black coffee | remus lupin [2]

22. don't be in love with someone else

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

CLAUDIA STOOD IN FRONT of Potter manor as she wrapped her arms around herself and gazed up at the huge house with anxiety in her eyes.

"Friends," she whispered to herself. "Just friends."

And just like that, with a deep breath and an encouraging thought, she walked up the stairs and knocked on the door that immediately opened.

"Well, if it isn't my dear little sister-in-law," Sirius said with a big smile, ushering her inside as she took in all the craziness that seemed to be going on inside the house, considering all the noise. "How are we tonight?"

"Great, thanks," Claudia said with a smile, taking off her jacket as she was practically run over by Inez, who was running past her with James in her heels.

"Hi, Claudia!" She screeched, running into another room as James only cursed.

"Uh...hi," said Claudia, watching them disappear and hearing Peter laugh and Marlene cheer on her girlfriend from the other room as Sirius led her inside.

And then, she heard another voice. One sweet voice that she hadn't heard in over a year.

As Claudia entered the living room, she came to her own conclusion that it wasn't who she thought it was. The hair was shorter, and most definitely not blonde no longer.

But still, as the girl in front of her let out a small little laugh over whatever it was that Inez and James were up to, Claudia knew for sure just who it was.

"Betty?"

The newly brunette girl turned around, only to smile widely with her red lips at her old friend.

"Claudia!" She exclaimed happily, immediately rushing forwards and bringing her into a bone-crushing hug. "I've missed you!"

"I've missed you too," Claudia said with a small little laugh and a confused look aimed her way as the hug broke. "But I thought you were in France?"

"I was," she smiled. "But I had enough. So, I went home! I missed everyone and, you know...my brothers were being annoying. And I wanted to help with the war and everything."

Claudia nodded intently, very unaware of the weary looks she was receiving for two reasons, one of which was that they were worried Betty would talk about the Order and that Claudia would accidentally tell Regulus, and the other...

Well, that you'll find out later.

"So, what're you all up to?" Claudia asked, looking around at everyone, including Inez who was grinning at James as she continued to levitate his wand out of his reach.

"I'm making sure James can't get his wand," said Inez.

"And I'm planning Inez's murder," said James.

"And the rest of us are just watching whilst Lily's doing all the work in the kitchen, per usual," said Marlene.