Dum-dee-dum-dum-dum...I don't own Harry Potter!
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Ch. 18: The Cottage by the Forest
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It seemed as if the holiday spirit had finally made a home in Hogwarts. As the Christmas break loomed a little nearer, students spent their quality time doing what every diligent scholar does: go outside for a snowball fight. Sirius used this highly effective study skill to its fullest as he rose to something short of a legend among those who participated in the snowball event. For some reason, no one could figure out how Sirius could seem to disappear for one minute and reappear just behind his next victim.
James, always skeptical, would snort, nudge Remus, Aya, and Lily, and would point to the paw prints in the snow formed from a very large dog. "Cheater," James would say.
The snow fell a little heavier than yesterday's first snowfall, adding even more to the pleasant room about the castle. Aya found it particularly wonderful to curl up by the fire and read Lord of the Rings yet again. Sirius and James engaged in another game of chess. Lily would either watch or nap. Peter would struggle with his homework; and Remus spent most of his time sitting next to Aya.
"Damn it!" Sirius swore as he tossed his knight piece.
Triumphant, James sat back with a grin. "How many wins is that, Padfoot? I think I've lost count."
"Oh, shut up," Sirius growled.
James put his hand behind his head. "I can't wait for the break and see my mum and dad. You going back to your house, Padfoot, or are you gonna stay?"
"Mum told me I've gotta come back home for Christmas," Sirius hissed, his fist clenched. "As if I really want to."
"How about you, Lily?" James said quickly, wanting to mediate Sirius' temper.
"Going back to my parents' house, of course," she replied.
"Even with your sister there?" Sirius said, eyes wide.
"Like I said, I'm going back to my parents' house." Lily's tone was a little on the deadly "I'm-going-to-kill-you-if-you-don't-shut-up-right-here-and-now" tone.
"Oh...right, gotcha there," Sirius retreated.
"Are you going back home, too, Remus? For Christmas and all," Peter asked.
"Yup," Remus replied. "What about you, Aya?"
"Hm?" Aya asked, looking up from her book.
"Christmas...where are you staying?"
"Huh...right here sounds like a good spot," Aya said with a shrug, resuming to her book. There was an outcry from the others that made her jump. Remus was on his feet before the rest of them could even move.
"You can't just stay by yourself! No one in Gryffindor's staying at all! And you'll be by yourself in the dorm the whole time, and you'll spend Christmas by yourself!" Remus cried, slamming his fists together. Aya bit her lip and blushed. "Well, you'll just have to come to my house, then!"
"Maybe it would be best if I had her stay at my house," Lily said, eyeing Remus suspiciously.
What is this, Rent-An-Aya? Remus thought.
"Full moon's on the twenty-ninth, Lily," James said with a curt nod.
"Yeah, so?" she retorted.
"You live in the suburbs. Big problem there," Sirius said.
"Oh."
Aya's blush deepened. "Heh...sorry, Lily," she replied slowly.
"Well, do you want to?" Remus pressed. "Stay at my house for Christmas, that is. I'm sure my parents would love to meet you!"
"Oh, that's alright. I don't want to impose or anything," Aya said quietly.
"Sure, Aya. Whatever you say. The point is, you're coming to my house and that's final," Remus replied as he crossed his arms.
"Um...okay," Aya replied, sinking a little lower in her sitting position. "But, ask your parents first..."
"I'll send an owl right now!" he cried enthusiastically, then ran off through the portrait hole.
"He forgot to write a letter first," Lily said after a time.
"Oh, don't worry. Sooner or later, he'll figure it out," James said as he began to reset the Wizard's Chessboard.
##
"So? What're you packing?"
Remus leaned against the doorway of Lily and Aya's room, a broad smile on his face. "Just got the letter back...my mom's pretty excited, and my dad couldn't be happier."
"And you're sure it's okay?" Aya asked from where she sat on the bed.
"Of course I'm sure!" he said with a laugh. "Now, come on, what're you packing?"
"Um...clothes and a few books."
She brought her tattered suitcase out from under the bed and placed it on top of the bed. Opening it, she began pulling a few clothes out. As she laid some down, Remus, looking over her shoulder, said, "You're gonna freeze to death in those clothes!"
"No I won't," she retorted.
"Oh, yes you will," he replied. "You can borrow my coat and stuff until you get some warm clothes...my mom's an expert at that."
"How many coats do you have, Remus?"
"One."
"Remus!"
"What?"
"That's your winter coat," Aya said, turning to him. "I'm not going to take your only winter coat."
"I have other stuff I can wear that'll suit me just fine," he replied, waving her off. "You need it more than I do."
"Why are you always so stubborn?"
##
The sun glinted off the fresh snow as the carriages, pulled always by their invisible steeds, made their way slowly to the train. As each carriage door opened, the air filled with the clamor of students ready and excited for the Holiday Season.
Remus, stretching a little, helped Aya out of the carriage, an odd grin on his face.
"Let's get some seats quick before anyone else takes them!" he said to her.
##
"It's the Holiday Season," Sirius sang. "And Santa Claus-"
"Shut it, Padfoot, before I stick you," James growled, pressing his hands against his ears.
"Thank you, Mr. Grinch," Sirius muttered, frowning at him.
Remus rolled his eyes and yawned, stretching his arms in the air. Aya laughed quietly to herself and resumed her reading. A soft, ghost of a smile crept along her lips as her eyes scanned the pages. An amused gleam settled into her eyes, and the smile spread.
Remus grinned. This is going to be the best Christmas ever.
##
Elizabeth Lupin shifted her purse from one hand to the other and tapped her foot to the tune of the clock that hung next to the Platform 9 ¾ sign. She strode forward quickly to grasp her little son's hand as he attempted a sudden dash at a crowd of cooing pigeons.
"Not now, Thomas," she scolded.
"Oh, come now, Liz," Isaac Lupin said from behind her, placing a hand on the boy's head. "I'm sure he's bored and more than a little anxious."
"Momma," Thomas pleaded, tugging on his mother's hand, "when's Remus coming? I'm cold and I'm really hungry. Can we get something to eat after? Please, Momma?"
"Soon, and we're having dinner when we get home," Liz answered with a smile, patting the boy's hand as she released him. "Don't go wandering off, don't go near the tracks, and don't bother the pigeons! They're quite viscous!"
"When is that train coming, anyway?" Isaac said absent-mindedly as he pushed himself onto the balls of his feet, scanning the track ahead. "It really is getting cold."
"It'll come on time as usual, dear. Just be patient," Liz replied with a smile.
A loud screech from the train signaled its upcoming arrival. Laughing, Liz turned to her husband with an 'I told you so' look about her. Then she was off, eager to greet her son. Shaking his head, Isaac moved off to fetch young Thomas.
"Remus! Over here, Remus!" Liz called, waving her arms in the air. She saw him look up from the sea of students, brighten as he saw her, and tap a dark-haired girl on the shoulder next to him. The girl smiled and followed closely behind him.
"Mum!" Remus cried as he gave Liz a great big hug. "Merry Christmas, Mum!"
"Hello, dear! My, you seem a bit taller," she answered, kissing him on the top of his head. Blushing, he stepped back and gently brought the dark-haired girl forward.
"Mum, this is Aya," he said, a large grin playing out on his lips.
Aya shyly extended her hand, smiling all the while. Instead, Liz drew the girl into a large hug, laughing. Drawing back, she said, "Pleased to meet you, Aya. I'm Elizabeth. And these two," she motioned towards her husband and youngest son, "are my husband, Isaac, and my youngest, Thomas. Boys, this is Aya."
"An honor, Miss Aya," Isaac beamed, shaking the girl's hand. Thomas, hiding behind his father's leg, waved shyly. "Go on, Thomas, say hello." But Thomas wouldn't budge. "Sorry, he's really shy."
"Hi, there," Aya said with a giggle, bending down to face Thomas. "Remus tells me you like science fiction. Is it true there's a bigger fan out there than I am?"
Laughing, Thomas stepped quickly forward. "I know all about it!" he said proudly.
Liz glanced at Remus and beamed.
Aya laughed. "I don't doubt it at all, Thomas. I like it a lot, too."
"Really?!" he cried, jumping up and down. "Oh! Oh! I can show you all the stuff I've got when we get to our house!"
"Let the girl breathe, Squirt," Remus said, crossing his arms. "Come on, Mum, let's get somewhere warm. It's freezing out here!"
##
"I've never seen Thomas get so acquainted with a new person so fast, Aya," Isaac said with a laugh as he watched the young boy walking backwards in front of her, talking animatedly. "He usually hates strangers."
Aya giggled.
Remus squeezed her hand affectionately.
"Isaac," Liz said, "do you have the car keys?"
"What? Oh, yeah, I do," he answered, rummaging in his pocket.
"Car keys?" Aya whispered to Remus.
"Mum hates Flooing, and since we live on the outskirts of a Muggle town, Dad decided it best to rent a car from the Ministry so he could pick me up from the train station and stuff," Remus answered as he moved to open the car door for her. "Dad works for the Ministry."
"I've never been in a car before," Aya said quietly, her eyes wide as she stepped into the van.
"I want Aya to sit next to me!" Thomas cried from the back seat.
"Well, she's not going to, so buckle up and shut it, Squirt," Remus hissed as he sat down next to her.
"Butthole," Thomas hissed back.
"Shut it, dork," Remus retorted.
Thomas stuck out his tongue; Remus retaliated by slugging the boy on the knee.
"Ow! Mu-um! Remus just socked me on the knee!" Thomas whined.
Liz groaned. "Remus, leave your brother alone and set a good example. Thomas, be quiet. Oh, and to think it was so quiet in the house just hours before."
Aya giggled quietly to herself.
##
"Welcome to our home, Aya," Elizabeth said with a smile as Aya stepped into the large cottage that lay on the edge of the forest. "Remus? Would you show Aya to the guest room?"
"Guest room?" Remus asked questioningly.
"Yes, Remus, the guest room, not your room, understand?" Liz hissed. "You're only sixteen, got it?"
Remus blushed madly. Muttering something to Aya, he took her bag and led her by the hand down the hallway.
"Don't embarrass the boy, Liz," Isaac said as he closed the door behind him. "Thomas, go set the table, okay, son?"
Nodding, Thomas tore off to the kitchen.
"I know, Isaac, but he's still my little boy," Liz said with a sigh. "I do like the young woman, though. There's something in her eyes, and this air about her...I know she's right for Remus."
"But you don't want to let him go," Isaac said with a chuckle as he drew his wife close to him.
"No, I don't. And next year he graduates to go into a society that hates him for what he is," Liz said with a sigh.
"But she understands it, too, Liz. That's what makes it perfect," he replied. Liz giggled.
"Yes, she does, doesn't she?"
##
"Like it?" Remus asked as he set Aya's bag down on the chair.
"I love it! Look, the window looks out into the forest!" Aya said happily as she pushed herself onto her knees on the bed. "Beautiful."
"Ha, I think my mum forgot my room's down the hall," Remus said with a laugh.
"I like her," Aya said, turning to him with a smile. "They're all very sweet, Remus."
Just like you.
She trembled at the thought, and felt an odd sensation run through her. It was different...terrifying...enticing....and beautiful. The feeling was a bittersweet longing, and in that instant, she suddenly saw him in a different light.
She wanted to run away, and yet she wanted to be with him at the same time. The conflict within caused her smile to fade. Aya trembled under the longing and looked back out the window instead, biting her lip.
She closed her eyes and sighed quietly, trying to still her trembling.
"Cold?" he asked, seeing the tremble.
"A little," she said quickly. Why do I feel this way?
"Put on the coat then, silly," he replied with a laugh. "Mum's gonna make dinner. My dad, too. You want to look around and then maybe play some cards?"
"That would be great," she replied, turning to him. Nodding, he smiled and took her hand. The contact sent a shock through her, and she trembled again.
"Put the coat on," he said again, reaching down to take it out of her bag. She obeyed, wrapping it around her. Softly, he led her out of the room.
What's wrong with me? Why am I trembling?
$%$$%
I'm really sorry...I had writer's block that left me in an idiotic "I can't write, so let me die" state. It took me reading Dune Messiah again to get me back in shape...well, I read a page and a half (my favorite part, too! Alia rocks my socks!) Please review and tell me how it's going...I feel like I'm going downhill in my writing...am I?
##
Ch. 18: The Cottage by the Forest
##
It seemed as if the holiday spirit had finally made a home in Hogwarts. As the Christmas break loomed a little nearer, students spent their quality time doing what every diligent scholar does: go outside for a snowball fight. Sirius used this highly effective study skill to its fullest as he rose to something short of a legend among those who participated in the snowball event. For some reason, no one could figure out how Sirius could seem to disappear for one minute and reappear just behind his next victim.
James, always skeptical, would snort, nudge Remus, Aya, and Lily, and would point to the paw prints in the snow formed from a very large dog. "Cheater," James would say.
The snow fell a little heavier than yesterday's first snowfall, adding even more to the pleasant room about the castle. Aya found it particularly wonderful to curl up by the fire and read Lord of the Rings yet again. Sirius and James engaged in another game of chess. Lily would either watch or nap. Peter would struggle with his homework; and Remus spent most of his time sitting next to Aya.
"Damn it!" Sirius swore as he tossed his knight piece.
Triumphant, James sat back with a grin. "How many wins is that, Padfoot? I think I've lost count."
"Oh, shut up," Sirius growled.
James put his hand behind his head. "I can't wait for the break and see my mum and dad. You going back to your house, Padfoot, or are you gonna stay?"
"Mum told me I've gotta come back home for Christmas," Sirius hissed, his fist clenched. "As if I really want to."
"How about you, Lily?" James said quickly, wanting to mediate Sirius' temper.
"Going back to my parents' house, of course," she replied.
"Even with your sister there?" Sirius said, eyes wide.
"Like I said, I'm going back to my parents' house." Lily's tone was a little on the deadly "I'm-going-to-kill-you-if-you-don't-shut-up-right-here-and-now" tone.
"Oh...right, gotcha there," Sirius retreated.
"Are you going back home, too, Remus? For Christmas and all," Peter asked.
"Yup," Remus replied. "What about you, Aya?"
"Hm?" Aya asked, looking up from her book.
"Christmas...where are you staying?"
"Huh...right here sounds like a good spot," Aya said with a shrug, resuming to her book. There was an outcry from the others that made her jump. Remus was on his feet before the rest of them could even move.
"You can't just stay by yourself! No one in Gryffindor's staying at all! And you'll be by yourself in the dorm the whole time, and you'll spend Christmas by yourself!" Remus cried, slamming his fists together. Aya bit her lip and blushed. "Well, you'll just have to come to my house, then!"
"Maybe it would be best if I had her stay at my house," Lily said, eyeing Remus suspiciously.
What is this, Rent-An-Aya? Remus thought.
"Full moon's on the twenty-ninth, Lily," James said with a curt nod.
"Yeah, so?" she retorted.
"You live in the suburbs. Big problem there," Sirius said.
"Oh."
Aya's blush deepened. "Heh...sorry, Lily," she replied slowly.
"Well, do you want to?" Remus pressed. "Stay at my house for Christmas, that is. I'm sure my parents would love to meet you!"
"Oh, that's alright. I don't want to impose or anything," Aya said quietly.
"Sure, Aya. Whatever you say. The point is, you're coming to my house and that's final," Remus replied as he crossed his arms.
"Um...okay," Aya replied, sinking a little lower in her sitting position. "But, ask your parents first..."
"I'll send an owl right now!" he cried enthusiastically, then ran off through the portrait hole.
"He forgot to write a letter first," Lily said after a time.
"Oh, don't worry. Sooner or later, he'll figure it out," James said as he began to reset the Wizard's Chessboard.
##
"So? What're you packing?"
Remus leaned against the doorway of Lily and Aya's room, a broad smile on his face. "Just got the letter back...my mom's pretty excited, and my dad couldn't be happier."
"And you're sure it's okay?" Aya asked from where she sat on the bed.
"Of course I'm sure!" he said with a laugh. "Now, come on, what're you packing?"
"Um...clothes and a few books."
She brought her tattered suitcase out from under the bed and placed it on top of the bed. Opening it, she began pulling a few clothes out. As she laid some down, Remus, looking over her shoulder, said, "You're gonna freeze to death in those clothes!"
"No I won't," she retorted.
"Oh, yes you will," he replied. "You can borrow my coat and stuff until you get some warm clothes...my mom's an expert at that."
"How many coats do you have, Remus?"
"One."
"Remus!"
"What?"
"That's your winter coat," Aya said, turning to him. "I'm not going to take your only winter coat."
"I have other stuff I can wear that'll suit me just fine," he replied, waving her off. "You need it more than I do."
"Why are you always so stubborn?"
##
The sun glinted off the fresh snow as the carriages, pulled always by their invisible steeds, made their way slowly to the train. As each carriage door opened, the air filled with the clamor of students ready and excited for the Holiday Season.
Remus, stretching a little, helped Aya out of the carriage, an odd grin on his face.
"Let's get some seats quick before anyone else takes them!" he said to her.
##
"It's the Holiday Season," Sirius sang. "And Santa Claus-"
"Shut it, Padfoot, before I stick you," James growled, pressing his hands against his ears.
"Thank you, Mr. Grinch," Sirius muttered, frowning at him.
Remus rolled his eyes and yawned, stretching his arms in the air. Aya laughed quietly to herself and resumed her reading. A soft, ghost of a smile crept along her lips as her eyes scanned the pages. An amused gleam settled into her eyes, and the smile spread.
Remus grinned. This is going to be the best Christmas ever.
##
Elizabeth Lupin shifted her purse from one hand to the other and tapped her foot to the tune of the clock that hung next to the Platform 9 ¾ sign. She strode forward quickly to grasp her little son's hand as he attempted a sudden dash at a crowd of cooing pigeons.
"Not now, Thomas," she scolded.
"Oh, come now, Liz," Isaac Lupin said from behind her, placing a hand on the boy's head. "I'm sure he's bored and more than a little anxious."
"Momma," Thomas pleaded, tugging on his mother's hand, "when's Remus coming? I'm cold and I'm really hungry. Can we get something to eat after? Please, Momma?"
"Soon, and we're having dinner when we get home," Liz answered with a smile, patting the boy's hand as she released him. "Don't go wandering off, don't go near the tracks, and don't bother the pigeons! They're quite viscous!"
"When is that train coming, anyway?" Isaac said absent-mindedly as he pushed himself onto the balls of his feet, scanning the track ahead. "It really is getting cold."
"It'll come on time as usual, dear. Just be patient," Liz replied with a smile.
A loud screech from the train signaled its upcoming arrival. Laughing, Liz turned to her husband with an 'I told you so' look about her. Then she was off, eager to greet her son. Shaking his head, Isaac moved off to fetch young Thomas.
"Remus! Over here, Remus!" Liz called, waving her arms in the air. She saw him look up from the sea of students, brighten as he saw her, and tap a dark-haired girl on the shoulder next to him. The girl smiled and followed closely behind him.
"Mum!" Remus cried as he gave Liz a great big hug. "Merry Christmas, Mum!"
"Hello, dear! My, you seem a bit taller," she answered, kissing him on the top of his head. Blushing, he stepped back and gently brought the dark-haired girl forward.
"Mum, this is Aya," he said, a large grin playing out on his lips.
Aya shyly extended her hand, smiling all the while. Instead, Liz drew the girl into a large hug, laughing. Drawing back, she said, "Pleased to meet you, Aya. I'm Elizabeth. And these two," she motioned towards her husband and youngest son, "are my husband, Isaac, and my youngest, Thomas. Boys, this is Aya."
"An honor, Miss Aya," Isaac beamed, shaking the girl's hand. Thomas, hiding behind his father's leg, waved shyly. "Go on, Thomas, say hello." But Thomas wouldn't budge. "Sorry, he's really shy."
"Hi, there," Aya said with a giggle, bending down to face Thomas. "Remus tells me you like science fiction. Is it true there's a bigger fan out there than I am?"
Laughing, Thomas stepped quickly forward. "I know all about it!" he said proudly.
Liz glanced at Remus and beamed.
Aya laughed. "I don't doubt it at all, Thomas. I like it a lot, too."
"Really?!" he cried, jumping up and down. "Oh! Oh! I can show you all the stuff I've got when we get to our house!"
"Let the girl breathe, Squirt," Remus said, crossing his arms. "Come on, Mum, let's get somewhere warm. It's freezing out here!"
##
"I've never seen Thomas get so acquainted with a new person so fast, Aya," Isaac said with a laugh as he watched the young boy walking backwards in front of her, talking animatedly. "He usually hates strangers."
Aya giggled.
Remus squeezed her hand affectionately.
"Isaac," Liz said, "do you have the car keys?"
"What? Oh, yeah, I do," he answered, rummaging in his pocket.
"Car keys?" Aya whispered to Remus.
"Mum hates Flooing, and since we live on the outskirts of a Muggle town, Dad decided it best to rent a car from the Ministry so he could pick me up from the train station and stuff," Remus answered as he moved to open the car door for her. "Dad works for the Ministry."
"I've never been in a car before," Aya said quietly, her eyes wide as she stepped into the van.
"I want Aya to sit next to me!" Thomas cried from the back seat.
"Well, she's not going to, so buckle up and shut it, Squirt," Remus hissed as he sat down next to her.
"Butthole," Thomas hissed back.
"Shut it, dork," Remus retorted.
Thomas stuck out his tongue; Remus retaliated by slugging the boy on the knee.
"Ow! Mu-um! Remus just socked me on the knee!" Thomas whined.
Liz groaned. "Remus, leave your brother alone and set a good example. Thomas, be quiet. Oh, and to think it was so quiet in the house just hours before."
Aya giggled quietly to herself.
##
"Welcome to our home, Aya," Elizabeth said with a smile as Aya stepped into the large cottage that lay on the edge of the forest. "Remus? Would you show Aya to the guest room?"
"Guest room?" Remus asked questioningly.
"Yes, Remus, the guest room, not your room, understand?" Liz hissed. "You're only sixteen, got it?"
Remus blushed madly. Muttering something to Aya, he took her bag and led her by the hand down the hallway.
"Don't embarrass the boy, Liz," Isaac said as he closed the door behind him. "Thomas, go set the table, okay, son?"
Nodding, Thomas tore off to the kitchen.
"I know, Isaac, but he's still my little boy," Liz said with a sigh. "I do like the young woman, though. There's something in her eyes, and this air about her...I know she's right for Remus."
"But you don't want to let him go," Isaac said with a chuckle as he drew his wife close to him.
"No, I don't. And next year he graduates to go into a society that hates him for what he is," Liz said with a sigh.
"But she understands it, too, Liz. That's what makes it perfect," he replied. Liz giggled.
"Yes, she does, doesn't she?"
##
"Like it?" Remus asked as he set Aya's bag down on the chair.
"I love it! Look, the window looks out into the forest!" Aya said happily as she pushed herself onto her knees on the bed. "Beautiful."
"Ha, I think my mum forgot my room's down the hall," Remus said with a laugh.
"I like her," Aya said, turning to him with a smile. "They're all very sweet, Remus."
Just like you.
She trembled at the thought, and felt an odd sensation run through her. It was different...terrifying...enticing....and beautiful. The feeling was a bittersweet longing, and in that instant, she suddenly saw him in a different light.
She wanted to run away, and yet she wanted to be with him at the same time. The conflict within caused her smile to fade. Aya trembled under the longing and looked back out the window instead, biting her lip.
She closed her eyes and sighed quietly, trying to still her trembling.
"Cold?" he asked, seeing the tremble.
"A little," she said quickly. Why do I feel this way?
"Put on the coat then, silly," he replied with a laugh. "Mum's gonna make dinner. My dad, too. You want to look around and then maybe play some cards?"
"That would be great," she replied, turning to him. Nodding, he smiled and took her hand. The contact sent a shock through her, and she trembled again.
"Put the coat on," he said again, reaching down to take it out of her bag. She obeyed, wrapping it around her. Softly, he led her out of the room.
What's wrong with me? Why am I trembling?
$%$$%
I'm really sorry...I had writer's block that left me in an idiotic "I can't write, so let me die" state. It took me reading Dune Messiah again to get me back in shape...well, I read a page and a half (my favorite part, too! Alia rocks my socks!) Please review and tell me how it's going...I feel like I'm going downhill in my writing...am I?