Forty-Seven

Hidden Moon

"Good morning! Time to get up, you have your appointment date today!" Lindsay singsonged as she knocked on the door to Laura's room.

"I hate morning people," Laura muttered as she turned over. Lindsay peered at the portrait. She had been doing that a lot since she first noticed the daily changes to them. Laura found it slightly annoying .

"My, isn't your father looking well in this one!" Lindsay commented with interest.

"Oh great, that's just what I need today," Laura said grumpily, glancing at the painting only briefly before pulling her blankets up. "It's new moon."

"Why do you say it like that?" Lindsay asked curiously.

"This is the stage where he likes to poke around in my life," Laura said, muffled by the blankets.

"Oh! So you mean at this stage he feels comfortable enough to see you and wants to get together," Lindsay said.

"Right in one."

"Considering he tries to avoid you the rest of the time, I would think you would welcome that. I love getting together with my father... especially recently," Lindsay replied.

"Your father is a lot more fun than my father," Laura declared.

"The grass is always greener," Lindsay reminded her. "The kettle is whistling and there's water boiling for your eggs. I'm putting them in now, so if you don't get up, they'll be overcooked. Where are you going with Conner today?"

"Walking around Bath, I think."

"Sounds romantic," Lindsay teased.

"It's a therapy session, not a real date," Laura said, annoyed at the tone in her voice.

"Perhaps you're falling for him even a little?" Lindsay asked. "He's pretty handsome, after all, and I know you've had your mind on someone lately..." Lindsay stopped to duck a pillow.

"He's not my type."

"He's tall, blonde, smart, likes both books and outdoor activities... sounds like your type to me," Lindsay said, ticking off each point on her fingers.

"You're as bad as my father."

"I'll go start your eggs," Lindsay grinned, stepping out of the room. Laura put her blanket over her head.

It was a bright, sunny day in Bath as Lindsay and Laura Apparated into a hidden alcove and onto Milsom Street, walking to where Laura was scheduled to meet Conner in front of Jolly's department store.

"Oh! Good morning, girls! Long time no see, Lindsay! I bet it's been a whole two days since I last saw you," Conner teased.

"I hope you don't mind. Lindsay decided to tag along long enough to say hello," Laura said.

"I've come for the shopping," Lindsay grinned.

"No problem. Maybe we can meet up for elevenses before we head back. How about we meet up at the Regency Tea Room in an hour? It's on the second floor of the Jane Austin Center."

"That sounds lovely!" Lindsay beamed. "See you then!" As Lindsay walked into the store, Laura squinted suspiciously at her.

"How was it that you saw her two days ago?" Laura asked Conner.

"Oh, she accompanies her father to his sessions," Conner explained.

"I get it now. I've seen her act like this before. She fancies you," Laura concluded. Conner blinked.

"Do you think so?" Conner asked, then gestured her towards a direction as they started walking.

"You're tall, blonde, smart, have a good sense of humor and likes outdoor activities," Laura ticked off on her fingers. "Yep, pretty sure that's it. And on top of that, her questioning of me this morning makes me think that she was checking to see if I fancied you too. We have similar types," Laura explained. "That's Dale Chance's fault."

"I believe he's taken," Conner chuckled.

"On top of that, you're a morning person," Laura pointed out, making a ward of protection gesture, "and you have dedicated your life to helping people like she has. I'd watch out, if I were you. She tends to come on strong when she likes someone." Conner tsked and pointed at his watch.

"We're supposed to be talking about you, not Lindsay," he reminded her.

"And shopping and sightseeing," Laura added.

"Not in the mood to talk again?" he inquired.

"Actually, I am," Laura said confidently.

It was then that she proceeded to tell him about both the class and the encounter with Andrew, as well as Boulderdash's suggestion to get her teaching license.

"I really don't know if I have enough conviction to be a teacher any more, but I do have conviction enough to get a license so I can wipe Andrew's face with it," Laura said, getting a chuckle from Conner. "Boulderdash is also going to teach me goblin defense starting this afternoon. I am hoping it'll help me with restraint."

"And if you learn that, are you hoping that Harry will take you back?" Conner asked as they turned the corner.

"No, of course not. That part of my life is over. Now that I'm at Hogwarts, I can learn whatever I want, and I am making a new place for myself in the world. I'm really getting the hang of my job, and honestly, I like it better than my old job. I am finally on the right path to recovery," Laura declared.

"I see," Conner said so noncommittally that Laura turned to study him.

"You sound like you don't believe me," Laura accused him flatly.

"Well, I can honestly say that I think this is a healthier career path for you," Conner replied.

"But?" Laura prompted.

"But... why are you questioning the compliment?" Conner asked. "Why do you think there is a 'but' at all?" Laura turned back around, looking quite annoyed.

"We need to turn left at Gay Street," Laura evenly.

"I know," Conner said with a smile. "We've still a ways to go yet."

"Did you mean until we get to the Center, or did you mean your sessions with me?" Laura asked bluntly. Conner shrugged.

"Both," Conner admitted.

"So I was right. There is a 'but' attached to it," Laura concluded.

"You can put a coat of new coat of paint on a house. You can pick any color you like. You can choose a more durable paint, or one that's better suited to your tastes. You can finely detail the trim, and put your favorite flowers along the windows and in the yard. All those things will make it easier to sell, no doubt about it," Conner said calmly. "But it's the same house. And none of that paint will fix the cracks in the foundation, worn support beams, or the leaky plumbing, will it?"

Laura glared darkly at him.

"It's all right, Laura. The house did need painted too," Conner said encouragingly. "One step at a time means just that, and you're definitely moving in the right direction now. But it's important to see the step for what it is... a baby step on a long road... and as much as you would like to find one, there are no short cuts."

"What is up with your metaphors? Can't you ever just say what you mean?" Laura snapped.

"If I did that, you'd just shut down faster, because you wouldn't have to stop and ponder what I'm talking about," Conner explained. "Now, my fastidious friend, if you are agreeable, you will accompany me into this desirable residence with haste?"

"God, is that the best you can do?" Laura asked critically.

"You're lucky to have gotten that much," Conner chuckled as the two of them stepped into the Jane Austin Center.

"It looks busy, are you sure we'll be able to get a spot at the tea room once we've looked around?" Laura whispered to him.

"Not a problem. I knew this would be our final destination today, so I booked ahead," Conner reassured her.

"Yes, but we have Lindsay now," Laura said.

"Also not a problem, I thought she might pull something like this, so I booked for three. Actually, I always book for three," Conner admitted sheepishly. Laura stared at him.

"You fancy her too!" she accused him.

"Would you please keep your voice down? It'd be awkward right now with me seeing her Father professionally, Laura, so I'd appreciate it if you didn't say anything," Conner said in a low voice.

"Sounds like you have a long wait then, that long road you speak of..."

"Well, his sessions aren't going to last as long as yours," Conner admitted.

"What?" Laura said flatly.

"I'm just seeing him long enough to make sure he doesn't fall off the wagon..."

"More metaphors!" Laura scowled at him, then noticed Lindsay.

"There you are! Hey, it's far past session time, you know, stop consulting!" Lindsay chastised them, scowling between them as she stepped up.

"Sorry, sorry, you're right," Conner agreed.

"Sorry if I'm late, but I was walking around to see the snowdrops and crocuses. I will be so glad when spring is officially here! Won't you?" Lindsay said brightly.

"From where I stand, it seems to be blooming already," Laura smirked.

"Let's go to the tea room," Conner suggested quickly, and the three of them went upstairs.

When Laura Apparated back to Hogwarts for her afternoon shift, she nearly groaned outright when she saw her father leaning against the main gate with his arms folded, focusing on her straight away when she popped into view.

"Cutting it close, are we? Your shift starts in half an hour," Remus said.

"How is that cutting it close? I'm hardly late," Laura said.

"Jennifer told me that you've been coming in earlier on Saturdays and eating lunch in the back room of the library. I was going to invite you to eat lunch with me instead," he explained.

"Oh. Well actually, I ate already. We stopped by a tea room for elevenses and had an early lunch instead."

"Somewhere public I take it?" he asked.

"What do you mean to imply by that?" Laura asked defensively.

"Only that you're wearing Muggle clothes," Remus observed.

"Oh. Yes, we were playing Muggle tourists in Bath. And we weren't alone, either, Lindsay tagged along," Laura added, still wondering about the way her father had worded that.

"Always good to have a friend along," Remus said, walking with her towards the castle. "So how are you adjusting to your new job?"

"I rather like it, actually," Laura said.

"More than being an Auror?" Remus inquired.

"Yes, much more," Laura agreed.

"What about subbing? Do you like it?" he asked.

"Not so much," she replied.

"Oh. Well, I heard you were going to be subbing for me in a couple of weeks. Perhaps we should get together and discuss what the students will be on so you're more comfortable with it," Remus suggested. "Perhaps after your shift?"

"Not today, I've already had enough stress to deal with. How about tomorrow before my shift?" Laura asked.

"Very well, although I'm sorry to hear your date was stressful," Remus said. Laura ignored the obvious hint that he was looking for more information.

"Lindsay was there," Laura shrugged. "See you tomorrow! I'd better get to the library," she explained, quickly diving down a side corridor that was in no way going past his office.

Remus watched her go then made his way back to Jennifer's office where she and Ivano were back at work.

"Welcome back, Remus! How was lunch?" Jennifer asked distractedly, looking over the latest modification results.

"I haven't eaten yet. Laura got back late," he explained.

"Well, help yourself to some sandwiches then," Jennifer said unconcernedly. "I think you'll want to see this test panel once I'm done with it, Remus. The results look quite promising."

"All of the results look promising during the New Moon," Remus reminded her.

"Fair enough, but I really think these tests might hold up," Jennifer said.

"Yes, even the headmaster thought they were a good sign, even though I am not certain how well it will translate to other werewolves. We have yet to find another who has the same blood profile as you, Remus," Ivano admitted.

"When will you start getting the prison couriers with Leonardo Lucco's samples?" Remus inquired.

"Severus believes that the final approvals will go through sometime this week," Jennifer replied, then brought the panel over for him to look at. "It may not show much at this moon, but it does show we managed to fix the toxicity level and balance the formula so that you can safely take the stronger dose without ill effect. As you can see, there's no adverse reactions, but we'll still need to work our way up to a full dose to make certain."

"Always good to know that the cure isn't likely to kill me," Remus agreed, looking it over.

"We may be able to do some preliminary tests on the prepared sample to check the toxicity level by itself, Jennifer," Ivano said.

"Toxicity, yes. Possible immune response issues, no," Jennifer said, making some notations in her test logs. "We're probably going to have to do a timed test after we administer it to check for that. Still, we may as well eliminate one problem while we can. Go ahead and set it up."

"Of course," Ivano said.

Not long after they got started, there was a gentle knock and Severus walked in.

"Oh, hello, Severus. Do you want to see our toxicity panel?" Jennifer asked.

"Yes, but it's not why I'm here," Severus replied. "I just received a letter in the Owl Post that I thought you ought to be aware of; it was from Matteo Disparte."

"Matteo? Oh no! Why is he writing you?" Ivano asked, quite distressed.

"I assume he found me the same way you did when you originally inquired about the formula; I am on the Alchemist Board's records as being the formula's owner," Severus explained.

"Then it was a mistake that I contacted him at all," Ivano realized, sitting down.

"I am not certain. He seems quite interested in finding out details on the experimentation and its purpose," Severus said, glancing at the letter. "He seemed cordial enough."

"He would not be so cordial if he knew I was here. I believe he made that perfectly clear when I contacted him before," Ivano warned.

"You are only here on weekends, however," Remus pointed out.

"Come now, Remus, you know better than that. It would not be long before someone would slip, whether it's a professor or a passing student," Severus reminded him.

"True, but now that he's aware that the school is involved, we don't have to avoid meeting him somewhere else," Jennifer pointed out. "Perhaps Remus and I could meet with him, and if he agrees to help, we can get his samples out of Corey's shop. Besides, if I am the one that goes, I can get a better sense of how deep his resentment is."

"Deep," Ivano said somberly.

"Fine, but not now, Jennifer... we'll see how things are this time next month and go from there," Severus said, handing the panel back to Jennifer. "Concern yourselves with making this formula a viable solution for Remus specifically. If your modifications are effective, then you can concern yourselves with testing other types of werewolves."

"All right, Severus," Jennifer said, and she and Ivano got back to work on their tests.

Severus stepped out of the lab, glancing at the letter one more time before putting it away and going back upstairs.