The Order
Time stood for a while, the sounds of the small waves around them seemed to disappear, any and all distractions fell away in that moment. Clem stood still, well as still as she could be, her body mindlessly keeping her above water. Her eyes locked onto Remus, who waited anxiously for a reply. Her mind swirling with thoughts and questions. This was something she had always wished for, ever since 3rd year, but never in a million years did she believe it would actually come true. Her mind continued to race, grappling at the weight of his words. The realization that this silly crush had turned into something much deeper, washing over her like a tidal wave, leaving her breathless with emotion.
Her gaze flicked up to his, feeling a surge of warmth spreading through her chest, a flicker of hope igniting within her. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving the two of them enveloped in a cocoon of shared vulnerability. For a moment, Clem choked on her words, her emotions swirling like the currents of the lake. But she began to feel a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. The smile filled with tenderness. Finally, she found her voice, her words breaking at the silence that had settled between them.
“Remus,” she whispered, her voice a murmur but echoing loudly in his ears. “I think I might be in love with you too.”
In that moment, with the gentle waves lapping being a backdrop, they stood on the precipice of something new, their hearts beating in synchrony, both pounding in the best way they could. Remus’s heart soared with a mixture of disbelief and euphoria. He never thought he would be the one to get into a relationship, never thought he would find someone who fit him. He felt a rush of warmth flood through him, spreading through the depths of his soul to the tips of his trembling fingers. The years of unspoken longing had been lifted from his shoulder, replaced by joy.
“Clem,” he breathed, his voice husky, “you have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear you say that.” The corners of her lips quirked upward in a tender smile, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
“You’re one to talk, been waiting for you to speak up for ages,” she teased, he scoffed, folding his arms,
“Oi, the man doesn’t always have to be the one to make the first move,” he cocked an eyebrow, earning a small laugh from Clem who flung her arms around him, causing both of them to sink further into the lake slightly.
Their faces mear centimeters from each other, their breaths both reminiscent of the cigarettes they left behind. His eyes scanning her face, taking in her features before closing the distance between them, his heart pounding. His lips pressed to hers in a tender kiss, holding her around his waist. A kiss filled with all the unspoken words, all the shy looks and vulnerable smiles.
She pulled away slowly, resting her forehead on his, his wet hair sticking to both of their faces. A sudden burst of laughter and cheering broke out. James, Sirius, and Lily, who had been swimming nearby, had overheard everything, even though Remus tried his best to give them privacy. They were now whooping and hollering obnoxiously, splashing water into the almost dark sky.
“Oi, Moony!” James called out, his voice echoing across the water, “about time!”
Lily joined in with a hearty laugh, Sirius splashing water around playfully.
“I knew it! I always knew there was something between you two!” Marlene and Mary called from the lakeside, they had just arrived and had also heard and watched everything. Lily’s face beamed with delight, lighting the night sky, swimming closer as her eyes shined with happiness.
“You guys are adorable!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands in excitement. Clem’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, unable to ignore the chuckle bubbling in her throat. She shot Remus an amused glace, her hands still wrapped around him, her eyes sparkling with a new found affection.
“Guess the secret is out,” she giggled, hosting herself up to the deck, Remus followed, smiling widely and nodded, his heart swelling with love and gratitude.
Sirius’s heart pounded for the rest of the night, feeling as if he would be sick watching the new tender exchanges between Remus and Clem. He cheered along with the others, masking his true feelings, but his mind was consumed with a different emotion. For years, he had learned how to shove down his emotions, burying them deep within his chest, but this new development made things so much harder. He watched the way Clem placed a gentle hand on Remus’s knee, the way his eyes lit up at the intimate gesture. Large pangs of jealousy and longing gripped at Sirius’s heart. Feeling a twinge of sadness knowing that whatever door was open, was now closed, Remus had found someone else, someone who wasn’t him. Sirius forced a smile onto his face, masking the tears that threatened to boil over. Watching as they all sat around a campfire, Remus and Clem snuggled up close together as they slowly dried their clothes.
As Sirus joined the group, after collecting himself, he shoved his hands in his pockets,
“Well,” Sirius chimed in, his voice carrying over the laughter. “Looks like our dear Moony finally found himself a moon of his own.”
James let out a hearty laugh, clapping Remus on the back.
“About time, mate! We were all starting to think you were going to be the eternal bachelor.”
“I’m just glad our old man Remus finally mustered up the courage.” Sirius chuckled, a tinge of sadness in his tone. Remus gave the boy a knowing look, his eyes speaking thousands of words, both hostile and painful.
“Hey Marls!” Sirius chirpped, breaking eye contact, “sit with me!”
Marlene gave a pouty face, wrapping her arms around Dorcas.
“In your dreams Black! Didn’t you hear? Dorcas and I are in love,” she teased, Dorcas’ face growing pink. Sirius gave a low whistle, before his eyes drifted to Mary.
“Mary,” his voice called sweetly, “come sit,” She chuckled, finding a comfortable spot near him.
“Don’t think that just because I’m sitting with you means anything,” she warned teasingly, Sirius placed a hand on her knee smiling a consendening smile,
“We can wait and see,” he teased, his eyes darting to Remus, who had now refocused himself elsewhere, smiling with his hand laced in Clem’s. Mary raised an eyebrow at his flirtatious demeanor, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. She leaned in close, her breath tickling his ear, her voice dropping to a deep whisper.
“You know, Sirius, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re trying to distract yourself,” she teased, her eyes flicking over to Remus. Sirius’s facade flickering for a moment, a hint of vulnerability flashing before he covered it with a smirk.
“Distract myself from what, Mary darling?” he replied, his tone light but slightly lacking its usual bravado.
Mary’s gaze softened, her hand covering his reassuringly.
“I’ve seen the way you look at him,” she spoke gently, her words laced with understanding.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he muttered, turning his head to look at her, his gaze fixed on her pink tinted lips. “My mind has been fixed on you for months,” he whispered his voice horace, Mary chuckled softly, giving into his need for a distraction.
“Oi!” Marlene groaned, “get a room!” she whined, before stretching her arm back out and around Dorcas who had been sitting quietly. Sirius and Mary shared a knowing glance, their playful banter momentarily interrupted by Marlene's jest. Sirius couldn't help but chuckle, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he leaned closer to Mary, their shoulders brushing against each other.
"Looks like Marlene's just jealous," he whispered, his voice low and conspiratorial. "She wishes she had someone as charming as you to distract her."
Mary laughed, shaking her head in amusement at Sirius's smooth words. Despite the playful teasing, there was a warmth between them, a genuine connection that had been growing stronger with each passing moment.
"Maybe she just needs to find her own distraction," Mary replied, her eyes dancing with amusement as she glanced back at Marlene and Dorcas. "But for now, I'm quite content with my current company." she smirked, giving him a soft kiss on the cheek.
Sirius grinned, a playful glint in his eyes as he leaned back, his hand still resting lightly on Mary's knee. He had found a good distraction, it would keep him in check for a while. But the lingering thoughts of Remus still stood, stealing glances at them throughout the night, he fought his best to push them aside, allowing each thought to motivate an affectionate gesture for Mary.
The night grew cold, the summer breeze picking up threatening to put out the fire in front them.
“It’s getting late James, we should probably head back soon, your mum probably wants us back too.” Lily sighed, stretching out before searching for her bag.
James gave a pouting look, puffing out his lips while pushing his glasses further up his face.
“She’s right Prongs, let’s get going,” Sirius agreed, patting Mary’s leg before following Lily. reluctantly, James nodded in agreement, his shoulder slumping slightly. Remus chuckled softly, watching those around him begin to pack up, Clem placing her hands on her hips as she shot him a glance.
“You can help you know,” she teased. Remus waved a hand as he stretched out further into his seat, his nose going further into his book. Clem groaned softly, pushing his shoulder softly, causing his balance to waver for a moment.
“Prick,” she teased,
“Who? Moony? Oh come on, Clem, don’t act so surprised,” Sirius grinned, his toothy smile reflecting off the dimmed fire. Remus glanced up from his book, a playful glint in his eyes as he shot Sirius a mocking glare.
“I’m doing important research here, Padfoot,” he retorted with a smirk, earning a snort from Clem.
“Important research, my foot,” she teased, nudging him again. “You’re just avoiding clean up.”
Remus shrugged nonchalant, closing his book and pushing it into his bag. “Alright, I suppose I can lend a hand,” he conceded, rising to his feet and joining the others in gathering their things. Lily threw a quick disgishing charm on the fire as the rest of them flung their bags onto their shoulders, lighting their wands.
“Right,” James sighed, slipping his hand through Lily’s, “Let’s go then,”
James led the way, the sound of his footsteps echoing against the crunch of leaves beneath them, Sirius and Mary not far behind, talking with Marlene and Dorcas who had been clinging to each other since they arrived. Remus and Clem taking their time, following behind the rest of them. Remus claiming he would be look out and light a path for the rest of them. His wand held aloft as he illuminated the path with a soft, golden light.
The forest slowly becoming alive around them, casting eerie shadows that danced among the tress. Clem walking beside him, her arm softly link in his own, her steps light and graceful as she navigated the uneven terrain.
“It’s rude to stare,” Clem teased, a cigarette hanging from her lip, meeting Remus’s gaze.
“It’s hard not to,” Remus retorted back, stealing the cigarette from her, blowing the smoke into the sky above him.
“Not exactly going anywhere you know,” Clem exhaled, her eyes taking in the stew of stars above them. “Not like Sirius has a chance of whisking me away,”
Remus chuckled, his chest buzzing and husky, coughing slightly.
“You need to quit, you are on the path to dying before 20,” Clem teased,
“You are one to talk Clementine Bones,” Remus grinned, stopping in his tracks to look at the girl next to him. Her head craining towards his, her eyes darting between his eyes and lips.
“I’ve quit before,” her voice quiet as her mind stuck on one task, Remus leaned in closer, blowing the smoke away from them.
“They say it’s harder the second time,” he adds, leaning in slowly,
“Rubbish,” she whispered,
Remus smiled, his toothy, canine grin before giving her a small, gentle kiss
He draped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her in closer as they walked, playfully teasing on another. Clem’s laughter filling the air as the group all began to conversate. The forest began to disappear in front of them, the familiar sillouhet of the Potter home coming into their sights.
The outline of a familiar group standing in the doorway, illuminated by the lights inside.
“James Fleamont Potter! Get inside, right now!” A voice boomed,
“Shit,” James swore, running quickly with Lily and the others close behind him.
“You said dinner, James. Not nightfall.” Euphmenia lectures, her arms wound tightly across her chest.
“We are sorry, Mrs.Potter.” Sirius admitted, his head hung low, “we lost track of time,”
“We won’t do it again, promise,” Lily smiled hastily
Euphemia gave a large sigh, motioning them to all come inside.
The group stood in the hallway silent, their head glued to their shoes.
“I’m sorry, Mum,” James apologized,
“You can’t just go running about like there isn’t a war going on, like there aren’t people who will kill you if given the chance!” Euphemia lectured, her voice growing louder as she spoke.
Fleamont placed a gentle hand on Euphemias shoulder, her hands covering her face as she shook her head slowly.
“Just, go upstairs. We are having a meeting soon and I don’t want you kids down here,”
“Mum,” James protested, “we are old enough to be apart of them.”
“James, enough,” Fleamont warned, “please just go upstairs,” he replied, pinching the bridge of his nose.
The group exchanged nervous glances as they shuffled past Euphemia and Fleamont, their heads bowed in contrition. Each step felt heavy with the weight of disappointed, all their cheeks flushed out of embarrassment.
Once upstairs, Lily followed James into his room, Sirius and Mary doing the same, the tension of the moment hanging in the air like a thick fog. The sound of arguing coming from James’ room before a quick silencing charm was added. Remus and Clem lingered in the hallway for a moment, exchanging a knowing look.
“We can go to my room, Lily will probably be with James all night,” Clem murmured, her voice low. Remus nodded, his gaze lingering on the closed doors around them.
“Probably for the best.”
Clem led him to her shared room, throwing herself on to her bed, laying out. Remus chuckled as he closed the door, adding his own silencing charm and locking the door. Clem sat up slowly, raising an eyebrow, earning a heavy eye roll from Remus as he sat down beside her.
“Get your head out of the gutter,” he teased.
Clem took a deep breath, her head staring at the ceiling above them.
“I hate when it’s like this,” she admitted softly, her fingers figdeting with the hem of her now dry shirt.
Remus reached out, gently squeezing her hand in reassurance. “Me too, but it’s the truth. Euphemia was just worried, she has every right to be honestly.”
Clem resting her head on his shoulder, tracing the scars along his hands.
“I want to fight, be apart of this, so it can be over with sooner.”
“Clem, you’ll get yourself killed.” he warned, his voice laced with concern.
“I’d rather die fighting for something,” she continued, her voice growing frustrated.
“Don’t you agree with me?” she asked, fixing her gaze to look at him.
“Of course, but I don’t think I could live with myself if I didn’t try to stop you from joining everyone else.” his voice soft, trying to lighten the mood.
A knock came at the door, the two of them exchanging a confused look. Remus got up slowly, limping slightly as he answered the door. A familiar black haired boy bursting in with Mary behind him, his face woven in anger.
“I’m sitting in on that meeting, you guys coming?” he asked quickly, Remus turned to look at Clem, his eyebrows raised in surprise at Sirius’s flamboyant entrance. His eyes intense as he stared at the two of them.
“Yeah, we’re coming,” Clem confirmed, motioning for Remus to follow, their expressions mirroring Sirius’s.
James and Lily stood outside the door, leaned on the wall, their arms crossed.
“Let’s go,” James whispered.
Sirius knocked on the door softly, the sound of chatter going silent as Fleamont opened the door slightly.
“Yes?” he asked, Sirius pushed his way inside, the rest of them following. All of them met with a mixture of surprise and concern from the adults sitting around the table.
“No,” Euphemia stated, her voice stern. “Go upstairs, now.” she warned, getting up to shove them out.
Dumbledore quickly stood in the corner, Moody next to him.
“With my utmost respect, Euphemia, let’s hear what they have to say,” Dumbledore spoke softly, his tone smooth and calm.
“I know what they’re going to say, and the answer is no, Albus.” Euphemia snapped, her head turning to the older man. “They are children.” her eyes burned with seriousness.
“Euphemia, please,” Fleamont spoke softly, his hands on his wifes shoulders. She backed away from them, allowing all of them to step into the room in a line.
“We want to help,” Sirius insisted, his voice stern. “We aren’t children, we know the risks and what is going on. We want to help,”
Protests from Euphemia fell silent at Albus’s hand. The group nodded in an agreement, their expressions the same. Dumbledore regarded them for a long time, his gaze searching each of them, as if he was seeing into their souls. Finally, he sighed, a weary expression crossing his features.
“Very well,” he conceded, his voice tinged with regret. Moody grunted in approval, his expression grim but appreciative. A large commotion came about this approval, multiple witches and wizards arguing with Dumbledore, agreeing with Euphemia. The sound of chairs scraping the ground echoing in the small dining room. Frank and Alice being some of the few who began to protest this decision.
“They’re just children,” Alice spoke out, her arms folding in frustration. “You’ll get them killed, Albus.”
“With all do respect,” Dumbledore began, his voice easily rising above everyone else, “this is their choice, just as much as it was all of yours.” Shooting the kids a quick wink before continuing.
“Plus, I feel much better that a Black is on our side, instead of the latter.” Sirius’s gaze flicking downward for a moment. He tried to hide a proud grin that poked on his face. Euphemia cleared her throat, “Anything else, children.” her voice amplifying the word ‘children’.
“The meeting is about finished, we can catch you all up next time.” Fleamont explained, the group shook their heads, nodding and thanking the Order members as they left, heading back upstairs. The weight of their new responsibilities now weighing down on their shoulders, some of their stomachs beginning to churn. Remus exchanged a glance with Sirius and Clem, his expression torn.
“We’re really doing this, aren’t we?” James murmured, his voice tinged with slight uncertainty.
Sirius nodded, his jaw set. “We made out choice, no backing out now,” he replied, his tone resolute.
“If we stick together, we will all be fine.” Lily spoke out, her voice calm.
They stood at the top of the stairs, enveloped in a tense silence. The gravity of their decision hanging in the air, mingling with the metallic scent of magic and distant voices below.
“I’m going to bed,” Mary yawned, rubbing her eyes, exchanging a small glance with Sirius, “I’ll be there soon,” he nodded, James chuckled, patting Sirius’s shoulder.
“See you in the morning mate,” He yawned, Lily giving a small squeeze to Clem’s hand before following him.
Remus placed his hand on the small of Clem’s back, “We can all talk about this more in the morning, Sirius. It’s late.” Offering the boy a small, reassuring smile. Sirius only nodded, turning to his door and snaking inside. Remus gave an annoyed sigh before following Clem to her room. “I don’t get what’s with him lately,” Remus groaned.
Clem chuckled softly from the bathroom, combing her hair out.
“He’s probably just worried is all,” she lied, she knew how Sirius felt but didn’t feel it was her place. Remus leaned against the doorway, watching silently as Clem combed her hair.
“Maybe,” he conceded, his voice soft. “Just isn’t like him to get worried.”
Clem paused, meeting his gaze through the mirror. “What do you mean?” she asked, furrowing her brows slightly. Remus only shrugged, placing a cigarette between his lips, Clem nipped it away from hims quickly.
“I doubt the Potters want the smell of cigarettes in their home,” she protested, placing it on the countertop in front of her, he frowned slightly but nodded an understanding. Remus chuckled softly, “Fair enough,” he replied, offering a sheepish smile.
“I suppose it’s a bad habit to indulge in someone elses home.” he pursed his lips, “even though I can smell Sirius’s cigarette from his room,”
Clem scoffed, turning off the light and throwing herself on the bed.
“If you suddenly left and I smelt cigarettes I would say nothing,” she mumbled in her pillow.
Remus laughed softly, slipping into the sheets next to her,
“Unfortunately I should probably rest, my hip is hurting from the swimming and hike,” he admitted softly, Clem turned to look at him, pushing a piece of his hair out of his face.
“I didn’t know you had problems with your hip?” she asked softly, he nodded,
“Since 2nd year, roughly,” he admitted
Clem sighed, tracing his scars skewed across his face, “I’m sure one of the girls can help, make something for the pain,” Remus closed his eyes, melting at the touch.
“I’ve gone this long, I’ll be okay,” his voice drifting off
Clem frowned, concern creasing her brow. She leaned in closer, her hand moving to gently cup his cheek.
“You don’t have to suffer you know, I’ll get the girls to help me make something.” she murmured softly, her voice filled with empathy.
Remus’s eyes fluttered open, meeting her soft gaze. “I know,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “And I appreciate it more than you know.”
They laid in the dimly lit room, the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the curtains casting shadows across their faces. Clem’s hand remained on Remus’s cheek, her touch soothing to him. A swell of warmth in his chest, a deep sense of comfort settling over him.
“Thank you,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “For everything.”
Clem smiled softly, leaning into press a gentle kiss to his lips. “Anytime,” she murmured, her words genuine.
Remus looked at her, his gaze soft and vulnerable. His head craining down slightly to kiss her again, his arms bringing her closer before laying his head on her’s, smoothing down her hair. Their breathing syncing together as they fought the heaviness of sleep.