Hello everyone, here's chapter three :) I've decided to try to keep to an update schedule of Wednesdays and Saturdays. Thank you for the lovely reviews, they encourage me to write faster!

This chapter mostly consists of Remus's flashbacks/memories. It's also quite a long chapter, I hope that's okay.

By the way, I'm not JK Rowling and I don't own any of the characters (unfortunately).

Enjoy!


Remus had very little to occupy him in the forest. He rarely saw other wolves and he had never seen any other wildlife. All he could do was wander and wander, exploring the seemingly endless expanse of woodland, hoping that the landscape would change, hoping for some variation- any variation- in his diminished existence. He had his dreams, of course. He always had his dreams and he was thankful for them. Sometimes, he was so desperate to dream that he purposefully ran and leapt between the trees, which he usually avoided because it expended so much energy.

But recently, he had found himself doing it a lot, and now was one of those times. He ran until he felt the familiar exhaustion creeping up on him and he gratefully lay down at the foot of a nearby tree, closed his eyes and began to dream…

December 1995

'Goodnight,' Remus murmured to Molly and Arthur as they went to bed. He didn't look at them; he had been watching Hermione reading for the past half an hour.

He and Hermione were the only people up now. It was midnight of Christmas day. Harry, Ron and the other Weasleys had gone to bed an hour before, exhausted after a day of laughter, excitement and over-indulgence. He and Hermione were the only ones who hadn't over done it on the alcohol and food, so they were more alert than the others.

Hermione hadn't noticed that everyone else had gone to bed. When Harry and Ron began a loud game of Monopoly with Fred, George and Ginny she had decided she'd rather read. The book was a collection of British wizarding poetry that Remus himself had bought her.

He thought back to the look of delight on her face when she opened his gift. She immediately leaned over and hugged him, thanking him for the thoughtful present. No one else had bought her a book. Mrs Weasley had given her a matching hand-knitted set of garments: a jumper, scarf, hat and mittens. Harry had given her a writing set complete with parchment, quills and different coloured inks. Ron's present was the worst; he had given her a set of Playwitch's Essential Make-Up, which was ridiculous, because Hermione rarely wore any. He obviously hadn't thought about what Hermione would really want.

As Remus watched her turning the pages of the book, he smiled and was pleased that she seemed to like his present best. He yawned as he suddenly felt tired in mind and body. Although he hadn't been drinking- he couldn't because it aggravated his condition, dulling his senses and energising the wolf within- he had felt exhausted for the last few days because the full moon had only just passed.

Hermione shut her book and looked up. She looked surprised to realise that almost everyone had gone to bed. She glanced at Remus.

'Enjoying the book?' Remus asked with a small smile.

'Yes, I am,' she replied, smiling back. 'It's brilliant; thank you, Remus.'

'You're welcome. And thank you for the book you bought me.'

Hermione nodded. 'I wasn't sure if you'd like it. I was worried that it was insensitive.'

'No, it looks funny. I have to try and find some amusement in my condition or otherwise it'd be tragic.'

She had bought him a comedy book written by a werewolf. Remus had previously read other books by the author and he'd enjoyed them. He yawned again, unable to stop himself.

'How are you, Remus?' she asked. 'It doesn't look like you've recovered from the full moon yet.'

'I'm exhausted all the time and I've been getting headaches. The wolf has been more restless lately.'

Hermione looked concerned. 'That's not good.'

Remus appreciated her concern. She was about the only person who really seemed to care about him. She always knew when the full moon was and she usually sent a large package of Honeydukes' Milk Chocolate (his favourite) to help him recover.

'Don't worry about it,' he said simply.

'I can't help it Remus,' she said, hesitating for a moment. 'I've been researching werewolfism and the Wolfsbane potion lately… I want to develop it so that it eases the condition during non-transformation time as well.'

'How have you been doing that?'

'Well I've read just about every book on the subject in the school library and I've also spoken to Professor Snape about it. He's been helping me because he's intrigued by the idea.'

'Hermione you don't have to,' he said, thinking of many reasons why it wasn't a good idea. 'You're studying for your OWLs, you have enough on your plate.'

'I can manage,' she said and then smiled at him, 'don't you remember how many classes I was taking during my third year.'

'I do,' he said. 'You are an excellent student.'

'That didn't stop you giving me an Exceeds Expectations in my Defence exam, did it?' she said wryly.

He smiled at her apologetically. 'So what have you found out from your research so far?'

'Well Professor Snape has taught me how to make Wolfsbane Potion and now I understand exactly how it works and the underlying principles behind it. I'm planning on experimenting with it.'

Remus looked at her in amazement. 'Hermione that's amazing. The Wolfsbane Potion is well beyond NEWT level Potions.'

She blushed slightly. 'Thanks.' She rose from her seat. 'I'm going to make hot chocolate. Your body will be able to deal with your condition more effectively if you keep your blood sugar up.'

Remus leaned back in his chair and relaxed, appreciating the rare feeling of being looked after. He felt even closer to Hermione now and he felt lucky to have a friend such as her. His eyelids began closing and he fought to stay awake. The cosiness of the lounge and the warmth of friendship made him feel contented enough to actually fall into a healthy, natural sleep.

Reality nudged at Remus's consciousness and he felt himself beginning to awaken. He clung to the rapidly fading dream, desperate to remain in the world of his memories but it was no use. His eyes fluttered open and the dark forest slowly came into focus around him. He quickly shut them again, willing his dreams to return. He ignored the oppressive atmosphere of the forest that was closing in on him now that he was awake, concentrating intensely on Hermione's face, her smooth skin, her perfectly kissable lips, her big brown eyes and her wild brown hair. And, unbelievably, he managed what he had previously been unable to- he felt gentle slumber lapping at his consciousness like calm waves lapping at the shore and he gave into it, letting himself float away…

July 1996

'Harry!' Remus called, his voice cracking as he watched Harry tear away and chase after Bellatrix Lestrange who was cackling insanely, running into the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic.

Remus's eyes were involuntarily drawn to the veil in the centre of the room. He had just watched his friend disappear behind it. Sirius… was dead. He couldn't comprehend it. Remus shook his head to clear it and looked for the other members of the Order. Kingsley, Mad-Eye and Tonks were rounding up the Death Eaters, ready to deliver them to Azkaban.

'Professor Lupin, help!' Luna Lovegood's voice called from over the other side of the room.

She, Neville and Ron were gathered around Ginny who was slumped against the wall, pale and sweating, and Hermione, who was lying on the floor unmoving. Remus's blood ran cold as he ran over to them. He fell to his knees by Hermione's side and checked to see if she was alive.

'She's got a pulse, but it's weak,' Luna said simply as she batted Ron's hand away absent-mindedly.

There was something wrong with Ron. He had a huge inane grin on his face and his eyes were glazed over. He had been trying to play with Luna's hair. He stumbled and tripped over Ginny who winced and cried out in pain; Ron giggled hysterically. Luna and Neville helped Ron up. Luna looked completely fine but Neville had blood running from his nose.

'I need to know what's wrong with all of you,' Remus said, still kneeling by Hermione.

'I'm okay,' Luna said. 'But Neville broke his nose and I think Ginny has a broken ankle. Ron… was attacked by one of those floating brains and he's been like this ever since. I don't know what's wrong with him.'

'What about Hermione?' Remus's voice shook as he looked down at her.

'Dolohov hit her with a dark spell. I don't know what it was,' Luna explained.

Remus nodded and stroked Hermione's cheek, sweeping her hair out of her face. She showed no sign of injury but she wouldn't wake up.

'Remus, we need to go to St. Mungo's,' Ginny said with a gasp. 'Hermione… might die if we leave her like this.'

Remus looked up, alarmed. He tried to forget about Sirius. He tried to forget that his best friend was unconscious and seriously hurt. He took a deep breath and collected his thoughts. He was ready to take control of the situation. He conjured a stretcher and gently lifted Hermione onto it. He picked up a piece of rubble from the floor and transfigured it into a portkey.

Neville and Ginny held onto the rubble. Luna made sure Ron did as well. Finally, Remus held Hermione's hand; as soon as he touched the rubble, they were whisked away and landed just outside the entrance to St. Mungo's.

The Welcome Witch looked shocked when Remus trudged into the hospital with four injured people. She directed Ginny and Neville to the triage area, where broken bones were easily treated. Luna went with them, supporting Ginny as she hobbled along on one foot. A young, kindly-looking healer collected Ron and took him to the second floor.

'What's happened to her?' a healer, indicating the unconscious Hermione.

'She was hit by some dark magic. I'm not sure what spell it was.'

'Okay, follow me,' the healer said briskly.

The healer marched away and Remus followed, carefully levitating Hermione's stretcher alongside him. The healer led them to the fourth floor, to the department that dealt with spell damage. As soon as they entered, a small group of healers rushed forward and took control of the situation. They lifted Hermione onto a gurney and began working on her.

'Is she going to be okay?' Remus asked in a whisper.

'We'll do the best we can,' said the senior healer without looking up.

'I'm afraid you can't be in here,' said the healer who had led them to the fourth floor. 'You're welcome to visit the tearoom on the sixth floor and wait for news.'

Remus nodded woodenly, glancing at Hermione one last time before leaving. He sat alone in the tearoom, silent and glum, staring at his hands which were clasped in front of him on the table. The witch who worked there took pity on him and made him an extra large pot of tea and a plate of scones, free of charge.

After half an hour he had drunk the pot of tea and hadn't even touched the scones. The witch brought him more tea. Shortly, he was joined by Luna, Neville and Ginny.

'Are you okay?' he asked them when they sat at his table.

'Yeah, we're fine now,' Neville said. 'It didn't take long to fix our broken bones.'

'Where's Ron?' Ginny asked.

'He was taken to the second floor,' Remus replied.

Ginny nodded. 'I'll go and see him. Mum and Dad will be here soon anyway.'

She left and Remus, Luna and Neville sat in silence for a while.

'You should go back to Hogwarts,' Remus said to them after a few minutes. 'Here, this will take you there. Just make sure you see your heads of house and tell them you're back.' He handed them a napkin which he had just transfigured into a port key.

'Thanks, Remus,' Neville said quietly.

They both stood, about to leave, but Luna turned to Remus and said sincerely, 'Don't worry, Professor Lupin, Hermione will be fine.' She smiled dreamily and left with Neville.

After he finished the second pot, Remus felt like he couldn't possibly drink anymore tea. He decided that he'd go and wait right outside Hermione's room. He didn't care if it wasn't allowed; he just had to be there when she woke up.

The healers weren't happy with his presence but they didn't make him leave. He watched them work, willing Hermione to be ok. It was now almost three hours since they had arrived at St. Mungo's. He had been pacing outside Hermione's room when Mr and Mrs Weasley turned up. They told him that they were concerned about Hermione. Ron was going to be fine and he only needed to be kept in over night for observation. Exhausted, they left to go home and sleep.

Remus was exhausted as well but he knew he wouldn't be able to sleep. Besides, he didn't want to; he was going to be first person Hermione saw when she regained consciousness. He paced relentlessly for another few hours and finally, a healer came out and informed him that Hermione would be fine. He sagged in relief, the tension leaving his body.

'You can sit with her now,' the healer said. 'She might not wake up for a while, though.'

He went inside and sat in the chair next to her bed. She looked so small and pale lying there. He took her hand and it felt cold. She showed no signs of waking yet so he simply sat and watched her breathing.

After an hour, Remus was still holding her hand. His own hand was numb from lack of movement but he didn't want to let go of her. Her hand twitched slightly and her eyelids began to flutter. He squeezed her hand gently and she squeezed back. Slowly, her eyes open and she looked at him blearily.

'Remus,' she whispered, confused.

He gave her a wobbly smile and clutched her hand a little more tightly. 'You scared me,' he whispered.

'What happened?'

'You were hit by dark magic,' he explained quietly.

Hermione started to look more alert. 'What about the others?'

'Everyone's fine,' he said. 'Ron is being kept in for the night, and Neville and Ginny were healed and sent back to Hogwarts.'

Hermione nodded and then looked fearful. 'Did the Death Eaters get the prophecy?'

Remus shook his head. 'It's destroyed.'

'Can you help me sit up?' she asked. He propped up her pillows and lifted her into a sitting position. When she was settled again she said, 'Tell me everything.'

'Severus contacted us and Sirius and I realised what happened and that you were all in great danger. We and some of the other members of the Order rushed to the Ministry.'

'Then what happened?'

'We managed to capture all the Death Eaters except Bellatrix.'

'So everyone's okay?'

Remus face fell and he looked at Hermione sombrely. 'Sirius… didn't make it.'

Hermione looked shocked and then immediately started trying to get out of bed. The movement made her wince in pain but she didn't stop.

'Hermione, what are you doing?'

'I need to get back to Hogwarts to see Harry, he must be devastated.'

'You can't leave,' he said. 'You've had a serious injury.'

Hermione shrugged and continued trying to lift herself off the bed.

'Please stop,' Remus said gently. Hearing his tone, Hermione became still and allowed him to push her gently back down onto the bed. She looked at him with a sad expression.

'Poor Harry,' she said in a small voice.

Remus nodded and finally allowed himself to think of Sirius. He could hardly believe it had happened. He was upset by the thought of Sirius's miserable, unhappy life ending so badly. A tear slid down his cheek and more followed.

'Remus, come here,' Hermione said tenderly and he moved closer, allowing her to pull him into an embrace. His shoulders shook with the force of his grief. He laid his head on her shoulder and wept.

This time when the dream ended, he didn't come back to reality. Instead, another dream began but this one was further in time. Some part of him recognised which memory it was and he knew it had been one of the happiest times of his life. He smiled inwardly, completely content to relive his memories time and time again…

August 1996

'Ron, I know you're gangly but try not to flail your arms about so much,' Hermione said patiently. 'Or your spells will become inaccurate.'

Remus had just arrived at the Burrow. He was in the garden, watching Hermione, Harry and Ron as they practised duelling.

'Right,' Ron said in frustration. 'But this is like school. It's the summer holidays, Hermione. Can't we just have a bit of fun?'

'Ron, you know we need loads of practise with defensive magic,' she said. 'Besides, you've gotten really good at it.'

Ron smiled at her proudly. 'Well, let's start again then.'

'Stupefy!' shouted Hermione with very little warning.

Surprisingly, Ron managed to cast the shield charm with very little difficulty and Hermione's spell rebounded, nearly hitting Harry. Ron smirked at her.

None of them had seen Remus. Hermione and Harry were standing with their backs to him. They were all too engrossed in their duelling match.

'Careful, Ron,' said Harry jokingly, 'Don't strain yourself.'

Ron aimed a rude gesture in Harry's direction and was so distracted that he didn't see Hermione's well-aimed spell.

'Levicorpus!' she shouted and Ron was suddenly hoisted up in the air, yelling in surprise.

'You shouldn't turn your back on your opponent, Ronald,' Hermione said primly before using the counter-spell.

Ron fell unceremoniously to the ground in a rumpled heap, blushing furiously. Harry was doubled over in laughter and Hermione couldn't seem to keep the grin off her face. Ron scrambled to his feet and dusted off his clothes.

'Er, right, you have a go, Harry… I'll go and see if Mum wants any help with dinner.'

Ron quickly made his way back into the house, still blushing.

Hermione raised her eyebrows at Harry, who was still laughing. 'What?'

Harry shook his head. 'Poor Ron, he doesn't like making a fool of himself in front of you.'

'Why not?' Hermione asked.

'Oh come on, Hermione. Surely you've noticed that Ron's got a thing for you. He's fancied you since fourth year.'

Hermione looked as nonplussed as Remus felt but before she could say anything, Harry noticed that they were being observed.

'Remus!' he said happily. 'What are you doing here?'

Hermione turned around and beamed at him.

'Hi, Remus,' she said.

'Hi, Harry, Hermione. I'm just catching up on the Order news,' he explained. 'Molly and Arthur agreed to let Dumbledore make the Burrow the new headquarters. How are you both?'

'We're okay,' said Hermione glancing at Harry. 'What about you? You look well.'

'I am,' he said with his usual sincere smile. 'For some reason I feel different. This summer I've been feeling younger than I have in years.'

'Nice to see you, Remus,' said Harry. 'I'm going to find Ginny. I need to… tell her something.'

He smiled and left.

'Like we don't know what he's really going to do,' Hermione said, rolling her eyes.

'What do you mean?' Remus asked.

'Harry and Ginny have started going out together,' she explained.

Remus nodded and then there was a silence which they filled by simply looking at each other. Although it had only been a few weeks since he had last seen her, Hermione looked different. She was radiant. She was wearing a small, yellow sundress with white shoes and a white ribbon in her hair. Her hair was wild as usual and her brown eyes shone. She looked the epitome of summer happiness.

Also, Remus noticed, she seemed to have transitioned from a girl to a woman. She was slim but now she had a pair of small, perfect breasts and lovely curves. He was a bit taken aback. She had had her sixteenth birthday only a few weeks ago but it was as though she had developed fully into adulthood in that short time. Remus looked away, embarrassed by his inappropriate thoughts.

'So… how is your summer so far?' he asked.

'Good,' she said, smiling.

'Nice duelling by the way,' he said.

'Thanks,' she said. 'But maybe I could benefit from the tuition of an ex-Defence professor.'

'Hermione, you really don't need any help, your defensive skills are far beyond any seventh year.'

She smiled at the compliment but looked ever so slightly disappointed with his response.

Remus seemed to spend a lot of time around Hermione. Even though they were guests at the Burrow, they often offered to help Molly with the housework and she usually gave them tasks that they could complete together.

Harry and Ron played a lot of Quidditch with Ginny, Fred and George, so Remus often found himself alone with Hermione, walking round Ottery St. Catchpole or taking trips to Diagon Alley.

Every meal time, Remus and Hermione sat next to each other and Remus felt their friendship growing stronger and stronger until he thought that they couldn't get any closer than they currently were.

One night when Remus was suffering from insomnia he tiptoed to the bathroom, trying not to wake anyone up. On his way back to his room his enhanced werewolf hearing picked up the sound of voices coming from Ginny's room; she and Hermione were talking. He heard Ginny mention his name and, although he knew he shouldn't, he stopped to listen.

'I know I'm spending loads of time with him, Gin,' Hermione said. 'I did last summer, remember? We're very good friends and we have a lot in common.'

'Ah but last year you only had a crush on him,' Ginny said.

Remus raised his eyebrows and leaned closer to the door.

'What do you mean?' Hermione asked.

Ginny lowered her voice, but Remus still heard her clearly. 'You're in love with him, 'Mione.'

Hermione gasped and didn't say anything. Her lack of response was enough to confirm the truth to both Ginny and Remus.

'I've seen the way you look at him,' Ginny continued. 'It's like your world begins and ends with him. You're always laughing and smiling when he's around and you always find a way to be close to him or touch him.'

'Ok, Ginny,' Hermione said shakily. 'I guess I'm not surprised that you noticed but please tell me no one else has.'

'Don't worry, I'm the only one who knows your secret,' Ginny said.

'Good,' Hermione said. 'Don't tell anyone, especially Ron.'

'What are you going to do about it?' Ginny asked.

'I don't know,' Hermione admitted.

It was quiet for a few minutes and Remus thought that they must have gone to sleep. He was about to go back to his own room when he heard Hermione speak again.

'I'm in love with Remus Lupin,' she whispered happily.

Remus, feeling suddenly warm, his heart beating too fast, walked back to his room in a daze. He lay on his bed and looked up at the ceiling.

Hermione Granger… was in love with him. How was that possible? How could someone as beautiful, as pure as Hermione possibly love a monster like him?

Today his own feelings had become clear to him. Ever since the day at the Ministry of Magic, when he had thought Hermione had died, he had been unable to stop thinking about her. He went about his work for the Order, distracted by her and confused by his feelings. He suspected that he might be developing an attraction to her but today had confirmed it. Seeing Hermione smiling at him in the sunshine, wearing her little yellow sundress, he knew that he loved her.

He felt disgusted with himself, like he was a dirty old pervert. She was sixteen, barely an adult and he was twenty years older than her. It was wrong… but it felt right. Officially, Hermione was young but in reality she was mature far beyond her years. She was his intellectual equal. They liked and disliked all the same things. They made each other laugh and smile. Despite the supposed impossibility of their love, they were meant to be together.

Society wouldn't agree, however. Society wouldn't accept the love between a witch and a werewolf. Hermione would be judged and condemned by her friends and peers. If she loved him she would destroy herself and Remus couldn't let that happen, he simply couldn't.

A few days later, when Remus and Hermione asked if there was anything they could do to help Mrs Weasley, the witch asked if they would go shopping in Diagon Alley for the new school supplies and equipment. They agreed to go and Remus was looking forward to being alone with Hermione, but then became afraid of what would happen. At the last minute he asked if Harry, Ron and Ginny would like to accompany them.

They bought all their equipment and their new uniform first and Ron and Harry were soon bored.

'Come on, let's go to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes,' Ron said eagerly. 'I've been meaning to visit. Maybe Fred and George will give us free stuff!'

'Are you coming, Hermione?' Harry asked.

'In a while,' she replied. 'I'll just help Remus get the school books.'

Harry nodded. He linked his arm through Ginny's and they followed Ron down the street.

Remus swallowed nervously. This was exactly what he had been trying to avoid. But if they really only bought the books and then joined the others, maybe they would be fine.

He looked at Hermione. 'So, to Flourish and Blotts?'

'You know me too well,' said Hermione with a smile.

There was something intimate about the book shop that day that Remus hadn't noticed before. The shop was nearly empty of customers. It was very quiet and the tall bookshelves seemed to offer cover for certain… romantic activities.

'So what's on the list?' Hermione asked him.

He silently handed her the list and she began to browse the shelves. He followed her and watched as she face crinkled in concentration. When she found a book that she needed she handed it to him to hold. Sometimes a book was too high on the shelf for her to reach and he used his height to come to her rescue; he was amused and surprised by how tiny she was. He hadn't noticed before but there was a considerable height different between them. If he was to embrace her she would easily fit under his arm and he would be able to rest his chin on the top of her head. He blushed, suddenly realising what he was thinking about.

'I think that's everything,' Hermione said. 'Let's pay.'

There were so many books that the shop assistant had to put them in two large bags. Remus picked up the heavy bags with ease and Hermione seemed impressed by his strength.

'Shall we go and find the others now?' Remus asked when they stepped outside.

'Shall we go to the Leaky Cauldron and have a drink first?' Hermione suggested. 'I'm thirsty.'

'Ok,' Remus agreed, following her while worrying that a not at all unwanted romantic interlude was about to happen.

'What do you want to drink?' Remus asked when they got to the pub.

'Butterbeer please,' she said and walked off to find a table.

Remus bought the drinks and joined her at a little table in a cosy corner of the pub. He didn't know if he was imagining it, but everything seemed much more intimate when he was alone with Hermione.

'Thanks,' Hermione said, sipping her drink.

They were quiet for a moment.

'We-' Remus said.

'I-', Hermione started at the same time he spoke.

They both stopped talking and smiled at each other.

'You first,' Remus said. He had been intending to say that they shouldn't stay too long, or the others would wonder where they were.

'I was just going to say, remember when I told you I was researching werewolfism?'

'Yes?' he prompted with a nod.

'Well I think I've made a modified wolfsbane potion that will ease your condition outside of the full moon as well,' she said.

'That's great,' Remus said, impressed with her abilities but unenthusiastic about the success of it. He didn't doubt her; he just doubted that his condition could ever be better.

'It kind of works like the contraceptive pill that Muggle women take,' Hermione said. 'And actually, that's where I got the idea.'

Remus raised his eyebrows at her and she blushed.

'I- I just mean that it's similar in the way it works,' she explained quickly. 'You take the potion everyday for twenty one days of the lunar cycle and then you shouldn't have to take any during the last seven days of the cycle, including the night of the full moon.'

He nodded. 'And how will it affect me?'

'It will make you feel less exhausted because you'll be able to get a decent night's sleep. You shouldn't get any headaches or nausea. You won't be irritable or restless when the full moon approaches. And the best part is that the wolf part of you will be suppressed but you'll still have the benefit of your werewolf strength and heightened senses.'

'And what about during the full moon?' he asked.

'It will work exactly how the original wolfsbane potion works. You'll transform but you'll be an ordinary, harmless wolf, no danger to anyone.'

'Amazing,' Remus said, beaming at her. 'You're fantastic.'

Hermione beamed back at him. 'Do you want to try it?'

'Yes,' he said eagerly. 'When do I have to start taking it?'

'The day after the full moon, so we'll have to wait a few weeks yet,' she said.

'Ok,' he said, feeling happy until a sudden thought struck him. 'Wait. You'll have to brew three week's supply of this potion every month. You can't do that while studying for your NEWTs.'

'I can, Remus,' she said.

He shook his head. 'Don't worry about me. Think of yourself and your education. It's too important not to.'

'Remus,' she said gently, taking hold of his hand. 'I do worry about you because I care. I want to do this, I… need to. I'm scared that your condition will keep getting worse and one day I'll lose you. I can't… live in this world without you in it.'

Her voice had gotten quieter and quieter and when he looked at her he saw tears shining in her eyes. He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.

'Ok,' he said resignedly. 'Do it. But if it starts to affect your studies you have to tell me.'

She agreed and then she slowly started to get back to her usual talkative self. She didn't, Remus noticed, let go of his hand and he did nothing to stop her. He simply sat, looking at his beautiful girl, smiling and chatting and laughing with her while they were connected by the simple intimacy of hand-holding.


Please review! And if you happen to notice any mistakes (I don't have a beta reader) feel free to let me know.