I do not own it.
Author's note: Yay! A quick update. Hope you enjoy. =) A giant thank you to Ariana who helped me beta this chapter.
Willows and Witches
"Intruder"
Hermione sat down in despair and wrapped her arms around her knees. Why did life seem to always throw complicated situations at her?
She sat in quiet repose for several minutes, trying to work through her scattered thoughts, and confused feelings. It seemed as though she'd made many errors in judgment lately, not only in regards to Remus, but Severus as well. It was clear that Severus became agitated whenever she mooned over Remus, or wanted to talk about the problems she was having with him. It was difficult, not having close friends within the immediate vicinity to speak to, and Hermione wasn't used to making thesedecisions on her own. Hermione thought that perhaps it was time to learn how to deal with her own life, and the consequences that would ultimately face her as a result.
With an audible sigh, she stood up, and began the trek back to the cottage wearily. She was not in any hurry to confront either Remus or Severus, but knew that she needed to apologize and clear the air somehow.
Once inside the cottage, Hermione looked around expectantly but lost her courage to face them when she saw the two wizards sitting together at the kitchen table, taking afternoon tea. They both looked up at her with guarded expressions. She stared at them both for a moment before deciding that she needed a little more time to compose herself. She gave them both a polite nod, and hurried past them, down the hall, and into her bedroom.
Feeling decidedly out of sorts, Hermione plopped down onto the bed and held her head between her hands.
That hadn't gone well, had it?
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Remus watched Hermione warily and was vaguely surprised when she didn't say anything upon her arrival. She merely twisted her hands in front of herself nervously, and then gave a jerky nod before retiring to her room.
Remus had to bite down on his tongue not to say anything, and when his traitorous body began to rise in pursuit, Severus placed a firm hand on his shoulder, halting his ascent.
"She needs to be alone," he murmured quietly.
"How do you know?" Remus asked, with raised brow. He didn't like to think that Severus knew what Hermione needed.
"Gryffindor tendencies at work again, I'm afraid," Severus responded in a slightly exasperated tone.
Remus settled himself on the chair, his head resting between his hands. His heart squeezed painfully when he thought of just how hours ago, he had been able to hold Hermione in his arms. He never would have believed that he would be privileged enough to make love to her, nor even have the courage to tell her how he felt. He didn't know if he had been too hasty in his declaration, but it was clear that she did not share the same regard. Still, he hadn't handled the aftermath well at all. Maybe in time, her feelings would change.
"Why the long face Lupin?" Severus interjected rudely.
"It isn't as though it's a secret, Snape. You are aware of what transpired last night, I presume?"
Severus sneered. "Unfortunately. How was it, fucking an ex-student? Did you feel like a young Sirius Black, taking her to bed like a panting dog in heat?"
Remus stood so fast that the chair toppled over with a loud bang. He drew his wand. "That is enough of that, Snape. You will not speak to me in that manner in my own home again, nor will you talk about Hermione with such little respect."
Snape considered Lupin before bowing his head in mock surrender. "Of course. You never were the forthright type. It's a wonder you were placed in Gryffindor, coward that you are."
Remus felt a curse building in his body before he knew what he was doing. The energy flowed naturally through him, into his wand, where it waited to be released. His hand shook with the power that he was holding back.
Severus smirked as though he knew exactly what Remus was up to, and was already one step ahead. He slid smoothly from his chair, his wand already in his hand. He was hoping that Remus would make a move, so that he could expel some of the jealousy and hatred he was feeling in his heart.
Both wizards jumped when a knock sounded at the door, catching them unaware.
Severus lowered his wand.
Remus pocketed his wand, keeping an eye on Severus as he edged his way to the door.
Severus merely watched in smug amusement at the obvious display of paranoia.
Remus opened the door warily, not certain what, or whom, he would find waiting on the other side. His wards had not been set off, and there were so few people who had access.
"Madeline? What on earth are you doing here?" Remus stared astounded at Madeline, who was gazing up at him under coquettish lashes.
"Well, I hadn't seen you in some time. I figured you would be running low on supplies, so I brought a few things for you." She held out a covered wicker basket.
Remus grimaced but took it with murmured thanks. This was not a welcome intrusion, by any means. Remus knew that Hermione would not appreciate Madeline's presence.
Madeline stood there expectantly, her hands resting on her hips.
Snape sauntered over to the door, and stared down at Madeline imperiously.
"Ah, so this is the infamous Madeline. I had wondered when Remus was going to bring you around. He speaks of you with such… affection."
Madeline blushed, obviously pleased by this bit of news. "Well, I'm pleased to meet your acquaintance, Mr…?"
"You may call me Tobias."
Madeline nodded that she understood and then turned to Remus. "Well silly, aren't you going to invite me in?"
Remus shook his head, both aggravated at his lack of hospitality, and Snape's blatant interference. "Please do. You may sit by the fire if you'd like to warm up a bit. It's rather cold outside today." Remus was too much of a gentleman to tell Madeline that perhaps her attire wasn't entirely appropriate for the climate.
Madeline slid between both wizards in the door, and sauntered over to the sofa, taking the seat in the middle. She crossed her legs, causing her already short skirt to shift up, exposing a long length of creamy thigh.
Snape raised his brow at such an obvious display, while Remus only stammered something unintelligible and left the room.
"So… Tobias is it? How long have you known Remus?" Madeline asked saucily.
Severus sat in an armchair across from her, studying her ample cleavage a moment before answering. "Quite some time. We were in school together."
"So you're just visiting then?"
"Yes. I have an extended holiday and I'm spending it here."
Madeline looked at him, unsure whether or not Tobias thought this was a good thing. It was impossible to tell with his slow delivery, and unchanging expression.
"Well, that's very… nice."
Snape looked highly affronted at her plebian response for a moment before inclining his head toward her and sneering. "Indeed."
Remus broke up their conversation by entering the room with a tea tray featuring some of the items that Madeline had brought over. He set it down before her, nearly knocking over the tiny bowl of homemade blackberry jam.
"Forgive me; I'm unused to having guests." Remus apologized, his face hot.
Madeline winked at Severus as though sharing a secret before turning back to Remus, "Well, you should invite people over more often."
"Perhaps," Remus answered, noncommittally. He knew very well whom she meant by "people". He wondered if Maddie would ever get over this absurd crush.
"So, is that Hermyowney still here?" Madeline asked, the inflection of her voice enough to let both wizards know what she thought of that.
"Yes, indeed. She will be here for an indefinite amount of time," Remus answered quickly.
Madeline frowned. "Does she not have a life of her own that she needs to attend to?"
"My place is here." Hermione interjected coldly from the doorway. She was furious that the shop cow would dare to come here.
Everyone looked to the door, with different expressions, but Hermione only caught one. Remus looked tremendously relieved that she had joined the conversation.
Inwardly, Hermione cheered. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut. She was glad to know that he hadn't invited her over.
"Won't you have a seat Hermione?" Remus asked politely.
"Yes, thank you."
Hermione crossed to the sofa and sat at one end, raising her brow pointedly toward Madeline, who had the grace to smooth her skirt down.
"Well, I really must be going. Mother needs my help at the shop, you know."
Madeline stood upright jerkily, and Remus escorted her out of the room.
Hermione looked over at Severus blackly who had the audacity to smirk at her. "What are you so bloody pleased about?"
"You, Ms. Granger, always, you."