Bad Love

by keeperoliver

Harry's thinking brought him to the conclusion that he no longer wished to be a pawn. No one has shown him any love. No one has taken the time to say they loved him. He would now return the favor. Mrs. Rowling owns Harry's world, I just like to play in it.

10. Chapter 10

Bad Love Keeperoliver Chapter 10

Remus had been trying to figure out how to talk with Harry alone when he arrived at Hogwarts. He knew that once they arrived, they would be surrounded by all of his friends, asking him what he thought would be the best plan of action, and what he thought they should train in. Remus and Tonks along with Alastor had gone over what they thought might be needed in the fight against the Dark Lord and his minions. The question was, were the students strong enough to complete the training.

This was all something that they needed to talk about after the Hols. It was the time for all to share time with friends and family. Time to celebrate the birth of the son of he who gave us life. The son who gave up his life so that our sins could be forgiven. This was not the time to talk about war, or battles.

For Remus, it was also the time to talk to Harry about matters Remus knew nothing about. In all honesty, Harry probably knew as little as he did, but he was the only link Remus had with the Marauders, or Lily, his greatest friends. Minus Peter of course. He needed to talk with Harry to explain his feelings, and to ask him to understand what he was going through. Remus was experiencing a feeling that was alien to him. He had never felt this way before, and it was driving him mad. He wished he had someone that was closer to him than Harry, not that he didn't like him. It was just that he needed someone closer to his age to confide in.

And now, he had an even greater obstacle to get past. Dobby had arrived to tell the three that Harry had someone new he wished to present to them and he wanted them to get to know him. As if Remus did not have enough to get past, now he had to play nursemaid to another warrior chosen by Harry. Remus knew that the DA was a brilliant idea that Hermione conceived, and it gave the students a much better chance at survival. It was just that Remus felt they needed more adults to add to their ranks. Harry told them that there were now over 200 students in the DA, and that meant there were nearly 100 for each of the adults to take under wing. He knew that the Professors would be there for help, but they still had the school to run. He also knew that Molly did not like the idea of children fighting against fully trained adults that were bent on killing. There would be no way to get her to help train the students, or Arthur either.

The three of them would be joining the students in two days at Hogwarts. Harry said he had a place for them to stay, and that they would join them in the celebration for Christmas. What Harry had planned was not known by the three, but if the twins had a part in it, it looked to be an interesting evening.

Remus was stopped from further thoughts when he was called to dinner by Tonks. He joined Alastor and her in the kitchen where Kreacher was serving the food.

BL-}

Death thought that things would calm down now that he lost the presence of Sirius Black. This was not the case. Cleo took the loss bleakly, but Marie was going out of control. She was stirring up trouble by demanding what Death had done to her beloved Sirius. DEMANDING, AS IF HE WERE SUBJECT TO HER WHIMS!

He had some very long and very stern talks with her, but it didn't tone down her torrent of heated words for all to hear. Death tried to have her put in the desolation hole, but once out she started all over again.

For the first time that he ever could think of, he was considering sending her back to the living. Yes, he had the power to do so, but he never thought that it would become necessary to do so. Sirius was a different situation, as he was still alive. With Marie being dead, it would take the act of replacing her, which was not really a problem, as there were new arrivals every day. Nothing was ever said about the person having to accept the exchange in order to approve it. Since the situation never arose, it was never put to the test.

Marie was always a good citizen of his domain, and he often wondered why she was sent here. She may have been a little spoiled while living, but nothing to sentence her to his domain. She could have been placed between worlds for a short period to see how she would respond, but that did not happen. Death always thought that the haughty do gooders always placed their morals way to high for acceptance into their realm, not that he minded. It meant a bigger share of the lost souls sent to his domain.

So, with that being the case, it might be alright for Death to send back Marie and not get too much back lash for the act. What could they do, send him to his domain? Death sent for Marie, to ask her to calm down before he made his decision. If she refused to calm down, then a more permanent stay in the solitude hole. If she did calm down, then he would consider sending her back to the living, as sort of redemption for what he thought was a wrong placement. He would have to call Sirius Black back to accept her, but he saw no problem with that.

Death made a visit to the living once again to speak to Black and to see if he would come back to claim Marie. When he appeared to Sirius in his dreams, it was so surprising to him, that he woke up immediately, only to find Death standing at the foot of his bed. He was in his youthful form, which made the event even more confusing to Sirius. "What is the meaning of this sir?"

"Sirius Black, I have come to see if you would sponsor the return of one that is dead. You are under no obligation to do so, it is just that I feel the individual may have been judged rather harshly. Would you consider doing this for one you met while taking up residence in my domain?"

"You say I met this person? Did I know him or her very well?"

"You did."

"Can you tell me if it is a male or female?"

"I cannot."

"Will I meet this person before accepting this responsibility?"

"You will."

"Does it have to be here, or will I have to return to your domain?"

"You will have to return, but it will not be for too long of a period."

"How long is that?"

"You ask many questions Sirius Black, but I will answer this last question. You will be returned before this night is through."

"Then I will go with you to see who it is you wish me to accept. If I knew this person, then I must have liked him or her. If I have the chance to bring him or her back to the living, and I liked this person, then I will do it."

With the last word said, Sirius found himself back in the domain of Death. He was placed behind a partition, to listen to the conversation between Death and the intended person. He was told that if this person became violent, then there would be no need for him to agree. But if this person remained calm and agreeable, then if he accepted him or her, they would be returned back to the living.

Marie was led into Death's chamber, and was asked to sit down, which she did. "Marie, you have been creating quite a commotion since the departure of Sirius Black. Why?"

Marie started to become angry, but she decided to try and remain calm to hear what Death had to say. "It is because you never gave Cleo and I a chance to say good bye to him. This has never happened before, and when we found out what happened, Cleo became quite silent, while I became quite vociferous. I have always been one to speak my mind. I guess that is why I am here. I do not mean anything by what I say, but sometime it is taken wrong."

"Then what did you mean when you were told the people of France were starving, and you said 'Let them eat cake!'"

"We were in a banquet hall dining, and there must have been over a hundred cakes sitting there untouched. It came to my mind that all of these cakes would feed many people, so why not let them eat them."

"Are you telling the truth Marie? You know what will happen if you are not."

"Why would I lie to you about something that happened hundreds of years ago? I have nothing to gain by it."

"I feel you have answered me truthfully Marie, and you have remained calm and respectful through out our talk. Sirius, would you come forth please?"

Sirius walked out from behind the partition and went to Marie who pulled him in to a hug and a kiss. Tears were seen in her eyes. "So Sirius, you have returned to us already? You missed us that much that you wanted to come back?"

"Yes my pet, but only for a very short period of time."

"Then why come back at all?" Marie pulled away from Sirius, hurt by what he said.

This was when Death told her why she was here. "Because Marie, He has come back to see if he wanted to accept one that I will be allowing to return to the living."

"OH, and who might that be?"

"You Marie, if you wish to return to the living?"

"ME? RETURN TO THE LIVING?"

"Yes Marie, you. Do you wish to go back, if Sirius accepts you?"

Marie looked to Sirius, "And do you wish me to return with you Sirius?"

Sirius put on his biggest smile, "Why else do you think I am here, silly girl? Of course I want you to come back with me, but before we go back, there is something you must know about me."

"What is that?"

"I'm a wizard Marie. I can do magic. I have a wand. I live with other witches and wizards."

"So, I will not be accepted there, with me being non magical?"

"Oh no, you will be accepted there, but I had to let you know before you arrived."

"Well. If I will be accepted, then what are we waiting for?"

"Our ticket home is all. Death, I accept your request and take full responsibility of my charge."

"So be it. Marie Antoinette, you are to return to to the realm of the living with Sirius Black, where you will live out your life from where you left it in the past. Go Sirius and Marie, and may you live a long and eventful life."

Marie and Sirius were back in his room in the chamber, and like Death said, it was still night. Sirius knew this because of a crack in the wall that let daylight through. Since it would soon be morning, they decided to stay up and talk. That way Marie's presence would be explained, with out the surprise effect.

An hour later noise was heard from the rooms as people began to wake up. The first to enter the room where the two were was Astoria. She said goods morning to Sirius, then stopped when she saw Marie. "Who is your friend Sirius?"

"Astoria, let me introduce my friend from my last home, Marie. Marie, this is Astoria. Before you ask anymore questions Astoria, let's get everyone together for me to explain only one time. For now anyway, as I am sure I will be doing it again before too long."

It was another fifteen minutes for them all to gather around for the explanation from Sirius, and another 45 minutes for the story to be told. Sirius was looking forward to the next story, as it would be to his closest friend, his cousin, and Alastor. It looked to be a fun time watching their reaction to seeing Sirius.

BL-}

Remus, Tonks and Alastor each walked through the floo into Minerva's office, who greeted them as they came through. She led them to the Lav where the entrance to the chamber was, and spoke the password to get in. Harry had changed it so that those who knew it could get in without knowing parstletongue. Minerva heard Remus chuckle and looked to him for an explanation.

Remus chuckled again, "Sorry Professor. It's just that if we had known of this when we were in school, oh what fun we could have had. Pads and Prongsie loved to find new places to explore."

"If you had found it when you were in school, it would have been the last place you would have visited. It's occupant was not very forgiving. You can ask Harry about it as he is the expert on the subject. It is quite safe now though, and a very secure place to stay. It may end up being everyone's safe haven before everything is over with."

As they passed the snakeskin in the tunnel, Remus knew that what Minerva said was the truth. The skin had to be forty feet long, and it looked to be quite old. Once they made it to the chamber itself, they looked into the room and saw tents lining the walls, and training equipment in the center of the room. It appeared to all three that the students were taking their training quite seriously.

When Minerva led them to the mouth of Salazar, and took them up the ramp, they looked around to examine the walls. They appeared scraped in spots, as if something huge was pulled through it. At first it did not enter their mind that what was pulled through was the Basilisk moving around the chamber.

The residents greeted them as they walked into the room, and each received a hug from them all, except for Draco, who didn't know where he stood with Lupin and Moody, since they were familiar with him. Lupin as a Professor, as Moody being an ex-Auror. He was flustered when Tonks pulled him into a hug. Tonks laughed, "What, can't a cousin show a little affection?"

Draco stayed straight faced as he replied, "At least give a person some warning, before you try to strangle him or her."

"I'll keep that in mind when I try to strangle you. You're safe for now though. So Harry, who is it you want us to meet?"

"Harry wait. Before you start with the introductions might I have a word with you?" Remus spoke up.

"Can't it wait Remus?"

"The fewer people around, the better I will feel Harry. It is a very touchy subject for me."

"Sure Professor. We can talk in the Library."

"Why can't you just call me Remus Harry? It's been over two years since I left school."

"Well, you are back, and you will be teaching us again. You might as well get use to it. Now, what is it you wish to talk about?"

Remus told Harry what was bothering him, and Harry didn't know what to tell him, since he had the same problem with Ginny. All he could tell him was each female had different moods, and you had to be aware of these moods, so as not to hurt them in any way. Harry knew Tonks to be a fun loving woman that could make light of any situation. He didn't know of her moods.

Remus knew of them though, as she has gone through them trying to get Remus to respond to her.

Remus knew that Harry was too young for this type of situation, but he felt better by opening up to someone even if there was help from the source. Harry and Remus went back to the common room where he saw Tonks in the arms of another man that seemed familiar to him. He then turned to Harry as Harry said, "What? You couldn't wait a minute until I returned for your grand entrance. You spoiled everything for me, you arse."

Remus turned back to the man hugging Tonks and almost passed out when he saw who it was. He was so in shock, he didn't have anything to say. Then when he was almost knocked over when the man rushed him, he finally found his ability to speak, "PADS?"

"Yes Moony, it's me. Damn it's good to see you again. Never thought I would get a chance to say that. What's the matter, can't think of anything else to say?"

"Is it really you? I mean are you really here? This isn't a joke is it Harry?"

"No sir, it is not a joke. Sirius is really here, and he is not alone. Sirius, have you introduced your friend yet?"

"No yet Pup. I couldn't get through to these brigands, to tell them of her. All they wanted to do was question me as to how it is that I am here. I guess now is as good a time as any. Remus, Tonks, Alastor, May I present to you Marie. She is a friend I met in the Domain."

"Doesn't she have a last name Pads?" Tonks chirped.

"I thought Moony would be asking that question, not you cousin. Yes she does. She is Marie Antoinette. And yes she is the real thing,"

Hermione almost jumped out of her seat when Sirius said her name, "Marie of the French court? Marie who was beheaded for crimes against her own people?"

Sirius had to catch Marie before she fell to the floor in a dead faint. "Damn it Hermione, why do you have to be so blunt?"

"I'm sorry. You know how I get when excited. Sirius, she is a part of history. And not a good history I might add."

"You are taking the side of the book again Hermione, and not giving a person a chance to defend her self. Why don't you wait and pass judgment after hearing her side of the story?"

Which she did when Marie came to. Hermione felt like Death did. Marie had just made a statement that was taken out of context. She was never given the chance to explain herself, and the court gave her over to the people who head taken her head.

Then it was a time to show Marie all about magic. What she saw both thrilled her and scared her. To see how easy it was for them to do the things they did was thrilling, but it also showed her how easy it was for them to kill one such as her, that had no magic. That frightened her to her bones knowing there were people with magic in the world that was doing this to non magical people.

The way she was brought up, it was always her belief that witches were old, ugly and very evil. Seeing the witches in front of her, she changed her mind about the first two beliefs. She would see about the third belief as it was too early to make judgment. For now she would do her best to get along with them, without angering them. The wizards on the other hand she new nothing about. She had heard of Merlin, but only as a myth. Why she knew of witches and not of wizards made her think about the whole situation and how much she truly did not know.

It was then that Luna stepped forward and extended her hand to Marie, "Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am Luna Lovegood and this is my friend Ginny Weasley. The one who questioned you was Hermione Granger. She is a very pleasant young lady, once she gets to know you. The young man to her left is Harry Potter, and to his left is Draco Malfoy. These young ladies are Daphne and Astoria Greengrass. To there right is my boyfriend Blaise Zabini. I will leave the adults to speak up on their own. I hope you find your surroundings to your liking, and have a pleasant stay."

"Thank you all for allowing me to stay with you. I hope I do not make my self an inconvenience to you."

As the others made themselves known, the youths gathered around Sirius to start their questioning. It made him feel like he was under investigation again. He tried to slow them down, but Hermione was persistent and pressuring. Not about Marie, but about how he was able to bring her back to the living? How he knew she was able to come back? On and on the questions came, until he held his hands up to stop any more. "Please, will you all just calm down. Hermione, She just got here. Let her get adjusted before you get to know everything about the hows and the whys. I promise we will tell you everything over time, but not just now. I am sure she is tired and hungry, and would probably like to soak in a bath tub for bit. Now, if you will all please excuse me while I show Marie to her room, if someone could tell me where that is."

Luna took Marie's hand and then Sirius' hand and she took them to a tent down in the main chamber. It was not what Sirius was expecting and he started to say something, when Marie stopped him by saying, "Thank you Luna. This will be just fine. Could you please tell me where I could take a bath?"

"Oh yes Marie, right behind that curtain. Your clean clothes are hung up on a hanger. There is a towel and wash cloth on the chair. Come on Sirius, let us leave so that she can get comfortable."

A smile grew on his face as he replied, "I can stay and give her a hand, if she needs it. I am always willing to give assistance when it is needed."

Luna snapped her fingers and a leash formed around his neck, "Not tonight you don't my fine shaggy friend. She will be fine by herself, and if she does need help, there are more then enough women here to give assistance. Now heel."

Sirius changed into his animagus form and followed Luna out of the tent. Marie had never seen him in this form, and shivered wondering which was his real form. Then she thought of the kisses they shared and about gagged at first, then thought the kisses they shared were real, and from a man, not a dog. There was much she had to get use to in this world, and she has not even seen it yet. What was it going to be like outside these walls, and would she be accepted there as she was here?

BL-}

Remus had thought about his talk with Harry, and then his talk with Sirius. Harry had been helpful in that he told Remus that a girls moods were different with them all, and you had to find them out before he did something he would regret. Sirius on the other hand told him to let her know who the boss was and that he wanted to marry her and that she was going to accept. Remus cherished his life too much to listen to that bit of Siriusosity. He didn't know if Sirius was kidding him or not, but he didn't take the chance that he was. He may not know a lot about girls, but he knew enough from Lily to tell him that girls did not take kindly to being told something they were going to do.

Before she went to bed, Remus asked to talk to Tonks privately, and she went with him to a little sheltered corner where he began, "Tonks, this may come off all wrong, and if it does, please forgive me. I have been fighting my affections for you for too long. I have tried to convince myself that I am no good for you. That I will be putting you and any child we may have in danger. I kept telling myself who in their right mind could love something like me. All of my thoughts have been in the negative faction of my mind. Now, I think that I may have my down days, but I can find a way to place myself somewhere that will not put you in danger. It will only be for one night a month, and you have accepted this. You have stood by me for the past year and have shown me how much you care for me, even with my condition. You have told me that for twelve days out of the year I am not myself, but the other 343 days I am exactly who I born to be. That is the person you love. Me, Remus Lupin, not me as Moony. You have told me that even if I were to change in your presence you would feel safe as I could never hurt you. Whether that is true or not, I do not wish to test. I do however, want you to know that I R emus John Lupin love you with all my heart and soul, and would deem it an honor if you would agree to be my wife. Will you marry me Nyphadora Tonks?" Remus dropped to his knees when he asked her.

Tonks dropped to her knees for her answer. Tears filled her eyes as she answered, "Remus John Lupin I love you with all my heart and soul, and it is about damned time you got your head out of your arse and asked. Yes I will marry you." and she fell into his arms and kissed him for everything she was worth. It was ten minutes later when they broke the kiss, but still maintained the hug. Remus leaned back against the wall, and this was the way they were, when sleep overtook them, Tonks snuggled against his chest, and him holding her close.

This is how they were found the following morning. Thankfully it was Harry and Ginny that found them, and not Sirius. When they woke them up, Tonks looked up at them and said, "He finally asked me to marry him. Would you believe it? I am going to be Mrs. Remus Lupin."

Ginny dropped down and hugged them both, while Harry stood there and grinned. He was expecting this ever since the talk they had. He hoped that Remus would get up the nerve and ask. Then he thought, "How about a ring Remus? What are you going to do about a ring?"

"I don't know Harry, but I am sure I will figure something out. For now, all I care about is that she accepted. Next. We have to figure on a date."

"One thing at a time Professor. First you have to let everyone know that it is official. Then you have to find a ring to make it officially official. Then we have to find a way to keep Sirius from mucking everything up."

Remus thought about it for minute, "Do we have to tell Pads right away? I may never live that down, me marrying his cousin."

"Let him just try to say something, and I will make his stay with Death look like a stay at the Hilton in London. There will be no place for him to hide where I can't find him." Tonks replied through gritted teeth. She knew anything Sirius would say would be in jest, but he could be saying something in jest that could be taken the wrong way by Remus. In no way was he going to make Remus feel bad about this.

Luckily Sirius just congratulated Remus for his fine choice and that there was no way he wasn't going to be the Best Man. He was also going to be godfather to their first child. He was making plans for the future with out even asking the couple. It was Marie that said, "Sirius, don't you think that Remus and Tonks may have a say in the matter about who the Best Man will be, and who their first child will have as godparents?"

"Of course they do, but who else could fill these positions better than me?"

"Harry. Alastor. Draco. Blaise. These are just a few off the top of my head. The choice is theirs my love, not yours. Let them decide."

This was the first time that he could remember Marie ever going against his ideas. It was amazing, but he liked that she protected Remus and Tonks from one of his plans. "Of course you're right Marie. It is their right to choose for their selves. I am sorry Moony, Tonks. Please forget what I said. FOR NOW! Later we can discuss my being Best Man. Sorry Marie, but there is no way anyone else will fill my shoes at Remus' side. Just like James and Lily, I will be at my brothers side when he marries the woman he loves."

Marie just shook her head, while Remus and Tonks just laughed, as they both knew he was right. About being the Best Man that is. Plans were made for a visit to Hogsmeade the next day. Christmas shopping and ring shopping needed to get done.

BL-}

AN/ Sorry I am so late with this update, but I have had a hard time trying to get it right. It still seems forced in spots, but I did not want to get too wordy in explanations.

I wish to thank you all for your Holiday wishes and hope you all had a wonderful experience as well.

As always, Ollie the Keeper.