What Magic Can Do

What Magic Can Do

Chapter one

An odd shiver passed over his face... 'I won't deny that I'm a werewolf.'

(PoA p. 253 Bloomsbury)

Background:

Harry (18) defeated Lord Voldemort in the spring of his seventh and final year at Hogwarts. He and Ron starts auror training in the autumn, Ron's girlfriend Hermione gets a job as an assistant researcher in the department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, working on her dissertation on the subject of elf rights. Mr. Weasley replaces Mr. Fudge as the Minister for Magic. Dumbledore retires to a quiet life at his manor in Kent, occasionally assisting the Ministry with his advice, and McGonagall takes over as the headmistress at Hogwarts. Snape is seriously injured during the final fight but recovers and finally gets to teach DADA at Hogwarts. Ginny is still at Hogwarts in her seventh year, playing chaser and meeting her boyfriend Harry whenever there's a Hogsmeade weekend. Mr. Weasley offers Remus Lupin (38), a job at the Ministry, but he is hesitant to take on the job because of 'the occupational hazard of being a werewolf'. But he finally accepts doing a few assignments for the Ministry, allowing him to regularly be away from the Ministry's headquarters.

At the same time, a Muggle named Gwen Farrell (30) gets employed by the Ministry in the office of Muggle Relations. As everyone knows, Arthur Weasley has always had a weak spot for Muggles, and he feels the Ministry could benefit greatly with a real one working alongside the wizards, helping them see the Muggle point of view. Ms. Farrell has already for some time been partly familiar with the wizarding world ever since an old, eccentric neighbour of her; Colonel Fubster, accidentally let her in on the secret after walking in on him practising charms on a couple of whithering tomato plants. Fubster, a little forgetful on his old days, failed to notify the Ministry so no Obliviator squad was sent to put a memory charm on her at the time. So that when the Minister for Magic happened to stumble across Gwen he thought she was perfect for the job, as she was already let in on the secret.

Gwen Farrell, a quite ordinary-looking lady with dark grey eyes had never really looked at herself as that; she still preferred the term 'girl'. Probably because as a child she had been something of a tomboy, more interested in playing soccer with the boys or stalking imaginary indians in the woods than sharing make-up tips and gossip with the girls. Gwen hadn't changed her personality very much; she still didn't care much for appearance and fancy clothing; prefering her well-used jeans and jumpers, keeping her dark brown hair in a practical ponytail. Gwen was currently working as a gardener, but had earlier even been making a living as a part time English teacher and a freelance writer and journalist. She was fond of the outdoors, never missing a chance to explore the British countryside, knowing most of the plants and wildlife by heart. Had her current living conditions been different, she would also have gotten herself a dog or two. She loved dogs. But they would have to wait a little longer, what with her new job at the Ministry of Magic and all. She thought she must be the luckiest woman alive being allowed a small part in the magical world she just recently had stumbled over.

*

Gwen smiled happily. The room reflected very much its owner:

Not too particular about its appearance, but friendly, warm and definitely interesting.

Gwen's first day of work at the Ministry was set to be on September the First, but since the date coincided with the start of term at Hogwarts Arthur Weasley suggested she accompanied him there (he had been specially invited by the headmistress). Arthur thought it would be useful for Gwen to join him at the start of term feast so as to get to know a little more of the world of magic to better prepare her for her job at the Ministry.

Nervous and a little apprehensive, Gwen let herself be seated nearly at the end of the long table, with Mr. Weasley on her right and a nice but somewhat shabby-looking man approaching the table on her left. Mr. Weasley rose at once to introduce Gwen to the stranger.

'Ah, Remus; I'm glad you could make it too! Gwen, may I introduce you to my good friend Remus Lupin; Remus, this is Ms. Gwen Farrell, the Muggle I told you about.'

Gwen's heart raced as she tried not to look too awed when accepting Lupin's outstretched hand and returning his friendly handshake. She immediately sensed that Arthur had been right in describing Remus as the kindest and most gentle man he knew; the way he seemed genuinely interested in befriending total strangers (even a Muggle like herself), looking kindly at her, making her feel at ease.

'I see - the courageous one!' He smiled at her, then added on seeing Gwen's confused expression; 'Your last name - Farrell; it means 'brave', doesn't it?'

'Oh... Yes, yes it does. I can't promise I'll live up to it, though.' Gwen laughed nervously.

As they were sitting down, Remus continued addressing Gwen, politely asking her how she liked the magical world so far, what she thought was the greatest difference between the Muggle and the wizard world and how she felt about going to work at the Ministry for Magic. Though feeling a little hot and flushed at being the centre of attention of important and famous wizards like the Minister for Magic and Professor Lupin, she soon found it easy to share her thoughts with them. She felt the conversation could have gone on forever, but as the students had filed in and found their seats at the four house tables, McGonagall rose from the high chair, and everyone fell silent.

The rest of the evening felt like a dream to Gwen. And indeed, it was everything she'd ever dreamt it was going to be. The sorting (the hat now carried into the hall by Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher, since McGonagall was tied up as headmistress), the start of term speech by the headmistress, the enchanted ceiling, the magnificent feast itself; Gwen had to pinch her arm to make sure she was still awake and not making it all up in her sleep.

All too soon the last trace of food had been wiped off the plates and McGonagall rose from her chair to announce to the students that their four-poster beds were waiting. As no one would ever dare to question their stern headmistress, everyone rose obediently and started to file out the door to the Great Hall, chatting and laughing on their way to the dormitories.

Remus turned to face Gwen and Arthur.

'Well, I suppose I should be off. I have work waiting for me, I'd like to start off as early as possible tomorrow. It has been really nice getting to know you a little, Gwen. See you around I expect, Arthur here has persuaded me I should drop by the Ministry now and then.'

His friendly blue eyes looked warmly at her for a second, then he turned his head as a dark-haired, sinister-looking wizard glided swiftly past the table.

'Severus! Just the man! Please, may I have a word with you?'

Gwen watched as Snape stopped abruptly in his stride, turned around and frowned at the sight of Remus, looking thoroughly annoyed. The two men went a little away from the table with their backs to the other teachers. Remus seemed to do all the talking; Severus just gave an occasional impatient nod to show he was listening. When the two had finished Remus offered him his hand. Professor Snape hesitated for a second, his lip curling, then he grudgingly answered the handshake. Gwen cast a quick glance at Mr. Weasley to see if he had noticed, and he smiled sadly back at her.

'You know; even though the two of them fought on the same side against Voldemort, they find it hard to throw off old resentment. Well, I should say Severus find it hard; Remus has always been the forgiving type really. But Severus is starting to show some will at reconciliation though: Why, that handshake would have been impossible just a year ago.'

*

The first day at work in the Ministry started out really confusing. Had it not been for Mr. Weasley who took the time out of his hard-pressed timetable to show her around the building she would have been completely lost. She felt completely lost. There were just four people working in her department; Muggle Relations hadn't up till now been considered very important. They all hurried to greet her when she arrived. Mrs. Figgs the squib was the only one Gwen knew already. Mr. Weasley had given her a temporary assignment at the department to help out Gwen a little; after all Arabella knew her way around Muggles as much as Gwen did, having lived among them for years. The other three were an ancient-looking old witch by the name of Ms. Nola Aldridge; Mr. Ronan Bryce, a slightly bewildered-looking wizard in his mid twenties and finally the head of the office; Mrs. Wynne Boyden, a dignified but friendly witch in her mid sixties. Gwen was glad they all greeted her eagerly, she still felt slightly intimidated meeting real wizards and witches.

But Gwen needn't have worried. At the end of her first day she started to feel at ease among the little group of 'Muggle-lovers'. The day was made even more perfect by Remus Lupin stopping by her office to see how she was getting along. At the sight of him in the doorway Gwen again felt shy, forcing herself to meet his eyes steadily instead of dropping her gaze. She couldn't see why she should be nervous about him being there though. His face, framed by light brown hair with patches of grey, wore a friendly and open expression, his warm eyes looking directly at her, his mouth forming a relaxed smile.

'Hello Muggle,' he winked teasingly at her, 'want to join me for dinner at Arthur's place? His wife is making her famous mutton stew, and she squarely told Arthur she'd not be very pleased if he failed to bring you along tonight. It seems I'm forced to come too.' He grinned mischievously. 'Molly still doesn't get it into her head it's no good trying to force feed me, nothing could ever make me look healthy or handsome anyway,' he continued lightly.

Gwen knew about Lupin being a werewolf because Arthur had told her, but couldn't think of anything to say. Instead she tried a sheepish smile and stuttered something that was supposed to come out as 'of course, I'd love to meet Mr. Weasley's wife', though it didn't sound like that when the words left her mouth. Embarrassed, she grabbed her newly acquired travelling cloak of soft, dark green wool which had already become her favourite garment, and hurried past Lupin through the open doorway.

Travelling by Floo powder was a new experience to Gwen, and she was feeling slightly dizzy when she scrambled out of the Burrow fireplace a few minutes later, closely followed by Lupin. He brushed off the soot from his worn and patched travelling cloak before stepping out on Molly's clean kitchen floor. Gwen at once reddened, looking down at the heap of ashes at her feet. Molly didn't notice however; instead she let out a scream of delight and practically threw herself at Gwen, hugging her tightly and kissing her on both cheeks.

'It's as if I already know you, Arthur has told me so much about you! I can't wait to hear what your first day at the Ministry has been like. But first things first: Let's eat!'

Arthur, Molly, Remus and Gwen drew their chairs closer to the big and sturdy kitchen table and sat down. The meal was lovely, just as Remus had foretold. Gwen couldn't remember when she had last enjoyed herself so much. It was like the invisible barrier dividing Muggles from wizards had never been there; the others included her as one of their own, chatting animatedly and laughing heartily at the stories and jokes of Remus and Arthur.

After the meal Molly wanted to tidy up a bit and Arthur had some paper work to do that couldn't wait till tomorrow, so Molly asked Remus if he would be so kind as to escort Gwen on a little stroll outside, showing her the garden and the surrounding hills. Gwen again felt her stomach lurch at the thought of being alone with famous Lupin, but she soon forgot her anxiety. It was so easy to keep up an interesting conversation with him and she caught herself enjoying every minute of it. When their walk brought them along a path winding its way up to the very top of the hill, they sat down to admire the view of the valley underneath them with the tiny village of Ottery St. Catchpole at the very bottom and the Burrow hidden from view some distance away from it.

It was already quite late in the evening, and the sun was setting, engulfing the soft, rolling hillside in golden rays of light. For a long time neither Remus nor Gwen said anything. But it didn't make Gwen feel awkward, it felt perfectly right just sitting there in silence, sharing the beauty of the countryside with Remus. Turning her head slightly, she became suddenly aware that he was watching her with a strange, almost curious look on his face. Gwen looked questioningly back at him, thinking he was about to say something, but he immediately dropped his gaze, looking slightly taken aback. Had it not been for the golden light of the setting sun confusing the colours she could have sworn his otherwise grey complexion had turned a lighter shade of pink. Looking embarrassed, Remus rose abruptly and motioned Gwen to follow him back to the Burrow.

Weeks passed by, but Gwen hardly noticed as she worked relentlessly with her wizard co-workers at the department, thoroughly enjoying her new friends and her new line of work. Mr. Weasley, the Minister for Magic himself, came by now and then to give words of encouragement, and he continued to invite Gwen over for dinner at the Burrow, almost making her a regular dinner guest. Now that none of their children stayed at home anymore, Molly and Arthur appreciated some extra company.

Remus Lupin, on the other hand, was away for days at a time tending to his Ministry assignments and also, she suspected, taking a few days each month to 'fall ill'. Gwen missed him when he wasn't around at the Burrow or at the Ministry of Magic; he had become her best friend. He seemed to enjoy talking about the same things as her and sharing the same kind of humour, and it had also turned out they had some interests in common, like the care of animals and enjoying the outdoors; not to mention they both loved chocolate! Sometimes she caught herself regretting she wasn't a wizard but 'only' a common Muggle. Even though Remus and the Weasleys never made her feel inadequate or less valuable, she would have liked to be able to share their world more fully.