Moonstruck | A Remus Lupin Love Story

Chapter 6 : The Forbidden Forest

The forbidden forest was like something out of one of the fairytale books Esmeray used to read in isolation. The ones she used to dream about, to escape her reality. Her and Lupin had been strolling the woods for about half hour in a comfortable silence. Esmeray was too distracted by the enchantment of the woods. The trees grew like giants, sheltering the pair as they treked along the dirt path. Each trunk was made of a unique wood that swirled and curled up each branch like some fantastical art piece. The sun shon through the veil of leaves, casting a golden haze among the foliage. As they got deeper and deeper into the forest, Esmeray got more immersed in the spledour of it all, the dark wood, blackened flowers, gargantuous vines, mystifing creatures, curious noises. It was almost like she could sense how alive the place was, like her heartbeat was connected to the soul of the forest. She returned her gaze to the man now infront of her, and took him completely in for the first time. He stumbled over small stones, trying to hide his limp. He wore an olive green suit, that was covered with faded patches and poor stitching, like it had been mended many times. He dawned a knit sweater that was almost falling to pieces, and his enormous robes encompassed his even more tall frame. His hair was a disheveled mess of mousy brown, with a few pieces always managing to hang in his eyes. As Lupin looked around gleefully at the forest, Esmeray caught glimpses of his face. Though his complexion seemed ghastly at the moment, and his eyes had sunken into his skull, there was always a gentle warmth that radiated off his expression, and a kind light that lay in his eyes. He was quite handsome, Esmeray shamefully thought, even despite his obvious scars that ran down his face. She wandered what had done that to him, maybe something from the wizarding wars. She had learnt of his talents and courage in the wizarding war after overhearing conversations between Albus and Minerva. The scars didn't make her squeam or cower, she kind of admired them, and how they always glistened in the light. After another 10 minutes of roaming the woods, the path opened out to a small hill that over looked an enchanting lake. The water looked like it was made of liquid twilight, and it glittered and gleamed as if it were dancing with melted silver.

'Ah, here we are,' grunted Lupin, as he sat down, his back resting on a giant willow tree. Esmeray followed his actions, awing at the views infront of her.

'This place...its so...beautiful' she said into the silence.

Remus smiled, 'I found this place back when I was at Hogwarts, it was my little escape from reality...now it can be your escape too if you need.'

Esmeray looked to him and gifted him a genuine smile.

After more moments passed, Lupin spoke again, 'Look, I know you are going through a lot and its not going to stop, but I have had my share of...bad experiences, I may be able to understand some of what your feeling, and maybe help... if you let me' Esmeray looked back to the lake, mesmerized by its beauty. She appreciated Professor Lupin, but she didn't truly know him, she barely even told her guardians the full extent of her problems.

Lupin continued, 'I went through some horrors completely by myself, and it almsot destroyed me. In the end, I had some friends help, and it genuinely saved my life. So if not me, then find someone to help you, please...my offer still stands from that first day, if you ever need a friend or someone to talk to, I can be them.'

Esmeray let his words sink in. She enjoyed this. She enjoyed his honesty. He had shared this place, his past with her. She saw how committed to his students he was, and he had already saved her twice. Maybe she could trust him. Maybe, she didn't have to feel so alone. She turned her gaze to meet Lupin's and offered a slight nod, as she breathed out, 'ok'.

Lupin, satisfyed with her response, leaned deeper into the trunk of the tree and turned his gaze to the lake. 'Only when and if you are ready' he muttered.