Turn back time - Hermione Granger in the Marauders era

Chapter 4 - Halloween

With the large amount of homework, tiring classes and eager scanning of books she had already read, Hermione was largely busy. In no time at all, it was the 31st of October - Halloween. Hermione walked into the Great Hall with Lily, Mary and Marlene and they clapped their hands excitedly at the sight of the magnificent decorations of the Hall. Not for the first time, Hermione was astounded.

"When you stop gawping, girls, come and join us for the feast." James called over from the Griffindor table.

Lily glared at him. "Why would we want to sit with you?"

"So you can admire my handsome looks more closely!"

Lily snorted.

Shrugging, James spoke again. "You'll join us, right Granger?"

Hermione shrugged. After the night where she had interrupted them, she looked on them with a new light. Suddenly, they weren't four inconsiderate show offs, but clever and eager almost-friends.

"Yeah, okay." She said.

Lily looked at her with an expression of complete disbelief.

"Let's not sit with them idiots!"

In synchronization, the four Marauders shouted "hey!"

But Hermione just smiled at Lily and went to go sit next to Remus. Obediently, her friends followed. Mary sat next to her, and Lily sat next to her (as far away from James as possible). Marlene sat next to Sirius, opposite Hermione, and she noticed that Marlene was blushing slightly.

"The thing is, Granger. About... a couple of nights ago. We've worked on... it. But there's just a few loopholes." James said as discreetly as possible.

"And seeing as you're the brightest witch of our age..." Sirius complemented.

"We thought that maybe you could help?" Remus finished.

Hermione chuckled slightly. "I'm not sure how much help i'll be. But sure, I'll try!'

"What are you talking about?" Lily asked from down the table.

She looked for one of the four to explain, but they looked back at her.

"I'll explain later," Hermione waved off, even though she knew that was a direct lie. Thankfully, she was saved from answering more questions when Professor Dumbledore stood up and tapped his glass for silence.

"Happy Halloween to all students and teachers! And also, Happy Deathday to our dear, Sir Nicholas Di Mimsy Porpington!" A little clap sounded, mostly from the Griffindor table. "And now I have only a two words for you "Tuck out! I mean: Tuck in. Tuck in everyone."

As always, the food pilled up in plates (just like magic) and everyone immediately set about tucking in. The conversations fell short under the stare of the food in front if them.

It was half way through Hermione's second plateful that she realised Remus had hardly eaten anything.

"Are you okay, Lupe?" Hermione asked in a concerned tone.

He seemed to jolt slightly, but he answered her anyway. "I'm fine, thank you." He said politely.

Hermione looked at him suspiciously. There were dark bags under his eyes, and his face was contorted into what seemed to be an permanent frown. He was even paler than usual.

"You look ill. Are you sure you're okay?" Hermione said.

Remus's eyes widened. "I'm fine. I swear. I'm fine." He seemed almost frantic in his attempt to make her believe him. With him looking so small and innocent. she almost wanted to kiss his cheek.