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sunflowerabyss · 28 days

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WOVEN TOGETHER ━━━ remus lupin x reader

━━━ 𖥻︰ 2091 words

summary: despite your best efforts, remus lupin might just become your friend.

pairing: remus lupin x reader

tags: platonic remus lupin x reader, she/her pronouns, reader is a gryffindor the same year as the marauders, shy reader, mentions of anxiety

The common room was one of your least favourite places to be, but your dorm room was worse, so there you were. It was getting late, and you had a potions assignment due the next day, so you were sitting in a quiet corner trying to work on it. Well, trying to want to work on it. You were only just passing by the skin of your teeth, and if you failed this essay then it would bring your grade down from an Acceptable to a Poor, and that meant that you wouldn’t be able to get the NEWTS you needed. You weren’t sure what those NEWTS were, as the idea of having to do anything after finishing school filled you with fear, but you figured it probably would have something to do with potions. You sort of just picked the electives you enjoyed and then did your best.

Unfortunately, your best didn’t seem to be good enough with this essay, as you had been working on it nonstop for the past four days and you still had another 10 inches of parchment left.

“Disfigurement,” a voice came from above you. You looked up from your homework at a boy, looking bashfully at your parchment.

“Excuse me?”

He had the good graces to look embarrassed by the way you were looking up at him. “Disfigurement is one of the major side affects of using lacewing flies in the potion, a big part of the reason that it’s level three restricted by the ministry,”

Now, normally, a man standing above you and explaining something that you already knew would absolutely ruin your day, Merlin only knew it happened often enough. But normally, the men doing it didn’t look like they were talking about it out of pure interest.

His eyes got slightly dimmer as he realised your annoyance, a darkened honey colour that people wrote songs about. “Sorry, I should’ve- Just because you paused writing doesn’t mean you didn’t know what you were talking about. Sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it.” You decided on after a minute. You knew who he was, of course, you didn’t spend seven years in the same grade as someone without learning their name, but you were nearly one hundred percent certain he didn’t know yours.

“I just came over for…” he gestured uselessly at the small collection of cups on the table beside you, with a metal pitcher of ice cold water that stayed full no matter how much you poured it. A group of boys in your year had tried to use it to flood the common room one time. You had a sneaking suspicion the boy in front of you had been involved, despite the fact that he never received detention for it like the others did.

“Go for it.”

He poured two glasses of water and paused, looking at you. “I really am sorry. I’ve offended you.”

“I’m not offended,” you replied honestly. “I normally would be, but I’ll allow it just this once.”

The boy cracked a smile, slightly crooked, and it evened out his whole face, as though he had been created just to smile like that. “Thank you, then.” He corrected softly. “For not being offended by my interruption.” He put the cups down gently and looked for a moment as though he might shake your hand, before thinking better of it and leaving them hanging uselessly by his side. “I’m Remus.”

“So I’ve heard,” you didn’t mean to sound pretentious. “I just mean- we share a lot of classes, so I’ve seen you around a lot.” Now it was your turn to be embarrassed.

Remus continued smiling. “No, I know. I see you all the time. You always snag the good table in the library.” He gestured to you, testing your name out experimentally on his tongue, as though afraid to get it wrong. You nodded.

You liked studying in the library because it made you feel like an actual student. Doing homework on your bed, while the more common alternative, made you feel as though you were doing it wrong somehow. As if, because you hadn’t put in the effort to go all the way to the library and bring your study materials with you that you didn’t deserve to do well on whatever it is you were working on. “Do I?” your voice sounded far away, even to yourself.

“I’ll forgive you, though,” Remus said good naturedly, noticing your change in tone. This interaction had gone on far too long for your liking. You were beginning to feel exhausted. How embarrassing.

Talking to strangers for longer than ten seconds makes my stomach do a backflip, you thought bitterly to yourself. That was why your dorm room didn’t feel as welcoming as it was perhaps meant to. The girls in there talked, like they were friends. And they were friends, it was easy to see that.

You’d been so removed when you first started at Hogwarts, when you were only eleven. So overwhelmed by the hundreds of rooms and the hundreds of students, that when your roommates stayed up all night chattering and getting to know one another, you had felt nothing inside you aside from a desire to go to sleep. It took weeks before your nerves calmed enough to even attempt to contribute to their conversations, and by the time you had realised that maybe you did want to be friends with them, they had accepted your silence.

You gave Remus an awkward smile, the polar opposite of the one he’d given you. As if your grinning was a defect, not something you were designed to do. Sometimes it felt like maybe you weren’t.

He was still standing there. How could you make him go away without explicitly telling him to? You felt nauseous, squirmy under his gaze. Why hadn’t he left yet? “That essay Slughorn gave us is a real doozy, isn’t it?”

You cracked a real, genuine smile at his word choice. You didn’t know anyone who used the word ‘doozy’ and the best part was, it seemed to be entirely unironic. “Yeah, I guess.”

“I was planning on spending the afternoon up in the library, working on it.” His hand fiddled with the hem of his button-up. “Any chance I could sit at the good table?”

You nodded almost instantly. “Yeah, no, sure. It’s all yours. Sorry, I didn’t mean to hog.”

“You’re not,” he let out a breathy laugh. “You’re jumpy, aren’t you?” You felt it, and your cheeks burned at the notion that he could tell. “If you wanted to still study at your same table, and I was also to study there, both of us in complete silence, then I don’t think that would be so bad?”

Remus could see that you wanted to say no, and he didn’t want to push it if you were clearly uninterested, but he also knew that it had been seven years of you being the only Gryffindor girl he’d never spoken to, and also being the only Gryffindor girl he’d ever felt a strong desire to speak to. The others were great, sure, Lily and Marlene had become friends to him more concretely now that Lily and James were seeing each other, and Alice had always been sweet. You, on the other hand, had been described by your roommates as sad. Not ‘pathetic’ sad, but a more deep sadness.

“She’s awfully kind,” Marlene had told him once, hushed in the back of a History Against Magic Lesson. He hadn’t remembered how your name had been brought up. “Think she just likes it quiet.”

“The table’s yours,” you offered. “It’s okay. I can just study down here, it’s warmer.”

“It’s louder, though,” Remus reasoned. “Up there there’s no… well, no guys coming over here to explain something you probably already understand.”

“I thought you said you were going to be there?” You were genuinely confused at what he was asking of you by this point, but he laughed it off. You staved off a frown.

“I always find that homework is nicest when you’ve got someone there,” he offered finally. “Even if you’re not talking, just purely sitting there.”

You didn’t see how that would help at all. You’d probably be too distracted by anyone to even get any work done. But, you realised with a start, the notion of someone wanting to spend time in your vicinity, as innocent as Remus’s intentions were, made your heart ache.

He probably just wanted to be able to sit at the good table without putting you rout, you understood that. But at the same time, if he really wanted to sit there, and he really wanted to not disrupt your routine, then you didn’t see why not, even though maintaining eye contact with him for any longer than a second felt as though you were going to combust in a caramel-irised explosion.

“You can come,” you conceded, gently, hoping as not to come off rude or too territorial about your space. Perhaps it would be better if you studied outside, or in an empty classroom. That way you weren’t getting in his way.

“Excellent,” he was talking too loud, and he could tell that by the way you shrank back in your seat. “Maybe I can finally get my transfiguration grade up, Merlin knows you’re doing well in that class.”

Why would he say that? That made him come across as a stalker who knew all your grades. He hoped you didn’t think that implied you did need help in potions. Your reactions weren’t giving him much, and it was making him nervous. He definitely shouldn’t have come over here, but he had been scrambling for something to say, and now he had to take water over despite the fact that no one had asked for water.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine.” You closed your textbook so gently it didn’t even made a paper noise as the cover closed. “But if you really do need help, then I might be able to.” You offered him one final smile, cheeks tinged with a visible blush.

You hoped he couldn’t see how dizzy you were getting. You wanted to go sleep and pretend this was all a dream so you could go back to ignoring Remus’s existence like he could go back to ignoring yours.

Unfortunately for you, though, he’d found your little hidey-hole study space that you occupied yesterday, coming in to tease you light heartedly about abandoning him for transfiguration. You didn’t not want to talk to Remus, it was nothing about him. He’d been nothing but sweet and funny in the very limited interactions you’d shared, you were the issue.

“Should’ve known you’d ditch me,” he’d said with a sigh as he sat down, opening his textbook up. You found you didn’t mind his being there as long as you weren’t expected to contribute much to the conversation.

“Thought it would be obvious.” You’d attempted to match his airiness in your tone. It came out strangled.

He sighed gently. “I wanted to pretend it wasn’t so, sweetheart. I thought you and me had something special. I told you about disfigurement in potions and you tell me about disfigurement in transfiguration.”

He’d been attempting to do the spell for about an hour, trying to turn a ball of yarn into a scarf. It was a simple spell that’d normally be of no issue to him, but he just couldn’t get it this time.

After nearly forty minutes of mumbling all but silently to himself so as not to disturb you, you had enough. You reached over and, so delicately he’d thought at first it was simply a breeze, uttered the spell while controlling his hand movements. A long, thickly knitted navy scarf burst from the ball of wool, landing pooled by his crossed legs. You looked up at him, expecting to be reprimanded for the touching, knowing you would have done exactly the same.

“You’re not real,” he said after a moment. Sometimes you felt that way too. “We’re officially studying together every time, now.” He grinned to himself, picking up the scarf and wrapping it securely around your neck multiple times, tucking the ends in to your jumper. It was soft. “Every single time, you little wonder.” You maybe didn’t mind as much this time as you had when he’d last suggested it. Your smile was almost hidden behind the mass of fabric you’d just helped him conjure, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t see it.

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sunflowerabyss · 1 month

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of moons and gowns / r. lupin

remus lupin x reader; royal!au

part 1

a/n: here´s part 2!!!! this is the end of this specific storyline, but if you're interested in deeing specific scenarios in this au, send in a request! i hope you enjoy this! i had a lot of fun writing.

tw: mentions of abuse and torture.

summary: the life of a servant in the palace was hectic. the life of a servant in the palace who so happened to get along with the princes, was even more so.

In the days that followed your encounter with Prince Remus in the palace corridors, life took an unexpected turn. The upcoming royal ball was now tinged with the prospect of attending as Prince Remus's guest. You tried not to dwell on it however, as you knew it was probably an attempt to get on your nerves or play a light joke on you as James and Sirius often did.

Still, not much energy was left to dwell on the invitation as the palace was a hive of activity and you were at the center of it. Chores multiplied, and you found yourself engulfed in a whirlwind of tasks, leaving little room for leisure or the company of your royal friends.

The days blended together in a blur of scrubbing, polishing, and arranging, all under the watchful eyes of strict supervisors ensuring perfection for the impending event.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the palace grounds, you finally trudged back to your modest chambers. Your limbs ached, and weariness clung to every step, but the promise of rest spurred you forward.

Upon entering your room the crowd of maids gathered near one of the beds caught your attention. And as you started to unpin your hair you approached them.

“What are you lot staring at?”

Your presence took them by surprise, as they all rapidly turned their heads toward you with huge grins.

“You may not want to settle down just yet”, Lucy said with a mischievous tone,

You raised an eyebrow as you realized they were all huddled around your bed, and that there was something laying on top.

“It looks like you’ve caught the attention of yet another prince”, she said as you inspected the beautiful blue, silk dress that had been left extended neatly on your bed.

Your mind was racing at a thousand miles per minute as you reached for the small piece of paper that sat neatly next to the dress.

You opened it and felt as the rest of the girls peered over your shoulder.

In the chaos of these hectic days, I thought a respite might be in order. Please consider this an invitation (rather than a command) to join me for dinner. I promise not to bore you with tedious tales of courtly affairs or James and Sirius’ latest plan (unless, of course, you insist).

I’ll wait for you at the gardens at 8.

Yours sincerely,

Remus

You could feel your cheeks warm up. Dinner with Remus Lupin had been the furthest thing from your mind when you started your day of chores. Yet, as you slipped into the dress laid out on your bed and your hair was once again tamed into soft waves by your fellow maids, you couldn't suppress the flutter of excitement in your chest.

The evening air was crisp and scented with the fragrance of blooming flowers as you strolled through the garden. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the way, casting dancing shadows on the cobblestone walkways.

You fiddled with your fingers as you made your way towards the center of the garden where you found a picnic set up, and sitting on a nearby stone bench was Prince Remus with a book in his hand.

You didn’t know what you were expecting, but it definitely wasn’t this. A picnic seemed almost too mundane for a prince. But in a strange way it made you feel comforted. You would rather have this than a big elaborate dinner.

As if on cue, Remus seemed to notice you. He closed his book and set it down quickly as he stood up. He was wearing a loose white shirt underneath a blue waistcoat along with some trousers and boots. He looked terribly handsome.

“There you are”, he said as he approached you with a gentle smile. “I must admit, I wasn’t sure if you were going to come”.

You said nothing and offered him a sheepish smile instead. You still weren’t sure how you were supposed to behave with him.

“You look beautiful,” he said as he offered you a hand, which you took and allowed yourself to be led to the blanket laid out on the ground.

“Thank you, your majesty. I must say that I’ve never worn a dress like this”, you replied. “Besides, if I may be so bold, you look rather dashing yourself”.

He sat next to you and smiled. “Please, just call me Remus”.

You remained quiet for a second before daring to look up at him with the smallest of smirks. “Is that an order?”

He bit his tongue, trying to suppress the smile that crept onto his face, but failing. “It’s a request.”

“As you wish then…Remus,” you said as you tried to suppress a teasing smile of your own.

With that settled, a satisfied Remus reached out for the basket as he began unpacking.

You sat down along with him; your flowy dress falling around you.

"I hope you like strawberry tarts," Remus said, holding one out to you on a small plate. "They're my favorite."

You accepted the tart graciously, taking a small bite and savoring the burst of flavor. "They're delicious," you remarked, genuinely impressed.

Remus smiled warmly, pleased by your reaction. "I'm glad you think so. I had to ask Euphemia for her recipe. But, I must admit, I had a bit of help from the palace chefs. They insisted after seeing me covered in flour."

His revelation made you laugh. It was endearing to think about the crown prince of Crescenwatch flustered in the kitchen while covered in flour.

“While I do appreciate the intention, next time let me stick to the baking”, you said amidst a fit of giggles.

He lowered his head slightly and with a soft smirk peered over his lashes. “So there will be a next time?”

You worried at your lip and stared at him contemplatively. “That’s not really up to me”, you replied with a soft smile while raising your eyebrows.

He made a soft sound of understanding before changing the topic once again. The conversation flowed effortlessly as both of you made your way through the food Remus had prepared, and exchanged stories about your respective days. His down-to-earth demeanor put you at ease. In no time you were as comfortable with him as you were with James or Sirius. And as the night passed, you found yourself laughing freely at Remus's witty remarks. The initial awkwardness between you, now gone.

Remus joined in on your laughter, and he tried to suppress the pride he relished in whenever he managed to make you smile and giggle. Still, the twinkle in his eyes was not easily hidden.

The sound of chirping birds brought you back to reality after a long while. It was then that you realized that you had spent all night out with Remus. What was supposed to be a small dinner, had turned into a full evening with the prince.

You looked at him, lying down on his side, supported by his elbow as he stared at you. You couldn’t help but laugh with slight delirium. The lack of sleep had started to get to you, and the situation you were in (which in normal circumstances would have frustrated you with the thoughts of the day ahead), humored you.

He seemed to share your amusement as he laughed along with you.

“I have to get going,” you said finally as you stood up and patted down your wrinkled dress.

Remus hurriedly stood up. He tried to fix himself up, his waistcoat had long been discarded and his white shirt had been untucked.”Let me walk you back”.

You smiled as you slipped your slippers back on. “That’s alright my prince. You don’t need to do that.”

Remus tilted his head and gently tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. “Don’t tell me you’re going back to formalities now. Besides, I insist”.

You chuckled. “Sorry, force of habit. If it makes you feel better, I still call James and Sirius by their titles sometimes”.

He chuckled. “But I’m not Sirius, or James, am I?”, he said, trying to get you to look at him.

Your cheeks warmed up. And in your flustered state, you could not muster up a witty answer. Butterflies fluttered around in your stomach, making you feel all tingly inside.

He seemed to relish in this small victory. Whilst in your flustered state, he offered you his arm, which you took, and with the picnic basket in his other hand, he walked you back to your chambers.

The path to your chambers had seemed to become shorter than you remembered it. On a usual day, they seemed to be impossibly far from where you needed them, but as of right now, they couldn’t have been far enough.

“I had a great night, thank you for inviting me,” you said as you stared up at him.

“Thank you for coming,” he replied.

A brief moment of silence passed between the two of you , trying to make this moment linger as long as possible. Still, you knew it couldn’t.

“I should…go…” you breathed out with a sad smile. You turned to open the door and walked in with one final smile. However the calling of your name made you stop in your tracks.

“I…I just-”, it was the first time you had seen Remus this nervous. His usual calm and composed demeanor was what you’ve grown accustomed to, and to a certain extent, it seemed weird for a prince like him to become this speechless, especially with a servant such as yourself.

“I don’t mind being called a prince…”, a small pause. “Your prince.”

A smile broke out through your features, it seemed that you couldn’t stop yourself when you were around him. You stood on your tiptoes and lightly kissed his cheek.

“Thank you for such a wonderful evening, my prince”. And with that, you turned on your heels and walked into your chambers.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Unfortunately, your dream-like evening had to remain on the back of your mind the next few days. With the ball approaching, the bustling around the palace had increased. Young yourself running around more than usual, so much so that you barely had any time left for meals or even alone time. You were currently occupied with the flower arrangements in the main ballroom. A calming chore like this was a nice change of pace from the usual, more strenuous things you had to attend to.

You were lost in your thoughts as your fingers danced along the stems of various sorts of flowers. Either cutting leaves or thorns. Despite the enjoyment of preparing the flower arrangements, you had to make them with certain speed and agility, which is why various small cuts littered your hands.

“Ah, here she is,” a voice echoed through the room, followed by the sound of tumultuous footsteps.

“Good morning Sirius”, you said without taking your eyes off of your task. “Good morning James”.

“And a good morning to you too!” James yelled back, as if he was saying something threatening.

“Is there something I can help you with?”

“Yes actually,” said Sirius. “You can start by telling us what enchantment you have placed on our Moony”.

You chuckled, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Maybe this will ring a bell. Tall, charming, handsome, dorky man with a lovesick smile that was previously not there?” James said as he peeked over your shoulder looking at the arrangement of flowers.

“He is quite handsome”.

“Yes well, we all know that already. What we want to know is why is he acting like a teenager all of a sudden?” Sirius pressed.

“He is?”

“Well, if talking all day long about the pretty girl he asked to ball, and how he loves how she rebukes every flirty commentary he throws at her isn’t acting like a lovesick teenager, I don’t know what is”, James replied.

“He thinks I’m pretty?”

Sirius sighed in exasperation. “They’re both hopeless”.

“Yes yes, you’re pretty, I’m impossibly charming,” James jumped in. “Setting the obvious aside. Will you tell us what has been going on between the two of you?”

With a nervous smile you finished with the arrangement and finally turned to face them. You realized that this was uncharted territory for you. Sure, your friendship with the princes was very close and you could tell each other almost everything (they surely took advantage of that). However, you had never talked about other boys with them.

With trembling hands you lowered your gaze and twisted your fingers before supplying them with the answer they had been bugging you about. “We sort of went on a date. At least, that’s what I think it was”.

Silence.

And then raucous, ear-splitting screams of what you hoped was joy.

James was jumping up and down while Sirius ran his hands through his hair and paced around.

“And?” James said with a huge grin as he approached you like a madman.

“And what?”

“And how did it go?”

With a grin of your own, you explained how your date had gone. However, you kept the specifics to yourself, relishing in those hidden moments that no one had been witness to.

As you spoke of your date with the prince, you couldn't help but notice the eager anticipation in James's eyes and the barely contained excitement in Sirius's demeanor. Their enthusiasm was infectious, but you knew better than to let it sway you. After all, you were just a servant, and the idea of something more with someone like Remus was not in the cards for you.

“So you’re coming right?” James asked. You could practically see the cogs working in his brain.

“What do you mean?”

“To the ball, of course”,Sirius replied.

Your heart sank. The prospect of attending such an event seemed like a cruel joke, a reminder of the gaping divide between your world and theirs. You knew they meant well. They often ignored the blatant divide between you, how scandalous it would be for someone like you to be seen with someone like them in an event of that magnitude. Their words were a painful reminder of the barriers that stood between you.

You looked at them with a sad smile. “You know I can’t. For all I know that night was a one time thing. I’m a servant, we don’t get to mingle amongst royalty”.

As Sirius's expression soured and he began to voice his objections, you felt a pang of frustration building within you. Him out of all people should understand. His anger only served to fuel your own, and before you could stop yourself, you interrupted him, your voice tinged with a hint of desperation.

"Please don't," you pleaded, your words a whispered plea. "I've made my peace with it. It's been hard enough."

With a heavy heart, you gathered the discarded stems and leaves in your basket, your movements automatic as you sought solace in the familiar routine of your duties.

Leaving behind a perplexed James and an angry Sirius, you made your escape, the weight of your conflicting emotions pressing down on you like a burden too heavy to bear. As you walked away, the echoes of their voices faded into the distance, leaving you alone with your thoughts and the ever-present reminder of your place amongst their world.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

It had been a couple days now since your small fight with the royals. You had been avoiding them -all of them.

You had asked one of your fellow maids to take your turns in tending to their fireplace or taking the breakfast, in exchange for other duties. She had happily done so, despite her brief worry for what must have caused such a request.

You could not say that you did not miss your friends. Your life at the palace was made fun by their antics -even if they did stress you out sometimes-. But the thought of facing them, of being reminded of your place in the hierarchy, was enough to keep you away.

As the night of the ball arrived, you found yourself busy with other chores, anything to keep your mind off the lavish event taking place in the ballroom. You scrubbed floors, dusted shelves, and tended to the gardens, the rhythmic motions a comforting distraction from the festivities happening just a few corridors away.

It would be a lie to say that you hadn’t specifically requested to not attend the ball, and instead you had taken on double the amount of chores you usually did to compensate for that.

So, after a long day of work, you sought refuge at the library. A place you were sure no one would come in, especially not tonight, when everyone wanted to mingle amongst the princes. You, on the other hand, had decided that it was better for you if you maintained your distance.

However, a certain chocolate-eyed man did not think so.

“You’re avoiding me”, a voice came from behind you, making you freeze in your steps. The pile of books on your hands seemed impossibly heavy now.

You remained in silence, hoping -praying-, he would leave. But luck was not on your side today.

“Why?” he continued. This time his voice was impossibly soft. Your heart sank, hearing the sadness it carried.

You turned to face him then, and you thought that you could be strong enough to tell him the truth. But as you looked at him, you realized that you couldn’t.

“Shouldn’t you be at the ball?”, you said in an effort to avoid the topic as you set down the pile of books and pretended to skim through one of them. “I’m sure there’s a lot of disappointed girls out there right now.”

“Maybe. But the one girl I’m interested in decided not to show up”.

You had to remind yourself that to him, you were probably just a fun time. Someone he might never see again. But to you…

“I’m certain that you have a bunch of beautiful girls lining up to take her place”, you replied.

If you weren't so busy trying to avoid his gaze, you might have noticed how his expression seemed to morph into that of disappointment. And quickly into one of frustration.

“I talked with James and Sirius”, he said. His voice is now much more sharp.

“Well, Sirius has a lot of experience in that department. James might not be that helpful, he’s pretty hung up on Princess Lily-”

“They told me that you had made ‘peace with it’”, he said, cutting sharply into your sentence as he took a step towards you.

You faltered for a moment, before trying to hold on to the unbothered front you had been trying to put on. However, he didn’t give you time to recover.

“That you don’t get to ‘mingle with royalty’”, he continued as he approached you, making you take some steps back. “And that it was a ‘one time thing’”.

Your back hit a shelf, and before you knew it, Remus was looming over you. His hand reached for your book before setting it on a higher shelf. He then gently took a hold of your chin, and he forced you to look up at him. “You’re a smart girl. Don’t tell me you actually believe that”.

You caught how his eyes softened for a fraction of a second. Still, that wasn’t enough to stop the small burst of anger that bubbled up inside you.

“You’re a smart prince,” you said, your words now had an edge to them. “Don’t tell me you’re unaware of the repercussions this might have”.

“To hell with the repercussions-”

“That’s because you can afford to do that Remus!” you retaliated. He seemed surprised by your outburst, as he took the smallest of steps backward. “I’m a servant, and if they were to see us, do you know what they’ll say about me?” you continued as you jabbed your finger in his chest.

“Do you have any idea how I was treated back on Blackhaven?” you debated for a moment if this was really worth telling, but you quickly decided that if he wanted to know about the repercussions, you would tell him about them.

“After enduring Orion’s punishments, befriending Sirius was the most wonderful thing that happened to me. But rumors started spreading on how I was his slut. On how I ‘kept him satisfied’ in exchange for protection!”

Remus kept silent. His hand held on your arm gently, trying to keep you close.

You slumped against bookshelves, and looked up, trying to keep the tears at bay. It wasn’t like you had forgotten it. It plagued your nightmares. But it had been years since you had to purposefully remember the punishment that made Sirius decide to get you out of his kingdom.

“Orion found out,” you continued, this time your voice much softer. “So he decided that his normal branding wasn’t enough this time. He said that I would not taint his bloodline -that a servant would not ruin his bloodline.”

Remus’ eyes searched for yours, trying to find a hint that it wasn’t true. That somehow you got saved from being punished. He was familiar with the king’s punishments. He remembered a particular night in which Sirius had not been able to handle it anymore, and he broke down in James’ room.

“So he branded me in the usual place…and then on my hip. And then, he had me lashed…while Sirius watched.”

You could feel how his fingers tightened around your wrist, but you avoided his eyes. In a brief moment he pulled on your wrist and dragged you to a dark corner of the library where he pulled on a book and a part of the wall popped open, revealing a small room the size of a maintenance closet.

The sound of a click brought you back to reality. And the small warm light that followed it revealed that the ‘maintenance closet’ was not that at all, but rather a really small study.

You sighed and turned to face him. He dragged you a few paces up until you were next to the desk. He took you by the waist and hoisted you upwards, so you were sitting on it, before prompting you to continue.

With a shaky breath you went on.

“I tried not to make any noise for Sirius’ sake. But Orion decided that he wouldn’t be satisfied until I screamed my throat raw,” you had started untying your apron. “ So he didn’t stop, not even when I passed out. Sirius’ pleads and screams kept waking me up, until Orion got tired.”

Remus watched you carefully, his heart heavy with the weight of your pain. He could see the turmoil in your eyes as you struggled to find the courage to speak, and his own words felt inadequate.

As you untied your apron, he noticed the tension in your shoulders, the way your hands trembled slightly. Without a word, he moved closer, his movements slow and deliberate as he reached out to help you.

His fingers brushed against the fabric of your dress, the gentle touch a silent reassurance of his presence. With practiced ease, he located the ribbons at the back of your dress, his touch feather-light as he began to untangle them. You tensed at his touch, a shiver running down your spine as the faint outline of the lash scars hidden beneath your dress were revealed.

But he didn't look away. Instead, he continued to untie your dress, his movements slow and deliberate as he revealed more and more of your scars to him. With each inch of exposed skin, his heart broke a little more, but he refused to let his own emotions show.

Finally, the ribbons completely untangled from your corset, and your dress hung loose around your shoulders, the scars on your back fully revealed to him. Remus felt a lump form in his throat as he took in the sight, the raw brutality of your old life laid bare before him.

But he didn't turn away. Instead, he reached out, his fingers tracing the contours of your scars with a tenderness that brought tears to your eyes.

He had tried to avoid it at first, but the Blackhaven crest that was engraved into your skin screamed at him for attention. The crest was jagged and uneven, the lines distorted from where you had thrashed in pain during your punishment. It was a brutal symbol of the cruelty of the Blackhaven royals, and a mark that would forever brand you as a victim of their tyranny.

Remus felt a surge of anger rise within him as he looked upon the crest. You felt as his gentle fingers made its way up to it. His touch was feather-light as he traced the outline of the crest. He could feel the heat of your skin beneath his fingertips, the scars rough and raised against his touch.

“That was what he was most proud of,” you said, breaking the heavy silence that had settled between you. “It made me his property. He tried to make the lash marks disappear later. He said they would just ruin a pretty thing. So they mostly healed. But I guess my body wasn’t able to erase that memory completely.”

More silence.

“The crest on my hip was a final gift. Something about how if I wanted to be a slut, people should know who I belong to. I woke up in the infirmary days later, to the news that Sirius had ‘gifted me’ to Noblehaven”.

For a moment, neither of you spoke, the weight of the moment hanging heavy in the air. But then, without a word, Remus leaned in and pressed the softest of kisses to your back. And then another. And another.

His lips moved reverently over the scars. As he trailed kisses along the jagged lines of the crest, you felt a rush of emotions wash over you—pain, sorrow, but also something else. Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as you felt his lips press against the scars.

The contrast of the tender action amidst a place that had been ravaged by brutality and cruelty was devastating.

His hands slowly snaked their way to your cheeks, and as they softly made you turn to look at him they wiped the tears that had escaped your eyes. Without a word, Remus pulled you into his arms, holding you close as though trying to shield you.

“Be my queen,” he whispered tenderly, out of the blue. His pain-stricken eyes reaching for yours.

“Remus-”

“No harm will ever come to you”.

Your words caught in your throat as you gazed into his earnest eyes, the depth of emotion swirling within them almost overwhelming. The vulnerability in his voice tugged at your heartstrings, and for a moment, you were lost in the intensity of his plea.

"Be my queen," he repeated, his voice barely a whisper, yet it echoed loudly in the silence between you. His fingers brushed against your cheek, his touch gentle and reassuring.

Your breath hitched as you searched his gaze, seeing the raw sincerity etched in every line of his face. The weight of his request hung heavy in the air, the gravity of his words sinking deep.

"Remus..." you began, your voice trembling with uncertainty. "I'm just a servant."

He whispered your name, but his gaze seemed to be undecided on whether it wanted to fixate on your eyes or your lips. “Please…” he begged as he leaned in closer, his breath fanning your lips.

“Please,” he whispered again. This time the plea seemed to weigh so much more.

Ever so slowly, you pressed your lips to his.

His arms encircled you, pulling you closer until there was no space left between you, and you melted into his embrace. His lips moved against yours with a gentle urgency, a silent plea for you to say yes, to choose him, to become his queen.

When you finally pulled away, a soft smile graced Remus' lips. “Is that a yes?”

You smiled up at him, and tilted your head slightly. “It depends. Was that a command?”

Remus chuckled and cupped your face with his hand as he pressed your lips to his once again. It was soft and desperate at the same time. So much longing in one single action.

“I think you know I’m in no place to give commands when it comes to you,” he whispered as he trailed his kisses up to your ear.

Remus’ hands snaked in between your dress, softly caressing the scars on his way down. The piece of fabric now pulling at your waist.

“Say it,” he pleaded as he trailed kisses down your neck and back to your mouth. “Say you will.”

“I will,” you breathed out.

He pulled away slightly, admiring you for a second before wrapping his arms around you once again.

tags:

@lovelyygirl8

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sunflowerabyss · 1 month

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of moons and crowns / r. lupin

remus lupin x reader; royal!au

part 2

a/n: hiiii! i've been mia for a bit now. life's been pretty hectic. i've had this one on the drafts for a really long time, so in my spare time i've been slowly adding to it, and i think i got carried away. there's a part 2 in the works, so let me know if you'd like to see that. also i'm really sorry for all the requests i haven't put out. there's some that i have already started. i'll try my best to get to them. but honestly, i try to work on what inspires me rather than the order in which they were sent since i can't dedicate a lot of time to this anymore because of college. as always, let me know what you think. also, i think this is the first marauders fic i publish!

summary: the life of a servant in the palace was hectic. the life of a servant in the palace who so happened to get along with the princes, was even more so.

It wasn’t everyday that a royal ball was announced. Especially not one where the three crowns would be attending.

The kingdom was buzzing with excitement, and even whilst doing your daily chores you could not be spared of the gossiping and chattering.

“Do you think that both Black princes will attend?” one of the maids -Lucy- asked dreamily from across the small pond you were washing your clothes at.

“I sure hope so!” another chimed in. “But I have my eye on the Crescentwatch prince…” she continued dreamily.

“I’ve heard he is quite handsome”, you said with a giggle. As you couldn’t help but to offer your two cents of the conversation.

“You already have two handsome princes in your palm,” she said in a joking manner. “Leave some for the rest of us.”

“I can assure you Eva, that Sirius and I have no romantic intentions with each other. And as for James…well, he is James”, you explained simply as you splashed a bit of water into your fellow maid,

Your friendship with the princes was a strange phenomenon. Royalty would usually limit themselves with interactions amongst their social ranking, however thanks to your time working with the Most Noble House of Black, an out-of-odds friendship had sparked with the heir. Truth was, your time with them had not been a fairy tale. In fact, it had been quite the opposite. You had experienced their abuse and mistreatment first hand whilst working for them. And last time the Blackhaven monarchs had visited the kingdom, they made sure to make your life impossible, just for old times sake. You were no stranger to the Kingdom of Blackheaven’s tyrant rulers. But you were also no stranger to the kindness of their heir. Sirius Black had been your only distraction from the torment of the monarch’s unending chores.

Your friendship with Sirius started one night when he found you out in the gardens after a particularly cruel punishment from King Orion. Your hair was a mess, and angry tears had rolled down your blotched face.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

You had been pacing angrily and muttering to yourself about how you would give him a piece of your mind one day. How you couldn’t care less about losing your head if that meant you could be far from them.

In a moment of pure anger and frustration, your hand flew out in a fist and hit a tree. You had immediately regretted that, as all you received back was a pair of bloody knuckles.

“You might want to be more careful”, an amused voice said, immediately flooding you with panic. The previous heat that had been flowing through your body because of the anger vanished. Being replaced with dreadful cold instead.

“Your majesty…” you breathed out, as you straightened your posture. There in front of you stood Sirius Black in all his glory. His long hair was tied up, and his white shirt was sloppily tucked in his waistband.

For a brief moment you considered acting as if nothing had happened. As if he hadn't caught you cursing the absolute hell out of his parents. But you were tired. You could not put up a front anymore.

Your body deflated visibly once again, and you ran a hand through your hair.

“I would say that I’m sorry for my imprudent behavior, my prince. But that would be a lie”.

A moment of silence passed between you two. You patiently waited for him to say something. A death sentence maybe. However the next thing that came out of his mouth was far from that.

Laughter boomed from deep within his chest, making your head snap up immediately. Was he mocking you? Was death just a joke to him? For a brief moment you chastised yourself from expecting anything different from the Black Heir. After all, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

“I would greatly appreciate it if you didn’t mock me. I doubt that death is a laughing matter, even for royalty”.

Sirius’ laughter dissolved into small chuckles. “Death? What do you mean?”

“My execution. I got punished earlier today because I poured the king the wrong type of wine. I highly doubt that you'll let me off the hook with just a warning for badmouthing them”.

A flash of anger and hurt passed through Sirius’ eyes before a soft grin adorned his features. “Lucky for you, I’m not my parents”.

Confusion made its way to your features. “So you won’t kill me?”

“Why would I do that?” he said approaching you. He inspected you for a moment before taking your hand and eyeing your bloody knuckles.

He dragged you to a nearby bench and without hesitation ripped a part of his shirt before proceeding to carefully -but sloppily- wrap your wounds with it.

You stayed quiet through it all. The correct thing would have been protest and decline his acts of service. He was royalty after all, and you were supposed to be attending him. But you were so tired.

“Let me see it”, he spoke up after a while.

“What?”

“Your punishment”.

You glanced up at him with tired eyes. You considered sparing him from the sight of the marks on your back. But to hell with everything. He should know what his servants were going through under his father’s reign. He was going to be king one day after all, and he needed to know if a change was going to be made.

You turned your back to him and carefully unbuttoned the back of your dress. The fabric had been scratching at your new injury, making it redder than it already was.

There in between your shoulder blades was a deep scorch mark in the shape of the king’s crest. The wound was deep from the several burnings you had gotten over the years. Some were even unaligned from their usual place. A result of your trashing and pleading for mercy.

You expected a gasp or an indication of surprise from the prince. But you heard nothing. Instead, from your peripheral vision you saw him uncorking a small vial of a dark purple paste. He dipped his fingers into it and carefully smeared it on your back.

The cool sensation of the paste combined with his fingers on your skin and the stinging of your wound, made you tense up.

“I’m no stranger to my father’s rage” he whispered.

Only then did it occur to you that the rumors of Sirius’ rebellious personality and his constant acting out in events might not please Walburga and Orion.

“Has he branded you too?” you asked bluntly.

“Yes, but not with the family crest. That would mean that he’d had to consider me his property. And if it were up to him, he would have disinherited me a long time ago”, he explained as he closed the vial. “He prefers a simpler method when it comes to me”, he continued.

You did not expect him to show you anything. Royalty tended to protect their honor in that way. They didn't want to appear weak, especially not in the presence of their subjects. But Sirius kept surprising you. Slowly, he untucked his shirt and lifted it just enough for you to see the lash marks that peeked over his stomach and seemed to take root from his back.

You didn’t say anything. Your hand twitched in your lap, aching to trace the scars and maybe provide the same attendance that he had offered you. But you stopped yourself and instead just looked at him, eyes full of exhaustion.

“Why haven’t you abdicated? You can get out of here. I’ve heard of your friendship with Prince James and Prince Remus. Everyone knows that the Noblehaven royal family would take you in in a heartbeat”.

He chuckled. “I hardly think it's fair to leave my kingdom behind. I want to free my people of my parent’s torture. And I think that his anger is a sign that I’m going in the right direction. It means that I’m making changes -changes he doesn’t approve of”.

You chuckled. “I’d hardly call getting drunk during the Queen’s Jubilee making changes”.

He laughed. “No one ever speaks to me like that”.

“Does that mean that I just got myself a death sentence?”

He smirked, “It means I like you. You say what you mean. Unapologetically”.

You chuckled and smiled to yourself. You wouldn’t admit it to him, but you thought you liked him too.

Ever since then, your meetings with Sirius had become more frequent. Whenever his father decided to punish either of you, the other would attend to their wounds. You would both bond over your dislike for his parents and would never fail to make the other laugh.

It wasn’t until one particular bad punishment that Sirius decided he needed to get you out of there as quickly as possible. So against your wishes, he arranged for you to be presented as a “gift” to the royal family of Noblehaven.

“You can’t be serious!” you screamed as you stormed into his chambers.

“I’m always Sirius,” he said, unbothered by your anger.

“You can’t just gift me away! I won’t go!”

Sirius closed his book and slowly looked up at you. “I’ll miss you too. I’ll miss you so much. But I can’t keep seeing you get punished. It’s not fair. I already talked with James. He’ll take care of you. You’ll be in good hands, I promise”. You noticed a teary smile make its way to his face. “You’ll be safe”.

You tried to stay mad, you tried so hard to not break. But a sob managed to escape your lips and you crushed into his body as you wrapped your arms around his torso.

“I can’t leave you Sirius. I can’t go knowing you’re still here. Who will take care of your wounds?”

He laughed, amused by your protests. Truth was, you did so much more than just take care of his wounds. He couldn’t imagine his life these past years without you. But for your own good, he will have to now. “I can manage”, he replied as he hugged you back and buried his nose in your hair.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

The Noblehaven royals had done right by their promise. They provided you with far more commodities than the Blacks ever did. You had also managed to befriend Prince James. You often found him in the halls and he made sure to send a flirty comment your way, which you always replied with a sickly sweet voice, pretending to swoon with his advances. Your whole act was amusing for him. Which is why he also liked to search for you whenever you had work to do, so he could chat your ear off.

It was to no surprise then, that when the ball was announced, James had come running to you to give you the news. You were over the moon when you realized you’d see Sirius again soon, which had put you in a fantastical mood for the rest of the day. Perhaps in too good of a mood, since you had forgotten that Sirius would not be coming alone.

Your thoughts were interrupted by the sound of your fellow maids, as they called out your name. You hadn’t realized you had been harshly scrubbing the coarse fabric against your skin, causing it to turn visibly red. You looked up to find the girls already looking at you with amused expressions.

“I think someone’s waiting for you,” one of them said as she subtly signaled to something behind you.

Following her gaze, you came to find none other than James standing by the outhall of the gardens. Your heart immediately jump started. He could possibly bring news of Sirius.

“I’ll be right back,” you said, smiling apologetically at your friends.

The two of them giggled before easing your worries, offering to take your basket of unwashed clothes in with them if you weren’t back by the time they were done.

You thanked them quickly before skipping over to the prince.

“Your highness”, you said as you curtsied.

James chuckled and offered you a little bow of his own. “My lady, I bring pleasing news for you”.

“Get over with it James!” you said as you punched him lightly. “Sirius is coming right? Will I be able to see him? Please don’t let me be their maid in waiting again!”.

“Calm down dearest”, he said as he patted the arm that had been previously interlocked with his. “The Blacks did send in a particular request for you, and unfortunately it’s not mine to deny”.

Your posture deflated immediately. You were so lost in your thoughts that you hadn't noticed James leading you to the guest wing of the palace.

“We're here…” he said as he let your arm go.

Your eyes immediately went wide. “They're here already?!” you whispered harshly. “I can’t go in there! They’ll kill me if I show up like this!” you rambled as you pointed to the tethered dress you wore.

“It’ll be alright. I won’t leave your side”, he assured you. Although his words did little to calm you down, you knew they couldn’t cause you actual harm in here. Which is why you weren’t throwing an absolute fit over the situation. You were a maid after all, and it was your duty to do as the royals requested.

You sighed and attempted to fix your clothes along with your wild hair which had begun to set itself free from the braid you had constricted it into just this morning. “I thought you were supposed to give me good news…” you mumbled before straightening up and reaching for the door handle, missing completely the grin James was trying to suppress.

You prepared yourself mentally for facing the two most terrible people you ever had the displeasure of meeting. But you were surprised to find one figure instead of two. He was the same as his father, except that he was totally different in all the right ways. His sharp features had never looked so beautiful to you, and his tied up hair was a good sign. He felt comfortable.

Your hands immediately flew up to cover your mouth and you felt your knees buckle. “Sirius…” you whispered as a huge smile morphed your face.

“Well, don’t just stand there…” he said with a laugh as he opened his arms, inviting you in for a hug.

You wasted no time immediately running up to him and jumping into his arms. “I’m so happy to see you!”

“I´m happy to see you too,” he said. You felt his chest rumble with deep laughter, and it just settled in the fact that he was here.

“Oh god…” you separated immediately from him. “Where are your parents? They're going to kill me”, you whispered frantically.

“That's the best part,” James jumped in as he wrapped his arm around Sirius cheerfully. “They are not coming”.

The revelation that the dreaded Black monarchs were not attending the royal ball lifted a tremendous weight off your shoulders. The relief was palpable, and you couldn't help but feel grateful to whatever twist of fate had kept them away.

Sirius noticed your visible relief and chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "No need to worry. James and I have our ways of handling them. We convinced them that attending this ball would not align with their interests. Besides, they've grown tired of these social gatherings."

You exchanged a glance with James, who winked at you playfully. It seemed the princes had orchestrated this whole scenario to ensure your peace of mind. Your gratitude towards them deepened, and you couldn't help but smile at the thoughtfulness of your friends. You also couldn't help but to think of what Sirius had implied. It wasn’t in the likes of the Blacks to show weakness such as exhaustion. They would always make sure to show other kingdoms their coldness and unwavering manner. But if what Sirius said was true, maybe Walburga and Orion’s reign was coming to an end. Maybe it was finally time for Sirius to step up to the throne and finally lead Blackhaven into prosperity. No wonder he looked so healthy.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

As the days leading up to the royal ball unfolded, life within the palace took on a whirlwind of excitement and preparation. Noblehaven was adorned with flowers, banners, and elaborate decorations, creating an enchanting atmosphere in anticipation of the grand event.

Sirius and James, with their usual mischievous flair, took it upon themselves to involve you in the preparations. You had already told them -repeatedly- that your attendance at the ball was not assured, and even if it was it would not be as a guest, but rather as a servant. That did not discourage them, however, from imagining your dress, which was starting to sound more like an elaborate pastry to you.

In the midst of this bustling activity, you found yourself navigating the corridors of the palace on an errand to deliver a message for King Fleamont, James's father. The palace, as majestic as it was, could be quite confusing for someone not accustomed to its intricacies.

In your rush to fulfill your duty, you turned a corner and collided with a figure rushing in the opposite direction. Books and papers scattered across the floor, and the collision left both of you momentarily stunned.

"I'm so sorry! I should have been more careful," you exclaimed, hastily bending down to collect the fallen items. Heat rushed to your face, praying to whoever was listening that this mysterious figure was not any sort of royalty.

A warm chuckle reached your ears, and you looked up to find a young man with sandy-brown hair and gentle hazel eyes, who was also crouched down, gathering the scattered belongings. Your first instinct was to plead for him not to worry about the mess you had just made, but one look at him had you speechless.

"No, it's my fault. I was not looking where I was going," he replied with a smile, handing you a few loose papers.

Standing in front of you was none other than Crescentwatch’s own heir, Remus Lupin himself.

You had heard James and Sirius talking about him. Everyone knew they were basically brothers. The other maids also talked a lot about him. His handsome face, his mysterious scars, his dreamy eyes, and his soft hair. But for some reason you had always seemed uninterested in the topic. You supposed that royal gossip wasn’t as entertaining when you were so close to it. You had enough things to deal with with James and Sirius, adding another royal to the mix didn’t sound as appealing, especially if he would be as rambunctious as the other two.

Still, the prince’s handsome features were not lost on you.

“I'm so very sorry your majesty!” you said as you offered him a curtsy.

“Oh please- that's not- '' his words were cut short by a louder voice coming from down the hallway that called your name.

“I've been looking all over for you!” James said as he jogged up to the pair. Next to him, Sirius’ grin widened as he realized who you had just bumped into.

“Ah! So you’ve finally caught the third prince uh?”

“I-” you looked frantically between the three men who now blocked your way to King Fleamont’s study. “I’m sorry, I should’ve looked where I was going”, you said frantically trying to get past them.

James laughed. “I hope that you’re on your way to try your dress on”, he teased.

“Are you sure you’d like to know about my dress or are you more interested in Princess Lili’s gown?” you shot back as you reorganized your papers and combed a hand through your messy-looking hair.

Sirius laughed, Remus chuckled and James turned red. “That’s what I thought”, you mumbled pleased with yourself. “Besides, the only gown I’ll be wearing is my uniform. The fancier one, if you’d like details.”

Sirius groaned. “But you were supposed to be my date!”

You rolled your eyes and sighed. You would’ve loved to attend the ball with them. They were your closest friends. Despite that, you could not ignore your social standing. It would not be appropriate for a prince (a crown prince, at that), to be seen in such a formal event with a servant.

“I already get enough comments on how I charmed my way into your bed and out of Blackhaven Sirius. I don’t need more of those, especially when they aren’t true.”

Sirius sighed dramatically.

Remus spoke up then, “what about me?”

Your shocked expression made a small smile appear on his face. Up until now he had watched you retaliate James’ and Sirius’ comments with ease. Leaving you speechless was something he prided himself with. Even if you had just met a few moments ago, both princes would not stop talking about you.

“What about you, your majesty?” you asked.

He chuckled at the title. “What if you were my date?”

You glanced around at the boys. James’ mouth hung open, and Sirius had an unbelieving smile on his face.

“You sly dog…” you heard the latter mutter as you gently tapped Jame’s chin close.

“Is that an order?” you asked with a small tilt of your head. You still weren’t sure where exactly you stood with him.

“It’s an invitation,” he replied, without missing a beat.

After a moment of silence -and uninterrupted eye contact with the Crescentwatch prince- a small smile broke its way onto your face, despite you trying to remain serious.

“Goodbye your majesty,” you said with a curtsy, before turning around and resuming your way to King Fleamont’s study.

Silence remained amongst the three boys. Each still trying to comprehend what had just happened.

“So the good news is…”, James said after a moment. “That wasn't a no”.

That seemed to break Sirius off his trance as he jumped onto Remus and started blabbering about how he didn’t know he had it in him.

Remus however, did not hear a single thing his friends were saying. With a smile still gracing his features, he wondered what his next move would be.

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sunflowerabyss · 2 months

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I love your works omg tysm <33😭😭😭

Aww thank you! I love yours too! 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

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sunflowerabyss · 2 months

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King Of My Heart (Body And Soul)~ R. Lupin.

🌷Series Masterlist~

Synopsis: when James and lily died, and your brother was sent to Azkaban, Remus was the only person you had left. Until he left too. What happens when he returns after the events of Sirius's escape, only to find out you have a son? A son that's his. Content Warnings: lots of italics, probably grammatical mistakes, kiss(es), might be ooc idk, child (?), fem reader, italics are flashbacks ( idk), love (ew),mentions of self harm, attempt to suic*de, accidental pregnancy, pregnancy, Established relationship, deals with sensitive topics, angst, use of curse words, slow burn (ish)

Chapter 1- Stranger That I know ( posted 27.02.2024) Chapter 2- Expectations (posted 29.02.2024) Chapter 3 - Helpless (posted 08.03.2024) Chapter 4 (coming soon)

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sunflowerabyss · 3 months

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The Phoenix Rises: Chapter 8

Pairings: Older!Remus Lupin x Fem!Professor!Reader

A continuation of the Charms of Fate series.

Series Masterlist

Plot Summary: Starting your third year at Hogwarts as the Charms professor proves to be difficult without having Remus by your side as you face new and irritating challenges at work, as well as joining a secret society.

A/N: Sorry for dropping off the face of the Earth for a bit. I started college and it's been hectic! Anyway, enjoy!

Warnings: Angst

________________________________

The next month was a whirlwind of chaos. Juggling between teaching and attending Order meetings and stakeouts, exhaustion became a constant companion. Even though you managed to spend weekends with Remus, it felt like your time together was slipping through your fingers. The increasing presence of Tonks added an extra layer of tension, her subtle advances persisting despite having dialed down from when you first met her. Remus, ever oblivious, remained untouched by her advances, making it challenging to direct any frustration toward him.

Work at Hogwarts had transformed into a dreaded ordeal. The atmosphere, once vibrant and engaging, had deteriorated into a nightmare, thanks to Dolores's oppressive presence. Her intrusive supervision loomed over everyone, making each day feel like an uphill battle. A sigh of relief escaped your lips as the last class concluded. The prospect of stepping outside for some fresh air became a beacon of solace in an otherwise overwhelming routine.

Navigating the corridors, you could sense a commotion ahead. Curiosity propelled you forward, and as you reached the courtyard, a disconcerting scene unfolded. Dolores and Sybill Trelawney stood at the center, surrounded by a sea of students. Sybill, tear-streaked and distressed, stood next to her belongings scattered at her feet. Dolores's stern expression communicated a harsh reality.

You quickened your pace, furrowing your brows at the unsettling sight in the courtyard. Students huddled in groups, whispering urgently, while Dolores Umbridge stood tall, a disapproving figure next to the distraught Sybil Trelawney.

"What's going on?" you asked a passing student, who looked at you with wide eyes.

"Dolores is kicking out Professor Trelawney! It's crazy!" the student whispered, their voice filled with a mix of shock and excitement.

Your heart sank, and you approached the scene, catching snippets of the conversation. Dolores's high-pitched voice cut through the air as she spoke to Sybill, her tone condescending and dismissive.

"You can't do this," Sybil stuttered out, her voice watery.

Dolores held up a piece of paper, "Actually, I can.

"Sybil Trelawney, your so-called 'prophecies' and vague predictions have no place at Hogwarts. Your services are no longer required," Dolores declared, a cruel smirk playing on her lips.

Sybill, on the verge of tears, pleaded, "Please, Dolores, you can't do this. I have nowhere to go!"

Dolores responded with a cold laugh, "Perhaps you should have thought of that before filling these students' heads with nonsense. Hogwarts needs serious educators, not charlatans."

The surrounding students watched in silence, some in shock, others in anger. You felt a mix of emotions – sympathy for Sybil and an intense frustration towards Dolores's unwarranted cruelty. As the crowd murmured in discontent, you couldn't help but think about the injustice unraveling before you.

The tension in the courtyard escalated as Dolores continued to gloat, but relief washed over you as Professor McGonagall arrived, a stern expression on her face. She approached Sybill, offering a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Shh, shh, my dear," McGonagall said, her voice soothing.

As the two women held each other, Dolores couldn't resist taking a jab. "Minerva, is there something you'd like to say?" she sneered, a malicious glint in her eyes.

McGonagall turned to Dolores, her lips thinning with restraint. "There is a great deal I would like to say, Dolores, but I'll save it for a more appropriate time."

Just then, the grand doors to the castle swung open, and Dumbledore strode out, his usually calm demeanor marred by a visible anger. The atmosphere shifted as all eyes turned to the powerful wizard.

Dumbledore, with a stern expression, turned to Professor McGonagall. "Minerva, would you please escort Sybil back inside?" he requested.

Sybil, still teary-eyed and emotionally overwhelmed, reached out to Dumbledore as she walked past him with McGonagall. "Thank you, Professor Dumbledore, thank you," she repeated, gratitude pouring from her voice like a balm for the wounds inflicted by Dolores Umbridge's harsh actions.

Dolores, undeterred, addressed Dumbledore, "Dumbledore, may I remind you that under the terms of Educational Decree Number 23, as enacted by the minister--"

Dumbledore cut her off, his voice stern, "You have the right to dismiss my teachers. You do not, however, have the authority to banish them from the grounds. That power remains with the headmaster."

Dolores smirked, defiantly adding, "For now."

Dumbledore, not willing to engage further, turned away and addressed the students, his voice commanding, "Don't you all have studying to do?"

He walked away, leaving a trail of subdued murmurs in the courtyard. The weight lifted from your shoulders as you released a breath you hadn't known you were holding. The injustice seemed momentarily halted, but the lingering presence of Dolores Umbridge reminded everyone that darker times loomed over Hogwarts.

____________________________

The flames in the fireplace crackled as you sat on the couch in your living quarters, the trio of Harry, Hermione, and Ron joining you. The atmosphere was tense, and Hermione voiced her frustration, "That foul, evil, old gargoyle. We're not learning how to defend ourselves. We're not learning how to pass our OWLs. She's taking over the entire school."

The radio is playing in the background and you can faintly hear the Minister's grating voice speak softly through the speakers. "Security has been and will remain the Ministry's top priority. Furthermore, we have convincing evidence…that these disappearances are the work...of notorious mass murderer Sirius Black."

You rolled your eyes, calling Fudge every bad name in the book. Caught in a slight daze, you jump when you hear a voice coming from the fireplace.

"Harry."

You and the three young students look towards the fire, Sirius's face emerging from the ember and soot.

"Sirius," Harry said, kneeling down. "What are you doing here?"

"Answering your letter," Sirius replied. "You said you were worried about Umbridge. What's she doing? Training you to kill half-breeds?"

"She's not letting them use magic at all," you retort, rolling your eyes once again.

Sirius let out a snort. "Well, I'm not surprised. The latest intelligence is that Fudge doesn't want you trained in combat."

"Combat?" Ron wondered aloud. "What does he think, we're forming some sort of wizard army?""

"That's exactly what he thinks. That Dumbledore is assembling his own forces to take on the Ministry. He's becoming more paranoid by the minute. The others wouldn't want me telling you this, Harry…but things aren't going at all well with the Order. Fudge is blocking the truth at every turn and these disappearances are just how it started before. Voldemort is on the move."

The weight of Sirius's words hung in the air, and you couldn't help but feel a bit panicked. Between this toad-faced twat and no nose Nancy, on top of lesson plans, grading, the Order, it was almost...too much.

As the trio and Sirius discussed the dire situation, you interjected, "We can't let Umbridge control the narrative here. Hogwarts should be a place of learning, not a breeding ground for fear and prejudice. We need to be prepared for what is inevitable."

Hermione nodded in agreement, "You're right professor. We need to find a way to resist her influence and keep learning. Knowledge is our best defense."

Ron chimed in, "And what about Dumbledore? Why isn't he doing anything about it?"

You sighed, "Dumbledore's hands are tied. Fudge has the Ministry wrapped around his finger. We need to figure out a way to defend ourselves and the school without relying on the official channels."

"It won't be easy, but we can't let them win," Harry replied.

You nodded, "Agreed. We'll need to be strategic and find allies within the school. Strength in unity." Before you bid your goodbyes to Sirius, you couldn't help but ask about Remus.

Sirius hesitated before answering. "He's okay. Misses you like crazy. He's been going on more missions. Sometimes alone, sometimes with..."

"With..?"

Sirius sighed. "Tonks. Well, he doesn't invite her, she kind of just tags along. I'm not sure what her intentions are, but I make sure she knows he's in a happy, committed relationship." You groaned in annoyance, ignoring three curious sets of eyes on you. Sirius turns his attention back to everyone. "I'm sorry I can't be of more help. But for now, at least, it looks like you're on your own."

And just like that, he was gone. You threw your head back against the couch, sighing deeply. Great. Another thing I need to worry about. A girl who doesn't know when to take a hint.

You feel tears well up in your eyes. You try to blink them back, but one falls down your cheek regardless of how much your eyelids flutter. You feel someone take your hand and you're surprised to sees it's Ron. You use your free hand to wipe you're face.

"Godric," you half laugh, half sob, "I'm sorry, I don't know what's the matter with me."

"It's okay Professor," is all he said. The four of you sat in silence, comforting each other.

_____________________________

"Dumbledore's Army?" you asked rather loudly, munching on chocolate sent from Remus, hunched over your desk, grading your students' homework. Everyone was out for the day, either going to Hogsmeade or lounging in their respective common rooms.

"Shh!" The trio hissed, casting a glance over their shoulder to the slightly ajar classroom door. You stop mid-chew, looking up at them, an eyebrow raised.

"We've been thinking, with Umbridge tightening her grip on the school, we need to do something. Dumbledore can't openly oppose her, but we can."

Hermione leaned in, her eyes reflecting the intensity of her thoughts, "We want to start a secret group, a defense class. Dumbledore's Army, to teach students how to defend themselves."

Ron, ever pragmatic, added, "It's not just about us. The whole school needs it. Especially since Dumbledore is gone."

You listened attentively, a mixture of concern and determination etched on your face. "Starting a secret society is risky, but I understand why you'd want to," you replied quietly. "How can I help?"

Harry looked relieved at your support, "We need a place to meet. We can't risk Umbridge finding out."

Hermione nodded, "And we need someone trustworthy to help with organizing and logistics. Dumbledore's Army has to stay off Umbridge's radar."

You set your chocolate and red pen down, leaning back into your chair. You noticed Ron trying to take a peek at whose work you're grading, snickering when he sees it's Fred's a giant red P in the top right corner. You scowl at him, pushing your papers in a desk drawer.

"I'll tell you this bit now," you begin, "you can't use this classroom." Harry began to open his mouth in protest. You held up a finger. "But, there is a room that might be able to aid you. It adapts to our needs and provides a level of security that other places can't guarantee. The--"

"The Room of Requirement," Hermione interjects in a whisper, "Of course." You smile slightly at her.

"Great. So where is it?" Ron asked.

You shook your head. "I don't know. It moves around the castle and only appears for those who is in need and actively seeking it."

"Guess we better start looking. Thanks Professor," Harry said, the three leaving your room.

"Be careful!"

____________________________

The weekend had finally arrived, and with it, the anticipation of seeing Remus at 12 Grimmauld Place. As you opened the door to the building, a sense of excitement filled you. However, the atmosphere inside was tense, and Sirius, appearing in the hallway, attempted to divert your attention away from the dining room.

"Hey there! What's the rush?" Sirius grinned nervously, blocking your path.

You tried to smile back, but your eagerness to see Remus outweighed any interest in Sirius's playful banter and you were starting to grow irritated. "Where is Remus? Is he in the dining room?"

Sidestepping his attempts at distraction, you pushed him aside and walked into the dining room. Your heart sank as you saw Tonks practically in Remus's lap, both of them laughing. Suppressing your frustration, you loudly dropped your bag on the table, drawing their attention.

Sirius followed you into the room, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Ah, I see you're back! Ready to join the fun, I see."

You shot him a look, silently asking him to drop the act, but he only raised an eyebrow in response.

Remus stood up, a radiant smile on his face. He was genuinely happy to see you. However, your excitement quickly turned to anger. "We need to talk," you gritted out. His smile faded, and he nodded, following you upstairs to his room.

Remus's expression turned concerned as he observed your demeanor. "Everything alright, love?" he asked softly.

You hesitated, feeling a surge of frustration mingling with hurt. "I'll explain in a moment," you replied tersely, not wanting to have the conversation in front of Tonks.

"What the bloody hell is that, Remus?" you demanded as soon as the door closed behind you. He looked genuinely confused, asking what you meant. "Tonks! What is going on with you and Tonks?"

Remus's brow furrowed in confusion. "Nothing, why do you think that?" he replied, genuinely puzzled.

"Because every time I see her, she's bloody all over you!" you retorted, your frustration boiling over. "I know we don't see each other as much as we used to," you continued, your voice tinged with a mixture of hurt and frustration. "Is it because she's younger, prettier?"

The words hung heavy in the air, each syllable laden with the weight of unspoken doubts and insecurities. Remus's expression flickered with a mix of surprise and hurt, his features contorted with a mixture of emotions.

"It's not about that," he started, his voice strained with the effort of trying to explain. "It's just…"

"Just what?" you interrupted, your tone edged with impatience. "Just that she's more convenient? That she's always around?"

Remus's gaze wavered, a flicker of remorse crossing his features. "It's not like that," he insisted, his voice tinged with regret.

"Then what is it like?" you demanded, your voice rising with frustration. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're letting her take my place."

The hurt in your words was palpable, a tangible reminder of the distance that had grown between you. Remus's expression softened, a hint of understanding in his eyes.

"I never meant for you to feel replaced," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "You mean everything to me."

The sincerity in his words tugged at your heartstrings, stirring a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within you. Despite the hurt and doubt, a part of you still longed to believe him.

"I want to believe you," you admitted, your voice barely audible. "But it's hard when I see her always by your side."

The admission hung heavy in the air, the unspoken tension between you threatening to suffocate any semblance of resolution. Remus's expression softened, his concern evident. "I'm telling you, Y/N, it's not what it seems, believe me. Tonks is just a good friend," he reassured you, reaching out to touch your arm.

But your frustration only intensified as you confronted Remus about his obliviousness to Tonks's advances.

"Remus, how can you not see it?"

Remus's brows furrowed, his expression shifting from confusion to defensiveness. "What are you talking about?" he retorted, his tone tinged with irritation.

"I just told you what I'm talking about!" you shot back, your frustration bubbling to the surface. "I'm tired of seeing Tonks all over you, and you doing nothing about it."

Remus's eyes narrowed, his jaw tensing with frustration. "You're being ridiculous," he snapped, his voice tinged with annoyance.

"Ridiculous?" you echoed, disbelief coloring your words.

"You're being insecure," Remus retorted, his words cutting through the tension in the room. His tone was sharper than you'd ever heard it, and it stung more than you cared to admit.

"Insecure?" The word hung in the air, heavy with hurt and disbelief. "Is that what you think?"

Remus's expression softened for a moment, but it was fleeting. "Look, I don't know what you want from me," he continued, frustration evident in his voice. "Tonks is just a friend. Nothing more."

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" you shot back, your voice trembling with a mix of anger and sorrow. "Because it doesn't."

Remus sighed, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. "I can't keep having this conversation with you," he muttered, his eyes avoiding yours.

"Then maybe we shouldn't be having any conversation at all," you replied, the words bitter on your tongue. With that, you turned and left the room, the weight of disappointment heavy on your shoulders.

As you stormed down the stairs, tears streaming down your face, Sirius intercepted your path, his concerned voice breaking through your turmoil. "Hey, wait a minute. What happened?" he asked, reaching out to touch your arm.

You recoiled from his touch, shaking your head in frustration. "Not now, Sirius," you muttered, your voice thick with emotion. Pushing past him, you continued your descent, your heart heavy with the weight of betrayal.

At the foot of the stairs, your eyes locked with Tonks's, who sat there casually sipping a glass of water. The smugness in her gaze only fueled your anger further. Every fiber of your being wanted to lash out, to retaliate against the perceived betrayal.

Instead, you bit back your initial impulse, the urge to dump the water over her head subsiding. With a bitter edge to your tone, you muttered, "He's all yours," before turning on your heel and storming out, leaving the bitter taste of resentment lingering in the air.

#remus lupin #remus x reader #remus lupin x y/n #remus lupin x you #remus lupin x reader #older!remus lupin x y/n #older!remus lupin #older!remus lupin x reader #older!remus lupin x you #sirius black #order of the phoenix

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sunflowerabyss · 3 months

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Endless List of heavily under-appreciated characters;

Remus John Lupin

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sunflowerabyss · 3 months

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Love this so much! Even though it kind of just ends, it’s still worth the read!

In the Woods Somewhere Masterlist

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter

#remus lupin #remus lupin/you #professor remus lupin x reader #remus lupin x y/n #older!remus lupin

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sunflowerabyss · 3 months

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So I started college back up, might not be dishing out chapters as fast as I’d like. On that note, Chapter 8 of “The Phoenix Rises” is in the works (read “Charms of Fate” first if you’re interested). I’ll be dusting up my masterlist to make it look ✨prettier✨

If interested, I have requests open (mainly for Remus Lupin, since he’s my fixation at the moment) and the link is in my bio. I write for both young and older Remus, so don’t be shy to tell me which one you want me to write about.

Anywayyyyy check out my Masterlist if you’re new here and happy reading!

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sunflowerabyss · 3 months

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The Phoenix Rises: Chapter 7

Pairing: Older!Remus Lupin x Professor!Fem!Reader

Series Masterlist

Warnings: Fluff, soft smut (doesn't go into details though), jealousy

A/N: Sorry this is kind of filler

__________________________________

The plans to stay for dinner and possibly the weekend with Remus suddenly felt suffocating, clouded by the presence of Tonks. Hogwarts seemed like a much more appealing retreat where you could sulk and gather your thoughts away from the prying eyes.

Making your way to Molly's side, you found her diligently preparing dinner for the gathered group. The scent of the delicious meal wafted through the air, momentarily distracting you from the brewing emotions. However, you couldn't shake off the unease that lingered after witnessing Tonks's familiar gesture towards Remus.

Wanting to channel your frustration into something productive, you offered to help Molly in the kitchen. The clattering of pans and the rhythmic chopping of ingredients became a therapeutic backdrop as you worked alongside Molly.

Molly looked up from her chopping board, a warm smile on her face. "Thank you so much for helping, dear. It's quite a task to prepare a meal for this many people."

"Of course, Molly. Happy to lend a hand. It's the least I can do," you reply.

"Remus is so lucky to have you. It's wonderful having you here with us."

You smiled appreciatively, grateful for Molly's kind words. However, behind your polite exterior, a nagging worry about the interactions you witnessed lingered. A subtle grumble escaped your lips, catching Molly's attention.

"Something on your mind, dear?"

You sighed before opening up to Molly about your unease. "It's just...Tonks seems to be quite fond of Remus, doesn't she?"

Molly paused her chopping, giving you a knowing look before responding.

"Ah, dear, I can see why you might think that. Tonks is a bit… exuberant, let's say. But you have nothing to worry about. Remus is head over heels for you, and it's written all over his face whenever he looks at you."

You wanted to smile at Molly's words, but you couldn't bring yourself to. You had met the girl only two hours ago and leaving Remus with her glued to his hip left a bitter taste in your mouth.

"It's just, with everything going on and the stress of the situation, I guess I'm a bit on edge."

Molly patted your hand sympathetically. "Understandable, my dear. But Remus is devoted to you. Tonks might have a flair for drama, but I don't think she'd be foolish enough to drive a wedge between the two of you." Despite Molly's reassuring words, a part of you couldn't shake the nagging doubts.

The distant sound of Tonks' laughter echoed through the air, grating on your nerves like a persistent drumbeat. You couldn't resist the urge to investigate the source of amusement. As Molly finished stirring ingredients, you asked if you could be excused.

"Yes, yes! Go on dear, I am just about finished up here."

You thanked her as you walked out of the kitchen, itching to be near Remus. As you entered the room, however, your heart sank at the scene unfolding before you. Tonks, wearing a playful smile, laid her hand fondly on Remus's arm. Remus, seemingly oblivious to the awkward tension, continued chatting with Sirius, who looked visibly uncomfortable as he saw Tonks scoot a little closer to his best friend. The sight stirred a knot of discomfort in your stomach, and an unwelcome surge of jealousy washed over you.

You forced a polite smile and joined the group, attempting to conceal the burning rage within. Remus's eyes sparkled with affection as he gazed at you. "Missed you," he whispered, his voice carrying a warmth that temporarily pushed aside the tension in the room.

"I missed you too," you replied, shooting him a reassuring smile. The conversation shifted, and you engaged with the group, attempting to ignore the lingering discomfort Tonks's presence brought.

Tonks chimed in with a light-hearted comment about magical mishaps during her recent missions. You forced a laugh, though your eyes narrowed momentarily as her words grated against your nerves.

The conversation flowed, though the unease lingered beneath the surface. You exchanged pleasantries with the others, occasionally stealing glances at Tonks. The frown on her face persisted when she saw your hand intertwined with Remus's, but you decided to let it go.

As you enjoyed the delicious dinner prepared by Molly, you found yourself immersed in a conversation about your job. Remus beamed with pride, his eyes never leaving you, as he spoke about your incredible talents and dedication.

Remus, with a twinkle in his eye, leaned towards you, his voice filled with admiration. "She's absolutely brilliant. There's no one better at what she does."

You chuckled, feeling a warm blush creep up your cheeks. "Remus is too kind. I just try my best."

"No, really," Remus insisted, his hand gently squeezing yours. "You've made a real difference, and everyone at Hogwarts knows it."

"Dolores might disagree. She's been up my arse lately about everything. Fudge made her Hogwarts High Inquisitor. It's rather annoying," you remarked, rolling your eyes at the mere thought of her.

Tonks snorted, shaking her head in disbelief. "She's a right piece of work, that one. Horrible woman. I'm glad I don't have to deal with her every day like you do."

You're surprised to have found common ground with Tonks. The two of you began discussing Dolores's unsuitability for dealing with children, sharing your grievances about her oppressive presence at Hogwarts. The conversation took an intriguing turn when you suggested, "I wouldn't be surprised if she turned out to be a Death Eater."

Tonks raised an eyebrow, considering the possibility. "Honestly, wouldn't put it past her. I've seen her throw around the kind of curses you'd expect from someone with a much darker agenda. I'll have to ask Moody about it."

As dinner concluded, the warm glow of happiness lingered in the air. Laughter and shared stories had woven an atmosphere of unity among those gathered. When Remus asked if you would stay with him for the weekend, his eyes sparkled with delight, and the sincerity of his invitation added an extra layer of warmth to the room. You agreed, and his happiness couldn't be concealed.

With a shared understanding, you both ascended the stairs, the anticipation of the weekend ahead bubbling between you. The hallways of 12 Grimmauld Place seemed to come alive with whispers of history, but Remus's hand in yours grounded you in the present. As you reached his room, the air seemed to shift, charged with the promise of intimate moments.

Before your bag had fully found its place, Remus's arms encircled you, drawing you close. Your back met the wall, and his lips, familiar and tender, sought refuge on your neck. The initial surprise gave way to a comforting recognition; you had missed this closeness, missed him. His whispers of sweet words and praises echoed in the room, creating a gentle melody that wrapped around you.

In the tender embrace of Remus's arms, you couldn't help but smile, your eyes mirroring the delight in his. "I missed this," you admitted softly, your fingers tracing patterns on the fabric of his shirt. His lips, warm against your neck, sent a tingling sensation through you.

"And I missed you," he replied, his voice a soothing melody in the room. As his arms held you close, the shared history between you two felt palpable.

"I've been thinking about you so much," Remus confessed, his breath stirring the strands of your hair. "You're my anchor, you know? Despite everything with You-Know-Who, it's you that keeps me grounded."

Your heart swelled with warmth at his words, and you tilted your head to meet his gaze. "You're my anchor, too," you replied, your voice carrying the depth of your feelings. "It's like everything falls into place when I'm with you."

The unspoken intensity between you deepened, a silent language that had always existed between souls connected by a profound bond. Remus's hand gently cupped your cheek, his eyes searching yours with a hunger that spoke volumes. "I've longed for you," he confessed, the weight of his desire evident in the air.

The possessiveness laced in his words sent delightful shivers down your spine. As he expressed his longing and desire, your anticipation grew. "I want to ravish you." Remus's lips found yours in a slow, lingering kiss, and the electric tension around you seemed to intensify. "You're everything," he whispered against your lips, his voice filled with a depth of emotion that echoed your own. His hands moved with a gentle assurance, exploring the contours of your back as if committing every curve to memory.

The room seemed to pulse with the shared heartbeat of two souls entwined, and as Remus leaned in to capture your lips once more, the air crackled with a magnetic energy.

Before you knew it, you were thrown onto the bed. You sit up onto your elbows, breathless, as you watch the man you have been in love with for decades tower over you, a hungry look in his eyes as he looks down at you. It isn't long before he's all over you. Hands are reaching, touching, yearning everywhere. Legs intertwined, bodies naked. Grunts and moans and loving words fill the space around and between the two of you, leaving the rest of the world behind.

#remus lupin #remus x reader #remus lupin x y/n #remus lupin x you #remus lupin x reader #older!remus lupin x y/n #older!remus lupin x you #older!remus lupin #older!remus lupin x reader #order of the phoenix

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sunflowerabyss · 3 months

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This slope is treacherous, but you both realize that nothing safe is worth the drive. In which, Remus Lupin, ever the believer in his own flaws and failures, falls for someone he never expected to.

Pairing: Remus Lupin x fem!Reader

Running Word Count: 12.8k

Warnings: age-gap relationship (reader is about 22-23), angst (hurt/comfort), descriptions of injury

——————

chapter 1: two headlights

chapter 2: but you’re friction

chapter 3: asking you to stay

chapter 4-?

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sunflowerabyss · 3 months

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The Phoenix Rises: Chapter 6

Pairing: Older!Remus Lupin x Professor!Fem!Reader

Series Masterlist

A/N: I know I promised this to be out like two days ago, however, I had a minor writer's block episode and had no idea where I wanted this to go. Hopefully, you can forgive me and enjoy this chapter!

______________________________________

The days that followed your abrupt departure from Remus were consumed by a relentless wave of work. The initial rush of anger and hurt had given way to a persistent sense of emptiness. The more you buried yourself in tasks, the more you began to question whether you had overreacted. Remus's letters, filled with apologies and pleas to talk, piled up on your desk, but every attempt to respond ended with you staring at a blank parchment, unsure of what to say.

Weeks passed in a monotonous blur of routine. The exhaustion from the constant workload, combined with the loneliness that now seemed to permeate every aspect of your life, weighed heavily on your shoulders. Remus's absence left a void that not even the distraction of work could fill.

The situation at Hogwarts took a turn for the worse. Dolores Umbridge, now deemed the Hogwarts High Inquisitor by Fudge, asserted her control over the school with an iron grip. The position seemed absurd and unnecessary in your opinion, but Dolores's influence continued to grow. She initiated interviews with everyone, and you couldn't shake the feeling that it was only a matter of time until she targeted you.

The stress at work escalated, the looming threat of dismissal hanging over you like a dark cloud. The once vibrant and welcoming Hogwarts now felt like a place of constant tension and uncertainty. Each passing day intensified your yearning for the familiar warmth of Remus's presence, but pride and lingering hurt kept you from reaching out.

As the weeks turned into a seemingly endless cycle of misery, you couldn't help but reflect on the choices that led you to this point. The ache in your heart grew, and the realization that you might lose not only Remus but also your place at Hogwarts added an extra layer of despair to your already troubled mind. In the solitude of your office, you found yourself longing for resolution, a way to mend the fractured pieces of your life.

You sat at your meticulously organized desk, its polished surface marred by scattered parchment and ink stains, a visual representation of the internal chaos that consumed you. The quill trembled in your hand as you attempted to compose a response to Remus's letters. Each tear-stained word blurred the ink on the parchment, a tangible testament to the emotional turmoil that gripped your very being.

A sudden knock echoed through the room, interrupting the solitude that had become both your refuge and your prison. Startled, you hastily wiped away the evidence of your vulnerability and cleared your throat before granting permission for the unseen visitor to enter. The heavy door swung open, revealing the unexpected presence of Dumbledore.

His entrance was marked not by surprise but by an understanding that transcended words. Dumbledore's gentle eyes held no judgment, only a deep awareness of the toll recent events had exacted upon you. Despite the dread that filled the room, you found a sense of comfort in welcoming him.

Dumbledore settled into the chair before your desk, his wise eyes meeting yours with a compassion that seemed to reach beyond the surface. "I understand," he spoke softly, acknowledging the emotional maelstrom that raged within you. "Remus has written to me."

The conversation unfolded like a delicate dance between shared confessions and unspoken pain. The anger resurfaced, yet beneath its fiery surface, a seed of understanding began to germinate. You bared your soul to Dumbledore, confessing the wish that you could have done more, grappling with the foolishness of your obliviousness to the secrets that had burdened Remus. The narrative unfolded, revealing the push and pull, the gradual distancing that had fractured your once-close connection.

Dumbledore listened with a patient empathy that transcended mere acknowledgment. "I know it's hard," he admitted, his demeanor compassionate and understanding. Leaning forward, he fixed his piercing blue eyes upon your face. "But I need you to join the Order. I need strong, loyal people—individuals I can trust. They are becoming far and few between, and your strength, your dedication, would be invaluable in these trying times."

Dumbledore's gaze remained steady, a beacon of wisdom in the storm of your emotions. "I know this revelation is overwhelming, my dear. The burdens we carry often shape us in unexpected ways," he spoke, his voice a soothing balm to the raw wounds of your soul. "But your strength is undeniable, and your willingness to face this truth head-on speaks volumes about the kind of person you are."

You nodded, grateful for his understanding even as the weight of the decision ahead settled upon you. "It's just… everything happened so fast, and now I feel like I'm standing at a crossroads," you confessed, your voice carrying the weight of uncertainty.

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative. "Life has a way of presenting us with choices when we least expect it. The Order needs individuals who can navigate these challenges with courage and resilience," he said, his eyes searching yours for a sign of resolve.

Taking a deep breath, you found the strength to voice the question that lingered in your mind. "Why me, Headmaster? Why now?"

Dumbledore's response carried a weight of responsibility. "The times we live in demand courage from us all. You possess qualities that are crucial in the face of adversity. Remus believes in your strength, and so do I. The Order is not just a collective of powerful wizards; it's a fellowship bound by courage, loyalty, and the unwavering commitment to stand against darkness."

As you absorbed his words, a newfound determination began to stir within you. "I won't let you down," you declared, your voice steadier than before. "I'll join the Order and do whatever it takes to make a difference."

With a purposeful expression, Dumbledore reached into his robes and pulled out a small note. "Here," he said, handing it to you. "This will guide you to our headquarters. 12 Grimmauld Place in London. Burn it as soon as possible, and make sure to be there on Friday evening, right after your last class."

You took the note, your heart pounding with a newfound sense of purpose. "How should I get there?" you asked, eager to follow through on this commitment.

Dumbledore leaned in, his eyes locking onto yours. "Do not use the Floo Network," he emphasized. "Apparate to King's Cross Station. Alastor Moody will be there to collect you."

You absorbed the information, the details sinking in as you mentally prepared for the journey ahead. "Thank you, Professor," you said, your voice filled with gratitude and determination.

Dumbledore gave you a reassuring smile. "You are doing a great service, my dear. Remember, your strength lies not only in your magical abilities but in your unwavering loyalty and courage."

"Thank you, Albus," you say softly, a small smile forming your lips--the first one in a while.

With a final nod, Dumbledore rose from the chair, leaving you with a weight on your shoulders that seemed both heavier and more manageable, knowing that you were stepping onto a path where your strength would be tested, and your loyalty would be unwavering.

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Friday arrived sooner than expected, and despite the stressful week, you hadn't written to Remus, wanting to surprise him with your sudden appearance. However, you managed to sneak away to Hogsmeade to gather an ungodly amount of chocolate bars from Honeydukes, along with a new sweater and a Muggle book you spotted at Flourish and Blotts. Deciding to take an overnight bag just in case, you stuffed it with Remus's gifts, some clothes, and other necessities. With your wand in hand, you Apparated to King's Cross.

Navigating through the bustling crowd, you quickly spotted Alastor's distinctive figure. His large frame and magical eye made him stand out, and you saw wary glances from passing Muggles. Waving at him, he responded with a small grunt before motioning for you to follow him to a more secluded spot.

As you and Alastor walked through the crowded King's Cross, he spoke with a gruff tone, his magical eye scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. "You're late," he grunted without looking at you.

"Sorry, Alastor," you replied, a touch of nervousness in your voice. "I had to make sure I wasn't followed."

He merely nodded, his focus unwavering. "Smart move. Always watch your back."

You caught sight of Alastor's magical eye twitching around, observing the people around you. "So, how's Remus really doing?" you asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"Mopin'," he said simply.

"Moping?" you inquired, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Yeah, moping. Brooding over something or other," Alastor responded, his magical eye flickering as it surveyed the surroundings. "Annoying, if you ask me."

A mix of concern and curiosity stirred within you. "Why do you think he's been like that?" you questioned, trying to gauge if Alastor had any insights into Remus's mysterious behavior.

Alastor huffed, his breath forming a visible cloud in the cool air. "Missing you, I reckon. Can't seem to shake off whatever's bothering him."

Your eyes widened slightly at the revelation. Remus missing you was both heartwarming and perplexing. "Does he know I'm coming?" you asked, deciding to keep the surprise under wraps a little longer.

Alastor shook his head, his grizzled features expressing a mix of frustration and hope. "No, and it's high time someone pulled him out of this funk. Maybe your surprise visit will do the trick. He could use a bit of cheering up."

You smiled at the thought, appreciating the grizzled Auror's straightforwardness. "Well, I hope so. It's been a challenging week."

"Challenging is an understatement in our line of work," he grumbled. "But you seem tougher than most."

As Alastor checked over his shoulder to make sure no one was, he summoned two brooms. You eyed the broom with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "It's been a while since I've flown," you admitted.

"Nothing like a bit of airborne freedom. Follow my lead, and you'll be just fine," Alastor assured you.

Once in the air, you found your confidence returning, and the wind rushing past felt invigorating. "This is incredible!" you exclaimed, and even Alastor managed a gruff chuckle.

You followed him to a massive building after your feet reached the ground. Initially, you noticed the absence of number 12, but as the building expanded, it came into view. Alastor walked in, and you quickly followed behind him.

The interior of 12 Grimmauld Place was a mix of haunting memories and an undeniable air of secrecy. The faded elegance of the Black family home held a certain dark allure. Alastor led you through the gloomy corridors, eventually arriving at a room where you could sense a flicker of warmth and familiarity.

As you walked, you couldn't help but ask, "How did you end up involved with the Order again, Moody?"

He glanced at you with a glint of nostalgia in his magical eye. "Old habits die hard, especially when there's a fight worth fighting. Dumbledore knows I can't resist a good battle."

Sirius Black heard the front door of him home open. Curious, he stood from his chair and walked out to the hallway, seeing who else had arrived. Spotting you, his face broke into a boyish grin.

Sirius's tall frame filled the doorway, and as Alastor pushed himself inside the room, you found yourself standing in the hallway, taking in the scene. The door opened into a dimly lit space where a group of people sat around a table, engaged in hushed conversations. Recognizing the familiar faces, you felt a mix of nerves and excitement.

Sirius nodded at Alastor, acknowledging the arrival, before opening his arms wide in a welcoming gesture. Without hesitation, you rushed into Sirius's embrace, the warmth of his familiar presence enveloping you. "I missed you," he confessed, holding you a little tighter.

"I missed you too," you replied, leaning back to look at his face. You were pleased to see that he was looking healthier than the last time you had seen him.

Sirius, ever the blunt one, leaned back against the doorframe, a smirk playing on his lips. "Remus has been a real joy to be around lately," he quipped.

You chuckled at the understatement, teasingly saying, "Moping, short-tempered, and moody? Alastor told me all about it on the way here."

Sirius let out an exasperated groan. "Yes! It's like living with a teenager going through their angst phase."

You couldn't help but laugh at Sirius's dramatic description, the tension from the week slowly dissipating in the presence of your friend's humor. "Well, I brought an overdose of chocolate and a new sweater for him. Maybe that'll lift his spirits."

Sirius grinned, appreciating the effort. "You might just be the remedy he needs. Though, personally, I'm counting on you to bring back some semblance of sanity to this place." As Sirius playfully nudged you towards the room, you couldn't help but feel a surge of nerves at seeing Remus for the first time in a while.

As you stepped into the room, the animated conversations around the table ceased abruptly. All eyes turned towards you, creating a momentary pause as the surprise settled in. Remus, however, was the first to react. His eyes widened in disbelief, and he stood up abruptly, whispering your name with a mixture of shock and joy.

In a swift motion, Remus rushed towards you, closing the distance between you two. His arms enveloped you in a tight embrace, a mixture of relief and happiness evident in the way he held you. "I can't believe you're here," he whispered into your hair, the words carrying a blend of astonishment and sheer delight.

Sensing the need for some privacy to navigate the complexities of the situation, you gently suggested, "Remus, let's step into the hallway for a moment. I'd like to talk."

Remus nodded, his eyes still reflecting a mix of emotions. With an apologetic glance at the others in the room, he led you into the hallway, where the ambient light spilled in from the room behind. The door closed behind you, providing a semblance of seclusion for your conversation.

Once in the hallway, Remus maintained a gentle grip on your arms, his eyes searching yours for an understanding of the whirlwind of emotions that accompanied your unexpected arrival. "I didn't know you were coming," he admitted, a mixture of surprise and concern in his voice.

"I wanted to surprise you," you explained, offering a small smile to reassure him. "But it seems there's a lot we need to talk about."

Remus nodded, releasing a breath he seemed to have been holding. "I've missed you so much, and I should have told you about everything sooner."

You looked at him, a mix of frustration and understanding in your gaze. "Remus, I'm not upset about joining the Order. I wanted to. I'm upset because you didn't trust me enough to tell me. We're supposed to be a team, facing everything together."

Remus sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, and I should have trusted you. It's just…everything is getting more dangerous, and I wanted to protect you."

You nodded, realizing the depth of his concern, but determined to bridge the gap that had formed between you. "Remus, we can face this together. But I need you to trust me."

He looked into your eyes, remorse and determination mingling in his gaze. "I promise, from now on, no more secrets. We'll face everything together."

He pulled you close, your lips ghosting his. "I love you," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity. You mirrored the sentiment, reassuring him of your love.

Before you knew it, you both were surging forward, capturing his lips to yours. As the intensity between you grew, the kiss deepened, fueled by the emotions that had been kept at bay for far too long. The world around you faded away, leaving only the warmth of each other's presence.

Just as the atmosphere between you two became more heated, a sudden, awkward cough pierced the bubble of intimacy. Startled, you and Remus pulled away from each other, a shared embarrassment coloring your expressions. The source of the interruption was a young woman with bright pink hair.

"Ahem, sorry to break up the party," Tonks grinned, mischief dancing in her eyes. "But the meeting's about to start. Dumbledore is waiting, and we wouldn't want to keep him waiting, would we?"

You and Remus exchanged sheepish glances, realizing the necessity of regaining composure. "Right, of course," Remus stammered, his cheeks tinted with a rosy hue. You couldn't help but chuckle nervously in response.

"Name's Tonks," she said, sticking out a hand to you. You give her your name, returning the gesture, shaking her hand.

As you walked past Tonks to rejoin the others in the meeting room, you caught a glimpse of her looking at Remus with an intensity that went beyond a casual glance. You pushed the thought back as you took Remus's hand in yours, sitting down next to him. You felt a frown settle on your face as Tonks took a seat next to him.

Tonks's lingering gaze on Remus during the meeting had not gone unnoticed. The way she observed him seemed more than just casual interest, and a subtle unease settled within you.

As the meeting continued, Dumbledore provided updates on recent sightings of Death Eaters and their activities. The atmosphere in the room grew tense as he discussed the increasing frequency of dark magic disturbances and the potential signs of Voldemort's resurgence.

Moody began detailing the increased movement of dark forces. "Got reports of suspicious activity near Diagon Alley," he grumbled. "And a couple of Death Eater sightings in Hogsmeade. Nasty business is picking up again."

A murmur of concern rippled through the room as the members of the Order absorbed the grim news. Sirius, leaning against a wall, crossed his arms and scowled. "Can't say I missed this part of the action," he remarked dryly.

Dumbledore, his expression grave, addressed the gathering. "The resurgence of Death Eater activity is not unexpected. Voldemort is regaining strength, and his followers are becoming bolder. We must remain cautious and act swiftly to counter their moves."

Tonks, who had been unusually quiet, interjected, "I've heard rumors about a gathering at Malfoy Manor. Might be worth looking into." Her eyes flickered towards Remus, a subtle tension in the air.

The gravity of the situation settled over the room as everyone absorbed the information. Dumbledore urged the members of the Order to remain vigilant and emphasized the importance of unity in the face of the growing threat.

Throughout the meeting, your attention involuntarily gravitated toward Tonks whenever she spoke. There was an indescribable unease lingering in your gut, a feeling that something about her presence didn't sit right with you. As she discussed various sightings and activities, your mind couldn't shake the suspicion that there might be more to Tonks than met the eye.

While the others engaged in the conversation, your gaze subtly followed Tonks's movements. The way she interacted with Remus, her seemingly deliberate attempts to be close to him, only fueled your discomfort. It was as if an invisible thread connected her to him, and the unease within you grew with each passing moment.

Remus, sensing your distraction, shot you a concerned look. His presence provided a reassuring anchor, but the feeling of suspicion toward Tonks lingered. As the meeting progressed, you couldn't shake the nagging doubt that there might be hidden motives behind Tonks's actions.

#remus lupin #remus x reader #remus lupin x you #remus lupin x reader #remus lupin x y/n #older!remus lupin #older!remus lupin x reader #older!remus lupin x y/n #older!remus lupin x you #sirius black #harry potter #hermione granger #ron weasley #order of the phoenix

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sunflowerabyss · 3 months

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Does anyone else feel like this song is Remus Lupin coded orrrrr is that just me?

#remus lupin #remus lupin x y/n #remus lupin x you #remus lupin x reader #remus x reader #older!remus lupin #older!remus lupin x y/n #older!remus lupin x you #older!remus lupin x reader #young!remus lupin x y/n #young!remus lupin x you #professor!remus lupin x reader #professor!remus lupin #Spotify

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sunflowerabyss · 4 months

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Hey everyone! I know it’s been a couple of days since I’ve updated “The Phoenix Rises,” but I will post Chapter 6 tonight! If you’re new here, check out my “Charms of Fate” Masterlist before you delve into “The Phoenix Rises.” If you’re interested, check out my Remus Lupin Masterlist!

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sunflowerabyss · 4 months

Note

bestie i think pirate!remus would genuinely end me in the best way possible. like maybe a reader is disguised as a dude and is working on his ship OR they take the reader captive and remus is like love at first sight type thing?

up to you i love ur writing!!!

Seas of Redemption

Pairings: Pirate!Remus Lupin x Fem!Reader

A/N: Oh em gee! I had so much fun writing this! Thank you so much for this awesome prompt! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Honestly I would be so down to write more pirate!Remus. (Anyway, this can be read as either older or younger Remus Lupin

Warnings: mentions of death, angst, fluff

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The salty breeze carried the scent of the sea as you sailed back to your coastal home, the ship cutting through the waves with a rhythmic dance. Weeks away had been spent gathering supplies for the impending winter, and anticipation filled your chest like the billowing sails above. The distant sight of your humble abode on the shoreline brought a surge of warmth to your heart, eager to reunite with your family after the long and arduous journey.

However, the moment you stepped over the threshold of your home, the air grew heavy with an unspoken darkness. What should have been a joyous homecoming transformed into a nightmare as your eyes fell upon the gruesome scene before you. The familiar rooms, once filled with the laughter and love of your family, were now stained with tragedy. Your entire family lay slaughtered, lifeless bodies scattered like discarded memories—a devastating tableau that crushed your heart with a grief beyond words.

"Mother? Father?" you called out, your voice trembling with a mixture of disbelief and anguish. The silence that greeted you in response was haunting, each step through the home echoing with the weight of loss. Sobbing, you navigated through the rooms, discovering each lifeless form with a growing sense of horror. The vibrant tapestry of your family had been torn apart, leaving behind a desolate canvas of despair.

Stumbling out of your home, the salty sea breeze that had once felt invigorating now carried the bitter taste of sorrow. Seeking comfort and possibly an explanation, you found yourself at the doorsteps of your neighbor, Peter Pettigrew. Despite his oddities, he had always been kind, a familiar presence in the close-knit community. As you stood on his doorstep, tears streaming down your face, he met your gaze with a somber expression.

"I saw them, lass. Captain Remus and his crew," Peter confessed, the weight of the revelation evident in his tired eyes. "Said your father owed them money, and he never paid up." The words hit you like a cannonball, an explosion of anger and betrayal surging through your veins. The truth of the matter unfolded before you, and amidst the grief, a flame of vengeance ignited.

"You're telling me they killed my family over money?" you exclaimed, tears streaming down your face. Peter said nothing, eyes casting down to the floorboards of his home.

"Thank you, Peter," you whispered, your voice choked with both gratitude and determination. With a heavy heart, you turned away. Peter, however, called your name. You turned to look at him.

"I would lay low for a while. Remus he--he always comes back." You nodded once, walking out of his home.

Heedful of Peter's caution, you moved swiftly, a sense of urgency propelling each step. The weight of grief and the looming threat of Captain Remus's return hung heavy over your shoulders. Gathering the essentials became a solemn task, and gratitude filled your heart for your past self's foresight in stashing away money earned from odd jobs. It was a providential reserve that now fueled your escape, a lifeline in the unpredictable sea of danger that awaited.

As you entered your older brother's room, a solemn reverence enveloped you. The clothes you shed were not just garments; they were a symbolic shedding of the past, a poignant farewell to the life you once knew. Donning your brother's attire and severing your long locks with a decisive cut, you emerged transformed. An alias was born—Sterling. The reflection in the mirror seemed a stranger, a persona crafted out of necessity, veiling the woman beneath with the guise of a man.

Months unfolded like a blur as you navigated towns, existing on the fringe of society, always on the lookout for the shadow of Captain Remus and his relentless pursuit. The edges of existence became your refuge, and the nights were spent in silent contemplation beneath the canopy of stars. Each step taken with caution, each interaction tinged with the awareness of the danger that lurked in the shadows.

The coastal breeze whispered through the narrow alleyways of the town as you cautiously moved through the shadows, avoiding any unwanted attention. The flickering lanterns cast elongated shadows, creating a blanket of darkness and light in the quiet streets. Each step felt like an echo of your past life, now obscured by the cloak of Sterling.

In a dimly lit inn, you overheard snippets of conversation—rumors of Captain Remus's relentless pursuit and the escalating tensions among his crew. The news of his impending return spurred you into swift action, gathering your belongings and slipping away under the cover of night.

Fate, unpredictable as the sea, guided you through various towns, living on the fringes of society. The alias Sterling became your shield, a persona that allowed you to fade into the background. Each day brought a blend of anonymity and fear, and each night, the stars bore witness to your silent struggles and determination.

Months later, as you traversed a bustling town square, the collision with Captain Remus was both unexpected and inevitable. The impact sent a jolt through your disguised frame, and you steadied yourself before meeting his gaze. Taking a good look at the man who had wrought havoc upon your life, you couldn't help but despise the handsome features that masked the darkness within. Scars etched on his face told tales of battles, and his bright eyes, oblivious to the pain he had caused, glistened in the sunlight. Remus, his eyes sharp and piercing, regarded you with an air of indifference.

"Watch where you're going, lad," Remus chided, though his eyes lingered on you with curiosity. In your best "manly" voice, you grumbled an apology, attempting to divert attention from the woman beneath the façade of Sterling.

"What's your name?" he asked, nonchalantly.

"Sterling," you replied, your voice gruff, feigning indifference. Remus, seemingly unfazed, observed you for a moment before making an unexpected proposition.

"Say, Sterling, I'm looking for some help on my ship. I'll compensate. Won't be much, but you'll also have a place to stay and three meals a day."

The offer hung in the air, a precarious bridge leading into the heart of the storm. In that moment, the seed of your plan sprouted—a plan to gain trust, manipulate alliances, and exact revenge. "I could use the work," you grunted, accepting the proposition. Little did Remus know, beneath the guise of Sterling, a storm of vengeance brewed—a storm that would either consume you or reshape the destiny of those on the ship.

Accepting Remus's offer, you found yourself aboard his ship, an inconspicuous addition to the crew as Sterling. The wooden planks beneath your feet groaned in protest as the ship sliced through the moonlit waves, leaving a trail of phosphorescent ripples in its wake. The scent of salt and sea permeated the air, a constant reminder of the unpredictable journey that lay ahead.

Guided by Remus, you were shown to a drabby little room nestled at the bottom of the ship. Despite its humble appearance, he assured you of some privacy. "It's not much, I'm afraid, but it'll serve you well," he remarked before leaving you to settle in. As the door closed behind him, the dim light revealed a cramped space adorned with a simple bunk and a small porthole, offering a glimpse of the vast expanse beyond.

Alone in the confines of your quarters, you took a moment to breathe, your thoughts shrouded in the darkness of your hidden purpose. It was time to set the plan in motion, to weave the threads of manipulation and revenge that would ultimately lead to justice for your slaughtered family.

In the ensuing months on the ship, you observed Remus's multifaceted nature. His generosity extended not only to his crew but also to those they encountered on their seafaring exploits. Yet, beneath the veneer of kindness lurked a vengeful edge—a side of him that demanded retribution for debts owed and promises unkept. He was a complex and formidable man, earning the respect and fear of those who sailed under his flag.

However, in the disarray of piracy, a stark contrast emerged. While Remus ensured he received his due payment through various means, you noticed a peculiar absence—an absence of bloodshed in settling scores. Despite the ruthlessness attributed to pirates, you had yet to witness Remus taking a life, especially someone who owed him something. The dissonance between Peter's words and the reality unfolding before you sowed seeds of doubt, and questions began to fester in the recesses of your mind.

As the ship sailed through uncharted waters and treacherous tides, you grappled with the enigma that was Captain Remus Lupin. The dichotomy of his actions left you torn between the loyalty you had sworn to your family and the complexities of the man whose trust you sought to gain. The journey ahead, like the rolling waves beneath the ship, remained unpredictable, each passing day unveiling layers of truth and deception in the heart of piracy.

Despite your hesitance, you found yourself carrying out your plan. The moon hung high in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow over the ship's deck. The gentle creaking of the ship and the distant sound of waves provided a haunting backdrop as James Potter stood alone, lost in contemplation. You approached him, your footsteps muffled by the rhythm of the ocean.

With a sly smile playing on your lips, you interrupted the solitude that enveloped him. "James," you called softly, drawing his attention away from the vast expanse of the sea. His hazel eyes met yours, and you could see the glimmer of uncertainty within.

"Ever notice how Remus seems to lean towards Sirius in critical decisions?" you ventured, your tone a conspiratorial whisper that hung in the night air. "It's almost as if he trusts him more, values his judgment over yours."

James furrowed his brows, a subtle crease forming on his forehead. The words lingered in the air, planting a seed of doubt in his mind. "You think so?" he responded, his voice carrying a touch of uncertainty. It was a vulnerability that you seized upon, recognizing the opportunity to sow discontent.

Leaning closer, you continued, your words carefully chosen to accentuate James's growing feelings of inadequacy. "Remember the last mission? When Sirius suggested that risky maneuver, and Remus went along with it without questioning? It's like he has blind faith in Sirius's decisions, doesn't he?"

James's eyes darted away for a moment, memories of that particular mission playing in his mind. Doubt crept into his expression, a shadow of insecurity casting itself over his features. "I never really thought about it that way," he admitted, his voice laced with a hint of concern. With a gentle pat on his shoulder, you left James standing there, his thoughts swirling like the restless waves beneath the ship.

______________________

As the sun started to rise above the horizon, it casted a warm glow across the ship's deck, you found yourself stealing glances at Captain Remus. The way his attire clung to his every contour, the play of shadows on the weathered fabric—it was impossible not to appreciate the rugged allure he exuded. The ship's gentle sway seemed to accentuate the lines of his physique, and the golden hues of the fading sunlight danced in his tousled hair.

Unconsciously, your gaze lingered on the details—the intricate stitching on his well-worn coat, the glimpse of the compass tattoo peeking through the open neckline of his linen shirt. The sheathed cutlass at his side seemed like a part of him, a silent companion in his many adventures. A sense of admiration welled up within you, an involuntary response to the charisma that surrounded the Captain.

It was then that a sudden realization struck, jolting you out of your unintentional reverie. You weren't supposed to be captivated by Remus's rugged charm; you were Sterling, the alias you had crafted to infiltrate his crew and seek revenge. Reminding yourself of the bigger picture, of the vendetta that fueled your every move, became a struggle against the distracting pull of Remus's magnetic presence.

The longer you spent on the ship, the more challenging it became to maintain focus on your plan. The difficulty of reconciling your hidden identity with the growing fascination made every step of your strategic plan a battle against the tides of distraction. The very essence of the pirate's life, with its allure of freedom and daring exploits, became a potent force that tested the resolve of your carefully laid out intentions.

Yet, beneath the surface, the awareness of your true purpose persisted—a flame of determination that refused to be extinguished. The intricate dance of admiration and deception played out against the backdrop of the open sea, where every stolen glance and lingering thought carried the weight of a secret agenda. In the delicate balance between vulnerability and resolve, you navigated the uncharted waters of contradictory emotions, determined to stay the course of vengeance despite the enticing distractions that lay ahead.

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A couple of weeks passed before you were able to get Sirius alone. You had instantly noticed James giving him the cold shoulder almost immediately.

The ship groaned and pitched as it battled against the tempestuous waves. Rain lashed against the wooden deck, and the air crackled with the energy of the storm. Peering up towards the deck, you spotted Sirius Black at the helm, his figure barely discernible against the deafening sea.

Approaching him with a concerned expression, you navigated the slippery deck as the ship swayed beneath your feet. "Sirius," you called out above the roaring winds, drawing his attention. His eyes met yours, reflecting the turbulent night that surrounded you both.

"Need a hand?" you shouted, offering assistance as the ship bucked beneath the force of the waves. Sirius, soaked and determined, nodded appreciatively. The salted spray stung your face as you joined him, hands gripping the wheel together in a shared effort to keep the ship on course.

In the midst of the storm, you seized the opportune moment to subtly introduce doubt. "James was just saying," you confided, your words carried away by the wind, "how he doubts your navigation skills. Thinks Remus made a mistake relying on you." The revelation hung in the air like a charged current, mingling with the thunderous sounds of the storm.

Sirius's grip on the wheel tightened, and his eyes, once focused on the turbulent waters, clouded with uncertainty. Raindrops mingled with the beads of seawater on his furrowed brow. Doubt crept into his expression like a stealthy intruder, casting shadows over the loyalty he held for Remus.

"He said that?" Sirius muttered, jaw clenched against the gusts of wind. The weight of perceived betrayal bore down on him, the discord between friends brewing in the tempest. The ship rocked violently, mirroring the tumult within Sirius's mind.

As you continued to struggle against the storm, the atmosphere between you and Sirius remained charged with unspoken tension. The foundation of trust between Remus and Sirius, once unshakable, now trembled under the strain of doubt. The storm raged on, both outside and within, setting the stage for the discord that would continue to unfold among the crew.

________________________________

Below deck, the atmosphere was suffocating, the air thick with the smell of salt, damp wood, and a sense of confinement. The cramped quarters provided a clandestine setting for the disquiet that had taken root among the crew. As you navigated through the narrow passageways, you couldn't help but catch snippets of hushed conversations, the discontent of the crew simmering beneath the surface.

Seizing the opportunity to exploit the unrest, you strategically approached small groups, subtly weaving tales of Remus's past decisions that had allegedly led to hardships for some. The dim light flickered overhead, casting eerie shadows on the faces of the crew as you spoke of sacrifices made and opportunities missed under Remus's leadership. The discontent grew like a smoldering ember, and soon, murmurs of dissatisfaction began to fill the air.

James, ever vigilant and loyal, overheard the discontented whispers. His brow furrowed, and a frown etched itself onto his face as he absorbed the implications of the crew's grievances. Concern etched across his features, he sought out Sirius, finding him in a secluded corner of the below-deck quarters.

"Sirius," James began, his voice low but laden with intensity. "Have you heard what they're saying about Remus? They think he might not have our best interests at heart." The gravity of the situation hung between them, and James's unwavering loyalty to Remus wavered in the face of the crew's growing dissent.

Sirius, already grappling with doubts of his own, looked at James with a mixture of uncertainty and contemplation. The camaraderie that had bound them through countless adventures now seemed strained under the weight of suspicion. The confined space below deck seemed to amplify the tension as the two friends confronted the unsettling notion that Remus might not be the unwavering leader they had always believed him to be.

Amidst the rising tensions on the ship, you sought out Captain Remus Lupin, the weight of feigned concern apparent in your expression. The wooden planks creaked beneath your footsteps as you approached him, the air thick with the palpable unease that had settled over the vessel like an impending storm.

With a practiced facade of innocence, you addressed Remus, "Captain, I couldn't help but notice that James and Sirius have been arguing more than usual. It's becoming quite noticeable, and I'm afraid it might be affecting the crew's morale." Your words, delivered with a touch of fabricated sympathy, painted a picture of disarray among his trusted allies.

Remus's brow furrowed in genuine concern. The bond between James and Sirius, once unbreakable, now showed visible strains. Troubled by the potential discord among his closest allies, Remus ran a hand through his disheveled hair, a sign of the internal turmoil brewing within him.

"Arguing?" Remus questioned, his voice reflecting a mix of confusion and worry. The idea of a divide among his crew, particularly between James and Sirius, struck a nerve. His gaze shifted between the crew members on the deck, searching for signs of discontent that had eluded him until now.

As you continued to feign concern, subtly stoking the flames of doubt, Remus's thoughts spiraled into introspection. The once clear path of unity and camaraderie now seemed clouded with uncertainty. The shadows of doubt cast upon his leadership lingered, leaving him questioning the very fabric that held his crew together.

_______________________________

The ship, once a bastion of unity, now teetered on the brink of disintegration. Internal conflicts had transformed the crew's dynamic into a powder keg of resentment and mistrust. Captain Remus was growing restless, sensing an insidious force at play, suspected betrayal from within. The air crackled with tension as suspicions reached a boiling point.

Remus's boots thumped against the floor as he hurried to your cabin. The wooden door of your cabin splintered open under the force of Remus's urgency. The dim light within flickered as your body, in the midst of changing attire, became an unintended tableau for the captain's intrusion. Shocked by the unexpected sight, Remus's gaze widened, capturing an unintended glimpse of vulnerability.

You gasped, hastily attempting to cover yourself, but it was too late. Remus, momentarily caught off guard, now stood witness to the revelation of your true identity. The realization echoed through the cabin, your "manly" facade unraveling like a threadbare cloth. A palpable sense of embarrassment and vulnerability hung in the air.

In that moment, Remus observed the subtle details—your hair, once concealed beneath the guise of Sterling, now flowing freely. A silent recognition passed through his mind, though he dismissed it as many men within the crew sported long locks.

A subtle recognition flickered in Remus's observant eyes. His gaze traced the contours of your face, now more revealing without the disguise that had obscured your womanly features. The delicate curve of your jaw, the softness in the arch of your brows, and the expressive depths of your eyes—the intricate details unveiled in the absence of the masculine facade.

Seeing you naked wasn't something he expected, and it took him a second to process this before stepping back into the small hall, slamming the door shut. It opened seconds later, your hair still down, but fully clothed. He couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. However, his attention went from wanting to have his hands all over you to the glinting metal in your hands.

"Why did you kill my family while sparing others who owed you money?" you demanded, your voice laced with the pain of betrayal, as you pushed him up against the wall, knife to his neck. Remus, taken aback by the revelation, questioned the authenticity of your claim.

"Your family? Kill? You have no idea the accusations you're throwing out," he replied, growing irritated. You say nothing, bringing the knife closer to his throat.

"You killed them out of spite just because my father owed you something."

"Who is your father?"

"Albus. Albus Dumbledore."

"I've never met an Albus Dumbledore before in my life," Remus said, incredulously. "Who told you that?"

"My neighbor. Peter--Peter Pettigrew. Said he saw the lot of you murder my family." When you disclosed Peter Pettigrew's name, Remus's face paled with realization.

"Your father didn't owe me a thing. Peter, on the other hand, owed me lots of money," Remus confessed, dispelling the fog of deception that had clouded your vendetta. He explained that he had spared Peter once before, only to catch him squandering the money in a pub. The truth, a beacon in the darkness, hung heavy in the air.

"I never wanted innocent blood on my hands. I've killed before, yes, but never over something as petty as money," he admitted.

The revelation of truth hung in the air, bitter and unforgiving, like a medicine applied to wounds that had festered in the shadows for far too long. The realization that your vendetta had been fueled by misinformation, that the blood staining your hands belonged to innocents, weighed heavily on your conscience.

Faltering under the weight of the truth, you lowered the knife, its metallic echo resonating through the dimly lit cabin. It was a sound that seemed to encapsulate the finality of the moment, a symbolic relinquishing of the weapon that had sought to mete out justice.

Knees giving way beneath you, you collapsed, the wooden planks of the ship bearing witness to the vulnerability that spilled forth. A strangled sob escaped your lips, a raw admission of the mistakes made in the relentless pursuit of revenge. The tears that flowed were not just for your family but for the misguided path you had trodden in the name of justice.

In this moment of despair, large, rough hands enveloped you, offering an unexpected sanctuary. Remus, recognizing the weight of your actions and the pain you carried, pulled you up into a tight hug. It was a surprising turn of events, a gesture of solace from the very man you had sought to bring to justice.

As you rested against Remus's chest, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat offered a reassurance that transcended words. In the midst of the turmoil, he acknowledged the complexity of your motives. There, in the embrace of the captain whose ship you had sought to dismantle, a strange camaraderie emerged—one born out of shared pain, deception, and the quest for redemption.

Remus's voice, a low murmur in the cavernous cabin, expressed admiration for your cunning ability to sow discord within the crew. It was an unexpected twist, an acknowledgment of the strategic mind that had manipulated the threads of loyalty.

Weeks drifted by like waves rolling across the open sea, each passing day carrying the weight of revelations and transformations. In the aftermath of the confrontation, a peculiar bond had formed between you and Remus. The once hostile tension had softened into shared understanding, born out of the crucible of truth and forgiveness.

Navigating the complexities of the ship's dynamics, you found comfort in Remus's company. Late-night conversations beneath the starlit sky became a ritual, the creaking of the ship and the distant sound of waves forming the backdrop to shared confidences.

The crew, initially shocked by the revelation of your true identity as a woman, gradually came to terms with the unexpected twist. Assumptions shattered like glass as they witnessed the strength and resilience that Sterling, now revealed as a woman named Y/N, brought to the crew. Remus, in a display of unwavering leadership, ensured that the crew embraced the newfound truth.

Confronting the crew with your identity was a daunting task, but the revelation unfolded with surprising acceptance. The once-divided ship, now united in understanding, sailed through the challenges of piracy with a newfound camaraderie. Laughter echoed on the deck, and the bonds of loyalty were reforged amidst shared stories and shared burdens.

Amidst the salty breeze and the sound of the sea, a sense of peace settled over the ship. The crew, once torn by internal strife, now stood as a testament to the resilience of human connection. James, Sirius, and the others, initially taken aback, extended their acceptance and support, sealing the wounds of mistrust with gestures of togetherness.

The lingering presence of Peter Pettigrew, the catalyst for the tumultuous events that had unfolded, remained like a shadow on the horizon. In a twist of poetic justice, the crew, fueled by a shared desire for retribution, concocted a plan to bring Peter to justice. The tables turned as the once-manipulator found himself at the mercy of the very crew he had deceived.

The confrontation with Peter unfolded with a satisfying sense of closure, his machinations exposed and his fate left to the mercy of the sea. The crew, now bound by a newfound unity, watched as the tides of justice ebbed and flowed, carrying away the remnants of a past tainted by betrayal.

As the ship sailed through the moonlit waves, Remus guided you to the quiet corner of the deck where the sea breeze carried the scent of salt and adventure. The night sky stretched above, a canopy of stars reflecting in both your eyes. In the tranquil embrace of the open sea, the unspoken connection between you and Remus unfolded like a delicate dance.

Remus's gaze, soft and searching, met yours as he cupped your cheek with a rough yet gentle hand. The rhythmic sound of the waves provided a backdrop to the moment, the ship swaying beneath you in a dance with the ocean. A shared understanding passed between you, a recognition of the trials overcome and the promise of a new beginning.

In that quiet space, beneath the celestial tapestry, Remus leaned in. His lips, warm and tender, met yours in a kiss that spoke of forgiveness, redemption, and the uncharted journey that lay ahead. The world faded away, leaving only the sensation of his touch and the heartbeat that resonated between you.

Time seemed to stand still as the kiss lingered, a silent promise sealed in the gentle meeting of lips. It was a moment of connection, a bridge between the turbulent past and the uncertain future. The sea, bearing witness to the blossoming love, whispered its approval in the rustle of the sails and the lull of the waves.

As you pulled away, the moonlight reflected in Remus's eyes mirrored the shared emotions that hung in the air. The ship sailed on, carrying with it the resonance of a kiss that marked the beginning of a new chapter—a chapter written on the vast canvas of the open sea, where love and adventure intertwined in the flow of the tide.

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