The Collision Theory | Remus Lupin

17. The Realisation of No Happy Endings

"Hey, Lin, come on, get up." Marlene coos, shaking me by the shoulders.

I yawn, "What time's it?"

"You've got fifteen minutes before breakfast ends."

"Shit!" I jump out of bed, throwing on my blouse and trousers, tying my tie and throwing on my cloak before rushing down with my bag. I run past Peeves so quickly he doesn't even get time to annoy me. The only space left is beside Remus, though I'd rather have sat with the girls.

"'Morning. Sit. eat." Remus spoons porridge into my bowl as I sit down, eyeing my timetable, "We're going to the library today if you- oh my God you look awful."

He had turned around to look at me, a cup of tea halfway to his mouth. I continue eating, ignoring the urge to quip back at the lovely comment since I'm still half asleep, "Couldn't sleep, bad dream."

Remus frowns, "Christ Novak, go see Madame Pomfrey or something, she'll fix you up."

"Well, you don't look so good yourself Lupin." Which is a big understatement because he looks like he's been dragged through multiple hedges. I couldn't sleep, trying to make sense of my Lupin-is-a-werewolf theory.

"Geez, thanks."

I continue downing the awful porridge (i don't even like it, why am I eating this?!), "Lupin worry about yourself alright? The last thing I need is sleeping tonic to knock me out."

"It's just what you need," He rolls his eyes, getting up from the table, "I've got to go and find the others, you look after yourself. And stay. Out. Of. Trouble."

I take another mouthful, "No promises."

*

Ancient Runes class is beyond boring once again, and it's hard to stay awake as the professor drones on and on about the theory of runes and the health and safety blah blah blah.
This is painfully followed by double potions with the Sytherins, with no actual practical in the two whole hours, just silent textbook work. We don't actually touch the amortentia at all, since Slughorn said to let it ferment for the time being.

"Aylin? Can I call you Aylin?" Remus whispers next to me.

I lean on my palm with a design expression, "You did just call me Aylin. I'll accept it."

"I heard something strange..."

"Like what?" I frown, getting back to my note-taking.

"Sirius said that you said," he leans towards me to say it, "that you think I'm a werewolf."

"I never said that." I reply a little too quickly.

"Well," he shrugs, going back to his work, but his shoulders are a little tense, "a little birdie- aka Mr Black- said the question came up during detention."

"Why are we talking about this?" I hiss, "In bloody potions class?!"

"Because I want you to know that-"

A loud bell-like noise resonates through the castle, followed by McGonagall's voice, "All students make their way to the hall immediately with their classes."

Saved by the magical bell.

"Stay close." Lupin orders as we leave the classroom, but that's easier said than done.

"Bugger." The crowd grows more and more dense as we move towards the hall, and I lose my class within minutes.
A chillingly cold hand grabs my own, "Come on Shortstack."