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Rose
A/N: Okay, here is the deal. When you read anything between ** it's
Willow talking.
Anything between [] is Hermione.
Chapter 7
Willow's POV
I have to admit that waking up in Hermione's arms was pleasant. Not the sexy, 'waking up in a mood to make love' kind of pleasant. Just a 'waking up to a new friend you have just helped' kind of pleasant. And it was nice to know that I helped this young girl, even if it was for just a night. When I awoke to her stroking my face, my first conscious thought was of Tara. But then, oddly, it shifted to someone else. To a man who I have only known a few weeks now. It's strange that I would think of Remus Lupin while I was in the arms of such a beautiful woman, but here I was, the image of the man in the next room deeply embedded in my mind.
I opened my eyes and stared at Hermione for a few minutes, just letting her stroke my face. It seemed to help her, and hey, it wasn't hurting me none. So I just lay there. I distinctly heard a click of the bedroom door closing, but quickly disregarded it. Somehow I had the feeling that Remus would understand, and if Giles didn't, then Remus would explain. This wasn't what it looked like. It was something that had to be done. I don't really know how I did it, but it just came to me suddenly. To speak to Hermione, but not actually speak. It must be the leftover magic that is still inside. It's pretty cool if you ask me.
*Good morning.*
She smiled at me, that's a good sign. A look flitted across her face, and then...
[Good morning.]
She has a sweet voice. A nice accent, like Remus' and Giles'. This is off to a very good start. So I take it a step further.
*You know your friends are worried about you?*
Again that look crosses her face. I can't really put a name to it, a cross somewhere between dispair and guilt.
[I know.]
I knew this too. I knew because I was aware of the same thing concerning my friends. They where all worried about me. Hell, Giles had put his life on hold for me, to try and cure me. Even drug an old friend in for help. Although I am not gonna complain there, no sirree. I think we're pretty much on the same level, so I'm gonna go out on a limb here.
*Why won't you let people in?*
[Why won't you?]
Now that surprised me. Wasn't expecting that in the least. Try to help someone and they give you lip. Well, I can't really blame her. I AM doing the same thing she is. So I guess one good turn deserves another. She deserves an answer anyway.
*Because it hurts. It makes it real... What I did... What I did was horrible, and senseless, and basically stupid on my part. But at the time it had felt right, you know. An eye for an eye. I know better now, but it still doesn't change what I did. It still doesn't bring back Tara.*
As I look into her soft brown eyes, I can't help but think that this was why I failed to end the world. Why I stopped when I did. Not because of Xander being there, but because in my heart I knew that I was going to be needed soon. Needed to help someone who had experienced a loss much like the one I had experienced. And here I am, looking into the sad eyes of Hermione Granger. A girl who I have only known for a brief amount of time, but feel as if I have known her my whole life.
[I know that I couldn't have stopped what happened. If I had been there, I would be dead as well. What hurts the most though, is that they died before I could tell them that I loved them. I left that night without telling them what I tell them everyday. It was a ritual really. We go out to the store to pick up a loaf of bread, we always call out 'I love you' as we go out the door. But they wanted me to stay in that night. And I felt the need to have fun, so we argued and I left anyway. And I didn't tell them. I walked out the door, but I didn't say 'I love you'. I should have said it Willow. I should have said it.]
Oh, the poor thing. It may sound like a trivial thing, but it's not. The power of the knowlege that someone loves you is strong, it really is.
*You can't help but think that if you had just said it before you left, then things would have went differently. Or at least, they wouldn't have died thinking that you hated them, right?*
[Yes.]
*That, if you could just tell them now that you love them, that you could get past it.*
[Yes.]
*Sounds like a good plan.*
[Willow?]
*Yeah, Hermione?*
[I still don't feel like talking with anyone, especially Remus, not now anyway.]
*Don't worry, Hermione. I don't feel like talking myself.*
[I guess we should get up then, huh?]
*It would be good, seeing as how Giles is probably having a stroke at this moment at the thought of us in here in the bed together.*
Her giggles fill my mind, and I can't help but add mine as well. They sound good together.
[Let's put him out of his misery, shall we?]
*Yeah, I'd say that would be a good idea.*
When we walk out of the bedroom, we make our way to go and sit on the couch. Giles looks at us curiously. I hear Hermione's giggle in my head along with a comment that surprises me.
[He looks cute with that confused look on his face like that.]
*Hermione!*
[What? Well, he is cute.]
*But... it's GILES!*
She's giggling again. This is just wierd. *Hmm, I wonder where Remus? is.*
"Yes, well then, um, W-Willow would you and Miss. Granger like some coffee? Remus will be finished with breakfast any moment, I'm sure."
*Ah, he's in the kitchen. Well Hermione, what do you say? Feel up for a cup of coffee?*
[Yes, a cup of coffee sounds wonderful.]
Sure Giles, coffee sounds great. *Uh, I guess I'd better nod, huh?*
[I would expect it would get the message across.]
*Smart ass. And stop with all the giggling, will you?*
I have to admit, Remus is a wonderful cook. Breakfast was perfect. Scrambled eggs, sausage and toast. And a nice large glass of pumpkin juice, which is odd, since I have never drank it before. But it was very tastey.
[Hey, Willow?]
*Yeah, Hermione?*
[Do you have any spare paper laying about?]
*Yeah, it's in the bedroom. Top shelf. There's some pencils in there too. What are you gonna do?*
[I just need to know something is all.]
*Oh, okay.*
Well, I guess I should thank you for the lovely breakfast, huh Remus? Of course, it would be better if I said it out loud, wouldn't it. What is it about you that makes me want to talk NOW. After all this time, why do YOU make me want to break the silence, huh? Could you tell me that? Well, Hermione's back now, so we'll just finish this little discussion later, mister.
*Harry and Ron. Your friends?*
[The very best. I miss them.]
"Oh Hermione, I'm sorry, love. The Dursley's won't allow Harry to leave, and Ron is in Romania with his family."
[Figures. Willow, I think I'm ready now.]
*Then go for it, Hermione. I'll be here waiting for you.*
[Thanks, Willow.]
She's almost there. Just needs a little push is all. That's your que, Mooney. She needs you now. Go to her. Wha- oooh, Remus smoochies! I got Remus smoochies!
"Thanks, darlin'."
Oh, wow. Talk about tinglies. I think my tinglies have tinglies. Must definitely strive to get more Remus smoochies in the future. Yep. Oh, hey Giles.
"Where's Remus?"
He's with Hermione. And don't even think about it. We're on the verge of a break through here and I don't want you mucking it up. Yeah, that's right. Just go read the paper. I'll just sit here. Thinking about smoochies. With Remus. Yeah, those are good thoughts to have.
Hmm. I wonder how things are going in there? I'm sure she'll make the right decision. I just hope Remus can accept it.
[Willow?]
*Yeah, Hermione?*
[I need you.]
*On my way.*
Come on, Giles. No sense you staying in here by yourself. Let's just open this door here.
"...'Mione, just tell me."
"I want you and Willow to help me perform the Spectral Unity spell."
*Ohh, good idea Herm. I would never have thought of that.*
"What? No, Hermione, that spell is too dangerous. And plus, I don't think you or Willow are up to doing any magic right now. You can't possibly think that-"
"We'll do it."
[Thanks Willow.]
*You're welcome, Herm.*
[Ug, please. Anything but that!]
*Sor-ry. Are you sure you're gonna be up for this? It's an awfully big spell.*
[I'm sure. You will back me up?]
*You know it. And Remus will too.*
"Alright 'Mione, alright."
*See, told ya.*