Friday 4 th March 1977
“I’m going to go mad.” Marlene said, one evening, as the library was closing. She pressed her fingers into her eyes, exhausted. Her hair was fluffed up on her head like a dandelion from running her hands through it so often. “I thought the OWLs were bad…”
“That rhymes,” Mary sang, cheerfully, neatly rolling up her parchment.
“Helpful, thanks, MacDonald.” Marlene rolled her eyes.
“ You decided to keep Potions.” Mary bopped her friend lightly on the head with her rolled up essay.
“It’s a requirement for Healer training college.” Marlene sighed. “I wish I didn’t have to do it.”
“I don’t know why you all hate it so much,” Lily yawned, hoisting her satchel onto her shoulder, “Potions is fun, it’s logical.”
“Oh, shut up, Evans.” Mary and Marlene said in unison.
Remus laughed, and put a fond arm around the redhead,
“Poor Lily,” he said, in mock sympathy, “So misunderstood in your quest for knowledge.”
She laughed too, and they all left the library together. They’d been there every night of the week - except when Lily had prefect duties or Marlene had quidditch; then it was just Remus and Mary. Which was surprisingly ok - Mary had made a few teasing jibes about their brief liaison, but hadn’t mentioned wanting to do it again, and appeared to be seeing Roman Rotherhide once more. Remus was relieved. One secret affair was quite enough.
It was early to be revising, but the four of them had decided to reconvene their study group this year in order to get through the first stage of their NEWTs. Final exams were still over a year away, but in Remus and Lily’s opinion, there was no such thing as being too prepared, particularly with the foundation year exams due in June.
“I’m knackered,” Mary said, as they approached the portrait of the fat lady (her wig had been removed by Professor Flitwick only a few days beforehand - she had apparently grown quite fond of it). “Day off, tomorrow?”
“If you want,” Remus said, catching her yawn, “I said I’d do a big study group on Sunday, so I’d be glad of the rest.”
“I don’t know how you do it, Lupin,” Mary shook her head in disbelief. “That’s perfect, though, leaves Saturday evening free.”
“Got another date with Roman, have you?” Marlene asked, sounding a bit annoyed.
“Yes, Marlene,” Mary rolled her eyes, “Despite your very apparent disapproval…”
“I just think you ought to slow down, that’s all!” Marlene snapped, running her fingers through her hair again.
“Well, as we’ve discussed before, it’s none of your business who I go out with, is it?!” Mary said, arching an eyebrow at her friend. Marlene had turned an uncharacteristic shade of hot pink, and was looking at the floor. Remus looked at both girls in surprise. He’d never seen them talk like that to each other before - usually they were the best of friends.
“Come on, we’re all tired,” Lily said, pushing forward, “ Blatherskite ,” she addressed the fat lady, who moved aside so they could all enter.
“Evans!” James’s shout met them even before they were halfway through.
“Yeah yeah, good evening, Potter,” Lily sighed, shaking her head. Remus caught her tiny smile, though she tried to cover it behind her long hair.
“And Moony!” James continued, “Where are you been?”
“Making furious love to us all, obviously,” Mary said, deadpan, pushing Sirius aside to sit nearest the fireplace.
