Remus Lupin was enjoying a cup of tea, listening to a headache inducing ramble as James and Sirius tried to explain to the group how they smuggled a live deer into Hogwarts as a cover for James' animagus form.
It was an elaborate story, one Remus regretted having been associated with. He had been indisposed at the time, and hadn't ever actually heard the story. He could only imagine Dumbledore's face when he realized it was a genuine wild deer.
"Oh James," Mrs. Weasley laughed, smacking him gently with a rolled newspaper, "I can hardly tell what's real and what isn't!"
"Yeah dad," Skylar laughed, a large grin lighting up his entire face, "Tell them about that time you took me flying and we found the flock of-"
"No no..." James quickly waved his hands, pointing at Lily, "That did not happen. Not at all."
Sirius leaned over and whispered loudly to the Weasleys, "I don't know this story, but It totally happened."
"Yeah mate," Ron laughed, clapping Skylar on the back of his shoulder, "What about the story with the dragon-"
Skylar clapped a hand over Ron's mouth quickly. He grinned sheepishly to the steadily worrying Lily Potter.
"Skylar," She warned, "What is this about a drago-"
The conversation was broken by a unique loud shriek. The group jolted in surprise at the noise, not recognizing the cry. Mrs. Weasley quickly rushed towards the kitchen window, peering out quickly to try and spot the culprit.
A bird appeared, at first she had mistaken it for a Snowy Owl. It scrambled, long talons clawing grooves in the windowsill as it struggled to perch on the tiny lip. Its wings flared, flapping heavily to keep it aloft and balanced.
"Oh dear," Mrs. Weasley stumbled, hurriedly unlatching the window so the poor thing didn't have to struggle any longer. Once the glass swung open, the bird jolted and dove inside hawkishly, glaring fixed around the room.
"A letter?" Lily asked rhetorically, reaching out to stroke the sleek feathers on the bird's head. It snapped its hooked beak angrily, much more temperamental than an owl.
"There shouldn't be a bird here," James grimaced, watching it carefully as he drew his wand slowly, "The wards…"
"No no," Remus interrupted, looking tired and uncertain, "I... I must apologize. I spelled her a tracer to always find me, despite wards."
"You know it, Moony?" Sirius asked with a frown, blinking curiously before a large wolfish grin spread over his face, "Oh, Is it that kind of person?"
James gave a low whistle, Sirius wiggling his eyebrows suggestively on cue.
Remus blushed, choking before he composed himself.
Remus sighed fondly, standing to let the bird inside, "I'm afraid not, although I didn't expect a letter to be honest-"
He uncurled the parchment, a growing sense of dread grew as he noticed the parchment wasn't folded or rolled as carefully as Adrian Selwyn would roll it.
"Who is it, Moony?" James asked, walking up behind to peek over curiously, "A secret admirer? Some seventh year missing their professor?"
"Leave the man alone, James." Lily scolded, "Go set the table if you're so full of energy."
Sirius winced, "Walked right into that one, mate."
James rolled his eyes but obliged, throwing a funny face at Skylar who mimicked it right back.
Remus smiled, unfolding the parchment to look for words.
Lupin
The handwriting was unmistakable, but had a distinctly shaky style that was uncharacteristic.
Lupin's smile fell and his face must have conveyed something because quickly the chatter lowered and all eyes were on him.
I know you're probably busy. I don't know if this letter will find you. She's looking for me and she's going to find me.
I don't know where to go, she's angry.
It didn't need to be signed, Remus knew exactly who it was from.
"Remus," James spoke, clapping one hand on the man's shoulder, "Everything okay?"
"No I..." Remus sighed, one hand rubbing into his eye socket much harsher than he probably should, "James, Sirius, can I talk with you outside?"
The two exchanged looks. They stood and slipped outside through the back door, not saying anything.
"Moony," Remus paused in the doorway. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing Skylar, who was awkwardly shifting in his seat, "Is there something I can do?"
Remus smiled softly, "No, everything's okay. We'll be inside in a second."
Skylar hesitated but nodded, looking for Ron and vanishing up the stairs to where the other boy had gone.
Remus exhaled through his nose, passing through the door to meet with his two friends waiting anxiously outside.
"Alright," James crossed his arms, looking serious, "what's wrong?"
"A student of mine- or a past student," Remus rubbed his arm uncomfortably, "He sent me a letter."
Sirius didn't take the opportunity for an innuendo, which showed how serious they were taking the situation.
"What's wrong with the kid?" Sirius asked, bouncing on his heels, "..Is it a... ah….a furry little problem?"
Remus flinched, "Merlin I hope not. I think he's in trouble."
James frowned and licked his lips worriedly.
"What kind of trouble, Moony?"
....
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