The day following the conversation with Regulus, Hermione's mind was left to wander. Not only had the very close encounter with the Slytherin left her with another new friendship and a chance to change the events in her own time, but the encounter had also left her unexplainably curious about the wizard.
She'd also grown rather curious as to why Remus had begun to withdraw from her. It'd seemed that he'd begun to do so the previous evening at dinner. He had still sat next to her, as he has been, but he hardly spoke two words. Hermione had asked him several times if he felt alright, his skin had taken on a pasty color. Every time she had asked he'd say that he was 'alright'.
Worried as she might be, Hermione had come to the conclusion that until she 'found out' about the young werewolf's condition, there's no way that she could really be of assistance to him. She knew that Remus wasn't about to just come out and tell her, he knew what the general out look on werewolves was. The only way that secret would be shared with her is if she managed to 'find out' on her own.
Two nights following her conversation with Regulus, Hermione found herself settled on the couch in front of the fire once again. Her feet were curled beneath her and she had her notebook opened in her lap, once again spelled so that only she could read its contents.
Her quill had been poised over the page for at least fifteen minutes while she stared blankly into the flames of the fire when a pair of hands reached over the back of the couch an squeezed her shoulders gently. She jumped slightly and glanced up over her shoulder, smiling warmly when she saw Remus standing over her.
"What are you writing?" he asked softly, moving around to sit next to her.
"Thoughts," she replied, granted she was lying a little bit, but then again, technically so was he. She frowned slightly when she took note of the dark circles around his eyes and the pale tone to his skin. Her hand lifted and pressed gently to his forehead, "Are you sure you feel alright, Remus?"
"I'm fine, Hermione," He replied, pressing his face gently into her hands, enjoying the simplest touch.
Hermione sighed and dropped her hand back into her lap, "Maybe one of these days you'll feel comfortable enough not to lie to me so much."
Remus winced and lowered his gaze as he took her smaller hand into his larger ones, "Hermione, It's nothing but a cold. Nothing I can't handle."
She shrugged and pulled her hands from his, "Alright. I have no right to press, I've not known you long enough to have that right. But…know that you don't have to hide things from me. I'm more accepting than you might think. I've been through more than you might think."
"When the time is right I'll share my secrets, okay?" he said softly, his hand lifting to cup her chin, turning her head gently to meet his gaze. "I don't fear your inability to keep them only your ability to leave me when you learn of them."
Her gaze softened and she shook her head slowly, "You know so little about me, Remus. If only I could tell you a small fraction of what I've been through. If I could only tell you a small fraction of the secrets I hold…that would be the last of your worries. If you don't trust me to stay right here even when I know your secret, then…I suppose it's best if you don't tell me."
The hand cupping her chin slid gently across her lower jaw, brushing her cheek gently before brushing lightly through her hair. His ambered eyes studied her and her hazel eyes watched him unguarded. She watched as his eyes drew nearer and watched them fall closed when his lips met hers for the second time. She followed suit, pressing her lips more firmly against his, one hand lifting to rest against his face.
Her book slid from her lap onto the couch next to her as she shifted slightly to move closer to the wizard when his free hand snaked around her petite waist. Both her arms slipped around his neck as his second arm joined the first one wrapping around her and Hermione felt herself being edged backwards onto the couch. One hand moved from his neck to place the charmed note book to the floor as she came to rest between him and the couch, Remus keeping himself propped on one arm as not to squish her.
The kisses intensified as two sets of hands wandered over the opposing bodies. Remus broke the kiss and drew his lips gently across her jaw line and traced a trail down her neck and throat to what little of her collar bone he could reach before retracing his trail back to her lips. She gasped softly into the kiss, her fingertips curling into his shirt as he shifted, one of his thighs pushing gently between hers putting a teasing pressure between her legs.
Her hips automatically rolled against the pressure, sending a shock of pleasure through her system as he rocked gently enough to meet the rolls of her hips. His free hand rested lightly at her hips, gripping only slightly while her hand found their way beneath his shirt. She pulled the shirt gently up over his shoulders and he lifted himself enough to allow her to remove the article and drop it on the floor next to them.
Her movements stilled as she studied him. Using the light of the fire, her eyes moved over the many scars that marred his chest and shoulders, her fingertips tracing over each of them as they followed her gaze. She lifted her eyes to meet his only to notice that he couldn't seem to meet hers. With a small smile she slowly began to press soft kisses over each of the scars that she could reach before pulling his lips back to hers.
That round of kisses was much more tender and sweet than the ones prior. As Hermione lowered herself back down onto the couch, her arms slipped back around his neck. Remus broke the kiss and pulled his head back enough to study her face, his hand moving to gently brush her hair back, touching her face softly. "It doesn't bother you?" He asked softly.
Hermione shook her head slowly and replied just as softly, "The only thing about it that really bothers me is knowing that you've hurt so badly and I couldn't help ease it."
A small smile appeared on his expression and the look of affection played in his ambered eyes, "You're amazing, Hermione. I'm so glad that I met you."
She smiled softly and lifted her head to press her lips to his once more. Once again the kisses intensified and hands began to roam. Remus's hand played with the hem of her shirt momentarily before slipping beneath to brush over her stomach, his roughened hands drawing a shiver from her as it slid over her bare skin. His hand slid between her full breasts, fingertips drawing lightly up and over her collar bone before sliding back down over her stomach, careful not to once actually touch her breasts, intensifying the teasing touches.
A small, soft moan escaped into the kiss when Hermione's hips began rocking against Remus's thigh once more. Between the feel of that and the teasing touches over her torso, Hermione was fully and justifiably aroused. She knew he was as well, she could feel the evidence pressing against her through his trousers.
Arching her hips slightly she pressed herself against said evidence, drawing a soft moan from him as well. Remus broke the kiss and drew his trail of kisses across her jaw and down across her neck before moving to her ear, nipping softly.
"Gods, Hermione, I want you so badly," he whispered softly into her ear. He kissed her shoulder before finishing his statement, "I want you so badly, but not here. When we're together for the first time, I want to be right."
She bit back the mild disappointment but nodded in agreement, kissing him gently one more time. The two of them shifted slightly so he could lay down next to her. Once he settled she cuddled into him comfortably with his arms wrapped snuggly around her.
It wasn't long before she heard his breathing even out. She glanced up and smiled softly at his sleeping form. Her smile faded as her eyes fell onto what she could see of his still bared chest. Sighing softly, knowing that he'd soon be going through yet another painful transformation and there was nothing she could to help, Hermione fell asleep as well, her body automatically cuddling into Remus's.
The next morning Hermione was awakened by a small hand shaking her shoulder gently. Grumbling softly she shifted and blinked to figure out who was kneeling on the floor next to the couch. It was still dark in the common room so it had to be fairly early but Asha had woken up early and found Hermione's bed empty and gone looking for her, only to find her cuddled on the couch with the still sleeping Remus.
"Hey Hermione, you might want to get upstairs and get cleaned up and redressed before the others come down here and see this, you know they'll pick on you mercilessly," Asha whispered quietly.
Hermione rubbed her eyes sleepily and nodded, slowly sitting up and turning to wake the sleeping wizard. "Remus. Remus, wake up," She said, rocking his shoulder gently. His eyes blinked open and he sat upright, yawing.
"What time is it?" He asked sleepily.
"It's a little after six," Asha replied.
His eyes focused on Hermione and he smiled warmly, "Good morning."
Hermione stifled a yawn and smiled sheepishly, "Good morning yourself."
"I'm going to go get a shower and get dressed for class, I'll see you at breakfast, okay?" He said quietly. She nodded and he got to his feet and pulled his shirt back over his head. He picked up her notebook and pressed it into her hands, passing a shy look towards Asha before kissing Hermione softly and slipping up to the boys' dormitory.
A soft giggle drew Hermione attention from the stairwell back to her friend who was watching her in amusement. "What?"
"First the kiss the other day, then finding you two cuddled here on the couch, where I'm guessing you slept all night, and then that little kiss, it's too cute," Asha gushed.
Hermione rolled her eyes and got to her feet, making her way towards the dormitory, her friend following on her heals. Once they reached the room designated for the seventh year girls, Hermione began to undress and change clothes for the day. The previous night was running through her mind. They had come so close to…Hermione shook her head slightly, looking down to hide the small smile on her expression.
Once cleaned up, Hermione made her way from the Gryffindor dormitory down towards the Great Hall for breakfast, only just taking note as to how hungry she actually was. Her books, quills, and parchment were in the satchel bag hanging from her shoulders, as well as was the charmed notebook she'd been writing in for the last few days.
As she made her way towards the main level of the castle, her mind sank back into the words written inside the notebook. Only by habit and memory did she make her way to the Great Hall, blinking in surprise when a hand reached around her and opened the door for her.
"Good morning, Miss Granger," a male's voice said from behind her.
"Regulus, good morning," She said, startled slightly. "I didn't hear you behind me."
"I'd noticed. I was wondering if you'd mind me joining your little study group in the Library," He asked conversationally as they made their way into the Hall.
"Of course, just talk to Severus," Hermione smiled cheerily, turning to make her way towards her House table.
"Good," Regulus said with a small nod, his hand squeezing her wrist slightly as they parted ways.
The motion caught Hermione by surprise but she paid it no mind as she sat in her normal spot and noticed the expressions coming from three of the four Marauders. "What?" She said, eyebrows arching.
"You realize that was my brother right?" Sirius said dumbly.
"He only looks just like you but, no, I couldn't tell," Hermione retorted sarcastically. Here we go with the inquisition.
"You realize he's my parents' and Malfoy's little pet right?" Sirius continued.
"You realize that I really don't care about petty House rivalries and petty differences, right? Hell, I befriended you, didn't I?" She said, starting to get annoyed. "And I don't recall having to check with you before I speak to someone, Sirius."
"Just be careful, Hermione," Remus said softly. "I'm sure you can handle yourself but he's known to run with a dangerous circle."
Hermione just rolled her eyes and shook her head, "I'll see you guys in class. Please leave your lectures behind when you get there."
She pulled herself to her feet, snatching an apple up from the table and biting into it as she walked away from the table and back towards the door. Pausing when she heard some one running to catch up to her. She smiled softly when Asha stopped next to her.
"Why do I have a feeling that all of that has to do with what we talked about the other night?" Asha asked with a small smirk.
"Because you're absolutely right," Hermione replied. "Come on, I'll explain later."
The two girls slipped from the Great Hall, four sets of eyes following them. One Amber, One almost black, the third dark brown and finally, a set of deep blue with a sparkle of amusement.
The first class of the day was double Transfiguration with the Slytherin house. Hermione and Asha found their seats and Hermione leaned close to explain the importance of Regulus in her time. It was only when a cold, drawing voice from the door interrupted them that Hermione looked up.
"Well look who we have here," Lucius Malfoy said icily, as he entered the room, dropping his books onto the table and moving towards the two girls. "I didn't think you two wandered without the rest of your worthless little pack."
"What do you want, Malfoy? I'm really in no mood for your pointless ramblings," Hermione said with a some what detached annoyance.
Apparently that wasn't the reaction he'd been looking for because he just stood there for a moment. Hermione rolled her eyes and went back to her discussion only to feel a hand tighten into her mass tangles of brown curly hair and jerk her upright.
A gasp of pain escaped her mouth and her eyes glared daggers at the blond wizard, "What the hell do you want, Malfoy? And what makes you think you've got any right to handle me like this?" she demanded.
"I have every right, Miss Granger," He said, his voice almost a purr, causing Hermione to shudder. He pulled her hair sharply, dragging nearer to where he was speaking low into her ear, ignoring Asha's wand. "I do what I wish to do with filth like you…they'll probably even thank me for it."
Hermione's eyes widened and she spun around, ignoring the pain that shot through her scalp as her elbow connected as firmly as possible into his stomach, causing him to double over and release his hold.
"You talk too much, Malfoy" Hermione glared, regaining her composure and retaking her seat making great effort on not passing another glance as the Marauders and the girls entered the room, followed by the rest of the class and McGonagall.
"Take your seat, Mr. Malfoy," the Gryffindor Head of House said sharply as she approached the front of the classroom. "This morning's discussion is back to animagi, however, we're also going to be speaking about Metamorphagi as well…"
Hermione grinned inwardly on yet another familiar conversation though her outward expression turned quickly into a frown as her head began to spin and her vision blurred momentarily. Her hands gripped the desk in front of her tightly and she took a deep breath, glancing around, shaking her head at Asha, "I'm okay," she whispered.
Asha didn't quite look convinced but she nodded slowly and turned back towards the lesson, though she continued to watch Hermione from the corner of her eye.
Hermione did her best to keep a straight and clear expression even though her head had begun to pound mercilessly and her vision continued blurring in and out. After a few moments, the pain stopped and her vision blacked…she didn't even hear the loud thud nor did she feel her collision with the floor as she collapsed from her seat.
"Granger"
"Granger, wake up," a voice kept prodding her. Why couldn't they leave her alone, she just wanted to sleep. What did they want anyway? "Granger. Wake up."
Hermione groaned slightly and pushed herself into a sitting position. It was after dark and she was in a bed in the hospital wing of Hogwarts…nothing completely surprising but she'd just been in McGonagall's class…but what…that's right, the headache and blurry vision.
The young witch frowned and looked around for the voice that'd woken her, nearly falling out of the bed when she saw some one perched in a chair near her bed. "Who's there?"
"Keep your knickers on, Granger, it's not like I was hovering over you or anything creepy like that," said the voice of Draco Malfoy.
And the day could only get better, Hermione mused. "No but watching me while I sleep regardless is creepy. What are you doing here, anyway? And how'd I get back here? I was just…"
"I know where you were just at," Malfoy replied, leaning forward in his seat to rest his elbows onto his knees, clasping his hands in front of him. "That's also why you're back here. I wanted to know what progress you're making if any?"
Hermione paused for a moment and then narrowed her eyes slowly, "I'm still trying to figure out why you sent me back to change things to begin with, Malfoy. I hardly see how it would benefit your side any whatsoever."
"And which side is'my side', Granger?" Malfoy questioned.
"Well I would assume…"
"And that would be where you'd find your problem, Granger. You would…assume." Draco studied her for a moment. "Potter only saw so much under that cloak of his the night that Dumbledore…was killed. I never took the Mark, Granger. But I'm scheduled to within the next month."
"That still doesn't explain why you sent me back. It especially doesn't make sense if you're joining the ranks...any change that I make is only going to work against that cause," Hermione said, obviously confused.
"We don't have a lot of time to chitchat about this, Granger. To put it simply, with any luck, the changes you make, the alterations that you cause will keep me from taking the Mark and will reverse the deaths that had taken place," Malfoy said pointedly.
"Oh," Hermione blinked. "That…makes sense."
"That it does, I don't believe I've got anymore need to explain myself. Now, what kind of progress have you made?" He asked again.
The young witch thought over everything that'd happened in her mind. "Malfoy, throughout your dealings, did you ever come across a woman named Asha? Arabic woman, dark hair and eyes?"
"Asha…the name sounds familiar…Snape used to speak that name. From what I recall hearing, she's the only person that Snape ever held devotion for aside from the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord had her killed…Bellatrix, I believe took the job," he replied, as he dug into his memories for the name.
"Merlin…d-do you know why she was killed?" Hermione asked.
"She was trying to convince Snape to skip out with her. Offered to find a safe place for just the two of them, run away basically. The Dark Lord found out and had her killed. Rumor has it Snape was forced to watch," Malfoy replied.
Hermione nodded and jotted that down on her mental list of things to prevent from happening. "I'm working the best I can right now. One other person, aside from Dumbledore, knows about this whole ordeal. If any way possible, I want to fix things for the better."
The blond wizard opened his mouth to speak when a loud thud interrupted and Harry and Ron came speeding into the room, skidding to a halt, eyes wide. "Hermione…I saw your name on the map…are you alright? Where have you been?"
Hermione started to respond only to find that she was unable to speak. She frowned and glanced back up at the three men standing around her bed and tried to speak again but nothing.
"Hermione…what's happening to you?" Ron sputtered. "you're looking all fuzzy and faded."
Hermione glanced down at her hands and her eyes grew wide as they began to fade as she watched. "Malfoy! What's happening?"
"I told you we didn't have much time to discuss this they're bringing you back to they're time now. Depending on how things go on your end I may or may not be back in touch with you. With any luck…I won't be. Not like this anyway," the blond wizard replied. "Goodbye Granger."
"Hermione!"
She heard both of her friends call her name once again before she disappeared from the dream-like state. She groaned and pushed herself to a sitting position, pressing her hand to her forehead.
"Hermione, are you alright?" Asha said worriedly from her side. The girl had risen from her seat immediately when she'd noticed her friend waking and sat on the edge of the bed.
Hermione shook herself mentally. "Yes, I'm alright. What happened exactly?"
"I'm not sure. McGonagall had just started speaking and next thing I knew you knocked into me and hit the floor…out cold. Just…out," Asha said, confusion evident in her voice.
Sliding her legs over the side of the infirmary bed, Hermione slipped to her feet, steadying herself. "That was just odd."
Asha rushed forward, putting an arm around her friend's waist to help her gain balance, "Careful 'Mione. You sure you're alright?"
"Yeah, the one who sent me back to this time decided it was time to check up on my progress," Hermione said quietly. "And I saw Harry and Ron….Oh merlin…I hope they don't do anything rash and stupid."
Asha led the other witch from the infirmary, releasing her from her hold once she was certain that Hermione wasn't going to fall over from lack of balance. She did, however, keep a close watch on her friend; last thing they needed was for Hermione to collapse again, regardless of what caused it.
"Hermione!" there were jogging foot steps running towards the girls before Asha could ask more on what had happened. They looked up to see Remus jogging towards them. "Hermione, are you alright?"
The brunette witch nodded with a small smile, "Yes, I'm okay. Not quite sure what caused it but I'm alright."
"Okay love birds, seeing as 'Mione's back up and walking we might want to make our way to next class before we're late," Asha said teasingly. Hermione rolled her eyes but led the way down the corridor towards the next class.
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