DanielsGirl4eva: Thanks for the reviews and the compliments! I'm glad that I'm attracting new readers, not that I don't love those who have been with me since the beginning. I hope cliffies don't bother you too much, because there will be more ;)… As for the fate of Remus, check the note at the end of the chapter.
Nuts: Anytime. The reason why I didn't explain what a Beithir is in the chapter was because Remus would have known what one was, being a past DADA teacher. I thought that it would interrupt the flow of the story if I took time out to explain it. Next time I'll post a definition of any unusual beast or nasty that pops up. (Side note: I use nasty as a noun a lot. You might also hear big ugly. One of my linguistic quirks)
Amber Potter: Glad you are enjoying the story!
A little bit of a longer chapter, I hope that doesn't upset anyone.
~*~
The Book of Carmen:
Chapter VII: Christmas Eve
~*~
Harry paced around the Gryffindor common room, constantly looking at the clock as if every look would hasten Ron's return from wherever it was that he went. Harry chided himself for agreeing to lend the invisibility cloak to Ron. Harry glanced at the clock again and exhaled heavily to vent his frustration.
"See you after Christmas," Neville said wheeling his luggage across the common room with Trevor sitting on top of a large suitcase.
"Where's Ron?" Neville asked, looking around the room.
Harry shrugged, "I don't know."
"Well, when you see him tell him Happy Christmas for me," Neville added and then left the room.
Several other students filed past Harry, intent on leaving all means of school behind for a nice winter break. However, soon the number of students thinned and soon Harry was left alone in the common room once more. Again his eyes strayed to the clock.
"Where's Ron?" Hermione asked coming into the common room.
"I don't know."
Hermione eyed him suspiciously.
"I really don't. He asked if he could borrow my invisibility cloak this morning and that's the last time I saw him."
"Don't tell me that you actually gave it him."
"I did."
"That was incredibly foolish."
"And why was that?" Harry asked defensively.
"Think about it Harry, Ron wanted to borrow your invisibility cloak, but wouldn't tell you why. Doesn't he tell you everything?"
"Well not everything…"
"I believe that you are missing the point. Ron is up to something."
"Actually I had figured that out, Hermione. However, I trust that Ron wouldn't do anything stupid."
Hermione cocked an eyebrow.
"too stupid." Harry corrected.
"What if he gets caught?"
"Ron won't get caught."
"I hope you are right."
"He is," Ron said entering the room and stumbling over to a chair, he looked quite out of breath.
"Where have you been?" Hermione asked.
"I had…I needed…an errand…" Ron wheezed.
"An errand? What kind of errand? You had us worried."
"I wasn't worried," Harry lied.
"Well I was," Hermione said.
Ron looked up at her and smiled, "You were worried?"
"Yes. Is that so hard to believe?" Hermione asked, her voice softening.
Harry took this as his cue to leave, being that he still had to track down Ginny and give her the bracelet. However, he saw that Ron had a large bundle that appeared to be book shaped poorly concealed under his robes. Harry thought he might hang around for another minute or two.
"Just so you know, this errand involved getting your Christmas present," Ron said.
"My Christmas present?" Hermione asked, her curiosity peaked.
Ron nodded and handed over the package, "Sorry I didn't have time to wrap it."
It appeared that Hermione cared very little about presentation, as she viciously tore into the package.
Harry caught his breath as he realized that the package did contain a book, and none other than the one that he and Ron had seen yesterday. Hermione's face matched Harry's surprise.
"Ron, do you know what this is?" Hermione asked, "This is the Magical Maladies book, and it's a first edition. Wherever did you find this?"
"Hogsmeade," Ron said, very obviously avoiding Harry's eyes.
"Hogsmeade? You mean you were just there?" Hermione asked.
Ron nodded.
"A first edition? Wow, Ron. That must have been pretty expensive," Harry said feigning innocence.
"Not very," Ron lied.
"Yes it was!" Hermione exclaimed, eyeing the price tag that still hung from the book.
"I meant to take that off."
"Ron, how did you…afford to buy this?" Hermione asked.
"Precisely what I would like to know," Harry said and then asked quietly, "You didn't steal it did you?"
Ron didn't say anything.
"Ron, I can't accept this, not if you stole it." Hermione said and gave the book back to Ron, "and I suggest that you take it back immediately before anyone misses it."
"No Hermione. It is yours, I got it for you."
"I don't want it," Hermione said.
"Wait a minute!" Ron yelled and stood up abruptly, "You two honestly think that I stole this book? Hermione, I like you…a lot actually…but not enough to go to jail for your Christmas present!"
"Then how did you get it?" Harry asked.
"Well, you remember how old Barney said he was a big Chudley Cannon fan? Well I simply exchanged my Wilbur B. Wilbur autographed card for the book."
"You did what?" Hermione asked.
"Didn't it take you four years to hunt down that card?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, but Hermione really wanted that book. Besides I'm getting a little too old for those cards anyway."
"You traded your card in for my Christmas present?" Hermione asked.
Ron nodded.
Hermione, feeling as if she was going to break down right there, gave Ron a big hug and then ran out of the room.
"What was that about?" Ron asked, "Is she still mad at me? Honestly, I can't win with that girl. I thought she'd like it."
"Don't worry Ron, I think she does."
"Really?"
"Oh yeah," Harry said and then patted his friend on the shoulder, "I'd wager my Firebolt on it."
~*~
Harry was eventually able to track down Ginny and give her the bracelet that he had bought for her. Her face was all smiles when she opened the package, and giggled when he put it around her wrist. He would have liked to have been able to spend more time with her, but she and Ron had to leave. Before she left she kissed Harry on the check and wished him a Happy Christmas.
"I can't believe that I just witnessed that," Ron said from behind Harry.
Harry turned to face Ron, "I'm sorry about earlier."
"What about?"
"For thinking that you stole that book."
"That's alright. If I didn't have anything that I could have bartered with I probably would have."
"Really?"
"No. Honestly Harry, how daft do you think I am?"
"I don't know, let me think about it."
"Trouble seems to find us naturally, I'm not going to go looking for it." Ron replied, adjusting his luggage strap.
"Have a good holiday Ron."
"You too, Harry." Ron said and then followed his sister onto the train. As Harry watched Ron board the Hogwarts train Hermione approached him from behind. He turned when he heard her footsteps.
"I think that you are the last one to leave," he said.
"Are you sure you are going to be okay this year, since no one else is staying?" she asked.
"I'll be fine. Sirius and Selene are coming, remember?"
"Yes, but if you need anything…"
"I know…I know…I'll let you know."
"Don't get into any trouble."
"Me? I'm the picture of innocence."
"Hardly," Hermione smirked.
"Well you better get on the train before you are forced to stay here with me," Harry said.
Hermione nodded and started towards the train. She paused and turned back to Harry, "You wouldn't happen to know…"
"He's in the fourth car," Harry said. Hermione nodded and smiled and walked towards the fourth car.
~*~
The last few days until Christmas were torturous for Harry. He couldn't wait to see Selene and Sirius again. The anticipation of being able to spend time with his family without the threat of Voldemort hanging over their heads was almost too much for Harry to take. On top of that almost no one was left at Hogwarts save himself and a few teachers. It was hard enough being a fifteen-year-old boy who had to wait for Christmas, but harder still not to have anyone or anything to take his mind off of the coming holiday. Even Quidditch currently held no allure for him as he found himself unable to take to the skies above the field again, lest that voice return to taunt him, an experience that Harry was in no hurry to repeat. Soon Harry found his promise to Hermione about staying out of trouble a hard one to keep, as the hours crept slowly away and Harry was forced to find more creative means to occupy himself. Once he had hopped on his broom and flew up one of Hogwarts' long staircases, only to be spotted by Mrs. Norris, who quickly fled to fetch Filch. Luckily Harry was quicker than the cat and was in his room before the feline ever found her master. As a last resort Harry had attempted to complete some schoolwork, but was distracted every time he heard a door open or someone walk by the library, thinking that it could be his aunt or godfather.
Even though Harry was convinced that it would never arrive, Christmas Eve finally came, and with it came a heightened sense of excitement. Hogwarts looked magnificent as usual, the sparse occupants of the castle having no bearing on the extent and glamour of the decorations. Harry stopped pacing long enough to gaze at the large Christmas tree that stood proudly in the Great Hall. He was playing with a glittering ornament when Dumbledore approached him.
"Happy Christmas," Dumbledore said.
"Happy Christmas," Harry replied.
"I received an owl from Sirius saying that they would arrive by eight tonight."
Harry smiled.
"Which, by my calculations, means that they are to arrive very soon."
Filch stepped into the Great Hall. He cleared his throat to get Dumbledore's attention and then delivered his message, "Headmaster, there are two people waiting outside. The woman said that she has some business with the Potter boy, and the other one didn't say anything. He kept the hood of his cloak over his face. They are questionable people at best, if you ask me."
"Very soon indeed," Dumbledore whispered to Harry. "I thank you for your added precaution Argus, but I assure you that they mean us no harm," Dumbledore called out to Filch who nodded and left. Dumbledore turned his attention back to Harry, "You don't want to keep them waiting, do you?" he asked.
Harry shook his head and ran off, tripping over some ribbon and knocking a handful of golden ornaments out of the tree, which immediately shattered upon impact with the floor. Harry picked himself off the floor and was torn between cleaning up the mess he just made and greeting Sirius and Selene. Dumbledore smiled, "Go on Harry, and don't worry about this."
Harry didn't need to be told twice. He ran through the hallways of the school and towards the main entrance. He burst into the corridor with such excitement that it caught the occupant off guard. "Selene!" he yelled.
She turned and smiled at him, her red hair and robes providing a nice contrast to the green and gold ribbons that adorned the walls. "Happy Christmas Harry," she said softly and then enveloped Harry in a hug. The surface of her robes was cold against Harry's face and arms, but Harry could feel her warmth radiating from beneath them. The two parted and Harry looked around for Sirius.
"Where's Sirius?" he asked.
"Right here," Sirius said, coming in from outside. "That cat of Filch's was following me around. So I let her follow me outside."
"Sirius, you didn't leave the poor animal outside in the cold?" Selene asked.
"Poor animal?" Sirius asked. "I shouldn't have to remind you about all the plans that were ruined by that cat." Sirius took off his cloak and draped it over his arm, "Poor creature. Ha. Hell beast more like it," he said finishing his tirade and catching Harry's gaze, "Hello Harry."
Harry didn't respond, his eyes were fixed on the man who stood before him. Sirius didn't look the least bit like Harry remembered him, even though it had only been two months since the two last met. Sirius' face had filled out, making his usual gaunt features look healthy and alive. His robes no longer sagged, but were fitted and clean. The most noticeable difference was in his eyes. They were usually dark and vacant but now they were warm and clear, with only a trace of shadow lingering from behind. His smile, however, remained the same. It angled upwards slyly, revealing a hint of teeth and putting to rest all doubts of his rebellious exploits at Harry's age. "Harry?" Sirius asked.
"You look so different," Harry said, still astounded.
Sirius smiled and glanced at Selene, "I suppose I do."
"I seem to remember that the Christmas feasts at Hogwarts were a special treat," Selene said taking her husband's hand, "and I for one am starving. Would you be so kind as to lead the way Harry?"
Harry nodded and together the three made their way to the Great Hall.
When they arrived Harry was surprised to find a whole table of food laid out for them. The three filled their plates and sat down to eat. They talked during the meal, and although the subject of the chatter centered on everyday stuff, Harry found himself hanging on every word. "How's Quidditch coming along?" Sirius asked as he bit into a leg of chicken.
"Okay." Harry replied.
"I wish you could have seen your father fly," Selene said "No one could outmatch him on the Quidditch field."
"Really?"
"It's true. It was amazing what he could do on a broom." Sirius added.
"Did either of you play Quidditch?" Harry asked.
"Selene played for a little while, she was a Keeper." Sirius said.
"Really?"
"I was a replacement for the regular Gryffindor Keeper, I only played until he got better."
"Did you play Sirius?"
Selene chuckled and Sirius glared at her. "No," he said.
"Tell him why, Sirius." Selene said, still laughing.
"I don't see why it is so funny," Sirius said.
Harry looked at them questionably.
"Don't keep him in suspense," Selene said, taking a sip of wine.
"I'm a little afraid of heights."
"A little?" Selene asked and then turned to Harry, "He once got queasy climbing a ladder."
Harry tried unsuccessfully to hide a chuckle.
"It was a very tall ladder," Sirius said, smiling as well.
~*~
The sounds of laughter radiated from the Great Hall as Will approached it. The sound of laughter made what Will had to tell them all the more difficult. However, Will knew that he had to tell Selene about the Book and its power as soon as possible. He took a step in the doorway, but was immediately pulled back by someone. He turned to see who it was and was surprised to find Dumbledore in front of him.
"There will be no talk of the Book of Carmen tonight," Dumbledore said sternly.
"But sir, time is not our ally here. We should inform them of what is happening as soon as possible."
"You above all people should know the consequences of hurrying into a situation," Dumbledore said, perhaps a little too harshly, judging by the look in Will's eyes. Dumbledore paused for a brief moment and then said softly, "I'm sorry William. It is not my place to judge your past actions, especially since you so honestly repent them. I agree that time is against us, but time has also been taken away from the three in there. I say that we turn the tables and rob time tonight and give them this one night, free of worry and full of peace."
Will nodded and looked once more in the direction of the laughter, "I just want to do the right thing this time," Will said sadly.
Dumbledore smiled, "I know. Now I have some very old and very good brandy up in my office that I reserve only for holidays, why don't you join me in a glass?"
"Thank you sir, but I think I will pass. I have some matters to attend to."
Dumbledore nodded but eyed him curiously. Will wished him a good Christmas and then walked back the way he came and disappeared into the darkness of Hogwarts' halls.
~*~
After dinner Selene, Sirius, and Harry ventured to the Gryffindor common room were they continued to talk well into the night. Finally, when Harry could no longer keep his eyes open, they retired to the dorms where Harry slept in his usual bed and Selene and Sirius occupied one of the vacant ones. As he lay in bed, Harry listened to the soft breathing of his aunt and godfather as they slept a few footsteps away. Even as tired as he was, Harry strained to stay awake. He was afraid that if he fell asleep this wonderful dream would end, and when he woke in the morning Selene and Sirius would be gone, leaving him alone again. Eventually his body succumbed to sleep. Bundled under the warm blankets of his bed, and with the knowledge that he had family close by, produced the best sleep Harry had ever had.
Remus Lupin was not so lucky. He also had no desire to sleep that night. When he slept his dreams swarmed with the images of the hideous creature that Will had shown him on the cover of the Book of Carmen. Only in his dreams it was animated, writhing and screaming as the bonds that held it pierced its skin. From the dark flesh oozed a black blood that coagulated into different forms that turned into separate entities, which screamed with their own hideous voices. Remus downed a glass of whiskey. He winced at the taste, and filled the glass again. The dreams were becoming worse. Now Remus had begun to dream himself into the nightmares, and now every night he saw himself covered with the black things. They glided over his body like eels and dug into his own skin and eyes until he was consumed by them, and became one of them. Remus slammed the newly emptied glass on the table and went to fill it a third time. A knock on the door stopped him. He stumbled over to the door and opened it.
"Good evening Remus."
"Will?"
Will nodded, "May I come inside?"
Remus opened the door wider and Will stepped inside.
"So what did I do to deserve this honor?" Remus asked filling a second glass with whiskey and handing it to Will.
Will set the glass down and said, "It is Christmas Eve, and nobody should have to spend it alone."
Remus laughed coldly and stared at the cabinet across the room, "I'm never alone here, not really."
Will moved between the cabinet and Remus, breaking Remus' stare, "We can find another way, you don't have to keep the Book."
"No!" Remus snarled. The harshness of his voice made Will jump, and surprised Remus as well. As much as Remus wanted to give the Book to Will, something inside of him did not want to let it go. Remus rubbed his head and then sat down in a chair, "I'm sorry, Will."
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," he answered. "So what's in the bag?" Remus asked looking at a brown bag that Will clutched tightly.
"Oh this? This is a bit of Christmas cheer," Will said pulling out a bottle of wine and placing it on Remus' table.
Remus looked at the label and smiled, "A wine of this vintage deserves fresh glasses." Remus walked over to a cabinet and pulled out two semi-clean glasses. He handed one to Will who rubbed his clean with his sleeve before pouring the wine. The two raised their glasses to each other and then drank. The warm liquid filled Remus' mouth with the taste of honey and blackberries. He rolled it around in his mouth, making sure each taste bud was able to savor the flavor. As he swallowed he felt the warmth of the wine slide down his throat and settle in his stomach. He immediately began to relax, and the worries that he had been forced to carry began to melt away. He leaned back into his chair and studied the amber liquid in his glass, "Will this is fantastic! You must tell me where you were able to find something of this caliber in these parts!"
"Well I went to see Severus the other day, and was forced to wait in that dingy office of his. I happened to notice that among his jars of poisons and other nasty things he had a wine cabinet."
"You mean to tell me that you stole this from Snape?"
Will nodded.
"This is Snape's wine?" Remus asked, once again staring at his glass.
"It appears that the fellow isn't completely without taste," Will said filling his glass to the brim. He cocked an eyebrow and held up the bottle above Remus' glass, "More?" he asked.
Remus smiled, "Most definitely."
For the first time in many years, the Shrieking Shack heard the sounds of laughter and friendly banter that night. The moon's light had begun to fade by the time the last drop of wine had been tasted, but the sun rays were high in the sky before the two stopped talking and Will left to return to Hogwarts. As he left he sang a soft tune to himself, and laughed as he repeatedly stumbled into things.
However, nearby dark things were drawing closer, their appetites wet and their energies peaked. They had each heard the call of the master, and so they had come to answer it. Many pawed at the earth or snapped at the wind in anticipation, for the time when the master would appear was close at hand, very close indeed.
~*~
What's the conclusion of a chapter without a little foreboding?
For those of you worried about poor Remus, I don't kill major canon characters.
A special note: For those of you who have checked out my Bio, you've probably noticed that I've been working on a website. Well its finally up and running, well it should be anyway. If you liked "Family Tree," then you might want to go check it out, because I added some special things to it. For more information about the site, check out my Bio. Oh, and this is only my second attempt at website, and my first real attempt at doing anything with HTML and Java. So please, no laughing.