Thanks for your reviews! I appreciate them. :)

I tried to post this last night but the website was down I think.

Empathy got a new name? Like it!

Remus watched as Ariana tore through her plate of food and looked longingly at his half eaten one. She's acting as if she hasn't eaten for a week, he thought ruefully before the idea fully hit him.

"When is the last time you've eaten?" He demanded gently.

"This morning." Ariana said.

"What did you eat?"

"A few strawberries and a tomato." She answered and watched his eyebrows raise in question. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she waited for his next query.

"When did you eat before that?"

Remus watched her look at a point above his head and mumble "three days ago."

"Will excuse me a moment?" He asked politely before disappearing.

Great job, Ri! Now he thinks you have the manners of a farm animal, she thought with embarrassment.

She was just so hungry she couldn't seem to slow down. Even now she still wasn't full, so she glanced around before stealing a couple of fries off of Remus' plate.

When he came back, he had their waiter in tow.

"Is this the one, Lupin?" the man asked.

"That's her Tom. Get her anything she wishes." Remus said.

Ariana gazed at him in appreciation before feeling tears unexpectedly prick her eyes. She wasn't normally a crier but his kind action touched her wearied soul.

Instead of badgering her with lecture he had merely accepted her answer and did his best to help.

She blinked the tears away quickly and turned to the friendly looking man to place her order.

As she ate, she was very aware of Remus watching her carefully. Sizing her up and judging her. He looked at her warily and she found she didn't want him to not trust her, though she knew distance was better.

Ariana pushed her plate away and sat up straight as she met his pensive grey eyes. She smiled reassuringly at him and leaned back casually.

"Thank you for not pressing me." She said.

Remus smiled slyly as he stood and waited for her to do the same. He helped her get her coat on and then leaned down to her ear.

"No problem." He whispered.

Ariana felt his hot breath on her cheek and looked up in surprise to find his face mere inches from hers. She felt her breathing turn ragged and she distanced herself from his close proximity.

"It's not like you would have told me anyway." He added mischievously.

Ariana gave a soft laugh and Remus felt the sound singing through his veins.

"Come on. Let's go get you some money." Remus said as he tugged her behind him.

Remus watched curiously as Ariana handed over bill after bill to the goblin at the counter of Gringotts bank. He didn't really know a lot about muggle money but there seemed to be an awful lot of it there.

Maybe she's a thief. A bank robber, Remus thought instantly. That makes sense. And now she's hiding from the authorities in Hogsmeade.

Ariana turned around and smiled at him as the goblin continued counting out her money and Remus felt a small flutter in his chest. Her eyes sparkled happily and her even white teeth almost winked in the afternoon sun that was pouring in the windows, causing streaks of red to show vividly in her long hair.

Oh yeah Lupin. A bank robber! Does she look like she could rob a bank? She looks...angelic. Yet her eyes are mysterious. How intriguing.

Remus snapped his thoughts back to the present and focused his attention back on Ariana as she made her way back over to him, grinning like she'd just won the lottery.

"Done?" He asked and watched as she nodded.

"Remus? Are you busy today?" She asked him.

"Why?"

"Do I have enough wizard money to buy a wand?" She asked shyly.

"Ariana, you probably have enough wizard money to buy the whole village of Hogsmeade. Where did you get all that muggle money?" He demanded.

"It was my savings. Honest." She explained, noticing him watching her very closely. He doesn't trust me, she thought plaintively. And why should he? You've certainly haven't given him a reason to.

"Will you take me somewhere to buy a wand? Please." She said with what she hoped was her nicest voice.

Remus listened to her soft request and felt the fluttering in his chest turn to a squeeze on his heart. Her sexy pleading was hard to resist and he knew even if he did have plans he would cancel them in a heart beat just to spend some extra time with this confusing woman.

"Of course I will. Why don't we get you checked into your quarters first so you can drop your things off?" He said as he placed his hand at the small of her back.

Ariana jumped excitedly and threw her arms around his neck in a hug and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

"Oh thank you! Thank you. Thank you." She replied, trying to hide her delight.

Remus pulled her closer until she pulled away quickly, blushing hotly.

"It's just a wand." Remus said uncomfortably.

Ariana cleared her throat and straightened her back. "Right. Just a wand." To you maybe. But it's a whole new beginning to me, Mr. Remus Lupin.

Man is Ariana puzzling or what?? Sorry. It will be explained later. I promise :)