Disclaimer : I forgot about this!! None of the characters are mine as we all know, but wouldn't it be nice if they were ??? Well, since they're not, fanfics for me instead of multi-million-pound selling books :P
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Chapter 5 Midnight Marauders
It was end of their third week of being back at school now and it was going to be one busy fourth week to follow. The 30th of October, tomorrow, was the first full moon since Remus had been back and there would be no classes on Monday as a special treat for Halloween, where there would also be a disco. They had their first Hogsmeade trip next Saturday, the 5th of November. This was Friday, just now and Remus was quite looking forward to the Hogsmeade trip. At least teachers had relented on their homework and James no longer looked ready to ask Remus about his feelings at first sign of being alone.
Remus was sitting by the brilliant fire in their Common Room, feeling the heat delicately lick the whole of his right side. His face was growing increasingly warm and he knew he would have to move soon. But for now it was very comfortable and on the scanty-but-cheery table was the Daily Prophet, a wizarding tabloid. Remus flicked through the pages for stories of interest.
He was occasionally looking up at his friends and smiled as he watched James flirting desperately with Lily Evans. He has it bad for her, he thought. Then fleetingly wished that he had it bad for a 'her'. But Remus passed the thought up very quickly as he mused how he would never, could never feel this way for a girl and never had done. While at primary, Remus's friends (for no more than a couple of months before finding out what he was then having to be confunded - have the memories removed) had always seemed to like girls. Remus held no interest in them and often had to make up crushes. But back then it had been easy, because he had not fancied any boy either. And he'd only ever really liked one person all in - Sirius. Peter had gone to bed early, knackered from the days events. Although teacher's had not been giving multiple bundles of homework, they had seemed to be trying to cram a lot of work into their Friday lessons, as though attempting to fit in Monday's soon-to-be lost work too.
Sirius was sitting in the center of attention of most of the Gryffindor girls. Only two girls did not join in the marathon Sirius staring and that was Lily and Perry McKinnon's girlfriend, a fifth year, Janet Macleur. But even she was glancing at Sirius time and again. Melanie Brown had began by sitting next to Sirius but Remus had been disgusted when he had allowed her to sit in his lap. She had her arm casually around his neck and refused to take her eyes off him. Remus thought how that was a good idea on her part, because he didn't suppose she'd have liked to have seen the jealous looks she had been receiving from the surrounding girls. Sirius was grinning at her far too much for Remus's liking and he wished they would stop, but at least Sirius didn't look even half as interested in her as she clearly was in him. He paid much attention to the surrounding crowd and they were all hanging on his every word it appeared.
His attention towards the newspaper was ebbing away very quickly as he found himself keeping a possessive eye on Sirius and scowled as he watched Melanie Brown's hand playfully curl the back of Sirius's hair. She didn't remove her eyes from his and clearly spelled love with her look. Remus figured Sirius didn't see this. He knew that his friend, thankfully, was not searching for love just now. Or he thought anyway. He was sure that if Sirius could notice the look of love in her eyes, then he'd have backed off from her, especially after the scene from Alyssa Spinnet. Even if Melanie was the most appealing girl in the school.
Remus looked down at the paper and saw only the headline - More Disappearances - when he heard a great delighted cry come from the girls and he looked up to see Sirius laughing. Remus looked, wondering what it was that the girls were so happy about when Sirius looked up suddenly and caught his eye. Straight away, he lowered his head back to the paper, hoping it was covering his blush. He lost himself in the article.
'As the wizarding community are well aware, there has been many suspicious disappearances since the rise in popularity of a powerful wizard called Voldemort. There are some wizards who even refuse to say the influential man's name. The Ministry of Magic have said that they have plenty reason to believe he was responsible (even though no bodies have been, as yet, found) for the mysterious missing people and that he may have even murdered them!
The Ministry also commented on how Voldemort is to be feared and the Minister of Magic, Millicent Bagnold...'
He looked up as a figure plopped down in front of him. Sirius was grinning at him. "We're gonna play Truth or Dare. You wanna play? Prongs and Lily are gonna...What's up", Sirius asked, eyes full of concern. Remus had recoiled at the words Truth or Dare. He quickly and too abruptly, he noticed said, "No..and nothing's wrong".
"Well, clearly there is or you wouldn't be reacting so bad to a simple game, Moony. Really, what's wrong?" Sirius pressed. Remus looked up into the clearest light blue eyes he had ever seen and knew straight away he couldn't keep this from him. He was already dying inside from keeping his secret desires and love for Siri from him. He rushed his words and hoped Sirius would have understood them because he didn't wish to repeat it.
"She'd been playing dares. That's what got her killed!" And Remus went on as Sirius looked at him with mournful shock. "Don't you remember Phoebe Fucirel?" And Sirius looked enlightened. "Of course I do! I'd only dumped her a week before...But that's nothing to do with you! It wasn't your fault.."
"Why do you think I hate the Whomping Willow so much, Sirius?" Sirius sighed and said, "Oh. Because that's where it happened". Remus had been extra thankful to his friends when they had become animagi. He'd hated the Whomping Willow since his second year here because the girl had died there. She'd been dared to touch the trunk of the tree. The girl had stood no chance. The tree's strong thrashing branches had hit her hard on the head and she had not been able to be saved. The pain of the memory had considerably subsided over time, but he still felt quite responsible.
"But Remy! You don't think it was your fault do you?" Sirius asked looking horrified.
"Of course it was! That tree's there because of me!" But Remus felt as though some weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He had grown to accept thinking that Sirius had thought it was his fault and he was now finding out after these years that he hadn't blamed him at all.
"Yes that tree's there for you. But you didn't force Phoebe to do that dare! She could have stopped at any time, Moony! Now, come on! You're gonna play. Get over this stupid feeling. None of it was your fault" and Remus had no choice but to be led off to the group of all but a few Gryffindors that had now all gathered in the spot where only the girls and Sirius had been before.
Sirius led him over to where Jamie stood beside Lily. Everybody looked at Sirius expectantly and he conjured up a bottle and told them all to sit around in a large circle. Everyone did so and Sirius got out his wand and made the bottle spin. It pointed to a third year girl who was looking hopefully at Sirius as she said, 'Dare", obviously hoping she'd be dared to kiss Sirius.
Sirius said, "Right, from now it goes clockwise around the circle to make sure everyone gets their turn, OK? Right, huddle now". All but the girl was standing in the huddle. James was on one side of Remus with his hand round his shoulder, and Sirius on the other side, arm slightly lower. Remy felt a short rush of excitement at this. Sirius asked the crowd what they thought the girl, Amy as it turned out, should do for her dare. Many kissing suggestions went up around them and they finally agreed that the girl should have just a twenty second kiss with a third year boy. The boy blushed and Remus could tell he fancied the girl and was quite pleased, even if embarrassed.
The girl went bright red when she found out her dare and the pair reluctantly kissed one another and no way did it last twenty seconds. The dares had began half way round the crowd from Remus and he could tell it was getting quite late as it approached them. It would be James first, then himself, then Sirius. Most of the dares were kisses, but some naughtier ones suggested by Sirius were brought up. There had even been this girl having to kiss another girl. It seemed a lot of the girls were also eyeing Sirius hopefully, but nobody seemed to suggest it, to Remus's happiness, as he supposed that the people in the crowd did not wish it to happen to the person outside the ring, only to themselves. Suited Remus fine. Few people were picking 'truth' as their option and the girls' reasons were obvious. It had mostly been boys picking 'truth' until it came to Lily, who had sat next to James. James had looked crestfallen at the missed opportunity to kiss her, but brightened when Sirius reminded him his turn was next. Remus, himself wished not to have his turn.
When they huddled to decide what to ask her, Sirius had suggested, with a meaningful look at Jamie, to ask who she fancies most in the room. James had beamed at him. Sirius always does the right thing, Remus thought. "Sirius, can I swap places with you, I don't feel like going next", he asked. Sirius nodded and they formed the circle around Lily. "Lily Evans, who do you fancy most in this room?" Sirius asked. Lily flushed and she flashed Sirius a look of, 'I'll kill you for this'. But Sirius just laughed. James was looking so apprehensively at her that Remus felt bad for him. "James Potter", she finally said and James grinned triumphantly. "Go out with me then", but she told him not to spoil it and he accepted, spirits still high from her admission. Remy was very pleased for Jamie and he could tell Sirius was too. Jamie whispered a thanks to Siri before staying out of the crowd this time.
"After that admission, Lily, I think it's just fair for James's dare to be to kiss you" Sirius said, and as the group nodded, the red-head turned brightly pink and glared at Sirius. James was delighted when he was told to kiss her for half a minute. But it seemed to just come to him that it was in front of the whole crowd and Sirius laughed and called, "Not having stage fright are you, mate?"
James smiled and shook his head, but he clearly was. Remus felt bad for him and felt with a stab of panic, Oh God! What if I've to do that in front of them all? And he promptly decided he'd be picking 'truth' on his turn. They all watched as the red-faced pair kissed for the set time. James smiled brightly at her when they parted and Lily looked away, failing miserably to hide her brick-red cheeks. Remus thought how Lily had positively warmed to James since last year and was happy for his friend. He saw Sirius give him the thumbs up, grinning wildly at Jamie. Sirius stepped merrily from the crowd and Remus remembered it was his turn. He called, "Dare", with a mischievous grin that, again, warmed Remus's heart.
He joined the huddle and he noticed that Melanie Brown was licking her lips. Jamie looked up at her and he said, "Well, Sirius just has to kiss Melanie!" Melanie gave a wide smile of thanks. The rest of the girls all glared at James and Remus thought for one shining moment that the idea would be argued. A few girls suggested themselves as candidates instead, but the other boys agreed with Jamie and Melanie urged her friends to make their vote for her as it was left down to them. Her friends grudgingly showed their loyalty and the vote went in her favour. Remus had been forced to put his hand up from the questioning look Jamie gave him and he had to say, "Oh. Didn't hear properly. Sorry". But James obviously didn't believe him, but knew better by now than to ask questions. Melanie had always been popular, but many girls - and a few boys - muttered swear words out of jealousy under their breath about Melanie as they parted from the huddle. She didn't look as though she cared and Remus knew if it were him, neither would he or anyone else in her position.
"Well, Sirius", Remus knew he didn't call him Padfoot because the crowd would have raised a few eyebrows, "you have been nominated to kiss dear Melanie here. For a minute".
Sirius looked indifferent to the news. He looked at Melanie with a smoldering confidence and strode sexily up to her. A few breaths were held and Remus saw the lust pouring from Melanie's clouded-over eyes and her lips were already parted in desire.
Sirius kissed her and looked, again, like an expert. A few girls turned their heads, not wishing to see how lucky their fellow Gryffindor was. Melanie's face flushed with pleasure at the kiss and she shook slightly from arousal as the boys sent up a cheering approval at Sirius's wandering hands. Her own hands clung passionately to Sirius and roamed his back and his ass before finding his hair and clutching it in tightened fists. Remus didn't think he'd ever been more grateful than he was when James called, "Minute's up", from beside him. He felt a rush of anger at Melanie and hated knowing that he'd never be able to do that. Sirius kissed her a moment longer and let her go, against her wishes. Her hands placed themselves on Sirius's chest and as Remus looked back, her question then, struck a low blow to him.
"Will you go out with me, Sirius?" She said, panting lightly, voice thick with longing and Remus saw how her eyes were misted even more. Remus looked fearfully to Sirius and saw a small smile on his full light red lips.
"Sure", came Sirius's reply and Remus's world fell away from him. He didn't even hear the cry of joy Melanie gave or the hisses from the girls around as they stared hatefully at her. He did, however, manage to say to James, through a trembling voice, "I..I think I need to go to bed". As he got up, though, he felt a strong pair of hands on his shoulders.
"And where do you think you're going? I hope you don't think you're going to sneak off while it's your turn, do you?" Sirius was stopping him. He just couldn't say no. Remus felt too dazed to argue. He stood miserably on his own after telling the group, "Truth" and they huddled.
When they came back, forming a circle around him, Remus was brought out of his daze only by the apologetic look on Jamie's face. Oh no! What is it, he thought.
"So, Remy, we all want to know who you fancy most in this room", came Sirius's voice.
Remus panicked and felt his face burning. He couldn't take it, so used the only option he saw left to him. He ran. He called behind him that he felt sick and covered his mouth in the act. He heard Sirius and James calling after him, but he ran straight up to his dorm.
He closed the door behind him and collapsed against it, thinking over what he'd done with a terrified expression on his face. Why didn't I just make somebody up, a voice in his head yelled. Why didn't he? Why had he been so stupid not to give a fake crush, as he had many times at primary? He'd never been embarrassed whenever a girl had occasionally found out because he hadn't actually had a crush on them.
Remus scolded himself once more for not lying to conceal his answer - Sirius. He tried to think straight and when he was able to, he thought to go to bed in case somebody came up after him. He got into his pyjamas as quickly as he could and jumped into bed, wondering whether he should mimic Peter's snoring or not. But I might not usually snore, he thought as he had obviously never heard himself sleeping. So he didn't.
Sure enough, he heard he Dorm door opening just seconds after he had got properly settled into the bed and pulled round his hangings. Siri's voice carried out into the room and made the only other noise but for Peter's snoring.
"Moony! Are you OK?" But Remus did not answer. His breathing sounded too heavy, he thought and tried to calm it, and with it his thundering heart. Sirius left after not getting his answer and Remus felt a stab of guilt for ignoring him yet again. Remus half expected James to come up after Sirius and was happy to find he didn't.
He was able to go over things in his mind and came up with an easy excuse for his behaviour. Of course, Sirius may not fully believe him, but he'd accept it. James might wish to have a word though. Of course he'd know why Remus had ran, but he'd just tell him he still didn't feel ready to talk about it yet. James would have to take it, like it or not. It was not his place to probe further into Remus's feelings.
He lay listening for his friends to return to the Dorm and thought it must have been past two before they finally arrived. He heard Sirius and James saying 'goodnight' to one-another and he listened until their breathing slowed to reveal they were asleep.
Finally, he was able to drift off himself, deciding to be contented with sticking to his story of having felt sick. It was the best excuse he could think of and couldn't change it after telling it already. He would add how he'd not been feeling right all night and had just had to get away. Even of how he'd just been exhausted and had to fall asleep.
His dreams that night were of more peaceful content than his waking mind. His conscious mind was filled with jealousy, rage and fear. Jealousy and anger at Melanie and fear that if he continued to do things like this, Siri would find out his friend's more than platonic feelings towards him. Sirius made his normal, but always more-than-welcome appearance in the dream and Remus was loved once again. Just for the night.
When Remus woke in the morning, he was glad it was a Saturday. He sat up in his bed and the previous night's events began to flood back to him. Dammit, Sirius is going out with her, he thought bitterly. He reluctantly pulled the hangings around from his bed and the light that shone in his eyes made him wince. Remus was normally the Marauder who woke up easily in the morning. He'd always been a morning person. But as he looked around his Dorm, he found not one other occupied bed. Not even Peter remained snoring and Remus felt slightly ashamed he'd let himself sleep so late. Even if it was the weekend. Then Remus thought that it was maybe just as well, the less he saw of the new couple, the better.
He took a shower and dressed, paying no attention to what it was he was actually putting on. He found he'd been trying for minutes to put a hat on his foot and he laughed at himself in spite of his feelings. He tried getting dressed more carefully and found it much easier once he was looking at what he was doing. He didn't feel hungry, so decided to skip breakfast. It would surely give him more time to go over, again, what he would tell the others.
He walked down to the Common Room and sat by the fire. One look around told him that most people had gone down to breakfast as only two other people were present. They were first years and Remus was happy that nobody he knew was there. He sat staring blankly into the fire and heard the portrait door swing open. As he looked up, he saw the perfect figure of Sirius walking over to him, having spotted Remus straight away.
Remus frowned and looked back to the fire. Sirius sat on the ground before him and gazed up into his face. Remus felt his face flushing slightly and wished Sirius would not look so intently upon it. He looked to him, knowing he'd have to get it over and done with.
"How're you feeling, Moony?" Sirius asked, resting his head on his long elegant hands. As Sirius sat cross-legged in front of him with those puppy-dog eyes, he wondered how he managed to keep such a large secret from him. It could just slip from his mouth at any moment..No! You're not supposed to love your best friend! He'd never speak to you again! Remus felt that Sirius would be very supportive had he just have been gay, but also thought he'd run a mile if he knew it was himself that Remus not only fancied, but loved. He didn't think he'd get much support in that case. Just rejection and a lost friendship. One that he'd kill himself rather than lose.
"Oh. Much better, thank you", was what he said instead. He kept his face as natural as he could, trying his best not to show traces of untruthfulness. Sirius would know if he showed it.
"What was wrong with you?" Sirius asked this with his head cocked adorably to one side and Remus's heart melted. He felt his own head slightly falling to one side to match his friend's and he answered, "Oh. Just wasn't feeling too good. Hadn't been all night. Anyway, should you not be down at breakfast with the others?"
Sirius waved this away impatiently with his hand and muttered that he'd eaten early. Then getting back to the subject, "Well, why didn't you say you weren't feeling well when I asked you to play? You sure you just didn't want to answer the question"
"Yes", Remus said before he could stop himself. He covered his mouth with his hand. Sirius stared at him with such intensity that Remus felt sure he was seeing straight into his soul. If Sirius's next question had have been, 'do you love me', Remus felt sure he'd have said yes. Thankfully that didn't come next. But what did was too close to it for Remus to feel safe.
"Why, Moony? Is there somebody you really like that was playing?" Then when Remus sighed deeply, Sirius took it as a yes and asked, "Moony, you're not in love are you?"
The question caught Remus by surprise and he had to nod. The edge in Sirius's voice brought a voice to his own head, telling him he'd said enough. Telling him he was close to ruining everything.
"Who", Sirius asked with a slow smile gracing his features. The wonderful smile was gone when Remus finally took control over the situation. It was really hard for him to do with Sirius looking at him with such severity yet warmth in his smile.
"Padfoot, I'm sorry, but I really don't want to tell anybody. Not just yet anyway", he said and felt a sharp pain in his chest at the stung look on Sirius's face.
"Oh. Well you don't need to tell me. If you feel like it...you can though..Wait", with a sudden exclamation that caused Remus to flinch involuntarily, "Is this what Jamie knows that I don't?"
Remus watched with a broken heart as a hurt look now caressed Sirius's face. He spoke, "I'm sorry Sirius. Prongs just found out. In fact, I'm not sure how much he knows! I won't talk to him about it either. He sort of figured it out himself, I didn't tell him. I just don't feel ready to speak about it yet".
Sirius sighed and looked to the ground. "How come you don't want to tell us. To tell me?" Remus couldn't bear the emphasis Siri put on 'me'. He had always been able to talk to Sirius about what was on his mind and he knew he was hurting Sirius with keeping this from him. But he also knew things would be a lot worse if he did say it to him. Sirius looked back up to Remus and he was horrified to find his eyes shining with tears that would not be allowed to spill. Remus felt a tear fall down his own cheek and tried to cover it hastily, but knew it had been seen.
"Because I'm scared how you will react", he said truthfully. Sirius looked at him, a fleeting look of anger flashed in his eyes and Remus flinched again. This is so horrible, he thought. But Sirius's face then softened and he sighed again.
"Well, Remy. I can't force you to tell me. I can't force Jamie to tell me either. But I just want you to know", he looked back up at Remus with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "I'm here for you. No matter how you think I'd react, I'm sure I'll be fine with whatever you're scared to tell me. I don't see why I'd react badly, but I guess I'll just have to wait". He then smiled and surprised Remus when he put a gentle hand to his cheek to softly wipe away his tear. Remus wanted to lean in against the touch, but didn't. Sirius took it away and changed his demeanor cheerfully. Remus was always surprised at his friend's ability to change and recover so quickly, but knew he should be used to it by now.
"Want a game of chess?" He asked and Remus nodded thankfully. They had not long started when the portrait door began opening frequently to those returning from breakfast. James and Peter came in together and as Sirius had done, walked over straight away.
James gave a curious glance to Remus, but settled into a conversation about quidditch with Peter. Remus found himself being beaten, inevitably, by Sirius, but this time, with his concentration on other things, it happened unusually quickly. Sirius looked slightly annoyed by his easy win and complained it wasn't a good enough challenge. Remus shrugged apologetically and Sirius laughed at him.
They all sat and played Exploding Snap. Remus was very happy until he saw a brazen girl sneak up behind Sirius. Melanie put her hands round Sirius's eyes and childishly asked, "Guess who?"
Sirius smiled beneath her fingers and said, "Professor McGonagall?" Melanie laughed and sat down beside Sirius, but he just got up and held out his hand to help her up too.
Remus wanted to stop them leaving, but knew he couldn't. Sirius said to them that he'd see them at lunch and left through the portrait hole with a last wicked grin at the Marauders. Remus saw James give him the thumbs up, then when the door closed looked slightly apologetically to Remy. Remus just lowered his head in response and was thankful that Peter sat between them, rendering James unable to question.
But not too long after, Peter was standing up saying decidedly that he was actually going to do his homework and break a steady cycle of last-minute panicking. Remus offered his help, but Peter said that he had all he needed rather bluntly. Peter shrugged and said, "Well, I wanna actually do something on my own for once". So Remus sat and waited for it. He had not a long wait.
"Well, Moony. I think we both know you were perfectly fine last night", James said looking straight at Remus through hazel brown eyes.
"Jamie, don't" Remus rushed but James held up a hand to stop his words. "Look, I know why you left. I just wanna know how serious it is. Please tell me", he pleaded. Remus nodded as he looked to his bespectacled friend.
After looking at Remus in expectance, James must have realized he was not going to say it on his own and asked slowly, "Are you gay?" Remus looked down and nodded to the carpet. He then decided he wanted to see James's reaction and looked up. "I suppose I am anyway. Is that a problem to you Prongs", he asked shakily.
"..No. And what do you mean by suppose?" was his reply. Remus felt that Jamie knew the answer already, but played along anyway. He hadn't planned on having this conversation, but on avoiding it. That hadn't been easy and he now had to face up to it.
"I mean that I've only ever liked one guy. Well, one person all in, in fact", Remus said as he stared at Jamie's fixed face.
"Moony, do you love Padfoot", came James's breaking voice. "I love all you guys..you know that - "
"Moony! You know perfectly well what I mean. Stop playing for time. Do you love Padfoot?" James said, anger in his voice, but his expression softening as he awaited his answer. Remus didn't deny it.
"Yes, Prongs. I love Padfoot. Happy?" Remus watched James as he was clearly working out what to say next.
"How long", he said. Remus bit his lip and considered not telling the truth to this. He'd loved Sirius since the moment he first saw the boy. First seen his beautiful raven black, shining glossy hair. First saw his stunningly featured face. First heard his rich voice and first listened to his fitting name. How appropriate he was called after the brightest star in the sky. His glowing personality radiated happiness, warmth and promises of safety forever. Remus knew then that he was inappropriately fond of the boy. Making friends with him had gave him far too much pleasure to be normal. Seeing him dress for bed for the first time had been an indecent experience on Remus's behalf too, but he could not help but stare at something so incredible. He'd been obsessed then and Remus didn't know how much he dared reveal to James.
"As soon as I saw him", he said with plenty reluctance. James looked minutely shocked, but sighed again. Remus was beginning to feel more anxious with each sigh James released.
"I can't believe I didn't see it. Can't believe Sirius still doesn't. God, Moony. The way you acted last night..well..says it all really. Yet, nobody else noticed. Not even the observant Sirius Black!" he said though a short laugh. It died very quickly and James looked back at Remus with a pained expression.
"You know. You could have told me before. What did you think I'd do? Run to Siri and tell him?"
"Well, you guys tell each other everything", Remus said, slightly sharper than intended. Even now, jealousy managed to seep through his mind at Sirius telling James every secret he owned and vice-versa. James didn't seem to notice the tone, but the words cut deep enough.
"Moony! You think I'd betray your confidence?", he asked incredulously. Remus felt a small twinge of shame. Of course he wouldn't tell. And what right did he have to be jealous anyway? He had no claim over Sirius!
"No. Sorry. I know you wouldn't. I guess the longer it remained unsaid, the less real it was. The less painful.."
"Moony...He has a girlfriend. Sirius..well, he's straight, isn't he?" James said sorrowfully.
"I know that, James. Why do you think it hurts so much? To be in love with him knowing he's probably the straightest guy I know.."
"Hey! So what am I?" James said through a small grin. That was better. The joke in James's voice was easier to deal with.
"A close second? You know what I mean Prongs! He has had more girlfriends than the entire school of boys put together!"
"Well! That's only because I am very attached to a certain person and am not so open-minded!" Remus laughed at his friend's arrogance.
"Yeah. She's warmed to you, Jamie", he said smiling. James smiled back and Remus knew that he could tell James anything and he'd be fine with it.
"Like I've always said, isn't it? Only a matter of time" and Remus and James burst out laughing. James then said, looking at his watch, "Time to go for lunch! I'll go get Peter". Remus watched him go after Peter and couldn't help but look forward to seeing Sirius at lunch again. They walked down happily to the Great Hall.
.--.
James watched Remus's eyes dart up to the entrance of the Great Hall every time the doors opened. He felt nothing but pity for the werewolf now. He was in love with somebody who would never return the affection. When Sirius finally did walk through the doors, it was with Melanie clinging possessively to him. He looked slightly disheveled and James felt a fresh stab of pity for Remus. She looked blissful and her hair, which was usually perfect was untidy.
Melanie's friends called her over straight away for the gossip and she reluctantly parted from Sirius with a small kiss. Sirius strode up to the end of the table and took his usual place next to James, across from Remus. Remy was staring at his plate and only stole the tiniest of glances at Sirius.
It wasn't hard to tell what Sirius and Melanie had been up to and James knew he would normally be asking, what he only imagined, was very similar questions to the one's Melanie was now answering. He thought, this time, he'd spare Remus from hearing it, so didn't asked. Sirius did not seem bothered either way. But Peter didn't know he wasn't to ask, and carelessly, he did it.
"Did you do it, Padfoot??", he asked, filled with awe and reverence. James saw Remus fiddle with his fork on the plate and also the tiny look of annoyance on Sirius's face at Peter's awe-filled tone. Sirius didn't take Peter's hero-worshipping as well as James took it. But he answered anyway.
"Yup", came his short and casual answer. This wasn't Sirius's first and they all knew it. But Peter gave a squeal of pleasure and asked, "Ooh, ooh, how was it"
"It was rubbish", Remus looked up, "Amazing, Peter, what do you think?" Peter turned slightly pink but his enthusiasm did not die. He started singing quietly to himself, 'Sirius and Melanie, sitting in a tree..'.
Remus said to Peter, now irritated, "Stop it Peter. God, you're like a five year old. Grow up!" And Peter whimpered as James and Sirius both looked at Remus. Remus just seemed to notice what he'd done and said, still slightly irritably, "Sorry, Peter. Headache" and Peter nodded.
"Anyway..what do you wanna do tonight?" Sirius asked and Remus looked happy for the change of subject. Peter looked sad that he wasn't getting any details, but should have known better that Sirius wouldn't boast about this. He had more class than that.
"Run with Kentauros?" James asked. Kentauros was a young centaur they sometimes met up with in the forest during the full moon. His fellow centaurs were slightly disgruntled with him doing this, but they allowed it because it was only in animagus, and wolf-form that the Marauders seen him.
"Yeah, not seen him in a while", said Siri. Peter nodded his head vigorously in approval, always agreeing with whatever Sirius and James wanted. Remus quietly agreed to this and mumbled something about him not really having a choice as the wolf decided for him anyway.
Peter changed the subject again. James knew that Peter was happy to do whatever the rest of them wanted, but also knew that he was scared of the Forbidden Forest, where Kentauros lived.
"So, who here has a date for the Halloween disco?" Sirius said that obviously he'd be going with Melanie. Peter said Bertha Jorkins had asked him to go and he'd said yes. Sirius looked to James, "You asking Lily, or going stag?" Peter guffawed stupidly and Remus smiled.
"She said she might dance with me, but wouldn't be my date, so, stag it is", James grinned. They all looked at Remus. He turned slightly red and said, "Well, erm, Maria Chang's friend, Siobhan Davies asked me to go.."
"And?" Sirius asked brightly, looking happy to see Remus had been asked. Remus shrugged and said, "I said I'd let her know today. Wanted to run it by you guys, see what you thought first.."
"Go! She's pretty!", Sirius said merrily, "Is she not the one you hoped for?", he added at Remus's less than enthusiastic expression.
"No. But I'll go anyway", he said and caught James's eye with a look of, 'not a word'. James grinned, "You'd better go tell her then".
Remus went over to her table and James saw Siobhan grinning at Remus as he came back.
"Said she can't wait", he said sadly. Sirius looked at him piteously too and said, "You should just have asked the girl you liked out instead..I'm sure she'd have said yes". But Remus shook his head, "I doubt that somehow" and nobody said another word of the disco. It was only brought up again when now and then, a girl would walk up to Sirius and ask him to go with them. Sirius told them he'd be going with Melanie, as she was his girlfriend and they said they didn't mind and begged for at least a dance. He said he couldn't promise he would, but they left with hope anyway. James laughed at how they didn't care that Melanie was going out with him.
The boys spent the rest of the day in uneventful happiness. They went to their Dorm knowing that Perry McKinnon would be the only one who would sleep there for the night. However, all the boys pretended to be asleep and James listened as, shortly after Perry began snoring, their Dorm door opened quietly.
He watched out of the space in his curtains as Madame Pomfrey led Remus out and when the door closed, he heard Sirius stepping out of bed from beside him. He followed suit and Sirius whispered, "That twat's fell asleep".
James stifled laughter as he heard the beginnings of Peter's snoring. They went to wake him quietly and tried not to rouse Perry from his slumber. The two were bent doubled in silent laughter as they attempted this feat. James could tell that Sirius was slightly annoyed though. When they finally managed to wake him, they all left the Dorm under James's invisibility cloak. Once they reached the Common Room, Sirius quietly scolded Peter for being so dense. Peter stuttered his apologies and Sirius impatiently said, "It's fine Peter. Let's just go", and they maneuvered out of the Common Room, holding their map.
They walked down the corridors, uninterrupted and Peter looked immensely happy about this. But Sirius suddenly stopped and Peter bumped into James, nearly knocking him over. He managed to balance himself and mutter, " What is it Sirius?"
Sirius was looking at the map he held with a wicked grin. "It seems that two of our dear teacher's have decided to have a nice midnight stroll. Just like us...", he said mysteriously.
"Who?", James said, burning with curiosity. Peter shook beside him as Sirius answered.
"Mr and Miss Reficul..", Sirius said, spitting the surname. James frowned in puzzlement.
"What do you think they're up for at this time of night?" James asked and Peter mumbled something about hoping they wouldn't find out. He whimpered when Sirius spoke.
"Why don't we go see?", he said mischievously. They walked down the end of the corridor and turned it to see, sure enough, Professor Reficul speaking in hushed tones to his sister. The three Marauders stood backed up against the far wall. James felt the adrenaline rushing through his body as he wondered what their Professors would do if they found them. Peter was shaking wildly and James put a hand on his shoulder to try steady him. They stood silently listening to the barely audible conversation.
"Algen, you've got to be more discreet", came the scolding tone of the woman, "You're being far too obvious. Are you trying to spoil everything?"
"Of course not", hissed their Potion's teacher, "I want this as much as you do, Selina. Right. I'll try calm myself, but surely you realize it's tough! We'd better get back now. It's not safe talking here. You never know who could be lurking about. I was nearly caught by the caretaker already.."
"Oh, Algen! Professors are allowed out you know", his sister said impatiently. Reficul, the brother, sneered, "Yes, but is it not you who wishes not to be drawing any unwanted attention? Anyway, I'm sure you agree sneaky students are not quite welcome to our conversation.."
Peter jumped at the words and they all took a sharp intake of breath as they looked to see if they'd been caught. Thankfully, the teacher's hadn't spotted them and the adults parted with rushed goodbye's.
Once they were out of earshot, James stood angrily on Peter's foot as Sirius released a relieved sigh. Peter yelped and said, "What was that for".
"For nearly getting us caught, doughball", James whispered, partly to remind Peter he was supposed to be being quiet.
"We'll talk about this with Remy tomorrow. For now, let's just get to the Shack and see him", said Sirius to prevent an argument. James noticed an unmistakable tone in Siri's voice that informed him Sirius had been quite excited by nearly getting caught and he felt it then too and smiled. He could almost feel Sirius's smile in the darkness, as James had extinguished his wand-tip light upon approaching the professors.
He returned the light and they carried on and left the building. As they walked over the vast lawn, James looked up at the moon, sitting bright, naked in the sky, free of clouds and completely round. He cursed it in his mind and they stopped in front of the Whomping Willow. Peter transformed himself into a rat and ran under the thrashing branches of the Willow. James pulled the invisibility cloak from them and stuffed it into his robes, along with his wand. Sirius did the same with the map and they transformed as the tree's branches ceased moving.
James, the stag form, watched Padfoot, the beautiful grim-like dog, run to the entrance of the tree and disappear beyond it. He emulated this, with one last look at the moon, and squashed himself through the hole, lowering his antlers.
Prongs changed back into James, just to slide down the earthy slope that greeted him upon entering. It was easy for Padfoot and Wormtail to go down it in animagus form, but the Stag would surely break it's legs if he tried it. At the bottom, he changed back and allowed the rat to rest on his antlers. He and Padfoot dashed silently down the narrow tunnel that lead to the Shack. As they ran, Wormtail clung to his head. They slowed as the tunnel began to rise and it twisted around. Prongs followed Padfoot round it and entered the small hole that emitted a dim light.
The room they entered had peeling wallpaper, stains everywhere and broken furniture scattered the room. His attention turned to the low growl he heard. Moony, now a large wolf was growling at them and crouching, ready to pounce. He watched as Padfoot lowered himself before the beast in submission. The wolf, in control, began wagging it's tail and licking Padfoot's face furiously. Prongs was always glad that the wolf recognised them as part of it's own gang. But as the Alpha-male of the gang, Moony always greeted them with growls to show his leadership. Padfoot was always the one to show defeat. Then they would all run happily together.
After Moony and Padfoot fought playfully, they lead the way out of the Shack, Moony consenting to roam the Forest.
When they found Kentauros, Moony displayed his dominance once again to the joining member. Kentauros, a creature with a man's torso and tan coloured body of a horse, with golden hair and fierce green eyes, lowered himself also in submission.
They all ran freely deep into the pitch-black forest. They bumped into many other creatures, but with their powerful presence, nothing came to harm them. The night was long and filled with distinction and resplendence.
As morning approached, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs led Moony back to the Shack, leaving Kentauros for the night. They departed from the wolf and before sunrise, entered their tower and went to bed. Peter slept straight away and James and Sirius were pulled quickly into slumber.
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