When Will I See You Again

“How’s James doing?” Asked Remus as he loaded his suitcase onto the luggage rack.

“Surprisingly well! You can thank your brother for getting you out of that one, Moony. James Potter is a changed man, it seems.” Said Sirius, as he followed into the compartment.

“Yeah, Gareth said he had a chat with him. He’s a pain sometimes, but he does have his uses, I guess.”

“That’s what big brothers are for, Remus.”

The Hogwarts Express blew its horn and the boys settled in for the long journey ahead. Over an hour passed, Sirius sat back flicking through muggle magazines that he successfully hid from his mother this summer. Remus had all of the text books laid out for the year across his seat. He was matching the notes he had made over the holidays to each subject, in order of where they appear in each book.

Sirius peeked over the top of his copy of Rolling Stone as Remus broke the silence.

“Where’s the others?”

“James is at the prefects meeting, he’s going to be taking his responsibilities very seriously this year-” 

“How’s he managed that? I don’t bloody know! He really took the piss last year-”

“I hate to remind you, but it’s not like Minnie’s spoilt for choice! It’s a toss up between James, Pete, me, and you. And no offence Moon, but you’re bottom of that list for a reason, you little rapscallion.” Sirius broke a smile as he returned his attention back to an article about Mick Jagger, on his latest tour across America.

“Speaking of Pete..”

“Oh Merlin! you don’t know, do you?” Sirius’ face was positively glowing. “He’s with his fancy lady.”

“You’re joking!” Remus howled as he threw himself across the seat, over his half organised books and notes. “Who? Who is it?! Don’t tell me it’s Evans! I wouldn’t be surprised he’s a sneaky one, and by now he must a walking encyclopaedia of the poor girl.”

“No, it’s not Miss Evans, and you will do well to keep that name out of your mouth this year, Remus. It’s the younger Miss Fortescue, if you must know.”

“Jemima!” Remus choked as he almost rolled on to the floor with laughter. “Yo-Your telling me P-Pete is dating the girl who spent all summer working in the ice cream shop? I won’t need to ask how he met her. Oh Sir, please tell me James knows!”

“I’m not telling you, Ray.”

“Oh, don’t you Ray me! Please, it will be a laugh!”

“We’ve had enough of your laughs, Ray.”

“Sod off, you bore!” Remus groaned throwing his potions book at Sirius.

Sirius caught the book and slammed his magazine down next to him.

“It was only a week ago you introduced us to your secret girlfriend, I’m as good as married and Pete’s found himself someone with…let’s say, a common interest. No talk of females around James this year, do you hear me Remus?”

“Yes”

“Yes?”

“Yes Sirius. No talk of girls this year.”

“Good.”

They went back to silence, Sirius found where he left off on the article and Remus was now collecting his books and organising them in his trunk. It was only a mere fifteen minutes before Sirius took his turn to pipe up.

“Hey, Moony?”

“What?”

“What do you think?” Sirius held the front cover up, next to his face. On it was a black and white photo of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, topless, with black shaggy hair.

Remus shot a puzzled look across the compartment. “I’m a man of many thoughts, you’ll have to be a bit more specific.”

“The hair. Do you think I should grow mine out?”

“I’m not sure… turn your head to the side a bit for me.”

 Sirius turned his head to the right, keeping his eyes on Remus. “Well?”

“I’m going to need you to pout for me too…”

Sirius pushed his lips out, giving his best attempt at Jagger’s signature look.

“Hmm, just er, take your shirt off a second as well.” Remus’ composure began to break and he rose his eyebrows at Sirius, who huffed and threw the potions book back at him.

“You bloody pillock!”

“Ask daft questions, get daft answers! Who wants to walk around looking like the stones anyway?”

“Maybe I do.” Sirius huffed as he made a grab for another magazine.

The pair spent the afternoon browsing the latest stories of glamorous rock stars, Sirius paying very close attention to the pictures - especially the hair. Remus was on his third issue of New Musical Express when he suddenly jumped from his seat and shoved the paper in Sirius’ face.

“There!” Remus pointed to the picture of the band T.Rex. “That is how you should grow your hair, Sir. It would suit you better, you’ve got a face like him.”

“But, I look nothing like Marc Bo-”

“No! Not Marc you prat. Mickey Finn! See here?” He pointed out the member who had shoulder length, layered, black hair. It seemed to shine, even on the news paper print.

“He’s a bit…pretty. I don’t know Moony. I don’t think I could pull that off.” Sirius sighed, handing the paper back.

“What do you mean? You look just like him, you’re the best looking lad in our year. If you can’t pull that off then I don’t know what chance the rest of us have!”

Sirius blinked at Remus.

“Oh come off it! You’re well aware of that pretty face of yours.” Teased Remus as he turned back. “Anyway, T.Rex are much more cooler than the stones.”

Sirius watched Remus as he laid across the seats, knee’s bent where he was now too tall to fit comfortably, holding the magazine out above his head. Deciding he was now bored of reading, Sirius slid over so he could look out the window. 

The rolling hills of the British countryside, the warmth of the sun, he closed his eyes and took in the breeze from the open window. There was a serene moment of calm, before walking into the chaos of another year at school with his motley crew. It was perfect, until a humming noise broke from across the room, getting louder…and louder.

“Wear a tall hat like a druid in the old days

Wear a tall hat and a tattooed gown

Ride a white swan like the people of the Beltane

Wear your hair long, babe you can't go wrong”

“Is nothing sacred?” Sirius exhaled.

“Catch a bright star and a place it on your forehead

Say a few spells and baby, there you go

Take a black cat and sit it on your shoulder

And in the morning you'll know all you know, oh”

“Remus…”

“Ride a white swan like the people of the Beltane

Wear your hair long, babe you can't go wrong”

Remus looked over to Sirius with a playful grin. He shot back his own bewildered stare.

“Cocky, Lupin. You’ve got cocky.”

Remus bit back a laugh, shifting himself into a more comfortable position, as he began to doze off.

The sky filled with clouds, and the breeze turned into a chill, as they made their way into Scotland. Sirius knew there would still be at least another three hours left until they reach Hogsmede, perfect for him to make a dent on the Muggle novel his uncle Alph sent to him, via the Potters. He opened the book, Anna Karenina, to find a note written on the inside of the cover.

My dear Sirius,

I hope this finds you well. 

I may be biased, but this is truly the most fantastic thing I think I have ever read.

I wish you find some comfort in this sorry tale, as surely, you can’t believe we are the only family out there who behaves so appallingly.

All my love to you my nephew,

Alphard. 

Sirius’ face lit up as he escaped into the world of the Muggle Russian aristocracy. He took such delight in each parallel between the characters and his own family, it seems nobility face the same problems Muggle and Wizard. The afternoon drifted away in a swirl of unhappy marriages, adultery and the agony of poor Levin fretting over how worthy a match he was for Kitty. Sirius was rooting for Levin, a man who held many qualities he admired, although he was jealous of the control he had over his own life. You see, Levin could choose to fall in love with who he pleased and he chose the girl he wanted to marry. 

Sirius’ chest began to ache. The truth is, as much as he would love to be the master of his own destiny, he was very much a Kitty of this world. Despite the desire to rebel and break the system, he fell into line with his family’s wishes and denied himself a future of love and happiness. Instead he chose his duty to his family.

He sat staring blankly at the pages in front of him, he pictured coming home after a long day at work, probably a dull ministry job. Wait. No. This is his dream. He was in control now. So, he comes home from a long day as curse breaker, the finest Britain has ever seen, he can smell smoke? Yes, smoke, from a muggle cigarette and he can hear the strumming of a guitar coming from the record player. “Sirius, are you there?” A voice called. Sirius began to desperately run around the house, room to room, to find the owner of the voice. 

“Hello? Sirius?”

Remus’ face came into his vision.

“Hm?” Sirius squeaked.

“I thought I lost you there, what’s this?” Remus gently picked the book from his hands. “Oh I know this one, well, saw the film with Mam once on the telly. A real romantic you, eh?”

“Well, it’s a gift actually. From my Uncle, he sent it to James for me.”

“I see. It’s a whopper, isn’t it? Could use it as door stop, or to give James a leg up on to the carriages this year - he’s suddenly got very short…”

Sirius snorted “No Moony, you’ve just finally grown. And you will do no such things to my book, I’ll have it back thank you.” He held his hand out, Remus gave the book back and sat down with a troubled look on his face, he began to fidget with the end of his jumper.

“What did you want Moony? Or, did you want to wake me from my reverie, so you can take the piss out of me again?” He raised his eyebrow looking over to his friend.

Remus cracked a small smile but continued to fiddle the well worn corner.

“I was talking to my Dad after the moon. You know I said I thought the wolf had gone mad and that’s why it was so intense? Well, Dad’s got other ideas, and well…I guess he must know… being the expert that is. Obviously, I didn’t tell him about the plans for you and the others! Just that it was a struggle and-”

“And? Go on, what does he think?”

“Yeah right, so he thinks well… he thinks it’s maturing, the wolf that is. The wolf is maturing.”

“Sounds right to me, we’re all maturing Moony. Makes sense the wolf would too.”

“Yeah it does, but it’s not like normal maturing, it’s… well…” Remus’ checks tinted pink. “It’s maturing sexually. That’s why I wanted to talk to you about it all, actually, because you’re the oldest and James clearly is regressing if anything and Pete - he’d just take the piss.”

“How can I help?” Sirius felt his own cheeks warm up.

“I don’t know, I was just thinking about it, and Dad mentioned that the wolf might feel sexually threatened and it might effect me as well. Like I might get jealous or catty or something?”

“Well you’ve certainly become a pain in the arse the last couple of months.”

Remus rolled his eyes, as Sirius held back a laugh.

“I’m worried about you lot joining me this year, if the wolf feels threatened I could be really dangerous, I could hurt you all, or even worse. And I don’t want that. Obviously I don’t want that, but I can’t even risk putting you in that situation, any of you.”

“Okay, how about if it’s just you and me then? To begin with at least.”

“Did you not hear what I just said?”

“Do I sexually threaten you Remus?”

Remus’ cheeks turned three shades brighter.

“N-no no, w-what? No, of course you don’t.” Remus spluttered.

“Well then I see no problem, don’t worry about the others. I’ll have a chat with them, explain you’re worried after the last moon, of how the wolf is behaving… Or, I’ll think of something. Don’t worry about it.”

“Thanks Sirius, you really don’t have to-”

“No, let me. I need something to take my mind off-”

“Alright Chums?” James slammed the carriage door open, breaking Sirius off mid sentence. “You two nearly ready to go? We’re pulling into Hogsmede any second and we should really get a move on. Need to set a good example and all.”

“Who the fuck is this and why does it look like James?” Remus loudly whispered as Sirius stifled a laugh.

“Yes, very funny Lupin, can’t see a badge on your jumper though. Where’s Pete gone?”

Remus opened his mouth to answer, but Sirius beat him to it, “I’m not his keeper Jamie, he’s a grown lad! Why would I have tabs on his whereabouts? Do you not think I have more important things on my mind at the moment!?”

If there was an award for how to weasel out of answering questions you don’t want to, Sirius Black would be presented with an Order of Merlin, first class. Remus always thought it was a bit over the top, and to be honest, glaringly obvious what Sirius was trying to achieve. But, it certainly worked, as James didn’t mention another word about Peter as they departed the train.

“That won’t work forever you know.” Remus whispered to Sirius as he passed by. Sirius shot a wink back to his friend as he strode ahead to find an empty carriage for the ride up to the castle.

“Got one here, come on quick!” Sirius shouted over.

“What about Pete?” James half shouted back as he made his way through the other students.

“He’s got five minutes, or we’re leaving without him.” Sirius responded as Remus climbed into the carriage and sat beside him.

“Are you really not going to tell him?” Asked Remus.

“It’s not my problem, Moon. It’s down to Peter to tell him, and the only reason he won’t is because he’s scared.”

“I can understand that. Who would want to tell the mighty James Potter, ‘greatest chaser in a century’, and now prefect that he is the only single man our dorm this year?”

“Oh, I know someone who would love too..” Sirius mused as watched James jump into the carriage, after what was clearly an unsuccessful search for Peter. A huge grin spread across Remus’ face, “Who ever does break the news is one lucky bastard. I hope i’m there to see it.”

"Hey, Ray!” Gareth called, as he ran over to their carriage, “Do you mind if me and Gil jump in with you lot?”

James groaned and Sirius kicked his leg, giving him a pointed look.

“No of course not Gar, is he alright?” Remus asked, as a puffy eyed Gilderoy Lockhart marched towards them.

“Not really, had another fight. Don’t mention the F-word to him for a while.”

“F-Word?” Sirius asked, half listening to the conversation between the brothers.

“Family, they don’t get on.” Responded Gareth, as he took a seat next to James.

“Hi Gilly, me and Sir were just chatting about his hair. Do you think he should grow it out? I’m still a bit undecided myself.” Remus asked as Gilderoy took a seat next to Gareth.

“It would be a crime worthy of a stint in Azkaban to hide that gorgeous face behind a mop of hair.” Gilly quipped with a watery smile.

Sirius seemed lost for words, he felt his stomach tighten, much like it did when Remus called him pretty earlier on. A warmth spread up his neck and to his cheeks, as a smile was fighting his lips. Remus also felt an ache across his chest, and a heat spread. It was rage. Without even thinking, he shifted himself closer to Sirius, so their knees were now touching. James looked across at  his friends, giving a pained expression.

“Oh, did you see Peter on the train?” Gareth started, completely unaware of the tension building between the friends. He lit two cigarettes and passed one to Gilderoy, who took it with a shake still in his hand.

“Thank you darling, so that was your friend Peter then?” Gil nodded over to Remus as he took a very long, deep, drag from the cigarette.

“What are you on about? Where did you see him?” James turned, waving the smoke away from him.

“Well he was hard to miss Potter, if he had his tongue any further down that girls throat, he would be getting a taste of yesterday’s dinner.”

“It was absolutely vile Ray, you didn’t mention anything about him going with the Fortescue girl?”

“Ooh was that who it was? Could barely make out the poor things face. Hope you don’t treat your girlfriend like that Ray?” Gil pointed his cigarette towards Remus.

James glared at the two boys next to him.

“You must be mistaken, Pete hasn’t got a girlfriend.”

“Oh he certainly does.” Gil laughed. “That much was very clear.”

“What were you doing on the train anyway, Lockhart? Thought you were Scottish?”

“Oi Jamie, that’s enough now, alright?” Sirius chimed in.

“Yeah James, it’s not Gilly’s fault Pete was eating Jemima’s face on the train.” Remus added, as he tried his hardest to look concerned for his friend.

“Who said it was Jemima?” James snapped, now seeing red.

Sirius elbowed Remus hard in the side, “Well it’s certainly not Alice, is it?”

The boys sat in an awkward silence as they travelled up the path, now passing the village of Hogsmede.

“Say, how do you two fancy your chances this year? Hear you’re captain now Gareth?” Sirius grinned.

“I’d say I’m fairly confident, at least I am when it comes to Gryffindors.” Gareth smirked as Gilly chuckled beside him.

“Oh leave them be Gaz, Sirius is a fantastic beater, in fact, I need him to tone it down a bit this year. You can hit me anywhere my dear, but please not the face again.” Gilderoy winked over.

“You should’ve thought about that when you decided to become seeker then.” Sirius smirked back, Remus shifted even closer to him.

“And you Potter, I have to admit you really weren’t your best last season. You were too distracted. If you’re going to spend half the match staring at that girl, then at least sit her behind the hoops, so then you can score whilst trying to eye fuck her.”

Gareth sucked in a breath and gave his brother a glare, that screamed if you dare open your mouth Remus. Sirius snorted a laugh before quickly gathering himself, Remus was biting his cheeks so hard he could taste blood.

“I was not staring at any girl.” James fumed.

“Yes you were, don’t think people won’t notice. It was rather sweet actually, especially during the Slytherin game, when you couldn’t find her in the stands. It’s a shame she hangs out with that miserable kid you all pick on, the pair of you would be adorable together.” Gilderoy continued as he lit another cigarette. He was certainly beginning to perk up to his usual self again, Remus thought.

“Did you know James is prefect this year, Gar?” Remus asked, desperate to steer away anymore conversation about James’ lack of love life. 

It was half out of concern for his friend, but also due to the fact he knew it was too tempting not to open his mouth and join in. Not only would he earn himself an ear bashing from his brother, for stirring up trouble, but he was certain Sirius would be next in line to give him a telling off. Remus tried to imagine what it would be like on the receiving end of Sirius’ fury. Would he shout at him? Maybe he would grab him in his anger, and push him up against a wall in a corridor somewhere, and stare at him with those eyes like molten silver, as he brings his face closer. Remus flinched out of his daydream when felt something stir in his lap.

Oh God, no, no, Professor Sprout, Professor Sprout…Professor McGonagall? C’mon Remus, that’s it! There’s no bags of popcorn here mate, he screamed inside his head.

“Well, congratulations on that one James. Marlene’s a prefect in your year as well, isn’t she Gil?”

“Yes she is, she said you can pick and chose a bit with your first rounds, apparently they always try and make fifth years take up a bit extra to begin with.”

“Oh, well I offered to take the first few rounds, actually. I’m quite excited for them, something a bit different than sitting around the common room listening to you two bitch like an old married couple.” Said James, looking between his two friends sitting opposite.

“I’ll have you know James Potter, that we do not bitch!” Sirius scowled back.

Remus pulled the small tin from his trouser pocket, offering it first to Sirius.

“You’re my favourite Moons.” Sirius said, pulling two cigarettes from the case. Remus watched as he licked his lips, before putting both sticks between them, and lit each cigarette.

Professor Sprout, Professor Sprout, Professor Sprout,

Sirius held one out to Remus and he snatched it quickly popping it in his mouth.

“Thank you Profes- Sir - Sirius. Thank you Sirius.” Remus blushed quickly turning his attention towards the castle, now visible at the top of the hill.

As they began the ascent up to the school, there was someone calling his name ahead.

“Remus? Remus! Hey! Catch Me!” It was Mary leaning out of her carriage.

“What the bloody hell are you doing, you’re a lunatic MacDonald!” Sirius howled as they approached her.

“Jump then you mad witch.” Remus laughed as he leant out to grab her hand. “C’mon I’ve got you now.”

Mary tumbled into his arms and the pair fell back into the carriage in a pool of laughter.

“That was very dangerous Mary, I should really deduct house points.” James peered down his glasses at her.

“Sod off Potter. I’ve been tortured since the moment we left Kings Cross, I simply couldn’t take anymore.” Mary sat up, between her boyfriend and Sirius, smoothing down her skirt and fixing her robe.

“Who do you want us to go batter, darling?” Gilderoy smiled.

“Well you can start with Peter, the way he was sucking on Jemima I’d be surprised if she has any lips left by the time we get to the feast.” Mary looked revolted at the thought, as she snuggled into Remus’ side.

Remus felt someone kick his foot, it was Gareth giving him a hard stare. 

What? Remus mouthed to his brother.

Gareth tilted his head in Mary’s direction.

Remus shot his brother a puzzled look.

A strong hand grabbed the top of his arm and pulled on it, it was Sirius. “Put your arm around her.” he muttered under his breath. 

“So was it just Peter?” Sirius asked as he pulled his hand away.

“If only I was that lucky! For a while I could just close my eyes and pretend they weren’t there. But then, I had to listen to Snape and Lily go on, and on, about how pleased they are to be prefects and the extensive list of duties and responsibilities they had now, because have you heard? They’re prefects! It was only that Marlene saw you in this carriage and said I should make my escape. She didn’t mind too much, as at least she had a bit of an interest in the whole prefect conversation.” Mary didn’t even come up for air as she ranted about her afternoon.

“Lily! That was the name of the girl you stare at Potter! Curious, you say she’s a prefect? And with the miserable boy?” Gilderoy may have thought he was only teasing James, but resisting the urge to open his mouth was almost painful for Remus at this point.

“Yes very curious, I wonder why you offered to take the first few rounds, Jamie?” Sirius narrowed his eyes at his best friend.

“He told you he offered? Well, Lily said she offered, she hoped you would pull out so she didn’t have to go on rounds with you.” Mary as always feigned a look of innocence in those big, chocolate eyes, as she threw the fatal blow to James’ ego.

Remus choked on his cigarette and Gareth covered his mouth with his hand. Remus was sure his brother had finally cracked, as tears filled his eyes. James’ jaw was clenched so tight, if you focused really hard you could probably hear his teeth cracking. Sirius watched on horrified, as the cackle of Gilderoy Lockhart could be heard through all the grounds of Hogwarts.