I know, I know, it's been an incredibly long time. I don't even have a good excuse, I'm trash. But I really hope you guys enjoy this chapter :)

"At least we still get to have our sleepover," I whispered quietly to the twins.

I heard them snort on either side of me before whispering in unison, "Go to sleep, Ella."

We were all huddled together in the Great Hall. Boys and girls were supposed to be separated, but after everything had quieted down I made my way over to Fred and George and plopped my sleeping bag between them.

I turned over. I didn't want my back to the door. I was now facing Fred and he reached out and took my hand. I knew they both knew I was more scared than I was letting on.

"It's okay, Elle. He can't get in here, we're safe." He squeezed my hand.

"I know, it's just so scary that he could even get in the castle undetected in the first place."

"I know, just try to get some sleep, okay?" George whispered from behind me.

"Yeah, okay. Night boys."

"Night Ella," I heard their sleepy replies.

An hour later I was still lying awake. I could hear the snores of students all around me. Fred and George had fallen asleep ages ago, and Fred was still lightly holding onto my hand. The door creaked open and I panicked before I saw Professor Lupin step through. Relief flooded through me immediately. I suddenly felt so much safer knowing that he was here. I saw him scan the crowd of sleeping students before his eyes stopped on me and we made eye contact. He mouthed the words, "It's okay." I smiled lightly and nodded, shutting my eyes. I fell asleep soon after.

The month of November flew by. Everyone had more or less gotten over the whole Sirius Black incident. He hadn't been seen since.

It was a Friday night and the twins were at quidditch practice. I was planning on spending it the usual way- in Lupin's office. When I turned the corner, I noticed that the door to his office was cracked open. I heard Snape's and Lupin's voices inside. Not wanting to interrupt, I decided I'd just wait out in the hall for them to finish.

"Here's your wolfsbane." Snape said.

Wolfsbane? What the heck is that? And why does Lupin need it?

"Thank you, Severus." I heard Lupin reply.

I peaked in and saw Lupin holding a steaming goblet of something. Why the heck is Snape making potions for Lupin? I thought they didn't get along.

Snape said nothing, and left in a flourish of his long black cloak, not even sparing me a glance.

Making a quick decision, I walked away from Lupin's office and made my way to the library, hoping to find something on this potion. I know I'm being sneaky, but I can't help it.

When I entered the library I grabbed a few potion books and flipped through them. After having no success, I decided to try a different approach. I snuck over to the restricted section and grabbed a potion book from over there, instead. I flipped to the 'w' section of the book and searched through the different potions. My eyes finally found what I was looking for. My heart stopped and my mind raced. Suddenly everything made sense. Getting sick all the time- once a month-, missing classes, looking so weak, the scars, the tattered robes. I swallowed thickly. Lupin's a werewolf.

I sat there for a few minutes, just thinking. I mean, so what? Right? Lupin's a werewolf. Who cares? Does it change who he is? No. Does it change the way I feel about him? No. It's a horrible affliction that he shouldn't have to deal with. Not somebody as kind and gentle as him; it's not fair. I can't even begin to imagine what he's been through. I felt tears pool in my eyes before I willed them away and collected myself.

"Right," I muttered quietly to myself as I got up from the table. I quickly put all of the books back and walked back to his office.

I took a deep breath before knocking lightly on the door.

"Come in, Ella," came his reply.

I placed a smile on my face and pushed open the door.

"How'd you know it was me?"

"I've been expecting you. You're late- you usually come at the same time. I was beginning to think you weren't coming at all." He answered, smiling lightly. "And, I recognized your knock."

I snorted, "I have a knock?"

He chuckled. "You do. It's light and always the same beat of three."

I considered it for a moment, weirdly elated that he had noticed something so insignificant about me. "And what would you have done if it wasn't me?"

"Died from embarrassment, probably." He grinned.

I let out a laugh, plopping down in my usual seat in front of his desk. "Oh please. You are so dramatic, you know that?"

There was a beat of silence where we just smiled at each other, before I remembered his earlier statement. "Sorry I'm late, I had something I had to take care of."

"It's quite alright Ella. I know you have more important things to do on a Friday night than hang out with your professor," he joked.

"Yeah, I wish." I smirked. I stared at his face for a moment, more specifically at his scars. They looked like they had been painful. He must have gotten them during a transformation. God, I can't believe someone like him has to go through something as awful as this. No, don't think about it right now, Ella. If you think about it, you'll cry, and I really don't fancy crying in front of him.

I realized I had been quiet a bit too long when Lupin asked, "Is everything alright, Ella?"

"Yeah, everything's great." I smiled to convince him and I knew it worked when he returned it.

He reached into his desk and pulled out a large chocolate bar from Honeydukes. "Look what I got." He smiled, opening the candy bar.

"Ooh, please tell me you're sharing."

"Hmm, I'm not sure, I'll think about it." He smirked as he broke a large chunk of chocolate off and placed it in his mouth. He closed his eyes and made an 'mmm' sound. He was having a grand old time teasing me. What a jerk.

As a last resort, I gave him my best sad puppy dog eyes. "Please?"

"Oh, alright. I suppose you can have a piece." He broke off a small piece and handed it to me.

I looked at the tiny piece in my hand. "Oh wow, you shouldn't have." I told him sarcastically.

"Well, if you don't want it-" he began reaching over to take it back before I quickly shoved it in my mouth.

He chuckled and ate another piece. It was silent for a moment, both of us eating. The fact that Lupin is a werewolf is still weighing heavily in my mind. Should I tell him that I know? It might be better if he knows he has someone he can confide in. But how do I bring it up? I can't very well just say, "So, how about that full moon huh? Must be a real bitch for you. Ya know, because you're a werewolf and all." Ugh, sod it.

"So, you're a werewolf, huh?"