* * * *

L O P E

Fix It, Now.

“Must you do that?”

“Do what?”

“That!”

He paused, his obnoxious smile growing larger. “Does it bother you?”

The other boy’s frown was contagious, and a few seconds later, James found that he was frowning too.

“Well, it shouldn’t.”

He could never fully understand what kept Remus so wound up. James often imagined his friend exploding—head flying off and everything. He would do to relax more; at least, that’s what James wanted to tell him.

“S’not bothering anyone Remus,” James said flatly, continuing his languid gait.

Through clenched teeth, Remus spoke slowly. “Quit being a prat and walk properly.”