Chocolate Covered Strawberries [Remus Lupin]

𝚎𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚢-𝚜𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗

''Don't worry, you didn't. I told you I can help you and your mum and that's what I intended to do. So when you explained my situation I took that as a cue to step in. Your dad just came home and I listened to their fight. He knew you escaped but your mum covered for you. She made up a story about you spending time at Talisa's place so I thought that woman was also in on this. It was the only story your father would believe and not go after you since he is pretty proud in himself for arranging that engagement.''

Jasmine clenched her own fists and a glare settled on her face at the thought of her dad.

''So I sneaked around some more because I thought well Talisa and your dad both work at the Ministry, your mum's plan could fail. But then I found out that Talisa also covered for you, making up that you're at their place hanging out with Gabriel. Surprisingly enough your dad believed all of it and never tried to check up on you. After that everything went back to how it used to be so that's probably the reason why you have heard so little from home. Your mum works a lot, I advised her to do so, so she can spend as much time as she can away from the house.''

Isla looked around the room a little before focusing back on Jasmine. The Hufflepuff still wore a very unhappy expression, tired of all the schemes going on back home. ''Look, Jasmine, you should be glad your mum did as she did. She got you out of that hell – ''

''No! I should be raging right now. My mum is still there and she suffers because of me.'' Jasmine stood up angrily.

''Jasmine, your mum doesn't suffer because of you,'' said Isla and quickly continued when Jasmine glared at you. ''As far as I gathered this has been long going on, the fight between your parents. It has nothing to do with you or your engagement or whatever you're up to in Hogwarts. When I talked to your mum she hinted that they have been at it ever since they were married. But then she got pregnant with you and didn't want to raise you without a family. She vouched for your dad that he has been the best when you were little, making the whole family happy. And then things changed when William's parents died, as you probably already know.''

Jasmine stared at her. ''How do you know so much about my family?''

''I'm good at my job.'' Isla reasoned. ''If it helps anything, I understand how your mother feels. She's scared and has been quietly assessing your dad for years on end. She's aware that he's powerful and if I know anything about his character, he's probably ready to kill if things get any more out of his hands. So she endured as much as she could and avoided any possible fights by pretending to be the perfect wife.''

Jasmine opened her mouth to protest but Isla continued, already having a feeling what she's going to say.

''But I also agree with you. That it has been too much and she needs to get out.''

''Please tell me you have a plan.'' Jasmine pleaded.

''I do. Your mum is safe.''

''Already?'' A wave of relief passed through Jasmine. While moments before she was on the verge of tears, she couldn't think she could hold it in for much longer.

''That's why I was away for such a long time.''

''How did you do it? Where is she? Is she really safe, safe?''

''Yes. Just listen, let me explain.'' Isla put her hands up to make an emphasis. ''Thankfully your mum works in a flexible job and because she managed to build herself a good position at the publishing house, getting her out of the country didn't seem to be a problem. She didn't tell it to your dad because as you can imagine he wouldn't let her go if it's work-related or even if it wasn't. So she wrote him a letter. But all before that I found a ministry worker that surprisingly does not align himself with your dad and he managed to conjure divorce papers. Your mum has signed them and left, she's on her way out by muggle transport so she won't be tracked.''

''Where did she go?'' Jasmine sat down on the bed again, turning to Isla.

''I can't tell you that. It was your mum's decision because she knew you'll want to write to her. She told me to tell you that when it'll be safe she'll contact you, okay?'' Isla waited for an answer.

Jasmine nodded reluctantly and cursed silently at the way her mum knew her so well. ''How did my dad react to the divorce papers?''

Isla frowned. ''I don't know. I wasn't there, but remember he can't reach you here and I am almost certain he won't blame you for this.''

''Almost certain isn't good enough. He's come to Hogwarts once before.'' Jasmine let the worry slip into her voice. ''There's still one problem though.'' Her eyes were glazed over, almost like she wasn't present. ''He still expects me to come home for Christmas and after graduation. He also doesn't know I have the key to the vault with money. I bet he'll find me if I don't come home. What if he turns to me now to let his anger out?''

''He won't.'' Isla grabbed Jasmine's hand to prevent her from speaking more about it. ''We will first have to get you clear of the engagement before we get you out. That engagement still ties you to your dad, because otherwise legally you're allowed to leave any time. I have to get to the bottom of the deal and I'll let you know what I find.''

''Okay, but what about until we get rid of it?'' Jasmine was still worried.

''I'll be there the whole time. I'll blow my cover and step on your side if it comes to anything.'' Isla squeezed her hand comfortingly.

''I can't let you do that. Just knowing you're there will be enough. And just so you know no one else knows about this, only me and Sirius so your secret is safe with us.''

Isla smiled kindly at her. ''Thank you. If too many people find out I can be stripped of my career. I already risked a lot by telling you and don't get me wrong it was one of the best decisions. I would never get to help you or your mum, so I made it my own little mission.''

Jasmine smiled gratefully and invited Isla in for a warm hug, hoping she was expressing all the gratitude with it. Isla though didn't seem to be too fond of hugs and only awkwardly patted Jasmine's shoulder until she let her go. Then Jasmine remembered something and she stood up from the bed to go find something.

''Wait, you said you know a lot about my family and my mum, do you know what this is then?'' She pulled out the picture she took from her mum's jewellery box and turned around.

But at that moment the door opened and Robyn's face showed in the crook. Jasmine widened her eyes and looked at the bed, but where Isla previously sat was now a black cat.

''Who are you talking to?'' Robyn asked as she stepped in.

''Isla.'' Jasmine motioned to the cat.

''Yeah, ok.'' Robyn laughed obviously not believing her but also letting the question go.

The black cat meowed and rubbed her little head against Jasmine's hand adorably. She purred a little and Jasmine petted her before the cat jumped from the bed and left through the open door. Jasmine guessed she won't see her for a while and she frowned at that. She couldn't ask her about the picture she was still holding in her hand because it kept nagging her. She probably had a bunch of other questions for the spy if they only had time to talk through everything. For now, at least she relaxed a little at the thought of her mum being safe and out of the danger of her dad. 

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