AN: This chapter is a lot longer than I expected. I'm also very proud of the research I've put into specifically this chapter. All the dates, names and everything I've put in about the Black's is factually accurate for the time which is November 1976, in the Marauders Sixth Year. Thanks for reading! Please review!


The storm hit two hours later. Hogwarts erupted into chaos. At first, it seemed as if the storm would just be a small-scale one. However, when lightning forked near the courtyard, the students were called in, and gathered in the Great Hall, due to the Common Rooms not being able to hold every student. James, Sirius and Remus were sat at Gryffindor Table, talking in hushed voices. Every other head was involved in conversation, and everyone was too busy to notice three of the four Marauders talking in worried tones. "Well, I don't know, Moony!" Sirius sighed, frustration creeping into his voice.
"Well, we have to do something." Remus groaned. "Someone must have seen him."
"Well go and ask the teachers, then." James frowned around. "Sirius and I will go... And search the corridors, I guess." James stood, and Sirius did the same.
"Right, I'll come and find you when I finish asking around, okay?" Remus inquired. James nodded silently, and walked off with Sirius. Remus frowned tightly, then walked over to McGonagall, who was conversing with Professor Sprout.

James and Sirius strolled, though hurriedly, through the corridors, looking for any sign of Peter. Admittedly, they were both a little worried. Peter wasn't very skilled at defence... If something had happened to him... These mutual thoughts were thrown aside as Sirius stuck a hand out, stopping James from rounding a corner. James looked at him in confusion. Sirius mouthed 'Slytherins' to him. James growled silently, removing his wand from his robe pocket. Sirius did the same. They both rounded the corner at the same time, wands already levelled at the Slytherins gathered in the middle. There were five, Mulciber, Avery, Wilkes, Macnair and Regulus, Sirius' brother. These odds didn't do the least to unnerve either of the Gryffindors now facing the group of aspiring Death Eaters. They all turned to face them, each pair of eyes almost glowing with malicious hatred. Sirius and James kept moving their wands, trying to cover each of the Slytherins at once. The Slytherins withdrew their wands. Wilkes was a year older than James and Sirius, while Mulciber and Regulus were younger. Macnair and Avery were in their year. James saw Sirius' expression turn steely as he cast his eyes on his elder brother. "Ah, Sirius. Still hanging around with your little 'gang', are you?" Regulus asked, a sneer on his face.
"Hmm... Potter and Pettigrew are purebloods. But that half-blood... Lupin, I believe?" Macnair asked, glancing sideways at Regulus.
"Yes, that's the one. His father said some very harmful things, I think?" Regulus asked, turning to James. "And you, Potter. We may only be distantly related, but I expected more from such a prestigious family. Falling in with half-bloods and... That mudblood, Evans." He said, causing James to step forward, knuckles turned white both at his sides and holding his wand. Regulus stepped back, though the sneer didn't disappear from his face. Avery and Wilkes stepped forward. Both had their wands aimed at James' chest. Sirius also stepped forward, aiming his wand at Wilkes. "Well, Sirius... We all know why you keep Lupin around, don't we?" Mulciber mocked, inspiring a laugh from all of the Slytherins. Sirius felt himself go red, and anger surge inside him.
"Sirius... They're trying to make you angry." James muttered, barely audible.
"It's true isn't it, Si?" Regulus asked, grinning. He opened his mouth to speak, before a shout of Expelliarmus rang out, and the wand flew from Wilkes' hand. The entirety of the group, both sides, jumped back in surprise. James and Sirius recovered first, and prepared to cast, before another incantation rang out.
"Protego Directus!" Remus shouted once again, causing an almost invisible shield to be created, directly between James and Sirius, and the Slytherins. Despite Remus' presence, every person kept their eyes on the other side. Remus kept his wand held up.
"What are you doing, Remus?" Sirius asked, though his eyes were focused on the Slytherins.
"Isn't it obvious? Your boyfriend's saving you." Regulus laughed. Something in Remus' face shifted, and Sirius turned to glance at him.
"Shut up, Reg." Sirius warned, though not out of concern for his brother.
"Why?" Regulus simply laughed. "So you can stare lovingly into each other's ey-" Regulus got no further. Remus waved his wand, and Regulus collapsed. A non-verbal stupefy, it had done the trick. The others looked murderous and Remus realised his mistake.
"Remus! Run!" James shouted, and Remus followed the instruction willingly. As he ran, he could hear fizzes and bangs as spells narrowly missed. Once or twice, he saw jets of light stream past his head. He could hear grunts and groans, and the pursuit stopped. The two sides were once again facing each other, now two-on-four. Remus was stuck behind the Slytherins.
"Deal with Lupin." Wilkes mumbled to Avery, who turned to face Remus, wand levelling at his chest. Remus brought his own up, but it was cast uselessly aside. He closed his eyes, bracing for the inevitable hex or curse. Then, a lot of things happened at once.

James jumped at Avery, who was directly in front of him. James' muscular frame knocked the rather weedy Avery to the ground, while Macnair attempted to swing his wand away from Sirius, which was a mistake. Sirius immediately let loose a stunner, sending Macnair flying past Remus, who was suddenly aware of the chaos. With Macnair, Regulus and Avery down, it was now three-on-two, with the odds in the Marauders' favour. Mulciber and Wilkes turned to face James and Sirius, away from Remus. Remus stood there, wanting to do something, but not knowing what. He couldn't fight. He wasn't good with his hands and, if he made a run for his wand, he'd be cursed before he got a foot away. He was frozen. He glanced at his wand, and closed his eyes, thinking desperately. He'd heard of non-verbal magic but magic without a wand was different. Accio... Accio... ACCIO! The last thing he expected was for his wand to fly (thankfully soundlessly) into his hand. He looked at it in shock for a minute, before thinking of his next move. Mulciber and Wilkes were still standing perfectly still, facing off with James and Sirius. He had one shot. He needed to use it correctly. His eyes met with Sirius, and he mouthed 'Be ready', while showing him his wand. Sirius hid his shock well. Remus wasn't going to hurt either of the boys in front of him. Instead, he aimed his wand upwards and bellowed "Periculum!" It had the desired effect, sending a shower of red sparks into the air. The next few seconds were a rush of activity, and Remus didn't comprehend most of it. He saw a jet of red, and then nothing.

He woke up in a bed. It wasn't his own. It wasn't as comfortable, and the sheets were somewhat thinner. With a start, he realised he was in the Hospital Wing. He looked around, and then winced. His head stung. Slower this time, he turned his head around the room. It was darker, but he could recognise the people in the beds. They were the people that had been fighting. James, Peter and Sirius sat beside Remus' bed, looking ashen-faced. "You okay, mate?" James asked, frowning at him.
"Uh... I'm fine. What happened?" Remus asked, holding his head.
"You hit your head when you fell. Wilkes got you with a stunner. I paid him back in kind." Sirius smiled softly. "Got a broken nose for my troubles, but you can thank me later." Sirius grinned.
"I'm sorry, Remus." Peter mumbled, looking down. The pudgy face had an expression of profound guilt. "I was... Well, I was scared." He was speaking very quietly, and Remus felt an intense feeling of sympathy for the boy. "I didn't want you all to see me scared. Gryffindors don't get scared. Guess that means I'm not a good Gryffindor." Peter wasn't saying this like someone who wanted to be told they were wrong. He was saying it like someone who was apologising. All three of the other boys frowned, and Sirius turned to Peter.
"Peter, don't let anyone ever tell you that you aren't a Gryffindor." The raven-haired Black told him. Peter looked at Sirius, seemingly surprised by his friend's compassion. "You are a Gryffindor. You're one of us. Gryffindors get scared too."
"Yeah!" Remus piped up. "I was terrified when the fight started." He said, truthfully.
"But at least you all can fight. I'd be useless in a duel." Peter said morosely. "I can't do anything."
"Petey... Look at me." James said, and Peter did indeed turn to look at him. "You've got us to protect you. Don't worry about it, okay?" Peter reluctantly nodded. Madam Pomfrey strode over to them, and rushed the three out, leaving Remus alone in the bed. It was an hour before he had another visitor.

Lily walked into the Hospital Wing, sighing as she saw Remus in the bed. He was reading, and he looked well. She walked over to him and gently punched his arm. "You idiot." She said, though she said it kindly.
"Thanks, Lil." Remus chuckled.
"You know you'll have detention for about a month off McGongall, right?" She asked, looking at him wearily. "Now, Sirius told me how you stunned Regulus. He told me with... Worrying pride, actually." She chuckled softly, "So go on... Tell me why you, with your composure of steel managed to land someone in here with one spell." She inquired, and looked at him expectantly.
"Erm..." Remus looked down, rather embarrassedly. "Well, it's complicated. He called me—He said—He was..." Remus stammered over various excuses.
"What did he say, Rem?" Lily asked, slight amusement written on her face.
"He said that Sirius was my boyfriend." He managed, and looked down.
"Oh, Remus..." Lily smiled kindly at him, before stroking his face softly. "Boys say things like that all the time, just to annoy each other." She said, looking at him, vibrant emerald eyes giving a nice compliment with her dark red hair.
"I know... It's just with what's been happening." He started, and Lily nodded.
"I know, Rem. I know." She smiled softly.
"Mr. Lupin?" Pomfrey called. "I think it's safe for you to go..." She began to turn, before looking at him. "But do be careful. I shouldn't want to see you again in here for fighting." Remus nodded at her, thanking her, before getting out of the bed. Together, Lily and Remus walked back to the Common Room.

When they got back to the Common Room, it was bustling. People were crowded around Sirius, James and Peter, obviously enthralled in whatever story he was telling. The entire room fell silent when Remus entered. Remus felt extremely uncomfortable in the few seconds that everyone was silent. Then, one by one, applause started. Remus was extremely confused, and looked to Sirius and James for help. Sirius simply shrugged, grinned and joined in the applause, along with James and Peter. Lily frowned and went up to her dormitory. When the applause died down, Remus made his way over to the other Marauders, receiving several pats on the back as he did, as well as encouraging words. "What in Merlin's name was that about?" Remus asked of the three.
"You're a hero, Moony!" James grinned. "You stunned one of the most hated Slytherins in the school!" He said happily. Remus frowned and glanced quickly at Sirius.
"Yeah, well." Remus shrugged feeling a little less happy. "I just did what I had to, to keep you two fools safe." Remus sounded tired, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. "I'm going to bed." He said, and began to walk up the stairs, before walking backwards down the stairs. Marlene McKinnon had grabbed him by the arm, and led him back to the group. Emmeline joined her and, this time, Lily. Remus sat next to Sirius, huddling closer to him than he usually would have. Under the circumstances, however, Sirius knew he was uncomfortable. Marlene turned to face them all. "Right, you lot." She started, and Remus saw James frown out of the side of his eye. "We have this all sorted out." Lily scoffed, and Marlene shot her a look. "Black, you'll go with me." She said, and smiled at Sirius. Sirius' face was unreadable. Marlene's smile faded into a scowl. "Potter, you'll go with Lily." She continued, and Lily looked affronted.
"Wait, we never agreed to tha-" She began, but was cut off by Marlene.
"We'll talk about it later." Marlene waved her off. "And you, Lupin, will go with Emmeline." She said, obviously trying to sound polite. Remus knew he'd annoyed both of them the previous night, after he'd refused the offer to go with Emmeline. Surprisingly, it was Sirius who spoke up.
"And if he doesn't want to?" He asked, looking at Marlene, slight defiance in his voice.
"Why wouldn't he want to?" Marlene asked, the same tone in her voice. Emmeline looked a little bit hurt by Marlene's side."
"Maybe he just doesn't." Sirius shot back, sounding a bit frustrated.
"Well, who else would he go with, then?" Marlene asked, looking irritated.
"Who says he has to go with anyone?" Sirius asked, looking genuinely confused.
"Tradition." Marlene shrugged, as if she couldn't care less.
"Alright... Maybe I'll go with him." Sirius replied. Every eye in their group turned to him. Remus felt himself go paler than usual.
"Sirius..." Remus whispered. "Don't." He warned.
"Why would you do that?" Marlene asked. Everyone else seemed to have gone oddly quiet. Everyone had a different look on their face. James looked confused, but somewhat satisfied, Peter was practically grinning ear from ear, Lily looked concerned, Emmeline looked very sad, Remus was pale and gawping at Sirius, and both Marlene and Sirius looked at each other, determination in their eyes.
"You two, stop it." Lily piped up. "Stop speaking about Remus like he isn't here." She looked at both of them. "Stop arguing about his life. It's his choice who he wants to go with." She turned to Remus. Everyone else did, too.
"I... Can I decide this later, please?" Remus asked, almost pleadingly, looking at Sirius.
"Yes. You can." Sirius smiled softly at him.
"I don't see why you can't answer now." Marlene shrugged.
"Because he doesn't want to." James finally spoke up. "Lily's right. It's his choice."
"Fine, then." Marlene looked furious, and embarrassed. "He can answer later. Come on, Em." She beckoned, and Emmeline and her left the room, going up to the dormitory. They all rounded on Remus.
"Are you okay, Rem?" Lily asked, looking concerned.
"I-I'm fine." Remus nodded, blinking. He glanced at Sirius, who was looking weirdly at him.
"Good. I'm sorry about Marlene." Lily frowned softly.
"It's... Fine." Remus smiled reassuredly at her, looking at Sirius again. Sirius smiled widely at him. Remus chuckled, shaking his head. "Right. I'm going to bed." He shrugged. "Lily, try and make sure these three don't stay up too late?" He asked, and Lily nodded. "Right. See you all tomorrow." Remus smiled and left, feeling a weird feeling in his stomach.

It was midnight before Remus stirred. In fact, Remus stirred because he felt something weighing down the bottom of his bed. He opened his eyes, slightly confused, before seeing the shaggy hair of Sirius Black. Sirius wasn't looking at him, looking instead out of the window on the side of the dorm. He looked serene. Even in the darkness, Remus could perceive a little of the grey in Sirius' eyes, the colour of stormclouds. Remus loved those eyes. Sirius now looked at him with them. There was no trace of a smile on his face, though there was a look on his face that Remus couldn't quite place. Sirius shifted closer to him, and Remus sat up. "I put silencing charms up. They won't hear us." Sirius smiled softly at him, still giving him a slightly weird look.
"Hmm. Okay." Remus smiled at him. Sirius smiled, then looked at the red sheets that Remus lay under.
"I'm sorry if I embarrassed you in the Common Room. I realise saying that I'd go with you might have been weird." Sirius said, in an obviously rehearsed manner.
"Don't worry about it. I know you weren't serious. You were just making a point." Remus shrugged.
"I did mean it." Sirius said, looking deadly serious.
"But..." Remus frowned. "Why would you do that?" Remus asked, slightly nervous of the answer.
"Because you're my friend. And it'd get McKinnon off your back." Sirius shrugged. Remus felt, admittedly, a little sad.
"Oh... Well, don't bother. You can go with Marlene. I'm probably not going to go anyway." Remus shrugged casually.
"What? Why?" Sirius asked, looking very surprised.
Because you can't seem to go to a party without snogging every girl in the- "Just... It's a bit too close to the full moon for me." Remus shrugged.
"Oh yeah. It's the 6th, yeah?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah. 6th of December." Remus smiled softly.
"Hmm... Well, still. Think about going. It could be fun. Old Sluggy loves Christmas, you know." Sirius grinned. "His Christmas parties are the best, don't you think?"
"Yeah, they are." Remus grinned. "My parents always throw Muggle parties with my mum's family. Dad's always at the Ministry's party."
"Hmm. Parties at the Black household are never fun. Old, stuffy relatives; boring, pointless stories; weak wine... Horrible." Sirius laughed. "Plus, my mother is unbearable. The only person I enjoyed seeing there is Andy." Sirius smiled with fondness for his older cousin.
"Andy is nice." Remus agreed. Admittedly, he'd only had limited interaction with Andromeda, but she was very kind. "Better than her sisters."
"Agreed. Narcissa's married that toff, Malfoy, and Bella's marrying that git, Lestrange." Sirius chuckled darkly. "I'm not surprised, really. Pure-blood supremacy is their only goal. The Malfoy and the Lestranges are supposed to be the elite." Sirius rolled his eyes. "Apart from us Blacks, of course."
"Well, Malfoy was always a... Putting it mildly, a git." Remus chuckled. "My dad's always going on about Abraxas Malfoy. He says he's a horror at work. Worse than Lucius, apparently." Remus shrugged.
"That takes some doing, doesn't it?" Sirius mused, looking at Remus and chuckling.
"Yeah. And Rodolphus was never particularly nice, as I remember. My dad told me once that the Magical Law department had a bit of trouble with him. Threatening Muggles, apparently." Remus shrugged. Remus looked at Sirius for a second. Sirius very rarely talked about his family. While he was honoured to have his friend open up to him, Remus felt it was not the entire story. Rather against his better judgement, Remus decided to press the issue. "Pads... I stunned your brother today. You, though, looked like you were about to do it yourself." Remus observed Sirius. He could see Sirius' eyes travel downwards, once again to the sheets. "I know you hate each other... But did he say something?"
"Yeah, he did." Sirius shrugged, obviously feeling no need to hide the fact. "He was talking about you." Remus blinked, slightly shocked at this. He didn't realise he gathered any interest from the Slytherins. He did not like that he did.
"Me?" Remus asked, incredulously. Obviously, they were just saying that I'm half-blood. Remus reasoned, making him feel slightly less shocked. "My blood status, I assume?"
"Yeah." Sirius nodded. "That and..." He paused and looked at Remus. The handsome face was drawn with sadness. The grey eyes sought for anything in Remus' green orbs.
"What, Sirius?" Remus pressed, not really knowing why. He knew he shouldn't press his friend like this.
"Remus... He said you were my boyfriend." Sirius almost whispered as if, despite the silencing charms, someone would hear. Remus' insides froze.
"O-Oh... Well, that's just something idiots say, Sirius." Remus was speaking very quickly, and was slowly turning red. "Don't worry about it."
"I know it is, Remus." Sirius smiled. "But... I hate them. And they're trying to use you against me." Sirius looked like he was having to exercise extreme self-control.
"Then... We won't let them." Remus shrugged. His mind was whirring. He'd heard Regulus say that sort of stuff just before Remus had stunned him, but he hadn't paid it much notice. He'd been too... In the moment to worry about it. It obviously bothered Sirius, but Remus couldn't see why. Sirius was so obviously straight, that it shouldn't bother him. It definitely bothered Remus now, but that was because he wasn't straight, and such accusations could actually damage him. Remus looked again at Sirius, and saw the abject sadness on his face. He felt immeasurable empathy with his friend, and pulled him gently into a hug. Sirius hugged back and buried his face in Remus' shoulder. Sirius' usually strong exterior had disappeared, and Remus finally appreciated the abuse he'd suffered at the hands of his family.
"Can I..." Sirius mumbled into his shoulder, though he stopped. He restarted, in a very quiet voice. "Can I sleep here tonight?" He asked. Remus looked at Sirius' bed, less than three metres away and smiled.
"Of course." He whispered back, and the two fell asleep, still hugging.