Over the Edge [ Lupin x Evans ]

Chapter 12: Too much of a good thing

When Remus received another letter from James towards the end of summer, he knew right away that the last days of the holidays were shaping up to be fantastic. The reason? Potter had decided to host a Quidditch match, followed by a magical bonfire, at his parents' summer house. The Potters' sprawling estate near Langors Lake was surrounded by rolling green fields, perfectly suited for a game. At the far end of the grounds stood a small single-storey building that opened directly onto a pier. It was no secret that the Potter family had inherited wealth for generations, a legacy begun by Linfred of Stinchcombe, the wizard who first patented Skele-Gro and Pepperup Potion, ensuring a comfortable life for many generations of Potters to follow.

As the afternoon wore on, more and more guests gathered in the Potters' garden. James had invited half of their friends from both Godric's Hollow and Hogwarts. Lupin, too, had arrived and was now standing under a magically floating tent, glancing around at the lavish setup with a sense of quiet awe. It was all slightly overwhelming. The host was quick to find him, greeting with a shout.

"Oi! Great to see you here, mate!" James clapped Remus on the shoulder enthusiastically. "Snacks are over there, drinks just by the table. Brooms are lined up by the wall. If you're going to play, take your pick!" He gestured energetically. "We're in need of a Beater, so you could give it a go, Moony!"

"You know perfectly well I hate playing. I'd much rather cheer you on!" Remus called out over the scratchy music coming from an old gramophone that Sirius was currently tuning. James shot him a look of mild disbelief before laughing.

"All right, your choice. Pads and I are playing. We set up the stands closer to the field if you need them."

"Where's Peter?" asked Remus.

"Not sure if he'll make it," James replied with a slight frown.

"Cokeworth isn't that far, but..." James trailed off, only for Lupin to cut in, his voice tense.

"Wormtail's from Cokeworth? Same place as Lily Evans?" Remus asked, genuinely surprised.

"You didn't know?" James laughed.

They both turned as they heard loud whistling coming their way. A grinning Sirius was striding over to join them.

"Music sorted. Also, I added a little extra to the pumpkin juice," he boasted, raising his eyebrows suggestively. "What's got you looking so shocked, Remus?"

"Probably still the fact that the Pettigrews live in Cokeworth," James answered. "Their house is near Spinner's End, where Snivellus lives," he added, his voice laced with disgust as he grabbed a cup of the enhanced pumpkin juice. After taking a sip, James grimaced slightly and declared: "I have a feeling this is going to be a fantastic night!" He clapped both his friends on the back. "Oh, and Lily's supposed to come too," he added casually before striding off towards the brooms, leaving Remus momentarily speechless.

⤝°♦°⤞

"Marlene! Stop dragging me already! I'm coming!" Lily Evans snapped irritably as her dark-haired friend tugged her arm, pulling her along toward the Potters' estate. Twilight had long since fallen, and the two Gryffindors had to watch their steps carefully on the sandy path.

"Lily, I'm not trying to drag you, but I had to get you there somehow. You did agree to come with me..."

"Marlene!" Lily cried, stopping dead in her tracks. "I only agreed because you didn't tell me this was at Potter's place!"