Lupin Denial
The year passed, and nothing had changed. Harry Potter remained equally oblivious, the Weasley twins determined, and Remus Lupin... still in complete denial. "It's just a phase," he kept repeating, arms crossed, a worry line on his forehead. "Remus..." McGonagall sighed. "They'll give up eventually." "They've been after him for over a year." "It's just a joke, Minerva. I'm joking." McGonagall looked at him wearily. "Are you joking? Have you seen the way they don't look at him?" "It's friendship," Lupin said with conviction. Flitwick let out a short laugh. "Remus, I'm sorry to tell you, but... They're openly trying to seduce him." "Harry's far too young for these things!" said Lupin indignantly. McGonagall pinched the bridge of her nose. "Remus... Do you realize they're the same age?" "It's like my boy! He can't possibly be interested in..." He shook his head violently, as if the very thought made him nauseous. "Oh, he's not," admitted McGonagall. "But not for the reason you'd hope." All the professors exchanged a weary look, before simultaneously looking at Harry, who didn't notice. At that, the twins offered him a box of enchanted chocolate, hoping for some sort of reaction. "Oh, thank you! You really are the best!" cried Harry with a big grin. Then he opened the box, took a bite, and resumed his conversation with Ron without so much as raising an eyebrow. The twins exchanged a look that was half-frightened, half-exasperated. "McGonagall..." Flitwick murmured. "Do you think they'll ever get there?" "In a few years, maybe," she sighed. "Or never," Snape added with a satisfied smile. Lupin clutched his temples, completely distraught. "It's just a joke! They're not serious!" McGonagall looked at him for a long time before sighing. "Remus, I think you're the only one who still thinks that."
Despite all the twins' attempts to seduce him, Harry still didn't get it. "I think I'm going to bang my head against a wall," Seamus said one day, seeing Harry ignore another attempt from Fred. "Join the club," Dean sighed. Meanwhile, McGonagall watched the twins' increasingly desperate approach. "It's... fascinating," Flitwick murmured. "It's hopeless," McGonagall corrected. "They'll give up eventually," Lupin said, still in absolute denial. McGonagall rubbed her temples, a headache threatening the edge of her head. "Remus, please open your eyes." "It's impossible. They're children." McGonagall sighed. "Children who will end up together, Remus. Whether you like it or not." Lupin shook his head vigorously. "No way. It's just a phase." "Merlin, you're worse than Harry when it comes to recklessness." Flitwick sneered. "Let's talk seriously... When do you think Harry will realize what's going on?" There was a silence. Then, by agreement, all the professors took out their purses and began placing bets. Lupin folded his arms, looking sullen. "It's a phase," he murmured again. McGonagall rolled her eyes. "Of course, Remus. Keep deluding yourself.
"Denial is a river in Egypt."