The next day Sirius woke up alone.
All his friends' beds were made, so that meant that they hadn't returned that night.
He gave up all hope that his fight with James had just been a horrible dream and dressed quickly, hoping to plead and apologise and beg for their forgiveness.
Sirius was so eager to talk to them that he didn't think of what he could say, so as soon as he spotted them seated near the middle of the table he slowed down nervously.
His stomach squirmed uncomfortably but he wasn't a Gryffindor for nothing; Sirius took a deep breath and walked on cautiously the rest of the way forward.
He stopped abruptly when he was directly behind James and Remus. Peter was looking determinedly at his plate and Remus and James did not even turn around.
Sirius didn't know what to say "H-hi" he tried.
They ignored him.
He took another deep breath and started again shakily "Look, guys, I am so sorry. I know what I did was stupid but can… can we please just forget it? I made a mistake. I really didn't mean to hurt anyone."
Remus turned around slowly and looked up at him blankly; his eyes empty "You used me."
Sirius winced and swayed on his feet as though those three simple words had struck him like a physical blow "No I would never-! Remus… I- I didn't mean it like that! You have to believe me-"
"Go away Sirius, looking at you… it makes me sick" he interrupted hollowly, turning away.
"Remus please-" He tried again.
"I don't think we can be friends anymore" Remus said quietly, still not looking at him.
Sirius' chest tightened painfully and he was almost gasping for air.
"Moony -"
James' foot slammed down on the floor as he stood to face Sirius in the aisle with a look that almost made Sirius recoil "I always thought you were different" he hissed, almost nose to nose with Sirius "different from your twisted family but do you know who would have gotten a kick out of your prank?" he sneered "your beloved cousin Bellatrix."
With a thrill of horror Sirius realised that he was right "James-"
"Just go Sirius!" James burst out, glaring furiously angry at him "just leave us alone" he added throwing his knife back onto the table before he stormed off.
Remus rose quietly and followed after him, averting his gaze from Sirius and Peter stood timidly, whispered "Sorry" apologetically then sped away.