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The Three Broomsticks, 1979
A couple weeks later, the six wizard friends sat down at a large table in the Three Broomsticks. Hermione made a point of sitting next to Remus. Sirius sat down next to her. James, Lily, and Peter sat on the other side. They started ordering their butterbeers, but when the waitress came to Hermione, she shook her head. She didn't have so much as a knut on her, since her pockets were empty when she travelled through time.
"Are you sure, miss?" inquired the waitress.
Hermione recognized her as Madam Rosemerta,the future owner of the place. "Yes, I'm sure, I'll be fine."
Sirius frowned, then comprehension dawned upon him. "You don't have any money, do you?" he whispered.
"Right," said Hermione, embarrassed. Remus was about to offer to pay for her, but Sirius beat him to it.
"Then it's on me," he said loudly. "Another butterbeer, please."
"No, no, you don't have to," protested Hermione, but Sirius ignored her.
"Come now, it's only a few knuts," he said, waving his hand.
"Thanks, Sirius," Hermione smiled.
Remus found himself wishing he could somehow get her undivided attention, or do something really nice for her. He was beginning to remotely understand why James went to such lengths to get Lily's attention. (And Sirius always seems to have impeccable timing for moments to show charm,) he thought jealously. (Well, I do have one on Peter though, I did have a girlfriend, even if not for very long)
He put his elbows on the table and leaned against them. Full moon was in about a week, and he was beginning to feel tired. However, he didn't feel as bad as he normally did. (Strange) he mused. Sirius still forced him to drink that horrible potion every night. Last night, he insisted on it being the last time. He really didn't see why Sirius was doing it, the potion didn't seemed to have a point to it. And it tasted so very disgusting. At first, he'd thought it was Sirius's idea of a joke; now he wasn't sure what it was, but he wanted it to end. (I don't want him to tell Katie I'm a werewolf, though. She need never know. I'm not sure if I should have another girlfriend, though. Perhaps werewolves aren't meant to be in love)
He idly observed her talking and joking with Sirius. (I might not have a chance with her, anyway) He reflected on how much time they'd spent together, but he figured she was just being friendly. He probably hadn't been very fun to be around, especially compared to someone like Sirius.
Suddenly he saw Katie turn towards him. "You've been quiet," she said with a scrutinizing look. "Are you ok?" she asked, touching his arm.
"Just a little tired, that's all," he commented. "I'm fine."
(Oh yes, it's full moon soon. The potion does seem to be having an effect though, he looks better than last time) Hermione searched for something to say. Remus, for some reason, didn't seem to feel like talking. "Have you finished your homework for this week?"
"I just have my report on the Andebru left," said Remus. "It's a hard one, though."
Hermione smiled inwardly. Before she travelled through time, she'd done the report on the Andebru, and now she had to do hers again. "I can help you with it," she offered.
"Thanks, I would appreciate that," he said. He found that they were gazing into each other's eyes intently. After a few seconds, he smiled nervously and looked away.
Lily observed them with a bit of frustration. Remus was being a blockhead, why didn't he just trust her and ask her out? (Easy for me to say, though. I already know she'll say yes)
Their butterbeers arrived. As they began sipping them, a troop of Slytherins entered the Three Broomsticks. Hermione glared fiercely at the group. She recognized most of them : Lucius, Bellatrix, Snape, Avery, and several other future Death Eaters, if they weren't already. They headed for a far corner, and were forced to pass by her table.
Bellatrix gave Sirius a shove. "Hello, my no-good cousin!" she spat.
Hermione was seized with a rage. It forcibly reminded her of how she was going to murder him in the future. She stood up so quickly that her chair fell over. "Eat death, Bellatrix!" she hissed.
Bellatrix looked rather taken aback. Did this strange girl know about the group that was forming? "What did you say?"
"Eat death," she repeated, before picking up her seat and settling back into her seat, trying to cool down.
Sirius stared at her. "What was that about?" Bellatrix was horrible, to be sure, but she never did anything to Hermione.
"Sorry," said Hermione. "I can't say, Dumbledore would be furious."
"What does eat death mean?" wondered Remus.
In the corner of her eye, she noticed Peter looking a bit uncomfortable. (Is he considering betrayal even now?) "Just something I made up," she answered lamely.
"Bellatrix seemed to know what you meant," said Remus keenly.
"Here, Katie, can I have a word?" asked Sirius, interrupting the exchange.
"Sure," said Hermione gratefully, quickly standing up and following Sirius out of the pub. Remus watched them go suspiciously. The pair seemed to be having alot of private talks lately.
"Thanks, Sirius," she said when they were safely outside.
Sirius smiled. "I did actually have you come out here to talk to you," he said. "Remus said that last night would be the last night he'd take the potion. He's terribly stubborn, I'm afraid the surprise is going to have to be called off."
Sirius's face appeared to be as disappointed as Hermione felt. She had her heart so set on doing this for him, no matter what the risk. She sighed, her Griffindor spirit winning over. "Sirius, if I told you what it did, would you give it another go?" Hermione wondered.
"It depends," said Sirius. He tried to hide his curiousity.
"All right, first understand you can't tell anyone else." She saw him nod, and she shot him a blue light as a precaution. "Well, if he keeps drinking the potion, he'll keep his mind when he transforms, and in general, he'll feel stronger."
"He'll keep his mind?" said Sirius incredulously. "That's bloody brilliant!" He grinned ecstatically, grabbed her and twirled her around. "Can't we tell him that? Then I could hardly keep the potion away from him, and it would be so much easier."
"No, I shouldn't even have told you," said Hermione. "Let's go back."
Sirius followed her back inside to their table, new determination surging through him. Remus would take his potion if that was going to be the only thing he got done for the next week!
Remus had seen the exchange through the window. In his mind, Sirius seemed to be asking her out, and twirled her around when she said yes. He stood up, suddenly not wishing to be in Hogsmeade anymore. "I think I'll go to the Shack for some rest," he announced, and left the table.
Lily frowned. "Remus, you seem fine, why don't you stay?" she saw him glance out the window, and her eyes widened in realization.
"No, no, I really need to go," he said shortly, and left them.
Hermione and Sirius soon returned to the table. Hermione instantly noticed Remus's empty seat.
"Where did Remus go?"
"He went to the Shack for some rest," explained James.
"She knows about the Shack?" squeaked Peter.
"She does," answered Sirius for her. Hermione determinedly ignored Peter, finishing the last of her butterbeer. "I think I'll go with him." Sirius shot a meaningful look at Hermione, patting his pocket.
Hermione grinned. "Go right ahead, Sirius." Sirius left the pub, his butterbeer forgotten and a determined bounce to his step. Making sure no one was looking, he snuck into the Shack and walked upstairs, entering the room where Remus usually slept.
"Hello Sirius," said Remus, not looking pleased to see him. "Can't you see I'm trying to sleep?"
"Hey Remus," grinned Sirius. "I'll let you sleep as soon as you drink this." He held up the Wolfsbane potion.
"I told you, last night was the last time," muttered Remus, clearly annoyed.
"You only have to take it for one more week," whined Sirius.
"Only one more week! Do you have any idea how disgusting that stuff tastes?"
"No, you've only told me every time you've taken it."
"Sirius, leave," ordered Remus, grabbing a pillow and laying it firmly over his head.
"I'll tell Katie that you're a werewolf," threatened Sirius, figuring he had Remus now. After all, it'd worked every other time.
"Who cares, I don't have a chance with her anyway," groaned Remus.
Sirius frowned, confused. "Why wouldn't you have a chance with her?"
Remus removed the pillow, glaring at Sirius. "She's your girlfriend, isn't she? Don't rub it in."
Sirius stepped back, startled. "She's not my girlfriend, Remus. She likes you, I can tell. She's just waiting for you to ask her out. Why don't you?"
"She's not your girlfriend?" repeated Remus disbelievingly. "Then why all the secret talks and looks?"
"It's the surprise," answered Sirius. "The surprise is for you."
Remus's looked softened, hope filling his chest. Sirius seemed very sincere. Katie liked him? She wasn't with Sirius? At the same time, though, he wasn't sure if he wanted another girlfriend, when it came down to it. Girls didn't seem to like werewolves. His heart plummeted at the thought.
"Well, will you take the potion, then?" demanded Sirius.
Remus sighed, resigned. "Fine, I'll take it one more week, but after that, not another drop. No matter what you threaten me with."
Sirius handed him the vial, watched him drink the potion, and left.
The Three Broomsticks, 1997
Remus sighed with relief as he received the latest memory. His younger self had agreed to take the rest of the potion. He glanced around. He was sitting at a table in the Three Broomsticks with Harry, Ron, and Luna.
"What is it, Remus?" questioned Harry eagerly. He'd come to recognize the unique look on Remus's face when he received a new memory. "What did Hermione do now?"
"No, no altered memory with Hermione this time. It was Sirius, forcing me to drink the last of the potion," answered Remus. "Before that, Hermione and I were here, sitting together, but didn't talk much."
Harry stared into his butterbeer, his reflection starting back at him. He wished she would just hurry up and come back. But at the same time, her being gone so long proved how much she missed him. He took a sip of his butterbeer quietly. (I get the point, Hermione. Just come back!)
Replies to Reviewers:
MoonyNZ: Thanks, I'm glad you find it interesting. Thanks for your review!
BrennaM: Yes, your idea is going to be in the next chapter. Added a whole page! I'm glad you liked that part with Sirius and Remus, it was one of my favorite things to write. :)
LupinLover99: Yay, I'm glad you found it funny! (grins) I'm glad he seemed to be in character. Thank you for your review!
Dracula5555: Thank you for reviewing twice! You know, maybe it would, but I figured that, once Hermione goes back to the future, they wouldn't know how to brew it. So not much could change after that, other than keeping their eyes peeled for an announcement of its invention. :) Thanks again!
Rane2920072: Thanks so much for both of your reviews! LOL yes, we'll get there soon. :) Hopefully it'll live up to your expectations. :)
Shimmer of an Angel: Thanks a bunch for your review, it really made me smile!
Preview of next chapter: Sirius heard the commotion. Recognizing Voldemort's voice, he frantically shouted into the Mirror for help.
Lily appeared, looking very annoyed. "Sirius, what do you want? Filch is after you, isn't he?"
"NO! IT'S VOLDEMORT! GET DOWN HERE! HE'S AFTER MOONY!"
