Hi Again!

I know it's been awhile since my last update. Sorry!

This chapter was like pulling teeth. I hope it doesn't suck too badly.

(Now you really want to read it, don't you.)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. I mean nothing. Seriously.

Oh, BTW, this chapter is in two parts (one of which is still in my head).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 9: A Tangled Web: Part One

Deception was a curious paradox for Remus.

On the one hand, he had been taught by his parents from an early age to deceive and keep secrets. These lies, he was told, were the only way to ensure his safety from those who would fear and persecute him if they knew the truth.

On the other hand, his parents had always demanded honesty from him. They also constantly emphasized the importance of being honest with those he trusted. The problem with that logic was, of course, that he had to lie to everyone and as a result, could never fully trust anyone.

Though he lived his life by this concept, he abhorred lies. If it was necessary, he lied; otherwise he tried to be as honest as possible – at least to himself.

Perhaps this was why he had been so plagued with guilt since the New Year.

All the years he'd known Hestia Jones, he had lied to her. In the beginning, he did it out of habit, having never told anyone about his 'furry little problem' except for his James, Peter and Sirius (and only then because they had figured it out themselves). Afterwards, he did it out of fear. He didn't want to be alone after his friends' deaths and knew the truth would frighten her away.

But past lies he could live with. It was the others he knew were much more destructive.

The guilt and shame, compounded with every passing day were, unfortunately, feelings he had always associated with women, but the sense of unease he had been harbouring since his return from England was reserved especially for this his former girlfriend. And now, as he looked down at her latest letter, reading it over once more, he knew the truth was overdue.

My Dearest Remus,

I know I've been hinting about a surprise in my last few letters but I'm bursting to tell you. I have found us the perfect little cottage in Hogsmeade! It's on the edge of town and boasts one of the best views of Hogwarts Castle. It's small – but it is only the two of us for now. I just know you'll adore it as I do.

I've heard from a friend that the DADA teacher at Hogwarts will be retiring at the end of this school year. I know Dumbledore liked you as a student, perhaps he would consider you for the post. I know people say the job's cursed but I don't believe it. If you got the job it would be perfect!

I feel as if fate has stepped in to bring us together once more. And to think, I almost didn't go to my aunt's on Christmas!

We're so lucky to have found each other again. I miss you, my darling.

Till we meet again, all my love,

Hestia

P.S. When can you come to see the house? The sooner, the better. Let me know.

He folded up the letter hastily as Cyrus McShane took a seat next to him at the large round table in the staff room. The last thing he wanted was the old man to start prying into his personal life, something he'd been doing with alarming frequency.

"How goes it m' boy?" the old man greeted him, tapping him on the back.

Remus merely nodded and turned his attention to the headmistress. Ever since his talk with Dumbledore, he had avoided McShane as much as he could, aware of how dangerous he could be.

The headmistress addressed the staff with unusual gravity, informing them of changes to policy introduced by new members of the Board of Governors. They included a new, strict policy on what members of the board had dubbed 'Undesirables' – students who habitually disregarded the rules. As Remus listened, a feeling of disgust came over him. He knew that the policy was really just another form of prejudice invented to target students who didn't fit the mold. He immediately thought of Kali.

The headmistress went over the staff assignments for the next free day for the students, and handed out a list of names. Remus scanned the page and saw Kali's name on the list, along with one of her friend's, Olivier Demarchelier.

McShane, perceptive as ever, whispered, "Haven't heard?"

As Madame Maxime continued, Remus, curious, turned his attention to Cyrus, looking at him questioningly.

"Seems we've got keep a close eye on the 'trouble students'," he said, smirking. Remus knew he was referring to Kali.

"Why?" he asked, ignoring the annoyed stares from a few staff members.

"Part o' the new policy – catch 'em in the act, toss 'em out," he said out of the corner of his mouth.

"Monsieur Lupeen, 'eez there problem?" the headmistress asked sweetly though she looked annoyed as well.

"Just curious 'bout a couple o' names on the list," McShane answered for him.

"I would be 'appy to answer questions after 'ze meeting," she said kindly but firmly, then resumed in French.

Remus did his best to pay attention but noticed a couple of staff members (including the resident Healer Madamemoiselle Colbert) look at him then exchange knowing looks with McShane. He felt immediately unnerved.

As his fellow colleagues streamed out of the staff room after the meeting, Remus noticed the Healer whispering to the old man. Before he could get close enough to overhear any part of their conversation, the headmistress addressed him.

"I am 'oping to speak to you, monsieur," she said in her soft, lilting tone. Despite this, Remus felt like a student about to be punished.

"By all means," he answered. He followed her back to her office at the opposite end of the corridor. The sense of unease, forgotten for the moment, returned with a vengeance. He wondered if this impromptu meeting was tied to the strange looks from his colleagues as he entered the headmistress' office and sat down.

Madame Maxime, imposing in size, was, at heart, a kind, and gentle woman. Remus had seen this in the way she cared for her students. He had also seen how unbending she could be when it came to the rules. He knew she was someone who wouldn't tolerate students who continually broke them, students like he and his friends had been, students like Sirius' daughter.

He was suddenly worried for the girl, unaware that his own problems were about to be compounded.

88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888

"Mon petite jolie chose!"

Kali turned to face Olivier as he bounded towards her down the corridor, repeating his greeting over and over in sing – song at the top of his voice. Heads turned as he enveloped her in his arms and picked her up off the floor.

"Where the fuck were you?" she snapped. She was in a foul mood after being forced to endure lunch surrounded by Celine Rocher and her cronies and Olivier's cheerfulness was grating.

He looked down at her, gauging her mood, and planted a wet kiss on her forehead. She blanched, wiping away his spittle as he laughed. "You looked like you needed a kees," he explained when she gave him a dirty look.

"Well?" she demanded.

There was a mischievous gleam in his eye.

It's a girl. It has to be a girl.

"I theenk I am in love," he said, beaming. She rolled her eyes, having heard those words uttered by Olivier many times before.

They continued down the corridor, reaching the noisy common room of their dorm, Le Maison Violet (one of six houses, all named for colours), as the older students settled in for free period. Olivier looked around at the crowd, frowning, then grabbed her hand and led her towards the boys' dormitory and up to his room on the second landing. She followed, aware of the venomous stares she was receiving from a small group of girls in the corner, the same ones who had ruined her lunch.

"Well?" she demanded as (e shut the door behind them.

He smiled innocently at her.

"Who is she?"

"Ludevine Toulouse."

"The book store girl?"

"Her father owns half," he corrected her indignantly.

She shook her head as she sat on his bed.

"'Eez there a problem?" he asked, plopping down beside her.

"I just hope you don't throw me aside for her on Friday," she said, speaking from experience. Olivier had abandoned her too many times in the past for a girl.

"And let you meet 'ze dirty, old man by yourself?" he asked, referring to Lucius Malfoy, "Never."

Kali had confided in Olivier about the necklace and about Malfoy's eagerness to help. She knew he would help without judging her and wouldn't question her, as he always respected her privacy. This made him an invaluable friend. She felt a little guilty about not including Sebastien, but was sure he would think the worst of her if he knew about her previous meeting and subsequent correspondence with a married, older man. Unlike Olivier, he was only half - French, the other half, his mother, being from London, and very aware of the Del Fuego reputation. Because of this, Sebastien had kept their friendship a secret from his family. Kali knew that eventually his family's prejudices would get in the way of their friendship – she just didn't want it to be so soon.

Kali and Olivier lay on his bed quietly. She pondered her next meeting with Lucius as she stared up at the purple canopy, finding comfort in the silence.

She thought about the last few months and the anxiety she had been feeling since finding out about the necklace and her mother. She thought about the jewelry box, safely tucked away in the bottom of her trunk, filled with tiny jars of memories she couldn't access, and she thought about the letters she'd received from her mother's lover as he informed her of his progress, especially the latest one.

Dear Kali,

I have traced the necklace to a dealer in Cannes. I contacted him and he is willing to meet us in Marseilles next weekend. I took the liberty of enquiring about your school schedule and have set up the meeting for that day, as I know you are anxious to learn the truth.

I can meet you in the village at noon. Please send word if this plan is satisfactory.

Your servant,

Lucius Malfoy

"Olivier?" she said softly, not wanting to break the peaceful lull.

"Oui?"

"Who do you think it is?" She had asked herself the question countless times, but never voiced it. The most obvious answer was Malfoy himself, but as time went on, she became convinced it couldn't be him.

Olivier, looking serious, sat up and leaned towards her.

"We will find out," he said reassuringly, knocking his forehead to hers, "and I will hurt 'ze bastard."

"And how will you manage that?" she asked, chuckling.

"Je suis le Tout Puissant Olivier!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms up for emphasis in a mock strongman routine.

She rolled her eyes at his arrogance, but couldn't help but smile.

In that moment, she was happy. Optimism, like sunshine, had penetrated her armor, allowing her to feel like things would turn out well in the end, despite the bad intentions towards her, despite the Death Eater in her corner, despite how nothing had ever ended happily before. This time, she felt, was different. This time she had a plan, she had Olivier, and she had hope.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Did you hate it? (Cringes in suspense.) Let me know, if you want, just remember, wannabe writers tend to have fragile egos. You have been warned.

Just a note about the french:

Mon petite jolie choses - my pretty little thing

le Tout Puissant - the All -Powerful

Coming Soon: A Tangled Web: Part Two - find out what happens when a Death Eater, a Frenchman, and a Secret Black join forces to combat evil necklaces everywhere! Just joking!

The end is near for 'Undesirables' in France, find out why and what happens next.