The music vibrates the maroon flooring below them as people dance carelessly, clinging to their half full bottles of fire whiskey. The sun has long set behind the forest in the distance- replaced by the moon, creating an ethereal glow on the courtyard below.
Gryffindor has just won the quidditch cup and the room is adorned with banners and balloons. It was a night for celebration- and the marauders sure know how to throw a party.
The lights overhead had been charmed to flash red, creating a chaotic setting, backed by the slurred voices of fellow students and the heightened base from the record player in the corner.
James was sprawled across the couch closest to the fire, slightly tipsy but stone cold sober in comparison to the others. Sirius sat at the other end, humming along to the queen song playing while leaning his head back, eyes closed. Peter was positioned on the arm of the sofa next to James, his head dropping every so often with tiredness but quickly jolting back awake again.
Mary was sat on the floor in front of him, the witches brew sat on her lap as she tapped the glass with her fingers like drums along to the music. Next to her also on the floor sat lily, gazing up at the ceiling contently, her head laying on Mary's shoulder.
Marlene occupied the armchair opposite, swishing her drink in her left hand while playing with her girlfriend's hair with the other. Dorcas leant against the seat, her head in between her legs as Marlene stroked her hair. She giggled as Marlene whispers something into her ear, hiccupping from the beer.
Pandora was perched on the arm, gently swaying to the music while playing with an emerald necklace resting on her collarbone. Remus and Regulus sat together on the rug, away from the seats. They each had a cigarette resting on their lips as they chatted silently, quietly so no one could quite make out what they were discussing, but not so much so that it looked private.
Evan and Barty were also shoulder to shoulder, still chatting, but much louder than the others. Every so often Barty would sing along with the music or make some obscene hand gesture which made Evan fold over laughing, or Evan would ruffle Barty's hair or punch his arm playfully, causing Barty to acknowledge him with a small fondness in his eyes.
The Slytherins had not seemed put out by Gryffindor's victory- all sat with a content expression on their face as they took in the change of atmosphere. Dorcas had obviously been invited by Marlene, therefore pandora by extension. Regulus had originally been invited by James and Sirius, but only gave in and came when he found out Remus would be in attendance. Evan and Barty had not formally been invited, but no one minded the party crashers- interacting with the couple like they were in the house themselves.
It was, beside the Slytherins, their last year at Hogwarts. In a week, each of them would be going their separate ways- off into the world. But for now, they are all just drunk teenagers who don't have a care in the world, surrounded by the people they love and blissfully unaware of the war happening outside the castle walls.
“We should do something- like a game” James starts, sitting upright as the record skips to a less well-known tune.
Sirius grins. Obviously knowing what his expression is saying, Remus shakes his head hastily and Sirius pouts.
“No way- absolutely not”
Regulus raises an eyebrow in confusion but its Mary who speaks
“No what?”
“Sirius thinks it's a good idea to rope everyone into playing never have I ever.” Remus replies, the look of disgust on his face reciprocated by regulus.
“what's never have I ever?” pandora questions.
“An idiotic muggle game that's literally only ever played in sappy teenage rom com movies.” Regulus answers before Remus can open his mouth.
James fake gasps and Sirius holds his hand up to his heart as if that statement had caused him personal offense.
“I'll have you know baby brother, never have I ever is a genius muggle invention, and we owe them a huge debt for the creation of it.” he says extravagantly and James nods along.
“Also, its tradition so you have to.” he adds quickly, smiling smugly.
“I'm in.” Mary grins drunkly.
“Me too.” Marlene slurs, which quickly earns a sigh from Dorcas
“I guess I have to now.”
Sirius claps his hands together in minor celebration.
“Pete?” James cranes his neck over at the boy.
He looks like he is debating it in his head for a moment before finally giving in and nodding his head.
“I'll do it” lily says as if she has no other choice and Remus throws her an annoyed glance, to which she replies with a sheepish grin “Sorry Rem”
“Pan?” Dorcas asks, her eyes still closed as she leans into marlenes touch.
She hums in agreement and looks over expectantly at Barty and evan. Who just shrugs.
“Why the fuck not” Barty smirks, nudging Evan with his shoulder who just nods lazily.
Everyone's gaze returns back to regulus and Remus who just shake their heads definitively.
Sirius pouts.
“Please moony?”
Remus sighs while gritting his teeth “fine” he replies stiffly, though he looks as if he is trying to hide a smile.
Regulus flashes him a look of betrayal before groaning “okay, whatever.”
They all erupt into cheers and laughter.
“The rules are simple enough, we each take turns saying never have I ever, followed by an experience you have not had- and if you have had it, you take a shot. the aim is basically to try and get everyone else drunk as fuck.”
“And no holding back on the questions. I'm here for the drama.” Marlene declares, and Sirius raises his own drink in response.
“Here here!”
“I'll go first.” Mary hums as a few people refill their glasses. “Never have I ever walked in on one of their friends mid shag.”
Regulus, James, Peter, and Lily all bring their cups to their lips, taking a drink.
Mary raises her eyebrow in unspoken question.
“Blame these two.” Lily laughs, gesturing between Marlene and Dorcas.
“Like what you saw Evans?” Marlene wiggles her eyebrows suggestively, making Dorcas roll her eyes with an amused smile playing at her lips and Peter takes this opportunity to speak.
“Walked in on Mary and Sirius in the sixth year, god I was debating whether to use obliviate on myself.”
“Me too.” Mary hums in agreement causing Sirius to Smack her on the shoulder.
“Hey, I'll have you know I'm great in bed.” He says with mock offence, throwing a wink in her direction.
“Oh Hunny, I'm gonna hold your hand when I say this.” Mary coos, smirking before the common room erupts in laughter and Sirius goes to open his mouth in protest.
“Okay okay whatever” James interrupts. “That’s better than mine- I had to walk in on Remus and a guy from Ravenclaw in a literal broom closet.”
“You literally had the map!” Remus protests. “Surely you could see I wasn't alone in there when you came waltzing through the door.”
“Sorry my mind doesn't immediately turn to sex when I see your name in a literal broom closet with Thomas Terry!”
“You got off with tom???” Barty remarks astonished.
“You know Thomas?” Remus raises his eyebrow.
“Duh, anyone who's got eyes noticed Thomas, god he was fit.” he sighs dreamily.
“What kind of a name is that- I can't even pronounce it. Thamos, Thromas- Themu-” Sirius grumbles.
“it's Thomas, it's literally one of the most common names in England.” Remus interjects with a raised eyebrow.
“hmph” Sirius mumbles again.
“At least you three didn't have to walk in on Barty and Even literally doing it on your own bed.” Regulus grimaces.
“Just marking our territory.” Evan shrugs casually and Barty grins.
“You guys are disgusting.” Regulus responds. "I had to get the house elves to throw out the sheets.”
“Sweet little innocent Reggie, one day when you find a man you really lo-”
Barty is interrupted by a pillow hitting his face.
“I'll go next” Sirius states.
“Never have I ever made out with Remus john lupin.” Sirius grins, turning expectantly in Marlenes direction.
Remus makes a noise of protest but is interrupted by the clink of glass as Marlene quite confidently tips the liquid back into her mouth.
Sirius, obviously anticipating this, goes to say something when he catches Mary, taking a drink from her own glass and he raises his eyebrow in question- earning a smug grin.
Sirius’s jaw eventually goes slack as James and Peter knock their drinks back in one go and he turns back to Remus, who has his hands over his face.
Barty and Evan drink next, clinking their glasses together with a smirk before knocking the liquid back.
Regulus is next, much to Sirius's dismay and finally Dorcas and Pandora drink.
The room goes silent, and Sirius is left speechless, glancing from person to person before finally letting his eyes settle back on Remus.
He just groans in response, still cupping his face with his hands.
“I'm gonna need some explanations” Sirius immediately sobers, sitting up in his seat.
The room falls back into silence but is eventually broken by Marlene.
“I’ll go.” She shares a glance with Dorcas.
She looks back up and shoots an embarrassed Remus a grin. “Okay so... i think it was third year? Yeah, third year.” She starts, swishing her drink around the cup.
“We were both in the library- both doing homework or whatever. Anyway, so at this point I was kinda questioning myself, the whole ‘do I like girls’ ‘do I like boys’ situation. So, I asked Remus about it, asked him how he knew he liked both. He was really great about it, gave me some proper advice for once.”
Remus makes a noise of protest, but Marlene just laughs lightly “But I was still curious. I wanted to actually have some sort of proof? It's hard to explain but I wanted to actually confirm it. So, I kissed him.” She shrugs.
“I didn't know whether to be offended when the first words that came out of your mouth when you pulled away were “I think I'm a lesbian.”” Remus snorts.
“Ah don't fret Lupin, for what it's worth you're a great kisser, I would turn straight for you any day.”
Remus rolls his eyes earning an air kiss from Marlene.
“I can vouch for that” Barty adds, raising his glass and earning a glare from Sirius.
“I guess we’ll go round? So, Marlene told hers, so I'll go next.” Dorcas starts.
“You guys make me sound like a whore.” Remus groans.
“Well in our defense Rem, you kind of are.” James quips.
“Okay- so I can't say my stories really the epiphany type like Marls here” She pats her leg. “But it was last day of fourth year, i remember because we had that god awful leavers party that made us all hungover and the train ride back.”
“I think that was the drunkest I've ever been” Lily groans. “I spent half the night in the bathroom” She grimaces at the memory.
“Well, you can blame Pete for that one” James replies. “He was the one who brought the punch.”
“Hey.” Pete complains “I’ll have you know I didn't bring the punch, my brother did.”
“tomato, tomato.”
“As I was saying,” Dorcas continues. “I had a crush on that Hufflepuff- Kyle Hoffman”
Marlene makes a noise of displeasure and Barty and Evan snigger.
“We remember him, right jerk- we stuck all his shoes to the floor with a permanent sticking charm after that and I will never forget him walking to all his lesson in his socks.”
“That was you?” Dorcas gapes, trying to hide her smile.
Barty just shrugs, grinning.
Dorcas scoffs before continuing. “So anyway, he was at the party and dancing with this cute Ravenclaw girl. I felt awful- he was making direct eye contact with me while doing it the absolute git. Like he was trying to get a reaction.”
“Can I kill him?” Marlene deadpans and Dorcas laughs slightly but turns to face her and realizes she's completely serious.
“No Marls” She sighs deeply, “you cannot kill him.”
Marlene pouts and Dorcas shakes her head.
“Anyway, I wanted to make him jealous. I saw Remus by the drinks table, so I dragged him onto the dancefloor.”
“I will still never forgive you for that.” Remus mumbles despite the smile playing at his lips.
“Remus obviously knew I wanted to make someone jealous, so he played along, Kyle finally looked over and we both noticed so to really make him mad, me and Remus kissed.” She takes another sip of her drink.
James sits up to gawk at Remus “Was that why you and him got into a scrap that night?”
Dorcas grins. “No actually, Remus shagged his girlfriend.”
Sirius chokes on his drink and Remus sends Dorcas a glare. They all burst out laughing.
“Remus you slag” Lily wheezes out, holding her sides.
“In my defense she totally came onto me.”
“Is there anyone in this castle you haven't shagged?” James laughs.
“Well for one you-”
James sends him a wink, “I’ll never stop trying.” He wiggles his eyebrows, and Remus pretends to gag.
“I guess I'm next then” Pandora says.
“Yeah, I'm still stumped on that by the way” Evan replies.
“Well, it wasn't that big of a deal” She starts, staring into her drink. “My parents wanted to find me a match late last year-”
“But your seventeen pan, sure that's a bit... early” Lily raises an eyebrow.
“If I remember correctly, I recall them saying that they wanted to find someone ‘before I become too much to manage.” she grimaces, taking a sip from her drink.
“Anyway, so we arrived at king cross station for Christmas break and my parents were there, I had told Remus in passing about what my parents had said- so he came off the train with me. My father was waiting for me, so Remus came, and we told them that we were dating. Just to get him off my back. He didn't really buy into it though, I'm a terrible liar so as I and Remus split off, we kissed. He bought it then and he's been off my back ever since.”
“So, he still thinks you both are together?” Pete questioned
“Either that or he’s given up trying” Pandora shrugs.
“So pandora’s just gone, that makes it my turn?” Mary works out, tilting her head.
“I refuse to believe all of you have made out with moony” Sirius grumbles, throwing his head back onto the chair.
“Best believe it black.” Mary smirks and he sticks his tongue out.
“Mine isn’t much of a story, just spin the bottle in sixth year.”
“Were you getting off with everyone in sixth Remus?” James raises his eyebrow.
“Rem was in his slag era” Marlene sniggers, earning a glare from Remus.
“Why don’t I remember playing spin the bottle” Sirius pouts.
“Because you were spilling your guts in our bathroom Pads.” James hums absentmindedly.
“But I still stand by it” Mary continues. “Our Rem is one hell of a kisser.”
Remus lets out another groan.
“Can we stop now?” He protests. “We don't need to hear any more.”
“I think we do” Dorcas laughs. “Lils its your go.”
Lily shoots an apologetic glance in Remus’s direction, mouthing the word sorry before clearing her throat.
“Fifth year, study session in the library.”
Marlene holds her hand out to high five her and she does it back reluctantly.
“I had a crush on him at the time, we were just studying silently, and I got his attention and kissed him.” She shrugs shyly before adding. “We broke it up quickly after- we talked and realize we were probably best if it stayed as friends.”
Mary gapes at Remus. “You friend zoned her?”
His eyes widen before looking between the pair. “No- it was mutual we ag-”
“I was just teasing Lupin, I heard all about it after don't worry.” She rolls her eyes playfully.
He sighs in relief and Lily pats James “Your up potter.”
“Oh yeah- right.”
Sirius glares at him. “When the hell did you kiss Moony?”
“I- hmph I'm surprised you didn't hear about it pads.”
“Hear about it? Why would I-”
Marlene lets out a sudden gasp. “Oh shit- was that the thing that happened a few weeks ago, Slughorn was so pissed-” she lets out a laugh.
Evan’s eyebrows shot up. “That was you two?” he gestures between them
“Okay please just explain!” Sirius urges exasperatedly.
“Okay okay!” James starts. “A few weeks ago, we were in potions- obviously you weren't pads cause you-”
“Dropped potions” They both say at the same time.
“Anyway, so Slughorn was rambling about the usual, giving small talk and chatting to the students, anything but the actual lesson, right? So anyway, he was talking about after school plans and what not, and he moved onto Benjy, that Ravenclaw in our class. He said he was going to move in with his boyfriend after he finished.”
“Benjy and Kingsly are the cutest couple ever.” Pandora cuts in.
“Right? Anyway, so Slughorn being the completely homophobic arsehole he is started getting on his case, saying that he was probably just in some sort of phase, and he would eventually find a wife and settle down- a load of bull.”
“Cunt” Sirius rolls his eyes.
“Yeah, he started off on a tangent, and poor Benjy looked mortified. Though I could hardly blame the fella. Slughorn started saying how it was unorthodox how same sex marriage is legal, how public display of affection between two men or woman should be banned cause it's a ‘sin’ or whatever.”
“Christ” Regulus muttered.
“So, I stood up, grabbed Moony- he seemed to catch on and we walked to the front, right in front of the old sod and made out.” James finishes with a grin.
“It was incredible.” Barty adds in. “Slughorn looked ready to keel over and die on the spot, especially the length it went on- of course sluggy couldn't do anything about it because he could full well get sacked for saying what he did, so he had to sit there and take it.”
“Thats got to be the best one yet.” Sirius chokes out laughing- causing James to grin in response.
“Wormy your turn.” James nudges him with his elbow.
Peters' ears turn pink, and he starts playing with his hands nervously. Remus smiles slightly and clears his throat.
“It was a dare in fourth year, we were at a quidditch party, and a seventh year dared him to kiss me. I heard too, so he did it. It wasn’t that big of a deal, just a peck on the lips.”
“Pete you dog.” James nudges him, wiggling his eyebrows causing Peter to turn beet red with embarrassment.
Marlene looks over. “Your turn baby black.”
Sirius follows her gaze then looks back at Remus. “My brother Moony? Really?”
Remus just shrugs, taking a sip of his drink.
Sirius lets out an exasperated groan in response, sinking against the chair.
Regulus thins his lips. “I'd rather not.”
“awww come on reg, we shared now it's your turn.” Mary coos.
He glances around at all the expectant faces and eventually sighs.
“Fine.” He grits his teeth. “I was in fourth year; Remus was in fifth. We kissed. End of story.”
Sirius raises his eyebrow.
“I mean that's pretty much the gi-” Remus starts.
“I think your gonna have to elaborate there Reggie.” Barty says in a sing-song voice.
“OKAY. Okay.” He says, knocking back the rest of his drink. “We were on the astrology tower, and we were talking. I had said...” His voice wavers slightly. “I had told him I'd never kissed anyone before. I asked how you-”
Sirius’s eyes widen and turns to Remus “You taught my baby brother how to kiss.”
Remus smiles sheepishly and Regulus just scowls. “I'm only a year younger than you.”
“Yeah, so by default- baby.”
“Okay yeah Sirius. He taught me how to kiss. Jealous?” Regulus snarks and Sirius seems taken aback by this, which only encourages him further.
“Oh yeah- more than once too, proper snog- tongue and everything.” He grins smugly at Sirius and gains a scowl in response.
“You know- I even asked him to teach me how t-”
Remus smacks a hand over regulus’s mouth.
Sirius’s jaw hangs slack as the others try to stifle their laughter, failing miserably.
“Anyway!” Remus makes a point to raise his voice; slightly high pitched as he shoots a glare in Regulus’s direction.
“I guess it's our go.” Barty looks towards Evan.
“Oh god, don't tell you me you guys were in some sort of threesome.” Sirius moans, covering his face.
“What no, ew” Remus chokes out.
“No Sirius, we weren't” Barty turns to Remus raising his eyebrow. “Though, we wouldn't be opposed-”
Evan slaps him in the arm making him yelp.
“Me and Barty were arguing over who's the better kisser, Remus, was there out of convenience. So, we asked him to settle it.”
Sirius grimaces. “So, you kissed both of them?”
Remus rolls his eyes. “Yeah, but it shut them up, you have any idea how annoying it is to hear them argue for a straight hour while I'm trying to study?”
“So...” Mary starts. “Who won?”
Sirius raises his eyebrow.
“What you aren’t curious?”
“They were both great kissers” Remus shrugs.
“What can we say? Not just pretty faces.” Barty grins.
“Yeah, but seriously-” Marlene starts.
“Yeah?” Sirius replies.
“I hate you.” Marlene deadpans before continuing. “Who actually won?”
“Me, obviously.” Barty rolls his eyes.
Evan scoffs. “Yeah, but we both know you bribed him.
Barty covers his heart in mock offense and gapes “I did no such thing!”
Evan looks towards Remus, and he sighs “ten galleons.”
Evan widens his eyes. “Ten?!”
“Fathers money, got far too much of it.” Barty shrugs, flashing a wink in Evans' direction.
“But that's a good point though.” James sits up. “Remus you’ve kissed all of us, with the exception of Pads-”
Sirius crosses his arms, clearly irritated.
“Who's the best kisser?”
Marlene gawks “Thats hardly fair since mine was in third year-”
Mary holds her hand up towards Marlene.
“No, I want to hear this” She grins, turning her gaze to Remus.
“No- no way” Remus starts, shaking his head.
“Awe come on Rem, just tell us.” James pouts.
Remus shoots him a glare but everyone else turns to looks at him expectantly.
He groans and opens his mouth, but Sirius stands up.
“M’tired, gonna go up.” He mumbles.
He turns and walks up the steps, not waiting for a reply and the group grows silent.
James furrows his brows as he watches him climb the steps.
“What was that about?” Mary whispers loudly.
“Maybe he was feeling left out” Barty teases, wiggling his eyebrows and the group and all but Remus burst out laughing.
“I’ll go check if he’s okay.” Remus stands and the group nod and hum quiet agreements, already engaging in their own conversations.
He pushes his drink into Regulus’s hand, earning a mouthed ‘good luck’ as he climbs up the stairs- his tall legs enabling him to take two at a time.
“Pads?” Remus clears his throat as he pushes through the common room door, causing Sirius to jump slightly.
Sirius was sitting against the windowsill, the glass slightly ajar as a fag hangs off his lips. He quickly regains his composure and keeps his eyes firmly fixed on the grounds below, pointedly ignoring Remus.
“You, okay?” Remus adds hesitantly as he walks over to his side of the room.
“Fine.” He quips, the harshness in his tone causing Remus to flinch back slightly.
“Did i say something?-” Remus tries again, his voice creased with concern.
Sirius doesn't reply for a few moments and Remus opens his mouth to repeat the question.
“Just tell me why, Remus.” Sirius’s voice barely audibly as the words leave his lips.
A confused look washes over Remus’s face, he stops moving and furrows his brows.
“Why what?”
Sirius sighs and stubs his cigerette out by the window.
“Jesus Christ, Sirius” Remus shakes his head, pulling at his hair. “Just talk to me.”
Sirius stubbornly purses his lips, keeping his gaze firmly focused out of the window.
“Why what!”
“Why not me!” Sirius finally snaps, looking round to face him.
Remus’s mouth shuts harshly- his eyes widening at the sudden outburst.
“You’ve made out with every single person out there- apart from me!”
“Sirius-” Remus tries to interrupt, stepping closer.
“I dont get it! Is there something wrong with me? Something so fundamentally disgusting and fucked up making you not want me? I mean Jesus Christ Remus you've kissed Barty for God's sake- how the fuck am I a worse option than crouch?”
“Sirius.”
“No fuck you Remus! I dont get it- i dont get you! What can i do to make myself good enough for yo-”
“Sirius!” Remus yells, cutting him off.
Sirius goes silent.
“That night in fourth year, me and you played that prank where we charmed all the suits of amour to chase after the first years, but filch caught us out past curfew so we ran? The night we hid up in the astronomy tower. It was dark, the moon was out and we were sat against the balcony. You were talking to me about the stars, telling me the names of each constellation in the sky? Remember that?”
Sirius nods.
“You were looking at the sky, but I was only looking at you.” Remus smiles softly.
All the tension left Sirius’s shoulders at once, replaced with a look of surprise.
“Yes, I've kissed everyone in the room down there-” Sirius makes a noise of displeasure. “But none of them meant anything. I didn't do it because i liked them better than you or because there was something wrong with you. Ive kissed everyone but you because you mean the most to me.”
“That night at the astrology tower i wanted to kiss you. Fuck sirius, ive wanted to kiss you everyday since then. I haven’t because it will be different- it won't be kissing a friend or kissing to prove a point against a bigoted teacher, it will be different because i like you Sirius.”
Sirius stays silent, his eyes scanning Remus’s face as his jaw hangs open slightly.
“Say something.” Remus finally looks up to meet his gaze.
Sirius steps forward, only standing mere inches away from him now, close enough to smell the cigarette ash lingering on his breath.
“Sirius-” Remus pleads, his breath hitching ever so slightly.
Sirius’s eyes flicker down to his lips and back up to his eyes. He leans in, slowly- gradually, making Remus’s heart flip inside his chest.
Sirius closes the gap, their hot breathes mingling as they feel each other's lips brush together.
Sirius hums contently into it, pulling Remus’s tie down to his height, wanting the sensation to last forever.
The way their lips moved together was intoxicating.
Remus cups his jaw- his thumbs brushing against his soft skin as he deepens the kiss.
Eventually they pull away, their foreheads touching as they close their eyes, the room silent apart from their panting breaths and vibration of music below.
“Remus-” Sirius finally manages to utter out.
The corner of Remus’s lip twitches up.
“You.”
Sirius lets out a confused laugh. “Wha-”
“The question earlier- who was the better kisser?”
Sirius grins.
“It's you pads.”