paradisa | Fortieth Spell

[ There is absolutely no doubt that Remus is nervous. He has been waiting to speak to her, but it seems as though she's beaten him to it. ]

I have a bit of time now, so I'll be up in a moment.

- - -

[ And true to his word, there is a loud crack as Remus appears at the end of the hall, dusting himself off briefly, before he slowly makes his way to her door. His anxiety and almost dread at the looming conversation is apparent in his expression and he remembers feeling this way only once before, back in 2nd year.

He lifts his hand to knock softly, before taking a step back. ]

[she's glad that he came so quickly. She only hopes this conversation turns out a bit less painful than her revelation to James. So she takes a breath and opens the door]

Hello, Remus. Would you like to come in?

[her room is in Gryffindor colors and has framed pictures of all her friends on the walls. Some of them are Muggle pictures and some are wizard ones]

[ Though he seems to struggle a bit, Remus puts on a brave face when she opens the door, smiling softly and sticking his hands into his pockets in an attempt to look more relaxed. ]

Er ... yes, thanks.

[ Remus offers her a smile as he steps inside and takes a moment to look around. His eyes pass over the framed pictures with curiosity, stopping on one with a boy with familiar messy hair and round glasses. For a moment, Remus thinks him to be James, but those eyes...

He turns to look at Hermione, pointing to the picture. ]

Are they your friends?

Edited 2013-02-11 20:51 (UTC)

[stupid; she hadn't stowed that picture away in time. Harry and Ron are smiling and shuffling awkwardly in the picture]

My two best friends. I miss them both terribly. James reminds me a bit of my friend Harry, which is why I like being around him.

[ He watches the two boys for another moment or so, before he turns back to Hermione, thoughtful. ]

I can see why. I thought he was James at first.

[ There's a little pause as he regards her for a moment, before speaking cautiously. ]

What did you want to speak to me about?

A lot of people comment on that. But in personality, he's not that much like James at all. He doesn't like being in the spotlight. [she smiles fondly, but the smile fades as she braces herself for this next subject]

I wrestled with a good way of bringing this up to you. But after I talked to James, I decided it was best to just tell the truth. You see, I know about your "furry little problem". I've known about it for years, since my third year of school.

...

[ Remus is silent for what seems like ages. His suspicious were correct; Hermione knew he was a Werewolf, and furthermore, did not seem to have taken up the usual reservations any other witch or wizard would have had upon discovering his affliction.

Remus gulps, trying to swallow the sudden fear that courses through him. He's hoped to have her as a friend, and if she hates him -- ]

I knew that you knew... Had a feeling when you told me about the woods.
You ... you aren't disgusted?

Of course not! You are a kind and brave person, and I consider you a friend. Besides that, I know what it's like to be persecuted for something you can't help. I'm a Muggle-born, you see.

[ He stares at her again, before he bites his lip and smiles softly, clearly relieved. When he speaks, he's quiet, but there is no trace of fear. ]

I'm really not all that brave, to be honest, but I'm glad you consider me a friend. You remind me of James and Sirius. They said the same thing, more or less...

You see? No one thinks any less of you just because of that. It's only a small part of who you are.

It's an important part, of course, and it's something I want to help you with, if you'll let me. I've been working on a potion that can help you during your transformations. You said that it wasn't invented while you were in school, but in my time you took it every month and were safe from hurting anyone.

Hmmh ... I wish that were true, Hermione. [ He simply smiles and shrugs, before tilting his head curiously and scowling. He's intrigued now, all he's ever wanted was to be free of the fear of hurting his friends or someone else, but he's wary of believing it. ]

A potion that can prevent me from hurting anyone? I thought such a thing could never exist, that my affliction could not be helped.

Edited 2013-02-11 22:17 (UTC)

It's called the Wolfsbane Potion. If you drink it every day the week before the full moon, you will change into a harmless wolf. You said that the taste is a bit bitter, but any sweetener would make the potion useless.

I made a batch for you if you want to try it this month.

[ And now he's gaping at you, Hermione. This is a really big deal for him. A really, really big deal. ]

Y-you're serious? Will... Will it help me keep my mind?

Edited 2013-02-11 22:56 (UTC)

[she smiled at him kindly] I brewed it properly; it will help you.

[ He's still gaping, but now he looks substantially more emotional about it. Hermione, you've succeeded in breaking through some of his shell, good job! ]

H-hermione, you really are the brightest witch I've ever met... H-honestly, I --

[ Poor sod can barely talk, aww. ]

[she can't help but look pleased with herself]

I've been told that a few times. So then you'll be taking the potion?

[ He grins at her and nods. He's not passing up the chance, nope. ]

Of course. I'm not about to pass up the chance.
But, really... Thank you. You don't know how much that means
to me...

I'm glad to help. And I'm sorry about being so evasive earlier... I should've known just being blunt would be all right.

[ Shakes his head and regards her for a moment. ]
N-No, it's alright, I understand why.
There is something I'd like to know, though.
How exactly do you know me in the future? Don't ... er ... don't give me too many details, just explain the basics...

You're our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher for our third year. And you were the best we had, until you were forced to leave. We saw a lot of each other after that.

... Really? [ Raises his eyebrows in surprise. Definitely hadn't ever thought of working as a professor at Hogwarts. ]

Defense Against the Dark Arts. That's one of my best classes, but I never considered the idea of teaching it...

You'll be fantastic at it. And I think Dumbledore asked you because of the Dementors that were posted at the school that year.

Dementors? Those can't be safe to have around a school, can they? Can't imagine it would have been easy to get Dumbledore to agree to such a thing.

[ He looks thoughtful. ]
I s'pose you simply put the pieces together, then. Like my fellow marauders did.

They weren't, but the Ministry of Magic insisted. It's lucky you were around to teach my friend the Patronus Charm; he was particularly uncomfortable around them.

[she smiles] Yes.

[ He casts a glance at the portrait again, looking thoughtful, before he turns back to her. ]

How is it you know James and Sirius, then? Can't imagine them teaching and I'd be amazed if Sirius even managed to stay clear of the law for the trouble he'll cause once he's let loose.

[ Knock on wood, Remus. ]

[she bites her lip, wondering if it's right to tell Remus all this or if she should tell James and Sirius in person. Would it be better coming from their friend?]

I mostly know James through you and Sirius, and old photographs. Sirius I meet the same year I met you. I got to know him a lot better in my fifth year of school when I spent the summer at his house.

[ Remus gets the feeling that she might not be telling him the whole story, but he lets it pass. He doesn't want too many spoilers.

In any case, he raises a brow and gives her a wry smile. ]

Does Sirius really have pictures of muggle girls glued permanently to the walls in his bedroom? I've never been in that house, so I only know what Sirius has told me.

All his valued photographs are permanently on the walls. It was a bit frustrating for my friend, who wanted to keep one when we left.

Fortieth Spell

Written / Action.

forever

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