A/N: Just to clarify, this is still a Snape/OC fic. I'm having fun exploring Remus as a character but by no means is he end game. Out of all the Marauders, I just think he's the only one she would be friendly with.
Clara entered the owlery on Christmas morning, a small piece of parchment in her hand. She had made up her mind to accept Remus Lupin's offer to join him for Christmas dinner, but she didn't want to seek him out directly. Aside from the fact that she didn't know where to find him, it filled her with anxiety to think of accepting his invitation in person. So she opted on a note, instead.
She approached a random, grey owl perched on the stone window sill, offering it some treats she had brought along. The owl hooted happily, accepting the snacks, and Clara quickly attached her note to its leg. With a gentle stroke, she let the owl take flight, watching it disappear into the crisp winter morning.
Feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness, Clara made her way to her usual spot in the library. She sat at a table by the window, trying to focus on a book to pass the time as she awaited Remus's response. The minutes felt like hours as she wondered if she had made the right choice.
It wasn't much longer that Remus' reply came—in the form of a charmed paper airplane. Clara watched as the it flew around delicately in the air before it descended gracefully onto her open book. She unfolded it carefully, revealing Remus Lupin's elegant handwriting.
"I'll meet you outside the great hall at 6 pm. Glad you've accepted. -RL"
Clara felt a rush of emotions - relief that he had responded positively, but also anxiety about actually having to go through with it. Nevertheless, she had committed to this and she couldn't back down now.
With a sense of determination, Clara carefully refolded the note and tucked it away, trying to focus on her book once more as she counted down the hours until their meeting.
—
Clara stood before the thin, tall mirror in her dormitory. She was acutely aware that no matter what she wore, the marred canvas of her skin would be on full display. She was using her wand to transfigure something to wear and wasn't having any luck. She had tried to select something that wouldn't draw too much attention to herself, but the truth was, no matter what she picked her scars would still be the center of attention.
In the end, she chose a robe of deep forest green. It was a color she felt comfortable in and it was festive enough for Christmas. As she slipped it on, she appraised her reflection in the mirror once more. The scars, now faded but still prominent, stared back at her, a constant reminder of her ordeal. She had to figure out how to fix them.
She adjusted her robe one last time and took a deep breath, reminding herself that this dinner was about more than just appearances. She had accepted Remus's invitation, not for the way she looked, or how she would be stared at—but for the possibility of companionship for the holiday. As she made her way to the meeting spot outside the Great Hall, she tried to push her insecurities to the back of her mind, determined to enjoy the evening.
As Clara approached the Great Hall, her heart raced with anticipation. Remus was there as promised and greeted her kindly with a smile. He was wearing rich, brown robes and dark boots; Not the most festive but he certainly looked warm.
"Happy Christmas, Clara. I'm happy you came."
"Happy Christmas, Remus—thank you." She replied, offering a genuine smile of her own.
Together, they entered the Great Hall; Clara couldn't help but notice the sparse crowd. There was just a single long table where everyone sat, students and professors alike. As they made their way toward the table, Clara's gaze swept over the familiar faces of the Hogwarts staff. She noticed Madame Pomphrey, seated near Dumbledore and McGonagall, who smiled subtly at her. She couldn't be sure what delighted the nurse more: The fact that Clara had opted to attend Christmas dinner with her peers or the fact that she had attended with Remus.
Her attention was eventually drawn to the other end of the table, where she was disappointed to see Snape sat flanked by a couple of Slytherin students she didn't recognize. His icy glare bore into her as she entered alongside Remus, and Clara couldn't help but feel a chill down her spine—she knew he was annoyed by their last encounter but she didn't think she did anything to warrant a look like that. She quickly averted her gaze, not wanting to engage with him at the moment, and focused on finding an empty spot to sit.
She couldn't help but be impressed by the extravagant Christmas feast spread out before them as they sat; The rich, delicious aroma of roast turkey, the mouthwatering sight of mashed potatoes and gravy, and the array of colorful desserts all contributed to a festive atmosphere. She filled her plate, trying to push away her unease about Snape's unwavering glare.
Remus proved to be a delightful companion. He was skilled at making her forget the discomfort of being in full view and being scrutinized. His jokes and light-hearted conversation drew Clara's attention away from Snape's intense stare.
Remus laughed as he shared stories about his friends at the school.
"They're all away for Christmas," he explained, "but after New Year's, I'd love to introduce you to them. They can be a lot—especially James—but I'm sure you'll get along splendidly."
Clara nodded politely but didn't comment. She knew enough Gryffindor's to know exactly what he meant when he said they could be a lot and she couldn't hide her slight smirk.
Eventually, Remus noticed Snape's persistent glare and leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "You might have noticed Snape over there," he said with a faint frown.
"He and his lot, they have a bit of a rivalry with us. You know, James and I and the others. They've never quite seen eye to eye."
Clara, aware of Snape's dislike for her and feeling uneasy about his presence, nodded and encouraged Remus to continue.
"They're just different crowds, I suppose," Remus continued. "James, Sirius, and I, we've always been a bit mischievous—I won't deny that. But Snape, he has a certain affinity for dark magic and that's caused some tension. Our friend Lily is friends with him, though," he added, a hint of discomfort in his expression. "I have nothing against him personally, but I just don't trust him. He's not a good influence on Lily, in my opinion."
"Is Lily also a Slytherin?"
Remus laughed aloud while shaking his head, "Merlin, no. She's a Gryffindor. Can't imagine her as anything else, to be honest. You'll see when you meet her. Snape and her grew up together in the same neighborhood, so they were friends before they came to Hogwarts, I reckon."
Clara listened carefully, taking note of Remus's concerns about Snape and the dynamics between their two groups. It seemed that even this era Hogwarts had its share of rivalries and conflicts among students. She furrowed her brow slightly, mulling his words over in her mind. There was something about those names that tugged at her memory, but she couldn't quite make the connection.
"I have Potions with Snape," she said quietly, trying to keep the conversation between them. "It's... not the most pleasant experience. The Slytherins haven't exactly welcomed me with open arms, so I'm afraid Snape's glares are more meant for me than you."
Remus nodded in understanding.
"Snape and some of his friends can be a rather difficult bunch but I have to imagine that not all of Slytherin is like that. There are good students in every house, you just have to find the ones worth befriending." He gave her a reassuring smile. "And you'll find that not all Gryffindors are heroes either, I suppose. People are complex, you know?"
Clara couldn't help but return his smile, appreciating his attempt to make her feel better and his words of wisdom. Despite her initial reservations, spending Christmas with Remus had been a good choice and she was glad she reconsidered it. It dawned on her much later that Remus might have spent Christmas alone, himself had she not changed her mind—yet another reason she was happy she went.
"And anyways, at least now if he gives you any trouble you've got a load of Gryffindor's to back you up."
