The Wolf's Den [Remus Lupin]

24 - Spring Blues

CW: Contains smoking marijuana and mentions/shows abuse

-Alula-

It had been such a shit week and the weekend hadn't been any better. By Monday afternoon, my eye had started to heal but it still ached. Madam Pomfrey had gotten the blood out of my eye but I felt like everyone could tell especially after my conversation with Remus. I had figured out which spells he was trying to tell me about, but I still hated that he figured it out. By this morning, the bruise had started turning yellow so I knew it would be disappearing soon.

Today was Thursday. Marlene had been telling Lily and me about what she overheard Inkwood talking about during detention last night but Lily and I had to go to Ancient Runes. Today's lesson felt like it was going on for hours so I let myself drift into my daydreams.

I was worried about Finn and what was happening back in London. He seemed bothered by my concern which was annoying me. I leaned my hand on my cheek for half a second before wincing. I was reminded every time I squinted to look at the board, leaned my hand on my face, or even turned my head too quickly of my eye and the fight with Finn. After what felt like hours, Professor Babbling finally dismissed us. "Another snoozer, huh?" Marlene asked. I scowled at her.

"Well, it looks like Professor Binns has an excellent class for you today," A voice that was all too familiar rang in my ear. "But I'm afraid it might have to wait a moment."

"Hi, Professor Inkwood," I smiled and hid my hands instinctively. I had taken off Finn's ring after the fight and was trying to plan how long after he got back from London I should break up with him, but I didn't need Bri blowing my cover or telling my mother before I got to.

"May I speak with you for a moment?" She asked.

I nodded. "What is it, Professor?" I asked as we walked.

She brought me over to a pillar and smiled down at me. "I'm just relaying a message from Mr. Rowle, I'm afraid. He will be back to school at the end of the day and he wants to meet you by the greenhouses tonight around seven."

I forced a smile and nodded. "Thank you, Bri. I appreciate it." I didn't want her to notice how afraid I was. Who knows what she knew? I couldn't trust her anymore. "Was there anything else?" I tried to sound genuine.

"No, just that. Have fun in class, I hear you'll be going over Josephina Flint's time in office as Minister. Good luck!"

"Oh, Merlin," I sighed and she chuckled lightly, pushing me back toward the classroom.

Throughout the class, I couldn't help but daydream yet again as Binns droned on about the old Minister but I ignored him. I was trying to track when the next full moon would be to test my theory, though I would forget about it by dinner.

I was standing at the back of the Great Hall trying to figure out what I was supposed to do when I met up with Finn. He wanted to meet by the greenhouses which meant he'd probably want to smoke, but would he tell me what happened? Was it a trick? My mind was spinning so I took another puff of my fag. I was lost in thought when his voice came through my thoughts from behind me.

"Hello, my dear." Finn's hand snaked around my waist and I was immediately uncomfortable. "Can you meet me after dinner? I didn't know if Inkwood had gotten to talk to you."

I turned around to face him and continued smoking. I was shaking but tried my best to cover it up by pulling my jumper tighter. "She told me." I held my ground and he dropped his arm. His face seemed stiffer than usual. His hair was combed and he was wearing dress robes. "So you've just gotten back?" I assumed.

"Yes, I've already eaten but I'm going to change before we meet later. I thought it couldn't hurt to check and see if you were nearby, and here you are." He smiled a stiff pursed-lip smile.