Cherries

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Story: Cherries
Author: bumblybabs
Email: bubbalilly@gmail.com
Beta: Periculum
Story Consultants: WesleyY7, Sonia
Total Word Count: 9,280
Chapter 40 Edit Date: 05/19/2011
At the time of chapter upload
Hit count: 42,084
Review count: 214
Average/total vote: +++++ / 268
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Thank-you MarksPet for your lovely replies about my story, I hope it continues to keep your interest. As to BlueAlquimista's remarks, I'll just state that you obviously began reading this story in an angry mood and made sure to make some nasty remarks... You weren't very constructive in your criticism, now were you?

FYI, please take note of my name change to Bumblybabs...
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Chapter 41: Things Come To A Head

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Story time: 10pm

Remus sat in one of the hard-backed chairs at the dining room table, watching Hermione while she lay asleep on her cot, her arms curled around a sleeping Persimmonie. The infant had been fussy that day, and he was glad she had finally gone to sleep for the night. He looked at his watch and sighed. Well, until about two in the morning, when he knew she would wake up for another feeding.

Putting his feet up on the table and grabbing one of Hermione's books, he began reading to pass the time. He was patiently waiting for the Grangers to come back so he could discuss the matter of sleeping arrangements with them, feeling it would be rude for him to climb into bed with his girl without at least discussing it with her parents. He was tired of tip-toeing around the others and sneaking to be with Hermione, grabbing furtive moments with her like a teen-aged boy. And now that there was a separate room for her parents, the situation wouldn't be nearly as uncomfortable for all parties involved.

He lowered the book and put it in his lap as he looked down at Hermione again, dearly wanting to climb in with her and feel her warmth against him. He glanced at Persimmonie and wondered what their own children would look like. He had never truly contemplated having children before, always worried his lycanthropy would be transferred onto the child. But now, he seriously considered the possibility of children in his future as he watched his girl sleeping, somehow sure that none of their children would be affected. 'I know it's ridiculous, but I have a feeling we'll be lucky with our babies. I feel it deep down.'

His face crumpled with irritation when he thought about Bill's offhand comment that 'at least' Hermione and Ron would have beautiful babies. How dare Bill insinuate she would bed Ron again? She wasn't having any more children with Ron, of that he would make sure. She was going to have his children, and no one else's. He looked at her and wondered if she could be pregnant, even now. 'Lordy, we've had enough sex lately to get her pregnant. That wouldn't be good for her, though. She really doesn't need to deal with another baby. Not now. Not when we're finally starting to make progress. She has enough worries and doesn't need another infant to increase her stress load. I'll check into making sure she's given a contraceptive potion from now on, just to be sure.' He snickered. ' With all these hormonal teenagers around, I'll bet Poppy has a large supply already prepared.'

Putting the book down, he ran his hand through his hair, still wondering what their children would look like. 'Still, if she did have another baby, she'd be in happier surroundings with a swarm of people ready to support her with everything. I'm sure she'd be pleased to be carrying my child. It certainly wouldn't be like when she carried the twins.' He studied Hermione's features, then looked down at his hands. 'I'm not such a bad looking guy. I'm not handsome like Sirius used to be – well, let's be honest, he's still pretty damned good looking even after all those years in Azkaban. But, I'm far from ugly. And Hermione is so lovely to look at. She's already proven she can have beautiful babies. And the next one will be mine. And the one after that, and the one after that. I know she'd be happy having my children.'

Frowning suddenly, Remus sat up straighter and put his head in his hands. 'How can I be thinking like this? This would be a terrible time for her to have more children. And what if she really doesn't want my children? She's not with me by choice, not really.' He sighed, then scrubbed his face roughly with his hands. 'Time will tell, that's all there is to it.'

He thought about his resolve the other day, when he had decided he'd let her go and then deal with it as best he could. The more he thought about it, the more distressed he felt at not seeing her. He was ashamed to admit it, but he feared he would become a blathering idiot if she was removed from him for any length of time. 'That's ridiculous. I could handle it, I just don't want to. I enjoy my time with her, so why wouldn't I want to be with her? That's all it is. It's not all Kreacher and that damned potion!'

He shifted in his seat as he thought about how the past week had been with her. They had used every opportunity for romantic interludes they could, with him feeling like a testosterone-crazed teen-aged boy lusting after his girl. He kept dreaming about whisking her away so they could be alone together, alone and without others to bother them or get in the way. But, they were mere dreams, weren't they? He had other dreams, some disturbing to him, with him using her with others, and he would awaken after them shaken to the core. Sometimes he'd even get up and look to see if Kreacher was about, fearing the elf had gotten free and was teaching him again. 'Why do I keep having those dreams? Is his teaching ingrained in me now? Will I never be free from him?'

On top of the guilt he felt over the dreams, he also continued to struggle with his feelings of guilt over restraining her during sex - even though he kept telling himself she wanted him to. The first time she had asked him to bind her hands and make her do things had startled him – he never expected her to want that done to her ever again. When she had commented that she was dreaming about having that done to her, he worried again that Kreacher had somehow gotten loose and had resumed his teaching with her as well. Worried, he thought about it a few moments and decided he knew Kreacher was still in captivity because Albus had promised to let him know first if the elf ever got free so he could protect his girls.

When she had initially asked him to tie her hands, he remembered looking up at his girl in surprise and trying to properly assess the situation in his excited state. He had been mulling over whether he should or shouldn't bind her as she requested when she shook her damned tits in his face and rubbed herself against his erection, causing him to lose some control and make his mind up in a hurry. Wandlessly, he had bound her hands with invisible rope and forcefully, though quietly - since Persimmonie was sleeping nearby - had his way with her, finally allowing the guilt to crash down upon him when they were done. Hermione seemed happy enough, not wanting him to remove the rope even after they had finished, and this confused him terribly. And then, to have her calling him Master? That was too much. That wasn't what he wanted at all. Was her time with Sirius so ingrained that she would always be this way? Or was it the teaching she had by that damned elf? Or maybe a combination? Perhaps she wanted that type of sex with him because she knew he wouldn't hurt her? Or, it could just be that this was something she would have enjoyed even if all this with Sirius and the elf had never happened. He just didn't know.

Remus glanced at his watch again, worried. Hermione's parents had left early that morning and had been gone for over twelve hours. Surely what they needed to do didn't take twelve hours, did it? This was the fourth day this week they had gone off to go do Muggle stuff, today it had something to do with their Dental practice, and it was unnerving to know they were out in Muggle London – even if they were accompanied by several seasoned Aurors from the Order.

As if on cue, the door to the room slowly opened and he turned in time to see Hermione's parents come in quietly with Kingsley and Tonks. Remus stood quickly at the sight of Nymphadora, walking over so they could converse without waking Hermione. He flicked his eyes at Kingsley questioningly.

“Mad Eye was called away, so Tonks came to help.”

Tonks' eyes never left Remus. “I, uh, I thought that, you know, because my father was Muggle, that I could be a little more help with everything.” She smiled nervously as she wiped the palms of her hands on her pants.

Remus smiled and cleared his throat. He had to clear it a few times before he could speak without his voice cracking, his throat suddenly feeling very dry. “Excuse me.” He gave a little cough. “That's good, that's good. Yes, I'm sure you were helpful.”

“Oh, immensely,” Jane Granger said. “She knew just where to go, and was familiar with using the bus. We usually drive everywhere, but that Mad Eye kept insisting upon disappearing and reappearing everywhere. After the third time, I fainted dead away and Robert refused to let Mad Eye do any more of that magical disappearing again.”

Kingsley smiled. “It was at about that time that he got... called away.”

“Yes, he can be such a gruff man, can't he?” Jane put an affectionate hand on Tonks' arm. “Anyway, Tonks arrived not long after he left, and she knew just what to do and where to go. Like I said, we used the bus for transportation and we, “she pointed back and forth between her husband and herself a few times, “aren't used to using the bus, though Hermione is. That's why it took us so long. Then, we went out to eat at a nice restaurant. One of the waiters was sure Kingsley was a Prince from some African country,” Jane turned to look at the tall, dark man she spoke of as she gently laid a hand on his arm. “I guess it's because you act so much more dignified than the rest of us, Kingsley. You do have an aristocratic air about you, you know. That's the only reason I can think of that would make that waiter think you were a Prince.” She looked at Remus again. “We told him he was wrong several times but he insisted he knew 'a dignitary when he saw one', so we were all given the 'royal treatment' and that caused quite a stir!”

Kingsley gave a deep, rich laugh. “Yes, it did.”

“He got to eat for free. And the majority of the patrons wanted his autograph!” Robert looked a little put out. “I had to pay for my meal, however.”

“Robert, really.”

He folded his arms over his chest in a huff. “Well, it just seems that if 'Prince Shacklebolt' can eat for free, then the rest of his entourage should also!”

Remus smiled. “I would love to have been there to have witnessed it all. Must have been hilarious.”

“Oh, it was. It helped lighten the mood after such a serious day, I can tell you.”

“I'm sure it did, Mrs. Granger. I'm glad the day went well for you.”

“It did. And what have I told you about calling me 'Jane', Remus? Anyway, we have it set so that our employees will get paid for the next three months which will give them time to find new jobs without worry.”

“Find new jobs?” Remus' brow furrowed. “But, I thought you were only going to stay hidden and then go back to your practice.”

“We were, but, well, um, then we decided we had enough money to retire on.” Jane looked at her husband for a second before continuing. “We plan to sell the practice and move someplace where we've always dreamed of living.”

Unable to keep the jittery panic out of his voice, Remus grabbed Jane's arm as he demanded, “You are? Where? Why?”

Robert answered curtly while gently swiping Remus' hand off his wife's arm. “We vacationed in Australia about ten years ago and fell in love with the place. We plan to move there instead of being hidden away in England. We also plan to take Hermione and our granddaughter with us.”

Remus stepped back in shock, his mouth hanging open as he tried to think of what to say. 'They plan to take Hermione away from me? No, I can't allow that. I just can't.' “But you, but...” His jaw seemed to have stiffened and his tongue wouldn't move right – he almost felt as if he had been hit with the Langlock curse.

Kingsley grabbed Remus' shoulder and squeezed it lightly. Remus glanced at Kingsley who gave him a meaningful look. “You and I need to discuss a few things that happened today.”

“Uh, yes, I can see that.” He looked at Jane. “I apologize for grabbing your arm like that, Mrs. Gra, I mean Jane. I just wasn't expecting the news is all. Please forgive me.”

Remus paused as Jane nodded slightly, indicating she accepted his apology before continuing. “Are you sure about his? Are you sure that's wise? To go away like that?” He turned to Robert. “I mean, after touching her tears, it may not be a...”

“We plan to deal with that if the need arises.” Robert took in a deep breath, his eyes flicking towards his wife before flicking back to bore into Remus. “So far, I haven't had any issues due to that damned potion, so I think we'll be okay.”

“You see, so much has happened.” Jane's words tumbled out of her mouth nervously, her hands waving in front of her a few times before she started to wring them together. “And we thought that perhaps, well... I guess, in a way, we are running away from all this. We're running away and we're going to take our daughter and granddaughter with us, so we're all safe. We'll live in Australia, where Robert and I decided to retire to. I'll be home all the time, with Robert, and keep an eye on things and, um, make sure nothing bad happens, if you know what I mean. I understand there's some sort of Magical government out there, so Hermione can pick up where she left off here. Only, she'll be away from these Death Eaters and the other dangers you have here.”

Remus stared at Jane, then turned to look at Robert, noticing the man's jaw was jutted out as if he was prepared to argue their point. In turmoil, Remus decided to let it go for now. With massive effort he was able to keep himself from begging and blubbering with the Grangers like he knew Sirius would have. Closing his eyes and wiping his brow, Remus realized he wasn't as in control with the thought of losing Hermione as he had hoped he would be. 'Merlin have mercy on my soul. How do I handle this? How?'

Nervously, Jane peered around Remus. “How are Hermione and Persimmonie? Did their day go well?”

Remus twisted to look at the girls, then turned back. “Yes, uh, our day went fairly well. We went outside for a while and came back in when it began to rain. Persimmonie was a little cranky this evening, but she's asleep now.”

Everyone looked past Remus, and he could see the momentary widening of Kingsley and Tonks' eyes when they saw the infant. Both turned, still wide-eyed, to look at him at the same time. Remus had heard the Grangers mention Hermione and their granddaughter several times so he wasn't sure why Tonks and Kingsley acted so surprised. 'Perhaps they didn't realize that Hermione is an only child. They may have thought there was another daughter with a baby. I'm sure that's it. I'm surprised Mad Eye didn't clear that matter up though. Hmmm. Perhaps Albus told him not to talk about the girls with anyone. I guess that would be the safest course, but surely Albus knew the Aurors would keep the news to themselves – if he can trust them to know Hermione was rescued, why not tell them about Persimmonie?' He looked at Kingsley. 'I'm even more surprised that Mad Eye didn't pass the information on to Kingsley.'

“How long did you stay out today, Remus? Is Hermione handling being outside better?” Jane was pulling off her jacket as she spoke, clearly not realizing how chilly the air had become between the wizards in her company.

“Uh, yes, yes, she did extremely well. We stayed out for nearly four hours without hint of a panic attack. I can tell she's regaining her reasoning abilities once again. She was able to recognize the beginning signs of irrational fear and we discussed it at length. We took a short walk into the woods near Hagrid's hut and even, while invisible, listened in on some student's conversations. I could see she was itching to join in with them which I feel is a good sign.”

“Oh, good! I'm so glad to hear that! If you don't mind, we'd like to go out with you tomorrow so we can do a little more bonding with our girls in a nice place. This room, even thought Professor Dumbledore has enlarged it, still seems so small and stuffy.”

“I'm sure that can be arranged. I'll speak to Albus about it in the morning.”

Remus struggled to keep his attention on the Grangers as his mind was assaulted by 'Dora's emotional upheaval. He could feel her internal screaming as her mind worked overtime trying to figure out who the baby belonged to. He watched her looking from the infant to him and back again. Kingsley was doing the same.

“Uh, perhaps we need to talk in private?” Remus murmured to his friends, then turned to look at the Grangers. “I'll be back in a moment to ask you something, but first I need to talk with Kingsley and Tonks about a few things.”

Suddenly aware of the unease between the three, Jane backed towards Hermione while her eyes flicked back and forth between them. “Of course, of course. I'll put Persimmonie back in her bassinet; it's not safe for Hermione to sleep with the baby. People should never sleep with an infant just in case they roll over onto the baby in the night and smother the poor little thing. I'll remind her of that in the morning.” At the last moment, she nervously turned to address Tonks and Kingsley. “It was truly nice to meet the both of you. I so appreciate all that you've done for us.”

“Think nothing of it.” Tonks briefly grabbed Jane's hand and gave it a squeeze. “I was more than happy to help out.”

“Same here.” Kingsley reached out and shook hands with Robert Granger. “I hope we will meet again.”

“Yes, thank you, that would be nice.”

The good-byes done, the three walked out into the darkened infirmary, leaving the Grangers alone. Remus checked to make sure the cloth covered partitions hid them from the main room before turning to talk in hushed tones with the others.

“I'm sure I don't need to remind you that we must be quiet so we don't alert anyone to our presence.”

Kingsley nodded while Tonks crossed her arms, a frown on her face.

“Hermione had a baby?” Tonks whispered; her tone was both urgent and angry, and Remus was sure he sensed a hurt undertone.

“Yes, 'Dora, yes, she did.”

Tonks closed her eyes and took in a deep breath through her nose before opening them and fixing them unblinkingly upon Remus. Her lips were clamped together in a tight line and her angry, though sad eyes, challenged him to answer her. For a fleeting moment, he felt as if he were under Minerva's disapproving scrutiny and the hair on his neck prickled, causing a shiver to run down his spine. He stared back at her, wondering what she would say next. When she spoke, it was through clenched teeth. “Mad Eye mentioned that... He said I needed to know, that I... But he never mentioned... He...” Her face scrunched up as she looked at the door. A long pause, then, “Who's the father?”

Remus watched Tonks sadly, suddenly feeling terribly old and tired. “Persimmonie was conceived before Hermione and I...” He paused, looking down at his feet when a small gasp escaped the woman before him, her narrowed eyes appraising him as if she were seeing his inner core for the first time and not liking what she saw. What the hell possessed me to say something like that? Merlin. I'm getting as insensitive as Sirius for crying out loud. He found he couldn't outright lie by stating he didn't know who the father was though he knew what he was about to say was going to be hurtful. “I, ah, I mean the child isn't mine, 'Dora.”

The unspoken implication of his words sent a shock through her, her eyes slowly widening as she stared at him silently for a few moments before turning her back on him. How could he? How could he leave her like he did? And for a young girl? A girl she thought she had known, had actually liked for Merlin's sake! And now, to find out they had betrayed her like this. Betrayed her together. Oh, the child wasn't his – but it could have been, it could have. That's what he was saying. Oh Merlin! That's what he was saying! She felt her throat constrict painfully as she stifled a sob, her eyes burning with hot tears. Blinking hurriedly, she continued to stare at the wall as her thoughts raced.

Indeed, she sensed long ago that he was with someone else, and she had been prepared to fight for her man before she found out the truth. Found out who he had really been with. Her eyes flicked to the door where Hermione was hidden before sliding back to Remus. She hadn't wanted to believe it at first, and Mad Eye had vainly tried to soften the blow when he told her. She snorted at the thought, Mad Eye making an almost comical attempt to tell her the horrible truth with a gentle voice, his eye whirring about every few seconds as if he expected her to go ballistic and destroy something. She snorted again at her own stupidity. When she had entered the room with Hermione's parents, she was hoping the girl would be alone. She had hoped Mad Eye was wrong, that he was just being his old paranoid self on her behalf. But, no. Her life had crumbled when she saw her Remus in the room. In the room alone with her. She turned her back to him again, not wanting to look at him as she struggled with her feelings. 'I've got to get myself under control. I have to think on this. Merlin, help me with my feelings! Help me be strong!'

Feeling Remus' eyes on her back, she hunched her shoulders in and lowered her head. Her tears fell silently and she tried to sniff quietly. Damn it all! She still loved him, would always love him, even though he had turned his back on her, had left her alone without a word of what was wrong. And now she knew. And it stung. But her heart wouldn't let him go and she was troubled by her inner reluctance to do so. She wasn't a rug to be walked all over! She wasn't! She was an Auror, and a damned good one, too. She was a strong woman with self-worth. And yet she wanted him and was willing to forgive him and fight for him and her tears fell even harder as she wondered how she could possibly fight a sixteen-year-old-needy-single-mother who was intelligent and lovely and so damned likeable. She knew her Remus. She knew he was noble and wouldn't abandon the girl. He had taken on the responsibility of being the male-figure in Hermione's world and had left her high-and-dry. It just wasn't fair!

Feeling as if his heart were being wrenched from his chest, Remus watched 'Dora sadly. What a horrible way for her to find out who I left her for. My poor 'Dora! In agony, he watched as she furtively wiped her eyes with the backs of her hands. Gods, I'm so sorry, baby. I'm so sorry! I'll never make it up to you. There's so much to tell you and yet, I can't tell you anything.

“I, uh, I can't state who the father is. Albus will let everyone know when he feels the time is right.”

“The child looked to have red hair.”

His eyes never left his 'Dora. “Yes, Kingsley, she does.”

Sniffing, Tonks spun around to look at Remus, her watery eyes bloodshot. “Is the baby a Weasley? [sniff] If she is, which Weasley could she possibly belong to?”

“'Dora, please. Albus will let everyone know when the time is right.” He scratched his right eyebrow before sliding his hand down the side of his face and rubbing his cheek. “I'm sure you both realize the stir that this would cause not only in the Order, but within Voldemort’s ranks. So if you would both keep this to yourselves I’m sure that Albus would be most grateful.”

Tonks crossed her arms angrily. “Of course we will, Remus! What do you take us for?”

Kingsley looked from Remus to Tonks with obvious discomfort before clearing his throat meaningfully. “Perhaps we should be getting back, Tonks, before we are discovered.”

Tonks huffed before lowering her arms, her shoulders drooping slightly as she calmed down. “Yes, I guess you're right.” She looked at her hands. “I, well, we need to get back to the Ministry. We go on duty in a few minutes.”

Remus nodded, his sad eyes trying to meet Nymphadora's gaze through her brown hair, which fell around her down-turned face. He decided he definitely liked her hair the bright bubblegum pink or even the lovely shade of purple he had grown accustomed to. She was quite pretty with her hair brown, but he thought she was stunning when it was a bright pastel. He knew her color change was due to their break-up, and he kept hoping she would get over it. Every time he saw her, his first impulse was to check her hair, to see if it was still brown.

A sudden need to talk with her, to discuss things with her, to see what they could do to make a bad situation better, came over him – it was an almost overwhelming need that blossomed within him as she fidgeted under his watchful gaze. He was sure that he could talk some sense into her, somehow help her through this. However, being so near to her, he realized how much he truly missed her. Their relationship had been blossoming nicely for a while – before what happened with Sirius and Hermione - and he had been struggling with his feelings over her as he attempted to work through the guilt of knowing he wasn't good enough for her. He was too old, even for his 'Dora, who was several years older than Hermione; he felt he was too poor; and worse yet, he was a werewolf. Despite all of his shortcomings, she still wanted him. At the time, he couldn't believe his luck over having someone such as her wanting him. Someone as intelligent, attractive, and vivacious as her wanting to be with him. Him. He was amazed and absolutely awestruck at the thought. And, sadly, he had thrown all that away when he became involved with Hermione.

Once again, he recalled his conversations with Severus and Albus about his feelings for the girl. He didn't want to believe that his feelings for her were manufactured by a twisted house elf. 'How could they be? My feelings for Hermione are so strong. Surely they aren't all elf made, are they? I was attracted to her before all this began, before we ever met that damned elf. But there were too many reasons to leave her be: our age difference being the biggest, my being her former professor, my lycanthropy, my growing fondness for 'Dora, the war itself. Too many reasons.'

Truth be told, he had wanted Hermione. And it had been a struggle to keep his distance. Especially when she began to flaunt herself about, showing off her body, her nipples pert under her shirts. He could tell what type of bra she was wearing – one of those you saw at adult stores where there was a hole in the material to allow the nipple to peek through. It had been so obvious, so deliciously obvious.

'Dora momentarily forgotten, Remus thought about the shower he had with Hermione earlier that day, both of them impatiently waiting until after her parents left before they dared do more than look at each other. Even though he knew, deep down, that it was inappropriate, he plain and simple didn't want his romance with her to end. She was so responsive, so damned sexy, and so easy to please. And now, with their relationship taking on a whole new dimension as he discovered his new guilt-tinged attraction to bondage, he found a new reason to keep her for himself. He pictured her with her arms behind her, knowing that he wasn't really forcing her to do things she didn't want to do but still feeling empowered at the thought that he could. He was still uncomfortable with the thought of doing this to her, even though she wanted it, even though it excited him. 'How strange that I would like something like that.' It reminded him a little too much of Sirius, so he was careful to not get carried away. So far, he had only tied her hands behind her back, not wanting to delve too far into this new world she was teaching him. He had watched Sirius tie her up before they both used her together, but he had never before initiated binding her in any way.

His thoughts suddenly shifted to their first shower together, after the twins were born, and how it had helped bring them closer together. He smiled when he pictured her standing in the middle of the bathroom, naked, her eyes huge while she chewed nervously on her lower lip. He'd known she was frightened but hadn't known why, and he'd made sure she enjoyed that shower as much as he did. They were noisy and lustful, and when they came out of the bathroom Sirius made sure they knew he knew what they'd been doing in there. Oh! How angry and jealous he was! Remus chuckled as he remembered Sirius' face crumpled in anger and how he tried to tell Remus to back off. Remus knew Sirius worried Hermione would want Remus over him, but Remus knew what Hermione needed to keep her sanity. And he gave her what she needed. It wasn't his fault that Sirius was so damned selfish that he'd alienate the girl.

He frowned when he really thought about that. She was afraid of Sirius and that blasted elf but if they showed up right now, he knew, deep down, that she'd go back with them to be used and abused because she felt she 'loved' Sirius and that he 'loved' her. Remus shook his head sadly. How to get her to realize she needed to stay away, she needed to relearn and change her way of thinking? Sighing, Remus' thoughts went back to their shower together, how her body glistened, the soapy water cascading over her pert breasts, her body sore – yes – but oh so responsive to his touch. They couldn't have intercourse due to her being so newly post-natal, but she knew how to take care of him. He smiled. Yes, she surely knew how to take care of a man with her hands and mouth, that tongue of hers. Gods.

Their second shower together was exactly what they both needed – it helped her deal with her fears of how he would treat her after catching her with Bill, and he realized how strongly she truly felt for him – how they felt for each other. Their shower this morning, not long after her parents left, and the time they spent discussing things, looking through books, and playing with Persimmonie had to have counted for something, didn't it? Yesterday had passed by just as pleasantly. Surely her feelings for him weren't elf made ones, were they? Did she desire him before the elf? In his mind's eye, he saw her looking at Ron and he wondered again – did she desire the boy in any way before the elf? His stomach twisted at the thought of what the answer was. I suppose I could ask her, but do I really want to know?'

Anger surging, he recalled what Severus had implied – that his relationship with Hermione was all about sex. 'Severus doesn't understand. We had many hours together to sit and talk when Sirius or Kreacher weren't around. Hermione is so intelligent, so interesting, so full of life. Despite everything that has happened to her, she's kept her sense of self. I don't know how she stayed sane through all of that, but she did. And the fantastic sex is a definite bonus to our relationship. But great sex isn't the only thing we have going for us. We could make it work, she and I. I know we could.

Closing his eyes, he remembered how Hermione would make him cry out during their showers together, how he would beg her to continue, how she tormented him sexually in a way he knew 'Dora would never come close to recreating. Again, he thought back to the day he caught Hermione with Bill, and how he had thoroughly ravished her after he finished scrubbing her down. Even the scrubbing away of Bill's leavings had been sensual in a way he never expected. His girl had been so shy at first, when his fingers began to delve into her, when he...

“Remus?”

Eyes flying open as he shook his head when he heard 'Dora's voice, Remus looked at the two people staring at him and grinned sheepishly when he realized he had been ignoring them, lost in his daydream. Guiltily, he blinked a few times, blushing like a school boy caught doing something embarrassing as he brought himself back to the present.

“Remus? Are you all right?” 'Dora reached up and grabbed his arm, then pulled away shyly.

“Uh, yes, yes, I'm fine.” Remus looked away for a moment. Damn, he really did miss 'Dora. She was also intelligent, and was so much more vivacious than Hermione. He knew her feelings for him definitely weren't elf-made, and his feelings in return were genuine as well. 'I'm so damned mixed up, I don't know what to do. I'll just talk to 'Dora, explain things. I'm sure she'll understand. Maybe, once everything is over, we'll be able to get back together. I don't know, what of Hermione? I can't just abandon her. That wouldn't be right. I still need to talk with 'Dora, though, to let her know why I really broke up with her. It's obvious she suspected that I was with Hermione, guess it's that damned woman's intuition. Did Mad Eye tell her, I wonder? He's the only one who knows, other than Albus and Severus. Surely not. But even Kingsley suspected.' Remus shifted uncomfortably as he scratched the edge of his jaw. 'It definitely would be best if she heard all this from me first, and not from Albus.'

He gazed intently at 'Dora before speaking to her softly, his hand reaching out to gently squeeze her elbow before dropping down to his side again. “Maybe we can talk later?”

Her eyes glittered at his quiet request. “Oh, yeah, sure. That, uh, that would be nice.”

Remus smiled encouragingly at her, then turned to Kingsley, reaching out to shake the other man's hand. “It was good of you to help Hermione's parents like you did. And it was great to see you again, Kingsley.”

“No problem at all, Remus. I'll see you at the Order meeting later this week.”

“Yes, the Order meeting. Look, I'm sure Albus plans to let the rest of the Order know about Hermione's rescue. Then we can really work on helping her out.”

“And during the meeting we'll also need to discuss the plans of Miss Granger's parents.” Kingsley clasped his hands together, his thumbs rubbing back and forth a few times before stilling. “They decided to make this move after they took care of their patients' needs with other dentists and before we went with them to do the necessary paperwork. No matter how hard I tried to reason with them, they were adamant in their decision.”

“I agree with what Mrs. Granger said to you, Remus. They feel the need to run away.” Tonks thought a moment. “You should have seen them as they discussed buying a home and how they'd go sight-seeing and live a comfortable life. They kept mentioning 'the girls', and I wondered what they meant. Now I know.”

“Yes, it certainly does look as if they plan to run away from the whole situation.” Remus felt a small knot of panic rising in his chest. What if they did take her away? Should he go with them? But, he couldn't abandon his work with the Order. They needed him. The fight against Voldemort was too important for him to walk away from. But, could he let her go?

Tonks kept her eyes glued onto Remus' as she spoke. “I think it might be the best thing for them all if they moved to Australia. They won't be in danger anymore and they can get to know one another again.”

“I, uh, no, 'Dora, no.” He looked down at his feet, his well-worn shoes suddenly seeming to be very interesting. “Running away is never a good idea. Hermione has so much to deal with, running away won't help her.”

“But her parents will get her the help she needs, Remus.”

Remus shook his head as he brought his head up so he could look at her. “I don't think a Muggle doctor can help her deal with what she's been through.”

“They plan to contact the Ministry in Australia. She'll get the help she needs.”

“They won't understand what she's gone through!” Remus struggled to keep his voice low, the words being ground out in a growl. “They'll never understand. How can they help her if they don't truly understand what happened to her?”

“Remus, I...”

Kingsley cleared his throat. “Perhaps this should best be discussed at the Order meeting?” He spoke lowly as he stepped forward. He turned to Tonks. “We really should be going.”

“Oh, yes, yes, you're right.” Tonks looked at Remus. “I'll see you at the meeting, Remus?”

Smiling, he nodded. “Yes, I'll be there. After the meeting, perhaps we could talk about a few things?”

“That would be great. Yes. Yeah, that'll be good. Bye, Remus.”

“Bye, 'Dora. Kingsley.”

He smiled warmly at 'Dora as she and Kingsley Disillusioned themselves before turning, unseen, to leave. Remus stared for a long time at the spot where 'Dora had been standing. The act of Disillusioning herself made him think about his showers with Hermione and he wondered what it would be like to shower with two Disillusioned women. 'It would certainly be an interesting challenge, now wouldn't it, to service two invisible women? But, I could do it, no problem at all.' Remus envisioned himself with four hands and two mouths working on him at the same time while his hands roved over four breasts. He took in a shaky sigh as he rubbed his growing erection. Yes, that certainly would be something to look forward to. 'Gods, I'll have to be sure to take another Disillusioned shower with Hermione before I go to bed tonight and have her do me like she did earlier. I'm sure she won't mind my waking her. Well, no, I guess I should wait until after Persimmonie is put down after her two o'clock feeding so I don't disturb her too much. Then I can pretend 'Dora is in the shower with us, invisible, working me with my girl.'

Remus suddenly stood up straight, a frown on his face. “What in the name of Nimu is wrong with me?”

He looked at the door where his girl and her parents were hidden. 'Why the hell are those thoughts surfacing? I thought I had them under control. Those were elf-made dreams! They aren't real, and they aren't what I really want. I won't do that to them, I won't! I know it would hurt Hermione's feelings if I tried for that type of relationship with her and 'Dora together. And I know it would hurt 'Dora. I can't do it, I just can't.'

He thought about the issue of his binding Hermione's hands during their sexual escapades and wondered again if that was all due to the elf. He was sure it was, but how could it be? The elf was being held captive, wasn't he?

Remus shook his head and readied himself. He needed to clear his mind before he went in to talk to Hermione's parents about his sleeping with her, knowing they would probably balk at the thought. But he was prepared to make them see reason, no matter how long it took. They were aware of his being her lover, and he saw nothing wrong with his sleeping with her even if they weren't married right now. It wasn't as if he planned to fuck her while in the same room with her parents, so what was the harm?

Taking in a deep breath, he reached out, preparing to grab the door handle. Suddenly, Remus froze, then paled when he realized he had caught whiff of a cat. Barely a heartbeat later, he heard a mewling near his feet. Eyes wide, he looked down and stared at Mrs. Norris as she began twining herself around his legs. 'How could I not have smelled her before now?' His anus tingled when he looked up, for he had a wand shoved in his face.

“My, my, my. Isn't this an unexpected surprise?”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Story time: 23:58pm

“Harry!”

Harry and Ron turned to look at the fireplace in unison, then scrambled off the couch to crouch in front of the green flames. Harry looked around the common room to make sure they were definitely alone before speaking.

“Padfoot! It's good to see you! Is everything all right?”

Sirius' face flickered in the firelight. “Yes, yes, everything is fine. Hey, listen Harry, have you, uh, have you heard anything from Professor Dumbledore today?”

“Professor Dumbledore?” Harry looked at Ron for a moment before shaking his head and looking back at the green flames. “No. Why, should I have?”

Sirius looked crestfallen. “Oh, no, no, I was just wondering. Uh, I just... I don't know, maybe I shouldn't say. I was sure Albus had spoken to you.”

“Spoken to me about what? Sirius, you aren't making sense.”

“It's nothing, Harry. Really.” Sirius suddenly sported a strained smile. “Hey! I'm glad to see you're doing all right. Umbridge isn't treating you too harshly, is she?” His smile faded away as he finished his question.

“No, no, I'm okay. I can handle her.”

“Good, good.” Sirius smiled again, and it wasn't as forced. “I'm glad to hear that, I knew you were made of sterner stuff than the other students. Many of them would have cracked by now.” Sirius hesitated for a moment, then made to turn from the fire as he said, “I'll be seeing you, Harry.”

“Wait, Sirius!” Harry threw up a hand and stretched towards the fire, his voice frantic. “Was Professor Dumbledore supposed to tell me something? Is there something I should know?”

“I can't tell you, Harry. I wish I could, you have no idea.” Sirius ran a hand through his hair, his attention seeming to wane as he spoke. “But, it's not all that important. Well, it is, but not important to you. I mean, it is, but... Well, you'll understand when you find out.”

“Find out what?”

“I can't tell you, Harry. Really, I can't. Albus would kill me if I did.”

“Come on, Sirius.” Harry leaned in even closer to the flames, Ron following him, and whispered. “What is it? You're hinting so much, it'll kill me not to know!”

Sirius looked around the room he was in, then seemed to look behind Harry as he leaned forward. Self-consciously, Harry and Ron peered behind them before leaning even closer to the flames as Sirius whispered, “Hermione has been found and she's being hidden somewhere in Hogwarts.”

Ron jumped up, bellowing, “Bloody hell!”

Frantically, Harry grabbed Ron and pulled him back down, shushing him. Once Ron had calmed down enough to let him talk, he turned back to the fire. “When did they find her? Where is she, Sirius? Is she okay?”

Looking around the room behind the boys again, Sirius' voice shook as he spoke. “She's fine, she's fine. They found her a few days ago. I wanted to talk to her and was hoping you knew where she was.”

“No, no, we had no idea she was here!” Harry looked around the room, suddenly fearful he heard something. When he was sure no one was coming, he turned towards the fire again. “Merlin, she's been found! Where, I mean, how, how did they find her?”

Sirius shook his head. “I don't know the specifics, Harry. I just know she was found. You can't say a word to Albus, I mean, Professor Dumbledore about this. He'll have my head if he knew I told you! Promise me!”

“Of course, we won't say a word, I promise.” Harry held up his hand in a Boy Scout salute. He nudged Ron who mimicked his hand gestures and murmured “I promise” as well.

“Good, good.” Sirius' voice rose slightly in his excitement. “See if you can find out where she is and let me know. And don't forget, use a school owl. Hedwig is far too easy to follow.”

“Yeah, okay, I will.”

“Promise me, Harry. Promise you'll tell me straight away.”

“Yeah, sure, I promise, Sirius.” Harry looked puzzled for a moment before nodding emphatically. “I promise. As soon as we find anything out about her, we'll let you know.”

Sirius seemed to relax and smiled. “And make sure no one knows I told you about her. No matter what, no one can know I told you.”

“Of course, Sirius. I promise, we won't mention you at all. Not to anyone.”

Sirius sat back slightly, his features relaxing as he wiped sweat from his brow with a shaking hand. “Good, good, that's good.”

“Sirius, you sure she wasn't hurt or anything? You know, if Death Eaters had her or something? If so, I'll bet they have her hidden in the hospital wing.”

“As far as I know, she wasn't hurt.” Sirius paused thoughtfully. “The hospital wing would be a good place to hide someone, since Madame Pomfrey is always there to act like a guard. Actually, I think that's a very good place to start looking, Harry. That's a brilliant idea.”

Smiling broadly, Ron punched Harry on the arm, causing Harry to rub it furiously as he groaned in pain.

“We'll go there first thing in the morning, Sirius.” Harry readjusted his legs since his left one was starting to go to sleep. “We'll go before breakfast, when everyone is busy getting ready for the day.”

“Good, that's good. Just be sure not to let on that you're looking for her!” Sirius pushed some hair out of his eyes impatiently. “You've got to be careful so no one suspects what you're up to.”

Harry nodded solemnly. “Okay, Sirius. We'll be careful.”

“Thanks, Harry.” Sirius winked. “I knew I could count on you.”

“Of course you can, Sirius! You can always count on me.”

Ron leaned forward a little. “And me, too, Sirius.”

“Thanks, Ron, I appreciate that.”

Harry scratched his chin thoughtfully. “But why would they be hiding her, Sirius? Why not let everyone know she's here and safe?”

Sirius shook his head slowly. “I don't know, Harry. Professor Dumbledore has his reasons, and he doesn't always share them.”

“Yeah, you're right about that, Sirius. Merlin, I hope she's okay.”

“Me, too. Hey, I'll talk with you later. Remember what happened the last time I spoke with you through the fire. I don't want to press my luck any more than I already have.”

All three remembered when a hand had suddenly come out of the hearth wall and tried to grab Sirius' head. That was when they found out the fireplaces were being watched and they knew they were taking a big risk by talking to Sirius now.

“Okay, we'll see you, Sirius.”

“Bye, Harry. Ron.”

“Bye, Sirius.”

Both boys watched as Sirius backed out of the flames, then watched the flames flare from green to orange.

“Merlin, Harry, they've found her! They've found Hermione!”

“I know, Ron. That's great. I wonder why they're hiding her though. What reason could Professor Dumbledore have for hiding her?” Harry got up and walked over to the couch, plopping himself down carelessly. “Why weren't we informed? He could have told us at least. We're her best friends!”

“Dunno. Umbridge, maybe? That cow might do something to Hermione, as vile as she is.” Ron got up and sat next to Harry.

“What would Umbridge do to Hermione, though? And, why?”

“I don't know.” Ron scratched his head, his brows furrowing furiously as if he was trying to remember something important. “I wonder why Sirius wants to talk to her so bad? Seems kind of odd, don't you think?”

Harry looked at the flames and stared, his eyes going out of focus while he pondered Ron's question. “I don't know. I agree, it does seem a bit odd.” He looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully before sighing heavily. “Maybe, since he knows she's been rescued and is stuck in that house, he's just starved for some information about her. I know it would drive me nuts if it were me.”

“Could be, mate.” Ron stood and made to walk away. “Come on, let's go look for her now!”

Harry grabbed Ron's arm and pulled him back down. “No, Ron, we can't. It'll be too obvious.”

“Come on, Harry. We'll be careful. Go on, go get your Invisibility Cloak and we can have a look around. We'll have to sneak in order to find her anyway. They won't have her out in the open.”

Harry rolled his eyes. “Well, I guess that's kind of obvious, Ron, since Sirius says they're hiding her.”

“Go on then, get your Cloak!”

“Okay, I guess I will.” Harry looked at the stairs as he stood, his stomach knotting up as that old sense of foreboding crept into his bones. “I'll never get any sleep until I do, will I?”

Shoving Harry towards their dorm, Ron whispered loudly, “No, you won't! Go on, go get your Cloak! And don't forget your map!” Smiling, Ron watched as Harry slowly walked towards their room. “And hurry!”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Sirius gave her a sheepish smile as he backed out of the fireplace.

“I know you're upset with me, baby, but I just can't think of anything else to do.”

His imaginary Hermione turned from him and he thought he saw her wiping away some tears.

“Come on, Kitten! Everything will work out. You'll see! And, once I have you with me, I'll make you happy. Very happy.”

His imaginary Hermione shrugged her shoulders.

“I promise you, Harry won't get hurt. He'll find you for me, report back to me your whereabouts, and I'll take you for my own. Everything will work out, baby, I promise you.”

His imaginary Hermione turned to look at him, her smile melting his heart as he quietly reached for her.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Author's notes for this section of the chapter:

Cool image I came across of Snape:
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w112/vickskedoedoe/snape_death_eater.jpg
* I don't know exactly how different the Boys Scouts are in England from the US so I checked the UK Boy Scouts website to see what a salute looks like when they promise something... I envisioned Harry holding up three fingers, and that's what these pages show:
http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/sneeds/resources/scoutpromise.pdf
http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/ps/sneeds/resources/beaverpromise.pdf
Fascinating site to read...
*
Langlock charm:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_spells_in_Harry_Potter

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