Sapphire Bonds ☾✦ Poly Wolfstar

I. Quidditch Pitch p.1

November 1976

Remus's heart beat faster in his chest every time he felt a note from Amanita in his pocket. Although they hadn't planned to study together in the library today due to her practice, he couldn't wait for the evening. The unexpected invitation for a walk around the stadium after dark made his stomach churn.

Amanita was pretty, that's for sure, but he knew many pretty girls, and none of them piqued his curiosity like she did. It didn't take him long to realize that the Slytherin girl didn't share all the values her house boasted of. That was enough to make their study sessions enjoyable enough that he sometimes forgot about her green robes. And when she kissed him there among the bookshelves, in the almost empty library, he couldn't deny that his heart beat faster. He wanted to get to know her... he had to get to know her better. Even if he had to do it behind Sirius' back.

Amanita couldn't help but let a gentle smile form on her lips. Still dressed in her green sweater, she had only managed to freshen up and tidy her hair after two hours of flying on her broom. Maybe the stadium wasn't the ideal place for a meeting, but it was quiet and peaceful here in the evening. But most importantly, they could be alone here. She truly hoped the boy would show up today. She wanted to spend some time with him outside the library, away from the atmosphere of studying and the gaze of other students.

She rose from the bench when she saw a tall boy heading towards the stadium entrance. Fidgeting with her fingers behind her back, she took a few steps in his direction.

"Hey..." she greeted, sending him a warm smile. "I was afraid you wouldn't come."

Remus glanced at the ground, slowly shaking his head before raising his gaze to her. He wasn't the type of person to judge someone based on prejudices. Amanita was the first Slytherin who had asked him for help with potions since the beginning of their sixth year. The prefect couldn't bring himself to send the girl to detention after finding her asleep over one of the books long past curfew. Since then, he had been eagerly looking forward to their study sessions, but he never allowed himself to hope for anything more. Now she had given him hope, and his mind and heart were racing.

"Of course, I came," he replied, unable to restrain the sweet, genuine smile that spread across his face.

"I wasn't sure if you'd want to meet outside the library."

Amanita stepped a bit closer and gave him a brief hug in greeting. Remus froze for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest as he hesitantly returned her embrace, unsure of his own intentions. But it was a pleasant feeling. Amani smelled of fresh air, and although she wasn't too short, for a moment he thought she fit perfectly in his arms. Memories of time spent with Sirius briefly flashed through his mind.

"I'm glad you invited me," Remus said, looking down, guilt growing with each moment he spent close to Amanita. Sirius was usually the one pursued by girls, so Remus had no idea how this game was being played. He only knew that he absolutely wanted to be here now. "I can't think of any other place I'd rather be, especially after those long, exhausting days."

"Oh..." She looked up at him as they began to walk around the almost dark field. "Was something specific so terrible?"

Remus remained silent for a moment, considering his response, then sighed and shook his head.

"A few... personal matters," he said, rubbing his tired eyes before shifting his gaze to the moonlight. "I'd prefer to discuss them on... another occasion. Does that bother you?" he asked, his brows furrowing in concern for her.

"Of course not," she replied, offering him a reassuring smile and gently rubbing his arm. She didn't want to pry about sensitive issues, especially when they were just getting to know each other.