Unexpected
It was happening again. The feeling of a world coming screeching to a halt as it was slowly sucked under into darkness. It was a feeling that left the world's inhabitants floundering for something stable, some support… anything would be nice. It was a feeling of panic and desperation mixed with a shot of hopelessness. A body should only experience something like this once a lifetime. Unfortunately for Remus Lupin, this was his second time battling this horrid, terrifying emotion.
Pushing his damp bangs out of his eyes, he concentrated on unlocking the series of locking enchantments on the door of Number 12 Grimmauld Place. There was a certain trick to it that it seemed he had yet to completely master. However, after a few tries, the locks reluctantly ground out of place to let him in from the rain. The atmosphere inside was almost as bad as the out. Sighing, he placed his fraying, stained cloak on the nearby stand and made his way to the kitchen.
Several smoky oil lamps had been lit around a large table. Several people were milling around the half darkness of the kitchen, unwilling to sit down yet. However gloomy the atmosphere, Remus couldn't help but smile. At the center of the table looking admirably bored, sat Sirius Black. The joy of having his friend back after so long far outweighed the gloom of the rain and the impending Order meeting.
Making his way around the kitchen, Remus took a seat next to Sirius, who only just realized he'd arrived. An equal grin made its way across his face as he caught Remus' eye. He eyed his dripping bangs and slightly damp shoulders.
"Nice weather out there?" he asked, gesturing vaguely to an outside wall.
"Oh yes, absolutely bloody wonderful with so much sunshine and all." Remus rolled his eyes. Sirius gave a small huff of half laughter at his sarcasm. The sound of multiple shoes on the stairs caught the attention of all in the room.
Albus Dumbledore appeared in the kitchen closely followed by a tall balding man with vibrant red hair. All idle chatter in the room evaporated as Dumbledore and the as yet unknown man made their way into the kitchen. Chairs were scooted across the floor as the rest of the Order moved out of the shadows and around the kitchen table. Dumbledore cleared his throat, ready to begin the meeting. All eyes were upon him, rapt with attention.
"Welcome everyone to the third meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. We seem to have regained almost perfect attendance barring the inevitable absences." Sirius and Remus spared glances at each other as memories of Lily and James ripped through them, their deaths as fresh in their minds as if they happened the day before. Dumbledore continued after a breath of silence for those who couldn't be there.
"Today though, should be a celebration. We have new recruits. Here next to me is Arthur Weasley." Arthur gave a small wave to the watching assembly. "Arthur works in the Ministry of Magic and has many valuable connections there. He also indicates that several members of his family are interested in helping the Order with all that they can." A murmur of assent passed around the table at the idea of more willing recruits.
More footsteps on the stone stairs kept Dumbledore from continuing. There was a sudden falter and a young woman with spiked pink hair came stumbling down the last few steps only to regain her balance by grabbing the nearest chair.
"Wotcher everyone," she said with a small wave at the general assembly while her cheeks tinged a light pink around her wide grin.
"Are you all right Nymphadora?" A tall black man with a small gold hoop earring appeared after her.
"Honestly! Don't call me that." She sighed in exasperation, blowing now pale blue bangs out of her face.
"My cousin," Sirius whispered leaning over to Remus while the young woman occupied the scene. "She's my Aunt Andromeda's daughter. Glad to see she turned out decent."
It was then that it happened. The whole world shifted. Gravity was pressing down on Remus, surrounding him on all sides, making him incapable of moving. He could barely breathe. His heart leaped into his throat and began to pound. He couldn't blink; his eyes wouldn't shut. He was left with his head turned, eyes open, to watch the vivid haired woman argue about her name. An epiphany slammed his brain, he didn't mind watching. In fact, that's all he wanted to do, watch this woman across the room. Nymphadora… what a lovely name… what a lovely face… Gravity suddenly let go of him and he was floating off the face of the earth, unable to think of anything but her.
A grating screeching noise filled the small, cramped area, echoing off the stone walls. Remus shook his head. The meeting was over and people were filing out of the room, up the steps, and vanishing from view. A pale hand was waving in his face.
"Earth to Moony. Hello. Anyone there?" Sirius proceeded to knock on his head.
"Ow! That was a little harder than necessary." Remus rubbed the side of his head.
"Sorry mate, but you were out of it. One minute you were capable of talking, the next you were a complete zombie or inferius or something. What was going on in Remus land?"
Remus sighed with the weight of his realization and all that it entailed. It wasn't possible. It couldn't be possible. He hoped, with everything he had, that it hadn't happened. And yet, with a sickening turn to his stomach, he knew it had.
"Sirius…" He paused to take the plunge. "I think I've imprinted."
A/N- Hi! I love all the Marauders, reviews and long walks on the beach. A special shout out to the book Eclipse by the wonderful Stephenie Meyer for the inspiration. Thanks for reading.