'Tell Me Pretty Lies,' by moongirlel

Chapter 44: Age Line

[Softcore - The Neighbourhood]

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Mon. 5th September 1994- 9:16am...

Noisy chatter from my fellow students filled the Defence Against The Dark Arts classroom.

Regardless of Draco's words weeks ago about needing to stay away from me, he was slowly becoming a hypocrite, saving a spot for me at the back of the classroom.

I place my books on the desk, sitting down next to him. "What's everyone so excited about?"

"Jane!" Neville came up to us. "Professor Lupin's back."

My face lights up, a big smile spread across my face. "How did you find out about that information?"

"Harry told me."

Right.

Perhaps Lupin forgot to tell me whenever we were all at The House of Black.

"I thought he resigned due to medical reasons?" I ask, and he nods.

"He's feeling much better now. Plus, Harry suspects Professor Dumbledore is paying him more." He laughed, walking off to his seat, at the front of the classroom, next to Kage.

The office door opens, and Lupin exits. "Yes, I know you're all wondering why I've came back after resigning." He leaned against the front of his desk, rubbing his hands.

"Professor Dumbledore asked me to come back, in a rather rushed manner. See, Alaster Moody was due to teach you all this year... However, his unfortunate and rather concerning disappearance has caused an uproar in the ministry. The Minister of Magic and Dumbledore does not wish for me to tell you this, but you deserve to know. I believe Deatheaters are on the move, heading for Hogwarts as we speak."

He pushed himself off his desk, pacing the room slowly. "I know you're all smart kids, most of you are already nineteen: so I'll keep this lecture short. Please, don't stray too far from Hogwarts. Disappearances is exactly how it happened before. First some wizards in villages no one knows much about, then they'll slowly expand and write lists."

Whispers erupted in the classroom, and Lupin patiently waits for it to stop. He lifts his hand, "I do not mean to cause any concern, but please take great care. I will warn you: Muggle borns and Half-bloods will be the main targets for these disappearances."

Glancing around the classroom, some students nervously shuffled. Hermione takes and deep breath, and Kage scratched the back of his head.

"Professor, do you think Hogwarts... is safe?" My brother asked.

"I won't lie to you, Harry. Or anyone of you... I'm not so sure." Lupin sighed, "That's why this year we'll be learning more defensive spells, and strategies - To protect yourselves out there, incase a suspicious character does wind up at your front door. More practical work than theory, my own personal decision."

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Being the last to leave the classroom, Lupin gestured me over. "Jane, may I have a word with you?"

I nod, picking my books up. I hug them close to my chest, crossing the classroom to him.

"I wanted to make sure you're feeling alright after the incident. You gave me and Sirius quite the fright, and well, we haven't had a chance to talk about it much.'