Hello! My name is Olivia, better known as Oliviaa Rose. I'm known for my Harry Potter/Twilight crossovers, but this is not one of them. This is a story I have been working very hard on for some weeks on and I've finally decided to give it a shot and post it. I love the idea of Remus being a father figure to Hermione and I have this whole story planned out in my head. Now the only thing is to get it on paper! So I hope you enjoy the beginning of what can become great!
Hermione Granger was eight years old when he first met her. Remus Lupin had been sitting on a bench in a park nearby, reading one of his favorite books; The Giver. It was a bright and sunny day and Remus thought it'd be good to take a stroll through the old park. Though he didn't live near the park, it was a part of his childhood neighborhood. His parents, Lyall and Hope Lupin, lived only a few blocks down. After a nice, long walk through the beautiful park, listening to the sounds of children's laughter and watching their parents look at them so lovingly, Remus had decided to take a seat at his usual bench and read under the shade of a great big oak tree. The park brought back so many great memories of his childhood. The childhood he had before everything went so wrong.
And he liked watching the children play. He didn't mean it in a creepy way, but in a longing way. Growing up he'd always dreamed of having a big happy family with a bunch of little munchkins running around. He wanted a child to raise, to love, to see grow up and have children of their own. But he knew that'd never happen.
It had all started with a book. As he read he didn't notice the little girl silently and hesitantly walk up to him, looking at his book with great curiosity.
"What are you reading?" she eventually asked, startling Remus from his reading. He looked up in surprise, his eyebrows rising at the sight of the little girl standing in front of him. She was a tiny little thing with a big, bushy mound of brown curls on her head. What stood out the most were her eyes, though. Her big, round doe eyes were a caramel brown with specks of gold in them. They shined with curiosity and wisdom that took Remus by surprised. She stood with her hands on her hips with her head slightly tilted to the side.
Remus cleared his throat, shaking away his surprise. "Uh, The Giver," he answered, showing her the cover of the book.
Her eyes brightened and she grinned excitedly. "I've read that! Fantastic book, truly fantastic! The idea of a totally different, utopian world is fascinating! But also terrifying. I mean, to be in complete control under the government. Not being able to make your own decisions. Seeing no color and having no memories of what's really out there. What's the point of living if you can't live the way you want to. The author tries to make it seem like it's this perfect world, but the true message is that no world is ever perfect, no matter how hard one might try and make it be. Brilliant!" the little girl rambled excitedly, bouncing as she lost herself in her own thoughts.
Remus looked at the little girl, amazed. This girl couldn't have been more than eight, maybe nine, years old, yet she spoke with the wisdom of a grown woman. He could already tell she'd grow up to be very intelligent.
The girl looked up at him, as if suddenly realizing he was there, and looked abashed. "Oh! I'm sorry, how rude of me. I've yet to introduce myself. I'm Hermione Jean Granger. And you are?" she asked, holding out her hand.
Remus smiled kindly at the well mannered girl, Hermione, and took her small hand in his bigger one. "Remus Lupin. Lovely to make your acquaintance, Hermione Jean Granger." he said, shaking her hand gently.
Hermione beamed. "Yours as well, Mr. Remus Lupin," she said, and Remus grinned at how proud she sounded while formally stating her name.
"Tell me, Hermione," he said, "how much do you like to read?"
Hermione's smile widened. She climbed up and sat in the empty space on the bench besides him. After crossing her legs she looked up at him brightly. "I love to read! My mummy has an office full of books at home, but I've been through almost all of them." Hermione cocked her head to the side, still looking up at him. "You know, I always see you here. You come every Wednesday and sit at this very bench with a different book. Today I decided I'd come and introduce myself." Remus laughed at her proud expression for her decision.
"Are you here often?" he asked.
Hermione nodded. "Everyday. My mummy owns that bookstore over there," she said, pointing to the small, brown, wooden building named A Bookworm's World that was behind them on the other side of the road. "I get dropped off there after school and usually hang out here until my mummy comes to get me."
"What about your father?" Remus asked.
At the mention of her father Hermione looked a little sad. "He died in a car crash last year."
Remus looked at her, sorrow for this little girl filling his heart. "I'm sorry, dear," he said genuinely.
Hermione looked up at him through her eyelashes and gave a small, sad smile. "It's okay, sir. Mummy says he'll always be right here," she said, pointing to her heart.
Remus grinned at her innocence. "That's right," he said. "Tell me, Hermione, have you ever heard of a book called Little Women?"
Hermione immediately perked up. "No, sir."
Remus' grin widened. "Well, you should see if your mother has a copy in that bookstore of hers. I think you'd quite like it."
Hermione shifted herself onto her knees and scooted closer to Remus, excitement lighting up her brown eyes. "What's it about?" she asked anxiously.
"Well," he started, "it's about a family that go by the surname March. The March family consists of four girls and their mother. Now, they aren't a wealthy family, no, not at all. But they learn throughout the book how to make the best of their situation and be grateful for what they do have."
Hermione's eyes were wide with curiosity. "What happens?" she asked.
Remus shook his head. "Ah, ah, ah, dear girl. I shan't give it away. No, I will leave you to read it and find out for yourself." Hermione pouted and Remus chuckled. "I will be here next Wednesday and every Wednesday after that. I expect you to have at least started the book by then." Remus didn't know why, but he felt an immediate attachment to Hermione and wished to see her again.
Remus looked amused as Hermione scoffed. "Puh-lease, I will have the book finished by the time we meet again," she said confidently.
Remus laughed and gave her a warm smile as he stood. "I'm going to hold you to that, dear," he said as he tapped her nose lightly.
Hermione giggled and smiled hugely up at him. "I promise." Hermione held out her pinky expectantly. Remus' smile widened at the gesture and he intertwined his larger pinky finger with hers.
"Good." They separated and Remus sighed, knowing it was time for him to depart. "Well, dear Hermione, unfortunately it is time for me to depart." Hermione's face fell and she nodded sadly. "I will see you Wednesday, my dear." Hermione's face visibly lit up once again and Remus grinned, happy to see her happy. "Until then, Hermione."
"Until then, Mr. Lupin," she replied.
"Remus, dear," he said. "Call me Remus."
With that Remus walked away, towards the woods. Hermione's eyes followed him until he disappeared into the woods. As soon as he was out of site she jumped up and ran across the street to her mother's bookstore in hopes of finding Little Women.
xxXxx
The next Wednesday Remus stuck true to his word and Hermione found him sitting on the same bench as the Wednesday before.
"A real view on life," Hermione said as she neared him. Remus smiled and looked up from his book. "Although not everything is peachy, you can still achieve your dreams and be optimistic. That's the message, I think. Some very sad parts, but very easy to relate to for many young girls like myself."
Remus marked his page and set his book aside. "I thought you'd like it."
Hermione sat next to him and grinned. "I loved it!" she exclaimed, said book clutched in her hands. "It really gives the moral of family and friends and how important they are. It was liberating. Especially learning about the roles of women during the Civil War. Fascinating."
Remus was once again amazed by Hermione's intelligence. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was my mother's favorite book. She'd go on and on about it and some nights when I couldn't sleep she'd read it to me." Remus smiled fondly at the memories.
Hermione smiled, clutching the book tightly to her chest, as if scared someone would rip it from her grasp. She looked at the book he was currently reading and tilted her head. "You're still reading The Giver?" she asked, sure he would have finished it by now.
Remus picked up the book. "More like rereading. It's my favorite book and I never grow tired of it. Each time I read it I find something new. For example, I am at the part right before Jonas is assigned his job. He's standing on the stage, looking out at the crowd in front of him. Now that he can see the color red he notices the bright red blush in everyone's cheeks." Remus looked down at Hermione, his eyes holding a knowing twinkle. "What do you think that suggests?"
Hermione tilted her head again, confused. "That they're human?" she guessed.
Remus chuckled and shook his head. "Think harder, dear," he said, staring at her with his gentle, all knowing look.
Hermione looked down at her lap, thinking hard. It took her a minute or two before it finally dawned on her. "They're all white!" she exclaimed, staring up at Remus in excitable disbelief. "That's the only way he'd be able to see their bright red blushes; if they all had white skin."
Remus smiled proudly. "Excellent, Hermione." Hermione swelled with pride at the praise.
"I never made the connection when I read it," she said, shaking her head.
"Neither had I," Remus said, "until I read it again." He shook the book slightly in the air and grinned.
"For the thousandth time, I bet," Hermione giggled.
"You'd win," Remus teased, and Hermione continued to giggle.
"Do you have another book suggestion for me?" Hermione asked hopefully, ready to go at another new book.
Remus chuckled at her obvious excitement. He can't remember the last time he'd seen such a young child be excited about reading. Remus looked around the park, watching the other kids play on the playground for a moment before asking, "Dear, why don't you ever play with the other kids?"
Hermione looked over at the rowdy kids and grimaced. "They're too loud, too rowdy. Even so, they don't like me. They don't like that I'm smart. The kids at school, they call me mean names, so I don't talk to anyone. I mostly just stick to my books." Hermione looked down sadly and Remus felt a sharp pang in his heart. He knew what it was like to be an outcast for being a nerd. Before Hogwarts he was often teased and picked on in his neighborhood for being the smart kid. He definitely felt for the girl.
"Don't worry, child," he said, lifting her chin to make her look at him. "They're just jealous of you. They see how smart you are and they know that they can never live up to you. Instead of trying to, they decide to knock you down instead. Don't let them knock you down, Hermione. You are strong. You are intelligent. You hold your head up high and show them that Hermione Granger will not be affected by their childish ways because in the end it's you that will come out on top. Do you understand?" he said with all the passion in his heart, hoping Hermione would see truth in what he said.
She did.
Hermione stared at the man in front of her and felt a warmth fill her heart at each word he spoke. Never had anyone ever seem to believe in her so much besides her mother and father. She was an only child, she didn't have any other relatives her age, and she never had any friends. Hermione was a lonely child. But listening to this man who had just met her a week ago defend her against not only them but herself also, Hermione knew that she finally had a friend.
Hermione nodded. "I understand."
Remus nodded, smiling gently. "Promise you won't ever, and I mean ever, let someone knock you down." He held out his pinky, his smile teasing and knowing at the same time.
Hermione grinned widely at the familiar gesture and looped her small pinkie around his big one.
"I promise."
xxXxx
Remus and Hermione met in the park every Wednesday since the first for the next two months, and soon, it was summer time. Hermione and Remus would sit on their bench and some days they'd talk about a book Remus would have her read, some days Remus would read to her, but others they wouldn't talk about books at all.
Hermione quickly realized that on few occasions where they met up Remus would look extremely pale and sickly. When she asked why he merely said he was prone to getting sick often, and she dropped the subject, sensing he didn't want to talk about it.
Both were eternally grateful for each other's presence, growing to greatly care for one another. Remus, after losing James and Lily to Voldemort, and Sirius betraying them and killing Peter, Remus was utterly alone. Well, not completely. He did have his good friend Kingsley Shacklebolt, but his friend was so busy at the Ministry they didn't get many chances to meet up. Remus always dreamed of having a family of his own, but would never dare attempt to start one, not with his lycanthropy. He wouldn't want to put a woman through that, and he certainly wouldn't birth a child with the possibility of it getting his disease. He couldn't bare it. But now having Hermione in his life, he felt less lonely. He felt as if she was his own.
It was now mid July and Remus once again sitting at their bench, waiting for his little companion.
"So you're the man that my daughter never stops talking about," said an almost angelic voice from behind him. Remus turned, startled, to see Hermione and a woman standing on the sidewalk. Hermione was holding the woman's hand with a large smile on her face and she waved happily when he looked at them. The woman resembled Hermione greatly, from the bushy hair to the little button nose, and Remus knew immediately that this must have been her mother. Remus immediately stood, worry filling his heart. He never thought of what Hermione's mother might think of her little girl going to the park every Wednesday to talk to some strange man. But the woman didn't seem angry or cautious as she stood there with a warm smile and her green eyes lighting with pure kindness. Remus guessed Hermione got her eyes from her father.
Remus cleared his throat and held out his hand. "Mrs. Granger, pleasure to make your acquaintance. Hermione speaks very lovingly of you."
Hermione and her mother both stepped forward. Hermione let go of her mother to stand on the bench between the two adults, and her mother shook his hand with her now free one. As soon as their hands touched and large shock ran up his arm and down his spine. He quickly stuffed down the gasp that tried to fight it's way to surface as a pleasurable chill ran up his spine. Moony silently howled inside and seemed to become excited. Hermione's mother tilted her head as she felt Remus tense up, wondering what was happened. Remus wondered the same. "Please," she said, the smile never leaving her face, "call me Jocelyn."
Remus smiled, recovering from his shock, and nodded. "Then I insist you call me Remus," he said, slowly letting go of her hand.
"Remus it is then," Jocelyn said softly. "I have to say, you've had quite an impact on my little Hermione." Jocelyn smiled lovingly at her daughter, who looked between the two with a smile that lit up her face, which caused Remus to smile fondly. Jocelyn caught the action and immediately knew this man was no threat to her daughter.
Before Remus could reply, the sound of jingles reached their ears and the three turned to see an ice cream truck coming to a stop in front of the park.
Remus reached into his pocket and placed some money into Hermione's hand. "Here, dear, why don't you go and get yourself something sweet." If it were possible Hermione's smile brightened and, after getting a nod from her mother, she said her thanks before running off.
As soon as she was out of earshot Remus turned to her mother. "Listen, Jocelyn, please know that I mean no harm to your daughter. I would never dream of it. I know it's a little strange, but―"
"Remus, Remus," she cut him off gently, "I believe you. I'll admit, I was a little wary when she told me about you, but she's a smart girl and I trust her judgment. Plus, I was right across the street, so I always kept an eye on her. I can see how much you care for her and it's very obvious that she's quite taken with you. I'd also like to thank you. She's been so lonely and, since her father's death, she hasn't been her happy, excitable self. Now, it's like she's back to her old self. You did that. I am eternally thankful for that."
A small red tint came to Remus' cheeks as he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. He was never the best at taking compliments or gratitude. "It was nothing, Jocelyn. Really. She's such a sweet girl and I enjoy her company. She doesn't deserve the sadness that fills her heart, not when all she wants to do is fill others with happiness. She's going to grow up to be such a lovely woman," he said, meaning every word. Knowing how the other kids treated her filled him with anger. All he wanted to do was protect her from their cruel ways and harsh words.
Jocelyn looked at the man standing in front of her with respect. She smiled and said, "Well, still, I thank you. You gave me my Hermione back."
At that moment said girl came bounding over, a chocolate pop in her hand. Hermione once again jumped onto the bench and Remus immediately grabbed her arm to steady her as she wobbled. When she regained her balance he let her go and Hermione smiled.
"Chocolate?" he asked.
Hermione nodded. "My favorite," she said matter-of-factly, and Remus chuckled.
"Mine too," he winked and Hermione giggled.
Jocelyn smiled at the interaction. She turned to Remus and said, "So, Remus, tell me about yourself. What do you do for a living?"
Remus once again looked around awkwardly, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "I'm out of a job at the moment. I kind of jump around a lot, but nothing is ever stable. Not with my condition."
"Condition?" she asked worriedly.
Remus cursed in head for his slip up. "Um, you see, I'm prone to sickness. I get sick about twice a month. The doctors have no idea what it is." He hoped she bought it, and from the look on her face, it seemed she had.
"Oh, you poor dear. I'm sorry. That must be extremely hard."
"It is, but I get by," Remus said, shrugging.
Jocelyn stared at him, tilting her head. Remus smiled a little, now seeing where Hermione gets it from. He knew that tilt only meant two things; she was either curious or getting an idea.
She turned and looked at her bookstore across the street with interest. After a moment of thinking she pointed to it. "What about a job at my bookstore?" she asked.
Remus' eyes widened and he looked at her like she had grown three new heads. "What?" he asked dumbly.
Jocelyn turned to look at him with a smile. "Come work at my bookstore."
Remus laughed in disbelief. "I couldn't―"
"Of course you could!" she exclaimed, a excited spark in her eye. "Look, I've been looking for more help. Right now it's just me and Calvin, he's a family friend. I need help moving boxes of books, my tiny body isn't that strong i'm afraid. And I could certainly use help at the counter, or cleaning and organizing. You need a job and I need the help." Jocelyn looked hopeful while Hermione just looked plain excited.
Remus stared at the woman, truly believing she was crazy. "And my condition?"
"You can have those days off. Calvin and I will be able to handle it. He's been looking for more hours, so I'm sure he'd be happy to work your hours when you're gone."
Remus was about to deny it, not wanting her feel like she was required to give him a job, when Hermione spoke up.
"Please work there Remus! Then we can see each other everyday! Please!" Hermione begged, bouncing up and down while giving him her best puppy dog eyes. Remus knew it was inevitable.
Remus looked at Jocelyn and nodded. "I accept your offer. Thank you," he said. He truly was thankful for the offer.
Jocelyn grinned. "It's the least I could do. So, how about you come in tomorrow afternoon so you can sign a few papers and I can show you the ropes."
Remus nodded. "Sounds like a plan. Would twelve o'clock suffice?" he asked.
Jocelyn nodded. "Sounds like a plan," she teased, smiling and Remus matched her smile with one of his own.
"Then I shall see you both tomorrow," Remus concluded. He turned to Hermione and quickly pecked her head, something he started to do a while ago whenever they departed. Maybe he was becoming too attached to her, but Remus didn't care.
Hermione giggled and hugged him quickly. "See you tomorrow!" she said happily, jumping down from the bench and taking her mother's hand.
Remus smiled fondly. "See you tomorrow, dear."
Jocelyn smiled at the obvious affection and waved goodbye as she and Hermione walked to the bookstore.
Remus watched them walk away, wondering if he had made the right decision of accepting Jocelyn's job offer.
xxXxx
The next day Remus walked into the bookstore at twelve o'clock on the dot. He looked around, smiling at the cozy looking store. Book shelves covered the walls and made aisles throughout the store. Scattered throughout the aisles were little tables where people could read. Right next to the door was the front counter. To the very left was a staircase that led up to a second floor balcony. People littered around the store, looking through the shelves or reading a book.
"Remus!" Remus looked to see Hermione flying down the stairs and soon she was jumping into his arms. Remus caught her and held her to his chest, hugging her. He was glad he got to see her sooner than having to wait for a week. Looking around the store the shoppers either wore amused, fond, or disgruntled expressions while the others ignored them completely, but Remus didn't care.
"How are you, dear?" he asked.
"I'm spectacular now!" Hermione exclaimed happily, still hugging him around his neck. Remus laughed, but his heart filled with joy at her words.
"Little Bit, don't kill the man before I can meet him!" came a voice from his right, and Remus turned to see a boy walking towards them pushing a cart of books. He was a tall kid that looked to be around sixteen or seventeen. He had dark brown skin and a clean shaven head. His facial features were sharp but as he neared he smiled widely, showing his pearly white teeth, and his face softened. When he was in front of the duo Remus found that his eyes were as dark as his skin, but they lit up with mischief and laughter. Remus was strongly reminded of James and Sirius and knew he'd like this boy.
As the boy opened his mouth to introduce himself, a lady sitting at a nearby table shushed them. He immediately turned to her and raised an eyebrow. "Lady, I don't know who you're shushing. This is a bookstore, not a library. I have full liberty to talk. If it annoys you so much you got two options; buy the book and leave or just leave." The woman gaped, obviously affronted. She slammed the book she was reading shut and, grabbing her purse, she stormed out of the store. "Have a lovely day!" the boy shouted after her.
The boy turned to them with a smile, as if the whole ordeal hadn't even happened. Hermione groaned a little, shaking her head and rolling her eyes. This suggested to Remus that this wasn't the first time something like this had happened. "Hey, man," the boy said, holding out his hand. "The name's Calvin, nice to meet you."
Remus chuckled. "Remus. Nice to meet you, too." As Remus shook his hand it dawned on him that Calvin had an American accent. "You're American."
"That I am," Calvin said jovially, chuckling. "I was born and raised in Rhode Island, America. When I was five my dad got a job opportunity here in England and, without a second thought, he packed us up and moved us here. I've lived here ever since. My mom often came in here and dragged me along. That's how we met Jocelyn. I had, uh, been running around the store and knocked into a bookshelf, causing most of the books to fall off. My mom was furious, but Jocelyn was just laughing the whole time, reassuring us that it was okay."
"And they've been my family ever since," Jocelyn said as she descended the staircase. Today she wore her hair in a messy bun, but Remus thought she looked just as angelic as she did yesterday. As she stopped in front of them with a warm smile she greeted him, "Remus."
Remus nodded to her. "Jocelyn," he said.
Jocelyn gestured around her store. "So, what do you think?"
"I love it," Remus said, taking another look around. "It's very cozy looking."
Jocelyn nodded, looking at her store fondly. "It is." She turned to Hermione and said, "Darling do you mind helping Calvin put some books away while I get Remus situated?"
Hermione nodded and Remus put her down. "Yes, Mama," she said obediently and Jocelyn smiled.
Calvin scooped Hermione up and placed her atop the cart. "C'mon, Little Bit, let's go put these books away and then we can go and open the box of brand new books that Mama Lynn ordered," he said, grinning as Hermione gasped in excitement.
"What are you waiting for?" she asked, bouncing where she sat. "Let's go, let's go, let's go!"
"Okay!" Calvin laughed joyously, pushing the cart down an aisle. "We're going, going, going!"
Remus laughed as they disappeared, Hermione and Calvin's laughter still echoing throughout the store.
"Mama Lynn?" Remus asked.
Jocelyn rolled her eyes and laughed. "Calvin gives everyone he meets a nickname. I'm Mama Lynn, Hermione is Little Bit. It won't be too long until you get one too."
"He seems like a great kid," Remus said.
Jocelyn nodded. "He really is. Three years after they moved here Calvin's father died. Calvin was really depressed. Gone was the little mischievous boy and in it's place was a quiet, sad one. It wasn't until I had Hermione later that same year that he slowly came back to us. He'd play with her and make her laugh. He loved to hear her little giggles. He's been like her brother all her life. Armelle, his mother, says if it wasn't for my Hermione Calvin might not be the boy he is today. I like to think he would be, but it's nice to also think she can have that much of an impact on someone."
"She can," Remus promised. Jocelyn looked at him and she knew he was talking about himself.
Jocelyn smiled, but did not reply. Instead she clapped her hands together and said, "Ready to get started?" she asked.
Remus took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's get this show on the road."
An hour later Remus had the papers all filled out and had been shown around the shop. He was now currently learning how to work the cashier. At first he had stared at the thing like it was a ticking bomb, causing Jocelyn to laugh. The warmth that filled his body at the sound blocked out his embarrassment. But eventually he got the hang of it.
He was leaning against the counter when Hermione walked up to him, clutching a book as usual.
"What you got there, dear?" he asked. Hermione reached up and placed the book on the counter in front of him. "Hatchet?"
Hermione nodded, a familiar twinkle in her eye. "It's new. Just came out this year," she said with enthusiasm. Remus smiled seeing her usual excitement at a new book. "Read it with me?"
Remus sighed, knowing that he couldn't say no. He reached over the counter and picked her up, sitting her down on the counter. He picked up the book and opened it to the first page, beginning to read the first chapter.
As he read Hermione paid rapt attention to every word he spoke. She loved when Remus read to her. She like hearing his voice. Occasionally he'd have to stop to ring someone out, but it was relatively peaceful.
Neither one noticed Jocelyn watching them from the balcony above, her body warming at the site below.
xxXxx
The rest of June flew by, along with the month of July, and soon it was August. Remus spent everyday with the Grangers and Calvin, loving his new job and new friends. If it were possible Remus and Hermione became even closer. He truly did look at her as if she were his own child. Everytime he entered the store she'd be there to greet him with a smile and a warm hug. At least three days out of the week he'd take her out to lunch and Calvin would sometimes join, if the store was really empty. And on Wednesdays they'd go to their bench at the park and have their private time together. She even started to call him Moony after he told her about the nicknames he and his friends all had.
Calvin absolutely loved Remus, happy to have another male around. He'd talk to the older man about anything and Remus would always listen. Remus was happy to have Calvin around, the younger boy reminding him of James and Sirius with his constant happy attitude and joking manner.
Then there was Jocelyn. No matter how much Remus tried to deny it he was definitely developing feelings for the warm woman. Remus had never met anyone like her before. She was intelligent and, what you could describe as, a "good girl", but she had one big funny bone and her humor never left him bored in her presence. Whether they were talking about a book, joking around, or telling one another about their lives he loved being in her presence. It didn't help that, at least in his eyes, she was drop dead beautiful. The way her light brown hair fell in ringlets over her shoulders and down to her waist, how it seemed to crackle when she got mad or excited. Her green eyes that'd light up when she was really happy or curious. Those plump lips she'd chew on when she was thinking especially hard or if she had something she wanted to say but wasn't sure on whether or not she should. The way her little button nose would scrunch up when she was concentrating hard on something or when she disagreed. Her tiny, delicate hands that would often rest on his arm, it's warmth seeping through his clothes. Her tiny body that, though looked delicate, held so much confidence and strength. But what amazed him the most was her smile. Her gorgeous, radius smile that would light up not only a room, but his heart.
Though Remus tried with all of his might to push those feelings away he knew it was inevitable. He was falling fast and hard. And it didn't help that Moony loved both of the Granger girls, seeing them both as his. Moony purred in satisfaction every time Hermione called Remus 'Moony'.
But Remus wouldn't allow it. If Remus wasn't who he was then he would have tried to seduce her by now. But he was who he was; a man who turned into a monster every full moon. No. Jocelyn and Hermione were both too precious for him. He'd accept their friendship, but he'd keep his disease and his magic a secret for as long as he could.
Hopefully forever.
It was the second day of August when he walked in. Remus hardly recognized him. He was still intimidatingly tall, his body was still very strong, his skin was still dark, and his head was still bald. No, the reason Remus had to do a double take was because he was wearing muggle clothing. Gone were his purple Auror robes and in their place was a purple, loose fitting, button up shirt, dark blue casual jeans, and black shoes. He looked completely muggle.
"Kingsley?" Remus said in surprise.
Kingsley turned to the counter he had passed when he came in, not noticing his long time friend standing there. He grinned. "Remus!" he boomed. "My good friend, how are you doing?"
"I'm doing great," Remus said, walking to the other side of the counter to hug his friend in greeting. "How are you doing? What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to see you, of course," Kingsley said jovially. "When you wrote me about this place and what you've been doing lately I had to come see for myself. Today is my day off and I thought my niece and I could stop by on our way to the park."
It was then that Remus noticed the little girl standing behind Kingsley at the door. She small, but a little taller than Hermione. She had skin a little lighter than Kingsley's and dark brown hair that was in many braids that reached the middle of her back in it's ponytail. Her face was heart shaped with a small but plump nose and bushy eyebrows. All in all; she was adorable.
Her brown eyes met his and she smiled, showing him the gap in her teeth. "Hello, I'm Rose," she said politely.
Remus smiled down at her. "I'm Remus. Nice to meet you."
"Who are your friends?" They all turned to see Hermione standing behind Remus with a book clutched to her chest.
"Hermione," Remus smiled, gesturing for her to come closer. When she was beside him he introduced her. "This is Hermione. Hermione, this is my good friend Kingsley Shacklebolt and his niece Rose Wriley." Remus remembered going to Kingsley's sister, Annaliese's, wedding. They used to be quite close, but had lost touch over the years.
Hermione smiled at them both. "Nice to meet you both."
Kingsley grinned. "Pleasure is mine!" he boomed and Hermione jumped at the sudden noise.
Rose rolled her eyes at her uncle and stepped in front of Hermione. "Ignore him. He's too jolly for his own good. He's like a dark Santa Clause." The two girls burst into giggles at his affronted expression, Remus trying hard not to laugh also. "Hey," Rose suddenly said, "you want to go play in the park?" she asked.
Hermione looked very surprised at the offer, obviously never having been asked this question before. When Remus saw her expression his heart fell, upset that she had no friends her age all because of her intelligence.
"Um," she looked up at Remus, almost asking him whether she should or not. Remus nodded with a reassuring smile. "Sure," she finally said, a radiant smile lighting up her face, immediately making Remus feel better.
"Let's go!" Rose said, grabbing Hermione's hand and rushing out of the store.
Kingsley looked at Remus when the door closed behind the girls. "Why was she so shocked?" he asked.
Remus sighed and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "She doesn't have any friends. Kids at her school outcast her for the soul reason the she's intelligent and she knows it."
Kingsley shook his head. "Unbelievable. Well, if she and Rose hit it off I have no problem bringing her over more often."
Remus smiled. "I think she'd like that. She needs to learn it's okay not to always have her head in a book and have fun. She's counted on books for companionship all her life."
"Poor girl," Kingsley said, shaking her head. He then gave Remus a knowing look. "I can see why you're so attached. She's a mini, female you," he chuckled and Remus rolled his eyes. Kingsley followed him as he moved back behind the counter. Kingsley looked around. "This is a cozy little shop."
"It is," Remus nodded. "Jocelyn, Hermione's mother, worked hard on it. She's really proud of it, and she should be."
Kingsley looked at his friend closely. "What's that?"
Remus looked at him in obvious confusion. "What's what?" he asked.
Kingsley pointed an accusing finger at him. "That affection in your voice," he said. Kingsley smirked. "You like her," he stated matter-of-factly.
Remus narrowed his eyes. "Don't start," he said threateningly, but it had little effect on Kingsley as his smirk just widened.
"It's already begun," Kingsley said and Remus groaned. "Have you done anything about it?" he asked.
Remus, knowing there was no point in trying to hide it from his perceptive friend, sighed. "Nothing."
Kingsley blinked. "Nothing?" he asked. When Remus nodded Kingsley groaned and rolled his eyes. "Why not?"
"Why do you think!" Remus exclaimed before lowering his voice. "Maybe it's because I'm a wizard and she's a muggle. Or maybe it's the fact that I'm a freaking werewolf!" he whispered angrily.
"Remus," Kingsley sighed. "How many times do I have to tell you that you're not a monster? Sure, you turn into a great big beast once a month, but you've never harmed anyone!" Remus shook his head, mindlessly going through paperwork on the counter. Kingsley leaned forward and said, "Even werewolves deserve happiness, Remus."
Remus looked up and just stared at him for a moment, contemplating everything he had said. Remus shook his head when a sliver of hope creeped in, not allowing it. "I am happy," he said determinedly. "I like working here, I like having Hermione and Jocelyn in my life as friends and Calvin is a great companion. This is enough for me."
"It won't always be," Kingsley stated. "Sooner or later it's just not going to be enough. I know you look at that little girl like she's yours, and why can't she be? And why can't Jocelyn be yours too? You have a real chance at a family here. Don't throw it away, Remus."
Remus just stared at him. Say he was right. Say Remus decided to throw caution to the wind and try to make these Granger girls his family. The real question was; would they even want to be? Would they accept his magic, or even his disease? Would Jocelyn be ready after only losing her husband a few months ago? And what about Hermione?
"You won't know unless you try," Kingsley said.
Remus looked at him, startled. Then his expression turned angry. "Did you use Occlumency on me?" he demanded.
Kingsley chuckled. "No, you're just extremely easy to read." Remus rolled his eyes and Kingsley continued to laugh.
"Hey Remmy," Calvin said, bounding down the stairs. "I have to label these new books. Should Spycatcher go under history or action?"
"History," Remus said.
Calvin nodded. "I had thought so, but I had wanted to check with King Bookworm," Calvin grinned cheekily and Kingsley boomed a laugh. Calvin jumped and seemed to just notice the large man standing beside him. His eyes grew wide as he looked up at him. "Dang man, way to make a homie feel self conscious," he joked and Kingsley laughed again. "I'm Calvin by the way."
"Kingsley," Kingsley said.
Calvin nodded in greeting before turning back to Remus. "Where's Little Bit?"
"In the park playing with Kingsley's niece, Rose," Remus said.
Calvin blinked. Once. Twice. Three times. Then he raised an eyebrow. "Hermione Granger . . . playing in the park? Since when does that happen?" he asked incredulously.
"Since someone asked her," Remus replied. Calvin's expression turned sad as he nodded.
"Well, I think it's great she's finally getting her head out of a book and having some fun," Calvin said, his smile returning. It was never gone for too long. "At least," he said as an afterthought, "I hope she's having fun."
xxXxx
Hermione was having a great time with Rose, the two becoming immediate friends. Hermione couldn't be more excited to finally have a friend. Rose didn't judge her or stop her when she went on some know-it-all mini rant or state random facts. If anything Rose added her own two sense. Rose also made sure Hermione had fun. They climbed the monkey bars, swung high on the swings, and slid down the slides, all while giggling madly. Hermione liked Rose. She was loud and outgoing. Hermione could tell she was one that didn't give much thought to what others thought of her and wouldn't be one to mess with. She had a fiery attitude, but she was fun.
They were currently trying to build a sandcastle in the sandbox without the aid of water. Hermione giggled as their little "towers" crumbled in their hands.
"I don't think this working," she giggled.
Rose joined her and grinned down at their mess. "I think you're right."
"Look who came out of her dusty dungeons," a shrill voice yelled behind them and Hermione immediately tensed. Rose's smile was placed with a scowl and both girls turned to see who had said such a thing.
Standing behind them were three girls. The girl on the left was smaller than the other two with brown pigtails and army green eyes. The girl on the right was a little taller than the first. She had red hair that fell in soft curls and big brown eyes with freckles running across her nose. The middle girl, the one that had spoken, was taller than both of them. She had perfectly straight, blond hair with a pink bow headband. Her blue eyes shone with maliciousness as she stared at the two girls.
"If it isn't Harmony Granger," the blonde said hauntingly.
Rose immediately stood, Hermione not far behind. The latter filled with dread, not looking forward to the torture that was sure to come with their visit. "It's Hermione," Hermione said timidly.
The blonde looked at her with fake surprise. "Oh! I could of sworn it was Harmony," she mocked and her friends laughed.
Hermione crossed her arms and looked at the ground. "What do you want Marissa?" she asked quietly, hoping this would end soon.
"Oh, I was just wondering what finally made you come out of that dusty, old box your mum calls a bookstore."
Rose growled as Hermione looked down at her feet. "Back off," she spat.
The blonde, Marissa, looked at her as if just noticing that she was there. "Who are you?" she asked rudely.
"I'm Hermione's friend."
Marissa looked at Hermione in surprise. "You have those?"
"Yes," Rose snapped forcefully, "she does. And if I were you I'd take a huge step back. Preferably back to the hole you climbed out of."
"You know, I have to say," Marissa said, ignoring Rose's threat, "she's an improvement from that grubby looking guy you're always hanging around."
Hermione's head snapped up at that, knowing she was talking about Remus.
"You know, the one that always looks so dirty and raggedy. The homeless looking man," Marissa continued.
"Shut up," Hermione snapped, though softly.
Marissa ignored her. "Not that I'm surprised. I mean, it's not like anybody with class would want to hang out with you."
"Shut up," Hermione said again, this time louder with more force. But, once again, she was ignored.
"Speaking of nasty, grubby men," Marissa said with a smirk, "how's your father doing? Still rotting in the ground?"
"SHUT UP!" Hermione exploded. Suddenly there was a loud bang and the sandbox behind Hermione and Rose exploded. The only thing was, the sand seemed to fly right over them and only land on the three girls in front of them. Rose and Hermione gasped as the girls were covered head to toe in sand.
Marissa and her friends screamed as they were covered in sand. When the flow of sand ended they tried to shake it off only to find that it wouldn't come off. They wiped at it and tried to scratch it off but no budge. The sand was sticking to their bodies! Everyone in the park stopped what they were doing and stared at the scene in shock.
Rose was looking at Hermione with wide eyes. There was only one explanation for what just happened. Hermione was a witch!
"What did you do?!" Marissa screeched, knocking Rose out of her musings.
Hermione shook her head in fear and surprise. "I-I-I don't-" she stuttered, her eyes as wide as saucers.
"You freak!" Marissa screamed, still trying to rub the sand off her body.
"C'mon," Rose said quietly, taking Hermione's hand. "C'mon, we have to get out of here." Rose ran for the bookstore, practically dragging a hysterical Hermione after her.
When they entered the store Remus, Kingsley, and Calvin were still at the front counter. When they saw the girls their smiles immediately dropped at the sight of Hermione sobbing and Rose's shocked expression.
"Hermione!" Remus exclaimed, rushing to the girl and scooping her up into his arms. She buried her face into the creek of his neck and continued to sob. "What happened?" Remus demanded.
Seeing that Hermione was in no shape to answer, Rose did instead. "Well, we were having a great time! We played on the playground and were goofing around. We were in the sandbox trying to build a sand castle when these three mean girls came over and started harassing Hermione. One of the girls, Marissa," Calvin groaned angrily, obviously having heard this name before, "started saying all these horrible things about her mom and this bookstore. When she started on Remus, Hermione got mad and kept telling her to shut up, but she wouldn't listen. Then she said a horrid thing about her father and Hermione just exploded. Then the sandbox blew up!"
"What?!" the men all shouted in surprise.
"What do you mean the sandbox blew up?" exclaimed Jocelyn, coming down the stairs. She had heard the commotion from upstairs and had just made it to the balcony in time to hear the story. She took a quick moment to admire how tenderly Remus held Hermione, rubbing her back and rocking her back and forth. Jocelyn shook herself out of her silly thoughts as she neared them. She ran her fingers through Hermione's hair, but made no move to take her from Remus, who looked as if he was never going to put her down.
"It went 'BOOM'!" she made an exploding motion with her hands. "But the thing is, all of the sand from the sandbox only fell on Marissa and her cronies. And it wouldn't come off! No matter what they tried to do the sand would not leave their bodies!" Rose looked at her uncle and she knew he was thinking the same as she.
Kingsley looked at Remus, to the girl in his arms, the back to him. He raised an eyebrow and Remus shook his head.
"Impossible," Remus denied, not at all letting any hope creep into him.
"It is possible, and you know it," Kingsley replied. Remus shook his head again. What were the chances that the girl he came to care so much about was a muggleborn witch?
"What are you two talking about?" Jocelyn demanded, looking between the two.
The two men stared at one another for a moment before Remus sighed and nodded.
Turning to Jocelyn he said, "It's best we discuss this in your office, away from prying ears." He looked around and noticed a few shoppers giving them curious looks. Jocelyn nodded in agreement. Remus then turned to Kingsley. "Do you mind taking care of the people in the park?"
"I'm on it," Kingsley said and promptly strode out of the bookstore.
Remus gestured for the others to follow him and they all trudged up the stairs and into the small office on the second floor. The office was a good size with tan walls and brown, wood flooring. There was a big, oak wood desk at the back wall with a computer and paperwork littered across the top, and a black swivel chair behind it. In front of the desk sat two green two people couches placed at an angle. The wall to the left consisted of three tall bookshelves, while the wall to the right had a bunch of framed pictures.
Remus sat on one of the couches, Jocelyn sitting beside him and Calvin and Rose sitting on the other couch. As he placed Hermione in his lap he gingerly detached her arms from around his neck and pulled her back so he could see her face. Seeing her tear stained face broke his heart. Inside him Moony growled. How dare someone hurt his pup!
Remus gently wiped her cheeks and she sniffed sadly. "Hermione," he said gently. She looked at him with a sad gaze, her big, doe, brown eyes glazed with tears. "I have to ask you something and I need you to answer me honestly," he said and she nodded. "What happened today, with the sandbox blowing up, has anything like that ever happened before? An abnormal accident that you couldn't explain?"
Hermione started to tear up again and he knew her answer. He wiped the tears as they fell and looked to Jocelyn for an answer.
Jocelyn sighed. "One time a few months ago those girls, Marissa and her friends, were making fun of Hermione in their science class. There had been this tank full of frogs, you know, like class pets. Well, suddenly the glass broke and all the frogs jumped out and started after the girls. The frogs wouldn't stop hopping after the girls for the whole day."
Calvin chuckled and Remus couldn't help but join him. The image in his mind was too perfect. Jocelyn looked at him as if he was crazy and he stopped, coughing in hopes of covering it up.
Remus looked down at Hermione and smiled gently. "Hermione, there is nothing wrong with you. I promise you. There's a reason you can do what you can." Hermione looked up at him, her curiosity taking over. Remus took a deep breath. It's now or never, he thought. "Hermione . . . you're a witch."
"What?" Hermione exclaimed, tearing up again.
"Remus!" Jocelyn yelled in astonishment. Calvin guffawed in disbelief.
"No, no, no!" Remus yelled, shaking his head frantically. "I didn't mean it as an insult. No, of course not! What I meant was you're an actual witch, as in the magical kind." This shut everyone up as everyone, but Rose, stared at him in surprise and confusion.
"Remus," Jocelyn said cautiously, "what are you talking about?" she asked.
Remus ran a hand through his hair, a sign that told Jocelyn he was getting frustrated.
"Okay," he said, taking a deep breath. "Jocelyn, Hermione is a witch. Just as Rose is. And I am a wizard, as is Kingsley. Yes, witches and wizards are real. And I know you think I'm completely insane, but I can prove it," he said all this very quickly, but clearly. He handed Hermione to her mother and took out his wand. Jocelyn, Calvin, and Hermione were all looking at him in caution, but also in curiosity.
Remus pointed his wand at the bookshelf and, with a flick of his wrist, all the books on the shelves started to float around the room. They all stared in complete wonder at the books, wondering if this were real or not.
"Is this really happening?" Jocelyn whispered, eyes wide.
"Yes," Remus replied, staring at her, afraid of her reaction.
"Awesome!" Calvin yelled, a wide smiled on his face as he flicked a book and it floated away from him. Remus chuckled and used his wand to put the books back in their original place.
Remus took Hermione back and placed her in his lap again. He looked into her eyes and said softly, "Hermione, there is nothing wrong with you. You're not a freak or a weirdo. You're a witch. If anything, you're more special than any of those girls that teased you. You have even more power to be something great one day, more so than those girls could ever dream of being. Always remember that, Hermione."
Hermione stared at him, slowly getting over the shock that not only was magic real, but she was also a witch. She could do magic! Hermione felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off her soldiers after finally learning why exactly she could do what she could.
Remus smiled at her before turning to Jocelyn, his expression becoming apprehensive. "How are you doing, you know, with all of this?" he asked.
Jocelyn blinked a few times, getting her thoughts together. "Well," she finally said, "it's a lot to take in. I mean all my life the only magic you'd ever find was in a fairytale. And now I find out that magic is, in fact, real. It destroys all laws of logic," she laughed, a little hysterically. She twisted a strand of hair frantically around her finger, trying to stay calm. Then she looked at Remus. She looked at his worried expression, at how his hand slightly shook as he held her child, the fear that was hiding in the corner of his heart that you could only see if you looked hard enough. He was scared she'd reject him. That they all would reject him.
But she never could. Remus could tell her he was the Devil himself and she probably still couldn't reject him. And being magic didn't seem to be a bad thing.
"But . . . if you're a wizard then being magical can't be bad. You turned out great." The expression that came to Remus' face couldn't be described, but it sent a pleasurable shiver down her spine and suddenly she was breathless.
"S-So, what happens now?" she stuttered slightly, her face heating up.
Remus cleared his throat. "Well, first things first, not a word of this can be spoken to anyone else. Not other family members, no friends. This stays between the people in this room and Kingsley. Understood?" When everyone nodded he continued, "Okay, next; Hogwarts."
"Hoggy-what?" Calvin asked, his face contorting in disgust.
Remus chuckled. "Hogwarts. It's a school for young wizards and witches."
Calvin's expression didn't change. "Were they on drugs when they named that school?" he asked.
"Calvin!" Jocelyn reprimanded while Remus just laughed.
"Anyways," Remus continued, looking at Hermione, "when you turn eleven years old you'll get a letter of acceptance from a boarding school called Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Every young witch or wizard must go to this school so they can learn how to control their magic." Remus was now speaking to both Hermione and Jocelyn. "If you don't go you won't learn how to control your magic or how to even use it properly. Rose will be attending too." Rose nodded, grinning.
"I wanna go!" Hermione exclaimed excitedly, all traces of tears gone. She turned to her mother and pouted. "Pleeeeease."
Jocelyn laughed, petting her hair. "Of course you're going! I'd never deny you your education," she said.
Both Hermione and Rose squealed. Both stood and started dancing around holding hands. "We're going to Hogwarts! We're going to Hogwarts!"
Calvin got up and started dancing with them. "I'm not going to Hogwarts, but yay!" he yelled. The adults smiled fondly at the scene of Calvin twirling around with a giggling Rose and Hermione in his arms.
"There's one more thing I have to tell you guys!" Remus yelled above the noise. The children immediately sobered up at the serious look on his face. He sighed and Jocelyn could see how troubled he was.
She placed her and on top of his and he looked at her with a start. Jocelyn smiled. "It's okay. You can tell us anything."
Remus took a deep breath. Now was as good a time as any. "You know that condition I told you I have?" he asked and everyone nodded. "Well it's a magical one. You see . . . I'm a werewolf." He looked around at their shocked expressions. Though he didn't want to, he carried on. "The reason I'm out at least three days a month is because I turn into a werewolf every full moon."
There was a moment of silence as everyone thought over what he just told them. Remus held his breath, waiting for them to kick him out, not wanting such a dangerous beast around.
Instead, Calvin laughed in disbelief. "That's so awesome!"
Remus' eyes widened. He shook his head frantically and said, "No, it is anything but awesome! I am dangerous! I am a monster!"
"No you're not," the exasperating, but firm voice of Kingsley said as he entered the room. He walked over and leant on the desk directly in front of Remus.
The two glared at each other.
"Kingsley一"
"Don't 'Kingsley' me, Remus," Kingsley said, crossing his arms over his chest. "You are not a monster. You need to get that through your head! You want to know who's a monster? Greyback. That's a monster. He's evil and ruthless and uses his form to harm others. He loves being a werewolf just because it gives him power over the weak. You are nothing like that, Remus!"
Remus shook his head, running his hand through his hair for the third time today. "I would never voluntarily harm another, but in my wolf form I don't have control over what I do!"
"You do when you take the Wolfsbane Potion!"
"Even then I don't have complete control!"
"Have you ever harmed someone?" Jocelyn cut in abruptly.
Remus stared at her, for a moment forgetting that they were all still there. He shook his head.
"Ever killed anybody?"
Another shake of the head.
"Then I say you have a good enough control over yourself," Jocelyn stated.
Remus stared at her, his mouth slightly agape. Slowly getting out of his shock, he shook his head. "Jocelyn一"
"No," Jocelyn said firmly, glaring at him. Remus knew that when she glared it meant shut up and shut up quickly. "Now you listen to me. We accept you for everything that you are. Wizard, werewolf一"
"Dork," Calvin cut in.
Jocelyn laughed. "That too." Her face grew serious again. "So, you're a werewolf. Who cares if you turn into a dog with big teeth once a month? That is a part of you, but it does not define you. Remus you are one of the sweetest guys I've ever met. Whether you like it or not, you are a part of this family. No condition is going to change that," she lectured with passion and Remus admired the way her eyes lit up.
Remus didn't know what to do. Family. She said he was a part of her family. That's all he ever really wanted, really. A family of his own. He was speechless, not knowing how to argue. They were new to all this. They didn't know just how dangerous a werewolf is. They didn't understand what they were getting themselves into.
Remus was knocked out of his musings by the feeling of little arms wrapping around his torso. He looked down to see Hermione standing between his legs, hugging him tightly with her head buried in his chest.
"You're not bad, Moony," she said into his chest. She looked up at him with her eyes wide with innocence. "I love you, Moony," she said softly, burying her head back into his chest.
Remus looked down at her in shock. And slowly, as she continued to hug him, he was filled with complete and utter bliss. Moony purred in content.
And so did Remus.
xxXxx
To say that Remus was living the dream would be an understatement. Remus was the happiest he's ever been in his entire life.
After revealing his secret to his new friends Remus felt like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. And over the past three months things seemed to be even better than before.
Hermione was nothing but curious about the wizarding world and took every moment she could to learn about it. She asked both Remus and Kingsley, who was now a regular visitor, a million questions a day, and Remus was only too happy to answer, loving to see her so happy and excited. And with Kingsley coming over at least two to three times a week now, Rose would always tag along, wanting to hang out with her new friend.
When September rolled around so did Hermione's ninth birthday. They had celebrated it, of course, and Remus went to the Grangers house for the first time. It was a nice, cozy little home that he had thought was perfect for the duo. The party was small, but it was great all the same. Kingsley and Rose had showed up, Rose giving Hermione a wizarding children's book 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard', which she absolutely adored. They had all had a nice dinner full of stories and laughter, which warmed all of their hearts. Jocelyn had informed Remus after the party that it was the best she'd ever had.
Remus and Calvin had formed a sort of brotherly bond, and Remus finally got to meet his mother, Armelle, at Hermione's party. She was a petite woman with milk chocolate skin, an abundance of brown curls on her head, a large, playful smile, and brown eyes that sparkled with the same mischief as Calvin's. They had immediately gotten along upon meeting, and he could see where Calvin got his playful and cheerful attitude from.
On top of everything else, Remus and Jocelyn had gotten extremely close. Where one was the other was close by. Whether it was while they were working, Remus working the front counter and Jocelyn putting books away nearby, or after work, hanging out at the Granger's house or the two of them and Hermione going out for dinner. To anyone that didn't know any better they looked like a typical couple. And the secret looks they'd shoot each other when they thought the other wasn't looking didn't help the matter. But no matter how many glances and soft smiles they passed to each other, Remus still couldn't work up the courage to ask her out. Calvin thought he'd pull his eyeballs out if Remus didn't ask her out soon. His exact words being, "Remus if you don't hike up your skirt and ask that woman out I may die from suffocating on all of this thick, disgusting, sexual tension."
Remus didn't know what exactly was holding him back from doing so. He figured it was a mixture of fear of rejection and losing the family he had come to care about so dearly.
Christmas had come and gone in a flash, but it was the best Christmas he'd ever had. Jocelyn had invited him to sleep over on Christmas Eve, claiming that no one should be alone during this time of the year. The next morning he was promptly awoken by Hermione jumping on his bed screaming at him to get up. Usually not a morning person, Remus couldn't help but wake with a smile as he watched Hermione giggle and sing as she jumped on his bed, wishing he could spend every Christmas like this. The morning had proceeded with exchanging gifts and joyous laughter. And it stayed that way up until dinner, where Calvin and Armelle had joined them for dinner.
And now it was New Year's Eve and Remus truly believed that he had had the best year ever. He couldn't wait for the next one to come.
"Hermione, dear, are you ready to go see the fireworks?" Remus yelled up the stairs. He was currently in the Granger house waiting for the girls to come down from getting changed. They were going to meet Calvin, Armelle, Kingsley, and Rose in the park for the annual New Year's dance.
Remus heard the sound of tiny feet pattering against the rug flooring upstairs and grinned as Hermione rounded the corner and stood at the top of the stairs. She wore a red dress that had a glittery skirt and had a glittery, silver headband in her hair. "Why, don't you look pretty."
Hermione giggled and twirled, looking down at the dress. "Why, thank you, kind sir," she said, while curtseying. He chuckled as she skipped down the stairs and came to stand beside him. "Mommy looks pretty, too."
At that moment the clicking of heels brought his attention back to the top of the stair case. When Jocelyn rounded the corner Remus felt his breath catch in his throat. Her soft curls were elegantly pinned up with a few strands falling loose. She wore a blue dress that stopped just above her knees and stuck to her body like a second skin, accentuating her curves. Diamonds went up the sides of the dress and on the straps that went around her neck. She wore little to no makeup, but Remus didn't think she needed any.
As she descended and came to stand in front of him and Hermione he couldn't stop staring into her eyes.
"You look . . ." he started, trying to find the word to define her beauty, "exquisite."
She smiled warmly at him, her eyes filled with joy. "Thank you," she said softly. She looked him up and down and her smile widened. "And may I say, you look quite dashing yourself."
He chuckled and looked down at the suit he was wearing. "Why thank you," he replied, and looked at her again.
They stood there staring at one another until Hermione decided to interrupt. "Can we go now?" she asked impatiently.
The two looked away from one another, abashed.
Remus chuckled down at her. "Of course, m'lady," he said, and she giggled. He offered her his hand and Jocelyn his arm. Jocelyn's smile brightened as she took his arm, and he reveled in the touch of her hand. He grinned as he took a hold of Hermione's small hand, and together they left the house and started the walk to the park, which was right around the corner.
Upon arriving at the park they could see the dance in full swing. The whole neighborhood was there, all in their best dresses and suits. They were dancing and eating, and some of the kids were playing on the playground.
The group of three quickly spotted the others sitting at one of the picnic tables and headed their way.
Calvin was the first to spot them and whistled when he saw Jocelyn.
"Mama Lynn, you're lookin' fine tonight," he said, standing up to kiss her cheek. Jocelyn laughed and thanked him before letting go of Remus to hug and kiss Armelle. Calvin turned towards Hermione and his grin widened. "But no one can hold a candle to this gorgeous beauty," he said, picking her up and twirling her around. She laughed and kissed his cheek as he held her in his arms. "Now, if ya'll don't mind, I am going to take these two lovely ladies," he held out a hand to Rose, who grinned and took it, "and go dance."
With that Calvin took the two giggling girls to the dance floor, where he proceeded to twirl them around and dance. Jocelyn and Armelle smiled at the sight of their children and smirked at the looks other girls were giving Calvin.
"Handsome, funny," Armelle started.
"And great with kids," Jocelyn continued, shaking her head with a smile. "He's going to be a heartthrob."
"If he isn't already," Kingsley laughed, watching the young boy twirl his niece.
They all laughed and spent the next few hours talking and laughing and just having a good time together.
A few minutes before midnight the girls left to get a drink and Kingsley took this time to talk to Remus.
"Remus," he started and Remus groaned, causing Kingsley to grin.
"Are we going to do this now?"
"Yes! It's New Year's Eve, Remus! Wouldn't you rather start the new year with her on your arm rather than still pining after her?"
"I'm not pining," Remus denied.
"You're pining," Kingsley deadpanned.
Remus sighed, nodding. "I am pining."
Kingsley chuckled. "Then finally do something about it! For goodness sakes, man, you're a Gryffindor, God dammit!" he exclaimed.
Remus looked at him, deep in thought. He knew Kingsley was right. For the past six months he had done nothing but pine after this woman that stole his heart the moment he laid eyes on her. Maybe Calvin was right. Maybe it was time for him to 'hike up his skirt' and do something about it.
And as a slow song came on and the girls came back to the table he made up his mind.
"Jocelyn, would you do me the honor of dancing with me?" Remus asked, standing and offering his hand.
Jocelyn looked shocked for a moment before a bright smile lit up her face. Putting down her drink she gently took his hand, shocks flying up both of their arms, and said, "I'd love to, Remus."
Remus grinned and led her to the dance floor.
Armelle smiled happily, saying, "About damn time."
Kingsley laughed. "I know."
Armelle smiled and grabbed his hand. "Well, come on, sugar. Let's dance!"
Kingsley boomed a laugh and stood. "Don't mind if I do," he said and let her drag him onto the dance floor.
Jocelyn smiled as Remus wrapped his arms around her waist, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. As they swayed to the music they just looked at each other, unable to tear their eyes away from one another.
"One minute until midnight!"
Remus took a deep breath. It was now or never.
"Jocelyn there's something I've been meaning to tell you. These past few months have been fantastic. The best few months of my life. The day I met Hermione I had no idea how much my life would change for the better. She truly is the greatest gift life has ever given me."
Jocelyn's heart warmed at the obvious love in his voice.
"I can't thank you enough for all that you have done for me. Letting me stay in Hermione's life, letting me into yours, giving me a job. You've also given me people to love. Calvin, Hermione . . ."
"Time to start the countdown!"
"Ten!"
"You . . ." Jocelyn's heart skipped a beat as she listened to him.
"Nine!"
"Everyday that we spend together I find something new to love about you,"
"Eight!"
"Your eyes, your smile, your laugh,"
"Seven!"
"Your mind, your humor,"
"Six!"
"Your warmth, and your kindness,"
"Five!"
"And soon enough I found myself completely in love with you."
"Four!"
"And all I can think about is how I want to wake up everyday beside you and eat every meal with you."
"Three!"
"And how I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
"Two!"
Jocelyn's smile was full of joy as she caressed Remus' cheek. "And what do you plan to do about that?"
And at that moment Remus knew exactly what he wanted to do.
"One!"
Their lips finally connected and electric shocks flew through their bodies as a pleasurable chill ran down their spines. The cheers of the crowd around them echoed in the background. They hardly noticed the fireworks shooting into the sky behind them, their focus only being on one another and the feeling of completion as they finally came together.
Remus could have sworn he heard Calvin shout "Finally! Jesus freakin' Christ, I can finally breathe!" and he smiled into the kiss.
And as he pulled Jocelyn closer to his body he knew that this was going to be a great year.
What did you guys think? I know, it's extremely long, but when I start her years at Hogwarts each year is only going to be a few chapters, so they'll all be pretty long. I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please let me know what you think!
With Love,
Oliviaa Rose