The Collision Theory | Remus Lupin

51. Dammit

"Dammit."

"What?" I frown as Remus rummages through his bag on the way to classes.

His eyebrows are knitted into a moody frown as he stops at the corner we part, "No chocolate."

I pull out half a bar of coconut chip Honeydukes chocolate which I had intended to eat in Ancient Runes next, "Take it."

"Oh," Remus stares at it blankly, "I don't know what to say."

"Thank you Lin you're very kind." I try to imitate his tone, which only results in me getting a double chin trying to lower my voice.

"I don't sound like that."

"Take the chocolate," I tut, turning to head to my class, "just don't wolf it down."

*

"Pinch punch first day of the month," Sirius plops himself down next to me, pinching and punching me on the arm, "no returns."

"I hate you," I glare at him, and turn back to writing in my notebook. I can feel his eyes on me, "why are you staring?"

"You should eat."

"Not hungry."

"I don't care," Sirius pulls away my notebook and replaces it with a plate, which he proceeds to fill with food, "don't think I'm blind. I see you overworking yourself."

I shovel the food into my mouth, receiving absolutely no pleasure out of the taste, "Since when were you the group mother?"

"Since forever." He frowns at the pages of my book, "What do you want with all of these herbs? All of them are sedatives and pain... oh, Novak."

"What? It's for potions-"

"Except it's not, is it?" Sirius pinches the bridge of his nose, "You're tearing yourself up to help Moony."

"I'm not tearing myself up, I could be on to something."

He pushes the notebook back into my hands, his scolding tone reminding of my father's, "You stay up late, you'll risk your school grades."

"I know."

"You're risking your relationships."

"I know."

"You're risking-"

"I. know." I stress the words, getting up to leave for Charms class, "Sirius, let it go, I need to do this-"

"Not alone though." Sirius sighs, "I'll help you."

"How's that gonna happen?"

He gives one of his signature smirks, taking one last look at the ingredients lost in my notebook, "Let's just say that a few herbs will disappear from Sprout's store cupboard tonight."

"Good, then meet me in the Potions classroom on the second floor at ten tomorrow night."

*

I take to studying with Marlene in the afternoon, later being joined by Slytherin Hestia after a short while, who helps out with Astronomy.

"Oh hey Lily-" I begin as she runs in to the library, but she presses her finger to her lips and dives under our table.

Hestia bends down to look under the table, "Evans, you alright?"

"Just act normal!"

"What-" Marlene silences herself as Filch storms in covered in pink glitter, and casts us a suspicious look. I have to hide behind a book to not laugh at him. She composes herself with a fake smile, "what a lovely day."