A Different Kind of Magic--UNDERGOING EDIT
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
68
Views:
21,230
Reviews:
86
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
2
Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Snape/Hermione
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
68
Views:
21,230
Reviews:
86
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
2
Disclaimer:
JK Rowling owns the Harry Potter fandom and its contents. I do not. I make no money from this fiction.
Conflicted Affection
Special thanks goes out to my rockin' beta VIVAvivacious for her thorough perusal of each chapter and her help with the characterization of Remus Lupin. I have truly struggled with this character, so anyone with suggestions would be helpful. As always, reviews feed the muse! You can leave longer comments or discussion at my livejournal http://ladydagger27.livejournal.com/ I hope you are enjoying the story! A note to my readers: Rempus Lupin will be a more animated character in this fic than what you are used to seeing. He has some strong emotional reactions to events, is a main character and has verbal exchanges on a regular basis. That in mind, here is a snippet with our favorite werewolf!
Chapter 17 – Conflicted Affection
Remus Lupin’s long strides ate up the hallway as he sent several wayward Slytherin and Ravenclaw students scrambling to their common rooms, just prior to curfew. Rounding the corner to his quarters, who, but the lovely Ava, was waiting for him to arrive.
Remus studied her for a moment, surprised to see her. Normally, their chats were saved for their Wednesday or Friday night chess lessons over a cuppa. The previous evening’s session had been interrupted by Minerva’s urgent call to action. Being only Saturday evening, he hadn’t expected to see her until the following Wednesday. They were both very busy during the week, with full weekends as well; Remus, as head of Gryffindor House, was the most involved of all Heads of House in student activities, and Ava was always patching up students who couldn’t resist playing pranks on one another during their free time.
A gentle smile replaced his hesitation. He held out both hands to take Ava’s delicate ones in his own.
“Hey darlin’, it’s good to see you so soon! Please, come in!”
Ava beamed into his hazel eyes. She loved how his magical eyes always smiled for her. Oh, how she could get lost in them…
“Well, I, erm, ah, that is to say, I missed your company last night, and I just had to come by and see you…”
His heart skipped a beat, just as it had started doing of late at her increased flirtations and forwardness. She’s so pretty! Oh, Merlin!
“It’s always nice to see you, but I’m afraid I have grading to do. Please, come sit by the fire for some tea.”
“Oh, I would love that Re- Professor Lupin.”
“Please, Ava, it’s just Remus. No need for formalities when we’re off duty.”
“Yes, sir, ah, Remus.”
Remus pulled her into his quarters, proffering a seat by the fire he lit with a flourish.
“Libby!” A Hogwarts house elf popped into view.
“Yes, Professor Lupin, what can Libby do for you?” she asked anxiously.
“Libby, please fetch some tea for me and Ava. Twinnings Special Blend, two sugars and cream for me, three sugars for Ava.”
“Yes, right away, sir!” and off she popped.
Ava sat, smoothing her dress over her knees, obviously a bit nervous. Remus decided to just let her lead the discussion while he prepared to grade some sixth year writing assignments.
Libby popped back in with the tea and popped back out without a word.
“Professor, sir, I ah, Remus – oh!” Ava stammered, sounding exasperated.
I don’t know who’s more nervous, me or her! The sound of her teacup smashing to the floor brought him to his feet and over to the chair.
“Oh! I’m so sorry; it’s just, I’m so nervous!” Ava began picking up the pieces of the shattered teacup, a small sob escaping her lips.
Remus stooped to pull her back to her feet. She avoided his gaze by staring down at the mess, still sniffling.
“Libby can take care of that. Look, you have no reason to be nervous around me. You can talk to me about anything, okay? I won’t say anything. I promise.” He lifted her chin to meet his gaze. “I would like to think our chess lessons and Hogsmeade weekends with the students have brought us a measure of friendship and trust. If I am doing something to upset you, please let me know. It’s always better to get things out in the open before they become bigger than they should be.” A soft smile touched his lips, and he gave a slight nod to urge her to go on.
She took the linen handkerchief he offered, dabbing her eyes to buy time. It was now or never. “Remus, I think I’m falling in love with you.”
Well, this was not what he was expecting her to say. “Oh! Well, erm… Thank you for letting me know,” he replied stupidly. Oh hell, here’s the part where I balls it up and she runs from me crying. “How long have you had these… feelings, Ava?”
“Since a month ago, when you met me by the lake before the Quidditch game, Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw. You told me how lonely you had been this past year, after your wife Tonks had passed away at the end of the war. I’ve been thinking about you and little Teddy quite a bit since then. When I really thought about it, I realized I cared for you as more than just a friend, Remus. I tried to push the thoughts away, because I know you will think you are too old for me, and out of respect for your grieving, but I just know I could make you happy! My feelings haven’t changed; in fact, they have only grown stronger each time we’ve seen each other. I will understand if you don’t feel the same way, but I wanted you to know.”
The words came out all in a rush. He could tell she had rehearsed this speech prior to coming by. His firm hands placed themselves on each of her shoulders, kind eyes illuminated with emotion.
“Ava, you know I am still grieving the loss of my wife. I loved her very much.”
She nodded.
“I am flattered by your interest in me, and I do feel something for you, but I don’t think it would be fair to either of us if I were to rush into something just because I am lonely. It wouldn’t be for the right reasons.”
She nodded again, fresh tears forming at the corners of her eyes.
“Teaching, the Order, Teddy… they all take up so much of my time. I don’t know if I would be able to give you what you need right now. Age is just a number, and while I am concerned about the age difference, in the end it wouldn’t matter. I would like to continue to see you. Your friendship and company has been wonderful, and I can forget my troubles for a while. I do enjoy the time we spend together, and I would be disappointed if that ended.
“Still, I need more time to grieve. We can talk again in a few months, if you are willing to wait until then. Of course, I don’t expect you to wait for me. I just want you to know I am not closing the door on your feelings. I think, given some time, I can love you back and treat you the way you deserve.”
Ava didn’t answer at first. Fresh tears streamed down her cheeks at his words, cutting her heart, but hearing the truth he spoke.
“I’ll wait for you,” she whispered.
He pulled her into a tight embrace, and her sobs begin in earnest, releasing the pent-up feelings she had hidden for the past month.
“Shh, shh, now don’t cry, Ava. I can’t stand it when you cry.”
Remus held her for a long while, swaying with her until her tears dried and she composed herself.
“Thank you for being understanding, Remus. I feel much better now that you know, and I am happy you didn’t push me away, or think of me as just a silly girl.”
“I could never push you away. You are the most beautiful, kind, and intelligent young witch I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing, next to my late wife,” he blushed. “Your strengths carry me through. Thank you for your honesty and trust in me.”
This made her beam her dazzling smile, having been satisfied with the hope he, too, could one day return the emotion.
“May I kiss you?” she asked demurely.
Remus swallowed heavily as he considered, then assented. She leaned up to meet his lips, as he tipped his head and lowered to hers. Their lips met in a delightful, chaste kiss that lingered on, until he reluctantly pulled back, feeling a bit heady.
“Goodnight, Ava.”
“Goodnight, Remus.”
He escorted her to the door, waving goodnight one last time before closing it behind him.
He could still smell her lovely perfume lingering in the air. Lupin knew very well what his dreams would consist of that night. A feeling of guilt crushed his heart; while the guilt of betraying the memory of his late wife ate at him as a secret, budding love for the young girl took hold of his emotions.
Remus sat at his desk to send an owl to the Weasley’s. He was very grateful to them for caring for Teddy, and he visited as often as he was able to get away. Off went his owl with the note to expect him the following weekend, and to expect some news at the next Order meeting.
His eyelids grew heavy as he dozed over his ungraded papers, the memory of the kiss still on his lips, and the vision of a beautiful Ava Longbottom as his young bride.
Chapter 17 – Conflicted Affection
Remus Lupin’s long strides ate up the hallway as he sent several wayward Slytherin and Ravenclaw students scrambling to their common rooms, just prior to curfew. Rounding the corner to his quarters, who, but the lovely Ava, was waiting for him to arrive.
Remus studied her for a moment, surprised to see her. Normally, their chats were saved for their Wednesday or Friday night chess lessons over a cuppa. The previous evening’s session had been interrupted by Minerva’s urgent call to action. Being only Saturday evening, he hadn’t expected to see her until the following Wednesday. They were both very busy during the week, with full weekends as well; Remus, as head of Gryffindor House, was the most involved of all Heads of House in student activities, and Ava was always patching up students who couldn’t resist playing pranks on one another during their free time.
A gentle smile replaced his hesitation. He held out both hands to take Ava’s delicate ones in his own.
“Hey darlin’, it’s good to see you so soon! Please, come in!”
Ava beamed into his hazel eyes. She loved how his magical eyes always smiled for her. Oh, how she could get lost in them…
“Well, I, erm, ah, that is to say, I missed your company last night, and I just had to come by and see you…”
His heart skipped a beat, just as it had started doing of late at her increased flirtations and forwardness. She’s so pretty! Oh, Merlin!
“It’s always nice to see you, but I’m afraid I have grading to do. Please, come sit by the fire for some tea.”
“Oh, I would love that Re- Professor Lupin.”
“Please, Ava, it’s just Remus. No need for formalities when we’re off duty.”
“Yes, sir, ah, Remus.”
Remus pulled her into his quarters, proffering a seat by the fire he lit with a flourish.
“Libby!” A Hogwarts house elf popped into view.
“Yes, Professor Lupin, what can Libby do for you?” she asked anxiously.
“Libby, please fetch some tea for me and Ava. Twinnings Special Blend, two sugars and cream for me, three sugars for Ava.”
“Yes, right away, sir!” and off she popped.
Ava sat, smoothing her dress over her knees, obviously a bit nervous. Remus decided to just let her lead the discussion while he prepared to grade some sixth year writing assignments.
Libby popped back in with the tea and popped back out without a word.
“Professor, sir, I ah, Remus – oh!” Ava stammered, sounding exasperated.
I don’t know who’s more nervous, me or her! The sound of her teacup smashing to the floor brought him to his feet and over to the chair.
“Oh! I’m so sorry; it’s just, I’m so nervous!” Ava began picking up the pieces of the shattered teacup, a small sob escaping her lips.
Remus stooped to pull her back to her feet. She avoided his gaze by staring down at the mess, still sniffling.
“Libby can take care of that. Look, you have no reason to be nervous around me. You can talk to me about anything, okay? I won’t say anything. I promise.” He lifted her chin to meet his gaze. “I would like to think our chess lessons and Hogsmeade weekends with the students have brought us a measure of friendship and trust. If I am doing something to upset you, please let me know. It’s always better to get things out in the open before they become bigger than they should be.” A soft smile touched his lips, and he gave a slight nod to urge her to go on.
She took the linen handkerchief he offered, dabbing her eyes to buy time. It was now or never. “Remus, I think I’m falling in love with you.”
Well, this was not what he was expecting her to say. “Oh! Well, erm… Thank you for letting me know,” he replied stupidly. Oh hell, here’s the part where I balls it up and she runs from me crying. “How long have you had these… feelings, Ava?”
“Since a month ago, when you met me by the lake before the Quidditch game, Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw. You told me how lonely you had been this past year, after your wife Tonks had passed away at the end of the war. I’ve been thinking about you and little Teddy quite a bit since then. When I really thought about it, I realized I cared for you as more than just a friend, Remus. I tried to push the thoughts away, because I know you will think you are too old for me, and out of respect for your grieving, but I just know I could make you happy! My feelings haven’t changed; in fact, they have only grown stronger each time we’ve seen each other. I will understand if you don’t feel the same way, but I wanted you to know.”
The words came out all in a rush. He could tell she had rehearsed this speech prior to coming by. His firm hands placed themselves on each of her shoulders, kind eyes illuminated with emotion.
“Ava, you know I am still grieving the loss of my wife. I loved her very much.”
She nodded.
“I am flattered by your interest in me, and I do feel something for you, but I don’t think it would be fair to either of us if I were to rush into something just because I am lonely. It wouldn’t be for the right reasons.”
She nodded again, fresh tears forming at the corners of her eyes.
“Teaching, the Order, Teddy… they all take up so much of my time. I don’t know if I would be able to give you what you need right now. Age is just a number, and while I am concerned about the age difference, in the end it wouldn’t matter. I would like to continue to see you. Your friendship and company has been wonderful, and I can forget my troubles for a while. I do enjoy the time we spend together, and I would be disappointed if that ended.
“Still, I need more time to grieve. We can talk again in a few months, if you are willing to wait until then. Of course, I don’t expect you to wait for me. I just want you to know I am not closing the door on your feelings. I think, given some time, I can love you back and treat you the way you deserve.”
Ava didn’t answer at first. Fresh tears streamed down her cheeks at his words, cutting her heart, but hearing the truth he spoke.
“I’ll wait for you,” she whispered.
He pulled her into a tight embrace, and her sobs begin in earnest, releasing the pent-up feelings she had hidden for the past month.
“Shh, shh, now don’t cry, Ava. I can’t stand it when you cry.”
Remus held her for a long while, swaying with her until her tears dried and she composed herself.
“Thank you for being understanding, Remus. I feel much better now that you know, and I am happy you didn’t push me away, or think of me as just a silly girl.”
“I could never push you away. You are the most beautiful, kind, and intelligent young witch I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing, next to my late wife,” he blushed. “Your strengths carry me through. Thank you for your honesty and trust in me.”
This made her beam her dazzling smile, having been satisfied with the hope he, too, could one day return the emotion.
“May I kiss you?” she asked demurely.
Remus swallowed heavily as he considered, then assented. She leaned up to meet his lips, as he tipped his head and lowered to hers. Their lips met in a delightful, chaste kiss that lingered on, until he reluctantly pulled back, feeling a bit heady.
“Goodnight, Ava.”
“Goodnight, Remus.”
He escorted her to the door, waving goodnight one last time before closing it behind him.
He could still smell her lovely perfume lingering in the air. Lupin knew very well what his dreams would consist of that night. A feeling of guilt crushed his heart; while the guilt of betraying the memory of his late wife ate at him as a secret, budding love for the young girl took hold of his emotions.
Remus sat at his desk to send an owl to the Weasley’s. He was very grateful to them for caring for Teddy, and he visited as often as he was able to get away. Off went his owl with the note to expect him the following weekend, and to expect some news at the next Order meeting.
His eyelids grew heavy as he dozed over his ungraded papers, the memory of the kiss still on his lips, and the vision of a beautiful Ava Longbottom as his young bride.