Safest Place in the Wizarding World

Chapter 4

Remus could look at himself in the mirror the next morning. After their kiss, Alexandra left without another word, leaving Remus confused, vulnerable, and alone. He wasn't certain if he had overstepped or not and her vague reaction didn't help ease his mind. He had more questions than answers. How had someone like her gotten involved with someone like Barty Crouch Jr? Just how much danger was she in? Who could he talk to that wouldn't give away information? Remus had gone to breakfast as early as he could that morning, hoping not to run into Alexandra. She wasn't much of a morning person but granted, neither was he. He wasn't ready to have that inevitable conversation of "What are we? What are we doing?" She didn't know about his condition and it would probably scare her off if she did. He didn't have the heart to lie to her but he also couldn't bear the thought of losing their friendship. Rejection was something Remus was used to giving and receiving that he could handle, but friendships are more sacred, more precious, and powerful. He had lost and been betrayed by too many friends to let himself go through that all again. After an attempt to nibble at a pumpkin pasty and sip his morning tea, Remus pushed back his plate and staggered to his feet. He dragged himself out of his sleepy haze and made his way across the castle, losing most of the journey to his exhaustion-addled brain.

When Remus reached his office, he found the door was shut and low voices were coming from inside. He could tell the full moon was on its way with how heightened his senses were; he could almost smell the perfume from behind the door.

Miss Priestly, you have to trust that Albus and I are on your side-

He could hear McGonagall talking to Alexandra, but he wasn't sure if he should interrupt their conversation or keep listening

But should I trust Remus? I'm afraid I told him more than I should-

There was a long pause before McGonagall responded.

Albus and I trust him, and so should you.

The invading feeling of hearing his own name in conversation made his chest tight. Of course, Alexandra was wary of trusting anyone again, but why would she bring it up to McGonagall, unless she already had some reason to be wary? Not wanting to hear anymore, Remus backed away from the door slowly and waited by the front desk.

It wasn't long before McGonagall hurried down the stairs above him and quickly shuffled out the front door of the classroom without even looking back to say good morning to Remus, which was probably best. He wasn't in the mood to talk much.

He snuck up the stairs, trying not to disturb Alexandra, who was enjoying her morning coffee in private at her desk while reviewing lesson plans.

"Remus!" She gasped. He saw her eyes light up like twinkling stars when she saw him standing in the doorway. It made his heart melt to see her smile. Maybe their friendship wasn't forsaken after all.

"I just came to check-" His words were interrupted by Alexandra throwing her arms around him and holding on as though she were going to fall. He was taken aback but he quickly fell into her embrace. Her perfume is what he has smelled earlier and it was intoxicating. When Alexandra pulled back, Remus saw the look in her eyes telling him that she felt safe, but he wasn't sure if he was understanding the words coming out of her mouth or if he was staring too hard at her lips.

"Remus, are you alright? You look exhausted."

"What? Oh yes...well probably because I am." He laughed. "I'm sorry it's been difficult for us both to sleep, I'm sure."

"I hope I haven't kept you up too late, I'd hate for you to get sick because of me," Alexandra said coyly pushing the hair back behind her ears.

"I'm sure I'll be fine..." He whispered as his thoughts trailed off again. Remus shook his head at his stupidity. He couldn't believe he was buying his own lies; he knew he wouldn't be fine, not if he kept lying to her about himself and breaking her trust.