Ad Infinitum (Remus Lupin X Reader)

II • Primum Impressionem

II • Primum Impressionem • First Impression

I waited until all of the students climbed off of the train before following after them, hauling my suitcase behind me. I copied the students in front of me, approaching one of the many carriages that were lined up outside of the Hogwarts Platform. I stared with wonder at the skeletal horses that were reigned to the carriages, in awe of their leathery wings.

"Do you mind if I sit here?" I asked a student, sitting when she shook her head. I gazed out of the carriage, marveling at the castle and its surroundings. Ilvermorny had been grand but it was nothing compared to Hogwarts.

When the carriages stopped before the school, kids eagerly climbed out of the carriages and made their way into the castle. I, once again, waited for the students to lead the way. I tried to contain my excitement as I looked around the castle in amazement. It was beautiful.

"Miss Y/L/N?" a woman asked.

"Yes, that's me."

"Hello," the woman said. "I'm Professor McGonagall. Headmaster Dumbledore mentioned that you were to be an assistant to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Well, come on, then. I'll show you to his classroom, but then I'll have to be leaving. I expect he'll show you around."

Without waiting for a response, Professor McGonagall turned and began walking briskly through the corridors. I tried to keep track of the turns but found myself hopelessly disoriented by the time she stopped.

"Right through there, he'll be. I hope you'll feel welcome here. Feel free to find me if you have any concerns," she said. "Excuse me."

I watched as the woman turned and walked away just as quickly as she had come, leaving me alone in front of a door, which was cracked open. I knocked cautiously.

"Come in," a man called.

I pushed through the door, still lugging my suitcase behind me.

"Uh, hi," I said and locked eyes with the man I had seen on the train. In the lighting of the classroom, I noticed his face was scarred.

"Hi," he said, looking at me expectantly.

"I'm the new assistant," I said and smiled awkwardly.

"Oh, yes, of course. I'm Professor Lupin," he introduced himself while extending his hand, crossing the room in a few long strides.

"Wolf," I responded.

"What?" he spluttered.

"Lupin. It means wolf in Latin. Well, technically Lupus means wolf, and lupin means wolflike, or having wolf characteristics."

"Oh, yes, of course."

"Sorry, I teach Latin. Or, at least, I want to," I said quickly. "That's why I'm here."

"No, it's fine," he dismissed with a shake of his head, his feathery hair swaying softly. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Y/L/N. Dumbledore wrote to me about you, I remember. You're the one from Ilvermorny." He turned away and resumed unpacking his things, placing objects around the classroom.

"So..."

He looked up, his eyes darting down my body and then back to my face. "So," he prompted. I shuffled on my feet.

"Uh, I was told you might show me around. I have no idea where I'm supposed to be."

"If I'm being completely honest with you, I don't know either," he said and placed an inkwell on his desk before turning to face me, leaning back against his desk. "I can show you around after the sorting ceremony and dinner if you'd like, but I'd have to ask to see where you'll be staying. Until then, you may leave your things here."