Author's note: Wasn't going to get a bonus chapter out this week but… wanted to give my dear friend Pip something for getting through the exams, and to hopefully cheer him up from a difficult day :)

CW: brief mention of suicide, but only in a vague mention.

-x-

Wednesday morning dawned grey and rainy. Remus felt sluggish getting out of bed and getting ready, hoping the full moon—still a week away—wasn't already affecting him.

Sirius and Peter were getting ready too, and when Remus opened James's curtains he found the bespectacled boy gone. What in Merlin's name is he DOING?

Shrugging, he shut the curtains and headed down to the Great Hall with Sirius and Peter. Sirius was quite happy about this, and was even happier when they went in to find James sitting with Patricia Bell and Onyx Hooper of the Quidditch team. Remus sat with the other two, wondering if James was snubbing him now. Maybe James just gave up on the idea of the Marauders?

No, no. Remus refused to think that anymore.

"I can't wait till our sixth year, when we can drop Potions," said Sirius as he began sticking his bacon together to form a house.

"Unless the career you want needs Potions," Remus reminded him.

"I'm not going to have a career that needs anything," Sirius said, tongue poking out as he focused on the chimney. "I'm going to be a rock star, or a model, or something like that. I just need my fantastic looks."

Remus stirred his porridge, trying not to laugh. "You'll need Potions then." Sirius gave him a curious look. "To make beauty products, to keep those fantastic lo—yah!" he yelped as Sirius lobbed a piece of bacon at him.

"Least we don't need to think about careers until fifth year," Peter mused. "I dunno what I'm going to do. I mean, I know I wanna do photography—in the future. But I don't know if Hogwarts has a career path for that."

"Journalism," Remus suggested. "That would work, except you usually need a N.E.W.T. in History for that."

"Ugghhh!" Pete moaned. "I don't think I can take listening to Binns drone for the entire of my school life!"

"Let's not talk about careers." Sirius was trying to enchant some scrambled eggs to be the smoke coming out of the chimney, but they kept falling down off his plate and onto the ground, making a mess. "Let's—"

Whatever he was going to say was lost as James was climbing up onto the Gryffindor table. Everyone stared at him as he straightened up, clearing his throat for attention. His a-hems echoed across the Great Hall and Remus realized he must have had a spell on him to make him louder, probably from Bell or Hooper.

"Attention everyone!" James said, his voice very loud as he pointed his wand towards a record player sitting near the door. The needle moved and the song My Lovely Enchantress began playing, a popular lovey-dovey pop song. It was obvious James was going to sing it, and Remus couldn't even begin to fathom who he was going to sing to!

Except when the words began coming out of the record player, James sang different ones; he had made up his own lyrics. "I just gotta say I didn't mean to!" he sang, twirling around. "I just gotta say I'd do it different!"

Remus put his head in his hands as James began singing out a very loud apology to Sirius and Peter. Sirius looked amused while Peter sank a little in his seat, cheeks very red.

"MY LOVELY SIRRRRIIUUUS!" James shrieked, sliding to his knees and knocking over a tureen of gravy. "PEEEETEEERRR! I'M SORRRRYYYY! WON'T YOU HEAR MY APOLOGY, WON'T YOU SEE MY—uh—APOLOGY! SIR-I-US! PET-TEH-ER! I'M SOR-RR-RY!"

Several students were clapping to the tune, others decided it wasn't worth it and were returning to their breakfasts, and McGonagall was marching towards the player. James kept singing even after she took the needle off, cutting the music off. He stumbled a little with his lyrics without the music, though.

"THE RAIN CAN'T HIDE MY TEARS OF HOW—uhm, erm—SO—uh—SAD I AM IN LOSING YOU!"

"Mr. Potter!" McGonagall was in front of him, standing in a puddle of gravy. "Get down!"

James danced away, continuing singing. "I KNOW I WAS WRONG IN HURTING YOU!"

McGonagall flicked her wand and his voice faded to its normal volume, the lyrics squeaking out now. "Get down right this second and I'll only give you one night of detention!"

"When I was—uh—when—shoot what was it—"

She waved her wand and James was plucked off the table, brought down to stand next to her. He looked up with a big grin. "Hiya, Professor. I was apologizing to my friends."

"I can hear that," she said, folding her arms. "Detention, Mr. Potter."

"For singing?"

"For making a mess." She indicated the table and all the food he had knocked over. "And for causing such a scene."

James nodded. "Right-o." He spun around and walked over to the Marauders, still smiling though it was a little forced to Remus's eyes. He stood by them, hands in pockets, looking anxious. "Hi."

"Brilliant!" Sirius launched himself out of his seat, wrapping his arms around James and giving him a little spin. "That was bloody hilarious! You changed the lyrics so well, too!"

James beamed, hugging Sirius back. "I really am sorry, I know I made a mistake—"

Sirius rubbed his knuckles across James's head, messing his hair up. "You did, but thanks for apologizing."

"I am sorry," James said with a firm nod. "I won't… er…" He glanced at the other two then back to Sirius. "I won't do that again."

"Good," Sirius said.

James turned his gaze to Peter. "I'm sorry for not thinking about how important your camera is to you."

Peter, still embarrassed by everything, got up. "S'all right," he mumbled, squeaking a little when James hugged him.

"I shouldn't have been so flippy about it."

"Flippy?" Peter asked.

"Do you mean flippant?" Remus asked.

James nodded. "Yeah, that. I really am sorry. I should have tried to understand your side of things better and not jumped right in with suggesting a replacement."

Peter gave him a faint smile.

"I should have respected your…" He screwed his face up in thought. "Your barriers and… done better with communication." Remus managed to hide a smile at that. James did smile, though. "We're friends again, right?" he asked, looking at the two.

"Of course," Sirius said.

James turned to Peter who frowned a little bit. "Well. Yeah, okay, I forgive you."

Remus smiled. A happy stable family again, he thought as the four of them sat down to eat together.

-x-

Most of their classmates seemed to have something to say about James's performance. Several thought it was great, giving him a bigger head when they said how fun it was. Others thought it was weird. A few thought it was dumb. Snape asked with a weird little smirk why James sang a love song to Sirius and Peter.

"It was an apology song, not a love song," James said. "Unless you think you can only apologize to the people you love like that in which case…" He grinned mischievously. "Is the only person you ever apologize to Evans?"

Snape went several various shades of red, spat out a few choice words at James, and quickly hurried off.

The rest of the day went much like that, with most the students they passed by having something to say about breakfast. Those who hadn't been at breakfast during that time (pretty much just the first and second years) heard about it. Mary Macdonald stated she was quite sorry she hadn't seen it, since she really liked the song, and James tried to do it again except he forgot most of the lyrics he made up himself so he wound up just singing the actual song. Macdonald didn't seem to care, and clapped when James finished.

"It's stupid," Lily grumbled on the way to Ancient Runes in the late afternoon. "It wasn't an apology, it was just him wanting to be the center of attention."

"As long as Misters Black and Pettigrew found it to be a good apology, I don't think the loudness matters so much… does it?" Aegis inquired. "The only ones who should have an opinion are the ones the apology is for, right?"

Lily scowled. "Yeah, yeah, I guess that's true. An idiot's way of apologizing to idiots." Suddenly she began giggling. "If that's the new way you and your friends try to apologize then I can't wait till we fight!"

Remus tried to swat at her and she danced out of the way. "I'd rather lose your friendship forever than make such a spectacle of myself!"

"Oh, boo," she teased. "You're so mean."

"Unless you get up and sing with me," he continued, knowing perfectly well she wouldn't.

"I'd enjoy seeing that!" Aegis insisted.

Lily whirled around, putting a hand on a jutting hip, her other hand closed in a fist in front of her face which he later realized was supposed to be a microphone. "Whoa, tie a yellow ribbon 'round the ol' oak tree! It's been three long years, do you still want me? If I don't see a ribbon round the ol' oak tree I'll stay on the bus, forget about us, put the blame on me, if I don't see a yellow ribbon 'round the ol' oak tree!" As she sang the bouncy song she swung her hips back and forth, wriggling her bottom to the tune.

"What is that?" Aegis laughed.

"Tony Orlando and Dawn," she giggled. "Your turn, Remus."

"NO."

She grabbed his arm, tugging. "Come on, I've heard you sing—"

"That is an absolute, bald-faced lie," he hissed out.

She kept tugging. "Come on, sing something!"

He was on the verge of yanking free and running for the nearest window when Snape appeared, looking rather livid at the sight of Lily's arms around Remus's arm. For once Remus was grateful to see that sallow face, and shook his head. "Maybe l-later," he muttered, jerking his chin.

Lily looked over at Snape. "Er, right."

They continued on to class, Aegis whispering that he did wonder how Remus sounded when he sang. Remus swore he didn't sing and had no intention of ever doing so. He then asked if Aegis sang, or would sing publicly. Aegis went bright pink and changed the subject.

During Ancient Runes, Remus kept feeling Snape's glare on the back of his neck, sending uncomfortable shudders through his body. He was glad when class ended, except Codde asked Remus to stay behind for a moment. He sank back down in his seat miserably, wondering what it was about.

To his absolute horror as soon as the door shut, Codde cleared her throat and said, "I received a note today that claimed you were tracing your runes for homework."

Remus stared in absolute shock. "P—pardon? Wh-what? No! N-no, I'd—that—what? Who—who?"

Codde approached him with a piece of paper. "Don't worry, Mr. Lupin, I don't believe this. However I do need to see you write out a few basic runes in order to not have to look further into this."

Remus burned with indignation as he carefully drew out the runes she told him to draw, thinking back to when he was thought to be cheating in Potions. This was different, though. That had been an accident whereas this was someone accusing him!Most of the runes were luckily simple ones he remembered, a couple of them were more difficult and she permitted him to open the book. He did not trace them, and did a good job of copying them.

Codde took the paper, nodding. "As I thought, it was a baseless accusation. Thank you for your patience."

At least Codde believed him. He slunk out of the classroom, feeling utterly humiliated. Lily and Aegis were waiting for him, wanting to know what was going on. He managed to explain what happened, knowing he was glowing red. Not only from embarrassment but anger as well.

"Who would have done such a thing?" Aegis demanded.

Snape, Remus thought immediately. "I don't know. Um, don't—don't tell the others. They'll just want to find out who did it and get revenge. I don't really want to deal with that right now."

They both swore they wouldn't tell the other Marauders. They'd think it's Snape too. He went into the Great Hall and the three friends split up, going to their usual seats. Lily with the girls, Aegis with Alexander at the Slytherin table, and Remus to the Marauders.

"Are you still meeting up with Regulus tonight?" Sirius asked a few minutes into their supper.

"Hmm? Oh! Yes, of—of course!" Remus said, hoping it wasn't obvious he had completely forgotten that he had a session with the younger Black. Thank Merlin Sirius had reminded him! Well, there went his plans to meet up with Study Group like he told Twycross he would.

He left the Great Hall a little early, swinging by Lily to tell her he wouldn't make it that night. Lily looked confused, saying that she thought he quit Study Group. He told her Twycross had wanted him to come back and he said he'd try, however he forgot he was helping someone else with homework.

"Twycross?" Lily looked down at the table where Twycross was chatting with her friend, McNab. "She hates you. No offense."

"None taken, that's what c-crossed my mind too," Remus said, more curious now about why she reinvited him. "Well. Maybe Friday."

He went to the room where he and Regulus had met up before, not even sure if Regulus would be showing up. At exactly six, the door opened and Regulus came in, looking irritated as usual. The lesson went about the same as before. He struggled with spells and every time he did one, there was something off about the way he flourished his wand.

"I know," Regulus snapped when Remus reminded him to keep his movements steady. "Do you think the teachers haven't repeated that over and over to me? I am not stupid!"

"S-sorry."

"I'm not Sirius!" Regulus continued, furious.

Remus narrowed his eyes. "Sirius is not stupid."

Regulus messed with his Slytherin tie, avoiding looking at Remus. "Yes. He is. At least, he ignores whatever someone in authority tells him whereas I actually listen to my teachers."

"Not paying attention to teachers doesn't make him st—stupid," Remus argued.

"He willfully and wholeheartedly creates messes, throws the rules in the faces of everyone, and does whatever he can to cause problems. He could be told repeatedly he isn't doing a spell right and he ignores it, he doesn't care. But of course I'm the one who—"

Regulus stopped quickly, gripping his wand.

"Have you anything to say to me that the teachers haven't? Or are you going to continue to parrot them."

"If you don't want help then we can forget these sessions," Remus snapped.

He flicked a wavy strand of hair from his face. "I don't think I can be helped. Let me guess," he said as Remus opened his mouth. "Keep trying? Is that what you're going to tell me? I do keep trying. I try, constantly, to no avail. At least I can do magic, even if not very well."

Remus closed his mouth again since that was what he was going to say. Maybe Regulus really wasn't good at spells. Some people weren't. Except he was sure it was something to do with his inability to do the movements smoothly enough… though even wobbly wand movements could work well.

No, it was something else.

"Does anyone else in your family have trouble with spells?" Remus asked.

Regulus gave him a cold look. "No. The House of Black produces nothing but talented witches and wizards. I am a full-blooded, Pureblood wizard, and the Black family—"

"All right, yes, sorry," Remus sighed, not wanting to hear a rant about how perfect the Black family was. "Look. I'm willing to contin—con—continue working with you if you are."

"For money?"

He clenched his teeth. "No. Because I don't like the idea of trying to help someone and failing."

Regulus gave a slight smirk. "How softhearted. Were you almost put in Hufflepuff?"

"Ravenclaw, actually," Remus said a little dismissively and Regulus frowned. "But I do have a lot of work to do this year, this term. I have others I'm h-helping, and taking all the electives so if you don't want to continue, I don't want to waste my time when I could be doing something else."

Regulus fiddled with his wand, his hair falling across his face. "It'd be better if we stop," he said, a little softly, and Remus's heart sank a little with the knowledge of failure. "Didn't think a half-blood could help me anyway."

Regulus turned on his heels and left the room, slamming the door shut. Remus gaped at the closed door, cold fury slithering through his veins until he felt the wolf stirring. How dare he! How DARE he?! The wolf began pacing, waking up more than it had in a while.

He stormed to the door and yanked it open, ready to yell at Regulus but the second year wasn't anywhere to be seen. Brat! Remus left the room, stomping along the halls, fingers curled into fists. He knew if he ran across Regulus he'd probably explode—he felt ready to explode—but thankfully (maybe thankfully?) he didn't.

As he went through the halls he kicked at walls and grumbled to himself, the wolf stirring very violently inside. It had been a little while since the wolf got angry and it felt worse than usual. Maybe because it hadn't had a chance to erupt?

He knew if he happened across someone that made his temper worse (Mulciber and Avery, Snape, Malfoy) it would be bad, so he sequestered himself in a secret passage. Half-blood, Half-blood. It kept ringing in his ears. The look on Regulus's face, the disgust in his voice.

It hurt so much, though, because Regulus looked a lot like Sirius.

Sirius said horrible things, Remus reminded himself, knowing Sirius had called David the M-word back in their first year. Sirius had James to teach him. Regulus… probably only had other blood purists around to encourage that behavior. Not that all Slytherins were like that, but too many were.

Would Sirius end up like that, if he had been in Slytherin? It was really hard to imagine Sirius going along with people like Mulciber and Avery. Who would he have been friends with, even? Aegis? He disliked Aegis for whatever reason that made most of Slytherin dislike him.

After several minutes, he managed to push the wolf back enough to risk leaving the corridor, weaving his way through the school and debating whether or not to go to the library. It was only six-thirty and Study Group was still in session, but he wasn't sure about going, even with him telling Twycross he would.

Why should I keep the word I gave to her? he wondered, shuddering at the memory of her boggart. A werewolf. Ugh. He reluctantly went to the library, knowing if he didn't go tonight he'd have to go Friday or next week. Maybe it'll be better.

"What are you doing here?" Raven Craft asked as soon as Remus shuffled into view.

"That is rude!" snapped Kyra Pierce.

Remus set his things on the table and slid into his usual seat. "Twyc-cross asked me to."

Everyone looked at Twycross who gave a rather theatrical sniffle, tossing one of her braids over her shoulder. "The more people who actually cares about lessons and grades, the better."

Bones gave a loud guffaw. "Yeah because we sacrifice hours of our free time because we don't care. What?"

"Some of you don't act like it," she said. "Besides, Lupin doesn't argue as much."

"Oh, who argues?" Bones demanded. "Which ones of us argue?" Twycross glared at him. "Tell me. Twycross. Tell me, who argues the most?"

"If all you're going to do is insult us—" Pierce began.

"I am not meaning to insult anyone!" Twycross said, exasperated.

Remus shrank back as an argument broke out between Twycross and… well, everyone. Everyone except for Aegis, who kept giving wide-eyed looks at Remus. Twycross grew really defensive, doubling down on what she said. Their voices grew louder and louder until a Prefect came over to tell them to be quiet or he'd get Farrow. They were told they were old enough to know better, which sent a round of guilty expressions around the table.

After the Prefect left, nobody spoke for several long seconds until Buckling picked up her quiz and asked a question about Charms. Slowly everyone began talking again. Quietly. Remus joined in occasionally, however found Study Group to be more or less the same as it had been before: rather boring. His favorite thing was to help others and he didn't really have much of an opportunity in Study Group.

He fought off yawns and began jiggling his foot as he listened halfheartedly to Bones and Craft arguing about something that they were both right about. He considered interjecting with this fact, then changed his mind. It seemed like too much effort to jump in.

When the Group ended, he stood up and stretched, wondering how to politely explain he really didn't have much intention in coming back permanently. Before he could figure anything out, Aegis asked him if he'd stay behind a little bit longer. He plopped back down, neither saying anything until everyone else left. Remus expected Aegis to have something he needed to discuss but Aegis only wanted some company while he finished his Muggle Studies essay.

"Craft dislikes it when Miss Buckling and I talk about Muggle Studies," he explained as he carefully scratched out letters. "He says since it is only the two of us who are taking it, there is no need to bring it up in Study group. Also he claims it is an easy class. An instant O, for everything. He also says it is dull."

"Isn't—isn't he half-and-half?" Remus asked, wrinkling his nose a little as he tried to remember.

Aegis glanced up, a slight smile on his lips. "Yes. He is. Have you finished this essay?"

"The one assigned yesterday and not due for a week from tomorrow?" Remus asked and Aegis raised his eyebrows. He felt himself growing hot, not sure if he was blushing or not. "Er. I—I might have done some of it. Or most of it."

"I was only asking because I was unsure about whether or not to include anything about the—the—" He stopped, straightening up. "The, ah…" He waved his hand through the air as if he could produce the word he was looking for. "Machine. That sees bones."

"X-ray machine?" Remus asked, and Aegis nodded. "Erm, I did write about it a little. I didn't go into much detail. I focused mostly on comparing how they do it and how we do it."

"The light is called something, though, isn't it?"

Remus had to think for a second. "I believe it's just called x-rays, or x-radiation? I don't have my notes with me. I think Lewis said it's different from UV light and gamma rays. Is that what you were thinking?

He nodded and wrote that down on another piece of paper. "Thank you. I wonder if Professor Lewis will show us more machines, like that. It'd be fascinating to see our bones how Muggles see their bones. Or… other machines." Aegis gave him a smile. "Pandora said she thinks we might have the opportunity to use a—a typing-writer."

"Typewriter," Remus corrected without thinking. "S—sorry."

He shook his head, smiling. "No, don't be sorry. I need to know these things. What do you think a typewriter might be like? Have you ever seen one?"

"Only in films," Remus said and began wriggling his fingers. "There are buttons you push and it puts the letter on the paper."

"Fascinating! Muggles really do have their own sort of magic, don't they?"

Remus wondered how many Slytherins had ever said that! Then he chastised himself for his prejudice. He was just bitter about Regulus."Yes, they do," he agreed, and the two continued talking about Muggle Studies until Remus needed to go meet up with Peter after his Photography Club meeting. Aegis thanked him for staying, and Remus said he wouldn't mind doing homework with him more often.

"I would like that," Aegis said. "It would probably be a cauldron-full better than Study Group, with no offense towards Lily."

Remus got up, putting his things away. "Don't worry, I think Lily would agree with that. Goodnight, Aegis."

"Goodnight, Remus."

-x-

It felt good going to bed knowing the Marauders were all right with each other again, and waking up to—well, not to the happy stable family again, since it was Thursday and only Remus had an eight am class. Arithmancy, he thought miserably as he trudged down to breakfast, wondering if it'd be a failure to drop out. He knew everyone expected him to drop a class or two, and knew that he didn't feel any passion for Arithmancy… however it would feel like a failure. He didn't have a passion for Potions yet he wouldn't be able to drop that until sixth year. If he dropped it, which he wasn't sure.

Nobody's ever gone for all twelve N.E. , he thought, stirring his porridge. Dare he try? That was insanity and practically suicide… for a regular person. What about for a werewolf? He was never going to be able to do anything with his life so he wanted his school life to be at least something he could brag about. Twelve O. is brag worthy enough though.

He sighed. He wasn't gonna drop Arithmancy until at least after his O. , then he'd see how he felt. Or rather, how McGonagall felt. She'd never let him take all twelve for N.E. anyway, so what was the point in thinking about it?

In class, Talkalot was discussing at great length about the theory of applying Arithmancy to politics.

"For instance we can see that Eugenia Jenkins has a destiny number of nine," Talkalot said as he paced, waving his hand towards the chalkboard where that was written down. "If you look at nine for the destiny it reveals that she has a destiny that involves a selfless and sensitive strive towards brotherhood, towards uniting what is apart. To transform and heal." Talkalot gave a wry smile to the students taking notes. "As a Minister for Magic, that is very important especially in today's world… don't you think? Yes, Mr. Mulciber?"

"What do you mean important in today's world?" Mulciber asked. "Are you talking about the rights of Purebloods?"

Talkalot looked down his nose. "I am indeed talking about the Pureblood riots." He put a little extra emphasis on 'riots'. "The Squib Rights marches. Ms. Jenkins handled the issue well, and is working towards repairing the rife between—yes, Mr. Mulciber?"

Mulciber lowered his hand. "You're saying that it's good that Jenkins is trying to put Purebloods and Mudbloods together?"

There were several gasps from students and Remus clenched his teeth, resisting the urge to curse him. Lily twisted in her seat to stare at Mulciber who kept his eyes on Talkalot, a smirk playing on his lips.

Talkalot stared at Mulciber as he slowly moved to stand in front of his desk. "Ten points from Slytherin, Mr. Mulciber, for using very foul language in my classroom. I'd appreciate it if you kept that to yourself."

Mulciber blinked a few times. "So you're allowed to tell us your political opinions, Professor, but we can't because it differs from yours?"

"No, Mr. Mulciber. It has nothing to do with your… opinions on politics. You can't use language like that in my classroom. That is what I meant."

"Very well. I'll rephrase it." Mulciber steepled his fingers, eyes glittering viciously as he met Talkalot's glare. "You're saying it's good that Jenkins is trying to put Purebloods and… a-hem… Muggleborns together?"

Everyone was staring at Talkalot, wondering what he would say. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly before he answered with, "What I am saying is I believe that in such a turbulent world it is good that Jenkins is striving for peace and harmony. Pitting wizard against wizard will do nobody good."

Now everyone's eyes were on Mulciber who simply gave a shrug. "Right. Sure, Professor. I get it." Talkalot turned to go back to the front of the room and Mulciber muttered, "Traitor," under his breath so low that Remus figured he was the only one who heard it clearly besides the other Slytherins sitting around Avery.

The rest of the lesson felt uncomfortable and Remus was relieved when Talkalot dismissed everyone a few minutes earlier, giving them an assignment to choose a Minister for Magic, find out their heart, soul, and destiny numbers, and compare it to their term(s) as Minister.

"What was that about?" Lily hissed as soon as they left. "What the bloody hell is Mulciber's problem?"

"Anyone who isn't a Pureblood, that's what his problem is," Aegis pointed out.

Lily snorted, glowering as Mulciber swaggered out of the room with Crabbe and Jacknife crowding along next to him, whispering that he had done amazing standing up to Talkalot like that.

"It's a shame most of the school governors are blood traitors," sighed Crabbe. "It's a shame Dumbledore is letting people like that in." She cast a look towards Lily who knew Crabbe was probably talking about her but didn't know what was being said.

"Is something wrong, Crabbe?" Lily asked, loudly.

Crabbe hesitated, raising her eyebrows. "Yes. The quality and standards of this school are getting worse with every passing year, that's what."

"Then maybe you should've gone to a different school," Lily spat out. "Then at least our year would have a little better quality."

Crabbe gasped and Jacknife's eyes widened. "How dare you, you dirty—"

Talkalot appeared in the doorway behind her. "Is something wrong?"

"Evans insulted me!" Crabbe shrieked, pointing a finger at Lily. "She is bullying me!"

Mulciber and Jacknife, naturally, backed Crabbe up, while Aegis and Remus defended Lily when she argued that Crabbe was being the insulting one. Talkalot looked at the six of them, before looking at the only other student nearby.

"Mr. Snape," he said, "what did you hear?"

Snape stared with slight horror. Remus tried not to laugh. Snape was now in a corner. Defend his so-called friend or betray her? Snape looked at Lily then at Mulciber before going back to Talkalot. "I don't know, sir," he answered smoothly. "I was busy thinking about which Minister I should choose for my assignment. My apologies."

Talkalot grunted. "Two points from both of you. Two from Gryffindor, two from Slytherin. Now go on to your next classes. Separately, if possible."

Mulciber, Crabbe, and Jacknife went off in another direction while Lily, Aegis, and Remus turned towards the left.

"I didn't hear," Snape suddenly called out and Lily stopped in her tracks. "I was not paying attention."

Lily didn't move, though her shoulders were a bit stiff.

"I didn't hear," he repeated, quieter. "Whatever it was they said."

"Friends usually defend each other anyway," she said through clenched teeth. "I've done so for you loads of times," she added under her breath, which Remus doubted Snape heard.

Snape didn't say anything and Lily began walking with Aegis and Remus trailing after her, neither sure what to say.