A/N: The most difficult chapter to write in terms of getting across the correct mood and tone. Even now, I'm still not sure if I've done that effectively as I could, so this chapter may be rewritten in the future.

Shining Star

Chapter 5: The Brightest Star of All

Remus hurried out the door and attempted to follow Sirius through the darkened halls of Hogwarts.

'Where could he have gone? Back to Gryffindor? No, I don't think so. . .'

His footsteps echoed through the empty hallways as he ran, searching through several corridors. Finally, he caught a glimpse of Sirius out a window, sitting on the roof. Remus stopped and caught his breath before sliding the window open and crawling out. He shivered as the chill of the cold, winter air hit him. He climbed up and took a seat next to Sirius, who was gazing up at the sky. After a few moments, the raven-haired boy broke the silence.

"You're too kind, Moony."

"Why do you torment Snape so? He did naught to you, so why do you give him such a hard time?"

Sirius shrugged and turned away.

"I suppose we don't really have a good reason other than that he's a loser from Slytherin."

Remus sighed and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"You're frustrated, aren't you?" he asked gently.

"Hmph."

Not wanting to make Sirius angrier with him than he already was, Remus decided that it was best not to press the issue. Instead, the two boys continued gazing up at the night sky, which was clear and dotted with a number of stars.

"The moon is beautiful tonight, isn't it?" Sirius commented.

"Huh. . ." Remus hesitated. He actually was never too fond of the moon due to his condition. Rather, it was a source of constant torment for him as it always made him fear for the safety of those around him. The full moon would arrive in two days. He was so thankful that it did not have to be tonight. It was only a few moments later that Sirius caught on to Remus's discomfort.

"Sorry."

"It's quite alright," Remus smiled reassuringly. "I just. . ."

Remus recalled the horrible recurring nightmares. The terrible instances where he would be running away, full moon overhead. . .and in the end, he would always end up killing someone.

"I fear for you. . .and the others. . ."

Sirius continued to stare up at the sky, not knowing how to respond. Now that he thought about it, Remus wondered.

'Do my friends fear me too? Sirius. . .is it selfish of me to want to be with you even though I put your very life at risk?'

Without turning to face him, Sirius took Remus by the hand. The copper-haired boy blushed and turned to gaze at his friend for a moment before following Sirius's gaze and looking up towards the sky again.

"I think. . .rather than the glow of moonlight, I prefer the shining stars."

"The stars, hmm?" Sirius chuckled. "Then. . .do you know which star shines the brightest of all?"

"Well. . ." Remus pondered for a few seconds. "That would be Polaris, the North Star, wouldn't it?"

"Actually," Sirius began, smiling knowingly. "The star that shines brightest is none other than Sirius, of the constellation Canis Major."

"Sirius?"

"That's me!" Sirius replied with a grin.

Sirius withdrew his wand and, within Remus's field of view, he connected the stars to reveal Canis Major, then pointed out Sirius, the brightest star of all. Remus was awestruck. He gently squeezed Sirius's hand, and the raven-haired boy turned and smiled back. This time, it was not the same boyish grin as before, but rather, a pleasantly contented smile. Remus's heart melted at the sight. He wanted so much to take Sirius into his arms and tell him just how much he meant to him, but knew that it was still too risky a move to even try. He was not even sure if Sirius would take a liking to another boy. . .what if he was straight? Remus decided that it would probably be best to find evidence for this one way or another before acting upon his feelings. For now though, the two boys were perfectly content stargazing together, and simply enjoying each other's presence.

'I love you, Sirius. . .you're the star that shines brightest in my heart.'

End Chapter 5

A/N: Ehh….to be honest, this chapter didn't turn out as well as I wanted it to. Ahhh…but anyways, chapter 6 will feature the Writer's Block challenge! I hope you all look forward to it ^^

As always, don't forget to leave a review!