He had known the story since he was a little boy. It had been the reason he was
initially excited to see a real boggart during his third year Defence class with Professor
Prewett.
"Dad was doing research on―"
Werewolf habitats.
Remus cleared his throat awkwardly before continuing. "He heard her screaming,
and he saved her; turned the boggart into a mushroom."
"Then he asked her to dinner and gave her this necklace," Dorea said with a smile.
"The study of stones and crystals used to be taught at Hogwarts in depth, but not so much
these days. Do you know what an amethyst is used for?"
Remus inclined his head and answered with a matter-of-fact tone, as though he were
quoting from a book, "Amethysts are for meditation. They're supposed to help promote
peace and tranquillity, heighten intuition, and dispel fears." He let realisation settle over
him. "That's probably why he gave it to her. So that when he wasn't around to protect her,
she wouldn't be afraid."
"Amethysts also protect against Dark Magic."
Suddenly hesitant to accept the necklace, Remus began looking for a place to put
the necklace down as though it would begin burning his skin at any moment.
"Don't you dare," Dorea cautioned. "Werewolves are not Dark creatures; they do
not all practice Dark Magic. Your mother asked me to give it to you in the case that she
did not make it so that you would have strength to fight your fears and an understanding
of exactly what and who you are: a beacon of goodness and light." She smiled and
affectionately touched his cheek the same way that his mother used to once she conquered
her fear of his lycanthropy. "She was a good mother; a good woman. Had she not been
born a Muggle, she would have made a good witch, I'd say."
Remus smiled gratefully at the thought.
"Now, be a good lad, and go and fetch the others for me."
Up on the roof, Sirius looked skyward, thinking how unfortunate it was that the sun
was out and bright considering how dark it was inside the hospital. It should be grey and