Wicked Little Town

Part 1

SBxRL

By Khavi

You know the sun is in your eyes

And hurricanes and rains

Blacken cloudy skies

You're running up and down that hill

You turn it on and off at will

There's nothing here to thrill

Or bring you down.

The sounds of hushed whispers and merriment were all but drowned out of the Three Broomsticks by Sirius' loud, low, laugh. It was short and shattered, and Remus felt himself flinching away from it involuntarily. He knew this laugh was temporary, and that it was only induced because of a Muggle stimulant called...What was it called again? Or was it a hallucinogen? He wanted to say it was called LSD, but he couldn't be sure.

They'd been at the pub for nearly two hours now. Well into their 7th, and final year, at Hogwarts, they had basically free roam of Hogsmead on specified weekends. On these weekends, they could chose to stay an hour or the whole two days in the town. James had immediately taken off after Lily, Peter trailing behind him. Sirius had smiled at Remus, and taken him by the arm.

"Come on then, mate! Lets have some fun."

But it was little over an hour after they arrived, that Sirius suggested they try this new Muggle substance he'd bought from a bloke in London. Remus, ever be the cautious one, had declined. He didn't trust Muggle chemicals. They had a reputation for being dangerous. Sirius, however, had no qualms about trying anything once. So he's taken one of the little stamp-like squares of paper, and stuck it under his tongue.

Soon there after, he'd begun acting...not quite himself. He laughed quite a bit more, and for no apparent reason. It concerned Remus. So he'd suggested they go to the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer. Hopefully, getting Sirius out of the bitter air and into a less crowed area would calm him down. That had not proven to be true.

Remus was roused from his thoughts by his dark haired companion's boisterous laughter. Sirius was gazing across the crowed pub, a delighted look on his handsome face. Clapping his hands together, he turned to Remus and exclaimed,

"Fireworks Remus! Fireworks in the middle of April! Why are there fireworks?"

Remus cast a glance in the direction Sirius was indicating to him. Peering over his shoulder, he saw there were no fireworks. Not even bright lights that could have confused his friend. There was only an aged hag, half hidden under her thick travelling cloak, smoking a pipe and drinking her firewisky.

Agitated, he turned back to his friend. "Sirius, there aren't any fireworks."

Sirius' expression darkened briefly. "Well...If they aren't fireworks..." He smiled brightly, "are they sparklers?"

Remus clenched his jaw and tightened his grip on the now lukewarm butterbeer in his hand. "No Sirius. There isn't anything over there." he said calmly, hoping to discourage Sirius from embarrassing him further. Some of the other patrons were looking at them oddly and whispering amongst themselves.

As though he didn't believe him, Sirius continued to stare at the hag. "But...Remus. There must be. The lights...they are so lovely." A startled look passed over his features. "Almost...unbearably so." He turned now, to meet Remus' eyes. His own, a little wild with fear. "Remus," he whispered, reaching out to cutch at his hands. Remus, surprised by his sudden movement, pulled back. He could not, however, escape his friend's searching hands.

"Remus!" he said more urgently. "Why are they here?"

"W-why are who here, mate?" the blond asked, rising to his feet. A few patrons of the bar were craning their necks to see what the commotion was. Sirius rose from his seat as well and pointed frightfully past Remus. "Those!" he hissed. "What are they?"

Remus turned to look, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. He quickly scanned the room, and pulled Sirius around the table to him. Mouth near his ear, so only he could hear, Remus whispered, "Listen mate, I'm going to get you a room so you can lie down and clear your head..." At this, the long haired man pulled back and cried out,

"No! Remus, you can't! I-if you leave they'll...!"

Irate, and a little frightened, Remus pulled the panicked man closer, so his mouth was covered completely by Remus' shoulder, effectively silencing him. People were now voicing their concerns to one another, openly staring at the two students."Listen, Sirius! I'm not leaving. I'm getting us both a room." Remus assured him in a hushed tone. "Please Sirius, relax! I think those Muggle things did something to you..." Trying to sooth his friend, while leading him to the bar counter was not an easy task.

It appeared as though Sirius was too terrified to move. He clung, whimpering, to Remus robes. This in itself set off warning signals in Remus' mind. He'd never seen Sirius like this. Never seen him in such a state, where he was reduced to cowering against another for protection and comfort. Remus knew Sirius had seen horrific things, coming from a family of the darkest wizards of their time. He had gone on, unabashed and undamaged by them. To see him like this...was disturbing.

Being as gentle as he could, Remus forced Sirius towards the counter. It was difficult to do. Sirius was taller and a little heavier than him, and he was practically scared stiff. Remus grunted a little, pulling the long haired man closer to him so he could direct his movements.

Finally reaching the bar counter, Remus beckoned the Inn Keeper to him with his free hand. "Excuse me sir," He murmured. "Please, I need a room." Pleading with his eyes, he hoped to Merlin that the man didn't ask him why. He must have seen the desperation in Remus' eyes, because the man didn't ask questions.

"Room 103's open. It's 12 sickles to stay the night." He commented, gesturing at the staircase, eyes wandering back to Sirius, who was still holding Remus tightly. Sirius' head was bend downward, face pressing against Remus' chest. His eyes darted all around, as if something terrifying was going to spring out and devour him at any moment. Remus tightened his hold around Sirius' shoulders and waist, hoping to offer him some kind of comfort. Even if it was just knowing his friend was with him through his terror.

"I'll take it. Er..." He looked down at his waist pouch. "Can you get it? I-I can't reach..." It was true. With Sirius' insistent hold, and his own arms used to support his friend, he couldn't get at his money.

"O'course." The older man said, understanding. He unfastened the pouch and counted out his payment, before returning it to it's rightful place at Remus' hip. Then, he dropped the key into Remus's shirt pocket.

"Take care 'er yer friend there..." the man said, eyes still on Sirius. "'E looks like 'e got himself in ter some bad magic..."

"Thank you, I will." He said hastily, eager to get his shaking friend up to the room.

And if you've got no other choice

you know you can follow my voice

through the dark turns and noise

of this wicked little town

Oh lady luck has left you there

and they're so twisted up

they'll twist you up I fear.

Steadying him as they went, Remus helped Sirius up the winding stairwell and down the corridor that led to their newly rented room. He reached the door, and realized the key was still in his breast pocket. He most definitely could not reach it, with Sirius still holding firm to him.

"Sirius, mate, leggo. I have to get the key..." he wriggled a little, and pulled on arm free. With it, he unlocked the thick wooden door and ushered the taller man into the cramped room. At least it's clean... Remus thought as he gently led Sirius to the bed and helped him sit. A cold sweat had broken out over Sirius' chiseled face, which was now ghostly pale. Remus looked around for a chair, or extra blankets. Finding none, he sat himself of the edge of the rickety bed. It creaked under his slight weight, like a log cabin in the heart of a storm.

At least now Sirius seemed to have calmed down, although his dark eyes darted to the door now and then, as if he expected someone to throw it open and do him harm. As patient as he could be, Remus helped Sirius to lie down under the covers. Unsure of what to do now, Remus stroked his companions hair, hoping it would have a comforting effect. It seemed to do the trick, as Sirius's eyes fluttered a few times, and finally closed. Talking more to himself than anyone else, Remus whispered,

"I knew you shouldn't have touched those things... Why did I allow it? I should have stopped you..." His eyes passed over Sirius' now relaxed, but still pale face. "Of course, I wouldn't have been able to stop you even if I tried, would I?" He sighed. "You sod..."

Remus had never thought of himself as a shirtlifter. Certainly not. Aright yes, he had considered other lads to be quite good looking at times, and he'd even considered what it might be like to kiss some of them. To...do other things with the better looking ones. Sirius had often found his way into Remus' head on many a lonely night. But that didn't mean he was...well, a poof.

Now, looking down at his venerable schoolmate, he began to reconsider the possibility. Of course he'd never do anything to Sirius. He cared about him far to much to damage their relationship as best mates. Especially not when Sirius needed him the most. And Remus knew that this was the moment he'd been dreading ever since he met Sirius back in their first year. He knew there would someday come a time when Sirius would push himself to the limit, and then break. These horrible Muggle creations seemed to be the thing to do him in.

Repressing a sigh, Remus shifted so he could see out the window. The moon was nearly full, and with every passing day Remus could feel her pull, making bile rise in his throat. He wasn't sure how long these wretched Muggle things would stay in Sirius' system, but Remus hoped it wasn't long. If it lasted for more than a few days, he wouldn't be able to withstand his own sickness, let along help Sirius with his.

Clasping a hand on the window pane, Remus ducked his head and prayed. Although he'd never been religious, Remus figured it couldn't hurt to give it a try now. Please...Merlin, don't let anything happen to him... He gave another reproachful look at the swollen moon and shook his head. This was going to be a long night.

They're pious, hateful, and devout

you're turning tricks till you're turned out

the wind so cold it burns

you're burning out and blowin' round

and if you've got no other choice

you know you can follow my voice

through the dark turns and noise

of this wicked little town.

Remus didn't even realize he'd fallen asleep until he was awakened the next morning by Sirius' voice.

"What the sod are you doing?"

Surprised, Remus sat up and looked at Sirius who had an unreadable expression was on his handsome face.

"What are you..." Remus trailed off as he noticed he was lying in bed next to the dark haired man. Sirius was sitting next to him, but as far away as possible. Sirius was still entangled in the sheets and unable to get out of bed due to Remus on one side, and a wall on the other. Shocked, the blond sprang out of the bed as quickly as he could and straightened his robes. "Sirius! It's not-"

"What the sod were you doing? Why were you in bed with me?" Sirius demanded angrily, getting up as well. He fussed with the sheets, trying angrily to untangle himself, but unsuccessfully. Flustered, Remus could not answer at first. "Well?" Sirius demanded again, this time more defensively. He'd finally gotten free of the blankets and he crossed his arms over his chest, gazing at Remus like a poisonous snake that might bite him. That might have already bitten him.

"I was just watching over you!" Remus protested, trying to defend himself. He did not like being backed up against a wall by Sirius. He never had.

"Yeah? Protecting me in bed?" Sirius hissed accusingly. He narrowed his dark eyes suspiciously and looked his friend up and down, obviously not believing him.

Dumbfounded, Remus sputtered. "You ungrateful sod! You were the one clinging to me, crying about some bloody lights that weren't even fucking there! This is the thanks I get for being your mate and looking after you! You're a fucking berk, Sirius."

Obviously confused, Sirius replied, "What the hell are you talking about, Mooney?" He re-crossed his arms over his chest, not willing to admit he'd done something wrong. Just like when he was a child and was caught in the middle of a devious act.

Sighing in exasperation, Remus turned and headed for the door. "Forget it." he said tersely. Before he could reach the doorknob however, Sirius grabbed his arm and stopped him.

"I won't forget it. What happened?" he asked, still holding Remus' arm.

Angrily, Remus turned to face him. "You ignorant sod. Those bloody Muggle...whatever they were, they messed you up. Badly. I, being your friend tried to help you by getting a room for you to sleep it off. Now kingly release me before I blow you fucking, ungrateful, sodding hands off." Remus jerked away, and pulled the door open with such force, it called out to him, "Easy there, son!" before he stormed out. The blond didn't even care that a few painting were staring at him as he passed them.

Astounded, Sirius followed him. "Mooney! Mooney! Remus!" he shouted, trying to catch up.

"What?" Remus demanded, stopping so suddenly, Sirius almost ran into him. Grateful that he'd waited, Sirius gazed at his shorter, and apparently quite upset friend.

"Mooney, I'm sorry. I didn't realize that-"

"No, you never do." Remus cut him off and began stalking down the hall again.

Speechless, Sirius followed yet again. "Hey, wait! What are you saying?"

Turning on his heel, the blond faced Sirius once again. "You never understand anything!" Remus, without thinking, pushed Sirius hard into the hall wall, causing one of the occupants of a portrait to flee to his neighbors to avoid being hit. "You never stop to think do you? You never once stop to think about the dangers of things! You're just always looking for your next fucking thrill!" he shouted in frustration. "You never stop to think about the consequences of your actions, Sirius!"

The fates are vicious and they're cruel

you learn to late you've used

two wishes like a fool

and then you're something you are not

and junction city ain't the spot

remember Mrs. Lot and how she turned around

"Remus, calm down" Sirius whispered, pushing Remus away from him roughly.

"Calm down?" Remus laughed bitterly. "Sirius, I'm quite calm. You complete arse. You didn't even stop to think how worried about you I was, did you?" This was a question, not an accusation. Remus shoved him into the wall again. He was so frustrated with Sirius that he just didn't know what to do with himself. It felt good to take out his aggression like this. He'd never hit Sirius before, in all the years they'd known each other. He'd never had a reason to before now. But this time he really deserved it.

Sirius' look softened and he didn't try to stop Remus or push himself off the wall again. Instead, he slumped against it and looked at Remus who was still only a few inches in front of him, looking quite ready to slug him at the slightest provocation. Then he did something most unexpected. He laughed. Laughed long and hard. Remus was, quite frankly, offended. He'd been asking a serious question and being laughed at was not what he'd been hopping for. "What?" he asked irately. "What's so funny?" he demanded, anger making his voice low.

Sirius looked over at him, grabbed his collar, and pulled him into a rough hug. Still laughing, he answered. "You were worried about me! Remus, I didn't know you cared!"

Squirming like a puppy, Remus replied, "Of course I was worried! You sod! How could I not be? You're killing yourself before my very eyes and you expect me to think nothing of it? You're sorely mistaken. sir." Remus murmured, trying not to let himself smile as he struggled.

Still holding him, Sirius shook his head. "You are an odd one."

Remus paused in his escape efforts. "Why?"

Sirius cupped a hand under Remus' chin, eyes glittering. "You had me all alone on a bed and you didn't try anything?" He waggled his eyebrows suggestively and looked Remus up and down.

Flushing, Remus stuttered, "W-what are you talking about?"

Sirius released him and danced away laughing. "I am one good looking bloke. How could you not have at least been tempted to jump my super sexy bones?" He wriggled to demonstrate his point of sexy-ness.

Remus scoffed. "I'm not a poof Sirius, and quite frankly, you're not attractive enough to sway my judgment." he said coolly, knowing just what buttons to push.

Sirius laughed again, and walked passed Remus, brushing his arm across the blonde's as he passed, and stood at the top of the stairs. "Of course not. Silly me." He stretched quickly and started down the stairs. "Coming Moons? We've still got a good 6 hours until we have to be back in Azkaban...er, School."

Remus nodded, and breathed out a silent sigh of relief. "Of course, right behind you." He murmured, watching his handsome friends retreating back, thanking whatever higher power there was, that Sirius didn't know he had considered him attractive. And, thankful that Sirius was still quite oblivious to the reason why he cared so deeply for him. Remus doubled back to the room and closed the door, apologized to it for his earlier actions, and pocketed the key. Quietly, he started down the staircase. Sirius was already chatting it up with the bar maid. He looked up at Remus and waved a little.

"Hurry up! I wanna go check out the Shrieking Shake before it gets to dark out!" he called, a mischievous look in his eyes.

Remus nodded and hurried a little."Coming...love." he whispered to himself privately, so only he could hear.

And when you've got no other choice

you know you can follow my voice

through the dark turns and noise

of this wicked little town.

Fin