ten

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Ivy put on her Hogwarts robes and walked out of the Ravenclaw common room where she saw four boys walking down the corridor. She walked as fast as she could to catch up to them and said hello. Valentine's day was a few weeks ago and Ivy didn't receive a gift or give one.

"I want death. My stomach hurts so bad," Ivy complained to no one in particular as they all turned their heads to look at her.

"Is it that time of the month, Ivy? You got cramps?" Sirius said as he poked her stomach.

"How did you know I was a werewolf, Sirius?" Ivy said sarcastically, gasping and putting a hand over her mouth. Remus choked on air, surprised at what she said. Peter patted him on the back a few times and nodded at Ivy awkwardly. Sirius thought this was a perfect opportunity to get her thoughts on how she would feel once she finds out about Remus's secret.

"What's your opinion on werewolves?" Sirius asked as Ivy shrugged.

"Let's say— I don't know— you're a werewolf. Once I find out, I wouldn't give two shits." She paused. "I mean, no one asks to be a werewolf, so I shouldn't blame you for it. It's also none of my business, I'm sure you wouldn't want me sticking my nose into your secrets," Ivy said as the four boys listened intently. "Also yes, that's why my stomach hurts."

"I am so sorry. I can't imagine being a girl," Sirius said as Ivy shrugged.

"It sucks, but at least I'm not pregnant."

They turned in the Great Hall and Ivy said goodbye, walking over to the Ravenclaw table.

"What did I say. She isn't gonna care that you're a werewolf," Sirius said to Remus as Remus frowned.

"It's because that was hypothetical! She doesn't think that that conversation is gonna matter," Remus said as James shook his head quickly. "But it will. It's gonna matter very soon when she starts putting together the puzzle pieces."

"No, no. She will be fine once she finds out. And, since we are in the process of becoming Animagus's, that's something else to almost distract her. It will be fine! I think you should tell her. She's gonna figure it out eventually, and she would trust you more if you were honest." James said as they sat down. "Lilypad, will you go to Hogsmeade with me?"

"No, piss off."

"Ivy's a good person, and understanding. She will be supportive," Peter said, shrugging.

"I don't think so. It's gonna be shocking to her that she's been friends with a fucking monster for almost a year and he hasn't even told her," Remus said as they all looked at Ivy, who was talking to the girls she shared a dorm with. "Maybe I should tell her."

        "I honestly think it's a good idea. It's a bit risky, but what's life without some danger?" Sirius said as James rolled his eyes.

        "You're so cheesy," James said as Sirius winked. "I'd go for it. Maybe not today, but sometime soon. The next full moon is in a week. Maybe you should give her one or two more full moons to figure it out," James shrugged as Peter nodded vigorously.

         "Yeah. Even if you don't tell her, she'd understand. It's a huge secret, and it would take some bravery to tell anyone. It's your choice in the end," Peter said.

        "Good thing I'm in Gryffindor!" Remus said sarcastically as the three boys chuckled.

        From across the room, Ivy was having a completely different conversation with her roommates.

"You don't understand the amount of anger I get when I look at his stupid smug face. I mean, what kind of name even is Amos?" Chloe said as she clenched her hands in fists.

        "If it makes you feel any better, he's failing charms," Ivy said, looking down at her chipped purple nail polish as Chloe laughed.

        "How do you know that?"

        "He sits in front of me and doesn't cover up his paper good."

        After a few minutes of chatting, they got up and walked to Transfiguration, where she sat in her usual seat and waited for the four other boys to come.

Remus sat next to her and said hello. Ivy smiled as James, Sirius, and Peter followed not far behind him.

Transfiguration felt like it took all day.

       After both of her long classes, she walked to lunch.

        Ivy noticed Marlene calling her over to the Gryffindor table. She sat next to her and ran a hand through her hair. Marlene greeted her and started to put food on her plate as she made conversation with her.

        "I haven't talked to you in forever! How's your love life?" Marlene asked abruptly as Ivy looked over at her with a terrified glance, putting a few strawberries on her plate.

        "Same as always: boring." She said as Marlene scoffed. "I'm serious!"

        "Yeah right. It hasn't gone unnoticed that you've been hanging out with a certain group of four rambunctious boys," Marlene said with a wink as Ivy shook her head with a small smile playing on her lips.

        "What is that supposed to mean?"

        "It means, those four boys are like, royalty. Everyone knows their names. People notice who they hang out with." Marlene said as Ivy raised her eyebrows, slightly shocked that people could think about her.

         "Strange. And no, I don't like any of them," Ivy said as Marlene ignored her and began to think about which boy she could be dating, looking down the table at them.

        "Not Potter, he's infatuated with Lily. Not Sirius, he doesn't like commitment—"

        "—you would know—"

        "—Shut up!" Marlene said, her cheeks flaming red. It was known by everyone that they had history. "And Pettigrew... well... I just don't see you being with him. But Lupin?"

        Marlene gave Ivy a look. Ivy tried her best to play dumb and pretend she didn't know what Marlene was trying to imply. A few seconds passed before Marlene groaned and pointed a threatening finger at her.

        "You know what I'm talking about! You two would be perfect! I want you to get a boyfriend, and he needs a girlfriend. Someone else will take a shot at him if you aren't careful," Marlene said as Ivy remained apathetic.

       "He just doesn't feel that way, end of discussion."

        "Oh please. Give me a break!" Marlene said as Ivy shook her head, a small smile forming on her face.

        "I mean— he's nice and he's attractive... but I don't think he wants to date me. Also, lower your voice," Ivy said in a quiet voice as Marlene rolled her eyes with a smile.

       "But do you like him?" Marlene said, talking a bit quieter. Ivy smirked.

        "Only time will tell," Ivy said as Marlene shoved her.

        "Bastard. You could have just said yes or no," Marlene said. Ivy shrugged.

        "I need to remain mysterious."

"Well, I'm not trying to pressure you into anything, but I think you two would be great together," Marlene said as Ivy hid her smile. "Oh! I don't think you two have met!"

Marlene tapped Lily on her shoulder. She whipped around from where she was talking to Alice. Ivy put a smile on her face and waved awkwardly.

"Hi, I'm Lily!" She said, tucking a strand of her red hair behind her ear.

"I'm Ivy."

They said hello and had a small conversation, laughing and being nice to each other.

As soon as it started, the conversation ended and Ivy was talking to Marlene again. Lily wasn't as bad of a person as Ivy had suspected.

        "Next month, I have astronomy on a full moon," Ivy said as she wiggled her fingers and tried to be scary. Marlene shrugged.

        "I had astronomy yesterday, and I am tired," Marlene said with a yawn.

         Once lunch was over, Ivy walked out and to her next class, where she was feeling oddly positive.

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