Chapter 19
“Did you just say our professor is a werewolf?” Aine repeated his statement in disbelief.
“Yes”
“Do you realize that’s an incredibly insane statement?” Jameson sighed heavily at her response.
“It is mad. But its true.” Jameson declared.
“But- “Aine was cut off by Jameson roughly grabbing her shoulders, forcing her to lock eyes with him.
“Think about it! He gets ‘sick’ every month…that’s when he must transform, I heard from some 3rd years that his boggart is a full moon, Aine he’s covered in scars… Professor Snape taught me how to brew Wolfsbane and made me bring it to him. It’s the truth.” He was so distressed that Aine decided to reflect on his response.
Professor Lupin was a werewolf. Aine thought back to the story he had told her – that he was angry for years, and he still had a scar… could that have been?
“Do you believe me now?” Jameson asked loosening his grip.
“Yes”
-
Aine slowly brought a spoon to her mouth as Professor Lupin walked into the Great Hall, giving her a small smile as he passed. Aine gave him a small smile trying to hide the fact she knew his secret, and she really didn’t want to know.
“- I’m not sure... I just hope we win the cup.” George was speaking to Fred, but he squeezed her thigh under the table to get her attention. George gave her a quick look to ask if she was all right and she nodded yes, even though she felt small guilt for lying.
‘This is completely different... so, it should be okay’ she told herself as she continued her dinner. Aine eyes wandered again when Ginny Weasley came in, her heart clenched when she saw her sit far away and alone – since Harry and Co were not around and it was crowded with 5th years where Aine sat. looking at George and Fred who were completely engrossed in their conversation along with the rest of their friends, Aine made a quiet escape.
“Hii...” Aine greeted in a cautious and airy tone as she plopped across from Ginny. Ginny’s face twisted in curiosity for a moment before answering.
“Hello...” Ginny answered warily- shoving Aine further into guilt.
“I wanted to apologize… about the other day. I – I don’t really know what happened, but you didn’t deserve to be yelled at. I mean if a girl who was older than me screamed at me like that I would probably cry. Oh my gosh- I hope I did not make you cry! Im so sorry Ginny- “Aine was interrupted by Ginny’s tiny giggle.
“Im not upset, and I did not cry.” Ginny laughed out.
“Oh, Im still really sorry.” Aine began to apologize again avoiding the younger girl eyes. Ginny sighed and took sip of her beverage.
“Its okay. I swear. If anyone knows what its like to have a panic attack its me.” Ginny tone was plain, but Aine could hear the small bit of personal frustration, the annoying reminder that you’ll never be the same because of what happened to you.
“Do you... get nightmares too?” Aine questioned in a faint voice, Ginny nodded as she took another sip.
“Not as much anymore, the summer was bad. The first few days of school were too.. but I don’t get panic attacks as much anymore. Mum helped a lot with that in the summer.” Ginny sighed an explanation. Aine was in awe of probably the coolest 12 yr old girl she had ever met, when Aine was 12 she was a huge crybaby, but Ginny Weasley was badass. If they were the same age and if Ginny were mean she would totally scare Aine.
“it’s frustrating, some days I feel like I haven’t even slept.” Aine replied honestly.
“You don’t look it; you’re always smiling and look beautiful.” Ginny replied.
“Haha I’m just wearing a lot of concealer, and it’s easy to smile around your brother.” Aine laughed as Ginny shot her a look.
“Can you teach me how to do make up?” Ginny asked causing Aine’s eyes to widened.
“Uhm.. I mean you’re a bit young- “
“Pleaseee! I wanna learn and I have no one to teach me” Ginny pleaded with puppy dog eyes. Aine felt conflicted since she didn’t start wearing make up until the previous summer, she really did think Ginny was too young but also what’s wrong with building confidence whilst learning a new skill? Ginny was in a male dominated family, and it is an embarrassing thing to ask your mother.
“Urh okay but only simple stuff.” Aine shook away the cringing memory of her first experiment with make up only for her mother to walk in.
“Really?!” Ginny brightened up. “You won’t tell George that you’re teaching me though?” She questioned. Aine probably one of the most loyal Hufflepuffs held in a sigh as she nodded yes this was also a completely different secret.
-
After dinner Ginny was so excited to learn that they ended up heading to her dorm along with Corrine. Ginny and Aine made polite conversations as they walked while Corrine trailed behind them until they reached Hufflepuffs commons.
“Just be careful the pathway is a bit weird.” Aine warned Ginny after tapping the barrels.
“okay” Ginny murmured in amazement of the other dorm. “This is my first time here; I feel like I’m in a greenhouse.” Ginny circled the common area observing the various plants and running her hand along the couches.
“Yeah, I suppose Gryffindor is very regal in comparison” Corrine chuckled to herself mostly, obviously thinking Ravenclaw tower surpassed all houses. Aine guided Ginny to a secluded corner where she usually sat and studied with Corrine but thought it was private enough for the 3 of them.
“Alright... We are gonna work out here because I don’t want to interrupt my roommates. Plus, we can watch the time better here.” Aine began motioning towards a big wooden clock that was stationed above all the paintings. “Just wait here. Im gonna grab some stuff.”
Corrine and Ginny nodded whilst getting comfortable, Aine ventured towards her dorm. Heading in she noticed that the lights were on but that is because 2 of them were reading, both were late night readers, so Aine and the fourth roommate learned to sleep with the lights on. As she mumbled her hellos to them, she headed towards her trunk and began to shift thru her objects. She gathered various things such as lip-gloss, mascara, hair ties and magazines then quickly said a ‘see you later’ to her roommates then headed back to the common area.
“Hey Aine.” Cedric Diggory called behind her causing her to turn. He was exiting the boy’s side of the dormitory with a towel in hand.
“Hi Cedric, you alright?” Aine questioned waiting for him to follow.
“Always alright, you know that~ “Cedric responded cheerfully as they walked step in step. “Im heading towards the Prefect baths then I have rounds.” He continued while Aine hummed a response.
“Do you think I’m going to have to give your boyfriend a detention tonight?” Cedric teased causing Aine to laugh loudly.
“Im not sure but if you see him. Be easy on him” she giggled as they turned the corner. Aine liked Cedric he was really nice, but she could honestly never tell what he was actually thinking, he was always ‘on’ and she often wondered how he can manage be constantly kind all the time.
“Of course, anything for you.” Cedric words drifted as he did down the hall towards the exit, Aine gave him a wave goodbye and headed back to Ginny and Corrine.
“So, you’re saying that The Hermione Granger looks up to me?” Corrine had a wicked look in her eyes and a huge smirk as she lounged next to Ginny who was fiddling with her hands.
“Yea she told me to ask if you have a photographic memory. She said she heard it from some 6th years” Ginny explained. Corrine flicked her eyes at Aine and straighten up with a mischievous look in her eyes.
“Well tell her if she wants to know then she needs to ask.” Corrine smiled at the younger girl and then at Aine.
“Were you just talking to Cedric Diggory?” Ginny asked completely changing the topic.
“Oh yeah, he knows Connell. So, I guess we are friends.” Aine seated herself on the floor but in front on the table. “I can’t really tell, he’s just nice to everyone.” Aine finished as she began to lay the products on the table.
“He’s terribly handsome~” Ginny cooed but Corrine made a face of disgust.
“He is not. And he’s annoying. Remember when he asked you out last year?” Corrine rambled to Aine, picking her nails in boredom.
“YOU WENT ON A DATE WITH HIM!” Ginny stood up excitedly. Aine glared at Corrine who stifled a giggle at the dramatic younger girl.
“Uh No, He did ask. It just never happened.” Aine signaled her backdown.
“Oh? What happened?” Ginny questioned scooting closer. Aine took a quick inhale, she was nor going to tell her the reason it didn’t happen was because she was petrified. So instead, she shrugged her shoulders whilst setting up a mirror.
“I chickened out.” Aine smiled at her placing an object in her hand. “Now this is lip gloss.” Aine started Ginny with simple basics, along with different trending hairstyles. When it got closer to curfew Aine helped her gather everything and was going to walk her to Gryffindor, but Corrine offered.
“Im closer anyways- plus she’s kinda funny.” Corrine stretched her body, as Ginny gave her a smile.
“Thank you Aine!” Ginny exclaimed giving her a quick hug “When are we gonna learn contour?” she asked as she pulled away.
“I think that’s a bit too... I think it will be a bit. I don’t even do that.” Aine giggled. “You sure you don’t want me to come with?” she asked again just to be sure.
“My beautiful altruistic Aine… where does she get the heart?” Corrine caressed her cheek “I wish she’d stop worrying and go to bed~” Corrine sang as she guided Ginny out.
“Bye Aine” Both girls chimed as the passage closed.
“Bye”
-
Geroge felt his chest burn with jealously at the sight of Theo Nott and Aine Murphy, he had been on his way to class when he saw them chatting in the hallway. Theo had his hands in his pockets, cheeks tinged with a slight red as Aine used her knee to lean against the wall while she searched her bag. George could hear from the distance that she was talking to Theo, but he was only paying attention to her ass.
Fred nudged him as he also took notice of Theo staring and led them towards the younger student.
“Hello little Murphy!” Fred exclaimed loudly bumping Theo’s shoulder as he walked by. George circled around them making a direct approach to Aine and kissed her softly on the lips.
“Hi George” she giggled out as he smiled down at her. If George Weasley could pick the last thing, he could hear it would be ‘hi George’ from her. It was if she was purposely saying it in a soft airy voice that drove him mad. But a lot of things she did drove him mad, when her accent became thicker when she talked faster, her smile when it was so big it looked like her eyes were closed, her laugh that always started as a small giggle, the way she wore her skirt and when she ran her hand thru his hair.
“Hello darling~ “George responded and attempted another kiss, but Aine wiggled away, she really didn’t like PDA.
“Hi Fred!” Aine greeted and then leaned against the wall again. “Theo and I are waiting for Corrine and Jameson. we have study hall in a few minutes.” She explained. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion noticing Fred with his arm around Theo’s shoulder, leaning on the younger, shorter boy. Ever since George had told Fred about what happened in Hogsmeade and on the train ride back they had both taken a boundless joy in directing pranks towards Nott and Pucey.
Of course, George had noticed that Pucey wasn’t really in Jamesons inner circle anymore but that didn’t absolve Nott in his mind. Saying nothing is just as bad and it didn’t help that Theo also apparently had feelings for his girlfriend which annoyed him even further.
“Sorry we’re late, this one just needed my notes about werewolves for some reason.” Corrine complained as she turned the corner. She and Jameson both stopped in their tracks and drank up the sight of both Weasley twins with one of their friends in their grasp.
“Weasley #1 please unhand Nott, people enjoy personal space.” Jameson replied in a bored tone as Fred rolled his eyes but did release him. Fred took a step forward to Jameson and slapped his shoulders.
“What’s up Jaime!” He exclaimed.
“Call me that again and ill hex you.” Jameson shifted away; Fred shrugged as Corrine let out a dry laugh that she desperately tried to hold in.
“ohh don’t be like that Jaime.” Corrine bemused nudging Nott who also had a wicked grin on his face. Jameson created a disgusted face and turned to his head to the side while Corrine and Nott continued to tease him. George used this opportunity to pull Aine away from the group and around the corner.
“Yes George?” Aine giggled as she cocked her head the side. George swept his eyes over her appearance, giving her a proper look. She looked good. She always did, he noticed her curly braids were tied into a ponytail and she wasn’t wearing any concealer but her usual dark under eyes looked lighter and this made him smile.
“Are you working tonight?” He asked pushing her gently against the wall, entrapping her in his arms.
“Yeah… I can’t avoid it forever.” Aine sighed holding onto his forearms gazing into his eyes.
“I can come and be with you.” George held her closer; he liked having her close.
“Don’t you have practice?” Aine giggled at George’s clinginess.
“I can skip” His response came out mumbled, he had buried himself into her arms breathing in her sweet scent. He had completely forgotten his jealously from minutes ago, as she rubbed his back gently.
“its okay... Professor Lupin offered… but will you walk me to dinner?” she asked gently, her voice directly in his ear causing blood to rush to his face and another place. George quickly backed up a few inches, giving her a slight nod feeling too flustered for words. This was the problem about Aine she was just too alluring that it threw George into a spiral, of course he had been with other girls, but it was different with her. She was so sweet and soft that he couldn’t believe she didn’t know what she was doing to him, that maybe she secretly enjoyed watching him suffer and stutter over her sometimes. But he knew that wasn’t true, it wasn’t in her character and George respected her too much to take advantage of her sweetness.
“What?” Aine questioned with shy eyes, George was staring down at her.
“Nothing. Youre just nice to look at.” George dipped down for another kiss, pushing his tongue into her mouth causing her to gasp slightly, holding his shoulders for support.
“AINE MURPHY” Corrine screeched as she approached them. Aine pushed George away, covering her face in embarrassment as George suppressed a groan of annoyance.
“Professor Graves will deduct points if we are late” Corrine grabbed Aine by her elbow and began to pull her in the opposite direction, George gave her a weak wave as she left to which she responded by blowing him a kiss.
Cheeky girl.
-
Aine worked quietly as Professor Lupin walked slow circles around the greenhouse constantly checking other entryways and shooting Aine reassuring looks. If she had to be honest with herself even though her recent discovery of her professors...ailment she was incredibly thankful that she wasn’t here alone. Professor lupin had tripped over a table leg, knocking over a ceramic pot causing Aine to freeze in place for a moment.
“My apologies...” Lupin replied sheepishly as he repaired the pot.
“Ah tis okay... I’m sorry for being so jumpy.” Aine kept her eyes on the 2nd year mandrakes, cleaning the area.
“You don’t have to apologize Aine, I told you I would keep watch until you feel comfortable again and I intend to keep it.” Lupin smiled taking a seat in a way he could have a view of the whole room. Aine never noticed it before, but he had a slight limp, she imagined walking or standing too long had to be kinda painful. Minutes passed as she worked and thought about Professor Lupin, Jamesons dilemma about whether to tell Dumbledore or not, and if this was a friend instead of a professor.
“Uhm, Professor? May I ask a question?” Aine turned towards him shyly as he looked up instantly, whatever he was thinking about long gone.
“Yes Aine.?” He responded gently.
“Uh. do you have a wife?” Aine questioned but immediately regretted it noticing her professor face turn red in embarrassment. “You don’t have to answer! I was just wondering...” Aine explained looking down at her shoes, what a stupid thing to ask.
“I don’t have a wife...” Professor lupin started and gazed at floor also as if it hurt to remember “but I do have someone I care about very deeply.” He finished.
Aine nodded and continued her duties, she decided that she couldn’t let his secret come out.