It all started when James and Sirius got into a fight. Mind you, it was unusual for the two boys to fight amongst them; but James couldn’t take it anymore, he had promised himself he would stay out of it but one particular day where Sirius hexed poor Fabien Prewett for asking Moony out, James… well James couldn’t hold back his tongue anymore.
“Just admit you have feelings for him, Padfoot!” James said exasperated.
“I do not!” defended Sirius.
“Then why did you hexed Fabian?” asked James.
“Well… said Sirius urgently, trying to find a logic solution. “If Moony goes out with someone he wont have time for his prefect duties, his studies and most important, his duties as a Marauder.”
“What a load of crap!” Frustration etched James’s face as he leaned closer to Sirius. “I can’t believe you can’t even admit it Padfoot. You are just scared of your feelings, of getting reject. Well I’ll tell you what, if you don’t admit it Moony will soon enough find someone who can love him openly.”
Sirius face did a strange thing James had never witnessed before. He went impossibly pale but soon his cheeks and ears gained the reddest shade.
“Oh I’m scared?!” asked Sirius incredulously. “Fine, maybe I do fancy Moony but you can’t talk to me about cowardice when you are the biggest coward in this room!”
“What is that supposed to mean, Black?” spitted James.
Sirius’s voice turned sardonic, his face still red. “Oh, I don’t know. Does you dancing around my brother for months rings a bell?”
James went still. He and Sirius were practically in each other faces, however James took a step back looking like a dear in the headlights.
“That’s right.” Said Sirius viciously. “I’ve seen you around him. You ‘ve been leading him on for months and you don’t even have the balls to ask him out, and you talk about cowardice.”
“I… ah….” James deflated a bit, his voice turned into something more sincere. “I don’t ask him out because I respect our friendship.”
“Bullshit!” cut Sirius immediately. James walls went right back up. “You are a coward, Potter.”
“And you are mean.” Spitted out James.
Sirius back up as if James had sapped him. The tension hung in the air for a moment before both boys huffed and turned away from each other, their disagreement simmering.
However, no matter how vehemently their words clashed, no matter the intensity of their disagreement, the bond they shared remained unbreakable. And so, James Potter and Sirius Black couldn’t go even a day without talking to each other. By dinner time, James and Sirius exchange a knowing glance across the table. And James was the first to burst into tears.
“I’m sorry that I called you mean.” Pouted James.
“I’m sorry I called you a coward.” Cried Sirius.
Remus and Peter rolled their eyes as James and Sirius embrace one and other.
“You are the most loyal and caring friend I’ve ever had.” Cried James burying his face on Sirius hair.
“And you are the most brave and good hearted person ever.” Said Sirius squeezing his friend.
“Everything okay over here?” asked Professor McGonagall, who had walk up from the teachers table to monitor her boys.
James and Sirius exchange a knowing glance and they both smile.
“Everything’s okay now.” Said James ruffling Sirius’s hair.
“Oi!” said Sirius escaping James’s hands.
And just like that their laughter and camaraderie resumed, proving that their connection was unyielding, even in the midst of the most passionate debates.
.0.
What neither boys could have known is that, that fight led to the current events that were developing amongst the walls of the castle…
Regulus Black was hurriedly walking (and pushing every one that stepped in his way) trough the busy corridors. His anxiety evident as he urgently searched for Remus. Regulus already knew where he would find Remus, but the library seemed o be an eternity way as he almost broke into a sprint on the dungeons’ stairway.
Finally, Regulus spotted his friend working patiently with a fourth year hufflepuff boy. He rushed over the table where the other two boys were crouching above and astronomy char, his breath slightly ragged. Remus instantly looked up. He had probably herd Regulus’s heart beat.
“What is it?” asked Remus standing up.
“I’m fine” assured the young black brother as he stopped to catch his breath.
“Sirius?” asked Remus.
“Everyone is fine.” Asnwered Regulus. “James… he…” aid the young boy breathlessly “He asked me out.”
Remus blinked in surprise, his concern shifting to a mixture of curiosity and understanding.
“About bloody time.” Smiled Remus wolfishly.
“No.” complained Regulus dropping himself on the chair infront of Remus and the boy. “It’s a nightmare.”
“What? Why?” asked Remus retaking his seat as well.
“I’m just gonna go.” Said the young hufflepuff boy, clearly uncomfortable.
“Oh right, sorry Chris.” Said Remus. “I’ll see you Friday same hour okay?”
The hufflepuff waved with a faint blush on his face. Regulus watched the young lad exit the library.
“That boy fancies you.” Observed Regulus.
“Yes, they all do.” Said Remus jokingly.
“Sirius is going to be so jealous.” Teased Reggie.
“Oh, yes, Chris is major competition, aright.” Joked Remus. “But, seriously, what’s wrong with James asking you out. I thought that is what you wanted?”
“I do want it.” Said Regulus. The he shyly turned his gaze downwards. “It’s just…”
“Just what?”
“James invited me to the black lake. He told me he could prepare a picnic and then we could go swimming.” Explained Reggie.
“That sounds lovely.” Said Remus, not really seeing the problem.
“It is.” Admitted Regulus. “But I, uh…. Well the thing is… I can’t swim alright!” the young Black averted his gaze. He, the heir of the ancient and noble house of Black did not know how to do something so simply and basic as swim.
“You can’t what?” asked Remus incredulously.
“I cant swim.” Repeated Regulus with a clipped tone. He adopted the same posture Sirius use when he was feeling cornered.
“How old are you?” asked Remus.
“Fuck off.”
Remus tutted, amused. Then his voice turned a tad more comforting.
“James won’t make you swim.” Assured Remus.
“No, but I want to. I… uh… Pandora have shown me some muggle movies and it’s very romantic you know… when they just float with each other, embracing and stuff, and their faces are really close.”
“So you want to kiss James.” Said Moony unimpressed.
“Shut up.” Complained Regulus, although his neck and the tip of his ears betrayed him by turning red. “Will you help me or not?”
“Help you with what?” asked Remus amused.
“Bloody hell, Lupin, are you going to give me swimming lessons or not?”
“Sure thing, Reggie.” Said Remus gathering his stuff. I’ll see you tomorrow after classes at the black lake.”
Remus kissed Regulus hair and left the young black sitting on the chair feeling vulnerable and a bit confused or embarrassed, Regulus didn’t knew which one was it. Oh, well at least Remus would teach him how to swim ad he wouldn’t make a fool out of himself in front of James.
.0.
“Why is Pettigrew here?” asked Regulus when he arrived the next day.
Reggie was wearing a long sleeve black swimming shirt and black trunks, both where tightly hugging hi body. Remus thought it was a good choice, that way the windilows wouldn’t bite him or at least not in the arms. Remus was wearing jeans and a grandpa sweater.
“I’m just here to take the sun.” teased Peter. He put his sunglasses in his head and extended a towel on the grass.
Remus on the other hand, took out his wand and murmured something. Regulus thought it might have been a meteorolojinx charm.
“Right.” Said Reggie unconvinced. “Not a word of this Pettigrew.”
Peter made a show of zipping his lips and throwing the imaginary key to the lake.
“So? How do we start?” asked Regulus peering over the water that was gently wetting his toes.
“Well, “started Remus, he clapped his hands as if to indicate he was starting the lesson. “I’m going to teach you the same way my da taught me."
“Yeah, that sounds – Woah, Remus what the fuck mate?!”
Remus, bless his werewolf strength, grabbed Regulus and lifted him easily. With a swift motion Remus threw Regulus into the lake.
SPLASH!
Peter dried up few water drops that had landed in his lenses but other than that he remain completely unfazed. Regulus started flopping his arms frantically.
“HELP HIM HE CAN’T SWIM!” screamed Sirius as he ran towards Remus.
Sirius and James were casually strolling the grounds when Sirius had seen his baby brother on the water.
“He is learning.” Said Remus as he remained on the shore. “Just reach out in front of you and grab a handful of water!” scream Remus at Reggie. “Pull it back towards you!”
“Remus what the fuck?!” screamed James as he took off his shoes.
“Not too fast!” screamed Remus again, at Regulus.
“Remus, he doesn’t know how to swim!” Panted Sirius as he pulled Remus’s sleeve.
“I’m teaching him.” Explained Remus.
“Teaching him!” James threw his socks to Remus’s face as he got into the water. “That is not teaching him." scolded James angry at his friend.
Remus furrowed his brow and looked at Sirius confused. “S’not?” he asked as he watched Regulus trying to follow his instructions. “That’s how my da taught me.” He shrugged.
Just as James was waist in the water Regulus started to slow his movements.
“I’M DOING IT!” Reggie screamed, trying not to swallow water. “Moony I’m doing it!”
“MERLIN’S BALLS YOU ARE DOING IT REGGIE!” screamed delightedly Sirius from the shore.
Regulus snapped his head towards the shore, surprised to see his brother standing next to Remus. Both boys where wearing the proudest grins Regulus had ever seen. But his thoughts where soon stopped when he saw James Potter waist deep into the lake.
“James?!” Regulus screamed surprised, loosing his rhythm. His head disappeared a second under the water until his arms started moving again.
“Keep going Reg!” screamed Remus. “Grab that branch there.”
Regulus swam towards a low branch and grabbed it. The branch was thick enough for Reggie to rest his arms and chest on it. When the younger brother finally manage to get a break he dae to stealing other glance at the shore. Sirius was squealing with delight.
“That’s my brother!” he was shouting.
Remus was wearing a proud smile and Peter was gently clapping. James however, was staring with his mouth ajar. Then he burst into laughter, a relief and proud laughter.
“Oh Godric’s Balls! You did it Reggie!” James screamed.
Regulus laughed and wave shyly at the boys on the shore.
James wolf whistled and laughed again. “OH YOU ARE BRILLIANT REGGIE!” said James delighted.
Regulus felt his heart swell.
Sirius was beaming at his brother. Remus was looking at the older black brother with a fond smile and a knowing look.
“How is he going to get back?” asked Sirius.
“He’ll swim.” Simply said Remus.
“But he just learn. Cut him some slack Moony.”
“I’m wearing a sweater Sirius.” Pointed out Remus. “He can do it. Or you can’t go get him.”
Sirius was looking at his brother fidgeting with his hands.
“Well I can’t swim either.”
Remus head turned slowly and as he met Sirius’s eyes, Sirius realized the mistake he had made. On Moony’s face a mischievous grin spread and Sirius realized his friend’s intention. Sirius bolted away , running for dear life. Moony chased him laughing and due to his furry little problem Remus caught Sirius in no time.
“Moony!” screamed Sirius as Remus threw him over his shoulder.
“There you go Pads.” Said Remus as he threw Sirius to the lake to.
Sirius started frantically flopping his arms, just like his brother had done, however he soon discovered that his feet could touch the ground. His arms stopped moving and he looked over to the shore with surprised.
“What?” asked Remus smugly. “You didn’t think I wasn’t going to put a safety spell on the lake did you?”
And sure as hell Sirius could feel an invisible floor under him. They had learned the safety spell three winters ago when, on Christmas they where skating on the Potter’s lake and the ice had given in, sending Sirius to the freezing water. Effie had taught the marauders how to conjure the safety space for when they were playing.
“You sneaky little bastard!” laughed Sirius as he splashed some water towards Moony.
“Oi! Watch the sweater!” laughed Moony.
Regulus was making his way over to them. He was walking on Moony’s invisible floor and as soon as he reached Sirius, his big brother embrace him on a tight hug.
“I’m so proud of you baby brother.”
“Get off, drama queen.” Regulus scoffed, however there was a pleased smile plastered on his usually serious face.
As the two brothers exited the lake James shyly made his way towards both brothers, he had his trousers soaked and a goofy grin.
“I didn’t knew you couldn’t swim.” He said apologetically.
“I really wanted to swim with you.” Explained Regulus. “So I asked Moony.”
“I can teach you tomorrow if you want.” Offered James.
I’d like that.” Said Regulus softly.
James beamed at him.
“How about that?” asked smugly Remus as he passed a towel around Sirius’s shoulders.
“No.” pouted Sirius. “I’m mad at you.”
Sirius punched Remus not so lightly on the arm. “Uff” said Remus.
“That is for throwing me and my brother into the lake.”
“I’m really sorry, my dad taught me like that and I had the safety net spell so… I figured… I’m sorry.”
Even thought Sirius had perfect over the years his sad puppy eyes, Remus had these adorable pouty look that melted Sirius.
“Don’t worry Moons.” Said Sirius smoothing Remus’s frown. “You will make it up to me, tomorrow, at the quidditch pitch. We are going to a flying lesson.” As soon as Sirius’s words left his mouth Remus backed away.
“Please don’t make get on a broom.” Pleaded Remus.
“It’s what you get.” Shrugged Remus.
“Just ask him out already!” complained Regulus.
Sirius head snapped towards his little brother and he was about to scold him for uncovering his secret crush on Moony when he realized Regulus wasn’t talking to him. Sirius head snapped back to Remus, who was looking over to the castle, uncomfortably avoiding everyone’s gaze, but his tanned cheeks where sporting a very distinguishable blush.
Remus cleared his throat. “Maybe after the flying lessons I could take you out to Hogsmeade?” he asked Sirius. “If you want.”
Sirius beamed at Remus. He didn’t knew his feelings weren’t unrequited, but he was sure as hell not complaining. He yanked Remus by the sweater and Remus left out a startled noise. Sirius crashed their lips together. Remus embrace Sirius. Sirius was still a bit wet but Remus didn’t cared about his sweater anymore, because with Sirius soft lips on his, what else could be as important as this very moment.
And so, the five boys spent the afternoon playing on the water, one couple reveling in the new found love and the other one enjoying some more tactful swimming lessons and a few lingering touches. Peter was enjoying a book back on the shore enjoying hearing his friends laugh and getting lost on fantasy worlds. Later, if you walked near the lake shore you could here a bunch of rowdy boys as they all cheered for the black brothers, who, not only got a date with their respective crushes but, now, with the help of their friends, Sirius and Regulus had learn how to swim.