Chapter 20: Courting Dilemmas, A Change in Status

The next morning all the Marauders had gathered in the common room around Remus who seemed troubled. Sirius quipped up, "Hey Moony, what's on your mind?"

Remus looked up and hesitantly said, "Promise me that none of you will laugh?"

James hugged Remus with one arm and said, "Moony, we won't laugh especially not when it's been bugging you this much, right guys?" Peter and Sirius nodded their agreement. Remus gave them a hesitant smile, "Harmony…I wanted to start the courting process this year now that I had the gifts and everything ready for the Courting Steps. Now though she's considered a staff member…is that even ok?"

Sirius took a minute to think about it, "She's not teaching you personally or grading your work Remus…so maybe on a technicality. You might want to ask her brother though…or maybe Professor McGonagall?"

Remus sighed, "I would ask Severus but, I need to catch him when Harmony isn't there I technically only did the first step…I still have to give them gifts as they both share the title as the Heads of House Prince. Then I have to publically ask her to accept my suit in front of everyone. I need to know that she won't be seen as unprofessional or get into any kind of trouble for it."

Lily who had been walking by took a moment to consider before nodding and leaving the common room ahead of the Marauders. She entered the Great Hall and for the first time since Severus called her a Mudblood by accident she approached her former best friend. She called to him softly, "Severus, Professor Von Virvant, may I speak with you both privately?"

Both Severus and the Professor looked up quickly at her soft question and shared a glance before stepping out through a side door and leading her out into a private hall. Severus looked hesitant before asking Lily, "What can we help you with Lily?"

Lily gave a sigh, "Before I ask anything Severus…I wanted to apologize for the way our friendship fell apart two years ago," She held her hand up before he could interrupt, "I know what you said was cruel Severus but," she gave an earnest glance, "I know how defensive you are when the Marauders are involved and I never should have taken those hasty words personally…especially when you came to the tower every day for weeks after trying to apologize."

She smiled and nodded when she was satisfied with what was said, "Now I came here because I heard a certain guy in the common room saying he wants to be with your sister." Severus was able to follow and nodded in understanding as she explained, "He's worried that her new status as an assistant teacher could prevent the courting process from starting so rather than see him mope miserably decided to come ask you directly. Do you think her status in the school will negatively impact his plans to court your sister?"

Severus looked up to Professor Von Virvant who scratched his chin thoughtfully, "It is seen as strange but, he was her escort to the Yule Ball last year from what I understand and to you, Severus, he made his intentions to court her known. Since the relationship preceded her change of status from apprentice and fellow student to Master I don't think it can negatively impact either of them. She doesn't grade his work or teach his classes so there won't be any mistakes of favoritism to be made."

Severus nodded and turned to Lily, "I still feel you were well within your rights to end our friendship but, I thank you for coming to speak with me about this. My sister is truly fond of Remus and would have been disappointed if he started distancing himself from her due to the change in her position in school. We will still be taking our remaining classes with our peers that we haven't earned Masteries for."

Lily grinned and gave Severus a soft hug, "Thanks Severus, I'll let him know don't be surprised if he presents your gifts to you at some point." She then turned and headed back into the Great Hall both Severus and the Professor following after her. Lily moved over and stole an open seat next to Remus causing James to pout and said in a sing song tone, "I have good news for you Remus!"

Remus looked up at Lily curious, "What kind of good news?" Lily smiled and moved to whisper in his ear causing James to glare in jealousy, "I asked Severus about the courting dilemma with Professor Von Virvant, because your relationship and escorting Harmony to the Yule Ball last year there is no stigma against you asking her to court you…Good Luck!"

Lily then moved to sit next to James who looked torn between confusion and relief making Lily smile to herself, 'Potter…you're easier to read than you think.'

Remus looked so much happier the guys wondered what kind of new Lily had to share with him. Remus quickly launched himself from the table to go retrieve the gifts from his room in the Gryffindor tower. Severus smirked with Siegfried who chuckled, "Eager boy isn't he?" The two enjoyed the spectacle the young werewolf had made as they returned to their breakfasts.

Harmony looked up to see Remus go from upset to excited and rushing out of the Hall she whispered to Narcissa, "I wonder what he's so excited about, he seemed really down earlier."

Narcissa saw a soft smile on Minerva's face and looked to Harmony with a slight shrug, "I guess we just have to wait and see."