Four To The End (prev Shifting Lines) - Book One (Marauder Era)

Chapter Thirty-Three - Some Slytherins

Dear Mum and Dad 14/11/71

Some of the older students have told us the first end-of-term exams coming up next month are really difficult and most first-years don't pass them however I am guessing they're just trying to panic us.

Remus stared at the parchment, not sure what else to add. He had a lot to say however couldn't say any of it. Couldn't talk about Sirius or James or Peter, couldn't talk about Lily.

Some students in my study group believes the older students. Craft is getting panicky. He's in Ravenclaw and is the sort obsessed with his grades. Everything needs to be perfect. I'm a little worried too, honestly, but I think I'll do well. I have confidence in most my classes. Not Potions though. I still haven't been able to figure out a good way to stop the smells. I'll figure it out eventually... I hope.

He had no idea what else to write. It seemed like everything outside the sphere of his friendships seemed far away, boring, distant. He could write about his grades and schoolwork as he always did... what else was there?

The first Gryffindor Quidditch game is coming up in two weeks. It feels like I'm the only one not excited. Even my Muggleborn roommate is super excited. One of the boys I share a dorm with... Potter... is a Quidditch fanatic. I constantly hear him talking about the team, discussing possible formations, bragging about how he's going to be on the team in the future...

Remus propped his chin on his fist, his elbow on the desk, quill in mouth. He knew James would be on the team. He may not have known much about Quidditch but he knew James was a talented flyer.

Even Evans who is one of my study buddies and a Muggleborn is excited. She loves to fly. She's always excited for our lessons on Tuesday, even if last Tuesday everyone got sick cause we flew in the sleet.

Remus hesitated, then stopped writing, afraid if he talked about Lily too much they might read between the lines.

The game is against Hufflepuff but everyone is most excited for the Gryffindor-Slytherin game. Maybe I'll go to that one. I don't know. I'm sorry, Dad, I know I've disappointed you thoroughly with my disinterest in the sport but I just don't see what's so exciting about flying around throwing balls through hoops.

Remus twirled his quill now, staring at the damp, clumped up bits from where it had been in his mouth.

I really hope some of my grades make up for that disappointment.

His mind went completely blank. He knew he couldn't add anything else because he was just too distracted by things he shouldn't be writing.

Only a few more weeks till the holidays! Can't wait to see you both.

Love,

Remus

He folded up the parchment carefully, then after it was safely tucked into an envelope he left the dorm, heading out of the Gryffindor tower. He was aware about two hallways down that he was being followed but decided to ignore that, and kept walking. Once he got near the owlery he slipped his cloak on then went into tower which was always chilly in the cold weather from the open windows. Most the owls began protesting as soon as they got wind of him. He carefully made his way where Arthur stayed, trying his best to radiate 'not a predator!' energy. His owl flapped down, landing on his arm, giving him a nuzzle as if reassuring him it was okay, he still loved Remus even if the other owls were being all mean about a werewolf in the room.

"Brought you something." Remus dug out some chocolate, a corner of a bar he had saved. Arthur happily snapped it up then stood on one of the perches while Remus attached the letter to his leg. "Mum and Dad, as always. Fly safe."