the trade-off

[Remus Lupin]

Bentley-

Do you have the book "Curses and Counter-Curses?" If you do, may I borrow it? I will offer up my "Handbook of Hippogriff Psychology" as collateral.

Thank you for your consideration,

-Remus

[Bentley Fenwick]

Lupin,
I need the book back by next Friday. I have an exam Monday.

Don't ever call me 'Bentley' again and we'll consider it even. Keep your bloody bird book.

Fenwick

[Remus Lupin]

Bentley Fenwick,

It slipped my mind that you prefer to be addressed by your surname. I prefer Remus, if you don't mind.

I see. I will return it on time, rest assured. An exam? Of what nature?

Thank you again for the book,

-Remus

[Bentley Fenwick]

Lupin,

Okay.

It's a written one. What kind of exam did you think it was?

I'm surprised one of your half-wit friends couldn't lend you the textbook.

Fenwick

[Remus Lupin]

Bentley-

It's your own business of course, I was merely curious if it was an exam to enter a particular profession, as exams are not frequently necessary once you have graduated Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

I'm surprised you lived to graduate at all with no wit and a sharp tongue. It seems my friends have bested you in both.

-Remus

[Bentley Fenwick]

Lupin,

It's to be a Hit Wizard, smart ass.

Looks like you finally grew a pair. So where were those for seven years of school?

Fenwick

[Remus Lupin]

Bentley-

I'd be beside myself if I had to choose a more suitable profession for you.

I prefer to pick my battles, although I see no reason to quarrel with you.

-Remus

[Bentley Fenwick]

Lupin,

It was between that or professional dancer.

What are you training for that you need a book on curses and hippogryff psychology?

Fenwick

[Remus Lupin]

Bentley-

Hmm. A hard decision.

The hippogryff book is one of those items that you pick up in a shop and is so undeniably bizarre that you have to buy it. It has no purpose, I just enjoy owning it.

Dangerous times denote preparation and studying.

-Remus

[Bentley Fenwick]

Lupin,

Interesting.

So what are you doing with your time? Auror like Evans?

Fenwick

[Remus Lupin]

Bentley-

I am currently in a unpaid occupation, otherwise known as unemployment.

Not wasting my time of course - I have been searching diligently.

Thank you for the book it was very informative. You will find it in the attached package. Please tell me, do you have the book "The Dark Arts Outsmarted?" It's enormously difficult to get my hands on.

-Remus

[Bentley Fenwick]

Lupin,

Sounds stimulating.

Funny how one of the smartest blokes in our year can't find a job.

I'll lend it to you if you go half-and-half on overdue fees, since I took it out of the Minsitry library two weeks ago and it's due back shortly. And yes, I do still need it.

Fenwick

[Remus Lupin]

Bentley-

A bit of a backhanded compliment but I am happy to accept it, although "one of the smartest" is a stretch.

The wizarding world of work has become very particular.

I will pay all the overdue fees because I am the one making it late to the library, if you'd like.

It's for Lily - the book.

-Remus

[Bentley Fenwick]

Lupin,

You and Evans only pissed off about a dozen Ravenclaws in our year.

Indeed. So what makes you unsuitable for hire? Do you have a temper no one knows about? Hairy palms? What is it?

Never mind it then Don't worry about the fee, then, I'll talk to her about it.

Fenwick

[Remus Lupin]

Bentley-

Really, that many? No wonder none of them enjoyed my company.

To know for certainty you would really have to ask employers. However, I believe its my discordance with change. It agitates me.

No no, it really is no trouble. Let's not make Lily feel like she made anyone go out of their way. You know how that would make her feel.

-Remus