Title: Lost in the Marauder's Time
Author: Miss Park Avenue
Rating/Couple: PG, Remus/Hermione
Disclaimer: None belongs to me, it all belongs to the talented Miss J.K. Rowling
Chapter Five: Thoughts, Denied Feelings, and Shocking News
Hermione couldn't sleep that night. She kept thinking about the kiss. How his warm lips against hers sent tingling sensations through her body. She wanted more, but she knew he would get in trouble.
Now, there were no hidden feelings. Remus knew and she knew about their feelings for each other. But Hermione knew one thing Remus didn't know. The Time Turner. She laid all night, battling with herself if she should tell, or keep silent. She also realized that she was a teacher and he was a student. A teacher involved with her student was not a pleasant rumor for Hogwarts to know.
She turned to the right. What should I do? This is so frustrating. I can't think straight. This is stupid. Oh! I can't even get my thoughts straight.
She turned to the left. If I tell, I jepardize the future. If I don't, I'm not being honest. And...what about the future? I have to return to it sooner or later. What will the future Remus say?
She turned so her face was looking at the ceiling. "I'm not gonna get any sleep tonight."
~*~*~*~*~
Remus also laid on the four-poster bed, unable to sleep. He also realized that now he was in a student/teacher relationship. I know it's wrong, but I love her. I'll visit her in a couple of days. He already knew though that Melody was keeping something from him. All I have to do is work it out.
~*~*~*~*~
Over the few days, they talked about vampires, and covered the lessons they were assigned to do. Every time Hermione came near Remus's desk, she gave him a wink, and he would wink back. On Wednesday evening, Hermione's thoughts drifted back to that night, where Remus kissed her for the first time. He imagined him grabbing her shoulders and pulling her slowly towards him. Their lips would meet, and she would melt into him. She would put his hands around his neck, and he would put his on her waist. His hands would move up and run them through her hair. She would then pull his neck further towards her and he would do the same.
"Uh, Professor Rivera?"
Hermione snapped out of her daydream and saw that Remus was standing at the door. "Oh! Sorry Remus...I must have drifted off."
"That's ok Professor." Remus gave her his most charming smile.
Hermione felt her breathing go funny. "Well, uh, what did you want to see me for?"
"Well, I wanted to talk about what happened that night..."
"Oh, well, you better come in. I was just grading the last essay on vampires. I found yours extremely well done."
Remus smiled and said, "Thanks. I had a good Professor."
Hermione then felt herself go red. "Well, are you gonna come in?"
"Oh! Sorry," he said sheepishly.
Remus walked in the room, and sat on one of the chairs in front of the desk. Hermione sat across from Remus, grading the papers. Remus watched her work. Her eyes were fixed in concentration, and her hand was in her hair. She wrinkled her nose and marked the paper. He couldn't help watching her. She was so beautiful. He suddenly noticed that he was staring at her. She looked up and smiled at him. He looked down, embarrassed. "Well, I'm done now. Here, uh, let's sit on the couch next to the fireplace. I feel chilled tonight, are you?"
Remus nodded in agreement. She got up and sat on the couch. She lit the fireplace. Remus followed and sat on the other side. Hermione felt herself stare at Remus as he stared at her. They made eye contact. Brown eyes stared into pale blue ones. Hermione felt a strand of hair fall from her ear. Remus reached over and tucked it behind her ear again. Hermione realized what they were doing, and said, "Remus, I-"
Remus bent over and put his finger over her lips. "Listen Melody. Ever since I kissed you, I...I feel different about you. You're no longer just a friend to me. I can't stop thinking about you. And as much as I hate to say it, stop it, and admit it...I think I'm falling in love with you."
Hermione was shocked. Love? He loves me? Well, I love him too...wait. Did I just say I love him?Well, now that I know...but I can't fall in love with him. The future depends on me. But he loves Melody. What harm can it do? But...I can't. I just can't! I'll hurt him! And the last thing I wanna do is hurt him. I can't be with him. Hermione now realized what was at stake, and with a very heavy heart, she knew what she had to do. Hermione felt her eyes water. I can't hurt him. I can't hurt the future. I have to say...no.
"Remus. I thank you for expressing your feelings for me. But," Hermione said with tears in her eyes. "I'm afraid...I don't feel the same way. I'm sorry to hurt you like this, but I just can't. Also, I'm a teacher and you're a student. We can't do this. And I leave in a couple of days. I'm sorry."
Hermione bent her head . She knew that Remus would never forgive her for this. She dared to look up at his face. There were tears in his eyes. He got up slowly, and went towards the door. "Remus, please! Don't!"
Remus though took no notice of this though, and left, without saying goodbye. Hermione, whispered, "If you only knew."
She felt her heart shatter into a thousand pieces. She started to cry, then she was sobbing moments later. She leapt on the bed and cried. She cried, all night, never stopping.
~*~*~*~*~
Hermione, who woke up at 4:00 in the morning, remembered last night's events. She went to the wall, turned around so her back was facing it, and slumped down. She continued to have the tears flow down her face. She remained there, until 7:00 when Minerva McGonagall came in the room. Hermione took no notice, and continued to cry. Minerva approached her and lightly patted her arm. Hermione looked up, and said in a terrified tone, "I'm sorry I'm late for breakfast! I didn't mean to be late! I was-."
"Melody, that's not what I'm concerned about. I'm more concerned on what you look like. You're a mess!"
"Sorry for that too," Hermione said tearfully.
"Melody, tell me what's wrong. You can trust me," Minerva explained reassuringly.
"I'm afraid I can't tell you this one. I'm gonna have to figure out this myself."
"Even though I think that's not wise, all right. But if you ever need a friend, I'm here."
Hermione tried to place a smile. "Thanks Minerva."
Minerva smiled back, and left the room. Hermione slowly got up, and decided to proceed to what was left for breakfast. She quickly wiped the tears off, knowing she would be seeing him again, and that everything would be different.
~*~*~*~*~
The students noticed Hermione's condition as she walked into the Great Hall. Her eyes were red, wet, and puffy. Her robes were tear-stained, and were wrinkled. Sirius watched and asked Remus, "My god, what happened to her?"
Remus gave no reply and continued to eat. Sirius noticed this, and told James.
Hermione sat down at the staff table and noticed Dumbledore. Hermione felt his eyes penetrate into hers, reading every thought and incident that happened last night. She quickly looked down, and scooped some eggs on her plate. She noticed Dumbledore walk up to her and whisper in her ear, "Please come into my office as soon as you are done."
Hermione automatically stood up and followed Dumbledore to his office. She went through the door and sat down across from his desk. Dumbledore sat at the other end. "This concerns you Hermione, and your job here. You missed the owls today, and I noticed this. Please read it."
Hermione, now curious, took the Daily Prophet and read:
Another Death Eater Attack: Kills Hogwarts Professor
This recent event has sent every witch/wizard into shock. April Chance, a Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry, was killed in the latest Death Eater Attack. The Professor was on a secret mission, to help fight the Death Eaters. For what we know, she was killed by the Dark Lord himself. The known substitute professor at Hogwarts now is Melody Rivera. We do not know if she will continue to stay as a permanent Hogwarts professor, or flee. (cont. pg. 5)
Hermione eyes were wide open, and her hand was over her mouth. Dumbledore saw this reaction and replied, "I know it is a great shock. You know that you are worried about this. These are your options, and so far there are three." Dumbledore held up one finger. "One, you can continue to work here, as a permanent Hogwarts Professor," Dumbledore held up another finger. "Two, you can quit your job at the end of the week when your job is supposed to be done. But you will remain at Hogwarts and will help us in another way." Dumbledore held up the last finger. "Or, you can go back. But the problem here is that there is no specific way to get you back. So, until we find a way, we cannot send you back, whatsoever."
Hermione pondered these options. I have no way to get back. I guess the third option is out. I can stay here, but not teach. I don't know about that. I guess I can teach. But the only problem would be...him. Hermione felt the tears again, and wiped them away with her sleeve. "Um...I suppose I'll teach I guess. There's nothing else to do. So..." she trailed off. Dumbledore nodded. "I will announce your permanent stay tonight at dinner."
Hermione nodded and left. She walked through the halls before finally appearing at the classroom. Just then the students filed in. They sat down and looked at their teacher in concern. Except one. Hermione then started the lesson and told the class to read the rest of the pages on vampires and complete the assignment. "What will kill vampires besides a cross and stake and garlic?"
She noticed that Remus didn't raise his hand. She felt hurt by this, but continued on. James and Sirius knew the automatic change in Remus's behavior towards Professor Rivera and decided to talk to Remus about it. "Hey Moony? What's with you today?"
"Nothing," Remus replied coldly.
"Moony," Sirius said cautiously. "Does this have anything to do with Professor Rivera?"
Remus swallowed hard and answered, "No, I'm fine."
Remus obviously knew that James and Sirius didn't believe him, but he had to say something. When the class ended, they both noticed Remus rushed out of the class as fast as possible. Hermione spotted it as well, her heart breaking all over again. She crossed her arms on her desk and put her head down. She started to weep all over again. She didn't pay attention to the two students who stayed behind. She lifted her head and saw that James and Sirius were looking at her with worried faces. She wiped the tears away rapidly and said, "Sorry, um, what do you have a question about?"
"You. We've seen your behavior this morning, Professor Rivera. You're clearly not having fun," Sirius claimed.
James elbowed Sirius in the ribs. "What we mean is, you're not acting yourself, and we already know that Remus has something to do with this."
Hermione looked down. In the most calmest voice she could muster said, "Thanks, boys for your concern, but I'm...gonna make it. Yeah, some things did happen, but it's nothing really."
The two Marauders looked at each other with a look that plainly said: We know what you're thinking.
James and Sirius left the classroom unconvinced and unsatisfied with the situation.
Author's Note: Ok, also a lot to say. If you're wondering about where my stories are at the moment, then please scroll up. The recent tragedy really struck me, so that is one cause of the delay of this chapter. And the James/Sirius coming up to the desk to talk with Hermione goes to Krose116. Thanks a bunch!! I think I'll start the new chapter....now!
Later Dayz, Miss Park Avenue
