Long, delicate fingers swept quickly over the spines of thousands of books. Remus let out a tired sigh as he lumbered across the room and threw himself down in the chair beside Lily. The table shook slightly and She laid down her quill before folding her hands and turning towards him with a raised eyebrow.
''Care to explain why you almost knocked over my ink?'' Her voice sounded amused rather than angry. Remus muttered a quick sorry while he rests his head in his arm on the table.
''Do you want to talk about it?'' Her voice was soft and a warm hand settled on his back. He stayed silent and her hand started rubbing him in a circular motion. After years of being friends, Lily found out that Remus would eventually talk as long as she kept asking questions, so that is exactly what she did.
''Does it have something to do with Sirius?'' a groan escaped his throat and he threw his hands in the air from frustration. ''I don't understand how someone can be that oblivious.'' He turned towards Lily and she chuckled softly, his hair was sticking in all directions and she reached out to smoothen it.
''That is a bit rich coming from someone who couldn't see that Sirius liked him since second year until three weeks ago.'' Remus pouted as he let his head fall back into his arms with a loud thud. Lily closed the books in front of her before stacking them on the corner of the table. Her assignment is not nearly done but she figured her friend needed someone to talk to, whether he likes it or not.
''Are you going to explain to me why the high and mighty Sirius Black is the cause of your misery or am I gonna have to assume what happened.'' A muffled response came from across the table and she sighed. ''You're going to have to speak up, love.''
Remus raised his head and tawny curls fell into his eyes. ''So, you know about the whole Christmas prom we have next week right,'' She does. Hogwarts organizes a traditional ball every year before the students go back home for their Christmas holiday. For most students, it is the perfect opportunity to ask out their crush, hence why James Potter asked her to go with him five years in a row. And to her amusement, he has been rejected five years in a row. It always feels like a victory whenever she wipes that smug smile off his face.
''Yeah well, I asked Sirius if he wanted to be my date at the prom and he responded with; 'Of course Moony, we go together every year. Prongs will probably get rejected again by Evans and Wormy won't find someone either so it's just us marauders again.'' His voice mimicked Sirius' almost perfect. ''I've been building up the courage to ask him for over two weeks and he thinks I mean it in a friendly way while I just want to snog that stupid grin off his stupid face'' Lily gave him an apologetic smile.
''I knew Sirius was an idiot but this is a whole new level.'' They sit around in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Lily looks him in the eyes, there is a mischievous twinkle in them and he shook his head immediately. ''No, I know that look. You've come up with a ridiculous plan that will most likely work. Spit it out.''
She gave him an innocent smile before responding. ''You'll find out soon enough.'' And with that Remus' head fell in his arms for the third time that day.
**********
It was two days until the Christmas prom and Remus was sitting on his bed. Clothes were scattered in front of him, some neatly folded and others pilled up in a wrinkled mess. His trunk lay open beside him. The Christmas holiday started the day after prom and he would be going home to celebrate Christmas with his parents before going to James' house and spending the rest of the holiday there.
The others hadn't started packing yet and would probably postpone it until an hour before the train leaves, they had been doing it this way for six years. It always resulted in them forgetting half of their stuff and sulking about it on the train. Remus tried to make them pack early once in third year, this caused even more chaos and he promised himself he would stay out of it from now on.
Remus was about to fold his jumpers when the dormitory door slammed open. Sirius was standing in the doorway. His eyes were wide and his breathing was rapid and deep. Remus sat up straight and his eyes scanned Sirius for anything that could be wrong. He didn't seem to have any wounds nor hexes. ''Prongs.. James.. He.'' Words fell from his lips but none of them made enough sense to Remus.
''What's wrong with James, is he hurt?'' His eyebrows knitted with confusion and an anxious feeling blossomed in his stomach at the thought of his friend being hurt. ''No, no, no'' Sirius shook his head almost violently and he stumbled into the room, eyes still wide. Remus could hear faint cheering in the background and he figured it came from the common room.
''Prongsie asked Evans to be his date for prom..'' He took a steady breath and his face split into a grin. ''That bloody bird said yes.'' Now it was Remus' turn to stare at him with wide eyes. Not because Lily said yes, he always knew she would do it eventually. It was obvious she had a soft spot for him even though she didn't want to admit it. No, his eyebrows were raised because he realized this was her plan.
''She said yes?'' His voice trembled while his eyes were cast on his shoes as if they were the most interesting thing in the world. ''She said yes! Can you believe it after all those years.'' Sirius started jumping on his bed with the biggest smile plastered on his face. Remus understood what the cheering was for in the common room. Sirius stopped jumping abruptly and glanced at Remus. ''Even Wormy has a date.'' That was the last straw. He wasn't sure if he was going hug or hex Lily.
''No way, who?''
''Emmeline Vane, 7th year Hufflepuff.'' Remus stared in shock. This was definitely Lily's plan. Emmeline often joined their study group on Tuesday and was good friends with Lily, there was no way that this was all a coincidence. He couldn't help but smile in response and let out a loud laugh that had been bubbling up in his chest. If James and Peter had dates, then that means that he and Sirius would go together. Alone, just the two of them.
''What about us?''
''What about us?'' Sirius' voice was light.
''Are we still going.. together?'' He wasn't sure what to expect. Maybe Sirius didn't want to go with him. Maybe the only reason he said yes was because James and Peter would be there. Maybe now that they got dates he wanted one as well, an actual date with an actual girl. Remus didn't even know if Sirius liked blokes. What if he was disgusted by the thought of dating another guy. No, he wouldn't be. Right?
''Of course we are Moony, I wouldn't let you suffer alone. especially not after those other tossers dipped us.'' A small smile was plastered on his face and Remus felt himself mimicking it. Voices outside grew louder and soon enough James and Peter entered the dormitory.
''Lads,'' James rubbed his hands together and looked at the other with a broad smile. ''The day has come. The day I have been dreaming of since I set foot into this castle. The day my beautiful Lilyflower said yes to my charm. Now I know what-'' James' speech was cut short when a shoe hit him square in the chest. He huffed and glared at Sirius who stood across him with innocent eyes and his hands behind his back.
''What's wrong Prongsie? Lost your breath by my beauty.'' James rubbed his chest. ''First of all, rude. Second of all, whose shoe is that?'' Sirius gave a small shrug.
''You're just jealous I have a date with the prettiest girl in Hogwarts and you don't have anyone.''
Sirius let out a loud barking laugh. ''I already have a date.''
''Oh yeah? With who''
''Only the kindest and most amazing person in the world.''
''You finally convinced Minnie to go on a date with you?'' Peter snorted from his bed and grabbed a bottle of firewhiskey from underneath it. ''Someone even better than Minnie.'' Sirius grabbed the bottle from Peter with a wink and took a huge gulp.
James stared at him with his arms crossed and a raised eyebrow. ''C'mon mate, just tell me who you're going with.''
Sirius walked towards Remus who was already red in the face and swung his arms around him. ''I'm going with our beloved Moony.'' A wet kiss was planted on his cheek and Remus was sure he looked like a tomato. James chuckled and shook his head. ''Merlin Pads. Pete pass me the bottle I'm too sober for his dramatic ass.''
Arms were still folded around Remus and he was sure Sirius could hear his heart beating rapidly in his chest. The scent of his shampoo filled Remus' nostrils and he was sure he was going to pass out from euphoria. He felt Sirius' chin resting in the crooked of his neck and he wondered if he could feel the heat radiating from him. James eventually passed him the bottle and he swung it back in one quick motion, hoping to loosen up a bit.
''Woah, calm down Remy or you'll pass out before Pete.''
''Hey, I'll let you know that I haven't passed out this year.'' Sirius chuckled in Remus' ear, a deep and smooth sound made him shiver.
''Oh yeah? Then what happened last week during that party in the Ravenclaw tower. Pretty sure James had to come and get you the next morning before some prefect found you.''
''That's right Wormy, It was a nightmare navigating through the castle without being seen by any teachers and you sleep like a rock.'' James grimaced at the memory.
''Still can't believe you guys just left me there unguarded.'' Petter huffed and took another sip of firewhiskey.
''Sorry, Pete but these two idiots wanted to race each other to the Black Lake as animagi'' Remus felt the alcohol rushing through his blood and leaned back against Sirius.
''We all know I would've wo-'' Sirius huffed when a particular shoe hit his face with a thud. He glared at James and rubbed the spot where he was hit.
''What's the matter Paddie, lost your mind over my absolutely dashing looks'' James' smug smile had returned. ''James, brother, you know I love you right. But how in Merlin's name did Evans say yes to your arrogant ass.''
Sirius' hand had unknowingly started fidgeting with Remus' ring. Sirius had given it to him for his thirteenth birthday. It was a thick silver ring with a moon that rotated. Back then, Sirius was the only one who noticed Remus' anxiety. He had seen it before with his little brother Regulus who always bit his fingernails during important family gatherings and lay awake till dawn on most days. When Sirius explained to him what anxiety was everything made sense to Remus.
The pressure on his chest whenever a teacher asked him something, the endless nights staring at his ceiling while countless thoughts rushed through his head and kept him awake, How he always seemed to be glued to the wall whenever he was at a party. Everything made sense. Not long after did Sirius give him the ring. He told him he could fidget with it whenever he felt like it instead of grabbing the hem of his shirt.
Sirius sometimes used the ring while he was cuddled up with Remus, it was a way to touch him without actually touching him.
''I don't know how I did it mate, I was sure she was going to reject me again and I would end up crying in the shower.'' James chuckled and the corner of his eyes crinkled. ''But she just, she smiled at me with this beautiful smile and told me; 'Well Potter it better be worth it''' His gaze was fixed on the floor while his cheeks turned a crimson red.
''Believe me Prongs, the only way you could ruin this is if you were to drink too much and threw up all over her. She's smitten with you.'' chuckled Remus.
''You think so?'' The crimson red on his face spread towards his neck and a look of doubt formed in his eyes. To many, James was an arrogant boy who was spoiled with love by his parents his whole life. A boy who didn't know shame and could get everything he wanted. But to anyone who knew James, he was one of the most carrying people to walk the school grounds. Always putting his friends before him and protecting those he loved. His insecurities were only known by the three people he shared a dorm with.
''Mate you should hear how she talks about you during our study sessions. She never shuts up. Whenever I think managed to go through a day without hearing about you from Pads (''Hey''), she's there to talk my ears off.'' A small smile appeared on James' face and he let himself fall backwards on his bed. ''I don't want to ruin this, what if it's my only chance?''
''You won't ruin it. As long as you don't drunkenly propose to Slughorn again you'll be fine.'' Peter grinned as another shoe flew past his head, missing him only by an inch. Laughter erupted from Sirius as he fell backwards on the ground with a loud thud. Remus immediately missed the warm arms that were wrapped around him.
''Pete I told you that story in secret.'' James gave Peter a light shove while Sirius choked in the background. ''Pads don't forget to breathe.'' Remus looked behind him to where Sirius was still laughing while tears started to form in his eyes.
''YOU PROPOSED TO OL' SLUGHORN'' He climbed back on Remus' bed and grabbed the now almost empty bottle of Firewhiskey. ''Sirius I hate you, Pete I hate you even more.''
They passed the bottle around a few more times before it was empty. Soft moonlight shone through the window. The Gryffindor tower was mostly asleep aside from the four drunken boys who lay on the floor, an empty bottle in the middle. James' eyes were fixed on the corner where the shoe lay that had been thrown around the room the entire evening. It was a simple black boot which was way too small for any of them. Even Peter's feet would be too big.
''I'm still wondering whose shoe that is.'' His words were slurred and it took a few seconds before the others processed what he was saying. ''I think it's Marlene's'' Sirius replied with a hiccup. ''She threw it at me in the common room after I said that I was going to swing a bludger at her brother in the next match. Don't know how it ended in our dorm.''
''You're an Idiot''
''Yeah but you love me, Moony''
Remus hummed in agreement, being too tired to argue with him about it. ''Hey, Pete.''
Remus turned his head towards him when he didn't get a response. Peter lay on the floor with his eyes closed. His hand was still clutching some chocolate while soft snores drifted through the room. James scoffed when he noticed that Peter fell asleep.
''I haven't passed out this year my ass.'' He stood up and walked towards Peter before he picked him up and carried him towards his bed. He stumbled slightly and almost bumped into their closet. Remus felt someone tap his shoulder and when he turned around Sirius was looking at him with wide eyes.
''Moony, I'm tired.''
''So go to bed.''
''But I want to cuddle.''
''You can cuddle with James.''
''He has too many muscles it's like hugging a rock.'' Remus chuckled and Sirius threw his arms around his waist. ''Wanna cuddle with moony.''
Remus' cheeks turned a soft shade of pink again. He noticed he was alone with Sirius in the room. Peter was passed out and James had most likely snuck into the bathroom to either throw up or brush his teeth.
''Alright, pads let's go to bed.''
The two boys scrambled up and changed into their pyjamas with little to no trouble. Sirius was already snuggling in Remus' covers when he turned around. He took a moment to stare at him. His hair was spread over his pillow and he had his arms around his covers thinking it was Remus. His eyes were closed and he thought he was asleep if it wasn't for him saying,
''Stop staring and climb in the bed Remu.''
Remus snapped out of his trance and climbed into his bed next to Sirius. Two arms immediately found their way around his waist and he could feel Sirius' warm breath on the back of his neck. When he inhaled he could smell Sirius. The smell of cigarettes and avocado shampoo quickly became his favourite. His eyelids became heavy and he found himself surrounded by darkness.
''Goodnight Moonshine.''
''Goodnight Pads.''
************
Remus stood in front of the mirror. His copper suit squeezed his hips a little too tight and the length of his trousers left his ankles cold. A black-tie hung loosely around his neck as he attempted to tie it. He groaned in frustration after his sixth failed attempt. He was never good at tying his tie and always asked James or Sirius for help. He was about to give up when Sirius walked in, a black suit made out of silk hugged his silhouette in all the right places. Sirius shook his head and made his way towards Remus.
''You know,'' He said as he grabbed the two endings and began to tie them. ''You really need to learn how to tie this thing. I can't keep doing this forever.''
''But this is much more fun, besides what use will you be for me if I can tie this on my own.'' Only now did Remus realize how close they were. He could feel Sirius' warm breath on his skin and his eyes were locked with his. Sirius' hands were still on his tie, fingers danced over his chest like ghosts. Remus hesitated on leaning forward but Sirius broke contact before he could make up his mind.
''Ouch Moony you wounded me.'' He let out a dramatic gasp and sat himself down on his bed. ''Be careful with your words, I can still trade you for Mary.''
''No, you can't. Mary is already going with Rogers and you love me too much.'' Remus blew a kiss in Sirius' direction and looked back at the mirror. He could see Sirius moving in the corner of his eye but paid him no attention. His curls were loosely framing his face and he ran his hands through them a few times. He tried to use some of James' hair products earlier with little to no success. Yes, his curls were a bit tighter and less messy but it still made no difference.
''You look good.'' Sirius stood behind him, Remus could see his eyes move up and down his body in the mirror. ''I mean you..'' stuttered Sirius. ''That suit- and your eyes.'' Remus smiled brightly at him. ''Did I just make the great Sirius Black stutter.'' His smile grew when he noticed the pink flush on Sirius' face.
''Shut up, I was merely giving you a compliment. Get off your high horse.'' his cheeks turned a darker shade of pink and he fixed his eyes on the ground.
''You look good too.'' Sirius's eyes dashed up as Remus turned around. They were once again staring at each other with little to no space between them. Sirius' warm breath gave him a sense of deja vu and Remus felt like he was given a second chance. His eyes darted to Sirius' lips and lingered there for a second. He felt Sirius' eyes do the same thing.
''We should go to the great hall.'' Sirius' whisper flew through the air with ease and seemed to break the tension between them. Remus cleared his throat and took a step back.
''Yeah we should, prongs is probably embarrassing himself and needs our help.'' Remus tried to joke but it came out as a poor attempt.
They walked in silence through the empty corridors. Most people were already in the great hall and those who weren't were still in their dormitories. Music could faintly be heard through the walls, Remus could hear Sirius softly hum along. Remus had been fidgeting with his ring their entire walk. He was never a big fan of parties, especially around the full moon. Too many people and too much noise. Sirius noticed his fidgeting and grabbed his hand in his. Remus looked up at Sirius who gave him a small smile.
''You'll be fine Moonshine.''
Music grew louder and slowly more people started to crowd the corridors. When they reached the great hall there was barely room to walk. Students filled the room dressed in dress robes and beautiful dresses. The four long tables that normally stood in the hall were removed, leaving more room for students to dance. Golden lights hung on the wall and seemed to be the only thing illuminating the room, leaving a cosy atmosphere. A table with food and drinks stood in the corner. Where normally stood the teacher's table, now stood a big Christmas tree. Candles danced around it and were enchanted to not burn the tree.
''You want to grab some drinks before finding the others?'' Remus could hear Sirius screaming over the music. He nodded before they made their way over to the food table. Remus took a sip of his drink and almost spit it out immediately. He had not expected the liquor to burn his throat this soon. It wasn't unusual that the punch was spiked but it normally took a few hours before someone managed to throw firewhiskey in it. McGonagall kept a close eye on it ever since some first years got drunk three years ago.
''I love the Hufflepuffs.'' Sirius grinned at his drink. With raised eyebrows, Remus asked. ''How do you know it was the Hufflepuffs?''
''They've been spiking the punch since fourth year.'' Sirius threw his drink back in one quick motion before filling it again. ''That, and I overheard Wood talk about it during potions.'' Remus followed Sirius and drowned his drink before taking another.
He grabbed Remus' hand again before they made their way through the crowd. They spotted Lily and James not long after near the Christmas tree. Lily was laughing at something James said, her hand resting on his arm. Remus and Sirius shared a surprised look.
''She has not killed him yet,'' Remus muttered, ''That's a good sign.''
James threw his arms around the pair as soon as they reached them. ''I am going to kiss Wood as soon as I see him.'' He screamed over the music, Lily rolled her eyes behind him but an amusing smile lingered on her face.
''Mate, how much punch did you drink.'' Sirius laughed at him with his bark-like laugh.
''I promise you, not too much.'' He giggled as he made his way back to Lily and put his arm around her waist. She was wearing a green A-line dress that swept gracefully over the floor. Remus thought she looked like a fairytale princess. The golden light behind her made her skin glow, her freckles were now more apparent than ever.
''Oi, stop staring at my date, Moony.'' His head shot up to James' droopy grin. ''Can't help it Prongs, she looks beautiful.''
''Well you don't look too bad yourself, I told you that colour would bring out your eyes.'' Lily tugged on Remus' tie to straighten it. ''So you're the reason my date looks like a model, I have to thank you for that Evans.'' Sirius found his way back to Remus and bumped in his shoulder, leaving almost no space between them. ''Where's Pete?'' Sirius looked around him trying to catch a glimpse of their last missing member.
''Don't know, he went to get some punch with Emmeline ages ago. Merlin, I hope they're snogging,'' said James. Sirius spun around the room once more, hoping to catch a glimpse of his friend before giving up. ''Pete definitely deserves a good snog.''
''Oi, tossers'' Everyone looked up to find Marlene making her way towards them, her curly hair bouncing on her shoulder. Sirius went to give her a quick hug. ''Marlene McKinnon, always a pleasure to see you.'' He let go of her and she gave him a grin. ''Sirius Black, can't say the same about you.'' Sirius shoved her lightly. ''Moony tell her I'm great to be around.'' He turned towards Remus with hopeful eyes.
''You smell like wet dog and you're so loud that I can hear you when you're in detention but other than that you're alright.'' Sirius wiggled his brows as he said. ''Yeah, but I bet you like that.'' Remus shook his head and screwed his eyes shut. ''You disgust me, Black.''
Sirius threw his arm around Remus and screamed over the music. ''You love me, Moony.'' It pained Remus that Sirius' didn't know how true those words were.
''So where is your girlfriend Marls, already tired of you?'' Sirius said.
''Dorcas went to the bathroom. Why fancy a date with me?'' She smirked at him and he tightened his grip on Remus.
''In your dreams, I already got a date.''
''Took you long enough.'' and with that, she walked away, smirk still plastered on her face. Remus wondered what she meant by that. Sirius had been going on various dates all year long. Last week he went to Hogsmeade with Jane Thomas. He told Remus about how she whined about the quidditch cup all afternoon when he got back while they shared a cigarette. His train of thoughts was broken by James' voice.
''Lily would you like to dance with me?'' He turned towards her with his hand held out. She eyed him for a second before grabbing it. ''I don't have another choice, do I Potter?'' she said. ''I don't think you want to miss this choice.'' and with that, he dragged her into the crowd of students, vanishing from sight.
Hours went by in what felt like seconds. Soon most students were ushered to bed, leaving only the seventh years in the Great Hall. They were permitted to stay longer for it was their last year. Remus saw a few second years stumble through the room and had to hold back a laugh. His own cheeks were flushed from the alcohol and his movement seemed to flow carefree through the room. Sirius stayed by his side the entire night, exchanging little touches whenever he could.
James and Lily reunited with them after having disappeared for three hours. Remus caught Lily's gaze and raised his eyebrows slightly. Her lips were swollen and pink, matching her cheeks and James' and her hair was messier than when she left. He grinned at her and her eyes told him she would explain it later. James looked like the happiest man alive next to her, holding her close and wearing a smile that wouldn't leave his face.
''Would you look at them, Remus.'' Sirius sneaked an arm around his waist and dragged him closer, making Remus trip over his feet. ''Those love birds, do you think Slughorn would be jealous? Or should we just ask him'' Sirius turned towards the few remaining teachers. They were on the other side of the room, McGonagall was talking to Pomfrey with a scowl on her face. Remus reckoned she found out about the spiked punch.
''HEY, SLU-'' Sirius began before he was shut off by James' hand. He attempted to place his hand over his mouth but it ended with a hit on Sirius' nose due to his uncoordinated movement. James seemed to be slightly more intoxicated than when they last saw him. Remus' eyes darted to Lily for a silent question. She just shrugged in response and waved him off.
''Watch your hand Prongs.'' Sirius' hand flew to his nose.
''Padfoot you are insufferable'' James' ignored him and his eyes darted to Slughorn to see if he heard something, fortunately for him, he didn't.
''C'mon Prongs, don't want to leave Slughorn in the dark after that proposal.'' Lily snorted beside James and he shot a glare towards Sirius.
''Merlin, I wish I had that shoe right now,'' he muttered.
''What shoe?'' asked Lily.
''Marls shoe. Don't know how we got it but those two started throwing it at each other.'' Remus shook his head as Lily's eyes widened with realisation.
''Marlene has been looking for that shoe for weeks!''
''That sucks for Marlene 'cuz we've grown kind of attached to it.'' Sirius merely shrugged.
Lily was about to retort back when Peter emerged from the remaining crowd, his hand holding Emmeline's. ''Pete, where've you been. We haven't seen you this entire night.'' Peter looked sheepishly at them. ''I've been busy.''
''We can tell, mate.'' Sirius was looking him up and down with a grin. His swollen pink lips said enough. Remus looked around at the remaining students. Marlene and Dorcas stood near the wall. Marlene looked drunk and was leaning her head against Dorcas' shoulder. Her green suit looked beautiful in contrast to Dorcas' black dress. He saw Dorcas whisper something in her ear before she burst out laughing. Frank and Alice were dancing in the middle of the room. Alice's blue dress was flowing behind her gracefully, Remus felt mesmerized by it. Frank spun her around a few more times before he dipped her down and kissed her passionately.
Remus felt someone tugging on his sleeve and when he turned his face he was met with Sirius. ''Moony come and dance with me.'' He had already grabbed him by the hand and started dragging him to where Alice and Frank were still kissing. ''Sirius you know I hate dancing.'' Remus tried to get out of it with no success since Sirius kept pulling.
''I don't care, you know I love dancing.'' Sirius placed both his hands in his and moved his hips loosely to the beat. His arms started swinging, forcing Remus' arms to mirror it. He twirled Remus around a few times and soon they fell into a steady rhythm of drunken movements. Sirius stumbled every now and then and Remus had to make sure he was holding on to Sirius to stay upright.
''Why don't you have a date, Remus.'' Sirius spun Remus around when he asked the question, they were now close again. The music switched to something slower. It meant that the night was coming to an end. Remus looked at Sirius with a puzzled expression before responding.
''I have a date.''
''No, I mean why don't you have an actual date. You could ask anyone and they would say yes.'' Sirius wrapped his arms around his neck while Remus placed his hands on Sirius' hips. ''I asked you didn't I.'' his brows drew together in confusion.
Sirius sighed and rose a hand to his temple. ''I mean why don't you ask some nice bird to be your date, someone you like and would kiss at the end of the night.'' There was a moment of silence between the two before Remus started laughing. Sirius tilted his head like a dog and stared at Remus. ''What's so funny?''
''You, Sirius Black, are an idiot.'' Remus continued laughing while Sirius kept staring in shock. ''Last week I asked the boy I've been in love with since second year as my date and he said yes, even though he probably meant it as friends. I don't need some fancy girl to be my date when I could have you. Sirius Black, who is always by my side, ready to catch me if I fall. Sirius Black, who has seen me at my best and worse.'' Remus blamed the intoxication for his loose tong but couldn't be bothered to stop it. It was like a dam had broken and every emotion spilt out of him.
''How can you expect me to look at someone else when you're in the same room. I knew you would break me in the best way possible when you shook my hand seven years ago in that tiny compartment. And I was right, 'cuz look where we are.'' Tears formed in his eyes and his voice was no louder than a whisper. ''I'm just another fool who fell for Sirius Blacks charm.''
Sirius' eyes were still locked with Remus'. Neither said something for a few minutes, they just swayed to the music for what felt to Remus like the last time. He tried to capture it all in his mind. The way Sirius' arms felt around his neck, the faint freckles that scattered across his cheeks like constellations, his grey eyes that reminded Remus of the moon. He was about to take a step back when he felt soft lips crash against his.
The kiss ended as soon as it began. Sirius drew back and looked at Remus with wide eyes. His lips were slightly parted and a deep shade of pink crept upon his face. Sirius was about to say something when Remus captured his lips again. Their lips worked together in sync as they seemed to forget the world around them. Remus brought his hand up to the nap of Sirius' neck, pulling him closer. They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity. Remus inhaled Sirius' scent and felt himself drown in euphoria. It was better than what he dreamed of.
When they broke apart they were both panting for air. Sirius leaned his forehead against Remus' as he took deep breaths. ''Remus Lupin I have loved you since I laid eyes on you, don't you dare call yourself another fool who fell for me.'' Sirius connected their lips again. Soft lips moved against each other as if they were made for each other. They broke apart when they heard James' screams echo through the room.
''I KNEW THOSE TWO WOULD GIVE IN EVENTUALLY.'' Remus chuckled softly. Sirius's hand cupped his cheek and stroke away a few tears Remus didn't know had fallen from his eyes.
''REMEMBER WHAT I TOLD YOU DURING DETENTION MINNIE- So sorry Professor McGonagall, I was right though.''
''So what now.'' Remus looked down at Sirius whose hand was still resting on his face. ''We could sneak back towards the dormitory, hopefully we'll have a few quiet minutes before Jamie finds out we're gone.''
''We could go now, looks like McGonagall is giving him detention for calling her Minnie.'' Sirius nodded as they made their way quietly towards the exit, their fingers entwined. They could hear McGonagall's faint screams in the background. Before they reached the corridors Remus caught a glimpse of Lily. Her eyes twinkled and a broad smile covered her face. He would have to thank her for her plan tomorrow.
They snuck through the portrait with ease and hurried up the stairs. Their dormitory was empty as expected. The air was cold and white moonlight shone inside. Sirius hurried to the bathroom and Remus finally had a moment to properly breathe. He looked at his reflection in the mirror and was met with his own wide eyes. His hair looked like a mess and his tie seemed to be crooked so he quickly took it off.
Remus threw off his jacket and shoes before he noticed Sirius walking towards him. A grin on his face as he grabbed Remus' hips and pushed him backwards. The back of his knees hit his mattress and he lost balance as he fell backwards. Sirius was on top of him as soon as his back hit the soft surface beneath him. His legs were on either side of Remus' chest as their lips moved together at a steady pace.
Remus' hands were planted on Sirius' ass kneading the soft flesh. Sirius' mouth trailed down to his jaw before moving furder down to his neck. He sucked on the soft flesh in between kisses and Remus let out a soft moan when Sirius reached his soft spot. Sirius' brought his hands up to Remus' shirt and began fumbling with the first few buttons. Remus' hand trailed up over his back and he entwined his fingers with the long black locks.
Sirius was about to move further down with his mouth when the door slammed open followed by the sound of something falling down the stairs. ''James?'' Peter looked behind him and Sirius took the opportunity to roll off of Remus and shut the curtains around the bed.
''Merlin, Prongs how much did you drink.'' Peters laugh echoed through the room. ''I swear I only had three glasses.'' James' voice sounded further away. Peter's laugh was still filling the room as a loud groan came from behind the curtain. Sirius looked at Remus before he threw the curtain open again.
Peter lay on the floor with tears in his eyes, his hand clutched his stomach as his whole body trembled. James was crawling up the stairs he previously fell down from. His glasses lay crooked on his nose and his eyes were glazed. He rubbed his head and proceeded to crawl over the floor. ''I'm going to kill Wood tomorrow.'' He murmured under his breath.
''An' Minnie gave me week worth o' detention.''
''For calling her Minnie?''
''That, an' being drunk.''
Sirius and Remus were both shaken with laughter. Remus stood up and towards James. His eyes were closed as he lay on the floor. Remus picked him up but underestimated his weight slightly. His knees buckled and he had to steady himself against the closet. ''This, why I love you, 'oony. At least you help.'' James was muttering when his head pillow hit before darkness overtook him and he fell into a peaceful sleep.
Peter had collected himself off the ground and was making his way towards the bathroom. Remus looked back at his bed. Sirius lay under the covers, his shoulders were still shaking and Remus could see tears glimmering on his cheeks in the moonlight. He went towards his bed and lay behind Sirius. Sirius turned to look at him the moment the curtains closed around his bed.
''So second year, huh.''
''I always looked at you different, it took me a year to realize in what way.'' Remus smiled.
'We could've had this so much sooner, Merlin were idiots.'' Sirius chuckled slightly. They lay facing each other. Sirius' eyes were darting over Remus' face, taking in every little detail he could.
''So what are we now.'' The whisper was followed by silence as neither dared what to say.
''Remus Lupin,'' Sirius began. ''I love you with my entire heart, have for years. Would you do me the honour and be my boyfriend.''
''Sirius Black,'' His hand moved up to cup his cheek.''Of course, I would love to.'' Remus leaned forward and closed the gap between them. Capturing Sirius' lips once more in his.