New Years Eve
The holiday was quickly coming to a close, time slipping away, leaving the group gathered once more in the cozy confinement of the Potter home on New Year’s. The atmosphere thick with nostalgia and anticipation, the chilled air heavy with snowflakes painting the streets in a white blanket. The warmth of the crackling fireplace enveloping the room, casting shadows on the wall and bathing the group in a warm glow. Cheerful music floating through the air, interwining with murmurs of conversation. Teases from James and Sirius, girlish laughter from Lily and Marlene, and deeper more muted voices from the adults in the nearby room.
The kitchen and dining were connected by a small ledge, decorated with an array of drinks, colorful contents glinting in the warm lights. Glasses clinked in a toast from the nearby room of adults, laughter ringing like sleigh bells, scents of wine mixed with the smell of fresh baked treats. An elf walked around with a sliver dish filled with the new pastries, she was dressed for the occasion, small red bows in her hair and a large smile as James and Peter quickly took the entire plate from her.
Amidst the large conversations came a small knock at the door. Clem, with a small smile, stood bundled at the door, her breath creating a mist in the winter air. The same house elf from Christmas Eve greeted her, his large eyes twinkling with mischief and joyfulness as he ushered her inside, telling her it was too cold to be standing out there.
“Welcome back Ms.Bones.” The elf smiled.
Clem gave a gentle smile as she began to hang her scarf on the coat rack.
“I’ll tell the others you’re here.” The elf continued, turning away and heading towards the loud chatter. As she slipped off her large overcoat, from the corner of her eye, she saw a familiar ginger running towards her full speed. Lily throwing her arms around Clem in a large hug, pressing her cheek on Clems.
“Happy New Year!” Lily smiled, her words slightly slurring together.
Her breath reeking of alcohol, Clem moves Lily off of her softly and chuckles.
“How much have you had to drink?” Clem asked, “It’s barely 11”
Lily shrugged, looking Clem up and down.
“You look cute!” She smiled
Clem smiled, taking Lily’s hand and leading them into the large hosting room. Clem had on a black skirt just above mid-thigh, tights underneath to keep her warm, a warm chunky sweater mixed with browns and greens, her hair down but styled to frame her face. Everyone was slightly dressed up for the occasion, Fleamont and Euphemia gave her a small hug, and welcoming her.
“Remus is outside with Sirius.” Euphemia whispers to Clem, with a smirk.
Clem makes herself a drink, pumpkin juice with some firewhiskey, before heading to the balcony. She pushes the glass sliding door, quietly sneaking outside to avoid everyone else who was loudly talking over each other. Familiar chuckles come from the corner of the large outdoor patio, two boys shadows casted down onto the wooden flooring. She slowly walks towards them, her head crained up to the sky, admirring the stars and fireworks from afar.
Sirius turns, his back leaned against the metal railing, takes a long drag from his cigarette.
“You made it.” He smiled
“Yeah, I forget how hard travel is on holiday.” Clem complained.
She held her hand out, making a grabby motion. Sirius motioned to Remus, who hadn’t turned around to greet her yet. Continuous puffs surrounding him.
“Moony, don’t be rude, the girl wants a cig” Sirius teased.
Remus didn’t turn, just rumdged in his jacket before craining his hand behind him, handing her the box.
“Thanks,” She said calmly, slightly offended.
She looks to Sirius who only shakes his head. She lights hers, taking a long drag, closing her eyes as she blows it out the side of her mouth.She pinches the cigarette between two fingers, the other three holding her drink by her side. She plops down on the outdoor couch, extending her legs onto the coffee table. Sirius takes the chair next to her, sitting with his legs up. No one speaks for a while, Clem busy looking at the scenery, while Sirius is just spaced out as he hops between his flask and cigarette. Remus still locked in his spot, his arms draped over the railing. Sirius takes an exaggertated sigh.
“Moony, come sit down.” Sirius’ voice serious.
A cloud of smoke puffs out before Remus turns, making his way to the opposite side of Clem on the couch.
“Remus are you okay?” Clem asks cautiously.
He only nods, taking a large sip from his cup. She tries to shrug it off and finishes her drink rather quickly, feeling the alcohol hit her system. Sirius chuckles, seeing her slightly upset the drink is gone.
“I’m getting a refill, Clem is it a pumpkin juice and firewhiskey?” Sirius asked
She was slightly surprised he knew her combo, but nodded and handed him her cup.
Once Sirius left, she pivots her body to face Remus, who still is ignoring her.
“Remus.” Her voice cold.
His eyes trying to stay locked on the view in front of him, but he quickly steals a glimpse of her.
“Remus.” She says again.
He hums a response
“What’s going on?” She asks, her voice gentle.
He shrugs, taking a finishing drag of his cigarette, putting it on the makeshift ashtray. Clem scoffs in a slight annoyance, she leans over, putting her hand in his inside jacket pocket. Her hand brushing his side, his skin responding with goosebumps. Either from her, or the chilled wind, maybe both but he hoped for the latter. Her lips curl into a smile as her hand wraps around the box of cigarettes. Quickly taking it from his pocket, she places it on the arm rest behind her. Remus shoots her a confused look.
“Hurts that you think I’m that much of an addict.” A slight sass in his voice.
She shrugs, lighting another cig.
“Made you speak at least, that’s something.” She replied
The balcony stood as a secluded haven amidst the winter's embrace, tucked away from the bustling revelry within the warm glow of the New Year's Eve festivities. Remus and Clem found themselves in a cocoon of tranquility, the air alive with the soft whispers of falling snowflakes and the distant echoes of laughter and music from the party below. Around them, the world was bathed in an ethereal glow, the moon casting its silvery light upon the landscape, transforming the snow-covered city into a picturesque tableau of midnight serenity. The twinkling lights of nearby buildings danced in the darkness, their reflections shimmering upon the pristine blanket of snow that adorned the rooftops and streets below.
The balcony itself was adorned with strands of fairy lights, their gentle illumination casting a warm, inviting aura over the space. Evergreen boughs adorned with sparkling ornaments and ribbons framed the railing, adding a touch of festive charm to the scene. A small table stood nearby, adorned with flickering candles that bathed the area in a soft, golden glow, their flames flickering in the cool night air. As they sat side by side, the warmth of their closeness offering respite from the winter chill, Remus couldn't help but marvel at the sight of her, bathed in the colorful brilliance of the fireworks. Clem's eyes were closed, her face upturned towards the sky as she took in the spectacle, a small smile playing on her lips. Remus watched her, his heart swelling with affection, as he reached out to trace the delicate curve of her jawline with his fingertips.
Her eyes fluttered open at his touch, meeting his gaze with a warmth that sent a jolt of electricity through him. Without breaking eye contact, Remus slowly interlocked his fingers with hers, a silent exchange of shared intimacy that spoke volumes. He felt her hand tremble slightly in his grasp, mirroring the fluttering of his own heart as he leaned in, his lips brushing against her cheek in a tender caress. The world around them seemed to fade away, lost in the magic of a gesture that seemed so innocent, the snowflakes falling around them like delicate confetti. He pulled away, her cheek chilled from where his lips had sat for a few moments, Remus noticed the cigarette dangling from the back of the couch, forgotten in the midst of their shared moment. With a playful glint in his eyes, he reached for it with a smooth, practiced motion.
"Can I?" he asked, his voice low and husky as he leaned in closer to Clem.
The cigarette between her fingers. She blinked, momentarily startled by the sudden shift in their interaction, before offering him a coy smile.
"Sorry?" she replied, her voice tinged with amusement and a hint of fluster.
"I need a smoke," Remus murmured. She extended her arm, offering him the cigarette with a slight tremble in her fingers, leaning in to meet the cigarette between her waiting fingers. His eyes never left hers as he took a drag from the cigarette, his lips brushing against the same spot hers had occupied moments before. He exhaled slowly, the smoke curling around them like a veil of secrecy. Her face flushed pink at his proximity, her breath catching in her throat as she watched him with a mixture of curiosity and fascination. He chuckled softly, a deep, resonant sound that sent a shiver down her spine, Their hands brushed against each other, sending a jolt of electricity through them both, as Remus another took a long, slow drag from the cigarette.
"Your nails are pretty," he remarked, his voice low and husky as he admired the burgundy hue of her manicure. "I like the color."
Clem smiled softly, a blush spreading across her cheeks as she tapped the ash off the cigarette before placing it back in the ashtray. The fireworks continued to illuminate the sky behind them, casting a soft glow over their intimate exchange.
"Clem," Remus whispered, his voice brushing against her neck as he leaned in closer, his breath sending shivers down her spine. She turned to face him, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of anticipation and desire.
"Yeah?" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper as she tried to maintain eye contact. Remus's gaze flickered from her eyes to her lips, lingering on the faint tint of color that adorned them. He took a deep breath, his voice quiet but filled with longing.
"You're wearing the perfume I got you," he murmured, his lips hovering just inches from hers, the air crackling with tension between them. Clem's breath caught in her throat at his words, her pulse quickening as she felt the heat of his proximity.
"Yeah, I love it. Thank you," she replied, her voice barely more than a breathy whisper.
"It smells better on you than it does in the bottle," Remus added, his voice low and husky as he leaned in closer.
Clem closed her eyes, reveling in the sensation of his lips nearly brushing hers, her heart pounding in her chest as she felt herself growing lightheaded with desire.
Clem's heart swelled with happiness at his words, a smile spreading across her lips as she leaned in to kiss him, so close. And as the fireworks continued to light up the sky around them, cheers and excitement bursting through the sliding door.
"Happy New Year," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion.
James popped his head out from the warm indoors, causing them to pull away prematurely,
“We are all going to bed soon, you guys coming?” He asked,
the heat flooding past their feet, his face tinted pink, and his lips as well as his left cheek had a faint kiss mark on them. From Lily they both presumed and hoped. Remus gave a calm nod, slowly standing up, pushing himself off his knees. His body slightly aching and sore from the uncomfortable chairs. Remus extended his hand to help Clementine up, a smile playing on his lips as he brushed off her skirt, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary. As they stood together, the air between them crackled with an unspoken tension, their faces flushed.
Their eyes met, twin pools of desire and longing. Remus brought her wrist close to his nose, taking the smell of her scent, sultry vanilla and amber adding warmth to her, spices underneath a fiery alluringness melting with the sweet vanilla. The feminine florals in the back of the scent adding a sense of grace that matched her. Remus revelled in the scent he chose of her, his heightened sense of smell made it even harder for him to forget, as she moved the scent left a trail of seduction, speaking out in passion and desire. A scent so intoxicating to him. Clem's breath caught in her throat, her pulse quickening at the feel of his lips against her flesh, as she met his gaze with a mixture of anticipation and desire.
"Good night, Clem," Remus murmured, his voice a husky whisper as he reluctantly pulled away, his fingers trailing along her arm before finally releasing her. A smile tugged at the corners of Clem's lips, her heart racing with the knowledge that this was just the beginning of their journey together.
"Good night, Remus," she replied softly,
Her voice filled with warmth and affection as she watched him disappear inside and up the stairs. She took a moment to herself, not only collecting her thoughts but also to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Fireworks slowly dying down as the time went by, she felt the cold wind picking back up making it’s way through her coat. As she made her way back inside, the echoes of laughter and music fading into the background, Clem couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within her. For in that fleeting moment on the snowy balcony, as she drifted off to sleep that night, the memory of his touch still lingering on her skin, Clem couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation in her heart, knowing she would see him again in the morning.
The warmth of sunshine poked through the thin red curtains in the bedroom Clem and Lily once again were sharing. Clem tossed over slowly, allowing her body to extend and stretch, feeling every muscle expand. A sense of peace washing over her as the room and neighboring rooms were quiet, unlike the past time. Everyone still asleep from the past evenings festivities. Lily asleep, her hair strung out over the pillows, her face engulfed in the fluffy comforter. A small smile danced on Clem’s face, admirring her friends peacefulness. She slowly sat up, taking time to stretch, stacking each vertebrae as she did, quietly making her way to the bathroom.
As she finished waking up, following a long yawn, she slipped out of the bedroom quietly going downstairs. The elves already up with the sun cleaning up from the night and preparing a breakfast that seemed to fill the entire downstairs with lovely smells of fruit and bacon. One of the elves stops to greet her at the bottom of the stairs, her arms full of cleaners and rags.
“Did you need anything this morning Ms. ?”
Clem thought for a moment, feeling bad to ask of her for anything considering her hands were full already.
“If you could just tell me where I can make myself a cup of tea,” She replied politely, a smile grew onto the elf’s face, the items suddenly disappearing.
“I can make one for you, no worries. Cream?” She asked, Clem nodded and thanked her before making her way back to the familiar balcony. A smile playing at her face as memories came flooding back to her. As she opened the wooden sliding door the chilled air brushed her face, the sun being the one thing to keep her warm. The sun rising in front of her, the colorful hues adding to her relaxed mood. She slouched into the same spot as last night, bringing her knees to her chest. Closing her eyes to intake the weather and sunbathe, small steps came and went quickly without a word. Opening her eyes slightly to see a small green mug on the table in front of her, the steam dancing as it disappeared into the sky. She sat for what felt like hours, revelling in the sun, watching at the sun rose into the air, clouds dancing around it never once covering the warmth.
“Morning,” A groggy voice spoke
Multiple footsteps following, soon enough, all her friends sat outside with her. Half of them looked as if they weren’t even actually awake, squinty eyed and tossled hair.
“Morning,” Clem spoke softly, her eyes still closed as her face grew warm.
“How long have you been up?” Lily asked, her voice horace.
Clem shrugged as she opened her eyes, leaning the side of her face on her knees. Lily and James shared a small loveseat, Peter probably still asleep, Sirius in his own chair, and Remus sitting next to her his nose in a book. James reached for his warm cup of coffee, blowing on it softly as he stared into the abyss in front of him. Lily motioned to the cup James was holding, he groaned slightly taking a step before handing it to her. She took a sip, her hands covering the entire cup to keep her fingers warm.
“So, what’s the plan for today?” She asked.
James shrugged, still waking up himself.
“I’m deathly hung over.” Sirius said, his voice scratchy.
“So we need caffeine and food then?” Lily asked
Sirius nodded, as he covered his face from the bright sun. A careful hand brushed Clem’s own, laying on top of it for a moment before pulling away. She gave a soft look to Remus, her face growing a soft pink, he didn’t change his focus from his book. Trying not to draw attention to the two of them.
“Morning,” She spoke, her words barely over a whisper.
A smile twisting onto Remus’ face, he dug his face deeper in his book.
“Morning,”
“Moony,” Sirius’ voice called in attention.
“Yeah?” He answered hastily, clearing his throat.
“When does term start again?” He asked, putting on his sunglasses
“In two days,” He replied, groans came collectively all of them sinking further into their seats.
James got up with Lily, their hands intertwined.
“I’m going to go check on breakfast.”
Sirius got up as well, muttering something about the brightness. Clem tried to stay calm as the butterflies increased in her stomach, they had been alone before but this time it was different. Remus tried to hid his smile as he felt her nervousness, but chuckled lightly after Sirius closed the door. He placed his book on the table and reached for her mug, taking a small sip. The gesture sending a jolt of warmth through her, a playful pout on her face.
“Hey,” She whined softly, a soft laughter playing in his ears.
Remus chuckled, the sound rich and comforting in the peaceful outdoors. He leaned back in his chair, stretching, his gaze softening as their eyes met for the first time that morning.
“You’ll be fine.” He reassured her, his voice low and gentle.
She rolled her eyes, crossing her legs.
“Thanks,” She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she took the mug back from him. Their fingers brushing briefly, sending a shock of electricity through her arm. His smile widened, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he watched her with a fondness.
“Anytime,” his gaze never wavering.
The quiet intimacy hanging between them like a thread. The two of them basking in the sunlight, the colors had gone away and brought out the lovely sky blue they had both missed so much. Remus took a deep sigh, his body feeling the most relaxed it had in ages. His brain was quiet, the worries of his lycanthropy, post hogwarts,war, classes, his mum and what to do since she’s been getting sick, every worry he has on his shoulders whether self inflicted or something everyone has suddenly gone. Remus was whisked away in his thoughts, staring out into the country hillside. Little did he know, Clem had been taking in his features. His face written with intelligence, his sandy brown hair falling tousled over his forehead, perfectly framing his firm jaw. His deep set eyes telling a story all on it’s own, glimmering in the sun a gorgeous amber. His face sprinkled with freckles, following the gentle slope of his nose. She had always admired his look, the way he carried himself in a way that showed he didn’t understand how good looking he was. His scar that ran across his cheek, a deep set jagged line, slightly red under his pale skin. Clem slowly inched her hand out, her chilled, slim, fingers tracing along the scar. His eyes closing as she did so, melting at the touch of her. She took a deep breath, brushing his hair behind his ear before letting her hand fall to his knee.
“Where did it come from? Your scar?” She asked quietly, fiddling with her fingers.
She had always thought of his scars as something that carried a sense of dignity, a testament to his strengths. She knew this was a part of him he kept locked away, the ones she has seen and the ones she hasn’t. Remus’s breath caught in his throat, a flicker of apprehension crossed his features before attempts to mask it with a calm look. He shifted uneasily in his seat, his fingers tracing the rim of the mug.
“It’s…” He took a breath, closing his eyes.
“It’s not something I enjoy talking about.” He admitted, his voice tinged with a raw vulnerability Clem hadn’t heard before.
She reached her hand out gently, touching his arm in a gesture of comfort.
“I understand,” she murmured, her eyes meeting his with a sense of support, but also a sense of hurt that she couldn’t hide well enough from him. “But I want to understand. If you’re willing to share.”
She worried if pushing him to open up would be a bad idea, but it was too late now. Remus hesitate for a moment, his gaze dropping to the floor as if wrestling with his own thoughts, his torn emotions on the subject. Finally, he took a deep sigh, steeling himself to open up to her in a way he hadn’t in years.
“They’re…” he regretted speaking, fighting his own tongue. “They’re from the transformations.” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. “Every month, when it’s a full moon, I… I lose control. And when I wake up in the hosiptal wing the next day I’m covered in scars, reminders of the thing, I am…” A shudder passing through him, his hands trembling as he spoke. Disgust washing over him, the weight of his secret binding him to the seat. He cleared what felt like his throat closing up on him.
“Pomfrey tends to my scars, she makes sure I’m okay before going back. Which explains why I sometime disappear randomly, why I get so irritable at times, why sometimes I look deathly ill.”
“Remus,” she said softly, her voice filled with compassion. “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through. What horrible thoughts go through your head. But you should know, I am here for you. I’m sure James and the others know, just think of me as someone like them. I care about you.” Her eyes being a testament of her truthfulness in her words. A tremor passed through him, his defenses crumbling under the weight of her words. Tears threatening to spill out, all the built ujp emotions itching to come spilling out all at once. Her kind smile sending him over the edge, James and the others accepted him sure, but their words didn’t hit him the way hers just had.
His manly composure shattered, tears welling up in his eyes, spilling down his cheeks. He had convinced himself no one would understand this side of him, that telling people would lead to them hating him, being disgusted by him, never truly being accepted. But here, in this moment, Clem’s unwavering support shattered his isolation, leaving him vulnerable, but strangely, the lightest he had ever felt.
Clem’s heart ached at the sight of Remus’ tears, her own eyes glistening with unshed emotion. She watched as Remus tried to hid himself from her, using his hands to cover his face. She enveloped him in a gentle embrace, pulling him close, offering him safety in her.
“It’s okay,” she whispered softly, her voice soothing amidst the turmoli bubbling in him. “I see you,”
He buried himself deep into her shoulder, his body shaking with muted sobs. The culmination of years of pent-up emotion finally having a window to escape. Wrapped in each others arms, the weight of Remus’s burden began to lift, replaced with a new sense of belonging. Finding the strength to confront his fears, for once believing that he wasn’t completely alone in this. She placed a comforting kiss on the top of his head, her head resting on the top of his. Allowing him to sit with her as long as he needed, they sat together as he began to collect himself, sniffles becoming less frequent. She felt him gradually let go of her, his face turning away as if to hide his vulnerability.
“Sorry,” his voice croaked.
She chuckled softly, tapping his shoulder to catch his attention. His face turning to her cautiously, met with a kind smile from her. Her eyes spoke so much without trying. She reached out and gently cupped his cheeks, wiping his face of tears with the pads of her thumbs. Her touch gentle and comforting, with a silent reassurance of her support. As she traced his scars with a delicate finger, a wave of tenderness and intimacy washed over them. Remus sniffed before locking eyes with her once more, clearing his throat.
“What classes are you taking this term?” He asked, slowly regaining his voice.
“I know your OWLS were high,” a slight tease in his voice. She gave a slight smile at his comment.
“I have the usual classes we all have, but I’m taking arithmancy and ancient ruins as well.” His eyes grew large, her tone cool and calm.
“You’re taking 7 classes?” He asked
She nodded, shrugging, before reaching for the now cold cup of tea sitting on the table.
“How many are you taking?” She asked
“6,”
She hummed a response, sipping her cup.
“Same ones as you, I just tested out of transfiguration.”
She tried her best to hide her surprise, she knew he was top of the class with her but even she didn’t get to opt out of a class.
“It’s not because I tested out,” practically reading her mind. He paused for a moment, trying to hide his smile.
“I got a free pass on it… for reasons I won’t disclose.” a smirk painting onto his face.
The morning sun soon changed into the afternoon glow, casting down on the Potter home, Clem and Remus slowly joined their friends back inside for a slow and cozy lunch, all huddled in the dining room. The smell of freshly baked bread and another savory delights filled their senses, mingling with chatter amongst the friends. Infectious laughter and smiles as they revelled over the past term’s pranks and jokes. Around the large wooden table, James and Lily sat side by side, exchanging playful banter. Peter piling his plate high with good food, as he tried to laugh along to the conversations. Sirius laid back comfortably in his chair, his mischievous grin playing at his lips, no doubt scheming what pranks were to come once they step foot on the grounds. Amidst the comforting chatter, Remus couldn’t help but steal a few glances at Clem, who was laughing and teasing along with the others. Her smile infectious, his heart fluttering at the sight of it.
“So, Remus,” Sirius piped up between mouthfuls of food, “heard you had quite the adventure over the holidays. Care you share?”
Remus chuckled softly, a playful glint in his eyes as he glanced up at Clem before turning his attention back to Clem. “Oh, you know, the usual,” he replied with a shrug, “just trying not to get attacked by the multiple owls Sirius sent me.”
Clem laughed as she nudged Sirius, “How many?” she asked, mischief filled his face, a smile growing. “15, in two days.” Remus rolled his eyes, trying to mask the grin on his face, a hint of color rising to his cheeks. “Nearly killed me a few times.”
Lily raised an eyebrow, her expression curious. “And what about you, Clem? Any holiday escapades?”
She shook her head with a smile, her gaze meeting Remus’ for a moment. “Nothing exciting,” she replied modestly, “just spent time with mum, caught up on a few books.” Sirius nudged Remus with a smirk. “Sounds like someones been hitting the books a bit too much,” he teased, earning a playful swat from both Clem and Remus. As the conversations flowed around them, the Potter home buzzed with joy. The outside world feeling small to the group. Even with the loud chatter and laugher, Clem and Remus found time to steal an occasional glance or brush under the table. Time standing still.