Remus

February 14th is always special at Hogwarts. The castle is bathed in the scent of roses and sweetness, even though it's usually cold and bleak.

Snape walks around with a face like he wants to ban this holiday.

You're just walking down the hallway, thinking nothing will happen today. You've resigned yourself to never being given anything. But your heart foolishly hopes.

And then you see him. Remus Lupin is standing by the window, robes off, wearing a soft gray sweater. His long, nail-bitten fingers are clutching something pink—an envelope.

He notices you and freezes. His eyes widen like a rabbit's in front of a boa constrictor.

“Hi… I…” he begins hoarsely.

Remus looks anywhere but into your eyes. He runs his hand through his hair—his habit when he doesn't know what to do. He takes a step, then another. Now you're almost there.

"I remember... today is that stupid day. All these hearts, valentines..." He winces. "No. I meant... damn..."

He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and opens them—and there's determination in them.

"I don't know how to speak beautifully. But I just... Remus."

He hands over a crumpled envelope. Handwriting reads: "For you," and a crooked heart—he's drawn it ten times.

"I wanted to leave you on the desk. I thought you had someone better... And then I realized: if not now, then never. Even if you refuse."

My fingers are shaking. This shaking speaks louder than words.

"You can throw it away. I'll understand..." he adds too quickly. He's lying. He won't understand.

You take the envelope. Your fingers touch. His fingers are cold.

“Happy Valentine’s Day,” he whispers and smiles sincerely.