Halloween Gift for Shadowycat
Gift for: shadowycat
From: stgulik
Title: The Circle
Characters: Remus Lupin, Minerva McGonagall, Filius Flitwick, other Hogwarts instructors (implied)
Rating: G
Summary: Magic of the heart cannot be taught; only shown.
Notes: To the mods, thank you for another wonderful fest.
Most of them have called Hogwarts their home for ages, but there is damage in their midst: one post in need of mending.
Lupin longs to claim the castle as his home, much as they wish him to stay. They know who sliced the cord which binds a Defense instructor to his purpose. Riddle is strong, but together, perhaps they are stronger.
They define their purpose, planning quietly for weeks. They choose their garments, weaving each other’s crowns of clover and vine. They select a night--Halloween--not only for its arcane properties, but because it is a new moon, so his body may be at its best.
Young Lupin stands quietly, embarrassed to be the center of attention. Minerva reads the words; the circle is open.
They light each other’s candles as they step, turn, dance, and spin. They whisper charms that cause their flames to draw bright filaments on the misty air, and weave a lacy ring that will link him with loving purpose to friends; to the land and the trees; to the castle itself.
Filius reads the words; the circle is closed. By twos and threes, they drift away to their rooms, hope in their hearts.