Disclaimer: I own nothing, as usual. I don't even own the computer that I'm
using to type this up. *Sigh* Sometimes I think I'm such a loser. but I do
have my stories to keep me feeling good about myself. Anyways. on with the
story.
Chapter 5
Harry slept in late that morning. He'd spent all night with his father, Sirius, Remus and Peter goofing around Hogsmead. Harry had the strange idea that James had felt a connection between them - which wasn't surprising to Harry - and that was the reason James trusted him so fully now.
It was Saturday morning and as Harry lay in bed he wondered how in the world he was going to hook his parents up. And then there was Remus. How was he going to split Lily and Remus up without hurting either of them? All Harry had to do was get Lily to like James and they would be fine, but then what was Remus going to do? Harry didn't know any girls here well enough to get one with Remus.
Harry sighed and pulled back the covers. He dressed silently and went down to breakfast where he assumed the others had gone. His stomach growled uncomfortably as he walked to the Gryffindor table where the Marauders sat.
"Late night, Potter?" James said, clapping Harry on the back. Harry smiled a tired smile and sat between him and Sirius. Lupin was nowhere in sight, nor was Lily.
"You didn't happen to see Remus did you? Or more importantly, did you see Lily?" James asked.
"Nope," Harry replied. He decided he might as well tell James his plan before Remus got back.
"Hey James," Harry said. "I noticed you've been having some trouble in the Lily Department."
James groaned. "Please tell me you have a sixth sense and it's not really that obvious."
"I guess you could say I have a sixth sense. anyway, I've got exactly what you need to win her heart." Of course Harry didn't really know exactly what James needed but if he could send a letter or two into the future he could have, in great detail, exactly what he needed to help James.
"Are you serious!" James practically shouted, causing several people to look.
"Uh-hu. You'll have her well before the end of the year." I hope, he thought. Right then, Remus and Lily entered - together. Lily was laughing and Remus was smiling at her. James had a sad look on his face.
"What about Remus, though. He hasn't looked happy like that in a long time. I don't want to take away his happiness. Even though she is my girl. if it makes him happy I guess he can borrow her for a little while." James looked down at his hands. Harry was shocked and by the look on Sirius's face, he was too. No wonder Sirius and Lupin thought very highly of James. To love Lily so much but willingly share her for a while just to make his friend happy. And then it hit him.
"Hermione!" Harry said. James and Sirius looked at Harry like he was going nutters.
"You feelin' all right, mate? I mean, you do realize that you were shouting out some girl's name, right? Who's Hermione?" James said.
"Yeah, is she cute? Sirius asked with a serious expression.
"Um. I guess she's. that's not what I meant. Remus would totally go for her. She's smart, she's funny.While Lily starts to love you, Remus starts to like Hermione and no one gets hurt. It'll be great." Except for the fact I'll have to convince Hermione to come here.
"You'd really do that for me?" James asked, wide eyed.
"Of course. We're blood, remember?" Harry smiled.
James clapped him on the back again. "You're a good man, Potter. A good man."
*****
Dear Hermione,
Hey, it's me, Harry. in the past. um, I have a situation and I need you here right away, I would tell you exactly what I need you for but them I'm afraid you wouldn't come. Please, please come help me. I'll never get my parents together without hurting a dear friend of ours if you're not here to uh, soften the blow. I owe you big time. Thanks a million!
Harry
P.S. Say hi to Ron for me.
Hermione finished reading and dreaded the thought of what Harry might need her for.
"What'd he say?" Ron said through a mouthful of his breakfast. Hermione sighed.
"Well, he needs me."
"Huh? Wait a minute. I think all of this gushy love stuff he's doin' to get his mum to like his dad is goin' to his head. Write him back and tell him he doesn't need you for a girlfriend just 'cause his mum and dad are getting' the hook up."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "That's not what I meant."
Ron blushed a bit. "Oh."
"He wants me to come help him but he wont tell me what for because he's afraid - oh just read it." She shoved the letter into his hands. He'd been breathing down her neck trying to read the letter.
"Oh thanks, Harry, mate." Ron mumbled. "Didn't ask me to come and he didn't even mention me until the P.S. What a real pal."
"Oh shut up. Do you really think I'll leave without you?" Hermione said, irritated.
"I'm touched that you would think to bring me."
"Well don't. I'm doing it so I won't have to listen to you complain when I get back."
Ron pretended to be offended but smiled when he saw the tiniest hint of a smile on Hermione's lips.
"When do we leave?"
"Right now." Hermione pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill and scribbled furiously.
*****
Lily was sitting in Charms, happily reviewing Cheering Charms with a girl in her class who'd been having a bit of trouble with them. The Cheering Charms weren't the cause for her happiness though. Lily began to spend more and more time with Remus and the more time she spent with him, the more she liked him. Intelligence was a major turn on for Lily as was respect and humor. Lucky for her, Remus had all of that.
While Lily was politely giving instruction to her struggling classmate, she caught Remus's eye and he winked. Lily giggled and turned back to the girl. Mary came over to have snatches of conversation with Lily between her tutoring. "Is he a good kisser?" Mary asked, her eyes mischievous.
"I don't know, I've never really kissed him except on the cheek and that time in front of James so he'd go away. What of you and Sirius?"
"Oh, it's like heaven on earth!" Mary's eyes went all glossy and Lily shook her head, smiling.
"I think he really does like me though." Mary said, snapping out of her memories and to the present. Lily rolled her eyes.
"I'm sure lots of girls think that - "
"No really," Mary said seriously. "Sirius respects me and listens when I have something to say."
Lily thought a moment. "Maybe he is coming around. I dunno. You'll find out soon enough, I imagine."
"Huh?" Mary asked, apparently confused.
"Hogsmead was the weekend before last, right? Sirius has never stayed with the same girl for more than a week and three days. I suppose if he really does like you, you'll survive past the week and three day mark."
Mary slapped Lily playfully on the arm. "Smart-aleck," she muttered before returning to a smiling Sirius. Lily caught James's eye, who looked away, depressed. He spoke a few words to Harry who in turn muttered a few back. Lily was hurt that James would look away, but only for a moment. Remus winked at her again and flashed his melting smile. Lily blushed and went back to helping her classmate.
*****
"All right, Ron. According to this schedule, Harry, James, Remus, Sirius, Peter and Lily are in Charms together right now. Lets go."
Hermione had the note to the professor clutched tightly in her hand. Ron was hurrying down the hall after her. They opened the door and saw a young - very young - Professor Flitwick. Hermione stopped at the door and Ron stood behind her in awe.
Harry glanced up the he sound of the door. He saw Hermione and, just behind her, Ron. Harry's breath caught in his throat. Hermione walked straight to Flitwick and handed him the note, making eye contact with no one. Ron's eyes scanned the entire room until he spotted Harry. He grinned goofily and followed Hermione to Flitwick's desk.
"Class," Professor Flitwick squeaked. "We have two more new students. Both have been sorted into Gryffindor. Miss Hermione Granger and Mr. Ron Weasley"
Hermione and Ron smiled nervously. After the class had muttered their greetings and went back to practicing their charms noisily, Hermione mad a beeline for Harry, Ron close on her heels.
Hermione perched herself on a stool directly in front of Harry and said, "Explain yourself." She had her arms forded, legs crossed, and a serious expression on her face.
Harry couldn't understand why she looked so serious and borderline angry. "I can't tell you right now. At lunch - "
"At lunch nothing, Harry James Potter! I'll have you know that I had to fake a letter from Dumbledore in the future to Dumbledore in the past just to get here! I really didn't think Dumbledore would let us come so I had to forge his handwriting and his signature. Do you have any idea how hare it is to convince the Dumbledore in the past that his writing got mush neater and curlier in his old are? Very! Do you just sit down right there and tell me why I came here."
Sirius grinned and slipped his arm around her shoulder. "Hey honey, calm down. Don't worry your pretty little face about it. Is this the same Hermione whose name you were screaming this morning? Yup, she is cute."
Harry groaned. This was going much worse than he'd anticipated. He glanced up at Hermione who had a new reason to glare at him. Now she was s bit more skeptical and her expression seemed to be saying why were you screaming my name?
Hermione seemed to notice Sirius's arm around her shoulders for the first time. She calmly and without expression picked up his arm with her thumb and forefinger and shoved it back at him.
"Keep you hands to yourself, Sirius."
"What the - how'd you know my name?" Sirius asked, utterly bewildered.
"I know everything about you, Sirius Black, and you, Remus Lupin, James Potter, and you, Peter Pettigrew. Commonly known to each other as Padfoot - you'll become Snuffles later - Moony, Prongs and Wormtail. I know everything, don't mess with me. Now Harry, I believe you have something to tell me."
All four jaws here on the floor. Sirius began to have a disgusted look on his face. "Snuffles. Yikes, how'd I become Snuffles?" James whacked Sirius in the shoulder, eyes still on Hermione.
"Okay, okay. Tell me this. Will I ever get with Lily?" James asked in awe of Hermione's knowledge. Remus looked slightly annoyed.
"Your overly large ago, at this point, could not take the information I could give you regarding your love life. It would explode. Now - "
"Wait! It's my turn! How many girls will I make out with between now and - "
"Sirius, please!" Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Just this last one. " He whined.
"Fine! You'll stay with one girl for months, possibly longer, and you'll make out with her and only her. Happy? Now let me talk to Harry."
"Hm, unusual behavior for you, Padfoot." Remus smirked. Mary looked quite pleased. Hermione made up the answer to Sirius's question just to make him go away. She later hoped it wouldn't ruin anything. Ron just sniggered. Everyone still hung around to listen.
"Let me make myself more clear. Ron and I need to speak with Harry - alone. Go or no more answers." Suddenly there was a mad dash to get away from Hermione and Ron.
"All right, Harry. Talk." Hermione's eyes bore deep into Harry's, forbidding him to look away. Harry sighed, took a deep breath and told her the whole story.
"Let me get this straight," Hermione frowned after hearing the details. "You want me to get Professor Lupin to like me? That's just wrong. I can't do it."
"Hermione!" Harry pleaded. "He's not a professor now. just a teenage Remus Lupin. Please? He's cute. please?"
Hermione shook her head. "I can't believe I'm going to do this. When do I start?" Her face was pained but it was better than Harry's parents never getting together. Right?
Chapter 5
Harry slept in late that morning. He'd spent all night with his father, Sirius, Remus and Peter goofing around Hogsmead. Harry had the strange idea that James had felt a connection between them - which wasn't surprising to Harry - and that was the reason James trusted him so fully now.
It was Saturday morning and as Harry lay in bed he wondered how in the world he was going to hook his parents up. And then there was Remus. How was he going to split Lily and Remus up without hurting either of them? All Harry had to do was get Lily to like James and they would be fine, but then what was Remus going to do? Harry didn't know any girls here well enough to get one with Remus.
Harry sighed and pulled back the covers. He dressed silently and went down to breakfast where he assumed the others had gone. His stomach growled uncomfortably as he walked to the Gryffindor table where the Marauders sat.
"Late night, Potter?" James said, clapping Harry on the back. Harry smiled a tired smile and sat between him and Sirius. Lupin was nowhere in sight, nor was Lily.
"You didn't happen to see Remus did you? Or more importantly, did you see Lily?" James asked.
"Nope," Harry replied. He decided he might as well tell James his plan before Remus got back.
"Hey James," Harry said. "I noticed you've been having some trouble in the Lily Department."
James groaned. "Please tell me you have a sixth sense and it's not really that obvious."
"I guess you could say I have a sixth sense. anyway, I've got exactly what you need to win her heart." Of course Harry didn't really know exactly what James needed but if he could send a letter or two into the future he could have, in great detail, exactly what he needed to help James.
"Are you serious!" James practically shouted, causing several people to look.
"Uh-hu. You'll have her well before the end of the year." I hope, he thought. Right then, Remus and Lily entered - together. Lily was laughing and Remus was smiling at her. James had a sad look on his face.
"What about Remus, though. He hasn't looked happy like that in a long time. I don't want to take away his happiness. Even though she is my girl. if it makes him happy I guess he can borrow her for a little while." James looked down at his hands. Harry was shocked and by the look on Sirius's face, he was too. No wonder Sirius and Lupin thought very highly of James. To love Lily so much but willingly share her for a while just to make his friend happy. And then it hit him.
"Hermione!" Harry said. James and Sirius looked at Harry like he was going nutters.
"You feelin' all right, mate? I mean, you do realize that you were shouting out some girl's name, right? Who's Hermione?" James said.
"Yeah, is she cute? Sirius asked with a serious expression.
"Um. I guess she's. that's not what I meant. Remus would totally go for her. She's smart, she's funny.While Lily starts to love you, Remus starts to like Hermione and no one gets hurt. It'll be great." Except for the fact I'll have to convince Hermione to come here.
"You'd really do that for me?" James asked, wide eyed.
"Of course. We're blood, remember?" Harry smiled.
James clapped him on the back again. "You're a good man, Potter. A good man."
*****
Dear Hermione,
Hey, it's me, Harry. in the past. um, I have a situation and I need you here right away, I would tell you exactly what I need you for but them I'm afraid you wouldn't come. Please, please come help me. I'll never get my parents together without hurting a dear friend of ours if you're not here to uh, soften the blow. I owe you big time. Thanks a million!
Harry
P.S. Say hi to Ron for me.
Hermione finished reading and dreaded the thought of what Harry might need her for.
"What'd he say?" Ron said through a mouthful of his breakfast. Hermione sighed.
"Well, he needs me."
"Huh? Wait a minute. I think all of this gushy love stuff he's doin' to get his mum to like his dad is goin' to his head. Write him back and tell him he doesn't need you for a girlfriend just 'cause his mum and dad are getting' the hook up."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "That's not what I meant."
Ron blushed a bit. "Oh."
"He wants me to come help him but he wont tell me what for because he's afraid - oh just read it." She shoved the letter into his hands. He'd been breathing down her neck trying to read the letter.
"Oh thanks, Harry, mate." Ron mumbled. "Didn't ask me to come and he didn't even mention me until the P.S. What a real pal."
"Oh shut up. Do you really think I'll leave without you?" Hermione said, irritated.
"I'm touched that you would think to bring me."
"Well don't. I'm doing it so I won't have to listen to you complain when I get back."
Ron pretended to be offended but smiled when he saw the tiniest hint of a smile on Hermione's lips.
"When do we leave?"
"Right now." Hermione pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill and scribbled furiously.
*****
Lily was sitting in Charms, happily reviewing Cheering Charms with a girl in her class who'd been having a bit of trouble with them. The Cheering Charms weren't the cause for her happiness though. Lily began to spend more and more time with Remus and the more time she spent with him, the more she liked him. Intelligence was a major turn on for Lily as was respect and humor. Lucky for her, Remus had all of that.
While Lily was politely giving instruction to her struggling classmate, she caught Remus's eye and he winked. Lily giggled and turned back to the girl. Mary came over to have snatches of conversation with Lily between her tutoring. "Is he a good kisser?" Mary asked, her eyes mischievous.
"I don't know, I've never really kissed him except on the cheek and that time in front of James so he'd go away. What of you and Sirius?"
"Oh, it's like heaven on earth!" Mary's eyes went all glossy and Lily shook her head, smiling.
"I think he really does like me though." Mary said, snapping out of her memories and to the present. Lily rolled her eyes.
"I'm sure lots of girls think that - "
"No really," Mary said seriously. "Sirius respects me and listens when I have something to say."
Lily thought a moment. "Maybe he is coming around. I dunno. You'll find out soon enough, I imagine."
"Huh?" Mary asked, apparently confused.
"Hogsmead was the weekend before last, right? Sirius has never stayed with the same girl for more than a week and three days. I suppose if he really does like you, you'll survive past the week and three day mark."
Mary slapped Lily playfully on the arm. "Smart-aleck," she muttered before returning to a smiling Sirius. Lily caught James's eye, who looked away, depressed. He spoke a few words to Harry who in turn muttered a few back. Lily was hurt that James would look away, but only for a moment. Remus winked at her again and flashed his melting smile. Lily blushed and went back to helping her classmate.
*****
"All right, Ron. According to this schedule, Harry, James, Remus, Sirius, Peter and Lily are in Charms together right now. Lets go."
Hermione had the note to the professor clutched tightly in her hand. Ron was hurrying down the hall after her. They opened the door and saw a young - very young - Professor Flitwick. Hermione stopped at the door and Ron stood behind her in awe.
Harry glanced up the he sound of the door. He saw Hermione and, just behind her, Ron. Harry's breath caught in his throat. Hermione walked straight to Flitwick and handed him the note, making eye contact with no one. Ron's eyes scanned the entire room until he spotted Harry. He grinned goofily and followed Hermione to Flitwick's desk.
"Class," Professor Flitwick squeaked. "We have two more new students. Both have been sorted into Gryffindor. Miss Hermione Granger and Mr. Ron Weasley"
Hermione and Ron smiled nervously. After the class had muttered their greetings and went back to practicing their charms noisily, Hermione mad a beeline for Harry, Ron close on her heels.
Hermione perched herself on a stool directly in front of Harry and said, "Explain yourself." She had her arms forded, legs crossed, and a serious expression on her face.
Harry couldn't understand why she looked so serious and borderline angry. "I can't tell you right now. At lunch - "
"At lunch nothing, Harry James Potter! I'll have you know that I had to fake a letter from Dumbledore in the future to Dumbledore in the past just to get here! I really didn't think Dumbledore would let us come so I had to forge his handwriting and his signature. Do you have any idea how hare it is to convince the Dumbledore in the past that his writing got mush neater and curlier in his old are? Very! Do you just sit down right there and tell me why I came here."
Sirius grinned and slipped his arm around her shoulder. "Hey honey, calm down. Don't worry your pretty little face about it. Is this the same Hermione whose name you were screaming this morning? Yup, she is cute."
Harry groaned. This was going much worse than he'd anticipated. He glanced up at Hermione who had a new reason to glare at him. Now she was s bit more skeptical and her expression seemed to be saying why were you screaming my name?
Hermione seemed to notice Sirius's arm around her shoulders for the first time. She calmly and without expression picked up his arm with her thumb and forefinger and shoved it back at him.
"Keep you hands to yourself, Sirius."
"What the - how'd you know my name?" Sirius asked, utterly bewildered.
"I know everything about you, Sirius Black, and you, Remus Lupin, James Potter, and you, Peter Pettigrew. Commonly known to each other as Padfoot - you'll become Snuffles later - Moony, Prongs and Wormtail. I know everything, don't mess with me. Now Harry, I believe you have something to tell me."
All four jaws here on the floor. Sirius began to have a disgusted look on his face. "Snuffles. Yikes, how'd I become Snuffles?" James whacked Sirius in the shoulder, eyes still on Hermione.
"Okay, okay. Tell me this. Will I ever get with Lily?" James asked in awe of Hermione's knowledge. Remus looked slightly annoyed.
"Your overly large ago, at this point, could not take the information I could give you regarding your love life. It would explode. Now - "
"Wait! It's my turn! How many girls will I make out with between now and - "
"Sirius, please!" Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Just this last one. " He whined.
"Fine! You'll stay with one girl for months, possibly longer, and you'll make out with her and only her. Happy? Now let me talk to Harry."
"Hm, unusual behavior for you, Padfoot." Remus smirked. Mary looked quite pleased. Hermione made up the answer to Sirius's question just to make him go away. She later hoped it wouldn't ruin anything. Ron just sniggered. Everyone still hung around to listen.
"Let me make myself more clear. Ron and I need to speak with Harry - alone. Go or no more answers." Suddenly there was a mad dash to get away from Hermione and Ron.
"All right, Harry. Talk." Hermione's eyes bore deep into Harry's, forbidding him to look away. Harry sighed, took a deep breath and told her the whole story.
"Let me get this straight," Hermione frowned after hearing the details. "You want me to get Professor Lupin to like me? That's just wrong. I can't do it."
"Hermione!" Harry pleaded. "He's not a professor now. just a teenage Remus Lupin. Please? He's cute. please?"
Hermione shook her head. "I can't believe I'm going to do this. When do I start?" Her face was pained but it was better than Harry's parents never getting together. Right?