Larka-Thank you for pointing that out to me! I hadn't even realized I was using the word Yes that much. But when I went back and reread it I was even annoying myself. :) So I appreciate that! And I will be boycotting that word for the rest of the story.......well this chapter anyway ;)

Anyone else, please don't hesitate to give me constructive criticism. It can only make me better. But of course thanks for your reviews!

Chapter 10

Two weeks lapsed by with Ariana and Remus happily enjoying each others company. Long dinners, occasional trips to the forties dance pub, and long conversations that ended with stolen kisses. It was absolutely perfect.... until Remus realized he wanted more.

He was tired of all the barriers between them. He was ready to go the next level. Remus didn't think she'd ever really lied but he knew there was plenty she wasn't admitting to him and maybe not even to herself.

He saw Ariana at Hogwarts coming from Dumbledore's office at least three times a week. He was bursting to ask what she was doing there but managed to refrain.

Every time he tried to deepen a conversation she visibly withdrew from him and he had to spend an hour coaxing her back to where they had been. He was starting to feel like they were running in circles. Always staying in the same place.

On the night before the full moon he decided to voice his opinion. They were talking a stroll, hand in hand, teasing, pushing, and trying to trip each other when he turned suddenly to her.

"I have to tell you something very important." He said.

"What is it?" She asked, worried about his sudden mood change.

"I'm going to tell you this because I care for you, more than is probably wise at this time. This is going to effect you and I don't think it would be fair to continue seeing you without you knowing."

"Honestly? You're making me a little nervous." She shared.

"I get that a lot." He said humorlessly as he watched her eyes regard him patiently.

He stopped walking and turned to face her. When she swung around he caught her by surprise and captured her lips in a long tender kiss filled with all the emotion pouring through him.

"What was that for?" She asked dreamily as he pulled away.

"Just in case you never want to speak to me again. I'll have a way to remember you." Remus answered softly.

"Don't worry Remus. Whatever it is we'll work through it. Together." She said as she supportively held his hand.

He squeezed her hand and said "I'm a werewolf Ariana."

She looked at him expectantly for a moment and waited for him to finish. But more never came.

"Is that all?" She chided.

"All? I'm a werewolf. Every full moon I change from mild mannered Professor Remus Lupin to a mindless beast who would destroy anything in it's path." He argued.

"But that's not the real you. I know the real you." She shot back and then pulled her to him for hug.

"I care for you enough that it doesn't matter. It's an obstacle. Every couple has them. I mean if you think about it I turn into a mindless beast once a month too, it's called a menstrual cycle." She said trying to ease his nerves and was rewarded with his hearty laugh.

"I'm so glad you didn't run for the hills." He said, the relief evident in his voice.

"I'm glad you trusted me with that information." She smiled.

Do I dare say it, he wondered. What the hell.

"I wish you would do the same for me." He said, staring into her eyes.

He watched them cloud over as they usually did when he said something to upset her. But he didn't feel her withdraw from him this time, in fact she was still gazing at him, as if in thought. As if weighing the decision.

"Soon Remus. I promise." She finally replied.

"Good. That's enough.....for now anyway." He said as he resumed walking, tucking her arm safely in his. Protectively. Well that just almost made me fall in love with her, he thought with bemusement. The notion not scaring him half as much as he expected it to.

So close............