Ahhh! My biggest, sincerest, kindest apologies to the almost year long update XD
I hope some people still read this and that it's not really awful ;;
Well, yes, this chapter is quite long… and err… hehe, well you'll see. lol
Chapter: 4/??
Disclaimer: I own nothing except Wynter Darkholme. All the other characters belong to the wonderful JK Rowling.
One One = ThreeSunday morning crept through the tall, office windows, illuminating the Professor as he lay forth onto his desk, sleeping. Warm rays danced across his serene face and off a small photograph held loosely in his hand. Both occupants of the small picture embracing each other fondly…smiling broadly at Lupin, still deep in slumber.
The room around him lay unkempt– discarded pieces of parchment scattered on the floor, ink speckling the stone floor along with shards of broken glass and a large olive book sat precariously over the edge of the desk. To look at Remus as he stirred in his rest, you would expect his surroundings to be nothing more as was before him. He too shared the dishevelled condition of his room, silver tinged locks askew, dark circles lay under his eyes and his worn, day robes still hung lose on his lean frame.
His gentle stirring ceased as he finally came to. Amber eyes contemplated his untidy surroundings, resulting in a weary sigh. Recollections of yesterday flooded his morning thoughts as his eyes lay upon the photograph he still held. Wishing no more to dwell on what had happened, gently he placed the picture, face down before him. Drowsy eyes then focused upon the parchment sitting before him on the desk, bearing the words 'Dear Wynter'. Lupin halted his sluggish movements and stared at the words…another weary sigh escaping his pale lips. His sullen gaze withdrew for a moment and found an intact bottle of ink. With ease he opened it and picked up his tattered quill. Remus pondered over the bare parchment for a moment, fingers tracing existing words, before he brought his quill to paper and began to write…
Wynter, Harry, Ron and Hermione did not see the next day until the early hours of the afternoon. They had stayed up the previous night indulging in the sugary delights brought back from Honeydukes along with finishing their mound of homework.
Due to the day's earlier events, Wynter was very subdued that evening, arousing mild concern from Hermione, but she just brushed it off giving her excuse being the amount of homework to tackle. Hermione seemed to adhere to her excuse and began a long-winded speech on how to tackle the stresses and strains of schoolwork, her number one rule being do the work as you get it. Wynter couldn't remember the rest – she had stopped listening by then.
The remainder of their short day was spent in the common room, relaxing and finishing off the remains of the previous eve's candy feast. Saturday morning still played on Wynter's mind that day… What wrong could she of committed so terribly that made Remus react in such a manner? All she did was try to help him, try to let him open up to her. Much the same as she was trying to attain with young Harry – and mildly achieving. But, Remus had been so…angry with her. She could see the rage gleam in his usually kind eyes…Never had she witnessed him in such a blind fury… It was frightening.
Over the past few weeks, they had steadily grown closer. Gaining each other's trust, finding solace in one another's company. But now, after yesterday, everything they had attained over time now meant nothing to Remus it seemed. He had simply seen her as an intrusive, foolish little student.
"Is that all he really sees me as?" Wynter questioned herself early that Sunday night as she carefully put away her letter from Remus, tracing his signature lightly with her finger… "Is that all…?"
"What we got next?" Snapped Ron, whilst emerging from another disastrous Potions lesson. Snape had once again thought it highly amusing to sneer at the Weasley's incompetence at potions, and well, everything for that matter. The young Weasley had conjured up something that didn't even barely resemble a Shrinking Potion and of course, Snape didn't miss his chance.
"Double Defence Against The Dark Arts" Harry mumbled, also fighting back contained rage brought on by the infamous Snape. He had also found time in his humiliation of Ron to get a quick scorn at Harry. Snape had no limit to his talents…
"Bloody brilliant! I can vent some of my hatred, and plans of revenge with Lupin!" A wry smile crept upon the young red head as he exchanged a glance with Harry. Wynter, their whole journey to D.A.D.A., kept silent…growing slightly apprehensive as they neared Professor Lupin's class…
"Oh honestly, start acting your age you two"
Upon reaching their class, Wynter slowed down her movements, almost grinding to a halt. It was as though she was preparing herself for the incoming onslaught she was convinced she was going to receive. Hands gripped tighter around her studies and head was lifted high before she advanced into Lupin's class. Not once did she dare make eye contact with Remus as she walked past his desk…fearing she may once again see that frightening glint in his eyes. Harry, upon being greeted warmly by Lupin noticed his animosity towards Wynter. He exchanged questioning looks with Ron who had also noticed this and was watching Wynter with a wash of confusion. But before he could question her, Lupin called to the class to take their seats. Harry swiftly took the one beside Wynter, smiling fondly towards her – she didn't even acknowledge his presence.
"Afternoon Class" The usual spark and buoyancy which laced the Professor's voice had dwindled it seemed; instead he talked with a low, almost dull tone. The majority of the class didn't pick up on his change – only assuming it was lunar time once more; instead they chorused back an afternoon welcome.
"Right, I am hoping you all read chapter seventeen for today" Lupin leant back against the front of his desk, arms folded loosely before his chest "Because I am going to ask you all a few questions"
A few groans were heard throughout the students upon hearing this riveting news…
"Now, now class. It won't be too hard – unless you haven't read your stuff. Okay, could anyone tell me the lasting effects of having the imperius curse upon them for a long duration?" Lupin watched as a small majority of hands inclined towards the ceiling and picked a student to answer.
"Parvati?"
"Err, can you lose part of your conciseness and enter a permanent stupor?"
"Excellent, Parvati. Ten points to Gryffindor" Lupin, impressed with his student granted her a broad smile before pressing on with his next question. Wynter simply glanced at Remus, finding him grinning broadly at Parvati. One glance from Wynter. That was all it took for Lupin to sense her eyes watching him. She caught his gaze, but it showed nothing - not even a hint of the ardour, which glowed from his eyes… Only the other morning he had willingly shown his inclination towards her and blessed her with that tender gaze. But now…there was nothing there…
"Right, this one is going to be a bit more harder and I would be surprised if any of you knew this at all. What is the name of the precaution wizards do in order to avoid the previous said state?"
No one responded. Each member of the class glanced at one another, conferring, trying to find someone who knew the answer. Not even Hermione shot her hand in the air, but then a small pale hand edged upward. Fully stretched out, it's bearer showed confidence in their answer – her answer.
It was Wynter.
A lingering silence followed, heavy and uneasy… Lupin stared at Wynter for a moment, not flinching as she ardently returned the hard gaze; her hand still high above her head, waiting to answer.
"Anyone?" The Professor shifted, reaffirming his position on the desk. Eyes now surveying the class before him, searching for someone to answer. He was simply ignoring her, disregarding her presence.
The class looked puzzled, they watched their Professor with questioning looks. Harry, whose brow had furrowed in confusion, simply sounded out his declaration to Lupin.
"Err, sir, Wynter has her hand up. Maybe you should ask her"
Lupin sharply turned his head towards Harry, looking down in at him with mild displeasure.
"Yes, Mr. Potter, I am well aware. And are you the one standing up here taking this class? No. Then I strongly advise you to keep your mouth shut and stop telling me how to do my job" Remus spat through gritted teeth, restraining himself from bellowing his words. The class fell instantly silent. Eyes were either now adamantly focused on Harry or their Professor… A sudden outburst like that from Lupin was very uncommon. He had to be the most relaxed teacher in school…
"I'm sorry, Professor" Mumbled Harry in reply, growing increasingly uncomfortable from the avid attention now drawn on him. Wynter, who still had her hand upright in the air watched with mild concern… She knew how enraged he could get, only having experienced it a few days previous. Hermione, who sat beside a startled Ron, raised her hand in the air, hoping to swiftly move on with an attempt at an answer – the air of unease lingered heavily through the class.
"Do you also wish to tell me how to run my class, Miss Granger? Or are you going to surprise us with an answer?" Lupin had now moved from his desk, arms still folded and was pacing in front, awaiting her response. His ill-mannered retort did not waver Hermione; instead she began to round off one of her textbook answers.
"In order to be able to fight against the inevitable trance from the Imperius curse, wizards must-"
"They must wear an amulet charmed with the Animalie charm – enabling them to keep their mind steady and free" Mid sentence, Wynter who had kept her hand upright all throughout interrupted young Hermione and boldly finished the statement off. Not once faltering her hard gaze on Lupin who now inched forward to her desk.
"Did I ask you, Wynter? I specifically remember not"
"I had my hand up Professor – the only one who did – so I think my answer was perfectly valid"
You could simply feel the fierce tension that lingered profusely between both parties. Amber eyes bore down on young Wynter as he edged closer. Nothing could be heard except the light click of his footsteps drawing nearer to Wynter.
As she watched her Professor advance closer, Wynter held her breath, finding her nerves copiously returning…Remus stood so close now, she could have reached out and touched him… Her eyes now caught the gaze of Lupin, widening slightly in fear upon seeing that angered gleam shine his eyes. But she did not wish to show her true feelings to Remus, praying her face showed equal malice…but she was sure it did not.
"I don't much appreciate your attitude, Miss Darkholme. Who exactly do you think you are? What with interrupting Miss Granger and answering me back…" Any sign that she was not afraid suddenly dispersed as her Professor slammed his slender, talon hands on her desk. Wynter jumped in terror and withdrew her hands defensively before her chest. A collective gasp washed throughout the students and a few also jumped in surprise.
"Well?" Spat Lupin as he leant over the desk, fingers curling as he spoke. Wynter eyed his hands warily, frightened of what they may do next. Along with fear, young Wynter felt humiliated…She was being shamed in front of her peers and enemies. But of course, this was much to her enemy's delight – there would undoubtedly be an over exaggerated account told at the Slytherin table this eve.
A building fervour was rushing to her cheeks, as she saw Lupin open his mouth in another probable attempt to slander her name.
"I-I'm sorry, Professor" Was all she could manage. Anything else would have instilled more anger into Remus and that, was the last thing Wynter wished for. She bit her bottom lip and braced herself for an expected onslaught.
"And so you should be. Thankful too that I'm going to leave it as it is and forget you ever acted in such a foolish manner…" His words were laced with a dangerous lull, only audible to the surrounding students. With one last stern glance at Wynter, the Professor removed his hands and stepped away from her desk. He turned and proceeded back to his own desk, leaving behind a flustered and shaken young girl. The many pairs of eyes still watched Wynter with avid curiosity – but none dared to breathe a word. Not even the usually 'brave' Slytherins. Wynter clasped her trembling hands together, leaning forward on the desk. In order to remove the class' attention so amply on her, she proceeded in opening her book and glancing blankly at the pages before her.
"Right class, I want you to read chapters eighteen and nineteen and take notes for the remainder of the lesson, thank you" Lupin's voice had softened considerably but still held an acrimonious air. The class instantly obliged and set their heads down into their books, accompanied by the light scribbling of their quills. Harry edged himself nearer to Wynter, and with a quick glance at Remus leant over to whisper gently in her ear. Her head was swarmed with too many thoughts to register Harry's words at first. She was trying to decipher what exactly she had done to cause such hatred and anger directed towards her from Remus…the one whom she had steadily gaining fond affections for, and if she wasn't mistaken they were being avidly returned…
"Wynter" Harry whispered again, this time catching her attention. She turned her focus cautiously to Harry, watching Lupin from the corner of her eye.
"Are you alright?" His soothing words were voiced with concern as he lifted a small hand and placed it timidly upon her own. Wynter had to remove her gaze from his brilliant emerald eyes to converge upon his hand to register than it actually was there. In finding it placed gently over her own, she warmed to his touch and gingerly stroked his thumb. Upon returning her eyes to his, she found them to be shining warmth and affection – the sheer opposite of Lupin's.
"I'm fine…" She mouthed, hoping her gentle touch was enough to confirm her reply. It was indeed and after a lingering pause, Harry reluctantly returned to his class work. Wynter followed suit but as her eyes veered from Harry, she saw Remus staring at them both with a stern, unfaltering gaze…
"So you really have no idea why Lupin was in such a foul mood today?" Questioned Ron for the seventh time that evening. Wynter placed down her books in frustration and readjusted herself on the seat.
"No Ron, I don't! Just because he was taking it out on me doesn't mean I am to blame"
"Alright, alright. Women…" Ron kept his last word mumbled and inaudible to the girl sat within his company and returned, mumbling under his breath to his copy of the Chudley Cannon's annual.
"Where's Hermione?" Harry as though suddenly realizing his surroundings searched the common room for the girl in question.
"She went to the Owlery to send a letter to Viktor" Rounded of Wynter, not removing her gaze from her Potions book she was scribbling notes from. Ron's face flushed red at the mention of Viktor and he sighed heavily, scrambling to his feet.
"Bloody Viktor…" Upon seeing the eyes of Harry and Wynter watching him with puzzlement, Ron quickly worded a poor excuse for his sudden spring to life.
"I, eh- Have to go to the library" He never hung around long enough to hear the words and light chortles of surprise from Harry and Wynter.
"You know he's probably off to declare his undying love for Hermione" Voiced Harry as he pulled himself to the seat next to his fellow Gryffindor, the common room now empty of all but themselves.
"Of course. Haven't you seen how he looks at her these days?" A light giggle accompanied Wynter's words. She still kept her eyes focused on the book before her, scribbling lightly on the parchment sat precariously on her knee. Harry laughed in reply but soon cut himself short; fiddling nervously it seemed with his fingers. He paused momentarily before inching forward towards Wynter, halting his movements just as he got in closer proximity with her. She didn't seem to notice.
"Wynter…are you alright?" Harry's words were hushed, and he spoke in a concerned manner. Eyes searched for Wynter's own as he tilted his head to view her small, pale face. A wave of confusion struck the young girl, as she comprehended Harry's words. She frowned and turned her gaze towards Harry and met those eyes for the second time that day – warm, affectionate and open…
"I'm fine, Harry. Why do you ask?" Placing down her quill and book, Wynter turned her attention –and self – to Harry. She was intrigued as to why Harry thought he needed to ask, but in all honesty, she already knew why. Wynter hadn't been herself since that Saturday morning – her usual buoyant self was shadowed by silence or rash bouts of moodiness. Something had obviously been playing on her mind so Harry concluded. And he hated seeing her, or any of his friends upset in any way shape or form so he took it upon himself this eve' to confront his fellow Gryffindor…
"It's just these past few days you've not been yourself at all. Is everything okay?" Harry let his words roll gently, voice still holding that air of concern.
"I'm alright Harry. Nothings the matter, just feeling the strain of the exams is all" Touched by his concern, Wynter smiled back affectionately. "I do appreciate your kind consideration for me though, Harry"
"You're welcome" He replied with a mirroring smile. A lingering pause held in the air after his words, not uneasy, but comfortable. Both could happily sit in each other's company in silence and be perfectly content.
"So" Began Wynter, pulling her knees to her chest; hugging them lightly. She contemplated her next words – hoping they would not disturb the tranquillity in the air. "How…have you been, Harry?"
As she had almost expected, he smiled and replied in the most spirited tone he could find.
"Fine thanks! I've been enjoying the new N.E.W.T. courses we-"
"Harry…" Interrupted Wynter gently, catching his hand to halt his words. Instantly his smile faltered and he averted his eyes. He knew what was coming.
"I know you're not really. I've seen how down you've been all throughout summer and these past months. You try to hide it, but frankly, you're not very good at it" She added with a smile and a squeeze of his hand. Harry's eyes now focused intently on the hearthrug although a flicker of a smile appeared after her words.
"I know-…no wait, I don't know how this must be for you, but I am trying my best to understand" Wynter paused, awaiting a reply from Harry, but nothing. Eyes were still fixated on the rug he now seemed so avidly interested in. Feeling the tension beginning to build, she shifted uncomfortably and decided to end voicing her concerns.
"I'm sorry, Harry. I know I shouldn't have brought this up unexpectedly. I'm-I'm just really worried about you. I care Harry you know…" Another squeeze, but this time no response. "Okay, shutting up now" Her last words came as a quiet mumble. Another long, uncomfortable pause lingered profusely between them but was broken as Harry's hand loosened from Wynter's grip, fingers finding hers, sliding between them, folding over in a gentle grasp. Confused eyes searched for Harry's as she registered the movement. He tentatively caught her gaze, and still not a word was uttered.
"Harry…?" Her voice wavered as she was finding the prolonged silence from Harry unnerving.
He was closer.
The grip he had on her hand tightened, it trembled. Eyes lingered, neither daring to look away. Wynter could feel her heart increase it's pace with every second that passed, every inch he drew nearer… His breath, she could feel it dance along her mouth… His fingers, they trembled with anticipation as they crept along her arm…
He was so close. Too close. What was he doing…?
Wynter's eyes widened as his head tilted, eyes searching, fingers trembling… He was-
"Hey Harry…Wynter…"
It was as though a sudden jolt had passed through both of them, causing the two to spring clumsily apart, fingers, hands, returning to their owner. Gazes that were held so longingly on one another now did their best to look anywhere else. They didn't even have to look for the source of interruption. That confident, eloquent voice could be none other than Hermione's.
"Her-Hermione" Mumbled Wynter, now looking upon her friend with a beaming smile - of course, taking on the usual 'it never happened, you saw nothing' disposition. "You-you're back from the, the owlery! Did you err, meet Ron on your way back?" She felt Harry stir beside her, fumbling around with her books and parchment, pretending they were his own.
The only sign Hermione gave that she had noticed something going was an extended pause before she replied. Wynter inwardly thanked her for acting so tactfully; almost glad it was her who found them and not Ron… Harry had also thought the act of pretending nothing had happened was a good idea as he now looked upon Hermione with interest in what she was saying.
"No, I didn't. That's what I was just about to ask you two; if you had seen Ron, because he stormed into the owlery and started shouting at me about still writing to that 'big nosed, ugly, grumpy git'." Heaving a long sigh, Hermione shook her head and then proceeded in yawning broadly.
"Oh, I'm so tired and gosh! I still have that Arithmancy essay to finish- but oh, it's not due till Wednesday. Well, goodnight!" And with a beaming smile and slight wave she began to depart their company swiftly.
"I-I think I'll join you, Hermione" Words mirrored her clumsy stumble as she rose from the sofa, completely abandoning her work, which Harry was still clutching. Hermione paused at the foot of the winding staircase, waiting for her.
As Wynter made her first steps away from the sofa, she felt something take a light grip on her wrist. Her heart skipped a beat as she slowly turned to face Harry… The look across his face was one of undiluted longing… His wonderful green eyes silently pleaded for her to stay. Hers pleaded to let her leave.
Harry mouthed a pitiful 'please' but all Wynter could do was simply squeeze his hand and silently apologize, her heart racing, her eyes watering. With another step away, her hand slid from his hold and without another look back she continued on to join Hermione, whom she simply walked straight past, ascending the stairs as fast as possible. Wrenching the dorm door open with such force she almost sent herself flying back down the winding steps; but Hermione had caught up and aided her back to stable footing. Wynter mumbled a thank you and marched into the dorms but no sooner was she halted by Hermione, who dragged her wordlessly to her bed, sat her down and drew the curtains about them.
"Now, you're going to tell me what on earth I just walked in on!" She exclaimed with a cheeky grin, most unlike Hermione…