Chocolate Covered Strawberries [Remus Lupin]

𝚏𝚒𝚏𝚝𝚢-𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚎

When she arrived to the portrait there was a student outside who was letting everyone who arrived in. She smiled at him as he said the password to the very annoyed looking Fat Lady and she swung the portrait open letting Jasmine enter the common room. Music was playing and people were chattering all around as the armchairs and tables were pushed to the sides to make space for everyone in the middle. The fire was still lit in the fireplace even if it was June and it was so warm outside that there was no need for it.

Jasmine hugged her middle as she looked all around at different people. Everyone was wearing something casual and there was no way of knowing which house they are from. Jasmine's eyes frantically looked around the room trying to spot just anyone that she would know but no one appeared in front of her. She nervously gulped down as she didn't know what to do with herself and even amidst of a crowd she felt alone. She decided to go for a drink and this time make her own as to not repeat September's disaster that was that party. She barely reached the table containing drinks when she heard her name being called.

''Jasmine!'' Lily came towards her with open arms, one of her hands already holding a drink. Jasmine smiled brightly and gladly embraced Lily.

''Happy birthday! I know I've said a ton already today but it really is a happy birthday. I'm jealous that you get to have a birthday at the end of the term, it is so much sweeter to celebrate it. God, I'm so happy all the exams are over, I can't wait for the summer to begin. You did like my present though, right –''

Jasmine laughed and slowly patted Lily indicating she can now release her and interrupted her jumble of words that just flowed out of the redhead. Lily laughed as well with a clear smile before she guided Jasmine to the table for drinks. Jasmine did like Lily's present which she received that very same morning at breakfast and she had to confirm a bunch of times that she couldn't gift her anything better. It didn't look like the party has been going on for long but Lily was already in the first stage of her tipsy behaviour. That was the stage of happiness and talking.

''Where is Robyn?'' Lily asked.

Jasmine's smile faltered a little while she was mixing herself a drink. ''She fell ill and she stayed in the dorm sleeping.'' She answered with a shrug.

Lily nodded with a more serious expression as well and drank more from her cup. ''Is she okay?'' She also asked.

Jasmine nodded confirming that nothing major was wrong. She felt all warm inside at the fact that Lily was worried about Robyn. It was like all her dreams came true at the end of her sixth year. Lily and Robyn are finally getting along and becoming friends, she was off the hook with William a little more since she could barely see him anywhere and soon she'll never see him again and will finally leave her days worry-free.

''For a second there I for sure thought she was with Sirius because I haven't seen him for a while either. But then again, did you notice that you barely see them together anymore?'' Lily turned her statement into a question in the middle of speaking.

Jasmine finally let herself drink, giving in to the temptation of needing something alcoholic to adjust to the whole party idea. She nodded with raised eyebrows at Lily. ''Yes! I thought I was the only one who thinks something weird is going on with them.''

They both turned away from the table to look at the rest of the room. People were dancing in a small group somewhere, others were lounging around and talking, so many of them were constantly going up and down the stairs to dormitories.

''Well no one could know really, Sirius never talks about his relationships he's always so secretive,'' Lily added and Jasmine nodded completely agreeing.

Then as if he heard them talking about him, Sirius appeared at the bottom of the stairs from the boys' dormitories and immediately spotted Jasmine. Peter, Remus and James weren't far behind him. ''Hey! It's the birthday girl!'' Sirius shouted excitedly and bolted across the room.

Jasmine watched him with wide eyes as he stopped next to her and swung his arm around her shoulders.

Then he started to say. ''Since this is your party –''

''It's not my party.'' Jasmine shook her head and with a monotone voice.

The party was organized by a couple of seventh years who wanted to celebrate the passing of their NEWT's. Remus and James stepped to the forming group as well and they stood in a semi-circle, all observing Sirius' ridiculous behaviour.

''Since we –'' Sirius motioned to the whole group and put special emphasis on the word, ''are celebrating your birthday, celebrating you coming of age, I think this calls for a round of toast.'' He continued.

He moved away from Jasmine to get something to drink and Jasmine had the time to look at Remus. He smiled at her sweetly and had a positive radiance around him. He was also dressed a bit differently, without his usual knitted sweater and he wore a simple shirt instead. She tore her eyes away before her mind could start wondering too much. Sirius came back and gave James and Remus a drink as well before he hung his arm around Jasmine again.

''Sirius.'' Jasmine protested and moved to make his arm drop back to his side. He looked at her weirdly, not understanding what's wrong.

''I don't know if you forgot but we are in a room full of people. People with eyes they can see with and mouths to spread gossip.'' She retorted and avoided another attempt at Sirius bringing her closer.

''I don't know if you forgot but William is not here and absolutely no one is watching you,'' Sirius replied confidently.

Jasmine rolled her eyes playfully and didn't believe him. She sure felt like the whole room was watching her.

Then Sirius raised his cup. ''To Jasmine, the best friend and listener anyone could ask for!''

''Don't forget, best baker,'' Lily added with a smile and wrapped her arm around Jasmine's waist for a side hug. Sounds of agreement escaped everyone.

''Oh, I want to eat your biscuits right now,'' James added with a desperate voice.

Jasmine couldn't help but laugh. Her cheeks were already red from all the attention she was getting.

''Happy birthday, Jasmine!'' Sirius said again and extended his arm to the middle. Everyone joined him with their own cups and their own shouts of 'happy birthday Jasmine' before they all drank from their cups. Jasmine smiled at her little group of friends and couldn't believe this all was happening right now.

''Thank you, all of you. This was an amazing year and I'm glad I got to make new friends. The next year is going to be even better though.'' She said acknowledging everyone.

''Hear, hear!'' Sirius said excitedly and downed his cup before he filled up another one.

Lily and Jasmine watched him in disbelief before they looked at each other and laughed out loud. Jasmine risked another glance at Remus who has been intentionally quiet this whole time. He lowered his head a little and raised his cup, silently toasting to her as well. When Lily detached herself from Jasmine to get closer to James who was trying to say something to her over the loud music, Jasmine found herself standing alone in front of Remus. Sirius disappeared into the crowd of dancing people as the party finally reached its full swing.

Jasmine bit her lip as she looked at her cup to occupy her mind when she got the feeling she was constantly watched. She looked up and Remus stepped closer. Then he motioned with his head to the stairs that led to the boys' dorms. Jasmine glanced around with surprised eyes for a moment before she nodded and followed him to the steps. 

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