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

Chapter One Hundred-Sixteen - The Gruesome Ways In Which We're Damaged

Author's note: CW brief mention of drowning, blood and gore, knives, emetophobia, and talks/references about major child abuse.

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"Remus, could you stay behind for a moment?"

A couple of hours after the Shakespeare incident, the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs were leaving Dark Arts; except, apparently, Remus. He gathered his things and waited near Charlemagne's desk, making shooing motions at his friends who didn't want to leave.

"He is not in trouble," Charlemagne assured them.

"Oh, drat," James said before the door shut.

"I think they'd prefer it if I was," Remus said, and Charlemagne laughed. "Is everything okay, Professor?"

"Yes, yes, I am sorry if I seemed like it was not," he said, sitting back down behind his desk and resting his hands on his belly. "I wished to discuss with you whether you wanted to continue helping me during this term or not, as you did last term."

Remus perked up. "I'd really like that."

Charlemagne nodded. "I thought so. Would you like to help more than just a bit on Sunday afternoons?"

"I—yes, I would."

"Tuesdays and Thursdays?"

Remus deflated a little. "I can't do that—"

"Ah, right, you are helping Jean-Marie on Thursdays still," Charlemagne said.

"And—erm—I have a... a thing on Tuesdays as well," Remus muttered. Charlemagne knew he was a werewolf, but he doubted if the teacher knew about his Occlumency lessons and that wasn't something he wanted to share.

Charlemagne began stroking his beard. "Very well. Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons?"

"I can do that."

"Merveilleux!" Charlemagne stood back up with a bit of a grunt, and one hand went to his chest, as if he had some pain. His face was a little contorted as well. "Wednesday at six?"

Remus nodded, a bit worried. "Are you all right? Should I get Madame Pomfrey?"

"Hmm?" Charlemagne frowned. "Ah, oh no. Simply some old scars that... ahhh... ça fait un peu mal? Élancement? Oui! Twinge," he put in though he had said hurts a bit before saying pinches. "That is the word I was looking for. Thank you for your concern. I am fine. Have a good day, Remus."

The Marauders were waiting right outside the door when he came out, wanting to know what happened. James and Sirius both complained when Remus told them, since this meant less time with the group, until Remus pointed out that James had practice on Wednesdays anyway and they never spent time together on Wednesday evenings. He'd probably be done helping Charlemagne by the time James finished practice.

The rest of the day went by quickly, and after Ancient Runes as Remus, Lily, and Aegis were walking to the Great Hall, Aegis commented on Remus's hair looking funny again; or rather, different than the day before. Remus tugged his fingers through his hair and sighed.

"The others were teasing me so I, erm, dunked my head under some water," he admitted.

"Don't ever pay any mind to anything what Potter says," Lily sniffled.

"Why were they teasing you?" Aegis asked.

Remus really did not want to get into the whole Shakespeare thing with them. Or anyone. Ever again. "Because they're idiots. It was a dumb reaction."