Remus J. Lupin

Glenda laughed, rolling her eyes at his teasing. “I’ve been good,” she replied. “Busy with work and stuff, but good.” 

Ted sighed, he probably looked akin to a kicked puppy - at least that was how he felt. ‘’Enough for me to lose count and a large amount of money.’’ He huffed, downing his drink and letting out a frustrated groan. ‘’Like- what happened with all the skill this year? Did they decide to obliviate half the team or something?’’

‘‘It breaks my heart, honestly. I thought we’d have some sort of short this year but their seeker makes me weep.’’ Ted looked down at his drink with a frown. ‘’Have you seen how bloody fast he is? It’s like watching a bug fly around the pitch.’’

“No, it’s totally fine,” Glenda shook her head, dropping her teasing. “I actually have no idea how I managed to forget.” 

“Did you hear that?” He questioned with feigned concern as he looked at Glenda, “that was the sound of my ego deflating,” he joked before smiling. “But seriously, how have you been?”

“Pretty good doesn’t sound all that great,” she pointed out, eyes scanning over the bottle. “How long would it be?” she asked.

“I can’t agree – I thought the last one was a bit boring,” Sirius shook his head, even as he turned to look for the grater. Finding it a moment later, he handed it to Remus.

“Good,” Molly said as she sat and turned to Remus, a smile present on her face. “Ready for these two to make an appearance.”

Giggling, Marlene bowed as Remus appreciated the idea. Flipping her hair with a bright smile, “What can I say? This brain,” she gestured to her head, “it’s a genius idea factory.” Her eyes drifting to the houses in front of her. The likelihood was that there was going to be someone moving into the massive house, it was a lovely building, Marlene couldn’t even begin to imagine that style of living. Whilst her family was far from poor, they were average in every way compared to anyone living in that style of mansion. Turning to face Remus as she continued the joke with a light laugh, “Whoever thought this up? They were being overly ambitious, this entire community could fit seven people, tops.”

Remus’s statement made a lot of sense, the Order was in its infant stages. They had only received the invitation to the first meeting a couple months ago and talks were just starting to talk about recruiting. But Marlene was glad that basically all her friends were involved, they had not lost contact over leaving Hogwarts but the blonde didn’t like change and leaving Hogwarts had been difficult for her, the adjustment period was especially rough. In truth, Marlene McKinnon believed she peaked throughout her school years. Her friends were doing amazingly outside of school and while she was immensely proud of them, she can’t help but feel left behind by it all.  Marlene was brought back to reality by Remus’s attempt to keep the conversation light. “You’re right, I would definitely end up killing  you boys if I lived with you all again, despite how much I love you and your company.”

“I’m debating asking Lily if she’s interested,” Marlene suggested. The connotations of her words heavier than the actual statement. Peakes was perfect, it had facilities and lovely landscaping but she considered it unappealing in comparison with their current flat. It was the prospects that the community held for her. “Are you debating it?” she inquired, raising her eyebrow slightly.

“Seven is being generous,” Remus remarked as he followed Marlene’s gaze towards one of the pricier homes. In truth, he recognized that to some people the grandiose community would be ideal and a dream come true to move into; yet, he wasn’t one of those people. As his gaze lingered on the building, he felt his smile slowly start to disappear while a frown attempted to take its place, a lease had yet to be signed and Remus already missed his own apartment. “Although there maybe someone who would be willing to down size for another person or two to squeeze in.” His voice was soft and he smiled slightly when he turned to look back at Marlene. 

Taking a step away from the building, Remus kept his gaze ahead of him for a moment. “I hope that doesn’t mean you won’t visit us,” he lightly teased though he was aware of the fact that they would be able to see each other much more often. While Order meetings were important, there was something equally as important that would be nurtured when they moved in: their friendship. “Did you get a look at the common areas, they’re pretty well sized if you consider just how many people will have to squeeze into these buildings.” It was only now that Remus stopped walking and really looked at where he was going, “do you remember what this path leads to?” Remus questioned as he turned towards Marlene. 

A small chuckled left her lips as she nodded her head ever so slightly. “I think that’s the one,” she said. She shrugged. “You’d have to ask Mar that,” she admitted. “She’s kind of doing all the arrangements because I can’t really get any time off work–” she said. “Plus, I’m barely a month in, it’d be poor taste to take time off other than the moving dates,” she added. Working in her job was a lot more intense than she’d expected, although, she had been expecting intensity anyhow.

Lily made a noise of acknowledgment, but it didn’t stop her from chewing on her bottom lip. It could be a matter of days before another attack. Hours even. Or it could be months. It could any period of any time, they would never know. They just had to be ready. Ready to defend themselves and their world, and ready to rally and pick up the pieces after they are scattered. That was, Lily thought, a big part as to why Marlene had wanted to move, and Lily got it. She really did. Because she didn’t want to be as unprepared for something as she was those many months ago when Hogwarts was attacked.

A smile found Lily’s lips. “That’d be nice,” she said. “And I think he’d like that,” she added. “I think he’s felt a little… disconnected recently,” she admitted, although she didn’t rightly know, she’d not asked him since their trip to Cokeworth. She cast her eyes around Remus’ place, comforted by how decidedly Remus it was. Every book placement, every coaster. Her eyes followed him as he walked back to the kitchen, his loaded question sitting in the air. Would it? Merlin, she didn’t know. She didn’t know how far any of this would go and to what extent it would crash into there lives. “I hope so,” was what she said finally.

For the smallest moment,a rush of embarrassment ran through Remus at Lily’s mention of a new job; though he had tried to keep in touch with old classmates, his attempts weren’t ever extensive. Distance made keeping friends easier when his condition grabbed onto him besides, it was almost expected for them to have all gone their own way. Or at least to a point it was, “where are you working now?” Remus questioned as he poured water into two teacups and placed a Jasmine tea bag in both; a simple spell cast on the tray with the teacups ensured that it wouldn’t spill as it followed behind him. 

“I’ll have to ask Marlene when you guys are moving in, if Peter says yes it could be fun to move in on the same day.” A smile accompanied his words and for a moment he allowed himself to forget the reason why any of them would be moving into the same community. “ Have you been to it since you decided to move in?” His question was innocent though a part of him wondered if he was really in the position to ask — it wasn’t as though he had made an effort in going back since his initial visit. “Although, I’m not sure if they even allow that since I believe I heard someone say that they’re still getting a few people touring the community.”

“He has?” Concern blanketed Remus at the comment over his friend, how long had it been since he had spoken with him? In the weeks after Peter’s break-up with Glenda, he had tried to be better about staying in contact with him. “I think it’ll do us both good, it can get a bit quite here.” Another smile and he wondered if he’d miss the silence like he had missed the constant noise that had been associated with his Gryffindor dorm room. Had Lily not spoken again, Remus would have forgotten that he had even asked the question but she had and her answer was hopeful. “I hope so too.” It was only now that he picked up his tea cup and removed the bag before taking a sip of tea.