Chapter Three- curses and classes
Harry knew that defence against the dark arts had become everyone's favourite subject; Neville was always talking about Professor Grey a lot of people thought he had a crush on her like Hermione had a small crush on Professor Lupin. Only Draco Malfoy and his gang of slytherin's were the only ones to complain about both the teachers.
"look at their robes" he would sneer as both teachers walked past "they dress like house-elves" but no one cared about the state of their two favourite teachers.
It had only been week after the Boggart in the wardrobe. Athena had her bag over her shoulder two books in one hand and an order form in the other. She was sending out for a redcap which Remus needed for next lesson. He also wanted her to come and teach about them.
As Athena opened her room door with her elbow and dumped her stuff on her messy wooden desk, she spotted a flower, a sun flower standing up against her mirror above the chest of draws. A note was attached to it. She picked up the flower; it was from the green house a sun flower that stayed open even without sun. She opened the note.
Athena
Thanks for the kappa, the class loved it.
Can't wait to see you in class tomorrow, I think Neville is looking forward to having you in defence against the dark arts again.
Let me know when the redcap arrives.
Remus
She smiled and smelt the flower. She looked round for a vase-ah she didn't have one. So she rested the flower back against the mirror and stuck her head out the door. There sat in an alcove in the wall opposite was that blue and white willow pattern vase. She looked up and down no one was there. She picked up the vase and filled it with water from her wand. She put the sunflower inside. She stood it above her fire place, it fitted in here nicely.
Harry Ron and Hermione entered the defence against the dark arts room. Hermione looked up Professor Grey and Professor Lupin were, both stood talking behind his desk.
Lavender and Parvati entered the room both frowning.
"What's wrong?" asked Hermione as they suddenly stopped.
"Professor Grey" said lavender "she-she looks different"
"She looks clean" said Parvati astonished
"That's prejudice that is" said Ron
"No look!" said Lavender, Harry looked up with the other two at professor grey "she's tidied her hair up….she's wearing a clean robe…purple a great colour on her-oh Merlin!"
Harry and Ron's jaws dropped, and Hermione gasped. Professor Grey had walked out from behind the desk and wrote 'redcaps' on the bored. But it was what she was wearing that made everyone astounded…just appearing under her jeans was a pair of purple high heel shows.
"Take your seats class" said Remus as the rest of the Gryffindor's wondered in, a lot of them staring at Athena. She did look nice today. "Professor Grey will be teaching today" he sat down on his desk observing Athena as she smiled to the class.
"Redcaps" she said "redcaps are also now by the names powrie or dunter they're type of goblin, come elf, come fairy, they consist in a lot of muggle folklore" she said "now who can tell me where they are most commonly found?"
Hermione's hand shot up first, but Athena knew that other students needed to be given a chance as well. Seamus Finnegan raised his hand along with Dean Thomas.
"Seamus?" said Athena pointing to him.
"Don't they inhabit castles between England and Scotland" he said
"That's right" beamed Athena "redcaps are suppose to trick travellers into straying into their homes, then they die their hats red with their victims blood" Neville's face screwed up "but that's muggle folklore for you….no redcaps are most likely to trick you into drowning in a swamp and then they'll come back when you're dead…but there are a few simple ways to deal with a redcap…which professor Lupin will now explain"
Remus looked up at her and smiled, he had been watching the way she worked and the way her body moved when she wore high heels.
"Right if you'd like to stand class and move the desk to the side" he said "Professor Grey if you could fetch the redcap"
Athena nodded and headed out the room, she didn't notice that a few pairs of eyes were watching her.
"Professor Lupin" said dean "is Professor Grey going to be teaching us more often?"
"I'm not sure dean" replied Remus "I think she is a great asset to us"
The door opened behind and Athena hurried back in carrying a large cage she placed it on Remus's desk.
The redcap swore several times at her using finger gestures.
"Lovely creatures aren't they?" she said to the class, who laughed.
Remus began to demonstrate how to trick and confuse a redcap, and how not to follow its instructions. Athena stood and watched his body language; he moved his hands a lot when talking or using demonstrations. She loved the way he spoke to the class simple and lightly but praising them when they got questions right or when they asked questions themselves.
"Well that's all for today" said Remus "five points to everyone who got a questions correct and five points if you asked a question"
"And an extra two points to Seamus for answering my question" said Athena the classed left talking happily.
Remus lifted the cage off his desk and onto the floor
"Nice work today" he said "you'd make a very good defence teacher"
"No I wouldn't" said Athena blushing a little "I just know about magical creatures, you do better when it comes to battling them" she tightened the strap on her bag.
"But thanks for your help" said Remus kindly but in a less professional way.
"It's ok" said Athena "thanks for the sun flower…it's really nice"
"Yellow flowers are supposed to cheer people up when the sky is grey" said Remus shrugging he picked up his bag and walked with her to the door.
"What are you doing tomorrow evening?" he asked suddenly
Athena stopped she knew where this was going and this was really bad.
"Um I don't know" she kept her head down
"Well I was wondering" he said she didn't want to look at him "if you wanted to-" he hesitated "talk about next lesson over a drink" he sounded glum and knew that's not what he was going to say
"A teachers meeting?" she asked finally looking up
He nodded
"Great 8 o'clock three broomsticks?" she asked
He nodded "see you then"
She walked away happier it wasn't the fact that he was a nice guy or was older than her it was the fact that she didn't want to ruin their new friendship with her bad luck in dating.
She strolled down the high street towards the three broomstick it had just gone eight; she quickened her pace as the wind blew making her shiver.
She opened the pub door and the heat hit her warming her instantly and making her feel a little numb.
She looked round the room, Remus was sat at one of the booths he waved her over.
She smiled and dropped into the seat opposite him.
"Hello" she said unwrapping her scarf
"Good evening" he said in return "drinks are on me what do you fancy?"
"Err" she thought "a butterbeer is fine"
He nodded and went up to the bar. She observed the way he leant against the bar leaning on his arms, the way he smiled at the barmaid. He was walking back over with the drinks when she snapped out of her trance.
"Thanks" she said smiling taking a bottle and sipping from it the sweet liquid tickled the back of her throat
"So next lesson" said Remus dropping into the seat next to her "I was going to teach about grindylow's"
Athena rolled her eyes "say no more" she said smiling "you want me to get you one"
"Is that possible?" he asked almost worriedly "if you can't I understand"
"Give me a challenge" she sipping her butterbeer again "the only thing I probably wouldn't be able to get you is a dragon" she frowned in thought "actually no, my friend Charlie would probably get me one"
Remus smiled and sipped his own beer "so you went to school with this Charlie?"
She nodded her head "yep Charlie Weasley was one of my best friends" she smiled "so was Nymphadora Tonks"
"I use to know her" said Remus he tipped his bottle of butterbeer from one side to the other "she was four I think when I last saw her, she was a friend of mines cousin I believe"
Athena nodded her head slowly "who was you're friend?" she asked
Remus's expression change suddenly "you really don't want to know" he said
Athena frowned taken back more like he didn't want to say
"You don't have to tell me" she said kindly "it's a teacher meeting after all"
He smiled softly "I only said that so you'd come for a drink"
Her face was expressionless when he looked up "you should have just told me the truth"
"I know" he said clasping his hands together "but you wouldn't have come them"
"If you had just said as friends then I would have" she downed the rest of her drink
"Well then maybe you would like to go out on a proper date next weeken-"
She didn't allow him to finish "I don't date" she stood "thank you for the drink, please don't lie to me in the future" she walked from the pub.
He followed the second the door closed as he reached the cobbled street she was only a little way ahead
"Athena!" he called running after her
She turned sighing stopping in the street "yes?" she asked
"I'm sorry" he said pathetically there was nothing else he could say "I really am, maybe we don't need to go on a date maybe we could just go out? Just together?"
She almost smiled almost but not quiet he come up with a clever idea to get around her excuse "maybe" she said and his face lit up "we'll see just don't push it" she waved a suppose to be threatening finger he almost broke into laughing again as they both walked up towards the castle gates.
"So can I suggest we go out together for a meal?" he said as they reached the front door to the castle
She hesitated, thinking but also not thinking, he went to speak opening his mouth looking guilty "ok" she said holding up a hand "we can go out for dinner"
He smiled at her and opened the door
The metal scraped across the stone floor again as the moonlight drifted away from the window. The girl lay withering in agony on the floor in her own blood.
The locked clicked and the girl felt the scratches on her body been healed, the side her thigh was numb she couldn't feel that anymore as a potion was forced down her throat.
The poison was coursing through her body causing her heart to accelerate quicker and quicker.
She was suddenly lifted off the ground and was in someone arms she knew but she didn't want to be in those arms.
She was placed gently on her bed and the women hurriedly left the room.
The girl looked up at the mirror which showed her lying on the bed shaking with sweat and tears, the blood oozing from her side, or what was left of it.
She hesitated outside the door hand raised to knock she closed her eyes took and deep breath and knocked three times.
"Come in" called a voice
The feeling of walking into this office was quite strange it was like been a school child again
"Can I talk to you?" asked Athena
Minerva looked up over her glasses "what have you done now?" she asked
"Honestly" Athena sat down in one of the chairs in front of the desk "nothing"
Minerva raised an eyebrow "then why are you here?" she set the quill she was using down and folded her arms gently on the desk
"You've heard that Remus is taken me out for dinner tomorrow" said Athena nervously "and I have no idea on how I'm suppose to act, talk, walk or wear"
Minerva almost looked sad, almost but there was that touch of excitement there too "I'm sure, Poppy, Pomona and I will be more than willing to help you"
Athena smiled "thank you" she said happily "it means a lot"
"Now do you have a dress?" asked Minerva
"Er-" Athena thought for a moment "yes I do, but its rather fancy" she cringed at the idea of wearing it
"Then it'll do perfectly" said Minerva already guessing that was why Athena cringed "now let's go find Poppy and see what we can do about your hair" she stood and led Athena to the door
"What about my hair?" asked Athena worriedly regretting asking for help?
"Well, let's just see what we can do about it" replied Minerva as the office door closed.
He waited anxiously in the entrance hall dinner was still in progress so the students wouldn't have to witness this as he stood there wearing a new shirt and his slightly less scruffy jacket and trousers.
Quiet voices echoed from the top of the stairs a group of students walked past giggling looking over their shoulder
"Away with you" scolded a stern voice; Minerva appeared at the top of the stairs followed by Poppy and Pomona who were both grinning from ear to ear.
"You look very handsome Remus" said Minerva, she held out an arm and peered to her right, Poppy and Pomona glared in the same direction
Minerva lowered her hand and stormed towards the direction she had her arm held out to. She appeared dragging roughly Athena by the arm.
Remus froze on the spot Athena looked beautiful, she wore a red dress that came just above her knees, on her feet were satin red shoes that matched her dress, her hair was in neater curls they were sleek and shinny.
She was cringing at her feet as she walked down the stairs followed by Minerva and Poppy
"Hi…" she whispered to him not looking at his face he saw her cheeks flare red as he looked her over accidently not been able to control his eyes. "Can we go please?"
Minerva frowned "try to enjoy yourself" she gently pushed Athena forward who almost stumbled in her shoes; she threw a disgusted look at her feet and glared at Minerva.
Remus took her arm and laced it with his "you look very nice" he commented, maybe it would be safe to keep hold of her arm
She blushed "I've never worn this dress or shoes before" her voice was filled with horror "my mum bought me this dress and I've never worn it…" she mumbled on a bit more
"I need to thank Minerva" said Remus as they approached the gate
"Why?" asked Athena her eyebrows furrowed
"Because you look breath taking" he said and she blushed even deeper.
The air turned colder as they approached the gate two death eaters emerged from the shadows
"Stand aside" said Remus he held up his hands "I am Professor Remus John Lupin I have permission from Albus Dumbledore to pass"
"I am Professor Athena Emily Grey" said Athena "I also have permission from Albus Dumbledore to pass"
The dementors shrunk back as the gate opened and Remus and Athena passed through.
Remus led Athena down through Hogsemead high street past the shops whose window displays were lit up brightly in the dark street.
They passed the three broomsticks and the post office and headed out to the outskirts of the village.
"Where are we going?" asked Athena peering round the darkness had gotten stronger as they had passed by the shops
"to the restaurant" he said taking a left towards a street lamp they walked past a couple of old houses until they reached a small red door the was lit up, on the door was written.
The Four Founders
He sounded like the name a pub but as they entered the sweet aroma of fine cooked food flooded the air. The restaurant was decorated with the four houses of Hogwarts, red, green, blue and a dark yellow so that colours toned in with each other.
Remus approached the podium that had the Hogwarts coat of arms on "er-it's under Lupin" he said
The man looked up he had sleek smoothed down black hair and a turned up moustache "right this way" he said drearily he jumped off the small stool he was standing on and came to the same height as Professor Flitwick as he led them to the table set in the window.
Remus held the chair out for Athena a she gracefully as possible sat down "thank you" she said as he took his own seat across from her
"No thank you" he said she gave him a puzzled look "I'm just happy you came tonight"
She smiled and looked down at the menu on her plate; this was one fancy and expensive restaurant, this was the type of place where students couldn't afford to go unless they were rich.
"Don't worry about the price" whispered Remus across the table his brown eyes glistened in the candle light "we get our meals half price here"
Athena couldn't help but laugh and roll her eyes well no wonder he wanted her to come out with him.
Their hands were entwined on the soft red table cloth; she was smiling for what felt like a life time of smiles as soft jazz music played in the background she couldn't be in a more, happier place than this.
The song that was playing softly was L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole and somehow she found herself enjoying having the song in the background as they talked happily together.
They walked back up to the castle hand in hand talking quietly again and giving each other small glances and sweet smiles.
Remus walked Athena back to her room they stopped outside the door. Athena had her shoes in her hand now she's gotten sick of the high heels half away up the marble staircase.
"Thank you Remus" she said he never noticed how blue her eyes were in the dark "I had a really nice time"
"I'm glad you enjoyed it" he reached down and gently kissed her cheek, he then turned around and headed down the hallway.
Athena watched him walk away what the hell? She thought as she called out his name, he stopped. She looked up into his brown eyes and kissed him tenderly on the lips "goodnight" she hurried back to the door and quickly without looking at his face hurried inside.
Remus waited until the door closed he let out a low whistle "I've got style…" he had a new spring in his step as he walked towards his own quarters.
She was left on her bed her leg wrapped up in the bandages she wanted to die she didn't want to be there she wanted to die, she kept pleading and pleading let me die.
The door was pushed open; she shut her eyes and peered gently under her eyes lashes a man and a woman stood in the doorway. The man leaned against the door frame arms crossed his face was set in an angry sneer.
"She's doing well" whispered the women "better than the others"
The man turned his face to the woman she flinched like he'd hit her "she'd better get well soon" his voice was like pure drool the way he spoke "she's needed" and he stalked away as the woman shut the door
The girl opened her eyes her leg was bleeding again she really prayed to die now.
Athena sat in the staff room the day of Halloween she was having a spot of tea with Minerva, she'd had another restless night
"So I heard about Sybill's latest death prediction" said Athena she sipped her tea.
"Poor Potter" said Minerva she took a ginger newt off the tea saucer of bisects "that boy has enough to worry about without Sybill predicting his death"
"Who's predicting whose death?" said a voice Athena looked up to see Remus standing over them he pulled up a chair and helped himself to a cup of tea as well.
"Sybill she predicted the grim in Harry's tea leaves" said Athena
"Ah-well at least she's trying to act like a teacher" he said slowly his foot tapped her ankle gently
"True" said Athena trying not to smile as he rubbed her ankle "oh the Grindylow arrived this morning"
"Oh great" said Remus he smiled at her and she smiled back "do you mind bringing him up to my office?"
"Not at all" said Athena pulling her foot away from his "I'll go down and get him out of the water now"
"Out of the water?" said Minerva curiously
"Enchanted bubble trap" said Athena she took the last ginger newt that Remus was reaching for "very useful" she teased
She headed out the door.
Remus sighed "she's very dedicated"
"She always was" said Minerva "she reminded me a lot of you when she was in my house. Smart girl but got into trouble easily"
"Maybe that's why I like her" said Remus "she reminds me a lot of me when I was younger"
"You be careful you don't hurt her though" said Minerva seriously "she's had more trouble than you in her past" she stood up and headed out the door "I have students to check off for Hogsemead"
Athena held her wand in front of her the hallways were crowded with students as they headed down to the entrance hall to be signed off the list for Hogsemead.
"Excuse me coming through!" she called ahead as students moved aside "Move aside please!"
A group of boys moved against the walls as the giant floating water bubble floated ahead; inside the bubble the Grindylow pulled faces at passing students.
"Wow" said a fourth year his eyes goggling at the bubble.
The students in the corridor muttered to each other as Athena and the bubble trapped Grindylow headed towards Remus's office.
There was a knock on the door.
"Come in" called Remus he stood up from his desk as Athena entered the room.
"Got the tank ready?" she asked her wand pointing out the door.
"Yeah, it's just over here" said Remus he removed the lid of the tank as Athena swung her wand round he ducked as a water filled bubble flew through the air and landed in the tank with a splash.
"One Grindylow" she puffed stowing her wand away.
"Cup of tea?" suggested Remus
"Can't" said Athena though she sat down "I've just taking some potion"
"I understand" said Remus taking a seat as well "what are you doing for the full moon?"
Athena raised an eyebrow "I'll be in my room"
"Oh" said Remus frowning "same here"
Athena nodded why was he frowning?
"So you'll be recovering in the hospital then?"
"Yeah, just like old times…I take it you're not then?"
"That's correct, I prefer to tend to myself" he had an odd expression.
Someone walked past the open door.
"Harry?" said Remus he stood up and looked out the door. Athena stood up as Harry entered the room
"Ah" said Remus he considered Harry for a moment. Harry looked at Athena "I've just taken a delivery of a Grindylow from Professor Grey for our next lesson"
"A what?" said Harry look at the tank.
"A water demon" said Remus surveying the Grindylow thoughtfully, Athena watched the way he touched his jaw "we shouldn't have much difficulty with him not after the Kappa's. The trick is to break his grip. You notice the abnormally long fingers? Strong but very brittle"
Athena cleared her throat "I best be going" she walked backwards towards the door "I'll see you both at the feast tonight?" they both nodded "Bye Harry" she said turning for the door "Bye Remus"
And she was gone.
"Professor Lupin" said Harry "are you and Professor Grey dating?"
Remus looked down at Harry puzzled "what makes you think that?"
"It's just you went out together last week" said Harry shrugging
"I don't know Harry" said Remus thoughtfully "she's a nice young lady she just enjoys spending time with a fellow teacher"
"It's just she's always dressed up when she teachers with you"
Remus considered the matter "I'll ask her next time I see her, shall I?"
"I didn't mean to be nosy" said Harry quickly "it's just Hermione kept saying you two were dating and Ron said you weren't so I thought I'd ask"
"I don't mind you asking" said Remus he looked round "cup of tea? I was just thinking of making one"
That night at the Halloween feast Remus pondered the idea about him and Athena, he spoke quietly to Filius.
"Hhmmm" contemplated Filius "you should speak to her"
"When do you think I should do that?" asked Remus
"When you think the time is right" said Filius firmly "when you feel that you can't wait any longer then you should ask her"
"How do know is she feels the same way back?" asked Remus he was taking advice from someone much older and shorter than him.
"She will be the one who won't stop smiling when she sees you"
"I've never been very good at this Minerva" said Athena hopelessly "how do you know if a guy likes you?"
"He does everything in his power to make you smile" said Minerva the voice of experience "has he sent you flowers at all?"
"A sun flower" said Athena "to brighten a grey day away"
"and he's asking you for help, men don't ask for help a lot" she said sipping her wine "he wants you to be around him even if he doesn't know it yet"
Athena nodded "thanks, Minerva I owe more than two favours now, more like seventy"
"Eighty four" said Minerva matter-of-factly
"What?" chocked Athena covering her mouth
"You have asked my help eight four times"
"You've kept count all these years?"
"Yes, you were a special student" said Minerva she cracked a smile "even though sometimes I can't stand you"
"I feel offended" joked Athena.
The Halloween feast ended Athena was heading out the great hall with the rest of the teachers when a portrait stopped Dumbledore
"Headmaster there is an emergency at Gryffindor tower"
Dumbledore took off down the corridor slipping through a secret passageway.
Athena looked round at Remus they followed Snape and Minerva down the corridor and through the secret passageway
When they arrived at the hallway of the fat lady Athena gasped the fat lady's painting had been slashed apart
"We need to find her" said Dumbledore "professor McGonagall please go find Mr Filch at once and tell him to search every painting in the castle for the fat lady"
"You'll be lucky!" cackled a voice. It was Peeves bobbing over the crowd and looking delighted.
"What do you mean Peeves?" said Dumbledore calmly and Peeve's grin faded he would never taunt Dumbledore.
"Ashamed your headship sir. Doesn't want to be seen. She's a horrible mess. Saw her running through the landscape up on the fourth floor sir dodging between trees. Crying something dreadful" he said happily "poor thing" he added unconvincingly
"Did she say who did it?" asked Dumbledore quietly
"Oh yes professorhead" said Peeves with the air of dropping a large bomb "he got very angry when she wouldn't let him in you see" Peeves flipped over in the air "nasty temper he's got that Sirius Black"
As soon as Peeves broke the news of Sirius Black all the Gryffindor students were sent back to the great hall and were joined ten minutes later by Hufflepuff Ravenclaw and Slytherin who all looked extremely confused.
Remus and Athena stood either side of Dumbledore with the head boy and girl, while Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick shut the doors.
"The teachers and I need to conduct a thorough search of the castle" said Professor Dumbledore to the students "I'm afraid that for your own safety you will have to spend the night here. I want the prefects to stand guard over the entrances to the hall and I am leaving our head boy and girl in charge. Any disturbance should be reported to me immediately" he added to Percy Weasley "send word with one of the ghosts"
Athena and the other teachers backed out of the great hall as Dumbledore conjured up purple sleeping bags for the students. The doors were locked behind them.
"Severus, search the dungeons, Filius search the towers and the owlery, Minerva Athena and Remus fourth floor and upwards. Pomona and Poppy second and first floors and the hospital wing. All teachers need to search their quarters as well encase he entered by Floo powder. Every hour one teacher needs to check on the students."
All the teachers nodded and set off to their search areas.
Athena walked down the corridor her wand raised she checked every secret passageway in her section, her quarters and the empty classrooms. But footsteps echoed in the distance, she pressed her back against the wall and raised her wand to eye level. The footsteps kept coming they weren't fast but they weren't slow either, she couldn't pick up a sent she was up wind.
A shadow appeared around the corner, it was a man, he stepped out-
"Stupefy" she cried, the red jet of light soared towards the figure, he ducked and the spell hit the wall and dissolved,
"Athena it's me" said Remus holding up his hands.
"Sorry" said Athena worriedly "I thought you were Sirius Black"
"Lucky I wasn't you would have got me if I hadn't smelt you first" said Remus he leaned against the wall next to her.
"I hate this" said Athena searching his face a little "Hogwarts doesn't feel safe now, anyone could get in" she shuddered
Remus touched her shoulder she didn't shrug his hand away
"He's probably gone by now he wouldn't hang round this long"
"You speak like you know him" said Athena she rested her hand over his
"I did once" said Remus sadly "well I thought I did"
"We all think we know people and then they turn out to be something you don't expect"
"Voice of experience?"
"Voice of many"
She turned to face him; his face was filled with concern
"Can I ask you something?" he said
"Sure" she shrugged lightly
"Are we dating?"
"We said we weren't going to date" Athena thought for a moment
Remus's face fell slightly "can we?"
"No" said Athena
"Why not?" he said his forehead creased
"Because every time I date someone the relationship always falls apart" she looked up at him her wand light reflected her eyes "and I don't want this one to"
"Ok so we still won't date" said Remus simply
"Ok but how can we not date though? I really just want our first date to be something special for us where I won't be worried that the relationship will fall apart"
"We have intellectual meetings, until you decide it's a date and we have romantic affairs during are intellectual meetings"
Athena couldn't help but laugh she rested her head against his chest.
"Ok I agree to that" she looked up at his smiling face
"Ok, so I'm thinking intellectual meeting a week on Wednesday…privet picnic sound good to you?" he said standing up straight now
"Sounds great" she looked at his watch on his wrist midnight "it's my turn to check on the students"
Remus nodded his head "I better get back to searching"
She began to walk away when he took her hand; he spun around and kissed just like she kissed him the night they came back from dinner. Her hand touched his face while he wrapped his arms around her waist as they deepened the kiss.
Athena pulled away "see you later" she smiled
"Bye" he whispered as she walked away "by the way when we went to dinner was that a date?"
"No" she called back quietly "it was just dinner"
He smiled and headed back the way he came.