Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Breaking Silence ❯ Chapter Seven good in a nighttime telly sort of way. ( Chapter 7 )

 

Dear Lady,

 

Thank you so much! No, don't bother responding to this letter; I don't think I could with stand the stress of opening something from you; not when I know you can still cancel .I wanted to tell you that while you'll have to guess what my costume is, I'll be standing by the statue of Ravensclaw founder. I have it on good authority that she both loved Halloween and that there will be a statue of her as one of the decorations. Don't ask me the hoops I had to jump through to gain such privileged information. I can't wait to see you. Please you must show up.

Yours impatiently

Remus Lupin

P.S. To giveyou a hint as to my attire, Ifinally figured out the origin of your pen name, or quill name as the case maybe.

 

Sophie smiled at the letter in her hands. She folded it with obvious affections, tucking it in into one of the many books she had splayed out in front of her. With just a week till the ball; she was more akin to a turbulent ocean than a human being. She was excited to see Remus, scared to see Remus, terrified to see Remus, and over all anxious about the whole affair. With the arrival of his latest letter, any remaining chances of her not going were destroyed.

“He sounds so hopeful.” She lamented. “How could I disappoint him like that?” Besides, it wasn't like she couldn't ever tell him who she was. She just had to wait until the start of next school year.

Her biggest obstacle was what to wear. Sophie was at a complete loss. She knew Remus would be cataloging everything he noticed about her. Indeed, it would be an insult to his intelligence if she didn't plan for it.

His postscript alluding to his costume was easy to figure out. He'd found out that A Lady was in reference to Jane Austen. Sophie would bet money that he was going as either a character from one of her novels, or simply dressed in the style of the era.

In fact, she had considered doing something along the same lines. She could use the Rooms help with the dress. She would need a wig, but then what if it slipped or fell off all together? She wouldn't take that risk, even if it were very unlikely. She couldn't use a potion to change her hair simply because she didn't know one that would wear off soon enough. A polyjuice potion would take too long to make, and she didn't have the recipe. Even if she did change her hair color, what about her eyes? Grey isn't that common a color, and she was slightly taller than most girls are to start with.

“I'm too unique looking, I can't believe it.” She muttered. “Well there's no help for it, I'm going to have to break the rules.” She mused. Her only course of action that she could think of was to look in the restricted section. They had to have something, some book of potions. “I would even attempt a charm if worst come to worst.” She muttered. If only she could just get a teachers permission. She had no business being in that particular section for any of her classes. Except—maybe potions. “Maybe Potions Master can help me.”

“Do you always talk to yourself?” came the droll retort behind her. Sophie let out a startled eep and quickly gathered her scattered books from the breakfast table, carefully hiding the tome containing Remus's letter in the middle of the stack.

“Do you always make a habit of sneaking up on people, and being in places where you're not wanted?” she threw back hoping he didn't notice the slight shake to her voice. She shuddered to think how much Joseph had heard-- how much he was assuming.

“At least I don't sit and mutter incoherently to myself. God, no wonder you don't have friends.” He let out a short bark of a laugh. Sophie just glared while rising. She didn't like how he was towering over the back of her; made her feel even more helpless around him than she already was.

“What do you want Joseph?” she demanded.

“Oh, just to catch up with my favorite bastard child. A little birdie told me that you were talking to Remus in the library not long ago? Said he asked you to the ball. Now, what is that all about?” he stood with a relaxed stance and a friendly grin, only the hard glint to his eyes gave anything away.

“He suspects nothing okay? He asked me as a friend because he still feels guilty over the whole owl incident. I told him I was going home for the weekend so I wouldn't be there in the first place.” Sophie forced herself to look him in the eyes. She hated to feel dominated.

“Well are you going back home my dear?” he asked.

“Yes.” Sophie turned around gathering her books, intending to leave. A hand on her arm turning her around stopped her.

“You know Sophia. We could be good, the two of us.” he brought his hand up as he talked to cup her cheek. “I've never noticed you until you made it pertinent that I do. You are such a strange creature I still can't believe I didn't see you. We could be more; I can do a lot for you. I've already tasted you once, I want more.” Sophie dared not move an inch. Not because of Joseph's touch, but the sight of a sandy blonde head looking at her. Remus could see her. Oh God, he was standing up. Oh, if looks could kill she was sure her and Joseph would be dead. What was she going to do? It was bad enough that Joseph was spouting nonsense, Remus was about to make everything worse. If she could just signal him to stop or something, she could lie later, just don't make her explain in front of Joseph.

Something in her face caused him to pause in his progression to her. Her luck continued as one of his friends further detained him.

“Joseph! Stop messing with my roommate and come here.” Sophie and never been so happy to hear Gwen's whiny voice in her life.

“Coming dearest!” he answered never taking his gaze off Sophie. “Think about what I've said Sophia.” Sophie didn't waste any time correcting him. She ran as fast as she could from that spot. 

******

Sophie was perturbed over the scene at breakfast, though not enough not to go through with her plan. If anything, this meant Joseph wouldn't be looking for her at the ball. She was currently waiting on the Potions Master to finish up with a student so she could try to convince him to let her have a restricted section pass.

“Ah, Potions Master?” she started as the student left. “I was wondering if you could give me a pass so I could find a book in the restricted section of the library.” He looked at her confused.

“Why would you need a book from that section?” he regarded some papers on his desk, sparing her only a glance.

“Well there's this potion I want to try, but I've only heard of it in other books. I can't find the actual recipe.” She stammered through. That startled him. He now looked at her intently.

“What sort of potion could you possibly be thinking of brewing that you need a restricted book?” Sophie could feel herself turning red.

“Just one that struck my fancy I guess?” inside, Sophie couldn't help but lament on how bad she was at lying.

“Well Miss Naldeg, I think you have something wrong.” She swallowed—loudly. She had forgotten her and the Potions Master, precarious relationship. “I don't believe I ever hide the fact that I don't approve of your special— privileges.” Sophie paled further. “I, if you remember, wanted to kick you out of potions. It was only by the headmaster's good will towards you that you stayed; that you were allowed to continue your experiments. Do not think that I now, or ever, will go out of my way to help you. I feel it best to think you don't exist. If you would do me the same courtesy then I think you will survive your last two years here. Now, kindly leave my office.” He dismissed her with a wave of his hand, and returned to looking at his papers.

“But it's really important. I just need…”

“Miss Naldeg, I believe I told you…”

“Excuse me, Professor? I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction for that essay on mint plants?” Remus stopped and stared at the scene in front of him. Oh, hi Sophie. Did I interrupt something? I can come back?” Sophie plastered a smile on her face, and turned to confront Remus.

“No Remus, not at all. I was just finishing up a question I had about some homework.” She shot a glance at her professor; hoping he wouldn't contradict her. “I'll just be leaving now I think.” Face burning, she exited the room. She resisted the urge to pause outside of the door and collapse for a moment.

“It wouldn't take too long. I could do it. I'd just sneak in; stay a minute, sneak back out.” She muttered, contemplating breaking into the restricted section.

“What wouldn't take long?” stopping, Sophie whirled around to stare at Remus.

“Ah, nn-nothing.” She stuttered.

“Well Sophie, I never thought I'd see the day that a teacher didn't like you.” He had a comical sort of smile on his face, dazing Sophie a bit.

“I'm not universally loved ya know? Strange as it may seem, some people don't like me.” She threw behind her. She hoped he would let her leave. The warm presence at her side spoke of a different scenario.

“He looked furious with you. What did you do to him?” he asked.

“I…I'm horrible at potions, and he's just tired of helping me.” She stumbled through. Sophie could only hope that he thought her embarrassed by being bad at potions. “He told me to stop coming to him for help.”

“You could always come to me for help. I do still owe you for the whole owl fiasco. In fact, I insist upon it. You will now come to me and get tutoring every Friday after classes before dinner.” Sophie couldn't believe her ears. If she didn't exposure herself at the ball, this new bonding opportunity certainly would cause Joseph to go over the edge.

“I couldn't possibly inconvenience you like that. I can muddle through on my own, have since first year will through the next.” She assured him.

“My friends Grace and Lily will be there, so between the four of us we'll be perfect. Please come at least once? See if you like it?” Sophie made the horrible mistake of looking at him. Floppy sandy hair met warm green eyes, met that shining smile. Laced liberally with a grey parlor that reminded her of his sickly nature, resulted in the next disaster.

“All right I'll come. Not till next week though, I have stuff I need to do this Friday, in preparation for going home and all.” She responded, all the while calling herself twelve sorts of idiots.

“Perfect. Now you have yet to answer my other question. Exactly where are you sneaking into?” he smiled. Sophie resisted the urge to smack herself. That double damned habit of talking to herself has finally gotten her into real trouble.

“I'm planning on sneaking into the restricted section of the library to find a book.” She was acutely aware of how much she had been lying. She was in true danger of slipping up. She now needed to tell the truth as much as possible just to keep the façade up. Not to mention the fundamental part of her that hates lying to Remus. “I'm just not sure how I'm going to do it…”she chattered on.

“I can help you for that. “He stated.

“No, no, NO.” She cried. “I mean, you've already done so much for me, and are going to be doing so much for me. I really can't let you get in trouble for me.” She softened her tone when she saw the hurt look in his eyes. When she was done, a conspiratorial smile appeared, causing her shiver in fear.

“Oh, it's going to be no trouble at all. If you remember correctly, I happen to belong to a group of notorious pranksters. We won't get caught. Meet me out front your common room at one. I'll prepare everything else. See you tonight Sophie.” He called behind him as he abruptly changing directions, leaving Sophie reeling.

 

******

“Why am I doing this? There is absolutely no need for me to do this tonight. I could do this tomorrow when I didn't have some insane man hell bent on making amends with me stalking me. I still have time; I could disappear and just tell Remus I fell asleep. There's still time to leave.” Sophie had not learned her lesson earlier in the day. She would argue that in such high stress situations she should be allowed to talk to herself. “Why aren't I leaving? Nothings stopping me.” that was a lie; she knew it well. She could see Remus's face in her minds eye. That concerned expression threaded with disappointment. It would tear her up. “Where is he anyways? I've been hiding in this little niche for fifteen minutes now.” She grumbled.

“Sophie, if we're going to be sneaking around the castle this late at night, you're going to need to stop talking to yourself.” Sophie's heart found a new home in her throat. She scanned the corridor. She couldn't see anyone, yet she was positive that it was Remus's voice she heard.

“Great, now I'm hallucinating.” She could hear him laughing from somewhere. Eyes darting back and forth, she still couldn't see him. “Alright, come on, show yourself already.”

“Why? Its so much fun to listen to you talk.” He laughed again.

“Well I'm glad one of us is enjoying themselves.” She scoffed. Remus's head appeared in front of her. Sophie bit her lip trying to suppress a scream. “You jerk! That's the second heart attack you've given me tonight!” she clutched her chest, willing her heart to stop thundering. “Where's the rest of your body by the way?” it was true, his head was floating in front of her, but his body was still undistinguishable.

“It's hidden by my friend James' invisibility cloak. I know pretty darn convenient, but then again how else are we expected to pull as many pranks as we do?” He smiled, taking off the cloak to reveal the rest of his body.

“So what you're telling me is that you and your band of miscreants are cheaters? Here we are, living in awe of your masterful work, and you're nothing but cheaters!” she declared with mock disgust.

“Oh, don't sound so shocked. Besides, our so-called cheating ways are going to get you into the restricted section of the library. Now come here you need to get under this cloak too.” Sophie paled. It was a long walk from her common room to the library, and she was going to be trapped under a cloak with Remus Lupin the whole way. “Come on we don't have all night Sophie.” She walked forward and let the cloak be draped around them both.

Thankfully, it was large enough they didn't have to walk on top of each other. It still caused them to walk close enough that she could constantly feel the heat of him behind her. Her every nerve was on edge, both for being out so late and breaking so many rules, and from being so close to him.

They reached the library without too much incident, despite several times where she tripped and he would catch her around the waist before she face planted. The first time she tripped going down a set of stairs, he grabbed her. His arms braced her with more strength than she thought he could possess given his sickly nature. He released her as soon as she had her footing, almost as if contact with her caused him physical pain. The next two or three times, his arm seemed to linger longer and longer.

They spent a relatively short time in the library. No one patrolled the library until an hour from when they got there. He left her to her own devices once they were in. A fact that she was grateful for. She had fed him some lie saying she was looking for a charms book or something unrelated to potions. Luck was with her, she found a book describing a potion that gave you a ghost like appearance. She wasn't sure how well or in general, how it was going to work, but it was her best chance.

“Sophie!” Remus hissed. “Are you ready to go yet? The prefects are going to be here soon.”

“I'm coming right now,” she whispered back. She had just put the book back on the shelf when they heard the heavy double doors groan open. Sophie ran to Remus's side, he shrouded them both in the cloak again. They moved step by measured step to a corner of the room where they weren't likely to run into anyone. Remus had a hand on Sophie's shoulder the whole time.

“Did the Headmaster tell you why he's making us switch the patrol schedule?” a prefect asked another prefect from the other side of the library. A Hufflepuff prefect stood just a few yards from the couple in the corner.

“Something about students knowing the schedule and using it to break the rules.” He yelled back.

“Well it seems to be clear in here, let's leave.” Remus shoved Sophie towards the door. He wanted them to make it out of the doors before the prefects closed them. He hadn't planned on needing the map, opening the doors after they left meant running the risk of them still being somewhere close by. They managed to make it out before the doors closed and make it back up to the Ravensclaw common room without any more trouble.

“Thank you Remus. You know, for helping me break the rules tonight and all.” Sophie stepped out from underneath the cloak. Remus materialized before her not a second later. “Though I should yell at you, I don't have a single black mark on my record, but you almost got us caught tonight.” She smiled as he laughed stepping a little closer.

“Well I'm going to have to find some way to make it up to you,” he said. “Or should you make it up to me since you're the one who forced me to break the rules tonight?” Little closer.

“Hey, if it wasn't for our adventure tonight, you and your gang of criminals wouldn't know that they changed the prefect patrol schedule.” He smiled down at her.

“I guess you're right, I do owe you. Maybe this will help make up for it.” Before she could blink, Sophie felt Remus's lips descend onto hers. They moved softly and slowly at first. It was the opposite of the forcefulness of Joseph's attack. Sophie didn't know how to respond. She wasn't experienced in this area at all. Remus's brought his hand around the back of her head deepening the kiss, increasing the pressure. Sophie responded as well she could. Remus broke the kiss soon after, his breath coming as staccato as hers.

His gaze searched her face feverishly. He did not understand what had possessed him to kiss Sophie, to keep kissing Sophie, to want to kiss Sophie again. Sophie's face wasn't giving up much, just flushed cheeks and swollen lips.

“Um, well. That was—nice.” She breathed. Remus started laughing again. He hadn't laughed so much in one evening for quite sometime. There was something, just, refreshing about Sophie.

“You certainly know how to build up a mans confidence. Goodnight Sophie Naldeg.” He leaned in and placed another kiss on her lips before turning and leaving. Sophie stood there for quite a few minutes before she realized something very important.

“Oh God—I'm screwed.”