Everything Beautiful [ Remus Lupin ]

chapter twelve; a ghastly sight

I enjoyed the Halloween feast as much as I could, nervousness and guilt creeping up my spine. The feeling that I was betraying Minerva's trust was like rubbing salt in a wound.

While I'd insisted that she would find help at Hogwarts, that they would believe her, Amy had vehemently stood her ground. Absolutely nobody could know where she was hiding. I finally gave in, and promised to return when I could.

I had been sitting down at the staff table picking at the baked pumpkin in my plate. I smiled to Remus as he sat down next to me, the only seat left, and just as I was about to speak to him he turned to Filius and began chatting lively with him.

We hadn't really spoken since the previous night, and I hadn't seen him since. I tried a few times to participate in the discussion, but was only met by a response from Filius each time.

I was too preoccupied with Amy's situation to feel the sting in my chest, and right then the ghosts appeared and entertained the Great Hall—a much needed distraction.

At the end of the feast, everyone happily walked out; students were headed to their Common Rooms, Filch was sweeping up some crumbs behind them, and professors walked to their respective offices or chambers.

Severus and Minerva walked ahead of us, and I trailed behind trying to keep up with Remus's quick steps.

"Remus," I whispered, hoping only he'd hear me. He didn't turn to me, and I began to feel worried. Had I done something to upset him?

It wasn't long before Percy Weasley appeared in front of us, alarmed. The Head Boy hurried us to Gryffindor tower, where a ghastly sight was to be seen.

The Fat Lady had been attacked and, according to Peeves, by none other than Sirius Black.

☾

I would have to put my concerns about Amy and worries about Remus to the side for the time being. The safety of Hogwarts was threatened.

As Dumbledore placed the students in the Great Hall for the night, the rest of the staff began to search around the castle. I had checked the kitchens and the corridors leading to Ravenclaw tower before I made my way to the second and third floors, attentively scanning every corner I could.

There was no sign of Sirius Black, but as I walked down a flight of stairs I bumped right into Remus. It seemed we were both on our way back to the Great Hall, although I didn't ask. In fact, we ended up walking side by side in silence. This time, I didn't find comfort in the silence.

I wanted to shake him and demand what was wrong, what I had done that warranted his cold shoulder. But something deep down, my father's pride probably, stopped me from doing so.

Not to mention, there were more important things to focus on at the present time, and I didn't want to bother myself with more problems. I would just bottle it up until the right time.

"My side was clear," I announced to Dumbledore, who pleasantly nodded in response although the concerned furrow in his brow was still there.

After assessing that Sirius Black had, somehow, vanished into thin air and that the castle was clear, most professors left to rest in their own chambers, although some stayed behind to keep watch.

After walking down a few corridors and up a flight of stairs, Remus and I were left alone after Sybil and Pomona had gone their separate ways.

Again, we walked in silence down a corridor, and with each step I grew increasingly frustrated that he said nothing. And while I refused to say anything first, I grew increasingly frustrated sensing that he'd only ignore me again.

We finally reached my chambers after five uncomfortable minutes, and by that point I was internally fuming.

"Goodnight," I spat out, stomping into my chambers and almost slamming the door behind me.

What a fool I was. I had trusted him and I had kissed him, just to be met with indifference. Not even a kind word of greeting, nothing. And it all hurt so much more because of what was going on.

Amy was stuck in the Shrieking Shack hiding from the world who swore she was insane, and the students were threatened by Sirius Black in the one place that was meant to keep them safe from the ugliness stirring outside.

☾

I tried to hold my classes as normally as I could as the week went by, and by Friday most of the chattering concerning Sirius Black had somewhat died down.

Remus was nowhere to be seen at breakfast that morning. Then again, I shrugged it off. He had made no effort to talk to me all week, and the few times I'd tried to greet him I had been met with nothing more than a nod.

As my fourth-year students handed me their work before plodding out of my classroom, I noticed Hermione at the door. I said goodbye to the last student before telling the young witch to come in.

In doing so, she carefully closed the door behind her and approached me, eyes fixated on her feet.

"It's nice to see you, Hermione, I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow... Is everything alright?" I asked, my tone shifting from mild confusion to concern.

The girl looked up, a frown drawn on her brows, "Professor Lupin was absent today,"

"Oh, I'm sorry about that," I weakly let out, "I'm sure you'll catch up on your lesson fast enough,"

"No, that's not it," Hermione corrected, "Professor Snape substituted him and... it was horrible. He humiliated me in front of the entire class and..."

I placed a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder. I remembered my own classes with Severus just a few years ago. Everybody dreaded them, even those who excelled in potions if they didn't find themselves in the right House.

I let Hermione recount the details of the class that had disturbed her, shaking my head occasionally.

"Far be it from me to question another professor's methods," I began, "But I find this behaviour more than concerning. I can't promise you anything, Hermione, but I'll have a talk with R—Professor Lupin about this, alright?"

Hermione nodded, and we chatted some more until the girl was all smiles again.

I felt like I had lied to her, knowing fully well that Remus hadn't paid a smidge of attention to me all week, but I was determined to make him listen to me about this.

He could ignore me, but I would not let him ignore his students.

A/N: Can't lie, I'm a little bit on a roll this week ahah! Another update might come soon unless I get caught up finishing a script for class :) I hope you enjoy this one though, and thank you for all the support! See you soon