A/N: Sorry this is so short, the next few chapters are much longer. I'm hoping that I've hinted enough before this chapter to build what was coming, and it wasn't too sudden.
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
Valentine's Day
Hermione and James strode along Hogsmeade together. They'd just enjoyed a nice Valentine's morning. Hermione saw Madam Puddifoot's coming up on her right. She wondered if Remus would take her there. (He almost doesn't seem the type, though)
To her surprise, he did indeed take her into the shop. She giggled softly. He'd probably never been here before. They sat down and held hands. Hermione smiled nervously. She'd never been here either.
Remus pulled something from his pocket, looking nervous as well. "I have something for you," he said. He held a ring in his hand.
Hermione's eyes widened in shock. Was he proposing! She started panicking. This wasn't something she'd expected at all! (He's really that serious? I really didn't think that far ahead. He's - old, and my teacher!) That had never mattered before. Why now? (I didn't think he'd get serious this fast!) Hermione began to feel funny. What would her parents think? (What is the whole school going to think? Miss Perfect isn't really that! It'd be a huge scandal!) "Are - are you proposing, Remus?" she asked, feeling sick.
"No, Hermione. This is just for Valentine's Day," he explained. (She's looking at me strangely. I wonder what it means)
She felt relieved, but at the same time, she had experienced that maybe Harry was right after all. (No, I can work through this. This will go away. He's REMUS) she thought, but the sick feeling in her stomach wasn't convinced. The part of her she'd been suppressing began to well up and haunt her. (This relationship probably won't work. What am I going to do? I don't want to break up with him.) "Thank you, Remus. You're really sweet," she complimented him. He slipped it on her ring finger on her right hand. She felt her stomach churn slightly at the thought of him doing that to her left hand.
Remus felt disappointed. She seemed pleased, but he could tell she was less than happy. "Is something wrong, Hermione? You don't have another charm for me up your sleeve, do you?" he joked. She was beginning to look like she had on the day before she'd performed the Homorphus Charm on him.
"No, Remus," she said, forcing a laugh. "I'm fine! It's lovely." Her injured hand began to throb, something she found it doing whenever she got upset about something. (This is not good. I need to calm down. I'll get over this)
Ron and Luna were sitting at a table nearby. "Don't worry, Hermione. Your friends will make sure the nargles don't return," said Luna. Ron grinned at her. (She's so sweet)
Hermione stared at her, silently thanking her for the distraction. "She keeps on gadding on about nargles. Any idea what they are?"
"No, I wouldn't," said Remus, equally perplexed. "Is she like that all the time?"
"Yes," responded Hermione. "I can't see why Ron is so taken with her. She never seems to come down to earth."
Remus picked up her left hand and cradled it, something he'd done often the past couple weeks. (There he goes, looking at my left hand again. I don't know what to do! I've always played by the rules. This is just beginning to feel so wrong. But I can't break up with him, I just can't)
"Have you finished your DADA homework yet?" he said in a mock stern voice. Then he grinned.
"Actually, yes. It turned out to be twenty inches instead of sixteen, is that all right?" Hermione tried to smile. Her stomach churned sickenly. The joke again forcibly brought to mind that he was her TEACHER. (Maybe I just need to step back awhile, re-assess things, then get back with him. But how in the world do I tell that to him! It would break his heart. Maybe I won't have to tell him. I could just try to see him less for a couple weeks. I'm sure Harry and Ron would help me)
He chuckled. "I'm so proud of you, Hermione. You always work so hard. Maybe when you graduate, you could become assistant teacher," he suggested, eyes twinkling.
Hermione gave him a strained smile. She found she had nothing to say. She just wanted to leave and have time to regroup.
Remus's expression turned to one of concern. Was it something he said? (She looks uncomfortable. Maybe she doesn't like being in here) "Would you like to leave, Hermione?" he asked softly. She perked up at this. (Good, maybe that was the problem)
"Yes, let's leave," she said, trying not to sound too eager. They left quickly.
"I'm sorry if being in there made you uncomfortable, Hermione. I should have asked you beforehand," apologized Remus.
"It's all right, Remus. I'm - I'm fine! I've really enjoyed my time with you." She found that they were headed for the Shrieking Shack. The old place soon towered into view.
"This place brings back so many memories," whispered Remus. He felt a pang of sadness. Being here reminded him of Sirius, Lily, and James (Potter), and their fervent support of him during full moon nights. They had been the dearest friends. He found tears clouding his vision, and quickly wiped them away.
Hermione watched him, concerned. (I can't possibly tell him about how funny I feel around him - I'll just have to avoid him for awhile, and get over it. He's upset enough) she determined. He turned to her with a pained smile.
"Let's head back to Hogwarts, shall we?" suggested Remus. He felt he'd had enough for today.
"Yes, let's," said Hermione. Perhaps she'd be able to find some excuse and get away from him. She was beginning to feel queasy. The time when she'd have to let her parents know about him was drawing closer. (They won't be pleased) she shuddered. (They'll be scandalized)
When they reached the castle, Hermione quickly muttered some excuse about her homework and ran up to the common room. When the portrait hole shut behind her, she sighed with relief, momentarily glad to be away from him. Then anxiety began to build. (What am I going to do? I have to make some sort of decision about him. He's beginning to get serious about our relationship, and I should too. I just don't know what I want right now!) She picked up a book and began to read. (Hopefully something will happen soon that will help me decide)
Replies to Reviewers:
sporty12gd4u: Thank you for your compliments and reviewing!
BrennaM: Thanks, I was worried he was out of character. :)
Silent Tragedy: Exactly! Thanks so much, I had the same theory but was worried that maybe that wasn't realistic. That's the issue that I'll attempt to deal with in this chapter and the next few. (Hermione thinking more seriously about the fact that Remus is older than her and stuff) Thanks for reviewing, I really appreciate it!
Tem: Yay, a jig? That's what I do too, when my favorite stories are updated:) Sorry about that chapter title. ;) I've taken to referring to the Wolf as Moony, so that's what I meant - yay, the Wolf is gone! Yes, I've been trying to have him being older and a teacher be an issue without being a problem until now. Thanks so much for your review, it made me smile!
LupinLover99: Thanks for your review! You rock too. :)
Aljinon: Thanks for both of your reviews! Sorry Valentine's day turned out so bad for them. We'll see how things turn out!
Mithril-Moony: Thanks, I'm glad you like it! Yes, for some reason when it uploaded, all that stuff disappeared. However, in later chapters it turned out fine. I'm glad, it drove me crazy! LOL I haven't been able to figure out the star thing yet, although when I read other stories some of them have stars. Thanks for your two reviews!
Preview of next chapter: Remus, meanwhile, rubbed his eyes in confusion. Hadn't he just seen Hermione? How did she vanish? No one can apparate in Hogwarts. (Maybe this is one of the side effects of being in love) he thought sheepishly. (I'm imagining her here, when she's not)
Some days later, James managed to find Hermione in the library, reading. She'd been unusually scarce these past several days, and his mind seemed to be playing tricks on him. Often, he'd think he saw her for a moment, then she was gone. "Hello, Hermione," he greeted her quietly. "I haven't seen you for awhile. I've missed you."