The Marauders Rise (II)

Madame Puddifoot's

January 9, 1974

Inside Madame Puddifoot's Tea Shop in Hogsmeade, the door opens, ringing a tinkling bell, as REMUS and LILY enter, holding hands.

REMUS: This is where you wanted to go on our first date?

LILY: (smiling) Oh, lighten up. Give it a chance.

From behind the counter, a short and bumbling woman makes her way over to them.

MADAME PUDDIFOOT: Afternoon, m'dears. You can have a seat right over here- (she leads them to a small table by the window) -and can I get you some tea or coffee?

LILY: Tea is fine, thank you.

MADAME PUDDIFOOT smiles and heads towards the back as REMUS and LILY sit down at the table. Outside, the snow continues to fall in a heavy shower.

LILY: It's pretty nice in here, actually.

REMUS: (looking around, slighty uncomfortable) Whatever you say.

LILY: Anyway. How've you been?

REMUS: Fine.

LILY: And everything with- with Potter is okay?

REMUS: Yeah, yeah. He was just a little angry with me, and rightfully so. But we're both over it.

LILY: That's good. I understand he's your friend and all, but- I just can't stand some of the things he does. He's so immature and unpredictable.

REMUS: He's a good guy, Lily.

LILY: Whatever. I'm just glad I'm here with you. (She reahes out and holds his hand).

MADAME PUDDIFOOT: (approaching the table with a breakfast tray) Here you are, m'dears. (She sets down two cups and a teapot).

LILY: Thank you. (She pours the tea into the cups and takes a sip) It's really good.

REMUS: (nodding) You looking forward to this term?

LILY: (shrugging) Shouldn't be too bad. Classes weren't that hard last term-

REMUS: Well, considering you're at the top of the class-

LILY: (smiling) You're not too far behind either, mister.

REMUS: (raising his glass) Well, then. A toast to an awesome spring semester.

LILY: And the start of a new relationship.

They each drink from their cups and smile before they lean forward and kiss each other over the table.