Dark Days Pass But Are Never Forgotten
By: LogicalRaven
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And you think you hate Eros now, wait until after you read this chapter….
I still am overwhelmed by all the support I've received for this story. Even the Cho haters are reading (which is amazing)
I'm still having a blast writing it. I have a few surprises in store, and you all know I love a good twist. What good ride doesn't have a few twist?
Keep reading and I'll keep writing. I can't divulge to much just yet, but I definitely think this chapter is a mile stone. I am definitely moving forward with the plot. Think you know what going to happen???
Read and Review
Nothing Is My Own
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An Auror's Sacrifice
Cho glanced backwards to see Harry one last time before her and Eros disappeared into the corridor leading to the raid preparation rooms. His face was twisted with mixed emotions of hurt and anger.
"Where are Harry's letters?" Cho demanded finally yanking her hand from Eros's grip.
Eros smirked, "I disposed of them properly. Trust me Cho he had nothing decent to say."
"That should be for me to decide," Cho retorted.
Eros took a deep breath, as you would do if dealing with an unruly child, and turned to face her, "What good would have come from me allowing you to have those letter?"
"Allowing me?" Cho questioned raising her eyebrows slightly.
"Yes, allowing you. I'm your mentor Cho and as such, it is my responsibility to make sure you keep your mind focused on Auror issues. I should have put a stop to this Potter fling long ago, but I didn't have the heart to."
"Potter fling….how dare you?" Cho stammered, "You're no better than my father."
"Would you like to finish your training? If you want to be with Potter so badly, perhaps I should report that you are incapable of completing your Auror training, and should be excommunicated from the program," Eros said in an displeased voice.
Cho eyes widened, but no tears fell. A fire was raging in her stomach as she shook her head in disbelief, "Are you threatening me?".
"I'm not threatening you Cho,. I'm simple giving you a choice," Eros snarled rolling his eyes in annoyance, "Please make up your mind quickly. I'd hate to see my skills wasted on someone who doesn't want to learn."
Cho froze for a moment, baffled on what to do next, "I'm not with Harry right now."
"If you are to continue being my student, then you will not see Potter again," Eros demanded, tilting his head to one side as if examining Cho to see if she was being completely honest.
Cho narrowed her eyes, "I don't believe it is in your ability to tell me whom I can and cannot date."
"You would be amazed what is in my ability," Eros snapped, "The ministry has already questioned your aptitude to complete the training. If it wasn't for me, you'd be packing your bags."
"I can't believe Ran never saw through you," Cho said in disbelief.
"Ran is rolling in his grave as we speak! He would be ashamed that his sister, his own blood turned out to be such a disappointment. He had such high hopes for you," Eros returned, "I told your brother that I would always be there for you. I told Ran that I would make you my bride someday, and how do you repay my kindness and sacrifice, by choosing a fool like Potter over myself."
Cho stood motionless as Eros eyes hardened into ice, "Your future is already decided. As I see it, you can either choose me and live a semi happy life or start over. If you deny me Cho, you will not become an Auor."
"I'll report this O'Riley," Cho said weakly as Eros towered over her. His steamy breathe catching on her face.
"Deny me Cho, I dare you," Eros whispered, "But believe me, you and Potter will never be together again. He'll never forgive your betrayal."
Cho's hand landed with a large smack across Eros's face, as she stood defiant at his threat.
Eros made not motion to move, but a large smile cracked across his face, "It doesn't matter to me if you come willingly or not. I'll get what I'm after all the same. You'll bare my children, and you'll call me master and give me whatever I want, whenever I want it."
"You honestly believe that?" Cho said shaking slightly.
"So I'm wrong. If your choice is to deny me, pack your bag, I'm done with you," Eros said coldly turning away from Cho.
As the door slammed behind him Cho collapsed to the floor. Her heart was pounding and her mind was racing. She had just been abandoned; she'd been kicked out of Auror Academy. Her mentor had left her with a handful of open threats. She was alone and homeless. Raymer was right; Harry would never forgive her betrayal.
****
"Concentrate, Harry," Tonks instructed, "I can't take the assessments for you."
Harry nodded as he attempted to transfigure a door into a glass panel, a handy trick when attempting to break down a door.
"No, no, no….you have to move your wand in a counter clock wise flick. You're not trying!" Tonks said as she grabbed Harry's wrist and attempted to mimic the motion.
"I am trying," Harry said snappishly.
"Does this have something to do with the events of last night?" Tonks demanded, "You're lucky Master Raymer didn't push the issue. I can't believe you assaulted a Auror…"
"He provoked me!" Harry snapped, "What the hell was I suppose to do?"
"For starters, how about controlling that temper. You can't live on emotions as an Auror, you have to use that brain of yours," Tonks replied thumping Harry hard in the head with the tips of her wand. "Eros Raymer is an Auror, and regardless if you like him or not you will have to work with him. I suggest you find some type of peace, and as for Cho Chang…."
"We're through, you don't have to lecture me about her," Harry snarled rubbing his head where Tonks had just flicked him.
Tonks sighed lightly, "There's a reason Auror don't normally get involved in relationships Harry. The job takes a lot out of you. I think the only successful Auror relationship was Frank and Alice Longbottom, and many critics say it was their relationship that landed them in the predicament they are currently in. I know it may not make a lot of sense now, but it is probably for the best that you and Cho called it off."
"She betrayed me….how could she claim to love me then run off with Raymer?" Harry demanded feeling rage surging through him again.
"Watch it Harry. I'm much more lineate than some of my colleagues. I understand that you are angry and want revenge, but Eros Raymer is your superior, and it is not wise making enemies with those in power," Tonks warned placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.
Harry closed his eyes, "If I was Minister of Magic I'd be his superior."
"You can't run for Minister out of spite," Tonks said with a calm voice.
Harry shook his head; "I'm not thinking clearly today Master Tonks. I don't think I'm going to get past this assessment."
"You are going to do fine. If I got past it then I know you can. Just watch out for the door, it swung back and knock me over before I even started the practical," Tonks smiled.
"Why doesn't that surprise me," Harry said forcing a grin, though he felt more like punching a wall still.
"Tonks, a word please," December O'Riley signaled as he poked her head in on the two.
"Excuse me Harry. Keep practicing this charm, you've almost got it," Tonks encouraged as she turned to head out into the hallway with O'Riley.
Harry sighed; they were probably talking about his temper again. He had to admit he had been lucky about the punch he had given Raymer not causing him more trouble. He also realized he probably had Cho to thank for that. As his curiosity peaked his hand slipped into his robe pocket and retrieved an extendable ear. A good Auror was always prepared.
"I'm not sure there is anything we can do. Eros is pretty upset about the whole situation. He wants to meet with Harry sometime after his assessment." December said in a heavy voice, "I just can't believe that Cho would throw her robes at Eros and quit like that."
"Have you spoken to Chang?" Tonks asked.
December took a loud breath, "Nobody knows where she is. She disappeared last night. Her dorm mate Diana Richwell said that she saw her packing her belongings around midnight, and I received a letter at post this morning claiming Raymer and abandoned her and asking for a reassignment."
"Who is available to take over Chang's training?"
"Nobody. Everybody has been taken the past few years, and since the war we've lost many of our numbers. Moody is the only one available and he isn't going to take a student right now," December continued.
"I would take her, December, but I already have a student," Tonks said.
"I realize that Tonks. Even if you were willing, you can't care for more than one pupil at a time. Eros had offered to take Cho back, but he wants to resolve the issues with Harry first," December explained, "I've arranged a time after Harry's assesment, just make sure Harry arrives disarmed. The last thing I need to have to explain to Minister Fudge why Harry Potter hexed an Auror in my Academy."
"Should I tell Harry about Miss Chang's disappearance?" Tonks questioned."
"I don't think we need to trouble Harry with that detail just yet," December sighed, "Especially since we're notifying him and Noel about their mission with Moody after the assessment."
"You sure it is a good idea to have Harry and Noel work together on this Malfoy thing?" Tonks questioned.
"No, but they have to learn to work together or one of them will have to go," December said sternly.
Harry yanked the ear down and started at the door. Cho had quit and he was doing something on the Malfoy case. Why did people constantly keep secrets from him? Hadn't people learned that concealing the truth from Harry Potter was never a smart idea?
***
"Mr. Potter will you please demonstrate the proper medical technique to use if someone is suffering from a liver damaging hex," instructed a strict looking witch who had the facial features of Professor McGonagall.
Harry closed his eye as he tried to focus on the proper incantation. All he had to do was get though this practical and he was through. He would be though his first assessment if he could just get past this magical medicine practical.
"I'm waiting Mr. Potter. Do you honestly think you'll have this much time to think about your incantations while you're out in the field?" the witch asked as she tapped her quill on her desk impatiently.
"Liverato Reparo ," Harry muttered nervously, knowing that his technique wasn't accurate.
The witch crinkled her nose and shook her head, "I'm positive Master Webb did not teach you that technique. However, it would give you some success in a precarious situation, and it was quick bull should we say. You'll be receiving your mark by the end of the day."
Harry smiled briefly as the witch whisked her hand in a shooing motion towards the door.
It was over, and not nearly as terrible as he had imagined. Now Harry's mind was focused on the conversation he had overheard Tonks and O'Riley having earlier.
"Hey Harry, how did you do?" Michael asked as Harry brushed past him, basically ignoring the question.
His feet felt heavy as he raced up the stairs leading to the Auror offices. He paused only a brief moment as he looked up at the nameplate on December O'Riley's door.
"I should have known better and Weasley proof the place, extendable ear?" December O'Riley asked as soon as Harry entered into her office.
"What is going on with Cho?" Harry demanded.
December O'Riley looked up from her stack of papers and sighed, "Sit. Would you like a biscuit?"
"No thank-you," Harry forced trying to remain polite.
"I'm regretful that Miss Chang is no longer a student at the Auror Academy. She submitted her verbal resignation to her mentor last night. Master Raymer is going to attempt to change her mind, but I cannot guarantee she will return to her training. I might also want to stress the Ministry frowns upon students who resign from their training, regardless of the circumstances."
Harry sighed loudly, "Is there anyway I can talk to Cho? Do you know where she is?"
"I'm sorry Harry, we haven't been able to locate her as of yet. I suspect she's in China with her parents," December offered, "Listen, I feel closer to you than just an instructor, so if you need to talk."
"Cho and I broke-up over the holiday….well, she broke up with me," Harry muttered, "It was stupid actually. I thought I wanted to take a break for awhile, but I don't know."
"Relationships are difficult," December said gently. "I suppose it had something to do with Ambassador Chang?"
"The fact that Cho's father hates me doesn't actual help strengthen our relationship," Harry said bitterly as he collapsed into the chair in front of December's desk.
December shook her head, "Well, there isn't anything you can do about Ambassador Si Chang, he's a stubborn as a hippogriff. I guess the other issue would be Master Raymer."
"Apparently Cho and him have started dating," Harry sneered, "I mean we just broke-up."
"Are you positive Master Raymer and Cho are dating? Or are you just guessing?" December questioned, "Why would Cho quit the Academy if her boyfriend was her mentor?"
"You're asking me to understand the way a female's mind works. I learned a long time ago I can't do that," Harry retorted.
December nodded, "I don't think Cho is dating Eros if it makes you feel any better."
"It doesn't," Harry replied flatly.
"Do you want to be with Cho?" December asked.
Harry ran his hand threw his hair in frustration, "I don't know what I want anymore."
"May I make a suggestion?" December asked raising her eyebrows slightly.
Harry shrugged dully.
"Date someone else for awhile. Nothing serious, mind you, but figure out what that heart of your wants. Don't go off and follow the same path as your late Godfather, Merlin knows we don't need another Sirius Black out there breaking hearts. Just attempt to move on. If you find the task simple, you'll realize that you and Cho were not meant to be, but……you're a smart lad, you can figure the rest out on your own."
"Wonderful suggestion Master O'Riley, I can just pick from one of those girls pounding down my door," Harry replied sarcastically.
December O'Riley let out a light chuckle, "Sarcasm doesn't fit you. I suggest you leave the witty comments to me."
"And Cho?" Harry pushed.
December took a deep breath, "Cho had a lot of potential, and I can't afford to let that get away. You leave dealing with Cho's training to me also."
"So I don't need to meet with Ray…Master Raymer?" Harry stammered.
December considered it for a moment, "No, I still think it is a good idea if you meet with Master Raymer. You both have some serious issues that need resolving. Goodness, how much did you overhear?"
"All of it," Harry admitted with a grin.
"Well, I divulge the details of your assignment with Malfoy when you return," December said quickly rising from her seat to escort Harry out.
"Return?" Harry questioned.
"You didn't think your assessment was complete did you?" December said with a sinister smirk, "I'd be ready for just about anything tonight Harry."
***
No sooner had Harry entered the dormitory did the second part of the assessment begin.
"Everyone, get your wands and cloaks, there is no time," Master Smith demanded as forced his way inside the room, "Travel light, there isn't time to organize, there has been an attack!"
Harry's eyes widened as he shot up from his stretched out position on his bed.
"HURRY! You're all wasting precious time, there might be nothing left when you get out there!" Master Smith said viciously, yanking Michael up by his arm.
The four Auror students quickly grabbed their wands and cloaks and followed Master Smith out the door. Michael, Susan and Noel all looked concerned and taken back by the events transpiring, but Harry had a gut feeling this was the final part of the assessment that December O'Riley had mentioned.
"Do you all know where Fangora Forrest is?" Master Smith questioned, only to receive a bunch of puzzled faces.
"It is in Romania. You all are to disapparate to Fangora Forrest and make absolutely positive that it is safe and clear. There are twenty some Death Eater loose at the present moment and thought to be hiding there. Stay alert. Inside reports say that Lestrange is among them."
"How are we do disapparate to Fangora when we've never been there sir?" Michael asked, looking around to see if anybody had his concerned.
Master Smith smiled broadly, "Excellent…..excellent observation. A true Auror never jumps on emotions, always have a plan. A well thought out plan."
"Sir?" Michael asked looking completely confused.
"Tonight you will be traveling to Fangora by portkey…. remember your surroundings because you will have to visit the area again," Master Smith instructed, "Good luck."
Master Smith pulled out a yellow piece of notebook paper and motioned that it was the portkey. The four students all reached out, and together grabbed onto it. Within moments they found themselves scattered on the forest floor.
"Do you think this is legit?" Michael asked quickly, drawing his wand.
Harry shook his head, "No, it's part of the assessment."
"What should we do first?" Susan asked.
Harry looked around the surroundings, "We can't accomplish anything in the dark. We'll have to wait until morning before we begin searching. It will be less dangerous then."
"Brilliant strategy Potter. By morning every single Death Eater could have escaped," Noel replied with a nasty expression.
"I think Harry's plan makes sense. We won't have the upper hand tonight. The Death Eaters know this place and we don't. We have to wait until morning," Susan replied before casting a quick lumos spell.
"So what, we just sit and wait?" Noel asked again.
Harry nodded, "We don't have much choice. Susan, put out that lumos charm, we don't want to attract unwanted attention."
"I'd rather see what is attacking me than be taken completely off guard," Susan said with a sigh.
"Trust me, look up in the sky….it's a half moon tonight. Our eyes should adjust to the lighting within a few minutes," Harry pointed out.
The group quickly made a circle and with Michael's transfiguration ability, managed to turn four rocks into four fluffy sleeping bags. A circle was the safest way to keep safe. They agreed that two of them would keep guard at a time to make certain the other didn't fall asleep.
Harry and Susan took the first watch and after several quite minutes it appeared the two were fast asleep. Harry leaned back against Susan's back and carefully combed the woods for anything strange.
"Looks like it is just you and me Harry," Susan said softly, adjusting slightly to get a more comfortable position.
"I wonder if they're planning on attack us tonight?" Harry asked, his mind still on alert.
Susan yawned slightly, "My guess would be it will be early this morning if they do plan on attacking."
Harry relaxed slightly at Susan's logic, and she chuckled softly as Harry's tense body loosened slightly.
"Thank goodness, you were killing my back with your rigid pose," Susan joked, making sure to keep her voice low.
Harry smiled against his will, "I've had a stressful day."
"I heard about that punch you delivered to Master Raymer. You're lucky you weren't kicked out of the Academy," Susan pointed out.
"I'm not so sure that would have been a bad thing. Did Noel tell you?" Harry questioned.
Susan sighed softly, "She got a serious reprimanding from Master O'Riley. As you can imagine, she wasn't exactly thrilled about it."
"Serves her right. She hexed me in the back," Harry muttered hatefully, as his stomach gave a painful twist.
"I guess I see your point. We have to trust one another. If we don't…" Susan trailed off, "My Auntie told me about my father Edgar Bones, have you ever heard of him."
"He was a member of the Order of the Phoenix, wasn't he?" Harry asked, knowing very well that Susan's father was.
Susan took a deep breath, "I didn't know him, he died before I was born."
"I'm sorry," Harry offered.
Susan shrugged, "My mother died in child birth, but my Auntie says it was likely caused by a broken heart."
"It strange not knowing your parents…. sometimes I wonder what they were really like," Harry said softly, barely recognizing his own voice. He never really gave it much thought; Susan's situation with her parents was similar to his own.
"I suppose I look like my mum…. I don't really think I favor my Auntie Amelia," Susan continued.
Harry lowered his head, "Everybody is always telling me I look just like my father. Same messy hair and everything."
"So he was…." Susan suddenly stopped, "Never mind, so do you think you and Cho will work things out?"
Susan felt Harry give a slight shrug, "I don't know. As far as I know she's dating Eros right now."
"Master Raymer," Susan corrected.
"We've been together so long, maybe it's time we end it," Harry said as if trying to convince himself. December's O'Riley's words were swimming through his head.
Harry turned his head slightly to catch a glimpse of Susan Bones.
Susan Bones was ordinary in everyway. Her mousy brown hair fell in a neat plait down her back as always. Her face had dull features. She was one of those faces that blended into a crowd. Still, she wasn't unattractive. She just wasn't Cho.
"Well, I hope everything works out for the best," Susan replied, completely oblivious to Harry's stare.
Harry turned his head quickly feeling suddenly awkward because he hadn't been paying a bit of attention to what Susan had been saying, "I guess."
"You guess?" Susan said curiously.
Harry took a deep breath, "You're a really great girl." Harry felt like hitting himself over the head with his own wand. That had to have been the stupidest comment he'd ever made in the presence of a female.
"Thanks, I think," Susan giggled, shaking her head slightly.
"What I mean," Harry stammered, "When we have our next break do you want to… I don't know, do something."
"Are you asking me out?" Susan asked turning to catch the side of Harry's now blushing face.
Harry took another deep breath, wishing Ginny were here to do the dirty work for him again, "Well, yeah….err….so do you?"
Susan sat silent for a moment; "It's against my better judgment since I will undoubtedly be a rebound, but what the hell. I haven't been on a date since Hogwarts."
"Who'd you date at Hogwarts?" Harry questioned.
"Anthony Goldstein," Susan replied nonchalantly, "So, I'm going on a date with Harry Potter. My Auntie Amelia is never going to believe it."
"So, you only said yes because I'm Harry Potter?" he asked.
"Of course not. I think you're really a great guy," Susan teased shoving her elbow back into his ribs.
Noel O'Riley fidgeted nervously in her sleeping bag, keeping her eyes closed. Her heart sank deeper into her chest. Harry had just asked Susan Bones out on a date. How could he be so blind? Why didn't he think she was a 'great girl?'
Noel refused to dwell on it. If Harry wanted to be with Susan that was his decision, so what if she was plain and ordinary. Obviously, looks meant nothing to Harry. She held her eyes shut forcing her mind to enter into dream, but it was hopeless. All she could do was lay awake and hear the flirting of Harry and Susan.
****
Remus Lupin slowly read through another book of election rules and regulations. He had a feeling Harry would be coming to him soon for answers about this Minister of Magic issue.
The fourteenth council of the Warlock Division of Great Britain Magical Alliance looked favorably on the writings and works of the Muggle philosopher John Locke. Each wizard or witch has the right to bear life, liberty and property. The great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandson of Merlin the Great supported the more utopia vision submitted during the twelfth Warlock Division of Great Britain Magical Alliance by Elgar of Glasgow. This idea was banished from the written bylaw during the meeting of the sixteenth council, in which the policy of controlled democracy was adopted.
Remus slowly lifted his cup of tea and took a generous sip. Magical History was never one of his favorite subjects. He rubbed bridge of his nose between his eyes, and he found himself wondering if Professor Binns had ever discussed this particular topic during those long Magical History lesson at Hogwarts.
Remus turned the book back over determined to finish it before nightfall. He needed to start his treatment of Wolfbane tonight, soon the full moon would beam down bring out his worst side.
The Wolfbane potion sometimes drained him during his first couple treatments of the month. Remus glanced down at his watch. Severus Snape would be delivering his medicine sometime within the next hour. He knew Snape only did this because Dumbledore himself requested it of him. Albus Dumbledore was the only person he felt Snape would ever do anything for.
He gave a light yawn and took another sip of his tea. At least sugar didn't make it useless.
He lifted his head towards the door as a slight knock sounded.
"Yes?" Remus asked without rising from his seat.
December O'Riley made her entrance with a warm smile and a trouble expression.
"You look like a witch with something on her mind," Remus said returning her smile.
December took a seat in front of the desk Remus was working at; "I'm looking for Cho. Have she been by to see you?"
"Harry's Cho?" Remus asked looking slightly concerned.
December chuckled at the description Remus had chosen, "She resigned her post at Auror training last evening."
"Why would she do something like that?"
"It's complicated. Harry and Eros had a bit of a row last evening, and Eros came to me late last evening telling me Cho had resigned her position, verbally."
"Does Harry know?" Remus asked.
"Oh yes. Apparently he still has one of the Weasley's extendable ears. He's in the training area completing the final part of his first assessment with his class. I was hoping to locate Cho before he returned," December sighed softly.
"Have you tried her parents?" Remus offered.
December nodded, "Her parents and fellow trainees. I not positive who she would go to from Hogwarts, do you remember any of Cho's friends?"
"I'm afraid not," Remus said shaking his head, "Surely Harry would know."
"Perhaps, but if Cho doesn't return to training by the end of the week, she'll be permanently removed," December said. "Reading?"
"Just some research. I spoke with George Steppin this morning. Apparently Harry hasn't told him official he isn't running for Minister. I figured Harry would be coming to one of us soon about this issue," Remus confessed, "I'm a little rusty on my Magical History so I thought I'd brush up a bit."
"Very considerate of you," December said with a hint of sarcasm, "But we both know that Harry shouldn't run for Minister."
"I agree completely with you December, but it is Harry's choice," Lupin said lightly before setting his book on his desk, "Do you have time for a spot of tea?"
December glanced at her watch as if considering for a moment, "I can spare a few moments. I don't think I'm going to locate Cho anyway."
Lupin rose from his seat and removed his kettle from its position in the hearth, and poured a well-strained cup of tea.
"Thank-you," December offered.
Lupin guided her over to the couch where the two took a seat; "I was beginning to worry whether or not you had abandoned me again."
December avoided Remus eyes as she slowly sipped the hot liquid, "It has been chaotic at the Academy. Shelly Motugue resigned her post at Ancient Runes translator so we're stuck looking for her replacement. Meanwhile I have a ten-foot stack of code that must be deciphered. We think the Death Eaters are using a combination of Ancient Greek characters and Mayan hieroglyphs."
"Ancient Runes was never one of my strong suits. I dropped it after OWLS," Remus admitted.
"I'm sorry, I should have sent you an owl or something," December offered.
Remus help up his hand, "No need to apologize. I know how busy you get. How did Harry do with his assessment?"
"Well, I hope, but the official results won't be released until after his overnight practical," December answered.
Remus nodded again, "I'm sure Cho will be back in time to offer her congratulations to Harry."
"They broke-up Remus. I don't think she's going to come back for Harry any time soon," December said suddenly, causing Remus to look at her curiously.
"They separated? Do you know why?"
"Haven't a clue. All I know if Harry is bitter about the whole situation. He thinks Cho and Eros are dating. I can't blame him though, Eros Raymer does admittedly fancy Chang," December sighed, "I told him I'd find Cho, and that I thought he should move on for the time being."
Remus Lupin stared down at his tea silently.
"Is something wrong?" December asked as she noticed Remus sudden change in demeanor.
"I realize Harry and Cho have had some difficulties in the past, but do you honestly think it a wise idea to encourage him to move on?" Remus said, his voice on the verge of breaking.
"They're young, Remus," December replied.
"So were we, once," he dared.
December turned her head as he finished off the bottom of his teacup, "Our situation is completely different from theirs."
"Is it? Is our situation all so different?" Remus questioned, almost as if he were speaking to himself.
December rose from her seat, "I best be going."
"Why do you always run?" Remus said suddenly turning to face her.
December looked nervously into Remus eyes, "I can't do this. It would cause so many complications. Honestly, we're better just as friends."
"Until one of those nights when you ask me to hold you," Remus whispered.
December shook her head, "That was a long time ago. It was a mistake. It was a mistake that cost all our friends their lives."
"So that is why you resent me?" Remus asked, "Is that why you're afraid to let me get to close to you again?"
"I can't be close to anyone," December said softly, "I chose a life, and there isn't any room in my life for love. I'm sorry."
Remus closed his eyes and turned his head away, "Let me know how Harry's assessment goes. I suspect I'll visit with him before the start of term."
"Remus, please don't," December pleaded touching his face lightly.
He shuttered slightly from her touch. She, an Auror, was touching a werewolf like he was normal. Yet, she would not accept his heart or his soul. Remus forced a smile as he touched her hand resting on his cheek, "I don't think you'll ever realize what you've meant to me."
"I don't deserve you," December replied softly as her thumb gentle rubbed across his cheekbone.
Remus lowered his gaze again, "And all these years, I've always known it was I who didn't deserve you…..Talk to Harry. Don't let him walk away from love if he has found it."
"Love….Harry is an Auror, Remus. He isn't going to have the luxury of having love. He'll be lucky to see his thirty birthday."
"He's strong, just like James was," Remus responded, as if reassuring himself.
December sighed softly, "James died. It didn't matter how strong he was. There are hundreds of wizards who want to see Harry's head on a platter. I deal with those threats everyday. Do you realize how many of the Dark Lord's supports are still out there, just waiting for the moment to seize their revenge. His concern should be to learn as much as he can. If he strays from this path, he's dead."
****
"There that should do it…" George Steppin stated proudly as he put the final touches on his latest release to the Daily Prophet. "Gloria!"
A plump blond witch appeared at his office door moments later, "Post this out to the Prophet. I have to squash that nasty rumor of Harry and Cho breaking up. We can't have Harry gaining the reputation of someone who quits things now can we?"
"Oh no Mr. Steppin," Gloria agreed, "I'll send Hermes, he's the fastest owl in the fleet."
"Good, and tell Miss Skeeter that I want to arrange a personal interview between us. I will of course be speaking on behalf of Harry. According to his mate Ronald, I think that's his name, I'll have to check my notes, Harry is furious that Dumbledore is attempting to steal his moment. Nobody cares about Albus Dumbledore anymore, crazy old crackpot," George said frankly, "Gloria, add that in the line about Harry sentiments about Dumbledore. Yes, I think that is a nice touch."
"Yes sir," Gloria said disappearing from Steppin's door.
"GLORIA!" George called again a moment later, but the plump witch was out of hearing range.
"GLORIA!!! Have you spoken with Witch Weekly about the Potter/Chang wedding plans yet?" Steppin called out rising from his seat to get his question answered.
****
I really enjoyed writing this chapter. Yes, December O'Riley is evil. She is going to make Harry and Noel work together with Moody and Draco Malfoy. I can't tell you where Cho is just yet, but she's going to fine. Her days as an Auror might be number though. I don't think it was a career that suited her very well though. Don't panic, a twist is coming.
To answer the famous question will December and Remus ever get together. Only time can answer that question. Thanks for all the support. The next chapter will have a nice long action scene in it. Harry and the gang have to finish their assessment after all.
NEXT UPDATE: 05-09-04
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