maple syrup | remus lupin [1]

97. walks & initiatives

Dear Claudia,

I miss you. How are things at the Potters? Has James and Sirius driven you insane yet? If they have, let me tell you I know just how it is. You've just got to shut their voices out, smile and nod and they'll eventually practically disappear!

Things are good here I suppose, but I can't wait to come to James' house so I can see you and all the others again. I'm quite bored in all honesty, even though we're at this beautiful farm that my uncle owns. I guess I'm just a little distracted thinking about you and how perfect this Christmas is going to be.

I have to give you a warning, though. My mum is probably more excited to see you than I am (which is practically impossible). She won't shut up about it, and nor will I, so that means that my dad is definitely having a good time at the moment. Anyway, my mum and I will probably never leave your side the moment we arrive so I suppose you should enjoy your peace whilst you have it!

I love you.

- R.L

Claudia smiled faintly at the letter from Remus, but she did however feel a slight rush of nervousness wash over her.

She hadn't given meeting Remus' parents much thought, and now they would arrive in only a day and she suddenly felt terrified.

She wondered if they had heard bad rumours about her and her family, or if they hated her for some reason, or that she would mess up and embarrass herself completely.

But, at the same time, she was ecstatic to meet her boyfriend's parents - because she honestly never thought that she would be able to do so.

A knock on the door of the room Claudia had called hers for the past few days interrupted the girl's train of thoughts. She turned around to be met by a grinning James, who was standing there dressed in a coat, mittens and even a hat.

"We're going on a family walk," he said. "It's mandatory."

"I just have to write Remus back," said Claudia.

"You can do that later," James smirked. "Or not at all. I mean, he is coming tomorrow so..."

"Alright," Claudia sighed, though inside she felt very pleased to be invited on a thing such as a family walk. "Where exactly are we going, though?"

"Around the village," James shrugged, referring to the nearby Muggle village. "It's completely safe."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive," James nodded. "It's so small I don't think even a death eater would come there. Don't worry about it. And, besides, it's so dark and freezing out there that the likelihood of someone showing up is very low."

So, after dressing in a big and fluffy coat, mittens and a hat, the entire house - including Peter who had recently arrived - headed out on a long walk around the Muggle village.