Hidden In These Walls

CHAPTER TEN

Days went by and thanks to Madam Rosmerta, me and my fluffy friend had at least enough food to get by without starving. However, as time went on, I felt more and more guilty that I was just taking food without any reimbursement. She had a business to run, and patrons to take care of, and I had not been able to pay even a single time. As much as I tried arguing with her about it, every time she shut me down with, "Just eat up deary..."

On our way back from dinner I patted my stomach and hummed, "That was wonderful... I don't think I've eaten like that in a while... What do you think buddy?" The dog panted and groaned, taking a slower pace than usual. I chuckled at him, "I think you're right... Let's get inside and we can just relax..."

I went up to the door, unlocked the padlock with a click, and stepped inside. I gasped, there standing in the middle of the room—

"Hello, Ozwald," Professor— sorry, Remus Lupin— stood in the middle with his hands in his pockets smiling at me. I stood there shocked for a moment, I hadn't heard from him since late summer, right as I was taken under Moody's wing. The last time we had spoken he had been very adamant about me not calling him Professor anymore, to instead call him Remus or Lupin. It was still hard to get used to if i was quite honest.

"Pro– Lupin..." I muttered, closing the door behind me. I took a moment to take a look at him, he looked much more confident in his posture, his hair much fluffier and there was a twinkle in his eye. Then again, maybe that twinkle was the flame in the fireplace.

"It has been a while, you look... you look well," Lupin smiled warmly at me. I had seemingly forgotten that my buddy had been beside me, usually anyone, but McGonagall, had him growling and snarling. Instead, he trotted up to Lupin and barked up at him, sitting down right at his feet. Lupin chuckled lightly and leaned over, petting the dog, "Hello..."

"Not that I'm not thrilled to see you Lupin, but what are you doing here?" I took a step closer picking at the dirt under my nails, not taking my eyes off him once. I wouldn't lie when I say that his compliment made me only a bit flustered. Lupin gazed back up at me and stood at his full height once more. Fuck, I forgot how tall he was when I stood near him. I had to crane my head to get a good look at him. He reached into his pockets, his suit coat much nicer than I had last seen, without holes or tears or patches. He pulled out his hand and in it an envelope, "I received a letter... I assumed it was you."

I frowned and tilted my head, "No, I never did send a letter... How did you know I was here?" Lupin glanced down to the dog, again another look from someone else of recognition, "Well...." The dog whined and pawed at his pants, "I believe I heard something from McGonagall. She only mentioned it in passing. Said that you were having to hide..."

That made only a bit of sense. The only thing that furthered my confusion was that I was very adamant about no one knowing. Not that I wasn't happy, I needed the help, and I couldn't sit there and blame McGonagall for calling in some help.

"Well, I'm thankful that you're here..." my voice became softer, "I was worried since I hadn't heard from you in a while," I watched, the mirth in his eyes still held as he gave a sad grin, "I know I should have been there more, I figured you would have been so busy that I wouldn't be able to get ahold of you."

I giggled, what an odd man, he always presumed so many things about me. I shook my head, "Lupin, I would have answered you in a heartbeat!" Lupin gave a soft huff back to me. Honestly, I didn't think that I would miss a laugh so much. There was something that made my chest warm at the sound of it.

"I apologize Oz, I'll make sure from now on to keep in contact..." He hummed, "Sadly I can't stay for too long, I am to head back immediately to my place of staying, but I wanted to make sure you were alright," I almost forgot how kind he was, "Is there anything you need?"

"Food..." I spoke with a relieved sigh, "I feel terrible, I've been eating Madam Rosmerta's rations, and she refuses to allow me to repay her."

His chuckle became heartier, "That sounds about right, there's no arguing with her." Damn right, there wasn't. The first time I tried to offer she gave me a hard look, like a mother, waggling her finger in my face.

"I will repay–" I began, but he gave me a look, his head lowering to glare softly at me through his lashes. I bit my tongue, "Don't you worry about it, I will get you some food as soon as I can. It should only take me about a day to get here, and there will be plenty of it."

"Thank you..." My lip wobbled, I didn't realize how much that took off of my shoulders, "I... I appreciate you entirely, Lupin..."

"Take it as gratitude, for taking care of yourself..." He nodded and headed to the door, "Goodbye Oz.." He glanced down at the dog, "Goodbye, Padfoot, take care of him," Padfoot...? The door closed behind him with a soft click and I turned to the dog, "Is that your name? Do you know him, Padfoot?" His tail wagged harder than I had ever seen it wag, and he gave an approving bark. Padfoot... I wondered who sent him in the first place, especially if Lupin knew of him.