The Waiting Game▬RL 1

Expecting You

"Honey, we're home!" Monty's voice called out into the nearly empty manor. Mia stepped in behind him. The couple had just apparated from the airport. Two sets of feet came stomping down the stairs, running right into their arms. "Oh, Renee! We weren't expecting you." He gripped his daughter closer, placing a kiss on her head. The two teens stepped away and swapped adults.

"We missed you so much! I don't think I could've lasted another day alone with this prat." Ren backed away, getting a good look at her parents. They looked a bit run down. As if their vacation didn't do too much to ease any stress.

"I'll floo James and Lily." Sirius left them, walking off to the fireplace.

"Another day? I thought you'd be at your apartment." Mia asked, now seeing the bags under her daughter's eyes. "Is there a reason you've been staying here Ren? Is Remus alright?" Fleamont gripped their bags, taking them to their room.

"He broke up with me. So, I came home, I hope you don't mind..." Mia pulled her closed again, pushing the hairs out of her face. She observed her, trying to find some sort of revelation from her features.

"We'll talk about it after the meeting tonight, yeah? I can't imagine your brother would be too long."

"You're coming to the meeting?" The older woman nodded curtly, turning her attention to the fireplace as James came through. Followed closely by his fiancée. The group sat in the living room, catching Monty and Mia up on everything that had happened. Lily showed the new ring to them.

"What are you making?" Monty cleared his throat, looking over Renny's shoulder as she prepared the ground lamb.

"Shepherd's Pie." She states with a small smile.

"My favourite." The younger woman hummed, continuing the recipe.

"Why are you and Mum coming to the Order meeting? You didn't even want us in the Order." She heard her father sit on a stool at the island. He inhaled sharply, something she related to James.

"I can't say much but our trip wasn't for us." He sputtered out, shifting to watch Ren's back as she cut up the peeled potatoes. She nodded, taking in the hint of information.

Soon enough the family was sitting at the kitchen table, chatting idly. Ren stayed quiet, listening to her people. She noticed how they all would glance over at her as if checking to see if she was alright. To which she returned a small forced smile. Renny was not excited to go to the meeting after this. She wasn't excited to see him. It had been two weeks, some part of her expected him to show up. Begging for her to come back. But he never came, didn't even send a letter. It really was over.

"Right, everyone take a seat!" Moody ordered the group of people. Albus Dumbledore had still not been to any meeting, having the Auror take over as the leader of them. Remus stood in the back, leaning against the wall. Renee is in the front with Monty and Mia. The chair beside her is free. Remus was very tempted to take it. So tempted that he pushed himself away from the wall, about to take a step towards them. The seat was quickly occupied by a redheaded man; Fabian Prewett. They bid each other a quick hello before Moody began the meeting.

"We were able to chat up a few families in each country. Some said they'd allow members to take up refuge." Monty began, pulling a map of Europe out of his coat and pinning it on the wall at the front. Mia circled certain areas, as her husband described which families in what countries could help. Remus couldn't focus on that. He stared intently at Fabian's arm across the back of Renee's chair. The man would lean close to her, whispering in her ear.

Most of the members had filtered out of the room, leaving a good handful left. "Lupin, a word?" Moody directed Remus, stalking to the front. Standing with the man just to the left of where Renee was sitting. Her eyes looked over the man, before turning back to Fabian. "I've got a mission from you."

"I figured. What do I have to do."

"There's a pack, just out of London. Word on the street is that Greyback has been in contact with them. Trying to get them on their side." Remus winced at the monster's name.

"I need to go talk them out of it?" Moody shook his head, leaning closer to the werewolf.

"Dumbledore wants you to turn with them. Befriend them. Then get them to side with us." Lupin nodded, taking in the mission's details. Trying not to give attention to the woman leaning forward to hear what they were whispering. Fabian's chair was empty.

"And if I can't?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Visit Hogwarts the night before, he'll have a portkey ready for you."

"Remus!" He stopped, his hand hovering over the floo powder. "Wait." She grabbed his arm, turning him around.

"I've got to get going, Ren." Her nickname fell from his lips without thinking. Finally able to get a good look at her, his eyes wandered. Noting the bags under her eyes, that matched his own. Her trembling bottom lip, which she took in between her teeth. The knitted sweater, he thought, looked a lot like one he owned. Renee's blue eyes were the last thing he took in. Usually bright, were now dulled. But still stared up at him, unwavering. Making a sudden tinge take over his heart. Remus wanted to take him in his arms. Never let her go again.

"What did Mad-Eye want?" Her hand lingered on his arm, slowly coming to her chest.

"Order business." His hand finally gripped the powder, "Ren and Rem's" with which he disappeared from her sight. She stood there bewildered. That's one way to end a conversation.

"Ren." Dorcas Meadowes placed a hand on her shoulder. Renee nodded, letting out a frustrated sigh. "Let's go, Marls is waiting."

"Course." She let a fake smile take over her appearance.

✿

"Wow! I didn't think it would be this crowded." Renny shouted over the loud music, her arms hanging around the person in front of her as they weave through the crowd.

"What did you expect? It's Friday, the Muggles are ready to party!" Dorcas shouted back, her head tilting in the direction of her best friend behind her.

"They're just up here." Marlene led them through to a rounded table in the back of the club, a horseshoe-like booth. Gideon, Fabian, Peter, and Sirius all sat at it. Lily and James hadn't shown up yet. Ren sat next to Sirius, seeming like that was the best idea. She didn't want Fab to get the wrong impression.

"Wow, Ren—I feel like I haven't seen you in forever." The Black leaned into the woman, throwing an arm around her casually. He moved a drink in front of her with two fingers.

"We saw each other at the meeting and we live together, Siri." She laughed, nodding her head in appreciation for the drink. Bringing it to her lips. The burn felt nice as it went down. Renee didn't know what the Muggle drink was but it was her new favorite.

"I didn't know you two were together," Gideon called from across the table, giving his brother a nudge. Fabian snapped out of his trance. Not taking his eyes off the couple. He also didn't know.

"No, she wishes. But unfortunately, I'm a wild one." Sirius pulled the brunette closer, kissing her cheek. This could work. Just harmless flirting with the master.

"Don't be a tease, love." She mumbled, catching the previous Gryffindor off guard. He blinked a couple of times trying to catch on. His eyes scanned Fabian, who was now looking rather upset.

"Hey everyone, sorry we're late." Lily and James appeared, sliding into the booth. Peter seemed now squished. Dorcas, Marlene, Fabian, Gideon, Peter, Sirius, Renee, Lily, and James sat in order around the horseshoe-shaped booth. Lily gave a warning look towards Sirius and Renee, and that's when he showed up. A jean jacket over his white t-shirt, black jeans, and brown shoes. She couldn't move her eyes. It was as if she was petrified. Not until Sirius ripped his arm from around her, did she realize what was going on.

"There's not too much room left." Peter squeaked, hoping something would come from his half-assed statement.

"Not to worry, we're going to dance. C'mon, ladies." Marlene stood, pulling her girlfriend with her. James moved out of the way for Ren and Lily to leave as well. Renee passed Remus, both their eyes not leaving the others. He shook his head, sitting beside James.