Tie Your Heart at Night to Mine, Love
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
No werewolf literature available explained – or even mentioned – the change of color in a werewolf's eyes. Hermione knew so because she had dug all the volumes she already had and the ones she had temporarily stolen from Grimmauld Place out of her beaded bag as she packed her things. Shorter snout, human-like eyes, tufted tail and a penchant for human-hunting – that was the information presented over and over, sometimes amongst characteristics made up out of sheer prejudice and downright fear.
Lies seemed to be ignorance's best companion.
Yet the hypnotic gold stirred up a recollection of sorts, not of something she read but rather of something she saw – or thought she did. It was dark, that night years before when Remus had transformed as they exited the Shrieking Shack with Pettigrew as their prisoner. But twice that night she had gotten close to Remus in his werewolf form and her memory insisted his eyes had been fully gold then.
If that memory was indeed correct and her belief that his eyes were forest green hadn't originated from a lack of close observation, then what could make the wolf's eyes surface outside of the full moon? Was the wolf a separate entity, waiting to take control like an inner demon would? Would certain emotions inflame it? Had Remus been fighting it all this time out of fear of rejection?
Some of these questions she would never pose. Pity that the only person who could answer the others would never reply.
She had arrived at the Burrow the day before, after cursing Harry over and over with minor non-fatal spells as he kept sending her knowing glances. His smirk only vanished when she recreated a small scale Weather-Modifying Charm – the miniature rain cloud hanging above Harry and Harry alone had been worth the vengeance hug he gave her. Once they were inside, however, her mood suffered a setback.
"Hermione, I apologize for my behavior. It was inappropriate and won't happen again." read the letter Ginny gave her.
The formality of it stung. It didn't quell her curiosity – it increased it. Was it inappropriate because he was older, because he was a werewolf or because he was afraid? Perhaps he had felt the wolf and it scared him. Lack of control scared her as well. Either way, as a friend she should try to understand him better. She had no ulterior motives to do so, and therefore there was nothing inappropriate about it.
White lies seemed to be hope's best companion.
"Are we about to go on another Horcrux hunting? Or did you decide you were behind on your N.E.W.T.s studies?" The door had opened without a squeak, and it was only when Harry spoke that she saw his head was poking through it.
Hermione glanced around the room she shared with Ginny. She had packed all of her clothes, therefore making space for over twenty books. There was not a single sitting surface available, and hardly any walking ones. She looked back at him, her expression tight, and placed her hands on her hips.
"You should know better, Harry." Hermione chided him and summoned a few books back into the beaded bag with a wandless Accio. "I've studied for N.E.W.T.s ages ago."
A smile cracked her serious façade and Harry joined in. They both knew there was a great deal of truth behind that joke.
He took a seat on Ginny's bed and didn't say anything else as Hermione collected the remaining books.
"Harry, what color are Remus' eyes?"
"Remus, is he now? What happened to Professor Lupin?" The knowing glance and the smirk were back. So it was only fair that the cursing returned. Much like her Avis, Hermione enchanted the pillows to attack him. "Ouch! Okay, okay! They're green."
"I thought so." Mysteries, mysteries…
"Hermione! Pillows!"
"Oh, sorry." She flicked her wand and to make the two pillows fall and waited for Harry to arrange his glasses. "Are you moving to Grimmauld Place tomorrow?"
"Yes," Harry shot a glance at her bag, his face puzzled, "Aren't you?"
"I'm headed to Australia first."
A/N: Yay, we've reached 200 followers! Thank you!
I know you want chapters with both Hermione and Remus in them, but first I needed to include the day after the Memorial. I was going to include Remus' reaction in this chapter too but I was short on time. You'll see it next chapter^^
Honeydukes chocolate bars to…
My reviewers: Argella Storm, rosesnblueberries, IrishIris, moreremusplease, LadyB (guest), Kaleigh Windelynn, SereniteRose, Helfinna, and Buffalochip.
To bethrcsimpson, uthagirl, andromeeda, jeangirl, and QueenHufflepuffTheKind for adding the story to their favorites.
And to Maltin, bethrcsimpson, uthagirl, andromeeda, cherri deluca, Jnk4621, saillorgemini, Leish92, Lisamalvina, HazelEyedShadowhunter, Snaperipper, Cels3201, trouvaille, and QueenHufflepuffTheKind for following the story.
To LadyB (guest): I'm really happy to know you liked it and that the story is intriguing you! George's fireworks became a bit of a favorite for me too :)
I update this story weekly (sometimes I'm late by a day or two, but no more than that). I hope you keep enjoying it and thank you so much for reviewing!
Thank you all! Please review :)