Cursed academic

The dread was down and by the time they arrived at the castle, the scuffle was nearly anecdotal. Or that is what Remus told himself since the view occupied his mind. The castle had always been a magnificent landscape but the feeling was different, the nervousness, the shivers from a first timer. He was not there as a student, as a visitor, as a curious marauder expecting to unravel each secret the fortress had to offer. It was like a renewed vision, he noticed the sharpest angles, the dancing shadows glancing through the windows, and the warmth promised by the candles already lighting the gates. It was a homey feeling and still, he felt different. 

Hands-on deck with his two best friends, crossing the great entrance as they had done multiple times, over and over, it still was as marvellous. They shared the same childish smile, the tiniest bit of devilish intentions caressing their lips, they were happy there. And as with many things, happiness was able to hover in the walls like old dust, inhabiting the places that once witnessed their bliss. During the walk along the hallways, short laughter, playful glares, and dimples being shown around, for a fleeting moment, they were back to their golden age where the pain was only a brief visitor and nothing else. What was new and almost unbelievable was them, arriving early enough and not being fashionably late, as Sirius would say. Just a few teachers were hanging around the tables in the Great Hall, some of them familiar faces as McGonagall or much to James and Sirius's dismay, Severus Snape. One could guess that the old quarrel would stay in the past, water under the bridge, but the hatred was mutual and most likely not fading away in the foreseeable future. Remus wished, prayed, and asked for a truce but dogs could be such spiteful animals. 

Luckily, they were easily distracted by the professor's presence, the head of the Gryffindor house. She always had a soft spot for the group, even with their troublesome tendencies, Minnie always had their back. She offered comfort, of a female strong figure to look up to when in need and Remus had the vague memory of her sitting across the hospital wing, watching over his recovery after a full moon. He was not sure when the teacher had turned into family but he was deeply grateful for that. She received them with her characteristic half smile, even if her eyes were scanning them as if she was searching for a dress code infraction or improper accessories hanging from Sirius' ears.

'' Quite a long time, boys. I hope you're not here to give me more work than needed, no mischievous planning ahead.'' At her welcome, Sirius grinned, he couldn't even pretend innocence. 

'' You offend me, my dear Minnie. Haven't I always been a model student? Godric knows I should have been a prefect.'' He sounded convinced, a great beauty he was but not that great of an actor.

'' No pranks, no vandalism, we promised. We're going to play fair, we're professionals now. Are you proud of us?'' James grew into a large man with an even larger heart. There was a part of him that never grew up, keeping the sparking eyes of a child. He was tender, a soft breeze in contrast with the earthquake by his side.

'' Well, this time I can't take off their house points but I can give them detention. How are we feeling about cleaning all the boy's bathroom floors, Sirius? No magic, of course.'' Remus threatened, mockingly. The pale expression on the rebel's face was enough to make him laugh.

'' I am proud but not surprised. I knew you were capable of achieving anything you wanted and Remus, congratulations. I will not deny I felt joyful to know that I now have a good companion for tea time. I have been reading a lot this summer, and have a few books to talk about. '' That was a tradition between them. Minnie realized that the way to Remus' heart was through literature, the child was not prone to express his feelings but a good book talk could give him the push he needed. Built a fort of trust and safety. And it did lighten his mood, he remembered the excitement of finishing a new novel to discuss with the professor, highlighting details that he wanted to share, and keeping notes about ideas that came to his head while reading. It challenged him, and sooner than later he discovered that he liked being challenged. 

'' It will be my pleasure, I spent last summer reading 19th-century Russian literature, and even Sirius liked it.''

'' Oh, yes, it was intense. My kind of intense.'' The long-haired man agreed, he liked listening to Moony's voice. It was soothing, albeit not every book was interesting enough but Crime and Punishment was absolutely worth it. Before he could begin rambling about the passionate discussion on human nature and romantic theories, a feminine voice interrupted the scene.

'' Am I hearing a conversation about intense existentialism literature without me? I am wounded, Minerva, beyond words.'' The woman smiled through the complaining, approaching the group only to locate herself at McGonagall's side. The lighthearted laughs shared between both of them were enough evidence of the unspoken complicity, they knew each other. But they did not know her.

'' I shall never forsake you in such a manner, dear child. This is Professor Lua, her expertise is Astronomy although she's an excellent literary critic. She joined us last year, fortunately, Dumbledore was able to convince you to stay.'' Despite McGonagall's explanation, there was no reaction coming from the boys. The realization hit them harder than they could have expected, the unforgivable truth was not palatable. It was sour, burning the wolf's tongue. She was there, right there, hair still falling from her shoulders as a wooden curtain keeping her frame hidden behind the subtle waves. The roundness of her face was in contrast with the smiling lines, the bridge of her nose as straight as it could be. The way she licked her lips, she was probably hungry, he could hear her heart.

The beating was confusingly loud, his senses had always been overwhelming but somehow it was worse. Her heart had shaken the wolf's attention, he unconsciously inclined his head towards her. Again, the aching. The yearning, a growl threatened to come out from his lips but he remained shut. Clenching his hands at his back, trying to refrain himself. James came to his aid, curling his arms around the wolf's shoulders.

'' Lua? That's a weird surname. You look really young to be a professor, I mean, I am not saying that Minnie is too old to be teaching, not that Minnie is old at all!''

'' A sweet-talker, funny. I'm not British, my lovely accent should give away my Mediterranian heritage. Spanish gal, all the good stuff. Are you the new teaching aids? Our newbies.'' Her voice was caressing Remus' ears, such a delightful melody sung only for his enjoyment. He wanted nothing more than lift his hand to try and touch her, wondering if her skin was as soft as it looked. As delicious as it smelled. 

'' No, no, we're not. I mean, Remus is. He is the new Defense against the Dark Arts professor. He is, most definitely, a full professor. No aid. But we're Aurors, you know, the whole there are a few murderers on the loose, keep the kids safe and sound, yada yada yada.'' Always too-blunt Sirius. He tried to sound less flirty, in hopes that Moony wouldn't react as intensely as before. And for the record it did work, there was no sign of a golden hue or an animalistic rumble. 

'' I heard about that, Dumbledore said something about a meeting after. He seemed concerned but did not disclose much when I asked. As per usual, he's not the most sincere man, isn't he?'' Professor Lua could not hide the fact that she did not like the principal. The way her face frowned at the thought, the little movement from her shoulders as if to shake away the disgust. Remus felt a pinch of concern, why would she react like that? Wasn't Dumbledore the one who defeated Voldemort for good? Their savior and trustworthy wise old man. He almost wanted to confront her, try to reason why she shouldn't display such a chagrined manner. But he did not. ''Catalina de Lua, please do not call me professor. You're way too old for that, feels weird and the good kind of weird. You can call me Catherine, Cathy, Cat. Whatever it's more comfortable for your British tongues.''

Her amusing smile was intoxicating, Remus felt dizzy. He knew her name and, finally, was able to throw some light on the mystery. Remus could feel himself rolling her name around his tongue, trying to get used to it. Trying to claim it, testing if it felt right, and sadly, it did. And if only she were a cold-hearted woman, so stern and vile that made it easy to avoid her. If only she hadn't such a luring voice. If only her sunshine-like personality didn't drag his eyes with a magnetism hard to resist. She was every petal of a sunflower, every drop of morning drew refreshing the air he breathed. He found himself wondering why such a captivating woman was fated to him. She had no visible scar, no flaw for he did not count the myriad freckles as such a thing. Nor the way her hair seemed to be untamed, freezy, voluminous. Or how her nails were chipped, the beautiful lavender colour fading from her dated manicure. The presentations had to be postponed for the headmaster made his way towards the Owl Lectrum, the podium from where he would make his welcome speech and announcements. The chaos of newcomers and uniformed students was on full display, whispers and not-so-subtle conversations holding the silence hostage, it was loud. It was messy. It was the beginning of the year and Remus should have enjoyed it as it was the first time he was a spectator and not a performer. 

But she was there, only two seats between them at that large table of professionals. Not enough distance for him to be able to resist the temptation of stealing a few glances, just a look, that's all he wanted. The only way to tear his eyes away from her figure was to hear the name Potter echoing in the Hall with the first steps from his nephew towards the Sorting hat.