Chapter 2
The last person he was expecting to see when he entered the Leaky Caldron was James. He quite literally ran into the other man. James looked just as he remembered; messy black hair, hazel eyes. When he saw Remus, his grin faltered slightly, and he said with a forced jollity, “Remus, mate! It’s been forever! How’ve you been?”
Remus’s own smile was rather forced, but he wasn’t as good of an actor as he wished to be. He’s suddenly much more aware of the state of his robes, and the bags under his eyes. He knows James suspects him of being the traitor. It seems the only two who don’t suspect him are Peter and Lily, bless their hearts. His missions from Dumbledore cast suspicion on him, since they were classified. Dumbledore had forbidden him from telling anyone. Even if it were his choice, he wouldn't have told anyone. There was a traitor in their midst, and while he certainly didn't think any of his friends were the traitor, they all did have rather loud mouths, and he didn't doubt that what his missions were would be leaked. And the last thing he needed was Greyback finding out he was spying on them. He didn't like the thought of how that chapter would end.
Likely with him missing several of his vital organs and his dignity.
“I’m fine, James, thanks for asking.”
“You didn’t show up.” James’s voice was almost accusatory, under the veneer of normalcy. Remus knew exactly what James was talking about. James and Lily had hosted a get-together, and Remus hadn’t shown. He would bet his life that Sirius had spun his absence as suspicious. Absently, he wondered how long it would be until the last two people in his corner began to suspect him.
“Sorry. I was sick.” It was a lie, one he was sure James could see through. He always seemed to–James had known them all better than they knew themselves. He could read them all like open books. Sirius easiest of all, of course, but all of them the same.
“Sick, eh?” James’s voice was tinged with a bit of concern. It would be sweet, if it weren’t for the fact that their relationship was almost certainly damaged beyond repair. “Are you taking care of yourself, Moony?”
It was well-known in their friend group that Remus often forgot to eat or sleep when he was stressed. Which, to be fair, was almost always. He was almost always in pain and got sick often. He counted his blessings, as James seemed to believe the lie. “Been drinking lots of water,” he said.
“That’s good. Look, mate, you don’t look so well…”
“‘M fine, James, really fine.”
James gave him that look– the one he had given him all the more frequently as of late. Doubt clear in his eyes, he said: “You should come over. Lily’d be glad to put a good meal in you. She’s missed you, you bloody wanker.”
His smile was forced. “...yeah. I’ve missed her too. Look, James, I really don’t have the time–”
“For your friends? You don’t have the time for your friends but you have enough time to go to the Leaky? For what, drinks? Come on, Remus. I know you better than that. You’re avoiding us. Come on. If not for your own sake, then for Lily’s.”
Damn it. “Alright, alright. Fine, I will. When–”
James’s grin was infuriating. “Right now would work, mate.”
No, no no. Lily would see through him instantly; James might be able to read his mannerisms, but Lily could practically read his mind. She knew him better than anyone. They had been best friends all throughout their Hogwarts years. She had been the one to comfort him after the Prank, the one who consoled him when he and Sirius got into spats. She was always there. They were two of a kind. Snappy, quick-witted, and tempered.
But Lily was different. She was destined for more. She would make something of herself, because she was good. They loved each other. She was the sister he never had; he would kill and die for her. Or both at once, if she asked. He truly would. He would have done anything for his friends but apparently this loyalty wasn’t reciprocated. He cursed himself silently for agreeing to come over.
“...great.” He grit out.
James offered his arm, eyes hard but face smiling. “I’ll apparate us. Lily’ll be so excited to see you.” Remus sighed, took the extended arm, and watched as the world faded into the tell-tale darkness that was apparition.