CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

*S*T*A*R*T*O*F*Y*E*A*R*S*I*X*

Over the summer, Remus had been hired to work at a Muggle coffee shop, Peter had done nothing, Wendy had started a garden and James had helped Sirius move in with him. This year would be stressful, after their O.W.L.s last year, each of them were enrolled in N.E.W.T. level classes. This included N.E.W.T. level Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions. Potions for the five of them plus Lily, and Defense Against the Dark Arts for everyone but Peter. He was in N.E.W.T. level Transfiguation instead. Each planned on taking the Apparating courses but weren't sure as to how far they would get. Splinching was quite a horrifying concept that although fascinated them, scared them. As it did to most students.

After the first week of school, Lily had finally accepted James's offer to date him. Sirius was a little upset seeing as this meant more discreet pranking for Snivellus but Peter had eagerly agreed to assist in the public humiliation as long as it was kept to a minimum. Now that Remus was a Prefect it would also be much more short-lived. Before, Remus was always the one to stop them from going over the line when it came to pranking Severus but now it wasn't only a moral duty, but a Professor appointed one. As everyone in their circle of friends knew, anything asked of Remus by a Professor(especially Dumbledore) would be done. Partly because he was a very respectful young man and also because he felt forever in their debt.

Now, the third full moon had occurred and half-term exams were approaching. Remus was studying though his head was pounding with pain of the past full moon. The boys sat in the Hospital Wing, ready to escort him back just before bed.

"Moony, you really ought to rest," James frowned.

"No, I really ought to study."

"Your head will explode if you stuff much more in it. Scientific fact," stated Sirius.

"No. That's not true at all," Remus said clicking his tongue as he avidly read his Potions book.

Peter, James and Sirius exchanged looks of sympathy.

"Stop," Remus snapped, eyes not leaving his book.

"Stop what?" asked James innocently.

"Those disapproving looks of pity and anxiety. I'm reading, but I can still feel those looks. They make me itch with wolfish anger," he sighed.

James smirked at Sirius. Remus. Ever the studious brilliant young man even after his bones had been rearranged and his DNA had been altered. However, the idea of him itching with anger was absurd. Remus had gotten truly angry maybe twice in their Hogwarts experience.

"So you're feeling well, then?" Peter asked meekly.

"Brilliant," said Remus in a flat voice.

Peter frowned, sad for his friend. True to his word, Peter had become more sensitive towards Remus. Minding his words, minding his actions. Plus, Dolores was gone and that definitely contributed to the lack of emotional outbursts.

After concluding his studies, the boys escorted Remus back to Gryffindor Tower. Everyone was already in bed asleep. Everyone but Peter, James, Sirius, Remus and of course…Wendy. She sat patiently on the sofa, also studying. Remus's insipid expression immediately changed to one of delight.

"Evening, love," she smiled as she set down her book.

Remus gave her a lopsided grin and waved.

"Don't stay out too late, Remus," Sirius snickered patting Remus on the back.

"Don't worry about that. I'll pass out soon enough," he yawned.

The boys left Remus and Wendy alone in the Common Room. Remus sat beside her on the sofa, staring at her eyes that were wary from studying.

"How are you feeling?" she asked softly.

Remus shrugged, tugging at a loose thread on his sweater.

"Better-ish," he smirked.

Wendy raised her brows and scooted closer to him, offering him a warm smile.

"You really ought to quit studying right after a full moon. Don't say it's just for N.E.W.T.s because you did this at the beginning of the year way before we knew the N.E.W.T. criteria was even discussed," she simpered.

"You realize that I've only done this three times, Wendy."

"And all three of those times you have ended up way more wrecked than you would have been after a moon if you hadn't studied," Wendy said with a knowing look.

"Thanks, mum," Remus snorted.

Wendy laughed softly, rolling her eyes. Remus wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her towards him so she was laying with her back against his chest. They both stared into the fire, watching as the flames licked the logs and bricks that lined the hearth.

"So, The Slug Club. I don't think I wanna keep going…" Wendy said with a small laugh.

"Oh, Merlin… I am so tired of that disgrace…" groaned Remus.

"But you're going to keep going?"

"Absolutely. Free food. Free, delicious food," Remus said with an obvious look.

Wendy laughed softly, shaking her head slowly. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the top of her head, tenderly. Remus released a sigh of contentment. All the things he thought he couldn't have, he now did. Friends. A great reputation as a good student. A job. A loving girlfriend.

"What will you do once we leave Hogwarts?" Remus asked.

"I dunno… Travel maybe."

"Any career in mind?" he pressed.

If she picked a career too grand, then the possibility of a future together was shot. Wendy could never be a member of the Ministry or an Auror with a werewolf boyfriend…or perhaps, even a husband. That future was a big prospect. Especially after all they had been through.

"I was actually thinking about becoming a Healer."

Remus's felt a smile break out on his face. Of course. That was perfect for her. She was loving and understanding. Very intelligent and always willing to help Remus after a full moon. Even if he was a grisly mess, she cleaned him up without so much as a single flinch.

"That's…that's perfect for you," Remus said with a small laugh.

"You think so?"

She turned her head so she was looking at him, just slightly.

"Absolutely. I don't think I even need to explain why, Wendy."

She snorted back laughter and smiled.

"Well, what about you?"

Remus felt his heart sink. He could never be anything with that brand on his chest. Not a Healer. Not an Auror. Definitely not a teacher.

"Well, erm… Wendy, it's actually rather difficult for a…erm…werewolf to get a decent job…" he murmured, embarrassedly.

Wendy was quiet for a moment, then finally spoke up.

"Muggles don't have to know that you're a werewolf. They wouldn't believe it anyway," Wendy said, a smile in her voice.

"A Muggle job?"

"Yeah. You'd make a great teacher, Remus."

Surprise showed in his eyes that glistened with tears of gladness at her understanding.

"You wouldn't mind me having a Muggle job?" he whispered.

"Why the bloody hell would I mind?" laughed Wendy.

Remus smiled. A Muggle job had been his only option when it came to official career paths. He had no problem living in the Wizarding World but working with Muggles. The only problem was being with someone who could accept that part of his life. Now, Wendy was telling him she could accept that.

"What do you mean: would I mind? I mean… You think you'll still me with me after we leave Hogwarts?" she asked, just loud enough for him to hear.

'Oh, Remus. You great prat. What in the bloody hell? Why would you tell her how seriously you take your relationship? You've frightened her half to death!' he thought, chidingly.

"I just mean… I just mean… As of now… It seems like-like we're gonna be together for a while… well, maybe. Not that we have to be. No pressure. I'm just wondering… Just making sure we both understand each other… Erm… I mean to say that we are on the same page. I'm just saying-"

"This sounds like we've just started dating each other again. You panicking even though it's clear as day that I'll accept you no matter if you're making cappuccinos or tending to a stranger's laundry."

Remus's lips quirked up into a smile.

"I guess that's why I love you," he chuckled, kissing her cheek.

Wendy froze in his arms and he became slightly alarmed. He worried she was about to have a fit. Slowly, she turned her head and gazed, wide eyed at Remus.

"You love me?" she breathed.

"I-I-I-I-I thought it was obvious. I m-mean I've said it before, right?" he stammered.

She shifted so she was facing him on all fours, then sat on his lap so his face was inches from hers.

"I love you…" Wendy said, no expression on her face.

Without a second's hesitation, Remus pulled her face to his, pressing their lips together. Their tongues dancing.

When they pulled apart, both were panting with excitement and anticipation. Remus kissed her again. Though the moment had given him a rush, he was still exhausted from his transportation and but of course, Wendy could tell this.

"Go to bed, love. I'll see you in the morning," she said affectionately.

Remus nodded, grinning like an idiot. Slowly, he pressed his lips to her cheek and stood from the couch. He headed towards the stairs that led to his dormitory and gave Wendy a fleeting glance. She was leaning over the side of the couch, watching him with her eyes that twinkled with exquisite satisfaction.

"G'night," he mumbled.

"Goodnight."

That conversation, combined with Remus's dream that night, made for a great night.

*What's the dream? Review and I will post it!*