It was late April and the four boys were lounging outside in the unusually warm weather whilst finishing their homework under the beech tree watching the giant squids' tentacles lap at the water's surface. James was staring up at the sky, an open history book beside him. Sirius, looking handsome for his age, had grown nearly another inch over the last few weeks. Peter was sitting watching them curiously whilst Remus sat straight under the tree reading intently, his eyes scanning the page at an alarming rate. Across his arm were the old scars and bruises that he failed to remember to hide due to the heat. Sirius had asked him about them.

"Fell down the stairs," Remus had murmured in reply. "It was a few weeks ago. I wouldn't expect you to remember."

Sirius didn't take him at his word, but did not pursue it.

James rolled over onto his side and began picking the grass watching the daisies hop from the ground and run away from his fingers. It was amusing to watch. But James wasn't thinking about that. "Do you think that we'll be friends till we're like... How old do wizards live?"

"Quite long," Remus replied from under the tree. "It's natural for most magical creatures to live well past the 150 years mark."

"Cool." James said. "Do you think we'll be friends till then?"

"I bloody well hope not." Sirius said, watching the lake with a curious manner. "Put up with you for that long? I might actually scream."

"Oh, thank you Sirius," James said, sarcastically.

"No problem," Sirius grinned.

"I hope so," Peter said. "I mean... I've never really had..."

Remus looked up. Peter had never revealed that he had had a lonely childhood too. He said nothing though before glancing back at his book.

"Well, do you?" James asked, looking over at his bookish friend.

"Do I what?" Remus asked tiredly.

"Do you think we'll be friends that long?" James insisted.

Remus shrugged. He knew that they were going to leave him anyway. Sirius rolled his eyes. "James, don't try and be philosophical," He said. "It doesn't suit you,"

James flashed a grin, his glasses flashing. His smile diminished as Lily and Snape walked past, very close to each other. He felt immediately angry, knowing that Snape was not one to be trusted. He reached for his wand and was about to get up when he felt pressure on his shoulder. He turned to see Sirius looking at him, an eyebrow raised.

"Mate," He said. "It's not worth it; you already have detention for the rest of the month."

James looked back at Lily and Snape knowing that his friend was right. He could not go about hexing Snape. He had homework to finish and more importantly enough detention to last him a lifetime. He was surprised the McGonagall didn't write home to alert his parents of how much time he was spending in detention than he was inside class. He then wondered why McGonagall had not bothered expelling him yet. He had caused enough trouble. Sighing, he tucked his wand back into his pocket and sat down again. Sirius stood still and silent, thinking things over. He turned. Remus had obviously stopped reading, but his eyes had not moved from his book, a dent between his eyes from where he had been frowning.

James lay back down on the grass, the daisies running off again. He closed his eyes ruffling his hair. Remus closed his book, and leaned back on the trunk of the beech tree, closing his exhausted eyes. Within minutes he was sleeping, the heat of the sun beating down on them acting as some sort of blanket. Snape and Lily sat at the edge. Snape had his head on her shoulder as she read the newspaper, they sat on their cloaks talking quietly. Sirius sat down and picked up Remus' book flicking through the pages, uninterested.

"I'm bored," He said, plainly.

"Then go make out with Peter," James said sleepily.

Sirius rolled his eyes. "Come on, I want to do something fun."

"This is fun," James said. "We never take time just to sit and wonder at the clouds."

Sirius stared at James, before lying down on the ground next to him. The grass was soft, velvety even. He clasped his hands and put them under his head squinting as to not look directly into the sun.

"He's out there, isn't he?" Sirius said.

"Who?"

"Voldemort,"

Peter winced at the name. Sirius and James took no notice. Peter lay down too, not bothering to take off his cloak though it would have made him dreadfully uncomfortable.

"Yes," James said. "We'll fight together," He said looking over at Sirius who nodded quietly.

"I doubt my parents would let me." Sirius grumbled.

"You always do what your parents say?" James asked.

Sirius gave a bark-like laugh. "Ha! They wish! Their perfect son already does that."

"Regulus can't be that bad," Peter said frowning.

"Trust me," Sirius said. "He is."

"How old is he? If you don't mind me asking?" James said. "So I know which year he's in."

"He's almost ten." Sirius shrugged. "Perfect ten. He's going to join Voldemort," Again, Peter winced. "He's gonna be a part of the wizard revolution and lead the world away from conspiring with filthy mudbloods and muggles. Well, according to my bloody mother."

James gave a chuckle. "You know, you make her out to be pure evil. I bet she's really nice."

Sirius let out another laugh. "You're kidding right?" He said. "Did you not see what she got me for Christmas?"

"Yes I did," James said.

Sirius upon opening all of his Christmas presents had decided to sort them into piles of things he should keep and things that he could pawn off to supply some sort of fund towards Muggle motorbikes, somewhat an obsession of his. He did not even bother contemplating that someone would like the book his mother and father had given him and promptly threw it into the fire where it began to sound a high pitch as if someone was screaming. It had promptly woken every student who had stayed at Hogwarts up. Shacklebolt, the Ravenclaw prefect, was not amused as he had previously been embedded under warm thick sheets had been awoken by this terrible noise though he had been in the Ravenclaw common room. He had leapt from the bed in order to search down the noise and coming across Sirius who was entering for the feast, automatically assumed that he was to blame. Therefore the whole book burning incident had cost Gryffindor nearly 30 points. Sirius had cursed about this for weeks, pissed off to the point where he wanted to hex anything and everything that crossed his path. His threats would have been more vicious if he actually knew more spells than just "Lumos", "Alohomora", "Flipendo" and "Nox".

"That book was cursed," Sirius said, picking a daisy up that was trying to run away, he pulled out his wand, and tapped the daisy wondering what would happen. The daisy lay flat in his hand, its petals opening and closing around the bud. He shook his head and threw it to the grass.

Remus' head snapped up, he sat blinking for a second before shaking his head.

"Have a good nap?" Sirius asked.

Remus rubbed his eyes. "No," He muttered. "I think there's something under-" He sat up and pulled out his wand from his back pocket and put it down next to him. "That's better," he muttered, folding his arms and leaning back against the tree. James, curious, picked up his friends' wand and balanced in his hand.

"Put it down," Remus said sleepily.

"Well, that would be an idea," James said. "Only, in dark times like these, you should probably not keep your wand out of five feet of you."

Remus snapped his eyes open and grabbed his wand from James. "That's quite enough," He said. "Haven't you got anything better to do?"

"No," Sirius muttered. He was frowning staring up at the sky. "Is it just me or is it getting darker?"

All four boys looked up at the sky. The clouds had turned from fluffy white and barely any, to thunderous black clouds with a dangerous dark tinge to it. James stood up, staring at it. Something was looming from it. There was an almighty crack as thunder fled from the clouds and broke into the Forbidden Forest creating a dreadful noise from the Centaurs. Remus was the next to stand up, holding out his wand.

"I think we should get back into the castle." He said calmly. "James?"

"Er..." James was still staring at the clouds. "Yeah,"

Sirius grabbed his satchel pulling out his cloak and throwing it over his shoulders and pulling the hood over his dark hair. Remus did the same whilst stuffing his book into his bag along with his quill parchment and ink. Peter who had not bothered to take anything but his cloak waited patiently for his friend's, his hair hidden by the hood. There was another clap of thunder and a bolt of lightning soared across the sky. Rain spattered across the grounds at first light then becoming heavier. Snape had grabbed his cloak and put it over Lily who had not brought hers. Together with a flash of red and black hair they were running towards the school. The other students were running too, but the four boys were still watching.

"DO YOU THINK IT'S A FUCKING SHOW?" bellowed one of the prefects. "GET OUT OF HERE! IT'S THE DEATH EATERS!"

Sirius and James looked at each other. "Can they get onto the grounds?" James asked.

"Of course not," Remus said simply. "Dumbledore would have cast protective spells all across the castle. Now come on,"

They began to run, the prefect that had shouted at them earlier was following, his cloak billowing in the heavy rain and wind now battering them.

"Is this how they're going to get us into submission?" Sirius asked as they ran up the muddy track, slipping and sliding as they went. "Bad weather."

Another thunderclap sounded, they looked up and saw the clouds forming into the dark mark, the skull spitting out of the skull with anger. They saw a tiny black figure emerging from it, sweeping down and hitting the school. Something stopped it from reaching the top turret, sending it back. A dome of fire spread across the land before disappearing. The black figure let out a cackle that sounded across Hogwarts before trying to force itself onto the grounds. The invisible shield stopped it each time. The boys stood watching, completely engrossed. Sirius' face had whitened completely.

"Come on," He grumbled.

Remus followed running up the track. James was quick to follow. He stopped turned and saw Peter still mesmerised by the spectacle unfolding before them. More black figures had appeared from the serpents' mouth and they flew around the Hogwarts shield in a cocoon of black smoke. James grabbed Peter by the collar, pulling him up. "Peter, we got to go,"

Together the boys ran up the steps into Hogwarts where McGonagall was waiting for them. "Potter, Black, Pettigrew, are there any more students out there?"

"None that I could see professor," said the prefect, trying to wipe down the bottom of his trousers.

"Ah, well thank you Doyle," McGonagall said, her face pale, she looked worried.

"Professor," Remus said. "They can't, possibly get in can they?"

McGonagall looked over at him. "No, Mr Lupin. They cannot. Do not worry. The power lies with the headmaster to whom he will let enter the grounds. We are perfectly safe."

"Honestly?" Sirius asked. "Bad weather? Is that the best they can do?"

"It's the only think that they can do," Remus said. "Right?" He looked over at Professor McGonagall.

"Yes," She said. "Yes," She looked around. "Best get back to the common room. Mr Lupin, with me."

Sirius made a move to follow Remus. But McGonagall stopped him. "Just Lupin," She said sternly. "This does not concern you, Mr. Black."

"Bollocks," Sirius said. "He's my friend, if it's his business, then it's mine." He glared at Remus who shook his head sadly. Sirius' shoulders deflated and he nodded, tiredly. Remus sighed and handed over his satchel to Peter who stared at it confused.

Sirius, James and Peter watched as Remus disappeared with McGonagall before turning and making their way up to the common room. The wind was battering the castle walls and the rain hammered against the windows. Peter stopped and looked out from one of the stain glass windows. He could not see ten feet from outside the window. A black shape passed and Peter fell back. James pulled him up. "C'mon," He said. They climbed up the stairs and reached the Fat Lady. She looked terrified.

"Hesperus," Sirius said.

She nodded curtly before swinging open. The Gryffindor students were all gathered around the fireplace, many of them huddled together as if to be shielded from what was going on outside.

"They'll leave," James said confidently. "Once they get bored, Voldemort will send them off for one of his killing missions,"

Sirius said nothing as he sat down near the wireless. He was tempted to tap into it and see if the Ministry of Magic had made any comment on it. Or if indeed the Ministry would do anything. He sighed and rubbed his eyes before realising that he was still buried under his thick coat. He pulled it off and tossed it to one side to dry.

...

The three of them fluttered in and out of sleep and varying times. Sometimes Sirius would wake up and look around the common room for a few minutes before drifting off. The same went for Peter and James. Each time they woke up there were fewer and fewer students sitting in the common room. James was the latest to wake up. He wasn't in the mood for any more sleep, so instead tossed aside the blanket that Sirius had brought down from the dormitory and stowed around the room trying to keep himself occupied. Outside the rain continued on, but James was certain that the Death Eaters had gone. The dying ciders of the fire being the only source of heat and light in the room, James allowed himself to pace, thinking deeply.

Hours passed and James had retired back to his armchair where he had previously been sleeping. Careful not to trip over Peter who was sleeping peacefully on the floor, he got Remus' quill and ink from his bag and began to write on a spare piece of parchment.

Sirius let out a yawn, rolling over and off the couch and onto Peter.

"OW!" Peter yelped, waking up.

Sirius grunted a "Sorry," before sitting up on the settee, rubbing his eyes, his black hair in a mess. He tugged at it before letting out a moan. "Is Remus not back yet?" He asked.

James shook his head.

"There's something seriously up with that kid," Sirius said. "He's not some sort of vampire is he?"

Peter paled. "Vampire?" He whimpered.

"Sirius," James said sternly. "Don't scare the shit out of Peter." He looked over from his parchment, pushing his glasses further up his nose. "I really doubt that Remus is a vampire. For one he can go out into the sun without being fried to a crisp."

"It's Scotland," Sirius argued. "How much sun do you think they get? I'm sure if they even had more than a hour of sun, they would all die of a vitamin D overdose."

James looked at his friend. "Do you know that thing friends do when they want their friends to feel safe and okay?"

"Er..."

"It's called being comforting," James said. "It's a useful little thing for someone to have in their arsenal. Learn it."

"Bah," Sirius rolled his eyes. "I can't be bothered with that."

James looked out of the window, his glasses flashing slightly as another bolt of thunder rolled by. He shuddered as if someone had walked over his grave. Sirius had bent over the fire and was trying to set it alight again as Peter fell asleep letting out a snort every now and then.

"Sirius," James said quietly.

Sirius looked around. "Yes?" He asked.

James took a deep breath. "I'm scared."

Sirius watched as James looked away embarrassed by what he had just said. Sighing slightly, he placed his wand on the table and went to sit beside his best friend. "What about?" He asked softly as to not wake Peter up.

James shrugged. "Everything. The war, exams... Snivellus,"

Sirius smirked. "Yeah, me too, to be perfectly honest. Bloody Snivellus."

James sighed. "I feel really stupid for saying that. A Gryffindor is not supposed to be scared."

Sirius felt a surge of sympathy towards his friend. "We all get scared sometimes," He offered. "We just got to grit our teeth and trot on. Because if we don't then fear rules us, it becomes our master and we're just it's pet. Walkies and everything."

"Are you comparing me to a dog?" James asked, frowning.

"No." Sirius said. "I'm comparing you to a goldfish." He added sarcastically.

"Oh, well that's okay then," James said.

"You're insane." Sirius said, pulling the blanket over his legs.

"Tell me something I don't know," James replied.

Sirius thought for a moment. "Dumbledore is gay."

"Oh now you're just making things up!" James said.

Sirius nodded. "Yes I am. But I would like to think of your expression being hilarious should you believe me."

"Shut up."

...

Remus did not return in the morning. Or indeed in the evening. Classes had been cancelled for the morning to let the students recover, mainly the first year muggleborns who had never experienced such a terrifying magical storm in their lives. The storm had died down, but not by a lot so many felt insecure about moving around the castle. Many students had remained seated in the common room, somewhat confused by what they had just experienced. However the three boys were getting bored of homework, most especially when they did not have Remus' essay plans. So Sirius, Peter and James went to investigate where Remus was. They first tried the library, suspecting him to be buried under a mountain of books. After a quick confirmation with the Librarian, they found that Remus had not been there all night. Next they tried Professor Slughorn who was renowned for hosting parties at the worst times. Slughorn had replied that he had not seen young Remus since the week before they broke up for Easter break, but suggested that Professor Elgard, their Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher may now where he was. Elgard was sleeping so they did not bother even going to ask him.

"They say the job is cursed," Sirius said as they made their way to the hospital wing, the last thought they had to where their friend may have gone.

"What?" James asked absentmindedly.

"The D.A.D.A job," Sirius said. "A teacher only like lasts a year,"

"Jeez, I would hate to be in that job," James said shaking his head.

"Apparently Voldie cursed it when our good old Professor Bumblebee turned him down for the post of Defence against the Dark arts teacher." Sirius said.

"You know, whenever someone starts the statement with the word 'Apparently,'" James said. "It usually isn't true."

Sirius James and Peter entered the hospital wing and were greeted by Madame Pomfrey. "I'm afraid Remus doesn't want any visitors," She said, her hands shaking, and she was looking rather pale.

"Tough," Sirius said pushing past her. "What happened to him last night?"

"He was taken ill," Madame Pomfrey said simply. "Now will you please all just leave?"

James marched over to the furthest bed and drew back the curtains to reveal a broken Remus lying on a bed. He looked worse than they had ever seen him, his skin stretched over his cheekbones, sunken eyes, bruised broken and battered beyond belief. They stared at him for a moment before sitting down next to him. Madame Pomfrey looked quite cross that she had been ignored less than a minute beforehand made a disapproving click with her tongue before moving away to tend to her other patients.

"Shit a brick," Sirius said.

"He looks a bit peaky dun he?" James said, acting the fool.

"Worse than usual," Peter agreed.

"Oi, Pasty boy," Sirius shook Remus awake. He looked up beadily wiping his eyes with a bandaged wrist.

"Yes?" He grumbled.

"You forgot my Goblin essay," Sirius said sheepishly. James pushed him aside. But Remus, in his tired state, lifted himself up to a sitting position rubbing his eyes even further. "Ah, yeah, sorry about that. I felt sick."

"Hey why was McGonagall talking to you before you got 'sick'?" Peter asked.

"You heard the tit," Sirius said putting his arm around Peter.

"Oh, she wanted to go over some things that I had written in my essay. " Remus said almost flippantly.

"At that time?" Sirius asked.

"Yes, she's more of a night owl than most." Remus said. "Okay, homework."

"Lie back down," James snapped. "You're ill dufus. We'll do our own homework."

"So..." Remus raised an eyebrow showing part of a large cut just beneath the bandages to his neck and cheek.

"We'll copy off Lily," Sirius shrugged.

"Alright out," Madame Pomfey said. "Remus needs his sleep."

She huddled the boys out of the door. Sirius, james and Peter looked at each other.

"Did you see the scars?" James asked.

"No way were they made by a cat." Sirius said.

"Madame Pomfrey must lessen the wounds for Remus," Peter said. "Why?"

Ahh... Please Review. I wrote this in one go and it is now 03:04am Friday the 29th of April. Don't say I'm not good to you people.