Sign it [Lupin's Daughter]

Chapter 8

Maddy ran as fast as her small legs could take her behind McGonagall and her father. Snape joined in their rush about halfway to Gryffindor Tower. When they arrived, Maddy gasped at the crime scene in front of her. The painting was mauled, Maddy could see strips of canvas littering the floor by her feet.

"We need to find her," said Dumbledore, causing Maddy to snap out of her daze, "Professor McGonagall, please go to Mr. Filch at once and tell him to search every painting in the castle for the Fat Lady."

"You'll be lucky!" Maddy could recognize that cackling voice anywhere. Peeves floated above the crowd, absolutely delighted at the chaos in front of him.

Dumbledore spoke calmly to the poltergeist, "What do you mean, Peeves?" Peeves must have known not to taunt Dumbledore, so he adopted an oily tone.

"Ashamed, Your Headship, sir. Doesn't want to be seen. She's a horrible mess. Saw her running through the landscape up on the fourth floor, sir, dodging between the trees. Crying something dreadful," Peeves said in a happy tone. "Poor thing," he added sarcastically.

Dumbledore looked at Peeves, and spoke quieter than normal, "Did she say who did it?"

"Oh yes, Professorhead," Peeves cackled. Maddy didn't like where this was heading, Peeves was far too happy at the moment. "He got very angry when she wouldn't let him in, you see." Peeves did what was a midair somersault, and looked at Dumbledore between his legs. "Nasty temper he's got, that Sirius Black."

The reaction was almost instantaneous. The Gryffindor students looked panicked, speaking among themselves in frightened tones. Remus's reaction was probably the worst, however. His jaw dropped faster than a speeding bullet, and he grabbed Maddy's wrist. Maddy looked at her father, concern etched her now pale face.

Dumbledore was trying to reassure the students everything was alright. He led everyone present to the Great Hall. Remus wouldn't let Maddy leave his side, and held on to her wrist tightly. Maddy's concern grew more and more the longer they walked. His best friend, a convicted murder at large who killed his other two best friends, penetrated a school where his dead best friend's son and his daughter were, where some of the toughest creatures stood at guard outside. Maddy had no clue how her father looked so composed at the moment. He seemed emotionless as he walked, almost robotically, towards the Great Hall.

When they arrived, Remus led her through the group of Gryffindors. "Harry? Ron? Hermione?" He said softly when he reached the other corner, where Harry, Ron, and Hermione were feverishly whispering.

The three of them turned in unison, "Yes, Professor?" asked Harry, his eyes darting between the two Lupins.

For the first time since Gryffindor Tower, Remus let go of Maddy's wrist. "Can you watch Maddy while I help search the castle? I'd ask a prefect, but I'm sure Dumbledore has plans for them."

Hermione nodded vigorously. Over the past two months, she had become quite fond of the little girl, vowing to one day learn BSL. "Of course we can, Professor! Come here, Maddy."

Maddy skipped over to her side, looking at her father's retreating figure curiously.

After not long, the Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins filed into the hall, looking in all directions extremely confused.

"The teachers and I need to conduct a thorough search of the castle," Dumbledore explained as McGonagall and Flitwick shut all the doors in the hall. "I'm afraid that, for your own safety, you will have to spend the night here. I want the prefects to stand guard over the entrances to the hall and I am leaving the Head Boy and Girl in charge. Any disturbances should be reported to me immediately," Maddy caught the eye of Percy Weasley, who she knew to be Head Boy standing pompously. "Send word with one of the ghosts.