Scream

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

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Lily started when she heard a book fall behind her. She had been so engrossed with her charms book that she had lost track of the things around her. Reading about manipulating animals was interesting.

Looking behind her, she relaxed. It was Remus who had dropped the book. No Potter, Black, or nasty Slytherin.

"You look relieved to see it was me." Said Remus. He had a funny look on his face, but it suited him well. He was trying to raise an inquiring face and at the same time keep a smile off his face. She couldn't help but laugh. His sputtering of indignity only made her laugh harder.

"And may I ask what you're laughing at?" he inquired.

"Your face, it looked so - I don't know-you." She said, calming down her laugh. She was actually surprised at herself. Even though she was naturally a happy person, she didn't normally laugh with other people- at least not anymore. Apparently he was surprised too.

"I know you are normally quite happy, but… I've never heard you laugh like that before. It was different. Why?"

"I don't know, because I feel I can trust you. You've been nice to me when everyone else has resented me- for being what I was taught to be. I know no other way to be in public. And they resented me for it. But you didn't… or I don't think you do." Once again she was surprised, since when did she open up to people?

"Wow, that was… different. But actually you brought up what I wanted to talk about. I wanted to talk to you about how they treat you. I don't feel comfortable with the way they treat you but I don't stop it. And for that I'm sorry." He had his head down. Was he actually serious?

"Remus, you feel guilty cause you cant stop their resentfulness? You don't need to though. Just that you don't treat me the same makes you different. So buck up. I really don't mind it… its actually better that way. That I have no friends I mean. I'd probably still be resented no matter what. But enough of this seriousness, I'm a happy person! Promise me you wont feel guilty about not being able to stop them, and I'll promise you something. Anything!"

She knew she was digging her own grave but she couldn't help be so open to him. He was NICE to her. He didn't resent her because of what other people said. Maybe she could have a friend… no. That was not an option.

"All right." He said, he had a big goofy grin on his face and it was contagious. "I'll promise not to feel guilty about not being able to stop their teasing if you will… will tell me one of your secrets."

Secrets? That's all he wanted to know? No one knew anything about her except she was always happy. She could tell him anything… and it didn't have to be all dark and gloomy- like her life. Smiling her brightest and her truest smile she answered,

"Secret huh? Well, how about I show you one of my favorite things to do! My second home if you will! Ohhh… come on Remus! Outside we must go! Good thing it's a nice day!" and she ran outside, knowing he'd follow.

She knew she had acted all excited when she answered but that was an act. She was happy though. She just over exaggerated it. She was about to show Remus her second home. The air. No, she wouldn't show him her animagus form, but her broom…

Stopping by the lake she turned around and yelled to him.

"Summon your broom!" she gave a joyous laugh. And she realized she was actually as happy as she seemed. She wasn't acting. She truly was happy for the first time in a long time. She was sharing her happiness with someone she felt she could trust- and it made her happier than normal. And that was saying a lot.

He seemed surprised as well, and then sheepish.

"Well uh, you see… I've never been that good at uh… flying. I uh… don't have my own broom." He seemed truly embarrassed at that and, seeking to lighten the mood, she laughed and answered.

"A Marauder without a broom? Why, how is this possible! The world is coming to an end!" by this time she was on her knees with her hand on her forehead in a very dramatic feat. But she then opened her eyes and let out her characteristic lopsided grin to show it didn't matter to her. Getting up on her feet she said, "No matter, we can ride together!" and motioned for him to get on.

Now grinning, he got on and let her get in front of him.

"Ok now, hold on tight, if you truly want to experience what I feel when I'm on the air." She said seriously, but still smiling mirthfully. She felt his strong arms move around her stomach and momentarily forgot everything, but then, she remembered. And she was almost sad.

Pushing off, she felt Remus' arms grow tighter around her. She realized it had probably been awhile since he had flown. She slowed a bit to let him get used to the air. The crisp, clear, air. Then, once she felt them loosen up she sped up a bit.

Looking behind her at him she saw him looking around in wonder. They were several hundred feet up and you could see for miles on this day. She spoke, startling him out of his wonderment,

"Its beautiful, huh? I love it. But this isn't the best part. Hold on tight! I'm gonna show you why its my second home."

And she speed off. A blur of red and blonde, swerving in intricate patterns that molded into what she was. The air.

In this time and moment, at this place, and at this speed, Remus Lupin understood Lily Evans. He understood every emotion she had ever felt in the air, all the memories worth remembering in the air. And he understood the reason the air was her second home. She melded with it, breathed it, was it. It was like she called the wind into herself and made it into what she wanted it to be. Made it into what she wanted to be.

He was just a tag along, a stray leaf in the wind, carrying him to who knew where. But he understood it. Just as she embraced, molded, and became the wind.

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Remus gasped at the intensity of this realization. He didn't even know what the realization was, only that it had happened and he had better remember it.

Lily was slowing down now, and he tried desperately to cling onto the feeling of freedom, but it left just as quickly as it came. Searching for words to describe what had happened he blurted the first thing that came to mind.

"You were the wind! You, you… were with it, together, not apart, melded… you were-" he was cut off by her chuckle of amusement.

"I told you it was my second home! Do you believe in my secret home Remus? Do you believe I did what I just did? If you do then you know it has to stay a secret Remus, that's why its one of my secrets. Its my HOME."

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