Hidden In These Walls

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Dearest readers, 

Before we enter this chapter I want to give a small trigger warning of a homophobic slur used. I do not in any way condone this behavior and instead want to bring light to issues like this. Read to your discretion. 

Sincerely,

The Author

Ah, a perfect crisp night. The snowflakes danced on the wind outside, and it seemed even they had even gotten ready for the night's festivities. You see that was the night of the Yule Ball. Something I had looked forward to for almost a month now. I had been biding my time all day, fussing over what to wear, and how I would present myself. I hadn't had a date, but there was always the opportunity to sit and watch from the sidelines and enjoy as others danced the night away.

"Alright, Ozwald," Professor McGonagall approached me after I had finally picked out my outfit, and made my way to the Great Hall where we all began to gather. Turned out we were having the festivities on the Durmstrang ship, which I was quite thrilled about, "I have a plan in place to ensure that things will go smoothly this evening!"

She smiled so widely that I had a feeling she was already up to something. It was rare for her to smile. She was so bright, that I worried about what exactly she had planned for the stranger in our midst. She, as much as others liked to deny it, was a master at cunning ideas. I was surprised to find out she was a Gryffindor, "Wonderful Professor! What might that entail–"

"Ozwald?" My eyes widened, and I spun around, my eyes still keeping the same shape of roundness as they fell on Lupin, standing in front of me with long dark robes, his mustache trimmed and groomed, curling gently at the ends, and his hair –oddly enough– was still quite fluffy, but combed back. I took a slow breath, "L-Lupin..." I couldn't help but stutter. I had never seen him look so immaculate before, and ruggedly still so.

"What are... what are you doing here?" I gulped and gazed up at him, taking a moment for myself to gain composure. Whatever was happening to me I could figure out later. I hadn't realized it myself at the time, but Lupin stared equally in shock at me. I would reflect on that later on that evening when I mulled it all over.

"I um.. I'm here on request of Professor McGonagall," He shoved his hands in his pockets, something I came to realize he did when he was trying to get himself comfortable. Much like shaking a hand in the air or making humming noises in the middle of somewhere much too quiet for someone's liking, "She said I'm to watch over you during the Yule Ball, said you'd need it?" He asked me as if it were ringing a bell. I took back my earlier statement. I pitied the stranger, but now I pitied myself more.

Not because I did not want to be around Lupin, but now, dressed in silly robes I was to stay by him all night, and try not to look like an utter fool– What was I saying? Why did that matter? Why did I bother with that...? I nodded, "Ah, I see..." I spoke apprehensively. I watched his face form into a frown, shifting his weight.

"Does this... bother you?" Lupin asked carefully, taking a pensive step forward.

"No!" I spoke a bit too quickly for my liking. I shook my head, get it together! "No, not at all, I'd enjoy your company," I gave him a small grin. He gave me one back, this one was soft and a gaze filled with what I only guessed was understanding and compassion. It made my anxiety melt just a bit.

"Wonderful, for now, we'll need to lay low during the ball. We'll blend in with the crowd," Lupin held his arm out in a hooked manner, waiting for me to grab onto him. A true gentleman, "You might blend in just so, Lupin," my grin turned to a beam. He furrowed his brow and tilted his head.