Over the Edge [ Lupin x Evans ]

Chapter 1: The OWLs

"Defence Against the Dark Arts, Ordinary Wizarding Level," Remus muttered under his breath. He stared at his exam sheet before diving into the theoretical questions.

Contrary to what some might think, Lupin didn't consider himself a swot, though James and Sirius would likely beg to differ. Still, he knew he'd studied hard and was fairly certain he'd manage to pass the OWLs without trouble — especially the ones for Defence Against the Dark Arts. In that subject, he was known as one of the best in his year.

"Five more minutes!" Professor Flitwick's voice croaked from the front.

Remus flinched, wiping his damp forehead. He hadn't expected some of the open-ended questions to take him so long. A wave of anxiety washed over him as he realised he might not finish everything in time. His gaze darted around the Great Hall, which was filled with rows of desks and students hunched over their tests.

He noticed James, who was ruffling his hair, seemingly content with the last answer he'd written. A few rows back sat a relaxed Sirius, who clearly hadn't even bothered to check over his work. To Remus's right, however, was Peter, looking just as panicked as he felt, sneaking hopeful glances at his neighbour's paper. Lupin shook his head, trying to refocus, and quickly returned to the final questions on all the shield charms he knew.

The boy with wheat-coloured hair didn't realise how pale he looked. It wasn't only the pressure of the OWLs, but also the looming full moon, set to rise the very next night.

"Quills down, please!" commanded the Charms professor. 'That means you too, Stebbins!' At once, all the quills sprang out of the students' hands and floated up several metres above their heads.

Remus let out a heavy, but satisfied sigh; he'd managed to place the final full stop on his last answer just in time.

Suddenly, the professor called out again, louder this time:

"Please remain seated while I collect your parchment! Accio!"

In a flash, the exam papers shot up from the desks, swooping straight towards Flitwick. The small professor hadn't anticipated the barrage and toppled under the avalanche of papers. Several students burst out laughing, watching the spectacle. Some dashed over to help, grabbing him by the arms and hoisting him upright.

"Thank you... thank you..." panted the professor, catching his breath. "Very well, everybody, you're free to go!"

Remus felt a weight lift from his shoulders as he stood and slung his bag over his arm, the contents nearly spilling out from the weight of his books. In the end, he was pleased with his work. He didn't expect an "Outstanding" – he hardly considered himself that clever or gifted.

The young werewolf cast his gaze around, following his friends as they began heading out of the Great Hall. At the last moment, though, he caught a flash of fiery red hair in the crowd – the braid belonging to a certain Gryffindor girl. He watched her for a moment, only to receive a solid jab to his stomach, which made him double over in a coughing fit.

"Did you like question ten, Moony?" snickered Sirius as they all fell into step near the doors.

Remus grimaced slightly, though none of his friends seemed to notice. He replied with feigned enthusiasm:

"Loved it," Then, with a wry smile, he quoted the prompt: "'Give five signs that identify the werewolf.' Excellent question." he added sarcastically, though in truth, it was the last thing he found funny.

On the eve of the full moon, Remus wasn't in the mood for James and Sirius's usual banter. They always managed to say the least convenient thing at the worst possible moment.