I stared at Remus from where I was sitting up against the wall. The pallet of blankets and the pillow I had used were folded neatly behind me. I was used to waking up before dawn, before the city got real busy. Remus was still asleep and I took the time to study him. I had been here a week today and Remus had always seemed really awkward and shy. I thought after the first few days he would get over it but he always paused when he walked into a room i was in. As if he thought he wasn't welcome, or maybe because he didn't want to be in the same room as me. Mr. and Mrs Lupin had also been distant and made me wonder why I even bothered staying. I glanced out the window and huffed as i saw the forest beyond, Right that was the reason because i was stuck in the middle of bloody nowhere,
I stared out the window as I watched the sun slowly rise after a while Remus stirred and got up blinking blearily over at me. "Morning." he mumbled as he got up and moved out of the room towards the bathroom grabbing a set of clothes as he went.
I didn't bother responding and instead stood up as well and made my way down the stairs where I could smell breakfast cooking. I walked in silently and glanced over to see Mrs. Lupin ust finishing setting the table. On the stove bacon was frying and a stack of pancakes stood next to the stove.
Mrs. Lupin quickly handed me a plate stacked with several pancakes and two strips of bacon. "Thanks." I said quietly as I sat down and poured myself a glass of milk. I then began to quietly eat as I heard Remus coming down the stairs.
As Remus sat down and began to eat his own stack of pancakes. Mrs Lupin spoke up, "We'll be making a trip to Diagon Alley today to get both of your school supplies."
I frowned at her words as Remus perked up at that. "Diagon alley?" I asked "Where's that? I've never heard of that alley before." and I would know I knew London like the back of my hand after all.
"of course not dear your a muggleborn" mrs lupin stated before kissing remus on the head, "if you need me sweety I'm going to get ready will be leaving in 2 hours"
"ok…." Remus said shifting in his sit and watched her leave before glancing at me, "umm…." he said awkwardly
"What?" I asked looking at him with a raised eyebrow
"Diagon alley… ummm .. it's... it's where magical folks go shopping…" he said shifting and poking at his food with his fork
"I gathered that…." I muttered before saying under my breath, "I thought I knew all the allies in London…." wondering why I hadn't seen it before.
"It's uhh… hidden by magic…" remus explained
"Well that would explain why i didn't know it was there," I hummed
"How would you know all the alleyways in London?" Remus asked looking at him curiously
I looked at him before saying vaguely, "I get around a lot.."
Remus stared at him in confusion, "so...you moved a lot?" he asked
I smirked slightly before saying, "Yeah." deciding that explanation worked as good as any.
I stood up from the table before remus could ask any more questions, "I'm going to go put on a fresh pair of clothes." and moved back up to the room. I went to my trunk and flipped it open, I pulled out a fresh pair of old denim jeans that were ripped in several places. I pulled them on as well as a faded black tank. Over that I wore my usual leather jacket with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of converse hightops I had stolen out of a goodwill bin. I then spent the next two hours lounging on the couch in the living room waiting for and Remus to come down so we could leave it taking far longer than Mrs. Lupin had said it would.
I looked up as they finally came down the stairs and I got to my feet stretching a bit as I did.
Mrs. Lupin smiled as she said, "Good, you're ready."
I raised an eyebrow at her but did not comment as she continued, "We'll be traveling by floo. Remus will go first to show you how." she said as she held out a small jar of powder towards Remus. Remus grabbed a handful and stepped into the fireplace as he yelled out clearly "Diagon Alley!" and threw the powder at his feet. In a rush of green flames he disappeared leaving me staring at where he had been.
"Now you go. It's important you speak very clearly." Mrs Lupin said as she held out the powder.
"You want me to walk into a fireplace…...it doesn't burn you?" I asked narrowing my eyes at it
Mrs Lupin sighed agitatedly, "If it did I wouldn't have allowed my only son to go in, now go on we're on a time frame."
"Right." I sighed as I grabbed some of the powder and stepped into the fireplace. I repeated what Remus had said making sure the words were clear before I too vanished in a jet of green flame. I felt like I was spinning in place before I suddenly landed in another fireplace tripping as I exited.
"Well it's better than bloody apparition…" I cursed as I straightened up and brushed soot off my clothes and out of my hair.
I jerked violently as someone pulled me away from the fireplace and glanced over to see remus. "So where are we?" I asked as I pulled away from him, glancing around a fairly dark and smokey looking pub.
"This is the leaky cauldron that leads to Diagon alley and that door leads out to london." Remus said pointing to the front door.
I looked at the front door and grinned, "Well that's good to know." As came out of the floo a few seconds later.
"Now then let's see…." Mrs Lupin said as she moved past us appearing to be looking around with a frown on her face before moving to the bar and talking to the bar keep.
"Wait… I know this pub…" I mumbled to myself as I continued to look around, if I recall correctly the place was always filled with odd characters... Actually, wasn't I avoiding the place?I hummed my eyes narrowing trying to remember why I had stopped coming here.. Then again I had only come here a few times to steal… "ohhhh!" I said suddenly remembering the last time I had come here I had gotten caught stealing a few bottles of firewhiskey. The memory caused me to duck my head and pull the collar of my jacket up.
"Liam?" Remus asked quietly with a frown as he stepped closer to me "What's wrong?"
"Shhh" I hushed him as I pulled him a bit in front of me so that old man Tom, behind the counter couldn't see me, "That guy…" I nodded my head at the counter causing Remus to glance over only for me to yank him, "don't look!" I hissed at him, "I may have… relieved him of a few whiskey bottles….a couple months back…." I muttered lowly, "he unfortunately saw me… but I got away so it was fine"
Remus stared at me, his eyes wide as he hissed, "Whiskey? Why would you even need that? You're 11!"
"I needed a drink" I shrugged indifferently, "he may not remember its been awhile…" I said softly
"Why though?" Remus asked still frowning
"Why what?" I asked raising an eyebrow before spot mrs lupin walking back to us, "Just keep your mouth shut and stay in front of me"
"Well that's just great, your father left. Honestly that man, I told him we would be along shortly "Mrs Lupin huffed as Remus shifted and chewed his lip.
"Wasn't that 2 hours ago?" I asked flatly not knowing anyone who would willingly wait that long
Mrs. Lupin shot him a stern look as she said, "That's enough out of you...come on. Tom is going to open up the entrance for us to Diagon."
"Can't you?" I asked frowning while trying to keep my head down as she ushered us to where Tom was standing by a door.
"No. I dont have magic." Mrs Lupin said shortly as she barely glanced back at me before addressing Tom, "Tom this is my son Remus"
Remus bit his lip giving a small wave as he seemed to hold onto the sleeve of his mothers shirt.
"Nice to meet ya lad. Looking forward to Hogwarts?" Tom asked with a grin
Remus shifted as he nodded his head mumbling, "Yes sir…" glancing slightly at me in worry, the action drawing Tom's eyes onto me
"That's Liam" Mrs Lupin said dismissively, "we will be getting his school supplies as well"
"Indeed ... Liam is it? Nice to meet you lad." Tom said his eyes looking me over critically
I grunted out a response as I shifted on my feet and hugged the jacket to me, hoping he didn't recognise me.
He hummed as he stared at me, only taking his eyes off me when Mrs. Lupin cleared her throat. Tom gave her glance before saying, "Right this way" and opening the door for us to go out. I raised an eyebrow as we walked out into the alley and at the dead end realizing that it was me coming out here that had gotten me caught. I couldn't help but wonder if he was just taking us out here so he could make some witty remark about it, before demanding I pay him or perhaps call the police on me. The idea made me a bit antsy as I shifted and debated on running.
"The password is three up and two across." Tom said as he tapped the bricks on the wall with a long polished piece of wood.
"Bloody hell '' I yelped, jumping back as the wall seemed to cave in and opened itself up to reveal a large archway onto a cobbled street that twisted and turned out of sight.
"Language," scowled before saying," Thank you Tom. Come along Remus…" only to than say as an afterthought, "You to Liam"
I hesitated for a moment, temporarily forgetting my uneasiness of Tom remembering me, before following her into the alley only to jump slightly at noticing the archway shrink back into a wall. I tried to take in as much as I could as I followed them down the street and passed several different shops. Mentally adding the alleyway to my mental map of London. Taking note of the various side streets, which stores might make easy pickings and which ones were too avoid. My attention was particularly caught by a particularly seedy area called Knockturn alley but was unable to explore it.
"Now then if I was your father where would I go…" Mrs. Lupin said to Remus as she quickly swiped past everything.
"Quality Quidditch supplies…." Remus said tentatively
"Oh he better not be buying anything" mrs. lupin said sternly as she quickened her steps
I frowned as I asked, "Quidditch?" my tone hesitant
"It's a game….kind of like football and basketball put together…. but it's played on broomsticks…." Remus explained glancing at me
"Broomsticks?" I asked raising an eyebrow
"There he is' 'Mrs. Lupin quickly turned to the left where I could see standing outside a shop called quality quidditch supplies. He looked to be examining an odd looking broom that was on display in the window.
I hung back a few paces as Mrs Lupin strode over to Mr Lupin and hissed something under her breath at him causing him to look slightly ashamed. I paid it little mind as I continued to glance around the alleyway at the various shops I could see.
Mr. Lupin cleared his throat before saying to Remus, "Right then… so i've already managed to get most of your things now all we need to do is go to the second hand robe shop and get you your school robes along with your wand"
"Uh… umm.." remus said shifting slightly uncertainty
"No worries my dear boy we'll still stop at the second hand bookshop and you can pick out a book but only if we have enough money" mr. lupin said with an easy smile
"No.. um… I mean that's great.. Just…" he glanced at me uncertainty, "Liam… umm… did you get his stuff too?..."
"Ehh right.." mr. Lupin said, seeming to just now notice me, "I've gotten... Liam?... yes Liams things as well..."
I shifted slightly, stuffing my hands in my pockets not really surprised at the elder lupins reactions. I wasn't upset about them not knowing my name or realizing that I was there in the first place. If anything it was more of an annoyance as if they looked through me rather than at me. It was obvious mr. lupin only wanted me around for an extra paycheck and mrs. lupin didn't want me around at all. What did surprise me though was the fact that Remus, however awkwardly. Was trying to stick up for me. Made me wonder why he was doing it in the first place. Was he wanting something in return? If so he would be sadly disappointed.
"Come along, let's go find you some robes" Ms. Lupin said walking along
"Us" Remus reminded
"Pardon?" Mrs. Lupin asked frowning slightly as she glanced at her son
"... us" Remus mumbled gesturing to me as he shifted uncomfortable
"Yes of course come along you two" Mrs. Lupin rephrased as she once again started down the street
As we walked down the narrow cobblestone alley I glanced at Remus out of the corner of my eye with a frown. Why did he keep reminding her of me? What was the point of his actions? As the elder Lupins moved a bit ahead I glanced at him once more before I asked quietly, "Why?" my tone confused
"Why what?..." Remus asked shifting a bit as he looked at me nervously
"Why….stick up for me?" I asked hesitantly
"Ohh…. I umm… I mean…" he shifted, biting his lip, "we're friends?...I mean… just… they have a lot on their mind.. They don't mean to dismiss you.. And you don't say anything… so.. I just…."
"I don't have friends.'' I said flatly with a slight scowl, we had barely even known each other a week and that was filled with awkward conversation so why the hell this kid would even think for a second we were friends was beyond me.
"Oh.. umm… I don't either… but.. Um… we could be.. Friends… if you want… you don't have to be… I'll understand if you don't want to be…" Remus said, biting his lip and looking at me hopefully.
I stared at him wanting to just tell him no way in hell except for the fact he looked like a bloody kicked puppy. I sighed and said slowly, "well ... .I guess...I could ... .make an exception…..just once….."
"Really?" Remus asked hopefully with clear excitement
"Well...yeah." I said a little thrown at his excitement, not sure exactly how to react to it.
"Great!...i mean.. Umm… good… that's… good…"Remus said, attempting to sound as if it was no big deal but only proving yet again how awkward the boy was.
I looked at him as I said, "You've not had a friend before have you?" that being the only explanation for Remus's awkwardness.
"Well umm.. I.. mean… you haven't…. It's.. not… strange…" Remus said shifting awkwardly before changing the subject, "look that's Ollivanders, that's where we will get our wands" as he pointed at a black sign that had stated in peeling gold paint, Ollivander markers of fine wands since 382 BC. In the dusty window of the shabby looking shop was a single wand laying on a purple cushion.
"Is it really that old?" I asked, surprised as I looked at the shop.
"Not the shop i don't think but the Ollivander family is I believe," Remus said
"Oh…." I said slowly trying to wrap my head around the idea before ultimately giving up.
"Come on Remus we don't have all day." Mrs Lupin called as she gestured for him to hurry up once more, neglecting to acknowledge me.
"We're coming" Remus said quickly
The elder lupins looked flustered before she nodded and waited at the door of Ollivanders. We quickened our pace and were soon walking into the small shop. The inside of the shop was as dingy and dusty as the outside. It was crammed with shelves which in turn were laden down with long thin narrow front counter held a single bell to ring for service however before they could hit it a small white haired man with oddly silver eyes appeared from a row of shelves.
"Ahh young Mr. Lupin, i thought i'd be seeing you today." Ollivander said his focus on Remus
"Umm… hello…. this is liam…" Remus shifting as he gestured to me
"..Yes..yes you look like your mother for sure. I remember her coming in to buy her wand." Ollivander said, looking at me with his odd eyes. I shifted uncomfortably as he stared at me, his eyes feeling as if he could read my mind.
I stiffened as he mentioned my mother as I asked, "You knew her?" my tone surprised.
"I did. She was quite a talented witch." Ollivander said "Now who shall go first eh?" he asked looking between the two of them.
"Remus of course" mrs. Lupin said before I could ask anything more, causing me to press my lips together and making a mental note to return to the shop to interrogate the man about my mother.
Remus hesitated glancing at me and I just shrugged as I stuffed my hands in my jacket pockets once more. Remus stepped forward and Ollivander focused on him as he asked, "Now which one is your wand hand?" Remus frowned before saying, "I'm right handed…" Ollivander nodded before taking a measuring tape and quickly measured Remus's arms. He then turned away muttering to himself before pulling a seemingly random box off the shelf.
"Here, cherry wood, unicorn hair, nice and supple." Ollivander said, handing it to Remus who took it hesitantly. He pulled out a wand and looked at it uncertainly before Ollivander said, "Well come on, give it a wave!" Remus jumped slightly before quickly waving the wand. Instantly the nearest shelf busted causing boxes to cascade to the floor.
"Nope definitely not." Ollivander hummed, taking the wand and quickly selecting another. "Here try this…" only to snatch it back as he muttered, "No no that won't do…" and selecting yet another box.
"Here Oak, Unicorn hair, inflexible." Ollivander said
Remus took the wand nervously and waved it, causing one of the narrow windows of the front door to shatter.
"Hmmm..perhaps this." Ollivander said as he handed another box to remus. Remus hesitantly reached out and picked up a brown and slender wand with a twisted detail and round bulb at the handle. He waved it around and instantly amber and silver sparks shot out of the end.
"Oh excellent, the wand is pliable, made of Cypress, with a unicorn hair core and 10 ¼ '' " Ollivander said as he waved his own wand and repaired the shop, " Cypress wood makes good wands. They well matched to wizards that can be rather heroic"
"Oh! Well done Remus!" Mrs Lupin exclaimed happily. I turned my head away as I rolled my eyes at her annoying gushing tone. Mr Lupin just patted Remus on the back as he said, "It's a fine wand son."
"Yes, very good now then" Ollivander said, turning his attention to me and asking, "which is your wand hand?"
"Umm…" I said frowning not really knowing which hand would be my wand hand but then I was left handed and tended to punch with that hand first, so it would be better to put the wand in the opposite hand, "Right I guess" as I held my right hand out
Ollivander nodded and took out the measuring tape once more before he scurried off to the shelves and pulled a few boxes down. "Here try this one, "it's maple with a dragon heartstring core, 11 inches." I took the wand looking at the pale color of the wood before waving it around. Instantly one of the legs of a nearby shelf disappeared causing it to hit the floor scattering boxes everywhere. I quickly dropped the wand back in the box as if it had burned me as I grunted, "my bad…"
"Not to worry, not to worry" Ollivander said dismissively as he took the box and handed me another. The next hour was spent in much the same fashion and if it wasn't for Ollivander becoming more and more excited with each failed attempt I might have grown frustrated and walked out.
Mrs. Lupin however didn't seem to appreciate the challenge as much as Ollivander was and did in fact walk out with Remus claiming to be going to get his robes. After another 30 minutes left as well stating he would be back. I was tempted to ask about my mother now that we were alone but couldn't quite find the opportunity with how giddy Ollivander was becoming.
"Interesting, interesting" Ollivander muttered as I waved another wand causing a lamp to shatter. He tapped his chin as he stared at me for a few moments before asking with an intrigued humm, "You said your right handed?"
"Well… no… I said my wand hand was right… I'm left handed but I need my left hand for punching idiots "I said flatly as I raised my eyebrow not at all knowing why that would matter.
"Hmmm.. yes, yes we can't punch someone with a wand in our hand it poor thing could break" Ollivander nodded approvingly as if understanding, "you'll have to be ambidextrous then.. Hmmm… very interesting" he then without pause took to measuring my left hand
I blinked as Ollivander disappeared once more among the shelves and came back carrying three boxes. He opened them up and set them on the counter as he looked at me for a long moment as he studied me before doing the same with the wands. He then picked up an almost red colored wand. It was polished to a high sheen and along the length of it seemed to be engraved with knotwork of some kind.
"This is one of my forefathers creations. It's red oak with a Thunderbird tailfeather as its core. 12 inches and unyielding." Ollivander said as he handed it to me. I looked at the wand and then slowly looked around the fairly destroyed shop and the stacks of open wand boxes. I was spurred into action as Ollivander said excitedly, "Come on now don't just stand there." I quickly took the wand and instantly felt a comforting warmth spread from my fingertips and up my arm. I waved the wand and a flurry of deep red sparks shot from the tip of it.
"Oh bravo!" Ollivander said excitedly before he started to explain, "you may often find ignorant fools saying that red oak is a sign of its owner's hot temper but in fact, the true match for a red oak wand is possessed of unusually fast reactions, making it a perfect dueling wand. Its ideal master is light of touch, quick-witted and adaptable, often the creator of distinctive, trademark spells. You will be a good strong man to have beside in a fight. Red oak wands are, in my opinion, among the most handsome." he grinned widely as he continued to ramble on, "now wands with Thunderbird tail feather cores, much like the birds, the feathers are taken from, are able to sense danger and can cast curses on their own. So do be careful, but such wands have also been known to fire curses preemptively when supernatural dangers are present. It will serve you well"
I nodded slowly as I absorbed the information Ollivander told me while still staring at the wand before I frowned as I asked, "How do I carry it?" not wanting to just put it in my pocket and risk getting it broken or damaged.
Ollivander smiled and quickly ducked behind his desk as he said, "Here this is a wand holster. You can strap it to your forearm and when you need it, your wand will appear in your hand," as he took what looked like a few strips of black leather and pulled it over my right forearm. The straps quickly tighten till it fit snugly against my skin. I followed Ollivanders instructions and slid my wand in a small pouch that held it securely.
"Thank you." I said quietly for once actually meaning the words as I said them.
"Of course, of course. Now then remember to learn to write with your right hand it will help improve your wand usage" Ollivander said still appearing to be excited at this particular wand choosing me much more so then he had with Remus.
"I will." I nodded firmly not liking the idea but knowing it was necessary. I looked at the door as it opened and Mr. Lupin walked in, "You ready...Liam?" he asked as he glanced around at the still wrecked shop. I nodded and Mr Lupin said, 'Good, how much do I owe you ?'
"For both boys the total comes up to 19 gallons 6 sickles" Ollivander said
"19 gallons?!" mr. lupin yelped clearly not have expected that much
"Yes. 7 gallons and 3 sickles for Remus's wand. then 9 gallons and 4 sickles for Liam's, plus the holster that's 3 gallons."
"Holster? No, no, no we are not getting any holsters" mr. lupin said sternly causing me to scowl
"Consider how you keep going on about the money you're getting for housing me. Money I might add that is for me not for your son then yes I am getting a holster." I snapped, "and don't even try saying you spend it on me as i'm well aware that as my so called guardian your supposed to buy me clothes and other essentials not just school supplies, which you have yet to do"
"Fine but you're not getting anything else" mr. lupin snapped agitatedly as he handed over the money.
I ignored him and instead shifted my weight as I glanced towards the door to the shop. I glanced over at Ollivander whose mouth seemed to be set in a thin line as he glanced between me and Mr Lupin but didn't say anything aloud.
"Come along so we can get your school robes." mr. lupin said tightly
I followed him out the shop glancing back at Ollivander once more before the door closed. Mr Lupin didn't bother to see if I was following and strode down the street swiftly. I hurried after him as we stepped into a shop that was marked as a Second Hand robe shop. He directed me over to a set of racks as he said, "Find three sets that are baggy, i don't want to waste money on more next year." his tone brusque.
"Of course not" I scoffed agitatedly as I walked over to the rack and began pulling on robes. I managed to find 3 sets that were a bit baggy on my even in my oversized jacket. "Ok, I found them." I said holding up the three sets of robes.
Mr. Lupin grunted before taking them from me and paying at the counter. He quickly walked out, seeming to expect me to follow him. I huffed in aggravation before quickly hurrying after , i caught up to him outside of a secondhand bookshop.
"Remus!" mr. lupin called upon entering the shop
"Sir?" Remus asked poking his head around one of the nearby shelves
"Have you found anything you like?" mr. Lupin asked, walking over to his son as I glanced around, before walking in the other direction towards the back of the shop. I could faintly see what looked like stacks of parchment. As I reached the back wall I found myself staring at not only parchment but other writing utensils and various quills. I read some of the labels on the quills out of curiosity. There were some that helped with spelling or grammar and others that wrote in various colors of ink. What caught my attention however was one that would automatically write in any color you requested. My fingers itched and I glanced back to where Mr Lupin was at and scanned the nearby shelves. Not seeing anyone looking in my direction i quickly grabbed several of the quills and slipped them into a pocket inside my jacket.
"Liam!" mr. Lupin yelled, causing me to jump and spin around, "we're leaving now" the man said shortly, causing me to relax. For a second I thought he had caught me. I sighed and walked over to them, noticing Mrs. Lupin was paying for Remus's book.
Remus, who was standing by his father, shifted nervously and seemed to be eyeing me. The action made me nervous until he said, "Is… can Liam not get… if we can't both… that's not fair I can put my book…."
Mr. Lupin, seeming to notice what Remus was trying to say, quickly dismissed it saying, "Liam wanted a holster instead." as if he would have bought me a book but I know better than to believe that.
"Ohh…." remus said shifting a bit still looking awkward as ever
"You don't have to worry about Remus." I said stuffing my hands in my pockets as I looked at him before hesitating as I added, "but umm...thanks for the thought…" not sure exactly what to say as Remus was apparently trying to make things fair. I however knew more than anything there wasn't such a thing as fair.
"Alright, are we all set?" Mrs. Lupin asked as she handed Remus his book.
"Yes." Mr Lupin said shortly as he strode out the door. Mrs Lupin And Remus followed, Remus however glanced back as if to see if I was following them. I sighed and walked after them however as I moved to step through the doorway I seemingly slammed into a wall and fell back on my ass with a curse. I got to my feet not noticing the Lupins had paused as the storekeep hurried over to me and demanded, "young man I'm going to have to ask you to empty out your pockets." I scowled at the man in front of me, not moving. "now young man before I call the authorities"
"that won't be necessary" mr. Lupin said quickly as he stepped back inside and grabbed my arm harshly as he quickly went through my pockets emptying them. His face hardened even more as he glared at me while taking out the quills.
"That would be a gallon sir" the shop keeper said sternly
"what?! A gallon! We're not buying these" mr. Lupin snapped
"then you should keep a better eye on your son" the shop keep snarled
"I ain't his son." I snapped as I jerked my arm out of mr. Lupins hold
"he most certainly is not" mr. Lupin agreed
"his with you, so you either pay or I call the authorities" the shop keep growled as he crossed his arms
scowled as he glared at me than the shopkeeper before digging out a gallon from his pocket and handing it over, "Fine!" He spat infuriated
The shopkeeper took the gallon as Mr Lupin took hold of the quills and marched out of the store dragging me behind him, his hand painfully tight on my arm. As we passed Remus who was looking shocked, Mr Lupin paused and handed him the quills saying, "these are yours now. Do not give them to that ruffian. We will not be rewording such behavior" before striding forward once more. I stumbled before growling under my breath and yanking my arm free, "I ain't a dog." I snapped rubbing at my arm slightly.
"no you aren't, a dog would be better behaved" mrs. Lupin said sharply before her tone softened as she said to remus, "come along dear"
I scowled and followed after them my shoulders hunched as we moved back to the leaky cauldron. Once inside we moved to the floo and Remus once again went first grabbing some floor powder and stepping inside as he said clearly, "Lupins Cottage." And disappeared.
shoved me forward as he snapped, "you next, I'm not having you steal anything else."
I scowled at him before stepping into the floo and doing the same as Remus. I fell out the other side of the floo coughing as I tripped and hit the floor.
"You okay?" Remus asked quickly as he helped me up his hand accidentally grabbing the bruised section of my arm. I grunted slightly, unable to hold back the flinch as I said, "I'm okay." As I dusted soot off my clothes and hair.
As mrs. Lupin stepped out of the fireplace I scowled before briskly walking to Remus's room and slamming the door shut.
I stood in the middle of the room as I took a slow deep breath and let it out. Straightening up I strode over to my trunk and flipped the lid open grabbing out my backpack which I kept packed. I had even snuck a few of the more non-perishable food items into my bag.
Slinging it over my shoulder I glanced around the room making sure I had everything. I paused as my eyes landed on the book I had been reading, chewing on my lip as my fingers itched.
"tsk" I said, not understanding why I had a problem stealing it from Remus before grabbing it and stuffing it in my backpack.
I glanced up at the quiet knock at the door followed by Remus' soft voice asking, "can… umm… can I come in…"
"tsk… its it's your room what the bloody hell do you think?" I called as I canned the room.
Remus hesitantly opened the door and stepped inside cheering his lip as he closed the door softly behind him, "ummm… here…" he mumbled handing me the quills.
I stared at them for a long moment before asking suspiciously, "and what do you want for them?"
"I dont… I mean… just.. we're friends…" he mumbled and after a long pause I carefully took them and shoved them into my bag. Remus shifted watching me and asking, "why did… why did you take them… I'm sure dad would have bought them if you asked.."
"sure he would have" I said sarcastically
Remus bit his lip as he shifted and looked down at his feet, "umm… do you draw?... is that why… you wanted them…"
I scowled, not liking him asking questions before sighing and saying, "yeah… it keeps me sane… I'll have my own gallery when I'm older and people would spend thousands for my paintings. Everyone will know my name and no one will ever look down on me" I gave a half hearted smile knowing it was nothing more than a pipe dream. I found it odd that I was even telling him this and was blaming it on the guilt I felt for taking his book.
"That would be cool '' Remus grinned back at me, "can I see some of your drawings?... I.. you don't have to…" he shifted yet again making things awkward
"I would…" I said slowly, "but I don't have any… they.. tend to get lost…" I shrugged not having bothered to try and keep any as I had nothing to keep them in, and some of them were painted on random walls throughout london.
"oh.." Remus said shifting before suddenly running over to his dresser and tripping as he did. I raised an eyebrow at him as he tossed some clothes out before managing to find whatever it was he was looking for and running back over to me holding out what looked to be an old black leather diary.
"umm… here… you can draw in this… that way you won't lose them… I've never used it…"Remus said shifting and biting his lip as I stared at him in bewilderment, "I mean. You don't… have to… I just thought…."
I looked at the book before slowly reaching out for it and taking it. I looked at it, flipping it open and then looked back at Remus as I asked, "you're ... .giving this to me?" My tone surprised and unsure.
"Of course!" remus grinned widely
"Right…." I said, "thanks." As I put the book in my bag. I paused as I caught site of the book Remus had lent me. I bit my lip before sighing and taking it out, handing it back to remus.
"oh? Are you done reading it? Did you like it? You can have it if you want. I just got the newest addition." Remus exclaimed excitedly and showed me the book he had gotten.
"Oh….okay thanks." I said as I put the book back in my bag feeling bad that I had been going to steal it when Remus would have just given it to me if I asked. I let out a sigh as I slung the bag over my shoulder, "umm… it was nice meeting you.. I guess I'll see you later…"I said uncertainty and feeling awkward not knowing how to properly say goodbye to someone
"later?... Are you leaving?... where are you going?" remus asked looking like I kicked him
"I… I have places I have to be but… I'll be back before school starts and we can ride the train together…" I offered not having planned to return but then Hogwarts didn't seem like something I wanted to miss, plus, I could always leave if I didn't like it.
"oh… yeah… I guess they wouldn't let you stay here.. not with me…." Remus mumbled disappointedly before hugging me abruptly and saying, "I'll see you later then…."
"It's nothing you did Remus…..you...did a lot for me not many would." I said not liking the kicked puppy look he had and was a bit shocked at the fact he had hugged me.
Remus just shook his head not believing me as he moved to sit on his bed. I hesitated for a moment before saying softly, "see ya.." and quietly walking out making sure to close the door behind me.
I then walked to the fireplace with my bag only to pause as Mrs. Lupin asked, "and where do you think you're going?"
"tsk, I'll be back before school starts" I said flatly as I picked up the floo powder
"make sure that you are" Mrs. Lupin scoffed as she went into the kitchen
I didn't respond, just stepped into the floo and called out, "the leaky cauldron!" Like before I fell out of the fireplace and into the floor before managing to get to my feet.
"Damn fireplace." I muttered as I looked around the pub noting it was a bit emptier than it had been earlier and debated if I should go to Diagon or London. I glanced at the bar and saw Tom staring at me. I shifted uncomfortably before shuffling slowly towards the door, the bag clutched in my hands.
"going back to being Ace are we?" Tom asked leaning against the bar as he watched me
I froze before looking at him as I said, "I'm no good at being Liam."
"don't let that stop you from receiving an education." Tom hummed
"I won't.." i said as I looked at him and edged closer to the door uncertainty
He hummed slightly as he started to clean the counter, "then I'll be seeing you. Try to keep your sticky fingers to yourself will in my pub"
"Yes sir…" I muttered as I quickly darted out of the door and down the street.