is it complicated ... when someone wants you so much they kidnap you and your friends? (yeah, it's complicated)

is it complicated ... when someone wants you so much they kidnap you and your friends? (yeah, it's complicated)

Chapter 2

Previously on it is complicated ... when someone wants you so much they kidnap you and your friends? (yeah, it's complicated):

James glances at Sirius, finally breaking the staring contest, seeing Sirius blink rapidly, his nose scrunching and a muscle ticking in his jaw. He knows these are all signs that Sirius is trying to hold in his yawn. “One of you will take us to where we are staying.” James said. The Death Eaters look to their Lord, who stands.

“You do not order my people around, Heir Potter—”

“Well, that’s a bit stupid.” James grumbles.

“How so?” Voldemort demands.

James rolls his eyes to the ceiling. It’s a rather nice ceiling. “You want me to be your bonded—consort, whatever, then naturally, they’ll defer to me anyways, yes or no? I’m just taking advantage of this so called affection you insist on pressing on me.”

“Very Slytherin.”

“My aunt was Slytherin. So was my grandmother. The hat was torn between the two, but Siri went to Gryffindor, so I did. If he’d gone to Slytherin, I would’ve gone with him. He’s family.” James said. Voldemort narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. James ignores the assessing gaze on his face and turns, waltzing over to the double doors, shoving them open. “Chop, chop, we’re tired. Being kidnapped does that to a bloke!” James says cheerfully.

His two friends begin cackling as they race after him. Rodolphus gives a yelp and hurries forward, the others following at a slowly march.

If James was to give one word to describe Slytherin manor it would be cold. Everything was cleared away; the walls were bear with emerald, green wallpaper and bannisters of coiling silver snakes. He’d expected there to be at least one or two portraits but there were none. When they passed the living room and then the dining room, it was clear that it was just as big and spacious as the last few rooms they’d walked by.

Unlike Potter manor there was no … well anything attached to Slytherin manor. Everything was simply pureblood. It was like no one lived there, though James knew that it’d change if the three of them lived there for a while. They’d add their own personal touches to the rooms.

When the stopped at their delegated bedroom, Rodolphus pushed open the door and entered it, walking further in. Remus hummed gently in thought as he walked the length of the room, hand touching the bookshelves, running a finger alongst some of the spines. “Moony will be there a while.” Sirius said, dragging James over to the beds. They frowned. “Come on, Prongs, lets fix this.”

The two went to opposite sides of the two beds and began shoving but no amount of force would move them. They both yelped when the beds screeched together with a thud, stumbling back onto their feet. They looked up to see Remus rolling his eyes as he pocketed his wand, walking over to them. “You’re wizards, remember, boys?”

“Don’t make fun of us.” Sirius whines. James pouts.

Remus smirks. “I’m going to explore the rest of the room. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Remus turned and walked away, pushing open one of the closed doors and ignoring the other dark wizards and one werewolf in the room. James and Sirius turn to each other, smirking. They bend their heads together and begin whispering, snickering. Sirius nods his head and then they both straighten, innocent looks coming to their faces as Remus walks back into the room, running a critical eye over them.

Remus sighs and turns around, wand slipping into his hand. He flicks it and hears two yelps, chuckling throatily as he spins to face the duo. James and Sirius are on their backsides, both of their head bright neon pink and yellow, their eyebrows neon green. They’re covered in paint and glitter. Sirius shrieks.

“Damn it, Moony!” James groans. “Why can’t you just let us get away with it!”

“Because you’ve gotta learn boys.” Remus smirks. There’s a snort and then giggles start breaking through the room, everyone turning to face a flushed Regulus, who’s hiding his face in Crouch’s robes.

“Ignore him. He’s always thought Lupin was hilarious.” Crouch waved dismissively. Regulus stopped laughing. Remus’s chest puffed up in pride.

“At least one Black brother has got taste—”

“Take that back, Remus John Lupin, you take that back right now!” Sirius stood, stomping his foot. Remus smirked.

“Aw, Pads, I’m sorry—”

“Don’t patronise me, you prick!” Sirius whines. He throws himself at Remus, who dodges him quickly, laughing as Sirius smashes into a hard chest, letting out a startled sound. He looks up, eyes wide, shoving Rodolphus back, frowning at him. With a scowl, he sticks out his tongue and turns, stomping his way back over to a cackling James, collapsing onto him. James startles and then they’re wrestling, dissolving into breathless wheezes of laughter.

Remus sighs and walks over to them, grabbing them by the collar of their robes. He lifts them and shoves the towards the direction of the bathroom. “Go wash off.”

“Yes, mum.” The two chirp, rushing towards the bathroom. James yelps as he’s shoved into the door frame, Sirius cackling as he dives inside, dodging a smack. The door slams shut and then the sound of running water is heard along with playful bickering. Remus glances at the others in the room and narrows his eyes. A sickly sweet smile comes to his face. “We can take it from here, boys.” He ushers them out, their confused eyes on him.

“Wait—” Fenrir starts. Remus grabs the door and tilts his head.

“Bye.” He slams the door shut, snickering when Fenrir growls grumpily. Whispers start up from behind the door. Rodolphus yelps and Rabastan hisses something to him before the sound of someone being dragged off is heard. Remus snickers again, shaking his head as he walks over to the bathroom door, opening it.

“They’re gone?” Sirius pokes his head out, completely glitter and paint free. James smirks.

“They’re gone.” Remus nods. “Good work.”

James laughs, stopping the running water. Neither of them had climbed in. “Are we really going to stay?” James asks. Remus gnaws his lips, sighing softly. Sirius wiggles past Remus and waddles over to the bed, kicking his shoes off and jumping onto it. He bounces a little.

“It’s better than Grimmauld or Hogwarts.” Sirius said, voice muffled into the pillow. He sits up and spits out the piece of cloth. “At least we’re out of Dumbles grip. Speaking off,” he glances at James, “you okay?” James trots over to Sirius and sits on the edge of the bed, taking off his shoes and wiggling out of his robes. He flops onto Sirius with a little hurt noise.

“Not really. I mean—I really, really liked Lily. To find out that …”

“That she only wanted you to go after her was because of your money and because the great Albus Dumbledore told her too?” Remus asks, waltzing over to the duo and shucking off his shoes. He climbs onto the pushed together beds and worms his way next to Sirius so that James is laying against them both.

“Jeez, Moony, be a little more sympathetic.” James groans.

Remus shrugs. “I’ve told you before, I don’t like Evans.”

“I know.” James groans again.

Sirius snickers. “More like we know. Do you know how many times I’ve had to hear him curse her out when you were off stalking her?”

“Too many times.” Remus interjects, running his fingers through James’s hair. “You wouldn’t have had to though if this wanker listened to me.” He scolds, digging his fingers in. James yelps and kicks at him.

“That bloody hurts, Moony, I’ve got a sensitive scalp.” He bites out, pouting. “Besides, if you think about it—that stalking I was doing of Evans made me realise that she’s a two faced bitch in disguise. Did I tell you she was planning on brewing a love potion and putting it in my food?” He asks, glancing at the two. Sirius goes still. Remus’s eyes flare gold.

“No. You didn’t.” Remus grits.

Sirius places a hand to Remus’s forearm. “It’s okay, Moony. We’ll get our revenge.” He assures. He looks to James, eyebrows raising a little. “And how was she supposed to put it in your food?”

“Well, she said something about Peter.” James admits quietly, the hurt and betrayal plain on his face.

“That rat.” Remus hisses. “I should’ve known. My wolf always wanted to eat him when he was there on the full moon.”

“But—I mean—he’s like … prey, right? You’re a predator, so it’d make sense you’d want to eat him.” James said, twisting onto his stomach to face the sandy-haired wolf. Remus blinks and then his warm amber eyes are focusing on the animagus, a shrug shaping his shoulders.

“I mean, yes, but also no. Pads’ animagus is a predator. Your animagus isn’t, yours is prey too. No matter how mighty they are, your still prey. But Moony doesn’t see you as prey, has never tried to go for you. He’s only gone for Peter.”

“Then … was any of our friendship real?” James whispers.

“I think maybe in the beginning. But afterwards … I’m not sure.” Sirus answers, frowning at the covers. His nose twitches and then he’s yawning. Remus sits up, wiggling out of the two of their grips before waltzing over to the other door, a choked noise escaping him. His eyes are wide. “What is it?” Sirius stumbles out of bed and tugs James with them, the both of them gasping as they see the giant walk in closet with a load of clothes.

“Woah, look, it’s all our favourites.” James whispers. It’s true, they’re split into three sections. It’s easy to see who’s are who’s. Remus’s section is filled with soft, warm jumpers and nice jeans. Sirius’s section is filled with revealing dark clothes, skinny jeans, crop tops and leather jackets. James’ is filled with sweat pants and baggy t-shirt and baggy jumpers.

“Who do you think they asked?”

“I dunno. But whoever it was, I’m thankful for them getting it right.” Sirius said. He hopped over to his section, falling to the floor and crossing his legs, grabbing onto the drawers beneath the hangers. He tugs them open and smiles, grabbing the silk black pyjama shirt and shorts. Immediately he strips and pulls open another drawers, peering into it, blushing when he sees the different coloured lace underwear. “On second thought, I hope the house elves were the ones to shop for us.” Sirius grumbles. He shuts the drawer and reaches for the other, seeing boxer briefs, tugging his own off and replacing them with the nicer ones.

Drawing on the silk pyjamas, he turns and sees the others looking comfortable. Remus is wearing some nice plaid cotton pyjamas and James is wearing some silk crimson red ones. They all grab their dirty clothes and dump them in the different coloured hampers that with a closer look at them have their initials written on them. They head to the bathroom next, and each do their nightly routine, somehow not surprised to see everything they use on different shelves.

James gives an incredulous laugh as they climb under the covers, Sirius squirmed in the middle and the others on either end. “You know this might not be so bad.”

“Damn it, Prongs,” the two groan before they fall asleep, “you just jinxed it.”

“Oh—um … oops?”

James woke up first, squirming his way out of the cuddle pile they’d wormed into throughout the night. Sirius was fully on top of Remus, snoring softly and Remus was clutching at the smaller male, his face relaxed and content. Smiling, he slipped into the wardrobe and grabbed some clothes before heading into the bathroom, checking the time and then turning on the shower. It was quite early, so he showered and then dried himself before pulling on some clothes—some grey sweat pants, a baggy red t-shirt and a baggy grey zipped up jumper—and then opened the door to the room and exited it.

The floor was cold on his bare feet. “Why hello there.” He cooed to the three guards standing outside. He shut the door, hearing Sirius groan.

“Shut the fucking door, Jamie, I’m fucking sleeping!” Sirius yelled.

“Don’t be a grumpy bastard, you prick, the doors bloody closed!” James called through the door. The guards blinked at him as he turned a bright smile on them. “You wouldn’t happen to know where the dining room is?”

“Um, yes?” One said. James grinned.

“Perfect, take me there then.” He said, walking forward. The guard mumbled something to the others before rushing after him. “So what’s your name, guard-y?”

“Ryan Greengrass.” The man replied, sounding confused. James brightened.

“Oh, I remember you! You were in your seventh year when I was in my second, right? Chaser for Slytherin.” He nodded to himself, staring around himself as they turned the corner.

“Yes, I was. You remember that?” He sounds surprised.

James scoffed. “Course I do. You had an amazing left throw. I was so nervous going against you. Slytherin won the match, but it was a good game, even I could admit that.” He shrugged a little. The guard pushed open the door to the dining room, his face surprised and perplexed. James poked his head inside and saw that several people were already sat at the table eating. “Thanks, Ryan. Tell the others if they wake up Remus and Sirius, to duck. Remus tends to throw stuff at people if they annoy him whilst he’s trying to sleep. And Sirius is a cuddle monster so clear steer of him if you don’t want an octopus attached to you.” James advised. Ryan blinked at him.

“Er … thanks?”

“You’re welcome!” James waltzed over to the table and sat, ignoring the incredulous looks thrown his way. He sprawled against his chair and examined what was at the table, making a happy noise when he saw jam scones, almost throwing himself across the table to grab some. Whoever was sitting next to him yelped and he turned to face Rabastan Lestrange. “Oh, hello, there. Sorry about that. These are my favourite.” He explained, sitting back and taking a big bite. He peered into the cup nearest to him and wrinkled his nose.

“You don’t like tea?” Rabastan cleared his throat.

“No, not really. More Moony’s cup of tea.” He paused before dissolving into snickers. No one laughed with him. “Wrong crowd. Siri would’ve laughed with me.” He grumbled. He grabbed some orange juice in a pitcher and poured some in an empty glass, taking a big gulp of it. After several minutes of silence, he shifts uncomfortably in his chair; he’s never done well with silence—never has since he was little. Which was something he and Sirius shared, Remus was more comfortable to sit back and pitch in every now and then. It’s what made them work so well.

After fifteen minutes were he’s just about to open his mouth to blurt something out, the door opens, and he turns in his seat. The trio of guards walk in followed by Remus, Sirius curled around him, grumbling something. James’ eyes go to one of the guards and giggles when he sees the forming black eye. He glances at Ryan.

“I told him to duck!” Ryan exclaims.

“He wasn’t fast enough. You’ve got a good aim on you, kid.” The final guard said to a slightly guilty Remus. Remus shrug. “You ever join your Quidditch team?” Sirius and James start laughing.

“Remus? A Quidditch player? He’d rather be the Minister of Magic than a Quidditch player.”

Ryan frowns. “Why wouldn’t he want to be Minster of Magic?”

“Are you kidding?” James guffaws. “He doesn’t have the patience—he’d eat them alive!” James giggles. Sirius grumbles then and detaches himself from Remus, still in his pyjamas, waddling over to James and collapsing on top of him, pressing his face into his neck.

“Prongs.” Sirius whines. “Moony attacked me!”

“He did what?” Rodolphus narrows his eyes at Remus, who smirks at him, amused.

“He slapped my ass!” Sirius wails.

“He did what?” Rodolphus demands. Remus rolls his eyes as Sirius snickers.

“Your face!” He points at Rodolphus who’s face was thunderous and slightly red. At Sirius’s laughter, it disappears, and confusion is the only thing there. Sirius slumps back into James. “But he did attack me, Prongs, he shoved me off the bed. My ass hurts.”

“You yelled in my ear.” Remus counters, walking over, sitting himself down. “Twice. First when James left the room and literally screamed when the guards opened the door to wake us up. If you think about it, I shoved you off the bed and then threw a book at what’s-his-face.” Remus said, grabbing some toast and buttering it, cutting it in half. He grabs a cup of tea and pours too much sugar into it and a dash of milk before taking a sip. His tense shoulders relax.

“But I don’t care about the book! My ass! It fucking hurts, Moony!” Sirius groans, almost falling off the chair. James chuckles, steadying the male. “My ass!” Sirius reiterates.

“Your ass is bloody fine, Pads, stop complaining.” Remus deadpans, grabbing some bacon and scooping some eggs on his plate. Sirius pouts and slides into another seat, grabbing a croissant and biting savagely into it, glaring at Remus a little. “Keep glowering at me, Pads, and I really will slap your ass.” Sirius whips his head around, away from Remus, right at James who dissolves into laughter. Rabastan chokes on his coffee, spluttering it down his shirt with a mournful look. Rodolphus purses his lips into a thin line as he waves his wand, the shirt cleaning, glaring at Remus. “Don’t think I won’t slap your ass too, Lestrange.” Remus said without looking up. Rabastan chokes again, Rodolphus’s eyes widening before looking away quickly.

Fenrir chuckles roughly. “You’re a little spit fire, aren’t you, cub?”

“Gryffindor.” Remus says as if that’s explanation enough. James is wheezing. “Prongs, breathe, mate otherwise you’ll faint. The same goes for you, baby Black.” Regulus stops laughing, pouting at Barty and Evan when they both snicker. Sirius is pouting, still eating his croissant. He snatches James’s orange juice, gulping down the rest, the male straightening and snatching it back with a mournful look at the empty cup.

“I hate you.”

Sirius pouts. “I’m sorry.”

“No you’re not.” Sirius’s pout deepens. “Fine, you’re sorry. No, I don’t hate you, I love you very much, stop pouting please. It’s creepy.” Sirius brightens and pours two glasses of orange juice, handing one to James and lifting the other to his lips. “Thanks.” James murmurs, eyeing the person at the head of the table who hadn’t said anything, simply deeming to watch the events unfolding. He had a feeling that it was something the male did quite often.

“So,” Sirius started, sipping the orange juice, “what are we doing today?”

“We’re going to work. You are staying in Slytherin manor.” Rodolphus answered calmly, eyebrows raising in challenge when Sirius places the cup on the table, incredulous eyes going to him.

“And who said that?” Sirius asks, voice deadly quiet. Regulus winces, knowing that Sirius’ voice only gets like this when there’s about to be a massive fight.

“Me.” Rodolphus said. Sirius barks a mirthless laugh. He stands, slamming his hand down on the table. The plates and cups rattle, Remus hastily picking up his cup of tea, cradling it protectively to his chest.

“Go fuck yourself, Lestrange.” Sirius hisses, storming out of the room. Rodolphus swallows.

“Well, you fucked that one up, brother.” Rabastan murmurs, smirking as he took a sip of tea with barely any sugar nor milk. Rodolphus shot him a look.

“Oh shut up, Basty.” Rabastan snorts.

James glared at the elder Lestrange. “Do that again and I’ll skin you alive. Sirius is his own person, not your shackled spouse. He’s free to do as he wishes and if you disagree then I swear on my magic, you won’t live to see tomorrow.” The vow takes hold and his magic blasts through the room, the walls rattling and the furniture trembling. Rodolphus swallows heavily again. Voldemort watches on in intrigue. Fenrir’s smirking and Rabastan is watching is brother be scolded with greedy eyes. It wasn’t often the male was told off, so he’d got a big head and a big ego in Rabastan’s opinion.

“He’s not safe out there, once he leaves the wards.” Rodolphus protests.

“Then you should’ve said it like that.” Remus interjects with a roll of his eyes. “Honestly, Slytherins.”

“He was raised a Black,” Rodolphus snaps, agitated at the nab at his Hogwarts house, “he should’ve known the difference.”

“And you think he wants to remember being raised as a Black with the bitch of the mother he has?” James says incredulously, scoffing a little. “No, every lesson as a Black and a Slytherin he’s tried to push out of his mind. The only reason he’s stayed long enough as it is, is for baby Black. Otherwise he would’ve ran ages ago.” James said. Regulus stared at him with wide eyes, feeling Evan’s hand squeeze his in reassurance.

James stands, tight smile on his face. “Excuse me. Before I slap Lestrange.” He gives a tight nod and then exits. Remus rolls his eyes and takes another slip, grabbing another piece of toast. He registers the eyes on him and glances up.

“What?” He said in response to the stares. “I’m fucking starving.”