𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐙𝐄𝐒 ☾ r. lupin

₃₇ short lived

RHIANNON WAS not the type of girl to get attached super easily. She learned that from her mother when she got her first boyfriend. Not everyone stays forever, my love. She broke up with him 2 days after that, telling him that she didn't like him anymore. It was sad, really. He was a pretty thing for being 12 years old.

Her mother kept giving her advice for the next 3 years. Telling her to be weary of who she trusted because who would want to end up in a situation like her mother?

When Rhiannon heard about what had went down between Remus Lupin and Thalia Frilio during their defense lesson she couldn't say she was surprised. Disappointed, sure, but surprised? Everyone with eyes could see the affection both parties had for each other. Especially after that Hogsmeade trip, Merlin was that hard to watch.

Thalia had went ballistic as soon as her eyes met Rhiannon's. She ran about the store, looking and talking about every little thing. Rhiannon had felt pity for the girl as she watched her float about like a fairy on drugs. Only, she had held Remus a little tighter as she watched his lingering gazes because, even though she knew he didn't like her, she liked having something to herself. Something where he would compliment her ribbons and the bright colors she always wore.

It went against the things that her mother had said boys would be willing to do.

So, like the thoughtful girl she was, she met up with Remus and broke up with him. Right in the Great Hall before the lunch period ended. It was a riveting feeling, really, being able to put power right back into your own hands. Rhiannon was not to be trifled with, especially when it came to her own self worth. Her friends had said that to her over and over again as her mother played devil's advocate and told her to not have any worth at all by not taking risks.

__________

"Remus, good afternoon," Rhiannon was all smiles as she walked up to him. So he smiled back as he walked up to her, giving her a nod.

God he was uncomfortable. Sweat was dripping down his neck and his arms were especially itchy and burning today. Why couldn't this just be a normal day? One where he didn't have to worry about all of these things that no one else had to even think about.

"I believe we need to break up," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. It was straight and long down her back today.

Remus' eyebrows shot up as he looked down at her.

"Erm- wow, okay. I don't believe I can say no in this situation," he had said in a quiet tone.

Rhiannon smiled a bit at that. "No, I don't believe you can," she said.

Remus nodded for a second before asking, "may I ask why?"

There was the slightest of pauses before Rhiannon spilled all of Remus' dirty secrets. Ones that he didn't even know were secrets.

"Well, for one, I know you're in love with Thalia Frilio. I can practically see it every time you look in her direction. It's a bit nauseating to be honest with you," she teased, smirking up at him.

Sweat rolled down his brow. Right in front of her. Remus quickly wiped it away and smirked lightly at Rhiannon. "What gives you that idea?" He thought he saved himself.

"Merlin, Remus. Have you not realized it either?" She asked him, genuinely surprised. Her eyebrows went up and her mouth twisted in a way before it became neutral again.

"Realized what?" He asked, sweat beginning to course down his back. Remus needed to get out of there soon, or at least stop this conversation because it was making him worried. Embarrassed, even.

Of course Remus knew what Rhiannon was saying. He knew he was in love with Thalia. He knew that even before he started dating Rhiannon. He was a real dick, he knew. But he didn't want to be so alone anymore.

"I-," Rhiannon paused, composing herself for a second. He was playing with her. Why wouldn't he be? He was Remus Lupin. Before that, he was a Marauder. "I think you need to figure it out for yourself, darling."

Rhiannon smiled at him, kissed his cheek, turned around, and she walked out of the great hall. Her ribbons were red today, which for some reason made Remus feel worse about himself. After the stunt he pulled in his defense class, he wanted to go apologize to Thalia and to Rhiannon for putting them on the spot like that. Although, Sirius told him to never apologize for his feelings, just for miscommunications. That was the big one.

Apparently everything was a miscommunication now and he had some serious apologizing to do. Remus stared at the entryway to the Great Hall, imaging Rhiannon walking through the doors again to smack him, or punch him, or do something. But she never did and it made him feel even worse because she saw it coming.

Lily had come over and tapped him on the shoulder, bringing his attention back to her.

"Are you okay, Remus?" She asked, staring at him.

Once Remus brought his attention back he felt sweaty and hot. His jumper felt soaked through with sweat and his skin was prickly all over again.

"I- yeah. Yeah, I should be okay. You know how I get, Evans," he smiled at her.

Lilly raised her brow at him, scrutinizing him with a single stare. "That's not what I meant."

_____ A/N _____

hehe, it took me forever to write this. apologies lmao. that's all i really have for you, see you in a couple months probably :P

remember to eat and drink water <3