Extra-curricular
September 3rd 1975 : All you need is love, the Beatles
Once inside, he couldn’t believe what he just witnessed.
Sirius Black and Remus Lupin sharing one single bed. Chuckling and laughing as Sirius was on top of the other boy. For a short instant, they all stared at each other, Charlie went to the wrong dorm because he got so used to the one last year he forgot they changed everything. This used to be Tao’s.
“Oh God I’m so sorry !” Charlie put a hand in front of his eyes and turned around. “I thought this was my friend’s room, I-I’m so sorry.”
“It’s past curfew !” Sirius shouted putting his shirt back on, or what it seemed to be.
“He’s a prefet, he knows that.” Remus commented.
“Stop being so calm you're freaking me out.”
Charlie half opened his eyes, Remus was sitting on the bed in his pyjamas as Sirius just put on a white gown.
“Why are you here anyway ? It’s the 6th year dorm !” Sirius yelled.
“I forgot about it. Where are the others though ?...Whatever I-I should go and pretend this never happened…”
Remus threw a look at Sirius implying something Charlie didn’t understand. However, Sirius stepped closer to him with an intense look. “Can you keep this to yourself ? Our friends don’t know anything, we still don’t know ourselves…We're trying to figure it out…”
“I know.” Charlie cut him, trying desperately to form a smile. “I understand. I won’t tell anyone.”
Even though you would deserve it.
After that, Charlie left the room, he’d never been that embarrassed before. He would have swore that Sirius Black was straight, not so sure about Remus though. Charlie wondered if Regulus knew about it, but he probably didn’t since the Black brothers wouldn’t even look at each other in the corridors.
He was so overwhelmed that he went back to his own dorm, quietly getting into his bed and staring at the ceiling trying to swallow what just happened, he still couldn’t believe it. The school was not full of straight people like Charlie thought it was, so why was it so bloody difficult to come out ? How are the other couples even capable of finding love inside of Hogwarts ?
This could never happen to Charlie of course. Nick Nelson was as straight as a line.
The first few days of 5th year started as the officially most boring days ever. Nothing ever happened, no pranks from the fellow marauders, no dramas, no explosions in potion class. Just peace and quiet. And Charlie was really fine with that.
Today was the day all the students were invited to choose at least one extra-curricular activity, and Charlie still had no idea on what to take. Quidditch was definitely not an option, muggles studies didn’t interest him either since he already knew everything he had to know, astronomy and astrology didn’t suit him either.
So at lunch, Charlie was invited to sit with his friends at the gryffindor table upon the judgy eyes of everyone from both houses. He tried desperately to ignore them and instead joined the conversation…about the extra-curriculars.
“I’m definitely taking muggle studies.” Elle said, chewing a piece of steak.
“Why ? You’re already a muggle.” Tao raised an eyebrow.
“Exactly, I’ll only get good grades then.”
“That’s cheating.”
“That’s called being clever. Besides, I really like the teacher too.”
“Mr Ajayi ? I don’t know, he seems weird.” Darcy said.
“He’s not weird, he’s an artist darling.” Tara retorted, teasing her with a smirk.
“So…you all know what you’re going to pick ?” Charlie asked nervously.
“Yes.” They all replied at the same time.
“Don’t you ?” Tara questioned.
“Nothing seems to…fit me. What are you lads taking anyway ?”
“Well for me it was an easy choice, I’ve been in the quidditch team for three years now.” Darcy nodded. She was actually one of the most gifted students along with Marlene Mckinnon, together they were indestructible.
Now that he thought about it, Nick Nelson was also in the quidditch team. Perhaps if Charlie joined the team he could actually talk to him and not…just look from afar. Who was he kidding, he sucked at any sport.
“I’m joining the chess club.” Tao confessed.
“Is that even a real club ?” Darcy sneered.
“Shut up ! It’s a nice club.”
“I didn’t say it wasn’t, I just have doubts about its existence.”
“I’m actually a co-founder of the club.”
“Who’s the other one ?” Charlie asked, confused.
“...Peter Pettigrew.”
Tara and Darcy snorted both at the same time as Tao let out a chuckle. Elle looked at her plate in embarrassment.
“I don’t believe you.” Tao stared at them in anger and hurt. He took his bag and left the table.
“No wait !” Elle soonly followed him.
“Well that escalated quickly.” Darcy observed half smiling.
“He’ll be fine…I think.” Charlie said, unsure of himself.
“Anyway Charlie…Why don’t you join the study club ? You’re like the best student Hogwarts has ever known. You could use that to help other students.” Tara advised with a warm comforting smile.
That was actually not a bad idea. But Nick Nelson was not part of it.
“I’ll think about it, thanks.”
“Yes, you should totally join Moony’s study group.”
When Charlie looked to his left, a new face sat now at Tao’s previous place. Sirius Orion Black. Charlie remembered that night he saw him with Lupin…it all flashes quickly and the boy quickly turned red.
“Remus runs the study group ?”
“Well kinda…” He replied vaguely.
“It’s totally not true by the way.” Remus suddenly spoke while sitting next to Sirius. Soon enough, James and Peter joined the group and now their little spot had been invaded.
“Did you guys choose an “extra-curricular” activity yet ?” James asked, making guillmets with his fingers.
Charlie shook his head.
“I’ll be taking astrology classes.” Tara smiled.
“Me too !” Peter’s voice sounded enthusiastic.
Darcy shrugged. “I’m in the quidditch team already…”
“Of course you are. You’re Darcy Jones !” James applauded as Darcy’s eyes widened from surprise.
“You know me ?”
“You’re a legend even for us 6th year. Even Nick Nelson couldn’t beat you.”
When he heard that name, Charlie almost froze. No, he did freeze, dropping his fork into his full plate.
“I heard my name.”
This wasn’t happening. Nick Nelson did not just sit at their table. This isn’t real.
“Yes we were saying how Darcy Jones could beat your bloody arse.” Sirius laughed, letting Nick sit between him and Charlie. Their shoulders almost touched for a second, Charlie was petrified.
“Hi.” Nick saluted politely.
“...Hi.” He replied in an unusual high-pitched voice.
“Hey Nick ! Isn’t it your birthday this Friday ? Tomorrow ?” A student asked from outside their table.
Nick nodded shyly.
“Blimey ! Why didn’t you tell us ! We’re going to organise the first party of the year.” Sirius jumped out shaking Nick’s shoulders.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea…I mean with curfew and-”
“Trust us, we’re the marauders.” James reassured him. “You’re all invited of course. It’s going to be huge !”
Oh my god.