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The Girl in my Arms	By : PotionMaster Category: Harry Potter > General > General Views: 3779 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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A/N I don't usually do these but a virtual plate of chocolate covered Snapes with little chocolate werewolves to the first person to spot where the name for wither the Apothecary or the Bookseller comes from. They're a tad obscure.

Sex and Shopping 1

Bella was the first one to wake up the next morning. Slipping out of bed, she left the bedroom and put some coffee on. She curled up in one of the armchairs and sipped her coffee, waiting to see if her lovers would wake up on their own or if she'd have to get them up herself. *Why is it that I'm the only one awake? Again. I'm the one that's supposed to be allergic to mornings, but this is getting to be a habit! *

Pretty soon she could hear grumbling coming from the bedroom, followed by Remus' voice in her head, *Do you have to think quite so loudly this early in the morning? *

*Oops, sorry, * she thought, not entirely repentantly. *Wait there. I'll send you in some coffee and some Jasmine tea for Sev. I suppose he's awake too, is he? If not, jab him in the ribs or something, we've got a busy day ahead of us. We're going Christmas shopping! *

*Oh no we're bloody not! * Severus thought. *You two go by all means but I have a prior engagement*

*No you don't, * Bella argued.

*Then I shall make one! I am not traipsing around London while you search every shop in the city for the perfect present for everyone only to pick most of it up at the first shop you went in to! *

Bella glared at the bedroom door and then floated the drinks across the room to her lovers.

An hour later Bella and Remus were walking across the school grounds to Hogsmeade. Bella was stalking across the snow-covered grass with Remus trailing slightly behind her, occasionally chuckling to himself.

*I can't believe you did that, Bella. He's going to kill you when you get back! * Remus thought.

*Oh come on, he deserved it. I am neither obsessive nor pernickety; I simply like to put an appropriate amount of tht iht into my present shopping, unlike some people who march into the first shop they see and pick out the first vaguely appropriate item they can find. Anyway it'll wear off after a couple of hours so he'll have plenty of time to calm down before we get back, * she declared, not even slightly worried by Remus' comments.

*I admit he may have gone over the top in his criticisms of your shopping skills love, but was it entirely necessary to turn his hair that colour? Although I must admit, his face was a real treat when you did, talk about a Kodak moment, * Remus commented, chuckling again at the thought.

*What? You don't think pink's his shade then? * Bella queried with a grin. *Come on, we can apparate into London from here. I need to go to Gringott's first though, so I'll meet you at Florean's in about half an hour, OK? *

*Fine, I'll see you there, * Remus agreed, before disapparating.

Bella scanned the inside of Florean's looking for her lover. Spotting him sitting at a table at the back of the store engrossed in a copy of the Daily Prophet she walked over to join him, ordering a coffee from Florean as she passed.

"Bella, my dear, it's been far too long since I last see you in here. You're a bad child and so skinny. Do you not eat? I get you a large slice of my special cake to go with the coffee."

=No Florean, please, just the coffee. Professor Lupin and I are Christmas shopping. I promise we'll pop back later and you can feed both of us up then. Just the coffee for now though. = Bella signed after hugging the fatherly Italian.

He frowned slightly, "If you insist, but this afternoon I will make sure you and your friend have a proper meal. I know you young things, always rushing here and there, never stopping to eat properly."

=I promise you the House Elves at Hogwarts make sure we get three square meals a day. We're neither of us starving to death, but I would never turn down a meal cooked by my favourite chef, = she smiled charmingly at him and he flushed with pleasure before ushering her to her table and then bustling off to fill her order.

She sat down beside Remus and grabbed the paper from him, *What's so interesting, love? You didn't even notice me sitting down. *

Remus looked up, slightly startled that he hadn't heard her approach. *The Puddlemere United Keeper was killed last night and the Dark Mark was seen in the sky nearby. *

*Damn. The attacks are getting more and more frequent. They're becoming bolder too. Puddlemere's a small town, much larger than the villages they usually attack. *

*It's terrible. One of my old students is currently playing in their reserves. He was telling me that he was hoping to get a chance to play with the first team this season. It's sad that it's going to happen because of a tragedy like this. I'll owl him my sympathies when we get back to Hogwarts, I think.*

Florean arrived with Bella's coffee at this point and she thanked him and then deliberately put the Prophet down on the far side of the table and changed the subject.

*I got you this when I was in Gringott's, * she thought, handing Remus a piece of plastic.

*An Onyx Gringott's card? Bella…* Remus started but she interrupted him.

*Severus and I have a joint account there and I had them put your name on it when I got the card. I put a large chunk of my inheritance in it after Peter's 'death' and Sev's salary is paid directly into it. As is mine for that matter, not to mention the interest on my investments. The card will work in muggle establishments too. It has a spell on it, which makes non-wizards see it as an AmEx card. *

*You know that I can't possibly accept this, Bella! * Remus thought angrily. *I don't need your money. I can support myself, thank you. I'm nobody's charity case*

*Oh for Merlin's sake, why do you men always pull this macho crap when someone tries to be nice? I know you can cope on your own; you have done for decades. That's not the point, * she glared at him briefly before shaking her head in exasperation. *Do you have any idea how much money my parents left Peter and I when they died? No? Well, actually neither do I. I never bothered to try and add it up. I do know that you could buy the stock of every shop in Diagon Alley and not even dent the balance. My point is, I have more money than I could ever spend and Sev's not badly off himself. It doesn't do anyone any good just accumulating in a vault at Gringott's and we want to share it with you. I'm not going to move from this chair until you give in and accept this for what it is - love, not charity. Now you can argue with me for the next few hours until I eventually wear you down or you can save time and agree with me now! * She folded her arms across her chest and waited.

Remus stared at the card thoughtfully for a few moments before answering her. *Sev said it, you know? * he thought.

*What? * Bella gazed at him in confusion, the conversational left turn losing her completely.

*The other night, he said that he loved me, * Remus clarified.

*Wow. It took me months to wring that kind of admission out of him. How did you manage it in two days? * Bella asked.

*Well, he wasn't entirely awake at the time, * Remus admitted. *It was just before we both passed out on the floor. *

*Ah, you mean just after that wild sex romp the two of you had without me! *

*Bella! * Remus complained. *Could you be serious for just a minute, please? *

*Sorry. OK, so Sev said he loved you. What did you say? *

*I said that I loved him too. *

*Did you mean it? * Bella asked.

*Yes. I didn't expect to. Not so soon anyway, but - yes, * Remus admitted.

*Then what's your problem? Sev may be good at all this spying stuff but he's not up to lying to someone who just fucked him in to unconsciousness, so you love him, he loves you. All right, I don't suppose either of you wanted to admit it, but you did. I can't say I think it's a bad thing. If you'd stop trying to think it to death you wouldn't have a problem! *

Remus looked at her and then grinned. He stood up, slipping the credit card into his wallet. *You know, you're right. What is. is. Come on, let's see how much of a dent the two of us can put in your bank account. *

Bella followed him out shaking her head slightly, *Why do I think I'm going to be having this conversation again with Sev at some point? *

Remus laughed and pulled her out into the chaos of Diagon Alley.

*Where are we going first, Bella? *

*Knockturn Alley, if that's all right with you? I want to pick up some obscure potion ingredients and maybe a couple of books as part of Sev's Christmas present, * she sent.

*Why can't you shop in normal places? * he grumbled.

*For Sev's Christmas present? Why do you think? *

The two of them slipped out of the crowds that filled Diagon Alley and into Knockturn Alley. It was widely believed that no matter how outlandish your request, someone in Knockturn Alley could fulfil it or if they couldn't then they knew someone who could. The stores here often had a shady reputation and were generally only patronized by those with an interest in the Dark Arts. As an ex-Auror,Bella felt somewhat out of place amongst the criminals and dark mages who could be found here but she knew the secret to surviving a visit to this part of wizard London was to appear as if you belonged there. Showing her feelings would be the surest way to attract the muggers that lurked in the shadows. Besides, after fourteen years with Severus she was getting to be quite a regular around here.

*This way, Remus, * she thought. Their first stop was a crooked building whose windows were covered with cobwebs, probably to discourage passers by from staring through them. The walls were a dingy shade of grey and the sign that hung over the sturdy wooden door was faded with age and creaked as it swung in the wind. If you stared at the sign long enough you might just be able to make out the words "Balshazzar's Apothecary and Potioners".

Bella pushed the door open and stepped inside. A stooped figure emerged from the shadows behind the counter. He appeared to be old and frail and his voice quavered when he spoke, "What can I do for you, mistress?

=Balshazzar you old fraud, drop the illusion and tell me if you can fill this order, = Bella signed, handing over a scrap of parchment.

As he took the paper from her Balshazzar straightened up and seemed to grow several inches in height, his frame filled out as he did so and the frail old shopkeeper that they had seen when they first entered the shop became a well-built man not much older than them with raven hair pulled back in to a ponytail and a twinkle in his eyes. When he spoke again his voice had deepened and was now clear and strong.

"Didn't recognize you at first Madam Pettigrew. It's been some time since your last visit." He scanned the list she had given him. "I should be able to do this, it'll take a few minutes. Feel free to look around while you wait." He turned and disappeared through a curtain-covered opening in the wall behind the counter. Bella glanced over at Remus who had watched the exchange with astonishment.

*Customers expect an experienced potion-maker like Balshazzar to be old. He gets more respect if they think he looks like Ollivander than he would as someone our age, so he gives them what they want. Sev and I knew his father, the previous owner, so he doesn't bother with the act when we're around, * she explained.

*You have some truly weird friends, love, * Remus replied.

*Balshazzar is someone I know well, but don't think that makes him my friend, * Bella cautioned. *I respect his abilities and he respects mine but if it was in his interest to do so, he'd slip a knife between my shoulder blades without a second thought. If he were my friend I would have introduced you. As it is, you're none of his business so I didn't bother. Frankly, the sooner we get out of here and back to Diagon Alley the happier I'll be, this whole place makes my skin crawl. *

She turned her attention back to the shelves and was inspecting a jar of Phoenix feathers when Balshazzar returned. He put a tray of glass jars and phials on the counter.

"Did you want some of the feathers too?" he asked.

=No, I'm teaching at Hogwarts now so I can probably talk Fawkes into shedding a few for me if I need them. =

She handed the shopkeeper a small leather pouch and started to load the jars into a satchel she was carrying, shrinking them all first to save on space. Balshazzar emptied the pouch onto the counter and quickly counted the coins. Slipping them back into the pouch he nodded at Bella and bid her good day.

Back out on the street, Remus asked, *Is that it? Can we get back to Diagon Alley now? *

*Sorry, one more stop. But you'll like this one, it's a booksellers, * she apologised.

Bella led the way further along Knockturn Alley and away from the comforting lure of Diagon Alley towards a tall thin building that looked like a light breeze would demolish it. A bell tinkled merrily as she pushed the door open. A tall slender man with long white hair, similar to Dumbledore's and green eyes, which twinkled merrily from behind a pair of metal-framed spectacles, greeted them.

=Professor Faber, = Bella greeted him warmly. =Is your partner around? I'm looking for some books on Potions. =

"Bella, my child, so good to see you again. Montag is somewhere on the second floor I believe, probably with his nose stuck in a book somewhere. Who's your friend? I don't believe we've met," the elderly gentlemen replied.

=Oh sorry. This is Professor Remus Lupin, from Hogwarts. Remus, this is Phileus Faber, emeritus professor in medieval history at Merlin College, Cambridge and part owner of this store. Remus is a real bookworm, Phil, so you've got a lot in common. I'll leave you to chat while I go and bother Artemis, = she answered.

*Phil set up shop here because he didn't like the Ministry dictating which books he could sell, Remy. He's harmless. I'll be back soon, * she sent to Remus before running up the stairs in search of Phileus' elusive partner.

Upon reaching the second floor Bella started to search for Artemis Montag. The room was full of bookcases that touched the ceiling but she remembered from earlier visits that there was a study area set up near the windows at the back of the store. She picked her way between the bookcases and around large stacks of magazines that had yet to be sorted and put away and finally spotted him. Artemis was bent over a book which looked like it was at least a couple of centuries old and probably hadn't been opened in that time, going by the amount of dust on it. He was busily scribbling notes on a long roll of parchment and didn't hear her approach. When she was about ten feet away from him she clapped her hands together to get his attention and he leapt to his feet, drawing his wand and knocking the chair over as he did so.

"Arabella," he yelled at her. "You know better than to sneak up on me like that!"

=Why do you think I decided to attract your attention from over here rather than just putting my hand on your shoulder? Last time I tried that you broke my wrist. And I wasn't sneaking up on you but I could hardly call your name now could I? =

He lowered his wand and took a step towards her, pulling her into a bear hug. She briefly returned the embrace before pulling free.

"To what do we owe the pleasure of your company, young lady?" he asked.

=I'm looking for a couple of books to make up part of Sev's Christmas present but I need a word in private first, if that's OK, = she signed.

He glanced towards the stairs and raised an eyebrow.

=I brought Professor Lupin with me and then told Phil what a bookworm he is. They'll be waist deep in books by now and I'll probably have to pry Remy away when I want to leave, = she explained.

"Then pull up a chair and tell me what's bothering you," Artemis invited, indicating a spare chair and setting his own back on its feet.

When they were both settled he indicated that she should begin.

=I'm working for the Ministry again, = she started.

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me? After the way that idiot Fudge treated you? What on earth possessed you?" Artemis exclaimed.

=Apparently that was all part of some master plan to make me appear to be a prime candidate for recruitment by the Death Eaters, = she explained. When he started to speak again she waved his interruptions away, = Yes, I know it's bloody stupid idea, but it's Fudge, what do you expect? Anyway Sev's going to 'seduce' me into joining the bad guys and I'm going to feed the Ministry information. Albus knows all about it but I don't want to let the whole Order in on things yet. I know you work with them though and I could do with a source of information that I can trust and I'm not entirely convinced the Ministry can provide that. =

"Bella, you know I don't do that sort of thing any more. I'm quite content to sit here and read my books in peace and quiet. I've left all that rubbish behind," he objected.

=Yes, I know and I'm not asking you to get back into it, but I know you still hear things. You've still got a great network of contacts so don't even try to tell me you haven't. I'm just asking that anything you hear you pass on to Sev or me. If you can't get hold of either of us leave a message with Remy, he should be able to find us at all times. If it's an emergency he'll be able to get us a message and if not he'll tell us when he sees us. You can trust him as you do me. = She looked him directly in the eyes, =So, are you in? I could really do with the help. =

"OK, OK, anything I hear I'll pass on but I'm not going out of my way to look for information," he agreed.

=That's all I'm asking. Now about these books - I need something Sev won't have already, preferably something he'd have trouble getting his hands on. =

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The Girl in my Arms