Here's chapter Five for your pleasure.
TaliaAshke: Thanks for the review. It's a real inspiration to get reviews like this. I hope the rest keeps up with your expectations of it so far.
Amura: Snape's one of my favourite characters too. But I'm biased because I'm an Alan Rickman fan. Snape just has so many layers I just loved writing his character and trying to peel them back and see what he was like underneath. I hope I got it right. Please enjoy the rest.
Chapter Five – Restless.
Grumbling and moaning in pain, Harry was helped to the hospital wing by Ron. Their first Quidditch practice on this cooling Tuesday evening hadn't been as successful as they'd hoped. One of their new beaters, so eager to play, had hit the bludger so hard without looking at where it was aimed and poor Harry hadn't been able to get out of the way in time. And once again, it had broken his arm. Harry was just thankful that Professor Lockhart was miles away at St. Mungo's and not anywhere nearby to try and 'help'.
"Maybe Jackson would be better in the Chaser's position..."
Harry said through gritted teeth.
"Don't worry about that now Harry, lets just get your arm fixed up."
"Or better still on the ground with the other spectators..."
Ron didn't answer him as he knew he was just annoyed with himself at not having noticed the bludger. Harry knows they need a good beater like that who can knock the opponents players out.
Reaching the hospital wing, Ron pushed the door open with his foot, then helped a shaking Harry to the nearest bed.
A whooshing noise made them both jump and they looked up to see a Hawk fly over their heads and around the end of the room.
"What the – "
Ron started, watching as the Hawk swooped back down, landing on the bedside table next to the bed opposite Harry.
"What's a Hawk doing in the hospital wing?"
"Beats me."
Harry said, closing his eyes as another wave of pain swept through him.
"I think Jackson's already done that."
Ron joked, laughing slightly but stopping quickly when he saw the look on Harry's face. Ron and Harry watched as the Hawk swooped up again and made another trip around the room.
Suddenly Madam Pomfrey came bustling out of the door at the other end, her office presumably, and headed up the long room.
"Now now, what's happened here then?"
She asked as the Hawk perched back on the bedside table behind her.
"He's broken his arm."
Ron said. Madam Pomfrey tutted, then stepped back, accidentally banging into Ron.
"Out! You're just going to be in my way in here!"
She said grabbing Ron by the shoulder and pushing him out the door.
"But – "
Was all that Ron managed to get out before the door closed on him. Madam Pomfrey sat down on the bed beside Harry and gently inspected his arm.
"Ah yes. Shouldn't be too hard to fix. But it will take me a moment to mix the potion."
She stood, but the Hawk decided to take another swoop around the room at the same time. Madam Pomfrey yelped slightly, then her face went very stern.
"Kaitlyn! I've already told you twice! I won't have birds in here!"
She said, then disappeared down the end of the room. Harry frowned, confused. He couldn't see Kaitlyn anywhere so where was she. The Hawk must belong to her.
"She's going crazy..."
He said to himself as he watched the Hawk land onto the bed. Suddenly the woman he'd helped was sitting there smiling at him.
"Oh! You're an – "
" – Animagi. Yeah."
Kaitlyn laughed at the shock on Harry's face.
"You know, for a moment when you entered I thought it was your father."
She said as she came over and sat on the chair next to his bed.
"You knew my father?"
He asked surprised.
"Well, I only met him once. He was at the Order HQ when I was there one time – all of the Marauders were there, they joined us for dinner."
"So you were part of the Order then?"
"I don't look that old do I?"
She asked shocked at the question, but the twinkle was still in her eyes as if she didn't mind.
"I was only a child back then. I'd just finished my first year when Voldemort was killed."
She told him. He took this in, but she could tell he had a question on his mind.
"What?"
She asked.
"It's just...just about everyone I've met was scared to say his name...but you're not. Why?"
She shrugged.
"I don't know. I guess I just had too much anger at him to be scared of saying his name. I fear what he can do to us but after all he is still human under all that evil...Or he was..."
"I never thought of it that way."
"Well, I've had time to think about it."
He nodded, thinking it over.
"So, what were you doing at the Order?"
He asked, changing the subject.
"Um...Alice and Frank Longbottom were looking after me."
"You knew Neville's parents?"
"Yes. They were good friends of mine and my parents. Alice used to live at the Order's headquarters because of Neville being so young and I was helping her. In fact she's the one who introduced me to the Marauders...I was even going to go and live with them but then...well, I guess you know what happened to them."
She stated. Harry nodded again.
"What about your parents? Were they really busy in the Order or something to look after you?"
Kaitlyn paused and Harry knew he's just stuck his foot in his mouth.
"They uh...died. A few weeks before Voldemort was vanquished."
"I'm sorry."
Kaitlyn nodded, and placed her hand on Harry's good arm in a comforting gesture.
"And I am too, about your parents. I thought it was hard for me but it's got to be worse for you because you were too young to remember them. It's a shame because from what I knew of them they were great people, and from what I've heard they're both reflected in your personality."
Harry smiled at her, feeling a sort of bond with this woman because she'd also lost both of her parents to Voldemort.
"Kaitlyn – leave the poor boy alone!"
Madam Pomfrey came trotting back up the ward with a goblet in her hand. Kaitlyn looked at Harry and rolled her eyes slightly, standing up. Harry hid a smirk and took the goblet from Madam Pomfrey.
"Drink all of it up. We'll have that arm fixed in no time."
Harry took a mouthful and had to force himself to swallow at the bitter taste. He watched as Kaitlyn was bombarded by the school nurse with obviously stern banter. Kaitlyn looked half uninterested as if she'd heard all this before and he could see her apologising and saying that she was bored and wanted to get out for a while. Madam Pomfrey seemed to get angrier at this and Kaitlyn looked like she was giving in to the strict woman.
*****
Dumbledore was waiting patiently in his office, sitting behind his desk, gently caressing Fawkes feathers when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in."
He said sitting up straighter. Professor McGonagall entered.
"They're here Albus."
Dumbledore stood as Remus, Tonks and Kingsley followed her in.
"It's good to see you three. How did it go?"
"Without a hitch." Kingsley spoke. "We got the necklace to Mad-eye and his lot and they're taking it on to where you said. There was no sign of any death-eaters or any other trouble."
"Good good. Now I guess you're all wondering why you're here. Please sit."
"Yes, we were wondering what was so important."
Remus said taking a seat next to Tonks.
"Do you remember a young girl by the name of Kaitlyn Morgan?"
"How could we forget. Her father was a fantastic auror."
Remus said. Tonks nodded.
"Yeah, that was tragic, I heard all about it from Mad-Eye."
"Well, as you know she was sent away – to America for safety. Two days ago we found her staggering out of the Forbidden Forest. She was malnourished, dehydrated and exhausted and was mumbling about Voldemort and death eaters."
He paused, letting this sink in.
"It appears that she was kidnapped by a group of death-eaters, and Voldemort was obviously hoping to reunite her with the necklace. Luckily she managed to escape and she came here."
"And what do we have to do with this?"
Tonks asked.
"She also said something else. Something she'd heard the death-eaters saying. About Harry's weak point being his friends...and all your names were mentioned especially."
He paused again as this news sank in.
"So, we're all wanted now, more than anyone else."
Remus stated. Dumbledore nodded.
"That is why I wanted you here. This is one of the safest places where I can keep an eye on you and you can help keep an eye on Miss Morgan. As you know Lord Voldemort won't dare enter here...not yet anyway."
"And we're just going to sit and do nothing?"
Tonks questioned.
"I was hoping you would help out. We'll be needed a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher very shortly and I was hoping you would take the position back Remus."
"I'd like that Professor, thank you."
"And you two, just help around the school with whoever needs it. You would both be helpful with Defence lessons, and you Tonks, I'm sure Professor McGonagall would appreciate your help with Transfiguration lessons."
"That would be cool!"
Tonks said smiling at Professor McGonagall, who didn't look best pleased but nodded all the same.
"I also want you three to take it in shifts to watch over Kaitlyn. I think she needs some company right now. From what Madam Pomfrey's been telling me she's going stir crazy down in the hospital wing, but she won't let her leave until she's 100% better."
"I won't be able to take some shifts for a while Professor Dumbledore."
Remus told him.
"Ah yes, full moon. I've had Severus brewing some more wolfsbane for you, so if you just take a trip down I'm sure it'll be ready by now. And please, call me Albus."
"Thank you, Albus."
He said, the name sounding unsure on his lips.
*****
Three days later Kaitlyn had been introduced to Tonks and Kingsley and was still bored as anything in the hospital wing even with their company. But Madam Pomfrey wouldn't let her leave because she was still exhausted, something she found unusual because she'd been given Kaitlyn a dreamless sleeping potion every night but it didn't appear to be working. Nightmares were still invading her sleep and waking her up. And this third night was no exception.
Kaitlyn sat up in a cold sweat, and gulped in lungfuls of air. It was worse this time, this time it'd gone further. The death-eaters were holding her down and she could see those red, dead eyes moving closer towards her. She looked around and realised with relief that she was alone and she hadn't woken Madam Pomfrey, or Tonks up either. Tonks was a few beds down the ward, keeping an eye on her in case anything happened.
Kaitlyn watched her for a moment for any signs of her waking but she merely rolled over and remained still. Kaitlyn laid back down but knew she couldn't sleep. She was still in the grips of the nightmare even in the awake world. And she knew of only one way to calm her mind and nerves down. Chocolate. It worked the same way with nightmares as it did with dementors. Unfortunately she had none here.
Stealing a look around she swung her legs out of bed. She still knew how to get into the kitchens and knew she would make it there and back without it being noticed that she was gone.
Pulling on a sweatshirt over her pyjama top, she snuck out of the room and down towards the kitchens. She'd just reached the fruit portrait and was reaching out to tickle the pear when it opened of it's own accord knocking her back, and making her scream in alarm for a split second before she clamped her hand over her mouth. Startling the other stranger, she also heard a stunned shout come from the other side of the door. She stumbled backwards but two hands reached out and grabbed her arms before she hit the floor. She steadied herself and looked up at the stranger.
*****
He pushed open the door and suddenly heard a short scream, making him jump out of his skin and shout out. He pushed the door open fully to see the figure stumble and he reached out and grabbed her arms. She found her footing and he looked at her as she lifted her head.
Her skin was nicely tanned, if a little pale from the shock, and her black hair tousled. But her green eyes shone with the light of stars. Remus was stunned once again that night, but not in shock. In amazement, his voice caught in his throat as he tried to speak.
"Can I have you?"
She stared blankly as he realised what he'd said and backtracked quickly.
"Uh – can I help you?"
He suddenly realised he was still holding her arms and he released her gently and stepped back a little. She smiled one of those smiles when you feel foolish and embarrassed.
"Sorry...I always seem to be bumping into people."
"Can't imagine anyone minding."
He smiled, then looked horrified at what he'd just said. She laughed.
"Thanks. I needed that confidence boost."
He joined in the laughter, glad to be able to release some of the tension he was feeling after being scared half to death.
"Glad I could be of service. I'm Remus by the way. Remus Lupin."
"I know. I remember you."
He seemed pleased that she could remember him after only meeting once.
"Shouldn't you be in the hospital wing?"
He questioned.
"Yes I should. Shouldn't you be asleep and not up in the middle of the night scaring people?"
He laughed.
"Yes I guess I should. But I've only just got back and I missed dinner. And you?"
"I uh...had a dream that...well…hasn't gone away yet and the only cure I know is – "
"Chocolate."
They both said together and laughed again.
"Care to join me? At least if I get caught out of bed, you can say you were keeping an eye on me. And Tonks won't get into trouble either."
He smiled.
"Sure."
He turned and tickled the pear again to open the door and entered. Immediately they were swarmed with a dozen house elves. Remus settled them.
"We'd like some chocolate please. And a pot of tea."
They all started running around the huge kitchen, gathering items, while Remus and Kaitlyn took a seat.
It wasn't long before the small table they were sitting at was covered in all different types of chocolate from chocolate frogs to Honeydukes best chocolate, and a steaming kettle was placed there with two mugs, already full of tea. A jug of milk and bowl of sugar was also placed amongst the sweets. Remus and Kaitlyn thanked the house-elves who went on with their cleaning and other chores. Remus picked up his mug and took a sip, as he watched Kaitlyn pick up a chocolate frog and unwrap it carefully.
"So...how's life in the hospital wing?"
Remus asked, trying to rid the silence of it's awkwardness.
"Boring." She replied after swallowing. "I'm perfectly fine but she won't let me out."
"Perfectly fine not including having nightmares that are keeping you up at night?"
He smiled, knowing he'd got her caught. Kaitlyn looked away, knowing she had no defence against that.
"Everyone goes through a phase of insomnia. And I'm sure you've had your fair share of nightmares."
He looked up at her, from unwrapping his own chocolate frog.
"What do you mean by that?"
He asked, confused and a little bit scared. How could she know of his nightmares.
"Well, look at you. You've got bags under your eyes, you're clothes look like you've slept in them and you're up in the middle of the night eating chocolate and drinking tea with me! Besides," She went serious. "After everything that's happened to you..."
She paused. Remus watched his tea swirling in his mug. She waited a moment for him to say something, but when he didn't she felt that she must. He seemed to want to talk and she knew that it was the right time of the month to get him to open up a little. Plus she rather liked the look of him and wanted to get to know him better.
"It must have been really hard...losing your three best friends all in one night. I could see how close you guys were when you came for dinner that night..."
"...Harder than you could know..."
He said, after a pause, his mind miles away for a moment. He didn't know what it was that had made him speak, maybe an after effect from the full moon making him vulnerable...
"I doubt that."
She said simply, a small smile gracing her lips. He suddenly realised what he'd said and his head snapped up out of his despondent state.
"Oh God – I'm sorry – I just – I guess I forgot..."
She waved him off.
"It's okay. It was nice not to be thought of as an invalid for a change. I hate it when people walk on egg shells around you and treat you like broken glass."
"I certainly remember that!" He half laughed, then looked back at her. "You're very perceptive."
"I get that from my father."
She smiled. Remus watched her, the smile fading from her face as she was drawn back into the past. She half shook her head and grabbed a honeydukes best chocolate bar. Remus kept watching her. She felt his gaze and looked up at him.
"What?"
She asked intrigued.
"Nothing..."
"No, I know that look. What's on your mind?"
He paused. She put a piece of chocolate in her mouth and ate slowly as she watched him, waiting for him to talk.
"It's just...after everything's that's happened to you...you seem to be taking it really well. Are you sure you're fine?"
She smiled at his concern.
"I'll manage. I've had to. I suppose it's the same for you what with being out of action a few days every month. I couldn't do it - "
"What?!"
He suddenly looked shocked and apprehensive and almost dropped his mug. She smiled, knowing that she'd shocked him.
"How did you – you know??"
He questioned, putting his mug down before he spilt anymore.
"Of course I know."
"Since when?"
"Since I first met you. You know I'm an animagus – I could sense what you were."
"And you never said anything?"
"What was there to say? So you're a werewolf. Three days out of every month I'm not much fun to be around either."
Remus laughed at that.
"I've never met anyone who's accepted me as easily as you've had, other than Dumbledore that is and my good friends."
"Well, I have to admit when you walked into the kitchen that time I was a little uneasy about it, but then I thought if you were dangerous you wouldn't be a part of the Order and Dumbledore obviously trusted you enough."
She took another bite of her chocolate and went silent for a moment. Remus sat and watched her finishing off his tea, the fear he'd felt disappearing as fast as it had arrived.
He took a breath, and placed his empty mug back down on the table.
"I suppose I'd better get you back to the hospital ward before you're noticed missing."
She nodded, slightly sad that she had to leave this cosy kitchen and return to the antiseptic smelling ward.
"I suppose."
She pocketed a few chocolate frogs and some honeydukes for later and stood with him. He led her back up to the hospital wing and poked his head in first. The room was silent and he could just make out Tonks figure still asleep on the bed.
"Coast is clear."
He smiled and held the door open for her. Once inside she turned and smiled at him.
"See you around?"
She smiled, hope in her eyes.
"Count on it."
He gave her a smile back and closed the door. She stood there for a moment until his footsteps had disappeared, then sighed in contentment and headed back to her bed.
Back upstairs Remus walked the corridors slowly, his mind on a thousand different things at once, but always coming back to Kaitlyn. He didn't know what was wrong with him. His senses were playing havoc with him. He'd never felt like this before. Then again he'd never spent time with a captivating woman so soon after coming back from the full moon.
In the safety of his room, he stripped and stepped into a shower cold enough to shock his senses back to normal.
*****
Well? Getting better, getting boring? Please let me know what you think. Got quite a way to go still though.
*****
