Chapter 26: Decisions, Decisions
'June. What a lovely month', Blythe thought as she looked out on the evening sky. The end of the year was drawing very close. She took a deep breath and smiled at the dusk. "Such a beautiful night. Why can't it last forever? Just like this." With a shake of her head, she turned from the window and crossed her room to the door. She opened it to find Remus there with his hand poised to knock. "Won't you come in?"
"How did you know I was here?"
"I didn't. I was just getting ready to step out. But since you're here, you might as well stay for awhile."
He smiled and nodded, then entered the room. "Do you dislike being in the castle or something? You're always venturing outside."
"I like it here quite a bit, but it's so nice out there. I can see buildings and walls anytime. Greenery is rare in the city."
"I suppose that's true.", he chuckled. "What do you feel like doing tonight?"
"I'm not sure. Did you have something in mind?"
Remus shrugged and grinned. "Not really. You generally have better ideas for things than I do."
"How about a picnic then? Does that sound alright?"
"It sounds perfect. Let's go to the kitchen and get a few things first."
In the whole year that Blythe had been at Hogwarts, she'd never once seen the kitchens. She received quite a surprise when they arrived. Scurrying around like mice were strange creatures like the one she'd met when she first arrived at the school. A few of them stopped and turned their tennis ball sized eyes to the pair, but most continued to busy themselves around the kitchen. It didn't seem as though any of them had a set chore or pattern. Remus looked around at a few of the little beings that had wandered over to them.
"If you're not too busy, do you think you could fix Blythe and I a picnic?"
They nodded their heads and set off to work.
"Are these house elves?"
Remus turned and smiled at Blythe. "That they are. Very helpful little things, aren't they? They just love to serve people and anyone will do."
Blythe giggled and watched the critters work. Within a few moments the picnic was done and being offered to her. She smiled and took the basket. "Thank you very much." Some bowed, others curtsied, then they all ran off to get back to their work.
"Are we all set then?"
"I think so."
The two of them made their way out of the kitchen and exited Hogwarts again. The night was warm and a soft breeze whispered through the trees of the forest. Remus and Blythe nestled themselves under a tree near the lake and began sorting through the basket.
"I think they provided everything but the kitchen sink, Remus."
He grinned and nodded. "There's not job too small for a house elf, and they like going all out when it comes to serving someone."
"I can see that." Blythe continued pulling plates of food and sweets from the basket and wondered if there was a charm on the wicker to make it seem bottomless. "Goodness. This is a lot of food. How are we going to eat all this?"
"Like this." Remus winked and picked up a sandwich and started eating.
Blythe giggled and followed suit.
When the food was gone, the two of them leaned back on their elbows and smiled at the sky.
"That was great, Blythe. Thank you."
"Anytime, Remus. It was nice eating with just you for once."
Remus nodded and looked over at her. "You know, I can't seem to remember a time before this that I've been so happy. There hasn't been a single year in a very long time when I haven't been worried about things." A ghostly smile traced his lips as he looked at the clouds again. "I never thought I'd find love either. I didn't believe anyone would accept me because of what I am."
"A charming, handsome gentleman, you mean?", Blythe chimed as she looked at him. She could feel the mood venturing into melancholy and wanted to keep it light and carefree.
He chuckled at her remark and turned his eyes to her again. "Thank you again. You remind me on a constant basis what it is to be human. Without you, I don't think I could've made it through this year. At least, not this long."
Blythe shook her head and shuffled closer to him. "Don't be silly. The children love you almost as much as I do, Remus. Don't ever forget that. Everyone is loved, they just don't always realize that."
Remus leaned forward then and kissed her gently. "I'm glad I'm one of the lucky ones who does realize it."
She kissed him back and nuzzled close. "So am I."
They parted company that night and left for their respective chambers. Blythe laid in bed thinking of what life would be like as Mrs. Lupin. She laughed softly and shook her head. She had never thought of marriage before. Then again, she'd never met a man like Remus before.
The last few weeks of the school year seemed to fly past. Blythe and Remus had almost become inseparable. They spent all their free time together, either outdoors or simply walking around the castle. During meals the entire world seemed oblivious to the two of them. They were always absorbed in conversations with each other. They seemed to be growing even closer those last few days, more so than many couples that had been seen.
One night Blythe wandered around alone. She wondered where Remus had been all night. Finally she decided to retire to her room. She sat in a large chair and stared at the fire. Then a noise floated through her bedroom window. It sounded like voices. And Blythe was certain she could hear Remus.
Blythe looked out her window and noticed Remus, along with a few others, making their way across the grounds. Snape and a man that she didn't know were hovering before their extended wands, apparently unconscious.
She turned from the window and walked to her vanity. She looked down at the small hourglass sitting there. It was full. She glanced at the small silver necklace Remus had given her and wondered whether or not to put it on. After a few seconds, she lifted it and clasped it around her neck. The small locket slipped under the top of her dress. She walked over, grabbed up her thin, summer cloak and left the room to see if she could offer any help.
By the time she got outside, Remus and two others had disappeared. One of them was the man she didn't know who'd been hovering along before the troupe. Snape was lying on the ground, Hermione was kneeling beside an injured Ron, and Blythe couldn't see Harry.
She heard a howl come from the woods and raced across the grounds towards the forest. She made sure to keep out of sight of the children. She knew Hermione and Harry could handle taking Ron inside, but she wanted to make sure Remus was alright. Something just seemed to be calling her to the forest.
The woods were dark and foreboding. She'd never been in them at night. Something large and black moved to her left. She turned, but saw nothing. Blythe continued walking until she could make out a figure looming not far before her. She hid herself behind a tree and stared at a tremendous wolf. It had strips of white fur on either side of its head and she knew instantly that this must be Remus' werewolf form.
Suddenly his nose shot into the air. He'd caught her scent. Blythe didn't even have time to gasp before the creature was on her. His paws pinned her to the earthen floor, his nails dug into her flesh. She tried to cry out as his teeth came down towards her throat. From the corner of her eye she saw a black dog crouched down on its haunches ready to attack. It only took her frightened mind a few seconds to realize this was Sirius Black.
For some reason she wondered if the storybooks she'd read as a child held any truth, then a few words formed in her mind. 'When the hourglass fills, you will have to make a choice your life could depend on.' She made eye contact with the wolf and held his gaze. He seemed to hesitate, as though unsure what to do next. 'Fight it, Remus. I know you can. Please, fight it.', she thought. She managed to wrench one arm free, and with quaking fingers, she pulled out the pendant he'd given her on her birthday. The silver locket gleamed in the moonlight filtering through the trees. The wolf immediately backed away as though blinded or injured, and in that same instant, Sirius charged forward.
The fight that ensued was a blur in her mind when sunlight broke through the trees. She stroked Remus' hair lightly as his eyes began to open. "B-Blythe?"
"Shh, I'm right here." She caressed his face and spoke softly, soothingly. "You don't need to say anything."
Remus quieted and just laid there with his head on her lap. He closed his eyes again and seemed to relax slightly under her touch. His lips moved a little as he appeared to want to say something, but at the same time didn't. Then his voice floated out, quiet and hesitant. "I-I didn't hurt you, did I?"
"No, you didn't hurt me." She glanced at her torn dress and wounded shoulders after making sure his eyes were still closed. "I'm fine."
He let out a deep sigh of relief and allowed his body to loosen even more. He was silent for a few moments, then he said something that took Blythe completely by surprise. "I want you to come with me."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll have to leave Hogwarts now and I'd like you to come with me, Blythe."
She smiled and gently stroked his hair. "You're talking nonsense, Remus. You don't have to go anywhere. You know Albus will let you stay here and continue teaching."
He shook his head and looked up into her eyes. "I know he'd accept me without question, unfortunately everyone will now know what I am and I'll be considered a danger. Professor Dumbledore and a few others might know the truth and be willing to give me another chance, but not everyone is so open minded. The Ministry of Magic and many parents of the students here will be up in arms over this. They won't permit someone like me to stay here."
The smile disappeared from Blythe's face. She wanted to tell him that everything would be fine, that people would learn to accept him for who he was rather than hate him for what wasn't his fault, but she knew better. Normally she'd argue about him wanting to leave, but this time she agreed. "I understand. Maybe it would be for the best. And yes, I'll gladly go with you."
With Blythe's cloak wrapped tightly around his body, the two made their way back to the school. The building was silent. Not even a whisper was heard in the halls. They stopped in front of Remus' office, smiled and nodded to each other. He slipped inside and Blythe walked off to find a certain Headmaster.
"Come in, Blythe."
She entered the office and smiled at Dumbledore. "I've made my decision, Albus."
He nodded slightly and smiled knowingly at her. "You've decided not to stay, haven't you."
"That's right. How did you know?"
"I could tell by the look on your face, Blythe. You're not very good at hiding things." He gave her a wink and his grin broadened.
"You're right, I'm not.", she giggled. "I decided to leave with Remus. I don't know where we're going, but I know I want to be with him."
"I can understand that." Albus leaned back and sighed heavily. With a shake of his head and a few strokes of his beard, he continued to speak. "I wish there were something I could do to keep him here. But as I'm sure he's already figured out, I'll be buried in accusations and complaints about his presence at Hogwarts."
Blythe nodded and looked at the Headmaster with sad eyes. "It's a pity they refuse to take a little time and get to know him. It'd mean so much to him if they would, but I'm sure the lives he's touched this year will help him through."
"I believe you're right about that, my dear. And I'm certain he won't be forgotten in the near future." Professor Dumbledore placed his hands on the desk and lifted himself from his chair. "I have to say that you'll be remembered as well, Miss Blythe Farrah. You've made a world of difference here and you've enlightened many students to the ways of Muggles. You'll be sorely missed, to say the least." He walked to the front of his desk and took Blythe's hand. With a firm but gentle shake he said his goodbyes. "Do come back and visit sometime."
"I'll be sure to do that." She could feel tears forming in her eyes. She hated parting from good company. "I'd best be off to pack now. I don't want to keep Remus waiting."
Albus nodded and saw her out of the room. They separated in the hallway as he walked towards Remus' office. Blythe knew what he had in mind. He wanted to make sure Remus knew he was always welcome to come back.
Blythe packed quickly and quietly. She said farewell to many members of faculty and some of the student body as she and Remus left for the train.
"You'll miss them, won't you."
She nodded in answer as she stared out the cabin window at the disappearing school. "I've never felt like I fit in somewhere until I came to Hogwarts." She turned to face Remus and squeezed his hand. "But as long as I'm with you, I'll never feel that way again."
~The End?~
And there it is, the long awaited ending to my fanfic....or is it? *giggles* Please feel free to read and review my other story entitled 'A Woman From Voldemort's Past'. Thank you all for your comments.
'June. What a lovely month', Blythe thought as she looked out on the evening sky. The end of the year was drawing very close. She took a deep breath and smiled at the dusk. "Such a beautiful night. Why can't it last forever? Just like this." With a shake of her head, she turned from the window and crossed her room to the door. She opened it to find Remus there with his hand poised to knock. "Won't you come in?"
"How did you know I was here?"
"I didn't. I was just getting ready to step out. But since you're here, you might as well stay for awhile."
He smiled and nodded, then entered the room. "Do you dislike being in the castle or something? You're always venturing outside."
"I like it here quite a bit, but it's so nice out there. I can see buildings and walls anytime. Greenery is rare in the city."
"I suppose that's true.", he chuckled. "What do you feel like doing tonight?"
"I'm not sure. Did you have something in mind?"
Remus shrugged and grinned. "Not really. You generally have better ideas for things than I do."
"How about a picnic then? Does that sound alright?"
"It sounds perfect. Let's go to the kitchen and get a few things first."
In the whole year that Blythe had been at Hogwarts, she'd never once seen the kitchens. She received quite a surprise when they arrived. Scurrying around like mice were strange creatures like the one she'd met when she first arrived at the school. A few of them stopped and turned their tennis ball sized eyes to the pair, but most continued to busy themselves around the kitchen. It didn't seem as though any of them had a set chore or pattern. Remus looked around at a few of the little beings that had wandered over to them.
"If you're not too busy, do you think you could fix Blythe and I a picnic?"
They nodded their heads and set off to work.
"Are these house elves?"
Remus turned and smiled at Blythe. "That they are. Very helpful little things, aren't they? They just love to serve people and anyone will do."
Blythe giggled and watched the critters work. Within a few moments the picnic was done and being offered to her. She smiled and took the basket. "Thank you very much." Some bowed, others curtsied, then they all ran off to get back to their work.
"Are we all set then?"
"I think so."
The two of them made their way out of the kitchen and exited Hogwarts again. The night was warm and a soft breeze whispered through the trees of the forest. Remus and Blythe nestled themselves under a tree near the lake and began sorting through the basket.
"I think they provided everything but the kitchen sink, Remus."
He grinned and nodded. "There's not job too small for a house elf, and they like going all out when it comes to serving someone."
"I can see that." Blythe continued pulling plates of food and sweets from the basket and wondered if there was a charm on the wicker to make it seem bottomless. "Goodness. This is a lot of food. How are we going to eat all this?"
"Like this." Remus winked and picked up a sandwich and started eating.
Blythe giggled and followed suit.
When the food was gone, the two of them leaned back on their elbows and smiled at the sky.
"That was great, Blythe. Thank you."
"Anytime, Remus. It was nice eating with just you for once."
Remus nodded and looked over at her. "You know, I can't seem to remember a time before this that I've been so happy. There hasn't been a single year in a very long time when I haven't been worried about things." A ghostly smile traced his lips as he looked at the clouds again. "I never thought I'd find love either. I didn't believe anyone would accept me because of what I am."
"A charming, handsome gentleman, you mean?", Blythe chimed as she looked at him. She could feel the mood venturing into melancholy and wanted to keep it light and carefree.
He chuckled at her remark and turned his eyes to her again. "Thank you again. You remind me on a constant basis what it is to be human. Without you, I don't think I could've made it through this year. At least, not this long."
Blythe shook her head and shuffled closer to him. "Don't be silly. The children love you almost as much as I do, Remus. Don't ever forget that. Everyone is loved, they just don't always realize that."
Remus leaned forward then and kissed her gently. "I'm glad I'm one of the lucky ones who does realize it."
She kissed him back and nuzzled close. "So am I."
They parted company that night and left for their respective chambers. Blythe laid in bed thinking of what life would be like as Mrs. Lupin. She laughed softly and shook her head. She had never thought of marriage before. Then again, she'd never met a man like Remus before.
The last few weeks of the school year seemed to fly past. Blythe and Remus had almost become inseparable. They spent all their free time together, either outdoors or simply walking around the castle. During meals the entire world seemed oblivious to the two of them. They were always absorbed in conversations with each other. They seemed to be growing even closer those last few days, more so than many couples that had been seen.
One night Blythe wandered around alone. She wondered where Remus had been all night. Finally she decided to retire to her room. She sat in a large chair and stared at the fire. Then a noise floated through her bedroom window. It sounded like voices. And Blythe was certain she could hear Remus.
Blythe looked out her window and noticed Remus, along with a few others, making their way across the grounds. Snape and a man that she didn't know were hovering before their extended wands, apparently unconscious.
She turned from the window and walked to her vanity. She looked down at the small hourglass sitting there. It was full. She glanced at the small silver necklace Remus had given her and wondered whether or not to put it on. After a few seconds, she lifted it and clasped it around her neck. The small locket slipped under the top of her dress. She walked over, grabbed up her thin, summer cloak and left the room to see if she could offer any help.
By the time she got outside, Remus and two others had disappeared. One of them was the man she didn't know who'd been hovering along before the troupe. Snape was lying on the ground, Hermione was kneeling beside an injured Ron, and Blythe couldn't see Harry.
She heard a howl come from the woods and raced across the grounds towards the forest. She made sure to keep out of sight of the children. She knew Hermione and Harry could handle taking Ron inside, but she wanted to make sure Remus was alright. Something just seemed to be calling her to the forest.
The woods were dark and foreboding. She'd never been in them at night. Something large and black moved to her left. She turned, but saw nothing. Blythe continued walking until she could make out a figure looming not far before her. She hid herself behind a tree and stared at a tremendous wolf. It had strips of white fur on either side of its head and she knew instantly that this must be Remus' werewolf form.
Suddenly his nose shot into the air. He'd caught her scent. Blythe didn't even have time to gasp before the creature was on her. His paws pinned her to the earthen floor, his nails dug into her flesh. She tried to cry out as his teeth came down towards her throat. From the corner of her eye she saw a black dog crouched down on its haunches ready to attack. It only took her frightened mind a few seconds to realize this was Sirius Black.
For some reason she wondered if the storybooks she'd read as a child held any truth, then a few words formed in her mind. 'When the hourglass fills, you will have to make a choice your life could depend on.' She made eye contact with the wolf and held his gaze. He seemed to hesitate, as though unsure what to do next. 'Fight it, Remus. I know you can. Please, fight it.', she thought. She managed to wrench one arm free, and with quaking fingers, she pulled out the pendant he'd given her on her birthday. The silver locket gleamed in the moonlight filtering through the trees. The wolf immediately backed away as though blinded or injured, and in that same instant, Sirius charged forward.
The fight that ensued was a blur in her mind when sunlight broke through the trees. She stroked Remus' hair lightly as his eyes began to open. "B-Blythe?"
"Shh, I'm right here." She caressed his face and spoke softly, soothingly. "You don't need to say anything."
Remus quieted and just laid there with his head on her lap. He closed his eyes again and seemed to relax slightly under her touch. His lips moved a little as he appeared to want to say something, but at the same time didn't. Then his voice floated out, quiet and hesitant. "I-I didn't hurt you, did I?"
"No, you didn't hurt me." She glanced at her torn dress and wounded shoulders after making sure his eyes were still closed. "I'm fine."
He let out a deep sigh of relief and allowed his body to loosen even more. He was silent for a few moments, then he said something that took Blythe completely by surprise. "I want you to come with me."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll have to leave Hogwarts now and I'd like you to come with me, Blythe."
She smiled and gently stroked his hair. "You're talking nonsense, Remus. You don't have to go anywhere. You know Albus will let you stay here and continue teaching."
He shook his head and looked up into her eyes. "I know he'd accept me without question, unfortunately everyone will now know what I am and I'll be considered a danger. Professor Dumbledore and a few others might know the truth and be willing to give me another chance, but not everyone is so open minded. The Ministry of Magic and many parents of the students here will be up in arms over this. They won't permit someone like me to stay here."
The smile disappeared from Blythe's face. She wanted to tell him that everything would be fine, that people would learn to accept him for who he was rather than hate him for what wasn't his fault, but she knew better. Normally she'd argue about him wanting to leave, but this time she agreed. "I understand. Maybe it would be for the best. And yes, I'll gladly go with you."
With Blythe's cloak wrapped tightly around his body, the two made their way back to the school. The building was silent. Not even a whisper was heard in the halls. They stopped in front of Remus' office, smiled and nodded to each other. He slipped inside and Blythe walked off to find a certain Headmaster.
"Come in, Blythe."
She entered the office and smiled at Dumbledore. "I've made my decision, Albus."
He nodded slightly and smiled knowingly at her. "You've decided not to stay, haven't you."
"That's right. How did you know?"
"I could tell by the look on your face, Blythe. You're not very good at hiding things." He gave her a wink and his grin broadened.
"You're right, I'm not.", she giggled. "I decided to leave with Remus. I don't know where we're going, but I know I want to be with him."
"I can understand that." Albus leaned back and sighed heavily. With a shake of his head and a few strokes of his beard, he continued to speak. "I wish there were something I could do to keep him here. But as I'm sure he's already figured out, I'll be buried in accusations and complaints about his presence at Hogwarts."
Blythe nodded and looked at the Headmaster with sad eyes. "It's a pity they refuse to take a little time and get to know him. It'd mean so much to him if they would, but I'm sure the lives he's touched this year will help him through."
"I believe you're right about that, my dear. And I'm certain he won't be forgotten in the near future." Professor Dumbledore placed his hands on the desk and lifted himself from his chair. "I have to say that you'll be remembered as well, Miss Blythe Farrah. You've made a world of difference here and you've enlightened many students to the ways of Muggles. You'll be sorely missed, to say the least." He walked to the front of his desk and took Blythe's hand. With a firm but gentle shake he said his goodbyes. "Do come back and visit sometime."
"I'll be sure to do that." She could feel tears forming in her eyes. She hated parting from good company. "I'd best be off to pack now. I don't want to keep Remus waiting."
Albus nodded and saw her out of the room. They separated in the hallway as he walked towards Remus' office. Blythe knew what he had in mind. He wanted to make sure Remus knew he was always welcome to come back.
Blythe packed quickly and quietly. She said farewell to many members of faculty and some of the student body as she and Remus left for the train.
"You'll miss them, won't you."
She nodded in answer as she stared out the cabin window at the disappearing school. "I've never felt like I fit in somewhere until I came to Hogwarts." She turned to face Remus and squeezed his hand. "But as long as I'm with you, I'll never feel that way again."
~The End?~
And there it is, the long awaited ending to my fanfic....or is it? *giggles* Please feel free to read and review my other story entitled 'A Woman From Voldemort's Past'. Thank you all for your comments.