"We've been down this road before and we've always made it through, but in case we break up, can I still have sex with you?"
Hermione was singing loudly in the common room, hastily scribbling on a piece of parchment as she did so.
"Hermione, is that really necessary? Honestly, some of us are trying to do our homework."
"I don't believe it counts as doing your homework if all you're doing is copying my essay." Harry rolled his eyes, and opened his mouth to reply but-
"OH MY GOD! I LOVE 2GETHER!" Elspeth bounded over to Hermione and was now kneeling at her feet like a lapdog. Hermione shrieked and grabbed Elspeth by the hand.
"You do? I had no idea! And to think-we've wasted all this time not talking about 2gether! Who's your favorite?"
"Oh, Chad. Chad all the way. Who's yours?"
"Promise you won't laugh?"
"Mmmhmmm."
"Doug!" Elspeth threw her head back and cackled so loudly that several people looked, "Doug! That's awesome. Oh, 'Mione. Are you going to the concert next weekend?"
"Do you even have to ask? I couldn't believe they were playing The Three Broomsticks when I found out."
"I know! They haven't performed in five years and they decide to on our Hogsmeade weekend! It's fate! We're meant to see 2gether. Weren't you surprised when you found out they were wizards? I couldn't believe it."
"Oh god, I know. You know we have to go "2gether", don't you?"
"Oh, very clever. And yes, of course! Do you know anyone else who's coming?"
"Well…." Elspeth shifted her glance to Ron, who had been sitting silently, mouth gaping, at the scene for several minutes. "I was hoping Ron would escort me, you know, for protection."
"Against the other girls. Aren't they vicious? I can hardly stand the screaming. That's a good idea, they'd probably leave you alone if he came along. Speaking of which….two escorts are better than one….Harry?"
Harry opened his mouth to protest, but was too dumbfounded to say anything. He'd always held Hermione above such adolescent trifles as boy bands, and as such, was not anxious to encourage this new obsession, but he couldn't deny the hopeful look on her face. With reluctance, he closed his mouth and nodded solemnly. She beamed and cringed inwardly at the thought of the concert. Quickly, she turned back to Elspeth and they continued with their unrecognizable twaddle.
Draco Malfoy did not want to take Aeila to the concert. He certainly enjoyed having her around, after all, she was mildly amusing, and it didn't hurt that she felt obliged to do everything he asked, but he wasn't sure she was worth sacrificing a Hogsmeade weekend for. He pondered this as he strolled about the Slytherin common room, randomly snitching sweets and knocking books out of first year's hands.
At first, Aeila had been an annoyance. His father had forced her upon him one evening during the summer, the daughter of someone important at the Ministry, someone Draco couldn't care to remember. She seemed too eager, too desperate, but then he realized this was something he could use to his advantage. Aeila was at least proving useful these first few months of school. She couldn't wait to do anything Draco asked. Now, however, he was afraid he would have to accompany her to this, 5gether, or S Club concert or whatever it was to encourage her continuing loyalty to him. He paused in front of the large gilded mirror mounted above the fireplace, and smoothed his hair. He stopped when he saw Aeila's reflection coming through the door to the common room. She caught sight of him and rushed over to him keenly.
"Draco! So, are you going to take a certain someone to 2gether next weekend?" She tucked her arm into his and led him towards the nearest loveseat. Normally, Draco would have shaken her off, but he was going to need her help in the forthcoming weeks, and as such, was keen to stay in her favour. So, instead, he smiled warmly and enthusiastically and spent the night suppressing eye rolls and yawns as she yammered on about what's-its. God, Draco thought, this had better be worth it.
Hespar sat comfortably in her large wingback chair before a roaring fire. She was feeling very pleased with herself because beside her was a rather large stack of unorganized papers that she had just finished marking. She had intended to spend the rest of the evening like this, reading Jane Austen's Persuasion, drinking coffee and eating Honeyduke's chocolate, when suddenly she heard a knock at the door. Hespar made no effort to stifle her groan and slowly lumbered towards the sound. She had something in mind to say to the perpetrator when she opened the door, but when she did, the sight of Remus Lupin made something catch in her throat and traveled down to her loins. Hespar smiled with genuine pleasure to see him, but then remembered what she was wearing- ten year old sweats stained with old chocolate, and no bra. Perhaps she was paranoid, but Hespar could have sworn he took a rather longer than necessary glance at her chest.
"Professor Lupin! How are you doing? Oh, sorry, please come in." She stepped aside to let him in, and hastily brushed her hair back from her face when his back was turned.
"Um, so, can I help you with anything or…..?" Lupin turned towards her quickly and she caught the diminished look on his face before he masked it. Idiot, he just wanted to see you!
"Er, well, no, not really. Just thought I'd see how your first few weeks have been going, whether you needed a hand or anything like that," He glanced at the high stack of marked papers, "But, of course, you're doing quite well. It was silly of me to think you would need me…..I suppose I'd better be off. Good night, then." He gave her a curt nod and walked briskly out the door, but Elspeth caught him on the arm as he passed her.
"Would you like some tea, or, I even have a little Honeyduke's chocolate that I'm sure I won't be able to finish," She smiled and left her hand resting on his forearm. Lupin closed the door quietly and followed her in.
Two and a half hours later, they had eaten their way through all of the chocolate and finished two pots of tea.
"I can't believe you've never heard of Annie Lennox!"
"I told you, I'm just not familiar with these Muggle artists."
"I know, but Annie Lennox? The Eurythmics? What she does transcends magical parentage. I really should lend you a few records."
"I'd like that," Lupin smiled and Hespar felt a slight flutter somewhere within her, "You know, I have to say, I don't anyone who's as obsessed and well versed in Muggle culture as you, except perhaps Arthur Weasley."
"Well, I just think it's important we understand their world as much as we understand our own. Besides, there's hardly a witch or wizard you doesn't have some Muggle blood in their lineage. Why, does it make you uncomfortable?"
"No, not at all. I'm impressed by your knowledge. You know, I think the position of Muggle Studies is coming available in the fall, you should consider applying." Lupin tipped the teapot but discovered it was empty. Both he and Hespar stood and reached for the pot to make more, so his hand brushed hers and rested atop it. She breathed in sharply and looked up at him. He was looking into her eyes with a strange sort of nervous, vulnerable look. Hespar cleared her throat,
"Professor Lupin, I wanted to thank you for making it easier for me here, I really appreciate all the support you've given me." Hespar's breath quickened as she leaned in a little closer, the teapot still clutched tightly in her fist.
"You're welcome, but call me Remus." His voice was soft and hoarse as he moved even closer, filling the space between them with crackling sexual energy. Hespar nodded and whispered,
"Remus…" but he caught the word with his tongue. Hespar melted into him as he explored her mouth, and pushed his fingers through her hair, caressing her face and neck. She pulled herself tighter against him, wanting, needing his embrace. Lupin gently pried her fingers from the teapot and set it down on the table. They moved slowly towards Hespar's bed, saying nothing, but communicating with their bodies. He laid her down and began to trail kisses up and down her neck and jaw, but making no attempt to go any further. Hespar, growing frustrated with this pace, tried to wriggle free of her cumbersome clothing, but he held her and breathed into her ear,
"Not yet…." His breath on her neck sent chills up Hespar's spine, so she relaxed and bent to his will. He continued with this foreplay for several more minutes, and then, finally, pulled up Hespar's shirt to reveal her stomach where he could cover it with gentle licks of his tongue and nips of his teeth. The intensity grew, and Hespar stripped Lupin of his shirt and seized his skin with her tongue. He found the tie on her sweats and pulled them off easily, running his hands all over her thighs and stomach, tracing her collarbone, fingering the soft hollow between her breasts; memorizing the curve of her body with his touch.
"You're exquisite," He whispered as she found the button on his jeans, and their mounting desire gave way…
Afterwards, Hespar lay in Remus' arms for a long time while he slept. It wasn't like her to be so impulsive, but she felt no regret after being with Remus, but rather a soporific kind of satisfaction and comfort. She gradually fell asleep and awoke much later as the sun was rising. Remus was moving about her room, trying hard not to wake her as he prepared coffee. He saw that she was awake and sat down on the corner of the bed with a cup. He pushed a few hairs away from her face and kissed her softly.
"Did you sleep well?" She nodded and he beamed, "I'm glad, so did I. I should leave, people will be waking up and milling about the castle soon, although I'd much rather stay," He kissed her again, tasting the coffee on her lips. Hespar smiled and nodded her agreement. He rose but she caught his hand, and wrapped her arms around him for long moment until he disentangled himself from her embrace and slipped quietly out the door. Hespar fell back into bed, and curled under the covers, smiling to herself.
