under the stars | r.lupin

3 | the marauders' shadow

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Cassiopeia Morales navigated the corridors of Hogwarts, her mind clouded yet her senses keen. Though routine was gradually taking hold, the sense of alienation lingered. Each morning, she slipped from the Slytherin common room wordlessly, gliding through the castle like a phantom, eschewing unnecessary eye contact and dialogue. Despite her efforts, she couldn't escape notice. Her Spanish heritage and belated arrival had sparked rumors, and hushed conversations trailed her wherever she ventured.

The initial week was a blur of classes and adjustments. Cassie shone in theoretical subjects, but it was Defense Against the Dark Arts where she truly excelled. Her command of protective spells, coupled with her agility and composure, was remarkable. Professor Slughorn, ever-vigilant for promising talent, promptly extended an invitation to his Slug Club—an honor few Slytherins declined. Yet, she did.

Cassie preferred to lurk in the periphery, striving to avoid the spotlight. However, this resolve was tested daily by probing stares and persistent whispers. Though Hogwarts was expansive, its walls seemed to hold no secrets.

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On her way to Charms class, a burst of laughter echoed behind Cassie. She glanced over her shoulder to see four boys striding together, their Gryffindor robes billowing. She'd noticed them since her first day—they exuded a distinctive aura: charismatic, imposing, and unmistakably boisterous.

James Potter, with his perpetually tousled hair and trademark smirk, commanded attention effortlessly. Beside him, Sirius Black—equally audacious and irreverent—guffawed while trading quips with James. Remus Lupin, more subdued, wore a pensive expression, while Peter Pettigrew lingered just behind, slightly apart yet ever-present.

The Marauders, as they were known.

A group that inspired as much admiration as fear. Their pranks were legendary, their friendship unbreakable. Cassie observed them discreetly, intrigued by their camaraderie. It was hard not to be drawn to their dynamism, yet she felt a world apart from them.

As she approached the Charms classroom, she overheard James whisper to Sirius, followed by a burst of laughter. Their mirth echoed through the corridor, causing Cassie's cheeks to flush—certain they were mocking her. She hastened her steps, eager to escape, only to sense a presence suddenly beside her.

"You're new, aren't you?" The voice was soft, almost curious.

Cassie turned her head to find herself face-to-face with Remus Lupin. His light brown hair fell softly over his forehead, and his clear eyes held an attentive gleam—a stark contrast to James's and Sirius's mischievous looks.

"Yes," she replied warily, maintaining her pace.

Remus smiled gently, unfazed by her aloof tone. "I'm Remus. Remus Lupin. I'm in seventh year too."

She nodded, unsure how to respond. Though Remus seemed calmer than his friends and less prone to mischief, Cassie remained cautious of swift friendships. Her time at Hogwarts had taught her that things were rarely straightforward.

"You're from the United States, aren't you?" he persisted, his tone friendly. "We don't often see transfers in the final year."

"Yes," she answered, her reply even terser than before. She had no desire to discuss her past—not here, not with strangers, regardless of how amiable they appeared.

Remus, sensing her discomfort, changed the subject. "The Charms classes aren't the most riveting this year. But Professor Flitwick is an excellent teacher—you'll see. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Cassie thanked him with a curt nod, hoping he'd grasp her unspoken message: she wasn't here to forge friendships. Remus nodded in return before rejoining the other Marauders, who were waiting a few paces away.

Once alone, Cassie exhaled in relief. She savored the calm and solitude. Her life had been a constant dance of evading questions, shielding herself behind invisible barriers. Hogwarts, she resolved, would be no exception.

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Later that day, as Cassie left her Potions class, she found herself at a crossroads. The Slytherin common room beckoned, yet she felt stifled in that environment of calculated glances and measured gestures. Opting for solitude, she decided to explore the castle's less-traveled corridors. Rumors of the Astronomy Tower's tranquility had reached her ears—a perfect sanctuary for contemplation.

As Cassie ascended to the tower's summit, the sun hung low on the horizon. A cool twilight breeze caressed her face, and for the first time that day, she felt at peace. Leaning against the stone balustrade, she lost herself in the sky's canvas of pink and orange hues. Here, far from rumors, expectations, and secrets, Cassie felt truly herself.

Just as she closed her eyes to savor the moment, a familiar voice broke through her reverie.

"Beautiful view, isn't it?"

Cassie whirled around to find Remus Lupin standing there once more. He leaned casually against the wall, his gaze sweeping across the horizon. She frowned, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. Was he stalking her? Or was this a genuine attempt at friendship? Perhaps it was just another cruel joke, like the others seemed to enjoy.

"You seem to be everywhere," she said, her tone sharp.

Remus shrugged. "The Astronomy Tower is one of the few places at Hogwarts where you can find solitude. I come here to read or... reflect."

She narrowed her eyes, wary. "As do I—to be alone."

Remus smiled faintly, this time without pressing further. "I understand. I'll leave you be, then. But if you ever want to talk..."

He left his sentence unfinished, then slowly walked away, respecting her need for space. In that moment, something shifted in Cassie's mind. For the first time in ages, someone wasn't imposing their presence on her. Remus's respect for her silence unsettled her more than she anticipated.

As she watched him retreat, a question surfaced: was the solitude she cherished merely another barrier she'd constructed, hindering genuine human connection?