Reading Between The Lines ~ Remus Lupin ~ Book 1

chapter 19

Tuesday, 14 December 1976

"Please pass your papers in before going," Binns droned.

A rustling of papers was heard as Hufflepuff and Gryffindor students passed in the essays. Lena started to panic slightly as she passed her classmates papers up. Did I write too little? Did I write too much? What if everyone wrote about the same thing and mine's the worst? What if Binns hates my essay?

"I will see you all on Friday and you'll get your papers back then," Binns called as the students flooded out the door.

Maggie linked her arm with Lena's. "Stop panicking. Your essay is at least A-worthy, if not more."

"I can't help it, though."

"Just think about something else."

"Like what?"

"I don't know...like what you're getting Remus for Christmas?"

"I don't know," Lena said as she threw her hands in the air. "Free coupons to kiss me whenever he wants."

"That's rather bold of you. And out of character."

"Yeah, I'm still workshopping ideas."

"What about a book?"

"No, I want to be original and make it special...But without making it obvious that I'm in love with him."

"I see the dilemma."

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Lena sat on her bed sketching as Ava started packing the gifts and clothes she wanted to take back over break.

"You should really start packing Lena. You're always in a panic before the train leaves because you packed all your shit at three in the morning after the common room party."

Lena sighed, not taking her eyes off the portrait of Regulus and Layla that she was sketching and planned to give Regulus as a present on Thursday. "But I hate packing."

"I know, but it's something you have to do."

"Eh, whatever. So what did you get Marlene for Christmas?" Lena asked.

"I got her her favorite sweets, a few records she's been dying for, and I framed a poster from the Cauldron Coven that we went to because that's the first time we hung out," Ava said sheepishly.

"Aww, that's so cute! She'll love it!" Lena smiled, happy for her friend.

"I hope so."

"She will!" Lena insisted.

<><><><><>

Lena had finished her drawing of Regulus and Layla and carefully placed it in her Potions textbook. Lena pulled out her trunk and frowned. She really did not want to pack. It was just a reminder that Lena was going to have to talk to her parents, specifically her mother, about her dismal History of Magic grades. Lena sighed. Time to distract herself, Lena thought.

"Aves, do you know where Maggie is?"

"I don't know. I'm not her keeper."

"You're right," Lena said, holding back a smile. "Alex is her Keeper."

Ava blankly looked at Lena, who was trying not to laugh.

"Ya get it? Because Alex plays Keeper."

"Yeah, no, I got it. How are you simultaneously both a fifteen year old girl and a fifty year old man at the same time?"

Lena wiggled her fingers. "Magic."