Second chance a new choice

Planning and mischief

Remus John Lupin dragged James by his collar toward the Gryffindor dorm. His gut whirled, and every emotion possible fought for his attention in a jumbled hurricane of sadness and disappointment. Why didn't I do something about this sooner? I knew it was coming.

After Spinner released them, James tried to barge into Severus' and Lily's conversation in the hall, but Remus' grip on his collar proved more ferocious than James' stubbornness.

"Moony, what in Merlin's name?!" James gasped when Remus hauled him around a sharp corner into a dead-end hall lined with empty offices and stood between him and the exit.

"What in Merlin's name?" Remus mocked. "You're the one who shot a hex at me!"

Regret burned James' face. "Sorry..."

"Well, I hope so. I can't believe you! Don't you trust me?"

"Course, I trust you. It's Snape–"

"Oh, shut up about Snape for a moment and use your head."

Wormtail popped out of James' pocket.

"Peter! You can turn back now. We're alone," Remus scolded.

James checked the hall anyway before placing the rat on the floor.

Peter reverted to his human shape and regarded Remus with nervous, tear-glazed tears. "I'm... I'm s-sorry."

"Good! You should be! Why'd you follow me? Couldn't you have just asked? I would have told you."

James and Peter shared an embarrassed glance.

"So... why didn't you tell us before?" said James.

"Why do you think? Look at the way you reacted. You tried to hex me! Why can't you accept that Severus isn't out to kill you?"

"Because it makes no sense," James retorted. "Remus, I know you think you're in his debt because he seems to accept you—despite your furry little problem—and I know how it must've seemed to you when we was there for that little girl this past summer, but don't those things seem a little convenient?" said James. "He swore to kill you last August. We all saw him do it. He was serious!"

"He changed his mind," said Remus.

"But that's just it, Moony. Why? Why?"

Remus shouted, "I don't know!"

Thick silence filled the hall, so heavy the walls threatened to cave and hold Remus and his friends hostage forever.

Remus tried again. "I... don't know... but I trust Severus. There's more to him than you think."

"So, he has you convinced he was always a good guy?" James spat.

"No," said Remus. "He admitted he wanted to join You-Know-Who, but he's different now. He decided not to do it."

"What's up with the... Life Defenders, or whatever you're calling them?" said James.

"Let's take this up to the dorm," said Remus as a few students passed them in the cross-breeze. "I'm sure Padfoot wants to ask the same questions, and Lily will want to be there too." He headed toward the dorm. "You coming?"

James and Peter followed, reluctantly.

When they entered the common room, Remus settled into his favorite armchair in front of the fire. He rested his chin in his hands, still furious.

As soon as James and Peter realized Remus had no intention of moving until Sirius and Lily arrived, they occupied the sofa across from Remus, but fidgeted every five seconds like kids caught stealing candy.