CHAPTER 10 (LAST CHAPTER)

CHAPTER 10 (LAST CHAPTER)

Wattpad

Always (Severus Snape x Reader)

In a post-Voldemort world, Y/N (you) is the newly appointed professor of Transfiguration at Hogwarts following Professo...

Lowkey not proud of this aha :"[

Will write another fic soon tho :3 currently writing one and taking my sweet time making it better.

For now enjoy this ^^ (might rewrite it once I find time hehehe)

🎶✨when u get this, list 5 songs u like to listen to, publish. then, send this ask to the last 10 people in your notifs (positivity is cool)🎶✨

Ack... Well honestly I'm an oldies song person... If that made sense 😅.

Starman by David Bowie is the one I'm currently addicted to :3

Then uhhhh w8w8 lemme list it so I won't rant XD

1. Starman - David Bowie

2. Small Girl - Lee Young Ji ft. Do Kyungsoo

3. Dancing Queen - ABBA

4. Hot Stuff - Donna Sumner

5. Telephone Number - Junko Ohashi

Here's me list... Now do I really have to send it to 10 people 😭 I don't really wanna bother people... So uhhh if you see this and wanna thread it... Feel free to :3

Ack! :"D I barely did anything but smp XD thank you aha~

This is probably the third time I'm reading it... Im obsessed XD

Crush

Severus Snape x Fem! Reader

Summary: James Potter has a crush on a Slytherin but not just any Slytherin. James has a crush on Severus' girlfriend.

A/N: I had this idea and I couldn't sleep until I have typed it down. By the way, I haven’t read the books so if something doesn’t make sense just ignore it or stop reading. I'm not bashing on James or any one, so don't come for me. Enjoy! -L

WARNING: NSFW, Severus gets the girl, James has a crush, peeping tom, Severus becomes good, high school crushes, Severus gets his happy ending.

Word Count: 4.1K

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James thought someone had cast a spell on him because it was the only way that this shit could happen to him. He was crushing hard on the new Slytherin girl who entered in his 5th year. Harmless crush, he will get over it because he had his eyes set on Lily Evans. Sweet and beautiful Lily but in his 6th year, the new girl entered Quidditch and it bothered him when they played against each other. He found out your name when the announcer called it out when you got a winning score.

After every game he had against House Slytherin he would end up in the locker room. Showering with his cock in his hand as he pressed his forehead against the wall. He jerked his cock as he remembered the tight black trouser you had on. The way you pinned your hair back so it wouldn't get in your face while flying. How flushed your face looked after a game, how your lips looked parted as you breathed heavily.

“Fuc-cck.” James moaned loudly as he came on the tile wall of the shower. He felt wrong for liking a Slytherin, he has to hate them. They were evil and they didn't care about anymore but themselves. However his cock had a mind of its own. It wanted you.

He started to think about you more, the moment he woke up. You plagued his dreams and he dreamt being in bed with you, holding you and talking to you. Sirius and Remus started to talk among themselves when Lily passed by them in the Great Hall for breakfast, James usually followed her like a puppy whenever he saw her but recently James was always deep in thought. None of his friends saw how James would look across the tables when bringing his cup of pumpkin juice up to his lips. Remus and Sirius were on him when he started to choke on his pumpkin juice. Sirius was slapping his back while Remus started to grab napkins from the far end of the table to clean James’ mess. The juice had fallen all over the table.

“Mate, are you good?” Sirius asked as James coughed once more. James nodded before looking over at the sight that made choke.

Severus sat next to you and you were talking to him as you passed him a plate of buttered toast. James couldn't help but look away in jealousy when you leaned closer to Severus’ face and whispered something to him. Severus’ cheeks grew pink at your words and James stood up from his seat.

“I’ll catch up with you guys later.” James said and without waiting for his friends’ response. He quickly walked out of the Great Hall passing Lily without a single glance.

“He's alright?” Lily asked as she walked towards Remus and Sirius. They shrugged their shoulders before finishing their meal.

6th year was coming to an end and James still kept quiet about his crush on you. He pretended everything was normal and kept his guard up whenever you passed by. Summer was coming and the students were starting to get rid of their cloaks and sweaters. James thought he was going to faint when he saw you walking into class. The weather was humid and you wore a short sleeve button down shirt, you had ditches the pantyhose and wore black thigh high socks. James swore he had passed away when he saw your bare upper thighs when you sat down.

He kept looking at your thighs and began to wonder if your thighs were soft, he wondered if you were sensitive there. His eyes began to travel over your body, your arms and your shoulders, he lets out a sigh when he saw you pulling a book out of your bag. You looked ahead and made eye contact with him. Giving him a tight lipped smile you turn back around and face towards the blackboard. James looked around and saw you had an empty seat next to you. He was thinking of an idea to come up to tell Peter. He usually sat next to Peter during this class. James was about to stand up to make his move when you looked over your shoulder and let out a smile, too busy looking at you he didn’t even realize the person you were smiling at. James felt someone pass him and saw they had sat down next to you. He slowly sat back down and realized it was Severus. Peter came soon after and sat next to James who kept quiet throughout the entire class. Peter thought James was getting sick when he hadn't made a joke on Severus who was sitting with you a few feet ahead of them. Unknown to Peter, James was staring daggers at Severus when he saw Severus’ hand get closer to your lap under the desk. He was about to pull away when you grabbed a hold of his hand and placed it under your skirt on your right upper thigh. Severus’ shoulders tensed up when you leaned back and spread your legs wider.

Severus’ hand remained on your upper thigh throughout the entire class and James was red in the face. The second that class was dismissed; he was the first to leave, making a scene that Severus and you look over at the entrance with a weird look. Last year of Hogwarts came and the news about Severus and your relationship was the talk of the school. James and Sirius walked together as a group of girls squealed when they saw the couple ahead of them. Severus and you walking side by side down the hallway.

“What a freak show.” Sirius mumbled under his breath.

“They were cuddling on the train ride here.” One of the younger girls said to her friends.

“Lucius said it was about time before he graduated. He’s their number 1 fan, apparently.” The other said, making the rest giggle at the thought of their oldest classmate cheering Severus and you being together.

“You're telling me Snivellus has a girl before us.” Peter commented as he stood by his friends. “Good for him. They look happy.” James, Peter and Sirius looked over their shoulder at Remus who stood behind him.

“What?! I’m just saying.” Remus said as he wrapped his arm over Sirius’ shoulder and looked over at James. “Heard the girls talking about Lily coming up to you soon.” James tears away from you and looks at Remus.

“Really?” James asked. Remus nodded at him with a smile. They all knew how James wanted to go out with Lily. James tried his hardest to get you out of his mind for the last year, he knew it was going to be hard when he found out you were in four of his classes and two of them you were with Severus.

Severus had changed throughout the summer and James believed it was because of you. Severus did not look lanky at all anymore, his hair looked soft and it had grown longer throughout the summer. His clothes looked fitted and had no holes in them. James almost snapped his quill in half in mid writing when he saw Severus moving his hair to the side and saw a hickey on the fair skin of his neck. James was over the moon when he asked Lily out and she finally said yes. He invited her to The Three Broomsticks the coming weekend. He wanted to joy it, he really did but as Lily spoke her appearance changed into you. He drowned himself in Butterbeer as he tried his best to keep up with the conversations. It didn't help when he saw a group of Slytherin walking inside. His eyes widened when he saw Severus and you walking, holding hands as you entered with the group.

Severus was talking with someone when he sat down next to you casually throwing an arm around your shoulders. He did it so nonchalantly that it made James mad. He looked so normal with you and you leaned against him placing a hand on his lap.

“They look good together.” Lily said then looked back at James who frowned.

“What?” He asked Lily, she repeated herself with a smile. “He spoke to me before summer break.” James grew a scowl. “What did he say?” James asked, about to get up but Lily grabbed a hold of his arm pulling him down.

“He didn't do anything. He spoke and he apologized again. I know he meant it this time. He wanted to say sorry and to thank me for being his friend when we were younger. He told me how he met Y/n and how much he loves her.” James felt ill to his stomach as Lily spoke about Severus talking about you.

“They got muggle jobs during summer break and are saving up to go to Paris after graduation.” James frowned looking down at his drink.

“I’m so happy for him and he told me that he's happy for me too. Y/n told me she’ll kick your butt if you do anything bad to me. She’s really nice.” James looks up.

“You met her?! Spoke to her?” James asked and Lily nodded.

“Yeah, we spoke on the train ride on the first day back to Hogwarts. I saw them both in the cart. Severus introduced me to her. She’s really pretty.” Lily said before taking a drink of her Butterbeer. James quickly changed the topic, not wanting to speak more about Severus and you. He had to get you out of his mind, this is madness, he thinks to himself.

James found himself alone in the hallways after his date with Lily. He couldn't sleep and told Remus he was going to walk for a bit. He needed fresh air, with the map in his back pocket and his wand in his hand, lit up. He made sure no professor was roaming around and he took the shortcuts that he saw on the map. He decided he was going to heat some milk up to help him sleep. He kept thinking how the last year of Hogwarts for him was coming to an end and James couldn't be more happier. He was finally going to get rid of you and Severus. He never wanted to see you again. He believes the distance would be good. He wouldn't have to think about you, he wouldn’t have to dream about you. He has Lily now and he couldn't be more merry about it.

About to make it to the kitchen he froze when he heard giggling coming from inside.

“Nox.” James whispered and the light at the end of his wand dimmed down. Quickly grabbing the map from his back pocket he walked to the nearest window of the hall. He used the moonlight to see who was in the kitchen. He almost ripped the map when he saw Severus and your name standing in the middle of the kitchen. Another giggle rang out and he froze when you moaned Severus’ name.

Leave James. Leave. James, fucking leave. He was at war in his mind when he heard a low moan. He shoved the map in his back pocket and wished he had his cloak. He stares down at the knob as he hears Severus moan your name. It made the hairs on the back of James’ neck stand up.

He doesn't know how long he took but he managed to turn the knob and was surprised when there was no charmed lock on the door. He slowly opens it and looks through the crack of the doorway. James hits the frame of his glasses with the door when he leans forward and his breath hitched at the sight of Severus. Severus was sitting down, his head was thrown back, his shirt was unbuttoned and open showing his pale and smooth chest. His collarbone stood out when he leaned back once more with a deep moan. James looked down to see Severus’ hands deep in your hair. You're down on your knees between Severus’ legs. James can hear you moaning as you sucked Severus off. He can hear you gagging and your wet moans.

He watches as Severus pulls you away from his cock, you're huffing and trying to catch your breath as you stare up at Severus. James can't see your face but the way Severus is looking down at you and the trail of saliva on Severus’ long cock. He knows you are loving it, you love being on your knees for him. Severus leans down to kiss you, cupping your face as he deepens the kiss.

“Please.” James hears you beg with a whimper.

“What do you want, love? Tell me.” Severus asked as he began to kiss your cheek down to your neck. His long fingers are quickly unbuttoning your shirt. James watched how Severus kissed you so desperately as he takes you in his arms.

“I want your cock. I need it.” James bites his bottom lip at your words. Severus helps you stand up and pulls you to stand between his legs.

James watched as you kissed him, wrapping your arms around Severus’ neck. Severus' hands wanders behind you and James feels face turn bright red when he saw Severus' hands go under your skirt, pulling your black underwear down to your ankles. Severus unclip the skirt from your hips and let it drop on the kitchen floor. His hands quickly go up to touch your ass, he plays with it and squeezes it as he looks up at you. James hears Severus and you speaking in low whispers. He hears the words I love you and I can't wait.

“As much as I love your nose.” You said but trailed off with a moan when Severus leaned down to kiss your mound. His sticky hands grab a hold of your underwear and toss them aside.

“I need your cock. Please.” You pleaded, making Severus chuckle as he stood up from his seat. Severus turns you around and leans you over the table. “Mulciber is waiting for his sandwich.” Severus mumbles and groans when you look over your shoulder at him as you grind your ass against him.

“He’ll get it soon. He can wait. He's not going to starve to death.” James can’t help but stare at your bra, the lacy bra looked so delicate holding your breasts. Severus cups your breasts from behind, squeezing them over the bra before one of his hands goes between your legs making you whine.

“Shhh, You have to be quiet. Don’t want one of the elves coming here and seeing you dripping wet for my cock.” James saw a bright smile appear on your face as Severus teased you.

“Sev!” You shouted as Severus propped one of your legs up on the table and pushed you down on the table. James can see you tremble and hears you begging Severus to fuck you.

James without a single thought in his head, take the wand from his right hand and begins to unbutton his trousers and unzips it slowly when Severus begins to thrust into you from behind. Your moans and the sound of skin slapping together filled the kitchen. James is jerking himself off harder when Severus pulled your hair, making you lean back taking his thrusts as you cry out. Severus moans as he kisses your neck, one of his hand pulls your bra down and your breasts are bouncing from how rough he’s fucking you.

“Sev!” You cry out when Severus brings his hand from your tit to your neck, holding it.

James is biting the inside of his cheek to not make a noise. He can taste the copper in his mouth when Severus tells you he’s about to cum.

“In me, baby. Fill me up.” Your voice cracks when Severus pulls you against him and groans as he speed up his thrusts.

“Take it. Take it, love. Take everything.” James watched as you drop your mouth open and began to tremble when Severus’ hand drop down between your legs. James wished the table was out of the way so he see your cunt. He hears it though, he can hear how wet it is.

James imagine your wet cunt on Severus’ face. The comment you made earlier was stained on his mind. You loved his nose, that hook nose that everyone made fun of it is now getting drenched by your juices.

James watched as you came undone as you leaned back at Severus, your leg had dropped down and you’re in Severus’ control. He wrapped his arms around you as he rammed himself inside, his face hidden between your neck and shoulder.

“Fuck-k Y/n!” Severus cried out as he held you tight as he came inside of you. James let out a whine when he felt his balls tighten at the sight of you. Your head is leaning back against Severus’ chest, your tits are bare, your hair tousled and the smell of sex filled James up. He cums in his hand and makes a loud noise.

“Who’s there?!” James jumps at Severus’ voice and quickly runs down the halls with his softened cock in the open and his right hand covered in cum.

Severus slams the door shut and walks back to you as he zips himself up. He hums at the sight of you and grabs the forgotten underwear on the floor. Tucking it in his back pocket, he watches as you lean against the table trying to catch your breath.

“Who was it?” Severus shook his head as he grabbed your skirt, wiping his hand over it making sure it was clean for you.

“No one was there.” He tells you as he wraps the skirt around your hips and clips it together. Severus watches as you begin to button your shirt back up. “I love you.” Severus spoke softly as he finished the last button of your shirt and fixed the collar of your shirt. Severus thinks he will never get tired of your smile. You smile bright at him before leaning forward to kiss his bare chest.

“I love you.” You said wrapping your arms around him. You pressed your face against his chest, enjoying his scent and his warmth. Severus kissed your forehead and hugged you back.

“Five more months.” You mumble against his skin and Severus smiles at your reminder. “Fuck, what kind of sandwich did Mulciber wanted?” You hear Severus ask from above.

“I have no idea.” You say pushing away from your boyfriend and helping him button his shirt as Severus began to accio the ingredients he needed to make a sandwich.

Mulciber was in bed reading the newspaper when Severus came walking in. Mulciber raised a brow at Severus who dropped a bag on his lap and walked over to his bed. Laying down with a sigh, he put his arms under his head.

“Did you ransack the kitchen?” Mulciber said with a chuckle as he took out three different types of sandwiches. Severus looks over at his friend who had a sly grin. Mulciber took note of Severus’ face, his lips were pink and looked puffy like he just finished setting the world record for the longest kiss. Mulciber can see a hickey peeking under Severus’ dark locks. The first two buttons of his shirt were undone and his hair was a mess and Severus looked completely relaxed.

Severus was sitting next to you in the Great Hall for breakfast the next day. He listened as you spoke with your friends about an essay due for class as he filled his plate up with waffles and sausages. He was about to ask you to pass him the maple syrup when he looked ahead and his eyes met with no other then James Potter. Severus frowned and looked away but then looks back again at James and noticed his eyes were on you now. You didn't pay attention, to focus on the meal in front of you and talking with your friends. Severus leans towards you.

"I think I found out who was peeping at us." Severus whispered making you freeze in mid bite and look over at him.

"Who?" You whispered. Severus points ahead with his chin and starts to cut his waffles. You look ahead slowly and looked at James who was talking with another boy, you didn't believed it until James looked back at you and his cheeks grew pink, he quickly avert his eyes from you.

"No fucking way. Why him? Doesn't he hate your guts?" Severus nods at you before looking back at you.

"There's only one way to find out." Severus said before biting into his waffles. "You mean Legilimens." Severus nodded at you.

James knew he shouldn't have looked ahead again. He felt embarrassed after last night, cumming at the sight of Severus fucking his girlfriend. James was about to leave when there was cheering and whistling ahead of them. His friends looked over their shoulders and James looked to see what the people were cheering. The entire Slytherin table were up on a roar as they saw you kissing Severus bright and early in the morning. Severus felt you place a hand on his chest and he almost forgot why you were doing it. He looked ahead to see your plan had worked, you had caught the attention of James Potter. The Gryffindor boy was staring right at Severus.

Severus took a deep breathe and enter into James' mind. Sirius placed a hand on James' shoulder when James winced, saying he just got a headache out of no where. Severus didn't need much time, he ran thorough James' mind with ease and when he found out what he was looking for he got out of his mind. You look over to see Severus' with a small frown as he stared down at his plate.

"I should kill him." Severus mumbled to you and you placed a hand on his leg under the table. "He thinks about you. He has cum at the thought of you. He saw us last night, Y/n."

"No more pranking, remember." You told him, grabbing a hold of his hand under the table. "Do not fret over him. He's just jealous that he can't have what he wants. Let him be. The school year is almost over and we will be out of here."

Severus lets out a sigh but nods at you. He continues on with his breakfast trying to ignore how James craved for you. The end of the school year came and every thought of James vanished away. Severus and you had bigger things to think about and plan. Your friends hugged you and begged you to write to them as soon you and Severus' landed in Paris. Severus' group of friends bid him goodbye and in hushed whispered let him know that he who should not be named was waiting for him when he returned.

In the train to the airport, you looked down at your tickets. Severus had come back to his seat and looks over at you. He holds a vial towards you and you grab it before feeling him kiss your forehead. You open it and you can smell the Polyjuice Potion.

"Sandra Johnson." Severus said as he takes an ID from the pocket of his cloak. Shutting the vial close and tucking it in your pocket, you grabbed the ID, you saw a picture of a older white woman with different color hair from yours. Severus shows you his, a picture of a older man who's blading and weighs more than he should.

"Clyde Johnson." You read the fake ID to Severus. "You have thought of everything." You added as you tucked the fake ID with your plane tickets to the States.

You lean against Severus who welcomed you into his arms. This was the plan, a plan to run away and never look back. Severus knew the Death Eaters wanted him to join, he was foolishly enough to listen to them and visited one of their meeting but at the end he couldn't go through with it not when he met you. You had changed him, he found himself wanting a future with you, away from everyone, away from the war. All of his life he had to deal with pain and suffering from the hand of his abusive father and from his bullies. Severus and you decided the night both of you confessed your love to one another that both of you were going to run away together and start somewhere new, somewhere where no one knows who Severus and Y/n are.

I can imagine Tonks just hugging Remus's wolf form to sleep 🤧 and that makes me cry

this is remadora to me

Ack... So uhm I suddenly had Bell's Palsy... I know that facial thing where it just goes down aha... And my usual smile being gone is just a wreck for me :"3... Used to smile a lot, now I just do this awkward :] cuz... My face drooping and all...

Ah request... Maybe a Bell's Palsy reader to gain me self some confidence? With Remus please... I mean Sirius is ok too but I think I'll connect better with Remus because he can relate with his face scar (if it makes you feel better why I said that... I have this long scar on my forehead too... Heh... Yeah)

It's alright if you won't as well. Bell's Palsy is a tricky one :"3

Thank you so much for this, and I really hope it improves soon.

Pairings: Remus Lupin x reader Summary: After being diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, Remus attempts to make you feel better. Warnings: Self-worth issues

You sit on the edge of your bed, your gaze drawn to the small mirror on your dresser. Your fingers trace the line of your jaw, stopping at the corner of your mouth where your smile used to be. Now it's a half-formed thing, one side of your face refusing to respond while the other moves with ease.

It's called Bell's Palsy, the healer had said, assuring you that it was temporary. But each day feels longer than the last as you wait for the normalcy that once was. You swallow hard, forcing down the lump that threatens to choke you, and try again. "Smile," you whisper to your reflection, but your lips barely twitch.

The sound of movement downstairs distracts you for a moment. Remus is there, probably preparing a cup of tea like he always does when he knows something is wrong. You can almost hear the soft clink of china against the kitchen counter, the low whistle of the kettle reaching a boil. It's comforting in its familiarity, yet it only serves to remind you of how different you are now.

Your fingers leave your face, dropping into your lap as you continue to stare at the mirror. The girl who looks back at you is a stranger, her features twisted into an expression you don't recognise. You want to reach out, to shake her until she wakes up from this nightmare, but you know it won't change anything.

Silence hangs heavy in the air, broken only by the distant sounds of the castle settling into night. You're so lost in thought that you don't even hear him enter. It's the faint knock at the door, the soft call of your name that finally draws your attention away from the window and back to the room.

"May I come in?" Remus's voice is gentle, almost hesitant.

For a moment, you don't respond, still caught in the web of your thoughts. But the door creaks open just slightly, revealing Remus standing there with a steaming mug in his hands. He doesn't wait for your answer, but steps inside, closing the distance between you with quiet certainty.

His eyes, always so full of understanding, take in your form huddled on the bed. They flicker with concern, tracing over the lines of fatigue etched onto your face. But he doesn't speak immediately, choosing instead to set the mug down on the bedside table and seat himself next to you. The silence stretches out, a comfortable blanket wrapping around the both of you.

"Still me," you whisper, voice barely there as you force the words past the tightness in your throat. "But it doesn't feel like me."

Remus only nods, his gaze never leaving your face. He waits, patient and understanding, for you to find the strength to continue.

"I can't even smile right anymore," you add, a hint of bitterness seeping into your tone. "How am I supposed to feel like myself when I look like this?"

Instead of answering, Remus reaches out, his fingers brushing against your cheek—the one that no longer lifts with the curve of a smile. His touch is feather-light, yet it anchors you, drawing a shuddering breath from your lungs. You lean into him, seeking the warmth that radiates from his skin.

"You're still you," he murmurs, a note of conviction underlining his soft-spoken words. "This doesn't change that."

Your head shakes almost imperceptibly, a denial born more from feeling than thought. "But it feels like it has. I look... different."

A pause lingers between you, filled only with the quiet crackle of the dying fire and the distant murmur of the castle settling into night. Then Remus's hand drops away, leaving a cool absence where warmth once reassured. His gaze turns inward, brows furrowing as though wrestling with memories reluctant to surface.

"You know," he begins, his voice a hushed confession in the dimly lit room, "I've felt that way before."

You blink up at him, confusion momentarily displacing your despair. The lines of his face, usually so open and readable, seem etched with a new depth of understanding, one carved from personal torment rather than empathy alone. Slowly, his fingers rise to trace the jagged scar marring his cheek, a rough-hewn testament to a transformation far more brutal than the one you now face.

"After I received this..." His touch lingers on the twisted skin, a silent acknowledgment of past pains. "I believed the same—that I no longer resembled myself. That I was... marred."

His words cause a sympathetic twinge in your chest, and without thinking, you place your hand over his on the scar. Remus's fingers twitch beneath yours, but he doesn't pull away. Instead, he smiles—a small, sad thing that speaks of shared understanding rather than mirth.

"I know what it's like to see something in the mirror that feels alien," he says, his voice barely more than a whisper. "But I learned something important. What truly matters, what defines us, isn't our faces. Not really."

Tears well up unbidden, spilling over onto your cheeks, but there's a warmth spreading through your chest that wasn't there before. Remus leans in, his forehead coming to rest against yours. His breath is warm, his presence grounding, and for a moment, the world outside falls away.

"I see you," he murmurs, voice barely above a whisper, as though the words are a secret meant only for you. "And I love every part of you, whether you can smile or not."

His declaration should be impossible to believe, yet something in his tone, in the sincerity of his gaze, compels you to trust him. And for the first time since this nightmare began, you let yourself accept the truth in his words. It's not about the way your smile may have changed or how your face feels different under your own touch—it's about being seen, truly seen, by someone who cares.

You attempt a small smile then, lopsided and unsure, but Remus's eyes light up as if you've just presented him with the sun. It's a small victory, one that doesn't erase the pain nor the uncertainty, but it's a start—a glimmer of hope in the darkness.

"See?" His voice is soft, the gentlest caress. "Still perfect."

Your heartbeat quickens as he leans in, his lips hovering just above yours. You want to respond, to meet him halfway, but your face doesn't cooperate quite the way you'd like. Remus doesn't rush you, though. He lingers there, giving you time to adjust, his breath warm against your skin.

With a small push of your will, you manage to close the distance. It's different—more difficult, awkward and not perfectly aligned—but it's soft and slow, filled with love. His lips meet yours in a way that's gentle, accommodating the quirks of this new reality. Despite the challenges, the kiss feels perfect in its own way. When you pull back, Remus's smile is the brightest thing you've seen in days.

"I love you," he whispers, his thumb lightly brushing your cheek once more. "Just as you are."

And for the first time since everything changed, you believe him.