Remus Lupin is glaring at me. I've never seen him glare before, perhaps grimace but never glare. And now he's sneering. Oh yes, dear, that's a lovely look. I'm sure the ladies fall for it every time.
"Are you really that daft Elizabeth?"
I'd only asked him a simple question. I didn't mean for him to get angry with me. Honestly, who would've known that a simple, "About the Mistletoe Incident at The Three Broomsticks..." would throw someone off the deep-end of the swimming hole? It was a simple question, I mean, we hadn't really talked about what happened, in fact conversation between us has seemed a bit strained. But perhaps that was my own doing? I'm not a huge lover of Awkward Situations. But what I dislike more than Awkward Situations has got to be when people are angry. Anger just... Scares me for some reason. Especially coming from people that are usually very calm and patient.
"What do you mean? I'm not daft. I mean, a bit easily distracted, but certainly not daft."
"Elizabeth, please! I'm begging you- don't start with me."
"Remus, it was a simple question. I'm curious. I mean, I certainly hadn't expected it, and, well..."
There. Now he's laughing at me. What a wanker.
"You honestly don't get it, do you?"
Alright, I suppose I don't get a lot of things, but, certainly, human behaviour cannot be that difficult to explain to another human being. Actions I can understand once motive is revealed. But, no, this world's got people like Remus Lupin who insist on avoiding everything.
"Lizabeth, look. This just isn't something-"
"Isn't what, Remus? Don't talk to me like I'm a child. I'm just as old as you are, might I kindly remind you."
"You have no idea how bloody ridiculous you sound."
"Me? I sound ridiculous? Listen to you! Avoiding the situation, as always. Remus Lupin the Great Neutrality Claimer, Remus Lupin the Great Avoider of Situations, Remus Lupin the Great-"
"Enough!"
... He's never yelled at me like that before. I mean, that one word, the way he said it, would be enough to make even the most evil of Slytherins cower in fear... It would make that Lord What's-His-Moldy-Face quiver.
"You have no idea how difficult this situation is for me, alright?"
I open my mouth to speak, but the look I receive from him renders my vocal chords useless.
"You have no bloody idea what it's like to want what you can't have, even though it's right in front of you, just out of your reach."
"Remus, what are you talking about?"
"Elizabeth, don't you get it? Could I make myself any more obvious to you?"
Blank stare. Honestly, what am I supposed to say to that? "Yes"? Best to be silent for a bit.
"You have everything you want. Everything, Elizabeth, and you don't even acknowledge it. You have loads of mates who all care about you, the entire school loves you for the entertainment you provide, the professors think you're brilliant, and then you have that Bloke Entourage following you around everywhere you go."
"What are you going on about? I don't have a 'Bloke Entourage'!"
"Indeed."
"Yeah, well, who?"
"Davenport, Sirius..."
"... You?"
Ow, ow, ow! The wall really isn't a comfortable place to be pushed up against, and it is very uncomfortable when there's a young man pushing you up against it. I mean... Wait, who does Remus think he is, pushing me around like this? I'm Elizabeth Reynolds- no one pushes me around without my consent, for Merlin's sake!
"Remus, you're hurting me..."
"I would never sink to their level, Elizabeth. Don't you dare compare me to them ever again."
He lowers his voice to barely a whisper, his mouth right next to my ear, "I care more about you than they ever will. I care more about you than you will ever know."
His weight against me lifts and he takes a step back.
When I'm 40, he's getting all the blame for my back problems.
"Remus, I know you care about me... You're my best mate, that's how it goes, you know?"
His face twists into an expression filled with pain and anger... And possibly disgust. "You still don't get it."
"You still don't get it!" He yells. "You have got to be the most infuriating female I've ever had the misfortune to know. Are you blind? Are you stupid? Do you need to be checked in to St. Mungo's? Elizabeth, I've just told you how much I'm struggling, wanting what I obviously can't have. And now I'm not so sure I even want her anymore!"
"Remus, please, just tell me what you're trying to say!" ... Why do my cheeks suddenly feel wet? ... No. I can't be crying. I haven't cried for an entire year now- why is this happening? I shouldn't be crying! Actually, I should. The nerve he has trying to demean me so.
He sighs, perhaps in surrender. "Elizabeth, I li-"
Lily appears at the stairs. "What is going on down here?" Oh no. She's spotted me. I've got to run. Where's my journal?
---------------------------
20th of December, 11.13 Nighttime, Sitting on the Stairs
... I don't even know where I am!
11.14
Well, Lizzie, if you hadn't been so busy crying maybe you'd have watched where you were going, yeah?
11.15
Remus Lupin is a mean, cruel, unkind being.
11.16
And now I'm lost too!
11.17
I wish I knew where I was... I don't want to have to sleep on the stairs... Or be doomed to wander the dark, empty corridors all night...
11.19
Why was he so uncharacteristically aggressive? I suppose the full moon is right around the corner, but even so...
11.20
My back hurts, journal. Because he had to go and push me up against the wall. I would recount the whole thing for you while it's still fresh in my mind, but... I think that's the problem. I don't want to have to relive such a vivid memory every time I look at this page. It would hurt too much. Remus has always been patient and kind, but his actions tonight were the complete opposite. Of course I wonder who he was talking about, but, on the other side of the knut, I don't. He hurt me, and not just physically. I've got to say the verbal abuse I suffered through tonight was worse than my mum's constant ridicule whenever I'm home.
11.27
Maybe I should sing a happy little song? Brighten my mood... Or pretend I'm on some far away island in the Caribbean...
11.29
Oh fetchez, Oh fetchez, Oh fetchez la vache... Drink up... the milk... Moo Moo...
11.32
I want to go back to my warm bed!!! (Ignore the tear-like looking stains... I'm not crying.)
11.33
I don't like being lonely...
11.34
What if I'm never found?
11.35
What if I die here? Then I'll be stuck as a ghost in Hogwarts, just like Moaning Myrtle!
11.37
Oh no... Someone, anyone, please find me! I don't even care if you're Bellatrix Lestrange! Just don't leave me here alone by my one-sy!
11.42
I see light!
11.44, En Route to Common Room, Being Carried by Sirius
Thank Merlin that Sirius found me!
11.45
He was on his way back from the Kitchens... Or so he says. Last I was aware, the Kitchens weren't anywhere near the unknown area I was in. Otherwise I would've recognised it.
11.46
Right, well. I'm safe now.
12.03, Gryffindor Girls' Dormitory, My Bed
I just want to sleep like Rip Van Winkle.
12.04
I'll write tomorrow.
21st of December, 7.23, Great Hall, Gryffindor Table, Breakfast
Ba hum bug.
7.24
I don't even want my breakfast... Sirius can have it.
7.25
... He just inhaled it.
7.26
Hey, cheer up, won't you?
Don't scrunch up your face like that. Makes you rather unattractive.
Like I care. I look like bloody crap today anyway.
Indeed you do! But, I have a funny story for you.
And what would that be?
Well, you know these past few days when I haven't been annoying you?
Yes. Most peaceful days of my life, I think.
Right, I'll just pretend you didn't say that and continue with my story.
Go on, then.
Ah, drum roll!
You don't really need to act out an actual drum roll on the table, you know.
Fine. Ruin the moment. Anyway, this whole time I've been undercover as Assistant Caretaker. I got to wear a fake mustache!
That's great, Sirius.
But that's not the best part, love.
What is, then?
I've been observing you.
You mean stalking.
Well, whichever way you care to toss it. Toe-may-toe, toe-mah-toe.
... Did you really just waste the time spelling that phonetically?
Yep.
Wow.
Please cheer up?
No.
Why not?
I will not be happy again until pigs fly and Remus Lupin's body is plaything to Hester.
Both can be arranged.
Don't even try it, Sirius.
Can I have your tea?
Sure.
7.35
I, Elizabeth Reynolds, will not be sulking for the rest of the day, because I make rather miserable company when I'm not being my normal Lizzie self.
7.36
The Gang made me sign that contract. So I must defeat my depression and look forward to Hols starting tomorrow!
7.37
The whole incident last night is now at the back of my mind.
4.42, Ancient Runes
... Just eight more minutes...
4.43
Merlin, does time pass slowly!
4.44
Almost done with class... Almost time for break...
4.46
Oh, Holy Professor, have Pity on your poor students! We want nothing more than to be free!
4.47
As free as the wind just outside the window blows!
4.49
... Five... Four... Three... Two... One and a half... One... One third...
5.06, Gryffindor Common Room
Yes! Class is done! Where for art thou, Lilypad? We must celebrate!
5.07
Alright, Bridge and Anne tell me that she had to talk to McGonagall about Prefect Duties or something of the boring sort.
5.08
Ah well, I shall celebrate with the rest of the Gang!
5.12
Le sigh. I'm so glad I won't have to worry about classes for the next few days.
5.13
D'ya think I should get packing? I mean, the train does leave first thing in the morning, and it'd be a pity to have to Floo home... The Hogwarts Express is so much more... Exhilarating. Watching the scenery go by and all that. I mean, honestly, the Reynolds' Homestead is only pleasing to view in the spring and summertime. Spending leisurely days walking on the shores of the lakes, exploring the garden, reading, practicing piano in the sun room...
5.15
Winter is very... White. And cold.
5.17
I'm off to pack now- want to get it all done before dinner!
6.03, Gryffindor Table, Last Feast of First Term, Avec le Gang minus Lily
Only three terms left to go until I graduate from Hogwarts! Actually, it's a rather sad thing... I'm going to miss Hogwarts and its eccentricities. And good ol' Dumbles. I'm going to miss him quite a bit.
6.04
Ah, I don't think I've yet told you that Anne and her Ravenclaw Bedwarmer separated. Oh, boo hoo.
6.05
But not quite, because that means Annie's back in the Gang!
6.06
Too bad Lily's still got the Love Bug.
6.07
Remus and I obviously are not on speaking terms... Who is he to insult Sirius and Tristan? Speaking of, here the latter comes.
6.08
With a box...
6.09
Speaking of presents, I'll have to send mine out Christmas Eve. (Note to self: Have Dad send a Howler to remind me.)
6.16
Ahhhhhhh!!!
6.17
I know I've already told you how Tristan is such a lovely bloke and all, but... He's the most wonderful bloke ever!
6.18
I feel bad that I didn't get him a present... Ah well, I'll get him some Quidditch something at some point or another before the Christmas party.
6.19
He got me a quill.
6.20
And not just any quill...
6.21
A phoenix feather quill!
6.22
Do you have any idea how bloody expensive those are?
6.23
They're bloody expensive!
6.24
I mean... Wow. Just wow.
6.25
I may just swoon. Especially because he gave it to me early in hopes that I would cheer up. He's so thoughtful!
6.27
Bridget here! Well, it seems that dear little Lizzie-Wizzie is swooning over the quill Tristan Davenport gave her, so she won't be writing for awhile. (She's drooling all over it... I think.) But, let me take this moment to point out that a certain Mr. Lupin is looking down the table, splitting his glares between Tristan, the quill, and Elizabeth's gleeful face. A tad jealous, methinks?
6.34
Alright, I've composed myself. And thanks, Bridge, for pointing that out.
You're most welcome, dearie!
Bugger off.
No! You need to get it through your freakishly thick skull that Remus fancies you!
He does not. You overheard, I know you did. Everyone was busy dropping their eaves last night.
Elizabeth, please. He doesn't hate you. He told Lily so last night.
When was this? After he had me sobbing out the door?
Lizzie, please...
6.37
How many times will we have to go through that same conversation? He does not fancy me (seeing as he hates me, as he so pointed out last night).
6.38
Neither does anyone else, for that matter.
6.39
I've decided that the male gender is utterly repulsed by me.
6.40
I don't know why, but they just are.
6.41
And they're bloody twats anyway, so ha.
6.42
I shall laugh in their general direction!
6.43
I'm feeling very French at the moment...
6.44
Fetchez la vache!
6.52
Well... I suppose I should head back to the dormitory and finish packing, eh?
9.26, Girls Dormitories, Sitting Down on Trunk that Refuses to Close
... Maybe I overpacked?
9.27
But, honestly, Mum needs to get my clothes washed. I don't trust the house elves here...
9.28
They'd probably sprinkle itching powder on my uniform...
9.29
I am not paranoid about house elves, by the way.
9.42
It seems that everyone's deciding to go to sleep.
9.43
Don't they realise they can sleep on the train ride home?
9.44
What a silly, barmy lot.
10.01
With the help of Anne, Bridget, Lily and that rather large seventh year, Marjorie, we managed to close my trunk.
10.02
I think I'll bounce down to the Common Room. See if anyone is down there.
10.07, Gryffindor Common Room
Ah, look 'ere. It's Mr. Lupin! The one who hates me!
10.08
He shall not ruin my time down here though.
10.09
Focus, Lizzie. He hates you, remember? He doesn't care about you or your bloody, pathetic feelings.
10.10
Not one bit.
10.27, Girls' Dormitory, My Bed, Getting Ready to Turn In
Well, he kind of cornered me...
10.28
To apologise.
10.29
I suppose he sounded sincere.
10.30
I didn't exactly say the words, "You're forgiven"... But, I nodded my head to acknowledge that I heard him.
10.31
I believe I still have reason to be cross with him.
10.32
Though I couldn't help but notice a bruise on his left cheek...
10.33
Well, my left. His right, I suppose.
10.35
Ah well, whoever did it to him, well... Serves him right.
--------------------------------------
Sorry I didn't update sooner. I've been torn between how I wanted to present the Mistletoe Incident Confrontation. And I think it turned out really well, just by presenting what happened through Lizzie's eyes and thoughts. I hope you liked it, I wrote several different versions and this one turned out the best. Hopefully I didn't disappoint? As usual, J.K. Rowling owns the Harry Potter Universe, Monty Python has rights to their own genius, and the rest is mine. Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas. Yours.
