Melody Riddle and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Chapter 22: The End Brings New Beginnings

"C'mon," Marcus said softly, unwrapping his arms from around me so could grab my hand and start pulling me to the door. "After we get you some fresh air, we may as well start packing. You can help me write my parents so that they know what to expect."

That was when Madam Pomfrey briskly hurried out of her office toward us. Oh, what now?

"Don't tell me I need to stay?" I asked dreadfully.

"Let me see," she said, sitting me back down on the bed. With, "Lumos," she shined her wand in my face, asking me to follow the light with my eyes. "Any more headache or dizziness?" she asked.

"None," I said.

"Alright then.... You look good... you are free to go," she said.

"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey," I said with a grin.

She smiled, allowing Marcus to take my hand and drag me out of there as quickly as possible.

As we wandered the halls, I whispered, "All your parents need to know is that no one is allowed to know about my knowledge and involvement concerning my dad. The only other person who knows anything about it is Lucius Malfoy."

Marcus burst into laughter.

"The heck is so funny?" I asked irritably, unable to pull away when he wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

"I know something Malfoy doesn't... his own father even hides it from him.... Hah!"

"Oh shut up, already. I'm not proud of it," I grumbled.

He grinned, "Don't worry about it. I'm.. just happy you can trust me well enough for only me to know this about you."

I raised an eyebrow at him, "Remember, I didn't have much of a choice."

Marcus led me outside, waving his free hand nonchalantly. "Details, details."

He led me out onto the grounds. I had never been so happy to be outside, basking in the sunlight. As I tilted my head to give the sun access to my cheeks, I noticed Remus walking toward a carriage with his suitcase. As well as an empty grindylow tank.

"I'll be right back," I said, quickly sprinting over to him.

"What? Some extra homework you forgot to do for him?" Marcus asked.

"Haha very funny!" I said, continuing toward the carriage. Once I was close enough, I shouted, "Remus!"

Remus turned around in surprise, just placing his suitcase and grindylow tank into the carriage.

"What, did you think you were leaving without saying goodbye?" I asked jokingly, slowing to a stop next to him.

"Are you going to say what Harry said, and try to keep me here?" he asked with a smile.

So Harry went to him, too. "I don't know, how about you tell me after I've said it?" I asked breathlessly. "Even though you are a werewolf – which in my opinion shouldn't have to change anything – you have been the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher we've ever had. Last night was a close call, but... Harry did happen to conjure a Patronus – a very strong one at that – thanks to you."

Remus was really at a loss for words... in a good way. He looked as though he was almost about to burst into happy tears – he was just as emotional as Sirius was when we saved him from a horrible fate. Widening his arms out, he captured me in a tight hug that I gladly returned.

Pulling away, he wiped his eyes and said, "We'll see each other again some day, Melody... thank you. And tell your mother I said 'hi.'"

"We better see each other again," I said warningly. He laughed some more. "I'm sure mom would be glad to hear that you're okay."