Sirius made sure to keep in touch with James over the summer. Aside from anything else, James was his contact to civilisation, not to mention a potential home when he could get out of his own. His father was incredibly controlling, his mother incredibly loud. Between them he didn't get a moment's peace, which left him one option: holidays at Hogwarts. Summer was forbidden by all rules and regulations. The other two he stayed at school, sometime accompanied by a friend or six, sometimes not.

By Christmas it was determined that James would be going home, and Remus, the full moon passing over the day anyway, would remain in the confines of the Shrieking Shack, where he supposedly spent every full moon. Sirius was just as glad to be staying that year, to keep his friend company during his wolfing. Peter was going to holiday along the east coast of Scotland, where his mother had grown up. "Neat," said Sirius. He really thought it was; he couldn't wait for Peter to go. The kid got on his nerves.

By the last day of school Sirius was itching for everyone to be gone, up to and including James. Remus was all right as concerned Lily, but as long as James was staying out of it Sirius meant to keep him out. This meant dealing with his problems without the aid of laxatives, something he didn't enjoy; also drinking a lot, which James approved of, causing a slight alleviation of what Sirius described as his heartfelt agony.

When James was gone, Sirius, bundled in a winter cloak over a mug of Butterbeer, said to Remus, "So."

"Can't this wait until we're back at the castle?"

"You don't even know what I'm going to say."

"I'm not going to like it."

"What is this, PMS?"

"Pre Moony Syndrome, yes."

"And Post. And Pin the fucking middle."

"Will you shut up and let me drink in peace?"

"No."

Remus gestured to Rosmerta to refill his mug. "What, then?"

"Look, I found this girl."

"Surprise, surprise."

"Shut up."

"Make it fast, Padfoot."

"Shut up, I said. Over summer she was living in the streets, and I got her into Hogwarts, and now everything is laughter and sunshine and promises."

"That's nice."

"She thought so. She was living off her narcotics trade."

"How old is this bird?"

"Twelve."

"All right. Get to the point."

"I told her I'd get her contacts once she was living here. It's been hard with James around, but –"

"What's he got to do with it? Likes his glasses?"

"I don't want him getting into that stuff."

"But I'm okay."

"Sure."

"Thanks." Remus scowled into his mug.

"Do you want to buy? Because I know you won't kill me for it if you don't, but it'd be great if you wanted to."

"Thanks." Remus was trying his hardest not to think, but Sirius pressed on.

"Do you or not?"

"Sure, whatever. I have no money, mind you."

"How much does Prongs owe you?"

"Lots."

"Owl him. His parents will pay up if he has a good enough excuse."

"Of which he has many," Remus said. "All right, let's do it."

"Right on."

"Who is she?"

"Lily Evans. Second year. Red hair, green eyes, real cute. You might have seen her around."

Remus shrugged. "Is she Gryffindor?"

"Yeah."

"I don't know. I'll keep an eye out."

"Don't. James knows nothing, you got me?"

"Just fughetaboutit." Remus waved an arm much in the manner of a gangster, minus the cigar, and Sirius laughed.

"You're a pal." He slapped him on the back and got up. "Let's get out of here, that door is real drafty. 'Night, Rosie," he called. Rosmerta winked from behind a mound of dirty glasses. They blew out into the street, quiet once more.