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Chapter 7

Remus woke the next morning grinning stupidly. He felt as if he were floating on a cloud. Ariana was perfect. From her quick wit to her heart stopping smile. The only thing that bothered him was her fierce privacy.

He could already feel himself beginning to......beginning, beginning. Beginners. Where the hell did that come from, his subconscious interuppted, pulling him from his euphoria.

Basic Spells for Beginners, he suddenly remembered her book that he had found. He'd gotten so caught up in the perfection of the evening he'd almost forgotten about it.

Then a lead seemed to fill his stomach as he thought about telling Dumbledore his findings.

We bonded last night. If I tell Dumbledore it will be like I'm betraying her. And if I want any kind of chance with her I can't betray her. But I have to tell Dumbledore. It's my duty, he argued with himself, suddenly dreading going to work.

Maybe I'll see if Dumbledore has found anything out about Ariana first, then give him the information. Yes, that sounds best.

Remus got ready as slowly as he could, wanting to delay the inevitable but too soon it was time to go, in fact now he was probably going to be late. He grabbed his briefcase and Apparated with a loud crack outside of the front gates of Hogwarts just as the final bell rang.

He walked quickly along the grounds to his classroom and had almost made it to his door when a voice called out to him.

"Ahh, there you are Professor. I was beginning to worry. Everything alright?" Albus asked him.

"Yes Headmaster. Just couldn't seem to get with it this morning. Sorry." Remus said in a falsely bright tone.

"Don't worry. I was actually seeking you to see if I might have a word with you later. Perhaps after the final bell? In my office please." Dumbledore said.

"Of course." Remus replied as the knot in his stomach tightened.

Wonderful. Just wonderful, he thought as he watched Albus walk down the hall. Remus took a deep breath and opened the door to his raucous students. Patience Lupin, this is going to be a long day.

When the last bell finally rang, Remus found himself in a position quite like yesterday's. One by one the students filed out until only Harry Potter remained.

"Yes Harry?" He asked.

"I was just wondering how your date was Professor." Harry asked with obvious curiosity.

"Great. Thanks for the recommendation of Madame Puddifoots. It was an excellent nosh." Remus said.

"Are you going to have another date?" Harry inquired.

"I'd like to think so Harry. Now off you go, you have quidditch practice." Remus prodded.

"Yeah. Bye Professor. Good luck." Harry said as he disappeared through the door.

"Thanks." Remus muttered as he began making his way down the hall.

"Chocolate Frogs." Remus said to the stony gargoyle guarding the office.

Stairs that would take him to Dumbledore began spiraling upward and he stepped on. When the staircase stopped, he was faced with a heavy dark wooded door and he felt his stomach knot even further, if that were possible. He knocked and waited.

"Come in." Albus called.

Remus took a deep calming breath and swung the door open.

"Hello headmaster." Remus said.

"Remus. Thank you for coming. Have a seat." Dumbledore said, waiting until Professor Lupin had made himself comfortable before he continued.

"Did you check on Madame Grant last night?"

"Yes sir." Remus said casually.

"Excellent. Everything go ok?" Albus asked.

"Yes sir." Remus answered again, trying to keep from turning red.

"I wonder, Professor, if you could take me to her?" Dumbledore asked unexpectedly.

"Take you to speak with her?" Remus asked slowly.

"Yes."

"Umm, sure."

"Is that a problem?" Dumbledore inquired.

"No. No problem. Did you find out who she is, Headmaster?"

"Perhaps. That's why I wish to speak with her." Albus explained.

"Oh. Well, when would you like to go?" Remus queried.

"No time like the present." Dumbledore said, not missing Remus' discomfort.

"Now? Yes, of course." Remus blustered.

They walked together to the front gates of Hogwarts and Disapparated for The Leaky Cauldron. They Apparated in the bar and Remus led Dumbledore up the three flights of stairs to Ariana's room. He swallowed hard and knocked softly.

Ariana flung the door open, smiling sweetly. "Remus! Hello. What a surprise. I wasn't expecting you this soon. Isn't there some kind of three day rule for men?" She teased.

"Hi Ariana." He said and moved to the side of the door.

He watched with trepidation as her eyes moved to Dumbledore. She looked back at him with confusion and....was that hurt?

"Ariana Grant this is.." He started.

"Albus Dumbledore." She interrupted tonelessly, now looking nervous.

"Quite right, my dear. It's a pleasure. I was wondering if I may have a word with you?" Albus asked kindly.

"Umm. Ok." She said uncertainly as she backed up to let him in.

Remus started to follow Dumbledore in but Albus turned around and said "If you don't mind Remus, I'd like to speak to her alone."

Remus simply nodded in surprise and backed up, watching as Ariana shot him a scornful look and slammed the door in his face. Ouch, that was cold. Great. Just great, he scolded himself.

Lovely cliffhangers......Sorry. The next chapter is on it's way. :(