Disclaimer: Let me just remind you that I do not own Harry Potter or anything that you recognize in this story, the wonderful, fantastic, magnificent, marvelous, amazing, brilliant, beautiful blonde called J.K. Rowling does….love her :) And if you did not know this you need to get out from under that rock you're living under.
So the Bellatrix age thing was really bothering me so I looked it up and Bellatrix is 8! 8! Years older than Sirius! Can you believe that? I just can't imagine. So I have taken liberties with Ms JKR's story and in this particular fanfiction she's only a few years older. Sorry if you could care less or if you really don't like it but I hope you'll bear with me.
Chapter 14
1997:
Harry lay in the dirt for three days. It had to be one of the worst experiences of his life, sitting there, listening to a bunch of werewolves snap and argue amongst themselves, and with the knowledge that at any moment one might smell him and Harry would be attacked. He had to be constantly diligent to make sure he wasn't discovered by the pack of werewolves, they had a keen sense of smell and Harry had rubbed dirt into his skin in hopes of dumb-ing down his human scent.
On the final day Harry ran out of food. The weres had gone hunting and Harry had taken the opportunity to reach in his bags and pull out a bag of snacks (they were Dudley's favorite and so to irk his cousin he had taken them) but when Harry reached into the crinkly foil he found it empty and he had to vanish the trash. Angry with himself, Harry grumbled and removed a second bag from his sack. He should have preformed a Multiplying spell on the food, he realized. He had no idea if he could conjure food or if it was even possible. McGonagall would probably be annoyed with him that he'd forgotten the lesson she'd spent on Gamp's Law.
An opportunity to save or even speak to Remus was becoming ever elusive and Harry was beginning to doubt he'd ever escape alive. The wolves were just too smart and kept up a constant guard so there was no chance of getting snuck up on. Harry was considering leaving, if he was caught, the wolves might kill him or the Order would be forced to send a rescuing party after him. The thought was horrifying because he couldn't imagine someone risking themselves just to come after him because of his own stupidity.
Honestly he had no idea how he had managed to get so close and stay hidden for so long. He hoped it wasn't pure dumb luck, because luck had a bad habit of running out for him.
Harry had a system that he'd developed that revolved around the wolves' schedule. During the day they were usually gone- out hunting or negotiating land treaties with the centaurs. But when the night came they would return to camp and he was able to study the werewolves. He hadn't seen much of Remus, who seemed to blend in with the crowd frighteningly well. Whenever Harry did manage to catch a glimpse of him, he looked healthier and younger. But he was also unhappy and kept to himself. Harry wanted more than anything to find a way of gaining his friends attention but the thought of being torn apart by savage werewolves always stilled him.
Harry had had enough of the reckless saving behavior he leaned toward. It hadn't done Sirius any good and he hoped that if he bide his time, he would be able to get himself and Remus out of the situation. At least this was the thing he knew Hermione would suggest. She'd want Harry to think before he ran into that clearing and shot Stunning Hexes at anything that moved.
Are you happy now, Hermione? Now that you're not around I listen to you. He inwardly chuckled.
Otherwise Harry tried to not move a lot and slept in short naps. This wasn't really healthy but he was too frightened of missing a chance and his nerves were shot.
His observations of the wolves were also growing completely pointless. The wolves weren't attacking any humans or even planning to. From what he'd learned at their nightly meetings the wolves hoped that the wizarding war would allow them to finally reach some measure of solitude from other wizards. And although this view was shared by most of the werewolf clan, Harry had also seen some of the younger wolves complain and had heard hints of mutiny. They wished to join the rising Dark Lord, who had promised the werewolves some measure of freedom and rights.
Harry feared that their naiveté would lead to Remus' death but this view was only a small group of rebels in the pack of almost fifty werewolves.
Harry had also noticed that even though they were called the 'Brotherhood' of the Moon, there were quite a few females scattered in the bunch. They were wildly beautiful with mangy long hair and harsh yellow eyes. The whole of them were skinny as twigs and had sharp pointy teeth which they bared like animals when angry.
But all of these almost useless observations served to annoy Harry. All he wanted was a way to get Remus' attention and either leave him to find Hermione or escape with him to find Hermione.
So Harry waited through the days.
On the third day, there was finally a break in routine.
Harry picked up a red leaf that was lying beside him on the pine needle strewn ground. He could see the veins and vibrant color of the dead leaf and he began to tear it up.
He still couldn't think of any way that he would be able to sneak in among the wolves and attack. Normally he would have already been in there and went straight for Lupin, but he figured the other members of the Brotherhood wouldn't like that and would come after him. So he waited, and waited, for any opportunities.
After the leaf was properly destroyed, Harry turned to the clearing. He lay on his stomach and slowly inched forward so that even the acute hearing of the wolves couldn't detect his shuffling. He could almost sense that something was different in the air, and that the wolves could feel it too. No owls or foxes or raccoons made any sound or seemed to be around, making the whole forest quiet and eerie.
The werewolves appeared through the dense trees and made a tighter circle than usual. They didn't light a fire and Harry shivered. The fire would have normally kept him warm the whole night and the smoke hid his scent. This was bad but he'd probably freeze in the unforgiving winter air before they found him.
All the werewolves were looking into the trees on the exact opposite side of the clearing that Harry was on. Except Lupin who was hiding behind another wolf that he usually sat next to at meetings. Harry couldn't see anything but it looked like the wolves were expecting something to come any moment from the darkness. They sat in total silence and refused to move for what seemed like hours to Harry. They seemed to do this a lot and Harry was curious how they could sit in one attitude for so long.
But Harry's musings were finally broken when all the wolves tensed at the same time and finally Harry could hear a crackling of tree branches and bushes. The thing coming through the trees obviously wanted to make itself known. A final branch was pushed aside and a cloaked figure stepped into the clearing. The figure had a Death Eater's mask to cover his face and walked in long strides. He also carried his wand in plain sight which Harry knew would infuriate the werewolves. There were a few animalistic growls from the crowd and Harry tensed in anticipation. Harry remembered Hagrid's story of the giants he'd told him and Hermione two years ago, about their meetings with Death Eaters, because standing in front of the congregation of werewolves was none other than Lucius Malfoy.
Harry gripped his wand and ignored his pounding heart. He crawled forward, all the time praying his pounding heart wasn't alerting the werewolves to his presence. Lucius stood in front of the growling werewolves calmly and scanned them for the leader.
Finally the biggest male in the circle stood and snapped his teeth. "Who're you to dare enter the Brotherhood of the Moon's territory?"
Many of the werewolves answered the question with fierce growls and howls.
A female stood and bared her sharp canines. "Wizard scum! Leave at once!" Her voice was high and raspy and traveled far for every wolf to hear.
At this announcement there was a collective howl of approval and Harry saw Lucius Malfoy shudder in clear fright. He must have been sickened to be the one to be sent to speak with the werewolves but he must've also been on the Dark Lord's bad side since Draco's failure.
Lucius accepted their screams and protests and tried to hide behind a docile mask but Harry had seen his façade slip for a moment, and so had the gray cloaked leader. He sneered and snapped his menacing jaws once more. "What do you want wizard?" There were catcalls and bellowing laughter coming from the werewolves now and Harry cowered, he'd never seen them act this way before. Usually they led their lives in quiet thoughtfulness and meditation. Now, in the presence of a wizard, their true nature shown through and Harry was petrified. He searched for Lupin's face to reassure him that not everyone in the circle was going crazy. Lupin was difficult to spot in the chaos but Harry wasn't disappointed to see him sitting calmly and studying Malfoy with great care. He could see his favorite teacher's concerned expression as he watched the wolves' violent reaction. Maybe he truly was here as a spy and not to abandon the Order. Harry sincerely hoped so, for Tonk's sake. Harry sucked in his breath. He turned away and focused on the leader again.
Malfoy straightened his back and took two deliberate steps toward the leader then fell to his knees. His nose scraped against the hard dirt as he spoke, "I come in humbled submission before the Brotherhood of the Moon as my Master's voice."
The werewolves quieted slightly at these terms and observed Malfoy and his daring. Then all eyes twisted to their chief.
Glaring down at the intruder, the gray cloaked chief stepped forward so he was towering over Malfoy. "And who is your Master, wizard? Are you wizards even capable of loyalty?" Harry understood immediately. Above all other things loyalty to the pack and his fellow brothers was the number one priority of every member of the Brotherhood of the Moon. Remus had had a hard time of acceptance because of his attempts to live in wizard society and his first abandonment of the pack.
If Lucius did not answer to the wolves' satisfaction he would be killed. Harry gnawed at his lip in fear and anticipation. If only the wolves' would stick to their plan of neutrality Harry knew Voldemort would lose a powerful ally.
The clearing was silent. No wolves moved or growled, Harry was holding his breath, knowing what was coming.
"I serve the all powerful, Dark Lord." Lucius stood once more, his head bowed respectively and a few of the younger wolves shared looks and wolfish grins. There were hisses and growls at the name and many stood and growled at the cowering Malfoy.
Lupin stepped forward. His yellow eyes shone brightly and his hands flexed into fists as he attempted to remain level-headed. He looked like he was on the verge of speaking, probably to tell Malfoy to get lost and Harry watched eagerly. The familiar face was comforting but he was slightly ashamed to realize that he wondered if Remus would disappoint him.
Harry felt blood drip from the bite he'd given himself on his lips. The blood fell from his chin and splashed to the ground. He wiped his chin and stared at his red fingers uncomprehendingly.
The chief suddenly went stiff. His hairs bristled and he sniffed the air hungrily. "Shut up!" His voice was harsh and throaty. The werewolves went silent and stared at him in surprise. He spun on the spot and his eyes roamed the trees. "Don't you smell it?" He was practically screaming and his eyes were becoming more dangerous by the moment. He shook from head to foot and he completely ignored the form of Malfoy still splayed across the ground.
A few other wolves sniffed the atmosphere and immediately became just as crazy as the leader. "BLOOD!" A younger wolf screamed and cracked his knuckles in anticipation. Wolves howled and glared around into the trees.
Harry licked his broken lip and stood slowly. He'd run, they'd catch him, but he'd run.
"Wounded deer?" An elder was shuffling in between the crazed youngsters and heading to the leader.
With as much control that he had left the chief shook his head. "No. Human." His scream filled the air as his back cracked and the bones across his body shifted and grew. Control disappearing with the scent of blood.
Harry was shaking from fright. His palms sweaty and his legs jelly. He fled. If he lived through this he'd never doubt Hermione again, he really did have a saving-people-thing that need to be taken care of immediately.
Harry leapt over rocks and roots of ancient trees, making a mad dash for the edge of the forest. He knew he'd never make it that far but maybe he could find a way to get Dobby's attention and find help.
Harry leapt over a bush and pumped his legs harder. He refused to be caught. He'd escaped deranged Death Eaters, soul-sucking Dementors, giant man-eating spiders, revenge-seeking Centaurs and the most evil wizard the wizarding world had ever known, Voldemort. He could outrun a couple werewolves.
But a root seemed to jump in front of him out of nowhere and Harry found himself scrambling across the forest floor. Panic set in when he heard a howl behind him and another drop of blood dripped down his chin. He swiped at the liquid furiously and jumped to his feet.
He ran harder and faster and further than he had in his life but the howls and yelps only grew louder and closer. Harry kept it up for longer than he could've hoped. It was nearing morning but he was also exhausted. He didn't think he could run for another moment but he'd go as far as he could.
He was close to collapsing when he jumped a fallen log and hit his shoulder on a low hanging branch. A gash appeared in his right shoulder and Harry gasped in pain before he stumbled and fell against the nearest tree.
His heart pounded and blood rushed to his head, making him dizzy and disorientated. White spots blurred his vision and he felt his body go limp. The lack of sleep and the stinging wound were clouding his head and confusing him. He was on the ground, giving up. But that was okay wasn't it? He must have been running for hours.
After everything he'd had to go through these past sixteen years, he was going to die. Leaving the Dursley's, that first boat ride across the lake, finding Sirius, losing Sirius, finding a family in the Weasleys, facing Voldemort in that graveyard, becoming the Triwizard Tournament Champion, meeting Ron and Hermione, and Ginny. Always Ginny.
Harry's eyes filled with tears as he recalled her bright brown eyes and her long red hair swinging around her shoulders. How he'd miss her kindness and the sweet smell of flowers that followed her. And the last thing he'd said to her was that he wanted to break up. What a fool he'd been.
But Ron would take care of her. And she'd find some other wizard…Anger built in Harry's chest and dried his unshed tears. The injustice of it all was infuriating. Why'd Voldemort have to pick him that night? At this moment he could be with his parents, Ron and Hermione, and Ginny. But no, the evil bastard just had to make those damn Horcruxes and take everything away from him.
If he lived, Harry was going to kill him. He was going to make Voldemort regret the day Severus Snape came to him with that Prophecy and the day he stepped into Godric's Hollow. Voldemort would pay.
But if he didn't live… Voldemort would win and no one would ever remember his Horcruxes but Ron.
He just wished he knew where Hermione was. What if she'd been captured by Death Eaters and he'd done nothing but sit in a forest for three days and get himself killed. This thought was making him feel guilty and more than anything he wished he could take one last stand.
Would his father be ashamed his son would die on his knees?
Harry gritted his teeth and, ignoring the pain in his shoulder and aching legs, he stood.
Finally a bush rustled in front of him and he almost fainted with relief. "Remus!" He felt sick and licked his lips and tried to calm his pounding heart. Lupin stepped closer to him.
"Oh Harry. What are you doing here?" His voice was so kind. And Harry was so weak. He fell forward and Lupin caught him. Leaning him against the tree Lupin pushed hair out of Harry's sweaty face. "Oh Harry." He said again.
"Hermione…where's Hermione?" Harry gripped the front of Lupin's cloak and the ragged werewolf tried to hide his pained expression.
"Does anyone know where you are Harry?" Lupin tapped Harry's cheek but his eyes were fluttering closed and Lupin could only watch as Harry fell into unconsciousness. They were both doomed and it was his entire fault.
After his memories had returned, every bloody detail of the witch he loved, Remus had almost lost his mind. Luckily or unluckily, it had been the full moon and his human senses and feelings had taken a backseat for one night. This had allowed Remus to cope but it had also led him into the fold of the Brotherhood.
Lupin knew he was weak. He had Tonks waiting for him and Harry and the rest of the Order, but he'd chosen the wrong way to deal with his problems…running.
And now Harry had followed him and they were both dead.
The trees were pushed aside once more and three more werewolves came into view.
The leader had calmed down during the chase and was now only hunting the human for questioning, or pride. If he'd seen any of their meetings he would have to be killed. No humans were allowed in their ranks. As he pushed closer through the trees and came across Remus he smiled. "Good job, Remus."
Remus looked up and bowed his head. "I know him."
The chief nodded, Remus had spent most of his life with humans, had tried to be a part of an unforgiving and cruel society. The Brotherhood was much more forgiving. "Did he follow you?"
Remus turned back to Harry. Harry was like a son to him. "Probably." He whispered and brushed his bangs aside to reveal the lightning shaped scar.
The Chief showed no reaction to the scar but turned away from Remus and the young wizard. "You have condemned him."
Remus lifted the unconscious figure of Harry and cradled him like a small child. "I know the consequences." But already a plan was forming in Lupin's head as he planned a way for them to get out of here alive.
Nodding, the chief turned away and headed back to the clearing where the other werewolves would be waiting. He shook his head in anger. Two humans in one night, what is this world coming too?
O
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O
Harry woke up painfully slow.
His first feeling was that his arm was stinging. No, burning. There was something wrong with it but Harry was no healer and he would need some damn light to see what to do about it anyway. Harry tried to sit up. He hissed and scrunched his eyes when jabs of pain shot up his arm and into his sluggish brain.
He could feel the dull ground beneath him and he knew from the split second his eyes had been open that everything was pitch black.
What could he remember? Where was he?
A wave of nausea rolled over him and Harry was forced to roll to his uninjured side and release the contents of his stomach. He already didn't have much to eat and this was just a waste. Sweat dripped down his face and chills were being to shake his body. What was wrong with him?
He gently touched his upper arm, where he was injured and sucked in a breath of pain. The wound had gone un-cleaned. He could feel flakes of dried blood dust his fingers and he was worried that he could feel some dirt. It was a simple injury and would've been an easy heal but now that it was in this state…
Harry closed his eyes and tried to remember what exactly had happened.
He'd been running. Then…Lupin….yes, Lupin had come out of the forest and he'd….fainted? No that was ridiculous. He'd fallen unconscious. That sounded better.
But that still didn't explain why he was now in a tent . Maybe Lupin had tried to take him back to the castle but had…
Frustrated with the lack of information, Harry shifted until he was in a position to stand. His arm was throbbing but he ignored it. If he could just get to the tent's entrance and yell for Lupin then they could go after Hermione. Harry pushed off the ground and immediately fell back to his knees. Bright lights flashed in his vision and blinded him. It was too soon to be standing.
Harry closed his eyes and tried to focus on something besides the pain in his arm and head. "Remus?" Harry shouted as best he could but his throat was dry. He cleared it and tried again. "Remus?"
There was no answer and Harry began to worry. Maybe the wolves had caught up to Remus and himself and now they were prisoner. But that didn't explain why he was alive, why he wasn't tied up, or worse.
Harry frantically searched his person for his wand and groaned when he couldn't find it anywhere. He was definitely a prisoner. Remus wouldn't have taken his only weapon, but maybe he dropped it while he was running through the forest. A pang of regret hit Harry at the thought that he might have lost his wand in the woods. There would be no way to retrieve it from this vast forest.
He would try one more time and if his head was still spinning he'd just have to crawl to that tent door.
So he dug his hands into the dirt floor and slowly pushed himself up to his hands and knees. His injured arm was trembling so he put more pressure on his legs but he doubted he could stand. Harry shuffled across the ground in a strange looking limp-crawl until he reached the tent flap. He listened for a moment to see if he could hear anything, hopefully Remus, moving around but there was nothing. Reassured, Harry lifted his left hand to push the fabric away and was rewarded with the view of a pair of legs standing in his way.
Harry yelped and leapt back, pain shot up is arm in waves but he was more frightened by what he'd seen outside his tent.
He was in the werewolf encampment, with Lucius Malfoy standing right outside his tent.
Frozen in terror on his back Harry tried to regain some form of balance back as three figures entered the tent. He could see by the light of Malfoy's wand tip, Lucius Malfoy, the werewolves' leader and Remus.
Lucius looked smug, which was a disturbing thought. If Lucius was happy then it couldn't mean good things for Harry. Not even Remus' blank expression was reassuring him. Remus was looking stalwartly down at the floor, refusing to meet Harry's questioning gaze. This was really bad. The leader looked as if he had a duty to complete that he wasn't particularly happy about but it needed to be done.
"Boy. What have you come here for?"
"R-R-Remus." Harry was furious his voice was shaking but there wasn't much he could do for the terror building in his chest. They would kill him. They might even let Malfoy do it.
"He is no longer a part of your world wizard. You should have let us be." The leader said simply.
"This wizard is disgrace, a vagabond, a criminal." Malfoy lied through his teeth.
Harry tried to protest but Remus turned to Malfoy and snapped his teeth in warning. "Shut up."
The leader watched the exchange in amusement before turning once again to Harry. "How long have you been living in that bush boy?"
"I wasn't living in any bush." Harry said. "I just wished to speak with…my father." The leader raised his eyebrow and Malfoy laughed. Remus looked at Harry in horror and Harry realized he had said the wrong thing. He had hoped saying Remus was family would appeal to the leaders better nature but they must know who he was. "I was only there for a few moments."
"See. He is a liar." Malfoy pointed at the prone boy. His eyes were filled with madness and he gritted his teeth in a grotesque smile. "You should kill him."
"Nonsense." Remus said. "He is only a child." Remus sounded calm but Harry could see the fear in Remus' eyes. It filled him with dread and a strange acceptance.
"He is your charge Remus." The leader said with finality and headed to the entrance of the tent. "Do not disappoint me." These words scared Harry more than anything but then the man was gone and Harry could breathe again.
Malfoy also left without a backwards glance.
Remus dropped to Harry's side and examined his injured arm, which Harry had forgotten about in the last few minutes. "You're going to be alright Harry, I promise."
"But Remus, what about all these werewolves? The guards? Malfoy? How exactly are we supposed to get out of here?" Harry sighed and gently moved away from Remus. "How could you leave Lupin?"
O
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1976:
Lily rolled up the finished potion's essay and stuffed it in her bag. "Finally!"
Snape sat next to her and glanced at the rolled up parchment. "Do you want me to look at it?"
"That won't be necessary." Lily smiled. Things had been going well between her and Snape. It was almost like their first few years of being friends again, and not the rocky, uncertain relationship they'd had since James took a fancy to her in third year. Sev was managing to remain neutral about her friendships with the Marauders and although she'd sometimes see him glaring at James and Sirius he never mentioned them.
"Lily…I was wondering..." Snape seemed to be struggling with words, which was very unusual for him. Snape was very sharp with his words and never wasted them; he always planned out what he wanted to say and how the things he said were perceived. It was a Slytherin trait that she admired, but sometimes he would slip and say something hurtful or on a whim, like when he'd called her a mudblood.
Lost in her musings, Lily missed Remus entering the library and coming to find a seat at the table with Sev and herself.
"Hello Lily. Snape."
"Hello." Lily said pleasantly. Snape merely nodded and scribbled something out on his paper, obviously what he wanted to tell her he couldn't say in front of others. "What are you here for?" Lily tried to continue the conversation. Sev was useless at that sort of thing.
"Well we have prefect duties tonight." Remus said. He glanced at Snape, who ignored him.
"I'll meet you in a moment." Lily sighed. She'd completely forgotten and was grateful for Remus' thoughtfulness. Remus said goodbye to Snape before leaving the library once again.
"What did you want to say Sev?" Lily asked as she packed her bag and stood. "I have to go so…"
Snape frowned at his essay before returning Lily's stare. Sometimes when he looked at her his gaze was very intense, like he wanted to pull her away from everyone and speak privately. He was a shy person, so it wasn't really surprising but sometimes his intenseness concerned her. "What did you want for Christmas?"
Lily could tell immediately this wasn't what he'd wanted to say because he turned away at the last moment and wasn't meeting her eyes.
"Treacle Tarts. Same as always." Lily said. If he wanted to talk he knew where to find her.
Snape almost smiled. "I get you those every year Lily. Are you sure you don't want anything?"
"You know they're my favorite." Lily called over her shoulder as she followed Remus out of the library.
Lily turned the corner and found the teen leaning against the wall, waiting for her. Remus looked up as she approached him. "Hey. Are you ready?"
Lily patted her robes to make sure she still had her prefects badge before nodding and they began patrolling together.
They did this for several hours in relative silence. It wasn't an awkward one though. Remus was a pleasant person, it was hard to feel uncomfortable around him. She was used to patrolling with him at least once a week since fifth year and they had always done it quietly. She thought that this might have something to do with the fact that he was always around Sirius and James who were very loud and boisterous and Remus just didn't seem like he had that kind of personality. He was very studious and thoughtful, but she disapproved of the fact that he didn't try harder to control James and Sirius. He was a prefect and he should've at least attempted to stop them from teasing Severus, but he never did.
This hadn't stopped Lily from keeping his secret though. Lily knew that Remus was a werewolf. She'd guessed in second year when his absences became a monthly thing. But she had identified with him on a certain level, he was like her, an outcast because of something he could not control. Him a werewolf and her a muggleborn. So she'd kept his secret and even when Severus had voiced his suspicions she'd tried to steer him away from the thought. She didn't want Remus to have to leave Hogwarts because on some level she'd believed that she would have to leave too.
Now of course she knew this wasn't true but she wanted Remus to stay because he was a good, kind person and an excellent Prefect…most of the time.
"How's Hermione?" Remus asked surprisingly and Lily had to think on the answer she was so surprised he'd spoken.
"She's good. She feels pretty bad about the whole Sirius thing." Lily rolled her eyes. "Is no not in the Marauder's vocabulary or something?"
Remus laughed and shook his head. His hair was getting a little long and was brushing the top of his eyes. "I guess not."
Lily sighed but now that they were on the topic…"Remus have you noticed that Hermione doesn't ever write anyone?" He suddenly looked very uncomfortable and avoided meeting her eyes as he answered.
"I'm sure she's written someone."
"No. No I've been checking because I was concerned and now I've come to find out she's not going home for Christmas." Lily stopped. Maybe she'd given away too much but she just very concerned for her new friend. Hermione was a sweet girl who worked hard at everything she did but Lily wouldn't turn a blind eye to something suspicious. "She speaks to you a lot. Have you talked about her home life or anything?"
"I don't think you should worry about it too much Lily." Remus said firmly and the conversation once again came to a halt, but for the first time it was slightly awkward.
He's hiding something. They both are. And I'm going to find out what it is. Lily thought with certainty.
O
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Sirius was levitating a pillow over James' head while he read over Peter's essay.
"Do you have to do that?" Said James in a very annoyed tone.
Sirius sighed and flicked his wand, making the pillow soar across the room and land on Remus' bed. "Why can't we go bother Snivellus again?"
"Because Lily wouldn't like it." James said simply and crossed out an incorrect fact on the essay. He'd finally caught on to school work and was performing much better in all of his classes thanks to Hermione. He could even check Peter's work and help his own friends out now. Remus had become terribly busy since Halloween. The younger years were restless and eager for the term to end, making them rowdier than ever. He'd been grateful when James offered to read over Peter's essay.
Sirius groaned before rolling over and screaming into his pillow. "ARGH!"
"What was that Padfoot? I can't hear you?" James chuckled.
Sirius turned his head to glare at James. "Oh shut up! All I hear from you is Lily this and Lily that!"
James shrugged and a smirk fell on his face. "What? Is that bitterness I detect?"
Peter clapped his hands and laughed at Sirius' dark expression. Sirius growled before taking his pillow and trying to toss it at James' head. It missed and hit the wall behind him.
Now James was laughing too. "Aren't you supposed to be a beater? You're losing your touch Sirius! With woman and sport!"
Peter was laughing even harder now and rolled off his bed.
"She didn't say no alright!" Sirius huffed as he paced in front of his bed. "She didn't!"
James tried not to laugh anymore as he set down his work. "What would you call it then?"
"We came to an understanding."
James and Peter burst into more hysterics and Sirius sighed. "Oh alright she thinks I'm a bloody stalker."
"I told you didn't I? I told you, you were making an arse of yourself." James scolded.
"Let's not talk about that." Sirius waved off Hermione's refusal of him. It had hurt but now he could see what she was talking about, to her (as strange as he might think it was) Sirius Black was forty and her best friend's Godfather. At least she'd agreed to come to the Slug Club thingy with him. It saved a little of his ego. Until Prongs and Wormtail had to bloody beat it up again. Eventually he'd convince her he really did like her, but not today. "How are you and Lily?" Sirius looked at James eagerly (eager to change the subject, more like). Peter also sat up and looked between James and Sirius.
"Much better. The fair maiden has not demanded I leave her side in some time."James bowed and Peter laughed gaily from his position on the floor.
"Has she lost her mind then Prongs?" Peter called and Sirius snickered.
"More like come to her senses." James said with a smile. He shut his book and started to move towards his trunk. After digging around in it for a moment he pulled the Marauder's Map from its depths. The boys grinned wickedly as they jumped from their beds and crowded around the paper.
They could immediately make out the normal behavior of various Hogwarts habitants, Dumbledore pacing in his office, Remus and Lily patrolling the corridors and Snape twiddling his thumbs in the library near the potion section.
"You see!"
"No. I'm afraid I don't see my dearest friend." Sirius smirked.
James jabbed a finger at Snape's dot in earnest. "He's not following her around like a lost puppy! This calls for a celebration!" James jumped up and preformed a victory dance around the dorm to Sirius and Peter's amusement.
"Congratulations Prongs. But need I remind you of their little heart to heart only a few days ago?" Sirius shrugged.
But James didn't lose his smile, instead he shook his finger at Sirius. "But now that they're friends again, why is she still allowing me to even stand in the same room eh?"
Peter contemplated this for a moment. "That is strange."
"See! She fought to be friends with us, and has won!" James jumped up onto a bed and bowed several more times. "I. Am. A. Genius."
"Oi! Get off!" Sirius growled when he saw James' trainers leaving large dirt smears on his bedding. He tackled his friend and they playfully wrestled while Peter cheered from the sidelines. Without Remus around to facilitate, rough housing was normal.
"Alright! Alright you win!" James laughed from beneath the victorious Sirius.
"What? The arrogant Mr. Potter has admitted defeat?" Peter snorted.
"Very funny Wormtail. Now get this big oaf off me."
Sirius playfully smacked the back of James' head before standing and helping his friend up. "So does this mean you don't want me to do that thing we talked about?"
"What?" Peter asked curiously. Sometimes Peter felt a little out of the loop. Especially lately. The arrival of this Hermione girl had really changed the dynamics of the Marauders friendship. Sirius was always chasing her tail like, well, a dog. Remus and James were always studying with her or asking advice on ways to get on Lily Evan's good side. She even got on with Snape of all people. But she had made a point of avoiding him. It still bothered Peter even though he had decided to ignore it a few weeks ago, but he had a senseless desire to fit in. Maybe it was because of his shy personality or the way he admired his great friends but he hadn't really found a way to stand out. His mother had always told him he'd grow into his role but Peter had to admit he couldn't seem to get out from under his highly talented friends' shadows.
If only I was as charismatic as James, as intelligent as Remus or as handsome as Sirius, maybe then she'd pay attention to me. Peter had thought quite a lot of this fact since fifth year.
He wasn't thinking of Hermione of course. But the seventh year girl he'd been crushing on since fifth year. She was quite beautiful with straight brown hair and the most perfect set of lips he'd ever seen on a witch.
He'd never told the other Marauders of his affections because Peter had a sinking feeling they would tease him for it and he could never work up the courage to approach her.
Embarrassed, Peter realized he'd once again zoned out of the conversation to think of her.
"Like I said James, I can't tell you what I plan on doing but it will end all our problems with Snivellus." Sirius crossed his arms confidently and stalked over to his desk.
"I don't like that you won't tell me the plan Padfoot. It makes me suspicious." Grinned a jovial James.
"Tell me Sirius!" Peter tried to join the discussion again.
"Afraid I can't old boy." Sirius smirked as he leaned against the desk. His position was confident and cool, his hair effortlessly falling into what looked like a haphazard manner but actually took hours to perfect. "But you'll know when I've pranked our old nemesis, you'll know. You just make sure you ask little Red to the Slug Club Ball and I'll do the rest."
"If this prank is dangerous Sirius-" James warned but was cut off by Sirius.
"Oh bugger off Prongs. It's just a little fun."
Sirius and James glared at each other for a moment before James gave up and shook his head.
"You've planned a prank without us?" Peter asked, a little slow on the uptake.
Sirius shrugged before grinning wolfishly at Peter. "And who are you taking to the Slug Club Ball Wormtail?"
James rolled his eyes at Sirius' actions. He'd very unsubtly changed the subject.
"Well I- I- I'm not actually a part of the Slug Club." Peter flushed when he thought of his crush immediately at Sirius' words.
"That's no big deal. There will probably be so many people there, they won't notice one or two more." Sirius pointed out.
"There is this one girl." Peter muttered. He had never planned on telling his friends about his crush but Sirius was known for his smoothness with woman. Hermione had been the first to ever reject him without a backwards glance. Maybe Sirius could help him talk to her.
"Who?" James asked. James had never noticed Peter liking anyone before. For some reason it was a rather unsettling idea. Peter was so much like his rat alter-ego that James had never considered he would date.
"Whoever she is, she won't be able to resist a Marauder." Sirius chuckled from his bed and Peter flushed. He really had been on the verge of telling them but now he could feel himself closing off.
"It's not a big deal." Peter brushed off. But he could still feel the blush around his collar and he cursed himself silently.
O
O
O
"Remus, do you think I did the right thing?"
"Sure."
"That's convincing." Hermione grumbled.
Remus chuckled and set aside his essay for Charms. "Sirius is sensitive, but it's not as if he was in love with you Hermione." Hermione raised an eyebrow and Remus laughed at her dubious expression.
"Remus. Sirius has been borderline stalker since I've gotten here. But I'm his friend and I do care about his feelings… How do you turn someone down gently?"
Remus shrugged. "There's nothing gentle about rejecting someone's feelings."
"But he knows we're friends doesn't he?"
Remus sighed. "Sirius…" He was searching for a polite way of saying it but no word was coming to mind. "He's not very mature." He finally said, bluntly. But Hermione nodded in understanding. "Eventually he'll realize that our reign at Hogwarts is coming to an end but for now he'll remain a smarmy git."
Hermione raised her eyebrow. "He's not that bad."
Absurd feelings flared up in Remus' chest but he shook it off. "Sirius is my best friend, but he's a little insensitive."
"I know how that is…" Hermione trailed off, thinking of her own red-haired best friend.
"Don't you have a girl friend you can talk about this kind of stuff with?" Remus sighed. He loved spending time with Hermione. But they always seemed to go to these kinds of topics and he was tired of acting the concerned friend. He'd been around Sirius and James enough to know when a boy was dangerously close to the friend zone….Not that there was anything wrong with being friends with Hermione. Remus glanced up at her surprised face and immediately regretted voicing his opinion.
"I guess Lily would-"
"Sorry. Sorry. I'd like to hear this." Remus cleared his homework away from the table in the Gryffindor Common Room and turned to give Hermione his full attention.
It was mid- November, a few days after Hermione had told Sirius to shove it and she was still harboring loads of guilt.
"You're going to that Slug Club thing with him aren't you?" Remus asked nonchalantly but truly he was curious.
"I thought it would be better than just saying no outright. Now he can't say we didn't try." Hermione frowned. "Do you have someone to go with?"
"Doriana." Remus sighed and shrugged it off. The girl had practically demanded he attend with her. The damn Ball was a week before the full moon so it wasn't as if he could use that as an excuse. "But I think you can go with him. Just so long as he knows it's as friends. And he said it was okay if you said no. That almost sounds like he was expecting it." Remus nodded his head and watched Hermione's expression go from dubious to relief.
"That's true."
"This will be good for him."
"He has been a little…." Hermione hesitated.
"Obsessive? Demanding?" Remus filled in and was rewarded with a smile.
"He probably knows how many freckles I have. The boy is mad." Hermione rolled her eyes and waved her quill in annoyance.
Remus smiled before reaching out for Hermione's cheek. "That's easy Hermione. You have 78 freckles." Remus brushed his thumb over her cheek and was rewarded when Hermione's cheek grew hot.
"W-w-what?" She almost shrieked and it took all the control he had for Remus not burst out laughing.
"I'm kidding."
Hermione laughed and Remus enjoyed the sound of it for just a few moments before joining her. He loved the way she would throw her head back when she was really laughing. Her lips were perfect for smiling and laughing as well, the bottom part slightly larger than the top and shaped like a bow. More than anything in that moment he wanted to trace their sweet outline with the rough padding of his thumb. To lean as close as he had that day by the lake, but his time he would find the courage to actually kiss those gentle, perfect lips. Remus blushed at the thoughts invading his head. He realized he still was holding her cheek and he quickly dropped it to her shoulder.
"You had me going for a second there." Hermione shook her head and tried to ignore the warmth of his hand on her shoulder. It was very there. In fact, all of Remus was just there. Lately, no matter how hard she tried to ignore it, she was constantly aware of Remus' presence. When he wasn't there it was distressing to her, she wondered where he could be or who he could be with. But at the same time, when he was with her, she couldn't stop thinking about touching him, talking to him, or even looking at him, it was complete torture either way. It was almost driving her to insanity.
Remus chuckled before reluctantly moving his hand off her shoulder. She was so soft. "Well I am a Marauder. We're naturally mischievous."
There it is. Remus thought as she let out another trill of laughter. Remus wished he could close his eyes to just enjoy the musical sound but she had finished and was standing up.
"Walk with me?" Hermione asked and Remus jumped up.
"Where are you off to this fine evening?" Remus grabbed his things and hastily dumped them in his bag so he wouldn't hold her up.
"Dinner."
Remus wanted to throw himself off the astronomy tower for his stupidity. "I completely forgot the time, I'm sorry."
Hermione smiled. "It's alright, I forgot too."
They started toward the Great Hall together. Hermione studied Remus out of the corner of her eye.
What am I doing?
Guilt hit Hermione like a brick wall. After everything with Sirius, here she was flirting with Remus.
But it just came so effortlessly with him, she felt lighter, safer with him around. It was the only time she could forget that she was in danger of destroying her entire future.
More guilt attacked her heart when she remembered that Remus wouldn't remember anything that had happened between them anyway. She needed to step back and try to distance herself somehow. But it was so hard now that she was so involved with these people, she'd made the mistake of befriending them and now it was too late to do anything.
It was a sobering thought and Remus noticed Hermione drooping. "Are you okay?"
"What?" Hermione looked up in surprise; she hadn't realized she'd been brooding until Remus called her back. "Yeah I'm fine." She said lamely. She nervously licked her dry lips and brushed her irritating hair from her eyes.
Those lips. Remus groaned inwardly as she licked her lips and pushed a strand of hair out of her innocent brown eyes. She was so intoxicating. Why did she have this effect on him? A wave of strawberry scent accosted his nose as she pulled her hair into a ponytail and he could see smooth skin.
Remus cleared his throat and forced himself to look away. I need a butterbeer.
O
O
O
"I was thinking more of a lilac shade." Doriana explained to an annoyed Hermione and polite Lily.
"Lilac would go good with your skin." Lily said simply. "I'd like white for myself." These were the first words she'd been able to get in edgewise to Doriana's monologue. Since dinner had started all she could talk about was this annoying, stupid, completely pointless Slug Club bloody Ball.
James' eyes glazed over as he imagined Lily in a white dress, the picture of innocence.
"What about you Hermione?" Doriana asked.
"Periwinkle."
"You'd look lovely in anything love." Sirius smirked and Hermione gave him a warning glare.
"What about that hair of yours?" Doriana gestured to the wild curls that trailed down Hermione's back.
"Excuse me?" Hermione hissed. She was still a little sore about the hair and honestly she didn't think was anything wrong with it. She gripped her goblet and Remus could see the fierce twinkle in her expressive eyes. He smiled into his goblet and decided not to warn Doriana.
"What are you going to do with it?"
"I will do whatever I please with my hair and I won't need your permission or approval to do it." Hermione said angrily.
Doriana's eyes widened but she shrugged. "Whatever."
Hermione was about to respond to Doriana's less than intelligent response but Sirius intervened. Sirius chuckled as he slung an arm around Hermione's shoulders. "Ladies, you're all lovely."
Hermione turned red with anger and embarrassment and was about to yell at Sirius next when a girl approached their side of the table.
"Hello." The girl had a soft voice and only those closest to her looked up at her greeting. She was brunette, with long hair that trailed down to the small of her back and had wide blue eyes.
Hermione was surprised to see Peter sputter into his drink and turn an interesting shade of burgundy.
"Marlene!" Lily said as she jumped up to hug the girl and Hermione, realizing who she was, hid in her goblet. Marlene McKinnon? The girl who'd been a member of the first Order and whose family had been very prominent witches and wizards before they were murdered by Voldemort and his Death Eaters?
"You've been hiding from me!" Lily accused while everyone returned to their dinners, except for Hermione, who was listening closely to the exchange (curiosity getting the better of her) and Peter.
"Sorry dear. These O.W.L.s have been a bitch. Don't come back next year if you can help it." The curse sounded strange with her soft voice but from what Hermione knew of her, Marlene was a very powerful witch. Her blue eyes twinkled as she teased the redhead.
Hermione looked away from Marlene in time to see Peter staring intently at the pretty witch. His gaze was similar to when he'd look at Remus, Sirius or James but now his expression was softer, the emotion stronger than admiration.
He must have sensed her stare because he turned his head and, after meeting Hermione's gaze, turned even redder than he had when Marlene had come to talk to Lily.
A/N: I'm cruel. Bwahahaha *winks* I like this chapter much more than the last one, hope you agree. Please don't be impatient with me. I know things are happening pretty slow but I don't want Remus and Hermione to be in love for no reason whatsoever. Although they're perfect for each other ahaha. But some of you might find the next chapter more rewarding *hint hint* *winks again*.