2 Dec ‘77: Won’t Back Down From This:Charmus/Open to Gryffs

[Remus Lupin]

2 December 1977

“I’ve read this book before, shortly after it first came out,” he said as they paused on a moving staircase, fingers intertwined with hers as they headed back towards their common room. “But I wrote my mum to send it, because this author has released some new ones in the last couple of years.” The stairs settled into place, and the pair headed down the hall towards the portrait of the Fat Lady, Remus grinning as he continued. “Her names Anne McCaffrey, and it’s fantasy like I mentioned… Oh, and it’s about this planet called Pern.”

Upon entering the common room, Remus gave it a scan to see who was about. He had to assume that Daisy and Peter were up in the boys dorm - which meant his dash up there would have to be a quick one - but it wasn’t them he was concerned about. Mary was curled up in blankets by the fire, he’d heard she was feeling under the weather. As he looked about the faces in the common room, the one he was really looking for wasn’t about. Rufus was dating a Hufflepuff, and that had made this whole sort-of-dating his sister thing a lot easier. He hadn’t a clue where any of the rest of the familiar faces he knew were, but it wasn’t them he was concerned about anyway. Giving Charlotte’s hand a squeeze, he looked down to her before saying, “I’m going to go and grab that book, if you want to pick a good spot?” He waited for her confirmation before letting go of her hand, soon up the stairs to the dorms with an ear to the door. It sounded safe enough, and a peek in showed him that the dorm was empty.

Dropping his gloves and coat on his bed, he found the book in question and was quickly making his way back to the common room. Charlotte had found a spot near one of the fires, and he dropped down next to her before handing her the book happily. “Last thing, it’s got dragons in it. I’m kind of a sucker for magical creatures.”

[Charlotte Fudge]

Charlotte would be content to hear him speak of his books for hours. There was a certain light that flickered on in Remus's eyes, a certain little smile that popped up, a certain tone he used, that simply enamored him to her. How hasn't he dated before? Because surely someone else had seen this side of him and been as lost in it as she felt herself becoming. How couldn't they? Might just be he hasn't liked them back, the sixth year thought with a bit of giddiness, nodding along as he filled her in on the book his mum had sent. While she generally went for histories, branching out into historical fiction if she felt adventurous, Charlotte was finding herself excited to try out this book of fantasy. Muggles were ever so creative, their storytelling so rich and powerful, but the main excitement came from the potential of figuring out just why this book spoke to Remus so. Beloved books were insights, after all, into those that loved them. And she was hardly tired of learning more about the bloke holding her hand.

"Anne McCaffrey, Pern, fantasy...I think I can handle it. It's really all right if I borrow it now, though? Were you going to reread it so you can catch up on the rest? I don't mean to muck up your plans - I can wait for it, it's okay." She shot an understanding smile up at him as he ducked through the portrait hole, following him in after clunking the remaining bits of snow off of her boots. The common room was warm, fires flickering cheerily in their places, and - more importantly - it was actually...quiet. A proper rarity for Gryffindor Tower, but she was grateful - if not a bit guilt-filled - as she spotted Remus doing the same sort of scan she was. All clear. She gave his hand a squeeze back and nodded, finding a small couch by one of the fires to pop onto while he all but ran upstairs. You can't not smile at that, Char thought, laying her scarf and jacket off the arm of the couch as she waited. It wasn't long before Remus returned, successful on his mission, and she grinned as he gave her the book, carefully turning it over in her hands. But she couldn't help but laugh as he added one more thing for her to know about it, finding his glittering eyes with hers.

"Good to know, but - muggle-imagined dragons? Goodness, are they anything like ours?" She grinned, leaning into his side as she skimmed the back cover.

[Mary Macdonald]

Well now, that’s not something you see every day.

Unless her not-so-keen-as-usual hazel eyes were mistaken, Remus Lupin and Charlotte Fudge had just entered the common room hand in hand, with gentle smiles and cheeks red from the blustery outdoors. Before Mary had any time to process this development, her classmate was bounding up to his dorm and the younger Gryffindor was smiling to herself as she settled onto a loveseat. Having spent the evening alternating between people watching and reading (much better than enduring the not-so-charming lingering effects of the Pepperup Potion that she knew she should just go get from the Hospital Wing, even if it meant missing out on the festivities on the grounds), the seventh year was properly content to put mark the page in her novel once Remus returned. All eyes for Charlotte, how have I missed this? While she and the prefect weren't incredibly close, Mary prided herself on keeping as up-to-date as possible on the goings-on inside the castle. And here were two housemates who had, evidently, kept their burgeoning romance an absolute secret.

Reasoning out why as she watched them practically start canoodling over a book wasn't nearly as difficult as providing rebuttal arguments in Transfiguration. The laws are laws for reasons, Merlin's sake. Remus, being one of the marauders, had one of the most supportive-yet-invasive friend groups ever known to Hogwarts. She still remembered clearly the two days that the boys had spent in bitter resentment over something-or-other in their fourth year, and how it seemed the castle was put back to rights when whatever it was had been resolved. They needed each other, were practically never seen apart, but Remus would need them not to make a big deal out of him liking this particular girl. He can't be completely keeping this from them, though. But Charlotte Fudge's brother roomed with them, and there was the bigger problem. You should have a chat with him, Mary thought, her heart warming not from fever but from the sweet scene before her. While Alice was protective over her, certainly, the woman who was like a sister to her still let her lead her own life, make her own mistakes. Rufus' hovering over Charlotte was hardly helpful towards anything but keeping him sane...Selfish, honey, if you could see how happy she looks...

The sniffly redhead was game for a new distraction and decided to do a spot of investigating. Being under the weather, missing out on the fun, and the holidays coming up - she'd been game for any sort of distraction, as of late, to avoid thinking of that last too deeply. This was the first time since she was a small child that she wouldn't be going to the Logans for the holiday, seeing as they'd had to pick up and move because of You-Know-Who sticking his nose where it didn't belong. She was sure that spending the snowy days with Alice and Frank in their cottage would be perfectly lovely, but she couldn't help feeling like she didn't anymore have a place to call home outside of the school. Those thoughts led her into places she'd rather not be, though, so instead of dwelling, Mary got up with her blanket-of-a-robe around her and came up to the rather adorable pair. "I hope you don't mind me joining you, it's just been so quiet here tonight," she said, voice hoarse through her smile as she tucked herself into an armchair beside them. "What's that you've got there?"

[Remus Lupin]

“Oh no, you aren’t mucking up any plans,” he assured her. He’d already skimmed the book again, at least enough to remember what he needed to for the next book in the series. Besides, he was in the middle of at least two other books that he needed to finish, starting more than one book at a time a habit of his he had yet to break. Sharing this with Charlotte was different than sharing it with James or Sirius, even though the two of them had read suggested books in the past. The books he shared with Charlotte were like sharing pieces of who he was, and he was enjoying this...whatever it was that they were. Studying together in the library, holding hands underneath the table. They rarely got time in the common room to spend together like this though, and as he dropped on the couch next to her Remus didn’t bother to move his arm that found a resting spot on the couch behind Charlotte.

He smiled at her question, shaking his head, “Not exactly. I mean, not that I’ve ever actually seen a dragon, but as far as I know people don’t try to ride them. Or communicate with them,” he answered with a chuckle, “They communicate telepathically, and only certain people can ride them. It’s a really interesting premise.” It was nice to have Charlotte close to him like this, the two of them so close together while the fire warmed his fingers and toes that had been numb from the colder weather outside. It was also making him want to kiss her again, the kiss they had shared outside still fresh in his mind. But there were people in the common room, and so he settled for place a gentle kiss on Charlotte’s forehead as he settled in next to her.

The calm was momentary, as a voice startled him. He looked up to see Mary, bundled up in blankets, and he gave her a smile. Mary was one of the kindest people he knew, and two years ago he’d denied to himself that he’d had a thing for her. A brief thing, as Sirius and Mary had dated that year and Remus had realized he was better off simply not dating. But now, here with Charlotte, Remus was a bit happy he’d never tried to pursue anything with the redhead that was settling in near them. “Muggle book from my Mum,” he spoke up, wondering how much of this would get back to Rufus now that Mary was with them. She wouldn’t tell, she’s not like that. “How’s the cold?”

[Charlotte Fudge]

This was - this was incredibly nice.

While they usually weren't affectionate when not wholly alone, and when they were alone they weren't terribly overtly affectionate, Charlotte rather found herself rather enjoying this. For when Remus rejoined her, his arm went around her just as it had done in the carriage, and his eyes were so warm and so was he and close...The sixth year wanted to focus on his words, to learn more of his perception of the dragons that awaited her within the pages of the beloved book, and thankfully - despite the kiss to her forehead that had her turning a light shade of pink - one of his last notes drew her attention back to the present. Away from their first date, learning about each other through books. Away from the suggestion of more kisses. Away from the desire for them to be, freely... "What was that?" Charlotte asked, looking up to him quizzically at the unfamiliar term. "Tele...?"

She found herself gripping the book suddenly as they were interrupted, shoulders squaring under his arm as her back straightened to attention. Knowing her smile was uncomfortable and trying to adjust it, she nodded to Mary Macdonald; a friend of her brother's and Remus too, she thought, in the year above her. She didn't know the other lioness well - not that she was unsociable, simply that she was selectively so, and found she had enough friends to keep her company when she desired it - but hoped that she would be discreet. She did know that Mary could be a bit of a gossip, so...

If Remus can smile about this, you can. Relax, she just wants company.

"It's all right," she reassured in follow-up, forcing the tension from her face. "I could fetch you a potion from Madam Pomfrey, if you'd like? Such a shame to be sickly." Charlotte assumed that the girl had felt too ill to descend the many stairs it would take to get down to the Hospital Wing, and while she didn't want to leave Remus - it was good to offer, wasn't it?

[Mary Macdonald]

Well, that's a reaction, Mary thought, stifling an entertained grin as much as she could as Remus jumped a bit and Charlotte looked as though she'd just been prodded by a hot poker. It's just me! she wanted to remind them, but held that in as well; she'd let things sit as they were, not press them tonight. Even if Remus had his arm around the girl's shoulders, and she'd seen him place the sweetest kiss on her temple...Lupin lovestruck, this was worth staying in for. She let out her grin at his reply, peeking over him to see the book a bit more clearly in Charlotte's lap before drifting back to the armchair. Bonding over books, stop it. This was the most adorable development, and before she went up to bed she'd have to find out who knew about them so she could discuss them further. Daisy, surely. Mind half on tracking down Charlotte's roommate and half on the pair before her, Mary smiled genially at the sixth year at the offer.

"Thanks, honey, so sweet of you, but I'm determined to power through on my own. Pepperup just - ugh - the steam, I can't bear it. And I can feel the tide turning, you know?" She gestured to her thick throat with emphasis before snuggling back up into her knitted blanket, arms and legs tucked inside. "How was it out there? Didn't miss anything too wild, did I? Oh, what am I saying," she smiled knowingly, shooting Remus a wink, "with you boys out there, some shenanigans must've gone down!" Mary coughed into her shoulder and drifted down in the chair before turning back to the couple, ready for stories.

[Marlene McKinnon]

Coming down the stairs to the common room, Mick wasn’t terribly surprised to find that it was mostly empty. There was a fantastic day of ice skating available at the lake for whoever wanted to participate, and while she wanted to be out there showing off, Marlene was worried that Bridget and Mo would be out there and frankly, she didn’t feel up to pretending today. She had expected that this would be the year things would work out, that Bridget and her would be together again. It had sucked when they had called in quits last year, because she was so in love with Bridget. Even now she was, while her ex was perfectly content dating someone new. And Mick couldn’t really blame Bridget - Mo was pretty, she was funny, she was an all around catch. She was trying to tell herself that this was good, that maybe there was another gay girl in this school somewhere she would find herself dating this year. She wasn’t going to find one sitting around in the common room though.

Red hair caught her attention, and then what caught her attention after was worth the pause. Remus Lupin and Charlotte Fudge, cuddled up on the couch together. How have I missed this? Since when did Remus actually date anyone, let alone Little Fudge. Surely Rufus wasn’t wise as to what was going on, because she knew her fellow beater well enough to know that there had to be some sort of boys code rule about dating a friend's younger sister. And while she knew that Remus was known to break the rules, she just hadn’t thought that rule would be one she’d witness him ever breaking. Admittedly, she didn’t know Charlotte as well as she would have liked, she mostly just knew her as Rufus’ little sister. But from what she did know, Remus and Charlotte were actually a very smart match.

Sorry Rufus, if you could see how good they look together you’d understand why I’m on their side. There was no way she was letting her friend decide who his younger sister could or couldn’t date, not when it was one of the sweetest things Marlene had seen. She walked over, leaning on the back of Mary’s chair and giving her roommate’s head a friendly pat. “Hey plaguey, don’t tell me you’re getting all the good stories over here without me,” she teased, before walking around to sink to the floor in front of Mary, leaning back against her legs. “Hey Rem, Little Fudge, you two look cozy,” she said with a raised eyebrow and a grin. She wondered what details Mary had managed to pry out of them while she’d been upstairs. “Alright, tell us what shenanigans happened now that I'm settled."

[Remus Lupin]

To have quiet moments together like this, like the one they had in the carriage - it was nice. He wanted more moments like this, and he did hope that they could find a way to meet up over the holidays. He wanted to see her, and he knew that he would have gifts for her from his mum as well as his own. His father was still unaware of his son’s dating life, (which was probably for the best), his mother was not. And she was ecstatic, and had so many questions, and would absolutely want to know what Charlotte thought of the book. The quiet was broken by Mary’s appearance, and he felt Charlotte tense up beside him. He wished for a moment he could speak telepathically, to let the girl his arm was around know it would be okay. Mary was chatty, but she would understand without being told that this wasn’t exactly news for everyone to hear.

He leaned back, hoping that it would make Charlotte feel more at ease again, and looked to Mary as the girl next to him offered to run down for a pepper up potion. Remus didn’t want Charlotte to leave, and he was thankful that Mary declined the offer. He too knew how unpleasant a pepper up potion could be, and frankly felt that a proper hot toddy was really the best medicine. He’d make sure to bring Mary one up later, and let her ask whatever questions she might want to ask him then. He was about to answer her question when Mick joined them, and he gave the girl a wave in greeting as she settled in with them. Of course their new companion was quick to comment on the way they were sitting, and Remus wanted to shush her. Mick and Rufus were tight, and he didn’t want the way Rufus found out about this be because Mick couldn’t keep her mouth shut.

They wanted stories, and Remus wanted to deliver - but there wasn’t much to tell. Neither he or Charlotte had a love for the cold, so the appeal of coming back into the fire while everyone else was out had been too great. “James has the most ridiculous sweater on,” he said, well aware his own sweater was a contender in that battle, “I do believe that Lily and James went on a carriage ride together though, after manning the skate booth. As for plans, I may or may not have knowledge of things. It’s a secret, you know that.”

[Charlotte Fudge]

Mary was looking far too much like the cat that ate the canary in coming upon her and Remus together like this, even though there would be absolutely nothing for her to report to Rufus, Charlotte rationalized. She and Remus were housemates with similar interests and aptitudes, surely it wouldn't be front page news to anyone for them to be sharing a couch in the common room on a cold day. Fully clothed in their winter layers, talking about books - If it was as innocent as you're trying to make it out to be, you wouldn't be having to try so hard. Even before their kiss today, they weren't platonic, however much she still felt the need to pretend to the world that they were. Not that she didn't also see Remus having many qualities that she would want in a friend, but a friend wouldn't have her heart racing when they did something as simple as held hands. And so she sat primly at Remus's side as Mary looked them over and waved away her offer of help, and began racking her mind for a response - The only shenanigan I know of for a fact belongs to us. - when Marlene appeared.

She felt her face pale as she was now seated across from two of Ruff's closest yearmates, despite Marlene's genial greeting. Oh do get over yourself, Charlotte, they will have better things to talk about to him and others than you. She had done quite well at keeping herself out of gossip thus far in her Hogwarts career, and while some efforts had been purposeful - while she would speak up in class and not hold herself back in a debate, she always made sure to leave them professionally with her academic rivals - for the most part, she had never had to worry. There were far too many students who drew pleasure from stirring things up socially for the notion of the gossip columnists taking notice of her to cross her mind. So while this moment was not ideal from her viewpoint, she could all too clearly imagine Daisy reminding her that it was good for her to expand her social circle. Charlotte looked to her companion gratefully as he began, chuckling at the memory of the smitten Head Students. And what a perfect distraction.

"I'm not sure that it was the most ridiculous sweater out there," she lightly teased, nudging shoulders, "but I've never seen so many reindeer worn with such pride. I like yours better, though...They - er - they did share a carriage, so I'm sure Lily will have some things to fill you in on. Not that I'm saying anything happened, erm - just - seemed like they were getting on? It was nice to see them happy together." Even someone who didn't seek out rumors knew about the ups and downs of Lily and James over the years, and she had initially been concerned about them sharing the Head Student titles. Alice and Frank had managed so splendidly the year before, and perhaps part of their success had been that they had already gotten together. They hadn't been in the awkward position that Lily and James were in, and both had had years of prefecture under their belts. If they did begin a relationship, would the student body see a favorable shift in leadership for their second term? The sixth year let out a quiet laugh as Remus teased of a secret, "You can't tell us, of course, but what if we guess?"

[Mary Macdonald]

"Wouldn't dream of it, Mickey, you're just in time," Mary smiled, as glad for the addition of her roommate to their impromptu gathering as it looked like Charlotte was anxious of it. She truly wished that the little lioness could loosen up - six years they'd shared a House, and Mary knew next to nothing about her! - and that she'd believe her if Mary told her she and Marlene didn't bite, that the older girls didn't have it out for her or anything of the sort. And as for her fellow prefect, well - she didn't need to be a Legilimens to know Remus's feelings, not with the look he shot Marlene. She gave a tired chuckle at Marlene's commentary - So much easier for them to relax now, thanks honey. - and adjusted herself in her seat after smoothing her ruffled hair. She reached out, gently combing through her roommate's short dark hair with her fingers before starting to braid around her crown. It wasn't going to be her most beautiful work, Mary was sure, but if anyone could use some extra love, it was her friend. The whole kerfuffle with Marlene and Bridget and Morgan had left the Gryffindor alone and, when she thought no one was looking, despondent. It was a terrible state of affairs, really, and Mary knew no one to set her up with... Lily and James? In a carriage? Alone?

That got her grinning even more than the little back-and-forth about sweaters and those lingering looks - she'd have to see both boys to judge fairly, but Remus's howling wolves would likely take the cake - and she let out a laugh. "Oh no, if she knows what's good for her, Lily will have something to tell us," Mary declared. "Those two are due for some happiness, together." While both of their Heads had had their romantic entanglements with others, while she had applauded Lily's refusal of James back in fifth, while he'd thrown a scene over Tommy on his first day with the new position...while they both had fought and grown and healed, apart and together, it was high time for them to stop denying their hearts. There was something real between them, pushing and pulling and pawing, and she could only imagine how unstoppable, blissful, they'd be once they admitted it. "Grown into being proper matches for each other, if I do say so," she went on, tickling Marlene's ear with the ends of the hair in her hands, and keeping further thoughts on how their friends wouldn't be foolish enough to let each other go to herself, not needing the reminder for Marlene's or her own long-aching heart.

"Come on, Remus," she cajoled, sending the pair a quick conspiratorial wink. Yes, yes - they could guess, and he could hint, and they would likely get close to whatever festive hijinks the boys had planned. But she could also send a little hint, couldn't she? Breathe. We're not telling anyone about the pair of you...But would it be the worst if we laid some groundwork for you with Ruff? We're your best bet at helping him come around... "We're very good at secrets, aren't we, Mick?" 

[Marlene McKinnon]

She wanted to simply tell Charlotte not to worry, that if Remus and Charlotte wanted to keep this a secret for any reason, she’d keep her mouth shut. Not that Mick felt it should be a secret, not when Remus was one of the nicest guys she’d ever met. Truthfully, if she’d been into men, she’d have wanted to date Remus. He was good looking, he was tall, he had this little smirk when he was trying not to show he was amused. She’d never seen Remus date anyone, or show interest, and so Marlene wanted to see where this went. Because it was cute, the two of them together on the loveseat, Remus’ with his arm around Charlotte like it was how they sat together all the time. How long had her and Mary missed the signs of this? Had she really been so caught up in her own hurt feelings that she had been oblivious to a budding romance? Well yes, but let’s not think about that.

She appreciated Mary playing with her hair, smirking at Remus as he commented on ridiculous sweaters, as if the boys didn’t spend every year buying Remus the worst jumper possible. She didn’t know if Remus was obsessed with wolves, or if it was some inside joke amongst the boys, but he always seemed to get wolf-related items for gag gifts. She’d decided years ago that she’d rather not know, as you never knew what to expect if you asked one of the boys a seemingly innocent question about their antics. But the mention of James and Lily in a carriage together drew her attention, and she laughed at Mary’s addition. “They were getting on, were they? Very intriguing. Someone remind me to talk to Vance, think she owes me some galleons,” she joked, “Good thing I’ve got plenty of butterbeer stashed, sounds like it’s going to be a late night in our room.” She smiled up at Mary, laughing as the ends of her hair brushed her ear. She was right, Lily and James were a good match. Not a few years ago, but now? James had taken this position really seriously, and they were doing such a great job. It was ridiculous how meant to be it all felt for the two of them, and since she hadn’t had to watch Bridget and Morgan today, she was feeling quite like following the love connection with her roomies later.

Remus was teasing them by withholding the knowledge of whatever prank was going down today, and she wished she had a pillow to throw at him. She was sure Remus would let them guess endlessly without ever telling them the truth, the sneaking bugger. “We’re the best at keeping secrets. Especially from Rufus Fudge, we are so good at keeping secrets from him. So c’mon, tell us what hijinks we are missing out on.”

[Remus Lupin]

Having Marlene around, one of Rufus’ closer friends, did feel a little weird, and he felt that he was rather close with Marlene. Especially after seven years together, where they’d had some very serious talks about the types of girls they liked, and where she had eventually asked him if he was gay because he’d never really been interested in a girl. She was probably the only person besides the boys that he had eventually told of any girls he had feelings for. He was sure she was going to be bitter that he’d neglected to tell her about this budding romance with Charlotte. He would find a way to make it up to her later, he’d take a trip to Hogsmeade to get her some of her favorite whiskey. They’d put on Stevie Nicks and he’d let her wallow about Bridget - they’d make a whole night of it.

He grinned at Charlotte’s tease, mind already set to bring out his best ridiculous holiday jumpers for Charlotte to see later. Thankfully, Lily and James were a welcome distraction for the pair of girls seated across from them. After the spectacle that James had made on the train about Lily dating someone else, it was no secret that he harbored feelings for Lily Evans. But from the reaction Mary and Mick had, Remus was now wondering just what was talked about in the seventh year girls dorm. Either way, he made a mental note to check in with Lily about her feelings for James. A chuckle escaped as talk turned to the well laid plans of the Marauders, Charlotte offering up a guessing game. He supposed if they were able to guess the antics, they had a right to know. Not that anyone usually was any good at guessing the latest tricks they had up their sleeves.

Mary was promising to keep secrets, and he rolled his eyes at Mick’s addition. He supposed being caught by Marlene and Mary was better than dealing with any snide comments his friends might choose to make, as they hadn’t really hung around his friends together. It was best though, he decided, to humor them before they scared Charlotte away. “Well, after our stunning wand work in charming the Medusa’s hair to snakes - thank you again Mary, for your kind help with that - we felt that they were starting to get big headed again,” he started, lowering his voice. Not that there was anyone else in the common room to overhear, but it made the story better. “Snake hair would be the obvious choice again, given how well it went last time. But that would be too predictable. Let’s just say the Slytherin’s are skating on thin ice.”

[Charlotte Fudge]

It seemed like all was well, the others hopping on to the topic of their Head Students with ease - actually, everything about the bearings of the seventh year girls was ease, and Charlotte found herself acutely envious of them. She felt as though she'd missed the course everyone else had signed up for in third year that taught them how to comfortably coexist with each other. Or did jumping into conversation truly come so naturally to them? Were they not afraid of saying the wrong thing? Of being misunderstood? You'll feel much better after you've spoken to Rufus. Whatever qualms he may have, won't it be best to get them out in the open instead of hiding from him? While it wouldn't solve all of her hang-up's, Char knew, being honest with her brother about her feelings for his roommate - and their reciprocation - would certainly help in moments like these. Even if Rufus was upset with her, that feeling wouldn't last, not when he saw how happy she was becoming at Remus's side. Then, instead of being preoccupied with whether Mary or Marlene would tell Rufus before she did, she would be able to focus on the conversation at hand, ask better questions, try and get to know them more... 

They're happy to talk about Lily and James. They both laughed at the news. This is fine, Charlotte, you're doing fine.

Following her heart when she was so accustomed to following her head was a harder adjustment than she anticipated, when it wasn't just her and Remus. And, evidently, her unease was not as unnoticed as she would have liked, with how her Housemates pointedly continued on about keeping secrets. From Rufus Fudge. Charlotte felt her face go red, which she hopefully would be able to blame on the heat of the fire if asked, and she avoided eyes and tuned into Remus's words as he, blessedly, took over. He didn't seem bothered, and she consciously took comfort in that and the arm still warm and steadying around her shoulders. "The medusas? That was you?" she asked with a sneaking smile up at him, shaken out of herself. Earlier this year, the cleverness of making the girls emulate the gorgon they were not-so-affectionately nicknamed after had been brilliant. The charmwork and transfiguration involved had to have been exacting, complex - and, while she had close family members in the House and knew better than to generalize, the venomous trio had had it coming. "But, thin ice? Is something to happen to them...now?"

[Mary Macdonald]

"No way, Em was betting against them? Or had the timing wrong?" Mary grinned, eager to pull their newly-lucky-in-love friend into the loop. She was glad to see that smile on Mick's face - she had such a lovely one, and Mary had seen it too little lately - but couldn't contain a laugh as she went on. "Mickey!" she whispered, all grins despite her best efforts, as it seemed like Charlotte would happily disappear into her shell, had she had one. Why their younger Housemate was so apprehensive around them was a pure mystery to her. They were hardly threatening! They were reassuring!

Sure, Ruff was more impulsive than the youngest Fudge, and more boisterous, and had a protective nature. That made him such a laugh, and such a good brother! And they were promising to keep mum! And did the girl honestly expect to keep a secret? In this castle? Just because she and Mick wouldn't say anything didn't mean squat, not when prying eyes were everywhere. This would come out, and soon, and wouldn't they rather do it on their own terms? If Charlotte wasn't ready to trust them, perhaps they could get to the bottom of this with Remus. Maybe it was different with sisters - whenever she'd realized a crush, she'd run to tell Alice. Because love wasn't anything to be embarrassed about! Especially if Charlotte was feeling that way towards as great a guy as Remus Lupin!

She gave a gracious nod to the bloke at his thanks - she'd had her reservations about the prank for only a few moments, but had been left shampooing scales out of her hair for far longer - and was amused anew as Charlotte seemed to come back to them. You like a prankster, hmm? Oh sweet girl, you've got the best of them. "That was all Remus," she grinned, giving her hair a fluff. "No way I would've trusted anyone else with this. Although I'm relieved you don't need it again - I'm all for another well-deserved ego-bust for them, but I shed scales for that!" As ridiculous as it sounded, it was so gross in the moment, and she knew the Medusas had had it worse - reverse-engineering spells without help from the brains behind the originals was so hard, wasn't it girls? - and she was not far enough away from it to join in on something new...without more questions. The devotion that the boys had to their pranks, it was absolute. As entertaining as it had been to be on the inside for one, Mary was not ready to risk sacrificing her look again. The Medusas had it coming, whatever this new prank was, for everything they got away with. "Don't worry," she assured, snuggling back into her blanket. "If something's happening now, he's got it under control. A little frostbite can't hurt something already so cold, right?"

[Dorcas Meadowes]

"Next event, we're all going together," Dorcas declared, in a bit of a huff as she neared the chatting group gathered at one of the fireplaces. She wasted no time in removing her wet cloak and mittens, draping them over a nearby hook to dry, and sat on the floor near the hearth, back to the fire. She folded her legs under herself, wishing she'd changed into something more practical before heading out for the day - but in the off chance that Mick changed her mind and joined her at the lake, she'd wanted to look nice. Their boys had their festive sweaters, she had a festive dress and too few excuses to wear it. But she understood why Mick stuck inside, even if her ex seeing them skating together could've been a beautiful moment for any number of reasons. It did have Dorcas worrying, though - Mick had encouraged her to go, to support Lily and fill in for Mary, and she could hardly argue with that, or be sore about Lily spending the day alongside James, working or otherwise. She wouldn't stand in the way of what finally seemed to be happening between those two. But this couldn't be the start of a new pattern, she wouldn't allow it. Was Mick planning to miss out on all of the fun because Bee and Mo might be somewhere?

You can't rush her. She's still hurting, healing...

"Wish you would've just taken a Pepperup, Mary - we've got the Hogsmeade trip tomorrow, will you be better by then without one? And you - " She raised her brows at Mick, although her look softened as she took her in, adorable braided crown and all. " - would've shown everyone up on the ice, I'm sure of it." Just because she had split the hours between ladling cocoa and taking her turns on the ice, and Mick and Mary had secluded themselves in for the day, didn't mean nothing had happened. For Dorcas had been beyond pleased to see Remus out on the ice with the girl seated next to him now, as snuggled up to him as she'd likely get with the rest of them there. Her friend was starting to open himself up to someone in a new way, and she'd worried that Charlotte's insecurity would get in the way of their attending something like this and moving forward with what they had. It seemed like things were starting to chug along, at their own pace, and she shared a knowing smile with Remus, ready to hear everything...once the sixth year was out of earshot.

"Have you two been back long? If so, it'll clear your names - by the time I left, a few of our least favorite students seemed to be on the receiving end of some mysterious karmic intervention." She grinned and gathered her curls in hand, moving them over a shoulder so her back could catch the full warmth of the fire. Perhaps she wouldn't be so frustrated about today's miss if they had more chances at days like this. But their last year at the castle was almost officially halfway over, and as adamant as she'd been at the start of her Hogwarts experience to get through it herself, Dorcas felt herself on the verge of becoming sentimental at the thought of separating from everyone. And, admittedly, her nerves were getting worse. Should she keep delaying cluing Mick in, in the hopes that she'd be over her ex by the time she knew Dorcas's feelings? Or should she come out with the truth, in the hopes that that could encourage Mick's heart to sway her way? She'd talked herself in circles about it with Remus too many times to count - and moments like this, where Mick wasn't even an arm's reach away, and she was hopped up from the day, it was almost impossible to keep herself in check.