Cliches
    By Gen X


    "Remus!" Sirius Black surged up the steps, his robes flowing behind him because Remus's wasn't slowing. "Wait up would you?" he called out exasperated.

    Finally, when he was at the staircase landing, Remus turned slowly. He arched an eyebrow at his friend and waited as Sirius bounded up the reaming steps. Once there, Sirius grabbed onto Remus's robes, making sure Lupin couldn't move again, and then paused to catch his breath.

    "Where are you headed?" asked Sirius.

    "Muggle studies." The classroom was just down the hallway so barring any moving hallways or rearranging staircases, Remus would get there in plenty of time.

    Sirius nodded happily. "Good. Skip it. I've got to talk to you."

    Remus frowned. The warning bells were sounding already. "I really can't. I'm supposed to--"

    Sirius sighed loudly, dramatically. "Well, fine then, but you can afford to be late right?"

    Remus shifted his weight feeling that it would have been better to never have stopped walking. He shoved his hands in his cloak pockets, friend or not, Sirius usually had bad timing, due to the fact that he tended to have different priorities. "I guess," Remus ventured warily. It was the right answer, as Black finally let go of his robes.

    "I need you to do be the biggest favor in the world."

    Remus frowned. Conversations starting like this, in his experience, were never good.

    "What?" he asked, sure he did not want to know, but needed to hurry the conversation along.

    "Pretend to be my boyfriend."

    Remus blinked, then sighed, then turned on heel and started walking down the hallway, no longer having patience for jokes. "Really," he said as he walked away, "if you wanted me to miss class you could have thought of something more believable."

    Sirius stared wide-eyed, then sprinted down the corridor after him. He caught part of Remus's cloak. "I'm not kidding!" He dug his hells into the ground, causing them both to stop. "I swear to you, this kid is going to stalk me. He writes poetry R! Poetry!"

    "Which unlucky soul have you lead on this time?"

    "You know that kid with the gray hair in potions?"

    "Creaky?"

    "Creevey."

    "Vaguely. It's him?"

    Sirius nodded and Remus pondered. The person in question was short, small, and quiet. Remus shrugged. "He's harmless. Now let go!"

    "Don't make me beg," Sirius pleaded letting the robes drop from his hand.

    "Why me? Why not James?"

    "James said, and I quote, 'Over my dead body.'"

    "So? That's never stopped you before."

    "Well, no, it hasn't. But this time Lily threatened to carry it out."

    Ah, the girlfriend, Remus nodded his understanding. "Peter?"

    "I have standards."

    "Sirius!"

    "Kidding."

    "What about that Susan girl you were seeing."

    "She broke up with me two weeks ago."

    "I thought you broke up with her."

    "Uh yeah. Like I said, I broke up with her two weeks ago."

    "I see."

    "So... what do you think?" Sirius looked at his friends with hopeful eyes.

    "I think I'm late for class."


    That night was strangely peaceful. The usual groups littered the common room of Gryffindor. Small clusters of people were reading, or studying, or laughing, or like one particular group, huddled to the side playing exploding snap.

    "Ha! Read 'em and weep boys." Lily laid down her cards dramatically. She smiled and Sirius took up the pack quietly to shuffle and deal.

    Everyone knew what he was up to, Remus didn't even get to finish his story about what had happened before class before James had rolled his eyes. Lily had frowned and Peter had started to laugh. As such, their attention wasn't really on the game, but Sirius's deflated mood. Every so often, he would turn hopeful eyes towards Remus, only to receive an annoyed headshake in return.

    Although entertaining, it got old quickly and slowed up the game. So much so, that James pulled the pack from Sirius's hands and began to deal. He huffed exasperated, "Remus, just do it to shut him up. That way we can all get back to normal."

    "He can't do that," Lily protested.

    "It would save us a bunch of headaches," James pointed out. He slammed the deck down to the middle of the table.

    Sirius mimicked the action. "Exactly!" he exclaimed, but no one was listening.

    "He can't give in now," Lily asserted. "Sirius will just have to find another victim."

    "Go Lily," Remus said encouragingly, "you tell him."

    "Everyone he asks will think he's gone crazy," James said in Sirius's defense. "Besides do you know how long it would take to find a willing victim. Sir' might be married to that kid by then."

    "Right!" Sirius agreed. "I could be married by-- James!"

    "Sorry," James replied automatically. Then he turned his attention to his girlfriend. "Remus is the best choice."

    Lily gathered up her cards and looked at them. She smiled at the cards, then frowned at James. "He doesn't want to do it, and no means no."

    "I'll make you a deal," James started, throwing a few cards into the middle. "If I win this hand, Remus does it-- until Sirius hooks up with someone else."

    "Okay you're on. And If I win, you drop the subject and leave poor Remus alone."

    "Deal." James and Lily shook hands.

    Remus and Sirius exchanged glances. Sirius knocked on the table to get attention. "Do we get a say in this?"

    James's card skills were never anything to write home about. Remus grinned, triumphant. "C'mon Sirius... live a little."

    Sirius shrugged. "What can it hurt?"


    "I can not *believe* you lost! How could you lose Lily!?"

    "If it makes you feel better I'm not any happier about losing it either."

    "Who cares? I'm the one that has to be madly in love with Sirius now. Imagine me! Fawning like a first year over that," Remus mocked in a falsetto voice, "dashingly handsome Sirius Black."

    "You forgot 'utterly charming' shorty," Sirius kidded as he came up behind them.

    "Annoying git," Remus shot back, mostly in jest.

    "And don't you forget it," Sirius smirked throwing an arm around Remus's shoulders.

    "Get off me Sirius," Remus almost snarled.

    "You know you love me," Sirius teased.

    "You need to get over yourself Black."

    "I wish."

    "Me too."

    "Me three." The two men jerked up at the voice. They'd forgotten Lily was there. "Calm down, Remus. It won't be that bad. After all, we are talking about Sirius Black."

    Black beamed.

    "That's what worries me," Remus retorted and turned away before he could see the frown that crossed his friend's face.


    Sirius and Remus had avoided each other for the rest of the day. Sitting on opposite sides during supper. Keeping quiet during Herbology and not even making rude or mimicking comments at the Slytherins once. So naturally, it came as a complete surprise, when Sirius Black walked into his room to see Remus sitting on his bed. Black managed to catch the tale end of the conversation, as Remus shut up immediately upon Black's entry.

    "I mean what would you do, James?"

    "Well, I..." James trailed off, focusing on his roommate.

    It didn't matter, Black was pretty sure what they were talking about anyway. "It won't be that bad," he beseeched.

    "It doesn't matter, Sirius," Remus said trying to end the conversation.

    "After all," Black ventured hopefully, "he's the only one that needs to know."

    Remus paused, feigning consideration. He looked at James, who seemed to want to be anywhere but here. "Nope. Still not forgiving you."

    "Remus," Sirius practically whined, and watched as his friend pulled the bedspread over his head, cutting off eye contact.

    "Fine," Sirius huffed and tried for levity again. "I'll go to sleep in your bed then, since you seem to have claimed mine."

    "Only in protest," came a muffled response.

    "Protest away kid." Sirius crossed the room, and pulled the comforter away, dropping it on the floor. "I came prepared," and with a flourish, Sirius brandished his wand. "En garde!"

    Disgusted, Remus snatched it from his hands. "Enough with the games Sir. I said I'd do it and I will, but I never said I'd be happy about it. So please just let me be."

    Sirius gaped dumbfounded. He went to speak, but Remus cut him off once more. "And I don't want to hear that you're sorry. All I want you to do is say goodnight so I can go to bed."

    "Re--"

    "Say goodnight, Sirius."

    "Goodnight," Sirius parroted back emotionless, not even indulging in the time old joke. He walked quietly to the door, pausing before leaving. He cleared his throat to get his friends attention but Remus had his head already stuffed under the pillow in protest.

    "For the record, R," Sirius started. He paused, waiting for a reaction or acknowledgment. There was none. "I'm sorry."

    Then he closed the door, he made it a few steps before he realized he had just left his own room. Begrudgingly he padded down the hall to Remus's room, no bounce left in his step.


    "You are one cruel, harsh son of bitch Remus Lupin," James stated upon meeting up with his friend in the hallway. Remus looked at him, more than annoyed with the seriousness in James's tone. Then James smiled, "I never knew you had it in you."

    Remus quirked a half smile, not sure how to take either comment.

    James's smile faded. "No, no, I'm serious now," James continued, levity and teasing still in his tone. "I mean, the singular ability to make Sirius Black mope around all day looking like a kicked puppy... we'll that's talent. I'm telling you."

    Remus scowled. Remus looked beseechingly at Lily, who had come up during James's tirade and situated herself on his shoulder. Kind lily, sympathetic Lily, understanding Lily. "I'm allowed to be upset, aren't I?" he implored to her.

    Lily bit her bottom lip. "I dunno, you didn't see Sir at breakfast."

    Well, screw Lily anyway. "If he didn't make his grand display of his biweekly milk waterfall, that's a good thing."

    "Nope," James asserted. "He did nothing of the sort. Didn't even speak-- didn't even remember we had Quidditch practice before."

    Lily gaped. Gryffindor was in the lead, they couldn't afford to slack ff now. "Damn it, Remus," she exclaimed.

    "It's not my fault!" he whined, although his friends had already decided he was to blame.

    "Yeah, but you can do something about it," Lily prodded. Then looked at her watch. She tugged on James's cloak. "We're late."

    "We've got to go. Talk to him." And they sprinted down the hallway.

    Remus stuffed his hands in his pocket, exasperated and started to shuffle back to the Gryffindor house. It wasn't his fault. He never asked for this. Certainly, he could hardly be blamed of Sirius was moping. Sirius tended to mope, on occasion. He'd just walk, head down, watching his feet as they moved down the hallway. When it came to that Sirius wouldn't even look at anyone, just mosey along down, near quiet except for some shuffling.

    Remus almost passed him in the hallway, mostly because he was doing the same thing. He skidded to a stop. "Hey," he ventured to get his friend's attention.

    "Hey," Sirius responded tiredly.

    "So..."

    The silence stretched for a good minute.

    "Yeah."

    "Um... where are you headed?"

    "Class, you?"

    "Other direction: back to the house. I guess I'll see you later."

    "Sure later."

    And Remus walked away, having no clue what the hell that was, but knowing that it didn't qualify for talking. And a few minutes later, he wondered why he bothered.


    A week had passed and somehow the two had managed only to see each other in passing. So naturally, they were bound to end up in the same place. Especially when their friend's had engineered it to be so. Remus was waiting for Peter to go to the library, Sirius on his way to meet James for some hallway searching, when they met in the second floor hallway, above Filch's office.

    Sirius eyes, shone hopefully but he quickly squashed the impulse in an effort to appear casual. "Hey, long time no see."

    "Yeah," Remus responded a bit uncomfortable, but it felt good to be talking to his friend. "Sorry about the Quidditch match."

    Sirius shrugged. "Couldn't've expected our streak to hold out that long."

    "Haven't seen you in a while," straining to keep the comment sound casual.

    "You've been avoiding me," Sirius stated bluntly.

    Remus shifted uncomfortably. "Um... yeah... honestly."

    Sirius frowned, then brightened. He dug around in his pocket for something, clutching it in his hand. "We'll I'm glad I ran into you because," he paused for a moment. "I really did want to tell you that I'm sorry and that I never wanted you to get this mad at me and that..." he stole a glance at the sheet of paper in his hand, "and I should probably tell you that you don't have to do it and that--"

    Although Remus should have been glad to hear those words, he sighed heavily. He grabbed Sirius's wrist and turned the paper palm up. He frowned and met Sirius's embarrassed stare.

    "Lily helped me think of what to say cause... aw hell."

    Remus stared, too stunned to consider a reaction.

    "Look," Sirius stuffed the paper in his pocket, and ran his hand through his hair, "you're my friend. And I don't like not talking and I'm not enjoying you not avoiding me. So let's just forget about everything. Deal's off man."

    "Okay." Remus was still bewildered but that seemed to be the correct response. He was pretty sure he was supposed to feel triumph or relief or ... something! After all, his posturing and complaining had gotten him what he wanted, but he wasn't happy.

    Rather, he felt guilty, and he wasn't liking the sensation one bit.


    James kicked open the door and flopped on his bed. Remus did likewise, sitting on Sirius's fluffy comforter. They had just come back from their last class of the day and had time before they needed to meet up with everyone else for dinner. James chucked his books in the vicinity of his desk, and Remus let his drop to the floor.

    "I won," Remus declared, "so why do I feel guilty?"

    James shrugged. "All I know is that you are not allowed to brood any longer. Peter and I have put up with you guys enough that we're clueless as to what to change if either of you start moping again. That's a warning too."

    "You're not helping."

    "Fine. Let's psychoanalyze you then," and James adopted a snotty accent. "I assume, ve are feeling the guilt because ve raised bloody hell to get out of the thing vich ve did not want to do, and then ve vere embarrassed vhen the bloody hell actually vorked. Sound about right?

    "Er... yeah."

    "So ve are feeling the guilt about not doing the thing that which he wants you to do."

    "Of course not. And could you talk normal?"

    "Then you're guilty at what you did to not have to do it."

    "Yeah I don't like it."

    "Remus," James started evenly. "It happened. You just gotta move on."

    And with nothing else to say, they started doing homework.

    Sirius staggered into his room, bundles dropping onto the floor, despite his efforts to balance them all. Peter came in behind him, shutting the door. A round package rattled and popped before going quiet and falling to the floor like dead weight. A square package jumped, thumping when it landed, and an oddly shaped sphere squeaked and rolled under a chair.

    Remus raised an eyebrow.

    James simply ignored it.

    Peter watched amused.

    Sirius threw the entire mess on the floor.

    Brightly colored boxes beeped and groaned. James went back to his homework, unfazed. Remus held up his hand. "Question: Do we want to know?"

    "No," James answered without looking up. "You do not want to know."

    "I can second that," Peter said.

    Remus caught a small package hopping around. There was a tag attached. He shuddered as he read it. Warily, Peter poked the round package and a bit more than concerned when the wrapping and whatever it was hiding, squished when he touched it.

    "I wish I didn't know."

    Lazily, James grabbed a silver package with a green ribbon and unwrapped it to reveal a chocolate covered frog. He tossed another silver package (this one with a dotted bow) and tossed it in Peter's lap. The other boy jumped back in alarm.

    "It's okay," Sirius supplied, "those are only every flavored beans."

    "Dear Lord," Remus realized. "They're color coded."

    Sirius sat down on the floor, packages all around. He swept some to the side and started to open books and devoted his complete attention to studying, not even looking up to swat a package away. It was clear to everyone in the room, something would have to be done.


    The next morning at breakfast, things got worse. Remus and Peter walked into the dining hall late, despite the fact they'd gotten up early to study. They'd gotten up mostly to finish their homework and had just finished now. They took their customary seats and food popped up in front of them. As Peter started to eat his sausage, he had a feeling something was slightly off. He looked up the expanse of the table, then turned his head and looked down it.

    "Where's Sirius?" he asked through a mouthful of half eaten eggs.

    "He was feeling fine, right?" Remus inquired.

    "Mmph hmm," James replied. "Bright as a star."

    "Strange," commented Remus.

    James shrugged a second time. He knew his best friend all too well to be concerned over a morning disappearance. What he was concerned about (rather than Sirius's well being) was what his roommate had planned. More often than not, Black had the habit of being absent for many a strange occurrence. Always he would appear just after the smoke clear, still time enough to witness the fall out. James hoped Sirius would wait until after breakfast.

    And morning meal seemed to go without fanfare, at least until the owls arrived. Swarming and screeching above everyone's head was common but then flew four owls all tethered to one big, bright, silver package. They circled and circled as many eyes looked on. Then they let the box drop, it landed on the table with such force that it caused the tea cups to rattle. It landed in front of Sirius's usual (albeit empty) seat.

    James jumped back in surprise, Peter in alarm and Remus spilled milk on his robes. A black owl landed and greeted the startled onlookers with a hoot. He dropped a parchment on top of the box and held his leg out for a tip. James opened the scroll and scowled at the first line.

    (My dearest Sirius, please open immediately.)

    James rolled up the parchment. The owl hooted again and James reluctantly dropped in a few Knuts. Sirius would be paying him back, James would make sure of that. Appetite now squashed, he stood. His gaze fell critically on the box.

    No matter how much he wanted to, how much he was sure Sirius would, James couldn't just leave it there. Besides, he had a sneaking suspicion that Sirius was absent because he knew and had wanted to avoid it. Well, bollocks to that.

    "We have time before transfiguration," James said to Peter and Remus. "Help me drag this back to the room."

    So off they went, carrying the heavy box back to the tower.

    "What's in this?" Peter asked.

    Remus was grumbling. "Sirius just takes off and expects us to be responsible and--"

    "Oh come off it Lupin. Sirius doesn't like tokens of affection any more than we do. It's not like he can pick the day to get a surprise gift."

    "Instead, he's luckily absent," Remus said and shifted his grip.

    "And we get the honor of babysitting his boxes." Peter was huffing slightly. "Thank god it's just down this hallway, and thank god that class isn't that far."

    "Agreed." James was even starting to feel fatigued. "Is it my imagination or is it getting heavier."

    "Imagination," Remus said just as Peter voted for, "Heavier."

    A few more steps and the box got heavier, and then it trembled. Startled, the boys lost their grip and it landed to the floor with a thud. Whatever was in that box, wanted to get out. Alarmed the boys backed away.

    "Creaky wouldn't have sent anything dangerous? Would he?"

    "I don't--" James started to say but the box exploded before he could finish.

    The brightly colored wrapping and box itself were reduced to confetti and a giant pot stood in the hallway, a small plant nestled inside. It stood about a foot tall but was growing rapidly. The silver pine needles drifted downwards but before they could even hit the floor, buds appeared on the plant and had started to bloom. At four feet, silver flowers with soft petals glowed faintly and sprayed a gentler perfume mist before they started to whither.

    At six feet the plant was bare, the needles and petals had decomposed on the ground not even leaving a trace. At seven feet, the boys began to wonder if it would stop. At eight, the plant started to slouch and a minute later exploded with a pop! It sprayed silver bits of foliage across the ground and on the boys. Then the pot did the same, grinding itself into a soft powder. Like fireworks, the plant and pot blew into the air then dissipated leaving nothing except a few specks on the ground... and considerably more on the students' clothes.

    Remus ran a hand through his hair, trying to shake the silver specks. He gritted his teeth, trying to appear calm. "James... what does the rest of that letter say."

    James took out the parchment and pushed his glasses down, as the lenses were now covered with silver bits. "'Please open immediately.' Blah, blah, blah. 'Congratulations. You have just received a gift from Fredrick's Fast-Growing Foliage, where all our plants are magical.

    "'Enclosed is your gift a Glittering Poppy Tree. The seed has been in magic statis and will soon become fully grown at a remarkable rate, allowing you to see all the seasons in mere moments instead of eons. Thank you for choosing FF.'

    "'This gift has been sent to you by Gerry Creevey.'"

    Five minutes later, when they got to Potions, tired and tardy, covered in silver and smelling of flowers, Peter, James, and Remus came to the agreement that something had to be done about the situation. And fast.


    "So first things first," Remus proclaimed. He paced the expanse of the room. James, Lily, and Peter watched intently. Rifling through his pockets, Remus brought out his wand. With a deft wave, bright green words appeared in mid air. "Operation: Boyfriend" hung magically for all to see.

    With a bit more wand waving more words formed as Remus spoke them. "Objective: Regain our normal state of the affairs and as a side effect, rescue Sirius Black from that love sick fool."

    Lily frowned and waved a hand through the air until the last part of the sentence disappated. "I thought we were going to take this seriously," she admonished.

    James cocked his head in contemplation. "Well, we're honestly taking delight in his misfortune. It isn't often that we get to see him squirm-- Ow! Lily that hurt. I was just kidding."

    "Violent girlfiend you've got there," Peter said.

    Lily chuckled. "You better believe it."

    "Achem!" Remus cleared his throat. "The first point of order is to find a boyfriend."

    "I nominate Remus."

    "Second," James chimed in.

    "Third," Lily said after a moment.

    "Next?" Peter asked with an innocent smile.

    Remus frowned. "I was thinking maybe someone else."

    "Moony, don't be shy, you'll do great." James stood and flung his arm over Remus's shoulder.

    "But I don't want to do great," Remus whined.

    Peter stood as well, clearing away the green words. "Everyone in favor of Remus say 'Aye.'"

    "Aye," thrice over chorused in the room.

    Remus crossed his arms. "Oh you guys can all sod off."

    "So it's agreed," said James brightly. "At seven o'clock tomorrow morning. 'Operation Save Sirius' goes into action."


    Sirius Black was studying his oatmeal. There wasn't anything particularly exciting about it, but for five minutes his eyes hadn't left the bowl. Sometimes he'd pick up his spoon and stir it around bit, and every so often he'd eat a bite. It didn't taste especially good, but it was something to do. He continued to stare at his food because it was better than the four empty seats around him.

    He hadn't spoken with Remus for more than an hour in the past three days. Sirius couldn't quite figure out how that had happened considering that they had classes together. Avoidance seemed the only logically answer. Yet that didn't explain everyone else. Although because both James and Lily were missing there was a chance that they were off being discreet. However, that still left Peter. He was probably still finishing up homework. Maybe Sirius was only paranoid after all.

    While Sirius was concentrating on uncovering a strawberry, he heard familiar voices followed by the shuffling of chairs and accompanied by the faint swish of robes.

    "Food," Peter gasped. "Finally food."

    "Hey Sir," James grinned.

    "Hey Sirius," Remus smiled innocently.

    "Post come yet?" Lily asked, pouring herself a glass of juice.

    Sirius watched amazed as his friends fell into their daily routine. Just seconds ago they'd been racing to their seats and now they were pretending that they weren't late a bit.

    "Where were you guys?" Sirius asked.

    "Somewhere," James responded biting into an orange slice.

    "Everywhere," Remus explained.

    "And nowhere," Peter added.

    "But of course..." Sirius drawled. He grumped. It was obvious they had done something. Without his help to plan, without letting him know in the slightest, and now they weren't even going to include him after the fact. Feeling snubbed, he frowned down at his oatmeal.

    A cacophony of screeches burst through the air as the owls arrived in the Great Hall. Looking up eagerly, Lily scouted out a black school owl holding a particularly bulky package. She poked James in the ribs to get his attention. Potter glanced upwards then back to his best friend who was still fascinated by his food.

    The black owl dove, flying low over Remus and Peter's head before dropping its package in front of Sirius. However, it didn't land on the table. Instead, with a splat, it fell in his food. Sirius jerked backwards but still managed to get oatmeal in his face and hair. Peter had turned away, a small amount slashing on his robes. Remus ducked, letting his Herbology book take the brunt of the impact.

    Wiping the oatmeal from his face, Sirius looked at the package. The brown wrapping had come undone explosing a boquet of flowers. There was a card as well. Sirius glowered. Well intentended or not, by the time Sirius got through with Gerry no one would find him for ages. "That's it!" He launched to his feet, and started to leave. "I give up!"

    His friends watched stunned as Sirius strode angry out of the hall. Lily felt three pairs of eyes staring at her. She shrugged, giving them a sympathetic smile. It was hardly her fault Sirius hadn't opened the card. "So maybe flowers weren't the best idea."

    Peter gave a snort of disgust. "Girls."


    When Remus and James entered the boy's bathroom, Sirius was muttering to himself and dabbing harshly at his robes.

    "You okay, Sir?" James asked, approaching him cautiously.

    "Never better Jamsie," said Sirius bitterly. "I've got a crazed stalker that likes to ruin my breakfast but hey, life is good. This is just how I like to start every morning. Y'know, get up, dress, shower with oatmeal. It's a dream life." He gave a bitter laugh and decided to give up on sarcasm. "Of course I'm not okay, I'm bloody miserable."

    "I think he's just a bit upset," James stage whispered to Remus.

    "Well, if we're late, Flitwick'll give us detention," Remus prodded, "then you'll be even more miserable."

    Sirius groaned.

    "Come on," Remus held open the door. "You can rant on the way there."

    "Fine. Whatever." Sirius stomped out, leading the way. He ranted as they climbed staircase after staircase. "Did I mention these were new robes? Honestly you think he could have least sent a competent owl."

    "Uh oh," Remus said suddenly and stopped on the middle of the staircase. He threw his arms out, gesturing for the others to stop as well.

    "What uh oh?" Sirius asked. He tried to step around the smaller boy but Remus pushed him back.

    "Your favorite person," Remus whispered, just as James stepped around them scrambling up the staircase to run interference.

    "Hey Gerry!" he greated loudly, even as he waved Sirius and Remus away.

    Sirius tried to move again, but Remus kept him back, so all he could do was listen.

    "Oh, hey James, I can't talk now. I left my book in the common room."

    "Well," James paused, his mind racing. "The staircase just shifted so you'll have to go around."

    "Oh, thanks. I'll cut through the North Tower then, not a problem."

    Sirius hung his head in resignation. He just couldn't catch a break. He heard and felt Remus whisper in his air, "Come on. Quick."

    Black was confused. He could feel Remus's hands brushing across his still damp robes. Still, he wasn't fighting the motion, more confused by it than anything as he happened to wonder if he could transfigure into a book at the moment. Remus's grip tightened, pulling him close. Just as Gerry (with James following frantically) turned the corner, their lips met.

    Everyone stopped dead. Sirius eyes widened but he froze in Remus's grip. James's jaw dropped but he quickly recovered with a small smile. Gerry looked dumbfounded. "I think I'll go around after all," he said tonelessly in a small voice. Quickly, he backed up the steps and turned the corner.

    Sirius felt Remus let go of him and he swayed for a moment on unsteady feet. He finally stepped back, looking at his friend in shock. "R. You kissed me."

    James descended the steps, closing in the empty space. "Quite an observant chap that Sirius Black," he teased, "doesn't miss a tick."

    "Put a lid on it Jim," Remus said. "Us Mauraders--"

    "And Lily," James added.

    "And Lily, sympahtize with your pilght so we decided to try your idea. That makes us a couple or a an idea or something."

    Sirius scratched his head. "Okay and you guys didn't tell me. Why?"

    "Fast growing fol--" James started but stopped when Remus whapped his shoulder.

    Sirius blinked. "Huh?"

    "Cause we're idiots?" Remus suggested.

    Sirius grinned. "Works for me."


    "You would not have wanted to see his expression Lil. I felt like I'd kicked a puppy. I'm having second thoughts." Remus snagged a chocolate frog from her school bag.

    Sirius looked up from his game of exploding snap. "Don't you even go there. He did more harm than good and you know that. Besides, he'll get over me soon. He has to."

    Across the table, Peter looked dubious. Whether about the situation or his cards, it was hard to tell. "I dunno Sir. It's been two weeks."

    Lily chewed her bottom lip. "Don't you think he'd've clued in by now?"

    Remus turned a steady gaze to his friend. "How long are we keeping this up, Sirius? You know I'm not happy about being called your new fling."

    "Oh you know you love me R."

    Remus rolled his eyes. "I'm serious. How long?"

    Sirius laid down his cards exasperated. "I don't know. Until I find someone to cheat on you with and dump you and fling myself into the new one so fast that Creevey's hair'll spin."

    "When will that be?" Remus asked, frown upon his face.

    "I dunno. I haven't been in the mood to look. I don't want another relationship for a while."

    Lily groaned, and Peter gave an indignant snort. Remus's eyes narrowed into slits. He looked towards Lily. "Permission to kill the puppy now?"

    "Gladly granted."

    "Oh no you don't," Sirius stated. "Go find another bloke to pig pile on."

    "Nah," Remus eyes gleamed with amusement for just a moment. "I like you remember?"


    "What’s the matter Black?" Snape sneered as he descended the steps. He looked down at the two Gryffindors. "Afraid of being seen in public with it?"

    Remus flushed, whether it was from embarrassment or anger Sirius wasn't sure. Anger colored his expression and Remus took a step forward. Sirius grabbed him around the waist. If Remus wanted a fight, Sirius wouldn't be able to hold him back. Hell, he didn't really want to. In his opinion Snape could always use a good thumping, even if there wasn't call for one.

    "Let it go, R," Sirius advised hauling Remus back down a few steps.

    "Oh how touching," Severus drawled, "physical contact."

    Remus surged forward. Thrown off guard, Sirius stumbled up a few steps before he managed to get solid footing, at which time he tugged backwards. Unbalanced, Remus teetered and slipped down the steps with Sirius still holding onto him. Both boys slipped down the remaining steps to the next landing where they lay tangled in a heap.

    Severus stepped over them, taking care to step on the dark Gryffindor cloaks. He sighed theatrically. "Next time, do try to keep it out of the stairwells. Some of us don't have time for this nonsense."

    Sirius and Remus glared as they watched the blond descend the next flight of stairs. Sirius struggled to find his wand, hoping to charm the tower stairs, but couldn't move enough to find it.

    "What an ass," Remus murmured and Sirius wholeheartedly agreed.


    "Well, you don't molest him," James said, munching on a sugar quill.

    Sirius scoffed, helping himself to James's candy stash. "I would think that would be a good thing."

    "I'm sure Remus would agree." Lily nuzzled her way into James's lap, sitting side saddle kicking her legs back and forth.

    "Exactly," Sirius said distracted. Watching Lily squirm was always distracting. He shook his head slightly to recover his train of thought. "So what's the problem then, Jamie boy? I'm good, he's good. I see no reason to change things."

    James shrugged. "Okay. It's just... nah, as long as your good."

    Sirius chompped on his candy. "It's just what?"

    "Well, you're still pretending to go out with him, right?"

    That didn't even warrant a response and Sirius gave James a look just so he would know.

    "I mean, you're just like extremely careful not to touch him. I mean you're not the shyest person and hell you touch me and Peter--"

    "And me," Lily added.

    "He better not," James admonished, breaking his explanation, "more than you touch Remus. It's just odd."

    "I think this whole situation has gone beyond odd wouldn't you say?"

    "Well," James grinned, "you never do anything the easy way."

    "Y'know," Lily plucked the sugar quill out of James's hand and began chewing at it absently. "He might feel uncomfortable touching Remus."

    "I'm not uncomfortable touching Remus. Remus is the one uncomfortable with the situation, I'm just trying to help him out by not making him feel uncomfortable."

    James considered this for a moment. "So you're saying you're not the one with the problem, right?"

    "I don't have a problem! I have will power," Sirius postulated.

    "Sounds like he's scared to me," Lily teased. Teasing Sirius was a rare habit and always got him worked up.

    "I am not scared," Sirius huffed.

    James was trying not to smile. "Okay, then. No reason to get worked up about it. It's just that it seemed like you were the one avoiding him."

    "I am not avoiding him!" Sirius got to his feet and began to pace about the bedroom.

    "Avoiding who?" said Remus as he shut the door. He dropped his book bag on the floor. Herbology had been so boring that anything would have been diverting at this moment in time.

    "You!" Sirius said as he whirled towards Remus. He crossed the short distance between them and grabbed Remus close to him. One hand snaked down to Remus's lower back, the other firm around the back of the werewolf’s neck. Before Remus could register what was going on, but more importantly before he could break away, Sirius kissed him.

    He wasn't really thinking, he realized that afterwards. James and Lily might have been teasing him but they didn't expect him to do something so drastic, which is why they did nothing but gape at their two friends. It hadn't lasted long either. Once shock had bled away, and it was a quick thing too, Remus easily broke Sirius's hold and shoved him back. Tripping over the newly discarded backpack, Sirius fell to the floor.

    "What the hell is your problem?" Remus asked.

    "Funny," said Sirius sounding vaguely amused, "I was going to ask you the same thing."

    "Just when I think I understand you..." Remus shook his head in disbelief.

    Sirius smiled innocently.

    Remus huffed. "I don't think I'll ever understand you." He grabbed his book bag, which was not a fluid motion as Sirius was still partially entangled in it, and opened the door.

    "Remus," James entreated. "He didn't mean it."

    Remus didn't say a word. He just left the room.


    "This sucks," Sirius proclaimed and threw himself atop Remus's bed. Remus scowled as he moved out of the way, gathering with him his scrolls and quills. He glowered at the other boy who didn't take notice.

    James quirked an eyebrow, looking up from his Transfiguration book. He exchanged sympathetic look with Remus then went back to reading and munching on his sugar quill.

    When no one said a word in response Sirius tried again, loudly. "This sucks!"

    "What sucks?" Peter asked, in a bored voice, without looking up from his DADA essay.

    "What sucks?" Sirius repeated incredulously. "What sucks? What do you think sucks?"

    Peter blinked at Sirius. "Umm... I don't know. That's why I'm asking you."

    "Honestly Peter!" Sirius sat up to look at the smaller boy. "The whole world sucks. Haven't you noticed?"

    "I think he meant 'what is it this time'," Remus, still scowling, responded for Peter.

    "I think Sirius wanted you to ask," James winked at Remus.

    Remus looked at James. Then he looked at Sirius. Then he crossed his arms. "Why do I have to ask? I always have to ask!" he whined.

    Sirius's expression fell momentarily.

    "Oh all right!" Remus sighed. "Fine. What sucks?"

    "Nothing." Sirius got off of Remus's bed and headed towards his own. He was looking at his feet and his expression was pure 'glum!'.

    James and Peter watched as Sirius toddled over to his bed, his feet dragging and eyes fixed to the floor. They turned piercing gazes to Remus, who flinched under their glare.

    "What?" he challenged.

    James cocked a head to Sirius, then looked back at Remus, who sighed again.

    "Just gotta mess with his emotions don'tcha?" Peter added.

    "Oh give me a break!" Remus sighed and looked up to the ceiling. "Honestly."

    Sirius sat down and hugged himself, looking the perfect picture of rejection.

    Remus silently counting to ten as he rolled his eyes. Finally, he spoke, managing to interject emotion into his voice. "I'm sorry I snapped. Do you want to tell me what's wrong?"

    "Not really," Sirius muttered. "S'not as if you care, anyhow." He made a halfhearted grab for his Herbology book. But Remus beat him to it. Striding the short distance across the room, he thawped his palm down on Sirius book.

    Sirius looked up at him with dull, yet expectant eyes.

    "Something's bugging you. And you obviously need to talk about it... and we're here to listen. I'm here to listen."

    Sirius smiled, just a little. His eyes sparkled in the bright lights of the bedroom. He was a sucker for attention, always had been. "Well--" Which was when Mundungus Fletcher burst into the room. "Sirius! You dog! I can't believe it! I just heard!"

    Sirius leapt from the bed, waving his hand looking animated. "It was hardly my fault!"

    Mundungus gasped. "So it's true! You didn't."

    Sirius nodded.

    "But... but... Saturday's match!"

    "I know!" Sirius threw his hands into the air. "I know!"

    Mundungus threw his hands up into the air and sank down onto James's bad. "What're we going to do?"

    "Um," James raised a finger, "if I may interject... what are we going to do about what?"

    "The game man!" Mundungus looked at him. "With our best beater on the bench Ravenclaw's going to kill us!"

    James turned to Sirius utterly aghast. "What do you mean you're on the bench! You can't be on the bench!"

    "Well, I told you it sucked!"

    "What did you do?" Remus folded his arms across his chest.

    Peter shook his head. "Better yet, who did you do it to?"

    Sirius snorted. "Who do you think?"

    "This is a disaster!" James put his head in his hands.

    "I'll say," Mundungus shook his head.

    Peter set down his quill and gave Sirius his full attention. "So, er, what did you do to the slimy git?"

    But Remus was looking at Sirius critically. "It's the fourth time this week... it's a bit excessive even for you."

    "And that's exactly what McGonagall said."

    Peter winced and James got up from his bed, pacing around the room. "Lil's great and all but she can't fight off the bludgers on her own. We need a plan."

    "We need a new beater." Mundungus replied.

    "I'll be back before the Slytherin game," Sirius looked annoyed.

    "Yes, but we're already last place in the house cup because of all the points we've lost."

    "Have you ever heard of being subtle?" Remus arched an eyebrow. "Of not getting caught?"

    "You weren't there R. You didn't hear what he said! If you ask me he deserved every bit of it."

    Mundungus waved a hand. "Yes, yes, but couldn't you have done it *after* the game?"

    “And let him think he'd gotten away with it!" Sirius threw his hands up in the air.

    "But we needed you to play!" James protested.

    "You would have done the same thing."

    James paused. "Yeah, probably but--"

    "I can't believe you let to him get you!" Fletcher interjected. "I can't believe McGonagall would do that. What did you curse him with anyways?"

    "It wasn't a curse, per se." Sirius grinned. "But I bet he wished--"

    "Who did he insult?" Peter asked.

    "Well, it's really the principle of the matter y'know."

    "Oh, of course," Remus said dryly.

    "I cannot believe you did this." James was still in disbelief.

    "It's happen three times this week Jim."

    "Remus's has got a point," Peter added.

    "I just can't believe McGonagall sided with a Slytherin." Fletcher shook his head. "She should have given you the benefit of the doubt. Being Gryffindor and all."

    " Mundungus," Remus smiled. "No one's been able to give us the benefit of the doubt since halfway through first year."

    "Except for Dumbledore," Peter added.

    "Dumbledore!" Fletcher's eyes lit up. "He'll be able to fix this!"

    Remus frowned. "I really don't think the Headmaster would counter Professor McGonagall's punishment."

    "Besides it's not like I didn't do anything." Sirius looked down at the floor.

    "Was it that bad?" Peter bit his lip.

    "When isn't it?"

    "You really couldn't let it slide just this once?" James prodded.

    Sirius met his gaze and firmly shook his head.

    "Never," Remus agreed easily.

    Sirius's head whipped around. "What is your problem anyway?"

    Remus blinked.

    "You don't even bloody like Quidditch."

    "That may well be," Remus replied, "but this has gotten a bit out of hand, if you ask me. I mean at this rate you both are going to spend all of seventh year in the hospital wing."

    "Well if I do, then it's my choice, I don't see how I need your permission."

    Mundungus looked ready to interject a comment, ready to make a point that it affected the team but the cold look Sirius was giving Remus stopped him. James looked from one friend to another, a frown forming on his face.

    "Here we go," Peter whispered.

    "Honestly Sirius! Don't you ever think about anyone but yourself?" Remus snapped.

    "Well fuck you too!"

    Remus stared at him, his mouth open, the comeback dying in his throat, his eyes wide in surprise. Sirius's reaction had left him completely speechless.

    It had surprised the hell out of James as well, though Peter had seen it coming a mile away. Fletcher stood up and managed an uneasy smile. "Right. I'll leave you chaps to settle things while I go inform the rest of the team. Bye." He made a mad dash out the door.

    Remus turned away, an expression of hurt and disgust upon his face. James looked quixotically at Sirius, wondering what had riled Black this much. And Sirius for his part continued to glower.

    Peter wondered if perhaps Fletcher hadn't had the right idea, but these were his mates so he'd wait it out. Gryffindor's were known for their courage after all.

    "Sirius..." James ventured cautiously, afraid he'd get the same attitude.

    "Well what the hell do any of you know anyway?" Sirius bit off quietly. "It's not as if you were there."

    "Um... Sirius..." Peter began quietly. "You realize we're not trying to fight with you. We're not Snape, remember?" he joked quietly

    Sirius sat down his bed, sullenly. Remus had yet to turn back, his body drawn in and down in some kind of quasi-defensive posture. As if he were hugging himself, only he wasn't.

    Seeing the defeated posture, James moved to sit on Sirius's bed. "So do you wanna talk about it?"

    Sirius made a quick glance to Remus and then back to James. "Not really."

    James frowned, his eyes making the same travel. He shrugged and tilted his head, his eyes saying, 'Well I don't really blame him.' but he didn't say a word. "Then do you want to go somewhere and talk?" he asked.

    Sirius seemed to consider this quietly.

    "It is nearly dinner time," James prodded.

    "All right," Sirius nodded, almost smiling. "Yeah."

    He stood, feeling a bit better and not inclined to be on the defense. Sirius walked to the door without so much as a backward glance at Remus. James paused at the door, wondering if he should say something before leaving, but Sirius hovered, making him choose sides.

    James nodded to Peter, who looked unsure as to what to do with Remus, and then followed Sirius out. The door shut quietly behind them.

    "Remus," Peter began.

    "Just go to dinner, Peter."

    "But--"

    "Just go, Peter. Please." Remus didn't turn to him, didn't move.

    "Look, I'm sure Sirius didn't mean--"

    "Don't make me ask again."

    Peter blinked and nodded and moved towards the door. With his hand on the doorknob he paused. "Are you sure...?"

    "Yes." It was angrier than anything else.

    "Okay," Peter squeaked. He exited, and closed the door quietly.

    Remus let out a sigh as he heard the door click. He punched a pillow on his bed, and then not satisfied flung it across the room. When that still did not satisfy his Herbology book sailed across the room. Along with several other books, pens, and knickknacks. And he was muttering, not words but simply general sounds of complaints and annoyances as items soared across the room. He didn't care about the mess he was making. However, the tantrum was doing

    Which was when he looked out the window, considering throwing something outside. Night was fast approaching. Along with the moon. Remus froze and then cursed loudly. Of course, today of all days. And he'd nearly forgotten. Sirius had gotten him so worked up that he’d nearly forgotten. Remus raced out of the room and down the stairs, headed for the Whomping willow.


    "So. What's going on?" James demanded as they hopped down the stairs.

    "Look." Sirius sighed. "It's a bad day."

    "You snapped at Remus," James pointed out.

    "I know." He put his hands in his pockets.

    "Mind telling me why?" James prodded.

    "Cause he wouldn't lay off, that's why!" Black was livid. "I go out of my way to stick up for him and that's the thanks that I get."

    James over the last three steps and landed, rather gracefully, on the floor below. He whirled around to face his best friend, arms across his chest, eyes narrowed. "I knew the Snape thing had to do with Remus."

    Sirius scoffed, and stomped down the last few steps. "Of course it did what did you think it was about?"

    "Well it wasn't as if you bothered to explain or anything" James countered as Sirius headed past him. He got into step with Black and said softly "It's not as if you would've cursed him for anyone but Remus."

    "Well what was I supposed to do? Say, oh, Remus I had to curse that slimy git because he made werewolf comments again in front of Fletch now should I've? And it's not just Remus, you would have done the same..."

    "I would have, sure," James nodded. "We're all protective of our Moony. You just... are more so." He shrugged.

    "James." Sirius stopped walking and turned to Potter. His friend was obviously missing the point. "He said that R needed to be put down."

    James stopped in his tracks. Sirius knew Potter well enough to see the tension in his normally relaxed body. His mouth set in a thin, straight line and he turned to Sirius. "Is he in the hospital wing or do we need to plan real retribution?"

    "Well, he's got a shiner that's not going away soon and I really was going to curse him but..."

    You punched him?" James smiled warmly. "That was quite ingenious. I'm sure he didn't see it coming."

    "He did." Sirius looked confused. "That was kind of the point of it. Anyway, I was going to curse him, but he kinda beat me to it, and I grabbed his because I didn't want to get cursed and... I don't even know how it happened Jim."

    James glanced at his best friend. "What exactly?"

    "Well, I, er, kinda, maybe, well, I broke Snape's wand. That's why McGonagall was livid."

    James's eyebrows quirked up slightly. "All right. Well, you're lucky you didn't get knocked off the team for good, I'd wager."

    "No, but Snape wishes I had. He was insane." Sirius paused for a moment. "I suppose it was worth it though."

    "Course it was." James nodded as they headed into the dining hall. "I mean it was snape." James spotted Snape at the Slytherin table. "And yes that is quite the black eye."

    "Jeeze, Sirius," Peter had appeared, taking the shorter route down, and met up with them at dinner. He looked at Snape who was looking none to happy. "You really did that?"

    "That he did," James answered for his best friend. He looked at Peter and then looked past him. "Where's Remus?"

    "Remus isn't in a talking mood," Peter sat down in his normal place at the Gryffindor table. "Not in a sociable mood either."

    James frowned. He pushed his glasses, and took the seat next to Sirius. "That's not good..." he stated, even though it was quite obvoius.

    "Nope," Peter shook his head, while they waited for dinner to appear. "I think you're going to have to buy him something really good this next hogsmeade weekend."

    Sirius shrugged. "That's easy, I'll get him his usual chocolate from Zonko's."

    James looked doubtful. "You swore at him Sir."

    The first course appeared on the table and Sirius picked up his fork. "So you don't think chocolate would do it?"

    Peter snorted to himself, having witnessed Remus's anger. James just shook his head. "No, Sirius. I don't think chocolate's going to be enough. I think there may be grovelling."

    Peter swallowed his first bite. "I think, there may be grovelling, chocolate, and something special."

    "Yes, but you see, that's still a yes on the chocolate. You know his sweet tooth, I'll be forgiven in no time."

    "But Sir--"

    "It's Moony after all," Sirius insisted, piling a huge scoop of potatoes on his plate.

    "And he was pissed." Peter grabbed for the potatoes as well. "Seriously angry. I really think you did a number this time. Especially considering everything that's been going on between you two."

    James nodded. "Peter's right. You're screwed."

    "Well thanks Jim, I love you too," Sirius muttered around his food. "Look, if it's that important, I'll talk to him okay? I'll track him down after dinner, that way he'll have cooled down a little."

    "Maybe..." Peter looked doubtful.

    "You worry too much Pete," Sirius assured, as he stuck his fork into his potatoes again.

    "Sirius Black!" Lily Evans voice rang out sharply through the great hall and she strode her way over to the table and smacked him on the back of the head. Sirius winced and rubbed his head. He was about to protest but she continued walking until she rounded the end and sat down across from James. Her palms slapped the table in disgust.

    Peter snickered softly. "I think she heard."

    "How dare you get kicked out! I can't believe you!"

    "I didn't intend to get kicked out!" Sirius defended himself. "You think I want us to lose?"

    "Who said we were going to lose?" Lily folded her arms across her chest.

    "Well, I mean, it's not like you--" Peter started but stopped when he received a glare from the red head. Meekly he stuck his fork in his mouth and stared down at his plate, suddenly more concerned with his food.

    Lily gave a disgusted wave and started doling out her food. James seemed torn wondering if it would be wise to say anything.

    "I'm glad you think I make such an important contribution to the team." Sirius's lips were pursed but he seemed to be paying more attention to his food than the redhead.

    But Lily simply waved a dismissive hand. She knew better than to indulge Sirius in his moments of self pity. Once they started, it would never end. Sirius, however, didn't like being ignored.

    "Well aren't you going to ask?"

    Lil shrugged. "I heard it was you and Snape, again."

    This was clearly not the response Sirius was looking for. "Well it was ... he deserved it."

    Lily peered over at the Slytherin table. "Yeah, Mundugus told me all about it." She finally caught sight of Snape. "Wow. That's a shiner!"

    Sirius wasn't sure if he was supposed to feel chastised or proud, but seeing Lily's expression, decided on the latter and held his head up just a bit higher.

    "But Lil--" James started, a frown upon his face.

    "Oh, lay of Jim, I'll be fine."

    "Remus won't be," Peter muttered under his breath.

    Lily looked at Peter curiously. "What do you mean?"

    "Well, haven't you noticed that he's not here?"

    Lily raised an eyebrow and continued to munch at her food. "Well, why would he be?"

    The three boys turned their heads to stare at Lily.

    "Because it's dinner," Peter said quietly. But his voice was faltering and he was beginning to think that perhaps there was another reason.

    "Yeah. But." Lily nodded her head towards the window, trying to be subtle. She was a female, she was used to keeping track of things on a monthly basis. "Really guys."

    There was silence from that small section of the table. The rest of the hall was filled to the brim with chattering, shouting, laughing, thousands of noises and emotions. But here, between the four of them, there was simply silence. Simple horrified silence.

    "Well, fuck." Peter said.


    It wasn’t that Remus hated Quidditch.

    He enjoyed little informal games, he was quite a good flier after all. He regularly attended games despite the fact that Gryffidor always managed to narrowly lose. But as he stood in the small shack putting away his clothes for tomorrow, Remus hated Quidditch because he’d have to brave the moon alone.

    Every so often the Quidditch schedule or the lunar cycle would coincide and James and Sirius had no choice but to be apologetic and suit up in their sporting robes. Of course Peter could have kept Remus company but they both agreed that a rat versus a werewolf were dubious odds. So while his friends soared high above the field, he curled up, gnawing and gnashing at his own flesh. The morning after was always awkward. James and Sirius made it a point not to talk about Quidditch as well as not to comment on Remus’s state of disarray.

    Less livid than he had been earlier, Remus shut the drawer gently and locked it with a flick of his wand. Then he hoisted himself on the windowsill and tucked his wand atop the upper eave.


    And the wolf lay panting on the floor for a long moment. Finally, it's eyes snapped open, gold orbs roved around the room. The darkness as was as clear as day. He immediately saw the large dog and rose to his feet.

    Padfoot blinked, looking at the wolf. He gave an excited yip and pawed at the floor. But he didn't get the response he was expecting. The wolf growled and its eyes narrowed as it surged forward.

    The black dog’s pale eyes widened and it let out a nervous whimper only to be tackled and wrestled to the ground. They hit the dusty wood hard and the dog let out a yip of pain.


    Sirius cracked open an eyelid. At least he tried to, he wasn't sure if he was successful considering he couldn't see a damn thing. He closed his eyes and tried again. This time the world came into focus, letting him know he was in the hospital wing.

    "Bleh," he spat. The hospital wing was so uncool.

    "You're awake." Remus closed the book he'd been reading with a snap. Wearily, he ran a hand through his hair. Still, he smiled at Sirius and was reassured when the other boy smiled back. "How do you feel?"

    "Awful." Sirius scooted up on the bed, pushing his elbows back to help him sit up.

    "Malfoy is seething you know."

    Sirius chuckled. "I was aiming for Snape."

    Remus laughed as well at first, before he looked at his friend. "You're kidding right, Sir?"

    Sirius cocked his head giving Remus a 'what do you think' look. Remus groaned in expasperation and hit Sirius on the arm.

    "Watch it man, I'm weak."

    to be continued

    ~story index~