remus lupin is my roman empire ๐๐๐ฉฐ read this lovely fic by this wonderful writer!!
What you need
Paring: !teacher!Remus Lupin x fem!reader
Summary: the reader attends additional lessons with professor Lupin to prepare for the N.E.W.T. on Defense Against the Dark Arts and to make the final coursework. The reader constantly suffers from chronic tiredness and headaches and tries to hide it, not wanting to seem vulnerable or weak. But Remus notices it and tries to help and comfort her. They become close as they keep having long talks not only about DADA, but about anything in life.
Warnings: fluff, hurt-comfort, teacher x student relationship, age gap, mention of illness and pain
A/N: I decided to try one shot now just to have a rest of editing the third chapter of my series The Torn Heart (btw I'll be really pleased if you check it out too). And also I don't really got used to write Y/N-stories but I decided to try. Just for the sake of adding variety to my life and to this blog. I almost fell asleep while writing it because I tried my best (and because it's 4 AM in my country at the moment when I'm finishing), but in my honest opinion I find this piece simply fabulous๐คญ. Enjoy your reading!
You entered Professor Lupin's office after knocking on the door and hearing a soft and jentle "Come in". Actually, all the sounds reached you half-muted, covered by the persistent pounding in your head. You somewhat got used to it - you've been suffering from headaches and all stuff like that for several years. For the first time it happened when you were preparing for your O.W.L.s at your fifth year. Anxiety and stress was a reality for you because you were a kind of very sensitive person who is affected easily by any distressing situation, and, apart from that, you were tend to overdo: overthink, overstudy, but never oversleep. Your worries about the exams have stolen your peaceful nights long ago, turning them into an endless nightmare. Most of the time your body craved for nothing but to lie down without moving, but your brain was desperately trying to concentrate on the studying. DADA was the subject that you had chosen to specialize in at your final year, and you really enjoyed reading special books about dark creatures and artefacts, doing research and practising advanced defensive spells and countercurses. Honestly, you were looking forward to starting those additional sessions for preparing properly for the exam. You planned to get nothing but Outstanding for it.
Absorbed into your thoughts, at first you didn't notice the professor standing right in front of you. When your tired gaze finally met his, almost as tired yet very warm and welcoming, he smiled softly and greeted you in a gentle voice.
- "Hello, Y/N. Guess it's time to get started Make yourself comfortable here."
He gestured for you to take a sit on the squashy armchair while he went and sat at his desk, which was piled with textbooks, scrolls of parchment and even ancient, shabby and dusty volumes, which clearly were taken from the Restricted Section for studying how to counter all sort of the dark magic.
You sank into the cozy armchair, relaxing and feeling your body's desire to collapse fulfilled. The atmosphere of Lupin's office was the most suitable for studying - the dim light was not too bright yet enough for reading, everything around was quiet and filled with the adorable scent of old parchment, tea and chocolate.
- "Well, I must warn you that today we're going to brush up some theory. I know it would be much more interesting for you to learn and for me to teach you a few of advanced duelling spells at first, but unfortunately not today. I've been feeling a bit under the weather and after the tiring school day I have absolutely no energy for duelling. I'm sorry. But I promise that revising the theory won't be too boring. I'll try to make it as amusing as possible."
Remus looked down for a second, a hint of embarrassment in his eyes. He strongly disliked confessing to anyone that he was feeling unwell, but now he had to. The full moon was three days ago and today it was his first working day after recovery, and he barely had any strength remaining to hold this tutoring session for you. But he promised individual preparation for every student that will be taking the DADA exam, and he never broke his promises. And also he never remained anything half-done - he wanted to keep the students as much interested as he could and not to tire them too much.
Though you weren't aware of his ailment, you did know that he had been on a sick-leave for almost a week and you realized he still wasn't feeling quite well. You gave him a look of compassion and understanding and replied shyly yet reassuringly:
- "Oh, actually you don't have to be sorry, Professor. It's okay and it can happen to anyone. I wish you to get well as soon as possible. And I absolutely don't find theory boring, especially with you. You're the best teacher at Hogwarts... "
His unhealthily pale face blushed slightly at your compliment, and he chuckled somewhat nervously.
- "Thank you very much, Y/N, but no need. Well, let's begin revising. "
You spent plenty of time answering his questions, sometimes he corrected your slight mistakes or inaccuracies and told you some more interesting facts about every topic.
Your brain was deeply immersed in that talk whilst your body was totally drained of energy and power to live. Your headache intensified, your eyes narrowed sleepily and you found it difficult to keep concentrating on the complicated questions.
Remus, despite his own weakened and sick state, couldn't help but notice your exhausted expression. He stopped questioning you on the subject, stood up and slowly walked up to you, glancing at you with concern.
-"Dear, are you alright? You look pale and absolutely frazzled out. I think it's enough studying for today. Maybe you should've seen the healer?", - he asked gently.
-"Oh... That's nothing to worry about... It's... not really ilnesss, just a thing, you know, chronic... I'm kind of used to constant headaches. It's normal for me to be in slight pain all the time, but by the end of the day it usually intensifies, so now I feel a bit uncomfortable indeed... But no need to worry...", - you stuttered out, your voice weak and sleepy.
Professor Lupin's eyes widened and the subtle smile almost vanished from his scarred face. He frowned and said firmly but tenderly:
-"It's never normal to be in pain. You should take care of yourself, young lady. Judging by your words and chalk-while face, your current state is very far from normal. Why don't you go to the hospital wing and get some medication?"
- "It does nothing for my sufferings. Really. Madam Pomfry had already tried every painkilling potion she had, but nothing helped me. I didn't tell her about it because... I don't want her to worry so much, to feel guilty for not able to stop my pain..."
Remus bit his lip and sighed with sorrow as he listened to you speaking. He recognized that feeling. It all was painfully familiar to him. He had gone through a similar experience when he was younger. He placed a hand on your shoulder as a gesture of support.
-"Okay, now listen to me, dear. I know what you're talking about. I had and even now continue to have similar problems. The thing is, I have a condition, let me not name it. It's closely connected with persistent headaches and pains all over the body in general, going hand by hand with fatigue and weakness. I've had it since early childhood and I completely understand what you are going through. So, please, remember that you're not alone in this fight. It's the first thing. The second thing is that I know some... secret remedies which always help ease up my pains and might work on you as well.", - He now smiled with care and comfort. He walked into the door that led apparently to his private quarters and returned after some minutes with two steaming mugs of something that smelt like tea but at the same time was obvious to be something else. He sat on the next armchair and handed you the mug.
-"Here, drink it, please. It's a herbal decoction. Professor Sprout grows a special plant that makes headaches go away as if by hand. This is jokingly but deservedly called a drink of pure power among all the Hogwarts staff members. Almost capable of resurrection. A really fine remedy. I bet it will help alleviate your pain. ", he spoke softly and his caring smile grew wider.
Instantly after that he put a chocolate bar out of his pocket, opened it's wrapping and offered to you.
-"Chocolate is also a helpful thing. Not only for cheering up, but also for regaining energy. Anything with sugar can be useful when you are so tired. I hope you're not allergic. "
-"Oh, that's so generous of you... Thank you so much, sir! *
You ate the chocolate, drank the decoction and thanked your professor for the help. Slowly you felt the pounding in your sore head subsiding. You were already about to leave, but as you stood up he started stroking your back protectively and said:
-"This decoction usually needs some time to take effect and to make the pain go away completely. But it's better to take it regularly as a course for some weeks. I absolutely don't mind sharing my stock with you. I have plenty. During every our preparation session I'll supply you with this remedy, I promise. It will be enough. And now, let me walk you to your dormitory. You're still sleepy and exhausted and I don't want you to fall asleep right somewhere on the staircase, Y/N."
The two of you walked out of his office, his hand now removed from your back and only slightly wrapped around your slender shoulders. Your face blushed as your heart filled with gratitude and adoration. You tired glance was sticked to his heartwarming hazel eyes with amber hues. Remus already was someone more for you than the best professor ever, though you weren't ready to admit it yet.
-"And one more thing. Tomorrow DADA is the first lesson and I allow you to oversleep it. Don't worry, you have rather good knowledge and nothing bad can happen if you miss one morning class, for which we will definitely be able to make up in some evening. You badly need rest, dear."
-"Ah, thank you! Good night. ", you were astonished and very happy to hear how he cares about you.
-"Good night, Y/N.", - he replied in his comforting and soothing voice before leaving.
___________________
Some months passed. All that time you kept attending your tutoring session with Lupin and taking your herbal remedy together. Your mental well-being improved a lot. You stopped worrying about the exams so much because Remus always thought of good ways to cheer you up and build your confidence. You were a remarkable student and he assured you that you'll pass your N.E.W.T.s perfectly, especially with carefully preparing. You talked a lot now, even not always about studying, even laughed together at funny stories, but you still learnt a lot. It all was growing into a close bond - something like friendship, though you accidentally noticed yourself stealing longing glances at him and even he was doing the same sometimes. You confessee to yourself you were strongly in love with him, but didn't hope for reciprocation. Everything seemed so good, except for your physical state didn't seem to become much better. Your face was still almost corpse-like, your headaches relieved only for some hours after taking the decoction and then intensified again, making you feel as if your skull is going to explode. You tried your best to stay strong whilst Remus tried everything to end your sufferings. He even once gave you the strongest and the most expensive painkilling potion ever existing - the one that he had specifically for using before and immediately after his transformations. And even it didn't stop your pain completely.
One evening you came over to another tutoring session, but you were so exhausted that absolutely couldn't work. Remus was almost panicking inside but demonstrated only utter comfort and reassurance. He laid you down on the couch in his private quarters. With slight doubt in his expression he asked you:
-"I remembered of another way that might alleviate your pain, dear. But... It's somewhat rather intimate... I mean it involves touching your head. So I'll try it only if you agree."
-"Do whatever needed if it helps. And by the way, I think your touch is pleasant. I'd love you to cure me with your touch more.", - you chuckled faintly through the pain, glancing at him with love even without hiding it.
-"Okay. It'll be a massage. It really helps to relax your tense muscles. Often a headache appears because of straining your neck muscles too much. Or the scalp itself needs relaxation. I'll try my best, I'll do anything to help you, my dear. "
You nodded in agreement, though you were wincing in pain after every movement. You didn't already call him professor and you loved the way he called you dear. You loved simply everything about him, especially his care, affection and tenderness.
He started applying gentle pressure on your head, rubbing your temples and forehead in small circular motions, massaging and caressing your neck and shoulders, avoiding any tender spots, his touch warm and soothing. You felt blissful, your pain was vanishing, it was like a miracle. You let out an involuntary sigh of relief.
-"Better? ", he asked gently.
You only smiled peacefully at his twinkling eyes instead of responding. Your faces were co close to each other and one intrusive thought was spinning in your mind.
"Remus, you know what?... I... I love you", you mumbled desperately, as a tear of happiness ran down your cheek.
Remus's eyes filled with tears, too. He leaned down and his lips touched your cheek softly, leaving a tender kiss and pulling away carefully...
-"Now better", you giggled, unable to suppress your sobs anymore as they mixed up with laughter.
-"Oh, I knew this is what you need, dear. And... By the way. It's hard to confess, but I'm utterly smitten with you. I love you, Y/N, believe me or not. It's certainly bad to do like this, after that I can't be considered as a good teacher, I suppose..."
-"Don't say all this nonsense. You're the best. Everyone deserves love, Remus!"
He gently leaned in to kiss you once again...
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