Chapter 15 : The Heart Never Lies
The weeks heading into the Christmas holiday seemed to drone on. Halle had indeed attended the Hogsmead weekend with Draco Malfoy which in turn sparked numerous rumors. Word among the Death Eater kids in Slytherin was that Malfoy was trying to turn Halle over to Voldemort. Draco did nothing to downplay those rumors however he did make it clear that what he was doing was not from an order. He said he couldn't wait to claim responsibility over the Death Eaters in bringing the Dark Lord what he craved to have.
A third year entered their Defense class telling a fellow Gryffindor about knowing some who knew someone who saw Halle and Draco snogging in the corner of the dungeons after potions. Though he doubted the story was actually true, Remus Lupin cringed at the thought of someone kissing Halle. Someone that was not him that is.
In order to keep his mind off those thoughts, he wandered off in his head to the memory of Halle telling Snape off in Dumbledore's office. No one seemed prouder of her than Harry, well except maybe Sirius, and Remus was sure that James was laughing from above at his daughter's verbal lashing of her potions professor. Dumbledore had been the first to speak after her tirade. Lupin couldn't help but chuckle to himself when he pictured the headmasters face as he said 'now that that's out of the way. . .' .
It was a look at he had deemed beyond priceless. He was shaken from the mistiness of his mind when someone entered the room. Classes had been over now for a bit and he assumed everyone was on their way to the great hall for another magnificent dinner. But much to the contrary of his assumption he saw the last person he would think would visit him.
"If you've come to attack me may I suggest you wait until the holiday where you can't get expelled for it." Remus stated shuffling through some papers on his desk trying to make himself look busy.
After a moment of silence they spoke. "You're miserable aren't you?" Harry asked.
"As opposed to any other time?" Remus replied rhetorically.
The boy scoffed lighty at the remark. "More than usual then."
Remus searched his mind for the correct wording. He didn't want things to come out wrong and cause another altercation. "You would be too if you lost the woman you love."
"She's half your age." Harry replied calmly, much to his professor's surprise.
Lupin nodded. "I know."
Harry stared at him for a moment then spoke. "I'm not going to say I approve of this, but I won't stop it either."
Remus Lupin smiled slightly at his student. "Thanks Harry, that means a lot. But just so you know, I think it's over. She seems to now be taken by Draco Malfoy."
Harry laughed as he turned to leave. "You're jealous of a Malfoy? Trust me Remus, there's nothing going on there, just like there's nothing going on in that boys head."
Harry entered the Great Hall satisfied with his conversation he had with Professor Lupin. As he sat down he gave Ginny a quick kiss on the cheek and then smiled broadly at the girl next to Ginny, his sister, who had been in a discussion with Hermione about their potions homework.
"Professor Snape said four rolls of parchment but I found that I could not fully explain anything with less than eight." Hermione stated.
Halle shook her head. "I've got four. After that time in Dumbledore's office, no matter what I do I'm bound to get a failing grade."
"Dumbledore won't let that happen." Ron stated.
Halle just shrugged and went on with eating her biscuit.
As everyone in the hall was finishing their meal, Sirius walked over to the part of the table where the group of friends were eating.
"Who died?" Halle asked seeing a grave look on his face. Everyone immediately looked at her however Hermione and Harry seemed to understand more. "Er, sorry, muggle expression."
"Well it seems like we won't be getting to spend all of the holiday together. Christmas day we will of course but, well here Harry, you two can read this. It's from Dumbledore." Sirius walked away quickly as if he had foreseen the reaction that was to come.
"WHAT!" Harry exclaimed.
"Harry, what's wrong?" Ginny said. He passed the note over to her as Halle leaned in and the two read it.
Harry,
After much consideration, I feel that the safest place for you to be when you're away from Hogwarts will ultimately be back with your Aunt and Uncle. I understand your frustration at not getting to spend a full holiday with your family, however you will join everyone at headquarters on Christmas day.
As I'm sure you probably have already concluded, my decision is based on the recent events. A visitation from Voldemort during a Quidditch match while there were aurors on site shows the lengths his is now willing to go.
The blood protection that exists while you are with your aunt is what is needed to keep you safe over the holiday. I do hope the last thing I say will lift your spirits a little. Your sister will be going with you. As long as she is with you and you're at the Durley's no harm will find you on holiday.
"I'm going where?" Halle questioned staring at her brother.
"A place that is worse than anything Voldemort could ever do to you; my aunt and uncles." Harry frowned. "I thought I would get to spend the holiday with you lot." He looked at his friends in discontent.
"You won't be alone Harry." Ginny said slipping her hand into his. "And I promise to owl you everyday."
Harry smiled slightly. "You promise?"
She nodded. "Promise."
The boy who lived ignored everyone else around them and leaned in kissing her lightly on the lips before pursuing a more passionate kiss.
The kiss was interrupted by Ron's loud clearing of his throat. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't snog my sister in front of me."
Harry laughed. "Sorry Ron."
When the day had come to board the train and head to Kings Cross dread filled Harry. It wasn't him he was worried about, he was used to the Dursleys. He was worried about his sister. Sirius, Remus, and other members of the order rode on the train as extra protection.
Halle found the compartment she shared with her friends quite sickening considering it consisted of Harry and Ginny kissing and Ron and Hermione cuddling. Wanting to escape the madness she decided to go visit Sirius since she wouldn't see him for awhile. When she reached the compartment however the only person in there was Remus. "Where did Sirius go?"
The werewolf looked startled obviously not hearing the door open. "He went somewhere with Moody." He replied.
"Oh." She said turning to leave.
"Wait Halle, you don't have to leave." He stopped her. "What's wrong?"
She shrugged and sat down across from him. "It's like makeoutfest '04 in there."
A smiled crept onto Remus's face for the first time in awhile. He simply laughed and then they both were silent, staring at each other.
- - -
I know there's something in the wake of your smile
I get a notion from the look in your eyes
You've built a love but that love falls apart
Your little piece of heaven turns too dark
- - -
"Remus, I'm sorry, about everything." Halle said staring at the ground, not wanting him to see the tears that were forming in her eyes.
He got up and sat down next to her. "Halle." He said placing his hand underneath her chin and lifting it up. "You did nothing wrong."
- - -
Listen to your heart
When he's calling for you
Listen to your heart
There's nothing else you can do
I don't know where you're going
And I don't know why
But listen to your heart
Before you tell him goodbye
- - -
"Yes I did, I pushed you away." She replied letting the tears slowly fall.
"It was what I said Halle, this has nothing to do with anything you did." He insisted
- - -
Sometimes you wonder if this fight is worthwhile
The precious moments are all lost in the tide
They're swept away and nothing is what is seems
The feeling of belonging to your dreams
- - -
"It's not just that. All of this, everything in this world is new to me and it scares me. You were the only thing that made sense to me and I guess I somehow felt that it was wrong then." Halle explained.
Remus tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "You have nothing to be afraid of, I won't let anything happen to you."
- - -
Listen to your heart
When he's calling for you
Listen to your heart
There's nothing else you can do
I don't know where you're going
And I don't know why
But listen to your heart
Before you tell him goodbye
- - -
"Could you ever love me again Remus?" She asked chocking back some tears.
He smiled at her. "I never stopped." Without hesitation he leaned in and captured her lips.
a/n : Well what do ya think? I wanna know! No really I do. The song from the last chapter was Linkin Park Breaking the Habit though I assume many of you probably already knew that. Just to answer a few questions… HARRY saw Lupin as a father figure, not Halle. I love how my story is turning out… this will be a two story series and I already have the very last chapter written (no I'm not JKR it's just a good idea to know the end so you know where you need to get to.) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review!