She looked at him from across the room. She couldn't understand why he did that. Why did he kiss her yesterday? He shouldn't have touched her. They could get in so much trouble. She couldn't contain her confusion any longer. She had to get out and think. She went out the door that led to the gardens. She was walking slowly, and lightly enough to hear footsteps on the pebbled path behind her. She turned to look straight into his gaze. He was mesmerizing, to say the least.
"I don't remember inviting you here."
"That's ok. I don't remember being invited."
He slowly approached her. The single strands of her hair danced on the breeze of the autumn sky. The burgundies and dark tangerines that illuminated from the setting sun cast spells across their bodies, making their shadows twist inside each other. They wanted to copy their shadows.
"We can't possibly be doing this. You're a teacher. And I'm a student."
"I am an adult, and as of September nineteenth, so were you." He bent down to press his longing mouth to her lips. She backed away.
"We can't. I can't. This can't be happening. You are older than I.." her words were stopped by his kiss again. He pulled away.
"By nineteen years, yes I know. I don't care. I have to have you in my life."
"No, I won't listen. You will only seduce me into thinking this is right when it isn't."
"Tell me what feels right, then."
"You being my friend feels right."
"I don't want your friendship. I want your love. From the moment I saw you four years ago on the Hogwart's Express, I have wanted you. Your wit was charming. Your eyes danced when you entered the Great Hall that night. I can see your soul through those eyes. It matches mine completely. We are meant to be. Why did you think I was the only one left to survive all these years? Lily's and James's purposes were to create Harry. Peter's purpose was to betray them. Sirius's purpose was to give Harry hope. My purpose is to find love and happiness. You have given that to me, Hermione. I want to give it to you."
She stammered over his revelation to her. She was lost; for words and in his eyes.
"I don't know what to do. I can't risk everything."
"Then tell me how you feel. Just say what your thinking. Anything. Just tell me."
"Remus," she began. He looked at her with baited breath. "I love you."
"That's enough. For now." He leaned over, and swept her delicate tresses off her shoulders with a gentle motion of his hands. He took hold of her, and pulled her close. She took a deep breath. He bowed his head to hers. He kissed her gently, then firmly. Then with a passionate admission to loving each other immensely, they entwined with a deeper kiss, making their shadows not only twist together but become one.