A/N: The long-awaited chapter 7! Thanks to the chapter 6 challenge, I think I know where this story is going now. As before, I hope to update each Friday, so look forward to a new chapter next week!

Shining Star

Chapter 7: That's What Friends Are For

After exploring the city together for a few hours, the four tired Marauders returned to Hope Springs to rest for the night. As they had agreed earlier, James and Remus met in front of the Hope Springs archway at 10pm while Sirius and Peter were brushing their teeth and getting ready for bed.

"So? What's up, Moony?"

Remus hesitated. How could he start a conversation like this?

"Umm. . .well, I wanted to know if. . .if you or Padfoot knew about. . .uhh. . .that, you know, I. . ."

"Relax, mate," James spoke softly and reassuringly as he placed his hands on Remus's shoulders and looked sincerely into the werewolf's eyes. "You can tell me anything. . .and no matter what it is, I will neither think of you differently nor stop believing in you."

Remus looked at James carefully, and felt hot tears welling up in his eyes as he looked back into James's kind expression. The copper-haired boy could not hold back anymore. He fell into James's welcoming embrace as the tears began to fall.

"Come now, Remus. . .what's on your mind?"

"You and the others might have already known, but. . ." Remus whimpered between sobs. "It's Sirius. I've fallen in love with one of my best friends and never imagined how painful it would be to have to hide my feelings for the sake of not ruining the valuable bonds that I share with you all."

"Oh, so that's what it was," James spoke tenderly, gently rubbing Remus's back. "Wow. . ."

"You. . .you didn't already know?"

"No. . .I knew you two were close, but I had no idea about your feelings."

"And the others?"

"Oh, you don't have to worry about them," James chuckled. "Peter isn't quick to catch on to these sorts of things. As for Sirius, I don't think he knows, but I don't believe he would be judgmental even if he found out. I see the way he looks at you, and the way he treats you. I can tell he cares for you a great deal."

"So then. . .maybe. . ." Remus began uncertainly. "I might. . .have a chance. . .?"

"That I can't say," James replied thoughtfully. "Sirius. . .even with me, he's always been very mysterious about his feelings. The kindly way in which he treats you may be due to your close friendship, or it could mean something more. However, the answer isn't clear to me one way or another."

"Then, what can I do, James?" Remus pleaded with his friend. He felt so pathetic, but he knew James was trustworthy and that he could depend on him in this painful situation. His sincere gaze told him so. . .told him that everything would be okay, because James would not allow things to occur otherwise.

"Hmm. . ." James's expression turned thoughtful. "Even though I don't think he'd be judgmental, I wouldn't act on your feelings just yet. If he found out and didn't feel the same, then it might cause unnecessary distance between you two, which we don't want. Let me do some investigating first so I can figure out how you can best approach the situation."

"R-really?" Remus eyes lit up. "You. . .you'd do all that for me?"

"Well of course!" James smiled brightly. "That's what friends are for, is it not?"

"Err. . ."

"Really, Remus." James's features softened again. "Just leave it to me. Everything will be okay."

James and Remus returned to the room quite late, so Sirius and Peter were already in bed. With a wink and a reassuring smile, James bid Remus good night before heading to bed himself. Remus crawled under the fluffy, white comforter next to Sirius and lay awake, staring ahead into the darkness for a while. Finding himself unable to sleep with so much on his mind, the young werewolf climbed out of bed and quietly slid the glass patio doors open, silently slipping outside to get some fresh air. It was a clear night, just like the one on Valentine's Day one month ago when Sirius and him sat on the Hogwarts roof together, gazing at the stars. Remus looked to the sky again, warmed by the steam rising from the still waters of the hot spring that permeated the air around him. He was left alone to his thoughts, save for the sound of chirping crickets and the rippling of hot water at his feet.

"Sirius. . ." Remus muttered, as he began searching the night sky for the star of his secret love.

"That's me."

With a startled gasp, Remus turned to the glass doors to find Sirius standing between them. The raven-haired boy approached his friend, a look of concern gracing his handsome features.

"You and Prongs were out for a long while. . . did something happen?"

"Oh no, we were just talking about things."

"I see," Sirius said thoughtfully. He paused for a moment before continuing. "Remus. . .if ever you need someone, you know I'll always be here for you, right?"

"Yes. . .thanks, Sirius."

With that, Sirius fervently took Remus's hands in his own and closed his eyes, as if deep in concentration.

"S-Sirius?"

"I'm lending you my strength." Sirius opened his eyes and met Remus's gaze. "Because I know that whatever you and James were talking about earlier, is an issue you've been struggling with and I don't want you to have to go through it alone."

"Oh, Sirius. . ." Remus shook his head. "Really, I'll be fine. . .but thank you."

Sirius let go of Remus's hands before bidding him good night and heading back indoors. Nearly immediately, the copper-haired boy felt the warmth leave his fingers, and found himself yearning for the touch once more. Remus chuckled to himself and sighed.

'I have such wonderful friends that care so much for me. . .I'm so truly thankful for them.'

End chapter 7

A/N: Hmm…I wonder if my version of Sirius is starting to get a little OOC since he's already awfully soft towards Remus even though he knows nothing about his feelings. Let me know what you guys think in your reviews =)