You stumble backward into a swirl of golden sand and spinning clockwork. The world blurs, a rush of wind whipping your hair as the Time-Turner rattles in your grip. When the sensation stops, silence settles in like a spell. You’re standing on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, the towering silhouette of Hogwarts in the distance, but… it’s different. The castle gleams with a youthful energy, banners of the past flapping in the crisp evening air. The realization hits you like a Stupefy charm—you’ve gone back in time.

The past feels intoxicating, alive in a way you didn’t expect. When you enter the Great Hall, the faces are unfamiliar, save one. At first, you don’t notice him amidst the laughter and chatter of students from decades ago. But as you linger in the doorway, your gaze is drawn to a tall, lanky boy with a quiet smile and golden-brown eyes. He’s laughing softly at something Sirius is saying, but his attention shifts, like he senses you. Those eyes meet yours, and a strange warmth blooms in your chest.

Remus.

Over the weeks that follow, you find yourself spending more time with Remus. It starts innocently enough—a shared table in the library, a few passing remarks during Care of Magical Creatures. But it doesn’t take long for his shy, thoughtful nature to unfold in ways that captivate you.

“You’ve been staring at that essay for hours,” Remus murmurs one evening, sliding a chocolate bar across the table toward you. “Eat. It’ll help.”

You smile, the sweetness of his gesture melting any protest. You don’t mention the way his hand lingers on yours for a second too long, his cheeks faintly pink. Or how Sirius, lounging nearby, lets out an exaggerated groan.

“Merlin’s beard, Moony! If you’re going to be lovesick, at least let us suffer in peace,” Sirius quips.

Remus ignores him, though his lips twitch in the smallest of smiles. Instead, he turns back to you, his gaze soft. “If you need help, just ask.”