Despite Remus's misgivings, Gwen didn't seem suspicious of his little "visits to his mother". She asked after Mrs. Lupin often, and was particularly sensitive to Remus's moods whenever (as she thought) his mother was ill. Remus found that she had an impressive sense of when to stay quiet and just keep him company and when to introduce a little more comedy into the conversation to distract him.

"You've got a gem there, mate," Sirius told him one evening. Gwen had seen that the four boys were hanging out together, and rather than intruding, had said a quick hello and gone off to chat with her own friends. "Most girlfriends I've seen would've sat down and asked what we were talking about."

"Yeah, think of poor Ned!" James agreed. All three of his friends shuddered. Ned was a fourth-year, and his girlfriend Pearl was a terror.

"I swear they're attached at the hip," Sirius muttered. Ned never seemed to be able to go anywhere or do anything without Pearl tagging along and trying to involve herself in every single moment of his life.

"That's one relationship that's headed straight to the dust-bin," James commented.

Fortunately, Remus and Gwen's relationship seemed to be made of sterner stuff than Ned and Pearl's which, as James had predicted, crashed and burned in another week and a half. By the last month of their third year, Remus and Gwen were still going strong.

When they did find some time for themselves, Gwen expanded Remus's taste in poetry. She would copy off and give him the most amusing and interesting poems she had read. Sometimes he would discover them tucked into the pages of his textbooks after their study sessions.

He found one in his book right in the middle of Charms, and was so absorbed in reading it that he didn't notice at first that Professor Flitwick had called on him.

"Mr. Lupin? Mr. Lupin!" Remus jumped and stared. "What is the proper incantation for a freezing charm?"

"Con—conglacio," Remus muttered, his face flaming.

"Thank you. Please pay attention!"

Remus sank down in his seat, but couldn't help his eyes flicking to Gwen. Her eyes were wide, and she mouthed "Sorry!" He managed a small smile, then glanced over at James and Sirius who, as soon as Flitwick had turned his back, had clasped their hands over their hearts and started fluttering their eyelashes. Remus suppressed a laugh and looked over at Gwen again, who was grinning and rolling her eyes.

000

Remus, James and Gwen were the last at the Gryffindor table at dinner that night. Gwen was feeling particularly happy. It was always fun to sit with the Gryffindor third-years at meals—with Remus's friends on one side and her own on the other. It was also one of the chances she got to be with Remus. She felt perfectly comfortable and happy just sitting there next to him, having a good jaw.

The three of them were laughing and joking. But James eventually fell silent. Gwen glanced at him furtively. He was staring at her with a strange, happy look on his face. From the corner of her eye, Gwen saw Remus notice her distraction and glanced at James as well. There was stillness for a moment. Gwen felt very unsettled; she frowned at James.

He suddenly shook himself, looking both embarrassed and bemused. He stood. "I have to go… erm... do some homework," he muttered, and fled. Remus looked vaguely suspicious. Gwen shivered.

"I wonder what that was all about?" Remus said.

"I don't know." Gwen bit her lip. "You know, I have some homework to do, too. And so do you. We should probably go back to the common room."

After a moment, Remus agreed and they both headed back to Gryffindor tower.

000

The third year was over all too soon, and they were headed home for the summer holidays. James, Sirius, Peter, Remus, Gwen and Eunice all managed to crowd into the same compartment on the train. Eunice positioned herself so she would be sitting by Sirius. Sirius didn't seem to notice, chatting with James on his other side.

"There's room for more," James lied innocently, looking at Lily.

"No, thanks," she said, trying to keep the disdain out of her voice. "Grace and I are going to sit with Eloise and Davina,"—two Hufflepuffs. James hid his disappointment.

The ride was filled with hilarity anyway. As if to make up for the absence of Lily, James and Sirius joked even more than usual and had the rest of the compartment in stitches.

The ride was all too short. They all said goodbye on the platform; the girls gave each other hugs and promised to write over the holidays. Gwen and Remus said goodbye last.

Remus hugged her very tight. "I'll miss you," he said quietly.

"I'll miss you, too."

"Maybe you can come visit sometime this summer."

"Maybe. Write me, okay?"

"Yeah."

Gwen pulled back, spotted her parents approaching. "Bye," she whispered, and kissed his cheek.

Remus watched her jog over to her parents and gave them a cheerful hug. His cheek still felt warm where she had kissed him. In fact, it was the first time she had done so. Remus was sure his cheeks were pink, and he smiled.

"Remus! There you are!"

Remus turned to greet his parents. As they left the platform, he turned and looked over his shoulder one last time to see Gwen laughing and chatting with her father. She felt Remus's eyes on her, and glanced over. She gave him a grin and a roguish wink before he and his parents stepped off of the enchanted platform.

TBC

AN: Yes, short. Very short. Apologies! Four year will be much more interesting than third, I promise you! Heh heh…

Please review!