𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 [𝐑. 𝐋𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐧]

𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄!

Song:
You're my best friend (Queen)
"I really love you. Oh, you're my best friend..."

"How gentleman-like of you to walk me back to my dorm, Rem." Callisto sarcastically remarked, gazing at the portraits chatting around them.

"You're not exactly walking, Listo." He laughed, glancing at the girl in his arms. She had insisted she could go back to her dorm alone, but she ended up limping out of the classroom when Remus swiftly picked her up. He couldn't help but laugh every time he thought of her trying to be serious with her hair all messed up, her makeup smudged and a sleepy look in her eyes. They had spent hours talking with their backs against the walls and "unnecessary" garments around the room, until Callisto had fallen asleep with her head on Remus' shoulder. They woke up with the first rays of sunlight creeping through the window, staring at the absolute mess they had made in the class.

Remus' sweater was Callisto, leaving him in only a black t-shirt and Callisto's shirt had been discarded over a pushed over desk. They spent a good thirty minutes looking for Remus' wand, only for it to be found rolled under a stack of messy notes.

"Whose fault is that?"

"Mine." He replied with a smug smile, unable to hide his content. "So, breakfast."

"My name is Callisto, but sure."

"You think you're funny, don't you?"

"Very." She replied smuggly, a smirk playing on her lips.

"How sad."

"Do you go around fucking all the 'sad' people in here?" Callisto responded, raising an eyebrow. "Are you the Gryffindor Casanova?"

"Jealous?"

"As if." Callisto scoffed, "Since when are you so cocky?"

"Firstly, poor choice of wording." He smirked. "Secondly, since a few hours ago when you were begging me t-"

"Alright, that's enough of cocky Remus for one day!"

"You're no fun, Claire." He teased as they approached the Great Hall. "Are we here too early?"

"Beats me." The girl mumbled, her eyebrows furrowed at the lack of sound. The Great Hall was always loud during breakfast, especially these few weeks with one Quidditch match coming after the other. James was constantly on the edge, a few bruises around his eyes from the protective goggles and a muggle bullhorn always in his hand as he caught his team members acting out of line. McGonagall had gotten quite a liking in the muggle object and she would often be seen with James by her side as she whispered to him something, and he angrily shouted it out at the oblivious students. James was quite proud to be the woman's right hand in charge.

"Maybe they're all still in their dorms." She proposed, looking up at the boy. Before he had the chance to reply, a masculine voice called them out, making the boy turn around.

"Kids!" Ivan shouted, approaching them rapidly. Callisto immediately slapped Remus' chest lightly and he let her down, although a bit abruptly. The girl collapsed to the ground and let out a small squeaking sound in surprise, getting up as fast as she could.

"Hey, Ivan! Lovely weather we're having, right mate?"

"Callie, the wind tore out a bunch of trees." The man answered, looking at the girl suspiciously. "Are you okay?"

"Oh, she's great." Remus snickered, receiving a stern look from the man. "Ehm, sir Professor."

"Yes, I'm great. I'm perfect."

"Good to know." Ivan sighed, checking his watch. "You should be at the Great Hall by now. Didn't you hear the announcement?"

"What announcement?"

"The one about the Quidditch matches." Ivan hinted, his scrutinizing gaze lingering over the two students. "Why were you carrying her?"

"It's an inside joke." Callisto blurted out, slapping Remus' arm. "It's rather silly, so we shouldn't bore you with the details. Right, Rem?"

"Yes, absolutely silly."

Ivan shook his head, "No, it sounds entertaining. Do tell."

"Well, ehm..." Callisto started, clearing her throat. "Remus has arms, a shocker, I know. I have arms as well, so I was thinking 'how funny would it be if we..."

"If we carried each other everywhere, of course." He covered for her, Callisto nodding in agreement. "It's good exercise."

"Really good for the biceps, and the triceps and... the shoulders, yes." The blonde mumbled, Ivan's eyes filled with disbelief. "In fact, I've gotten so strong from this, you wouldn't believe it! Lupin's like a feather to me."

"That girl has muscles."

"I can't tell if you two are fucking with me or not." Ivan murmured. "Pardon the language."

"No please, don't feel pressured to conform to lingual norms, professor." Remus stated, patting the man's shoulder amicably. "Go swear words, go!"

"Fuck!" Callisto cheerfully exclaimed, raising her hands in fists. Ivan just looked even more concerned if that was possible. "So, we should be going in. See you later, ehm, bitch?"

"Go swear words, go!" Remus muttered a bit more weakly, opening the door and pushing Callisto inside. With one last smile he slipped inside the Hall and the pair hurried over to the Gryffindor Table, refusing to look behind them.

"Huh, you two fucked." Sirius accused, pointing at them with his finger. Lily's head snapped to the pair, inspecting them.

"No, we're abstaining." Callisto smoothly replied. "What's happening here?"

"As many of you know," Dumbledore started, his voice booming in the hall. "The Quidditch final matches for this year's House Cap are fast approaching. Up to now, the two final teams are Gryffindor and Slytherin."

There were claps at the hall and James pulled out the bullhorn from the seat next to him, letting out a loud wolf-whistle.

"Thank you, Mr. Potter." Dumbledore smiled. "Now, in those difficult times, it is important to build long-lasting bonds of friendship with our fellow witches and wizards. And what better way to do it over a sport that unites us all?" There were a few whispers at the question, all eyes focused on the man. "For this reason, the two final teams will have the honor to play with one of the most acclaimed teams in Europe. Let's welcome the proud sons and daughters of Durmstrang!"

Callisto didn't have time to process what was happening, as the door burst open with a loud thud and a group of students entered the Hall. There were two girls leading them, heavy, crimson red cloaks dragging on the floor as they walked. The hoods were pulled up, hiding their faces, except for their dark, painted lips.

The girls raised their hands, revealing dark red runes etched on their palms. They let out a cry and every candle in the Hall lit up, fires blazing around them. The flames were licking the fabric of their cloaks, but the girls didn't seem to mind, the low sounds of the fire blending in with the scepters hitting the ground and igniting small sparks. Behind the girls there was a short man with a black cloak on, next to him a girl with a cloak similar to the girls leading the group. Her hands were covered with satin, black gloves, resting in front of her.

The group walked in absolute synchronism, making shivers run down everyone's spine as boys and girls alike separated into two groups standing at each side of Dumbledore. All the girls were in cloaks, their faces covered, while the boys were in the formal uniform, stern expressions on their emotionless faces.

"Well, you Bulgarians surely know how to make an entrance." James mumbled, his eyes fixed on the group as dragons made of fire flew around the Hall. They soon faded away, deathly silence falling in the Hall as the woman stood on the podium, looking ridiculously short next to Dumbledore.

"It is an honor to be here, Albus." The woman stated, as Dumbledore put a hand on her shoulder.

"Likewise, Maria." The man responded, a smile on his lips. "We will now move on with the sorting of the Durmstrang students and then, you can all spend the weekend bonding with each other. The official schedule of the matches will be out by lunch."

"Callie." James whispered. "How good are they?"

"5/7 of the Durmstrang players get accepted in professional teams." Callisto stated, her eyes searching for Nicholas among the crowd. "Krum was the captain until last year. This year, it's the girl with the runes. She's the first female captain in a decade."

"Shit."

"IVANOV, KALIN." McGonagall announced, a tall man walking out of the group to where the Sorting Hat was.

"He owes me money." Callisto mumbled grumpily, making a mental note to blackmail him later. "Gryffindor."

"GRYFFINDOR!" The hat shouted out, hesitant cheers erupting from all the tables.

The sorting continued without many hat stalls, as most of them were sorted before even a solid minute had passed. Reyna Bekirov and her twin, Nadia Bekirov had been sorted into Hufflepuff and Slytherin respectively, while Katerina Stoev had taken her place in Ravenclaw, but not before she sent a glare to Nicholas' way. Leo Roi had been sorted into Gryffindor, much to Callisto's expectations.

"MALINOV, ANTONIA." Antonia made her way to the stool, removing her hood once she sat down.

Callisto tried to sit up more straight in a failed attempt to make herself stand out from the crowd, but that didn't succeed. Without a second thought, she sat on Lily's lap, letting out a small cough. Immediately, Antonia's eyes snapped over to her, the corners of her lips twitching upwards.

"Jesus, Claire!" Lily whined. "I can't see shit!"

"Obviously, Evans." Peter joked. "We eat here."

"Oh, this is a tough one." The Hat spoke, letting out a small chuckle. "Rather mean tongue, but not as mean as your friends'."

James glanced at Callisto, "Hm, valid."

"Very intelligent, but it's not your defining quality." The Hat pondered. "Better be, HUFFLEPUFF!"

Cheers erupted as Antonia got up and walked over to the table, her cheeks reddening as she sat on the end of the table and warily looked over at Callisto. The blonde just nodded courtly,her eyes averting over to the front of the room.

"Last, but not least, LAWSON, NICHOLAS."

Nicholas sauntered over to the sorting hat, his cold eyes running over with a hint of arrogance that Callisto always made fun of, completely oblivious to the fact that her eyes held the exact same glint.

"I haven't had a Lawson in many, many centuries!" The Hat exclaimed, whispers erupting. "What a mind you have, Mr. Lawson. But you're not alone, are you? Someone else is fueling the madness..."

"Centuries?" Lily hissed in disbelief. "How is that possible?"

"They're one of the oldest wizarding families ever, Lils." Sirius responded. "Merlin era type of old."

"Did the hat call me mad?" Callisto blurted out, pursing her lips. "I'm not mad."

"GRYFFINDOR!" The Hat yelled out, with a low chuckle. Nicholas stood up and walked to the table, that wasn't all too sure how to accept him. Thankfully, the Marauders seemed to make enough noise for three tables.

Remus had expected that the two teenagers would show more emotion after seeing each other again, but Callisto and Nicholas just looked at each other with an unsettling formality.

"Wife."

"Manwhore."

"Ouch, Claire." Nicholas laughed, brushing the name off as he slipped in the seat next to her, "Careful, there are eyes watching us."

"Of course." Callisto sighed, her eyes skimming over the Ravenclaw table. "Who is it?"

"Miss Stoev, obviously." The man sighed, shaking his head. "Forgive my rudeness, Callie's friends. My parents didn't take the wedding very nicely; rather awful event, I must admit."

Callisto scoffed, "You weren't the only one that had an awful time."

"It's not a competition."

"I nearly died!"

"Apparently it is." Nicholas drawled, Callisto' face contorting with annoyance. "So, who plays Quidditch here?"

"Me." James replied, smiling. "Chaser and captain of the Gryffindor team."

"Beater." Nicholas informed him. "Are you any good?"

"Only the best." Lily bragged, smirking. "Won the House Cap for three years consecutively."

"Impressive." Nicholas stated, nodding. "We don't have a house cap. They banned it after Bekirov burned someone's legs while he was flying."

"What?" Remus blurted out, his eyes widening.

"The rune girl with the fire." Callisto explained. "She hates my guts."

"Yes, because you absolutely love her." Nicholas scoffed, putting a pancake on his and Callisto's plate. "We should have a party!"

"YES!" Remus shouted, slamming his hand on the table. "LET'S HAVE A PARTY!"

Callisto smirked, "Eager to prove yourself worthy?"

"How bad could they be, Listo?" Remus huffed, frowning. "They're parties."

"Oh no, Lupin." Nicholas laughed. "Big Durmstrang parties get messy. I was thinking of something
smaller; like, Callisto is obviously not invited, Antonia is very much invited, you five should join and I'll also tell Roi and..." His eyes skimmed over the tables. "Ah yes, Narcissa and Regulus?"

"Sure." Callisto smiled, her eyes glinting in excitement. "Oi, Lawson."

"Yes?"

"Amortentia?"

"THERE SHE IS!" Nicholas proudly said, grinning widely. "I thought you were all prim and proper now!"

"It's the almost married life."

"Clearly." Nicholas pointedly said, looking at Remus all of a sudden. "Hello, Lupin."

"Ehm, hi?"

"Let's have a chat later." The man proposed, his smirk never faltering. "I've been dying to talk to you."

Well, Remus was fucked.

~ ~ ~

"Okay, we can cut the formalities now!" Callisto announced as they reached the grounds. All other Durmstrang students had run off to explore the castle, leaving the area clear of any possible snitches about Callisto's doings. "They're all gone."

A huge smile etched on her lips as she hugged Nicholas, squealing as he squeezed her tighter. Actions like these weren't acceptable in front of their classmates, mostly because if Milena learned about them, she would throw a fit. Remus watched happily as the girl laughed, a warm feeling spreading in his chest. She truly was beautiful when she laughed. It was a sound he could hear forever.

"Oh you're whipped, mate." Sirius teased, smiling.

"Shut up, Padfoot."

"Whatever you say, Moony."

Peter noticed the figure running towards them and he motioned for them to break the hug, looking warily at the approaching student. Callisto and Nicholas let out similar sighs of relief when they saw who the person was, a small grin on Callisto's lips.

"Bloody hell, those cloaks will be the death of me." Antonia murmured, lifting the sleeves of her cloak. "Looking great, Callie."

"You cut your hair." Her long curls had been cut closer to her shoulders, making her face appear rounder. Callisto could see a few uneven cuts that were thankfully camouflaged by the hair pattern. "Suits you well."

"Nick cut it." Antonia explained. "We found a pair of muggle scissors in the contraband. They were rusty, but they got the job done."

"Aw, look at that!" Nicholas teased. "The squad's all back together again!"

"Roi's not here."

Callisto let out a laugh, "Probably too busy wooing girls by exaggerating his French accent."

"Of course." Nicholas sighed, shaking his head. "As I said, squads back together."

"I only hang out with you because of your money."

"Fair." Nicholas mocked. "I only hang out with you because you give me free potions."

"I actually quite like you both." Antonia chimed in, shrugging. "Also, Callie scares me."

"Us too." James commented cheerfully. "Sorry Elphie, but the truth is like coughing or farting. You can't keep it in forever."

"You too, Rem?"

"Of course not, Listo." The boy stated, ruffling her hair. "I hang out with you because your aunt pays me."

"Ugh, you guys get paid?" Peter complained, shaking his head.

"Guys, don't be so mean to Callie-poo." Sirius dramatically exclaimed, putting an arm around her shoulders. "She's sensitive and murderous! Evans, back me up."

"Yes, she's very sensitive." Lily agreed. "A true heada- ehm, I meant, a true catch."

"You all suck." Callisto murmured, crossing her arms under her chest. "How much are you two staying here for?"

"Two weeks." Nicholas answered. "And lucky for you, my birthday is in a week. We did it, Callie."

"No more marriage?" Remus asked, the hint of hope in his eyes not slipping Nicholas' attention.

"No more marriage." He confirmed. "We're free, Claire."

Callisto let out a squeal that Remus would never think he'd hear come out of her lips and jumped around in excitement. It was understandable, of course. Callisto and Nicholas had been lying for around three years about being in love and had to act as a couple more times than any of them felt comfortable with. Their ploy was finally coming down to its end and it couldn't be more glorious.

"One more week of torture, Listo." Remus snickered, unable to hide his own happiness. However, his was rooted more to the fact that she wouldn't have to watch Callisto and Nicholas pretending to be in love for much longer, than the financial aspect of it.

"It's not torture!" Nicholas protested. "If anything, I'm the victim here. She's been cheating on me for years!"

"You had sex on my bed." Callisto pointed out, unable to hide the tone of disgust in her voice.

"Obviously." Nicholas laughed. "What do you want me to do on your bed? Change the sheets?"

"As if you'd ever have the decency."

"You flirted with my cousin's wife." The boy accused, pointing a finger at her. "On their wedding day!"

"Well, yes, have you seen your cousin?"

"Is he the one with the weird mustache?" Sirius chimed in, his eyebrows furrowed. "The bald one."

"See?" Callisto exclaimed, biting her lip to stop herself from laughing. "He's a bald guy with a weird mustache."

"Okay, I guess that's justified." Nicholas sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We just need a way to break up now."

"Public fight?" Remus proposed, glancing at the girl.

"Obviously." Callisto agreed. "But about what?"

"You killed my pet." Nicholas offered, although he sounded a bit unsure. "You drowned my aunt?"

"I think it's better if you two just improvise." Antonia advised, receiving murmurs of approval from the rest.

Callisto checked the small watch on her wrist, her eyebrows furrowing as she remembered her emergency meeting with Slughorn, "I have to go."

"Go where?"

"Business to attend." The girl smiled, before she picked her bag from the ground and rushed off towards the castle. Nicholas waited until she was far away before he turned to Remus.

"Now that she's not here," He started. "Let's have that talk, Lupin."

~ ~ ~
Nicholas supremacy>>>