Lucky Number 13
Read beginning notes for summary. I own nothing, naturally. :(
Thanks to:
Chapter 1:
The Night Shift Stranger
Galeston was quite the small town, the tiniest out of the four settling the surrounding roads of Gray Harbor Prison. Small, tranquil, and the quietist. Nothing amazing or startling ever happened here, it was considered a nice place to grow up, a nice place to start a small family.
Being the small town it was, here, everyone knew everyone. Everyone knew every place. Everyone knew where everyone was and what he or she was up too. Everyone even knew when there was someone new in town. It was very rare when the town received visitors of any kind, if they did, they were prepared.
In the center of Galeston sat a tiny café and inn called The Widow. It was an old fashioned sort of inn, with it's old fashioned spindly chairs and tables, a bar with racks of intoxicating beverages embedded into the wooden walls behind it, and a staircase leading to the upper floors. To the bedrooms: hence the inn part of this building.
The Widow was run by a large family, the surname being Weasely. Molly and Arthur Weasely were the parents of seven children, all with flaming red hair and spotting freckles all over their faces. The Weasely children consisted of six boys and one girl. The girl being the youngest. They were perhaps the poorest family in Galeston, having to support so many children, even if three of them had already moved out to start their own lives in bigger towns.
The poorest, but the nicest family you'd ever meet in this small, uneventful town. Remus Lupin knew this, he had been working as a waiter at the inn for almost three years, working the noon shift with their other three sons: the twins Fred and George, and the youngest son, Ronald (Ron for short).
It was a boring job, as no one really visited The Widow. Of course they got the occasional stop-for-coffee customer, but no one truly stopped for a chat, but it did give small pay and kept Remus going. The inn, though usually empty, was quite a cozy place. A boring place to work- but perhaps a lovely place to stay.
It was another boring shift for Remus, the twins had run off saying something about a break, and Ron went to go meet up with a friend of his, Harry Potter.
"I'm sorry, dear." Molly had said while helping Remus clean off some dishes (they were beginning to dust). "I'll get them later for this, leaving you alone-"
"Oh no, it's alright." Remus smiled brushing honey brown hair from his moon-colored eyes. "They're kids, they should be out playing."
"They should be here helping you," Molly insisted drying off a chipped mug, a note of irritation in her voice. "What if there was a customer?"
"No offense, Molly." Remus said stacking the last plate for her to dry. "But we barely get anybody here. I'm sure if there were, I could handle it myself."
"I know dear, and none taken by the way." Molly said, shaking out her rag. "I just want them to take on some responsibility. Honestly- Bill, Charlie, or Percy wouldn't have done this..." She sighed in exasperation.
Remus just chuckled lightly, finishing the last mug and handing it to Molly. She dried it off quickly, and both her and Remus stacked them into the cabinets.
"Remus," Molly said suddenly, biting her bottom lip. "I feel horrible for asking, but..."
"Yes Molly?" Remus said with a light smile.
"You know Brenda, right?" Molly said. "The woman that helps with the night shift? She's out sick, a nasty bout of flu I'm afraid."
"Sounds terrible," Remus commented.
She nodded. "I was wondering, since Brenda's out, could you perhaps take the night shift? Just for this week?"
He nodded, "Of course."
Molly blinked, "You- um, you don't mind?"
Remus shook his head, "Not at all." He smiled. "I have nothing to do during the night, anyway."
"Oh Good!" She said, looking relieved. "I mean, not that you have nothing to do... oh you know..." she laughed nervously.
They both walked from the back kitchen and into the café, empty, as usual. But out of habit, both Remus and Molly took the aprons hanging on the rack by the kitchen door and put them on. Molly began her usual tidying; dusting and cleaning glass. Remus took the liberty of sweeping the floors and making sure tables were clean.
Once all simple chores were done, Molly made tea and they settled themselves at one of the tables. She began buttering biscuits when the bell above the door jingled, and four young boys bustled into the inn, talking loudly and laughing.
Three of them were Molly's sons. Two identical boys, Fred and George, just about to reach their sixteenth year, then there was Ron. A big nosed, big- footed boy, all with flaming red hair and freckles. The last was Ron's friend, Harry Potter. He was quite small and skinny for his age, with messy jet-black hair and thick black rimmed glasses over his emerald green eyes.
"Just where have you three been?" Molly demanded, putting down the biscuit and brandishing the butter knife dangerously.
The boys hushed instantly.
"Um... No where really, just around." Fred answered with a shrug as same time as his brother.
Molly's eyes narrowed with suspicion, "Now don't give me that! Why weren't you here? You were supposed to be helping Remus!"
"Aw, c'mon mum. Remus let us go." George protested. "Isn't that right? Didn't he let us go, Ron?"
"Actually-"Ron was nudged harshly in the ribs by Fred. "Yeah... he let us..."
Remus just shook his head, and grinned.
Molly shook her head; "You are all so impossible- it doesn't matter anyway, all three of you will help him with the night shift, tonight."
There were collective groans from her sons.
"Shush, shush!" Molly snapped. "You three ran off, it's only fair. Besides, Brenda's out. Remus could use all the help he could use." She gave them a final glare before turning to Harry. She smiled warmly. "Hello, Harry, dear. Would you like some tea? Maybe a biscuit?"
"No thanks, Mrs. Weasely." Harry said curtly.
"We don't have time anyway, mum." George said with a grin. "We just came by to tell Remus we saw the coolest car!"
"Did you?" Remus said putting down his empty teacup. Molly refilled it automatically.
"Yeah," Fred said. "Some guy in black was driving it, but I've never seen him before."
"We think he's new," Ron inquired. "We heard some of the neighbors talking. They think he's from America or something, with a car like that. It's totally wicked!"
"It's parked near Wally's Gas Station," Harry said. "We're going to try and get a better look at it."
Molly pursed her lips in disapproval, "I wouldn't bother the man-"
"Oh, mum, we're not going to bother him, we just want to look at his car." Fred grinned. Before Molly could protest, the boys were already out the door.
"Be back by six!" She called, then sighed in defeat. "What will I ever do with them?"
Remus smiled at her, "Boys will be boys, Molly. I remember when I was younger I'd ogle at cars all the time. Telling my parents which ones I wanted when I'd get older."
She sighed again and sat back down. There was another jangle of the bells, and Fred came bustling back inside.
"Mum, Remus!" Fred said excitedly. "He's here, he's here!"
"Who's here?" Remus asked.
"That man with the car!" Fred said. "He just pulled in front of the inn- man, that car is so wicked! It's a corvette mum! A corvette, can you believe it?"
"Must be passing through then, with a car like that." Molly said, standing up again and adjusting her apron. "You said he pulled up here?"
Fred nodded, "Yeah, I think he's coming inside-"He hushed when the third jangle of bells chimed, and a tall man stepped through into the café.
He looked young, perhaps around the age of twenty-one, but he gave off a strange feeling of being a lot older. His hair was black and quite long, cut so his bangs framed his seemingly ageless face. The rest if his hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and sunglasses rested over his eyes. A black leather jacket hung open over his shoulders, revealing the only white bit of clothing on him; a plain T-shirt. Leather pants and heavy looking chains clad his legs, the ending cuts stuffed into thick boots with silver buckles.
All in all, he was definitely not from around here.
Remus couldn't help but stare.
"May I help you?" Molly asked, embarrassed, for she too had a moment of gawking.
"Yeah, this is an inn, right?" The stranger asked. He wasn't American, like he was rumored to be. His British accent was quite clear.
She nodded, "Yes, are you looking to stay the night?"
"A few days, actually, until I can find a place." He said.
There was another awkward silence.
Molly gasped, "Oh, excuse me, it's been awhile since we hand any guests. Fred," she looked at her son. "Fix this gentleman a room and have George help take up his things-"
"Don't worry about any luggage," the man said. "I didn't bring anything with me."
"Oh," Molly blinked. "Alright then. Fred, get a move on now!" She shooed her son towards the stairs.
"All right, mum, all right..." with one final glance at the stranger, Fred made his way up the stairs.
"Would you like anything to drink?" Molly asked, giving the man a kind smile. "Perhaps a place to sit while you're waiting? Tea, maybe?"
He nodded, "I wouldn't say no to coffee, if you have any."
She nodded, "Remus." She turned to her waiter, who stood up quickly, stumbling awkwardly. "Would you seat him? I'll go start boiling that water."
"Of, course." Remus nodded curtly, blushing, and slightly embarrassed. "This way, please." He lead the man to a table near the window, where he got a good view of the town outside. Across the street was Gullies Candy Shop and Maria's Beauty and Hair Salon. They also got a good view of the small parking lot, where the stranger's car was parked. Fred had been right, it was indeed a corvette; black in color and a Stingray model.
Remus looked at it a moment, and agreed with the thought that it matched their guest perfectly. It was dark and almost morbid, and strangely exotic.
He jumped slightly at the scraping of a chair, and that the stranger had seated himself.
"Oh, I'm sorry..." Remus apologized, "I- I zoned out for a second..."
"It's all right," He said. "Cozy inn." He commented, taking his sunglasses off, revealing wild kohl colored eyes. "I never caught your name- what was it?"
"Lupin," Remus said, "Remus Lupin. I'll be your waiter for the evening. May I ask your name?"
The man said nothing for a moment, but Remus swore he was hesitating. Even if he were, he covered up well, looking as though he were surveying his waiter. "Cyrus," he said finally. "Cyrus Tenaar."
"It's nice to meet you," Remus said with a kind smile.
There was a bell toll at the bar, Molly had the coffee ready.
"Oh, your order... I'll be right back," Remus said. He went back over to the bar where Molly had a tray ready. She had a pot of coffee and an empty mug face down on a saucer, and a small plate of biscuits with two packets of sugar and cream on the side.
He carried the tray carefully back to their guest and placed it on the table.
"So," Remus said while pouring the coffee into the mug. "What brings you to Galeston?"
"... nothing really... I grew up here, actually." Cyrus said watching Remus work.
"What part of town?" Remus asked. "Cream or sugar?"
"Both," Cyrus said. "I used to live in the more wealthy part of the neighborhood. The Hills, actually."
"The Old Hills or the New Hills?" Remus said placing the cup in front of him.
"New Hills?" Cyrus raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, the New Hills is on the east part of town, a little ways from the main housings of Galeston." Remus said. "The Old Hills are on the west, but no one lives there anymore, aside from an old woman named Sylvia Moore. But she's more of a hermit than a true resident."
"I grew up in- near Grimmauld... the old Black Estate," Cyrus said with a light pause, taking a sip of his coffee. "I suppose in the Old Hills, then. You say no one lives there anymore?"
"No," Remus said. "Well... accept for myself, I admit. My family's old manor is still standing..."
"Oh," Cyrus said glancing out the window and towards his car. George, Ron and Harry were out there, admiring the car from all angles. George was talking animatedly over something about it and Ron was staring enviously at it, making the occasional comment to Harry.
Cyrus's eyes widened. "Who...?"
"Hm?" Remus looked too. "Oh, I believe you've seen them before. The two red heads are more of Molly's sons."
"Who's that kid? The one with the glasses?" He asked, not taking his eyes off of young Harry.
"Him? That's Harry Potter, Ron's- the one with the big nose... yeah- anyway, he's Ron's best friend." Remus said with a slight cough (probably about the big nose comment).
Cyrus was silent; staring seemingly fascinated at the young boy.
"Is there something wrong?" Remus asked, looking at their guest with concern.
"Huh?" Cyrus pried his eyes away from the window. "Oh no... he just... looks like someone I knew, that's all."
"Oh, all right..." Remus cleared his throat. "Would you like anything else?"
"No... unless you have a newspaper I could look at? This week's headlines is much preferable." Cyrus said, his eyes traveling back to the window.
"Of course," Remus nodded curtly once more, going back over to the bar.
"So," Molly said once he reached her. "What's he like? Did he tell you where he's from?"
"Apparently, he's originally from here." Remus said going around the bar and to the stacks of newspapers. "Why the sudden interest, anyway, Molly?"
Molly blinked and waved a nervous hand, "Oh, no reason... he's just... so different, curiosity, you know..."
"Do you fancy him, Molly?" Remus asked with a teasing smile, pulling up the week's Sunday paper.
Molly blushed, "Remus, how could you say that?! I'm a married woman!... but I have to admit... he's rather dashing isn't he?" She giggled like a schoolgirl, making Remus laugh.
"You would say that, wouldn't you?" Remus smiled, checking the date of the paper to make sure it was the right one.
"Oh stop it!" She said, "Besides, it's not like we have much excitement around here anyway. He just looks so... dangerous, and strangely divine, don't you think? Say, did you happen to catch his name?" she asked almost hopefully.
Remus just laughed again, "It's Cyrus."
"Cyrus... oh, it matches his exterior!" Molly giggled again.
"I hope Arthur doesn't hear you," Remus pointed out, but still with a smile on his face.
"Oh, nonsense, you know I love my husband deeply." Molly said, looking flushed, but miffed.
"I know, I know... I'll be back Molly, our guest wants the paper." Remus said, indicating the newspaper.
"Sure, sure... oh talk with him, find out if he'll be staying permanently." She was a little red at this.
"I will," He grinned going back over to Cyrus's table, shaking his head. "Sorry to keep you waiting." He said handing their guest the paper.
"Not at all," Cyrus said scanning the front page.
"I'm sorry, but we only have the week's local papers. We get the national news in the morning, if you'd like a copy of that tomorrow?" Remus said.
"Sure," He turned immediately to the classifieds and ads.
"Will there be anything else?" Remus asked.
"... yes, actually..." Cyrus folded up the paper and placed it on the side of the tray. "I haven't been here in twelve years, I'm not sure how much has changed. I need to know a few things, if you'd kindly chat with me?"
Remus blinked. "Of course,"
"Please, sit, this might be a while." Cyrus took another sip of his coffee as the waiter sat across from him. "First off, I'd like to know why the Old Hills are pretty much abandoned."
"Truthfully, I'm not exactly sure." Remus said. "Most of it's rumors-"
"We can start with that, then." Cyrus prompted.
"All right," the waiter cleared his throat. "I'm not much of a story teller, and I might miss a few things, just to let you know... well, it began with the Black family- I'm sure you know of them, you've lived here when they were around, right?"
Cyrus nodded.
"Well," Remus continued. "Strange things seem to always happen around them. Strange and dark things, mind. They were obscenely rich and were said to have power in the town's council. They were a large family, as the head of the estate had five sons, which were rumored to be trained- strangely as it sounds- to be assassins. Of course, people found this to be completely rediculous, the rumor was started by a nine-year-old anyway." He laughed a little.
The guest smiled grimly.
"Well, even with that, people began to actually believe it. Murders began happening in the Old Hills, you see. Twelve people, all pretty powerful, found in a bloody pool in their own homes." Remus shuddered, murder and blood always sort of creeped him out. "No one would leave their houses for a while, after hearing that, fearing for their own lives, I suppose. Anyway, they caught who did it, it was one of the Black sons. The youngest, caught brutally slaughtering a farmer."
Cyrus's eyes narrowed. Remus didn't know it was either out of anger or fascination. He decided the latter.
"Because of this, the Black family was ruined. The head of the estate's reputation had crumbled, his son in prison, and his other sons were questioned- mostly about the rumor. It was denied of course, but they did, however, state something about the youngest one's state of mind. I heard he was sent to Gray Harbor as a high class prisoner." Remus shrugged.
"That still doesn't explain why the Old Hills are abandoned," Cyrus said.
"I'm getting there," Remus said with a soft smile. "It was after the head of the estate died when they were emptied."
"What?" Cyrus eyes widened, "He died? How- when?"
Remus blinked at Cyrus's sudden eagerness to know, "Well, um... they said he took ill after his son went to prison, around eleven or maybe twelve years ago. Because of his death, people see the Old Hills as cursed. It's quite the eerie place now, even with the hermit Sylvia."
Cyrus was silent, but he had a strange sort of amused smile on his face. "Really?" he said finally. "Interesting..."
Remus looked at him curiously.
"Thank you, Remus." Cyrus said with a thankful smile. "You've been very helpful to me." He pulled out his wallet and placed some rather rich looking bills in front of him.
Remus stared awkwardly, but not at the bills, but at the wallet.
Cyrus snapped it closed and stuffed it in his back pocket, taking the waiter back to reality.
"Don't be bashful," Cyrus said with a small smile, "take them." He indicated the bills.
"Huh? Oh..." Remus took them with a hesitant hand, "Thank you..."
"Room's ready!" Fred said dashing down the stairs and nearly falling over himself.
"What took you, Fred?" Molly scolded coming around the bar. "Poor man has been waiting for almost a half hour!"
"Sorry mum," Fred panted. "There was a bird in the room- had to chase it out- then I couldn't find the blankets and-"
"Oh hush!" Molly frowned, blushing with embarrassment. "My own son, honestly! Oh, just go fetch your brothers, I'm starting dinner, and your father will be home soon." She looked over when Cyrus approached her, followed by Remus. She blushed even deeper.
"I apologize-"she began as Fred ran off.
Cyrus just shook his head, "Not to worry, miss. Your waiter is good company, he's been very helpful."
"Very good," Molly smiled. "your room is ready. If you'd like to get settled, I'll have Remus take you up-?"
"No, no... It's all right. I need time to be alone anyway," Cyrus said with a curt nod. "Just tell me where to go, if you don't mind?"
"Oh, it's the first door on the left." She said.
"Right, thank you." With that, he began his way up the stairs, his boots giving off a dull thud and the clanking of his heavy chains.
Remus had been silent through their guest's and Molly's exchange of words, strangely curious about what he saw in Cyrus's wallet, as he stared after the stranger as he ascended the stairs.
Cyrus Tenaar was his name, but was it truly? That wasn't what it said on the ID...
"... Jeremy Holland?" Remus murmured to himself as his eyes remained on the stairs, though the strange man was out of sight.
But why would Cyrus lie about his name?
&&&
Ta DA! CHAPPY 1! I did it! Ten pages and I did it! :) Even though only one reviewed... hm... hopefully I'll get more this time!
Please review? This story means a lot to me... and besides, if you're lucky, I might... lemon it up. (hint, hint, wink, wink) :)
With love,
Hetera
PS: Please let this have made sense! Oh, I hope the imagery's okay... Did I do all right? Please tell me! I must know!!!
Read beginning notes for summary. I own nothing, naturally. :(
Thanks to:
Chapter 1:
The Night Shift Stranger
Galeston was quite the small town, the tiniest out of the four settling the surrounding roads of Gray Harbor Prison. Small, tranquil, and the quietist. Nothing amazing or startling ever happened here, it was considered a nice place to grow up, a nice place to start a small family.
Being the small town it was, here, everyone knew everyone. Everyone knew every place. Everyone knew where everyone was and what he or she was up too. Everyone even knew when there was someone new in town. It was very rare when the town received visitors of any kind, if they did, they were prepared.
In the center of Galeston sat a tiny café and inn called The Widow. It was an old fashioned sort of inn, with it's old fashioned spindly chairs and tables, a bar with racks of intoxicating beverages embedded into the wooden walls behind it, and a staircase leading to the upper floors. To the bedrooms: hence the inn part of this building.
The Widow was run by a large family, the surname being Weasely. Molly and Arthur Weasely were the parents of seven children, all with flaming red hair and spotting freckles all over their faces. The Weasely children consisted of six boys and one girl. The girl being the youngest. They were perhaps the poorest family in Galeston, having to support so many children, even if three of them had already moved out to start their own lives in bigger towns.
The poorest, but the nicest family you'd ever meet in this small, uneventful town. Remus Lupin knew this, he had been working as a waiter at the inn for almost three years, working the noon shift with their other three sons: the twins Fred and George, and the youngest son, Ronald (Ron for short).
It was a boring job, as no one really visited The Widow. Of course they got the occasional stop-for-coffee customer, but no one truly stopped for a chat, but it did give small pay and kept Remus going. The inn, though usually empty, was quite a cozy place. A boring place to work- but perhaps a lovely place to stay.
It was another boring shift for Remus, the twins had run off saying something about a break, and Ron went to go meet up with a friend of his, Harry Potter.
"I'm sorry, dear." Molly had said while helping Remus clean off some dishes (they were beginning to dust). "I'll get them later for this, leaving you alone-"
"Oh no, it's alright." Remus smiled brushing honey brown hair from his moon-colored eyes. "They're kids, they should be out playing."
"They should be here helping you," Molly insisted drying off a chipped mug, a note of irritation in her voice. "What if there was a customer?"
"No offense, Molly." Remus said stacking the last plate for her to dry. "But we barely get anybody here. I'm sure if there were, I could handle it myself."
"I know dear, and none taken by the way." Molly said, shaking out her rag. "I just want them to take on some responsibility. Honestly- Bill, Charlie, or Percy wouldn't have done this..." She sighed in exasperation.
Remus just chuckled lightly, finishing the last mug and handing it to Molly. She dried it off quickly, and both her and Remus stacked them into the cabinets.
"Remus," Molly said suddenly, biting her bottom lip. "I feel horrible for asking, but..."
"Yes Molly?" Remus said with a light smile.
"You know Brenda, right?" Molly said. "The woman that helps with the night shift? She's out sick, a nasty bout of flu I'm afraid."
"Sounds terrible," Remus commented.
She nodded. "I was wondering, since Brenda's out, could you perhaps take the night shift? Just for this week?"
He nodded, "Of course."
Molly blinked, "You- um, you don't mind?"
Remus shook his head, "Not at all." He smiled. "I have nothing to do during the night, anyway."
"Oh Good!" She said, looking relieved. "I mean, not that you have nothing to do... oh you know..." she laughed nervously.
They both walked from the back kitchen and into the café, empty, as usual. But out of habit, both Remus and Molly took the aprons hanging on the rack by the kitchen door and put them on. Molly began her usual tidying; dusting and cleaning glass. Remus took the liberty of sweeping the floors and making sure tables were clean.
Once all simple chores were done, Molly made tea and they settled themselves at one of the tables. She began buttering biscuits when the bell above the door jingled, and four young boys bustled into the inn, talking loudly and laughing.
Three of them were Molly's sons. Two identical boys, Fred and George, just about to reach their sixteenth year, then there was Ron. A big nosed, big- footed boy, all with flaming red hair and freckles. The last was Ron's friend, Harry Potter. He was quite small and skinny for his age, with messy jet-black hair and thick black rimmed glasses over his emerald green eyes.
"Just where have you three been?" Molly demanded, putting down the biscuit and brandishing the butter knife dangerously.
The boys hushed instantly.
"Um... No where really, just around." Fred answered with a shrug as same time as his brother.
Molly's eyes narrowed with suspicion, "Now don't give me that! Why weren't you here? You were supposed to be helping Remus!"
"Aw, c'mon mum. Remus let us go." George protested. "Isn't that right? Didn't he let us go, Ron?"
"Actually-"Ron was nudged harshly in the ribs by Fred. "Yeah... he let us..."
Remus just shook his head, and grinned.
Molly shook her head; "You are all so impossible- it doesn't matter anyway, all three of you will help him with the night shift, tonight."
There were collective groans from her sons.
"Shush, shush!" Molly snapped. "You three ran off, it's only fair. Besides, Brenda's out. Remus could use all the help he could use." She gave them a final glare before turning to Harry. She smiled warmly. "Hello, Harry, dear. Would you like some tea? Maybe a biscuit?"
"No thanks, Mrs. Weasely." Harry said curtly.
"We don't have time anyway, mum." George said with a grin. "We just came by to tell Remus we saw the coolest car!"
"Did you?" Remus said putting down his empty teacup. Molly refilled it automatically.
"Yeah," Fred said. "Some guy in black was driving it, but I've never seen him before."
"We think he's new," Ron inquired. "We heard some of the neighbors talking. They think he's from America or something, with a car like that. It's totally wicked!"
"It's parked near Wally's Gas Station," Harry said. "We're going to try and get a better look at it."
Molly pursed her lips in disapproval, "I wouldn't bother the man-"
"Oh, mum, we're not going to bother him, we just want to look at his car." Fred grinned. Before Molly could protest, the boys were already out the door.
"Be back by six!" She called, then sighed in defeat. "What will I ever do with them?"
Remus smiled at her, "Boys will be boys, Molly. I remember when I was younger I'd ogle at cars all the time. Telling my parents which ones I wanted when I'd get older."
She sighed again and sat back down. There was another jangle of the bells, and Fred came bustling back inside.
"Mum, Remus!" Fred said excitedly. "He's here, he's here!"
"Who's here?" Remus asked.
"That man with the car!" Fred said. "He just pulled in front of the inn- man, that car is so wicked! It's a corvette mum! A corvette, can you believe it?"
"Must be passing through then, with a car like that." Molly said, standing up again and adjusting her apron. "You said he pulled up here?"
Fred nodded, "Yeah, I think he's coming inside-"He hushed when the third jangle of bells chimed, and a tall man stepped through into the café.
He looked young, perhaps around the age of twenty-one, but he gave off a strange feeling of being a lot older. His hair was black and quite long, cut so his bangs framed his seemingly ageless face. The rest if his hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and sunglasses rested over his eyes. A black leather jacket hung open over his shoulders, revealing the only white bit of clothing on him; a plain T-shirt. Leather pants and heavy looking chains clad his legs, the ending cuts stuffed into thick boots with silver buckles.
All in all, he was definitely not from around here.
Remus couldn't help but stare.
"May I help you?" Molly asked, embarrassed, for she too had a moment of gawking.
"Yeah, this is an inn, right?" The stranger asked. He wasn't American, like he was rumored to be. His British accent was quite clear.
She nodded, "Yes, are you looking to stay the night?"
"A few days, actually, until I can find a place." He said.
There was another awkward silence.
Molly gasped, "Oh, excuse me, it's been awhile since we hand any guests. Fred," she looked at her son. "Fix this gentleman a room and have George help take up his things-"
"Don't worry about any luggage," the man said. "I didn't bring anything with me."
"Oh," Molly blinked. "Alright then. Fred, get a move on now!" She shooed her son towards the stairs.
"All right, mum, all right..." with one final glance at the stranger, Fred made his way up the stairs.
"Would you like anything to drink?" Molly asked, giving the man a kind smile. "Perhaps a place to sit while you're waiting? Tea, maybe?"
He nodded, "I wouldn't say no to coffee, if you have any."
She nodded, "Remus." She turned to her waiter, who stood up quickly, stumbling awkwardly. "Would you seat him? I'll go start boiling that water."
"Of, course." Remus nodded curtly, blushing, and slightly embarrassed. "This way, please." He lead the man to a table near the window, where he got a good view of the town outside. Across the street was Gullies Candy Shop and Maria's Beauty and Hair Salon. They also got a good view of the small parking lot, where the stranger's car was parked. Fred had been right, it was indeed a corvette; black in color and a Stingray model.
Remus looked at it a moment, and agreed with the thought that it matched their guest perfectly. It was dark and almost morbid, and strangely exotic.
He jumped slightly at the scraping of a chair, and that the stranger had seated himself.
"Oh, I'm sorry..." Remus apologized, "I- I zoned out for a second..."
"It's all right," He said. "Cozy inn." He commented, taking his sunglasses off, revealing wild kohl colored eyes. "I never caught your name- what was it?"
"Lupin," Remus said, "Remus Lupin. I'll be your waiter for the evening. May I ask your name?"
The man said nothing for a moment, but Remus swore he was hesitating. Even if he were, he covered up well, looking as though he were surveying his waiter. "Cyrus," he said finally. "Cyrus Tenaar."
"It's nice to meet you," Remus said with a kind smile.
There was a bell toll at the bar, Molly had the coffee ready.
"Oh, your order... I'll be right back," Remus said. He went back over to the bar where Molly had a tray ready. She had a pot of coffee and an empty mug face down on a saucer, and a small plate of biscuits with two packets of sugar and cream on the side.
He carried the tray carefully back to their guest and placed it on the table.
"So," Remus said while pouring the coffee into the mug. "What brings you to Galeston?"
"... nothing really... I grew up here, actually." Cyrus said watching Remus work.
"What part of town?" Remus asked. "Cream or sugar?"
"Both," Cyrus said. "I used to live in the more wealthy part of the neighborhood. The Hills, actually."
"The Old Hills or the New Hills?" Remus said placing the cup in front of him.
"New Hills?" Cyrus raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, the New Hills is on the east part of town, a little ways from the main housings of Galeston." Remus said. "The Old Hills are on the west, but no one lives there anymore, aside from an old woman named Sylvia Moore. But she's more of a hermit than a true resident."
"I grew up in- near Grimmauld... the old Black Estate," Cyrus said with a light pause, taking a sip of his coffee. "I suppose in the Old Hills, then. You say no one lives there anymore?"
"No," Remus said. "Well... accept for myself, I admit. My family's old manor is still standing..."
"Oh," Cyrus said glancing out the window and towards his car. George, Ron and Harry were out there, admiring the car from all angles. George was talking animatedly over something about it and Ron was staring enviously at it, making the occasional comment to Harry.
Cyrus's eyes widened. "Who...?"
"Hm?" Remus looked too. "Oh, I believe you've seen them before. The two red heads are more of Molly's sons."
"Who's that kid? The one with the glasses?" He asked, not taking his eyes off of young Harry.
"Him? That's Harry Potter, Ron's- the one with the big nose... yeah- anyway, he's Ron's best friend." Remus said with a slight cough (probably about the big nose comment).
Cyrus was silent; staring seemingly fascinated at the young boy.
"Is there something wrong?" Remus asked, looking at their guest with concern.
"Huh?" Cyrus pried his eyes away from the window. "Oh no... he just... looks like someone I knew, that's all."
"Oh, all right..." Remus cleared his throat. "Would you like anything else?"
"No... unless you have a newspaper I could look at? This week's headlines is much preferable." Cyrus said, his eyes traveling back to the window.
"Of course," Remus nodded curtly once more, going back over to the bar.
"So," Molly said once he reached her. "What's he like? Did he tell you where he's from?"
"Apparently, he's originally from here." Remus said going around the bar and to the stacks of newspapers. "Why the sudden interest, anyway, Molly?"
Molly blinked and waved a nervous hand, "Oh, no reason... he's just... so different, curiosity, you know..."
"Do you fancy him, Molly?" Remus asked with a teasing smile, pulling up the week's Sunday paper.
Molly blushed, "Remus, how could you say that?! I'm a married woman!... but I have to admit... he's rather dashing isn't he?" She giggled like a schoolgirl, making Remus laugh.
"You would say that, wouldn't you?" Remus smiled, checking the date of the paper to make sure it was the right one.
"Oh stop it!" She said, "Besides, it's not like we have much excitement around here anyway. He just looks so... dangerous, and strangely divine, don't you think? Say, did you happen to catch his name?" she asked almost hopefully.
Remus just laughed again, "It's Cyrus."
"Cyrus... oh, it matches his exterior!" Molly giggled again.
"I hope Arthur doesn't hear you," Remus pointed out, but still with a smile on his face.
"Oh, nonsense, you know I love my husband deeply." Molly said, looking flushed, but miffed.
"I know, I know... I'll be back Molly, our guest wants the paper." Remus said, indicating the newspaper.
"Sure, sure... oh talk with him, find out if he'll be staying permanently." She was a little red at this.
"I will," He grinned going back over to Cyrus's table, shaking his head. "Sorry to keep you waiting." He said handing their guest the paper.
"Not at all," Cyrus said scanning the front page.
"I'm sorry, but we only have the week's local papers. We get the national news in the morning, if you'd like a copy of that tomorrow?" Remus said.
"Sure," He turned immediately to the classifieds and ads.
"Will there be anything else?" Remus asked.
"... yes, actually..." Cyrus folded up the paper and placed it on the side of the tray. "I haven't been here in twelve years, I'm not sure how much has changed. I need to know a few things, if you'd kindly chat with me?"
Remus blinked. "Of course,"
"Please, sit, this might be a while." Cyrus took another sip of his coffee as the waiter sat across from him. "First off, I'd like to know why the Old Hills are pretty much abandoned."
"Truthfully, I'm not exactly sure." Remus said. "Most of it's rumors-"
"We can start with that, then." Cyrus prompted.
"All right," the waiter cleared his throat. "I'm not much of a story teller, and I might miss a few things, just to let you know... well, it began with the Black family- I'm sure you know of them, you've lived here when they were around, right?"
Cyrus nodded.
"Well," Remus continued. "Strange things seem to always happen around them. Strange and dark things, mind. They were obscenely rich and were said to have power in the town's council. They were a large family, as the head of the estate had five sons, which were rumored to be trained- strangely as it sounds- to be assassins. Of course, people found this to be completely rediculous, the rumor was started by a nine-year-old anyway." He laughed a little.
The guest smiled grimly.
"Well, even with that, people began to actually believe it. Murders began happening in the Old Hills, you see. Twelve people, all pretty powerful, found in a bloody pool in their own homes." Remus shuddered, murder and blood always sort of creeped him out. "No one would leave their houses for a while, after hearing that, fearing for their own lives, I suppose. Anyway, they caught who did it, it was one of the Black sons. The youngest, caught brutally slaughtering a farmer."
Cyrus's eyes narrowed. Remus didn't know it was either out of anger or fascination. He decided the latter.
"Because of this, the Black family was ruined. The head of the estate's reputation had crumbled, his son in prison, and his other sons were questioned- mostly about the rumor. It was denied of course, but they did, however, state something about the youngest one's state of mind. I heard he was sent to Gray Harbor as a high class prisoner." Remus shrugged.
"That still doesn't explain why the Old Hills are abandoned," Cyrus said.
"I'm getting there," Remus said with a soft smile. "It was after the head of the estate died when they were emptied."
"What?" Cyrus eyes widened, "He died? How- when?"
Remus blinked at Cyrus's sudden eagerness to know, "Well, um... they said he took ill after his son went to prison, around eleven or maybe twelve years ago. Because of his death, people see the Old Hills as cursed. It's quite the eerie place now, even with the hermit Sylvia."
Cyrus was silent, but he had a strange sort of amused smile on his face. "Really?" he said finally. "Interesting..."
Remus looked at him curiously.
"Thank you, Remus." Cyrus said with a thankful smile. "You've been very helpful to me." He pulled out his wallet and placed some rather rich looking bills in front of him.
Remus stared awkwardly, but not at the bills, but at the wallet.
Cyrus snapped it closed and stuffed it in his back pocket, taking the waiter back to reality.
"Don't be bashful," Cyrus said with a small smile, "take them." He indicated the bills.
"Huh? Oh..." Remus took them with a hesitant hand, "Thank you..."
"Room's ready!" Fred said dashing down the stairs and nearly falling over himself.
"What took you, Fred?" Molly scolded coming around the bar. "Poor man has been waiting for almost a half hour!"
"Sorry mum," Fred panted. "There was a bird in the room- had to chase it out- then I couldn't find the blankets and-"
"Oh hush!" Molly frowned, blushing with embarrassment. "My own son, honestly! Oh, just go fetch your brothers, I'm starting dinner, and your father will be home soon." She looked over when Cyrus approached her, followed by Remus. She blushed even deeper.
"I apologize-"she began as Fred ran off.
Cyrus just shook his head, "Not to worry, miss. Your waiter is good company, he's been very helpful."
"Very good," Molly smiled. "your room is ready. If you'd like to get settled, I'll have Remus take you up-?"
"No, no... It's all right. I need time to be alone anyway," Cyrus said with a curt nod. "Just tell me where to go, if you don't mind?"
"Oh, it's the first door on the left." She said.
"Right, thank you." With that, he began his way up the stairs, his boots giving off a dull thud and the clanking of his heavy chains.
Remus had been silent through their guest's and Molly's exchange of words, strangely curious about what he saw in Cyrus's wallet, as he stared after the stranger as he ascended the stairs.
Cyrus Tenaar was his name, but was it truly? That wasn't what it said on the ID...
"... Jeremy Holland?" Remus murmured to himself as his eyes remained on the stairs, though the strange man was out of sight.
But why would Cyrus lie about his name?
&&&
Ta DA! CHAPPY 1! I did it! Ten pages and I did it! :) Even though only one reviewed... hm... hopefully I'll get more this time!
Please review? This story means a lot to me... and besides, if you're lucky, I might... lemon it up. (hint, hint, wink, wink) :)
With love,
Hetera
PS: Please let this have made sense! Oh, I hope the imagery's okay... Did I do all right? Please tell me! I must know!!!