When It Rains

Disclaimer: It isn't, never has been, and never will be mine. Kiora is my creation though.

Author's Notes: Wow. How long has it been? Bah. My life has been hectic lately. My sister recently had a court case, I'm in a sort of exam-mode with these stupid tests we're taking, etc. So, so, so sorry. You can kill me if you want to. Actually, no, please don't. Then I'd never be able to finish. But I give out a big, hearty THANK YOU to everyone who has stuck by me and waited. You are true fans and no one could ask for more than that, eh?

"I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?
I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways, and under
On a magic carpet ride
A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no, or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming." A Whole New World

You're Still Warm

Kiora collapsed onto a maroon colored bed, her eyes closed in distress. She didn't even know if this room was occupied, but she had to go somewhere. The events of just the past hour had worn her down, she had never felt so old. It was almost as if a flood of memories that she made herself forget came back to her, creasing down the crow's feet beside her eyes and coloring her hair gray like leaves changing in the fall.

She found herself thinking of things she swore to herself long ago to never think about. 'Why did he do it?' she questioned. 'Did he even really ever love me?…' The last question was something she had forced and even trained herself not to ponder over. But it was the most important question of all, and the one she wondered most about. It was the one thing that she knew she would have to ask him if she ever saw him again. And here she was, in the same house as he, but she was too frightened to even look at him for more than a minute. Why did it have to be so hard? Why did everything always have to be so hard?

A creak sounded as someone opened the door. They took a few footsteps and then stopped. Sighing, Kiora sat up.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize that this room belonged…to…" she trailed off and stared at Remus, nervously clutching the satiny bed cover. "I'm sorry. I'll go now." She began to get up but Remus shook his head and walked over to her, pushing her back down slightly.

"No," he said, his amber eyes full of trouble…angst…depression. "Please. We need to talk." Kiora's heart started pounding faster onto her chest and she opened and closed her mouth a few times, eyes welling up with unshed tears and head shaking nervously.

"We have nothing to talk about," she finally managed. "We were kids…it was nothing…just…puppy love." Avoiding Remus's hand, she scooted around him and began to leave again. Reflexively, he took her hand in his. She whipped around and flushed, looking down at their intertwined hands. She felt like a teenager again, emotions circling through her like a Ferris Wheel.

"Is that really how you saw it?" he asked, desperation in his voice. His tone was pleading her, beyond anything, to say no. Kiora shook her head slowly and Remus let out a deep breath, dropping his hand back to his side. Kiora's own hand suddenly felt cold and empty…

Fidgeting with her fingers, she sat down in a straight, wooden chair placed by a desk. A shabby looking briefcase was leaned up against a leg of the desk, which was covered in some papers and books. She ran one, small finger along the spine of a book and smiled at it longingly.

"Remus Lupin…you never change, do you?" she said, lukewarm tears going unnoticed down her face. A spring squeaked as Remus sat down onto the bed, his patched robes looking contrast to the elegant, antique frame.

"You'd be surprised," he said, staring at her intently. Still not returning his gaze, she smiled wryly.

"There's something I've always wondered…" she began. She wasn't quite sure how to put this. She didn't want to put him in an awkward position, but she had to know. She had to know. "Did you ever really love me?"

The silence that followed was an overbearing one, weighing down on the two of them. It felt like being smothered by a thick, itchy quilt and not being able to break free. Remus kept his eyes connected with Kiora's face and simply sat there for what could have been seconds, minutes, days…neither of them paid any attention.

"Yes…I did," he finally said, his voice thick and scratchy. It was a change from his usual resigned self, and to anyone except Kiora, it would have been strange. But she knew him better than most. She had seen him cry. "I always did."

"Then what…why did you ever say those things?" her finger paused its trek along the spine of the book and she turned, resting her eyes on his. Remus sat there, thinking for a minute or two, his hands rubbing over each other until he started to explain.

"Being who I am and what I am, friends were never an option. Not when I was a kid, sometimes not even now. But when I was younger, the only thing I wanted, the only dream I ever had, was for a friend. When I arrived at Platform 9 ¾ for the very first time, I was so…scared. I felt so vulnerable and naked…it was one of the worst feelings in the world. And then I boarded the train and suddenly…suddenly this tall boy with messy hair and crooked glasses comes over to me. I can remember how my knees shook. How I stared at him with eyes that were maybe a little too large at the time…

"He told me that he had forgotten something from his mother and that I could go sit with his mates. He said he'd be back. And at that moment, I was on top of the world. I finally had friends. Some of the best friends a kid could have. James and Sirius…even Peter…they accepted me. Even when I told them about what I was. They were the first ones to ever hold a place inside of me. I guess one of the reasons I remember exactly how James and I met was because of him saying that he'd be back…Because James…he always came back, Kiora. He was always there. And Sirius, more protective of me than my own parents. He was the kind of guy that would stick up for you, even when he knew you were wrong…

"And then I met you. Over those years, I don't think a single wizard or muggle on Earth was as happy as I was…I had everything I'd ever dreamed of having. Then James, Sirius, and you got into that fight…I was expected to choose sides. Deep, deep down I knew I could never truly be on one side or the other. But as things go, I had to choose.

"It felt as if I owed James and Sirius something. They were the first, they made me who I am. I just couldn't leave them like that. After all the things that us 'Marauder's had been through…and then I thought, 'But what about all the things Kiora and I have been through?'. In the end…I went with rationality instead of my heart. I figured, 'Hell, I'm in school. Love doesn't mean anything to me yet.'. So how could I possibly love you, right? And that's why I had to choose them. But, Kiora…the thing is, being rational doesn't necessarily always mean being right. And I've yelled at myself for it and I've gotten so…so completely mad…because I was wrong. I loved you. I really did. And James and Sirius, Merlin bless them, I don't think they saw that. I don't even think I truly saw it until it was too late.

"I realize that it's been a long time. I realize that there's no way anything could be between us now, because it's obviously faded. But I hope you know that sincerely, I apologize. I'm so sorry…I didn't mean to ever lose you." As he finished, he looked down at the dust-layered floor. Kiora felt a giant ache being lifted off of her, out of her. Tears splashed and cascaded down her face. He had really loved her.

While it was true that she didn't fully think his reasons were fair, she knew they were understandable. In fact, in his situation, she knew she'd have done the same. She knew anyone would have done the same. She stood up from the chair and walked over to him.

"Remus…I understand," she said, taking both his hands in her own. This reaction was obviously unexpected and Remus's head shot up, his eyes searching into Kiora's. "Love…" she let out a small laugh and closed her eyes for a brief second, "The world moves for love. It kneels before it in awe (1). We had that once. Some may say it was one of the most wonderful things a person could ever have. Eight days without food…three days without water…two minutes without air…but not one second without love. You helped me live, and I will always be grateful to you for that. Living is something we all need to do, but it's seldom that anyone really ever does. A sad thing, really, to see so many people go through their lives, not knowing this feeling. Not ever feeling dizzy or giddy or even weak…

"However…with love comes depression and sorrow. Things that can not be avoided. We can not run from heartache. Heartache is a part of life. I know that now (2). And yet…suddenly, when I heard you talking just a few minutes ago…I was okay with it. Because even though it hurts, even though it causes what we know as 'pain', it's a part of life. And being able to live, to feel…is the most amazing thing.

"I can see the hurt in your eyes, Remus. The loss of so much in your world. But I hope you can see…that if we don't lose, than neither can we attain. If I could have anything, anything, I would have you smile again, not grieve for those whose time has come. You shall live to see these days renewed…no more despair (3), Remus. I won't allow it. You helped me to live, and now I want to help you."

She wrapped her arms tightly around Remus and he leaned into the hug, holding her in return. His body shook with silent sobs. She fell onto his lap and they sat their, holding each other, comforting each other. Everything Kiora had ever wanted to tell Remus, she finally did. He finally knew that he caused her pain…but that he also caused her more joy than imaginable. At that moment, she wasn't crying because she was sad or because she was angry…she was crying because she was finally happy. Finally, all the pieces fit…everything was right where it was always meant to be. Fate had once again repaired the pieces. She couldn't be more happy.

After a while, both of them had stopped crying, but neither was willing to let go. Kiora rested her head against Remus's chest and sighed.

"You know, I'm a grown woman and I'm bawling like a three year old," she said. Remus laughed and shook his head, kissing the top of hers.

"Well, it's supposedly healthy to bring out the child in yourself," he said. "Or so Molly tells me."

"Ah, Molly. So maternal now, isn't she?"

"Very much so. The most motherly woman I think I've ever seen," he replied, smiling down at Kiora.

"It's actually not that surprising…of course, I don't think I'll ever have kids," she said, shaking her head at the thought. Remus raised an eyebrow.

"Is that so? And why not?"

"Who would ever have kids wi..." she was cut off by Remus's lips covering her own. Shock jolted through her and she sat still for a few seconds. But soon enough, she melted into the kiss and wrapped her arms around Remus's neck. He moved his hand to the top of her head and pulled her ribbon loose, tangling his fingers through her thick, silky hair as it flowed down her shoulders.

He opened his mouth and slowly rolled his tongue across her bottom lip, begging for entrance. She complied and their tongues ran smoothly together, exploring each other's mouths. A tickling sensation ran through her as the tip of his tongue slid across the roof of her mouth. Remus gently pushed her back down onto the bed and placed himself over her, the weight of his body resting tenderly on her.

Parting from the kiss, his mouth slid down and kissed her throat, flicking his tongue out to make contact with her skin. He blew on the spot he had kissed and a shiver ran down her spine as his breath chilled her. Bringing his head back up, he kissed her again, more coyly this time. She deepened the kiss, pressing against his mouth roughly. Remus rocked his hips against her own, making her groan in the back of her throat.

They separated and Remus sat up, both panting slightly. He smiled down at her and she grinned, playing with the hem of his sleeve.

Sliding off the bed, Remus helped Kiora off and they both stood, looking at each other for a moment.

"I really missed you, Kiora," Remus said, giving her another quick kiss.

"I missed you too," she smiled. They walked out of the room and down to the dining room, where most of the earlier occupants had left. The only ones still there were Harry, Ron, Hermione, Molly, and Severus.

"Hello," Hermione said, looking up from the book she had laid on her lap. 'Wow, she reminds me of myself…' Kiora outwardly grinned. Severus nodded at them.

"Kiora, Remus," he said.

They both greeted him in return and sat down at the table. Molly poured them cups of tea and then scooted the children out of the dining area. She walked back into the kitchen.

"I'll be washing dishes!" she called out to them. Snape stood up from his chair and walked past them. He hesitated when he got to the door.

"It's nice seeing you again, Kiora," he said before continuing out of the room. Remus sipped at his tea and took Kiora's hand in his own.

"You're still warm," she said, squeezing his hand comfortably. Remus raised an eyebrow at this, but stayed silent. "You were always warm when we were kids…like I said, you just don't ever change, Remus Lupin. And that's why I love you."

"I love you too, Kiora," he said. "And I always will."

An Anti-Sheep Cheese Muffin: Hah, thank you! I should worship you for thinking that review up. It takes a big imagination to be able to do that. worships

MissCharoletteLupin: Ah, I almost cried writing why Remus told Kiora he hated her. sniffle I hope you enjoyed it.

Countrygirl25: True. But Snape also didn't blow up on her, hehe.

Kayhera: The beginning of that chapter was my favorite part to write. I love similes and metaphors! Let's give a woop woop to figurative language! Now Remus and Kiora are back together (Yesss!). Sorry about the braces, I know a lot of people that have them. They all tell me that they suck. And this one guy is afraid of having little yellow squares on his teeth when he gets them off because he always forgets to apply the cleaner thing. And yes, alas, this is the end. I hope you liked it! Thanks for reading (I know I haven't updated in a long, long time.) I should go read what I've missed of your fic now…

Caligirl-HPLVR: I could totally imagine Ron thinking that. And I hope you liked the ending. Good luck on your story!

Phox455: Aw, that's nice. I'm glad you got to see your friend.

Schnebz: This made me feel sad too:( Kiora always really forgave him…she just needed to hear him say sorry.

The Water Sprite: Thanks for all the great reviews! I should go read your story now. Hope you enjoyed the fic.

Sarcastic22: I hope this satisfied you! Your wishes have come true! 'Cause I'm a genie in a bottle…okay, sorry! XD

Randomish: Well, everyone has a cruel side once in a while.

Rosie: Here you are!

FredandGeorgeWeasleyAreMYKings: Thanks! I actually loved writing that part the most. It was fun. I really hope you liked this, I feed on your appraisal. OOH YES! I GET RON! But….I….I want Neville…

Laura Depravi: Sorry about the long update. Glad you like the fic! Hope the ending suits you!

Brielle Lupin: Yes! You're right! That's when I used the deer in headlights quote! Good job! I forgot what I said was the prize for figuring that out, so I'll give you this: hands you a cookie

So it's all over now. I thank everyone that has read the fic and am completely grateful for your reviews. You all are inspirations to a writer like me. Remember, writer's block is nothing if you've got a hammer! (Pretend that makes sense).

We are authors…and we are the dreamers of dreams.

(1) The quote, "The world moves for love. It kneels before it in awe." was used in the 2004 production, "The Village" by M. Night Shyamalan.

(2) This quote was tweaked a bit from the quote, "We can not run from heartache. Heartache is apart of life. We know that now." which was used in the 2004 production, "The Village" by M. Night Shyamalan.

(3) This quote was tweaked a bit from the quote, "No…I would have you smile again, not grieve for those whose time has come. You shall live to see these days renewed. No more despair." which was used in the 2003 production of, "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" directed by Peter Jackson and based upon the book written by J. R. R. Tolkein.