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gilpin25Two more to go; will I get one anywhere near actual drabble length? Place your bets, most likely on no way, lol. This is for ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
katyscarlett76, who wanted Remus, James and a book. The other two are there as well and it's 724 words, PGish...
Book Learning
The book is bound in holly red leather and gold, embossed with a small, intricate square of tiny rosettes in the centre and down the spine. He can see the quality of the dark parchment, knows the pages will feel thick and heavy to the touch as they turn. It’s the words inside that are the uncertainty...
“Hurry up, Moony!”
Sirius, predictably, is bored at the delay, and Peter is eager to go because Sirius is. Remus resists the childish impulse to press his face and hands against the shop window pane for one final look, and turns away to find James beside him.
“You’ve been eyeing that every day this week.” James peers through his glasses, frowns. “Magical Myth Conceptions? That would be help for the wizard with a speech impediment, then?”
Remus smiles. “The Ministry tried to ban it because the author wouldn’t let them approve which myths he was planning to expose. There are only a few copies around.”
Which explains the cost. Shame it wasn’t merely an arm and a leg, at least he had those available.
“Got a chapter on wer—furry little problems, has it?” James glances quickly over his shoulder for any passers-by, although Sirius and Peter, more patient now because James is showing an interest, have closed ranks behind them.
“'A few observations', the review said.” Remus shrugs, not wanting to be questioned further. Not wanting the other two to listen. He’s never been as close to anyone as he is to these three boys, but seeing him at his physical and mental weakest each month is something he’s come to accept. Rely on. To bare his soul out loud he’s not sure he can ever do, unless it’s to someone who is something of a rarity or myth themselves and can therefore truly understand.
It’s not the hope that for once something is said apart from fearsome, loathsome beast, avoid at all costs, but more what the book represents. A look at prejudice and fallacy and, apparently, done with humour too.
No wonder they’d tried to ban it. It might make people think.
“I could, you know…” James grimaces, makes a gesture that’s equal parts embarrassment and red-cheeked resolve.
Buy it. For you.
“No.” Remus never saw this coming because James is always so... He hesitates to use the phrase full of himself, because it’s not totally fair, but it does explain why it’s a shock when you get a glimpse of his usually well-hidden capacity to think of others.
And yet this different, potential James, albeit one scowling madly with apparent anger at himself, is somehow both endearing and impressive. Reminiscent of how he was when he first asked if Remus’ monthly absences had anything to do with him being a werewolf and, on being told that sometimes the best help is to do nothing but keep quiet, spent three years risking life, limb and expulsion to give the most unexpected and practical aid imaginable.
So he really has gone over and beyond the call of friendship, without buying a bloody expensive book Remus just happens to fancy reading.
“No. Thank you,” he adds hastily, the scowl on his own face probably matching that of James' because it’s trying to hide the twist of feeling inside.
“Or…” Sirius’ sleek dark head bobs up suddenly, mostly joking, but in this mood always ready to consider something reckless and new. “We could just steal it for you?”
“Or we could pretend you never said that and head back for dinner.” Remus decides it’s also time to pretend to be a prefect and takes a step forward to encourage them all to get the right idea.
“There’s a library of books at Hogwarts,” Peter says as he goes by, quickening his pace to catch Sirius up. “They’re all free.”
Remus nods, not wanting to say that that is a good and obvious point, just not the one that matters, but James still lingers by his side.
“Moony…”
“Prongs, I don’t want—”
“I know. You’re such a pillock.” Remus smiles because this sounds like James again. But the tall figure with the ridiculously spiky black hair is still stood there, still red-cheeked, now scuffing the edge of one shoe against the cobbles with his hands thrust deep in his pockets. Words spilling out in a rush. “I know I’ve always had it easy, but it’s hard to—to give things, you know. Especially to you. I don’t want to give you that book because I can and you can’t. I’d give it you… for me.”
And as he strides hurriedly off to catch the others up, Remus is left to stare after him, wondering if he’s the one labouring under a misconception after all.
katyscarlett76, who wanted Remus, James and a book. The other two are there as well and it's 724 words, PGish...The book is bound in holly red leather and gold, embossed with a small, intricate square of tiny rosettes in the centre and down the spine. He can see the quality of the dark parchment, knows the pages will feel thick and heavy to the touch as they turn. It’s the words inside that are the uncertainty...
“Hurry up, Moony!”
Sirius, predictably, is bored at the delay, and Peter is eager to go because Sirius is. Remus resists the childish impulse to press his face and hands against the shop window pane for one final look, and turns away to find James beside him.
“You’ve been eyeing that every day this week.” James peers through his glasses, frowns. “Magical Myth Conceptions? That would be help for the wizard with a speech impediment, then?”
Remus smiles. “The Ministry tried to ban it because the author wouldn’t let them approve which myths he was planning to expose. There are only a few copies around.”
Which explains the cost. Shame it wasn’t merely an arm and a leg, at least he had those available.
“Got a chapter on wer—furry little problems, has it?” James glances quickly over his shoulder for any passers-by, although Sirius and Peter, more patient now because James is showing an interest, have closed ranks behind them.
“'A few observations', the review said.” Remus shrugs, not wanting to be questioned further. Not wanting the other two to listen. He’s never been as close to anyone as he is to these three boys, but seeing him at his physical and mental weakest each month is something he’s come to accept. Rely on. To bare his soul out loud he’s not sure he can ever do, unless it’s to someone who is something of a rarity or myth themselves and can therefore truly understand.
It’s not the hope that for once something is said apart from fearsome, loathsome beast, avoid at all costs, but more what the book represents. A look at prejudice and fallacy and, apparently, done with humour too.
No wonder they’d tried to ban it. It might make people think.
“I could, you know…” James grimaces, makes a gesture that’s equal parts embarrassment and red-cheeked resolve.
Buy it. For you.
“No.” Remus never saw this coming because James is always so... He hesitates to use the phrase full of himself, because it’s not totally fair, but it does explain why it’s a shock when you get a glimpse of his usually well-hidden capacity to think of others.
And yet this different, potential James, albeit one scowling madly with apparent anger at himself, is somehow both endearing and impressive. Reminiscent of how he was when he first asked if Remus’ monthly absences had anything to do with him being a werewolf and, on being told that sometimes the best help is to do nothing but keep quiet, spent three years risking life, limb and expulsion to give the most unexpected and practical aid imaginable.
So he really has gone over and beyond the call of friendship, without buying a bloody expensive book Remus just happens to fancy reading.
“No. Thank you,” he adds hastily, the scowl on his own face probably matching that of James' because it’s trying to hide the twist of feeling inside.
“Or…” Sirius’ sleek dark head bobs up suddenly, mostly joking, but in this mood always ready to consider something reckless and new. “We could just steal it for you?”
“Or we could pretend you never said that and head back for dinner.” Remus decides it’s also time to pretend to be a prefect and takes a step forward to encourage them all to get the right idea.
“There’s a library of books at Hogwarts,” Peter says as he goes by, quickening his pace to catch Sirius up. “They’re all free.”
Remus nods, not wanting to say that that is a good and obvious point, just not the one that matters, but James still lingers by his side.
“Moony…”
“Prongs, I don’t want—”
“I know. You’re such a pillock.” Remus smiles because this sounds like James again. But the tall figure with the ridiculously spiky black hair is still stood there, still red-cheeked, now scuffing the edge of one shoe against the cobbles with his hands thrust deep in his pockets. Words spilling out in a rush. “I know I’ve always had it easy, but it’s hard to—to give things, you know. Especially to you. I don’t want to give you that book because I can and you can’t. I’d give it you… for me.”
And as he strides hurriedly off to catch the others up, Remus is left to stare after him, wondering if he’s the one labouring under a misconception after all.
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no subject
Date: 2008-08-07 10:36 pm (UTC)Can't wait to read!
EDIT: OK, I'm back.
This touched me. You paired up the boys in a really original way; the fic read to me as a study in two sets of friendships: James and Remus', and Sirius and Peter's. (Peter's line, “There’s a library of books at Hogwarts” struck me as perfect; it was out of rhythm with his three friends, and therefore so Peter.)
Your characterization of James really stands out because I would imagine it being difficult to give after getting so easily. Always imagined James as very posh. He admitting it's awkward because he doesn't naturally know how to go about giving is insightful, and it sets up the wonderfully endearing moment for him to want to get the book for Remus, for himself.
Once again, a wonderful scene with these
fourthree noble prats. I admit to listening to the song "La meme histoire" as I read it, which is a melancholy tune, and between your writing and this song, wanting to hug James.no subject
Date: 2008-08-09 03:57 pm (UTC)the fic read to me as a study in two sets of friendships: James and Remus', and Sirius and Peter's.
That's where I was trying to go. I thought you don't often see that split, unless I'm reading the wrong fanfics, and I'm quite taken with the idea of Peter tagging along after Sirius (leaving Sirius half amused, half irritated the whole time). Meanwhile, James and Remus are getting along in a way not a million miles from how Harry and Remus do years later. There seems a lot to say about their friendship to me.
Always imagined James as very posh.
Very public school boy to me so, yes, indeed - posh, and arrogant, and thoughtless, because he's always had everything without having to work for it or stop to appreciate others that do. (If you dated Remus, I once dated James;)) But the capacity's there to be so much more and, far be it from me to gripe about DH yet again, but I wish he and Lily could have had a moment that showed that. Ah well.
There's no getting away from Remus thinking he was the most wonderful of friends and I'm glad this left you wanting to hug him. As I think he got that book much later on and that Remus finally took it in the spirit in which it was meant. (And later on it played another role when he leant it to Tonks, but that's another fic for another day, lol.)
Thank you.:D
no subject
Date: 2008-08-08 03:53 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-09 02:53 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-08 04:21 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-09 03:25 pm (UTC)I wish Remus had allowed him to purchase the book. Time to put the fanfiction down, Kathleen!
LOL. I don't know if it makes it worse or better if I tell you that in my head James does buy it for him at a later date. As I was writing it, I was thinking it would make a much longer fic, whereby I'd start with another scene where he's looking at the book again. Only this time it's Tonks who's put it down in front of him, having read the inscription inside which relates to where their own relationship is at... All of which explains why I am hopeless at short drabbles!
Many thanks again.:D
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Date: 2008-08-08 11:59 am (UTC)I love how you always manage to slip Tonks into Marauder-era Remus fics. ;)
This is such a lovely piece with such a wonderful glimpse into Remus' and James' friendship, which so often seems neglected for James and Sirius, or Remus and Sirius. I wish James had bought the book, mainly because I want to read it! The last line is perfect, and I can just imagine this Harry look-alike blundering it out with all that teenaged awkwardness.
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Date: 2008-08-09 03:02 pm (UTC)Subtle as an R/T brick, that's me. ;)
Thank you for such nice comments! Does it make it better if I say that as I was writing it I was thinking that it would make a much longer fic, whereby I start off with the book in front of him again, only this time it's Tonks returning it to him and she's read the inscription inside from the person who gave it to him, years later than this... This is why I'm hopeless at drabbles, lol.
Glad you enjoyed it, DLF. ;) I really like writing Remus and James as there seems so much to say.
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Date: 2008-08-09 03:04 pm (UTC)Well you know I'd never complain about seeing another R/T fic...
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Date: 2008-08-09 03:27 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-08-19 06:03 pm (UTC)I thought this was really excellent, especially the characterisation - the way that James has hidden depths and Peter completely misses th point and Remus being so stubbornly self-sufficient.
Oh, and I loved the book title, and now I want to read it. :)
no subject
Date: 2008-08-24 04:52 pm (UTC)I never know what to do for the best in those situations and it makes me sad.
As someone who has been in both positions myself - being the one with the money and not - it is one of those horrible dilemnas. You so want to help, but you so want to do it without offending or embarrassing the person concerned. I'm not sure 'sensitive' would be James' middle name as the arrogant and sometimes cruel teenage boy we see in the books, but he spent three years finding a way to help Remus so I think Harry's kindness and loyalty are in there, even if he wouldn't know the best way to go about it here. But then I'm not sure there is a 'best way'!
Very glad you liked this, thank you for such nice comments, and I got the idea for the title of the book from a crossword clue, where the answer was 'misconception'... ;)