𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 || 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐮𝐬 𝐥𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐧

•𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟗•

"What about Martin?"

"I don't know if we can trust her," Severus said to the golden-haired Malfoy. Slytherin's common room was deserted, hosting only Severus, Lucius, and Matt on its sofa.

"We need proof, and she hates Lupin just as we do. I don't see a problem," Lucius shrugged, collecting his hair into a bun.

"It's because you're short-sighted," Snape didn't think it would be a good idea to trust a Gryffindor with such a delicate matter. "Martin hates Lupin over a childish reason, and she is aware of that. She's just a rancorous person."

"She seemed rather exasperate at last week's potions class. I say we bell the cat," Matt vocalized his opinion with an exhausted tone. He tossed the book in his hands aside, rubbing his eyes. All of the boys had spent the evening reading, attempting to find more evidence for Severus's theory, albeit Matt and Severus did not quite enjoy each other's company.

"Moreover, she is closer to Lupin than any of us can ever be."

"There is still a salient possibility that she will not only cooperate, but she will also hinder us. I don't think we should take that risk, Malfoy."

"Severus, we can't prove Lupin's condition on our own, and the only way to gather proof is through Martin. She is the sole Gryffindor who either doesn't drool over or care about him," Lucius enunciated as he rose from the sofa. The discussion was over for him as he wished to rest in his bed. "We will talk to her first thing in the morning, or Matt and I are out."

Lucius slowly made his way to the stairs when he heard Matt's footsteps following him. His friend was gloomy these days. Malfoy was aware of Matt's desire for a moment with Lilly. The two did not have an opportunity to spend time after the prank, which made Lucius and Matt seek revenge.

In the entry of the boys' dorm, as Lucius raised his head from his feet, he stumbled upon a tall figure. Messy raven hair, dead eyes, and silver rings on fingers. The blank stare on his sharply defined facial features, a pitch black and army green jumper on his torso, and a small notebook on his hand with the embroidered letters "R.A.B."

"Black," Lucius acknowledged Regulus Black by nodding his head almost unnoticeably.

"Malfoy."

"How long have you been standing here?"

"Not long enough, I am afraid."

He had been standing there long enough to hear Remus Lupin's and Aurora Martin's names. Long enough to comprehend their intention to provoke Martin for revenge and long enough to understand their plan for tomorrow. Alas, not long enough to apprehend Lupin's condition. Howbeit, Malfoy did not need to be aware of all these.

"Regardless, you should not lurk around in the middle of the night, Black. Some might misjudge your intents."

"I believe I can handle myself quite well, thank you, Lucius. Sleep well." Regulus paved the way for the boys to get to the dorm room before going down the stairs. Ignoring Severus, he made himself comfortable in the dark green leather armchair. He slowly opened his notebook and started scribbling words on the parchment.

It was going to be a long night for the little Black.

xxxxx

"ON YOUR LEFT!"

"PASS IT TO ME!"

"ARE YOU BLOODY DEAF? I SAID ON YOUR LEFT! DO YOU KNOW WHICH ONE IS YOUR LEFT?!"

"OH, FOR GOD'S SAKE!"

Remus's brown eyes traced James in the middle of the sky, floating with great speed from one side of the pitch to another. While everyone- including Sirius- was screaming and roaring at each other, he was poring over the field without blinking his eyes. Remus couldn't observe his face from his seat in the stand, but he could clearly envision the furrowed brows, clenched jaw, and the little vein in his right temple. Quidditch games and practices were the only time one could get to know James Potter's serious side.