Turn Around You Fool, You Know You'll Love Him More
“So tell us again, Moony transforms and then what?” Peter asked, for what felt like the millionth time in the week that followed the full moon.
“He snarled at me, baring his huge teeth. Terribly frightening, thought I was dinner for the evening…Then he stood over me, looking down his snout. But something took over me, call it animal instincts. I found my feet and squared back up at him, you have to show a bit of dominance in the canine world, you see.”
“And why should we believe you? We know Moony has no recollection of anything once he transforms, and you can be full of shit sometimes.” James dropped a stack of books onto their table in the library.
Sirius sat back into his chair with a look of arrogance, he began to inspect his nails. “Suit yourself Jamie. But I’m sitting here, I survived the evening, didn’t I?”
Remus smirked, he knew Sirius would have no trouble concocting some ridiculous tale of his evening with the big bad wolf. He and Sir had spoken a few times about what really happened that night, Sirius seemed very reluctant at first; But as he recounted the story, Remus had no doubt he was telling the truth.
“Look believe what you will, but I’m getting rather bored of the constant interrogation from the pair of you!” Sirius continued, picking up his novel and finding his place.
“You’re not even going to try and revise for the Astronomy test?” Peter huffed, pulling a large, dusty tome from the pile.
“Pete, his name is Sirius, he called his son Draco…Do you really think he needs to revise a unit on constellations?” James teased, sorting through his notes from their third year.
“What has Draco got to do with Astronomy?” Asked Peter.
“Open the bloody book for Christ sake!” Remus snapped, furiously scribbling notes on a fresh roll of parchment.
The corner of Sirius’s mouth twitched, he flicked the page.
“Did anyone make any notes for Transfiguration during third year?” James sighed, he took his glasses off and run his hand through his hair.
“Moony?” Sirius looked up from his book.
“Yeah, Mione’s got them. Why?” Remus said, not looking up from his work.
“Bloody Harry, that’s why. He’s falling behind. I’ve had Minnie in my ear about it…failing Divination is one thing, but I refuse to have him get anything below an E in anything else. Apparently he’s excelling in Defence and Care of Magical Creatures…”
“Really? Maybe he’s really Moony’s son then?” Sirius teased.
Remus hummed, “Sir, Cetus…was Poseidon’s monster? That he sent after …”
“My Cousin.”
Remus finally looked up from his parchment.
“Going to need a bit more than that.”
“The one who refuses to talk to my wife.”
“Right, Thank you. Oh James, I could ask Mione to help Harry if you want? She could study with him.”
“It’s no use Moony, she already does. Even she’s been on my case about it, says she’s been trying to get the importance of his education across to him since first year.” James’ hair became wilder, parchments now tossed in front of him. “Sirius, you don’t suppose Draco could help him? They have a bit of a rivalry, don’t they? Might be the kind of kick up the backside my son needs…I don’t want to be one of those parents but I’m running out of options.”
“I can’t make any promises, but I shall ask him.” Sirius returned his attention back to his book.
The boys continued in the silence of the grand library, Remus scratched his quill so frantically, it was a surprise it didn’t rip the parchment to shreds. He maybe wasn’t as academically talented as his friends, or even his brother, but that didn’t stop him from trying. He never resented the fact he might have to spend hours with his nose in a book to achieve his grades, to be quite honest, he was happy just to be given the chance.
He knew that many other children with his condition were carted off to institutions, never to been seen again. Well, never to be seen alive again. He was aware of the fate ahead of him if he were to be found out, all those children never given a chance to live. No matter how difficult life got, Remus was just grateful to be there, living each experience, each emotion. Even the ache in his chest as Sirius referred to his wife, definitely the rush when their legs brushed eachother’s under the table and that warm buzz when he’s reminded he’s got a daughter. A fantastic, talented, beautiful daughter. He was so lucky.
“Err, dad? Could I join you for a bit, I’ve got to write an essay on Finite and Finite Incantatem. I’ve got my notes, but they still don’t make any sense…” Harry whispered, James wandlessly summoned his son a chair and sifted through his old notes.
“We did that essay Jamie, it was the one about the management of cancelling multiple enchantments.” Sirius said, looking over the top of his book and smiling at Harry.
“Give him the essay to read James. It will probably make more sense, of what they’re asking from you Harry.” Remus added, drawing his attention away from his work. “Flitwick likes to make you think outside the box, I think some people are just too literal to understand what he’s getting at sometimes.”
James huffed a laugh, “Yeah, remember when Snivellus wrote that essay on entrancing enchantments last year!”
Sirius held back his own laugh, Peter’s cheeks coloured a hot pink.
“I don’t ever want to be reminded of that ever again, it was painful Harry. If you get an essay on the benefits to a caster of an entrancing enchantment, please Harry, for the love of Morganna do NOT write about the benefits received by the caster.” Peter groaned, he started to collect his things from the table.
Harry looked around cluelessly, “What benefits?”
Remus shook his head, “sex” he mouthed silently to the boy, Harry’s eyes widened and a gasp escaped his lips.
“Get your mind out of the gutter and read this.” James shoved the notes in front of him. “And you!” He glared at Remus, Sirius tutted and smacked Remus on the arm.
“What? He asked. He’s bloody thirteen for the love of Christ, you don’t think he knows what that is!” Remus started.
“And on that note, I’m off lads. Promised my Jem I would spend the evening with her tonight… so..umm…wish me luck.” Peter gave a shaky smile to his friends, Remus gave him a thumbs up.
“Have fun Pete, Merlin knows one of us should get a bit of action.” Sirius smirked back, giving the boy a wink.
“Yeah mate, good luck.” James added, with a sour look creeping over his face.
Peter gave them a sheepish smile and made a dash for the door.
“What the fuck was that Potter?” Sirius started as soon as Peter was out of the room. “Circe, at least be happy for the chap. Just because you’re not getting balls deep into Evans-”
“Can you not be so vulgar in front of my son!”
“Oh behave yourself Jamie, you can’t take all this out on Pete. Gary’s got a party next week, if you’re so desperate to get your leg over, there will be plenty of birds there…or invite Evans. Do something for Merlin’s sake!” Sirius retorted, he smacked his book on the table.
“Harry could invite Evans..” Remus offered, biting the end of his quill. He watched the younger Potter as the scene played out between between his two friends, he didn’t seem that horrified by the thought of his father pursuing his classmate. In fact, there seemed to be a glimmer of hope in those emerald eyes. Those green eyes that felt so familiar, Remus had to control himself from melting into a pool of hysterics once the realisation hit.
“Harry’s got those trusting eyes, don’t you think Sir?” He kicked his friend under the table, Sirius looked up into the boy’s eyes and visibly paled. “Girls love an adorable younger brother James, I’m surprised Gareth didn’t let you in on that one.”
“Yeah dad, might not be a bad idea! When’s the party?” Harry’s face brightened, his eyes sparkling.
“Next Saturday, she’s sitting in the fiction section. Make sure Snape isn’t there with her, and if Mary’s there tell her I’ll pick her up for it at six.” Remus had to give it to Harry, he was always up for a bit of mischief. He couldn’t help imagining the absolute mayhem his parents had to deal with, must be the fate’s way of payback to Jamie. He and Sirius had set school records for detentions sat and letters sent home.
“Yeah that’s fine, I’ll tell Lily that dad’s in love with her and would like it if she could come to the party on Saturday, and I’ll tell Mary that Rem-Rem misses the presence of her tongue down his throat.” The boy grinned, as he made a run from the table.
“That cheeky fucking sod!” Sirius snorted. “You know Jamie, either he is secretly Remus’ son, or you’ve let him spend too much time around him. And don’t you pout Moony, the boy’s not exactly lying now, is he?” Remus sighed and the boys returned to their work once again.
Harry was gone for ages, James made a move several times to go and collect him, but each time he was met with a stamp on his foot or ‘Sit down’ coming from Sirius. As the afternoon passed, Hermione joined them, she was also revising Astronomy. They had to research and identify any constellations they didn’t recognise, from the star chart they drew in the previous lesson.
“Remus? Do you know any of these? I don’t think I drew them correctly.” Hermione fussed next to him. Admittedly, Remus wasn’t brilliant with the placements of stars, the only one he could confidently point out from the night sky was the one sitting next to him. But he took the paper from his daughter to take a look.
“Erm, I think this one looks like Pisces, on the end there. Only say that because it’s my star sign, would be embarrassing to get that one wrong.” He gave a nervous laugh. “See, that one…it looks like-”
“My future father-in-law, Moons.” Sirius interrupted.
“Cygnus.” Remus wrote the name next to the drawing.
“That one there should link up like this.” Sirius grabbed the quill from his friend’s hand and drew a line to join the dots up. “That one’s Lyra, you’ll probably get an extra mark for that, as she’s usually missed. Do you have to do a north and south facing chart?”
“Yes, the north facing one was a bit easier, to the east is the story of Andromeda, so that’s always easy to remember.” Hermione pointed to her second piece of parchment, “See, Andromeda and Perseus, who defeats Cetus.” She reached over to the chart in front of her father.
Remus watched in awe, as his daughter ran off a retelling of the tale, how did he ever come to make such a bright and clever girl. He looked up to Sirius, who also shared a smile with him. James tapped Sir on the shoulder and whispered something in his ear, he gave Remus an apologetic look and got up to leave the table. Hermione didn’t take much notice.
“Perseus saves her by killing the monster with the head of Medusa. I only know it so well because it was mentioned a few times in Moby Dick, I actually found it more interesting that the rest of the book, so I took out an anthology on Greek Mythology last year, to read over summer.” Hermione continued, as she grabbed a book from the middle of the desk, to take a look over.
“Well Mione, you’ve just saved Remus an hour of his life trying to extract that story out of Sirius.” James chuckled, he called over to said Sirius, who was approaching the table with his son. “Hear that mate, Moony won’t have to bother you anymore for his astronomy theory, Mione here has just dictated his essay for him!”
Remus felt his cheeks warm, his jaw began to ache and his ears started ringing. “What’s that supposed to mean exactly?” He snarled at his friend, rage consumed him. “I’m more than capable of writing an assignment for myself! You really are a pompous, fu-” He felt that familiar strong hand pull him up from his seat.
“Come on Remus, let’s go and get some fresh air?” Sirius put his arm around his shoulders. “Draco, could you help Hermione finish her star chart, she’s only got a few left, should start with that one dear… he’s sitting right next to you.” He smiled to the girl.
Sirius led Remus down the corridor from the library, towards the moving stair case, his hand gripping the other boy’s arm; Forcing him to keep up with each long stride.
Neither spoke until they made it down the hill, that led to the black lake, “What’s going on Moon?” Asked Sirius, he had dropped to the floor and leant back onto his elbows, basking in the late summer sun.
“I don’t know Sir.” Remus flopped down beside him. “I got so angry with Jamie, out of no where! It just bubbled up inside me.”
“What set you off though? You were like a dog at a bone… excuse the pun. And showing off like that in front of Hermione, was it because James brought her up?” Sirius turned to face him.
“Maybe… you know that I don’t use you for homework, don’t you?”
“Remus, you’re being completely irrational here. Jamie was just teasing you, he didn’t mean anything by it-”
“He made me look bad in front her-”
“There it is.” Sirius rolled onto is side, resting his head on his hand. “He made you feel incapable in front of your daughter, which considering all we know, would certainly hit a nerve. Have you considered telling her yet?”
Remus began picking at the grass by his feet.
“It might not be as bad as you think it would be, the same way she probably would’ve thought nothing of what Jamie said, well… she might now you’ve thrown a tantrum.” Remus looked up at Sirius, both of them holding back a smile. “But that’s your own doing there, Moon.”
“How do you reckon Harry got on, setting his parents up?” Remus mused, he finally felt himself begin to calm down, as a soft breeze blew over them.
“Oh, very well indeed, he had the whole table of ladies fussing over him. He’s a right saucy little thing.” Sirius closed his eyes laid onto his back again.
Remus couldn’t stop himself from staring at him, head tilted back in the sun, the light bouncing off his shiny black hair. His heart pounded, as he took in the way his friend’s shirt clung to his chest, his broad shoulders, his very full biceps. Remus felt a heat rise from his stomach. All that talk of Greek God’s earlier, and he had one laying next to him, like a marble statue. He was perfect.
Sirius opened one eye, catching Remus’, that gorgeous pink dusted his cheeks and he flashed him an appallingly handsome grin. Remus couldn’t keep his eyes from him, breaking a shy smile back.
Sirius drew in a deep breath, “I wish things could be different Moon, I wish we didn’t have to leave…this.”
“We don’t have to, if you don’t want to Sir.” Remus laid down on his side.
The boys stayed there until dusk, intently watching eachother, unashamedly committing each little detail they fancied to their memory. When the school bell chimed for curfew, they both jumped to their feet and made their way up to the Gryffindor Tower. In the days that passed neither boy mentioned their evening by the lake, life continued as before, although Remus found himself become more brazen in ogling his friend.
On Saturday evening Remus found himself waiting at the bottom of the stairs that lead to the girls dormitory, Hermione was the first to make it down, she was wearing a dress that no doubt was picked out by his mother down the market. She was breathtaking.
“Alrigh’ birthday girl?” Remus beamed.
“Oh God, this is so bizarre! I’ve already had my birthday, twice! And now I’m having a party in the 70’s with some of my classmate’s parents!” She began to giggle.
“Keep it down, will you?” Remus whispered, he placed his hands on her shoulders and tried to look into her eyes. “Not been on the sherry’s already, have we?”
“Certainly not!” She laughed harder. “I’ve never had a drink before actually-”
“Well, you don’t have to. There will be muggle pop there, courtesy of Gil’s Mam, she likes to think he behaves.”
“Are we waiting for Mary? Shall I go get her?”
“No, she’ll be a minute now. She likes to doll herself up for these things, she does. Your hair looks nice like that, Mione.” Remus offered her his arm and led her into the common room, they made their way to sofa.
“Thank you, I was talking to Marlene, I met her in the great hall when I had breakfast with Gareth and Gilly. She gave me this potion that you put on after you wash your hair, said it helps control the frizz. It’s brilliant stuff actually, much more effective than Sleekeazy’s, well for me at least.” She sat next to Remus, fidgeting with her hands.
“I wouldn’t share that with James or Harry, love.” He was met with a puzzled look from the girl, the small furrow in her brow made Remus’ heart melt. “Monty, Jamie’s dad - He’s the inventor of Sleekeazy’s. That’s why they are so bloody rich now.”
“But Sleekeazy’s was invented in 1926?”
“Yeah, his parent’s are absolutely ancient, like old enough to be my parents’ parents. Wonderful people though.”
There was cough behind them, Remus turned to see Mary, she was glowing. Clearly she too felt a change of hairstyle was needed, her long golden locs had turned into a dark, permed style. Remus’ eyes widened as he took in her slightly more revealing outfit, the way her flares hugged her waist.
“Close your mouth Rem, or your face will stay like that.” Mary teased as she grabbed his arm, “You look adorable Meinwen, that colour looks gorgeous on you!”
“Oh, thank you.” Hermione blushed as she got up to follow them, Remus once again held his arm out for her to take. “You can call me Mione, if you want- everyone else does.”
“Aww, honestly Remy I don’t know how your cousin turned out so sweet, considering she’s had to grow up around you and Gareth.”
“Charming, lovely to see you too Mary.” Remus teased. “Now ladies, I’m going to apologise in advance for my brother and his idiot best friend tonight-”
“Are you really going to sing Remus? Did you know he sings, Mary?” Hermione interrupted, a smile playing on the corner of her mouth and eyebrow raised. Ah, there it is. Is this what I’m like? I’m going to have to grovel to James next time I see him. It’s only right I have to pay for my sins, but my own daughter? Truly a humbling experience, so it is. Remus thought to himself, as he walked through the castle with the girls.
“No! He has not mentioned that he SINGS!” Mary howled. “Right Rem, what are you singing then? Is it Muggle? Do I know it?”
Remus couldn’t help breaking a small smile, “You will know it, and I’m not saying. I’ve told Gar, he’s got to get me pissed enough to get up there first.”
He felt Mary’s lips touch his ear, “You know, I love a man who sings.” She whispered.
Remus felt his cheeks flush and cleared his throat, he heard a quiet snort come from his daughter’s side, which quickly turned into a not terribly convincing coughing fit. He had to bite back his own laugh when he looked to the girl, and shot her the same cheeky smile and raised eyebrow she had clearly inherited from him.
“Hey Raymond, finally made it eh?” Denzel Thomas shouted down the hallway, as they approached the entrance to the Ravenclaw common room. “And a girl on each arm, ooh Ray finally acting like ya brother. Good for you, man.”
“What, they got you at the door tonight then?” Remus called back.
“Yeah, well you know, have to keep an eye out for who’s comin’ in. Like you Macdonald!” Denzel let out a whistle, when he finally caught a good look at her. “Ya breakin’ ma heart lady!”
Mary let out a huff, “Denny, give it rest! I told you, I’m not interested.”
“Worth a try, eh. Hey, Raymond try my punch, yeah? A glass of tha’ and you’ll be having a good night.” He winked, opening the portrait hole to let them in. Mary huffed past and made a beeline for the drinks table.
“Remus?” Hermione asked, holding onto his arm a little tighter as they entered the room filled with the older students.
“Yeah?”
“Since when were you called Raymond?”
“Oh, right yeah.” He laughed, “Well you see, Denzel invited me and my brother over one year for a family party. You know my brother, and well, my whole family basically calls me Ray?” Hermione nodded. “Well Den’s mam, Irie, she just decided my name must be Raymond. So we just went with it really.”
Hermione giggled, “God, so you respond to just about anything then?”
“Oh yeah, I’m not fussy.” He grinned back.
The pair were soon met by the others, surprisingly James and Lily appeared hand in hand, with a grinning Harry following behind them.
“Am I hallucinating Moony?” Pete gasped at the sight.
“I don’t know, maybe someone’s fiddled with the drink, or food?” Remus was equally as gobsmacked. Was this a prank? Was Lily soon going to transform into Sirius?
“James, please could you get some drinks for me and Harry?”
James squeaked something that sounded like it could’ve been yes, and went over to join Gareth and Gilderoy at the drinks table, who were serving very generous glasses of the punch.
Lily glared at Remus, Peter whimpered and scurried off, muttering something about needing to find where Jemima went.
“So I take it you knew about Harry then, Lupin?” She asked, her eyes blazing.
“W-well-”
“Well? Did it not occur to anyone to tell me?”
“A-all due respect Evan’s, but clearly someone did?” Remus’ eyes darted around the room, anyone fancy saving me here?
Lily looked like she was going to burst into one of her now famous tirades, arms crossed tightly across her chest. “I don’t know who you boys think you are, not even having the decency to tell me my child has travelled back in time, or that he is failing at school! Pathetic Remus, absolutely pathetic…” The lecture turned into noise as Remus caught a pair of wide grey eyes across the room.
‘Evans?’ Sirius mouthed to him.
‘Help!’ Remus desperately mouthed back.
Sirius leaned into Narcissa, who had joined him along with Draco. He whispered something to her, she rolled her eyes as she led Draco towards the group.
‘Jamie?’ Sirius silently questioned.
Remus nodded his head in the direction of the drinks table, Sir grinned and made his way towards it.
“…You’re not even listening are you? Honestly I don’t know why I even bother!” Lily continued.
“Ah, Narcissa! Have you met Lily? Lily this is Narcissa, Sirius’ intended. And this is Draco, his son.” Remus introduced them to Lily, who quickly shut up and her entire face changed as she greeted the newcomers, her face full of rage quickly melted into a kind smile.
James and Sirius soon joined with drinks following them, Sir stood next to Remus and offered him a glass of whiskey, “Thank you Sir, these women are so unhinged, it’s terrifying.”
Sirius huffed a laugh, passing drinks to Narcissa and Draco. “You have had a drink before Draco?” He questioned, giving the boy a stern look. “Yes father, last Yule, after I made it on the Quidditch team.” He passed a glass to the boy, “Don’t get drunk.” Draco smirked back, “Of course not, father.”
“Now Miss Lupin, I wasn’t sure what you would like so you have options…”
“I’ll have the lemonade, please.” Hermione smiled, picking the glass from in front of her. “Thank you Sirius.”
“Absolutely no problem, my dear.” He smiled, he raised his glass. “Cheers to a good evening, and many happy returns for the wonderful Miss Lupin”
Remus quickly raised his own glass and put his arm around the girl next to him, “A very happy birthday to our Mione!”
The drinks flowed and the music blared, it took a total of five glasses of punch before Gilderoy had taken over the Gramophone and Mamma Mia echoed through the common room, Gil jumped onto a table screeching his finest rendition.
“He’s really something else!” James groaned, leaning against the wall next to Remus.
“Oh he’s not that bad, just doesn’t know his limits sometimes.” Remus mused, nursing a glass of, well he wasn’t quite sure what it was anymore.
There were a few cheers and a wolf whistle, as Marlene McKinnon jumped onto the table joining Gilly.
“So, you and Evans then?” Asked Remus.
“Yup, Harry went and confided in her, she kept refusing to come along tonight… I suppose he was desperate to see us together. I can imagine it would be very unsettling to see your parents actively avoiding eachother.” James took a long swig of his drink.
Remus lit himself a cigarette, “I suppose so, how did Lily take it? She really gave me an earful when she came in.”
“I was sure she was going to smack me one when she came storming over this afternoon.”
“Did she?”
“Oh yes, well… she smacked me a great big kiss. Women, they’re scary y’know!”
“Terrifying creatures.” Remus took a deep drag from his cigarette.
“Had to sneak Harry a thimble of fire whiskey in his muggle drink. Lily was raving about how he wasn’t allowed a drop, apparently muggles frown upon it?”
“She’s just being a mam James, she doesn’t want her boy getting drunk. He won’t be getting drunk, I promise you that now.”
“How are you so sure?”
“His overbearing parents are here.” Remus downed the last of drink and kicked off from the wall, he made his way through the crowd to find his girlfriend, who he had so rudely abandoned for most of the night so far. On his way he brushed past Hermione, who was dancing with Gilly and Marlene. Hermione grabbed his hand pulling him in between the two girls, Marlene took hold of his other hand, it looks like Mary will have to wait then.
The four danced for the entirety of Crocodile Rock and most of Jive Talkin’ until the music lowered and an announcement was made that it was time for the cake. It was after a hearty attempt of ‘Happy Birthday dear Gareth, Meinwen and Gilderoy’, that candles were blown out, wishes made and cake eaten. Remus finally found Mary on a sofa giggling with Lily and Jemima, her eyes bright as she met his.
“Fancy a dance MacDonald?” Remus lit a new cigarette, raising his eyebrow at the girl.
“Not until you sing Rem.”
“You can’t be serious!”
“Here, have another drink then.” Mary summoned over two glasses of the punch, Jemima snorted a laugh. “Gareth’s said you’ve been avoiding him all night."
“You’re unbelievable! Evans? This constitutes to some sort of rule breaking surely?”
“Oh Lupin, drink the bloody drinks and sing already!” Lily giggled, followed by a hiccup.
Remus turned away from the girls and made his way back to the makeshift dance floor, fag hanging from his lips and a drink in each hand. Sirius sneaked up to him, grabbing the cigarette from his lips and placing it between his own, “I’ve been gasping for one of these all evening, Cissa doesn’t like it. Says it’s a filthy habit and a bad influence on Draco.” He moaned, before taking another deep puff from the stick.
“Fancy a drink?” Remus tried to offer one of the glasses.
“No chance, the three witches on the sofa are glaring at us.” Sirius nodded to behind Remus.
“Oh for crying out loud, these bloody witches, I hate bloody witches! I never-” Remus downed half of the first drink, “ever-” He took another gulp, “want to be involved with another one-” gulp, “ever again.” Remus turned back to face the three girls to show them the empty glasses.
Sirius patted Remus on the shoulder, “Nicely done Moon.” Remus could feel his friend’s hot breath on his ear, the sweet smell of tobacco and whiskey, he felt his trousers tighten.
“Sir, I need a smoke.” Remus huskily responded, he reached into his trouser pocket, but his hands felt like jelly.
“Oh Merlin, Moony. Here I’ll get them.” Sirius reached into the front pocket, the movement, so close to…Remus held his breath, he couldn’t move, what would Sirius think if he felt- A cigarette was placed into his mouth and lit.
“Thanks Sir, sorry about that, I just-”
“Moon, you just downed a fair bit of the very questionable punch. It’s like drinking pure alcohol, I saw Diane Bulstrode take half a swig and bring it all back up in the same breath.” Sirius chuckled.
“Christ, I bet that was a sight.” Remus’ head finally stopped spinning, and he regained the use of his hands.
“Oh yes, Cissa took her off to fix her up. That witch can work miracles, Diane looked better when they came back, than she did when she turned up.” Sirius chained another cigarette, savouring each pull.
“Gary said you’ve been avoiding him, Hermione seems to think it has something to do with you singing?” Sirius smiled, cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth.
“I have to do it, don’t I?”
“Well, it’s been the talk of the evening, thanks to your daughter. You know, I thought maybe she had just inherited your looks, seems she’s adopted your talent as a wind-up merchant aswell.”
Remus sighed, “Where’s my brother?”
“Ladies and Gents, we have a very special treat for you. As I’m sure many have heard, my brother has agreed to join me up here tonight, Remus?” Gareth called as he stood on the transfigured stage.
Remus took a final swig of whiskey and jumped up to join him. Gareth put his arm around his brother, “We’ll do Green Green Grass, Mary’s not shut up about this all night, reckon she’ll like it…might really like it.”He muttered and smacked his brother on the back, handing him a microphone.
The music started and Gareth began the first verse. Remus looked into the crowd where he found Hermione and Harry cheering at the front, Mary was whistling from the sofa, the girls now joined by James and Pete.
"The old home town looks the same
As I step down from the train
And there to meet me is my Mama and Papa"
Remus took a deep breath and joined his brother.
"Down the road I look and there runs Mary
Hair of gold and lips like cherries
It's good to touch the green, green grass of home
Yes, they'll all come to meet me
Arms reaching, smiling sweetly
It's good to touch the green, green, grass of home"
Mary cheered “Go on Rem!” Remus searched the room to find Hermione again, Gilderoy had now joined her, grinning from ear to ear. Gareth squeezed his brother’s shoulder and pushed him to the front of the stage, Remus felt his his heart race, That bastard, that bloody bastard. As the panic began to rise, he found him, watching from the back of the crowd with those shining eyes, licking his pink lips that haunted Remus’ dreams as of late.
"The old house is still standing
Tho' the paint is cracked and dry
And there's that old oak tree that I used to play on
Down the lane I walk with my sweet Mary
Hair of gold and lips like cherries
It's good to touch the green, green grass of home"
He kept focused on Sirius, enchanted as his friend’s gaze lowered from his eyes down to his lips, he looked like his mind had travelled to another world. He caught Remus’ eyes again, shot him a distant smile, then quickly downed his drink.
"Then I awake and look around me
At the four grey walls that surround me
And I realise, yes, I was only dreaming
For there's a guard and there's a sad old padre-
Arm in arm we'll walk at daybreak
Again I touch the green, green grass of home"
Remus watched as Sirius moved through the crowd, towards the stage, towards -Sirius’ lips brushed Narcissa’s cheek. He took her by the hand and led back through the others, towards the door.
"Yes, they'll all come to see me in the shade
Of that old oak tree
As they lay me neath the green, green grass of home"