Sign it [Lupin's Daughter]

Chapter 1

The forest was bustling with life. There were birds chirping, water rushing rapidly down the stream, creating a loud environment that seemed as if no humans lived there. If there wasn't a small beaten cottage in the middle. A little girl sat quietly on a bench, taking in the sounds of the world around her. She sat contently for someone so young, by her looks she couldn't have been more than nine. Her green eyes bounded back and forth amongst the birds, and her pin-straight light brown hair braided like a rope. Her arms held themselves like sticks on her scrawny frame, dangling on her side. She, at last bored with Mother Nature's voice, made her way into the cottage. She didn't make any sound to make herself known, instead resorting to tapping the wall on the left of the doorframe twice, a signal she and her father had made up when she was old enough to sit on the porch herself.

Inside the doorway between the kitchen and living room stood a man in his thirties. He had scars etching most inches of his revealed skin, and a wary look well beyond his years. At his core, however, he had similar features to the little girl. He tried to give a small smile, but it quickly slipped away, as he glanced between the little girl and his newspaper. He put the paper down, covering the article he was reading, and said, "Want some dinner, Maddy?" to attempt to keep his mind off of what he had just read.

The girl didn't open her mouth to respond, instead moving her hands with fluency, transitioning smoothly between symbols, Pasta will do. The man nodded, and gestured for the girl to come with him to the kitchen. He handed her an apron and she put it on, wrapping it around her back, and tying it in the front. She looked at her father's expression as he took out the pasta to make, Is everything alright, Dad? 

Her father only nodded, "I am. Now let's get cooking. Want some chocolate while we wait?" Maddy nodded and he handed her a piece, taking one for himself as well. They ate quietly while waiting for the pasta to cook. By the time it was done, he had made two plates and put them on the small dining room table. They started to eat when there was a knock at the door. Who was that? Maddy asked, she had the fork hanging from her mouth, her hands somehow covered in butter, glistening because of it. "I'm not so sure. Stay here though while I check." 

Maddy, of course, didn't stay. Instead she followed her father to the doorway, and stayed slightly back as he opened the door. "Remus Lupin. Long time since I last saw you." The man who had spoken was quite elderly, but still managing to stand up straight. His hair was long, longer than Maddy's was, and was a silvery colour. His blue eyes had an unmistakable twinkle about them. He wore the most eccentric pair of robes, and high-heeled buckle boots that caught Maddy's attention.

Remus smiled, "You as well, Dumbledore. Come in." He did so, and seemed to notice Maddy standing behind him for the first time. "Hello, miss. What's your name?" He said kindly towards her. Not sure how to answer, she resorted to spelling her name. M-A-D-E-L-I-N-E. She looked up, uncertain if the old odd man with the buckle boots could read signs. "Madelīne?" He asked gently. She shook her head. Spelt like that, but pronounced the other way. Dumbledore repeated what she said but phrased it as a question. Maddy nodded, "So Madelĭne? With the short 'I' sound." Maddy nodded again, If it's not trouble, call me M-A-D-D-Y. Dumbledore smiled at her, "Alright, Maddy." He turned to Remus, "Your daughter? Is she mute?"

Remus nodded, "Yes to both. She's been mute her whole life. And about the full moon, she stays with my father for them. Also, you understand BSL?"

Dumbledore chuckled, "It's a useful skill. I understand many languages; Mermish and Gobbledegook included. Let's go sit, we have much to talk about. Your daughter can join us if she likes." Maddy looked starstruck at Dumbledore, but still followed her father and him into the living room. They all sat on the couch, Remus and Maddy looking at Dumbledore expectantly.