"Everyone has a guardian angel. My father's guardian angel was heart-broken for him when his wife died. She had been watching over him for many years, since the day he was born in fact. She had loved him from afar for quite some time. This love, of course, was forbidden. Nevertheless, she was sent to Earth to comfort him and to help him overcome his grief when my brother's mother passed away. My father fell deeply on love with this angel. When the higher powers learned of this blossoming love between a mortal and an immortal, they stripped the angel of her wings and sent her to Earth to live as a mortal. Her angelic powers were thought forever hidden, never to be used by her again." Riley paused and took another deep breath. Remus kept his eyes glued to his friend, transfixed by her story.
"She married the mortal to whom her love had always belonged. Not long after, their child was born. That child was me, Remus. That angel is my mother," Riley explained, as she gazed at Remus, waiting for his reaction.
"So does that mean...?"
"My mother is a fallen angel, once immortal now a mortal. Yes, Remus, that makes me not entirely human. I am, if you will, half fallen angel."
"Wow. I don't really know what to say," Remus said.
"You don't have to say anything," Riley replied. "I just hope you don't think differently of me now that you know the truth."
"Why would I do that?" Remus asked.
"Same reason you thought I might think differently of you."
"But...Oh, okay," Remus said with a smile, realizing the point his friend had been making.
"Any questions?"
"Plenty!" Remus replied excitedly. It wasn't every day he found out one of his friends was part angel.
"Well then, ask away," Riley replied.
"Do you have wings?" Remus blurted almost before she finished speaking.
"No, no I don't," Riley replied as she chucked. "Mum was stripped of her wings and none were passed on to me, at least not that we know of."
"So what did you inherit from your mother?"
"Well, look closely at my eyes." Both leaned forward in their seats, their faces coming quite close together as Remus peered into Riley's eyes.
"Do you see the silvery ring around my retinas?" She asked.
"Yeah, I do," Remus replied not sure what she was getting at.
"Good, not close your eyes." Remus did as he was told. After only a few split seconds, Riley spoke again. "Okay, open them."
Remus opened his eyes and was shocked at what he saw staring back at him.
Ahhh! Stop doing that! (me: Oopsies. *twiddles thumbs while whistling*)
*is whistling innocently* (me: *pelts her with snaps only to be bombarded with dung bombs*)
Yeah, stop that at once! (me: Perhaps you would like for me not to continue?) Okay, I take it back. Don't stop, please!
Riley approached the large sitting chair quietly, pausing for a moment before walking around it and sitting quietly in the comfortable chair opposite it, depositing the purring T.C. in her lap.
"Hello, Riley," the sandy-haired figure said quietly.
"Hello, Remus," Riley replied, smiling faintly at her friend.
"I suppose you figured out why I wanted to meet you here tonight?" the shy boy asked, while looking down into his lap at his folded hands.
"Yes," Riley answered.
"Tell me, how did you figure it out?"
"Well, to be honest, there were a number of clues," Riley said as she looked cautiously at her friend.
Remus only nodded silently for her to continue.
"Well, I first suspected something was up when your mother, or any other random family member, kept falling ill around the same time every month. And you yourself, always looked to pale and sick around the same time. I was beginning to get worried about you, but every time I tried to ask you, you avoided me. That's when I knew you were hiding something, Remus," Riley explained.
"What else?" Remus asked, still not daring to look Riley in the eye.
"I had already begun to suspect that you were a werewolf. I figured out that your various family members always fell ill around the time of the full moon, but you were the one who looked sick. Then there was the boggart today. I think I was the only one to realize it turned into the full moon when you faced it. Everyone else seemed to think you were afraid of crystal balls. There was only one logical explanation as to why someone would fear the full moon. That confirmed my suspicions," Riley finished, falling silent as she watched her friend.
Remus finally looked up at her, a lone tear trickling down his cheek. "Do you hate me now that you know the truth?" he whispered, his voice full of fear.
"Why would I hate you?" Riley asked, rather taken aback by his odd question.
"Because I am a freak, a monster!" he whispered harshly.
"Remus J. Lupin!" Riley whispered back. "You are not a freak! Why would you think that?"
"Seriously, Riley, who wouldn't think that if they were to find out what I am?" Remus asked, another tear falling from his beautiful brown eyes.
"Only an arse who doesn't know the real you," Riley replied. When Remus didn't respond, she continued. "Remus, you are now of the most kind-hearted and caring individuals I have ever met. I do not think any different of you. You are still Remus and you are still my friend. Nothing will change that, especially this."
Remus looked up at her, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Do you really mean that?" he asked.
"Of course I do," Riley answered. "When have you ever heard me say something I didn't mean?" she asked, bringing a slight smile to her friend's tear stained face.
"Never, actually," he replied.
"Precisely," his friend answered with a genuine smile.
Awww, how sweet! (me: Thanks, I try.)
*hurriedly wipes her cheek* (me: Was that a tear?) Shut up you! *throws dung bomb at ladyg* (me: *ducks* I knew you were planning something.)
Poor Remus! (me: I couldn't agree more)
Remus found himself staring into a pair of silver eyes. He jumped back, momentarily startled. "What on Earth...?"
"This is my true eye color," Riley explained.
"Then why do they always look blue?"
"Because I make them that way. It's much easier then trying to explain why my eyes are a very unnatural color," Riley said, smiling slightly.
"They're so...pretty," Remus said as he leaned closer, looking deeply into her eyes.
"Thanks," Riley said as she backed up a bit, settling back into her chair, and blinked. When she opened her eyes again, they were back to their startling blue color.
"How do you do that?" Remus asked.
"Well, let me start at the beginning," Riley replied. Remus nodded eagerly, seeming to forget about his problems for the moment, which was something her rarely ever did.
"When my mother was stripped of her wings, she was also stripped of her powers. Yet, all fallens are supposed to retain at least some of their powers. Well, my mum and dad are convinced her powers were passed onto me instead."
"How? What can you do?" Remus asked.
"For starters, have you ever heard of a metamorphmagus? They are very rare," Riley inquired.
"Yeah, I think so. Can't they change their appearance at will?"
"Exactly," Riley replied. "I'm not a metamorphmagus, but I do have their abilities. It's one of the traits from my mum. That's how I can change my eyes. But I can change other features as well."
"Like what?" Remus asked pleadingly.
Riley thought for a moment before closing her eyes and concentrating. Before his very eyes, her hair became blonde and very curly.
"Wow," was all Remus could say. Riley smiled before returning her hair to its normal state. "What else can you do?"
"I don't need my wand to perform magic," Riley said.
"Really?"
"Yeah, watch." Riley's eyes roamed the common room before they settled on T.C., who had long before settled himself in front of the fire. "Accio T.C." Riley said. Remus watched as the startled cat zoomed across the room and into Riley's waiting arms, where he glared up at her angry that she had disturbed his rest.
"That's cool!" he commented with even more excitement.
"Thanks. Mum says my powers haven't completely developed yet. I use my wand to look normal. People would find it just a little odd to see a witch my age doing all her magic without one. Only the most accomplished wizards are able to a little magic without their wands." Remus nodded his head in agreement. "I guess I'll gain more power as I get older, at least that's what mum, dad, and Professor Dumbledore seem to think." Riley added.
Ummm...just clicky -->
Okay everyone. First things first. I just want to let you all know, that what I expressed here are not necessarily my beliefs about angels or religion in general. I simply used it for the purposes of the story. So please, no flames. I just wanted to make the story different and interesting. I hope you enjoyed it, it was extra long. Please let me know your thoughts. I'd really like to know what you think. Thanks! ^_^ Oh, and there's a pic in the results.
Will do!
*throws last of her dung bombs at ladyg before clicking go*
Me too!
Riley lay in bed, her eyes wide open, staring at the garnet hangings surrounding her bed. She waited anxiously for the clock to strike twelve so she could make her way down to the common room and get this meeting over with. She shuffled her feet under her comforter, trying to make herself comfortable. T.C., who had been lying at the end of the bed, promptly began attacking her feet, biting and clawing at whatever moved. Riley smiled slightly; glad at least her kitty was not feeling any anxiety.
The clock struck twelve with a loud gong, catching Riley off guard as she had been contentedly torturing T.C. with her ever-moving feet. She sighed as she peeked out from behind the hangings, making sure her roommates were fast asleep. Not a one stirred at Riley wriggled out of her four post bed, much to T.C.'s disappointment. She grabbed her favorite tattered old bathroom and slid it around her tired shoulders, and snatched her wand from the nightstand, and deposited it in her robe pocket, before making her way towards the door.
T.C. mewed softly from the bed. Riley sighed and placed a finger to her lips indicating for him to be quiet. The miniature tiger cocked his head to one side and gave her a hopeful look. Without making a sound, Riley tip-toed back to her bed and gently picked up her cat. She could probably use some comfort during the forth-coming conversation anyway.
Riley, T.C. clutched tightly in her arms, made her way to the dorm room door once again. She checked on her friends before turning the handle and making her way towards the stairs. She reached the top and took a moment to gather her thoughts, hoping she was doing the right thing. As she made her way down the seemingly never ending stairs, she caught the glimpse of a sandy-haired head.
Here goes nothing. She thought, as she quickened her pace.
Boring! (me: Hey! That's not nice. *pouts*)
*sits patiently waiting for ladyg to continue* (me: Well, that's a change. Wait, what are you planning?) *smiles innocently*
And then? (me: I'm getting there.)
"Remus, there's one more thing," Riley said, staring at her friend intently.
"What is it, Ri?"
"Only my parents, James, Professor Dumbledore, and Professor McGonagall know. And it has to stay that way. If they find out I told you, uh...let's just say they'll be more than a little angry with me," Riley explained.
"I promise, I won't tell a soul," Remus replied.
"Thanks," Riley said as she offered him a smile. Riley felt relieved; she finally felt a bit of the burden had been lifted. She knew she could trust Remus with this secret.
The knowledge of Riley's heritage could be very dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands. Those who knew her secret would die to keep it, for they feared some may try to exploit Riley and her power.
Riley yawned as she stood up and stretched, tiredness was beginning to take its toll on the youngest Potter. "I'm glad we talked, Remus," she said as he too rose from his chair.
"Me too, Riley," He said with a small smile as Riley began to make her way to the stairs.
"Hey, Ri?" Remus called softly.
"Yeah?" she said as she turned to face him.
"Thanks for listening and not thinking differently of me," he said before turning toward his own flight of stairs.
Before he could even take a step, Remus felt a tap on his shoulder. As soon as he turned around, he felt a pair of arms snake their way around his neck and pull him into a tight embrace. Remus smiled as he wrapped his arms around Riley and hugged her with all his might. It felt good to share his feelings with the only friend he now knew who could possibly understand how it felt to keep such a secret.
"Anytime, Rem, anytime," Riley murmured into his neck before kissing him lightly on the cheek.
Remus squeezed her tighter, if that was even possible, before reluctantly releasing his grasp on his best friend's little sister. It felt good to hold her in his arms, perhaps a little too good.
Riley smiled at him before making her way to the stairs. When she reached the stairs, she turned and waved. "G'night, Remus," she said before making her way up the stairs and disappearing from sight.
"Night, Ri," Remus whispered before making his way to his own dorm, feeling relieved that he had been able to confide in someone he cared for.
Awww, that's so cute! (me: I know! *tears up*)
T'was okay...(me: Aww, come on, you know you liked it...)
*sniffles* (me: Aww, here ya go. *hands her a tissue*)
Hey everyone. I had kind of a rough night, so I figured I'd attempt to make myself feel better by writing for you guys. I was going to make you wait longer, but this part was just begging to be written, so here ya go. Riley's secret shall finally be revealed. Just a few quick thanks and we'll be on our way. Thanks to kelsie222, koochgurl7, shire, kosre2, highelfanlady, and magickgal. You guys are the greatest!
Woot woot!
Oooo, secrets!!
Story!
"So, would you mind telling me how it happened?" Riley asked quietly.
Remus nodded. "I was a small child. I was stupid. I ventured into the woods on the night of a full moon and came across a werewolf. Some say I was lucky he only bit me, I beg to differ."
Riley nodded thoughtfully. "I don't know if it helps, but I'm glad he didn't kill you, Remus," she said, offering him a small smile.
"Thanks, Riley," he said, attempting to return her smile.
"So who else knows?"
"Just you, the headmaster, and the staff," Remus answered. "I'm lucky to be here. No other school would have taken me seeing as I'm a danger to society," he added bitterly.
"I'm so sorry, Remus," Riley said quietly.
"Thanks."
"Remus," Riley began. Her friend looked up at her. "My brother, Sirius, and Peter wouldn't think any differently of you."
"Maybe. But please, don't say anything, Ri," Remus said, looking at her with pleading eyes.
"But...Alright, but I still think you should tell them," Riley said.
Remus gazed at her for a moment before nodding in agreement. "I will, just...when the time is right."
"Okay, but they're not stupid, well, for the most part. They'll figure it out eventually," Riley commented.
"I'm sure they will," Remus replied with a sigh.
Riley gazed at her friend, wanting to badly to do anything to help take away his pain. She sat for a minute, doing silent battle with her self, before making a decision. One that could cost her dearly, but she felt if she could trust anyone with this secret, it was Remus.
"Remus," she said. "You aren't the only one with a secret."
I could be very mean and leave you here, but...*looks around at eager faces* I won't. Just clicky the button to find out Riley's secret.
"What are you talking about, Riley?" Remus said, as he fixed his eyes intently on Riley, a questioning look upon his face.
"I have a secret too," Riley said. Remus raised an eyebrow at her, not knowing what to make of the situation. Riley sighed softly. "I will tell you, but you must swear on pain of death never to tell another soul what I am about to tell you."
"I promise, Riley," Remus said, as he subconsciously leaned forward in his chair.
"I am a not a full human either," Riley began. Remus opened his mouth to say something, but Riley held up a hand to stop him. If she was going to do this, she had to keep going or she wouldn't be able to finish.
"James and I don't share the same mother. You see, James's mother died when he was only a month old. His father, our father, was grief-stricken. That's where my mother comes in," Riley paused and took a deep breath before continuing. "Let me ask you a question, Rem. Do you believe in angels?"
Remus looked at her, a puzzled expression playing across his handsome features. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"Everything. Please, just answer my question," was Riley's response.
"Well, I suppose. Yeah, I guess I do."
"Okay. Just listen and don't say anything. Just let me explain and then you can ask all the questions you want, okay?"
"Alright, Ri," Remus replied, still quite confused.
Gah! Get on with it woman! (me: Geeze, someone's cranky today.)
*threatens ladyg with dung bombs and exploding snaps* (me: *smirks and points to her own pile*)
You heard her! Move it! (me: Alright, alright.)
Hey y'all! Thanks for clicking go! I hope you enjoyed this one! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to message me! ^_^ Here's s pic of Remus. It's actually Squall from one of the Final Fantasy games, but he reminded me of our Remus. I love the scar across his nose/forehead. Ta-Ta for now!! ^_^
