Masquerade

A/N: So this is a oneshot about the strange things that happen at masquerades. I don't what else to say right now, so enjoy!!

I stepped off the staircase carefully so as not to tear the midnight-blue dress. I entered the great hall hardly able to contain my excitement. Tonight was the last dance of the year. It was a masquerade and no one came with dates. I liked these kind of dances because no one knew who was who and I could be myself for once.

"May I have this dance?" I turned around to face the young man who had spoken.

He wore tuxedo and a silver mask that covered most of his face. I could still see his pale blue eyes though. I knew those eyes. Only Remus Lupin had eyes like that.

"I'd be delighted to," I replied placing my hand in his as my heart rate quickened.

Remus whirled me around the dance floor expertly. I had no idea he could dance like that. It took all my years of dance lessons to rival his skills. We took to the center of the floor, and others gathered around to watch. When the final notes played everyone applauded and much to my surprise Remus kissed my hand gently.

"Thank you for the dance I never deserved, Emma," he whispered before disappearing into the crowd.

HE KNEW! How could he have known it was me? I tried to desperately to follow but he was already gone.

"Remus," I moaned and sank dejectedly to my knees. The one chance I had ever had with him and I had to go and blow it.

"Come on," I looked up to see James towering over me, "He couldn't have gotten far."

"I…"

"Don't say anything," he muttered, "It's clear that the two of you need each other. And if you're both too blind to do anything about then someone has to."

I let James lead me away from the crowded room and into the cool night air. I didn't realize where he was taking me until we were at the lakes edge. Underneath the wispy branches of a willow tree knelt Remus himself, staring up at the stars.

"Got to him," James said, "Tell him how you really feel, Emma, and don't leave anything unsaid this time."

I nodded and felt James slip away into the night. I took a deep breath before stepping in Remus's direction.

"Remus?" I called out tentatively.

Remus flipped around to face me faster than I thought possible and spoke incredulously, "Emma? What are you doing here?"

"Making things right in my life for once," I answered and took a step closer, "Remus I've loved you ever since I moved in. And I can't continue living my life until I know if perhaps you could ever love me in return."

"But… but that one night in the woods," he whispered and hung his head, "I could have killed you."

I gently lifted his head up so his eyes were looking directly into mine, "But you didn't. Not only that, but you saved my life as well. If you had not come along, that… that thing would have shown no mercy."

"But it was so risky," Remus continued, "I was in my were-wolf form. If I had lost control for even one second you would have been dead."

"Which shows me how strong you are," I said firmly, "I wouldn't love you if I thought otherwise."

"You really do love me?" Remus asked gazing at me intently.

"I really, truly do," I answered fervently.

"I love you too," Remus murmured and lowered his head so that our foreheads were touching, "And I always will."

I felt his lips press against mine and I wrapped my arms around his neck. Remus smiled as he pulled away and spun around in a circle. I kissed him once more and I knew that things between us would never be the same.

A/N: What did you think? I might decide to make it a story later on, but that's really up to you. Please review!!! And to my readers of BBE I promise I'm almost done with the next chapter! THANKS EVERYBODY!!!