JULIET {remus lupin}

SEVENTY NINE

December '79

The sweetness of Halloween faded like waking up, and gradually forgetting, a bad dream. The marauders worked endlessly, Juliet saw Remus twice between Halloween and Christmas day, and each time he was more stressed, more worn out. Apparently Dumbledore had asked him to go 'underground', and find other werewolves, convincing them to join their side of the war, she hated the old man for this, certain that it was far more dangerous than any of the missions that the other marauders were doing.

The full moon fell on Christmas Day, and the marauders, even James, gave up the day to be with their friend, Remus had written to the witch, apologising profusely. She didn't mind, of course, it wasn't his fault, and the bitter feeling of being alone with her thoughts had become standard practice for the witch. She never pitied herself, despite how it may sound. She had her life, others didn't. Regulus didn't.

Christmas day was ordinary, Remus promised he would be with her on boxing day, with presents from the others, so she sat alone, reading, drinking tea, and watching a muggle family have a Christmas day walk on the beach. When there was a knock at the door she grabbed her wand, no one should be able to get through the wars. No one. 

Juliet felt as if her heart were melting a little when Lily Evans stood smiling on her doorstep, in her hand a huge cauldron looking pot.

"Lily," she smiled, trying to hug the girl. "What on earth are you doing here?"

"It's Christmas," she smiled, "Remus came here last night and weakened the wards, said he didn't wake you as he knew he wouldn't be able to leave again, reckons he traumatised you the last time he was here as a wolf."

Juliet rolled her eyes, "that man is so dramatic, what about..." She trailed off, remembering that James was with the others, "what about Marlene and Bella?"

"Both have missions," she scoffed. "They offered to do it."

"Ah, that's sad."

"It has however meant that I get to see you," Lily beamed, putting the pot down on a kitchen counter, "and I made us Christmas dinner!"

Juliet laughed, feeling the same happiness she had on Halloween, she could not believe that she had missed out on friendships like these throughout all of Hogwarts, she constantly found herself envying the marauders. 

Juliet lit candles and set her table for the two of them whilst the ginger witch bustled around making sure everything was perfect.

"Made this the muggle way," Lily grinned, "wanted to make sure I still have it in me after marrying a pureblood."

The dark haired witch laughed and levitated a bottle of wine to the table as her friend sat down, "I have muggle wine," she grinned, "Sirius gave me a taste for it at Halloween. Red or white?"

"Oh, just water, if that's okay."

Juliet smiled, "second time you've refused a drink from me, Potter. Anyone would think you're pregnant."

Lily clapped a hand over her mouth, "I- well. Erm. Does Remus know?" She asked, cringing and realising there was no point denying it.

"No, didn't mention my suspicions to anyone," Juliet winked, "so, you are?"

Lily nodded nervously and Juliet squealed and stood up from her seat, rushing around to her friend and hugging her shoulders tightly, "I am so happy for you both. How far along?"

"About eight weeks," she smiled. "Due next July."

Juliet beamed, her eyes shining, "that is incredible, Lil."