disclaimer: only the plot.
Chapter ten: New beginnings

Alright Ms Granger, we have covered all of the textbook points of apperation, so now comes practice, practice, practice. Your first attempt will probably be something you'll want to forget, but I promise it gets easier after the initial shock. You will want to remember that apperating feels nothing like using floo powder or flying. It feels more like, I am absolutely serious, like crystallizing.

Like crystallizing?

Yes. That is the closest words can come to describing it. The trick is not to panic, not to stop concentrating on your destination as the crystallization occurs. It may start in your fingers or your toes or even your ears, so don't be surprised. Try to apperate to the other side of the room, next to that chair there.

Hermione went through the steps to apperation one by one. The crystallization began in her fingers. They felt like ice and diamonds. The feeling rushed through her body, and then she was across the room. Remus sat down weakly. He stared at Hermione for so long she bit her lip and shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot.

Hermione, I have never, . . . ever, . . . seen anyone apperate successfully on a first attempt, not even James Potter.

A smile washed over her face, some people would have thought she'd just won the lottery. Can I try again, somewhere farther?

Easy Ms Granger. We'll work some more tomorrow.

Please, call me Hermione, It's so weird always being called Ms; I feel like I'm in class continually.

Well I guess, Ms . . . urm Hermione. What do you say to a game of chess, you've done enough work for today?

Okay, I'm a pretty rotten player though.

She can't be that bad, thought Remus, chess seems like the sort of thing she'd be great at.

He was wrong. Very wrong. Hermione what are you doing? You just moved yourself into checkmate. Remus was almost laughing.

I get confused okay, Hermione looked thoroughly agitated. She had pulled at her hair so much it was not only bushy but electric with static. Plus I do have just a few other things on my mind, and my wrist for that matter. Can I hear more about everything, when can I start learning how to use my powers? I'm still not convinced I have any; I don't feel more powerful.

That training also begins tomorrow. It isn't very fun most of it. And I told you before, the runes don't make mistakes; any who are unworthy of them cannot so much as touch them. Here, have a nice piece of chocolate and go to bed.

Yes, mummy. Do you ever move without chocolates?

Nope. But I am serious tomorrow is going to be a long day.
~

Later that night Remus heard a scream. He ran toward where Hermione was sleeping. Oh God they've found her already. But when he got there all he found was a white faced Hermione.

I dreamed about Vera again. She was younger, maybe ten years old. She was at home. A long pause and a few gulped back sobs. They killed her family. . . In front of her.

Remus sank onto the floor next to her bed. They both sat in silence for at least a half hour.

Then, I get them too you know, the dreams.

Hermione looked confused about Vera.

No about Ivan. They're horrible. I never told anyone about them, but I do really know how you feel. And they are important too. All the information in them can help us. No dreamless sleep potion for you or for me.

But how do you live with them? How can you sleep?

It gets easier.

Now Hermione started to cry. Remus stood up and took her icy hands in his. I know Hermione; I know. He let her cry herself to exhaustion and watched her drift into an uneasy doze.
~

a/n: So, my longest chapter yet. Getting any better?
Lunacat: hmm interesting suggestions esp. Wood.
White-lancer: Thank you! I'm working on the longer chapters issue. I know the first ones were pretty ridiculus.
review please I love reviews almost as much as I love Remus.