Disclaimer: I only own Malika, Jane and Cynthia…

Chapter 17

June 1995

Seeing old, presumably lost friends again, is always a very emotional event.

If that friend happens to be an old lover makes it even more special, even when there had never been a really strong feeling of love from your part. Sharing such an intimate bond always leaves its traces.

Malika was really very happy to see Sirius again, even though it didn't seem like it at first. But only when he held her close she realised how much she had really missed him. There had always been a strong bond between them after their first break-up and she had always cared a lot about Sirius as a friend. And after all they had shared together, a part of her even loved him, although she would probably never admit it to herself.

Whatever was the case, it felt good to hold each other after all these years, and that was probably the reason why they held each other just a bit longer than was necessary. This would never have caused any problem, if fate hadn't decided to work once again against Malika's favour, because at that point, the front door to the apartment started to open and before Malika and Sirius had the time to pull apart, Remus had entered.

Sirius and Malika quickly let go of each other and stepped away, but Remus had already seen them and was now staring incredulously at the both of them.

Malika was the first to make a move, she walked up to Remus, "Hey, glad you're back, look who appeared at our doorstep just a moment ago."

She went to greet Remus in their usual way, with a kiss and a hug, but he stepped away from her.

"So I see, I hope I didn't interrupt something." He sounded calm as ever, but the other two weren't fooled, they both knew Remus well enough to feel the underlying anger and hurt.

Malika looked horrified at the implication in his words, but before she could say anything, Sirius spoke up. "We only said hello, Moony, nothing to worry about. I actually came here looking for you. Dumbledore sent me."

The last words, more than anything, attracted Remus' attention, and his first slightly sceptical look turned in a concerned one. "Did something happen?"

Sirius gave a humourless laugh. "To say something happened, would be an understatement."

Before he could start his story, however, Malika spoke up. "Let's sit down first, and get you something to eat, Sirius, you look like you haven't had a decent meal in months. You can explain everything while eating."

As they were headed for the kitchen, Sirius gave Malika a slight smile, "Thanks Malika, and actually, I haven't had a decent meal since the last time you cooked me one."

Malika quickly averted her eyes, she remembered exactly when that had been, and what more had happened between them that day, it was something she'd rather not think about too often and the thought of Sirius not having a decent meal for fourteen years wasn't a happy one either.

There was a moment of silence, while Malika warmed the leftovers of the day before and Remus pulled out a plate for Sirius and prepared some drinks for the three of them, Sirius sat down at the kitchen table and watched them. A few moments later, Sirius was provided with a plate full of food, with Malika and Remus sitting in front of him, ready to listen to his story.

It didn't take him long to finish his plate, and even before that he had starting relating everything that happened the last year which he hadn't been able to write them in a letter. He informed them of the Triwizard Tournament and how Harry had become the fourth champion, how Mad-Eye Moody had been impersonated by Crouch Jr., and how he had changed the Cup into a Portkey.

As Sirius told them how Harry had to watch Voldemort return, Malika gasped and started trembling all over, a very pale-faced Remus placed an arm around her shoulders and she leaned into him.

Sirius stopped for a moment, looking at the table, pretending, even to himself, it was because of the story he felt his heart contract painfully, but deep inside he knew the sight of Malika and Remus being so close still hurt him more than he ever wanted to admit, even to himself.

After a moment, he continued, explaining about the Priori Incantatem, at which point Malika started crying, at last he finished with Dumbledore's message about the Order of the Phoenix being re-established and the headmasters order for Sirius to stay here in the apartment for a while.

When Sirius finally stopped talking, a long and heavy silence descended in the kitchen. After what seemed like hours, but were in fact only a few minutes, Sirius broke it again. He had never been able to take long, depressed silences like this, and he always tried to lighten the atmosphere one way or another.

"I'm sorry for barging in like this with such bad news, I wanted to see you two again, but I had planned for it to be under slightly better circumstances."

Both Malika and Remus smiled a bit at this. "Well, I'd rather you'd come with better news, too, Padfoot, but we're happy you're here anyway." Remus seemed to have forgotten the scene he had walked in on for now, and the three of them chose a lighter topic to talk about, being Harry's schooling and friends.

A little later, Remus started preparing dinner, while Malika went to prepare the second bedroom for Sirius. Sirius stayed in the kitchen, watching Remus for moment before he spoke. "So, you and Malika are together." It was more a statement than a question, but for some reason he needed it to be confirmed.

Remus paused for a moment, seemingly thinking about his answer, before responding with a simple 'yes'.

"Are you happy?"

Remus turned around now. "Yes, I am very happy with Malika."

Sirius nodded, as if confirming the answer for himself; he had thought as much, knowing that Remus had been in love with Malika since they were at school. "Then I'm happy for you, Moony, you deserve to be happy." And Sirius realised he meant it, even though it still hurt.

Remus watched Sirius for a moment intently, making sure the other had meant what he said, finally he smiled. "Thank you, Padfoot." Then he returned to preparing dinner.

Not long after dinner, they all decided to turn in for the night, the days' events and revelations having tired them out. Malika saw Sirius to his room and gave a tight hug and a peck on the cheek before he closed the door behind him.

When she turned around, Remus stood in the hallway, looking at her reproachful before turning around and entering their bedroom. A few moments later, she had followed him into the room, but he was already lying in bed, his back turned to her.

She quickly prepared for bed and crawled next to him, but when she cuddled close to him, he scooted away from her. Malika sat up again, perplexed by his behaviour.

"Remus, what's going on? Have I done something wrong?"

He gave a huff, but didn't answer. Malika frowned. "If you're mad at me for some reason, then you can at least tell me why, you know I don't like talking for the walls."

Now, Remus sat up too. "Well then, maybe you should go sleep with Sirius, he'll talk back and I'm sure he'll be happy to have you."

Malika stared at him completely bewildered, not understanding where this sudden outburst was coming from. "Wha…what?" she sputtered, "What are you talking about. Why should I do that?"

Remus gave her another look, muttered a quiet 'forget it' and made to turn around again, but Malika pulled him back.

"No, I won't forget it. I want to know what this is about. Why would you think I would want to go to Sirius?"

Remus closed his eyes for a moment, and stared down at his hands when he opened them again, not wanting to see Malika's reaction, realising now he was probably overreacting. "You were awfully happy to see him today, the way you were holding each other when I entered and when you hugged him just a moment ago."

Malika sighed. "I haven't seen him in fourteen years, Remus, and he's always been one of my best friends. I would have reacted the same way if it had been James or Lily."

"Right," Remus whispered.

Malika smiled, starting to stroke his cheek. "There's no reason to be jealous, love." Remus didn't answer, but leaned into her touch with a sigh. She leaned into him to kiss him and he responded eagerly, wanting to reassure she was still his.

And it was for the same reason that he couldn't help holding her close to him the whole night, the fact that she didn't protest but held onto him just as strongly giving him all the reassurance he needed.

June 1978

The day of James and Lily's wedding was a beautiful summer day, warm and sunny, but not too hot, which was a good thing, since the wedding would be held outside.

Because of the war going on around them, James and Lily had opted to do a simple wedding in the backyard of the house they were going to live in.

Malika, who would be helping Lily getting herself ready, arrived there a long time before the other guests, together with Sirius, who was supposed to help James calming his nerves.

They arrived together at the house, hand in hand. It would be the first time they would come out with their relationship, none of their friends knew they were back together yet, and Malika wasn't sure how they would react.

James opened the door and greeted them nervously. "Hey Padfoot, Malika, glad you could be here so soon. Lily's upstairs in the bedroom with both our mothers, Malika, but I bet she's waiting for you."

Malika smiled, trying to keep from laughing out loud. She had never thought she would see James Potter nervous like this. "Thanks, James, I'll go to her right away."

But before Malika could leave the boys alone, Sirius tugged at her hand, which he was still holding. As she turned to him, he gave her a quick kiss, whispering 'see you later', before releasing her.

Blushing slightly, Malika disappeared up the stairs, aware of the stares she was sure James was giving her. She hadn't wanted him to find out like this.

Entering the bedroom, she was greeted by her excited best friend, Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans, the latter two left the girls to talk soon after, promising they'd be back in half an hour. When they were gone, Lily turned to her friend with a questioning gaze.

"What?" Malika asked uncomfortably.

"You were blushing when you entered, what happened?"

Malika first tried to deny it, but soon relented; she knew Lily would find out soon enough anyway, and she would rather tell herself, than Lily hearing it from James, or worse, finding out the same way James had.

"It was Sirius, he took me by surprise." At Lily's puzzled look, she added, "He kissed me, I didn't expect it."

Now, Lily's eyebrows shot in the air, she didn't say anything, but the look in her eyes clearly demanded an explanation. Malika sighed softly.

"Yes, we're back together since last Saturday."

Now Lily was staring at her, mouth wide open, after a moment, she recovered enough to say a little accusingly without wanting to, "You've been together for a week, and you didn't tell me?"

Malika looked to the ground, she had expected this. "I'm sorry, Lily, but we wanted some time to get used to it, before telling everyone."

For a moment, it seemed like Lily wanted to reply, but then she decided against it, and a silence fell between the two friends.

Finally, Lily spoke quietly, "I want to be happy for the two of you, Malika, but…I'm wondering if this is what you want."

Malika looked up, both girls stared at each other, Lily with a gentle enquiring look, Malika almost challengingly. Malika was the first to break her gaze away, heaving another sigh.

"You know just as well as I do that I can't have what I really want. Sirius really loves me, and I do care about him, maybe this is the way things are supposed to be."

Lily shook her head slightly. "I don't really agree with you on this, but it's your life. I just hope you two are happy."

Malika nodded, although she was looking a bit uncertain, but Lily decided to let it go for the moment. Instead, she turned the conversation on her wedding dress and the hair style she wanted. Soon the atmosphere had lifted considerably, and the girls were laughing and talking merrily.

000

Downstairs, in the kitchen, James was questioning Sirius about him and Malika.

"Are you sure about this, Padfoot? I mean, she's been playing enough with yours and Remus' feelings during our seventh year."

"I know, but we both believe we deserve a second chance, and you know she hasn't dated anyone since then, that must mean something. Besides, one of the main reasons then, was that she had feelings for Moony too, but now he's completely out of the picture, he's with Miss-I'm-Better-Because-I'm-Ravenclaw, and he barely even acknowledges Malika."

James sighed, realising there was no point trying to reason with Sirius, and wondering momentarily when exactly he had become the reasonable Marauder, since Remus seemed to have lost a bit of his reason lately.

On the face of it, Sirius may seem to have a point, but James knew his friend had missed the basic point. Remus wasn't 'out of the picture', not really, James knew the reason why Malika hadn't dated anyone, she was in love with the werewolf. And James doubted her feelings would have changed so suddenly.

000

Only a few short hours later, the actual wedding started. Although it was rather simple, the guests agreed it was beautiful.

After a short ceremony, long tables appeared in the garden, together with a dance floor, and all around, candles were lighted, creating a romantic atmosphere. Soon, many couples were dancing around the newlyweds, one of those couples consisting of the Best Man and the Maid of Honor.

Remus was sitting at the table, staring at the dancing couple. He had no idea where Cynthia had gone to, but frankly he didn't care much at the moment. The only thing that mattered to him now, was the girl of his dreams being once again in the arms of one of his best friends.

The moment he had arrived with Cynthia, his eyes had automatically searched for Malika, he hadn't seen her in two months and he had looked forward to seeing her. Granted, he never really talked to her lately, but seeing her always filled a little of the emptiness her absence in his life caused.

Remus knew it was mostly his own fault, he was the one avoiding her and he knew this hurt her deeply, Lily had told him that many times. But when he started dating Cynthia, he had figured it was best for everyone if he stayed away from Malika, it was the only possible way for him to try and love someone else.

Not being able to see Malika everyday, after they had graduated, had hurt him a lot, but as the months passed by, and he barely saw her anymore, the pain began to dull, and Remus had started believing he was over her.

Until today.

When he had arrived, it didn't take him long to find Malika. She had been standing at the front of the rows of chairs, where the ceremony would take place, quietly talking with Sirius. They were standing a bit too close to each other for Remus' liking, actually, and he had just started walking towards them when it happened.

Malika had turned her head, and he was sure she had seen him, but apparently she had decided to ignore him, instead she had turned back to Sirius and simply continued talking. A moment later, Sirius too had glanced in Remus' direction, and Remus thought he saw a look of triumph in his friends' eyes. Before Remus could register what that could have meant, however, his questions were answered when Sirius leaned forward and kissed Malika on the lips.

For a long moment, Remus had stood there, staring at them, not wanting to believe his eyes but knowing there was no denying it. Just like there was no denying the sudden pain in his chest and the realisation he still loved Malika just as much as that one time when he had dared to kiss her.

Not wanting to watch them any longer, Remus had turned around and found himself a place to sit in the back of the rows of chairs. He hadn't waited for Cynthia and didn't even look at her, thus he also hadn't seen the look on her face, which wasn't only irritated, but also a little pleased.

Remus couldn't keep himself from being quite moody for the rest of the day, and after he had refused to dance with Cynthia for the umpteenth time, she had left him to dance with someone else. But at the moment, Remus didn't care, as he watched Malika and Sirius dancing the night away. He would make up with Cynthia tomorrow, for now he just wanted to sit there and wish Malika could be his.

000

Evening had fallen, and guests were dancing on the dance floor or relaxing around it in the light of many candles.

James spotted Malika sitting alone, she was watching the people on the dance floor with a peaceful, though a bit wistful look. He didn't want to spoil the mood for her, but he had to talk to her, and decided this time was as good as any. He excused himself quickly from the table where he was talking to, or rather listening to the conversation of, some Order Members.

Malika greeted him with a smile when he approached her, but James came straight to the point. "I have to talk to you." Malika gazed at him questioningly, knowing by his expression that, whatever it was, it must be important.

"It's about Sirius." James clarified.

"Oh." Malika bit her lip, watching him anxiously. She had known James would have doubts about the restarted relationship.

"I want to know why you are doing this."

"Doing what?" She whispered.

"We've been friends for some time now, and I like to think I know you quite well. I know you don't love Sirius, Malika, and I know who you do love." He threw a significant glance towards where Remus was sitting with Cynthia.

Malika followed James' gaze for a moment, before quickly averting her eyes to the ground.

"Listen, Malika, Sirius really loves you, he would do anything for you. He's also my best friend, and if you hurt him, I don't think I will ever forgive you."

Malika looked up quickly, wanting to tell James she really wasn't planning on hurting Sirius, but before she had a chance to even open her mouth, James stood and quickly walked away. Following him with her eyes for a long moment, she tried to swallow back the tears that were threatening to appear.

000

Please review…

Thanks to everyone who reviewed last chapter.

A/N: Sorry for the long wait, as I've said on my profile, the new semester has started, and for the moment I don't have much time to write. But I promise I will try my best to update whenever I can.