February 1976. Hogwarts.
A few weeks into the new term, Remus was sitting in the middle of potions class busy reading the instructions for a potion the class was tasked to make. He had teamed up with Lily, as they had been doing since her incident with Snape. She was measuring out a spoonful of powder and adding it to their cauldron. Remus could feel Snape's eyes on them and he kept telling himself not to look. The class was filled with slight chatter at the pairs all worked. Slughorn was roaming between the tables watching and helping where he could.
"Wonderful work Miss Evans, Mister Lupin. Looks like you two are ahead of everyone else so far," Slughorn said. They heard a small crash from a few tables over. Remus looked over and saw Snape cleaning up broken glass of a vial he must've dropped. Snape caught Remus' eye and glared at him.
Slughorn looked over as well and made his way to where Snape was.
Remus turned back to the potion brewing in front of them.
"How long do we have to wait now?" Lily asked.
"Erm, two minutes then we stir it counter-clockwise three times and then we wait another two minutes," Remus read from the text.
"Alright," she was about to say something else when the door to the classroom opened slightly and James stuck his head in.
He saw them and waved Remus over. Remus sighed and gave Lily a small smile and walked over to the door.
"Hey what's up?"
"Can you give this to Lily?" James said handing Remus a small parchment.
"What is it?"
"Nothing, just give it to her."
"Is this a love letter?" Remus laughed.
"What no! Well maybe. Don't look at me like that." Remus was smirking at James very amused by this.
"Very cute James."
"Whatever, just please?" He begged.
"Of course, I'll give it to her now."
"No! Not right now, like slip it into her bag or something, but a place she'll find it."
"Really James?"
"C' mon Moony please?"
"Fine, what am I supposed to tell her you're talking to me about now though?"
"Ugh, I don't know, make something up."
"Mister Potter!" Slughorn exclaimed, "Here to join an extra potions class are we?"
"Uhm, no Sir, sorry I didn't mean to disrupt. I just needed to tell Remus something urgently. But I'll be going now. I'll see you later when I have potions." James said backing away from the door.
"Well, what was so urgent?" Slughorn asked.
"Oh erm… it was nothing don't worry about it."
"Oh now, if it was that urgent I'm very curious to hear it too."
Remus looked up at James very amused.
James' eyes darted between Remus, Lily and Slughorn. Lily was watching him intently, also slightly amused at his obvious discomfort.
"Well you see Professor, there's this girl…" James started slowly, he looked at Lily and then back at Remus, "A girl that Remus is really into!"
"What?" Remus interjected.
"Yeah and you see, she was away for a while but I saw her today and I just needed to let Remus know." James spurted out gripping Remus by the shoulder. Remus frowned at him. A few people in the class giggled.
Remus just sighed and walked back to his desk.
"Well with that I'll be off!" James said slinking out the classroom.
Lily watched Remus, "That's not really what he said was it?"
"Nope…"
She laughed at him as Slughorn came over, "My boy! Caught up in a girl are we now?"
"Nope, we really aren't."
"No matter, I'm sure if you just be yourself she'll come around. Maybe I can show you how to make a potion to make you irresistible. Completely off the book though, but I could give you a few pointers if you'd like. To woo your lady friend."
Lily's lips were pressed tightly together to stop herself from laughing.
"Really Sir, thank you so much for the offer but I think this is something I really need to tackle alone."
"Remus, you've always been a quiet lad but it wouldn't hurt you to ask for help once in a while. Even the best of us need it."
"Thank you so much, Sir, I will keep that in mind."
Slughorn patted Remus' shoulder and gave him a nod and then moved on.
Remus just shook his head, he looked over to Lily who was in a fit of giggles.
"What's so funny?"
"You should really take Slughorn up on his offer, a potion to make you irresistible, sounds delightful," Lily said trying to keep a straight face.
"You might find this hard to believe but I hate being the centre of attention and I'm already so irresistible," Remus said flicking his imaginary long hair over his shoulder.
Lily couldn't stop laughing, making Remus laugh.
"I'm going to go get some more dandelion root, watch it," she said pointing at the cauldron.
She got up and wandered over to the supplies.
Remus quickly took out her bottled ink from her bag, he put James' tiny folded up note against the bottle and tied it with a small piece of string that was originally being used to hold some of their ingredients together. He slipped the bottle back into her bag knowing she'd take it out later in the library when she started her Transfiguration essay.
She returned and smiled at him.
Potions ended and Remus and Lily were able to complete their potion to perfection.
Lily went off to ancient runes while Remus wandered up to the library, he had a free period and decided to work on his defence against the dark arts paper. He walked through the corridor where the Aurors quarters were. He hadn't seen Alina since that morning outside the Great Hall over a month ago. He desperately wanted to know where she had gone and what she was doing but there was no one to ask. After Frank found out that Alina had requested she go alone he freaked and went off after her. But he would sometimes come back to the castle every few weeks. Remus saw Frank three days earlier and he looked so scruffy, his hair was longer and unruly and he was growing a beard. He looked tired and his robes looked worn. Remus had asked what was happening, but Frank hadn't seen Alina since that morning either. He was furious that she just went off but he was more concerned than anything else. Frank had been assigned a new partner who he didn't seem to like one bit but the two of them were master curse breakers and they were travelling the country breaking curses that death eaters had placed on muggles and wizards alike. The only reason he kept coming back to Hogwarts was to check in with Dumbledore on how the new Aurors were doing and if he had heard from Alina. But Frank said the only person who seemed to know where she was or what she was doing was Martin but he wouldn't tell Frank anything. Remus didn't know who Martin was so that didn't help him much.
He entered the library and it was pretty busy, he made his way to the back to the table he usually sat at. As he got closer he saw that someone was already sitting there. He walked up to Regulus and gestured to one of the chairs at the table, "Mind if I sit here?"
Regulus looked up from the book he was reading, "Go for it."
"Thanks," Remus sat down and pulled out his books and some rolls of parchment.
Remus was about a quarter of the way into his essay when Regulus moved over a couple of seats so they were sitting across from one another. Remus looked up at him.
"Can I help you?" He asked.
"So, I got an owl from my mother this morning saying that Sirius said he was going to go to the wedding. But he never said anything to me about it. He isn't planning any big stunt is he?"
"Wait, what wedding?"
"Our cousin Bellatrix's wedding," Regulus said with a frown.
Remus just looked at him, "Oh right, he did mention it. I didn't think he'd go though."
"I asked him to go, but if he didn't tell me that he decided to go then what's the point? Unless…"
"You think he's up to something?"
"Yeah, I do."
"I don't know what to tell you… I don't know what goes on in his head."
"I don't think anyone does."
"I'll ask him for you if you want… find out what he's up to."
Regulus considered Remus for a few seconds, "No I couldn't ask you to do that."
"It's no trouble, I would also like to know what he's thinking. He doesn't need to know it's also coming from you."
"Okay, well just see and if you do find anything out please let me know."
Remus smiled, "Maybe he wants to surprise you?"
Regulus raised his eyebrows, "This is Sirius we're talking about."
Remus laughed, "True."
"But then again he's done stranger things before…"
"He really misses you," Remus said softly.
"I miss him too… but don't tell him I said that. He keeps trying to get me to come with him to the Potter's for the holidays."
"You should, they're great people."
Regulus gave him a humourless laugh, "Please imagine my parents if I told them I was going on holiday with Sirius."
"Wouldn't go down well?"
"I'd probably be kicked out."
"Well if that did happen Sirius would always help you."
"Yeah I know," Regulus gave him a sad smile.
Regulus got up and started packing his stuff away.
"See you around Lupin."
Remus just nodded at him with a smile. He always liked Regulus, it was just a pity that there was so much tension in the family. He hoped Regulus would go with Sirius away for the holiday, knowing how good it would be for both of them. But he was also worried about what Sirius could be up to. Sirius had told Remus, James and Peter about the wedding at Christmas time but Remus had forgotten all about it and now after everything that had happened, Remus was worried Sirius was going to do something stupid at the wedding. What reason could he possibly have for going… Sure maybe he did want to spend some time with his brother but why at the wedding surrounded by the family he hated so much. Remus looked at the time and quickly packed up his things.
He raced up to where the Divination class was. He got there just as the students were leaving.
Sirius was fiddling with his bag and didn't notice Remus straight away.
"Hey Sirius," Remus called after him.
Sirius turned, "Moony, hey what you doing all the way up here?"
Remus just shrugged, "Had a free period and I was around so I thought we could walk to lunch together."
"Yeah okay…" Sirius gave him a funny look.
"What?"
"Look Remus I've known for quite some time now and I want you to know that you can trust me so just say it."
"Wait what's happening… I'm confused."
"You're in love with me, it's okay, I'd be in love with me too if I were you," Sirius said putting his hand on Remus' shoulder.
Remus rolled his eyes, "That's really not it."
"Oh well, your loss." Sirius just shrugged and carried on down the stairs.
"Wait but if I were, you'd be into it too?"
"Can't knock it till you've tried it," Sirius said.
Remus stopped, then shook his head he'd come back to that later.
"So how was class?"
"Same old same old… maybe later you must let me read your palm. See if I can read you." Sirius winked at Remus who just laughed.
"I doubt it says anything good."
"We'll see about that."
They chatted a little bit more as they made their way down to the great hall. Remus was thinking of a way to bring up the wedding but it just wasn't slipping into the conversation.
As they walked towards the entrance to the great hall Regulus came up the stairs from the courtyard, he slowed and gave Remus and Sirius a small smile and a nod. Sirius beamed at him and Remus waved.
"When was the last time you spoke toy Regulus?" Remus asked.
"Uhm I wished him a happy new year when I saw him arrive back to school, but it wasn't much of a conversation."
They sat down at the Gryffindor table.
"So last proper conversation was about the wedding?"
"Yeah must've been…" Sirius said frowning at the food sitting in front of them.
"Are you going to go?"
"Go to what?"
"To the wedding?"
"Do you think I should?" Sirius said picking up a rather large sandwich.
"I don't know, maybe? Spend some time with Regulus maybe? Won't Alphard and Andromeda be there?" Remus was trying his best to sound casual and not pushy.
"Probably. I'm still thinking about it."
"Oh, well if you need someone to think it over with I'm here."
"What is your deal?"
"What nothing… I have no deal."
"Sure…" Sirius eyed him carefully, "Look Remus I know you probably want to come with to the wedding, honestly I was thinking about slipping a trace on Bellatrix myself and somehow getting the information to Alina but I think it would be too dangerous, I can just imagine what kind of people would be at the wedding and I don't think it's a place you want to be."
"Wait, I'm confused."
"That's why you're asking me all these questions right? To see if I'm going and to see if you can come with? You want the Aurors to catch Bellatrix so that Alina can come back?"
Remus paused, "Yes, you caught me… what trace were you thinking of?"
"Not sure, I've been reading up on a few but they're all super tricky and Bellatrix and her moron of a fiancé are really talented wizards there's no way I'll be able to place a trace on her without her knowing."
"Unless it's in a potion and you can slip it into her drink."
"You think it's possible?"
"Maybe… I've heard of a few but I'm just not sure how well it'll work or how long it'll take to brew."
"When's your next free period?"
"Tomorrow after lunch, and yours?"
"Same, wanna hit the library?"
"I never thought I'd hear you say that…"
"Never thought you'd hear him say what?" James asked as he sat down.
"Sirius is coming with me to the library tomorrow."
James looked at Sirius, eyes narrowed suspiciously, "Are you sure this is Sirius?"
"Ha ha, you lads are so funny," Sirius said sarcastically.
James was just about to tuck into his sandwich when Lily came storming into the great hall, "Potter, can I have a word with you? Outside?"
He looked a little frightened and Remus and Sirius just watched her, not saying a word.
"Uhm, sure…" James said slowly.
She spun on her heel and stormed out the hall.
"What did you do this time mate?" Sirius laughed at James.
"No fucking clue." He rolled his eyes as he got up and ran to catch up with her.
Once Lily reached the courtyard she just kept walking. She was walking so fast even James with his long legs struggled to keep up with her pace.
"Lily? Lily! C'mon tell me what's wrong?" He begged her.
She turned into a small alcove just past the courtyard in a deserted corridor.
Once he reached her again she spun around, "What is this?!"
She was holding up the letter he had given to Remus to give to her.
"It's a note."
She just watched him, eyes narrowed.
"It's a note I wrote to you…"
She still didn't say anything.
"What do you want me to say, Lily?"
"I want to know why?"
"Why what?"
"Why didn't you say any of this sooner?"
"Would you have listened?"
She sighed, "No probably not… I just. James what you said in this note is just so… so…" she stopped short unsure of what to say.
"Well, everything I wrote in there was true… It's the real James. The James I want you to know," he said softly.
He looked at her with such sincerity in his eyes, pleading with her to give him a chance.
"Lily, I really do care about you. And I want to get to know you and I want you to get to know me. I just need you to give me a chance."
"James Potter… Remus told me I'd like you if I got to know you. And so far I haven't been disappointed."
"Remus is a good friend."
"Hmmm, but James, say I do get to know you or what you claim is the real you? What about the James I know and dislike? Hmm? What about him? Is he just going to vanish or will he come back rearing large egotistical head and just toss me aside?" He looked so lost, unsure of what to say.
"I've won Lily Evans, now I can move onto the next stupid bitch who comes along," Lily said in a deep voice to mimic James.
"I swear to you I will never do that to you. I know I've been a real prick in the past but who I am with my friends and family, who I really am I want you to know me that way. I just want to be that man now. If it means I can get closer to you."
Lily stared at him, her eyes filled with so much emotion, her lips were parted slightly and her breathing was shallow. She wanted to believe him, but she still doubted him.
"I want to know you, James," she said so softly.
James was frowning, so scared of losing this conversation and losing all the progress they had made in their relationship, but the way she was looking at him now, so much hope and want in her eyes.
She looked as if she longed for him. James' eyes darted down to her mouth, his breath hitched in his throat. He wanted to kiss her so badly. They were so close to one another in this tiny alcove, he didn't realize it was such a tight fit. It would be so easy to just lean forward and touch her lips with his own. His eyes shifted back up to hers and he saw that she was watching his mouth. He smirked slightly and her gaze shot back up to his.
He leaned in closer, "Lily," he said so softly.
"James…"
"I really want to kiss you right now," it was barely a whisper but he knew he heard her.
She looked at him then breathed out, "I won't stop you."
He leaned in and closed his eyes, his lips grazed hers and he had felt nothing like it in his entire life. Her lips were warm and soft and moved with his, pushing and pulling. He started to pull away but her hands slid over his shoulders, one hand moved up into his hair while the other anchored her to his body.
He deepened the kiss and she sighed, his hands were on her hips and he pulled her body against his.
His tongue caressed hers and she moaned. Their kiss was tender. James could feel electricity everywhere their bodies touched and he never wanted it to stop.
She moaned again into his mouth as her tongue dominated his. She gripped his hair hard and pulled him away from her mouth, he grunted at the harsh hold she had on him. He looked down at her and she opened her eyes and looked at him. She was out of breath and slowly stepped back, James wanted nothing more than to pull her back against him and keep kissing her but it took every ounce of self-control not to. She licked her lips and he almost lost it.
"What now?" He asked her timidly.
"If you asked me on a date, I'd say yes."
"Really?"
She rolled her eyes at him.
"Oh right, Lily Evans?"
"Yes?"
"Would you accompany me to Hogsmeade this weekend?"
"I'd love to," she whispered.
He beamed at her and she smiled back, "But so help me, Potter, if you turn back into that arrogant arsehole I will kill you."
"Duly noted."
"It's not even the arrogance… that can be attractive sometimes. Only sometimes. Well pretty often really. It's more confidence than arrogance though. But the arsehole bit is the problem. And I don't care if someone else started it or what the cause was but I can't deal with arse James Potter again, I don't even think-"
"Lily," James cut her off.
"What?"
"You're rambling."
"Oh right sorry… I'm just going to go now then."
"Wait," he grasped her wrist gently before she could run away.
He mustered all the bravery he had, "Can I kiss you once more?"
"No, I think I'm going to keep that until our date." She smirked at him and he smiled at her.
"Fine, torture me why don't you."
She winked at him and walked away. She was a few steps away when she turned back, she ran up to him and planted her lips against his in a quick kiss.
She pulled away before he could respond, "Okay, now you'll have to wait."
James racked his hand through his hair. And let out a deep breath. Grin plastered across his face.
At the same time, Remus and Sirius had gone back to talking about Bellatrix and the wedding.
"I wish I could go with you," Remus said looking into his pumpkin juice.
"Trust me you really don't."
Remus just looked at Sirius.
"Besides," Sirius began, "I doubt the wedding will actually happen, don't you think Alina will get to them before the wedding?"
"I'm more worried about her doing something during the wedding…"
"Oh man, I didn't even think about that… but there will be so many death eaters there."
"Exactly."
"Does she even know about the wedding?"
"Probably, it was announced in the Daily Prophet wasn't it?"
"Maybe the Aurors are planning a big attack…"
Remus frowned, "Maybe you and your brother shouldn't go…"
"Maybe… but I'll decide closer to the time."
"Don't you have to RSVP or something though?"
"Already have. Just in case. If I don't show up I'm sure they'll be fine with it."
"Have you told your bother?"
"No, I probably should though."
"Well, he's sitting right over there why don't you go tell him now?" Remus said gesturing over to the Slytherin table.
Sirius turned and had a look, Regulus was sitting with a few other Slytherins that Sirius didn't know very well. Regulus as if sensing Sirius' gaze on him, looked up and their eyes connected. Sirius got up and pointed his chin towards the door, gesturing for Regulus to join him.
"Let's see if he wants to talk to me…" Sirius said sadly to Remus.
Sirius wandered to the exit. As he left the hall Regulus stood up and said something to his tablemates and then walked briskly towards the exit probably to catch up to Sirius.
Remus was still looking at the door when Lesley Kelly sat down across from him. She was a tall blonde fifth year Gryffindor, Remus didn't know her very well she had a short fling with Sirius during their fourth year but it didn't last longer than a few days. Even then, Remus never really spoke to her.
"Hi Remus," she said in an overly perky voice.
"Hi, Lesley."
"So potions today? I was mad right?"
"Was it? I didn't really notice."
"Well, the girls and I were trying to it figure out, who's the girl you're into?"
"Oh, no one. James just said that to take the pressure off himself."
She narrowed her eyes at him, "So you're not linked to anyone?"
"No…"
"Great, well how would you feel about coming with me to Hogsmeade this weekend?"
"Oh…. Oh."
She gave him a warm smile.
"Wait you want to go to Hogsmeade with me?"
"Yes silly, unless of course, you have somewhere better to be."
"No, uhm okay sure."
"Great! I look forward to it! See you in class." She beamed at him, got up and went down to where her friends were sitting. Once she sat down the group of girls all started talking in hushed tones, they were all smiling at Lesley, she looked over at him and waved. He waved back and her one friend squealed.
"What the fucking is happening," Remus said to himself as he turned back to look forward again.
"What's wrong?" Peter asked. Remus jumped.
"When did you get here?" Remus nearly shouted, "You gave me such a fright!"
"I got here just as you were talking to Lesley, I didn't want to interrupt so I just stood over there," he said pointing at the corner, "then when she got up I sat down."
Remus just frowned at him, "Right okay."
"So what was Lesley saying?"
"Uhm… I'm still trying to figure that out… but I think, I think I have a date."
"With Lesley?!"
"Yeah…"
"Wow! Congrats, I didn't even know you liked her."
"Well, I don't… I don't dislike her though. I just never looked at her that way."
"Well, she's super pretty."
"Yeah, I guess so."
"Do you think James is okay?"
"What? What's wrong with James?"
Peter pointed to the door, James was walking in slowly, a stupid grin plastered to his face.
He flopped down onto the bench across from Peter and Remus and gave them a brilliant smile.
"Everything okay there Jamie?" Peter asked biting into his sandwich.
"She kissed me."
"Who? Lily?"
James just nodded, he looked dazed and Remus couldn't help but laugh.
Sirius came back into the hall and sat next to James, "How'd it go with the harpy?"
"Don't call her that!"
"Whoa ok, sorry…"
"She kissed me, Sirius."
"Wait. What?"
"Well I kissed her and then she kissed me back then she kissed me again. This is the best day of my entire life. We're going on a date next Hogsmeade trip."
"Remus also has a date then!" Peter said happily.
"What?" James and Sirius said in unison.
"I don't know how it happened but yeah?"
"How do you not know how it happened?" Sirius asked amused.
"She just came up and asked me if I was with anyone and I said no and then she said let's go to Hogsmeade together and I said okay. It probably isn't even a date."
"Might want to take protection just in case." Sirius winked at him jokingly.
"Talking about girls, I saw the Ravenclaw lady today," Peter said.
"Alina? Where?" Remus snapped, a bit more eager than he had intended.
"Outside Dumbledore's office."
"How long ago?"
"This morning sometime. Like before my last two classes."
"She probably isn't here anymore…" James said.
Remus sighed and flopped his head on the table, "Probably not… It's just frustrating."
"Well at least we know she's not dead," Sirius said.
"C' mon let's get to class," James said slowly getting up from the table.
Later that evening Remus was sitting with Lily in the common room, he was trying to finish his transfiguration essay but his mind kept wandering. James and Sirius were at Quidditch practice and Peter had tagged along with them. Remus just watched the flames dance in the fireplace.
"So I heard about your date," Lily said, her eyes never leaving her essay.
"Well, I heard about yours." He said smirking at her.
"Don't give me that look."
"What look?" He said trying to keep a straight face but failing.
"That one," She pushed his shoulder and he just laughed.
"I also heard about your kiss,"
She just smiled down at her essay.
"Must've been some kiss,"
"You have no idea," she breathed.
"I'm sorry what was that?" Remus said holding his hand behind his ear, "Remus was right this whole time? Who would've thought…"
She rolled her eyes at him, "Yeah yeah, I'm excited though. He's changing and I really like him."
"Not really changing, he's still the same he's just opening up letting you in."
"Seeing the real him and all that?"
"Something like that."
"So cheesy," Lily laughed softly.
Remus scrunched up his nose at the comment, it really was but it was the truth all the same.
"So what about you and Lesley, I didn't think you liked her."
"Honestly, she just kinda asked me and I just said yes. I'm not even sure what it is."
"Well, she's been telling a lot of people it's a date."
"Really?"
"She's been wanting to ask you out for a while now."
"Really?" Even more surprised now.
"Do you even like her?"
"I don't think I know her well enough to say if I like her or not, who knows maybe I will really like her."
"How romantic," Lily said shaking her head.
Remus looked back to the fire, took a deep breath and looked back down at his essay.
He carried on and after about half an hour he completed his essay and rolled it up.
"Done?" Lily asked.
"Yup, how far are you?"
"Almost done as well. Give me like five minutes."
"Okay, I'm just going to go put my bag upstairs."
"'Kay."
He bounded upstairs dropped his bag onto his bed and came back into the common room.
"Remus!" Sirius called from the entrance into the common room.
"Hey, how was practice?"
"Cold, but Frank is back."
"Where?!"
"He was just outside the Great Hall, Peter and James are busy talking to him," Sirius said quickly.
"Well let's go."
Remus turned to Lily as they were leaving and waved, she waved back and laughed at him as he almost tripped over the carpet in his rush.
The two boys bounded down the stairs and raced through the corridors until they reached the Great Hall.
Frank was there with James and Peter, chatting animatedly.
"Frank! Hey," Remus greeted as they came and stood with them.
"Hiya," Frank said. He looked the worst Remus had ever seen him look. The one side of his face was covered in dried blood and dirt, his robes were torn and dirty and he had a large bruise over the knuckles of his right hand.
"What the hell happened to you?"
"I look that bad 'ey?"
"Well, you don't look great…"
"You look like you've been through hell mate," James said.
"Honestly… I feel like I've been through hell. We were sent in to remove a curse on a muggle village not too far from here but when we go there the death eaters were there too. There were so many of them and Finn and I couldn't hold them off. We tried to fight them but Finn got so badly injured. I couldn't take him to a muggle hospital and Hogwarts was the closest place I knew had a healer. So I brought him here."
"What about you? Do you need to be checked out?" Peter asked.
"Nah I'm fine. Just a few cuts and bruises but I'll be fine. I need to get back there though, the muggles. They need my help."
"You can't go alone though. What if the death eaters are still there?" Remus said.
"Take us with you!" Sirius exclaimed.
"What!?" Peter nearly panicked.
"I can't do that, you're still students."
"We're strong though."
"I don't doubt that but Sirius, death eaters out there are something else entirely. You'll fight them one day but right now you need to finish up here."
Sirius frowned, " We still have two years after this… do you really think the war will carry on that long?"
Frank sighed, "I do… I don't see and end and Voldemort is just growing stronger by the day. If we don't stop him soon we might never."
Silence fell over the five of them.
"Okay, enough doom and gloom for today, I'm going to go see if Dumbledore had a room for me to stay in tonight."
"Wait for Frank-" Remus started.
"No Remus I have no idea where Alina is so don't ask."
"I was actually going to ask about the Lestrange wedding…" Remus said softly.
Frank looked around them, surveying the students around.
"What about it?"
"Are the Aurors planning to attack it or something? We know there will be a lot of death eaters there."
"It was discussed, but I think it was voted against, can't say for sure."
"Frank?" the five of them turned to look where the voice was coming from. At the top of the stairs, they were standing at the base of stood Alina and Dumbledore.
"Alina!" She raced down the stairs and the two of them embraced each other in a firm hug.
She pulled back gripped his chin and turned his head to look at his face, " What happened," she demanded.
"I'm fine Alina, really. Just a little blood." He gave her a smile then noticed the bandage around her left arm.
"What's this," He said, frowning as he held her arm up pulling at the bandages.
She ripped her arm away from him, "It's nothing." She hid her arm beneath her robes and looked down at the floor.
"Alina," Frank said in a hard tone.
"It's nothing honestly. I'll tell you about it later."
"No you'll tell me now, this isn't what I think it is? Is it?"
"Frank I don't think this is the time or the place," Dumbledore spoke in a levelled voice. Which seemed to only make Frank madder.
He pulled at Alina's arm again, almost knocking her off balance.
"Frank stop it!"
He gripped her arm so tightly his knuckles turned white through the dark purple bruise.
"Then tell me what's under the bandage."
"No." He released her arm.
"How could you be so stupid?"
"I'm doing what is necessary Frank."
"Let's take this back to my office."
"Yeah let's!" Frank said as he stormed up the staircase, not even bothering to say anything to the marauders.
Alina turned to Dumbledore, "I told you he'd react this way."
She shook her head and walked back up the stairs as well.
Dumbledore sighed and turned to his four students at the bottom of the staircase, "I'm sorry you had to see that, as I'm sure you realize the Aurors are under a lot of stress." He nodded at them and walked the same direction Frank and Alina had gone off in.
The four boys all exchanged a look.
"What do you think was on her arm?" Peter asked.
"Nothing good…" James said. He and Peter started walking up the stairs towards the Gryffindor Tower.
Sirius turned to Remus, "Sorry that probably wasn't the hello you were hoping for when she got back…"
"No, it wasn't… I wish I knew what was happening now."
"Me too…"
The bandage fell to the floor and Frank took a step back, completely shocked.
"You really did it…" He shook his head and closed his eyes.
"I know you don't approve but-"
"Approve? Really? Alina! What you've done… it's irreversible. You can't take this back.
"Frank please we all have to make sacrifices to win this war," Dumbledore spoke from behind his desk.
Frank glared at him, "Don't you dare speak to me about sacrifices. Alina has sacrificed so much already. I bet you put her up to it!" Frank growled at Dumbledore.
"Frank stop! Dumbledore had nothing to do with this, you know I've wanted to do this for a long time and I finally did it. I found a way in."
Frank glared at her. He grabbed her arm and held it up to have a closer look then he turned it so that her inner arm was facing her.
"Look at it. Look at what you've done to yourself."
She looked down at the black ink, the skull and snake marring her skin glaring up at her.
"Who do they think you are?"
"Daphne Bernard, from the French Pureblood family."
"And they haven't suspected you yet?"
"No, and they never will."
"So you've met Voldemort?"
"I have…"
Frank shook his head again, unbelieving.
"Frank it's working, I'm getting closer and closer to finding a way to kill him. I just need more time."
He gripped her arm again, the Dark Mark sitting arrogantly on her skin. But the black ink was surrounded by raised purple and red skin, furiously inflamed. "Your body is rejecting the mark."
"I can hide the inflammation when I'm around them. The spell just takes a lot so I can't do it constantly."
"It's going to kill you."
"But by the time it does Voldemort will be defeated."
"And what makes you so sure?"
"He has to be! I'm not doing all of this for nothing Frank!"
"But that's exactly what's going to happen! The mark knows when the branded is unwilling, it'll kill you like it killed so many Aurors before you! And all of this would've been for nothing."
"Dumbledore and I have been working on something to stop that from happening."
"Well, you better work fucking fast. From what I can tell you have maybe a few months if you're lucky."
"Well actually…" Franks' head shot up to look at her. She pulled the collar of her robes to the side to reveal her shoulder. Thick black and purple marks veined their way across her pale skin. Frank stepped closed, anger turning to concern. He pulled her collar as far as it could without hurting her, his touch turned so gentle as if he was afraid she'd break.
"How long has it been like this?"
"A few days now…"
"And it keeps spreading?"
"It started around the mark and now it's all over my arm."
"Is it sore?"
"Excruciating."
"I think I might be able to help slow it down. I won't be able to stop it but I'll try my damnedest."
Alina smiled up and Frank and tackled him with a hug.
"Thank you, Frank."
"You're so fucking stupid." He said into her hair as he held her tightly to him.
That night Frank was making his way back from the hospital wing towards the room Dumbledore had put Frank and Alina in for the night. His partner Finn was making a good recovery but needed a few more days to let his body heal. Frank's arms were filled with medical supplies and potions ingredients he thought he might need to help slow down the curse infecting Alina's body.
"Hey, Frank." He turned and saw Remus and Sirius walking towards him.
"Hey, shouldn't you two be in bed?"
"Well I'm on prefect rounds and Sirius is well…"
"I'm just tagging along."
"Right…"
"Need a hand?" Sirius plucked a few items out of Franks hold.
"Thanks."
"No problem, where are you off to?"
"Eastern tower, fourth floor. That's where Alina and I are for the night."
They started wandering off in that direction.
"So what's all this stuff for?" Remus asked.
"Uhm… I don't think you'd believe me if I told you."
"Try us," Sirius challenged.
"Well Alina has a curse infecting her blood, I'm going to try to slow it down."
"Is she in danger?" Remus asked.
"Well once it's spread I'm not sure what it'll do to her… so I'd rather try stop it than find out."
"What caused it?" Sirius asked.
"I'll let Alina tell you that," Frank said with a shake of his head.
"Do you need any help?" Remus asked.
"Well actually… I might."
"Well, you've got us now."
The reached a small no descript door and Frank pushed it open. "Alina cover up I brought company."
"What? Who?" Her voice came from somewhere deep within the room.
The room was small and very sparse. There was a fireplace with a coffee table, a sofa and two armchairs in front of it. In the far corner, there were two single beds separated by a small nightstand. The fire was roaring and keeping the room very warm. Alina was seated in front of the fire. She wore loose sweatpants, her torso was bare other than a tight thick bandage over her breasts for modesty. She turned and saw Remus and Sirius enter after Frank. She ripped the blanket off the back of the chair she was sitting on and draped it over her left shoulder covering her arm.
Frank places everything on the coffee table in front of her and shed his robes. He turned up the sleeves of his shirt until they sat above his elbows.
"Just put those here as well." He said gesturing for Sirius to put the stuff he was holding onto the coffee table.
Remus walked around the chair to face her, "Hi," he said softly.
She looked up at him briefly before dropping her gaze to the carpet, "Hi…"
"Alright, take off the blanket, let's see what we can do," Frank said.
"What no, Frank," Alina said gripping the blanket to her body.
"Alina, I'm going to need their help."
Remus and Sirius both looked at each other confused.
Frank knelt down in front of her, "Either I strap you down to the bed or they can hold you down, either way, this is going to hurt and I can't have you thrashing around while I try to work."
She just glared at him, "Fine." She ripped off the blanket and tossed it over the back of the chair, she kept her inner forearm tightly against her body.
Remus' eyes travel down her torso, he could feel his face and neck and heat up, but once his eyes saw the dark veins running up her arm he turned cold. Whatever it was, it looked so sinister.
Frank pulled the coffee table close to the sofa.
"Right Remus sit here," Frank ordered pointing at the on end of the couch.
Remus ripped his eyes away from her arm and sat down.
"Cross your legs and face that way," he said pointing to the opposite end of the couch. Remus took his shoes off quickly and pulled his legs up tucking the underneath him and leaning back against the armrest of the sofa.
Frank pulled Alina up from where she was sitting, she stumbled a little bit and she got to her feet but she gripped Franks forearm for balance. She looked so pale and week as the light from the fire danced over her.
"Lie down, head on his lap." Alina gave Frank a quick glare but Frank didn't care.
She lay down on the couch and nestled her head in Remus' lap. He looked down and her and she looked up at him and gave him a weak smile, "I can see up your nose," she said softly. He gave a small laugh.
"Right Sirius, you'll have to hold down her legs. Remus keep her torso and other arm steady. If she moves too much this won't work."
Sirius nodded and sat down on the other end gripping her ankles firmly.
"Okay, give me your arm," Frank said.
She hesitated slightly but stuck out her arm. Remus sucked in a deep breath when he saw what was causing the curse.
"Is that a…" Sirius started.
"What? A dark mark? Yes, it is. Alina thought she'd go undercover alone and get herself infected with dark magic," Frank said bitterly.
Alina glared at him again.
Frank pulled her arm into his lap as he sat perched on the edge of the coffee table. His finger ghosted over the dark mark feeling the raised skin around it. A deep frown distorting his kind features. He reached next to him a picked up a vial filled with a calming draught.
He handed it to Alina, "Drink this."
He then picked up a flask and took a large swig. He grimaced as the liquid burnt its way down his throat. Remus and Sirius gave each other and unsure look.
"Want some?" Frank asked gesturing to his flask.
"Sure," Sirius said taking the flask and taking a hearty swig.
Remus just shook his head. He looked down at Alina but her eyes were on the dark mark and the black tendrils that bled from it.
"Right okay, let's do this," Frank said clapping his hands together.
He pulled her arm straight and firmly rubbed her inner forearm with the outer edge of his hand.
"Careful with that, we don't want Voldemort dropping by," Alina said.
Frank froze, his eyes darted up to look at her and his face drained of all its colour.
"I'm kidding, it doesn't work that way."
Frank took a deep breath, "Can you not?"
"Sorry… just trying to lighten the mood."
"Well don't," Frank said in a harsh tone.
Alina bit her lip and turned her head to the back of the couch. Remus lifted his hand and brushed a stray hair away from her face. She looked up at him and smiled slightly.
Frank started crushing a few ingredients together in a small bowl. He added some water and stirred. He poured some of the greenish concoction onto her arm on the dark mark and it started steaming. Alina's body tensed. Her eyes closed against the pain.
"Alright lads, keep her steady. This is going to get painful."
He pulled out his wand and started murmuring an incantation. Alina's body jerked violently. The light from the wand was a dark red, it moved across her skin like claws pulling at her skin. Remus struggled to hold her body steady and Sirius had to use his entire body weight to keep her legs straight.
She was biting her lip and Remus was worried she would start drawing blood. Her body was wrenching back and forth trying to break from their grasp.
Sweat beaded on Frank's forehead his concentration never faltering, his murmuring becoming quicker and quicker.
The dark tendrils that marred her skin started retracting towards the inky mark on her forearm. They moved painfully slowly, liked the gentle ebb and flow of a river. Remus looked down at her face, her teeth grinding together, face contorted in pain, tears streaming down the sides of her face.
"Frank, c' mon. I can't keep her down much longer!" Sirius grunted.
Frank never looked away from the dark mark, the red glow from his spell sent horrific shadows across his face.
The magic started pulsating across her skin and she started to scream, horrible soul-shattering screaming.
"Frank!" Remus shouted. He struggled to keep her body still, not wanting to hurt her.
"Remus! She's moving too much," Sirius yelled. Her body wriggled violently against their hold. Remus' one hand was on her shoulder while the other gripped the wrist of her other arm. Her hips and torso jerking up and down to break free. He leaned over her finally putting all his strength into keeping her down.
"Alina! Look at me!" Remus begged. Her eyes flew open and caught his. He shattered at the pain in her eyes.
"It's almost over we just need to you to hold on a little longer," he pleaded with her. She nodded slowly, body tensing but her movements slowing.
She never looked away from him, her eyes locked onto his.
The light from Frank's wands glowed brighter and her eyes closed. Once all the tendrils receded back into the dark mark her body spasmed. Frank's incantation stopped and the glow from his wand ceased. There was a vibration coming from the mark and suddenly a blast of inky darkness flung the three men to opposite sides of the room. Remus hit the wall hard, Sirius ricocheted off the door that leads to their small bathroom and Frank connected with the left arch of the fireplace.
"Alina!" Remus called as he tried to get up. She had fallen off the couch and onto the floor, but she wasn't moving.
Frank jumped to his feet and was next to her in a flash, he held her face in his hands but her skin was pale, cold and damp.
He pulled her arm out from under her. The dark mark, still in place looking as haunting as ever against her pale skin.
Frank pulled her onto the couch, "Alina?" He tapped the side of her face.
Remus and Sirius came and stood behind her.
"Alina, can you hear me?" Frank begged.
"Is she okay?" Sirius asked softly.
"I'm not sure… she's breathing but..."
Remus knelt down next to her.
"Hey moony, you're bleeding," Sirius said. Remus looked up at him Sirius pointed to his shoulder, where a deep, mean looking gash was oozing blood.
Remus just sighed, another jersey he'd have to stitch up, and another shirt he'd have to try to get blood out of.
Frank looked at him, "Come let me patch you up quickly."
After Frank had closed Remus' wound and tended to the cut on Sirius' forehead, he picked Alina up and lay her down on one of the small single beds.
The three of them stood there watching her, the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed which seemed to have regulated and returned to normal.
"She told me she wouldn't do anything reckless…" Remus said watching her.
Frank sat down heavily on the other bed, he sighed, "She'd been talking about doing this for a while, all the other Aurors who had tried to infiltrate the death eaters ended up dead but she was so sure it wouldn't affect her the way it did them."
"And she was wrong?" Sirius asked.
"Not entirely… She's lasted a lot longer than the others did, but I'm not sure how much time she has now."
"There must be a way to remove the mark? Or at least stop this effect?" Sirius said gesturing to her.
Frank looked at Alina, his eyes were hooded and a deep frown still creased his brow, he was exhausted. "I wish there was, maybe one day but right now there isn't anything we can do…"
"So everything you just did? What did that do?"
"I just contained the curse to her arm, if it spread into the rest of her body, even just her heart… I'm not entirely sure what would've happened but it wouldn't have been good."
"Will she be okay?" Remus asked.
Frank's eyes darted between Sirius and Remus unsure of what to say.
