Four To The End (prev Shifting Lines) Book Three (Marauders Era)

Chapter One Hundred-Ten - The Fourth Turns Fourteen

Author's note: CW emetophobia

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During the course of the next few days, Remus found himself eavesdropping more than usual; it was so easy for him, and something he normally tried not to do. But this time instead of ignoring the constant chatter from other students, he tried to listen in on the chance the gossip might involve Lily. She was worried about it too, as on Tuesday morning, on the way to Arithmancy, she asked Aegis if he had heard anything linked to her name.

Aegis looked a little puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"Is anyone in the Slytherin dorm saying anything about me?" she asked.

"Why would anyone there be talking about you?" Cassie asked. "Besides, who cares if they are. Erm, no offense, Silverlocke."

Aegis shrugged. "None taken. No. Not that I've noticed. Is there a reason for this question?"

Lily looked a bit embarrassed. "Not particularly. I just have this weird feeling someone's spreading rumors about me. It's all... a gut thing. A feeling."

"Well, as I said I have not heard of anything but if I do I shall let you know."

"Thank you."

"I despise how gossipy this school can be," Cassie grumbled, hugging her Arithmancy book to her chest. "Everyone feels entitled to poke their nose into everyone's business."

"Is this about Battista again?" Lily asked.

Cassie held her head up, sniffling. "Maybe."

Remus frowned since the name sounded familiar. "The fourth year girl?"

"Yes," Cassie grumbled, shoulders hunching. "She won't leave me alone about..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but she didn't need to; Remus figured out what she was referring to. Battista was a name Sirius mentioned, as she was one of his growing base of admirers; she fawned all over him and kept winking at him. Sirius was pleased whenever she gave him attention but whenever she was gone he'd make a face and pretend to empty his cauldron. Must be wanting to know if they're truly over and done with, Remus thought as they went into class.

While Talkalot... well, talked... Remus and Lily exchanged a few notes. She knew he was keeping an ear out (she just didn't know how good that ear was) and he promised he hadn't heard anything yet. James was acting normal last night too and didn't say anything, he added before sending it to her.

why does it matter what that toad-face does?

He had practice last night. Usually if someone on the team is acting off he'll bring it up. That means Kim was acting normal. It also means nobody's mentioned any rumors to him, since he'd tell me.

he'd probably relish in any gossip about me

Remus silently agreed, wishing James and Lily didn't hate each other so much. He didn't care that they weren't friends, he was just tired of the constant name-calling and battling. Maybe one day... but that seemed unlikely.

Of course, James might have been too excited to notice any gossip about Lily, as he was finally joining the ranks of being fourteen the next day. He had been bouncy about it since Sunday morning then getting mad because Sirius kept calling him a 'widdle bayyybeeee'. In fact they had gotten into a pretty rough tussling match Sunday night that resulted in Sirius having a black eye which he kept until the next morning and tried to convince McGonagall that Spinnet had done it (which she didn't fall for).