Night had fallen rather quickly at the Burrow. The many members at the house that night were all scattered among the house, doing many different things. Ron and Harry were trying their best to practice Quidditch, all though it was snowing heavily and incredibly cold outside. But Harry had said, "Think of how much easier it will be when we get back to school." So Ron hesitantly agreed to it. However Ron was frequently falling off his broom and continually tried to fly over to Hermione's window much to the dismay of Harry.
Mrs. Weasley, and Tonks were cooking away in the kitchen, putting the final touches on the Christmas meal (and adding more flavor to the pudding). Occasionally some plates would crash on the floor, while Mrs. Weasley would sigh exasperatedly and say, "Tonks!" Mundungas had lured Mr. Weasley, Fred, and George out of the house to show them how his "cauldron business" was doing—much to the annoyance of Mrs. Weasley ("I DON'T WANT ANY OF MY CHILDREN INVOLVED IN THE BLACK MARKET! GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT MUNDUNGAS!") Bill had gotten called away on important business. Even though it was Christmas Day, Bill was always on duty. He promised to be back later. Charlie was up in his room still reading a Quidditch Magazine. Kingsley Shacklebolt and Mad-Eyed Moody were our sorting problems that had arisen at the Ministry. Remus Lupin was brooding in his room, though no one did know why...and then there was Hermione. Hermione Granger lay on the couch, still silently thinking to herself.
Legilimens...that's what it all comes down to...Legilimens...Hermione forced herself off the couch. She made her way into the front hall, and into the kitchen where her nose was greeted with wonderful smells.
"Mrs. Weasley, everything smells delicious! I can't wait to have dinner tonight," she told Molly brightly. Mrs. Weasley beamed.
"Oh, it shall be one of the best Christmas dinners we've had in a long while," she said happily. She broke out of her trance. "Did you want anything?"
"Oh, yes. Actually, I was wondering if you had any books on Legilimens...you know, describing what one is and things like that," Hermione asked, a hopeful look in her eyes.
Mrs. Weasley stopped short of what she was doing. She turned to face Hermione and looked her over carefully. "Why would you want to know about Legilimens?"
"Well—erm—it's just a little research project I'm doing...and it's due next term as well, so I needed some information," Hermione said quickly. Just then another dish shattered, and Mrs. Weasley's suspiciousness vanished.
"Tonks!" she cried. "Not another one!"
"I'm sorry," moaned the young witch. "I'll clean it up, no worries!"
"No, that's quite alright. I'll pick it up and you take a break," sighed Mrs. Weasley.
"Okay," Tonks said brightly, and she made her way out of the kitchen (but not before tripping over a chair). Mrs. Weasley grabbed her wand and did a quick spell to clean up the mess.
"I'm sorry Hermione...let me see books on Legilimens....I don't believe we have any. The only books we own are about Quidditch and the Ministry," said Mrs. Weasley apologetically. Hermione frowned. "But I can tell you about Legilimens, if you'd like." She didn't wait for Hermione's answer. "A successfully accomplished Legilimens is a wizard or witch who can break into the thoughts of other people's minds. But the more dangerous thing they can do is that they can be conscious of both their present self and their past self. In other words, they can go back to their past self, still knowing what they know from the future. It's a very controversial topic among many wizards and witches. They all debate whether or not it's fair if someone can go back to their past self and change things...and we all know that if you go back in time, say with a time turner—"Hermione gulped. "And if you change things, the future will change...it's happened before, and gone to the point where a young wizard completely vanished one day because someone had killed him in the past. That's only one of the reasons why no one can train to be a Legilimens anymore. And it does take many years of training to become one." Mrs. Weasley paused. "Do you need to know more?"
"Yes!" nodded Hermione, excited that she was getting so much information.
"All right...now where was I? Oh, yes. A very important item a Legilimens must have is a pensieve. That way the wizard or witch could take certain thoughts out of their head while going back to the past. So, if they wanted to take certain thoughts out of their head, preferably thoughts of the future, they could deposit them in the pensieve and go back in time completely oblivious of certain events that took place. Now," said Mrs. Weasley holding up a finger. "A wizard or witch could leave those certain thoughts in their heads, but that would be risking a great deal. As I said, it has been tested before, and a wizard had died in the process."
Hermione let the information sink in. She finally asked, "How many Legilimens are there?"
"Not many. Not many at all. As a matter of fact, I'd say less then fifty. But the two most famous Legilimens are Albus Dumbledore...and...He-who-must-not-be-named," finished Mrs. Weasley, slightly pale.
Hermione gasped. "Voldemort is a Legilimens?!"
"HE-WHO-MUST-NOT-BE-NAMED!" screeched Mrs. Weasley, slightly red. Hermione put her hand to her mouth.
"I'm so sorry Mrs. Weasley! I don't know what came over me..." said Hermione trailing off. There was a complete silence for a few minutes. Hermione was about to ask more questions when the front door opened and in came Mr. Weasley, Fred, and George all talking excitedly to each other. Mrs. Weasley glared at them angrily and they immediately went into the living room, talking in hushed tones. The door was still open, but it was soon closed by the ragged looking Mundungas. He tipped his hat to Mrs. Weasley and Hermione, grinning, showing his yellow and jagged teeth. Hermione felt the heat radiate off of Mrs. Weasley, but didn't speak. Mundungas quickly stumbled off into the living room.
"I don't know what to do with that man," said Mrs. Weasley gritting her teeth. Hermione barely stifled a giggle.
"Well, thanks for the information Mrs. Weasley!" she told her and she made her way out of the kitchen. She quickly ran up the stairs and into Ginny's room, the room she was sleeping in. She sat on one of the beds and thought for a moment. Voldemort is a Legilimens. Why didn't Harry tell me? He was studying Occlumency in fifth year...he should've told someone! He had to have known. Hermione put her head in her hands. But the other thing Legilimens can do...it's dangerous...and especially knowing that Voldemort can go back to his past self...can go back to being Tom Riddle! Why, he could kill Dumbledore! she thought, taking a sharp breath. But Dumbledore must know this...I mean how could he not? Yes, Dumbledore knows this. Besides, Tom Riddle is the only wizard Voldemort is afraid of. He wouldn't pull anything on Dumbledore. Hermione flexed her rather shaky hands. Okay, so Voldemort could go back to being Tom Riddle. His past. When he was at Hogwarts....
Just then the door burst open, and Harry and Ron made their way into the room. Both looked frozen, their bodies shivering. Ron's scarf was hanging limply around his neck and he looked exhausted.
"Have you ever heard of knocking?" asked Hermione angrily. "I could've been changing!" she said folding her arms in an irritable fashion that suggested the idea of her changing to the two boys who had entered the room.
"Oooh, wouldn't Ron have loved that?" said Harry smirking at his best friend and elbowing him in the ribs. "Right Ron?" Ron turned crimson.
"Shut up," he muttered.
"Anyhow, dinners ready. Mrs. Weasley just called, didn't you hear her?" asked Harry.
"No," admitted Hermione. The three made their way down to the kitchen. As everyone was getting seated they realized someone was missing from the table.
"Where is Professor Lupin?" Hermione said aloud.
"He must still be in his room, and must not have heard mum call, like a certain someone else did," Ron said going for some mash potatoes.
"Ron!" Mrs. Weasley scolded. "It's not polite to eat when not everyone has arrived. Go fetch Remus." She said as she bustled back to the kitchen to bring more food out. Ron moaned, and pushed out his chair. He quickly made his way upstairs and down the hall. He knocked on Lupin's door. No answer. He tried knocking again, a little louder this time. Still no answer.
"Oh Professor Lupin," Ron called from outside. "Dinner's ready. Mum told me to come fetch you." He said, his hand on the doorknob. "Professor?" He swung open the door. He couldn't see Remus anywhere. He scanned the room, and found a big bulge in the sheets. He silently walked over to the sleeping Remus.
"Professor?" he said shaking him slightly. It didn't move. "Oh Professor?" Ron said again. He yanked the sheets down a little. Remus was in his pajamas, clutching a picture frame to his chest. Ron backed up slightly, unnerved by what he saw. Yes, Remus had obviously been crying. "Er- sorry to bother you –"Ron started, as he backed towards the door and tripped over his own feet.
"Tell your mum I'm not feeling well please," he choked out, pulling the covers back over his head,
"N-no problem." Ron quickly left him, feeling slightly guilty about barging in. He quickly came down the stairs and sat down, the table waiting for him and Remus.
"Where's Remus?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Er-he didn't feel too well he said." Ron said shifting uncomfortably in his chair. "Can we eat now?" he said changing the subject.
Everyone enjoyed the dinner that night. Mrs. Weasley outdid herself with her cooking. It got better and better every night. Tonight they had a large turkey, cranberry sauce, pumpkin juice, baked ham, steak and kidney pie, corn, breaded string beans, peach cobbler, eggplant parmesan, mash potatoes, custard pies, pumpkin pasties, and many more. By the time night came, everyone was filled to the brim with the sumptuous food. Tradition called for the singing of carols by fire and candlelight, and then finally a midnight snack before retiring.
Ever since the three of them had questioned his necklace he felt a sinking feeling in his gut. He was not a man to cry normally, no usually never, but how could he suppress thirty years of this feeling any longer? It seemed like it would all blow up eventually and finally when they had asked about it, he could feel it bursting to get out. And it finally did. Thirty years of pain and anguish caught up with him. He cried, he cried for some many reasons. At the memory of her, at the memory of his two good friends, at the pain he endured every full moon. Why was he always the one to suffer? Why was it every good person in his life was taken away from him? Why was it he had been bitten by a werewolf! Why could he not have a normal happy life like most did? Remus would never know these answers. He knew he'd scared Ron early and he decided to get a grip on himself. He couldn't act like this any longer. He was a mature adult, and he had to be strong. Especially around the younger generation, who was at the moment most likely panicked about the current state of Ginny Weasley.
Around three in the morning, after he had finally convinced himself to get out of bed he sauntered through the hall and down the stairs and conjured himself a cup of coffee. He leaned himself up against the counter sipping his coffee and listening to the sounds the Burrow had made. After a while, once he had finished he went into the living room and settled himself in a chair near the crackling fire. He decided he really had to think about this whole thing through. To really get a grip on everything that was going on.
Okay Lupin, you seriously need to calm down. I'm calm! Ron probably got freaked to see me in that state. Uggh...I shouldn't be doing this to myself. She was gone a long time ago and crying about it is not going to help. It doesn't help that I have her picture on the table all the time. Perhaps I should rid myself of it, to ease the pain and burden. What are you crazy! You can't just erase her from your memory we've tried this before Lupin. Everyone probably thinks your mad, just because you have a stupid little necklace means the world to you. What am I going to do?
The next day when Hermione woke up, she was filled with even more questions then the night before. She tiptoed her way downstairs, as to not wake anyone, although she doubted anyone would be up. She was surprised to see her very own Professor Lupin downstairs, comfortable in one of the armchairs.
"Good morning. I'm surprised anyone is up this early," she told him honestly. He jumped slightly, obviously startled by her presence. She hadn't seen him since yesterday. He looked a little better, but still...his eyes looked ever so pained. He was obviously hurting very badly for some reason still.
"As am I." He said, starring at his hands. Hermione sighed.
"I just came down here...to think."
"And may I inquire what's the matter?"
"Actually, you could help me. I have a question that I'd rather you not mention to anyone—especially Mrs. Weasley," said Hermione carefully. Remus raised an eyebrow.
"Go on."
"I wanted to know about Voldemort when he was younger," she said confidently. "I want to know more about Tom Riddle and his relations with Hogwarts." There was an awkward silence in which Remus Lupin studied Hermione. She avoided his gaze, however.
"May I ask why?"
"That...I cannot say," Hermione said quickly.
"All right. Are you sure you want to know?" asked her former Professor, an almost pained look on his face.
"Yes."
"Very well." Remus paused. "Tom Riddle was one of the finest young wizards Hogwarts had ever seen. Although he did well in many classes, he excelled in the Defense Against the Dark Arts. Many thought it was...unearthly how well he did in that class, but others thought it was pure talent. His seventh year was the year when the Chamber of Secrets opened, and Myrtle died. Dumbledore was the only one smart enough to be suspicious of him. But then after convicting Hagrid of the crime and graduating at the top of his class, suspicion vanished. Everyone knew him as the top student, not as the student that he really was. Soon after, he decided he didn't want to leave Hogwarts. He applied a year later for the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor..." said Remus, trailing off. Hermione took a deep breath. "And he got it. "
Hermione began to sweat all over. Voldemort is a Legilimens. That would mean he could go back to his teaching as Tom Riddle and completely corrupt the school or hurt someone! That would mean....if Ginny went back to that time...Tom Riddle. Hermione let out a gasp, and then covered her mouth.
"I know," began Remus, not knowing the real reason she had gasped. "He actually last taught when I was in my fifth...it was a hard time. I remember this one class...." he trailed off and an odd shiver past over his face.
Hermione was getting more and more anxious by the minute. "What years were these...I mean, what years did he teach?"
"He taught in 1964 to 1967."
"So those were the 'Marauder years' you could say?" asked Hermione, smiling.
"They were," replied Remus, a smile playing on his face as well. But as soon as it had come it faded again as day fades into night. He seemed so troubled.
"Why weren't you at dinner last night?" Hermione asked, finally at a question that had been bugging her for awhile. He paused, then said, "I-I wasn't feeling too well," he said quietly. Hermione assumed this was due to the full moon. It was approaching in a few days, and she knew he'd be leaving soon because of it. But something ran deeper than that. Something much deeper and Hermione felt she was on the verge of figuring it out.
There was a calm silence. Then, "I think I'm going to go upstairs again," said Hermione getting up. Lupin merely nodded at her.
"The others won't be down for awhile. Take your time," he advised. Hermione nodded and walked quietly up the stairs and into her room. She closed the door and locked it this time, (remembering the outburst from the day before). She plopped herself down onto the bed and closed her eyes. She needed to think. Big time.
Ginny Weasley disappeared for almost a week and half now, she thought. She had to have gone back in time since she disappeared with my time turner. That means she could've gone back in time anywhere from one hour to....god only knows how many years. Think Hermione, think! 'The Dark Lord's vengeance seeks the young one'. It appeared at the Ministry of Magic, where we were two years ago! Ginny was there too—and she was the youngest one there! She's also the youngest of the Weasley family... Everyone already knows Voldemort is trying to kill Harry...he doesn't have to write that in blood on a wall to prove that! So it has to be someone else... It could be Neville—but Voldemort has never shown any signs of wanting him before, even though he tortured his parents. He could've picked Neville but he didn't....he picked Harry, according the prophesy. So let's see. Luna. Hermione snorted. She has no relation whatsoever to anything having to do with Voldemort, except the fact that she was there that night. There's me...I've always been caught with Harry and Ron in these situations, but what reason has Voldemort to kill me? He's never shown any sign... Ron... Hermione immediately dismissed that thought. Ginny. She was the youngest one there. Tom Riddle chose her in the Chamber of Secrets back in the second year... where he also wrote the message with blood on the walls. He would want Ginny. She's the one. And she went back in time. A cold shiver worked its way up Hermione's spine. Dread tightened her throat. What if...Ginny went back in time to one of the years where Riddle was teaching? She'd be with the Marauders! Yes Hermione, and she'd also be in ridiculously horrible danger! said her more sensible side.
She opened her eyes. But it's not a fact....she may not really be there...I could be over thinking the matter. Are you sure? she asked herself. No. She tried to hide that from herself, but she wasn't sure what to think. But Dumbledore is much smarter and wiser than me...he'd know the danger. He should know that Voldemort is a Legilimens...it's his duty to know that! Are you sure? Once again Hermione put her head down in shame. No. I'm not sure of anything right now. I need proof. Confirmation. Until then I will put doubt on the matter...I mean what are the odds of Ginny going back in time to the Marauder years only to be harmed by her DADA teacher, Tom Riddle? Hermione nearly laughed at how ridiculous it sounded. But then again, anything could happen Hermione. Remember the live wizard's chess game in first year? Harry defeating Voldemort who was attached to the back of Quirrell's head? Defeating a basilisk that was hiding in the Chamber of Secrets? Going back in time to rescue Sirius Black, convicted murder, with a hippogriff? Barty Crouch Jr. putting a portkey in a maze so that when Harry finished first he would be transported to a graveyard and hopefully fall to his doom during the middle of the Triwizard Tournament? Six kids defeating Voldemort's band of Death Eaters in the Ministry of Magic? Hermione made herself stop. She had worked herself up, and was in a cold sweat. Every one of those things sounded outlandish. In fact, Ginny going back in time seemed almost normal compared to some of the other events that had taken place. There was only one question Hermione had left to ask. One question that would pretty much convince Hermione that this was all possible. And the only person that could answer this question that wasn't dead or that wasn't a traitor was Remus Lupin.
Hermione slowly unlocked the door and headed back downstairs. She peeked through the staircase rails and saw that he was still there, sitting placidly on the armchair, staring into space. Hermione sat back down on the couch and said nothing for a few minutes.
Finally, when she worked up enough courage to talk, she asked, "Professor Lupin?" He looked at her, finally coming out of his fixation.
"Oh you're back I see." He said, with no emotion in his voice. "Call me Remus. I'm not your professor anymore," he said before she answered him.
"Pro – er - Remus... I have another question."
"Yes?"
"It's about your years at Hogwarts, actually. I've just been pondering awhile and I think you could help me with this thing I've been trying to figure out for sometime now. I was wondering...this may sound a bit weird but uh - did anyone mysteriously show up during the middle of one of your years?" asked Hermione, looking at her hands as she said it. She bit her tongue as Remus's face took on a dazed look. More silence.
"What would make you ask that?" He said looking, very suspicious.
"Can you please just answer the question?"
"Yes," said Remus simply, trying his best not to let his emotions get the better of him again. Hermione barely nodded.
"Oh. Okay." Remus looked at Hermione meaningfully but said nothing. Hermione starred at the fire a long time as an awkward silence hung in the air. She felt her eyes get a little fuzzy from looking at the blazing flame for too long. She casually glanced at Lupin. His robes were patched and frayed and were sort of lopsided on his body. He looked as if he had slept in them. She spotted a familiar glint of silver around his neck again. His necklace.
Without thinking she asked, "Was she the one who gave you that necklace?" As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she wished she could take them back. There was a look on Remus's face that she had never seen before. A look of sadness, angst, love, anger, and anguish all at once. Hermione felt a pang of guiltiness in her chest. Ginny, she thought. Oh my god...he loves Ginny, and he doesn't even know it's her. This whole revelation let shock creep its way onto Hermione's face. Remus slowly nodded at her and then began to stare straight into space again.
"I'll go now," she said softly. She dashed and ran the whole way up the stairs and then locked herself in her room again. And she cried. She cried for Ginny. She cried for Remus. And most of all, she cried for the both of them.
He sat on the couch a moment as Hermione hurried up the stairs, obviously detecting his current state of emotion. Of course she had no idea what she had done, but how could she? No one would. No one remembered her but him. Oh no...Hermione knows...he began to not be able to think straight. He had just convinced himself to be reasonable before but he couldn't be reasonable now. The memories came pouring back, and he could do nothing to stop them.
Remus was very pained when he remembered her. He had tried over and over again to forget her. It never worked. For awhile he thought she had left his mind. But no, that wouldn't happen. He remembered when he was going to teach at Hogwarts. Hogwarts reminded him of her. Much to his dismay something else did too. He distinctly remembered that day on the train when the dementor came on board. Yes he remembered the things he'd hear when he'd see a dementor. Originally, only three others occupied the compartment, but in came a bumbling boy and then a little girl. Yes, and the little girl looked exactly like her. Almost uncanny how much. Same face, same eyes, same hair, same everything...except younger. He was distressed when he found out more about her. She was Ron Weasley's sister. Ron Weasley was the best friend of Harry Potter. And Harry Potter was the son of one of his best friends. There seemed to be almost a connection in his mind. He noticed she was shy...she seemed to hold a dark secret. Like he did. Something about a Tom, she had said on the train. He tried not to give it much thought. He later figured out it had been Tom Riddle, or Lord Voldemort. He had taken control of her and almost killed her. Like he killed someone else.
"I love you Remus..." Her voice echoed in his mind. It pained him every time he heard her musical voice. "You will always be special. Don't you understand that? Don't you know that love is much too strong to just abandon hope?" He sometimes wished he could yell out loud. Shout at her for leaving him the way she did. Why had she done that, didn't she realize she had completely destroyed him?
After he retired from his job, everyone knowing he was a werewolf, he went back to where he was previously, wherever that was. He has not thought about her for awhile. No, not until the Order came together. Then he saw little Miss Weasley again and all his thoughts came rushing back to him. She was little older now...and she looked more and more like her everyday. Remus remembered when Sirius died. More pain came upon his soul. It did not help that Ginny had been there too, with Harry, Hermione, Ron and a few others. More pain. And now, two years later, she disappears. The same time another had come into his life. It seemed so odd. Were the two related some how? Everything about them was alike. But how could that be? His head pounded from the memories. Her spirit remained with him everyday, hanging around his neck and it was a burden. Dragging him down further everyday. And after Hermione had gotten curious, he was afraid he could bare the pain no longer. He had to leave, this place that just smelled like her, bringing back heartbreaking memories. He couldn't stay. As much as he loved the Weasleys and Harry and everyone, he couldn't stay. It was far too painful for him to bear.
"More than anyone or anything..."And so that night he left, quietly and quickly he left. After a day of sitting in his room having the memories flood back to him, from Hermione's simple question he left. He stopped as he shut the door to look at his surroundings. Snow was falling gently to the ground. As he stepped out a bit more, some grazed his graying brown hair. He looked into the midnight blue sky. The moon was shining with lust, the way her eyes had. It was almost full too. He sighed heavily, as he thought about the upcoming few days. He took a few more steps out and looked up at the Burrow. He could see Ginny's room, where Tonks and Hermione were now sleeping. Poor Ginny, wherever she was. He always felt a closeness to Ginny Weasley, perhaps because he wanted to believe she was someone else. Someone who came into his life...and then just as quickly disappeared. Just like he was going to do now. He needed to disappear for awhile. To collect his thoughts about everything. To finally get over someone who was long gone. He apparated with a quick pop, on that cold December night, leaving behind a place of pure pain to him, but joy to so many others. He was alone again.
"Please Remus, tell me you love me too..."The next morning, Hermione awoke late quite exhausted from her previous thoughts during the night. Yes Remus, had once been in love with Ginny, or so Hermione pondered. He didn't know it was the same girl, but how could he? And it seemed to make a lot of sense. Of course if she told Ron or Harry they'd most likely laugh at her and say how old Remus was. But Hermione knew he had been the right age at the time. She slowly got out of Ginny's bed, which she found to be quite small when she had first started staying here. Not that it surprised Hermione, after all the Weasley's had seven children to attend to. Hermione was an only child and her parents could spend as much money as they wanted on her. Not that they did, but they had gotten her a large bed, with very beautiful purple sheets. But Ginny's bed was small with a patchwork quilt on it, that Hermione assumed was a family heirloom and naturally went to Ginny, being the only girl. (Okay, now I'm rambling about a bed, honestly! On with the story please!)
Hermione stepped down on the wooden floor, which creaked slightly under her weight and she proceeded out the door of the room. She noticed Tonks' sheets were laid haphazardly at the end of her bed, which reminded Hermione to make the bed she had been sleeping in. After smoothing down Ginny's quilt she exited the room and headed down the stairs.
When she arrived, she noticed everyone else was up, and slapped herself mentally for sleeping so late into the day. Ron, Harry, Tonks, Arthur, Mundungus and Charlie were all sitting at the kitchen table. Mrs. Weasley was bustling in the kitchen serving up seconds and thirds of every food she had for them. Fred and George were nowhere in sight, but Hermione had a feeling they had been up for hours and were most likely experimenting in their room some more. Hermione wondered who was running their shop while they were here for Christmas. Maybe it was closed? Or an employee was working overtime? Either way, they were most likely still here, unless they did in fact leave to run the shop. Seeing as there was no Remus Lupin at the table, Hermione wondered if perhaps he was still sleeping. Before she made her way downstairs, she strode over to his room, which was a few doors down the hallway. The door was shut. Hermione slowly turned the knob, in case he was still sleeping. She peered inside. She was alarmed when she didn't see any of his belongings in the room. Not that he had many, but whatever he did have was missing. And the bed was made. He was not there. Hermione figured that he had some job to do, and probably left early this morning while she had been sleeping. She walked over to the staircase again and casually descended down the steps. When she arrived in the kitchen, most of the people sitting there had already cleared their plates and were talking. Except for Ron, he was still gulping down his mother's food.
"Oi! Hermione! Do you know how late it is?" Ron asked, shoving some pancakes into his mouth and chewing nosily.
"I know it's late, and Ron...don't chew with your mouth open," she said rather disgusted as she walked over to him, put her finger on his chin and pushed his jaw up concealing the chewed food. Ron grimaced, and stuffed some more pancakes into his mouth. She turned to Harry, who was smiling slightly at them.
"What time is it anyway Harry?" she asked as she slumped into a seat next to him, leaving a rather disgruntled Ron to pout.
"Er- somewhere around 11 o'clock, I think. Pretty late."
"Oh my goodness, I can't believe nobody woke me up," Hermione said in a sort of whiny voice while slapping a hand to her head. "Oh well," she sighed, as she leaned against the back of her chair.
"Would you like pancakes, sausage, bacon, muffins, or anything else, Hermione?" Mrs. Weasley asked, still cooking with a few flicks of her wand. Hermione was a little hungry so she settled for a muffin and some orange juice. As she took a sip of the orange juice she remembered her previous thoughts that morning. (Probably cause of the orange juice, you know it's orange like the hair of two certain Weasley family members. Just a theory)
"Where did Fred and George go?" she questioned taking a bite of her muffin.
"Left to run the joke shop. Said they'd be back later around six, but the bloke they hired wants to be home with his family for a bit, so they've got to run it." Ron said between mouthfuls of pancakes.
"And Professor Lupin?" she said putting the muffin down. (Mmm...muffins. I had to contribute muffins to the story. I mean my pen name is branmuffinpower, how could I not?)
"Isn't he still asleep?" Mrs. Weasley said, bringing Ron a platter of more pancakes and a sausage.
"Well – he wasn't in his room.... in fact all his things were gone." Hermione said, disregarding her half-eaten muffin.
"He wasn't?" Molly said, slightly shocked as Ron took the platter out of her hands, too impatient to wait for her to give it to him.
"No, I assumed he left this morning on business or something..." Hermione said trailing off. Ron was oblivious to the seriousness of the situation, because he was the only one, who did not look up from whatever they were doing. He kept eating his food.
"No, he didn't say anything to us...no note or anything." Mrs. Weasley said, slightly pale. She turned very slowly around and walked over to the stove without a word. No one made a sound, with the exception of Ron, who was still eating nosily. After a moment or two of silence, Arthur and Mundungus went to re-organize Arthur's plug collection. Charlie said he had to pack, since he was going back to Romania the next day. Tonks decided to sit in the living room and read the daily prophet for a bit. Harry, Ron and Hermione were left to do as they pleased.
"Shall we try to play Quidditch again Harry?" Ron asked glancing out the window at the snow which was now coming down in thick sheets making it look almost as if the sky and everything else outside was white. Harry grimaced at this statement slightly and Hermione glared at him.
"How could you be so insensitive, Ron?" she growled, and stalked out of the kitchen. Ron looked aghast.
"What did I say?"
Hermione frantically ran into Ginny's room to think. Ginny's room always seemed to give her the best thoughts for some reason. She flung the door open and collapsed on Ginny's small bed. Hermione was beginning to panic. Where could Remus Lupin have gone? she repeated to herself over and over in her head. The truth settled into her as quickly as she decided to listen to her sensible side. It was because you talked to him that he left! You brought up old, sad memories. How could you be so stupid? Well, I couldn't help it! I didn't know if it was true.... he just confirmed it for me. Still.... you made him leave! Did not! Did too! Hermione buried her head in her hands. Surely I reminded him of Ginny...but-something must have happened to her if he was that upset about it! Ginny must be in serious danger then! Dear god, I hope he doesn't do anything rash...but he's a rather sensible man, he wouldn't do anything stupid right? Then again, love makes you do crazy things...look at Ron. Hermione snorted. Ron couldn't feel compassion if it bit him in the arse. But surely he wouldn't...kill himself or go after Voldemort or something? Surely not. He's a smart man. He knows that would help nothing. She heard a knock on the door
"Come in!" she said, desperate from some sort of distraction. In walked Harry and Ron, looking rather flabbergasted.
"'Mione, we get the feeling you're not telling us something," began Ron, looking at his feet. Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes. It took them this long to figure that out? Ron glanced up at Harry as though pleading for him to continue.
"So, is there something you'd like to tell us?" asked Harry. Hermione just glared at the two of them.
"I'm not sure I want to, thank you very much!"
Harry raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. Ron however looked up at her angrily. "Well, why not? We didn't do anything to you and now you have to go off in a huff like you're mad! And then, when we try to ask you what's wrong, you just glare at us like it's plainly obvious... how are we supposed to know what to say to you?"
Hermione drew herself up to her full height, which made her look twice as tall though she was still looking up at Ron. "I can't believe you! The two of you," she added glaring at Harry. He looked at her in shock.
"What do you mean the two of you? If anyone's clueless it's him! Leave me out of it!" he shouted.
"I've known the both of you since first year and you still can't figure me out?" she yelled back.
"Girls will be girls," Harry said grinning. This infuriated Hermione even more.
"GET OUT! BOTH OF YOU, GET OUT!" Hermione pushed them out the door. Harry and Ron, too startled to react, merely tripped over each other. Finally, when they were outside, Hermione slammed the door shut and locked. She went to lie on the bed, completely over run with emotions of confusion, irritability, anger, sadness, and a slight twinge of worry. She heard Ron's strangled yelling and Harry's cursing but she refused to open the door. After about three minutes they gave up, and she heard footsteps heading back downstairs.
Hermione didn't know what to do to herself. Surely she couldn't go out looking for Lupin. But she couldn't just sit back in Ginny's bed and do nothing. She glanced at the calender in Ginny's room, scanning over the days. She only had two more before she would return to Hogwarts. And what should I do when I get there? I've pretty much confirmed that Ginny has gone back to the Marauder's sixth year...haven't I? Well... it's hard to say. This could all be one huge coincidence, you know. I'm not listening to you anymore. Hermione tried to shut out her more sensible side, but failed. She needed complete confirmation of Ginny being back there.
"Complete confirmation," she mused aloud. She paced the room. Where on earth could she confirm it? Surely Dumbledore wouldn't tell her... The ghosts! she thought suddenly. No, Dumbledore would have made them sworn to secrecy. She sighed moodily. Her more reasonable side was getting the better of her at this point. She rolled over onto her back and studied the white-grayish paint that covered the ceiling. Feeling discouraged she sat up and reached for her trunk for school and opened it up. She studied it a moment. It was full of many, many piles of books. She saw her grooming kit she used to groom Crookshanks along with a few other miscellaneous items like parchment and quills. Her hazel eyes rested on one book in particular with a tattered, brown, leather cover. Her hands wandered over to it and she picked it up placed it on her lap. She flipped open the cover. Then she remembered what this book was. It was a photo album. Hermione smiled. Perhaps this would take her mind off everything that was going on.
On the first page there were several shots of a very disgruntled Harry, that were shot by Colin Creevy. Hermione giggled as she saw Harry turn away from the camera in frustration during the second year at Hogwarts. After flipping through a few more she found some from her fourth year during the Quidditch Cup. There were several shots of her, Ron and Harry together in a few different poses that Hermione found amusing. She also found one of her, Ron, Fred, George, Harry, Ginny from the same time with Ludo Bagman trying to get in the picture. Hermione flipped the page to find photos from the fifth year. One of Luna and her stupid hat, Hermione was quite unsure how she had come up with that one.
She found another that was taken at the end of the fifth year at Kings Cross. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were standing on the left, Mr. Weasley's arm around his wife. Tonks, and Mad Eye Moody were way on the right. Fred and George were in those ridiculous green jackets and Fred had Ron in noogie position. Ron was struggling against his grip which was amusing to watch. Harry and herself were looking over at Ron in the picture quite amused. Ginny was next to her mother, who had her arm around her daughter's shoulders. Finally Remus was in the back behind Harry and Hermione. Hermione studied his face. He was smiling at the camera, but for some reason he looked very...upset in his eyes. Something she had seen his look just before he left. Was it about Sirius? Part of it probably. But definitely not all of it. But of course Hermione would never know for sure exactly. She needed proof.
And then it came to her. There was one way to get complete confirmation. She would get it in Hogwarts. In one of the forbidden corridors. Alone.
Author's Note: Rather short chapter no? Well that's cause we're mapping out the story and writing other parts of the story...you know the climax and what-not. This chapter is mostly showing Hermione piece together Ginny's disappearance and to show Remus's reaction to Ginny. It's important mind you, but don't worry things will get better. We hope you liked Ron and the pancakes. I love writing about Ron. He's so fun to write. :D
Dark Angel31: No Tom pour vous? Ah I couldn't catch him anyway. He kept throwing books at me, lots and lots of books. Bloody bastard, when I catch that scumbag...I will be torturing him. You can help if you like. To make up for my abysmal gift before, you can have a not-so-evil Draco. ::Pulls not-so-evil Draco out of pocket:: Ta da! ::Not-so-evil Draco glares at branmuffinpower:: Uh...he's still a little sore at me for leaving him in a cage for several hours...heh heh. ::runs::
Deal-with-it: Yeah I also wondered if Tom...you know...with Ginny. I think if it were real life he probably would have, but if you ask JKR she'd probably say he didn't. For now in this story, you can think whatever, I don't think I'm going into detail about that. Glad you liked the flack cannon, it's the least I can do after such a funny review. Would you like a box full of grenades too? They worked very well Stewie Griffin in Family Guy. ::holds out grenades:: :D :D :D
Piper of Locksley: Yes Tom is getting on my nerves to...let's do away with him! ::pulls out wand:: Oh shoot I can't. I promised him he could be in my story until the end for some free cookies. Gah, we'll have to wait before he throws a tantrum.
Lupinfan227: All will be explained in time, be patience young one...heh. I sounded like ObiWan...YAY!! Anyways, there I much more coming up and everything will be all sorted out. Thanks for the review! Love your one-shots! They rock!
Brokentoy19: Hah yes, I loved that line myself. I was cracking up a few minutes after I wrote it. Pretty sad huh? Thanks for the review :D :D :D
VanillaChocolate: Gah! Don't smite me! ::hides:: Here's the chapter...just don't hurt me... ::sniff::
Also many thanks to Pyrogurl4, Kelloch and Darkwolf27 for their very awesome reviews! YAY! Cookies for everyone! ::Throws cookies in the air:: Catch everyone!