[One-shots] Harry Potter and more

[HS] Shadows in the woods

Galen heard footsteps on the gravel, then a rustle, and the entrance of the tent opened.
«Good morning, you better get up. The sun is high» said Lupin, with his head through the hole.

Actually, Galen was already awake because of the chills. The night in that place was
terribly cold, and if possible, the early morning was even worse.

Beside him, Rilo was lying down on the opposite side, completely still, but Galen suspected he had woken up too.

He stepped out of the tent and looked around: Lupin talked about the "high sun", but inside that forest there was too little of light to notice the difference. Hidden under the weight of the snow, the colour of the trees and the ground was extremely dark, and the gloom of that place had been accompanying them for days.

«Good morning, professor» Galen greeted.

«I told you, I'm not you professor anymore. Call me Remus» specified Lupin, giving him a bowl containing some kind of watery soup.

«Thanks...» replied Galen, examining something like a root floating in it.

«Strange morning» they heard behind them, «even if I'm getting used to».

Aster Pollywog was sitting on a stump, inspecting the air like a hound and smoking a pipe. As he inhaled the smoke, a golden tooth sparkled in his mouth.

«What do you mean?» Lupin asked sharply, while pouring another bowl for Rilo.

«Didn't you notice anything during your watch tonight?» the man answered back. He sneered conspicuously, biting his pipe.

«No, except for the quarrels of the Giants in the distance, like every night».

«What a pity...» Pollywog murmured. «I thought Werewolves had more developed senses».

Lupin remained silent, but Galen noticed that he was vigorously clutching the bowl.

Meanwhile, Rilo had made up his mind to get out. Galen showed him the meal, and after smelling it, Rilo smiled as if to say "delicious!".

«Take this. Is not much, but it will warm you and give you energy» Lupin said, offering him the last portion. Rilo looked delighted.

«What I want to say» remarked Pollywog, feeling ignored, «is that something is following us. It has been days. Probably since we arrived».

«Really? What kind of thing?» Rilo asked, chewing a stringy piece of root.

«I don't know yet» the man replied, «but it's certainly very careful, almost too much for a beast. It stalks us during the day and hides near the camp at night, no matter where we set it. I think it can see us despite the protection spells». Pollywog took a deep breath of smoke. «Whatever it is, it's very unsettling».

«If it's as you say, we should hurry up» hasty commented Lupin. «After breakfast, we'll leave immediately».

Shortly after, they packed their stuff and left the clearing. The ground was uneven and muddy, but they were proceeding at a brisk pace, and every now and then it seemed almost possible to enjoy the nature around.

«Profess... Remus» said Galen, walking past Lupin.

«Yes? Galen» Lupin turned to him and smiled.

«I wanted to... I mean, I don't think I never had a chance to tell you how sorry I am. About how it went last year».

«I appreciate you saying that, but don't worry. I suspected that sooner or later word would get out. I had the privilege of teaching extraordinary kids like you for a whole year, and that's enough for me».