Whisper➺R.L.

;chapter four;

   Remus hadn't talked to Xeno or Kai since. It had been two weeks and soon everyone was in the loop of school once more. Alex's birthday was coming up which meant lots of planning. It was Kai's job to steal the firewhiskey according to Alex. The Ravenclaw was actually planning to bribe the house elves instead of stealing but she wouldn't tell Alex that. Alice was running to Hogsmeade with Marlene and Lily to find candy that wasn't made in the Hogwarts kitchen.

   'Hopefully this goes as planned...' thought Kai as she walked hurriedly down the halls. All she wanted was for her best friend is to be happy, she hasn't been truly happy in a long time. 

   The elegant halls were empty, all classes were still happening though the Alex's crew usually skipped on a member's birthday to make sure it was the best birthday ever. Kaira scurried along, her black Mary Janes slapping the hard ground as she jogged. The paintings stared and murmured at her disapprovingly, especially once they saw the navy blue crest on her sweater. Kai didn't understand why Ravenclaws automatically had to be obedient and studious. Of course she studied and could remember many facts but in no way was she a student with perfect attendance. If only people knew that the Ravenclaw motto was all a big  joke. 

   She rolled her blue eyes at the loudly whispering portraits and jogged a little bit quicker. Soon enough, she reached the wonderful pear painting. Kaira glanced around her cautiously before raising her hand and running her nimble fingers along the pear. The green fruit wiggled and let out a small giggle before the portrait swung open. She poked her head in and observed the busy house elves running left and right in a frenzy. 

   Someone cleared their throat awkwardly, startling her. She swung around to see a tall boy, probably around her age. Kai's eyes lit up in recognition as she matched his face to that of Remus Lupin, a member of the notorious Marauders. She bit her lip and watched him as he fumbled with his hands.

   "Can I help you?" she muttered, noticing that he refused to speak first. Remus' cheeks lit up in a bright blush, not expecting her to talk to him so soon. From what Alex told him, she was generally too shy to speak to strangers.

   "Ah, yes sorry. Um, hi I'm Remus." he replied, shoving his hands in the pockets of his trousers to prevent his nervous fidgeting. She stared at him blankly.

   "Okay." Kai turned to enter the kitchen, wondering why he felt the need to bother her. He bit down hard on his tongue and stumbled forward. She turned back, hearing his footsteps.

   "I'm, uh, Alex's friend." 

   "I know. You dated in third year." 

   Remus shut his eyes tightly. That wouldn't help him get anywhere, Kaira knowing he dated her best friend. "Yeah."

   Suddenly she smiled. It was small, closed mouth and it didn't reach her eyes but it was beautiful all the same. Remus gave her a small, lopsided grin in return. Kai waited for him to say something but he didn't. 

   "Goodbye Rem--"

   "Please don't go." she stared at him, her eyes piercing his own curiously. He tried to make a smooth recovery. "Um, I mean, could I help you find what you're looking for? I've already skipped class anyways."

   "Uh, sure. Come on."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   Remus followed the short Ravenclaw into the Hogwarts kitchens. With a sudden pop, a young looking house elf appeared. The elf grinned at Kaira impishly, looking mischievous, an odd trait for a house elf to possess. Kai smiled at the elf and kneeled, though she was short enough that she didn't need to bend down completely.