Sempiternal Romance |Remus Lupin

Chapter Three

••••

Winter came quicker than usual. Fourth year was flying by like a snitch in Quidditch. Gryffindor had won games, and lost games. Hufflepuff was currently in the lead towards getting the House Cup at the end of the year, even Mare was cheering the Hufflepuffs on, even though she had much house pride for Gryffindor.

James had eventually forgiven Mare for breaking his nose, and they had promised to keep it between the two. Sirius was already on Mare about things all the time, whether it was bothering her for answers in a class or asking if Frieda was still mad at him for the prank. The first answer was a definite no, and the second being yes. Frieda would stay mad at him forever, she can hold a grudge for eternity if she has to.

Remus was looking miserable, his skin paling and a few more scars appearing here and there. He wasn't loaded with scars, but the place with the most was on his right arm. Mare never knew why he had the scars, and she would never ask him. If he wanted to tell the stories of the scars appearing, he would. Not only was Remus looking miserable, but he felt miserable. The effects of lycanthropy were taking its toll on him massively, getting worse and worse whenever he was stressed about something.

"Good morning, Remus." Smiles Mare as she sits down beside him in the Gryffindor Common Room, "not in the mood for breakfast?"

"Not really." Murmurs Remus, barely even looking at Mare.

"Would you like some chocolate?" She offers, holding up a bar of chocolate in front of his face.

His frown raises into a smile, he gladly takes the chocolate and looks at Mare with a happier face.

"You're happy....that's good."

"Why wouldn't I be?" Remus asks between chewing a piece of chocolate.

"You just haven't seemed like yourself lately....just wanted to make sure you're okay....and happy."

"I'm happy, Mare. You don't have to worry about me."

"I worry, okay?" She smiles, taking a bite of her own chocolate.

"Are you okay, Mare?"

"What do you mean?" Mare asks, raising an eyebrow in confusion. No one ever asked if she was okay, since she always seemed fine and dandy.

"You seem on edge, did something happen? You can tell me anything, you know."

"I can assure you, Remus. Nothing has happened. If something had, I'd tell you. But nothing has."

"I worry, okay?" He says with a grin.

"Ah, Lupin.. You'll be the death of me." Mare says getting up.

"I'd hope not. I don't think I could live with that."

Mare winks at him before turning away and walking out of the Gryffindor Common Room.

••••

"You winked at him?"

"Frieda, it doesn't mean anyth-"

"Winking is such a sign of flirting, Mare!"