Love, Lies and Squishy Pumpkins

Although Remus had been trying to blot the illusive girl out of his mind, he had been fairly unsuccessful. Whenever he wasn't concentrating, his mind wandered to the willowy girl on the balcony. He didn't know who she was, but knew that she must go to Hogwarts. After a while, even some of his more dim-witted friends had cottoned on. He told them he was fine, but his best friend didn't buy it.

Sirius had been Matthew's best friend (and frequently more) since they had begun Hogwarts five years ago. He always knew when Remus was upset. As Remus gave more mutters of I'm fine, Sirius pulled him up some stairs to a room where they could speak privately.

"Okay," said Sirius "Spill."

"What?" asked an obviously clueless Remus.

"You've been daydreaming in class, not answering teachers' questions and barely speaking to us. So tell me what's up."

"I guess I'm just tired." Lied Remus who had thought it best not to mention the girl he had seen.

"I know when you're upset and I don't like to see you like this."

"Well…"

"Spit it out." Sirius replied (though not unkindly).

Matthew sighed deeply.

"Okay," he began "There was this girl…"

"I see."

Silence followed this speech.

Suddenly Sirius stalked out leaving poor Remus feeling completely bewildered. He waited for a moment then hurried after him as comprehension dawned.

"No, it's not like that." he shouted across the common room.

"Not like what?" he paused, turning around.

"I'm still in love with you!" Remus blurted out, finally having caught up.

Sirius smiled.

"It wouldn't hurt you to say it once in a while." he muttered.

Remus slipped his arms around his boyfriend's neck and after a quick peck on the lips he said,

"I don't fancy the girl, I just want to know more about her. You're my one and only!"

Sirius nibbled his ear affectionately and then proceeded to kiss him properly. After what seemed like an eternity Remus broke off, saying he had to get to class. This was actually true, but nonetheless, he felt a bubble of happiness rising inside him. This is gonna be one hell of a day! (he thought). He was not disappointed. When he walked out of charms class 1 hour later, he was feeling happier than he had done in years. Not only had he managed to turn his cheese into a pumpkin, but he had persuaded Professor Flitwick not to give him a detention for throwing squishy pumpkin at Severus Snape.

He walked into the great hall and sat down between James and Sirius. He had just begun shovelling jacket potato into his mouth when James spoke.

"What's this about a girl? Not going straight on us I hope?"

"It's nothing," Matthew said.

Sirius had gone bright red and was determinedly not looking at either of them.

"Oh yeah?" James said raising his eyebrows.

"Yeah!" said Remus defensively.

"Fine! Don't tell us then!" Shouted James as he stormed of angrily.

After a moment of awkward silence Sirius spoke.

"Don't worry about him. You know how he gets."

"I wasn't going to worry about him. I do know how he gets. But in my opinion, being a fucking git is actually better than being a friend who doesn't keep your secrets!" he shouted

"But…" Sirius pleaded.

"Just fuck off will you! I'm sick of this!" he interrupted striding out of the hall making a huge effort not to cry.

Great, he thought bitterly, I can't even trust my best friend. Just great.