CHAPTER EIGHT

Remus Lupins friends had crazy ideas. Some more hairbrained than others. James wanting to fight the Giant Squid was probably one of the most, if not the craziest, idea he'd ever had.

"You cannot fight the Giant Squid," Remus sighed for the hundredth time. The four boys were in the back corner of the common room, tucked away by the old grandfather clock. They had started off doing their Potions homework, only to get off track and end up on the topic of who would win in a fight, James or the Giant Squid that resided in the schools lake.

"Course he can," Sirius said with a laugh, James's chest puffed up, "Just means I get his broom when the Squid kills him." James's chest deflated and he threw Sirius a dirty look.

"Pete?" James asked dramatically, the pudgy boy looked up from his essay, "You think I'd win, right?" Peter nodded frantically. Remus tried not to roll his eyes. He loved Peter, he did, he thought of the sandy blonde as a brother, but it annoyed him that the smaller boy tended to hero worship James and Sirius.

"See," James boasted, "Peter thinks I'd win!"

"Against what?" Each of the boys jumped in fright. Peter had spilled ink on Sirius's essay and James had toppled off his seat while Remus let out an embarrassing yelp.

The boys turned and saw that the voice who'd asked the question was Ambrosia Harkins, the girl Remus had fancied since he'd started Hogwarts. Her hair was loose and free and though she wasn't wearing anything out of the ordinary,just muggle trousers that flared off that the bottom and a nice fitting sweater, she was wearing makeup. Something that momentarily stunned the Lupin boy.

"Harkins," Sirius whined "You can't sneak up on blokes like that!" Ambrosia smiled mischievously at the pureblood. Her lips were a dark red color. He wondered if he kissed her would he end up wearing some of her lipstick too. Not that he'd mind, why would he, he'd have just kissed Ambrosia Harkins.

"Sorry to say this Sirius," she placed her hands on her waist, "But I'm pretty sure I just did." Remus snorted.

"'Lo Ambrosia," the werewolf waved timdly. She smiled brightly at him

"Hi Remus." He heart felt like it was beating a million beats a minute. "I heard you were in the Hospital wing the other day, and I just wanted to say I hope everything's alright." His face started to burn hot.

"Ugh, well-yeah," he nodded. Remus saw his friends bite their lips, trying not to laugh at him and his inability to speak to her when she looked so perfect.

"Well," she smiled, "I'm glad. I'd hate if you were dying of dragon pix or something."

"Now why would that be?" James asked teasingly, leaning on his elbows.

"Why am I glad he's okay?" Ambrosia's eyebrows came together, "Because he's my friend?"

Remus felt his heart plummet into his stomach. Friend. He knew he shouldn't have gotten his hope up, that she's never just say 'Well because I'm in love with him'. He was a werewolf after all, the scars on his torso from two nights prior was proof enough of why they should stay friends. Even if he wanted to cry every time she said it.

It was quiet for a moment. Ambrosia shifted her weight from foot to foot.

"Hey Ambrosia?" James wondered.

"Yeah?"

"Who would win in a fight, me or the Giant Squid?"

"You," she rolled her eyes.

"Really?" James smiled brightly, only for Ambrosia to shake her head.

"No," she snorted, "The Giant Squid, ever time."