UNDER THE MOON, Remus Lupin

viii.

LOSING TRACK OF TIME

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Alice had a point. She made things very difficult for people. Or, in her wording, hard. Especially hard for Remus Lupin. He was catching onto her flirty and rather challenging reputation. In the past few days, she stayed with him after each class, given permission by Dumbledore to skip a block in order to help her mental health(because of Blue). From this, Professor Lupin learned a lot about Alice. She was a keeper for her Quidditch team, always wanted a dog, her favorite color was purple, and her favorite author was Oscar Wilde.

Not only had he learned a lot about her, but she of him. He kept many of the personal things to himself. Such as his disease which would be coming back in just a few days. That would be an awful few days without seeing Alice. Professor Lupin felt more guilty about missing their after-class sessions. She needed someone to talk to, and he needed to be there. He wanted to be there.

She trusted him, he didn't want to lose that trust.

It was hard to admit that he was liking Alice more than he should've. She was out of reach. She was his student, she had a boyfriend, and Professor Lupin wasn't normal. There were so many barriers between them, but they still found a way to meet in the middle.

"Remus... Would you want to watch the full moon with me tonight? They're so mesmerizing. Wouldn't want to share that experience with anyone besides you." Alice was so hopeful, excited to spend more time with him. She awaited Remus' response. But he looked heartbroken upon hearing that question. His eyelids narrowed and he looked down.

"I'm sorry. I can't tonight. I do apologize..."

Alice's nose twitched. Confusion overtook her- she tilted her head. "How come?"

"I think it's a good idea I inform you that I won't be in class for the next few days. Something personal has come up." Professor Lupin broke off a piece of chocolate, then handed the rest of the bar to Alice.

"Is everything okay?" She asked him.

Not in the slightest. He dreaded these nights. "Everything is fine. Don't worry about me."

Obviously, she'd still worry. But she wouldn't push the topic. "Well, do you have any favorite students yet?" She perked up.

Professor Lupin rolled his eyes at her. "Is that not clear?"

"No, who is it?" She wanted to hear it from him.

And he gave in. "It's you, Alice. Congratulations."

"I knew it," She excitedly thrust her fist in the air. "And guess what? You're my favorite teacher."

Professor Lupin wanted to one-up her and tell her she was his favorite person. But he decided against it. "Must be such an honor."

"It is, yeah. You should be thankful," Their little bantering was the highlight of her days recently. "I can tell that you're definitely not being sarcastic right now," she said, gently kicking him in the ankle.

They sat together on his couch, in front of a simmering fire. As usual, the room was filled with the odd tension that they weren't sure how to get through. It was thicker than a rock. Alice loved to tease him, and he loved to tease her in retaliation.

Although Alice was nearly all grown up, she still held onto her inner child. So did Remus. It was hard to let go of something that meant so much to you. The highlight of your life.

"You know, your sister is quite different from you. She doesn't talk all class." Professor Lupin shook his head in disappointment.

Alice gave him a dirty look. "You know that you love having me in class."