When We Fell In Love

Chapter 2: Partying

“So, Remus, Moony, my friend, how are you feeling today, eh?” James put an arm around Remus’ shoulders. Remus eyed him suspiciously.

“What do you want from me, James?”

“Why should I want something from you? Can’t I just be a good friend and ask how you’re doing?” If James had to be really honest with himself, he wanted something from Remus. But Remus did not have to know that right away.

“I don’t believe you, not even for a second. So, spit it out. Quickly too, we are approaching Hogsmeade.” How he could read through him so easily was a mystery to James. After all these years, he should have gotten used to it, but he did not.

“Okay, okay, you got me, as always. I swear, someday I’m gonna find out how the hell you do this.”

“What, knowing one of my best friends after five years of living 24/7 with them? A true enigma!”

“You’re lucky I love you even when you’re being a prick.”

“I’m not a prick; it’s just a simple observational matter.”

“Okay, Mr. Big Words. Let’s get this over with. You know Lil—” Remus put his hand over James’ mouth, preventing him from talking further.

“Stop it. Please. Not this again. I’m begging you. I’ve had enough. If you’re really that interested, why don’t you just talk to her?”

“I talk to her. Just… not about that kind of stuff.”

“Prongs, please, stop pestering my man.” As always, Sirius popped out of nowhere and positioned himself between the two of them, one arm over Remus and one over James. “What’s so special about her that you’ve been on her leash for about four years?” After James scowled at him, Sirius surrendered. “Okay, fine, she’s strong and pretty, but you know there are at least 50 other girls you can choose from, right?”

“The heart wants what it wants.”

“Don’t I know that,” Sirius muttered under his breath, thinking nobody would hear him. For a few months now, James had been wondering what was wrong with his best friend. He knew Sirius had a very problematic family, but James also knew that this was not what bothered him. He acted like this only when they approached romantic topics of discussion.

Sirius had always been good-looking and a real ladies’ man. He had a magnetic charisma that drew people to him and made everybody fall in love with him. Sometimes, James suspected he even had a little crush on his friend, but he dismissed the idea because no, he did not like guys. Not that there was anything wrong with it, but he just was not… anything. He was not.

“Well, you have been utterly useless. Thank you very much!” Remus and Sirius looked at each other, took a little bow to James, and burst out laughing maniacally. James started laughing too because, after all, he loved his friends.

𑇐𑇐𑇐𑇐

A bunch of first-years stood petrified in front of Hagrid. Louis had to admit it: Hagrid was terrifying. He remembered when he arrived at Hogwarts four years prior, already arm in arm with his new friends, standing in front of the half-giant. He learned very early that Hagrid was harmless and could be pretty fun too.

“Come on guys, I’m starving”, Louis shouted, running past the kids in front of him. The carriages were waiting for the herd of chattering students, all heading toward the beautiful castle.

“Calm down, man, or you’ll end up hurting someone.” Liam always tried to be the responsible one, trying to make his way through the crowd, pulling Zayn by an arm. Zayn looked unbothered, soaking in the view of the castle from the station.