AN:

Short chapter today, I'm sorry.

But it's a sweet one :)

Also, I didn't know how to describe that sound Mariana made, BUT IT'S A VERY MEXICAN THING, OKAY? We do that.

Sunday went by swiftly. Mariana spent her morning checking some essays after breakfast, a cup of coffee next to her on the desk. Sighing, she stretched her back a bit and looked outside, the leaves in the trees turning orange and brown, making her smile. Taking a deep breath, Mariana stood up and, grabbing her long black coat over her white striped dress, and a knitted scarf her mother had made, she made her way out of her office.

She walked through the halls, still mesmerized by its beauty. The castle was gorgeous, the grounds were breathtaking, but what she loved the most about the castle were, by far, the students. She wouldn't have thought she'd ever be teaching teenagers across the world about her country, but here she is, and she was loving it.

Some of her students greeted her or waved at her as she walked through the courtyard, as she made her way down the hill towards the lake. This was her favorite spot at the whole school, if she had to be honest. Sitting down right under a tree, she leaned her head back to rest against it, feeling the breeze on her face. She could feel the weather getting colder as the days went by, but she liked it.

"Care if I join you?"

Mariana opened her eyes and turned and was surprised to see Remus standing over her, a gentle smile on his face as he looked down at her.

With a small smile, she nodded. "Not at all."

Both of them sat down in silence, eyes set on the lake before them. The silence was awkward, both of them not knowing what to say. The tense mood was broken when Remus cleared his throat.

"I haven't thanked you for covering for me on Friday."

"You don't have to thank me, I didn't mind." She smiled and turned to see him looking at her. "I had fun, actually." She said with a small chuckle.

"The twins kept you on your toes, didn't they?" Remus smiled back at her.

"Oh God those two!" Mariana laughed. "They were so witty and so funny! Don't tell them I say that, though."

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

They looked at each other with smiles on their faces, the awkwardness surrounding them gently lifting and leaving.

"How are you feeling?" Mariana asked softly.

"Oh," Remus cleared his throat. "I'm feeling better, thanks for asking. And for the chocolate, you shouldn't have, really."

"I thought that could be a peace offering, you know," Mariana said, averting her gaze, looking at the piece of grass she was twisting around her finger. "I… I don't really know what I did or said last month that made you stop talking to me, but I'd like to apologize. I didn't mean to offend you, honestly."

Mariana lifted her gaze up at him, looking him deep in his green eyes. Remus stared back, and it felt as if the world around them vanished, just for a moment. Remus smiled then, sat up straight.

"I think maybe," Remus began, "We could try this again." He scooted closer to her, sticking his hand out. "Remus Lupin."

Mariana grinned at the older man, taking his hand in hers. "Mariana Mondragón."

"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Mondragón." He smiled as he squeezed her hand in a firm handshake.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Lupin. But please, call me Mariana. I feel like I'm back at school whenever I get called by my last name."

Remus chuckled as he took his hand away. "Then please, call me Remus." He moved back to his previous spot, chuckling, but not too far away. "And you're technically in school, if you think of it."

"I mean, if you think of it that way." Mariana laughed loudly, making Remus's smile grow.

They sat in silence again, but this time it was a welcomed one, as they smiled and looked at each other. Remus, with a breath, got something out of his pocket.

"Do you want some?" He asked as he offered her a piece from a chocolate bar.

"Do you just carry chocolate around with you?" Mariana said as she took the chocolate from him, taking a bite from the square.

"I like chocolate, is that so bad?"

"I don't know, Mr. Lupin, you didn't give me the impression that you've got a sweet tooth." Mariana smirked at him.

Remus gave her a tiny smirk of his own as she finished the piece of chocolate. "What about you, Ms. Mondragón? I wouldn't picture you as someone who's into sweets."

Mariana's smile fell."So you're saying because I'm Mexican, I should be into spicy food? That's a bit racist from you."

Remus stopped smiling and his mouth opened and closed as he tried and failed to defend himself.

Mariana's neutral face broke down into hysterical laughter. "I'm kidding! Nezahualpilli, you should have seen your face." She said as she bumped her shoulder with his.

Remus let out a breath in relief. "It wasn't that funny."

"Oh it was!" Mariana took a breath. "But to answer your question, I'm into spicy things, ironically. Chips- I mean, crisps? Is that what you call them?" Remus nodded, trying to hold in a laugh. "Anyway, crisps with salsa Valentina and lime?" Mariana made a slurping sound at the thought. "Man I gotta ask my mom to send me more of those, my stash is almost over."

"By the way, thank you for the chocolate from your own private collection. It was really good."

"Feel extremely special, Remus. I don't even share that chocolate with my mom." She winked.

"Consider me feeling special."

"If you like chocolate, maybe you'd like some hot chocolate? I brought some and the weather is getting colder, so it'll be a nice time for a cup."

"That would be nice, thank you."

The pair continued talking about anything and everything while they spent their time by the lake, not noticing how the day passed and when they least expected it, it was past dinner and students were about to go to bed.

"Oh no, we missed dinner."

"We can go to the kitchens if you want, and ask the elves for something." Remus said standing up, offering his hand to Mariana to help her up.

Nodding, Mariana took his hand and he pulled her up, only letting go of her the moment they reached the castle. He let go so suddenly, as if remembering he was holding it.

They had dinner at the kitchens - a shepherd's pie for him, and some tacos for her - and left when they finished. Remus, ever the gentleman, walked Mariana to her classroom, passing his on the way.

"Thank you, kind sir." Mariana said with an atrocious British accent, making Remus laugh.

"Okay I know it's horrible, no need to laugh." Mariana said, laughing as well.

"It's not so bad."

"Don't lie to make me feel better."

"I'm not. You're getting there."

"I'll see you tomorrow at breakfast, then?" Mariana asked.

Remus nodded. "Yes, I'm feeling better now. I'll be okay by tomorrow."

"Good night, Remus."

"Good night, Mariana."