Class of 78’

The hospital wing had always been apart of the castle Clem hated, the sterile feel made her skin tight. She hesitate outside the large doors, her hand gripped tightly on the door handle. She took a deep breath before pushing the door open. The early morning light filtered softly through the tall, elegant windows, casting a familiar golden grow across the large room, it felt almost as big as the common room sometimes. Shafts of daylight dancing lazily acrossed the polished marbling floor, illuminating the dust motes floating across the floor. That would drive Pomfrey crazy when she sees it. The gentle rays of dawn painting the walls in hues of plae peach and soft coral, wavering shadows stretching across the room.
Remus’s cot was the only one occupied, the white curtains closing off the small area. Her steps light along the floor, Pomfrey coming around the corner, her hands full with spare bedding and towels.

“Ah! Clem! What is wrong dear?” she asked, her face furrowing in concern, assessing her body.
“Oh, nothing, just visiting a friend..” she spoke quietly with a gentle smile.

Pomfrey nodded a response, and a small smile. Clem slipped in between the curtains, sitting on the nearby stool, watching Remus as his chest rising and falling peacefully. There was a sense of comfort in the stillness of the morning, despite the sterile surrounding. Remus shifted slowly, turning onto his side, his face now focused on Clem.

“Morning,” he spoke, his voice husky not opening his eyes.
“Morning,” she replied trying to hide a smile, crossing her legs before picking up the book from the bedside. “How you feeling?”

He hummed a tired response, “I’ll be fine once this sleeping drought wears off,”
She had to admit a slight surprised that Pomfrey had drugged him in a sense, he chuckled as if he could read her thoughts.
“It helps my body relax, Pomfrey is actually wanting to edge me off of it but I refuse,” his voice dosing off, unable to fight the sleepy feeling.
His hand reaching for her own, drawing it away from the book, he squeezed it softly before falling back asleep.

She desperately wanted to tell him about last night, Marlene’s burst of affection towards her, and how she didn’t know what to do, how she was scared they’d never be the same, but he was asleep. Peacefully sleeping, his lips slightly parted, the boy’s hand intertwined with hers, cuddling it almost. His breath swirling around her hand softly, she smiled shifting into a more comfortable position on the chair, opening back up her book in her free hand. Entranced in the story of Remus’s book, her eyes that were once heavy now glued to the words on the parchment in fron of her. The sun slowly rising and growing brighter as time went on, Remus never shifting as he slept peacefully. Pomfrey slipped in quietly, her face wincing at the sound of the curtain being pulled, sparing a soft smile at Clem who was now also asleep her body twisted and folded to fit in the arm chair. She tapped Remus softly, as his eyes opened groggily she immediate placed a finger to her lips, her eyes motioning to the peacfeully sleeping girl. Her chest rising and falling peacefully, a strip of sunshine across her face, allowing her freckles to become more visible. Remus smiled softly, nodding at the witch in front of him. His hand still holding onto hers, he squeezed it lightly, she moved slightly, with a soft hum.

“Pomfrey is kicking us out,” he whispered, releasing his hand from hers. She nodded, rubbing her eyes to rid the sleep, stretching her limbs out from their cocoon, her body aching and soon to be sore.
“I didn’t think I’d sleep, the book you had was so good,” her voice croaked, Remus chuckled as he threw on his robes.
“Seems you were tired from waking up so early, did you not sleep well?” he asked, a concern paining his face, Clem debated being honest with him, telling him the truth, but she sighed and shook her head.
“Slept fine, just slept late I suppose, Lily hosted a girls night,” a soft smile growing as she was reminded of the good parts of the night. He hummed a response, rubbing his shoulder as the two walked to the great hall for breakfast.
“Look, Clem, I’m… I’m sorry about yesterday,” his voice sincere, she placed a hand on the small of his back with a smile.
“It’s okay, James explained how things get the night off,” slipping away into the crowd of students finding their own seats.

Marlene was no where to be seen, her seat empty at the long table, Lily shooting Clem a werry glance as she sat down. Her stomach dropped, it was foolish of her to hope things would’ve blown over that quickly, but part of her hoped it would’ve.

“Where’s Marls?” Peter asked, his mouth full of breakfast, earning a jab from James, “Ow!” he whined, his eyes scanning the table around him and his face growing pink in embarrassment.
“Finallly decided to join us, Moony,” James teased, a grin growing on his face.

Remus flashed him a friendly finger as he sipped his tea quietly, reading the newspaper. Clem reading over his shoulder, her mood growing sour as her eyes read further down. Remus folded the paper in anger, throwing it down on the table.

“Greyback again,” his voice flat, Sirius shooting him a apologetic look,
“Kinda hoped you wouldn’t read the paper today,” Sirius said softly,

“Who’s Greyback?” Lily whispered to James,
“A cold blooded killer, the reason people like me get a bad wrap, been killing families and leaving one child with his bite.” Remus’s voice flat and emotionless, his eyes glazed over as he explained the man.

Lily shuttered, her face hopeless, “What an awful person, he hasn’t been caught yet?” Sirius and James shook their heads,
“Ministry is a dark place now,” James replied in between chews,
“No one knows who to trust any more, even Mum and Dad said to only just Dumbledore,” Peter said softly, his voice trailing off.
“I assume you all are joining the cause once we graduate?” Clem asked, earning collective nods from the boys,
“Probably best you girls stay put, can’t have you been tortured like the others,” Sirius replied, his voice both serious and slightly joking, Lily raised a brow,
“Women are being kidnapped, tortured by Voldemort, and raped by others, if they’re pure blood of course, if not they just get slaughtered.” Remus’s voice matter of fact.

A scoff coming from behind them, Remus turning to see Snape’s beaty eyes beaming down at him,
“What are you laughing about you slimeball?” Sirius spat, Snape shrugged,
“You’re naivety thinking you can stop the dark lord,” a dark grin growing on him,
Lily gave Snape a dark glare before opening her mouth to speak,

“Uh, “ he interrupted, “ don’t speak to me you filthy thing.” his eyes not even sparing a glance. James lunged at him across the table, flinging spells at the boy, a large group crowding them, cheering on the duel.

As James and Snape’s duel escalated, sparks flying and curses colliding, the commotion drew a large crowd to them. Students clustering, their voices rising in excitement, watching the moment unfold. Amidst the chaos,the sound of Dumbledore’s chair scrapping the floor caught everyone’s attention, even the professors who were caught in their own conversations. His piercing blue eyes sweeping the scene, shooting looks of concern and disappointment to the boys.

“Enough,” his voice boomed through the hall, rattling the windows and banners hung in the ceiling, cutting through the commotion like a knife.

His authoritaive tone brooked no argument as he stepped forward towards the group, his robes billowing behind him. James and Snape immediately stepped back from each other, their wands hiding behind their backs as they faced the headmaster. Dumbledore’s gaze lingered on them for a moment before speaking again, his voice calm but firm as he addressed the entire school.

“This behavior is unacceptable at Hogwarts. Violence is never the answer, especially in the walls, even more so with the world around us.”

The hall fell silent, tension thickening by the second, his words hanging over them like a heavy cloud.
“15 points from both houses,” he stated calmly, “Go back to your breakfasts,”

The crowd dispersing quickly, Dumbledore turned and swept out of the Great Hall, leaving a sense of calm in his wake. Students returning to their seats quietly, the air tense and nervous as they quietly ate, no one daring to speak a word.

“At some point James you need to go apologize to the head master,” Lily warned as she kicked her feet up on the coffee table, warming her feet by the fire.
“I know,” he sighed, “he is a terrifying man you know,” Clem chucked at James’ attempt at an excuse,
“He’s really not, just have to not make a scene in front of the entire school,” she teased slightly,

James stuck out his tongue in response as he folded his arms.
Familiar giggle entered the common room, causing Clem’s ears to perk up, she turned to lock eyes with Marlene, her smile fading immediately,

“Hey Marls!” Peter beamed, James and Remus both hitting him on the head with their papers.

Marlene didn’t reply, quietly making her way up the stairs with her friends, whispers and gossip going between them. Clem’s gaze lingering one Marlene’s retreating figure, a pang of sadness tugging at her heart.

“What happened between you guys?” Remus asked, Clem shrugged,
“Don’t want to talk about it,” her mood growing sour, and struggling to focus on her tasks
“Anyone seen Sirius?” Mary asked breaking the long silence, the boys exchanging glances as eachother before shrugging in unison,
“That’s not suspicious at all,” Lily replied flattly, her eyes shooting a disbelieving look.
“Dunno, he just said he had things to take care of,” James replied cooly,

“Hey, twat!” Sirius called, his footsteps chasing his brother towards the dungeons, Regulus groaned dramatically, his head craining up to the ceilings.
“What, Sirius?” turning to face him, crossing his arms
“I heard about what you did to my friends,” his voice becoming more hostile
Regulus scoffed, tilting his head slightly, “And?”
Sirius’s jaw tightened, trying to keep his cool,
“Have you apologized?” Sirius asked, he knew the answer but wanted to give his brother the benefit of the doubt.
“No,” he laughed, “Why would I? Truth hurts, brother, you of all people would know that,” his voice laced with venom,
“You really are insufferable,” Sirius groaned, “thought you were raised better,”
“Raised better than you, at least I’m not the family dissapointment, behind Andromeda of course,” Regulus grinned, striking a sensitive nerve,
“Watch it Reg, that’s low even for you,”
“Was that all? Just wanted to pick a fight and try to get me to apologize to your pathetic friends?” Regulus’s fingers taping on his forearm in boredom.

Sirius clenched his fists, his anger boiling beneath the surface as he struggled to maintain what little composure he had, refusing to crumble in front of his little brother.

“You think this is about my friends?” he snapped, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“This is about you being a bloody cowards and refusing to own up to things.” Regulus smirked, unfazed by Sirius’s anger,

“Just because Mum and Dad treat you like you couldn’t do a wrong thing in this bloody messed up world doesn’t mean it’s true! Grow up Regulus, look around!” Sirius’s voice growing louder as each word left his mouth.

The words echoing the empty dark hallways, his words hung with truth and frustration.
Regulus remained unmoved, his facade of indifference masking the turmoil beneath the surface. “Is that all?” he asked casually, his tone dripping with condescension, Sirius threw his hands up his frustration, the sound of them hitting the side of his legs echoing,

“You act like none of this war, or our parents part doesn’t effect you! I can see it in your face, Reg.” Sirius’s tone turning understanding, he scoffed,
“Stop putting your own life experiences on me, what our parents are doing is the right thing.” he retorted back, waving his pointer finger at his brother, who surprisingly enough was now shorter than him, he tried to hide the smile growing on his face as he pointed downward to his older brother.

Sirius gritted his teeth, his frustration boiling over as he struggled to make his brother understand, the same fight occurring every year.
“Stop putting your blind faith in our parents, Regulus! Can’t you see what they’re doing? they ‘re destroying the wizarding world, supporting that… that thing!”
Regulus’s smirk flattered, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features before quickly masking it.

“You’re just a fool, Sirius. Blind to the truth because you can’t handle it.”

Sirius scoffed, rolling his eyes slightly, “Is that what Mum told you?” his voice monotone, unsurprised that his family had already began burning his image to his brother. Another flicker past Regulus’s face.

“She’s right,” he mumbled,
“She’s always right when she has a wand pointed at you,” he scoffed, “You’ll see, Reg. One day you’ll realize that blindly following orders isn’t the same as doing what is right.”
Regulus’s lips twisted into a sneer as Sirius turned to walk away,
“Keep living in your fantasy world, Sirius. But don’t come crawling back to me or Mummy when reality hits you in the face.” Sirius shot up a finger as he walked up the stairs, his own mind now plagued with worry of his little brother.

“Ah, you’re back!” James grinned, hanging his head upside down to watch Sirius entering the common room. James’s head resting on Lily’s thighs as she ran her fingers though, Remus glanced up, reading Sirius’s face.

“What happened mate?” he asked, Sirius plopped down on the couch, melting in between the worn down cushions.
“Talked to Reg,” the room growing cold and silent, “usual stuff, his allegiance to our family and my hatred for them. Tried to get him to admit he was in the wrong for the stuff at breakfast, didn’t work obviously.” Sirius’s voice emotionless as he rambled on what they talked about. Clem wanted to interject and say he shouldn’t have tried to get him to apologize but Remus placed a hand on her knee to interject.

“You know we can handle ourselves Pads,” Remus said gently, Sirius shrugged,
“He wouldn’t listen to us anyways, kid is probably a death eater anyways,”

James and Peter choked on their drinks, James cleared his throat,“You sure?”

Sirius nodded, furrowing his brows as he did, the conversations through the common room continued around them, a heavy silence hung in the air between the friends, punctuated only by the wood crackling occasionally. The door to the girls dorm’s creaked open, Marlene and her other friends emerging, giggling and conversing, Clem watching her as she passed the couches, Marlene’s expression falling, her eyes downcast as she ignored the glances from her friends, walking out the common room.

“What’s up with her?” Peter asked, his tone coming out negatively, as he followed her figure
“She’s been ignoring us all day,” Sirius said, his brow furrowing in concern,
“And I thought today couldn’t get any worse,” Clem mumbled, only Lily and Remus being able to hear her words. The two sharing a concerned look before refocusing on the conversations around them.

James clapped his hands together, in attempts to change the mood,
“So, quidditch game tomorrow, you guys coming?” he asked
“Considering Marlene will be there, probably not,” Clem said softly, pain riddening her voice.
“Come on Clemmy, I’m sure you won’t even notice her, to be honest I don’t even know if she’s playing tomorrow,” James replied, his voice trailing off as he tried to remember the schedule.

Remus laughed, his shoulders moving with his chuckles,
“You act like you have an option, you’re the seeker,” Remus laughed, Clem covered her face in embarrassment,
“I don’t know how I forgot that,” her voice muffled in her hands, the room chuckling lightly at her forgetfulness. “There’s so much going on,” she laughed lightly along with everyone.

As the fire crackled softly in the hearth, Remus stretched his lanky arms above his head, a tired smile gracing his lips as he felt Clem’s eyes. “I don’t know about you lot, but it is getting late,”

James nodded in agreement, stifling a yawn as he rubbed his eyes.
“Yeah, the match being tomorrow I need a full 8 hours, it will be brutal if not,”

Lily stifled a giggle, her eyes weighing down as the fire proved a peaceful warmth,
“I don’t think any of us want to see that, James.”
Sirius smiled, feeling a sense of warmth and peace wash over the group, a familiar feeling that hadn’t been there in a while.
“Well, guess that settles it. I’m off to bed,” rising from his seat, stretching as he did so, the rest following slowly behind beside Remus and Clem, this had become a usual occurrence.

“Don’t forget to set your alarm, wouldn’t want to sleep through your own match, Clem,” James teased, she rolled her eyes playfully, swatting at James as he made his way past her.

“I’ll have you know I’m quite a responsible seeker.”

Remus chuckled at her playful spat, “Don’t worry, James. I’ll make sure she’s up bright and early.” Lily patted the boy's shoulder before disappearing up the staircase.

As the morning sun bathed the quidditch pitch in golden light, the excitement among spectators reached a fever pitch. The stands filled with cheering fans, their voices blending together as they awaited the start of the match. The stands filled with red and blue colors, both equally divided. Players preparing for battle, brooms hovering inched above the ground as they waited for Madam Hooch, she raised the quaffle high, eyes fixed on the prize, she sent the ball flying upwards, the game starting with rocketing pace. Their movements swift and graceful as they fought for control.
Clem soared high above them, her eyes scanning for the snitch, her senses heightened, every fiber of her being focused on the task at hand. Regulus was equally determined, his movements as calculated as her own, the teams below them passing the ball back and forth in a dazzling display of teamwork and strategy. The air crackled with energy as they battled for each point, James’s long speech before the game adding to the excitement and determination between his players. A familiar high pitched hum passed her ears, and off she went. Carefully calculating each move, dodging and weaving between the onslaught and danger of bludgers. Her reflexes sharp as she narrowly avoided being struck. Cheers of her name flying past her as she hugged the side of the stands, a flash of gold in her view, shining in the hot sun. She raced after it, her heart pounding with adrenaline as she closed in on it. Her senses focused on the snitch, putting blind faith in her teammates, James screamed her name, the impact of a bludger sending her tumbling from her broom and crashing into the ground below with a sickening thud, her body scuffing across the field.
The crowd gasped in horror as Clem laid motionless on the pitch, McGonagall's familiar voice commanding the game to come to a halt. Lily and Remus standing up immediately, their necks craning over the other students trying to see her.

“Bloody hell,” Remus muttered, he took Lily’s hand and began bolting down the wooden stairs and onto the field.

Her vision swimming as she struggled to catch her breath, gasping at what little air she could. The sounds around her, the shouts of her teammates, the sound of their shoes running on the sand towards her, all seeming distant and muffled as she laid dazed and disoriented. Hooch and Pomfrey ran to her side along with James , his eyes filled with fear and worry, while Marlene, surprising everyone, stood by her side, etched with concern.

“Are you okay dear?” Pomfrey asked, helping her to sit up, pushing herself up on her elbows, blinking away the stars dancing in front of her.

Remus and Lily pushed through the other students and staff telling them they couldn’t get any closer. “Let me through!” Remus barked, throwing his weight to meet Clem by her side, Lily standing beside James, his fingers intertwined with Lily’s.

Remus and Hooch draping the girl over their shoulders, walking her off the field, the crowd filled with silence or quiet murmurs. Lily stayed close by her side, James next to her, his hand tightly clasped with Lily’s brushing it softly to help ease her heavy heart with worry.
They all navigated the corridors that were uncommonly empty, the sounds of the game continuing behind them.
As they reached the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey sprang into action, her wand at the ready as she began to assess Clem's injuries. Remus and Lily stood nearby, their eyes never leaving Clem's face as they waited anxiously for news of her condition. Hours seemed to pass in tense silence as Madam Pomfrey worked tirelessly to tend to Clem's injuries. Remus, Lily, and James remained by her side, offering words of comfort and support as they waited for her to regain consciousness. Remus’s hand never leaving hers, Clem stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she slowly regained awareness of her surroundings. Relief washed over Remus, Lily, and James as they saw her awaken, their fears momentarily forgotten in the joy of seeing their friend awake and alert.

"Hey, Clem," Remus said softly, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he brushed a piece of hair out of her face. "How are you feeling?"

Clem managed a weak smile, her voice hoarse as she replied, "I've been better," her voice sarcastic, earning a few chuckles from them.

“Marlene stopped by, after the match,” Sirius said softly, emerging from behind James. “She looked really worried, guess it takes you almost dying to end a small feud.” his face turning to a playful grin, Lily elbowed him in the side, Clem chuckled, coughing in pain as she did, holding her side.

“I suppose so,” she answered, reaching for a glass of water, “What time is it?

Remus and James checked their watches, “7:30,” they said in unison, “You’ve been resting all day,” Remus continued, his face still painted with worry as he analyzed her face.

“Hungry?” Peter asked, walking through the wing doors, with a plate of food, Clem shook her head, wincing as she sat up.

“I’m okay Pete, thanks though,” she smiled softly, the rest all grabbed something from Peter’s plate, enjoying the peace in the hospital wing now that Clem was awake and alive. James gave a large sigh, finishing a bite of food.

“We should get some dinner before it disappears,” James swallowed, Lily nodded, sparing a small glance to Clem,
“You sure you aren’t hungry?” she asked, Clem gave a small nod and smile, Lily pressed a small kiss to her friend's head before saying goodbyes and walking with James.

Remus dragged a chair next to her bed, kicking his feet up and stretching out, Clem raises an eyebrow,
“You aren’t hungry?” she asked, Remus shook her head, closing his eyes and having a large sigh of relief.

Clem watched him for a moment, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips. Despite the pain she was in, she couldn’t help but feel grateful for him.
“Thank you for staying,” she said softly, her voice barely over a whisper.

Remus turned to look at her, his gaze filled with warmth and concern. “Of course, Clem. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else,” he replied, his voice soft and reassuring.

She felt her face grow hot, and hoped the shadows would hide the pinkish color in her face. They sat quietly in the hospital wing, a comfortable silence settling between them. Clem’s heart fluttered at his words, closing her eyes trying to ignore the pain in her side and soreness. Remus took the opportunity to steal glances at her, admiring her features, the way her skin was still glowing despite today's events. She turned her head, looking at him, her eyes tired but still gentle as she smiled at him weakly.

“What?” she croaked, he shook his head,
“Nothing,” his heart fluttering “Just, reliving today’s chaos,” a teasing smile tugging on his face,
“I’m sorry for scaring you guys.” she replied, “didn’t mean to cause a fuss.”
Remus shook his head, his gaze gentle as he reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face.

“You have nothing to apologize for, Clem. We were all worried about you.” His voice sincere. Her face grew more pink at his gesture, brushing the same piece further back behind her ear.

“Remus dear, it’s getting late. I’m afraid I must kick you out since you aren’t the one in bed.”

Madam Pomfrey said softly, looking at the two of them. Clem shook her head, slowly moving her feet to the edge of the bed.
“I’m okay professor, I think I’d be worse if I had to sleep any longer on this stiff cot,” she smiled politely, Remus came to her side, helping her stand slowly. She gave both of them a look that reminded them of James’s mother, a smile growing on both of them.

“I’m okay, really, I’ll stop by if things change.” Clem reassured the older witch, she nodded in defeat and showed them to the door, wishing them a good night before locking up.

Clem and Remus walked in a comfortable silence, the evening sounds overtaking the silence. She found a nearby bench facing the courtyard, the stars visible along with the spring air brushing her face. She closed her eyes, enjoying the scenery and peace around her. The sound of a lighter flicking open pricked her ears, and soon a familiar smell of smoke overtaking her senses. She held out her hand and smiled softly, earning a low chuckle from Remus who placed a cigarette between two fingers. Her eyes still closed, enjoying the weather.
“Did you light it?” she asked, before placing it in her mouth,
“Yeah, I did,” he confirmed, his tone warm and gentle, the feeling of smoke brushing her face as he spoke.

She placed the cigarette between her lips, inhaling deeply as she felt the smoke fill her lungs. With each exhale, the tension melted away, replaced by a sense of peace. For a while, they sat in a companionable silence, the only sound being the occasional puff of smoke and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. His silent understanding brought a sense of solace she didn’t realize she was missing. They watched the stars twinkle overhead, her neck craning upward as she inhaled again, blowing out as she rested her head on his shoulder, flicking the ash.

“Marlene kissed me,” she said softly, a whisper, Remus raised his eyebrows slightly,
“Really?” he asked “didn’t see that coming,”

She hummed a response, “dunno what to do, I’m scared it will change everything,” she exhaled, worry in her voice. “She’s my best friend,” her voice breaking slightly,

Remus remained silent for a moment, reflecting on his own experiences, the weight of her words hanging between them. He could sense her apprehension, her fear of change and the unknown, he’s been there. After a moment, he spoke softly, his voice gentle and reassuring,
“Change is scary,” his tone empathetic, “but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing,”

She sighed, “I know,” her voice doubtful, “but what if it ruins everything? I’m not even upset with her, it’s not like it disgusted me, I just worry our friendship will never be the same.”

Remus squeezed her hand gently, leaning his head on hers.
“One kiss, no matter how unexpected, doesn’t have to change that. If anything, it’s a testament to the depth of your friendship.” She scoffed softly,

“But I don’t feel the same way towards her, like yes, I like both sides but… she’s my best friend.” Remus was slightly taken aback,

“You like both?” he asked, looking down at her, she furrowed her brows in confusion,
“You didn’t know that?” she mocked with a smile on her face,
“Obviously not?” he teased, a smile playing at his lips, “learning something new everyday,” his voice sarcastic, she chuckled, finishing off her cigarette,
“Let’s go to the common room before everyone thinks I died,” Clem stood up, stretching slowly, cautious not to hurt her side. Remus agreed standing up as well, rubbing his eyes.

As the pair reached the entrance to the Gryffindor common room, Clem hesitated for a moment before turning to face Remus.
“Hey, Remus.” she began softly, her voice uncertain, “I just wanted to say thank you for being there for me today. I think I would’ve gone mad locked in the hospital wing alone." Remus smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting genuine affection.

“Of course, you and the marauders are like family to me.”

She felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words, she reached out and squeezed his hand gently, a silent acknowledgement of their intimacy. As they entered the warm room, familiar voices and laughs of her friends greeted her, James and Lily squished together on the loveseat, engaged in a quiet conversation, while Sirius and Peter played a game of wizard's chest on the floor near them.

“You’re up!” James exclaimed, jumping to his feet, “How you feeling?”
Lily engulfed her in a soft hug, gentle to not hurt her,
“Just glad to be out of the wing,” Clem smiled weakly, still sore,
“We were worried you’d be locked up for the next week,” Lily added, holding Clem’s shoulders as she spoke.

Lily was truly pretty, her hair and eyes matching her perfectly, she understood why James had a fascination with her.
“Just glad you’re okay,” Sirius added, patting her shoulder and giving a straightened smile,
“Thanks guys,” she chuckled weakly, before sitting in her usual spot in front of the fire crackling away, feeling both exhausted but relieved to be back in the comfort of the common room. Remus took a seat next to her, their shoulders nearly touching as they leaned against the warmth of the flames, a subtle tension between them.

The atmosphere was relaxed and jovial despite the lingering worry about Clem’s injury. James and Lily shared stories from their defense against the dark arts class, Sirius laughing about his latest prank idea for a couple of Slytherin’s who had been annoying him.

“Sirius, come on… aren’t we too old for pranks?” Lily whined, locking her arm with James’s. Sirius rolled his eyes, sinking further into his chair,
“No… the marauders are never told old for a good prank,”

James chuckled, patting Sirius’s knee as he got up to grab his book bag. Clem tried her best to stay present through her friends' conversations, but her eyes and body were heavy. She could barely stay awake, the thoughts swimming through her head being how close Remus was, how she could feel his breath and body heat radiating, if he began to laugh she could feel his chest vibrating. One by one the friends broke off and went to their bedrooms, all exhausted from the day. Lily looked over at Clem, her head resting on her hand, she cocked her head to the side,

“Clem please come to bed soon,” her voice concerned, she hummed a response and shoo-ed her hand.
“I will,” her voice tired, the sound of shoes cascading upstairs as she shifted on the couch.

“You’ll hurt your wrist and neck if you stay like that,” Remus said softly, his nose back in a book, she laughed softly, the familiar sound making Remus’s cheek pink, “I’ll be fine,”

Remus struggled to focus on his book, his mind racing to other places, the fear in his stomach as he watched her fall to the ground, limp. He cleared his throat, closing his book and shifting his focus to Clem tucked in the corner.

“Clem,” he said, his voice slightly above a whisper, his voice not allowing him to speak any louder, she hummed a response, turning her head to face him, her eyes still shut.
“I just wanted to say… I’m glad you’re okay. Today could’ve ended a lot worse,” he felt his voice begin to shake, “ and I don’t know… I don’t know what I would’ve done if…” Clem opened her eyes fully, meeting Remus’s his eyes filled with emotion, she scooted closer to him, placing a hand on his,

“I don’t know what I would do without you either.” her voice hanging in the air, laced with unspoken emotion.

Their eyes lingering for a moment, Remus’s eyes flicking to her lips, her eyes matching his. Both now realize how close they were, how not one other person was in the room. Her face growing out, and butterflies filling her stomach, Remus shifted his gaze away after a moment, leaning back slightly.
“You should probably get some rest, Lily would kill both of us if you stayed up late.” he smiled, slightly awkward. His own mind racing and confused at his emotions and actions.
“Of course,” she responded softly, trying to hide the slight disappointment in her voice, she didn’t know why she was upset, Remus was just a friend anyways, why was she hurt?
“I’ll walk you up,” he smiled softly, helping her to stand, leading her as far up the stairs as he could.

They said their goodnights and broke off, Remus throwing himself onto his bed, burying his face into his pillow, sighing loudly.
“Oi, shut up,” Sirius groaned
“Sorry,” he whispered, closing the curtains to his bed

As the weeks passed and spring continued to bloom, the Hogwarts library became a hub of activity, bustling with students buried deep into academics. Fifth year students immersed in their studies, textbooks strung around them as they studied for upcoming OWLS. Seventh years laser focused on NEWTs, while battling their own feelings of senoritis. The sixth-years, through not facing life threatening exams, found themselves grappling with challenging coursework and demanding schedules.
Amidst the frenzy of academia, friend groups seemed to drift apart, their interactions becoming less frequent as everyone became consumed by their academic pursuits. Despite their best intentions, it felt like there was never enough time to catch up or simply enjoy each other’s company. The common room was often full with hushed students, the great hall was the only place filled with conversations over a meal, but even then students used it as a time to relax for a moment and enjoy a Hogwarts meal. Lily and Clem, like many other students, found themselves in the whirlwind of spring activities and pressures. However, they also had to contend with another challenge: spring allergies. As the air filled with sweet scents of blooming flowers, pollen drifted through the corridors, triggering sneezes and sniffles from those affected.
Sneezing fits and watery eyes became a regular occurrence, making it more difficult for them to focus on their studies or enjoy the beauty of spring around them.

“Do you think James would be open to a prank where we cover all the trees with trash bags, so I can get some relief for a few days,” Lily sniffled, her voice congested as she read over her potions textbook.
“I doubt it,” Clem chuckled, taking a sip from her mug,
“Here’s your chance to ask him,” Marlene nodded, motioning her head to the three boys walking into the great hall.
“James, is there a prank or something you can do, that helps our allergies,” Lily groaned, James slammed his bag on the table and shook his head.

“What’s with him?” Clem whispered to Sirius, he shrugged.

Remus had seemed to disappear around this time of year, he was never at meals or in the library when Clem was, she tried to not let it affect her, trying to convince herself that he wasn’t intentionally avoiding her.

“I need Remus to hold a tutoring session again, care of magical creatures is going to make my life a living hell,” Mary mumbled as she covered her face, stressed.
“Good luck mate, he’s impossible to find these days,” Peter replied, his mouth full of full. Clem crinkled her nose in disgust,

“No manners at all,” she teased, Peter scoweled and shot her a friendly finger,

“You guys can’t find him either?” Lily asked, “good to know,”

Sirius and James shook their heads, their faces showing a slight pain in the fact their friend had gone MIA.
“Hate when he gets like this,” Sirius complained, shoving a violent stab in his food.

James shot his eyes to Clem with a grin,
“Have you seen him?” he asked, Clem laughed,
“No, I’m the last person he’d want to see,” James shrugged, playing with his food,
“Worth a shot,”

“We gotta go, Slughorn is hosting a tutoring session for Slug Club members,” Lily sighed, getting up and slinging her bag on her shoulder, dragging Clem along with her,
“We need to all get together at some point before spring holiday!” Lily exclaimed as she walked out of the great hall hurriedly.

The two walked in an exhausted silence, their batteries drained as they made their way to one of their final classes for the day. Clem couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of Remus’s new avoidant personality, his absence making apart of her feel empty, and she couldn’t understand why.
Lost in thought, she had barely registered the familiar surroundings and chatter as they made their way into the next class.

Inside the potions classroom, Professor Slughorn bustled around, his own personal more worn down and quieter than usually, no doubt because of not only his teachings but also the war. There had been whispers about him helping Dumbledore, disappearing occasionally for “work trips”, her eyes panned around for her lab partner, her heart sinking lower as she realized Remus wasn’t there. She plopped into her seat, her shoulders slouched as she sighed deeply. Slughorn took a deep sigh before launching into his quick lecture, rambling on about everything, Clem unable to fully process his words, her eyes focused on the empty seat next to her. Soon enough Slughorn began to make his way around the classroom, helping and answering students questions, giving out tips to help students remember information.

“Clem,” Slughorn called out, his eyes confused, she quickly snapped out of her thoughts and raised her eyebrows,
“Yes, professor?” she asked,
“Are you with us today?” he asked with concern,
“Of course,” she lied, he hummed a response,
“Let me know if you need anything,” he smiled softly before walking away,

After what felt like an eternity, class finally came to an end, Slughorn dismissing students in a timely manner. Lily gathered her things, making her way to Clem who was slowly packing up, her steps and moves heavy with anxiety.
“Clem, let’s get going,” she said, her voice low,
“Right,” Clem chirped out, glancing back one last time at the empty seat next to her before turning and walking out with Lily.

“You okay, Clem?” Lily asked softly, her glance filled with concern. Clem forced a tired smile, not reaching her eyes,
“I’m fine,” she replied, her tone unconvincing even to herself.

Lily reached out her hand, offering Clem’s a gentle squeeze.
“I’m sure he’s fine,” she spoke, trying to reassure her.

Clem nodded, her eyes hazy as they walked to the common room, their steps echoing in the halls. The castle quieter than usual, you could almost feel the stressful energy around the halls.