The next morning came quickly after they spent the rest of the past evening searching for a tree before bringing it home to decorate. They spent the night with Christmas carols, hot cocoa, and tinsel and Emeline felt desperately homesick at the thought of boarding the Hogwarts Express again as her father and uncle cheers'ed their drinks, grinning and singing animatedly.
Nevertheless, she was now a few hours away from doing so.
As the morning light peaked through the window in the kitchen, Remus opened it to let Saffron in. Taking the letter from her beak, he smiled and pat her head.
"Good work, girl." He whispered, tearing the letter open.
Remus,
Happy Christmas to you, too, my dear. It was lovely to hear from you.
On the subject matter, yes, I have heard of this and vaguely remember my training on it.
It is called mirror-ing and is specific to lycans. It hasn't been studied much since most, as you know, are infected through bite and not birth (though there have been a handful).
How I understand it, the genes are so powerful that a trace is always left behind on offspring, a way to keep the 'pack' close, if you will. I'm sorry for formality, but I'm quoting by memory from textbook and lessons long ago, dear boy.
As for how far that bond goes, I'm unsure. The telepathy, for lack of a better word, is a proven factor; It's something that can be honed if you're willing to have that conversation. The emotional connection is more organic- not every Lycan has it as strongly. It solely depends on the connection relationally and how strong that is. That should be a lovely testament to you if you both experience this as frequently as you've portrayed.
That can also prove distressing for Emeline though, if she begins to feel moon cycles and things alike. I'd warn her if you are able, but there's no stopping that as care and love continue to grow.
As for anything else, I'm unsure as the studies are limited. I'd be happy to help if anything else arises or you need any advice on better control for her. Severus can help in the Occlumency department if it ever comes to that; it borders similar practice, but for the reverse effect.
Enjoy the rest of your holidays, and don't forget to start your potion tonight.
All my love,
Poppy
Remus folded the letter and sat for a moment in the silence. His brain was exhausting itself absorbing and replaying all of this information. To see his suspicions confirmed felt odd. He wasn't crazy, there was something, but did Emeline realize it?
It felt like an unusual thing to be relieved about - his lycanthrope having passed down something potentially good- but he couldn't help to feel a small bit of pride swell in his chest.
It still replayed in his head over and over.
The 'I love you, dad' , weeks ago.
She hadn't said it again, but this connection was strengthening. Although he already believed her words, this solidified it. He felt like he missed so much of Emeline's life that to have a connection like this with her right out of the gate felt like a precious gift.
Had she felt this as a child? Had he?
Guilt sent a pang through his chest as he thought on his little girl, randomly feeling the pains of his cycle, or the emotions of self deprecation.
He shook it off quickly and resolved to ask her one question at a time. The first being, does she realize it now?
"It's potion day, Doomsday." Her sweet voice came into the kitchen before she did; her loud and bubbly self. But, keen to these new senses, he could tell it was an exuberant charade.
"I know, darling. I'll take it. Goodmorning."
She nodded with an assured smile and set to work pouring some coffee.
"Did you want some?"
"I already had mine; early bird and all."
Emeline chuckled and turned her back to him while he watched her, a ball forming in his throat.
"Em, you know, I thought maybe I could ask you something."
She turned to face him again, mug in hand and leaning against the counter.
"Anything, what's up?"
"Well," he scratched the back of his head nervously. It's a little odd, but-"
He trailed off and Emeline set her mug down and walked toward him.
"Dad, just ask me. You're making me nervous."
"That's precisely it." He blurted out. "And homesick, aren't you?"
She looked taken aback and stared at him quietly.
"What did you say?"
Remus stood and studied her face.
"You're homesick already. Aren't you?"
"How did you know that?"
"The same way you knew I was nervous and felt it."
"I'm not following."
"It's a connection that comes via the genes for lycanthropy; it's typically passed down when the condition itself isn't."
He took a calming breath, hesitantly putting his hands on her shoulders, unsure of how she'd respond. She looked up at him and suddenly she was back in his classroom, looking into the eyes of her father for the first time.
The emotions of finally telling her came flooding back to him and they shared a knowing smile.
"You're kidding."
He shook his head no, softly.
"Remember the night at the shack?" He asked slowly. She nodded. "I heard you."
"I heard you too." She agreed, remembering how it felt like his words were just… there, deep in her soul.
"There have been other times." She added.
"Yes, there have. When we can hear one another and no one else can. I thought I was going mad."
"This is wicked." She grinned. "I can talk to you anywhere. Saffron will be happy to have a break."
"It may take some practice, pup. I don't think full conversations are a thing. Then again, I've never studied this. But a part of this connection is more involuntary."
"The feeling." She caught on, realizing that they seemed to pass off each other's emotions with no scheduled rhyme or reason and without trying.
"I'm worried you could feel them deeper."
"The moon?"
"You're too smart for your own good, Emeline."
"Tell that to my classes."
He chuckled and shook his head. "Nevertheless, yes, I mean the moon. I don't want you distraught if emotions arise sometimes that are a bit confusing."
"You aren't the only one whose emotions fluctuate through the month," she mumbled. "So I wouldn't feel too sorry for that."
Remus laughed loudly now and pulled her close.
"You're something else, Emeline."
"You're alright, too." She smiled, soaking up their last moment alone before the hustle and bustle of the day would begin and she'd be back at Hogwarts.
Remus heard her words, but the ones that really mattered are what his soul knew she meant.
I love you.
•
Emeline arrived back at Hogwarts after sleeping most of the train ride. She had no time to waste in preparing for the Yule Ball and leapt to her feet as it stopped with a thud.
She was the first one off and to her surprise, George was waiting for her, already in dress robes under the clear night's shining stars. He grinned cheekily at her and held out a hand as she stepped onto the platform.
"You clean up well." She laughed, holding his hand tightly.
"I almost thought I was being stood up and did it all for nothing."
"Not a chance," Emeline laughed. "I'll hurry." she added, already in the castle walking beside him.
"You better!" He called after her as she headed up the stairs to the Hufflepuff dorms, baggage in hand.
•
There was a lingering Hufflepuff girl whom Emeline had spoken to once before when her quill snapped during an exam, sitting in the common room when she arrived, and she felt guilty for passing her by without a word.
"Hi," Emeline hesitated. "I-"
"-Aubrey," she stood quickly with a smile. "And you're Emeline, right? Lupin?"
Emeline nodded shyly; she was never shy, but involuntary hesitation crept up in her heart. "That's right."
"Wicked." Aubrey smiled. "I know we don't know each other well but I heard what happened last year. Your dad must be a total badass."
Emeline snorted and shook her head, unable to contain her laughter.
"I don't think I'd ever call him that. And not many agree with you. But thanks. Are you not going to the ball?"
"No, I'm not big on social gatherings. But I take it you are and don't want to keep you."
Emeline smiled. "I am. I'm sorry; but we should chat sometime."
"I'd like that." Aubrey nodded, and Emeline hurried up the stairs.
•
Everyone else was already in full swing when Emeline ascended the large staircase, glittering in her silver gown and her hair falling in thick waves down her shoulders.
She kept her jewelry confined to her mother's necklace and wore a slight heel as she was rather short, especially compared to George. He was standing at the bottom of the staircase, waiting patiently, hands clasped together in front of him.
She had never been so nervous in her life.
As she walked down slowly, her breath caught in her throat when he turned to her; she had never seen the gaze that fell on her in that moment cross his face before.
He let out a deep breath as she came to stand in front of him and offered his hand once more.
"Emeline, " her full name felt foreign coming from his lips. "You look beautiful."
"What happened to E?" She asked, smirking; an attempt to keep her nerves at bay.
"I have no clue." He said softly, awestruck.
They entered the dance together and took to the floor practically the entire night. Emeline matched George's outgoing energy well, which is something he loved. They were blissfully out of breath when he offered to get them some refreshments and she spotted Harry and Ron.
"Emeline!" Harry stood, hugging her.
"Hello, gentlemen." She quipped.
"Hey, Emeline." Ron sulked, to which Harry rolled his eyes.
"Ignore him. How's it going with your date?" Harry grinned.
Blushing, she nodded. "Really great. Sorry, Ron. He just went to grab refreshments."
"Sounds like someone else I know." Ron groaned.
"Harry, you really need to come spend a holiday with us sometime. It would've been lovely. Your aunt and uncle would be none the wiser."
He smiled and nodded. "If it weren't for these tasks, I would have. I'll take you up on it as soon as I can. Padfoot has been a right beggar about it."
She chuckled. "I'm sure he has. Well, I'll leave you to.. whatever this is." She said, as George took her arm again and handed her a punch.
"Getting tired?" He asked, smiling as they exhaustedly rocked back and forth on the dance floor which was mostly clear now.
"Only if you are."
"I'd like to take you to the balcony." He responded, a twinkle in his eye.
Emeline nodded.
•
"It's beautiful up here," Emeline started. "And quiet."
They turned to eachother and George nodded, seemingly much more absentminded at present.
"I got you these." He said quietly, pulling a small bouquet of wildflowers from inside his dress robes.
They were similiar to the bouquet he gave her last year.
"They're beautiful." She responded, holding them up to her nose and breathing deeply. She shivered slightly and he instinctively slid his coat off.
"I picked them myself. Both times." He smiled as he laid his coat on her shoulders and she looked up at him.
"You should be a florist, then."
"Then I'd have to leave all the pranks to Freddie."
"And we don't want that." She said softly, their gaze still unbroken; small talk lessening as they pressed closer in to eachother.
"No, we don't want that." He agreed quietly, grabbing her face gently in his hands and leaning down close.
With silent permission, she melted into him and their first kiss as their eyes fluttered closed.
Quick, soft and simple.
"If your birthday gift wasn't enough to convince you, I thought I'd prove my point." He smiled, still inches from her face.
"Consider it proven." She grinned back as they went in for one more kiss.