Good Things • Remus Lupin •

20: Good Things

Rain pattered against the shelter overhead, trickling slowly down the gutters and into the drains. Most people had taken shelter in the Great Hall where it was cozy and lively. However, there Meg sat, wrapped up in her coat, blowing on her reddened fingers for warmth. She found the grey sky and silent tapping of raindrops was calming. And besides, she didn't want all her friends worrying about her whereabouts last night and her injuries. The gaping wounds and slashes still hurt, but what pained her the most was that Remus was somewhere alone, living with the guilt that he may have killed her.

She stared endlessly into the distance as if searching for something, or someone. The weather was deteriorating fast, rain falling more violently and gushes of fierce wind sweeping up everything in its path. Meg watched as large puddles formed in the ground, resulting in a muddy hell. Madam Pomfrey's head poked out of the doorway behind. She could tell Meg was waiting. Waiting for her brother or Remus. She was too optimistic.

"Miss Black," She said, "It's getting quite rough out here, I advise you to come in. Your friends are probably all inside. Plus, it'll make your health much worse if you stay out here any longer."

Meg sighed. Deep down she knew Pomfrey was right, but she didn't want to believe her,

"Give me a bit longer," She pleaded, "Just 10 more minutes."

"Fine," The older woman agreed, "But I warn you, I'm not dragging in your frostbitten corpse later."

"Thanks Poppy!" She smiled warmly, watching her go.

Pomfrey rolled her eyes playfully and returned inside, "That girl." She muttered to herself.

-

The sound soft clicking of boots on wet stone was some sort of relief for Meg. Her brother, his left arm in a sling whilst he whistled a melodious tune to himself, took a seat beside his sister. He leaned his head back, his hair all slicked back with rain and a smug look on his face. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it between his fingers, sliding it into the corner of his mouth. The smell of smoke was nauseating, but Meg didn't complain.

"You're alive." He said quietly, "I'm glad."

"Really?" She demanded, "What happened after I went out?"

She wasn't going to let him off easy. He pondered a moment before taking a deep breath,

"I was taken up to the Hospital wing at about midnight," He began, "But I only came around when you arrived. Remus was stood at he door, all tear and everything. When I saw you-" He paused, tears prickling his eyes, "All I could see was blood. I thought you died, Cal. Pomfrey said I was all good so I left. I didn't want to see you. Not like that."

Meg watched her brother blink away a couple of tears, "You went out for a smoke after you got concussed." She said bluntly.

"What can I say?" He smiled, "Helps me clear my head." Meg rolled her eyes, her brother really was that stupid.

"Where's Moony?"

"Dunno, I left before he got out, sat over your bed crying." He said sadly, replaying the somber moment in his mind. Remus' head in his hands, tears falling down his cheek, staining the bloody bed covers.

She grinded her teeth in deep thought, should she tell him?

"Paddy," She said seriously, "Mind if I tell you something?"

"Anything."

"What if I told you I liked Remus Lupin, what would you say?" She asked him.

"Took you long enough." He sighed.

"You knew??" Meg was taken aback.

"Well you've liked each other from day one! It's really not that hard to tell." He laughed, "And besides, Laurie may or may not have told me."

"Ugh that snake." She muttered.

"Oh and for the record," Sirius smirked, "He likes you too."

Meg's breathing hitched, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She held out a hand, signaling to her brother that he should give her his cigarette box. He placed it in her palm along with the lighter. She lit it and placed it between her lips, breathing in the sickening smoke. She coughed, spitting out the cigarette onto the stone floor. She stamped on it, putting out the glowing embers. She then threw the rest of the box into the distance as far she could.

"I want my brother to be at my wedding," She scowled, "Not on his deathbed, alright?"

Sirius chuckled to himself, pulling out another cigarette box as she walked away, out of sight...

-

The corridors were mostly empty, many in class or getting to class. She crossed McGonagall's door, who was teaching some second years. She watched a little girl with curly black hair and bright green eyes turn the boy beside her into a frog, or at least his head. McGonagall rushed to her side, trying to calm to boy down, who was croaking uncontrollably now. Meg chuckled to herself, looking to see if all was alright. The boy, a lanky brunette with a crooked yet endearing smile, laughed it off immediately as the blonde girl apologized. They hugged then continued trying to transfigure the goblet before them into a goblet. Meg smiled to herself, it reminded her of her much loved days at Hogwarts when she first joined. Her and Sirius were inseparable, of course, and slowly they added more and more friends to their group. First James, then Peter and lastly Remus. Remus was always a bit shy and never talked much to anyone in particular. His very few friends consisted of Meg and Lily. Sirius and James could tell almost immediately that Meg was developing a thing for the werewolf and began to befriend him. That completed the Marauders. Meg laughed to herself, recalling the memories fondly as she continued down the corridor.

Soon, she arrived in front of the great oak doors of the library. Inside, many seventh and fifth years with free periods sat studying, surrounded by mountains of books and notes. It was mostly silent, apart from the occasional giggle being shushed by the young Madam Pince. Pince never particularly liked anyone, giving them cold stares and arrogant sneers. After being at Hogwarts for long enough, you just learn to never even utter a word in her presence. Meg opened her bag and pulled out two books, placing them on her desk before making her way to the Potions section. She ran her finger along the spines of the old and tattered books, dust and grime lifting, leaving a clear difference between what was clean and what was not.

Suddenly, she walked straight into someone, stumbling backwards onto the floor. The person helped her up and muttered his apologies.

"Moony?" She asked, recognizing the messy brown hair.

"Calli!" He exclaimed, engulfing her in a warm hug, "I'm so glad you're alive."

"Ouch," She winced, "Still hurts."

He pulled away suddenly, standing there awkwardly, "I'm so sorry," He stared down at his hands, trying to hold back tears, "I-I don't know what came over me. I-I've been really stressed lately-" She cut him off, pulling him into another hug, less tight this time.

"You don't have to say sorry," Meg smiled into his shoulder, "I need." She breathed deeply, "I need you to know something."

He nodded, "What?" Her eyes flickered from scar to scar, then eventually landing on his lips. She tried to find the words to say it but they wouldn't come out, like her voice had disappeared right at the moment she needed. Their faces were inches apart, Meg only now noticed. She could practically hear him breathing. She leaned in, their lips colliding. It felt almost meant to be as he kissed her back. He pulled away for a moment, looking hesitant,

"I like you too," He smiled brightly, "But why me? You're like the prettiest, smartest, most amazing girl I've ever met Megara Black."

"Well," She pondered for a moment, thinking of the right words, "You're-You're a good thing!"

"Good things don't last forever." He said quietly.

"We can last forever." She smiled.

-

Hey guys,

I'm so sad this book has come to an end. I love Remus and Meg. But fear not, I have been coming up with a sequel for this one, so look out. I love all of you who have stuck with this book till the very end and please, don't forget to leave a comment and vote!

Love you all,

~D :)