Hangovers and bets
James left Sirius and Regulus in the car so he could walk Lily and Remus to their door, making sure they definitely got home safe. Lily was staying the night with Remus so they wouldn’t both be alone for the inevitable hangover the next morning, so he walked them both up to Remus’ front door.
Remus walked into the flat, after drunkenly fumbling with the keys for a minute, but Lily held back for a moment.
James placed a hand on Lilys upper arm, “Are you ok?” he asked, with such genuine concern that Lily felt her hear begin to race in a way it hadn’t in a long time.
‘God, what had this boy done to her?’ she thought as she slowly leaned into his touch. Lily hadn’t had any romantic connections with someone in a long time, and all the nerves were coming flooding back.
James was wonderful but really quite awful at hiding his feelings, Lily knew he had a crush on her…. but then there was that little voice in the back of her mind, that sounded suspiciously like Petunia’s voice.
It would tell her that James couldn’t possibly like her, that it was all an elaborate joke. It even told her that, yes James may like you, but he will only ever love you if you lose a couple of pounds.
Lily had always been confident in her body and the way it looked, until Petunia became so spiteful, slowly she had belittled Lily, taking pieces of her until she was a shell of what she used to be.
Remus was always there for her, and Dorcas, Marlene and Mary once she got to university. She had the family and support she finally needed, but every once in a while, that high pitched sneering voice would invade her peace.
Lily couldn’t help but think she deserved this peace, she deserved James, and she deserved happiness.
Lily had been silent for a moment, it seemed like James was about to say something, but Lily knew if she didn’t say this now, she never would.
“I know I may be super drunk, but I know I won’t regret this in the morning,” she blurted out, “I like you, James Potter. You make me laugh, and I enjoy every moment I spend with you…. But I don’t do casual dating, so if you’re in, you have to be all in, otherwise we can stay good friends.”
With her piece said she breathed a sigh of relief.
James’ whole face lit up as he grinned at Lily, she was beginning to understand the sunshine analogy.
“Lily Evans, for you I am all in, I have been all in since the very first time I saw you in our psychology lecture. So much so I haven’t even dated anyone since then-“
“Wait, what?” Lily interrupted, “James that was like over a year ago, you haven’t dated anyone in over a year because of me?” James just shrugged, “I knew you would be worth the wait.”
“I really want to kiss you right now,” Lily said quietly. James laughed lightly, “Me too, but how about we wait until you’re sober so you’re sure that’s what you want to do.”
Lily was aware that consent was quite literally the bare minimum, but it still was treated as a commodity in society, instead of the norm. Lily wasn’t sure she had ever been treated with such respect, but she appreciated it more than words could convey.
Instead, she reached out and took James’ hand in hers, hoping the quick, tight squeeze of her fingers intertwined with his would tell him how she felt. As she looked up at James a small piece of hair fell out of her ponytail and into her face.
Instinctively James reached forward, but stopped just before touching her hair, a question in his pause. Lily nodded in response and James and gently pushed the hair behind her ear and cupped the side of her face with his hand.
She placed her own hand over his, and it felt like the whole world was moving in slow motion around them, and there they were in the centre, just soaking each other’s presence in.
Soon the loud chimes of a very old, and very deaf, neighbour’s grandfather clock rang through the air, telling the entire building that it was four in the morning, which none of them appreciated.
Lily sighed, “I guess I better get inside,” she said, with just an ounce of self-pity, because she truly wished she could stay in this moment forever.
“It’s probably best,” James replied, once again wearing that smile that made Lily feel as if the very sun was shining in her heart. “Goodnight James Potter,” she whispered as a small smile played across her lips.
“Goodnight Lily Evans,” he said back, matching her low, affectionate tone.
Lily quietly got into bed beside Remus, she stared up at the ceiling as waves of happiness and excitement washed over her.
‘Oh God,’ she thought…
‘I think I’m falling for James Potter.’
(31st Oct, Saturday 10:27)
(rollin with the lgbt)
taylorisgod: ughhhhhhhhhhhh
taylorisgod: whyyyyy
himboking: translation: Padfoot is supperrrr hungover and blames all of you
taylorisgod: especially Moony !!
sweaterweather(mv): hey wtf, what did i do?!???
taylorisgod: I had to prove to you that I wasn’t a lightweight >:(
sweaterweather(mv): and all you did was prove my point:)
himboking: he is huffing again
himboking: anyways, just before Pads graced us with their cheerful presence I thought we should have a recap of the wonderful events of last night
sweaterweather(mv): oh yes pleaseee
RoseMary: hello everyoneeeee
RoseMary: ohhhhh James pleaseeeee do
himboking: starting off strong we’ve got
himboking: Reggie attempting to fit a whole orange in his mouth
himboking: that’s one to tell Alex about :)
superiorblackbrother: James Fleamont Potter, I know where you live, or lived, before I decided to murder you.
taylorisgod: cheerful as ever Reggie
superiorblackbrother: I hate you all.
Dorcassimp: kejejebebbebrbr stop being funny my head hurttsssss
zumbagod: I’ve got to say I think Remus’ outfit may have been the best
zumbagod: that man is so pretty
taylorisgod: I think we can all agree with that
(10:45am)
(moonflower supremacy)
Moony:skjebsbbebdbdbbdjdjdjhdhdhdjjejshhdbejdhjdhdbdbbdhdjdjdjhrbdbdbdnjejejebrjjdjdjdjdjjdjfjfjhb
Lilyflower: yep I thought that might happen
Moony: ughhhh why meeeeeeee
Lilyflower: I dunno
Lilyflower: homophobia??
Moony: ugh probably
(10:47am)
(rollin with the lgbt)
sweaterweather(mv): insufferable
taylorisgod: you will love me one day Moony !!!!
sweaterweather(mv): *gives middle finger*
dorcassimp: so very different to your usually response of sunshine and rainbows :)
sweaterweather(mv): Marlene
sweaterweather(mv): fuck you xx
Dorcassimp: skejhebebbehrjehr LOVE YOUUU XX
archibaldsupremacy: aw you’re all so loving <3
archibaldsupremacy: But I dunno Marlene and Cas’s Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy were pretty amazing
Dorcassimp: yup and I looked better than Sirius
taylorisgod: hey !
taylorisgod: we just have different styles is all!!!
Dorcassimp: oh cry about it, you’re not original
Dorcassimp: I also love eyeliner, leather jackets, my hair, Queen, Bowie, Abba, and I’m superrrr gay
sweaterweather(mv): Sirius you’re a gay stereotype x
taylorisgod: ehhh excuse ME
taylorisgod: says the bisexual who wears sweater vests, reads all the time, HAS A CAT !!! loves Indie music, has an obsession with converse (mainly platform), paints your nails black, anddddd has anxiety
sweaterweather(mv): ………………..
galwaygirl: ohhh shittttttttt, Remus you have been targeted
sweaterweather(mv): this feels homophobic
taylorisgod: how can it be homophobic if Im gay??
sweaterweather(mv): I dunno, gay on gay crime?
roseMary: kinky
sweaterweather(mv): very much NOT my intention!!!
himboking: Sirius is currently throwing up and I’m reading the messages to them
dorcassimp: delightful :/
himboking: update; he says ‘tell Remus I would love do have some quality gay on gay crime with him anytime.’
sweaterweather(mv): tell him I hope he vomits for the entire day xx
himboking: I’ll do it but I don’t enjoy being the middle man in your flirting
sweaterweather(mv): once again, not flirting x
roseMary: surrreeeeeeeee
sweaterweather(mv): I’m leaving now !!
himboking: I’ve got to go too
himboking: Mary you know when you accused Sirius of stealing your favourite biscuits…
roseMary: yes?
himboking: yeah I just saw them, so it was definitely Sirius
himboking: I’ve got to say they don’t look as appetizing anymore
roseMary: and on that horrifying note, goodbye!!!
(11:05am)
(the other ones)
Marlene: and for what we ACTUALLY want to recap from last night
Marlene: we all saw the way Sirius looked at Remus right??
Marlene: I mean I’m aware he is in fact the hottest man alive but Sirius was practically slobbering over the poor boy
Peter: I’ve known Sirius long enough to know that that person will be the BIGGEST simp until the day he dies
Mary: ughhh they actually need to just sort it out and GET TOGETHER!!
Peter: you guys know what they’re both like, it will be agesssss until they get together
Dorcas: BET !!
Marlene: Cas are you implying you want to bet on our friends' love lives??
Dorcas: yes
Marlene: ok good, just checking :)
Reggie: I want in.
Peter: what are we going to bet ??
Marlene: we’re all broke uni students, so money is of the table
Reggie: I mean technically I’m not broke, but you all are.
Peter: Regulus this is one of those moments where you are trying to be kind but it just sounds bitchy.
Reggie: Right, tone….
Reggie: I’m not. X
Peter: yeah that’s about as good as we are getting
Mary: how about whoever wins the bet gets to be best man/woman/person for blupin’s wedding
Peter: blupin ?!?!?!
Mary: it’s their ship name !! :)
Peter: Mary you are phenomenal
Mary: I am aware :)
Peter: humble as ever Mary
Mary: humility will get you nothing but lost opportunities and stress wrinkles Peter
Peter: let’s just bet already 😒
Marlene: I bet they get together in two weeks
Peter: you underestimate just how awkward they can be, I bet Christmas
Reggie: I believe they will be together by Sirius’ birthday.
Mary: ohhhhh all good, I bet they get together end of November!!
Dorcas: and I say the Christmas Ball
Dorcas: game on people
Dorcas: I will crush you all :)
Reggie: The smiley face makes it more scary Dorcas.
Dorcas: it’s supposed to :)
Mary: competitive Dorcas is one of my favorites
Dorcas: awwww thank you xx
Mary: anytime love !!<3
(16:02)
(we love taylor)
Moony: hey how are you feeling
Moony: would you like me to get James to blast music VERY loudly in your ears x
Padfoot: if you do I will NOT hesitate to strangle you
Moony: we both know you couldn’t even reach my neck to strangle me
Padfoot: I hate that you’re probably right
Padfoot: however
Padfoot: to make up for my hurt feelings I want you to tell me a joke :)
Moony: ……..
Moony: do I have to?
Padfoot: yes
Moony: fine
Moony: knock knock
Padfoot: whose their?
Moony: there*
Moony: you fucking asshole I don’t even want to tell the joke anymore !!
Padfoot: and they say I’m the cranky one!!!
Moony: using the wrong there, is like telling you to stop wearing leather jackets
Padfoot: MOONY!!!
Padfoot: why would you even SAY THAT?!?!
Moony: sometimes I forget how dramatic you are…
Padfoot: thank you moonshine :)
Moony: not a compliment x
Padfoot: oh but it is
(5 mins later)
Padfoot: do you think koalas can cry?
Moony: considering last time I checked I’m NOT David Attenborough, I’m gonna go with, no?
Padfoot: why do I even have you around ??
Moony: my sparkling personality?
Padfoot: and your jumpers!
Padfoot: and hot face
Moony: my hot what???
Padfoot: oh damn
Padfoot: I said that out loud?!?
Moony: Padfoot, it’s text, that excuse doesn’t work :/
Padfoot: new phone, who dis?
Moony: ok, I’m going to leave now xx
Padfoot: but Moonshine :(
Moony: all my love to James!!!!
Padfoot: Moony!!!
Moony: byeee
(1st November, Tuesday, 6:34)
Padfoot: Remus
Moony: you’re awake earlt
Padfoot: can’t sleep
Padfoot: oh Taylor did I wake you up???!!
Moony: no I was up anywsy
Moony: can’t sleep either
Padfoot: migraine?
Moony: no just…… other stuff
Padfoot: wanna talk about it?
Moony: no it’s ok, I don’t want to burden you with this
Padfoot: Remus nothing you could ever tell me could be a burden
Moony: ugh
Moony: you and your words
Padfoot: I’ve been told my eloquence is magical ;)
Moony: and suddenly I don’t wanna tell you my problems :)
Padfoot: how about an eye for an eye
Padfoot: (only if you’re comfortable with that!)
Padfoot: I’ll tell you why I can’t sleep, and then, if you want to, you can tell me why you can’t sleep
Moony: ok
Padfoot: well I was wondering
Padfoot: I mean not really ‘wondering’ per say
Padfoot: just more like, I had a thought I might share
Padfoot: I mean ask
Padfoot: share or ask
Padfoot: I’m not sure
Moony: Sirius you’re rambling
Padfoot: right yes
Padfoot: would you like to come for dinner on thursday
Moony: that’s what you were so nervous about?
Moony: Padfoot I would love to :)
Padfoot: well it also happens to be
Padfoot: yk
Padfoot: well I mean it doesn’t have to be I guess
Padfoot: wait no, that would be weird
Moony: ok you’ve lost me again
Padfoot: it’s my birthday dinner
Padfoot: with Euphemia and Fleamont, and maybe Fleamont’s sister Florence and her wife
Padfoot: and Peter
Padfoot: and Reggie
Moony: it’s your birthday in two days and you didn’t think to tell me?!?!?
Padfoot: ……..
Padfoot: :)
Moony: I would love to come
Padfoot: hehehhee
Moony: DONT!
Padfoot: :(
Moony: but are you sure you want me there?
Moony: like that’s your family and loved ones and i’m….. me
Padfoot: Remus if you don’t think you’re one of my loved ones then quite frankly you’re delusional
Moony: oh
Padfoot: I mean because I want you there because you’re one of my best friends!!!!
Moony: yes
Padfoot: plus Effie and Monty have been begging to meet you for a month
Moony: you talk about me that often ;)
Padfoot: Remus Lupin it is way too early for my brain to process the prospect of you flirting with me
Moony: :)
Padfoot: do you wanna say your thing?
Moony: wait you mean you were up all night because you wanted to ask me to be at your birthday??
Padfoot: …..
Padfoot: no comment
Moony: bless your little cotton socks
Padfoot: oh ha ha -_-
Moony: no really!! it’s adorable
Padfoot: don’t try and deflect by attempted flirting
Moony: how did you know?
Padfoot: I’m just that good moonshine ;)
Moony: just to shut you up I’ll tell you
Padfoot: my plan worked
Moony: I’m talking, shut up before I change my mind !!!
Padfoot: sorry :/
Moony: ok so
Moony: just give me a minute
Padfoot: ok x
(5 mins later)
Moony: you were there when I had a nightmare before
Padfoot: yes
Moony: some nights the nightmares are worse than others
Moony: so after a nightmare I don't want to go back to sleep in case I have another, so instead I stay awake
Moony: hence the tiredness
Padfoot: Remus I’m so sorry
Moony: it’s fine
Padfoot: it’s just not though, you deserve the whole world, and I’m so sorry you have to go through this
Moony: you and your words
Padfoot: I am extraordinarily talented
Moony: mhmmm
Padfoot: HA
Padfoot: so dinner at my parents house on thursday?
Padfoot: be there at four
Moony: you’re parents house??
Padfoot: did I fail to mention Effie is cooking the dinner :)
Moony: you convinentley misplaced that piece of information -_-
Padfoot: whoops……
Padfoot: you still want to go?
Moony: Sirius of course I do
Padfoot: so you don’t hate me?
Moony: no
Moony: however I will if you don’t tell me two things
Moony: 1. what the dress code is
Moony: 2. where the everloving fuck effie and monty live
Padfoot: 1. anything at all, or nothing, I’m not opposed to either ;)
Moony: good lord
Padfoot: 2. I will send you their eircode
Moony: sounds good :)
Moony: there is one problem
Padfoot: yes?
Moony: I have work and might not have enough time to get you a good present
Moony: which frankly is your fault for not telling me sooner -_-
Padfoot: that’s fine Moony
Padfoot: just your wonderful presence is required ;)
Moony: oh look at that, all of a sudden I can sleep !!!
Padfoot: nice deflection
Padfoot: but try to sleep !!!!
Moony: you too
Padfoot: James has started his pilates video in the living room, I’m not going to sleep ANYtime soon
Moony: now that, I wanna see
Padfoot: James in spandex is truly a sight to behold
Moony: I’ll let Lily know
Padfoot: ughhhhhhhh
Padfoot: Prongs is now insisting I do the video with him
Padfoot: so goodbye Moony
Padfoot: don’t strain yourself too hard when thinking of me in spandex ;)
Moony: has anyone ever told you you’re insufferable??
Padfoot: yes :)
Moony: enjoy your pilates Sirius
Padfoot: enjoy the thought of me doing pilates Remus
Moony: I hate you
Padfoot: no you don’t
Moony: I can hate something and still love it
Moony: LOVE IT AS IN FRIENDSHIP!!!!!!
Padfoot: the clarification hurt my pining heart :’)
Moony: oh just go !
Padfoot: byeeeee moonshine :) </3
(Thursday, 3rd November)
Remus had changed his outfit a total of five times and had checked his ‘Outfit Inspo’ Pinterest board nearly twice that amount.
It’s not that he thought Sirius would actually notice his outfit, because frankly the thought of Sirius noticing anything about him sent him into a spiral of panic, he just wanted to look nice for meeting Sirius’ parents.
Holy shit he was meeting Sirius’ parents.
And the panic cycle started again.
Remus had spent all of yesterday evening walking around the shops of Hogsmeade, he really didn’t know what to get Sirius. He had eventually found something that he didn’t half hate, it was sitting in a gift bag on the kitchen counter, as well as a small bouquet of flowers for Effie and Fleamont.
Remus had finally decided on one of his many variations of jeans, converse, and a sweater, with Lily’s texted support of course.
Remus looked in the mirror, attempting to fix his mess of curls that never wanted to sit right. He took a deep breath to steady himself and took out his phone.
(moonflower supremacy)
(16:23)
Moony: leaving now, wish me luck x
Lilyflower: good luck, don’t make a good first impression on your boyfriends parents!!!!!!
Moony: *fuck off*
(James and Lily)
(16:25)
lovergirl: he’s on his way
lovergirl: how much is Sirius freaking out?
loverboy: I think he may actually explode
lovergirl: we’ll don’t let them explode anywhere near your rug, do you know how hard blood is to get out of things?!
loverboy: do I want to ask?
lovergirl: probably best not to
lovergirl: adds to my intruigue
loverboy: do you know how amazing you are?
lovergirl: yes.
lovergirl: but I like when you say it xx
loverboy: jejejebebenbebbebebbebebdbbdbdbdbdbbbdddbdbdbbdbdbbdbdbdbdbbdnsnsjjsjsnnsnenenenjenenebnenenenennenenejjejejejejjejejrjrjrnbejwje
lovergirl: keep me updated love x
loverboy: of course darling <3
Growing up Sirius hadn’t realised people celebrated their birthdays, that was until first year in Hogwarts. One day during his second year he had passingly mentioned to Peter and James that he would be twelve by Christmas, so he could go to Hogsmeade (the village beside Hogwarts, not the city) and get them all sweets for after Christmas dinner.
This was followed by cries from James and Peter along the lines of; 'We need to have a party, what date is it?' and 'Oh I will bribe the kitchen ladies to make us a cake!'.
Finally James turned to them and said, "What do you usually do for your birthday at home, we can incorporate any traditions you have if you want!"
Sirius had just shrugged, “I don’t know, I’ve never celebrated my birthday before.” Peter had opened his mouth to say something but James gave him a silencing glare. He then turned to Sirius, “That’s fine Sirius, we can make our own traditions now.”
And so they did, from that year onwards, for each of the marauders' birthdays, Effie and Monty would travel down from Hogsmeade city and bring the boys out for a birthday lunch.
They always went to the Indian restaurant Effie’s sister owned. Sirius still marveled at the fact that all of Effie’s family called him and Peter ‘bhanja’ (nephew), and acted as if these boys were their own family.
But as Effie says, ‘Blood doesn’t matter, love makes a family, nothing else.’
Then there was Florence, Fleamont’s twin sister. She is one of Sirius’ favourite people, her and her wife had always treated him as their own nephew. Every Diwali, Holi and Christmas was spent together.
(Christmas because James insisted when he was five that they would celebrate Christmas so that whatever presents Santa brought him he could give to his friends in school, who didn’t always have as nice things as him.)
Sirius always teased James that ‘he had an ego the size of the black lake’, but when Sirius and Peter learnt about this story in 5th year they would add after, ‘but a heart to match it’.
These birthday lunches had become a tradition, just like all the other celebrations. They meant everything to Sirius…….. and so it only felt fitting that Remus would be at this one.
Remus cursed Sirius as he stood at Effie and Monty’s front door. Sirius had failed to mention that the Potters lived in the poshest part of Hogsmeade, and that the door he was standing before didn’t belong to a house, but more to a mansion.
Remus took a deep breath to ground himself and finally rang the doorbell. There were exclamations from inside…. and a dog barking?
Remus barely had time to be confused before James threw open the door with a huge grin on his face, “Amma, Baba, Remus is here,” he called before he gave Remus a quick squeeze.
The dutiful host he was raised to be, James took Remus’ coat and ushered him into the living room, chattering nine to the dozen about what was for dinner and what presents Sirius has already gotten.
However James’ chatter was interrupted by a small dog running into the living room and jumping wildly at James’ legs. James grinned and picked the dog up, cradling it like a baby.
Remus laughed before saying, “Have you managed to acquire a dog since I last saw you?”
“Oh Archie, come back here, no need to bother our guest.” A voice called from the kitchen, followed by footsteps.
Effie walked into the living room and grinned once she saw Remus, “You must be Remus my dear, I have heard so much about you from Sirius and Jamie I feel like I know you myself!”
Remus blushed profusely at the thought of Sirius voluntarily talking about him to his mother….. however he quickly reminded himself it was just because they were friends, nothing else.
Remus handed Euphemia the flowers he had brought for her, “Thank you so much for having me for dinner, I understand it was a bit last minute.”
“Nonsense my dear,” she replied before inviting Remus to join her in the kitchen while she put the flowers in water.
Euphemia gave him directions and Remus led the way to the kitchen. With Remus’ back to her she quickly turned around to give James a huge thumbs up and a grin.
She definitely approved of this lovely man for her son.