PART 1: 'NO FRIENDSHIP IS AN ACCIDENT' - O. Henry

Chapter 2: Un-normal families

Remus had been convinced Black and Potter would have been caught, expelled and sent home on the first train back for their evening excursions, but miraculously (or judging by Peter's expression, unfortunately), both had been getting up with Remus and Peter this morning, boasting about not having run into a single teacher or prefect.

'First day back, y'know,' James Potter said knowingly, 'they don't expect anyone to be sneaking around so soon.'

As neither boy had been expelled, Remus found himself walking down to breakfast, not only with his new friend Peter, but in a group of four. This was entirely new territory. He wasn't sure what groups even talked about. Luckily, Black and Potter were immersed in their own little discussion, so he could talk freely with Peter, whilst retaining the comfort and safety of being in a larger pack.

Peter had been interested in learning more about how a wizard like Lyall Lupin had met and married a muggle, and Remus, who had always enjoyed the story of how his parents met, happily related it to Peter. It was, after all, one of the very few things Remus could share about his family.

'It took him a few months, but finally he confessed to mum that she hadn't actually been in any danger. Anyways,' Remus shrugged: 'I think by then they had fallen in love. And that was that really.'

'That's so cool!' Peter said, in awe. 'It was the same with my mum and dad... as in, my mum's a witch and my dad was a muggle. But the way they met wasn't nearly as interesting.'

Remus couldn't help notice the past tense. Neither did it seem, could James Potter.

'Was a muggle?' Potter turned around curiously.

Remus stared. This wasn't a topic one should force anyone to talk about, but the boy with the messy hair and glasses seemed entirely unaware of the lack of tact he was showing.

'He died... this winter,' Peter hung his head.

'Do you miss him?' Black asked, and this time, they all looked at him. Black shrugged: 'I am not sure I'd miss Father.'

'Yeah, I do,' Peter mumbled.

'I am so sorry, Peter,' Remus said, and then, with a heart as heavy as led, he decided this was as good a time as any to start the lie he would have to tell: 'My mother isn't doing very well at the moment either.'

He hated himself for the look of sympathy he got from the boy who had, recently, lost his father. But the full moon was only a few days away, and he needed his excuse to be believable.

'Blimey,' Potter exclaimed. 'Does anyone here have a normal family?'

It would have hurt, of course, Potter's comment. Except, Remus' mother was fine. Potter, at least, would not be giving him any misplaced sympathy, and Remus felt something that approached gratitude for it. Even if Potter didn't deserve it.

'Nobody's family is normal, mate,' Black said, and Remus remembered the letter from the day before.

'Suppose not,' Potter seemed to consider this carefully. 'Yeah, you're right, I mean my parents are really old and all. Y'know, they didn't even think they could have kids,' Potter grinned: 'But then they had me. Mum always said she couldn't believe it, she was so happy.'

'That was before they got to know you, though,' Remus remarked dryly before he could stop himself. Terrified he had just offended the boy, he was surprised when Potter just laughed.

'Just you wait, Lupin, there will come a day you will be overjoyed that I am in your life.'

Just then, Potter stumbled, and his leg seemed to fall through a step.

'Yeah, mate, I am sure Lupin is thanking his lucky star he's got a git like you to help him around,' Black said as he and Remus pulled Potter up.

'I've heard about these trick steps,' Potter exclaimed enthusiastically, completely unfazed.

'I think the trick is not to step on them,' Black said, and Potter scowled.

He wasn't the only one scowling, Remus noticed. Peter seemed to have taken a strong dislike to the two boys, and Remus couldn't say he blamed him. They had asked Peter to open up about something so painful, just to forget about it a second later.

'This is the thanks I get?' Potter said.

'I pulled you up, why should I be thanking you?' Black retorted.

'I took on the risks, leading this group. That could have been your leg.'

Black laughed: 'You're a terrible leader.'

'Am not!'

'Are!'

'And yet,' Potter winked: 'I am still leading.'

Black tried to get past Potter, but Potter, seeming to have anticipated this pushed Black into the railing.

'Still leading!' Potter gloated.

Black grabbed his robe: 'Not if I can help it.'

They were starting to attract attention, but Remus didn't think they were really fighting. Both of them were grinning widely, as they tried to pass each other to maintain the lead over the other.

'Stop it!' Peter said, his arms crossed, and still scowling.

Both Black and Potter looked in surprise at Peter, their smiles fading.

'Suit yourself, Pettigrew. Why don't you lead the way?' Black's voice was casual, bored even, like their little game hadn't mattered at all.

Peter seemed to hesitate before deciding to do just that. He made to push past Black and Potter, but Black stuck out his leg, so that Peter stumbled and lost his balance. For a moment it looked like he was about to fall down the remaining steps. A squeal escaped from the boy and Remus made to grab him, knowing already he had reacted too slowly.

Potter, however, had already stuck out his hands, and Peter regained his balance. Remus closed his eyes in relief.

'Careful, it's dangerous, going first.'

Potter's voice was as cold as ice. Peter tore himself free from Potter's grip and hurried down the stairs before either boy could do anything worse.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Potter rounded on Black.

'That was not okay,' he said angrily, and Black startled at the sudden change of tone. 'He could have been hurt if I hadn't caught him.'

'I wouldn't have let him fall, you just beat me to it,' Black said, dismissively, 'Besides, don't tell me you like the git.'

'We should get moving,' Remus mumbled. He wanted to go after Peter and make sure he was okay.

'He could be a useful ally, you know,' Potter said, as they continued down the stairs. The look he gave Black told Remus that Potter's anger had already evaporated: 'when you stage your mutiny against me.'

Black snorted: 'As if I'd need help taking on you.'

'My father was a renowned duellist in his time!'

'Bully for your father,' Black shrugged. 'All the more humiliating when I beat you.'

Remus only half-heartedly listened to their conversation. He wasn't sure if he enjoyed Black and Potter's company much. They had been downright horrible to Peter, who was clearly struggling with the loss of his father. But there was something about the pair of them that Remus couldn't help but be fascinated by. In any case, he wasn't willing to make these two his enemies, so he walked down with them, determined that he would find Peter at breakfast and sit with him.

A/N

I think it is canon that it is Remus that introduces / initially forces the relationship between Peter and Sirius/James, as these would, according to JK, be unlikely friends without our dear Remus. Sirius and James are taken in by Remus' kindness and quiet sense of humour.

Whether Fleamont Potter was a renowned duellist or not is perhaps up for interpretation. We do know that Mr Fleamont was an excellent duellist at school, due to all the bullying he endured (because of his name - I am sure JK got this from 'A Boy Named Sue' by Johnny Cash).

And yes, I know there's no such thing as the word un-normal. But it felt like the right chapter heading.