New A/N: As everyone probably knows ffnet's been down for a while and is
finally back up so if any of my A/N's don't make sense that would be why,
lol. I'm glad it's up again and I decided to hold off a couple of days so
mine didn't go up with the rush...anyway, here it is :)
Old A/N: Another one down! So I think something's been up with the reviews, like they haven't been coming up nor have they been emailed to me as is usual and it's been saying I have had more than it would show me for like three days, but I think it's starting to get better. So, if you reviewed and I don't seem to respond to it it's because computers suck and they're not appearing lol. Anyway, I was glad to see that I had a few more reviews from last chapter than I had originally though *throws laptop out the window*
Anyway this chapter didn't come out the way I originally planned but I don't think it's too shabby...how about you tell me if it is or not :)
LeilaRose: Yup, that was a sad chapter, and guess what! This is going to be one too. Now to be completely honest I didn't understand your review, I couldn't tell if it was criticism or praise, but I appreciate the review either way. I like getting reviews even when people criticize because it either helps me write better or it gives me a good laugh :)
Jemma Blackwell: I agree, it was a little over the top for Sirius's mom to go kill someone like that, but I wanted something that would really shake Sirius, caused by his mum, and that's all I could think of...hope it's not too over the top to be good! And yah, I kind of left Jack's death up in the air but basically in my head it was a missing child case...I was going to write that out but I just didn't think Sirius would really feel the need to say and Remus wouldn't bother to ask. And about telling an adult, probably not going to happen cuz in the books Sirius runs away, that's how it'll be in this story...if I draw it out to that point and I don't think I really will. Thanks for the review (
Polaris: LOL, I ain't no nasty girl *wink* I just have a twisted mind...there's a difference I swear! Trust me, lol, I could never leave my friend drama behind, without it I'd have a few jokes and a couple nouns and adjectives lol. And no, this isn't a prequel, I'm just having a bit of trouble getting back into those other two fics. I've actually written a bit more to "When a Home isn't a Home", but I just couldn't get enough out of it b/c I forgot where I was trying to go. Who knows though maybe I'll read over it again and it'll hit me to continue, highly unlikely though. And I'm sorry for that, I get wicked pissed when people stop their stories too....but I really did need to end those stories at the time I did because let me tell you adjusting to college first semester is HARD, lol...Anway, enjoy the story I have now, it won't be that long but I most definitely think I'll finish it lol.
Katie: It's alright that you didn't review, but what do you mean it's parental controlled? I don't really get it but it's all good. I'm glad you liked these chapters and I'm going to tell you a sad truth, lol, I too often re-read "In Need of Sirius Help" some parts I cringe at the fact that I've written that, but for the most part I honestly like to read it, sometimes I'm like ooh what's going to happen next, I forget. OK so I'm a big loser lol. And do you mean that you think I should write the actual Harry Potter books?! Have I told you you're my favorite reviewer??? Lol. Anyway, I'm sad your story is on hiatus and I'm curious which part of my story you're using as well... If my sister stole my computer I'd kick her ass, lol, but then again I bought this computer so...ya know. I really hope you do update as soon as you can though :)
Sexy Black: Yah I think something with the reviews has been really screwed up and it really depressed me lol, but I got reviews eventually and that's all that matter's, right? Anyway, yah that experience of Sirius's sucks pretty bad, huh? Seriously don't know where that came from, lol. I think Scream had a bit to do with it *shudders*. And you'll soon be seeing Remus's reaction to Brie and Snape...
HP-Azn: Don't worry, much, much more angst too come! What am I without angst? This story will be angst until like the end of the last chapter!
Rainbowdust: Awww, I'm glad you liked the way I picked to do it. Every now and then I feel like I'm actually coming to close to slash, but it's just so sweet that way right? And did you think James was being a monkey before that chapter? LOL, yah I wanted him to be a sweetheart in the story, and I think you'll like his character even more in this chapter.
And thanks to all the people who reviewed chapter three that I didn't get until way after they were written (god damn ffnet!) I'd write them individually, but it just seems silly to do that now. (except for Gold Silk: Don't worry no Mary Sue's and sorry about the lack of slash) Just know that I appreciate them mucho!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Couple or so More
That night the boys all gathered under James's invisibility cloak, Peter in his rat form so they'd all fit. They silently walked towards the statue which leads to the tunnel to Honeydukes (Sorry, I forget its name!). Once in the tunnel they removed the cloak and tucked it away near the entrance.
"Ready to party boys?" James asked.
"Hell yes!" Sirius yelled causing the rest to laugh. They made their way down the tunnel talking at the tops of their voices, no one could hear them down there. They were already having a good time and the real fun hadn't even started yet.
When they finally reached the end of the tunnel they snuck out of the basement and through the store. They made there way to the bar and Remus led his friends to a table in the middle of the bar. James went and purchased two rounds of tequila shots for the group. Sirius laughed at the mere sight of the small alcohol in the miniature glasses and reached for his but Sirius stopped him.
"Wait," James said. "We don't want this to be like the last time when we came here and we lost Peter. We need a buddy system of sorts."
Sirius rolled his eyes at his friend.
"I mean it Sirius! Peter will be my buddy, so you and Remus just watch out for each other, alright?"
Remus nodded and Sirius agreed by rolling his eyes again.
"On three," Remus said and they all grabbed a shot. "One...two...three!" They all downed their shots and then bit into their lemon slices to cut the taste.
"Wooo!" Sirius hollered, everyone laughed. They all did their second shot and then Peter and Sirius went over to the dance floor where they got lost in the crowd. (I know the Hogshead probably wouldn't be the kind of bar that has a dance floor but I thought of that too late...imaginations please!)
Remus got up and ordered two rum and cokes for James and himself. He handed James his and then sat down, stirring his own with the straw.
"So Moony, are you doing alright getting over Brie?"
"Yah, it's still kind of hard. I saw her a few times in the hall yesterday and it's like an instinct to go to her, you know? And I have to kick myself not to and it kind of hurts...I still love her you know. But it's over—over for good."
James smiled at him. "You'll find someone else."
Remus nodded, he didn't believe James but frankly didn't want to talk about it anymore. He took a long sip off his drink, finishing it off. "I'm going to get another drink and then meet the others on the dance floor."
"Alright Moony," James said. Remus watched James stand and walk over to a few girls at the bar.
After getting another rum and coke Remus went onto the dance floor where he saw Sirius dancing with a very large thirty year old woman. "He must have already had a lot to drink," Remus thought to himself. When Sirius saw Remus he stopped dancing with her and stumbled over to his friend.
"Remus!!! How are you doing?" he yelled.
"I'm alright Sirius. How much have you had so far?"
"Well I had the two with you. And Jodie over there bought me a couple or so more."
"How many is a couple or so?" Remus asked smirking.
"Ummm...I think like four," Sirius said scratching his head and holding up three fingers. Remus laughed. "But seriously Rem, I don't even feel a thing!"
"Sure you don't Sirius."
"Hey Rem, do you want me to get you a girl to dance with?" Sirius asked excitedly.
"I don't think so Sirius. I...I think I'm going to go sit back down."
"I'll go with you!"
The two made there way back to the table they had abandoned and sat back down.
"So Remus. I'm so glad we came out tonight. I think this was exactly what I needed. You needed it to buddy. Are you feeling better?"
Remus just shrugged, secretly sadder than he had been before going out.
"Well then you need more to drink!!! Here I'll go get you some more tequila!" Sirius jumped up from his seat and ran to the bar. He came back with four more shots. "Three for you and one for me!"
Remus laughed and picked up one and drank it quickly wincing at the taste before he bit down on the lemon.
"And number two!"
Remus smiled and downed it as well.
"And now together!" Sirius yelled and they both clinked the small glasses together before downing the last two shots. They both laughed hysterically afterwards.
"Wow, Sirius. Thanks that helped a lot!" Remus said laughing some more.
"That's what I'm here for Remus!"
"So hey! Lets think of a prank to play tomorrow!"
"Okay, who should we play it on?" Remus said lowering his head and shoulders in mock seriousness.
"Why Snivellus of course!"
Remus cackled and nodded to agree.
"Lets see what can we do to him..." Sirius though aloud. "We could change his hair pink!"
"Come on Sirius use your head! We did that twice already!"
"OH yah you're right. Pink is just his color, right mate?"
"Sure is Padfoot!"
"Do you have any ideas Rem?"
Remus nodded slyly and motioned for Sirius to come closer. They both leaned closer over the table and Remus whispered, "At dinner tomorrow..."
Sirius looked up shocked and then started banging the table, throwing back his head and laughing madly. "Perfect Moony! That's absolutely perfect!!!" He continued to bang on the table for a full five minutes, Remus laughing right along with him. Nearly half of the bar was watching their table amusedly, but neither noticed.
Remus dried the tears of mirth that had been sitting below his eyes. "Ah, I wonder where James and Peter are."
"Me too!"
"James is probably with some girl and Peter's probably trying to get with some girl," Remus replied, slurring his speech ever so slightly.
Sirius smiled and scanned the crowd. Remus did the same, looking for James or Peter. His eyes, however, fell on another pair of people and he froze.
"What are you staring at, Moooo-ny?"
Remus opened and closed his mouth like a fish but said nothing. Sirius squinted in the direction Remus was looking and muttered, "Oh fuck!"
"What—with—Snape?!"
"Remus, she's a bitch, don't let this get you down!"
"She dumped me for Snape," Remus mumbled almost inaudibly. "She dumped me for Snape!"
"Rem-" Sirius said calmly, quickly sobering up. Remus shot up from the table and steered himself towards the bar. He pushed people aside to get to the front of the line. Sirius watched as he took not one, not two, not even three, but four more shots of tequila, without even biting the lemon between each shot. Sirius watched him sway sideways as he tried to move away from the bar and land against some girl, his face dangerously close to her chest. She pushed him away from her roughly and he bumped his head on the bar and went down.
Rushing forward, Sirius tripped over someone's foot and was the second marauder that night to end up on the floor. He stared up into the glowering face of Severus Snape. The mere sight of his enemy, that close, sent anger coursing through Sirius's body. He grabbed hold of Snape's legs and swung him down. He pushed himself up on top of Snape and began pounding his fists into Snape's already crooked nose. He didn't notice the blood now covering his fists as it flowed from Snape's nose, and he didn't realize when Snape stopped moving below him. He did, however, notice someone pulling him to his feet and yelling in his ear.
He snapped out of it enough to see James and Peter nearby, supporting an unconscious Remus. The person who had lifted him off of Snape turned out to be a very large bouncer and he was now dragging him from the bar. Sirius tried to fight the bouncers grasp so he could walk on his own, but the bouncer wouldn't allow that. He called another bouncer over who lifted Sirius by his feet, holding them tightly together. The first bouncer did the same with his arms, and Sirius lost it.
"Help!" he called, closing his eyes tight and fighting against the bouncers with all his might. "Help! Don't let her do it. Jack run!"
"Let him go," James yelled, "You can't do that to him! I'll get him out of here just put him down." The bouncers paid him no head and Sirius continued to scream and attempted to kick the bouncers. He was so loud that Remus awoke from his unconscious state. The bouncers didn't listen and ended up bringing him to the door and throwing him out on the street.
"Remus, can you walk?"
Remus rested his head on James' shoulder and mumbled, "I don't think I can even stand on my own. I want to go home."
"I know you do mate...we're going home now okay?" Remus nodded and James and Peter led him out. With one last look back into the bar Remus saw Brie tending to a bloody Snape. He let out a dry sob and then let James take him out of the bar.
Outside they saw Sirius curled up in a ball outside of the bar, crying his heart out.
"Fuck," James mumbled and led Remus to wear Sirius was crying.
"Sirius," Remus mumbled, making James put him down. Remus pushed as hard as he could against Sirius's arm to get his friends attention. Now crying as hard as his friend Remus pulled Sirius into a hug and they just sat there crying into each others shoulders.
James pulled Peter aside and muttered, "What the hell are we going to do? There is no way we can sneak back into Honeydukes and make it under the cloak and through the castle with these two!"
"I—I don't have a clue. Maybe we could just leave them here?"
James jaw dropped and he stared at his friend. "We can't fucking leave them here. How can you even suggest that?!"
"Well I don't want to get in trouble..."
"Peter how many times have they gotten in trouble for you?!"
"Alright, we won't leave them."
"I can't even believe you suggested it!"
"Well what ideas do you have?"
"Just one...but I don't know if we can pull it off."
"Well what is it?"
"The shrieking shack."
"But it's all boarded up!"
"It's the only place we can go. We can't afford a room at the inn."
Peter sighed, all he wanted to do was go back to Hogwarts and get lost in his bed.
"We're going to have to levitate them."
"But James I can't levitate anything bigger than my book bag!"
"Why me?" James muttered. He walked over to the sobbing forms of his two friends. "Hey guys, I need you to do me a favor alright?" They showed no sign that they heard, but James continued anyway. "Can you guys hold on to each other really tight? No matter what don't let each other go. Do you understand?" He saw both sets of arms grasp the other tighter.
"Good," James drew his wand and muttered, "Wingardium Leviosa." Both his friends rose in the air and he steered them down the street towards the shrieking shack. Once they arrived James again set them down on the grass behind the rundown building. "Come on Pete, we need to tear down some of these boards."
Peter mumbled something under his breath and went to join his friend. Once they got an opening large enough for Peter to fit through, James helped his pudgy friend inside. He then walked over to the huddled forms of Sirius and Remus.
"Hey boys, how are you two feeling?" James said kneeling beside them and putting an arm around both of his friend's shoulders.
"I was so scared James," Sirius mumbled, looking up at his friend.
"I know you were Sirius. I know. But it was just the bouncers. Your mother can never do that to you again, understand?"
Sirius continued to sob but nodded his head.
"How about you Remus?"
"She dumped me for Snape," he muttered miserably.
"I know you guys are upset, but you can't stay here all night. We're going into the shrieking shack."
"How...?" Remus asked looking up at James.
"Peter and I made a hole out of one of the blocked windows."
"We have to fix it!" Remus yelled, worry temporarily overtaking his pain.
"We will! Before the next full moon it'll be back and better than ever."
Remus nodded and slumped back against Sirius.
"Sirius you come with me first. You can help me get Remus through."
James pulled Sirius away from Remus, causing the werewolf to cry harder. "It's going to be okay Rem," James said and hauled Sirius towards the shack. He gave Sirius a boost and Peter pulled him the rest of the way through the hole. James headed back to Remus.
"C'mon Rem," James said.
"James...my hearts broken," he mumbled and let his chin drop to his chest.
"I know it hurts Remus," James said squatting down beside his friend.
James lifted Remus's head up so they were at eye level and let Remus's forehead lean against his own. "Listen to me Remus. This thing with you and Brie, it's over. I know it hurts and it's going to hurt for a while, you know that. And of course seeing you're ex-girlfriend with Snape isn't going to help, but do you really think she likes him? She knew you hated him and she's mad at you...she's just doing it to get back at you."
"But I didn't even do anything wrong!" Remus moaned.
"I know you didn't Rem," James said, running his hand over Remus's hair. "But she thinks that you did. She wants to make you hurt. Don't let her win."
Remus nodded, knocking his and James foreheads together. James couldn't help but laugh quietly at his friend's drunken state. "Come on Remus, lets get inside, the wind out here is fierce."
James stood and pulled Remus up with him. He was glad to see Remus had stopped crying, but it didn't help his friend walk any straighter.
It was quite a task to get Remus through the hole and Peter was no help at all. Sirius, still quite drunk, had to do nearly all of it. James was inexplicably pissed off at Peter as he climbed through the hole without any assistance at all. Remus and Sirius, he understood, but Peter was simply being an ass.
James led the other three up to the bedroom that Remus always went to after a transformation. "Remus, Sirius you take the bed." Sirius helped Remus onto the blanket-less bed and then got on it as well.
"Yah know Rem, we came out tonight to forget our problems...but really they just slapped us in the face," Sirius started laughing heartily, Remus joined in with the laughter. It wasn't happy laughter, it was heartbreaking. Listening to them made James, himself, want to cry.
Remus stopped laughing and moaned, sitting up sharply. "You okay Rem?" James asked.
With a quick shake of his head Remus leaned over the side of the bed, and threw up all of his alcohol.
"I think I drank too much," he stated when he was done.
"I think you're right, Rem." James said. With a spell and a flick of his wand James got rid of Remus's mess. "You two just go to sleep okay. Wake me up if you need anything."
They both nodded and lay back down. Both boys were asleep in no time.
"Now where are we supposed to sleep?" Peter asked.
"The floor," James stated in a strained voice.
"The floor?"
"Yes the floor!"
"They're the ones who get so smashed we can't go back to school and we have to sleep on the floor?!"
"You know what Peter we're all set here, why don't you just go back to school. Transform and just go!"
"But..."
"Just go!" James yelled as loud as he dared without waking the others.
Peter looked scared and quickly transformed, scurrying out of the room. James wanted to kick something but settled for breaking a large stick into little bits. He then lay down on the hard wood floor and drifted off into a very light sleep.
Hours later he was woken by the bed creaking. He sat up and saw Sirius rubbing his arms, his lips chattering. James stood and sat next to Sirius on the bed.
"You cold mate?"
Sirius nodded. James put his arms around his friend and rubbed his back. After a while he felt his friend stop shaking and pull away slightly. "Thanks James."
"Anytime Padfoot."
"I'm really sorry James."
"For what?"
"These last couple of days. I know we haven't been the best of friends to you and you've felt left out a lot. We didn't mean to it's just..."
"I have a charmed life and don't understand very much," James said, laughing at himself.
"Are you mad?"
"No, I understand you guys."
"I'm also sorry about tonight. I'm sure this is the last place you want to be...taking care of two drunk idiots."
"It's no problem, Sirius. I'd never just leave you guys thrown out on the street. Although, Peter was ready to do just that. I don't get that kid sometimes!"
"Well, he doesn't know any of what's going on," Sirius defended meekly.
"That shouldn't matter!"
Sirius just shrugged. "I don't really care."
"I do...He scares me sometimes."
"I think he's always been like that. You just didn't see it before," Sirius mumbled and began to shiver again. James put his arms around his friend again and resumed rubbing his back.
"Go back to sleep," he whispered. Sirius nodded and closed his eyes. He was back to sleep in seconds. James held him until he stopped shaking from the cold and then moved to Remus who was snoring quietly. If he hadn't been making the noise, James would have genuinely thought he was dead. Remus hadn't moved an inch since he had lain down. James sat over him rubbing his back gently and before he knew it, he was asleep himself, slumped over Remus's back.
~~~~~~~~~~
Again Remus was the first one to wake in the morning. He felt something heavy on his back and carefully rolled over, seeing James sound asleep. He smiled and sat up, trying not to wake James in the process. He failed, however, and it was a good thing he did. When he looked around the world was spinning and he again found himself leaning over the edge of the bed. James helped keep him from falling off the bed as he heaved and then helped ease him back to the mattress. Quickly James cleaned up the mess and then put his hand on Remus's head and rubbed his forehead with his thumb.
"Are you going to be alright Rem?"
"Not today," Remus joked, laughing at himself.
"I can't believe that even today you can have that old morning sense of humor."
"What can I say," Remus laughed. "Last night sucked, huh James?"
James nodded. "I don't think I've ever seen you and Sirius so upset as you guys were last night."
"Did I make a fool out of myself?"
"Pretty much mate. But you were completely pissed, everyone gets like that."
"Was I worse than Sirius?"
"Aaah...well he made a bigger scene, beating Snape to a bloody pulp, but in the end you guys were just as bad."
"Sorry, mate."
"Hey, it's completely understandable."
"I can't believe she dumped me for Snape," Remus mumbled for what seemed to James like the thousandth time. James could see the tears welling in his friends eyes.
"Rem, you can't think of it like that, mate," James said soothingly.
"How am I supposed to think about it?" Remus said in a very tight voice.
Rubbing his friend's shoulder, James opened his mouth to speak but found that someone had beaten him to it. Sirius had turned towards them and said, "You need to think of it like Brie is a bitch. She's pissed off because she thinks you cheated on her and Snape's the only guy she can get right now because every normal guy is too scared of us to even dare look at her! She's not dating him because he's better than you Remus, she's slumming because she can't have you!" Sirius nearly yelled this.
The tears finally fell from Remus's eyes. "You're right," he moaned. "But I can't stand to see her with him like that." Sirius sat up and hugged Remus to him tightly.
"Does it help that I beat the shit out of Snape?"
"A little bit," Remus laughed through his tears.
"Stop crying Rem, it's the morning. You're supposed to be laughing hysterically about nothing."
"My reputation deceives me," Remus mumbled into Sirius's shoulder. Sirius and James laughed at him, and he couldn't hold back his laughter as well.
"There you go," James said cheerily.
Sirius yawned and said, "We should get back to school."
"Think you can keep your balance Remus?"
"I don't know, but I'll try."
Sirius and James both got off the bed. Remus tried to stand as well but had to sit back down holding his head. Sirius sat beside Remus and put his arm around his back. They then stood together and managed to get through the tunnel. Sirius transformed into a dog as they were going out and held the knot with his paw until James and Sirius were fully out. He then ran from the tree before it sprung back to life.
As they walked the rest of the way back to the castle Remus was able to go on his own, though slowly. They were all relieved to return to their room and James for one was glad that Peter was no where in sight.
Sirius immediately crawled into his bed trying to warm his still chilled bones and James went to the bathroom. Remus stood in the middle of the room for a moment looking around as though he'd never been there before.
Laughing Sirius asked, "What the hell are you doing Moony?"
Remus smirked at him and shrugged. "I'm trying to think of something to do."
"Well why don't you go back to sleep? You had a rough night."
"Is that what you're going to do?"
Sirius shook his head. "I'm just warming myself up. I was freezing last night!"
"Really, I was fine."
"You're never cold Remus."
"I know it's the monster in me," Remus said with a short laugh, grabbing his head afterwards.
Sirius looked at him calculatingly and then smirked.
"I don't want to sleep," Remus stated.
"You need to rest though Rem....you can hardly walk."
With a shrug Remus turned and went over to his bed, showing off his improving walking skills. He sat on the edge of his bed and rummaged through his bedside table.
"What are you doing now?"
"Looking for the pain potion Madam Pomfrey gives me...my head is pounding!"
Sirius laughed.
"No laughing at the kid with the hangover!" Remus yelled jokingly as he paused his search to rub at his temples.
Sirius laughed harder and Remus joined him.
"Ah-hah! I found it!"
"Woo hoo!" Sirius cheered.
Remus downed it as he had his shots the previous night.
"Did it help?"
Remus nodded and yawned.
"You really should go back to sleep Rem."
"No I shouldn't! If I do I won't be able to sleep tonight. No, we should do something."
"Like what?" Sirius asked, unable to not get swept up in Remus's cheerful mood.
"Ummm...I don't know..."
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Do you want to play chess?"
"That sounds good." Remus replied with a tired smile.
"You should be sleeping, mate."
"Oh shut up. Lets go!" Remus called as he slowly started out of the room.
"I'm bringing my blanket with me!" Sirius called and he mock-chased Remus out of the room, blanket around him like a cape. James stepped out of the bathroom and rolled his eyes as he saw the last second of the scene. James was wiped out. Sleeping on the floor and then Remus's back, all the while taking care of two very drunk people had taken a lot out of James. He flopped down on his bed and slept until dinner; which of course was an experience in itself.
~~~~~~~~~~~
It was difficult for me to find a good place to end this chapter, I don't really know why. Anyway, please review for me...PLEASE!!! I get depressed when I don't get reviews. Not as bad as Remus and Sirius here, but depressed nonetheless! So cheer me up with nice reviews...even mean ones will at least let me know you're reading!
Also, my own moods were in the extremes during the writing of this chapter, drunk scene was supposed to be funnier, but I was pissed off that day. And the part I was in a wicked good mood and I think it shows, lol. One more thing, I'm trying to sound British in the writing let me know if it's working or if I should just call it quits on that!
Old A/N: Another one down! So I think something's been up with the reviews, like they haven't been coming up nor have they been emailed to me as is usual and it's been saying I have had more than it would show me for like three days, but I think it's starting to get better. So, if you reviewed and I don't seem to respond to it it's because computers suck and they're not appearing lol. Anyway, I was glad to see that I had a few more reviews from last chapter than I had originally though *throws laptop out the window*
Anyway this chapter didn't come out the way I originally planned but I don't think it's too shabby...how about you tell me if it is or not :)
LeilaRose: Yup, that was a sad chapter, and guess what! This is going to be one too. Now to be completely honest I didn't understand your review, I couldn't tell if it was criticism or praise, but I appreciate the review either way. I like getting reviews even when people criticize because it either helps me write better or it gives me a good laugh :)
Jemma Blackwell: I agree, it was a little over the top for Sirius's mom to go kill someone like that, but I wanted something that would really shake Sirius, caused by his mum, and that's all I could think of...hope it's not too over the top to be good! And yah, I kind of left Jack's death up in the air but basically in my head it was a missing child case...I was going to write that out but I just didn't think Sirius would really feel the need to say and Remus wouldn't bother to ask. And about telling an adult, probably not going to happen cuz in the books Sirius runs away, that's how it'll be in this story...if I draw it out to that point and I don't think I really will. Thanks for the review (
Polaris: LOL, I ain't no nasty girl *wink* I just have a twisted mind...there's a difference I swear! Trust me, lol, I could never leave my friend drama behind, without it I'd have a few jokes and a couple nouns and adjectives lol. And no, this isn't a prequel, I'm just having a bit of trouble getting back into those other two fics. I've actually written a bit more to "When a Home isn't a Home", but I just couldn't get enough out of it b/c I forgot where I was trying to go. Who knows though maybe I'll read over it again and it'll hit me to continue, highly unlikely though. And I'm sorry for that, I get wicked pissed when people stop their stories too....but I really did need to end those stories at the time I did because let me tell you adjusting to college first semester is HARD, lol...Anway, enjoy the story I have now, it won't be that long but I most definitely think I'll finish it lol.
Katie: It's alright that you didn't review, but what do you mean it's parental controlled? I don't really get it but it's all good. I'm glad you liked these chapters and I'm going to tell you a sad truth, lol, I too often re-read "In Need of Sirius Help" some parts I cringe at the fact that I've written that, but for the most part I honestly like to read it, sometimes I'm like ooh what's going to happen next, I forget. OK so I'm a big loser lol. And do you mean that you think I should write the actual Harry Potter books?! Have I told you you're my favorite reviewer??? Lol. Anyway, I'm sad your story is on hiatus and I'm curious which part of my story you're using as well... If my sister stole my computer I'd kick her ass, lol, but then again I bought this computer so...ya know. I really hope you do update as soon as you can though :)
Sexy Black: Yah I think something with the reviews has been really screwed up and it really depressed me lol, but I got reviews eventually and that's all that matter's, right? Anyway, yah that experience of Sirius's sucks pretty bad, huh? Seriously don't know where that came from, lol. I think Scream had a bit to do with it *shudders*. And you'll soon be seeing Remus's reaction to Brie and Snape...
HP-Azn: Don't worry, much, much more angst too come! What am I without angst? This story will be angst until like the end of the last chapter!
Rainbowdust: Awww, I'm glad you liked the way I picked to do it. Every now and then I feel like I'm actually coming to close to slash, but it's just so sweet that way right? And did you think James was being a monkey before that chapter? LOL, yah I wanted him to be a sweetheart in the story, and I think you'll like his character even more in this chapter.
And thanks to all the people who reviewed chapter three that I didn't get until way after they were written (god damn ffnet!) I'd write them individually, but it just seems silly to do that now. (except for Gold Silk: Don't worry no Mary Sue's and sorry about the lack of slash) Just know that I appreciate them mucho!
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A Couple or so More
That night the boys all gathered under James's invisibility cloak, Peter in his rat form so they'd all fit. They silently walked towards the statue which leads to the tunnel to Honeydukes (Sorry, I forget its name!). Once in the tunnel they removed the cloak and tucked it away near the entrance.
"Ready to party boys?" James asked.
"Hell yes!" Sirius yelled causing the rest to laugh. They made their way down the tunnel talking at the tops of their voices, no one could hear them down there. They were already having a good time and the real fun hadn't even started yet.
When they finally reached the end of the tunnel they snuck out of the basement and through the store. They made there way to the bar and Remus led his friends to a table in the middle of the bar. James went and purchased two rounds of tequila shots for the group. Sirius laughed at the mere sight of the small alcohol in the miniature glasses and reached for his but Sirius stopped him.
"Wait," James said. "We don't want this to be like the last time when we came here and we lost Peter. We need a buddy system of sorts."
Sirius rolled his eyes at his friend.
"I mean it Sirius! Peter will be my buddy, so you and Remus just watch out for each other, alright?"
Remus nodded and Sirius agreed by rolling his eyes again.
"On three," Remus said and they all grabbed a shot. "One...two...three!" They all downed their shots and then bit into their lemon slices to cut the taste.
"Wooo!" Sirius hollered, everyone laughed. They all did their second shot and then Peter and Sirius went over to the dance floor where they got lost in the crowd. (I know the Hogshead probably wouldn't be the kind of bar that has a dance floor but I thought of that too late...imaginations please!)
Remus got up and ordered two rum and cokes for James and himself. He handed James his and then sat down, stirring his own with the straw.
"So Moony, are you doing alright getting over Brie?"
"Yah, it's still kind of hard. I saw her a few times in the hall yesterday and it's like an instinct to go to her, you know? And I have to kick myself not to and it kind of hurts...I still love her you know. But it's over—over for good."
James smiled at him. "You'll find someone else."
Remus nodded, he didn't believe James but frankly didn't want to talk about it anymore. He took a long sip off his drink, finishing it off. "I'm going to get another drink and then meet the others on the dance floor."
"Alright Moony," James said. Remus watched James stand and walk over to a few girls at the bar.
After getting another rum and coke Remus went onto the dance floor where he saw Sirius dancing with a very large thirty year old woman. "He must have already had a lot to drink," Remus thought to himself. When Sirius saw Remus he stopped dancing with her and stumbled over to his friend.
"Remus!!! How are you doing?" he yelled.
"I'm alright Sirius. How much have you had so far?"
"Well I had the two with you. And Jodie over there bought me a couple or so more."
"How many is a couple or so?" Remus asked smirking.
"Ummm...I think like four," Sirius said scratching his head and holding up three fingers. Remus laughed. "But seriously Rem, I don't even feel a thing!"
"Sure you don't Sirius."
"Hey Rem, do you want me to get you a girl to dance with?" Sirius asked excitedly.
"I don't think so Sirius. I...I think I'm going to go sit back down."
"I'll go with you!"
The two made there way back to the table they had abandoned and sat back down.
"So Remus. I'm so glad we came out tonight. I think this was exactly what I needed. You needed it to buddy. Are you feeling better?"
Remus just shrugged, secretly sadder than he had been before going out.
"Well then you need more to drink!!! Here I'll go get you some more tequila!" Sirius jumped up from his seat and ran to the bar. He came back with four more shots. "Three for you and one for me!"
Remus laughed and picked up one and drank it quickly wincing at the taste before he bit down on the lemon.
"And number two!"
Remus smiled and downed it as well.
"And now together!" Sirius yelled and they both clinked the small glasses together before downing the last two shots. They both laughed hysterically afterwards.
"Wow, Sirius. Thanks that helped a lot!" Remus said laughing some more.
"That's what I'm here for Remus!"
"So hey! Lets think of a prank to play tomorrow!"
"Okay, who should we play it on?" Remus said lowering his head and shoulders in mock seriousness.
"Why Snivellus of course!"
Remus cackled and nodded to agree.
"Lets see what can we do to him..." Sirius though aloud. "We could change his hair pink!"
"Come on Sirius use your head! We did that twice already!"
"OH yah you're right. Pink is just his color, right mate?"
"Sure is Padfoot!"
"Do you have any ideas Rem?"
Remus nodded slyly and motioned for Sirius to come closer. They both leaned closer over the table and Remus whispered, "At dinner tomorrow..."
Sirius looked up shocked and then started banging the table, throwing back his head and laughing madly. "Perfect Moony! That's absolutely perfect!!!" He continued to bang on the table for a full five minutes, Remus laughing right along with him. Nearly half of the bar was watching their table amusedly, but neither noticed.
Remus dried the tears of mirth that had been sitting below his eyes. "Ah, I wonder where James and Peter are."
"Me too!"
"James is probably with some girl and Peter's probably trying to get with some girl," Remus replied, slurring his speech ever so slightly.
Sirius smiled and scanned the crowd. Remus did the same, looking for James or Peter. His eyes, however, fell on another pair of people and he froze.
"What are you staring at, Moooo-ny?"
Remus opened and closed his mouth like a fish but said nothing. Sirius squinted in the direction Remus was looking and muttered, "Oh fuck!"
"What—with—Snape?!"
"Remus, she's a bitch, don't let this get you down!"
"She dumped me for Snape," Remus mumbled almost inaudibly. "She dumped me for Snape!"
"Rem-" Sirius said calmly, quickly sobering up. Remus shot up from the table and steered himself towards the bar. He pushed people aside to get to the front of the line. Sirius watched as he took not one, not two, not even three, but four more shots of tequila, without even biting the lemon between each shot. Sirius watched him sway sideways as he tried to move away from the bar and land against some girl, his face dangerously close to her chest. She pushed him away from her roughly and he bumped his head on the bar and went down.
Rushing forward, Sirius tripped over someone's foot and was the second marauder that night to end up on the floor. He stared up into the glowering face of Severus Snape. The mere sight of his enemy, that close, sent anger coursing through Sirius's body. He grabbed hold of Snape's legs and swung him down. He pushed himself up on top of Snape and began pounding his fists into Snape's already crooked nose. He didn't notice the blood now covering his fists as it flowed from Snape's nose, and he didn't realize when Snape stopped moving below him. He did, however, notice someone pulling him to his feet and yelling in his ear.
He snapped out of it enough to see James and Peter nearby, supporting an unconscious Remus. The person who had lifted him off of Snape turned out to be a very large bouncer and he was now dragging him from the bar. Sirius tried to fight the bouncers grasp so he could walk on his own, but the bouncer wouldn't allow that. He called another bouncer over who lifted Sirius by his feet, holding them tightly together. The first bouncer did the same with his arms, and Sirius lost it.
"Help!" he called, closing his eyes tight and fighting against the bouncers with all his might. "Help! Don't let her do it. Jack run!"
"Let him go," James yelled, "You can't do that to him! I'll get him out of here just put him down." The bouncers paid him no head and Sirius continued to scream and attempted to kick the bouncers. He was so loud that Remus awoke from his unconscious state. The bouncers didn't listen and ended up bringing him to the door and throwing him out on the street.
"Remus, can you walk?"
Remus rested his head on James' shoulder and mumbled, "I don't think I can even stand on my own. I want to go home."
"I know you do mate...we're going home now okay?" Remus nodded and James and Peter led him out. With one last look back into the bar Remus saw Brie tending to a bloody Snape. He let out a dry sob and then let James take him out of the bar.
Outside they saw Sirius curled up in a ball outside of the bar, crying his heart out.
"Fuck," James mumbled and led Remus to wear Sirius was crying.
"Sirius," Remus mumbled, making James put him down. Remus pushed as hard as he could against Sirius's arm to get his friends attention. Now crying as hard as his friend Remus pulled Sirius into a hug and they just sat there crying into each others shoulders.
James pulled Peter aside and muttered, "What the hell are we going to do? There is no way we can sneak back into Honeydukes and make it under the cloak and through the castle with these two!"
"I—I don't have a clue. Maybe we could just leave them here?"
James jaw dropped and he stared at his friend. "We can't fucking leave them here. How can you even suggest that?!"
"Well I don't want to get in trouble..."
"Peter how many times have they gotten in trouble for you?!"
"Alright, we won't leave them."
"I can't even believe you suggested it!"
"Well what ideas do you have?"
"Just one...but I don't know if we can pull it off."
"Well what is it?"
"The shrieking shack."
"But it's all boarded up!"
"It's the only place we can go. We can't afford a room at the inn."
Peter sighed, all he wanted to do was go back to Hogwarts and get lost in his bed.
"We're going to have to levitate them."
"But James I can't levitate anything bigger than my book bag!"
"Why me?" James muttered. He walked over to the sobbing forms of his two friends. "Hey guys, I need you to do me a favor alright?" They showed no sign that they heard, but James continued anyway. "Can you guys hold on to each other really tight? No matter what don't let each other go. Do you understand?" He saw both sets of arms grasp the other tighter.
"Good," James drew his wand and muttered, "Wingardium Leviosa." Both his friends rose in the air and he steered them down the street towards the shrieking shack. Once they arrived James again set them down on the grass behind the rundown building. "Come on Pete, we need to tear down some of these boards."
Peter mumbled something under his breath and went to join his friend. Once they got an opening large enough for Peter to fit through, James helped his pudgy friend inside. He then walked over to the huddled forms of Sirius and Remus.
"Hey boys, how are you two feeling?" James said kneeling beside them and putting an arm around both of his friend's shoulders.
"I was so scared James," Sirius mumbled, looking up at his friend.
"I know you were Sirius. I know. But it was just the bouncers. Your mother can never do that to you again, understand?"
Sirius continued to sob but nodded his head.
"How about you Remus?"
"She dumped me for Snape," he muttered miserably.
"I know you guys are upset, but you can't stay here all night. We're going into the shrieking shack."
"How...?" Remus asked looking up at James.
"Peter and I made a hole out of one of the blocked windows."
"We have to fix it!" Remus yelled, worry temporarily overtaking his pain.
"We will! Before the next full moon it'll be back and better than ever."
Remus nodded and slumped back against Sirius.
"Sirius you come with me first. You can help me get Remus through."
James pulled Sirius away from Remus, causing the werewolf to cry harder. "It's going to be okay Rem," James said and hauled Sirius towards the shack. He gave Sirius a boost and Peter pulled him the rest of the way through the hole. James headed back to Remus.
"C'mon Rem," James said.
"James...my hearts broken," he mumbled and let his chin drop to his chest.
"I know it hurts Remus," James said squatting down beside his friend.
James lifted Remus's head up so they were at eye level and let Remus's forehead lean against his own. "Listen to me Remus. This thing with you and Brie, it's over. I know it hurts and it's going to hurt for a while, you know that. And of course seeing you're ex-girlfriend with Snape isn't going to help, but do you really think she likes him? She knew you hated him and she's mad at you...she's just doing it to get back at you."
"But I didn't even do anything wrong!" Remus moaned.
"I know you didn't Rem," James said, running his hand over Remus's hair. "But she thinks that you did. She wants to make you hurt. Don't let her win."
Remus nodded, knocking his and James foreheads together. James couldn't help but laugh quietly at his friend's drunken state. "Come on Remus, lets get inside, the wind out here is fierce."
James stood and pulled Remus up with him. He was glad to see Remus had stopped crying, but it didn't help his friend walk any straighter.
It was quite a task to get Remus through the hole and Peter was no help at all. Sirius, still quite drunk, had to do nearly all of it. James was inexplicably pissed off at Peter as he climbed through the hole without any assistance at all. Remus and Sirius, he understood, but Peter was simply being an ass.
James led the other three up to the bedroom that Remus always went to after a transformation. "Remus, Sirius you take the bed." Sirius helped Remus onto the blanket-less bed and then got on it as well.
"Yah know Rem, we came out tonight to forget our problems...but really they just slapped us in the face," Sirius started laughing heartily, Remus joined in with the laughter. It wasn't happy laughter, it was heartbreaking. Listening to them made James, himself, want to cry.
Remus stopped laughing and moaned, sitting up sharply. "You okay Rem?" James asked.
With a quick shake of his head Remus leaned over the side of the bed, and threw up all of his alcohol.
"I think I drank too much," he stated when he was done.
"I think you're right, Rem." James said. With a spell and a flick of his wand James got rid of Remus's mess. "You two just go to sleep okay. Wake me up if you need anything."
They both nodded and lay back down. Both boys were asleep in no time.
"Now where are we supposed to sleep?" Peter asked.
"The floor," James stated in a strained voice.
"The floor?"
"Yes the floor!"
"They're the ones who get so smashed we can't go back to school and we have to sleep on the floor?!"
"You know what Peter we're all set here, why don't you just go back to school. Transform and just go!"
"But..."
"Just go!" James yelled as loud as he dared without waking the others.
Peter looked scared and quickly transformed, scurrying out of the room. James wanted to kick something but settled for breaking a large stick into little bits. He then lay down on the hard wood floor and drifted off into a very light sleep.
Hours later he was woken by the bed creaking. He sat up and saw Sirius rubbing his arms, his lips chattering. James stood and sat next to Sirius on the bed.
"You cold mate?"
Sirius nodded. James put his arms around his friend and rubbed his back. After a while he felt his friend stop shaking and pull away slightly. "Thanks James."
"Anytime Padfoot."
"I'm really sorry James."
"For what?"
"These last couple of days. I know we haven't been the best of friends to you and you've felt left out a lot. We didn't mean to it's just..."
"I have a charmed life and don't understand very much," James said, laughing at himself.
"Are you mad?"
"No, I understand you guys."
"I'm also sorry about tonight. I'm sure this is the last place you want to be...taking care of two drunk idiots."
"It's no problem, Sirius. I'd never just leave you guys thrown out on the street. Although, Peter was ready to do just that. I don't get that kid sometimes!"
"Well, he doesn't know any of what's going on," Sirius defended meekly.
"That shouldn't matter!"
Sirius just shrugged. "I don't really care."
"I do...He scares me sometimes."
"I think he's always been like that. You just didn't see it before," Sirius mumbled and began to shiver again. James put his arms around his friend again and resumed rubbing his back.
"Go back to sleep," he whispered. Sirius nodded and closed his eyes. He was back to sleep in seconds. James held him until he stopped shaking from the cold and then moved to Remus who was snoring quietly. If he hadn't been making the noise, James would have genuinely thought he was dead. Remus hadn't moved an inch since he had lain down. James sat over him rubbing his back gently and before he knew it, he was asleep himself, slumped over Remus's back.
~~~~~~~~~~
Again Remus was the first one to wake in the morning. He felt something heavy on his back and carefully rolled over, seeing James sound asleep. He smiled and sat up, trying not to wake James in the process. He failed, however, and it was a good thing he did. When he looked around the world was spinning and he again found himself leaning over the edge of the bed. James helped keep him from falling off the bed as he heaved and then helped ease him back to the mattress. Quickly James cleaned up the mess and then put his hand on Remus's head and rubbed his forehead with his thumb.
"Are you going to be alright Rem?"
"Not today," Remus joked, laughing at himself.
"I can't believe that even today you can have that old morning sense of humor."
"What can I say," Remus laughed. "Last night sucked, huh James?"
James nodded. "I don't think I've ever seen you and Sirius so upset as you guys were last night."
"Did I make a fool out of myself?"
"Pretty much mate. But you were completely pissed, everyone gets like that."
"Was I worse than Sirius?"
"Aaah...well he made a bigger scene, beating Snape to a bloody pulp, but in the end you guys were just as bad."
"Sorry, mate."
"Hey, it's completely understandable."
"I can't believe she dumped me for Snape," Remus mumbled for what seemed to James like the thousandth time. James could see the tears welling in his friends eyes.
"Rem, you can't think of it like that, mate," James said soothingly.
"How am I supposed to think about it?" Remus said in a very tight voice.
Rubbing his friend's shoulder, James opened his mouth to speak but found that someone had beaten him to it. Sirius had turned towards them and said, "You need to think of it like Brie is a bitch. She's pissed off because she thinks you cheated on her and Snape's the only guy she can get right now because every normal guy is too scared of us to even dare look at her! She's not dating him because he's better than you Remus, she's slumming because she can't have you!" Sirius nearly yelled this.
The tears finally fell from Remus's eyes. "You're right," he moaned. "But I can't stand to see her with him like that." Sirius sat up and hugged Remus to him tightly.
"Does it help that I beat the shit out of Snape?"
"A little bit," Remus laughed through his tears.
"Stop crying Rem, it's the morning. You're supposed to be laughing hysterically about nothing."
"My reputation deceives me," Remus mumbled into Sirius's shoulder. Sirius and James laughed at him, and he couldn't hold back his laughter as well.
"There you go," James said cheerily.
Sirius yawned and said, "We should get back to school."
"Think you can keep your balance Remus?"
"I don't know, but I'll try."
Sirius and James both got off the bed. Remus tried to stand as well but had to sit back down holding his head. Sirius sat beside Remus and put his arm around his back. They then stood together and managed to get through the tunnel. Sirius transformed into a dog as they were going out and held the knot with his paw until James and Sirius were fully out. He then ran from the tree before it sprung back to life.
As they walked the rest of the way back to the castle Remus was able to go on his own, though slowly. They were all relieved to return to their room and James for one was glad that Peter was no where in sight.
Sirius immediately crawled into his bed trying to warm his still chilled bones and James went to the bathroom. Remus stood in the middle of the room for a moment looking around as though he'd never been there before.
Laughing Sirius asked, "What the hell are you doing Moony?"
Remus smirked at him and shrugged. "I'm trying to think of something to do."
"Well why don't you go back to sleep? You had a rough night."
"Is that what you're going to do?"
Sirius shook his head. "I'm just warming myself up. I was freezing last night!"
"Really, I was fine."
"You're never cold Remus."
"I know it's the monster in me," Remus said with a short laugh, grabbing his head afterwards.
Sirius looked at him calculatingly and then smirked.
"I don't want to sleep," Remus stated.
"You need to rest though Rem....you can hardly walk."
With a shrug Remus turned and went over to his bed, showing off his improving walking skills. He sat on the edge of his bed and rummaged through his bedside table.
"What are you doing now?"
"Looking for the pain potion Madam Pomfrey gives me...my head is pounding!"
Sirius laughed.
"No laughing at the kid with the hangover!" Remus yelled jokingly as he paused his search to rub at his temples.
Sirius laughed harder and Remus joined him.
"Ah-hah! I found it!"
"Woo hoo!" Sirius cheered.
Remus downed it as he had his shots the previous night.
"Did it help?"
Remus nodded and yawned.
"You really should go back to sleep Rem."
"No I shouldn't! If I do I won't be able to sleep tonight. No, we should do something."
"Like what?" Sirius asked, unable to not get swept up in Remus's cheerful mood.
"Ummm...I don't know..."
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Do you want to play chess?"
"That sounds good." Remus replied with a tired smile.
"You should be sleeping, mate."
"Oh shut up. Lets go!" Remus called as he slowly started out of the room.
"I'm bringing my blanket with me!" Sirius called and he mock-chased Remus out of the room, blanket around him like a cape. James stepped out of the bathroom and rolled his eyes as he saw the last second of the scene. James was wiped out. Sleeping on the floor and then Remus's back, all the while taking care of two very drunk people had taken a lot out of James. He flopped down on his bed and slept until dinner; which of course was an experience in itself.
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It was difficult for me to find a good place to end this chapter, I don't really know why. Anyway, please review for me...PLEASE!!! I get depressed when I don't get reviews. Not as bad as Remus and Sirius here, but depressed nonetheless! So cheer me up with nice reviews...even mean ones will at least let me know you're reading!
Also, my own moods were in the extremes during the writing of this chapter, drunk scene was supposed to be funnier, but I was pissed off that day. And the part I was in a wicked good mood and I think it shows, lol. One more thing, I'm trying to sound British in the writing let me know if it's working or if I should just call it quits on that!