ENIGMA

ENIGMA

Chapter 10-The Final Word

A few days later, a news report came across the television. A man’s body had been found on the West Moor. His throat had been torn out. Police picked up the ‘wild dog’ theory and they put out a warning and a curfew.
A wallet sized picture of the man filled the screen. Michelle looked at Remus, wondering if he might’ve recognized the man on the TV.
Remus shook his head. “I have no idea who that is,”
But they all figured and knew that that man was the black wolf Remus had killed.

A week later, Remus and Michelle packed their things to head back to Hogwarts. Michelle secretly wasn’t looking forward to it.
“Don’t worry,” Remus said reading her anxious expression correctly. “I’m sure things will’ve toned down by now.”
Michelle didn’t think so but didn’t talk about it. The morning arrived and the Lupins drove Remus and Michelle to Kings Cross. They hugged and kissed Remus and Michelle good-bye. Michelle was going to miss them. She enjoyed her stay and finally was able to settle down and relax and enjoy herself. They gave her wonderful presents. Mrs. Lupin had bought her a beautiful necklace and matching earrings while Mr. Lupin bought her a book on Herbology, the newest edition.
Remus gave her a charm bracelet with little wolf charms dangling from it. They met up with Lily and boarded the train. They entered a compartment and sat down. Shortly, Caitlin entered and they began talking about their holiday.
Caitlin got the vibe that Michelle didn’t trust her or liked her very much. She also knew what Michelle was and what she was going to do. She wanted to warn Remus and the Marauders, but she decided not to say anything right now. She wanted to get them on the side and talk to them in private. She knew Michelle had caused the windows to implode last semester, but she didn’t turn her in because then she’d expose what she was as well as she couldn’t risk it.
“So,” Caitlin said brightly. “How was your holiday?”
“Good,” Remus said. “Yours?”
“Good,” Caitlin replied then turned her attention to Michelle. “What about you? Did you enjoy your stay?”
“Yeah,” Michelle said. “I had a really wonderful time.”
About an hour or so, they arrived at Hogwarts. Michelle felt a sense of dread as the huge castle came into view. Remus sensed her and put an arm around her shoulders.
“Don’t worry,” he whispered in her ear. “I’m sure things will be alright.”
“I hope so,” Michelle muttered.
They disembarked the train and climbed into the horseless carriages that took them to the castle.
They entered the castle and headed right for the Great Hall. James and Sirius were whispering to one another quietly. Peter was just staring off into space. Caitlin waved at them before heading over to the Hufflepuff table. Remus, Michelle and Lily took their seats at the Gryffindor table.
“Hey you two,” Lily said eyeing Sirius and James warily. “Why are you whispering?”
“We pranked the Slytherins and Hufflepuff,” Sirius whispered grinning at her. “Just watch and learn. They have got to learn that they can’t get away with tormenting Michelle and not have consequences.”
Michelle had to admit, she wondered what exactly they did to them.
Dumbledore made his usual announcements and then the food magically appeared. Everyone began helping themselves to their dinner. But as Michelle and the others watched, the Slytherin table and Hufflepuff table, their plates filled with a brownish mud.
Several of the students cried out.
“Eww! This stuff stinks!”
“What IS this?”
“What’s going on?”
Michelle looked at Sirius and James. They broke into identical grins.
“We must thank those dragons for their lovely donations,” Sirius said mockingly to James.
“Please tell me that’s not…” Lily’s voice trailed off.
“Yep, it’s dragon poo,” James said proudly.
Remus turned his head and coughed, trying to cover a laugh, but it was no use. Michelle had to admit it was hilarious. But the funny thing was that each time the students used their wand to clear their plates, more appeared and in heavier piles. Some of it actually fell onto their laps. Disgusted cries rang out from both the Slytherin table and Hufflepuff. Caitlin got a load of it smudge on the front of her uniform. Remus had to admit, he felt a bit bad seeing her covered in it. She didn’t seem like a bad person and she wasn’t joining in on Michelle’s tormenting either. The Gryffindor and Ravenclaw table were rolling with laughter as the scent of the dragon poo floated across the Hall.
Professor McGonagall got up and ushered both houses from the Hall as the rest of the Professors worked to wipe the charm off the tables.
“That was awesome,” James said laughing the tears of laughter from his eyes. “I think the best we’d done in years.”
“That didn’t top the 1st year Slytherin we glued to the toilet though,” Sirius mused as he reflected on the memory. “And blowing up that inflatable doll and sticking it in Snivellus’ bed that time. I’m still amazed at how we’d gotten the Slytherin password.”
“That 1st year Slytherin turned out to be useful after all,” James smirked.
They both sniggered.
Michelle shook her head. They were something else those two.
Finally, the mayhem in the Hall settled down and everyone was back to normal. The Slytherin houses and the Hufflepuff houses were back to their normal selves, although a few of them still reeked of the dragon poo.

After that, they all headed back to their common rooms.
They lounged around the fire and just sighed, knowing that in a few months it would be the end of the year and then they’d be going into their 7th and final year. Michelle was not going to miss this place. Most of her memories were bad and involved the tormenting and teasing, most of whom at first were from the Marauders. But they came around and saw the errors of their ways and now she found them to be one of her best friends in the world. She looked at them fondly. Sirius and James were still reminiscing about their previous pranks. Peter was talking with Lily about graduating and what she wanted to do when she left. Michelle’s eyes landed on Remus. He gave her a private wink and reached across the table, taking her hand in his and gently stroking it with his thumb. She felt herself smiling.
Remus had an idea. He knew he was making the right choice and he wanted to ask her to marry him. He hadn’t told his parents but the night he said he was going into London for a book on Lycanthropy, he’d actually visited the jewelry store and picked out a diamond engagement ring. He’d been saving his allowance to buy a very rare book on werewolves but he decided that marrying Michelle was more important than some book. Besides, he already knew enough about wolves and werewolves. He knew that there was no cure for the curse, just treatment. It didn’t bother him one bit as he wasn’t going to let it run his life. Michelle loved him more than life for HIM…not the stupid curse. He’d fallen in love with her and he began remembering when he’d first met her during their 1st year.
She had been sitting in the library. Remus had gone to do some research for Potions. He’d accidentally tripped over her school bag. She had been so upset and felt guilty that she offered to buy him a new ink bottle as his had gotten crushed as his bag hit the floor. They sat together and talked and immediately hit it off. They became really close after that and grew a really good, strong friendship. Remus then had introduced her to the Marauders, but for some reason, they didn’t take to Michelle as easily as Remus had, but Lily certainly did. The three of them had become good friends. The Marauders had oddly began picking on Michelle and many a time, Remus had to snap at them to stop.
It had gotten so cruel and mean that Remus was sure they were going to harm her for real. But then, Remus had threatened to leave them that if they cared about him, they’d stop picking on Michelle. Of course, Sirius had gone two faced but then they came around and now they were one of his best friends and they all got along and were now really tight knit.
Remus was going to have to think of the right time to ask her, and he decided he couldn’t wait anymore and leaned forward over the table.
“Michelle? Can I talk to you please?” he whispered.
“Sure,” Michelle said nodding.
Remus got up and Michelle followed him. They left the Great Hall. Remus walked over to the opened corridor where archways lined it opened. A cold gust of wind blew in causing Michelle to shiver.
Remus reached into the pocket of his robe and pulled out a small black velvet box. Michelle’s heart pounded.
“Michelle,” Remus began getting down on one knee in front of her.
Michelle’s eyes filled with happy tears as she knew what he was going to ask.
“Will you marry me?” Remus asked opened the little box and exposing a beautiful diamond ring.
Michelle nodded happily. Remus broke into a grin and slipped the ring onto her finger. They hugged and then headed back into the Great Hall to tell James, Sirius, Peter and Lily.
They were so happy for them. Lily gushed on about dresses and how big they wanted the entire wedding to be. Michelle couldn’t be happier. Little did she know, that the happiness would vanish.

The end of the year approached. There was a mixture of sadness, anticipation and happiness around the castle. Professor Dumbledore had arranged for an “End Of The Year” dance. Remus and Michelle exchanged looks. Caitlin had been right about the dance and that was creepy in itself.
Once again, the Hall was decorated in a winter theme. Fake snow fell from the magical ceiling and covered the floor in a dusting. Tables were set up for couples and a band had been hired called “The Cauldron Stirrers”. They were a really good band.
Remus and Michelle were dancing, having a great time and they were excited about the aspect of getting married. They began talking about it excitedly and happily.
Suddenly, in the middle of the dance, Peter got up on stage. He magically enhanced his voice so it boomed across the hall.
“Can I have everyone’s attention?” he called. The music stopped and all eyes were on him now.
“I know you are all excited about the end of the year, but I have some exciting footage that I think you will all find fascinating,” he said.
Michelle and Remus glanced at each other, grinning and was curious as to what footage Peter had.
He turned around and waved his wand. A white film strip came down as those the ones Muggles use to show a movie. Curious and intrigued whispers began floating around. Peter turned his attention back to the students.
“I know most of you are curious as to the REAL reason why Remus and Michelle were late coming back,” he said. “Well here’s the truth.”
Immediately, Remus and Michelle’s faces drained of all color. James, Sirius and Lily were stunned as well.
They watched in horror as a movie came onto the screen. There was Remus and Michelle under the blanket right in the very private moment. Michelle heard James curse under his breath at Peter, and Sirius swore. Lily was speechless.
“Tell me that isn’t precious,” Peter called in a sarcastic tone. “Remus actually enjoying screwing a pig. I thought he’d be more than likely to mate with his own species.”
Peals of laughter rang out now.
“PETER YOU PIECE OF SHIT!” Sirius yelled angrily at him.
“Yeah well, they Slytherins were right after all, weren’t they?” Peter snapped. “Michelle is a piece of shit, a waste of breathing space…vapor! She had no business hanging with us!”
“She’s a human being you twit!” James roared back at him. “She had every right to be friends with us!”
“After you did all the tormenting!” Peter retorted.
“Yes but we realized we were wrong!” Sirius shouted. “How could you betray us, Peter!?”
Michelle was beginning to hyperventilate. Caitlin was sitting across from them, watching everything. She couldn’t believe how mean that was. But she knew what was coming and quickly got up and headed toward the exit. She had tried to warn Remus and the Marauders that something bad was going to happen at the dance, but they didn’t listen to her. Just as she hit the double doors, they suddenly slammed shut. Caitlin jiggled the handles, but they were locked. Caitlin slowly turned around.
Michelle was standing up now. Her arms rigid at her sides and her hands opened flat against her thighs. Her eyes were locked straight a head. Remus was energetically waving a hand in front of her face, but Michelle was unresponsive. Caitlin caught sight of an engagement ring on Michelle’s finger and immediately knew what that meant.
All around, the doors to the Great Hall snapped shut and locked. Confused cries went around and everyone headed toward the doors, trying to open them.
“They’re locked!” a 4th year Ravenclaw girl cried.
Teachers tried the ‘Alohamora’ charm, but they didn’t work. Caitlin kept watching as Michelle was still unmoving. The floating candles suddenly dropped from the ceiling, igniting the fabric hanging for each house. Panic cries soon filled the room. Everyone was scrambling to get out, but the doors were locked. James, Sirius and Lily got to their feet. Remus went to touch Michelle’s shoulder, but was thrown backward by an invisible force through one of the glass panes on the windows. He crashed through them and landed on the grass outside on his back. Glass showered him and he quickly covered his face protectively.
James looked at Sirius with fear. Michelle was walking toward Peter, who was frozen in fear in front of the Head tables. The fire began getting out of control. The teachers’ attempts to put the fires out, failed miserably. James, Sirius and Lily frantically tried to open one of the doors. Michelle’s head snapped toward them. The door opened. Caitlin, James, Sirius and Lily fled outside, but when they turned around to help the others, the door was snapped shut again.
“Michelle!” James shouted pounding on the door. “Please come on!”
Michelle ignored him and kept walking right for Peter. The movie screen behind them was now on fire and drooped to the floor burning. The teachers had Apparated some of the students out, but there was still plenty locked inside.
Michelle moved her head to the left and one of the house tables came speeding toward Peter, the edge slamming into his stomach and pinning him against the wall. He was trapped and cringed. A thick ribbon of blood flowed from the corner of his mouth. Michelle kept walking toward him and glanced down at a large shard of glass. It rose off the ground and hovered a moment.
“N-no please,” Peter pleaded weakly.
Michelle ignored him and the shard of glass shot right into his chest. His body jerked for the moment before it relaxed and fell forward, his face resting against the top of the table. Burning beams began falling, crushing some of the students. Michelle looked up in time to see one of them falling directly on her. She felt the beam pin her across her abdomen. All around her the fire intensified and all she heard was the crackling of the fire and cries around her before blackness swallowed her up.

Outside, Remus carefully got to his feet. He dusted off the glass pieces and looked into the Hall. The flames were licking the ceiling now. He was oddly unharmed and rushed back into the castle.
James, Sirius, Lily and Caitlin were standing outside the doors to the Great Hall, pounding on them urgently.
“What’s going on?” Remus asked coming up behind them.
“Oh Remus thank God you’re alright!” Lily cried hugging him.
“Where’s Michelle?” Remus demanded, hugging Lily back.
“She’s still in there,” Sirius said grimly. “Mate, I think she started the fire.”
“We’ve got to get her out of there!” Remus cried as he used all of his werewolf strength and used his shoulder as a battering ram. The door finally broke opened and they entered the Hall, but they had to shield themselves from the flames. The Hall was silent now. There was no more cries but the crackling of the flames. Remus spied Michelle trapped under a beam.
He ran over to her and crouched down beside her. He coughed, as the smoke began sticking in his throat. He tried to lift the beam, but it was no use. James and Sirius rushed over.
Combined with the three of them, they managed to lift the beam off her. Remus picked Michelle up and carried her out of the burning Hall.