Chapter 14

I don't see Remus in class at all Friday. I was hoping he would see me and feel all tons of guilt and just apologize on the spot, telling me how wrong he was. I of course would forgive him and we would move on, happy to have the normalcy back in our relationship. But boy was that one hell of a fantasy.

I didn't see him or the boys at breakfast, but I just assumed they slept in or something. In double Herbology, Lily and I sat next to each and pretended last night didn't happen. Professor Sprout told us how to behave better in the greenhouses next time, apparently not liking some of the tomfoolery she witnessed Wednesday when we fed the self-fertilizing shrubs the flesh they needed. I spent my break working on an essay she gave us and headed to Potions, hoping to catch Remus there.

No luck though. Peter, James, and Sirius were there looking dead tired, but their fourth friend was missing.

By the time Defense Against the Dark Arts arrived, I decided to ask the boys where Remus was, wondering if he's avoiding me because of the fight. They assure me that's not the case and face forward to the Professor going off on something or the other. My mind was too busy to focus on what he was saying exactly.

"-and Ronnie said he would bring Easton with him for you." I tune into Mandy's conversation at dinner.

"Oh good, so Ronnie said he could come!" I say, happy for her.

I'll for sure see Remus tomorrow so I shouldn't worry. I just can't help thinking if this is about our fight and he got so mad that he skipped class to do something.

"Are you sure Remus is okay with this?" Mandy asks me.

"What do you mean?"

She looks around, and, seeing no one potentially listening in, carries on.

"It's just that this Quidditch game is going to look like a triple date. I'll be with Ronnie, Sally with Easton, and you with Alex."

"Hmmm. It does seem that way, but it isn't, so we should be fine."

"Speaking of Remus," Sally says, "I haven't seen him one time today. Usually you two are so lovey dovey. Something happen?"

"Nope. All's good." I ache to tell them but don't want to find out later that I was just overreacting.

The library is packed tonight. Everywhere you turn there are students wandering back and forth between shelves, studiously writing essays at the wood tables, and playing with their wands. I even caught one couple going at it.

That should be me.

I quickly finish up on my Astronomy star chart due next period. It takes me double as long as is usually does since Remus isn't here to help me figure out the night sky. It's good in a way. It makes me not have to rely on him so much, to be independent.

"I don't want to be a bother, but can you help me with this Herbology essay on Fluxweed?" Lily asks as I carefully roll up my chart, tying it shut with a black ribbon.

"Sure! I already did mine before break so I can go get it if you would like, even though I've retained the information about it already." I pull my chair closer to hers.

"That's fine; you don't have to go get it."

"Fluxweed is obviously known for its healing properties. It's used in Polyjuice Potion but for it to work correctly, it can only be picked on the full moon."

"So like last night." Lily says.

"Yes."

"Okay, let me write this down." She says and I wait.

"Excuse me, but it is 9 pm – curfew time. You are to return to your common rooms now." Amelya strides over to us and says in her commanding voice. "Oh and Corinne, my brother told me to tell you that he'll meet you in the common room tomorrow morning."

"Oh okay, thanks." I smile at her as I pack my things up.

"Who was that? She was very fine." Sirius asks me.

We walk slowly through the hallways, having to go our separate ways soon.

"Alex's sister. She's a prefect too."

"Not bad. Not bad at all." He says.

"What did she mean when she said Alex will be waiting for you tomorrow?" James inquires.

"We're going to the Quidditch game. Are you guys going?"

"Just the two of you?" James asks.

"No. Sally, Mandy, and some other guys are coming. You all are welcome to join us!"

"Maybe we'll see you there. Wouldn't want to interrupt your date." James replies.

"Don't tell me you believe in that foolhardy too. Whatever. I'll see you all tomorrow whether it's at the game or in the Great Hall." I stop and turn back around to them at the staircase I'm about to dissent. "Will Remus be at the game tomorrow?"

They shrug.

"I doubt it. Don't worry too much. You'll see him Monday for sure." Sirius reassures.

Because I wanted to wait that long to see Remus anyway.

I go down the stairs and find the barrels, tapping them and crawling through. Knowing that I'll have to leave for Astronomy soon, I claim one of the fat chairs in the corner of the room and study for a test I have Tuesday.

Never a bad thing to over-study, only under-study.

I crawl down when I hear a girl's giggle mixed with a man's chuckle, not wanting to ruin their moment like Sirius makes it his mission to always kill Remus's and mine.

"You're so pretty Julia." I hear the man's voice as he kisses her and realize it as Alex's.

She giggles some more.

"Do you want to come to my room tonight? I'm tired of kicking your roommates out all the time." He asks her.

I guess she complies because I see them go through door leading to the men's dormitories.

I run to my room and get out a parchment as quickly as possible.

Dear Remus,

I hope you're in your room or come to Astronomy tonight. I have to tell you something about Alex.. I'll tell you tonight in class. Trust me, you'll like it.

I can't wait to show you my star chart. It took me awhile but I think it's the best one I made.

I missed you today.

Corinne

I crossed off the last line, not wanting to sound so needy and send it off to Pearl and sit on my bed as I eagerly await his reply.

I tuck myself in slowly and just lay in my bed. Mandy and Sally ask me what's wrong, but I don't answer. I just want to be alone and think.

Remus wasn't in class and never replied to my letter. Pearl came back without a response, so I know he got it. He couldn't have gotten mad over Alex. He's the calm and fair-minded of the Marauders. Remus would've come to his senses by now. Something else must be going on.