The Bet

"You won't be able to make Lupin fall in love with you," Greg said, the words practically dripping with challenge, a smirk tugging at his lips. He didn't have to say much more for Sirius to know what kind of game Greg was trying to play. Greg loved turning everything into a dare, especially something like this. "I bet you ten bucks you can't."

Sirius didn't need to think twice. He was bored and this seemed like an easy enough way to pass the time. He glanced across the cafeteria, where Remus Lupin was sitting alone at a table near the far corner by the windows. Remus had his head down, his messy brown hair falling into his eyes as he picked at his food, oblivious to the world around him. He always seemed out of place, like he was an observer in his own life. And Sirius couldn't help but notice that he seemed even more isolated today, his body hunched over his tray as though trying to make himself as small as possible.

Sirius wasn't the type to get attached. Not to anyone. And definitely not to someone like Remus. But the idea of making Remus-of all people-fall for him was... intriguing.