Chocolate Covered Strawberries [Remus Lupin]

𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢-𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚎

Chapter twenty-three; Everybody is full of suspicion

▴ ◃ ▾ ▹

The library was quiet in the early morning, almost no students were in it at that time. That's why it made for a perfect spot for Remus and Jasmine to meet and study. They agreed that them studying together or more in details him tutoring her was the only way people were to see them in public. Details were taken care off and while no-one was watching they liked to joke around but when people were around strict and professional faces were put on. Jasmine stared out the window while the book that was laying on the table in front of her was pushed away. She wanted it as far away from her as possible.

The fact that she had to wake up early, the first thing she doesn't like to do, only for her to have to study, the second thing she hates to do made her mood a bit gloomy. Yet the fact that she was with Remus made up for it a little. The boy in front of her tried to cover up a yawn, which was the third time in under just two minutes, while his eyes were scanning an essay Jasmine wrote. Jasmine's head turned back to him noticing his exhausted looks.

''You look tired.'' She let out quietly.

It wouldn't be much different from any other day, since every student was tired every day. With the first term coming to its last month everyone was preparing for some tests. But Remus looked really bad at that moment. Dark circles under his eyes, his concentration was failing as much as Jasmine's was, which is not ordinary. And his usual smiles weren't that genuine, it was like he was carrying a burden within him that he didn't want anyone to know.

''I couldn't sleep at all last night,'' Remus replied with a frown and handed the essay back to Jasmine. ''This is good, you're getting better at pointing out what's important. Just change what I circled and it will be done.''

Jasmine grabbed the essay and smiled lightly. Remus complementing her gave her a warm feeling inside, especially when it was at something she sucked at. Her mind was not in the right place anymore so she simply stored the essay away and put a mental note she'll fix it later. When she turned back around she saw Remus had his arms under his head and looked like he was sleeping. Jasmine pouted as her glance stayed on him. She reached forward and touched his arm gently. It made him raise his head and look at her with surprise. She offered him a small smile and he returned one yet his was not that genuine.

Remus leaned back in his chair and ran his hand across his face. ''I feel like I'm getting ill.''

Their eyes stayed at the same spot, glancing at each other. While concern was growing inside Jasmine, all Remus thought about was if she could see through his lie. All he wanted was for her to know so he wouldn't toss all these lies around. But he couldn't help but think of how she would react to his secret. Yes, his deepest desires were that his lycanthropy wouldn't change one thing but the reality of it was much different. Remus already gave into his fate and her devastated face was all he's seen. Her reaction.

And her smile as well when the moon wasn't as close. He just hoped to anyone that Lily wouldn't tell Jasmine despite them being best friends. Lily was quite smart and her reaction was never drastic, but who says everyone will be like that. His thoughts receded when Jasmine sent him a sympathetic smile.

''Maybe you should stay in bed for a day, you'll feel better then.'' Her hand was still resting on the sleeve of his soft knitted jumper.

Remus glanced down at her hand no matter how much he tried he couldn't smile. The situation was just getting worse. ''Yeah, maybe I'll do that.'' He answered.

And that's how he just got himself an alibi. As if he wanted to prove he meant what he said he stood up picking up his stuff as well. Jasmine's lips parted as she watched him with a bit of surprise. Her eyebrows gently creased as he muttered a quick goodbye and wished her a good day. She watched him leave with one sentence constantly repeating in her head. That was odd.