Saying Goodbye
Summer vacation always brought such sweet sorrows to a group of four boys standing at platform nine and three-quarters. They would always split this way. Peter was always first, his mother standing diligently on the platform as they pulled in to the station. Then Sirius and James would be picked up by the Potters. Remus was always last, his parents fighting through the muggle traffic in the little beat up car they drove.
This year, as Sirius pulled Remus into a hug, closing their fourth year with the marauder stamp of approval, there was something a little strange in how they lingered a moment longer than needed in each others arms. Neither said a word as they pulled back from the awkwardly elongated embrace, their eyes holding the other's a moment more before Sirius cracked a grin and flung his arm around James.
After they had sauntered off, Remus could still feel his heart fluttering in his chest.