the cadence of part time poets

Chapter 40: Marlene

Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows,
Everything that's wonderful is what I feel when we're together;
Brighter than a lucky penny,
When you're near the rain goes, disappears, dear;
And I feel so fine,
Just to know that you are mine!

- "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows" Lesley Gore, 1963

Wednesday 1st December 1976

With the spat with Sirius behind him, Remus could finally move forward. There was still Kimmy to contend with of course, but it was at least clear now thanks to her general disdain for him that she'd told Sirius nothing of her proposition. Remus didn't mind, let her pride save him from further embarrassment. He was just happy to have his friend back, even if it came with a few unsavoury conditions.

On Wednesdays the ninth years had free-rein of the library for study hour, and so Remus met his friends in one of the large private study halls in the Flamel Block. He'd expected they'd all sit and study together as usual, but apparently Lily had other plans. A cheeky smile on her face, she'd secluded him and Marlene at their own table and made it clear to everyone else that he was 'helping' Marlene with homework and they 'were not to be disturbed'.

"She's just being silly," Marlene said, "we're only studying—we always do it together."

"Mm."

"Did you hear her going on about how I asked for help with the English homework—what English homework? Professor Flitwick agreed not to assign anything while we read the next novel. She's just having us on. I only asked for your help to—Remus, are you listening?"

"Mm?"

Marlene followed his gaze and rolled her eyes. "Really, do they have to be so public about it? We actually do have exams to prepare for."

" 'If life's a stage...'," Remus murmured, before blinking as he forced himself to look away. Of course he agreed with Marlene; the one time Sirius shows up for private study and all he can do is sit back with Kimmy practically in his lap, their faces stuck together in the middle. Every time a teacher came by James reached over and thumped him in the shoulder, and the pair would separate long enough for the threat to pass before sniggering and returning to their revolting show of public affection.

But, as he was getting better at reminding himself, Sirius' relationship wasn't any of his business.

"Honestly, I'm a bit surprised they've made it this long," Marlene went on. "I didn't think Sirius was Kim's type. He wears more makeup than she does."

"He's not wearing it anymore," he said simply, reaching for his pen as it rolled away from him across the table.

"He's not?"

Remus shook his head. It probably would've taken a world-ending event for him to admit it aloud, but he secretly missed zoning out on Sirius' colourful nails as he strummed his Rickenbacker during class or practice. But it didn't matter, they were talking again, even if Kimmy was now making it plain that she hated him. Not that that mattered—the feeling was mutual, but he was at least thankful that she was subtle about it. Dinner the night before had been one of the first meals they'd shared together since the bonfire, and after another failed project-meeting with Chastity, he and Lily had arrived together at the dining hall to find their table already crowded with friends. While Lily immediately began sharing her woes of Chastity with James, who already had a cup of tea prepared for her which he pushed across the table with a smile, Remus took a seat between her and Moira. It had been almost startling to see their table so full, but as he'd dug into dinner, Remus found he didn't mind all that much. In fact, he'd missed it.