A/N: Okay… here's the 8th chapter. Sorry, if I took my own sweet time these past few days. Been too preoccupied!

Revised: 28 August 2004

The Future Awaits
Chapter 8: Secrets and Plans

"Here you go, Harry. Grape jui-"

Remus' jaw dropped at the sight he saw, dropping the glass in his hand. The clatter of broken glass seemed to catch everyone's attention.

Sirius frantically ran out from his room, "What the hell happened?"

He followed Remus' gaze to see Harry holding the photo album, who was looking at the both of them intently.

"What?" Harry asked curiously, "just browsing through your old photos. Is that too… shocking?"

Remus cast a quick cleaning spell on the mess he made and walked over to Harry cautiously. He sighed a relief when he saw the picture Harry was looking at was not the 'dreaded' one. He looked over to Sirius and gave him a discreet shake of head, telling him that he need not worry, but that did not go unnoticed by Harry.

Sirius took the album from Harry's hands and put it away.

"Here, Harry. I wanted to show you this. It's called a Nelish. Your father owned this, and I think it's time to pass it to you…"

Harry drank his last drop of grape juice Remus had made for him… again.

"Well, I think it's time for me to go back. I don't want you guys to beg me mentally in your head to get lost," he chuckled cheekily.

"Now, Harry. You don't really think that, do you?" Remus said.

Harry just laughed. Neither of the two friends noticed him slipping a picture into his back pocket.

"Naw… Ron and Hermione should be home by now. I don't want them to think the escape convicts got a hold on me. Especially, Hermione! She's one wreck when she's worried."

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"Mommy… I want Megha…"

Ron stirred in his sleep, only to hear the voice again, "Megha…"

It was the third time he heard Hermione murmuring this name while asleep. He had asked her, who it was. But every time he did, she will dismiss the question. Her pained look every time those questions arise was never gone unnoticed by Ron.

He looked over to Hermione who was sleeping by his side and pulled her closer.

"Shh…" he cooed, stroking her hair and cheek. "Shh… it's okay…" He had thought of singing her a lullaby, but decided that it was far beyond ridiculous. She finally quietened down.

The moon beam shone from the window, giving her a breath-taking look. She really is beautiful. He really feels lucky to be 'the one' for her.

September is coming, meaning her birthday, September 19, is coming soon. Ginny had agreed to accompany him tomorrow to purchase his gift for Hermione. A ring. A special ring, that is. True, it was still considered early to buy her a present, but he just couldn't wait. It was time, he decided. And he was ever so nervous and eager to propose to her.

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Two more drop of vanilla essence… yeah okay… What's next? Stir till it's white and fluffy…

"Where's Remus?"

"Arrrgghh!!!"

The sack of flour fell, eggs splattered on the tiled floor. His head was covered with sugar and flour as he turned around shocked.

"HERMIONE!!! Don't DO that!!"

She just stood there staring at Sirius with an amused face. She smiled apologetically, and then smirked.

"Are my eyes deceiving me? Sirius Black, trying to bake a cake?"

Sirius immediately flushed, "Muffins to be exact."

Hermione raised her eyebrows looking more amused.

"What's that you're holding, Hermione?"

"Oh. It's for Remus. His Wolfsbane potion."

Sirius gave her a questioning look.

"I guess that means Remus hasn't told you, yet. Since Snape died, I told him that I'll be happy to help him conjure up the potion for him."

Sirius did not know whether to feel sad or happy for Severus' death.

"Voldemort found out he's a spy, hence his death."

"Oh," Sirius muttered.

"Well.., so where's Remus?"

"Oh, umm… He was needed for the Order. He'll be back soon."

"Well, I'll just leave this thing here, then. Tell him to drink it up as soon as possible. I need to be in the office by now. See you, Sirius."

"Yeah, okay…" feeling disappointed that she couldn't stay much longer. He watched her walked over the table to place the tumbler when she turned around looking at him.

"Oh! And Sirius…"

"Yeah?"

She smiled and pointed her wand at him. "Scourgify! Hmm… Much better!"

She winked and disapparated.