Robin Ridgeway
~---~
When Robin opened his eyes he knew where he was right away. The familiar sights and sounds of the Hogwarts infirmary greeted him. As the room came into focus he saw Poppy walk fast-paced to the other side of the room. She caught a glimpse of Robin and immediately stopped.
"Ah, Robin, your awake. The Walker's brought you here after your transformation ended a few days ago… you were in a coma."
He didn't trust himself enough to speak. He glanced at the beds next to him. He noticed Sirius Black in one of them.
"Yo, Professor Ridgeway! Guess what I did in quidditch today?"
Robin forced words out of his mouth. They came out hoarse and dry sounding. "Something stupid…?"
"Damn your getting to know me too well. My bat missed the bludger… instead my head hit it."
Robin laughed slightly, still feeling very tired, and ill.
"Mr. Black, please stop talking to Professor Ridgeway, he needs his rest."
Poppy said as she walked over and pulled the curtains around Robin's bed. He scowled. He hated being alone. So he voiced this out.
"I don't like being alone. I feel alone with these curtains…"
"Well, Robin, I'm sorry. How many years have you lived alone now? Four? Five? Well now that's changing. Enjoy it while you can!"
Robin sighed. He listened as Poppy's footsteps left.
Then suddenly the curtain moved. IT was Sirius. He was grinning broadly.
"Your not alone no more!"
"Why does it have to be you that's here instead of… I don't know maybe James or Remus or even Lily or Peter…"
"Oh, come now, you know you love me best!"
"No I don't… your giving me a headache…"
"See? Your getting a headache just thinking about those other people!"
"No I'm getting a headache from your constant babbling…"
There was a few snickers from outside the curtains. Sirius turned around.
"Oh! Moony, Prongs, Wormtail! Where you eavesdropping?"
"They learned from you Sirius."
Sirius turned around and stuck out his tongue at Robin.
"Actaully Sirius, your not supposed to be out of bed, and not supposed to be talking to him either! So no we werent eaves dropping we were coming in to bust you for breaking two rules!"
"There's a teacher here by the way." Robin said pointedly. James Remus and Peter had entered when Poppy wasn't there---- broken rule!
Silence. Robin laughed.
"Gods, your all so tense. Give it up I aint that cruel."
"Of course he wouldn't give ME a detention! Im his favoritest student! Right Robin?"
Sirius said, pointedly using Robins first name.
"Sirius shut your trap and don't call me that on school grounds."
"So anywhere else I can call you Robin? Sweet!"
Robin sighed and shook his head. "I need to work on stating things clearer."
Robin listened closely. "You guys might want to get going. Madame Pomfrey is coming here in a few minutes. Shes coming down the corridor now."
He caught the scent before Remus. Good thing too, because Remus usually caught the scent when she was nearly at the door. The three of them bolted out and Sirius walked over to his bed and lied down. When Poppy opened the door Sirius was smiling innocently at her--- and the curtains around Robin's bed were open.
"Robin. Who was it?"
"Me. I didn't like them shut."
"Well don't do that! Your just as stubborn as you were when you were a student here. That really wasn't that long ago… I keep forgetting how young you really are… now next time I tell you something listen to me!"
~-~-~-~-~-~
Robin. He entered my life as a stranger and left as one too. He reentered my life as a monster and left again as a brave man who has to suffer a horrible curse. Then when he came back---- well that comes later… In the story of Robin Ridgeway…
~-~-~-~-~-~
The next day, Robin was permitted to get out of the hospital wing. He met up with Sirius in the hall, who had been released from the infirmary the day before.
"Hey teach! Whats up?"
"Don't call me teach… im a professor and im to be called a professor."
"Sorry. Professor. Have you seen Remus? We're playing this muggle game James' dad told us about… I think its called hide-and-seek?"
"Yes, I've actually played that before… Its called cheating when you ask someone else if you've seen them though."
"but it isnt fare! Remus has a good nose he can sniff me James and Peter out any day!"
"Your right… that is a bit unfair. How about I be the sniffer for you. I will point you in the right direction."
Sirius nodded fervently. Robin walked down the corridor and took a few turns till they were in a room Sirius had never seen before. It had boxes all over---- a storage room.
Robin sniffed.
"Yup. He's here all right. Now you search."
Robin watched as Sirius looked in a few of the nearby boxes. Then Sirius froze. He walked towards Robin and pushed the air next to him. Something heavy hit the ground and swore loudly. Robin began laughing hard.
"That's not fair! Sirius you cheated!"
"Well, its not fair that you have such a good sense of smell! That can be considered cheating too! Not to mention using James' invinsability cloak!"
Remus pulled off the cloak and heaved himself off of the now broken boxes.
"Well… he has too good a sense of smell!"
"Then we're even! You get invinsability cloak and a semi-good sense of smell and we get a very good sense of smell!"
Robin snorted with laughter. "Sorry, but I'm out of this game! I need to watch the Hogsmeade students."
"Oh, yeah! How bout it Remus, lets find James and Peter! I need some more Dungbombs anyway."
Remus mumbled something and let Sirius drag him out.
~------~ in hogsmeade ~------~
Robin walked ---- or collided---- with a man who looked very familiar.
"R-Robin???"
Robin stared at the man. Then he realized who it was. Dieter Odolff (deet er O dull f)
"Dieter!" They laughed and hugged then Robin just stared at him not believing it.
"Why are you here? I thought you moved to California!"
"I did! WE had a few problems at home… you know… girls… cant live with them cant live without them."
"What happened?"
"Got a divorce… So I moved here to try and find you! How come you never went to Narmers? I really missed you there!"
"I wanted to go to Hogwarts. The best school around. With the best headmaster too."
"So you work there now?"
"Yes. I'm a defence against dark arts teacher."
"Defence against dark arts? But technically you are a dark creature…"
"Yes but I can still teach how to defend against it."
"So… how is everything going? Met any pretty ladies?"
Robin laughed. "No. God your exactly the same!"
"When you get married at 18 and get a divorce at 20 it emphesizes the need to be a kid again!"
"Where are you staying? I ho---," He was cut off by James and Remus running up and grabbing his sleeve trying to drag him away.
"C'mon we need your help! Sirius is hiding --- in a different form! We cant find him anywhere!"
"Since when are you two so rude? I was trying to talk to someone---,"
"PLEASE!"
"Oh ok fine… hey Dieter, hold on--- you can follow us if you'd like… I need to find one of the more pesky students."
So Dieter Remus and James followed Robin to a cave in the hillside.
"Sirius get your little ass out here now. You've been caught and your not even supposed to be up here!"
Sirius walked out smelling like dog--- Robin knew that they were animagus. He figured it out by the strong smells on them.
"Am I in trouble?" He said with what he thought was a winning smile.
"Yes."
He frowned. "I thought I was your favorite student!"
"Fortunatly. Now go and don't let me catch you in this cave--- no matter what your doing. Its amazing how you can turn a simple game of hide-and-seek into a detention worthy game. And I better not hear from any of the girls about you wanting to play strip poker with them…"
"Hey! Robin we used to play strip poker with Lei and ---sigh---- Jaelynn."
"Jesus christ Dieter, can you try to keep your big mouth shut?"
"Wait a minute! Your trying to get ME in trouble for something you used to do also?"
"Yes. That's the great part of being a teacher. Do note that we were only playing around when we asked girls if they wanted to play--- we never actually did."
"That must've been boring… how come you didn't?"
Dieter answered this before Robin could open his mouth. "Because Professor Ridgeway couldn't! I don't know why but he said he couldn't. Im still waiting for a good reason Robin."
"I would tell you Dieter if you werent such a light-headed blabbermouth." Remus knew why Robin couldn't. The scars that the wolf left…
"So, Dieter's your name? How do you know or dear old professor?"
"old? Kids these days! He's only twenty-one! Don't call my dear friend old! We've known each other since we were tots! We were neighbors! But then he decided to go to Hogwarts when I went to Narmers! I could have strangled you for that Robin."
"Yeah right! That's why I told you when I was in a very very pissy mood. You always did get petrified of me when I was mad."
"Well, you're the only parof I've ever known."
Robin cuffed Dieter in the face--- he had practically yelled that out.
"You idiot!" He hissed. "You do know how dangerous it is for me to even be in public?"
"No actually I don't--- why is this such a big thing."
"Did you ever read that book I gave you?"
"No. Why?"
Robin hit his head. "Do me a favor and read it."
"Hello! Your forgetting the students are here!" Sirius said loudly braking Robin's glare at Dieter --- who looked quite frightened at the look on Robins face.
Robin grinned at Sirius. "Sirius you and Dieter will get along just fine. I advise you, james, Remus, to keep an eye on both of them. I need to go talk to Mcgonagall for a moment."
HE walked away to Minerva who was waving him over irritably.
"We have a problem Robin. We are gathering all the students to head back now."
"What is it Minerva?"
"There are numerous dark wizards gathering here… supporters of that man… you-know-who."
"Voldemort? I suppose he is gaining more power… Death Eaters I believe the supporters are called… where are they?"
"We don't know. Dumbledore just told us. Collect the students, and bring them to the carrages. Then we will have to put you into hiding… The death eaters are rumored to be looking for… for a parof…"
Robin choked. "For---for a parof…" He repeated… "For me…"
"Yes. Nevermind… we will get the students… you need to go. I suppose you should go back to America with your Foster parents."
Robin nodded. HE didn't want to ditch the place like that--- just because he's in danger of being caught… but if he said anything to Minerva she'd stop his plans.
He walked up to Dieter looking grim and slightly ill.
"Robin? Something wrong? You've gotten all pale…"
Robin turned to the students who were still standing there.
"Remus. James. Peter. Sirius. Go to Professor Mcgonagall. You need to go back to the castle."
"Why? Whats going on?" Remus asked as he noticed the frenzy of people trying to leave.
"Death eaters. Now go to Mcgonagall before I get mad."
"But arent the death eaters supposedly looking for---," James started
"GO"
the students hurredly walked away to Mcgonagall who nodded to Robin. Remus cast him a curious look.
"Whats going on Robin? What was that nod about?" Dieter asked him
"They're here for me. The death eaters are here to get me."
~--------~
---a glimpse into the future---
A dark haired man walked into the room. He was in his late thirties and his hair was streaked with gray.
"Hello. I am professor Ridgeway. I am your new DADA teacher. I have heard of the so called 'jinx' on the spot. Seems quite odd don't you think?" he chuckled slightly.
He looked around the classroom. His eyes stopped on a boy in the front row.
"Potter. I knew your father. I knew him pretty well. I taught him and his friends when I was young."
Harry stared at him.
The man grinned. "I nearly strangled him. He iritated me very much. Always drooling over your mother but never having the nerve to ask her on a date till I told him I'd stab him with a quill a million times till he was as mangled as---- Well I think you've heard enough---- oh and you over there…."
He looked over to a boy with silvery blond hair. "Malfoy eh? Your father was the worst student I've ever had. Tell him I said hello. And your mother--- tell her I am very sorry she is stuck with him.
There were numerous snickers from Gryffindors and a few Slytherins. Draco's face flushed red.
~--- End of future vision ---~
Robin walked quickly down the road to the carriages with Dieter closely following him.
"Hey! Where are you going to go to hide?"
"I'm not going to hide."
"But that woman said--,"
"I don't care what she says. Just don't talk." He said as he approached Minerva who was talking to Remus.
"Minerva. I'm not going into hiding."
Remus looked surprised and looked at him then to Mcgonagall. "Hiding?"
"Robin! Remus get into the carriage this is between Robin and I."
Remus hesitated then got into the carriage seeing the murderous look on Mcgonagall's face.
"You have to go into hiding! Those death eaters somehow knew that you were here. That means that there must be someone hinting them off. Your not safe!"
"I don't care. Don't argue with a werewolf, sometimes they get nasty." He threatened quite angrilly.
"ROBIN. I WONT ALLOW IT."
"Oh well. You don't have to allow it because I am doing it. I wont teach for it will put the kids in danger but I wont just leave to America."
Minerva looked furious but she saw that Robin wasn't changing his mind and was getting quite angry.
~---Remus' POV----~
I watched out the open window and listened to what they were saying. I felt a pit of dread in my stomach. I had only learned that Robin was my uncle 2 months ago, but I felt as though he was my dad. He was fun, and he always knew what to do. It made me forget he was only five years older than me.
I saw his eyes flash dangerously. The yellow glint told me the wolf was angry but Robin was holding back. Professor Mcgonagall bit her lip. Obviously she had seen it to. Then, she nodded.
"If you get caught, I swear to you I wont help save you."
"No need. I'll be dead already."
Mcgonagall either ignored him or didn't hear it for she just got into the carriage to watch the students.
"Wow, that was weird man! You just totally threatened her!" Dieter said.
Robin couldn't help but smirk evily to his friend. "I have a knack for getting what I want with them. They're petrified of me."
"So… what are you going to do?"
"What do you mean?"
"Where you going to stay?"
"I don't know."
"Well, what about those people… you sent me an owl from their place… Walker was it? Why not stay with them?"
Robin shrugged. He felt a little bad about staying with them the month before with his severe mood swings--- but he only needed a few days… and the full moon was weeks away.
"I'll send them an owl. C'mon lets get a butterbeer."
They quickly got their Butterbeers to go and walked to a table outside of a store.
Robin pulled out a quill and a piece of parchment from his pocket.
"I'm always prepared." He said wit ha grin to Dieter who was thoroughly amused at how Robin 'carried his life in his pocket'.
Dear Amanda,
Hello. I am sorry about any trouble I caused last month. That was the worst transformation of my life, with those mood-swings. I was just wondering if there is any way I could just spend a few nights this weekend---till I find a place of my own. It seems the Death Eaters are after me. I just need a place to stay till Monday most likely. Please respond ASAP.
~ Robin Ridgeway
"Ok… where's my owl when I need him? Oh… jeez that's him…" He said as a beautiful barred owl flew over
"He has some good-ass timing!" Dieter exclaimed
"I know. Smart little guy, arent you Blaire?" Robin said to the bird as he gave it the letter. The bird nodded and flew off.
"So, Dieter, what happened with you and Cyndall?"
"I don't really know… one minute we were having damn good sex next minute I turn the TV on and she wants a divorce…"
"You turned the TV on?" I asked unbelieving.
"Yeah… why does everyone think that's so bad? Hey isnt your birthday soon?"
"Yeah…"
"What is it…. Err… May 11st! I remember that one!"
"I wish you'd forget."
"That's in a few days isn't it? I better remind your mom."
"I don't have a mom."
"Oh, sorry, your foster mom."
"No need to remind her. I have no mom or dad, my brother and sister in law died, and my only relative is my nephew."
"Seems like you've rehearsed that."
"Basically. I've had to repeat it numerous times."
"Who's your nephew? I thought that all your blood-relatives were dead?"
"Remus Lupin. The one you met earlier."
"The one with the light brown hair? Kinda like a sandy color?"
"Yes."
"Really? I didn't know that! Cool!"
"Your weird. Please keep quiet your luring unwanted attention… any one of them could be death eaters…" Robin said watching the people walking by. The people seemed to edge away from their table. They could sense the presence of a dark creature.
Within minutes Robin's owl, Blaire had returned with a message. Robin took the note and read it aloud.
"it says- Dear Robin,
Of course you can come. We know that was a very bad time and that normally you wouldn't act like that. Celeste is doing good in her studies but I think you might be able to teach her a bit better then me, if you want to. We are ready for you now, if you are coming.
-Amanda"
"Who's Celeste?"
"Amanda's daughter."
"Age?"
Robin couldn't help but laugh. "She turned eighteen last month."
"Little young but she's in my 3 year span!"
"No. I forbid you to flirt or even meet her!"
"Oh, I get it… ok she's all yours!"
"no! I just don't want you to hurt her! Remember when you dumped Erin?"
"Yeah…"
"Just… oh what am I saying! I disallow you to meet Celeste."
"huh! I'll meet her! You'll see!" he said, running a hand through his wavy chestnut colored hair.
~-------~
After a half hour, Robin spotted a quite mean looking man stalking his way. He jumped up, the wolf inside him sensing danger, and ran. Dieter seemed to have noticed and walked up to the man to slow him down. He succeeded.
When Robin arrived at the place he was out of breath and quite sweaty. He rang the doorbell. Amanda answered with a smile.
"Did you run the whole way here?"
"I was being followed by a death eater… I lost him a ways back but I just wanted to be as far away as possible…"
"Oh dear, now you sit down, I'll make you some te—er----coffee."
Celeste entered the room. She smiled slightly at him. She had felt bad when she and her mother had to carry him to hogwarts---- her mother, having not used magic in awhile forgot how to use magic to carry him---- So now she often tried to help him with things as if he was unable.
"We covered the sink faucet's so the silver doesn't show anymore. We also have a lot of plastic utensils for you to use."
He nodded "Thank you."
She nodded. "What happened to your wolf ornament? I noticed when we packed your stuff for you that it was gone…"
"I gave it to my nephew."
"So he's a werewolf?"
"Yes."
"Wow. You have a lot of werewolves in your family. Your mother must have been one too."
"Yes."
"Oh, I'm sorry… you probably don't like talking about this…"
"I don't care."
"Oh ok…"
Celeste remained silent for a bit. Robin laughed aloud, musing to himself.
"You look as though you've seen a monster---- oh wait that came out wrong…" He laughed a bit louder. "It's amazing what things I come up with."
She raised a brow and smiled slightly. She pushed a piece of her dark red hair out of her face
He looked at her. Her bright blue eyes clashed with her deep red hair, but gave her a look of deep sophistication… She's very pretty… he caught himself thinking that and looked back out the window.
—Celeste POV—
He looked into my eyes. I felt myself go weak in the knees. His deep brown eyes were so troubled yet kind at the same time. He suddenly seemed startled and looked away. I shook my head to wipe it of the thoughts and went to help my mom with the coffee.
-----
The doorbell rang. Amanda called to Celeste that she would get it. Robin sniffed the air. Dammit! It's Dieter!
He heard the sound of voices from the door. He got up and made his way out. Dieter smiled at him from the door.
"Robin, you ditched me!"
"Well, it wasn't intended but you decided to go talk to the death eater."
"You still ditched me!"
"Oh, well. I suppose you're here trying to pick up girls. I hear there's a strip joint down the road---,"
"Might I ask how you heard this?"
"Ok… so I asked about it? So what."
Amanda interrupted. "Um, excuse me… but who's this?"
"This is Dieter Odolff. Big-time pervert. Make him go away!" He said playfully. He heard Celeste laugh from behind him. Robin turned around. Dieter caught a glimpse of her and pushed past Robin and Amanda.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? A beautiful lady, laughing at my good buddies joke! Now, splendid buddy… how about introducing me and this lady face-to-face as I'm sure you've talked about moi?"
"No actually, I'm keen on avoiding the mistakes in my life."
Dieter looked hurt. Robin shook his head and sighed.
"Fine. Celeste this is Dieter; Dieter this is Celeste! Ok? You happy? Now shoo!"
"Oh, come now! You cant have both of these beautiful ladies all to yourself!"
Amanda and Celeste both blushed.
"Who says?" Robin said with a large grin as Amanda closed the door and invited Dieter in.
"I say."
"If your name was Simon I'd believe it."
" censored you."
~------------------------------------------~