Chapter 504 - The Potter’s Ⅱ (2/2)
”You look a lot better, Remus,” James said with surprise at seeing the perpetual tiredness and eyebags missing from his friend's face. But he could not believe that there was truly a cure for werewolfism. It was a miracle really when he had learned that was indeed the case.
”Well, you're still as short as ever, James,” Peter Pettigrew interjected with a teasing grin. ”Though I'll admit not quite as short as I am.”
Pettigrew had grown over the summer and looked nothing like the round boy, he once had been at the start of Hogwarts. And after working during the summers had kept him nice and fit, and his broad shoulders now gave more for of young man's appearance than just a simple youth. He was tanned with sun streaked mousy colored hair and bright chocolate colored eyes. Still he was almost now as tall as his girlfriend and as long as he grew as tall as her, he would be right proud.
James's face is full of contrary emotions, before he coldly lied, ”And just who are you?”
Peter Pettigrew's tanned face goes pale as Pettigrew stammers, ”It's me, James. Peter Pettigrew, Wormtail.”
”I'm sorry,” James stiffly said. ”But I don't recognize you at all.”
Lupin and Sirius share worried glances as Sirius says, ”It's Pete, James. He is in our year and in Gryffindor. He's part of the Marauders and in our dorm.”
James slowly nods his head and says, ”Sorry, but the name doesn't ring any bells.”
”Well, in that case, we'll just have to help you along,” Lupin quickly said pulling the downtrodden figure of Peter by his side.
Lupin comforted Pettigrew by patting him on the shoulder. Pettigrew weakly smiles back but does not dare raise his gaze off the floor. Lupin sighs and merely keeps a firm arm around Pettigrew in comfort and to show solidarity. Even if James had forgotten Pettigrew, he was not about to abandon his friend. Pettigrew had not when James sided with Sirius in their second year and he certainly would not know when his friend needed him the most.
”I suppose,” James replied not promising anything.
Lupin's eyes narrowed, but he did not comment as he studied his friend. Sirius was too dumb to notice as usual as the two of them eagerly began to discuss the present Quidditch League. But Lupin had not missed the way James had stared at Peter. That was not just recognition but an incredible dislike if not hatred.
However, what could Peter have possibly done to merit such a glance? But then again if James mind was missing memories, perhaps, what James did remember did not paint a pretty picture. Even Lupin had to admit it, but their first year sharing the same dorm had brought a lot of clashes between the four of them. Maybe, what James remembered was that and as such he did not wish to acknowledge Peter. Either way, he would have to keep a firm eye on both of them.