Redamancy - R. Lupin

Chapter 15 - Cafuné

Cafuné - (n.) running your fingers through the hair of someone you love.

E V A N G E L I N E

"Because I love you!"

The moment those words, words she had longed to hear for far longer than she knew, left Remus Lupin's mouth, Evangeline could have sworn her heart skipped a beat.

Despite the very crowded room, she only saw him, a look of shock on both their faces. He couldn't believe he said it, and neither could she.

What he was thinking, she didn't know, but Evangeline was ecstatic. Remus loves her.

The thought made butterflies run rampant in her stomach and she wanted to dance around the room in joy, but kept her feet grounded, making mental note to dance around her room later in private.

Seeing as Remus wasn't going to be the first to speak, funny since he was a Gryffindor, Evangeline took it upon herself to break the tense silence of the room.

"You love me?" She whispered, just loud enough for him to hear.

As if his resolve had worn away, Remus's eyelids fluttered and he looked away for a moment before nodding slowly. "Yes, I do."

A few seconds passed before there was a loud clap that rang out across the room. Prying her gaze from him, she looked to where the sound came from.

Grinning like absolute idiots, Lillian and Tonks sat together on the couch with Sirius and Harry, the two witches high-fiving.

"Pay up, Black," Lillian smirked, hand held out and a smug expression upon her features.

Sirius, currently sulking, dug into his pockets a moment before pulling out five galleons. Slapping them into the palm of her hand, he huffed.

"About time," Tonks beamed, draping an arm across Lillian's shoulder and sending Evangeline a cheeky wink.

Evangeline wasn't in the least bit surprised, but the same couldn't be said for Remus.

"You-You bet on us?" He stammered.

Lillian nodded proudly, "oh, of course. And naturally, I won."

"Yeah, yeah, we get it," Sirius grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.

Harry was sat between him and Lillian looking rather confused and slightly uncomfortable.

"Right then, we best leave them be," Tonks popped up from her seat, motioning everyone out.

As Tonks passed, Evangeline caught the eye of a stunned Molly Weasley, her gaze darting from her son to Remus to her.

Turning to Bill, she addressed him through grit teeth, still not over what had happened earlier, "you can fill Molly in since its your fault."

Bill, with a guilty expression, nodded and ushered his siblings and mother from the room. As he left, he cast a glance over his shoulder at her before shaking his head and leaving.

With the click of the door shutting, it was just Evangeline and Remus, eyes now returned to stare at the other.

Neither said a word for a long time, whether out of nervousness or not, it wasn't clear. Truthfully, she didn't know everything of what she was feeling, but she wanted to know what he was.

"How long have you," she paused, biting down on her lower lip, "loved me?"

Remus, his gaze briefly dropping to her lips, let loose a sigh, stuffing his hands in his pockets.