The thing is, Sirius Black wasn't dumb. Matter of fact, he would often not study for exams and still get decent - if not pretty good - grades. However, Sirius, from time to time, would make a really dumb question. His friends frequently thought he was messing around, cracking a weird joke they didn't quite get, or that he simply was very naïve – in this aspect at least-. But in reality, what happened was that, stuff most of the people took for granted were extremely fascinating for the young boy.
-Professor. - He would ask, interrupting the class and not even putting his hand up.
This single word always preceded his questions. When the word was heard on the classroom, the teachers and a few classmates would sight – knowing what was coming-; his friends smiled mischievously.
“If there is a killing curse, why doesn't a spell that gives life exist?” “Does someone trains the owls? Or are they magical like kneezles?” “If we can transfigure ourselves, why do we have to learn to brew polyjuice potion?” These were the sort of questions the raven haired boy would ask. Unfortunately, sometimes it came across as condescending and the majority of time the teachers would get fed up. Peter, James and Marlene and Mary found it hilarious.
Sirius would often pretend he was fooling around when his classmates found his questions particularly funny, however, Remus noticed something in his friend a Friday morning on Care of magical creatures class.
-Professor! Can animals talk? – inquired Sirius with a thoughtful expression.
James, standing at his side, chuckled; Remus elbowed him, but even patient professor Kettleburn, who usually was very enthusiastic about his class, put a distress look on his face.
-I guess so, Sirius. Now, - He answered quickly, before the young boy could ask any other question. - Let’s move on to the actual topic, shall we?
-The look on Kettleburn´s face. - Laughed Mary quietly beside Sirius. - Priceless.
- Nice one, mate. - whispered James, giving him a little pad on the shoulder.
-Yeah. - said Sirius softly, looking at the ground. He got himself together quickly and turn with a smug to face Mary. - Should’ve taken a picture, eh?
Mary nodded.
Professor Kettleburn proceeded to show them a Cornish pixie trapped inside a little caged. The students moved forward in an attempt to get a better look at the creature. Peter sneaked his way to the front while James claimed on a rock and stared in awe. Sirius stood a bit behind with the same thoughtful look on his face.
-Sickle for your thoughts, Pads? - Remus voice made Sirius give a little jump. The raven haired boy turned his face up to smile at his friend. He was looking for something to say, Remus was sure of it.
- It would be really interesting if the pixie somehow got out, wouldn't it be Moony?
- Why did you ask? - continued the tall boy, completely ignoring the previous answer. His friend looked taken aback.
- The thing about animals. What's up there? - insisted Remus giving light touches to Sirius's forehead with his index fingers.
Sirius looked hesitant. He stared at Remus, he was sure Moony wouldn't laugh at him, but Remus was the smartest of all four, he felt a bit embarrassed as it was; but Remus had noticed the question was… well serious, he felt abashed, his friend would think he was a complete moron for sure. However, there he was, awaiting his answered and Sirius simply didn't knew how to lie to him, or James for that matter.
-I read the other day animagi could talk to animals. But when I'm, well me, I mean not Padfoot, I never hear animals talking and even as Padfoot animals don't use words, but I do understand. - the more Sirius explained the more flustered he became; still, he carried on with his train of thought.- That means animals can communicate, but they can't talk like with actual words, so I was wondering if communicating by other forms still counts as talking.
When he finished, he looked at his friend. Remus had an odd look on his face that made Sirius heart skip a beat. However, he was too nervous. From one moment to another, Remus face changed. He now had his brows furrowed, and his lips were pressed, creating a thin, straight line. It took Sirius a moment to realize what was happening. Remus was thinking about what he had just said, he was pondering the answer to his question.
-I mean, why not? I would be kind of anthropocentric to assume a conversation can only be carried out through words, wouldn't it be? I'd say animals can talk in their own way. – He paused a moment to think about his next statement. - They definitely can communicate, since communication involves more than language.
Sirius was delighted with Remus answer.
He wasn't oblivious. He knew, sometimes, professors got exasperated with his questions and classmates always thought he was joking – marauder reputation Sirius guessed-.
-Could you be any more snob, Moony? - Exclaimed Sirius, although Remus knew there was no venom in his words. - You brilliant bastard! Share some of your wisdom to me, would you?
Sirius hugged Remus. The taller boy felt the heat creeping up his necks, and damn was he well aware his ears were completely red. Thank Merlin for the cold weather and the earmuffs.
-Maybe if you put one foot on the library occasionally... - scolded Remus. They both shared a laughed. -I'm glad you always ask what's on your mind. I think is very griffyndoresque to always ask. You are bloody brilliant as well, you know that?
-My, my, Moony. Well, of course, I'm aware of my uniqueness. - He declared, with that cocky smile back on his face. Then he softened, but just for an instant. – I'm not stupid, but sometimes things just don't add up. Anyway, thanks for answering, Moons.
Remus shrugged as if saying “anytime” and both of them joined the group. After a minute of staring in silence and listening to the explanation on how to get rid of the Cornish pixies, Remus spoke again, this time he crouched down to whispered on Sirius ear.
-When in doubt, you just gotta ask.
Sirius blushed hard. He covered half of his face with his red and gold scarf.
At first, Sirius continued to ask questions in class. The professors usually reacted the same: answering hastily and moving on to avoid further distractions. In classes like herbology, DADA or Care of magical creatures Remus would move close, he would enquire why Sirius had asked and then whispered the answered in his ear to avoid distracting others – sometimes Sirius made a question that even he was aware was dumb just so Remus would get close-. If, in fact, they were in Transfiguration or Magic history, Moony would slip a piece of parchment with the answer.
“I know something is on your mind. Remember, when in doubt, you just gotta ask”. Remus would write. Or others times he would scribble things like:
“You are brilliant Pads! I don't know how I hadn't thought about the goblin rebellion that way, but it was technically their village. Also, the rebellion was in 1612, write that down and tell James to write it down too.”
“Mandrakes have no ears Padfoot that's why their own screams don't affect them. Remember if you have more questions you just gotta ask. We could go to the library later if you'd like”.
Of course Sirius went to the library, and of course he kept every single note. The boy found this was just one reason to add to the list of why he loved Remus. It never mattered how dumb or weird his questions sounded. Moony always took time to really think about it, he pondered his answers, if Sirius didn't seemed convinced by them, he would ALWAYS offer to go to the library to see if they had any books on the matter.
Sirius didn't ask questions any more in class. At first, Remus was worried that Sirius finally felt too embarrassed to do so, but he then noticed Sirius would go directly to him. Although sometimes he would still look hesitant. Remus knew he feared being judged. When something was on his mind, his mouth would twitch down a bit, his left eyebrow would furrow and his eyes narrowed. Remus learnt to read his face, now every time he saw that look on the other boy face, he would sneak up quietly and whispered to him “You just gotta ask, you know?”
Remus loved the fact that Sirius would go now directly to him. He enjoyed far most catching him with his thinking face and sneaking up on him. He loved the effect it had on Sirius, even though he wasn't sure his friend shivered because of the surprise of if it was something else. Remus hoped it was something else.
A late afternoon, Remus was reading on his bed. He had parchment all over the place and an ink quill precariously balanced on another textbook. Suddenly, the dorm door flew open. Sirius was shoved inside by James, who closed the door as loudly as he had opened it.
Remus looked up. Sirius had that look on his face he knew so well. He moved his gaze down to the book again.
-What is it Pads? - Remus said, looking at the complicated start chart in front of him.
The room stayed silent. Remus looked up to check on Sirius. He seemed far more nervous than the taller boy had ever seen him. The posh, cocky bloke was replaced by a squirmy guy. He was fidgeting with his earring and had a slightly crimson colour on his cheeks. Remus wondered if he had run all the way to the tower from the back patio. Still, it made his stomach feel empty. Remus got a hold of himself and step towards Sirius. He crouched as usual, they were face to face, and his lashes slightly brushed Sirius cheek when he got close to his ear.
-You just gotta ask, you know? - whispered Remus.
Sirius hold his breath. Remus took a step back a put his hands in his pockets, trying to look nonchalant.
-Would you go out with me? - Sirius rushed his words, but Remus heard perfectly. – Like on a date.
Remus stood very straight, as if a current had run through him, his eyes went wide with surprise and his hung lightly opened. The curly haired boy saw the panic crossing Sirius face. He was very tall, it only took him four steps to reach where Sirius had backed out. He took the raven hair boy hand and pull him towards his own body. Sirius stood stiff as a board. Remus could feel every single muscle in his friend's body slowly relaxed. They both melted into the hug. Remus wrapped Sirius even tighter, not wanting to let go.
-Moony, I can’t breathe. - He said dramatically, faking a faint on the other boy arms. Remus barely hold him up as he started laughing joyfully. They broke the hug and Sirius took Remus's hand carefully. - Yeez, if I had known this would be the answered, I would have asked ages ago.
-Moron. - chuckled Remus. Thumb stroking the other boy's knuckles.
- Is that a yes?
-Of course is a yes, git. - Remus hesitantly brought up a hand to cup Sirius face. Grey eyes turned to silver as they beamed at the other boy. It was just like watching star, Remus thought. - I was going to ask you out, you know? Guessed you beat me to it, Pads.
Their foreheads touched and Sirius drank in those beautiful amber eyes.
-Guess I did, Moony – his voice came out trembling. He stood on his tippy-toes. - It's like you always tell me; sometimes a bloke just gotta ask.