Year One: Broomsticks and Bites

Remus dreaded Sunday. The four boys were on their way to breakfast, and James and Sirius were hatching a plan to ask Madam Hooch to borrow the school brooms for the day. After a discussion on Quidditch between James and Sirius, Remus had been forced to admit that he didn’t know how to fly. After that, the two were hell-bent on teaching Remus. He’d tried convincing them it was fine—after all, he’d still be forced on a broom during class.

During breakfast, James and Sirius took turns craning their necks toward the staff table. Madam Hooch was inconveniently seated next to Professor McGonagall, and Sirius and James, who’d already served detention with her, held off on asking Hooch in her presence. Remus had just helped himself to seconds when Sirius tugged him backwards by his robe.

“Come on,” he said. James had already run up to the tall professor.

Remus shook his head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, and she’s not going to just let us borrow the brooms without a good reason.”

“We have a good reason,” Sirius said with a grin. “Don’t worry, we’ve got this.”

With a sigh, Remus followed Sirius. Madam Hooch stared James down with her yellow hawk eyes.

“We were wondering if we could borrow some brooms from the school for the day,” James said.

“You’re a first-year,” she said. “First-years aren’t allowed brooms.”

“That’s why we want to borrow one,” Sirius said. Remus wished he could sink into the ground.

“Flying classes start Wednesday,” she said. “I cannot, with good conscience, allow you to take out brooms yet.”

“We’re really strong flyers,” James pleaded.

“And it’s for a good cause,” Sirius added. “We just want to help our friend.”

“I understand that, but I will not give you brooms before then,” Madam Hooch said firmly. “I’m sorry, boys.”

With that, she strode off. James and Sirius exchanged a disappointed look.

“I told you it wouldn’t work,” Remus said, relieved that he wouldn’t have to fly just yet.

“Don’t worry, we’ll think of something else,” James said, a mischievous gleam lighting up his eyes. “We’ll make sure you can fly.”

“And how will you achieve that, Mr Potter?” McGonagall asked. The boys whirled around. The professor had appeared behind them.

“Er,” James said. “We’re simply trying to teach Remus how to fly. You see, he’s never done that before.”

“Admirable as your efforts are,” she cut him off. “If I see any of you on a broomstick before your first flying class, you will be on the first train home.”

“But, Professor,” Sirius started.

“That is my last word, Mr Black.”

Thankful, Remus followed her out of the Great Hall, hoping he could hide up in their dormitory all day.

Remus nestled himself in the alcove by his bed. Sirius burst through the door, closely followed by James and Peter. “There you are,” he exclaimed. “You were gone, just poof,” Sirius gestured wildly, walking to Remus’s side. Remus blinked and swallowed. “What are you reading now?” he asked.

Remus showed the cover, his ears going pink. “The charms textbook?” James asked.

“Alright, that’s it,” Sirius said. “You can’t keep rereading the same books. We’re going to the library.”

For once, Remus didn’t feel the need to object to their suggestion.

***

Sirius had been right—Remus loved the library. It spread over two floors, the second level opening up, revealing the entrance below. After Sirius had dragged him past Madam Prince, he’d spent all day nestled in a far corner alcove, working his way through the shelves. The others left him at about midday to watch the older students play Quidditch.

Remus returned on Monday. He strolled through the reference section on magical water creatures to find some additional materials for his homework. He stopped by the history section to see if he could find anything about the Ancient Greek Witch they were studying.

With a stack of heavy leather-bound books, Remus climbed the stairs and found a secluded table in the back. He tapped his wand on the lamp in the middle of the table, casting the dark wood in an amber glow.

Remus hunched over his books, his quill tickling his nose. He would prove to Professor Bracegirdle that he was more than a mindless beast. She seemed to have it out for him, always calling on him during class to answer questions. So far, he’d been fortunate and knew every answer, which caused her brows to knit together in a straight line.

Sitting next to Sirius, he looked like the perfect student. Sirius had apparently given up all ambition to participate in her class—he didn’t even bring his textbooks anymore. Instead, Sirius lounged in his chair, staring into space, quietly humming under his breath. She’d given him two detentions so far.

Remus’s head snapped up when someone cleared their throat. Lily stood by the table, clutching a book to her chest. Next to her, a tall, fair-haired girl with freckles played with her hair, smiling.

“You’re Remus, right?” Lily asked. “Can we sit with you?”

Remus nodded, pushing some books to the side, and set his rucksack on the empty chair beside him. The two girls settled on the other side of the table. Remus didn’t know why they’d sit with him. Maybe this was the only table with space left.

“This is Marlene,” Lily said, pointing to her friend.

“Hi,” Marlene said.

“Nice to meet you,” Remus mumbled. Marlene sat at the same table during potions.

“What are you working on?” Lily asked.

“Defense Against the Dark Arts homework,” Remus whispered.

“Wow,” Marlene murmured. “Are all those reference books for one assignment?”

“Some are for History,” Remus said.

Marlene smiled. “I thought only Lily was such a bookworm.”

“It’s all so interesting,” Lily whispered. “You can’t fault me for that.”

Marlene raised her hands. “I’m not.”

Remus wished they’d stop talking so he could finish his homework. If he’d wanted a conversation, he would have joined the boys outside. Remus scribbled out the last thing he’d written. All he needed was the ending.

Remus ran his hand through his hair. The shuffling of pages and quiet whispers from other tables made concentrating hard as is. With the two girls at his table, he wanted to pull his hair out.

***

The students had gathered by the staff room on Wednesday morning. A note at breakfast had informed them they would have their first practical lesson that day. Lily waved at Remus when the boys arrived but turned back to the girls she was with.

“Why is Evans waving at you?” James asked.

Remus shrugged. “We did homework together once.”

Sirius leaned against the wall. “Who cares about her? She’s Snivelly’s friend.”

Professor Bracegirdle exited the staffroom just as James opened his mouth. “Here, class!”

The chatter quieted, and they followed the witch out of the castle and past the greenhouses down a slope. The professor was surprisingly fast, considering how much she dragged her bad leg. The path led between the forbidden forest and the water’s edge. They stopped shortly before the trees bordered the lake and entered a nearly hidden clearing in the trees, leading to a large, open semi-circle.

A sickly green creature with sharp little horns floated in a bubble suspended in the air. Five low tubs were spread across the grass behind it.

“Settle down here,” Professor Bracegirdle announced. “Today, we will test your practical application of the spell you have learned on Monday. But first.” She pointed to the floating bubble. “This is a grindylow.”

The creature blew a raspberry at the class and did a backflip. A few students chuckled.

“I will ask for the last time: What is the proper procedure for dealing with a grindylow? Those who don’t know already should pay attention.”

A few students raised their hands to answer the question.

“Mr Lupin?”

Remus sighed. “The Revulsion Jinx will force them to let go of whatever they’ve seized. Or you could break their fingers.”

“Did everyone pay attention to Mr Lupin’s answer? Yes? Great. Split into groups—I want everyone to break the grip once, at least. You can poke your hands into the tanks or take your shoes off and try it with your legs. Be advised, if you wait too long, they will bite.”

“She’s joking, right?” a girl muttered under her breath.

No one looked excited at the task they’d been set. The four boys sauntered to a tub. Remus wondered if he could get away with not showing any skin and just put his finger in. He had a nasty scar down halfway of his left arm, and didn’t know what he’d say if any of the others saw. Even worse was the prospect of refusing to put his limbs in the tanks. Gryffindors valued bravery above all else, and he’d forever be teased as the wimp who was afraid of grindylows.

The tank was large enough for a person to bathe in, and one side held a small forest of seagrass. Between the green leaves, Remus thought he spotted a hand or two. The murky water made it hard to tell the difference between plant and creature.

Sirius dropped a pebble, sending ripples over the water’s surface. A shadow zoomed between the seagrass.

“So, we just stick our hand in?” Remus asked.

“Don’t be silly,” James said, sitting on the ground. “I want the full experience.”

He removed his shoes and socks, clamouring to his feet.

“Are you sure?” Peter asked.

“Maybe we should practise the spell again?” Remus suggested.

“Great idea,” James said and grabbed Peter’s arm. “Shoot.”

Remus pointed his wand at his arm. “Relashio.”

Purple sparks shot from the tip of his wand, and James’s hand dropped before he shook his hand. Remus knew the feeling. The spell left a twinge like touching a too-hot pan.

Peter was next and forced Remus to release his grip on James. They’d practised Monday evening to make sure Peter could perform the spell flawlessly. James took his turn, and only Sirius was left, but he was playing with a twig, disturbing the seagrass.

“Do you want a go, mate?” James asked.

“I think I got it,” Sirius said, grinning, and poked his hand in the tub.

The little creatures were fast swirling around Sirius’s pale arm.

“Relashio!” Sirius exclaimed. His wand, instead of sending sparks at the grindylow, pelted them with what seemed to be a jet of boiling water.

When the water stilled, the grindylows were hidden again.

“You alright?” James asked.

“Fine,” Sirius held up his arm. Faint red streaks encircled his wrist.

James grinned. “Alright, I’ll go next.”

He lifted his trouser leg, wand in hand, and plunged his foot in. A small, horned water demon poked out of the weeds, and its long fingers clutched tightly around James’s leg, its pointed fangs bared. Slowly, James pointed his wand downward, spinning it in his fingers before fixing it on the creature’s fingers.

“Relashio,” he said, and the water bubbled.

He pulled his foot out, and the creature was gone.

“Do you want to?” Peter asked.

Remus shook his head. “Go ahead. I’ll go last.”

Peter looked like he’d hoped for a different answer. Remus unfastened his cloak and dropped it into the pile. Professor Bracegirdle was nearing their tub now. She watched Peter put his hand in. Remus shook out his blazer and put it with the others. Peter spoke the incantation with a shaky voice when Remus pulled the jumper over his head.

He’d just keep his sleeve firmly buttoned and go up to the dormitory to change later—or maybe Longbottom would take pity on him and dry it during lunch. Peter stood, grinning from ear to ear. His teeth were lopsided, and the gaps between them were uneven.

“Your turn, Mr Lupin?” Professor Bracegirdle asked.

Remus nodded, wand ready. Ripples still traversed the surface.

“Your sleeve,” James said as Remus submerged his hand.

From the other side of the clearing, screaming ensued. Professor Bracegirdle hurried away. One boy violently flung his arm around. Remus forgot about his submerged hand until he felt a sharp tug.

He looked down, fumbling with his wand, which almost fell out of his hand and into the water. He tried very hard not to panic. A second grindylow circled his arm and latched on.

“Lupin?”

“Relashio,” Remus said, hastily pointing his wand at his submerged arm. The water around heated, but the grindylows happily held on to his arm. He aimed again. “Relashio.”

The first let go. Remus stirred his arm in the water. It was all bubbly, and Remus couldn’t make out where the creature had gone. Most of the kids had collected on the other side of the clearing. A second grindylow held on in an inconvenient spot, and his arm stung.

“Relashio,” Peter said, his wand pointed at the water.

Remus lifted his hand. “Thank you, Peter.”

“You okay?” James asked, placing a hand on Remus’s shoulder.

Remus drew away, afraid James could feel one of the raised scars under the thin fabric. He held his arm close. It burned, but it couldn’t be that bad. The cold water running down his sleeve and soaking him bothered him more than the pain.

“You’re bleeding,” Sirius said.

Remus checked. His shirt was a little ripped, and some red spots had formed. So what? He dealt with this every month. “It’s not bad.”

Sirius stepped closer. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“You, Potter?” Sirius asked.

Remus looked up to check what he meant. James looked a little green in the face and had taken a few steps back.

“Everything alright?” Lily asked, coming over. “Remus, your shirt is all wet.”

“And he’s bleeding,” Sirius said.

Lily paled. “You’re—”

“I’m fine,” Remus said, yanking a jumper over his head.

Her words came in a gush. “Are you? Shall I get Professor Bracegirdle? Or I could take you up to the hospital wing. I’m so sorry I didn’t bring my first aid kit. I knew I’d forgotten something this morning. I’ll make sure—”

“I’m completely, utterly fine,” Remus assured her.

Sirius laughed. “It’s James you should be worrying about.”

James had settled on the ground and placed his head between his knees. “Bugger off.”

“What’s wrong with him?” Lily asked, scrunching her nose.

“The blood,” he moaned. Peter held out a squished piece of candy to him.

“He’ll be fine,” Lily stated matter-of-factly and turned back to Remus. “Let me know if you want me to take you to the hospital wing.”

Marlene came running from the huddle of students. “Bracegirdle says class is dismissed. She’ll take Robert up to the hospital wing. He panicked and tried to shake the grindylows off. They bit up his arm. Oh, hi, Remus.”

“What about the creatures?” Lily asked. “Is she just going to leave them here?”

Marlene wiped her long blonde hair from her face. “We could go and ask before she leaves?”

“Absolutely. Do you want to come, Remus?”

“I think I’ll go up and change,” he said, waving his arm. Wet patches had formed on the jumper.

“Oh, yeah. Sure,” Lily said. She and Marlene turned around. “Let’s go find Mary,” Lily said as they left.

***

The flying lesson Remus had been agonising over since he learned they were forced to learn how to fly was just one meal away, and Sirius and James couldn’t contain their excitement anymore. Remus insisted he was fine and the others shouldn’t worry about him. They’d promised to save him a seat in the Great Hall.

Remus estimated that the round-trip to the dormitories cost him about half his lunchtime. He’d assessed the damage the grindylows had made—two circular bite marks—their teeth were so small he probably wouldn’t even notice the scars among the others. Worst of all was the torn sleeve. He’d have to find a spell to repair it. He strolled along the corridors, wondering if he should just chicken out and go to the hospital wing. That way, he wouldn’t have to fly.

“Hiya, you coming?” Lily called. Remus’s head snapped up.

“Why aren’t you at lunch yet?” Remus asked.

“We waited for Hagrid to take care of the grindylows,” Lily said.

“Who’s Hagrid?” Remus asked.

“The gamekeeper,” a girl with dark skin said. “He was the one by the boats when we first arrived.”

“Ah,” Remus said. The girl sat with Marlene in most classes. Her curly black hair was piled on top of her head, held together by a red ribbon.

“I’m Mary,” she said, her hand outstretched.

“Remus,” he answered.

Marlene tugged at Mary’s sleeve. “Come on,” Marlene said, her voice feathery. “It’s been over two weeks since I’ve been on a broom last.”

“How’s your arm?” Lily asked.

“Fine. It’s nothing.”

“So,” Mary said, turning to Remus and watching him with her ebony eyes. “How are you feeling about flying?” Remus shrugged, but she didn’t seem to notice. “I, for one, am terrified, but at the same time, I can’t wait. Couldn’t believe it when I learned about flying brooms.”

They entered the bustle of the Great Hall. A sense of accomplishment filled him.

“Oi, Lupin, we saved you a seat,” James called, waving wildly.

“See you later,” Remus said quickly and hurried to join his dormmates. Remus piled sandwiches and sausages on his plate. James nudged Remus, who was only on his second helping to hurry, so they could finally go.

Remus really didn’t understand the big deal about flying. It was like he didn’t have enough injuries already, and now they wanted to put him fifty feet above the ground, only holding onto a feeble wooden stick for support. Remus had even read ‘Quidditch Through the Ages’ to prepare, but was disappointed to learn that the book didn’t actually cover the flying part.

James, meanwhile, bounced in his seat, putting on funny-looking leather goggles, and yanking them off a few minutes later. A general buzz had taken over the first-years at the Gryffindor table. The Hufflepuffs had learned to fly the afternoon before, and had talked about nothing else since. Their high spirits seemed to be infectious.

Remus scarfed down the last of his lunch, and James leapt to his feet, hustling Sirius and Remus to go. Remus supposed it was for the best that he was not quite full. Who knew if he tolerated flying well? Merlin knew he had enough trouble with simple bus rides.

Peter hurried after them, always a few steps short of the others. Remus fell back and let him catch up. It wasn’t his fault he had short legs. Peter mumbled his thanks and filled the silence by telling Remus everything he knew about flying. Remus was glad for it, hoping he’d learn something that would help him stay on his broom later.

James and Sirius waited, pacing by the large doors that led out of the back of the castle. Remus assumed they were very early—he couldn’t see a single other student yet.

The grass rippled under their feet as they marched down the sloping lawns towards the large oval Quidditch Stadium James pointed at eagerly. Behind it, the Forbidden Forest swayed, dark and ominous.

“What do you reckon is in there?” Sirius asked, pointing at the tree line.

“I heard there were monsters in there. All sorts of dark creatures,” Peter squeaked.

“Makes you want to go in and explore,” Sirius said, grinning. “You up for that, Potter?”

“Always,” James answered.

Madam Hooch waited by two tents next to the stadium. She showed them the changing rooms and then led them through a dark tunnel onto the pitch. At least forty broomsticks were lying in neat lines on the grass. “Well, what are you all waiting for?” she barked. “Everyone stand by a broomstick. Come on, hurry up.”

Remus glanced down at his broom. It was old, and some twigs stuck out at odd angles.

“Stick out your right hand over your broom,” called Madam Hooch at the front, “and say, ‘Up!’”

“UP!” everyone shouted.

James’s broom jumped into his hand at once, but it was one of the few that did. Remus’s had simply rolled over on the ground, and others hadn’t moved at all.

Madam Hooch then showed them how to mount their brooms without sliding off the end and walked up and down the rows, correcting their grips.

“Now, when I blow my whistle, you kick off from the ground, hard,” said Madam Hooch. “Keep your brooms steady, rise a few feet and then come straight back down by leaning forward slightly. On my whistle—three—two—one.”