I feel absolutely terrible that I haven't updated in so long. I am so sorry. I have just been so incredibly busy and reality took over. I did tell it to go away and all that, but you know, it never seems to listen.
My heart goes out to anyone who might be in London, Manchester or Birmingham who are reading this. Stay strong. The violence will end!
"You haven't asked how I managed to get myself in here in the first place,"
Sarah stopped mixing the iced drink and set the goblet down on the bedside cabinet. She sighed and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, her eyes flickering. Outside the large hospital wing window, the sun was setting in the distance giving a soft glow that spread on their faces. She looked over at Remus who was looking sad. His scars had faded, but not as much as Madam Pomfrey hoped. His left side was taped up, wrapped in strong bandages but he was slowly regaining full use. Sarah chose to ignore his statement.
"It's a lovely evening," She said. "Maybe we can leave your homework for later?"
"Sarah," Remus said, his hands on the books as she attempted to move them. "Talk to me."
Sarah cleared her throat and kicked off her shoes. "I was thinking, maybe next time we go to Hogsmede, we could take a walk up the hill instead of going to all the shops. I hate feeling penniless."
"Sarah-"
"Or we could go visit Hagrid!" Sarah said. "I haven't talked to him in ages. He's growing new stuff for the Christmas feast."
"Sarah, will you let me speak?" Remus asked.
Sarah fell silent biting her lip. She looked down at her bag that sat on top of her knee. Remus sighed and rubbed her back.
"You're too intelligent not to have noticed." Remus said. "You're a Ravenclaw for Merlin's sake. I just thought you would have asked questions."
"Oh so being a Ravenclaw defines me does it?" Sarah asked.
"I don't understand." Remus frowned.
Sarah sighed and turned away from him, her feet swinging from the bed. "I might have been curious about it when we first dated. I might have wondered. But now. I don't care. You could be a bloody crumpled snorkack for all I care, you could be Clark Kent and Superman - "
"Who?"
"Muggle thing. My dad's really into it." Sarah shrugged. "The point is..." She sighed, looking back at him and taking his hand. "You could be anything during these times, as long as you're with me and remain the man that I know, I don't care. I don't. Not anymore. I don't care. I know that you want to save me from... Whatever it is that you think is so terrible... I don't need saving. I can outsmart any bad guy." She smiled. Remus smiled too.
Sarah cleared her throat. "So, Hagrids?"
"Sure," Remus said. "And I like hill-walking..."
"Not on the same day," Sarah laughed. "We'd kill ourselves running up that hill after Hagrid stuffs us full of treacle tart."
"Fine, Hagrids after hill-walking."
"I love it when you compromise." Sarah laughed. She gathered up his parchment and books, putting them to one side.
"I was finishing my Charms homework!" Remus cried.
"Oh," Sarah looked over at it and smiled. She grabbed a quill and joted down the answers before pushing them to one side again.
"You can't do that," Remus said. "Flitwick will notice."
"Nah," Sarah shrugged. "It'll be fine."
"I doubt that highly," Remus said.
"You would have been trying to work it out for hours if I hadn't stepped in," Sarah teased.
"I'd like to think not," Remus pouted.
"Aw," Sarah said. She leaned forward and kissed his lips gently. Remus felt his hand move under her ear, pulling her forward towards him. Sarah pulled back and brushed apart his hair, feeling the contours of his skin. Her hand moved down to his chest. He became very aware of what she was doing but didn't try and stop her. She smiled again, leaning down to kiss him again. Remus put his arm around her and she tucked herself beside him, her arm and leg curled up beside him and her hand playing with his hair. He closed his eyes feeling peaceful. Her breathing next to him, calmed him in a way he never thought possible.
"I like this," Sarah whispered.
Remus smiled. "Me too." He lookd away. "So... You're never going to ask about...?"
"Remus," Sarah said sweetly. "If you don't drop the subject, I swear to Merlin, that torture will shortly come your way."
"Bring it." Remus teased.
"No, I'll take it," Sarah smiled. "I'll take all of your chocolate."
Remus blanched. "You wouldn't dare,"
"Oh, but I would." Sarah grinned. "I would take it and hide it and you will never be able to find it." She let out a fake manical laugh, raising her head slightly to look at him. Remus smiled too as she rested her chin on his chest. "Oh, you think I'm joking?" She sat up. "Third drawer under... Your cardigans?"
"How do you know that?" Remus asked.
"Oh, honey, you're so predictable." Sarah said. "And James told me."
"That will be why then," Remus said, sighing.
"I was joking," Sarah said.
"I thought that,"
"What gave me away?"
"Well the manical laugh?"
"What about it?"
"Fake as hair on Filch's head." Remus said.
"Filch is bald?"
"No, I just needed a metaphor and his name was the first that popped into my head."
"Oh," Sarah smiled. "Okay, you weirdo."
"Don't I know it," Remus said, leaning up to kiss her. He fell back against the bed letting out a groan.
"You alright?" Sarah asked.
"I'm fine," Remus said motioning her to join him. Sarah closed her eyes breathing in his presence. Remus let his fingers twist around her hair.
"I love you, Remus." She whispered.
Remus' eyes shot open and he felt himself go into a cold sweat.
...
"Wormtail, stop moving, or I swear to god!"
"You told me to move, Prongs, I moved!" Peter complained.
"Well, now we're telling you to stop moving." Sirius said.
"Well make up your minds, for merlins sake," Peter said.
Sirius held the invisibility cloak over them, it only made sense since he was the tallest. James was in front of them, looking around, his glasses slipping down his nose but he was to busy carrying a crate full of sweets and butterbeer (and a few bottles of firewhiskey tucked away underneath)
Peter moved slighly, almost knocking into Sirius.
"Sorry," He moaned. "I wish you let me put on proper shoes, slippers do not go well on stone floors."
"if we waited any longer," James hissed. "It would be bloody morning before we got there."
"Well." Peter said. "We could have waited till morning."
"As if Madam Pomfrey is going to let us bring all this junk to him." Sirius snapped.
"Oi," James said. "This the finest junk money can buy."
"Sorry Prongs."
"Okay this is not working," James said, putting the crate down on the ground and whipping the invisibility cloak off. "We should have thought this through,"
"Meh," Sirius shrugged. "We come up with the brilliant plans, it's Moony's job to think it all through,"
"Are you suggesting that we are that bad, and we act alone purely on impulse?" James asked/
"Yes," Peter said.
"Yes," Sirius said.
James frowned and looked down at the items they were smuggling to the hospital wing. "Okay, this is getting beyond ridiculous. We need some sort of map so that we can plan a more direct route of getting places."
"And how do you suggest we do that?" Sirius asked, stretching his arms.
"Well we make a map," James said. "I thought that would have been obvious."
"I thought you made a map," Peter said.
"Nah, that was a plan of Hogwarts I stole from Filch," James shrugged.
"Wait, I thought Remus also told you what to do if you wanted to make a map," Peter said. "Didn't it include something like reading Hogwarts: A History?"
"Yes," James said. "But to be perfectly honest, I didn't finish through that plan."
"Why?" Sirius asked, scooping up a chocolate frog and ripping it open. He grabbed the frog just as it was about to jump away into the night and bit off the head. "N'aw. I got Salazar Slytherin. I got him already."
"Trade you him for Rowena Ravenclaw," James said. "I got about six of her."
"Okay," Sirius said. "Why?" He repeated.
"Well... Because I have six of her." James said.
"No I mean why did you not finish through the plan of a map to begin with?" Sirius asked.
"Oh, well we were to busy trying to become animagus," James said. "That took priority."
Sirius nodded. "I guess." he finished off the rest of the frog. "So what are you thinking now?"
"Well, we work from what we've got so far," James said picking up the inivisibility cloak and letting Sirius pick up the crate. "The tunnel to Hogsmede, the room beside the Slytherin common room that leads up to a space on the top floors, the kitchens-"
"The prefects bathroom, the teachers rooms, the classrooms the dungeons." Sirius continued. "Okay, yeah I get you."
"I was thinking you could seduce a member of each house and we could find out about the common rooms that way," James said.
"Oh, no," Sirius said. "I can't do that."
James frowned as he pulled the invsibility cloak around them.
"Mary," Stressed Sirius.
"Oh yeah," James sighed. "Damnit. And I can't do it because of Caitlin."
"And Remus has Sarah," Sirius said. "Damn."
James turned to look at Peter.
"What?" Peter asked.
Sirius also turned to look at Peter. His mouth grew into a huge smile. He slapped his hand on his friends' shoulder. "Your time has come dear Wormtail."
"What?" Peter asked.
"Oh but he's rubbish at picking up the ladies." James said.
"What?" Peter asked, his voice becoming more erractic as they made their way down the corridor.
"We'll give him tips," Sirius said.
"What?" Peter cried exasperated.
"And his appearance?" James asked.
"The ladies dig the cute look," Sirius replied. "But we might need to give him something to make him taller."
"What?" Peter cried.
"What about the Slytherins?" James asked. "Their not likely to let Peter in."
"Ah well in that case," Sirius said, "We'll sneak him in disguised as someone else."
"What?" Peter almost wept.
"How?" James asked. "People are going to notice if Snivellus has grown infinitely shorter and decided to wear a black wig."
"I know that," Sirius said. "But I'm sure there's something. And not as Snivellus, that would be too conspicious, no someone a lot less noticeable."
James sighed as they turned a corner and began to climb the stairs. "What about that Crouch boy?"
"Crouch boy?" Sirius asked.
"Yes, Barty Crouch's son," James said. "That might work."
"Guys, I wish you would let me know what the hell you're talking about." Peter said.
"Have you not been listening?" Sirius asked.
"Yes I have,"
"Well then keep up." James said.
"I'm sure mum mentioned a potion that changes a persons appearance," Sirius said.
"You listened to your mother?" James asked.
"No, I heard her talking about it to my father one time." Sirius said. "I was meant to be sleeping but you know, I wasn't."
"Well could you find it?" James asked.
"Maybe. I think it was in some book that Slughorn told us about in second year," Sirius said.
"Education is wasted on you." James said.
"Obviously." Sirius said. "But that's not the point we're trying to ma-"
"Sh!" James cried backing into one of the walls pushing Sirius and Peter back too. They saw Filch stalking the corridor, a lantern in hand. His cat Mrs Norris plodding along in front of him, her red eyes searching the corridor.
She stopped just in front of where James, Sirius and Peter were hiding and tilted her head.
"What is it my dear?" Cooed Filch in an annoyingly sweet and sickening voice.
James was careful not to make a gagging noise.
Filch stared at the piece of wall and all three of them could feel the hairs on the back of their necks rising. They knew perfectly well that Filch couldn't see them, that didn't take away the fear of being caught.
"Come on," Filch said after a moment. "We gots corridors to patrol." He said.
Mrs Norris continued to stare at them before stalking off after her master. James let out a shaky breath as he watched the lantern disappear around the corner.
"And I want to know where everyone is, all the time, what they're doing every minute of everyday," He said.
"That's a bit stalkerish," Sirius said as they began to make their way, continuing down the corridor, the glasses clinking as they walked.
"Do you want to run into Filch and get detention for a year?" James asked.
"I'm in detention most of the year, it really makes not much difference to me," Sirius shrugged.
"I just don't like that bloody cat," Peter shuddered.
"Well you wouldn't," James said. "It's bigger than you."
"Shut up James," Peter muttered.
James grinned as they reached the hospital wing doors. Sirius cleared his throat, handing the crate to James. He pulled out his wand and pointed at the lock.
"Alohomora," He whispered.
The doors swung open and they dipped inside. Remus had been moved from the farthest bed to the nearest bed to the door. They could hear the soft snoring coming from the other beds, all curtains drawn. Peter crept to Remus' bed and pulled back the curtain. Remus was sleeping quite peaceful. Sirius placed the crate at the edge of the bed and closed the curtain as James woke him up.
The first few attempts failed. James had an idea and decided to pinch Remus' nose. Remus thrashed a bit before blinking awake and almost yelping at the sight of his three friends all stood in front of him.
Sirius clamped his hand around Remus' mouth.
"Shut up!" He hissed. "Or you'll wake the whole bloody ward. We came bearing gifts."
James grinned and cracked open a bottle of firewhiskey before handing it to Remus.
"What are you doing here?" Remus hissed as James sat down on the edge of the bed. "You could get into really big trouble."
"Well we couldn't leave you all on your lonesome." Sirius said.
"Besides, I can't think of a better reason to pig out," James said. "Although, Peter, i think you ought to stop pigging out,"
Peter rolled his eyes and grabbed a bottle of butterbeer from the crate whilst throwing Remus a chocolate frog. "When does Madame Pomfrey think you'll be getting out of here?" He asked.
"Don't know," Remus said, putting the firewhiskey to one side, barely touched. "Should be by the end of this week."
"Good," James said. "Because you probably know better, in the library, is there any books about map making?"
Remus frowned. "I'm sure we've been down this road before." He said. "Didn't you ask me that in third year?"
"Yes, but I'm more serious now. Last time I just grew bored with reading that History book you gave me." James shrugged. "I thought that maybe this was our next big project."
"He wants everything on this map," Sirius said. "Including being able to track people in and around the castle."
"Why?" Remus asked.
"Because he wants to stalk Evans," Sirius shrugged. "How am I meant to know what goes on in that foul little mind of his?"
James gave Sirius a look. "Thanks mate."
"Anytime," Sirius chugged back the drink before reaching into the crate and getting a packet of Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans.
"So what have you been doing here?" Peter asked, stretching his legs.
"Aside from homework?" Remus asked. "Not a lot, it's been kind of boring really. I can't wait to stretch my legs again.
"Has Sarah been around?" Sirius asked, indicating the chocolates and books that had been left on Remus' bedside cabinet.
"Yes," Remus smiled. "She's come to see me nearly every day."
"Now that is true devotion," James said. "Are you sure she just doesn't want a piece of that animal we know is lurking inside of you?"
Remus opened his mouth to argue but it fell from his tongue and he blushed angrily. "That's not funny, James," He muttered.
James let out a laugh before Sirius stamped him on the toes. "Be quiet!" He hissed.
James hiccuped and grinned stupidly. Remus picked up his bottle and looked at it.
"Take a drink or I'll force it down your throat." Sirius said. Remus sighed and took a drink. Sirius looked on grinning. James put his bottle down.
"Alright, something has got your wand in a knot," He said.
"No," Remus replied.
"And we're meant to believe that," Sirius laughed.
"Nothing is wrong!" Remus cried.
"Please," Peter said. "You're the worst liar since Tarquin Mctavish,"
"Don't use me and Mctavish in the same sentence," Remus said. "He's evil."
"He still lied." Peter said.
"Come up with better metaphors," Sirius said, looking over at Peter.
"So anyway," James said. "What has got your wand in a knot?"
"Nothing!" Remus cried.
"Right." Sirius said. "Shall I hex it out of him or do you want to do it?"
"You," James said. "I always hate getting my hands dirty,"
Sirius grinned and pulled his wand from his belt. Remus looked at it.
"Alright, alright!" He cried. "Don't hex me, I'll tell you,"
Sirius tucked the wand back into his belt and grinned. Remus sighed and bit the neck of the bottle.
"Sarah told me she loved me," He muttered.
Silence. James Peter and Sirius looked at each other, raising their eyebrows.
"Okay..." Sirius said. "Quick call the aurors, someone is in love,"
"Shut up," Remus said. "I mean, there's a difference between love and love... She literally said 'I Love You'."
"And that's a problem because...?" James said.
"Do you not love her?" Sirius asked.
"No- I mean... I do. I do love her." Remus said.
"Then what's the problem?"
Remus sighed. "I think she wants more, from me..."
"She wants to know about said furry little problem?" James asked.
"No, she doesn't care about that," Remus said. "I think she wants more from the relationship. Something I can't give her."
"Listen mate," Sirius said, taking a swig of his firewhiskey. "I think that if you truly love Sarah, you will be honest with her. If you feel that you can't take the relationship any further, then just tell her. Apparently women like a man that's honest."
"Is that true or something your just saying to make me feel better?" Remus asked.
"Yes," Sirius said. "I have no idea what women want. One minute they want the arrogant good for nothing son of a bitch, next thing you know they want the goody-two-shoes. One minute they want honesty, the next minute they sulk with you because you told them that yes, their bum does look big in that outfit. There is no pleasing them."
"However," Peter interjected. "Sarah is smart, she's not like the other girls."
"What are you saying about my girlfriend?" Sirius said.
"Sirius, shut up," James said. "Remus, don't let this thing go. I've seen how happy Sarah makes you. You let her go and you may not be happy for a long time."