Everything Beautiful [ Remus Lupin ]

chapter five; a brief reunion

I had gone to prepare my classroom after the staff meeting, and finished setting up my office with my books and souvenirs from around the globe— a pleasant reminder of where I'd been. After taking in the newly tidy office one last time, certain that familiarity would set itself into an organized mess soon, I walked out and headed towards my bedchambers to sleep.

My chambers were practically empty compared to my office, but the king-sized bed stood on one side tall and imposing, facing a large enough wardrobe that stood next to a kitchenette area in the corner. I slid into my nightgown and got into bed, almost immediately falling into a comfortable slumber.

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The Great Hall listened in silence as Dumbledore warned the students of the dementors that were stationed at Hogwarts. This point had been discussed at length during the staff meeting, and although many of us weren't exactly thrilled at the idea, it was what was best given the circumstances.

"On a happier note," Dumbledore boomed, "I am pleased to welcome three new teachers to our ranks this year. Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."

I joined in the scattered applause, leaning forward to look past Flitwick and McGonagall, my eyes meeting Remus's. I winked at him and we smiled at each other for a brief moment.

"Professor Martel, who will be teaching Study of Ancient Runes."

I sat straight in my seat and beamed down at the students, immediately noticing Lance's enthusiastic clapping.

Dumbledore finally presented Hagrid as the new Care of Magical Creatures teacher, and the Gryffindor table erupted in applause, and I turned to give him a fond smile and a thumbs up.

"Let the feast begin!" As Dumbledore's words echoed through the Great Hall, everybody began to eat and chat around them. I realized then that this would be my first time seeing Remus since our encounter at the bookshop, and since I'd learned of his condition. I occupied the time alternating between bites of mashed potatoes and conversation with professor McGonagall next to me.

"It is rather exciting to have you back, Elaine," she said, sipping on her drink, "You'll fit right in with the students. You were always so lively in class."

I chuckled to myself at her last remark. She wasn't wrong, and while I wasn't as troublesome as my younger brother, or half as scattered as Evaine, I remembered the endless chattering Lyra and I would manage to entertain before being called out in class. Our discussions were certainly lively, but we were studious which compensated for a lot of the in-class distractions.

At the end of the feast, as the students scurried out towards their dormitories, professor Lupin made his way towards me.

"Fancy seeing you here!" I let out, as he stopped before me,

"Elaine! What a surprise," we chuckled, and I noticed a twinkle in his brown eyes,

"I hope your trip here went well," I politely stated as we began walking out of the hall, side by side.

"Well, one could say that," I turned to look at him quizzically before he added, "A dementor attacked Mr. Potter on the way here—"

"Oh dear! Is he alright?"

"Quite, luckily I was in the same boxcar and fended it off. An eventful ride,"

"It certainly sounds like it," our heads turned to the sounds of the last children scurrying out of the Great Hall. Harry Potter and his friends practically came rushing past us, before twirling around and approaching Remus and I,

"Thank you for earlier, professor," Harry declared,

"Be careful around the school, Harry," Remus's voice was soft, almost paternal, and he gave him a gentle smile that the boy returned.

"Professor Martel!" A self-assured voice exclaimed, "I'm Hermione Granger, I'll be in Ancient Runes with you this term," her hand was extended towards me and I warmly clasped it,

"Miss Granger, of course! I've heard wonders about you from Professor Flitwick,"

"How old are you?" Ron Weasley inquired, his head cocked in genuine curiosity,

"Ron! That's rude," Hermione nudged him and I noticed Remus next to me chuckling.

"Ron Weasley! I was good friends with your brother, Charlie, when we were at Hogwarts,"

"You're my brother Charlie's age?!" I nodded, grinning wide, "But that's so young! I thought only old people could teach here,"

Remus cleared his throat, Hermione glared at Ron and Harry stifled a laugh.

"I couldn't possibly tell what made you believe that, Mr. Weasley. Now, I think it's time you all went to your dormitories,"

The children nodded and jogged down the corridor, Hermione softly shoving Ron with hushed exclamations of you're impossible, Ron!

"In his defence," Remus started as we began to walk down the corridor together, "You are quite young,"

"You're not that old yourself," I rebutted.

"How old do you think I am?"

"Thirty, give or take,"

"Close. Thirty-three,"

"Well, that's only twelve years and a few months older than me," I began as we walked up the flight of stairs that led us to our offices and chambers, "You've still got a good ninety years ahead of yourself,"

"Ninety years?" he let out a laugh, shaking his head,

"One would assume a wizard like yourself would live as long as Dumbledore," I said as I giggled,

"Ah, Elaine," he let out, as we both stopped in front of the door to my bedchambers, "I daren't claim I'm half as talented as he is,"

"Well, Remus," I opened my door and leaned against the frame, smiling up at him, "That remains to be seen."

He took a few steps closer, and as he towered over me I could faintly smell tea and old, dusty books. My ears were heating up, my heart beating too fast and I struggled to breathe normally. We stood there for a moment, too close to each other,

"Well, Elaine," he interrupted the silence, his penetrating eyes looking into mine, "I'll let you go rest now. We have a long day tomorrow."

I nodded as he stepped back and continued down the corridor.

"Goodnight, Elaine," he called, briefly turning around with a wave, and I beamed back at him before closing my door.

I threw myself on my bed, heart fluttering and cheeks flushed. What in Merlin's beard had that been?