I don't own Harry Potter or any of the characters.

It was nearing the end of the school year and Remus J. Lupin was once again in the library. He was hiding from James Potter, Peter Pettigrew, and Sirius Black. The three other first years were constantly getting into trouble and Remus didn't want anything to do with that. Not with his... condition.

It wasn't as though he didn't like the other boys; he just didn't know how to approach them. Past age six, he didn't have any friends fearing that they would discover his secret. The only person he could turn to was his mother. But she wasn't at Hogwarts and owls could only dampen the loneliness a little. It would never completely go away.

Now he was in the library studying for his exams; unaware of the set of hazel eyes that were staring at him until the owner of those eyes spoke. He jumped a meter when he heard his name being called.

"Hey Lupin, Lupin, earth to Lupin." James finally got his attention. "Wow, Lupin, it seemed like you were on a whole other planet just then."

"I was just thinking about home. Why are you talking to me? Don't you some insidious plot you need to exert?"

"Huh?"

"Do you have one those pranks to pull?"

"Nope, not right now. Actually, I need your help."

"With what? Aren't you at the top of the class?"

"I would be but I'm nearly failing Potions. Slughorn is too tough for me."

"Why don't you get one of your friends to help?"

"I would but Sirius is the worst teacher imaginable and you're already tutoring Peter. Evans won't come anywhere near me since I 'accidentally' turned her hair banana yellow. Please, will you help me? I can't fail Potions."

The two weeks before the exams passed quickly for the two boys. All of the potions that James created were perfect and Remus soon became suspicious of James. He tried to relax but his instincts fought him. He knew that sooner or later he would have to question James' motives. It was two days before the exams when Remus confronted him. He didn't know what to expect but James' answer wasn't it.

"James, why did you ask me for help? It's obvious that you don't need help in Potions. Some of those Potions were almost as good as Snape's. Why were you lying to me?"

"I was trying to get you to loosen up a little. Remus, in case you haven't noticed, I'm your only friend and that was only for the past couple weeks."

"I have friends." Remus was a little hurt by the blunt statement, no matter how true it was.

"The people you tutor don't count. I was trying to get you to have some fun. I'm one of Slughorn's top students. We've been living with each other for the past nine months and I don't know a thing about you. It would be a lot easier for everyone if you admitted that you liked me."

"James, I'm flattered but I'm not into that kind of thing."

"Huh?" then the comment suddenly dawn on him. "Why I think that was the funniest thing I have ever heard you say. But then again you are a stick in the mud."

"Huh?"

"I don't know what it means. I heard Evans use it once and I thought it was funny. So, we're friends?"

"Yeah, I think I can fit that into my schedule. Plus with my smarts you guys will less likely be caught by Professor McGonagall."

"Well, welcome to the team."

"It's my pleasure."