Under the Full Moony
Scroll 23: Forever Young
"Ten seconds."
'It's ... I have to trust him ... I really have no choice ...'
"Three, two-"
'It's now or never.'
"One!"
Remus raised his wand and looked straight into the mirror, reflecting his deepest desires, "RENNERVATE!'
A great flash of light shot from Remus' wand towards the Mirror. Remus fought to keep his wand steady, as it shook uncontrollably in his hand. The beam of light hit the Mirror squarely in the center and reflected to the veil.
Remus did not know whether it hit the veilor was merely absorbed by it, he sank to his knees and struggled to keep his eyes open. His wand was vibrating even harder, his hand shaking from side to side, he felt as though his energy was slowly being pulled from him and onto the spell ... he fought for consciousness ... but was steadily ... losing ...
Harry frowned at the door through which Tonks had left for more then four hours, and had not yet returned.
"You think she's okay?" Ginny asked Harry, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Harry looked up, smiling and gave her a brief kiss, "I think she can manage ... she is an Auror after all-"
The door burst open and Tonks stood there, her hair tousled, "I fear for him,"
Mrs. Weasley hurried over, leading her over to the fire and handing her a cup of hot tea.
"He's not there ... I went ... and what he told me ... I fear for him ... "
Mrs. Weasley shook her head, "It's just something he's going through, he'll be fine. Dear ... maybe ... what he said ... maybe he's just not interested-"
Ginny and Hermione's eyes widened and they shook their heads vigorously at Mrs. Weasley. Tonks looked up miserably, her eyes watery, "You think ... he really ...doesn't love me?"
Mrs. Weasley looked up at the girls helplessly. They rushed over and Ron stayed behind safely with Harry on the couch.
"Why's she care so much? I mean, s'not like they've been together much over the last three years. And mind you, Lupin is old for her."
Harry shrugged, "I'd rather not get involved."
Ron nodded, "Very wise, Harry ... very wise."
"I think you're the one taking a ridiculous note in this, Tonks, really," said Hermione, matter-of-factly as was her way.
Ginny glared at her, "That was obviously not the thing to say, Hermione!"
Hermione shrugged, "I just don't see why she can't move on. She's acting like a child who wants a toy she can't have. But that's just my opinion."
Ginny shook her head and muttered, "Tactless!"
Tonks was quiet the whole time. She stared out the window, barely noticing anything anyone said.
Mrs. Weasley walked over and embraced her tightly, "Hermione's right in one thing ... you should move on, Tonks. I know I was the one who told you to fight for what you want ... but ... maybe Remus isn't the one for you."
Tonks looked up and managed a small smile, "Maybe ... maybe you're right ... maybe-"
But they were off as the front door of the Burrow slammed open again. This time, it was Kingsley Shacklebolt.
He looked worried as he announced gravely, "There's been a ... theft at Hogwarts."
Everyone in the room either gasped or gaped at him. A theft at Hogwarts was like a tame dragon, or a Death Eater without a Dark Mark. Very rare, near impossible!
"And ... who ... do you know?" Mr. Weasley managed to choke out.
To everyone's surprise, Moody chuckled and looked up from his plate, "I'd have thought it was obvious."
He went back to gnawing on a chicken bone and everyone turned back to Kingsley who looked at Moody strangely.
"It was Severus Snape and-"
"Why can't anyone ever understand he's a no-good, rotten bastard! I can't believe McGonagall let him teach at Hogwarts after-"
Kingsley frowned and interjected, "Wait, he wasn't alone! He had an accomplice-"
"What did they take?" interrupted Moody.
"The Mirror of Erised, but-"
"What would Snape want with that? The Mirror doesn't grant wishes, it just-" began Ron.
But Harry had stood up and was walking towards Kingsley, "Tell me ... who helped him!"
Kingsley opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted for the fifth time, by Moody again, "Remus Lupin."
There was a ringing silence that was broken by Kingsley finally nodding, "Right. We have some leads from the Knight Bus as to where they were headed-"
"Tell me WHERE!" demanded Harry.
"The Department of Mysteries," finished Shacklebolt quickly.
"Harry, don't-" Ginny began, but Harry was already out the door.
Kingsley made as if to follow, but Moody shook his head, "Don't even try. You won't stop him. No one can."
Harry felt anger boiling in his chest. Snape had betrayed everyone who trusted him AGAIN, when would they all learn he was just a filth, oily-haired git!
But what hurt the most was that the only person closest to a godfather he had left, Remus Lupin, had helped him! He'd betrayed them as well! Now, Snape would use some dark magic to revive Voldemort or ... some other person just as horrible.
But ... Lupin wouldn't really cave in for someone like Snape. If he hadn't in the first war, or when he'd been seriously tempted by the werewolves, or at all in the second war, why would he join them now? Maybe Snape had kidnapped Lupin and made it seem as though Lupin was helping him!
Yes, that was it! The perfect plan! He probably needed Lupin's extensive knowledge from his dark ritual of evil. If it worked, he'd kill Lupin and help his new Master. If it didn't at least he'd take Lupin down with him.
After all, who'd believe a werewolf? Lupin was as good as imprisoned! And it did make sense, seeing as how Snape had hated his father and all his friends!
With new-found hatred burning in his heart, Harry ran through the deserted streets towards the Ministry of Magic, not knowing if his thoughts made sense at all, but not really caring, as long as he could hate Snape.
Remus gasped in pain as he felt his strength being ripped away from his body. He could barely keep his wand hand up, pointing at the mirror and his vision was beginning to blur.
'Did Severus ... did he know ... was my death all he wanted ...? I can't die ... for Sirius ...'
Remus was on his knees, gasping for breath. His wand was jerking violently from side to side. He fought for consciousness, but found himself weakening.
'Sirius ... I'm sorry ...'
With his last ounce of strength, Remus looked up at the Mirror. There was a blinding flash of white light, and Remus knew nothing more.
When Snape saw Remus drop to is knees, his first instinct was to run over and break the connection so Remus would be safe. But he knew Remus would never forgive him for ruining his chance to bring Black back.
And so Snape watched the cruel progression of the spell as it weakened Remus. His hand was shaking uncontrollably, eyes squinting.
It was only when the Mirror of Erised shattered and smoke burst into the air, that Snape panicked. He could see nothing, only heard the mirror's fragments fall to the ground, a horrible creaking noise, and the thump that announced Remus had fallen to the ground.
Snape did not know whether to be happy or disappointed. The spell had not worked after all.
"AAAAAAHHHHH!" came the cry of a man, faint at first, then louder, and louder, and through the smoke Snape saw the outline of curtains ... the veil .. rising high as if wind was blowing, and a man shoot out the other way that Black had entered.
Snape's heart sank, 'It worked after all ...'
Once the dust had cleared, Snape saw Remus still lying facedown on the floor and wondered why Black had not come running to him. Then he saw the reason, Black had been immobilized upon entering the veil by Bellatrix. Now he could just lie there, on the ground, eyes wide and obviously confused.
Snape smirked, 'And now ... I get my payment.'
He grabbed Remus off the floor and dragged him next to Sirius, putting his down into a sitting position. Black's eyes widened and he was obviously trying to move or speak, or do something ... but couldn't.
With a satisfied smirk, Snape tilted Remus' face upwards and leaned in.
Not having absolutely any control over his body, Sirius was forced to watch in disgust as Remus was forcefully kissed by Snape.
'Oh ... ugh! OH SICK! GROSS! He's FRENCHING HIM! If I could I'd hurl! Look at those disgusting pale lips ... the sickness of his tongue ... IS HE GROPING MOONY! LET ME AT HIM!' thought Sirius.
But it was in vain, that Sirius struggled. He could do nothing. Thankfully, Remus woke up and tried to push Snape away. But Snape held fast and instead pushed him on top of Sirius and kissed Remus' neck ... moving lower.
"What the-?" came a voice from the doorway.
Sirius looked over, thanking any Muggle gods, and Godric Gryffindor, and the Four Founders of Hogwarts. He had never been so happy in his life to see his godson.
Snape let go of Remus immediately and swept out of the door, black cloak trailing behind him. Remus smiled apologetically, "Severus gets ... carried away, sometimes."
'Uh hello ... I'm HERE!'
Remus had suddenly taken notice of Sirius. His eyes widened and filled with tears, "Dear ... Merlin ... SIRIUS!"
Remus looked around for his wand, but Harry had already come down.
With a quick 'Ennervate' and a flash of light, Sirius was sitting up and being smothered by Remus who was hugging him tightly. Harry had fallen to his knees and was staring at him, with an expression of utmost disbelief.
"You're ... but ... everyone thought ... everyone ... "
Sirius gave Harry a one-armed hug and found he was still holding his wand. He pocketed and looked around, "Hey ... I was just gone for a sec! Speaking of which, where's Bella! I've a duel to finish- hey! Where IS everyone!"
Remus finally let go of Sirius, "They're ... you were gone for more than just a second, you know."
Sirius frowned, "How long?"
"Three years," replied Harry and Sirius paled.
"THREE YEARS! THREE BLOODY YEARS! How the hell-!"
Remus blinked hard to keep from crying, "Everyone thought you were gone ... even I said ... but I never really believed ... and- Oh Sirius!"
Remus threw himself at Sirius again, who hugged him back shaking his head in disbelief, "Three years, THREE years! Moony ... I'm sorry ... I guess ... I did leave you after all."
Remus was about to reply when they were interrupted by the last person any of them ever wanted to see, though for various reasons, each different.
"Hem, hem," said Umbridge and walked into the room, looking at the broken mirror, and Remus' wand split in two down the center, the unicorn's hair lying sadly on the floor.
Remus looked at it but shrugged, 'It was worth it ...for Sirius ...'
She walked up to them smugly, "I see the creature is here. I should have known ... only you would be so foolish as to bring the very item you have stolen to the Ministry of Magic! How very thoughtful!"
Sirius stood up and glared at her, "Hello, toad."
She gasped, "You! But you were dead! That's the only reason I gave the okay for your name to be cleared!"
Sirius' mouth dropped open, "I'm ... I'm ... I'm CLEARED! I'm ... I'm a free man! Where's Wormtail!"
Remus smiled, "Awaiting trial, like Bellatrix."
"HAH! I'll go and LAUGH in their faces! LAUGH I'll tell you!" Sirius grinned happily and took Remus' hand and put his other hand on Harry's shoulder. "My, you've really grown, Harry! Look at that-"
"Hem, hem! The creature is still a criminal! You can-"
"Alright, listen frog. Moony probably just borrowed the Mirror! It wasn't any of your business what goes on in Hogwarts anyway! Once we explain his reasons to Dumbledore, I'm sure-"
"He's dead," said Harry in a hollow voice.
"WHAT!" Sirius asked incredulously. "WHAT! HOW! WHO!"
"Snape," replied Harry.
"Then why the hell is he running around free-!"
"I ... served as a witness that he was innocent. Along with ... others," said Remus quietly.
"AND THEY RELEASED HIM! WHY! You're MAD! So who's running Hogwarts!"
"McGonagall," said Harry this time.
"Bully for you, she doesn't like you either," Sirius informed Umbridge. "Come on you two, let's BLOW this joint!"
Under any other circumstances, Remus would have scolded Sirius, but he was too happy for that. He and Harry just laughed along.
Sirius was back. Here, holding Remus' hand. He pinched his leg with his free hand several times to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
He wasn't.
Words could hardly describe what he felt as he walked through the streets of London with Sirius' arm around his waist.
"Harry, we were planning on telling you ... the night when I disappeared into he veil ... well, um, Moony, you tell him."
Remus shook his head, "You."
Sirius pouted, nonetheless looked back at Harry, "You know how we sent you a join present last Christmas, and totally ignored you when we were supposed to be talking about James, and finish each other's sentences ... me and Moony, you know?"
Harry looked away, embarrassed, "Don't even say it, I already know."
Sirius frowned, "No you don't!"
"Yes I do!"
"We're boyfriends."
"I know that!"
"We sleep together."
"I KNOW that!"
"We have s-"
Remus cleared his throat, "SIRIUS, don't go into DETAIL! And I told you I hate that you refer to us as boyfriends ..."
Harry was now staring intently at the sidewalk, "I ... can't hear you!"
Sirius laughed and looked up, "We're close to the Burrow aren't we? I wanna see all their faces when they see I'm NOT DEAD!"
Sirius laughed suddenly, "I'm free! FREE! My name is CLEARED!"
Remus looked around at a few people who'd stopped to stare, "Sirius! Honestly ..."
Sirius pointed, "There it is! Damn, I'm starving, aren't you starving?"
"Now that you mention it, I'm a bit hungry. Although I wasn't thinking about it when I went to get you at the Department of Mysteries."
Remus smiled at Harry, "On this night ... your parents were taken from you ... but your godfather was brought back."
Harry grinned, "Yeah ... thanks."
That's how they walked into the Burrow, talking and laughing, completely oblivious of everyone as they dropped everything and stared at Sirius.
Sirius finally looked at them, "Oh. Hello there."
And Remus was somehow pushed aside as everyone crowded around Harry and Sirius, wondering how they were dong, how worried they had been, and how DID Sirius come back, and was he really not a ghost?
Remus sat down on a chair near the fire and smiled. He felt so happy, so giddy that Sirius was back, yet fearing that it was a dream.
Tonks was in the corner, looking at Sirius fearfully. Remus knew why ... If Sirius ever found out Tonks had wanted to ... Tonks had fancied Remus, she'd never hear the end of it. Remus really hoped Tonks found love ... someone nice like ... Kingsley ...
That night passed quickly and Remus didn't remember much of it. Finally Sirius stood up and announced he was tired and was going to turn in.
"Good idea," said Mrs. Weasely, who'd been considerably warmer towards Sirius, now. "Everyone, bedtime!"
Her kids groaned and fussed, but a look from Mrs. Weasely and everyone trudged upstairs. Sirius finally walked over to Remus, who could barely keep his eyes open, and kneeled in front of him, one hand on Remus' leg.
Remus spoke first, "Your wand, it's in my cloak."
Sirius sniggered, "Not yet, but it will be!"
Remus blushed, "I mean you MAGICAL wand! To do spells!"
Sirius frowned and pulled out his wand, "It was in my pocket, Remus."
"No! Not Regulus' wand ... yours! The one they took from you when you went to Azkaban!"
Sirius' mouth dropped open, and he retrieved it, studying it carefully, "WOW! I haven't held this thing in ... what, twenty years! Oh ... how did you get it?"
Remus smiled bitterly, "Umbridge gave it to me. "
Sirius' eyes narrowed suspiciously, "In exchange for what? She never gives-"
He suddenly caught sigh of Remus' hand and dropped to his knees at once, taking Remus' hand into both his own.
"Silver ... she gave it to you in a silver case, didn't she!"
Remus shrugged, "It's not like-"
"WHAT A BITCH! If I'd have known back there ... I'd have ... KILLED HER!"
Sirius kissed Remus' hand lightly, "I'll kiss it better ..."
Remus laughed, "Sirius, really ..."
"I'm sorry I couldn't ... didn't give you a proper hello back there," Sirius interrupted.
Remus just shrugged and smiled at Sirius, "We've a whole lifetime ahead of us."
Sirius leaned up and pulled Remus into a deep kiss, pressing his lips onto Remus' gently, then not so gently, hungrily pushing Remus onto the couch and wrapping his arms around Remus' waist.
They lied there, Sirius on top of Remus, on the couch, in a tangle of limbs.
"Let's be young forever," whispered Sirius, giving Remus a small kiss.
"Agreed," replied Remus and tilted his head for another minute of snogging, when they rudely interrupted by a gray Hogwarts owl.
Sirius groaned and snatched the letter from it's leg, ripping it open, annoyed.
He read it aloud, "To Mr. Lupin and Mr. Black, if he is present ...Blah, blah, so pleased Sirius is back, worried about you, Remus ... could have said something if you wanted the Mirror, taken care of the Ministry ... Mirror is back in its place ... blah, blah, BLOODY HELL! she's mad!"
"What? asked Remus, concerned.
"Guess what Mc G. has JUST asked us to do!"
"WHO!"
"McGonagall! Look!"
Remus read the letter quickly and grinned, "You want to?"
"We might as well, I'm completely BROKE!"
Remus nodded, "Okay. Let's ... but first I'm going to need another wand ..."
"Tommorow," muttered Sirius, kissing Remus' neck.
"Tommorow."
"Sirius Orion Black, get to class!" said Remus loudly.
Sirius lowered his wand, dropping Snape from the ceiling, where he'd hung him, "I was just havin' a bit of fun! AND demonstrating the proper Sticking Charm."
Remus shook his head, "You're going to be late! And don't come visiting me when you don't have classes, remember, I do!"
Sirius walked over to Remus and pulled him into a long kiss, which caused several people to stare.
"Hey, we're young! Let's live a little!" he said when they pulled away.
Remus sighed, a smile playing around the corners of his lips.
Sirius grinned, "Come on ... admit that wasn't funny ... Professor Remsus JohnLupin."
"It was a bit ... Professor Black," admitted Remus.
Sirius instinctively ducked and pulled Remus down as a jinx flew past. They turned to Snape who was white-faced and pointing his shaking wand at them.
Sirius blocked all his jinxes easily, almost lazily, "Can I PLEASE, Professor Lupin?"
Remus let out his, almost-giggle-laugh, "Don't ask me."
Sirius flicked his wand, and Snape was hanging upside down.
Everyone in the hall laughed and Sirius sighed, "Just like old times."
Remus shook his head and crossed his arms, but was smiling, "Quite ..."
It's so hard to get old without a cause So many adventures couldn't happen today
I don't want to perish like a fading horse
Youth is like diamonds in the sun
And diamonds are forever
So many songs we forgot to play
So many dreams are swinging out of the blue
We let them all come true
Forever young, I want to be forever young
The End
A/N: I totally did NOT give a warning that this was the last chapter, did I? Well, it is. All good things must come to an end! Look for me in the wide forest of Harry Potter fanfiction, for I will return with another story some day! Very soon probably ...
Anyway, do me a last favor and ... review please! You'll get free Moony and Padfoot shaped cookies! Thank you everyone who has stayed with me since the very first chapter! "waves" See ya later!
Disclaimer: Harry Potter ain't mine. It's J. K. R's and ... Warner Brothers? All the song lyrics ain't mine either ... I claim no rights except for that of my ideas, and the titles! "wink"
Review please!