Over then next three days Mr. Orson kept me busy. I re-interviewed Remus several times and only got to begin on the potion when he told me to stop.

“That’s all for today.”

“But, sir…” I protested. “If I don’t finish it, it will go bad.”

“Exactly,” he smiled. “You need to see what the potion looks like when it’s done incorrectly, so you can compare and contrast the differences… you don’t want to be giving Mister Lupin a dangerous substance, do you?”

I shook my head no.

“Exactly,” he smiled, and pulled out his pipe. “No go on… Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and I’ve heard tell that you haven’t even began shopping yet.”

“Thanks… Er… Mr. Orson? Can I ask you a question?” I said timidly.

“Well, you just did, and you didn’t give me much time to answer, did you?” he laughed.

“Ha, I suppose not… Well, I was just wondering. Why do you always chew on that gold pipe?”

He looked at me thoughtfully. “I used to smoke a lot, and this is a therapy method to help me quit.”

I nodded, understanding, but I still didn’t believe that he’d told me the whole truth. It was, after all, a rather personal question.

When I went into the house, I found Remus and James sitting in the living room, playing Exploding Snap.

“How’s your school work coming?”

James looked up. “Just fine, mother.”

Remus sighed. “Ignore him. He’s trying to take on a whole new macho attitude since we’re basically on our own.”

“Well, not really,” I replied. “This is Mr. Orson’s house, and he does provide our groceries, heat, and electricity.”

James shrugged, then looked at me oddly as I took off the light sweater I’d worn to Mr. Orson’s and grabbed a heavier jacket. “Where’re you going?”

“Shopping,” I answered. “Christmas is in two days and I haven’t bought anyone anything.”

“Mind if we come with you?” Remus yawned as he stood up and stretched. “I’m rather tired of being cooped up in the house.”

“Sure,” I smiled. “Grab your jackets… it’s awfully windy…”

“Yes, mother,” James laughed again, then kissed me on the cheek.