adored by him | *under editing*

third year × 45

Nadia sat by the window, watching contently as the Whomping Willow swayed in the breeze. The Black Lake shimmered as the clouds drifted across it like a glassy mirror. She was so deep in thought that she didn't even notice when another person graced her presence.

"What're you thinking about?" She locked eyes with the raven-haired boy and gave a small smile.

"What next year will have to offer us. I mean, it's got to give us something, right? We can't have a normal school year. Not with our track record."

He chuckled. "Yeah. I just hope it doesn't involve risking our lives."

She snorted. "I was going to visit Lupin. You want to come?"

"I was actually thinking about doing that too." He chuckled some more, linking his hand with hers and leading her away.

She grinned. "Great minds think alike."

They walked softly towards the open door of Lupin's office and peered in.

Lupin stood over a battered suitcase, filling it with the last of his books. Without looking up, he spoke, startling the couple slightly. "Hello, Harry. Nadia." Seeing their shocked faces, he smiled through his haggard eyes. Gesturing to the Maurauder's Map laying open on his desk, he chuckled. "Saw you coming."

Nadia stepped further into the room but she couldn't help but frown at his appearance. His smile faltered slightly. "I've looked worse, believe me." She sent him a sympathetic look whilst Harry eyed the empty drawers and bare bookshelves.

"You've been sacked."

"Resigned, actually." Lupin regained his smile.

"Resigned? But why?" Harry exclaimed. Nadia was upset. Lupin was the best DADA teacher she'd had, despite his...other personality.

"It appears that someone has let slip the nature of my condition." He sighed softly.

Harry balled his fists at his side, spitting out the name like a piece of discarded gum. "Snape."

"Whoever. It was bound to get out." Lupin tutted as he tried to defuse the tension. "This time tomorrow, the owls will start arriving. Parents will not want a -- someone like me -- teaching their children."

"But Dumbledore--" Nadia went to protest but Lupin stopped her with a soft smile.

"Has already risked enough on my behalf. Besides, people like me, well...let's just say I'm used to this by now." His eyes held sadness which hit a nerve for Nadia. He didn't deserve this. He didn't choose this. Lupin must have noticed her strained smile because he chuckled humourlessly. "It's fine. Truly. Anyway, Harry. Tell me about your Patronus."

"Well, at first I thought it was a horse, or perhaps a unicorn, but I think it was--"

"A stag." Lupin stated.

Harry was slightly taken aback. "Yes."

"Your father used to transform into one. It's how he was able to keep me company when I became...sick. He was a great friend, James." He smiled wanly then lifted his sorry suitcase, heading for the door.

Once there, he stopped, eyes landing on Harry. "There are stories about him and your mother, you know. Some are even true. But I think it's safe to say, in the end, that you'll know them best by getting to know yourself." With a wicked twinkle and a wink, he raised his wand and pointed it to the map sprawled on his desk. "Mischief Managed."

The couple watched the map turn blank then looked back. Lupin had gone.

Nadia smiled sadly. "I'll miss him. Even though he tried to kill us. I'll miss him."

Harry squeezed her shoulder. "Me too."

They later entered the Great Hall to see Ron amid a crowd of giddy Gryffindors. "Stand back, I said. I'll take it upstairs if you don't settle!" He threatened, smiling when the crowd dispersed slightly.

Harry cleared his throat, causing excited chatter to explode from the group. "Harry! Wherever did you get it?" Neville asked with wide eyes.

Nadia and Harry exchanged confused glances as they neared the cause for the commotion. "Can I have a go? After you, of course." Seamus jumped up and down.

"Quiet." Ron snapped. They all obliged and let Harry through.

A badly wrapped package addressed to Harry sat on the table admist the chaos. Ron became a stuttering mess. "I-I didn't mean to open it -- uh -- it was poorly wrapped and th-they made me do it!" He pointed a finger accusingly at the Weasley twins who frowned.

"We did not." They defended in unison.

Harry unwrapped the package fully and looked in awe. A brand-new broomstick was revealed. The word 'Firebolt' gleamed from the end. "Whose is it?"

They all laughed. "Whose is it? It's yours mate!"

"But how -- who?" He ran his fingers over the polished wood.

Hermione smirked. "It's a mystery but this fell out the wrapping." She held up a single Hippogriff feather, exchanging knowing looks with Harry and Nadia.

Without a second thought, Harry picked up the broomstick and raced to the courtyard, a river of red and gold following after him.

Almost crashing into Draco, he threw open the doors and mounted the broom, only stopping to extend his hand to the black-haired Ravenclaw admist all the Gryffindors. "My lady."

She grinned like a mad-man, accepting his hand and mounting the broom, circling her hands around his waist.

Draco scoffed, something that didn't go unnoticed by Pansy.

"You ready?" Harry asked.

"Ready as I'll ever be." Nadia responded.

Harry set his grip, leant forward then frowned.

"Wha' happened?" Even Hagrid had joined the excited crowd now.

"It doesn't work." Harry sighed. A collective of groans sounded.

Dejected, many of the group began drifting towards the castle. "It's only a broom!" Harry called after them. He threw a cheeky wink at Ron and Hermione before yelling, "The fastest broom in the world!"

As everyone turned, Harry and Nadia jetted off into the air, letting out ear-piercing screams of joy.

The crowd watched in amazement as the couple became just a tiny dot in the creamy-blue sky.

××× End of Third Year ×××

A/N: Short one but third year is over!!

I can't describe how excited I am to write fourth year because that's when IT ALL GOES DOWN! Like, damn.

The summer chapter will probably be short so I'll probably upload it today :)

I just want to say thank you for everything. When I first began this story, I never expected to be so committed to come this far, if I'm being honest. But I'm glad I did because I've loved writing every chapter of this story and I can't wait to write the rest. Over 2k reads is amazing and almost 200 votes! Whaaa-

Thank you so much :)))