Prongs and Padfoot were running through the countryside. If anyone saw them, they might be confused why a big, black, shaggy dog and a beautiful, regal stag were loping through the fields together, as the two weren't exactly known for living together in the wild, but what people didn't know is these weren't just any old dog and stag; Prongs and Padfoot were animagi, James and Sirius had changed into their animal forms to let off a bit of steam before the big day.
While they ran, Padfoot let his dog brain focus on the running, so his human brain could think back on how they got here. He'd be around for nearly every important stop along the way, watched James and Lily dance around their feelings. While they were still in school, just three years ago, Sirius saw something that confirmed what he already knew - James loved Lily, as seen by his Amortentia smell, peaches. Sirius wasn't immune to the smell, anytime Lily came back from bathing the aroma took over the dormitory, there was no denying the honorary marauder would always be associated with peaches.
It was shortly after that when James finally plucked up the courage to ask her out properly. She turned him down. Over and over. He was persistent though, and she finally agreed to go on one date. Thanks to his best mates, the date went horribly wrong, but Lily had more fun than she had ever had on a date, so agreed to keep going out with him, and the rest is, as they said, history.
Sirius was proud to say he had seen their relationship grow, and he was honored to be called James's best man. Tomorrow was the wedding; he'd be standing up there, watching his best friend vow his life to Lily. It wasn't something Sirius was interested in, but James and Lily? It was so right.
The wedding was beautiful, if small, but it worked for their little group. Sirius didn't think things through though. When James and Lily were dancing they drifted over to him and asked him to join them on the floor. It was then he realized he didn't bother to bring a date. "Moons?" he called out, looking for his other best friend. Remus was at a table with Peter and the Prewitt boys, but hastily made his way over to Sirius when he was called. "Yes, Sirius?"
"Dance with me." Sirius responded, holding his hand out and making a show of pulling Remus towards him. He couldn't ignore the bright blush that crept up on Remus's cheeks, or the small stutter of a breath that was exhaled in response.
The two men glided across the floor, more in sync than many of the other partners. It helped that Hogwarts had trained them in ballroom dancing, and much like riding a broomstick, it wasn't something that was easily forgotten.
Sirius held Remus much closer than was normally seen in these dances, but it felt right. He wasn't sure what to make of that, but pushed any thoughts out of his mind other than enjoying the feel of his friend cozied up against him.
As they twirled, Sirius tried to make the words come out, but all he managed was a quiet "Remus". He wanted to do the unexpected, wanted to follow in James's path, choose a life partner, and he couldn't think of anyone better than his best friend. But, what if Remus didn't feel the same? What if he wanted a normal life, a wife and a cub to come home to. Sirius couldn't very well make his thoughts known, when he wasn't even sure they were on the same page.
"Pads, I've got to tell you something." Remus said, eliciting a soft "hmmm?" in response. "Please, look me in the eyes while I say this. I have to see you" he pleaded, as they stopped moving in a corner of the dance floor. Sirius did as he asked, staring into the hazel orbs that were boring into him.
"Sirius. I don't want to, but I'm leaving tomorrow." Sirius tried to interject but was stopped with a single finger placed upon his lips. He was stunned at the move, but it was effective, keeping him quiet as Remus continued. "We've already been asked once to join them. You know what the older Order members are saying, that they want me for what I am. The Order thinks that werewolves are being recruited, and they want me to join their ranks and try to sway them to our side inside." He took a small breath, and for just a moment he wavered. "It's dangerous, I know. And I don't know how long it's going to take. But if I can help our cause, I'll do it. The next full moon is two weeks away, I should have time to make it there and start introductions while we're all still human in nature." He finally removed his finger, just to pick up Sirius's hand, which earned him a small squeeze. "I'll come back when I can." Remus then pulled Sirius into a bone-crushing hug that lasted far too briefly for Sirius's liking.
In just a matter of minutes Sirius's life was changing once more. He loved Lily, but his best friend now had a commitment larger than the Mauraders to worry about. His other closest friend was leaving tomorrow, and they didn't know when he'd be back. And Peter, well Peter was just there, as always. He was never in the limelight, but always on the periphery, watching with his little beady eyes. Perhaps he and I will become better friends through this. Not like, replacing Moony, but a distraction… The thought pained Sirius, that he'd even need a distraction, but he knew himself. Life without Moony wasn't going to be easy.