Disclaimer: Not mine!
Home Again
Soon all three adults were standing in the middle of Professor Irving's room. Hermione took one look at Remus before the two broke into childish grins complete with a bear hug. For a moment they entirely forgot about the older mage.
"Oh, George!" Hermione said remembering the old man.
The three decided to take a small visit to Dumbledore. When they finally reached the Gargoyle, they found a very frantic looking Headmaster.
"Albus?" Remus said.
Dumbledore didn't even look up. "Do you know how long it's been since I taught Remus? And with all this lesson planning, I can't fulfill the rest of my responsibilities."
Hermione looked at Remus, "He?"
"Yeah, you didn't think we'd leave your classes with no teacher?"
"No, I…never mind"
Dumbledore looked up at the sound of Hermione's voice, and upon physically seeing the girl jumped up and ran to her enveloping her in a hug that pulled her off the floor with much more strength and vigor than one would usually attribute to an old man.
"Hermione! Great to see you! I daresay I couldn't cover you classes one moment longer. But next time you decide to take time off, I would appreciate it if you notified me next time."
"Well actually…" Hermione began unsure of how to proceed. But Remus helped her-
"She didn't decide to take time off, she was tricked."
The two began to relay their story to an unreadable Dumbledore. However, when they got to the point where George came in, he raised his eyebrows, a bemused expression on his face. After hearing the whole story, he realized he would now have to be covering History of Magic class now.
"Well," he began, "I believe we need to find somewhere for George," he smiled, "to stay." He dismissed Hermione and Remus and they left fully grateful for the time alone. Both mages watched them go. Dumbledore spoke first.
"So, George is it?"
George turned around "Well you can never be too careful! You know you're not as easy to fool as those youngins.
Remus lay in his room as the sun went down; Hermione's head resting on his bare chest. Holding her in his arms he played with the idea of never letting her go again. Once again he was whole, complete; he knew the greater half of his existence rested within this angelic creature that lay beside him sleeping peacefully.
Gently, Remus lifted his head and kissed her curly. At the contact, the sleeping girl nestled up to him unconsciously. He held her tighter, almost afraid to let go; he had almost lost her and he wanted to make sure that could never happen again.
Remus tried to put together the best plan in his mind. Picnic? No that was too cheesy, besides he wanted to do this in the evening; it just seemed right that way. Fancy dinner in Hogsmede? No, that was too cliché. He had always been quite awkward around girls and this would be a horrible time for that to shine through.
He needed advise but as far as he could tell, no one he knew had ever been in this situation before. But wait! He had almost forgot- yes that was perfect! Tomorrow he would talk to George.
Remus relaxed deeper into his pillow allowing sweat dreams to fill his unconscious.
Shawn Irving rolled over; he couldn't remember where he was but one thing was for sure: where ever he had slept was certainly hard and uncomfortable. With very painful movements, he began to lift himself off the floor. Why did he feel as if he had been attacked by an entire heard of hippogriffs?
Every part of Irving screamed as he attempted to make his way down the rickety old stairs. He definitely had never seen these rooms before and he had no recollection of getting here. The hall swirled around him as he made his way slowly and not exactly sure towards a door at the end. With great effort he pushed the door open.
"RAAAWWWWWOOOOWWW!"
Suddenly something sharp and hairy landed on his face! Fighting to free himself of this fuzzy fiend, Irving struggled backwards until his waist slammed into something hard.
Upon the impact, the fluffy aggressor leapt off Irving's face and onto the floor and he watched the incensed cat scurry across the floor of what appeared to be a kitchen…. A very familiar kitchen.
The pain in his head depleted as his bearings came back. He was…quickly he grabbed at his neck-
NOOOOOOOOOO!
Trapped! Trapped like a rat! Forever! I'm stuck! I- Irving remembered one rather important fact. He began patting all his pockets until at last he found it-
Irving removed a long stick from his inside cloak pocket holding it up in the air and then kissing it. He would not be stuck for long.
The sun began to drift in through the window and fell across Hermione's face waking her from the beautiful dream she was having. As she stretched she smiled up at the vivacious sun. "Haven't seen you in a while Old Friend!"
When Hermione sat up, she realized she was alone and began to wonder where Remus might have gotten to. It didn't take long to find out; there was a flower in a vase on the night stand along with a note.
Hermione,
You looked so beautiful as you slept that I had not the heart to wake you. I do hope that you will forgive my absence this morning but I had matters that needed tending to. I hopefully will be done before this evening, and I do so desire that you will dine with me this evening. I await you company.
Forever yours,
Love,
Remus
Hermione smiled and hugged the letter to her breast; the mere thought of Remus made everything around her stop. She longed to hold him to her and never let him go.
Sighing, she flopped back on the bed letting her arms fall straight out besides her. A feeling filled her and threatened to pour out and spill every where; it was the ecstasy that is called love.
Hermione cleaned up and dressed and walked down stairs to the Great Hall where only a few teachers still remained; however she was only half there in mind. She was frolicking down the halls to the sweet melodies of music that only she could hear.
Walking around the teacher's table, she bid good morning to all her collogues.
"Morning Minerva!" Hermione sang as she both hugged and kissed Minerva McGonagall on the cheek.
"Hello Headmaster!" who also received a morning hug a friendly kiss.
Why, she even went as far as to greet Severus in the same manner before grabbing a croissant and floating out of the hall.
"What's wrong with her?" the black haired professor asked indignantly when Hermione had left the room.
"I do believe she is afflicted," offered Dumbledore.
"Yeah! But with what?" snapped back a rather perplexed Snape.
Minerva sighed, "Love."
Remus knocked three times on the door which the head master had told him belonged to George. The old man opened the door and Remus was almost astonished to see him wearing normal wizarding robes now. The change was so great that Remus thought the old mage looked so much more dignified now, and strangely even more familiar. The mannerisms about him seemed also to change as he appeared to regained most of his missing sanity. Remus supposed that centuries alone in an uncooperative snow globe would make anyone more than slightly frazzled.
He entered the room nervously as he was slightly unsure of how to begin.
"Well you see…well what I really wanted…I was wondering if you...well no, how did you…or err…"
"You want my advice on how you should propose to Hermione."
"How did you…" began a very astonished werewolf.
"After centuries in a snow globe, I have found that the signs of true love are just as they always were." The old man smiled at Remus who weakly smiled back.
"The truth is that she loves you and you love her. The way you propose to her will have no effect on her answer. Just say what is in your heart and be honest. I'm sure, after having become acquainted with the girl, that you will find her much in favor of removing the falsities that go with the idealized proposal. Be true to you heart and nothing else matters."
Remus smiled and hugged the old man in a grateful manner; he knew exactly what to do.
"Remus! Where are we going?" Hermione asked.
"Nope! It's a surprise!"
"But I-" her speech was cut short as Remus began to tickle her sides.
"Almost there," he whispered.
Finally they came to an old classroom on the first floor. Remus pushed the door open to reveal a lovely set dinner for two. Grabbing Hermione's hand and pulling her inside he said, "I wanted to do something special for you, and I know how much you like my cooking."
Hermione stood on her toes and gave him a soft peck on the lips.
"Does this mean you like it?"
Hermione nodded as he leaned forward and nuzzled her nose. Always the gentleman, Remus helped Hermione with her chair before seating himself and starting to his own dinner.
After dinner, the two began to walk around the lake in the moonlight holding hands and enjoying each other's company. On the other side of the lake there was a sandy bank. Remus and Hermione both removed their shoes and sat down on the sand and watched the reflection of the moon and clouds as they reclined back on the sand. Remus looked at the brunette beside him, and sighed; everything seemed so perfect.
"Hmmm?" Hermione asked in response to his sigh.
He looked at the girl and put his arms around her waist nuzzling her cheek. "I never want to let you go ever!" Hermione snuggled up to him more resting her head on his chest. Remus kissed her head and then pulled away. When he sat up he reached his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
"Hermione, will you marry me?"
It took her a moment to process his words before she jumped on him knocking them both down in the sand. "Yes! Yes!"
"Yes?" Remus asked to make sure he heard right and Hermione nodded. "Yes!" He pulled her close again kissing her tenderly.
They broke apart but their foreheads were still touching as both laughed.
"I love you Hermione Granger!"
"I love you too Remus Lupin!"
"Master, I have just received a message."
"Go on Wormtail."
"It is from Irving, sir. He says that he has been trapped in the snow globe by friends of Dumbledore."
"Dumbledore?"
"Yes master."
"Perhaps it is time to pay a small visit to Hogwarts."
Both men laughed maliciously.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Okay there is only one chapter left!! Yay!! Were almost done! It will be a long, long chapter though. I will have fun writing it. I have a great idea, and a twist that I don't think you are expecting. Ne who, hope you enjoyed this one guys! Have fun and Review!
~Atiannala