Author's note: CW for ableism

-x-

Sirius's date had gone 'well' according to him, though the next day Remus found out through Lily that Sirius and Cassie had gotten into an argument in the Three Broomsticks and had ended up getting kicked out. Then, later on, James complained that Cassie was subtly taking it out on him in Quidditch practice, insisting she was constantly passing the ball to Bell instead of him, even when it'd make more sense to pass to him. He said if this continued he'd take it up with Bell to see if she noticed, and Remus was thoroughly impressed by James reacting in a mature way about it. Until James hexed Cassie with a stink cloud.

"It has nothing to do with Quidditch," he insisted when Remus gave him a look. "It has everything to do with the fact she was being mean to my best friend."

The subject of Sirius, Cassie, and Tanaka seemed to be on a lot of minds that day. In Defense, after Charlemagne made groups of five (with one group being six) for a month-long project, Jenkins, who was in Remus's group, excitedly asked, "Did Black really take Tanaka on a date?"

"Erm, I—y-yes," Remus stammered, not liking being the center of attention in his own group. It was him, Jenkins, Jha, Maji, and Twycross. At least he wasn't with Magpie even though she was with James and Peter both, so he was jealous of that group. And at least Sirius wasn't with Cassie or Tanaka; that probably would have made things worse.

"But he was dating Inkwood."

He squirmed a little, tugging at his collar. "They—broke up."

"So he took Tanaka out?" Jenkins asked again, and Remus nodded, not wanting to talk about it anymore. "Lucky dog. Tanaka is gorgeous. So is Inkwood. I don't see what the big deal is about Black. Isn't he from a rotten family?"

Remus stiffened but it was Jha who spoke up, his hands flying. "How about instead of gossiping we focus on the project?"

"I wasn't gossiping," Jenkins complained though his ears turned red. "But, uh, anyway, are we offensive or defensive?"

"Defensive," Twycross said, looking a little disappointed.

There were six groups. Three were offensive spells, three defensive. They could pick whatever spells they wanted and at the end the groups would go up against one another. Well, sorta. The students within the groups were to be divided as well. Two researchers, one orator, two fighters. Part of the test was to see if they were able to divide the parts up well enough.

"Perhaps first we should decide who does what," Maji suggested a little nervously.

"I should be one of the fighters," Twycross said immediately. "I'm one of the best ones."

"I think Jha and Lupin should be the ones doing the research and essay," Jenkins said, hiding a yawn behind one hand.

"That's a good idea," Twycross agreed. "Lupin, you stutter too much to be the orator or one of the fighters."

Remus clenched his teeth, wanting to argue that he was a good duelist. Before he could say anything, Jenkins added, "And Jha can't be the orator." Then he laughed.

Jha looked furious and slightly embarrassed, his gloved hands clenching into fists.

"I th-think Jha would be a terrific orator," Remus said, ducking his head a little. "It w-would be neat to see—to—to see sign language in a-a-addition to hearing what is said."

Jha glanced down at his book then smiled at Remus. He raised his hands to reply however Twycross cut in with, "No, that's silly. I agree with Jenkins. You two do the research and essay."

"Maybe we should have a vote," Jha suggested.

"All those in favor of Loopy and Jha being the bookworms?" Jenkins asked and he and Twycross raised their hands. "All those against?" Remus and Jha raised their hands.

Then all four looked at Maji who began squirming. "I—I don't know," she whispered, eyes huge. "I don't think we should… base the—the—I mean… maybe we should… I mean, maybe we should figure out who wants to do what?"

"Girls should stick together," Twycross said and Remus tried not to snort.

"I think you should be the orator," Jenkins said, smiling at Maji. "You're so pretty. Prettier than Tanaka. A pretty orator will probably give us more points."

Maji gulped, sinking in her seat. "I don't—that's—"

"All those in favor of Maji being the orator?" Jenkins asked and he and Twycross raised their hands. "Come on, Maji, you'd like that, right?"

"I don't kn—"

"You'd be the best," Twycross agreed.

"Don't you two agree that Maji should be the orator?" Jenkins asked Remus and Jha. "Or do you think she's too ugly?"

"That isn't a fair way of asking," Jha protested. "Maji is pretty—"

"Then it's settled," Twycross said victoriously, looking so smug she needed to be hexed. "Maji is our orator! Jenkins and I will be the fighters, and you two do the essay."

"I w-w-wouldn't mind be—being a fighter," Remus said.

"Oh, please, Loopy," Jenkins laughed, waving his hand dismissively. "Like you could duel. Now that that's worked out we need to figure out what spells we're going to be doing."

They discussed it for the rest of the time allotted and hadn't come to a decision by the time Charlemagne dismissed everyone; Twycross wanted to meet in the library after supper. Then she turned to Remus and asked if he was fine with that. He raised his eyebrows and said he was fine.

"I wasn't sure," she sniffled, "since you abandoned the Study Group, I didn't know if you cared to meet in the library or wanted to do your own thing."

She flounced off and Jha turned to look at Remus. "What was that?"

"The, er, Study Group we were part of," he mumbled, shouldering his satchel. "I was the first to, erm, stop going and now it—it's disbanded. You know, if—if she and Jenkins insist on… on votes we could get you two the places you'd rather be."

"I don't feel like fighting about it," Maji said, ducking her head.

"Me either," agreed Jha. "Besides, this way the three of us can work together more without them."

"Whatever w-works best for you two," Remus said, not really caring either even though he knew he'd be great in a duel. However he agreed: he didn't feel like fighting either. Then suddenly he smacked his forehead. "Oh no! I c-can't meet after supper." He looked where Twycross had walked but she was long gone. "I'll have to tell her at the n-next class."

"Why can't you?" Jha asked. "Curious."

"Oh, erm, I help Jean-Marie on Mondays and Thursdays," he explained.

Maji's eyes widened. "Charlemagne? Oh, he's cute!" Jha rolled his eyes at Remus who smiled. "Wait. What do you help him with? He's a fourth year!"

"English," he said as he finally saw James and Peter coming out of the classroom. Sirius had come out but he was still talking with his group. "Um, if—if she and Jenkins are all right with it, would seven be okay? If not we can meet to—" He stopped quickly. "Uh, we could meet Wednesday."

"Busy tomorrow too?" Jha asked.

He bowed his head. "Erm, I have to—to see Pomfrey every week… for my… you know…"

"I'm so sorry," Maji whispered, reaching out but not touching him. "I didn't know it was—I mean, I knew you were, erm, sick, but—but I didn't know it was that bad that you had to see her every single week." She sounded utterly horrified and it made him feel guilty for lying.

"It's—it isn't—" He felt the words twisting up inside of him making it difficult to articulate what he wanted to say. He took in a deep breath and tried again. "It's more of a-a-a checkup than anything else, really."

Maji nodded. "I see. I—I suppose that's better, then. I mean, it is better," she added with an awkward laugh. "Sorry."

"It's, um, okay. I'll s-see you both later." He broke away from them as the other Marauders were grouping up and the four of them headed to the Great Hall. Peter started talking about the project until James elbowed him hard, pointing out that Remus was the enemy. Peter frowned at that, and James reminded him that they were an offensive team while Remus was a defensive team.

"We have to keep everything from him," he hissed out, looking loftily at Remus. "No offense, Remy."

"None taken," Remus replied, just as loftily. "Literally. There will be no offense from you taken by our group."

"OoooHHHHHHH!" Sirius and Peter both crowed while James stared dumbfounded and Remus smiled.

"All right," James said, adjusting his glasses and smirking. "I see how it is. It's war, then."

"You might not even be up against him," Sirius said, slinging an arm over Remus's shoulder. "I might be. Luckily I know all his tricks."

Remus moved out from under his arm. "You won't be against me, as I am doing research."

"But you're a terrific duelist," James argued.

"Is it really dueling when you just set people on fire?" Peter asked.

Remus felt himself go pink. "I don't 'just' set people on fire!" he snapped back. "However, it wasn't my choice. Twycross and Jenkins took over everything and assigned everyone their spots. Let me guess, you two are dueling?" He looked at James and Sirius.

"Yup!" Sirius said proudly. "Me and Lily!"

"I'm not telling you anything," James said.

Peter rolled his eyes. "Yeah, he's dueling. OW!" James had punched his shoulder. "I mean, it's obvious! I'm on research though, with Magpie. I don't wanna research, but I can't duel and it isn't as if I can do the speaking part real well." His shoulders slumped miserably. "Least Magpie is pretty smart so hopefully the essay doesn't turn out awful."

"I can help some," Remus offered.

"No!" James said, annoyed. "That's spying, you little… spy!"

"Um," Pete said, "I'd kinda like it if he—"

"No!" James snapped. "Bloody hell! What is wrong with you? Come on. And—and no secrets shared! From us. Remus, you can tell us whatever you want."

Remus tilted his head. "Whatever I want? Really?" James nodded. "All right then. James, you are absolutely, positively bonkers."

James gave him a rude gesture, which he ignored, and continued forward to the Great Hall, shaking his head.

X

Seven was okay with Twycross, so Remus planned on meeting the others in his group after Jean-Marie; however at about fifteen minutes or so before seven, Twycross and Maji both showed up. Twycross showed up first, giving Jean-Marie a big smile. Her eyes looked weirdly large and Remus finally realized she was wearing makeup. She insisted they not mind her, and took a seat next to Remus. Remus tried to continue explaining the difference between peek, peak, and pique, but then Maji showed up as well, smelling horribly strong of some kind of flower. She froze when she saw Twycross then, looking a little sheepish, took the seat beside Jean-Marie.

"We have, um, a group project we're g-going to work on soon," Remus explained.

"I can go if you like?" Jean-Marie offered.

"Oh please, finish," Twycross giggled, leaning forward. Oh Merlin. "Don't let us chase you off. You know, I know a lot of French too. I'm surprised McGonagall didn't ask me to help you."

Jean-Marie glanced at Remus before smiling at Twycross. "Je suis sûr que vous auriez été très utile aussi," he said rather fast. I'm sure you would have been very helpful, too.

Twycross looked a little lost but smiled and said, "Oui."

Remus tried not to laugh. He started to say something but Maji said, "I'm Ananya Maji." She offered her hand, looking a little scared as she did.

Jean-Marie slowly shook her hand and then Twycross leaned forward, quickly putting her own hand out. "Matilda," she said, beaming. "Twycross. I'm top in our year."

Again Jean-Marie looked at Remus who was torn between dying of laughter or dying of embarrassment. "It is pleasure to meet you. Both," he added, nodding at Maji. "Ah, I think, Remus, we are done for tonight. We have… haven't much left?"

"No, that's about it for now," Remus said. "Erm, je suis désolé qu'il ait été un peu court." I'm sorry this was cut a little short.

"Non, c'est bon," he said. No, it's fine. He gathered his things, smiled at all three of them, then left.

Remus sighed, closing his books and putting his notes away.

"He didn't have to go," Maji said sadly.

"Perhaps you shouldn't have been so forward," Twycross sniffled.

"Me? You threw yourself across the table to shake his hand—"

Twycross reeled back and pinched her nose. "What is that stench? You should probably get a shower."

"You're the one with—with—with goop on your eyes!" Maji argued back.

Merlin, please, no, Remus thought, rubbing his face miserably. If they were going to argue over a boy the whole evening, he wasn't going to stay. Actually, he was tempted to leave now and probably would have if Jha didn't show up. He looked a little uncertain then sat down, writing something down and passing it over to Remus.

I was going to study a little before but saw you three. Then another note. Are they arguing?

The girls were looking at both of them. "Ah—y-yeah," he stammered out and Jha checked his notebook before frowning and writing another note. It said to read out loud, so Remus said, "If there is going to be fighting, I'll leave."

"Why can't you do that… hand thing and talk?" Twycross demanded, flapping both her hands, making nonsensical gestures.

Jha's eyes narrowed and wrote another note for Remus to read. "I c-can't adjust the volume of my—my gloves, I don't sign in here." He held up a bare hand before writing another note. "And it's sign la-language not some 'hand thing'."

Twycross groaned. "You mean we have to put up with note reading all evening? Great. I wish Charlemagne put you in a different group."

Jha handed another note to Remus, this one said 'do not read aloud'. It also said with her on the team, I wish he did too. Remus tried not to grin.

"What?" Twycross tried to read the note over his shoulder and he quickly pushed it back to Jha. "What did it say? It isn't fair to pass secret notes, if that's the only way you can communicate with us."

"Is this communica-cation enough?" Remus read from the note and looked up to see Jha giving a rude gesture that didn't need any translation. Remus did giggle, as did Maji, and Twycross's face went brilliantly pink.

Before she could complain, Jenkins showed up looking rather stormy. "Did you start without me?"

"No, Jha is being rude," Twycross grumbled.

Jenkins glanced at Jha then back at Twycross. "We won't have to work with him much, or Loopy."

"They're sitting right there," Maji said, twisting some hair around her finger as she sank glumly back.

Jenkins rolled his eyes. "Yeah. I know. Now, all we need is a couple of defensive spells, right? Shouldn't be too difficult to figure something out. Then Twycross and I can start practicing them while you two write the essay and Maji works on…" He frowned, brow furrowing. "What exactly is it you're going to be saying or talking about? Is it a speech?"

"Ah…" Her eyes widened a little. "I don't know. I think we're supposed to talk about the spells we're using. I don't—is—is it a speech? Do I have to write a speech?"

Remus was going through his notes to figure out what Charlemagne said. "I d-don't think it's a—a speech, really, so much as a—a small presentation on—on the spell. A little, erm, history and—er—that sort of thing."

Jenkins yawned. "Maji, you can ask Charlemagne what you're supposed to be doing. Hey, maybe all the groups will be confused and we'll be the only ones to ask him. Maybe it'll get us extra points."

"Or he'll think we're stupid and didn't pay attention," sniffled Twycross.

Jenkins glowered. "Well, what did he say then?"

She pressed her lips thin. "I believe it's a small presentation. Maybe… talk about the history of the spell." Jha pointed at Remus and raised an eyebrow. "What?" she asked.

"That's—I think he's meaning that wh—that's what I said," Remus muttered and Jha nodded.

"We're a group, we're not competing against one another, Lupin," Twycross said and he clenched his hands into fists under the table, resisting the urge to hex her. "Wellll… maybe find out what the others think the orator is supposed to do before asking Charlemagne. I don't want him thinking we're dumb."

"I feel a bit uncomfortable having to do this, er, role without any guidelines," Maji said softly, still twirling her hair and now biting her lip as well. "I didn't even want the role. Jha should do it. I resign as orator."

Twycross pressed her hands against the table and partially rose. "You can't do that!"

"Uh-huh, yes I can and I will!" Maji whimpered, shrinking back. "He's more comfortable talking in front of everyone—"

"He can't talk!" Twycross said, exasperated.

Jha pulled his gloves on. "You're right, I have absolutely no magical way of expressing the words I wish to say out loud for hearing people to understand," he said, the gloves speaking in his normal tone and strength of voice which was slightly quieter than Twycross had been a moment ago.

Remus, Maji, and even Jenkins were snickering while Twycross looked furious. Jha removed his gloves, clasped his hands together, and smiled.

"He can't project his 'voice' for the whole class," she said, sitting back down and looking a little defeated.

"I'm sure Charlemagne could help w-with that," Remus suggested, and Jha and Maji both nodded.

Twycross stood back up, grabbing her bag. "Fine, be that way. You don't get any pick in the spells. Jenkins, you can choose a spell for you to do. I am going to be working on the full-body bind. You two, Loopy and—and—and—" She stared at Maji, "—Moopy, you can write your essay on that!" She spun around, ponytail flying as she stormed off.

"Moopy?" Maji whispered.

Jenkins groaned. "Can she even do the full-body bind properly?" Nobody answered him. "I'll just do the disarming spell. Simple. Effective. There, we're done."

As he stood, Remus cleared his throat. "I think that might be a little bit p—b—pit—bit—"

"Oh spit it out!"

He swallowed, closing his eyes and forcing the word off his thick tongue. "Predictable."

"They can't do the disarming spell back, that's a defensive spell," Jenkins said, grabbing his own bag.

"That wasn't what I—"

"This was a waste of time. If anything changes, I'll let you know." He walked off without another word, leaving Remus and the two Hufflepuffs in miserable silence.

"I didn't mean…" Maji trailed off and cleared her throat. "I didn't mean for that to happen." Jha slid a note to her which Remus saw upside down, It isn't your fault. She slumped forward, her long hair covering her face. "I feel like it is. I just didn't want to have to present anything or give a speech."

"It's okay," Remus promised. "I think they would have done something like that even if you hadn't changed who was doing which role. Throw out spells without talking about it, I mean. Though I don't think either will be good. The full-body bind can be tricky in a stressful situation at our age, and the disarming spell feels predictable…"

Maybe it will be so predictable nobody will think we'll do it? Jha suggested in a note, showing it to both of them and making Maji smile and Remus snort.

"Maybe."

"I think we should make it clear in our essay that they didn't let us help," Maji said.

Remus flashed back to the previous year when Prewett took points off for Remus taking over the entire essay. "We need to w-work as a group. That's what this is about. Unfortunately."

You talk to twycross, maji and me talk to jenkins? Jha wrote out, again showing both. Maji nodded in agreement and Remus tried not to groan at the thought of talking to Twycross and trying to make her change her mind. Or, well—just talking to her in general. He needed to avoid her!

"Yes," he sighed. "I'll try."

"What do you think would be a good defensive spell?" Maji asked him.

Remus thought for a second, dozens of ideas running through his brain. "A smokescreen for one, that would be good. That's not really used in duels I've seen but it could work. Impairing their vision. Oh. Oh!" He sat up. "Yes, that—oh!"

"Oh?"

"A spell that was used on me last year." He bent forward, pressing his forehead against his arms, trying to remember the word. Snape had done it to him. What was it? "It made it hard to speak. It made my tongue stick to—to the roof of my mouth. I can't remember what it was, but something like that. Impair their vision, impair their ability to say the spells. That could work."

Maji looked impressed. "That's brilliant!"

Remus thought it was straightforward and simple but he muttered a thanks. Then he thought of the spell Snape had used on him not long, yanking him up by his foot. He had dropped his wand. It was extremely effective as a defense, but he wasn't quite sure what the spell was. There were similar spells but not quite like that, and most were a little more advanced. Most thirteen-year-olds couldn't lift an entire human up off the ground for that long or that quickly.

Of course he couldn't exactly go and ask Snape. But he could think of other things. Different things. Something surprising that the other team wouldn't expect. Though that meant convincing Twycross and Jenkins to do that which he doubted would work, especially since Jenkins wanted to focus on the disarming spell.

The three of them left the library as well since there wasn't much else for them to do, agreeing to try to talk to their house-mate within a day or two. Remus wanted to put off talking to Twycross for a bit. He wasn't in the mood to deal with her again that day or even the next. Plus maybe Fawley would have some advice.

He got back to his dorm where James was already back from practice, though he hadn't showered. He, Sirius, and Peter were playing some sort of charade-esque game which Remus declined to join, since he had a lot of homework to do. He sat at his desk, staring down at his Arithmancy work, but unable to focus on anything but ways to defend oneself in a duel. Finally he gave up working on the numbers and borrowed one of James's books full of prank spells.

"I'm annoyed with Twycross," he explained when they questioned him on why he wanted it. "I want to do something to her."

He settled back in bed and began perusing the book, trying to find something their team could use.

X

James had to miss Occlumency on Tuesday, owing to the fact he was in detention for stealing one of McGonagall's hedgehogs. Or trying to, really, since he hadn't managed to complete the theft. Sirius also had detention since he was in on it, so after Remus was done with his session with Miss Fawley, the only one waiting for him was Peter.

"You don't look good," Pete said when Remus staggered into the passage.

"Don't feel good," he muttered, resting a hand against the wall. His head was hurting more than usual and his stomach was so twisted he felt as though he might get sick.

"You don't need to wait for me," he said. "Go rest."

It was tempting. "I don't mind waiting." His body shivered a little and he put his other hand over his stomach which was finally starting to loosen up. "I'll be fine in a few minutes. Actually I just need to…" He stepped into the passage and sank down to the floor, pressing his cheek against the cool stone wall. "I feel better already."

Peter eyed him. "You sure? You still look grey."

"I'm always grey. Go on, I'll see you soon."

Peter reluctantly left and Remus took his robes off, bunching them up and putting them on the floor as a pillow. His head was pounding so hard he wondered if his skull was going to shatter. James and Peter didn't get this way. None of Miss Fawley's other students she ever had got this way. It wasn't fair.

Despite wanting to go to the lavatory to wash his face, Remus drifted into sleep, waking up again when Peter returned. Had it already been an hour? He got up, picking his robes up and rubbing his eyes. They headed towards one of the back staircases, Peter chattering, Remus yawning. Tuesdays were always such a struggle due to Astronomy the night before. He really needed to start napping before Astronomy…

On the sixth floor, Peter stopped walking and Remus took a few more steps before it registered in his tired brain. He blinked at Peter then at what Peter was looking at: Mulciber, Avery, and Bulstrode. They hadn't seen the Gryffindor boys yet. What were they doing so far from the Slytherin common room, and right at curfew too? They wouldn't make it back to their common room in time. Remus noticed some soapy buckets nearby and realized the Slytherins probably had detention and just weren't doing it. They were goofing off instead, climbing onto things and jumping off.

Slowly, silently, he and Peter backed up, hoping not to be seen before they could escape; it didn't work.

"It's Loopy and Pokey!"

"You know, we never got back at them for attacking us last term…"

"GET BACK HERE!"

Peter and Remus had started running and it probably would have been fine if Remus's shoelaces hadn't come untied. He tripped and stumbled, twisting his body so he landed on his arm instead of his face.

"Go!" he shouted at Pete, not wanting him to get caught too.

Peter hesitated then kept running as the Slytherins reached them. Avery came to a stop while Mulciber and Bulstrode kept running.

"Shouldn't you b-be doing your detention?" Remus squeaked as Avery grabbed him, lifting him up off the ground and slamming him painfully into the wall. He winced when he tried to go for his wand, since he had landed on his right arm and it was still throbbing a bit. Avery grabbed his wrist, twisting it away; there was a shock of pain and Remus gasped out.

"Loopy," Avery hissed, pressing him into the wall. "I don't know how you and your idiot friends got me and Emil in trouble with Malfoy, with the plant thing… but I know it was you lot. You and Pokey kept me and Emil distracted, didn't you?"

Remus squirmed, trying to get free. "I don't know what you're ta-t-t—t—"

"Oh, why even bother asking you?" Avery pulled him forward and slammed him back again. His head struck the wall and he saw stars for a moment. "You're so pathetic! I hate flobberworms like you. No. You're worse than a flobberworm." He bent in close, his breath washing across Remus's face. "You're a filthy half-blood. Your father wasted his genes, mating with that Muggle cow."

Remus squirmed more, trying to get to his wand since his wrist had healed from whatever Avery had done. Avery, assuming his wrist was hurting too much to do anything, didn't even notice.

"People like him should be arrested. People like your mother should be killed," he laughed, twisting Remus's shirt front a little so the neck tightened. "Like you. Half-bloods shouldn't even be allowed to exist except to be a servant to the better half. Dirty, filthy, muddy, no-good, disgusting—"

"Vermillious!" Remus gasped out, the first spell that popped into his head. He had jammed the wand up between their faces and red sparks shot off, blinding him. They blinded Avery too who shrieked, letting go. Remus's face was smarting from the burns the sparks had caused and Avery was howling, clawing at his face.

Remus reached down, yanking both his trainers and socks off, and began running barefoot. He knew if he had kept his socks on he'd probably slip again.

Hoping Peter got away, Remus went straight for the common room. He managed to get the password out then climbed in, tumbling head-over-heels and landing on his bum. A few students laughed but he ignored them, standing up and staring at the closing portrait while he panted for air.

"Lupin?"

Longbottom came over, looking concerned. "You—what happened? You've got blood on you."

Remus looked down at himself then back up. "I'm f-fine. Has Peter come in?"

"Pettigrew? No, I haven't seen him but I might have missed him. Why?"

Blast. "Um, just—wondering, thank you."

"Lupin, your feet…"

"Oh, yes, thank you," he said, and sat down in a chair to get his socks and shoes back on, trying not to feel embarrassed as several students were staring at him. "Do you know if James and Sirius are in?"

"I haven't seen them either. Did something happen?"

Remus tied his shoes carefully. "They were in detention, I wasn't sure if they were done yet or not." Why couldn't they have been the ones on the sixth floor?

"Quin's in detention too," Longbottom said.

He glanced up. "Language?"

"What else?" They both grinned at that. "Seriously, though, did something happen?"

The portrait opened and Remus jumped up, hoping it was Peter but it was a seventh year. "Some Slytherins," he finally admitted. "They chased us. I fell. I'm okay, though. I hope Pete's okay. I should go look for him."

Longbottom looked at the door. "It's past your curfew. Do you want me to go look?"

If they were better friends, Remus would have said yes, but he still felt rather shy around Longbottom so instead he shook his head. "Um, that's ok…"

"Maybe I should," Longbottom said, folding his arms. "If some Slytherins are chasing him, he—maybe I should go to McGonagall?"

"N-no!" Remus panicked at that, realizing how monumentally stupid he was being. McGonagall couldn't know, because then she'd know Pete and Remus were together… right after his Occlumency lesson… which his friends weren't supposed to know about. He shouldn't have ever mentioned the Slytherins. "No, he's probably up in the dorm. You probably just didn't see him come in."

Longbottom narrowed his eyes. "I hate to ask this but did you egg the Slytherins on? Is that why you're being so shifty?"

"Shifty? No. No, we were—we—we were—walking, that's it, coming back to the—the dorm." He knew he sounded guilty and stopped talking in order to take in a deep breath, trying to calm down. "It was Mulciber and Avery," he finally said. "They chased us. Peter is probably hiding somewhere until it's safe. I'm sure he's fine."

"All right," Longbottom said slowly, "but if he's not back soon let me know, all right? I'll have to go tell McGonagall."

Remus promised then went upstairs, hoping Pete was there; the dorm was empty. He began pacing, chewing at his nails and casting glances at James's trunk where he kept his cloak. No, not unless you get permission, and if James is back then he'd probably go find Pete on his own anyway, he told himself, trying to stay calm. But he had Mulciber and Bulstrode after him, and was a much poorer duelist than any of them…

The door opened and he spun around, heart sinking then leaping when he saw it was James and Sirius. "Pete's missing," he blurted out before they could even fully come into the dorm.

"What?"

"Mulciber, Avery, and Bulstrode chased us," he explained and James's face turned into a deep scowl. "Avery got me, and the other two went after Pete. He's not back."

"How long ago?" Sirius asked.

"Erm, I—I'm not sure. Ten minutes?"

James tilted his head. "Do you want to come with us or wait here?"

"I'll go with you. I shouldn't have—it's my fault, really." He scribbled a note out for Pete then followed the other two down through the common room and back out the entrance. He took them down to the sixth floor where the buckets of suds and mops remained but there wasn't any sign of the Slytherins. Or Peter.

The three began checking empty classrooms, toilets, and storage rooms in case Peter was hiding in one (or locked in). They reached the seventh floor when Magpie—the brother—appeared. He immediately began snapping at the Marauders for being out of the dorm after curfew until James and Sirius showed him their detention slips.

Magpie folded his arms. "And Loopy?"

Remus patted his pockets for the note from Pomfrey then realized it was in his bag, in his dorm. "I—Pomfrey—"

"Ten points from Gryffindor," he said. "Now, come along. Pettigrew!" he barked and all three boys jumped then spun around to see Peter emerging from a side corridor. "Do you have a note?"

"Note?" Pete asked, looking bewildered.

"For being out after curfew!" His face went pink and he shook his head. "Five points from Gryffindor, come on."

"Hold up, you took ten points from Remus," Sirius pointed out.

Magpie hesitated. "Pettigrew didn't try to make up some Pomfrey excuse." Remus had a sneaking suspicion it was more like Peter hadn't hurt Magpie's little sister's feelings. "Now come on!"

"Are you all right?" Remus whispered to Peter as they headed back to the common room. "Did they get you?"

"No, I'm fine," Peter promised. "They didn't find me. Sorry if I made you worry—"

"I'm just glad you're all right."

Up in the dorm after Remus and Peter told their stories (Peter saying he had hid in a room behind a couch, Sirius getting furious when Remus said he had been thrown against the wall), James confirmed that the Slytherins had been in detention, as all five of them had been in Filch's office together along with Weasley and two Hufflepuffs. Filch had been rather gleeful to have so many students at once and, after a lot of talk about manacles, split everyone up to do cleaning. Remus remarked he was surprised Filch didn't stick them with the Slytherins and Sirius said Filch made the two of them clean his office.

"On our hands and knees, too," he added, tugging at his trousers to indicate marks all over them where the cleaning solution had splashed. "He watched us the whole time, laughing."

"Luckily he wasn't watching too closely," James said with a wink. "I managed to hide a stink pellet in his favorite bucket of rags."