𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. ʀ. ʟᴜᴘɪɴ

six

Evangeline's words echoed in Remus' mind throughout the week.

Those scars definitely add to your charm.

Little did he know, what Evangeline had said also consumed her thoughts. She meant what she had said, but she didn't expect herself to actually say it out loud. The things that man did to her made her hate herself... almost. 

All of those thoughts were quickly pushed to the side when she heard a meek knock on her office door. 

"Come in!"

The door opened slowly, revealing Harry who looked a bit more downcast than usual. 

"Hi, professor, I'm sorry if I'm disturbing you..."

Evangeline stood up, "Not a bother. Have a seat," she guided him to her sitting area. 

She made the two of them tea and brought it to him, him giving her a quiet thank you. He glanced at her as she sat across from her, "What's troubling you, Potter?"

He fiddled with his hands, "I could've gone to Professor Lupin for this but... I don't know, this just felt more right."

"I take you two are close, yes?"

"Yes."

"Does this have to do with him?"

"No, I just don't want to worry him."

"And you want to worry me?" Evangeline asked with no malice in her tone. 

Harry quickly shook his head, "No, o-of course not, Professor, I just think... I don't know. I sort of came here on autopilot, if that makes any sense," he said, sipping his tea. 

"You can talk to me."

Harry sighed lightly, running a hand through his unruly hair, "This tournament, it's got people talking. Normally I can ignore it, but I hate everyone saying that I put my name in the Goblet or–or I'm some reincarnation of You-Know-Who. I didn't do anything, I didn't put my name in the Goblet nor did I ask for it to be done. I just hate everyone suddenly not trusting me."

"I know a bit of what that's like."

"Being accused of being a reincarnation of You-Know-Who or not being trusted?"

"The trust part. Many people in Ministry don't trust me. I had to fight hard to got where I did."

Harry furrowed his eyebrows, "B-But you're so well respected there, and here!"

"Respect, Harry, does not equal trust."

"Who told you that?"

"My mother, we don't exactly see eye to eye, but I have learned many lessons from her. Another one being to stay true to myself, despite her not liking how I turned out, I think part of her is proud I have done so."

Harry stood up, "What should I do?"

"Stay true to yourself, Potter. Those who don't bother to try and see you for who you are aren't worth being in your life."

He made his way for the door, "Thank you, Professor."

"My doors are always open, Potter."

Harry put his hand on the door, hesitating on opening it. He turned back to her, "There's actually something else..."

Evangeline tilted her head, "What is it?"

"The Goblet... I can't shake this feeling that my name being in there isn't just a coincidence. Does it not seem strange that me, the Chosen One, has his name in the Goblet of Fire?"