My Marauders // J.P. , R.L. , S.B x OC

Ch. 18, Prat

Over several minutes, James made multiple attempts to turn his head and shoot Remus dirty looks discreetly. His efforts at subtlety, however, were completely unnecessary. Just as Remus had predicted, Calliope was thoroughly engrossed in the book, oblivious to the silent exchange. She didn't notice James's narrowed eyes or the sneer on his face, nor did she catch Remus's equally narrowed gaze, accompanied by his unwavering smirk.

Sirius, meanwhile, finally peeled his chest and face off the desk, letting out a loud yawn as he stretched lazily.

Similarly to James, though without the frustrated glare, Sirius glanced over his shoulder at Remus and Calliope. His expression was more curious than irritated, eyes flicking between them as they shared the book. He raised an eyebrow, but instead of reacting, he simply observed.

Sirius opened his mouth to say something to Calliope, but before he could get a word out, he was met with a sharp glare from Remus. Remus subtly shook his head, warning him off. Sirius quirked a brow.

Sirius didn't bother wondering if Remus was challenging him—he just assumed. A smirk tugged at his lips as he leaned forward, breaking the silence. "Cal, what're you reading there?"

Calliope didn't even glance up from the page, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Shh!" She held her index finger to her lips, silencing Sirius without a second thought.

Remus grinned, shrugging his shoulders, casting a quick look at Sirius, who rolled his eyes.

Sirius turned around back to his original position facing next to James. The boy in glasses turned his head and leaned close to him, whispering something in his ear, to which Sirius vigorously nodded.

Remus noticed the exchange, and with a swift motion, kicked the leg of James's chair. James turned around, startled. Remus gave him a pointed look, furrowing his brows in silent inquiry.

All James mouthed was, "We have to talk later," before turning his back on Remus.

A few minutes later, the door swung open and Professor Weasley strode in with purpose, her dress swaying with each determined step. Calliope reluctantly pulled her attention away from the book, her gaze shifting to the professor. She noted with concern that Professor Weasley's normally neat braid was now disheveled, her face flushed, and a sheen of sweat glistened at her hairline. Something had been amiss.

Her eyes widened, and before anyone could react, Sirius spun back around to face Remus and Calliope, his jaw dropping in shock, obviously believing his theory was right.

"I am so sorry, dears!" Professor Weasley exclaimed, her voice tinged with a mix of relief and exhaustion. "There was an awful swarm of dugbogs terribly close to the school! Albus—Professor Dumbledore—needed all hands on deck." She gestured animatedly, trying to convey the chaos of the situation. "They nearly sank their teeth into the third-year Care of Magical Creatures students!"

Sirius leaned toward Remus and whispered, "'Dugbog' better not be a euphemism for our Headmaster's cock."

"Anyhow, lovelies," Professor Weasley continued, trying to regain her composure, "I do believe our time is nearly up." Several students groaned at the prospect of the class ending, clearly reluctant to leave. "I apologize for the unexpected interruption. Next class, we'll pick up where we left off and continue our review of the fundamentals."

And on cue, the clock struck, signaling the end of class.

Calliope closed the book Remus had lent her, sliding it back toward him. Remus frowned slightly and pushed the book back. "Go on, keep it," he said.

"What?" Calliope asked, her fingers hovering over the book. "You didn't check this out from the library?"

"I did not," Remus replied, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips.