Over the Edge [ Lupin x Evans ]

Chapter 3: The wolf from the Forbidden Forest

The sun was nearly dipping below the horizon as Lily strode through the Forbidden Forest, her anger bubbling to the surface. She felt she could just as easily walk all the way to London at that moment. She hadn't expected anything good from Potter, but Severus? Lily had sensed for a long time that her friend was drifting away, drawn towards the allure of dark magic. Yet she had never thought — nor wanted to believe — that their paths would eventually diverge. Now, though, she understood that Snape had chosen his own path, one that clearly did not include their friendship any more. Tears welled in her eyes as memories flooded back — moments they had shared over the years. But then, with a snarl of frustration, she muttered a few curses under her breath and shook her head, trying to dispel those unwelcome thoughts. She quickened her pace.

"Lily!" A voice called out from behind, prompting her to spin around quickly. She was certain it wasn't Severus; his voice was too distinctive.

"Lupin?" she threw back at the approaching wizard, who was hurrying towards her from the direction of the grounds. The redhead hastily wiped the tears from her cheeks. She didn't want to show any weakness, especially not to one of Potter's friends.

"You shouldn't be out here alone. It's dark, and the forest can be very dangerous," he said seriously, concern etched across his features. Remus clearly saw the signs of her tears, but tactfully chose not to mention it.

"And what do you care?" she snapped. "You might as well head back to those idiots."

"Lily, I'm serious. Come on," he replied, taking a step closer and glancing around uncertainly. They stood amidst the dry underbrush, surrounded by complete darkness, with the hooting of owls and the rustling of wind filling the air.

"You know what, Lupin? You're just like them. Get lost and leave me alone!" she shouted, causing a sudden rustle in the branches of a tall pine. The witch flinched, looking up as a shiver ran down her spine, though she didn't let it show. She quickly resumed her march, with Remus trailing behind her. Deep down, he acknowledged Lily's point. Still, he wanted to believe she didn't think so poorly of him. After all, he hadn't caused Snape any harm.

"I didn't do anything to him, Lily," he said quietly, watching her face twist in disdain.

"Didn't you?" she scoffed, stopping in her tracks. She turned sharply, her long hair sweeping behind her, crossing her arms defiantly. "What exactly did you do, Lupin?"

A frown of confusion creased Remus's forehead. What did she mean, what had he done?

"I'm saying I did nothing. I'm not like them!"

She sighed dramatically and rolled her eyes, continuing forward and leaving him in a state of bewilderment.

"That's exactly the point. You did absolutely nothing!" she yelled, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "You just stood there with your stupid book and didn't care about anything! How do you even have the nerve to be a prefect?" She laughed mockingly, refusing to look at the wizard who was still on her heels.

Lily didn't even need to voice her thoughts; Remus could feel the weight of accusations. How could he have simply watched while James and Sirius tormented the Slytherin? It didn't matter if it was Snape or anyone else. Such behaviour was inexcusable, and as a prefect, he had a duty to act, even if it meant his friends would turn against him. Perhaps Remus just hadn't yet found the courage to stand up to the other Marauders. All these thoughts made him feel like the worst scoundrel under the sun.

"Lily, watch out!" Remus suddenly shouted, lunging forward to grab her hand. Unfortunately, he was too late, and with a scream, the redhead stumbled into one of the rear-explosive traps.