"Remus, what is this?" Aurora asked in surprise, her gaze falling on the worn parchment he had placed on the desk before her.
"The Marauder's Map," Remus replied, a faint smile playing on his lips, though his tone carried a hint of melancholy. "James, Peter, Sirius, and I created it during our time at Hogwarts. It was... our pride and joy, really. A secret masterpiece that only we understood. Unfortunately, Filch confiscated it during our final year." He chuckled softly, though it lacked humor. "And now, after all these years, it's back in my hands."
Aurora was invited by Remus to his office one chilly day in March. He hadn't explained why he wanted to see her, only that it was important. Curiosity piqued, she came to him as soon as her last class ended.
Aurora picked up the map carefully, almost reverently, her fingers brushing over the enchanted lines. As she watched, tiny footprints moved along the corridors, names written in elegant script hovering over them like whispers from another time. She felt the weight of the map's history and the ghosts of the four boys who had poured their mischief and camaraderie into its creation.
"How did you get it back?" she asked, glancing up at him. "Because I doubt Filch gave it to you willingly."
Remus hesitated, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Well," he admitted, looking anywhere but at her, "I... took it from Harry."
Aurora's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "What? Where did he get it from?"
"I don't know," Remus said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't exactly give him a chance to explain. When I saw it... all those memories came flooding back. I acted on impulse. I just took it, Aurora. I didn't think about how it would make him feel." He sighed heavily, his hand dropping to his side. "He shut down completely. He wouldn't tell me anything."
"And now you feel like you screwed up," Aurora said gently, tilting her head as she studied him.
Remus let out a weary sigh, his shoulders slumping. "No," he said quietly, his voice raw with guilt. "I feel like I've completely fucked up. Harry hasn't spoken to me in two days, Aurora. Two days." His voice faltered, and he shook his head, running a hand through his hair.
Aurora stepped closer, her expression softening as she reached out to touch his arm. "Oh, Remus," she said, her tone warm and reassuring. "Don't be so hard on yourself. Harry just needs time. You'll see, he'll forgive you. He admires you, Remus. Probably more than you realize."
Remus looked up at her, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty. The sincerity in her voice was enough to ease some of the weight pressing down on him.
"Come here," Aurora said softly, extending her arms toward him, her warm smile paired with an unmistakable invitation.
Remus hesitated for only a moment before he stepped closer, allowing himself to be drawn into her embrace. As his arms wrapped around her, it was as though the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders. He held her tightly, his grip firm yet gentle, as if letting go might shatter the fragile sense of peace she brought him.
Aurora rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. It was a sound she could get used to, a steady comfort in the chaos that surrounded them both.
Merlin, they fit so perfectly together that it felt almost unfair. The warmth between them was more than physical, it was a shared understanding, a silent promise that neither had to face their burdens alone.
Neither of them spoke for a long moment, content in the quiet sanctuary they had found in each other's arms.
"How about afternoon tea in my quarters?" Remus finally murmured, his voice low and slightly hesitant, as if afraid to break the spell.
Aurora tilted her head up to look at him, her smile soft and full of affection. "Sounds wonderful," she replied, her words carrying an unspoken agreement that whatever time they spent together, it would always feel this right.
"Have you ever wondered how Sirius Black managed to escape from Azkaban?" Aurora asked, her tone curious but edged with a hint of concern. "He's the first in history to do so."
Remus sighed heavily, setting his tea cup down with care as though the question weighed on him physically. His eyes lingered on the steam rising from the cup, avoiding her gaze.
"Black always found a way around everything," he said after a pause, his voice subdued. "So let's just say I can guess how he did it."
"Have you shared your thoughts with the Ministry?"
"No," he admitted quietly, the weight of his words heavy between them. "I can't. I want to keep it to myself because of our past friendship."
"And you won't even tell me?" she pressed gently, leaning forward slightly.
"No. Sorry, Aurora," he said, looking up at her, his expression softening. "I like you, but it's a Marauder's secret, and no matter what happens, I'll take it with me to my grave, just like James and Peter did."
Aurora studied him for a moment, seeing the flicker of loyalty and pain in his eyes. She nodded, understanding what he meant. Some things were sacred, even if they were steeped in tragedy. She respected him for holding onto that bond, fragile as it was.
"You said you liked me," she noted, her tone lightening as she leaned back with a small smile.
"Of course I do," he laughed, a warm sound that eased some of the tension. "I enjoy your company, and it's a pleasure to talk to you."
"But do you mean you like me, or... you know, a little more than just like me?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Remus' smile grew as he shook his head slightly, feigning exasperation. "I really like you. Like really, really much."
"Yes?" she prompted, raising an eyebrow flirtatiously. "Why?"
"Why do I like you?" he repeated, pretending to be deep in thought as he gazed at the ceiling. "Maybe because you're really smart..."
"I'm smart?" she interrupted, her grin widening.
"Oh, you're definitely smart," he assured her, leaning forward now. "And creative, and beautiful, and—"
"You like me because I'm beautiful?" she interjected again, clearly enjoying the game as she tilted her head at him, her laughter barely restrained.
"You're definitely the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life," he replied earnestly, his eyes meeting hers with a sincerity that made her heart skip a beat.
"Merlin, I'm above your mom? How did I deserve that?" she teased, trying to downplay the sudden warmth spreading in her chest.
"My mom isn't on that ranking..." he muttered, his ears turning pink.
"So you have a ranking?" she laughed, leaning closer, her mirth bubbling over.
"Aurora," he said, his voice carrying a tone of mock reproach, though the twinkle in his eyes betrayed him.
"Remus," she echoed, mimicking his serious tone, though her own laughter was still dancing in her voice.
"You're close," he pointed out, his tone teasing yet warm.
"You too. The fault lies on both sides," she countered with a sly smile, raising an eyebrow in challenge.
"And who says that's wrong?" he asked, his voice low and inviting, a spark dancing in his eyes.
"Oh, don't you think two coworkers should keep a certain distance?" she teased, though there was a playful edge to her words.
"I think two coworkers like me and Professor McGonagall should keep their distance," he replied with a grin, "but you're not McGonagall. So, who cares in this situation?"
Aurora burst into laughter, the sound light and melodic, and Remus couldn't help but join her. His laughter faded first, leaving him gazing at her with a mixture of amusement and affection. Slowly, he reached out, his hand finding her cheek as if it belonged there. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down her spine.
Before she could say another word, he leaned in and kissed her.
This kiss was different. It was longer, more intense, full of unspoken emotions they'd both held back for too long. Aurora melted into him, responding with equal fervor. Her hands slid up to his shoulders, clutching him as though she feared he might vanish. Their tongues danced in a rhythm that felt as natural as breathing, each movement deepening the connection between them.
Lost in the moment, Aurora found herself climbing onto his lap, the action unplanned yet instinctive. She broke the kiss briefly to catch her breath, her lips still brushing against his as he whispered, "Aurora, you surprise me more and more with each passing day."
A playful smirk tugged at her lips as she closed the gap again, murmuring softly, "But I think you like it."
"Very much," he managed to say, his voice husky with emotion.
And then he surrendered entirely, pulling her closer as their lips met once more, passion igniting between them like fire on dry wood. Every kiss, every touch, seemed to speak the words they hadn't yet dared to say aloud.
At one point, Remus dared to squeeze her breast in his hand, to which Aurora let out a short moan from her lips. Merlin, something was about to happen between them that should never happen between coworkers. Only... they didn't care about that. They were simply enjoying the moment.
Aurora pressed herself against him more, allowing herself more than ever, and then she felt something... down there. Something as if it had become hard and was practically pressing against her pussy. The woman looked Remus straight in the eyes, and a mischievous smile appeared on her face.
"Remus Lupin, are you...?" she began.
"Only if you feel ready," he assured, interrupting her.
Aurora nodded and connected their lips again in a passionate kiss. Meanwhile, Remus slowly began to rise from the couch they had been occupying a moment ago. She wrapped her legs around his waist and he led them straight to the bedroom.
Aurora had never thought that two people could shed their clothes so quickly. Well, theirs definitely disappeared quickly.
Remus allowed himself to strip her completely naked, although he assured her that she could always cover herself with a blanket if she needed it. Merlin, the way Remus behaved during sex probably hadn't been described in any books yet. Aurora didn't think that people still produced such wonderful and caring men as Remus.
Their hands were joined as Lupin kissed her neck, breasts, stomach. He wanted to be one hundred percent sure that she felt safe and cared for. The first time was always the most important, and unfortunately for many a rather unpleasant experience. Remus didn't want that for Aurora. She deserved something perfect, so that even if their paths parted in the future, she could remember that she felt wonderful at that moment. He didn't want to let her down in that regard.
He allowed her to do whatever she wanted. She could touch him wherever she wanted, kiss him wherever she liked, talk to him whenever she needed it. Remus was simply the perfect sexual partner, and especially the one Aurora needed. He didn't force her to do anything in any way, he didn't persuade her to do something, he only did what she felt comfortable with.
"I'll do something now" he said at some point "Tell me if something's wrong, okay?"
"Alright" she nodded.
Remus, not letting go of her hand, lay on his side and looking straight into her eyes, touched her pussy with his other hand. Aurora took a deep breath into her mouth. He waited a moment until she gave him a sign that everything was okay, then he began to gently massage her there.
"Remus" she managed to moan after a while.
"I know" he said, placing a short kiss on her temple.
And then Remus inserted one of his fingers inside, and Aurora thought she was about to go crazy. His finger moved slowly inside her, thoroughly exploring every corner of her. Merlin, she had never felt as good as she did in this moment. And then Remus stopped.
"I need to know if you feel ready to do this" he said "We'll stop if it's not the right time yet"
"Remus, for fuck's sake, stop talking and continue!"
"No problem" he smiled at her "I'll be gentle, I promise".
The man hovered over her a moment later, with a condom on and ready to be inside her. He pushed himself into her slowly, giving her time to get used to his penis in her vagina. He held her hand the whole time, which Aurora squeezed every now and then, moaning softly.
The moment he fucked her didn't last long. Aurora was more than aroused, very close to orgasm. It didn't take Remus long to come to the very edge either. And then it happened. He pulled out of her a moment later and fell back onto the mattress, burying his face in the pillow.
"Remus?" Aurora asked, looking at him.
"I'm here," he assured, squeezing her hand, which he still hadn't let go of. "Don't worry, I'm here."
"What's going to happen now?"
"I don't know, Aurora," he admitted softly, his voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. His amber eyes searched hers, as though trying to reassure her through sheer sincerity. "But remember, if anything ever goes wrong, I'm here."
"We just had sex," she said aloud, the words escaping like a thought spoken without filter—as if it had only just sunk in for her.
"Yes, we did," Remus replied gently, a small, affectionate smile curling at the corner of his lips. His tone held no embarrassment or regret, only tenderness. "Do you need anything?"
"Just stay close," she whispered.
Remus nodded, offering her a silent promise as strong as any spoken vow. He reached for the blanket draped at the foot of the bed and covered their bare bodies with care, his movements slow and deliberate, as though protecting something precious. Aurora snuggled into his chest, where the scars from countless full moons lay etched across his skin, marks of survival, of pain, and of the battles he'd fought alone.
But Aurora didn't care. She saw past the scars, past the burden he'd carried for so long. To her, they were a part of him, as natural as the steady rhythm of his heart beneath her ear. She closed her eyes and simply let herself enjoy the warmth of his embrace, the security of being close to him.
Remus held her tightly, a gentle strength in his arms, and it was only then that he let go of her hand, once he was certain she felt safe.
In that quiet moment, the world outside their small sanctuary ceased to exist. There was no past, no future, only the present, where two souls had found solace in each other.