Happy Endings
Rated: G
Word count: 485
Era: MWPP (2ed year)
Summery: Sirius read Remus a bedtime story of sorts.
"Read to me," Remus demanded from his hospital bed, more to break the awkward silence than because he felt like a story.
The rest of the Marauders were sitting around the room looking uncomfortable. Remus had only old them about his tendency to grow fur and try to devour people a month ago and they were still getting used to the idea. Although they said it didn't matter, they weren't entirely sure how to deal with it yet. It was undeniably shocking news. Remus understood that and was really just grateful that they hadn't tried to hex him into oblivion when they found out. Nonetheless, the tension in the room was suffocating. They were just sitting there staring at him. He hated it.
"Well?" He demanded, when no one moved. "Come on, read to me or tell jokes or blow something up or something!"
No one even cracked a smile at the idea of exploding the hospital wing (which had been on their TO DO list since first year). Finally Sirius, who was closest to the bed, picked what seemed to be the only book in the room up off the bedside table.
"The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2. By Someone Somethingorother," he read aloud.
He glanced over at the boy in bed. Trust Remus to bring his homework along! Remus sighed. So much for that, he thought dejectedly. But to his surprise Sirius turned back to the book and opened it to the first page.
"Once upon a time…" he began, with a perfectly straight face.
Sirius improvised two full pages; the others were in stitches. Eventually, Mme Pomfrey had to kick them out because they were disturbing the other patients and apparently fits of giggles don't count as bedrest. Who knew?
Sirius put the book back where he had found it promising to come back and finish the story soon.
"You'd better!" Remus laughed, "I want to know how it ends. Does Snivellus get eaten by the giant doormat from mars or doesn't he!"
Sirius sighed dramatically and sat down on the edge of the bed. Mme Pomfrey made a warning sort of growl, but Sirius ignored her. He looked grim.
"Yes, but," Sirius began, sniffling softly. "I don't know how to tell you this, mate…"
He placed a comforting hand on Remus' shoulder and stared mournfully into his eyes.
"Alas! There's no happy ending to this story," he moaned. "It's…It…The…. Oh, I can't bare it! … The doormat gets heartburn!" Sirius cried, drawing his hand dramatically across his forehead.
This set them all laughing again and it took Mme Pomfrey practically had to drag the boys to the door.
Alone now, Remus glanced at his charms textbook and the barely started essay. Sirius was right; there wouldn't be a happy ending.