Carry On
By: Teenlaunch
Disclaimer: I wouldn't be writing if I owned it.
a/n: *sighs* I give up. I can never get a chapter out in less than a month anymore. And I feel as though I've sold out on this one. Maybe it's just me, but I feel as though this is a filler, and I hate fillers…Well, hopefully this won't disappoint you as much it does me. Read and review please.
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"What the bloody hell, Prongs? What did that door ever do to you?" Sirius demanded, examining the dorm door and wall for cracks from their impact.
James huffed and crossed the room, not caring what damage he had done to their door. Remus rubbed his eyes, another migraine pulsing. He was too tired for this. "Prongs, what are you doing?"
James, taking that as an invitation, started attacking Harry's trunk with fervor. It sprang open and he instantly drew out two very familiar books. Sirius gasped, completely forgetting about the door James had slammed open, and rushed over to him. "I hadn't even thought about that!"
The Marauders piled onto James' bed, all staring in anticipation at the books. James sat down and stared almost hungrily at the books. He groaned suddenly, his eyes flickering between them and then up at his friends, desperation stamped across his face. "I just – I can't stop thinking about it! I know I shouldn't open them, so don't give me that look, Remus. But…I couldn't sleep last night or concentrate today for thinking about it. Remus, please?"
It was true, Remus thought. Only Peter had been able to fall asleep after Harry had left, but he was followed almost two hours later by Sirius. James and Remus were another story. James had gotten a whopping three hours of sleep, and Remus none. Both had spent their night spying, very discreetly, on Harry once he came back to the dorm. When he had come in it was around five in the morning. Remus had almost given up on him and had almost not noticed him coming in. There was no noise, not even the scuffing of his feet, to alert Remus that he was back. Only Harry's scent, mingled with far too much salt, had given him away.
Harry had paused at the end of Remus' bed and Remus had stilled immediately, hoping Harry wouldn't notice he was awake and leave again. He knew there was something Harry was trying to hold back from them. He didn't doubt that Harry and his future self had had a fight. It was the subject of the fight Remus wanted to know so badly. And it seemed that the fight was weighing just as heavily on Harry as he had stared at Remus' curtains for a full ten minutes.
But Harry had just sighed and crawled into his own bed, pausing to get something from his trunk. James and Remus had guessed that it was his journal and art book. A couple seconds later and Harry's quill and pencil could be heard scratching away, confirming their suspicions. James had gathered it was Harry's frustration that had driven him to write and draw all night. He had wanted to jump up and rip the books out of his son's hands. He couldn't stand not knowing what Harry had done and his curiosity had finally gotten the better of him.
He knew that Remus was yearning to know as well. His werewolf friend had been sending the same glances at Harry that James had. He had a feeling Remus knew he'd been up most of the night too. Remus' tired, slightly bloodshot eyes told James all he needed to know. Remus was fighting to stay awake, and the fact that the full moon was two days away didn't help. It was odd how his friend seemed even more concerned than he was. That thought had prompted him to quietly ask Remus how long Harry had been up. All night was not the answer he had wanted.
Now he just wanted to see what Harry had been up all night working on. Wanting to make Remus understand how badly he wanted to look at the books, he donned a poor imitation of Sirius' puppy-dog pout. But it worked. The alone was a testament to Remus' concern.
Remus dropped the glare and nodded, albeit hesitantly. James relaxed visibly and opened the journal. He flipped quickly to the last entry and read aloud, his voice shaking in anticipation. Yet the others clung to his every word.
"Tonight I'm so alone
This sorrow takes ahold
Don't leave me here so cold
Don't leave me here like this
Can't here me scream from the abyss
Don't leave me alone
Cause I barely see at all
Don't leave me alone
I'm
Falling in the black
Slipping through the cracks
Falling through the depths
Can I ever go back?
Dreaming of the way you used to be (can you hear me?)
-Limp Biskit"
James' voice died in his throat as he reread it, trying to process what it said. He finally laid it down and closed it. He picked up the next book and cracked it open, hoping it would be more helpful than the first. He silently handed it to Remus who found the last page and tapped the picture with his wand, not looking at it. The picture was projected into the middle of the dorm. The air in their lungs seemed to freeze.
The picture was different than any they'd seen in the book. Harry sat in the bottom left corner, his face turned up to look at his counterpart, head resting on his folded arms. His eyes were sad yet a small smile graced his lips. And it seemed to be because of the man almost floating beside him.
The man was cut off from Harry, his hemisphere devoid of color. Yet it was easy to see he was happy but haggard. His robes were patched and frayed. His face was lined and his eyes were shining with a calm smile also shown by his mouth. Below it was scribbled text: 'There is something in the pang of change more than the heart can bear, unhappiness remembering happiness. –Euripides'
James looked around at the others, clearing his throat. "Well, any conclusions?" It was obvious that the man was Professor Century, but the picture held little meaning to the Marauders. Of them all, Remus had the most knowledge about artistic devices. But Remus shook his head and turned the page. The pictures flashed and James let out a small whine as he examined it.
Harry was wrapped in heavy chains. They wove around his body in a convoluted mass. Every muscle was straining to break free of the chains and whatever they were anchored to. His right arm was stretched out in front of him, reaching and groping. He was leaning out so the chains were taut. His face bore a look of pure agony. He knew how close he was to his goal yet he couldn't get it.
A few feet in front of him was Professor Century. He had his back turned to Harry, his head held erect. And he was walking away. There was a calm, relieved look on his face and he seemed oblivious to Harry's struggles, though the latter's fingers were grazing the man's robes.
Sirius reached over and closed the book with shaking hands. He cleared his throat. "So…what knowledge did we gain from this venture?"
Remus seemed too shocked to speak and shook his head when the others looked at him. James nodded. "Well…it seems that Harry is more attached to Century than we thought. This fight or whatever it is between them is tearing Harry up. And it's only been one day. If this isn't fixed soon…" James trailed off, looking pleadingly at the others.
"So, w-what do we do?" Sirius asked. "Century's not even in the castle anymore and it's been near twenty-four hours. And he's a teacher. He just up and left."
"You think he's left for good?" Peter asked.
Sirius shook his head. "He's got a good job and all. Besides, I don't think he'd abandon Dumbledore over a little fight with Harry."
"Yeah," James agreed thoughtfully. "But will he abandon Harry?"
Sirius shrugged. "I dunno. But, seriously, what do we do?"
Remus laughed hollowly, making the others jump. "What can we do? All we can do is hope they work it out and quickly."
"Hopefully, Century won't come back without patching things up. Otherwise, things might get nasty," Sirius sighed. "Remember their row earlier this year."
"Harry won't let this go on, not when he's suffering like this. I mean, think about it. He'll patch things up as soon as possible."
"I hope you're right, Moony." James sighed too, closing his eyes to block out the pictures, and finally fell asleep.
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Harry was shaking; from what, he wasn't sure. It was from either fear or anticipation. What would happen when Lupin saw him? It had only been two days and already Harry felt as though it had been years. He hadn't realized, until this fight, just how much he cared for Lupin. He couldn't help it. Something kept drawing him back to his Professor, and, he'd rationalized, maybe it was time to try a small heart-to-heart. Though he hoped it wouldn't turn into something sappy, or worse yet awkward. He wouldn't be able to handle that.
Of course, the talk hadn't been possible yet. Lupin had vacated the castle, presumably taking temporary residence in the Three Broomsticks. Harry hadn't tried to go after him. That would have ended horribly. Instead, he was sitting in the middle of the forbidden forest, waiting for the full moon to rise. And as the first howls started, Harry transformed and ran toward the sounds, hoping nothing bad would happen.
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Lupin's return to consciousness the next morning was painfully slow. The night had been particularly hard on him and though he usually didn't black out, his strength had failed him. He had made it halfway through his transformation back into a human.
Harry had carefully laid him in a more comfortable position, draping his robes over him, and sat a few feet away, not sure how close he should be in case Lupin was still extremely mad at him.
Almost an hour later, Lupin stirred. He slowly blinked his eyes, but closed them tightly against the sun coming through the trees. He sat up and looked around, not noticing Harry who had retreated into the shadows. Lupin blinked in confusion when he noticed the robes pooled in his lap. He stood, a painful expression on his face, and slid the robes on an inch at a time, his movements slow and measured. He knew something unusual had happened, and he quickly reassessed his night as he fastened his robes.
Harry watched him with growing worry. Something was apparently not adding up about the night because Lupin frowned and tensed, though it was hard to tell he had done so. A low growl slowly rose from his throat. Harry involuntarily stepped back and a twig snapped beneath his foot.
Lupin whirled and rushed at him, his body moving fluidly even after such a rough night. Before Harry knew what had happened he was pinned to the tree behind him, pain lancing through his back. Lupin's hand was clamped over his throat, successfully stopping his breathing. Lupin's fangs, usually unnoticeable, were bared menacingly inches from Harry's nose and his eyes were a rich amber, as always when his instincts kicked in. His breathing was irregular, coming in short puffs as adrenaline pumped through him.
Harry gasped for air, his fingers curled around Lupin's hand but not straining against his hold. Their eyes locked and recognition flashed across Lupin's face. He released Harry and reeled backward. Harry slumped against the tree, swallowing air in great gulps. They stared at each other, both unsure what to do.
Lupin walked to the middle of the clearing and sat down, watching Harry warily. Harry got up and slowly approached him. He sat down across from him and lowered his eyes.
Lupin was silent another moment, then, "You shouldn't be here." His voice was lower than normal and very raspy from screaming and howling all night. Harry didn't respond. He'd planned out everything he would say but now he couldn't recall a word of it. "I could have been extremely out of control what with my stress level recently." Harry kept his eyes on the ground, unwilling to break down. "Say whatever it is you have to say, or leave."
Harry felt his mouth go dry. He couldn't say a word it he wanted to. So he simply stared at the hard ground. He would wait as long as he had to before he'd open his mouth and make a fool out of himself. But it seemed Lupin was not patient today. He sighed and got up, straightening his robes. As he walked away, his steps not even audible, Harry started to panic. What could he say? Would anything have enough power to stop him?
"I'm sorry." Lupin stopped and stiffened, but didn't turn. "I…I'm sorry. I don't – I didn't…I'm sorry." Lupin didn't react. Harry, sensing that he wouldn't make it much longer, got up and walked to him. He looked ahead of him, not letting his gaze shift to Lupin. "I'll just go then. There are some potions in your room, if you want them." Harry continued walking, drawing nearer to Lupin, and, finally, past him. Just as he was sighing in relief, Lupin grabbed his arm. Harry turned slightly in shock and his shirt hit his back and stuck there. Harry winced and stilled to keep it from getting worse.
"Blood."
"W-what?" Harry stuttered, careful to keep his shirt from moving.
"I smell blood. Why do I smell blood?"
"You are pretty scratched up. It-"
"Your blood, Harry," Lupin growled.
"Er…I…"
"You what?" Harry bit his lip and didn't answer. Lupin chuckled incredulously. "You stayed with me all night, didn't you? Even after…" Harry nodded reluctantly. Lupin paused. "Where is it?"
"My back," Harry mumbled. "Why?"
"How did it happen?"
"Moony was a little cranky. Took a swipe at me while I wasn't looking."
Lupin slowly released Harry's arm and straightened his shirt so it wasn't sticking to his back anymore. "I'm sorry…"
Harry turned around, frowning. "Why? I deserved it. I deserved everything. I needed that wakeup call."
"No," Lupin murmured, sighing. "It was wrong of me to say those horrible things to you. None of what I said about you was true."
"Yes, it was. I have been pushing you away. I thought by doing that I could fool Voldemort into thinking I hated you, that you didn't matter so he wouldn't go after you. But, I guess it's not worth it in the end. I should have realized what it was doing to you. I'm the one that should be sorry. So, am I forgiven?"
Lupin smiled gently and ruffled Harry's hair. "Forgiven."
Harry smiled in return, his anxiety melting away. "Thanks. And, if you feel the need to be forgiven, then you are."
Lupin nodded and turned to lead the way out of the forest.
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"What are you smiling about, Moony?" Sirius asked, catching his friend's grin.
Remus turned to him, his eyes glinting in that mysterious way that they always seemed to do the day after the full moon. "Century's back."
James whipped around to stare at him. "How can you tell? I don't see him." Peter leaned around Remus to look up at the staff table.
"I was coming back to the dorm from the Hospital Wing and I heard someone inside Century's office. And, naturally, I stopped to listen." Remus fell silent, munching happily on his sandwich, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
The others stared at him, waiting for him to continue. After he didn't react, James snapped. "Moony!"
Remus turned to him, the playful smile overtaking his face. "Yes, Prongs?" he asked innocently.
"What happened?"
"Oh, you want to know what happened?"
"Yes, we bloody well want to know what happened!" Sirius exclaimed, overriding James' indignant sputtering.
"If you had asked nicely, I might have considered telling you."
James gaped, amazed that now was one of the moments Remus decided to let his Marauder side show. "Buh-but, Moony!" He whined.
"No! I'm not going to tell you. You're being mean."
Sirius, his face grim, got up, walked around the table, and knelt beside Remus, his hands clasped together. Remus raised an eyebrow and Sirius made his famous puppy-dog pout. "Remy, you know I love you, right?" Remus' mouth quirked slightly. He leaned his head into one hand as he waited to hear the rest. "I've been good to you, haven't I? I've protected you. Cared for you. Spent endless nights in the Hospital Wing with you. Even studied at unearthly hours of the morning with you! How could you turn your back on me now? After everything we've been through!" His voice rose to a shout.
Remus collapsed against the table in gales of laughter. "Stop! Stop it, please! I-I can't take it!" He sighed, still chuckling, and wiped tears from his eyes. "Well, I can't argue with that. Get up here, idiot." Sirius scrambled onto the bench, a broad grin on his face.
Remus motioned for them to lean in. "Okay, from what I heard, Harry and Century are good again. They were talking and laughing just like before, like nothing happened."
"What were they talking about?" James prompted anxiously.
Remus looked taken aback, his demeanor changing instantly. He cleared his throat. "Well, I…"
"You didn't stay, did you?" Sirius asked with a grin.
Remus flushed. "No. I listened in for a couple minutes then left."
"Why? You're a Marauder! You're supposed to be a snoop!"
"Just because I'm a Marauder does not mean I want to intrude on personal matters!" Remus hissed. "If you must know, they were mainly talking about what they said to each other during their fight. It was only for a minute though. Then they started on a friend of Harry's. Besides, after that, everything got really quiet. I think they went into his quarters."
James relaxed, sated. "So, no harm, no foul, eh?"
Remus shrugged. "You could say that. It's all patched up, and thank God it is. Another sleepless night and we'd have had to drug Harry just so he wouldn't die of exhaustion." He sighed. "I think they've already forgotten all about the fight. It was strange. While I was listening, they got really quiet for a second. Then they just burst out laughing. And they hadn't said anything. It was like they were silently communicating."
"You mean like we do?" James asked.
"Exactly. They weren't that close before. It's like this fight didn't separate them. It made their friendship stronger."
"Not surprising," Sirius sighed. They all looked at him. "Well," he said, flustered, "look at how much we fight! And yet we're still like brothers!" They smiled at this. "It's only natural that they become closer. I mean, they must have learned loads about each other from this."
The others nodded and fell silent. James yawned. "Well, I think it's time." He stood up and almost skipped out of the Hall, the others following in his wake.
"Time for what?" Peter asked.
"The questioning."
At this, Remus felt Moony's presence flare inside his chest and he pivoted, halting in front of James. "Moony, wha-"
"Prongs…"
James frowned. Remus' face was set in a frown as well. His eyes, usually a rich chestnut, were liquid amber. James felt his blood freeze. Remus' eyes turning amber never ended well. "R-Remus, your eyes! Calm down or-"
"No, James!" Remus growled. "I can't let you do that to Harry, not when he's just got back on good terms with Century."
"But that's the beauty of it! He'll be so ecstatic about the fight being over that he'll gladly answer our questions!" James exclaimed, gesturing wildly in an attempt to prove his point.
"Harry's not an idiot, James! He'll catch on and he won't give you anything!"
"How do you know that?"
"How do I-" Remus sputtered. "Are you dense? You've been living with him for the past how many months, and you still haven't figured out that you shouldn't press him for answers? Do you really think your son would be stupid? I mean, with you and-" Remus growled, his eyes flashing, and cut himself off.
"Yes?"
"Nothing."
"No, it wasn't!" Sirius exclaimed, comprehension dawning on his face. He pointed an accusatory finger at Remus. "You know who Harry's mother is!"
Remus, his eyes still amber, schooled his face. "How do you know I wasn't going to say me? After all, I am an honorary uncle now, aren't I?"
"But you stopped yourself! You never stop yourself when you're yelling at us! Never!"
"What is your point, Padfoot?"
"My point is-"
"Enough!" James growled. They both quieted but Remus glared at him, the wolf in him still apparent. "I find it odd that you are so concerned about Harry."
"Someone has to be!"
"What are you saying?"
"First it was jealousy. Now, it's your curiosity," Remus snapped.
"What are you-"
"You don't give a damn about Harry!"
James gaped. "How dare you! Of course I care for Harry!"
"You aren't showing it," Remus hissed.
"How am I supposed to show it? I'm seventeen! I'm not technically his father yet!"
"But you are in his eyes. And these last couple of days, yes, you cared for him. But the real reason you were so concerned was because you knew that you couldn't ask him things until he was over the fight."
"That's not true!" James shook his head violently.
"If that's not true then why are you so determined to ruin his mood with questions?"
"Why? Why? I want to know, Moony! Wouldn't you? Wouldn't you want to know your future? If you got married? What job you have? If they've found a cure for lycanthropy?" He pleaded.
"I already know, idiot!" Remus barked, bristling.
Silence fell. "What?" James asked quietly.
Remus closed his eyes and took a deep breath. How was he supposed to get out of this one?
"For your information, he's not married and there is still no cure," a calm voice murmured.
The Marauders whirled. Harry was leaning against the wall behind them, hands in his pockets, a lazy smile quirking his mouth. His eyes, though half-lidded, were sparkling in delight. "Hiya, Harry," Sirius murmured, glancing back and forth at his friends.
Harry nodded, the smile not leaving his face. Remus calmed slightly, his expression softening considerably before he frowned. "You okay?"
Harry nodded again. "'M fine. Nothing to worry about. Why?"
Remus shrugged. "You just look a bit tired."
Sirius snorted and taunted Remus lightly. "You just don't like hurting people's feelings, do you, Moons?"
"Fine. Harry, you bloody well look like death warmed over. Happy, Pads?" He glared at Sirius and crossed his arms defensively.
"Yes, very."
Harry smiled. "You're preaching to the choir, my brother."
Remus laughed incredulously and tutted. "No sleep for three days, and still able to stand up straight? You must have a secret."
Harry's eyes sparkled in amusement. "Oh yeah, because spelling your eyes open every second is such a secret."
Remus shook his head, still smiling. "Well, I think it's about time you got to bed. Come on. Go!"
Harry rolled his eyes. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. 'K? Worry about getting yourself some sleep."
James cleared his throat. "Let's head to the dorm. Then you both can get some well-deserved shut-eye."
"Uh huh." Harry sounded unconvinced. "At what price?" he asked, walking over to Sirius and Remus, throwing one arm around each man's shoulders.
"Price? Who said anything about a price?" James asked, looking properly offended.
Remus smirked. "Told you he's smart."
Harry smiled, nodding as they started walking, the two boys still attached to his arms. Silence fell and for a moment all that could be heard were their soft footfalls. In the silence it was hard to miss the boys' curious glances. Finally Harry sighed. "Alright, alright. You can ask questions!" He grumbled. Sirius and James cheered. "But, I answer only the ones I want to. And you have until my head makes contact with my pillow. So I suggest you fire away."
James started immediately. "Who do I marry?" Harry stared at him. "Your mum. You know. Who's your…your mum?"
Harry sighed. "You've been brooding for a while, haven't you?" James blinked in response. "I can't answer that, James. You know I can't."
James frowned. "Well, what can you tell us?"
Harry shrugged. "Keep asking."
Sirius slung his own arm around Harry. "Tell us more about that little girlfriend of yours back home."
"Like?"
"Name, age, score on the Hotness Scale…"
"Hotness Scale?"
"You don't know what the Hotness Scale is? We've only spent a week every school year to rate every single girl according to its standards!"
"Er…right…assuming 10 is the highest…10."
Sirius whistled in awe. "Only Lily-flower has ever ranked that high!"
Harry smiled wistfully. "Well, Ginny's a lot like Lily. She's a redhead and she has one nasty temper. Brown eyes, freckles, passionate, strong, etc. Oh, and she's sixteen."
"Ginny, eh? Ginny what?"
"Weasley."
"Weasley? Not Arthur Weasley?" James asked, eyes wide.
"One and the same. Great man."
"A daughter huh? After three boys-"
"Six."
"What?" James asked, nonplussed.
"Six boys, one girl. Ginny's the baby. All of her brothers are really protective, especially my best mate Ron."
"Wait, wait…seven kids? Arthur had seven kids?" Remus asked, floored.
"Yeah, and all of them, minus one, are really great friends of mine."
"Good! Arthur's a good man. It's nice to know you've got good tastes in friends, and they're good ones at that."
"Yeah. I couldn't ask for better friends than Ron and Hermione. They've been there for everything."
The boys smiled, glancing at each other. "Good," Remus whispered, tightening his hold on Harry slightly. "So, I guess that means you're popular?"
Harry snorted. "Popular is putting it bluntly."
"How bluntly?"
"Pretty darn."
James laughed. "Do you not like being popular or something?"
Harry shrugged, not wanting to get on that subject when he was so tired. "Put it this way, popular is not all it's cracked up to be."
"Is that why you've been hanging around Snivellus, to keep away some popularity?" Sirius asked innocently.
Harry stiffened but kept walking. "He's not that bad you know."
"He's dangerous," James protested, keeping his voice level.
Harry laughed. "Yes, well, for your information, I'm dangerous." He looked over at James. "Let me worry about Severus. I know what he's capable of, and I know what I'm capable of."
"So?"
"He won't be a problem."
Silence fell again. Harry could tell they were all bursting to ask him a million questions but were holding back due to his depleted state. They were in view of the Fat Lady, and they were all glancing nervously at each other, as though trying to communicate via brainwaves so they wouldn't be put in the spotlight by asking.
Remus rolled his eyes, ignoring them. "Are you going to tell them about Christmas?"
Sirius raised an eyebrow and he broke his gaze with James. "What about Christmas?"
Harry gave a lopsided grin. "Oh, I think you know." He chuckled, thinking back over their gifts, Sirius' motorcycle sticking out most prominently in his mind. "Sirius' was my favorite, by the way, just because it was the most intricate."
"My…my what?" Sirius asked, opening the portrait.
Harry didn't answer and just let go of Sirius and Remus so he could climb into the common room. Remus smirked and slapped a pout onto his face. "You mean mine wasn't your favorite? How could you?" he whined.
"Well," Harry sighed, his mind flying to the book and Honeydukes certificate he had given Remus, particularly staying set on the chocolate, "it does sound good right about now."
"Then you'll get it," Remus said, losing the whine immediately.
"You don't need to-"
"I insist."
"But-"
"You're going to take it and there will be no arguing," Remus said, wagging a finger in Harry's face.
"Fine, fine!" Harry held up his hands in surrender. "But it's yours, Rem."
Remus almost smiled at hearing the nickname that his friends often used from him, but he kept a stern frown on his face as he shot back, "Which means I get to give it to whoever I want, and you are top of the list."
Harry's eyes widened dramatically. "You mean I'm before James and Sirius?"
"Yep! Especially before them."
"But I thought-"
"What in the bloody hell are you talking about?" Sirius yelled.
They had stopped in the middle of the common room, watching Harry and Remus bicker. They turned to look sheepishly at the others. "Sorry. Carried away," Harry murmured, having truly forgotten about the others for a moment.
"With what? That was complete gibberish!" Sirius huffed, crossing his arms.
"Oh." Harry smiled. "You remember Christmas, right?"
The Marauders nodded. James gasped, clutching his heart. "Guys!" The others looked at him expectantly. "We didn't give Harry anything!"
Sirius gaped. "I didn't even – Harry, what do you want? Anything!" He grabbed Harry's arms and stared pleadingly at him.
Harry stared at him. "I-"
"We'll go tonight!" He nodded emphatically and started pacing. "Diagon Alley! Name it! Moony, you can go to Borgin and Burkes. Prongs and I-"
Remus snorted. "Wait. Let me get this straight. You think I'm going with you?" He laughed. "You're kidding right?"
"Uh, no," Sirius answered, looking at Remus like he had lost his mind. "You didn't get him anything either."
"Au contraire. I got him something. I was the nice uncle." He smirked, watching the others gape. "Sorry about your luck."
Harry laughed. "Yes, and I've gotten a lot of use from it." He turned to Remus, frowning slightly. "What about you?"
"So, I sneak out every weekend to use it. Doesn't mean anything does it?"
Harry chuckled. "Chocoholic."
"But you love me for it."
Harry sighed. "True."
The other Marauders frowned. James' eyes widened. "It was you!" Remus and Harry turned toward him, feigning curiosity. "You were the one who sent us those presents! That's how you knew about the coin in Moony's book and how to work Padfoot's motorcycle!"
Sirius and Peter's mouths fell open. "You?" Sirius asked. "You spent a fortune on us!"
"Except for me," Peter griped. "What was with mine?"
Harry didn't answer for a moment then smiled. "It's a little joke between us. You'll understand later." He turned and walked up the stairs, the stunned Marauders following. He immediately headed for his bed, glancing toward the showers but deciding against it. He'd probably end up falling asleep under the water.
Remus reached into his trunk and threw a bar of chocolate to Harry who caught it looking puzzled. "An entire bar? I can't eat an entire bar!"
"Then save it for later."
Harry rolled his eyes and simply opened it and took a bite. It was silent except for the shuffling from the other Marauders. Once he was happy with the amount of chocolate he had eaten, the only thing he had consumed in almost 48 hours, Harry climbed into bed. Just after he had pulled his curtains closed, James murmured, "Harry, I'm sorry, but I have one last question."
"Can't it wait, Prongs?" Sirius asked.
James pushed on. "Why didn't you tell us?"
Harry stiffened. There was no way he was ready to answer that, if he would ever be. He closed his eyes and slowed his breathing, hoping he was a better actor than he thought. Someone peeked through the curtains and sighed. "He's already out, Prongs. You can tell how hard the last few days have been on him. Even fell asleep with his glasses on." Sirius reached in and gently removed his glasses. Harry had to fight not to flinch away. "Save it for later, Prongs."
Harry sighed silently in relief when Sirius pulled back. Now if he could pull that off a few more times he'd have it made.
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I am worn out from groaning; all night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.
Psalm 6:6-7
