Chapter 37 - Mail Ⅱ (1/2)

After lunch, Rowan is about to head back to the Library, when Wilkes comes up from behind and says, ”I had a friend send the joke for you. It'll cost you, 5 silver sickles.”

”Thanks, I'll pay you back later,” Rowan gratefully said.

”I'd hunt you down if you don't,” Wilkes solemnly replied, before heading over to sit with his friends.

Rowan wryly grins back before heading back to the library to find James, Sirius, Lupin, and Pettigrew standing in front of the large imposing library doors. Rowan paused to study the slightly tired face of Lupin. The full moon hadn't transpired too long ago and given that these four were all roommates, it made absolute sense they would be the ones to notice Lupin's first month's disappearance from their shared dorm room.

”What are you all doing?” Rowan asked causing the four of them to flinch and jump up in surprise.

”Nothing,” they all innocently chimed back.

Rowan scoffs loudly but still doesn't ask again. Recalling that she owed James a sweet, she reaches into her pocket for a chocolate frog and walks over to him. James takes a step back as he hastily exclaimed, ”If this is about trying to give Severus, a nose-biting teacup, it was an accident really!”

Rowan paused and frostily said, ”What nose-biting teacup?”

James tactfully changed the subject and sheepishly grinned. ”Just a slip of the tongue, really.”

”Right,” Rowan drily said before holding out the chocolate frog for James to take.

”Here, payment for last time,” Rowan said as James blankly takes the chocolate frog from her hand as he slowly recalls the incident that she was referring too. Satisfied that all debts were repaid in full, Rowan adds, ”Well, if that's all, I'm off.”

”Wait!” James hastily called out.

”Yes?” Rowan impatiently asked.

”Do you, um, happen to know if the library has any books on werewolves?” James quickly asked.

”I presume so,” Rowan matter-of-fact answered. ”Werewolves aren't a forbidden subject and there should be plenty of books as 1st years you will be able to have access too. However, I recommend asking Madam Pince for their whereabouts.”

”Heh, figures,” Sirius smirked. ”You and Severus are such bookworms.”

Rowan stops herself from rolling her eyes and instead glanced over at Lupin. ”Are you alright, Lupin? You look a bit wane in the face.” The four boys all stiffen at the question especially Lupin.

There's nothing wrong with Lupin, he just has a furry little problem that sometimes keeps him up at night,” James truthfully said on the behalf of Lupin as the rest of the boy's sigh in relief at James quick thinking.

”Mm,” Rowan said not pushing the subject. ”If that's all, I'll be going now.”

”Wait for us!” James cheerfully said as the other three followed in tow and caused Rowan to feel an impending headache.