Author's Notes: Usual Disclaimers....Erm....This chapter, I lost my train of thought, but I have a rough idea now of what it was I was going to do. I might be prone to re-writing, so I really need to know what you think of this chapter **Hint hint reviews** Hrm...Well, enjoy? And, just to clear up some confusion...Remus had a -little- thing for Sirius, but he wasn't about to pursue it. ^.~
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ = Time/Scene Change (Same day)
........................................ = Meanwhile
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"After you James." Sirius waved his hand in front of the over large portrait, a small smile on his face.
Walking through the portrait, James pulled on his robes with a bit of a hustling motion. As soon as he was out, he stumbled into another form.
"I've been waiting for you, Potter."
It was that same cold, cruel voice that had enslaved James not but an hour ago. With a gulp, James' eyes gazed upward. Dark, black robes, that same, unforgettable odor...It was Snape, of course. As soon as James went to pull away, his arm was ensnared by the Slytherin boy's.
"You're not going anywhere."
"You leave him alone, Snape!" Sirius growled, practically shoving himself through the portrait. He stumbled outward and over James, landing beside the two others. Sirius had a glare on his face that he thought was intimidating, but Snape just sniggered.
"Black, shut up for just -one- moment, hm?"
From hidden beneath Snape's robes, a pale hand appeared, sliding up toward the shiny, oily hair that adorned his head. As he did so, a smirk curled onto his lips. He had James by his arm, and the boy was struggling to let go. Snape had his wand ready if he needed it, but he didn't quite know if Sirius was just the same. James must've been unarmed...The Potions Whiz still had the boy's wand.
"I've come to collect what's mine."
"You're...Not...Taking...Me...Back!" James struggled against the grip of Snape, but the skinny boy was stronger than he seemed. He knew if Snape didn't let go, Sirius was going to go ballistic.
"Let.Him.Go." Sirius stated through clenched teeth, his hands balling into fists. He very much wanted to jump on Snape and kick his ass, but he couldn't...With explusion.
Snape cackled this time, squeezing tightly on James' arm. With a squeal of pain, the boy fell down to the ground, grasping at his arm. He tried to kick Snape, but to no avail. Snape growled angrily, his attention turning to the difficult one.
"Stop It!"
"No! Let me go!"
As the two boys fought, and Sirius stood by, unbeknownst to them a teacher was walking down their hall. It was Professor McGonagall, and she didn't look too pleased. She glided across the floor, her hands meeting together and clapping.
"Boys! Is there a problem?" Her voice rang in each of their ears.
Snape released James' arm, causing the boy to fall to the ground with a thud. He groaned out weakly. Sirius fought against all his might to go over and help James back up, since Professor McGonagall was nearby. He just stood in place, his hands falling to his sides. Sighing heavily, he turned to the Professor.
"We're quite fine, Professor. We were just having a little fun."
"Didn't seem like it," she stated sharply, her arms folding over her chest. "What are you doing here, anyway? I mean...I saw Mr. Pettigrew and Mr. Lupin downstairs in the Great Hall, I should imagine you would be with them."
Snape glared down toward the floor. He hated Professor McGonagall. She was always so strict, so rude...She didn't even give her own house little knock offs...What was with her?
"Well..." James stuttered, brushing his robes off as he lifted himself to a standing position, "we were on our way, but we met up with Severus here, and so...Erm..."
"That's enough, Mr. Potter. I'll let this go, but not without 15 points from Gryffindor and Slytherin. Now, go on down to the Great Hall." With that, Professor McGonagall turned on her heels, walking back the way she came.
Making sure she was gone, Snape's eyes shot directly towards James. "You little..." He shot forward, tackling the young boy to the floor.
James cried out in surprise, as well as pain as Snape landed atop him, thin strands of raven black hair rubbing against his face. He sputtered angrily, trying to push the Slytherin one off of him. Sirius, whom of which was not but feet away, was steaming. He dove forward himself, landing atop James and Snape. There was a loud grunt from James as the other body landed above him.
"Get...Off...!" He gasped, his eyes rolling to the back of his head for a moment. He began to pant, but was quickly stopped as he felt a hand grasping his left arm. It was cold...And he knew who it belonged to.
Snape's thin lips curled into a smirk as he grabbed ahold of James' wrist, his grasp tightening harder and harder every second. He grunted as he felt Sirius trying to pull him off of his love, but he wasn't doing too well. His grasp on James was the ticket to keep himself atop the boy.
James could barely breathe now. He easily had 200 pounds atop him, and with that much force on his slender body, he felt like he was going to crack. Releasing a pained cry, he tried to lift his wrist, only to fail. He coughed, his eyes rolling to the back of his head once more.
"Boys!" There rang that familiar voice from down the hall, soft steps becoming louder as they grew closer. It was Professor McGonagall, again. She pulled out her wand, the swishing sound as it was readied casuing Sirius and Snape to pull off of James. He coughed loudly, harsh and throaty.
"Mr. Potter?! Are you alright?" McGonagall asked, rushing to the coughing boy's side. She sighed heavily, more of a worried sound. She helped him into a standing position, but the boy was still coughing. Her cat like eyes fell onto Sirius and Snape, looking from one to the other. "I will be back to talk to you two, you're going to Dumbledore. I'm taking Mr. Potter to Madam Pomfrey. Wait here, or I will remove more points." With that, Professor McGonagall left with James, the coughing from the other boy still rampant until he was finally out of sight.
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"Oh god...Oh god..." Sirius chanted to himself, hands fidgeting with the other nervously. He was now sitting in Dumbledore's office, Snape right beside him. He was so beyond any emotion that could signify his anger for the Slytherin boy. Though he couldn't see it, he knew for a fact that Snape was just as nervous as he was.
Snape grumbled angrily, eyes shooting around the serene set office. "Shut up, Black, you're making this out to be worse than it should be..."
The two of them were brought here by Professor McGonagall, and told to wait until Dumbledore arrived. Sirius' heart was racing, and both reasons were obvious. One: He was in the office of Dumbledore, and two: the love of his life is in the infirmary, and he wasn't by his side. Besides just the fidgeting hands, another quirky nervous problem Sirius had was chattering teeth. Through the silence of the office, all that could be heard was the faint sound of teeth tapping against each other.
'I wish I was with James...' Sirius thought to himself, a trembling sigh following the thought. His heart stopped as he heard the clicking of the door behind him, and his whole body felt as if it was hit with a Petrificus Totalus spell.
After shutting the door, Dumbledore walked his way to the chair in his desk. He emitted a small yawn, his starry eyes peering over both boys. Fixing his robes idly, he finally spoke.
"Well, boys. I've heard quite a story of from Professor McGonagall. Something about fighting in the halls? You both certainly are aware that fighting on Hogwarts soil is grounds for suspension."
Both boys nodded in unison, but Sirius spoke up. His voice was weak, and it there was worried hints laced in his speech. "P-professor Dumbledore? Is...Is James alright?"
Dumbledore nodded softly, fixing his glasses. "Yes, yes. James is quite fine, Sirius, you needn't worry. Now, back to the task at hand. Were you both atop James when McGonagall showed up?"
The two of them stayed silent. Snape coughed to break the silence that followed, but he didn't speak. He messed boredly with the hem of his robes, dark, black eyes searching around the room everywhere but the eyes of the Professor.
Dumbledore knew that the boys weren't going to admit to such a thing, but he also knew that Minerva would never lie to him. With a heavy sigh, the old professor intertwined his fingers. "I'm afraid if neither of you will speak, I have no choice -but- to suspend you both for the rest of the month."
Both boys gasped, but Snape was the one to speak up. "What!? If anything, Professor, you should be suspending Black! All I was trying to do was give Potter his wand back, but Black here jumped and attacked me!"
Dumbledore rolled his eyes in the slightest. "Is this true, Sirius?"
"Heck no, Professor! I was going with James to the Great Hall when we were stopped by Severus here! He grabbed ahold of James and started pulling him around, and I couldn't let him do that! I ... I had no choice but to help my f-friend..." Sirius blurted out, feeling an extreme weight lift from it shoulders, though at the same time an extreme weight of pain set on it.
Dumbledore released another sigh. He hadn't much choice now. By the laws of the school, he was to suspend both Sirius and Snape. He knew it was a simple fight over little things, but he couldn't overlook it. The three of them sat in silence, the two boys worried about what was to happen, while Dumbledore decided it. If it were up to him in a way that he could overlook the rules, he would do just that, and take away house points. But when there was someone injured involved, they -had- to follow the rules.
After the long, drawn out silence, Dumbledore spoke once more. "I'm...Afraid boys, that..." he paused, his eyes floating over from Snape to Sirius. "...That I must suspend you for the remainder of the month."
Shock. There was no other to describe the looks on both Sirius and Snape's face. Both boys were stuttering to say something, but nothing coherent came out. Finally giving in, they both heaved a loud sigh.
"I'm...Sorry, boys, but rules are rules. As of this day, March 23rd, you are suspended until the First of April." Dumbledore stood. "Now....I know it's rude of me, but I am to meet with a few teachers for a council. Meet at the front of the school, at the main doors. Since you're coming back, you can leave your stuff here. But, I must tell you, you will be held accounted for all the homework you missed. Though I will do my best to see what I can do." Dumbledore smiled supportively to the two grief-stricken boys, and patted their backs before he left.
Sirius, finally able to speak after such a shock, turned to Snape with a look of so much hatred, he seemed as if he was going to kill him. "This ... Is all your fault."
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"WHAT?! You were expelled?!" Remus couldn't believe it. He was just informed about everything that happened, and he seemed even more shocked than Sirius was.
Sirius nodded accordingly, a heavy sigh escaping him. "I...Lord...I...It was so...Quick...James..."
"Do you want to go see him?" Remus asked, a soft smile pulling on his lips. "I mean, I know how you must be feeling."
"Y-you mean it? Go see James?" Sirius seemed a lot happier now, and as he jumped up from his bed, a smile breaking onto his face. "I'...I'd....James!"
Sirius didn't much wait for Remus to say anything and he bounded down the stairs from the Dormitory to the Common Room. Remus knew how excited Sirius was to see James, and he wasn't going to deny his friend of such a present. He followed down the stairs and through the Common Room, walking through the opened Portrait.
.............................................................
Peter smiled softly, holding up a piece of chocolate to his friend's face. "You going to be alright, James?"
James leaned forward and took a bite from the chocolate, nodding afterward. He lied back on the bed within the infirmary, chewing on the sugary food. "I'll be okay. I'm...kind of surprised Sirius hasn't-"
James was cut off as Sirius came running into the room, his robes flailing behind him. Madam Pomfrey stood beside the door, watching. As Sirius drew closer to James, he felt happier, but more guilty. He finally arrived near James, leaning down beside his love.
"James! You're alright! I'm...I'm so sorry for what happened..." Sirius was in near pants for breathing, but he seemed to have no difficulty speaking.
"Sirius! I'm doing fine! Don't worry yourself over it," James said with a smile, lifting a hand up to his friend's face. "Thanks for worrying, though."
"Well, since you're here now, Sirius, I guess I have no need to be here," Peter sighed, "I'll just go meet up with Remus."
"...No need to meet with me, I'm right on my way." Remus walked in with the same striding form he always had, arms folding over his chest. He stood behind the chaired Peter, a little laugh escaping him.
Peter smiled warmly, but with that came a soft blush. He turned around, looking up to the werewolf. "Well, I guess we can just sit here and wait until these two have their little reuinion, though they've only been apart for a few minutes." He laughed to himself.
Both James and Sirius looked at Peter with a small glare, but they soon forgot it. The Marauder boys sat in silence, James simply happy that his friends were here with him. If only he knew what Sirius was to have happen to him. Remus, knowing that if the 'secret' was to get out, he needed to get Sirius to speak. He cleared his throat.
"So, Sirius, don't you have something to say to James, here?"
Sirius' heart fell. He knew that he needed to tell James, but he wanted to wait just some bit so he didn't have to drop this on the injured boy. He sighed silently, his eyes gazing toward Remus with a glare. This was too early. Turning his attention back to James, he grasped ahold of the other boy's hand.
"Erm...Well...You know, James, about what happened earlier...Right?"
James nodded along.
"Well...After McGonagall took you down here, Snape and I were taken to Dumbledore's office...and....We talked..."
James' expression changed to a more worried one. He sat up, eyes intently staring into Sirius'. "And...?"
Sirius released a heavy sigh. "...Snape and I are suspended until April First...."
James gasped a bit, his hands squeezing tightly around Sirius'. "You're...You're suspended?!"
Peter's expression was just the same, but he couldn't speak. He just stuttered his words out, but was stopped as Remus' hand set on his shoulder.
"I know...It was really hard to believe at first too but...I guess the rules are something I can't escape this time..." Sirius muttered angrily, but sadness laced his words.
James was squeezing Sirius' hand so tightly, he thought he'd break it off. He didn't know what to think. His boyfriend was being suspended, but at the same time, so was Snape. This was good and bad. Shaking his head, James just released a heavy sigh and tried his best to not cry.
"It'll be eternity until you return again...I mean, a week is a long time to be apart from a great friend...Do your parents know?"
"I bet they do...Dumbledore probably told them right after his meeting. I just wish that stupid hall incident never happened...Then you wouldn't be hurt, Snape would still be his stupid self, and I wouldn't be suspended...It's all my fault."
"Don't beat yourself up for it Sirius...It was my fault...If it weren't for me, Snape wouldn't have done this..."
"James Potter, don't you dare beat yourself up for this! It's ... nobody's fault. We just have to deal with it. I'll...write you, if I can."
James' lungs felt like they were going to give in and pop; he was holding back his cries so much. "When are you leaving?"
"Later tonight. I've got to ride with Snape on the Hogwarts Express."
With a nod, James shook his head. "I'm sorry about that. But, I'll be sure to be there when you leave..." He began to sniff lightly, a small tear trickling down his cheek.
Sirius lifted his hand toward James' cheek, wiping away the tear. He smiled softly, a light chuckle coming from him. "I appreciate that, Jamie. When is Pomfrey letting you out of here?"
A trembling sigh escaped James, but he shrugged gently. "I...I don't quite know."
"That's ok. I'm sure that she'll let you out if you ask. What all did she diagnose you with?"
"Bruised bones...But she's being overractive, they don't hurt that much..." Almost on cue, James went to move, but he groaned in pain. He had twisted in the wrong direction.
"Just stay here, James so you don't hurt yourself." Sirius smiled protectively. "I've got to go talk to McGonagall anyway. It's getting closer to evening break." Sirius went to stand, but he was stopped by a hand on his.
"I want to go with you."
Sirius shook his head, pulling his hand away slowly. "James, no. You need to stay here and rest up."
"No..!" James exclaimed, slamming his other hand onto the softened bed. "I want to go with you!"
"...Fine, James. But you gotta get through Pomfrey first."
"Leave that to me and Peter," Remus stated, a small smirk on his face. "We can get her to let him out."
"How?" James asked, chewing on his lower lip. "She's not exactly the easiest to convince."
"Don't worry about that," Remus said, smiling lightly. "We can do it. Come on, Peter." Tapping on his friend's shoulder, Remus began to walk into Pomfrey's office, Peter quickly following behind after stumbling out of the chair.
Sirius turned his attention to James, an inconspicuous yawn sliding through, and he helped the boy out of his bed. His bones were in pain, and though Magic helped, it didn't do much. He leaned against the dark-haired boy, arms sliding around his waist.
"Ready to go?"
James nodded weakly, but he nuzzled against Sirius' neck lovingly. "Yep. Let's go talk to McGonagall."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Professor McGonagall quirked a thin brow, "Mr. Potter, what ARE you doing out of your bed? Why did Pomfrey let you loose so early?"
James held back a laugh, for both the fact that it would hurt, and he'd probably get in trouble. "It's a miracle what Magic can cure nowadays."
"I'm...Quite sure," the older lady repiled, sitting down at her desk. "Now, back to business. Mr. Black, you're going to be riding the Hogwarts Express back home, I'm sure you've heard."
Sirius nodded silently. James was sitting beside him, but he wasn't clinging. He was doing his best not to let his bruises get to him, but he wasn't doing too well. Both his arms were practically grasping the chair with a death grip. He felt sick, in a way.
Sirius twisted around in the chair. "When does it leave?"
"About an hour from now, just so it gets you home on time. Your parents have been informed."
The heart of the young boy felt as if it were twisted. He knew he'd be in deep crap when he got home...He wondered if he'd even live to see school again. "A-alright..."
"Well, I suppose you have an hour of free time until then. Be at the front doors at ten before the hour," Professor McGonagall prompted. "You're free to go."
"A-alright then..." Sirius stuttered, a small sigh escaping past his lips. He stood, turning to James. "Up you go."
James smiled weakly and stood, wobbling on his legs. He began to follow Sirius as he walked out of McGonagall's office, both of the boys releasing a groan.
"I want to be with you, until you leave," James whispered, turning to engulf himself in Sirius' embrace. James wasn't that much shorter than Sirius, but his head rested easily on the other boy's shoulder.
Pulling James toward him with caution, Sirius kissed the top of the boy's head. He began to rock in a semi-circular motion, James sighing afterward. "I'd love that."
"Where are we gonna go..." James asked, soft breaths tickling Sirius' warm skin. James didn't know exactly what is was he wanted to do, but he just wanted to do it with Sirius.
"Let's go into the Dormitory and just spend our last few minutes together...Together."
"Let's."
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It was so quiet. Sirius was sitting here, James in his arms, and he would have been in heaven, had he not the problem of being taken home. Turning his head toward the wall, Sirius peered at the clock: Ten minutes until seven. What was he going to do? He had never been in this big of trouble before...It wasn't going to be easy spending a week at home...Listening to his parents scold him.
Even though Sirius was sitting with James, he had never felt further from him. In five minutes he'd have to leave the other boy behind for a whole week. A freaking week away from James would be hell. Hell on Earth. He was being held responsible for doing all the work he'd miss while he was gone, and that was even worse, since he had to figure out what it was he'd missed. Of course, he hopefully wouldn't be cut from the world completely...He still had his owl. But he wouldn't be able to take 'em with him, simply because McGonagall told him to leave his things here. His parents owned an owl...Good old family owl...That would be his saviour from cabin fever.
Sirius looked back at the clock once more: It was time to leave. He didn't want to move and disturb his love, but he would have to so he wouldn't be expelled. This was going to be too hard for him...Hopefully he could deal with it. He reached down to nudge James gently, making sure to not hurt the boy.
"James...I've got to go."
James half asleep listening to the rhythmic beat of his lover's heartbeat, which now was increasingly rapidly. Lifting his head from Sirius' chest, he caught the pair of dark eyes. "Is it...Really time for you to go?"
Sirius nodded. "Yes."
Looking down, James sighed. He felt some cries that wanted to break through, but he wouldn't let them. "A...Alright." He shifted on the bed, moving to the side so that Sirius could slide down.
After Sirius removed himself from the bed, he turned to help James down. "Are Remus and Peter going to be down there?"
"They should be...You told Remus, didn't you?"
Sirius paused. "I think I did...I don't...Remember though..."
"Well...They're probably down in the Common Room...We'll bring them with us."
Sirius nodded, smiling softly. "Right. Let's go."
"Yeah..." James began to walk, grasping ahold on Sirius' hand.
Sirius' only response was a smile, and he walked with James down to the Common Room. As they arrived at the end of the stairs, James was right. Remus and Peter were down there, playing Wizard Chess with one another, as usual. Both boys walked up to the other pair, told them of what was to happen, and the four of them traveled to the front doors.
Once they reached their destination, the one person that Sirius had hoped not to see that much of was there. His sneer was nothing but usual, and with him he held nothing. He circled around the Marauder Boys, stopping once he saw Sirius.
"You know, it's your fault we're being suspended. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be here in this position." Snape's icy-cold eyes shot a glare in Sirius' direction, only to receive the same look back.
"Shut up Snape!" Peter growled, stepping forward from the other three. "You leave Sirius alone, you big nosed freak!"
Snape focused on Peter and began to circle him, but he stopped directly in front of him. "Aw, how sweet. Little Peter Pettigrew is trying to protect his friend...and Doing a crappy job too..."
"That's enough from the both of you," Remus stated sharply. "We can deal with this when they get back."
"Of course, Mr. Sensible has to butt in...Do tell me, Remus, when DO you keep your nose out of other people's business?" Snape asked rudely, arms crossing over his chest.
"No...I won't let you get to me." Remus shook his head and turned to Sirius. "I'll send you an owl and let you know what you're missing, alright?" He went forward and gave the dark haired boy a friendly hug, and backed up. "Come on, Peter, let's leave them be."
Peter turned to look at Remus, but nodded with a sigh. His attention went to Sirius for a moment as he spoke. "I'll see you when you get back, Sirius. I'll miss you. Do try to keep from going insane, hm? I'll send you some stuff if we go to Hogsmeade!" With a smile, he turned from the other boy and toddled after Remus, the two boys walking away.
Left behind now were James, Sirius and Snape. As James turned to look at Sirius, he was rudely grabbed ahold of by Snape. "Look you..." he started with a low growl, "I'm not finished with you. When I get back, I want to get even..." After he spoke, Snape let go of James' arm and turned to the open doors. He walked out them, leaving now just James and Sirius.
Looking from right to left, James found that no one was around. As he turned back to look at Sirius, he nuzzled into the boy's arms. He gazed upward, eyes locked on the other's.
"I'm going to miss you, Sirius."
Sirius leaned down and kissed James softly of the lips. "I'm going to miss you too. Send me an owl every day?"
James chuckled lightly. "Only if you do the same."
"Expect it." He leaned down once more, catching James in a more passionate kiss this time. As he kissed James' soft lips, he felt more at ease with the situation, and he figured it wouldn't be so bad; if he kept contact. As he pulled away, he looked deeply into James' eyes. He knew that there was something inside that he felt, and he needed to say it. He didn't care if James agreed, but he'd feel better saying it.
"I love you, James."
James' eyes widened for a moment. Sirius' first expression was that James wasn't going to say it back, but to his surprise, the look disappeared and was replaced with a softer, more loving one.
"I love you too, Sirius."
Overwhelmed by the happiness of it all, Sirius kissed James once more, the feeling received from it greater than anything he'd ever experienced. He heard the whistling of the train, and with that, he pulled away. He turned to the door, but not before hugging James tightly, though cautiously. "I'll send you an owl when I get home. I'll make sure you get it."
James nodded softly, still holding on to Sirius' hands. He finally had to let go... As they drifted apart, James watched Sirius go into the musky evening sky. "Goodbye, Sirius!" He waved.
Sirius chuckled softly, waving back. "'Bye James." And with that, Sirius disappeared from the sight of the young Potter boy.
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Author's Note: Oh my, I was sad when I wrote this...It wasn't my original intention, but it fits in, and it's angsty, so it's good. I loved it ^^ I know I ask a lot, but I've only got two opinions on this story, so if you'd review, I'd be so happy ^^
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ = Time/Scene Change (Same day)
........................................ = Meanwhile
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"After you James." Sirius waved his hand in front of the over large portrait, a small smile on his face.
Walking through the portrait, James pulled on his robes with a bit of a hustling motion. As soon as he was out, he stumbled into another form.
"I've been waiting for you, Potter."
It was that same cold, cruel voice that had enslaved James not but an hour ago. With a gulp, James' eyes gazed upward. Dark, black robes, that same, unforgettable odor...It was Snape, of course. As soon as James went to pull away, his arm was ensnared by the Slytherin boy's.
"You're not going anywhere."
"You leave him alone, Snape!" Sirius growled, practically shoving himself through the portrait. He stumbled outward and over James, landing beside the two others. Sirius had a glare on his face that he thought was intimidating, but Snape just sniggered.
"Black, shut up for just -one- moment, hm?"
From hidden beneath Snape's robes, a pale hand appeared, sliding up toward the shiny, oily hair that adorned his head. As he did so, a smirk curled onto his lips. He had James by his arm, and the boy was struggling to let go. Snape had his wand ready if he needed it, but he didn't quite know if Sirius was just the same. James must've been unarmed...The Potions Whiz still had the boy's wand.
"I've come to collect what's mine."
"You're...Not...Taking...Me...Back!" James struggled against the grip of Snape, but the skinny boy was stronger than he seemed. He knew if Snape didn't let go, Sirius was going to go ballistic.
"Let.Him.Go." Sirius stated through clenched teeth, his hands balling into fists. He very much wanted to jump on Snape and kick his ass, but he couldn't...With explusion.
Snape cackled this time, squeezing tightly on James' arm. With a squeal of pain, the boy fell down to the ground, grasping at his arm. He tried to kick Snape, but to no avail. Snape growled angrily, his attention turning to the difficult one.
"Stop It!"
"No! Let me go!"
As the two boys fought, and Sirius stood by, unbeknownst to them a teacher was walking down their hall. It was Professor McGonagall, and she didn't look too pleased. She glided across the floor, her hands meeting together and clapping.
"Boys! Is there a problem?" Her voice rang in each of their ears.
Snape released James' arm, causing the boy to fall to the ground with a thud. He groaned out weakly. Sirius fought against all his might to go over and help James back up, since Professor McGonagall was nearby. He just stood in place, his hands falling to his sides. Sighing heavily, he turned to the Professor.
"We're quite fine, Professor. We were just having a little fun."
"Didn't seem like it," she stated sharply, her arms folding over her chest. "What are you doing here, anyway? I mean...I saw Mr. Pettigrew and Mr. Lupin downstairs in the Great Hall, I should imagine you would be with them."
Snape glared down toward the floor. He hated Professor McGonagall. She was always so strict, so rude...She didn't even give her own house little knock offs...What was with her?
"Well..." James stuttered, brushing his robes off as he lifted himself to a standing position, "we were on our way, but we met up with Severus here, and so...Erm..."
"That's enough, Mr. Potter. I'll let this go, but not without 15 points from Gryffindor and Slytherin. Now, go on down to the Great Hall." With that, Professor McGonagall turned on her heels, walking back the way she came.
Making sure she was gone, Snape's eyes shot directly towards James. "You little..." He shot forward, tackling the young boy to the floor.
James cried out in surprise, as well as pain as Snape landed atop him, thin strands of raven black hair rubbing against his face. He sputtered angrily, trying to push the Slytherin one off of him. Sirius, whom of which was not but feet away, was steaming. He dove forward himself, landing atop James and Snape. There was a loud grunt from James as the other body landed above him.
"Get...Off...!" He gasped, his eyes rolling to the back of his head for a moment. He began to pant, but was quickly stopped as he felt a hand grasping his left arm. It was cold...And he knew who it belonged to.
Snape's thin lips curled into a smirk as he grabbed ahold of James' wrist, his grasp tightening harder and harder every second. He grunted as he felt Sirius trying to pull him off of his love, but he wasn't doing too well. His grasp on James was the ticket to keep himself atop the boy.
James could barely breathe now. He easily had 200 pounds atop him, and with that much force on his slender body, he felt like he was going to crack. Releasing a pained cry, he tried to lift his wrist, only to fail. He coughed, his eyes rolling to the back of his head once more.
"Boys!" There rang that familiar voice from down the hall, soft steps becoming louder as they grew closer. It was Professor McGonagall, again. She pulled out her wand, the swishing sound as it was readied casuing Sirius and Snape to pull off of James. He coughed loudly, harsh and throaty.
"Mr. Potter?! Are you alright?" McGonagall asked, rushing to the coughing boy's side. She sighed heavily, more of a worried sound. She helped him into a standing position, but the boy was still coughing. Her cat like eyes fell onto Sirius and Snape, looking from one to the other. "I will be back to talk to you two, you're going to Dumbledore. I'm taking Mr. Potter to Madam Pomfrey. Wait here, or I will remove more points." With that, Professor McGonagall left with James, the coughing from the other boy still rampant until he was finally out of sight.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Oh god...Oh god..." Sirius chanted to himself, hands fidgeting with the other nervously. He was now sitting in Dumbledore's office, Snape right beside him. He was so beyond any emotion that could signify his anger for the Slytherin boy. Though he couldn't see it, he knew for a fact that Snape was just as nervous as he was.
Snape grumbled angrily, eyes shooting around the serene set office. "Shut up, Black, you're making this out to be worse than it should be..."
The two of them were brought here by Professor McGonagall, and told to wait until Dumbledore arrived. Sirius' heart was racing, and both reasons were obvious. One: He was in the office of Dumbledore, and two: the love of his life is in the infirmary, and he wasn't by his side. Besides just the fidgeting hands, another quirky nervous problem Sirius had was chattering teeth. Through the silence of the office, all that could be heard was the faint sound of teeth tapping against each other.
'I wish I was with James...' Sirius thought to himself, a trembling sigh following the thought. His heart stopped as he heard the clicking of the door behind him, and his whole body felt as if it was hit with a Petrificus Totalus spell.
After shutting the door, Dumbledore walked his way to the chair in his desk. He emitted a small yawn, his starry eyes peering over both boys. Fixing his robes idly, he finally spoke.
"Well, boys. I've heard quite a story of from Professor McGonagall. Something about fighting in the halls? You both certainly are aware that fighting on Hogwarts soil is grounds for suspension."
Both boys nodded in unison, but Sirius spoke up. His voice was weak, and it there was worried hints laced in his speech. "P-professor Dumbledore? Is...Is James alright?"
Dumbledore nodded softly, fixing his glasses. "Yes, yes. James is quite fine, Sirius, you needn't worry. Now, back to the task at hand. Were you both atop James when McGonagall showed up?"
The two of them stayed silent. Snape coughed to break the silence that followed, but he didn't speak. He messed boredly with the hem of his robes, dark, black eyes searching around the room everywhere but the eyes of the Professor.
Dumbledore knew that the boys weren't going to admit to such a thing, but he also knew that Minerva would never lie to him. With a heavy sigh, the old professor intertwined his fingers. "I'm afraid if neither of you will speak, I have no choice -but- to suspend you both for the rest of the month."
Both boys gasped, but Snape was the one to speak up. "What!? If anything, Professor, you should be suspending Black! All I was trying to do was give Potter his wand back, but Black here jumped and attacked me!"
Dumbledore rolled his eyes in the slightest. "Is this true, Sirius?"
"Heck no, Professor! I was going with James to the Great Hall when we were stopped by Severus here! He grabbed ahold of James and started pulling him around, and I couldn't let him do that! I ... I had no choice but to help my f-friend..." Sirius blurted out, feeling an extreme weight lift from it shoulders, though at the same time an extreme weight of pain set on it.
Dumbledore released another sigh. He hadn't much choice now. By the laws of the school, he was to suspend both Sirius and Snape. He knew it was a simple fight over little things, but he couldn't overlook it. The three of them sat in silence, the two boys worried about what was to happen, while Dumbledore decided it. If it were up to him in a way that he could overlook the rules, he would do just that, and take away house points. But when there was someone injured involved, they -had- to follow the rules.
After the long, drawn out silence, Dumbledore spoke once more. "I'm...Afraid boys, that..." he paused, his eyes floating over from Snape to Sirius. "...That I must suspend you for the remainder of the month."
Shock. There was no other to describe the looks on both Sirius and Snape's face. Both boys were stuttering to say something, but nothing coherent came out. Finally giving in, they both heaved a loud sigh.
"I'm...Sorry, boys, but rules are rules. As of this day, March 23rd, you are suspended until the First of April." Dumbledore stood. "Now....I know it's rude of me, but I am to meet with a few teachers for a council. Meet at the front of the school, at the main doors. Since you're coming back, you can leave your stuff here. But, I must tell you, you will be held accounted for all the homework you missed. Though I will do my best to see what I can do." Dumbledore smiled supportively to the two grief-stricken boys, and patted their backs before he left.
Sirius, finally able to speak after such a shock, turned to Snape with a look of so much hatred, he seemed as if he was going to kill him. "This ... Is all your fault."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"WHAT?! You were expelled?!" Remus couldn't believe it. He was just informed about everything that happened, and he seemed even more shocked than Sirius was.
Sirius nodded accordingly, a heavy sigh escaping him. "I...Lord...I...It was so...Quick...James..."
"Do you want to go see him?" Remus asked, a soft smile pulling on his lips. "I mean, I know how you must be feeling."
"Y-you mean it? Go see James?" Sirius seemed a lot happier now, and as he jumped up from his bed, a smile breaking onto his face. "I'...I'd....James!"
Sirius didn't much wait for Remus to say anything and he bounded down the stairs from the Dormitory to the Common Room. Remus knew how excited Sirius was to see James, and he wasn't going to deny his friend of such a present. He followed down the stairs and through the Common Room, walking through the opened Portrait.
.............................................................
Peter smiled softly, holding up a piece of chocolate to his friend's face. "You going to be alright, James?"
James leaned forward and took a bite from the chocolate, nodding afterward. He lied back on the bed within the infirmary, chewing on the sugary food. "I'll be okay. I'm...kind of surprised Sirius hasn't-"
James was cut off as Sirius came running into the room, his robes flailing behind him. Madam Pomfrey stood beside the door, watching. As Sirius drew closer to James, he felt happier, but more guilty. He finally arrived near James, leaning down beside his love.
"James! You're alright! I'm...I'm so sorry for what happened..." Sirius was in near pants for breathing, but he seemed to have no difficulty speaking.
"Sirius! I'm doing fine! Don't worry yourself over it," James said with a smile, lifting a hand up to his friend's face. "Thanks for worrying, though."
"Well, since you're here now, Sirius, I guess I have no need to be here," Peter sighed, "I'll just go meet up with Remus."
"...No need to meet with me, I'm right on my way." Remus walked in with the same striding form he always had, arms folding over his chest. He stood behind the chaired Peter, a little laugh escaping him.
Peter smiled warmly, but with that came a soft blush. He turned around, looking up to the werewolf. "Well, I guess we can just sit here and wait until these two have their little reuinion, though they've only been apart for a few minutes." He laughed to himself.
Both James and Sirius looked at Peter with a small glare, but they soon forgot it. The Marauder boys sat in silence, James simply happy that his friends were here with him. If only he knew what Sirius was to have happen to him. Remus, knowing that if the 'secret' was to get out, he needed to get Sirius to speak. He cleared his throat.
"So, Sirius, don't you have something to say to James, here?"
Sirius' heart fell. He knew that he needed to tell James, but he wanted to wait just some bit so he didn't have to drop this on the injured boy. He sighed silently, his eyes gazing toward Remus with a glare. This was too early. Turning his attention back to James, he grasped ahold of the other boy's hand.
"Erm...Well...You know, James, about what happened earlier...Right?"
James nodded along.
"Well...After McGonagall took you down here, Snape and I were taken to Dumbledore's office...and....We talked..."
James' expression changed to a more worried one. He sat up, eyes intently staring into Sirius'. "And...?"
Sirius released a heavy sigh. "...Snape and I are suspended until April First...."
James gasped a bit, his hands squeezing tightly around Sirius'. "You're...You're suspended?!"
Peter's expression was just the same, but he couldn't speak. He just stuttered his words out, but was stopped as Remus' hand set on his shoulder.
"I know...It was really hard to believe at first too but...I guess the rules are something I can't escape this time..." Sirius muttered angrily, but sadness laced his words.
James was squeezing Sirius' hand so tightly, he thought he'd break it off. He didn't know what to think. His boyfriend was being suspended, but at the same time, so was Snape. This was good and bad. Shaking his head, James just released a heavy sigh and tried his best to not cry.
"It'll be eternity until you return again...I mean, a week is a long time to be apart from a great friend...Do your parents know?"
"I bet they do...Dumbledore probably told them right after his meeting. I just wish that stupid hall incident never happened...Then you wouldn't be hurt, Snape would still be his stupid self, and I wouldn't be suspended...It's all my fault."
"Don't beat yourself up for it Sirius...It was my fault...If it weren't for me, Snape wouldn't have done this..."
"James Potter, don't you dare beat yourself up for this! It's ... nobody's fault. We just have to deal with it. I'll...write you, if I can."
James' lungs felt like they were going to give in and pop; he was holding back his cries so much. "When are you leaving?"
"Later tonight. I've got to ride with Snape on the Hogwarts Express."
With a nod, James shook his head. "I'm sorry about that. But, I'll be sure to be there when you leave..." He began to sniff lightly, a small tear trickling down his cheek.
Sirius lifted his hand toward James' cheek, wiping away the tear. He smiled softly, a light chuckle coming from him. "I appreciate that, Jamie. When is Pomfrey letting you out of here?"
A trembling sigh escaped James, but he shrugged gently. "I...I don't quite know."
"That's ok. I'm sure that she'll let you out if you ask. What all did she diagnose you with?"
"Bruised bones...But she's being overractive, they don't hurt that much..." Almost on cue, James went to move, but he groaned in pain. He had twisted in the wrong direction.
"Just stay here, James so you don't hurt yourself." Sirius smiled protectively. "I've got to go talk to McGonagall anyway. It's getting closer to evening break." Sirius went to stand, but he was stopped by a hand on his.
"I want to go with you."
Sirius shook his head, pulling his hand away slowly. "James, no. You need to stay here and rest up."
"No..!" James exclaimed, slamming his other hand onto the softened bed. "I want to go with you!"
"...Fine, James. But you gotta get through Pomfrey first."
"Leave that to me and Peter," Remus stated, a small smirk on his face. "We can get her to let him out."
"How?" James asked, chewing on his lower lip. "She's not exactly the easiest to convince."
"Don't worry about that," Remus said, smiling lightly. "We can do it. Come on, Peter." Tapping on his friend's shoulder, Remus began to walk into Pomfrey's office, Peter quickly following behind after stumbling out of the chair.
Sirius turned his attention to James, an inconspicuous yawn sliding through, and he helped the boy out of his bed. His bones were in pain, and though Magic helped, it didn't do much. He leaned against the dark-haired boy, arms sliding around his waist.
"Ready to go?"
James nodded weakly, but he nuzzled against Sirius' neck lovingly. "Yep. Let's go talk to McGonagall."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Professor McGonagall quirked a thin brow, "Mr. Potter, what ARE you doing out of your bed? Why did Pomfrey let you loose so early?"
James held back a laugh, for both the fact that it would hurt, and he'd probably get in trouble. "It's a miracle what Magic can cure nowadays."
"I'm...Quite sure," the older lady repiled, sitting down at her desk. "Now, back to business. Mr. Black, you're going to be riding the Hogwarts Express back home, I'm sure you've heard."
Sirius nodded silently. James was sitting beside him, but he wasn't clinging. He was doing his best not to let his bruises get to him, but he wasn't doing too well. Both his arms were practically grasping the chair with a death grip. He felt sick, in a way.
Sirius twisted around in the chair. "When does it leave?"
"About an hour from now, just so it gets you home on time. Your parents have been informed."
The heart of the young boy felt as if it were twisted. He knew he'd be in deep crap when he got home...He wondered if he'd even live to see school again. "A-alright..."
"Well, I suppose you have an hour of free time until then. Be at the front doors at ten before the hour," Professor McGonagall prompted. "You're free to go."
"A-alright then..." Sirius stuttered, a small sigh escaping past his lips. He stood, turning to James. "Up you go."
James smiled weakly and stood, wobbling on his legs. He began to follow Sirius as he walked out of McGonagall's office, both of the boys releasing a groan.
"I want to be with you, until you leave," James whispered, turning to engulf himself in Sirius' embrace. James wasn't that much shorter than Sirius, but his head rested easily on the other boy's shoulder.
Pulling James toward him with caution, Sirius kissed the top of the boy's head. He began to rock in a semi-circular motion, James sighing afterward. "I'd love that."
"Where are we gonna go..." James asked, soft breaths tickling Sirius' warm skin. James didn't know exactly what is was he wanted to do, but he just wanted to do it with Sirius.
"Let's go into the Dormitory and just spend our last few minutes together...Together."
"Let's."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was so quiet. Sirius was sitting here, James in his arms, and he would have been in heaven, had he not the problem of being taken home. Turning his head toward the wall, Sirius peered at the clock: Ten minutes until seven. What was he going to do? He had never been in this big of trouble before...It wasn't going to be easy spending a week at home...Listening to his parents scold him.
Even though Sirius was sitting with James, he had never felt further from him. In five minutes he'd have to leave the other boy behind for a whole week. A freaking week away from James would be hell. Hell on Earth. He was being held responsible for doing all the work he'd miss while he was gone, and that was even worse, since he had to figure out what it was he'd missed. Of course, he hopefully wouldn't be cut from the world completely...He still had his owl. But he wouldn't be able to take 'em with him, simply because McGonagall told him to leave his things here. His parents owned an owl...Good old family owl...That would be his saviour from cabin fever.
Sirius looked back at the clock once more: It was time to leave. He didn't want to move and disturb his love, but he would have to so he wouldn't be expelled. This was going to be too hard for him...Hopefully he could deal with it. He reached down to nudge James gently, making sure to not hurt the boy.
"James...I've got to go."
James half asleep listening to the rhythmic beat of his lover's heartbeat, which now was increasingly rapidly. Lifting his head from Sirius' chest, he caught the pair of dark eyes. "Is it...Really time for you to go?"
Sirius nodded. "Yes."
Looking down, James sighed. He felt some cries that wanted to break through, but he wouldn't let them. "A...Alright." He shifted on the bed, moving to the side so that Sirius could slide down.
After Sirius removed himself from the bed, he turned to help James down. "Are Remus and Peter going to be down there?"
"They should be...You told Remus, didn't you?"
Sirius paused. "I think I did...I don't...Remember though..."
"Well...They're probably down in the Common Room...We'll bring them with us."
Sirius nodded, smiling softly. "Right. Let's go."
"Yeah..." James began to walk, grasping ahold on Sirius' hand.
Sirius' only response was a smile, and he walked with James down to the Common Room. As they arrived at the end of the stairs, James was right. Remus and Peter were down there, playing Wizard Chess with one another, as usual. Both boys walked up to the other pair, told them of what was to happen, and the four of them traveled to the front doors.
Once they reached their destination, the one person that Sirius had hoped not to see that much of was there. His sneer was nothing but usual, and with him he held nothing. He circled around the Marauder Boys, stopping once he saw Sirius.
"You know, it's your fault we're being suspended. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be here in this position." Snape's icy-cold eyes shot a glare in Sirius' direction, only to receive the same look back.
"Shut up Snape!" Peter growled, stepping forward from the other three. "You leave Sirius alone, you big nosed freak!"
Snape focused on Peter and began to circle him, but he stopped directly in front of him. "Aw, how sweet. Little Peter Pettigrew is trying to protect his friend...and Doing a crappy job too..."
"That's enough from the both of you," Remus stated sharply. "We can deal with this when they get back."
"Of course, Mr. Sensible has to butt in...Do tell me, Remus, when DO you keep your nose out of other people's business?" Snape asked rudely, arms crossing over his chest.
"No...I won't let you get to me." Remus shook his head and turned to Sirius. "I'll send you an owl and let you know what you're missing, alright?" He went forward and gave the dark haired boy a friendly hug, and backed up. "Come on, Peter, let's leave them be."
Peter turned to look at Remus, but nodded with a sigh. His attention went to Sirius for a moment as he spoke. "I'll see you when you get back, Sirius. I'll miss you. Do try to keep from going insane, hm? I'll send you some stuff if we go to Hogsmeade!" With a smile, he turned from the other boy and toddled after Remus, the two boys walking away.
Left behind now were James, Sirius and Snape. As James turned to look at Sirius, he was rudely grabbed ahold of by Snape. "Look you..." he started with a low growl, "I'm not finished with you. When I get back, I want to get even..." After he spoke, Snape let go of James' arm and turned to the open doors. He walked out them, leaving now just James and Sirius.
Looking from right to left, James found that no one was around. As he turned back to look at Sirius, he nuzzled into the boy's arms. He gazed upward, eyes locked on the other's.
"I'm going to miss you, Sirius."
Sirius leaned down and kissed James softly of the lips. "I'm going to miss you too. Send me an owl every day?"
James chuckled lightly. "Only if you do the same."
"Expect it." He leaned down once more, catching James in a more passionate kiss this time. As he kissed James' soft lips, he felt more at ease with the situation, and he figured it wouldn't be so bad; if he kept contact. As he pulled away, he looked deeply into James' eyes. He knew that there was something inside that he felt, and he needed to say it. He didn't care if James agreed, but he'd feel better saying it.
"I love you, James."
James' eyes widened for a moment. Sirius' first expression was that James wasn't going to say it back, but to his surprise, the look disappeared and was replaced with a softer, more loving one.
"I love you too, Sirius."
Overwhelmed by the happiness of it all, Sirius kissed James once more, the feeling received from it greater than anything he'd ever experienced. He heard the whistling of the train, and with that, he pulled away. He turned to the door, but not before hugging James tightly, though cautiously. "I'll send you an owl when I get home. I'll make sure you get it."
James nodded softly, still holding on to Sirius' hands. He finally had to let go... As they drifted apart, James watched Sirius go into the musky evening sky. "Goodbye, Sirius!" He waved.
Sirius chuckled softly, waving back. "'Bye James." And with that, Sirius disappeared from the sight of the young Potter boy.
~*~***************************~*~
Author's Note: Oh my, I was sad when I wrote this...It wasn't my original intention, but it fits in, and it's angsty, so it's good. I loved it ^^ I know I ask a lot, but I've only got two opinions on this story, so if you'd review, I'd be so happy ^^