The Hospital Wing
Fireworks were shooting up like rockets into the corners of Remus' mind : they were green and orange and red and -
'Sirius Black !' a woman's voice who Remus knew to be Poppy Pomphrey scolded ,' If you use a dream spell on one of my patients again I will have you bard from the Hospital Wing !'
'You love me really Poppy ,' Sirius grinned .
Remus winced , trying to sit up in his dingy hospital bed . The boys must have carried him back last night , now they knew about Remus' secret . Remus had to admit it was slightly reliving they knew , not just on his mind but his back too - the floors of the Shrieking Shack were as cold as ice even in mid-summer , ' Is it bad ?'
'I'm afraid you're looking worse for wear Rem .' James said , sat in the chair on the opposite side of the bed to Sirius .
'So am I .' Peter squeaked from the hospital bed next to him ,' It seems you were still - you know - when we came to get you , you nearly took a chunk out of my leg .'
Remus sighed ,' Oh Pete , I am so so sor-'
'Pete stop making this about you ,' Sirius drawled ,' You've got a couple new scratches on your face but apart from that you should be good as new .'
'Thank you for doing my check-up assessment for me Mr Black .' Madame Pomphrey rolled her eyes .
'Oh so we're back to a surname basis are we now .' Sirius grinned even wider .
'Mr Potter , please remove your fool of a friend from the hospital wing .'
James was laughing , ' Sure -'
'Excuse me ,' Sirius barked ,' Remus needs me '
'I need a cup of tea .' Remus said back .
'I'm on it - now you boys better not misbehave while I'm gone .'
'We'll be as good as angels Madame Pomphrey .'
'Hmm , we'll see about that .' was her only answer , trundling off back to her office to get some much needed caffeine for Remus . As soon as she turned the corner , his friends sprang into action .
James helped him up off the bed , Sirius about pushing Peter from his before they darted for the Hospital Wing doors , and out into the grounds .
The fresh September air took Remus' breath , he had missed the sorting ceremony last night due to his own , circumstances , but the important thing was that it was over . For now .
A sneering laugh from behind them echoed , and Remus turned around , already knowing who it was .
'Severus .'
'By Merlin , what is that ugly scar on your face .'
Lily Evans had been talking to him before , now she hit him with her copy of 'Fifth Year Advanced Charms' ,' It's none of your business Snape .' she chided ,' How are you Remus ?'
James spoke first ,' Lets just say he'd be a lot better if you spent your time with us instead of him '
'Oh do be quiet James .' Lily snapped ,' Really Remus , are you okay ?'
'I'm good Lily , don't worry about me .'
'Why yes , ' Snape snarled ,' Lupin has far more beastly concerns .'
'Watch your mouth Severus .' Sirius stepped forwards ,' We wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you would we ? We wouldn't want you being thrown to the wolves .'
Severus placed his trunk on the ground , yes he carried a trunk of chemistry equipment around at all times , and brought forth his wand from his robes .
Professor McGonagall seemed to appear in a flash ,' And what do you suppose you are doing Severus ?' her emerald green robes billowed in the early-autumn breeze .
'Nothing Professor I-'
'I would advise you be careful . Those four are trouble , I'm always having to supervise them . That means if you get involved I'll have to keep a close eye on you too . I'm sure your grandmother wouldn't want to receive a complaint . '
'I really am sorry Professor .'
The woman only peered at Snape behind her thin-rimmed spectacles , her lips forming a similar stern line ,' That is quite all right . I suggest you head to first lesson .'
Snape hauled his suitcase of potions from the ground and scuttered away like a terrified bug . They all turned to face McGonagall : Remus , Sirius , James , Peter and Lily .
Sirius was beaming ,' And Minnie McGonagall does it again !'
'I suggest you head to first period too Mr Black , as well as the rest of you .'
They collectively nodded , heading off to the first charms lesson of the school year . Remus turned , offering a small smile to McGonagall . As head of Gryffindor House she knew all about his condition , and the verbal abuse that sometimes came with it . She give him a brief nod before turning in the opposite direction . Remus had sworn he had seen a ghost of a smile on her face as she turned the other way .