Chapter Two

Remus sighed into his hands, the full weight of his day finally pressing down on him. It had been a long one, full of research on a cure for Lycanthropy, as well as endless correspondence from Order members who appeared not to care if he died on one of his countless death missions for them into the thick of a Werewolf camp headed by Fenrir Greyback, just as long as he reported some form of information before kicking the bucket. He angrily stood up out of his chair, and decided to make himself dinner before he went absolutely raving. He settled on something simple, pasta, and began to boil the water with a flick of his wand. As he was making his hard-earned meal, he ran his hand through his hair, which had gotten a bit long, and got lost in his thoughts on the unnecessarily complicated nature that was his curse, and how he could go about breaking that down, when a chime rang through the kitchen. He recognized it as one from the app, and finished making his dinner prior to throwing himself back into his chair and grabbing the tablet so he could read and respond as he ate. You have one new message. Yes, thank you, had no idea… He looked and saw that it was from FireAndBrimstone. "Yes! I knew it was you. What are you doing on this app, Professor? I'm quite surprised, actually. You don't really seem like the type to knowingly talk to strangers. Not that I am, being the youngest member of the Weasley clan, and being advised against doing such by both mum and dad. We will have to get together soon to catch up; it can't be much fun where you are. Let me know, and we can set up a time to get lunch. Lots of love! -Ginny". He chuckled to himself as he read the witch's message, before hitting the reply button and typing out his own message. "Ah, yes, Miss Weasley. What a delightful pleasure it is to hear from you. I hope you are doing well; I heard from Sirius about your impending nuptials, send Harry my congratulations. You are quite right, I'm not having the best of times, but I would love to fill you in more over lunch, as you so kindly suggested. How about next week Thursday, twelve thirty? We can go to The Three Broomsticks, I haven't had a chance to go there in ages. Let me know if that's alright for you. -Remus". He finished his pasta as he was finishing his response, and closed out the app as he went to go clean the dishes. The promise of lunch with a friend managed to take his mind off of his work briefly, and he hummed to himself as he worked on getting the dishes back in order. He decided to take a shower, hoping that the remainder of the tension would dissipate as soon as the hot water met his skin. He was in there for ages, and didn't hear the three chimes that went off in quick succession on his Tablet. Remus went to check it as he was toweling his hair dry, and saw that he had messages from all three of his current correspondents. He opened the one from Ginny first, which stated, "Sounds perfect! See you there!", and moved on to the other two. "Oooh, no, I haven't had a chance to read that one yet, but I've only heard good things. I will have to make that one my next read, but I'm afraid that won't be for a while. I'm rather busy in my line of work at the moment, and I fear that it is sucking up all of my free time. It's nice to accomplish things, but not quite as nice to sacrifice something that is such a huge part of my personal identity. Does that make any sense? I hope so, but I'm not sure; I have barely slept in the past couple of days, and I am afraid that is finally taking its toll on my sanity. Write back soon. -NovelPhoenix". Remus felt a twinge of worry for the person on the other end, although he was unsure why he felt such a strong connection to this witch he didn't know. It's odd, though, he thought to himself, I feel like I have known her for years. Maybe she is someone I know? Wouldn't hurt to ask… "Novel, you really should get some rest. I know all too well the dangers of going without sleep for too long. I hope you don't find this strange, but I think there is a chance that I may know you in my actual life. I'm not sure what it is, but I feel a connection to you that I can't really explain; a desire to protect you, even from yourself. Would you be comfortable telling me who you are? I'm not sure if you will be, and if you aren't, may I have some clue of some sort? Let me know. -WolfLantern". He closed out their conversation, mind still on who the witch could be, before turning his attention on the last message he had waiting in his inbox, from MoonFlower. He liked her username, something about it was soothing to him, but he couldn't put a finger on why that was. He shrugged to himself, and read what she had to say. "How are you doing? I hope you are doing marginally well, at the very least. I really like your username; I have an affinity for wolves. And is the latter part in reference to the Green Lantern? My dad went through a phase where he only read muggle comics, and I read the ones I thought looked interesting, Green Lantern included. I figured I may as well tell you more about myself, despite not knowing the identity behind the person I am speaking to. I gather with your bio you can't be anything but Light, however, so I think I am in the clear on that front. Hmm.. What to tell you.. You know, I really don't know. I wonder if you have the same problem, or if it's just me.. I bet you are kind, though. Just a feeling I have. I'm not doing much today, so perhaps we will have a chance to speak to each other more frequently. Only if you are willing, of course. I hope you have a lovely day even if you choose not to respond. Take care. - MF." Remus didn't really know what to make of the mix of emotions going through his mind. He was torn between astounded disbelief that someone would recognize the significance behind his name, a bewilderment stemming from her kindness to a stranger, and a wild desire to burst out laughing. He was still staring at her message, when a decidedly different chime went off in the app, one signifying that someone wanted to chat with him. He had a brief moment of indecision on whether or not he was going to see who wanted to talk to him, before his more curious side won, and he opened the chat feature. It was from MoonFlower.

Hello! I hope it's alright I am messaging you here, even though you didn't respond to my other message.

Yes, it's quite alright, I only just now was able to read it. How are you?

I'm doing very well, thank you. Still unsure what exactly I should say. Do you have any ideas?

I'm not very experienced at this type of thing either. My friend is the one who even convinced me to sign up for this app. Not sure I would have had the nerve to otherwise. Hmm.. I suppose we could start off simple, and tell each other how old we are. That isn't too revealing.

Oooh, alright. I know what you mean: my friend also convinced me. She said it was a good way to meet new people, and I suppose she is right. Although you are the only one I have properly reached out to yet. I'm twenty, by the way. How old are you?

I.. I am a bit older than twenty. In fact, I am forty. Does that make you uncomfortable?

Not at all. Should it? I've always found that I had more in common with people not in my age group. Those around my age tend to be slightly put off by me. I suppose they consider me to be odd. Although I have no idea why that is.

Remus looked at her reply, and breathed an immediate sigh of relief. He wasn't trying to make any moves on this witch, but it put him slightly more at ease to see that she wasn't encumbered by the twenty year age gap.

I'm glad my age doesn't offend you. And, do not worry, I have a very strict moral code, and I will not be "coming on to" someone of your age. I don't think that would be very prudent. People are put off by you? Really?

Ha, well, thank you for the assurance that this can be completely friendly. I just got out of a rather serious relationship, and I think it will be quite some time before I am looking for someone to replace her with. I'm not quite sure why people find my off-putting. I try to be kind to everyone, because I believe that kindness is something everyone needs to survive.

Wise words, madam. I thank you for bestowing some of your kindness on this old man; it has been a while. I'm sorry to hear about your relationship coming to a close. If it's any consolation, I'm sure there are other women out there who would be lucky to have you.

Oh, I am actually bisexual, sir. So hopefully that opens the playing field a tad.

I wish you luck. So, what are you up to today? Anything fun? Or is the day still open?

Currently still open, although I think I am going to make plans to go out with my friends later. It's important to keep up friendships, after all. How about you? Also, you never answered my question about your username- Green Lantern? Or something else?

Friendships are quite important to maintain, I agree with you there. I don't see much of mine, however, but that isn't for lack of trying. I have research to do, letters to write, missions to partake in. The exciting life I lead holds no bounds… And, you were correct in your guess as to the origins of my name. I admit, I was very surprised that you had heard of him. Not many have.

Yes! I hoped I would be correct! Why don't you see much of your friends? Are they busy, or are you? I bet they would love to be with you, though. Your conversation is interesting, so I don't see why they wouldn't unless they were otherwise detained. What are you researching? Perhaps I can help- I have a job in the Records Department in the Ministry. Let me know, I would love to help.

You work in the RD? That must be slightly boring, I don't think too many people go down there during the workday. I am researching a cure for Lycanthropy. I have quite a few books on the subject, but I am still no closer to the cure. I feel like I am missing something, but I'm unsure what it is. Do you have any access to anything on Werewolves in the RD? If so, I would love to take a look, if that's at all possible. My friends and I are, as a whole, busy, so our lack of contact falls to the blame of all parties involved. Not much to do about that, I'm afraid.

I usually bring books with me, as I tend to finish the tasks they set me rather quickly. I can check for you if we have anything on Lycanthropy- I would love to help you try and find a cure. With any luck, I will be able to find that missing piece of the puzzle for you. Or at least guide you in the right direction.

That would be incredibly kind of you, thank you. What are you reading?

Oh, I am doing research of my own, actually. On a few different topics. Different magical creatures, their levels of protection, any discrimination, that kind of thing. And then I am working on becoming a Healer, so I am doing research into that field. Basically whatever strikes my fancy. I am a big believer in pursuing your passions as they come.

That sounds exciting. I actually have quite a few books on both topics if you would like to borrow them sometime.

Really?

It's the least I can do since you are willing to help me with my research. Would you like to borrow them?

Yes, I would love to! Perhaps you can send them to the Records Department?

Of course. It would be my pleasure. Also, I'm terribly sorry, but there are currently about nine hundred owls trying to get my attention, so I think I am going to have to go for now. It was lovely talking to you, though. Hopefully we can again soon.

I look forward to it. Have a good day! Try not to let the work get you down.

I will do my best. Unless owls peck off my hands.

Good luck! Talk to you soon- MF.

And same to you, my dear. Take care. -WL.

Remus looked at the chat log, and was amazed at how much time had passed since they had begun messaging back and forth. He was completely enraptured by her conversation, and was intrigued by the information that he may be able to get his hands on more research materials. He looked at the owls surrounding him, when in fact there were only three, and resigned himself to another day of dismal letter answering to people he did not particularly wish to speak to. Yet he couldn't keep the hint of a smile from his face as he thought about when he could next speak to MoonFlower…