A/N: I don't own the rights to any of these characters, settings or anything to do with Wizarding World. This is a work of fiction based on
the universe created by J.K Rowling.
CHAPTER TWO – SIRIUS
October 1976
Sirius leaned back in his chair listening to Professor Flitwick lecture the class on the correct uses of non-verbal spells. Sirius had mastered this technique in the previous year; it especially came in handy for hexing unsuspecting Slytherin's and getting away with it. He looked over at Remus who was paying close attention to Flitwick and taking notes. It was an unusually sunny day for October and Sirius enjoyed the way Remus's hair shined in the sunlight. The full moon was a week away and Remus was beginning to show the usual signs of stress and worry, Sirius had already found him asleep in the Common Room twice this week. He had carried him up to the dormitory each time, no questions asked, and had resisted the urge to climb into bed and hold him. Sirius shook his head and forced himself to pay attention to Flitwick rather than get distracted with these nonsense feelings. In the corner of his eye he saw James smirk at him, he'd thought about confiding in James numerous times about his feelings for Remus but he was afraid of complicating the friendship group that meant so much to him.
"A benefit of non-verbal charms is that your adversary has no warning about what kind of magic you're about to perform, which gives you a split-second advantage." Flitwick said and flicked his wand at the storage cupboards; cushions began floating out and landing on each desk. "For the remaining half hour you will work in pairs on summoning charms, nonverbally of course."
James and Sirius spent the first ten minutes silently summoning cushions from each other before huddling together to continue their Halloween planning.
"I still think we should go with the pumpkin plan. It would make my day seeing those slimy Slytherin gits covered in goo." James whispered.
"Do you not think we're overreaching? How are we going to pull that off?" Sirius argued. "Why don't we just hex Snivelus, put him in a frilly dress or something equally entertaining."
James fake yawned and raised his eyebrows at Sirius. "Come on Padfoot, we can hex Snivelus any old day. This is supposed to be something big, iconic and memorable."
"It would be good to get all the Slytherin's at once…" Sirius trailed off.
"Okay, so I can get my hands on pumpkins from the house elves. What we need to do first is brew up the goo. The pumpkins will need charming to hold the goo, you're better at undetectable extension charms so you can handle that part." James said, making a list of the things they'll need. "I can do the levitation charm; we can use the cloak and sneak in before the feast to swap the pumpkins over?"
"Sounds like you've got it all planned out Prongs." Sirius replied chuckling, "but you're right, it'll certainly be memorable that's for sure."
Sirius grabbed the parchment from James and added a few more ingredients they needed to make the goo. Sirius had to admit it was a good idea, he just hoped they could pull it off. He finished writing out the ingredients and looked up at James who was distracted gazing off in the distance. Sirius didn't have to look; he knew James was staring at Lily. He'd been watching James chase after Lily for years now, getting turned down every time, and he had to admit he admired his tenacity. Love can make you do stupid things, not that James would ever admit to loving Lily. Sirius often wondered if he was falling in love, he didn't even know what it meant to be loved and he wasn't sure who to talk to about it. The obvious choice would be James, sure he likes to tease his friends but deep down James was there for you when you needed him. Sirius just wasn't sure he was ready to tell anyone about Remus just yet.
"Hey Sirius, James!" Sirius heard from the desk next to them. It was their Quidditch captain, Dorcas Meadows. "We've got practice tonight; I've secured the pitch for two hours. I've drawn up some new plays that I need perfected by everyone before our match against Ravenclaw next week."
"Wouldn't miss it! What time?" James asked excitedly.
"Six o'clock, sharp. Come down straight after you've had some dinner alright?"
At that moment the cushions began floating back into the storage cupboards and Professor Flitwick flicked his wand at the board displaying their homework; the class groaned.
"One scroll of parchment on the properties and techniques of non-verbal spells to be handed in next Monday."
James cursed under his breath and Sirius sighed. They already had an essay on poison antidotes due next week and a scroll of parchment on the Goblin Rebellion. The majority of the weekend was going to be spent in the library; at least they could get out tonight and practice some Quidditch. Sirius packed up his parchment and textbooks and walked out of class with the other boys.
"I just couldn't do it, I focused as hard as I could and the blasted cushion wouldn't move." Peter complained.
"Practice makes perfect, Peter, why don't we try again tonight while these two practice Quidditch?" Remus suggested and Peter looked a little relieved.
James ruffled his hair and strode out past the boys to Lily. Sirius caught Remus' eye and smiled, here we go again, he thought.
"Evans, I must say that was some excellent charm work back there." James said, leaning against the wall near her.
Lily sighed and turned to him. "Flattery won't get you anywhere with me James, you should know this by now."
Marlene and Alice giggled and James chuckled. "Just wanted to show my support to a fellow Gryffindor."
"Oh I'm sure." Lily replied, walking away.
"See you next time Evans." James called after her, "I really do love your work."
Sirius watched the three girls walk off down the corridor; Marlene looked back smiling softly at Sirius before they disappeared around the corner. Sirius frowned and awkwardly rubbed the back of his head avoiding Remus' eye. Sirius knew Marlene was interested in him, a lot of girls were if he was honest. Sirius tried to be gentle with letting her down but the poor girl wasn't letting go. Sirius sighed and caught James' eye shaking his head.
James shrugged. "I can't win with that one. She's got her knickers in a right twist."
"She's just not keen on you mate." Sirius said and James dramatically grabbed his heart.
"Good God Padfoot! Give a man some warning before delivering a blow like that!"
"Because it's such surprising news for you." Remus teased and they all headed off towards the great hall.
"I'm starving; do you think there will be pie tonight?" Peter said, rubbing his stomach. "We haven't had pie for a while now."
"I'll pass on your request to the house elves when I'm next in the kitchens." James said, winking.
They entered the hall and took their usual places at the Gryffindor table. Sirius and James ate quickly, desperate to get down to the Quidditch pitch. Sirius couldn't help but watch Remus here and there. He looked exceptionally tired today, drawn out and anxious. Sirius would give anything to remove the burden from his dear friend, but the best he could do was be there with him every time he transformed. Sirius shoved the remainder of his stew in his mouth and gulped down his pumpkin juice.
"See you lads after training then." He said standing up with James.
"Have fun boys." Remus replied, smiling at Sirius. Peter waved, a mouthful of stew preventing him from speaking.
James and Sirius raced down to the Quidditch pitch and quickly changed into their Quidditch robes. Sirius kicked his broom off the ground and zoomed quickly into the air. Sirius loved this feeling, the air whipping around his face as he swiftly manoeuvred his broom around the pitch. The twins were suddenly zooming across the pitch waving their bats around warming up. Dorcas whistled for them to come back to the ground, accompanied by Alice and Marlene. Sirius landed and avoided Marlene's eye. James nudged him. Dorcas bewitched the chalk to draw out his plays on the blackboard while he explained them to the team. James, Sirius and Alice were the Chasers and paid close attention to the formation Dorcas demanded to be perfected by the end of practice. After another fifteen minutes of explanation Dorcas was satisfied enough to let them practice them.
Practice ran smoothly; James, Sirius and Alice passed the Quaffle between themselves with ease zooming around the pitch with such speed even Sirius was impressed. They managed to get only a handful of goals past Marlene who had perfected the Keeper plays Dorcas outlined. Marlene shouted praise to her teammates; Sirius noticed the majority of them were for him. Gideon and Fabian found this particularly entertaining teasing Sirius every time they zoomed past him after the Bludgers. At eight o'clock Dorcas signalled the end of practice, shouting praise for the team and beaming with confidence for their upcoming match.
Once on the ground James helped the twins wrestle the bludgers back into the crate and Dorcas and Alice stood to the side discussing flying techniques. Sirius threw his broom over his shoulder and began taking off his gloves when he heard footsteps behind him.
"Excellent flying tonight Sirius", Marlene said, "Did you get much practice over the summer break?"
"Uh yeah, James and I were out nearly every day." He replied looking round for James.
"I wish I could've got more practice in", Marlene replied, laughing nervously. "I heard you moved in with James?"
"Yeah I did." Sirius said, continuing to walk away. Marlene walked alongside him. "Had to get out of the Black House, you know?"
"I can only imagine…" Marlene said, "Have you heard from them at all?"?
Sirius laughed. "No. I doubt I will. Mother has probably blasted me off the Black Family Tree by now. I've made my choice. They stopped being my family long ago."
The two of them continued along in silence, Sirius caught Marlene looking at him a few times. He felt uncomfortable and wondered if he should say something when they reached the change rooms.
"Sirius, are you going to Hogsmede at the end of the month?" Marlene asked, blushing deeply. "If you are, I thought we could go together, grab a cheeky Butterbeer?"
"Ah." Sirius replied and rubbed his neck uncomfortably. "The boys and I have plans for that Hogsmeade trip."
"Right. No, of course you do." She replied, avoiding his eyes.
"Marlene…" Sirius said gently as she smiled sadly at him, "You're a great girl and I don't know if I'm making a wrong assumption right now but I just want you to know that I'm happy to be friends, team mates… But that's it, okay?
"It's not a wrong assumption." Marlene replied and took off her gloves staring at the floor, "I've never met anyone like you and well, I guess I've been drawn to that… There's really nothing there for you is there?"
"Sorry." He replied and she nodded looking back over at the Quidditch pitch silence hanging in the air.
"Friends it is then." She said, looking back at him and held her hand out. "And the best of team mates!"
Sirius laughed, shaking her hand, "Friends for sure."
The rest of the team reached them by this point and Marlene walked away with Alice whispering, arms linked. The twins and Dorcas were still rambling on about the upcoming game and plotting ways of taking Ravenclaw down. Sirius began changing out of his Quidditch robes aware of James smirking at him.
"Got yourself a girlfriend Padfoot?" James teased.
"Don't be a prat Prongs." Sirius replied and threw his shirt at his friend. "Just making sure everyone is on the same page."
James threw the shirt back at him and rolled his eyes. "Mr Desirable, you are!"
"It's my handsome physique and luscious locks" Sirius said "You know that!"
"How could I forget?! You're such a beautiful man." James laughed and winked. "Even Moony adores you and you know what he's like!"
"Yeah, yeah." Sirius said and chuckled nervously.
Sirius turned from James, smiling to himself. Did Remus really adore him? Or was James just jesting? Either way Sirius felt warm inside at the thought. The boys finished changing and wandered back to the castle together, James babbling on about his superior flying skills and impatience to destroy Ravenclaw. Sirius tried to give James his attention but his thoughts kept circling back to Remus. Sirius wanted to be brave, to march up to the Common Room and tell Remus the truth. It's a risk, it's daunting and it's outrageous but maybe it would all be worth it in the end? They reached the Common Room and Sirius took a deep breath as James gave the password. The Common Room was nearly empty, a few students were scattered around at tables doing homework, Peter among them. He waved at them as they entered and James sauntered over plopping down at the table pulling Peter's essay towards him to read over. Sirius scanned the room and found him. With a book open in his lap, Remus was curled up fast asleep in the armchair closest to the fire.
Sirius walked over, crouched down in front of Remus and pushed his hair back off his forehead. Remus didn't stir and Sirius smiled, he loved how peacefully he slept. Remus has long struggled with his "little problem" only getting relief in his dreams, Sirius pulled the book away and closed it on the table next to the armchair. James stood up, peering over at Sirius and Remus.
"Out for the count again?" James asked, pushing his chair back.
"I've got him," Sirius replied, "Could you take his book up with you though?"
James summoned the book and continued helping Peter finish his essay. Sirius gently lifted Remus off the couch and into his arms; Remus shifted slightly rolling so that his head rested on Sirius' chest. Sirius smiled and made sure he had Remus securely and headed towards the stairs.
"Goodnight lads." He called over his shoulder, his eyes fixed on Remus.
"Night Padfoot," Peter replied while furiously scribbling along his parchment.
"Sleep tight you two," James said, winking at Sirius.
Sirius began carefully climbing the stairs to their dormitory, Remus remained asleep in his arms. The lanterns cast a soft shadow across Remus' face, relaxed and gently breathing. Sirius felt this overwhelming need to hold on to Remus and keep him safe. He also felt afraid. What would happen if he kissed him? If he just let go and told Remus the truth? What did he really have to be afraid of? Maybe James had never been joking? Maybe Remus really did feel the same way? Sirius felt it was up to him to make the first move; he just had to be brave. He reached the dormitory and pushed the door open; Remus twitched slightly and snuggled deeper into Sirius' chest. Sirius smiled down at him and kicked the door closed behind him. He wandered over to Remus' bed and gently laid him down, tucked him in and pushed his hair back out of his face.
Remus stirred and whispered, "Sirius."
Sirius froze, his hand still resting on Remus's head. He appeared to still be asleep. Sirius gently sat down on the bed and ran his hand through Remus' hair; Remus slowly opened his eyes and reached out for him.
"I don't want to change again." He whispered sadly, "I don't…"
His voice trailed off and his eyes swam with tears. Sirius took his hand in his and stared hard into Remus' eyes.
"I will be right there with you, I promise. Every single time, I will be there."
"I'm so tired, Sirius."
Sirius wiped away the tear that rolled down Remus' cheek and nodded. "I know you are, I know. Get some sleep, it's only a few days away now."
Remus closed his eyes and sighed. "Stay with me?"
They stared at each other for a moment before Remus tugged on Sirius' hand pulling him into his bed. Sirius wrapped his arms around Remus who rested his head on Sirius' chest, hugging him close.
"I'll never leave you." Sirius whispered and gently ran his hand down Remus' back soothing him. "You're stuck with me."
Remus chuckled and hugged him tighter. Sirius pulled his wand out and flicked it at the curtains, closing them, and placed his wand on the bedside table. He lay there in the dark entwined with Remus trying to keep his breath steady. Remus lifted his head gently and hovered before Sirius.
"I like being stuck with you." He whispered.
Sirius' heart pounded, he was afraid Remus could hear it, he reached up and rested his hand at the back of Remus' head. Remus leaned in and kissed him softly. They stayed there for a moment, foreheads resting against one another before Sirius leaned back in and kissed him again. They became entwined in the bed, gripping each other passionately and gasping in between kisses. Suddenly the dormitory door creaked open and the boys sprang apart. Sirius was annoyed.
"Dammit Peter", he heard James hiss, "I told you to stay with me in the Common Room!"
"What's the big deal?" Peter replied, "They've gone to bed."
"I just… We haven't finished our homework", James argued.
"It's late Prongs, we'll finish tomorrow…" Peter replied and Sirius heard him open his trunk, "Will you help me with the Potions essay?"
"Yeah sure Wormy", James said, "Let's go to bed then."
Sirius looked down at Remus and rolled his eyes. Why couldn't they have stayed downstairs a little longer? He felt a great deal of appreciation for James, you really couldn't get anything past him and it sounded as though he wanted Sirius and Remus to have this moment.
Sirius kissed Remus gently and rolled on to his back pulling Remus back on to his chest. He sighed and held Remus, who had his arm draped across Sirius' torso. The dormitory became pitch black as James, no doubt, had extinguished the lanterns. Remus was soon breathing heavily, sound asleep and Sirius smiled to himself. He would remember this moment forever, perhaps now he would have a stronger patronus.