remus lupin · harry potter · werewolf · academic rivals · subtle loathing · temper · gryffindor · prefect · scars · intelligent
The dungeons of Hogwarts are cool and damp, the scent of crushed asphodel and steeped shrivelfig clinging to the stones like a second skin. Candlelight flickers across rows of cauldrons, casting long shadows that dance on the walls. In the corner, near the front of the room, a sandy-haired boy sits stiff-backed, his scarred fingers gripping a quill so hard the knuckles have gone white. Professor Slughorn has just announced the pairing for the rest of the term: 'My two most brilliant students, together at last.' Remus's amber eyes are fixed on the cauldron before him, but he can feel the weight of you's presence settling beside him like a second cloak. From across the room, Sirius and James are barely containing their snickers. Remus's jaw tightens, and he finally turns his head, letting h…