Dark Side of the Moon

Chapter Six: For all the loved ones gone

The end-of-summer goodbyes were made piecemeal throughout the rest of the birthday party night and the next morning. People came and went, hugs were bestowed, and Molly of course made sure everyone left with rucksacks and pockets full of food. It had been quite emotional for everyone to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione hug each other as a trio, to be parted for the first time since Ron had left during the early winter of their time on the run. It made Lupin's heart ache to watch the three clutch each other fiercely, about to take their different paths, but knowing at the very least that they would be reunited again sometime soon.

It made him think of two friends of his who he'd loved dearly, and who he'd never have the opportunity to hug again. As boys and then men, they'd never hugged as much as they should've. They hadn't known what little time they'd have together, and how little time they'd have to express their affection for each other.

At least these three would, clearly, never take that for granted.

Lupin exited the Burrow after profusely thanking Molly and Arthur for their hospitality ("Oh, hush," Molly had said, swatting his chest), floating his trunk alongside him as he scanned the area for the last person he had to bid farewell: Hermione. He hadn't seen her after breakfast that morning, and his stomach flipped as he wondered if she'd simply left without seeking him out. He hadn't told her about his return to Hogwarts, so she surely didn't know she'd be seeing him anyway...but perhaps she was purposefully avoiding him? Lupin swallowed, concerned. The night before in the shed when he'd given her the necklace had seemed...strangely charged, sparking fiercely in the way Muggle electricity did.

It made him uncomfortable. Maybe he'd made her uncomfortable.

Sighing, he gave up on his search and headed over to the ledge at the edge of the orchard to look over the fields one last time before leaving for the school year. He'd decided to Apparate this year, as he didn't have the desire to share the Hogwarts Express with anyone on the way this time. It was much easier to simply Apparate to the designated point at Hogsmeade Station and go from there. Easier, of course, in that he didn't have to speak or engage with anyone before he reached the castle.

It didn't take long for Lupin to spot a figure sitting on the ledge with a couple of trunks next to them, and with a thudding feeling in his chest, he realized it was Hermione. He coughed, and she turned, startled. "Sorry," he stammered, "didn't mean to surprise you."

"That's alright," Hermione responded, getting up and brushing off the backs of her jeans. "Was just..."

"Taking it in?" He finished. She nodded.

"Dunno when I'll be back. Won't be as lovely as this til next summer, at the very least." She leaned against one of her trunks and crossed her arms. "Not heading to King's Cross, I take it?"

Lupin tilted his head at her, confused. Why would she think I'm going there? "I don't know what you mean."

Hermione'e eyes widened, as if at some realization, then blinked the expression away. "I...I know you're going back to Hogwarts this year."

Lupin sighed and rubbed a hand across the back of his neck. "How's that?"

The girl shrugged back at him. "Figured it out. After...McGonagall came here."

"Well. Yes. She asked if I'd be DADA teacher again. Didn't feel like I could say no, really."

"Would you have?" Hermione enquired.

Lupin coughed again. He hated the nervous feeling that had overtaken him since the night before. "I...don't know. I'm not sure I'm the right one for the job."

"You don't trust McGonagall's judgment?" Hermione absently flicked the lock on her trunk, back and forth, and the metal lightly scratch scratched across the nicked and worn cherry wood.