PART THREE

By Valentine's Day, Harry felt increasing grateful to Professor Lupin and his offer. The return of the students after Christmas meant that the mistletoe incident was rehashed again. Fortunately for Harry, at least, there are always things happening for the students to gossip about. In this case, it was Dean Thomas and Seamus Finneagan, who were caught snogging in the Astronomy Tower.

The run up to Valentine's day, however, meant that the library saw an influx of students seeking magical remedies to the problems in their love life. While Harry only had to field questions regarding his Valentines plans, Hermione was constantly interrupted by students who thought this potion or that charm would solve all their problems. Harry wasn't that surprised when she stopped going to the Library, although he did wonder where she had found to study instead.

"Would you mind if I spent Valentine's Day here? I mean if you don't have any other plans!"

Remus raised his eyebrows in surprise but replied " No, I have no other plans except perhaps correcting essays, but surely you have plans?"

"No and I'm not sure I could handle all the giggling girls and the lovey dovey cuteness that typifies the established happy couples."

"Harry. You're too young for such a cynical outlook on life."

"I'm not sure I've ever been young. Immature and temperamental. Yes, but young no!"

Valentine's day dawned damp and miserable, which actually had no effect on the atmosphere in Hogwarts. The corridors were abuzz with excitement, The decorations adding to the general atmosphere. Breakfast was especially tense as the owls delivered the post. Harry felt as though the whole hall was watching as three owls delivered cards to him.

Grabbing some toast, he stuffed the cards into the bag and made his escape. Hermione must have decided to skip breakfast and Ron was too busy with Lavender to notice his leaving. Heading to Remus's room, he found Remus standing, cloak in hand, ready to go out.

"I thought you didn't have any plans?" said Harry, aware of the whine in his voice and hating it.

"I didn't but then I thought you might like a trip to Hogsmeade. So I spoke to the Headmaster and he said okay. If you don't want to, its okay. I should have mentioned something but I didn't want to get your hopes up, when I wasn't sure if it would go ahead."

"Um...Okay. I'll get my cloak."

The day out in Hogsmeade proved to be very enjoyable. Like Hogwarts, Hogsmeade was awash with festivities, but instead of dampening Harry's spirits, he actually felt apart of the celebrations. Harry found himself babbling away to Remus, aided by the various comments Remus made in response. They visited the Quidditch where Harry found himself drooling over the latest broom model, the bookstore where Harry had to pry Remus away from the books, although he had noted some titles he would mention to Hermione.

Remus decided to indulge his sweet tooth in a visit to HoneyDukes. The store was decorated especially festivally and watching Remus eat chocolate was an experience in itself, well watching and hearing him eat chocolate. Harry wished he possessed the courage to just grab him and snog him senseless. The visit to Zonko's brought out the marauder in Remus and Harry saw the years melt away. The trip also proved informative as he learnt some uses for certain things that he imagined, not even the twins had thought of. Their last stop was The Three Broomsticks where butterbeer was the order of the day. Harry couldn't believe that, today had turned out so differently to what he had expected and he wished there was some way he could prolong it.

On arriving back, Harry suddenly found himself flustered about what to say. The surroundings reminded him that Remus was actually his professor.

"Thanks for a great day, Professor."

"My pleasure, Harry. You deserve a little fun now and then. You've worked exceptionally hard this year."

"Well, thank you."

"If you want, you can hide out in my rooms a little longer and play chess."

Grateful for any excuse to prolong the day, Harry agreed eagerly. Remus proved to be a talented player, beating Harry even faster then Ron. Though Harry couldn't remember ever being distracted by the way Ron bit his lip as he concentrated or the little furrows between his eyes.

Harry remembered a question he had for Remus regarding one of their lessons and decided to pull out the relevant book, glad he had decided to leave his bag there that morning. The three cards he received that morning came out with the books.

"Ah, you never told me you got some valentine's cards. So who are they from? Or weren't they signed?"

"I haven't opened them yet."

"Really? I don't think I could have put off opening them!"

"I had completely forgotten about them."

"Was there a particular someone you were hoping to get a card?"

Harry didn't think replying You, was the best idea he had ever had.

"What's the obsession with my love life or lack thereof?"

"We know things haven't been easy for you and we want you to be happy. Don't you ever wish for someone to share things with, apart from Ron and Hermione. Especially now you need a crowbar to get him away from Lavender?"

"Occasionally. It doesn't bother me that much. What about you? Did you get any valentines cards?" As soon as the words were out, Harry wished he could take them back.

"Yes, I seem to have a secret admirer!"

"Really"

"There's no need to sound so shocked. I'm not That old and decrepit, you know."

"Sorry, I don't think that."

"Think what?"

"That you're decrepit!"

"Unfortunately, I reckon the cards are from some infatuated first years."

"You might be surprised. I've heard several of the girls in my year discussing your attributes. Hermione even joined in." Harry suddenly realised what he was saying and decided to shut up.

"Hermione, huh?"

"Yeah, well I'd better go. I don't want to run into Filch tonight. I'd probably be old and decrepit before I got out of detention."

"Very well, Good night Harry. Thank you for a very enjoyable day."

"Good night, Professor."

Upon reaching Gryffindor Tower, Harry felt like hitting his head off a wall, recalling how much babbling he had done that day and how many times he had just wanted to tell Remus exactly how he felt, with perhaps, a demonstration. Remus probably thought he was some sort of babbling idiot, who should be locked up for the good of those around him. He had to admit that, embarrassment aside, he had never had such an enjoyable day or felt so comfortable with anyone. Now that he was away from Remus, he felt bereft of something he couldn't quite articulate.

That night, he dreamt of being held safe and loved.