Legal Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, or any thing affiliated with Harry Potter. That honor goes to the lovely J.K. Rowling. She's a genius! Please don't sue me. I'm dirt poor, as all us artists are.

Content Disclaimer: Okay, this story is slash. Which means m/m pairing, which means that the two main characters, being Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, are homosexual, and engage in a loving relationship. However, this story is shounen-ai, meaning it's just romance and such. I don't write sex. Sorry! But it's still cute, and I may imply sex, I just don't write the scene for you. We all have imaginations, so you can exercise yours and imagine the snogging yourself. ^_^

Dedications: For the Hogwarts Past RPG' that I'm a member in (I'm Remus Lupin!), because through this RPG I've leaned so much more about Remus and Sirius, and become so much more comfortable with their characters, that I'm sure it's helped this fic become something truely to be proud of.
And if anyone is interested in the RPG, email me and I'll give you the URL.

Pairing(s): Remus/Sirius, James/Lily (kind of, well, they're together but that's about it.)


With all that said, on to the fic!



Give You Life
 By: LadyWillow



~*~






It was a time of great joy at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The term had long since started, the leaves had fallen, crisp and gold, to the ground in the great forest, and snow had taken their place. It was the fifteenth of December, and all through Hogwarts, holiday spirit was mounting.

For one student though, it seemed that holiday cheer had forgotten him. He sat, melancholy and alone, looking out the great expanse of windows in the Gryffindor common room, watching the snowflakes fall lazily to the ground, where they mingled with the millions of other ones. Yet, no two were alike.

Remus Lupin knew that he should be happy. He had good friends, he was at a good school, and was getting all around good marks. Yet, Remus felt as if something great were missing. And he knew just what that something was.



Oy there, Moony! Stop your brooding and lets get down to supper, before Prongs eats all the good stuff!


Sirius Black. Remus' best friend. The boy was tall, standing at 5'10, with straggly black hair, and light gray, warm eyes. The two boys had been inseparable for the longest time. Remus was sure that Sirius knew how important he was to Remus. And yet...


Remus had loved Sirius. He had loved him for, well, it seemed forever. Ever since he laid eyes on the boy for sure.

But of course, Remus knew when to give up, and he had done so long ago. Sirius would never love him. Not as anything more than a dear, best friend. And Remus was sort of okay with that. He was okay with knowing that he would forever live in longing for Sirius. As long as he still had Sirius' friendship, he would be okay.



Okay Padfoot. Let's go.


~*~


They sat together, Sirius and Remus, in the Great Hall. James and Peter sat across from them, and Lily Evans sat on James' right.

What's been keeping you so quiet, Moony? James asked, as he lifted his fork to his mouth.

Nothing really. Homework's just dragging me down, I suppose. Remus said, as he buttered the bun on his plate.

Sirius looked sideways at Remus. He could see through his best friend's facade with ease. Yet, he decided not to press the subject right now. Remus was still obviously lost in his thoughts.

So, I was thinking about going out to the grounds after supper. Maybe find Snivellous, see what we can shake up with him... James left the statement hanging, and Lily shot him a dirty look. What is your problem, Evans?

Why don't you leave him alone, James. Honestly!

Oh, here she goes, jumping to defend her dear Snivellus!

Leave me alone, James. You know better.


Remus sighed heavily, and stood up.


Oy Moony, where are you going? James asked, looking surprised. You've only just sat down!

Yes, well I'm finished eating now. I think I'm going to go sit outside. Get some air. Clear my mind. Remus walked with his bag out the door, and moved swiftly out the big castle doors, and under his favorite tree by the lake, which was now frozen-over.

Much better. He slid down the trunk of the tree, and looked out at the lake. The wind off of the frozen water whipped at his hair, and wisps of it came out of the ponytail he had so carefully placed earlier that morning. There was a slight bite to the air, and Remus felt a sudden chill.





Remus turned to see Sirius walking up, concern quite evident on his face.

Oy, Padfoot. Remus called.

::I couldn't sit in there with him so close, his eyes looking at me. Reading me. And now he's out here. With me. I don't think I'll be able to keep my hands off of him.:: Remus thought in dismay.

Why don't you tell me what's really bothering you, Moony. Sirius said, tilting his head in an oh-so-cute fashion.

Nothing, Sirius. I've already said. Homework is just dragging me down. That's all.

Sirius mock-glared at Remus.

Remus, you survive just fine with all the homework during exam time. That's not what it is. There's something bothering you.

Remus was silent, looking out over the lake, refusing to meet the intoxicating eyes.

Have you heard from your family? Is that it? Sirius asked quietly, knowing his best friend didn't like to talk much about his parents and siblings.

No, Sirius. That's not it.

The ebony-haired man grinned, and raised a finger.

Ah ha, so there is something bothering you! He exclaimed, triumph brightening his face.


::So beautiful...:: Remus thought, swallowing hard to resist the urge to pounce upon his most dear and treasured friend.

Even if there is something bothering me, Padfoot, I can't tell you about it.

Sirius looked wounded. His face fell, and he reached out gently and put his hand on Remus' shoulder.

What? You can't tell me something? I thought we made a promise to each other. All us Marauders, that we would never keep anything from each other. That we could trust each other with anything. Everything? It was an oath, Moony. You can't go back on an oath. He said, his eyes staring intently into Remus'. Their faces were scant inches apart.


Slowly, Remus began to move forward, and it seemed that Sirius had too, and then...


Sirius Black! Remus Lupin! Get inside this school right now! Classes are about to start, and I will not tolerate another tardy from either of you! Professor McGonagall called from the front door. You've lost Gryffindor enough House Points as it is! And with that, she turned and walked back into the school.

The moment ruined, Remus and Sirius stood, and walked back inside.


~*~


That's all for now. Please make my day, and review! *points*
Check back in a day or so for chapter two. Thanks for reading, everyone! Let me know what you like/don't like, and what you'd like to see next, okay?