Chapter 2: Classes
«How was your detention? », asked Remus, when they met him and Peter in the Great Hall.
«Can't wait for potions class», said Sirius.
«We should definitely pay a visit to the library», commented James.
Peter looked at them questioningly.
«But of course, that doesn't stop us from doing it again. »
James and Sirius bandied looks.
«Not really. »
Remus smiled.
«Actually, I wanted to go to the library today. »
«Only when a certain someone is coming along, isn't it mate. »
James poked him in the ribs.
«Ouch, that hurts. »
Lily Evans entered the Great Hall and his friend's gaze rested on her.
«When is full moon again? », asked Sirius. Remus eyed him, silently begging him to lower his voice.
«Mate», chimed in James.
«Sirius, this Slytherin over there is watching you», Peter interrupted them.
Remus recognized him immediately.
«Regulus? »
«Yes», answered Remus.
James rose and hauled Sirius up.
«Slughorn awaits you. »
«Yes, Professor. Of course, Professor. »
«Haven't you said-»
«Moony, no. I am not in good mood for this. »
Remus gathered his books together, smiling.
«Come on, Padfoot, it's your favourite class. »
Sirius gave James a look.
Together they left the Great Hall.
«I am having transfiguration now», said James.
«Charms», whispered Peter.
«Defence against the Dark Arts. » Remus adjusted his left sleeve.
Peter lowered his head.
«I forgot to bring my book», noted James.
«Books are overrated. »
James laughed.
«I would agree with you, if it wasn't McGonagall's class. »
Lily passed them by, smiled at Remus, mustered James for a moment, and headed for the stairs.
«If you ask me, she realized you would join her for transfiguration class and does not look forward to it», noted Sirius.
Remus fetched his transfiguration book and handed it to James.
«You can borrow mine and now I fear we all should leave. Classes start soon. Otherwise, we're late. »
«Moony is right», agreed James.
«I will fail my class», mumbled Peter.
Remus looked at him. «You will not. »
«Believe me. »
James tarried. Lily was in there. Lily Evans. He closed his eyes, concentrated, and opened the door. James ignored the last rows, searching for a seat close to McGonagall's desk. He had long figured out, the closer the Professor, the less they took notice of him. Lily slowly placed her bag on the free seat next to her. James' smile grew wider. He took that as an invitation. «Hey Evans, is this seat already taken? » Lily winced, then she turned around and looked at him.
Lily hesitated. «No», she gave in and removed her bag.
James grinned. «Thank you. »
«I wished Remus would share this course with me and not you», she mumbled.
«Oh really. »
«Yes. He is kind and caring. Two qualities you're lacking. »
«I can be kind and caring too. »
«Oh reall», she imitated him.
«I like your humour. »
«I don't really like yours», she replied, turning away.
Lily did not like him. Lily never liked him. Why does it have to be her?
James placed down book and wand, when McGonagall changed back to human. He fetched a pencil, twirling it around till Professor McGonagall spoke to them.
«Today we will review Animagi and the vanishing spell. »
Next to him, Lily took out her quill.
He lowered his head and looked out of the window.
«Mr. Potter. »
He smiled at her politely.
«Yes, Professor. »
«Do I bore you very much? »
«Not at all, Professor. »
McGonagall viewed him suspiciously.
«I suppose I do, because you're not paying attention. »
He opened his mouth.
«You may go, Mr. Potter, but I expect a perfectly written essay about Animagi and the use of the vanishing spell, handed to me till afternoon. »
«Professor? »
She crossed her arms.
«Yes, Professor. Until afternoon. »
He packed up his things and with a smile he left the classroom.
Remus had stared at this book for a while now, when James entered the Common Room. He lifted his head.
«Shouldn't you be in class? » Remus asked with a faint smile.
James slumped into a chair next to him.
«I did fail to focus, so I got expelled. »
His friend mustered him. «Are you alright? »
Remus closed the book.
«Yes, I am fine. »
James fetched paper and quill.
«Sure? »
«For you look not good at all. And shouldn't you be in class either? » James smiled.
«Yes… Only struggling with... you know and today's talk about... it... did not help either», he laughed wryly.
«Sometimes I... never mind. »
James clutched at his book.
«Sorry», he mumbled.
«Full moon was in a week, isn't it? » James said in a low voice.
Remus nodded. «Yes. »
James was flipping through the pages.
«I fainted. »
«You did? »
Remus folded his hands.
James grinned.
Remus gave himself a pat on the back. Then he closed his eyes.
«Don't worry over next full moon. Believe me, it will be better this time. »
James smiled and passed the book back to him.
«What is this essay about? »
«One about Animagi and the other one about the vanishing spell. »
«Until afternoon», James added.
«I see. » Remus looked aside.
«How are things going with the Patronus spell? »
«Slowly», he answered.
«Moony. »
«Hm.»
«Even if it will have the shape of a wolf, don't worry about it. A wolf fits you perfectly, for you are kind and caring. They are too. In their very own way. »
Remus smiled.
«Maybe. »
Maybe.
«Maybe, you will go to school, but your mother and I have not yet decided. But, don't worry Remus, I will teach you here. »
He had asked his father if there was a chance for him to attend Hogwarts. The letter, he had awaited his whole life, arrived yesterday. His father had said it was not yet decided, but his look had spoken more than thousands of words. He would not go to Hogwarts. It was too dangerous. He was too dangerous. Being among children of his age, finding friends... would not happen. And, he understood. It was too dangerous.
Note: Yes, I decided it would be quite nice for Remus having his "own thing" when the others turn into Animagi in their fifth year. It isn´t exactly mentioned, or at least I found nothing about when Remus managed his patronus.