Reading Between The Lines ~ Remus Lupin ~ Book 1

chapter 66

Saturday, 25 August 1979

Diagon Alley, while always busy, was far more crowded than usual.

With the start of a new year at Hogwarts, last minute shopping for new robes, books, supplies, and so many other things were required. Lena had already seen Ava's mother and brother, Layla and her younger brother who was about to start Hogwarts, and Professor McGonagall leading a small group of Muggle-born families. Lena and Layla agreed to grab dinner on Friday night. There was a new Thai place Layla was trying to try and none of her Muggle friends cared to try it. "Uncultured swine," they joked.

"I can't believe we've graduated," Lena said between licks of her ice cream as she and Remus walked down the shops.

"I'm still in denial and I graduated a year ago," Remus replied.

"And the first years walking around are making me so old!" Lena cried.

"I know," Remus said. "And every year they look younger and younger. We looked older than we did when we were eleven, didn't we?"

"I was here last week with Gwen and this one kid asked me a question and called me 'ma'am!'" Lena whined.

Remus snorted.

"Stop! It's not funny! I only just turned eighteen!" Lena scolded him but couldn't help but to laugh.

"You're absolutely right. It's not funny at all... ma'am."

"Remus!" Lena shrieked playfully, swotting him.

"You can call me sir if you'd like," Remus joked.

Lena quirked her eyebrows. "You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

Remus smirked. "Maybe a bit."

"Well, when we get home–"

Time stopped as a scream shot through Diagon Alley like an arrow piercing a target as the roof of one of the shops fell to pieces.

Lena and Remus couldn't look away as the stone and wood of the shop toppled over a bystander.

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Lena's eyes burned from the smoke in the air. She tried to be breathing but she couldn't between the anxiety coursing through her veins and the blood pumping from running down Diagon Alley.

Remus was beside, running in time. He knew what to do in this situation. He shouldn't though. He was far too young to know what to do in his situation. But there he was, standing tall, unfazed by the blood splattered across his tattered clothes and the burning in the air.

She understood why Remus had been chosen for the Order, with his calm demeanor, discerning mind, and unparalleled duelling skills. He seemed to have a plan in an instant. "We'll bring in any survivors off the street," he said. "Once we're in the broom shop, you'll Apparate the survivor's to St. Mungo's. I'll stay in the shop until you get back in case there are any Death Eaters."

The plan was good. The plan was working.

The worst would soon be over.

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Lena could feel the tension in her body leave as the dust settled. The battle was over.