Chapter 04

Authors Note: So I took a few days break. I'm always trying to think of new ideas! Not that I'm particularly good at that… I get too frustrated too easily… anyway, back on track! Thanks to everybody who has commented! Most people did agree that some Severus/Sirius would make the story a bit more interesting, so I've decided to keep that. This chapter doesn't really focus on that aspect, but watch out for more of that coming in the next few chapters.

As far as uniforms go, I do adore the movie uniforms, so I've kept those.

Disclaimer: JK Rowling owns Harry Potter. And those other people.

By the end of the day, Sirius had run through so many scenarios for confronting Remus that he was confused as to which was the best. As it was Friday night, he told James he was too tired to do any homework, and went up to the dormitories quite early.

He was not the only one who had decided not to sit down in the common room with the others. Remus was sprawled across his bed, his cloak hanging off his four-post. Light still streamed across the room, but there was a pair of candles sitting on his nightstand. Obviously, he did not realize Sirius had entered the room, and continued writing on a piece of parchment.

Sirius padded quietly to his bed, dropping his cloak on the floor next to it. Loosening his tie, he crouched before his trunk, and pulled out his Defense Against the Dark Arts homework.

"Incendio," he pointed his wand at the candle, and the wick ignited.

He sat down on his bed, legs crossed, and leaned over his work. Sirius was certain that Remus was now quite aware of his presence; when he glanced over at him, he was determinedly staring down at his page. Sirius could tell he wasn't working.

Five minutes passed, this stale, awkward silence hovering between them. Deciding that now was the most opportune moment to confront Remus, Sirius turned to look at him.

"Moony, I don't… this is…"

Remus stopped pretending to read, and looked up at him. His tired eyes were mingled with… what was it? Sorrow? Regret?

"I didn't realize this was going to happen," Sirius said softly. "If I had known… it was stupid of me to have just… you know… kissed you." His eyes dropped to his knees, summoning up the courage to look Remus in the eyes.

"I'm sorry."

Sirius looked up quickly. "Sorry?"

Remus ran a hand through his hair, looked up at the hangings around his bed. "I'm… I don't know how I feel. I thought maybe I was brave enough to ask you what it meant, why you did it… but after this morning… I don't even understand what's going on anymore."

Sirius flushed. "That was stupid of me," he muttered. "I don't even know why I did it. I was feeling bloody well miserable, but I don't know what I was thinking."

"Do you like him?" Remus's question was a soft demand.

Sirius stared. "What? Like him? I don't – I mean – I…" The uncertainties of that morning were rushing back into his mind, and he tried quickly to push them away. Now wasn't the time to sit and worry about it; not when they were finally able to sit and talk to each other. He took in a deep breath, and shook his head. "No, Moony. I don't."

Sirius stood up, his knees feeling a little shaky. He went past James's bed to sit next to Remus's lying form, their eyes meeting as Sirius approached him. Remus sat up slowly, their gazes never breaking apart. Sirius smiled a little, reaching out to touch the sandy-haired boys' face. Remus let his cheek rest against Sirius's palm, his comfort.

"D'you… want to know why I kissed you, then?" Sirius found his voice strangely low, sounding stronger than he could ever remember. "I wonder… but it's a question that can't be answered in words."

He leaned forward, kissing Remus again. This time, it was not so uncertain. Remus leaned against him in return, their lips never parting, his arms wrapping around Sirius's toned form. Sirius found himself being pushed against the bedpost, their kisses turning from a statement into a hundred thousand burning questions. Remus felt desperate, his kisses bruising, his taste intoxicating, their lips and tongues and bodies fighting for control. Sirius at last relaxed, allowing Remus to control them. His mind was swimming in a gentle calm, the insecurities washing away in soft waves.

Remus gently ended their kiss, staring endearingly into Sirius's eyes, flicking black strands of hair from his eyes. "I think I understand how I feel now." He kissed him again.

"And that is…" Sirius smiled.

Remus propped his chin up on his palm. "I think… I could love all of this… and I do…"

He rolled onto his back next to Sirius, resting his head in the crook of his shoulder, Sirius resting his cheek over the crown of Remus's head. Candlelight danced on the walls, night's darkness falling upon the castle.

Authors Note: Hurrah! Now that we've had our fill of sap, I'd like to note that this is not the end of the story! I've decided to end this chapter on this note, as not to distract from the main purpose.

I rewrote this chapter three times, twice with it to be centered around Sirius and Severus. I decided that it was better, in order to keep the story on track, to focus it on Sirius and Remus. I'm glad I did decide to go this way; it gives me much more space to write the story. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy and please leave a comment! 3