There have been a few songs that I've wanted to work into this story. This is the first. "Somewhere in between" by Lifehouse

This chapter is for MiniMiPink :P

Ch7

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-I can't be losing sleep over this, no, I can't

And now I cannot stop pacing

Give me a few hours and I'll have this all sorted out

If my mind would just stop racing-

Remus Lupin, the elder, sat in the darkened astronomy tower. His back rested against a cold stone wall as he watched the moon traveling across the sky. The thoughts that had been plaguing him multiplied tenfold when he had finally found time to be alone. They were always about Hermione. Part of him knew it was inappropriate. She was his student and his friend. She trusted him and he betrayed her by falling in love. Even his younger self was disgusted by it.

The other part of him, had taken a more feral point of view. Over the years he had known Hermione. both he and the beast inside had come to claim her as theirs. Not as something to own or control, but something to care for and to ultimately love.

Now though, both the man and wolf sensed competition. Jon had not expressed anything openly but the two were linked and Remus knew the boy was falling in love with Hermione. It had only been a few short weeks, but it was happening nonetheless. Remus was growing defensive and irritated.

He had felt the rush of emotion in the boy when he had kissed Hermione. Then seeing her reaction was all he needed. Both the man and wolf were ready to fight. 'Fight for what?' he asked himself with a sneer. 'She's not yours Lupin. She never will be. You're just a tired old man to her'. With a bitter sigh he hit his head back on the stone behind him.

-'Cause I cannot stand still

I can't be this unsturdy

This cannot be happening

This is over my head but underneath my feet

'Cause by tomorrow morning I'll have this thing beat

And everything will be back to the way that it was

I wish that it was just that easy-

"Can't sleep?"

The voice had come from nowhere and Remus had not been aware of anyone else in the room. His eyes pierced every shadow, searching. Finally they fell upon one that was rising and falling, as if it was breathing. A ghost of a smile crossed his face and he turned back to look out the window.

"I could ask the same of you. It's a little late to be stargazing isn't it?"

"I like it up here. I come up here to get away from everyone."

They sat in silence like that for minutes on end. Neither moved or spoke. Finally Remus heard the sound of clothing rustling as the figure stood and walked over to him. Remus moved over a bit when he felt a warm body sliding down the way to sit next to him. Still neither spoke.

The feeling of Hermione's finger intertwining with his own startled Remus. The warmth spread from hre hands to his own and he wondered how he had not noticed how cold his hands had been. As if reading his mind she spoke softly in the darkness.

"Your hands are cold." Remus said nothing, uncomfortable with what she was doing but at the same time screaming for her presence. "So, really why can't you sleep?"

-I don't want to run away from this

I know that I just don't need this-

Remus only shrugged as the memory of her kiss with Jon rose unbidden in his mind. With it he felt his temper rise.

"So you'll be continuing with the lessons then?"

Hermione said nothing, only nodded. The almost imperceptible movement was picked up by Remus's keen senses.

"Good. You and my younger self seem to be getting on quite well." There was a touch of sarcasm in his voice. Hermione winced against him.

-'Cause I cannot stand still-

"Remus what's the matter?"

"Nothing's bloody wrong alright?"

"Why are you doing this?"

-I can't be this unsturdy-

"Doing what Miss Granger?!" He asked, this time the anger evident in his voice.

"Why are you acting like this? Did I do something wrong? This morning you looked at me like I was the most horrible person in the world. And now..what did I do Remus?"

"I came here for some peace and quiet. Not an interrogation!."

"Fine Professor. I'm sorry." With that she pulled her hands roughly from his and stood. Her feet carried her quickly to the door. In the darkness Remus heard her turn and face him once more. This time when he spoke his voice was softer.

"You did nothing wrong. I'm sorry Hermione. I'm just tired and I have a lot on my mind. I just..I'm sorry." He dropped his gaze to the floor with a defeated sigh. Remus heard her kneel down in front of him but did nothing to acknowledge her. With a hand under his chin, Hemrione gently lifted his face until he met her eyes. The sat there for a moment, and she searched for what she had seen that morning, after the pain. Finally she nodded softly.

"I get it Remus....I understand." Her words were choked with the tears that had not fallen yet. He said nothing, only sat there. She stood then, and turned to walk away from him. His hand grasping hers stopped her. When she turned he was staring intently up at her.

"I can't Hermione. I'm sorry." He shook his head, trying to force everything out of his head. She nodded softly and a single tear ran down her cheek. Remus released her hand and she turned away. He followed her footsteps until they had faded completely and he was alone once more.

-This cannot be happening-

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I was pretty mad because I had just written a chapter that was better then this one..then it disapeared and I couldn't bring it back..so this is a rewrite of a spur of the moment idea. Ive tried mapping out the chapters to come but I havent followed one so far. I knwo there are a few errors in the text with grammer and spelling. Hell, it's taking me forever to type this cause Im so tired right now. Sorry if it bugs anyone but Im not going to freak out about grammer right now.

Thanks for all the reveiws and I'll try and have more soon!

:P