AN/Thanks to AprilGrey for excellent beta services. The following chapter has fluff and lemons with a touch of angst thrown in. Stir well and enjoy. Thank you for reading and reviewing you are much appreciated…truly.
Comfort IX.
Passion- a : ardent affection : LOVE b : a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept c : sexual desire d : an object of desire or deep interest
****
"Morning Hermione."
Hermione rolled over to see Ginny getting dressed. "Morning."
Hermione stretched languidly, wondering how she had come to be in the room she shared with Ginny. The last thing she had remembered was sitting in Remus' lap, feeling safe and warm with his arms around her.
They had talked for hours. He poured his heart out to her about the mission that had left Bill injured, and then he asked her about the last weeks. She could feel his anxiety as she talked about school. Finally he had asked her if her menses were on schedule. Flushing hotly, she had muttered they were. Remus had gently brought her chin up to look in her eyes. "Please don't be embarrassed Hermione. It is natural and a part of you." Then he had explained why he had questioned her. She felt flustered that they hadn't even thought about contraceptives that night and was thankful that nothing had happened.
Ginny and Hermione entered the kitchen and were thrilled by the wonderful smells of the Christmas Eve dinner Molly was already working on. Harry, Ron, Bill, Arthur and Remus were eating oatmeal and toast. Bill's color had returned and he was talking animatedly with his dad.
Good mornings were exchanged and Hermione smiled when Remus gave her a covert wink.
Ron and Harry were discussing the new novelty items that the twins had promised to show them that evening when they came to dinner. They were interrupted by Remus who asked Harry to accompany him to Diagon alley that morning.
"Why?" Harry asked.
"I have important business there and it concerns you, Harry," Remus said lightly, with a smile on his face. Arthur and Molly were also both smiling at Harry now, and Hermione assumed they knew what was going on.
****
Remus and Harry entered Diagon Alley through the wall behind the Leaky Cauldron. Harry did not look around at the festive decorations adorning the shops. Last minute shoppers were bustling in and out of the stores. "It's hard being at the house, isn't it Harry?" Remus said empathetically as they walked towards Gringotts. "Holidays are the hardest."
"Yeah," Harry mumbled.
Remus sighed, wishing he knew what he could say to Harry to help him. No one felt Sirius' absence as much as Remus did, but he also realized that Harry felt it in a different manner.
After telling the goblin that they wished to go to Harry's vault, they were off on a gut-wrenching ride. "Why do we need to go to my vault?" Harry asked during the ride.
"You will see."
Soon they stood outside the Potter's vault. "I don't understand why you wanted me to come here," Harry said, as he unlocked the vault door.
"If the answer isn't in here, I will explain later," Remus said with a small smile. Entering the vault, Remus' eyes widened as he saw the stacks of gold. He knew the Potters had been well off but still it surprised him. Remus scanned the room quickly and saw what he was looking for, the envelope. "Harry," he said, softly getting the boy's attention.
Spotting the envelope, Harry went to pick it up. Remus watched his eyes widen as he looked at it. "It's from Sirius," Harry said, with a tremor in his voice.
"Yes. Do you want to read it here or wait till we get back?" Harry caressed the envelope, and then put it in his jacket pocket.
Although the walk back to Grimmauld Place was fast paced, Remus was impressed with Harry's patience. Harry ran upstairs leaving Remus with the hope that the letter would bring some peace to the boy.
****
Though the Christmas dinner was usually served around noon or teatime on Christmas day, tonight it was a supper occasion for Molly wanted her extended family and her family to enjoy the feast. Bill was leaving tonight after the meal to join Fleur in France. George and Fred had said they would be unavailable Christmas day and refused to say why.
The table was gaily decorated with ribbons and pinecones. It was full of delicious smelling food, roasted goose with onion stuffing, cranberry sauce, small potatoes in herb butter, golden roasted carrots drizzled with brown sugar and creamy butter, and soft warm yeast buns. Warm mulled wine sat on the stove and Christmas puddings, rich and succulent, waited for dessert.
Remus entered while talking to Moody, who had just arrived along with Tonks, Mundungus and Kingsley. Upon seeing Remus, Harry broke off his conversation with the twins and approached him. Harry and Remus stepped away from the others. "Thanks," Harry said offering his hand, which Remus shook heartily.
"Anytime." Remus' heart felt lighter as Harry smiled at him, the first genuine smile he had received from the boy since Sirius' death.
"Sit, sit," Molly demanded bustling around the table filling everyone's glasses. Startled by a soft tingling above her, she looked up to see a sprig of mistletoe dancing over her head. "What's this?"
Fred laughed. "Mum, don't tell us you have never seen mistletoe before?"
"Must not have," George said. "Well, it is a plant used in various potions…"
"I know what it is," Molly snapped, trying to push the mistletoe away as it began to dance up and down in front of her face. It buzzed around her face like an annoying gnat. The boys snickered.
"Alright you two," she said in exasperation knowing that it was some novelty from their store. "I don't have time for this nonsense."
"What nonsense? George, do you see some nonsense lying around?"
"Fraid not Fred, but I do believe that the mate to our 'Kiss Kiss' mistletoe is buzzing Dad."
"Ah," said Arthur smiling, swatting at another sprig of mistletoe fluttering around his face. "I believe Molly I owe you a kiss." He walked over to his wife and kissed her lightly on the cheek. There was a loud noise like someone passing gas and Molly and Arthur saw flecks of black falling from the mistletoes.
"Seen better action from old Filch," George proclaimed as Ginny and Hermione giggled.
"Takes more than that to get that annoying thing to go away," proclaimed Tonks who let out a snicker. "Those hooligans of yours caught me with it in their shop the other day."
"Show us what you got Dad," encouraged Ron, sniggering also.
Arthur grinned at Molly before pulling her close and kissing her long and thoroughly. There was a tinkling sound and gold dust fell from the mistletoe.
"Enough," moaned Bill holding his head in mock pain. "How shall I ever recuperate from such a sight?" The table erupted with laughter.
Molly straightened her apron, her cheeks flushed. "Now if we are finished with this silliness…" She stopped as the mistletoe now was fluttering over Hermione's head. "George, Fred, turn that thing off."
"Sorry mum. It's got to run its course. Wants to make sure each lady in the room has a proper holiday kiss."
"Yeah," Fred said. "Great at parties when there are a lot of wallflowers. It was our biggest selling item."
"Thanks," Hermione said scornfully. "I always knew I was a wallflower." Ron sniggered.
The second mistletoe fluttered around the males in the room, hovering close to Moody who glared at it with his magical eye. The mistletoe shivered and moved to the opposite side of the table, finally resting over Harry's head.
Harry and Hermione blushed as the mistletoe buzzed around them. "Well do get on with it, Harry," Arthur said smiling. "I am hungry."
Harry stood and walked over to Hermione. His mouth pressed against hers in a brief kiss. The mistletoes hesitated then there was a tinkle and white flecks fell over them.
"Ah, how sweet," Tonks snorted. "Sugar."
"I think I should have stayed at home," Mundungus interjected though he had a broad smile on his face.
The mistletoe had Ginny giving Moody a kiss on the cheek to which he mumbled something that sounded like a curse. The mistletoe went to hover over Tonks. Again its mate circled the table looking for a male victim. Finally it settled over Remus' head.
Tonks stood up and walked over to Remus. "Better get on with it, mate," she said winking. Remus blushed and rose. He bent his head and gave Tonks a chaste kiss on the lips. The mistletoes rustled and the sound of a blowing raspberry filled the air along with smelly brown flecks.
"Pheew," George exclaimed. "Lupin that has got to be the worst reaction we have gotten from them." Ever one snickered, except Hermione who felt bad for Remus as his face flushed.
"Very well then," he said lightly, putting his arms around Tonks waist and kissing her a bit more thoroughly.
Tonks' face was flushed and they both watched the mistletoe. The two plants seemed to be in consultation then another sound of expelling gas filled the room.
"Come on, boy," Moody growled. "The food's getting cold."
Remus shrugged his shoulders, smiled sheepishly and took Tonks' face in his hands. He kissed her open mouthed, very long and hard, bringing a moan from Tonks as the boys whooped and Ginny giggled. Hermione flushed, and then looked down at her plate, feeling miserable. Arthur cleared his throat and they broke the kiss.
The mistletoe shook itself and gold glitter fell over the couple, the leaves exploding afterwards.
"Bout time," Moody grumbled as he tucked in.
****
It was almost one am when Hermione rapped softly on his door. In seconds the door was flung open. Remus stood there shirtless, his trousers only half done up, as it appeared he had thrown them on in a hurry and he held his wand in his hand. "Hermione, come in. Is there something wrong?" he asked, a grin appearing as he ran a hand through his tousled hair. She had a wild fear that he may have been occupied, perhaps Tonks had joined him in his room, but she would have felt something, wouldn't she?
She stepped shyly into the room, carrying her package. He smiled warmly at her. "I wanted to give you this," she said in a rush, thrusting the parcel at him. Her cheeks flushed. "I got you a gift for tomorrow but I –this-well, I just wanted to give it to you in private."
Remus smiled. "Thank you," he said, not opening the present yet. "Actually, there was something I wanted to give you also. It is sort of personal."
Hermione grinned. "You first." Anxiously she watched him unwrap her gift. She had felt a bit foolish wanting to hide the fact that she had knitted a jumper for Remus, but she couldn't imagine trying to explain to Ron or Harry why she was doing so. It had been a labor of love and hair pulling. So many times had she had to unravel part of it and try again.
He held up the blue gray jumper, and then slipped it on. Hermione expelled her breath. At least it had fit. Remus looked at her curiously then he understood. "You made this? Hermione, thank you." He caressed the soft wool. "I will think of you every time I wear it. Now it is your turn. Close your eyes."
Closing her eyes, Hermione smiled as she heard him walk across the room and then return. She felt something thin and cool rest against her neck as Remus lifted her hair. "Happy Christmas, Hermione," Remus said, kissing her cheek.
A long golden chain rested around her neck, a pendant lay between her breasts. Hermione lifted the pendant. In the gold filigree a green blue stone rested. The stone had a stripe of yellow running down the center that seemed to glow and wink at her. "It's called a Mystic Cats Eye, a moonstone." His voice was low and barely audible. "It belonged to my mother."
"It's beautiful," Hermione said softly. "Are you sure you want me to have it?"
Remus brushed a wisp of hair away from her forehead, his gray eyes smoky as he looked into hers. "Of course." His fingers touched her cheek softly.
Her smile was radiant and her eyes shining. Remus had felt her distress at supper when he had kissed Tonks and it had hurt him that he had done that to her. It had been Hermione he wanted to kiss and he wanted her to know this. "You know, I was very thankful that it was Tonks and not you the mistletoe chose."
Hermione's eyes widened and she felt queasy. "I see."
Remus smiled. "For if it had been you," his voice was low and seductive and Hermione shivered, "I would have made a spectacle of myself." He kissed her forehead.
"Why's that?" she asked, a mischievous grin crossing her face.
"Because," his lips brushed hers, "if I had started kissing you," he ran his tongue across her lower lip, "I wouldn't have been able to stop." he finished bringing his mouth down to hers and kissing her passionately
Hermione's heart sung as she kissed him back, her arms going around his neck as their kissed deepened, tongues dancing and caressing.
"You should be going."
"Yes," she murmured between kisses
"Well, good night." His voice was muffled as his mouth caressed her neck
Hermione moaned softly. "Good night."
"Sweet dreams." Remus was nibbling on her ear.
"I guess I better go," she said running her hand beneath his jumper.
"Absolutely," he said untying her robe and slipping his hand in to cup her breast.
"Maybe in a minute," Hermione sighed as their lips met once more. Remus kissed her passionately, pulling her lower lip into his mouth, sucking on it before teasing her tongue into his.
"Perhaps in an hour or so," he said huskily, as he swung her up in his arms and carried her to his bed.
****
"Happy Christmas," she said shyly. She was snuggled close to his chest, feeling his still rapid heartbeat, the sweat on their bodies drying in little salt paths.
"A very happy one indeed," Remus agreed, his hand tracing up and down in the valley between her breasts where the moonstone glowed in the dim light. His mouth soon replaced his hand. Hermione giggled
"What?" he asked in mocked indignation.
"Are all men like you?"
He sat up and looked at her curiously. "I am afraid I don't understand what you are asking," he said with a grin. "Explain please."
She blushed. "Forget I mentioned it."
Raising an eyebrow, Remus smiled. "Tell me or I shall tickle it out of you."
"No," she giggled scooting away from his fingers.
"Tell me," he laughed tickling her.
"Stop it," she gasped, laughing. "I will, I will."
Remus chuckled and wrapped her in his arms, holding her close as she rested her head against his chest. He felt her shyness.
"We…it has only been minutes …and I feel your desire again. I mean…even if I couldn't, it is pretty evident," she said slyly, her hand snaking down to grasp him. Remus moaned.
"Hermione, I can not speak for other men, but when I am with you, I find myself wanting to be near you, in you," his voice was soft and caressing, sending a ripple of pleasure through her. "Even if we have just made love, I long to taste and touch you again. I have an insatiable hunger for you. Forgive me if my needs are a bit much."
She rolled over and looked at him. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes were sparkling. "No, I understand what you mean," she said softly her hand stroking him, as he gasped lightly.
"Hermione," he whispered as his mouth claimed hers, his hand closing over hers, guiding her in her stroking.
Hermione felt his desire and a surge of accomplishment ran through her. She loved bringing him so much pleasure, loved feeling his pleasure mingled in her.
****
The two weeks passed too quickly for Hermione. Exhaustion tinged her waking moments, but it was a happy content exhaustion. She had crept down to Remus' room every night. Concerned for her, he had told her to stop more than once which she stubbornly refused. Not that they made love every night. Sometimes they just held each other, basking in the warmth of the heat of their bodies in the cold, dreary place.
Remus had become melancholy as the day fast approached when she would be leaving. He had told her the previous night that this had to end. That he had no right to shag a mere child. Hermione had been hurt at his words but understood he was trying to protect her. She knew that their relationship would not be congenially received if it were known.
Now it was the last night. Her bags were packed and she and the others would be leaving in the morning to take the Hogwarts Express to school. Remus opened the door and stepped aside. Hermione felt his sadness and his guilt as he stood there not looking at her, his gaze on a place above her head. "Hermione," he said lightly. "You will be tired in the morning. Perhaps you should go back to bed."
Walking over to him, Hermione laid her hand on his arm. "Remus, I will go to bed, here with you." She felt his guilt as he looked at her, his clear gray eyes bright.
"No," he said, picking up a curl that lay on her shoulder, caressing it. "Hermione, I shouldn't have allowed you to be in my room, ever. It isn't right and I don't want you, or me," he added softly, "to be hurt by all this."
"I never plan for either of us to be hurt," she said as she moved her hand up his arm to stroke the hair that lay against his neck. "We enjoy each other's company. Is that so terribly wrong?" Her arms encircled his neck.
"Hermione, no. No more. It will just make things more confused…"she stopped him with a kiss, her arms tightening around his neck. Remus moaned. If the door had flung open with the whole household at Grimmauld Place bursting in, at that moment Remus wouldn't have cared. He pulled her to him, kissing her like a starving man at a feast, sweeping her up in his arms.
"This isn't a game anymore," he said huskily as he carried her to the bed. "I cannot keep making love to you and pretend it doesn't matter." She nodded as he laid her down.
"I know-- I am falling in love with you."
He groaned at the implications of her words though they rushed like fire through him. 'She is too young', he argued with himself, though he knew it was a losing battle as he crushed her mouth with his once more. "I love you Hermione, Merlin help me I shouldn't but I do. I want you, Hermione," he murmured, nuzzling her neck.
"Yes," she sighed in pleasure as he undressed her.
"Witch." His voice was thick with passion. No longer did he feel the twinge of guilt as their bodies molded together, her warmth surrounding him, pulling him into the depths of pleasure. The more he had her, the more he wanted, his hunger renewed each time he touched her. Vaguely he thought the spell may be responsible, but he no longer cared.
"Sweet, so sweet," he whispered as he kissed her, softly, teasingly, as his body rocked into hers.
Their eyes locked as Remus increased the pace, sweat beading on his forehead. "I love you," he mouthed as he rose up, his hands sliding down her legs, bringing them up until he draped them over his upper arms. As he pressed down to claim her mouth, driving deep into her, feeling her opening more fully to him. The sensation brought a moan of pleasure from both of them.
Mouths locked together, their lovemaking became intense, the acknowledgment of their feelings bringing a crescendo to the act.
****
Arthur walked quietly down the hall. It was almost two a.m. and he knew Molly would be waiting up for him. He smiled as he thought of his wife. She was a strong woman and he longed to lay in her warm arms tonight. He was very tired. It was always like that during the holidays. Wizards often sold toys and other gadgets to the Muggles for Christmas gifts and though they seemed harmless at first, it always led to his department being called out to deal with the enchanted items.
Passing Remus' door, he heard a noise that made him pause. It was unmistakable. Arthur flushed as he heard the springs of the bed squeaking and the soft moans and grunts. 'Remus, you sly dog,' he thought, embarrassed. He would have to remind Lupin to put a silencing charm on the room like he and Molly did in case the children were wandering the halls.
'Must be Tonks,' he thought. She was young and pretty and Remus seemed to hit it off with her. He started to move away when he heard Remus' voice full of passion. "Hermione."
'Surely not.' Arthur's heart was beating fast. 'Must be hearing things.'
Arthur pressed his ear to the door. Then he heard her. Icy water flowed through him when he recognized Hermione's voice as she cried out Remus' name. 'What to do?' He thought of kicking in the door. Counting to ten he headed up the stairs to find his wife to help him sort this out, his face red with anger.
****
Remus gently brought her trembling legs down, then lay on her, keeping his weight light. He kissed her over and over, shivering from the emotions running through him. Finally he paused and looked into her eyes. They were bright, and a gentle smile was on her lips. He tried to speak, but couldn't get the words out as he felt his throat constrict. To hell with being proper. He loved the girl and didn't want to let her go.
"Hermione, I…" he paused as there was a sharp rap at the door.
****
AN/
Mystic Cats eye
Birthstone for June, moonstone was very popular among the Romans, who thought it to be beams of moonlight captured within a gem. In India it was, and still is, considered a sacred gemstone. The most valuable variety of feldspar, moonstone has a beautiful iridescent effect known as adularescence. Moonstones come in a variety of colors that range from colorless to silver, to yellow, green, pink or golden brown.
Copy and paste link to see picture of a Mystic Cats eye stone
=
PSPS: Sorry for the slower updates to this story and my others. Have been having major health problems. Thanks for your nice and kind reviews.
