Penelope hated final exam time. Like, she hated it.

Not because she didn't want to take the exams, or thought she'd fail- except for potions, she definitely wasn't going to be continuing down that particular line of education- but because she knew that after they were all over, she'd have to return home.

And after the last letter she had received, she was extra hesitant to head back. The letter had read as follows-

Dear Sweet Penelope,

I expect your studying is going well, and that you will have excellent things to report on the outcomes of your O.W.L.s. It's our understanding that potions will likely be a sore spot for you, but upon your return home we shall discuss this shortcoming and future plans with you. Furthermore, your father and I have great, exciting news for you! If you remember what we talked about over Christmas break, then I'm sure you know as to what it pertains. Please keep an open mind, and do not be difficult this time.

Love,

Mother

Oh, Penelope remembered exactly what they had talked about over Christmas break, and wanted to hear none of the advancements they had made accordingly. She loved her parents, truly, but her father could be harsh and very traditional, and her mother was so bent on getting the best for her that she often forwent getting Penelope's own opinion.

But alas, what was she to do?

"Alright, that's it! I can't take it anymore, Moony! You've got to tell us what's bothering you!"

Remus took a deep breath before looking up from his studying to meet James's eyes.

"I haven't got to tell you blundering lot anything," he replied sullenly.

"I think you do, mate. That response alone shows that something's bothering you, and you need to talk about it," Sirius said, stepping in.

Remus looked between his two friends and then to Peter who was quietly watching the three of them with worry in his eyes.

"I thought it was about Penelope, but this has gone too far. You're practically miserable, and I can't imagine a girl you've barely met could trigger such a response," James explained.

"I don't know, Prongs. Remember when you first met Evans?" Sirius pointed out, crossing his arms. "You were pretty twisted up about her, too."

"Is this about Penelope, then, Remus?" James asked, turning back to him. "If so, let us help you out, mate."

Remus shook his head and snapped his book shut. "You can't help me with this."

"I disagree. The last time you said that, we figured out what was wrong and helped you anyways. If you don't tell us what's the matter now, we'll just do the same thing we did five years ago and figure it out on our own."

"I don't want you to meddle this time! I'm being serious," Remus exclaimed.

Sirius chortled. "No, I am." His smile fell, "In all seriousness, though, we mean it. What could possibly be so bad that you can't tell us?"

"Yeah, don't you trust us, Moony?" James pleaded, eyes looking forlorn.

"It's not that I don't trust you it's just-" Remus started, but couldn't finish his sentence.

"Just what?"

"If you trusted us, you'd know we can help you through it."

"No matter what."

"Yeah, Remus, you just gotta let us in."

"Just tell us what's wrong, Moons."

"SHE'S MY MATE!" He yelled over their chatter, his head spinning. "Penelope is my mate, and I can't do a thing about it!"

James and Sirius fell silent, and the only noise was Peter's gasp from his bed in the far corner. His two best friends shared a wide eyed look before looking back to him.

"Well, that's not what we were expecting, but we can work with it," James declared.

"No," Remus denied. "No, no. We aren't 'working with it.' We aren't doing anything. I know better than anyone what this life entails, and I am not dragging her into this. And neither of you can change my mind."

Sirius sighed and looked away while James tried to hold Remus's gaze.

"Remus, I think she deserves to at least know and decide for herself-"

"I can't tell her. I can't bear to see the look in her eyes when she realizes that I'm- that I'm a monster."

"Like we did, Moony? Did we look at you like you were a monster? No! We knew you were good through and through, and that no one like you could possibly be a monster. Remus, you're biggest problem is you can't ever let anyone in. But if there's ever going to be a time to get over that, it's now. I couldn't bear to see you lose her to someone else, and I can't imagine how you'd feel in that situation. So... Just think about it."

James turned and left the room, leaving Remus to stew over his thoughts. And stew he would, all summer.