𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 || 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐮𝐬 𝐥𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐧

•𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏•

"Regulus made it?" Remus asked in astonishment, studying every tiny detail of the silver ring. The ring's shank had a little star carved, accompanied by the letters "S.B."  The black stone in the centre made Remus question if it was chosen specifically. He knew onyx was believed to help fight fears and heal old emotional wounds, or maybe Regulus just preferred this stone for a simpler reason: it was Black.

"Aye. It's beautiful, innit?" Sirius replied from his bed, smiling wide. He was staring at the ceiling dreamily, still not out of yesterday's magic, while his friends were digging into his presents.

"It truly is, Padfoot. I'm just in awe that he made it himself. It's a work of art for a fifteen-year-old."

"He always had a gift for things like that since we were children," Sirius stood up from his bed and sat next to James, who was playing with a record player, Remus's gift. "I'm actually impressed that he got the stone from a muggle shop. A muggle shop, mate! My little brother!"

The boy was proud that his brother interacted with muggles despite his family's burning hatred toward the non-magical folk. 

"Mother would be pissed if she knew that."

"Why didn't you invite him to the party?" James mumbled, still trying to find a way to make the record player work. He never felt the need to explore the muggle devices for music; he never actually listened to muggle music, but Sirius had adored it since he was eleven.

"I did, but he refused. Stop harassing the poor thing, mate. I'll teach you how to use it later."

"He's an odd boy," James said before giving up on the player. "What's our plan for today?"

"It's the full moon in two days," Peter jumped in quickly. "I say let's not tire Moony."

Remus smiled down at the blonde boy. Peter never forgot the full moon dates, even when the others did. He would also ensure that Remus is well-rested and relaxed the days before by convincing his friends to stay in the castle or avoid pranks that would edge him.

"How you feeling, mate?" 

"Same way every day before the full moon, Prongs. I'll be fine."

"Yeah, but how about your scars?"

The boy sighed exasperatedly. He was aware of how his scars were getting more attention day by day. Even Aurora Martin, the girl he had been squabbling with for six years, had noticed them, meaning it was merely a matter of time before a whole lot crowd would pry into his secret. 

Maybe it was for the benefit that he and Aurora reconciled; she would have less motive to maim him. At least that was what Remus hoped for, albeit he didn't put considerable trust in the girl.

"When do you think we can test James's mirror?" Peter asked eagerly, trying to change the topic after Remus's silent reply. Of the many presents, only the two-way mirror was the most interesting one for Peter. They could talk to each other when separated while pranking someone, making the whole process easier. 

"Actually, I thought we could lend it to Moony for the full moon. What do you say?" Sirius suggested, looking at Remus for approval. "I mean, we'll be together at night, but we can talk in the morning too. This way, we'll see how it works." 

Remus nodded to him before letting out a sigh. He was anxious, and the headache from last night's drunkness did not help him. He rubbed his temples, deciding that it was the apt moment to break the news to the boys.

"Lads, Martin accepted my olive branch."

James's eyes lit up with excitement while Sirius started letting out multiple 'Woah, woah, woah' exclamations. Peter laughed as it was something he expected to happen naturally.