Chapter Ten: Something New
Ariana's POV
I was the first one to wake up. I looked around and saw my classmates were still asleep. I quietly made my way out of bed and into the bathroom, rubbing the sleepiness out of my eyes. It was still dark out; breakfast probably wouldn't be served for another couple of hours. Today felt different, almost like a new beginning, a reboot as the muggles would call it. Could it really be the simple? Could my weakness be forgotten? I doubt Snape didn't go to Dumbledore, he must have.
I sighed. It was going to be a long day.
I came down to the Common Room and noticed no one was up yet. I breathed in relief and got my Advanced Potions book out of my school bag, I might as well read the next chapter.
I heard the Sir Cadogan's portrait swing open; he was the brief replacement for the Fat Lady. I paled. I quickly stood up and got my wand out.
"Lumos! Who's there? Show yourself!" I demanded.
"Relax Ariana it is only I" Said Professor Lupin.
I immediately lowered my wand. "What are you doing here?" I asked; my voice was barely above a whisper.
"I came to talk to you actually." He responded.
I frowned.
"Not here though." He looked around the Common Room. "These walls have ears." He offered a smile but I didn't smile back.
"Why?" I plainly asked.
"Come. To my office. You're not in any trouble but we must talk." Lupin replied.
I hesitantly nodded. I didn't have much choice in the manner, I couldn't defy my Professor. I was probably in enough trouble as it is.
I followed Professor Lupin back to DADA tower. We walked in an uncomfortable silence. Was he informed about last night? I wander. He gave me silent questioning looks as we walked. I gulped. He knew something. We locked eyes for a brief moment just before we arrived to his classroom. He almost looked… sad?
He opened the door and I followed him in before silently closing the door behind us. I lingered, not wanting to turn back and face him.
"Come in." He asked of me.
I turned around and followed his footsteps to his desk. I took a deep breath and asked; "What's this about?"
"Please take a seat Ariana." So he was back to calling me by my first name again.
"I rather stand." I voiced.
"Very well." He said sitting down. After a long moment, he spoke again. "Dumbledore told me what happened last night."
Shit. I cursed silently.
"You tried to harm yourself?" He asked me, sadly.
I flushed. Harm myself? Tried?
"He told me Severus found you just in time." Professor Lupin added.
So Snape didn't tell Dumbledore the whole story. I sighed in relief. I faintly nodded.
"Why? Was it because of what I said? Did you… did you try to hurt yourself because of me?"
If you only knew. "Yes... and no." I whispered.
"Ariana…" Lupin started.
"It wasn't just about you." I interrupted him. "I wasn't seeing things clearly. I thought maybe if… Never mind what I thought, it's done now. I'm fine."
"Are you?"
"Yes." I responded with aloofness.
"Ariana I'm sorry."
"Don't. Please don't. I've made peace with it, the truth that is." I licked my lips. "You were right." I confessed. "It's not right. Whatever we had or have between us, it isn't right. You're my teacher. I'm sorry I acted so childishly."
Professor Lupin looked taken back, as if what I said shocked him. "You have nothing to be sorry for." He responded gently. "I'm the guilty one."
"No. You're not. You were right Professor."
He stood up, facing away from me. I could hear him intake a long breath.
"I lied." He said.
"What?" I asked confused.
"I lied." Professor Lupin voiced again, turning around to face me. "I can't stop thinking about you. I lied to myself and I lied to you. I know it's wrong but… By Merlin I cannot stop thinking about you Ariana. And it is my fault, it was all my fault. I shouldn't have led you on… I." He broke, tears threatening to spill from his eyes.
My heart hurt.
"I don't want to be apart from you." He gulped.
I feel like I couldn't speak. What could I even say to that?
"Please say something." He begged me.
"I don't know what to say…" My voice was cracking.
"I'm too old, too poor, and too dangerous for you but I can't help myself Ariana. The way I feel for you… I can't stand it any longer. I know it's wrong and inappropriate but please, come back to me…" He reached his hand out to me, like a child begging for forgiveness. "I'm sorry."
I couldn't hold on to my sanity anymore. This man was going to be death of me! "How will I know you won't leave?" I asked in a small voice.
"You don't." He croaked. "But I won't leave you. I promise you… if you'll have me. I'll do anything in my power to keep you safe. To keep you happy."
"But it's wrong. We can't."
"I don't care anymore." He breathed. "I've always been one to follow the rules but now… I could care less, even in my position. I need you Ariana. After all, rules were meant to be broken."
That did it for me. I threw myself into his arms.
Professor Lupin held his beloved student in his arms, letting her hot tears soak his shirt. They held on to each other desperately, as if their lives depended on it, neither one ever wishing to let go.
"What will we do now?" Ariana asked a while after they separated.
"It will come to us." Remus smiled. He brushed the hair that was sticking to her face, due to her drying tears, behind her ears.
She smiled.
"Now there's the smile I missed." Remus spoke in delectation. He caressed her cheek lovingly and leaned in. Their lips were mere centimeters apart; Ariana could feel his hot breath upon her chin. Before he could close the gap however, Remus asked for permission. "May I?"
She nodded.
His lips were soft upon hers, merely a ghost kiss at first. He gently pecked her lips with his own, precendently applying more pressure as he went. Remus darted out his tongue, lightly dabbing the center of her lips, waiting for her approval. Ariana happily obliged. She parted her lips to allow him entry and Remus immediately instilled his tongue inside her dark cavern.
Their tongues battled for dominance as their endearment increased. Ariana moaned into his mouth, feeling the overwhelming passion of the kiss stimulate the blood in her veins. Remus growled in return, bringing her body flush to his. The lovers continued snogging while their hands roamed freely in each other's frame. Ariana brought both arms to loop around his neck while Remus kept one hand firmly on her waist while the other went to the curve of her neck. He cupped her neck, his fingers tangling in the locks of her hair while his thumb brushed her jawline.
Once they separated, their eyes locked, the moment of their bliss lost in time as they studied each other's face. His blueish emeralds met her deep ocean orbs. Remus finally exhaled the breath he didn't even realize he was holding. Everything he ever dreamed of was starring right back at him. Never in his wildest dreams had he thought someone would expect him for all he was. Not pity him but fully accept him for exactly who he really was. They were the same.
"Where have you been all my life?" Ariana gasped.
"I could ask you the same thing." Remus smiled.
They kissed again. This time Remus grabbed the back of her head, his fist enclosing around her hair, bringing her head closer to his as if she would suddenly vanish from his embrace. The kiss intensified, their lips became heated from the suction alone. Their tongues intertwined in a lover's song one more time.
"You should get back to the common room. Your friends will surely notice your absence."
She nodded before kissing him again. Remus grunted against her lips.
"I should go." She said letting go of his shoulders.
Remus nodded breathlessly before he too engulfed her lips one more time.
"Come tonight… after class…" He said breathlessly. "Meet me in the staircase at seven."
"Yes." Ariana rasped before giving him one final peck on the lips.
"I wish they had chocolate pudding!" Liam whined.
"Pudding for breakfast?" Rose made a face.
"Oy! It's good ay'right." Liam said with a mouthful.
Mikael chuckled. "You're too much mate."
In the meantime Ariana was smiling from ear to ear, taking her time with her breakfast.
"So Ariana have you decided about your internship?"
"What?" Ariana asked.
"Your internship? I thought you were changing from wanting to be an auror to a potion's master."
"Oh that. I'm not sure yet." Ariana shrugged.
"But you have to decide by the end of first term!" Rose exclaimed.
"I didn't know you were changing to potion master." Mikael commented.
"That means you'd probably end up coming back next year and doing your internship with Snape." Liam shivered.
Ariana chuckled. "He's not that bad."
"Not that bad!? Professor Snape!? He's a mean old greasy git! A scary one at that!" Liam frowned.
Ariana, Rose and Mikael all laughed at that.
"It's true. How can you even stand him?"
"Like I said he's not that bad Liam." Ariana replied.
"He has it out for me." Liam said.
"He has it out for everyone." Rose piped in.
Ariana shrugged again.
"You need to talk to Professor McGonagall." Rose insisted.
"Yes mom." Ariana joked, making Mikael laugh.
"Honestly what's gotten into you today?" Rose asked astounded.
"Whatever do you mean Rose?" Ariana rolled her eyes at her persistent friend.
"It's almost like you don't care about school anymore." Rose responded.
"That would be the day!" Liam laughed.
"Honestly Rose, Ariana not care about school? You're barking." Mikael smiled shaking his head.
If Ariana had to be honest, she was enjoying herself very much. She was in a wondrous mood. Of course, kissing Professor Lupin had everything to do with it. She was in cloud eleven at this point. Ariana couldn't believe herself for being such a silly hormonal teenage girl, she was an adult now for propero's sake. But she couldn't care less, for the first time in a long time she was happy, truly happy.
She was glad Snape's class had been a breeze. She was sure he was going to corner her or at least ask her to stay after class. With the way he was staring at her during Potions… Ariana shivered. No matter, he didn't say anything and at least she didn't have to worry the consequences for last night's events right now. Ariana was just happy to be over with all her classes of the day. Well, all except Defense; which was now her favorite class. She bounced happily down the stairs to the Divination and skipped down the hallway to her last class.
Her mind was screaming at her in a hysterical manner, she was going to secretly meet her professor after class. Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks. Snape, she had detention with Snape tonight at six. Ariana grumbled and whined to herself. She would have to reschedule with Remus.
Today had been much too perfect for her liking. Snape had all but ignored her; she thought she could really escape, at least for today. Remus would most likely be disappointed, she thought to herself. What if he thinks I'm blowing him off? What if he thinks I don't want us to be together, after last night… Ariana pondered.
"I hope you have all been practicing your patronuses." Professor Lupin said to his advanced seventh years. "I'm sorry to inform you but we'll be having a pop quiz."
There was a murmurs of no's from the students.
"Now now, it's quite easy I assure you. I expect most of you to pass with flying colors." Professor Lupin stated. "We can't always have fun you know." He joked.
"He seems cheerful." Liam whispered to Mikael.
"Of course! He's giving us a bloody quiz!" Mikael grumbled.
Professor Lupin flicked his wand and the stack of papers on his desk flew around the classroom, distributing to each student.
"For those of you who finish early you may leave. You must attempt to answer all questions however, at least attempt. Trust me the test will know." Lupin chuckled.
The student looked around confused.
"It's been enchanted with the inteligi charm. Which one of you can tell me what that charm is?"
Shy hands went up in the air.
"Mr. Issacs?" Lupin called upon a shy Hufflepuff boy.
"An inteligi charm is usually used on short test, making whoever is taking the quiz answer every question. Otherwise the student won't be able to move away from the test." He answered.
"Correct! 10 points to Hufflepuff!"
Ariana was the first to finish her test but being lost in her own world, she never actually stood up to turn it in and leave. By the time she realized she was so lost in her thoughts, the classroom was no empty except for her. As the last student took his leave she looked up to Professor Lupin who was warmly smiling at her. Ariana blushed and bit her bottom lip nervously. He waited to hear footsteps down the staircase before flicking his wand yet again and closing his door.
"I find it hard to believe you're having difficulty with such a basic quiz."
"Of course not. "I've been done." Ariana smirked.
"Ah! For a Gryffindor you can be quite devious."
She smirked even wider.
Remus approached her desk in slow strides, making Ariana blush once more. She slowly stood up and met him half way. She handed him her quiz and Remus smiled, one more time using his wand to place the parchment in his desk.
"You're cheeky today." Ariana commented.
"So re you my dear." Remus chuckled.
He placed his arms around her and drew her in for a bear hug.
"I missed you." He said.
"You saw me this morning!" She giggled.
"So? It's been a long time since this morning." He smiled.
"That's true." She snickered.
Remus placed his hand under her chin, lifting her face up to meet his. "May I?" He asked.
She wanted to laugh at his politeness but she kept quiet, simply folding her lips in and nodding quickly. Ever so slowly, their lips were joined. She sighed in content, her heart getting bigger and bigger in her chest.
"Mhmm. I'm never going to get used to that." Remus said after they separated.
"Get used to what?"
"Your intoxicating taste and scent."
Ariana blushed furiously, a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach consuming her.
"I'm sorry that was too bold of me." Remus flushed.
"No no not at all." She quickly answered. "I'm just not used to it."
Remus crooked his head to the side.
"This." She said quietly.
"Us?" He asked us.
"You. Treating me like this…" She blushed.
Remus frowned.
"I'm just not used to all the tenderness that's all." She laughed nervously. "Don't mind my silliness."
Remus beamed. "You're not being silly." His face turned serious now. He brushed the hair from her face back. "That's how it should be, only love and affection. No one should have to suffer what you've been made endure Ariana. And I promise you, I will do what I can to make sure no one ever hurts you again! I give you my word."
Ariana's breath caught in her throat, with each word he spoke to her it got harder and harder to breathe.
"Remus…" She was without words. "You're the best man I know." She said after a long pause.
He smiled and kissed her again.
"Ugh… I hate to do this." She spoke after endless moments of fondling each other.
"What?"
"I have detention."
"Detention? With Who?"
"Snape." She grunted.
"Ah." Remus chuckled.
"It's not funny!" She lightly smacked his shoulder but chuckled as well.
"And what pray tell did you do to Professor Snape to make him give you a detention?" Remus asked, amused.
"Who says I did anything?" She grinned.
He gave her a pointed look.
"He finally figure it out I've been stealing from his stash of ingredients for the best six years. I assumed he always knew but he gave me a detention when he substituted for your class. I guess I finally pissed him off." Ariana shrugged.
"You really are bed." Remus chortled. "What time?"
"At six." She said snuggling into his chest again.
"You better get going then."
"Mhmm." She whined.
"We'll have more time together." Remus smiled.
"One more minute." She pleaded.
"You're insatiable." Remus grunted before kissing her again. "Go. Go before neither of us want to."
"Can I come back tonight?"
"If you get caught after hours…"
"I won't." She smirked.
"I don't you taking that chance as tempting as it is."
"Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow is Saturday." Lupin smiled.
"All the more reason." She grinned back.
"Tomorrow then." He kissed her forehead.
A/N: I Know the inteligi (pronouced IN-te-leh-GEE) charm is not real in the Harry Potter world, I made it up. It's a charm professors can use on their tests and quizzes so it prevents the student from turning in their parchment if they haven't completed all the questions.
SEVERUS: "Ingenious"
ME: *takes a bow* "Thank you. I know."
SEVERUS: Don't get carried away.
