Author's Note: I made it up to 100 reviews, giving me a burst of creativity- which is why this chapter is up so soon. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed. I love you all dearly! This chapter is dedicated to cosmo-queen, my 100th reviewer!
Chapter: 8/15
I'm taking my time
I'm trying to leave
The memories of you behind
I'm gonna be fine
As soon as I get your picture
Right out of my mind
~When I'm With You, by Simple Plan
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 8- Taken
Hermione watched emotionlessly as Harry and Ron flew dangerously close to one another. She was sitting on a lawn chair beside the field that was substituting for a Quidditch pitch at Black Manor. Harry was already talking about turning it into one, as he and Sirius had planned in the first place. She had come out here intending to read Wolfsbane and Full Moons; A Look into the Lives of Werewolves who Prospered. The book had not been able to interest her. It seemed the few werewolves who had prospered all had very sticky endings. She couldn't show the book to Remus, as she had planned. He would, without a doubt, pick out all of their rather gruesome deaths.
She was more concerned with Harry and Ron at that moment anyway. They had just recently learned the rather risky game of 'Chicken' and were now spending all of their time flying almost directly at one another, veering off to the side at the last possible second, barely avoiding a dangerous crash. If Sirius knew Harry was playing it, he would have put a stop to it quick enough. 'Or, knowing Sirius, demand to join,' Hermione thought wryly. For the first entire week after they decided Chicken was their new favourite game, Hermione had spent half of her time watching them, anxiously hoping they didn't damage themselves. By now, though, they were both quite adept and she had learned to stop worrying...a little at least.
The hot August sun had seemed to set the whole world on fire. The days dragged by, spent outside, trying to find some release from the heat. Hermione couldn't remember the last time she hadn't felt hot and sticky. Any cold substance- water, ice cream, anything- had to have cooling spells performed on them on the hour, every hour. Hermione remembered longingly Remus' lovely shaded garden. She was sure it would be nice and cool there. For a moment she lost herself in fond memories of days spent in the garden with Remus, drinking cold punch and watching contentedly as Remus painted, or playing childish games that truly went against both of their natures, but were so much fun.
Hermione buried her face in her hands. In short, she was miserable. For the first few days at Black Manor, she had had a tentative cling on happiness. She had spent two days with Ron and Harry, redecorating Sirius' room. It was now painted a soft blue, with white trim. The heavy, dark furniture had been Transfigured into white, fancifully shaped pieces. Hermione had loved the room, but after another few days of lounging around in there with the windows open, she had begun to regret changing Sirius' room. It was as though he really was gone now. Nothing of him remained.
The longer she was away from Remus, the more painful it became. Three days ago, Tonks had ventured over to his place. She returned about twenty minutes later, absolutely livid. She wouldn't tell anyone what had occurred, but made it quite clear if she never saw Remus Lupin again, it would be far too soon. Last night, she had allowed Clay to escort her into Hogsmeade where there was a concert being performed by the Weird Sisters. Her pink hair was back, shorter and spikier than ever. It was nice not to have the female version of Sirius floating around, but Hermione couldn't help but want that Tonks back. It meant Remus had officially lost Tonks. All he had left was Hermione, now, and he wouldn't even return her letters. In the past two weeks and half she had sent him at least ten, but not once had he replied to them.
School was fast approaching. There were only two weeks before she would board the train for Hogwarts. She knew if she didn't speak to Remus before then, it was very unlikely she would ever do so again. If a year passed without them having contact, she doubted very much that she would even want to contact him. Love did fade with time, and she did not buy into the 'absence makes the heart grow stronger' theory.
As if her worries for Remus were not burden enough, she had begun having nightmares about her parents. The father she saw in Remus must have been enough to hold them back, but with him gone, they haunted her nightly. They were awful and she always awoke from them in a cold sweat. She had yet to tell anyone. She couldn't really see a point. It was not as if they could make the nightmares go away. There was only one person who could do that, and he wanted nothing more to do with her.
Shaking her head, she stood, and Wolfsbane and Full Moons; A Look into the Lives of Werewolves who Prospered, slipped from her lap. She bent to pick it up. "Harry! Ron!" she called up.
The turned their brooms to face her. "What is it?" shouted Ron.
"I think I'm going to go inside!" she shouted back. "I'll see you when you come in."
"All right!" Harry agreed. "If you see Kreacher, tell him to start the laundry!" Within moments, the boys were back at their games.
Hermione sighed deeply. Harry had not learned anything from Sirius' shortcomings. He treated Kreacher as horribly as Sirius had done. Of course, he had a lot more reason to hate Kreacher than Sirius had. Hermione could not apply her usual house elf beliefs to Kreacher. The house elf had proved himself quite capable of betraying his masters. Everyone who was too mild-mannered, or who cared too much about Harry to point out the blatantly obvious, stotically stuck to their beliefs that Sirius' death had been the fault of Kreacher. Hermione didn't think Harry really believed them, but she knew that Kreacher liked that Sirius was dead, while Harry...well, the thought hardly bore thinking upon.
The moment she entered the house, she was offered some cookies by Molly Weasley. She politely declined. "Dear," Molly smiled softly. "I don't want you brooding around the way you have been. You have a home here, don't linger in the past, all right?"
"I...I won't, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione promised. "I think I'm going to go up to my room and read for a bit. Call me down for dinner, please."
"Of course," nodded Mrs. Weasley, pity evident in her eyes. Hermione stifled a sigh. It seemed every singe member of the Order knew what had happened between her and Remus, whether or not they had been in the kitchen at the time. It was more than a little annoying. Everyone had words of wisdom, and a few who were less than hospitible of Remus' lycanthropy told her not to worry and hinted that they had always been sure Remus was up to no good. They made her almost as angry as the people who seemed to think she and Remus had suffered from a huge lovers' quarrel.
She lay down wearily on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She had suffered serious lows before, particularly in their third year when she had been fighting with Harry and Ron, and in their fourth year when Harry and Ron had been bickering, but this was definitely the worst she had ever felt. She could not think of anything else that could possibly make her feel worse than she already did. Fighting down her remorse thoughts, she flipped over on her stomach, and opened up Wolfsbane and Full Moons; A Look into the Lives of Werewolves who Prospered. She read for about half of an hour, each time hoping that the new werewolf would have a happy ending, but none of them ever did. She wearily rubbed her temples and decided to give up on that particular study. She looked around for something to mark her page, but there was no bookmark in sight.
She opened up her nightstand. The new furniture had been Transfigured by Professor McGonagall, so they were guaranteed to stay that way until changed back or changed yet again. However, Sirius had had two nightstands, while Hermione only needed one. Therefore, while the rest of the cabinents had been emptied and their contents sent to Harry, one nightstand, still held Sirius' belongings. Hermione winced upon seeing the contents. Like his other drawers had been, organization seemed to be one talent Sirius did not only not possess, but had never even heard of.
Rifiling through the junk, and seriously doubting she would find a bookmark- there had not been a single book among his belongings, unless you counted the X-rated Bewitching magazines, which Hermione did not- her fingers brushed against a small box. Curious, she pulled it out.
It was rather small and made of pine. Sirius had had it engraved in gold. The letters glistened in the sun that shone through the glass, declaring that the box was dedicated to 'Letters from my Godson.' Touched, and feeling that perhaps she shouldn't look into the box, Hermione opened the box.
Every inch of the box was filled with pieces of parchment. Apparently, Harry had written to Sirius more than he let on. Curious, Hermione took out a few of the parchments and read.
Dear Sirius,
Things are the same as usual there. Dudley's diet isn't going too well. My aunt found him smuggling doughnuts into his room yesterday. They told him they'd have to cut his pocket money if he keeps doing it, so he got really angry and chucked his PlayStation out of the window. Thats a sort of computer thing you can play games on. Bit stupid really. Now he hasn't even got Mega-Mutalation Part Three to take his minds off things
I'm OK, mainly because the Dursleys are terrified you might turn up and turn them all into bats if I ask you to.
A weird thing happened this morning though. My scar hurt again. Last time that happened, it was because Voldemort was at Hogwarts. But I don't reckon he cane be anywhere near me now, can he? Do you know if curse scars sometimes hurt years afterwards?
I'll send this with Hedwig when she gets back, she's off hunting at the moment. Say hello to Buckbeak for me.
HP
Hermione remembered Harry mentioning this letter. He had written to Sirius because he thought she and Ron would take his scar hurting the wrong way. Honestly! She could have looked something up for him. There had been no need to bother Sirius. Still, it was rather cute in a way. Even after only a few weeks of knowing that they could possibly end up living together, Sirius and Harry had begun caring deeply about each other. She opened the other letter she had taken out. This one had a few stains marking it that looked suspiciously as though tears had dripped on to it and smeered the ink.
Dear Sirius,
Life here is pretty dull, to be frank. Dudley has fallen in with a bad crowd, and I know he drinks. I'm pretty sure he is doing drugs as well. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon actually believe the cock-and-bull stories he makes up about going over to his mates' houses for tea. They think he's popular. They can be really thick sometimes. Where abouts are you living right now? Are you with Remus? I hope you two are having fun...though I suppose you're very busy with that business Dumbledore gave you.
Sirius, I didn't really want to tell you, because I'm a bit embarrassed of it, but I have to ask someone. Was...was it my fault Cedric died? I've been looking at it from as many angles as I possibly can, and I can't stop thinking it was. I'm not a secondhand murderer, am I? I'm scared that I might be. If I end up getting commited to Azkaban, can I come and live on the run with you? I don't think I mind being a fugitive very much if I could just live with you.
Well, I hope you're all right and comfortable. We'll get Pettigrew one of these days and when we do, everything will get sorted out. Don't you worry about it.
Talk to you soon, I hope.
Harry
Hermione threw the letters back into the box and snapped it shut. She should not have read those. They were absolutely none of her business. Tears were pricking at her eyes. They were no more than she deserved though. Poor Sirius. She wondered how many times he had hungrily reread all of Harry's letters. Did he sometimes wish Harry had been accused of Cedric's death just so he could have Harry with him? Did he ache to hold Harry and whisper that it would be all right? Did he want to make everything better for his beloved godson? She wanted to scream. It was so bloody unfair.
A rapping on the window broke her away from her desperate thoughts. Hedwig was outside and- there was a letter tied to her leg! She had borrowed Hedwig to send a letter to Remus. The snowy owl had always returned, but never with a letter. Could Remus have finally relented? Or at least just replied to one of her letters. Hastily, she crossed to the window and threw it open, ushering Hedwig in. She could tell the owl was eager to see Harry, so she quickly untied her letter and sent the owl on her way. The letter was addressed to her in Remus' heavily slanted scrawl. Hugrily she tore it open, hopes rising. However, her hopes were dashed when she read the two, brief, cold lines.
Miss Granger,
Hermione sat back on the bed, hardly believing how those words had cut her. She stared at her hands, wondering why she wasn't bleeding. Surely he had just cut her to the core. Anger was smouldering in her now. How dare he? Did he truly think she could believe he had shut his feelings off? Hell, this letter was just as tearstained as Harry's second one. Furious, she tossed the parchment into the air and pointed her wand at it, shouting "Incenduio!" The paper caught fire and was soon nothing more than a small pile of ash on the floor.
She stared at it, willing it to blow away. However, before she could remove the ash, shouts from the hall distracted her. Recognising Harry's voice, she ventured out to take a look. Harry was in the hallway, towering over Kreacher. He was waving a sweater under the house elf's nose and shouting at the top of his lungs. "This is my sweater, you filth!" he roared. "What the hell were doing with it?"
"It is not your sweater, you stupid little boy," hissed the house elf. "It is Master Sirius'! It should be burned, along with the remainder of his things! He was an evil, evil man- a heartache to his mother. Now he is dead and rotting in hell and Kreacher is happy to have had a hand in sending him there."
With a angry bellow, Harry kicked Kreacher in the stomach, sending the house elf sprawling. Hermione rushed forward and grabbed Harry's arm. "Harry! No!" she protested. "Don't do something you'll regret."
Harry breathed deeply, and appeared suddenly calm. Hermione corrected herself. He appeared deadly calm. "Don't worry, Hermione," he said coldly, his eyes still glittering angrily at Kreacher. "I am not going to regret this. Sirius should have done this a long time ago and damn the secrets." He broke free of her hand and stormed over to Kreacher. He wrenched him up by the scruff of his neck and grinned menacingly at him.
"Here you go, Kreacher," he said, thrusting the sweater at the pitiful thing. "You want the sweater, have the sweater. Consider it a present, from Master to servant." He threw the sweater at Kreacher and it caught on one of the house elf's large drooping ear. Disdainfully, Harry dropped the now free house elf and stormed off.
Kreacher fainted dead away, shocked and appalled at his new status as a cast off house elf. Hermione didn't pay him any attention. She stepped over his limp form and rushed after Harry. "Harry!" she called. "Harry, this is for you." She handed him the box. "I found it in Sirius' nightstand. I'm not sure, but I think they're the letters you sent him."
Curious, Harry opened the box. His face took a look of wonder as he shuffled through the parchment. "They're all here, Mione," he said, tone filled with awe. "Every last one." He picked up the one Hermione had read about and clearly picked out the tearstains. "Merlin, he really did love me."
Shocked, Hermione threw her arms around. "Harry, how could you ever think differently?" she cried.
Harry returned the hug as best he could with only one hand. "Just, what everyone was saying last year," he explained. "About him replacing me with Dad. I thought maybe he didn't want me to be his godson."
"Oh, Harry," whispered Hermione. "You know...I think you're right. Sirius didn't want you to be his godson...he'd rather you had been his real son."
Harry grinned widely and drew back. "You don't know how much these letters mean to me," Harry said. "I have all the replies as well. I'd be smiling for a week whenever I got a letter from Sirius." He paused before continuting with a glint in his eyes. "Hermione, I'm going to get you back into Remus' home."
"What?" Hermione frowned, raising her eyebrow.
"I...I was being very selfish when I offered you a home here," Harry admitted. "I should have made you both turn away right then. All I wanted was my friend close to me. I guarentee by the end of this week, you'll be happily at home with Remus again."
"How are you going to do that?" Hermione asked, highly skeptical.
"Remus said I reminded him of Sirius," Harry answered. "Well, Sirius was always making up pranks and jokes. I think its time I tested to see if I could have been in the Mauraders. I want you to go check through everything you own. Tell me if you're missing anything."
Twenty minutes later, Hermione discovered she was indeed missing one of her books- Gadding with Gouls by Gilderoy Lockhart. Although she could admit now that Lockhart had been a fraud, that didn't stop his books from being rather...amusing. She could hardly believe she hadn't noticed it was gone until now. She went as instructed to Harry. He grinned as soon as she told him. "And you say Remus told you not to contact him again?" he frowned.
Hermione nodded, a bit unsure. "Well," grinned Harry. "I guess you'll just have to go get it yourself."
Remus hastily wiped down the kitchen table, before going off to collect his painting supplies. Ever since his argument with Tonks, he had resigned himself to the fact that he was afraid of being in love, or having anyone love him. That simple admittance had seemed to set him free somehow. He had begun taking care of himself again and after Tonks left he had dedicated the day to cleaning up his neglected house.
The day after Tonks, he had received his tenth letter from Hermione. The letters always touched part of him and irritated the other part. Half of him was amazed at her persistance. In every letter she required after his health and told him a bit about what was going on in the wizarding world. She ended each letter the same way. 'Can I come home soon?' That line always irritated him. He wanted her to come home, but to be frank, he was too proud to allow it. Besides the pride issue, a part of him was still thorougly convinced it was too dangerous. He still could not believe he was anything less than a monster. His cold reply was sure to finish off the letters, and sure enough, a letter had not arrived for five days. It was exactly what he had planned for. He just couldn't figure out why he missed them so terribly.
He had spent those five days, escaping the heat in his garden while painting. He painted whatever came to mind- usually Hermione or Sirius, as well as the ocassional Tonks. However, there were two potraits of James and Lily and one group picture with himself, Sirius, Harry, Ron and Hermione. Today he sat down and began painting a picture of how he remembered Sirius on their first day at Hogwarts. He remembered the day perfectly, particularly his first train ride with James Potter and Sirius Black.
James laughed loudly as he watched Sirius' all too accurate impression of his house elf. James had met the house elf on several ocassion, and he had to admit, Sirius captured the very essence of Kreacher. Sirius did not appear nervous in the least as the Hogwarts Express chugged towards Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. James seriously doubted that Sirius was nervous. Nothing seemed to ruffle him. James was just thankful he had Sirius to help take his mind off things on the six hour train ride.
Their laughter was interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Exchanging curious looks with Sirius, James went to answer it. A pale boy who looked a bit peaky with large amber eyes and sandy brown hair was waiting outside. "Hello," he said in a soft voice. "I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to interrupt, but everywhere else is full."
"Oh, sure, come right in," James smiled in warmly.
"Thanks," said the boy, walking into the compartment with his trunk. He took the window seat and dug into his robes, pulling out a book. Without looking at them again, he began reading 'The Downfall of Grindelwald.'
James exchanged confused looks with Sirius. Sirius mouthed the word 'rude.' James shrugged his shoulders. Either that or very shy. After a few moments, James sat beside him. "Hi," he greeted. "I'm James Potter and this is Sirius Black. We're first years. Whats your name and year?"
The boy looked up, startled. "Oh, please," he begged. "There really is no need to include me. Don't let me interrupt you."
"Look, mate," Sirius growled. "We're going to be schoolmates for seven years. I want to know your bloody name."
"Oh, right then," he frowned. "I'm Remus Lupin and I'm a first year too." He returned to his book.
"Are you just going to read the entire trip?" James inquired. "What if we're destined to be best mates and you ruin it all because you read through our entire first meeting?"
Remus looked up and James had the impression he had almost smiled. "If its destined, then it will happen no matter what I do," he corrected. "And, as Sirius pointed out, we do have seven years." He hesitated before continuing. "Besides, you don't want to be friends with me, trust me on that!" He buried his nose into his book yet again.
"Accio book," Sirius commanded. The book flew from Remus and into Sirius' outstretched hand.
"Give that here!" ordered Remus, getting to his feet.
Sirius lounged back with a grin, flipping through a few pages. He grimaced. "This looks dull," he announced, tossing it back at Remus. "James and I, on the other hand, could not be less dull. I don't care what you think, mate. I want to be your friend and I have an uncanny knack of getting what I want."
Remus picked up his book and shot a pleading look at James. "He's right, you know," James grinned.
Resignated, Remus sat down. A smile quivered on his lips. "All right," he sighed. "I'll give you a try, I suppose."
"Good," grinned Sirius. "All you need to know about me is I'm annoyingly charming and I have a way of making everyone fall in love with me. All you need to know about James, is he's a Mama's Boy."
James shot a sickly sweet smile at Sirius. "You forgot to tell him you have an ego the size of Buckingham Place." Sirius managed to look affronted and Remus actually laughed. He couldn't help but laugh around Sirius and James. And who knew...maybe James was right and they were 'destined' to be best mates?
Remus smiled wistfully at the happy memory. He began sketching Sirius as he remembered him lounging on the train bench and laughing, his blue eyes sparkling at a joke only he knew. That was the real Sirius...the Sirius before Azkaban.
Remus sat all morning, completely involved with his work. The sun began to heat up, and soon his throat was screaming for cold liquid. Finally, he laid down his pencil and ventured inside to find a bottle of water. He was just reaching into the icebox for one when he heard a sound that made him freeze.
"Hey, Remus," Hermione smiled, stepping in from the living room. "How are you?"
Remus jolted up and closed the refridgerator. He stared at Hermione hungrily. How long since he had embraced her, heard her voice? No, he had to be strong. He couldn't let her win this easily. She had to go back to Black Manor. She stepped into the kitchen, looking uncertain. "Hello, Hermione," he said, voice breaking.
"Listen," she began. "I know you don't want to see me, but I left a book here. I didn't think you would mind if I just-"
Suddenly he broke and rushed towards her. Before he could regain control, he wrapped his arms around her and picked her up, swinging her around. "Merlin, I missed you!" he exclaimed, burying his face into her bushy hair. Her tears were splashing on his face and she clutched at him with as much ferocity as he was holding her. He put her down, but didn't let her go. He didn't know how long he stood there, rocking back and forth, just revealing in her.
"I missed you too," she whispered. "But, Remus, why did you write that awful letter?"
"I'm so sorry," he apologised. "If I could take it back I would. I just knew if I got many more letters of yours, I'd break down and bring you home."
"So, what does this mean?" asked Hermione. "Did you break down, Remus?"
"Yes," he answered truthfully. "You should never have come here. But, 'Mione, please don't ask. Please don't ask that question."
"I'm sorry, Remus," she said warmly. "I can't stay miserable without you for the rest of my life. Please...can I come home?"
Remus thought his heart would burst with joy and he pressed her even closer to him. "Of course, Hermione," he agreed. "Merlin knows I wish you had never left her."
Hermione let out a joyful whoop, then blushed as soon as it left her lips. "I didn't think it was possible to be this happy," she marvelled.
"If you're feeling even half as happy as I am, then I know exactly what you mean," Remus laughed. "Come on...I have some paintings I've been doing. I want you to see them and tell me what you-"
A fierce, abrupt knock rang out on the door. "Who could that be?" Remus wondered aloud. He ventured out into the hall, greeting the mirror, who laughed happily to see Hermione.
"Wonderful to see you, darling!" she greeted. "And, if I might be so bold- Remus hasn't looked half as well as he did when you were here ever since you left. Are you coming home to stay?"
"Yes," Hermione answered. "Yes, I am!"
"Simply peachy, darling!" crowed the mirror exuberantly.
Remus laughed and then opened the door. A witch and a wizard stood on the front steps. They were both dressed in the standard Auror uniform- tight bootcut black pants with a black tunic that had two rows of buttons off to the left side of their jacket over a loose white shirt. There feet were encased in knee-high boots. Both held their wands at the ready. "Good afternoon," greeted Remus jovially, suspecting they were from the Order. The woman was darkly pretty with short black hair and cool grey eyes. She was short, coming only to Remus' chest, but looked quite muscular. The man was rather unremarkable, with salt and pepper hair and icy blue eyes. He was of average height and build. Both of their faces were rather grim. "What can I do for you, sir, ma'am?"
"Are you Mister RJ Lupin?" inquired the woman. Remus nodded. She shook his hand. "My name is Elizabeth Markle and this is my partner, Daniel Petersberg. We're both Aurors, of the Community Patrol division. In case you are unaware of it, that means we make sure the streets are safe and whatnot. Could we come in?"
"Of course, of course," Remus agreed, worried that they might be there to warn him of Death Eaters on the lose nearby. He ushered them into the kitchen. "Please, sit down. This is my goddaughter, Hermione Granger. Would you like anything to eat? Perhaps a cool drink? Those uniforms don't look exactly breathable."
"No, we're both fine," Markle said briskly, taking a seat beside Petersberg. Hermione sat on her right and Remus took the last chair between Petersberg and Hermione. "There's no easy way to go about this," she continued. "Believe me, sir, no one regrets that this is my duty more than I."
Remus felt a nagging sensation in the back of his mind. "Why don't you just tell me?" he suggested. "Then we can figure out what to do." Did they know about Sirius somehow? Was he to be arrested for harbouring a dead ex-convict?
"Its a nasty business, Mr. Lupin," announced Petersbergl, speaking for the first time. "The Minister has always been a prejudiced bastard, but this is ridiculous. Would we be right in assuming you are, in fact, a werewolf?"
Remus blinked, completely caught of guard. "Yes," he replied slowly. "Yes, thats right. But, I assure you, I am registered under the Ministry and I take Wolfsbane potion every full moon." He decided not to mention the disaster two years ago or the even larger disater last month.
"Yes, we know," broke in Markle. "You may not be aware of the new declaration, being so cut off from wizarding soceity. You'd better take a look at this." She handed him a piece of creamy parchment. Curious, Remus took it. Hermione peered over his shoulder and together they read.
Remus stared aghast at the declaration, feeling his hopes being casually ripped to shreds. It was all very official, he could see. Fudge had signed it, as well as the Head of Control of Magical Creatures and the Deputy Minister. The official seal of the Minister was placed clearly at the head of the document.
"I'm very sorry, Mr. Lupin," Markle said, sympathy seeping into her hard voice. "Like Mr. Petersberg said...its a nasty business. If its any consolation, it appears as though it will not be for very long. Albus Dumbledore is quite vehmently fighting the degree and he has quite a lot of support. Better to come quietly and be released soon."
"Yes," nodded Remus, knowing there was nothing he could. "Yes, of course. I'll come."
"NO!" screamed Hermione. "No! Are you mad? You can't go! Please, officers, please don't take him." Remus stood and offered his hands to the Aurors.
"I'll come quietly," he agreed.
"Remus, no," Hermione cried, tears streaming unchecked down her face. Markle stotically handcuffed him, looking as though she herself was fighting back tears. Hermione threw her arms around Remus. He struggled to embrace her. He memorised her feel and her smell, taking strength from it. "No, you can't do this! I just got you back, I don't want to lose you again!"
"Listen, Hermione," he said, twisting to set her free again. He brushed her tears away with his cuffed hands. "I'll only be gone for a little while. Dumbledore won't let Fudge keep on like this. You heard what Elizabeth said. No one is agreeing with him. I'll be back soon." Hermione was shaking.
"Goodbye," he whispered, standing up again. Markle lead the way out, Petersberg following as was customary with his wand poking into the small of Remus' back. Remus' head was spinning and the only thing he could hear was the sound of Hermione's dry sobs.
He peacefully allowed Markle to help him into the nonconspicious van they had parked into the drive. Just before the door shut him in, Hermione came running out of the house. Her tears were still staining her beautiful face, but her eyes were glittering fiercely. "I'll get out you!" she promised. "I love you, Dad."
His heart broke and filled with love at the same time. "I love you, 'Mione!" he shouted back. Then the door slammed, locking him into the van. Petersberg and Markle climbed into the front and they pulled out of the drive way, taking him away from his daughter.
Amara Vector frowned as she listened to the wireless across from Severus Snape. They had both been called back to the Black Manor for the monthly meeting- taking place in two days.
'And in other news, many werewolves across the country have been going missing. The Ministry is looking into it, but so far, there has been no trace of any of the werewolves. We'll keep you updated as soon as we learn anything new. If you are a werewolf who can either explain the disapperances or would like protection of the Ministry, please owl Nathan Groban or Harriet Tucker.'
Harry Potter and Ron Weasley walked into the kitchen. They had their heads together and Harry was explaining something to Ron. They both looked rather excited and downright secretive. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley," she called out, the teacher in her reacting to their faces. "Where is Miss. Granger?"
Both of their faces took on a look of innocence that did not look natural on them at all. "I don't know, Professor Vector," shrugged Ron. "Haven't seen her all day, come to think of it. She's probably out reading somewhere."
"Potter, Weasley!" snapped Severus, obviously having noticed their suspiciousness. "Out with it. Where is she?"
Giving up in the face of their Potion Master's wrath, the boys looked quite resigned. "She's at Remus Lupin's," Harry sighed, obviously not impressed that he was still under the supervision of his teachers during the summer holidays. "She forgot a book there and went to fetch it. She also wanted to talk to Remus. Just stay out of it, please. Let them sort this whole business out."
"I have no intention of interrupting them," Amara answered coolly. She was secretly happy however. If Hermione was off visiting Remus, then he couldn't be one of the missing werewolves. Severus' face showed similiar relief.
"Go-" Harry was interrupted by the sight of Hermione stumbling into Black Manor. She was a mess. Her hair was tangled and tears stained her cheeks. She was sobbing heavily.
"Hermione!" cried Ron, dashing over to embrace her. "Whats wrong with you? What did Lupin say to you thats got you like this?"
"They took him!" she wailed. "The Ministry came and took him. They said they were putting all the werewolves on reserves at Fudge's orders."
Snape and Amara exchanged startled looks. Showna Applegate, who had just entered the kitchen, had apparently heard the news as well. She frowned worriedly. "Something smells fishy about this."
"I agree," Minerva McGonagall concured, coming in behind her. "I think this calls for a trip to the Ministry of Magic. I want to speak to Albus."
Hermione paced anxiously outside the waiting room. Harry and Ron were sitting down, looks of equal worry painting their faces. They had been at the Ministry for almost a full hour. Shortly after their arrival, McGonagall, Vector and Snape had been admitted to see Dumbledore, who was closeted with the Minister. For at least forty-five minutes, Showna, Hermione, Ron and Harry had been left to their own devices.
"Whats taking so long?" Hermione demanded. "How long can it possibly take for Dumbledore to order Fudge to release Remus?"
"Its not that simple, Hermione," explained Harry. "From the sounds of it, it was an official declaration. Its going to take some time to counter-act and reverse it. This isn't just about Remus- its about werewolves everywhere!"
Showna glanced appraisingly at Harry. "Potter is right," Showna said. "Not only does Dumbledore have to convince Fudge, then there will be a mess of paperwork. Even if Dumbledore does convince him today, which I doubt, Remus will probably be on the reserve for at least a week."
"And thats if Dumbledore convinces him today," Ron spoke up. "It took him a year to convince Fudge that You-Know-Who was back and then Fudge only believed because he saw You-Know-Who with his own eyes. This could take literally forever."
"Maybe not forever," Harry said hastily. "I've only seen Dumbledore that angry twice and then things got done." Harry was right, Hermione thought. Dumbledore had been furious. She was quite sure Fudge's secretary would never recover from the fright he had gotten when Albus Dumbledore burst into his office and demanded to speak to Fudge. Hermione strongly suspected the secretary thought Dumbledore want to kill Fudge. Hermione could almost hope he did.
"Well, you can't blame me for wanting to hear something," she huffed.
"Of couse no one blames you," Showna assured her. "We all want to hear something. This waiting is insufferable. I think-"
But they never got to hear what Showna thought. At that moment Severus Snape, Amara Vector, Minerva McGonagall, Albus Dumbledore and the Minister of Magic himself entered the waiting room. Snape looked floored, while Vector and McGonagall looked frightened. Dumbledore was still livid, while Fudge looked entirely befuddled. 'He really is a pathetic excuse for a Minister,' Hermione couldn't help but observe. Still, it looked as though he was entirely convinced. She should have had more faith in Dumbledore. Something was going to get done.
"Granger," Snape said coldly. "Perhaps you had better sit down. This might come as a shock." Obediently, Hermione sat down, vaguely wondering what she was about to be told. Ron and Harry were leaning forward in anticipation, while Showna was exchanging glances with Amara, frowning worriedly.
Taking a deep breath, Dumbledore sat down beside Hermione. He patted her arm assuredly. "Now, I don't want you to worry, Miss Granger, but..." He hesitated as though unsure what to say afterwards.
Fudge butted in. "If you're not going to tell them, Dumbledore, I will," he offered. He looked as angry as Dumbledore had. "I never signed that document, those were not Aurors and that declaration is a load of poppy cock!"
Hermione fainted.
Author's Notes
So, how many of you are going to attack me? **ducks**
Maggie: Did you make a spelling mistake or do you really hate Remus? I hope you meant 'I hope Remus doesn't give up everything.' Sorry, that confused me for a while. Anyways, thanks for the review and I'm glad you like!
Rykatu*L: You like the dreams? Good, I was a little unsure of them. Thanks for the review!
MandaB: Glad you like! I updated the next day- is that quick enough? lol. What is it with my reviewers and staying up until all hours of the night? Ooh- have fun at the highschool orientation though. They're not joking when they say it'll be the best days of your life. Thanks for the review!
cosmo-queen: Kudos to my 100th reviewer! **hands her a Massage Me Remus plushie doll** Here, knock yourself out. lol
Jessica-Black5: Thank you. The reason for that would be, the author has no life.
October Spirit Oh my gawd (sorry, I had to do that. I think I did that to another reviewer...was it you? lol) Hahaha...sorry, your fic example made me laugh. I gotta find me one of those ;) I can just see it. Hermione wakes up Hmm, there's my naked DADA Professor laying with his arms around me. Hmm...I'm naked too and we're in his bed. Now, whats the logical explanation? I think Hermione and Remus are both too mature for their own good. lol. Thanks for your review and I'm glad you're liking it!
Sparky: She left...then she came back...then he left...the end. khfslhjsk. lol...thats okay...comprehensible reviews are no fun! Glad you're liking it!
padfoot1979: 'Cause I'm smarter than Warner Bros. **nods firmly, then trips down the stairs. Jumps back up again** Anywho...lol...no, I can't tell you, cause then I'd have to kill you- lol. Thanks for your review!
Crazych99: WHAT IS IT WITH MY CRAZY INSOMNIAC REVIEWERS?!?! ....anyways, thanks for the review!
InkFairy: Isn't bloody hell the greatest saying in the world...I think it is. **snorts** Oh, she does something very drastic. Will I tell you what...no. lol. Sorry about the length of update time, by the way. I was right in the middle of the huge power outage, so it got delayed. I had chapter 7 written up on Friday and then things went screwy. I am completely freaked by your long review. **runs away screaming 'Thanks for the review though!!!***
QTpie-pippinsgurl: Yech...David Thewlis is iccy...**runs around holding up a sign declaring 'Sean Bean for Remus** Anyways, thanks for your review. Not to sound like your mother or anything but- GO TO BED, CRAZY INSOMNIAC REVIWER. You're not too bad though. I had one person read it all night...they were still up at 6 in the morning.
Sayra Louise: Remus will be on himself....forever. Or not...I don't know. Thanks for your review and I'm glad you're liking it.
padfootsgurl4eva: Yea...now that I think about, Remus is a bit thick, actually. Thanks for the review!
Don't u remember me? No, I'm afraid I don't remember you. I'm sure I would....lol. So, you're another of those...CRAZY INSOMNIAC REVIWERS, are you? Don't worry about the gay bit...I only have like six gay friends. But, maybe you should tone it down just a bit. Some people might be offended and I don't want my review board to become a war zone! Thanks for the review though!