Friday has been a rough day for Remus. There was a Potions test that he forgot to study for, because the class was told about it the day after a full moon. His least favourite foods had been served for all three meals, and he hadn’t had time to sneak into the kitchens. A prank that the Marauders had been trying to pull off failed miserably, because of a miscalculation on his part, so he felt horrible for that, but on top of that already guilty feeling, James and Sirius had gotten caught because him and Peter had had the invisibility cloak. Oh, and speaking of Sirius, he was looking extra pretty today for some reason, so Remus’ very hard to handle crush on him was even harder to handle today. To top off the cake of misery with a poison cherry, he finished the night with Prefect patrol with Regulus. It’s not like Regulus was a bad Prefect, quite the opposite actually. It’s just that Remus could tell that he hated him just for being friends with Sirius. The silences between them were loaded with awkwardness. Plus, Remus was waiting for the right time to invite the younger boy to the small Gryffindor Common Room party tonight, and ask him to tell some of the other more enjoyable Slytherins, plus Pandora to come, all per the other’s request. (The other’s being: Sirius trying to repair his and his brothers relationship, Marlene and her odd friendship with Dorcas from Slytherin, Barty and Evan who go everywhere with Regulus like fucking guard dogs, and Pandora because everybody loves Pandora.)
It was at the end of their rotation when Remus finally found his opening, they were stopped at the beginning of the dungeons, near the Slytherin Common Room.
“Right. Well, goodnight Lupin.” Regulus stepped back awkwardly, and made to walk away.
“Wait! Doyouandtheotherswanttocometoourpartytonight?” Remus was spitting out his words, then grimaced at his own idiocy. Regulus gave him a very similar expression.
“A Gryffindor Party? Why are you inviting me, also what “others”?”
“Oh, ah, y’know, Meadowes, Crouch, Rosier and Pandora? Also It’s just gonna be a few of us having some drinks, not a whole party.” Remus was avoiding that other question, because now that he thought about it, he had no idea why he was inviting Regulus instead of someone else. He didn’t even want to go the party.
“You guys don’t have to come if you want, but like, you’re all welcome.” He was shuffling his feet now and avoiding eye contact, god he was so bad at social interaction.
Regulus was staring at him, something like confusion in his eyes for a minute. “I… can ask the “others” I guess. I’m sure they’ll want to go, any excuse to drink. Can’t promise I’ll be there though. What time should I tell them?”
Remus’ head shot up. He definitely had not been expecting so little fight back from the most stubborn Black brother. Maybe it was the shock factor in which he sprung the party. “Ummm… Tell them to swing by at around 10? Filch will be near the Great Hall by then, so you shouldn’t run into trouble.”
Regulus nodded at him, then quickly retreated into his Common Room, leaving Remus standing there, still completely slack-jawed from shock.
…
At 9:30, the Marauders plus the girls, a.k.a Mary, Lily, and Marlene were sitting in a circle on the fluffiest rug by the fireplace. James had caused a commotion earlier, or as everyone else called it, setting off 15 stink bombs then clearing the smell once everyone cleared out to go to bed. They all knew that this was just more Marauder’s antics, but none of them had interest in partaking in whatever James was trying to get them to leave for. Mary and Marlene had snuck into Hogsmeade to get a variety of drinks for the night, including but not limited to; Butterbeer, but a special kind with a higher alcohol content, Firewhiskey, Witches Brew, the purple sparkly drink that seems to appeal to everyone BUT Remus, and regular muggle tequila, that one had been specifically requested by the man himself. When asked why his response had been “I mean, if we absolutely MUST have a party, then we have to get something that can make it fun?”
Remus was currently sitting on the floor, leaning against Lily who was in the nicest armchair of the room. He was watching Sirius out of the corner of his eye, after Remus had repeated Regulus’ words to him, he had been anxiously talking to Peter all evening, trying to distract himself from thinking about whether or not Reg was coming. Meanwhile, Lily Evans, best friend extraordinaire, the only one who Remus had told about his crush, was doing what she always did when he was worried about social situations, playing with his hair.
Mary and Marlene had set up a quiet card game to pass time, and James was trying a bunch of spells that could supposedly keep their drinks cold. That was how everyone was found when the portrait to the Common Room swung open, and in walked the Slytherins, plus Pandora. Barty was the first one through the hole, yelling the whole way.
“You better have good drinks! Or else I’m leaving immediately!”
Marlene had jumped up the moment the portrait opened.
“Fuck off Crouch, nobody wants you here anyway!” Barty sneered at her, “And of course we got the bloody alcohol, that’s the whole point of tonight you little maggot.” Barty’s sneer lessened to a vaguely threatening glare, but he still stole a Butterbeer from where James had them set up and plunked himself down on the couch. While all that was happening, Evan walked in, closely followed by Pandora. The twins wore polar opposite expressions, Evan looking completely bored already, and Pandora looking ecstatic to be here. Dorcas came in next, stumbling slightly. She looked incredibly shy and nervous, a mirror expression of what Remus was feeling. But then her eyes fell on Marlene and she smiled brightly, Marlene too. “Hi Marls!” she walked over to where Marlene was still standing and the girls retreated back to where Mary was still sitting near the fire. Sirius was staring at the portrait hole as finally, the one he was waiting for cautiously stepped in. He stopped at the entrance and looked at each person individually, before walking with purpose over to… Remus? And sitting down next to him. Remus was staring at him with probably comically wide eyes, because Regulus shot him a glare that made him blink and look away. Unfortunately, he looked away and right over to Sirius, who was seemingly just as surprised as Remus about Regulus’ choice of seat. Remus gave him a shrug as if to say, “I don’t know why he’s next to me either.”
“Hi, Reg.” Sirius called from where he was.
Regulus looked up at him, face drawn tight. “Sirius.”
Remus looked back and forth between them, very confused about that interaction. Lily was still playing with his hair, but stopped when Regulus leaned back against her chair as well. Remus looked up at her to see that she was already staring down at him. She looked slightly shocked but still managed to mouth “Be nice” at him. Because Remus would definitely not have been nice without that reminder, and that’s why Lily got the crown of best friend over everyone else.
…
Everyone chatted for a while, some people a little more stilted and awkward at first, but then James passed out the first round of drinks and things got slightly better from there on out. Especially once Remus had a couple shots of tequila in him. James made everything 100 times more enjoyable, he conversed easily with the newcomers, even Barty and Evan, who had taken over the couch and were generally obnoxious people, Barty having challenged Remus to a tequila shot challenge, failing miserably, then pretending nothing happened. James grinned and laughed at everyone’s jokes, even if they were terrible, because it’s pretty much his life’s mission to make everyone happy. Lily’s hands stilled on his head occasionally, most likely “secretly” staring at James. The boy had fancied her pretty much since 1st year, but Lily had only realized she returned the feelings earlier this year, their 6th year. She had told only Remus, and sworn him to secrecy, as he had done when he finally admitted who he fancied earlier that same year, around the same time that he had come out to her. Remus smirked secretly to himself every time he caught her staring, willing James silently to catch her gaze, but he was always to busy being James and talking to someone else. James was passing out shots of the Firewhiskey when Marlene suggested they play a game. Lily and Mary groaned, Remus looked up at her confusedly, and she explained quickly and silently.
“Marls always suggests games, and they always end up dirty somehow. That girl is a menace, and dangerous to play drinking games with.”
Remus chuckled lightly, of course Marlene did that. It’s Marlene. Beside him, Regulus chocked on his drink, Remus cast a sidelong glance at him. He had almost forgotten he was RIGHT there. It looks like he was trying to hold in a laugh. Remus looked back at Lily, who shared his expression. Nobody has ever heard that boy laugh. He must be a giggly drunk.
It was Evan who finally spoke up, he looked slightly more amused than when he first came in.
“Alright Mckinnon, what game do you suggest we play?”
Marlene has that glint in her eye, and her signature smirk that all her friends knew meant trouble. “I’m very glad you asked Rosier, because I suggest, no, DEMAND, that we play Never Have I Ever!”
From beside her, Mary and Dorcas laughed at her dramatics, and Barty and Evan stood up to plop down on the floor. Remus groaned inwardly. He hated this game. But still, he slid himself forward into the the forming circle, and to give room to Lily to get up and sit beside him. On his other side, Regulus still sat next to him, followed by Pandora, Dorcas, Marlene, Mary, and across from Regulus were Sirius and James, then between them and Lily were Barty and Evan.
“I suggested this game, so I get to go first!” Everyone had a drink in hand, waiting for Marlene’s question. Lily smirked beside him, waiting for the inevitably uncomfortable question.
“Hmmm.. I think I’ll go easy on you for the FIRST question.” She thought for a moment, hand rubbing her chin like she was having a truly important thought.
“Aha! Got it! Never Have I Ever… had fancied someone in this circle!”
Remus chocked. Regulus tutted, as if he’d never heard anything more ridiculous . Lily laughed, having had expected something like that, James drank proudly, everyone well aware of his massive crush on the fiery red head. But more interestingly, Dorcas drank, Marlene drank, Sirius drank, and then once he caught his breath, Remus drank. Lily drank as well. Peter was eyeing everyone in disbelief. Barty and Evan were laughing maniacally, loving the dramatics. Marlene looked very smug, Dorcas shy. James was staring at Lily in absolute shock. But most importantly to Remus, he looked across the circle to find Sirius already staring at him, a completely unreadable expression on his face.
The questions went around in a circle, some crazier than others, almost all had to do with sex. People got drunker, and apparently Sirius and Regulus were now talking to each other because every time Reg drank after a more risqué question, Sirius gagged and exclaimed “Noooo! My poor, corrupted baby brother!” The poor boy in question was as bright as a tomato. Pandora laughed each time and patted his back soothingly. Finally, they circled back around to Marlene, the queen of uncomfortable questions.
“For my next question, I am going to single someone out.” She smirked at Remus, and he felt his stomach drop, expecting the worse.
“Never Have I Ever…” The room went silent, all excited to pick on the guy who had barely said a word all night. Even Regulus had spoken more than him.
“Considered myself to be a friend, maybe even a good friend of one Mr. Lupin, but he’s over there shitting himself thinking that I hate him somehow, because he is one of the most likeable idiots I know.” He blushed. Hard. He was going to kill Marlene later. He was expecting the other Marauders, and even Lils and Marls to drink, but what he wasn’t expecting was every. single. person. to drink.
He turned to Regulus.
“Ok, what? I thought for sure you hated me?” he asked quietly. Regulus giggled. Actually giggled. (Ok, so he is a giggly drunk, good to know)
“Of course I don’t hate you, you idiot! Why the hell would you even think that?”
“I don’t know? Our Prefect patrols are always silent, I’m friends with your brother, and you’ve never called me a friend?” He turned to look at the other Slytherin boys,
“And don’t even get me started on you two! How the hell are WE friends? We barely talk!” Evan shrugged and Barty grinned his usual slightly menacing grin. He didn’t bother questioning Pandora and Dorcas, because 1: Pandora is friends with everybody, 2: Dorcas and him were library palls, so he guessed it kinda made sense.
“Moony, sweetie, everybody loves you. You help people with homework, you never rat anyone out on Prefect patrol, you go out of your way to make people comfortable! Of fucking course you have all of us as friends!” Peter smiled at him, and Remus laughed, slightly panicked from all the attention.
“Ok. Ok. I get it! Next question!”
“No! No more questions, it is time for truth or dare!” Nobody argued, all of them too drunk to face the wrath of Marlene Mckinnon.
“Ooh me first!!!!” Called James.
“Prongs, mate, could you be any more eager?” Remus and Peter laughed, used to Sirius’ jibes, and James glared at them, which made them laugh more.
“Rude. Anyways, Marlene, truth or dare?” Marlene smiled, always eager to partake in whatever foolishness James threw at her.
“Dare!”
James imitated her signature evil smirk, “I dare you to kiss the person you fancy! We know it’s someone here because you drank for your own question dumbass!” Marlene looked like she had been about to open her mouth to argue, but stopped midway.
Marlene sighed, she glanced sideways at Dorcas, who shrugged. They gave each other a questioning glance, conversing with their eyes, then leaned in and kissed. Mary whooped, having expected that most likely. Lily caught on quickly and let out her own whoop. Things in Remus’ head started making more sense. THAT’S why they’re “such good friends.”
“Yeah. So, me and Dorky are dating, and if any of you are homophobes I’ll kick your ass.” Marlene said in her sweetest voice.
Everyone congratulated them, and they cuddled up against each other, finally able to do so in the open. Remus smiled to himself, thinking about what that would be like with his person, and when he risked a glance at Sirius, he was already looking back. They caught each others eye and Sirius turned quickly, Remus too, only to catch Regulus’ eye instead. He was watching him knowingly. He nodded once, and relief flooded his body.
He whispered to him “Reg, you can’t tell anybody, especially not Sirius. Please, you have to help me. Only Lils knows.”
He looked shocked for a moment, probably from the use of his nickname, but regained composure quickly.
“Of course, we are friends, aren’t we?” Reg smirked at him, and Remus right back.
When it was Lily’s turn, she asked for a truth, but when asked who she drank for in the previous game, she turned beet red and said it’s getting late. She got up, performed a massive yawn, and walked upstairs. Remus smiled knowingly. He accidentally caught James’s eye, and of course that kind motherfucker looked worried sick. He mouthed at him, “She’s ok.”
At that same time, Lily came back down, walked straight up to James, grabbed him by the face, kissed him hard, then returned upstairs. James looked absolutely stunned. Remus grinned at him, and he grinned back. Remus nodded towards the stairs Lily disappeared on, and James stood up. Using the secret pattern the Marauders had discovered in 4th year, James disappeared up the stairs too. The room fell silent. It was the lovely Pandora’s turn to speak up.
“Well, it took them long enough didn’t it? Let’s carry on then, unless someone else wants to go to bed?” When nobody answered, Pandora looked at her brother. The game continued for a few more rounds, successfully knocking out Marls and Dorcas in front of the fire. Mary draped a blanket over them before going up to bed herself. “I hope James and Lily are just talking… They’ve been up there for like two hours”
Then it was Pandora’s turn again, she looked at Sirius, who gave her a raised eyebrow in return.
“It’s Padfoot they call you right? Ok, well Padfoot, truth or dare?”
“Oh…. ummmmm… da- wait, no truth.” Remus looked at him quizzically, Sirius ALWAYS picked dare.
“Ok. Who did YOU drink for?” Wow, Panda goes for the throat. Remus stood up quickly, not wanting to hear the answer because whatever it was would probably hurt him. Regulus smiled sadly at him. Sirius looked confused, but Pandora just nodded and wished him goodnight. Always understanding, that one was.
“G’night, I’m tired.” He stepped over the now sleeping forms of Dorcas and Marlene. Evan and Barty had left already, as it was already 2:38. Peter stood up. “I’m tired too, goodnight guys!” Everyone left said goodnight, and Remus was at the dorm before Peter even got the stairs. Peter ran up the stairs, right past Remus. “Pads wants to speak with you, Panda and Reg left now too and Dorky and Marls are out cold.” Before he could get out a reply, Peter was in the dorm, closing and locking the door behind him. Remus rolled his eyes. Abso-fucking-lutely great. The big idiot. He turned to make his way downstairs, just wanting to get whatever this was done and over with so he could go to bed and try to forget about whichever name Sirius said to Pandora’s question. But when he turned, he found himself face to face with Sirius, his grey eyes glinting with something slightly dark.
“Come on, we need to talk. Now.” Sirius grabbed him by the wrist and practically dragged him into one of the small alcoves near the bottom of the stairs, away from their dorm.
Remus was nervous again. He hated angry Sirius, so he tried to think about what he could have done to piss him off, but before that train of thought got very far, he was being pressed into a wall, hands coming up and grasping his hair firmly. He let out a sharp breath. Sirius was looking him in the eye, waiting for confirmation to continue. Remus surged forward, switching positions so it was Sirius backed into the wall. He wrapped his arms around his waist and finally, finally, pulled him into a kiss. Remus pressed his mouth onto Sirius’, Sirius returning it with passion. He felt Sirius’ tongue tracing the line of his bottom lip, so he opened his mouth slightly, granting him access. Their tongues intertwined, a small groan coming from Sirius that made Remus push harder into him, slotting a thigh between the other man’s legs. Remus broke the kiss so that he could plant open mouth kisses along his jaw, tasting. He travelled down his neck, leaving marks with his teeth that would be visible tomorrow. Sirius’ head fell back against the wall, hands still in Remus’ hair.
Sirius was panting now, but he still managed to get out the words. “It was you. I drank for you. I didn’t pick dare incase I got the same dare as Marlene.”
Remus broke off and chuckled lightly, his voice a little raspy.
“Incase it wasn’t clear, I drank for you too.” At that, Sirius laughed, but Remus swallowed it, kissing him again.
It was that easy all along. Let Marlene pick a drinking game, get drunk and play said games with Slytherins, and by the end of the night you’ll have new friends, and the one you fancy will be kissing you.