| HIDDEN IN SECRETS |

chapter sixty-seven

THE WOLF AND THE STAR

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The days went by slowly. Lupin was regretting his decision to watch over Verena while Black was living in the cottage. In such a small space, the two saw each other constantly. Lupin wasn't sure he could handle their bickering any longer. It was getting out of hand, and he wished his friend would be as serious about her as he was with Harry.

It had only been a couple of weeks since Verena had moved in. The summer days were long and hot, and in such an old house, it was getting unbearable. The heat was trapped inside the house and all the windows were kept locked shut. "For safety reasons," Lupin said.

Verena was getting bored. There wasn't a lot that she could do. If the heat didn't distract her, she would read. When she felt unproductive she cleaned, and when she felt lazy she would exercise using their Quidditch routine. Another thing that Verena did was write in a journal – her own journal. It was much easier to express herself there than open up to her guardians.

July 10, 1995

It hasn't been long, yet it has at the same time. I have been in this house for hours, alone. It's dark outside and Lupin nor Black have come home yet. I didn't think it would be like this. I thought that someone would always be here. I thought I'd have somebody... but I don't. I haven't seen Lupin since he left during the full moon. Black is always gone. Something about having Order business, but I know it's not that. He just doesn't like me. I don't like him either, but I thought he'd hold onto his word that he'd watch over me. I can't wait to see Lupin kick his arse when he comes back.

July 11, 1995

Lupin has not come back yet. I'm not surprised. Black ignores me unless he has to talk to me. It's always about this Order. Black doesn't trust me enough to tell me more about it. It's good though I guess. He's smart and trusts only a few... Still hate him.

July 12, 1995

Black peed on my pillow – HE PEED! ON MY pillow! In his dog form. And people think he's a responsible adult... going around and pissing everywhere. That stupid mutt. Lupin better come back soon. I don't know if I can handle this anymore.

July 13, 1995

I haven't slept at all last night. I kept hearing things. I told Black that there was something outside, but he brushed me off. It wasn't just creaks from the house or branches that kept hitting the walls. It was more than that. And I hear voices whenever I close my eyes. I can't sleep and my potion supply is only getting smaller.

July 14, 1995

I'm getting bored. I am just two books away from finishing my collection. Next, I will begin reading Lupin's books that he leaves laying around the house.

It's almost the seventeenth. I haven't forgotten. How could I when I can hear my mum's voice in my sleep? It's been getting louder, maybe since it's near her death day. Or it's all in my head. Black thinks I'm crazy, which I might be. I am certain that he doesn't hear James Potter whisper in his ear.

I don't know what to do. I can't go out to see her. My father and brother would visit her... I can't bring myself to see them again, but a part of me knows that I should be with them on that day. I don't want to be alone.