Now & Then

****

"Come on, mum, we're going to be late!"

"Oh for Merlin's sake, Jon, it's ten o'clock!" Lorelei said washing the dishes in the kitchen.

Jon carried his trunk into the kitchen and sat it on the floor. "I don't want to be late. It's my last time doing this."

Lorelei grabbed a towel to dry her hands. "We won't be late. But if you insist, let's go," she said a smile on her face.

They flooed to a small wizarding shop by King's Cross and proceeded to Platform 9¾. An attendant helped Jon with his trunk and Lorelei watched, her son's words finally sinking in. She struggled with the tears coming to her eyes. Jon walked over to her and smiled.

"Don't cry, mum," he said looking down at his feet.

"I'm not. I won't embarrass you," Lorelei said softly, not entirely trusting her voice.

Jon laughed. "You couldn't embarrass me."

"Good to know," Lorelei said reaching up to straighten his tie, "Your tie is crooked," she said absently.

Jon took his mother's hands. "Its alright, mum I like it messed up. Girls like it too," he said grinning.

"I'm sure. You and that Oliver bloke. I'm sure you leave broken hearts wherever you go," Lorelei said shaking her head.

Jon looked around and then back at Lorelei. "I'm going to go and make sure our compartment doesn't get taken."

"Alright. Write me if anything comes up," Lorelei said embracing her son.

"I'll keep you posted, mum, don't worry."

Jon pulled away, placing a kiss on his mum's cheek before running and hopping on the train. Lorelei walked down the length of Platform 9¾, lost in memories. She noticed someone in a compartment near the front of the train. 'Our old compartment,' Lorelei thought absently. She walked closer to the train, and catching a glimpse of the person, her heart leapt.

"It couldn't be," she said softly to herself.

Her feet carried her to the steps of the train. Looking down at them, she debated what to do. Her feet decided for her again, taking each stair slowly. She turned to her left and walked the short distance, hearing someone shuffling around in the compartment to her left up ahead. She stopped, taking a deep breath, before walking a few steps further to see inside the compartment. Her heart sped up when she saw the back of the person.

"Remus?"

He turned around quickly and his eyes widened. "Lorelei?"

Lorelei nodded, feeling tears welling in her eyes. Remus took a few steps closer to her and stopped, not knowing what to do. Lorelei took in his appearance. He had dark circles under his eyes, but Lorelei remembered that a few nights back had been a full moon. Her eyes scanned down, taking in his shabby robes, and worn out boots. She looked up to see him appraising her also. Lorelei took the initiative and closed the gap, pulling Remus into a hug. Remus returned the hug, as if making up for the lost years. When he pulled back, his fingers went to her hair.

"You cut your hair," he said absently, fingering a piece affectionately.

"I cut it when I got my job at the Ministry. I didn't have time for it, what with having to get Jon ready and out for school, plus myself," she said smiling, "I like it."

"So do I," Remus said moving his hand down to her upper arm.

"Merlin, I don't know what to say," Lorelei said sadly.

Remus smiled. "I know."

They stood in silence for a long moment, just watching each other. Lorelei suddenly broke down and began to cry. All the emotions from the day were doubled, standing before Remus. Remus pulled her close to him and embraced her tightly.

"I'm so sorry, Remus. I'm sorry for everything."

"It's not your fault, Lore. It's not," Remus said soothingly, smoothing down her hair.

Lorelei calmed herself and pulled out of the embrace. Then she did the only thing that made sense at the time. But admittedly, Remus placing his hand on her cheek had started it. Lorelei stood on tip-toe and placed a kiss on Remus' lips. It felt like no time had ever passed and they were still kids. Remus' hand moved to the back of her neck as he deepened the kiss and Lorelei mimicked the movement, lacing her arms around Remus' neck. A soft moan escaped Remus, and Lorelei did her best not to laugh. Remus pulled away slowly and placed another soft kiss against her lips before pulling away completely.

"Please say you felt something," Remus whispered.

Lorelei nodded and ran her fingers through Remus' hair, her blue eyes never leaving his gray ones. Remus looked down and then back up at her.

"I hate this," he said pulling her to him again.

"I know," she said softly.

"I need you," he said sighing.

"I've needed you since you left," Lorelei said lifting her head to look at him properly.

Remus leaned down and kissed her sweetly before pulling away at the noise beginning outside the train.

"The kids are arriving," he said softly.

"Yeah, I better go," Lorelei said pulling out of the embrace.

Remus looked at her sadly, reaching a hand to grasp hers. Lorelei gave it a squeeze and smiled.

"I'm dying inside, Remus. I know exactly what you're thinking."

Remus smiled sadly. "You should come up to the school for Christmas. That way we can have a proper family gathering."

"I'll see if I can get off work," Lorelei said smiling, "It's a brilliant idea."

"I love you, Lore."

"I love you too, Remus," Lorelei said sadly.

Remus pulled her close for a final kiss, and made her leave. "Please, before I grab you and never want to let you go," he said smiling with that mischievous spark in his eye.

"Not that I'd fight," Lorelei said as she left the compartment.

She apparated, as soon as she stepped off the train, to her home, and proceeded to get ready for work through bouts of tears.

Remus closed the door to his compartment and sat, leaning his head against the window. He fell asleep with a smile on his face.