𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. ʀ. ʟᴜᴘɪɴ

nine

"All that for a bloody golden egg. He could've been killed!"

"Did you speak to him after the task? How is he?"

Remus sighed as he slumped down on a loveseat by the fireplace in his office, "A little beaten up, but fine otherwise. It could've been so much worse, Evangeline. What if the next task is worse?"

"I'm not saying I agree with what's happening, but it is what it is, the best we can do is trust that Harry will make it through in one piece."

He glared up at her, "Just a while ago you were suspecting that his name was put in the Goblet for malicious intent, worrying that he was too young to compete, and now you're saying this?"

"I'm trying to be calm... for you."

He ran a hand through his hair, "I don't need you to do that, Evangeline," he said with bitterness in his tone. 

"Remus, I-I'm only trying to help," she said, stepping closer to his desk. 

"You're not helping!" he loudly said, "Just leave, Evangeline. I don't need you here."

Evangeline felt her heart drop at his words. By the look in his eyes, she also knew he regretted what he said as soon as he processed it all. Before he could ask her to stay, Evangeline was gone. 

Those next weeks were dreadful for both of them. Evangeline and Remus said nothing to one another, not even sparring one another a glance while passing. Unbeknownst to both of them, they stole glances at one another when the other wasn't looking. 

Even the staff noticed. How they didn't sit together during dinner, didn't say hello to one another in the hall, and stopped mentioning one another in lessons. 

During the first snowfall of the season, Evangeline sat in the Astronomy tower watching it fall. The sun was rising, beginning a new day. She usually looked forward to the snowfall, it being her favorite time of year. But she couldn't find it in her to smile at the sight, her mind tracing back to being told she she wasn't needed by the one person she thought would never do such a thing. 

"I feel so bloody stupid," she muttered to herself. 

Stupid for thinking she was helping him by holding his hand and being the calm one. Stupid for thinking they might actually have something despite not knowing one another for more than 3 months. 

Later that day, she looked at her planner, groaning at what the date was. 

She had to teach students how to dance. Awkward, teenage kids that can hardly walk in a straight line. Then she thought to the event taking place towards the end of the month, the Yule Ball. 

She struggled to settle down her classes the closer the date got, everyone giddy about their dates and getting dressed up. She couldn't bring herself to care about the event, annoyed that she'd be forced to attend. 

She had a leg up, though. The majority of Slytherins come from pure-blooded families who keep up with tradition, one of them being dancing lessons. Teaching them was easy, she found light amusement at the thought of Snape teaching them. 

"They learned quickly," she said to Dumbledore that evening. 

"I'm sure they did, you're a wonderful teacher," he replied kindly.

She smiled faintly, sneaking a look at Remus from across the table. She met his gaze, and he quickly looked away. Dumbledore watched the interaction, "Do you mind if I ask what happened?"

She then laughed humorlessly, "It's ridiculous, really."

"How so?"

"He snapped at me. We got into a tiff, and we're both too proud to say something to one another."

He nodded, "Ah, but you're wrong, Professor Lupin is many things but proud... that is not one of them. I'd say he's too shy to say something. You're the proud one."

"It's only in my nature."

He took a sip of wine from his goblet, "I suppose so."

Days later, Hermione burst into her classroom after hours, startling the Professor profusely. She slumped down at a desk. 

"Miss Granger, are you quite all right?"

"Does it get any easier? Dealing with the male species?" she groaned.

She chuckled lightly, "What's brought this on?"

"Ronald just cannot seem to understand that I want him to take me to the Yule Ball! He's so oblivious! To everything!"

"I think you should take a step back and consider the fact that he's a boy. A teenage boy to be exact."

She sighed, dropping her head into her forearms on the desk, "Viktor Krum asked me to the Yule Ball. I said yes."

Now beside Igor, Evangeline didn't mind the rest of Durmstrang. From the light conversation she'd made with Viktor, he seemed like a nice boy. 

"Do you want to go with him?"

She shrugged, "I mean, yes, but... I'd rather it be Ronald."

Evangeline pulled up a chair to the desk Hermione was sitting at, "Look, if there's anything I can tell you, it's not to let Mister Weasley ruin your night. It's supposed to be special. With or without him."

She peaked up at her, "Are you and Professor Lupin alright?"

"Pardon?"

"I've noticed you two haven't sat together during dinners. He doesn't bring you up in his lessons... and you don't either."

She smiled weakly at Hermione, "That's not for you to worry about. Try and hold your chin up as best you can, but know it's okay be sad. I'm glad you've come to me, Miss Granger. Rather than bottling it all up."

"Everyone here really likes your class, I thought you should know," Hermione said, leaning her head up.

"I'm glad."

"Better than Divination," she grumbled. 

Evangeline chuckled softly, "You can stay here as long as you like. I'll be at my desk grading."

She stood up and walked back to her desk, and Hermione lingered in her room doing homework. Nearly an hour later, Hermione finally packed up her things. 

"Thank you, Professor."

"Anytime, Granger."