Chapter 13
"Prongs?" Remus' voice made James look up from the book he was reading. "How is he?"
"He's fine, just resting. Poppy cleared you?" James moved over so he could sit down. Peter had gone to work on his Herbology project, meaning Sirius had rolled into his empty space.
"Yeah, just got to rest." Remus nodded. He sat down with a sigh. "I'm out of chocolate."
"Check under the bed." James replied. Remus frowned, but reached down and pulled out a box. Opening it, he found it full of his favourite honeydukes chocolate.
"What is this?" Remus frowned. Sirius didn't eat chocolate all that often.
"He keeps a stash for you." Janes replied. "You've never noticed how you almost never run out?"
"Since when?" Remus took a bar.
"First year." James replied.
Remus stared at him. "Seriously? Why?"
"He noticed it perked you up when you were 'visiting your mum'" James replied. He poked Sirius in the back. "Moony's back Padfoot."
"Mm? Moons?" Sirius mumbled.
"How are you feeling Pads?"
"Mm fine. You need to rest." Sirius rolled over so he could see them.
"Thanks for the chocolate." Remus smiled at him.
"You said it helps." Sirius rubbed sleep out of his eyes. "where's Wormy?"
"Working on a project." James replied. "He'll be back."
"I'm really sorry Sirius." Remus said. Sirius frowned.
"What for?"
"Hurting you. I didn't want to." Remus continued. Sirius smiled at him.
"You did, and that's okay." He replied.
"What? I would never hurt you!" Remus looked aghast.
"You needed to." Sirius said as though it was simple. "And I don't blame you for it. You're still angry."
"I... I'm sorry." Remus finally said. He knew Sirius was right, he was still angry, he couldn't help it. Sirius had told Snape, despite it being under duress, and Remus had felt so betrayed, so alone. He loved Sirius, and had believed Sirius had done it out of spite, it had hurt. It had hurt so bad. And now Sirius wouldn't let him back in, because he was hurt too, and both had every right to be hurt. Remus felt like he was losing him, and when he saw Sirius smile with Regulus or Rosier, it hurt even more. Sirius didn't smile like that with them anymore. "I... I'm not angry at you Sirius, I'm angry about everything. I guess Moony took it out on you."
"It's fine Moons, I've had worse."
"I don't like how chill you're being." James said. "Are you concussed?"
"Prongs!" Sirius rolled his eyes. "No, it's just Moony, you know. He doesnt hate me and he's not going to force my allegiance to the dark lord, so I know there's no malice behind him throwing me down the stairs."
"Your parents want you to join the death eaters?" James asked.
"Yeah, but I'm not going to, and if they try to use the imperious curse again the dark lord won't give me the mark." Sirius replied. "It has to be of free will."
"They tried that? On you? What about Regulus?" James' eyes were wide.
"Of course. I'm the heir." Sirius said as though it was normal. "They don't touch Reg, I don't let them."
"How much do you put yourself in danger for him?" Remus was quiet.
"I'd do anything to keep him safe." Sirius shifted. "I'd do the same for both of you, and Wormy."
"Sirius..." James looked like he was about to cry. "Really?"
"Of course." Sirius replied as though it was perfectly normal to tell your friends you would be tortured for them.
"Please don't, don't get hurt for us." Remus said, it was barely louder than a whisper. "Please."
"Moony-"
"Please." Remus repeated. "I can't see you hurt again."
"It's not something I try to do." Sirius replied.
"You." James interjected. "Are precious to us."
"James-"
"You're my brother Sirius, I don't want to lose you." James continued.
"You're not going to lose me."
"If Regulus hadn't told us the truth we would have, and you would have let us." Remus replied.
"I didn't want to hurt you! And if that meant I lost you, then I was prepared to do that." Sirius replied. "Id do anything to make you happy."
"You make me happy!" Remus shouted, Sirius and James stared at him. "I'm not losing you again Sirius."
"I'm not going anywhere Moons." Sirius reached his hand out and Remus took it. "I promise."