Save Me: Professor Lupin x Student!OC

Chapter Eight

     I didn't go to class for the rest of the week. Dumbledore, I assume, informed my professors on the situation, because I didn't receive any detentions, not even from Snape. I was still mad at the headmaster for hiding something so important from me, and I began to wonder if I wanted my parents to return, knowing that they kept it hidden from me, as well.
     It was now Monday afternoon, and I was heading to Defense Against the Dark Arts. I dragged my feet, no longer in a rush to get to my classes, as the day had been exhausting.
Every professor practically had me on suicide watch, knowing what I had gone through the past few months. If I were honest, the thought of ending my life had crossed my mind once or twice, but that's all they were, just thoughts.
     I wasn't really sure how I was coping with it all, if you could call it that. I tend to just ignore problems that are my own, and find whatever distractions I can. In this case, it was school work.
     All I did now was study, or read muggle books Hermione lent me, and by doing this I broke the silent promise I made to myself. The twins sat with me less and less when I wouldn't talk to them, and it made me angry. Not at them, but myself, for pushing away, once again, the people I love most in the world. It kept happening again and again, and they don't deserve that.
     It was all becoming too much for me, and I wasn't sure how much more of this I could take.
     I walked through the open doorway of Professor Lupin's classroom, and took my normal seat in the front. I set my bag down on the floor and folded my arms on the desk, resting my chin on top of them. I blew a strand of hair out of the way, looking at Lupin who was busy with some papers on his desk.
I was the first person in the class room, but he didn't notice when I walked in. When he finally looked up, my eyes darted away, and I found a spot on the floor to look at. My heart beat faster as he approached my desk, standing there silently thinking of what to say.
"Uh, Quinn?" He said, making me look up at him now. His eyes look sad, and oddly haunting, which makes me look away again.
"I'm sorry for skipping class Professor. I understand if I have to come in for deten-.", I began, but he was quick to cut me off.
"No, no, no. You misunderstood me. I just heard what happened, is all. Dumbledore came to me first, or at least so he says." Lupin smiled at me sadly, but again, I looked away.
"Oh," I said quietly, not really sure how to respond, "It's no big deal. I'm used to it by now..."
Lupin seemed almost uncomfortable at my vague response, but he still kept on with the conversation.
"What are you used to?" He asked, not in a prying sort of way, his voice was more...comforting, and kind, like it always was.
"Just... a lot of bad things have been happening recently, that's all. I'm just sort of used to it now." I tried to make my statement sound less depressing that it was, but my voice still came out sad and gloomy.
     "I'm very sorry... and yes, I know it's not my fault, but still. You don't deserve the horrible things that happen to you, so I figure someone ought to apologize."
It was only then that I looked at him and didn't look away. Never had I met such a kind man, (besides Mr.Weasley of course), and never had I felt so much love for a person. I knew it was wrong, that I wasn't so supposed to love him, but to me he's so much more than a teacher, or even a friend...or at least that's what I wanted to believe, but it was probably all just a silly crush, meager feelings developed, simply because of the pain and turmoil I've gone through recently. I needed a crutch, and well, that's we're Lupin came in.
"You know, not many people listen to me. Fred and George are my only close friends, but really, I don't tell them everything. I didn't say anything about those three boys and what they did to me, in fact I haven't really talked to them at all. For some reason I tell you nearly everything, so I guess what I'm trying to say is, thank you for listening."
I spoke each word as if I had rehearsed them in my head a million times, which really, I had. I normally felt nervous, delivering such personal messages to people out loud, actually speaking to them in person, but with Lupin I felt calm and safe...I loved that feeling, seeing as I felt it so rarely.
His eyes sparkled brighter for a moment, the reason, I did not know, but it was a beautiful sight to see. He had the most gorgeous eyes I'd ever seen, and that extra spark was beautiful enough to make me blush.
I looked away quickly as more students piled in. Lupin spared a few more words to me and went back to his desk, finishing his preparations for the class. I could hardly pay attention to any of his words, I just thrived in that deep voice of his, not really caring anymore that he was my professor, because I love him.
I loved every trip over to my desk, every quick glance from across the room, and I could listen to his voice for hours. He's handsome, intelligent, and has that touch of rebellion that I admire. To hell that he's my professor, or that I've only known him for a little over a month, I'm in love with this man.

Classes seemed to blur by when I wasn't in his class. The more we talked, even if it was just a quick hello in the hallway, I fell harder and harder for him, if possible. He seemed closer to me now, and a part of me wondered if he simply feels bad for me, but I pushed that out of mind.
Another full moon had passed, but again, I got sick, and had to go to the hospital wing this time. I refused any sort of treatment besides a spoonful of some foul tasting medicine, but was still forced to stay the night in the hospital wing.
     This time had been much different, worse, if I'm honest, but I got through it. At some point though, I had clawed at my skin with all the discomfort I was feeling, my nails going deep enough to draw blood. I had a few marks still from that night, but it's only been about four days.
     Fred and George got more and more curious, which I guess is a good thing because it got us talking more, but I was worried they'd find out. I knew them to be kind and loyal, sort of like Hufflepuffs in a way, but I could never guess how they would react to something so horrifying. I hadn't even gotten used to it yet, and it would probably be a long time before I did.
     Their furtive glances and questioning stares made me feel nervous, and I got more and more difficult to keep my little secret, but I managed to keep it to myself.
     They kept looking at me now as we spent a study period in the Great Hall, which was being overseen by Snape and a couple other professors. We were silent, yet I could hardly concentrate on the words on the page in front of me.
     Looking around to see if Snape was nearby, I turned back to the twins and whispered in a low voice, "Why do you two keep staring at me?"
     They snapped out of their daze-like state, and looked into my eyes.
     "Oh, nothing, you've just been acting strange is all." Fred said casually, George nodding his head along.
     "How so?" I questioned, raising a brow slightly.
     "Well, you've been leaving once a month, getting sick around the same time each month as well, it's just...strange." George answered, causing my blood to run cold.
"I know it is," I said, trying to sound normal, rather than completely mortified, "But...that's sort of how periods work, Georgie."
I smirked at my quick thinking, and at there now widened eyes. They were not expecting that.
They were silent the rest of the meal, shifting their eyes awkwardly towards me every now and then. Meanwhile, I looked at Lupin, it was like my eyes could hardly last a second with out looking towards him. His eyes met mine, but neither of us looked away for more than a few seconds.
He smiled at me, and with a increasing pace of my heart, I smiled back. My cheeks grew warm and rosy, so I looked away before he noticed. This is bad, I thought, but in all honestly, I could care less.
~

[1674 Words]

[A/N] Oof, okay, it's been a rough time getting back into school, so sorry you had to wait like a week for this update. I was planning on making it a lot longer, but I didn't want you guys waiting another day or more for another update, so I'm super sorry for those of you who were hoping for a longer chaoter. I really am hoping your enjoying everything still, and I can't wait for the next chapter, hopefully that's the same for you. :) I'm planning on doing a time skip in the next chapter to the ball, and before that have Quinn look for a dress, but I don't know yet, I have soooo many ideas lol. Have a nice day loves, I'll stop rambling! <3

~Ren /*