It's Amazing To Be Young

☽☾

Remus

☽☾

Remus wakes up in his bed like usual. He’s surprised he can’t hear Peter wandering around the room, feeding Scabbers or getting dressed but he’s happy about the silence. 

Remus rolls onto his side to check the clock on his bedside table when he’s startled to see his dad on the bed instead of Peter. He’s slumped over himself, looking asleep and awake at the same time, sitting on Peter’s bed - clearly drunk.

“Morning da, what are you here for?” Remus asks nervously, his dad quickly sits up, angry eyes catching on his son.

“Remus.” He slurs with utter hatred in his eyes and voice. “Are you trying to lose me my fucking job?! Don’t you see how saying I stayed friends with a known pedophile looks?” He spits, still slurring his words as he stands, stumbling over to Remus’ bed.

“No I didn’t- this person was asking me why I wouldn’t date them and I was angry and-”

“You’re trying to ruin my life!” He shouts, tumbling on top of Remus, onto his bed, face inches away from Remus. “This won’t just ruin me! If I’m fired, who will provide for mummy dearest, huh?” He spits, wrapping his hands around Remus’ throat and applying pressure until Remus is gasping for breath.

But this isn’t like Lyall. Remus hates him because he ignores him. Because he’s never around to give Remus a reason to love him because he doesn’t love Remus back. 

He’s never laid his hands on Remus before, has he done this to his mam too?

“You always want to be special.” He snarls, spit flying into Remus’ face as he tries to lessen the pressure of his father’s hands but the man just applies more pressure and Remus is sure he’s going to die at his father’s hands as he flails about, gasping for air and trying to lessen the pressure with his hands and failing. “You want to ruin my life because you’re angry your mother will always choose her husband over her pathetic little son.” He mockingly pouts, pressing harder before going back to giving him slightly less pressure just for emphasis.

“Remus!” A voice shouts just as his vision starts to have black spots. Lyall rolls off of his son to the floor, drunkenly laughing as Remus takes large gulps of cold, fresh air into his aching lungs. “Oh my God!” The voice shouts.

Remus looks to see his father stumble out of the doorway away from Peter, who’s standing in a pile of what he suspects is the result of a split bag of rat food meant for Scabbers.

“Pete it’s-” Remus rasps, realising he’s crying.

“No, stop talking!” He gasps, rushing over to Remus, hugging him. “What- he wasn’t here when I left… I was gone for five minutes!” He rambles, pulling back to examine Remus’ neck, which he’s sure is red and on its way to bruising. “Fuck… we’re going to Pomfrey.”

“But he-”

“Yes, we’ll actually get him fired and I personally think he shouldn’t be around you I mean…” He stops, eyes moving out of the room to the hallway. “Can I get anyone for you?”

“Peter, please don’t leave me.” Remus sobs, his whole body collapsing into the small boy.

“I’m right here Rem… it’s ok he’s gone now.” Peter coos into his ear while he strokes Remus’ pale brown curls which he’s sure are still stained orange from the temporary dye Lily sprayed on them the night before. “Can I call James or Sirius to help? I don’t have Lily’s number I don’t think unless Frank or Alice have made the Gryffindor group chat yet.”

“Not Sirius I don’t- they’ll blame themself.” Remus gasps into Peter’s chest.

“But they’ve been through this a lot I mean-”

He keeps rambling but all Remus can hear is white noise. 

Fuck.

Sirius has been made to feel like this. More than once too? 

Remus hates Sirius’ family more now. He really hopes Sirius takes his advice from last month and leaves because if not Remus will kill them with his bare hands for making Sirius feel anything close to this, and Remus knows they love torturing the brothers for fun. So yes, Remus hopes that if he can’t kill them, they die slowly and painfully like they deserve for even touching Sirius Black.

“Remus?” Peter asks like he’s said it a few times.

“Uh… James…” He gasps. “Or Lily they… they’re uh… responsible.” Remus says shakily.

Peter calls James who runs in with Lily at his side and they both look terrified.

“What happened you just said Remus needed us I-” James says at the speed of light as Lily runs over to the bed, taking him out of Peter’s arms and hugging him into her chest.

“His dad came here…” Peter starts timidly. “He… wasn’t happy about last night and he was drunk… I came into the room and found him on top of Remus… choking him.” Peter says, a wobble in his voice as another round of sobs tear their way out of Remus’ aching throat.

“Fuck… we need to get you to Pomfrey.” James gasps, looking like a deer in headlights before he shakes his head quickly, putting on a face that looks determined.

“Fuck… Remus.” Lily sighs, rocking him while he cries into her shoulder.

“Come on Rem… we need to see Pomfrey.” James coaxes, helping him up and walking with him out of the room, Lily and Peter following him into the common room where they spot Sirius who’s sat on one of the chairs with Mary, immediately getting up to talk to Remus.

“Remus I need to apologise I didn’t-”

“Sirius, not now.” James says, holding up a hand. “Maybe after we get back?” He suggests.

“Back from where?” They ask, hurt lacing their words. “I promise I’m sorry, I didn’t think it would be like that. I didn’t mean it and I’m so sorry Remus.”

“From Pomfrey’s.” James says and Sirius’ face falls.

“What?!” They shout. “Remus are you ok-”

“I’ll explain later if Remus wants me to but right now we have to go. I’m sorry.” James says, leading the group to Pomfrey.

Remus gets checked up by the lady, who looks appalled when Remus - shakily - explains the situation, calling the headmaster - Dumbledore - and Coach McGonagall, though she’s the girl’s team coach she’s the best thing to his coach they could find without letting his own father near him, who apparently took his car and tried to drive away, getting in a car crash but apparently he’s ok, just with a few scratches and he’s being talked to by the police for drunk driving. His mam is called too before Pomfrey comes back to properly check him over.

✧✩✧

Regulus

✧✩✧

Regulus wakes up in Barty’s arms, the boy’s cheek resting on the pillow under him, his makeup from last night smudged onto it and all over his face - either from the drunken kissing at 3 am he insisted on, Regulus was very happy to let him have it, or from moving around in his sleep - and his green hair pointing in all directions - that could be either too.

Regulus hears his phone buzz on the bedside table. He knows it’s probably his mother, she calls whenever she can to remind Regulus how much he’s doing wrong, or something little he’s done that she’ll be sure to punish him for. He opens it, seeing her name on the screen.

Regulus doesn’t answer it. He’ll lie and say he was sleeping - no she wouldn’t like that he was being lazy and asleep after 5am - he’ll say he was studying and had his phone on silent for no distractions. She has to be happier with that.

He doesn’t want to ruin this perfect morning with Barty curled into him just yet with whatever horrible thing she wants to tell him.

Regulus doesn’t know how long it takes the boy to wake up but when he does his face scrunches up seconds after his eyes open to the bright - probably Evan’s doing - dorm room.

“Too bright.” He grumbles sleepily, burying his face in Regulus’ chest.

“I know but if Evan comes back in and sees the curtains closed again he’ll be annoying about it.” Regulus whispers into the green haired boy's ear.

“Ugh, fine.” He sighs into Regulus’ chest.

“We need to get that makeup off of you.” Regulus whispers after 20 minutes of just sitting in silence together, basking in each other's presence.

“Yeah.” Barty nods, sitting up and letting Regulus lead him to the bathroom. Barty sits up onto the sink and Regulus starts to wipe away the makeup from his face as he looks at Regulus with an expression the boy’s never seen in his life before. It makes him feel… he doesn’t even know. So he pretends he’s not doing that and continues to wipe the makeup off his face.

✧✩✧

They finally left the dorm at 12pm and walked to The Great Hall. 

Regulus and Barty are the first of their group to sit at their round table, bumping feet occasionally rather than talking as Regulus eats his sausage sandwich - with no sauce because that is disgusting unlike Barty would try to tell you. 

Regulus’ eyes catch on the table Sirius and their friends inhabit to find it empty apart from them. Regulus feels slightly sad for them but what can he do? He doesn’t know what’s really going on, even if he spoke to Remus last night out of sympathy, he couldn’t possibly understand the stranger’s drama.

“You know it’s not a bad thing if you want to talk to them.” Barty whispers into his ear. “They’re still your brother. They may avoid you for no reason but…” He shrugs. “You can show you still care for them, maybe they’ll realise you’re worth staying safe for.”

“Yeah.” Regulus nods, walking over to his brother, standing in front of them before making his presence known. “I know you were being a bit of a knob but all your friends ignoring you is a bit much.” Regulus says, making Sirius jump, looking up at him.

“What do you want?” They snap, eyes moving over to Regulus’ table, anger flashing over them suddenly. “Oh, my replacement isn’t here yet, shocking.” They spit.

Regulus is way too hungover to deal with this.

“Replacement?” Regulus asks, looking at the table that has Barty, who’s talking to some tall blonde boy with long hair who looks a bit like Narcissa’s husband that Regulus knows is known for selling alcohol to the children of Hogwarts. “Who could replace you?” Regulus asks, feeling a bit sick at the thought of how much emotion he showed in that moment, quickly replacing it with that expression that his mother beat into him when he was just 10.

“Yeah, Rosier.” They say, spitting the name out with nothing but resentment.

“Huh?” Regulus asks, still confused at the statement.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice the fact that the second you stopped coming with me to spend time with Mary you spent all day everyday with him. I used to be like that for you.” They whine.

“Oh fuck off!” Regulus shouts. “I didn’t ask for that and you know it! You were the one to keep ignoring me, Sirius so don’t act like it’s my fault! You know what, be alone!” He shouts, not caring that the whole hall’s eyes are on them. “And before you whine about your friends leaving you, remember you did that to me in that fucking house!” He shouts, turning on his heel and rushing out of the hall before Sirius could argue

☼𐂂☼

James

☼𐂂☼

Remus was out of the hospital at 1pm and James refused to leave his side. 

He was scared that his father would come out of nowhere again, more angry that him and his mother - who wasn’t able to come but she did have a zoom call with Dumbledore and everyone - told them she would contact the police. Not just losing the man his job, but maybe also his free life for a few years - James hopes so anyway - and the rights to be near his son and wife as she plans on divorcing and getting a restraining order against him.

They walk to The Great Hall, all sitting at their table. James is sure Sirius went earlier because they aren’t at the table, he hopes they don’t think the others are mad at them. James knows that maybe if this morning hadn’t happened then maybe Remus would be too angry to talk to them but they all know that Remus doesn’t care right now because he has more to worry about right now.

He knows Sirius doesn’t mean it and whatever comes now they will all handle it together, with Sirius.

“So… are we going to be doing anything for Sirius’ birthday?” Lily asks, breaking the staring contest James was having with a tuna and cucumber sandwich, giving him a good excuse for not eating the stupid fucking sandwich.

“Yeah… I was thinking a party, they love those things I think.” James nods.

“Gifts?” Remus asks, his voice still shaky but none of them mention it.

“I already got him this vinyl I saw in that shop in Hogsmeade when we went last week.” Peter smiles.

“Oh, what one?” Remus asks, lighting up at the mention of music.

“Oh, they were talking about that album, Romance by uh… Fontaines DC that came out this Summer? They told me they loved it and I saw it in the shop and bought it. I planned to just give it when I saw them next but then remembered their birthday was coming around the corner so… I waited.” He shrugs.

It was a thoughtful gift, something James has come to expect from Peter. The boy listens whenever you say you like something once and he’ll make sure to buy something relating to it just because he can. It always makes James feel so seen.

He loves Peter.

“Ah, I love that one.” Remus grins.

“Anyone else get them anything?” Peter asks.

“Oh, I bought some stuff.” James grins. “They said they wanted piercings so I got a piercing gun and I’ll learn how to do those and also a camera because they said they hate that their side of the room’s empty because their parents don’t think there’s any point to “frivolous decorations” and I thought pictures of people they love would make the room more personal.” James says.

“Ah… mine seems kinda shit now.” Remus sighs.

“In your defense you’re on a tighter budget than the rest of us.” James shrugs. “And I’m sure they’ll treasure any gift from you.” James smiles, winking at him suggestively, earning a light slap on the arm from Lily.

“Ok uh… I got this necklace with the Canis Major on it.” Remus says, fidgeting with his sleeve.

“Uh… what’s that?” Peter asks, his eyebrows furrowed.

“The constellation their star’s in.” Remus explains as if that was obvious information.

“Remus is a space nerd.” Lily fake whispers so the whole table can hear.

“I’m not a nerd for finding the coolest thing we have access to interesting!” Remus gasps, a dramatic hand on his chest he never did before he started to spend a lot of time around Sirius, who does do that a lot. “And anyway, I’m a history nerd, obviously.” He jokingly corrects, a smile on his face.

“How could I forget?” Lily smiles.

“What did you get them, ful?” James asks, turning to his girlfriend - God he’d never get used to that.

“Oh… it’s a surprise.” She grins.

“Yeah, for Sirius, not for us.” James smiles, brown eyes on her beautiful emerald ones.

“For you too, James.” She grins devilishly. 

“Come on… not even gonna tell me?” James asks with a fake pout.

“Especially not you.” Lily laughs, kissing him softly.

“Ew! Get a room!” Remus gasps, when James turns he finds Remus covering his eyes with his hands. “Rubbing it in that your love life isn’t a fucking disaster because your dad’s are normal.” Remus sighs, rolling his eyes, he looks back to see James and Lily instantly separating while apologising. “No! It was a joke, you’re fine, be cute, I don’t mind.” Remus smiles awkwardly while Peter chuckles next to him.

☼𐂂☼

Remus and Sirius are using James’ dorm to talk about everything so James and Lily had to use hers - not that it changes anything but the direction of the light coming into the room. But James is certainly not complaining because the light is hitting her pale, freckled, naked skin just right and she looks perfect to James.

“Ful…” James gasps as he watches Lily stand, getting dressed again. “Fuck you’re beautiful.” James smiles.

“Get dressed James, Mary could come back whenever and I’m not about to let her see my boyfriend naked.” She says sternly.

“Yes ma'am.” James laughs, saluting her before quickly getting dressed. “But I don’t think it would matter-”

“Just get dressed James.” Lily interrupts and James does so in silence. “And maybe it wouldn’t matter but it’s the principle.” Lily sighs, kissing him, halting him while he’s just in his boxers.

“Mmm… the principle, well I personally don’t care about what she thinks about my body.” James smiles - liar.

Not in a sexual way. No he obviously doesn’t see Mary that way and he’s sure she doesn’t see him that way either. He cares because he cares about what anyone thinks because he’s never sure if he’s thin enough to be a proper football player yet.

James quickly finishes dressing.

“You better not.” Lily laughs, pecking him on the lips when the door swings open - thank God he’d listened to Lily.

“Thank fuck, I can’t go in my dorm… Remus may not be able to have sex - I mean he can but I don’t think either of them have any protection so they literally can’t - but they’re really going at it, like making out and so… I’m here.” Peter says, holding Scabbers.

“Why don’t you go to Marls’?” James asks.

“Pretty sure she’s going on a run to - accidentally - bump into Dorcas and Nichole’s making necklaces with Alice and Frank in an attempt to get them together.” Peter says, eyes flicking down to Scabbers as the rat nibbles on his fingers. “Also Nichole won’t let me in with Scabbers and he doesn’t deserve to be scarred for life.” Peter pouts.

“Wait… aren’t they in my room?” James asks.

“Nope, they moved to mine because Remus had chocolate to share.” Peter smiles.

James is very aware of Remus’ chocolate stash, the Mars he gave him weeks ago from that very stash is still sat at the bottom of his drawers, unopened.

“Oh course they did.” James sighs, causing Lily to laugh.

“Come on, sit down Pete.” Lily smiles, quickly spraying her perfume around the room to mask the new smell in it as Peter sits on Mary’s bed while Scabbers crawls onto his shoulder.

“Glad they’ve made up though.” James grins.

“I’m sure we’ll both get details from the other to tell each other.” Lily smiles to James, who smiles at her.

“I’m sure.” James grins.