Return To Innocence
Chapter 2-Winter Magic
The dance arrived on a Wednesday. Word got around that Maddie had broken up with Eric. Girls offered condolences while the guys tried to hit on her. We were walking down the corridor to our next class when a 7th year Ravenclaw checked Maddie out and ended up falling over another students school bag. The dance was tonight.
"Ugh," Maddie said disgustedly. "I feel like a piece of meat."
"You do know what would solve that right?" Sirius asked. "If you accepted someone's offer to date you."
"I don't have to go out with someone just to make others happy," Maddie snapped.
"She's right," Lily said firmly.
I adjusted the strap of my bag that hung over my left shoulder as we continued to walk.
"Hey baby," cooed a 6th year Hufflepuff to Maddie. "Want to go out with me?"
Maddie scowled. "No! Quit asking me!"
The 6th year backed away and we entered the Potions classroom. I took a seat then Maddie took a seat next to me. Behind us were Lily and James, and behind them Sirius and Peter. I reached into my bag and pulled out parchment, quills and an ink bottle. Maddie and I were sharing a cauldron. Alex entered the classroom and made a bee line straight for Maddie.
"So I heard you're still not dating anyone yet. My offer still stands if you're interested," Alex purred.
"I'd rather chew off my own foot," Maddie said coldly.
"Come on Maddie," Alex pressed as he put a hand on hers.
Maddie yanked her hand away. "No,"
"You honestly don't know what you're missing," Alex cooed as he tried to touch one of her touch her cheek, but Mads slapped it away.
"Flake off," Maddie snapped. "The answer is N. O."
Alex went to grab one of her breasts, but my arm shot out and grabbed his hand in mid-air. I was gripping his hand so tightly that he was cringing. I glared at him with pure menace.
"Touch her and I'll rip you apart," I growled. "She said no. Leave her alone."
Alex looked spooked and hurried to the back of the classroom.
I heard Lily and James whispering behind us. Mads looked at me gratefully.
"Thanks, Mooney," she said with genuine gratefulness.
I didn't reply. Alex was really pushing my buttons. He probably will be at her again no doubt in a few days because I know I really scared him just now. He'll wait then try again.
Someone's definitely going to have to do something about that guy, I thought angrily. I waited for Professor Dawes to come into the room.
MADDIE.
I was really grateful toward Remus for what he did. I turned to him.
"Can you believe him? He's got balls of iron!" I said as I shook my head.
"Yeah I know," Remus replied.
Truthfully, I began wondering what it would be like to date him, but I wasn't sure how he felt toward me. I wouldn't want things to be too weird between us but I really cared about him.
Professor Dawes finally entered the classroom and the lesson began.
Lily convinced me to go to the dance. I reluctantly agreed and got dressed. I was standing in front of a full length mirror in the girls' dorm. Remus naturally headed off to the library. We were able to wear Muggle dresses and tuxedos but of course the Slytherins declined. A few weeks before we had gone to Hogsmeade and there was a shop there that sold Muggle and magical clothing. So Lily urged me to purchase a soft lilac dress with spaghetti shoulder straps and beading along the neckline and hem. I looked at myself in the reflection. I had curled my hair using a spiral curling charm and applied light purple eye shadow and pink blush, with soft pink lip gloss. I had amethyst drop earrings and the matching necklace around my neck.
"Maddie you look hot!" Lily gushed. She was dressed in an ivory dress that hung off the shoulders, light blue eye shadow and clear lip gloss. I turned away from the mirror.
I beamed at her.
We left the girls' dorm and passed through the common room. Lily and James linked arms. Sirius oddly didn't have a date and neither did Peter, but Peter wasn't there. Sirius spied me and whistled.
"You look terrific. I was kinda hoping that you'd like to dance with me?" he asked clearing his throat.
"Um, sure," I said slightly puzzled but accepted his arm as we linked them. We entered the Great Hall. It was done entirely in a winter theme. Warm snow fell magically from the ceiling and lightly clung to my hair. The floor was covered in glitter and snow. Snow flakes hung from the ceiling and off the walls. The house tables were gone and instead about 90 round tables were set up along making a large dance floor. Students began arriving and we found a table and sat down. I was sitting next to Sirius. On our right were Lily and James.
Professor Dumbledore made an announcement that there will be food first, then dancing. Food magically appeared on our plates and we dug in. I glanced around at the neighboring tables. Eric and Ellie were sitting at one near us. Ellie was laughing at something Eric had said.
Sirius followed my gaze.
"Don't worry about them, Maddie," he said. "They'll get theirs."
But I was too angry and hurt so I got up and headed over to them.
"Hello Ellie," I said coldly.
"Maddie," Ellie said looking up at me. "How are you?"
"Considering you stabbed me in the back? I'm doing just peachy,"
"Maddie," Ellie began but I cut her off.
"It's fine, really. When you get a whiff of this pigs natural behavior when he screws another girl when he's tired and bored with you, then you'll realize what a real prick he is," I rasped. "Have a nice life."
I turned and headed back to our table. As I took my seat, Lily and James looked at me.
"Wow Maddie," James said sounding impressed. "That took real guts."
I merely shrugged. After dinner, the dancing had begun. Lily and James got up and headed to the dance floor.
About 30 minutes later, a pretty 7th year Ravenclaw asked Sirius to dance. So he got up. I was left alone at the table and feeling bored and lonely, I too got up and left, but headed up to the library to where Remus was.
REMUS.
I sat at the table just completely bored. I had to stay in case Lily, James, Sirius or Maddie came looking for me. I stared out the window. The sky was still pink. The library was dead silent. I exhaled loudly and just flipped through a Herbology book I'd picked out. I suddenly picked up a familiar scent and raised my eyes to the library entrance. Maddie stood there. She looked absolutely beautiful that my stomach fluttered as if I'd missed several steps. She grinned as she came over and sat down in front of me. I got a faint whiff of her perfume.
"What are you doing here?" I asked surprised. "I thought you'd be dancing."
"Naw," Maddie said. "No one took me anyway and Sirius went off with a pretty 7th year so…besides I felt bad that you were here all by yourself."
I smiled. "Thanks but it wasn't really necessary,"
Maddie smiled back. "Meh. I was bored too. I wasn't having a good time. Guess I'm still hurt over Eric."
"That's understandable," I said. "What he did was really low and unbelievable. I can't comprehend the fact that he put his own needs before yours."
Maddie's eyes twinkled. "You're something else, Remus. Why in God's name did you turn down all those girls that asked you out? Any girl would be lucky to have you."
I hesitated. I wasn't sure if I should tell her the real reason or lie? Mads was watching me and waiting anxiously for the reply.
"I guess I didn't really 'click' with them," I said as I cleared my throat.
Maddie looked at me strangely but didn't press any further.
"Well," she said brightly. "How about we dance? You need a break."
"D-Dance?" I stammered. "There's no music."
"So?" Mads said as she grabbed my hand and pulled me to my feet. I stumbled slightly before gaining my balance. We faced each other and she took my left hand in her right and put my right hand on her hip. She rested her left hand on my shoulder. We began slowly rotating on the spot.
After a few minutes, Maddie snuggled up to me, as she rested her cheek against my shoulder. The top of her head brushed against my chin. With Mads so close to me, I felt a strange sensation in my groin. Mads released my hand and she wrapped her arms around me. I heard her exhale. The sensation in my groin tightened and I quickly pulled back from embarrassment.
"I-I'm tired," I stammered quickly. "I'll see you tomorrow."
With that, I grabbed my things and fled the library.
MADDIE.
Remus fled the library, leaving me alone, confused and stunned. I soon followed and headed back down to the girls' dorm.
In the morning, James, Lily and Sirius had asked me why I'd left the dance. I simply said that I was tired. Remus came down shortly and took a seat at the Gryffindor table sitting next to James. The Great Hall was back to normal and buzzed with morning laughter and the tinkling of silverware. Remus began helping himself to eggs and sausage.
"Mooney, how'd you sleep mate?" James asked brightly.
"Fine," Remus replied ladling egg onto his plate.
Lily looked at me with a raised eyebrow. We could sense Remus was acting oddly. Then Sirius turned to Remus.
"You okay mate? You seem like you're avoiding us or something," he asked concerned.
"I'm fine," Remus said still avoiding eye contact.
"Then why are you avoiding eye contact?" Lily asked cocking her head to one side.
"I'm not avoiding eye contact," Remus said finally raising his eyes to ours.
"O..K," James said finally. "Today's Thursday. Since we've got the day off from the dance last night, any ideas as to what you want to do?"
"Why don't we take a walk on the grounds?" I suggested cheerfully.
"Good idea," James said.
As breakfast continued, I saw Lily and Remus whispering quietly to one another. I was totally intrigued as to what they were saying, but I did not want to force either of them to tell me what was going on. I saw Lily put a hand on Remus' shoulder. Remus gave Lily a smile.
After breakfast, we all headed out onto the grounds. Snow began falling and sticking to tree branches and the ground.
"Yay snow!" Sirius cried happily.
Peter laughed as Sirius began twirling around. Lily pulled me aside as Remus and James headed off toward the large oak tree.
"Is Remus alright?" I asked worriedly and with concern. I had just wanted to make sure he was okay and that nothing was seriously wrong.
"He's fine," Lily said. "But can I ask you something?"
"Sure,"
"Would you ever consider going out with Remus?"
I looked at Lily like she was mad. "What?" I asked shocked.
"Would you ever consider going out with Remus?" she repeated patiently.
"Why on earth are you asking me this?"
"Just answer the question…yes or no?"
"Yes," I replied finally. "Now tell me why you were asking me that."
Lily smirked. "Do not tell anyone-especially do not let Remus know that I told you this…but he's in love with you."
I froze.
Lily smiled. "I'm not blind. I can see how much he cares about you. I saw it during our first year, but lately it's become more pronounced."
I couldn't speak, so Lily continued.
"Why don't you let Remus ask you out? He's such a great guy and you deserve that. Remus would never hurt you like Eric did. You know that. And I know you care about him too…am I wrong?"
I finally shook my head. "No you aren't wrong. But I'm just nervous about dating again."
"I know, but Remus would never hurt you like that. How about I send Remus over so you two can talk?"
Before I could reply, Lily hurried over to where Remus, James, Sirius and Peter were. Lily said something to Remus before she pushed him slightly toward my direction. He looked really nervous.
"Hey, Mads," he said as he nervously rubbed the back of his neck.
"What's up?" I asked brightly.
"Nothing," Remus replied. "I-I was w-wondering…would you like to maybe go out s-sometime?"
"You mean like on a date?" I asked slowly.
"I'm sorry," Remus replied quickly. "That was really stupid of me. Forget I said anything."
He went to walk away, but I grabbed his arm and turned him around to face me.
"Remus wait," I said gently and looked into his green eyes. "I'd love to go on a date with you. What would you like to do?"
Remus relaxed a bit but Lily came over and draped one arm over each of our shoulders. "I can make a picnic for you," she grinned. "Pig out on the grounds."
"That's a great idea!" I said happily.
Lily winked. Naturally word spread to James, Sirius and Peter. They were really ecstatic.
REMUS.
Lily had finally persuaded me to ask Maddie out. I was glad I did. I was also real nervous. This was an actual, real date with Maddie. Even though we were best friends, it was going to change now.
So, the next afternoon, Friday, as this was a holiday before Christmas, Lily had put together a basket and pushed Maddie and I out onto the grounds.
Once Maddie and I were finally alone, we picked a nice spot under the oak tree and set up a blanket on top of the ground. A little bit of snow still clung to the ground and tree branches. We were supposed to get a really big storm during the weekend, so it was nice to be able to get out and enjoy the weather now.
Maddie was dressed in jeans, a white poplin shirt with a light blue cardigan over that. Her hair was pulled into a French twist. Short strands hung down in gentle waves. She applied makeup too. Over the cardigan was a black leather jacket. We began digging into the basket.
"The grounds look so beautiful," she said as she looked around.
"Yes they do," I admitted handing her a sandwich.
Maddie smiled as she took it and our fingertips touched.
"So Mooney," Maddie said. "Tell me about your parents. You never really told us about them."
She took a bite of her sandwich. I sat cross legged. A cold gust of wind ruffled Maddie's blond hair. I cleared my throat and sighed.
"Both my parents as you know are Muggles," I began. Mads nodded and I continued. "I've never really told anyone this. You'll be the first but please don't tell anyone else…not even James, Lily, Sirius or Peter."
"Of course I promise, but why not?" Maddie asked curiously.
"Because they might treat me differently," I said gravely and bluntly.
"Remus, they wouldn't do that," Mads said.
"Please, don't tell," I pleaded.
Maddie nodded. "I won't,"
I totally trusted her and knew she'd never ever betray my trust so I went on.
"Well they aren't my real parents," I finished. "I was adopted."
MADDIE.
I stared at Remus. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Remus was wearing jeans, tan construction boots and a dark blue sweater. His green eyes were locked on mine and his hair fell neatly into place. He had an intent expression on his face.
"My gosh…what happened?" I asked stunned.
"You see, my original birth parents were from the magical community. When I had gotten bitten, they wanted nothing to do with me and put me on the street at the age of 8. A Muggle orphanage picked me up. Professor Dumbledore sent the Headmistress of the orphanage a letter explaining about my situation. Before my parents had pushed me out, they had sent a letter a head of time to Hogwarts telling Professor Dumbledore about me. When my Muggle parents adopted me, they were tested to see if my 'medical condition' bothered them or impaired their decision. It didn't. Eventually, they learned the truth…mostly from me when I hit the age of 12."
I sat taking all this in. I would've never known.
"Wow," I said wide-eyed but smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. Your second secret is safe with me and it doesn't impair my feelings toward you."
Remus smiled back and we finished our picnic and headed back toward the castle. We entered the castle and walked across one of the bridges. I leaned against the window sill and peered out the opened archways. The bridge overlooked the frozen lake. Remus stood next to me.
"You know, I sometimes wish I was adopted," I admitted clasping my hands.
"Why? You've got a wonderful family," Remus said shocked.
