Delyth Snape

The Library

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A few days had passed since the whole Boggart fiasco, and thankfully, Hannah had bounced back. It was a relief to see her laugh again. The two of us were wandering through the courtyard, our robes fluttering slightly in the crisp autumn breeze.

"I saw you talking to Fred Weasley," Hannah said casually, though there was a hint of curiosity in her tone.

I brushed it off with a wave of my hand, avoiding her eyes. "Oh, that? It was nothing. Just ran into him in Hogsmeade."

Hannah raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced, but I was quick to steer the conversation back to something safer. "Anyway, what about you and Ernie? You two have been dancing around each other for ages."

A light blush crept across her cheeks, and she laughed softly. "Yeah, well, we'll see," she admitted, smiling. "He's sweet, but I don't know if it's...you know, like that."

I grinned, nudging her lightly. "I see how he looks at you. Don't be so quick to rule it out."

She chuckled, but didn't respond, lost in thought for a moment as we strolled through the courtyard. Eventually, we reached the entrance to the main hall where we had to part ways.

"Well, I've got to go," I said, pausing. "Cedric's waiting for me in the library. We've got that Herbology project together."

Hannah nodded with a grin. "Alright, alright. Have fun with 'Mr. Perfect." She gave me a teasing wink before heading off.

I rolled my eyes but smiled as I made my way toward the library. When I arrived, though, Cedric wasn't there. The rows of bookshelves stood in quiet stillness, the golden evening light filtering through the tall windows. I glanced around but instead of Cedric, my eyes landed on Professor Lupin, seated at one of the tables near the back, engrossed in a book. He looked peaceful, his hand occasionally lifting to turn the page.

I hesitated for a moment before walking over. He looked up as I approached, his expression softening when he saw me.

"Oh, good evening, Delyth," he greeted with a warm smile. "What brings you here?"

I smiled back, relaxing a little. "I'm supposed to meet Cedric, but he's not here yet."

"Ah, I see," Lupin said, closing his book gently. "Well, I hope he doesn't keep you waiting long. Herbology, is it?"

"Yes, sir," I replied, glancing at the book in his hands. "What are you reading?"

He followed my gaze, lifting the book slightly to show me the cover. It was an old, worn copy of a Defense Against the Dark Arts text, though the title was difficult to make out. "This? Just an old favorite of mine. I find it fascinating how much magical creatures reflect the world we live in."

I nodded, intrigued. "It sounds interesting."

"You're welcome to borrow it sometime if you're curious," he offered, his eyes twinkling. "Though, something tells me you already have plenty of reading on your plate."

I laughed softly. "A bit, yes."

Lupin closed his book gently. "Well, you're welcome to sit while you wait if you like."

I hesitated only for a second before sitting down across from him. The table between us was stacked with books and parchment, but the atmosphere felt oddly relaxed.

 "So, when's the next Quidditch match? Hufflepuff and Slytherin, isn't it?"

I nodded. "Yes, it's coming up soon."

Lupin tilted his head slightly, an amused expression on his face. "Do you play?"

"Oh, no," I said quickly, laughing a little. "It's way too intense for me. But I like to watch my friends play. Cedric's the Seeker, so I go to support him."

He smiled at that. "It can get quite competitive, can't it? I never played myself—more of the book type, like your father."

I paused at that. It reminded me that they had been at Hogwarts around the same time. But my father seemed older—harsher. Lupin seemed...different. Kinder. I couldn't help but wonder how this man could be dangerous.

I must have been lost in thought because Lupin cleared his throat softly and smiled again. "Is everything alright?"

"Oh," I said, snapping out of it. "Yes. I was just wondering what happened to Cedric. He should've been here by now."

Lupin gave a thoughtful nod, leaning back slightly in his chair. "Is he your boyfriend?" he asked casually, his voice light.

I blinked, surprised by the question. "No, he's not," I said quickly. "We're just close friends."

Lupin's smile widened a little, and he didn't press the subject. Before I could say anything else, the doors of the library creaked open, and Cedric walked in, slightly out of breath.

"Sorry, Delyth!" he called over to me, running a hand through his hair. "Quidditch practice ran late."

I stood up as Cedric approached, and Professor Lupin also rose from his seat. "No problem," I said. "You didn't miss much."

Lupin smiled at the two of us. "I'll leave you to your project, then," he said kindly, but before he left, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of chocolate. "Here," he said, handing it to me. "For some extra energy while you work on your Herbology."

I took it, smiling despite myself. "Thank you, Professor."

He winked, then nodded to Cedric before heading toward the exit. A part of me didn't want him to leave. There was something about his presence that was comforting—warm. As he walked away, I couldn't help but wonder again about my father's words.

Cedric looked at the chocolate in my hand, his brow raised. "Nice of him," he said with a smirk.

I shrugged, slipping it into my pocket. "He's alright," I replied, though my mind was still spinning with questions I didn't quite have answers for.