CHAPTER 5

After the first day, the rest of the days were normal for everyone except for two, first being Harry. He was totally confused by Remus's behavior. The past days Remus started acting very close to harry. Whenever he entered the class Remus greeted him and at the end of the class he always asked Harry to stay behind and ask him how he is doing. At first Harry dismissed it due to the war and the nightmares but now Harry knew its something different. Whenever he is in the hall he could feel Remus's eyes on him always. Sometimes he would turn to find Remus staring at him intensely. He would give his best smile and Remus would smile back and sometime wink. WINK!? Now was definitely odd. Remus would never wink. The first time it happened Harry almost chocked on his food. He thought it was his imagination but when it happened the second time he confirmed.

It was making matters worse for harry. He thought he could forget h s crush after coming to school but here Remus was present all the time. He couldn't take it anymore. He had to use the silencing charms everyday and it was becoming too much. At last he decided he would consult Mione and ask her for advice.

The second person was Draco. He looked forward for the transfig classes. He knew he was good at it but the professor took his level to a new one. He was always regular to the class and answered all the questions in hope to catch the attention of the professor. This was the first time Draco felt different. He was a notorious playboy but this was new. Every time he saw the professor his heart skipped a beat. Whenever their eyes met his cheeks would start flushing and there would be a strange feeling in his stomach. He spent most of his time dreaming about him, his eyes piercing blue. Draco was in a mess, he knew it. He wanted the professor only for himself.

This new found attention didn't go noticed by his friends especially by Pansy. It was the first time she saw him daydreaming. Draco hardly spoke to her. She decided she had enough and thought to confront him.

It was almost November ending when Harry decided to ask mione. He was walking in the corridors when he came face to George. Harry was startled but smiled. George also stared but smiled back. "hey George how's the work?" "Its good, working with the brats" George replied with a grin. But harry could see that it didn't reach his eyes. There was a small awkward gap then George motioned to follow him. Wondering what harry followed.

Soon they were at the quidditch pitch and George handed him a broom. Harry kept a questioning gaze. George mounted his and "How about a race?" and flew. Harry was stunned for a second but joined George. They both flew the castle grounds and the pitch for sometime. Harry felt exhilarated. After a long time he felt he was free, soaring across the skies like a bird. George looked at him and grinned. Harry was beaming. Soon George slowed down and stayed in the sky. Harry also did that and was at the side of George.

"So what is this thing about Remus?" asked George all of sudden. Harry was thankful he was catching the broom tightly , for if not he would have fallen off for sure. Harry tried to keep a blank face but George raised an eyebrow "come on little brother; I know something is going on in between you two. Remus is not acting like himself. I watched the two of you. It is strange to see Remus all smiling at you and even winking sometimes."

Harry didn't know what to say but after five minutes he decided to speak the truth. "Sorry George, but even I have no idea why he is behaving like that."He stares at me all the time and tries to get close when ever possible" "Do you like Remus?" came the sudden question. Harry was again thankful to all the deities above for his tight grip on his broom. He tried to control not to showcase his emotions on his face but ended up being a red tomato.

Suddenly George started laughing. After a long time Harry heard George laughing like that, freely. He laughed for two whole minutes then stopped. So you do love him. It was a statement. Harry tried lying but George was not hearing "I was watching you too and I can see it in your eyes, the want to return back the feelings." Harry sighed and started telling about his summer and his infatuation with Remus.

George listened with full attention without disturbing and kept quite for sometime and then spoke. "See mate, from what you told it is clear that you are in love with Remus. Yes he is almost twenty years older than you but it will not matter when you become 100 and him120. The most important thing here is whether you want him to stay with you forever. And from the way Remus is behaving its clear that even he loves you back and is trying his best to gain your attention. This is the first time we all saw Remus behaving like a dork , please I know its rude but it's the truth." completed George.

Harry stared at him with wide eyes gaping. "Wow who are you and what happed to George?" was all Harry could speak out. George grinned "well well, I just couldn't see my brother feeling miserable" but he again sobered "Look I just want you to be happy, you deserved to be happy. All the past seven years you have been fighting and doing things for others but now its time to think about yourself mate" Harry was stunned by George's words. He now felt that the war has indeed changed people. He was happy that it was for good reasons.

He smiled back "Thanks a lot George for your advice. I have decided what to do now" "That's great, now don't forget to tell your big brother all the details" finished George. Harry laughed and nodded. "Umm but how do I respond to him. He is almost direct"

George replied "well how about you smile back and talk back calmly. You can also wink sometimes. He will also come to know that you are positive to his actions. Try to become close to him"

Harry said yes and both came down. "Seeya mate and don't forget the match. Its day after tomorrow, we have to beat the slimy ones" said George referring to the slitherns. "hey don't call them that, I have friends there and they are not bad" retorted Harry. "Whatever mate, I Just want the lions to get the cup" winked George. Harry grinned and waved. George took off to his duties. Harry started walking back thinking over the conversation they had. He was glad that he no need to go to Mione now and had come to a firm decision that he want Remus. He felt his head was clear and started making plans as how to respond back to Remus.

Aaron Zhang was very intrigued by Hogwarts. He had heard a lot about the place especially the war and the death of the darkest wizard of all times. He was keen when Headmaster Severus Snape asked him to teach transfiguration at his school. It was a surprise but he accepted it as he was willing to take a change in his regular work. He went to Drumstrang and later travelled around the world collecting rare species of plants and herbs. When he was at school he was the second top student and topped in potions and transfiguration subjects. He was also skilled in dueling as Drumstrang was well known for it.

He liked to have a calm life and therefore choose not to interfere in the war. But he kept himself updated with all the happenings and was surprised with the commitment and skill of the warriors who participated. Sometimes he wished he could be one of them but he knew he was better off. He was more surprised by the number of students who were in the war. Harry Potter, the savior was merely seventeen and not to mention his comrades Ronald Weasly Hermione Granger Luna Lovegood Neville Longbottom Blaise Zabini and last but not the least Draco Malfoy.

He was shocked when he read that the Malfoy heir was fighting for the light side where he knew that the Malfoys were staunch supporters of the Dark. But he was more shocked when he read that Draco Malfoy killed his aunt the crazy Bellatrix. He started to wonder how much power this boy had to succeed the task. Everybody knew how much skilled the crazy lady was and fighting with her was like walking on a naked sword. He himself had a particular experience with her during his travels and knew how dirty she played. This was one of the many reasons he accepted the job offer. He wanted to meet the boy who killed her and also the others who fought the war.

When he came to the castle he was late and missed the feast. A professor was waiting for him at the gates and escorted him inside. He introduced himself as Remus Lupin and told he taught Defense against Dark Arts. Aaron Zhang immediately knew that Remus Lupin was a creature. He could sense the aura around him. By the time they reached his rooms he knew Remus and him would get along very well. Remus Lupin was a cheerful personality and polite behavior. He also possessed the intellectual side as he was a creature type. Aaron wanted to know more about the man before he could ask what type of creature he was.

The next day he didn't go to the hall for breakfast but directly went to his classes instead. His first class was seventh years he was eager to meet them. When he entered the class he was a bit saddened by the low number of students. He introduced himself and stared teaching. He was surprised by the response of the students more over by the Malfoy heir. Draco Malfoy was at side by the group of the warriors and was eagerly giving answers to all his questions. He was even more surprised when he saw the boy blushing when ever he gave points for his answers; interesting, that's what he could think.

After the class he sat down his chair and thought about how his first class went. It felt good to be back among the people. And he was staying there for one whole year, a rare thing to do for him as he constantly travelled. Next he thought about his new students and particularly a blond haired. Aaron suspected the boy started having a crush on him. Draco Malfoy had stormy gray eyes with blond hair and sharp facial features. He was tall and slim. He had thin red kissable lips. Overall the boy was beautiful and yet he could feel a strong magic surrounding him.

In the evening at the dinner he found Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter in a heated discussion. Both the boys were in their own world. He observed the boy, his facial expressions, and the way he used his hands to make some point. Draco Malfoy was really a beauty, he concluded. He turned his head to speak to Remus Lupin only to find him staring at both the boys more over at the black haired intensely. His eyes were slightly golden and Aaron knew now why.

Well life was not getting to be boring in the next coming months, he smiled to himself.