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Bound Together
Chapter 3-Tea With Remus And His Dog
Author's notes: Well, it's the third chapter. And I'm still coming up with ideas. I don't know how I'm doing it. It's certainly not the plot bunnies. I'm putting a slash warning on this chapter, for reasons that shall become more evident as the chapter goes on. Also, there will be further mention of the ever-so-squicky five-some. And, as always, special thanks to Sugarjet Erin, Bingblot and Landlady of the Universe. *glomps you guys* And of course, I'm also going to give a shout-out to the Order of the Pumpkin (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/orderofthepumpkin) and the HMS Pumpkin Pie.
Thanks to those of you who reviewed the last chapter…all TWO of you (at Schnoogle…Portkey people shouldn't feel so bad about themselves, as y'all are pretty good at leaving reviews). *glares at readers at Schnoogle* READ AND REVIEW!
Also, this fic is officially AU, as I'm not going to go along completely with OotP. At least I have some characters to work with now, but I'm keeping the dog. However, there will be some spoilerage for OotP. He's too important to the story, even if JKR, ebil woman she is, killed him off, though I still love her anyway.
As the week wore on, Harry tried to keep his mind on the upcoming tea with Remus and Sirius, but his thoughts kept straying to Hermione. When she was around, it was all he could do to keep from grabbing her and inspecting her tonsils there on the spot. This made concentrating in class very difficult, since Hermione set next to him in every one save Divination.
"Harry! Harry! We need to get to work on our paper for Charms," Hermione exclaimed, seeing that Harry was just staring at her absentmindedly. "The N.E.W.T.'s are only five months away! This is no time for glazing over!"
"I haven't glazed over," Harry said defensively. Instead, he was fantasizing about doing obscene things to her right there on their work table. "I was just thinking."
"Good, then do you have any idea what you're going to write about?"
"No, I really don't. Do you have any suggestions?"
Well, you could just throw me down and shag me, Hermione thought. She didn't think that would be the answer that Harry was looking for though, no matter how good the idea sounded to her. However, unable to turn her mind to other thoughts, she said, "Well, you could do something on the efforts to produce a prophylactic charm that isn't affected by other spells or potions. I mean, there is one; we learned about it last year in that really embarrassing seminar from McGonagall and Snape, but they did say that it didn't always work when either partner was taking a good number of potions."
"Sounds like a good idea, Hermione. I might actually do that."
At that moment, a knock came at the window of Gryffindor Tower. There was a medium sized barn owl flapping by the window. Harry was loath to go and open it, considering the fact his robes were a bit too tight; the effects of being around Hermione were making him a bit uncomfortable. After a few seconds of shuffling papers and books off of her lap, Hermione went over and opened the window. The owl then swooped across the room and dropped a letter in front of Harry.
"Who's it from, Harry?" Hermione asked, noting the look of surprise on Harry's face.
"Professor Lupin. He's given me directions to his house for tomorrow. He says that he has a few things to tell us. He told us to meet him at 2:00."
"That's perfect. The twins want to talk to the three of us. I just hope that they don't go into detail about their polyamourous relationship. Last time, I was about to puke, given how Angelina was talking," Hermione mused. Harry shared similar thoughts. The twins had outdone themselves when it came to the situation in their private lives. He knew about being a bit randy, after all, he had gone through puberty, but the twins and their girlfriends took the concept to new extremes not heard of since polygamy became socially unacceptable. Besides, he didn't exactly understand how things worked when it was just one guy and one girl, let alone with more than that.
"Yeah, they are a bit too frank, aren't they? I know that I wouldn't want to share those kinds of details. But then, they have been known for flamboyancy in the past, so what would anyone expect from people who are sleeping with Fred and George?" Harry replied.
Suddenly, the door flew open, and Ron came in. He was obviously quite torn, but between what Harry and Hermione had no clue.
"I've just been talking to dad. He wants to take the family out into Hogsmeade tomorrow and spend the day there with us," Ron said. "I don't know if I'm going to be able to make it to tea with Remus and Sirius."
"Spend time with your family, Ron. You're lucky to have them," Harry said dully. "After all, it's what I'd do."
"I suppose you're right, Harry. You can make my excuses to Moony and Padfoot. I'm sure they'll understand," Ron said, slightly relieved. "I just want to know everything about it. Don't leave out any details."
"You'll hear everything, Ron," Hermione said. "It's not like we'd leave you out of the loop."
And with that, Ron turned and headed for bed.
The next morning, Harry woke with a start. Hermione, who was already dressed, was standing over him, shaking him.
"Get up, get up!" Hermione yelled, almost like a little child trying to rouse her parents on Christmas morning. "We've only got fifteen minutes before the carriages leave!"
"Wha-Dear God, Hermione! Why didn't you wake me earlier?" Harry asked, all manner of sleep shocked right out of him at the sound of Hermione's yelling.
"I would have, but I know that you don't like being woken that early. And besides, watching the great Harry Potter asleep is quite enthralling."
"Perhaps you ought to get a Pensieve and put it the memory in there if it was so great. It'll last longer," Harry quipped.
"I think I'll do just that. Thanks for the idea, Harry! Now, I'm going to leave so that you can get dressed. I know you don't want me seeing you unclad." Hermione said.
"I'll see you in a bit, Hermione," Harry said, as she turned and left the room. Why did she always get the good sights? He knew he'd love to see her sleeping, and he wouldn't mind her seeing him naked, provided that she returned the favor. With that thought, it suddenly got much harder for him to get dressed.
When the time came to board the thestral-driven carriages to Hogsmeade, Harry and Hermione waved goodbye to Ron, and took a carriage to themselves. After a silence that wasn't tense, but was quite thick with pheromones, Hermione decided to speak.
"I wish there was another way to see the thestrals without having watched someone die. I would quite like to know what they look like, but I know I don't want to have to go through something so gruesome to see them, though."
"Well, I'm not so sure that you'd like them at first, but they really are amazing," Harry replied, as if he was making a side-comment to her in a lecture in Hagrid's class. "They're a bit strange, but they are quite handsome. If you must know what they look like, they are a bit reptilian, and their heads aren't shaped like normal winged horses."
"So, do you have any idea about what Sirius and Remus want?" Hermione asked.
"If I knew, you'd know. Honestly, I'd like to know myself. However, when it comes to those two, it's not so great to blindly ask questions for fear of the answers," Harry stated sagely.
"You make a good point, Harry. Those two were the ones who wrote the plans for many of the twin's pranks. While the vast majority of pranks the twins pull have come from their own imaginations, I recognized a few of them the book they gave you."
They bantered on like the old friends they were, with only the faintest trace of the hormonal impulses that had overtaken them of late. In fact, Harry was quite proud of the fact that their banter hadn't caused any unwanted reactions. And for her part, Hermione was perfectly fine, and the knot that always turned up in her stomach when Harry was around didn't flutter nearly as bad as normal. Overall, it was a pleasant trip, which came to an end all too soon in front of the Three Broomsticks.
"Want to get a butterbeer before we get along to our business, Hermione?" Harry asked, desperate to continue the conversation.
"Sure, Harry," Hermione said, and she unconsciously took his hand and the two of them walked into the pub. The physical contact, however slight, though, was enough to completely throw Harry's brain out of control once again.
"Oh, my, I'm holding her hand. Get a grip on yourself. She's just Hermione. Your best friend, with whom you've always been physically close. But I certainly wouldn't mind if she was closer. Come off it, Harry, you aren't supposed to think those thoughts about your best friend," Harry thought to himself. However, for some reason, this banter in his brain was being ignored by his more southward parts, which had already made their collective mind up, much to Harry's embarrassment.
Hermione was fighting a similar battle. On the one hand, Harry was her best friend, and she didn't want to lose that. On the other, she also wanted to jump his bones right then and there. After all, he was good looking, a decent and intelligent person-when he wanted to be-and oh, God what a butt.
Neither said anything, though, as they walked in, sat down at a table, and ordered up a couple of butterbeers.
After seeing that Angelina was the one behind the counter, Harry and Hermione ran for it, knowing that they didn't want to hear the conversation that she'd provide. Neither wanted full details of that she, the twins, Alicia, and Katie had been doing to each other the night before. So, instead, having an hour before they had to meet Remus and Sirius, the two of them decided to take a silent stroll through the village.
Remus Lupin's house wasn't much, but it was pleasantly comfortable. It was one floor with five rooms on it, not counting the bathroom and kitchen, but it was comfortably furnished. As Harry entered the house, as the door had let him and Hermione in as though it had been told that he was expecting them, Harry felt like he was at a slightly less dilapidated version of the Burrow.
"Hey, Harry, Hermione," came a voice that was definitely too low to be Lupin's. Harry and Hermione turned around and saw Harry's godfather, Sirius Black.
"Oh, hello Sirius," Hermione said. "I didn't know that Professor Lupin had other guests."
Another voice, this time higher, said, "Don't call me 'professor'. I don't teach anymore. And besides, Sirius isn't exactly a guest. He lives here too."
"Ah, yes, that's right. You're still in need of a place to hide," Harry said as Lupin walked to join Sirius.
"Here, you two have a seat. I'll go get the tea," Sirius said.
"Where's Ron?" Lupin asked.
"His family is staying at Hogwarts for the time being. Dumbledore figures it's safer for them there than at the Burrow. After all, Fudge knows exactly where it is, considering that Percy is in his inner circle, and that Percy refuses to believe that Fudge is doing anything illegal. So the eight of them decided to go and spend the day in town together," Hermione explained.
"I'm wondering where Molly and Arthur went wrong with Percy. I mean, they've done a decent job with the rest of the kids, even Fred and George. Do they think that he's being controlled?" Lupin asked.
"According to Ron, if anyone is controlling him, they've been doing it his entire life. They haven't noticed any change in Percy, other than his sudden turn from the family," Harry volunteered.
Sirius then came into the room carrying a tea tray. As he set it down on the table, he said, "Yes, we do have something to tell you. We just hope you understand." After pouring the tea, he sat down beside Lupin.
"Yes, I'd certainly hope so," Lupin said. "Remember when I said that Sirius was living here? Well, it's not just because he's on the run and needs a place to stay. You see, the two of us, are, well…"
"We're seeing each other," Sirius finished for Lupin. Harry and Hermione sat there in stunned silence, their jaws on the floor.
"Do you mean to say that the two of you are, well, gay?" Harry finally asked, after he had gathered himself together from the shock.
"Yes, we are," Remus said. "Just please realize…"
But he never got a chance to finish. Harry and Hermione started in at once, but it all came out in an excited garble.
"One at a time, please," Sirius said. "Hermione, you go first."
"Well, I must say that I'm a bit shocked, to say the least. However, I think that I speak for both of us when I say that I'm not bothered at all by your sexual preferences. After all, you two have been more help to us than a lot of other people. So, why should it matter to our perception of you that you are gay?" Hermione said.
"What she said. She took the words right out of my mouth. At least the two of you have found somebody. Who'd have thought that it would be each other?" Harry added.
"There's a bit more than that too. We're going to be undergoing a formal union. It's actually a spell that will bind our souls and powers together. While we are having it modified slightly for the fact that Remus is a werewolf and that the two of us are gay, we are expecting it to work," Sirius said.
"The thing about this is that the magic that we are using is actually the oldest form of marriage known to mankind. In fact, it's where we got the idea. However, it is rarely employed these days, as it demands monogamy, and the spell cannot be reversed. If the terms of the spell are broken, it would mean death for the one who broke the spell. It does have its advantages, though. As our souls are combined, any fatal spell would have to be cast upon both of us simultaneously for us to die. That includes the Killing Curse. Also, it amplifies both of our magical abilities. There's even a possibility that it could be a cure for my condition, but we're not exactly sure." Lupin said.
"How exactly does this work?" Hermione asked. "Exactly how dangerous is casting the charm?"
"The charm isn't difficult or dangerous to cast, Hermione," Sirius explained. "It's just that there is no way to end the spell other than natural death. What will happen is that we will both take a potion, which is also simple enough. In fact, they used to teach eight-year-old girls to brew it back in the Middle Ages. Then, we cast a spell on each other, which begins the process. The bond, though, is not complete until it has been consummated. That introduces another aspect of the spell that makes it unpopular these days. When you do this, you cannot be under any kind of birth control or use any kind of protection. It seems to interfere with the spell. Not that that's a problem for us."
"One more thing about the spell, though," Remus added. "Though any couple can get it to function, its full effects can only be achieved if both people are virgins."
"I can see why a good number of people don't use it, then," Harry said. "I do believe that Hermione and I are the only seventh years at Hogwarts who haven't done it. But then, it may just be because the two of us are chasing the rest out of each other's beds."
"Actually, I don't think Millicent Bulstrode has, but how could anyone actually have sex with her?" Hermione quipped.
"That wasn't nice, Hermione," Sirius replied.
"No, as in physically, how? I'd like to see a guy who could mount her." This elicited a bit of laughter from everyone.
"But what about Ron?" Lupin asked.
"Oh, he lost it to a Ravenclaw girl that lived nearby over the summer. Wouldn't shut up about it once we got on the train. I think you met Luna, didn't you?" Harry said, the laughter fading from his voice.
"No, I don't think we did," Sirius said. "Isn't she the daughter of the guy who runs the Quibbler?"
"Yes, the two of them are probably the only people who believe everything they print. She's a bit weird, yes, but she and Ron are a great couple," Hermione said.
"I bet Molly and Arthur are absolutely thrilled about that," Sirius said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Actually, they don't mind. Especially since it has kept Ron out of their hair," Harry said.
Suddenly, Lupin and Sirius gave a significant look to each other. Lupin jerked his head twice towards the kitchen, and Sirius nodded.
"Hermione, could I speak to you in the kitchen," Remus asked.
"Sure, Prof-Remus." And with that, Hermione and Remus disappeared into the kitchen. Harry felt a pit develop in his stomach, not out of nerves for what other bombshell Sirius may be preparing, but because he really wished that Hermione could just be with him.
"So, when did you fall in love with your best friend, Harry?" This inquiry caught Harry a bit off guard, because he hadn't told anyone about his feelings for Hermione.
"Me and Ron?" he asked, stalling for time. "You do realize that I'm straight?"
"No, Hermione, you prat. Oh, and before you ask, it was written all over your face through the whole conversation we just had, and at the meeting of the Order the other day, you weren't paying attention to what was going on, but instead you were staring at Hermione. When did you fall for her?"
"I honestly don't know," Harry said. "It just happened. One minute, she was my best friend, and the next, I just wanted her to be more than that."
"You know, I may be gay, but I do know when a woman has fallen in love. And Hermione is showing all the classic symptoms as well," Sirius said.
"Are you telling me that Hermione's fallen in love with me?"
"Yes, Harry, I am. And I'm also telling you that hormonal longing does nothing for mental health, and we need everybody to remain sane. You should probably tell her, and soon. Just don't be stupid about it." And with one meaningful glance, Sirius changed the subject to Quidditch.
"Hermione," Remus started, "You and Harry…is there anything going on between the two of you?"
"No! Absolutely not! Harry? I don't think so!"
"Methinks the lady doth protest too much, Hermione." With one glare, Hermione began to spill her real feelings.
"Yes. I know he's my best friend, but I'm beginning to find myself wanting more than just friendship with Harry. I see why other women want him…because I want him. Pr-Remus, I think I'm in love with Harry," Hermione admitted.
"So do I, Hermione. And speaking as someone who's done the same thing, I think it would be foolish for the two of you to ignore it. I know for a fact that trying to ignore my feelings for Sirius did nothing to help preserve the friendship. In fact, my efforts to maintain what we had did more damage than actually admitting my feelings to him ever would have done."
"Yes, Remus, but what do I do?" Hermione pleaded.
"Well, there's always the option of snogging him senseless. That's what Sirius did to me once I came out. He told me that he had been harboring feelings for me for some time, and that he was the same way. Believe me, things are much better between us now than they ever were when we were trying to 'preserve our friendship'."
"Perhaps you're right, Remus. I think I'll talk to him about this next chance we get. If what you say is right, then there's no reason for me to have to run when I see him," Hermione admitted.
"Well, I don't know about the arousal bit, but I certainly can say you won't be able to take care of those urges somehow," Remus said.
After rejoining each other in the living room, Harry, Hermione, Sirius, and Remus sat down once more, and Sirius began to speak,.
"Now, I must tell you both to be responsible. Something tells me that we've got a rough time ahead, and you two are going to need all the protection that you can muster. Especially you, Harry. If Voldemort can't kill you, he's doomed."
"Thanks for coming by and understanding about us," Remus said. "You two had better get to the carriages, because it's a long walk back to the castle."
Percy Weasley was sitting at his desk at the Ministry of Magic when there was a knock at his office door. "Come in," he called to the visitor.
Cornelius Fudge then appeared in the room. He had apparated inside instead of opening the door. He was dressed in black, but he kept the bowler hat.
"Good day, minister. What can I do for you this evening?" Percy asked as he leapt to his feet.
"Mr. Weasley, where is your father?"
"I have no clue, sir. Why? Did he not report to work today?" Percy asked, with the tone of someone who was getting excited about the prospect of firing someone.
"No, he didn't. When we called The Burrow, we found that nobody was there. Everything looked as though the family had moved out."
"Well, if they were moving, they certainly wouldn't have told me. They still believe Dumbledore and Potter about He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. I honestly don't know why they believe a couple of nutcases instead of sane, rational people, but I could never explain why my father did anything," Percy told Fudge.
"Your father is one of about 20 Ministry officials that have gone missing in the same manner. We're fairly certain that Kingsley Shacklebolt and Nymphamodora Tonks are hiding with Mad-Eye Moody, as he has always had an unusual amount of sway over them. I don't know how Miss Tonks came to know him, as she joined the Aurors' Guild after Moody retired. The twenty of them are from each department, save the Department of Mysteries, who wouldn't be traceable in any case, as the Department of Mysteries keeps its payroll secret, even from me," Fudge said. "They are all known supporters of Albus Dumbledore, and I believe that the old man is beginning to make a move to unseat me as Minister of Magic."
"So, what do you want me to do, sir?" Percy asked.
"I want you to organize a raid on Hogwarts. You shall be the officer in charge, but take as many Aurors as needed, and inform me when you are ready." Fudge said.
"Yes sir! I'll get right on it."
And with a pop, Fudge disapparated from Percy's office.
With a loud pop, a man suddenly appeared in a room where two other men were waiting: Wormtail and Lord Voldemort.
"So, my servant, how are our plans proceeding?"
"Very well, My Lord. I've got one of my most loyal assistants organizing the assault. There should be a large number of Aurors there. If we're lucky, they'll apprehend and kill Dumbledore and most of his faculty, as well as whatever allies that he may be hiding there, and then we can storm in and take over ourselves."
"Very good, Cornelius. I am quite pleased with you."
"What else do you want me to do?"
"The next thing may not go over well, but I need you to start pinning any problem on the Mudbloods. You're the Minister of Magic, you can lean on the Prophet. Invent problems if needed. I know that we have to take care of the boy, but it has taken two years for you to discredit him and that fool Dumbledore. We need a quicker turnaround than that. We need popular support before we can truly begin the second part of my plan, and as the boy will soon be no more, I do not want to wait to take over."
"Very well My Lord," Fudge replied. "Consider it done."
And with another pop, Fudge left Voldemort and Wormtail alone again.