Lessons on Existing Without Your Soul, Chapter 14
DISCLAIMER: No, I do not own any of the characters created by J. K. Rowling, and nor do I claim to. I am merely writing this for my enjoyment and yours, and not for any monetary value.
Leigh, who was still on temporary leave, spent most of her time at St. Mungo's. Remus was asleep most times she visited, but from what he told her the few times he was awake, he was doing much better. They had repaired his nose, regrown his missing teeth, and fixed his black eyes. His eyes were still puffy, however, and Remus often looked upon Leigh through slits. Most of his wounds had been mended as well, but some of the others proved tricky to heal.
The Healer told Leigh on multiple occasions that Remus would not have to stay long in St. Mungo's, but could not be released until all of his wounds healed. He was still in agonizing pain, and therefore, needed to be monitored by a trained Healer.
This was after Leigh told the Healer, quite rudely, that she could take better care of Remus at home.
Leigh still did not like the Healer Remus had been assigned. He took no care to hide his discomfort around Remus. He did not check up on Remus nearly as much as he checked up on the other patient in the ward. Leigh did not think this was because the other patient was in a more critical condition, but because he was afraid Remus would get irritated and bite him.
However, on the few occasions Leigh saw him awake, Remus was as cordial and nice as ever. He never complained, never asked for special treatment, and never confronted the Healer about his obvious prejudice.
During Remus' week-long stay at St. Mungo's, Leigh's magic greatly improved. Now that Remus had been stabilized and was getting healthier every day, she had little to worry about. Every day she was at St. Mungo's, for example, she would Transfigure the uncomfortable folding chair into a plush arm chair.
Remus was set to be released on a Thursday morning. Leigh made no hesitation in telling Remus he would be returning to her home that very same day. "But don't think you're forgiven for running off like that," She said, with a wink, when he complied to apparate with her.
They walked through the window of Purge and Dowse, clutching hands very tightly. They turned on the spot, traveling through a vacuum. All Leigh could feel was Remus' hand in hers.
Leigh unlocked the door and opened it, ushering for Remus to go in ahead of her. He was no sooner attacked by a very pleased Penelope. She was barking happily and jumping up and down to receive affection from Remus.
"What a month can do," Remus mused at Penelope's size. "Last time I saw you, I could still pick you up."
"You would probably break your back if you attempted to," Leigh commented.
Remus looked around, much like when he did when he first arrived at Leigh's door. "Were you expecting change?" Leigh asked tentatively.
"No, I was not. Just merely soaking in old memories," Remus responded distantly.
Leigh was not sure how to respond, so she didn't. She merely stood in the mouth of the dining room and stared at him. He scaled the house, brushing the walls with his fingertips. Leigh was baffled, but did not interrupt Remus.
Suddenly, he whipped his head around and looked at Leigh as if she had just materialized from thin air. He quickly approached her and grabbed one of her hands. "Leighton, I am so incredibly sorry for putting you through all of this. I don't even know why you're taking me back after everything I've done to you."
She smiled at him. "Remus, you are wishy-washy, irrational, and moody. You make terrible decisions and sometimes, you are flat out stupid." She paused. "Someone has to keep you in check, don't they?"
Leigh's words could have been perceived as hurtful, callous, and uncalled for, but her tone remained jovial, and she spoke with a wide smile on her face. Remus, who grew up with the three biggest fools of his generation, knew very well how to distinguish blatant brutality from harmless insults, and smiled back at Leigh. He knew she wasn't trying to be mean, but merely scolding him for being such an idiot.
She embraced him, and for a very long time, they held each other in silence. After they broke apart, Leigh pointed a menacing finger in his face. She adopted a very serious tone. "Next time you run away like that, however, you better hope the wolves rip you apart before I get my hands on you."
She could not keep a straight face for long. She cracked, and began laughing so hard, tears leaked from her beautiful, brown eyes.
X
Poverty may come to me, it's true. But what care I? Say, I'll get by, as long as I have you!
Leigh awoke to singing. Loud, terrible singing. It's far too early for this, she thought while yawning and rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. Groggily, Leigh got out of bed, put her feet to the bare floor, and tread half-heartedly to the kitchen.
She was not at all surprised to find Remus in the kitchen, whistling a merry tune and wearing an apron around his waist. He was making pancakes.
The phonograph Leigh had recently purchased was playing the song Remus had been singing so horribly. Penelope was running circles around Remus' ankles as he swayed to the music.
Leigh could not help but smile widely at the sight.
Remus turned, feeling her presence, and hastily flicked his wand toward the phonograph. The music was muted instantly. "I'm sorry, did I wake you? I knew the music was too loud," Remus said apologetically.
Leigh shook her head. "No, I just conveniently woke up." She smiled sleepily.
"Here, coffee," Remus said, filling a mug with piping hot coffee. He promptly poured in milk and two spoonfuls of sugar. "Just the way you like it."
"Thank you, Remus," Leigh said, taking the mug from him. She took a long drink, and sighed happily. "Perfection."
"Nothing less for you," Remus added, smiling at her. "Pancakes?"
"I would love some," Leigh responded, smiling back.
Remus set the table, insisting Leigh should relax and read the newspaper. Plates, forks, knives, napkins, and cups flew from the kitchen to the dining room, placing themselves neatly on the dining table. Leigh stared out of the sliding glass door.
Remember when Leigh tried gardening? She does too, and she tries not to think of it often, considering her failure. But, to her amazement, her garden had since flourished. There was an abundance of daisies growing in her backyard.
She suspects magic.
Deciding there was only one thing missing from the table, Leigh went outside to pick some daisies. She arranged them in a vase and set them in the middle of the table. She smiled at her handiwork. If it were possible, it brightened up the already warm and happy home.
It had been a month since Remus had come back. And she couldn't be happier.