The Love Of A Wizard

CHAPTER 11
Truth

Claudia didn’t sleep very well. The whole night she was tossing and turning with every thought imaginable in her head. First she relived her moments with Severus. Then she would allow herself to get angry at Sirius for handling the situation all wrong. Her thoughts also stayed on the men she saw in the bar.
Before the sun came up that morning, Claudia put on her robe and went downstairs to the study. She flicked her computer on and waited for it to boot up. Heading into the kitchen to make coffee, she noticed that Molly had done all of the dishes. She smiled and thought how wonderful it was Molly was around. Claudia waited until the coffee pot produced enough liquid for her cup and she poured it in her mug and headed back to the study. She had two different emails. Both were form her friends whom she had sent messages to so long ago.

Moore-

Glad to here you’re back in business. We’ve been busy lately. What is going on over there? Been hearing funny things…will be there when we get everyone together. Look for us. And have some tequila waiting for me too.

Rod

The next one was actually written in Russian to Claudia, copied to all of the friends. Claudia saw the list and realized everyone was still on it. Well that’s good. She told herself. At least no one has left the good guys side.

Greetings,
I have news. Need face to face meeting immediately. I am in Russia now, will be leaving soon. Meet at Claud’s house by the end of August. Oh…and no tequila please. Vodka.
Nickolai


Claudia couldn’t help but laugh at these friends of hers. They started out together six years ago. They were even in the room when Emma was born. They held her hand the night her husband died. The were a family, and now, once again, they were to put those family ties to the test and see how strong they really were.
Claudia finished off her coffee and carried it into the kitchen. She was surprised to see Remus there making himself a cup. He saw her and gave a half smile. Was he mad too?
“Good morning.” She said in her most cheerful voice.
“Morning. Have a good night?” He turned around and gave her a smile that looked as it he would explode with laughter. She hit his arm.
“Yes, as a matter of fact I did. Very interesting night.” She paused as she poured coffee and asked him, “Have you seen Sirius?” He snorted and sat down at the table.
“Yes.”
“Well? Is he still angry?”
“Should he be?”
“I don’t know! All I know is that he went nuts last night. Before even trying to talk to me.” Remus laughed again.
“I thought you knew him by now. He is very passionate about everything. These days he has been passionately seeking you. He passionately hates Sevrus. Then he saw what he did last night and he snapped. By the way, did you really kiss Severus?”
“I would appreciate it if you didn’t make an issue of this. Yes, I kissed him. It was just…what I felt like doing at the time. Please don’t mention this to anyone.”
“I won’t, but you need to talk to Sirius. You know we are leaving soon for his house in London. It’s to be headquarters for the Order. Dumbledore thinks he should be there in case he needs him. Also, because the house belongs to Sirius. You should talk to him before we go. Who knows how long it will be before he comes back?”
“Yeah, I know.” Claudia headed upstairs to shower and get dressed for the day. Emma was already up eating breakfast when she came down for more coffee. As Claudia poured her third cup of the day, the fireplace sprung to life and out stepped Severus. Claudia panicked. This really is not the time! She thought. What if Sirius come down? He headed in to the kitchen and motioned for Claudia. She followed him and they met in the living room. She wasn’t sure why, but she felt nervous now.
“What’s wrong?” She asked him. God, he was so beautiful, she thought.
“Do you remember, when we were outside the day we met? You said you showed me everything and I questioned you?” She nodded. “You were not completely honest with me that night.” Claudia tried to cut in.
“Sev..” He waved his hand for her to stop.
“I am not angry. I just want you to think of what it was you were hiding from me. And meet me there tonight at midnight.”
“Why?”
“You need to know more before…” He stopped talking and she followed his gaze to see Sirius standing in the doorway. Sirius was leaning against the wall with his hands behind his back. When he saw they were looking at him, he began to walk toward them His eyes drilling into Severus as he came closer. Claudia saw that none of his anger had abated during the night.
“Sirius no. Stop right now. I understand you are angry, but you are not doing this right now.”
“Who says I’m angry?” His eyes were wide and he had an evil smile on his face. Claudia saw Severus reach for his wand and she moved in between them, not for the first time.
“This has to stop Sirius. You can’t…NO!” She was holding Severus’s arm that held his wand out pointed towards Sirius. Her yells brought Remus to the door as well.
“What’s going on?” he asked. Even though it was very apparent that the two men in front of him wanted to murder each other right then and there.
“How did you do it Snivellus? Did you charm her? Love potion?”
“You would think that wouldn’t you?” Severus’s voice was almost a whisper.
“Yeah I would. Tell me, does she know about you? Does she know what you ARE!”
“What?” Claudia was looking back and forth between the two men at a loss for what they were talking about. Severus was as still as a statue.
“Claudia…this…this…ugly git is a Death Eater. Do you remember me telling you about them? What Remus told you?” Everything was silent. Claudia was now staring at a spot on the wall. Everything she knew and felt were clicking into place. Claudia’s small voice broke the silence.
“It makes sense.”
“What makes sense?” Sirius demanded. But Claudia didn’t answer. No one, but someone capable of seeing into her mind the things she has done, would ever be able to understand her the right way. No one, unless they too had seen and done things of the same caliber. She looked at Severus.
“You and I will talk about it later.” Sirius tried to interrupt her but she shot the most sinister of looks his way that he stopped. “You need to stop this adolescent behavior now Sirius!”
“YOU need to understand what this thing is!”
“THING!” It was Severus’s voice ringing in her ears now. He was flushed pink with anger and he breathed heavily.
“You want to talk about things Black. Lupin, have you divulged your secrets to Claudia?” It was the first time her had ever said her name. She looked at Lupin who looked as if he wanted to sink into the floor. “Your friend here is a werewolf. A dangerous, man eating, filthy dog!” Claudia’s eyes grew at the word ‘werewolf’. There were real werewolfs too? Well, I guess if there are dragons…Sirius’s voice shouting obscenities at Severus roused her from her thoughts. Lupin sat down with his head in his hands, Sirius was in Severus’s face and Severus was on the verge of grabbing his throat.
“ENOUGH!” Claudia shouted as loud as she could. They all stared at her. “Severus, go outside and wait or me. GO!” She pointed to the door and he walked away throwing a very nasty look over his shoulder before he slammed the door. “Remus, is that true? You’re a…werewolf? I mean you turn into a big dog thing and eat people?” She was only kidding about the eating people part, this was such an off the wall thing that it was probably true.
“Yes.” His voice sounded hollow and empty.
“Why didn’t you tell me? You are my fiend Remus. I love you no matter what. Next time, be honest with me. That’s all I ask.” he looked so surprised by her comments she laughed. “Please, like I didn’t suspect something was up. But…hey…should have known. I am a dog lover.” She turned to Sirius. “And you…you have to stop this crazy behavior. You are out of control. For your information I like Severus. He and I are alike in ways you can not imagine. I love you Sirius, as my friend. Do not treat me as if I am a child. If you don’t agree with it, fine. But do not storm around here like that again.” He just looked at her and she watched his eyes harden.
“Of course. I will NEVER do that here again. For I will not be back here ever agian. Claudia, I am right about Severus. He is evil and you will see it for yourself before the end of this. Goodbye.” And with that, he walked out the back door and disapparated. Claudia breathed loudly and sat down. Remus came and put his arm around her.
“It will be fine. He is just upset. He’ll calm down. But I should go too. Dumbledore is expecting us. ‘Bye.” He patted her arm and left out of the front door. When a few moments had passed, Claudia went to find Severus. He was standing on the porch, staring out into the grass.
“Hey. Come in.”
“No, I have to go. I should have told you…”
“Yes, you should have. But when? Everything happened so fast, you hadn’t had time yet. Tonight then?” He nodded and turned to her. She thought he looked almost sad for a moment, then his faced was void of all feelings once more. He walked towards her and placed a kiss on her cheek.
“Tonight.” He whispered and he disappeared.

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