Disclaimer, blah blah blah- Okay, here goes: JKR's stuff you should know by
now, anything that you don't recognize isn't hers, but my original
creations *evil grin*. I hope you enjoy this little fic, it is actually
more of a backstory to my Trinity Ferrell series, but can't say anything
more *wider evil grin* or I'll ruin the upcoming "third book" for you. This
is a story about JKR's Remus Lupin, forbidden love, and upholding my belief
that LOVE CONQUERS ALL. ^_^ Anyways, enjoy! ^_^
Forbidden By Moonlight
By Sailor Twilight
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Chapter Three
It had been a week since he had woken up in Danika's care, and Remus was feeling incredibly better. Most of the time, he had rested, hoping his strength would return and his wounds would heal quickly so that he would be on his way by the next full moon.
He was amazed, however, at all the Muggle contraptions that Danika had in her house, which turned out to be a house she shared with her doctor friend, Michael. Michael was just as kind as Danika, but while Remus quickly learned that Danika had a mischevious streak, Michael remained very serious, and always seemed to be reading or working on a paper for his college. "Such is the life for a man who is married to his work," Danika would tease Michael. "All work and no play makes Mikey a dull boy."
Michael would just smile, and continue with whatever it happened to be what he was doing. "Someday I'll be a rich doctor, that's when you'll eat your words, Dani," he would comment, then he resume writing his essay.
"He'll be able to do it, too," Danika told Remus. "He's very smart. I wish I had his brain. I kind of slacked off in high school, but I managed to graduate, even after my parents died." She sighed. "Well, I was thinking, Remus, since you weren't from around here, and now that you're feeling better, maybe the three of us could go out for awhile, and show you around town. What do you think?"
Remus, who was enjoying the whole experience of being in the Muggle world and wanted to see and learn more about it, nodded excitedly in agreement. "Yeah! Sounds like fun."
"What about you, Mikey? Can you take a break for awhile? The carnival's in town, maybe we can go there for awhile. I hear they have a real-live ferris wheel and everything. Personally, I would love to see the freak show that they are advertising, but I wouldn't mind playing a few games and riding the ferris wheel," Danika's eyes lit up with excitement as she spoke. "Please, Mikey?"
"Oh, alright," Michael set down his pen, but smiled. "You're right, I could use a break."
And so, that is how they ended up at the carnival that day. Remus couldn't believe his eyes, all the Muggle games and rides and entertainment was all new to him and so fascinating. He was just as excited as Danika, if not more so. Michael had driven them, and Remus couldn't wait to tell Sirius, James, and Peter about riding in an automobile. Michael's car also had a radio in it, and they were blasting music all the way to the carnival. Remus couldn't wait to tell the rest of his fellow Marauders about the different music that Muggles had. He really enjoyed the various ways that Muggles existed without magic, and was getting used to their way of life.
Best of all, he felt as if he belonged, which he had only felt before with the Mauraders. It felt good to belong in this world, not shunned and outcast because of his lycanthropy.
Which reminded him to keep watch on the calendar, the next full moon only a few weeks away...
He shook it from his thoughts, turning his attention back to the wind whipping through his hair as they sped toward the carnaval with all the windows of the car rolled down. "They invented seat belts after they saw how Mikey drives," Danika told Remus, and Michael grinned mischeviously.
"I'd like to show Remus here how YOU drive, Dani," he said, laughing.
"Hey! He's our guest, I don't want to scare him off!" Danika cracked back, and they laughed.
Finally the car pulled into a place where there was a whole bunch of other cars sitting still, and in front of this "parking lot" (Remus read a sign that called this area as such) there was a wonderful sight to behold, and Remus stared in awe.
Groups and groups of Muggles were all walking around through multi- colored tents filled with various games and prizes, a huge glittering wheel spun slowly against the horizon, and everyone was smiling. "Hey Remus, you coming?" Danika asked, waving her hand in front of his face. "You okay? If you aren't feeling better yet, it's okay, we'll come back another time-"
"No, no, really I'm fine..." Remus grinned. "It's just... I've never been to a carnival before."
"Really?! Wow! You'll love this then! Come on, let's go in together!" Danika slid her arm into his, then led him over and linked arms with Michael too. "You guys will be my dates. Now, I want one of you guys to win me a big stuffed animal, okay?"
"You're not bossy at all, are you?" Michael said, securing his car keys and wallet in his pockets. "What do you say, Remus? How about we try throwing some darts first?"
"Sure," Remus answered, but his attention was turned to a man dressed in a brightly colored, polka-dotted jump suit with rainbow hair and too much make up.
"Ah, clowns give me the creeps," Danika said, tugging her two friends away from that area.
"You're strange, you do realize that, Dani," Michael commented. "Clowns are entertaining, especially to kids. You've always been afraid of them."
"I'm not afraid of them! They just give me the creeps!" Danika insisted. "They look like martians or something. I dunno... Hey look! That's what I want to do!" She broke away from her two friends and ran over to the ticket booth for the ferris wheel. "Let's all ride the ferris wheel later!" Danika exclaimed, looking up at the large wheel with adoration. "I've never ridden it before, and they say it's almost like you're flying!"
"Okay, why don't we get our tickets now then? I'll get them and meet you guys over at the ring toss game," Michael offered.
"Alright," Danika beamed, leading Remus over to the game already. "See you in a few!"
Michael smiled and waved quickly, then lined up with the other people who were already waiting to purchase tickets.
"Now it's just you and me," Danika said. "You wanna try this game?"
"Sure," Remus hadn't the faintest clue how to play, but after watching a few Muggles try their luck he quickly caught on.
Danika paid the game keeper, then he handed Remus three rings. "Get all three on a bottle head to win," he told Remus, then stepped aside.
Remus concentrated, using all of his senses to focus on the game. He tossed the first one, and it twirled around the bottle for a moment, then rested. "You got one, two more to go!" Danika squealed excitedly. "Come on, Remus! You can do it!"
He grinned at her encouragement, then threw the next ring.
Danika jumped up and down with excitement. "Wow! Two! You can do it! One more, Remus!"
He gnawed on his bottom lip and concentrated on the last target. Then, the last ring flew through the air...
The next thing he knew, Danika was hugging him, jumping up and down excitedly. "You won! I can't believe it! That's amazing! Way to go, Remus! Mikey! Look! Remus WON!" Danika cheered as Michael came over, grinning.
"Cool, man," Michael said. "Way to go."
Remus just smiled. "Thanks, Mike."
Michael returned his smiled. "No problem. So what prize are you going to pick?"
"Danika, you can pick," Remus told her, and she looked as happy as a person who just won the House Cup. "After all, it's the very least I can offer you for your kindness."
She blushed, but thanked him with a kiss on the cheek and a bear hug. "Thank you," she said, then picked out the largest stuffed animal she could find, which happened to be a wolf.
After winning the ring toss game, they went and got something Remus WAS familiar with, ice cream cones. They stopped near the duck pond to finish them up, where it was quieter and less crowded than the carnival area. They laughed and joked and talked like old friends. Remus felt as if he had known Danika and Michael for a lifetime.
"So, what are your dreams for the future?" Danika asked suddenly, snuggling her large stuffed wolf.
"Oh, Dani, you always ask that," Michael said.
"So? A lot of people change their minds sometimes, on what they want to do in life. What do you guys want to do?" She asked seriously.
"Well, if you insist," Michael sighed. "I want to be a doctor, and help save lives and find cures for diseases."
"You'll be able to do that, I know it," Danika smiled encouragingly. "What about you, Remus?"
Remus couldn't tell her that he wanted to someday become a Professor at Hogwarts, even the thought of a werewolf being allowed to take such a job was a proposterous idea to begin with. "I'd like to be a teacher someday," he said softly.
"I could see you as a teacher," Danika agreed. "You know what I want to do?"
"What is it this week, Dani? Become an astronaut?" Michael teased.
"No! Besides, I'm so over that," she insisted. "I mean this for real, Mikey. I want this to come true no matter what happens."
"And that would be...?" Michael urged her to continue.
"I want to get married and have a family," Danika said. "I want to have children and love them and take care of them and I want to have a man I'll love forever and ever no matter what happens."
Then she blushed. "Isn't that stupid, really?" she suddenly commented. "I'm eighteen years old, just out of high school, no future plans except to find the love of my life and have a family."
"You have every right to have that dream," Remus suddenly said. "You've been without a family for a long time, and you miss that. I don't think it's stupid at all to have such a dream. And I think your dream will come true, someday, Danika. A guy would be pretty stupid to ignore your kind heart."
Her blush deepened, and she smiled. "Thank you, Remus. I hope your dreams come true, too."
He smiled back, but he wasn't too sure that his dreams would ever come true. "Thanks."
They went over and rode the carousel next, to Remus's enjoyment. Normally horses would go lengths to avoid him, sensing the wolf inside of him. The mechanical horses that the Muggles created only danced around in a circular path, never aware of who was riding them.
The day wore on, and the sun sank below the hills and the sky darkened. It was a cool night, but still comfortable enough to hang out around the carnival. They had long given up games and rides, with the exception of one- the ferris wheel. Danika had insisted they go on it during the night, to be close to the stars.
When the time arrived to ride the ferris wheel, Michael suddenly got cold feet. "I'm petrified of heights, Dani. You and Remus go on ahead, I'll just wait down here. Really, I'm exhausted. No more rides for me today," he insisted.
"Mikey, are you sure?" Danika asked.
"Yeah," Michael sat down on a bench to rest his aching feet. "I didn't even get a ticket. I'm terrified of being up too high, you know that. Go on, I'll be fine. I need to rest anyway."
"Alright, only if you're sure," Danika said, then turned to Remus. "You're not bailing out on me, no way no how." She took him by the arm and led him to the line for the ferris wheel.
The line was long, though, and so she asked Remus, "Hey, would you like to go see something with me?"
"Sure," Remus answered, still in awe at all the different, non- magical creations.
The glowing string of multi-colored lights was his favorite. He remembered from Muggle Studies that they used electricity instead of conjuring fires in the Muggle World. He loved the way the tiny light bulbs twinkled brightly around them as they walked over to a black tent. The sign in front of the tent read "THE WORLD'S MOST UNUSUAL CREATURES" and Remus wondered what they were talking about.
"Here it is," Danika said breathlessly. "The most interesting creations from the human imagination. Come on, let's see how fake it is!"
They walked over to a man standing boredly in front of the tent opening, and Danika paid for their admission. She gave Remus a smile and they headed inside. The first thing was a small caged horse, the tiniest horse that Remus had ever seen. It looked like Sir Cadogan's fat pony, only with much shorter legs. "Awww... how cute!" Danika stuck her hand in the fence to pet the small pony. "I've heard of these. Shetland ponies. Go ahead and pet her, Remus. She's very sweet."
Remus knew what would happen if he did, the horse already was giving him a funny, nervous glance. "That's okay, Dani," he said softly. "Why don't we see what's next?"
Danika led the way to the next cage, where there was a rabbit with antelope horns tied to his head. The rabbit lurched in its cage as Remus approached, scratching madly at the bars that confined it, trying to escape what it sensed as a preditor.
"Poor thing," Danika sighed. "It probably wants to get out of the cage and run free in the wild."
"Yeah," Remus agreed.
As they headed for the next display, the rabbit calmed down. "Snake woman," Danika said, then almost burst out laughing at the next display, which was so fake that Remus wondered why Muggles found fake magical creatures as entertaining.
"Oh man, check this out Remus!" Danika had run ahead of him while he was looking at a white horse with oversized wings glued at its sides.
He followed the direction where her voice came from, and froze when he read the sign of the display she was looking at. "Wolf man" was painted menacingly on a rectangular piece of plywood.
He remembered the letter the Ministry had sent him then, and how they repeatedly reminded him that he was a Dark creature, not to be trusted, not to be loved. He couldn't let Danika or Michael get too close to him, if he did they would be in danger. Or would they? He had let Sirius, James, and Peter into his life. What was wrong with having friends? He wanted to prove to the Ministry that he COULD have relationships, that he COULD be trusted. Remus wanted to have a normal existence. It was painful enough going through the horrible transformation each month. The wolf was always hungry, always seeking blood. Even if it was his own.
"Remus? You okay?" Danika asked softly, now standing beside him. "You went pale for a moment... I shouldn't have dragged you around all day long, what was I thinking? You need your rest, you had a nasty fall and were badly hurt. And I'm treating you like you're Superman or something. I'm sorry."
"No, you don't need to apologize," Remus said with a warm smile. "I'm fine, I was just... thinking..."
"About what?" Danika's eyes were locked on to his now, and he couldn't escape them. Nor could he lie to her.
"There is something I need to tell you, Dani," Remus said. "Something you have to keep a secret, alright?"
"A secret? What kind of secret?" Danika asked, eager and curious.
"You see... when you asked me where I came from..." Remus wasn't sure how to tell her that there was such magical creatures on Earth, and that he was one of the most feared. He decided that he'd tell her some of the truth now, and the rest later- then again, maybe he'd be gone before he'd have to get into his lycanthropy, and that would be all the better. The truth, or rather, the half-truth, was the least thing he could offer Danika for her kindness.
"You said Hogsmeade, right? I know that, I just don't know where that is. Never heard of such a place in Scotland," she said.
"That's because... well, it's a magical place in Scotland," Remus blurted out.
Danika looked at him funny. "What do you mean by that?"
"You see, I'm a wizard, and Hogsmeade is a wizarding village in the Magic Realm," Remus explained nervously, hoping he wasn't scaring her off.
"Are you joking?" Danika laughed, but not in a mean way.
"No, I'm serious," Remus said truthfully.
Somehow Danika could read his expressions in his eyes, and she just grinned. "Really?" She asked in an excited whisper. "Can you prove it?"
"Actually... yes," Remus searched his pockets, and for the first time becoming aware that his wand was missing.
'Must've lost it in the fall! That isn't good... I can't afford a new one... I'll have to find it...' Remus panicked momentarily. 'Then again, the Ministry will probably send you a letter for unproper use of magic... that's all I need... might get kicked out of Hogwarts... but what else can I do to prove I'm a wizard?'
He suddenly felt something in his pocket... a chocolate frog... and he grinned. Perfect.
"In the wizarding world, we have all sorts of magical treats you can't find anywhere in your realm... like this," he pulled out the wrapped frog, praying that the jumping charm on it would still work after his fall a week ago.
"Ooo I've never seen anything like it... how does it taste?" Danika asked, wide-eyed with amazement.
"Delicious," Remus's eyes sparkled. "You can have this."
"Really?" Danika blushed, not used to getting things, especially from a man. "Thank you, Remus."
"You're welcome," he smiled. "Go ahead, eat it. I promise it isn't poisoned."
She giggled. "Alright." Then she peeled off the foil.
The chocolate frog jumped a few times in her palm, and she gasped in surprise. "Wow! You're serious about this, aren't you! Magic candy!" Danika breathed, with the excited look of a child on Christmas morning.
Then she scrunched up her nose. "It isn't really a frog, is it?"
Remus chuckled. "No, it's magic. I swear it. And look at your Wizard Card."
Danika pulled out the magical card and gave another surprised gasp. "The picture- it moves- wow- like a little television! They... wow... move!" She was practically jumping up and down with excitement. "Oh Remus, this is the coolest thing I've ever seen in my entire life!"
Remus only smiled, not sure of what to say. If only he had been more social... but wait, that would be against the Ministry's laws... and Remus felt stupid and angry for following them for so long. He was sick and tired of living by old wizards' dictations anymore. It almost made him lose Sirius, James, Lily, and Peter. And now it was keeping him from what he wanted to do more than anything- make more friends.
"You've made one of my dreams come true," Danika's eyes glistened with tears. "One I didn't mention earlier. One I've had since I was a little girl. I always wished there was such a thing as magic. My mum used to read to me all the time about it..." Her voice trailed off, and a few tears of happiness trailed down her face.
She looked almost angelic in the dim lighting of the tent, with eyes sparkling and shiny, wet trails down her face.
Remus wiped her tears away, and his hands drifted to the sides of her face. There was nothing more he wanted to do than kiss her tears away, right then and there. She had cared for him when she didn't have to, she could have just left him there to die- hell, that's what any other witch or wizard would do. But Danika had seen more than an unconscious monster, waiting to be wakened to strike. She saw him as a man, when no one else in his world would.
The words of that horrible letter haunted him again though, and he couldn't do it. He couldn't let himself fall in love with her, it was forbidden. He wanted to kiss her, he wanted to love her. But he couldn't, because of what he was.
And he hated himself even more for it.
He dropped his hands suddenly and quickly to his sides, and apologized. Danika looked at him curiously for a moment, then suddenly wrapped her arms around him. Remus jumped, not used to being embraced. "Thank you," she whispered into his chest, where his heart was pounding so fast he thought it might burst.
"You're welcome," Remus managed to finally speak, putting one hand on her shoulder.
They left the tent quietly, Danika munching very happily on the chocolate frog and glancing at the wizard card in her other hand every now and then to see what the picture was doing now.
Now back in a much shorter line for the ferris wheel, they didn't speak to eachother, just absorbed the chatter around them and once in awhile smiled at one another. Danika's blush remained constantly on her face. Remus prayed that she wasn't getting too attached to him, but it was an internal battle not to let it just happen. He didn't want to put Danika in danger. He reminded himself that he would be leaving before the next full moon, and he probably would never see her again. He should just enjoy the precious amount of time he had with his new friends, before he would say good bye forever.
They boarded the next cart on the ferris wheel, and after being strapped in by a safety bar, the cart slowly swung upward. It was an awkward feeling to Remus, who only had flown on a broom before.
Danika tucked her wizard card into her pocket so it wouldn't fly away. She looked around in awe as the ferris wheel lifted their cart higher and higher into the night sky. "I feel like I'm flying, don't you?" she asked him.
"Yeah, it really does feel like you're flying," Remus commented. Of course he didn't add the fact that flying on a broom was much more like it.
She sat back and looked up at the beautiful night sky. "It's so beautiful out tonight, isn't it?"
"Yeah." Remus wasn't sure what else to say.
She suddenly rested her head on his shoulder. He'd seen her do that sometimes to Michael when she was tired. It was a sign of her affection, he realized. Before he knew it, his arm was around her, and his hand was gently stroking her soft, long hair.
The ride suddenly slowed, letting passengers below them off. Their cart was high above the ground now, and swayed gently in the breeze. And once again their eyes were locked, only this time something was different.
This time, no matter how hard he tried Remus couldn't pull himself away from her gaze. And it didn't matter, because suddenly he didn't want to stop. Hadn't the Marauders always gone against the rules, as long as nobody got hurt?
Realization kicked in, and Remus tried to pull away before-
But it was too late. His heart had won over his mind, and Danika had made the first move before he could rationalize. Her soft lips were tenderly pressing against his, and there was suddenly nothing else in Remus's mind. She somehow guided him to return the kiss, and for a brief moment time stopped and nothing else mattered.
Danika pulled away with obvious reluctance, her eyes shining in a new light as she returned Remus's gaze. Then a red tint spread across her face. "Remus, I-"
Remus put his finger to her lips before she could finish her sentence. He didn't want to get attached... he didn't want to get attached... but her eyes, and now her lips... Remus knew he wouldn't win this battle. The Ministry can make anything sound easy on paper, but this was the hardest thing Remus could prevent himself from doing.
And even though it was forbidden, even if it might cost him his life, Remus kissed Danika again, and pushed that horrible letter into the back of his mind.
~ To be continued....
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Please review me, I'm such a ham and love to be complimented, but I take the flames with the goodies... just let me know what you think so far, if this is a good story idea, if you like anything I've done or have disliked anything I've done... just please do me a favor, I KNOW THIS IS MARY SUE-ish so please don't label it as such~ what can I say *evil laughter* I am a romance writer, it seems Mary Sue like always at the beginning... but if you are familiar with any of my stories, there is always a catch...
Very special thanks to my reviewers- Rugi Gwena (if you haven't checked out their Tough Guide to Harry Potter, it's on my favorites list and you just *have* to check it out, it's a great reference AND it's hilarious too!), Angel Celeste, Granitite Stone, and Cobalite, the numero uno beta. Coby-chan- thanks for making sure I don't write something that sounds stupid. ^_^
Please review and tell me what you think, the more reviews = more motivation to write more! ^_^
"How much further do I have to go?
How much longer till I finally know?
Cause I'm looking and I just can't see what's in front of me
In front of me
Show me what it's for
Make me understand it
I've been crawling in the dark, looking for the answer
Is there something more than what I've been handed?
I've been crawling in the dark, looking for the answer..."
~ Hoobastank "Crawling in the Dark"
Forbidden By Moonlight
By Sailor Twilight
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Chapter Three
It had been a week since he had woken up in Danika's care, and Remus was feeling incredibly better. Most of the time, he had rested, hoping his strength would return and his wounds would heal quickly so that he would be on his way by the next full moon.
He was amazed, however, at all the Muggle contraptions that Danika had in her house, which turned out to be a house she shared with her doctor friend, Michael. Michael was just as kind as Danika, but while Remus quickly learned that Danika had a mischevious streak, Michael remained very serious, and always seemed to be reading or working on a paper for his college. "Such is the life for a man who is married to his work," Danika would tease Michael. "All work and no play makes Mikey a dull boy."
Michael would just smile, and continue with whatever it happened to be what he was doing. "Someday I'll be a rich doctor, that's when you'll eat your words, Dani," he would comment, then he resume writing his essay.
"He'll be able to do it, too," Danika told Remus. "He's very smart. I wish I had his brain. I kind of slacked off in high school, but I managed to graduate, even after my parents died." She sighed. "Well, I was thinking, Remus, since you weren't from around here, and now that you're feeling better, maybe the three of us could go out for awhile, and show you around town. What do you think?"
Remus, who was enjoying the whole experience of being in the Muggle world and wanted to see and learn more about it, nodded excitedly in agreement. "Yeah! Sounds like fun."
"What about you, Mikey? Can you take a break for awhile? The carnival's in town, maybe we can go there for awhile. I hear they have a real-live ferris wheel and everything. Personally, I would love to see the freak show that they are advertising, but I wouldn't mind playing a few games and riding the ferris wheel," Danika's eyes lit up with excitement as she spoke. "Please, Mikey?"
"Oh, alright," Michael set down his pen, but smiled. "You're right, I could use a break."
And so, that is how they ended up at the carnival that day. Remus couldn't believe his eyes, all the Muggle games and rides and entertainment was all new to him and so fascinating. He was just as excited as Danika, if not more so. Michael had driven them, and Remus couldn't wait to tell Sirius, James, and Peter about riding in an automobile. Michael's car also had a radio in it, and they were blasting music all the way to the carnival. Remus couldn't wait to tell the rest of his fellow Marauders about the different music that Muggles had. He really enjoyed the various ways that Muggles existed without magic, and was getting used to their way of life.
Best of all, he felt as if he belonged, which he had only felt before with the Mauraders. It felt good to belong in this world, not shunned and outcast because of his lycanthropy.
Which reminded him to keep watch on the calendar, the next full moon only a few weeks away...
He shook it from his thoughts, turning his attention back to the wind whipping through his hair as they sped toward the carnaval with all the windows of the car rolled down. "They invented seat belts after they saw how Mikey drives," Danika told Remus, and Michael grinned mischeviously.
"I'd like to show Remus here how YOU drive, Dani," he said, laughing.
"Hey! He's our guest, I don't want to scare him off!" Danika cracked back, and they laughed.
Finally the car pulled into a place where there was a whole bunch of other cars sitting still, and in front of this "parking lot" (Remus read a sign that called this area as such) there was a wonderful sight to behold, and Remus stared in awe.
Groups and groups of Muggles were all walking around through multi- colored tents filled with various games and prizes, a huge glittering wheel spun slowly against the horizon, and everyone was smiling. "Hey Remus, you coming?" Danika asked, waving her hand in front of his face. "You okay? If you aren't feeling better yet, it's okay, we'll come back another time-"
"No, no, really I'm fine..." Remus grinned. "It's just... I've never been to a carnival before."
"Really?! Wow! You'll love this then! Come on, let's go in together!" Danika slid her arm into his, then led him over and linked arms with Michael too. "You guys will be my dates. Now, I want one of you guys to win me a big stuffed animal, okay?"
"You're not bossy at all, are you?" Michael said, securing his car keys and wallet in his pockets. "What do you say, Remus? How about we try throwing some darts first?"
"Sure," Remus answered, but his attention was turned to a man dressed in a brightly colored, polka-dotted jump suit with rainbow hair and too much make up.
"Ah, clowns give me the creeps," Danika said, tugging her two friends away from that area.
"You're strange, you do realize that, Dani," Michael commented. "Clowns are entertaining, especially to kids. You've always been afraid of them."
"I'm not afraid of them! They just give me the creeps!" Danika insisted. "They look like martians or something. I dunno... Hey look! That's what I want to do!" She broke away from her two friends and ran over to the ticket booth for the ferris wheel. "Let's all ride the ferris wheel later!" Danika exclaimed, looking up at the large wheel with adoration. "I've never ridden it before, and they say it's almost like you're flying!"
"Okay, why don't we get our tickets now then? I'll get them and meet you guys over at the ring toss game," Michael offered.
"Alright," Danika beamed, leading Remus over to the game already. "See you in a few!"
Michael smiled and waved quickly, then lined up with the other people who were already waiting to purchase tickets.
"Now it's just you and me," Danika said. "You wanna try this game?"
"Sure," Remus hadn't the faintest clue how to play, but after watching a few Muggles try their luck he quickly caught on.
Danika paid the game keeper, then he handed Remus three rings. "Get all three on a bottle head to win," he told Remus, then stepped aside.
Remus concentrated, using all of his senses to focus on the game. He tossed the first one, and it twirled around the bottle for a moment, then rested. "You got one, two more to go!" Danika squealed excitedly. "Come on, Remus! You can do it!"
He grinned at her encouragement, then threw the next ring.
Danika jumped up and down with excitement. "Wow! Two! You can do it! One more, Remus!"
He gnawed on his bottom lip and concentrated on the last target. Then, the last ring flew through the air...
The next thing he knew, Danika was hugging him, jumping up and down excitedly. "You won! I can't believe it! That's amazing! Way to go, Remus! Mikey! Look! Remus WON!" Danika cheered as Michael came over, grinning.
"Cool, man," Michael said. "Way to go."
Remus just smiled. "Thanks, Mike."
Michael returned his smiled. "No problem. So what prize are you going to pick?"
"Danika, you can pick," Remus told her, and she looked as happy as a person who just won the House Cup. "After all, it's the very least I can offer you for your kindness."
She blushed, but thanked him with a kiss on the cheek and a bear hug. "Thank you," she said, then picked out the largest stuffed animal she could find, which happened to be a wolf.
After winning the ring toss game, they went and got something Remus WAS familiar with, ice cream cones. They stopped near the duck pond to finish them up, where it was quieter and less crowded than the carnival area. They laughed and joked and talked like old friends. Remus felt as if he had known Danika and Michael for a lifetime.
"So, what are your dreams for the future?" Danika asked suddenly, snuggling her large stuffed wolf.
"Oh, Dani, you always ask that," Michael said.
"So? A lot of people change their minds sometimes, on what they want to do in life. What do you guys want to do?" She asked seriously.
"Well, if you insist," Michael sighed. "I want to be a doctor, and help save lives and find cures for diseases."
"You'll be able to do that, I know it," Danika smiled encouragingly. "What about you, Remus?"
Remus couldn't tell her that he wanted to someday become a Professor at Hogwarts, even the thought of a werewolf being allowed to take such a job was a proposterous idea to begin with. "I'd like to be a teacher someday," he said softly.
"I could see you as a teacher," Danika agreed. "You know what I want to do?"
"What is it this week, Dani? Become an astronaut?" Michael teased.
"No! Besides, I'm so over that," she insisted. "I mean this for real, Mikey. I want this to come true no matter what happens."
"And that would be...?" Michael urged her to continue.
"I want to get married and have a family," Danika said. "I want to have children and love them and take care of them and I want to have a man I'll love forever and ever no matter what happens."
Then she blushed. "Isn't that stupid, really?" she suddenly commented. "I'm eighteen years old, just out of high school, no future plans except to find the love of my life and have a family."
"You have every right to have that dream," Remus suddenly said. "You've been without a family for a long time, and you miss that. I don't think it's stupid at all to have such a dream. And I think your dream will come true, someday, Danika. A guy would be pretty stupid to ignore your kind heart."
Her blush deepened, and she smiled. "Thank you, Remus. I hope your dreams come true, too."
He smiled back, but he wasn't too sure that his dreams would ever come true. "Thanks."
They went over and rode the carousel next, to Remus's enjoyment. Normally horses would go lengths to avoid him, sensing the wolf inside of him. The mechanical horses that the Muggles created only danced around in a circular path, never aware of who was riding them.
The day wore on, and the sun sank below the hills and the sky darkened. It was a cool night, but still comfortable enough to hang out around the carnival. They had long given up games and rides, with the exception of one- the ferris wheel. Danika had insisted they go on it during the night, to be close to the stars.
When the time arrived to ride the ferris wheel, Michael suddenly got cold feet. "I'm petrified of heights, Dani. You and Remus go on ahead, I'll just wait down here. Really, I'm exhausted. No more rides for me today," he insisted.
"Mikey, are you sure?" Danika asked.
"Yeah," Michael sat down on a bench to rest his aching feet. "I didn't even get a ticket. I'm terrified of being up too high, you know that. Go on, I'll be fine. I need to rest anyway."
"Alright, only if you're sure," Danika said, then turned to Remus. "You're not bailing out on me, no way no how." She took him by the arm and led him to the line for the ferris wheel.
The line was long, though, and so she asked Remus, "Hey, would you like to go see something with me?"
"Sure," Remus answered, still in awe at all the different, non- magical creations.
The glowing string of multi-colored lights was his favorite. He remembered from Muggle Studies that they used electricity instead of conjuring fires in the Muggle World. He loved the way the tiny light bulbs twinkled brightly around them as they walked over to a black tent. The sign in front of the tent read "THE WORLD'S MOST UNUSUAL CREATURES" and Remus wondered what they were talking about.
"Here it is," Danika said breathlessly. "The most interesting creations from the human imagination. Come on, let's see how fake it is!"
They walked over to a man standing boredly in front of the tent opening, and Danika paid for their admission. She gave Remus a smile and they headed inside. The first thing was a small caged horse, the tiniest horse that Remus had ever seen. It looked like Sir Cadogan's fat pony, only with much shorter legs. "Awww... how cute!" Danika stuck her hand in the fence to pet the small pony. "I've heard of these. Shetland ponies. Go ahead and pet her, Remus. She's very sweet."
Remus knew what would happen if he did, the horse already was giving him a funny, nervous glance. "That's okay, Dani," he said softly. "Why don't we see what's next?"
Danika led the way to the next cage, where there was a rabbit with antelope horns tied to his head. The rabbit lurched in its cage as Remus approached, scratching madly at the bars that confined it, trying to escape what it sensed as a preditor.
"Poor thing," Danika sighed. "It probably wants to get out of the cage and run free in the wild."
"Yeah," Remus agreed.
As they headed for the next display, the rabbit calmed down. "Snake woman," Danika said, then almost burst out laughing at the next display, which was so fake that Remus wondered why Muggles found fake magical creatures as entertaining.
"Oh man, check this out Remus!" Danika had run ahead of him while he was looking at a white horse with oversized wings glued at its sides.
He followed the direction where her voice came from, and froze when he read the sign of the display she was looking at. "Wolf man" was painted menacingly on a rectangular piece of plywood.
He remembered the letter the Ministry had sent him then, and how they repeatedly reminded him that he was a Dark creature, not to be trusted, not to be loved. He couldn't let Danika or Michael get too close to him, if he did they would be in danger. Or would they? He had let Sirius, James, and Peter into his life. What was wrong with having friends? He wanted to prove to the Ministry that he COULD have relationships, that he COULD be trusted. Remus wanted to have a normal existence. It was painful enough going through the horrible transformation each month. The wolf was always hungry, always seeking blood. Even if it was his own.
"Remus? You okay?" Danika asked softly, now standing beside him. "You went pale for a moment... I shouldn't have dragged you around all day long, what was I thinking? You need your rest, you had a nasty fall and were badly hurt. And I'm treating you like you're Superman or something. I'm sorry."
"No, you don't need to apologize," Remus said with a warm smile. "I'm fine, I was just... thinking..."
"About what?" Danika's eyes were locked on to his now, and he couldn't escape them. Nor could he lie to her.
"There is something I need to tell you, Dani," Remus said. "Something you have to keep a secret, alright?"
"A secret? What kind of secret?" Danika asked, eager and curious.
"You see... when you asked me where I came from..." Remus wasn't sure how to tell her that there was such magical creatures on Earth, and that he was one of the most feared. He decided that he'd tell her some of the truth now, and the rest later- then again, maybe he'd be gone before he'd have to get into his lycanthropy, and that would be all the better. The truth, or rather, the half-truth, was the least thing he could offer Danika for her kindness.
"You said Hogsmeade, right? I know that, I just don't know where that is. Never heard of such a place in Scotland," she said.
"That's because... well, it's a magical place in Scotland," Remus blurted out.
Danika looked at him funny. "What do you mean by that?"
"You see, I'm a wizard, and Hogsmeade is a wizarding village in the Magic Realm," Remus explained nervously, hoping he wasn't scaring her off.
"Are you joking?" Danika laughed, but not in a mean way.
"No, I'm serious," Remus said truthfully.
Somehow Danika could read his expressions in his eyes, and she just grinned. "Really?" She asked in an excited whisper. "Can you prove it?"
"Actually... yes," Remus searched his pockets, and for the first time becoming aware that his wand was missing.
'Must've lost it in the fall! That isn't good... I can't afford a new one... I'll have to find it...' Remus panicked momentarily. 'Then again, the Ministry will probably send you a letter for unproper use of magic... that's all I need... might get kicked out of Hogwarts... but what else can I do to prove I'm a wizard?'
He suddenly felt something in his pocket... a chocolate frog... and he grinned. Perfect.
"In the wizarding world, we have all sorts of magical treats you can't find anywhere in your realm... like this," he pulled out the wrapped frog, praying that the jumping charm on it would still work after his fall a week ago.
"Ooo I've never seen anything like it... how does it taste?" Danika asked, wide-eyed with amazement.
"Delicious," Remus's eyes sparkled. "You can have this."
"Really?" Danika blushed, not used to getting things, especially from a man. "Thank you, Remus."
"You're welcome," he smiled. "Go ahead, eat it. I promise it isn't poisoned."
She giggled. "Alright." Then she peeled off the foil.
The chocolate frog jumped a few times in her palm, and she gasped in surprise. "Wow! You're serious about this, aren't you! Magic candy!" Danika breathed, with the excited look of a child on Christmas morning.
Then she scrunched up her nose. "It isn't really a frog, is it?"
Remus chuckled. "No, it's magic. I swear it. And look at your Wizard Card."
Danika pulled out the magical card and gave another surprised gasp. "The picture- it moves- wow- like a little television! They... wow... move!" She was practically jumping up and down with excitement. "Oh Remus, this is the coolest thing I've ever seen in my entire life!"
Remus only smiled, not sure of what to say. If only he had been more social... but wait, that would be against the Ministry's laws... and Remus felt stupid and angry for following them for so long. He was sick and tired of living by old wizards' dictations anymore. It almost made him lose Sirius, James, Lily, and Peter. And now it was keeping him from what he wanted to do more than anything- make more friends.
"You've made one of my dreams come true," Danika's eyes glistened with tears. "One I didn't mention earlier. One I've had since I was a little girl. I always wished there was such a thing as magic. My mum used to read to me all the time about it..." Her voice trailed off, and a few tears of happiness trailed down her face.
She looked almost angelic in the dim lighting of the tent, with eyes sparkling and shiny, wet trails down her face.
Remus wiped her tears away, and his hands drifted to the sides of her face. There was nothing more he wanted to do than kiss her tears away, right then and there. She had cared for him when she didn't have to, she could have just left him there to die- hell, that's what any other witch or wizard would do. But Danika had seen more than an unconscious monster, waiting to be wakened to strike. She saw him as a man, when no one else in his world would.
The words of that horrible letter haunted him again though, and he couldn't do it. He couldn't let himself fall in love with her, it was forbidden. He wanted to kiss her, he wanted to love her. But he couldn't, because of what he was.
And he hated himself even more for it.
He dropped his hands suddenly and quickly to his sides, and apologized. Danika looked at him curiously for a moment, then suddenly wrapped her arms around him. Remus jumped, not used to being embraced. "Thank you," she whispered into his chest, where his heart was pounding so fast he thought it might burst.
"You're welcome," Remus managed to finally speak, putting one hand on her shoulder.
They left the tent quietly, Danika munching very happily on the chocolate frog and glancing at the wizard card in her other hand every now and then to see what the picture was doing now.
Now back in a much shorter line for the ferris wheel, they didn't speak to eachother, just absorbed the chatter around them and once in awhile smiled at one another. Danika's blush remained constantly on her face. Remus prayed that she wasn't getting too attached to him, but it was an internal battle not to let it just happen. He didn't want to put Danika in danger. He reminded himself that he would be leaving before the next full moon, and he probably would never see her again. He should just enjoy the precious amount of time he had with his new friends, before he would say good bye forever.
They boarded the next cart on the ferris wheel, and after being strapped in by a safety bar, the cart slowly swung upward. It was an awkward feeling to Remus, who only had flown on a broom before.
Danika tucked her wizard card into her pocket so it wouldn't fly away. She looked around in awe as the ferris wheel lifted their cart higher and higher into the night sky. "I feel like I'm flying, don't you?" she asked him.
"Yeah, it really does feel like you're flying," Remus commented. Of course he didn't add the fact that flying on a broom was much more like it.
She sat back and looked up at the beautiful night sky. "It's so beautiful out tonight, isn't it?"
"Yeah." Remus wasn't sure what else to say.
She suddenly rested her head on his shoulder. He'd seen her do that sometimes to Michael when she was tired. It was a sign of her affection, he realized. Before he knew it, his arm was around her, and his hand was gently stroking her soft, long hair.
The ride suddenly slowed, letting passengers below them off. Their cart was high above the ground now, and swayed gently in the breeze. And once again their eyes were locked, only this time something was different.
This time, no matter how hard he tried Remus couldn't pull himself away from her gaze. And it didn't matter, because suddenly he didn't want to stop. Hadn't the Marauders always gone against the rules, as long as nobody got hurt?
Realization kicked in, and Remus tried to pull away before-
But it was too late. His heart had won over his mind, and Danika had made the first move before he could rationalize. Her soft lips were tenderly pressing against his, and there was suddenly nothing else in Remus's mind. She somehow guided him to return the kiss, and for a brief moment time stopped and nothing else mattered.
Danika pulled away with obvious reluctance, her eyes shining in a new light as she returned Remus's gaze. Then a red tint spread across her face. "Remus, I-"
Remus put his finger to her lips before she could finish her sentence. He didn't want to get attached... he didn't want to get attached... but her eyes, and now her lips... Remus knew he wouldn't win this battle. The Ministry can make anything sound easy on paper, but this was the hardest thing Remus could prevent himself from doing.
And even though it was forbidden, even if it might cost him his life, Remus kissed Danika again, and pushed that horrible letter into the back of his mind.
~ To be continued....
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Please review me, I'm such a ham and love to be complimented, but I take the flames with the goodies... just let me know what you think so far, if this is a good story idea, if you like anything I've done or have disliked anything I've done... just please do me a favor, I KNOW THIS IS MARY SUE-ish so please don't label it as such~ what can I say *evil laughter* I am a romance writer, it seems Mary Sue like always at the beginning... but if you are familiar with any of my stories, there is always a catch...
Very special thanks to my reviewers- Rugi Gwena (if you haven't checked out their Tough Guide to Harry Potter, it's on my favorites list and you just *have* to check it out, it's a great reference AND it's hilarious too!), Angel Celeste, Granitite Stone, and Cobalite, the numero uno beta. Coby-chan- thanks for making sure I don't write something that sounds stupid. ^_^
Please review and tell me what you think, the more reviews = more motivation to write more! ^_^
"How much further do I have to go?
How much longer till I finally know?
Cause I'm looking and I just can't see what's in front of me
In front of me
Show me what it's for
Make me understand it
I've been crawling in the dark, looking for the answer
Is there something more than what I've been handed?
I've been crawling in the dark, looking for the answer..."
~ Hoobastank "Crawling in the Dark"