#moonytheprofessor

-

"Meet me at midnight."

A random note, with an unhurried handwriting, appearing on the wall, out of nowhere.

The gesture could easily perplex someone.

It was a rare occurrence, but out of all the people, you should've known better. You should've guessed sooner. Remus Lupin always had a thing for quite unexpected events, especially when his actions left you speechless and in a surprised daze afterwards.

And now Remus had decided it was a brilliant idea to sneak a tiny paper into your room at number twelve Grimmauld Place, days after his disappearance. His plan was successful. Because despite the fact that you felt a wave of relief washing over you now that you knew he was alright, his short, unnoticed visit still robbed you of speech. There was no trace of him around the place and if Hermione hadn't dragged you downstairs, you'd probably have a chance to see him.

The long waiting was frustrating.

Speaking of Black's ancestral house, the sound of chattering and laughing was still loud in the air, reaching the high walls of the decrepit place. Days had passed since the downfall of darkest wizard of all time and the grimy atmosphere of Sirius Black's home was replaced with luminous parties that seemed to be in full swing all the time. From your arrival day until now, you had never seen Order's members this joyous and full of life. Back then, every moment was filled with constant alternation between worry, fear and death. But now it was all over and no whiff of darkness could invade the cheerfulness of your surroundings. Guests from all around the wizarding society would pay a visit everyday and some occasionally stayed longer to help clear the wreckage left from that murderous war. Ministry of magic mostly took care of bringing captured Death Eaters to trials and tracking the missing ones. Some other members, including you, tended to wipe any trail of destruction from Muggle places and erase their memories at the same time.

Bridges, buildings, stores. Death eaters hadn't left anything untouched on their way to Hogwarts. By now the castle was properly repaired and no sign of damage was left on its grounds, but the world of Muggles needed more work to be done. Though it was a long process, the distraction helped to slightly soothe your longing for Remus.

Inside the Grimmauld Place, you were surrounded with happiness. Fred and George were obviously the life of the party, playing pranks here and there and selling their creative products to the visitors. Sirius would crack a joke every once in a while and he never ceased to bring the whole family to hearty gales of laughter. Dobby and Kreacher were determined to serve cocktails, pastries and chocolates to everyone that stopped by the house of Blacks. It was heartwarming to see that everyone you cared for, was alive and there was no empty seat or heartbreaking sight. The Weasleys, Sirius, Hermione, Harry Potter and many more. Some of them had injuries, but they would heal. The past would eventually heal.

You were supposed to feel this happiness with every fiber of your being.

And yet in the back of your mind, it was hard to be joyful without his presence in the room. As far as you could remember, Remus Lupin was by your side through the lowest and scariest stages of war and it was unfair to celebrate the victory without him. There was this empty seat right in front of you at the dining table and each day a heavy lump tugged at your throat, because he hadn't returned yet. That spot belonged to him.

What on Earth was he doing away? Did it need to be now?

Though it saddened your twisted heart, you knew there was a reason behind his actions. So you decided to wait.

But as the days passed, your attention was drawn to the fact that Remus hadn't informed a single soul of his whereabouts. Still, everyone looked undisturbed by his absence. Your questions were left unanswered and you were getting worried that maybe something bad had happened to him. Despite your constant impatience, other members seemed totally unperturbed by Remus's disappearance. They just had some "Don't worry your mind, Y/N." to offer as a response. It was strange, as if they knew what Remus was up to. But since none of them was willing to let on any information about him, you didn't push it any further.

Maybe he didn't want you to know.

Or, maybe he didn't want you.

The thought crossed your mind in the middle of a particularly heated argument in the living room - which you didn't want to attend. Hermione had suddenly decided it was a good idea to keep you busy and away from the secluded atmosphere of your room, just for you to ignore the hustle and bustle and find your way back up the wooden stairs a few minutes later.

Just as the door clicked shut behind you, the unexpected touch of cool breeze on your cheeks brought a soft smile to your face. You didn't remember if the window was opened last time you were in the room, but nonetheless you watched as the gentle wind unhurriedly drifted through the curtains and vanished into your hair, spreading its cool and fresh air all around.

That was when a faint movement out of the corner of your eyes, caught your curious attention. It was right there, stuck on the wall below the ticking clock. The surface of a small purple note was swaying gently in the wind, waiting to be noticed by you. Even from across the room, you could pinpoint whose handwriting was written on it.

Your breathing hitched.

Just a few minutes ago, he was here.

But you weren't.

You quickly cast a look around the room and your gaze remained on the packed bags by the bedside table for a second longer before you reached for the tiny paper. Everything else was left totally untouched, meaning that his visit was fairly short with the sole purpose of leaving a sign and guiding you back to him. The same day you had decided to leave. Tears threatened to brim over and fall on your cheeks, but you blinked them away and traced your thumb several times over the cursive words, not trusting your blurry vision. The words were written in magical ink, giving off a celestial, multi-coloured glow that flowed freely and changed its appearance every few seconds.

It was like midnight sky.

Enchanted to fit inside the small space of a purplish paper.

It took you seconds of confusion to actually read those four words and realize what he meant by them. Midnight wasn't a specific moment in time. It couldn't be found on any clock. It was a secret rendezvous. Somewhere only the two of you knew.

So with a heart thudding fast and hands getting cold in anticipation, you strode towards the trunk and knelt down to carefully pull out the three books you'd tucked away beneath your clothes.

You knew where you needed to go.

***

Knowing that Grimmauld Place was bustling with activity and guests were coming and going as usual, it wasn't a hard task to sneak out of the building without being noticed.

Without looking back, you quickly descended the stone staircase and trusted your knees to not give in before seeing Remus. It was only a short walk away and nervousness had already taken over your whole being.

The sun was setting low and blasts of cold air were coming around faster than what you last felt in the bedroom, but the cold shivers could do nothing to stop you.

You had your fingers brushing against the inviting note which was folded safely inside your pocket. The warmth it radiated was of a promise for your impatient heart.

Minutes later, the familiar cobbled street came into the view and your gaze simply wandered around each building. A content smile formed on your lips at how normal everything seemed to be. Just a few days ago, you were one of the many volunteers who had witnessed the ruins of this particular side of a Muggle town and played a part in fixing it.

Especially that one book shop, standing out from the rest at the far end of the street.

Midnight

With shaky hands, you reached for the door handle and the friction suddenly brought you to a halt, old memories flooding back to your mind like a restless ocean...

Spring, the season of blooming and revival, had never been as gloomy and atrocious as it was now. Bad news flied around the town and spread like wildfire, faster than anyone who beared it. Death Eaters were invading and shattering wherever and whatever they saw fit. There was nowhere to safely hide and stay away from that growing darkness, but people were too scared to stand still and watch it consume them. Your eyes stung from how haunting their crestfallen expression was.

Remus had your hand firmly in his, dashing across the pavement towards what seemed to be a shop. Just after he pulled you inside and set to walk straight down the deserted area, your realized that it was filled with books.

It was no wonder.

No one in their wildest dreams could ever think of purchasing or burrowing books right now. But neither of you questioned the destination. It seemed like the place to be in that very moment, in the middle of a mission.

Torn pieces of paper were lying on the floor. Some of the shelves were broken and there were numerous holes on the walls. Your brows involuntarily knitted into a frown.

Just as Remus reached the far end of the shop, your steps halted and a soft touch of thumb on your cheek brought your back to reality. You were startled for a moment, not having realized you were on the verge of crying until Remus brushed one fallen tear away.

His hand remained there, more gentle than ever. As you leaned back against a shelf and looked up into his stormy eyes, for a brief moment, the sorrowful world faded into nothing. No voice could be heard from the outside. Only matching heartbeats and tangled souls. A hazy, colourful feeling had begun to flourish inside you, but it was vague and new. By the wide-eyed expression on his face, you knew he had felt it too.

The same man whose whole being you adored and cherished from distance, was your soulmate.

You blinked once, twice. Then the haze was gone. A simple indicator that now wasn't the right time to let this happen. What an inconvenient and cruel world.

To find your soulmate in the midst of approaching devastation.

War and its inevitable aftermath, his own werewolf condition, wrongful judgements. All of them had aimed to dam your chances of being together. Your inner bond couldn't form fully and bloom in all the cruelty and uncertainty that lay around it. You had to wait.

Remus knew it too.

"Y/N, my dearest," his own voice was cracking as he cupped your face in his warm hands. He paused and swallowed heavily. The disbelief hadn't left him either. "Now more than I could ever imagine, this heart of mine is yearning to be close to you. I want to leave it all behind and run away to wherever you lead. But I don't wish to lose you by breaking the rules. This magic between us, we'll work it out, okay?"

You knew how severe the consequences would be if soulmate rules weren't taken seriously.

But it still hurt.

Death Eaters were closing in. The sound of walls crashing and spells being shoot in various directions could be heard from nearby. Anger was raging through your veins, streaming down in the form of hot tears. The mere thought of not seeing Remus again was killing you and all you want to do was clutch onto him and never let go.

A lovely whisper, a sweet kiss, a comforting hug.

You wanted to try, but your lips were sealed, your feet unmoving, locked firmly on the spot. He always rendered you speechless. All you could muster was a slow nod.

"I... Remus, I lov- Merlin, I wanted to say that I-" you tried, but the four-letter word was forbidden to your mouth. The frustration set in and Remus was quick catch on your struggle and grant your wish by pulling you into a tight hug.

"I do understand, Remus. We'll work it out."

It was too quiet of a response to your own ears. You had no idea if he had heard it at all, because all your senses were focused on the rhythmic beating of his heart.

But Remus had a knowing smile on his perfectly scarred face.

"Sweetheart, never forget whatever you've dreamed of for our future. I'll be by your side until each of them becomes a reality. That day, I'd be damned if I give damn what anyone has to say."

He whispered and you sobbed silently into his chest.

Everything about this man had come from dreams.

No words were shared, but you promised to hold on to those dreams and never let go. Calmness took over you for a short moment, but it soon faded away as someone harshly burst through the door.

Both your wands were drawn out in an instant.

There was no time to lose.

"No matter what awaits us in this path, I have a hazy feeling that you'll always be my one and only. I'd do anything to stay in that haze forever."

You let the words get out of your chest in an urgent whisper. There was much more to say. You just had to wait.

"And... I will see you again, right?"

Remus nodded silently, taking your free hand in his and placing a lingering kiss on your knuckles. His eyes were full of certainty. You couldn't doubt his promises. Something about him was assuring you that this wasn't going to be the last time you'd be here.

"I guess," he glanced around at the ruins. You knew the scene deeply hurt him. Reading books was his favorite hobby. "Midnight will be our rendezvous then."

His smile was more certain. You couldn't help returning it.

He summoned three of his favorite books from different directions and they headed towards you all at once. "Read them while I'm away."

You had actually pored over each of those books several times, finding yourself attached to everything that reminded you of Remus in your lonely nights.

The atmosphere of the shop was warm and welcoming.

It was nothing like your last experience. The walls were decorated pleasantly and rows of books were neatly stacked on the shelves. Even a number of Muggles had come by to pay a visit. It wasn't deserted and cheerless anymore.

With a content sigh, you wandered around different sections and put two of the books back on their exact place. The last one belonged to the far end of the shop. There was no sign of Remus yet, so you set to walk a little more, having no doubt where you were headed.

The highest shelf, really?

Casting a quick look around, you decided to reach for your wand and levitate the book up to its place, but a defeated huff slipped your mouth as you realized you'd left it back in the bedroom on your rush.

You stood on your tiptoes again, trying your chance one more time, but the book nearly slipped out of your reach before a large, deft hand grabbed it and effortlessly places it on the wooden rack.

Tall and breathtaking.

You sensed his presence before seeing him.

Sandalwood and forest.

You were engulfed in his scent before seeing him.

"I had to help you with that one."

You heard his voice.

Before even seeing him.

Slowly turning around, your heartbeat raced up in anticipation and then for a second, it skipped a beat as you took in his broad smile. Once again the world had decided to halt its movement and put a silencing charm on any outer sound. There remained only your matching heartbeats and tangled souls.

You were falling in love all over again.

Remus didn't hide his astonishment either. You knew how he felt in was all so unbelievably beautiful. He was beautiful. Remus mouthed a silent "My dearest" and softly caressed your reddened cheek with the back of his free hand. The other one had remained braced above your head on the shelf.

Tears were willing to appear again, but nonetheless you grinned from ear to ear.

"You remembered our rendezvous."

The familiar haze was creeping up around you again and his intense gaze wasn't helping your wobbly knees at all. You swallowed and looked down at the neckline of his woolen jumper. Only for a brief moment. But Remus wasn't having it. He slid two fingers beneath your chin and tilted your head enough to draw your attention back to him. His touch was like flame on your skin.

"I never planned on forgetting it."

A single tear drop was wiped from your face before he pointed at the floor.

"We stood right here exactly three years ago. Y/N, you've got me enamored with you all this time."

His voice was like honey as he called your name.

But despite the fierce blush that spread over your neck and behind your ears, your nod was absent-minded. A cold tug inside your chest made you clutch onto his robes. The past and its memories were still haunting. You couldn't bear the thought of facing them ever again.

"I've missed you terribly, Remus. We finally worked it out, right? Tell me nothing's gonna stop this anymore. I need to hear it."

He patiently moved your arms to wrap around his neck and leaned forward, his hand on your waist pulling you impossibly closer to him. His certain eyes were on your lips. Your breathing hitched.

"I'd rather show it."

"Here?" You asked in a low voice, actually not even wanting him to stop even if the shop was bustling with crowds.

"Y/N, love. Today is the day I won't give a damn what people say."

He closed the remaining gap and met your lips in a reassuring kiss. His lips were softer than you'd ever imagined. His thumb drew circles on your back and you nearly melted into his touch. Apparently, soulmates in the wizarding world could experience the phenomenal appearance of their bond in reality. It was either in shapes, sounds or even colours. You hadn't believed it until now.

Because even with your eyes closed, you could somehow guess what colour the kiss was.

It was like midnight.

And nothing had stopped the sweet reverie this time. You nearly began to cry.

But Remus gave your side a light squeeze, easily taking your mind off that thought. Your fingers came up to trace over his beautifully scarred face and a content sigh escaped him. Barely audible, but you noticed and a smile bloomed at the corner your mouth. With both hands tied securely around you, his tongue swiped over your bottom lip and your head tilted backwards, easily allowing him to deepen the kiss.

The feeling was only intensified as a sweet, floral scent wafted through the air. If Remus wasn't holding you, you'd definitely fallen over by now.

How was it that he knew everything?

It had taken you years to feel this moment and neither of you was willing to let go or see where the scent was coming from. But you needed air. You pulled back to catch your breath and that was when colourful shapes came across your line of vision.

You looked around and gasped at the galactic sight. The shop was barely recognizable.

It had turned into a flower field.

Thousands of lavenders were scattered across the floor, swinging in the invisible wind like an undulating purple sea. Even the numerous books were replaced by flowers. The scenery was exceptionally tranquil and beautiful.

A bluish purple haze was hanging above the field, slowly creeping its way around the place and engulfing you in its pure charm.

Suddenly, you were reminded of those hazy feelings both of you had talked about. They never had a colour before. They never had a shape. It wasn't a full love before.

You hadn't broken the rules. You had waited. And this was your final reward.

It was mesmerizing. You found it dizzying.

Before you got the chance to ask if Remus could also see any of the lavenders or the violet smoke, he knelt down and picked one of them, gently tucking it in your hair. All of that was real.

Minutes later, you were being dragged out of the shop.

You glanced down at your intertwined hands and bit your lip in excitement. Remus John Lupin took great pleasure in surprising you with unexpected events, even if it meant you had to sneak past all the enchanting magic that was surrounding you.

"Where are we going?"

He raised a playful brow and chuckled, looking at you over his shoulder. "Sweetheart, I hope you haven't forgotten your dreams."

That hearty chuckle of him turned into a delighted laugh and you thought it was the most heartwarming sound you'd ever heard.

You felt truly happy.

***

Later that night, when Remus took you to his little cottage in the middle of the woods, it dawned on you why he was absent all those days. He'd tended to decorate the place with his own hands, no use of magic. And somehow, it was more magical than any other scenery you'd ever seen.

It was all surreal.

In the middle of the night, as you lay awake and stared at the ceiling together, the purplish haze was still shimmering in the air. Down below, flowers were blooming in every direction. Up above, supernovas were exploding and pouring their glittery sparkles down on you. The bed felt like a fluffy blanket of cloud drifting across the starry sky. You blinked once, twice. Nothing faded.

It was magical. There was no other way to put it.

But to you, he was the real magic. The blue shade of his eyes was sparkling with every dream you'd ever thought of. Everytime you looked into them, your heart swelled with happiness. Because you knew your biggest wish was granted. A soft brush of your fingertips against his chest and over his hand, could reveal the galaxies buried deep within. A canopy of twinkling stars hovered above you and yet there was nothing more magical that him.

Lots of "I love you"s were expressed in different forms and ways. Lots of stories were shared. Lots of secrets were revealed.

And yet... There was a lot more to come.

Lovely whispers, sweet kisses, comforting hugs.

You had forever to do all of them.

"We will stay in that lavender haze, forever."

Remus whispered into your ear and locked you in his warm embrace. You knew he meant it. This love was meant to surround both of you in its eternal glow.

You'd finally met each other, at midnight. The place of wonders.

-

If you enjoyed, you can check my Wattpad for more <3