The Collision Theory | Remus Lupin

19. The Affects of Adrenaline and Karma

REMUS

So now I have a sleeping girl on my shoulder, who occasionally mumbles something about werewolves or owls. Could she really think that I'm a monster?
Or could I burden one more person wit my secret? I mean Lily knows, and they're friends. I just don't want to lose my potions partner.
I actually really like her.

"What am I going to do with you Novak?" I mumble half to myself, pulling our blanket further over her.

*

AYLIN

It's probably one of the first peaceful sleeps I've had in a while. Golden sunlight is pouring in through the gaps between the ceiling blankets, slowly waking up students. Someone was kind enough to bury me in three blankets and put a pillow under my hand, all without waking me up. I crane my neck to see who that someone might be, and find Remus about a couple of metres away from myself. He's sleeping in a starfish pose, wild tawny curls almost golden in the morning haze.
I should probably wake him.
But he looks so peaceful.
I should.
Wait would that look like I've been stalkingly staring at him?
Nope.
Actually, I should just get Sirius or something-

"There a reason you're staring at me or are you just mesmerised by my angelic beauty?"

Too late.

I scoff, hitting him with me pillow, "You flatter yourself. There's nothing angelic about your hair."

"My hair you say?" He smirks, and surely props himself up on his elbow. I realise what I just said and feel my cheeks burning, "Does it look like a halo?"

"Get ready for class idiot." I roll my eyes, "And thanks or the blankets."

"You're welcome."

*

The week goes very slowly after this, so everyone is glad that lessons are over quickly, and when the bell rings on Friday afternoon, students practically sprint out of classes. Everyone's excited about the Hufflepuff vs Ravenclaw game on Saturday, since it's the first game of the year.

"Let's try the broom." We hear Sirius whine from the table. Lily and I exchange an eye roll at his whiney tone.

Everyone else has collapsed into the couches, and the three boys answer in unison, "No."

"Why?"

"We are tired." Remus moans.

"Five Galleons says you can't catch a snitch."

I laugh, and immediately wish I hadn't.

"Something funny Novak?" Black glares at me.

"You? on a broom? Catching a snitch?" I scoff. He's better commentating.

Potter immediately sides with his friend, "Let's see you try."

Lily shakes her head violently next to me.

Adrenaline is not my friend this year, and it's just teamed up with its dear friend stubbornness, "You're on."

"Guys..." Peter starts to complain but no-one is listening, instead packing up to go to the pitch as James fetches his broom.

Black leads us out onto the pitch, all the while boasting about his quidditch skills. James and Peter have bet on my failure to catch the snitch in under five minutes, while Remus, with the smallest of smirks on his face, betting in favour of me. I'm not sure why he's happy, I haven't been on a broom for more than a year, and the last time scarred me both physically and emotionally.
I'd be shitting myself right now if it weren't for the bets.
I feel numb by the time we get onto the pitch.