Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and
owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to
Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros.,
Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is
intended.
A/N: I know it took me forever and a day to deliver this chapter and I apologize. It gave me quite a hassle! Chapter six is rather transitional and sets up future plotlines. Angst abounds. Let me know what you think of this chapter. It's fairly different than the previous five and I'd like to know how well you think it fits in with the story thus far. Feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Remus and Hermione Shippers: You can find this fic and more at the Remus- Hermione Yahoo!Group: Lunar_ChartsRLHG
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lunar_ChartsRLHG/
Many, many thanks and hugs to Essayel, my favorite Beta-reader!!!
BTW, Essayel, your notes were great, both informative and entertaining. I was going to have Sirius torture Remus a bit more, but I just wanted to get the chapter posted and out of my way for now. I may add some banter later, though. And you are more than welcome to use any of my phrases IRL! Thanks!!!!
Chapter Six
"I just made love with your sweet memory
One thousand times in my head
You said you loved it more than ever
You said
You remain, turned away
Turning further every day" -Weezer
"I presume I needn't explain why I've called you all together this afternoon," Albus Dumbledore's gentle, yet commanding voice carried about the small circular room. The six individuals sitting at a round table in the center of the room all nodded quietly. Mundungus Fletcher, Arabella Figg, Severus Snape, Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, Sirius Black, Harry Potter, and Remus - along with Dumbledore - comprised the membership of an exclusive, underground network formed to track and counteract the machinations of Lord Voldemort and his army of Death Eaters.
"We've been unable to definitively establish a culprit in the entrapment spell that struck the castle Friday night. Every door has been removed and examined for any indication of the spell's origin. So far, we've found nothing. Of course, I have my very strong suspicions. If I didn't we wouldn't be here right now."
"Excuse me, Albus," Sirius politely interrupted. "Aren't we perhaps jumping to conclusions? To be honest, when you owled me about the spell, I couldn't help but think there were perhaps less sinister minds than Voldemort's at work at Hogwarts on Friday night. You have to admit it's awfully convenient that every door in the school magically locked itself and remained sealed tight for the next twelve hours. On a Friday night. In a castle full of hormonal teenagers."
His smirking eyes swept over the faces around the table for effect and everyone tittered softly.
"The entire affair strikes me as bit too obvious and hackneyed for Voldemort. Actually. well, it sounds like something I would have done when I was a student. I can't imagine a better ploy for laughs *and* a nice shag."
As laughter rippled across the room, Remus noisily burst into a coughing fit, having choked on the tea he'd been drinking.
"Problems, mate?" Sirius asked, turning to his friend. He roughly slapped Remus on the back a few times, as Remus, his face nearly purple with effort and his brow lightly beaded with moisture, struggled to regain both his breath and composure.
Remus cleared his throat, actively avoiding Sirius' eyes. "I'm fine, thanks. Just didn't expect you to be quite so.blunt about your suspicions."
"Since when?!" Sirius remarked, with slight bemusement.
Remus was spared from further inquiry as Dumbledore quietly raised his hand, requesting the full attention of the Order. Dumbledore regarded Sirius and smiled, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"Yes, it does smack of a Sirius Black prank, doesn't it? And I've no doubt things went on in the castle that would do you proud, Sirius. In fact, I, too, was rather suspicious of the apparent lack of sophistication of the spell. In fact, for a moment or two I forgot Fred and George Weasley graduated last year. But all of those notions disappeared when I could neither identify nor reverse whatever spell was used on it. The windows were unopenable and unbreakable. And the portraits outside the houses and offices appear to have been stunned for the duration of the curse. No student I have ever known - even the most talented - has been able to channel and properly execute such powerful magic. I don't believe a spell of this strength and intensity could be the result of cheeky teenage troublemaking. And you never know -- perhaps Voldemort has become something of a voyeur."
Dumbledore threw a wink toward Sirius and everyone enjoyed a hearty laugh, except, of course, for Remus, who was still trying to dislodge his stomach from his throat.
"All joking aside," Dumbledore continued. "I think Harry can provide the most compelling evidence pointing to Voldemort. Harry?"
Six sets of eyes turned expectantly to Harry. He glanced around the table self-consciously, his gaze landing on Sirius, who smiled reassuringly and encouraged his godson with a slight nod of the head. Harry inched his chair from the table with uncertainty and rose to address the group.
"Uh.well, I was in the Gryffindor common room talking to Ron - Ron Weasley - and out of nowhere my scar started to hurt. It was bad. It felt like someone was trying to rip into my forehead. I kind of just crumpled up in the chair - in a ball - and started screaming. My scar's only hurt worse than that once.."
Harry paused, uneasily reliving that night, over a year and a half ago, when he and Cedric Diggory won the Triwizard Tournament, when Cedric was murdered by Peter Pettigrew, when Harry's own blood had been used to restore Voldemort to his complete, horrific glory.
**No.don't make me tell it all over again.**
Harry often mused that the perils he so repeatedly encountered were akin to some kind of cruel cosmic irony - somehow he always seemed to be a contributing factor in his own doom.
Dumbledore sensed Harry's dread and waved him on. "That's all right, Harry. We understand what you mean. Go on with your story."
Harry sighed, his body relaxing from the massive strain of thinking those thoughts. He shot a grateful expression to Dumbledore, who regarded Harry with unblinking confidence.
"Okay, uh.so I was screaming pretty loud and everyone was just gathering around looking at me. Ron yelled for someone to get Nurse Pomfrey so Neville - Longbottom - ran for the door and it wouldn't budge. Nearly everyone tried to pry it open, but we were stuck. My head hurt a few seconds longer and then the pain just went away. I was fine the rest of the evening."
Harry tentatively remained standing, unsure if anything more was expected of him. His eyes bounced from one face to another, ferreting for any instructions. Dumbledore finally rose to his feet and moved things along.
"Thank you, Harry. You can sit down," Dumbledore smiled at Harry with mild amusement. His expression, however, quickly grew grave as he again addressed the group. "As I said, we have no witnesses. Harry is the closest proof we have that Voldemort is connected with this attack. Inexplicably, all who were locked outside or confined to the halls of the school claim to have seen nothing or no one suspicious before, during, or after the spell's effects. Though, thankfully, no one appears to have been harmed either. But given Harry's experience, I think it's fairly safe to assume that this is Voldemort's doing."
"I'm with Sirius, Albus," Moody interjected. "Why on earth would Voldemort waste his time and energy blasting Hogwarts with such a futile, harmless spell?"
Dumbledore nodded, "That's a good question, Alastor. Here's what I think - Voldemort was trying to send us a message. The spell was a symbolic gesture -- far more so than an act intended to harm or endanger. We all know Voldemort enjoys manipulation and intimidation as much as he enjoys killing. Either way, it's a demonstration of his power. He not only wanted to remind us of his ever-increasing presence, but he hoped to scare and bully us. By locking every witch and wizard at Hogwarts - even the most powerful among us - in our offices and rooms and dorms, he made it known that we were inescapably trapped - nothing more than rats in a cage. And that's exactly what he wants us to believe - that there's no point in fighting, that we've already been broken and defeated and that, if we're wise, we'll give up now before his crimes become more costly. Of course, he can't possibly believe that such a petty gesture as that will dissuade us from fighting. That's not his goal. He wants to harvest enough doubt in our hearts and minds that when we do face him and the Death Eaters it will be with the nagging suspicion that we don't really have the strength to overcome him. And that, in itself, is deadly."
Dumbledore took a long pause, looking to each face at the table for a sign of assent or dissent.
"Does anybody have any further concerns they would like to voice? Any questions?"
Nobody said anything, just shook their heads in solemn compliance.
"Well, then," Dumbledore said with a sigh, "if we're all in agreement, I think it's time we establish our positions."
He turned to Remus, sitting directly at Dumbledore's left.
"Remus, you're obviously needed here at Hogwarts," Dumbledore began. "We can't very well have our DADA professor running off in the middle of the school year. It's both impractical and conspicuous. Your assignment, however, is no less crucial. In fact, it may be the most imperative task of them all."
Remus nodded his head, characteristically prepared to do whatever he could to further the fight against Voldemort.
"Since your position requires you to be in close company with Harry, I want you to be responsible for watching after him - *as he has a tendency to undertake wildly dangerous adventures with Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger when he should most avoid them* -"
Dumbledore not-so-subtly directed the last portion of the comment at Harry, his smiling eyes turning to the boy with good-natured admonition. Harry grimaced, looking both guilty and annoyed, but grateful for the concern.
"As I was saying," Dumbledore continued, directing his words once again to Remus, who suddenly looked rather pale and couldn't seem to meet Dumbledore's gaze as fully as he did before. "I need you to stay in frequent contact with Harry. If Voldemort is nearby, it's quite likely that an attack is imminent and that his target will be Harry. Harry *must* be prepared to fight to the best of his abilities. I'll need you to start training sessions with Harry - see that his skills are sharp and well- developed and that he becomes proficient in any vital spells or curses skills he has yet to learn. You two have a preexisting mentorship, so I trust this won't be a problem and I trust that know enough about where Harry's strengths and weaknesses lie in order to prioritize your lessons. This means, Harry, that it's imperative you are honest with Professor Lupin about any and all unusual or suspicious occurrences - especially burning scars."
Remus hesitantly turned his eyes to Harry, who was looking to him anxiously. Swallowing his selfish concerns, he flashed Harry a smile of assurance.
"Uh.No, Albus, of course not," Remus said, his voice not quite as certain as his words. "We'll start this week. Harry is a fast learner, so this shouldn't be a difficulty."
"Splendid Remus," Dumbledore intoned, gripping his arm firmly and with assurance. "Now Sirius, you'll need to be back out into the wild, keeping your ears open to what's going on.."
Remus' mind began to drift away into his thoughts. He felt mildly dazed at the prospect of this new responsibility. It wasn't the time and energy he would expend in the lessons that so unsettled him. Nor did he feel especially overwhelmed by the weight of the task. No, the problem was his conscience - and how easily it could be disturbed.
**Well, they always did say payback was a bitch..I should have expected something like this to happen.
How can I spend all this time one-on-one with Harry? How can I possibly ask him to trust in me as a mentor and protector, when he has every reason not to. I'm a dirty middle-aged school teacher who lusted after his sixteen year-old girlfriend and then didn't have the moral aptitude to control myself from having sex with her -- on the very night of their break-up. How can I possibly face him alone for hours on end with the barest and starkest of emotional realities - the need to save Harry, and the world, from sure destruction - between us and not continually come face to face with the other bare and stark reality that I bedded his ex-girlfriend, his best friend. Those green eyes can look at you and pierce your soul sometimes. You wonder what he sees through those eyes.. what he doesn't see.
Perhaps he'll perceive my true nature and the disappointment I ultimately am.
Some "protector" I've proven myself to be.. **
* * * *
"So quite a weekend, huh, Harry?"
Harry smiled and laughed, which helped to ease the tired look on his face.
"Well, I suppose you could say that, though compared to some of the other freak occurrences in my life, it really does seem a bit weak," Harry joshed, trying to conceal what felt like a lifetime's worth of stress. "Could've done without head splitting pain, but I'm counting my blessings -- at least I've not been used for *yet another* evil ritual."
Sirius chuckled, but knew Harry was deflecting attention, which usually wasn't a good sign. Harry was rarely upfront about his emotions - especially if he felt them to be significant enough to burden others. Still, Sirius felt this was neither the time nor place to force the issue. Harry was clearly beleaguered and exhausted. He affectionately patted Harry on the back.
"We'll get to the bottom of all this before it comes to that point again," he said quietly before pausing to move the conversation to a less morbid topic.
"But you *did* get free-rein of the Tower for the entire night." He regarded Harry with a knowing grin. "I'm sure Hermione helped you forget about the hassle with the scar."arryH
Harry just stared at the floor and shuffled his feet a bit. He was in no mood to rehash *that* unhappy bit of drama.
"Yeah..." he said vaguely, looking up at Sirius with a slight smile that did nothing to hide his discomfort. "Same as usual."
**Except that Hermione hasn't spoken to me all weekend.
She probably hates me.
In fact, think I do, too.**
"Harry, you really look like you could use some rest. Why don't you head back to Gryffindor Tower and take a nap," Sirius suggested, sensing he was getting nowhere with Harry, who was clearly in no mood to talk.
"Yeah.That's probably a good idea," Harry said hesitantly.
"I'll be back in a week or two and I'll stop by to see you, okay?"
Harry looked mildly relieved and nodded.
"Go on," Sirius ordered Harry good-naturedly. "Get yourself into bed!"
Harry studied Sirius for a moment, his eyes straining to convey the immensity of his fear and misery.
**Dammit..He doesn't need to know all my bloody problems. He's got plenty of his own.
I must be strong. For him. For Hermione. For Ron. For everyone. They can't know how dark it is inside my mind..They need me.**
Suddenly feeling quite alone, Harry hurled himself against Sirius' and embraced him fiercely, grasping him as if mortally afraid to let go. Sirius was a bit unprepared, given Harry's lack of enthusiasm throughout their conversation, and stumbled slightly. He steadied himself and hugged Harry back, fondly ruffling his already disheveled hair.
"I guess I'll see you later then," Harry said, stepping away from Sirius, and immediately self-conscious about his unrestrained show of affection. His cheeks were reddening rapidly.
"Of course. And you know *you can owl me whenever you need to*, okay?"
"Yeah, thanks," Harry replied, though both Harry and Sirius knew the offer was made in vain.
Harry turned and headed toward the door.
"And Harry--," Sirius yelled to him. "-don't let me hear you're not taking care of yourself. I've got spies around here."
Harry looked back, smiling and shaking his head. "I know. I know."
And he was gone.
Sirius watched the door for a moment or two after Harry had gone, troubled by the boy's behavior. A hand landed on his shoulder and drew him from his thoughts.
"I thought you gave up on trying to see through doors that year you got in trouble for standing outside the girls dorm for hours on end and creeping out the girls," Remus grinned at his friend.
A distracted, somber face greeted Remus as Sirius tuned to him.
"Harry just left. I'm worried about him."
Remus blanched faintly, his mind immediately drawn to Hermione.
**Did she tell him?**
Then he felt guilty, not only for sleeping with Harry's barely ex- girlfriend, but for now being more concerned about the fallout of that than Harry's well-being.
**You're paranoid, Remus. And now you're becoming a self-obsessed prig!
In case you forgot, Harry's being hunted by an evil dark lord. Perhaps he's a bit more concerned about saving himself - and the world - than his teacher's sexual conquests.
Unless, perhaps, the latest is his ex-girlfriend..**
"What did he say?" Remus asked, cleverly satisfying both concerns.
"Nothing really," Sirius replied, looking troubled. "That's what worries me. Harry knows his scar only hurts when Voldemort's nearby, but he's not saying anything about it, which, in Harry-speak means there's something *very* wrong. He's trying to be stoic about it."
Remus frowned.
"He hates feeling that people are going out their way for him," Remus said. "He's never forthcoming about his emotions."
"Yes, but if there was ever a time he needed to speak up for himself, it's now."
"He's strong, Sirius, and he's smart. He wouldn't have survived this long if he wasn't. Let him handle this as he sees fit. He'll talk when he's ready to talk. Besides, he's got Ron and.and."
".Hermione?" Sirius gave Remus a strange look.
".Yes," he recovered quickly, not pausing to acknowledge his sudden difficulty with uttering Hermione's name. "He has them to confide in and they've never let him down."
"You're probably right. I just can't help but feel over-protective of him. The kid's had such a rough life. And, of course, I contributed to that."
"Remus!" Arabella Figg, once Harry's Privet Drive babysitter, came trotting over to the two men, flashing a brilliant, toothy smile - at Remus.
Remus smiled politely at her. He knew her agenda and not in the mood to entertain her entreaties.
She was a beautiful woman, only two years older than Remus and Sirius, and had known the two men since their school days at Hogwarts. A Ravenclaw, Arabella had been renowned for her intelligence, beauty, and natural gift for inner-species transfiguration. The Marauders mainly only knew her from reputation. It wasn't until Dumbledore first convened the Order of the Phoenix two years later that Remus, Sirius, and James befriended Arabella, by then married to Jeoffry Figg, a well-respected auror. One of the Ministry's top operatives, he was lauded for his stealth and keen instincts -- fitting, as he was an unregistered animagus feline. When transformed into a lean, sleek, black cat, he could slink unnoticed into the most guarded Death Eater fortress, providing the Ministry with some of their most crucial information in the war against Voldemort.
Spies for the dark forces, however, were equally as cunning. Before long, they had discovered Jeoffry's animagus form. Intercepted as he crept soundlessly into yet another Death Eater stronghold, Jeoffry was abducted and murdered by the Death Eaters -- only months before Voldemort's downfall. Arabella narrowly escaped the same fate. Overcome with grief, but determined her husband would not die in vain, she wholeheartedly accepted the task of functioning as Harry's Secret Keeper and masked guardian. Her transfiguration skills were vital to the assignment. Assuming the body of an eccentric spinster, Arabella set up operation on Privet Drive and began her surveillance of Harry. To keep herself company, she bought herself a black cat. Her weakness for the animals had only grown since Jeoffry's death. She soon found herself providing a home to every stray on the block. It lessened her solitude and eased her pain
Imagine Harry's surprise when the lovely, vivacious woman summoned back to the Order by Dumbledore was also revealed to be the strange, elderly woman who babysat him when the Dursley's went on family outings.
Arabella approached the men, beaming warmly at both. "Hello, Sirius. How is life treating you these days?"
He nodded and smiled back in his usual smooth, charismatic manner. "Quite well, Arabella, though I see it's been *spoiling* you."
"Why thank you, Sirius," she replied, with sharp-witted fondness. "I see your fugitive lifestyle has done nothing to dampen your way with the ladies."
He smirked unashamedly and shrugged.
Shaking her head, she turned to Remus, grinning winsomely, and all but excluded Sirius from the remainder of the conversation. Amused, Sirius leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, anticipating a thoroughly enjoyable show.
"And how have you been, Remus?" she inquired, tossing a torrent of sleek, black locks over her shoulder.
"I'm just fine, Arabella. Thank you," he replied quietly, trying to remain as low-key as possible.
"Splendid," she said, her velvety violet eyes studying him thoughtfully. "You know, I'm going to be around here for the rest of the evening.."
He nervously shoved his hands in his pockets, knowing what she was hinting at and not wanting to address it.
"I was just.just thinking maybe if you were free tonight we could do something," she said in a hushed voice, despite the fact that Sirius remained close enough to hear every word of the conversation.
Remus blushed slightly and looked about the room uncomfortably, "Oh.well.I'd really love to, Arabella, but I've a gigantic stack of papers waiting to be graded. And I have to write a test for my third years. You know what they say - no rest for the weary"
Sirius craned his head around Arabella's shadow, catching Remus' eye. He was grinning and obviously highly entertained. Remus shot him a haggard look he hoped Arabella hadn't seen.
"Of course," she said, her full red lips curling demurely at the corners of her mouth. "I keep forgetting you're still teaching. My apologies.."
With that, Remus began to make his farewells, thinking he'd talked his way out of Arabella's advances, but she wasn't so easily discouraged.
"-I'm going to be in Hogsmeade next weekend. Perhaps you could meet me at the Three Broomsticks and we could have a drink or two."
"That might work..It's going to depend on how much work I plow through during the week, especially since I'm going to have to begin training with Harry," he cringed dramatically, hoping it would be enough to emphasize the "great" volume of work awaiting him. "Why don't you owl me at the end of the week and we'll see what we can work out."
Arabella's smile dimmed a bit, but her expression was no less attentive, "Perfect.that's terrific..So I guess I'll see you next weekend - hopefully!"
She kissed Remus on the cheek and trotted off. He looked both besieged and shell-shocked.
"She didn't say goodbye to me!" Sirius whined, bursting into laughter.
"I don't understand how she can be concerned about her social calendar at a time like this," Remus remarked, incredulously.
Sirius rolled his eyes.
"Remus, I take this situation just as seriously as you do, but it's not as if it's been decreed that *'there shall be no snogging until Lord Voldemort has been destroyed.*'" He said, assuming a booming, self-important voice. "Good god! People would be killing each other from sexual frustration! We're trying to *lessen* the death toll, not multiply it."
"You know, you've always had a really skewed outlook on life, Sirius. It's good to know some things don't change."
"You'll never understand, will you, Remus?" Sirius sighed. "There's a very valid point to my joking."
Remus stared at him, skeptical and expectant.
"Remus, life is scary as hell these days. Again. People need each other. They need to feel connected. Don't you remember how it was the last time? We were all grasping for something, someone - a safe haven in the chaos. No normal person could endure all of this damned gloom and doom without the possibility of love. Or the occasional hop in the sack."
"Well, perhaps I'm not normal," Remus replied dryly.
"Amen," Sirius muttered, irritated by Remus' obstinacy.
He glared at Sirius.
"Honestly, Remus, when was the last time you spent a significant amount of time with an adult woman NOT employed at Hogwarts?"
Remus could only inwardly savor the timely irony of Sirius' question.
**.he didn't, after all say anything about women enrolled at Hogwarts..Even Sirius would be appalled to know I've not only had sex quite recently, but that it was with Hermione Granger, who easily dispelled any doubts about her maturity..but cast a great many shadows on mine..**
"See?" Sirius exclaimed, seizing on Remus' silence. "You can't even remember!"
"You know, I thought this was a meeting to discuss suspicious goings-on in the school," he replied tersely. "I can't for the life of me imagine what that has to do with my damned love life!"
**.well, actually, plenty, but that's beside the point..**
Sirius regarded Remus sympathetically, then peculiarly.
"You're not.you're not flying for the other team, are you?"
"Why? Are you going to hit on me, too?" Remus asked sardonically.
"Well, now that you mention it," Sirius smirked, throwing his arm around Remus, who dismissed him with a snort and shrugged him off.
"What a notion - you and I an item," Remus said, making a face. "Even if I did fancy men, which, for the record, I *don't*, you'd still not make my shortlist of likely partners. I mean, don't get me wrong - you're a terrific friend, but you're a bit too unruly for my taste."
"No offense taken, mate. You wouldn't be my type either. Let's see.you're anal-retentive..emotionally repressed..terrified of taking chances. Not my bag. I like a little *life* in my love life. And the lack of cleavage would inevitably become intolerable."
"Sirius, it's good to know you still have your priorities in the right place."
"At least I can admit to myself that I appreciate certain.aesthetic qualities in a woman. And I know not to waste perfectly valid opportunities with attractive women. Especially when they're in heat and practically pawing at me. I thought you, of all people, would be acquainted with mating rituals. Aren't you able to sniff out all of that hormonal energy?"
"My senses aren't as heightened when I'm myself - *which is most of the time, by the way*. Occasionally I'm caught by a powerful scent--" **like honey-scented curls** "--but I don't follow women around trying to sniff out the horny ones."
Sirius grimaced and shook his head in disapproval.
"I'm telling you, the woman wanted to wear you to bed tonight. How often do you run into that, oh chaste one?"
**Enough..**
* * * *
As Harry made his way to the boys' dorm, his path crossed with Hermione's, who'd been avoiding Harry all weekend, assuming he didn't care to have anything to do with her anymore. Besides, she had wounds to nurse and questions to answer.
**How did I manage to get the brush-off twice within a 24-hour period? That must be some kind of talent, though one I'd gladly do without. I suppose that's what I get for letting my hormones get the better of me..**
Their eyes met and Harry tentatively smiled at her.
"Hi, Hermione," he said politely, slowing to a halt as they came to face one another.
"Hello, Harry," she said quietly, warmly. She, too, stopped. "How are you?"
"Um.." He didn't know whether or not to tell her the truth. He'd broken her heart. Did she really care that he was miserable, lonely, and scared?
**Probably not.**
"Okay..Just saw Sirius."
"Really? What brought him to Hogwarts?"
"Oh, Dumbledore called a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix because of what happened to my scar on Friday..Do you know about that?"
"Yes. Ron told me."
"Okay."
Harry began to continue his story, then stopped, paused, and looked up at Hermione inquisitively.
"Where *were* you Friday night?"
Hermione's brain froze momentarily, surrendering to the burden of memory. The sweet relief of waking in the dead of night, enveloped in Remus' body. The breathtaking realization that her eyes were wide open and she could feel his warm fingers spread across her belly. It hadn't been a dream.
"I.I took my books into one of the empty classrooms to study," she met Harry's eyes and quickly looked down. "I wanted to go somewhere where we wouldn't run into one another."
"I-I'm so sorry, Hermione," Harry stammered, a look of utter remorse on his face. "It must have been horrible being stuck in a cold classroom by yourself all night."
"It wasn't so bad..I managed to keep myself occupied.." Phantom sensations resurfaced and lured Hermione away from her conversation with Harry. She was certain she could still feel the warm weight of his body moving between her legs, his marauding lips trailing a mad path across her body as if to longing to consume her. She lingered for a moment before snapping back to reality with a shiver. ".but you were telling me about the Order of the Phoenix meeting. Go on."
"Oh. Well, Dumbledore called the meeting because he thinks Voldemort was behind everything. I do, too," Harry said, clearly disheartened. "Dumbledore is sure he's gonna come after me. He's even got me in 'training' -- polishing my spells and counter-curses with Lupin."
Hermione flinched at the sound of Remus' name, her heart bounding, then breaking to think of him existing outside of her mind - the only place she could know the Remus who'd so effortlessly and eagerly engaged her heart Friday night.
"Well, then you've got nothing to worry about. Professor Lupin is very.thorough." She said stiffly.
Harry said nothing for a moment and then looked up at her repentantly.
"You know I still want us to be best friends, right?"
"Actually, no," she replied, relieved that their breakup wasn't going to ruin their longtime friendship. She missed having him to talk to all weekend. Whether they were friends or lovers, he was her rock. She wasn't quite sure how to navigate the rough waters of reality without his input and support -- not that she would have dared to tell him about Remus.
"Well, I do," he said hopefully. "That is, if you want to. I just don't see the point of pretending we don't mean anything to each other because we aren't dating anymore. Anyway, we're a team -- I can't do without you."
Hermione was touched by Harry's sentiment, especially since it so matched her own.
"Me neither, Harry," she grinned, throwing her arms around him in an enthusiastic embrace. Harry squeezed her tightly, feeling more terribly alone than ever as he struggled to fight back tears.
A/N: I know it took me forever and a day to deliver this chapter and I apologize. It gave me quite a hassle! Chapter six is rather transitional and sets up future plotlines. Angst abounds. Let me know what you think of this chapter. It's fairly different than the previous five and I'd like to know how well you think it fits in with the story thus far. Feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Remus and Hermione Shippers: You can find this fic and more at the Remus- Hermione Yahoo!Group: Lunar_ChartsRLHG
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Lunar_ChartsRLHG/
Many, many thanks and hugs to Essayel, my favorite Beta-reader!!!
BTW, Essayel, your notes were great, both informative and entertaining. I was going to have Sirius torture Remus a bit more, but I just wanted to get the chapter posted and out of my way for now. I may add some banter later, though. And you are more than welcome to use any of my phrases IRL! Thanks!!!!
Chapter Six
"I just made love with your sweet memory
One thousand times in my head
You said you loved it more than ever
You said
You remain, turned away
Turning further every day" -Weezer
"I presume I needn't explain why I've called you all together this afternoon," Albus Dumbledore's gentle, yet commanding voice carried about the small circular room. The six individuals sitting at a round table in the center of the room all nodded quietly. Mundungus Fletcher, Arabella Figg, Severus Snape, Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, Sirius Black, Harry Potter, and Remus - along with Dumbledore - comprised the membership of an exclusive, underground network formed to track and counteract the machinations of Lord Voldemort and his army of Death Eaters.
"We've been unable to definitively establish a culprit in the entrapment spell that struck the castle Friday night. Every door has been removed and examined for any indication of the spell's origin. So far, we've found nothing. Of course, I have my very strong suspicions. If I didn't we wouldn't be here right now."
"Excuse me, Albus," Sirius politely interrupted. "Aren't we perhaps jumping to conclusions? To be honest, when you owled me about the spell, I couldn't help but think there were perhaps less sinister minds than Voldemort's at work at Hogwarts on Friday night. You have to admit it's awfully convenient that every door in the school magically locked itself and remained sealed tight for the next twelve hours. On a Friday night. In a castle full of hormonal teenagers."
His smirking eyes swept over the faces around the table for effect and everyone tittered softly.
"The entire affair strikes me as bit too obvious and hackneyed for Voldemort. Actually. well, it sounds like something I would have done when I was a student. I can't imagine a better ploy for laughs *and* a nice shag."
As laughter rippled across the room, Remus noisily burst into a coughing fit, having choked on the tea he'd been drinking.
"Problems, mate?" Sirius asked, turning to his friend. He roughly slapped Remus on the back a few times, as Remus, his face nearly purple with effort and his brow lightly beaded with moisture, struggled to regain both his breath and composure.
Remus cleared his throat, actively avoiding Sirius' eyes. "I'm fine, thanks. Just didn't expect you to be quite so.blunt about your suspicions."
"Since when?!" Sirius remarked, with slight bemusement.
Remus was spared from further inquiry as Dumbledore quietly raised his hand, requesting the full attention of the Order. Dumbledore regarded Sirius and smiled, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"Yes, it does smack of a Sirius Black prank, doesn't it? And I've no doubt things went on in the castle that would do you proud, Sirius. In fact, I, too, was rather suspicious of the apparent lack of sophistication of the spell. In fact, for a moment or two I forgot Fred and George Weasley graduated last year. But all of those notions disappeared when I could neither identify nor reverse whatever spell was used on it. The windows were unopenable and unbreakable. And the portraits outside the houses and offices appear to have been stunned for the duration of the curse. No student I have ever known - even the most talented - has been able to channel and properly execute such powerful magic. I don't believe a spell of this strength and intensity could be the result of cheeky teenage troublemaking. And you never know -- perhaps Voldemort has become something of a voyeur."
Dumbledore threw a wink toward Sirius and everyone enjoyed a hearty laugh, except, of course, for Remus, who was still trying to dislodge his stomach from his throat.
"All joking aside," Dumbledore continued. "I think Harry can provide the most compelling evidence pointing to Voldemort. Harry?"
Six sets of eyes turned expectantly to Harry. He glanced around the table self-consciously, his gaze landing on Sirius, who smiled reassuringly and encouraged his godson with a slight nod of the head. Harry inched his chair from the table with uncertainty and rose to address the group.
"Uh.well, I was in the Gryffindor common room talking to Ron - Ron Weasley - and out of nowhere my scar started to hurt. It was bad. It felt like someone was trying to rip into my forehead. I kind of just crumpled up in the chair - in a ball - and started screaming. My scar's only hurt worse than that once.."
Harry paused, uneasily reliving that night, over a year and a half ago, when he and Cedric Diggory won the Triwizard Tournament, when Cedric was murdered by Peter Pettigrew, when Harry's own blood had been used to restore Voldemort to his complete, horrific glory.
**No.don't make me tell it all over again.**
Harry often mused that the perils he so repeatedly encountered were akin to some kind of cruel cosmic irony - somehow he always seemed to be a contributing factor in his own doom.
Dumbledore sensed Harry's dread and waved him on. "That's all right, Harry. We understand what you mean. Go on with your story."
Harry sighed, his body relaxing from the massive strain of thinking those thoughts. He shot a grateful expression to Dumbledore, who regarded Harry with unblinking confidence.
"Okay, uh.so I was screaming pretty loud and everyone was just gathering around looking at me. Ron yelled for someone to get Nurse Pomfrey so Neville - Longbottom - ran for the door and it wouldn't budge. Nearly everyone tried to pry it open, but we were stuck. My head hurt a few seconds longer and then the pain just went away. I was fine the rest of the evening."
Harry tentatively remained standing, unsure if anything more was expected of him. His eyes bounced from one face to another, ferreting for any instructions. Dumbledore finally rose to his feet and moved things along.
"Thank you, Harry. You can sit down," Dumbledore smiled at Harry with mild amusement. His expression, however, quickly grew grave as he again addressed the group. "As I said, we have no witnesses. Harry is the closest proof we have that Voldemort is connected with this attack. Inexplicably, all who were locked outside or confined to the halls of the school claim to have seen nothing or no one suspicious before, during, or after the spell's effects. Though, thankfully, no one appears to have been harmed either. But given Harry's experience, I think it's fairly safe to assume that this is Voldemort's doing."
"I'm with Sirius, Albus," Moody interjected. "Why on earth would Voldemort waste his time and energy blasting Hogwarts with such a futile, harmless spell?"
Dumbledore nodded, "That's a good question, Alastor. Here's what I think - Voldemort was trying to send us a message. The spell was a symbolic gesture -- far more so than an act intended to harm or endanger. We all know Voldemort enjoys manipulation and intimidation as much as he enjoys killing. Either way, it's a demonstration of his power. He not only wanted to remind us of his ever-increasing presence, but he hoped to scare and bully us. By locking every witch and wizard at Hogwarts - even the most powerful among us - in our offices and rooms and dorms, he made it known that we were inescapably trapped - nothing more than rats in a cage. And that's exactly what he wants us to believe - that there's no point in fighting, that we've already been broken and defeated and that, if we're wise, we'll give up now before his crimes become more costly. Of course, he can't possibly believe that such a petty gesture as that will dissuade us from fighting. That's not his goal. He wants to harvest enough doubt in our hearts and minds that when we do face him and the Death Eaters it will be with the nagging suspicion that we don't really have the strength to overcome him. And that, in itself, is deadly."
Dumbledore took a long pause, looking to each face at the table for a sign of assent or dissent.
"Does anybody have any further concerns they would like to voice? Any questions?"
Nobody said anything, just shook their heads in solemn compliance.
"Well, then," Dumbledore said with a sigh, "if we're all in agreement, I think it's time we establish our positions."
He turned to Remus, sitting directly at Dumbledore's left.
"Remus, you're obviously needed here at Hogwarts," Dumbledore began. "We can't very well have our DADA professor running off in the middle of the school year. It's both impractical and conspicuous. Your assignment, however, is no less crucial. In fact, it may be the most imperative task of them all."
Remus nodded his head, characteristically prepared to do whatever he could to further the fight against Voldemort.
"Since your position requires you to be in close company with Harry, I want you to be responsible for watching after him - *as he has a tendency to undertake wildly dangerous adventures with Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger when he should most avoid them* -"
Dumbledore not-so-subtly directed the last portion of the comment at Harry, his smiling eyes turning to the boy with good-natured admonition. Harry grimaced, looking both guilty and annoyed, but grateful for the concern.
"As I was saying," Dumbledore continued, directing his words once again to Remus, who suddenly looked rather pale and couldn't seem to meet Dumbledore's gaze as fully as he did before. "I need you to stay in frequent contact with Harry. If Voldemort is nearby, it's quite likely that an attack is imminent and that his target will be Harry. Harry *must* be prepared to fight to the best of his abilities. I'll need you to start training sessions with Harry - see that his skills are sharp and well- developed and that he becomes proficient in any vital spells or curses skills he has yet to learn. You two have a preexisting mentorship, so I trust this won't be a problem and I trust that know enough about where Harry's strengths and weaknesses lie in order to prioritize your lessons. This means, Harry, that it's imperative you are honest with Professor Lupin about any and all unusual or suspicious occurrences - especially burning scars."
Remus hesitantly turned his eyes to Harry, who was looking to him anxiously. Swallowing his selfish concerns, he flashed Harry a smile of assurance.
"Uh.No, Albus, of course not," Remus said, his voice not quite as certain as his words. "We'll start this week. Harry is a fast learner, so this shouldn't be a difficulty."
"Splendid Remus," Dumbledore intoned, gripping his arm firmly and with assurance. "Now Sirius, you'll need to be back out into the wild, keeping your ears open to what's going on.."
Remus' mind began to drift away into his thoughts. He felt mildly dazed at the prospect of this new responsibility. It wasn't the time and energy he would expend in the lessons that so unsettled him. Nor did he feel especially overwhelmed by the weight of the task. No, the problem was his conscience - and how easily it could be disturbed.
**Well, they always did say payback was a bitch..I should have expected something like this to happen.
How can I spend all this time one-on-one with Harry? How can I possibly ask him to trust in me as a mentor and protector, when he has every reason not to. I'm a dirty middle-aged school teacher who lusted after his sixteen year-old girlfriend and then didn't have the moral aptitude to control myself from having sex with her -- on the very night of their break-up. How can I possibly face him alone for hours on end with the barest and starkest of emotional realities - the need to save Harry, and the world, from sure destruction - between us and not continually come face to face with the other bare and stark reality that I bedded his ex-girlfriend, his best friend. Those green eyes can look at you and pierce your soul sometimes. You wonder what he sees through those eyes.. what he doesn't see.
Perhaps he'll perceive my true nature and the disappointment I ultimately am.
Some "protector" I've proven myself to be.. **
* * * *
"So quite a weekend, huh, Harry?"
Harry smiled and laughed, which helped to ease the tired look on his face.
"Well, I suppose you could say that, though compared to some of the other freak occurrences in my life, it really does seem a bit weak," Harry joshed, trying to conceal what felt like a lifetime's worth of stress. "Could've done without head splitting pain, but I'm counting my blessings -- at least I've not been used for *yet another* evil ritual."
Sirius chuckled, but knew Harry was deflecting attention, which usually wasn't a good sign. Harry was rarely upfront about his emotions - especially if he felt them to be significant enough to burden others. Still, Sirius felt this was neither the time nor place to force the issue. Harry was clearly beleaguered and exhausted. He affectionately patted Harry on the back.
"We'll get to the bottom of all this before it comes to that point again," he said quietly before pausing to move the conversation to a less morbid topic.
"But you *did* get free-rein of the Tower for the entire night." He regarded Harry with a knowing grin. "I'm sure Hermione helped you forget about the hassle with the scar."arryH
Harry just stared at the floor and shuffled his feet a bit. He was in no mood to rehash *that* unhappy bit of drama.
"Yeah..." he said vaguely, looking up at Sirius with a slight smile that did nothing to hide his discomfort. "Same as usual."
**Except that Hermione hasn't spoken to me all weekend.
She probably hates me.
In fact, think I do, too.**
"Harry, you really look like you could use some rest. Why don't you head back to Gryffindor Tower and take a nap," Sirius suggested, sensing he was getting nowhere with Harry, who was clearly in no mood to talk.
"Yeah.That's probably a good idea," Harry said hesitantly.
"I'll be back in a week or two and I'll stop by to see you, okay?"
Harry looked mildly relieved and nodded.
"Go on," Sirius ordered Harry good-naturedly. "Get yourself into bed!"
Harry studied Sirius for a moment, his eyes straining to convey the immensity of his fear and misery.
**Dammit..He doesn't need to know all my bloody problems. He's got plenty of his own.
I must be strong. For him. For Hermione. For Ron. For everyone. They can't know how dark it is inside my mind..They need me.**
Suddenly feeling quite alone, Harry hurled himself against Sirius' and embraced him fiercely, grasping him as if mortally afraid to let go. Sirius was a bit unprepared, given Harry's lack of enthusiasm throughout their conversation, and stumbled slightly. He steadied himself and hugged Harry back, fondly ruffling his already disheveled hair.
"I guess I'll see you later then," Harry said, stepping away from Sirius, and immediately self-conscious about his unrestrained show of affection. His cheeks were reddening rapidly.
"Of course. And you know *you can owl me whenever you need to*, okay?"
"Yeah, thanks," Harry replied, though both Harry and Sirius knew the offer was made in vain.
Harry turned and headed toward the door.
"And Harry--," Sirius yelled to him. "-don't let me hear you're not taking care of yourself. I've got spies around here."
Harry looked back, smiling and shaking his head. "I know. I know."
And he was gone.
Sirius watched the door for a moment or two after Harry had gone, troubled by the boy's behavior. A hand landed on his shoulder and drew him from his thoughts.
"I thought you gave up on trying to see through doors that year you got in trouble for standing outside the girls dorm for hours on end and creeping out the girls," Remus grinned at his friend.
A distracted, somber face greeted Remus as Sirius tuned to him.
"Harry just left. I'm worried about him."
Remus blanched faintly, his mind immediately drawn to Hermione.
**Did she tell him?**
Then he felt guilty, not only for sleeping with Harry's barely ex- girlfriend, but for now being more concerned about the fallout of that than Harry's well-being.
**You're paranoid, Remus. And now you're becoming a self-obsessed prig!
In case you forgot, Harry's being hunted by an evil dark lord. Perhaps he's a bit more concerned about saving himself - and the world - than his teacher's sexual conquests.
Unless, perhaps, the latest is his ex-girlfriend..**
"What did he say?" Remus asked, cleverly satisfying both concerns.
"Nothing really," Sirius replied, looking troubled. "That's what worries me. Harry knows his scar only hurts when Voldemort's nearby, but he's not saying anything about it, which, in Harry-speak means there's something *very* wrong. He's trying to be stoic about it."
Remus frowned.
"He hates feeling that people are going out their way for him," Remus said. "He's never forthcoming about his emotions."
"Yes, but if there was ever a time he needed to speak up for himself, it's now."
"He's strong, Sirius, and he's smart. He wouldn't have survived this long if he wasn't. Let him handle this as he sees fit. He'll talk when he's ready to talk. Besides, he's got Ron and.and."
".Hermione?" Sirius gave Remus a strange look.
".Yes," he recovered quickly, not pausing to acknowledge his sudden difficulty with uttering Hermione's name. "He has them to confide in and they've never let him down."
"You're probably right. I just can't help but feel over-protective of him. The kid's had such a rough life. And, of course, I contributed to that."
"Remus!" Arabella Figg, once Harry's Privet Drive babysitter, came trotting over to the two men, flashing a brilliant, toothy smile - at Remus.
Remus smiled politely at her. He knew her agenda and not in the mood to entertain her entreaties.
She was a beautiful woman, only two years older than Remus and Sirius, and had known the two men since their school days at Hogwarts. A Ravenclaw, Arabella had been renowned for her intelligence, beauty, and natural gift for inner-species transfiguration. The Marauders mainly only knew her from reputation. It wasn't until Dumbledore first convened the Order of the Phoenix two years later that Remus, Sirius, and James befriended Arabella, by then married to Jeoffry Figg, a well-respected auror. One of the Ministry's top operatives, he was lauded for his stealth and keen instincts -- fitting, as he was an unregistered animagus feline. When transformed into a lean, sleek, black cat, he could slink unnoticed into the most guarded Death Eater fortress, providing the Ministry with some of their most crucial information in the war against Voldemort.
Spies for the dark forces, however, were equally as cunning. Before long, they had discovered Jeoffry's animagus form. Intercepted as he crept soundlessly into yet another Death Eater stronghold, Jeoffry was abducted and murdered by the Death Eaters -- only months before Voldemort's downfall. Arabella narrowly escaped the same fate. Overcome with grief, but determined her husband would not die in vain, she wholeheartedly accepted the task of functioning as Harry's Secret Keeper and masked guardian. Her transfiguration skills were vital to the assignment. Assuming the body of an eccentric spinster, Arabella set up operation on Privet Drive and began her surveillance of Harry. To keep herself company, she bought herself a black cat. Her weakness for the animals had only grown since Jeoffry's death. She soon found herself providing a home to every stray on the block. It lessened her solitude and eased her pain
Imagine Harry's surprise when the lovely, vivacious woman summoned back to the Order by Dumbledore was also revealed to be the strange, elderly woman who babysat him when the Dursley's went on family outings.
Arabella approached the men, beaming warmly at both. "Hello, Sirius. How is life treating you these days?"
He nodded and smiled back in his usual smooth, charismatic manner. "Quite well, Arabella, though I see it's been *spoiling* you."
"Why thank you, Sirius," she replied, with sharp-witted fondness. "I see your fugitive lifestyle has done nothing to dampen your way with the ladies."
He smirked unashamedly and shrugged.
Shaking her head, she turned to Remus, grinning winsomely, and all but excluded Sirius from the remainder of the conversation. Amused, Sirius leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, anticipating a thoroughly enjoyable show.
"And how have you been, Remus?" she inquired, tossing a torrent of sleek, black locks over her shoulder.
"I'm just fine, Arabella. Thank you," he replied quietly, trying to remain as low-key as possible.
"Splendid," she said, her velvety violet eyes studying him thoughtfully. "You know, I'm going to be around here for the rest of the evening.."
He nervously shoved his hands in his pockets, knowing what she was hinting at and not wanting to address it.
"I was just.just thinking maybe if you were free tonight we could do something," she said in a hushed voice, despite the fact that Sirius remained close enough to hear every word of the conversation.
Remus blushed slightly and looked about the room uncomfortably, "Oh.well.I'd really love to, Arabella, but I've a gigantic stack of papers waiting to be graded. And I have to write a test for my third years. You know what they say - no rest for the weary"
Sirius craned his head around Arabella's shadow, catching Remus' eye. He was grinning and obviously highly entertained. Remus shot him a haggard look he hoped Arabella hadn't seen.
"Of course," she said, her full red lips curling demurely at the corners of her mouth. "I keep forgetting you're still teaching. My apologies.."
With that, Remus began to make his farewells, thinking he'd talked his way out of Arabella's advances, but she wasn't so easily discouraged.
"-I'm going to be in Hogsmeade next weekend. Perhaps you could meet me at the Three Broomsticks and we could have a drink or two."
"That might work..It's going to depend on how much work I plow through during the week, especially since I'm going to have to begin training with Harry," he cringed dramatically, hoping it would be enough to emphasize the "great" volume of work awaiting him. "Why don't you owl me at the end of the week and we'll see what we can work out."
Arabella's smile dimmed a bit, but her expression was no less attentive, "Perfect.that's terrific..So I guess I'll see you next weekend - hopefully!"
She kissed Remus on the cheek and trotted off. He looked both besieged and shell-shocked.
"She didn't say goodbye to me!" Sirius whined, bursting into laughter.
"I don't understand how she can be concerned about her social calendar at a time like this," Remus remarked, incredulously.
Sirius rolled his eyes.
"Remus, I take this situation just as seriously as you do, but it's not as if it's been decreed that *'there shall be no snogging until Lord Voldemort has been destroyed.*'" He said, assuming a booming, self-important voice. "Good god! People would be killing each other from sexual frustration! We're trying to *lessen* the death toll, not multiply it."
"You know, you've always had a really skewed outlook on life, Sirius. It's good to know some things don't change."
"You'll never understand, will you, Remus?" Sirius sighed. "There's a very valid point to my joking."
Remus stared at him, skeptical and expectant.
"Remus, life is scary as hell these days. Again. People need each other. They need to feel connected. Don't you remember how it was the last time? We were all grasping for something, someone - a safe haven in the chaos. No normal person could endure all of this damned gloom and doom without the possibility of love. Or the occasional hop in the sack."
"Well, perhaps I'm not normal," Remus replied dryly.
"Amen," Sirius muttered, irritated by Remus' obstinacy.
He glared at Sirius.
"Honestly, Remus, when was the last time you spent a significant amount of time with an adult woman NOT employed at Hogwarts?"
Remus could only inwardly savor the timely irony of Sirius' question.
**.he didn't, after all say anything about women enrolled at Hogwarts..Even Sirius would be appalled to know I've not only had sex quite recently, but that it was with Hermione Granger, who easily dispelled any doubts about her maturity..but cast a great many shadows on mine..**
"See?" Sirius exclaimed, seizing on Remus' silence. "You can't even remember!"
"You know, I thought this was a meeting to discuss suspicious goings-on in the school," he replied tersely. "I can't for the life of me imagine what that has to do with my damned love life!"
**.well, actually, plenty, but that's beside the point..**
Sirius regarded Remus sympathetically, then peculiarly.
"You're not.you're not flying for the other team, are you?"
"Why? Are you going to hit on me, too?" Remus asked sardonically.
"Well, now that you mention it," Sirius smirked, throwing his arm around Remus, who dismissed him with a snort and shrugged him off.
"What a notion - you and I an item," Remus said, making a face. "Even if I did fancy men, which, for the record, I *don't*, you'd still not make my shortlist of likely partners. I mean, don't get me wrong - you're a terrific friend, but you're a bit too unruly for my taste."
"No offense taken, mate. You wouldn't be my type either. Let's see.you're anal-retentive..emotionally repressed..terrified of taking chances. Not my bag. I like a little *life* in my love life. And the lack of cleavage would inevitably become intolerable."
"Sirius, it's good to know you still have your priorities in the right place."
"At least I can admit to myself that I appreciate certain.aesthetic qualities in a woman. And I know not to waste perfectly valid opportunities with attractive women. Especially when they're in heat and practically pawing at me. I thought you, of all people, would be acquainted with mating rituals. Aren't you able to sniff out all of that hormonal energy?"
"My senses aren't as heightened when I'm myself - *which is most of the time, by the way*. Occasionally I'm caught by a powerful scent--" **like honey-scented curls** "--but I don't follow women around trying to sniff out the horny ones."
Sirius grimaced and shook his head in disapproval.
"I'm telling you, the woman wanted to wear you to bed tonight. How often do you run into that, oh chaste one?"
**Enough..**
* * * *
As Harry made his way to the boys' dorm, his path crossed with Hermione's, who'd been avoiding Harry all weekend, assuming he didn't care to have anything to do with her anymore. Besides, she had wounds to nurse and questions to answer.
**How did I manage to get the brush-off twice within a 24-hour period? That must be some kind of talent, though one I'd gladly do without. I suppose that's what I get for letting my hormones get the better of me..**
Their eyes met and Harry tentatively smiled at her.
"Hi, Hermione," he said politely, slowing to a halt as they came to face one another.
"Hello, Harry," she said quietly, warmly. She, too, stopped. "How are you?"
"Um.." He didn't know whether or not to tell her the truth. He'd broken her heart. Did she really care that he was miserable, lonely, and scared?
**Probably not.**
"Okay..Just saw Sirius."
"Really? What brought him to Hogwarts?"
"Oh, Dumbledore called a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix because of what happened to my scar on Friday..Do you know about that?"
"Yes. Ron told me."
"Okay."
Harry began to continue his story, then stopped, paused, and looked up at Hermione inquisitively.
"Where *were* you Friday night?"
Hermione's brain froze momentarily, surrendering to the burden of memory. The sweet relief of waking in the dead of night, enveloped in Remus' body. The breathtaking realization that her eyes were wide open and she could feel his warm fingers spread across her belly. It hadn't been a dream.
"I.I took my books into one of the empty classrooms to study," she met Harry's eyes and quickly looked down. "I wanted to go somewhere where we wouldn't run into one another."
"I-I'm so sorry, Hermione," Harry stammered, a look of utter remorse on his face. "It must have been horrible being stuck in a cold classroom by yourself all night."
"It wasn't so bad..I managed to keep myself occupied.." Phantom sensations resurfaced and lured Hermione away from her conversation with Harry. She was certain she could still feel the warm weight of his body moving between her legs, his marauding lips trailing a mad path across her body as if to longing to consume her. She lingered for a moment before snapping back to reality with a shiver. ".but you were telling me about the Order of the Phoenix meeting. Go on."
"Oh. Well, Dumbledore called the meeting because he thinks Voldemort was behind everything. I do, too," Harry said, clearly disheartened. "Dumbledore is sure he's gonna come after me. He's even got me in 'training' -- polishing my spells and counter-curses with Lupin."
Hermione flinched at the sound of Remus' name, her heart bounding, then breaking to think of him existing outside of her mind - the only place she could know the Remus who'd so effortlessly and eagerly engaged her heart Friday night.
"Well, then you've got nothing to worry about. Professor Lupin is very.thorough." She said stiffly.
Harry said nothing for a moment and then looked up at her repentantly.
"You know I still want us to be best friends, right?"
"Actually, no," she replied, relieved that their breakup wasn't going to ruin their longtime friendship. She missed having him to talk to all weekend. Whether they were friends or lovers, he was her rock. She wasn't quite sure how to navigate the rough waters of reality without his input and support -- not that she would have dared to tell him about Remus.
"Well, I do," he said hopefully. "That is, if you want to. I just don't see the point of pretending we don't mean anything to each other because we aren't dating anymore. Anyway, we're a team -- I can't do without you."
Hermione was touched by Harry's sentiment, especially since it so matched her own.
"Me neither, Harry," she grinned, throwing her arms around him in an enthusiastic embrace. Harry squeezed her tightly, feeling more terribly alone than ever as he struggled to fight back tears.