A Sliver of Change | S. Black

Part 2: Chapter 27

Part 2:

Chapter 27 –

January 8th, 1977

Weeks had passed since that day at St. Mungo's hospital, the day that changed everything for all of them. Remus was starting to get back to his normal self and all his belongings had been moved into Potter Manor a few days after his parents' murder. Lia, James, and Sirius took it upon themselves to never leave his side during those days.

They stayed with him while he packed everything up at his parents' house and aided in the burial of the both of them. The group of their friends, including Mary, Dorcas, Fabian, and Gideon showed up to the funeral, showing their unwavering support for their friend. Marlene had promised not to tell her boyfriend about Remus' condition until he was ready for them all to know, even though he knew that none of them would judge him.

He had been having trouble with his wolf lately, his head filled with various thoughts. He lashed out at Lia only yesterday, apologizing immediately after the altercation but his temper was flaring more easily and despite Lia's concern, she knew that he would talk to her when he was ready.

Sighing at the stress of her current life, Lia walked to her Darks arts class alone, having wanted to use the time alone to think. She had no energy to deal with professor Hurdle today and hoped that for once he acted like a decent human being.

Walking into the class, she took her regular seat beside Remus who smiled slightly at her. Rubbing her hand on his shoulders, she placed her bag at her feet before pulling out her parchment and quill.

"Do you think it'll be a normal class today or will Hurdle be the preposterous arse he normally is?" Lia joked, hoping to lighten the mood.

Remus laughed quietly, his hand coming up so she could place her smaller one in his. Following his actions, Lia shook their hands.

"I think it will be a shit show," Remus decided.

Lia giggled before betting, "well let's hope that it's not."

A clearing of a throat from the front of the room diverted their attention to Professor Hurdle and Lia watched as he wrote the word Unforgivable's on the board.

Huffing out a breath she turned towards a smirking Remus, watching as he mouthed 'I told you so' to her. Rolling her eyes, she looked back towards the professor.

"Good morning class," his nasally voice started out as he walked toward the middle of room, "in light of the recent attacks in the wizarding world, I thought that this would be a good subject to study today."

Watching Remus' action at the mention of his parent's attack, concern filled her as his face turned stony, no longer the hint of laughter on it.

"Now tell me, what are the three unforgivable curses?" He asked.

Lia refused to answer the question, despite loving the thrill when a teacher said she was right. Lily on the other hand, had no problem raising her hand and answering at the teachers nod,

"The Cruciatus curse, Imperius curse, and the Killing curse," she stated.

Lia loved her, but sometimes the girl could be too dense when the matters of school came into question.

"Quite right Ms. Evans. And why do we call these the unforgivable curses?" He questioned with a quirked brow.

A student from Slytherin who Lia recognized as Juliette Harbour raised her hand to answer, "because the Ministry deems them too cruel. It warrants an automatic life sentence in Azkaban if used."

Professor Hurdle nodded his head at her, deeming her answer worthy. Lia huffed out a breath at this.

"Yes, the Ministry sees these curses as barbaric, but do you want to know what I think?" He asked.