BLACK MOON ⍋ Remus Lupin

Chapter EightyFive - Blush.

"I'm gonna go get another drink." I mumbled to Sirius.

It was almost eleven. Almost close time for the Sunday evening. Not soon enough though.

I was becoming increasingly irritated at Peter's behaviour with the combination of no one paying attention to how rude he was. Snark blunt comments, rolling his eyes at anything I said, staring when I didn't say anything. His gaze was beginning to feel itchy.

I wanted to call him out on his behaviour, attempt to get an explanation as to why his behaviour towards me had completely switched since school. I would have if we were alone, i didn't want to be that girl that allowed people to disrespect her again. I didn't because of the people surrounding us. Smiling, enjoying themselves and trying their best to include me. It wouldn't have been fair.

I sat at the bar for a breather, pretending to be waiting for a drink but I just needed a moment alone to ensure I didn't snap at the gangly, rude, blonde.

"Hey, my friend over there finds you cute." A voice said behind me.

James.

"Which one?" I said playing along.

"Too tall, goofy looking. The 'are they ginger?' Only sunlight will tell, one?" He joked.

"Oh yeah she's cute." I pretended to look interested in Lily's direction. Although I knew he was referencing Remus' chestnut coloured hair. Brown with red undertones.

He gave me a look.

And sat down next to me. Ordering the last round of drinks for the table.

"How you doing, Art? Seriously." He said sincerely. Which wasn't an approach you got from James easily.

"Taking a quick breather, truthfully."

"I get that. We're a tight knit group. I can imagine it's a lot to adjust to again. Lily hasn't stopped worrying about it." He revealed.

"Really?" I mumbled, not knowing whether to believe him or feel reassured that I wasn't alone.

"We're all just pretty protective of Rem, that's all. She thinks that translated wrong back in the day." He said, judging my reaction.

I shrugged with a small smile. Not wanting to say anything not entirely positive about the girl he had always been so fond of.

He nodded and laughed a little as if that was all the reply he needed.

"She's not good at making friends. Despite what it looks like. We all kind of dragged her into the group in second year, she used to sit alone like you did. She only knew Severus, I think that says everything you need to know." He said.

I almost didn't believe him.

"Second year?" I said. I couldn't imagine that group not being an instant group from the beginning of Hogwarts.

"If anyone understands not feeling like they fit into the group, it's Lily. Until she did. It would be weird without her here but there was a point where she wasn't." James explained.

"Are you just trying to make me feel better?" I smirked at him.

"I mean duh, but doesn't mean it's not true. Just relax! We all like you." He laughed.

I scrunched my nose. About to mention the fact that Peter obviously didn't but before I could James spoke up again. Starting to pick up the number of drinks and asking for my help.

"I mean someone more than the rest of us. Can't promise to like you that much, sorry." He winked.

We wandered over to the table and put down all the drinks. Before I could take my seat next to Sirius and Lily again, James took it.