For August Bingo on the Ministry of Magic Discord.


No one is surprised when it's Peter who gives the game away. He's slurping down pumpkin soup when one quick gulp turns into a fit of spluttered coughs. And that's when it happens—a mandrake leaf slips from his mouth and into his bowl.

"Did that just…? Is that…?" Remus peers at the slimy leaf in shock. Then, recognition suddenly dawning on him, he stares at his friend. "Are you serious? That's…that's illegal. And very advanced—very dangerous—magic."

Peter flushes. "It wasn't my idea."

Remus turns to James and Sirius, who both seem to have developed a sudden interest in their meals in front of them. Sirius breaks first, his eyes darting up quickly to meet Remus' before he tilts his head towards James.

"We thought it might help," explains James. "Uh, you know, with your furry problem."

Sirius laughs quietly, ignoring Remus' glare. "Jamesie thinks your furry friend is lonely. Thinks some fellow friends might settle him down."

Remus' eyes dart around the table. But he needn't have worried about anyone overhearing. His fellow students have long since gotten used to ignoring the four boys' chatter. Satisfied that no one is listening, he turns back to his friends.

"You need to stop." He frowns at James. "I can't believe you came up with this. Do you have any idea how much trouble you could get in? What were you thinking?"

"I was thinking—we just—you—well…" James trails off. "I just thought it might help. I—we—just want to help, that's all."

Remus knows he's still meant to be angry. But there's an unusual hesitance in James' tone that makes Remus pause. And although he won't ever say it out loud, he has to admit that he does feel touched. That his idiot friends would risk so much for him… it's inconceivable. When he looks up, he catches James' eye and the tension in his shoulders begins to melt.

"It's a terrible idea," he says, trying and failing to keep an edge to his tone. "You could get in real trouble."

"Yeah. We know." James shrugs, grinning. "Worth it though, if it helps."