Chapter 12
Hidden Motives

Author's Note: This chapter is not the visit to Paris... it is the night before and the morning of leading up to Harry and Ginny's visit to Paris.

Disclaimer: One quote is taken shamelessly from "New Moon" by Stephenie Meyer.

Friday, July 30th, 1993

(Remus)

Shortly before two in the afternoon, Remus and Dora were walking hand-in-hand down the first floor corridor toward the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts. Remus felt goosebumps along his hands and arms, though this didn't surprise him. However, Dora did notice it.

"Are you okay, Remus?" she asked, "Are you cold?"

"Full moon is in three days," Remus said, "You haven't been with me for one yet, so this is new for you. It is an early warning sign telling me I need to prepare for my transformation. Between now and then, more signs will show. I will become more nervous, perhaps a bit more moody."

Dora suddenly giggled.

"What?" Remus asked.

"Oh, my love," Dora said, "Nerves and moodiness? All you had to tell me was that you're going through your monthly cycles."

"I hate that phrase," Remus said, though a smile curved his lips, "James and Sirius used to joke about it all the time. Sirius still does."

"Fine," Dora said, "I will speak no more of it. Though I do think it is cute."

"It is dangerous, Dora," Remus said, "People like me – we're not supposed to be around regular humans. It has been a very long time since I've been close to anyone during the week before my transformation. Now, I have you and soon a bunch of innocent schoolchildren around me. I cannot lose control."

"And you won't, love," Dora said, as she squeezed his hand, "I will be with you and help you get through it."

"Not the night of the full moon, you won't," Remus said.

"I will rent a room in the Leaky Cauldron on the evening of your transformation," Dora said, "You do not have to worry about me."

"I always worry about you," Remus said, "Especially when you are around me."

"You will never hurt me, Remus," Dora said, then smiled wickedly, "Unless I want you to. But the way you are thinking, you won't. I promise you."

"No, I promise you," Remus said.

Dora smiled and leaned toward him and pecked him on the lips. "If we weren't meeting the Headmaster, I would take you into a classroom right now."

Before Remus could reply, they heard a snickering sound off to their right. Remus turned and saw a suit of armor standing there.

"Hello, Peeves," Remus muttered.

Peeves flew out of the suit of armor and flew in circles above Remus and Dora.

"Cow and Rainbow Head caught snogging!" Peeves said.

"Cow?" Dora asked.

"His name is MOOOOONY, isn't it?" Peeves asked.

"I was hoping he forgot that joke," Remus muttered, "Peeves, do you know who we passed by earlier?"

"Who, MOOOONY?" Peeves asked.

"The Bloody Baron," Remus said.

"HMMPH!" Peeves said, "I am busy as it is! Goodbye Rainbow Head and MOOONY!"

Peeves flew off down the hall.

"Rainbow Head?" Remus asked, grinning.

"Had bad allergies from a potion ingredient my fifth year," Dora said. "When I sneeze, my hair turns a series of multiple colors before it goes back to whatever it was. Peeves caught me sneezing once, then started clapping blackboard erasers together and making me sneeze more because he thought it was funny. Called me Rainbow Head. Charlie Weasley saved me from him and – hmm -"

"That is when you first started dating?" Remus asked.

"Yeah," Dora muttered. "Thanks Peeves."

"You and him seemed to have a nice relationship," Remus said, "Don't regret the past."

Dora smiled. "I only want to focus on the present and a future with you."

Remus smiled and leaned in to kiss her again. "We really need to go meet Albus. You know how much your mother makes me feel like a child. Being late for a Dumbledore meeting makes me feel worse."

Dora snickered and pecked him on the lips again. They walked down the corridor and over to the gargoyle.

"Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks," Remus said, grinning when Dora squeezed his hand tightly at the use of her full name – she hadn't given him permission yet to use it, "here to see the Headmaster. I believe he is waiting for us."

The stone gargoyle raised its head and lowered it then stepped out of the way as the wall melted into itself revealing the arched doorway. Remus and Dora made their way up the stairs.

"I am going to punish you later for calling me by my full name," Dora said.

"I look forward to it," Remus said, grinning.

When they arrived at the office, they found Albus Dumbledore sitting behind his desk. A loveseat was sitting on the other side.

"I had recently heard of your newly developed romantic relationship," Albus said, "And I thought a loveseat would be an appropriate arrangement for you today. I very much wish the best in the future for the both of you."

"Er – thank you, Albus," Remus said, as he and Dora sat down together.

Brilliant... so much for not feeling like a child in front of my old Headmaster.

"I have been looking forward to this meeting," Albus said, "ever since you, Miss Tonks, informed me of the inclusion of Auror guards to heighten the security here at Hogwarts, in the village and on the train. However, your letter was rather vague, and I feel as if it was not the reason you are here today."

"I was being purposefully mysterious," Dora said, with a smirk. "My request is a simple one. I wish to become Remus' Assistant Defense Professor. We both know of his condition that will keep him out of class for one day a month. I could be his substitute during those days, but I would also be his assistant. I would not need living quarters, because Remus has already said I could live with him."

Remus smiled and nodded.

"I would also lead the Auror guards," Dora said, "So I would be here round the school year anyway. Head Auror Sirius Black has asked me not to take part in the actual everyday duty of the guards, but remain their leader behind the scenes while I am also disguised as a lowly mild-mannered Assistant Professor."

"You were never mild-mannered, my dear," Albus said.

Dora's hair went red as Remus chuckled.

"I accept your offer," Albus said, "I would probably not be able to keep you from Remus and if you are going to be here as the leader of the guards, but 'behind the scenes' as you said, it is only proper of you to take the job you have requested. Pity. I am going to have to inform Severus that he will no longer take the substitute post for your class, Remus."

"Has he still agreed to brew my Wolfsbane Potion?" Remus asked.

"He has," Albus said.

"Snape?" Dora asked, looking from Albus to Remus, "I thought he hated you! You told me your – relationship – with him was never proper, and it became worse that night long ago when he found out you were a werewolf."

"Severus has agreed to be mature about the history between himself and Remus," Albus said.

"Everyone knows Snape wants the Defense Post," Dora said, "Remus -"

"I trust him with this, Dora," Remus said, "I ask that you do too."

Dora glared at Remus, then her expression went soft. "Fine. But I will be speaking to Sirius about this. I know Snape was on probation last year. If Snape does anything – anything– to threaten your life, he will be arrested for breaking his probation."

Dora looked at Albus, who smiled and said "I am sure Severus will be on his best behavior."

"He better be," Dora muttered.

"Now that this discussion seems very well spent," Albus said, "Let us move once again onto a subject surrounding the reason the Aurors will be stationed here. Has Sirius and Amelia told you anything they suspect about Malfoy and Pettigrew's intentions? I can't help but think that there is a reason behind sending so many Aurors here."

"It is believed Lucius Malfoy is trying to find his son," Remus said, "He does not know that his son isn't going to be attending here next year. If he has no clue where his son is, he will believe his son is here, and therefore he may try to get inside this school."

"I feared that as so," Albus said, with a deep sigh, "When do you believe we should expect Mr. Malfoy to make his way to the school?"

"Could be days, weeks or months," Remus said. "Anytime between September 1st and the last day of second term."

"That is a lot of guesswork involved there," Albus said.

"We will just need to take constant vigilance, as old Mad-Eye likes to say," Dora said, "The guards will be well prepared for his arrival. He will not get very far if he tries to come here."

"I do not question that," Albus said, "Now, I am most curious as to something else – though it is not entirely off-subject. Lucius Malfoy and Peter Pettigrew's initial arrests both had connections to Sirius Black, but also to Harry Potter. I have not been able to speak to Harry since Sirius and Amelia's wedding. How is young Mr. Potter doing since the break-out?"

Remus raised his eyebrows at the sudden topic of Harry. Was it deliberate or was the old man just – as he said – curious?

Hmm... I need to speak to Sirius. Exactly how much does Albus know about this? Sirius did mention that Albus knew Harry and Ginny were from the future. Could he know the truth about the break-out?

"He's doing fine," Remus said, "He and Ginny Weasley are enjoying their holiday in France with Sirius and Amelia."

"I think it is rather cute he's spending another summer with Ginny," Dora said, "Those two could be a nice young couple sooner or later. However, it does serve problems for Sirius, Amelia and Ginny's parents. Rita's article about rumors of an arranged courtship would get even worse. I know it is not true, but it could be interesting to see where that goes. However, to answer your question, Albus, they do seem to be okay as far as the break-out goes. Still enjoying their holiday. Remus, aren't they going to Paris together tomorrow? For Harry's birthday?"

Remus nodded and tried to hold back a sigh. From the look in Albus' eyes, he wasn't sure he wanted the Headmaster to know that.

"Paris?" Albus asked, "The city of love. Of course Sirius and Amelia would take them there."

Remus did his best not to react. If there wasn't a hidden agenda behind that statement, he was a flobberworm.

"I don't think Sirius and Amelia are going," Dora said, "We talked to them earlier this week, and they said something about Harry and Ginny meeting their friend and her parents there."

"Giving Sirius and Amelia a day to themselves," Albus said, "It is a good idea. Well, if that is all you wish to talk about, perhaps I could show the two of you to your new quarters? You will be able to move in at the last week of August in order to prepare for your classes."

"Sure," Remus said, as he, Dora and Albus stood up, "If only for a little bit. Dora and I have plans later this evening."

For example, giving a Floo-call to Sirius and having a nice long discussion.

(Harry)

Saturday, July 31, 1993

Ginny? Harry asked, as he slipped on his trainers, Are you ready? It is just about time to go.

It was the morning of Harry's thirteenth birthday, a few minutes before they would take the Floo Network to the Enchanted Cauldron, where they would meet up with Hermione and her parents. Harry was wearing a buttoned-down shirt and jeans – a nice Muggle outfit he had bought in La Rochelle the previous day especially for this day.

The door to the bathroom opened and Ginny stood there. Harry smiled as he looked at her. She looked absolutely beautiful. Her ginger-red hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she was wearing a white flowered one-piece skirt that ended just below her knees. Ginny was never known for wearing skirts outside her school outfit, and it had taken a bit of persuasion from Harry before she would try it on and buy it.

"I'm so happy I convinced you to buy this dress," Harry said, as he walked over to her, and put his arms around her waist. "You look breathtaking. Might have to scare off pre-teen Paris boys though."

"They'll be quite jealous of you," Ginny said, as she wrapped her arms around his neck, "By the way, I need to punish you. You know I hardly wear skirts."

"I know," Harry said, "So, what is my punish –?"

Ginny leaned toward his lips and kissed him softly. She then backed away before he could return the kiss.

"Not fair," Harry said, "It is my birthday."

"Thirteen," Ginny said, "A teenager again. Oh, joy."

"Technically I am still twenty," Harry said.

"You're right," Ginny said, "Maybe I shouldn't be dating such an old man. It is disgusting."

"Haha," Harry said, "Very funny."

Ginny giggled and kissed him again. This time she let him return the kiss, but he could only do so for a few moments before there was a knock on the door. Harry growled against Ginny's lips and backed up.

"Come in," Harry said, sighing.

The door opened and Sirius walked in.

"No Grim for my birthday this year?" Harry asked.

"I want to talk to you, birthday boy," Sirius said.

"Can't it wait until tonight?" Harry asked, "We're meeting Hermione and her parents -"

"At ten," Sirius said, "Which is ten minutes from now and the Floo Network will take a minute for each of you. Sit."

"What is this?" Harry asked, as he sat down on the bed beside Ginny, "Your God-fatherly advice for the day. 'Don't get lost in Paris? Don't fall of the Eiffel Tower? Be safe because more babies are concieved during visits to the city of love than anywhere else?'"

Harry cringed when Ginny smacked him upside the back of the head.

"Well... perhaps not that last one because I know better," Sirius said, "Are you going to Paris for your honeymoon? Because I could save that one for your wedding night."

"Dunno," Harry said, "If you want to talk, make it quick. We've planned on having lunch in the Enchanted Cauldron in a couple hours – reason we haven't eaten breakfast – and we're going to shop at Rue De Lumière, the market place behind the building first.."

"I want to apologize to you," Sirius said, "You are obviously still angry with me. I'm sorry I snapped in Azkaban. I know I could have messed up the plan, but Wormtail is out and he'll likely be on his way to Albania in less than a year."

"If Lucius Malfoy doesn't kill him first," Harry said.

"I have faith that won't happen," Sirius said, "Nobody suspects us. We got out with our lives and the mission is still underway. Harry, if you have been ignoring me this week because you think us making up will mean I want to go with you to Paris, that is not going to happen."

Harry sighed. "Fine, I forgive you. Can Ginny and I go now?"

Sirius opened his mouth to say something, but he frowned and nodded.

"Have fun," he said, "Happy birthday, kid."

Harry smiled. "Thanks."

Harry and Ginny walked out of the bedroom and headed for the fireplace.

(Sirius)

Sirius sighed as he walked out of the bedroom just in time to see Harry disappear in the fireplace through a flash of green fire. He walked over to the couch and stared at the fireplace, as the memory of the conversation that happened there flooded his mind.

Flashback:

Friday, July 30th, 1993

Harry and Ginny's laughter echoed inside the living room from the beach. Sirius grinned as he looked through the window to see Harry chasing Ginny into the water. He looked at Amelia, who was curled up against him on the couch and smiled.

"I'm kind of jealous of them, you know?" Sirius said, "In this timeline they are nearly twelve and thirteen, and they do not have to worry about finding someone to spend their life with, because they already did."

"I would have given anything if I could have realize I was in love with you at thirteen," Amelia said, "And asked you out to Hogsmeade then or convinced you to ask me out. Perhaps I wouldn't have had to listen to those stories at our wedding of you snogging a different girl every other day."

"I'm not sure if you wouldn't have been one of those different girls when I was thirteen," Sirius said.

Amelia slapped him on the knee.

"Oh, fine," Sirius said, "I'd probably have fallen in love with you at our first kiss like I did a few years later."

"That's much better," Amelia said, "So... what do you want to do tomorrow while the pups are away?"

"Hmm... make a pup of our own?" Sirius asked.

Amelia backed away and looked up at him.

"Is that just a ploy to get me in bed?" she asked, "Because you know how much I want that, Sirius."

"There might be a hidden motive in there somewhere," Sirius said, grinning.

Amelia smiled and leaned toward him and kissed him. The power of her kiss knocked him back against the couch in a laying position, and he grinned when she crawled up to him and straddled her legs around his hips.

"I suppose we could start on those pups tonight," Sirius said, "Though our other pups might think it weird if we did that on this couch. Perhaps that loveseat..."

Amelia giggled and kissed him again. He returned the kiss and wrapped his arms around her. She nibbled against his bottom lip and he growled seductively...

… and the sound of a voice clearing their throat broke the moment.

"Damn it, Remus," Sirius muttered.

Remus' head was, indeed floating in the fireplace.

"Is this going to happen every time I Floo call you Padfoot?" Remus asked, with a sigh.

"Maybe," Sirius said, as Amelia backed off of him; he sat up and looked at his best mate. "What's up, Moony."

"Dora and I spoke to Albus today," Remus said, "And he said something that made me slightly worried. Well more than one thing."

"What's that?" Sirius asked.

"First he asked me how Harry was doing since the break-out," Remus said.

"Do you think he suspects Harry had something to do with it?" Sirius asked.

"And Ginny and you, I'm sure," Remus said, nodding. "Sirius, exactly how much does Albus know about Harry and Ginny being from the future?"

"We refused to tell him anything that is going to happen," Sirius said.

"He probably wouldn't have liked that," Remus said.

"He likes to meddle," Sirius said.

"Oh, he is probably planning on meddling," Remus said, "And sooner rather than later."

"Why?" Amelia asked, "What did he say?"

"Dora might have mentioned Harry and Ginny's plans to go to Paris," Remus said, sighing, "Obviously she thought it was an innocent statement since she doesn't know anything about their secrets. And Albus looked absolutely curious about it. He even asked if you two were going with them. We said no."

"Do you think Albus might follow them to Paris?" Sirius asked.

"Why would he do that?" Amelia asked.

"Who knows with him," Sirius said, "Like I said, he likes to meddle."

"He probably has plans to go to Paris, yes," Remus said.

"Maybe we should warn Harry and Ginny," Amelia said, looking out toward the beach.

"They aren't going to do anything that would make him curious, are they?" Remus asked. "I mean... he knows about their Soul-Bond, so he shouldn't be surprised by their childhood romance."

"No... they are going for leisure, for Harry's birthday," Sirius said, "They're not doing anything important to their mission."

"So... perhaps he was just curious as to their plans," Remus said.

Sirius snorted. "I highly doubt that. He really wants to know what we're up to."

"Why do Harry and Ginny not want to tell him?" Remus asked.

"I don't know yet," Sirius said, "They're not telling me. They promised to tell me why they didn't want to completely destroy the ring, so it might have something to do with that. But they haven't gotten around to telling me yet."

"Hmm... Horcruxes," Remus said,"Maybe they don't want Albus know about them."

"We've destroyed them all," Sirius said, "Except for one that will probably be made in the next year or so that we cannot stop because it would ruin everything Harry and Ginny are working for. But it can probably be destroyed the night of the graveyard incident."

"So... should we not worry about it, right now?" Remus asked.

"Oh, we'll worry about it," Sirius said, "And well, we have an inside man at Hogwarts – you. You can keep an eye on Albus for us."

"I think I can do that," Remus said, "Well, I better get going and let you get back to – whatever you were about to do."

Sirius snickered, then cringed when Amelia smacked him upside the head.

"Thank you for telling us about this," Amelia said.

"You're welcome," Remus said, "Good night. Tell Harry happy birthday for me."

He then vanished from the fireplace. Amelia looked back at Sirius and frowned.

"Do you think we should tell Harry and Ginny about this?" Amelia said.

"Maybe later," Sirius said, "Now, where were we?"

Amelia grinned and stood up then walked toward their bedroom. Sirius panted jokingly like a dog, and hurried after her.

Flashback ends...

Sirius sighed and looked back at the fireplace. He hadn't told Harry and Ginny about Remus' suspicions yet. He had a better plan.

"You didn't tell them, did you?" Amelia asked, as she walked into the living room.

"What?" Sirius asked, looking up at his wife.

"You didn't tell them about our suspicions about Albus, did you?" Amelia asked.

"No," Sirius said shaking his head.

"Why not?" Amelia asked.

"Amelia?" Sirius replied, "How would you like to spend the day in Paris?"

"What are you doing?" Amelia asked, narrowing her eyes.

"I want to take my beautiful wife to the City of Love," Sirius said.

"You want to spy on Harry and Ginny," Amelia said.

"No," Sirius said, "I want to make sure Albus Dumbledore doesn't spy on them."

Amelia sighed. "I heard Harry's plans. Sounds like they aren't going into actual Paris for a couple of hours. So we can eat breakfast first. Then I want to dress appropriate if we're going to spend the day in Paris."

"Deal," Sirius said.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Amelia said, "Because I loved the plans you had for us last night."

"Well," Sirius said, "What's to say we can't do that after we visit the City of Love?"

"You're going to tire me out so all I want to do is lay down when we get home, yes?" Amelia said.

"What can I say?" Sirius asked, "I love hidden motives."

So... this didn't have the Paris visit, because I wanted to lay on the suspense just a little bit. That will come next chapter! Hope you liked this one!