/𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒\ [𝒔. 𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌]

𝟏.𝟙𝟚.𝟣

Artemis leaned back too, her posture identical to Remus's, and gave him a lazy smile. "It's cause she's a woman."

"Art!" Remus kicked his lightly under the table, making her laugh even more. Across the library, Madam Pince shushed them loudly. Artemis turned around and gave her an exaggerated thumbs up before turning back to Remus and continuing to laugh silently.

Harry watched them and couldn't help but let a small smile slip onto his face. It was rare that he'd ever seen Remus so lighthearted. "You two had better not be fighting," a voice from behind the stack of books said. Harry watched as his mother, Lily Evans, stepped into view and took a seat next to Artemis. "I don't think I can stand any more fighting this year."

Artemis opened her notebook to her Defense Against the Dark Arts notes and slid it over to Lily. "We're not fighting, we're just talking about how sexist Remus is." Remus opened his mouth to protest, but Artemis was laughing.

"As long as neither of you is planning on 'falling down the stairs' and breaking all your ribs," Lily said pointedly.

Artemis and Remus exchanged shifty glances. "Lily, we're telling you, it was the truth," Remus said slowly. "It was a nasty fall."

"Mhmm, right." Lily raised her eyebrows, but continued to scan over Artemis's notes. "I think this part is wrong-"

"It's not." Lily jumped and looked up to see James striding towards them. He slid into the seat next to Remus and winked at Lily. "I've been copying Art's Defense homework all term and I swear my grades have never been better."

The look Lily gave James was so severe, Harry couldn't help but laugh. "I don't remember asking, Potter. Oh, and can you stop making fun of Severus? Please?"

"Not with that attitude," James snickered. "And Snivellus deserves it." Lily started to argue, but James ignored her. "Believe it or not, I'm not actually here to study."

Lily snorted. "Figures."

"Remus, would you like to go outside with me? Sirius and I have something to propose to you and Peter," James said, carefully ignoring Lily. "Art, you're welcome to come too."

Artemis gave James a sort of half-frown, but didn't really seem upset. "I'll stay here. See you later?"

"You got it." James nodded to her and he and Remus stood up, gathered their things, and left the library talking in low voices to one another. Harry watched them go, then slid off the table and slowly walked over to take James's old seat. He knew it didn't make any difference. He was only watching memories, but everything felt so real. Sitting at a table with Lily and Artemis, he felt like he was really there, listening to Lily complain about the boys and watching Artemis's comically controlled facial expressions, trying as hard as she could to stay neutral. Harry felt like he could sit there forever, just watching.

~

Lucius and Narcissa sat side by side on Narcissa's bed in the Slytherin sixth year girls' dormitory. They hadn't spoken since their fight at the party the week before, and they had both decided it was time to grow up and talk to each other. "I don't want to fight," Lucius said at last, his voice heavy.

"Me either," murmured Narcissa.

"Well, at least we agree on that." Lucius laughed softly, but Narcissa still had the same far-off, empty look in her eyes. "Hey, what's wrong?"

Narcissa finally met his gaze and her green eyes filled with tears. "Lucius, I-"

"What is it? Look, we don't have to fight anymore. It was a bad night, and I was in the wrong. I shouldn't have put that kind of pressure on you. We're good now, everything's okay."