Chapter 12
Remus Lupin had been walking towards the hospital wing, filled with horror and anger at his supposed friend when he had come across Severus Snape. He had been convinced that he would never forgive Sirius for this, when he saw how horribly the Slytherin had flinched and practically flown down the steps away from him on his way out. James had explained the full story and he, Remus and Peter had not spoken to Sirius for days. It was only until one week later Sirius had cornered them all in their dorm to ask for them to finally be friends with him again Remus realised he didn't have the heart to stay mad at him anymore. James certainly didn't. He missed his friend and had noticed how misty Sirius' eyes had gotten when James had told him that he should stay with him over Christmas, and the foreseeable future for that matter, so he could be a better influence on him. Sirius had apologised to Peter for yelling at him and then to Remus. He could barely look at him during that one, saying truthfully that he did not think of how Remus would feel as being used as bait for a dumb prank. Once the air was cleared, Remus had eventually given in and agreed that at least in theory, the prank would have been very funny. He had felt bad at that, especially once he saw Snape around the castle. It had been weeks now, the moon was coming around again, and James and Sirius had started picking on Snape once more. He would have thought at least Sirius would lay off, but Severus coming in first in their debut mock exam in DADA had incensed him. James had gone back to routine too, Remus noticed wryly that this was around the time he had heard Lily and Snape were staying at Hogwarts for Christmas and kept hexing him with stinging curses. Remus didn't like their behaviour but was too cowardly to tell them to stop. At least when they are actually doing it, he would give them words once Snape was safely away. Still, he thought, walking with them to Charms class, he felt a uncomfortable atmosphere hang in the air around them all. He now knew what one of his closest friend was capable of. Perhaps he was being too harsh. Or was he? It was an uneasy mix and Remus didn't think he'd get a grip on it anytime soon despite the forgiveness. He couldn't forget the horrible feeling of dread and self loathing that permeated him once he had thought he had done something to James and Snape. No, it would be a while before things felt normal again