The Time Turner

Chapter 9: GIT- Ghastly Initiated Tensions

"What are you three doing here?" asked the woman in front of them in surprise.

She looked familiar, yet Remus had a little trouble pointing out where he had seen her. Beside him, he felt Sirius stiffen up a little and realization stuck.

"You know them?" Ginny asked, looking back and forth between them and the woman.

"Aren't they Hogwarts students?" replied the woman. "I saw them in Hogsmeade a few days ago with a girl."

"Really?" Ginny dragged out the word, looking impressed that they had managed to sneak out so easily.

"Why are they here?"

"They needed a place to stay for a while, McGonagall asked," Ginny replied. "I guess I should make the introductions. Elena, this is Michael, his twin Kyle, and their cousin, Zack. They'll be staying with us for a few days. Boys, this is Auror Elena Black."

"I'm not yet an Auror."

"Okay then, this is almost-an-Auror, Elena Black, and a close friend of ours."

"Nice to meet you," Remus began, nodding at Elena Black hesitantly, unsure of the response.

Elena nodded in return, a brief flicker crossing her face that could barely be considered a smile, or even a grimace.

"Well, sit down," said Ginny, "I'll store these for later and be back." She raised the donuts box as an indication and began walking towards the kitchen, her hand reaching inside the box even as she was walking.

With the hostess gone, the unusual plethora of guests was left awkwardly glancing about the house and sitting uncomfortably. After a few long moments, the silence was broken by the lady.

"When did you guys arrive here?" Elena asked.

"Just yesterday," replied Remus.

"Oh. And how long will you be staying?" She asked again, as a way of small talk, something that she did not seem proficient at, judging by her questions.

"Uh..." Remus glanced at his two friends who did not look like they were going to reply. "It's not yet decided. But possibly a week, from what we know. Until another arrangement happens, I believe."

"Because of the Ministry holidays?"

"Yes," Remus nodded with a smile.

"Where are your parents, then?"

"Well," said Remus, appearing a little uncomfortable. "They have some important business to tend to, so we haven't taken a house yet."

Elena made a sound of acknowledgment before firing another question. "What do your parents do?"

At this, Remus fell silent, cursing the fact that McGonagall had passed over that nugget of information. Sirius frowned a little and looked at her in suspicion.

"What do your parents do?" he asked back.

Elena stiffened for a second and raised an eyebrow. "I don't think that's important. I only asked because your parents' work is related to the situation at hand."

"I don't think it's that big of a deal, you can answer. After all, we are answering your questions," replied Sirius, matching her tone. "Give and take." He ignored the warning looks James and Remus sent him.

"I apologize. I didn't mean any offense," said Elena, although her tone implied that offense was now meant. "I guess you are just really touchy about family. There's no need to get defensive."