#memus

Hope: *replaces the book with her own hands, gently squeezing Remus’ fingers and smiling encouragingly*

Remus: *shrugs weakly, looking small* Turns out this week is the only week everyone can… 

Remus: And James has been getting on really well with Lily lately. He’s been dying to see her, and I just… 

Hope: *heart breaks a little at the look on his face* 

Remus: *squirms, thoroughly embarrassed* You don’t have to-

Remus: *sighs as he gives in and rests his head against her* Merlin, Mum.

Remus: *the blood slowly returns to his face as he takes in Hope’s teasing smile and easy demeanor* 

Hope: A bunch of hormonal teenagers sleeping together in a tent without adult supervision… 

Hope: *sighs, nudging him with her elbow* 

Remus: *a shy look spreads across his face* But I was still trying to figure out how I felt about– *hesitates, unsure how to finish his sentence*

*a dead silence falls between them, the names hanging in the air*

Hope: *snaps her mouth closed, quickly trying to compose herself*

Remus: *frantic, looking dangerously close to tears* 

Hope: *shakes her head, clearing away her scattered thoughts* 

Hope: Don’t be ridiculous. 

Hope: *ponders for a moment, remembering all the times her son mentioned the dark-haired boy*

Remus: *looks like he’d like the floor to swallow him* Bloody hell, mum–

Hope: *grin broadens* Language, Remus. 

Remus: *blushes all the way to the tips of his ears*

Remus: Of course.

Remus: *glances at Sirius’ retreating back* 

~*~

*Marlene and Lily stand around the corner, watching as Sirius storms past, cursing under his breath*

~*~

Sirius: *enters the great hall, looking a little worse-for-wear*

Sirius: *spots Remus and Mary sitting closely together*

Mary: *notices Sirius enter and quickly places her hand on Remus’*

Remus: *glances down as Mary smiles, her thumb rubbing across his knuckles* 

*a pretty girl at the Ravenclaw table catches Sirius’ eye* 

Erin: *casts Sirius an appraising look, pondering*

Sirius: *makes his way over to the Ravenclaw table, where the girls quickly make room for him, giggling as he sits next to Erin*

Remus: *stabs his food viciously, his glare burning a hole through the table*

Mary: *breath catches*

Mary: *breath rushes from her lungs as she meets Remus’ eye*

Remus: *tentatively brushes the hair from her face, gaze intent* 

Remus: ... Mm?

Mary: *shakes her head, eyes pained* I’m not going to do this to myself Rem.

Remus: *panics* Shit...

Remus: Did, did I do something to-

Mary: *laughs weakly* I wish…   

Mary: *places a hand on Remus’ cheek and smiles*  

Mary: I had a great time tonight. 

Mary: *slaps him affectionately* 

Mary: *... and perhaps a little harder than she intended*

Mary: *turns on her heel and walks in through the portrait hole*

Remus: *left in silence, staring around in absolute confusion* 

Remus: ... What the hell?