Title: Seasons of Fire
Summary: Hermione and Ginny’s relationship change over a year. Slash H/G. Post War with Ginny and Hermione in the same grade due to issues in the war...it will be necessary in later chapters.
Rating: Mild R
Disclaimer: Alas I do not own Harry Potter. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

A/N: Love and cookies to my awesome beta mini1969

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Intro:

I never thought I had come to this stage. Never thought that there would come a point and time when I would want to be burnt. To be burnt by the mere touch of her hair. It drives me crazy...I have thought about it for too long. I have written down in this journal of a fire...my beautiful phoenix...one last look before I tell of my previous yearnings. I must tell her, I must!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Chapter 1

Autumn

Journal Entry for October 31st

Autumn, a season of fall. It is actually the season known as Fall. I have fallen in my own way, ironically not like a dead leaf at its life’s end, but fresh and full of life. Autumn is for falling and I have fallen for Ginny.

What a beautiful day it is.

The professors, much to my dismay have cancelled classes for their own personal pursuits. I find it disheartening that the professors have taken a much lighter attitude to education due to the War. Thank goodness for Professor McGonagall and Snape. Yes, I call him Snape now, been hanging around the boys too much. But that isn't why I am writing. Funny, I don't normally keep journals...I have had a firmly placed fear of journals since Ginny's traumatizing experience in first year. But my mind has plagued me too much with thoughts of her.

Irony seems to be fond of me.

I don't know why she is the reason, but I am highly distressed as to how she came to be the reason. Maybe I should track back to point of distress.

Yes, I am a perfectly logical witch and I can do this.

She was just sitting there, by the lake, watching the sunset, staring out in a very Luna-like fashion. Yet, I was drawn to her. It was bizarre how I noticed her fiery red mane fly out in a fan behind her as the wind blew. I walked up to her and sat by her after shrugging off that feeling of bizarreness. She turned and acknowledged me with a smile and in that moment I felt like dozens of butterflies were having their own version of the war in my stomach.

I don’t know why they did that. It’s just Ginny. I used to feel that when Ron looked at me. When he smiled one of his idiotic grins directed at me. Not anymore...now it’s just Ginny and I don’t know why it’s her.

Hell, I don't know why it’s a her.

Merlin, I must be suffering from the lack of education today.

Her luminous smile diminished into a worried frown and I realized I must have transferred my thoughts into my facial expression. I gave her one of my well known reassuring smiles hoping that it would do the job it was invented for. Unfortunately, it didn’t stay on for very long because right then we locked eyes, and those butterflies became substantial dragons. I become aware of her eyes as the different hues of brown danced with the colors of sunset. Those eyes that had every shade and tint of brown imaginable to any man or woman; those eyes that bore into my soul and caused a desire unheard of; those eyes that made me feel as if I was flying; like my favorite coffee flavor after a sleepless night. Those eyes that made me feel faint, those eyes that caused me to actually faint.

I woke up in the infirmary with those eyes staring at me in concern. I remember looking up into those eyes with a realization that I had caused them worry. It was odd was that I felt a physical pain in my heart knowing that I had caused those beautiful chocolate eyes worry. Speaking of chocolate, Madam Pomfrey, bless her heart, gave me some chocolate and sent me straight to bed.

I am still awake, recalling the image of those eyes boring into the depths of my soul. As I write in the diminishing candle light, I think more on the owner of those eyes.

She sleeps in the bed next to mine, the candlelight’s glow bouncing off the red ferocity that is her hair. What would she think if I told her? I must not; I will not. Her friendship means the world to me and it kept me strong through the war. To lose it will break me. I must bury these new feelings and hope they will die of suffocation within my heart.

{2. Winter}

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Make me happy and review! Whether it's good or bad (author smiles winningly)

Title: Acceptance
Disclaimer: Alas I do not own Merlin.  
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Summary: Merlin accepts his destiny when direct and very real threats to his life don't affect him quite the same way. Now all that remains is for Arthur to do the same. That simple, right?
Rating: PG
A/N: Arthur's POV so there's a change in the process and rhythm

I am not my father. I am not my father. I am not my father.

Arthur wondered how many times it would take to repeat that before it was true.
 

If he wasn't his father then why did he pause before walking into a room with Merlin in it? Why did he tense up, his fingers twitching for a weapon when Merlin dressed and undressed him? Why is it that any mention of nefarious sorcery had his gaze snapping to the boy with thefae smile and impudent nature?
 

He did not understand how, why, or what would take over whatever powers ruled the magicks to grant the talent to such a person. The most unlikely of heroes, not more than a servant boy, and not even a good one.
 

His father spoke of the evils of sorcery, of the danger and duplicity involved. But try as he might, Arthur couldn't see it. Not in the gentle fumbling way Merlin put his armor on, or flirted with the girls in the town (and failed miserably), or the simple compassion he had for all living beings. He didn't even like hunting for goodness sake!
 

There was no evil in Merlin's magic, not the least intent. Arthur thought back to the druid boy, the look on Merlin's face at every execution, the connection with the bloody unicorn, his persistence to save Gwen (which come to think of it, was his fault the stupid boy) but even with that he was trying to save Tom.
 

Arthur beat his head against the back of his chair, if he wasn't his father, then why couldn't he trust Merlin anymore, come to accept that the magic was not out to harm him, that Merlin was not out to harm him, could never harm him.
 

Damn Uther.
 

I am not my father. I am not my father. I am not my father.

Title: REFLECTIONS OF A SILVER MOON

Disclaimer: Alas I do not own Harry Potter….I cry over it every night before I go to sleep. This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

A star studded moonless night lofted in the heavens giving the earth beneath it an eerie glow. Sirius Black sighed contentedly, stars in his eyes, as he looked up at the twinkling lights over the astronomy tower. Thinking back to the last time he had been on the tower, he shivered and tugged his coat about him, remembering the threatening voice.

“You haven’t jumped yet.” Speak of the devil, or in this case, the bat.

Sirius smirked. “Disappointed?” he asked lowering his head to sneer at the one who broke his peace.

“Apathetic,” was all he got as a reply from his current bane of existence.

Severus walked over to stand next to Sirius and looked up at the stars his face taking on a pensive expression Sirius had never seen on his nemesis before. He spoke, “Nights we used to look up and stare at the sky. He loved the stars and hated the moon; though the funny thing was, he couldn’t draw his eyes away from the moon. Do you know how many stars can be reflected in his eyes on a clear silver night?” he asked his head turned slightly to glare at Sirius who scrunched his face up in thought.

Severus smirked, “It was rhetorical. Though….I know the answer, and until you do,” he turned fully to stare Sirius down, “Don’t even consider yourself worthy of his presence or your love anywhere near adequate.” With a flurry of dark-as-night robes, Snape billowed down to the dungeons.

Or some cave, thought Sirius.

-§-

Fall waned, and winter blew by. Spring jumped out with a burst of robins and dandelions. Remus and Sirius’ relationship has grown, you observe. With a tentative nudge in the right direction, it has become in and of itself, an entity--sentient in its ability to mold its fortunate, for now, victims.

On odd days, if you stayed behind on a Hogsmeade day, you could see them walking together; hands intertwined just enjoying the peace of a quiet castle. With the sun smiling down on them, and a light breeze tickling their hair, you would think that there was nothing more beautiful than Remus’ bright laugh. Then you would look at Sirius’ equally bright smile, eyes sparkling and doubt yourself. But then all that would shatter, in awe of the perfection they presented as they gazed lovingly at each other, nature herself beaming in their abounding love.

Then on that same odd day, you would look down at your pale cold hand tightly grasping a crumpled worn note. Once again, as you have on other odd days, open your fist and smooth it down with your potion stained fingers and read:

None. No stars in his eyes, instead he looks at the moon, never looking away. On moonless nights he simply doesn’t look at the sky. Why’d you think I was up there alone?

You can practically hear the smirk in the last sentence. The missive is unsigned but you know the author. Worse yet, you know the truth in the message. You sigh filled with regret of a great love lost.

Once again golden eyes haunt you, filled with reflections of a silver moon.

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**A/N: Final chapter, for now.

Title: REFLECTIONS OF A SILVER MOON

Disclaimer: Alas I do not own Harry Potter….I cry over it every night before I go to sleep. This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Sirius walked aimlessly throughout the castle taking pleasure in the clashes of thunder and lightning that ripped through the castle illuminating the empty corridors in ghastly light.

He found himself in the astronomy tower ambling aimlessly, not caring whether or not he would get wet or lighting would strike him. He walked up to the ledge and looked out across Hogwarts. From his vantage point he felt power coupled with helplessness. He reached his right arm as if trying to grab the sky just as a bolt of lightning shot through the sky making him feel god-like—an angry god with no more worlds left to destroy. He climbed upon the ledge and lifted his face to the sky relishing the rain beating down on his face angrily as if in vengeance.

Twice he almost slipped and plummeted to his death.

Twice he thought of ending it right then.

Twice he righted himself.

Twice he wondered what was holding him back.

“Don’t you dare.” He heard a cold voice slice through his thoughts. He turned his head toward the voice, and almost fell off in shock at who it was. He unsteadily righted himself and got off the precarious ledge.

“You don’t get to escape this. You don’t get to fall apart, and you damn well don’t get me to feel sorry for you!”

The owner of the voice turned around, his back to Sirius’ shaking shocked form.

“No dying. No escape.”

Sirius wondered if they were talking more to themselves than to him as the person strode out from the rain and back into the castle.

A clap of thunder shook Hogwarts.

--«§»--

Sirius made his way back to the dorms. He tersely gave the Fat Lady the password as she glared at him for rousing her from her nap. He rushed through the common room and straight up to the dorms.

He opened the door to their dorm, and slammed it closed, and leant on it. He heard soft breathing and looked around to see Remus sitting curled up in the middle of his bed with a book whose pages weren’t turned or its words read.

The random lightning broke the soft glow around Remus that was created by the candles. He'd never thought his heart could break and heal at the exact same time, now he did.

Without uttering a word, paying attention to his near hypothermic body, Sirius made his way to the bathrooms to change, stopping by his trunk to get his pajamas.

--«§»--

After finally getting warm and dry from the shower and a change of attire, Sirius was feeling brave. He went to stand at the foot of Remus’ bed, who did not look up but stared at his knees curled into his chest; the book had been long abandoned after a futile attempt to concentrate.

Sirius took a deep breath, prayed for strength to whatever deity was listening and plunged into the icy waters that were Remus’ disposition towards him.

--«§»--

“I want to talk to you.”

Remus didn’t look up.

“It’s been two months of hell, for all parties involved. I'm sorry. I know that I have said it over and over again, and I would for the rest of my life, but I miss you. I miss my best friend.”

Remus still didn’t look up.

“I lied. Remus, I lied to you about the reason I set Snape on you.” With no response from Remus, Sirius was getting irate. “Damn it, Remus! I’m sorry, I wanted to shock him, maybe even eliminate him.”

Still, Remus was resolute in silence and apathy.

They fell into a heavy stagnant silence for a while when suddenly Remus asked, “I know you wanted to hurt him, hurt me, whatever. I know you’re sorry. But I don’t give a damn about that right now.” He continued all the while sounding as if he was just commenting on the weather, “I want to know, why? Give me a why, Sirius. Why are you sorry? Why kill Severus? Why destroy my sliver of happiness? Why? Why? Why?” he set his eyes at Sirius, “Tell me something I don’t know.” His eyes fell back to his knees.

Sirius stared, stunned by Remus actually speaking to him. “I-I…What I mean is…” he trailed off when he realized he would just be stammering.

“I never meant to destroy your happiness. Quite the contrary in fact. I wanted to get Snape away from you. I was so sure that he would hurt you, that I would have done anything to protect you.” Sirius bowed his head in shame and continued, “He interfered. It wasn’t just us anymore. You started going to the library end of fifth year, and not to study for O.W.L.S. either. Even with the beginning of this year you had already started not showing up for our prank meetings. You were neglecting us for that greasy git,” he managed his voice hardening at the end.

Remus snorted, “So you wanted to kill Severus because I just wasn’t available at your beck and call anymore?” his tone icy.

“N-no no!” Sirius amended, “it wasn’t just that. It was—” he turned around with his back to Remus and sat down on the bed. With a now-or-never tone he continued, “I love you.”

Sirius couldn’t see it, but at that Remus finally looked up. “I know I have no right to say that, not after all I’ve done. I wanted to kill Snape because he had what I wanted most in this world. I’d die for you, even kill for you.”

Remus’ eyes widened in horror.

“I saw you two, before the full moon rose. On the lake, with your hands clasped together, laughing. I wanted that. With you, I wanted to be with you like that. So, yes, I'm selfish. It’s the Slytherin Black in me. But I am sorry. Not for loving you.”

Sirius turned his face to meet ocher eyes swirling with dizzying emotions. “I'm sorry, because I hurt you. You loved him. It killed me, but I should have just let it be. At least then, I still had your friendship. Now, I’ve destroyed that too.” He then stood with a destroyed sigh and made his way to the opposite bed that belonged to him.

“Wait.”

Sirius froze in place and turned to face his friend but was surprised to find him less than a foot in front of him. He inwardly smiled at Remus’ uncanny ability to creep - perfect for marauders.

Remus ran his hand through his tawny hair, nervously, “Thank you. I have waited so long for a real reason. It destroyed me to believe that you would so blatantly hurt me just to get a kick out of it.”

He inched closer to Sirius and ran his hand through his hair again, “By love did you mean…” he trailed off but Sirius answered anyway, “Yes, I meant…” he wasn’t able to finish it either. “Oh,” was all Remus could manage.

Sirius steeled his nerves and looked up straight into those amber eyes that haunted him day and night.

Remus stepped closer.

The stagnant tension from earlier replaced by static electricity. They were now centimeters apart…

Just as their eyes fluttered shut and they moved to bridge the remaining space, James burst into the dorm.

“Evans is a goddess.” He proclaimed all-knowingly.

Sirius and Remus sprung apart as if burned by the other’s presence. James rambled on oblivious to the tension crackling through the dorm, even the candles flickered restlessly.

“….and then she smiled at me and said, ‘Goodnight James’ in that voice that drives me nuts!” he fell on his back on his bed, staring dreamily at the ceiling. “I’m telling you guys, she loves me.”

Finally sensing an off-atmosphere he leaned up on his elbows, “Wait. You two are in here alone, and Sirius is not dead. I could have sworn I heard voices earlier, and they weren’t loud.” He narrowed his eyes at them, “What gives?” He looked back and forth between them.

He received no response.

The boys in question both got into their respective beds and drew their curtains around them throwing a mumbled goodnight at James.

Frustrated James took his shoes and clothes off, leaving him only in his boxers and also got into his bed. “Wankers, the both of you. Goodnight.” He drew his curtains and settled in for sleep filled with shades of red and green.

Make me all warm and fuzzy with reviews and cookies (choc-chip preferred)

Title: REFLECTIONS OF A SILVER MOON

Disclaimer: Alas I do not own Harry Potter….I cry over it every night before I go to sleep. This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

“Why do men have to be so damn stubborn?!” an exasperated voice asked to no one in particular.

It was a calm Sunday morning, belying the overall atmosphere at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Lily was escaping the overall oppressive mood in the castle and was sitting in an enclave of rocks near the lake.

“Stubbornness is like a necessary quality in being a man isn’t it?!” still asking no one in particular, she was particularly startled when she got an answer.

“We happen to take pride in achieving the highest standards of stubbornness.”

Lily turned toward the smooth voice, “Ah, Severus,” she greeted and smiled amiably, “Taking a walk?” she asked.

He turned off the path and sat down by her, “Of sorts.”

“It’s odd isn’t it?” he asked after a moment of comfortable silence.

“What?” Lily asked still staring at the out at the placid lake.

“How normal everything is.”

Lily turned to face her friend with a worried frown on her face. “Since when are you so philosophical, Severus, channeling Thomas Hardy are we? I knew I gave you too many muggle books to read," she joked trying to alleviate the oppressive mood that had suddenly fallen.

He snorted, “As if.”

He let out a loaded sigh. “Too normal. There are worlds falling apart. Hearts torn in two. Trusts broken.” He sighed once more, “It shouldn’t be like this. The sun shouldn’t be out, the lake shouldn’t be calm. It just shouldn’t.”

Lily’s eyes shone with worry for Severus. Never in the time she had known him was he so...resigned. He was spirited, in his own way, with his sharp wit, brilliant mind, amazing potions skills, and an intense hate for Sirius and James. But never in her time knowing him had he been so dull, so mundane, so torn down. It broke her heart to know that yet another fire was extinguished by love. It broke her heart even more to know that another good friend of hers was suffering with intense guilt and hurt coupled with betrayal and anger. Worse still, she didn't know what exactly had gone wrong.

She rested her head on him with a sigh "Maybe to show us that life still goes on. That even though everything hurts, the earth still spins," A drop of water hit her face. "and the rain still falls." she finished. She looked up and noticed that the weather had abruptly changed, as if in answer to Severus’ mood. The darkening sky gave her a hint as to the coming rain and she and Severus got up and walked towards the castle.

A lone figure was walking toward them; head hung low, shoulders stooped as if the weight of the world was upon them. Neither party noticed the other until they almost collided.

“Remus!”

“Lily!”

“Severus?”

“Lupin.”

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Title: REFLECTIONS OF A SILVER MOON

Disclaimer: Alas I do not own Harry Potter….I cry over it every night before I go to sleep. This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

"He. Is. An. Idiot." Remus asserted firmly.

"Yes, a very astute observation," James conceded, "But that idiot is my best friend, our best friend, your best friend; incidentally, you’re my best friend too, I don’t want to—no, I refuse to lose any of you." He was trying to get Remus and Sirius talking again.

It was Halloween, a normally exorbitant time for the four friends filled with pranks and schemes. Unfortunately for the first time in their whole marauding career, there was calm. It was eerie. It was wrong. It was simply unnatural in James opinion.

Two weeks into the school year, Sirius royally fucks up, and this is where they end up. A disjointed group, with him in the middle—choosing between a twin brother, Sirius might as well be, and a brother, Remus is more like a big brother really, while Wormtail looks nervously between the two as if the world will cave in if they so much as look at each other.

“Please, Moony,” he tried again, “For me.” Might as well try the guilt trip, always worked in the past.

Remus sighed cursing James' dramatics, "Fine, you melodramatic prat," he managed with a glare, "As low as pulling the guilt card was,” he took a deep breath, “He can sit with us--no you, at meals. I refuse to sit next to him or across from him--and don't even think about getting us to talk. The sight of him makes me want to hurl hexes at him till I'm blue in the face and he's in another dimension." Glaring at James, he picked up his books then stalked out of the common room.

James let out a sigh of frustration. A squeaky sound came from his right.

"What, Peter?" he snapped. Lifting his head out of his hands he looked at Wormtail and winced at the hurt and subdued look on his face and amended, "Sorry, it's just this whole thing with Moony and Pads. Damn Sirius!” He slammed the table with his fists, “Why'd he have to be such an idiot, I mean honestly?! Snivellus! Why, oh why?" His voice rising to a wailing octave causing heads to turn in the common room.

"Sorry, James." Wormtail let out. "I was just going to say that I think I'm going to follow Remus. He's the best chance I got to pass McGonagall's test tomorrow. I can't fail another one or it is remedial classes till Christmas." He looked at James as if he was afraid of his reaction. He was. He should be. James had been a walking time bomb lately.

The reason for all the conflict happened to be coming down the stairs and towards them. Peter managed to pipe out a quick greeting and stumbled out of the common room to find Remus.

“James.” Sirius greeted flatly.

“Sirius.” Responded James, just as flatly.

Sirius opened a book Remus had given to him for Christmas, For The Idiot Trying: The Most Dangerous Quidditch Tricks & Feints, ignoring the holes being bored into his head by James' glaring. That is until his best friend gave him a smack on the head.

“Oy!” Sirius jumped straight up dropping his book on the table and holding his head. “What the hell?!” he exclaimed glaring at James.

James calmly replied, “I could ask the same question of you." He gestured next to him, "Sit your arse back down, idiot. We have to talk.” Reluctantly, Sirius sat down, across from James just in case he tried to hit him again.

“Okay, talk.”

James filled him in on the new arrangements.

“So, he will let me sit at meals with you?” He asked, doubtful that Remus would forgive him this fast.

“No, stupid, he won’t let you do anything. He simply will not hex you into the next dimension if you are near him. However, and this was to be explicitly explained to you, you are not to speak to him.” James winced at the obvious hurt in Sirius’ eyes, but hardened himself with the thought that he deserved all of it.

“Great,” he said dejectedly, “So I basically have to shut up the whole time.”

James almost went to the trouble of reaching over and smacking Sirius again, “No, Padfoot. You can talk to me and Wormtail. Just not Moony. Now stop being an ungrateful prick and appreciate his kindness. Moony’s hexed me before. Not fun. And he wasn’t even that angry with me. Imagine what he could come up with especially for you.” Smiling as Sirius visibly shuddered, he continued. “Now think about not experiencing that at every meal. You can’t keep eating in the kitchens.”

Sirius sighed dismally. James was right. He should make the gesture and appreciate any grace Remus gave him. He sighed again. Besides, the kitchens were boring, even with elves rushing to his every need. It just wasn’t the same as coming down with James for a quick snack or with Moony for a chocolate fix. Hell, he even missed Peter annoying him.

“Fine,” he conceded. “Next you’ll tell me I have assigned sitting.”

James just eyed him pointedly.

“What?! Are you kidding—” But seeing James’ anger rising in his cheeks was wise to keep it to himself. “Lovely. Let me guess, anywhere but across or next to him.”

James nodded curtly.

“Great. Just, bloody wonderful!!” He ran a hand through his dark locks.

James annoyed at Sirius’ attitude continued, “This is your entire fault you know.”

“Thank you for stating the devastatingly obvious.”

Ignoring his friend, James relentlessly went on, “If you had thought through your idiocy for just ten seconds, this would not have happened. You wouldn’t be sitting in assigned seats. You would still have Remus as a best friend. There would be no tension. He wouldn’t want to hate you. We would have Halloween pranks. Wormtail and I wouldn’t have to choose between our best friends, and I, and listen because this is the bloody important one, I wouldn’t be losing my freakin’ mind!!” He had managed to stand up straight and glower at Sirius menacingly all the while his voice getting louder to point of hysterics due to the fact he'd forgotten to breathe through his tirade.

He sat back down after noticing the glares coming from all around the common room, particularly one from a certain red head. He regained his breathing and finished in a much lower voice. “Fix this. Fix this. Damn it, mate. Fix this.” He then stood up and walked out of the common room for a walk before curfew, not that he cared about rules, but he needed to blow off some steam.

Sirius who had not said a word throughout James’ lecture knew his best mate was right. He knew it the moment he had seen Remus’ golden eyes flash with pain at the sight of him. He knew it when James couldn’t even look at him. He knew it when Dumbledore’s normally twinkling eyes stared hard at him cold and icy. He knew it when Snape’s obsidian orbs bore into him with unbridled hate. He knew it when not even Peter spoke to him. He knew it when he ate, when he slept, when he breathed for Merlin's sake. Restating it did nothing more to him. It hurt bad enough already.

He looked up when he heard someone sitting down across from him. Raising his head just enough to see if it was James come back to hex him, he was startled when he was found himself caught in an emerald gaze.

“Evans?” He stated a bit surprised.

“Black.” She responded coolly.

“You did a bad thing,” she continued. Sirius groaned. “If you’ve come to bitch at me also, please know that I can be very selective with my hearing, and since I know all it’s my fault, your words fall on deaf ears, my dear.”

Lily scoffed. “Even when in the trenches, you still wit it out.”

She took a deep breath and leaned across the table. “It's unsettling, and not just to you lot. The school has been off for more than a month. Apparently, Hogwarts can’t seem to run smoothly without the Marauders and their idiocy. Merlin knows what will happen after you graduate. Peeves is quiet for bloody hell’s sake. McGonagall is giving tests out like we have NEWTS tomorrow and Dumbledore’s eyes, normally blinding, have been dead and dull.”

She took a deep breath and trudged on, “The first years normally afraid of being pranked are walking around heads high and mouthing off to upperclassmen. The second years are feeling unsteady. Third years are going crazy. Fourth years are acting like second years. Fifth years suddenly appoint themselves prank masters. Don’t even let me get started on our year. Seventh years are just walking around watching the school fall apart. You guys are the balance, for whatever reason. Believe it or not, because I sure don’t. I guess it’s something to do with the levity considering this entire buzz about this Dark Lord or whatever.”

Another deep breath.

“Now I don’t know what you did. Remus will not tell me. But whatever it was, it must be bad for Remus to be this angry. Now short of killing someone, I would think he could forgive you for anything. So you are scaring me if you did something to equal murder.” She put one of her hands on top of his, “May I suggest chocolates and begging. In grotesque amounts. Both, I mean. Most of all be sincere don’t lie to him. He always seems to know anyhow. Rely on the bond you to share to get you through this one. I have always thought that the friendship you four have is nothing short of amazing, if not just a bit corrupting. Impress me." She patted his hand and stood to join her friends at the other end of the normally loud common room now disturbingly quiet.

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Title: REFLECTIONS OF A SILVER MOON
Summary: Sirius explores why he betrayed Remus to Severus.
Genre: Romance, Slash
Disclaimer: Alas I do not own Harry Potter….I cry over it every night before I go to sleep. This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

A/N--This is an exploration of why Sirius might have allowed Severus into Remus' secret, from my mind of course. It has unrequited RLSB and implied RLSS so, yes, this is slash.

What is it about golden eyes?

They pull you in draw you within and never let go. His golden eyes smile, frown, worry, they just plain emote. They are not really golden. More of warm amber but near the full moon turn golden. The process is mesmerizing to watch. I’m one of the few who will ever get notice.

Golden eyes fool and fray the heart. My excuse for that fateful night: I didn’t think….

Flashback

“You were the one person Sirius—the one person who would never hurt me. The only one I trusted completely and fully. James and Peter, they don’t mean as much to me as you did…do.” Tears fall down his face freely as he looks at me brokenly.

“If they did this, I would probably forgive them. On basis of stupidity and hostility based on ignorance. But not you—never you. You knew what I felt for him!!” his voice now blatantly thunderous. I was never more thankful the dorm was empty as I did in that moment.

“Why?" I could see his legs shaking as his knees began to give way, "Sirius, t-tell me now…please…just—WHY?!” he fell down to the floor dejectedly as if all strength was sapped from him in the uttering of that sentence.

I had nothing else I could say. ”Moony, I—” I tried to placate him with empty words.

He wasn’t having it.

“—No!! Don’t call me Moony, just tell me WHY Sirius!! I don’t want anything else from you.”

End flashback

So I lied to him.

I never told the truth.

I blamed it on my lack of forethought. He was quick to comeback with the fact that I never think at all.

I have just cost myself the most important friendship I have or ever will have in my life. The real reason is…do you really want to know?

Do you?

Do you want to know what would drive a person to attempt murder, because that is what it was, murder; I almost took a life.

Most people claim they would die for the one they love, I would kill. Killing is so much harder to do than dying. You have to live with yourself after the killing. Plus, it doesn’t really help. But I would do it.

I attempted to.

He loved him. My golden eyed angel loved the greasy snivelling bat.

That was what ran through my mind.

When I saw the greasy bat and he asked where, had the utter nerve to ask where my Moony was, I knew in that moment; he had to go.

I wanted to prove that no matter the declarations of love, it was I who knew Remus, better than he did. Remus trusted me with his dark secret. He knew nothing of furry little problems and irritable werewolves. I dealt with that. I ran with him in the night. With the full moon lighting our path to adventure. I had that privilege. He did not.

He did not.

Now...

Neither do I.

Review Please!!

Title: Makes The Heart Fonder
Disclaimer: Alas I do not own Harry Potter. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended on any company, author, or anything under this earth that you would like to sue me for.
A/N: Oh goodness, it's fluff.

Title: Makes The Heart Fonder

Disclaimer: Alas I do not own Harry Potter. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended on any company, author, or anything under this earth that you would like to sue me for.

A/N--Luna comes home.

Hermione stirred her tea absently as she read an obscure translation of Gwenolyg's Theories. Part of her work was largely based on research, and she'd recently come upon some texts that might give more insight to magical transportation. Her concentration broke when Ginny's bedroom door opened and the redhead walked to the kitchen area. She smiled tentatively in greeting then went back to her reading. Ginny nodded back and went straight for the coffee maker glad to find some coffee all ready for her.

Even the exciting aroma of the coffee did nothing for the underlying tension in the room. Ever since their last fight, Hermione and Ginny's relationship had been strained. What was maddening to Ginny was that neither of them wanted to broach the subject, so it floated around them as they floated around each other.

She sat across from Hermione at the counter and observed the brunette. Hermione seemed completely oblivious to the world and lost in her reading. Her hand was still on the spoon supposed to be stirring her tea but it was still, forgotten in favour of whatever ancient knowledge she was absorbing. The only movement Hermione made was her eyes travelling over the text, her other hand turning the pages when necessary, and her nose wrinkling adorably as she read something particularly interesting.

Ginny smiled at the eternal bookworm and sighed as she remembered their fight. They had both said some obscenely cruel things, not really reflective of their longtime friendship, regardless of whether or not they were true. It was unlike Ginny to avoid confrontation, and she was already disappointed in herself for letting it go on for so long.

Deciding that the two weeks passed was long enough, the feisty redhead determined to end their silence, "Hermione?"

No response, either the other woman was so engrossed in her book she paid no attention to anything around her, that or she was ignoring Ginny, and neither reason was acceptable in Ginny's book.

"HERMIONE!"

The brunette jumped and cursed under her breath as the tea spilt over the old tome and after a few wand waves glared hotly at her roommate.

"What the hell, Ginny!"

Ginny winced, "Sorry about that, but I was trying to get your attention for a second."

Hermione huffed and slammed her hand on the counter, "Well you got it, what?" she asked her voice angry.

Ginny sighed, this was not off to a good start, "We need to talk about the other day." She pursed her lips as Hermione rolled her eyes. "This is ridiculous! We are acting like hormonal teenagers. We are adults for Circe's sake, we should be able to talk about this."

Hermione shrugged, "Fine, oh wise one, let's talk."

Ginny suppressed her own eye roll, apparently Hermione had left her maturity in bed, "Okay, first I'd like to apologise, I had no right to say such things about you, it was way out of line, and I'm really sorry."

Hermione sighed and blushed lightly at her own childishness; her gaze softened as she spoke, "I'm sorry too, although I still feel that bringing in random strangers at all hours of the night was annoying." 'For more reasons than the obvious.' Hermione finished in her head.

Ginny nodded, looking down, "You're right. I've stopped that, it was destructive and unnecessary." She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, "And about the whole Luna thing-"

"Stop." Hermione interrupted, raising her hand, "Don't apologise for that, it's not something you can control. I had no right to attack it in the first place, in a way I understand, Luna's special."

Ginny smiled slightly humming in agreement but still wasn't able to meet the brunette's eyes.

Hermione stomped down her jealousy and placed a hand on the redhead's shoulder, "Really, it's alright...well not alright, but you know what I mean." She grinned when the Ginny lifted her head to face her, "So we go back to relatively normal?"

Ginny nodded, absently noting the golden flecks in Hermione's eyes sparkling with amusement , "Sounds good." She smirked, "See, adults."

Hermione laughed, her voice warm and agreed, "Yes and as an adult you owe me a first edition Gwenolyg's Theories, which is rumoured to be found only in Russia. So I suggest you get to it."

0o0

If anyone tried to describe how Hermione felt that day, tired would have to be the understatement of the year. Her boss, that protocol thumping dwarf Piggleton had threatened to throw out most of her research for a ridiculous technicality that had no bearing on the work whatsoever. She'd spend most of the morning afterwards double warding her work and then going through half the ministry to acquire the authorisation necessary to overrule Piggleton. Then instead of having a relaxing late lunch she'd had to deal with Harry's newest lamentations on his and Draco's relationship, quickly followed by Piggleton sending a memo threatening to have her fired, which of course meant that she'd had to go above him again and threaten to have him fired for multiple incidents she'd chosen to overlook until today. The worst thing was, she'd hardly gotten any work done, all it resulted in was more paper work for her to deal with.

She sighed as she adjusted her hold on the many scrolls she was trying to keep a hold of and waved her wand to unlock the wards to her flat. Charming the door open she stumbled inside tripping on the door mat and landing in a heap on the floor, face first. Cursing under her breath she kicked the door closed from her position on the floor and rolled over to face the ceiling completely prepared to spend at least an hour in that position, at least this way she was off her feet. As she lay there she saw a faint shimmer out of the corner of her eye, then her brain caught up to her and she sat up sharply her wand held in front of her ready to duel - mind absent of the fact that she was still sitting on the floor. Her breath caught as she took in the room before her.

The entirety of the living room was decorated with floating tea candles in crystal holders rendering a soft golden glow with stars of light shining through the crystals. A light scent of orchids filled the air, Hermione's favourite, bringing a smile to her face. As Hermione marvelled at the flat's romantic transformation she felt a pair of arms wrap around her waist and pull her upright against a soft body.

"Surprise." A soft voice whispered in her ear causing Hermione to shiver and moan, "Happy anniversary, love."

Hermione turned around to face her lover hiding the guilt at forgetting their anniversary with a smile, "Happy anniversary, Luna." They kissed sweetly and Luna pulled Hermione into their bedroom, the brunette letting herself forget all about her bad day and be drawn into whatever cocoon of romance Luna had planned for them.

0o0

Ginny apparated into the flat with a pop and dumped her Quidditch bag on the floor beside her. She sprawled herself on a sofa and closed her eyes enjoying the peace and quiet after a rigorous workout. Ten minutes later she opened her eyes lazily noticing for the first time the candle lit room. She stretched catlike before standing up and looking around taking in the romantic atmosphere.

Confused, she turned and made her way to Hermione's room stopping right outside the door. The door was slightly ajar, which didn't exactly help quail her curiosity. After a moment's hesitation she gave in and peeked into the room not seeing anyone there. Her head shifted in the direction of giggling coming from Hermione's bathroom. A voice in her head, sounding a bit like Hermione's, warned her not to interfere, but another treacherous voice, this one more like hers, encouraged her to go in and look, if only to find out who Hermione was sleeping with behind Luna's back. An even more traitorous voice reasoned that if Hermione was cheating on Luna, this could increase Ginny's chances with the blond.

Shaking her head to clear her inner dialogue, Ginny entered the room, tip toeing silently, a skill fine-tuned from childhood, towards the bathroom. This door was opened even wider, 'Carelessness so unlike Hermione', Ginny thought.

Through the steam floating in the air Ginny could see two naked bodies behind the translucent shower door. Her breath caught as she recognised the other woman in there with Hermione. She blushed at the sight and tried to turn and leave but something held her fast and severed the connection between brain and feet. She stayed frozen to the spot, her eyes glued to the two women making love. They seemed to move as if in a dance, their glistening bodies seeming to glow in the steam distorted candlelight, hands caressing, mouths worshipping, bodies connected. Ginny's breath came erratically and she swayed with dizziness and not just from the lack of ample oxygen to the brain.

Only when the two women reached their fulfilment did their moans finally rouse the redhead from her stupor. Her sanity returned and she ran as if pursued from the room, it was a miracle she didn't run into anything.

0o0

"Morning, Phoenix."

Ginny looked up from contemplating her morning coffee at the familiar pet name. She smiled warmly at the blond, "Morning Luna. Coffee?"

Luna smiled back, "No thank you, Ginny. I'll make some tea, would you like some?"

Ginny shook her head, "No thanks," she lifted her coffee mug, "I'm good, got my fuel for the day."

"Very well, you're like Hermione, neither of you have the taste for my tea yet, you might someday." The blond shrugged and went about preparing her tea. Ginny was about to deny her dislike for Luna's tea but smiled back in apology instead, Luna had a knack for sensing the truths behind words.

Luna stood across from the redhead at the kitchen counter. Ginny smiled politely, trying to suppress the growing blush as she remembered what she'd seen the night previous.

She managed to focus all her concentration on drinking her coffee up until Luna giggled. "Ginny looks like a tomato, what is she thinking about?"

Ginny's blush deepened, "Nothing really." She refused to meet Luna's wide eyes as she stood to put her mug in the sink.

Luna giggled again, "Is Ginny thinking about the fruits of curiosity?"

Ginny turned to face Luna with a mild frown of confusion, "What do you mean?"

"The fruits of curiosity always yield what the searcher was searching for," Luna replied sagely, "Did you find what you were looking for last night?" She asked, her blue eyes teasing.

Ginny blinked owlishly at her ex, she could feel the hot blush spreading to her neck now, "Um..."

Luna laughed lightly, "It's alright, there is no shame in curiosity," she tilted her head to the side her gaze focused on the ceiling and frowned, "But there may be danger." She turned back to Ginny the teasing glint in her eyes replacing the serious sharpness, "As I'm not ashamed, you shouldn't be."

The redhead laughed nervously, "Sorry about that," she rubbed her neck willing the blush gone, "I heard voices, I didn't know you were coming back."

Luna nodded, "I understand, I should have sent warning." Her voice dreamy, she continued, "I wanted to surprise Hermione, it was beautiful."

Ginny went to sit by her friend, "Luna, I wanted to apologise."

The blond smiled at her, "It's alright, one must never apologise for such things."

Ginny shook her head, "No, not, well that. I mean I am sorry about peeking, but it's about ...."

Luna placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "I know, Phoenix. It's not your fault, love is odd, it lingers like the dew clinging to the dawn, but quite like dew, can be erased from memory by the light of a new sun."

Ginny sighed, "Luna, don't be so nice. It doesn't help that you knew and were alright with it. How did you know, anyway?"

Luna smiled and tucked a stray red hair behind Ginny's ear, "I'm as wise as you, I just see better. It's very easy to look at something, but to see, one must observe and understand." The blond drew her close and rested her head on Ginny's shoulder, "Sometimes seeing is not always nice, not everything is beautiful," she sighed, her voice uncharacteristically sad.

Ginny wrapped an arm around Luna's waist, "Are you alright, Luna?"

"Not quite, but it all will be." She lifted her head to place a kiss on a confused Ginny's cheek and returned her head to the redhead's shoulder.

Ginny felt suddenly guilty, why she didn't know, but she pulled the dreamy blond to her pressing her cheek to the wispy fair hair.

0o0

Hermione frowned at the scene before her.

She'd woken up to an empty bed and would have dismissed the last night off as a dream if it wasn't for that singularly Luna scent on the pillows and sheets. She'd smiled, pleased, more so as the memories formed sharper images in her mind's eye and gone off in search of the blond. The brunette had opened the door only to find Luna and Ginny wrapped around each other in a decidedly compromising position.

Hermione pursed her lips and shut the door in front of her quietly so as not to alert the others of her presence. At least not yet.

0o0

A door slam startled the two women by the kitchen counter.

"Hermione!"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "I'm sorry," her voice acidic, "did I interrupt something?"

Ginny's blush returned full force, even though her mind told her she wasn't doing anything wrong, her heart skipped a beat at the cruel sarcasm in the brunette's voice. She turned and looked at Luna who seemed to be handling it much better.

Luna disentangled from Ginny and flew to embrace Hermione placing a light kiss on her lips, "Morning, love." The woman in question just glared but Luna continued unabashed, "I see you're dressed for work, you shouldn't go work without breakfast, you know?"

Hermione unwrapped Luna's arms, "I doubt you're worried about my well-being right now, Luna."

Luna smiled but let her go, "There you are Hermione, always thinking, not taking the time to feel. Looking never seeing." The blond placed a kiss on Hermione's cheek, "Very well, have a good day at work, Hermy." She turned and walked towards their shared bedroom stopping at the doorway, "Remember, I'm leaving this evening, so don't stay too late working, I want to say goodbye to you." With a final smile, she closed the door.

Hermione forgot her anger momentarily marvelling at Luna's uncanny ability to throw her off balance, her fury returned, however, when she caught Ginny's eye.

"Hermione?" The redhead tried.

"Have a good day with Luna, Ginny." With that she apparated out with a pop.

0o0

Hermione lay on her stomach as she watched Luna gather her things wondering how someone could make such a mess after only staying one day. She'd spent her whole day at work trying to forget the scene in her kitchen that morning. Of course that hadn't worked, and she'd spent the day annoyed at herself for being so foolish. Luna would never betray her like that, it just wasn't her way. In their entire relationship, Luna had never lied or done anything to warrant distrust, so why did Luna hugging Ginny hurt her so much? It wasn't even the fact that she was hugging Ginny, something in Hermione had wanted to wrench them apart forcefully and painfully.

She was so lost in her thoughts she didn't notice Luna kneeling in front of her, their faces separated only by inches of air. Her head snapped back when she locked gazes with Luna.

The blond leaned back to give Hermione some space, "You're confused. I see now."

Hermione crinkled her brow in consternation, "Luna, you've got to stop telling someone what they're feeling before they tell you. It's not tactful."

Luna giggled, "If I already know, why should you tell me again? It would be better to tell you what I know and help you sooner, wouldn't it Hermy?"

Hermione scoffed but tempered it with a small smile and replied, "Oh really, then how can you help me with my confusion, Luna?"

Luna touched Hermione's cheek trailing a finger down her cheekbones to her lips, she smiled sweetly, "By removing part of the confusion, this way you have no reason to be confused."

Hermione leaned back and sat up frowning at the blond, "Luna, what do you mean by that?" she asked, an urgency in her voice; something in the way Luna had said that made her uneasy.

Luna's eyes became suddenly sad, "I see you, Hermy. For that I must leave you for a while, so that you may stop being confused. Besides I'd like to see you smile more."

"Luna, are you asking for a break?"

The blond in question crept up the bed and planted a soft lingering kiss on Hermione's lips, "No, I'm not asking, I'm giving you what you need." She rested her head on the brunette’s shoulder, "I'm not sure I'm alright with it, but I will be."

Hermione stared at Luna, shocked into a rare silence. Luna said nothing as she finished gathering her things before leaving their bedroom. Hermione realising Luna was leaving, scrambled off the bed and ran after the blond to find her hugging Ginny goodbye.

Luna turned to Hermione, "Remember, don't overwork yourself, liranths are not pleasant." With a light kiss to her cheek she took two steps back from Hermione, "Goodbye, love."

Luna felt her eyes tear up as she was pulled by her navel away from her girlfriend. Hermione did not miss the tears and she felt a small part of her heart break. Worse yet, she felt a shaming wave of relief flood over her only worsened by Ginny putting an arm around her shoulders in concern. Leaning into the redhead's embrace, Hermione sighed deeply.

Ginny held the other girl, concerned about her silence, "Hermione, are you alright?"

Hermione held Ginny tighter, "Yes, but I think Luna and I just broke up."

A/N: I hope I got Luna right, at least my perception of her. I wanted to write her insightful, with just a hint of cooky on account of the fact that she's older now, and the world tends to turn even the most light-hearted a bit serious. Oy, but this one was long. It was hard to get my muse to focus long enough to finish, I've re-written this chapter over and over, I like this version. It's bittersweet, and has a sense of randomness reminiscent of Luna - I hope.

Reviews are lovely, if you please :D

Title: Makes The Heart Fonder
Disclaimer: Alas I do not own Harry Potter….I cry over it every night before I go to sleep. This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended on any company, author, or anything under this earth that you would like to sue me for.
A/N: Next installment. Hermione and Ginny have been living together for a while now. Luna's still gone for the time being.  Cookies and candy to my luvly beta mini1969 for her work :)

Title: Acceptance
Disclaimer: Alas I do not own Merlin.  
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Summary: Merlin accepts his destiny when direct and very real threats to his life don't affect him quite the same way. Now all that remains is for Arthur to do the same. That simple, right?
Rating: PG
A/N: Angst, give me angst.

It wasn't normal, and right now it didn't look as if things ever could be.

It was the twitches, the side glances, the wary turn of the head when he entered the room.
 

The worst part was when Merlin had to put Arthur's armor on or take it off. It was as if the prince was still in a duel, a battle for his life.

His muscles tensed and flexed and leave alone that it drove Merlin crazy in ways unrelated to the revealing of dark secrets, it physically gutted him to know that it was because Arthur didn't quite trust his presence anymore, expected him to murmur some enchantment, some spell against his person.
 

So no, not normal. Worse.

Like some in-between before a storm.
 

Title: Acceptance
Disclaimer: Alas I do not own Merlin. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended on any company, author, or anything under this earth that you would like to sue me for.
Pairing: Merlin/Arthur
Summary: Merlin accepts his destiny when direct and very real threats to his life don't affect him quite the same way.
Rating: PG
A/N: Yes, another one.

The hand around his kneck was tight, unyielding, and final.

Much like the word "sorcerer" on Arthur's lips, though not quite as damning.

They loosened, eventually, and after a few minutes of stars and waves and his knees deciding not to hold him up anymore a travel pack hit him square in the face, which, Merlin thought, didn't help the stars and waves subside any.

They stopped soon enough and then he was being held up in a sitting position against a tree and Arthur's handsome face was sad and desperate, and the gods help him Merlin wanted to touch him but in retrospect, bad idea.

More stars and waves and a threat to kill him if he came back to Camelot.

"I can't."

When an unsheathed sword to his neck didn't change his mind, Merlin finally accepted that he'd gone mad and it wasn't even the damned Dragon that convinced him to stay.

He touched Arthur's face again, seeing as it was too close not to, this time accompanying his caress with powerful murmurs leaving a trail of caked blood and unbroken (newly sealed) skin.

Arthur sighed, sheathed his sword, and insulted him.

Merlin smiled, they were back to normal then.