𝖈𝖗𝖚𝖘𝖍

─── ‎ ‎ ‎★ ‎ ───

HER LIPS SHINED with the layers of lip gloss Mila had applied to her own lips. She had never done her makeup as well before as she had done it today. The slightly darker brown eyeshadow with the smallest amount of glitter in the corner made her eyes seem almost angelic, cheeks applied with just the perfect amount of blush and her lashes naturally full. She twisted on the cap of the lip gloss setting it back into her own designated bag, taking a step back from the washroom mirror she admired her outfit.

Her floral skirt long enough to length just below her knees, straight and it's figure simple, she looked below to view her squarish boots that cut off in the middle of her calf with the perfect platform. They were a gift from Ida as they had no longer fit her friend anymore, and Iddy had noted how much Mila loved to comment on them. looking back up to see her top, the top that so clearly stated she, and she alone had put together the outfit.

"I still don't know why you're wearing that top to a party," Serenity remarked out on her bed, placing in her own set of abstract orange earrings. The maroon turtle neck so gracefully hugged her figure enough to show yet not to squeeze. "Oh shut up Serenity, I got invited to this party first," Mila teased. "Hey I ended up getting invited too by someone!" Serenity rolled her eyes playfully before jumping off her bed, making her way into the bathroom next to Mila. She fixed a part of Mila's hair which was straightened just enough so that the ends of her hair would bend out, and her curtain bangs swooped backwards towards her scalp.

She went in and hugged Mila at her side happily, "This is a huge step for you M'! Invited to a party, look at you!" Mila scoffed at the subtle stab, "Hey I've been to loads of parties with you!" she stated.

"Yes, but that's because we invite you. This time you've been practically invited by the person which such party is about! Not even I have had that done!" her friend said, congratulating the girl as she chuckled along with her friend enthusiastically. Ruby had been stuck in detention for absent homework assignments, and Ida had wanted a night to herself. The party had started an hour ago, made obvious by the loud vinyl booming from floors beneath them in their common room.

Serenity finished powdering her face before placing her hands on Mila's shoulders, "Alright well, let's skitty you stone fox," she said, guiding Mila out into the room. Mila quickly grabbed a book off her night stand along with Remus' present as her friend grabbed her purse, draping it across her shoulders. About to leave the room the blonde uttered "You know the drill," taking hold of Mila hands, leading her through the maze of halls that was girls rushing in and out of the hallways due to the rush a party. As well of getting through the walls of people also squashing their way through the crowds.

The Gryffindor common room was quite larger than what most people expected could fit in a tower, but oh what magic could do for everything other than death. The music only grew louder, as it echoed and banged through the walls and off the students, squished in corners chatting their ears off to be heard over the music and each other, it was surprising how they were never caught by prefects or professors. Mila assumed students put muffling spells on the room to quiet it down. The common room only grew a club like atmosphere. Due to it's usual cozy atmosphere, few light sources came into the room, and with people's bodies blocking some only a few lights shined in few areas, casting large shadows, always flickering.

Even though Mila sometimes hated the suffocated feeling of Gryffindor parties, she loved how much of a rush she gained from them. Teens danced, and drank, and smoked, and it was always a euphoric feel to be in the middle of such rebellion.  Some wore birthday hats, some held poppers and party blowers. Voices boomed, following along with the lyrics of ABBA's new release of Dancing Queen as they tried their best to groove in the sardine packed space.

Busy with taking in the scene she hadn't noticed how Serenity was able to squeeze them all the way through to a table where a make shift bar was set up. The biggest bowl, made of clear glass, had a sign taped in front of it with the words Mixed by yours truly, Peter etched on it. Serenity had grabbed a few cups, filling them halfway with the mixture, handing it to Mila.

"Here, drink up!" Serenity shouted over the deafening noises.

"Serenity you know I don't drink at parties!"

"Yeah, but it's how you look cool! Here we're going over to where all the people are dancing!"

"I need to give Lupin his present!"

"I doubt you'll be able to find him! He could be here, upstairs, in his dorm, anywhere really! Just enjoy yourself!"

"I'm going to go find him!"

"You're on your own then! Be careful M'!" Serenity called over the music disappearing behind to 4th year girls, giggling from their first high.

Mila turned around, being pushed along by angry teens, yelling at her for standing to long. She stepped on her tip toes, over looking the crowds, luckily her shoes gave her extra height. Over the constantly moving schools of fish it was no use. She proceeded to squeeze her way through the bodies, at some point having her drink stolen by some kid, giving her arms a work out as she shoved away many amounts of boys and girls, uttering "Excuse me" and "Move please" with each passing one. That was until she heard the loud shout of James Potter.

"OI MOONY IT'S OK TO GET DRUNK AT YOUR OWN PARTY!"

"One, I don't want to be majorly hung over, and two, most importantly, it's too early to be wasted yet!"

"BLASTED MOONY, WHAT DID YOU SAY?" prongs shouted again.

  "THAT YOU'RE DICK IS LARGER THAN YOUR BRAIN!" Remus cried back in spite.

"OH FUCK YOU REMMY! Actin' as if that's a bad thing," a James finally stated annoyed as Remus laughed, throwing his head back taking a small swig out of the bottle of fire whiskey he held, rolling his head from shoulder to shoulder he scanned the crowd, only to find a dressed up Mila inching her way through. Getting out of his seat he motioned to his friends that he'd be right back before walking to meet his friend halfway.

"Hey, you came," Remus greeted, slightly surprised.

"Yeah, I over heard you talking to Peter about this party, and Lily invited me, and Serenity was coming. I'm not one for school night parties, but if it's for a friend, I shall surely at least pop in!" she beamed. Remus quickly glazed over her outfit, thrilled he said "You wore a turtle neck!", motioning his hand. "Yeah, I just felt like it, didn't really get hurt by Serenity's bickering this time." her lips upturned.

"Oh! I almost forgot," she reached down, tucking her book under her arm before placing a present in Remus' hands. The present was neatly wrapped in brown parcel paper, tied off with cream color twine.  𝓣𝓸𝓸 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓚 𝓫𝓸𝔂, 𝓗𝓪𝓹𝓹𝔂 𝓫𝓲𝓻𝓽𝓱𝓭𝓪𝔂 , written in cursive printed in ink appeared on it.

  "Happy Birthday...Remus."

His head snapped up to the grinning girl, waiting for him to open it, still in shock, in a daze, he did. He moved over to an empty space at the head of the couch, laying it down to easily open it. Carefully unwrapping it he took out the contents. On top was a recent novel of an esteemed Agatha Christie, one of his favorites, and he was clueless and how his friend had chosen such a perfect book. Along with it, two bars of chocolate came with, the expensive and most milkiest kinds too. Just below all of it, a brand new patterned sweater. It's wool soft and warm, with brown, cream, a red tones.

"I noticed you wear those types of a sweaters a lot, haven't seen this on specifically in your collection so I got it for you!" she professed. Remus viewed the items with a soft smile before looking at the girl.  He examined the girl in front of him, the gloss on her lips, her silk hair, and the way you could see the extremely long lashes she had when she blinked. He noticed how she had brought a book, assuming just in case she'd get bored, just like he'd had, except it was lost on some table now. "Thank you, I really love it Mils!"

"Mils?" she chuckled

shit, he had fumbled over his words like always.

"Sorry, sometimes I stumble over-"

"No- no, it's okay, makes for a pretty good nickname!" she giggled, "I like it too, Mils, has a better ring to it than Mila."

"You're kidding, I think 'Mila' has a great ring to it," he scoffed playfully.

"Well- thank you, listen I have to go check on Serenity really quick, I want her to have fun, but also make good choices! I'll find you right after!"

He watched as she too disappeared into the squashes of people. The widest of grins plastered over his face. His stomach turned, ached, and fluttered, and this time he knew it wasn't from the whiskey. His breathing was abnormally fast, and each time she had smiled his heart wanted to leap out of his chest. It seemed to have been on a run in his own body as it's pace keep going faster and faster and faster, as if it were inflating itself to blow away, and oh, when she had said his name.

She had said his name

  His name.

Not his last one, his first one, Remus, for the first time. It felt like a gust of wind knocked into him. Like the butterflies inside his stomach were about to be released and flutter off into the night sky, his breathing faltered, uncontrollable to regain, and his heart felt it was about to burst into more butterflies to prance up above. She had gifted him a birthday present, and seeked him out just to give him it, she had smiled, and she had uttered his name, and simply because of that he felt as if he wanted to melt away, he only knew one thing.

  He, Remus Lupin, had a crush on Mila Luna

It had been two weeks since Remus' birthday, he was now officially 16, which only meant James' birthday was soon to trail behind just this week, which also seemed to land on their next quidditch game. How big, and how would James be able to throw a huge party, Remus didn't know. He assumed it would have to flood into the dormitories.

Like always, Remus sported his own sweater over his uniform instead of the classic gray, gold, and red, wool.  Usually, the sweater would change each couple of days, but instead, James, Peter, and Sirius had all privately noted he had worn the same sweater almost every day. What was most to note was the fact he had not garnered it himself, instead it was a gift from from a certainly new friend he had made just a few months ago.

"Bloody hell Remus do you ever wash that thing," Sirius snickered at the lanky boy who sat down in front of him grabbing a plate. "The elves wash our clothes every other day Sirius," Remus corrected, the toast he grabbed clattering on the white glass. "Well then how come I never see them?" Remus now holding a knife quietly spread butter along his food, "Their magic, Padfoot," he answered.

"I just don't get how her present was better than mine! Look I gave you 10 full sized chocolate bars, new pencils, and new charcoals!" James complained, Peter pushed his eggs on his plate around, mouth full he said, "Oh, you too are being so blind, it's clearly obvious!" he said, mouth full with food. Sirius dramatically gasped, "I am not blind Wormy! Tell that to old James over here with his ball shaped spectacles!" he criticized.

"Padfoot if you don't shut your trap I'm going to pour bleach in your shampoo!" Prongs scolded, then turning his attention to the sand haired boy in front of him, "And Pete, please enlighten me on how Sirius is blind."

"It's obvious he likes the girl."

In the middle of taking a bite out of his toast Remus wanted to spit out his food upon hearing, yes he loved how much his friends cared, and how observant they could be, but in his current case, it was definitely not practical. He covered his face with his hand as he slightly coughed, trying the cover the fact that he knew he must be turning as red as his tie in the moment. Smirks grew on the two boys faces as they exchanged looks, slowly turning their heads to Remus, they held candor for a second before laughs escaped their lips.

"So Moony likes the Moon eh?" Sirius teased.

"I do not like her."

"You know, I always knew something was up with you ever since you blew us off to pay a game of chess with her."

"I was being friendly," Remus defended. "I always thought you were the type to be more into Ravenclaw girls, Moony," James admitted from the side, "and hey, if you do end up getting with her, she's friends with Evans, meaning I'd get a better chance." Peter reached for James plate, stacking it on top of his own, "That's a bit of a stretch Prongs," he cautioned, earning a scowl from his friend in return.

"Listen, the three of you don't get to dictate my love life-" Remus tried asserting, yet his attempts at dying down the chatter were ignored. "Boys, boys, you all realize this is the first time Remus has ever had a told crush?" emphasized Peter.

"Oh Wormtail you are so right! Remus this is your first crush!" emitted Sirius

"I don't have a crush!"

"Poppycock!"

"No one says that anymore!"

"Fine, then I call bull!"

Remus firmed both his palms on the edge of the table, "You know what, I say you all should try practicing your animagi forms again after school, because just before this semester you all had a grand time gloating about how you all were officially able to become an animagi, much more than you were on this topic-" Wormtail's hand clasped over Remus' mouth, telling him to quiet down, "Oh yes, go off telling the whole world about it so we can end up in Azkaban!" he hushed.

Remus let out an annoyed huff of air, leaving the rest of his food on his plate he stumbled out of his seat. "Aw now where are you going? you just got here!" James asked saddened. "I forgot my potions text book," he mumbled defeated, picking up his satchel and robe, storming off towards the exit of the great hall.

The three boys sat in a moment of silence, the fork in Peter's hand frozen into place. But not silence could ever be kept around those boys, laughter circled the three of them once again.

"Oh you're so right Wormtail, he totally fancies her!"

Mila and her friends decided to skip over breakfast as a free morning. It sure was a good idea too as it took them ages to maneuver the moving staircase traffic that morning. They seemed to have been extremely slow, waiting there for the stairs just to move in the correct direction.

"And you know what he asked me? He asked if I was a fucking virgin!" Maisie complained furiously. Ruby gasped next to her, tucking her hair behind her ears, "What did you say?" she asked, turning her head towards her, horrified. "I told him to fuck off, and he just started talking to a Slytherin just a few feet in front of me!" Maisie continued, as she leapt off the last step onto the next platform.

  "You know what he is? He's a dick headed spaz!" Ruby stated, Serenity and Maisie nodding in agreement. Out of the corner of her eye Mila noticed Ida pursing her lips at the word spaz in disappointment. "Ruby, maybe don't use that word." she tried implying, instead her attempts were earned with a roll of eyes from her friends and scoff from Ruby. "Don't be a dork M', are you on Mai's side or not? Everyone says it." she said, trying to justify herself. Mila kept silent, tightening her lips shut, that was before Ida called out for them to "Stay to the right!" The girls did as told as they all saw a figure hurtling up the stairs towards their direction.

A Gryffindor robe swung from their arm, the most perfect looking bed head rested atop their scalp as you could hear ink bottles clinking inside their bag, and most noticeably an old jumper clung to their skin. He seemed to be in a rush to get to Gryffindor tower as his steps were left lightly on the stairs. "Morning Remus!" Mila greeted. The boy's head snapped up towards her, everyone noted how red and flustered his was upon seeing her but it didn't stop the glow of a smile that grew from this tensed face. "Morning," he quickly said, continuing on to rush past the group of girl, silently scolding himself as he did.

After the encounter the girls continued down the stairs. "That was odd," Maisie chuckled, turning to face Mila, waiting for her reaction. "I don't see what was wrong," she shrugged, wrapping her arm around Ida's shoulders. "Are you kidding? He looked as red as a cherry!" Serenity exclaimed. Mila rolled her eyes, "You all know I only notice when people get red when they are like really red, like bloodshot!" "He was indefinitely super red!"

"You all are just insulting the man now!" she grunted.

Ruby scoffed next to her, "Oh he's a man now?"

"Ruby, what?-"

"It's just, a while ago you referred all them as 'foolish boys', and now..."

M' huffed, "Well- they are- except him, he's not foolish, he- well, we have a lot in common, and he's my friend now so it's just nothing," she tried asserting. "Hmm..." Ruby murmured.

"What ever you're trying to imply, just no!"

"What ever you say, M' "

Mila walked into her Astronomy class as she noticed the moon projects placed around the room on display. Her group in particular was hung on the wall, next to many other collections of posters and papers. As she looked around the room she noticed where her peers sat, which were quite out of the normal. Her usual table was taken up by a few Hufflepuffs, scanning the room further she also noticed that Remus' usual table was also taken. Only three seats in the entire room sat emptied. Luckily one of those conveniently sat right next to Remus.

As quietly as she could she brought out the stool and took her spot as she noticed Sirius and Remus looking at an incredibly detailed piece of folded parchment. "Shit," Sirius quickly said upon seeing Mila, turning the paper out of view and muttering incoherent words. "Well good day to you too, Black," Mila stated sarcastically, setting down her satchel. "If you get to be on a first name basis with Moony, why shan't we?" Sirius asked, folding the parchment into the pocket of his robe. Remus had drunkenly told his friends about the whole interaction from that night. Mila gave him a small chuckle, "All you needed to do was ask."

Sirius dropped his jaw, "So Remus asked you?" he quirked quickly eyeing Remus.

"Well. No." she admitted

Sirius leaned back into his seat, crossing his arms muttering the words, "Fuckin' rigged."

The class had now quieted down as Professor Sinistra stood up from her desk, "Sorry for the lack of seating today students," she began with a sigh, motioning her hands throughout the room, "Professor Binns had said he was in desperate need of more chairs for a lesson. I promise I'll have some more chairs come in soon, but lesson to be learned, we all must make sacrifices at some point."

Remus nudged Sirius in the elbow, "Sirius, that's a sign for you to jump off the astronomy tower!" he whispered to him.

Sirius stuck out his tongue out at his friend, "Just because we got you 'mad' this morning, does not mean to get to bully me!" he hissed.

"I am not bullying you!"

"Are so!"

"Am not!"

"Yes you are!"

"How!"

Mila quickly shushed them as they continuously grew louder and louder, and almost immediately Remus seemed to have glued his mouth closed. Sirius smirked and couldn't hold in his remark, "Peter has a point you know," he quietly quipped. Remus just squinted his eyes at the boy in notion.

A/N

lemme just get this out of my system really quick...EHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEEHEHEHEEEEEASHDAIIQHAIHLDGHAWOASLHDFA

HE LIKES HER YOU GUYS!!! WE'RE IN THE REALIZATION/DENIAL STAGE

Mila's still in the just friends stage but we'll be all good soon I PROMISE. I was going to name this chapter "First Name Basis" But you'll notice a lot of little details that will soon reveal themselves and move on their relationship so like I've have time to make titles like that later anyways, this story hasn't even truly began yet...

3.6K words