Good Things • Remus Lupin •

18: Darker

The time ticked on as they all sat their mock NEWT exams. The atmosphere was tense as Meg looked back through her answers, double and even triple checking her answers. The looming sand time trickled painfully slowly, one grain at a time. Still about fifteen minutes left. She pushed her chair back, knocking the table behind her. A splatter of ink caused a smile to creep over her lips.

"Oi!" Sirius hissed, "Do you mind!?'

"Nope," She smiled to herself, tipping her head head backwards and placing her feet on the desk, "You seem to care about your work for once."

Sirius rolled his eyes and carried on scribbling away. Meg looked around the room. Two desks down was James, who had also finished and was making heart-eyes at Lily, who was beside him and had her red hair covering her face as she read through her Transfiguration paper. Two seats behind was Peter who was done, nibbling on a chocolate frog secretively. On either side of him were Alice and Marlene who seemed to be dozing off. Next to Sirius was Laurie who was reading a book. Two seats to Meg's right was Remus was finishing his final answer, a concentrated expression consuming his face.

"Please lift your quills." Those who were left writing's quills flew into the air, dancing across the room into McGonagall's open hand.

"You may leave."

The first on their feet were Meg, Laurie, Lily, Alice and Marlene, who swiftly hurried out of the room to avoid the chaos. The remnants of winter breeze was bitter and cold, nipping Meg's bare hands. She pulled her hood over her head as they made their way over to the fountain. It was fully frozen during the Christmas break and had only now decided to melt. They all sat huddled together for warmth as the rest of the school made their way out for break. In amongst the crowds was McGonagall who looked quite disturbed. She made her way over to the girls and said,

"Miss Emerson, a word please?" Laurie nodded and was whisked away by the older woman. She placed an envelope in the girl's hands and said something to her that was inaudible. Laurie returned and sat between Meg and Lily.

"What happened?" Meg asked. Laurie shrugged and ripped open the envelope, pulling out a neatly folded piece of parchment with the words 'Dear Laurie' at the top. Laurie scanned through it, eyes darting side to side. Suddenly, her hand fell limp, dropping the letter. She held her head in her hands as Meg and Lily read through it.

Lily gasped, "Oh Laurie!"

Meg rubbed her back, unable to say anything. Laurie sat up and wiped a tear that had made its way down her cheek.

"I'll be back for next period, don't look for me please." She said quietly, taking her bag and the letter. Her friends watched her as she made her way up to the castle.

"Can't believe it." Lily held a hand over her heart. Meg nodded, looking up as a certain dark haired boy approached them.

"Cal!" He called, "What's up with Laurie? I saw her going up to the common room-" Meg grabbed him by the arm and dragged him to an archway where she finally released him.

"Ouch, what's with you?" Sirius scowled, rubbing his arm. Meg crossed her arms and wore an annoyed expression. "What?" Sirius asked her, losing his patience.

"Say swear you won't tell?"

"Swear." Sirius said, his hands by his shoulders.

"Laurie's brother was killed." She said quietly, "He was working in France and was killed personally." She gulped, "By you-know-who himself."

Sirius's brow furrowed in worry and fear, "What should I do?" He asked her.

Meg looked out onto the grounds. Winter was soon approaching for last time at Hogwarts. Frost coated the leaves of trees and the lake was starting to freeze over. It never came to her that she probably wont see this place again. The place she called home. It hurt more than she could've imagined.

"Speak to her," She said, "She might listen to you, she looked like she might've gone up to Gryffindor tower to write back to her parents."

Sirius nodded and began to turn as she grabbed his wrist,

"Just don't say I sent you or anything, alright?" Meg said quietly. He agreed and broke into a run in the direction of castle, his black hair flying out behind him. Meg returned to Lily and the others.

"I never thought the wizarding world could get so dark." Lily said sadly, rubbing her hands together.

"Oh it's only going to get darker."#

-

Hey guys,

Sorry I've not posted, been suffering writers block and school's been a pain 😭.

Sadly, I think I might finish this fanfic soon, but there'll be a nice surprise awaiting you all at the end, I promise.

Love you all

~D :)