The Collision Theory | Remus Lupin

07. And So The Year Starts

"I'm so sorry." Remus pleads for the millionth time in the last two minutes.

"I'm fine, seriously."

"Siriusly." Peter snorts, and Black and Potter howl with laughter. I can't help but laugh a bit, though my chest hurts when I do.

Remus pulls me up, "I'm sorry about them."

"Not a problem." I wave my hand dismissively, "I should probably go and find Evans."

"See ya then!" Potter chimes. I start towards our carriage, but only get a few compartments down before a tall figure gets out of the next compartment and blocks my path. Lucius Malfoy.

"Hand-me-down cloaks? second hand shoes?" Lucius sneers, leaving against the window, "My my, how the mighty house of Novak has fallen."

"Piss off Malfoy." I roll my eyes, catching sight of his- what I presume is- friends, "Oh wait you can't, because you have to retake your NEWTs."

He's not done yet, tutting as if I've failed him, "That the best you can do? Like your father, weak and pathetic, no wonder he was disowned."

I hear the signing of footsteps behind me, and I turn to see that instead of the boys turning the other way, there heading straight for me. James cheeks his knuckles, "Something wrong Malfoy?"

"Malfoy was just saying that I'm weak and etcetera." I shrug.

Sirius is always willing to fight Lucius, and I can't blame him, the bastard is the human embodiment of a cramp, "Better than wallowing in that filthy pureblood regime."

Malfoy only widens his God-awful grin, "Ah, the black sheep of the family. It's obvious that you'd be around each other. Tell me, why do you keep the company of blood traitors and mauled Mudbloods?"

His eyes flick to Remus for a second, and I can see the boy retract into his tatty brown cloak. James steps in front of his friend as if to shield Lupin, "What did you just say?"

"Father works at the ministry Lupin," Lucius ignores James, "there's a bit of mystery surrounding you, an enigma shall we say. May I ask, did an unfortunate event befall you or were you born hideous?"

Now I assure you all, I'm not usually violent.
Usually.
But under no circumstance does anybody treat another like that. My hands ball into fists, and before I know it, they've connected with Malfoy's jaw. He takes a few steps back, clutching his chin.
God I hope I've broken something.

His eyes are burning with a kind of scary hatred as he takes his wand out, "You bitch!"

"Touch her and you have us to deal with." Remus glares. Oh my God, I think I have unintentional body guards. Their wands are out as well, all pointing at Lucius in the cramped passageway.

Lucius doesn't lower his wand, but backs away, "It's a dark year ahead. And Voldemort's getting stronger. Do mind yourselves."

*

"Oh my God! That bastard!" Marlene's jaw drops. The girls listen to my latest story with great interest.

"That's not all," I bite my lip, "I punched him."

Dorcas grins, "And here I was thinking that you were a perfect angel."

"Then he made a threat but who even cares." I shrug. The Marauders actually escorted me to my compartment five minutes ago.
Who knew they could be caring?
Well okay I did just punch their enemy.

"Empty threats can't hurt, especially after you've given someone a nasty bruise." Lily smirks.

Emmeline judges my arm, "Well, we know who we'll be constantly annoying for the next year. Mr Malfoy is gonna have one Hell of a hard time."