Just Too Tempting
By Avadne
Chapter 13: My Beautiful Friend
(A/N: I recommend you actually read the lyrics to the songs, not just skip over them like I usually do. They have meaning)
After a not-so-cheerful dance with Draco, Hermione looked around. She grabbed some punch and took a seat. Seconds later, Lily sat down next to her.
"Having fun?" she asked casually, looking at Hermione.
"It's not what I expected," Hermione answered truthfully. Lily smiled and nodded in agreement.
"I never expect things anymore; that way, you don't get disappointed," Lily answered wisely.
"Good theory; might try it," Hermione's brain had instantly gone into think mode as she turned the idea around in her head.
"But then again, I'm pretty sure someone here expects a dance from you, apart from James," Lily hinted before standing up abruptly and walking off. Before Hermione even had the chance to ask who it might be.
But Hermione didn't have to wait very long for her answer. Mere minutes after Lily left the seat beside Hermione, someone else took it. A tall, tanned someone, with tousled sandy hair and wolfishly amber eyes.
"So, does this live up to the parties you guys had before? If you had parties, that is…" Remus grinned at Hermione cheekily.
"Actually, I am a bit disappointed," Hermione began, playing Remus. Remus widened his eyes innocently at Hermione and did his best to look disappointed. But that charade didn't last long.
"You haven't seen nothing yet. I don't suggest sampling one of those brownies, either," he told her conspirationally.
"Why ever not?" Hermione asked, fearing for her own personal safety.
"Oh, go for it… that is, if you want to get a strange urge to hit on the next person you see. We apologies for being unable to make sure it's someone from the opposite sex," Remus replied slyly as he watched a poor 6th year Hufflepuff girl, who happened to be standing near the charmed brownies, wink flirtatiously at one of the Slytherin girls.
"I think I get the picture," Hermione answered, laughing. Remus smirked and took Hermione's arm, silently leading her to a dance. Hermione didn't protest, instead responding easily. The song was soothing and Hermione found herself wanting to hum along.
A million hearts are hurting 'cause they love you
Close your eyes and feel their arms around you now
Baby, just like me, I'm sure they're thinking of you
I know somehow
This will all work out
There was a full moon on Christmas Eve. Hermione had studied the charts and saw that there was a full moon on Christmas Eve, on the 25th of December. And her heart went out to Remus. But he took no pity on himself, and hated it from others, so Hermione tried to shield her thoughts away from him. She carefully avoided his eye contact, yet tried to make it seem unimportant. But Hermione knew it wouldn't work.
I stand upon the roof and stare at the starry sky
For a reason why, or something I can do
Everything that mattered yesterday
So far now
Away from you
What you're going through
"I know what you're thinking," he whispered carefully. Hermione looked at him sharply.
"What?" she asked. Hermione was sure there was something in the air tonight, something that allowed people to know, to be completely honest and altogether different, open.
"I just want to know why you pity me," Remus inquired carefully. He was baiting her, Hermione realized. Testing to see if she knew.
"I know Remus, about your secret," Hermione replied, equally careful. She felt Remus stiffen, so ploughed on. "But I don't care. You're still Remus to me."
"I suspected you knew. Thanks for still being here, then," he answered, bowing his head just a bit. Hermione tightened her arms around Remus, hugging him comfortingly.
But just you hold on
(You're gonna get through this)
Oh yes you are
Try to be strong
(You know you can do this)
'Cause baby, love will conquer all
And it won't be long before
You'll be dancing in the rain again
My beautiful friend
"I'm sorry," Hermione whispered. Sorry for so many things; this wasn't the first time she had apologized tonight, for more than one thing.
If you ever feel
There's no strength left inside you
Just know I'm by your side
And hoping you're.
Sometimes the moon is all
The light you need to guide you
Through the darkest night
Let me be the light
"I know; and don't. Don't pity me, because I don't need it. Pity someone who does," Remus replied wisely. Hermione was beginning to think that Remus could match Dumbledore for such ambiguous and meaningful quotes.
But just you hold on
(You're gonna get through this)
Oh yes you are
Try to be strong
(You know you can do this)
'Cause baby, love will conquer all
And it won't be long before
You'll be dancing in the rain again
My beautiful friend
"How did you know?" Remus asked quietly. Hermione had been dreading this question and raked her brain for an appropriate answer that wouldn't raise too much suspicion. She decided to be honest… sort of.
"I could figure it out; the dates you went away, how you looked before and after it. Even the howling at night," Hermione answered softly, not wanting to alarm Remus.
"It's good you know; I was planning on telling you soon, anyway," Remus replied reassuringly. Hermione grinned at him and Remus smiled back.
(You're gonna get through this)
Don't you be afraid girl,
Just hold on
(You know you can do this)
The only thing I'm sure of is that
Love will conquer all
And it won't be long before
You'll be dancing in the rain again
Won't you save me one dance with you then?
My beautiful friend
(You're gonna get, you're gonna get through)
(Song: My Beautiful Friend by Guy Sebastian from the album Just As I Am)
"Thanks for the dance, Mi," he said, letting her go.
"You too, Remus. And thanks for trusting me," Hermione replied, leaning against the nearest table. Remus grinned mischievously, a sure sign that he was up to something.
"Who says I trust you?" Remus joked, but shook his head. There was a warm light in his eyes, like a child who had just been given candy.
"I-I thought y-yo-" Hermione pout on an innocent, heartbroken face, letting her eyes go wide and her voice stutter, just for fun.
"I think you've been spending a bit too much time around us," Remus laughed.
"Yeah, it's rubbing off!' Hermione exclaimed, shuddering in mock-horror.
"Well, I have pranks to set up, girls to dance with, fights to separate, even a few Slytherins to hex. See you," Remus waved a good-bye and disappeared into the ground, leaving Hermione alone again.
She relished the feeling, because she knew it was only a matter of minutes before another Marauder would come and pick her up.
--
Ok, the songs are still not mine.
I got an interesting e-mail from a reader; he was asking me how to pronounce my name. Ok, listen up everyone. It's said 'Ay-vah-nee'. I am perfectly aware it's probably the weirdest name anyone has ever seen, so I hope that clears some stuff up.
Thanks to the reviewers, as always you guys mean so much to me!
Gwynn-Potter: please don't go too crazy! Wouldn't want you crashing an insane asylum now would we? just kidding. Thanks for the review
MarauderProngs-Padfoot: a cookie to you for putting me on your favourites. I love it when people do that. Thanks lots!
Jaid Ziaen: yes, Hermione/Dumbledore was totally disturbing. I shudder even thinking of it. I was just too damn curios to not read it… but I regretted it later. Don't worry about neglecting my fic, it's not too upset. And yes, Draco and Sirius are almost (gasp) friends. And Draco is ok, even though he was hurt. However, I thought it would be a nice turning point if Regulus turned good. And we all want rat boy dead. Sigh. Thanks for the lovely, LONG review!
Canadian Coco Chick: yes, Christmas is pretty cool. My friend doesn't actually like Christmas, which I find extremely weird. Hmm… anyway, thanks for the review
Kris-tina4: thanks mate. The bond between Hermione and Draco is tight, but not romantic.
megafreak no, that's ok. Anyway the Slytherin thing is just too fun to write; I can't leave it alone. Besides, it's a good sub-plot and Draco was brought back in time for a reason! Fear not though, because James/Hermione interaction is coming up soon. First there's going to be Hermione/Marauder interaction, but chapter 16 is full frontal Hermione/James.
I love James: I think Aussies rock too… well, most. Ok, maybe some. But eh. Anyway thanks for your review; I guess Lily and James do belong together, but behold the wonders of fan-FICTION and Alternate Universes. hey, I know it can't happen, but humour me! Thanks for the review
Avadne