"Well, it's time I guess," said Patricia, facing the four boys. "It's the end of my time at Hogwarts."
"You could ask to be held back a year," suggested Peter.
"Why would anyone do that?" asked Remus. "Especially when they've got a very promising career at Gringotts as a career lined up."
"Exactly," said Patricia. "It'll be great to test my skills as a Curse-Breaker before pursuing my ultimate goal."
"And what would that be exactly?" inquired Remus.
"That's for me to know and you to find out," said Patricia.
"I know, that why I was asking," said Remus, but Patricia was ignoring him now.
"James," said Patricia, turning her attention to him. "That girl you're into, she's totally into you too, even if she won't admit it yet. Honestly, after that last Quidditch game, I'm surprised you aren't surrounded by an army of adoring fans."
"Thanks Pat," said James. "But how do I get her to…"
"Look, your biggest obstacle will be Severus," said Patricia. "Once you get him out of the way, then you should be okay."
"Are you suggesting killing him?!" cried James.
"…maybe leave that to a last resort," said Patricia. "And I mean, like, LAST last resort. Seriously, try everything else before that, and even then, make it your idea, not mine."
"Thanks Patricia," said James, as she turned to face the next of the boys.
"Sirius," said Patricia. "I know about your family. How they treat people, especially anyone loyal to muggles and muggle borns."
"How did you…" started Sirius, as Patricia cut him off.
"You don't graduate on top of the class at Hogwarts without being pretty damn smart," said Patricia. "But what I want to say is that: family doesn't end in blood. I really hope you figure that out before something happens to you."
"Th-thanks," said Sirius, as Patricia moved on to the third of the boys.
"Speaking of secrets, Remus," she said. "I know yours."
"You…know?" asked Remus. "How? How much? When did…?"
"Like I said, I'm smart. I know these things," said Patricia. "It doesn't take a genius to figure out that you only seemed to disappear around the full moon. Don't worry, I'm not going to say anything to anyone about it."
"That's good," said Remus, sounding relieved. "But what can I do about it?"
"Honestly, at this point, nothing," said Patricia. Remus lowered his head in disappointment. "But that doesn't mean you can't live a full life. You're a smart kid, Remus. You can work something out. And witches and wizards are inventing new potions every day. Maybe someday they'll come up with something for lycanthropy."
"I hope so," said Remus, as Patricia turned to the fourth and final boy.
"Peter," said Patricia. "You are a way better wizard than you give yourself credit for. And someday, I hope to meet up with you again to take care of…you know…"
"Yes," said Peter. "I'll keep looking into it for you."
"Wait, what?" asked Remus. "What are you guys talking about?"
"Patricia, are you coming?" called one of the other seventh year girls. "Stop hanging around with the kids for once."
"Coming," called Patricia, facing the group again. "Well, that's my cue to leave. Until the day we meet again boys…" And with that, Patricia turned and began making her way to the train with a group of girls from her own year level.
"But seriously, what were you talking about?" asked Remus.
"Something secret between me and Patricia," said Peter conspiratorially.
"You and Patricia?" asked Sirius. "No way, she's way out of your league. You could never…I mean, with her? No way."
"Especially since he's…you know, Peter," said James, but by this point Peter wasn't paying attention to them. His mind was focused on one thing: continuing the research Patricia started into the Cursed Vaults.