“Oh, no, I can’t. I have to find Severus,” Lilly refused, seemingly flustered by James’ enthusiasm.

“Too bad,” James said flirtatiously, and Lilly blushed madly before turning and walking away.

“We’ll let you know if we see him,” Sirius called after her before turning and grinning at James. “Does somebody have a crush?” he teased, and James punched him in the arm.
 

“That’s what we should call ourselves from now on,” James declared. Remus nodded in agreement, more than happy that he’d run into Nick tonight.

“The Marauders,” James said, holding up his wand in a salute. Remus, Sirius, and Peter followed closely behind.

“The Marauders,” they chanted.
 

 

Remus blushed and looked down at his potion, which was a little off color. “They’re not excuses. They’re the truth.”

“Mmm-hmm. Okay, then why do you always seem to become ill for about a week every month during the full moon?” Sirius asked. Remus felt the blood draining from his face. Peter was watching him intently, and even James was listening instead of trying to flirt with Lilly.

 

“Whatever, Prongs,” Sirius laughed.

“You’ll be sorry, Padfoot!” James retorted.

“Guys, calm down—”

“Shut it, Moony,” James told Remus, who had been trying to restore peace.

“And don’t even bother saying anything, Wormtail,” Sirius said to Peter, who had opened his mouth to speak.

 

“I’d be there if I could find it!” Remus exclaimed. “But it’s bloody impossible to find your way around! I’ve passed that joke shop at least a hundred times!”

“And you haven’t gone in it yet?” James asked incredulously. “How much more of a sign do you need?”

“I don’t need any sign, unless it says ‘This Way to the Three Broomsticks!’”
 
 

“I—I really don’t want to tell you...”

“Then I guess you really don’t want to be my boyfriend,” Bethany huffed, beginning to stand.

“Bethany, wait,” Remus said, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back down to the ground. “I’ll tell you...”

“All right, then,” she said contently, settling herself back down. Remus gulped. This was it. This was the one thing Remus had never wanted to do. But now he had to.