For all my fans out there here's another chapter for you. Hope you like. It's pretty much all talk and trip down memory lane like. We're slowly getting to the action but not just yet. This is a very big setting the scene. Oh, and all I own is Kaitlyn who sits in my closet until I need her along with my Muse. They get along very well together.
Chapter Six – The Longer You Stay
Kaitlyn awoke quite late the next day and was amazed at how relaxed she was feeling and not at all tired. She looked around and saw Madam Pomfrey making the bed that Tonks had been sleeping in. Tonks had gone, probably to have breakfast. Kaitlyn sat up alerting Madam Pomfrey to the fact that she'd woken.
"Ah, your up. Looks like you slept okay, this is the first time you weren't awake before I was."
"I slept really well actually."
Kaitlyn confessed.
"I'll bring you some breakfast in a moment."
She told Kaitlyn as she finished tucking in the sheet with precision, then disappeared back towards her office. Kaitlyn took this opportunity to get out of bed and get washed and changed. She put on a pair of jeans and a top that she found amongst her belongings in her trunk that Sally and Dave had had the sense to send her when Dumbledore told them what had happened. When Madam Pomfrey came in with a tray, Kaitlyn was clean and tidy and sitting on her made bed.
"Thanks."
Kaitlyn said as the tray was placed on the table next to her.
"Just out of interest, when can I get out of here?"
Poppy gave her a sort of sympathetic look and she knew that Kaitlyn was getting anxious being stuck in there.
"If you have a peaceful sleep tonight, then I'll let you out – but only during the day. I still want you sleeping here. I'm not convinced that your fully recovered yet."
Kaitlyn accepted the proposal and nodded.
"Deal."
She said, then pulling the table closer she ate her breakfast with anticipation of tomorrow when she would finally be let out to look around the grounds she hadn't seen since her first year. Going to the kitchen the night before had brought with her an excitement to walk corridors that used to haunt her dreams but now were just faded memories. Five days in the same place looking at the same four walls was killing her. She couldn't even go and brew potions which was her way of unwinding.
*****
"Uh oh. She's carrying books."
Harry looked in the direction Ron was gesturing his head. Sure enough Hermione was power walking towards their location under a tree by the lake. It was lunchtime and a bright sun was splashing it's warmth on the grounds of Hogwarts. They wanted to spend as much time out in the sun before the colder autumn weather took over. Hermione slumped down beside them, dumping the books in a pile.
"I hope they're not for us."
Ron said giving her a look of loathing at the thought of more revision and learning. Hermione gave him a look back.
"No, they're not. For your information they're my extra reading. These are for you."
She pulled some parchment out of her bag. There was an old Daily Prophet issue, and something she'd copied out of a book.
"What's all this?"
Harry questioned, sitting up and pulling over the parchment with Hermione's neat writing on.
"That is a copy of something I found in the Animagus Register in the Library. You wanted to know more about Kaitlyn. This is it."
Harry started reading the parchment with interest.
"What's it say 'bout her?"
Ron asked. The paper in his hand forgotten for the moment.
"Her name's Kaitlyn Morgan. She's 27 and her Animagus form is a Hawk – which we already knew. Says she's British but her current residence is in Oregon, US. That's it."
"Oh, that's not all."
Hermione smiled. Harry and Ron looked at her. She pulled the paper from Ron's grip and held it up in front of them. It said "Auror and Wife Dead Leaving Young Child Orphaned."
They both stared at it. Hermione turned the paper around and started reading.
"'Experienced Auror Jacob Morgan and wife Heather were found dead in their home, the most recent in a long line of killings by He-who-must-not-be-named. Professor Dumbledore and an unknown found the bodies late last night after hearing news that they were in trouble. They found only one survivor. Their young child Kaitlyn Morgan, a first year student at Hogwarts was found in a tree house in the back garden. Her condition and whereabouts are a mystery but Professor Dumbledore assures us that she is alive and safe.'"
Hermione paused to let this sink in. Ron had gone slightly white and Harry was just staring at the grass.
"She was there when her parents were killed."
Harry said. Hermione nodded.
"I wonder what happened to her afterwards, and who the unknown was that went with Dumbledore."
Ron thought out aloud to himself.
"Well, the unknown is obvious."
Harry said. Ron and Hermione looked up at him questioningly.
"It's Snape, it's gotta be. Who else would have to be unknown back then to keep him safe from Voldemort. Plus the way he acted when he found out she was here. I'd bet anything it was him that found her."
"That makes sense. I wonder why they kept her whereabouts a mystery. Do you think that Voldemort was still after her? That's why they hid her?"
Ron asked.
"Well, she was only at Hogwarts for that one year. I looked her up. So she must have gone somewhere else. I think she went to Salem Institute for Witches. That's in Oregon. I think she was in danger and they got her out of the country, and for some reason she didn't come back when Voldemort was gone."
"Would you want to come back to a place after you'd lost your parents and seen it happen?" Harry questioned a little more harshly than he meant. "Sorry." He said quickly at the look on her face. "It might also be because of Neville's parents."
"What about Neville's parents?"
Hermione questioned. Harry looked at them, he hadn't mentioned them before, didn't want to for some reason.
"She said that her parents were good friends with the Longbottom's. She was going to live with them after what happened to her parents. But then The Lestrange's got to them."
"Oh."
Was all Ron and Hermione said. Suddenly the bell rang signalling afternoon lessons. Hermione quickly gathered up her things while Harry stuffed the newspaper and parchment into his own bag, then the three of them ran up to Hogwarts and to their Charms lesson.
*****
That evening, Kaitlyn was sitting playing cards with Nearly-Headless-Nick after dinner, and reminiscing about her first year when Professor Dumbledore entered. Kaitlyn looked up at her old headmaster and smiled.
"Ah, Professor Dumbledore, sir." Sir Nick said. "How are we this fine evening? I was just telling Kaitlyn here what wonderful weather we're still having."
"I am very well, Sir Nick. And the weather does seem to be holding up well this year, considering this time last year when we had torrential rain."
"Ah yes. Terrible time that was. All the poor students stuck inside during breaks and weekends. Moping about the place. It's not good for them."
Sir Nick said remembering.
"He's absolutely right. Not good for people to be shut up inside."
Kaitlyn spoke up. Professor Dumbledore smiled down at her.
"As I hear it, Madam Pomfrey is going to let you out tomorrow for a while."
"Finally, yeah! I hate being shut up – and in the same room as well!"
"I know. But I assure you it was necessary to make sure you were fully recovered and healthy."
"I guess."
She said, looking at the card she'd just picked up. Then smiling she placed them all down on the table.
"Gin!"
Sir Nick looked at her speechlessly as she smiled at him.
"You're just too good for me!"
He said standing.
"Professor, Miss Morgan."
He acknowledged with a bow, then drifted out through the nearest wall. Professor Dumbledore took his seat.
"How are you feeling this evening?"
He asked her as she pulled all the cards into one pile.
"I've felt fine for quite a while now. Really."
"And the sleeplessness?"
"I've never been a very good sleeper. I've got used to living on a few hours every night. Been doing it ever since I moved to America. It's just here I wasn't allowed to do anything and Madam Pomfrey always made me go to bed early. Usually I'm up till the early hours brewing for the local apothecary."
"Yes, I heard you still liked to brew potions. Tell me, do you still want to own your own apothecary?"
"One day, yeah. That's always been an ambition of mine, but I've never had the time. I suppose I could have made time but I wanted to open one here, not back home. And I wasn't ready for that yet. One day though..."
At that moment the door opened and Remus Lupin walked in. He paused for a moment at the sight of the headmaster, then carried on towards them.
"Ah Remus, there you are."
Dumbledore spoke.
"Professor Dumbledore." He nodded, placing a book on the table. "Miss Morgan."
He smiled, half bowing to Kaitlyn.
"Ah yes. Kaitlyn, this is Remus Lupin. He'll be watching over you tonight."
Kaitlyn smirked.
"It's nice to meet you Mr. Lupin."
"Please, it's Remus."
"Right. I'd better get back to my office. Work to do. Miss Morgan. Remus. And please make sure if you're going to take a trip to the kitchen that Madam Pomfrey doesn't catch you or she'll have your heads – and mine!"
He said as he walked out. Kaitlyn and Remus were left staring after him gob smacked. After a moment Kaitlyn got her voice back.
"That man misses nothing."
"He certainly doesn't."
Remus shook his head slightly and turned his attention to Kaitlyn.
"How are you feeling this evening?"
"That's such a popular question isn't it! I'm feeling fine. Slept better than I have in weeks last night, thanks to you."
"Me? All I did was give you some company. I'm sure the chocolate and tea were what helped."
"Chocolate and tea have never helped. They just make me feel better."
Remus looked like he was blushing slightly and he turned away. Kaitlyn smiled to herself and started shuffling the pack of cards she still held in her hands.
"Wanna game?"
Remus looked back at her from staring around the wing.
"I'm afraid I'm not very good. I only really know snap."
Kaitlyn laughed.
"Then I'll teach you. Come on, it's great fun when you get the hang of it. I'll teach you S**thead."
Remus stared at her, his eyes wide.
"What did you say?"
He questioned slowly?
"S**thead. It's a game. I know it's a terrible name for a game but I didn't name it. It'll be fun, I promise."
He hesitated for a moment then sat.
"Okay, but only for a short while."
Two hours later and Remus was finally getting the hang of the game after being called S**thead about a dozen times. Kaitlyn laid down her last card and sat back smiling slightly.
"You know, I really don't like this game."
"Only because you're new at it. Wait till you get the hang of it. Remember I've been playing this since I moved to America and was taught it."
"Why don't we try a new game. Something with less name calling."
Kaitlyn smirked.
"Okay. We'll try Rummi. That's quite easy."
Before she could start dealing the cards she heard Madam Pomfrey bustle in.
"Goodness me look at the time! I should have given you this hours ago!"
She said moving closer to the bed and holding out a goblet of steaming liquid. Kaitlyn pulled a face.
"Do I have to take that stuff. It tastes awful. You know, I'm sure I could add some sort of flavour to it if you'd just let me down to the potions lab."
"Absolutely not! Besides Professor Snape would have my head if he knew I'd let you near his potions room. Now drink."
"Fine."
She pulled the cards into a pile and swung her legs into the bed, pushing the table away.
"I'll teach you Rummi tomorrow."
Remus smiled as he moved the table to the end of the bed.
"Sounds like a plan."
Kaitlyn settled herself in bed and reached for the goblet. Madam Pomfrey turned to Remus.
"She tends to go straight out so make sure you've got a hand on her back so she doesn't fall back and spill any on her."
Remus nodded and sat on the bed beside her. She gave him a look and rolled her eyes slightly. Remus smirked as Kaitlyn lifted the goblet to her mouth her eyes never leaving his face. She'd barely taken a few mouthful's when Remus saw her start to slump. He quickly reached for the goblet, his hand still on her back. Handing the goblet to Poppy, he gently lowered her onto the pillow and pulled the blanket up to her chin. She stirred a bit to get comfortable, then laid still.
Remus heard Poppy move away, but he just sat there on the edge of the bed watching her for a moment in silence. Watching the way her eyelids fluttered slightly, the way her lips were slightly parted and how her chest was slowly rising and falling as she breathed gently.
He had to admit he didn't feel *that* bad sitting next to this very lovely woman. In fact, he felt quite pleased. And honoured - And like a deer in the headlights. Panic point was an estimated two minutes away.
He stood quickly, feeling slightly flustered and paced around a little to calm his raging emotions down. Then, grabbing his book from the table, he settled himself on the bed next to her. It took a while for him to get back into his book as his head was racing with thoughts and feelings. It was crazy. He'd met this woman twice and she was having an effect on him that only one person had ever managed before. A young woman from his childhood that was long gone from his life but not his heart. He took a breath, shook his head to clear it and focused on his reading.
*****
Waking early the next day, Kaitlyn realised that she'd slept through the night once again without waking. Knowing it was still very early she rolled over quietly to find Remus laying on top of the covers in the next bed. He was fast asleep.
She laid still for a while, just watching him. It's amazing how peaceful someone looks when they're sleeping. The lines of worry and age that she'd seen on his face were gone. The bags under his eyes were fading and he looked rested. His clothes were still very ruffled though from sleeping in them.
Hearing Madam Pomfrey's office door opening, she quickly closed her eyes and slowed her breathing down. She didn't want her to think she'd been awake at this time because she might not let her out. The school nurses footsteps echoed dully up the ward towards them and she forced herself to stay quiet and calm looking. The footsteps got closer, then stopped just beside the bed. She could feel eyes watching her. Then she heard a shuffling and Poppy's voice whispering.
"Professor? Professor Lupin?"
Kaitlyn heard a mutter that sounded very much like:
"Another five minutes Padfoot, I was at grandma's last night remember..."
"Professor Lupin?"
Poppy said a little bit louder.
"Hm?" She heard Remus question. "Oh, sorry. I was dreaming."
A ruffling sound gave her the impression that he'd just sat up. Knowing that keeping still would have made them suspect something was up, she moaned gently and rolled over, away from them. They both went silent for a moment then she heard Poppy speak again.
"How was she last night?"
She asked quietly.
"Fine. She slept right through the night."
He replied.
"About time too. I promised her that she could go out for a while today if she slept through the night. If you're not busy could you possible go with her and keep an eye on her? Or get someone else to?"
"I'd be happy to escort her. Give me a chance to relearn my way around. It's been quite a while."
Kaitlyn mentally cheered. She'd not only get out of here and see the grounds. She'd get to spend it with him. She felt comfortable in his presence, something she hadn't felt for a long time back home. People were just too loud over there.
"Why don't you go and get changed and washed while she's still asleep. I'll bring you some breakfast."
"Thanks."
Madam Pomfrey's footsteps faded back off down the corridor. For a moment it was completely silent and Kaitlyn was sure Remus was staring at her. She just kept her eyes closed and breathed slow and easily. Then she heard a small sigh and a few creaks as Remus stood and disappeared into the bathroom across the way.
Kaitlyn sneaked a look and found herself alone. She smiled to herself. She couldn't wait for the day to get started. Having had enough of feigning sleep she pulled herself into a sitting position and stretched her protesting muscles.
It wasn't long before Remus exited from the bathroom looking refreshed and his clothes unruffled. Probably from a spell he knew. She'd have to ask him because it would save so much ironing. He noticed her sitting up and smiled at her.
"Morning. Sleep well?"
"Yes thanks."
She swung her legs out of bed and stretched again. She got up and disappeared into the bathroom as Madam Pomfrey entered with a breakfast tray.
Twenty minutes later Kaitlyn was showered and dressed, her hair spiked and sprayed as well as re-dyed as the black had faded quite a bit since she'd been there. Remus had finished his breakfast and had disappeared. Madam Pomfrey was making their beds.
"Morning." She smiled, looking up from tucking a sheet in. "I'll fetch you some breakfast in a moment."
"Thanks. Where's Professor Lupin?"
"Gone to see Professor Dumbledore. He'll be back soon. I've asked him to join you today while you're out."
"Sure thing."
She said sitting down on her made bed and looking out of the window longingly.
*****
Remus entered the hospital wing, but stopped dead when he found himself face to face with Kaitlyn.
"There you are! Come on – "
"But – "
Was all he could manage to get out as Kaitlyn grabbed hold of his arm and pulled him back out of the door before he could protest.
"I've already missed half the morning, now quicken the pace a bit I want to go outside first."
She released her grip and carried on with her route march. Remus had to jog a few paces to keep up. She turned a corner and found herself in the entrance hall facing the open doors to the grand hall. She slowed to a stop and stared. Remus almost banged into her but managed to stop himself in time. He stepped around her, looking at her, then into the hall, then back at her face.
"It hasn't changed a bit..."
She said to herself. Remus started laughing. She looked up at him.
"What?"
She asked confused.
"It never changes. Hasn't changed much since I came here. What were you expecting?"
"I don't know...I guess I was expecting not to remember much about the place. But now that I'm out here. It's like I never left. Why did I not come back sooner?"
"I asked myself the same question."
"And?"
"And I still haven't got an answer."
He smiled slightly. She smiled and looked down.
"Well, are we going outside or not?"
She looked up again.
"Of course!"
She turned and headed out the front doors and stopped at the top of the stairs leading down into the grounds. A broad smile erupted on her face, then she all but ran down the stairs and off across the grass.
"Hey! Wait for me!"
Remus said running after her. He didn't catch up with her until she stopped running at a large oak tree by the side of the lake. Out of breath, Remus leaned against the tree to catch it. Kaitlyn gave him a look.
"You really should work out more often you know, if a little jogging's gonna wear you out..."
She said tutting.
"If you...call that jogging...I'd hate to see you run..."
He said catching his breath. Kaitlyn laughed.
"Sorry. It's just I haven't been out for so long and there's only so much exercise you can do inside. I promise no more running spurts."
She slouched against the tree, looking out towards the lake and beyond at the mountains. He sat down next to her.
"I had to come here first. My parents ashes are out there you know."
"Yeah, I know."
She looked at him for an explanation. He hadn't been aboard the boat with them as far as she could remember.
"I was one of the people keeping an eye out around the grounds."
She nodded and turned away again. They sat in silence for a few moments as she stared out onto the lake obviously remembering that sad day. Taking a breath, and causing Remus to look back at her, she spoke again.
"Let's come back here later. There's so much more to see."
Remus nodded and stood. She held her hands out and, smiling, he pulled her up off the ground and they headed back around the lake towards Hagrid's hut.
Hagrid was outside his hut digging in his garden as they approached. He stopped digging, leant on his spade and wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. Looking up, he spotted Remus and Kaitlyn heading towards him and he waved. Kaitlyn waved back and started jogging over to him, ahead of Remus.
"Kai'lyn!"
"Hello Hagrid."
Impulsively she gave him a hug which he returned, almost strangling her.
"It's good ta see ya up an' bout!"
He said pulling away and looking down at her as if inspecting to make sure she was fine.
"It's great to see you again. I've missed all those Saturday afternoon teas we used to have way back when. How have you been?"
"Jus' fine thanks. Morning Professor."
He greeted as Remus joined them.
"Morning Hagrid, and please lose the Professor, makes me feel old."
Hagrid and Kaitlyn laughed.
"Finally let you up and 'bout, did they? I wanted to go and see you but they wouldn't let any visitors in."
"Yeah, finally! We're just taking a tour of the grounds, you know, a sort of trip down memory lane."
"I'd better let you off then, enjoy your day and don't forget to come down and see me and we'll have a long chat."
"I won't. See you later."
They headed off past his hut.
"He hasn't changed a bit either."
Remus agreed and they continued their walk in silence. Past the Whomping Willow, the Greenhouses, the Gardens, and all the way around the castle, looking at the view of the forests, the mountains and finally the lake again where they could see the Quidditch pitch looming into view.
Walking onto the actual pitch, Kaitlyn looked up at the vastness of the seats and the goal hoops at either end.
"I remember this being a lot bigger."
"You were only 11 when you last saw it."
"Good point. Did you ever play Quidditch, Remus?"
"Me? No. I was the academic that sat in the stands. I left the flying up to James and Sirius. What about you?"
"No way. I could never play. I couldn't get used to riding a broom, too used to having wings I suppose. It made my friends laugh because I used to get scared when I was forced to fly a broom in our lessons. Amazingly enough I had a fear of heights and I didn't trust a piece of wood and twigs to support me in the air. Madam Hooch used to get so exasperated with me because once I was up I'd just transfigure and let the broom fall."
Remus started laughing at the thought of it.
"You know it's half way through lunch, lets get inside and grab some food."
Kaitlyn concurred and followed Remus out of the pitch, only to bang into Harry, Ron and two others.
"Professor Lupin! Miss Morgan!"
Harry said smiling, happy to see Remus and mildly stunned to see Kaitlyn.
"Afternoon Harry. How are you all?"
Remus asked.
"We're all fine, thank you."
The others agreed with Harry.
"I see you found out my last name."
Kaitlyn smiled. Harry looked slightly embarrassed.
"Well, you going to introduce me?"
"Oh, yeah. This is Ron, Hermione and Neville."
She greeted Ron and Hermione, but stopped and stared at Neville, who looked distinctly nervous under her gaze. Harry, Ron and Hermione turned to Remus, not noticing the look between them.
"Neville. I haven't seen you since you were a baby. You're parents would be proud at how well you've grown up, you look just like them."
Neville looked confused and happy of the compliment at the same time, and gave her a questioning look.
"Sorry. I, uh, knew your parents very well, they were very good friends with my parents. In fact I used to baby-sit you. How have they been doing? And your grandmother?"
"They're fine. All of them."
She nodded, knowing not to go into it further.
"Anyway, we'd best be off, it's lunchtime after all."
She looked at Remus who nodded. After a short goodbye, Remus and Kaitlyn walked off towards the entrance hall.
"You okay Neville?"
Hermione noticed his distant gaze."
"She said her parents knew my parents. But I've never heard of the Morgan's and gran has mentioned pretty much all of my parents friends from before."
"Her parents both died before Voldemort was brought down. I think she was going to stay with your parents before she moved to America."
Neville watched as they walked away. His baby-sitter, and almost his big sister. He smiled slightly at the thought, then followed Hermione into the stands while Harry and Ron went for a trip around the pitch on their brooms.
*****
Kaitlyn followed Remus to the kitchens to grab some lunch, then headed up to Remus' temporary office so they'd have a little privacy while they ate.
After lunch, they took a tour of the inside of Hogwarts. They started at the top in the Owlery, and wandered down through the endless corridors, past the Library, classrooms, the entrance to Ravenclaw's dormitories, past the great hall again and ended up in the dungeons, all the while chatting about different lessons, paintings they both remembered, the ghosts, secret parties they had both held, the teachers.
Reaching the Potion's room they found the door ajar and the room empty. Smiling, Kaitlyn stepped inside, stopping in the middle of the room and staring about. Then she closed her eyes an inhaled deeply. Remus stood there frowning, bewildered at her actions.
"You okay?"
"Yeah. This was my favourite room. Can you smell it? A mixture of different potions, plants, things bubbling on a hot cauldron."
Remus too a sniff and cringed slightly. He could think of a dozen places nicer than this dingy room but he didn't say so.
"Yeah, it's certainly...unique."
"This is the only place I ever really felt comfortable. I knew exactly what I had to do and knew it wouldn't ever go wrong."
A noise behind Remus made them both turn. Professor Snape was standing int eh doorway, looking slightly stunned at finding people in his classroom.
"Professor Snape."
Kaitlyn greeted with a smile. Snape nodded slightly.
"Miss Morgan, Lupin."
He acknowledged.
"Severus."
Remus returned.
"It's...satisfactory to see you well again. Now if you would excuse me, I have a lesson to set up for."
He said looking, as Kaitlyn described, uncomfortable.
"I'll be back to see you later."
Kaitlyn said, smiling mischievously as she left with Remus.
It was getting close to dinner now and Kaitlyn knew that soon Madam Pomfrey would be expecting her back, but she wanted to head outside again for a while. Reaching the Entrance Hall, Remus realised he'd left his cloak in his office. He told Kaitlyn who said she'd wait there for him, saying that she would be fine. Reluctant to leave her, he hesitated then decided that it would take him no time at all to go and get it.
"I'll be back in a few moments."
He said before rushing up the stairs two at a time, knowing he wasn't meant to leave her alone, but also knowing that he would be a matter of minutes. Kaitlyn watched him go, then stood, looking at the paintings and statues. A distant voice behind her made her turn.
It took Remus a mere two minutes to get his coat and be back in the entrance hall. Jogging down the steps he started to speak when he realised he was alone.
"Kaitlyn?"
He looked around. She wasn't there. Remus started to curse himself for leaving her alone, but at the same time knowing she was a grown woman and knew she shouldn't go too far astray.
Hearing a noise he turned to see Sir Nick sliding along towards him.
"Ah, Remus Lupin. How are you? Haven't seen you for awhile."
"I'm fine. Have you seen Kaitlyn?"
"Certainly have. She was heading out towards the lake. Looked like she was on a mission, didn't even seem to notice me."
"Thanks."
Remus said and strode quickly out of the castle, leaving Sir Nick floating alone.
"People are in such rushes these days."
He tutted and glided away.
Remus bounded down the stairs and spotted Kaitlyn straight away, standing by the Oak tree by the lake. He sighed in relief and paced across the grass towards her.
"I thought you were going to wait for me."
He said, half seriously. She didn't reply, just stood there rigid in the afternoon sun.
"Kaitlyn?"
He put a hand on her shoulder as he reached her, and she jumped violently, the distant gazer leaving her eyes quickly. She grabbed his arm tightly, her eyes wide in shock. Then seeing it was him, her shoulders slumped in relief.
"Are you okay? I didn't mean to scare you."
"Sorry. I was miles away for a moment there."
"What'd you disappear for? You worried me."
"Sorry. I just...started thinking of my parents."
Remus nodded.
"Just don't do it again. Or Madam Pomfrey would have my head."
"I won't."
She turned and sat down against the tree again. Remus joined her. Once again, they were in silence. Remus watched her, her face frowning in thought.
"What are you thinking about?"
He questioned. She looked at him.
"This place. You know...I had no regrets about not coming back here. Even though I sort of missed it. I didn't regret my choice."
Remus thought about that for a moment.
"Are you happy that you are back? Even under these circumstances?"
"You know what...I think I am. I didn't think I would be at first because there's just so many...bad memories. But it's not as bad as I thought it'd be."
"Nothing ever is." He paused, trying to find a way to say something. She waited patiently. "When I came to school here, on the full moons I was taken down a secret passage and was left in the shrieking shack for my...transformations. I hated it in there. Even when I had friends to help me, it just reminded me of what I was. And when I left here I told myself I'd never go back in there again. But while I was teaching, a situation arose that meant I had to. And you know it wasn't nearly as horrible in there as I thought I was."
Kaitlyn watched him for a minute longer, then spoke after thinking about what he'd said.
"The say that the longer you stay in one place the more attached you get to it. It never happened in Salem. No matter how much I thought it had, it never did. The people around me, the places I saw every day...none of it mattered. I knew that if I ever left it behind I'd never miss it. It's almost like I knew that one day I'd return home. Here. Even though I said I wouldn't. It's crazy I know..."
She said gazing away from him and out towards the lake.
"No, it isn't. This place has an effect on you. I felt it when I came back to teach. It hits you as soon as you walk into the doors. It's like you're coming home. But to no home you've ever known."
She swung her head around to him.
"That's exactly it! Fro the moment I stepped back into that entrance hall, I felt like I was in love with the place." Her gaze swept the surrounding grounds and buildings of Hogwarts. "And you don't know how much you've missed it until you come back to it and wonder why you left it behind in the first place."
"I think you've just hit the nail on the head. I don't think I've ever thought of it as being in love, but you're right. It's like a gaping hole in your heart, that you didn't know was there, had suddenly been filled." There's a small pause in his thoughts as he looks back to her from the lake. "It's strange how a building can go that to you, just like a person can do that to you..."
She looked down thinking of what he'd just said. Then she looked up and smiled at him. He smiled back, feeling a little awkward at the subtext of what he'd just said. He knew it had been stupid but it had just come out of his mouth before he could stop it. To hide his embarrassment he carried on talking as if nothing had happened.
"Weren't you going to show me how to play Rummi?"
"I was, wasn't I."
She said, pulling out a pack of cards, and shuffling them.
Questions...comments?
