He met Sirius on a rooftop
Remus couldn't escape the stifling heat that filled the crowded ballroom where Lily and James Potter were celebrating their wedding. He was dressed in his bridesman attire, a crisp suit the same colour as the bridesmaids dresses that, right now, felt more like a sauna than an outfit. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he discreetly searched for an escape from the relentless warmth.
He looked around for someplace to get some air, even just for a few minutes and after a second or two of looking around, his refuge appeared in the form of the stairwell to the rooftop, where the cool night air seemed to beckon him like a long-lost friend, promising a brief escape from the sweltering heat of the celebration.
He tried to quietly slip away from the festivities, grateful for the temporary reprieve until Marlene, one of the bridesmaids, slung her arm over his shoulder. She wore a wide, drunken grin, her laughter spilling out like music as she bellowed the lyrics to an ABBA song.
”YOUU ARE A DANCING QUEENNN. YOUNG AND SWEET ONLY TWENTY THREEEEE.” Her voice boomed over the music, filling the space around them.
Remus chuckled and gently lifted her arm off of his shoulder.
Remus chuckled, gently lifting her arm away as he tried to navigate the chaos. “You not having any fun, Rem?” she asked, her eyes struggling to focus on him through the haze of her inebriation, smile unwavering.
“Oh I am, it’s just really hot; I might go up onto the rooftop for a bit if that’s okay.” He gently took the beer from her hand, noting her slightly swaying stance and slurring of words —definitely enough to drink tonight
“Yeah, it is a bit hot,” Marlene huffed, fanning herself with her free hand, the flush of her cheeks evident. “Have fun up there!” With a bright smile, she waved goodbye and turned toward the dance floor, where a lively conga line was forming.
At the front was Lily, her red hair cascading around her shoulders as she moved with carefree energy, laughter bubbling up as she twirled and spun, clearly lifted by the several glasses of wine she had indulged in. The rhythm of the music seemed to pull everyone into the joyous chaos, and for a moment, Remus paused to soak it all in before making his way to the stairwell.
Seizing the moment, Remus quietly slipped away and ascended the stairwell, finally reaching the door that led to the roof.
Stepping out into the crisp night air, he felt a refreshing breeze against his skin. The starlit sky overhead cast a serene glow, and the city's clamour faded into a distant murmur. He reached into the inner pocket of his blazer and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.
After placing one between his lips, he patted down his pockets in search of a lighter. As he did, he glanced up and realised he wasn't alone on the rooftop. A figure stood silhouetted in the moonlight, clad in a grey suit with long, dark hair cascading to their shoulders. Remus recognized it as the attire worn by the groomsmen.
Finding his lighter, he swiftly ignited his cigarette and made his way toward the man. As he stepped out from the shadows, the figure became clearer—it was Sirius, James' best man, someone Remus had only heard about in passing conversations. Their eyes met in a knowing glance, an unspoken understanding passing between them: both were in desperate need of a reprieve from the chaos of the wedding festivities.
Remus wordlessly extended his cigarette to Sirius, who accepted it with a nod, and they shared it in silence. The smoke danced and twirled a beautiful waltz beneath the starry night.
“How do you know Lily?” Sirius asked, still staring out onto the city before them.
“We met in school.” Remus replied, “she was there for me through a lot, don’t know where I would be without her.”
Sirius hummed.
“How do you know James?” Remus asked, deciding to keep the conversation going.
“Best friends since the first day of school. Now he’s practically my brother. I started living with him when I was sixteen.” He passed the cigarette to Remus.
“How come?” Remus asked, taking a drag.
“Family disowned me. I was already practically living with James, plus Effie and Monty considered me their son already, so it wasn’t too much of a change.” Sirius grunted, reaching for the cigarette.
Remus nodded silently.
“So how’d you get those scars?” Sirius asked, turning to look him in the eyes. Once they made eye contact, Remus’ heart jumped.
“Long story, maybe another day.” Remus chuckled and stubbed out the cigarette.
“Fair enough.”
They resolved to silence again.
“You listen to any good music?” Sirius asked after an age.
Their conversation flowed effortlessly once it got started, and, to Remus' relief, they didn't delve any further into the topic of scars or secrets. Instead, they talked about their lives, their dreams, and their desires, creating a connection deeper than any physical or emotional wounds.
Sirius checked his watch, “it’s midnight.” He said looking up at Remus.
Remus, for a second felt disappointed, thinking that Sirius was taking his leave. Until Sirius continued.
“I have a bottle of wine back in my hotel room, if you’re interested?” Sirius said, proposing a change of scenery.
Remus smiled, “sounds good.” And they turned to walk back to the stairwell in the promise of an enjoyable night in Sirius’ hotel room.