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 TWELVE – REMUS

November 1977

Remus' quill scratched across his parchment detailing the complex magic of Conjuration. He frowned as he wrote about the many things that can go wrong and added the Principle of Artificianimate Quasi-Dominance. Remus looked up at his textbook and chuckled at the image depicting a frog-rabbit hybrid. Lily, who was sitting opposite him, looked up amused.

"What is it?" Lily asked and set her quill down.

"The frog-rabbit hybrid... It's ridiculous!" Remus said and moved his book for Lily to see.

"I wouldn't want one of those for a pet, that's for sure!" Lily laughed.

"So I'll tell James to get you something else for Christmas then?" Remus teased and Lily blushed. "See I've hit a nerve there."

"Not a nerve no..." Lily said and closed her text book.

"How are things between you two?" Remus asked and put his own quill down.

"They're good. I mean. We had a lovely time when I visited over the summer and he's been incredible since Mum and Dad..."

"He's really been there for you hasn't he?"

"Anything I've needed, he's done it. No questions asked. And he doesn't make me feel like I'm made of glass either."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, some people are a bit too delicate with me. Teachers mostly. Like they think I'll break if they don't handle me with care."

"You're made of stronger stuff than that, Lil."

"Thank you. And it's hard, I miss them so much. This Christmas break is going to be tough, packing up the house to sell. I don't know how I'll do it. And James, well he's cancelled his Christmas plans. His parents were taking him to Italy for the break but he's coming with me instead."

"Well Italy's not that great anyway"

Lily laughed and tucked her hair behind her ears. She stared out the window next to them and smiled as the rain ran down the window.

"I tried to sleep with him after the funeral, did he tell you that?" She said.

Remus raised his eyebrows, "No. He definitely kept that quiet."

Lily smiled again, "He turned me down. Said I was vulnerable and it wouldn't be right."

"Well. If that doesn't tell you how much he respects you I don't know what will."

"He was great at the funeral, helped out with the Priest and organised the entire Wake for me. He even got the right flowers. Mum always loved Sunflowers. And he got them. I think I mentioned that to him only once, months ago, and he remembered..."

Lily sighed and leant back in her chair, folding her arms across her chest and frowned. Remus reached out to her and squeezed her arm gently.

"Love brings out the best in people." Remus whispered.

Lily's eyes darted up to meet Remus' and she smiled, "It really does doesn't it?"

"So... Where has all of this left you two now?" Remus asked and eyed her carefully.

"I don't want to just be friends with James anymore." Lily replied softly.

Remus chuckled, "Oh Lil, you two haven't been friends for a long time now."

Lily laughed, "I know, I know. I think maybe he's waiting for me to say it. To tell him I don't want to introduce him as my friend anymore..."

"So instead you'll introduce him as your boyfriend?" Remus said and nudged her playfully.

"Ha! Can you imagine that, James Potter. My boyfriend!"

"I think he would be so proud, his chest would burst!"

"God, he would, wouldn't he?"

"So what's holding you back?"

"What makes you think something is holding me back?"

"Lily. I know you a hell of a lot better than you think I do."

Lily sighed and began twirling a strand of hair, avoiding Remus' eye, "I'm scared."

"Scared of what?"

"Of losing him."

"Lil. You will have to physically remove him before he will ever leave you."

"That's not what I'm afraid of... I know he and I... Well, we're meant to be together. I think I've known that for a long time now. I know that when I tell him I want to be together that will be it."

"Then by losing him you mean..."

"Losing my parents was the worst thing that's ever happened to me... If he was ever hurt or killed. Remus. I don't think I could survive the pain of that."

"Oh Lil..."

"Honestly I don't know how you do it with Sirius. We all know what's happening out there and we're all going to be in the Order once we finish school... How are we going to survive if we lose them?"

Remus nodded and took Lily's hands in his, smiling at her softly, "I worry about Sirius every day. Every time he is late back from Quidditch practice my heart nearly stops. When he is a day late replying to an Owl when we're not at school I think the worst has happened. Every time I think about the fight we are joining soon I feel like I can't breathe. But I will go through that every day just to have a single moment of joy with him. Because I love him. Because there is no one else in this world that I would rather spend my life with."

"And is it worth it though... If something ever did happen wouldn't it kill you?"

"It would be the most painful thing that could ever happen to me... But I would rather have lived my life knowing what love is than avoid it because of fear. It's things like this that give us something worth fighting for. Seeing him play his guitar, laughing with James, flying his broom and playing Quidditch, listening to him singing, watching him read and lose himself for hours in a story... Those are the moments that I hold on to. Don't run from James because you're afraid of what could happen. Don't deprive yourself of the best days of your life in fear of the worst."

Lily brushed her tears away and moved around the table to hug Remus. "Thank you Rem."

"Anytime Lil." Remus whispered and held her tightly, "Anytime."

Lily sat back down and wiped under her eyes once more, "God I'm a right mess."

"Yeah you might want to sort yourself out before you deliver the big news to James!" Remus said and conjured her a handkerchief, "Here."

Lily chuckled and took the handkerchief, "I'm really doing this then. I'm going to date James Potter."

"Yeah you are!" Remus cheered.

Lily began packing up her books when an envelope fell out on to the table. It was addressed to Lily with a pale yellow piece of paper sticking out the top. Remus met Lily's eyes as she picked up the envelope. Lily handed it to Remus and sighed.

"Have a read of that. It's from Petunia."

Remus pulled out the yellow bit of people and began to read the letter.

Lily,

Vernon has asked me to marry him. Of course I have said yes. We have arranged the ceremony for December 29th 1977.

The wedding will take place at St Anthony's Church in Surrey, a reception to follow at the Covent Estate.

Vernon and I will be in London on the 23rd December and invite you to come for dinner. You may bring that unruly haired boy with you as well if you prefer to bring someone. It will be at a sophisticated restaurant so please ensure he is presentable and that you are both respectful.

Please let me know as soon as you can as arrangements are to be made.

Regards,
Petunia.

Remus raised his eyes as he finished the letter and looked up at Lily who rolled her eyes in response.

"So she's found herself a husband then?" Remus said, "How lovely for her."

"He's something else, this guy... All business, run of the mill ordinary..." Lily said and waved her hand.

"Boring?" Remus finished for her and she chuckled.

"They met at the drill company she works at. She's a secretary there and he swept her off her feet apparently."

Remus put his books back in his bag and followed Lily out of the library.

"So I'm assuming the unruly haired boy is James?" Remus asked, chuckling.

"Well he doesn't have the neatest hair in the world..." Lily replied.

"Sort of sticks out in all directions doesn't it?" Remus laughed.

"Maybe I should get him to make it even more unruly... I think she would have a fit!" Lily laughed.

"So you two are still not so close huh?"

"I'm still a witch aren't I?"

"I really thought she would come around to it all..."

"Any chance of Petunia accepting magic in her life died with my parents."

"Lil..."

"It's okay Rem. Really. I don't expect anything else from her now."

"She's the only family you have left now..."

"That's not true. I have all of you."

Remus stopped in his tracks and stared at Lily, his heart full of affection for her, "And we will always be your family."

"I know... You're all stuck with me now!"

Lily laughed and continued along the corridor looping her arm through Remus' until they reached the portrait door leading to the Gryffindor common room. Lily stopped in front of the portrait and turned to Remus.

"If he's in there, this is the moment." Lily said, beaming.

"Go get him!" Remus said and turned to the portrait, "Scurvy Dandelion!"

Remus and Lily entered the Common Room and froze on the spot. Sirius and James were standing on the armchairs either side of the fireplace singing at the top of their voices, Marlene and Alice sat on the couch in front of them in a fit of laughter. Other Gryffindor students were crowded around watching.

"So you think you can stone me and spit in my eye!" Sirius sang.

"So you think you can love me and leave me to die... ohhhhhh Baby!" James sang, "Can't do this to me baby!"

"Just gotta get out, just gotta get right out of here!" Sirius sang.

James and Sirius mimed playing guitar and jumped in the air before landing on the floor and spinning each other around. James twirled Sirius around and they held each other close.

"Nothing really matters, anyone can see." They sang, "Nothing really matters. Nothing really matters to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

James twirled Sirius again before they both sang, "Any way the wind blows!"

James dramatically dipped Sirius who kicked his leg up into the air and the Common Room erupted in applause. Lily chuckled next to Remus who wolf whistled the boys. Sirius looked up and grinned at Remus.

"Darling! So glad you got to see some of the show!" Sirius called out.

"Quite a performance you two put on." Remus said and wandered over, "I'm sorry I missed the whole thing."

"Not to worry, I feel a reprise is inevitable!" Sirius said and dropped back down into one of the armchairs.

Remus sat on the arm of the chair and planted a kiss on Sirius, "I look forward to the next one."

"I'll have to work out some new moves just for you then." Sirius said, winking.

"Now I'm even more intrigued..." Remus said and kissed Sirius again.

"Nice work boys." Lily said as she approached them.

"Thanks Evans!" James said and grinned at her.

Lily beamed at James, "I knew you'd be into Queen."

"Excuse me Lily, but I think you'll find James has always been in to a Queen!" Sirius said and shimmied his chest at her.

Remus chuckled, "Sirius likes to think everyone has a crush on him."

"That's because everyone does have a crush on me!" Sirius argued.

"Oh honey, no." Remus said and Sirius looked at him outraged. Remus distracted him with another kiss.

Lily laughed and dropped her bag on the floor, "James, do you fancy a walk?"

"Sure Evans." James said, "Around the castle?"

"Around the castle is good, it's still raining outside." Lily said and turned to Marlene and Alice, "If you two head upstairs could you take my bag?"

"Sure thing Lil." Alice said and tugged the bag to her, "Have a nice walk."

Lily and James headed towards the portrait. James glanced at Remus who responded with a wink and Lily took James' hand in hers. Lily shot Remus a smile before they disappeared out the door. Sirius nudged Remus.

"What was that all about?" Sirius asked.

"They're finally getting their act together." Remus replied, "Lily's going to tell him how she feels."

"About time." Marlene said.

"You know, I reckon she fancied him this entire time." Alice said, "Even when she said he annoyed her."

"Those two were always going to end up together." Remus said and turned to Sirius, "When was the first time he said he liked her?"

"The first night of our first year. Right after the feast we were unpacking in the dormitory and he said he was going to marry that 'redhead girl'" Sirius said and smiled, "I'll be sure to mention that in my speech at their wedding!"

They all laughed and Remus looked around realising Peter wasn't there.

"Who are you looking for?" Sirius asked.

"Peter."

"I haven't seen him all afternoon."

"I hope he's alright. He's been a bit off lately..."

Marlene snorted, "A bit off? That's an understatement!"

"Mar... We did speak to him about that." Remus said.

"Yeah, yeah." Marlene said and rolled her eyes.

"We did. The three of us sat him down and told him he was bang out of order." Sirius added.

"Yeah well he hasn't apologised." Marlene said.

"Oh that's not on!" Alice said and shook her head, "He was very cruel that night and not just to you. Dorcas was upset about it for weeks."

"And he's still so nice to Peter. Doesn't ever like it if someone is hurting." Marlene said, "That's the difference between the two of them. Peter doesn't think or care about the consequences of his actions. Dorcas is always thinking of others..."

Remus frowned and looked down at Sirius who shrugged, "We can't force him to apologise, Rem."

"I worry about him. That's all." Remus said and sighed.

The portrait door swung open and Peter climbed through the door. He stood by the portrait for a moment hesitant to approach them. Remus caught his eye and gave him an encouraging smile. Peter slowly made his way over and stood by the couch. Marlene looked up and sighed when she saw him before making a move to stand up.

"Don't go, not yet." Peter said, "There's something I want to say."

Marlene crossed her arms and stared at Peter hard, "What is it Peter?"

Peter shuffled on the spot uncomfortably and cleared his throat, "That day in the secret room when I said those things... I was angry and I was hurting and it was not okay for me to lash out at you."

"No Peter, it wasn't." Marlene said and pursed her lips annoyed.

"I'm sorry. You didn't deserve any of the things I said." Peter continued, "We broke up a long time ago and if you've moved on I need to accept that. I just want you to be happy."

Marlene surveyed Peter for a moment and sighed, "Thank you for saying that."

"I'd like to find a way to be friends." Peter said and eyed Marlene carefully.

"I need a little more space Peter. It helps that you've apologised but it doesn't take away the way you behaved." Marlene replied, "And I think you need to apologise to Dorcas too..."

Peter flinched and stared at the ground. Remus looked down at Sirius who frowned in return and they both eyed Peter carefully. Remus was proud of him for apologising to Marlene, but he worried about his motive. Peter gets quite stubborn and stuck in his ways, out of the three of them Remus was the one who understood Peter the best. And he wasn't sure he would accept needing to apologise to Dorcas as well. Peter' eyes darted to Remus who gave him a gentle smile and nodded his head. Peter sighed.

"I'll apologise to Dorcas as well." Peter said.

"Thank you." Marlene replied and turned back to Alice.

Peter shrugged at Remus and Sirius and made a beeline for the dormitory stairs before hurrying up them and out of sight. Remus had been worried about Peter for a while now. He had always been careful not to leave him out, especially once he and Sirius had started dating. James seemed to spend a bit of time with Peter as well but Sirius never seemed to have much time for him. It wasn't for a lack of friendship, the two of them were great friends. It just always seemed to work out that Sirius and Peter never ended up alone together often. Remus had noticed Peter withdrawing a lot more since they came back to school and he worried that now James and Lily would be together and that Peter would feel more alone.

Sirius ran his hand along Remus' back bringing him out of his thoughts. Remus grabbed Sirius' other hand and looped his fingers through his.

"Let's try to spend more time with Peter." Remus said.

"Sure, Wormy and I can work on that Defence Against The Dark Arts essay together tomorrow. Maybe after that the four of us can have a smoke and a midnight feast?" Sirius replied and Remus kissed him.

"Perfect." Remus said.

"I can't believe he actually apologised." Marlene said, "Hopefully he follows through and apologises to Dorcas too."

"He will." Remus said, "And when he does will you be okay to be friends?"

"We'll see how things go. It helps that he's made this effort but it doesn't excuse his behaviour..." Marlene replied and Alice nodded.

"It's a step in the right direction, that's for sure. Take it a day at a time." Alice suggested and glanced at her watch, "Oh my god is it 5 o'clock already? I've got to meet Frank soon."

Alice jumped to her feet and grabbed Lily's bag. Marlene shooed her away, "Go get changed and meet your lover boy!"

Alice poked her tongue out and ran off up the stairs to the girls' dormitory. Marlene chuckled and turned back to face Remus and Sirius. She crossed her arms and grinned at them. Remus cocked an eyebrow.

"What?" He asked.

"Just you two. Sitting there all loved up." Marlene said, "How long have you been together now?"

"It was our one year anniversary last month." Remus replied and ruffled Sirius' hair.

"No shit..." Marlene said, "To think I used to have such a crush on you Sirius!"

"Look I don't blame you... I am pretty desirable!" Sirius said and winked, "Though I probably should've told you I'm basically the biggest gay at Hogwarts!"

Remus rolled his eyes and covered Sirius' mouth, "The shit he comes out with sometimes..."

Marlene laughed, "It's alright, we wouldn't have him any other way!"

Sirius tilted his head out from Remus' hand and grinned at Marlene, "Thank you darling!"

Marlene got to her feet, "On that note I'm going to find my boyfriend."

"5 sickles say he's at the Quidditch Pitch!" Sirius cried.

"I'm not going to take that bet because I can't afford to lose 5 sickles right now!" Marlene replied and shook her head, "Sometimes I wonder who his girlfriend really is... Me or that bloody Quidditch pitch!"

"He does love you both..." Remus said and Marlene beamed.

"He told you he loves me?" She said, "It must be serious then!"

"You two are good together. Hold on to that!" Remus said and winked at Marlene.

"Thank you! We do alright," Marlene replied and stuck her tongue out, "Right now I'm going to drag Dorcas off that pitch and into a shower!"

"Go get it Mar!" Sirius cheered and Remus laughed.

Marlene winked at them and hurried off out the portrait door. Remus chuckled and swung his legs over the armchair so he was sitting more on Sirius' lap. Sirius wrapped his arms around him and kissed him. Remus wished he could freeze that moment and live in it forever. But in the back of his mind his stress about his Mum and the war niggled away at him and he sighed. Sirius pulled his head back and gazed at him.

"What's going on in that head of yours?" Sirius asked.

Remus took a moment to gather his thoughts and looked up at Sirius, "I can't stay here this Christmas break."

"But there's a full moon this Christmas...I thought you didn't want to change near your Mum again?"

"I know. But she's not getting better, Sirius. If anything, it sounds like she's running out of time."

"Oh Rem. Rem, I'm so sorry."

"She's had a good life, my Mum. And if I can be there with her at the end then I will be."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"Would you?"

"Of course I will. Wherever you go, I go. You know this."

"I really am stuck with you aren't I?"

"I can't think of a better person for you to be stuck with!"

"Who do you love more? Yourself... Or me?"

"Now you're asking the tough questions!"

Remus cocked an eyebrow and Sirius chuckled before leaning in and slowly kissing along Remus' jawline, hovering over his lips.

"It's you, you idiot. I love you more."

Remus felt Sirius kiss the top of his head and gently run his other hand through his hair. Remus smiled as he lay his head on Sirius' chest and listened to his heart beat. The flames in the fireplace flickered and caused shadows to dance across the Common Room and still Remus and Sirius remained tangled together, their hearts beating in sync.

If I do die in this war, Remus thought to himself, at least I will die a happy man. Because if there was one thing Remus was sure of, it would take death itself to tear them apart.