Hey guys! Sorry for the slight delay. Crazy times are ahead! ;)

The all mighty and powerfulM: I can always count on you, can't I? :')

Figments of Delusion: Oh it totally is! *wipes drool off of cheek after nap*

Lt-Spork89: Yes, and here it is! :D

Thank you all!


.o.O.o.

Wednesday, September 25th, 1:46 p.m.

Having just finished Care of Magical Creatures, I was packing up my textbooks when Professor Kettleburn approached me.

"Hello, there Audrey. Excellent essay on Bowtruckle habitat destruction. Very informative. Eye-opening, really," He said proudly. I smiled.

"Thank you, professor," I said.

"I actually came to discuss something with you. Would you mind missing a little bit of your class time and come with me to Professor Dumbledore's office?" He said. I furrowed my eyebrows.

"What's it about, exactly?" I asked quizzically. "Did I do something wrong?" He chuckled heartily.

"Oh no, dear. Nothing of the sort. Just come along. All will be explained in due course. I'll notify Professor Beery of your absence," I nodded, as we started to make our way to the Headmaster's office. All the while, my mind was thinking about Remus.

I hadn't see him since Friday night. I was a little dejected. I hoped he wasn't avoiding me. Maybe I was too invested emotionally. Maybe it never should have happened. But it felt so damn good. Memories of that night came back. The feel of his soft, slightly calloused hands roaming my body. His tender touch, sending electricity throughout my body. His soft lips…

I felt my heart skip a beat by just thinking about it. My face went hot and I shook the thought from my head.

Just a mistake. Stupid Audrey.

But it was so much more than a physical lasciviousness. It was full of desire and longing. It was as if he needed me just as much as I needed him in that moment of weakness between us both. As it seemed to me, we connected on a level I never thought I'd achieve with anyone. It was wistful but messy; everything I never realized that I could've ever wanted.

As we approached the large eagle statue, Professor Kettleburn muttered "Acid pop" and the stairs leading to Dumbledore's office appeared. I helped my handicapped teacher onto the steps and we rode up in relative silence. Reaching the top we came to a door, and Professor Kettleburn opened it. He motioned for me to enter first and I did.

A gust of cold wind flew by me and I shivered slightly. I looked around the dark but ornate office. Giant portraits of Headmasters of Hogwarts' past started at me as I walked deeper into the office. The floor was covered in ornate rugs to cover up the uneven floorboards. Bookshelves that reached the top of the high ceiling were filled with worn and tattered books. The whole office smelled of paper and hot tea. I saw the headmaster sitting at his large desk. He took notice to Professor Kettleburn and I.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Fawcett. Silvanus," He nodded his head to the professor.

"Afternoon, headmaster," He replied, sighing as he took a seat in a plush chair adjacent to the headmasters desk.

"Please, sit," Dumbledore said. I mumbled a thank you and sat down.

"So, I presume you are wondering as to why I summoned you and Professor Kettleburn here; am I correct?" I nodded. "Then permit me to explain. I understand you have shown particular interest in your class, Care of Magical Creatures?" I nodded again. "I have an opportunity for you, Ms. Fawcett. Whether or not you choose to accept is up to no one but yourself. I do not expect an answer now, so don't think you must decide on the spot." I nodded one last time, eager to hear what my headmaster had to say.

"Do you know of the wizard, Tom Riddle? More specifically, Lord Voldemort?" I nodded. I was a little surprised at his questioning.

"I currently run a secret organization. It's called the Order of the Phoenix. It is a secret society I, along with some of my associates, have founded with the purpose to oppose Lord Voldemort and his army of Death Eaters. I have been recruiting students in their seventh year, as outside support is running scarce. I would like to recruit you as well, Audrey."

My heart skipped a beat. Me? Why me? I have little to offer to fight. My mind was in a whirlwind.

"Might I ask, who have you recruited?" I asked, not exactly sure of my own curiosity.

"A few classmates of yours. For now it must remain confidential, as security must remain of the upmost importance," I nodded understandingly.

"But, I have a special request for you. You excel in all of your classes, and your diligence and driven character has proven your capability to aid me. I would like for you to travel to Romania to study under a colleague of mine. You'd help train and care for level three to five creatures to aid in the resistance. You'd 'intern', of sorts, for about three months. Of course, you'd also learn and train under Aurors. They'd also teach you how to properly defend yourself and fight with spells you would otherwise not learn here. After such time, you'd return to help the members of the Order to learn how to handle these creatures and to also study under an older Order member for further training. Professor Flitwick also tells me of your outstanding ability in Charms, furthering my faith in your capabilities."

I took a deep breath. Holy shite.

"W-when would I leave?" I couldn't help but stutter.

"After the end of this term," Dumbledore replied simply. I nodded, still in a daze for everything that I've learned.

"It is a great opportunity, Audrey. I told Dumbledore myself that I wouldn't pick anyone else for the task. I know you have it in you to blow everyone away with your abilities. This would not only help the Order, it would be such a great experience to put on your resumes and such," Professor Kettleburn assured me as Dumbledore simply nodded. I gave him a weak smile.

"Will anybody else be going? Or just me?" I squeaked.

"Just you, my dear," He replied.

"How am I supposed to learn how to train such highly dangerous creatures? The most dangerous creature I can recall coming into contact with was a pregnant Doxie who wanted to lay her eggs in my hair," I said. Proffessor Kettleburn laughed and Dumbledore chuckled. I suddenly felt like an imbecile.

Did they think that was a joke...?

"Not to worry. If you so choose to accept the quest, Professor Kettleburn will help prepare you for what you're to face in Romania. I have also given him and you special permission to enter the Forbidden Forest to help expose you to what's truly out there. He will train you fully," I gulped. The Forbidden Forest?! I was enthralled and terrified at the same time.

"Any other thoughts? Questions?" Dumbledore asked. Surprisingly, I had none. I felt like I had a million things to ask, but nothing yet. I suppose I had to let this new information sink in. I shook my head.

"Alright then, Ms. Fawcett. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to come anytime and discuss this task with me. I do ask, however, that you decide within about a month so I may give my colleague proper time to prepare, so by October 26th I expect an answer. I also ask that you do not tell anybody about this task. I stress that this information is highly sensitive and I would not want any of it to be heard by unwanted ears. Lastly, if you decline, I must Obliviate any memory of this meeting or anything having to do with this mission. Understood?" He asked. I nodded my head, taking it all in.

"T-thank you Professor Dumbledore… Professor Kettleburn. I will definitely consider it. I appreciate the opportunity you are offering me," I said genuinely.

The rest was a blur to me as I was excused from his office and handed a note from both professors to give to McGonagall. I wandered out of his office and into the long, hollow hallways of Hogwarts to Transfiguration.

I scratched the top of my head and pinched myself to make sure I wasn't day dreaming. Could that really have happened? Was I just offered an amazing opportunity to work with animals and creatures firsthand? In Romania? All for the resistance? I was amazed, but also frightened. Why me? Why was I chosen? I mean, sure, my grades are certainly high for Hogwarts' students standards and I do try my best, but I'm sure there are smarter students than I. Like Lily Evans, for example. She gets O's in everything and could hex my arse into oblivion if given the chance. For that reason, I never cross her.

I was walking down an empty hallway when something from outside caught my eye. I looked out the large ornate arch and not twenty feet in front of me, saw a large black canine run across the terrain. Following him, a stag followed suit. I was utterly confused. Why on earth would a stag follow a dog? Certainly, it would be running in the opposite direction?

Suddenly, the stag appeared again, closer this time. It looked straight at me and I froze. I felt my breath catch in my throat and I swallowed hard. It tilted its head ever so slightly at me. And even though I was quite a ways way from the creature, I could swear I saw a pair of familiar clear blue eyes coming from it. Then, it bounded away hastily, not looking back.

I stood there, wondering what in the hell that was about. I tried not to think of it much; animals were just becoming too brave and venturing outside the forest. Maybe I'd talk to Professor Kettleburn about it later.

I shook my head and hurried off to Transfiguration, trying to come down from my odd day.

.o.O.o.

I sat in the common room that night. I was in a puffy chair, sitting facing the window. I looked out into the dark night. Stars were twinkling lightly and the waxing gibbous shone brightly against the Black Lake, giving off an unmistakable reflection. I watched as the still water reflected the moon almost perfectly, until the water was disturbed but the usual happenings of night. I watched the waves ripple.

I was trying to read my copy of The Lord of the Rings, but I couldn't keep focus.

"Hey," I heard behind me. I turned around to find Remus standing there. He looked dreadful; his hair was a mess and his skin was sallow. I tilted my head.

"Hey… are you alright?" I asked, motioning him to sit next to me on the overly-large chair. He did so, reluctantly, and sighed.

"I'm alright," He said. I folded my arms across my chest.

"Are you sure? You don't look too hot," I said lightly. He shrugged.

"Rough couple of days, I suppose," He said. I decided not to pursue the matter further for fear of treading on forbidden territory. I tried to change the subject.

"Where've you been? I've been stuck with Davey Gudgeon for my Potions partner," I laughed lightly. I saw a slight smile creep up his face.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I was visiting my grandmother. She's very ill," he said, leaning back into the couch and rested his head on the back. "Dumbledore lets me see her once a month. Knows she doesn't have much time left." I nodded.

"I'm sorry," I said softly. He shook his head.

"Don't be," Silence set in and all I could hear was his heavy breathing. I watched his chest rise and fall with every breath.

"Audrey.. about Friday night,"

Oh no. Not this. No. Please.

I really didn't want to have this conversation.

He sat up and looked at me for the first time. He looked so weak. His eyes lacked their usual sparkle and hair was messy. I felt the need to touch it… to fix it. I fought the urge.

"It's not that I don't like you. I… I'm not in the place for a relationship right now. I just have other things to focus on. I like you. I really do. And I really want to remain friends, if thats alright with you."

He sounded so sincere. Still, that couldn't help the tinge of pain I felt in my heart as he uttered each word of rejection. I nodded and felt my eyes go slightly wet, but tried my best to avoid it.

He must've taken notice. Remus pulled me into a hug and I lay on his chest. He stroked the back of my hair and I sighed. This felt wrong. Being in his embrace felt wrong.

Feeling for him how I do feels utterly and completely wrong.

"Do you regret it?" I asked. He sighed again.

"Yes… and no," He said finally. I felt tears well up in my eyes again and I sat up. He had a sad expression on his face and I immediately felt bad. I shook my head.

"I-I don't know how I feel about you, Remus. It hurts knowing that you don't want it, but I understand. I'd love to still be friends," I said, folding my legs up in a pretzel formation. He nodded.

"I am sorry, Audrey. I never meant to lead you on or hurt you. I want you.. I really do. I just can't right now. There's a lot going on in my life at the moment. I don't want to drag you into it nor do I want to neglect you because of it."

His words seemed to bring me back to reality. Was I even ready to pursue a relationship with him? I still have to get to know him more. I have one last year at Hogwarts; this was my year to prove myself academically. Plus, I was just bombarded with a life changing decision that could make or break my future. Not to mention my inherently awkward disposition and complete lack of relationship skills or experience.

"I understand. I suppose I feel the same way. I'm not angry with you, or sad really." I said lightly. Remus smiled and hugged me again. This time, it didn't feel so wrong. I hugged him back and nuzzled my face into his warm torso.

"Oh, and one more thing; before you go down to the Great Hall tomorrow morning, wait for me in the Common Room," He said. I looked at him oddly. "Just trust me."

.o.O.o.


Aww! Whyyy, Remus? D:

Thanks, loves!

xx