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“When I was nineteen years old,” I said. “I did something terrible. And not a day has gone by that I don’t think about it.” I could feel the tears fill my eyes, although I hadn’t even started the story yet. “That day…which was supposed to be so joyous…was a complete disaster. I call it the catastrophe. There are two people who remember it perfectly. The first is me. The second I will get to soon.”
Even as the words escaped my mouth I could feel myself drifting back into the story…into the hell that was my life in the second year of teacher training, in the weeks leading up to the catastrophe. I smiled at the memories, painful as they were, because they were still there. So many others had faded so far into the back of my mind that despite my wildest attempts I could not retrieve them. I smiled at the memories because as stressful as they were, I was young then. I smiled at the memories because we were all there. And young, and ignorant, and blissful. We were naïve and stupid, but we had fun. So I was glad to be back, for a moment.

“Remus and I were at Hogwarts, as TAs. Training to be professors. James, Lily, and Sirius were, of course, in auror training, and Blaire, as well as Peter, was at Mungo’s in healer training. Blaire’s sister…the other one…was in her third year…”

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“Miss Medici, care to answer the question?” Slughorn asked when a cocky fourth year named Gregory forgot the number of rat tails in minkerfoils. I laughed, it was ridiculously simple. Greg Trenton was just like James sometimes.

“Eight, sir, for three doses. You’d do well to remember that, mister Trenton.”

The boy’s friends snickered, and I grinned triumphantly. I loved the younger classes a bit more than I probably should have…they made me feel much smarter than I actually am. “Perhaps I would,” He retorted, a bit late, “If the professor was competent enough to explain so that I might manage it.”

I glared, and Slughorn’s face brightened with rage and embarrassment. “Detention, and fifty points from Gryffindor!” He called. The boy continued.

“That’s my eighth detention this week, Sluggy. Probably some sort of Hogwarts record. Thanks.” He proceeded to high five all the guys around him, who cheered and whooped like crazy. I laughed outwardly.

“Please, Gregory. The current record for most detentions obtained in one week here at Hogwarts is 26, and is held by three people.” The class was stunned. I rolled my eyes. Fifteen had been commonplace when I was in school, thanks to James and Black. “In case you’re wondering, they’re James Potter, Sirius Black, and your very own Defense TA, Remus Lupin.”

I looked down as I said the last name, to the ring that had sparkled on my left hand for the past seven months. It was perfect. Everything was perfect. The plans were made, the date was set. All that was left was to await its arrival. My reverie was broken into by the scoffs of the boys.

“Right. Like Lupin ever got a detention.” Greg said skeptically.

“Oh, you’d be surprised.” I said, a mischievous glint in my eye. I’d been with Remus for five years. We’d had our fair share of detentions. Then again, hadn’t everyone at Hogwarts? “He was always more responsible than James or Black, but still.”

“We’ll have to ask him about this…” Gregory mused. I shot him a warning glance.

“I said nothing.” I said firmly. “Now on with the lesson.”

I snapped out of the memory as quickly as I fell into it. “You wouldn’t happen to have a glass of pumpkin juice?” I asked Harry.

“Oh, um, sure…” He got up, and returned a moment later, handing me a glass. I took a long drink before resuming my tale. “As I was saying…”

A/N: Thoughts? REVIEW! I know it’s short, and I’m really dissatisfied so I’ll probably re-post it later, but…for now, a contest! SOMEONE SEND ME A PICTURE! Of an engagement ring, for Maria. If I like it, I’ll dedicate the next chapter to you.