His eyes widen at the sound of a ripped page, which set his own heart racing. He gestured loosely at his own book. "Been here the whole time," he answered. "You know how to mend that, right?"

He blinked, surprised at the interruption, but didn't say anything, watching Kingsley, curious how long it would take him to realize the table had been previously occupied...

But not quite being rude enough to announce himself quite yet.

"Fair..." He led the way to the usual passage, ducking into the secret tunnel until the scent of sugar and sweets and chocolate grew stronger and stronger...

Then they were under the trap door. He listened, using his keen senses to check for anyone above.

"...I think we're in the clear."

"Mm. No idea. Something something, house rivalry? I admit, I don't entirely get it myself." He scribbles away. "One day we'll all be out of this place and realize how ridiculous it all is, I'm sure."

He looked up, and recognized her as one of his housemates, and gave her a kind smile. "No, no one is. Feel free to join me."

He was getting a head start on History of Magic himself. He's dreadful at Potions.

// Bsky is still a baby app lol give it time, it doesn't have the structure for gifs yet

// Is this a starter, my dear? Sorry, I'm not sure how to respond.

Remus takes out the Map, checking that the coast was clear... "Alright! Let's be quick, before dinner if we can."

He is secretly pleased that James talked him into this, because the idea of some solo James time is honestly a rare commodity. Not that he doesn't adore Sirius, but sometimes these two are inseparable...

"You've the Cloak, then? Shall we take the secret passage?"

He considered that for a long moment...

Then finally, "A shared dessert is agreeable."

Success!

"Hold on, now. Dessert is a step too far. We're already nicking chocolates."

He is stubborn about his friends not spending their money on him. It doesn't feel it's right to be a burden on anyone anymore than he already has to be. This is a game, admittedly, but even in play he won't give in easily.

He gives her a bashful smile. "Hello, Lily. How are you today?"

He doesn't even huff as he looks up from his book. There's always a book. But Lily also always gets a pass. Because she's lovely.

"Oh, what a relief," he answered, a hand to his heart. "Truly, you know how to spoil me."

Well, that's usually an easier sell than normal. He must be hungry.

He rolled his eyes. "What, Potter, is this a date?"

He meant it as a joke, and smirks. "Rosmerta's, not Puddifoot's. Promise me."

"Hmm..." The idea of his friends buying him anything always makes him a little sour. But he's negotiable. "One Butterbeer," he offered.

Nicking things is a survival skill, after all. Not everyone had James's family fortune. Must train him in these things.