A Sliver of Change | S. Black

Part 2: Chapter 24

Part 2:

Chapter 24 –

November 3rd, 1976

"Merlin, I don't think I can drink firewhiskey again after that night in the jacuzzi," Lia said to Remus as they walked out of the prefect's bathroom after spending time in the bath together.

Remus chuckled, throwing his arm around Lia's shoulders casually, "Sirius' only request for his birthday was that everyone gets as drunk as him," he pointed out.

Lia huffed, remembering how badly her head had hurt the day after their little party. If it wasn't for the hangover potion Sirius had a stash of, then Lia didn't think she would've made it to any classes that week.

"I know, I know," Lia exclaimed, "why can't he be normal and ask for a cake or something."

Remus nodded his head as he turned them towards the courtyard. The two were meeting Marlene and Fabian there as they were the ones who were setting up the party while the rest distracted Sirius at dinner time. Sirius knew about the party, but the group still found it fun to act as if it was a surprise.

"There you guys are," Marlene shouted, "we've been waiting here forever."

Lia looked guiltily towards Remus, the boy shaking his head at her.

"Sorry Marlene we got caught up on our project," Remus lied.

Lia brought her lip between her teeth, biting it nervously. She was getting tired of all the lying and sneaking around and she had a feeling that Remus was too.

"The two of you are always working on school," Fabian pointed out, "take a break for once."

Lia and Remus both nodded their heads and moved to sit down beside their friends on the bench.

"So, what did you guys want to meet up with us for anyway?" Lia asked curiously.

Marlene excitably laughed from beside her, pulling out pictures of Sirius.

"Since it's his seventeenth birthday, which is like huge," Marlene explained, "we were thinking about hanging these pictures around, doing what James did to Lily and putting his picture on balloons and everything."

Lia nodded her head, slightly jealous that Sirius could already apparate and use magic outside of Hogwarts. The boy was already bragging about how he couldn't wait to practice it when they got home for Christmas time. He was also able to access his vault now, using the first of his galleons to buy Remus a box of chocolates.

Lia smiled at the memory of that morning, loving the way he put a smile on Remus' face, despite it being Sirius' birthday. They all knew that Remus and his family had less money than the rest of them and he always refused to take handouts from them, so they did their best to discretely help him out in any way they could.

"I think it will all go to his head," Lia admitted, "but I know that he will love it. Good job guys."

Marlene smiled at her in thanks while Fabian gestured towards his girlfriend, "it was all her brilliant idea."

Lia internally gagged as they kissed in front of her, loving them together but hating seeing a guy kiss one of her best friends.

"If that's all then guys, we're going to head to dinner and we'll send you a fire letter when we're on our way up," Remus said, holding his hand out for Lia to help her up.

Lia grabbed a hold of it, smiling at him in thanks. Turning around she noticed the curious glance from Marlene. Quickly dragging her hand back down to her side, Lia smiled sheepishly at her, hoping she wasn't figuring anything out.