WendyNat
Chapter 5
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Hermione put her bags down with a grateful sigh, looking around the well-appointed hotel room with a smile. It never failed to amuse her how magical accommodations differed from their muggle counterparts. There was a bed, wardrobe, small couch, dinette, and bathroom, but that was where the similarities ended. And, even those similarities only extended so far. Upon opening the door of the outwardly small wardrobe, she suspected she would find a large walk-in-closet with numerous shelves that would happily adjust themselves with a word or two. The bathroom would also, no doubt, have some surprises.
Indeed, when she investigated the bathroom she was delighted at what she found. Extending far beyond where the outer wall should have been according to her above-average spatial reasoning skills, the bathroom was quite elaborate – reminding her of the prefects' bathroom back at Hogwarts. Hmmm – I ought to try that out, she thought, eyeing the huge tub with its multitude of faucets. There were also some strange little knobs on the other side of the tub that tickled her curiosity.
Anxious to take a swim in that lovely bath, she returned to the main room and quickly unpacked. Opening the wardrobe door, she confirmed her original suspicion. It was huge, with plenty of room for the weeks' worth of clothing that she had brought. Once she was finished organizing the wardrobe, she made her way back to the bathroom and turned on a few of the faucets, finally settling on a honeysuckle/vanilla mixture.
Sinking beneath the bubbles, she let out an extremely satisfied sigh, and turned to the strange knobs at her side. She twisted one of them, and a wonderful pattern of jets started to massage her back and legs. "Ahhhh," she murmured, "I really must talk Viktor into getting one of these tubs for the house!" Between their current jobs and Viktor's savings from his prior pro Quidditch career they had plenty of galleons available, but Viktor was not in favor of spending large sums on what he deemed luxury purchases. Though his definition of luxury purchases certainly seemed to change depending on his current mood. She recalled with a grin the argument they had had a few months before when she had mentioned – quite pleasantly, she thought – that since he was now working as a member of the International Sports Council and not as a Quidditch professional she really didn't think a new Solarus 4000 broomstick qualified as a necessity purchase.
Running her hands absently across the bubbles, she admitted silently that she was relieved his work with the ISC had prevented him from accompanying her. She was quite sure he had been relieved, also, that the planning meetings for next year's Quidditch season were scheduled at the same time as the European Potions Conference. While she thought he would have enjoyed being with her in Paris, the actual Conference would have bored him after the first two days, if not before then. Not for the first time, she wished that he shared her passion for the mysteries of potion making. Even Susan showed more enthusiasm for her favorite subject than Viktor. And Severus…
Stop it, Hermione, she reprimanded herself. She really didn't want to think about him right now, although Susan's parting reminder rang in her ears, unbidden: Take this chance to talk to him, Hermione. He probably needs closure as much as you do. She snorted. Frowning, she thought, Sure. He seemed to get the closure he needed already. I just can't believe he found his closure so soon after I left, and I really can't believe he chose to get his closure with…
A knocking on the door interrupted her contemplations. Cursing slightly, she quickly stepped out of the bath and murmured a drying charm. The knock sounded again. "Just a minute!" she called out, struggling into her robes. With a final curse under her breath, she wrenched the door open and felt her irritation instantly vanish.
"Remus!"
~~~~~~~
A short while later, Hermione sat on the couch, laughing uncontrollably. "Oooooh, I wish I could have seen Fudge's face! It must have been great!"
Remus chuckled, "I admit it was one of the happier moments in my life, in more ways than one." Pouring himself another cup of tea, he lifted the teapot to her with a questioning look. Seeing her shake her head, he returned to the couch and continued, "I daresay I've never seen Severus quite that happy before, either." He took a sip of his tea, and gave her an innocent look. "Well, except for right after your seventh year, of course."
"Right after my seventh yea…" she began, and stopped, surprised. "What-"
Remus put his hand over hers comfortingly. "Relax. You were both quite discreet, I assure you. But I'd known both of you long enough to sense that something was up, and with my werewolf-enhanced sense of smell… well, let's just say I could easily guess what was making Severus more enjoyable to be around." Hermione blushed scarlet, and Remus quickly assured her, "It wasn't only that. You two were obviously well matched – you could actually put up with his moods, he respected your intelligence, he even admitted that he enjoyed your company. That's not something I've heard Severus say often… well, actually, you were the only one I've ever heard him say that about. You two got along quite well, and there seemed to be a… connection… between you. And then when you left so suddenly, weeks before the spring term began at LWU – Hermione, all the Order members had heard the reports concerning Voldemort's plan. I wasn't the only one who put two and two together."
"I loved him. With all my being," Hermione whispered, staring at her hands. Remus' hand still lay over one of hers. He squeezed it gently.
"He loved you, too. In fact…" Remus looked hesitant to continue. At the unspoken urging in her eyes, he took a breath. "Well, I believe he still loves you."
Taking her hand back, she stood and began pacing. "Remus, I seriously doubt that. Seriously. Harry told me he found a replacement rather quickly – if he loved me as much as you say, why would he have been with someone else not even a month after I left?"
Remus sat for a moment, stunned. How did Harry find out…
"Well, Remus?"
Finally finding his voice, he frowned as he said, "Harry told you? How would he have known…"
She whirled to face him. "Remember his Invisibility Cloak? He used to put it on and wander around the Headquarters when he wanted to be left alone. He saw them." Tears burned in her eyes. "It's not just what he saw, though Merlin knows that was bad enough… but he heard Severus tell her that he loved her. That he loved her. Not a month after I was gone, and he was in love with someone else? And you want to sit there and tell me he still loves me? Sorry, Remus, but I can't buy that. Sometimes… I even wonder if he ever did love me."
Remus stood and walked over to her, gripping her arms. "Hermione, listen to me. He did love you, never doubt that. That thing with Tonks… it's not what you think. Trust me."
Hermione smiled up at Remus, suddenly amused. "It's not what I think? Oh, come on, Remus – you can think up a better line than that!"
He did not return her smile. In a serious tone, he declared, "It is not what you think. Harry didn't know about… Listen, you have to believe me on this, Hermione."
"Why? What didn't Harry know about? How could what he saw be anything other than what I'm thinking?"
Remus sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "I would like to tell you, but… it's really not my place to say, Hermione. I suggest you talk to Severus about it." Looking her in the eye, he continued, "It's obviously still affecting you. I know you're married, and happy with Viktor-" He shot her a questioning look when she snorted, but she waved him to continue, "Well, anyway, you should know the truth. I'm just not the one to give it to you. You should talk to Severus."
Hermione's mouth twisted. "I've been getting that advice a lot lately. The trick is getting an opportunity to speak with him. And I'm not really sure I'd want to – it really hurt, Remus. Even though Harry didn't tell me until much later… it still hurt. I know it's been years… but, it's hard to open those wounds again."
"I understand. But… it really isn't what you think, okay?" Smiling at her expression, he quickly added, "I've said that a lot, I know. Talk to him. There will be ample opportunity this week to have a conversation with him. I know you've looked at the schedule – there are plenty of open times between presentations, and almost every evening is free. And unless I'm dreadfully mistaken, I doubt either of you are interested in attending the Italian Ministry's presentation on glamour potions on Tuesday."
She gave an affirmative snort. "Won't he be returning to Hogwarts in the evenings, though? He never seemed like the eager conventioneer type, and I doubt that's changed, has it?"
Remus chuckled, "You're right about that. He almost hit the roof when Albus ordered him to stay the entire week and enjoy himself. 'See the city, meet interesting people' are his instructions." Remus laughed again, and then realized something. "Viktor didn't accompany you?"
Hermione shook her head, smiling. "No, he tries to avoid these things as much as possible. Kind of like me and Quidditch. This time he actually had a real excuse – the ISC is having planning meetings for next year's season – he'll be in Sevilla for the next two weeks." Seeing his confused look, she rolled her eyes. "Sevilla, Spain. Goodness, Remus, don't you ever get out of Great Britain?"
"Well, I did come to Paris, didn't I?" he grinned. "Actually, my work for the Order generally keeps me either around home or, on occasion, in the States."
"A London Werewolf in America?" she quipped.
"Hmmm," Remus said with a slight smile, "This may surprise you, but I actually did see that movie. Muggles have some interesting ideas about werewolves." Glancing at his watch, he continued, "Well, I'd better get back to my room and get settled in. We're on first thing tomorrow, so I need my beauty rest."
Hermione nodded. "I'm looking forward to you guys' presentation. And…"
Remus prompted, "Yes?"
"I'm glad you came by. I'm glad you knew about us, back then. This may sound stupid- I'm married, and it's been years besides…but…this week… it's not going to be easy. I haven't talked to him in years, haven't even really seen him… I may need some moral support, if you don't mind."
Remus gave her a quick hug. "Lean on me all you need to, dear."
Grateful, she hugged him back. "Thanks, Remus."
~~~~~~~
The next morning, Hermione woke early. Taking more time than usual to get ready, she tried to convince herself that she simply wanted to look her best for the sake of the Ministry's reputation. When she chose the dark green robe that set off her eyes and clung tastefully to her curves, she tried to convince herself that she simply wanted to prove that not all Potions Masters were male or frumpy. When she chose to put on what had been his favorite perfume, she gave up trying to convince herself of anything.
She had spent the night dreaming of him. Again. Last night, however, her dreams had centered on the happy times rather than the painful separation. These dreams, in some ways, were even more difficult to deal with. She had woken with an intense longing for him that had not yet abated. That, combined with her basic nervousness at seeing him again, was causing her stomach to roil with nausea. Knowing that she needed to make an early appearance in the lecture hall to get a good seat, she shuffled through the bottles on the bathroom counter and found a stomach-calming potion.
Wondering a bit at her nervousness, she sat on the couch to wait for the potion to take effect. I doubt anyone would believe that I'm nervous about seeing him, she thought. With a small grin, she recalled a conversation she had had with Harry shortly after he found out about her relationship with Severus.
~*~*
"Why… how… what do you see in him, Hermione? He's unpleasant –""Confident."
"He's got a hooked nose-"
"Aristocratic."
"That pale skin-"
"Dramatic."
"Beady eyes-"
"Intense."
"Sneering voice-"
"Sexy."
"Sharp tongue-"
"Mmmm."
Harry stopped, looking a bit squicked. Laughing, he raised his hands in defeat. "Okay, okay, I give up. Does he treat you well?"
"Yes."
"Does he make you happy?"
"Very."
"Then I'm happy for you. Go ahead, shag that hook-nosed, pale, beady-eyed, sharp-tongued-"
"Harry! If you don't quit it, I'll give you full details of just how well he uses that sharp tongue-"
"Argh! I'm quitting, I'm quitting!"
~*~*
As Hermione entered the lecture hall, she was startled to see that they room was almost completely full. Scanning the room, she finally saw Hestia sitting close to the front, saving her a seat.
"I hope the French Minister doesn't speak too long," Hestia leaned over to whisper in Hermione's ear. "He's definitely not the reason I'm sitting in this uncomfortable chair!"
Hermione nodded, agreeing completely. "I spoke with Remus last night, he looks great. I'm glad Sev- um, Professor Snape- asked him to come for the question and answer session. After that scandal at Hogwarts my third year he's one of Europe's most famous werewolves."
Hestia didn't miss Hermione's slip, but let it pass without comment. Remus was correct when he'd said that he wasn't the only one to put two and two together- and even if she had been blind to the situation, Tonks would have filled her in. They had been close friends for years. With a leering grin, she whispered to Hermione, "Yes, he certainly does look great."
Hermione gave her a surprised look, and smiled. So that's how it is, hmm? They'd be good together. Her attention was distracted by the commotion as the French Minister made his way to the podium.
When he began speaking, Hermione recognized the special form of the Sonorus charm that he used. Viktor had been very excited when it was developed – he had always hated attending Quidditch matches when the announcer didn't speak a language he knew. Her mind drifting from what the Minister was saying, she wondered how Viktor's meetings were going. They'd agreed not to contact each other during business hours this week unless there was an emergency of some sort. She had spoken to him briefly the night before, but his meetings didn't begin until today.
Thoughts of her husband fled her mind when she saw the next speaker making his way to the podium. She had missed the introduction, but her attention was now completely on the figure gracefully mounting the steps of the lecture stage. When he turned, his eyes met hers, and she felt a spark of excitement deep in her stomach that Viktor had never been able to produce.
Severus.
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Author's Notes:
Thanks to everyone for the reviews! Some individual responses:
Andrian – Thanks – I always thought that with everyone coming through the Leaky Cauldron so often on their way to Diagon Alley, Tom would know quite a lot of interesting stories about the people in HP world. (Like Madam Malkin :) )
Michelline & Hpgirl – More conference coming… it lasts a week, so there will likely be a few chapters.
PinkChubbyMonkey & Deb– Hope this chapter answers your questions! Now, the explanation of the Tonks situation is coming up – we'll see if Hermione buys it. I haven't decided if it'll be next chapter or the following one. Enough reviews begging may help me decide :).
Electryone – Thanks! I find that I like developing personalities for minor characters… it may just be laziness on my part – no one can accuse me of them being OOC! ;)
Stolen-Simplicity & KittyKat– Thanks!
Anyone who's wondering what/where WIKTT is – see my author's page for the link.
Chapter 6 should be up by tomorrow evening, I've got these two days off from work – yippee!