The Wolf's Den [Remus Lupin]

38 - Painful Truths

CW: Contains smoking marijuana

-Remus-

I left Alula feeling flustered. I made my way outside to clear my head. I felt bad about how I'd treated Alula. I reminded myself to apologize to her when I saw her later. She didn't deserve that, I thought. I was being an arse. I rummaged through my robes and found a blunt. I happily lit up and thought about how bad it would be if the boys joined me during the full moons. I looked across the grounds and spotted the Whomping Willow swaying soundly.

We learned about Animagi in only two classes. One was Defense with Spindlewheel and the only thing I could remember learning was that becoming one was illegal if you didn't tell the Ministry and do it under close observation. The other time was when McGonagall showed us her ability when we were in our first year. She'd told us that it was a lesson we were far from learning and she'd show us again in our later years.

It was more concerning that the boys had done what they did. It was dangerous and risky. I hated that they'd gone behind my back. I couldn't forgive them, I wouldn't. I stopped walking and looked up at the castle. I have to though. They're the best friends I could ever have, who have I got without them? I sighed.

Twilight was upon us and dinner was probably halfway done already. I returned to the castle and through the entrance hall to dinner. The Great Hall was still buzzing and as I smoked, the anger finally subsided.

"Hey Lupin," I heard a voice to my right and turned to see Marlene making her way toward me.

"McKinnon," I greeted her warmly, "what's new?"

"Oi, 'ave yer seen Alula, luv?"

I felt my cheeks go pink. "Saw her about an hour ago but not since, why?"

"Yer didn't eat wiv everyone then?" Her eyes widened as I shook my head. "Me neither, right, stuck in the bleedin' library workin' on Divination."

I widened my eyes and gave her an exaggerated wink. "How's that inner eye?"

"Tired." She smiled at me and chuckled. "So where was you all evenin'?"

My thoughts went back to the lads and I sighed. "I took myself for a walk...needed some fresh air."

"If yer was watchin' the sunset, yer could've just told me, yer ole softie," she teased. I rolled my eyes and began making a plate. She bummed a fag off me and we talked.

I'd always liked Marlene. She was a talker which I was used to, having lived with James for 4 years thus far. Unlike James though, she had a way of talking that made others want to listen. I don't know if it was because she was a great storyteller or if she was just so genuinely excited to tell you everything that was running through her mind that you were hypnotized into listening to her. We chatted until the House-elves came in to start cleaning. We climbed the stairs together until she said she was meeting Grover Rockwell. "He seems fun," I teased.

"'e's...interestin'." She winked.

"Is that what they call it nowadays?" She gave a short, high-pitched squeal and began skipping away from me.

As I reached the Gryffindor common room I was disappointed to come across a banner, hanging above the Fat Lady that read 'Slytherin Rules.' I was surprised no one had taken it down yet. "Bloody hell, are they that lazy?" I muttered and saw a few younger students heading toward me.

"Lupin!" A squeaky girl asked. "You're one of the Prefects, yeah?" She was bossy sounding and I nodded, bored.

"Yeah, what is it?"

"Did you find a way to get it down?" She pointed to the banner. Before I could open my mouth to cast a vanishing spell at it, she continued. "Bertha tried to vanish it or turn it into a sticker or something but she couldn't. It kept fighting her, even charred the little bouquet she was holding."