To say she'd missed the Hufflepuff dormitory would be a massive understatement for leaving last summer had felt like leaving a part of her behind. Like someone had taken a part of word and torn it out with their wretched skeletal hands and had screamed in her face that it belonged to them. But alas they were wrong and she collapsed in her comfy sheets and dug her nose into the warm smelling covers and let out a content sigh. This was perfection. At least it was -until her friend decided that dog piling her in her relaxed state was the best way to welcome her back.

"Oh my Lizzie it has been ages! You've grown so much since last we met; I fear I barely recognize that lovely face of yours. " Her friends fingers scrabbled to pinch her chubby cheeks and she had to nearly dive off her bed to escape them, only to yelp when her ankle was grabbed and pulled her flat on the bed. "You can't run Lizzie. Just give in!" Jeanine yelled as she jumped on her best friends stomach and pelted her with kisses and tickled her sides. After a few minutes of terror she stopped and both girls took a minute to catch their breath.

Jeanine smiled down at her friend cupped her cheek, "I really did miss you idiot. You barely owled me. I was starting to think you were dead or just hated me." Eliza was quick to smile up at her friend and soothe her worries. "I could never hate you Jeanie. And besides, Bernard does what he pleases with my mail and he tends to not like to deliver at your address." Both girls giggled and retold stories of what they'd done the past summer- though it seemed Jean had far more interesting stories than Eliza by a long shot.

She was halfway into a story about how her father had deliberately told her that she was forbidden from accepting any type of, and she quotes- 'fuddy duddy dragony business'- and that is exactly what she nearly did. Her father caught onto her plan just as she had gotten the illegal dragon egg from the very illegal magic creature poacher but it seemed that having a father who worked in the Ministry of Magic was not ideal. It had seemed that Charlie Weasley had a deal with the Department in regards to dragon related issues; he would alert the Ministry to any illegal activity in regards to creature hunting or trading as long as he was given custody of the creature, though he specialized in dragons. But seeing as the Weasley's were in Egypt over the summer it had looked like the perfect crime.

"And now my father is like-" She stuck her hands on her hips and spoke in a deep voice-"'Why did I get stuck with a daughter with a nose bigger than her brain? You know you'd get higher marks if you just stuck to your studies like a good girl." Her tongue stuck out and she crossed her eyes, prompting her friends to laugh out loud at the impersonation. "But yeah, he said if I was serous about dragons and stuff that I should reach out to the Weasley's, maybe get in contact with Charlie." Her face fell and the aura in the room grew dim. "My mum calls it all stupid anyway. Says I should follow in da's footsteps, that I'd be a perfect addition to the Ministry." Her gaze found Eliza, "Says your filling my head with this shite. That you're corrupting me or something. Stupid is all."

A crease formed in Eliza's eyes as she watched the inner turmoil boil in her friends mind. Sometimes she hated Jeanie's mum- that was an understand- she always hated that woman. She went out of her way to fill her friend's head with lies about how she'd grow up a Dark Witch if she didn't get her act together, as if there was any act to get together. And she'd always hated that Eliza and Jeanie had found friendship in each other, going as far as asking Dumbledore to place her daughter in a different dormitory, though he had downright refused her request.

"You know she's fulla shit mate. She's always been out to get us. Just ignore her like you always do. You'll only be hurtin yourself if you wait around for her to change." Jeanine nodded and wiped away at her dry cheeks, giving her friend a heart-warming smile. She always knew just what to say. Jeanine stood and offered her friend a hand as well, "C'mon, enough of this sad talk. Let's get down to and see if the twins have left us anything to eat." They laughed and left the common room, starting another conversation about the classes they were taking this year.

The Great Hall was true in its name- As in it was a Great Hall; There were rows upon rows of tables that were lined with mountains of food that would make any wizard drool. It seemed as though not every student had arrived, as many rows were quite half empty. Though in the girl's case, that meant more food for them anyway. Both girls quickly spotted the twins in the middle of the Hufflepuff table, and they seemed to be squabbling over the last piece of corn bread.

"I saw it first you dolt its mine! Go eat a damn salad, you need it more than I!" Daisy reared back and hit her brother on the shoulder, using her one-second advantage to grab the delicious morsel and stuff it in her mouth, smirking when her brother Desmond let out a squawk that could rival a Hippogriff. He opened his mouth- most likely to call her something foul beyond belief when he spotted his two friends, prompting him to smile and stand from his seat.

"Well if it isn't Jean and Lizzie! I haven't seen you both in ages. How did the summer treat you? I can still you both are in desperate need of a tan if I say so myself." He patted his own tanned skin with a smirk before hugging them both with a sigh. He had truly missed them- it hadn't been the same with only his twin sister to keep him company. As well as-"And I have to catch you two up on I've been up to these past months." The three sat down at the table, all while Daisy was piling her plate with scones and jam, and started to eat.

More people rushed into the Great Hall; they witnessed friends yell in cheer and sprint across the hall to throw themselves in another arms, and others simply sat quietly and ate. There were no classes the first day back, as many students were too busy rekindling friendships or were simply late for the start of the school year. So the four friends had the day to themselves, happily munching on treats as each one told of their fabulous summer.

Well- "I just helped Mara at the shop. Read some good poetry too, a few novels here and there really passed the time. I did chance upon a few boys who fancied the shop- the lot came in three times a week for a sausage roll. But one of them- think his name was Harold- quite a looker if I'm being honest. Though him and his mates seemed dumber than a bag of bricks so I let em' be." Eliza made a thoughtful face. "That was pretty much my summer. Not bad to be honest." Her mouth bit into a strawberry pastry and nearly moaned out loud at the sweet flavors erupting on her tongue.

"Geez mate just make love to it already." Jean nudged her friend's shoulder and snorted. "But anyway, your summer was basically working with Mara and starin at boys. Sounds like Lizzie." Eliza rolled her eyes before taking the last bite of her pastry, nearly choking at the tall figure that appeared behind Daisy's back. They're slicked short black hair made them look all the more malevolent, and their tall posture was much intimidating.

Silas Graves was a force to be reckoned with. She and Eliza weren't necessarily enemies- though they sure as hell weren't friends. Yes, they would help each other in classes with no more than a few snide comments but aside from that they were quite an undynamic duo. And currently, Silas had that look of curiosity in her face. "It's been a while Lizzie. You could almost say I missed your irritating presence." Eliza was used to this by now and gave her a smile that could rival the beaming sun. "And how did this summer treat you? Well I hope."

Silas gave her a shit-eating grin. "Well I don't want to brag but I was on holiday in Spain. My father thought it best to educate me on other regions of the world. And truthfully they couldn't get enough of me." She smirked with full teeth, quite like a snake, and Eliza snorted into her pumpkin juice when Daisy murmured something that sounded suspiciously like 'we've had more than enough of you', which Silas snarled at like a wolf.

"You filthy half-blood-" Eliza stood from her chair with a ramrod straight back, eyes piercing into Silas's, while the other girl was glaring daggers at Daisy, hand clenched at her side. "Just go. Now." The taller girl pulled back with a sneer- hand unclenching- turning back to Eliza. "See you in Potions Lizzie." She stalked away to the Slytherin table and never once looked back. Eliza sat back down and looked to her friend, noting the sad look in her eyes, though Jean was quick to catch on as well. "Don't listen to that cunt, she's just lookin to get off on bein a right bitch."

She stabbed her fork into a sausage and took a hearty bite saying "Someone's gotta take her down a peg. Not me of course cause she'd kick my ass but someone will." They nodded in unison but Eliza knew her heart felt differently. Yes, the other girl could be cruel and hurtful for no reason other than she could, but Eliza was painfully aware of the fact the Silas hated her father with a fiery burning rage that no one but her could see. The scars and burns upon the other girls arms and back said enough, but when Eliza had caught sight of her red scarred forearms and Silas had looked at her with something akin to paralyzing fear, she'd know. It had been in 4th year that she'd seen the other girl's pain, and Silas had simply said in a trembling voice 'He'll kill her if you tell'.

Eliza didn't know who her was but she wasn't eager to find out. So she simply tried to be as kind to her as she could, for she didn't receive it anywhere else- unless you counted the Slytherin table's eagerness to feed into her hatred for the world. Most days Eliza just felt sorry. But don't think that she forgave her nasty attitude towards her friends of anyone really, she was just understanding of where it was coming from.

"Well," Jeanine spoke, "That thoroughly ruined my appetite. Anybody up for a stroll? I must say I have missed jesting with Sir Coogan and I dare say that my eardrums have missed the Fat Ladies lovely ungodly singing. You up for it?" Eliza opened her mouth to accept her offer- she really just wanted to have some fun before classes started- but was interrupted by a letter dropping on her empty plate, looking up just in time to see an owl she didn't recognize fly out the window.

Her name- her name being written as Elizabeth and not a variation on a theme as usual- and she couldn't quite place the handwriting. Her fingers were tearing open the seal when Jean said while stretching "looks like you've got mail Liz" and she in return gave her the most obvious 'duh' face she could muster, though her three friends were curious as to what it said. It was a small piece of parchment and the lettering looked quite plain but it did have a few words written.

Elizabeth,

Seeing as our last meeting was cut short I would appreciate a moment of your time. Perhaps you could come by my class later today for a spot of tea. A quarter past two would be lovely.

-Remus

Was it possible for a young girls heart to not only stop beating, but to then burst out of her chest and flop around on her empty plate like a dying fish? Because she was sure that that had happened to her, as she fully comprehended the letter she had received just now in the Great Hall from what she thought to be an accidental drop off but was in fact accurate. Remus Lupin- the handsome gentlemen from the train- had asked to have tea with her. Was this real?

"Who's it from? Not some bloke I'm hopin." She looked over her friends shoulder at the neat scribbles "Who in the bloody hell is Remus? Have we met him? Does he go here? Well go on, tell us about him." The three friends eagerly looked at their suddenly shy friend. "Well he's-"

She was cut off as two 4th year Hufflepuffs came around her shoulders and spoke with beady eyes and wet lips. "Haven't you heard? He's the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I saw him getting off the train last night and he was carrying someone- god I wish I were her- she looked like a damsel in distress. I wish that were me- don't you wish that were you Jae?

The other twin replied "Literally we would do anything for him to even look our way. He's gorgeous, but like, rugged gorgeous. He doesn't hold a candle to Lockhart but he'll do." The second twin, Luma, had finally noticed the letter in Eliza's hands. "What's this?" Her perfectly manicured hand went to snatch it and read it like the little sneaky mouse she was, but Daisy was faster and snatched it from her friends hands, then folding it and putting it in her own pocket.

"None of your goddam business is what it is. Now sod off, this is private stuff here." The twins scowled and after a moment finally left, a swish in their step. Daisy glared at their backs before looking to her red-cheeked friend. "Don't sweat them. They just wish they were more interesting is all. Now tell us, what did it say?" Eliza spoke with a swoon worthy look in her eyes, "He asked me to join him for tea. A quarter after two. Can you believe that? Tea." Her head lowered to her waiting hand and let out an elated sigh.

"Quarter after two you said? You do know it was a quarter past two about twenty minutes ago. Think you're late love." Jean said this uncharacteristically slow before standing and stretching, rubbing her full belly, not paying attention as her friend nearly fell from the bench and sprinted down the hall, though she did yell "Have fun!" at her back.

And unsurprisingly, Desmond asked "You think they're gonna fuck?" Daisy snorted and Jeanine scowled. "Our Lizzie? On the first date? Not even. Now second date?" Jeanine tapped her nose and three friends made innocent faces at each other and erupted into laughter. It was only Daisy who stopped laughing nearly as quick as she started, hand reaching into her pocket and crushing the note in her palm.

Eliza sprinted down the hall- the pitter patter of her feet alerting the paintings of her hurried race against time- and made a sharp turn around a corner, hurrying up the stairs, as well as waving to that one female painting that tended to surprisingly enjoy her presence. There were no clocks around which was absurd seeing as this was a school and you had different classes at different times so theoretically, clocks should be everywhere!

Her lungs were out of air and she keeled over, trying to catch herself as she neared what she knew was the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom at the end of the hall. Just as the owl had been late in delivering her small request to meet Remus, it seemed fate was not done with her as Professor Snape rounded the very corner she was headed for. And it wasn't as if she could turn another corner or hide in plain sight- there was nowhere to go.

She came to a halt and stood before the mostly feared Potions professor, though she feared him not as much as she did a giant spider, as he had nothing on the one that lived in the Forbidden Forest. She had nearly come face to face with one back in 4th year, and it had taken a sleeping potion to calm her down. So unless Snape suddenly grew six more legs and pincers, she could handle him.

"Hello Professor." She nodded her head as he came to a stop in front of her. She would admit, he did look quite frightening; His black coats billowed around him and his hair hung to his shoulders, making him all the more like a demon on his lunch break. He took a moment to respond, "I would say I'm shocked to see you and up running about the castle but I would be lying."

She gave him a kind smile. "I'm glad to see you care about my well being Professor. Now if you'll excuse me-" She went to edge past him but was stopped as his pale arm shot out from within his robes and tugged her an inch closer, much closer than she'd ever been. She looked up at him as he looked down his nose at her. He inched forward a little and opened his mouth as if to speak but stopped himself, shaking his head and releasing her arm. He walked away and left her gaping at his clothed back, watching as he turned a corner and was out of sight.

She stood there in stunned silence for a moment- she looked back down at his arm were he'd grabbed her and placed her arm over where his hand had been- before eventually coming out of her stupor and darting to the classroom door, knowing she was terribly late. Her hand nearly shook as it knocked on the hard wooden door and her hands quickly tried to smoothen down her clothes, placing stray pieces of hair behind her eyes as well as wiping sweat from her forehead.

The classroom door opened to reveal Professor Lupin, though this time he was not donning a green cloak but instead a pair of brown slacks and sweater vest. It was quite a homey look- one that a wife would expect her husband as she comes home from work to find him caring for the children. She was glad her thoughts were hers and hers alone for she was sure if anyone could see her picturing herself coming home to kiss a man like Remus, would call her mad. Though then again- she had no reason to judge herself- everyone was slightly mad, in their own way,

"Elizabeth! I was beginning to think you'd stood me up." He let out a laugh and ushered her in, stepping in front of her and leading the way into his private office, and closing the door with a 'click'. Her fingers tapped against her wrist behind her back, watching the professor flick his wand around the room to procure the tea. She stifled a giggle when the tea pot landed on his desk and poured itself into two cups, himself reaching for one that was entirely too hot to the touch. He stuck his fingers in his mouth and cursed his urgency for his lovely dark tea.

"I would wait a moment," He flicked forward two chairs "They are quite hot." She nodded and smiled, in which he returned his own warm smile. They sat in silence as the steam littered off the tea and she eventually reached for the untouched one, moaning at the bitter taste. A blush covered her cheeks when her in turn gave her a wide-eyed look.

Luckily, Eliza's bird brain remembered that she'd been more than acceptable late, "I do have to apologize for being late, I hadn't received your letter until a little while ago and really I rushed her as fast as I could-" He held up a hand and took another sip.

"No need to apologize. I'm afraid I sent my letter with an unreliable source and was unaware that my owl has a mind of its own. And besides, I wasn't all that lonely. Severus and I had quite a little spat before your arrival so really, you were quite on time." He sent her a wink before downing the still hot tea, "Now darling, there was a reason I called you here, though I don't want you to assume you must always need a reason to visit. My doors are always open for you." It was silent between them and she nodded at his words, at a bit of a loss herself.

"And what was that reason Remus?" She'd realized her mistake as soon as his name left her lips- she should know better than to call him by his first name, he was a professor, not her friend- and her mouth opened with an apology but he quickly responded "I was hoping you would be open to a talk, and wipe that look off your face- I don't want to scare you. Just a talk is all."

"And what would you like to know?"