I really hope this chapter is more eventful and exciting. Don't forget that I absolutely love comments. I was so thrilled to receive comments from you wonderful people! :)

OOOOOOOOO

Chapter 2: Ernesto

Remus woke the next morning wondering why he felt so nervous and excited. Then he recognised his surroundings and his face broke into a wide smile.

Sirius had always complained that the werewolf woke up far too happy and content with the world, and had suggested more than once that he should at least try to be filled with more hatred and grumpiness in the morning, like normal people. This particular morning, the smile continually tugged at Remus' mouth and he thought that if Sirius had been here, he would have been scowling at him by now.

He went for a quick shower, dressed in his favourite jeans, even though they were worn and probably too warm for the climate, and a long sleeved shirt to cover his scars. It was easier to explain away his scars to muggles by saying he was in a car accident, but he'd rather not be forced to talk about them at all. Grabbing a ripe peach from the fruit bowl in the small kitchenette, he waved his goodbye to his parents who were still in their night clothes, sitting on the small balcony.

"Where are you off to so early?"

"Beach. I might have a look around today too. I don't know when I'll be back."

Remus' father peered at him from over his newspaper, identical brown eyes meeting but, for once, both sets were brighter and happier. "You be careful. You've got your wand with you?"

"Of course."

"Do you need any more spending money, honey?", his mother smiled and Remus noticed that her face seemed fresher, a little less lined and Remus noted that when she smiled like that, he could see that he'd inherited her mouth, "You can buy some souvenirs for your friends while you're out."

"It's alright; I've still got the money you gave me yesterday."

"Well you go on and spend it now. This is our holiday and our spending money. Have a good time, be careful and be home before dinner."

"I will, Mum. Bye!"

Remus took his time, strolling along the cracked sidewalks leisurely and wiped the sweet juice from the peach from his chin with the back of his hand. He hadn't liked lying to his parents but he knew they would never have approved of him meeting a stranger and following him around the foreign country. They had a very valid point, he knew, but he also thought that as his parents, they underestimated his abilities to fend for himself. His skill with defensive and offensive spells had even caught Sirius and James off guard in practice duels a few times, and his lycanthropy gave him inhuman strength and agility that he was confident could get him out of most trouble that he might come across. Besides, it would have been too difficult and would have made him feel embarrassed and naive if he'd tried to explain to his parents how Ernesto seemed so genuine and how he simply made him feel comfortable. The boy reminded him of someone and yet he still couldn't think of who.

He paused at the same spot of the brick wall that he'd sat at the day before, and glanced around. He was ten minutes early and he couldn't see the dark haired Ernesto, but there were plenty of other people on the beach. He quickly made his way down to the lapping water and dipped his hands in the cool waves to wash away the sticky peach juice on his hands. Wiping his wet hands on his jeans, he made his way back to the brick wall and was surprised to see Ernesto, in white knee length shorts and a red shirt, leaning casually against the low wall with a smirk on his face.

With a start, Remus realised that the boy reminded him of Sirius. The familiar easy slouch and devious smirk made it suddenly clear, but it had also been the boy's confident, forward personality and warm charisma that had first reminded Remus of the Animagus.

"If you wanted to play in water, you could just say."

Remus knew when he was being teased and only rolled his eyes playfully. "If I wanted to play in the water I wouldn't be wearing jeans. What did you have in mind for today?"

Ernesto stepped back over the wall and onto the street and Remus followed. "I will feed you good food, real food – I have heard what the English eat and Spanish food will be good for you," Remus chuckled and matched Ernesto's leisurely pace as he continued, "You look like a man who appreciate beautiful things – you will like our art, music and dancing. I can show you this."

Remus grinned and nodded, trying to ignore the way his heart seemed to skip a beat at that. Then Ernesto turned and gave him that ever present smile. "And I will take you to see people, just normal people. Maybe we can teach an Englishman how to play real soccer."

At this, Remus laughed. He'd heard of the intense rivalry between the different techniques of the muggle sport. His mother's muggle family was particularly fond of it and he'd heard enough about it to know the very basics, but he hoped Ernesto would somehow not notice his ignorance of a sport the man expected him to be quite familiar with.

He followed Ernesto across the street, and his smile was honest and warm. "I'd like that."

OOOOOOOOOOOO

Madrid was a wonderful place. It didn't have quite the same flair as Rome or Barcelona boasted, but there was something about it that was so much more... real. The architecture was certainly beautiful and with each step, Remus could feel the city throbbing with culture, history and life all around them. Walking with Ernesto (or Ern, as the boy had kindly offered after Remus' fourth fumble with his name), he got the sense that it was very different to what it would be if he'd been with a tourist group and a tour guide. He followed the Spaniard down small side streets and watched as they were greeted by other locals who Ernesto was familiar with.

He was then taken to a busy but cheerful vendor who, Ernesto assured him, sold the best empanadas Madrid had to offer. Remus didn't have anything to compare them to but he was inclined to believe him because the odd little things that seemed like strange pies were delicious. His Spanish companion had collapsed into fits of laughter when Remus' face contorted at the odd taste of sultanas in the meat, but apart from that, Remus thought he wouldn't mind having more. Ernesto had other ideas, taking him to another vendor who sold 'Churros cooked perfect. Only my abuelita makes better'. Remus approved of the sweet dessert that seemed like an unraveled doughnut, but perhaps crunchier, and then Ernesto told him to dip it in the tiny box of melted chocolate and Remus wondered if this was what falling in love was like... except with pastry and chocolate, which made it that much better, really.

Luckily, Remus had been careful to study the foreign muggle currency and they encountered no problems when boarding a old, rundown bus to take them to the Mesea Del Prado art gallery. It was an amazing historical building absolutely filled with masterpieces and he was told that it would take them three whole days to really savor it. But rather than giving Remus a history lecture on some of the paintings, Ernesto told him about the subjects of the paintings and the culture that had inspired many of them. "These paintings are beautiful but life is better," Ernesto pointed at a painting of Mariachis and people dancing, "I can show you this in life, later in evening."

Remus reluctantly allowed himself to be led from the gallery and they caught another bus to, 'it is surprise, just wait', whatever that meant.

Remus knew he should have felt more nervous and wary being led around by someone he knew so little of, but Ernesto was so warm, friendly and his kind brown eyes were honest and welcoming. Remus trusted him and he found himself forgetting that this was someone he didn't know well – it was like following a very cheerful, enthusiastic friend around. And when Ernesto took his hand when helping him down from the bus that never quite came to a halt to let passengers off, Remus could only feel a strange sort of nervous excitement in the pit of his stomach and his heart picked up its pace.

They seemed to be in a less crowded and more spacious area of Madrid and it seemed to be more of a practical living area than the tourist areas. Remus followed the slightly shorter figure to a small house, painted a bright cheerful yellow, with white shutters and a white door. It looked old and worn; the paint was chipped and peeling from the walls and door, but it looked like a home.

Ernesto opened the gate with comfort and ease and Remus hesitantly followed.

"I hope you do not mind seeing my family for a while. I need to speak with my father about something."

His family? Remus slowed and came to a stop behind him. "Your family? Don't you think they'd rather I waited here? You don't know me very well, after all."

"No, no, do not worry," Ernesto beamed at him, that same warm smile, and Remus found himself relenting, despite himself, "They will be so happy to see you – they know I am with you today and besides, it is Sunday, they are having uh – it is where all the family is together and we cook meat, corn and fish..."

"A barbecue?"

"Maybe, I do not know English word for it. But they will love your company there – it is a happy time and we can show you good soccer."

"I can't intrude on your family, I'll wait here. I really don't mind."

Ernesto looked scandalized. "You cannot wait here, outside! You are my guest, come inside, you are very welcome here."

Remus hesitated. He would feel terrible intruding on a family's time together but Ernesto seemed so certain and genuine and he knew it would offend him if he insisted on remaining outside. "If you're sure... "

"I am." Ernesto took his hand again as if to emphasise his point and Remus felt his uncertainty slip away with the touch. He was led around the side of the house into the small backyard and he was met by dozens of welcoming, smiling faces.

The first thing that Remus noticed was that it was loud. There was fast, Spanish music playing, children were laughing, playing and shouting at each other and the adults were laughing and talking loudly. It was strange feeling so welcome. The adults rose to greet him and some of the children stared at him curiously. Most seemed to know a fair bit of English and Remus understood why when Ernesto introduced him to his parents.

"Remus, this is my mother and father, Florine and Oscar. They are English teachers at school here."

Remus smiled politely and shook the extended hands, finally understanding why his new friend was so fluent in English.

"It is very nice to meet you, Remus." the woman named Florine smiled, her eyes pleasantly crinkled at the corners from constant smiling, "You must stay for a late lunch – we would love to have you."

Before he could protest, Ernesto's tall father (Ernesto seemed to have inherited his mother's short stature) spoke, clapping his hand on Remus' shoulder warmly, "I hope our Ernesto has been good to you. Sometimes he forgets manners in place of enthusiasm. He's been speaking English well to you?"

"Err, of course," Remus looked up at the intimidating man while Ernesto muttered what sounded like a complaint from next to him, "I've been having a brilliant time, he's been very kind and patient with me. Thank you for letting me visit, I really don't want to intrude..."

"Oh, he's so sweet, Oscar," Florine turned to her husband, "What a pleasant boy. Here, Remus, you can come sit with me. We love having you."

She wrapped a small, plump arm around his shoulders and guided him to the rest of the family who had resumed their seats and places. Remus looked back, feeling welcomed but awkward, to see Ernesto give him an apologetic smile before turning to talk in rapid Spanish with his father.

Florine talked to him easily, asking about his stay and his country, while also telling him about her family and job. She and Oscar had five children, of which Ernesto was the second youngest, and she told him that she loved talking to English people as she felt she was sometimes distanced from the culture and language she had studied and loved. Remus thought he would have felt too awkward sitting with someone's family that he barely knew, but they made him feel right at home, smiling at him, laughing with him at something the children had done, and piling a plate in front of him with barbecued meat.

They seemed very pleased to see him eat it so, not wanting to offend them, he ate what he could before sitting back to watch the children play soccer and a couple of Ernesto's relatives get up to dance. He'd wanted to see Spanish culture at its heart and, he thought to himself, he couldn't have gotten much closer than this.

Before much longer, Ernesto reappeared, looking somewhat relieved about something. Remus watched as he played with his little cousins, nephews and nieces for a little while before approaching Remus again.

"Would you like to go see Parque Del Buen Retiro? It is beautiful place at this time."

"A beautiful place, Ernesto", his mother corrected him absently and ignored her son's responding sigh, "But that's a good idea."

She turned warm, brown eyes, so like her son's, to Remus. "You will love it there. It is a park but it is very beautiful, with history, statues, a lake and at sunset today they play bongos and dance."

"I'm sure you'd rather stay with your family..." Remus admitted to Ernesto, wondering if these people had a limit to their generosity. Apparently not, as Florine let out a loud laugh and a, "So polite, what a sweet boy, this one!" and leaned across from her chair to kiss him on the cheek. She leaned back in her chair, ignoring Remus' blush, and pointed sternly at Ernesto, "You take good care of him and take him back to his hotel before it gets dark, you hear me, Ernesto?"

"Yes, ma." Ernesto smirked, looking as if he wanted to roll his eyes, "Come on, Remus, before she tries to make you her own son."

"And I would too!", the small woman exclaimed happily, leaning back over to kiss Remus on his other, still blushing, cheek. Ernesto extracted Remus from the Spanish family's goodbyes and calls to visit again, and they left to catch another bus.

"Your family is so nice." Remus smiled as they walked down the street, thinking that there was really no way to express his gratitude for how they'd treated him.

"Ah, thank you. They like you very much too. My father wants to know if you'll come back during your stay. We would like you to, if you are not too busy."

Remus felt a warmth rise inside of him and he shoved his hands into his pockets awkwardly. "That's very kind of them... I think I'd like that if you would too."

"Yes, I would." Ernesto turned and flashed that ever present, cheerful smile and Remus thought his stomach felt as if it jumped up and down excitedly, for no particular reason. He tried to ignore his body, which was reacting so strangely lately, and they boarded another bus. The road was uneven, the day was reaching sweltering temperatures, the bus was crowded and this particular bus driver didn't seem to be aware of a thing called a speed limit. It was an uncomfortable but short trip, made even more uncomfortable by Remus getting catapulted into Ernesto more than once when the bus took particularly sharp turns. Ernesto laughed it off but that only made Remus' stomach do that uncomfortable flipping thing again and he was just relieved when they departed from the bus.

Remus wiped the sweat off his brow and squinted in the sunlight that seemed to be fading. He quickly glanced at his watch, wondering where the time had gone and how it had gotten so late without him noticing. But then he looked around at the park and forgot about the time.

Ernesto and his mother were right – it was a beautiful place.

The sun, just beginning to set, cast a brilliant orange glow on the solemn but regal building beyond the lake and fountains, and marble statues stood in silent, frozen vigil around the park. He followed Ernesto across the grass, looking around in contentment at the people littered around the park, lying on the grass, reading books, taking photos and, in the shade of some of the trees, couples were holding hands in the peace and quiet of the Sunday evening.

"It should begin soon," Ernesto said from just ahead of him, "We will be able to see the dancing from the lake."

They came to a stop before the edge of the lake and they looked out across the water silently for a moment. The scenery was amazing but something else was on Remus' mind. He wanted to express his thanks to the kind boy that had showed him around his city, but he knew that anything he said wouldn't truly express his gratitude. He awkwardly scuffed his shoe against the grass as he tried to work up the nerve to speak.

"Thank you... for everything. I never imagined that a holiday would be this amazing and it is because of you. I don't know how I can ever repay you."

Ernesto turned to look at him and the setting sun seemed to glow on his olive skin and deepened his eyes into different shades of brown. He was smiling again and Remus noticed, with a sort of vague absence that he had a freckle below the corner of his mouth.

"You don't have to repay me – I like you, I like being with you. Your company and memories is enough."

Remus stopped noticing the park around him, he forgot the people, the sunset and even where he was. There was just the handsome face moving a little closer and he had the ridiculous urge to touch him, to see if the skin was as warm as the personality beneath it, to be as close to him as possible. His heart was thudding madly in his chest, his palms were damp with sweat and his breathing was uneven and nervous. Remus wasn't aware of moving closer but suddenly those eyes were looking directly up into his because of his slight height advantage, and his lips were parting to warm breath.

Bang!

They both jumped and as purely a reflex reaction, Remus roughly pushed Ernesto back a little.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Remus glanced around and saw the bongo players smiling as their hands hit the instruments rhythmically and dancers dressed in colourful, traditional garb emerged, twirling and smiling enthusiastically. Remus hardly saw them. He quickly looked back to Ernesto to see a hurt, worried look on his face and he felt his heart drop into his stomach.

Desperately, he tried to fix whatever it was he'd just done, but he didn't know what to say because he didn't quite know what had happened. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

"It is no problem," Ernesto shook his head sadly and watched the dancers for a moment, "After today, I thought you are like me; you seemed to like me the same way I like you. It is my fault for being wrong, do not be sorry."

Remus stood there awkwardly for a moment and silently watched the music and dance display, but he didn't really see any of it.

He thought he knew what Ernesto meant when he'd said he thought he was like him, but was he wrong? Remus knew himself that he'd been feeling strange all day. When Ernesto smiled at him or touched him it felt as if he'd stepped through one of the trick steps on a staircase at Hogwarts – his stomach flipped, his heart sped up and there was something odd going on with his breathing, as if his body had forgotten how to do it properly. But Ernesto was a boy and Remus had always fancied girls... hadn't he?

He thought carefully for a moment and realised that no girls had made him feel even half the things he'd felt with the boy standing next to him. He'd never had the urge to touch them, to be close to them, and they'd never made him feel so nervous before in his life. He'd kissed a girl once, Debra Fields, back in fifth year, and it had been pleasant but unremarkable and he hadn't wanted to do it again. But he wanted to kiss Ernesto and even if his mind hadn't been aware of it at first, his body knew.

The drums stopped, the small crowed clapped politely and Remus was jolted out of his thoughts. He clapped automatically, even though he hadn't really heard or seen a minute of the performance.

"I will take you back now. You should be at hotel before it is dark."

Ernesto seemed to make a point of not touching him as they made their way back to the bus, although he smiled and talked as politely as ever. The bus ride to the beach where they'd first met, was awkward and quiet and seemed to take hours, although judging by the setting sun, it wasn't more than fifteen minutes. Ernesto stepped off the bus with him and they watched it roar away, leaving only the quiet chatter of the few people on the beach and the soothing sound of the waves.

"If I have offended you, I am very sorry."

Remus started at the solemn words, feeling guilty instantly. "No, no, I'm not offended. I... I don't know what I am." He finished with a nervous chuckle, thinking that that statement rang too true – he'd meant he didn't know what he was feeling but he also had no idea what he was, now.

Ernesto regarded him carefully but there was no smile this time, only an apologetic expression. "You are still welcome to come with me next weekend, when I don't have work. We can go around the city again, but it is no problem it you don't want to. I understand."

"No... I'd love to do this again", Remus smiled hesitantly, "Really, I had a great time."

The slightly shorter boy nodded. "We meet here, Saturday, same time next week?"

"I look forward to it."

Ernesto flashed him a shadow of his old smile and gave him a brief wave before making his way up the street. Remus watched him go, his heart sinking. Common sense was screaming at him to just walk away, back to the villa and meet Ernesto again next week so he had time to sort out his thoughts. But for once, Remus Lupin ignored common sense.

"Wait!"

He hurried after the figure but stared in uncertainty when Ernesto turned to look at him expectantly.

"I was uh... wondering if you... if you wanted to... try again."

Clumsiness with words did not come naturally to Remus and he felt his face warming up in utter embarrassment. He sounded like an idiot, a complete fool, but Ernesto didn't seem to think so. A hint of a smile tugged at Ernesto's mouth and his eyes brightened a little.

"You want to try kiss again?"

Remus knew his face was bright red and that that probably wasn't very attractive, but he smiled nervously and nodded. This time he was prepared when Ernesto leaned closer and he tilted his head slightly in encouragement. For the second time that evening, he forgot his surroundings, he forgot that people were even around, but this kind of loss of control was different to the one that he dreaded each month; this was thrilling and exciting and wonderful. Then warm, soft lips were pressing against his own, gentle but firm, and Remus just wanted to do this forever.

A rough, slightly calloused hand cupped his jaw and, not quite knowing what to do with his own hands, Remus awkwardly put his hands on the chest before him. The mouth opened against his and Remus automatically copied, allowing their tongues to slide together and – sweet Merlin, why had he never done this before?

Ernesto was a good kisser; much better than Debra had been, but Remus wondered if perhaps that was because Ernesto was a man and he was undeniably more attracted to this man than any girl he'd seen. In any case, he responded with only a hint of hesitation, moving against the mouth that was making his brain seem to buzz oddly but pleasantly... until he was brought back to Earth by a loud wolf whistle.

Remus pulled away reluctantly, remembering where he was and his skin crawled with embarrassment at the thought that he'd been kissing a man in public. A middle aged female tourist hooted at them, grinning, apparently being the one who whistled and Remus waved awkwardly in response, his face burning.

He looked back at Ernesto and returned the brilliant smile that was back on the man's face. He knew now that he needed to do some serious thinking about himself but he certainly didn't need to think about how much he'd enjoyed that. He bit his now damp bottom lip in thought before trying to explain this.

"I don't know if I am... like you, like you said," Ernesto's smile faltered a little but Remus continued, "But I'm on my way to finding out and I don't think we're so different."

Ernesto considered him for a moment before grinning again and shaking his head. "You think a lot, Remus. But I like that, I guess."

Remus' heart jumped into his throat when Ernesto leaned forward again, but it was only a chaste peck on the lips and then he pulled away. "I will see you on Saturday. Maybe we do this again, I would like that."

"I'd like that too."

Ernesto stepped away again and waved, smiling that brilliant, heart warming smile before heading off up the street again.

Remus turned, heading for the road that would take him back to the villa, and he didn't see the beauty of the beach or the sunset. Once he was out of sight of the beach, he allowed himself the ridiculous smile that had been waiting to burst from him and brushed his fingers against his lips in thrilled disbelief. His mind and heart were racing but as he approached the villa, he tried to school his emotions back under control. He'd always been exceptional at concealment and he hid the telling smile and worked a pleasant, tired look onto his face. His cheeks were still flushed with excitement but he was hoping his parents would think it was sunburn.

When he entered the cozy lodgings, his mother chastised him for being late, but it was half-hearted and she immediately moved on to asking how his day was.

They went out to a little restaurant that night for dinner and all through the meal, his parents commented on how happy he looked.

"I guess this Spanish air is doing me good." He replied, smiling warmly and already thinking about the approaching Saturday, hoping it would come soon.

OOOOOOOOO

I'm sorry if this is too boring at the start but I think I got carried away with it. I know most of you are probably hanging out for some R/S or at least some sort of serious slash – I'm trying to hurry!

Anyway... I don't know if the Spanish put sultanas in empanadas but my culture does (and it's fucking delicious); I apologize if it's not the same! Also, I hope Ernesto isn't too stereotypical or anything. I've met people like him but I hope he's not too... bleh, for an OC.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to let me know what you think :) I love getting comments – they make my day!