The Importance of Remus's Illness
Why I chose AIDS: I chose to make Remus have AIDS for a number of reasons. First, it reminds me of lycanthropy. Also, it actually makes his and Sirius's relationship stronger. And finally, not many people really discuss AIDS.
AIDS and Lycanthropy: I believe that AIDS is a lot like lycanthropy, except for the whole once a month thing, and eventual death. Remus didn't choose to be infected, it happened against his will, and by someone who didn't control their illness so that they wouldn't infect others. Also, I believe that canon Remus's greatest fear is infecting someone by accident. Well, the Remus in my story is scared to death to give someone else his curse. He refuses to kiss Sirius with tongue because he fears that the doctors will discover AIDS can be transferred through saliva, or, they both will accidentally have bleeding mouths.
There is also a lot of prejudice surrounding AIDS as well as lycanthropy. In the canon world, Remus has issues getting a job because of his curse (note the shabby robes). People are extremely discriminatory against those infected with AIDS, and while it is illegal to deny someone a job or housing because they have AIDS, that doesn't stop people from being cruel and prejudiced, and sometimes even scared. And finally, there is no cure for AIDS or lycanthropy. There are medicines to make it easier and a little better (wolfsbane), but there is no final cure.
AIDS and the Relationship: One of the main purposes of AIDS in my story is to display how strong Sirius and Remus's relationship is. Remus is completely emotionally damaged after his rape, and he's never had friends. He has an illness that most of his classmates would fear should they ever find out. And then Sirius comes along.
Sirius is willing to care for Remus despite his illness. He knows what it's like to be different and left out (look at his crappy home life). He loves Remus no matter what, come thick or thin.
Also, Sirius has to give and give. He is in a relationship with a partner that he must care for. He also can't have sex with Remus. (While condoms should protect from HIV/AIDS, they aren't always effective, and Remus refuses to take chances.) Remus won't allow him to kiss with tongue. Overall, there is barely a physical relationship at all. Sirius will care for Remus until his death. He loves him, and he knows that he will be left behind. I think that the fact that they can manage a relationship under those consequences is absolutely amazing.
AIDS in General: I finally chose AIDS because it isn't touched upon all too much. People know it exists, and there is an international AIDS day, but to most people it's just another disease. The truth is that AIDS is devastating many countries. Most people don't even care that much until it strikes someone in their family or friends.
But you have to think. There are people out there who are in the same situation as Sirius and Remus. It's real to them, not just another fanfic. They do have to deal with the pain and loss. I think that I most of all chose AIDS because people need to know. And I thought, who better than a bunch of people who enjoy reading slash. Because, like I said before, while AIDS isn't limited to homosexuals, those are the people most likely to get it in countries that aren't third world. So I hope that this has changed your views a bit. That's all I'm asking. Just look through the victim's eyes.
HIV can't be transmitted through saliva. Doctor's have found traces of the HIV virus in the saliva of those infected, but they also have found another component in the saliva that neutralizes the virus so that it can't be transmitted. AIDS still can be transmitted via oral sex though.