Chapter Four

"Where on earth is he?" Sirius asked for about the millionth time, as he paced the common room floor. James and Peter were sitting at a nearby table, where Peter was massacring James in a game of chess. They'd gotten back from Quidditch practice late, and had missed dinner. They were waiting for Remus to get back from the wherever he was, so they could go on a kitchen raid. It was nearly ten o'clock, and Sirius was getting worried. Remus never stayed out after curfew, at least not without the other Marauders. So where was he?

"Sirius, if you're so worried, why don't you go look for him?" James asked in exasperation, as he watched Peter's Queen decimate one of his pawns. Peter nodded in agreement. They might have been more worried if they knew about the problems Remus had been having with his brother. But Sirius still hadn't told them, intending to leave that up to Remus.

Sirius sighed, and was about to do as James said, when the portrait hole opened, and Remus himself stepped into the room. Sirius launched himself at Remus as soon as he saw who it was. "Remus! What took you so long? I was worried!" he exclaimed, as he embraced Remus tightly.

Remus had to force himself not to shudder as he remembered what had happened with his brother a few minutes ago. Still, Sirius seemed to realize that something was wrong. He frowned as he stepped back and took in Remus' disheveled appearance. The smaller boy's clothes were rumpled, and torn in places, and he looked as though he'd been crying. "Remus, what's wrong?" He asked gently.

By now, James and Peter had joined them. Both were looking at their friend in concern. Remus took a shuddering breath as he sat down on the couch. Before speaking, he looked around, and was glad to see that the common room was empty except for the four of them. Sirius put his arm around Remus as he joined his boyfriend on the couch. "Remus, what happened? Did Romulus do something to you?" He asked quietly, but James and Peter still heard. However, sitting in chairs across from the pair, they kept quiet as Remus' eyes filled with tears.

"Yes," Remus said. "I was c-coming back from the library when he and two of his friends grabbed me from behind." Remus stuttered slightly as he choked on his sobs. "T-they slammed me against the wall, making me drop my books. I tried to get away, but the three of them were too strong, and I couldn't get to my wand. I asked Romulus what he wanted, and he s-said that he wanted to know if we were really dating."

"Why would Romulus care if the two of you were together?" Peter asked in confusion. Sirius scowled slightly. He thought he knew what this was about, but said nothing as Remus continued to speak.

"That's what I wanted to know," Remus said shakily. "H-he said that he didn't want me with you, Sirius, because he called you a blood traitor. Then he s-said that I wasn't allowed to date anyone anyway, because I already belonged to-to him." Remus choked out. Sirius pulled him closer, but still stayed silent. However, James and Peter could tell that he was about ready to blow up.

"Did he do anything else?" James asked hesitantly. He too, was angry about the treatment his friend had received, but thought it best not to do anything until they'd heard the full story. He had a feeling something like this had happened before. That would certainly explain Sirius' sudden hatred of the older Ravenclaw.

"He k-kissed me," Remus said with a shudder as he remember the feel of his brothers lips on his. "He said that was just a taste of what I'm going to get tomorrow. Then he said that he'd promised his friends, Jackson and Roberts a piece of me too." At this point, Remus' tear began to flow freely, as he struggled to tell his friends what happened next.

"What did those bastards do to you?" Sirius growled. He looked ready to kill.

"Roberts kissed me, like Romulus had. T-then Jackson s-started t-touching me," Remus choked out. He was shaking violently in Sirius' arms, as he felt himself being pulled even closer into the other boy's protective embrace.

"What do you mean he touched you?" Sirius whispered dangerously. He was going to beat the shit out of those Ravenclaws; no one was allowed to touch – to hurt - his Remus.

Remus closed his eyes tightly, trying to block out the memory. "He unzipped my pants and grabbed my – my - ." He couldn't finish the sentence, but he really didn't need to. "Romulus was watching the entire time, as if it was some sort of show. Eventually, he told them to stop. Said they'd be able to finish what they started tomorrow. As soon as they were gone, I came back here."

They sat in silence for a few minutes, before Peter hesitantly asked, "Remus, have they hurt you like this before?"

Remus nodded, and went on to explain all about his brother's little 'tradition'. James and Peter both agreed that something needed to be done about Romulus and his friends. James even suggested telling a teacher, but Remus said that if anyone found out about this, Romulus would make sure the entire school knew what he was. He just wanted Romulus to leave him alone.

As they climbed into bed later that night, Sirius kissed Remus briefly on the temple, saying, "Remus, we're not going to let anything happen to you. Listen to me. I love you, and I don't care what your stupid brother says; I'm not letting them hurt you. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."

Remus nodded silently as he went to sleep, finally feeling safe in Sirius' warm embrace.

A/N: Well, that chapter's done, and it's longer than the last few at least! Please review!