“Those crazy years
That was the time of the flower-power
But underneath
We had a fear of flying
Of growing old
A fear of slowly dying”
Remus steps outside and immediately regrets his choice in wearing a jumper. The summer sun gleams in the air, mercilessly beating down from above. Remus shields his eyes with his hands as he steps off James' back porch. In the distance, he can see three figures darting around in the air. James, Peter, and Sirius are flitting around the quidditch pitch laid out on James' property.
Remus and Sirius have stayed here at the Potters' house all summer, as they have since fourth year. Peter has lived at his home, but he's come down to see the others almost every day. The rambunctious four have rough housed and messed around all summer, enjoying their fleeting moments of freedom.
This is their last day of summer break. Ever. Usually, the four boys would be frantically preparing to go back to Hogwarts tomorrow. But not anymore. It comes with this bittersweet feeling that the good days are over. Childhood has been thrown out the window. Tomorrow, they will be joining a war.
Remus buries those thoughts in the back of his head though. He wants to enjoy the good day. The wonderful weather, the boys all in a delightful mood. He walks out to stand by the goal post, and is greeted by the other Marauders. They are sweating so profusely that their shirts are proper soaked. Sirius shakes his moistened hair right in Remus' face, like a dog.
"Oi! What the fuck!" Remus exclaimed, biting back a laugh. Sirius just responds by planting a kiss on Remus' cheek. The taller boy wipes off the slobber, and Sirius honest-to-god pouts. Remus just chuckles and turns to the other boys.
James claps Remus on the shoulder. "'Morning mate. How'd you sleep?" he boasted, flashing a smile.
Remus, still waking up, and rattled from Sirius' public display of affection, nods and says, "Alright, James. What's the plans for today?"
"I think Lils and the other girls are coming here later on, and Maa is making dinner," he said.
The other boys' eyes lit up at hearing that. Not only would they be seeing all the girls, but Euphemia Potter would be making the food. Her cooking was absolute heaven, and might be the best part of staying at the Potter Manor.
Peter questioned, "What shall we do until then?"
***
The four end up just staying outside, enjoying the weather and each other's company. At one point, Remus and Sirius are laying next to each other in the grass, staring up at the clouds. James and Peter are out frolicking somewhere, doing God knows what. Sirius turned to look at Remus. Suddenly he said,
"I found a flat for sale. Lily showed it to me in a muggle ad yesterday. It's lovely, and I think you would like it. Also it's in London, like we wanted, and only a short while from where James and Lils house will be."
Remus was a little taken aback by the abruptness of this statement, but slowly the shock turned into a smile. He marveled at the thought of living independently with Sirius, having their own space, and in London at that.
Sirius must have seen the other boy's hesitation, because he quickly said, "It's just an idea though, if you're not up for it that's perfectly fine!"
Remus softly laughed, and turned to say, "No no no! It sounds perfect. When could we move in?"
Sirius let out a visible sigh of relief. "I don't know the specifics yet, but I'll ask Lily if I can see the ad again," he said with a smile. Remus smiled, and leaned in, kissing Sirius. He was happy that so far, their adult lives were going okay. No matter what horrid things the war brought, they would have each other.
From a ways away, the heard Pete jokingly yell, "Aye! Get a room!" They could hear the smile on his face. James threw a Quaffle at them, and the two dodged it just in time, laughing wildly.
***
At around 5 o'clock, the four girls bustled through the door. Even though they were here yesterday, the girls acted as though they hadn't seen the others in ages. Greetings were said, kisses were given. Everyone settled in, chatting merrily until dinner was ready. Buzzing with excitement, they all sat down and devoured Effie's amazing food. The dinner, and the conversation that came with it, was amazing.
After they were all practically stuffed to the brim, they sat around the fireplace, chatting and drinking. Peter was beating person after person in wizarding chess, Marlene and Fleamont Potter were engaging in a satirical debate, and the rest cozily sat around and enjoyed each others company.
From Remus' spot on the couch, he admired the people he loved. He may not express it often, but these people were his family, and he was glad that he was entering adulthood with them by his side. He was scared of this war, of Greyback, of losing these people who have already fought so hard. He had spent his entire life worrying though, and Remus wanted to enjoy the final day of their last summer in peace. So he nestled further under Sirius' arm, and amusedly watched Pete ruthlessly defeat Mary in their fifth game of wizarding chess.