Boys Before Magic

Author's Note: Oh dear me… College eats your life (It also does not help when you don't have the actual text to check back on.), but I'm on break now. Anyway, time for some heavy catch-up. I have three weeks off, so we're going to see how many chapters I can pull off within that time period.

DISCLAIMER: SAME AS BEFORE. DON'T SUE ME.

I was speechless.

Girls can be so cruel,

Yet I knew such a thing would happen.

Why?

Because I am a Muggle…

Nothing can change that.

Chapter 7: First Light of Dawn

'How can I be so foolish,' I muttered to myself as I walked through the dark hallways of Hogwarts. As a prefect, it was one of my duties to patrol the castle corridors after hours. Besides a mischievous student or two out of bed, this nightly patrol allows me the time I needed to peacefully reflect (although in most cases, to frequently rant out of frustration) about my experiences at Hogwarts. With a wry smile, I must admit that much of my suppressed anger subsided once I told off those three bitches.

After mindlessly wandering for several hours, I stopped and familiarized myself to the present surroundings. It was an amusing moment as I ironically found myself in front the entrance to the Astronomy Tower.

He already has someone special. He'll never care for a Muggle girl like you.

By now, I am used to the students' vicious remarks about my "dirty" bloodline; however, Hestia's words slightly bothered me. Why do I care that Remus may have a significant other? Remus is part of Potter's unbearably immature social club. I do NOT love Remus. I did NOT fall in love with him. I am NOT hurt. I do NOT care about anybody.

After taking a quick glance at my watch, I realized it was almost six-thirty in the morning. Hoping that my frustrations would subside, I decided to ascend the spiraling staircase to see the sun rise at the top of the tower.

Just like before, the cracks around the circular trapdoor emitted the same dim, crimson light. After muttering a simple unlocking charm, a silvery ladder descended to my feet. A faint smell of cinnamon and cloves engulfed my senses as I climbed up through the open door.

"Hello. Fancy seeing you again."

Startled by this unknown presence, I glanced up to see Remus leaning against the far window. How come he's here…? I distinctly remembered what he said before.

Amused by my gaping silence, Remus chuckled and patted on the velvet pouf next to him. "Why don't you sit down?"

I silently accepting his invitation and walked across the classroom to sit next to Remus. Upon sitting down on the pouf, I nervously met his gray eyes. "I thought you said you wouldn't be here anymore."

Remus returned his gaze to the sunrise outside the window. An indistinct melody drifted from his lips. It was a melancholy tune, but it carried a jovial and uplifting spirit. I never saw him humming. This is such a different mood than the usual.

Interrupting my thoughts, Remus sighed and said, "I wonder if the sun rises at the same time in France."

I was confused by this random remark. "France? Why do you ask?"

Turning his head towards mine, Remus smiled and chuckled once more. "Never mind. We're going to miss the sunrise."

As I watched the bright orb rise from the far horizon, I couldn't help but noticing how strange Remus is today. It didn't matter though. For one short moment, I forgot that I was a Muggle living in the cruel wizarding world. For once, I'm a little happy.

Although I was extremely exhausted from the night before, nothing could ruin my cheerful mood. For the duration of my lunch period, I decided to enjoy the brisk autumn weather and spend the hour outside in the school courtyard. Sitting on the ledge of the marble fountain, I watched the golden maple leaves float on the surface of the cool water. As I reached to grab one of the leaves, I felt a sudden tap on my shoulders. I turned to face Emmeline and company staring viciously back at me.

Unafraid, I met their gaze and sarcastically stated, "So the three princesses returned. What do you want?"

Emmeline sneered, "I have something to show you right now."

"What? Another designer robe that I could never afford," I mockingly replied.

Hestia took out a copy of Witch's Weekly from her leather messenger bag and stuck the front cover right at my face. A beautiful young woman with long blonde hair and violet-blue eyes winked and warmly smiled at me before disappearing from the cover. Even though it was only a photograph, something about her mesmerized me. The headline at the bottom read: "Witch's Weekly Special Issue! An Exclusive Interview with Aurore Mistral, Rising Actress and Supermodel"

"Who is this?" I asked.

Laughing, Emmeline snickers, "She is Remus's special one. She will be returning from France soon. How do you feel now knowing that this is the person you are competing against for Remus?"

I sat there in dumbfounded silence. Remus's unusual mood from this morning started to make sense. How could I be so foolish? For once, I thought I found my happiness and hopefully thought that Hestia's words were not true. I looked at the three looming figures before me and knew I had to somehow fight back. No words came out of my mouth as I didn't know what to say. Tears came to my eyes. Silence was my only weapon.

Amelia knocked me to the ground. "So understand this, Mudblood. Even if you tried, you will never attract the Marauders. You should leave this school."

"What the hell are you doing?"

"James! We were just putting her in her place…"

"Shut up whore," James brashly interrupted. "I'm the only one who can tease her. Get out of my sight before I put the red spark on you three."

Whimpering, the three girls escaped in fear of James's wrath. After a moment, his attention came to me. Kneeling to the ground, he offered his hand and asked, "Are you okay? Can you stand up?"

I nodded and grabbed his extended hand. He easily lifted me up and grabbed both of my hands. Although they were callused from hours of Quidditch, they felt comfortably warm and secure. I looked up to meet his gaze. For the first time, I saw genuine concern emanating from his dark brown eyes.

"Don't cry. It's not like you."

Suddenly, the awkward situation registered in my mind. James, the one who started all my problems, was holding my hands. Waves of confusion overwhelmed me as I wrenched my hands out of his grasp and pushed the brute away with all my might.

"What the hell!"

"You are the cause of everything, you idiot," I scoffed as I picked up my bag from the ground.

James raised his arms in exasperation and countered, "Hey, I just saved you."

Crossing my arms, I stubbornly retorted, "I didn't ask for it."

"No one compares to me. There is nothing wrong with me. I'm the most perfect guy in the whole world."

"Maybe in your own world," I sarcastically replied. "Did I mention the following things? I hate your immaturity. I hate your glasses. I hate your unruly hair. I hate selfish guys. I also hate snobby guys. Now if you'll excuse me, I have things to do."

Choosing not to hear his response, I left him speechless once more.

Back in the Gryffindor Common Room, I saw Sirius and Peter having a conversation while playing wizard's chess in the corner. I tried to sneak past them, but Sirius unfortunately caught sight of me.

"Yo, working Muggle virgin!" Sirius winked. "Come join us. I need a girl to witness my glorifying victory."

"Do you mind not calling me that," I sighed as I walked over to the boys. "It's embarrassing."

"Hey, it's better than being labeled as a slut," answered Sirius. "I might as well inform everyone about the real Lily Evans."

Ignoring the squabble between Sirius and I, Peter introduced a new topic of conversation. "I heard that Aurore would be coming back to England. Being half-veela and half-wizard, she must have grown into a beautiful woman. It's no wonder that Remus is acting so strangely."

Realizing the chance to learn more about this woman, I asked, "Aurore?"

Sirius looked at me with interest. "Aurore Mistral just signed a lucrative contract to act in a huge Hollywood film. She is also one of the main models for Chanel."

"What about Remus and Aurore?"

Peter answered, "Aurore is Remus's first love since our kindergarten years. You see, Remus's father was very strict."

Sirius shuddered and commented, "He was so strict that we never wanted to come over to Remus's house."

Peter continued, "Even worse, Remus was a…. OW!"

I was confused when I realized Sirius kicked Peter's shins. Sirius briefly gave Peter a dark look before continuing with the conversation, "Anyway, Remus became autistic because of the atmosphere. He would always be in his own world whenever he plays with us. Soon he started vomiting. We couldn't do anything for him then."

I had an unsettling feeling whether or not I should hear the rest of the story. My curiosity got the better of me as I inquired, "Where does Aurore come into this story?"

Sirius smiled and replied, "Aurore was two years older than we were. Even at that age, she was so noble and kind. Little by little, she tried to open him up. Because of her, Remus started to smile. To make this story short, Remus was totally heartbroken when he heard that Aurore had to go away to France. We never knew when she would come back. MUHAHAHA! I finally won against you, Peter!"

Peter looked at me and asked, "Would you like to play?"

I shook my head and answered, "No thank you. I have to go to the library and do some studying."

Sirius winked. "Suit yourself, bookworm. You're missing an opportunity to see me castle my king or learn how to castle your own."

"Ha-Ha. Very funny, Mr. Black," I responded sarcastically as I started to leave the room. "You should use that line to pick up your next girl."

"You think so? I have better ones…."

'I definitely did not need to hear that from Sirius,' I murmured under my breath as I aimlessly wandered through the bookshelves of the school library. How could I compete with such a girl? I'm only an ordinary Muggle girl after all. Aurore is not only a gorgeous supermodel, but she is also an upcoming movie star. Rushes of insecurity and weakness flooded through me for the first time. I'm supposed to be strong and independent. Why does my heart race whenever I think of Remus?

At the distant corner of the library, I found Remus standing with a wand in his hand. Curious to see what he will do, I hid myself in the next aisle and peered through the open spaces of the bookshelf.

In a clear yet subdued tone, Remus whispered, "Expecto Patronum."

The next few moments were astounding. A wispy silver cloud flowed from Remus's wand and formed into a semi-solid figure. Closing his eyes, Remus enveloped the figure in his arms and stayed silent with content. Upon closer inspection, I realized the figure was a woman, a ghostly imitation of Aurore.

~CRASH~

I bumped into a stack of books which made a dreadfully loud racket. I could only give Remus a sheepish look as he discovered that I was spying in the next aisle.

"You again."

"I was only passing by." I quickly lied. In attempts to reduce the tension, I innocently remarked, "I've never seen such a charm taught in class. It must be very advanced."

"It's none of your business," Remus curtly replied.

Averting my eyes, I nervously chuckled, "I was very astonished. Initially, I thought you were snogging a girl."

With a glint in his eye, Remus tilted his head to one side and teased, "I think you love me."

"Nonsense. I do not love…"

All of a sudden, Remus grabbed my arm and pulled me into his body. He gently placed a light kiss on my forehead before letting go.

I paled in shock. What just happened?

Remus winked at me and continued, "You wanted me to do that?"

Utterly confused, I questioned, "Are you really Remus Lupin?"

Ignoring my question, Remus brushed back his translucent hair with one hand and remarked, "You are so cute." Letting out another chuckle, he left me wondering what just happened. Actually, I had no idea what to think of the situation. I could not withstand his intense heather gray eyes. I do not want to think about him, but many questions still remain unanswered. Remus, who are you…

After dinner

I couldn't bring myself to eat anything during dinner because too many perplexing and strange events happened in such quick succession. It was too nauseating to think about it.

"Hey Lily, you need to take these reports to the Headmaster."

Annoyed by the abrupt interruption, I turned to make a caustic retort only to feel my jaw drop to the floor. Unlike the usual dirty, long-sleeve tees of various Quidditch teams, James was in a light blue button-down shirt and loose-fitting khaki slacks. A slight hint of gel tamed James's unruly brown locks. I noticed James was not wearing his glasses either. I was almost drowning in the pools of his dark chocolate brown eyes.

"Um…" began James as he shrugged his shoulders, "Don't misunderstand. Prefects are role models to the student body. I have to look decent sometimes."

"It's nice," I replied.

"Really?" James said excitedly. "Yeah, I know. I spent hours to get the aesthetic charms just the way I want them to be..."

"Wait a minute," I interrupted. "You're the other prefect for Gryffindor! That means you… you…"

James laughed and teased, "That's right. Unfortunately, I share the Gryffindor prefect suite with you. Not out of my own…OW! Why are you so belligerent?"

"Because you were such a pervert last time," I bluntly answered. That jab to his stomach was so relieving.

"JAMES!! Aurore came back from France!"

I can't tell you how many thoughts flew through my mind when Sirius came running down the hallways bearing the news. I can tell you one thing though. Someone stole a piece of my heart.

.