The stroke of midnight
Chapter 7 - The Stroke of Midnight
It was new year’s eve, Remus wondered if Dora’s parents had released her yet, he was hoping to be with her at the stroke of midnight so he had an excuse to kiss her again. Remus was certain that Dora was aware about this Muggle tradition, he just prayed she believed in it. But she was the one who initiated the kiss at Christmas, maybe I should make the first move this time. They would have to be careful though, the Weasleys, Harry and Hermione were still at Headquarters, along with a few other Order members.
Dumbledore informed them that the children should return to Hogwarts via Knight Bus once the holidays ended, and that two people would be needed to watch over them. Dora had volunteered to be one half of the guard, she had informed Dumbledore earlier via Patronus, so Remus decided he would too. Although he didn’t appreciate the looks given by Bill, Molly, Sirius, and now even Arthur.
At around 11 o’clock, the house was still full of energy, the Weasleys were extra rambunctious with Arthur being completely healed, and back to his usual self. There was still plenty of food and drinks to go around, and Sirius was smiling from ear to ear as he told Harry about his and James’ misadventures. It was nice to see a glimpse of the Sirius he was before his time at Azkaban. Remus just wished James, and Lily were here too, things would have been so much better with them around.
Remus was shaken from his nostalgia when he heard a thud from the hallway. He seemed to be the only one to have noticed, the others remained blissfully unaware as they were completely engrossed in the festivities, so he decided to see for himself what, or who was the cause. Although he suspected, or hoped it involved a certain pink-haired witch, who was rather clumsy, and a troll-leg umbrella. Much to his delight, he was correct.
‘Wotcher Remus’, said Dora as she brushed herself off. Remus was happy to notice she was still wearing his Christmas gift.
They both made to put the troll-leg umbrella stand, but ended up bumping their heads against each other. They both laughed. Remus righted the umbrella stand, and pushed it further against the wall. He offered Dora his hands as they both stood up.
‘Oh Tonks, how lovely to see you again’, said Molly.
‘Come on, everyone else is still in the kitchen, partying. There’s still plenty of food and drink if you’re hungry’, said Arthur as he put his arm around Molly, steering her away.
‘Shall we?’ asked Remus.
‘We shall,’ said Dora with a smile, ‘So, what’s the plan for midnight? I was kinda hoping to check out the muggle fireworks on the roof. But I’m sure Fred and George would grace us with a few Dr. Filibuster’s.’
‘Don’t think Molly will be too happy about that. But I suppose the mulled mead would have her in much higher spirits by then’, answered Remus. He decided to emulate the true spirit of Gryffindor and make the first move today.
‘But I'm sure we could sneak off to the roof without anyone noticing...shall we meet up there at 10 to midnight? I’m sure the kids would love to hang out with you for a bit.’
‘That’s a great idea, I kinda miss Ginny and Hermione. It’s nice to have sisters to hang out with, and I’m sure they feel the same. I’ll catch you later then’ said Dora, before giving him a peck on the cheek, then heading off in the direction of a ginger, and brunette witch.
Remus busied himself by filling a goblet with wine, from across the room, Sirius caught his eye, and gave him a mischievous wink. He suspected that Sirius had bore witness to that small display of affection between him and Dora. Remus ignored him and decided to have a chat with Arthur while waiting. 10 to 12 could not come any faster. Remus was slightly nervous, but excited all the same. At a quarter to midnight, he excused himself and made his way to the roof. Shortly after, he heard the sound of combat boots climbing up the stairs.
‘Hey, I only managed to get away, Ginny, and Hermione were trying to convince Molly to let them have some mulled mead, so they didn’t notice me leaving’, said Dora with a smile as she made her way towards Remus.
To his delight, she put her arm around his waist as she stood next to him, facing the night sky. Remus reciprocated by wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
‘It’s beautiful isn’t it? Sirius and I snuck up here once, before he ran away of course. His parents were never happy to have me over, but I suppose that’s what made him invite me over even more’, remarked Remus with a laugh.
‘Yeah it is, I’ve never been up here. In fact, I’ve only been here since I joined the Order’, answered Dora.
‘Really? Aren’t you family? I figured maybe you would have come here as a child at least.’
‘Fat chance when your mother is a blood-traitor who ran off and married a muggle-born. She got herself burned off the tapestry as soon as she left home after she graduated from Hogwarts. I’m not even on that damned thing, but surprisingly dad is’, continued Dora with a hollow laugh.
‘Well, it's their loss, anyone would be lucky to be in your presence,’ said Remus, giving her a squeeze.
‘You’re such a sweetheart Remus’, as she put both arms around his waist. ‘Look, it’s almost time, I can hear them counting down in the distance, ' continued Dora.
“5...4...3...3...2...1..HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!” could be heard preceded by a chorus of Auld Lang Syne as a mixture of colourful explosions filled the sky.
They turned to look at each other, Remus lifted her head slightly as he leant forward towards her.
‘Happy new year Dora’
‘Happy new year Remus’
Dora stood on her toes as she closed the gap between their lips, hoping this time they wouldn’t be interrupted by anyone. The second kiss felt even better than the first, Remus tasted like red wine, while Dora tasted like mulled mead, maybe that’s why they were both a little more rowdy this time. They both parted their lips, and their tongues began to wander each other’s mouths, she let out a gasp as Remus placed both his hands under he thighs and lifted her completely off the ground, she responded by wrapping her legs around his waist. My, my, professor Lupin, not such a gentleman after all, not that I’m complaining, thought Dora to herself. Or maybe he was just tired of bending down to kiss me.
Despite the fact that it was freezing on the roof, that didn’t stop Dora and Remus’ snogging. In fact, it was all the more reason for them to pull each other closer, as the cold air stung their cheeks. Colourful explosions continued to fill the air surrounding them, albeit their sounds were muffled by the ancient enchantments surrounding Number 12 Grimmauld Place. Maybe it was the wine which led to Remus’ behaviour, not that it excused that, he usually never took the lead in moments like this. Or maybe it was the Dora effect, she had made him feel things which he had never before, and for once in his life, he felt worthy of love, her love. It was probably the latter, but whichever it was, Dora was completely pleased with the outcome.