A/N: I'll tell ya' what. This has been a very strange week for me. I expected nothing but a bad week, and what I got was the biggest mixed bag you can imagine. Now I know that this doesn't make a lot of sense to you, and you probably care just about as much. But the point is, if I sound a little scattered in my Q&A, now you know the reason. That's all.
Oh! Wait! I almost forgot!
We need to have a talk, people.
O.K., look. I made a mistake. I thought I put a warning about Remus' animagi skills at the beginning of this story, only to find out I didn't. It was at the beginning of a story called Siriusly Bored (which hasn't posted yet), and it goes something like this:
'You remember that talk we had at the beginning of A Dog's Day, about Remus' ability to transform just like his friends? Run with it.'
So, in response to all the questions I had about WHY Remus was able to transform into a wolf, see above. (Or feel free to go read the opening author's notes at the beginning of A Dog's Day. That should clear it up for you. And I'm just too lazy to rewrite it.)
P.A.R. is very sorry for the confusion. Bad P.A.R.!
Also, I had to add this after I got so many questions about it in the reviews that I decided to simply add it into my author's notes as a general comment. Mostly, because P.A.R. is very proud of herself. I think this may even be a first on the site. I've created a cliffhanger without even having started the story! Way to go P.A.R.! Yah!
So, what's all that about?
I'll tell you.
A lot of you caught on to a small notation I put in Silverfox's answer for Q&A last week and really ran with it. And now it's just driving you nuts. You got hold of this thing with more teeth than a werewolf has and refuse to let go. So, for the general populace, I'd like to reiterate, just to keep driving you guys nuts, 'No, Sirius is sort of not in the sequel to Family Life. He is in the first few chapters, and that's pretty much it'. HeeHeeHee! Now, go work on THAT one until I post the sequel.
On with the story.
Enjoy.
Chapter Ten: Hogwart's
When Remus next opened his eyes the first thing he saw was the anxious face of Aaron Richards.
"Merlin's Beard!" The doctor exclaimed softly, still trying to manage as best he could holding both Harry and Sirius. "What just happened, Remus?"
Remus looked around quickly to orient himself. It didn't take long.
Standing majestically before them were the gates to Hogwarts castle.
Remus quickly struggled to his feet. "I have no idea, Aaron." Remus replied, quickly taking Harry from him. "But my suggestion is we fall back to the original plan and just run."
Aaron didn't need any encouragement as he got to his feet as well and hurried after Remus, who was already through the gates and headed across the castle grounds.
"I thought you said something about only protection spells being able to be used within the wards." He asked as he caught up to Remus.
Remus was silent for a few seconds. "My guess would be that the ministry spent the time I had Sirius in the house making a few adjustments." He answered finally. "I think the ministry knew all along Sirius was there, or were at least suspicious something was going on. Maybe they weren't sure he was in the house already, but suspected he would show up eventually and wanted to be prepared." Remus shook his head. "Whichever the reason, they were more prepared then I gave them credit for. A mistake that nearly cost us one man's life. Possibly three."
Aaron could hear the self-incrimination in Remus' voice. "You still got us out, Remus." He said past pants of air. "If you hadn't taken the chance, Sirius would have been caught for sure. And whatever you did, it worked and we made it to safety."
"I told you," Remus repeated, "I didn't have anything to do with what happened back there. I'm as mystified by it as you. And as for being 'safe', we're not there yet."
The two men continued to make their way across the castle grounds with their loads.
Remus looked up from time to time to see where they were. He couldn't remember the trip from the gates to the front steps being so far before. And with each step, Remus could feel his pace slowing a little bit more. But he knew he couldn't stop. He had no idea if the ministry could follow them or just make an educated guess as to where they had apparated to. And he feared that at any minute he would again hear someone calling out for them to halt.
"Here! Hold on a minute there you lot!" A voice suddenly boomed from the side of them. "Where do ya' think you're going?"
Remus almost fell over. But as he suddenly recognized the voice, a wave of relief rushed through him.
Stopping in his tracks, Remus look to the side to see Hagrid, the Hogwarts gatekeeper heading for them across the lawn.
Beside him Aaron looked in a state of shock. Remus quickly put a hand on his arm.
"It's all right, Aaron." Remus told him softly. "That's Hagrid. He's a friend."
Aaron said nothing as the gatekeeper stepped up to the strange group.
Hagrid looked them over for a minute. "Here now," He said finally, "didn't 'spect to be seein' you, Professor Lupin." He frowned slightly as his gaze settled on the man next to Remus, as well as the man he was holding in his arms. "Or Sirius Black. And who all we have here?" He asked, looking over the rest of the group again.
Remus recovered himself as best he could. 'Hagrid," he said quickly, "I don't have a lot of time to explain. We need to get to the castle and see Professor Dumbledore as fast as possible. It's very important."
Hagrid looked over the four again. "All right." He said with a slight nod. "I suppose it'll be all right. Take ya' all to the Headmaster and let him sort things out."
With that Hagrid reached down and took Sirius, who was for all appearances, still unconscious, from Dr. Richards. Once he had him settled in one arm, Hagrid reached down and took Harry from Remus. He quickly smiled at the baby who was staring at him with his large green eyes and his mouth hanging open.
"Awww, I'd recognize those eyes anywhere." Hagrid beamed at the tiny infant. "How are ya', Harry. Staying with your Uncle Remus now, are ya'? Better for ya' I'd say. Never did think much of....."
"Hagrid!" Remus interrupted, looking around nervously. "We really need to get going."
"Oh, right." Hagrid stated. "All right then, you lot. Lets go."
If Remus and Aaron thought they were running before, it was almost nothing as trying to keep up with the half-giant as he hurried across the castle grounds. But at least they had been relieved of their burdens and that made things a bit easier going.
Fifteen minutes later Remus and Aaron stood before Professor Dumbledore with Hagrid standing beside them still holding Sirius and Harry.
Remus was hastily pouring out his story to the Headmaster. He wasn't as worried as much about the ministry anymore as he was about getting Sirius under Madam Pomfrey's care. From his days at Hogwarts, he had come to swear there wasn't anything that Poppy Pomfrey couldn't heal or mend. And between the Head Nurse and Aaron, Remus felt Sirius couldn't be in better hands.
"Well now," Dumbledore said, stroking his beard as he looked over the group before him, "this is a turn of events, Remus." He said with a slightly bemused smile. "I suppose the first order of business should be getting Mr. Black to the infirmary. Hagrid, would you assist Dr. Richards with that."
"Aye, Professor Dumbledore." Hagrid replied. Leaning down, Hagrid returned Harry to Remus, then turned and headed with Sirius towards the infirmary.
"Oh, and Dr. Richards," Dumbledore put in as Aaron started to follow Hagrid down the corridor.
Aaron turned back to the Headmaster. "Yes, sir?"
"Just a word of warning. Our Head Nurse can be a bit....territorial. Don't take offense at it, please."
Aaron smiled slightly and nodded, then hurried after Hagrid.
When the others were gone, Dumbledore turned his attention back to Remus.
"Well, things have certainly gotten...interesting, Remus." Dumbledore said softly as he tickled Harry's chin.
The baby giggled and reached for the finger above him.
"I tried to protect what was mine." Remus answered. He really didn't have any better explanation for the Headmaster. So he fell back to the instincts of his other persona.
Protect your own.
Dumbledore quickly waved off Remus' defensiveness.
"I'm not trying to set any blame here, Remus." He said. "I think you acted admirably considering the situation you were facing and the possible consequences of what you were doing. You did indeed 'protect what was yours'. I wouldn't have expected any less of you, Mr. Lupin." Dumbledore added with a small smile that reached to his eyes. "But for now, as that Sirius is being seen to, I would suggest we see if there isn't anything little Harry might want. I would suspect the child might be hungry."
Almost as though it were summoned magically, a small house elf suddenly materialized from, it seemed, out of no where.
"Ohhh, I would be most pleased than I could be to see to the infant, Sirs." The little elf stated with hopeful eyes. "House elves is especially good at taking care of babies. And there's is so little opportunities for us here at the castle, Sirs. The others is especially excited, Sirs. We already have a special meal prepared."
Dumbledore smiled pleasantly at the little elf, but Remus fixed it with a hard stare.
"I'll take care of Harry myself." He stated firmly, his protective nature coming to the forefront again. Once he was on a roll with it, it was sort of hard to turn off.
The elf took a step back, sensing the underlying nature of the man before him. "We was meaning no harm, Sirs." He stated quickly.
"I'm sure Mr. Lupin knows that, Tildy." Dumbledore assured the elf, casting a wary glance at Remus before smiling back down at the elf. "And I believe you'll find him most grateful for any help you and the others could give him. But Harry is to stay with Mr. Lupin unless he says so. You understand? And you tell the others I want them to make sure this child is watched and watched carefully. All right?"
The elf suddenly beamed at the Headmaster. "Oh, yes, Sirs." He gushed happily. "Tildy will tell them, Sirs. Tell them right now."
And with that the little elf seemed to disappear much as he had come. When you blinked, he was gone.
"They'll be a great help in keeping a watch on Harry." Dumbledore informed Remus. "And if you ever feel like giving them a special treat, just let them baby-sit. They'll chatter about nothing else for days."
Remus nodded slightly as he moved Harry up to his shoulder. "Right now, Albus," he said in a tired voice, "I think I'd like to check on Sirius, and then get Harry ready for bed. It's been a very long day for us."
"Of course. I'll show you to the infirmary and then....."
But Remus didn't seem to be listening anymore. His eyes suddenly widened as he stared at some unseen object before him.
"Oh no!" He stated abruptly, turning to Dumbledore. "James' cloak....and his wand. Sirius said he left them outside somewhere. But he never said where. If the ministry finds them......"
But Dumbledore quickly waved off Remus' concern.
"The cloak and the wand were recovered the night Padfoot came to your house, Remus. The matter has already been taken care of, I assure you. So there is no need for concern. So, if you'd like to check on Sirius, I'll show you to the infirmary."
Dumbledore led Remus to the infirmary, where he left him, telling him the house elves would be waiting to show him to where he and Harry would be staying when he was ready to leave.
Thanking Dumbledore, Remus stepped into the infirmary and over to the bed where Sirius was laying. Thankfully, since it was the spring holidays, and with most of the students gone, Sirius was the infirmary's only patient.
"How is he, Aaron?" Remus asked as he watched his friend busily checking over Sirius' still form.
"Not much better than when we left your house." Aaron replied. "Madam Pomfrey was a bit flustered at first, being asked to look after a wanted man. But I think I've explained the situation with Sirius adequately enough to her that she seems a bit more settled about things now. She also seems to be optimistic. Says Mr. Black has quite a sturdy constitution."
"Well," Remus replied with a slight smile, "Sirius was something of a favorite child during his school years to Madam Pomfrey. He kept her life interesting."
"So she says. From her opinion of things, it's a wonder he's survived as long as he has over the years. Apparently your boy here has a knack for getting into trouble."
"Always did." Remus replied, his smile fading slightly. "But he usually could get himself out of it as well."
"One would hope that's a trait he's managed to hold onto."
"One would hope."
"Well, tonight is going to be a 'wait and see night', Remus. I gave him a booster shot of antiboitics. Madam Pomfrey gave him a few potions. We'll just have to see how he responds to those and go from there."
Remus didn't move. He stood as still as stone at the end of Sirius' bed, staring down at his friend's still form.
"Remus?" Aaron prompted his attention away from the bed. "Go to bed. You need a good night's sleep."
Remus stood for a moment more, then nodded and left the infirmary.
Outside a small house elf showed Remus to a small suite of rooms that Dumbledore had set aside for them. They were comfortable enough, with a private room for Remus and a tidy little nursery for Harry. But as soon as the house elf left, Remus moved the crib into his own room, settling Harry into it before he went to bed himself.
Q&A
A Dog's Day
Nicky: I can not believe, and am so pleased, people are still reading this story. I worked very hard on it and really like it. Unfortunately, Aunt Rose isn't currently sceduled to make any more appearances. But that isn't to say she won't.
Diamond
Nicky: Wow! Two in a row!
A lot of people liked the Snape/Lupin interaction, as they seem to in most of my stories. Although there was some head scratching in Fever and shouts of 'slash' (despite that that relationship was 100% NON-slash. P.A.R. doesn't write slash....yet.).
Actually, the next story between Snape and Lupin will be something of an epic. Not the Family Life kind of epic. But it will sort out for people their relation in 'the universe according to P.A.R.' (as opposed to 'the universe according to J.K. Rowling).
I always thought Snape and Lupin had a good basis for a friendship, but that there would always be problems within it that they would have to deal with. The story, Proper Friends, takes up some of those issues, and, as I said, sort of helps sort out the relationship a bit better for people. Unfortunately the story isn't due out until probably late in the year, if it makes it out this year at all. But I hope it lives up to your expectations when it does come out.
ironic echoes: Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Family Life - Chapter One
Su-Su: Oh dear! I do hate to see people review this particular chapter. I always wonder if they ran across it among the other stories, or on my bio. page. If the former, you have no way of knowing this story is finished. You'll just think I never bothered past chapter one. If the latter, well, then you know.
Family Life - Chapter one, if you're curious (if not, ignore this), was the first story I ever posted on Fanfiction.net. It is left up, therefore, for sentimental reasons. But all 49 chapters are posted on my bio page under the heading of Family Life.
Are you aware, by the way, that you wrote that approximately 100 times? P.A.R. is impressed!
Family Life
Celtic Ember: Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. And yes, Family Life is being sequeled in the story Family Relations and Family Ties, due out hopefully in summer, 2002.
rowan: I am, actually, writing quite a few Harry Potter fanfictions right now. Not the least of which is, yes, a sequel to the story Family Life (see Celtic Ember's answer above).
And I'm always happy to hear from satisfied readers. Thank you!
The Bonds That Tie
Me: Yup! You were late. Sorry. But look on the bright side of life, Brain! You're first this time.
Anyway. Yeah, flu does seem to get around. And to have caught it just as the season is ending? Bummer!
A LITTLE harsh?! I have never had a character that so MANY of my reviewers attacked as a single body before Richards. Not even Katlin! And by heavens, you people LIKED her. She was a Deathereater, for heaven's sake!!!!!!!
Rude and self-centered? Haven't been in the presence of many doctors, have you? Seriously, he's really a very nice person. Give him a chance.
You're not sure of I'm talking about Sirius or Harry? Oy! You really missed the old boat there. The question was directed at Remus. But, my fault. I wasn't very clear on that. A lot of people missed what 'former' patient I was talking about.
So, off we go.
1. No.
2. No.
3. Ahhh...., no.
4. Oh, now we're on the right track!
5. I don't have the opinion that people are friends with the werewolf that bites them, no.
6. Hey! I like that scenario!
Not even ONE! Not ONE STINKING TISSUE?! LOOK! I have a LOT of stock in Klennex right now. So get out there and BLOW!
Actually, I'm not offended at all about the comment on my social life. I readily admit to having not only no social life, but no life at all. Can't afford one.
They probably would indeed have given him tomato juice or apple juice. DEFINITELY nothing with citric acid in it!
Oh dear. Gonna hafta fight on this one. O.K., I disagree on the CPR VS Rescue Breathing thing. If you want to get really technical, it wasn't either. Because neither was done properly. The purpose of what was done was solely to get Sirius to cough up the congestion in his lungs, since as things were, he couldn't breath at all. Until that was accomplished, he wasn't going to breath on his own again no matter what they did.
You wanna see blood and phlegm? Come over to P.A.R.'s house when she has a cold. That's ALL I'm hacking up, folks.
Nope. No pre-school. House elves!
There's life AWAY from the computer? Where!!!?
Spelling errors? Go read the bio page again.
O.K., other questions.
1. He's in good shape? Seriously, I can't answer that question right now another than to say 'he didn't'. And that might be a bit confusing.
2. To my knowledge about werewolves according to Rowling, no werewolf can change whenever they feel like it. But, yes, Remus is an animagus.
3. Spaced-out city.
4. That's a fairly literal explanation of what Remus is experiencing. If you're trying to make some connection between his being 'pulled into darkness' and some sinister force, don't. And that's all I'm gonna say about that.
Wow! Suppositions! I like those almost as much as questions. They're LOTS of fun!
O.K., first off, you're assuming Aaron had something to do with the escape from Remus' house. As you can see from this chapter, he was just as baffled by the occurrence as Remus was. (And just a little help here for those of you that read these things, I will say that no, it wasn't Dumbledore either. But you can safely assume Dumbledore knows WHO was responsible.)
What do you think Dumbledore will do? TELL the ministry Sirius is there? Heck no. Besides, Hogwarts is Dumbledore's territory. I would bet he could hide someone very well there if he wanted to. And the ministry could well get the right to search the castle, but like I said, I'm willing to bet Dumbledore could hide someone very well if he wanted to (or had to).
As to Family Life's sequel......heeheehee.....I LOVE people reading other's answers and finding stuff like that. And I'll say it again...what makes you think Voldemort is dead? I think I commented on this once before with someone else who said they thought Voldemort died a little too easily. No one else questioned that and I was surprised. I purposefully made his death seem very.....easy. There WAS a reason.
As for the sequel to Family Life, I said it before and I'll warn you again. No, Sirius is not in the sequel, folks. Well, O.K. he's 'in' a few chapters. But for the majority of the story, nope. Conspicuous by his absence. Work on that one for the next few months.
Zimmy Russell: You and 'Me'. You guys see? You're late, you get missed. Sorry. But hey! I got two reviews this week from you. Yah, P.A.R.!
Sorry about the vacation thing. But I do need one to work on my other stories.
Slash, Dear, is a story that involves sexual content, explicit or implied, between two characters of the same sex.
I'm sorry, but whereas you guys only have to keep track of one question each time (your own), I have to do the whole thing (everybody's questions). So, in regards to your statement that you didn't get my question....ahhh, what question, Dear?
Ummmmm, yeah. P.A.R. is pretty darned sure she just offended most of her reading audience with the '18 and under' thing.
I would pay good money right now to know who is playing Sirius in the third movie. I've heard a fair amount of rumors and suggestions. That is going to be one really hard casting job, and I sincerely hope the director (whoever does that installment) will continue to consult with Rowling on the matter.
You want a shocker? Try this one on for size. P.A.R. doesn't have one job. She has three.
Track away. I have the whole publishing industry to hide in. And the book was based on someone else's work. I'll say that much. Sort of like a fanfiction, but a good deal more complicated. I had to follow certain guidelines with the story.
Nope. Aaron Richards wasn't in Fever. But Fever and The Bonds That Tie aren't related in any way.
Hayleyhedwig 11: Ahhhhhh, a P.A.R. supporter on the 'Baby Harry not acting his age' thing. Thank you. And Harry's lack of ability to converse or walk will be addressed later.
HeeHeeHee! A question about Family Life's sequel. And one of my favorites. I like this question or anything even remotely similar. Sirius isn't IN Family Life's sequel. Well, O.K., he's sort of in the first few chapters, but I swear, that's it! 'Why' is a large part of the story. And despite what 'Me' said in that review, it has everything to do with the title. As does the third installment's title, Family Ties. Trust me.
And, yes, Harry and Arabella are in the story, as is Sirius brother, Orion.
Oh, there'll be some bonding going on, but I'll stack every dime I have against it being the kind you're expecting.
Awwww, you like Sirius and Arabella? *P.A.R. gets misty eyed.* Thank you!
O.K., yeah, despite the story, I also have a hard time seeing Sirius with anyone really. I kind of like that 'loner' thing he has going on.
Essence of Magic: Ummmm, I think the first thing may be in question, Dear. I thought a few people beat you. Oh well. I can only go by how the reviews line up. I guess I really don't know who got there first.
Oh, good, one person who doesn't have to read the author's note, although I'm betting that's a little redundant now, right? Yes, Remus is an Animagus just like Peter, James, and Sirius.
Did who have to place the spell, Dear? And whoever it was, no, Remus can change back on his own.
I hope you'll live again. This one was also sort of short.
It was sort of a covert surveillance thing with the ministry. They were out there hidin' in the woods.
If you want to come with me on my vacation, cool. But I'm betting you'll be bored to tears. I'm just going to spend it like I spend most of my time. Either working or writing.
Teigra: Yes, Aaron Richards is a bonafide fangs, fur, teeth, and tail-wagging werewolf.
It wasn't mentioned before, which sort of sets the stage for how close to his vest Aaron keeps that little piece of information. Chances are, even the ministry doesn't know. And I'm tossing a coin right now to who else does know. But you can safely assume it isn't common knowledge. And I don't think there's any problem with him being a werewolf and a doctor since lycanthropy isn't spread by casual contact or contact between a doctor and a patient. At least not while he's in his human form. So patients are safe.
No, you didn't say anything bad. I think you just made a reference to 'bad P.A.R.' in regards to something in the story. I just felt like gripping at the moment, and your name was next.
Nicky: Probably won't be satisfied this week either, I'm afraid, as that this chapter is also short.
Aaron was sort of a 'study guide' for Remus and a help to his parents in helping the whole family deal with Remus' condition. That is how they know each other. Most doctor's won't treat a lycanthope for fear of infection. So a werewolf who can find a practicing physician who is also a werewolf is very fortunate. And actually, it may (or may not) be of interest to my faithful little readers out there, but Aaron Richards did not make his original appearance in this story as a werewolf. That was something I changed as I was posting the story, and made adjustments as needed.
Oh dear. Nothing for the vacation now. Well, there's a possibility I'll be posting a story or two (one shots) during my vacation. I do have some ideas in mind and one story is completed. So you will get at least one.
Alexa Black: In the words of one of my favorite characters, dear old Katlin, now where's the fun in torturing someone long distance? And how can I say if everything will be O.K.? Sorry. Just have to wait it out each week.
LauraBlade: Strange thing is, I usually don't do cliffhangers. But every now and then a chapter ends on one regardless.
Where in the books did you see that issue on werewolves not being able to become animagi? I don't remember it. But I'd like to know if it is in there. Let me know.
Starlight: Yup. Harry's still cute.
Thank you for your comments. I try to keep the characters 'in-character', or as much so as the story will allow.
Taracollowen: Yup. P.A.R. ain't much, but she's consistent! (Or she tries to be.)
Remus is an animagi, just like James, Sirius, and Peter. His animal persona is (naturally enough, I thought anyway) a wolf.
It was a 'character pat on the head' thing that Aaron stuck by his friend. But at this point I'm afraid poor old Aaron is in so deep it REALLY doesn't matter just 'how' deep anymore.
The fact that Aaron is a werewolf would actually work for him against the ministry. For one, the ministry doesn't KNOW he's a werewolf. Second, werewolves have stronger constitutions than the average person. The ministry would have a time of breaking him for information.
Thankfully for Sirius, Remus isn't 'out of the way'. He's still trudging along, trying to save his friend's life.
Oh my! Another one that reads the whole thing. (Stories longer or more interesting. Gotta do something. People are starting to read the whole of the Q&A for entertainment.)
Black Sparkles: *P.A.R. looks back innocently.* WHAT?
Yeah, Chamber of Secrets was all right, but no way does it stand against Prisoner of Azkaban. Still my favorite by far.
rupert grint or ronald weasely: Interesting question. I can take it a lot of ways. So, let's see.....How do I write such long chapters? No couldn't be that since this one was short by comparison.
Such long stories? I just don't know where to stop half the time.
Writing for nearly (if not over) three decades? I love to write. My first story, by the way, was when a teacher ask the class to each write our own ending to O'Henry's short story, The Lady Or The Tiger. While the rest of the class handed in a page or so, I handed in quite a few pages as I remember. Such started my writing career.
Kiara O. Lawrence: Now why is your being back an 'unfortunately' for me? that's one more review I get to read! And thanks for the review. Let me know if you ever get that thought back.
Wolf!
I did say that a story finding your anguish limit was a sign of the Apocalypse. And since the world didn't end (so that you'd notice, anyway), one can assume that, try as I may, I haven't found your limit yet.
Ohhhhhh! Questions! Goody!
Remus can change because he's an animagus. Go read the author's notes if you haven't already.
I am SO glad people accepted the Aaron Richards thing so well. I was a bit worried. But everyone seems to have liked it.
There's not really THAT many ministry people there. You're looking at a handful at best. Say 6-10. They got there that fast because they set up camp fairly early (before Sirius arrived) and never left. They've been 'staking out' Remus' house. Bad old ministry!
The fact that the man was knocking on the door just as they were planning to make a run for it was pure coincidence. And really rotten timing for poor Remus.
MKH: I'm not sure I'm gonna talk to you or not. Not sharing your star with Karla and all.
But darn it! You asked questions, and I can't resist answering. (Forgive me, Karla.)
Remus is not performing an 'at will' werewolf transformation. He didn't transform into a 'werewolf'. He transformed into a 'wolf'. Big difference.
The doctor did apparate. But each time he came in the front door. They escaped out the back. So he would have no way of knowing where the anti-apparation fields are in the back of the house. And since anti-apparition fields are set up to shield an area, like a yard or so, I would assume they are not symmetrical, as that few yards are. More likely they are set to run with the perimeter. Also, Remus helped set up the anti-apparation fields around his own house, as he says in this chapter, but even he didn't know they didn't end where he thought they did. So you can safely assume the ministry moved them as part of they're trying to trap Sirius.
Why not use a summoning spell for the blanket? That one's easy. I wanted Aaron out of the room right then. So I sent him to fetch the blanket. (Ain't being the author great?)
Floo network? Nope. Sorry. No floo network hook up. And no, Dumbledore didn't come by floo powder the first time. If you'll remember, Remus let in him the front door. He apparated.
The decision to leave was very sudden on Remus' part. He had no time to create a port key. And between having to create a port key, or just apparating, apparating is easier. And even if they had had a port key, the anti-apparation spells would have dictated they had to be outside of them to use the port key just the same.
HeeHeeHee! I LOVE guesses. But sorry. Nope. Remus was not saved by someone using a port key.
How come when you enter my name in the author box you can't get me? I'd love to know the answer to that one myself. The only way I can get to my own bio page is by the directory.
baasheep: I love people coming on to this story ready to confess to being repentant reviewers. Awwwww, one less anonymous hit on my statistic page. Oh well.
Again, just to keep the record straight and not get myself in any trouble with my reviewers who might have the wrong idea. Fever is not being sequeled. Only Family Life is currently being sequeled.
Of course Harry's not doing much! (Child labor laws.)
Harry's crying having saved Sirius' life is completely open to reader interpretation, by the way.
As you can see from this chapter, old Remus is still alive and growling.
Oh, dear. You....ahhhhh......have heard about the little vacation thing P.A.R. is taking from fanfiction.net, right?
summersun: No, Dear. You didn't miss a big chunk of this story. P.A.R. forgot to publish a notation with this story that was 'sort of' important. And with that may I direct your attention to the author's notes if you haven't already perused them for the answer to your question. If you'd rather not bother, then here's the short version. Wasn't a full moon. Remus didn't transform into a werewolf. Transformed into a wolf. (Big difference.) The man is an animagus.
Hey, Whisp!
Nope. No summoning and no tracker thing. (What is that, anyway?)
You got issues with poor old Remus, girl. You know that? If there's trouble in one of my stories, you jump on poor Remus like he was a trampoline. HONESTLY! The man is one of the good guys! Maybe one day I'll write a story where he's not, just to mess with you.
Ohhhhhh, green paper! P.A.R. likes the green paper with the pretty pictures on it. 'Specially the ones with Mr. Jackson on them. P.A.R. can never get enough of those! (But honestly, who can?)
Voltora: Way to go Aaron! I suppose this means I'll have to keep him as a continuous character?
Actually, the fact that so many people jumped to the wrong conclusion about Richards I haven't decided is a good thing or a bad thing. Was I honestly able to baffle you guys that much, or was I honestly just not that clear?
Actually, if I'm not mistaken, if you didn't pick up that Aaron was a werewolf from the comments in the story (and you don't read the author's notes or the Q&A), you would never get it, because I don't think it's ever stated outright in the story that he's a werewolf.
Nope. Can't answer those type of questions. Sorry.
Karla: No, no, Dear. No 'hit-wizards'. Just the usual bag of ministry idiots.
I HOPE we're going with possibility five here. Although the others weren't bad guesses at all.
STUPID MOVE? *P.A.R. glares a little at Karla.* Hey! The man was under stress after all!
The floo thing? Remus' house is protected by wards and spells that prevent access to the floo network.
Your whole group of questions there about Remus' 'capture' I can't answer because you're making one very incorrect assumption (And you're not alone, by the way.). You're assuming Remus was captured by the ministry at the end of the last chapter. As you can see from this chapter, that was not the case.
Actually, with the werewolf thing, I follow the idea that werewolves (emphasizing the 'wolves' part here) are pack animals. Whereas they do not mix well with other humans as a general rule, since the two are enemies by nature, I would think they would find common ground among their own kind. Besides, how would a werewolf learn 'werewolf things' if not from other werewolves. I mean, you can only get so much from a book.
Richards caring and worrying about Remus comes from the fact that he's known him so long. Also, there wasn't as much 'caring and worrying' in there as you might have thought. Sometimes P.A.R. is too subtle for her own good. A lot of what was going on there was a older male pack member trying to talk sense to what should have been a more submissive younger male. But when have we ever known Remus to back down when his friends were involved?
Yes, indeed, Family Life's sequel, Family Relations, deals in part with the relationship between Sirius and his older brother, Orion. But I never said in order to do that that Sirius had to be present, now did I? HeeHeeHee!
Ohhhh, I can't tell you how many times I have done that! Worked on a review only to lose the connection and due to a stupid move on my part, kiss my work 'good-bye'. It is very frustrating! So I sympathize with you fully on that.
Oh, by the way, MKH says they're not going to share the gold star with you from last week, so (*), P.A.R.'s going to give you your very own. Enjoy!
connie: O.K., we'll do this one at a time to keep it straight. First, what happened to Remus is a large part of the story and will be explained later. Second, yes, Aaron Richards is a fang, fur, teeth, and tail-wagging werewolf. Third, no, it was not a full moon. Remus transformed under his own power as an animagus (see the author's notes). Last, Aaron became friends with Remus and his family when he stepped in to help a then very young Remus adjust to his new state as a werewolf after Remus was first bitten.
Better?
All reviews are as of 03232002. If I missed you, remember, extortion can be a lucrative thing. Hope to see you next week.