Warnings: shonen-ai (boy/boy love), slight violence, angst, use of the "H" word

Disclaimers: All the characters, places, things, etc. in this story belong to J.K. Rowling. Sue me and you'll only get heaps of Star Wars books and outdated lightsabers :P

Notes: After abandoning this fic for two years, I stumbled upon it again and realized that the last two chapters (3 and 4) needed some editing. And I've already thought of the ending, in case there are people who are still waiting for closure. I still have a couple of midterms, though, so the last chapter won't be up until Thursday (at the earliest). Anyway, here's the edited version of Chapter 3.

Italicized words are thoughts.

Chapter Three: Flirtation and Confusion

"Hey Remus! Wake up, sleepy head!"

Remus woke up with a start. He groggily rubbed his eyes and looked up to see James standing beside his four-poster.

What? Why am I still in bed?

"Yo, Remus. Hurry up and get dressed or we'll be late for class. It's not like you to sleep in." James looked a bit concerned.

Oops.

"Sorry, Prongs. I'll get ready as fast as I can." Remus jumped out of bed and hurriedly pulled his robes on before grabbing his book bag.

Stupid, stupid. I didn't mean to fall asleep again. I just meant to doze until Sirius went back to his own bed.

Remus suddenly realized that he and James were alone in their dorm. "Where are Sirius and Peter?"

"I told them to go ahead and get breakfast. Sirius looked like he wanted to stay, but I told him he'd be able to see you soon enough." James winked at Remus, who was bright red and gaping like a fish.

He's kidding, right? God, I hope he's kidding.

:No, you don't.:

Shut up!

"Prongs! You know you shouldn't tease Sirius like that! He might find out that I…" Remus cut himself off quickly, scanning the area for any eavesdroppers.

"Don't worry about it, mate. Padfoot's as dense as a brick wall when it comes to things like that." James looked at his watch and quickened his pace. "We'd better run or we'll miss breakfast."

Remus and James arrived at the Great Hall in record time. While shoveling food onto his plate, Remus glanced surreptitiously at Sirius, who was playing with his oatmeal. Seemingly oblivious, Sirius continued to levitate a few globs of oatmeal and tried to spin them around. Then, suddenly, Sirius looked up and, seeing Remus and James at the table, dropped his food back into his bowl.

"Morning James, Remus! Took you guys long enough. Styling your hair again, Prongs?" Sirius smoothed his hair with exaggerated motions while batting his eyelashes at an imaginary mirror.

"Shut up, Padfoot. You know very well that Sleeping Beauty here," James pointed his spoon at Remus, "Is the reason we're late."

Thanks a lot, James.

"I'm really sorry, guys" Remus blushed, "I didn't mean to sleep in."

"I was just kidding, Moony. Don't sweat it." Sirius grinned, "Besides, you can make it up to us by planning our next prank."

Remus rolled his eyes. "Thanks, but no thanks. In case you've forgotten, I'm a prefect. I'm above such displays of insubordination." Remus lifted his chin and pretended to sniff haughtily.

"Oh you know you want to, Remus. No use in denying it." Sirius smiled seductively. "I'll even make it worth your while, if you know what I mean."

Oh God. Did he just say that? I was hearing things, wasn't I? Oh God.

Remus frantically suppressed the blush he knew was threatening to light up his face. He raised his eyebrow, trying to act unconcerned. "And what makes you think I'd be interested in anything you have to offer, Mr. Black?"

I am interested. But you're not, and it hurts when you pretend like you care for me in that way.

Sirius looked startled for a moment, and then there was a flash of hurt in his eyes that was gone just as quickly. Remus dropped his façade, reached out for Sirius' hand and said, "Sirius, I…"

"Hey, I hate to interrupt your flirting session, but we're going to be late for Charms." James stood up and quickly walked towards the exit of the Great Hall, with Peter scurrying in his wake.

Sirius looked silently at Remus for a second, and then he stood up. "Come on, we don't want to be late."

Remus could only nod speechlessly as he stood up and followed Sirius towards their classroom.

Was he hurt by what I said? I really didn't think he would be. Why would he be hurt? Does he know? Did he finally figure it out?

Remus' mind was a jumble of thoughts as he walked down the corridors in Sirius' wake.

Does he know I love him?

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