Chapter 4 ~*~ Time to face the truth
As the four of them stepped off the train, they heard a voice. "Firs' years o'er 'ere please!" Lily blinked suddenly realizing that that was about the sixth or seventh deja vu she's had that day, but once again she shrugged it off. The girls were walking side by side, going from Lily (left), to Hannah, to Allison, to Katie (right), when three others, linked arms with them from behind.
"How are you three lovely ladies doing today?"
"James, you saw us fifteen minutes ago!" Katie had to shout, since she was at the other end, but he got the message all the same.
They were now lined up (from left to right), Lily, James, Hannah, Sirius, Allison, Remus, and Katie. They all chatted as they walked along, and when they reached the voice that had been calling the first years, they all immediately stopped in their tracks. Well actually, Remus and Allison were about to keep going, but since they were all linked together, they were stuck to the spot.
"Why, hello Hagrid!" Allison had broken the silence.
"Hello Alli, Remus." He said nodded to them both before continuing, "I'm glad to see you've made friends, especially with each other."
"Us to." Remus replied. "Guy's, this is Rubeus Hagrid. Hagrid, meet Lily, James, Hannah, Sirius, and Katie. You obviously already know Alli and me." Remus pointed to everyone, as he went down the line. Allison flinched when he called her `Alli', but no one noticed.
"Nice to meet ya all, now faller me!"
All the first years continued to follow Hagrid, and the chained line followed in the back.
"You guys know him?" Sirius said.
"Yes. Why? What's wrong?" Allison seemed to think Sirius had something against him, but he caught it in time.
"Nothing is wrong! I swear! He's just, well, really tall."
"Yes, well, he's half giant actually." Remus said this in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Really?" Lily asked.
"Yep, always has been, and told him the first time I met him." Allison seemed glad to reply to this question.
"So when did you meet him, Allison?" Lily asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"Er.well." Allison started, but Remus chose to nudge her in the side right then, and fortunately only Katie saw. Allison caught both of their worried glances, but being her daring self, ignored them. "I had to come here for a summer visit."
"Why's that?" Now James decided to join in.
"Well.I.er.I had to work out a small problem."
"So what was the problem?" Of coarse Sirius had to jump in now.
Immediately Hannah, Katie, and Remus froze in the spot, with complete worry edged in their faces. Allison was just as white as they were, and began stuttering. "I.I.I-I.I was." but right then Hagrid called them over, and they dropped the subject. Allison, along with Katie, Remus, and Hannah, let out a sigh or relief. Katie and Hannah knew how much Allison hated to lie to her friends, and they hated to see her lie when she did. She would feel so bad afterwards.
They all unchained themselves, and walked out of the clump of trees they had been walking through, to come out at a lake with a few dozen rowboats. "Now no more than four to a boat!" At this they all separated. The boys were going one way and the girls another. Allison kept quickly glancing over at Lily.
"Hey Remus?" Katie had caught one of her glances and had a plan. "Could you come here a sec?"
"Alright, I'm coming!" He yelled back over to their boat.
Now Hannah had caught a glance, and knew what was going on. "Hey Lily?" She was now determined to help out.
"Yeah?"
"Er.could you switch boats with Remus? Please! It's really important!"
"Sure Hannah. I don't see why not." So Lily got out, and headed over to the boy's boat, feeling slightly hurt.
"Hey Remus."
"Hey Lily."
"They want us to switch boats for some reason."
"Alright. Tell the guys, okay?"
"Sure, all right. See you in a bit."
"Yep. See you!" So they both worked their way over to the opposite boats they were in before. Lily got to the boys first, and Remus to the girls seconds later. Once they were both in their new seating, the boats began to propel themselves through the water.
"So.who's your new friend James? Sirius?" Lily had motioned to a short, fat, rat-faced boy, who had joined their boat.
"The name is Peter Pettigrew." He said.
"He beat me to answering." Was James's answer.
"Same here." Sirius replied, or rather scowled. He didn't appear to like Peter much.
"So why did you two switch?" James asked.
"Well, Allison was looking really scared, or nervous because she." but then Lily was interrupted.
Sirius looked up at this. No that's an understatement; he jolted straight up in his seat. "What happened to Allison?"
"Well, if you'd listen Sirius, maybe you'd hear the rest." Now Sirius was silent and all ears. "Wow, you really like her, don't you?"
"As a friend. Now continue."
"All right, well anyways. The other four of them seem to know something about her that we don't, and they wanted to talk. It's just a guess though."
"No." James said. "It sound's pretty close to me. And Sirius buddy, you really do like her, don't you?"
"AS.A.FRIEND!" Now Sirius was turning dark red, and he spoke through gritted teeth.
Meanwhile, in the other boat, Allison wasn't doing quite as well as the others.
"You guys!" Allison was pleading with her two best friends. "Why did you have to ask him over here?"
"Because we want to know some more, and I'm sure he does to!" Katie was determined to get Allison back to her usual self.
"What do I want to know?" Remus had just arrived, and had raised his eyebrows as he asked this question.
"Nothing." Allison mumbled.
"Doesn't sound like nothing to me." Remus replied, throwing a dazzling smile. Then he turned to face Hannah and Katie. "So I assume you all know my secret." Katie and Hannah nodded, both with smiles on their faces.
"And you're sure you don't mind?"
"Yep, were sure." Katie said. "All three of us." Even Allison had to smile, and in seeing this, Remus grabbed her hand, in a best friend manner, and gave it a squeeze.
"You'll be fine. You've got the three of us always as backup though, if you ever need it."
"Thank you Remus." And the first thing she did, was hug him. At first Remus was a bit stunned, but then he hugged her back.
"Welcome."
"You to guys. I wouldn't even be here if you had ditched me when I told you." Allison immediately gave Katie and Hannah a hug, just like she did Remus.
"Oh, you know us.always glad to help." Hannah had to snort at her own comment. It brought back memories of cooking and games, where they would ditch one another so they wouldn't have to clean.
"So we're all happy then?" Remus asked.
"No. What are we going to tell Lily, James, and Remus?" Katie asked.
"Well we could make up lies and hide it." One look at Hannah and Katie told him that that was definitely the wrong thing to say. Allison looked close to tears after this, and Remus had no idea why.
"Er.Remus?" Katie started.
"Yeah?" He had tried to comfort her, as Allison was slightly paling more and more each second.
"Allison has no problem lying to enemies, parents, teachers, etc., but she takes huge guilt when she lies to her friends. She hasn't told a lie to a friend in four years." Katie said.
"Really, Allison?" Remus asked her sympathetically. He was just watching her while she paled, and she just looked up enough to nod.
"Why does she take it so hard? Lying I mean." Remus whispered, looking right at Katie for an explanation. When Hannah started talking, he turned to face her.
"Four years ago was the last time she lied, because of what the lie led to. Her and her best friend got in an argument because Allison didn't tell her something, and her friend stormed out of the house. Allison ran out after her, but her friend was running across the street. She didn't see the car coming, and.well. died." Hannah finished up there, and immediately looked at Allison. "I'm surprised she let's you call her Alli. That's what her best friend called her, and most people who call her that cause her to break down. The ones that don't, usually comfort her. You are one of the lucky few." Remus had to smile at this, but when he looked at Allison it quickly faded. She had gone so white and she looked so tired.
"Allison?" Hannah asked.
No Answer
"Alli?" Remus asked again.
"Huh? Oh, Remus. What?"
"Are you alright, Allison?" Katie asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine Katie."
"Hey guys. Look! It's the castle!" Hannah yelled anxiously, not to mention wanting to change the subject.
"Good observation Hannah!" Remus snorted.
"Hey!" and she hit him playfully, on the arm.
As they got closer and closer to the docks, Allison got more and more nervous, and everyone could tell.
"Allison?" Hannah asked.
"Yeah?"
"Are you absolutely sure your all right?" Katie asked.
"Yes. I'm fine." But she failed to prove that the minute she stepped out of the boat. She stood there for a second, and when she went to take a step forward, her knees gave and she collapsed.
"Allison!" Katie shrieked, as Remus jumped forward and caught her just before she hit the ground.
"Why me.why me."
"Why you what?" he asked.
"Katie? Hannah? You can go ahead."
"You sure?" Katie said.
"Yes."
"All right. Come on Hannah." So they set off and found a very worried Lily, James, and Sirius.
"So guys, how was your boat ride?" Katie asked as they approached the door.
"Pretty good. So how is Allison?" Sirius sounded like he would die if they didn't tell him, but yet they knew they couldn't.
"What do you mean?" Hannah asked calmly. You could see her eyes just daring him to continue, but the giant doors, which were opening before them, interrupted her. "Where are Remus and Allison?" Hannah whispered this part to Katie.
"Allison was pretty tired. I'm sure they're coming Hannah. Just give them a bit more time." Katie whispered back.
Truth be told, Allison was awfully worn out, and Remus was just plain worried about her.
"Alli?"
"Hmmm?"
"Why you what?"
"We should get going." Allison tried to stand back up, and almost fell over again, but Remus helped her. He pulled her left arm over his shoulders, and put his right arm around her back to help steady her.
"Well, we do want to get sorted." He added.
This put a smile on her face. "Yeah, you're right."
"You scared?"
"No, I'm terrified!"
"I don't blame you." He said laughing. They had reached the base of the stone steps, and it was taking them a while to get up the fifty stone steps.
"You're the one who seems so scared about it, why aren't you worried?"
"Because I'm to worried about my friend right now to care."
"Really?" Her face lit up in a big grin when he said that to her.
"Yep. You're the only other person I've met like me, and you're a good friend I don't want to lose you."
"Oh, thank you so much Remus. You've been a great help to me. This would be so much harder on my own."
"Well, you're not on your own, so don't worry."
"I could be."
"Oh. Shut up!"
"Sympathetic aren't you?"
"Yep! I'm such a big help!"
"You are, you know."
"Thanks. We made it, look!" He nodded at the door, and began to kick it open. Once they slid inside, they saw the rest of the first years going through another set of doors. The two of them hurried as quick as they could across the dimly lit hall. It was a bit hard considering Remus was still helping Allison, but they made it, and slipped into the room, behind the rest of the first years.
"Where have you two been!" Hannah would have yelled this, but she would have gotten the whole halls attention, and that wouldn't be the best thing.
"It took me a while to get up Han. Sorry if we worried you."
"No it's fine. It's just, the five of us were about to have a hippogriff if you didn't show."
"Five?" Allison asked.
"Yes, five. Sirius is way to obsessive when it comes to you. He'd probably have a horntail, rather then a hippogriff."
They all had to laugh at this, but stopped when they began to hear a song. They looked up to see a battered old hat, sitting on a three-legged stool in front of the teacher's table. A flap in the brim had opened as a mouth, and it was actually singing.
I welcome all the young and new
And remember all the old
I recommend you come to me
If you want your true house told
Gryffindor was wise and brave
And valued true at heart
While Hufflepuff always preferred
Loyalty from the start
Ravenclaw had a picky choice
And preferred the wise over some
While Slytherins are power-drawn
And darkness is what may come
So I'm the sorting hat you see
I know where you belong
No matter, how long I take
I've never yet been wrong
At the end of this, everyone burst into applause. Even Remus let go of Allison for a few seconds so she could clap, but had to catch her again when she started to drop. By now the rest of the group had noticed the two, and had mingled their way over to Remus, Hannah, and Allison.
"Oh My God! Allison, are you okay?"
"Yes Lily, I'm fine." She had managed a smile after all that had happened so far.
"Allison! Are you alright!" Sirius said. He had noticed how she was clinging to Remus for support.
Allison had to blush, no one knew, but she sort of had a small thing for Sirius. She first hoped to at least get the kind of friendship she had with Remus, Katie, and Hannah, with him. "Yeah I'm fine. Don't have a horntail!" And with that, Hannah, Remus, and Allison burst out laughing. No one else had heard the joke, so they didn't really understand. But they were soon all jolted back to reality, when a stern looking witch began to call out names. Student after student sat on the stool and pulled the hat on their head.
"Black, Sirius!" she called.
"Luck." Allison said.
"Thanks." He replied and walked of to the stool. The hat hadn't been on his head for more then five seconds, when it shouted "Gryffindor!" The gryffindor table cheered, and Sirius took his place at the table.
A Kale Dean and Samantha Earl, were made the first Ravenclaws. Then it was Lily's turn. She had nervously sat down, and pulled the hat on. James was ready to jump up and down when the hat called out "Gryffindor!", but called against it since he was technically, just friends with her.
After Katie too became a gryffindor, it was Remus's turn. He gently handed Allison over to James, before heading off to the stool.
"Luck Remus." Allison said.
He just smiled back at them. He was too nervous to speak. He sat on the stool, for almost a minute, before he was announced a "Gryffindor!"
A few others, including a, Malfoy, Lucius who was sorted into Slytherin, went before James was called up. Hannah, being so much smaller then Allison, couldn't possibly hold her. So James asked an Allen Zabbi, to hold her for him. He gladly agreed, and James made his way to the stool. The hat had barley touched his head when it shouted "Gryffindor!" The table cheered, as it had done so many times before, and James sat down at the table. Two more students were sorted into Hufflepuff, and then it was Hannah's turn. She first gave Allison a quick hug, and then went and sat. All of her friends were tense. Especially Lily. She had talked to Hannah about this the most, and Hannah's parents were both in Ravenclaw. Everyone was still tense, when after a good five minutes the hat shouted "Rav.no. NO! Gryffindor!" Hannah practically sprinted to the table in pure joy.
Allison was beginning to panic again. When she was her other friends, she felt much better then now. It figures, that she would have to be the last one called out of her friends. When her name was called, she thanked Allen for his help, and shakily made her way to the stool. When she put the hat on her head, she like Remus, waited for about a minute, before it finally called out."Gryffindor!"
She didn't care how tired she was. She was so happy about being with all of her friends. She gave a shaky smile at Remus, who had saved her a seat next to him. She gladly took it and watched the rest of the sorting. One other girl was sorted into gryffindor. Her name was Rebecca Wella. Rebecca had shoulder length brown hair, and dark hazel eyes. She may have been pretty, but the other four girls cut her out of the running. She also had a really bitchy attitude, so no one really got along with her.
When the sorting was over, Dumbledore stood up. The hall was silent as he spoke. "I would like to remind you, that the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds, and no student is to enter. I would also like to point out the Whomping Willow tree. It is very dangerous, and I suggest you all stay away if you wish to remain unscathed. Now just three words, Full Moon Duo!"
Remus and Allison both froze. "He wouldn't.would he?" Allison asked Remus.
"No. He wouldn't.I at least hope not."
"Well dig in Remus. Sirius and James seem to be way ahead of you." Hannah said. She had to stifle a laugh when she saw the look of pure horror he showed at the fact that he was behind. He began stuffing his face, while Lily started a conversation with Allison, Katie, and Hannah. Dinner was going great when Sirius spoke up. "So Alli.what happened earlier?" Sirius immediately received three looks that clearly said wrong move. He looked over at Allison and noticed that she'd dropped her fork and was about to cry.
"Allison?" He asked again, but she just stood up and ran out into the hall.
"What did I do?" Sirius was clearly confused.
"It's not your fault bud, you didn't know. Katie, Hannah? You want to explain what you can to them and I'll go help her?"
"Sure Remus. Oh and the Password is willow, just in case."
"Thanks Katie!" he shouted back, as he ran out of the hall after her.
"Welcome!" she yelled back.
"Hannah?" Sirius asked.
"Er.yeah.I guess I should explain to you guys the situation." Hannah seemed quite upset about explaining it again, but she did so anyway.
"Yes.I think you should. Please!" Sirius was ready to start pleading, but fortunately he didn't have to.
Once again the story was explained, but Hannah started this time. "See, Allison, has no problem lying to parents, enemy's, teachers, etc., but she takes extreme guilt in lying to her friends."
"Why is that?" Lily asked.
"You don't want to know Lily, but we have to tell you or you'll never understand." Katie had jumped in now, and was telling the painful part this time.
"Alright. Spill." This was James, simple and to the point.
"Well.because of the guilt, she hasn't lied to any friend in four years." Hannah cut back in. "Sorry. I wanted to finish the easy part." They all laughed a bit.
Now Katie decided to continue on with the rest of the story. "You see, four years ago, Allison lied to her best friend and they got into a large argument. Her best friend ran out the door, and of coarse Allison followed, but when she ran out all she saw was her best friend run across the street and get hit by a car. She died that day, and Allison takes the blame on her lying."
"So How is it I made her cry?" Sirius was starting to feel really bad, but confused at the same time.
"Her best friend was the only one who called her Alli. Every time anyone else calls her Alli, she breaks down in tears. There are few people who she lets call her that." Katie finished, a strange look of relief on her face.
"Man.that's harsh." James looked sympathetic.
"I know." Lily looked close to tears.
"I'm such an arse!" Sirius was furious with himself. "Wait! Why does he get the lucky streak of calling her Alli and her not breaking down?"
"Some people comfort her more then anything with that name. Remus is most likely the most comforting friend she's got now. More than Katie and I." Hannah had taken over now. Katie's voice was getting weak.
"I know I'm pushing, but why?" Lily they would not answer her entirely, but she wanted to get out what she could.
"Why is he more comforting?" Hannah repeated. "Well he knows what she's going through more then anyone else." She said once again.
"This is too confusing for tonight. Let's go to bed and we'll carry on tomorrow night." James stifled a yawn after he said that, and they all stood up, and headed up to gryffindor tower.
Halfway there, they were stopped by the new poltergeist, Peeves, who was saying something about "Ickkle werewolves wandering the halls." Once he left, they almost immediately ran into Remus and Allison. Allison did look a bit better, and sounded like Remus was doing a great job getting her there. She was laughing.
Before the rest of the group had caught up with the two, Remus definitely had his work cut out for him. Allison wasn't the easiest person you could get to admit her feelings.
"Allison! Allison wait!" Remus said. He was sprinting in the same direction as her after she had left the hall, trying to keep up.
"Allison! Please!" at the last word she stopped.
When Remus reached her, he could see that this had really hurt her, and could take some time. "Alli?"
"Huh?"
"Are you going to be okay?"
"N-no." Allison stuttered, and she looked like she was trying to keep from crying.
Remus put his arm around her shoulders for comfort. "It's gonna be fine. You've got Katie, Hannah, and I to help you. Not to mention, if Lily, James, and Sirius don't accept you, then they're not true friends." After this she did seem to relax a bit more, but she also still seemed close to tears. "Alli?"
"Why me?" Allison had resorted to mumbling to herself.
"Why you what Alli? Please. Just tell me." Now Remus had turned to stand in front of her, and had his hands on her shoulders. "Alli, look at me. This isn't going to get any better if you hide everything."
"I.I guess you're right. Remember the best friend that.that."
"Yes, I do." He could see she didn't like to go on, so he quickly covered up that part for her.
"Right. Well that's the night I got bit. I saw the car come, and her there, and as the accident occurred, I remembered everything that we'd ever done together. I lost it when I saw her fall, and I.I.I ran." she said this last part in complete disbelief. "I just bolted. There was this old shack in the woods behind my house. I knew we were forbidden to be in there after dark, but I didn't care. I had just lost my best friend. Nothing mattered. I kept running till I got to the shack. When I opened the door though, I saw a boy, but as I looked closer I saw what he really was. A werewolf. I tried to run, but he bit my ankle before I could slam the door shut again. My life changed completely that day." When she stopped, she started to cry. Remus just wrapped his arms around her and let her cry. 'How can I tell her?' This was all he could think at first, before he gave in to telling her the truth.
"Alli? I'm sorry."
"Why? What did you do?"
"Do you remember what the boy looked like?" Remus began to get nervous.
"Actually, yes. Why?"
"Imagine him to be eleven now, and look at me."
"He would look, j-just like you."
"I'm so sorry. I can remember that night the most, more then any other, because I bit someone else. Forgive me?"
"It's not your fault. You couldn't control yourself when you transformed." Then something happened, that Remus hadn't expected. Allison smiled larger then he'd seen all day, since they got off the train. She also engulfed him in a big hug, and Remus being his sweet, sensitive self, just hugged her back. "Thank you Remus Lupin. Thank you."
"What did I do?"
"I've wanted to know who that boy was since the day I got bit."
"And why is that?"
"So I could thank him." She was beaming now.
"Why would you want to thank him? All the pain it causes you. You've got to live with it."
"Yes, but I found my true friends, and I realized that I would still be friends with people who didn't like me much if it didn't happen." Now both of them were wearing huge grins. "See my point?"
"I'm glad you see it that way. I've heard of people almost killing themselves over this, but you seem to have found the brighter side."
"I suppose." So Remus offered Allison his arm, which she turned down saying she wanted to try walking on her own for a bit. Remus just shrugged his shoulders, and they began to navigate their way through the school to Gryffindor Tower.
About halfway there they ran into the rest of the group. Allison had a big smile on her face, and everyone seemed to notice.
"So. Are you feeling better Allison?"
"Yep. Thanks for asking, Lily." Then Allison caught a look at Sirius who was off to the side with his head down.
James caught her glancing at him, and pulled her aside. "He feels like it's his fault you were upset."
"Oh. Really?"
"Er.yes."
"Well then. Hey Sirius!"
"Huh?" Sirius looked up from the floor, to see who yelled his name.
"Can I talk to you?"
"S-sure. What about?"
"Earlier actually. Walk me to the tower?"
"Sure." This time it was Sirius that held out his arm, and he escorted her to the tower.
"So, Remus. What did you two talk about?" James had on a sly smile that showed his curiosity.
"Oh.that. Well not much. I'm sure she'll tell you if she would like you to know."
"Fine. Hey, Lily?"
"Yeah?"
Can I walk you to the tower?"
Lily's face lit up with a bright smile. "Why thank you James." So Lily accepted his offered arm, and they continued down the hall.
"So Remus, what did you two talk about in that half hour?"
"Do you have to know Hannah?"
"Actually, yes."
"The night she got bit by the werewolf."
"WHAT! But she's never even told Hannah or I that." Katie seemed a bit annoyed with this.
"Really? I'm.er.sorry? I didn't know. I'm also kind of glad though."
"Why's that?" Hannah's curiosity was getting the better of her.
"Well we.er.also talked about the little boy that bit her."
"And?" Katie asked.
"And.who it was."
"Okay Remus. Now you have to say it. My curiosity is going to kill me, and unlike cats, I don't have nine lives." Hannah's eyes were lit with curiosity and mischief.
"Password." They had reached the portrait of the fat lady (A prefect had explained it to them at dinner).
"Willow.Come on Remus. Please tell us. We want to help her out as well." Katie was starting to get impatient as well.
"It was me, alright! She told me about the night she was bit, and it fit my worst memory of being in my stage." Remus looked down at his shoes feeling completely guilty. "Please don't hold this against me."
"Did you really?" Katie asked. "And we won't hold this against you."
"Yes, it's true. Now I'm going to bed. Night Hannah, Katie."
"Night." They both said, and they headed off to bed.
"Hey guys." Remus said as he entered the dorm.
"Hey Remus." James said, "So. Do you maybe like Allison?" James glanced at a nervous Sirius.
"Just as a friend. We.er.have a lot in common." Remus looked at Sirius and saw him relax a bit. "Why do you ask?"
"No reason."
"I'm sure. Sirius, do you have a thing for her?"
"I well, I guess I like her a bit more then the other three." He blushed deep red as he said this. "Ask James who he thinks is hot. He might tell you, but I couldn't get him to spill."
"James. Do you have a thing for a certain red-head named Lily Evans?"
"How did you know?"
"The staring was a good hint."
"Oh, oops! Well I think she's gorgeous, but from what I've heard the other girls say she doesn't see that in herself."
"YOU'RE KIDDING! They're all gorgeous. All four of them!" Sirius had just jumped in again.
"No kidding." Remus said rolling his eyes, but no one caught it.
Just as James was about to reply, the short, rat-faced boy, from the boat, entered.
"Hello. I'm Peter Pettigrew." He held out his hand to Remus, having already met Sirius and James.
"Remus Lupin." Remus shook his hand, but got a bad feeling in doing so.
"So I couldn't help but overhear the last part of your conversation."
"Well, do you mind if I join in this conversation?"
"And?" Sirius sneered, and Peter flinched but ignored it.
"Not at all!" James said. Sirius was about to object, but James shot him a look.
"So what do you think of the girls then Peter?" Remus asked kindly.
"Well I personally like the three blondes." Sirius and Remus stiffened at this, but it went unnoticed.
"Really? Which one do you like the most?" James asked. Peter didn't notice the mischievous grin on his face.
"Well.I wouldn't mind getting to know that Allison Sears girl, or Alli as I heard some of you call her at dinner, a little better. If you know what I mean." When he finished saying that, Sirius looked quite a bit angry, but Remus was livid.
"You little." but he didn't finish that sentence, because while Remus was about to tackle Peter, James tackled Remus first.
"Remus calm down! I'm sure we can work this out!" Sirius said.
"Let go of me, James!" James had pinned Remus's arms behind his back and was holding onto him, to keep him from tackling Peter.
"Let Go!"
"No way Remus. You're likely to kill!"
"Maybe I'll just go now." Peter said, before bolting out the door.
"JAMES!"
"Remus, cut it out!" James yelled, but with that, Remus turned around, hit James over the head, and bolted out the door, with Sirius on his tail, and James bringing up the rear.
Remus ran straight at Peter in the common room and tackled him.
"REMUS! Get off of him!" And just then Sirius pulled Remus off Peter in a second and was holding him back.
"Sirius! Let me go. I'll kill him! Or just possibly fill him with immense pain, but you get my point!"
"Remus, I'm angry to, but chill!"
By now the whole common room was watching, and the four girls had come down the dormitory stairs to see what was going on.
Remus turned around to stare at Sirius. "Chill? You want me to chill!" He shouted at him.
"R-Remus ." Sirius stuttered.
"WHAT!" Remus was livid, and shouting.
"Your eyes! They're yellow and glowing!"
Remus ignored this and turned back on Peter. All four girls could see his eyes glow brighter as he spoke, and they were full of hatred toward Peter. "If you lay a SINGLE hand on her, I swear I'll kill you." He said all of this through gritted teeth; the last few words were barley above a whisper. He then glanced at James and Sirius, before bolting up the stairs up to his dormitory.
As the four of them stepped off the train, they heard a voice. "Firs' years o'er 'ere please!" Lily blinked suddenly realizing that that was about the sixth or seventh deja vu she's had that day, but once again she shrugged it off. The girls were walking side by side, going from Lily (left), to Hannah, to Allison, to Katie (right), when three others, linked arms with them from behind.
"How are you three lovely ladies doing today?"
"James, you saw us fifteen minutes ago!" Katie had to shout, since she was at the other end, but he got the message all the same.
They were now lined up (from left to right), Lily, James, Hannah, Sirius, Allison, Remus, and Katie. They all chatted as they walked along, and when they reached the voice that had been calling the first years, they all immediately stopped in their tracks. Well actually, Remus and Allison were about to keep going, but since they were all linked together, they were stuck to the spot.
"Why, hello Hagrid!" Allison had broken the silence.
"Hello Alli, Remus." He said nodded to them both before continuing, "I'm glad to see you've made friends, especially with each other."
"Us to." Remus replied. "Guy's, this is Rubeus Hagrid. Hagrid, meet Lily, James, Hannah, Sirius, and Katie. You obviously already know Alli and me." Remus pointed to everyone, as he went down the line. Allison flinched when he called her `Alli', but no one noticed.
"Nice to meet ya all, now faller me!"
All the first years continued to follow Hagrid, and the chained line followed in the back.
"You guys know him?" Sirius said.
"Yes. Why? What's wrong?" Allison seemed to think Sirius had something against him, but he caught it in time.
"Nothing is wrong! I swear! He's just, well, really tall."
"Yes, well, he's half giant actually." Remus said this in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Really?" Lily asked.
"Yep, always has been, and told him the first time I met him." Allison seemed glad to reply to this question.
"So when did you meet him, Allison?" Lily asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"Er.well." Allison started, but Remus chose to nudge her in the side right then, and fortunately only Katie saw. Allison caught both of their worried glances, but being her daring self, ignored them. "I had to come here for a summer visit."
"Why's that?" Now James decided to join in.
"Well.I.er.I had to work out a small problem."
"So what was the problem?" Of coarse Sirius had to jump in now.
Immediately Hannah, Katie, and Remus froze in the spot, with complete worry edged in their faces. Allison was just as white as they were, and began stuttering. "I.I.I-I.I was." but right then Hagrid called them over, and they dropped the subject. Allison, along with Katie, Remus, and Hannah, let out a sigh or relief. Katie and Hannah knew how much Allison hated to lie to her friends, and they hated to see her lie when she did. She would feel so bad afterwards.
They all unchained themselves, and walked out of the clump of trees they had been walking through, to come out at a lake with a few dozen rowboats. "Now no more than four to a boat!" At this they all separated. The boys were going one way and the girls another. Allison kept quickly glancing over at Lily.
"Hey Remus?" Katie had caught one of her glances and had a plan. "Could you come here a sec?"
"Alright, I'm coming!" He yelled back over to their boat.
Now Hannah had caught a glance, and knew what was going on. "Hey Lily?" She was now determined to help out.
"Yeah?"
"Er.could you switch boats with Remus? Please! It's really important!"
"Sure Hannah. I don't see why not." So Lily got out, and headed over to the boy's boat, feeling slightly hurt.
"Hey Remus."
"Hey Lily."
"They want us to switch boats for some reason."
"Alright. Tell the guys, okay?"
"Sure, all right. See you in a bit."
"Yep. See you!" So they both worked their way over to the opposite boats they were in before. Lily got to the boys first, and Remus to the girls seconds later. Once they were both in their new seating, the boats began to propel themselves through the water.
"So.who's your new friend James? Sirius?" Lily had motioned to a short, fat, rat-faced boy, who had joined their boat.
"The name is Peter Pettigrew." He said.
"He beat me to answering." Was James's answer.
"Same here." Sirius replied, or rather scowled. He didn't appear to like Peter much.
"So why did you two switch?" James asked.
"Well, Allison was looking really scared, or nervous because she." but then Lily was interrupted.
Sirius looked up at this. No that's an understatement; he jolted straight up in his seat. "What happened to Allison?"
"Well, if you'd listen Sirius, maybe you'd hear the rest." Now Sirius was silent and all ears. "Wow, you really like her, don't you?"
"As a friend. Now continue."
"All right, well anyways. The other four of them seem to know something about her that we don't, and they wanted to talk. It's just a guess though."
"No." James said. "It sound's pretty close to me. And Sirius buddy, you really do like her, don't you?"
"AS.A.FRIEND!" Now Sirius was turning dark red, and he spoke through gritted teeth.
Meanwhile, in the other boat, Allison wasn't doing quite as well as the others.
"You guys!" Allison was pleading with her two best friends. "Why did you have to ask him over here?"
"Because we want to know some more, and I'm sure he does to!" Katie was determined to get Allison back to her usual self.
"What do I want to know?" Remus had just arrived, and had raised his eyebrows as he asked this question.
"Nothing." Allison mumbled.
"Doesn't sound like nothing to me." Remus replied, throwing a dazzling smile. Then he turned to face Hannah and Katie. "So I assume you all know my secret." Katie and Hannah nodded, both with smiles on their faces.
"And you're sure you don't mind?"
"Yep, were sure." Katie said. "All three of us." Even Allison had to smile, and in seeing this, Remus grabbed her hand, in a best friend manner, and gave it a squeeze.
"You'll be fine. You've got the three of us always as backup though, if you ever need it."
"Thank you Remus." And the first thing she did, was hug him. At first Remus was a bit stunned, but then he hugged her back.
"Welcome."
"You to guys. I wouldn't even be here if you had ditched me when I told you." Allison immediately gave Katie and Hannah a hug, just like she did Remus.
"Oh, you know us.always glad to help." Hannah had to snort at her own comment. It brought back memories of cooking and games, where they would ditch one another so they wouldn't have to clean.
"So we're all happy then?" Remus asked.
"No. What are we going to tell Lily, James, and Remus?" Katie asked.
"Well we could make up lies and hide it." One look at Hannah and Katie told him that that was definitely the wrong thing to say. Allison looked close to tears after this, and Remus had no idea why.
"Er.Remus?" Katie started.
"Yeah?" He had tried to comfort her, as Allison was slightly paling more and more each second.
"Allison has no problem lying to enemies, parents, teachers, etc., but she takes huge guilt when she lies to her friends. She hasn't told a lie to a friend in four years." Katie said.
"Really, Allison?" Remus asked her sympathetically. He was just watching her while she paled, and she just looked up enough to nod.
"Why does she take it so hard? Lying I mean." Remus whispered, looking right at Katie for an explanation. When Hannah started talking, he turned to face her.
"Four years ago was the last time she lied, because of what the lie led to. Her and her best friend got in an argument because Allison didn't tell her something, and her friend stormed out of the house. Allison ran out after her, but her friend was running across the street. She didn't see the car coming, and.well. died." Hannah finished up there, and immediately looked at Allison. "I'm surprised she let's you call her Alli. That's what her best friend called her, and most people who call her that cause her to break down. The ones that don't, usually comfort her. You are one of the lucky few." Remus had to smile at this, but when he looked at Allison it quickly faded. She had gone so white and she looked so tired.
"Allison?" Hannah asked.
No Answer
"Alli?" Remus asked again.
"Huh? Oh, Remus. What?"
"Are you alright, Allison?" Katie asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine Katie."
"Hey guys. Look! It's the castle!" Hannah yelled anxiously, not to mention wanting to change the subject.
"Good observation Hannah!" Remus snorted.
"Hey!" and she hit him playfully, on the arm.
As they got closer and closer to the docks, Allison got more and more nervous, and everyone could tell.
"Allison?" Hannah asked.
"Yeah?"
"Are you absolutely sure your all right?" Katie asked.
"Yes. I'm fine." But she failed to prove that the minute she stepped out of the boat. She stood there for a second, and when she went to take a step forward, her knees gave and she collapsed.
"Allison!" Katie shrieked, as Remus jumped forward and caught her just before she hit the ground.
"Why me.why me."
"Why you what?" he asked.
"Katie? Hannah? You can go ahead."
"You sure?" Katie said.
"Yes."
"All right. Come on Hannah." So they set off and found a very worried Lily, James, and Sirius.
"So guys, how was your boat ride?" Katie asked as they approached the door.
"Pretty good. So how is Allison?" Sirius sounded like he would die if they didn't tell him, but yet they knew they couldn't.
"What do you mean?" Hannah asked calmly. You could see her eyes just daring him to continue, but the giant doors, which were opening before them, interrupted her. "Where are Remus and Allison?" Hannah whispered this part to Katie.
"Allison was pretty tired. I'm sure they're coming Hannah. Just give them a bit more time." Katie whispered back.
Truth be told, Allison was awfully worn out, and Remus was just plain worried about her.
"Alli?"
"Hmmm?"
"Why you what?"
"We should get going." Allison tried to stand back up, and almost fell over again, but Remus helped her. He pulled her left arm over his shoulders, and put his right arm around her back to help steady her.
"Well, we do want to get sorted." He added.
This put a smile on her face. "Yeah, you're right."
"You scared?"
"No, I'm terrified!"
"I don't blame you." He said laughing. They had reached the base of the stone steps, and it was taking them a while to get up the fifty stone steps.
"You're the one who seems so scared about it, why aren't you worried?"
"Because I'm to worried about my friend right now to care."
"Really?" Her face lit up in a big grin when he said that to her.
"Yep. You're the only other person I've met like me, and you're a good friend I don't want to lose you."
"Oh, thank you so much Remus. You've been a great help to me. This would be so much harder on my own."
"Well, you're not on your own, so don't worry."
"I could be."
"Oh. Shut up!"
"Sympathetic aren't you?"
"Yep! I'm such a big help!"
"You are, you know."
"Thanks. We made it, look!" He nodded at the door, and began to kick it open. Once they slid inside, they saw the rest of the first years going through another set of doors. The two of them hurried as quick as they could across the dimly lit hall. It was a bit hard considering Remus was still helping Allison, but they made it, and slipped into the room, behind the rest of the first years.
"Where have you two been!" Hannah would have yelled this, but she would have gotten the whole halls attention, and that wouldn't be the best thing.
"It took me a while to get up Han. Sorry if we worried you."
"No it's fine. It's just, the five of us were about to have a hippogriff if you didn't show."
"Five?" Allison asked.
"Yes, five. Sirius is way to obsessive when it comes to you. He'd probably have a horntail, rather then a hippogriff."
They all had to laugh at this, but stopped when they began to hear a song. They looked up to see a battered old hat, sitting on a three-legged stool in front of the teacher's table. A flap in the brim had opened as a mouth, and it was actually singing.
I welcome all the young and new
And remember all the old
I recommend you come to me
If you want your true house told
Gryffindor was wise and brave
And valued true at heart
While Hufflepuff always preferred
Loyalty from the start
Ravenclaw had a picky choice
And preferred the wise over some
While Slytherins are power-drawn
And darkness is what may come
So I'm the sorting hat you see
I know where you belong
No matter, how long I take
I've never yet been wrong
At the end of this, everyone burst into applause. Even Remus let go of Allison for a few seconds so she could clap, but had to catch her again when she started to drop. By now the rest of the group had noticed the two, and had mingled their way over to Remus, Hannah, and Allison.
"Oh My God! Allison, are you okay?"
"Yes Lily, I'm fine." She had managed a smile after all that had happened so far.
"Allison! Are you alright!" Sirius said. He had noticed how she was clinging to Remus for support.
Allison had to blush, no one knew, but she sort of had a small thing for Sirius. She first hoped to at least get the kind of friendship she had with Remus, Katie, and Hannah, with him. "Yeah I'm fine. Don't have a horntail!" And with that, Hannah, Remus, and Allison burst out laughing. No one else had heard the joke, so they didn't really understand. But they were soon all jolted back to reality, when a stern looking witch began to call out names. Student after student sat on the stool and pulled the hat on their head.
"Black, Sirius!" she called.
"Luck." Allison said.
"Thanks." He replied and walked of to the stool. The hat hadn't been on his head for more then five seconds, when it shouted "Gryffindor!" The gryffindor table cheered, and Sirius took his place at the table.
A Kale Dean and Samantha Earl, were made the first Ravenclaws. Then it was Lily's turn. She had nervously sat down, and pulled the hat on. James was ready to jump up and down when the hat called out "Gryffindor!", but called against it since he was technically, just friends with her.
After Katie too became a gryffindor, it was Remus's turn. He gently handed Allison over to James, before heading off to the stool.
"Luck Remus." Allison said.
He just smiled back at them. He was too nervous to speak. He sat on the stool, for almost a minute, before he was announced a "Gryffindor!"
A few others, including a, Malfoy, Lucius who was sorted into Slytherin, went before James was called up. Hannah, being so much smaller then Allison, couldn't possibly hold her. So James asked an Allen Zabbi, to hold her for him. He gladly agreed, and James made his way to the stool. The hat had barley touched his head when it shouted "Gryffindor!" The table cheered, as it had done so many times before, and James sat down at the table. Two more students were sorted into Hufflepuff, and then it was Hannah's turn. She first gave Allison a quick hug, and then went and sat. All of her friends were tense. Especially Lily. She had talked to Hannah about this the most, and Hannah's parents were both in Ravenclaw. Everyone was still tense, when after a good five minutes the hat shouted "Rav.no. NO! Gryffindor!" Hannah practically sprinted to the table in pure joy.
Allison was beginning to panic again. When she was her other friends, she felt much better then now. It figures, that she would have to be the last one called out of her friends. When her name was called, she thanked Allen for his help, and shakily made her way to the stool. When she put the hat on her head, she like Remus, waited for about a minute, before it finally called out."Gryffindor!"
She didn't care how tired she was. She was so happy about being with all of her friends. She gave a shaky smile at Remus, who had saved her a seat next to him. She gladly took it and watched the rest of the sorting. One other girl was sorted into gryffindor. Her name was Rebecca Wella. Rebecca had shoulder length brown hair, and dark hazel eyes. She may have been pretty, but the other four girls cut her out of the running. She also had a really bitchy attitude, so no one really got along with her.
When the sorting was over, Dumbledore stood up. The hall was silent as he spoke. "I would like to remind you, that the Forbidden Forest is out of bounds, and no student is to enter. I would also like to point out the Whomping Willow tree. It is very dangerous, and I suggest you all stay away if you wish to remain unscathed. Now just three words, Full Moon Duo!"
Remus and Allison both froze. "He wouldn't.would he?" Allison asked Remus.
"No. He wouldn't.I at least hope not."
"Well dig in Remus. Sirius and James seem to be way ahead of you." Hannah said. She had to stifle a laugh when she saw the look of pure horror he showed at the fact that he was behind. He began stuffing his face, while Lily started a conversation with Allison, Katie, and Hannah. Dinner was going great when Sirius spoke up. "So Alli.what happened earlier?" Sirius immediately received three looks that clearly said wrong move. He looked over at Allison and noticed that she'd dropped her fork and was about to cry.
"Allison?" He asked again, but she just stood up and ran out into the hall.
"What did I do?" Sirius was clearly confused.
"It's not your fault bud, you didn't know. Katie, Hannah? You want to explain what you can to them and I'll go help her?"
"Sure Remus. Oh and the Password is willow, just in case."
"Thanks Katie!" he shouted back, as he ran out of the hall after her.
"Welcome!" she yelled back.
"Hannah?" Sirius asked.
"Er.yeah.I guess I should explain to you guys the situation." Hannah seemed quite upset about explaining it again, but she did so anyway.
"Yes.I think you should. Please!" Sirius was ready to start pleading, but fortunately he didn't have to.
Once again the story was explained, but Hannah started this time. "See, Allison, has no problem lying to parents, enemy's, teachers, etc., but she takes extreme guilt in lying to her friends."
"Why is that?" Lily asked.
"You don't want to know Lily, but we have to tell you or you'll never understand." Katie had jumped in now, and was telling the painful part this time.
"Alright. Spill." This was James, simple and to the point.
"Well.because of the guilt, she hasn't lied to any friend in four years." Hannah cut back in. "Sorry. I wanted to finish the easy part." They all laughed a bit.
Now Katie decided to continue on with the rest of the story. "You see, four years ago, Allison lied to her best friend and they got into a large argument. Her best friend ran out the door, and of coarse Allison followed, but when she ran out all she saw was her best friend run across the street and get hit by a car. She died that day, and Allison takes the blame on her lying."
"So How is it I made her cry?" Sirius was starting to feel really bad, but confused at the same time.
"Her best friend was the only one who called her Alli. Every time anyone else calls her Alli, she breaks down in tears. There are few people who she lets call her that." Katie finished, a strange look of relief on her face.
"Man.that's harsh." James looked sympathetic.
"I know." Lily looked close to tears.
"I'm such an arse!" Sirius was furious with himself. "Wait! Why does he get the lucky streak of calling her Alli and her not breaking down?"
"Some people comfort her more then anything with that name. Remus is most likely the most comforting friend she's got now. More than Katie and I." Hannah had taken over now. Katie's voice was getting weak.
"I know I'm pushing, but why?" Lily they would not answer her entirely, but she wanted to get out what she could.
"Why is he more comforting?" Hannah repeated. "Well he knows what she's going through more then anyone else." She said once again.
"This is too confusing for tonight. Let's go to bed and we'll carry on tomorrow night." James stifled a yawn after he said that, and they all stood up, and headed up to gryffindor tower.
Halfway there, they were stopped by the new poltergeist, Peeves, who was saying something about "Ickkle werewolves wandering the halls." Once he left, they almost immediately ran into Remus and Allison. Allison did look a bit better, and sounded like Remus was doing a great job getting her there. She was laughing.
Before the rest of the group had caught up with the two, Remus definitely had his work cut out for him. Allison wasn't the easiest person you could get to admit her feelings.
"Allison! Allison wait!" Remus said. He was sprinting in the same direction as her after she had left the hall, trying to keep up.
"Allison! Please!" at the last word she stopped.
When Remus reached her, he could see that this had really hurt her, and could take some time. "Alli?"
"Huh?"
"Are you going to be okay?"
"N-no." Allison stuttered, and she looked like she was trying to keep from crying.
Remus put his arm around her shoulders for comfort. "It's gonna be fine. You've got Katie, Hannah, and I to help you. Not to mention, if Lily, James, and Sirius don't accept you, then they're not true friends." After this she did seem to relax a bit more, but she also still seemed close to tears. "Alli?"
"Why me?" Allison had resorted to mumbling to herself.
"Why you what Alli? Please. Just tell me." Now Remus had turned to stand in front of her, and had his hands on her shoulders. "Alli, look at me. This isn't going to get any better if you hide everything."
"I.I guess you're right. Remember the best friend that.that."
"Yes, I do." He could see she didn't like to go on, so he quickly covered up that part for her.
"Right. Well that's the night I got bit. I saw the car come, and her there, and as the accident occurred, I remembered everything that we'd ever done together. I lost it when I saw her fall, and I.I.I ran." she said this last part in complete disbelief. "I just bolted. There was this old shack in the woods behind my house. I knew we were forbidden to be in there after dark, but I didn't care. I had just lost my best friend. Nothing mattered. I kept running till I got to the shack. When I opened the door though, I saw a boy, but as I looked closer I saw what he really was. A werewolf. I tried to run, but he bit my ankle before I could slam the door shut again. My life changed completely that day." When she stopped, she started to cry. Remus just wrapped his arms around her and let her cry. 'How can I tell her?' This was all he could think at first, before he gave in to telling her the truth.
"Alli? I'm sorry."
"Why? What did you do?"
"Do you remember what the boy looked like?" Remus began to get nervous.
"Actually, yes. Why?"
"Imagine him to be eleven now, and look at me."
"He would look, j-just like you."
"I'm so sorry. I can remember that night the most, more then any other, because I bit someone else. Forgive me?"
"It's not your fault. You couldn't control yourself when you transformed." Then something happened, that Remus hadn't expected. Allison smiled larger then he'd seen all day, since they got off the train. She also engulfed him in a big hug, and Remus being his sweet, sensitive self, just hugged her back. "Thank you Remus Lupin. Thank you."
"What did I do?"
"I've wanted to know who that boy was since the day I got bit."
"And why is that?"
"So I could thank him." She was beaming now.
"Why would you want to thank him? All the pain it causes you. You've got to live with it."
"Yes, but I found my true friends, and I realized that I would still be friends with people who didn't like me much if it didn't happen." Now both of them were wearing huge grins. "See my point?"
"I'm glad you see it that way. I've heard of people almost killing themselves over this, but you seem to have found the brighter side."
"I suppose." So Remus offered Allison his arm, which she turned down saying she wanted to try walking on her own for a bit. Remus just shrugged his shoulders, and they began to navigate their way through the school to Gryffindor Tower.
About halfway there they ran into the rest of the group. Allison had a big smile on her face, and everyone seemed to notice.
"So. Are you feeling better Allison?"
"Yep. Thanks for asking, Lily." Then Allison caught a look at Sirius who was off to the side with his head down.
James caught her glancing at him, and pulled her aside. "He feels like it's his fault you were upset."
"Oh. Really?"
"Er.yes."
"Well then. Hey Sirius!"
"Huh?" Sirius looked up from the floor, to see who yelled his name.
"Can I talk to you?"
"S-sure. What about?"
"Earlier actually. Walk me to the tower?"
"Sure." This time it was Sirius that held out his arm, and he escorted her to the tower.
"So, Remus. What did you two talk about?" James had on a sly smile that showed his curiosity.
"Oh.that. Well not much. I'm sure she'll tell you if she would like you to know."
"Fine. Hey, Lily?"
"Yeah?"
Can I walk you to the tower?"
Lily's face lit up with a bright smile. "Why thank you James." So Lily accepted his offered arm, and they continued down the hall.
"So Remus, what did you two talk about in that half hour?"
"Do you have to know Hannah?"
"Actually, yes."
"The night she got bit by the werewolf."
"WHAT! But she's never even told Hannah or I that." Katie seemed a bit annoyed with this.
"Really? I'm.er.sorry? I didn't know. I'm also kind of glad though."
"Why's that?" Hannah's curiosity was getting the better of her.
"Well we.er.also talked about the little boy that bit her."
"And?" Katie asked.
"And.who it was."
"Okay Remus. Now you have to say it. My curiosity is going to kill me, and unlike cats, I don't have nine lives." Hannah's eyes were lit with curiosity and mischief.
"Password." They had reached the portrait of the fat lady (A prefect had explained it to them at dinner).
"Willow.Come on Remus. Please tell us. We want to help her out as well." Katie was starting to get impatient as well.
"It was me, alright! She told me about the night she was bit, and it fit my worst memory of being in my stage." Remus looked down at his shoes feeling completely guilty. "Please don't hold this against me."
"Did you really?" Katie asked. "And we won't hold this against you."
"Yes, it's true. Now I'm going to bed. Night Hannah, Katie."
"Night." They both said, and they headed off to bed.
"Hey guys." Remus said as he entered the dorm.
"Hey Remus." James said, "So. Do you maybe like Allison?" James glanced at a nervous Sirius.
"Just as a friend. We.er.have a lot in common." Remus looked at Sirius and saw him relax a bit. "Why do you ask?"
"No reason."
"I'm sure. Sirius, do you have a thing for her?"
"I well, I guess I like her a bit more then the other three." He blushed deep red as he said this. "Ask James who he thinks is hot. He might tell you, but I couldn't get him to spill."
"James. Do you have a thing for a certain red-head named Lily Evans?"
"How did you know?"
"The staring was a good hint."
"Oh, oops! Well I think she's gorgeous, but from what I've heard the other girls say she doesn't see that in herself."
"YOU'RE KIDDING! They're all gorgeous. All four of them!" Sirius had just jumped in again.
"No kidding." Remus said rolling his eyes, but no one caught it.
Just as James was about to reply, the short, rat-faced boy, from the boat, entered.
"Hello. I'm Peter Pettigrew." He held out his hand to Remus, having already met Sirius and James.
"Remus Lupin." Remus shook his hand, but got a bad feeling in doing so.
"So I couldn't help but overhear the last part of your conversation."
"Well, do you mind if I join in this conversation?"
"And?" Sirius sneered, and Peter flinched but ignored it.
"Not at all!" James said. Sirius was about to object, but James shot him a look.
"So what do you think of the girls then Peter?" Remus asked kindly.
"Well I personally like the three blondes." Sirius and Remus stiffened at this, but it went unnoticed.
"Really? Which one do you like the most?" James asked. Peter didn't notice the mischievous grin on his face.
"Well.I wouldn't mind getting to know that Allison Sears girl, or Alli as I heard some of you call her at dinner, a little better. If you know what I mean." When he finished saying that, Sirius looked quite a bit angry, but Remus was livid.
"You little." but he didn't finish that sentence, because while Remus was about to tackle Peter, James tackled Remus first.
"Remus calm down! I'm sure we can work this out!" Sirius said.
"Let go of me, James!" James had pinned Remus's arms behind his back and was holding onto him, to keep him from tackling Peter.
"Let Go!"
"No way Remus. You're likely to kill!"
"Maybe I'll just go now." Peter said, before bolting out the door.
"JAMES!"
"Remus, cut it out!" James yelled, but with that, Remus turned around, hit James over the head, and bolted out the door, with Sirius on his tail, and James bringing up the rear.
Remus ran straight at Peter in the common room and tackled him.
"REMUS! Get off of him!" And just then Sirius pulled Remus off Peter in a second and was holding him back.
"Sirius! Let me go. I'll kill him! Or just possibly fill him with immense pain, but you get my point!"
"Remus, I'm angry to, but chill!"
By now the whole common room was watching, and the four girls had come down the dormitory stairs to see what was going on.
Remus turned around to stare at Sirius. "Chill? You want me to chill!" He shouted at him.
"R-Remus ." Sirius stuttered.
"WHAT!" Remus was livid, and shouting.
"Your eyes! They're yellow and glowing!"
Remus ignored this and turned back on Peter. All four girls could see his eyes glow brighter as he spoke, and they were full of hatred toward Peter. "If you lay a SINGLE hand on her, I swear I'll kill you." He said all of this through gritted teeth; the last few words were barley above a whisper. He then glanced at James and Sirius, before bolting up the stairs up to his dormitory.