➪ THATCH ➪

"--THAT TO HER."

Loki blinked, lifting her head at the snippet of conversation she heard again. She figured out it was only when the boys' voice raised in volume. She felt the wand that sat in her pocket, then looked at her watch. The pair were in there for over half an hour. Loki felt tempted to walk in and ask if they finished yet.

"That's why?" She could make out Remus's voice, exasperated and sounded ready to quit.

"Remus, you have to understand I was there when it happened!" Loki couldn't help it and pressed her ear to the painting to listen in. "And it's not only that. Snivellus with Lily and the rest of us. And then my brother."

"He could have died."

"I wasn't thinking about that. I was too angry. I swear to Merlin, Moony, I didn't mean to hurt you, or Snape, or anyone. Please, Remus. Please forgive me."

The kitchens seemed to fall quiet as Remus thought. Loki had begun to bite her nails again as she waited for something else to happen. She felt guilty for listening in to their conversation. She knew it was wrong, but she still wanted to listen.

"Just promise me one thing," Remus spoke up again.

"Anything, Remus," Sirius quickly responded.

"I know what you said to Loki—" the girl's eyes widened and she hastily back away from the painting. She refused to hear what else Remus said.

"Why would you say that?" Loki silently whimpered. The bit down on her knuckle and stayed back as she quietly waited for the boys to emerge.

The painting swung open after a minute or two, revealing Remus and Sirius. They emerged laughing, with Remus's arm over Sirius's shoulder and didn't notice Loki staring at them for several moments. She coughed to gain their attention, and when they looked, Sirius broke out into a wide grin.

"You cheeky devil," he cackled. Loki shrugged innocently. "I have to thank you, though. You're brilliant; you know that?"

As soon as the boys got closer, Sirius grabbed Loki and pulled her into a hug. She let out a yelp when he feet lifted off the floor for a second. Sirius set her back down and ruffled her hair.

"I suppose we need to go speak to James and Peter now?" Remus cocked his head.

"I guess," Sirius shrugged, turning back to the taller male. "You think they'll listen to me?"

"James won't admit it, but he's been missing you terribly," Remus replied. A humoured smile placed itself on his lips, and he gazed at Loki. "Thanks."

"It's okay," Loki smiled back.

"Princess, we'll see you at dinner? I want to get speaking with James over and done with," Sirius spoke. Loki nodded. "Cool. We'll see you then."

"See you," Loki waved as the pair began retreating.

➪

"WHAT'S THE DATE?"

"The fourth," Remus answered Sirius immediately. "Why?"

"I was wondering how much longer I had to prepare myself for Valentine's Day," Sirius replied. "It's a special day."

"This year especially," Remus murmured, gazing at his and Loki's interconnected hands. Loki looked up at him and smiled.

"Wait. What?" Peter frowned.

"Loki's birthday is on Valentine's Day," Sirius replied, scooping another serving of potato on his plate.

"Really?" James stared at the girl. "Why didn't you tell us sooner?"

"I don't like making a big deal out of my birthday," Loki replied, averting her gaze.

"You're going to be seventeen, though," Peter pointed out.

"Yeah, I know," Loki nodded.

"Loki, come on! That's literally the most significant birthday for any witch or wizard!" James exclaimed. "You have to let us celebrate. Please!"

"Yeah, Loki, please," Nicolas, who stationed himself directly behind his best friend at the Hufflepuff table, leant back and pouted dramatically at her.

"Shove off, Nic," Loki laughed, pushing him away.

"You never celebrate your birthday," Nicolas added. "No cards, no cakes, and you still protest when I give you presents. You're anti-birthday for your birthday. It's insane."

"You realise you're celebrating me getting closer to the age I'll die at," Loki retorted.

"No," Nicolas gently pushed the girl, spinning himself around. "We're celebrating the day you were born."

"My birth isn't a cause for celebration," Loki spoke back.

"Uh, for me, it is," Nicolas retorted.

The four males watched the best friends bicker in amusement. They couldn't believe how strongly both sides were fighting to prove their point. Mostly Loki, however, because they couldn't think of a reason explaining why she disliked her birthday.

Remus squeezed Loki's hand after several more words were exchanged, pulling her attention to him. She frowned.

"We won't celebrate, then," he smiled softly.

Nicolas gaped in disbelief. "Remus! I was winning!"

"No, you weren't," Loki shot back. "You were repeating your arguments."

"Damn you, Loki," Nicolas huffed.

"Why don't you like celebrating your birthday?" Peter inquired.

"Well, Valentine's Day should be more of the focus. I mean, it's older than I am, and it's much more significant." Loki shrugged, taking a sip of her pumpkin juice. "And Valentine's is a day where you celebrate for other people. Having my birthday then seems like I want attention."

"Anyone who knows you would know how much you hate attention," Sirius teased. "Just be a little selfish, Princess. You don't get another chance to celebrate turning seventeen."

"I'll be fine," Loki waved him off. "After all, not much is going to change about my life until after we're out of Hogwarts. I can't really do magic legally out of school until I'm out of school."

"You're being a party pooper," James sighed.

Loki shrugged. "Sorry, James."

"It's fine," he waved her off. "You won me over with the whole goody-two-shoes act, anyway."

Loki and the boys went back to eating, with the former bearing a pleased smile. Despite being seated next Remus, she couldn't help but glance at Sirius every now and then. She wondered what promise he made to Remus, or if he even accepted it. She pondered how heavily apart of it she was.

"You good?" Remus's soft voice startled Loki. She blinked, looking up from her plate. "You've been staring at those peas for a while."

"I was just thinking about something," she responded with a smile. "Just another idea for my art."

Remus nodded and went back to his meal. Loki mentally sighed with relief. She didn't want Remus to know she'd been eavesdropping. So, instead of worrying about it, Loki quickly focused back on her meal.

➪ AUTHOR'S NOTE ➪

double update! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I don't have much to say so have a hug.

༼ つ ◕◡◕ ༽つ

i hope you enjoy, and i'll see you next time! :)