A/N: I'm not making a dime, do you hear me!?! It's all Rowling's!!
So, lets talk... Finals are killing me, I can't sleep, so I'm going to stay up and write for all of my adoring fans! Speaking of fans... *waves Slytherin flag* Thanks to all you beautiful people for reviewing! I was given some interesting papers to grade, and I have to tell you, please don't complain about having to write essays... Think of the poor schmucks like me who have to grade a bunch...
Ms. Miller, I couldn't live without you, of course!! What house are/were you in? Milah has to be strong because she's me! *grins* We're both tough cookies... She's always tried to make him feel better about his lycanthropy, but he's a tough nut to crack! *mutters something about guys always having thick heads* hee hee... Yes, lots of challenges facing the happy couple...
And Mystique! You're reviews are always interesting (to say the least)... You can come up with some off the wall comments about both me, and my story!! Think outside the bun! It's my favourite way to be! *Does crazy dance*
Kat-tak, what an interesting penname... What does it mean?? What house are you in? Thanks for replying! Hope to hear more from you soon!
Hinote! You're back!! *hugs* I've missed you! *sloppy grin* Hope your computers doing better because once school is out, you can expect to hear quite a bit more from me!!! Get that stuff to me ASAP please! I'm putting out a big chapter sometime next week... Need to get everyone together who wants in!!
So, we're going to see a bit of Mr. Black in here... *screws face in concentration* Professor Sinistra (Astronomy) is going to cause some trouble... And for all of you that actually read this, I'm not drunk... Haven't slept in ages, and the sleep deprivation is starting to get to me!
The Chocolate frog goes to my buddy hinote for figuring out what the title of my story means, but I wanted the title of the chapter, cheeseball! It's okay, I have a whole stack of frogs to give away, so guess away! *grins* I need to write, my A/N's are getting rather lengthy! *sighs* I can't believe that I'm writing with my new beau sitting next to me... *smiles as warm body kisses neck* *shivers* That's some powerful stuff! Gotta write!
~Milah
* ** * Present day!!
******************************************************************
"I'm not going to the Yule Ball..." Travis groaned. "I don't have a date."
"But it isn't till tomorrow!" Cho Chang shouted. "You've got to go... What about Ashley Arredondo? She's been sweet on you for a while..."
"You... You... You... You're wonderful!" Travis dashed out of the Ravenclaw common room in search of the Slytherin beauty.
"Always a drama queen, that one." Cho pointed a thumb at her silly friend.
**
"Um, Imogene... I wanted to know if you'd go to the Yule Ball with me?" Ron looked up hopefully.
"Of course I will!" She jumped up excitedly. "Oh my G-d! I thought that you'd never ask!" She threw down her dinner roll. "I've got to tell Marie!"
**
"Welcome one and all to another fun filled staff meeting!" Albus stated cheerily, ignoring the groans escaping the mouths of his colleagues. "Today's topics are the Yule Ball, and Hogsmeade. We will need chaperones for both, so please sign up on this sheaf of parchment." He handed it off to Professor McGonagal. "Now," He settled down in his chair. "What are your plans for the holidays?" He looked around, expecting someone to speak up.
"I'll be attending an important Astronomy gathering." Professor Sinistra volunteered.
"I'm going to float around, as usual... Maybe visit some living friends in America." Binns drawled.
"And you, Severus?" Dumbledore questioned.
He shot Albus a deadly glare, "I'll be returning to my empty manor, why do you ask?" He cocked his head to the side in a questioning manner.
"Ah, and you Ms. Merverosa?" He turned to me, sitting quietly.
"I'm going to go back to my home. I haven't been there in sixteen years, and I'm not sure what state things will be in. It's going to be a good deal of work..." I took off my reading glasses and rubbed my temples.
"Make sure you all sign the Chaperone list. If no one has anything left to share, you may leave..." He gazed around the silent table. "Ah, but not you, Professor Vector..." An aging Professor stopped in his tracks, and turned to have a quiet conversation with the Headmaster.
"Milah?" I turned to see that it was Professor Trelawney that was addressing me.
"Yes?" I inwardly groaned. "Can I help you, Sibyll?"
"I've come to give you an early Christmas present..."
I couldn't help but laugh... I even went to school with her! Some psychic she was if she couldn't figure out that Jews don't celebrate Christmas... "Really?" I said with a hopeful hint in my voice. I'm a great actress...
"Hold out your palm, dear..." She studied my hand "Hmmm... Yes, a bright time for you, my dear. Just over a serious illness, I see."
'Yeah, big secret' I thought to myself.
"You won't be alone for the Holidays..." She looked up, wide-eyed, "Oh dear!" She put her hand over her mouth.
"What?" G-d she's a creepy one...
"Nothing... I don't want to- spoil your holiday with such news..." She glided away calling out to Professor Sprout, obviously about to spread some fictitious gossip... I made a mental note to talk to her later, and see what this is all about.
I was walking to my chambers, my mind wandering to the home that I left behind, when I heard a young voice call out to me. "Yes, Miss Blue?"
"I was wondering if I could talk to you for a moment..."
"Certainly, I'll make some tea. How's life as a Prefect going?" I politely asked the Ravenclaw seventh year.
"I was hoping for Head Girl, but it's okay so far..."
"Please sit, Anais..." I tapped my tea kettle and it instantly began to whistle. "Now, what is it that you wanted to talk about?"
"Well," She looked up nervously. "Someone that I trusted is proving not to be so trustworthy. He really hurt me!" She was clearly upset now.
"It's okay dear, no need to cry. Tell me what happened..." I sat cross- legged on my desk and listened to her talk of horrible boyfriends.
"I don't think that I can take anymore..." She balled up her fists in frustration. "I think that this is it for me, you know?"
"I do know, probably more than you can understand. But what made you share such confidential information with me?"
"Well," She gazed at me regardingly. "You seem to be closer to me in mental age than many of the students here. I could open up easier to you..." She looked at her feet, possibly embarrassed at speaking to me.
"I'm glad that you came." I gave her a reassuring smile as I sipped my hot tea. "You really can't let men get you down. They do very stupid things, but they don't mean to hurt you. Sometimes they just do... I had quite a bit of trouble with these things coming up, and my life is just starting to settle down."
"How do you mean, Milah?" Remus was coolly leaning against the door frame.
"Jesus Remus, you scared me!" I gave him an evil glare. "I'm talking with Miss Blue, so can you come back in a bit?"
"No, it's okay... I'll be going now, but thanks for your help. I'll come back if I need you again." She said with a small smile.
"Please do, Anais. It's nice to have a friend..." She waved and pulled the door behind her. "And what can I do for you?" I smiled at my long- time friend.
"I was hoping that you could help me with a problem I'm having..." He was really looking fabulous today.
"A problem with what?"
"Girls..." He grinned at me slyly as he slithered towards me.
"I'm sure that I can help you..." He kissed me soundly. I put on my reading glasses to start reading an article that he put on my lap. "What are your plans for the holidays?" I continued reading his article about the cutting edge research on a new species of werewolf.
"Can you believe that there are people willing to become werewolves?" His eyes bulged.
"From what I read, it sounds like these testers have what you've wanted all your life, other than a total cure. They are certified animagi, changing form at will. The only difference that the full moon brings, is that they lose their human thought." I put the article down and took off my glasses.
"But people are choosing to live like this." He stretched out his hands to add emphasis to his own case.
"They're all adults who are fully educated when the final decision is made. Who knows, maybe one day they'll figure out a way to help you." I touched the tip of his nose with my finger. "Again, I ask about your holiday..."
"I don't quite know yet." He shrugged. "Not much for me to do. I may stick around and grade some overdue essays..."
"You can come home with me, if you'd like. Being back in that big house all by myself may be a bit too much for me."
"Haven't been back there in a very long time." He appeared to be concerned for both of us. "Are you sure that you want me back in your house?"
"I'd be honored, Remus."
"What about the Yule Ball..." He questioned.
"Not going. I have work to do..." I smiled. Truth is, I was going, but I had a surprise that I wasn't ready for him to find out.... (A/N): *Evil evil evil evil Grin*
"Not even if I asked you to go?"
"Nope..." I looked up from my papers, "I told you Remmie, I have loads to do. I really want to have the time to devote to my house. It may be falling apart by now..."
"Okay, well I'll see you later tonight?"
"Maybe..." I tried to look very busy.
"Lunch in Hogsmeade tomorrow, then?"
"Sure..." I picked my head up and genuinely smiled at him. "I'll be in my office. You can come and get me when you're ready to go."
"I'll see you tomorrow then!" He skipped out my door.
"Finally, some peace!!" I flopped down in my chair, only to hear my door creak open. When I looked up I saw the most unlikely creature standing in my doorway. "Damn. So much for peace." I turned to address the dog in my doorway. "Sirius Black, you old scoundrel. Absolutely corking to see you..."
**
"Ashley?" Travis scanned the nearly empty library. He finally caught sight of a student that he knew. "Hermione, have you seen Ashley Arredondo?"
"What, the Slytherin?"
"Yeah, that's the one."
"No." She stalked off
"What's her problem." He mumbled to himself. "Next stop, the dining hall..."
**
Ashley Arredondo was sitting in the courtyard with a fellow Slytherin, Pansy Parkinson. "Do you think he likes me?"
"Who cares!" Pansy drawled "Do you think Draco likes me?"
Ashley stood up and said, "You really are a git Pansy."
"Hey Ashley!" She looked about for who was calling her name. "Ash!" She could only make out his scarf at this distance, a Ravenclaw.
"That's me..."
"It's a bit cold outside for you to be sitting in the snow, don't you think?"
'Oh my G-d, it's Travis!' She thought to herself, mind flashing a thousand times a minute. "Hullo Travis, how are you?"
"I'm doing well. Would you like to go inside?"
'Anything to get away from her.' "Of course. Inside would be nice." She smiled sweetly at him, leaving Pansy to fend for herself.
**
"Ah, Professor Merverosa, how good to see you."
"I never thought that I'd exchange civil words with the likes of you..." I shot him an evil glare.
"Now Milah, I know that I was not your favourite person growing up, but things are different now."
"How, Sirius. How are things different? I'm still the Slytherin that you picked on... Nothing has changed about me... What would you possibly want to do with me?"
"I came to talk to you about Remus."
"For as long as you were in Azkaban, I wouldn't think that you would be a world authority on Lupin..."
"Hey now." He raised his hand defensively. "That was out of my control. I came to tell you that I want to start over. We both have Remus to think about, and if we want him to be happy, we have to get along." He had a hopeful glow about his face. "I'm willing to put my differences aside to make him happy.
"He tells me things about you... I know everything, and as much as it disgusts me, he still wants you." His face was reddening with anger. "So let's just play nice and get along." He transformed into dog form and left.
**
"Thanks for seeing me, Headmaster."
"I trust that everything is in order?" A mischievous glint flashed in his eye.
"I have everything set for perfection. We simply have to wait until tomorrow night."
"This is a big step to take. Are you sure that you're ready?" He directed his gaze directly upon me, "I've followed you closely for many years now, and I know that what you do will only have an impact on those who know you. Others will not bat an eye..."
"The severity of my actions will only prove that I am better. I can live again, Albus. I can afford to be human, and that's a chance that ex-death eaters don't often come by. I'm free of Gurth... I couldn't be more ready."
"It's so good to have you back, Milah. For a while, I thought that I may lose you again." He was speaking in Italian again. I had nearly forgotten how brilliant my employer truly was... "After all these years, perhaps the only thing that hasn't changed is the rarity of your smile. I trust that Mr. Lupin is working tirelessly to make it a permanent fixture..."
"You know everything that goes on, don't you?"
"I do not." He glared at me defensively, "But sometimes I cannot help but notice things that I helped place in motion. I must enjoy the fruits of my labour... Excuse me..." He stood and stepped out of his office.
I allowed myself a look around the office that I got to know so well from my own days as a Prefect. Fawkes was on his usual perch, he never cared for me, and I left him alone. He had a massive library that was filled with books on every conceivable topic. He even had a section of muggle books.
It was the marble Pensieve sitting on a table that drew my attention away from his books. It was silently calling to me. It wanted me to know something, and upon looking into the bowl I saw many things. My own mind began to fog as I pressed my wand to the silvery liquid.
(F/B)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Have you heard anything, Professor?" A very tense Remus was sitting in a chair at Hogwarts.
"Sadly, yes. I have news for you."
"No... She's not gone, I know she's not. I can still feel her..." He put his head in his hands.
"I'm sorry Remus... I know it's hard for you, but you're still young. There can be others..."
"She gave me my wedding ring before she left, you know... Said that it might make me feel better if I could hold on to it while she was gone..." He displayed the ring on his left hand. "I haven't taken it off since..." A hopeless look stretched across his worn face as he slumped into the plush easy-chair. "It's been more than two months..."
It tore me apart to see the state that I left him in. I tried to go to him, but I remembered that I was not part of that time. My body was being transported to another time, and the images were clouding around me before I reappeared in Albus' office.
(another F/B)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Remus, I've watched you grow. Surely you know that this isn't healthy." Albus pointed at the wedding ring still on his hand. "You aren't married. It's been four years, Mr. Lupin... Don't you think that she would have wanted you to let go? Wouldn't she want you to be happy?"
"I know, Albus, I know. I've searched everywhere, to no avail, but I can't shake this feeling that she's alive. You don't understand... It's like I know that she's still alive. Maybe a POW somewhere..." He shuddered. "I'll continue to search for her until I find a difinitive answer either way."
"This is no way to live, Remus. Surely you must know that..." Albus gave him a very concerned pat on the shoulder. "She would have wanted you to be happy. She loved you more than words could say... She told me on numerous occaisions."
***************************************************************
The Pensieve had finished with me, and I quickly left the Headmaster's office. Something grabbed my shoulder, and I whirled around to see what it was. "Professor Sinistra..."
"No need for titles, Milah." She glared at me. "I know what you're up to, and you won't get away with it. Housemate or no... You can't play Severus. It isn't right. Just you wait, you'll get what's coming to you!" She stalked away screaming.
"What was that about?" Remus questioned.
"Where the hell did you come from?" My head was spinning. All these people showing up when my mind is already fuzzy was not a good idea.
"I saw you step out of the office, and I figured that I'd walk you to wherever it is that you were going. Then I saw Sinistra grab you... Just curious is all."
I smiled. "Oh nothing. Just girl talk." 'good, he heard nothing. I'm not prepared to answer questions that I don't know the answers to.'
"Sinistra is capable of girl talk?" He appeared thoroughly befuddled. "Didn't even realize that she was a human." He grinned.
"Yeah, I suppose she is a bit off-colour, but she can't be all bad."
* ** *
A/N: What do you think? I'll never know if you don't review... Check out a picture of Milah on the link at my author page. Check out my Live Journal as well!
Thanks to my fabulous reviewers! I love you guys!
Love from your Slytherin Queen,
~Milah
So, lets talk... Finals are killing me, I can't sleep, so I'm going to stay up and write for all of my adoring fans! Speaking of fans... *waves Slytherin flag* Thanks to all you beautiful people for reviewing! I was given some interesting papers to grade, and I have to tell you, please don't complain about having to write essays... Think of the poor schmucks like me who have to grade a bunch...
Ms. Miller, I couldn't live without you, of course!! What house are/were you in? Milah has to be strong because she's me! *grins* We're both tough cookies... She's always tried to make him feel better about his lycanthropy, but he's a tough nut to crack! *mutters something about guys always having thick heads* hee hee... Yes, lots of challenges facing the happy couple...
And Mystique! You're reviews are always interesting (to say the least)... You can come up with some off the wall comments about both me, and my story!! Think outside the bun! It's my favourite way to be! *Does crazy dance*
Kat-tak, what an interesting penname... What does it mean?? What house are you in? Thanks for replying! Hope to hear more from you soon!
Hinote! You're back!! *hugs* I've missed you! *sloppy grin* Hope your computers doing better because once school is out, you can expect to hear quite a bit more from me!!! Get that stuff to me ASAP please! I'm putting out a big chapter sometime next week... Need to get everyone together who wants in!!
So, we're going to see a bit of Mr. Black in here... *screws face in concentration* Professor Sinistra (Astronomy) is going to cause some trouble... And for all of you that actually read this, I'm not drunk... Haven't slept in ages, and the sleep deprivation is starting to get to me!
The Chocolate frog goes to my buddy hinote for figuring out what the title of my story means, but I wanted the title of the chapter, cheeseball! It's okay, I have a whole stack of frogs to give away, so guess away! *grins* I need to write, my A/N's are getting rather lengthy! *sighs* I can't believe that I'm writing with my new beau sitting next to me... *smiles as warm body kisses neck* *shivers* That's some powerful stuff! Gotta write!
~Milah
* ** * Present day!!
******************************************************************
"I'm not going to the Yule Ball..." Travis groaned. "I don't have a date."
"But it isn't till tomorrow!" Cho Chang shouted. "You've got to go... What about Ashley Arredondo? She's been sweet on you for a while..."
"You... You... You... You're wonderful!" Travis dashed out of the Ravenclaw common room in search of the Slytherin beauty.
"Always a drama queen, that one." Cho pointed a thumb at her silly friend.
**
"Um, Imogene... I wanted to know if you'd go to the Yule Ball with me?" Ron looked up hopefully.
"Of course I will!" She jumped up excitedly. "Oh my G-d! I thought that you'd never ask!" She threw down her dinner roll. "I've got to tell Marie!"
**
"Welcome one and all to another fun filled staff meeting!" Albus stated cheerily, ignoring the groans escaping the mouths of his colleagues. "Today's topics are the Yule Ball, and Hogsmeade. We will need chaperones for both, so please sign up on this sheaf of parchment." He handed it off to Professor McGonagal. "Now," He settled down in his chair. "What are your plans for the holidays?" He looked around, expecting someone to speak up.
"I'll be attending an important Astronomy gathering." Professor Sinistra volunteered.
"I'm going to float around, as usual... Maybe visit some living friends in America." Binns drawled.
"And you, Severus?" Dumbledore questioned.
He shot Albus a deadly glare, "I'll be returning to my empty manor, why do you ask?" He cocked his head to the side in a questioning manner.
"Ah, and you Ms. Merverosa?" He turned to me, sitting quietly.
"I'm going to go back to my home. I haven't been there in sixteen years, and I'm not sure what state things will be in. It's going to be a good deal of work..." I took off my reading glasses and rubbed my temples.
"Make sure you all sign the Chaperone list. If no one has anything left to share, you may leave..." He gazed around the silent table. "Ah, but not you, Professor Vector..." An aging Professor stopped in his tracks, and turned to have a quiet conversation with the Headmaster.
"Milah?" I turned to see that it was Professor Trelawney that was addressing me.
"Yes?" I inwardly groaned. "Can I help you, Sibyll?"
"I've come to give you an early Christmas present..."
I couldn't help but laugh... I even went to school with her! Some psychic she was if she couldn't figure out that Jews don't celebrate Christmas... "Really?" I said with a hopeful hint in my voice. I'm a great actress...
"Hold out your palm, dear..." She studied my hand "Hmmm... Yes, a bright time for you, my dear. Just over a serious illness, I see."
'Yeah, big secret' I thought to myself.
"You won't be alone for the Holidays..." She looked up, wide-eyed, "Oh dear!" She put her hand over her mouth.
"What?" G-d she's a creepy one...
"Nothing... I don't want to- spoil your holiday with such news..." She glided away calling out to Professor Sprout, obviously about to spread some fictitious gossip... I made a mental note to talk to her later, and see what this is all about.
I was walking to my chambers, my mind wandering to the home that I left behind, when I heard a young voice call out to me. "Yes, Miss Blue?"
"I was wondering if I could talk to you for a moment..."
"Certainly, I'll make some tea. How's life as a Prefect going?" I politely asked the Ravenclaw seventh year.
"I was hoping for Head Girl, but it's okay so far..."
"Please sit, Anais..." I tapped my tea kettle and it instantly began to whistle. "Now, what is it that you wanted to talk about?"
"Well," She looked up nervously. "Someone that I trusted is proving not to be so trustworthy. He really hurt me!" She was clearly upset now.
"It's okay dear, no need to cry. Tell me what happened..." I sat cross- legged on my desk and listened to her talk of horrible boyfriends.
"I don't think that I can take anymore..." She balled up her fists in frustration. "I think that this is it for me, you know?"
"I do know, probably more than you can understand. But what made you share such confidential information with me?"
"Well," She gazed at me regardingly. "You seem to be closer to me in mental age than many of the students here. I could open up easier to you..." She looked at her feet, possibly embarrassed at speaking to me.
"I'm glad that you came." I gave her a reassuring smile as I sipped my hot tea. "You really can't let men get you down. They do very stupid things, but they don't mean to hurt you. Sometimes they just do... I had quite a bit of trouble with these things coming up, and my life is just starting to settle down."
"How do you mean, Milah?" Remus was coolly leaning against the door frame.
"Jesus Remus, you scared me!" I gave him an evil glare. "I'm talking with Miss Blue, so can you come back in a bit?"
"No, it's okay... I'll be going now, but thanks for your help. I'll come back if I need you again." She said with a small smile.
"Please do, Anais. It's nice to have a friend..." She waved and pulled the door behind her. "And what can I do for you?" I smiled at my long- time friend.
"I was hoping that you could help me with a problem I'm having..." He was really looking fabulous today.
"A problem with what?"
"Girls..." He grinned at me slyly as he slithered towards me.
"I'm sure that I can help you..." He kissed me soundly. I put on my reading glasses to start reading an article that he put on my lap. "What are your plans for the holidays?" I continued reading his article about the cutting edge research on a new species of werewolf.
"Can you believe that there are people willing to become werewolves?" His eyes bulged.
"From what I read, it sounds like these testers have what you've wanted all your life, other than a total cure. They are certified animagi, changing form at will. The only difference that the full moon brings, is that they lose their human thought." I put the article down and took off my glasses.
"But people are choosing to live like this." He stretched out his hands to add emphasis to his own case.
"They're all adults who are fully educated when the final decision is made. Who knows, maybe one day they'll figure out a way to help you." I touched the tip of his nose with my finger. "Again, I ask about your holiday..."
"I don't quite know yet." He shrugged. "Not much for me to do. I may stick around and grade some overdue essays..."
"You can come home with me, if you'd like. Being back in that big house all by myself may be a bit too much for me."
"Haven't been back there in a very long time." He appeared to be concerned for both of us. "Are you sure that you want me back in your house?"
"I'd be honored, Remus."
"What about the Yule Ball..." He questioned.
"Not going. I have work to do..." I smiled. Truth is, I was going, but I had a surprise that I wasn't ready for him to find out.... (A/N): *Evil evil evil evil Grin*
"Not even if I asked you to go?"
"Nope..." I looked up from my papers, "I told you Remmie, I have loads to do. I really want to have the time to devote to my house. It may be falling apart by now..."
"Okay, well I'll see you later tonight?"
"Maybe..." I tried to look very busy.
"Lunch in Hogsmeade tomorrow, then?"
"Sure..." I picked my head up and genuinely smiled at him. "I'll be in my office. You can come and get me when you're ready to go."
"I'll see you tomorrow then!" He skipped out my door.
"Finally, some peace!!" I flopped down in my chair, only to hear my door creak open. When I looked up I saw the most unlikely creature standing in my doorway. "Damn. So much for peace." I turned to address the dog in my doorway. "Sirius Black, you old scoundrel. Absolutely corking to see you..."
**
"Ashley?" Travis scanned the nearly empty library. He finally caught sight of a student that he knew. "Hermione, have you seen Ashley Arredondo?"
"What, the Slytherin?"
"Yeah, that's the one."
"No." She stalked off
"What's her problem." He mumbled to himself. "Next stop, the dining hall..."
**
Ashley Arredondo was sitting in the courtyard with a fellow Slytherin, Pansy Parkinson. "Do you think he likes me?"
"Who cares!" Pansy drawled "Do you think Draco likes me?"
Ashley stood up and said, "You really are a git Pansy."
"Hey Ashley!" She looked about for who was calling her name. "Ash!" She could only make out his scarf at this distance, a Ravenclaw.
"That's me..."
"It's a bit cold outside for you to be sitting in the snow, don't you think?"
'Oh my G-d, it's Travis!' She thought to herself, mind flashing a thousand times a minute. "Hullo Travis, how are you?"
"I'm doing well. Would you like to go inside?"
'Anything to get away from her.' "Of course. Inside would be nice." She smiled sweetly at him, leaving Pansy to fend for herself.
**
"Ah, Professor Merverosa, how good to see you."
"I never thought that I'd exchange civil words with the likes of you..." I shot him an evil glare.
"Now Milah, I know that I was not your favourite person growing up, but things are different now."
"How, Sirius. How are things different? I'm still the Slytherin that you picked on... Nothing has changed about me... What would you possibly want to do with me?"
"I came to talk to you about Remus."
"For as long as you were in Azkaban, I wouldn't think that you would be a world authority on Lupin..."
"Hey now." He raised his hand defensively. "That was out of my control. I came to tell you that I want to start over. We both have Remus to think about, and if we want him to be happy, we have to get along." He had a hopeful glow about his face. "I'm willing to put my differences aside to make him happy.
"He tells me things about you... I know everything, and as much as it disgusts me, he still wants you." His face was reddening with anger. "So let's just play nice and get along." He transformed into dog form and left.
**
"Thanks for seeing me, Headmaster."
"I trust that everything is in order?" A mischievous glint flashed in his eye.
"I have everything set for perfection. We simply have to wait until tomorrow night."
"This is a big step to take. Are you sure that you're ready?" He directed his gaze directly upon me, "I've followed you closely for many years now, and I know that what you do will only have an impact on those who know you. Others will not bat an eye..."
"The severity of my actions will only prove that I am better. I can live again, Albus. I can afford to be human, and that's a chance that ex-death eaters don't often come by. I'm free of Gurth... I couldn't be more ready."
"It's so good to have you back, Milah. For a while, I thought that I may lose you again." He was speaking in Italian again. I had nearly forgotten how brilliant my employer truly was... "After all these years, perhaps the only thing that hasn't changed is the rarity of your smile. I trust that Mr. Lupin is working tirelessly to make it a permanent fixture..."
"You know everything that goes on, don't you?"
"I do not." He glared at me defensively, "But sometimes I cannot help but notice things that I helped place in motion. I must enjoy the fruits of my labour... Excuse me..." He stood and stepped out of his office.
I allowed myself a look around the office that I got to know so well from my own days as a Prefect. Fawkes was on his usual perch, he never cared for me, and I left him alone. He had a massive library that was filled with books on every conceivable topic. He even had a section of muggle books.
It was the marble Pensieve sitting on a table that drew my attention away from his books. It was silently calling to me. It wanted me to know something, and upon looking into the bowl I saw many things. My own mind began to fog as I pressed my wand to the silvery liquid.
(F/B)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Have you heard anything, Professor?" A very tense Remus was sitting in a chair at Hogwarts.
"Sadly, yes. I have news for you."
"No... She's not gone, I know she's not. I can still feel her..." He put his head in his hands.
"I'm sorry Remus... I know it's hard for you, but you're still young. There can be others..."
"She gave me my wedding ring before she left, you know... Said that it might make me feel better if I could hold on to it while she was gone..." He displayed the ring on his left hand. "I haven't taken it off since..." A hopeless look stretched across his worn face as he slumped into the plush easy-chair. "It's been more than two months..."
It tore me apart to see the state that I left him in. I tried to go to him, but I remembered that I was not part of that time. My body was being transported to another time, and the images were clouding around me before I reappeared in Albus' office.
(another F/B)*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Remus, I've watched you grow. Surely you know that this isn't healthy." Albus pointed at the wedding ring still on his hand. "You aren't married. It's been four years, Mr. Lupin... Don't you think that she would have wanted you to let go? Wouldn't she want you to be happy?"
"I know, Albus, I know. I've searched everywhere, to no avail, but I can't shake this feeling that she's alive. You don't understand... It's like I know that she's still alive. Maybe a POW somewhere..." He shuddered. "I'll continue to search for her until I find a difinitive answer either way."
"This is no way to live, Remus. Surely you must know that..." Albus gave him a very concerned pat on the shoulder. "She would have wanted you to be happy. She loved you more than words could say... She told me on numerous occaisions."
***************************************************************
The Pensieve had finished with me, and I quickly left the Headmaster's office. Something grabbed my shoulder, and I whirled around to see what it was. "Professor Sinistra..."
"No need for titles, Milah." She glared at me. "I know what you're up to, and you won't get away with it. Housemate or no... You can't play Severus. It isn't right. Just you wait, you'll get what's coming to you!" She stalked away screaming.
"What was that about?" Remus questioned.
"Where the hell did you come from?" My head was spinning. All these people showing up when my mind is already fuzzy was not a good idea.
"I saw you step out of the office, and I figured that I'd walk you to wherever it is that you were going. Then I saw Sinistra grab you... Just curious is all."
I smiled. "Oh nothing. Just girl talk." 'good, he heard nothing. I'm not prepared to answer questions that I don't know the answers to.'
"Sinistra is capable of girl talk?" He appeared thoroughly befuddled. "Didn't even realize that she was a human." He grinned.
"Yeah, I suppose she is a bit off-colour, but she can't be all bad."
* ** *
A/N: What do you think? I'll never know if you don't review... Check out a picture of Milah on the link at my author page. Check out my Live Journal as well!
Thanks to my fabulous reviewers! I love you guys!
Love from your Slytherin Queen,
~Milah