A Most Unusual Student

A MOST UNUSUAL STUDENT

Chapter 6. Quidditch, Christmas and questions

"Potter, Black and Lupin this time," said Minerva, her tone wavering between amusement and exasperation. "Detention for the lot of them of course - it caused quite a fuss! The Slytherins were not at all happy. Nor was Bernard Lutz."

It was the following Saturday morning, and there was an air of suppressed excitement in the Great Hall concerning the day's Slytherin -Ravenclaw Quidditch match. Many of the students from those Houses were already sporting House rosettes on their robes, and I was amused, though not entirely surprised, to see the smattering of Ravenclaw colours at the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor tables.

Filius sat on Minerva's other side, beaming happily and wearing a bright blue robe with gold binding. Whatever the nerves of his team, his own were apparently not affected, and he was devouring toast and orange marmalade with gusto. He and I had been listening in amusement as Minerva related how a supply of potent stinkweed soap had found its way into the bathrooms near the Potions classroom yesterday morning. An unsuspected bright green dyeing agent had been added to the mixture.

The timing of the prank had been excellent: first year Slytherins had double Potions just before lunch and most students used the bathrooms afterwards. The odour of stinkweed soap gets progressively worse for about an hour after its use, though the effects wear off quickly after that and no real antidote is needed, or indeed available. Removal of the dye from students' hands, however, had required application of an unpleasant slimy cream. As the first year Gryffindors had had the previous lesson, it had not been too difficult for likely suspects to be collared and questioned. The culprits duly owned up.

"I'd love to know how they managed to do it, though," she mused. "They were very quick - no-one saw them go in there, and they weren't late for their next lesson. I assume that a couple of boys would be rather noticeable in the girls' bathroom. But however they managed it, all three are cleaning all the trophies tonight, without magic, when I am sure they would much rather be down enjoying - well, whatever they do on Saturday nights. Honestly!" She shook her head and looked at me. "You don't seem too upset, Poppy!"

I laughed at her expression. "Well, stinkweed soap never really hurt anyone - and I don't imagine the Lupins will be too distressed at the owl. I gather there is no love lost between your lot and certain Slytherins."

"Yes - Horace told me about the accident in Potions. Mr Snape was rather irate, it appears."

"He certainly was when they came down for treatment," I assured her. "Mind you," I paused "... there were certain suggestions that any future `accidents' should ensure that any solutions were poured, ah, somewhat lower down Mr Snape's anatomy!"

Minerva and Filius burst out laughing. "And you were worried about our young friend settling into school," Filius chuckled. "Seems he has lost his early shyness. A talented boy too," he added, "just like Black and Potter."

"Did I just hear you mention a couple of likely young Gryffindors?" Alfi Abernathy joined us in a tumble of blond hair, pink robes and a faint waft of perfume. "I thought there was a certain air about the Slytherin first years during lunch yesterday!"

As Filius relayed the details with obvious enjoyment, Alfi helped herself to juice, toast, bacon and eggs. "Madam Alfi" (as she was known to the students) resembled every Muggle's idea of a good fairy, the sort who scatters stardust and bestows magical gifts on little children. She was petite and pretty - blue eyes, blond hair tumbling over her shoulders in soft waves, dimpled rosy cheeks and a figure best described as "curvaceous".

Appearances, as every wizard should know, can be deceptive.

Her social life had been the subject of many a Daily Prophet gossip column; it was rumoured that she took lessons in the strange Muggle sport of judo; she was known to dress in black leather robes and drive a red Aston Martin, usually very fast. Her consequent run-ins with the Muggle police allegedly filled numerous Ministry files. She had played Seeker for the Holyhead Harpies, succeeding the renowned Glynnis Griffiths. The team lost nothing in the change, and "Aye for Alfi" became a familiar warcry for Harpies fans.

According to "informed sources", a major diplomatic incident had narrowly been averted on one overseas tour, when the son of a wealthy Middle Eastern businessman, overwhelmed by her charms, had offered her four antique Persian flying carpets (one of them ballroom size), a dozen pedigree racing camels and a penthouse apartment in Rome if she would spend a week on his yacht with him. It was subsequently reported that the foolish young man had been banished to a trading outpost in Ulan Bator: Alfi soothed her injured pride in the arms of a French concert pianist.

After nine years with the Harpies, Alfi left to enjoy the attentions - and excellent vineyards - of an Italian count. She soon tired of that life however, and two years later returned to the world of Quidditch as publicity manager and assistant coach for the Harpies. There were those who unkindly asserted she got more publicity than the team.

For some reason (Alfi never elaborated), she had left the Harpies and taken up the position of flying instructor and Quidditch coach at Hogwarts three years ago. Her knowledge of Quidditch was legendary; her flying skills and daring belied her innocent appearance (she had twice won the Dangerous Dai Commemorative Medal); and the start of each new Quidditch season was therefore eagerly anticipated. And if certain staff members chose to insinuate that the enthusiasm with which numerous teenage boys approached Quidditch lessons had little to do with the actual game - well, I hadn't heard any complaints from students so far.

It came as a surprise to many people that Alfi had been in Slytherin. But no lingering House loyalties affected her teaching. She coached, encouraged and refereed without fear or favour: after one violent match in her first year, two Slytherin players found themselves suspended for the next match along with two Hufflepuffs.

Given the keen House rivalry for today's match, I was more than glad Alfi was in charge.

She listened in amusement at the details of the boys' prank. "No doubt they'll think of something much worse in time!" she said happily. "I always enjoy teaching talented students."

Minerva snorted. "Well, I wish that they would limit their undoubted talents to more conventional activities. What a little group!"

Alfi smiled down the table at her. "If they only thought of schoolwork and Quidditch, they'd be very dull people," she responded lightly. "Everyone should have some extra-curricular interests, of whatever nature." Her voice turned serious. "You know Minerva," she said, "Gryffindor won't win the cup this year, or even next. But you've got some very good young players coming up, and I think you should do very well in a couple of years."

She finished her toast and sipped her juice. "Phoebe Pollack, for example. In second year, and only a reserve now, but next year she should be your first choice as a replacement Chaser. Leo Latimer's only in his first year as Seeker and he'll improve greatly. And you keep an eye on those two boys of yours - they're excellent fliers and have tremendous potential. Young Potter - a real daredevil, fast and agile and quick reflexes - a born Chaser. He could possibly make the team next year, though he won't have Phoebe's experience. But he's going to be good - very good indeed - and I don't say that lightly."

Minerva stared at her in some surprise: she took the current woes of the Gryffindor Quidditch team almost personally. Alfi buttered another piece of toast, then continued. "And his friend Black. Also a daredevil, and has very good hand-eye co-ordination and anticipation. He'll make an excellent Beater, though possibly not till third or fourth year. Depends on how much he grows and fills out. He's too lean and lightly built at present, and will need more upper body strength to be really effective with Bludgers. He has to build up a bit, even though a lot's in the timing. Same with Potter - I've suggested a few exercises that should help them."

"There you are Minerva - there's hope for Gryffindor yet!" Filius sympathised. "Maybe redemption for two of your miscreants is at hand."

"My dear Filius, redemption implies that I will receive some sort of heavenly intervention or assistance. Perhaps you should speak to Cassandra Tetley. Though when I last spoke to her, there was some difference of opinion between her crystal ball and her teacup." Alfi winked at me - she shared Minerva's low opinion of Divination, maintaining that her best visions came after three or four glasses of wine.

"Ah Minerva, boys will be boys!" Filius twinkled merrily at her. "Now, turning to matters of grave importance - can I interest you in a little bet on the outcome of today's match?"

Minerva sipped her coffee. "I don't think I should wager on a match where my own House is not involved, Filius," she replied with a smile. "However - if Ravenclaw is successful, I could be persuaded to treat you to one of Rosmerta's Christmas Cherry Cheers tomorrow when we've finished our shopping."

"A Ravenclaw victory is worth at least two!" responded Filius.

"I'll have the hangover remedies ready." I laughed, well aware of the drink's potency. "In fact, I might join you - I still have to buy something to send to Michael."

"Are you staying here over Christmas, Poppy?" inquired Filius. "Your children seem to be widely scattered. Jasper's in the States, isn't he, and Amethyst in Australia - so where exactly is Michael these days?"

Michael was now in Vienna, I replied, hoping to attend master classes in the New Year. Our talk turned to arrangements for the Christmas holidays: I was joining Julie in London, and Filius was going to his nephew's home in Cambridge. But Minerva was staying at Hogwarts, and I determined to suggest that she joined me in London for a few days over New Year - she was far too serious at times and a break would do her good.

There was a sudden burst of cheering as the Ravenclaw players rose to leave the Hall, their Housemates clapping and exhorting them to victory. Filius swallowed the last of his tea, and headed out the door after them.

I finished my coffee and rose also. "It could be a rough match," I said, and Minerva nodded. Neither team had a reputation for holding back, and there were several players who occasionally suffered severe memory lapses when it came to rules about fouls. "I'd best get prepared - I'll see you down there no doubt. Oh - don't forget your Slytherin rosette!" The last was a standing joke between us: there was no way she would ever wear the colours of any House other than Gryffindor, least of all Slytherin.

Christmas holidays: something from our conversation nagged at the back of my mind, and on returning to my office to collect first aid supplies I checked the calendar. Of course - full moon was only four days before they started. If Remus was going home for Christmas, the excuse about his sick mother would not ring true if he reappeared at school only a day or so before going home again.

It was a gloriously fine morning for the match, very cold but clear, and I sat in the stand with the other staff. Horace Heldin had arrived wearing both Ravenclaw and Slytherin badges, assuring us with a wink that this was "in the interests of staff impartiality, you know!" Well, maybe: I knew he'd been in Gryffindor, so I'd see what colours he wore at their match. Over to our right, Filius was standing on a seat in the midst of his cheering students, muffled in a thick coat and scarf and festooned with Ravenclaw rosettes.

Nearly three hours later, Ravenclaw was victorious after a hard-fought and often spiteful match, though luckily without serious injury. Alfi had issued numerous warnings, awarded penalties, lectured the captains, and finally suspended a player from each team for one match. As we headed back to the castle afterwards, Minerva and I were overtaken by a large happy group of first years, all wearing Ravenclaw rosettes or ribbons. We exchanged cheerful comments about the match, and I seized the opportunity when I found myself walking next to Remus.

"Mr Lupin, would you come down to clinic later on," I said quietly. "I need to speak to you." He nodded, looking slightly puzzled, before heading up towards Gryffindor tower.

He came to evening clinic as requested. I ushered him through to my office, and indicated the moon symbols and dates on my planner.

"I don't know what excuse you were planning this time," I said dryly, "but I suggest that you should simply be ill on this occasion. It will be more believable - whether or not you intend to go home for Christmas."

Remus looked startled and then slightly ashamed. "I'm sorry, Madam Pomfrey," he said. "Yes, I'm going home. I should've seen that before - guess I've just been busy."

"And earning a detention tonight, I hear!" I smiled at him, watching his expression of guilt mingle with amusement and a strange pride. "I'm sure you, James and Sirius will do an excellent job with the trophies. I trust your parents will not be too upset about the owl!"

He was grinning openly at me now. "No - Dad'll think it was just a good bit of fun, and Mum'll probably be secretly pleased too. Though I'd better not get caught next time!"

"Ah - so you do intend that there will be a `next time'?" I said in mock severity. "Mr Lupin, please don't tell me you are becoming a bad influence on poor Mr Black and Mr Potter!"

We looked at each other and burst out laughing. "Off with you!" I said, ruffling his hair. "Just remember to be ill this time. So try not to look too healthy or be in too much trouble the day before! Oh, and don't forget to wear warm clothing tonight, all of you - that trophy room can get very cold if you're in there for a few hours."

He grinned again, leaving my office with a cheerful "Thanks, Madam Pomfrey!" as he headed off for dinner.

True to his word, he arrived in the hospital wing just before lunch on the day of the full moon. When James and Sirius had stayed back after Charms to discuss something with Filius, Remus had seized his chance and simply told Peter Pettigrew he was feeling ill and was going to see me. I'd expected one of his friends after school: this time it was James. I assured him that Remus was quite ill, and asked him to bring down some of his things as he would probably be in hospital for a day or so. James departed looking worried, but returned half an hour later with the requested items.

"Tell him we hope he's better soon, please Madam Pomfrey," he said. "It's bad luck he's sick again."

The night was bitterly cold as we made our way across to the tunnel. Though the wind was not strong, it had a knife-edge that made me shiver even inside my thick cloak. I was worried about Remus, who was also wearing a warm cloak over old robes. When we reached the Shack I took him upstairs to the bedroom.

"Remus," I said, pushing him down to sit on the bed. "I don't know how much you - ah, understand - when you are a wolf." His face froze. "I'm worried about you - it's freezing cold tonight, even in here. If you tear off your clothing ..." I trailed off, suddenly not quite knowing what to say. But to my relief he nodded calmly.

"I don't really know what I'm doing, Madam Pomfrey. But I'll try to remember to come up here to the bedroom or something ... when I change back."

"Please do Remus," I said gently. "I do worry about you, so if you could just even try and get up onto the bed it might help. And I'll be here as quickly as I can in the morning." I gave his shoulder a quick squeeze, and left him sitting there, looking after me in that strangely quiet manner I had almost become used to.

It was one of those nights. No sooner had I returned to the hospital wing that two second year Slytherin boys were brought in, one with a broken ankle, the other with a broken arm. They'd been fooling around on one of the lower staircases, slipped on a wet patch and tumbled to the bottom. It took a while to mend their injuries, after which I installed them in beds at the far end of the ward, as they'd need to spend the night in hospital. An hour later Bernard Lutz knocked at the door, needing treatment for a nasty deep cut to his finger. I was just getting into bed when I was roused once more by one of the sixth year Ravenclaw girls asking for something for a migraine headache.

I seemed to have been asleep only a few moments when I was shaken awake by Minerva. Two first year Gryffindor girls had been taken ill suddenly and needed attention. After treatment they too were lodged in hospital beds for the rest of the night, and I sincerely hoped this was not the beginning of one of those strange stomach ailments that could occasionally plague the school for a few weeks. With something of a shock I realised that time had flown, and I was already late for Remus.

I lit the fire in his room and placed a warming pan in the bed, then slipped out the side door and hastened over the Willow. Flurries of snow and sleet whirled around as I leant in to prod the knot, and I was glad to reach the shelter of the tunnel. He was not in either of the downstairs rooms, so I hurried upstairs and called out to him. There were scratches on the banisters, and a broken chair leg in the upper hallway.

There was no answer - I had hardly expected one really - but I found him in the room where I'd left him hours before. There was a bloodstain on the floor, and more blood on the sheets and covers, but he had managed to crawl half into bed, where he was lying amongst the pillows with a blanket pulled up to his knees. He opened his eyes when I reached out to touch him and tried to smile.

"I ... I got up here ..." he whispered. "I ... remembered ... and I think ... I think I stayed up here ... sometimes ..." As I leant over to check his injuries I noticed a few wolf hairs and a couple of large paw print stains on the bed. Well, animals are sensible in cold weather, so I supposed even werewolves know where it is warmest. I healed the shallowest cuts, bandaged the rest, and helped him into some old pyjamas and slippers and his warm cloak before we set off down the tunnel.

I paused beneath the willow. "Remus, I've got a few students in the hospital wing at present. Now, don't be alarmed - " I saw his pale little face look up at me, " they won't see you because I'm going to bring you in through my own flat. That way we can reach your room without going anywhere near the main wards."

We climbed out of the tunnel, and I found that the weather had worsened even in the last half-hour. The wind was howling now, driving the snow in furious eddies across the lawns. I wrapped the cloak more tightly around Remus, holding him close beside me as we set off for the castle. No need for stealth on a morning like this: once out in the open we had to fight every step of the way to reach the shelter of the nearest castle wall. I could feel Remus shivering as we made our way along to the little door into my own rooms, which I struggled to open. The quiet warmth inside was like a different world, and I shepherded Remus through my flat and into his room, where I bundled him into the warm bed and got the fire blazing. I'd attend to his wounds a little more later - right now he looked half frozen.

I made him a large mug of hot chocolate, and left him sipping it gratefully while I went to check the other patients. The two girls were sleeping peacefully now, but I found the boys lying awake and listening to the wind. "A good day to stay in bed and recover, I think!" I said as I added another blanket to each bed and lit the fire in the nearby hearth. "Unless either of you are desperately keen to get back to classes?" They assured me that they were more than happy to stay, especially as it meant missing History of Magic, Potions and Herbology.

Remus was looking better when I returned: I re-dressed several of his wounds, gave him some painkiller and a sleeping potion, and tucked him in warmly. "I'm going to keep your door shut today Remus," I said, "that way no-one else here will see you or disturb you. Get some sleep now." He nodded, eyes already closing as I left the room.

If last evening had been busy, today was worse. An influx of students with colds and coughs descended on morning clinic, and I used up two bottles of Pepper Up Potion before breakfast. I added the sniffling, wheezing Odgers twins to my hospital patients, and sent half a dozen more students to bed in their dormitories for the day. By the time I had provided breakfast and medications for those in hospital, arranged for meals to be sent up to those in their dormitories, and checked on Remus (warm and sleeping peacefully), I felt a little weary.

By evening I had another four patients in hospital with bad coughs and slight temperatures. I'd need to get everyone well again before they went home for Christmas, so I'd made another large batch of Pepper Up Potion and Hackers Cough Remedy. The Gryffindor girls would remain in hospital tonight, but I'd sent the Slytherins back to their dormitory after dinner. With so many to attend to, the last thing I needed was visitors for Remus.

"Off with you - both of you!" I exclaimed quite crossly when James and Sirius appeared at evening clinic. "Yes, Remus is feeling better. No, you can't see him. No-one is seeing anyone in hospital tonight - I've got a ward full of patients, and with you all going home for Christmas in two days' time, I'm not risking anyone else get sick!" They looked slightly surprised at my response, and left without another word.

Later, as I grabbed a cup of tea, I regretted being so short with them. It was good of them to be concerned for Remus, and they weren't to know I'd had a bad day. The following morning I met them as they left the Hall after breakfast, apologised for my brusqueness and assured them that Remus could probably go back to his dormitory tonight.

Two mornings later the noise level in the Hall at breakfast was deafening as students prepared to go home for Christmas. All my patients had recovered and were out of hospital, and I spent morning clinic saying good byes and handing out medicines to those who needed them over the holidays. I found myself hoping Remus would drop by, as I had a small Christmas present for the Lupins. I was about to close up when he appeared, wearing a thick dark blue cloak and Gryffindor scarf, and carrying a parcel.

"Madam Pomfrey," he said shyly. "I came to say good bye and Happy Christmas. And to give you this." He handed me a flat package.

"Remus, that's very kind of you," I said, giving him a hug. "Now, you take this home with you - it's for you and your parents." I reached into a cupboard and brought out my own gift. He examined, it, hefted the package, sniffed and grinned.

"Remus Lupin - that had better reach your family intact!" I said in mock severity. It's for all of you to share - and that does NOT mean you, James, Sirius and Peter on the train!" It was a large box of Honeydukes chocolate truffles, and I hoped that entrusting them to chocolate fiend Remus would not be tempting fate.

"I promise I won't open it!" he said. "I'll put it in my bag and give it straight to Mum when I get to London. Honestly!" His eyes were dancing.

I smiled at him and gave him another hug. "Merry Christmas, Remus. Have a lovely holiday - take care. And give my regards and best wishes to your parents. See you in the New Year." He hugged me back, planted a very shy little kiss on my cheek, then turned and sped out the door, clutching the chocolates.

Julie and I had a wonderful five days together, before she had to return to work immediately after Christmas. Minerva came to London for New Year and we spent several days shopping and wandering through the city, going to concerts and museum exhibitions. Before we knew it, it was time to return to Hogwarts.

I'd opened Remus' present on Christmas morning, sitting opposite Julie in front of the fire and sipping tea. A calendar - a beautiful calendar of famous herb and apothecary gardens in Britain. The colours were glorious, the plants waved gently to breezes and occasionally wizards or witches wandered through to tend the plants or pick some of them. There was a small card which Remus had obviously drawn himself. I remembered Ivy saying he was good at Herbology, and here was an example of his practical skills - a simple, delicately drawn wreath of holly, the pencil strokes feather light and yet assured and skilful. I read the message inside and smiled gently.

Julie looked at the calendar and the card. "Who's Remus Lupin?" she asked. "One of your patients?"

I nodded. "A rather special boy," I replied. "He has a - well, it's an incurable illness, and he's so glad to be at school. He's often in the hospital wing, so we see quite a lot of each other."

"What's wrong with him?"

"Oh, the disease has a very long name, and it's all rather complicated, I'm afraid." I didn't want to answer too many questions about Remus.

"Well, this is really beautiful." She flipped through the pages with interest. "And he obviously made the card himself."

"Yes. I hope he's having a good Christmas - he lives down in Devon, so he had quite a way to go. Lovely family - I met his parents before he started at school." Julie nodded. I handed her a present from Michael and we turned out attention to that. Later that morning, I placed the calendar and card carefully on the bottom of my suitcase where it would be flat. I was more touched than I could say: I'd hang it in my room back at Hogwarts.

* * *

The students returned in the New Year, and school swiftly settled back into its routine. Classes and Quidditch matches ... pranks and punishments ... winter into spring ...

The other three boys all had their turns in the hospital wing. James broke his arm at Quidditch practice; Sirius cut his leg badly when "examining" a suit of armour one night in a disused corridor (I refrained from asking what he was doing there at that hour); Peter had a severe cold and ear infection.

Though Colouring Charms and hexes were not part of first year studies, it never seemed to stop students attempting them. One morning several Slytherin students, including Severus Snape, Nigel Avery and Theo Wilkins, arrived at breakfast to be greeted by gales of laughter. Snape was livid when he found the reason: up and down the backs of their robes was a pattern of vivid pink hearts and luscious red lips, flashing on and off in iridescent tones. The Gryffindors were beside themselves, and staff had no doubt as to who was responsible. Bernard Lutz hastened down to restore order in his House and remove the Charms: Minerva glared at James and Sirius, who conveniently neglected to look in her direction and blithely continued with their breakfast.

Revenge was not long in coming. A stifled "Oh NO!" from Minerva greeted the appearance of James and Sirius the following Sunday morning, both with bright green curly hair. Roars of laughter, jeers and catcalls from the Slytherins; cheers and raucous comments from the other Houses. I had to admire the boys though. Unlike Snape, they took it in good part, turning and bowing solemnly to the other tables, before sitting down amidst their friends. Unfortunately, the Slytherins has placed a timing charm on the colours as well, and so they would be stuck with the hair for several days. By lunchtime they had "improved" the look. Sirius had added lots of small golden stars which sparkled gaily, while James had added silver streaks. Minerva shuddered, but left them to it. I offered her my sunglasses for Transfiguration lessons that week.

Remus' transformations had settled into a pattern, though the one in February when the moon was at perigee was very bad. I'd been horrified at the injuries when I found him the next morning, and he'd spent four days in hospital recovering. Even then he was very pale when he returned to classes, and I insisted on giving him a tonic for the next week to make sure he recovered properly. The rest of the staff continued to accept him as delicate and sickly, and there were no awkward questions about his absences. But despite this, more than one teacher commented favourably on his work and his abilities.

The only slightly jarring note came when Minerva and I were visiting Hogsmeade, and an old lady in Pandora's Gift Box shop commented on the noises which came from "that old Shack up there". All sorts of screams and howls, she said, sounding worried. Other people had heard it too, and wondered what sort of monster was in there. Minerva explained that Dumbledore had relocated some noisy ghosts from the castle, and she would speak to him about them. The Shack was secure though, she reassured the old lady, who left much happier. I wondered though about what Remus really went through with his transformations. It was not a pleasant thought.

Easter was in early April, and was upon us before we knew it. Remus went home even though he was still exhausted from the full moon six days before. James decided to stay at school with Sirius, whose parents had taken his two-year old sister and gone across to France for a friend's wedding. I had the impression that neither boy minded the arrangement.

But I was increasingly worried about Remus' relationship with the Gryffindor boys. Not that there was anything wrong with it - quite the contrary. They were obviously very good friends, and their mutual mischief had resulted in three more detentions by Easter. But despite his obvious happiness, Remus steadily refused to tell them anything about his condition, and continued to offer a variety of excuses for his monthly absences. I didn't like it at all: even though only in first year, James and Sirius were acknowledged to be two of the brightest students at school and I wondered just how long it would be before they worked things out. How would they then feel about Remus' dishonesty, his lack of trust in them?

What was more, I genuinely liked the three boys, particularly James and Sirius, and I knew that they cared for Remus. I found myself wondering more and more whether they would really throw Remus' friendship away if they knew the truth about him. I expressed my doubts to Minerva one Saturday afternoon as we strolled back from Hogsmeade after the students.

"I don't know what's going to happen," I said. "Surely the others are going to find out sooner or later! "

"I agree." Minerva looked very thoughtful. "Black and Potter aren't fools by any means, and they're both very observant. They're very loyal to each other too, and I imagine they feel much the same way about Lupin."

"Do you think they'd say anything?" I asked. "If they found out."

Minerva frowned. "Hard to say. Pettigrew might - he's not as bold as the others, and he might be sufficiently terrified at the idea of sharing a dormitory with a werewolf that he'd let it out. Black and Potter though - I don't know. They come from old families both of them, but somehow I have the impression that they'd look at things with a more balanced view. They're like twins themselves of course, very close, but they do like Lupin - I don't know that they'd throw away a friend quite so easily."

That was interesting. She'd voiced my own assessment exactly, and Minerva was a shrewd judge of character.

"So - do I try to have another word with Remus?" I asked. "Or do you want to try, Minerva?"

She didn't answer for a while. "I think you are better placed, Poppy," she said at last. "I think he trusts you above any of us, except perhaps for the Headmaster, so you're probably the most likely person to persuade him."

We'd reached the school gates and I sighed. "Well, I'll try. But I fear the Headmaster may need to have a word with him at some stage." Minerva nodded, and we walked up the path to the castle in silence.

The next full moon was late April. In the castle gardens, tulips, daffodils, jonquils and grape hyacinths made a riot of colours, and when I looked in on Remus the afternoon after his transformation, he was sitting up in bed with his Charms textbook forgotten, looking out the window at the paintbox colours in the weak spring sunlight.

"Beautiful, aren't they," I said, sitting down on the end of his bed and smiling at him. "Ivy has excelled herself with the bulbs she selected this year."

"Mum always has lots of daffodils," he replied. "She plants more every year, all under the trees and in front of the house. All different sorts too - some of them have two or three colours in them."

He lay back against his pillows and looked at me for a while. "What's wrong Madam Pomfrey?" he said finally.

Damn him, I thought. He was far too perceptive for one so young.

"You, Remus," I said quietly. "You, and your friends. What you're telling them and what you're not."

His face became a mask. I sensed his body become tense under the bedclothes. "I don't want to talk about it," he said flatly.

"Remus," I persisted gently. "They're going to find out sooner or later. Don't you think you should try and trust them? At least James and Sirius - can't you even think of telling them? I know you're frightened, but I really think they'd understand. I'd be happy to sit down with you all and talk about it - so would Minerva, or even the Headmaster."

"NO!" He glared at me. "They won't! They'll hate me! They'll tell everyone."

"Remus, I honestly think you're misjudging them, dear." I tried to be gentle and reassuring. "They're not the sort of boys who'd go running off and telling everyone. And they like you Remus - they really do. They're your friends." I paused, hoping he would understand. "They're not going to believe your excuses about a sick mother forever, you know. Wouldn't it be better to tell them before they work it out for themselves?"

"No." His voice was flat, obstinate. "I'm not saying anything. I can't." He looked at me, his face expressionless, but I had the sudden impression that tears were very close to the surface. "And don't you say anything either - please."

"Of course I won't say anything if you don't want me to, Remus. You know I won't ever do that, dear. But I do worry about you - and I do really like James and Sirius."

He looked at me for a very long moment, then turned away and huddled down into the pillows, his back to me and his face hidden. I saw his hand clutching the edge of a blanket tightly, but he said nothing. Just shutting me out, as he was trying to shut out his friends.

I rose and stood there looking down at him. After all that I had seen, all that Gwen had told me, I understood his fears all too well. But I grieved for him, and for his desperate determination to hold onto a secret that could not remain a secret for too much longer. I bent over and adjusted the blankets, then leant down and stroked his hair gently several times. As I left the room I thought I heard a muffled sob.

I wrote to Gwen, expressing my fears and asking whether Remus had said anything to her. No, she answered, but she and Edmund were also wondering how long he could maintain his anonymity.

"It's one of the things we had to weigh up when he went to Hogwarts," she wrote. "But the Headmaster understood this, and said he would deal with any problems that arose. In all honesty, I can only think that means memory charms on those who find out. We don't like it, but we have to trust Albus Dumbledore."

Reluctantly I had to agree with her, and said nothing more about it to anyone. Remus was at first very reserved with me at his May transformation, but appeared to relax when I said nothing more on the subject. He spent his time in the hospital wing revising for exams, and I admired his determination to do well despite missing so much school. Perhaps I was being over-sensitive, but in subsequent days as I watched him with his friends at meals in the Great Hall, I could almost imagine that they were keeping a closer eye on him.

June came, and with it the end of year exams. Students and staff alike were nervous and irritable, and I dispensed large quantities of headache remedy and nerve tonic. Luckily for Remus, the full moon was just after exams ended, so he would be able to complete the year properly. He was in hospital for two days, and the results came out on the second one. Results were normally posted on the various House noticeboards, with a consolidated list of all subjects and placings in each year displayed on boards outside the Great Hall. Minerva had written Remus' results out for him and handed me the folded parchment.

He studied the figures for a long moment when I gave it to him, then looked up at me in dawning delight. "I came sixth!" he exclaimed. "In the whole year!! Third in Herbology, fifth in Astronomy and sixth in Transfiguration and Defence. And I was in the top ten in everything!" He held the precious piece of parchment as if it was pure gold, his face alight with pure happiness and pride.

"Congratulations Remus!" I exclaimed. "And you were worried about some of your subjects. You've worked very hard I know."

Suddenly he leant forward and hugged me fiercely. "Thank you Madam Pomfrey - thank you!"

I wasn't quite sure what I had done to earn these results for him, but I shared his joy. "I think that deserves a very large helping of chocolate!" I said laughingly, and produced a whole bar of Honeydukes' best. "You've earned it Remus - you've worked very hard. Your parents will be very proud of you indeed!" We each ate a large piece, and then I left him with the remainder, still studying the sheet in almost-disbelief.

I kept him in hospital that night - he went to sleep with the results parchment tucked under his pillow. I remembered the shy little boy I'd first met in Diagon Alley, and his longing for an education. I doubted even he had dreamt of succeeding like this.

At the end of year feast the following night, the Hall was decked in Ravenclaw colours after they had won the House Cup. Even as Filius re-lived each Quidditch match, and Horace held a spirited discussion with Minerva about animagi, I found myself looking down at the Gryffindor table. Remus was sitting between Sirius and Lily Evans, laughing and talking and eating like any normal schoolboy. I didn't think I had ever seen him so happy, and suddenly realised how much he had changed and grown over this year.

In the end of term rush the following morning I missed breakfast in the Hall, busily returning medications to students for the holidays, and farewelling the seventh years. The last day of term was always filled with sadness as we said goodbye to another year's students. I knew them all of course after seven years: I recalled injuries and illnesses, triumphs and failures, problems solved, confidences shared. I laughed and hugged and kissed and wept a little as the progression of students came and went.

And at the end of it all I found Remus standing there, almost unnoticed in the corner of the waiting room. He was still very pale from the transformation, but he was smiling and eager as he came forward.

"I came to say good-bye, Madam Pomfrey. And thank you - for everything you've done for me this year."

We looked at each other for a moment, then he was in my arms, hugging me fiercely. "Good bye, dear!" I said as we drew apart. "Have a wonderful holiday - you deserve it. Give my love to your parents - and I'll see you next term." I wondered whether I imagined a shadow pass across his face at these last words, but whatever it was, it was gone in a flash, and the smile returned.

"Enjoy your trip to Australia, Madam Pomfrey!" he said, knowing I was off to visit Amethyst. Before I could reply, two black-haired whirlwinds arrived and hugged me too.

"Bye Madam Pomfrey!"

"Have a good holiday!"

"Watch out for billywigs!"

"And bunyips."

"C'mon Remus - we'll miss the train you idiot!"

"Peter's minding our stuff for us - come ON Remus!

"Good bye!"

And with a flurry of waves and grins, James and Sirius propelled Remus out the door.

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