Changes Can Be Made
Disclaimer: HI~~~ I do not own Harry Potter, I only own the obsessive Josanne. -_-
A/N: I know… it's been a while…. Again, I'm super sorry…. Too much stuff with too little time… I got a lot of AIESEC stuff to do and school stuff since I've got all majors coming up… Anyway, here's the new chapter :) I didn't know what to entitle the chapter coz I wanted it to be creative but I just went with the cutest one I could come up with… my entitling skills suck! Hahaha XD
P.S. I apologize in advance if the chapter isn't very good…. I'm writing with hardly any sleep so if there are even more typos than usual and it just doesn't seem very good…. MY BAD! But do let me know what you guys think, ok? I would really appreciate it You guys are the best! LOVE YOU GUYS!
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Chapter 28: Full Moony
"Watch it Mudblood," growled Lucius.
"And I was having such a good night…" Hermione muttered.
The Slytherin boy scowled at the Gryffindor girl, "And why are you here?"
"Talking with a friend if you must know, but I never did peg you as a busybody," Hermione quipped as she rearranged the messy curls. Her hair was always wild but it became far more unruly when she collided with platinum blonde airhead.
Lucius sneered at her sarcasm, "I'm a head boy on patrol, I have a right to question you Mudblood."
Hermione began rolled her eyes and side-stepped the wizard. Lucius looked dumbfounded when she simply ignored him. 'At least something good came out of bumping into him,' Hermione giggled inside, 'I get to see that look! Ahahaha! That must've been the first time someone had actually ignored him!' The look on his face was priceless. Never had she ever seen Draco's father look so shocked before. Footsteps sounded behind her as she followed the corridors to her dorm. She had no idea why the irritating Malfoy would still be following her when she was heading to the Gryffindor dorm. She stopped in her tracks and spun on the spot. The agitation she felt from being followed by a Slytherin, especially an egotistical head boy at that, thrummed in her blood and fell across her expression. "Can I help you, Lucius? Or are you going to inquire as to where I'm going? Since I'm pretty sure I have the right to go to my dorm without your unwanted supervision."
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'Why am I following her?' Lucius surprised himself. "I'm just keeping an eye on you."
"Why? I'm going to my dorm. Don't worry, I won't touch your precious prideful dorm," she remarked.
Lucius said nothing as he watched her leave. He was utterly shocked and disgusted with himself. He was keeping an eye on her, but not in a way that he viewed her as a threat. He was actually keeping an eye on her for her safety. A dreadful thought that made him sick in the stomach. 'I was actually worried about her.' The thought was far too revolting for him to fathom as true. He began his journey back to the Slytherin dorm as he re-examined his own actions; his own protectiveness over the young muggle-born witch. He was trying to protect her tonight. 'How can that be? She's a disgusting mudblood witch…. But was alone, this late at night…. It's only natural for a gentleman such as I to be worried about the safety of a pretty young lady, right?' He stopped walking immediately. He paled. 'No no no! Don't you dare think like that! She's a pathetic mudblood! She's not worth an ounce of your attention, Lucius Malfoy,' he lectured himself. Yet, he could never shake the feeling of wanting to somehow ensure her safety tonight. The question that plagued him was: 'Why?'
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Regulus waited in the bushes away from the route the Marauders take to the Whomping Willow, but his position was close enough to watch them undetected by the naked eye. After years of observation, he had found out about the Marauders' Map and its ability. As soon as he knew he had created spell that would be able to conceal his presence from the map. "Praetexo idem," he whispered into his wand. A glitter-like light shimmered over his hidden form and disappeared into the night
Though the spell conceals his identity from the map, it was not an invisibility spell, so he still had to be careful of the Marauders' animagus heightened senses. The only way he'd be able to follow them without being detected as a threat would be if he too was an animal. It was an ability he'd been practicing over the summer and successfully mastered. He shifted in his crouched position as he willed his animagus transformation. The transition was painful at first, but as he practiced, it became painless and quicker over time. He released a deep breath and submitted his body to the change. He felt his bones shift; tufts of hair grow all over his skin and his face elongate into that of a canine. He knew his brother's animagus was a large black dog so being brothers, their animagus forms would be alike; however, unlike the older Black, Regulus' form was that of a medium sized grey wolf. He was quite proud of his form. His wolf animagi had deep indigo eyes with shining silver-like grey fur. Patches of snow white fur coloured his chest and tips of his ears, paws and tail.
Snap! The sound drew his attention, ears twitching toward its origin. The snapped twig announced the arrival of the Marauders. He quickly ducked his head closer to the rough leaves of the bush he had hidden in and watched four figures emerge from the woods close to the Whomping Willow.
Out of the four figures, only one was human. The Marauder named Remus was following three animals: a large black german shepherd, medium sized brown rat, and a tall red stag. It was all too obvious who was who in their group thanks to their tell-tale nicknames. Still, Regulus wanted to know what they were doing this late at night. His brother's group of troublemakers always snuck out, but this was the only time Regulus had actually followed them. Thanks to their trusty map, it had taken Regulus a lot longer trying to find a spell that would actually be able to trick their tricky map.
He watched the group approach the aggressive tree and skilfully poke a large knot at the trunk of the tree. When the knot was touched the tree immediately ceased all forms of movement. The three animals shifted shape back into the troublemaking boys they were. They spoke lowly to one another, too low for even Regulus' wolf ears to make out a word they were saying. Only when the tree stopped moving did Regulus actually see why the boys were there. At the base of the trunk, amongst the many thick knotting roots was a passageway large enough to climb through. He watched as the boys climbed one by one into the dark passage. James and Remus were the first to disappear into the darkness followed by the timid Peter. Soon enough only Sirius was left. He looked around surveying the area, obviously looking for an unwanted guest.
'Even if he knows I'm here, he can't stop me…' Regulus growled. He was going to get down to their little excursions once and for all.
Sirius, seemingly given up on his suspicious search, entered the darkness finally disappearing from sight. The tree shivered back to life. It swayed unsteadily in the air, discomforted by its intruders within its space.
Regulus, now used to moving like a wolf, hunted the boys. Swiftly but cautiously, he approached the tree. Immediately it sprang into action. Its thick branches swung back and for the angrily swatting at the grey wolf. Regulus gracefully dodged each violent swing and managed to make it to the trunk. The secret knot was now close enough to touch. He sprung up the trunk and jabbed the knot with his nose.
'Got it!' He cheered to himself. Instantly, the tree became frozen. Regulus slipped into the secret passage the boys entered earlier. The dim tunnel opened up to a dusty old foyer. Holding back a sneeze, Regulus looked around and tried to figure out where he was.
The windows were boarded up with broken glass dangling from the old rotting windowsills. The floor creaked as he padded across the room to the doorway. It was easy for Regulus to identify the place. 'The Shrieking Shack?' It was a matter of proximity and abandonment that gave the house away. His heightened senses picked up the sound of voices in the distance. Dust covered antique furniture were strewn in old unused broken rooms as he searched for the boys. 'Why would they come here?' he questioned.
He followed the voices to the farthest bedroom on the second floor; much like all the other rooms, this one smelled of dust, dirt and rotting wood. The only difference this one had, was that it was the only one with split furniture and ripped up walls marked with deep claw scratches. The boys were currently chaining Remus' hands and feet, binding him to the house with spells, ropes and chains. To Regulus, the shack looked less like an abandoned waste of space and more like an ugly prison. 'Why?' he asked himself. It was all too confusing. Why were they chaining their best friend up? 'Why would thy lock him up here? Why would he be willing to be imprisoned here every now and then?' He listened intently to the conversation the marauders were having in order to answer his many questions.
"Tight enough Moony?" Peter asked gently.
"It's good. It'll hold," Remus groaned out.
Sirius smiled sadly, "Headache worse?" Remus nodded silently. "It'll be over soon…" he comforted Remus giving him a gentle boyish pat on the back.
"Thanks…" Remus gasped out, pain crumpling his kind expressions.
"Almost done, Prongs?" Sirius inquired.
"Just about," James replied swishing his wand in patterns for each spell.
Regulus couldn't make out which spells he was using yet. To figure out why they were doing this, he needed to know what spells they were using. He carefully and quietly shifted forward to hear more of what they were saying. His mind buzzed about trying to decipher all the information he was getting from each phrase the boys said.
"Same drill okay Moony," James confirmed.
The bound boy nodded slowly and dryly replied, "Boys, the morning after the full moon come get me."
They each nodded their understanding. 'Full moon?' Regulus knew immediately what was going on. 'Lycanthropy… he's a werewolf.' He heard movement in the room. Sirius had tilted his face to the side, his nose twitching. Regulus moved away and began to make his way quickly and silently out of the Shrieking Shack. Sirius had almost caught him. No doubt his scent will alert the older Black boy to whom the intruder was, but Regulus could worry about that tomorrow when he is confronted by his brother, but what would he do now that he knows the Marauders' secret?
He thought that for a moment he could use it to keep his brother away from Hermione, but then again Hermione would be hurt by that. Another negative would be that, if he says anything to anyone about Remus' condition, Hermione may hate him because Remus – Hermione's close friend – would be in danger. She'd hate him. Lastly, he couldn't bring himself to actually put the poor werewolf boy into more pain since he [Remus] is going through all this trouble just to protect others from himself. Regulus emerged from the Whomping Willow and hurried to the school grounds.
Once he arrived in the school grounds, he changed back to himself and carefully travelled to his dorm. He sighed quietly as he climbed the stairs to his luxurious Slytherin room. When comfortable, he clambered into bed and massaged his temples. He had reached a decision. For now, he decided that he wouldn't breathe a word of Remus' secret to any soul for the sake of Remus' welfare and Hermione's happiness. 'Explaining this to Sirius is going to be a nightmare…' he sighed as he drifted off to sleep.
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Sirius gave Remus a melancholic smile, trying to somehow ease the pain of tomorrow night's event. 'Same drill…. He'll have to be taken to the medical wing straight away…' he sighed. It was always the same whenever they went to pick him up the morning after the full moon. Scratches and mauled wounds that bled onto the scraps of torn clothing the bookworm marauder had left. Remus was always the literal picture of what a cat dragged in after the full moon. It never ceased to crush Sirius and the other marauders when they saw their tattered Moony. The images of the previous years of the "same drill" clawed at his consciousness and heart. Breathing deeply to regain composure, Sirius caught a whiff of something that did not belong. 'An intruder,' he growled.
Tilting his head in order to identify the scent, he focussed on the trespasser. The scent was that of fresh grass trimmings mixed with clean fur. 'A mix of human and animal scents?' His eyes darkened. 'An animagus.'
"Someone was here," he whispered to his companions.
The three boys looked up, alarmed by the news.
"Do you know who?" James asked.
Sirius sifted through his mental catalogue of individuals' scents and came up with one he'd known so well. "I have an idea…" he growled dangerously.
"Who?" Remus asked. The fear that his secret would be found out by the worst kind of people glowed in his dilated eyes.
"I'll deal with it… you just need to get some rest and prepare yourself for tomorrow," he reminded Remus. Sirius looked deadly. No boy had the guts to push further for a direct answer.
They said their quick good-byes and good lucks, and promptly left the shrieking shack.
Once they were out of the Whomping Willow, they turned back into their animagus forms and ran for the school grounds. When they arrived in the school proper, they changed back. Carefully, they made their way back to their dorm.
Sighing deeply, Peter gathered all his courage, "Padfoot, who was it?"
James bent slightly forward to physically voice his interest.
"Regulus," Sirius frowned. "Tomorrow I'm going to have a little chat with him…"
"Need backup?" James offered.
"No need… I swear that boy won't say a word about this to anyone…"
"What if he already did?" Peter's eyes teared up with the thought of the consequences.
Patting the smaller boy on the shoulder, Sirius shook his head, "I know Regulus, he won't say anything yet… He needs it as leverage…. He's a damn Slytherin. You know how cunning those snakes can be. Don't you worry boys, I'll make sure he keeps his mouth shut… or I'll shut it for him…"
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As per usual, the two early eager students, Hermione and Lily, sat comfortably in the grand hall conversing about a certain mischievous head boy.
"This Hogsmeade Weekend is going to be so awkward," Lily whined.
"And why is that?" Hermione grinned.
Lily frowned playfully at her, "You know why…" Hermione raised her eyebrows and tilted her head silently questioning Lily further. "Mi! It's because it'll be like James and I are actually dating… as in, actually like an item."
"So? What's the problem?"
"What's the problem? I don't know, maybe since we're not actually an item, that fact is going to make it awkward."
"Just treat it like the first date it is and you'll be fine," Hermione sighed, filling her plate with blueberry muffin and croissant. She sipped from her cup of orange juice and eyed Lily's face of internal turmoil. 'Just like Harry,' she smiled as she recalled her best friend's same expression. "You guys are almost an item anyway," she put in.
Lily's face flushed pink at the statement, "N-no, that is so not happening," she argued.
"Come on, Lil," Hermione giggled. "You have to be open to the idea of actually becoming an item with him. You two are a wonderful couple."
Blushing furiously, Lily drizzled sweet maple syrup onto her two round hotcakes before she stirred her hot chocolate thoughtfully, "okay, fine, maybe I'm not opposed to the idea, but it's just… he seems to be so…"
"In love with you," Hermione finished.
"H-he is n-not," Lily denied. "He's a git and he's a troublemaker."
Hermione scoffed at her friend's denial. "Well, whatever you think he is, you better accept that he is actually very serious about his feelings for you. I can see it in the way he looks at you and how persistent he is."
"I guess you're right…" Lily sighed heavily.
'She obviously doesn't like to lose arguments,' Hermione internally giggled. They continued to eat and discuss what Hogsmeade was like. Even though Hermione practically knew everything about it, she had to remind herself to appear excited and curious about the place. It proved to be more difficult than she first thought when Lily brought up all the factual information Hermione already knew.
The girls still sat there even after they had finished eating. They watched the students pile into the hall, scrambling to get to the delicious food prepared. The two girls just enjoyed talking about anything and everything. Hermione wished all mornings could be this peace, but lately, she had been getting this overwhelming anxious feeling. Someone or something was onto her.
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by someone gently grabbing her shoulders. She jumped at the soft touch and looked up only to come face-to-face with a charming Sirius Black. "Good morning beautiful," he winked.
She smiled whilst shrugging his hands off, "Morning Sirius." She smiled at Peter who yawned his 'Morning to you' and James who said a quick 'hi~' before quickly complimenting Lily. The latter girl hit him gently on the arm and scolded him. 'They really are a perfect couple.'
Occupying the seat next to her, Sirius began chowing down on the pyramids of pasteries available. "Di'ya sweep 'ell?" he asked with a mouth full of chocolate chip muffin.
"Don't talk with your mouth full and yes, I did," she smiled and rolled her eyes as he swallowed his muffin and offered her an apologetic smile. "Merlin, you Mr. Black, have quite the appetite." He only smiled in reply.
Hermione took the time to quickly observe the group and remembered Remus' absence. 'That's right, it's a full moon tonight… poor Remus…' she mentally sent him a hug.
"Where's Remus?" Hermione overheard Lily ask them. She looked at the three boys who were obviously professional liars.
"He was vomiting pretty badly from the migraine he got yesterday so Professor Dumbledore is letting him stay in his room," Sirius lied smoothly.
"I do hope he gets better," Lily murmured.
"You know, Lily, he is really sorry," Peter sincerely added.
James smoothly took her hand and enclosed it with his other hand, "He really didn't mean it Lily," the way he softly said her name had the girl blushing. "You are a precious friend to him, he did not mean to hurt your feelings. Please don't hold it against him."
The way he looked at her made Hermione sigh. 'Such a loving look… They are truly meant to be.'
Lily smiled sweetly, "Of course I won't. I know he wasn't himself… Thank you."
They spent a moment just gazing intimately into one another's eyes. 'This is the look of love…' Hermione sighed sweetly. Suddenly she was brought out of her admiration by a heated look. She turned her head to see Sirius smiling thoughtfully at her. "W-what?" she stuttered.
He chuckled warmly and flashed his killer smile, "You're just beautiful I couldn't help it."
Flustered, Hermione stood and called out to her red-faced friend. "Lil, let's go?"
"Y-yes, of course… bye guys…" Lily stood and brushed off her skirt.
"Bye boys," Hermione smiled, purposely avoiding a certain heartthrob.
Lily blushed, but as she passed Potter she quickly added: "Bye James." Then they were off. Both girls flushed heatedly. "I can't believe I just did that," she complained.
"Did what?" Hermione puzzled over it.
She looked incredulously at her caramel-curled best friend, "I said 'bye' specifically to James!" she huffed.
"And? I think it was only appropriate."
"It's not a matter of manners, Mi. I always just group them when I say 'hi' and 'bye'… I just felt like he's different from them."
Hermione gasped, "Oh Merlin, you're totally!"
"Totally what?!"
"In love~" Hermione laughed out.
"I am not!" she insisted.
"You are to and you know it."
Lily said nothing. It was the truth, how could she deny it further. Hermione glowed with the self-confidence she got from proving just how right she can be. "Well, I'm not surprised. The way he was looking at you was… Merlin, I have never seen someone look at anyone with such love before. You're lucky."
"I'm not the only lucky one, you know," Lily noted.
"What do you mean?"
"The mighty Hermione Grace hasn't noticed?!" Lily jested, feigning shock.
Hermione rolled her eyes at the dramatic witch. "Very funny, Lil, but I honestly don't know what you're talking about." 'Seriously... what does she mean? I've never seen anyone – even Ron – look at me like that,' she pondered.
"Sirius. Black," Lily spelled out.
"What? No!"
"Uh, yeah. Come on, Mi, it's obvious."
Hermione continued to rant out denials which seemed to just amuse the already laughing Gryffindor head girl. "Mi, it's not just Sirius. I've seen the way his brother has been ogling you in class."
Hermione almost tripped on her own feet. "Regulus?" she breathed out.
"Yep."
"No… No, it's not possible…"
"Even I was surprised," Lily shrugged. "He doesn't seem so bad, Mi, but I honestly prefer Sirius over him for you."
Hermione reddened, "Well, neither is going to happen."
"And why is that?" Lily peered at her with playful eyes, but her expression changed into that of concern when she saw Hermione's troubled look. "Mi? What's wrong?"
'Remember your mission, Hermione,' she reminded herself. 'There's no time for anything else. Just focus on saving Harry and Ron. Focus on saving everyone you cherish. Destroy the Horcruxes and eliminate Voldemort.'
Hermione forced a smile at Lily, "Nothing… Just got lost in thought."
"Well, I'm sorry, I won't tease you anymore."
"Thank you, Lil. You're the best."
"Well, best friends stick together. There's no way I'd ever leave you alone so you better get used to me being the best from now on," Lily posed triumphantly.
Hermione choked back the tears that clawed at her eyes. 'best friends…' she repeated. 'Ron and Harry… Now, I have another…'
She smiled, "Best friends also need to make sure they're not late for potions."
"Late?!" Lily cried out. "No way in hell are we going to be late… Mi… RUN!"
And they were off, skidding down corridor after corridor until they reached the classroom seconds before Slughorn arrived.
"How'd the marathon go?" Severus whispered to Hermione; a ghost of a smile hidden away from the Slytherins, but as visible as day to her.
"Not now, Sev," Hermione scowled at him as she forced herself to catch her breath.
"Now, who knows what the most important ingredient for…" Slughorn began.
'Today is definitely going to be a long day.'
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Skipping out on class is something that Sirius did every now and then. As a Marauder it is only natural to be good at sneaking in and out whenever needed. After finishing breakfast and seeing Hermione so early in the morning, to say Sirius was happy was an understatement; but at this moment his priority was to find Regulus and keep him quiet. He had no idea what Regulus had planned but his knowledge of Remus' condition was a threat to all the marauders and Hermione. He could only imagine that – since Regulus has a keen interest in Hermione – the younger black would want him to back off of Hermione, or, Regulus might want Remus out of Hogwarts. 'Well, whatever, I'm going to make sure Remus' secret is safe and so is 'Mione.'
Finally, after searching almost every corridor, he found Regulus reading in the courtyard. "Finally, I was starting to wonder if you actually cared," Regulus said over his book, but never once did he look up to acknowledge his brother's presence.
"You were there last night. I don't know why you were there," Sirius stalked forward, his voice dropping dangerously low, "but I'm here to make sure that you don't say anything. If you so much as breathe a-"
"I won't say anything," Regulus sighed clearly bored with the conversation.
"Wait… What?" Sirius was incredibly confused.
"I said that I won't say anything."
'Seriously?' Sirius' confusion deepened and his shoulders relaxed. 'Well that's a relief,' he sighed. 'But, wait… why?' His brother, who could use this opportunity to get whatever he wanted from the marauders, the most notorious pranksters in Hogwarts' history, was simply giving it up just like that? 'No way… something's up…' Sirius suspicious observed the Slytherin boy. "What're you up to, Regulus?"
"Look, I don't care about what happens to you or your friends, I'm only keeping quiet so that Hermione won't be affected by it since she's now close to that Remus," he answered.
'That makes sense...' Sirius nodded. "So, you, a Slytherin, are protecting Mione, a muggle-born witch?"
"Yes, well, my house doesn't define me," Regulus retorted.
"As long as you're keeping the secret, I can live with you knowing."
"Yes, well… I'll be going now," Regulus finished awkwardly.
"Wait a sec," Sirius began. "I have a question: what's your animagus? You smell like a dog, but I can tell you're not." Regulus remained silent. "You know mine, so I think it's only fair that I know yours."
After a moment of consideration, "A wolf," was all Regulus answered.
Sirius simply nodded and watched as his brother left the courtyard. 'Finally, still soft I see Regulus.' He felt mildly sympathetic for his little brother. Regulus always put others before himself, he was one of the most selfless people Sirius knew, but Regulus was also very good at hiding that fact. 'Well, seems like I can at least find a way to get along with that git… so long as he continues to look out for Mione.' A silent breeze swept gently through the courtyard, brushing Sirius' hair into his eyes. 'Well, time to go.'
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The morning passed quite peacefully for Hermione. Potions had been surprisingly fun. Severus had actually tried – and unfortunately failed – cracking a couple of jokes. Hermione laughed at how terrible they were, but he was able to lift her spirits. Arithmancy had been productive. She was grouped with Lily and Peter for some seatwork. Peter was surprisingly good at arithmancy. He taught the girls a few tricks that both girls loved; they were simple and very accurate. Hermione smiled warmly when Peter blushed at the compliment Lily had given him, "You should actually consider teaching this class in the future, Peter. You're really good at it, you know," she had said. Hermione was relieved that the boy was actually on the road of a visibly brighter future, 'No servant of the dark lord for you,' Hermione hummed inside.
Soon enough the trio was chatting all the way to the grand hall for a grand lunch.
"Should we check on Remus?" Lily randomly asked. Worry was written all over her face.
"I will later," Peter replied coolly.
'Nice save,' Hermione smirked briefly. "Well, I think he'll be totally fine. Knowing him, he's probably enjoying his day off and has probably got his nose in a book or sleeping as we speak."
Lily laughed at the image, "You're right… Oh my Merlin! I'm soooooo hungry!"
"Really? You at so much this morning."
"That small amount? That's not enough," Lily pouted.
"We're almost there anyway," Peter added.
Finally the three arrived at the Gryffindor table. Almost immediately, Lily began eating sandwich after sandwich. Peter and Hermione both went for the pumpkin soup. The curly haired witch continued to watch her head girl devour almost all the cucumber sandwiches and part of the lettuce and egg ones. She had to admit, the sandwiches at Hogwarts were really good and actually very healthy, but Hermione was just astonished by how many her friend was scarfing down.
"Lil, sweetie, drink some water, you're going to choke on bread soon."
"Thanks Mi," Lily beamed happily.
'She really wasn't kidding… the girl was starving.'
"How are you not fat, Lil?" Hermione giggled as her friend began her sandwich conquest once again.
"Mi, it's all about what you eat and eating in moderations," Lily stated matter-of-factly.
"I don't think you're eating in moderations," Peter interjected.
"He's got a point," Hermione nodded and 'clinked' cups with the said boy.
"Well, these are very healthy sandwiches… and I have a high metabolism," Lily winked cheekily.
Peter and Hermione immediately erupted into a fit of laughter.
"What's so funny, 'Mione?" a deep voiced rumbled happily behind her.
"Lily's high metabolism, Sirius, and hi to you too," Hermione threw at him.
"Speaking of metabolism, let's eat!" James hollered as he seated himself beside Lily. The couple began conversing about – of all the things – food.
Lunch was very enjoyable for Hermione. She spent most of it talking with Peter and Sirius about her food moderations when they both argued with her. According to the two boys, Hermione's moderations were not enough for her to be properly fed.
"I'll have you both know that I eat enough, thank you," she argued.
"But it's such a small amount," debated Peter.
"Wormtail's right, 'Mione," Sirius agreed as he shovelled a spoonful of mashed potato into his waiting mouth.
"Argh! Merlin… Sirius Black, shew your food properly! You eat as if you haven't eaten in days," she shook her head.
"I am eating properly."
"Really? Then why are you so messy?" she pointed at the mashed potato stuck to his cheek. Grabbing her napkin, she turned his face towards her and gently cleaned his cheek. When she was done, she found something unique. Sirius Black was blushing.
As quickly as the blush appeared a smirk adorned his lips. "I think I like eating messily."
Hermione blushed and scowled, "Argh! You're impossible!" She retrieved her stuff and left the hall. She was so frustrated. 'ARGH! He's so….. annoying!' she angrily growled inside. 'Though… that blush was both surprising and… adorable…' she admitted timidly. The rest of the day passed without another infuriating event, except when dinner arrived.
Hermione was still awkward around Sirius since lunch time, but at dinner she eased with his light conversation. The evening meal passed normally, except for the unshakeable feeling of someone's eyes on her. She peered subtly around at her surroundings, searching for the one watching her.
She found their eyes.
Lovely deep indigo eyes bore into hers. Her eyes dropped to his charming smirk. 'Both Blacks are quite the charmers,' she rolled her eyes. "What?" she mouthed.
"Want to talk?" he mouthed in return.
"Where?"
His smirk grew. Slowly he stood, giving his companions a bored sayonara before quickly disappearing from the hall.
'Where?' she asked herself. Her eyes widened as she realized where they'd be meeting. It really felt like they were having a romantic rendezvous. 'Geez Hermione! Get it together…' He didn't give her a straightforward answer, but his look told her where.
The courtyard was just as lovely as it was the previous night. And there he was, the Slytherin prince, sitting on the edge of the centre pond with his legs crossed over each other occupying most of the edge. His poised back leaned against the bird with its outspread wings. His eyes were on the stars above. Handsome couldn't possibly be enough to describe him.
'What could he possibly want to talk about?' Hermione questioned as she stepped forward.
"Did you know I was named after the brightest star in the Leo constellation?" Regulus asked her, his eyes never leaving the diamond studded night sky.
"I had my suspicions," Hermione smiled as she sat on the other side of the bird he leaned on and rested her back on it too.
"Such a smart girl," he commented. She could practically feel his smile in his voice.
"Still, this smart girl is confused as to why you wanted to talk."
He chuckled lowly and stood from his makeshift seat; stretching his body to the sky. Leisurely, he strolled around the pond, slowly making his way to her.
"It obviously wasn't to tell me the origins of your name," she voiced out.
"Of course not," he laughed. "I just wanted to talk again… you know, in all my life, you're the very first person I actually feel comfortable talking naturally to."
"Really? The mighty Regulus Black can't talk comfortably to his fellow Slytherins? Not even to the amazing Lucius Malfoy?" she mocked.
"Angel, I'm being serious," he looked sadly at the stars above.
"Sorry, Reg," she apologized guiltily. He finally sat beside her, eyes to the sky. "You like the stars, huh?"
"Yes… That's why I love it here in the courtyard… I can see them so clearly here…"
"Why do you like them so much?"
"Because they're something I want to become…" he admitted bashfully.
"You want to become a star? Like a role model or idol?" Hermione articulated.
"No, I want to become like a star, I want to be what they represent," he sighed. "Stars are pure light. They're goodness. They guide those that are in the darkest of places. The gentle and never hurt others," he went on. Finally, he looked down and smiled kindly at her. "I want to become like that."
"Reg…" Hermione whispered, "that's amazing… You know," she smiled wittily, "you're closer to being that star. You're already gentle and good, I can see it."
"Thank you, Angel… but, believe me, I'm not yet there… In fact, I'm still in a dark place…"
Hermione's concern must have been obviously pasted on her face because Regulus gently stroked her head in an attempt to comfort her. "Don't worry, I have a guiding star… I'm alright."
Hermione gave him her super comfort smile and changed topic. They talked comfortably with one another for another hour until they were almost caught by Filch and his cat.
"I guess we should go," Regulus whispered to her.
"Yep, well, see you tomorrow Reg."
"Goodnight Angel… my guiding star," he whispered sweetly as he passed her at the entrance of their night haven. Quickly, he disappeared from sight, leaving Hermione stunned. She was his star? Her heart tingled. 'Get it together, Hermione Granger,' she slapped both of her flushed cheeks. She released a deep sigh and soothed her erratic heart.
Once her heartbeat had settled, she returned to her room. She quietly changed into her short cotton nightgown and snuggled into the covers of her bed. She could see the full moon glow in the sky, bathing her room in the softest light. To her, the moon was the sweetest jewel in the sea of black. It shone with brilliance like no other. Beautiful was one way to describe it; but to others, the moon was not the gentle lady of the sky. Instead, she was the hard mistress, the cruel curse bringer; the one currently condemning Remus to a night of isolation in a world of darkness and pain. She surrendered herself to the soft cushiony clouds of quilts and gave up her consciousness to the night.
That night, the full moon plagued her dreams. It glowed in mockery as Hermione stood in a shabby old room watching a werewolf howl, growl, bite and tear at itself. Hermione cried as her dream forced her to watch the animal with eyes like Remus mutilate itself.
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A/N: Done for now… I'm currently writing the third chapter of Can't Jinx Love, but as soon as I'm done with that, I'll be continuing chapter 29 of this. Sorry it took this long… but thanks for your patience guys~! You all are awesome! xoxoxoxoxo
***P.S. I totally forgot but please check out this amazing anime version of HP: /gallery/0ukE6 IT'S SOOOO COOL! Here's the one where I gained inspiration for what the characters look like but again, I DO NOT OWN THE PICTURES /gallery/0ukE6
The artist of the drawings can be found here: . ?id=1138648
