A/N: I KNOW, It's been too long... ='[ Gimme a break, I'm trying to graduate... Anyway, here's the next chapter, and I'll post tomorrow too, to make up for all the long pauses in my writing. I really hope you guys review, because I've been working on this for a long while. =D

Girl of His Dreams

Chapter 17: Piecing Life Together

While Leah had planned to stay in bed until Remus had returned, it was days later, and her intensely growling stomach (only being fed random pastries and such brought up by Lily, who refused to let her starve) began to argue with her until finally she staggered out of bed and down to the Great Hall for supper. None of the Marauders were there, and while a sharp pain sliced through Leah's heart from the loss, she realized she was glad. It would be much better to eat alone, without the awkward, angry silence and accusing glares.

"Leah?" She turned from her pumpkin juice to see Peter come forward, looking as nervous as ever. She frowned, and he held out a small slip of parchment. "This is from Remus, Leah."

She snatched it out of his hands, her excitement nearly drowning in her fear. Was he okay? Was he angry with her? She opened it, not even bothering to thank Peter as he shuffled away. The note was sloppy, but Remus' handwriting always had been.

Leah,

I heard about what happened. I wish I could say this in person, but they won't let me leave St. Mungo's for another day at least. But don't worry about me, I'm fine.

Sirius came to visit, even though Dumbledore told him not to. That's why I'm writing this. He looked so sad, Leah, I couldn't get him to smile once. I asked if you were worried, and he just put his head in his hands and sat there. He didn't really say anything else the entire visit... Are you two okay?

You don't have to write me back. I'm sending this back with Sirius to give to you.

See you soon!

Remus

Whatever tears Leah had been struggling to keep back from the very start were now trickling down her cheeks, staining the parchment.

He had given it to Sirius? Then why, of all people, did Peter end up with it?

Because Peter is the only one who has spoken to you since the incident, she reminded herself. She hastily shoved the note into her bookbag and rose from the table, not bothering to wipe her eyes as she gathered her things. When she turned to leave, she saw a familiar man just entering the great hall, looking as sullen as ever. Leah searched for an alternate exit, but he had already seen her, and she ended up walking past him anyway. His beautiful silver eyes widened as she passed, his mouth open as if to say something, but she didn't even slow as she walked away, eager to be alone. Without looking back, she headed out the door and into the chilly evening air.

What was happening to them?

When Leah returned to the common room, it was dark, and the only sound was the lightly cackling fire. Slowly, as if in a daze, she moved over toward one of the crimson couches, where and Sirius used to sit together all the time. She stared into the flames, and imagined Remus in the chair next to her, reading a novel or studying, while her and Sirius cuddled lovingly on the couch. In the other couch, Lily and James pulled the table toward them to play a game of Exploding Snap.

In her daydream, she was happy.

"Leah?"

Leah looked up, surprised that someone was still awake, and turned toward the boys' staircase to see James at the bottom, looking at her in concern. Her heart thumped unsteadily for a moment, but it gradually steadied itself.

"Yeah?"

He sat beside her on the couch, looking awkward and uncomfortable. "I'm glad you're here. I mean, I was looking for you earlier -"

"Is something wrong?" Her thoughts leapt to Sirius and Remus, but James smiled.

"No, I... I wanted to apologize." He cleared his throat. "I've been a real prat lately. I just... I was mad that we let something like this happen, and I heard about your potion and took it out on you, and I was wrong."

"It's okay," she said, happy to make amends. "It was stupid."

"Leah..." James ran his hand through his hair, a sight Leah never thought she'd miss. "Sirius is really... really messed up. He misses you."

"He wouldn't even look at me," she said, pulling her knees up to her chest. "I got Remus' note..."

"You did?" James furrowed his brow. "How?"

"Peter gave it to me," she said, confused. "Why?"

"Sirius dropped it in the dorm room, he was looking everywhere for it... He wanted to give it to you so he could talk to you, but since he didn't find it..." James rolled his eyes. "Peter probably just saw your name on it and picked it up."

"I didn't want Remus to come back to something like this," Leah whispered sadly. "I want everyone to be happy. Like we used to be."

"Yeah, well... once Sirius gets his head back in order, things will be okay." He stood up, stretched, and yawned. "I'm hitting the sack. You should, too."

"I will in a bit. I'm not very tired," she replied. She waved happily, watching him ascend the stairs quietly before heading into his room. With a somewhat relieved sigh, she relaxed into the couch and closed her eyes. Things were piecing together... but she feared that Sirius wouldn't be the same for awhile. Especially not around Remus. Soon she was drifting in and out of sleep, dreaming of a magical wedding between a blue-eyed blond and a man with beautiful silver eyes.

"Leah."

Her eyes snapped open immediately, jerking slightly in surprise. Did she fall asleep? Where was she? Whose hand was on her shoulder?

"Huh?" She looked up, blinking back sleep, to see a frail-looking boy with sandy blond hair and gold-specked eyes. He smiled kindly as recognition slowly dawned on her. With a muted shriek of surprise, she leapt to her feet and threw her arms around him. "Remus!"

"Hello. Miss me?" He pulled away and smiled, sending a rush of warmth throughout her body. Remus was back. He was okay.

"How are you feeling?" she asked worriedly. She helped him sit on the couch, and he laughed off her concern.

"I've been through worse," he replied. He looked around the still-dark common room. "I didn't expect anyone to be up."

"I didn't mean to fall asleep," Leah replied sheepishly. "James and I were talking about... what happened."

"How are you and Sirius?"

"We, um... We haven't spoken since," she replied, "but... James says he misses me, and that I should wait until he's ready to talk..." She sighed and spun the glistening ring on her middle finger nervously. "I thought it was going to be over between us..."

Instead of the understanding or concern she was expecting, Remus barked out a laugh and hugged her. His arms wrapped around her tightly, pulling her into his chest and laughing into her hair while she, utterly confused, just blinked. He pulled away and mussed her hair teasingly.

"Stupid," he said. "You've made Sirius the happiest man in the world, Leah. I've never seen him so close to a girl. He loves you, and you have no idea how long it took him to get the courage to propose to you. He knew it was too soon, but he just couldn't wait..." He rolled his eyes. He smiled nostalgically. "I remember when he swore the bachelor's life was for him... he was too wild for a relationship. He perfected the art of getting a girl, but failed miserably at keeping one..."

"Wow," Leah said, chuckling. Remus stared into the dying embers of the fire.

"It's late, Leah. Won't you try to get some sleep?"

"I should," she agreed. "We have class tomorrow... are you going?"

"I'm feeling fine. Just a little restless is all." They stood, and Leah gave him one last hug.

"I'm so glad you're okay, Rem. I was scared."

"You shouldn't worry so much," was his reply. He started up the stairs. "You look so much better when you're smiling."

Leah grinned for his benefit, happy to have her friend back. "G'night, Rem."

"Good night, Leah."

She climbed into her bed that night feeling refreshed, almost normal. Everything would be okay. Remus was okay, James was no longer angry, and now it was Sirius' turn. Leah closed her eyes and allowed herself to fall asleep again. She no longer dreamt of weddings, but of something nearer to the present: of being able to curl up in strong arms once more, and feel his lips on hers. She dreamt of Sirius, and she prayed.

A/N: Lame ending, huh? It's late, and I'm so tired... =_= Anyway, 5 weeks until I graduate high school! Woo!! Wish me luck, and leave me a review!!! Sometimes I feel like no one reads this story anymore... Thanks to those of you who do! You're my favorite people ever!