Chapter 8

Remus leaned his head against the door sadly and felt guilt wash over him. He stayed that way for a couple of moments...until he realized he could hear snatches of the conversation.

He glanced around to make sure he was alone in the hallway before he pressed his ear against the door. His heightened hearing still not able to pick it all up since they were whispering.

"Do you remember me Ariana?" He heard Dumbledore ask.

"Yes."

"I can't tell you how sorry I am about...." Remus strained to hear but missed it. "I tried so hard to convince.... I'm happy you've come back."

"Thank you sir." Came Ariana's reply.

"How did you get away?" Dumbledore asked.

"I left that...."

"Why don't you tell Remus..."

"Do you know how embarrassing it is being a twenty-eight year old witch who doesn't know anything about...."

They must be pacing. Damn this is irritating, Remus thought. What the hell are they talking about?

"I don't think he'll care. He's obviously quite enamored of you." Dumbledore assured her.

Thanks Albus. Make it even worse.

"Professor Dumbledore? Will you help me?" He heard Ariana's sweet voice pleading.

The silence stretched on until he finally heard Dumbledore agree and Ariana's delighted squeal.

"Oh thank you Professor. Thank you!" She said happily.

"Yes. Well, lets get Remus shall we. I expect he'll want to talk with you." Dumbledore said.

"Oh sir. Please don't tell Remus of this. I beg you." She beseeched him.

"I don't like it. I don't feel it's necessary. But I assure you, I won't."

Now I know why they say curiosity killed the cat. I feel worse now than I did before, he thought fleetingly before he heard footsteps walking toward the door.

He moved quickly to the opposite side of hallway and sat down to lean against the wall. He conjured the Daily Prophet and pretended to be engrossed in it.

Dumbledore emerged with a knowing sparkle in his eyes and Remus turned just in time to see Ariana shoot him another contemptuous look and close the door unnecessarily hard. Then he heard the locks bolt almost defeaningly.

"That was most enlightening. Thank you Remus." Dumbledore said as if he hadn't noticed.

"You're welcome sir." Remus answered.

"Well I'll be going. Just so you know, she's harmless and a very special witch. In case there's anything you....were thinking about doing. Good night Remus." Dumbledore said ironically before Disapparating with a pop.

Remus pulled himself off the floor and raised his hand hesitantly to knock on her door but heard the water running so he lowered it again.

I'll give her a couple of days to cool off, he told himself as he too Disapparated.