An hour until the Yule Ball began.
Just one hour.
Remus was in the boys dormitory, pulling on his dress robes. He absentmindedly fingered the soft material, and he sighed.
Quickly he went to the mirror, and looked at his hair, pulling out the ponytail and fixing it up. It was the third time he had done such a thing in the last hour.
Remus didn't know why he was nervous. It wasn't like this meant anything. He was going with this Willow girl, but only so he'd be able to go in the first place.
::I guess I'm using her...:: He thought to himself, as a wave of guilt washed over him.
Sighing, Remus tucked his wand into his dress robes, and walked into the common room, resolving to sit with James and Peter until they left for the Great Hall later.
James had said that Sirius left, and told him that he'd meet them at the Ball. Remus hadn't been surprised when James had passed the message on to Peter and himself earlier that afternoon.
::Probably wants some extra time with his date.:: He thought, not able to keep the bitterness out of his thoughts.
Moony, there you are! James called, waving his friend over to where he and Peter were sitting on top of one of the tables in the common room, despite the fact that this was against the rules.
Thought for a minute there that Peter and I would have to send a rescue team after you!
Remus' face flushed a bit, and he took a seat next to James.
I suppose though, he began in a low voice, so as not to let Peter hear, that one should never let a gay man prepare for a party alone. He smirked. I'm surprised you didn't come out of that dormitory full of glitter and makeup... He chuckled, and Remus grinned, knowing that it was a friendly joke. He mock-slapped James' arm, and stood up, looking around a bit.
Don't bother looking, mate. Peter said, looking a bit withdrawn. Padfoot's not here.
Remus nodded, and sighed a bit, before looking at Peter with a grin. Say, where's your date, Wormtail? He asked, advancing on his friend, an eyebrow raised.
Peter's face flushed, and he stammered a bit, so James spoke for him.
She's in Hufflepuff. That Althea Snelling girl. James supplied, clapping Peter on the back.
Peter nodded, and found his voice. She just bloody walked right up to me today and asked if I'd go with her. He said, his chest puffing out in pride.
Remus decided to neglect telling his elated friend that she had probably asked him out of desperation, and knew that he didn't have date. Peter wasn't exactly known for being a real bomb with the ladies.
::Not like Sirius.:: Remus thought before he could stop himself. ::Will you stop that?! Stop thinking about him, stupid.:: He frowned, shaking his head a bit slowly.
James said, tentatively putting a hand on his friend's arm.
Remus gave his head a shake, and met James' eyes.
I'm okay. He said, forcing a smile.
A look of understanding came into James' eyes, and he smiling reassuringly at his fellow marauder.
Everything'll work out, Remus. I just know it. He said, before turning to the girls dormitory door, to see Lily walk out, wearing stunning dress robes.
James gaped, and Remus laughed at his friend's condition, as James slowly walked forward and took Lily into her arms, whispering softly you look beautiful before kissing her gently.
Peter laughed, and Remus turned away, feeling a pang of jealousy. He wanted that. He wanted that with Sirius. That love, and that openness with them. That look like they were a million miles away, in their own world. Just the two of them.
***
The Yule Ball was starting. Remus walked nervously to the Ravenclaw Common Room, and stood outside to wait for Willow to meet him there.
He didn't have to wait long.
Willow walked out of the common room in some very beautiful dress robes, they were long and flowing, and Remus knew if he wasn't one hundred percent guy loving queer he'd be stunned by her beauty. Heck, half the students around her already were. Including some female ones, which Remus had to smile at.
She quickly saw Remus, and walked to him, smiling and giving a small wink.
Remus nodded, and together they walked toward the Great Hall.
Just him... and his date.
***
