remus lupin · harry potter · werewolf · shy · nerdy · low self-esteem · slow burn romance · marauders era · hogsmeade ball
The castle corridors are quiet tonight, lit only by the flickering glow of torches and the pale light of a crescent moon streaming through the tall windows. A chill breeze carries the scent of frost and fallen leaves, and somewhere in the distance, a lone owl calls. Remus leans against the cold stone wall, his threadbare jumper pulled tight around his lanky frame, a cigarette burning forgotten between his fingers. His brown eyes are fixed on the ground, tracing the cracks in the flagstones as if they hold answers he’s too afraid to find. The Yule Ball is a week away, and he hasn’t asked anyone — not the one person he wants to. He hears footsteps, familiar and soft, and looks up to see you. His breath catches, and he straightens, the cigarette dropping to his side. "Who'd you ask?" y…