December walked into the room and sighed. Her heart was pounding and her mind was racing. She didn't know what she was going to say or do. The only thing she was sure of is what she felt. He was always the one who had been there for her. He was always the one who never judged her, and never turned away when she needed him.
In all he had offered her, she had never offered him anything but heartache in return.
He had sat in the lonely shadows of rejection and settled for always
being her second best. Even if she didn't deserve him, he deserved a
chance to prove his love.
She involuntary cleared her throat and felt her palms begin to sweat. There is way at his desk with the same serious look he had worn since she had first met him at the tender age of eleven.
"And what do I own the pleasures of this visit?" Remus asked not looking up from the stack of papers he was grading on his desk.
If he had looked up he would have seen the fear and uncertainty in her eyes. He would have seen that she was not the cool collect witch she had always fought to hard to be.
A few more moments passed as December fought the nagging urge to run and forget what she had told herself she must do.
"Cat got your tongue?" Remus asked with a school boy, "You aren't one to be at a loss for words."
December forced a laugh as she made herself take a seat on the couch in his office.
"Is everything alright? Nothing happened did it?" Remus asked.
December shook her head; "No, everything is fine."
"You look pale, are you feeling well?" Remus pushed making a move to stand.
December sucked in a quick breath; "I came here to talk to you about… something."
Remus frowned; "Something?"
December shook her head; "I came here to talk to you about… us."
Remus was about to take a seat next to her on the couch for comfort, and suddenly stopped; "December, if I've done anything to make you believe that I desire anything more than what you're willing to give then..."
"Wait," December interrupted. "I know what I've told you in the past. I know… I've repeatedly rejected your advances."
Remus forced a kind smile; "Some people aren't meant to be. It's alright."
"Some people are meant to be together, we're just to blind to see it," December whispered. "I've been a fool."
"You've been realistic. I'm a werewolf, December. I've accepted that my life would never be normal long ago. I can't have children… even the length of my life will never be as full as a typical wizard."
"Remus, the only thing that keeps you from being normal is that strange obsession you have with reading books," December teased; "I accepted, long ago, that I was not a normal witch. I choose a career over a family."
Remus relaxed a bit as he retook his seat at his desk; "It wasn't entirely your decision."
"I was waiting for, Sirius," December confessed; "But that isn't something I can wait for anymore. I've accepted that. Perhaps that was the relationship that wasn't meant to be in my life."
Remus frowned at the mention of Sirius' name.
"We both deserve more than life has granted us," December continued; "I'm tried of trying to justify what makes me happy. Who cares what you are and what I am? Who cares about the past? I should have realized this long ago."
"So, you thought you'd come here and tell me this?" Remus said slowly; "So tomorrow you can come to me and tell me you've changed your mind, and this was a rash moment on your behalf, only to be followed by not talking to me for years in fear that I'll expect more."
December lowered her head; "I deserved that."
Remus closed his eyes; "We've been through this before…"
"No, not like this. I'm serious this time. I don't want to push you away, I don't want to be alone the rest of my life."
"December, the career you've chosen doesn't look favorably on my kind," Remus said in a low tone.
December sighed; "I'm not an Auror anymore. I've resigned."
"Once an Auror, always an Auror," Remus said suddenly, "You can't run from who you are. You and I had our time."
"Did we?" December questioned.
Remus nodded; "Long ago."
December rolled her eyes; "Nonsense, we were kids. What did we know."
"More than we do now," Remus retorted.
"I love you, Remus," December pleaded, "I was just to prideful to admit it."
Remus smiled lightly; "You loved Sirius. I was just a consolation prize."
"No, Sirius and I had our time. It never worked. We both knew that. I won't lie to you. I did love Sirius Black, but I also loved you."
"So…" Remus said in a serious voice, "Sirius is dead so I'm all you have left."
"Don't do that," December warned, "It isn't like that."
"Then how is it?" Remus asked suddenly, "Explain to me why it took my best friend dying to finally win his girl."
"I wasn't his girl. I had my own mind, my own will. Sirius didn't understand that," December said bitterly. "I was a stupid kid. I was infatuated with him, I thought that was what I wanted. It wasn't."
"Would you think so if things were different. Would you still be here if Sirius was alive?" Remus asked.
December felt her cheeks dampen; "Does it matter?"
"Yes, it does," Remus said.
December lowered her head; "If Sirius was alive, and things were like they were before James and Lily were killed… then no."
"I didn't think so," Remus whispered.
"But if things were like they are now and all the tragedy still existed with Sirius alive… then yes—I would choose you."
"December, what you don't understand. You're the love of my life. You're the only one I ever wanted to be with, to grow old with. I was there that person in your life. That person is dead."
"No," December said softly as she looked up at Remus, "You were always that person. I was just to thick to see it."
Suddenly the two were both at their feet looking at one another for the first time since their time at Hogwarts. Remus felt his heart had been ripped out from his chest, and although every ouch of him mind told him to run, he couldn't.
"I love you," December mouthed, "Please forgive me."
"There isn't any need for apologizes," Remus said slowly as December made a set towards him and slowly tested the waters as her hand brushed his cheek.
"Life is too short to spend it miserable and alone," December whispered.
Remus closed his eyes as he felt her lips gently graze his. December smiled against his lips as he placed his hand around her waist. December wrapped her hands around Remus' neck and pulled him into a deep kiss causing him to chuckle.
"I'm such a fool," Remus said against her lips.
December grinned in return as he pulled back, "Then we make a perfect match, Remus Lupin."
Remus let his hand touch her hair, reminded of her long locks of her youth and smiled a little more broadly.
Suddenly a loud knock at the door caused the magical moment to break and suddenly the two teenagers disappeared and the adults returned.
"Come in," Remus said straightening up.
"See, I told you they'd be in here," Moody croaked.
Headmistress McGonagall raised her eyebrow as a hobbling Alastor Moody entered Lupin's office in front of her.
"Alastor?" December asked, "Is something wrong?"
Alastor nodded, "We go to headquarters immediately. The Ministry. We've lost it."
Harry felt his heart constrict as Cho made a reach for her robe off the coat hanger.
"We have to go immediately, Dumbledore has called all Order members,"
Harry gulped, "I need to get back to the Academy. My first responsibility is to the Aurors."
Cho nodded; "Be careful. December was brief but it sounds pretty massive. There are several causalities reported."
Mr. Chang was also at his feet and reaching for his robe.
"Father?" Cho asked.
Mr. Chang stared at his daughter a moment then sighed; "The Chinese Ministry will be able to help. I still have connections inside."
Without another word he swept past his daughter and left the room.
Cho watched her father disappear and then turned her attention back to Harry. It was an odd moment, like the last in a series of pictures.
"Don't look so worried, Potter, I'll be alright," Cho said lightly before Harry reached out and grabbed her hand.
"Cho, something isn't right. There are so many things left…"
Cho quickly silenced him with a kiss. She slowly pulled away and placed a finger on his lips; "We have the rest of our lives to look forward to. We're both professionals, this is what we do. If this is the last moment we have together, then I don't want to remember it being full of fear and regret."
Harry returned her kiss and ran his hand across her cheek; "Just be careful, we don't know what we're going to be walking into."
"You to," Cho recited finally pulling away from Harry's embrace and making her way over to the fireplace and picking up a flower pot full of floo powder.
"Dumbledore has created a direct connection through the floo network in case we're needed. It might be easier if you floo to Dumbledore and then apparate to the Ministry," Cho suggested and Harry nodded.
Cho handed him the floo pot as he slowly took it from her with apprehension.
"I love you," Harry whispered as Cho took a handful of the powder and stepped into the fireplace.
Cho smiled, "I love you too-- Dumbledore Manor."
The flames swirled and she was gone.
Harry sighed and placed the pot back on the mantel and grabbed a handful for himself.
"Father, this is insanity," Draco insisted as his father pointed his wand at a few lower level Ministry workers with an insane smirk on his face.
"Which department are these wizard from again?" Lucius asked a nearby Death Eater.
"Muggle relations sir," the Death Eater answered.
Lucius smirked and nodded; "Dispose of them, they aren't worth me wasting my time."
Draco huffed; "This is the Ministry of Magic, father. We can't control it. Right now there is an army assembling and soon we'll be facing greater odds than we can handle. This is fool hearted."
"Silence," Lucius commanded. "You're too much like your mother, weak and simple minded. You cannot see the greater picture."
"We're becoming more powerful than the Dark Lord every dreamed," Draco started.
Lucius lifted his hand and struck his son firmly across the face knocking him to the floor; "I AM THE DARK LORD!"
Draco scowled as he touched his throbbing face; "You've sentenced us to death!"
"Then so be it. I will no waste my time hiding in the shadows and only using part of my powers. Voldemort was a fool and that is why he's dead. He had all the power that magic could provide and he chose not to use it, and now…" Lucius said in a silky tone, pointing to his head; "I have all his knowledge and his ability."
A few bats flew around Lucius head and he watched them with delight; "Feast my allies. Clear out the bottom two levels."
"Yes, my son. You are too much Black and not enough Malfoy," Lucius said darkly. "You want everything, but are much to foolish to pursue them. Like your mother you'd rather reap the benefit of what I sow instead of getting your hands dirty and doing what must be done."
Draco frowned; "Who is the bigger fool, the one who leads or the one that follows? You're pursing the impossible."
Lucius looked anger for a moment then something new caught his attention, little cracks in the sounds; "Ah, my guests have arrived."
They didn't know what they were walking into, but the eerie feeling was enough to let them know that it was going to be dangerous.
"Stay close," December whispered to Cho who was following close behind.
They had apparated to the main atrium in the Ministry of Magic and were walking by the colorful fountain that was in the center of the room. Cho's body shuddered as she heard the cries coming from somewhere beneath the floor. She knew this sensation, she knew who was near.
"Vampires," December whispered, "Cho, get out of here. There is nothing more you can do."
Cho started to protest, but she knew December spoke the truth. If the Vampire Priest was present, then she would be powerless to fight against him. She had already gotten he mother killed due to her negligence.
Cho closed her eyes and prepared to apparate and suddenly opened her panic filled eyes; "We're trapped."
December cut her eyes cautiously around the room and nodded; "If Darthanyia is here…"
"I know what to do," Cho said instantly.
December pushed a girl Cho vaguely knew from the Order onward and into
the area with the platforms to travel downwards. Another terrified
scream pierced the air causing the group to startle slightly.
"Stay close and don't hesitate to hex," December instructed, as she didn't move her trained eyes off the platform door.
Cho took a deep breath and focused on calming her racing heart. The doors opened and the three proceeded into the dark corridor.
"Don't go that way?" Kingsley Shacklebolt said swifty, with Eros Raymer close behind. "It's nothing but a bloody mess."
December nodded in Cho's direction and Shacklebolt; "The Death Eaters have placed a disapparation block on the entire Ministry. We don't have much of a choice."
"But Kingsley, she can't be expected to fight…" Eros started.
"She doesn't have a choice," December interrupted; "The Auror trainees? Have you heard where they're going to be stationed?"
Kingsley shook his head; "I didn't go to the Academy, I answered Dumbledore's summon for the Order first."
December nodded; "I did also, Alastor notified Remus and myself."
"I'm sure they'll be kept in their appropriate areas," Kingsley nodded as he turned to Eros; "Have you heard from your student."
Eros shook his head; "They aren't trained enough for this situation. I left instructions for all the trainees to remain at the Academy as a backup incase the situation is worse than our earlier thoughts."
"Excellent, we'll need back ups," Kingsley said soundly as he scanned the corridor in front of them, "The Department of Mysteries up ahead. I think that would be a good place to continue the search."
With a quick nod the group was on the move again. The screams grew louder as they approached the doors and December gently touched her wand on the top of the doorframe the correct doors opened themselves.
"Anybody here?" Kingsley called out.
Cho felt herself suck in a breath as nobody answered.
"Stay close," Eros whispered as he glanced at Cho.
Cho frowned and turned her focus back to the rooms they were now entering. The hissing sound was all too familiar.
"We have the room surrounded," December called out, "You're trespassing in a restricted area."
Cho felt her hand raise to her mouth as a form dropped suddenly in front of them. The wounds on her neck were a give away of her attacker.
"It's Ms. Tillmore," Kingsley said as he knelt down to check her pulse.
December watched him without saying a word and nodded.
"She's dead?" Cho asked.
Kingsley didn't answer and rose back into a stance.
"We know what we're dealing with. Don't hesitate to use any hexes or curses."
Cho felt Eros edge towards her, and for once she welcomed the feeling of protection he was offering.
"Eros," Cho whispered slightly as she caught sight of his look of determination.
He gave her a comforting look as the group continued forward.
"Over there," December commented, "Eros, you and Cho go over there. Kingsley and I are going to go on ahead."
"Are you sure that is wise? Splitting up?" Eros questioned.
Kingsley nodded, "We need to cover more ground. If the situation gets out of hand, don't stick around… hex and scatter."
Cho followed closely behind Eros as the four parted ways. Her heart and mind were swimming with fear.
"Where is everybody else?" Eros said out loud.
Cho studied the room; "It's too quite down here. Something isn't right."
"I won't let anything happen to you," Eros said suddenly.
Cho had to refrain from laughing; "You honestly think you can protect me from him? It was your foolishness that got me into this mess to begin with."
"I would never have brought you into that situation if I knew what the outcome would be, you have to believe that," Eros argued; " I may have not been the best mentor but I never intentionally endangered my student."
Cho lowered her head: "There are many things left unsaid between us, Eros. I think they should remain unspoken. Besides, this is not the time or place for this conversation."
"You know I never meant to hurt you," Eros said slowly.
Cho sighed; "You didn't."
"I loved your mother like my own.. and Ran.. Ran was…"
"Ran was my brother," Cho snapped, "I don't think you honored his memory by trying to force his little sister into a relationship with you."
"That wasn't my intentions!" Eros said bitterly; "I just didn't want to see you get hurt. I just didn't trust that Potter kid. I didn't trust anybody with your heart. I made a promise, Cho. I made a promise to always protect you."
"But you can't always protect me," Cho pleaded, "Instead you've successful gotten me to push you completely out of my life. There is never going to be anything more between us. I'm going to marry Harry. I'm going move on with my life without being afraid—and so should you."
"A wizard's word is his bond," Eros said solemnly, "and I gave Ran my word."
"Ran is dead, Eros. He never would have wanted you manipulate me and try to push the man I love out of my life. Ran was a good wizard," Cho ranted, "Stop blaming your behavior or the past year on Ran. He has nothing to do with this. I trusted you and you betrayed me."
"Can I not set this right with you?" Eros asked as the proceeded forward.
Cho lowered her head, "No, there is nothing left to say. I have my own life and you have your. I'm not in Auror Academy anymore, it's better this way."
Eros suddenly stopped and held out his arm to stop Cho; "The Ministry of Magic has gained control of this facility, there is nothing left for you here. This is a restricted area."
"Is it?" hissed a cold voice.
Cho felt her blood run cold as she focused her eyes on the direction of the voice.
"Ah, charming till the end."
"Priest Darthanyia," Eros said in a dark voice, "I never pegged you to lie in bed with a Death Eater."
"You never were good at making predictions," Darthanyia said slowly before turning to Cho; "My dear, I've read about your recently engagement. Pity, you would have made a beautiful bride. What is the old adage about a bride—oh yes, they are all beautiful on their wedding day."
"I've beaten you," Cho said in a shaky voice, "I'm still alive."
"Was that the wager? Life? I offered you eternal life and you denied me," Darthanyia's voice echoed.
"The Ministry is swarming with Aurors and Ministry Offiicals, you have nowhere to go," Eros warned as he moved slightly closer to Cho.
"Aurors? I see none present… unless you count yourself and you always were a poor example."
"He's right, it isn't just Aurors… Dumbledore has called in the Order," Cho warned, "The Dark Rising has lost. Whatever you were planning or hoping to accomplish by taking control of the Ministry has been in vain."
"Do you think it was a plan?" Darthanyia asked in an amused voice.
Eros' eyes widen; "A trap?"
"Clever, but not quick enough." The wind suddenly blew and the dim light in the room flickered revealing his priestly form.
Eros reached out and pulled Cho behind him; "What can this new dark lord offer you?
"Raymer, there will be no deals or witty words this time," Darthanyia said in a low voice. His red eyes glowing like hot coals in the dim lit room.
Cho felt her body betray her as it trembled, but she fought to keep her mind sound. She would not lose herself this time. She could beat this.
"I should have finished this the first time I set eyes on the two of you," Darthanyia continued, "Your beauty is deceptive, it is not pure or real. You don't have the heart of a vampire."
"I don't have the heart of a murderer," Cho said viciously.
Darthanyia smirked slightly; "Bitter at me, my love? Your mother is much more at peace now than she ever was alive. I freed her soul."
"You murdered her in cold blood," Cho corrected as she felt Eros edge back towards her.
"You don't remember much of that incident. Then again, you don't remember much of any incident that happens between us. In fact if I pursued it—you wouldn't have the ability to resist me."
Cho frowned and started to speak but was cut short by Eros.
"You leave her alone. She was kind to you, she tried to befriend you with legitimate feelings. You betrayed her!"
"Oh yes, you had my best interest at heart during our negotiations. All you had to do was give me the girl and you would have had the fame you desired. The Auror who made the vampires cooperate. A task managed by no other," the priest reminded, "However, you could not grant that one favor."
Eros' face twisted with rage as he aimed his wand, however an incantation was never heard. Suddenly Cho grabbed him from behind and plunged her fangs deep into his neck. Taking him to the ground.
Darthaynia laughed loudly watching with amusement as Cho suddenly came to her sense and pulled back desperately trying to wipe the blood from her mouth.
"Cho," Eros said weakly with a ragged breath.
"Oh, dear Merlin, no," Cho cried, "Eros, I'm…"
Eros shook his head and slowly raised his hand to brush his hand against her cheek. He locked eyes with her and drew in a painful breath; "Through the heart."
Cho felt the warm tears traveling down her cheeks as she held Eros' hand against her cheek, praying she didn't do what she feared she had.
'Through the heart,' Eros mouthed again.
Cho sobbed a bit loudly as Eros' eyes rolled back into his head and his head went limp.
"My love," hissed the voice of death, now just over her shoulder.
Cho buried her face into Eros' chest allowing her hand to seize his wand undetected.
"You are mine, your transformation is complete. You have fulfilled your first kill."
"Why stop there," Cho said in a determined but weak voice, suddenly she made one quick motion and slammed Eros' wand deep into Darthaynia chest.
The vampire shrieked as he stumbled backwards. Cho fell also, tripping over Eros' body and falling to her knees. The Priest shook his head viciously staring at the wooden protrusion in his chest.
"How does it feel, you bastard," Cho swore as Darthaynia fell to his knees, clutching the wand.
His red eyes locked onto Cho's one last time before he fell forward in a crumpled motioned.