Destiné à Être: A Remus Lupin Story
Chapter 13: First Date
(Warnings:Smoking, drinking, language, sexual themes. 18+ only)
Word Count: 4.4k
...
"It was instinctive, the way I fell for you. Like an effortless intake of breath"
-Josh Walker
My beautiful Cess,
I miss you everyday, but now I need you. I'm going on my first date since my final year of school. Yes, Hell is probably frozen.
His name is Remus. You'd love him. He's a little older, tall, shy and handsome, and he's a werewolf. I know- not that shocking. I wish you could help me pick out an outfit. I miss you.
Love, Britt ...
The days surrounding the full moon comprise of Brigitte entertaining herself so she doesn't go stir crazy with worry over Remus. She had received a letter from Dumbledore, hoping for a speedy recovery and urging her to rest until her leg completely heals, leaving her little to do.
"Sirius!", Brigitte hisses up the stairs. While her leg is almost good as new, she'd rather not climb the fourth set of stairs or invade the wizard’s privacy. He has been sleeping most of the day, so he can ignore the fact that he cannot assist Remus during the full moon.
"Filthy Mudblood yells in my Mistresses house. Mistress would be devastated to hear the voice of such vermin", Kreacher croaks as he emerges from the bedroom opposite of Sirius'.
“Evening, Kreacher ... I'm a half-blood by the way. Werewolf father is Muggleborn". The wrinkly elf looks at Brigitte in horror before running down the stairs away from her.
"I think he likes you", Sirius yawns, leaning on his doorway. He slips a band shirt over his tattooed torso. "What you want, Love? Meeting starting already?".
"No, but that's why I'm here. You don't need to stay in your room until tonight's meeting. I'm not Remus, but I can be good company", she tries to entice him.
"Mhmm. Moony seems to really like your company", Sirius wiggles his brows. "Come. You can help me feed Buckbeak".
"I'll watch you feed Buckbeak".
"Ugh, such a girl. It's just dead rats".
"That's right, and don't make me show you what this girl can do". Brigitte snaps her finger, making a little firework-like spark in front of Sirius' face.
That shuts him up. While he feeds Beaky, Brigitte sits on the floor and scribbles through her notes on the anti-werewolf legislation. Since she's little to no help for Sirius, she can dedicate her energy to this instead.
"So, ya gonna help Moony?".
"Remus, and all werewolves in this country. I will try, at least. Your Ministry is something else", Brigitte shudders at the idea of facing the harsh Wizengamot-- the magical High Court.
"If there's anyone who can do it, it's you! I've heard your credentials. Remus might have doted on you a few times", Sirius giggles. "He's fucking smitten".
"I will do everything I can. There's so much progress to be made, to help families and the whole magical community. We've got to stop vilifying people with the disease", Brigitte stresses.
"Wow, you sure can make a case. I pity anyone who tries to go against you. It almost makes me believe I wont die in this house, that even this lowly wizard has a chance".
"I'll never let you die here. It's all just a matter of time. I have a good feeling about your outcome", Brigitte grins. "But, why don't you bring this up with the others? I know Snape isn't too eager to help, but he see's Pettigrew for Christ's sake! I don't understand".
"There's more 'pressing matters'. Focusing on my shit will take away from something more important. All I need is for Harry to stay safe", Sirius says.
"But if you're acquitted you can do so much for the Order. Just imagine going to Hogwarts and visiting Harry ... picking him up at Kings Cross when the school year is over and traveling with him. You can get a new flat and even a job", Brigitte argues.
"We can go on vacations, do whatever we want". Sirius looks off distantly with a small smile ghosting his lips. His pupils slowly dilate as he thinks of the potential memories he has with his godson.
"Goddamn. You won this time, Miss Lawyer".
"Perfect timing. I think I just heard the door", Brigitte says with a cocky smile. She pets Buckbeak and exits the room skipping.
In the kitchen are Moody, Tonks, Mr and Mrs Weasley, and a sour faced Snape. Mrs Weasley is making herself busy around the kitchen, prepping tea and cleaning, too anxious to stay still.
"Thanks for joining us. Least some of us aren't too busy tonight", Moody grumbles. Brigitte and Sirius timidly take a seat, Arthur and Tonks divulge more about Malfoy sightings at work and tighter restrictions. Restrictions that limit their investigations.
"All visits to Azkaban have been put on hold", Tonks scoffs. "Clearly the dementors that attacked Harry are still missing".
"Is he safe at school?", Sirius asks worriedly.
"In a secure school with Dumbledore? I'd say so, Black", Snape snarks.
"Hey! Shut it, you little--"
"-And we got Mundungus stationed in Hogsmeade", Moody interjects. "Bloody idiot can get as drunk as he wants as long as he looks out for 'em".
"We're trusting Mundungus again?", Brigitte gasps.
"He's the last one to raise suspicions if he's seen there", Snape says impatiently. "Unless you volunteer to move to Hogsmeade?".
"Don't talk to her like that, Snivellus", Sirius sneers.
"Dung saw the kids go into that pub Hog's Head. Small bunch of 'em. Said they were talking about a club. He heard the name 'Dumbledore's Army'", Moody shares, ignoring the men's hostilities.
"Oh no, no, no", Molly whimpers.
"It's alright, dear. Umbridge has banned all group activities, its probably harmless", Arthur tries to sssure her.
"Still. Hog's Head?", Sirius winces. "We'll ask them about it at Christmas".
"We will. Arthur? Your news".
"All raids have to be logged beforehand. So there goes our chance of catching anyone off guard", Arthur says exhaustedly. Brigitte glances at Sirius, his jaw clenched in frustration.
"So ... how will we ever get Pettigrew?", she asks timidly. "Why aren't we taking him to the Ministry? It's not like we don't have someone in his close proximity". She looks at Snape expectedly.
"There's a reason you're not in charge here–"
"Snape! I'm warning you", Sirius growls.
Arthur sighs heavily and place his hands on the table.
"I wish we could dear but our hands are tied. We can't approach Malfoy via the Ministry, and Snape has to remain inconspicuous. It's not realistic".
"But isn't that why we're here? To take risks others won't?", Brigitte asks.
"I'm not worth the risk, Love. You've done all you can", Sirius assures her. "I can practically feel the guilt radiating off you. You've done more than anyone else, and one day our testimonies will matter".
"But-"
"Nope", Sirius raises his hand. "Put your energy into the anti-werewolf laws. You're needed more now that Podmore is gone too".
"Exactly", Moody cuts in, "and you need to work on your magic. Your elemental and wandless abilities are impressive, but you need to work on making it a defense".
"Yes sir".
"I'll help!", Tonks offers.
"So will I", Moody eyes her firmly. "Wait another week before you try dueling with that leg, but I'll be in contact ... anything else?".
"I will be forwarding any voiced concerns to Dumbledore from here on out", Snape drawls unenthusiastically. "He does not find it wise to vacate the school now that Umbridge is enforcing new rules everyday".
"Oh bloody perfect", Sirius rolls his eyes.
"Black, enough... Alright, if nothing else. Let's move— CONSTANT VIGLANCE", Moody ends the meeting.
Snape rushes out the room to return to school, followed by the rest of the crew. Tonks waves goodbye, promising to stay for a visit when she has a night off. She wants to support her cousin; at this moment, she's the only family he has.
"I left my room early, can I go back now? I promise I won't drown in my whiskey and tears", Sirius says with his hand over his heart.
"What a Drama Queen", Brigitte rolls her eyes on the way to the pantry. She takes a few miscellaneous pieces of fruit and pastries. "Dinner", she chuckles. Sirius walks Brigitte to her bedroom door before retreating to his private quarters on the top floor.
"Think Moony would be jealous right now?", Sirius teases. Brigitte laughs, but the smile doesn't quite reach her eyes. "He's fine. Don't let the cute sweaters fool you. Moony's a tough bloke. The full moon was last night, the man will be as good as new tomorrow!".
"You're right... Bonne Nuit, Sirius", she says, kissing his cheek.
"Night, Madame".
Brigitte tosses the rich treats onto her bed and leaves her jumper and jeans where they fall on the floor. She slips on an oversized t-shirt and climbs under the covers; and she stays up late into the night drawing with her cheap pencils and munching on chewy French bread.
─── . ˚*☆ ☾ ☆*˚ . ───
Her drawing high continues on the next day. It's a pleasant hiatus from worrying about failing Sirius, wondering where Remus is, and whether she's pulling her weight in the Order.
Brigitte draws and shades charcoal for hours, long after her wrist is sore. She stands in front of a mirror and easel, using her reflection as a reference for drawing a woman's portrait.
"Afternoon! Whatcha doing in here, poppet?... what is that?", Sirius asks as, looking over her shoulder. It's nearly five and he's just now making his debut. It's a battle Brigitte wasn't going to fight today.
"It's Medusa and Perseus. Except unlike the famous statue, Medusa is holding that bastard's head".
"You mean... the monster woman with snake hair?", he asks hesitantly. "I think I remember that from Muggle Studies".
She huffs at him indignantly,
"NOT a monster. She was turned into a Gorgon after being attacked by Poseidon. Her story is totally misunderstood. I'm giving her the ending she deserves".
Sirius looks up and down at the charcoal-covered young woman.
"You're a unique girl, Britt... Y'know, I'm really happy you're here and won the heart of my hard-headed friend. I haven't seen him this happy in ... maybe since we became Animagi, not to brag".
"Well that's some sentimental shit, huh Black?".
He waves his hand at her and turns away from her.
"Ahh shut it, can't I be happy for my friends? I want you two to be happy... together or whatever. Just don't go gossiping about my soft side".
"As if anyone would believe me if I told them... now, pose in front of the mantle, you cocky bastard. I need a new model", Brigitte directs him as she tears the Medusa drawing from the sketch pad and let's it flutter to the floor. Sirius smooths his tie and struts over to the fireplace. He places one arm on the mantelpiece and the other hand rests in his pocket.
"So regal, obviously from the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black", Brigitte drawls, mocking his stance.
"What an honor for a penniless artist, eh?".
Brigitte gasps, giving him a warning glare before turning her focus to the paper. She scales his figure and draws fine, loose lines to outline his poised limbs.
Sirius subtly bops his head to Pink Floyd playing in the background as Brigitte goes between staring at the sketchbook and studying the shadows on his face.
"Lovey, if you keep touching your face there's not going to be a hint of bare skin. Lookin' like your own shadow with all that smudged charcoal", Sirius mumbles to make minimal movement. Brigitte sticks out her tongue at him, and a minute she later rubs her face again while working on the details of his hair.
"Well, well. I feel like I'm walking in on Basil painting his muse Dorian". Remus jests, making a solid Dorian Gray reference. He walks into the room with his hands in his pockets and hair hanging over his eyes. Sirius winks at him, not moving his body.
"You're back!", Brigitte exclaims as she drops the charcoal on the floor and skips over to him.
"Oh no! The charcoal!", she exclaims while pulling away. "Oh Remus, your shirt. I'm so sorry! I used it because my pencils suck!", she tries to wipe the charcoal away with her blackened fingers but it only makes it worse.
Remus laughs at her expression and the failed attempt, gently grabbing her shoulders to stop her,
"It's fine, Darling. You actually look quite adorable like this-"
"Alright, no enough. I was for this in the beginning, but I'm standing here because I'm terrified of moving", Sirius whines. "Don't ignore me and make me watch this weird foreplay".
Brigitte's face burns bright red under the dusty foundation, and Remus awkwardly clears his throat. He turns to Sirius with a hardened expression.
"Hello, Padfoot".
"Actually Sirius, you can move, I'll finish it later. I should shower... looks like I've been playing in the chimney", Brigitte says looking down at the hand prints all over her body. Her poor sweater and light-washed jeans. She looks at Remus and leans in to whisper, "That is ... if you still want to go out tonigh-"
"Yes... I mean yes, I do. You haven't changed your mind?".
"Hell no. I need a break from that one", she giggles, pointing her thumb over her shoulder at Sirius, who's busy admiring his portrait and smoking a cigarette. Remus watches Brigitte shake her hips up the stairs, then approaches his smug friend.
"Damn. She makes me look pretty good, huh? Not that it's a challenge", Sirius shows off his perfect smile as he whips the hair out of his face.
Remus rolls his eyes,
"Yeah, too bad she didn't convey just how humble you are", he sighs.
Sirius bats his eyelashes and walks to the dry bar next to the dusty piano,
"Want a drink before your big date tonight?".
"Stop. It's not a big deal, mate", Remus says hastily. "And no, heh, I should go change my shirt", he says, regarding Brigitte's handprints smeared on his torso.
⋆。˚☽˚。⋆
With a clean shirt and brushed hair, Remus waits for Brigitte, taking Sirius up on his drink offer and watching him devour a plate of beans on toast. It's a disgusting yet successful distraction.
"She was a bit restless while you were away. Kinda annoying, made me come out of my room and hang out with her. I guess I can admit it was sweet too", Sirius says between bites.
"She's very sweet", Remus responds, looking fondly into the distance.
"So- You excited for tonight?", Sirius wiggles his eyebrows suggestively in between bites.
"I am ...", Remus responds, looking into his brown drink and trying not to engage too much. Talking about it only makes him more nervous.
"So, what are you doing on this date, huh?", Sirius inquires.
"Something I think she's going to really enjoy", Remus says coyly, not able to contain his grin.
"Fine don't tell me, bu-", Sirius looks past Remus and stops mid-sentence, his jaw dropping. Remus turns around and mimics his friend's expression.
Brigitte's standing in the archway. Her hair is a sexy wavy mess and the light illuminates it like a halo. Her figure is accentuated in a calf-length black sweater dress with a slit up the side. Simple yet seductive.
"Ready to go?", Brigitte asks quietly after a prolonged silence.
Remus quickly stands and strides over to her,
"I am... Merlin Britt, you're gorgeous".
She blushes and traces her finger up his tie,
"Merci. You look very handsome, Remus". He's wearing his typical gray suit, but she can tell he straighten up his tie and attempted to brush down his hair. They look like a beautiful couple.
"Isn't this adorable! I look pretty nice this evening too, just throwing that out there", Sirius chimes in. Remus and Brigitte laugh, not taking their eyes off each other. He offers his scarred hand and she happily takes it. Hers— soft and delicate while contrasting beautifully with his— strong and calloused from years of a less than privileged life.
"So, where are we going?", Brigitte asks as they step out the door. Remus clicks his tongue and helps her put on her coat.
"Now, now. If I told you, it'd ruin the surprise. Ready?".
He Apparates them to the middle of the Victoria and Albert Museum, under its intricate dome.
Brigitte looks around at the surroundings. The main lighting is shut off, surrounding them in a romantic ambiance. It's surreal, being in such a popular place usually filled with people, but now all Brigitte can hear is her heartbeat in her ears. It's all theirs.
Remus watches her contently. He intertwines their fingers and whispers in her ear,
"I thought we could look at some art tonight? We have our own private tour".
Brigitte looks at him with gleaming eyes,
"Oh, Remus! That's all I want to do!", she hugs his neck tightly.
"That makes me happy to hear, Darling. What would you like to see first?".
"Classical sculptures?", she asks, dragging Remus down the wide hallway before he can respond. She glances over the large map in the middle of the museum and takes them to her desired art period. It's a room as long as the entirety of the museum and littered in shiny, marbled and bronze bodies.
"I think they're so romantic ... it's incredible, how something so firm can appear so soft. How is that stone and not a real veil?", Brigitte rambles on dreamily, staring at the woman wearing a flower down and veil. "I want to reach out and touch the fabric, but I will resist!".
Remus snorts at the pure happiness streaming from her. He lets Brigitte lead him around the room, occasionally sharing what he knows about each mythological piece. She listens on impressed, flattered that he's showing interest in the art she likes.
"I like the stories of love, and adventures to exotic new places with beautiful people and creatures. We have enough war in real life", she laments while looking up at a carving of Hector.
They take turns posing comically next to the sculptures, mirroring the stances of gods and making funny faces at each other that resemble the clay theater masks. Their laughs echo through the room long after they've stopped and are silently smiling at each other so hard their cheeks hurt.
They spend a few hours wandering throughout the museum, trying to see of it as much as possible. Brigitte pulls Remus along, back and forth through the wings, not letting go of his hand once. She excitedly points paintings she's familiar with, from years of flipping through the art books sold in her father's shop.
It's evident she's read art history books from her fathers bookshop, as she is knowledgeable with every other piece. Though, Remus never tires of her 'oohs' and 'ahhs'.
Her giggle and honey-like voice bounce off the frame-clattered walls, and it's like a symphony to his ears. Remus gazes down at her, his heart radiating and a smile stuck to his face as he watches her in elation... He doesn't even realize that he's ignored half the art, too busy admiring her beauty instead.
They end up in the main rotunda under the glass chandelier twinkling under the low light. Brigitte turns to face Remus and wraps her arms around his torso.
"I really enjoyed this, but it sure did put my art to shame", she jokes.
"I don't think so ... your beauty put the art to shame if anything", he says boldly.
She gapes at him speechlessly, unsure of how to respond except with a kiss.
"Thanks for bringing me here", she says while looking at him doe-eyed, their noses almost touching.
"Anytime. Anywhere you want to go. I thought dinner was too ordinary. Are you hungry though?".
Brigitte stands on her tip toes and kisses Remus' cheeks,
"I have a craving, so you'll have to follow me this time".
Their feet leave the ground and after being sucked through time and space, they land in Battersea Park.
"Hmm... If I remembered correctly I've seen a cart that should be around here- yes, there he is!", Brigitte points at a food trolley by the river. It's a vintage crepe cart she's seen on one of her partrols. She takes a confused Remus' hand and drags him over.
"Bonsoir, monsieur. J'espère que vous allez bien", Brigitte exclaims, greeting the old crepe maker.
The old man's face lights up,
"Ahh Chérie, c'est si bon de te voir. Deux crepes?". Brigitte brightly smiles and the old Frenchman pours the batter onto the skillet and makes the crepes. He even drizzles extra chocolate on top.
Remus tries to pay the man but he waves his hands,
"non, non. c'est gratuit pour les amoureux". Brigitte blushes and thanks the man.
Remus asks her what he said.
"Oh nothing. Just that it's for free. He insists", she leaves out the part where he called them 'lovers'. They sit cozied up on a bench at the edge of the river.
"These were a really good choice", Remus says as they indulge in the French treat. He somehow manages to eat neatly, not a streak of chocolate on his face; while Brigitte makes a mess all around her mouth. Remus watches her and laughs, wiping away the chocolate and licking it off his finger.
"Chocolate is never the wrong answer when it comes to you, Moony", she muses, "They're my favorite ... Make me think of home. I'd get them every time we'd go into a city", she says distantly.
Remus looks down at her gazing across the river,
"you miss France, don't you?".
"I never thought I'd be away this long. I haven't seen my parents in person in almost two years. My brother's wife is pregnant again, I feel like so much has changed since I was there last ... but, I think I have a purpose here".
"I must agree", Remus smiles at her with curt nod. "And holiday is less than a month, right? You'll be home soon", he assures her. They finish the crepes and watch the illuminated skyline reflect on the river, the moon boldly hanging above as it begins to wane.
"You know what I want to see?", he whispers. Brigitte hums a curious 'hmm?'.
"I want to see you make a really big wave in that water... I want to see your magic", he says to which Brigitte jerks her neck to face him.
"Wh-what?", she asks timidly.
He smiles at her encouragingly,
"I want to see how powerful your magic is. You shouldn't hide it, Darling". She looks away embarrassed.
"Wait, I'm sorry I didn't mean to put you on the spot. You don't have to do it...", he says rubbing her knee comfortingly.
She shakes her head and sits up confidently,
"no, no it's fine. For you, I'm happy to try", Brigitte smiles shyly. It's not like she's helpless– if she can preform her magic for Dumbledore and Moody, Remus should be a piece of cake.
Brigitte stands up and focuses on the river. She raises both hands which lifts up a large wall of wiggling water. Her hands glide forward and the water forcefully gushes about 50 feet across the riverbank, creating choppy waves that churn up the water like a storm. Then she turns around and makes snow whip around them like a elegant tornado.
Remus looks at her with an open, amazed smile,
"It's incredible. Why don't you want people to see this?".
Brigitte shrugs smugly and sits back down next to him,
"I practiced with Beau when I was little, but when I got to school I was already the weird girl with the werewolf family. I didn't need kids thinking I would spontaneously light them on fire or freeze them in a block of ice", she nervously laughs, "I am recently starting to feel a little more confident with it", she confesses. Remus' reaction when they were walking home the night they first kissed is what gave her that boost.
"Hmm, perhaps 'weird' in the most powerful and magical way? You should embrace your unique talent! The Order needs someone like you. You're an underestimated and powerful witch, Darling. You said before you like to use that to your advantage, right?", he encourages her. They smile at one another.
"Thanks, Remus", she says and involuntarily shivers. He puts his arm around her shoulder and rubs up and down both arms,
"You are you cold? You want my jacket?".
Remus goes to take it off but Brigitte stops him,
"No, please then you'll be cold. I'm fine".
He ignores her, draping the jacket on her shoulders. It's warm from his werewolf body heat. He wraps his arm around her. They gaze into each other's eyes, admiring the reflection of the moonlight in their contrasting irises, before quickly turning away.
"I've really enjoyed tonight, Remus. Getting to be with you...", Brigitte whispers, lightly tracing the buttons on his shirt.
"Darling, you have no idea", he drags out the last two words. Looking at each others lips, they breathe uneasily, their faces drawing closer and closer.
Remus pulls Brigitte in and kisses her tenderly. Her hands find their way to his firm chest and roam around, feeling his defined muscles while he sucks on her supple lips.
The kiss quickly heats up when she whimpers against his mouth, a sound Remus will never forget. They breathe and moan into each other while rolling their tongues in sync like a dance, sending tingles down their spines. The taste of chocolate and strawberries lingers, making the kiss that much more intoxicating.
Brigitte drapes her legs across Remus', curling up to get closer to him and warm up. He holds her, trailing his hand from her knee to her thigh and up the side of her waist. Brigitte moans at the firm touch, giving him the confidence to trail even higher and cup her breast. He groans into her mouth when he feels that she's not wearing anything under the dress.
They break the kiss, panting heavily. Still touching her intimately, Remus looks at Brigitte with a primal hunger.
"Do you ... want to go back to Grimmauld Place?".
** I think we all know happens next. Next chapter is smut, dolls**
♡ ♡
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