Starry Secrets and Unlikely Love: The Story of Stella Moore and Fred Weasley

Inquisition at The Leaky Cauldron

Stella sat quietly beside her mother, Astraea, as the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, and several Ministry officials grilled them about Sirius Black's escape from Azkaban. The Leaky Cauldron's private room was filled with tension as Astraea fiercely answered their questions, her gaze unwavering.

"Professor Moore, we have reason to believe that you have a connection to Sirius Black," Fudge said, adjusting his monocle. "You were involved with him in the past, correct?"

Astraea's lips tightened. "I knew Sirius, yes. But I haven't seen him in years."

"And what about your daughter, Little Lyra is what you call her is it?" one of the officials chimed in, eyeing Stella with suspicion. "She's a year older than Harry Potter, isn't she? That puts her at nearly the same age as him. Is it possible that she's his daughter?"

Stella felt a wave of panic wash over her, but Astraea spoke up before she could say anything. "That's a ridiculous accusation. Stella is my daughter, and I can assure you that she has no connection to Sirius Black whatsoever. And I must insist that you leave my daughter out of this. She has nothing to do with his escape."

Fudge looked unconvinced. "Are you sure about that, Professor Moore? After all, she does bear a striking resemblance to him."

Stella felt her heart race at Fudge's words. She knew the truth about her parentage, but she had sworn to her mother that she would keep it a secret. She looked up at her mother, searching for any sign of weakness, but found none. Astraea was the picture of composure, staring down Fudge with an unwavering gaze.

Stella couldn't help but admire her mother's strength. It was something she had always aspired to have herself.

"I assure you, Minister, that my daughter is not involved in this in any way," Astraea replied firmly.

Fudge looked like he was about to argue further, but Remus Lupin spoke up from the corner of the room. "Minister, I can vouch for the fact that Stella had no idea about Sirius's escape until we told her just now. She has no connection to him whatsoever."

Fudge turned to Lupin, his eyebrows raised. "And what is your involvement in all of this, Mr. Lupin?"

"I'm a friend of the family," Lupin said, his tone even. "I've known Stella and her mother for years, and I can assure you that they have no connection to Sirius Black."

Fudge seemed to weigh this for a moment before nodding curtly. "Very well. But we will be keeping an eye on you all the same, Professor Moore. We can't afford to take any chances when it comes to Black."

Astraea bristled at this, but Lupin spoke up again. "Of course, Minister. We understand."

As the officials gathered their papers and prepared to leave, Lupin turned to Stella and gave her a reassuring smile. "You did great, Ella. Don't worry, we'll make sure you're safe."

Stella felt a sense of relief wash over her at his words. She had always trusted Lupin, and his presence in the room had given her a sense of security that she desperately needed.

As the door closed behind the officials, Astraea let out a long sigh. "Well, that was certainly unpleasant."

Stella looked up at her mother, feeling a mix of admiration and fear. "You were amazing, Mum. I don't know how you did it."

Astraea smiled weakly. "It's nothing, Little Lyra. I just didn't want them to get any ideas," Astraea said, her eyes meeting Remus's across the room. "Thank you for speaking up for us, Remus. It means a lot."

Remus nodded, a small smile on his face. "Of course, Astraea. You and Stella are like family to me. I'll do whatever I can to help."

Stella watched the exchange between her mother and Remus, feeling a sense of warmth in her chest. Remus had always been there for them, ever since she was a child. They had remained a close friend even after they left the school. Stella had always admired him for his kindness and loyalty, and she knew that she could trust him with anything. She even sees him as the father figure she never had.

As the group began to disperse, Remus approached Stella and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Ella. We'll make sure you and your mother are safe. And if you ever need anything, just let me know."

Stella nodded, feeling grateful for Remus's support. She knew that she and her mother were lucky to have him on their side.

As they made their way out of the private room, Stella couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She knew that they were in danger, and that they had to be careful. But she also knew that she couldn't keep denying the truth about her parentage forever. Eventually, she would have to face the consequences of her secret, no matter how difficult it might be.