Over the Edge [ Lupin x Evans ]

Chapter 19: Library alliance

Sixth-year students at Hogwarts who had chosen Herbology as an elective gathered one chilly October morning in Greenhouse Number Seven, which was the largest one at the school. As each house's representatives stepped inside the glass building with its towering ceiling, they were met with a striking sight. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow on a young, flourishing Whomping Willow.

"Over here, please!" called Professor Sprout, as the students paused at the threshold of the greenhouse. Lily moved closer to the tree, which was surrounded by a magical protective barrier. The tree didn't appear to be as mighty as the one on the Hogwarts grounds, but it was still impressive.

"Please don't touch the shield, Miss Evans," warned Professor Sprout, and Lily immediately stepped back.

The students slowly found their seats. Once a small group was ready to begin, Professor Sprout spoke up with enthusiasm:

"I have something special prepared for today! Thanks to the kindness of former Herbology professor, Herbert Berry, we have the chance to admire a rather young Whomping Willow. We'll be discussing these magical plants and how to care for them properly."

"Couldn't we just approach the one on the Hogwarts grounds?" one of the Slytherins asked in a know-it-all tone.

"Good question, Mr. Spleen! Unfortunately, the Whomping Willow on Hogwarts grounds is particularly sensitive to protective barriers. This specimen is only five years old, but it's already reaching a stage where its movements are more violent. Being near it is dangerous."

"Then why was such a tree planted on the school grounds?" someone suddenly asked. Lily thought for a moment. It was indeed a good question. She couldn't make sense of it either. The teacher herself had said that the tree was dangerous, so why place it on the grounds where so many curious children might wander?

Professor Sprout hesitated. She wasn't entirely sure why the tree had been planted there, either.

"It was a decision made by Headmaster Dumbledore," she said, a hint of irritation in her voice, before continuing, unphased: "I'd like to show you how the tree behaves in its natural state, without immobilising it. But first, the basics. Who knows how to quickly immobilise a Whomping Willow?"

A few hands shot up. But two students seemed particularly eager to answer; Lily Evans and Helbert Spleen, who often competed with her in Herbology.

"Miss Evans?"

"I think the spell "Ferula" would work?"

"Sure, if you want the whole tree to be covered in bandages," Spleen laughed.

"Unfortunately, you must have been mistaken. "Ferula" is used for immobilisation in magical medicine," explained Professor Sprout. "Does Mr. Spleen know the correct answer?"

"Of course. "Immobilus"," Spleen replied confidently.

"Yes, exactly. Well done."

Lily rolled her eyes at the smug Slytherin, who was now puffing out his chest like a peacock. Strangely, he reminded her of James Potter at that moment. Lily paused, mentally admitting that she would rather deal with Helbert Spleen endlessly than have anything to do with Potter, or any of the Marauders, for that matter.

Her thoughts involuntarily drifted to Lupin and their argument from three weeks ago. She hadn't seen him much since then. Because she had enrolled in advanced versions of most subjects, she hadn't had a chance to bump into Remus in class. Occasionally, she would spot him in the Great Hall or the Common Room, but it had been a while since she'd even seen him at meals. Though they had argued and some truths had come to light, she still wondered how Remus was handling the material for his resit exams. After all, they'd only managed a few tutoring sessions. From what she remembered, there were only a few days left until Lupin's exam. She couldn't help but imagine him sitting with his head over a steaming cauldron, one hand stirring and the other holding a textbook. She imagined him nervously fiddling with the sleeve of his shirt. Lily found herself smiling slightly at the thought.