Disclaimer :Aragorn is still not King in the movies. Voldemort is still not dead in the books. They and others are still not mine in real life. Guess which of these sentences will never be rectified. Here go my dreams of richness…
A/N: Well, the Muse finally decided to cooperate. I'm sorry about the delay but She wanted to play in the new openings OotP brought. She still does but accepted to let me back into the TaBA universe. About time. More apologies and other explanations below. Sorta.
Forgot to say this in the first chapter: this fic is going to be long and I'm a very slow writer. To those of you who said they were willing to wait years, I hope you weren't kidding…
Thanks to all the reviewers for their comments (and patience – sorry again). The responses are below the chapter.
Post-OotP changes: are minimal so far. Find them if you can… And in case I hadn't said it yet, this fic went AU after Harry's fourth year. And I was right last chapter; I'm going to need the dead one alive.
Warning: I've been told I needed to warn people when I wrote something funny. My beta suggested WARNINGS: MAY CAUSE SUFFOCATION. She would know, she's my primary victim. I present my apologies to all the others. After reflections, however, I realised that I was lazy and 'may cause suffocations' didn't cover all the alternatives. So, WARNINGS: BRACE YOURSELF. Consider yourselves warned. tries to whistle innocently, gives up at the third try and just smiles I am so – not – sorry about that.
Chapter five b: Reunions
A groan of frustration rang out behind the closed doors. "That's never going to do!" After the try-outs, the old Quidditch team had taken over the changing rooms to discuss privately, letting the other Gryffindors go wherever they wanted.
"Chill, Harry. Actually, it's not that bad," George countered lightly. The rest of the team stared at the Beater.
"Yeah," Fred came cheerfully to his twin's rescue, "George and I could be gone already and then, you'd be in trouble."
Harry couldn't repress a shudder at the idea. That would effectively be catastrophic.
The main purpose of the try-outs was to find one Keeper able to protect the goals. Harry wasn't sure they'd even managed to do that. Of all the Gryffindors who showed up, only two had shone out of the lot. Which only meant they seemed marginally competent, stopping about half the Chasers' shoots. Granted, the girls were good but still…
These two were way below Wood's level and Harry missed sharply his presence. Especially since the final choice had now been his to make as the new captain.
Geoffrey Hooper was an annoying whiner with no concept of team spirit and Vicky Frobisher had admitted herself she would quit Quidditch rather than let it interfere with her other clubs. Reluctantly, Harry had taken the would-be quitter. At least the Gryffindor Keeper would not go down with a Bludger to the head from their own Beaters.
"Just you two? And we, what are we? Decorative ornaments?" Angelina demanded, lifting a warning brow as Alicia and Katie crossed their arms.
"You? You are the most beautiful girls of all Hogwarts," Fred mock-swooned into his brother's arms and winked at them from there.
"And fantastic Chasers too," George continued without missing a beat, "but-"
"Your future replacements seem decent-"
"Unlike ours." The twins shared a disgusted look before giving Harry a wicked grin, "So, Boss man, aren't you glad we're still here?"
The younger boy nodded fervently. His team mates and he had taken a look at other prospective players during the try-outs and they had given Harry their opinion since he –and the Keeper- would have to find five new players the following year.
To the boys' surprise, Ginny Weasley had proven to be a good Chaser that could become excellent with some training. So were Dean Thomas and Natalie McDonald, a second year, although they hadn't confessed to 'borrowing' occasionally the Weasley brothers' brooms to practice. Fred and George had been speechless the ten seconds it had taken them to decide not to be miffed but proud of their baby sister.
"She's following into our footsteps," was the verdict that had all, Ginny included, do a serious double take at the girl. The pregnant silence was only broken when Dean muttered something that made Ginny giggle and hit him playfully on the arm.
That interlude concluded the Chasers' unofficial try-outs and the only immitigably positive point of the day so far.
The last part of the morning was indeed simply disastrous. There were no words strong enough to describe the Beaters who came. Except maybe dangerous to health. To their own first and then to their team mates'. Two of them had almost brained each other trying to hit the same Bludger. Others had 'merely' sent the enchanted ball hurtling towards their teammates when they finally did manage to touch it. And that was for those who didn't end up dangling from their brooms after a failed attempt at hitting the Bludger.
Harry was even now trying very, very hard not to remember any of this. Still, it was not the most urgent problem.
"In case Vicky bails out on us, don't you know someone else who could -"
"Are you all decent in there? We're coming!" Ron's voice rang out suddenly and before anyone could react, the door opened to let him and Hermione pass, trailed sheepishly by Ginny, Dean and Seamus.
"Sorry, they insisted," Dean shrugged apologetically. Ginny and he had decided to wait for the rest of the team and so had been charged to keep the meeting quiet. And Seamus had decided to stay with them since he was not often far from his best friend.
"Harry!" Hermione started, "you'll never guess who's here!"
"Well, since I'll never be able to guess, why don't you just tell me?" Harry responded testily, irritated at having been interrupted. But neither Ron nor Hermione seemed to notice this.
"Professor Lupin and Snuffles! Professor Dumbledore said they were staying for some time."
His irritable mood evaporating in a flash, Harry repeated anxiously, "Remus and S- Snuffles?" He had just been thinking about them recently and hoping they were all right. His heart lifted joyously when Ron nodded with a big smile.
"Remus?" The disbelieving voice drew his attention and he blushed slightly under Alicia's curious gaze.
"He was a friend of my parents but he didn't tell me back when he taught us because he didn't want to show favouritism. We've talked since then," he explained.
"And who's Snuffles?" Fred asked.
Harry, Ron and Hermione shared a surprised look before Ron hit his forehead in sudden comprehension. "Dang, I had forgotten you were out the day Lupin and he showed up at the Burrow!"
Harry started. He too had forgotten that. All the Weasley family minus Percy had met Sirius but only Ron and his mother knew he was an Animagus. Ron grinned suddenly, "Snuffles is a Grim."
"Ron!"
"Well, he looks like one and he scared us all when we met him for the first time," he defended himself from Hermione' stern glare. But if it mellowed the girl, it was the wrong thing to say.
"So, ickle Ronniekins was scared by a wee dog?" Fred smirked.
"No wonder we never saw it if it had to be kept out of your sight for your sake," George nodded gravely as Ron's ears turned as red as his hair, so flustered he had trouble speaking.
Turning to hide a smile, Harry remarked the other players were sneaking discreet looks towards him. Suddenly it dawned on him that he was expected to call an end to the meeting. That was his duty as captain, as had been organising the try-outs and scheduling practice would be. But the try-outs had been a necessity, which was different! Taking charge was a serious responsibility and Harry didn't know if he was ready for this. Moreover, he would have to give orders to people older that he was. Blimey! What was McGonagall thinking when she appointed me?
Something must have shown on his face because Hermione asked with a hint of worry, "Harry? Are you all right?"
The twins stopped harassing Ron to look at him, and so did the others, making Harry feel his doubts even more sharply. But he merely shook his head, not willing to share this with his best friends. They were dealing well with the responsibilities of Prefects; he should be able to do as well as captain. But he could talk about that with Sirius and for this…
"I think we can wrap up the meeting," he said eventually. Seeing the nods of agreement, he took a deep breath and continued, "Just think about our problem and keep me informed. I'll warn you when I'll have team practice scheduled."
"No problems. Hey, Harry, are you going to see Lupin? Mind if Seamus and I come with you?" Dean asked.
"Why don't we all go?" Katie proposed before Harry could answer. "It's not often we have the occasion to say hi to him." The others agreed immediately.
Bemused, Harry remembered Remus had been a well-liked professor, and despite the shock of learning about his lycanthropy, some students had asked him to stay anyway two years ago. Remus had refused but remained in the students' mind the best Professor of Defence against the Dark Arts they had ever had. Nodding, Harry picked up his broom and led the way out of the room, listening as the others speculated on what Professor Lupin had become.
"He still has shabby clothes and he looks dead tired," Ron remarked at one point. "Remember the first time we saw him on the train, Harry? He looks that bad. Hey, you okay?" he asked after having caught Hermione as she tripped suddenly. At her hurried nod, he continued speaking, "but he seemed in good spirits when we left him."
"Do you know why he's here?" Seamus asked curiously. "It's not usual for former professors to come back."
The Weasley's, Harry and Hermione shared a look. Remus – and Sirius – was probably here for Order of the Phoenix' business but they couldn't explain that to their friends as the existence of the Order was a secret.
"He brought one of the Americans' friends with him," Hermione said instead.
"He did?" Harry's voice joined the several others who piped up in surprise.
"Which one?" Fred wondered immediately after. "They mentioned several names so far."
"A man named Legolas. They seemed really good friends, you should have seen – Who are these people?" she asked abruptly, freezing in her tracks.
Stopping beside her, Harry followed her line of sight and saw what had caught her attention. A group of witches and wizards were striding purposefully towards the castle from the front gates.
"Isn't that Fudge?" Ron frowned. One of the wizards in the lead was indeed wearing Fudge's peculiar lime-green bowler-hat.
"And Amelia Bones, I recognise her," George added.
"Who?" Harry had the disagreeable feeling of being out of the loop again. Spending time among the Weasley's during the summer allowed him to catch up on some wizardly things, but he kept discovering things considered obvious by normal wizards.
"The Head of Magical Law Enforcement. She's the one talking with Fudge," Ron pointed her out.
"Come on, if we hurry, we should arrive at the castle at the same time as they," George said, already walking forward.
Harry followed distractedly, observing Amelia Bones. She reminded him strangely of Muggle tanks, with her broad frame and forbidding bearing. As the distance between them diminished, Harry's impression was fortified. Her very square jaw and her monocle, instead of looking ridiculous or pompous, only made her look even sterner.
She and Fudge seemed to be arguing. Or rather, Fudge was visibly arguing but Bones only replied by short phrases, plying ahead determinedly.
"A little faster, Harry, or they'll be gone inside when we'll get there," Ginny warned as she come up to his shoulder.
Startled, Harry gave an acknowledging nod and accelerated to catch up with Ron and Hermione.
But in the end, they still arrived after the other group, while they were being greeted by Professor McGonagall at the foot of the stairs.
Looking them over, Harry could see Bones and another witch on the smallish side and beside Fudge, there were four, no five-
"My, my, my… Potter flanked by a horde of Weasley's and … Miss Granger. What a wonderful surprise," a haughty voice drawled at the edge of civility.
"Malfoy." Harry clenched his hands into fists as he faced the man. Lucius Malfoy was smirking coldly as he approached to examine them and Hermione placed discreetly a warning hand on Harry's arm. But Harry had forgotten her presence. He felt winded, suffocating with rage at the idea of a Death Eater at Hogwarts. Someone who had watched him tortured by Voldemort with pleasure, someone who had killed and tortured and not only on his master's orders.
"Kill the spare."
With a physical jerk, Harry shook off the memory and looked straight into Malfoy's eyes, concentrating all his hate into the glare. Malfoy hadn't been the one who had killed Cedric but he would have given the chance. As he would with Harry. They both knew that.
The man's smile froze under the boy's heated look. Then, languidly, deliberately slowly, it grew larger, fuelling Harry's fury. If looks could kill, Malfoy would have melt like the slimy garbage he was.
"Harry, calm down!" Hermione whispered urgently in his ear. He didn't know how long she had been trying to reach him. "You're going to draw the ministry officials' attention and they don't need to think you crazier than they probably already do!"
Harry repeated his dark glare on her and she almost took a step back. At the last second though, she stopped herself and held her ground, her grip on his arm becoming even stronger. It was the pain that finally snapped him from his mood. Hermione was leaving bruises on Harry's skin, her knuckles white from the strain but still, she was smiling, as if Malfoy wasn't looking at her like a repugnant bug and she wasn't squeezing tight enough to cut off the blood circulation in her fingers. Grin and bear with it, had been one of her mottos last year.
Relenting, Harry nodded once to show his understanding and made an effort to regain control of his raging emotions. Taking a calming breath, he relaxed his death grip on his broom and hid a wince at the sudden pain in his other palm. Moving his fingers slightly, he felt deep traces where he had plunged his nails but no blood, thankfully.
"Potter, Granger and Weasley, there you are," McGonagall finally saw them and swept past Malfoy to stand between him and the students. "Madam Bones, Head of the department of Magical Law Enforcement, would like to hear your declarations about the… Sirius Black affair. Our guests claim to have seen Peter Pettigrew the other day and the Minister and she are here to review all the elements concerning Black's culpability, or lack thereof."
The Gryffindors gasped as one. Sirius has his chance to be cleared! Harry hadn't even dared to hope it would come that fast. He tried to look at the people who would be deciding his godfather's fate and realised Professor McGonagall was just before him, frustratingly hiding them from his view. The Transfiguration teacher was frowning, however, and she resumed after sending Harry a look which clearly demanded him to stay right where he was. "Professor Dumbledore warned me of your and Madam Bones' arrival, though he expected you this afternoon, Minister. And I understand the Aurors' presence as an escort but I fail to see how Mister Malfoy and Mister Nott fit into this."
"Mister Nott," Malfoy started, looking at her arrogantly, "contacted me this morning because he knew I have some little connections within the ministry and he claimed to have urgent information concerning this affair. Considering the ministry's actual staff shortage in some departments, I decided contacting the Minister myself would be faster."
"It is very - kind of you," having said that, Professor McGonagall focused her attention on another man. Nott? Harry wondered. He had the impression to have heard that name before. He stepped aside to study the man more clearly. Nervous, agitated and very pale, Nott did not give a good first impression. He even looked like he had slept in his current muddy robes, if he had slept at all. Turning as if he could sense Harry's scrutiny, their gazes crossed and an expression of fear and hate flashed on his face. Suddenly, Harry remembered where he had heard the name. It was one of the Death Eaters who had responded to Voldemort's call last year.
"It also gives me the occasion to meet the new teachers Professor Dumbledore hired. I want only the best for Hogwarts," Malfoy spoke. His eyes were trailing coldly over Hermione as he said that and Harry felt her repress a shiver. Nevertheless, she kept her head high and Harry couldn't help but feel proud of her. Year after year, Hermione had grown both a backbone and a temper. No doubt Draco Malfoy would have had a lot to say about those to his father. Hermione opened her mouth to answer but instead looked over Malfoy's shoulder and smiled brightly.
"Unfortunately, what I think is best and what you think is best is most often than not different, Lucius." Professor Dumbledore had arrived.
"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to welcome you to Hogwarts's school for Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Under his calm facade, Remus was swearing colourfully as he forced his body to appear relaxed and, at his feet, Snuffles started to growl when he too caught sight of Malfoy and Nott.
A little voice had told him to stay on his guard when Moody had announced the Ministry delegation was here and explained why they were here. The former Auror had remarked they were early. He had warned that something might be up. But Remus and Sirius were too taken with the idea that Sirius' case would finally be examined fairly today for the first time to pay attention. So, despite his fatigued and aching body, Remus had chosen to be here with Snuffles. And now they had been noticed and it was too late to avoid discreetly a confrontation with the Death Eaters.
"Something's wrong?" Frodo asked. The young man seemed to have heard the growl and was looking warily between Snuffels and the group from the Ministry.
They had barely had the time to introduce Legolas to Albus and Moody when the ex-Auror's crude proximity and identification charm had been triggered. There were still so many things that needed to be explained to understand the whole picture that Remus didn't know how to answer briefly to the question.
Eventually, Remus answered truthfully, "It's a long story." And, under the pretence of bending down to scratch the dog's ears, he reminded in a whisper, "Behave, Snuffles."
All he had for response was a snort. But the low growl ceased as Snuffles scampered off to jump on Harry, placing his front paws on the boy's shoulder to slobber spit all over his face.
"Eew! Snuffles!" Harry protested half-heartedly as he shoved the dog off him. An instant later, however, he was on his knees, discarding his broom on the ground to embrace the dog and rub his shoulders warmly. Looking up, he offered a smile to Remus who responded in kind before giving an acknowledging nod to the rest of the students. Still, Remus couldn't help but remark that Harry looked torn between genuine happiness at seeing Sirius and him and tension.
"Appalling behaviour. Can't you control your dog, Lupin?"
And Harry wasn't the only one tense with good reason. In Remus' opinion, Malfoy and Nott were much too close to the boy for comfort. Thankfully, Minerva had put herself between them and her students and Kinglsey hovered inconspicuously near, hanging as close as possible without outright leaving the close-knit group from the Ministry.
And then, there was Sirius. Sirius who would take all the risks to keep Harry as safe as he could, Sirius whose secret had been learned by Malfoy and Sirius whose hackles were rising in anger.
Well, Malfoy had addressed Remus. If he had hoped for a reaction on his part, he had spoken to the wrong Marauder, then. "Lucius," came the pleasant greeting.
A flash of annoyance passed briefly in Malfoy's eyes before his usual cool countenance came back, tinged with a touch of smugness. He knew Sirius was the dog and he knew Remus was aware of this fact.
But Remus also knew that there was nothing to do about this before Malfoy revealed the truth and he refused to rise to the bait. All these years hiding his lycanthropy and his various wounds after a full moon had allowed him to practice a great poker face. Now, ignoring the way the throbbing in his injured arm beat to the rapid rhythm of his heart, Remus deliberately turned his back to the Death Eater to follow Albus' introduction of Legolas and his friends as if he hadn't a care in the world.
A few shocked gasps rang out. But Remus wasn't overly worried. No matter how agitated he seemed, Nott wouldn't act without an order from Malfoy. And unless Malfoy was more desperate or stupid that he looked, he wouldn't dare an attack on him in presence of Aurors and even less here at Hogwarts itself, with Albus Dumbledore speaking not three feet away from them.
And if it seemed a little insulting to dismiss casually one of the most powerful wizards of Britain, well, it was meant to be. Remus had never claimed to be above pettiness. He just didn't indulge very often.
"I don't recall ever giving you leave to call me by my first name, wolf." The scornful voice cut out clearly above Albus' calm one and the old man paused to look over Remus' shoulder with intent blue eyes.
"And you have no right to treat Professor Lupin like that either!" an angry voice intervened. And angry but very young voice. It took only a second for Remus to replace it.
Cutting Malfoy as the Death Eater opened his mouth, Remus spoke with a hint of wry amusement "Thank you, Dean. Your intervention is appreciated." But as Dean opened his mouth again, he added firmly "But entirely out of bounds." And dangerous. Malfoy was up to something and Remus didn't want any student involved when the wizard decided to act.
Chastised, the boy seemed to subside a bit but a rebellious light in his eyes told Remus he still wanted to speak out so he shook his head gently, all the while holding the Gryffindor's gaze. Nevertheless, Remus felt assured Dean would stay quiet only when Hermione started to whisper urgently in the hot-heated boy's ear, leaving him free to face Malfoy. But yet another voice intervened.
"Lupin? Remus Lupin?" Cornelius Fudge stammered out, eying him nervously and making a move for his pocket before aborting the gesture. "The werewolf you hired two years ago?" he addressed Dumbledore.
Said werewolf didn't know whether to growl out loud or not as talks and murmurs started. These people were here for Sirius' case and it looked like he would end up the one assessed. As if Malfoy's insufferable presence was not disturbing enough. And if it stung to be only known as the monster Dumbledore had hired to teach Defence to his students, it was even more enervating to be talked about as if he wasn't there.
"Why yes, I'm rather sure it's him," Albus replied, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes as he looked at Remus. "I don't think he has drunk Polyjuice Potion during this last hour and I'm reasonably confident he doesn't have a twin stored somewhere. Do you?"
Remus had only a second to remember the old game and answer blandly, "Not to my knowledge."
"Of course not," the Headmaster pondered out loud. "A double?"
"Never met him," was said with a hint of wistfulness.
"That would have been an interesting experience," the old man reflected thoughtfully.
Remus nodded blithely in agreement, ignoring the watchers' incredulous stares.
And unexpectedly, he felt a pang in his heart. James and Sirius had used to understand why he always followed Albus' lead in these silly exchanges. Exteriorly, they had seemed aggravated, had groaned and complained about the change of subjects but deep down, they had appreciated his way to let potentially painful comments or situations slide past him without hurts and turn them into a joke. But now, James was gone and Sirius… Remus took a look and hid a smile. Sirius still understood his use of levity. Snuffles' brilliant eyes were dancing with silent laughter, his wagging tail thumping on Harry's leg like a metronome.
"Hem, hem," a tiny witch beside Fudge cleared her throat to attract attention.
As he recognised her, Remus suppressed the sudden urge to bite off someone's useless and toad-like head.
"Well, that's all jolly good and nice, Professor Dumbledore," Dolores Umbridge, senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic and vehement voice for the control of part-humans started sweetly. "But don't you think it's unsafe to have defenceless children around such a dangerous half-breed such as – hum - Mr Lupin? And today, of all days!" she widened her eyes for dramatic effects. Uncharitably, Remus thought it made her look even more like a slimy toad.
"No." Albus' reply was short and firm.
"Madam Umbridge, if you have problem with my person, I would thank you to discuss them with me. Otherwise, my condition during the nights of full moon lasts only during the night," Remus stressed slightly, choosing to address the issue himself. He was tired, anxious, trying desperately not to show it and in short, he simply did not have enough control to spare to keep his fraying temper in check.
Acting as if she hadn't heard them, Umbridge turned towards Harry and the other students, looking them over briefly. Finally, she seemed to single out Ginny Weasley. "And you, Miss, aren't you a little scared, knowing a werewolf is in this school?"
Without hesitation, the red-haired girl answered, "No." Looking straight at Malfoy, she added quietly, "There are much worse monsters."
"Ah, but you admit you consider –"
"Professor Lupin as the best Defence Professor we ever had," Dean interrupted again, visibly irritated and daring her to contradict him. But suddenly, his eyes widened in alarm and he looked towards Moody to see the current tenant of the post giving him a crooked grin with a dangerous glint in his normal eye. "Ah, hum, present company, er, included. Sorry, sir. But you're the second best, hands down!"
Remus' lips twitched involuntary despite his increasingly fouler mood. His former student still needed to curb his wilfulness. But thankfully, Moody agreed with Dean so the boy wasn't about to vex the former Auror. He had taken the job only because he felt he still owed a year to this school's students and no one else had been competent enough to take the place. Saying this in front of people who frowned consistently upon Albus' choice of teachers didn't seem a smart move, however.
"Your students just seem to adore you, from what I can gather," a quiet voice murmured in Remus' ear and he jumped slightly, his heart missing a beat.
"Keep that up and I will fit you with a bell," he threatened in a low voice without turning around, keeping an eye on the scolding Minerva was giving to the young boy. She didn't look about to take points, he remarked.
Legolas' soft chuckle answered him. "Take a number and stand in line. Gimli will want to try that again very soon. Why don't you teach again?"
Remus' entire body froze at the suddenness of the question, caught off guard. Why, indeed? It had always been his dream. But sometimes, as he had learned painfully, some dreams weren't meant to be. "Well, for one, there are the laws Umbridge passed last year," he said, voice tightly controlled. He could feel Legolas' eyes boring a hole into his back. That wasn't exactly what the elf meant and they both knew it. With a sigh, Remus resumed, "It's too dangerous. One night, it'd take only one night free for the wolf to make a carnage. That'd be frighteningly easy. Dean Thomas has always been a rather bold young man but most would always fear me."
"Then they are idiots. Dean has a very quick mouth and because of this, the other children I see had to settle for cheering silently for you. These ones wouldn't mind having you back."
Remus let his eyes trail over them at these words. Legolas was right. The Weasley's, Harry and Hermione had said as much this summer. And despite his worries, he finally realised he didn't see fear or disgust in the eyes of the Gryffindors he knew less well. Only acceptance, as he had always found at Hogwarts.
Gratitude and a warm, bubbling feeling washed over him, threatening to tear his precious control away and Remus had to squeeze his eyes shut briefly, muttering, "Gryffindors have more bravery than sense, sometimes."
"Bet you are one," the teasing voice shot back gently.
Remus choked back a quick breath that could have been a laugh. Unless it was a sob, he wasn't too sure. There were too many memories at Hogwarts and he was too tired. He couldn't take much more of this discussion, here where the past met the present. Sirius too had always had more guts than brain as Lily had told him an autumn afternoon, just here in front of the castle, leaning back against James as the Head Boy laughed uproariously.
They had argued here too, and Remus had a vision of flashing green eyes, demanding to know why he wasn't taking his Prefect's duty seriously and stopping James from acting like such an ass. Lily's eyes. Harry's eyes, full of righteous anger, as James' son glared at Umbridge with unconcealed dislike.
Behind him, Legolas shifted a bit and sighed. "Want a break from the Spanish Inquisition? Aragorn is getting nervous; Gimli and I have been behaving for too long."
The words took a while to be processed. When they did, "You're mad."
"Maddening. That's normal. I had a long time to practice," smugness and cockiness as Legolas raised his voice slightly on the last part, preening as at the announcement of his lifetime achievement and Remus just had to look to meet wickedly laughing blue eyes. And approaching from behind…
"Considering the time it takes you to get something right, I wouldn't boast if I were you," Gimli retorted, walking beside Aragorn.
"But you're not, elvellon, and thus unable to claim to know the subtleties of my mind."
"Fallacies, you mean," the rust-bearded man said gruffly, barely sparing a glance for Remus.
Which suited him just fine. He needed a moment to centre himself and barely heard the conversation drift away. He needed to let the past slip out his thoughts, focus on the immediate happenings. If only he wasn't so weary, if his mind could stop wandering down these worn paths… Oh Merlin… he was running on empty and wanted nothing more than rest and sleep. But his body's demands would have to be denied for the moment. Later, he promised himself, later. When Sirius' case is argued and Malfoy gone. But the blonde wizard was currently discussing with Fudge and didn't look about to leave.
So intent was Remus on getting himself back in control that he didn't immediately feel the weight of intent grey eyes on him.
"You can ask away, Aragorn. I don't bite. Much," he almost snapped and winced. Bad joke.
But the other man only shook his head. "When Legolas just decided you needed a breather? He would have my head. Gimli and he know I am wise to their tricks. Arguing away to distract from something or someone is their favourite. Well, no. Actually, it's their third favourite."
Remus narrowed his yes and tilted his head to ponder this. A break from the Spanish Inquisition, he said. Biting back an irritated hiss, he tried not to take offence at the protection Legolas seemed to have given him with barely a warning. James and Sirius had just barrelled right in when they were feeling protect- he cut that thought short. Don't think about the past. These places were always sore but today, the grief and the pain felt as fresh as if it had happened yesterday. Now was not a good moment to be vulnerable, even though Legolas and Gimli had chosen to harass Malfoy and were keeping him busy looking affronted.
Finally turning back to Aragorn, he found him content to wait in silence, perfectly at ease with his musing companion. Eventually however, Remus' curiosity got the better of him. "Third?"
"Third," Aragorn nodded. "Second is argue away to amuse their friends and cheer them up or keep them happy. I fell for that one a time or two," he finished with affected casualness.
Amused despite himself, Remus murmured, "Only a time or two, of course."
"Or perhaps a little more often, if you like to take these details into accounts," Aragorn rectified blithely, eyes shining with fondness and remembrance. "Anyway, their all time favourite past time is to argue away."
"To?" Remus asked curiously.
"Nothing. They just argue away."
Chagrined, Remus stated, "I should have expected this one, did I?"
Aragorn smiled but didn't reply. "I thought you would appreciate a warning. When they argue away just for the sake of arguing is the time you wonder what, by the gods, you did wrong to deserve this and have to remind yourself why it would be a bad idea to kill them. Even if you know everyone would be willing to close their eyes and believe these two clowns just had an accident and fell off the mountain," he continued, muttering more to himself than to Remus by that point.
Dismayingly enough, Remus didn't think he was joking.
"Well," Albus cleared his throat and all conversations stopped to pay him attention. "Since we've all been introduced, I suggest we take the rest of the discussion inside. Harry, Ron, Hermione, stay with us, please. The other students, run along to your other occupations. Your friends will rejoin you later and Remus will have time to say hello tonight at dinner."
Harry handed his broom to one of his Quidditch team mates and reluctantly, the children passed through the assembly to disappear inside the castle with a last good-bye. "See you later, Harry." "Later, then." "Don't forget us, Professor. We'll warn the others that you are here."
Once they left, Albus offered his arm to Amelia Bones and led the way inside. Remus and Aragorn waited until Harry, Snuffles, Ron and Hermione were beside him to follow. Incidentally, that left them the last to enter and also didn't leave Malfoy the occasion to stay at their back. Uneasily, Remus watched him toss a smirk over his shoulder as he passed the door, still speaking with the Minister.
Malfoy wasn't looking at him. With dread, Remus replayed the last seconds in his mind. Groups dissolving and heading for the door and Nott bending down to tie his shoelaces, sinking out of sight. He is still behind.
"Stupefy!"
Remus had barely the time to start his turn – but the red light missed him narrowly. From the corner of the eye, he saw it heading for Fudge.
"Expelliarmus" Harry cried out, made fast by Quidditch practice.
Fudge yelped in terror as a gold film fizzled to life around him, absorbing the spell and expanding in a split-second to block the entrance.
"Protego"
Turn completed, Remus cast the first jinx that came to mind "Petrificus totalus!", as Harry fumbled with his wand, caught off guard by the reflection of his own spell on the Shield charm.
A gasp, Hermione exclaiming "A protective barrier!" from just behind him, rooted to the ground and he knew his aim was off and knew he couldn't move as the sun caught a silver glint heading straight for him.
His last thought before being knocked down was careless to have forgotten Nott.
Ladies and gentlemen, please take a moment of silence to appreciate the author's first cliffie ever written. Thank you. You can mob her now.
Firstly, the more popular questions:
When are the people left in the states and Gandalf going to appear? Next week, fic time, hopefully less than another six months in real time –though unlikely. In my plot, they're supposed to appear by part 8. And I still haven't wrapped up part five.
When are the first classes with Aragorn, Boromir and Gimli? Shortly after Gandalf arrives. If it works out as I want to, the day after.
Will Legolas ever reveal his true form? I'd say yes but he is glaring at me and threatening to go into hiding in the Whomping Willow if he has to escape hormonal young girls. So…Yes. He'll deal with it. ;)
The twins, the other pair of twins and other mischief-makers: Now that you mention it, I might have planned a prank war… Tremble, puny mortals, tremble. ;)
And finally, "Hurry up!" "Update soon!" and so on… Er… I'm really, really sorry? Real life is partly to blame and the rest of the responsibility rests on only one character. Remus. Well, two. Molly is giving me trouble too. shakes head It's always the quiet ones who'll get you. By the way, if I don't have enough written in TaBA to update in less than two months, it will still be these two's fault but the story that has me worked up into knots won't be posted before I'm sure it's completely done.
Aislynn Crowdaughter: Already replied to your mail but let me say it again. Thank you! I love the detailed comments you make on all my stories! And I'm so proud to make you consider liking Phineas. Personally, I think Phineas is greatly likeable, what's not to love after all? Slytherin, aggravating attitude, enough scathing wits to peel paint off walls … Okay, I see the problem. He is not friendly. But he is fun to keep around. :)
Alynna Lis Eachann: Poor Remus indeed. He spent all his time talking to a maddening elf then had to listen to him argue with a stubborn dwarf. Sirius, Aragorn and Boromir? We'll see…
ArianneBeta mine! I answered in a mail but I have to say it here too. I'm soooooo proud of Legolas. That's my annoying elf. No need of powers to get on others' nerves, do we?
Aro: Hobbits tricksters. Aragorn should really know better. LOL. A patented Elessar gaze of truth? snickers
Baculities Thanks for the review. If you see mistakes, could you point them out? I'm afraid these are not merely spell checks mix-ups but they show genuine syntax or grammar ignorance. English is not my first language. That means if nobody tells me something's wrong, I won't realise it.
Computer: Thanks and yes, they pretty much have the same face as in their former lives except for the height. You can take a look at the actors if you want a visual aid for the features. Except that sometimes, I'd rather use the descriptions from the books. When I wrote Boromir as a blond, I was thinking about Mr Bean. Sean Bean, not the infamous one. Boromir is supposed to be dark-haired. And I can't remember Frodo's description in the books but Elijah Wood has unforgettable striking blue eyes. And Viggo Mortensen has blue eyes while Aragorn has grey ones. For that, I used the books. So, just mix the descriptions form books and movies for now. If I ever decide to describe them completely, I'll stick to the same description after. Confused? So am I. You can only be sure of one thing: the elves are using a glamour charm.
Haithanks for all the comments and yes to all of your questions. You're the third one to guess about the p-ball and I'll say the same thing to you. Shush, it's a secret!
Kel: The reunion is my favourite chapter out of all those I've written. We'll see if it holds 'til the end of the fic… Well, Legolas and Gimli could act like normal people but where is the fun is that? People need hobbies, even strange ones…
LeitheindelCould you not ask rhetorical questions when Legolas is around? Rhetorical questions are not supposed to receive an answer, even less multiple ones. Why did the chapter stop? It was a good place to stop, the author wanted to see if JKR would answer to a couple questions she had in book 5, she knew it would infuriate the readers and she has a twisted sense of humour, and sorry my inner Legolas seems to be having trouble speaking with inner Gimli's hand over his mouth.
By the way, love the threats.
Narwen: I aim to please and I'm glad to serve. Congratulations, you're the second one to have guessed correctly. It's the p-ball. But shush! It's still a secret!
NethWarnings? Well, my beta didn't say anything so I thought it was okay. But you were warned, actually. I did say I loved that chapter, didn't I? Hope you didn't strangle yourself too badly… or not. My inner Weasley twins are congratulating themselves on a job well done.
Sabriel-chanour favourite schizophrenic manages his different behaviours wonderfully. It's the people around him who are confused…
Sylvia Viridian: Well, I don't mind if you're not gracious about waiting if you don't want to be. As long as you're still there when the next chapter is out, I'll have no complaints. Unlike you lot…
Tankplushiethanks!Channelling JKR? God, I'd love to. Unfortunately, the one who seems to like it the most in my head is Phineas. Although he gives fun perspectives if you have a warped sense of humour….
TigerlilyAre you the one who called the fic with Phineas 'sweet'? Do you know how long I stared at the screen when I saw that word? Well, congratulations, you've managed to make the Phineas-shaped muse in my head shut up and leave me alone for a while. Him and sweet used in the same context? snickers
ToriHave I already told you how much I loved your reviews? These are long and you tell me everything you liked. Thank you. Ne t'en fait pas pour la ponctuation, je suis très contente que tu aies écrit un review malgré un clavier brisé. Legolas à l'agence de location de voiture ? Mais qu'est-ce que tu as contre ces pauvres employés ? Ils n'ont rien fait pour mériter la visite d'un elfe contrarié. En fait, ça n'aurait pas apporté grand-chose de plus à l'histoire. Les mortels ont récupéré leurs affaires, rendu le véhicule et ils sont partis rejoindre Dumbledore. Rien de nouveau à part quelques employés traumatisés. Ou complètement charmés, ça aurait dépendu de l'humeur de Legolas à ce moment.
LOTR is a great friendship tale. I had the impression Tolkien stressed on the friendship between Sam and Frodo but Legolas and Gimli's one is the one that marked me too. From animosity in Rivendell to friendship in Lothlorien, you can't help but feel wonder at this. And for my part, I find these two loads of fun to write. Legolas and Aragorn… Tolkien never said much on this but Legolas only left Middle-Earth after Aragorn died. And he followed him into Mordor, where his grandfather and two third of his people were killed in the second age. And even if Tolkien never said they knew each other before the Council of Elrond, the movie hinted at it. Oh, yeah, these two had to be good friends. And as I've already said, Faramir will be back later.
Well, I'm following JKR's lead and the story covers nine/ten months. Will this be long enough for your taste? After all, we're only two days into the story and wrapping up part five of my plot.
I'm glad you liked Aragorn's schizo moment and the fellowship reaction to it. That's the thing with good friends ;) They back you up when you need it but as soon as you don't, they tease, tease, tease. Mercilessly.
Eomer will be mentioned but Thorongil left for Gondor before his birth. They never met. But there is a way to introduce all of Aragorn's names; though if I decide to do it, it will be in a long time.
WiccanwitchI'm sorry to hear about your site. Well, your English is good (and your Dutch has to be) so it's not too dramatic if you have trouble with French. And as you've said, if you're in Bruxelles, you'll have to improve.
