Chapter Thirty: A Matter of Maturity

"Finally made it Remus. You ought to elbow people, it's very effective," James teased, holding up his arms bent in example.

"What's going on?" Sirius asked peering around. "Where's ol' Sluggy?"

"We don't know." Peter shrugged and Remus wondered if just maybe his day was getting better.

"Maybe he canceled class because of the visitors," Remus dared to voice his hopeful opinion out loud.

Why did Sirius look disappointed over that?

Remus shook his head, he really must be out of it still because there was no way Sirius, of all people, would ever be disappointed to miss class. James maybe, since he pretended not to but he enjoyed most of the classes. Peter, no he was another one who would never be disappointed about missing class except maybe History of Magic since that was basically just time to nap for him.

If there was no class Remus could go to the library, except Lily would most likely go there so he'd go outside instead and get his Transfiguration homework done, which sounded much nicer than battling down the revulsion and uncomfortableness that assaulted him everytime he walked through the door.

"Scuse me. Excuse me coming through."

Guess not.

"Professor everything ok?" Lily seemed to be one of the few students who actually sincerely cared about their professors' wellbeing.

"The visitors better not have already arrived," James muttered, sounding thoroughly put out about that possibility. Professor Slughorn chuckled as he fumbled with his keys.

"No, Mr. Potter the schools will arrive at dinner, they do like to put on a memorable first appearance. I'm late because I was escorting a few first years who broke into my storage cupboards to detention," he explained while opening the door and letting the students in.

"Delivering them to detention? Now?" called a surprised student.

"Yes, well Hagrid decides when he needs students to help him in the Forbidden Forest and sometimes his tasks are time-sensitive."

"But don't they have to go to class," Sirius pointed out innocently enough but Remus knew exactly what he was thinking, even without the excited smile flashed his way.

"Now Mr. Black I assure you that the detention I assigned is in fact a punishment."

Maybe Professor Slughorn was more aware of what went on in his class than Remus had originally thought.

"Ah, Miss Evans already ready for our class I see. Where's your partner Mr….. er Mr. Lunin?"

Remus sighed, then again maybe not.

"Sitting with me today, professor, we have to share him since he's so popular."

Several students laughed and Remus felt his face burn as he hurriedly sat down next to Sirius. If there was one class he didn't want attention brought to him in it was potions class!

"Ah yes, yes well everyone hurry up we have a particularly difficult potion to make and…."

"What did you do that for?" Remus whispered to Sirius angrily.

Sirius just shrugged, giving him a look that suggested he honestly didn't see the problem with what he just did. Remus sighed again, reminding himself that just because it was normal to want to throttle your friends on occasion didn't mean it should be done.

"I try not to bring attention to myself in this class."

"Why?" Sirius asked his eyes narrowing slightly and getting that intense look in them that made Remus very worried about Sirius' real motives for sitting next to him today.

"...because I suck at potions…" he said slowly letting out a soft laugh. He really had gotten used to the nauseating smell of wolfsbane in the classroom and unless he thought about it the pounding headache and lack of focus just became a background distraction, he just had to work to keep there.

"Right, right of course how had I forgotten. How many cauldrons have you burned through now Remus?" Sirius grinned and Remus relaxed, his friend no longer looking at him at all as he began to measure out ingredients.

"Five….or maybe seven….no more than nine point five," Remus teased, causing Sirius to let out a snort of amusement into the cauldron as he dumped in the first ingredient. Remus tried to pay attention to what his friend was doing, tried to help him do it but Sirius was taking over with more skill than Peter did and less patience than Lily, who actually wanted Remus to learn, did. So his struggle to pay attention became more and more pointless.

"I know Lily knows whatever it is you won't tell us."

Remus had been in a pleasant state of sort of sleep which let the symptoms of wolfsbane grow hazy rather than just be prominently in the background. At Sirius' whispered statement, however, he jerked back fully into consciousness, hitting his elbow hard on the cauldron.

"Geez, careful. Look I'm not going to interrogate you about it. I said you had until the end of the year and I mean it. Just listen will you." Remus shut his mouth focusing on the cauldron that was starting to boil. "I know she knows and found out recently. Or maybe not recently but I'm guessing you just found out she knows. Right?"

Remus hesitated then nodded wondering where this was going if not down the road of interrogation.

"Finally got something right," he heard Sirius whisper under his breath and wondered if he was talking about the potion or Remus.

"Sirius I didn't tell her."

"I know that," Sirius said impatiently, quickly picking up the ladle and turning it clockwise twice.

"Then what…." Remus began truly puzzled as to what was happening, both with the potion and Sirius.

"Just give me a minute. This is harder than I thought it would be, much harder."

Remus' nerves grew but he waited patiently as Sirius crushed wartcap powder in the pestle, once more unsure if his friend was talking about him or the potion.

"Now it just needs to turn red," he mumbled under his breath before turning back to Remus, idly turning the ladle clockwise in the meantime. Remus swallowed trying not to panic.

"You should talk to Lily."

Remus froze absolutely stunned, of all things he thought Sirius would say from not being his friend anymore to telling Remus he was a goblin, the least of all things he expected to hear was….that!

"You…..what?" he asked dumbfounded, wondering if he'd misheard. Maybe he meant "talk to me", maybe this was interrogation time after all.

"Ugh don't make me say it again. Look I know you. You aren't going to talk to her, you're going to avoid and ignore her, and whatever it is she found out you shouldn't do it," Sirius explained sounding as if this was physically paining him. "So instead actually give her a chance. I think she can help you or maybe help you feel better about whatever it is because whatever it is it isn't your fault. So yeah you...her…..talk…..yeah….," he finished lamely looking as uncomfortable as Remus felt.

He wasn't quite sure how to handle this since it was so unexpected. But this wasn't a joke. Sirius was dead serious about this, even though he didn't know and no doubt hated that Lily did, he was honestly putting Remus' feelings first which was extremely touching, and foolish because his friend didn't understand at all what was going on.

"Sirius I…."

"Whatever it is she'll be nice about it. I was pissing her off and she was still nice...mostly. Only don't tell James since I've been….ahem requested strongly not to talk to him about Lily...ever again. Now don't argue, I swear if you argue I'll scream. Talking to her can't be more painful than me telling you to. I'm being mature dammit so reward me for it."

Remus wasn't sure whether to scream himself or start laughing.

"Alright."

"And whatever it is however bad it is she will handle it. She's a capable witch but don't tell her that or I'll kill you."

"Sirius."

"I mean she went after me after the howler which was nice and I mean like….whatever it is you need to talk to someone."

"Sirius," Remus sighed heavily, amusement winning over frustration.

How was he supposed to agree if Sirius wouldn't let him?

"And I mean I know it's hurting you so.."

"Sirius!" Remus shouted a bit louder now in alarm, grabbing Sirius' hand to stop his incessant stirring.

"Huh? What?"

"You said potion needs to be red. It's brown now."

"Bloody hell!"

"Also I said I'll talk to her, you're right."

"I am? I mean of course I am! I'm always right. You should heed this lesson young one."

Remus rolled his eyes grinning then fell quiet trying to think through the many different scenarios that could play out with his talk with Lily after dinner.

...

"I'm more mature than you~!" he sang mockingly to James who had turned in a perfectly red fire protection potion at the end of class while he and Remus had turned in….well it didn't matter... since he had won.

"How are you more mature than me?" James asked argumentatively. Sirius had already explained twice how but James didn't get it because he was just that immature.

"I'm not explaining again."

"I could have suggested the same thing to Remus with more ease than you did," James snapped a bit, annoyed since Sirius had sort of.. well….already gone back on his promise not to mention Lily to James. But it had only been to explain, so he could properly rub in James' face his awesome mature behavior.

"Aha! But because it was harder for me it makes me more mature."

"That doesn't even make sense," James scoffed.

"Does too!"

"Does not!"

"What are you guys talking about?" Peter asked, catching up to them having attempted to wait behind for Remus who had to go to the bathroom, probably to throw up. Sirius remembered how it had felt to tell his friends his family hurt him, beat him, he had nearly thrown up too and as much as he hated to admit it... whatever Remus had to tell them seemed worse.

"How I'm better than Sirius."

"Hey!"

"What do you say, Peter. Am I better?"

"No fair, Peter is biased."

"Oh….uh guys food," Peter yelped and rushed ahead of them.

"Now look what you did," Sirius laughed and James shrugged, stopping him before they entered.

"You did a good job, Sirius. That wasn't easy for you but I think you're right, it's what Remus needs. You're the more mature one."

Sirius' mouth open in surprise and he grinned.

"Aw, thanks J…."

"HAHA! Now I'm more mature!" James shouted in victory, several Ravenclaw girls tittering at them as they entered the Great Hall, at least Sirius hoped it was at both of them. Those visitors could not come soon enough.

"Oh! It's dinner," Sirius realized suddenly. James gave him a weird look.

"UH….yeah?"

"That means the visitors will be arriving any minute."

"Oh yeah!"

Suddenly who was more mature didn't matter and they both rushed into the Great Hall to join Peter who looked very relieved to see they weren't bickering anymore.

"Do you think Remus will make it?" James asked, glancing at the door to the Great Hall with barely contained anticipation. Sirius hoped their seats were good enough to see the excitement. He better see some students flying in on dragons or something.

"Oh there he is!" Peter shouted as Remus slipped in with the last small group of stragglers taking his seat beside Peter with a sheepish smile. He looked pale, but really Remus always looked pale.

"Make sure you eat a lot of food, you haven't been eating much," he scolded Remus who agreed to do so just as a shout broke forth from one, and then several students. The shouting grew louder as more people picked it up until Sirius could finally hear what everyone was shouting on top of one another.

"THEY ARE HERE!"

Professors shouted for order but no one listened, the whole of the Great Hall rushing to the windows. Sirius hopped from the Gryffindor bench onto the Hufflepuff table ignoring Professor McGonagall's shout. He was delighted to find he wasn't the only one as James joined him with a wicked grin. Chaos unfolded as students clambered over one another, each trying to see outside the windows which could only fit so many.

Peter, who apparently had been trying to avoid the crowd the same way as James and Sirius, misstepped and fell to the ground with a crack. James turned to see if Peter was ok so Sirius kept on going, his excitement rising as he hopped down into the crowd, since McGonagall was threatening suspension if he didn't get down right now. Elbowing his way through the crowd, he managed to get close.

It was all sorts of unfair that the Slytherins had the least distance to go and therefore the best spots to see out the windows!

"Sirius over here," came Regulus' voice and Sirius spun looking for his little brother. "Over here."

There he was! He was nearly swallowed by the older and bigger students standing around him since his brother really was very short, but at least he had been able to spot him in the chaos. Sirius grinned seeing Regulus grin at him. Perhaps all was forgiven after their last meeting, Sirius hoped so, he certainly wouldn't mind having his little brother to talk to, he would know everything going on back home at the very least.

"Saved me a seat?"

"Sort of."

He clasped Regulus' hand, see James not just couples hold hands, and let his little brother tug him to a large window where he tried to ignore the other Slytherin first years. At least they were ignoring his existence or had honestly not noticed him yet. Suddenly a large carriage swooped from the sky, the shape of it as if it should be pulled by pegasi or something but nothing was there. Several students gasped, pointing, and a few were whispering something about creatures pulling the carriage which didn't make sense.

"Look!" someone cried pointing to the Black Lake where a large ovular contraption had appeared, even surrounded by Slytherins he heard whispers of something called a submarine. Both carriage and submarine seemed huge, the carriage black with a sort of mysterious vibe to it while the sub-ma-whatsit was a neon blue that seemed a stark contrast to the dark waters of Hogwarts' lake.

"ALRIGHT EVERYONE BACK TO YOUR SEATS. WE ALSO ARE MAKING FIRST IMPRESSIONS AND I KNOW NONE OF YOU WANT HOGWARTS TO BE SEEN AS SLOPPY AND ILL MANNERED," Dumbledore thundered cheerfully, his voice booming across the Great Hall.

It didn't take more than that for everyone to head back to their seats. Sirius decided he would not hop on the tables this time, if he had heard Professor McGonagall correctly, right he now had detention for a week... but it had been so worth it! A carriage pulled by nothing appearing out of nowhere and sus-ma-something coming from the lake's depths, it had been amazing to witness it.

"Sirius, can we meet up soon?" Regulus asked, sounding unsure.

"Sure Reg, just let your jailer know when you want to see me," he replied a bit bitterly but made sure to smile at Regulus so his brother didn't think it was directed at him. Regulus wore a slightly disapproving look, it was unnerving how his expressions seemed to mirror Sissy's more and more.

This time Sirius had to behave; he just couldn't let the only exposure his brother had to be Slytherins. Maybe if things went well next time he could convince Regulus to let him bring his friends since it was a bit awkward with just his brother and him.

He waved goodbye to Regulus and was jostled back and forth as he made his way back to his table. Peter had bloody napkins stuffed up his nose sitting next to Remus who was comforting him while glancing longingly at the book he'd probably rather be reading.

"Guys, guys you won't believe what I saw!" Peter looked up, eyes glittering with excitement, and Remus looked politely interested. "Wait where is James?"

Suddenly someone flung their arm around his neck and he ducked grinning, pulling away from James' almost headlock.

"Just got back from watching the submarine and carriage!" James called excitedly, stealing Sirius' thunder, "no thanks to you," he added playfully and Sirius shrugged.

"Isn't it awesome though?"

"Did you say submarine?" Lily asked loudly over the still commotion as students went back to their seats and prefects cleaned up spilled food and drinks. It sure would be funny if the visiting schools could see them now.

"Yeah, why?" Sirius asked, noticing Remus had picked up his book, possibly to hide from Lily. He hoped his stubborn friend actually talked to her, well he didn't, but at the same time he did.

"Well, that's…..odd. Durmstrang comes by a large ship, not a submarine."

Sirius would have dismissed her concerns since maybe Durstrang wanted to give the ship a break? But, he caught Remus suppressing a smile, the sort of smile he had when he actually wanted to share information, usually some witty comeback, but was waiting for the right moment.

Sirius leaned across the table snatching Remus' book away, realizing too late he was also exposing his friend to Lily. Remus and Lily glanced at each other, nervousness clearly in both their expressions and worry. They were both worried about how them talking would go, now that was odd. Why would that be the case?

"You know something. Dumbledore said something to you. Now spill it."

"You'll find out in a minute," Remus sighed, no longer denying the fact.

"Yeah, so it doesn't matter. You kept Dumbledore's secret, woohoo for you, now spill!"

Remus hesitated for a second then gave in with excitement. Sirius listened confused then excited but by the end, outraged.

Apparently others had known what Remus did or knew enough like Lily that they puzzled it out because when Dumbledore made the announcement there was no longer shock among the majority, only frustration to downright outrage.

"Now everyone I encourage you not to take the matter personally. Let us all try to have a good time and remember the Triwizard Tournament is all about expanding cultural ties and friendships. We can either be upset and show that to our guests who have come a very long way or we can smile and greet them as warmly as I hope each of you would be greeted if you ever find yourself visiting their schools."

That made sense but it still felt wrong….

"I don't understand, what's so bad about it?" Remus asked, confused, looking embarrassed about not knowing what it was until he realized Lily didn't know either. Sirius could see the moment when they both realized this was wizard information they simply hadn't been privy to and, realizing at the same time they hadn't somehow failed with their research they'd no doubt had done on the tournament. He was pretty sure if he questioned them that together they could list all the years of all the tournaments and the names of the winners.

Before Sirius could explain the door to the Great Hall opened.

Everyone was back in their seats now but there was a slight difference of opinions on how to approach the guests. Some Gryffindors and Ravenclaws weren't clapping though most were. Unsurprisingly the Slytherins didn't clap, so not wanting to be like them Sirius clapped extra hard with enough other students that it made up for the difference.