A/N: This was written for two events on the Hogwarts Challenges and Assignments forum. The first was the Back to School event where I used the location Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch prompt. The second was for Slash September where this is for James using James/Remus. (I may never write James/Remus again, but this was interesting to write.) Word count: 506

This takes place several days after Sirius sent Snape to the Whomping Willow on the full moon.

Freezing

James made his broom go faster, relishing the way the cold wind stung at his face. He slung the Quaffle through the goal post and smirked with satisfaction when it zoomed through. It hadn't been a tremendous feat, considering the goal post was unattended as he flew around the pitch by himself, but that didn't matter to him at the moment.

Not bothering to retrieve the Quaffle, he took to doing tricks on his broom. He just wanted to keep moving. As long as the cold and flying were occupying his attention, he couldn't think of anything else.

He made a sharp turn towards the ground to perform a dive and caught sight of a figure walking out on the pitch. Pulling his broom up sharply, James came to a stop. Everything felt slower after getting used to the world zooming by. He watched Remus as he walked towards him, feeling like it was happening in slow motion.

Frowning, James lowered himself to the ground.

"Why are you out here?" James asked before Remus could speak. "You should be recovering from the other night."

Remus rolled his eyes.

"Pomfrey let me leave. I'm not going to lay around the dormitory all day when I've already done that in the hospital wing. Besides, you're out here too."

James narrowed his eyes.

"I didn't transform two nights ago."

"No," Remus replied, "but that doesn't mean you didn't have a difficult night too. I heard what happened, James. I know it was you who got Snape out of there. If it weren't for you… Well, we both know what would have happened. And I'm thankful for what you did, but I don't want you pretending like it didn't affect you."

"I'm fine," he snapped, taking a step back.

"Stop lying."

James' shoulders sunk.

"It's hard," he admitted. "When Sirius told me what he'd done… I've never been more frightened in my life, and I had no way of knowing if I'd get there in time or not. Even once I had Snape out, he was yelling about how he'd tell the whole school, and with the adrenaline and everything, I didn't think Dumbledore could stop him, and I just…"

He trailed off, tugging at his hair. Making eye contact with Remus, he fell still as he was held in place.

"But none of that compares with what it was like for you," he concluded.

Remus shook his head and took a step forward. He placed his hands on James' waist and pulled him in for a kiss.

"I couldn't even remember anything that happened. Dumbledore had to recount it for me. You're the one with the memories."

James shrugged and leaned in to press his forehead against Remus'. They stood there for a moment, taking in the comforting presence of the other, before Remus pulled away.

"You're freezing," he said. "Let's go back inside."

James didn't argue. He let Remus lead him back to the castle. With their hands clasped together, James felt warmer than he had in days.