Hijoshikina Kitsune nokage: Here's another chapter for you, I'm glad you like it!
Annekin: I'm glad that I got him in character, that's one of my problems when writing fan fiction. Cool! :) I hope I did a good job with this next chapter
lilyflower101: Thank you! :) hope you like this chapter!
"But..." Harry trailed off, completely stunned. Lupin had feelings for him? He couldn't believe it. He didn't dare hope it could really be true. "Your kiss with Sirius-"
"Was a dare," Lupin finished. Harry realized for the first time, how physically close they were, and he gasped quietly. "It was nice, but I didn't feel anything but friendship for him. I don't love him like that, Harry."
Harry breathed a sigh of relief, letting go of all the jealousy. It had sucked feeling resentment towards Sirius, who he also loved. "I'm sorry I told you to go away," he apologized. "I was unnecessarily rude."
"Harry, it's all right. I likely would have done the same in your position," Lupin admitted, almost shyly.
"No, you wouldn't," Harry protested. "You're the nicest person I've ever met!" When he realized what he said, he blushed furiously.
Lupin just smiled. "That's good to hear," he murmured, looking deep into Harry's eyes. Harry felt warm all over.
Boldly, Harry leaned forward and pressed their lips together. Lupin gasped before quickly pulling away, but even that brief touch of lips had left Harry's mind reeling and his heart racing. He tried pulling Lupin to him again, but again the werewolf refused. "What's wrong?" Harry asked, feeling like he was missing something important here.
"Harry...I'm a werewolf," he said. "And much older than you...I was your professor-"
"I don't care about any of-"
But Lupin wouldn't let him finish. "I want you to seriously think about the privileges and consequences you would have if you and I were together. You're young, and I don't want to hold you back."
"You aren't," said Harry. "I love you. I want to be with you."
Lupin smiled. "I'm glad, Harry," he said. "But, please think about this first. If not for yourself, then for me."
Harry sighed in defeat. There wasn't much he wouldn't do for Lupin. "All right," he agreed. This was more than he'd dared hope for.
"I appreciate it, Harry." To his surprise, Lupin pulled him into a warm hug. "If you still want to be with me tomorrow, then we can talk."
"My feelings for you won't change, Remus," Harry answered. Lupin said no more, but smiled when Harry put his hand over the werewolf's.
They returned downstairs, where everyone was sipping butterbeer and still playing Truth or Dare. Harry sat down, and Lupin sat beside him - close beside him, surprising him again.
"Where've you guys been?" Ron asked Harry and Lupin. "You missed the awesome prank Fred and George played on Mum!"
Harry tried not to blush. Hermione sent him a questioning look, and he smiled widely. Her eyes widened in surprise and she smiled back. Talk later, she mouthed. Harry nodded. "What did you two do?" he asked the twins.
"We charmed a mirror so that a fake ghost would pop out and scare her," George laughed.
"It was awesome," Fred added.
"Wish I could've seen it," Harry said. He felt Lupin's arm wrap around his shoulders, and looked over at the man, surprised.
They stayed like that throughout the evening, watching the rounds of Truth or Dare and sometimes playing the game with everyone else. They ate dinner and played wizard's chess, and it was late by the time they went to sleep.
"Tonight was so fun," Harry said to Lupin as they went up the stairs to bed.
"Yes, it was." Lupin was grinning, a bit mischievously. Harry could tell he'd enjoyed their evening. "Well, goodnight Harry-"
"Er...wait," he said, shyly. "Can we sleep together tonight?" He blushed furiously, realizing what he'd said. "I - I mean, not like that, just - just sleeping-"
Lupin was laughing now. "Harry, relax, it's all right," he said, much to the younger man's relief. "While that sounds very nice, I don't want anything to influence the decision you have to make. Maybe another night, if you still want to."
"My decision's already been made, Remus." Frustrated, Harry stepped forward, close to the man, lacing their fingers together. "I. Love. You. And my feelings won't change, so get over it."
Lupin pulled Harry into a tight hug, almost squishing him. "I love you, too, Harry." Harry realized that was the first time he'd directly said that, and smiled against Lupin's shoulder. "And I...I really hope that you won't change your mind."
Harry was startled to see Lupin emotional all of a sudden. He leaned forward and pressed their lips together, happy when Lupin didn't pull away this time. Instead, Lupin pulled him closer, grabbing him around the waist as their lips brushed.
"What's going on?!"
Harry and Lupin instantly broke apart to find Ginny gawking at them, her eyes as big as dinner plates. They really should have chosen a less public place to make out. Harry sighed.
"Ginny - don't tell, please don't tell," he begged. "I'm sorry, but you're my friend and I would love if you agree to keep this secret, for now."
"It would be best," added Lupin. Harry quickly nodded in agreement.
"Okay," Ginny agreed, and Harry and Lupin both exchanged relieved glances. "But may I ask, when did this happen?"
"Just today," Harry said. "But I've been in love with him since we met."
"Oh." To Harry's surprise, Ginny smiled. "That's really sweet." Harry looked at Lupin, a bit shyly, to find an astonished look on his face. "Don't worry," she said. "Your secret's safe with me."
"That was unexpected," said Lupin after Ginny had gone to her room.
"Yeah, but that could have ended a lot worse than it did," Harry said.
"True." Lupin pulled Harry close, kissing him lightly on the lips. He stepped back and said, "Goodnight, Harry."
"Goodnight Remus." He went to his room then. He had a lot to think about tonight, and he knew he needed a good night's sleep.
AN: I'm so sorry I haven't updated in so long! Here's another chapter to make up for it :) I'll try to keep updating. Review please? Thanks to all who reviewed before, I love getting reviews.