Chapter 26
Lily and Remus entered the Prefect's carriage on the Hogwarts Express to check in before patrolling the corridors. They listened as the year's Head Boy and Girl gave end of term announcements and then turned to start their patrol.
"Remus," Lily said, stopping him.
"Yes?" He answered, turning back.
"I developed that picture by the lake. The one of you and Avedra. Do you still want your copy?" She was holding the picture in her hand. How he didn't notice it earlier, he wasn't sure.
"Oh," he did want it. It was proof that Avedra had been his, for however short of a time. "Yeah, sure."
He took it from her and looked at it. There she was with her ebony curls falling down her back, her hands around his neck, looking into his eyes and then kissing him. As with all wizard pictures they were moving, but unlike some pictures, they were completely absorbed with each other. He could almost feel her, just looking at the picture.
"It turned out really well." Lily said, starting down the corridor. "I'm wondering if I should send Avedra her copy? Or if that wouldn't be the best idea?"
Remus didn't know how to answer her. He'd like Avedra to have the picture, to remember him by, but he didn't want her hurting herself anymore. He said nothing.
"Do you have plans for the summer?" She asked, conversationally.
"Not really. James and Sirius want to meet up at some point, and I guess that'll be fun. Other than that, nothing much." He answered, checking compartments to make sure no bullying was going on. "You?"
"We don't really do much during the summer. Dad works most of it and when he does take a holiday, he's too tired to do much. I'd like to meet up with Avedra at some point, to check on her."
They continued chatting as they walked the corridors, not taking a break until it was time for the lunch trolley to arrive.
"Are you coming to our compartment?" Remus asked, not sure if she'd want to spend her trip with James.
"No, I said I meet up with Alice." Lily replied, turning away. "Have a good summer, Remus."
"You too," he called after her.
He found the Marauder compartment and slid into an empty seat. He looked back at the picture in his hand and thought about Avedra. Was she still in the hospital? Or was she home, healed? He didn't have much time to consider before the picture was tugged from his hand.
"What have you got here, Moony?" Sirius asked, checking what he'd stolen. One look was enough, his grin faded and he handed it back. "Sorry, mate."
James looked curious and so did Peter. Remus sighed and handed the picture to James. He watched two of his friends look at the very best of memories captured. James handed it back, looking somber.
"Why do you have that?" James asked. "I thought you were steering clear of her."
"Lily took it. I'd told her that I wanted a copy of it, and so she made me one." Remus said in what he hoped was an offhanded tone.
"Doesn't it bother you to look at it?" Peter asked.
"No, it means it was real no matter what happened. Proof, I guess you'd call it." He said, standing up and putting it in his trunk overhead.
"Moony, are you sure," Sirius started, but one look from Remus silenced him.
"Yes, I'm sure, Padfoot."
The arrival of the lunch trolley drove the awkwardness out of the compartment. After the witch left, they immersed themselves in eating and no one mentioned Avedra again.