CHAPTER 4: LAST TRAIN HOME

(…)The billowy sounds so deeply fraught

With memories of the past,

Stir many a sad and pleasing thought,

As on the breeze they're cast.

(E.A. Poe)

The next morning neither I nor Sirius could forget about the sordid events of last night. My appetite was more than spoiled, as it has been for the past few months.

'Well, look who finally decided to come down from the love nest!' said James jovially while shoving a huge pile of pan cakes in front of me. I feel sick looking at them.

'I'm barely in a mood for your jokes today, James!' answered Siri, more gravely.

'Do I want to know what is the cause of your foul mood?'

'Believe me, NO.'

The rest of the morning was spent in perfect silence and everyone had a solemn look on their faces, as if somebody had died. I wish I had died, just to put an end to the torture but Sirius (bless his heart!) had taken away all the silver objects I could have hurt myself with.

We got to the train station, on platform 9 & ¾ where Sirius instructed me to act normal and smile. He forced himself to look happy and was quite good at hiding his despair. I do the same, although my ghastly appearance spoke miles. In effect, Melissa Armstrong, aka Olive Oil, aka my "biggest fan" was currently giving me an even bigger head ache with all her smothering, stupid attention.

I tried to tell her myriad times before that I did not require any help from her, thank you very much, but she's as stubborn as a goat, not to mention thick! I tried everything from warding spells to being just plain evil but to no avail… once or twice I even thought of telling her I'm in love with Sirius Black and that he's the only one that could EVER satisfy me but that would upset not only him but the entire school from 1st years and their parents to teachers. In other words, basically the wizard world would be scandalized by our more than necessary liking of each other. And so, I had to settle for a long journey filled with great perils, such as hiding from the amorous Hufflepuff.

We finally got aboard the Hogwarts Express and we were on our way to school, for the last time. A sudden melancholy came over us all and we started remembering all the reckless things we did all those years since we've known each other.

'Remember our first year, guys? I do, as if it were only yesterday…'

'Yes, I remember the first time we met. We were in the express, mostly like we are now. I was miserable and alone in a compartment and was looking out the window. And then Sirius walked in and asked me if I didn't mind his company.'

'Obviously, you didn't. It must have been puppy love at 1st sight!' said James grinning widely.

'Shut up, Potter! I want to hear the story from Moony's point of view.' replied Sirius and urged me to continue.

'As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted smirk … and as James well pointed out, I didn't mind and you introduced yourself so confidently…' I say while playing with Siri's soft, dark locks.

'Well, if truth be told, I think I fell for you the moment I first laid eyes on you. You fascinated me with your mysterious smile and piercing eyes…and your silver and gold hair.'

'You know that sounds like a terrible soap-opera don't you, Sirius…'

'But it's the truth! Well, back then I don't think I thought about it like I do now but there was something so magically delightful about you, Moony!'

Just then, the door flung open and Melissa invited herself in. I jump from Padfoot's arms and curse under my breath.

'Ah, there you are, Remus! Come with me, I want to introduce you to my little sister, Lucy.'

'I'd love to, Melissa but right now I'm busy having a lot more fun with my friends than I ever will with you or any other member of your psychopathic family. Oh, and by the way, I don't want to "come" to you!' was what I wanted to tell her but I made a tremendous effort to be diplomatic about it.

'Oh, hold on just a second, I'll come by your compartment in a few minutes.'

'Alright, dear! I'll be waiting!' she said and winked at me before going away.

'Oi, Moony, she still has a crush on you, lad?' asked James laughing.

'It's not funny, Prongs! I simply can't get her out of my hair! And I can't tell her why I don't want to date her or any other girl, for that matter!'

'You could tell her that you're in love with a girl from…Bujumbura and you're to be married or something!'

'Yeah…right! But then she'll want to meet her and be invited to the bloody wedding! I'd rather just be nice to her, pretend to like her but do nothing so there would be no suspicions about my sexuality.'

'Nonsense! Sirius doesn't…'

'Sirius doesn't need a cover-up because half of the female population in Hogwarts wants him tied up to their bed and blindfolded!'

'Personally, Remy, I think you're being paranoid. Besides, it's not like anyone could do that to me except for you.' alleged Padfoot, smirking at me. I smirk back.

'Better safe than sorry, love.' I reply trying to steady the impure thoughts and urges that image stirred up.