A/N: Thank you to everyone who put a fave/alert/review on this story thus far! I hope to add more juicy Remus x Sirius action as this fic progresses ^^

This chapter is dedicated to yHime, a superb fanfiction author who inspired me with her Oz x Gil and Remus x Sirius fics! I highly recommend her works, especially The Star and His Moon if you're looking for more Remus x Sirius action!

Shining Star

Chapter 2: Journey to Hogsmeade

It had only been since that fateful night when Sirius had held his hand after the nightmare; only then did Remus realize that his feelings for his raven-haired comrade extended beyond just mere friendship. Oddly enough, this revelation was not at all surprising to the copper-haired teen. Sirius had always stood out from the crowd in Remus's mind. . .and it was not simply because he was the most popular boy in school. Remus figured his feelings had developed gradually over the years as he spent a great deal of time hanging out with his fellow Marauders, doing just about everything together with his three best friends from planning pranks, to studying, to simply enjoying each other's company.

More recently though, Remus often found himself looking only at Sirius. He admired his tall, graceful figure. His dark hair which seemed to be wild, yet sleek at the same time. His rugged, dark features-especially those eyes, which seemed to reveal a glimpse of the midnight sky. They say the eyes are windows to the soul, yet Sirius's eyes, as Remus found, revealed no clue as to his hidden inner thoughts and feelings beyond a carefree, aloof façade. They seemed to draw one in, but without giving anything away.

In the weeks following his nightmare, Remus analyzed his feelings over and over. When he fantasized about Sirius, he also wondered whether or not he would ever be able to return his feelings. He sometimes contemplated making the first move on him, but in the end, he always decided that it would be too risky. Remus did not wish to jeopardize any of the close friendships that he shared with the other three Marauders. The more he thought about it, the more hopeless it seemed. Sirius was so popular and had so many admirable traits. Although Remus also had his own share of admirers, he could not help but find himself feeling that there was no chance of him ever being able to attain the 'shining star' of Hogwarts.

It was not until one of their trips to Hogsmeade that Remus's hopes were lifted ever so slightly. The Marauders had snuck out over the weekend to buy various treats and supplies for their pranks. Remus had spent a good deal of time in the candy store, picking up everything from Every Flavor Beans to Chocolate Frogs. The Marauders usually bought more than plenty of these things. . .not only to satisfy their own sweet tooths, but also to make a small profit selling some of the extras to other students.

Remus was just exiting the candy store when he was suddenly grabbed by the arm and pulled into a dark alleyway. He was about to let out a yelp, but his mouth was quickly covered by the hand of his mysterious captor.

"Sshh. . .it's Professor Flinnigan, we can't let him see us here."

Sure enough, one of the Hogwarts professors was walking down the street and had almost run into Remus as he was leaving the candy store.

"Sirius?"

"Sshh. . ."

Sirius held Remus from behind, his hand still covering his mouth as Sirius scanned up and down the street.

"Okay, we're clear!"

Remus gasped for air and turned toward his friend who had let go of him as soon as the professor was out of sight.

"Huhnn. . .Sirius, you don't have to hold on to me so tightly next time!"

Sirius flashed him a boyish grin, which quickly turned into an expression of concern once he met Remus's eyes.

"Hmm? Remus, your face is all red. You feeling okay?"

"It is? But I feel fine. . ."

Remus was silenced as Sirius stepped closer and leaned in so that their foreheads were lightly touching. Remus closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could feel his heart flutter as he inhaled Sirius's scent. It was a fresh, slightly zesty smell. . .deodorant perhaps?

"Ah well, at least you're not feverish," Sirius's tone sounded relieved. "I see you came up with a pretty good haul. Peter and I went and got ourselves a good deal on a number of supplies too. James and him should be waiting for us in front of Clyde's. Anyways. . .you sure you're alright?"

"I'm sure. Let's go meet them then, shall we?"

Remus walked on ahead of Sirius, who stood still for a moment, as if pondering about something. He shook his head and followed after his copper-haired friend, smiling contentedly as they went.

End Chapter 2

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I shall try to update every Friday. Don't forget to leave a review! ^.~