doubt. 'My mum, your uncle…'

'To name a few,' Judy smiled at her. 'How are things with your secret?'

Ginny shrugged. 'The same,' she said sadly. 'Sometimes I wonder if he knows I exist…'

'He does,' said Judy confidently. 'You're his best friend's sister.'

'I'm afraid that's the problem,' Ginny retorted. 'Who falls for his best friend's sister?'

'Well…I know someone who fell for her best friend's brother,' Judy exchanged a smile with the other girl. 'I see no reason why it can't happen the other way around.'

'I suppose you're right,' said Ginny, watching her brothers as they flew around the pitch. Judy picked up her sketchbook and charcoal again and continued her drawing, capturing the looks on the twins faces as they sped past them. She savoured the last quiet afternoon before the exams, enjoying the spring weather and Ginny's company as the cold continued to gnaw at her heart.

Almost two weeks later Judy lay wide awake in her four poster bed. It was Friday night and though some of the exams proved to be a struggle, that morning she'd made the toughest of them all: Potions. When Snape had announced they were going to make Wolfsbane potion, Judy couldn't help her mouth from splitting into a broad grin. The Professor had soon, however, wiped the grin off her face by announcing she had to make Felis Felixis perfectly in order to prove she hadn't missed out on too many of his lessons.

It was Snape who had smiled maliciously during most of the exam, observing her every move. He cleared his throat and perched his lips more than once, no doubt to feed her insecurity, but she'd refused to let him disturb her concentration. Though she spent some moments doubting whether she'd make a mistake and barely stopped herself in time before adding a wrong ingredient twice, she'd managed to make a flask filled with a perfect concoction at the end of the exam. And though Snape never let it show, Judy could tell that even he was impressed by her skills.

She rolled on her side, pulling up her blanket and curling up in a foetal position. Though she had a stressful two weeks, her exams had nothing to do with why she was awake now. She stifled a moan as she pulled her legs up. The past two weeks the cold feeling had taken over nearly all of her body to the point it hurt. She felt feverish, her bones ached terribly, but Madam Pomfrey had assured her her temperature was within normal range. She on her turn, had assured Madam Pomfrey that it had nothing to do with her gift. There was no vision trying to break through her mind, somehow this cold felt different.

Judy rolled back again and faced the door as it was pushed open from the outside. Duncan strutted toward her across the stone floor and jumped on the bed. He walked up to her face and pushed his head against her cheek. She tried to pet him, but he evaded her hand. She looked at him, confused, as he backed away from her. He meowed softly before leaping off the bed and walking back to the door. There he stood still and looked at her expectantly.

Judy cast back her blanket and sat up. She took her pink robe from a hook nearby and slipped into it, before putting her slippers on. She tip toed through the room, making sure she woke none of her house mates, and then made her way down the spiralling stone staircase.

She saw him immediately as she walked into the common room. He wore his dark blue robe again, adorned with stars, and his long beard looked silver in the moonlight. 'Professor Dumbledore,' she said, taken aback.

'Good evening, Judy,' he smiled at her, but she also noticed a sad look in his eyes. 'I am sorry to wake you.'

'You didn't,' she interrupted him. 'Why are you here?' She asked, dreading the answer.

'I thought you would like to see him,' Dumbledore said as he approached her. 'I'm afraid I haven't been able to keep my promise.' She looked back at him, tears welling up in her eyes. 'He's been captured.'

'The Dementors?' Judy asked hoarsely.

'Not yet,' said Dumbledore reassuringly. 'But someone from the Ministry will come to collect him in the morning and then…'

'Where is he?' she asked quickly. 'I want to see him.'

'I will take you to him,' said Dumbledore, turning on his heel and leading her out of the common room.

They walked to Flitwick's office in silence and Dumbledore only broke it as he put his hand on the doorknob. 'Judy…he…he may not be the man you remember…' They exchanged a look and Judy nodded as he opened the door. 'I need to go to the hospital wing for a moment, I will be back to collect you.'

Judy walked inside the office, pulling her robe closely around her, as Dumbledore closed and locked the door behind her. Her eyes immediately found his as he sat in the corner of the room. She froze as he carefully got to his feet , her heart breaking as she noticed his emaciated figure and his hollow cheeks. He looked at her, his eyes moist, as he too stood frozen to the ground. Despite finally being together in the same room after 13 years, the distance between them still felt impossible to cross.

'Hello, sweetheart,' Sirius said in a hoarse, but warm voice. His black locks were longer than Judy remembered them to be. They were brittle and greasy and clearly hadn't been washed in a long time.

'Hello, Padfoot,' she cast him an uncertain smile, hoping he'd understand her reluctance to walk straight into his arms.

'You look so much like your mother,' he said, stepping forward, but halting as he noticed her taking a step back. 'I'm sorry,' he said immediately. 'I know I don't look like the man you remember.'

'I'm sorry…' she said, sobbing. 'I can't…'

'Don't cry, sweetheart,' he said reassuringly. 'I understand.'

'What…what happened?' she asked confused. 'How did you get caught?'

'Pettigrew,' said Sirius regretfully. 'He was disguised as Ronald Weasley's pet rat. We caught him, me and Remus. But then Snape caught us, apparently he saw us on the map. Then Remus changed, because he forgot to take his potion and the Dementors came and…' he shuddered as he stopped talking.

'I don't understand. Ron was there?' asked Judy worried. 'What about Harry?'

'He's fine,' said Sirius quickly. 'Albus told me he is fine. His friend Ron, he hurt his leg when I…grabbed him.'

'You did what?' asked Judy confused.

'I was going after Pettigrew, but Ron didn't let go of him so I had to grab him.'

Judy leaned against the desk. 'And Remus is still…out there…?'

'He'll be fine,' Sirius reassured him. 'It's not his first night, alone in the Forbidden Forest.'

'And you…?' Judy's voice broke. 'I mean…there must be something Dumbledore can do…'

'I'm afraid there isn't, sweetheart,' he looked at her with hollow eyes. 'Dumbledore has done all he can,-'

'But he promised!' she retorted. 'he promised me he would save you. So I didn't have to...'

'Sweetheart,' Sirius approached her carefully. Their eyes met as he laid his hands gently on her shoulders. 'It was never your task to save me.'

'But I just got you back,' she sobbed. 'I can't…I can't lose you…not both of you. Please…please, Padfoot…'

'You're strong, sweetheart,' he said warmly, as their eyes locked. 'Just like your mother,' he said, brushing away her tears with his thumbs. 'You don't need me.'

Jud looked back at him, smiling at him as she recognized a small sparkle in his eyes, reminding her of the father she'd looked for for all those years. 'But I do. Every girl needs her father.'

'You have Remus,' he reminded her.

'I love Remus, but he is not my father,' she retorted. 'He is not you.'

They turned around sharply as the door unlocked. Judy grabbed her father's hand as it opened slowly. Her grasp loosened as she saw Dumbledore's silver beard.

'I'm afraid I can't give you any more time…' he said apologetically.

'You need to save him,' Judy exclaimed, still holding her father's hand. 'You promised you would.'

'I promised I would do everything in my power…and I did,' he said truthfully. 'I am sorry, Judy.'

'Sweetheart,' said Sirius hoarsely. 'It's all right. Let me go.'

'No,' she shook her head, tears running down her cheeks. 'Not again.'

'Yes,' he loosened her grip. 'Again,' he said gently, as their eyes met. 'I am so proud you are my daughter.' She looked at him in silence, unable to speak, as she tried to imprint the memory of their last moment solidly in her mind.

'Judy,' Dumbledore laid a hand on her shoulder. 'You have to go,' he gently pulled her away from her father. She only shook her head, staring at Sirius through a veil of tears as Dumbledore lead her away.

'I love you, Padfoot,' she whispered in between sobs.

'I love you too,' he said, turning away as Dumbledore closed the office door.

'Come on,' Dumbledore took her hand and lead her to the marble staircase. 'I will bring you to my office so you can have some privacy.' Judy only nodded as she followed in his wake. Memories flashed through her mind as her life with Sirius played like a movie in front of her eyes. She savoured every single one of them, before focusing all her attention on their last moment together, imprinting every detail to make sure she would never forget it.

'Here we are,' Dumbledore said suddenly, awaking her from her reverie. He opened the door and led her into the large circular office where the candles were already lit. The solitary lamp in the back of the room warmed the room further with its orange glow.

Judy looked up from the floor, blinking back her tears as she sensed somebody was already in the room. Charlie stood there, wearing a dark blue jumper over a grey pair of jeans. His hair looked unkempt, as if he just got out of bed , which was probably the case since it was the middle of the night.

'I lost him…again…' she said, breaking down in tears. Dumbledore supported her as her knees buckled and Charlie quickly crossed the distance between them.

'I've got you,' he whispered, pulling her in his embrace and holding her close.

'Take all the time you need,' said Dumbledore gently. 'Just make sure,-'

'I'll Floo back home before morning, Professor,' Charlie assured him. 'Thank you, sir.'

'No problem at all,' he said gently, closing the high polished oak wooden door as he left the office.

'Come on, love,' he led her to small sofa in the corner of the room, which Judy did not remember from her previous visits.

They sat there in silence for more than an hour. Judy wrapped up in Charlie's embrace as he caressed her long dark ebony hair.

'Dumbledore collected you?' Judy asked finally, looking up to meet his gaze.

'He did,' Charlie cast her a small smile and took her dragon blood coral in between his fingers. 'Apparently these are more rare, than I thought.'

'He knew because of the necklace?' asked Judy confused. Charlie nodded. 'He didn't tell anyone did he?'

'Not a soul,' said Charlie reassuringly.

'I don't know what to do, Charlie,' she said sombrely. 'He's receiving the Dementor's kiss in the morning…'

'You've done all you can, love,' he said gently, caressing her cheek. 'You almost died. You've done enough.'

'But nothing's changed,' she said, laying her head back on his chest. 'Everything I've done, it doesn't matter in the end…'

'It does,' said Charlie, getting up from his seat and kneeling in front of her. 'You got him back, love,' he said, brushing away her tears with his thumbs and cupping her cheeks. 'You got him back. For however briefly…nobody can ever take that away from you…either of you.'

'I wish,-'

'You've done enough,' he reassured her with a warm smile. 'More than enough. Now come on,' he got to his feet and sat down beside her again. 'You look exhausted. Close your eyes and use me as a pillow,' he said, drawing her in his arms again.

'Charlie,-'

'Merlin knows how long it will be before we see each other again,' he whispered gently. 'I intend to enjoy every second of this moment.' Judy smiled as she leaned her head against his chest. Though his muscles felt quite the opposite of a soft pillow, she felt comfortable in his embrace. And in the presence of the man she hoped she would never lose, she gave into her exhaustion and drifted off to sleep.

Judy awoke the next day, under a warm blanket, on the same sofa she'd fallen asleep the night before. Her head rested on a thick soft pillow, much softer than Charlie's chest, but in a way a lot less comfortable.

She blinked a few times, before slowly sitting up on the sofa, the blanket wrapped tightly around her. She looked around the circular room and noticed the warm sunlight falling in through the windows. There was so much light, she was certain it was already mid-day.

Her eyes widened as she thought on everything that had happened the previous night. She cast away her blanket and quickly made her way to the door.

'Ah, you're awake,' Judy stopped in her tracks at the sound of the Headmaster's voice. She spun around and only now noticed him sitting in his high backed chair. On his desk lay several pieces of parchment he'd apparently been reading while she was still asleep.

'Sirius?' she asked, dreading the answer.

Dumbledore looked at her for a moment. 'Have a seat, Judy.' She shook her head. 'Please.' She hesitated a moment , before doing as she was asked. She folded her hands in her lap and stared at them, unable to face the news. 'He's alive.'

Judy looked up in disbelief. 'He's….he's alive?' she asked hoarsely.

'He managed to escape the castle during the night,' he told her, his lips curling up in a small smile. 'Quite an unexpected turn of events of course…' he added meaningfully. Judy cast him a thankful smile, understanding the meaning of his words. 'But I am afraid I also have some bad news.'

'Bad news?' asked Judy concerned.

'I'm afraid Professor Lupin has felt obliged to resign.' He said regretfully.

'Resign?!' asked Judy taken aback. 'But he's one of the best Defence against the Dark Arts teachers we've ever had.'

'I quite agree,' Dumbledore said quickly. 'But I'm afraid someone let slip that he's a werewolf…'

'Snape,' said Judy angrily.

'He cannot stay here, Judy,' said Professor Dumbledore, neither denying nor confirming her suspicions.

'People won't accept him for who he is,' said Judy quietly. 'They fear what they don't understand,' she said as she got to her feet. 'I need to speak to him.'

'I'd rather you didn't,' said Dumbledore quickly. 'I suspect Harry to look him up before he leaves and,-'

'You don't want to risk us meeting,' said Judy regretfully, as she turned around and met Dumbledore's gaze. 'I need to act like nothing has changed, don't I?'

Dumbledore nodded. 'He's on the run again. The Ministry is after him. Death Hunters may be after him…and if they find out about you,-'

'I don't care what they do to me.'

'But he does,' said Dumbledore. 'And so does Remus, and Tonks, Andromeda, Ted, Fred, George, Willow and Charlie.' He added. 'And I. I care, Jude.'

'What if you never asked her?' asked Judy suddenly. 'Would she still be alive?' Dumbledore surveyed her over his half-moon spectacles. 'I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked that…' She turned back to the door. 'I'll go back to my dorm.'

Dumbledore spoke as her hand touched the doorknob. 'She might have been,' he said, his voice coloured with emotion. 'She was a strong woman. She would have learned to cope with Sirius' incarceration…I believe she would still be alive now, if I hadn't asked,-'

'I don't blame you,' said Judy hoarsely. 'They had their own choice, and they made it. They chose to fight in the war…they chose to fight for each other…for their own family and that of their friends.' She turned around, the doorknob still in her hand. 'I can't blame them for making the choices I hope I have the courage for to make…thank you for saving him.' She pulled open the large wooden door and left the office without waiting for a response.

She stepped on the spiralling stair case and waited for it to take her down, while thinking on how to explain her absence to her room mates. 'There you are!' Judy startled as Willow, George and Fred ran up to her. 'We've been looking all over for you!' said Willow, worried.

'They say Black was caught by Snape last night,' said Fred quickly.

'But apparently he escaped,' finished George. 'You should have seen Snape's face at breakfast! He looked like he had the worst Every Flavour Bean of his life.' Judy forced her lips into a small smile.

'Did you see him?' whispered Willow. Judy nodded, now with her lips curling up in a genuine smile.

'Jude,' Fred hesitated. There's a rumour that Lupin is a…'

'A werewolf,' Judy finished. 'I know.'

'Now I understand why you know so much about Wolfsbane potion,' Willow said amused.

'Dumbledore told me Lupin is resigning,' said Judy sadly. 'I don't think I ever hated Snape more…'

'I didn't know that was possible,' George said amused. Judy smiled as her stomach suddenly rumbled.

'Come on. We can talk later. First let's get some food in you,' said Fred, putting his arm around her shoulder and steering her toward the marble stair case, with George and Willow following them in their wake.

Judy lay with her head on Fred's shoulder, staring at the beautiful landscape passing by the train window. Duncan lay quietly in his wicker basket, beside her, showing absolutely no interest for anybody in the room. Judy herself had no idea what the twins and Willow were talking about as she'd stopped participating over an hour ago. She needed some time to reflect on the past school year and she was happy her friends understood and allowed her to remain lost in thought.

She'd spent her breakfast observing her house mates that morning, making sure she knew where everybody stood now as they were about to say goodbye to each other and Hogwarts. Connor and Chelsea had sat close together, across from her, their hands finding each other in between their plates and their fingers intertwined. It seemed that now they'd finally found each other neither was prepared to let the other go. Shania and Aidan sat on either side of the couple, deliberately keeping their distance, after they'd had their hundredth argument that morning in the common room. Judy didn't know what it had been about, and she was sure both of them would probably forget all about it too during the summer.

Cho had come up to her then, making her promise she'd visit the Quidditch pitch more often in the future, as she'd missed their talks and Judy's encouragement during and after the Ravenclaw team's practice. A promise Judy was happy to make.

She had then walked over to the Gryffindor table, noticing an alarming glance in Dumbledore's eyes, before sitting down in between Ginny and Fred and saying her goodbyes to the youngest Weasley. Harry sat only a few seats away from her, caught up in a conversation with his friends Ron and Hermione, and oblivious to her presence. She wasn't sure if Fred noticed her momentary sadness, but the little squeeze he gave her shoulder was perfectly timed as always.

As she turned to cast him a smile, her eyes lingered on the Slytherin table, where Abigail sat in between Dara and Odelia. She looked out of place with her Ravenclaw robe. Several Slytherin students cast her mean glances. Her so called friends looked uncomfortable and Judy doubted how true their friendship with Abigail really was. She couldn't help but feel sorry for her house mate and hoped she'd soon find a place she felt she belonged.

'You still awake, gorgeous?' Judy looked up from her reverie and cast Fred a grin. 'Yes, and I am still comfortable,' she said amused. He put his arm around her and again gave her that familiar squeeze, as if assuring her everything that had happened had indeed come to an end. 'You promised,' she said accusingly, looking across the compartment at Willow. The other girl shrugged, confirming she had indeed shared Judy's nightmares with the twins.

'They were just dreams,' said Judy, sitting upright and leaving Fred's reach. 'I'm just worried about him.'

'We understand,' said George gently. 'But I'm sure he'll be fine. He's had enough practice this past year and he took that Hippogriff with him, didn't he? The one that attacked Malfoy.'

'After he provoked the poor thing,' said Willow quickly.

'I don't know if he needs Buckbeak's protection,' said Judy. 'I think twelve years in Azkaban has taught him enough on how to survive on his own.'

They all looked out the window as the train slowed down and King's Cross station came into view.

'I can't believe we're back already,' said Willow in disbelief.

'Well, the ride goes faster if someone can't stop talking,' said Fred amused, ducking just in time as Willow threw a Chocolate Frog at him. The frog landed on Judy's head, before jumping on the floor and exiting their compartment as the train came to a halt.

'It's good you two are going to have a break from each other for a while,' said Judy amused as she got up and pulled her backpack from the luggage rack.

'Is he picking you up?' asked Willow interested.

'Yes,' said Judy with a grin. 'I hope you don't mind…'

'Go,' Willow rolled her eyes. 'We'll talk soon.' Judy quickly gave her a hug, before turning to George and hugging him too.

'Look after her,' she said with a smile.

'Always,' George returned her smile. 'Have a good summer.'

'You too,' she said before turning to Fred.

'Come here, gorgeous,' he said, nearly pulling her over as he drew her close. 'Take care of yourself. I want to see you back in one piece after the summer.' He smiled at her as she pulled back.

'I will,' Judy smiled. 'See you guys later.' She cast them all a wave, before picking up Duncan's wicker basket, and ignoring his hisses as she rushed down the corridor to beat the other students to the doors.

As soon as she reached them, the doors opened, and she quickly stepped onto the platform. All around her parents, some Muggles in plain clothes and some witches or wizards themselves and wearing the most colourful robes, had gathered to welcome their children home. She'd expected it to be quite a challenge to find Lupin in the crowd, but his faded attire was easy to find among the purple, blue and green robes around him.

'Remus!' Her lips split into a grin as she rushed toward him. Now that he wasn't her teacher anymore she saw no reason to hide their bond from the rest of the world. She took only a moment to put Duncan's basket on the ground before throwing her arms around her uncle's neck. Judy held him tightly, not having seen him or spoken to him before that faithful night at the castle.

'Hello sweetheart,' he said as he too held her tightly.

'How are you?' asked Judy, pulling back.

'Fine,' he assured her. 'And it looks like you've regained some weight and colour,' he said, caressing her cheek. 'Did you talk to him?'

She nodded. 'Dumbledore took me to see him…he's changed, Remus,' she said truthfully.

'Perhaps. Give it some time,' he said warmly. 'I'm sure he hasn't changed as much as you think. He just needs to find a way to adjust again.'

'What about us?' she asked carefully, remembering their last talk.

'We'll adjust too…in time,' he smiled at her, before picking up Duncan's wicker basket. He and Judy exchanged a surprised glance as the cat didn't protest for the first time in his life. 'See, even he's found a way…'

Epilogue

'Oi, wake up!' Judy opened her eyes with a smile as she savoured the warm sun rays on her skin. 'I didn't come here to watch you sleep…' She turned sideways on the picnic blanket, pushed herself up on her right arm and cast the other woman a grin.

'I wasn't sleeping.'

'You were daydreaming,' Tonks retorted as she ran her fingers through her bubble gum pink hair. 'I know why you're smiling…' she said meaningfully.

'Dora! He'll hear you,' Judy scolded, looking up to the open kitchen window. Lupin stood there, preparing their tea. He looked up and smiled at her.

'He can't hear me,' said Tonks dismissing her concerns. 'What did he get you?'

Judy rolled her eyes as she pulled the silver necklace from under her shirt, revealing a silver heart shaped locket dangling beside the dragon blood coral. She clicked it open to reveal the pictures inside. A young Sirius and Brianna smiled up at them.

'How did he…'

'He gave me the locket, with specific instructions what to do with it,' Judy explained. I got their pictures from one of the photo albums your mother has. I took their school pictures…should I ever lose it,-'

'Then it will be hard for someone else to recognize them,' Tonks finished. 'If you want I can put the same spell on it as I did on the picture.'

'I don't,' said Judy quickly. 'I'll be careful, I promise. I have so many secrets to keep already, I want to wear this without disguises.'

'I understand,' Tonks smiled at her. 'Have you heard from him yet?' she asked as she picked up a strawberry from the bowl between them, filled with different kinds of berries. Judy took a scone and started picking at it as she shook her head. 'May be he's still settling in somewhere.'

'He's fine,' said Judy confidently. 'I'd know it if he wasn't.'

'No dreams or visions?' Tonks asked interested.

'A few,' said Judy, shrugging. 'But no bad ones…sometimes I wonder if they are visions or memories returning back to my mind.' Judy looked up as Lupin approached them from the house, carrying a pot of tea and suspending three cups in the air with his wand.

'How are you two?' asked Tonks quietly, without turning around.

'Better every day,' said Judy with a smile as she put back the necklace under her shirt.

'Am I interrupting something?' asked Lupin carefully as he reached them.

'No,' said Judy with a smile. Picking the cups from the air and placing them in front of them. Lupin carefully poured each of them a cup, before sitting down beside the both of them. 'Haven't you opened them yet?' he asked surprised.

'What do you think,' Tonks rolled her eyes. 'You raised her too well…' she winked at Lupin playfully. Judy watched the exchange and the effect it had on her uncle with a small smile.

'Here,' Lupin quickly took a present. 'Open Dora's first.' Judy took it from him and carefully started unwrapping it. She smiled as Dora rolled her eyes at her cautiousness.

Judy pulled aside the wrapping paper to reveal a cardboard box. She opened it and smiled as she saw its contents; more sweets than she had ever had in her possession in her life. There was a large bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and several Chocolate Frogs. But Tonks had also bought her Muggle candy like toffees, liquorice and lollipops.

'I know you've almost recovered completely,' Tonks said with a smile. 'But I thought you should have a stock…just in case.'

Judy leaned over and gave her a hug. 'I'm not sure it will last that long…' she said with a smile as she pulled back. 'And I have no intention of breaking my promises ever again,' she said, casting a glance at Lupin. 'I promise I'll never let it come to that again.'

'Now open Remus's gift,' said Tonks, handing her a flat present. Judy took it carefully as it seemed fragile. She unwrapped it in the same careful manner and looked confused as she saw her own reflection looking back at her. She took the mirror in her other hand and caressed the black frame.

'What is it?' she asked as she turned to Lupin.

'A Foe-glass.' He said and Judy noticed Tonks looking at him, sharply. 'I got it through a friend,' Lupin answered the unasked question.

'Remus, she doesn't need,-'

'Yes, she does,' Lupin cut across Tonks.

'But,-'

'He's right, Dora,' Judy cut across her this time. 'He's out there now. Not locked up in a prison. Nobody knows where he is…and there are Death Eaters AND Aurors looking for him now.' She looked at herself in the mirror. 'I thought things would go back to the way they were…but it's only going to be more difficult now…more people to keep secrets from…' she exchanged a meaningful glance with Tonks, her eyes turning moist.

'It's just a precaution,' said Lupin, moving in and pulling her close. 'I know you'll be careful, it's just…' all three of them looked up as an owl hooted nearby. It flew over them, dropping an envelope, before flying onwards. With perfect precision it landed on Judy's lap. She turned it over to see a paw print on the back. 'I'm worried about him…' Lupin finished his sentence.

'So am I,' Judy whispered before opening the envelope and taking out the letter. Two paper tickets fell on the picnic basket as she did so. Tonks quickly picked them up and looked at them with great interest, her eyes widening as she read the print.

Sweetheart,

I apologize for not writing you sooner. My life has been quite chaotic lately. I barely have time to sleep before I have to move on again, let alone to pick up a quill and write you a letter with the length you deserve. But, as you can see, I finally did get around to it. Because eventhough I have not been there for you for twelve years, I have every intention of becoming the father that you deserve. And what kind of father would forget his daughter's seventeenth Birthday? Happy birthday, my sweet sweet girl. More than twelve years have passed since I left you in Moony's care and in those years you've grown up to be a young beautiful and strong woman. I hope you can forgive me that in my mind though, you remain my innocent little girl, reaching out her arms to me, not only when you needed it, but when I needed it too. I hope, that when we see each other again, you will see the man you once knew and…hopefully…allow me to draw you in my arms once again.

There is so much more I want to tell you, so much more I wish to write…but Moony will be pleased to hear that I have become more cautious with age. I'm afraid we won't see each other soon, but when we do, I will tell you everything and more. In the meantime, I want you to remember how much you are like your mother. Strong, wise, cautious, kind and of course beautiful. You have survived twelve years without me, and I know you will also survive for a little bit longer. I'll try to write if I can, but I can't make any promises. Especially those I may not be able to keep.

I love you.

Padfoot

PS. I watched you walking to the Quidditch pitch more than once this past year…enjoy your present.

PPS If I recall correctly, Tonks will enjoy it too…

Judy looked up from the letter and met Tonks' eyes. She was certain she had the same sparkle in her eyes as her cousin, feeling just as excited at the prospect of going to the Quidditch World Cup. She couldn't wait to tell Fred and George. For a moment her mind wandered and she wondered if their brothers, one in particular, would come along too. Then she blinked and met Lupin's eyes.

'You don't mind…'

'You are going with Dora,' he said with no room for argument. Judy smiled, leaned over and gave him a hug.

'Thank you,' she whispered and kissed his cheek. Lupin smiled at her as she pulled back. Their bond had nog been fully restored yet, after everything she'd done to him this last year, but it was on the mend.

'Wow Jude,' Tonks grinned, her hair bright bubble gum pink. 'The Quidditch World cup…' Judy smiled back at her, holding the letter to her chest. Some things would never change.