A.N—YAY! REMUS AND BELLE ARE BACK TOGETHER! I'm so sorry that it took me so long to update people. I do not deserve to have such loyal and amazing followers. I'm not sure when I'll update next because I have exams, but I'll try to ASAP. But for now, please enjoy this chapter! :D

Disclaimer—I own a pair of Bambi-imprinted PJ's, not Harry Potter.

OoOoO

Chapter Thirty Six
Living Life

Belle never took her NEWT's nor did she return to Hogwarts to receive her graduation diploma. She wouldn't need it because of her already made career in her ballet. Her friends supported her throughout the next few weeks, attending every performance of Paquita and each time congratulating her on a job well done. Not long after her productions were done she began working on another ballet, this one paying double that which she had previously earned and it was La Bayadere.

James and Lily began living together in October, much to the displeasure of their parents. But, during a war when they could all die at any time, they had no time to waste. Mary moved in with Sirius, who already had a house, thanks to his late Uncle Alphard, which left Remus and Belle, who were living in the same apartment building as Stefan. Peter was working almost non-stop and didn't have much time to spend with them, but when he did he was quiet and shy as usual.

Stefan and Cooper were now dating, as Stefan had come out about his sexuality a few months earlier. The Marauders thought that it was a bit odd at first, but over time grew used to it.

It was a Saturday morning and Belle was sitting on the couch in the living room, her feet in Remus's lap and reading the Daily Prophet, wearing nothing but one of Remus's dress shirts and a pair of yoga shorts.

"Four dementor attacks in a week." she said, biting her lip. "That's terrible."

Remus nodded. "I know." he said then hesitated before looking up at her. "There was something I wanted to talk to you about."

"What's that?" she asked, meeting his gaze. "Is everything alright?"

"I want to joint the Order." he said. "I want to fight."

Belle's eyes widened. "And...?"

Remus blinked. "And I was wondering if that would be alright with you."

"You're asking my permission?" she asked in wonder. Remus grinned and shook his head.

"Not permission so much as a blessing. Joining the Order is dangerous." he said. She shrugged.

"We're living in dangerous times, Remus. Joining an army that is fighting to make this world a better place isn't something I can argue with."

"So I can join?" he clarified. Belle giggled.

"Yes." she said. "Just be careful, alright? Promise me?"

He took her hand and kissed it, pressing it against his cheek. "I promise."

She smiled and then waved him off. "Go make me breakfast." she winked. Remus chuckled and got up, bowing.

"As you command, your highness." he said, drifting into the kitchen.

CRACK!

Belle jumped a little and looked around. Sirius, James, Peter and Stefan stood in their living room, blinking and looking around. She continued reading the paper.

"He's in the kitchen, boys." she droned dully, turning the page.

"Cheers, Tink." Stefan winked.

"Don't call me that!" she groaned.

"Nice legs, Grey." Sirius smirked. She rolled her eyes.

"I thought you'd like them. I wore this just for you, Sirius." she winked. Sirius smirked and walked into the kitchen.

"What do you sorry sods want?" Remus asked.

"Order meeting tonight." Sirius said simply. "You coming?"

"Yup." Remus chirped. James smirked as Sirius handed him five galleons. Remus rolled his eyes and padded over to Belle, handing her a cup of hot chocolate, earning him a kiss.

"Oh, he's good." James whispered before turning to Padfoot. "We should take notes."

"Get lost you prats." Remus said while Belle laughed. "I'll see you tonight."

They all laughed but disappeared with a CRACK. Belle shook her head and got up from the couch carefully, cradling her steaming beverage.

"Did I ever tell you that Phoebe had her baby?" she asked. Remus looked up.

"No," he replied. "You didn't."

"She had a little baby girl. Hannah." Belle said. "And Molly Weasley just had twins."

Remus laughed. "Molly is going to keep trying for a girl, isn't she?"

Belle winked. "Who knows?" she said. "Maybe next time."

Remus wrinkled his nose. "I don't know if I'm ever going to be able to look at Arthur the same way again."

Belle laughed loudly, making Remus's heart soar. He had missed her so much and was just happy to have her back.