Everything Beautiful [ Remus Lupin ]

chapter ten; just friends

Unsurprisingly, Lyra's letter hadn't been of any use in finding information regarding Amy. Florian's documents, however, had served a purpose in Hermione's hands, and she'd pored over them endlessly—annotating the documents and scribbling on parchment.

She had come to my office a couple of times for some feedback, and after that she came in every Saturday evening after dinner to work on her homework while I prepared my lessons and marked assignments.

The company was more than enjoyable, and there was a mutual understanding in the silence we sat in as we both put our minds to work.

That Saturday, as Hermione sat in front of me working on her homework, my mind wandered from the runic dictionary in front of me to Remus. We would casually chat over dinner and greet each other in the halls, but I hadn't really spoken to him since that night.

The thought somehow pinched my chest, and I shrugged it off as I tried to focus on my work again. He was only a friend, after all. A friend who'd been there when I needed him, nothing more, nothing less. Besides, Snape's words echoed in my mind and I thought to myself, 'there can be nothing more'.

"Professor," Hermione's voice blissfully interrupted my thoughts, and I raised a brow questioningly before she continued, "What do you think about... divination?"

"Hmm," I paused in thought, "I may have mentioned it in class in passing, but runes are often used in divination. I don't focus on that aspect, however. Once you start seeing omens in everything, you forget to appreciate what's truly in front of you. Seeing death at every corner can't be good,"

Hermione gave a satisfied smile and put her quill to the side, "I hope I'm not being intrusive in any way, but I heard of what you used to do. How did you get to do that right out of Hogwarts?"

"My father has good friends at the Daily Prophet, which helped," I replied almost shyly. I certainly hadn't gotten the job out of pure talent, and I often felt like I was taking the place of someone more deserving. Hermione nodded, although she didn't seem too content with my answer and I quickly added, "Third year is a bit soon to know what you want to do for certain, but I know a witch like you will do whatever she sets her mind to."

We exchanged smiles and a soft knock at the door made our heads turn, and I called out for the person to come in. Leaving the door slightly ajar behind him, Harry traipsed in shyly holding a folded piece of paper between his hands. Hermione pursed her lips, with a sympathising glint in her eyes.

"Good evening, professor. I was wondering," Harry began, scratching the back of his head, "If there was any way... er... if you could maybe sign my form for Hogsmeade,"

The boy handed me the paper and I sighed, mirroring Hermione's expression. "Oh, Mr Potter... I don't think I can," I grabbed the permission slip and glanced over it, knowing already what I had to say, "I am neither your guardian nor your professor. I really wish there was something I could do."