Chapter One- Chocolate

"This is the straw, final straw in the
Roof of my mouth as I lie to you
Just because I'm sorry doesn't mean
I didn't enjoy it at the time"

-Snow Patrol's "Chocolate"

One week before the last day of Hogwarts for the Marauders' Sixth year

"To being young and happy," Sirius Black said, lifting his bottle.

Peter eagerly raised the bottle of fire whiskey. James smiled, coolly over his and Remus nodded, vaguely. Sirius gave him a pouting look before gulping down his bottle. James took a swig and Peter, though with trouble, did the same. Remus sipped his.

"We're almost done here," Sirius said leaning back into the wooden wall. The Shrieking Shack gave a creak.

"Oh, one year isn't 'almost done'," James sighed. "We've still got time."

"Way to think positive, Prongs," Peter Pettigrew smiled. His smiled covered his chubby face that was topped with pale blonde hair. James gave him a nod.

Remus stood suddenly.

"I've got a headache," he said, moving towards the door.

"Well, where do you plan to go?" Sirius spat, bitterly. He wasn't bitter with Remus Lupin but more of his mood.

He glanced back with an uncommon tone of sarcasm, "Breath of air. A bite of chocolate."

Sirius opened his mouth to shoot off a comment but Remus was out the door by the time he spoke. James Potter gave a shrug.

"It's the last week of school. He's angry about leaving."

"I think we could tell that," Sirius mumbled.

With his quick and unexpected exit, Remus snatched up the Invisibility Cloak. He threw it over his tall frame as he hurried across the stepping-stones and to the trees. It was cold, despite being early summer. His breathing was heavy when he finally reached the trees on the outskirts of Hogsmeade. He slid his back down the bark of the tree and slammed his head into it. Out of his pocket, he pulled a candy bar. He took off the wrapping and let out a sigh.

He hated leaving. He hated himself for being so bloody depressed over leaving. He felt like a first year. But what did he have back home? Sure, his parents were waiting with sweet yet exhausted and somewhat reproachful smiles. They were smiles that blanketed the thoughts of the full moons to come. He had his books at home. His studies. But he didn't have his friends.

He resentfully thought of James who had loving and adoring parents that couldn't wait for their son's arrival home. He was even envious of Peter and his mother who strictly but kindly hugged him upon seeing him. But then he thought of Sirius and guilt fell on his shoulders.

Sirius didn't have family. Well, technically, of course, but not really. Maybe not even technically. Was family still technically family when they disown you? But then again, he had the Potters. Sirius always had the Potters.

And Remus had his schoolbooks and full moons awaiting him. Nothing more.

He took a deep breath and bit into the chocolate bar. Chocolate. That was the one other thing he had waiting. Remus loved chocolate. It was almost something he loved more than his friends. But not quite. He never could explain it. Chocolate soothed him. It helped him sort things out. He thought maybe the chemicals in chocolate released emotions in his brain that made him think. But every time he thought of this, he pushed it away and simply enjoyed the chocolate instead.

He was surprised that he wasn't the size of a hippopotamus.

He heard steps and glanced up. Sirius was walking towards him, hands shoved in his front pockets of his jeans. Sirius stopped and peered around. He didn't call for Remus out loud but Remus stood anyway. He pulled the cloak off his head, grudgingly.

"What?" he asked.

Sirius sighed irritably, "You really shouldn't really push your depression on other people in the form of rudeness. It's not very healthy."

Remus said nothing but slipped back into the seated position.

"Next year is our last year, Padfoot," he mumbled. "And then it's over."

"You sound like you're dying."

"I'm not dying."

"Well, you sound like it," he said, loudly. "Couldn't you at least put on a brighter face? You know, for your parents when they come."

Remus shook his head. "They don't want me home. Who wants a werewolf prowling the neighborhood, Sirius?"

Sirius smiled, "I honestly couldn't tell you. But you'd sure be giving the pit bulls a run for their money."

Remus let out a small smile despite himself. Sirius casually leaned on the tree next to him. Suddenly, he said, "You know I'm not going with the Potters this summer, don't you, Moony?"

Remus faltered, "Why? I mean, you have every summer since..."

"Forever, yeah, I know."

Lupin swallowed, "Why not this summer?"

Sirius paused a second, "He's taking Lily. Instead of me, you know?"

Lupin's eyes finally shot up to look at him. He was propped up against the tree and his arms were tense.

"I'm not mad or anything. James just wants time with her, you know? I'm not mad. I don't blame him. There's no reason I should. At all."

Remus nodded, vaguely, "Where are you going? I mean, instead."

"Well," Sirius said, thoughtfully. "I've got my place."

"You're shack," Remus laughed, remembering seeing Sirius's new "place" while on Christmas break. It was a run down apartment but it had a bed and cabinet for food, which Remus guessed was all Sirius cared about.

"My home," he smiled, fondly. "My very ugly home."

Remus nodded, scratching the back of his neck. He thought about not having anyone to go home. Sirius didn't. He's parents didn't want him anymore. Remus thought it so odd- to disown a son. As though Sirius was an old couch.

"Are you going to be there all summer?" he asked. Sirius blinked a few times.

"No," he mumbled. "I want to travel."

"Where?" Lupin almost laughed. The image of Sirius setting across the streets of London with nothing but a map sprung to his mind. This was followed by the image of him lost in the Sahara.

"Anywhere I want. I can apparate now. I passed my test."

Lupin smiled again, "Yeah. Well, if you're passing by my house, give me a ring."

Sirius scratched his ear, "I'll be certain to, Moony. You could need help, you know? I'll drop by around a full moon."

Remus gulped the large lump in his throat, "Seriously, Sirius-"

He laughed, "Pardoning the pun."

"Where are you going?"

He ran his hand through his hair, "France."

Lupin stared at his shoes, "Why France?"

"Sophisticated women," Sirius said in a fake French accent.

Lupin nodded, "Sounds great."

Sirius's eyes shot up, "Do you want to go?"

"Don't want to go solo, then?"

Sirius gave a faint shake of his head and Remus was momentarily reminded of a dog.

"I'd get bored, you know?"

Remus briefly glanced at him, "You want me to spend the summer with you in France?"

Sirius thought about his proposition a moment. Remus coughed a little and Sirius finally lifted his eyes from his blue shoes to Remus's wide eyes. He nodded once.

"Let's do it."

"You can't be serious," Remus dropped his head back against the tree.

He couldn't help but smile, "Yes, I am 'Sirius'."

Remus lifted his head and gave him a sharp look, "You know it has been six years since that joke started and it is getting rather old."

"Think about it, Moony!" Sirius shouted, regaining his usual enthusiasm and ignoring the last comment. He fell onto the ground in front of him. It was covered with dew.

"Honestly, think about it! You know what's going on with the Ministry and Dumbledore. Something's happening. Who knows when this big mystery gets out in the open! This could be our last summer. Our last summer just to enjoy and be normal."

"You don't know if that's true, Sirius," Remus said, gravely. "You don't know if anything is really going on."

"Moony," Sirius said, dropping his head in his hands. Remus thought back to the heated arguments that shared about Dumbledore and the mysterious things happening in their world. "You've got to be the dumbest smart person I know."

Remus shook his head, "I've never had a summer like the ones you mean so this can't very well be my 'last'."

Sirius peered up at him, his eyes hooded and his mouth set. His hands remained where they had been when they were cradling his head.

"It can be your first... and your last."

Remus didn't say anything. He considered traveling across France, just he and Sirius. He thought of his parents' shocked and displeased faces. He shrugged.

"It will never work, Sirius," he mumbled. "Even if I wanted to."

"Why not?" he cried.

"My parents-"

"You just said your parents didn't want you home!"

"Sirius-"

"We could say we're studying for school-"

"The money-"

"I'll get us the money-"

"You live in a hole, Sirius!" Remus shouted. "You don't have money!"

"I'll get it!"

"Sirius-"

"Come on, Remus!" Sirius threw up his hands. "Don't be such a pansy!"

They both remained silent until Sirius finally said, "Don't you want to know what you've been missing?"

Remus swallowed, "They'd never believe me."

Sirius gave his smile. It was the smile that read that he knew he had won. He'd won and he was going to get whatever he wanted. He arched an eyebrow.

"Why don't you just try, Moony?"

Remus watched the sincerity in his eyes. He smiled a bit.

"How long have you been waiting to ask this, Padfoot?" he mumbled. Sirius smiled despite himself.

"Not as long as you think," he glanced down. "After James told me he was uh, taking Lily. I was kind of at a loss of what to do. But..." he watched Lupin. "I decided we need a summer trip."

Remus rolled his eyes, "How kind of you."

"Come on, Moony!"

"Where would we stay?"

"There's this boarding house-"

"You researched?" he said with loud laugh.

Sirius dropped his head, "Just in case."

"How would we pay-"

"Would you let me take care of the money!" Sirius shouted in a heated, final tone. Remus shut his mouth. On the Southern tip of France there's a boarding house called the The Perfect Charm. Tom at The Leaky Cauldron- his sister runs it. Remus, are you listening?"

He gave a faint nod.

"Please, Remus."

Remus was ready to complain again but simply shook his head.

"Let me think about it."

"Sincerely. I mean, really consider it," Sirius practically begged.

"Why don't you take Peter if you're so desperate?"

"Because!" Sirius cried, ready to fight. He paused, "Just think about it, all right?"

Lupin nodded.

They both stood and Lupin draped the cloak over their heads. They walked into the Shrieking Shack in silence and up the stairs. Upon entering, they saw James leaning against the wall, snores leaking through his lips. Peter was collapsed on the floor. Sirius smiled as Remus pulled off the cloak.

"Seems like there won't be a party tonight."

"They had their firewhiskey," Remus nodded. "They'll be happy in the morning."

Sirius laughed openly and plopped down on the floor with a loud creak of the boards.

"Got any chocolate?" he inquired. Remus's hand immediately flew to his pocket. Sirius raised an eyebrow.

"Didn't your mother ever teach you to share?"

Remus sat down onto the floor next to him. Sirius's shaggy black hair fell into his eyes as he grinned.

"I wouldn't share this with many people."

Sirius laughed, not caring to keep his voice down for the snoozing James and Peter.

"If you go with me, I'll buy loads of chocolate."

Lupin finally grinned, his smile brightening his entire face.

"Well, then, I might have to consider this more seriously."

Two days later, Francis and Leonard Lupin received a letter in the post.

"Darling," Francis called, setting down her feather duster as an owl hooted at the kitchen window. "I think Remus has sent us mail."

"Well, bring it in, bring it in," he called from inside the living room. He peered up over his newspaper.

The lanky woman pulled the letter from the owl and patted him on the head. With a hoot, the owl hopped into the kitchen. Francis took this as a sign that they were supposed to reply.

"What could he want, Leonard?" she mumbled. "After all, school is coming to a close."

Her husband stood behind her as she opened the letter.

They surprised to see the writing of someone aside from her son.

The note read-

Dear Mrs. and Mr. Lupin,

We have formally met before but I feel the need to introduce myself. My name is Sirius Black and I am a friend and fellow classmate of your son, Remus. We've been the best of friends for the past few years and have grown very close. I enjoy your son's company and was hoping we might meet over the coming summer.

This brings me to the purpose of my letter.

In France, there is an educational program at the location of The Perfect Charm. It is a boarding home for wizarding families and students. It is close to Beauxbatons; School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am traveling to this residence to study and spend the summer. I thought it would a great opportunity for both us if Remus was to accompany me. Please consider this. I would only let him join me if I was sure of his permission.

If you agree, I would appreciate it if you could send me a reply by the time school let's out. If you agree, Remus and I would leave from Platform 9 3/4s the day we leave school and continue our studies and traveling to the Southern tip of France. As Mrs. Lupin is a witch, I'm quite positive she will understand what an chance this is for all of us.

Again, please consider and send any questions.

Sincerely,

Sirius Black

PS- There will be no expenses necessary.

Leonard stared heavily at the note.

"What do you think?" she asked.

"If it is what Remus wants-"

"We don't know if it is. We only have this boy's word," she said.

The man nodded, "Well, let's say we did have his word. What do you think?"

She pondered a moment. "It would widen culture for the boy. All he ever does here is read. This would be, you know, a hands on experience."

"A nice chance for him."

"Yes."

"We'd send expenses anyway."

"Yes."

"And we'd need to visit him at the boarding house during the summer."

"Yes, of course."

"But it seems... alright."

"I suppose. We need to check with Remus before we agree."

"Yes. And then, we wouldn't need to worry about, you know. The condition."

They both stared at the letter.

"Let's think chat about it over dinner," Leonard said, rereading.

"Yes," she nodded, wiping her hands on her apron. "I made pot roast."

"Sounds lovely."

The next morning (precisely 2 in the morning), Sirius heard a peck at the window. He grunted and shoved his face further into the pillow. The pecking persisted. Remembering his letter, Sirius suddenly leapt out of bed and dashed to the window wearing nothing but boxers and a t-shirt.

"Remus!" he shouted. "Remus, get up! We've got a reply!"

He ripped open the window and grabbed the owl he had borrowed from James. He tore the letter from its talons and his eyes scanned the parchment as he hurried to Remus's bed and smacked him on the side of head. James was tossing and Peter was snoring. Remus gingerly lifted his head.

"Huh?"

"'Dear Sirius Black, We thank you for your invitation. We agree that it would be nice for Remus to go but would like further details of where you plan to stay, the location, how long, the cost, how you plan to spend the summer, when we may visit Remus there and how you plan to get there. It seems you have truly thought out the little adventure and we are appreciative that you would like our son to join you. We would also be grateful for if you were to tell our son that we'd like a letter from him about the trip and summer. Please reply soon so we may sort out everything before the end of your school year. Sincerely, Mr. and Mrs. Lupin'."

Remus sighed into his pillow.

"They say you can go," Sirius said, hoarsely, attempting not to awake the other boys. "They agree."

"They haven't agreed anything, Sirius," he mumbled. "They've got loads of questions that they want me to answer."

"Then answer!" Sirius cried. He leapt off the bed and hurried to the desk. He yanked out parchment and a quill. "Write now! Write it now!"

"Sirius! Honestly!" Remus said. "It's three in the morning!"

"Only two."

Remus grunted and sat up. He snatched the quill and said, "Tell me what to write."

He let out the most triumphant smile that Remus had seen in a while.

"We are staying at The Perfect Charm that is ran by Jan, oh, I'm not sure of her last name."

"Well, what's Tom's last name?" Remus muttered.

"She could be married."

"Oh."

"Just say Jan the Land-lady. Anyway, it's on a beachy area in Southern France. I'm sure they can locate it. I assume we'll stay for the summer," he paused. "Unless you want to go home awhile."

Remus sniffed a little and rubbed the back of his head, "Whatever. We'll see. Now have you actually made plans with Jan the Land-lady, Sirius?"

Sirius glanced down but regained his expression, "I'm in the process."

Remus smirked and scribbled.

"Tell them no cost."

"They'll want a cost."

"No cost, Moony."

"Give me a number, Pads."

Sirius shrugged angrily, "10 galleons, then."

He raised an eyebrow, "They'll never believe that I'd live a summer on that little."

"Remus-"

"Here," he said. "I'll say 100 galleons."

"That's too much!"

"We're not that destitute, Sirius," Remus rolled his eyes. "We don't live in a box. I'd worry about your money. How do you plan-"

"Remus-" he warned.

"Fine, fine. Now, 'how do we plan to spend the summer'?"

Sirius grinned, "Wooing women, drinking butterbeers, and eating chocolate."

"All right, now what do I tell my mum?" Remus laughed.

He paused and rested his head on his chin. With a grin he said, "Further our knowledge of the wizarding culture, perfecting our French language to open further career opportunities in the future, and educating ourselves in the ways of others."

Remus let out a loud laugh and James suddenly threw his pillow at the duo.

"Ugh," Remus said. "He drooled all over it."

Sirius laughed and picked it up. He ran across the room and smothered James's head underneath. James woke, suddenly and punched Sirius in the side of the head.

The both of them started throwing punches and trying to kill each other with the drool covered pillow. Remus finished his letter and reread it.

Dear Mum and Dad,

Hello- I've missed you both very much. I hope you're both doing well. The trip that Sirius wrote to you about is very important to me and I'd like your permission to go. We plan to stay at a boarding home called The Perfect Charm that is ran by a woman named Jan. It's on a beach on the Southern tip of France and I'm sure you can easily locate it on any wizarding map. I thought maybe I would stay the full summer and visit you at home for a week or two. I can apparate now so it will be quite easy to travel. I figured the totals for food and staying and things for the beginning of the coming school year and I think about 100 galleons should be necessary. I think this is about what you would spend on me during a summer so I though it to be sufficient. Sirius and I have discussed it and we have determined that our goals for this trip are to further our knowledge of the wizarding culture, perfect our French language to open further career opportunities in the future, and educate ourselves in the ways of others. I would like you to visit me at anytime and I shall send you my exact location when we arrive. We've also decided that we will apparate to the boarding home. If you have any further questions, please write. I will miss you bother very much over the summer.

Love,

Remus

He swallowed and stood, rolling the parchment. He gave it to James's owl and sent it away. James and Sirius's laughs could be heard over Peter's snores. For a moment, everything felt normal. For a moment, it seemed like Peter was still his chubby little self with nothing in his head. It seemed James and Sirius were inseparable and that no girl would form a relationship with one of them that would be stronger than what James and Sirius shared- a brotherhood. It seemed, that once again, Remus was Remus- again in the background with his books and his chocolate.

But deep down, Remus really did know that nothing is ever what it seems.