The Waiting Game▬RL 1

Relationship

Renee walked down the halls slowly, her heart aching. She didn't know why Remus didn't show up that night. She hadn't been able to confront him either. Remus Lupin was nowhere to be seen. That was two nights ago and Renee was fed up with the situation. Finally, she reached the Gryffindor common room. Her hand extended up to the portrait of the Fat Lady. Who was murmuring, Renee wasn't paying attention to her. Knocking firmly, she leant from foot to foot. Not knowing what to expect. She felt like she was too busy to see her brother recently. Wallowing in self-pity and drowning in homework. NEWTs were going to suck majorly, especially since she couldn't focus on anything but a sandy brown-haired werewolf.

"Oh hey, Renny. We were just heading out." Peter stated, pushing the portrait open. He revealed the two remaining Marauders behind him.

"What's going on?" She asked, moving aside to let them through.

"Dumbledore has summoned us. Prongs thinks it's about Moony." Sirius Black pushed past Peter and threw his arm over her shoulder, ushering her towards Dumbledore's office. The other two follow closely behind. "He should be back soon; the funeral was today so I think he's staying the rest of the weekend and coming back before school starts on Monday." The girl's face paled, her heart dropping.

"Mrs Lupin passed away?"

"We thought you knew..." James piped up from behind her as they continued walking. Renee had never felt so selfish. This whole time she was stewing, debating on whether she'd yell at him or just start crying. Meanwhile, Remus was at home, mourning the loss of his mother. She released a large breath, being pulled along.

"I believe this belongs to you," Dumbledore passed James the Invisibility Cloak, cutting the chit-chat that had taken place once they entered his office. "I found it in the Hospital Wing a while back but never had the time to give it to you. I would hold on tight to that, Mister Potter, it could be detrimental if it fell into the wrong hands." The students all looked at the Professor as if he had grown a third eye. They had lost that last year. Figured he had it, but expected to never see it again. Now he wasn't even punishing them for possessing it.

"That's it?" Renee asked what everyone was thinking. The elder man gestured for the lot of them to sit. He sat at his desk, eyes looking at them over his glasses. His hands clasped together, appearing a bit intimidating. Renee sat next to her brother, giving him a worried look.

"There's one more thing, but I was hoping to wait for Mister Lupin to come back before I offer it to you." Dumbledore smiled slightly, leaning back in his chair. Awaiting an answer to continue. They all looked at each other, trying to gauge what he could want to talk about.

"Well... go on then." Sirius piped up, running a hand through his hair. He looked at the rest of the crew, who all nodded at his decision. Dumbledore leaned forward again, his demeanour becoming business-like. Ren could feel her heart quicken, maybe they should wait for Remus. Then she could feel some sense of comfort.

"Are you all aware of the war coming to light?" They nodded, not knowing where this was going. "There's a dark leader gaining followers who they call Death Eaters. Their numbers are skyrocketing. Taking in Purebloods, Halfbloods, and beings. All in support of who they refer to as the Dark Lord. Lord Voldemort." The group all watched as he explained the happenings of the cult, Renny feeling as though she was about to vomit. Muggles are being attacked in the streets. In the Muggle World. Not knowing anything about magic, she couldn't even imagine the horrors. "I am forming something myself. A collection of fine individuals to help battle this so-called Lord. Unlike the Death Eaters, I am not taking in children. Once you graduate, I hope I can count on you all to join." James and Renee shared a knowing look with Sirius. They would fight together. "You mustn't speak of this to any of your classmates. When I let Remus know about it, I'll tell him to talk to you." The four were dismissed without any more words. All walking up the Gryffindor Tower. Renee steals one of James' shirts and slides into Remus' bed. The smell of cedar and cigarettes filled her lungs. She felt soothed. After everything that Dumbledore had mentioned, she needed to cuddle up in his duvet. Renee hoped more than anything that he was doing okay. That he'd be home soon so that she could hold him. If that's what he wanted. She knows that they ended things intending to start a relationship. But what if losing his mother realized that he didn't anymore? She'd have to be okay with that. Renny thinks she would be okay with that. If he was okay and comfortable. She had no idea that he lay awake in Yorkshire, thinking of her too.

✿

Remus Lupin had just arrived back at Hogwarts, earlier than anticipated. Sunday night, he trudged up to Gryffindor Tower. Feeling as though everything was a mess. His father was now alone at home. Probably drowning his feelings like he had been the entire time Remus was home, except for her funeral. They had barely spoken. The last time they did was during the summer. Before he had left for the Potters. There was nothing to say. They had lost the one thing keeping them together as Father and Son. Hope Lupin was a very understanding and thoughtful mother. Remus couldn't ask for anything better than her. But now she is gone. And he'd have to learn how to live with that. A loud noise was coming from the dorm. He stood for a few seconds before even reaching for the doorknob. Inside he was met by four animals. Who, once noticing him standing at the door, quickly transformed into his best friends. All bombarding him in an embrace. Except for one, Renee waited away from the boys. When they were finished, she sheepishly grabbed his trunk from him, putting it on his bed. The two stared at each other. If they looked away, they would disappear. Remus looked like he had battled a dragon and lost. His clothing was dishevelled, his hair a mess, eyes sunken in. But she was at a loss for words. All the anger she had felt had vanished days ago. Now all she felt was longing. Renee didn't know how to act. She wanted to be in his arms, to be close. Remus could see that. He took a step closer, the boys all watching the scene in annoyance. Why can't they just be normal? Launch into each other's arms and snog. Instead of voicing these thoughts, they pushed Remus inside and went into the common room. The werewolf was now two feet away from her, his heart jumping out of his chest when she took a step closer.

"Fuck." He whispered, closing the space between them. They hugged for a while before slowly letting go. Not creating much space but enough to look at each other's faces. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too. How were things?"

"Terrible."

"I'm sorry." She felt his breath fan over her face, a light scent of cigarettes. Renee never liked cigarettes before, she preferred the other types of smoke. But with him, it smelt perfect. Remus couldn't take his eyes off her. He felt okay, being in her arms. All the thoughts of what had happened dampened. He didn't feel so overwhelmed.

"Can I kiss you?" She nodded her head hurriedly. Their lips met carefully. It had been a while since they last shared a kiss. This one was perfect. A quick one to test the reaction. And the reaction was one Remus was happy with. Renny leaned in again, this time more eager. He returned it, moving his hands to her neck. Pulling her as close as she could be.