It was the kind of morning that made the world glisten and it's inhabitants smile. The earth was still slick with leftover rain from the autumnal day before and a light breeze rustled the branches of even the Whomping Willow. Blue threads of morning light were woven into the cloudy sky, casting a shadowed glow across the cold feeling hospital wing.

"And he definitely isn't too hurt."

"Miss McGonagall, I can assure you that my healing knowledge is up to par." Madam Pomfrey issued a tut with her words.

"Sorry." Ophelia rushed, often with Remus she found herself running far ahead too soon and forgetting to take a moment to think.

"No it's quite alright. I understand how hard it is to see those you care about in harms way." Madam Pomfrey offered these words of comfort to Ophelia, knowing the girl was growing more and more sensitive to others emotions; whether she knew that herself was another thing. "He's woken up once this morning for his hot chocolate, I would say he will stir again very soon."

"Fi?" A hoarse voice caused the pair to turn around and see Remus pushing himself upright, eyes clenched shut either in pain or still half asleep.

"Rem." Ophelia sighed with relief as she headed closer to her bed, leaving Madam Pomfrey by her apothecary potions and herbology cabinet. Remus opened his eyes as Ophelia came closer, drawing attention to the dark circles under his eyes and the bloodshot eyes. "Why are you not sleeping?"

"Because you're noisy." Remus chuckled as he spoke, just happy to see a friendly face that wasn't a Professor or Madam Pomfrey. Even happier though that it was Ophelia and not bothered at all by the spontaneous wake up call.

"Oh shit, sorry." Ophelia sat herself down on the edge of the bed. "Am I ok here?"

"Yeh, you don't have to be here you know."

"For goodness sake Remus Lupin," Ophelia took a hold of Remus' fingers in her hand; a simple touch that were becoming so habitual that neither noticed it. "I may not have to be here but I want to be here."

"I won't ever win this debate will I?"

"Absolutely not, so don't even bother continuing." Ophelia chuckled as she spoke. "Oh, I brought this down with me." After a quick shuffle through her school bag filled with notes, essays and textbooks, Ophelia pulled out a hardback white book.

"Is this for me to read?" Remus looked to the book in Ophelia's hands, unsure as to why she had decided to bring a book to him right after a full moon when she had all the time in the world to give it to him after. But then again, this was Ophelia and even he knew there was a reason behind it.

"Not exactly." Ophelia went to hand it to Remus but quickly snatched it back towards herself before he had chance to touch it. "Right, before you judge me for this it is a children's book but I think you'll like it."

"So if I'm not reading it, what am I doing with it?" Remus eventually was able to take the book from Ophelia's teasing hands, allowing a moment to let the cover and title sink in. "Eating it?"

"Funny." Ophelia rolled her eyes at Remus' attempt of a joke, causing the boy to laugh with painful effort due to his wounds. "There was a serious meaning behind this."

"I'm sure there was." Remus looked down at the cover once more, admiring the vintage style sketch of a chocolate bar with a golden ticket fallen out from a ripped edge.

"And no the meaning wasn't necessarily about chocolate or eating it, even if it is called 'Charlie and The Chocolate Factory.'" Ophelia chuckled at the way Remus so carefully admired the book in his hands. "Integrity has nothing to do with wealth."

"Pardon?" Remus took his gaze from the chocolate bar on the cover and returned it to Ophelia's glistening eyes.

"I think this is the best message to come from this. In regards to you, I don't mean wealth as in money; I mean you seeing yourself as lesser than you are because of a furry problem." Ophelia began to explain and Remus just sat their silently taking in all of her words, one again in awe for the thoughtfulness and care that followed Ophelia around. "I'm not spoiling the book for you though by revealing how the messages is portrayed. We can get to that part together?"

"Together?" Another one-worded question left Remus' lips, maybe because he was speechless or maybe because he didn't want to take any time away from Ophelia.

"Well, I was thinking - I mean it could be silly."

"I'm sure it's not."

"I just thought that we could read a bit together after every cycle. Try and give you something to look forward too, rather than just lying all poorly in a hospital bed." Ophelia tried to look into Remus' eyes for his true feelings, but found herself battling her own nerves as to how he would react. "It's silly, I know."

"You didn't let me answer." Remus chuckled.

"I could guess it. Thank merlin I never told Sirius or James about it, they would have laughed so-"

"I think it's the best idea."

"What?" Ophelia was stunned by Remus' interruption, partly because he was too polite to interrupt usually but also due to how he actually liked the idea.

"So, how does this work do I just get to listen to you read or do we take it in turns?" Remus replied, who himself hadn't realised how nonchalant yet childlike he was at the gesture from Ophelia.

"I actually hadn't thought that far ahead." Ophelia shook her head with a chuckle, laughing at herself for even doubting Remus would dislike the idea. "I guess I could always start and if you're feeling not so lethargic then you take over?"

"Sounds perfect."

"Ok, mind if I stay sat here?" Ophelia asked, to which Remus nodded and moved his legs over slightly. This allowing Ophelia to now sit cross legged facing Remus on the bed, the book laying open in her lap. "Ok let's start this then."

"Only once a year, on his birthday, did Charlie Bucket ever get to taste a bit of chocolate. The whole family saved up their money for that special occasion, and when the great day arrived, Charlie was always presented with one small chocolate bar to eat all by himself. And each time he received it, on those marvellous birthday mornings, he would place it carefully in a small wooden box that he owned, and treasure it as though it were a bar of solid gold; and for the next few days, he would allow himself only to look at it, but never to touch it."

The prospect of being in Ophelia's care had plainly lifted Remus' mood; some colour had returned to his grey cheeks and a smile was continuing to grow. In an attempt to find some further comfort, Remus extended his hands over his head, groaning as his sore muscles were pulled taut. Unsurprisingly, the groan was caught by Ophelia who instantly lifted her head from the book to ensure he was ok. Silently, Remus reassured her with a nod, not wanting to speak and interrupt the ambiance of the story with his pain.

With the reassurance, Ophelia continued - her voice slow and sweet; her tone matching the emotions of each sentence to bring the story to life. The pain was becoming almost non-existent for Remus, and instead he felt warmth.

"Then at last, when he could stand it no longer, he would peel back a tiny bit of the paper wrapping at one corner to expose a tiny bit of chocolate, and then he would take a tiny nibble – just enough to allow the lovely sweet taste to spread out slowly over his tongue."

Remus tried to mask the sound that was about to leave his stomach, but it failed. A cheeky smile graced Ophelia's face at the childlike embarrassment Remus had for his stomach rumbling. A smile that had Remus relaxing all over again.

"The next day, he would take another tiny nibble, and so on, and so on. And in this way, Charlie would make his sixpenny bar of birthday chocolate last him for more than a month."

"Outside of a phoenix, a book is a wizard's best friend." A silvery voice removed Ophelia and Remus from their reading trance. "They do say those that read will live a thousand lives, I would quite agree wouldn't you?"

"Uh, yes Professor." Ophelia responded and looked stunned at the headmaster who had appeared at the bottom of the bed. Quite often the old man would just appear when she least expected it and almost every time she was sure he appeared out of thin air.

"Now, I am truly sorry to interrupt you both. But I would like to check in on Mr Lupin and I do believe if you don't leave now Miss McGonagall you shall be late for class; you have already missed breakfast."

"Oh shit - I mean shoot. I didn't even realise the time." Ophelia hopped off the bed and shot an apologetic glance to Remus for the sudden movement.

"It is quite alright, when with good company we do not fear of time passing and only focus on the present." Dumbledore wisely stated. "But I do have a house elf waiting outside the doors with your usual morning smoothie, I fear Poppy may jinx me if I brought it in here."

"Thank you Professor." Ophelia smiled.

"Before you leave, I must ask could you please visit me in my office this evening after dinner." Dumbledore asked, deciding to remain ambiguous as to why he needed to see the girl. "Sherbet Lemon's continue to be my favourite sweet, might I add."

"I'll be there on the dot then Professor Dumbledore." Ophelia gave a slight nod of understanding to the headmaster before catching Remus' mirroring the confusion she felt on his face as to why the headmaster mentioned sweets. "Look after yourself Rem."

"See you later Fi and thank you." Remus added quickly as he saw Ophelia approaching the doors quickly.

"For what?" The added interjection caused Ophelia to freeze before opening the door.

"For just being here for me."

"Rubbish, I'm sure you'd do the same for me." Ophelia smiled, hoping that this too was true as she knew the day when she'd have to admit her true past to Remus was approaching sooner rather later.

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

Secrets are dark things; they're hidden in dim corners, only peeping out once in a while to test their keepers nerves. They're like prisoners; if the guard can keep it secure in their jail cell it remains under their control. But if that secret slips past the jail bars that are their tongue, the guard now becomes the prisoner; living in fear.

Yet sometimes, sharing that secret means you can have more guards and more keepers. It means you're no longer alone in a battle, you now have an army. For Ophelia, that army was fast becoming her Gryffindor family. One secret was almost no longer secret, and Ophelia hoped it wouldn't take long to pluck up the courage to spill her past to those final people she cared about.

Just as that secret was being shared, a new one was beginning to brew and Ophelia was almost certain this was why Professor Dumbledore had called her to his office that evening. She just hoped that this wouldn't brew into a perfect secret; she hoped that someone would splash some milk and sugar into the brew and make things a little sweeter.

"How on earth am I meant to know the password?" Ophelia thought out loud, earning herself some sudden glares from resting portraits as she began her ascent to the second floor to Dumbledore's office. "Normally Minnie just says something. Honestly this man thinks everyone is just as crazy as he is."

"Uh oh it's McGonagall being an oddball." A mischievous voice echoed down the corridor towards Ophelia, a voice that no one truly likes to hear.

"And what's Peeves got up his sleeves this time?" Ophelia chanted back, spotting the poltergeist as he rounded the corner in front.

"Nice rhyme Mini Minnie." Peeves saluted to the girl. "For that, I shall let you pass by unharmed."

"That seems too easy."

"It is." A new voice made Ophelia look behind, walking towards her was Professor Le Fay. "Or perhaps Peeves, it's because you caught glimpse of me."

"Are you suggesting I'm a chicken Professor?"

"No I'm suggesting you're a prankster; and pranksters hate being caught. Now shoo Peeves."

With one loud wet raspberry blown at the pair, Peeves did an overly dramatic spin upwards before zooming past them muttering multiple curse words.

"That ghost has never changed." Professor Le Fay spoke dryly, leaving Ophelia unsure as to whether this was a good thing or not. "I presume you're heading to Professor Dumbledore's office?" The Professor began to walk in that direction in a fast pace, leaving Ophelia behind.

"I am." Ophelia started to walk, not managing to keep up with Professor Le Fay. "In fact you wouldn't happen to know the password?"

"I find it highly unlikely he didn't prepare you." Something Ophelia had begun to learn about Professor Le Fay was she had an extremely hot and cold personality. One day she seemed extremely helpful, the next she was entirely unapproachable.

"Um, the most he told me was about books and what his favourite sweet was." The pair were just a few steps from the angry looking gargoyle, the statue looking like it had quite literally been turned to stone mid battle.

"Remind me what those sweets were?" The Professor asked nonchalantly, refusing to acknowledge the confused look on Ophelia's face.

"Sherbets?" Ophelia questioned rather than answered.

"Any particular flavour?"

"Lemon, I think."

"Oh for goodness sake Miss McGonagall, embrace some Ravenclaw and think about why he would have told you such an obscure fact." Professor Le Fay sighed before leaning her shoulder against the wall surrounding the Gargoyle.

"I-" Ophelia prepared to say she was still perplexed, that was until the raised eyebrows of Professor Le Fay made her realise how much she overthought this. "Lemon Sherbet!"

With the rather indirect way of announcing the password, the sentient statue seemed to give a delicate nod; as delicate as stone could be. It's two large stone clawed feet removed themselves heavily from the floor and dragged itself to the side to reveal the moving staircase.

"After you, Gryffindor." Professor Le Fay reminded Ophelia as to why she had to work out the password in the first place.

"Oh, thank you." Ophelia began to step forward, then noticing the Professor following. "You're coming?"

"Ask questions later, we are already late." Professor Le Fay continued to answer matter-of-factly, yet her eyes told Ophelia another story. They showed what appeared to be sympathy.

The pair stood together on the steps as the wall closed behind them, leaving no trace of an opening. Silence consumed them as the stones continued to spiral tightly upwards before halting in front of an oak door. Before either of them had the chance to knock, the door creaked open.

"Miss McGonagall, Professor Le Fay, thank you for joining me." Professor Dumbledore was stood centrally in the room, looking at nothing in particular. "Tonight is an important night that will shape your future Miss McGonagall."

As much as Ophelia appreciated the older wizard for all he had done for her, for starters he quite literally redirected her life path for the better, there was always something that made her uneasy when with him. Each time they met that feeling never disappeared, if anything it stirred more with confusion. After learning of her empathic abilities, she wasn't sure if it was something deep-rooted in Dumbledore, some sort of traumatic memories pushing themselves over to her. Yet part of her was sure someone with his power would be able to restrain from sharing that with an uneducated empath. So that left her wondering, was he just not a trustworthy person?

"Now I'm sure you'll be wondering why Professor Le Fay has joined us this evening." Professor Dumbledore continued.

"I'm still yet to fully understand why you called me here myself, Professor." Ophelia remarked, trying her hardest to keep eye contact with the Headmaster for a reason she wasn't sure of herself.

"Ah, of course. We are to start your journey of unlocking your empath powers to their potential."

"And that's why I am here too." Professor Le Fay added.

"You're an empath too?" Ophelia questioned.

"Merlin no, I wouldn't curse that on any-" A stifled cough from Dumbledore stopped Professor Le Fay from continuing. "I once knew one, helped one even. After I decided to dedicate time to educating myself on them."

"Professor Le Fay will be helping you with your journey, alongside myself. I shall show you good."

"And I shall demonstrate the evil."

"Right." Ophelia looked between the pair, with each second losing any excitement that she had about the magical ability she possessed. "So what are we doing tonight?"

"Well to everybody else's knowledge, you'll be simply be here to visit Fawkes every once in a while. Other times we shall meet elsewhere." Dumbledore's explained softly, yet there was an air of assertiveness that made Ophelia know this was something she must stick with. "Tonight, we will be simply introducing you to the importance of controlling your empathic abilities. Something you haven't been able to do as of yet."

"The thing is Miss McGonagall," Professor Le Fay pointed to an empty space in the room, signally to Ophelia to move to that spot. ", you need to visualise that your empathic powers are to be kept behind a portcullis. Only to be opened when you yourself feel strong enough to take on those emotions or able to divert manipulation." 

"Manipulation?"

"Empath's are easily manipulated, especially by apathetic individuals."

"Apathetic? As in the opposite of empaths, unable to feel a thing?"

"Yes, for example Grindlewald was on the path to becoming void of all emotions." Dumbledore explained. "To become pure evil, you mustn't have feelings."

"But you indulge too many feelings." Professor Le Fay continued. "Tonight, I shall demonstrate why."

"How?" Ophelia watched as the witch placed her wand to her temple, then gently pulling it away with a silvery strand attached to the end.

"By sharing my memories."

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

HAPPY NEW YEAR MY LOVELIES! I hope this year brings beautiful things to you all! X