Potter's residence…

Sirius dipped his quill in the inkbottle one last time before completing the last few lines of his letter:

Hope to see you soon.

-Padfoot

The owl on the windowsill hooted impatiently.

'Shut up, you ruddy bird!' James Potter threw a badly aimed pillow across the room.

The owl didn't even blink and merely stuck its leg out when Sirius walked towards it, parchment already rolled up in his hand. 'Easy there, Prongs. You might scare Elle away,' he said, stroking the bird affectionately.

James sat up on his bed, clearly disgruntled. 'I don't know why you chose to write to Moony at this ungodly hour, Padfoot. It's only been eight hours since he left. What the bloody hell is so important that it couldn't wait until tomorrow?'

Sirius shrugged, as he held out a palm full of owl treats. 'I was bored.'

It was partially true. He was bored. These two weeks with the Marauders staying at Potters were probably the most fun he'd had since a long time, and the house seemed oddly quiet, now that everyone was gone.

He and Remus hadn't actually done much, not with Mr. and Mrs. Potter's constant presence, but it was merely the fact that Remus was there and always with him. And then, time flew by faster than he could blink, and Remus was leaving for home and hugging everyone goodbye. After that, Sirius spent over an hour sitting in front of the toilet, trying to rid himself of the nauseous feeling that had taken permanent residence inside his stomach until finally, James had to pee badly and Mrs. Potter was urging them to go to bed.

James looked at him incredulously. 'You were bored?' He enunciated every word to make sure he'd heard correctly. 'You were fucking bored at four fucking o'clock in the morning? No one in their right minds is awake enough to entertain you at this hour!'

Sirius smiled and climbed into his bed again, throwing James's pillow to him. 'Moony is.'

James snorted, catching the pillow mid air. 'What, your lurve radar tell you that?'

Sirius eyes shone impishly in the darkness. 'No, I told Elle to pester him until he wakes up and replies to my letter.'

James shook his head and lay back on his pillow, hands behind his head. 'You know, Moony's going to get back at you for this. He'll probably send you an embarrassing howler or make the owl peck you to death or something.'

Sirius grinned, as he pulled the covers on top of himself. 'I look forward to it…'

There was a comfortable silence after that, both boys just laying in the darkness, listening to the occasional chirping of crickets and the rustling of dry leaves. Sirius still couldn't believe he was here in the Potter's residence as a part of their family. In all his life, it was the last thing he'd expected and it was without complaint. He couldn't have asked for a better summer, though probably Mrs. Potter would say otherwise. One mischievous son was bad enough. Put the two of them together, and she got her own personal hell right here in the house. It was a good thing both Remus and Peter had loving families of their own.

'Padfoot?' James voice suddenly broke his reverie.

Sirius turned to face James on the bed beside him. 'Hm?'

'Do you love him?' asked James uncertainly, running a hand through his untamed locks.

Sirius frowned. What had brought this on? Of course, it came as no surprise that James knew about their relationship. Sirius knew he would without having to tell him. It was just one of those things between best friends, like how a mother always knew when someone had been sneaking into the biscuit jar. Besides, it wasn't like he and Remus tried to be inconspicuous in front of them. They didn't kiss, but they didn't shy away from each other either. They were friends after all. If it weren't them, then whom else would they be comfortable with? He was sure James would have told Peter by now as well.

'I don't know Prongs, love is a strong word,' he replied after a long time.

James bit his lip. 'I was just wondering, you know.'

Sirius shrugged. 'Moony and I…we're different. We're together, and we do have feelings for each other…just…we're not in love, is all.'

To James, it sounded very much like love, but he kept his mouth shut. There was no point in jumping to conclusions. Still… 'Are you sure about that, Padfoot? Are you sure things are that simple? That there are no strings attached in your relationship?'

Sirius rubbed his temples with his fingers. He knew for a fact that Remus didn't love him. It wasn't possible, especially since Sirius felt that he had somehow forced the werewolf into this relationship. 'Yes, I'm sure. Look, what's bothering you, Prongs?'

James grimaced. 'I just don't want Moony to get hurt.'

Sirius snorted, but not without a hint of possessiveness. 'Now you sound like you're in love with him. Moony's a big boy, Prongs. He can take care of himself.'

James brought himself up on his elbow and looked into Sirius's eyes gravely. 'Yes, but Moony's sort of become like a little brother to me, and I think, for once, he deserves to be taken care of, don't you?'

Sirius frowned at James's sharp and challenging tone.

James sighed, defeated, at his friend's puzzled expression. 'Look, Padfoot, Moony…he tends to get very attached to people and most of the time he gets rejected as soon as they find out what he is. And despite how he might argue that he's used to it, he still hurts. I just don't want you to end up as one of those people to abandon him. He's had enough grief without you adding to it.'

Sirius pushed himself up on his elbow to meet James's eyes 'You know I'd never hurt him, Prongs, you know that,' he said passionately. He was shocked that James would ever doubt him of such a thing. Remus was one of the most important people in the world to him.

James nodded, settling back down again. 'Yeah, okay, but Padfoot, if this doesn't work out…our friendship…it will be ruined forever. And I'm not just talking about you and Moony here.'

Sirius felt his chest tighten uncomfortably. 'Marauders always come first, Prongs. We both know that.'

'Yeah, all right. Just…be careful, Padfoot; that's all I'm saying,' said James slowly, before surrendering to sleep.

XxxxX

Delilah Lupin sighed hopelessly into her food. It was the last day of the summer holidays, and she'd had no progress with her son whatsoever. It was frustrating; the way he moped and just sat there mute, only half heartedly swallowing his food. He'd been like that the entire summer, since he'd come back from the Potters. At first, Del had thought that he was perhaps missing his friends but now, this was getting completely out of hand.

She was a psychiatrist after all, and she knew the signs of depression when she saw it. But instead of talking about it like she'd always taught him to do, Remus chose to lock himself up in his room instead, only coming down during meals. Even when they'd gotten his OWL results, he'd been far from ecstatic. At that time, both she and her husband had figured it was because of the 'E' he'd gotten in Potions, and John Lupin had even offered to cheer him up with tickets to a footy match. However, their son had refused, which was odd by itself. Remus never said no to anything his father offered, especially not football. What Del couldn't understand was what in God's name could have happened that was drastic enough to change her normally affectionate child into this unhappy mess?

She looked up at her husband and saw that he was shooting the same concerned glances towards their boy, who had bags under his eyes so deep that he looked like a raccoon. Obviously, he hadn't been getting much sleep. Del sighed again and reached out to Remus, smoothing the wrinkles on his forehead with her thumb.

'Baby, do you have something you want to tell us?'

Remus's head shot up from his plate, and he looked at both of them with frightened eyes. 'Do I?' he asked, his voice shaking.

Del leaned back in her chair and noticed that John had looked up from his food as well. 'I don't know, love. It seems like you do.'

Remus shook his head and smiled unconvincingly. 'No. No, I don't…' He paused for a while, looking at both of them intently, then sighed, bowing his head low so that his hair tumbled into his eyes. 'No, wait. I-I do.'

Del smoothed his hair back, tucking it behind his ears. 'You know you can tell us anything, Remus.'

Remus took a deep breath and nodded. 'I'm…I'm seeing someone,' he said slowly.

John Lupin frowned, obviously confused. 'Is that a good thing?'

Remus ran a hand through his hair. 'I don't know. We're both good friends, and we like each other a lot. So…yeah, I guess it is.'

'And does she know…about you, that is?' asked Del, placing her hand over her son's.

Remus looked down again, worrying his lower lip with his teeth. 'Yeah, he does.'

Del's eyes widened (he?), but John seemed to have not noticed because he broke into a wide grin. 'Well, I don't see a reason to be upset then. We should be celebrating this special occasion, don't you think? Why don't we-'

'John,' interrupted Del, her voice low. 'I'd like to talk to Remus alone for a while.'

Her husband's smile faltered but after a while of thought, he nodded, casting a playful wink Remus's way. He obviously thought that 'the talk' involved something around the lines of the birds and the bees.

Del turned towards her son, expression unreadable. 'Remus, upstairs, now.'

Remus gulped and followed his mother upstairs and into his room. She didn't say anything but casually noted the expressions on her son's face, flitting from fear, to anxiety, to something she couldn't quite read yet.

Honestly, she didn't know what to say. Of all things, this was what she least expected and for the first time in her life, she felt unprepared and unable to solve a problem.

Once they'd entered the room, Remus sat down on his bed, knees immediately drawing up to his chest.

'I don't know what to say, Remus,' said Del slowly, locking the door behind them.

Remus whimpered, burying his face into the crook of his knees.

Del sat down facing him, taking in his drooping form. She sighed heavily and decided to plunge in. 'It's nothing to worry over, Remus. I'm sure it's just a phase, and it probably isn't uncommon for teenagers your age to-'

'Mum, will you, for once, try to understand me instead of studying me!' cried out Remus, looking up at her with bright amber eyes. 'I'm not one of your patients, and I'm not a child.'

Whatever practiced lines Del was going to recite quickly slipped away. 'Remus-'

'I know how I feel, mum and what it means. And I'm sorry, but this isn't going to just fade away with time. I don't mean to be so…abnormal…but there's nothing I can do about it, and it's okay if you want to shout at me now but, please…try and understand…and don't leave me…and…I'm not asking for much,' his voice broke at the end and his eyes immediately cast down to his feet.

Del stared at her son sorrowfully. He'd clearly been holding this back all summer, because he thought his parents were going to desert him. Such little faith. No wonder he'd been miserable. 'Oh, baby,' she carded her fingers through his honey brown hair. 'We'd never leave you, you know that.' When Remus didn't respond, she pulled him into a hug, feeling his arms instantly wind tightly around her.

'I didn't want to tell you at first,' he whispered against her shoulder. 'But I hated lying all the time.'

'It's okay, baby. It's okay…' She rubbed soothing circles on his back. 'I'm glad you did.'

He dug deeper into her shoulder, seeking comfort. 'Dad doesn't know yet.'

'He'll-' A muted shout that sounded a lot like fucking hell interrupted her sentence. Del laughed. 'I think he just figured it out,'

Remus, however, did not find the situation particularly amusing. 'He doesn't sound very happy,' he said, hesitantly looking up at her.

'He's just a little shocked. He'll get over it, you know your father.'

Remus bit his lip. 'What if he doesn't mum? What if he doesn't want me anymore?'

Del's heart broke at how small he sounded. 'That's impossible, baby. There hasn't been a single moment when your father didn't want you,' she replied, rubbing her thumb against his cheek. 'No one's ever made him more proud. Even when you were born, I remember how he would parade you around everywhere like you were royalty. He'd even take you to work if he could. There was such a drastic change in his personality that his colleagues were afraid he would go hug all the dark wizards and sing lullabies to them instead.' She smiled when Remus let out a weak laugh. 'Even now, Remus, he'd do anything for you and don't tell him this, but I think he's framed your old scribbles in his office because I sure as hell can't find them.'

There was a loud crash from downstairs, and Remus shuddered in his mother's arms. 'Mum, I'm scared.'

Del kissed his forehead. 'Don't be. I'll talk to your father, okay? By morning, he'll probably be teasing you about it.' She unwound herself and stood up. 'Why don't you get some sleep? You have a long journey ahead of you tomorrow.'

Remus nodded, lying down on his bed and pulling the covers over himself. 'Goodnight, mum.'

'Goodnight, baby. Sleep well.'

XxxxX

'Remus!' His mother's voice called out from the kitchen. 'You're dad's waiting in the car!'

Remus ran down the stairs, two at a time, trying to finger comb his hair. 'I'm coming, mum!' He ran past the kitchen door and skidded to a stop to drop a kiss on his mother's cheek. 'Bye!'

'Have a good year, love,' said Del fondly, watching her son walk out the back door.

Remus walked around the house towards the road. John Lupin was already sitting in the car, drumming his fingers impatiently against the steering wheel. He'd already started the engine, which was making a weird groaning noise probably from the last damage it suffered. It was still unknown why Delilah Lupin let John drive the car. After four years, his father's driving had only improved enough for him not to smash into at least four lamp posts on the way. No, now it was only three…

Remus quickly slipped into his seat and buckled his seatbelt. 'Hey dad.'

John did not reply and stepped hard on the accelerator instead. Remus shrugged, figuring his father had probably not heard him and opted for silence anyway. Halfway through the trip, however, he was starting to feel extremely uncomfortable. His father hadn't even looked at him since he'd entered the car, and the playful banter that they both usually enjoyed was replaced by a very unwelcome and awkward silence.

Remus shifted in his seat. 'Dad?'

Nothing. John just kept on driving.

Perhaps his father hadn't heard him over the sound of the engine? Remus tried again. 'Dad?'

Another sharp left turn.

'Dad, will you please just talk to me?' said Remus exasperatedly, throwing his hands up.

The car stopped at the signal, but John didn't bother looking at his son. He merely shrugged and adjusted the mirror. 'What do you want me to say, Remus?'

That you're okay with this. That you don't care. Remus looked down at his lap. 'I don't know.'

There was a prolonged silence until John finally banged a frustrated fist against the dashboard. 'Damn it, Remus, why do you always have to do this? Why do you always end up making things harder on yourself?'

Remus didn't meet his father's eyes. 'I didn't do anything, dad. It just happened.' He wrung his hands together nervously. 'I didn't want it to and believe me, I tried to stop it, but-'

'Well, you obviously didn't try hard enough, did you?' The light turned green, and John took off with a sharp start. 'Bloody hell, Remus, do you have any idea how people are going to look at you after this? It's bad enough that you have to deal with being a werewolf, but this…this just takes you on to a whole new level!'

He took another sudden turn, and it was miracle that both men were sitting perfectly upright. 'I don't intend to parade it around, dad. I just felt like I had to tell you and mum, that's all.'

John's grip tightened on the wheel, and he took his eyes off the road to glare at his son. 'And what, Remus? Expect things to go all happy and dandy, when I know that-'

'I'm a monster and now a freak to add to it?' interrupted Remus, eyes looking back with fury. Why didn't his father try to understand? It wasn't any easier for Remus than it was for him, but at least he'd accepted it. 'Say it dad, you know you want to.'

'Well, you'd better get used to it, because at the direction you're going, you'll be hearing it a lot more!'

Remus felt like he'd been punched in the gut.

'Every single day of my life, Remus, I spend searching for a cure to your lycanthropy - anything that will make life easier for you.' John either didn't notice the speed limit sign or was too angry to care. 'Tell me, do I have to search one for your gayness as well, because I sure as hell don't know.'

Remus felt anger bubble inside of him. Why, why was this happening? This was his father! Of all people, he was the first one Remus had expected to understand. 'It's not a disease, dad, and I'm not gay! I just fell in love!' Remus's eyes widened at his own declaration. That had not been what he'd wanted to say. In fact, the revelation came as shock to himself. He was in love with Sirius? Surely not. 'I just fell in love,' he whispered again, staring at his hands. Perhaps it was a question Remus was asking himself; perhaps it was a confirmation from his heart to his brain. Who knew?

The car came to an abrupt halt in front of the station, and John turned in his seat to face his son. 'You're too young to know what love is, Remus,' he said slowly, shaking his head.

'Maybe,' replied Remus shakily. He looked up at his father's bright blue eyes. 'But that's what it feels like right now. I love him.' The words were just rolling out of his tounge now, fast and unrelenting. 'And he's just as important to me as you or mum…and if you just gave him a chance…'

John Lupin looked away. 'Your trunk's in the boot, Remus,' he said, voice as cold as ice.

Remus felt an iron fist clutch at his heart. 'Dad, please,' he said desperately.

His father shook his head, fixing his gaze straight ahead. 'I'm sorry, Remus, but this is one thing about you that I just will not accept.'

It was the first time Remus Lupin walked to the station completely alone. It was a heart breaking sight, even for those who didn't know what had happened. The way Remus's posture sagged and his shoulders shook, how his eyes shone with unshed tears as he stood there looking at the empty space where his father's car had been only minutes ago. Right then, there was nothing Remus wanted to do more than just fall to his knees and cry, but he didn't, couldn't. Not in the middle of the station, not in front of so many people.

XxxxX

sola-bola: I feel worse for Remus in this one, but it had to be done…this story needs some kind of plot after all. Lykaios Nyx: thnkx. And people are going to be harsh to Remus no matter what…that's sort of what his character's all about, and as sadistic as I might sound…it's what makes writing fun. MagicalWinry: Yeah, I like the window scene too. I did that once with my sister's things, and we live on the sixteenth floor. I have a nasty temper, and my punishment lasted over a month! Lady Molko: Well, this chapter doesn't show much about them breaking apart…but as a sadistic writer, something bad must happen to someone in this story, right? How else am I going to channel my teenage angst and frustration if not through torturing other people? Serpent91: No, he isn't going to leave…not technically. I sorta mentioned that the hols were starting, so they'd be apart for a while before the stay over at James's place. That's what he was talking about. Sorry if you didn't get it…I'll try to be clearer next time. Leanna: Well, patience is something you won't have to worry over too much with this fic. I update as often as I can and that's actually quite fast…atleast, I think it is. Anyway, glad you liked the read! P.S. Yes, destructive Remus is very hot. jka1: Love, Sirius and Remus are hot in every fic. They are just plain hot…period. Queen of the Paperclips: lol…if you think you're hot, then you are…that's what my mum says…but not in so many words. Usually, it goes something like: Yes, you look beautiful, now shut up and let me get back to sleep. Tyleet27: It wasn't like Remus didn't know he couldn't be an auror…because he had been nervous when he'd gotten in, and he hadn't actually answered mc gonagall when she'd asked him if he was sure…but as he'd complained to James and Sirius during his breakdown…people are always trying to bring him up, tell him he can do anything if he tries hard enough…so when Dark sorta confirms what he's had on his mind all along, something just snaps. Oh, and Harry was told he couldn't be an auror, because Umbridge hated his guts. But then again, she's probably right. Harry's stupid enough to think Snape's the bad guys, so yeah. KawaiiMegami86: Ah…you're one of the many who didn't read in between the lines and got confused. I sorta mentioned that the hols were starting, so Sirius and Remus would be apart for a while before the stay over at James's place. That's what Remus was talking about. He isn't going to leave Sirius any time soon…don't worry. And honestly, I think Remus will die…JK seems sorta fixated on the Marauders deaths. WhiteWolfCub: It's okay. I'm sadistic too…but I think that's sort of obvious with this chapter, huh. Don't worry about it. Take pride in it… mad.hot.love.: Oh, there will be snogging, just not in this chapter…but there will be. And it's not an odd compliment at all. It's nice to know that you can combine your perverted mind and writing skills together to make something worthwhile. Lol. Black's Crystal: This chapter's probably not what you're expecting at all, but I didn't want to beat around the bush with unnecessary fluff…so I sorta got to the point. Hope I didn't disappoint too much. BlackMercifulFaerie: You're not the first person to ask me that. I had no idea I was this unclear, but I sorta mentioned that the hols were starting, so Sirius and Remus would be apart for a while before the stay over at James's place. That's what Remus was talking about. SusannahMio: Hm…I don't know. I haven't gotten to that bit yet. I'm sorta just taking it chapter by chapter. Going with the flow and all that. Luermide: I love your fic. I just noticed today that u updated. So what's wrong with Remus. Temporary amnesia, mpd, neuro tra- oh never mind. I'm a science student and I tend to read into things too much. But keep up the good work and sorry if I'm reviewing for your fic in my own, but I'm sorta in a rush and all. Just wanted to get this posted up. Muppetmadness: Poor rem, indeed. But he wasn't having furry pms…he was just royally pissed. I feel even worse for him in this chapter, especially since there's no Sirius to kiss it better. Lol. Freakanature: I glad you like my fic. Hope this chapter's upto your expectations and keep reviewing! jean kitsune: Handcuffs are nothing. My sister locked me out in the balcony once for over eight hours in the middle of the freakin winter. The only thing remotely good thing that came out of it was I got to miss school and my sis got it good. Plus, the damn girl is bloody tall and weighs 60kg. And she takes it upon herself to sit on me when we're fighting, and I weight 47. Very painful. VG Jekyll: Yeah, he found his wand…and the rest of his books…a little muddy…but hell, it's better than nothing. You're the first person who asked that question. I was actually wondering about it myself. runningwithscissors75: I don't mind girly Sirius and Remus. I've sort of gotten used to it since most fics are like that. What I truly hate is when one of them gets the other pregnant. It just totally pisses me off…especially since some of the fics are actually quite good until that bit comes along. And I get so angry that I just stop reading completely. Oh…and you're not the first hit list I've been to, and I've survived for so long. But thanks for the reassurance. It's nice to know I'm not first on the list….for once. LunasStar: You can just save my story into your alert system. That way, you can access it whenever you want and it'll tell you when I've updated. Quite handy really. Anyway, thanks for all the compliments. Keep reviewing! Psychosomaticaddict: Well, you didn't have to wait very long for an update. I hope. Also, I got this image of a girl with a green face, crying while staring into the computer screen. Yes, weird, I know. But it's seven in the morning and a bloody holiday. I can't sleep but I can't string two sensible sentences together either. So, sorry if there are mistakes and stuff in this chapter.Remo: I really need to do something about my writing. You're like the fifth person or something asking me this. Well, I sorta mentioned that the hols were starting, so Sirius and Remus would be apart for a while before the stay over at James's place. That's what Remus was talking about. So, no sweat….nothing to worry about…yet (sadistic grin). Yamisukui: You're not the only one screaming with delight. Ahem…I should take some time to control myself before I plunge in. First of all, thanks for reviewing, and the absolutely wonderful compliments you've left me. You have me grinning like a fool at seven in the morning, in a completely empty room, with a bowl of cornflakes on my lap that's threatening to spill. P.S. No one's ever called my writing delicate before…it has a nice ring to it, even though I'm not sure what it means…it sounds…oh so good.