Chapter 4
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iii
That's What You Get for Getting Outta Bed
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1845 hours
22 May 1978
Great Hall
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
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"You what?!" Sirius yelled at James and Peter. The Gryffindor's table fell silence as the usual playful banters of The Marauders sounded unusually serious.
"We didn't mean to! We were just… you know," Peter explained lamely as he attempted to take his detention referral back from Sirius' hand.
Sirius jerked the paper away, swatting Peter's hand from his attempt. He scowled at the blond before saying, "No, Wormtail. I don't know. But, what I know is that we swore not to pull shits today. For Moony!" He read the slip again and groaned when he read his reason for detention: animating the school suits of armour and declaring war on Slytherin's quidditch team. "You're not even on the team!"
"James is," Peter replied as he finally got his slip back. James high-fived him over the table.
"Prongs," Sirius squeezed his eyes shut and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Please please please tell me you're free tonight."
"I am the captain, Pads. I can't just ignore their taunts now, can I? To know you think so little of me! Unacceptable!" He passed his slip to Sirius proudly. "She just can't take her eyes off me."
Sirius raised his eyes from the slip to see James winking at Lily ー who sat at the other end of the table ー only to received her deadly glare. "If you say so."
Peter snorted and continued stuffing fried chicken into his mouth while looking at Professor Slughorn ー whom they were serving their detention with tonight ー and asked between his munching, "What time is our detention again?"
"8:00 o'clock," said James.
"Screaming 'You shall meet your demise in the hands of noble, Gryffindor knights', animating the school suits of armour, and declaring war on Slytherin's quidditch team," Sirius read aloud. He looked up to see James waving Lily over suggestively. Crumpling the slip in his fist, he threw it at James' forehead.
"We swore!" He reminded them again, silently grateful that Remus wasn't at the table. He could just imagine the werewolf's rage if he heard them shouting hours before the full moon. He was rather tetchy around this time.
Sirius saw Lily's waving hand from the corner of his eyes. He turned to see that she was grinning, giving him a thumbs up. After a moment, she mouthed, "Great shot!"
He winked in reply, watching as she got up to leave the Great Hall. He nodded goodbye before focusing on his friends.
James was looking longingly after Lily, sighing at her retreating form. Sirius shook his head, once again wondering how the Head Girl found even one worthwhile trait in his lovesick friend. But he was thankful she did. Despite being upset with him right now, he knew that James was a good man and a loyal friend. He didn't doubt that Lily would help the world to see that man.
"Mate?" He called said man.
"Hm?" James turned his head slowly to Sirius but his eyes were still glued on Lily. When his eyes finally caught up with his head, he tuned into their conversation instantly.
"I know! I'm sorry! I really thought today was May 21. Fuck, Pads. Do you honestly think I'd do that to Moony?" James smoothed the crumpled slip as flat as possible before putting it back into his bag. "We'll make it fast. After all, how many vials could the old man have, right? We'll manage. You take the cloak and map with you. We'll come right after."
"Urgh... I hate cleaning and polishing without magic!" Peter groaned, shoving his slip and two treacle tarts in his bag. "Let's head back to the common room first, yeah? I want to see Remus before we slave ourselves to Slug."
Sirius resisted sighing.
Judging from Slughorn's gleeful face every time he looked at his two friends, he had a foreboding feeling they would be cleaning vials until next week ー if only it was possible to do so during NEWT's examination week ー and he dreaded to admit it, but he was sure he would be partnerless tonight.
Peter stood first then followed by James. "Come on. We'll be there!" Peter said with full conviction.
"Moronic kids," Sirius muttered under his breath before he slung his bag on his shoulder and walked towards the other two. "You guys better show up."
"Don't worry, mate. We will." James promised as he wrapped his arms around both Peter and Sirius, telling them about the study session his girlfriend had planned for them as they left the Great Hall.
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1951 hours
22 May 1978
Gryffindor Boys' Dormitory
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
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"If you hear him howling around your kitchen door, better not let him in. Little old lady got mutilated late last night, werewolves of London again."
"What the fuck are you singing?" Remus groaned from his bed. His curtains were down, sheltering him from the world.
"Zevon," Sirius answered. He stared at the red canopy and contemplate if he should continue. He shrugged his shoulders and decided to ignore Remus' mood swing. "He's the hairy handed gent who ran amuck in ー"
"Padfoot," Remus growled, warning Sirius to stop. After a few moment of silence, he asked, "Is it new? How come I never heard of it?"
"It's been out since January, mate. Yeah, I wouldn't know it if a firsty hadn't been singing it. He was drumming the table, too. Boy was gifted in damaging eardrums."
He heard the shuffling sound of curtains being pulled back, revealing the sandy-haired man who was hiding behind them. Sirius sat up and looked over at his tired expression, noting the shadows under his eyes.
"You look like shit," he commented.
"Fuck off." He got up and put on his shirt, showing his small back to Sirius.
Remus was thin. More than usual during full moon week, for he had always skipped dinner before his transformation. He'd told them how his body would start aching all over as his bones would slowly grow bigger to his wolf form.
Sirius stopped himself from sighing loudly.
He didn't want to get hurt tonight, not out of vanity, but getting hurt while keeping Remus company would only cause him to wallow in his self-pity again. He didn't want his friend to keep blaming himself for something he couldn't control.
He hated it.
"Padfoot?"
Remus' voice brought him back from his stupor.
"Ready for our monthly playtime?" Remus straightened his haggard body, yet when he looked at him, Sirius could see mirth shone on his face.
He replied with his own toothy grin and continued his singing. "He's the hairy handed gent who ran amuck in Kent. Lately he's been overheard in Mayfair," He jumped off his bed and held the door open for Remus, "Better stay away from him, He'll rip your lungs out, Jim!"
"Warren knows me so well," Remus said dreamily before Sirius closed the door behind them.
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0435 hours
23 May 1978
Shrieking Shack
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
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"Don't worry my arse," Sirius grunted as he buttoned Remus' jeans up hastily. "We'll make it fast. We'll manage. We'll be there," he mimicked his friends convincing tones.
"Pads," Remus whimpered when Sirius accidentally jabbed on his broken ribs the moment he started putting his shirt on.
"Fuck! Sorry, Moony." He pulled his hands back, panic clear on his face as he looked Remus over.
James was usually the one to help Remus the morning after, while Sirius and Peter kept watch. Without them, Sirius felt a little lost and anxious.
He laid down beside Remus and closed his eyes, silently cursing his friends and their quick mouths.
"Alright?" He asked Remus tentatively.
"Peachy," Remus answered sarcastically. A small curl tugged up at the corner of his mouth and he kicked Sirius' leg weakly. "Calm down, Padfoot. You're doing great," he said softly, comforting Sirius.
"I'm at the pinnacle of calm," he muttered.
Sirius glanced at Remus' weak form and marveled how his friend still could smile and laugh after the harrowing night. He watched as Remus looked at the dark sky serenely, clearly grateful that it was a short full moon. They both were laying on their back, side by side, facing the window. Sirius kicked his leg back playfully and they both burst into laughter, feeling ridiculous at their current state ー half-naked and bloodied.
He sat up and lifted his hand, letting it hover over a bad gash on Remus' neck.
"We still need Poppy though." Sirius carefully buttoned Remus' shirt before putting on his own. "Sorry I don't have any chocolate for you," he told him. "I still thought those sods would come."
"Nah. We're rocking this, I think," Remus said softly, attempting to sit up.
This is really a team job, Sirius thought as he moved to help him, suddenly very much aware of how they completed each other.
"You're good to go?" Sirius asked when Remus was standing. He took a step away, looking the shorter man over.
"Yeah. Just a little dizzy." He swayed a little, hands out at his sides to steady himself. "Shit. I think I'm passing out, Padfoー" Remus didn't get to finish his sentence as he fell flat on his face, unconscious.
Sirius finally let out his long overdue sigh. He rubbed his face tiredly and pointed his wand to the limp body of his friend.
"Levicorpus."
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0521 hours
23 May 1978
Hospital Wing
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
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Sirius pushed the big door of Hospital Wing with his hip. "Poppy! It's Remus!"
The sound of a swinging door from the direction of Healer's Office pulled his head up, thankful that the healer didn't waste her time to help him. His smile was brilliant as he was about to say his thanks but it quickly faltered when he saw a small woman with a mass of silver curls instead of Madam Pomfrey.
"Here. Let me help," said the woman as she pointed her wand to Remus and muttered Levicorpus.
"Oh, thank, Merlin," Sirius gasped, half stumbling when she took over.
He followed them to the end of the hall, gripping onto the ends of the beds for support.
"Where's Pomfrey?" He questioned her as she settled Remus in bed.
The young witch glanced at him and then the empty bed he currently held. "Please, lie down. You're exhausted. By the looks of it, you two had a rough night."
When he hesitated, she said, "Madam Pomfrey is resting. I'm well aware of what you and your friend may need. Please, lay down. Before you pass out, too."
Instead of laying down, he sat down in a chair next to Remus' bed. "Are you a new nurse?" He questioned, observing her robes.
"Yes," she replied shortly, brandishing her wand and waving it over Remus' unconscious form.
Sirius watched as she leaned over his friend, admiring the view of her calves the uniform awarded him with. It was short-lived though, as she quickly vanished all of Remus' clothes, causing Sirius to jump up.
"What are you doing?" He asked testily.
"Please relax. I'm inspecting his broken ribs." She straightened up, looking at him. "Unless you prefer he remains this way?"
"Does he need to be naked?"
She went back to her inspection. "Grab a sheet from the trolley there and cover him, love," she murmured before casting a light cleansing spell.
Sirius noticed more cuts and scrapes than normal as he covered his friend from the waist down.
"So. You know?" He asked, standing on the opposite side of the bed.
"Yes." She continued with her spells, her small hands touching Remus gently to soothe him.
He swallowed as he watched them. This was the first time he'd watched Remus get patched up, and he could hear Pomfrey's shrill voice in his head, telling him to leave. When the new nurse made no such request, he stepped closer to the bed.
"It was… It was a bad night."
"You should lay down, then. Would a calming draught help you?"
"What?"
"A calming draught. To ease your nerves. So you can get some rest."
"No," he said quickly. But, he sat down on the empty bed behind him, nonetheless.
The sound of Remus' bones mending seemed to echo in the silence of the Hospital Wing. It did nothing to comfort him. Silence was never a good thing in his life.
"I'm Sirius Black," he heard himself say. He waited for a few seconds and when he didn't receive any reply, he continued, "And that's Remus Lupin. And you are?"
Without lifting her head, she answered, "School nurse."
"Okay," he rolled his eyes at her lack of enthusiasm, "So, you're Poppy's apprentice?"
"Yes."
"What do you think of the Dark Lord?"
Sirius noticed her tensed uncomfortably before she continued tracing her wand over Remus. He didn't press her to give him an immediate answer. He let the silence hang between them, patiently waiting for her response.
"That's a very peculiar thing to ask, Mr. Black. And very inappropriate, too," she said.
"We're in the middle of war, school nurse," he emphasized her name, smirking when he noticed her lips purse. "You have my friend naked under your wand. It doesn't matter what's appropriate when there are lives at risk."
He sat back on the bed, kicking his shoes off and crossing his ankles as he watched her.
"I'm a nurse. One's side means nothing to me."
He laughed. "You're not a Death Eater, then."
"I work for Hogwarts. I heal and keep the student and staff safe, Mr. Black," she corrected, looking up at him for a moment.
He jutted his chin towards Remus, "He could be a Death Eater."
She sighed, summoning a small bottle. Sirius didn't recognize it as something he'd seen in the Wing before, and watched as she filled a stopper and dropped it over the gash on Remus' neck.
"Is he now?" She asked, her tone bored as Remus' skin mended itself.
"Who knows?" Sirius got out of bed and leaned in to observe the newly healed skin. "Well, I know. But you don't."
"Again, it doesn't matter to me."
He looked up at her, and found himself fascinated by her eyes. They were different colors. He wasn't sure how he'd missed it before. The left was silver, reflecting the blue of her robes distractingly, and the other was dark in the shadows of the Hospital Wing.
She wouldn't meet his gaze, though. Instead, she kept her eyes focused on Remus, an emotion he couldn't read in them.
"The beauty of ignorance," he murmured.
Her lips twitched in amusement, and he grinned, straightening up.
"Sometimes, ignorance is bliss." She finally raised her head, and when she finally met his gaze, her face was devoid of any emotion. "For example, it's much better to taunt me, then acknowledge the fact that your friend is dying."
"What?"
"Just an example, Mr. Black."
"We're at war," he said seriously. "I'm not ignoring death. I'm asking the person responsible for his life what side she's on."
"He'll be just fine. He only needs his rest." She rounded Remus bed and turned down the one Sirius had sat on. "You, too."
"You don't get to avoid the conversation," he told her.
She lifted a brow, looking him over. "You're a child, Mr. Black. One I took an oath to protect. Once you've graduated, contributed something more than words to this war, we can talk again."
"I have contributed," he countered, voice raising.
She summoned a calming draught and thrust it into his hands. He threw it on the ground, the bottle shattering.
"Mr. Black," she said angrily, stomping her foot.
He was suddenly aware of how small she was. How fierce and angry and sure. He felt bad for throwing down the draught but wasn't sure how to fix it anymore.
"Right now you're acting like nothing more than spoiled little Pureblood brat. Taunting the Muggleborn healer who, may I remind you, is helping your werewolf friend. Do you know how foolish that is? It makes you no better. An arrogant bully, just like the rest of them."
It was only when his legs touched the edge of the bed that he realized she'd been cornering him. He sat down, eye level with her for the first time. Once again, she thrust a calming draught into his hands.
"To force a situation? To put lives in danger unnecessarily? Think before you speak or keep your mouth shut."
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry, " she told him. "Be the man I know you… I know you can be." She turned back to Remus, running another diagnostic before nodding her head firmly.
Sirius took the draught, suddenly hating the little witch. Who did she think she was? Talking to him as if she knew him.
"You don't know me," he told her when she looked back at him.
She just stared at him.
"I'm nothing like them. I'm on the right side of this war. I will stand up to prejudice and injustice. I will fight for what is right and good."
She continued to stare until he shifted uncomfortably. "I will put in a good word for you," she told him.
At his bewildered expression, a small smile formed on her face. Sirius felt his heart speed up in his chest, despite the draught's effect. His anger ebbed away at the proud look in her eyes.
"You should go to Dumbledore as soon as you graduate."
"I'm already eighteen."
She seemed surprised for a moment, and Sirius was grateful for it. It gave him some leeway. His mind suddenly felt fuzzy from the draught.
"Could you get him to let me join now?"
"Get some rest, Mr. Black," she told him, patting his bed.
Sirius got under his covers, watching as she bid him goodnight and disappeared into Pomfrey's office, leaving him alone with his unconscious friend in the silence of the Hospital wing.
"He forced us to clean all his vials without magic! Do you have any idea how many there was?" James complained. "Exactly! So many you're speechless!"
Sirius grudgingly groaned. "Prongs," he mumbled. He rubbed his eyes harshly and forced them to open. "Prongs!" He called once again.
"Padfoot! You're awake!" James jumped onto his bed and ruffled Sirius' bed hair. "You're amazing, you know that? Courageous! Awesome! Handsome!" James hugged him and puckered his lips as though he wanted to kiss him but he got Sirius' palm instead of his cheek.
Sirius pushed his enthusiastic friend away and mumbled, "Morning," at Peter in greeting.
"'Lo," Peter replied and made his way to stand beside Sirius' bed.
"Sorry we couldn't be there with you and Moony, mate. We tried to sneak out but that old creepy coot sat there, watching us," Peter explained tiredly. He was massaging his right shoulder and Sirius could hear the cracking sound followed by his sigh.
Sirius peered down to his wrist, checking the watch Lily had given him last Christmas. It was quarter to noon. He scanned the room and sighed in relief as he didn't see any sign of Madam Pomfrey.
Sirius was furious with them, but he didn't have the strength to be angry with them right now.
"It's okay, Wormtail. It wasn't that bad anyway. We play fought until we got tired. Snuggled up and went to sleep," he patted Peter's back.
"Sounds romantic," James commented.
Sirius scowled as he got out of bed, sitting in one of the chairs by Remus'. "I thought he was awake?"
Sirius looked at his sleeping friend to see that he completely out.
"Who the hell were you talking to?" He asked James.
James looked at him incredulously. "You, of course!"
"I was still sleeping." Sirius' brows rose.
"I wasn't," James shrugged.
Sirius laughed at James. He would have played along with his nonsense banters but as he was extremely exhausted, he let it slide this time. "It was a bad night, though. We barely got here. New nurse forced me to take a draught."
"Sorry, mate," Peter said, and James echoed it.
After a moment James said, "Wait. New nurse? Years nearly out. You've seen her, Pete?"
Peter was rummaging his bag, looking for the treacle tarts from the night before. "Nope." He plastered a wide toothy grin as he found what he was looking for. "Why?"
"I met her last night," Sirius said nonchalantly. His eyes were roaming the hall. They were still alone in the Wing.
"What's she like?" Peter asked with his mouth full.
"Small," he answered with his eyes squinted, trying to remember her physique when he had stood right in front of her. "Short," he straightened his body and moved his hand back and forth horizontally in front of his chest. "Very short. Big silver haiー" He stopped talking rather abruptly when he heard the door of the Healer's Office open.
"Padfoot?" James called him, trying to see what caught his attention. "What are you looking at?"
Madam Pomfrey made her way over, eyeing them all suspiciously.
"Good morning, Madam Poppy! We were just talking 'bout the new nurse," Peter said, "Short. Shorter than me?" He looked at Sirius for confirmation and continued after Sirius nodded, "Very short, with big silver hair."
Peter's tart crusts splattered all over Remus' blanket as he spoke.
"Good morning, Mr. Pettigrew. Don't speak with your mouth full!" She told him sternly and clean it off Remus' bed.
"Now, off you go! Mr. Lupin needs his quiet rest!" She pulled the white curtains around Remus' bed and pushed the boys out of his vicinity, giving them no room to question her more.
Sirius quickly remembered of his freedom last night, thanks to the lenient nurse. He stood still and stared between the Healer's Office and the matron, who was still examining Remus. He was convinced the nurse was in the office.
"You guys go first. I'll catch up later," he whispered to his two confused friends.
When they made to argue, he shooed them off, hellbent on figuring it out on his own. They unwillingly relented to his request.
He looked at Remus' bed one last time, making sure Madam Pomfrey still tending him before he stealthily walked into the office.
"Can I help you?" A familiar voice called out to him.
Sirius' breath hitched when he saw her eyes. They shone brightly under the morning sun. His mind wildly whirled, recalling their first meeting last night. The darkness of night didn't do her eyes justice.
He cleared his throat to speak. "I justー I didn't get your name," he said, berating himself for stuttering.
She gave him a lopsided smile and continued what she was doing before he came barging in: enjoying her tea.
"I don't think it's necessary," she took off her apron and folded it, "I'm leaving Hogwarts soon."
"Pretty sure apprenticeships last at least six months," he tucked his hands in his pockets and leaned his back on the wall beside the door, watching as she pulled her nurse's cap off and the tie from her hair. Her curls fell down her back, distracting him.
Her small smile and proud gaze from last night filled his mind. It was as if she was encouraging him to fight. As if she wanted to make sure he would join the war.
"Pretty sure you have NEWT today," she replied.
"Yeah. At 3:30."
They stood facing each other silently for a moment until they heard the sound of the big bell chimed.
"Has Remus awoken?" She asked, pushing the door just enough to peek on Remus' bed.
"Not yet," Sirius answered simply, moving closer and following her line of vision. "Thank you."
"Excuse me?" she questioned.
"Thank you, for last night. It was my first time being alone with him. Usually there's three of us, but the other two morons won themselves a ticket to Slughorn's vials," he explained with his eyes still locked on his sleeping friend ー hidden behind white curtains.
He took notice of their closeness. The nurse was at least a head shorter than him, and her hair was shiny and shimmering under day light. It was mesmerizing.
"You lot usually accompany a werewolf?" Her voice was laced with amusement.
He quickly kicked himself mentally.
He was about to retort when Dumbledore strode into the Hospital Wing, joining them in the office.
"Good morning, Professor Dumbledore," Sirius greeted the Headmaster cheerfully, gladly dropping the subject.
"Indeed, it is a very good morning, Mr. Black. Accompanying Mr. Lupin I presume?"
Sirius rolled his eyes inwardly, seeing how the Headmaster obviously knew Remus had his transformation last night.
"Yes, Professor," he nodded curtly. He was going to leave when Dumbledore raised his twinkling eyes to meet the nurse's.
"Ah! Hermione dear. We were looking for you," he took her hand and kissed her knuckle lightly.
"Albus," the nurse greeted him with a friendly smile.
Sirius looked perplexed at the exchange, not bothering to hide his surprise. Hermione, Sirius thought, observing her. He didn't think that she looked much older than him, but her familiarity with Dumbledore threw him off, as if they were good friends. Are they? He watched her smile widening as her gaze fastened beyond Dumbledore, and he turned to see who had joined them.
"Hermione." A tall auburn-haired man said, smiling at her. "I must say I didn't take you as a nurse," he added as his eyes roamed her figure appreciatively.
"Well, I have to do something." She stepped around Dumbledore, who Sirius glanced at to see that he was watching Hermione and the man fondly.
Sirius hated the man.
"Three weeks is a lot of time, Tiberius."
Tiberius, he thought bitterly, watching as the man grinned broadly at Hermione.
"I bring good news." He took out two rolls of parchments from under his plum-coloured robe and passed them to Hermione.
"Is thisー" Hermione didn't even finish her question when she started unrolling both scrolls swiftly. She was reading them intently with her jaw dropped the whole time.
"Yes, love," Tiberius answered her anyway.
Once she had finished reading them, she looked from Tiberius to Albus. "It's official."
"Congratulations, Hermione. You're clear to leave. Of course, I'd still prefer it if you can stay longer." Albus smiled.
Sirius looked from Dumbledore to Hermione to see her shoulders sag in what he assumed was relief.
As Dumbledore explained that he would love her to finish her apprenticeship, Sirius studied Tiberius, observing the Wizengamot mark on his robes. He was quite handsome, Sirius begrudgingly admitted.
He listened as Tiberius cut in, suggesting that he could visit her more if she stayed. Sirius bristled at the suggestion, frowning at the man until he realized she was watching him.
The expression of pure happiness on her face warmed him. And when she touched his arm, he felt himself blush, foolish and childlike in front of her and the others.
"I have to go. I'm not sure if Madam Pomfrey will let Mr. Lupin take his NEWT today, but if she does, don't forget to give him Pepper-Up to drink. It works wonder," she said as she picked her satchel up from under one of the table.
"You're leaving?" He asked nervously.
"Yes. I believe I've overstayed my welcome."
"Headmaster said you could stay longer," he tried to convince her.
Hermione looked at him straight, her eyes met his grey eyes, and Sirius was enthralled when she gave him her first genuine smile as she said, "Good luck with your NEWT, Mr. Black."
She nodded her head as her goodbye and walked out of the office to talk to Madam Pomfrey. His canine hearing caught the unneeded "what a charming lad" comment from the matron as she watched Hermione accepting Tiberius' offered arm. Sirius didn't get what was so charming about that. Any gentleman would offer their arm or hand to a lady.
Albus led them out of Hospital Wing.
And just like last night, he was watching her leave him in the silent Wing.