❁ BOTANY; r.lupin

01.

"The Hogwarts Express"

THE SUMMER HAD BEEN one long, hot and uncomfortable phase for Janice and she did not want to relive it. Memories of strange cousins, a heatwave and many, many books were stored deep in the back of her brain by now. Marlene, on the other hand, couldn't wait to tell the three of her sexy summer fling with a strapping young frenchman named Max. At least somebody had a good summer.

Four heads pricked up and turned towards the door as the sound of the trolly came rumbling down the aisle. Janice was practically drooling at the thought of pumpkin pasties and chocolate cauldrons; one would assume that Jan had not been fed for the two months of summer. In fact, she'd done quite the opposite (as per usual) and there didn't seem to be a moment where her mouth was empty.

"So, J. How was your summer?", Lily had  asked her, just trying to make friendly conversation. 

Janice winced and shook her head. "I couldn't begin to describe that bloody summer even if i wanted to. Let's just say i never want to go to Italy to see my cousins again. Ever."

The other three girls looked at each other and burst into fits of laughter, so much so that Janice couldn't help but join them. Hopefully their school year will be way better than their break; they're going back to Hogwarts for crying out loud.

A knock on the door of the carriage grabbed the attention of three of the girls - Emmeline had fallen asleep (classic). 

"Come in", Janice called out in a song song voice.

Four familiar faces entered the carriage and grinned at the women. James was the first to speak, "Well if it isn't our favourites ladies."

"And Jan."

"Wow, Sirius. What a good mate you are."

The seven of them, excluding Emmeline, caught up and chatted about anything and everything. 

"You know, Sirius has pretty much officially moved in with me now."

The groups response to James was a series of cheers. Marlene whistled, Peter clapped and Janice threw her arms up in victory.

Jan found herself next to Remus Lupin, a sweet and quiet boy who seemed to get himself involved in all sorts of mischief. The pair had been friends for a while and enjoyed each other's company. Janice would never tell anyone, but she found him quite cute. "So tell me, Rem. Have you been up to much?"

He turned his body towards hers and spoke with such a softness that she felt compelled to move closer into him. 

"Nothing too exiting. Quite a boring summer if I do say so myself. And you, J? How've you been?"

Marlene swung her head around Janice to speak to Remus, "Do not ask her about her summer."

Remus laughed but furrowed his eyebrows at Janice in a questioning manner. 

She visibly sighed, "It's a long story. Maybe one day, Rem."

Peter held out a paper bag filled with some assortment of sweet, knowingly eyeing Janice up, "Anybody want a gobstopper?"

There were plenty of polite declines and even more eyes on Janice. She glanced around the compartment before turning her full attention back to Peter, a smirk forming on her face. Everybody's gaze was set on her. Her palm slowly unfolded in front of the mousy boy and there were two words on her lips. She seemed to move in slow motion, bathing in all of the attention. Some of them were sitting on the edge of their seat, waiting for her to act - others rolling their eyes at Janice, God, she's so dramatic. Everybody thinking the same thing and couldn't bring themselves to speak, "For the love of god, do something"

It was as if she could read their minds because that's exactly what she did.
"Yes please"

The group split off and climbed into carriages.  Marlene began the conversation between her, Peter, Janice and Remus. "So, what's every bodies plans for this year?"

"I haven't really got any plans this year, Marl", Peter was the first to reply. 

"Well, we're trying out for the quidditch team again, aren't we Jan?"

"Aye, that's right."

Remus had never really been interested in the sport but he knew enough to keep a conversation going, "What positions will you girls be going for?"

Janice and Marlene looked at each other and turned back to Remus in sync, "Chaser". 

"Nice. You'd better be careful though. It gets rough out there," offered Peter. 

"Cheers Pete for the advice. I reckon we'll manage."

Finally, the students had arrived at the great hall and were sitting through the housing ceremony. Janice was on the edge of her seat - not because of the ceremony but rather the lack of food on the table. She was a hawk, awaiting the perfect moment to pounce on her prey and rip it open. The second that the food landed on the table, Jan was all over it. She grabbed everything she saw and did not hesitate to dig in. 

"God, J. You must be starving."

"Considering she stuffed her face with sweets on the train."

"And probably on the way to Kings Cross."

"And she definitely had a hearty breakfast."

Janice eventually answered after swallowing her mouthful of mashed potatoes. "All very true statements. None of them relevant to my appetite."

After Janice's own personal food fest, most of the group headed to the gryffindor tower. Remus and Lily has been made prefects and would have to escort first years to their dorm. But, knowing them two, they'd love it. They'd love the responsibility and Janice knew that in an hour Lily would be banging on about how good it will look on her applications.

But Janice didn't have to hear Lily chatting away, even though she was, as she had fallen asleep on the common room sofa.