Over the Edge [ Lupin x Evans ]

Chapter 24: The Charm from Hogsmeade

"Our special correspondent reports that more disappearances among Muggle-borns and half-blood wizards are being reported. Unfortunately, it seems these incidents are the work of followers of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named — the so-called Death Eaters.

As we've mentioned in previous editions of the Daily Prophet, this dangerous group of dark wizards has targeted innocent Muggle-borns and half-bloods. The reasons for this focus remain unknown, though many speculate it stems from their obsession with blood purity.

We urge all wizards and witches from the two at-risk groups to stay vigilant and protect themselves and their families. The best course of action is to cast protective enchantments on your homes. You can find more information on these spells on page fourteen, where Zamira Gulch offers her expert advice."

Lily finished reading the article aloud and tossed the Daily Prophet aside. It slid off her bed and landed in a crumpled heap on the floor. She rolled onto her stomach, propping her chin on her hands as she watched Lupin with curiosity. He was hunched over a textbook, frowning intently. Every so often, he tried to nonverbally cast a spell on her plush teddy bear, which currently sat rather stiffly at the foot of the bed.

Lily found herself studying the lines of concentration on his forehead, lines she felt she could trace from memory. She liked watching him when he was like this — serious, focused, quietly determined. It gave her the odd sensation that she was coming to know him in ways few others did. Yet she understood this was only surface knowledge. She had not yet reached the core of Remus Lupin, the parts of him he kept locked away. Still, she believed — hoped — that one day she would.

With a soft sigh, Lily continued to observe. He was undeniably talented, something she had realised weeks ago. In fact, she often wondered why he even needed her tutoring. He performed complex magic with an ease that left her both impressed and envious. What she didn't yet understand was how deeply his lack of self-confidence fuelled his insecurities, even about his clear gifts. Not that she minded these tutoring sessions. Spending time with Remus had become a joy, and not just for her. Their lessons had turned into an exchange of knowledge. Lily had learned as much from him about magical creatures and Defence Against the Dark Arts as he had from her about Potions and Transfiguration. She loved the way his eyes lit up when he explained something he was passionate about — those warm, honey-brown irises sparkling as though illuminated by stars. In fact, she thought with a smile, he would make an excellent teacher one day if he ever chose that path. The students would love him.

Just as she did.

The thought startled her, and she quickly pushed it away. But it lingered, unbidden, as she glanced at the crumpled Daily Prophet again. A flash of anger surged through her at the thought of how something as arbitrary as blood status could drive people to such hatred, cruelty, even murder.

"I can't believe this is happening!" she burst out suddenly.

Remus jumped as if stung.

"I only meant to change its colour!" he exclaimed, gesturing towards the teddy bear, which had turned an odd shade of green. "I thought it might suit your hair better," he added sheepishly with a small smile. Lily stared at him for a moment, then burst out laughing — a loud, genuine laugh that filled the room. She silently thanked Merlin for Remus Lupin's uncanny ability to lighten the mood, even when he didn't mean to.

"I was talking about the article, you dolt! About the Muggle-borns!"

"Oh," Remus said, letting out a theatrical sigh of relief as he clutched his chest. He chuckled, his gaze lingering on the dimples that appeared in her cheeks when she smiled.