Two
The office was shockingly open. Dark bookshelves loomed over Sirius as he glanced around the room. In his previous mental health excursions, often appointed by the lovely James Potter, he had found that many psychiatrists often had horrible offices. Ugly orange wooden desks, creaky bookshelves that did no more than hold a framed diploma, a dusty fake plant in the corner, and maybe, if they were really lucky…a window.
Dr Lupin’s office however, went against all the previous norms. The wood was polished and dark, showing off some kind of wealth. The chairs looked plush and comfortable without a desk separating them, promoting face to face conversations. A tall, floor to ceiling window showed the street view, lush green plants framing the outside scenery. As much as Sirius hates to admit it, it was a spectacular office, and maybe that’s why he started to give the doctor the benefit of the doubt.
“How do you know Lily?” Sirius first asked, still walking around as Dr. Lupin sat in one of the soft armchairs.
“I was one of her mentors when she was in school. I learned as much from her as she did me.”
“She is quite remarkable…” Sirius said under his breath, looking at the beautiful sketches laying across a table. They sat in silence for a second. Usually, Sirius would feel pressured to continue talking, forced into telling half-truths. But this silence was almost comfortable, allowing a second to breathe and take in the surroundings.
After a minute, Sirius gently lowered himself into the arm chair across from the slightly older man. “I have to say… you were not what I was expecting when I was forced into coming here.”
Dr. Lupin let a small smile form on his lips, but his eyes have yet to reveal anything about how he’s feeling or who he is. Sirius found this peculiar, usually he could immediately read someone just from looking at their eyes.
“Forced?” Dr. Lupin asked, avoiding the half compliment. “Are you often forced into uncomfortable situations?”
“I never said uncomfortable.”
“You look it though.” The doctor retorted.
“Not a fan of psychiatry. I don’t quite enjoy people fumbling around in my brain…moving the furniture around.” Sirius said quietly, looking just over Lupin’s shoulder.
The man nodded, humming in thought as he crossed one leg over the other. “Bad experience? Or do you think you don’t need help?”
“Therapy doesn’t work on me, doctor. I know all the tricks; I went to school for this.”
“Yet you’re here.”
“Again, forcefully.”
“By Agent Dumbledore?” The mention of his boss took him slightly by surprise. His previous psychiatrists were employed through the FBI, he hadn’t known that Dumbledore had conspired about this behind his back. Clearly sensing that Sirius was not aware of this arrangement, the doctor continued, “He reached out asking to do a psych eval for you, but off the record.”
“He wants to keep my mental health unofficial.” Sirius states in understanding, a frown forming on his face as he took in the information. “Can’t say I’m surprised.”
“Yes well, I would’ve thought you would have been informed of the arrangement.”
“I was not. And I think this highly important piece of information that was subsequently left out of this said arrangement, may have changed my opinion on you.” Sirius leaned forward in his chair, preparing to stand up.
“How so?” Dr. Lupin raised an eyebrow, his hands clasping together and resting on his legs.
“You’re not my first psychiatrist Dr. Lupin. I’m actually building quite the list of them. All of them were stuck under Dumbledore’s thumb and shining his shoes.” Sirius stood up, brushing off his pants. “I’d rather not have my every thought reported back to my boss.”
“I take doctor patient confidentiality very seriously Mr. Black.” Sirius almost let out a smile at the use of the word, but he would not allow the doctor that gratification. “Currently, we are just having conversations. It doesn’t have to be any more or any less. God forbid we become friendly.”
“I don’t find you that interesting doctor.” Sirius said with a sneer, walking towards the door.
“You will.”