Thanks to AprilGrey for beta services and thanks for all the lovely reviews. I am overwhelmed.
Comfort Part XI
Diversion b : to draw or direct (as one's attention) to a different object or in different directions at the same time
****
"Well, that wraps it up for tonight," said Moody, stretching.
"Everyone stay," Molly said, "I have a lovely stew ready and some fresh bread." Her eyes flickered over Remus a moment before she turned her attention to Tonks who was trying to help her. "No dear, I don't need help," she said exasperatedly as Tonks dropped a bowl.
"If everyone will excuse me, I am needed elsewhere," said Snape quietly. No one expected him to stay and if he ever did they would have checked his forehead to see if he had a fever.
"Course Snape," Moody said in a gravely voice. His good eye looked at Lupin. "Are you leaving us again, Remus?"
"Yes. Though the stew smells lovely, I also have things to attend to," said Remus quietly.
Moody's magical eye turned now towards Lupin. It had been several weeks since Remus had stayed at headquarters. Like Snape, he was out the door as soon as the meetings were over. At first he had speculated that perhaps Remus was doing something undercover, but as nothing had ever been reported he now knew that there was something else going on.
"I will walk you out, Remus," Moody said rising slowly. "Keep a bowl hot for me, Molly."
Remus and Moody walked to the entranceway in silence. Reaching for the door, Remus bade Moody a good evening.
"You and the Weasleys have had a row," Moody said as quietly as his raspy voice allowed him to. "Was it over the Granger girl?"
His hand on the doorknob, Remus froze. He turned to look at the old Auror.
"Don't think I don't know lad," he said gruffly, taking a swig out of his hip flask. "I stayed here a couple of nights during the holidays and well, I don't sleep very often. Didn't mean to spy of course, but I thought it prudent to do a quick check of the house every now and then."
Moody pointed to his magical eye and Remus remembered he could see through walls and floors with it. Flushing, Remus nodded slightly. "It was determined that I shouldn't stay here and I agreed," he said quietly, waiting for the lecture from Moody over shagging a young girl.
"None of my business really," Moody continued. "Just don't want to see a rift in our numbers. In my day a girl of her age was already married and had a child or two, but that was then. Well, good night Remus. If you need anything…"
"Thank you, Alastor," Remus said with a small smile. "It is best for now."
****
Remus lay in bed staring up at the ceiling. 'I really should think about painting' he thought offhandedly, as he noticed the water spots.
Sighing, he turned over and punched up the flat, feather pillow. Sleep rarely came easily to him, an annoying side effect of lycanthropy, but now his mind would not stop racing. In three days he would be picking Hermione up at King's Cross to bring her here, here of all places.
They had owled letters back and forth weekly and finally after much deliberation it was decided that she would not be staying at Hogwarts for the spring break with the others. Hermione would tell the others she was going home and her parents thought she was staying at school. Remus hated the lies and the sneaking around. Why couldn't they just announce to the world they were seeing each other?
'Because they would treat her like a nasty piece of filth,' he thought bitterly. It wasn't just their age difference, but it was more the fact he was a werewolf. A half-breed. He was listed at the Ministry as a creature, not as a human, regardless of the fact that he was human the majority of the time. The legislation Umbridge had put into effect several months ago was not going anywhere and he truly doubted anyone had the inclination to change the law. Basically he couldn't be employed in the Wizarding world with the exceptions of handling dangerous creatures, if he were killed doing so it was no loss, or by a medical or educational facility for the purpose of experimentation on a werewolf. Again, death of the subject was not an issue.
Tension between him and the Weasleys had not lessened. Remus was angry at this, at the unfairness of it all. It didn't matter that there was a fifteen age year difference between Bill and Fleur, but it was an issue that there were nineteen years between him and Hermione? Yet he truly doubted if he had brought a sixteen-year-old witch into his bed they did not know, anything would have been said.
Still he didn't blame them. Hermione was worth protecting. She was brilliant and had a future before her. No one wanted him spoiling that for her. And yet he had suggested she come here, to be with him for a week. Alone and in his arms. 'A bit selfish, Remus' he chided himself.
Sighing once more, Remus closed his eyes and tried to sleep.
****
"What are you going home for?" Ron huffed for the third time that evening. "You always stay here with us."
"Leave her alone, Ron," Ginny chided. "She hasn't spent much time with her parents and you know we will all be together this summer." Ginny gave Hermione a conspiratory wink.
"Besides it will give us time to practice Quidditch all week without someone nagging us about our homework, no offense Hermione," Harry teased.
Hermione smiled at him. Homework indeed. She had worked very hard all week to finish all of hers. She didn't want to think of homework this week, wondering what Harry and Ron would say if they knew that for once in her life her mind wasn't on homework. "I am going to turn in," she said, faking a yawn.
"Night Hermione," Harry said. "Have a good holiday if I don't see you in the morning. I for one plan to sleep in on the first day of break."
****
Hermione stood between platforms nine and ten, scanning the crowd for Remus. She had felt him, his pleasure, but still couldn't locate him. Finally she saw him approaching, and she smiled. He was wearing the jumper she had knitted for him and black trousers. 'He is rather handsome' she thought as she noticed several women turning to look at him as he walked.
"Hermione," he greeted her with a warm smile. "How are you?" He kissed her cheek.
"Fine now," she said, nervous butterflies in her stomach. They hadn't seen each other in three months. It had felt like three years to her. Remus felt her shy nervousness and smiled encouragingly as he took her bag with one hand and grasped her hand with the other.
They walked outside into the bright early spring day. People were bustling back and forth on the sidewalk, hailing cabs and checking for their rides. "Remus, aren't we taking a cab to your house?" she asked as he led her around the back of the ticket building.
"It would be a very long ride," he said setting her bag on the ground and disappearing into a large bush. He returned in moments holding a broom. "We will get there much quicker this way."
"Oh. I am not really fond of brooms," she said sheepishly.
"I know. But trust me, you will be safe and, I do believe, will enjoy the ride. Do you trust me, Hermione?"
Hermione looked at him and wanted to tell him she trusted him with all her heart, but could only nod. Her emotions were strong today and for some reason she felt tears in her eyes. 'I never realized how much I truly love him,' she thought as she watched Remus tie her bag to his broom. "Will we have to wait until dark?" She looked back towards the sidewalk, which was still busy.
"Not at all. I shall borrow a page from Moody and cast a Disillusionment charm on us."
Harry had told her about the spell Moody had used on him last year when the Order had retrieved him from the Dursleys. Remus cast the spell on her and she felt like cool water flowed over her. He then cast the spell on himself.
"Climb on first and I shall sit behind you."
Hermione mounted the broom gingerly and felt Remus behind her. He placed one hand in front of her on the broom and the other arm went securely around her waist. "Ready?"
She started to nod, but realized he wouldn't be able to see her. "Yes."
They were soon soaring high and away from the busy streets of London. Hermione was apprehensive, but felt secure with Remus' strong arm around her and after a bit she relaxed and leaned back against him. His arm tightened and she tried to remember to keep her smile close-lipped just in case there was a stray bug.
****
After an hour or so had passed, Hermione noticed they were starting downward. She saw a small village come into view and they passed over it and finally landed about a half a mile from the quaint shops and cottages in front of small, brown, two-storied cottage.
As they touched down, she heard Remus say 'Finite' and she felt the cool sensation again. Remus helped her off and opened the door. "Well, it's not much, but welcome to my home."
The house had seen better days. Threadbare rugs, a faded sofa that sagged in the middle and a comfortable looking armchair were set in front of a stone fireplace. A table with three chairs was to the left, leading into a small kitchen. All the furniture was well worn but clean and the rooms smelled of soap and wildflowers from the bouquet in a jar on the table.
"If you would like to freshen up," Remus said softly, "the bedroom is through that door and the bath is the one next to it."
Hermione looked questioningly at the stairs. "I am afraid the upstairs is uninhabitable. The roof leaks as well," he shrugged his shoulders, his cheeks flushed, "repairs have been hard pressed."
Smiling encouragingly at him, Hermione excused herself and went to the bathroom. It too had seen better days but, like the other rooms, was immaculately clean and fresh.
Stepping out of the bath, she saw Remus in the bedroom setting her bag on the foot of a large, canopy bed. Once the hangings had been a deep blue, but were faded in areas that the sun, shining brightly through the window, had touched. Walking over to the window, she looked out to a picturesque view of a gently sloping hillside that led into a forest. Hermione smiled when she felt hands on her shoulders.
"It's not much."
"lt's lovely," she said sincerely.
"No," his voice lowering as his fingers brushed the side of her neck. "There is only one thing lovely here."
Hermione leaned back against him as his lips replaced his fingers. A shiver ran through her as his desire flowed through her, pushing away the shyness she had been feeling. Turning to him, their mouths met in a bruising kiss as Remus pressed her to him. "I have missed you," he murmured as his mouth trailed across her face, brushing soft kisses.
"Me too," Hermione gasped as his tongue traced around her ear.
Clothes were flung haphazardly across the room as they undressed each other. Remus kissed each part of her exposed skin, making Hermione giggle and push him away as she tried to remove his clothing.. She felt freer here than she ever had and, relishing the pleasure of seeing him nude, she ran her hands over him. He smiled slyly at her, enjoying her exploration.
Catching her hands, he pulled her down on the bed on top of him, kissing her with hunger. Lifting her easily, he settled her body on his, making them both gasp as they joined. Remus guided her body with his hands. Hermione braced herself with her hands on his shoulders, biting her lip at the exquisite feelings running through her. Their coupling was intense and demanding. Rolling her over, Remus took control as Hermione wrapped her legs around his waist, moaning softly as he rocked into her as his mouth caressed hers, his tongue joining in the rhythm of his thrusting. It didn't take long for the delicious building to engulf her and with a cry Remus joined her as they climaxed together.
Remus kissed her gently before rolling over, pulling her close to him. He lifted her chin to look deep into her eyes as his finger traced her lips. "You have totally bewitched me," he chuckled softly.
Hermione blushed shyly, feeling warm and safe. "I'm glad."
"Having you here will only make it harder to let you go at the end of the week. I may just have to tie you to the bed," he teased, laughing at the interested look on her face.
The next day was very warm and Remus suggested they go for a walk. Soon they were walking up the hill and into the forest. Climbing steadily uphill, the forest thinned and Hermione was delighted as they came to an open field, brimming with spring flowers. She sighed as she breathed in the aroma and removed her sweater. The day was so warm that she had opted for a sleeveless dress though she had been glad for the sweater in the cool, dark forest.
Remus surprised her when he pulled something from the pocket of his trousers and waved his wand. A blanket and a bag enlarged. "I thought we might like to lunch," he said sheepishly, his face flushed. Hermione smiled at his thoughtfulness as he spread the blanket on the soft grass.
After they had eaten the sandwiches and polished off the pumpkin juice Remus had packed, Hermione sat enjoying the sun with Remus lying down, his head in her lap. She ran her fingers through his hair as he closed his eyes.
Hermione giggled. "What?" Remus inquired opening his eyes.
"This reminds me of a Muggle romance novel. A beautiful sunny day, a picnic of sorts, and you lying there." She giggled again.
"And what usually happens in these stories?" he asked with a sly grin.
She grinned. "Nothing much, just a walk hand in hand, maybe a kiss."
"Is that all?" Remus sat up. "Sounds a bit boring if you ask me." He gave her a leering smile and leaned over and kissed her gently. His lips trailed down her neck to her shoulders. "Hmm, you taste like sunshine."
Hermione laughed. "And what does sunshine taste like?"
"Fresh air, sweet flowers and you," he murmured kissing his way back to her mouth. His hands moved down her body slowly, touching the fabric of her cotton sundress lightly. Running his hand beneath her skirt he stroked her thighs until he came to her knickers. "Annoying things," he said.
Hermione eyes shone with mischievousness as she raised her hips to allow him to pull her pants off. He grinned at her and ran his hands up and down her legs. Lifting her right leg, he began kissing her behind her knee, sending shivers up and down her. "Remus." She closed her eyes as he continued kissing her legs and then her inner thighs. Her breath caught as he kissed across her lower abdomen. Their eyes met a moment and he grinned then lowered his head.
Hermione gasped when his lips touched her core. The sensation made her moan and she writhe a bit, wanting him to continue. He had never kissed her 'there' before. Continuing with his administrations, Hermione soon felt the delicious release.
Remus rose to his knees and smiled at her, his eyes smoky with desire. "Roll over," he urged. She obliged and he helped her onto her knees. They sighed in unison as Remus slid into her, the heat and wetness of her body opening willing to him. He rained kisses on her shoulders and neck as he moved within her. "I do love you so very much," he murmured against her neck as he held her, bringing them both to the heights of passion.
"You are wicked," Hermione teased as Remus snuggled her close afterwards.
"Moi? What have I done?"
"What if someone had came upon us?"
Remus laughed. "If they had, I am sure they would have only smiled."
Lying on the blanket, the sun warming them, they chatted for a while before dozing. When Remus gently shook Hermione awake she noted that the sun had started its lazy descent. "Time to go," he said softly, picking up the remnants of their lunch. Hermione stood and frowned looking around in the grass.
"Where are my pants?"
Remus just whistled as he folded the blanket and reduced it and the bag. "Remus?"
"You mean this little bit of cloth?" he asked mischievously, pulling out her pants from his pocket.
Hermione reached for them but he held them above his head. "Remus," she said, trying to keep from laughing. "I don't want to walk around with no pants on."
He laughed and grinned, keeping his arm above his head as she jumped. "I told you they were annoying things. Besides, I would prefer you walked around with nothing."
"Remus."
His eyes sparkled at her. "If you want them, you have to come get them," he said as he took off. Hermione laughed, amused at his boyish behavior, and took off running after him.
She chased him up the hill towards another stand of trees. Remus would slow down every now and then and allow her to almost catch him, waving her knickers like a flag, before he would easily evade her and head in another direction. Their laughter rang across the field.
Remus disappeared over a small knoll and when Hermione reached the top, she saw that he had stopped and was staring at a large, gnarled tree. She ran up to him and grabbed his arm. "Got you!" she said happily before she felt the emotions flow through her, a mixture of bitterness and sadness. She looked up at the tree and saw through the new leaves a platform of sorts and noticed boards nailed to the side of the tree leading up to it. "Did you build the tree house?" she asked, apprehensive about the feelings she was receiving from Remus.
Walking over to the tree, Remus ran a hand over the trunk. "My brother, Roman, built the tree house," he said softly.
"I didn't know you had a brother. Did he attend Hogwarts?"
No. He died when he was seven. I was five at the time."
"I am sorry, Remus."
They stood there in silence. Hermione slipped her hand into his, waiting for him to speak if he wanted to tell her about Roman.
Remus sighed softly. "We had been in the tree house that day, pretending we were pirates sailing the seas. The sun had begun to sink before we started back to the house. Mum had always warned us not to walk through the forest at night and to be home before it got too late. By the time we reached the forest, it was dusk and the shadows looming amongst the trees frightened me and I jumped when Roman poked me with a stick. Roman teased me about being afraid. I got angry and told him to bugger off, that I would find my way home without him and took off running into the woods. I got turned around and I knew I was lost. Pride kept me from calling for my brother and I kept walking until the moon was fully in the sky. I was so scared and jumped at every shadow.
"That's when I heard the growl. I remember that I froze, afraid to move yet I had to look, to see what was behind me. I slowly turned and saw a large gray wolf. It was staring at me with its bright yellow eyes and I slowly backed up. For each step I took, it advanced. Suddenly it leapt and I tried to move but I was not quick enough. I felt the fangs sink into my shoulder as I fell to the ground thinking I was about to be mauled to death. There was a thud and the wolf fell back with a yelp and a growl. I scrambled to my feet to see my brother fighting the wolf. The wolf growled at him but smelling the fresh blood it turned back to me. Roman began beating on its back with a large stick. The wolf finally turned around to face him. "Run, Remus, go!" Roman shouted.
"I didn't want to, I didn't want to leave my brother, but he shouted at me to run once more and I did. I ran until I felt my heart would burst, praying that Roman was right behind me. When I reached the house, I was horrified not to see Roman behind me. I screamed for my parents and told them what had happened. My father took off immediately while my mother flooed a neighboring wizard to tell him what had happened."
Remus breathed deeply.
"They didn't find his body until the next day."
Hermione gripped his hand tightly.
"They suspected the wolf that bit me to be rabid or worse. I was shut in the cellar to be observed. The night of the full moon, one month to the day I had been attacked, revealed what kind of creature had bitten me. That their son was now a werewolf."
Remus shook his head. "There was little they could do for me although my parents tried. They spent every knut they had trying to find a way to cure me." He turned to look at her. "In one night of foolishness, I destroyed my family," he said bitterly.
"Remus," Hermione said gently, removing her hand from his and putting her arms around his waist giving him a hug. "You were only five. It wasn't your fault."
"Perhaps," he said resignedly, before burying his face in her hair as he wrapped his arms around her.
****
That night Hermione could still feel Remus' melancholy even though he tried to be cheerful. When they had retired for the night, their lovemaking had been gentle and caressing. Wanting Remus to know how much she cared for him, Hermione had taken control, making love to him, kissing him everywhere and he had clung to her, moaning her name and telling her he loved her.
They lay in silence. Remus was tightly holding Hermione. She snuggled close to him, feeling his heart beat. Glancing up, she saw his brow knitted and he seemed lost in thought. She was glad she no longer felt sadness from him and wondered what he was thinking about.
He smiled at her then kissed the top of her head before returning to his thoughts.
Remus wondered if Dumbledore knew that Hermione was here this week and surmised he probably did, remembering his afternoon tea with the Headmaster less than a week ago…
"So what are you waiting for?" Dumbledore asked, a smile on his face as he bit into his third biscuit.
"Waiting for?" Remus asked cautiously. When Albus had popped in for a chat, Remus had been expecting the old man to bring up Hermione and had mentioned he knew what had happened between him and the Weasleys.
"To make this thing proper. When are you going to ask Miss Granger to wed?"
Remus choked on his tea. "Are you mad? I cannot ask her to marry me. That—well, is a bit ridiculous, isn't it?"
"I thought it was the natural course in this situation. Do you really believe with the bond you two share that either of you would be content with another?"
"For Merlin's sake, she is only sixteen."
"Of legal age, both in the Muggle world and ours. At least in the area surrounding Hogwarts."
Shaking his head, Remus gave a short laugh. "I never would have expected that of you Albus. To suggest I keep that brilliant witch from a future."
"And she cannot have this future with you? I never knew that a vow of marriage prevented one from obtaining other goals, except in cases in which one partner is very domineering and selfish. Surely you are not telling me, Remus Lupin, that you would not allow Hermione to pursue any course in her career she chose."
"Of course not. Albus, just drop it alright? You know as well as I do that it is illegal for me to marry a witch. I am a half human remember?"
Albus smiled. "True, but that law does not apply to the Muggleborn which according to the law are not true 'witches'."
Remus mouth opened slightly. He ran his hand through his hair and shook his head. "I didn't know. But it doesn't matter does it? What do I have to offer her? I cannot even afford to take care of myself."
Albus looked thoughtfully at him. "You have the most important thing in the world to offer Hermione. Yourself. And I for one think that is a very valuable commodity."
"A knut for your thoughts," Hermione teased, running her hand up to his chin.
Looking down at her smiling face, Remus hesitated and then blurted out. "What would you say if I told you I was thinking of asking you to marry me?"
