The Moon and Star

Chapter Nine

Remus

Hogwarts was bathed in white as we strolled through Hogsmeade, our eyes happy as we filled the streets with laughter. It was a week after the last full moon, and our spirits were high. I had been a little bashed up, but Wren had been okay this time, making it okay for me. Wren held onto my arm as we walked, concern cutting through her joy. I smiled at her, reassuring her. I didn't mind as much when I was injured anymore; all I thought when I woke up riddled with cuts was… at least it wasn't Wren.

Sombre thoughts aside, we stumbled, laughing, into The Three Broomsticks. Heads turned as we collapsed into a booth, causing so much raucous that a waiter ran over to shush us, his face nervous. We calmed long enough to order five butterbeers, before Sirius made some joke or other that made us fall about laughing. My eyes cleared to see him sat there opposite me, laughing heartedly. His eyes crinkled at the edges, his mouth wide in mirth, showing off his perfect white teeth. Suddenly, all I could see was him; everything else faded from view as I watched him. His eyes met mine, and I sucked in a breath, dropping my gaze. I forced a laugh, looking anywhere but him. Our butterbeers came, granting me the perfect excuse to focus on something other than him.

We teetered and tripped our way out of the inn, drunk on sheer happiness. Walking slowly back up to the castle, we laughed and joked, talking about sweet nothings. Peter and Wren ended up ahead; Wren was talking animatedly, and Peter was chuckling softly at something she said, and she smiled, giggling with him. They were becoming fast friends, and I loved that Wren was so comfortable around all of us now.

"So Sirius, how does it feel to be the only Marauder who hasn't turned yet?" James teased, nudging him. Sirius laughed, punching him jokily on the shoulder, and I sniggered, though not unkindly.

"Remus, my friend, not you too! You wound me!" Sirius clutched at his heart dramatically, "I can't handle the torture!"

"Ah, shut up, Sirius," James chuckled, "You're a bloody drama queen, you know that?"

"Why, yes, Prongs," He preened, "And I am fabulous!"

Sirius

I loved these visits to Hogsmeade; it gave me a chance to spend some good old-fashioned time with my friends, where we wouldn't necessarily be able to in between lessons.

We were so close to the castle, so close to escaping the cold, when a feminine voice bounced through the trees.

"James?" I sighed, turning slowly. Lily Evans stood behind us, her vibrant hair dusted with snow. James sucked in a breath next to me, and I knew, without a doubt, he was still completely hooked. In all honesty, I didn't hate her, nowhere near. I actually quite liked her. Lily fought for what she wanted, and in this case, it was James. I saw the way she looked at him; she was so jealous that Wren had a relationship with him where she didn't. I knew that Wren forgave her, and that James wouldn't hesitate to let her apologise, but… I had the feeling Moony wouldn't be quite so merciful. My heart softened at the thought of him; it felt as if my insides were marshmallows as I thought of how fiercely he had defended his friends, where he was usually quiet and reserved.

"James, I-"

"It's okay, Lily. I forgive you." Lily's face lit up in a smile, and James' eyes melted, and he looked as if he'd been administered a love potion… which, in a way, he had. "However… I don't know if my friends do, and that's… that's kind of the make or break here." He said sadly, his eyes downcast. Lily blanched, but then nodded.

"Sirius? You… you see how I-"

"Yes, I see it," I said tensely. "I forgive you." I couldn't bring myself to look at Remus, who I could feel was glaring daggers at my back. I steeled myself and turned to look at him, and was shocked to see him looking at me in resign, his eyes glistening.

"Peter, Remus?" The former nodded readily, smiling at Lily. She grinned back at him, stepping towards us. Remus took one small step back, but that was all that was needed to stall Lily in her advances. She stopped, her face falling.

"I… I forgive you." Remus whispered, before turning on his heel and stalking back to the castle. I was shocked; I truly expected him to throw it all in her face and hold the whole thing against her for the rest of his life, but… I guess something changed his mind. (I wasn't about to admit I was wrong… there had to be some sort of explanation, am I right?) I was stunned, but found myself muttering something to my friends, and running after him, terrified.

I found him slumped against the wall of a deserted corridor, his back shaking as he wept. I skidded to a halt, my eyes wide. I had never seen Remus cry before; sure, I had seen him break down, scream, shout but… never cry. I walked slowly towards him, a chink of my heart chipping off with every sob.

"Hey, Moony?" I whispered. Remus didn't turn around, but stilled suddenly. I ran to him, enveloping him in my arms. "No, no, Remus, cry… please, as much as it breaks me to see it, cry. Let it all out. I'm here, Moony…" His wiry frame shook in my embrace as he slowly wrapped his arms around my waist. I clutched him tighter to me, my eyes squeezed tightly shut.

James

Sirius sprinted after Remus, calling his name.

"Padfoot!" I yelled, but he didn't turn back. I hadn't expected him to, anyway. Indecision tore at me; my gaze flittered between my best friends and the girl I loved. A strange sense of deja vu washed over me, and I shook my head, ridding my mind of thoughts of that day.

"They forgave me, James," Lily whispered, stepping towards me. "Do… do you think…"

"Yes…" I breathed, "I think we can." I smiled lovingly at her, and her face lit up in a radiant grin. "Lily Evans, will you go out with me?" There, you finally said it.

"If your friends are okay with it… I would love to go out with you, James Potter." I laughed out of pure joy, and Lily joined in, throwing her hair back, her fiery hair dancing in the wind. Man, are you in love.

I couldn't find them anywhere. Lily and I had parted ways after she went to bed, but when I had gone to the dorm to find the others, all I found was a worried Peter lying on his bed, still fully dressed in the late hour. Wren was sat beside him, her face tired, her eyes bruised. I dashed out of the room, terror gripping my heart. I ran through countless corridors, down limitless staircases, but Sirius and Remus were nowhere to be seen. I shouted there names, hope diminishing each time no void but my own echoed back to me. After hours of frantic searching, I gave up. I wasn't proud of it by any means, but I gave up. Back leaning against a wall, I buried my face in my hands, silent tears threatening to slip from my eyes. I was preparing myself to return to the dorm and continue searching the next day, when a sweet sound reached my ears. I looked up, a frown involuntarily finding a place on my brow. Sirius and Remus rounded the corner, Sirius laughing joyously at something Remus had said. Sirius' arm was around Remus' waist, and Remus was resting his head on his shoulder. I grinned, and mentally shrugged. What good friends they are.

Wren

I stayed with Peter through the night, comforting him. He was a shy one, that was for sure, but once he opened up… he was a sweetheart inside. He told me about how he was so grateful to his friends for taking him in where he felt he had nothing to offer them; Sirius and James were trouble-makers, the founders of the group; Remus, the quiet yet witty one with a dark secret; all he was was a small boy with nothing to give. At least thats what he thought. I knew that he guys didn't give him much credit, but… they knew, really, that they wouldn't be the Marauders without Peter. I stayed with him even as he fitfully slept, and smiled when he woke.

"Hey, Pete." I whispered.

"Are they back?" He croaked, his sweet eyes worried. My smile seemed to drift from my face, and I looked down at my hands clenched in my lap.

"No," I muttered. "I'm sorry, Peter. I'm sure they'll be at breakfast."

I faced the wall as he changed into clean robes, and we headed down to the Great Hall, not speaking too much. I could tell he was trying to hold it together for me, just as I was for him, but failing just as miserably as I was. I looked up into his blue eyes as he pushed open the door, and he smiled down at me.

"Thanks for being an amazing friend to me, Wren," He whispered, "You don't know how much this means to me."

"I have the feeling that I know a little better than you think." I grinned, and pushed open the door. Lo and behold, Sirius and Remus sat opposite James, their shoulders pressed together they were so close. They were laughing; happy.

Peter ran to them, beaming as he sat beside James. He began talking animatedly, his smiled never wavering. Sirius' face drew my attention. He wasn't looking at Peter as the others were; his gaze was firmly on Remus.