The Night of the Full Moon

Chapter 3 Sitting in Silence

They had been sitting in silence for ten minutes now but to Hermione, it seemed like an age. Shocked by the news, neither really knew what to say to each other. It was Hermione who first broke the silence.

"Professor Lupin," He looked up, his face unreadable, "How much do you know about the potion? I mean, what's the antidote? Is, it...permanent?"

"No, Miss Granger, it's not permanent. I'm glad to tell you that there is an antidote, albeit a very difficult one to make. I'll inform Snape of the situation as soon as we can leave the hospital wing, it should take him a few months to brew though."

Hermione winced at the word 'glad'. Was it really that bad to be in love with her?

"So-so what happens from here?" she asked.

"Nothing, I suppose. It's just another one of those annoying little things that you have to live with."

'Nothing', yeah right Remus. You can barely keep your hands off the girl, she has been constantly in your thoughts ever since you woke up and before...Would you call that NOTHING?

Hermione cringed inwardly. Why were his words hurting her so much? She had never expected anything from him other than friendship, and she had certainly never expected him to love her. [

Hermione sat down, her head buzzing. It was difficult to think straight with Remus constantly invading her thoughts. It was as though someone had attached a hook to her heart and was now pulling her towards him. Every inch of her being strived to be near him. She had to get out of there before she did something she would regret...

She stood up so suddenly that she knocked over a jar of Pepper-up Potion that was standing at her side.

Remus looked up from his book 'Curses, Unforgiveables and Love potions' and grabbed her arm.

"Hermione, what's wrong?" he asked, and their eyes met, his full of concern, hers full of passion.

It's nothing, Professor. I just forgot to do a very important piece of homework" she lied, her eyes not leaving his.

Using all of her willpower, Hermione tore her gaze from his and ran out of the room, the door slamming behind her.

"But Hermione..." Remus called. But it was too late. She had gone.

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Hermione lay on her bed, crying into her pillow. She had put up silencing and locking charms over her room, so that none could interrupt her. Why did it have to be me? She cried, her self-pity threatening to overcome her. It almost hurt to be apart from him, a dull sort of ache that intensified the longer that she stayed away from him. It was four days since she had left the hospital wing and the pain was getting steadily worse. Still she avoided him. But today, today they had DADA for the first time since it happened, but she couldn't bear to look at him. So, instead, she stayed at the library. Her, Hermione Granger, missing classes. It would be funny if it weren't true. Suddenly she heard a call.

"Hermione, Hermione, it's Harry. Let me in."

"Oh, hello Harry" she said, her voice shaking "Come in" She wiped the tears from her eyes and muttered, "finite incantatem"

Harry fell into the room. He had obviously been trying to force the door open. Hermione laughed, for the first time in four days.

"Why have you got locking charms around this room? Anyone would think that you didn't want to see me," [He said, a hint of playful anger in his voice.

"I just had some homework to do and I didn't want to be interrupted," she lied.

"Why weren't you in DADA today? Everyone was worried, even Professor Lupin," she smiled involuntarily at his name.

"I know all there is to know already so I don't really see the point in going to classes anymore."

Harry looked shocked. "This isn't like you, Hermione. Is something wrong? You could get detention or worse for skipping classes."

"No, of course not. I'm just a bit tired, that's all." At least that was partially true, she hadn't slept in days.

"You would tell me if something was wrong, wouldn't you?"

"Of course, Harry, now go to practice, you're going to be late."

"Alright, alright'Mione. I get the hint," he said, smiling. "Oh, by the way, Professor Lupin was asking after you."

"Asking after me?" she echoed, unable to hide her shock.

"Yeah, he wants to see you in his office at nine. Probably wants to ask you why you didn't turn up. Who would have thought it, Hermione Granger skipping class..." he smiled evilly. "Anyway, I'm going to meet Cho. See ya."

He left, smiling as usual.

Professor Lupin wants to see me. Her pulse increased and she smiled, but her happiness was short-lived. He's not treating me any differently; it's like he was never affected by the potion. He's not even afraid to be near me.

Ever since Professor Lupin had returned, Hermione and he would meet every Friday night and discuss various intellectual matters. She would also help him devise the lesson plans for the younger years. He had often offered her payment but she always refused, it was no trouble and besides, she enjoyed their weekly meetings.

A small part of her was glad that he was behaving normally, any small indication on his part and she would be likely to throw herself at him. However, most of her was afraid, afraid of being near him and afraid of what she might do if he got too close.