Four To The End (prev Shifting Lines) Book Three (Marauders Era)

Chapter Sixty - Pete's Cousin

Remus had detention with Professor Kettleburn that evening, which made him worried. Kettleburn scared him a little and knew so much about magical animals that he always wondered if the teacher would guess his secret. He was also a little worried it might be something wild and dangerous... but it turned out that all he had to do was clean out some cages. They smelled bad and most of the animals in the room were afraid of him, but it could have been worse. Except when one of the animals kept hissing and swiping at Remus, and Kettleburn remarked how it was usually a very docile creature. Remus turned a little red, mumbling that some animals didn't like him. Kettleburn gave Remus a look and didn't press the matter. Either way, he was relieved when it was time to go.

He was released a little early and happily strolled through the castle, figuring he'd go meet up with Peter. James and Sirius also had detention, but theirs was till curfew or probably a little after.

Peter was just leaving the club room when Remus showed up; he hung a little ways away since he smelled strongly of animals and cleaning supplies, waiting for Peter to say goodbye to the other club members. He had an envelope clutched in his hands and his eyes were shining when he approached Remus.

"Eww!" Peter pinched his nose. "What were you doing, rolling in fertilizer?"

"Thanks," Remus grumbled, walking alongside his so-called friend. "Kettleburn had me cleaning out cages. I'll get another shower, don't worry."

Peter dropped his hand. "It's all right, I appreciate you coming with me anyway." He fiddled with the envelope, face heating up. "Actually, erm, I had a question for you. I wanted to ask you alone anyway, away from the others. I mean, I'll ask them too, probably, but I wanted to ask you first because you're less likely to laugh at me. I know," he added when Remus opened his mouth. "You wouldn't laugh at me. But I don't know. It's silly."

"What is?"

Pete took a deep breath. "They're having a photography contest—"

"Yes, you should enter," Remus said immediately.

Peter went pink. "H-how—I mean, what? I—I—you think so?"

"Isn't that what you were going to ask?"

"Yes..."

Remus smiled. "Of course I think so, you're very talented. Where is the contest?"

Peter opened the envelope, pulling out sheets of paper with information printed on them. "Daily Prophet, due in two weeks. Craggy wants all of us to enter, or all of us that can afford it. There's an entrance fee. It's not real big, though, I—I can afford it, it's fine, it's not that. It's..."

"What's wrong?"

He bowed his head. "It's not only against the other students, though, it's also against anyone. I don't think I'd do well. Against professionals I mean."

Remus pushed his fringe back. It was getting really long, he'd need to visit the hair witch before the holidays. He liked it long but... not when it was borderline actual hair and not a fringe anymore. "Do you want to enter?"

"I—I think I do."

"Think?"

Peter clutched the papers tightly. "I do. But what if I fail? What if I submit a photograph and everyone laughs at my photo and says 'wow what a stupid photo the photographer must be a dunce who is it' and they post it in the paper withmynamesayinghowstupidandpatheticIamand—"

Remus grabbed Peter, shaking him slightly. "Breathe!" he commanded, and Pete obeyed, gulping in some air. "Now out. You'll be fine, your photographs are beautiful. Even if you don't come in first I doubt anyone would laugh at them."