Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Right Here Waiting	By : stranger88 Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > FemSlash - Female/Female Views: 5306 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, or any of the characters I don't make any money/profit from this

Chapter List
- 11
- 12
Chapter 12: Baby Steps

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Remus asked Riley as they started to walk up the steps to a two story house.
Riley nodded, “I need to. My father fed me lies for the last five years. I need to know the truth.”
They reached the front door and Remus put a hand on her shoulder, “Now that you have more time on your hands, you are always welcome here. This is your family. You will always have a home here.” He smiled, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze.
“Thank you Remus.” She looked up at the older man and smiled. She was still trying to piece together everything from the last five years. Everyone has been helping her every day.
The headaches were still bad, and she didn’t know why. Owls were sent to Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall. In two weeks time they would be heading back to Hogwarts. Where it all started. They hope to come up with some sort of remedy while they were all there. Riley just wanted her memories back.
She was brought out of her thoughts when Remus turned the key. He walked in before her and she stood in the doorway for a few moments. She wasn’t sure what to expect. She heard Remus call for his wife and step children. Riley took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. She really wished Hermione was with her today. But she needed to do this alone.
Riley finally took a step inside the house and slowly started to walk in. She closed the door, and turned to see two girls about eight and a boy about seven years old. All with black hair and blue eyes like her. She saw a woman slowly come up behind them holding a baby that couldn't be more than a year old. Remus went up to the woman and she carefully passed the baby to him.
Riley put her hands in her jean pockets. Her heart was racing and she didn’t know why, but she was crying. The older woman went up to her and put her hands on her shoulders, “You’re home sweetheart. You’re finally home.” Both mother and daughter looked at each other as if the world was frozen in time.
Katie couldn’t believe she was seeing her daughter for the first time in five years. She could tell she was slightly skinny but well built with lean muscle. Riley didn’t know what came over her but she wrapped her arms around Katie and let out a sob.
She didn’t know why she was crying the way she was. But this felt so right. Katie held her daughter close. She didn’t want to let go. Last time she let go she lost her. However, Riley was never too far from her. She kept every single newspaper clipping, every magazine, and bought every record. She watched every award show, every TV show, every movie, and every interview. Didn’t matter if it was Muggle or Magical, she made sure she had everything Riley was in.
Katie slowly let go of Riley and kissed her forehead.
“Come on love, we’ll put the tea on. We have a lot to talk about.” She said and put her arm around Riley’s shoulders and led her more into the kitchen. Riley looked at the three younger ones and once again didn’t know what came over her. She rushed to them and put her arms around them. The two girls and the boy held onto her tight. Again, Riley was crying and so were the three younger ones.
Katie was busy putting the kettle on and Remus was trying to soothe the baby. After a few more moments Riley let go of her siblings and stood up. She used her black t-shirt to dry her eyes and she sniffled.
Remus came up to her and smiled, “Would you like to hold your brother?”
Riley nodded and Remus gently passed the one year old to her. She held him and he let out a small giggle. She smiled for the first time and again she couldn’t stop the tears from falling. He had hazel eyes and bright brown hair just like Remus. She couldn’t believe it. She had a family. A true family. She wished she remembered everything. But she couldn’t. Right now she didn’t want to try. She was too happy and didn’t want to let the pain ruin this.
The kettle began to whistle and Remus started to help Katie set the small island counter for tea. The three younger children were helping them set it while Riley was enjoying her time with her new brother. She looked around at them and couldn’t help but feel such joy. This is what a family is. This is what love is. This is what she was missing for the last five years.
“Okay, looks like we have everything. Riley, I know you have questions sweetheart. We will do our best to answer them. Let’s have some tea and rediscover who you are.” Katie said with a smile. Riley nodded and her new brother started to rub his eyes and get fussy. Remus smiled and went over to take him from Riley. She let out a small laugh and kissed the baby’s forehead.
“Looks like it’s time for Brian’s nap. I’ll take while you all talk.” Remus smiled as Riley handed Brian over to her step father. Katie smiled and watched as Remus walked out of the kitchen with their son.
She then turned to Riley sitting across the counter island and smiled, “Now, where would you like to start?” Katie asked.
“Can we start the night I was taken?” Riley asked.
************************************************************
“Okay, I think that’s the last of it.” Hermione said, taping up the last box. She was still in awe of what happened two months ago after they came back from Fiji. Danielle disappeared, as well as Jessie. Of course that case came across her desk just as her request to take some time off was approved. She was conflicted. Of course it was her job to look into the case, but part of her didn’t want to. She finally got the love of her life back, and this was something that she didn’t want to look into after all they’ve been through.
She passed it along to a colleague of hers that did really well on missing persons cases. The feeling of conflict still stuck with her as she picked up the box and carried it out of her room. She turned to take one last look at the room she called home for the last five years. She thought back to the night where she saw Remus sitting in her desk chair telling her that her life was in danger.
It was that night she knew Riley was in danger. That night she knew her life was changing yet again. Now, here she was moving with Riley to Scotland. They found a nice little house just outside of Hogsmeade. Since they were needed at Hogwarts in two weeks, it would be convenient for them to be close to the school.
Hermione felt a tap on her shoulder and smiled seeing her best friend Harry Potter. He gestured towards the box she was holding and she handed it over to him. She was sad to leave him here by himself, but she would see him in two weeks' time. Taking one last look at her room she closed the door to it. She let out a small sigh and walked down the small hallway. In the living room there were her boxes of everything she owned.
She was leaving her bed and dresser, since Riley suggested they should pick out furniture on their own. That way their house could be their own. Harry turned to his best friend and smiled after putting the box down.
“I’m gonna miss you around here. But I won’t miss the hair in the shower.” He said with a small laugh and Hermione playfully hit him in his arm. He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.
“Promise you’ll visit every once and while. I know you’re the only one who doesn’t have someone.” Hermione said, putting an arm around his waist.
Harry nodded and kissed her forehead, “I promise. Maybe we’ll have dinner once a week. Say, every Sunday? How does that sound?”
“Sounds perfect.” Hermione smiled and put her other arm around him, and she pulled him in for a hug. He held her close. Yes, he was sad to see her go, but also happy that she and Riley found each other again. What they didn’t know was he was actually doing his own investigation on Lavender Brown. Her disappearance since the Halloween Ball has been troubling him. But he didn’t want to bring it up until he had more information.
“Okay, enough mushy stuff. Let’s go get you settled. Ginny just Flooed she’s already there with Luna, Susan, and Emma. They’re waiting for you.” Harry said, and Hermione nodded. Harry grabbed a book and waited for her to touch it. She took one last look at their apartment and let out a sigh. It was time for a new beginning and she couldn’t wait. She touched the book and with a pop they were off.
*****************************************************
Riley was sitting on the couch in her family’s home looking through a photo album of her family. She saw pictures of her and her siblings playing in the snow, swimming, and teaching Alex how to throw a football. Her showing Ava, and McKayla how to stand with a baseball bat to hit the ball that was on top of a tee. She didn’t remember any of this. But her emotions did. That’s when she had an idea.
She closed the photo album and rushed into the kitchen. Katie was preparing dinner, Remus and her three siblings were setting the table.
“Remus, do you have a second? I just had an idea.” She asked and he looked up and nodded.
“Of course, let’s go to the sun room.” He suggested. He put the plate down and walked over to her. He led her to the small sunroom attached to the kitchen and he opened the door. He gestured for her to walk in first and she did. She stood in the middle of the room and waited for him.
He closed the door and turned to her, “All right, what would you like to talk about?”
“I know everyone is trying to help me regain my memories. Whatever they did to me was stronger than what they did to the others. But what if I can use my emotions to trigger memories?”
Remus nodded and took a seat in one of the chairs. This was an interesting theory. He crossed his legs and gestured for her to continue.
“For example, the first time I saw Hermione after one of the concerts, I felt this warmth. This, this, calm. I felt as though she was the right one. When I saw Harry for the first time, I knew he was a good friend, and I felt this joy. Same with Ron, and Draco. Then, I met Ginny, Luna, Susan, and Emma. It was like this void was being filled.” She started to pace slightly.
“Even today, seeing my mom and my sisters, and brother for the first time. I was just overwhelmed with feelings I never felt before. Even though I don’t remember everything. I remember emotions. I remember love, happiness, joy, pain, hurt. I remember those. What if we use my emotions to help trigger my memories?” She asked, stopping to finally look at him.
Remus sat there deep in thought. She did have a point. Emotions do trigger certain memories.
“So what you’re saying is, instead of trying to remember everything the night before you were taken, use your emotions to trigger your memories. That’s actually a pretty good idea. There have been Muggle studies of certain people with memory loss using certain smells, or even just places.” Remus said, uncrossing his legs and leaning forward.
“We’ll be at Hogwarts in two weeks. But I will write to Dumbledore tonight. I know you want to enjoy this time with your family. Also, you and Hermione just acquired a house, and I’m sure you want to get settled before we start. Your idea is well thought of Riley. But do me this one favor.” He said, as he stood up from the chair and took a few steps towards his step daughter.
He put his hands on her arms and smiled, “Before these two weeks are up, enjoy being reunited with your family, friends, and Hermione. It’s been five years since we all saw you. There’s a lot to catch up on.”
Riley nodded, “You’re right. I just want to know what happened. Everything is just nothing, it’s like I can see the places, but it’s all a blur.”
Remus smiled, “I know you want answers. You have plenty of time to get them. But right now, there’s people that love you and want to spend some time with you. So, let’s have some dinner, and we’ll go from there. One step at a time.”
“Yes sir.” She said softly.
He smiled and pulled her in for a hug, “You don’t have to call me sir. We’re family now.” He felt Riley nod against his chest and he felt her put her arms around him.
He knew she still wanted answers but she also needed to relax. Her and her friends were non stop for five years. They needed to learn how to have fun again. How to relax again. That starts now.
************************************************
“So are the rest of the guys going to meet us in two weeks?” Harry asked, carrying a box up the stairs of Hermione’s new house.
Susan nodded, “Yeah. Eric went back to his family in the States. He wanted to see them and explain what happened.”
“Kelsey went to Ireland to find his grandparents. He got word they were trying to find for the last six years or so.” Ginny explained.
“Oh and Ryan went with Eric, and Mike is dealing with things at the label. Apparently he’s trying to shut it down. His parents are lawyers so they’re trying to figure out the next move.” Luna said as she came up behind them.
Hermione was in the master bedroom when they all came walking in. She was trying to figure out where she wanted everything. Harry and the other three women were unpacking the boxes and putting everything away for her.
“How do you think it’s going with Riley and her family?” Ginny asked.
Hermione let out a sigh, “I’m sure Riley got overwhelmed. I mean she was brainwashed into thinking she had no family, only her dad. But I’m also sure she’s having a good time. Katie is definitely a sweet soul.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. They fell into a small silence unpacking Hermione’s things and her telling them where she wanted everything to.
“So tell me again why you both don’t have furniture right now?” Susan asked hanging up the last article of clothing in the closet.
Hermione smiled, “Riley said we should pick out things together. To make it ours. So that’s what we’re going to do tomorrow. I’m not sure what her ideas are, since she grew up differently than us.”
They all nodded and started to head back down the stairs. Hermione looked around trying to come up with some ideas for what she would like for their home.
“I think I want this spare room down here to be an office area. It’s the perfect size and I can work from here. One of the spare rooms upstairs, I think Riley might turn it into a studio for her music. I know she mentioned that a couple of weeks ago. That leaves two spare bedrooms, and our room.” Hermione said.
“The dining room, I want to keep it simple and light. Kitchen will definitely be Riley’s area. The living room, I know she wants to have a TV so she can watch her movies.The Den, I'm not sure what she wants to do. But I would love to turn it into a library.” She continued on.
“Oh, I’m sure Riley would let you. You’ve always wanted your own personal library. Even at our place.” Harry said with a smile.
There was a knock at the door and everyone looked at each other. Hermione asked if anyone was expecting someone and they all shook their heads. Harry told them to stay where they were at. After everything going on they were all on their guard.
Harry went up to the door trying to hear anything. Then he smiled when heard the words, “Bloody Hell it’s hot.”
“It’s Ron.” Harry said and the women let out a small sigh of relief. Harry opened the door and let Ron in. They hugged and greeted each other. Harry told him the girls were in the living room as he closed the door.
They all greeted Ron with hugs and Luna gave him a small kiss. “Nice place you got here Hermione. It’s cozy.”
“Thank you. When I found it, I completely fell in love with it.”
“Where’s Riley?” Ron asked, looking around.
“Oh, she’s with her family. She’ll be here later. I know they have a lot to catch up on.” Hermione explained. She waved her wand and conjured up some comfortable chairs for everyone to sit in.
“I was thinking about getting us some take out for dinner. Did you guys want to do that?” Ginny asked and every one nodded.
“I know this amazing place right down the road. Does anyone have any preferences?” She asked and everyone shook their heads.
“Okay, surprise dinner it is. Susan, would you like to go with me? I know you and I have some work things to discuss.”
“Yes, I would love you. I need to ask you about rescheduling a meeting. Tonks is going away for an assignment and won’t be able to make it.” Susan said, getting up from her chair.
The two said their byes and left the others in the living room. They started talking about their plans before the two weeks were up. Emma mentioned that Draco would be coming a few days later. He’s been busy in his department at St. Mungos.
They continued to talk amongst themselves waiting for Susan and Ginny to come back with dinner. Hermione looked around and smiled. She knew there were things going on. But right here, right now being with all her friends was the most calm she has felt in a long time.
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“Are you sure you won’t stay a while longer?” Katie asked as Riley tucked in Alex.
“I would if I could, but Hermione is at our house, and I don’t want to keep her waiting any longer.” She told her mom. They left her brother’s room quietly and she made sure the door was slightly opened.
Katie looked at her with a surprise. Riley caught her looking, “What’s the matter?”
“Alex likes it when his door is slightly open so he can see the light in the hallway. I thought you were going to close the door all the way.”
Riley looked at her brother’s door and then back at her mom, “I guess it must have been a muscle memory thing. I may not remember, but there are some things I do that people say I did before. I still don’t know. But in two weeks I hope to have some answers.”
Katie nodded as they walked down the stairs towards the front door. Remus was standing there with a smile. He gave her a hug and told her she was always welcomed to stay any time. She thanked him and returned the hug.
Katie opened the door, and Riley stepped out, she turned to her mom and smiled, “Thank you for everything and being so patient with me today. I do feel love, and joy when I see you and my siblings. Thank you for tonight.” Riley hugged her mom and held onto her tight. She felt Katie return the tight embrace. They stood there for a few minutes more until they finally let go. Katie kissed her daughter’s cheek and held her face in her hands.
“I love you, and I am so proud of you. You have done amazing things. You will do more amazing things. Your memories will come back. I promise sweetheart.”
“Thank you mom.” Riley said, blinking back the tears. She wanted to say I love you back but she wasn’t sure if it was the right time yet. “I will see you soon.” With one more hug, Riley walked down the steps and down the walkway until she came to the end of it.
She waved to her mom and Remus and with a small pop she was gone.
“Oh darling, I hope Albus has a solution for her.” Katie said, leaning against her husband.
“Don’t worry dear, we are going to do everything we can to make sure Riley has gets her memories back.” Remus kissed her temple and they stood in their doorway for a few more moments. Katie not taking her eyes off the spot where she watched her daughter apperated away. She hoped one day her daughter would remember.
***************************************************************************
Riley smiled looking at the two story log cabin. She could see some of the lights were still on. That would mean Hermione would be awake. She reached into her pocket and put out a set of keys. She wasn’t sure if Hermione’s friends were still around, but she hoped that they would be.
She walked up the two steps and put the key into the lock. She turned and smiled. Once she walked in she closed the door behind her and locked the dead bolt and the lock on the knob. She just wanted to make sure. She turned around and heard laughter coming from the kitchen.
She smiled and walked towards the kitchen. She leaned against the door frame and smiled seeing Hermione, Ron, and Harry cleaning up the kitchen. The three best friends. After Fiji, Hermione filled her in on who Harry and Ron was to her.
Riley explained with them, she didn’t feel jealous. Even when she saw her with Draco. Something always told her that Hermione would be safe. She wanted to make her presence known, but Ginny, and Luna came rushing with Susan behind them. Emma stumbled and fell right at Riley’s feet.
Riley chuckled and helped her up. Emma said thank you and Riley could smell the wine on her breath. She laughed, “Think someone had a little too much tonight.” Riley said, holding Emma up.
“You know Hermione was right, your eyes are very, very, sexy.” Emma said, touching Riley’s cheek. Riley looked up at Hermione who was blushing and all Riley could do was arch her left eyebrow.
“Think it’s time we get her home.” Luna said with a smile coming up to Riley and taking Emma from her.
“I’ll take her home. Ron, I’ll see you later.” Luna said and Ron came up to her and gave her a small kiss.
“I’ll help you. Come on Emma, let’s get you to Malfoy.” Ron said helping his girlfriend with their friend. They walked out of the kitchen and then Riley heard the locks being unlocked. Hearing that put an uneasy feeling in her stomach and she didn’t know why.
She heard the door open then closed and she turned her attention back to everyone in the kitchen. They were all looking at her as if she was a ghost.
“What’s wrong?” She asked, standing up straight.
“Are you okay? For a second you looked like you were ready to attack someone.” Harry said, leaning against the counter.
“Yeah, I’m fine. I guess the turning of the lock just made me feel uneasy for some reason.” She explained. Hermione put down the dish towel and walked up to her. She really looked at Riley and could tell something was wrong. Riley put her hands in hers and gave her a small nod. It was one of their signals that they would talk later.
“It’s getting late, we should head out.” Harry said with a smile. Hermione turned to him and nodded. They all embraced each other and Riley walked them all out. She said she would see them soon and waved one more time. She closed the door and locked both locks and turned around to see Hermione sitting on the stairs.
Riley put her hands in her pockets and slowly walked over to where Hermione was and leaned against the wall, “I didn’t mean to make them leave. I’m sorry.”
Hermione saw the pain in her eyes and shook her head. She stood up and gently took Riley’s face in her hands, “No you didn’t. It’s okay. They just want to spend the next two weeks finishing up some things. It’s not your fault. I promise love.”
Riley nodded and wrapped her arms around Hermione’s waist. Hermione closed her eyes and sighed having Riley in her arms is all she wanted all day. They stood like that for a few more moments until Hermione pulled away.
“Come, tell me all about your visit with your family.” She took Riley’s hand and led her to the living room. There were a few blankets on the floor and Hermione sat down taking Riley with her. Riley waved her hand towards the fireplace. The fire slowly started and they both sat back on some pillows. Riley had her arm around Hermione as she rested her head on Riley’s chest.
Riley let out a long breath and started to tell Hermione about her visit with her family.
“And I don't know what happened, I just started crying, my heart was racing as soon as I saw my mom. We held each other as if we lost each other. I mean, I know she lost me, but my mind was telling me she was a complete stranger. But my heart told me this was what I was missing for five years.” Hermione moved her head a little and looked up at Riley.
“Then, my two sisters, and brother. Again a rush just came over me and I hugged them like I was going to lose them. I just didn’t want to let go. All these emotions came over me and I didn’t know why. That’s when I got the idea.”
Riley sat up a little with Hermione following her, “What if I can get my memories back through my emotions?” Riley looked at Hermione.
Hermione fully sat up and started to think. She knew it wouldn’t be impossible and she has read studies about certain things that can trigger memories.
“Remus said he would owl Dumbledore tonight and ask about it. But what if we were able to get my memories back and my head wouldn’t feel like it’s going to split open.” Riley said, sitting up looking at Hermione.
“Remus mentioned that Muggles have done studies on people with memory loss. Certain smells, places, or sometimes even things can trigger memories.” Riley explained.
Hermione nodded, “I’ve actually read some of those studies after I saw you backstage. Tell me what did you feel when you first saw me that night?”
Riley smiled and sat up some more, “It felt as though I found someone I lost. Someone that I was looking for. You felt so right in my arms, and I didn’t want to let you go. You smell like strawberries and for some reason I just felt like I was home. Like I belonged to you. Like I was meant for you. Then, you left and all I wanted to do was chase after you and kiss you.
“I felt as though I found my forever and I didn’t feel lost anymore. I didn’t feel like there was this storm. For the first time in a long time I was at ease. I was at peace. I craved you from that night. I wanted to be around you all the time. I didn’t know why but my heart just knew. I just knew it was you. You were the one I was looking for and didn’t even know it.”
Hermione couldn’t help but let the tears fall. Riley moved closer to her and gently wiped her tears away.
“I think you waited five years too long for this,” Riley whispered. She cleared her throat and moved closer to Hermione.
“Hermione,” she said softly, “I love you.”
Hermione let out a sob and crashed her lips against Riley’s. She waited five years to hear those words again. Five years too long. She couldn’t believe she was hearing those three simple words once more. In this moment she didn’t care if Riley remembered their time together. All that mattered in this moment was them. Together. Finally.
*****************************************************************************
“Sean, they're starting to question everything.” A young man came rushing into his office.
“Settle down James. Everything is okay. Don’t worry. Mike and his parents can’t do anything.” He said with a smirk.
“There’s officers here asking about Jessie and Danille! What are we supposed to tell them?!” Sean got up from his desk and walked over to his nephew.
“No one is going to find them. They are well hidden along with Lavender Brown. Trust in this process James. It’s only a matter of time before we have Riley again.” He said with a smile. James still looked nervous. He wasn’t sure what to believe anymore.
He followed his Uncle since he was five and now that he’s older he’s been questioning everything. Ever since Hogwarts and what he saw Riley do. But had to keep playing his part. He just wasn’t sure how long he could stay by his Uncle’s side. He had to find a way to get to Riley and tell her everything. He just had to. Things were getting out of hand and this is not what he wanted anymore.
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Right Here Waiting