Shades of Grey

Aurora was silent the entire walk up to his office, but her body never stopped shaking. Once they were safely behind the door, Lupin pulled her close to him, pressing his hand against her hair and kissing the top of her head. She felt so cold.

“Here.” He said, pulling away and sitting her down. He retrieved a bar of Honeyduke’s chocolate and broke off a piece for her. She gave him an inquisitive look.

“Eat it.” He prompted. She took a bite of it obediently and swallowed it down quickly. Despite the warmth it sent flowing through her, she could still feel the chills running down her spine. He leaned against his desk, shoving his hands into the pockets of his cardigan and looking down at the ground.

“What happened?” He asked finally. She took another bite of the chocolate bar, if only to stall the moment when she would have to speak. Finally, she began, explaining about how Emma had come to the library, about how they’d ended up outside.

“Aurora, why do you keep leaving the castle?” He interrupted her, giving her a look of exasperation. She felt as if he were scolding her all of the sudden, and her eyes narrowed.

“I-” She began to defend herself.

“Aurora, it could have been you that the dementor kissed. Or he could have been out there. Did you think of that?” He demanded. She glared back at him.

“I was counting on it.”

“Why, then? Why did you go out?”

“I couldn’t let her get away.” Aurora said evenly, averting her eyes. Lupin let out a great sigh.

“Dumbledore’s going to be more worried about your safety now.” Lupin said, fixing her with a steady look. She stared back, trying to void her face of expression.

“So?”

“The last Hogsmeade trip of the year is in June. I don’t think you should go.” He said now, waiting for her reaction. He was caught between the conflicts of his roles. On the one hand, he was her lover, treated her as an equal, but on the other hand he had to remember that she was still young, and he was responsible for her safety as her professor.

“What?” She asked, a tone of disbelief taking over.

“Aurora, it’s too dangerous.” He insisted. Her face darkened.

“It’s my last year at Hogwarts. That is probably going to be my last chance to see Hogsmeade!” The dynamic had changed suddenly and she felt as though she were arguing with a parent now. Their relationship wasn’t supposed to be like this.

“I know, but your life is more important…” He started but she cut him off, standing from her chair and setting the chocolate bar down on his desk before crossing her arms over her chest.

“Do you honestly think he’s going to stop? What happens when I’m out of Hogwarts’ protection?” She countered. He set his jaw, thinking hard.

“Fine. One condition.”

“Name it.” She said, anger filling her.

“You have to go with me. I don’t want you running off on your own.” He said.

“Fine.” She agreed, but it wasn’t the end of the tension that had filled the room. He knew she was angry at the sudden authority he had taken over her, and part of him regretted it.

“Aurora-” He started to try to mend it, but he was interrupted by a knock at the door. He crossed the office quickly and opened it to reveal Dumbledore.

“Miss Finch, I trust you are feeling better?” He asked. She nodded.

“Would you feel able to give a statement to someone from the ministry?” He asked now.

“Sure.” She agreed dully.

“Remus will escort you down to the infirmary, then, where you will meet with Miss Nymphadora Tonks.” Dumbledore said, giving them one last nod before walking off. The name didn’t ring a bell to Aurora, who merely pulled her cloak tighter around her and closed her eyes. Lupin had a nervous feeling in his stomach, though he couldn't quite place why it was there.

“I’m sorry.” He said finally. Aurora opened her eyes.

“I just…if anything happened to you…” He stammered, waving his hands wildly. She took them in her own and kissed him.

“Let’s go talk to the ministry.” She rolled her eyes. He noticed how tired she looked.