Searching for Dawn

Searching for Dawn

Chapter 3

"Beginnings"

The days before the wedding slipped by quickly. Harry found a furnished Muggle flat in London with a fireplace, and immediately set up floo and telephone service. It felt odd having his own place; his aunt and uncle's house had never felt like home, and he'd shared his Hogwarts dormitory with four other boys.

Harry felt very strange the first time he went to Sirius's Gringotts vault. It seemed wrong to be disturbing the echoing space. He was grateful that Remus had offered to accompany him; Remus seemed to understand his feelings and his presence seemed to validate the intrusion.

Harry's eyes widened in surprise when the goblin opened the vault door.

"Wow!" he whispered. "I don't believe it ... it's the motorcycle!"

Remus laughed softly. "Yes, that certainly brings back memories. I take it you've heard about it?"

Harry walked slowly toward the motorcycle, irresistibly drawn by the shining chrome. He touched a handlebar reverently. "Yeah," he said, "actually, I rode it once ... with Hagrid. He used it to take me to my aunt and uncle when my parents were killed. I used to have dreams about it before I found out I was a wizard. It flies, doesn't it?"

"Yeah," answered Remus, "but surely you don't remember that?"

"I overheard Hagrid telling the story once."

"Overheard?" Remus said in a disapproving voice. "Never mind, I don't want to know."

"No, you don't." Harry grinned, remembering the conversation he'd overheard at the Three Broomsticks during his third year. He wasn't allowed to go to Hogsmeade at the time, and he had snuck into the pub.

Harry couldn't resist taking the motorcycle with him when he left Gringotts.

Wedding preparations devoured the majority of Harry's time. Even though he was the Best Man, he left the bachelor party preparations to Fred and George, Ron's twin older brothers. Together they owned a thriving joke shop, Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, and were legendary for their pranks. Harry felt confident they would plan something "memorable", and they were eager for the job. However, Harry specified that the party would take place two nights before the wedding; he knew Fred and George well and didn't think Hermione would be amused if her groom appeared at the ceremony in the form of a canary.

The bachelor party, while certainly unforgettable, was oddly canary-free. By the following afternoon, Ron and Harry were actually able to stand for the duration of the Wizard Marriage Ceremony, a small affair held at the Ministry of Magic and witnessed only by the Best Man, the Maid of Honor, and both sets of parents.

The morning of the wedding dawned bright and fair. Harry couldn't help thinking that Hermione was bossy enough to command Mother Nature to give her a sunny day for her wedding. However, Harry's mood would have more closely matched a dark, drizzly rain. He dragged himself out of bed, showered, dressed, and spent the remainder of the morning staring at the television blankly.

Several hours later there was a pounding on the door. Harry pointed his wand and murmured, "Alohomora." Remus appeared in the doorway looking odd in a suit and tie instead of his usual wizarding robes.

"Ready to go?" Remus asked, looking a little puzzled to see Harry slouching on the sofa.

"Sure," Harry slurred, dragging himself to his feet.

"Harry," asked Remus incredulously, "have you been drinking?"

Harry waved an impatient hand. "Not much. And remember, I've got a lot of experience holding my liquor."

"Harry, this is your best friends' wedding! How could you do this to them?" Remus raised his wand to cast a sobriety charm, but Harry stopped him.

"No, Remus! Leave me alone! Don't you see? There's no way I can get through this wedding without my senses dulled!"

"Just because the two of them are finally doing something that doesn't include you? You're being selfish, Harry." Remus stopped suddenly. "That's not what this is about, is it? You ARE in love with her!"

Harry busied himself looking for the remote control and turning off the television. "Come on - we'll be late."

Remus sighed, but didn't move. "Harry, please don't do anything you'll regret."

Harry shook his head and managed a small smile. "Don't worry," he said bitterly, "I'll be a good boy."

When they arrived, Harry was as good as his word. He plastered a smile on his face and went about his duties as Best Man, even stopping in before the ceremony to give a Hermione a peck on the cheek and tell her how beautiful she looked. Ron and Hermione were both anxious about the task at hand and didn't notice Harry's smile was a little too forced and his tone of voice a little too flat.

When it was time for Harry to march the Maid of Honor down the aisle, he couldn't help thinking how much Ginny had changed. In her high heels she was almost as tall as him. He noticed how her bridesmaid's dress accented the womanly curves of her body; she was definitely not the little girl he had met seven years earlier. He grinned a little, thinking that Ron probably wouldn't approve of his observations. Ginny caught his eye and smiled back.

They took their positions at the front, and turned to watch Hermione walk down the aisle on her father's arm. Harry braced himself for the sting of jealousy as Thomas Granger placed his daughter's arm in Ron's.

It never came.

He relaxed slowly as he realized he didn't feel pain, sadness, or envy. Somehow, despite his feelings for Hermione, he knew this union was right. He couldn't decipher his feelings; maybe it was the beauty of the setting, or Hermione's angelic appearance, or the wonder in Ron's eyes, but somehow, he was caught up in the magic of the moment. He felt only happiness for his two best friends.

All eyes were on the bride and groom as they took their vows, save two. Ginny couldn't help watching Harry and thinking how handsome he looked in his tuxedo. She could see his eyes clearly from her vantage point, and the look in them took her breath away. She followed his gaze, and felt something crumble within her as she realized who he was watching. She forced herself to focus on the happy couple for the remainder of the ceremony.

Later, when Harry rose to offer the first toast at the reception, two people watched him anxiously. They both knew of his feelings for Hermione and that the champagne was not his first drink of the evening. But Ginny and Remus relaxed as Harry began to speak:

"I can't believe I lived to see the day my two best friends actually got married. Anyone who knows Ron and Hermione well would have thought their relationship would be more likely to end in homicide!" (There was a great deal of laughter and jeering at this comment.)

"But seriously, Ron, you were the first friend I ever had. Most people here know what my early childhood was like - I was not allowed to have friends. Ron, when I met you on the train to Hogwarts, my life changed forever. I suddenly had a friend, and later, a family in the Weasleys, after being denied love for ten long years. Ron, you're my brother for life, and I love you!

"Hermione, how many people can say their friendship began because of an encounter with a mountain troll? I can't imagine my life at Hogwarts without you. I know I couldn't have ... well ... accomplished what I did without your help. Everyone knows you were the brains and the conscience behind our little group. What everyone doesn't know is that you were also the heart and the peacemaker. Hermione, you're my sister for life, and I love you!

"Ron and Hermione, in the eight years we've been friends we've had enough adventure for a lifetime! I wish you a boring, monotonous life because I know that will seem heavenly after all we've been through together. Just kidding; seriously, I wish you happiness forever because you deserve it. To Ron and Hermione!"

At this, everyone raised their glasses and drank to the bride and groom. Neither Ginny nor Remus could think of anything to criticize in Harry's speech. He was remarkably composed and sincere.

When Ginny had her obligatory dance with the Best Man, she kept her conversation and demeanor light. It felt wonderful to be in his arms, but she couldn't forget what she had seen during the ceremony.

Remus watched Harry closely as they danced. He relaxed as he realized his young friend genuinely seemed to be having a good time, and the alcohol didn't seem to be adversely affecting him - yet. He turned his attention to Harry's partner and was surprised at the look in her eyes. He looked back at Harry and realized he was oblivious.

Remus continued to watch Harry and Ginny until the dance was over, then rose quickly, crossed the floor, and asked Ginny to dance. She seemed surprised, but accepted as Harry went to get a drink. Remus asked Ginny to call him by his given name, and they exchanged a few pleasantries about the wedding.

Then Remus asked, "How much do you know about Harry's disappearance?"

Ginny was a little taken aback at the sudden change to a serious subject, but she answered, "Not much ... only that it was voluntary ... he wasn't kidnapped or anything. He only told us that he needed to get away for awhile after the war ... to escape the Press and such. But I know there's more to it - I think it has something to do with killing Voldemort. He was so depressed and distant during his last year at Hogwarts -" She broke off and glanced around, as if she was afraid someone would overhear.

Remus looked at her seriously. "Ginny," he said quietly, "Harry has been through hell this past year. He really needs his friends to constantly assure him that he's valued and loved."

"Ron and Hermione -" Ginny began.

"Ron and Hermione have been wonderful to him," Remus interrupted, "but they really need to concentrate on their own relationship for now. Just be there for him, Ginny. Get him out and about every now and then. Stay involved in his life."

Ginny looked at him, her expression curious. "Why are you saying this to me?"

Remus smiled. "Because you're in love with him."

Ginny's eyes opened wide and she drew in a deep breath. "A-am I so transparent? D-does he know?"

Remus laughed gently. "No, I think you hide it rather well. But when a fellow has no social life of his own, he tends to be more observant of others."

Ginny was surprised at this comment. Even though Remus Lupin looked much older than his forty years, he was still very handsome. Ginny wondered whether she could have fancied Remus if she hadn't been in love with Harry. She decided it was possible, except that it would probably be too "weird" dating a former teacher. She narrowed her eyes at him reproachfully and said, "What do you mean, you have no social life?"

"Well, the werewolf thing tends to get in the way."

"Why should it?" she asked. Ginny, like most Hogwarts students and alumni, didn't mind that Remus was a werewolf.

Remus grimaced. "Despite my acceptance at Hogwarts, most people have certain prejudices against a man who turns into a raging beast once a month."

Ginny retorted, "Most women could say the same thing about themselves."

Remus couldn't help smiling. "As if I've never heard the PMS joke before," he said sarcastically.

"OK," Ginny said in a challenging voice, "if you're so observant, how does Harry feel about me?"

Remus hesitated, but told the truth. "Friendship, genuine affection. But I don't really think he's capable of love yet. Just be patient and be around."

"He's in love with Hermione," Ginny sighed.

"Now you're being observant," Remus commented.

"Well, it's him."

Remus smiled at Ginny. "Don't worry about that - there's obviously no future in it. I think Harry's genuinely happy for Ron and Hermione, and he'll get over her eventually."

Ginny began looking around the room, anxious to change the subject. Remus watched her with interest until she seemed to find something. She said, "When we turn around, look at that woman to the left of the plant in the corner."

Remus did so, and noticed the woman looking away quickly, as if she'd been caught watching him. She was quite pretty, and his eyes widened in surprise. "Why?" he asked Ginny.

"She's been watching us dance," Ginny answered. "She's thinking, 'That man is really nice-looking, but that little teenager is too young for him.'"

Remus couldn't help laughing. "Are you telling me I'm old?"

Ginny looked at him seriously. "No, you're never too old, Remus." Then she smiled again. "Now as soon as this dance is over, I want you to march over to that woman, tell her that I mean nothing to you, and that you want her to be the mother of your children."

Remus had to struggle not to double over with mirth. "That's quite a pick-up line!" he managed to choke out.

Ginny laughed too, then said, "Seriously, Remus, ask her to dance. She's Hermione's aunt, a Muggle, so she's not likely to be prejudiced against werewolves."

Remus considered; Ginny had a good point. But before he could make a decision, the song ended and he found himself pushed toward the woman in the corner.

She was talking to another woman, but her eyes lit up as she saw him approaching. "Hello," he said shyly, "I'm Remus Lupin."

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

Harry sat quietly in the corner, partially hidden by a large plant, trying to avoid being seen. He watched the couples dancing and slowly nursed his drink. The happiness he had felt during the ceremony had slowly disappeared during the reception.

He was startled when a voice broke into his melancholy musings. "Harry, I've been meaning to talk to you. I'd like to hear all about your trip. I've heard your official story, but I know you actually spent the time on an alien vessel. If you could tell me what truly happened, it would really help further my research."

Harry looked up, amazed; when had Luna Lovegood sat down at his table? He stammered, "Well ... no I ... the story I told the Press is true ... I've never even seen an alien ..."

Luna looked right into his eyes for a moment, then shrugged and looked away. "Oh, well. I suppose it's top secret, or else they modified your memory."

Harry could only stare at her. He noticed she was wearing large, dangly, white bells for earrings. He smiled to himself as he remembered a day she had worn radish earrings to Herbology, in comparison, wearing bells to a wedding was oddly appropriate.

When he didn't answer, Luna looked over at the dancing wedding guests and said, "My father keeps saying I should get married and settle down. But I'm afraid that would interfere with my search for life on other planets. Still, this wedding makes me wonder about it." She looked intently at Harry and asked, "What do you think, Harry?"

The question was asked like a proposition, and Harry was again taken aback. "Er ... I never ... uh ... really thought ..."

Luna continued as if he hadn't spoken. "Of course, any children you and I had together would turn out to be Torbers. But that's not an insurmountable problem."

Harry had no idea what a Torber was, but the more pressing problem seemed to be to get away from Luna before he found himself engaged. He mumbled something about finding the loo and hurried away.

After a reasonable time had passed, Harry stole quietly out of the bathroom and down the hall. He touched the wand in his pocket and muttered, "Accio," as he passed near the bar, caught something, and disappeared into an empty room.

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The dark-haired woman rose and regarded Remus with interest. "Susan Chandler," she said, "and this is Louise Granger."

Remus nodded, looking briefly at Louise. "Of course - mother of the bride." His eyes returned to Susan; he had to ask her before he lost his nerve. "Would you like to dance?"

Susan smiled shyly. "I would."

Remus felt his heart pounding as they began to dance. He looked down into the sparkling blue eyes as he wondered what to say to her. I've got to say something or she's going to think I'm stupid. Finally he came up with, "You must be related to Hermione." Great, that sounded really lame. Couldn't I have commented about her eyes?

But Susan smiled, seeming relieved he had broken the silence. "Yes," she said, "Louise is my sister, so Hermione is my niece. My daughter, Sheila, is a bridesmaid. How do you know Hermione and Ron?"

Remus answered, "I taught them at Hogwarts, but we've developed a friendship since they left school. I guess I'm sort of a surrogate father to Harry, the Best Man."

Susan's eyes widened in interest. "So you're a teacher. What do you teach?"

"Defense Against the Dark Arts."

Susan looked puzzled. "What is that, exactly? Is it similar to what Ron's studying?"

"Actually, yes. Ron turned out to be one of my best students in his year. He's training to become an Auror - an expert in fighting Dark magic."

"Sounds dangerous." Susan's eyebrows drew together as she said this.

Remus was enjoying watching the changing expressions on her face. He couldn't decide which was most attractive. Come on, old boy, keep the conversation going - don't get distracted! He said, "It is. That's why it's such an elite group - it was quite an honor for Ron to be accepted into the program."

Susan seemed to consider this, and then asked another question. "Have you always known you were a wizard, or were you born into a regu- I mean non-magic family like Hermione?"

Remus noticed she almost called Muggles "regular", but he wasn't offended. He answered, "My parents were a wizard and witch, so I've been surrounded by magic all my life. I'm curious - what did you think when you found out about Hermione?"

Susan laughed a little. "Well, I didn't believe it at first. During Hermione's first year at Hogwarts, Lou and Tom made up a story about her boarding school. But the next year I started talking about sending Sheila to the same school so they could be together. So they finally had to tell me the truth. Of course, since Hermione wasn't allowed to do magic during holiday, they couldn't prove it. So one day they took Sheila and me to that wizard shopping district in London."

"Diagon Alley? That must have been quite an eye opener!"

Susan laughed. "It was actually quite frightening! I had never believed in magic of any kind. At first I thought I was cracking up. But once I got used to it and was able to relax, it was quite fun looking at all the strange sights." Her expression sobered. "I've often wondered what I would have done if it had been Sheila."

Remus understood what she meant. "I think it must take a lot of courage to send a child into such an unknown world. We occasionally send an acceptance letter to a Muggle-born child whose parents refuse to let them attend Hogwarts."

"What happens to them?"

Remus shrugged. "I'm not sure. I guess they grow up knowing they have special powers, but not knowing how to use or control them."

"That sounds even more frightening," Susan reflected. Remus noted the wisdom of that statement, and realized Susan must be a great mother.

Then the song was over and they turned to clap for the band. The next tune was faster, and not conducive to conversation. Remus was relieved when Susan suggested they get a drink. Good, she's still interested. Guess I'd better enjoy it while it lasts - she'll want to get away from me soon enough.

They found a small table that was somewhat secluded. This time, Remus found it easier to start a conversation; there was so much he wanted to know about her. "Tell me about yourself. Is Sheila your only child?"

"Yes. I was only married to her father for a short time."

Remus was amazed that she was old enough to have a daughter in her late teens. "You must have been very young when you had her."

Susan blushed, much to Remus' pleasure. She said, "I was. I shouldn't have married so young - neither of us was ready. But I can't complain since I've got Sheila."

Remus loved the way her eyes glowed when she mentioned her daughter. I'm already getting too attached - maybe I should quit while I'm enjoying myself. But he only said, "She seems like a wonderful girl."

"What about you - do you have any children?"

Remus shook his head. "No, and I've never been married."

Susan looked very intrigued by this. She said, "You mentioned you are sort of a father figure to Ron's friend, Harry. What's the story there?"

Remus warmed to this topic easily. "Well, his father and godfather were my best friends at Hogwarts, and after. But James and Lily - Harry's parents - were killed when he was only a year old, and his godfather, Sirius, was killed when he was fifteen. I went back to Hogwarts to teach right after that, and I tried to be there for him - to keep an eye on him. The Weasleys have looked out for him over the years, too, but they have seven kids of their own."

Susan looked truly saddened at Harry's story. "Wow, he's had a rough time of it, hasn't he?"

Remus answered, "With all he's been through, it's amazing what a great man he's turned out to be. I know his friends have been the most sustaining factor - especially Ron and Hermione."

"And you, Remus," Susan smiled. "It's obvious when you talk about him how much you love him." She tilted her head and gazed at him with puzzled eyes. "It makes me wonder why you aren't married with a bunch of kids of your own."

Remus noted she wasn't asking in a flirty way, she was genuinely bewildered, as if he was quite a catch. Me? If she only knew, she'd run out of here screaming. But I can't tell her now - I'm having too much fun! He quickly changed the subject. "What do you do for a living?"

As she launched into a description of her accounting job with a Muggle bank, Remus found he was only half listening. The struggle between his heart and head was raging too loudly. I need to tell her NOW, before this goes any further. No, I'm enjoying myself - I deserve to have some fun once in awhile. But I want to see her again after tonight, and I can't do that under false pretenses. I could just enjoy tonight and never see her again. No, I don't think I could do that; I'm really starting to like her. I should at least give her the chance to reject me, who knows, she might not. Of course she'll reject me. No one else has wanted to date me; why should she be any different?

Finally, his head won the argument. When she paused, he took a deep breath. "Susan, I'm very interested in getting to know you better. I'd like to see you again - after tonight."

He couldn't help smiling at the happiness in her eyes. She said, "Good. I'd like to see you again, too."

Remus reached out as if to take her hand, but then restrained himself. He said, "But there's something I've got to tell you up front. If you'd rather not see me again, I'll understand."

Susan looked bewildered. "Were you lying about being married? Are you a criminal?" Then her eyes narrowed. "Is this your way of getting rid of me?"

Remus quickly protested, "No, I can't remember the last time I enjoyed myself so much. And I don't think I've ever been so attracted to a woman. I want nothing more than to see you again." He was surprised at his outburst, and blushed.

She blushed too, obviously flattered, but still looked puzzled. "What is it, then?"

Remus sighed. "I-I'm a werewolf."

"A werewolf? But they don't really exist!"

Remus smiled slightly. "I assure you, we do, although we are very rare. Remember, a few years ago, magic didn't exist for you, either."

He noticed she didn't look horrified, only curious. She asked, "Well, what exactly does that mean? You look perfectly normal to me."

"I am normal - most of the time. Every month, on the night of the full moon, I turn into a wolf."

Her eyes widened. "Just like the legends. It sounds dangerous - is it painful?"

"I'm actually not dangerous if I take a certain potion; I just curl up harmlessly in my room and wait for it to pass. However, the change is very painful, and I'm exhausted for a couple of days afterwards."

"What if you don't take the potion?"

"Well, I always do, but if I didn't I would be ... er ... very dangerous to others."

"How so?" she asked. Remus noticed she didn't look remotely frightened, only interested.

He sighed as he answered, "A werewolf has a very strong desire to bite other humans. Anyone bitten will become a werewolf, too. I was bitten as a small child."

Susan considered Remus for a long moment. He wished he could interpret the look on her face.

Finally she said, "That girl you were dancing with earlier - the Maid of Honor - does she know you're a werewolf?"

Remus was a little puzzled at that question, but he answered, "Yes, she's a former student. Everyone at Hogwarts knows I'm a werewolf. So do most of the wizards and witches here tonight."

Susan nodded once and looked satisfied. "Well, none of them appear to be frightened of you, so why should I be? Are werewolves more dangerous to non-magic people than wizards?"

Remus looked at her in amazement, hope dawning in his heart. He said, "No, but a lot of people have certain ... er ... prejudices against werewolves. We're usually considered Dark creatures."

Susan smiled. "Well that seems a little silly since you teach how to fight against dark things, don't you?"

Remus grinned broadly. "Yeah, it does, doesn't it?"

Susan laughed a little. "Well, Remus Lupin, you haven't given me a good reason not to go out with you."

She still wants to see me! This is unbelievable! Remus reached out to take her hand, and didn't stop himself this time. He looked into her eyes and said softly, "Susan, will you have dinner with me tomorrow evening?"

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After her dance with Remus Lupin, Ginny Weasley had no lack of partners. She was enjoying herself thoroughly with her brothers, old Hogwarts friends, and a few of Hermione's relatives. But she couldn't help keeping an eye on the dark haired wizard sitting in the corner, seemingly trying to hide.

She noticed he was gone at the end of a particularly fervent dance with her brother George, so she excused herself and went to look for Harry.

She found him in an empty classroom. He was sitting in a child-size chair with a glass and half-empty bottle in front of him. He looked up as she walked in and slurred, "Hi, Ginny. Whatcha doin'?" He pulled himself to his feet, struggling out of the tiny chair.

She didn't know how to answer that; she didn't want to admit she'd been looking for him, so she mumbled something about the bathroom.

He took a step toward her and said, "Thanks for walkin' me down the aisle, Ginny."

"No problem," she grinned. But then her expression turned serious. "You started drinking before the wedding, didn't you?"

Harry looked a little worried. "Do you think anyone else noticed?"

Ginny was a little exasperated, but she admitted, "No, I don't. But Harry - why? Why would you do that to Ron and Hermione?"

Harry looked down. "It's not been a picnic, being back. Everyone's got so many questions all the time - it's like constantly being at a press conference."

Ginny studied him closely; he was still avoiding her eyes. She said it before she could help herself. "That's not it. I've seen the way you look at her, but I didn't want to believe it. You're in love with Hermione."

Ginny could see Harry getting angry, but he still avoided her eyes. He said, "What is it with you all - first the Press, then Remus, now you! I am not in love with Hermione Granger, and I'll prove it to you!"

At that, he crossed the floor in two long strides, grabbed Ginny around the waist, and kissed her hard.

Ginny started to resist, but found herself melting into the kiss. Her arms went around his neck before she could stop them. She had waited so long for this. Harry was finally noticing her - he was kissing her! But ... it wasn't right ... he was kissing her out of anger ... and he was...

She suddenly pushed him away. "Harry, stop it! You're drunk!"

He stumbled back and looked at her with a mixture of horror and shock. He stammered, "I'm sorry ... I can't believe I did that ... I MUST be drunk ..."

Ginny took one look at Harry's face and ran from the room. She heard him calling behind her, but didn't turn back.

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

WHAT WAS THAT??

Harry watched Ginny run from the room with a mixture of horror and shock. Horror because he hated himself for hurting Ginny, who was like a sister to him. Shock because...

He was drunk, but not so drunk that he failed to feel the electric shock that went through his body when he kissed Ginny. Not so drunk that he failed to recognize it for what it was - attraction.

This can't be happening - I can't be attracted to Ginny. She could never love someone like me - she can do so much better.

So he took care of his raging thoughts and feelings in the best way he knew how. But this time he didn't bother with the glass.

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

Ginny opened the stall and peeked around to be sure no one else was in the bathroom. She went to the mirror and pulled out her wand to remove all traces of crying from her face. Then she conjured a brush and ran it through her hair.

As she worked, she thought about that brief, joyous moment when she realized Harry was kissing her. Then tears threatened again as she remembered how much he regretted it. No, I can't let it get to me! Now I know how Harry feels about me - I'll never be more than a sister to him. Well, I'm finished pining after him. I'm done with Harry Potter!

She squared her shoulders and marched determinedly back to the reception.

Ginny walked up to the bar and ordered a drink. As she waited for it, she looked around the room and noticed Remus talking to Hermione's aunt in the corner. She smiled a little - had they been talking all this time? The sight of Remus caused a twinge of guilt as she remembered what he had told her about Harry needing the support of his friends, so she reluctantly approached the table.

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Susan couldn't remember the last time she had been so intrigued by a man. Not only was Remus Lupin handsome, but it was interesting to hear about the magical world. He also seemed to be a decent human being who genuinely cared about his friends and his students. She was puzzled that he seemed to think the werewolf thing was such an obstacle. To her, it just seemed similar to dating someone of a different nationality or religion. She would just have to avoid him a couple of days each month, which wasn't an insurmountable problem.

Susan was so captivated by Remus's eyes that she was genuinely annoyed when Ginny Weasley approached the table, apologized for interrupting, and whispered something to him. She watched the starry look in his eyes change slowly to concern.

"What did he say to you?" he asked Ginny crossly.

"Not much, really," Ginny said, avoiding his eyes, "It's ok."

Remus didn't press her. He turned to Susan and said, "I need to take Harry home - he's not feeling well."

Susan narrowed her eyes shrewdly. "Is he drunk?"

Remus looked a little surprised at her insight. "Actually, yes. He's had a rough year - I think he's just had enough tonight."

Susan was disappointed that he was leaving, but couldn't help admiring his dedication to his young friend.

As Remus was standing, he said, "Write down your address for me. I'll contact you tomorrow about dinner - ok?"

Susan smiled, there was always tomorrow.

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

Ginny had had enough of the reception, but as Maid of Honor, she didn't feel she could leave until after the bride and groom, especially now that the Best Man had left. She stood near the bar and nursed a drink, scowling at the dancing couples.

A voice behind her said, "Ginny Weasley, it's good to see you!"

She turned to face Neville Longbottom, a fellow Gryffindor from Hogwarts. She hadn't seen him since he had left school a year before her. She noticed his face had lost some of its roundness, as well as his body. He actually looked quite handsome in his Muggle suit and tie. She smiled and answered, "Neville! What have you been up to?"

As he enthusiastically launched into a description of his apprenticeship in Herbology, she noticed he talked and carried himself with much more confidence than she remembered. Ginny told him about her job at Gringotts, and then he surprised her by asking her to dance. She hesitated briefly, remembering how he had stepped on her feet at the Yule Ball during her third year. But she accepted because she was intrigued by the handsome, confident man Neville had become.

As they began to dance, Neville said confidentially, "You know, you just rescued me."

Ginny was bewildered. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I think Luna Lovegood proposed marriage to me a few minutes ago."

Ginny couldn't help laughing. Luna had been a friend of hers at Hogwarts, but she was a little "different". She said, "So should I congratulate you?"

Now Neville laughed. "Er ... no."

Ginny narrowed her eyes teasingly. "So you're telling me you only asked me to dance so you could get away from Luna?"

Neville looked at her seriously. "No. Actually, I've been trying to get the nerve to talk to you all evening. You know, I really had a crush on you at Hogwarts, but you always seemed to be dating someone."

Ginny was surprised at this revelation. "You did?" she asked rather stupidly.

"Yes," he replied, "especially during my fourth year, when we went to that Yule Ball."

"But I thought you just asked me to that because Hermione couldn't go with you."

"Well ... yeah ... at first. But you looked so ... er ... beautiful that night ..."

Ginny couldn't help blushing.

Neville continued, his voice gaining confidence, "You know you look even more beautiful tonight."

Ginny smiled up at him, flattered. This was exactly what she needed after her run-in with Harry. It felt very nice to be appreciated.

Neville, encouraged by her smile, asked shyly, "Are you dating someone now? I mean, would you be available if I wanted to ask you to dinner? I mean, I do want to ask you to dinner ..."

Ginny laughed and said, "Neville, I'd love to go to dinner with you." And she was surprised to realize it was the truth.

As they finished their dance, Ginny realized he hadn't stepped on her foot a single time.

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

Susan slipped into the dressing room as Hermione was changing into her traveling clothes. She hated to bother Hermione on her wedding day, but she wasn't sure when she would see her again, and her niece was her only connection to the wizarding world.

She waited until Louise Granger was a short distance away, fussing with Hermione's dress, and asked softly, "Hermione, what's Remus Lupin like?"

"Why?" Hermione asked with some surprise. Then she looked up and saw the look in her aunt's eyes. "Oh, you fancy him, do you? Well, he's a wonderful man. Gentle, kind, a very encouraging teacher. He's been great to Harry - just like a father."

Hermione said this very sincerely, but Susan noticed a bit of worry in her niece's eyes, so she said, "He told me he's a werewolf."

Hermione looked relieved, and a little surprised. "He must really like you, then."

"We're going out to dinner tomorrow night."

Hermione was astonished. "I've never known him to date. I was beginning to wonder ... never mind."

"He seemed to think being werewolf would prevent me from wanting to see him again. Is it really that big of a deal?"

Hermione considered. "I think he's suffered so much rejection in his life that he just expects it. He's always seemed surprised when people have accepted him. It's hard for me to understand the prejudices against werewolves since I didn't grow up in the wizarding world. But I know Remus had to keep it a secret when he was a student at Hogwarts for fear that the other parents would pull their kids out of school. He also kept it a secret his first year teaching at Hogwarts, and ended up having to resign when people found out. He's only teaching there now because when he was rehired three years ago the wizarding world was in the middle of a war, and Headmaster Dumbledore managed to convince most of the parents that Remus was the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher available. A few still wouldn't send their children to Hogwarts because of him." Hermione paused, and then said, "I've never really thought about it before, but I'll bet that's why he doesn't date much."

Susan pondered Hermione's words, and commented, "It sounds like Remus has had a hard time of it. But he doesn't seem bitter at all."

Just then, Louise Granger interrupted, "What are you two whispering about over here? Hermione, you'd better hurry - I'm sure Ron's waiting impatiently."

Hermione blushed a little, and told her mother, "Susan's going out with one of my former teachers. I'm excited for her - he's a wonderful man."

Louise was nonplussed. "Susan ... you're going out with a ... a wizard?"

"Don't act so shocked," Susan laughed. "I haven't had any luck dating in the non-magic world, so why not try someone magical?"

Hermione finished dressing quickly as she and her mother teased Susan lightly. They were all three giggling when Hermione hugged them goodbye and left with her husband.