Protection

Chapter 4

'Is he alright?' Remus asked his wife as she entered their room.

'Yes, yes, he's fine. I spoke to him,' she muttered absently, frowning.

Remus sighed. 'Come here, love, and tell me what happened, won't you?'

She looked up and nodded. In a few minutes, she had changed into one of his old nightshirts and was lying next to him. He could feel her pulse racing. Turning to her, he said, 'Well?'

She turned away from him and he found himself looking at the back of his old shirt.

'Nothing. He was just upset. That's all. My leasmhac is very much like my cousin,' she murmurred sleepily, rolling over and snuggling her face in his chest.

'You're handling him well. That's why your fear child loves you so much,' he whispered into her hair.

She giggled softly. 'You always get it wrong, Remus, even after ten years. You're not my fear child, you're my husband. My fear cheile.'

Remus smiled and fell asleep to the gentle rhythm of her breathing.

The next few days were spent doing work for the order. Remus left Grimmauld Place, apparating to the various forests in Britain and Ireland. His focus was to look for werewolf packs and bring them to Dumbledore's side. If they hadn't already been promised glory and most importantly freedom by Voldemort's supporters, that is.

Eliza had wanted to come with him, but she stayed behind to spend time with Harry. Remus knew Harry was extremely important to her and that she was trying to make up for the time that she had missed out.

Remus was afraid, not for himself, but for his wife and her godchild. The war was looming dangerously close and he knew that neither of them was assured of survival. Nobody in the Order was. Sirius was gone, and he was just the first to go in the second war. There had been so many who had sacrificed their lives, and more, in the first war. He wondered how much innocent blood it would take to wash away the darkness.

He spent his days searching the forests and the dwellings nearby. His search for more werewolves was beginning feel like a fruitless mission, and each night he apparated back to Grimmauld Place, true to his promise to his beloved wife.

Every evening, he would see her with Harry, sometimes talking quietly with just him, sometimes joking with all of the children. A week after meeting him and the others, she had announced that she would be teaching them Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts. Harry had been thrilled. Hermione had immediately started chattering away about defence spells and Ron looked ecstatic. Remus suspected Ron had a crush on his wife, and he told her so. They both shared a hearty laugh at the redhead's expense.

Dumbledore had initially offered the job to him, but he refused. He was still loathe to imagine what could have happened that one year he had taught. He was deathly afraid of ever putting any of the students in danger.

The Headmaster could not find a single teacher suitable for the job, and the rumours that the position was jinxed did not help the situation in any way. Dumbledore was growing desperate, and Remus knew why. The old wizard did not want a repeat of what had happened the previous year. If the headmaster did not find a teacher to fill the position, the Ministry would step in again. And Remus guessed - correctly - that even though Fudge now accepted Voldemort's return, Dumbledore would have none of Fudge's minions in or anywhere near Hogwarts if he could help it.

That was when Eliza had stepped in. He knew his wife was an extremely powerful and intelligent witch, and immensely gifted to boot. Dumbledore had known better than to ask her for favours since she had still not completely forgiven him for Sirius' death and for keeping the truth from Harry. However, she had swallowed her pride and her anger and had stepped in to rescue her old Headmaster. She respected him deeply and beside that, she would be close to Harry.

Remus knew it would be difficult for her to adjust back to surroundings where they had spent the best days of their lives. Merlin knew he had difficulty, and had to swallow a lump of nostalgia each time he saw the students, the classrooms, and the Great Hall.

It was going to be even more difficult for Eliza. She was an extremely sensitive and loving woman, and he was living proof of that. When he was shunned by the wizarding world, only his friends had been there for him. Lily, James, and Sirius were always there, but deep down he had felt empty as the years passed. James and Lily had been engaged and Sirius had been up to his old antics courting everything in feminine robes.

Remus wondered how it had been possible that the two best looking students at Hogwarts did not end up together. Everyone, including him, had thought that Sirius and Elizabeth would follow in the footsteps of Lily and James, including him. He was surprised when he learned that they were just friends. Admittedly, a small part of him had been relieved. After Lily and James' wedding, Remus had gotten to know Elizabeth better. After their death, Peter's 'death' and Sirius' arrest, only the two of them had remained of the original group. Days led to months and months evolved to years. He fell in love with her and apart from Dumbledore, nobody knew. He wanted to marry her, but knew that it was a ridiculous idea. What he wasn't prepared for was when she overheard him and Dumbledore speaking about his feelings.

Dumbledore - the sly old coot - had probably pre-arranged it all. They spoke about it in private to avoid any further embarrassment. She scoffed at the idea of him being a werewolf. She respected him and said that with the wolfsbane potion it wouldn't be too much of a problem. Eventually, after many protests, Dumbledore had dragged him to the altar - however, he often reflected, his protests were extremely feeble and only done for show. Before he knew it, Eilís Niamh Liam was his wife. Many people did not know her true name and for some reason she had seemed irritated by it, so he never addressed her as such. Eventually, she settled on the English translation of her Gaelic name.

He knew she loved him despite everything and he loved her for that, more than anything else.

And now, in a few weeks she would be moving to Hogwarts and he would be left alone.

'What are you dreaming about?' asked the topic of his musings, sitting down next to him.

'Just wondering how lonely I'll be after you go to Hogwarts,' he said, smiling sadly at her.

Eliza's face fell and she looked up at him, her dark grey eyes pools of sadness and regret.

'Remus -'

'Eliza, don't be silly now. I told you it was all right. You have to spend time with Harry and I know you'll want to be with him now. I've been selfish with you for ten years, now it's time I share you with him.' He smiled at her mischievously.

She smiled back.

~~~~~

~~~~~

'Draco, you are a god, I swear it. This house is positively swarming with gorgeous women. First that Ginny Weasley and then Lupin's wife. Even though she is married and older, she's gorgeous!' Blaise said, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. 'Granger's not too bad either,' he added as an afterthought.

Draco rolled his eyes, gingerly testing the bed before sitting down and toeing his shoes off. Annoying Potter and his friends had helped him vent some of his fears and frustrations and the day's weariness was now catching up with him. Mrs Weasley had kept them hard at work brightening up the house. Apparently, last summer Potter and gang had rid the house of offending magical creatures and objects.

Now they had to paint and spring clean - Muggle style. Both the Slytherins had tried to protest but quailed under Molly Weasley's glare; they had decided that Voldemort was nothing but a flobberworm compared to Mrs Weasley and quietly went about doing as directed.

Draco was most annoyed when the paint kept splashing onto his hair, and spent two hours in the bathroom washing it out much to everyone else's annoyance. Blaise had been too busy eyeing Ginny to bother about washing up himself until Ginny had taken over the bathroom and he had returned to momentary sanity, which was questionable in Draco's opinion.

'Why don't you get your mind off those loons at least for half a minute, Blaise?' Draco asked, lying down and cushioning his head with his palms.

'I wasn't lusting after Potter and Weasel King,' said Blaise looking confused.

Draco made an irritated noise and turned to face the wall, his back to Blaise.

'Sometimes Blaise, I wonder why you weren't sorted into Hufflepuff.'

~~~~~~~~~

The days raced past and Draco's summer was spent doing chores, going through the well-stocked library, and learning new curses, hexes, potions and charms. Most of the time, Blaise would leave him for more feminine pursuits. Draco was grateful for the isolation. Blaise had taken up a rather unfortunate liking for the Weasley female, and Draco had caught her making mooneyes at him when nobody was looking.

It was a surprise when Potter's godmother announced that she would be teaching them Defence Against the Dark Arts that year. She had insisted that everyone address her as Professor Liam, which was her maiden name, since it was confusing for herself and her husband every time someone addressed her.

Draco grudgingly admitted his growing respect for her each day, just the same way he had for Professor Lupin in his third year. She was an intelligent woman and knew how to teach. Draco thought that knowing something was completely different from being able to teach something. He was looking forward to his Defence classes the following year, but he wasn't going to let anyone know that, and he most certainly wasn't going to show his respect for her.

Granger was being the irritating know-it-all that she always was and had Professor Liam all to herself, getting answers and debating a great many issues. Draco was not surprised to hear her go on about House-Elf rights and watched as Professor Liam tried to explain that the House-Elves' enslavement was magical and nothing could break it. Unlike the previous professors, Professor Liam seemed to be a Jack - or rather Jane - of all trades. Professors Quirrell and Lockhart had been completely useless. Professor Lupin - the best of the lot- was a master in magical creatures. Professor Moody's forte had been curses and counter curses - not surprising since he had been a Death Eater in disguise. Professor Umbridge's classes had been a complete sham.

Professor Liam, however, seemed to know all topics categorised under Defence Against the Dark Arts. She had told them that she would not only be going over defensive magic, but also offensive magic.

All too soon, it was the end of July. Mrs Weasley organised a party to celebrate Potter's birthday. Everyone, even Blaise had a good time. Draco sulked in a corner with a chilled butterbeer, but cheered up considerably when he saw Harry opening the gift he had given.

Harry had looked surprised when he picked up a silver package and was even more surprised to learn it was from Draco. He opened it gingerly, and was immediately ensconced in a foul smelling purple cloud and a face full of black powder.

Draco smirked and sipped his drink smugly, as Harry took off his glasses and scowled in Draco's general direction.

He was extremely pleased with himself, until Fred and George Weasley started badgering him for ideas. He shot daggers at Harry, who had the audacity to look at him smugly.

July faded into August and Draco's frame of mind had gone through a thorough renovation. After living with a large and mixed group of people (this included one werewolf, one Muggle-born, one Metamorphmagus and countless Weasleys) for over three weeks, his inhibitions and opinions turned to dust. He no longer replied to any of the Weasleys sarcastically just because they were Weasleys, nor was he rude and arrogant towards Hermione Granger. He had learnt to tolerate, accept and gradually enjoy non-Slytherin company. Mostly he would spend his time having a civil and academic conversations with Professor Liam, which eventually led to civil conversations with Granger - Hermione.

The brilliant Gryffindor had her own way of getting back at him if he got out of line or insulted her or any of her friends. She had a sharp tongue and an even sharper mind and wasn't one to resort to fistfights and harsh words to rile anyone up; Hermione used wit and humour.

Draco clearly remembered the conversation they were having in the library about the wizarding world's various prejudices.

'I really don't understand why there's this whole rubbish about pure-blood wizards. I mean, wizards are wizards. As long as they can do magic, what difference does it make if you're pure-blood or not?' she argued.

'It does matter! It's like foreigners coming and invading your country and gradually taking over. Where do the native people go and what respect is there for them?' Draco stated, holding up his hands in a questioning gesture.

'THAT is just ridiculous, Malfoy. It has to be the most absurd sense of reasoning I have ever come across. And that includes Voldemort's rubbish as well,' she huffed.

'Well, if he wasn't a raving lunatic and a fashion victim to boot, I'd be agreeing with him.'

'Really, now? Correct me if I'm wrong, Malfoy, but isn't your family the most ancient wizarding line, matched only by the Blacks and Lestranges?' she asked, a wicked glint in her eye, making Draco squirm.

'Uh...yes.'

'I find it so amusing that such ancient wizard families are ordered about by a half-blood. Tell me, Malfoy, does your father even know that his..er.. Lord is a half-blooded hypocrite?'

'Eh?' Draco stared at her and then looked at Professor Liam, who had been following the conversation with an amused smile. Draco raised a clueless eyebrow at her and she nodded in response. Draco paled.

'Oh...by the looks of it - not. I rest my case, Malfoy,' Hermione said, her voice extra sweet.

After that conversation, he never dared to argue against muggle-borns. He briefly wondered if he had made a mistake, choosing Dumbledore's side.

The world was undoubtedly coming to an end if a Slytherin was 'out-evilled' by a Gryffindor.

~~~~~~~~~~~

At the beginning of the second week of August, Hermione had pointed out that they - herself, Harry, Draco and Blaise - needed new school robes and school books. For this they needed to go to Diagon Alley. This was brought to the notice of Professor Dumbledore, and after much thought, he gave them permission to go out - as long as they were accompanied by at least four adults, one to guard each of them.

Draco was least bothered about who accompanied them, as long as he could get out of the house and breathe some fresh air.

Due to the lack of Aurors who knew about the Order of the Phoenix, it turned out that Professors Lupin and Liam would be guarding them along with Stefan Roudaki and his cousin, Nymphadora Tonks. She almost hit Blaise with the Killing Curse when he had called her Nymphadora in a lecherous tone; apparently she preferred Tonks.

On Monday morning, after Mrs Weasley had stuffed them with a large breakfast, they sat around waiting for the two Aurors to accompany them to Diagon Alley. Ron was telling Harry not to miss the latest products in Quality Quidditch Supplies and Ginny was handing Hermione a few sickles to buy her something. All the Weasleys had already shopped for their school things or were going to use the hand-me-downs from their older siblings.

A half hour after breakfast was over, Tonks came into the kitchen and announced that Stefan Roudaki had been called to the Ministry and could not make it to Diagon Alley with them. An Auror named Kingsley Shacklebolt, who was apparently her boss, had taken the liberty to contact Dumbledore and find out about a replacement for the guard. Dumbledore had said he would send someone along within the hour.

The day dragged on and there was no replacement in sight. Draco was getting bored, sitting around the kitchen in his borrowed muggle clothing, which Granger's parents had bought. They had wanted to help in any little way, albeit just to keep in touch with their daughter, and Hermione had come up with the idea of muggle clothes. The Grangers got most of the things in charity sales, and it wasn't bad stuff. At least it fit and was colour co-ordinated, much to Draco's relief. Potter was the only one who was complaining.

'Malfoy! You stole all the black clothes!' Harry said, sounding annoyed for some reason.

'So? Unlike you, red and yellow does not suit me. Pretty poufy colours if you ask me. I like my clothes more manly and colour co-ordinated,' Draco replied, brushing some lint off the black wool sweater he was wearing.

Harry snorted. 'Colour co-ordinated with what? Your heart?'

Draco's cheeks reddened slightly. 'Anyway, I doubt you have time for fashion, Potter, what with having to save the world and all,' he said haughtily, completely ignoring Harry's retort.

Harry huffed and walked out the room clutching a tight red shirt and dark blue quarter pants to his chest.

Fifteen minutes after lunch, the doorbell rang again. Mrs Weasley ran out to open the door, while Professor Liam went off to silence Mrs Black's portrait, sighing exasperatedly.

Draco turned back to the table, and saw that Harry, looking absolutely ridiculous, was standing across from him and talking animatedly to Ron.

He turned to ask Blaise if he would be trying out for Quidditch, but the opening of the kitchen door and Harry's consequent pallor made him turn around.

There, standing in the doorway, was their fourth guard.

Looking as ominous as ever in his black robes stood his Head of House, Potions Master and most importantly his godfather, Severus Snape.

~~~~~~~~