Over the Edge [ Lupin x Evans ]

Chapter 18: Peeve's reaction

From early morning, the corridors and classrooms of Hogwarts were buzzing with excitement. The betting pool had opened, and a few students were already taking wagers on who would win the first Quidditch match of the school year. This particular game was between Gryffindor and Slytherin, which only added fuel to the fire of anticipation. Even during lunch in the Great Hall, the upcoming match dominated every conversation. Students speculated on who would emerge victorious, who might lose, and even debated possible final scores. It was no secret that Ravenclaws typically placed their bets on the red-and-gold team, while the Hufflepuffs rooted for the green-and-silver Slytherins.

Remus Lupin, however, had little interest in the buzz consuming the rest of the school. For days, his mind had been occupied with the trouble Peeves had caused and the ruined book that belonged to Lily. He couldn't simply let it go, not after what had happened in his dormitory the previous Sunday. After hours of thinking and planning, an idea had finally taken shape. But to bring it to life, he would need the help of the Marauders.

"I reckon it's a fair fight, but still —" James was saying when a loud voice interrupted him.

"At last! I've caught you, Sirius Black!"

The Marauders turned to see Marlene McKinnon storming towards them, her expression anything but friendly. Her long, sleek black hair bounced furiously with each determined step. Sirius gulped, instinctively thinking she looked like she might be capable of serious harm in this mood.

"Where have you been hiding?" she demanded.

"Me? Oh, just here. You know, match day and all," Sirius replied with a wide grin. The smile however was short-lived, as he was promptly whacked on the head with a hefty book.

Remus leaned back slightly, embarrassed on Sirius's behalf, and cast a cautious glance around the hall to check if Lily might be backing her friend up. To his relief, there was no sign of her. Moments later, Marlene grabbed Sirius by the sleeve of his robes and dragged him out of the Great Hall. The spectacle earned laughter and whispers from students at every house table.

James and Peter soon resumed their analysis of the match, while Remus bided his time, waiting for the right moment to bring up his own concerns. Before he could do so, Sirius reappeared, his robes rumpled and his hair a mess, as if he'd just dismounted a broomstick. James shot him a questioning look, but Sirius merely waved it off, saying:

"Women..." He wiped at his cheek surreptitiously, attempting to remove what looked suspiciously like a lipstick mark.

Once the conversation about Quidditch had subsided a bit, Remus spoke hesitantly.

"I need your help with something."

James and Peter looked up from their plates, and Sirius, still chewing, replied:

"Shoot, mate."

"I need to deal with Peeves. Or rather... convince him to undo a spell he cast."

The boys exchanged glances before bursting out laughing. Remus scowled, his face resembling someone who had just bitten into the sourest lemon.

"Oh, you're serious?" James asked, still grinning. "And how exactly do you plan to do that?"

"I have to fix something he's done. There's no other option but to get him to cooperate."

"That's impossible," Sirius said flatly. "If we cross him, he'll ruin every Marauder escapade from now till forever. The bloody ghost holds grudges like you wouldn't believe."

"Exactly," James agreed. "It's not worth it."

"That's a suicide mission," Peter added, shaking his head gravely.