Ad Infinitum (Remus Lupin X Reader)

XXXII • Dissensio

XXXII • Dissensio • Disagreement

"Where would you like to go?" Professor Baker asked as we reached Hogsmeade.

"I'd really like some tea," I said and rubbed my arms to ward off the cold. I had always thought Massachusetts was cold during the fall and winter months, but I had yet to find a day in Scotland where I wasn't cold.

"Hm," he hummed as he thought. "I try to avoid Madam Puddifoot's. They'll have tea at the Three Broomsticks, won't they?"

"I think they would," I said. "And if not, I like butterbeer."

"Is that alright then?" he asked.

"Sure," I said and followed him as he started toward the Three Broomsticks. "Why don't you like Madam Puddifoot's?"

"It's fine any other time except now," he said. "When all of the students are down here, they all go in there for dates. And it's nearly Valentine's Day. I just don't want to see any of my students there, you know?"

"That makes sense. I've only been there once and it was nearly empty," I said. "I can't imagine how it would be packed."

"Exactly. After you," he said and held the door to the Three Broomsticks open.

"Oh, thanks," I said and walked into the Three Broomsticks, noting the scent of alcohol in the air. It unsettled me, bringing back the memory of having to haul my father home just a couple of weeks prior.

"I can get us drinks if you'd like to find us a seat," he said. "Tea is the first option, butterbeer's the second?"

"Yes, thank you. I have money," I said and fished out a few coins, dropping them into his hand.

"You're sure? I don't mind paying for yours," he said.

"No, I'd like to pay for my own," I said and smiled. "I'll pick us a good seat."

I chose a table near the window and sat down, gazing out the window. It was a nice day despite the temperature, and the village was bathed in sunlight.

"Here we are," Professor Baker said as he returned and set down a cup of tea in front of me. "I didn't know if you'd want cream or sugar, so I got it without."

"No, I drink it black," I said. "Thank you."

"You're very welcome."

"What'd you get?" I asked, peering into his glass, which was filled to the brim with an orange liquid.

"Pumpkin juice," he said. "Would you like to try it?"

"Is it good?" I asked, wrinkling my nose skeptically.

"I like it," he said and pushed the glass across the table to me.

"You don't mind?" I asked and picked up the glass. When he shook his head, I took a small sip, immediately wrinkling my nose. I pushed the glass back to him and washed it down with tea.

"You don't like it?" he asked and took the glass from me.

"It's horrible," I said and took another gulp of my tea, fighting back the need to gag.

"It's good," he said and took a large swig from his glass.

"You're stronger than I am," I said and shook my head with a laugh. "I found it to be absolutely vile."

"Vile?" he asked disbelievingly, raising his eyebrows as he drank.

"From the Latin word vilius," I said. "Meaning of low value, although the meaning has evolved over time to mean extremely unpleasant. Actually-"