Here's the next chapter! Thanks so much for the reviews! It blows my mind that you guys not only read what I write, but actually like it and take the time to let me know :) Hope you guys like this one!
I had been right, Friday did drag on forever. But it was finally Saturday and I was on my way to Hogsmeade with Fred and George. They were on either side of me, discussing various products they needed to get from Zonko's Joke Shop. I hadn't really been listening to them, though. I was worried about Lupin, wondering if he was feeling any better. He really did look dreadful when I went to see him Thursday night.
We ended up spending a large portion of our time in Zonko's. Not that I'd expected any differently. The twins and I were inspecting all of the new items that had come in since the last time we'd been able to visit. I ended up buying a few things, but Fred and George had multiple bags full.
When we were finished there, we went to Honeydukes. I looked at the display of chocolate bars and bit my lip in thought. I wanted to buy one for Lupin as a sort of get well soon present, but I didn't know if he'd think it was weird. Sod it, he probably already thinks I'm weird. I picked up a milk chocolate bar and bought it, along with a couple of other chocolate bars, some sugar quills, and pumpkin pasties, which I was planning on hoarding in my room for the next time I'd need an emergency sugar fix. Those happen quite often, actually.
We ended up going to a couple more shops before we decided to head to the Three Broomsticks for a butter beer. Fred went up to Madame Rosmerta, who I'm pretty sure he fancies judging by the blush on his cheeks, and ordered three butter beers for us. We found a table in the corner and sat our bags down on the floor as we took our seats. I brought the drink up to my mouth and took a sip, closing my eyes and making an 'mmm' sound as it traveled down my throat.
Fred spoke up next to me "We've missed you Jellie Ellie." George nodded from his seat next to him.
I rolled my eyes at the nickname they liked to call me from time to time, "What do mean 'miss me?' We see each other all the time."
"It doesn't feel like it," George began.
"We've been being hounded by Wood in quidditch-" Fred took over.
"And whenever we get back from practice you're never waiting for us in the common room-"
"Like you used to."
"I'm sorry guys. I've just really busy with homework this year. Yes, I actually do my homework," I finished after they gave me identical looks of doubt. I immediately felt guilty. I'd been spending a lot of time with my visits to Lupin and I didn't realize that meant that I'd been spending more time apart from Fred and George.
"How about tonight we have a good old fashioned sleep over like we used to do? We can even go raid the kitchens and maybe plan a prank or two," I smirked. They immediately grinned and agreed, before jumping into a discussion on what type of pranks we could do.
After we had finished our drinks we made our way back to the castle. I was riding on George's back, as I'd told them very dramatically that my feet were tired from being dragged all over Jonko's. They had both rolled their eyes, but George leant down and let me hop on his back. I threw my arms casually around his neck while he held on to my legs.
When we got back to the castle we went to our respective dorms to put our purchases away before the feast. I told them I'd just meet them down in the Great Hall because I had a couple of things I had to do.
With the chocolate bar in hand, I made my way to Lupin's office. I self-consciously fluffed my curls and straightened my deep green sweater before knocking on the door.
"Come in," came the faint reply. I opened the door and walked in, noticing Lupin standing beside his desk shuffling some papers.
"Ella!" he smiled warmly. "I've been expecting you. How was Hogsmeade?"
"It was good. A bit chilly, but good. How are you feeling?"
He smiled softly at my concern, "Much better, thank you." Though I noticed he was still a little pale, he did appear to be doing a lot better than he had the other night.
I suddenly remembered my purpose for coming here and shyly held up the chocolate bar I'd gotten for him. "I got this for you. Just, ya know, as a sort of get well gift, I suppose," I finished lamely.
He seemed surprised, but grinned before taking the chocolate. Our hands brushed and I could've sworn I felt a light spark. I studied his face to see if he felt it too, but he just said, "Thank you very much, Ella. That's very kind of you."
I shrugged as if to say "it was nothing," and looked down at the ground to hide my blush.
"Perhaps after the feast you can come back up and share it with me while you tell me all about your adventures in Hogsmeade. With you and those Weasley twins I know that something interesting had to happen," he smirked.
I opened my mouth to tell him that sounded great, before remembering I already had plans. "I'm sorry, I can't tonight. I already made plans with Fred and George."
"Ah, well that's alright. Another time, then." Did I detect a bit of disappointment in his voice? No, it couldn't be. It was just my hopeful imagination. "Come on let's get down to the feast." I nodded and we made our way down to the Great Hall in comfortable silence.
When we arrived he opened the door for me. I jokingly curtsied him and said "Thank you, my lord," in my sad attempt at a British accent.
As I walked through, I heard his quiet chuckle behind me as he aswered, "Of course, my lady." I still had a warm sensation in my stomach as I took my seat between the twins.
During dinner, I couldn't help but glance up at the staff table. I met Lupin's eyes and he gave me a warm smile, which I returned.
"Who are you smiling at?" Fred asked.
"Snape," came my sarcastic reply. George snorted and Fred just rolled his eyes, pushing me lightly with this shoulder.
After we were finished eating we made our way back up to the common room. When we got there we were stopped by a huge crowd accumulating outside the portrait hole. Someone shouted that the Fat Lady was gone. I gasped and suddenly Dumbledore was there, getting to the bottom of what was going on. The Fat Lady was hiding in a different portrait and was utterly distraught. She began telling Dumbledore what happened, but it was hard to make out what she was saying, as she was so upset. There was no mistaking the last thing she said, though. A collective gasp rang out through the crowd. I grabbed on to the back of Fred's sweater in fear, and I felt George place his hand on my back to comfort me. Sirius Black was in the castle.