Sweet Creature || Remus Lupin

Chapter 12

November, 1993

A WEEK BEFORE THE KISS Delia was called into Dumbledore's office. It was early November, before Ben coming, before the date with Remus, before the kiss, before things changed.

Dumbledore was sitting at his desk, twirling around a quill. Papers were scattered over the desk with the mentions of dementors and Sirius Black. He smiled as Delia walked in and gestured for her to take a seat. Dumbledore handed Delia a letter and watched as she read it.

Albus Dumbledore,

Today is November 1st, 1993. I have sent a letter to Cordelia, but please bring her to read this also.

Newt isn't getting an healthier and his health is actually declining. He wants to finish his book writing bucket list before he is gone. Writing is starting to get boring for him at home, he wants to travel.

He wishes for Cordelia to come home and travel the world with him. Newt is planning on going to Japan and Australia. I hope you can let Cordelia stay with us for the rest of the school year, its all he wishes for.

I understand her job should be most important, but I don't want him to be gone when she comes back.

Thank you,

Tina Scamander

Delia sits in silence for a moment, tears forming in her eyes.

"I forgot to read her letter. What will I do? I can't leave!"

"Actually Ms. Scamander, Ben Hill will fill in for your position. Family comes first and he offered. Apparently he received a letter as well." Dumbledore says calmly taking back the letter.

"Really?"

"Yes, you will leave November 22nd. Before Christmas break. This will give you a few weeks to pack. I hope you understand that you were an amazing teacher and peer to those around you. I enjoyed having you here, but with this on your mind, I think it would be best to let you go spend the final months with Newt and Tina." Delia looks shocked at his words and nods her head. "Mr. Hill will be arriving to Hogwarts in a few days and once you leave, he will take over."

"I- um, thank you. I appreciate letting me leave for this." She couldn't stop thinking about not being able to see the students again or possibly Remus.

"Your job will be available for you next autumn. Mr. Hill will only take the position until the end of the school year and you can come back the next year, if you'd like."

"That would be amazing! Thank you."

"You are welcome. Enjoy your day Ms. Scamander." Dumbledore stands and Delia follows.

"You too Headmaster!"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Then he kissed her.

Delia was taken back by surprise, it was short and sweet. Though she could still feel how smooth his lips are and the way her held her passionately, but still gently like a flower. She wanted to lean in more, but instead she leaned back.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to do that, it was too early, I'm sorry!" Remus sputters out apology after apology as Delia stands there. She takes his hand to make him stop.

"No it's not that. I have something I need to tell you." She leads him over to her desk and pulls out a letter. He reads it carefully, taking in every word on the parchment.

Remus looks up at Delia who is avoiding eye contact. "What does this mean?"

She looks softly up at him, "I'm leaving November 22nd to head to New York. I will be traveling to Japan for two months then Australia for the rest." Tears start to prick her eyes, "If my grandfather, Newt, is not dead by then, I will be spending the rest of my time in New York with him until he passes."

Remus stands there for a moment, taking it all in. He walks over to Delia and pulls her into a hug as she cries.

"I'm sorry for not telling you, but I didn't want to think about leaving or having to see him dying. It's hard to think about and I wanted to confide in you, but I didn't know how without hurting you."

"Please never do that, please confide in me. I understand. I would want to be there too." Remus takes her hands and she pulls them away.

"I can't get closer to you Remus. I don't want to hurt you, I don't want a long distance relationship. I can't do it. You are amazing, but I couldn't do it." Delia tries to turn away. "I'm sorry Remus, but I don't want anything with you."

Remus opens his mouth, then closes it. He nods his head and walks out the door.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR THE NEXT WEEK DELIA slowly told all of her classes about leaving a started packing her things.

She was distant, not talking to students as much. Always avoiding Remus who would try to speak to her. If she distanced herself now, leaving would hurt less.

By the time November 22nd came around, Delia took a muggle plane to New York and settled in Newt and Tina's apartment. Newt looked bad, his eyes more set in and duller, his fragile body barley able to stand without a walker.

Tina told Cordelia that he has a muggle illness, cancer. It's untreatable by wizards and he didn't feel comfortable going to a muggle doctor because of the weird instruments and machines they used.

It was rough seeing him this way, but Newt still made his jokes and cared for his creatures.

Letters from Remus and few students came, Cordelia only opened and responded to the students... never Remus'.

It was easier to try and forget, she knew if she responded, she would've started falling for him again.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N-

Alright shorter chapter so I am writing an authors note to get to 1000 words.

The rest of the story will be primarily written in letters. Then the end will be normal.

I will not start the Persephone story until this is finished because they connect and have some of the same OCs.

There will be at a minimum of four letters in each chapter, so I can keep the chapters long.

This is going to only have about 5-10 more chapters.

Have an amazing weekend and I might have another chapter posted tomorrow if I feel like it.

<3