A/N - if you're joining us expecting a new chapter, I have to let you know that this story has been heavily edited. You might want to go back and read from the start, new chapters coming tomorrow.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter, or any of the content referenced/quoted. Warning for swearing.
...
The Moon
Em is sitting at her kitchen island, a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and her accounts spread before her. The numbers dance in front of her eyes, shifting and twirling, until finally she looks away with a sigh. This is much harder than she thought it would be.
She takes a sip of her coffee. Her gaze lifts towards the stove where a pan full of cold milk and chocolate is waiting to be heated. The clock ticks slowly, reminding her of the early hour.
Em awoke that morning to a cold, empty bed after a night of tossing and turning. The full moon taunted her outside the window, still hanging low against a pale blue sky.
It would be a while until Remus returned home, but at least this time she knows he is coming home. She had his hide for attempting to sneak back off to Sirius' after a transformation, shame pushing him to hide how much it affected him. It was the only time she'd physically shaken some sense into him.
Now, she makes sure she's stocked up with a variety of sweets and the hot chocolate is prepared on the stove.
For now though, there are the accounts to concern herself with. She is trying to figure out if she can close the shop and focus her efforts on the Order for a while. Trading is relatively safe in Hogsmeade with the nearby protection of Hogwarts and the looming presence of Albus Dumbledore, but the war is ramping up and a few owners have already been caught out by Death Eaters.
A shuffle beyond her door draws her attention. The lock clicks and then Remus is there, stumbling into the room. Exhaustion is written all over his face and his neck is covered in scratches and bites; old scars shine an angry red, agitated by the full moon. He manages a half-smile in her direction as he moves towards her, but she can't help but think it looks a little loopy.
"Em," he says, leaning all of his weight on a kitchen chair.
She flips the stove on as she makes her way over to him, the accounts abandoned. Em reaches up and folds the man into her arms. He sighs into her neck and clutches her tightly to him.
"Did you get all your potions ok?" She asks.
"Lil gave 'em to James and he gave 'em to me," he says.
She sighs, that's one less thing to worry about at least. Em eyes the sofa over Remus' shoulder, but as she attempts to move away from him, he groans and tightens his hold.
"Remus."
"Warm," Remus just replies.
Em lets out a little huff, trying not to smile at the loopy werewolf draped over her.
"Remus," she tries to say sternly, "If you let go of me, I can get you a cup of hot chocolate, a blanket and a cuddle on the sofa."
His hot breath blows against her neck as he inhales and exhales quietly. Finally, he huffs, letting go of her to lumber towards the sofa, nabbing a thick blanket on the way. Em hurries over to her bubbling hot chocolate, quickly dishing it out into a mug before topping up her coffee.
She heads back over to the sofa, where Remus has bundled himself in the blanket like a burrito. A solitary pale scarred hand escapes the confines of the blanket to accept his mug before disappearing into the depths again. Em curls into his side, clutching her own cup of coffee. They sit in silence for a while, until Remus' head drops gently on top of Em's.
"I love you." he whispers.
"I love you too," she replies.