Her Tulip Heart | R.J. Lupin

Chapter 14

Alethea couldn't have been more embarrassed. First she was embarrassed because she got pushed over and Remus had to catch her, and second because of this awkward tension they were sharing as they made uncomfortable eye contact. Remus had a calculating look in his eye as he studied her face, meanwhile Alethea was trying to look anywhere but him. Attempting to forget about the fact that his very warm hands were still gripping her arms.

Coughing awkwardly, Alethea willed herself to look back at Remus. This brought him out of his trance, allowing himself to let go of her and regain his focus.

'You wanted me to stay back for something sir?' Alethea questioned him, wanting to leave as soon as she could so she could make it to tea with Hagrid. Remus cleared his throat before answering and took a step backwards, inching closer to the front of his desk.

'Indeed I did, I wanted to speak to you about your Patronus in private.' He spoke in a slow manner. Now he had his arms folded as he leaned against his desk. Alethea urged herself to focus, to save herself from further embarrassment.

'About that, I'm truly sorry I let it run around that long. I wasn't thinking about how off putting it must've been for you.' She apologised genuinely, not noticing how Remus was shaking his head at her answer. Because he wasn't expecting her to apologise for it, he also couldn't fathom how she was even thinking about how it effected him at all.

'There is nothing you should be apologising for.' He started wholeheartedly. 'I should be the one apologising to you for dampening the mood whenever I see or hear anything about a wolf.' Remus said the last word quieter than the rest.

Alethea really wanted to give him a hug and tell him that she understands. But, she doesn't understand what it's like for him and maybe she never will. That's why she just nodded along with what he was saying as she thought of how to carefully word her next sentence.

'I personally don't know what it's like for you Remus. But what I do know is that you need to realise, even if it's not today but in a couple years, that wolves are beautiful creatures and not all of them haunt children's dreams at night.' Alethea explained to him softly, with Remus soaking in every word she said, even if he didn't believe it. He just hoped she was right, and that he would eventually believe that what she was saying was true.

'Yes erm...I suppose you're right.' He responded in a small voice, in a tone that revealed he didn't believe the words she spoke were true. Alethea just shook her head gently at him, understanding that he'd need time to believe her. Vowing to herself that she'd be the one to remind him that what he turned into once a month, didn't define who he was as a person.

'What I was intending on asking you how long you and your friends have been able to produce a Patronus for? Because those Patronus', especially yours, were really powerful.' He asked her, unintentionally complimenting her as well. At this, the apples of Alethea's cheeks turned a light shade of pink.

'I think it was some time in our fourth year' Alethea began to tell him part of the story, his eyes were solely focused on her, genuinely interested in what she was about to say. 'It was after I had read this book in the restricted section of the library, and I wanted to try it with Stella and Addy.' Alethea concluded.

Remus just raised his eyebrows at her, not fully believing her shortened version of what he assumed was an actual story. 'So, you're telling me that you learned the Patronus Charm out of sheer curiosity?' He questioned her with an unbelieving look on his face. Heaving a guilty sigh, Alethea sent him a sheepish look, not wanting to reveal to him why they learned that particular Charm.

'That is what I'm going with, yes. Perhaps, one day I'll tell you the true reason.' Alethea said, with a dramatic hand over her heart as she said the last two words. Remus just chuckled at her antics, knowing he wouldn't get a full answer until she was ready to share it.

'And if that was all you wanted to talk to me about, I'd appreciate if you could excuse me. Because I don't want to keep Hagrid and the girls waiting.' She spoke to him in a kind tone, deep down not actually wanting to leave his presence.

Remus nodded in understanding. 'Of course, enjoy your afternoon and weekend Alethea.' He said with a smile. Hearing him say her name made her blush harder, but thankfully she turned away towards the door before he could see.

'Thank you, you too sir-mus. Remus sir-' She fumbled over her words embarrassingly, deciding to just close the door behind her and not look back. Although, she could hear his chuckles from the other side of the door.

'Sir-mus! Who says that?!' Alethea huffed to herself in frustration. 'Remus sir, who was I kidding?' She asked rhetorically. 'May as well have saluted him on my way out.' She mumbled bitterly to herself as she walked after for the DADA classroom and towards the courtyard, where she'd then make her way to Hagrid's hut.

———~~~———

The following week proved uneventful, although during every DADA class, Alethea avoided meeting Remus' eye whenever she knew he was looking at her. This was purely, because of their previous one-on-one conversation, and the fact that she was still severely embarrassed. To make matters worse, he seemed to be mocking her, by calling "Have a wonderful day Grindle Miss" on her way out of the classroom. She turned bright red, directly after he said it both times. Adelyn and Estella were in hysterics after Alethea had shared with them why she was so red in the face after speaking with Remus.

Everyone was beginning to notice how Hogwarts's halls were lined with orange and black bunting, cobwebs (Alethea wasn't too sure if they were real or fake) started appearing on walls and what everyone hoped were fake spiders, lived in the webs within the Great Hall. You could hardly miss the carved pumpkins, adorning looks as cute as a Puffskein. Or some wore a menacing smile that looked oddly like Filch when he caught the Weasley twins for one of their pranks, were found to be sat atop unoccupied space on hardwood tables throughout the entire castle.

The answer as to why Hogwarts decided to reverb the decor was simple; Hallowe'en was approaching. With Hallowe'en day, came the first Hogsmeade visit of the year - a huge hit amongst students third years and above. But, that wasn't what Alethea was most excited for. Sure, she loved grabbing a butterbeer with her friends, but that was an option all year round after October. I mean she definitely did love the Hallowe'en feast every year, that was probably the best feast of the year. But no, what she was excited for was an occasion that only once a year; the annual Hufflepuff Hallowe'en party.

This particular party took place in the Hufflepuff common room, on the last Saturday of October. The party usually started at eleven o'clock on the dot. Professors and prefects tended to turn a blind eye after curfew for the occasion. This would be Alethea's third year in attendance, as the party was strictly for fifth to seventh years. Anyone younger, even those in the host houses house themself, was hexed away due to a barrier created. Everyone who has ever attended the party loved it, not only because they could mingle and chat with friends and meet new people. But also because this was their opportunity to dress up slutty, or express themselves and be stupid with friends.

That's why the seventh years felt bittersweet about Hallowe'en this year round. Because it was their last chance to have fun with friends like this after curfew, and have drunken meaningless hookups they'd laugh about years after they graduate. That's why Alethea was so excited for Hallowe'en this year. Because she didn't know what it'd be like when they leave their second home; no one knew what would happen to them when they left. That's why all the seventh years just wanted to live in the moment, which was the calm before the storm. The unpredictable storm, that would lead to war and disaster.

*Hey y'all, I just wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who is reading this story. It really means a lot to me! Also, I'm really excited for the next chapter; because for some reason, I just adore party scenes in fanfics and I can't wait to share my own. And we can't forget our pal Sirius will be breaking into the castle ;)

Don't be silent readers! Leave your thoughts in the comments please 🙏*