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Chapter Text

James’s parents were tearful as always as they waved him off on Platform 3/4. He waved to them from a compartment on the train as it started rolling.

He sat down with a smile as he looked at his friends. Peter Pettigrew was trying to take a chocolate frog out of the packet, Frank Longbottom was talking to his girlfriend of 5 years Alice Fortescue.

Mary McDonald waltzed in with a smirk and a hickey on her neck.

“What the hell happened to you?” James asked slyly.

“A hoe never reveals her secrets.” Mary winked.

“You know you really shouldn’t call yourself that.” Alice said looking up from Frank.

Mary shrugged and snatched Peters chocolate frog from his hands, opening it with her teeth and handing it back.

“Was anyone else’s parents weird this morning? Mine were extra handsy today.” James asked.

“You mean cause it’s our last year?” Peter suggested as he stuffed the frog in his mouth.

“Yeah well, they made me bring my dress robes, it was apparently on the curriculum.”

Alice shot up with excitement. “Mum made me try on, like, seven gowns the other week. Said there’s a ball or something.”

“Is there a leavers ball I’m not aware of?” James asked.

“No Prongs, it’s the Yule Ball! They haven’t had it in a century and it’s in honour of some event with the other schools in Europe. Mum told me this morning, the ministry’s going mad about it.” Frank said. Looking through his trunk he pulled out a clipping from the Daily Prophet.

“Here, it’s a clip for tomorrows Prophet.” Frank handed it to James, “About Beauxbatons, Durmstrang and Hogwarts competing in the Triwizard Tournament this year. I’m not sure which school is hosting but its quite exciting! Dad said the Champion gets the Triwizard Cup and eternal glory. The prize money is meant to be very large as well.”

Mary looked over his shoulder and gasped. “Good lord, d’you think we’re allowed to compete?”

“Obviously I am. It is the definition of Gryffindor to compete in these things.” James stated, looking at the picture of the Triwizard Cup again. It looked amazing.

“Really? Will it go in the paper?” Peter asked, looking at the clipping as well.

“Of course!” Frank started, “the Minister of Magic himself is coming for each challenge. Dad’s writing it up as we speak. He doesn’t know all the details but I’m sure Dumbledore will tell us at the feast tonight.”

James groaned and handed back the newspaper. “We have to wait 5 hours?”

Mary laughed loudly and pated his hair, “Poor Potter, left to his lonesome.”

James looked up and pointed to the badge on his robes. “You see this badge? Thats the Head Boy badge… don’t look so shocked Frankie mate, I’m a perfect role model.”

“You got Head boy?” Pete was shocked, “even Dumbledore knows the worm infestation in his office a year ago was your fault.”

James shrugged, “Well he must’ve thought it was smart if he assigned me this badge, innit?”

The Potters definitely were surprised when Fawks, Dumbledores phoenix, flew through their kitchen window one morning with a small package. The Head Boy badge had fallen out and his parents had gasped more than James did. Euphemia Potter had cried with pride and hugged her son until he had to push her off. Fleamont had been astonished and even started writing a letter to Dumbledore to make sure he wasn’t drunk when he made this decision. James thought his uniform looked extremely handsome with the Head Boy badge above his quidditch captain one, and now the Triwizard Tournament! This was just his year.

“You know you need to be in the Prefects carriage right? Isn’t that one of your duties or something?” Alice said, giggling quietly.

“Oh buggering fuck. I forgot about that! I thought Emmeline would remind me.” James reached the carriage door and looked back to his friends. “Don’t do anything fun without me.” And he left running through the train.

“Bless our school.” Dorcas said minutes after James left, entering the carriage with her trunk. “We’re gonna need it.”

——

And because Hogwarts just had to be built in Scotland, it was pouring with rain with thunder and lightning filling the sky.

The wet and grumpy seventh years made their way to their tables as the Great Hall started filling up with equally wet and grumpy students.

Dumbledore stood from his place at the head and smiled happily at his pupils. James glared at the dry Headmaster and Frank shoved him as a spell made everyone dry up.

The first years came stumbling in, even wetter than James had been. They looked scared and pale. It was cute.

He had talked to most of the first years on the train to learn their names. Learning that most wanted to be in Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw since their parents told them of Gryffindor and Slytherins competition streak.

“I don’t want to be an enemy to Slytherin.” One small first year said to James. “Mama said that most Slytherins were those dark wizards that are always in the news. She told me to lie low at school and not cause attention then I’ll be fine.”

James clapped loudly after the Sorting Hat finished his song and started the sorting. He clapped when one was sorted into a house and clapped even louder when someone was sorted into his house. They sat down at the front of the table with jiggling legs and fiddling fingers.

“Let us begin the feast.” Dumbledore said happily as the food appeared.

“About bloody time, I was about to eat my arm off.” Peter mumbled as he started putting mashed potato on his plate with a heap of gravy.

“When will Dumbledore mention the Triwizard Tournament? How can that man stand there all happy when he has that news on the tip of his tongue.” Frank grumbled.

“Cheer up you gits, we have all evening and it’s only 6:20.” Alice said looking at her sunflower watch.

The feast went by smoothly and pudding went faster, “I love castle pudding!” Peter moaned happily, taking a big bite.

Dumbledore made the Hall quiet down with the wave of his hand making the tables were cleared.

“Now, I know many of you are anxious to know what all the news about the dress robes are. And I will get our very own Minister of Magic to explain. Please give Mr Rufus Scrimgeour a warm welcome.” The old minister of magic came out and waved to the children and many waved back.

“Thank you Headmaster Dumbledore, I feel very welcomed indeed. Now to business,” James was jumping in his seat impatiently, “this year we are very fortunate to have the honour of competing in the Triwizard Tournament!” The Great Hall burst with elation as students jumped and clapped, James whooped and wrapped his arms around Frank and Peters necks.

“This is a privilege that comes around few a century, and I have great pleasure in announcing that this year Hogwarts will be hosting this tremendous event!” And the building might as well be shaking with all the celebrating.

“Quiet! Quiet please! Please welcome as you welcomed me, the lovely ladies and gentlemen of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Headmistress Madame Fayette Arquette.”

As the minister exclaimed this, the doors of the Great Hall opened loudly and the most beautiful people James had ever seen strutted in. They wore pale blue uniforms with pointed hats that would look ugly on anyone else but them. There were about two dozens of them and they skipped in practiced formation. James made eye contact with a red haired girl, she was larger than the others but she was gorgeous. James stared at her with his mouth open and flushed cheeks, the girl winked at him and continued the routine. They opened their hands and glitter exploded like fire works in the air. Everyone was clapping and staring in awe.

“Pete, she winked at me. Did you see that, did you see that. We’re gonna get married oh dear Godrick did you see that.” James whispered to his best friend shaking his shoulders. But Peter seemed just as dazed as everyone else and stared at their butts as the students danced forward.

The headmistress walked in after them and she was small. Like, as small as Professor Flitwick small with glorious wings and a pretty porcelain face.

Was everyone at this school part Veela? James thought.

The girl that winked at him twirled to the front as everyone finished the routine and curtsied with a smirk. Even her smirk is pretty. This was going to be a long year.

The headmistress walked up to the Minister and Dumbledore with her hand out. Dumbledore bent to kiss it and hugged her lightly. “We are very welcomed to have you here Madame Arquette. I hope Hogwarts treats you well.” The minister kissed her hand too, with an unpleased face.

“I veel most welcombed Monsieur Dumble-dorf an’ z’ou to Monsieur Mina- sir.” She said in a strong French accent.

“I’m in love with their uniform. Why must we wear these toe rag excuses of a robe.” Mary complained tugging self-consciously at her skirt.

“Do stop worrying, I’m sure they don’t mind.” Alice softly said. Mary rolled her eyes but pulled her dormmate into a hug.

The Beauxbaton students were standing on the side as Dumbledore introduced the next school.

“With open arms, welcome our beloved neighbouring school, the Durmstrang Institute and Headmaster Stefan Arnoldi!”

Like Beauxbatons, the Durmstrang students opened the Great Hall doors loudly and with so much force they banged against the wall. But unlike the Beauxbatons students, they were much less delicate looking. Some of the boys had dark beards and buzz cuts and the girls had their hair in braids. The uniform was fur cloaks, fur hats, and blood-red robes, it looked like Durmstrang was in a cold location. They banged their sticks on the stone floor and completed their routine. Two boys climbed up their sticks and balanced on the top. They grinned at each other before flipping over and running ahead.

The boys and girls of Durmstrang were trying to prove a point James thought as one boy blew fire into a horse that galloped to the entrance and dissolved to show the headmaster walking in with a stick as loud as everyone else’s. Beside him was none other than Igor Karkaroff.

“Isn’t that one of You-know-who’s newest supporters? Mum said he got the dark mark this holidays.” Peter whispered to the friends. Mary had a hard look on her face as she glared at the boy.

“Well he definitely knows how to be subtle. Glaring at everyone like we wronged him.”

“Why the fuck has Dumbledore let him into our school, I thought the point of this damn place was meant to keep us safe?” Frank said angrily.

James scoffed, “Didn’t you know? Dumbledore doesn’t care, its’ all amusing to him. He’d probably steal one of our newborns if it got him what he wanted.”

Mary snorted, “Cut me the fuck out of that then.”

“It’s not a successful year until at least one dark wizard gets into the school.” Peter remarked, making everyone snigger.

By the looks of everyone else’s reactions, they thought the same thing. Dumbledore just smiled and greeted Headmaster Arnoldi like a good old friend. “Good to have you here Arnoldi, you look well.”

“Hmph. You’s well Dumbedore.” Stefan said stiffly with a thick German accent, pulling Igor along with him by the elbow. “Durmstrang, sit with green snake house. Listen to bearded man.” He told his students, they nodded and sat down. Headmistress Arquette must have heard and got her students to sit on Ravenclaws table.

“Wonderful! Now that we have all eaten, we can continue with the rules. Minister please begin.” Dumbledore said, standing to the side as the minister, whom James had forgotten was there, cleared his throat.

“Due to danger and safety all participants must be 17 and older to be allowed to compete.” James clapped Franks hand as he remembered his age. “Its a sign, mate, we’re meant to compete.”

Many sounds of “No fair!” And “Change the rules! This is trash!” Filled the hall. The visiting students smirked at each other since they probably already knew.

“Silence! The Tournament is notorious for being extremely dangerous: many champions have died while competing, which is why you are very privileged to be allowed the opportunity to compete. These challenges are not for the light hearted and once you are chosen there is no turning back. How we choose you might ask? Is with this,” The minister turned to the covered object in front of the teachers table and took the blanket off to reveal a cup as large as a fourth year student.

“This is the Goblet of Fire,” He said with vibrato, “you write your full name on a piece of parchment and place it in the cup. You have 7 days to put in your name. On the day of the choosing, the Goblet will reveal the worthy champions and they will be made to complete three tasks. Each as dangerous as the last. There can only be one champion at the end and that champion will have eternal glory with a small fortune in their name. Do not put your name in if you are not prepared for the challenges ahead.” The minister finished sounding extremely grave.

Chatter filled the hall. “You still want to compete?” Pete asked James.
“Of course, I’m sure I’ll be able to compete, I mean this is a school competition, how dangerous can it be?”

“You are so naive!” Alice started, “it has such a high death toll that it had to be banned in the 18th century and now its come up again! You must be bloody mad to want to compete in a thing like this.”

Alice looked pale and had shaking hands. Mary hugged her again and stared at James daringly. “I’m with Ali, there’s no way I’m doing this for peoples entertainment. We aren’t clowns for starters and our lives aren’t worth dying for for fame and money.”

James shook his head. “Someone has to do it and I rather it me than you guys, make sure I have an open casket so you can see my handsome face before I get buried.” He joked. Frank scoffed and Peter shoved him. “You’re an idiot.”

“A handsome idiot.” James finished with a grin. Alice chuckled.

A Durmstrang boy from the Slytherin table whistled and the friends turned to see who. He had a buzzed cut black hair with a well trimmed beard and handsome blue eyes, he was one of the gymnasts that flipped off the sticks. The boy next to him had been the other gymnast but he didn’t have a beard or a buzzed haircut. Instead he had fluffy curls and scars covering his face, his eyes were amber and he was wrapped in a scarf that wasn’t on him during the performance.

The blue eyed whistler raised his chin and eyebrows at either Mary or Alice. Mary winked at him with a smug grin whereas Alice rolled her eyes. The boy nudged his friend who looked up at him, then to the friends. He raised his eyebrows as well and shook his head with distaste and went back to his book. Now that James looked closer it was on his lap under the table.

“That scarred boy with the curly hair is cute. D’you think he’s interested?” Mary asked, observing the reading boy.

“He’s gay.” Alice deadpanned, cleaning her nails.

Mary’s head turned very fast, “What? Not everyone is gay, you know?”

“Yeah well, when his friend nudged him to look at us his eyes went to James before it went to either of us. When someone says to look at someone your first thought is to find the most attractive person in that direction, and his first thought was James and then us. He’s as gay as the day is long and I stand by that.”

Everyone looked confused and Alice rolled her eyes, “And no fully straight person reads books at the dining table when he could be talking to the Slytherins.”

James didn’t see the scarred boy stare at him but Alice was mighty observant and he was known to be a little slow. He shrugged and chuckled lightly.

“Unfortunately for him, my one true love remains that hot Beauxbaton girl that winked at me.”

——

“Remus, you’ll put your name in cup, yeah?” August nudged him after the minister explained the rules.

Remus shook his head and looked around the dining room, or as the Slytherins called it, the ‘Great Hall’. It was rather noisy but warm and Remus instantly felt comfortable.

“Why should I, I’m not in the mood to get off my bed and put my life in danger.”

August rolled his eyes, he was used to Remus’s sarcastic comments. “Igor says the Headmaster has him as first choice for Champion. He might need some competition, the prophet will not want his teeth on front page, habe ich recht?” His laugh was deep and right in Remus’s ear. “I’m right?”

“Shove off.” He muttered pushing his friend away.

“Oi, Lupin!” Igor shouted, walking towards the boys.

Some Slytherins moved out the way so he could sit down.

“You putting your name in the cup, da?”

Remus groaned at his roommates consistent questions. He pulled out his woollen scarf he knitted that holidays and wrapped it around his neck, the Headmaster hadn’t let him wear it for the entrance and said he’d throw it into the ocean if Remus whined one more time whilst they were in the ship. Remus hated that stupid ship. Sure it was warm and they could have fire places set up, but it wasn’t immune to the rough waves of the ocean they had to cross for 13 hours. He vomited more than four times and couldn’t eat a thing. When he found out the Hogwarts students had eaten their feast before they arrived, Remus almost cried. It didn’t help the full moon was in three days and he was sensitive and cold all the bloody time. And with all these questions he had to restrain himself before ripping his friends mouths off.

“Let me talk with Marlene first. Don’t steal my seat August, don’t think I won’t use the itching powder again.”

He looked around for his best friend and found her sitting at the yellow house talking- more like flirting with a brunette girl.

“Marly,” He said, turning her around. “You really gonna put your name in the cup?”

“Duh, that’s why you’re here, to compete and beat all those boys that are probably gonna get chosen. You still going to do it with me?” Marlene asked him with big doe eyes.

“Okay, I’ll put my name in the cup. But only for you.” Marlene smiled widely and looked like she was about to kiss his forehead like she always did when she was happy with him.

“I don’t want this cute Hufflepoof girl to think I’m in love with you or any boy for that matter. Thank you Moony.” She said, turning back to the girl and trying pushing Remus away but missing.

He chuckled and returned to his table, “I am putting my name in the cup.” He told Igor and August, they cheered and ruffled his hair. The other Slytherins that heard clapped for him and said if they were or were not doing the same.

It was peaceful so he took out The Lord of the Rings he kept in his fur coat pocket and opened to the page he was on. August then nudged him and made him loose his spot.

“What, you big oaf?”

He gestured towards the red and gold table where a group of people were staring at them. Remus looked at the handsome boy at the front then saw a dark skinned girl that Marlene would be interested in winking at him. He froze and glared at his friend, going back to his book.

“That girl wants to shag me.” August shamelessly said with a grin. He asked a Slytherin who that girl was and they said it was ‘Mary McDonald the hottest girl in the year’.

“She has a tongue piercing and everything. Apparently she gets into foursomes with her friends but no one knows.” The boy answered, he seemed proud to be talking to them.

“Thats sot.” Igor said. Remus tried not to laugh at his Russian friend and had to bite his lip to stop the sound.

The teachers rounded the students up and got a man named Filch who had a cat to show the visitors their sleeping quarters.

The Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students had a shared common room but separate sleeping quarters. They had a password to remember in order to get in that they had to say to a knight in armour. Filch showed the staircases that led to each section. “If anyone from the opposite house tries to get up the others staircase, they will be thrown back so don’t be dillydallying now.” Filch explained, looking amused with the idea of students being thrown.

“You’re stuff is already in your rooms and your names are on the doors so there’s no confusion. If there are any problems, go to anyone but me. I have enough work to do with all the filthy children at this retched ” And with that, Filch walked out with his cat not far behind him.

Everyone looked stunned at the caretaker, then someone started laughing and soon the whole room was. They laughed so hard, Remus was holding onto his stomach and Igor had to rest his head on August’s shoulder to keep upright. The Beauxbaton students were giggling loudly and some even had tears streaming their face.

“Who let that squib in here?” A dark haired boy asked. Everyone laughed harder and Marlene started choking on her saliva.

“Good laugh, good laugh.” Igor laughed out.

The students, suddenly mixed together, started making conversation. Remus lean against the couch happily as August asked a Beauxbaton girl how she made the glitter appear.

He looked around and saw a red head girl wearing a familiar looking necklace.

“Is that an Arwen necklace?” He asked after walking towards her.

She looked surprised and looked at the necklace, she looked at Remus with a big smile and nodded quickly.

“You must like the Lord of the Rings then.” She said in a surprisingly English accent, unlike everyone else from her school. “I’m Lily Evans.”

“I’m Remus Lupin.” Remus shook Lily’s hand and grinned at her. “I think we’ll get along swimmingly.”

Chapter Text

Remus walked into the Great Hall the next day talking with Lily about other books they liked.

“Have you read Jane Austen? I am obsessed with her, she writes so well and her main characters aren’t like petty little girls, they have personality and solve problems most authors get males to solve.” She suggested strongly. Remus thinks he found his platonic soulmate.

“I like Stephen King, now that is a good author. I don’t get scared much but he knows how to make anyone look over their shoulder.” He said, Lily nodded and suggested they switch books.

“Oi Redhind, over here!” The dark haired boy that made the squib comment last night yelled from the red and gold table.

Lily rolled her eyes but took Remus’s wrist and pulled him over. “Don’t mind him, he’s unfortunately my only friend.”

Remus chuckled and saw Lilys friend sitting with the group August whistled at the other night.

Lily made Remus sit next to her and across from her friend. The others looked at him with big smiles and put out their hands.

The girl August whistled at shook his hand first. “I’m Mary McDonald, pleasure to met you.” With a grin and wink.

“Hi, I’m James Potter.” James shook Remus’s hand firmly going over Lily with a large smirk making Remus blush.

Still shaking his hand he pointed to his other friends. “Thats Alice Fortescue and thats her boyfriend and my roomy Frank Longbottom. This is my other dorm mate Peter Pettigrew but you can called him Wormtail. This lovely bird sitting next to Mary is Dorcas Meadowes, she doesn’t go here.” He whispered the last bit and laughed when Dorcas kicked him.

“Sorry, sorry, she’s from Ravenclaw.”

James looked at Lily who was sitting next to him and his cheeks started turning red, he grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles as if for something to do with himself.

“And who must you be?” He asked huskily making Lily snort a laugh.

She gripped his hand from where it was daintily in his palm. “I’m Lily Evans.” The dark haired boy chuckled and Remus finally got a good look at him.

He was easily the most beautiful man Remus had ever laid eyes on. He was collarbone length back hair that looked very soft, his eyes were light gray and he had high cheekbones with pale skin.

He knew he looked foolish so he took out his hand and the dark haired boy took it. Why were his hands so soft!? “I’m Remus Lupin.”

“And I’m Sirius Black.”

Remus giggled. Him. He giggled. At a boy who’s name was an emotion. Merlin, Remus had gotten pathetic and they had only met three seconds ago.

“I see you’ve befriended my dear friend Lily. Nerding over books is a great way to start a lifelong relationship.” Sirius joked. Remus stammered a response because of course he did.

Lily came to his rescue and shoved Sirius’s hand out of Remus’s hold and kicked him. “That is no way to speak to my friend emphasise on friend because not every boy I get along with is going to marry me.” Sirius laughed and took a bite of his marmalade toast.

Remus took a deep breath and realised how hungry he was. The moon was in two days and he still didn’t know what to do but instead of worrying about it now he poured himself tea.

“So what is the name of this house. I know the green is Slytherin and I think blue is Ravenclaw and yellow is Hufflepoof-“ Mary spat out his pumpkin juice and laughed loudly.

Remus would have felt self-conscious and wished he never asked a question but the moon was upon him and he was frustrated instead.

“What!” He snapped.

Mary was giggling and Dorcas wheezing. “Sorry Remus, but Hufflepoof.” And the laughing started up again.

As the group was laughing Remus tried to not be so frustrated. Then a hand touched his shoulder, and that was the last straw. He grabbed it and flipped the person over his shoulder onto the red table with a loud crash. Food went everywhere and the Hall went silence. On the table was Marlene McKinnon and she was laughing, her blond hair was in the milk jug and she probably had jam toast stuck to her back.

“Good morning to you too, Remus.” She giggled, getting off the table and magicing herself clean. August and Igor were behind her, looking at Remus with amazement.

“You’ve got to teach me how to do that.” Igor chuckled.

“Mr Lupin can you please meet me in my office after dinner on the third floor? I’m sure Mr Potter can show you the way.” A Hogwarts teacher asked him kindly.

It was the night of the full moon and Remus wanted to rip something, preferably with his teeth, preferably a steak. He was at the red and gold table which he found out was called Gryffindor with James, the Head Boy and Marlene, the only person who knew of his ‘furry little problem’.

“Of course Minnie it would be my pleasure.” James said happily, putting an arm around Remus.

He had to summon everything he had not to growl.

Marlene saw his glare and pushed James’s arm off, putting more dinner on her friends plate. “Eat up Moony, can’t have you slouching around all cranky.” Remus scoffed and ate the ham, it was good but not what he wanted.

“Hey everything alright Remmy?” James and Sirius started calling him that to Remus’s great annoyance “you don’t look so good.”

“I’m peachy, just dandy thanks mate.”

Marlene apologised and said it was a family thing. “His mum is ill and it gets to him sometimes.”

James nodded sympathetically and ate his dinner faster. “The others will be here soon so we should get going before you get bombarded with questions.” James said surprisingly softly.

James led Remus down a hallway with a swagger that annoyed Remus more than it should.

“Here we go, Minnies office. I hope your mum gets better, my dad got sick during the holidays and I was freaking out. He’s old you see and we were worried we were gonna loose him.” James ruffled his hair uncomfortably, “be back soon, yeah? We still need to put our names in the Goblet.”

Remus nodded and gave his new friend a small smile.

The professor was sitting at her desk and gave Remus a tight smile, her hair was pulled into a tight bun. Beside her was a kind looking nurse with curly blond hair, she introduced herself as Madam Poppy Pomphrey the school nurse. “I’m sorry I’m not as knowledgable as your own matron but I’ve done some reading so you’ll be fine.”

The ladies led Remus outside the school where a large tree was, “This is the whooping willow, it will make sure students never find you during transformations.” Professor McGonagall explained before turning into a cat and calmed the tree down - Remus was still shocked by the first part. They led Remus into the tree and down a corridor, it was about three minutes before they made it to a dark room.

At Durmstrang, they locked him in the schools attic that was full of old furniture and costumes from past productions. There was a ginormous window that let the full moon shine through. Remus had cracked it once in his third year and the teachers had to put strong protection spells on it to stop him from breaking it. And since it was so high up, Remus was sure he would die if his wolf form jumped out.

“This is where you’ll be staying for the full moons here at Hogwarts. Madam Pomphrey will collect you tomorrow morning and mend to your wounds, you will be in good hands.” McGonagall explained, Madam Pomphrey nodded kindly. “Do you want us to stay with you until the transformation?”

Remus shook his head quickly. “I’ll be fine, maybe you should go soon.” He could feel his bones turning as the moon appeared in the sky. He looked around quickly and found the room was smaller than Durmstrangs attic, the windows were nailed over with wood and there was a thin mattress on the floor.

Someone cast a locking charm as he felt his back crack and he screamed.

——

Waking up in the Hogwarts infirmary was different to the Durmstrang one. This place was white everywhere whereas the one at home had light red sheets and a tree pattern on the roof.

He groaned as he moved his head, as always at his bedside was Marlene looking as worried as ever.

“Hey Moony, how you feeling?” She asked softly, her thumb brushing between his brows.

Remus moved around and felt his lower back burst with pain, he winced and cursed at his fucked up hip.

“As fine as I can be.” He answered, Marlene looked unsure but handed him chocolate and played with his hair.

“The nurse told me you got two new scars on your legs and a dislocated hip which she fixed. You reopened the scar on your face, the big one, so unfortunately that’ll be red for a while.” Marlene sighed deeply and looked at Remus with teary eyes.

“You worry the hell out of me every month you know that Remus? Your dorm mates were asking about you like always, don’t know when their simple brains will figure it out but I think you’re safe till graduation.” He chuckled and held Marlenes hand as they both laughed at their friends.

“How long was I out for?” He asked.

“Its 6pm so you can still make it for dinner if you can, James was telling everyone about the family excuse so no one expects you to show up.”

“No, I’m hungry.” He got up gingerly, wincing when he stretched his back. He fell back on the bed with a curse, punching the sheets.

Marlene hugged him. “Oh love, I’ll get Pomphrey.” Kissing his temple as she left.

The matron came in and quickly went into nurse mode.

“Oh you’re awake dear, lie back down. You tired yourself out last night and probably have bruises down your side from trying to open the door. Yes as I expected, those look awfully uncomfortable. Take this potion and you can return to normal tomorrow if I think it fit.” Poppy Pomphrey was rambling but Remus found it comforting, his nurse at Durmstrang was a rambler.

“Visiting hours are over, you can visit tomorrow morning dear.” Shooing Marlene off he took a sip of the potion and quickly went back to sleep.

——

“Oh thank Godrick, Moony come over here. You need to tell Jamie that the Ballycastle Bats are better than the Chudley Cannons.” Sirius said when he saw Remus and Marlene coming over to the Gryffindor table.

“Actually we are here to get a bite to eat then put our names in the cup.” The blond girl, Marlene Sirius thinks, said.

James jumped with excitement and grabbed Sirius’s arm, “I almost forgot about that!”

Sirius had been putting off the Goblet thing. He wanted to compete of course but he got a letter from his parents on the first night at Hogwarts that said if he dared got in the way of Regulus competing that he’ll be punished. Regulus had said he’ll write to them and say he doesn’t even want to compete because he really didn’t. The unknown challenges were freaking him out. But Sirius said it would be better to say that it’s likely those who participate will die so he should do it and not Reg. This made Regulus freak out more and he had to sleep in Sirius’s bed for two nights before letting him put his name in the Goblet - which he would do with James today.

Him and James immediately bonded after James explained he was quidditch captain and chaser. Sirius himself was a beater on his schools team. It took a while for James to wrap around the fact that Beauxbaton didn’t have many interhouse competitions. The quidditch teams have players from every house and the clubs are normally to make friends from different houses.

“Bloody hell,” James had said, “thats nothing like this school.”

Sirius sort of wished his school was like Hogwarts. Quidditch was fun for sure, but he liked competition and the idea of looking at someones uniform and either hating or liking them.

“So do we like or dislike any houses here?” Sirius asked. Remus and Marlene listening to their conversation while they ate.

James nodded, “Gryffindor is known to have slander with Slytherin since the founding days. Godric Gryffindor wanted to be inclusive and give anyone with magical abilities a chance to learn but Salazar Slytherin was into that pureblood shit and wanted Hogwarts to be more selective. Meaning only children with pureblood families could come here, they had a fight and Salazar ran off somewhere. Poor Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff probably just wanted to go to sleep but we never make it easy for them.”

“I’m a beater for Wolverine quidditch team at our school. It’s a massive thing, we don’t exactly hate other houses like Gryffindor and Slytherin but we do compete and there have been fist fights.” Marlene explained.

Remus nodded, “I do gymnastics but thats more of an extra curriculum activity, I do that with other houses. Me and my best mate August did some tricks at the entrance with those ridiculous sticks our Headmaster makes us carry around, it’s meant to be ‘intimidating’ but really it just hurts my toes when it lands on my feet.”

Sirius laughed so loudly he accidentally snorted. “You’re funny, Moony.”

Remus blushed and Sirius grinned in accomplishment. He liked making Remus blush.

“Okay I want to put my name in the cup can we go now?” James whined.

“Do you think Dumbledore will be able to read my handwriting when I get chosen?” Dorcas says as they write their names on parchment outside of the room where the Goblet of Fire was kept.

“Such confidence for someone who has no chance.” Frank teased, finishing his surname.

“Yeah wanna bet, Longbottom?”

“Okay enough you two. We have enough bickering with James and Lily.” Sirius teased. He added a little heart above the ‘i’s in his name for effect.

His little brother Regulus was with them, he was clutching Sirius’s uniform blazer and muttering words of comfort.

“You okay Reggie? You don’t have to watch if you don’t want too.” Sirius said softly, taking his brothers hands and letting him play with his fingers.

“Its fine, I want to support you. You deserve this.”

Sirius smiled and led them to the Goblet. They went inside the ageing spell and Sirius took a deep breath.

“Here goes nothing.” And on his toes, he put his name in the Goblet. The blue flames lit up as if acknowledging he was in the running.

The other students were cheering and Lily was jumping and clapping. Regulus looked nuteral and gripped his hand tighter. The Beauxbaton students there to watch clapped and told him well done.

“Bon travail Sirius.” His headmistress said, as Lily walked in next.

The clapping was loud with her as well and when Lily was done, Sirius grabbed her hands and they jumped in happiness.

“Nous allons être champions!” They repeated. “We’re going to be champions!”

Remus and Marlene were unable to join them since their Headmaster wanted them to do it as a group.

And just as Sirius was thinking about them, a loud noise filled the room as the Durmstrang Champions entered. Remus and Marlene were in the middle is if in order of least likely to most likely to be champion because Igor was at the back with their Headmaster. They were wearing the formal Durmstrang uniforms with the fur hat and thick coat.

The room was silent as the students put their names in one at a time.

Headmaster Arnoldi might as well have been crying with pride as his most eligible students entered their names into the Cup.

“Proud, I’m proud so much.” He said in his accent. It would have been heartfelt if Remus didn’t look so sick.

Chapter Text

The week past quickly after that, James still felt like it didn’t go fast enough. Quidditch was canceled for the tournament and his dream of getting Gryffindor to the top in his last year of school went downhill. Peter wasn’t subtle about being happy about his chance to sleep in but he made up for it for the heaps of truffle cakes he stole from the kitchen.

Durmstrang, Beauxbatons and Hogwarts met in the Great Hall as a whole again since the first night. Everyone was excited and James couldn’t help but feel anxious.

He had told his parents about the tournament and that he had put his name in the cup. His dad was very happy about it and told him if he got chosen they’d be at every challenge, his mum did not share her husbands thoughts. She was written a seperate letter telling him to be careful and not to get caught up in the idea of eternal fame.

The tables were filled with food but James couldn’t find the stomach to eat anything. Sirius and Lily were at the Ravenclaw table and Remus and Marlene were at Slytherin, James found that he missed them. They had grown close over the week with their likeness for quidditch and an urge to prove someone wrong by winning the tournament. James was still foolishly obsessed with Lily but she seemed to pay him no mind and more towards Snivellous. Snape. Severus.

Snape had put his name in the Goblet, he derided James about being one of the first people to put his name in and Sirius had to flick his forward and tell him it didn’t matter.

“I hope it’s you.” Two 5th year girls said to James as he was eating his peas. They were giggling and one even gave James a kiss on the cheek before running away squealing.

Mary was laughing into her hand and took James’s hand, acting lovesick. “Oh dear sweet Jamie I hope it’s you! You would make such a brave ferocious champion!”

“Geroff.” James muttered, blushing hard and wiping his cheek. “I didn’t ask her to do that.”

“Obviously not, your usual bravado would be frolicking.” Peter joked, stealing one of James’s chips.

"Why won’t this stupid cup hurry up? I bet it knows I’m wetting myself waiting.” He whined taking his glasses off and rubbing his eyes.

“Do you want me to get one of your fan club to clean your mess.” Alice said, Mary laughed harder and the girls exchanged a high five.

Dessert went faster luckily and James shoved it down just to hurry the evening.

The minister of magic was standing with Dumbledore after the food was cleared and the hall was silent.

“The Goblet is almost ready to make its decision,” said Dumbledore. “I estimate that it requires a minute or two. Now, when the champions’ names have been called, I would like them please to come to the top of the Hall, walk along the staff table and through the next chamber-“ he indicated to the door behind the staff table - “ where they will hear their first instructions.”

With a wave of his wand, every light in the Hall went out, the crescent moon and Goblet were the only sources of light. The Goblet brighter than anything else.

“Come on, come on any second.” A sixth year muttered.

The flames inside the goblet of fire suddenly turned red. Sparks flew from it and turned into tiny fireworks. One piece of parchment flew from the Goblet and the hall full of students gasped.

Dumbledore caught the parchment and held it at arms length so he could read it from the Goblets lights, which turned back to blue.

“The champion for Durmstrang,” He read loud and clear, "will be Remus Lupin.”

“Oh bloody hell yes!” James yelled as a storm of applause and cheer swept through the hall. Remus looked dumbfounded with his eyes wide. Marlene was shoving him and cheering whereas Igor and August looked more upset. His Headmaster Arnoldi was crying with glee and shouting applauses. With one last shove from Marlene, Remus got up and shook Dumbledores hand, took his parchment and walked through the chamber behind the staff table.

“Bravo Remus!” Arnoldi boomed, very loudly from the staff table, “I knew you had it in you.”

The clapping and cheering quieted down and everyone’s attention was back to the Goblet.

They waited another second before the flames turned red. Sparks flew from the flames, and another piece of parchment fluttered out. Dumbledore caught it again and held it in the light of the returned blue flames.

“The champion for Beauxbaton,” He read just as loudly, “will be Sirius Black.”

James whooped loudly for his friend and the hall once again erupted with applause and cheering. Few people gasped at the sound of the ruthless Black family name but that didn’t make the cheering die down. Madam Arquette was clapping loudly and her wings were fluttering with happiness. Regulus and Lily were hugging and cheering for Sirius as he grinned widely at James’ headmaster. He stood up and shook Dumbledores hand and took the parchment, he was stopped by his Headmistress who kissed his cheek and gestured for him to continue. And he too walked through the chamber.

Two done one to go. The Goblet burnt red and the last parchment flew out, being caught by Dumbledores quick hands. He waited for the flames to turn blue before reading the name. He cleared his throat and James wanted to snatch it from him and read it himself.

“The champion for Hogwarts, will be James Potter.”

Applause louder than the other two champions stormed through the hall. James was slapped on the back my Pete and Frank who were cheering for him. Mary was whooping and Alice had tears streaming down her face as she laughed. James laughed in surprise and sock and got up and walked to Dumbledore who looked at him with pride.

“Congratulations James, you have made us very proud.” He said, his crows feet next to his eyes were very prominent and he shook his hand and handed James the burnt piece of parchment. He walked passed the staff table with a grin at McGonagall who smiled fondly and told him well done. James was swelling with happiness and pride as he went into the chambers where Remus and Sirius already were.

They ran at him and the three were pulled into a hug.

“We made it boys! Who’d have thought we three idiots would get chosen?” James joked. Sirius had never looked happier and Remus was beaming.

“Someone pinch me?” Remus asked with his eyes closed. Sirius pinched his arm with a wider grin and Remus scowled. “Thanks Padfoot.”

“Padfoot?” James asked.

Sirius laughed and ran a hand through his hair. “We share a common room space and I walked out in these sole support shoes I have and Remus was reading on the couch and he asked why I had pads on my feet. Even though they were very expensive sole support shoes for my high arched feet! Anyway, it’s my nickname now and it’s not any better than bloody Prongs.”

James through his head back and laughed, “Oh Godric, this story is so weird. Pete and I have known each other since we were five and my hair has always been this wild tangly mess so he put those twisty craft sticks in my hair one day when we were eight and mum said they looked like prongs. Guess it sort of stuck.” James chuckled at the memory and turned to Remus. “What about you, Moony?”

Remus shook his head, “Long story short, Marlene said I was too pale and I said she was too blond then she said at least she wasn’t a moon man and then she called me that for a while. Then she called me Moony one time in 3rd year and it became permanent. Not very exciting.”

“Not going to lie, shouldn’t we be more nerveux than telling each other our nickname origin stories?” Sirius said.

Remus shrugged. “I’m not nervous, more confused as to how I’m a more worthy champion than Igor. The Headmaster called him to his office to discuss training before anyone else was told, he spent all holidays learning hexes for fucks sake. He’s going to hate me now.”

James chuckled, “if you’re worried for your life, you can stay in my dorm. I’m sure you’re allowed into other houses common rooms.”

“Oi, am I a potato to you?” Sirius complained. James told him he could come too.

“Our champions!” Dumbledore said, a group of teachers coming in behind him.

Arnoldi put his hand on Remus’s shoulder and whispered something in his ear, Remus nodded.

Madam Arquette tugged on Sirius’s school skirt he was wearing and he bent so she could talk to him.

James felt Professor McGonagall put a hand on his shoulder. “You alright, Potter?” She asked. James grinned at her and nodded.

“You have been chosen and now bound by a magical contract to compete in the Triwizard Tournament. Each of you will face three dangerous tasks many grown wizards and witches haven’t dared faced. The tasks you will have to follow are designed to test your magical ability, intelligence, resourcefulness and courage. After each task you will receive marks from your headmaster or headmistress, we will agree on who comes which place.” Dumbledore looked at the other headmasters with raised eyebrows, they each nodded. “Each champion must stand alone during the Tournament, receiving no help from anyone. Cheating will reduce your marks but I do encourage using the time between tasks to get some research in.” He winked at James making him smirk.

“The number of deaths from this Tournament is concernedly high but we have set up precautions, if we see you are on the brink danger that may lead to death, we will step in. Have I missed anything Minister?” Everyone turned to the minister who shook his head. “I believe thats everything that could be covered.”

“Perfect! Now gentlemen, you must be exhausted after this riveting day. Get some rest, you have two weeks before the first task. If you have any questions I believe your headmaster or headmistress will know the answer. Congratulations again boys, this is something to be proud of."

Headmistress Arquette took Sirius by the hand after Dumbledore finished his speech and walked them to wherever their quarters were. Remus’s headmaster had kept his hand on his shoulder and they aparated without another word.

“They’re surely fast to get out of here.” McGonagall sniffed, Dumbledore chuckled, “I’m sure you should get going too James, there’s a common room of students waiting for your arrival.” He said with a twinkle in his eye.

James was indeed met with a crowd of students in red and gold, treating him like the winner of the last quidditch game.

Chapter Text

Remus looked in every book and even walked around the school grounds but couldn’t find anything that might hint what the first task was.

He, James and Sirius decided it would be easier if they worked together to solve the mystery that was the first task. Igor and August weren’t as mad as Remus had thought they’d be and even they wanted to help figure it out.

The students from every school turned into detectives as they researched and told one of the champions if they found something useful.

Some boys in fourth year saw Hagrid, the game keeper, walk into the school grounds carrying three large oyster shells at 6 in the morning. This seemed to up the spirit and the champions believed the task would be set underwater.

A student from Durmstrang and a Hogwarts Ravenclaw who were interested in the Care of Magical Creatures had three main ideas of what the challenge could be. They had talked to Hagrid and Professor Kettleburn to see what water creatures were in Hogwarts. There were mermaids, murtlaps and kelpies.

Sirius joked about having to walk across a room of murtlaps and trying not to get their feet eaten off. That was not helping.

Since getting help from other students was cheating in the tournament, everyone had to be subtle. No one wanted to ruin their champions chance of winning so they made up excuses for borrowing so many water creature books or asking Professor Flitwick of any breathing underwater charms.

Remus knew that the teachers knew what they were doing but kept it quiet from the headmasters. Flitwick gave it away when he gave James the incantation and wand movement for the air bubble charm.

“For day to day life if you decide to live underwater.” He squeaked then made James leave the classroom before he took points from Gryffindor.

“But it would be so obvious if you all had the same spell for the first task.” Marlene said. She has ignored Remus for a few days after he got chosen for Champion but she must have had a chat with someone and is now helping them.

“Turn into a shark or something.” Remus laughed and threw his book at her.

With the dawning of the challenge drawing near, there was also the fact that a very attractive boy known as Sirius Black kept flirting with him. Remus spent half his days blushed and the other half flushed with frustration. Was eternal glory worth this stress?

Apparently not because very soon the boys met the press.

___

The camera flashed brightly in James’s eyes as he stood with Remus and Sirius. Sirius was lucky and got to sit in a chair and after two hours of relentless posing James was thinking of stealing it.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Rita Skeeter a journalist for the Daily Prophet. But this isn’t about me,” She shook her head and chuckled after shaking all their hands, “we want to know about you. The unknown scarred boy, the rich glasses kid and the Black heir. So many people are interested, so many.” She clutched her fist to her heart and said it passionately.

Her hair was platinum blond and in fancy waves around her face. She had purple cat eye glasses with gems on the tips and bright red lipstick. Her green feather pen was hovering behind her over the top of a note book. She looked like she was in her early 20’s.

“Lets do youngest first, let’s go Potter.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the room and into an empty classroom.

“So tell me boy, what was it like hearing your name come from the Goblet of Fire?” She said inthralled, her pen at the ready.

“Uh, it was exciting I guess. I wanted to be chosen so it was like a dream to be honest.” James said, scratching the back of his head.

“Right, right. Were your parents worried, did they cry when you told them?”

“No, dad was really happy and mum said they would come to every challenge so I look forward to seeing them.” James said slowly. Rita seemed disappointed but perked up for the next question.

“Have you got a date for the Yule Ball? Are the girls kissing your feet? You certainly aren’t ugly James Potter.” She said with a wink and patting his chin.

“Ummm, what’s this got to do with the tournament?”

“Do you not know boy? The Yule Ball is a dance where the ladies and gentlemen of the competing schools mingle and waltz. I’ve always wanted to go, do you have anyone in mind?” She said with a wink.

“Uh yes.” James said quickly so Rita didn’t think he’d ask her.

“Oh well. Next question!”

——

“Why must they pick the coldest of days to do a task in the fucking Black Lake?” Sirius complained, wrapping his pale blue Champion jacket tighter around him, his name embroidered at the back.

Remus had one the same but in pale brown and the Durmstrang symbol. His surname was also embroidered.

James’s was red and gold with Hogwarts on the back and his surname.

Underneath they each had a waterproof singlet and long shorts, the Black Lake looked colder than ever and the other students covered in wool and necks sheltered with thick scarfs was not making Sirius feel any less cold.

Regulus was next to him, talking to him in low French.

“Ne pense pas au froid alors peut-être qu'il fera plus chaud?” Regulus suggested “Don’t think about the cold then maybe it’ll be warmer?”

“Merci Reggie,” Sirius muttered between his trembling teeth, “pourquoi n'y ai-je pas pensé.” “Why didn’t I think of that.”

“No need for the sarcasm.” Regulus said with a laugh. Sirius grinned at him and turned when the minister walked in.

“Gather round Champions. Visitors please join the other students.” Regulus looked like he was about to fight.

“Allez Reg, je vais bien.” Sirius said. “Go Reg, I’ll be fine.”

Regulus nodded and waved one last time before walking out of the small tent.

“In a circle round me please. Good, the first challenge is one that will test your strength, time management and magical ability. You will ride on the back of a kelpie, it will lead you to the bottom of the lake, then you must retrieve an oyster shell. Inside the shell is a clue for the next task. Good luck to each of you, first up is Mr Sirius Black.” The Minister explained. He looked tense and worried but nodded at last and left the tent.

“Well that very reassuring.” James grumbled.

Remus laughed and ran a hand through his hair. “Might as well get it over with. Try not to let the kelpie eat us, then hope to fuck its easy to open.”

“Easy peasy right?” Sirius said queasily.

“Our first competitor is Mr Sirius Black from Beauxbaton Academy.” The announcer said. The crowd cheered and many of his classmates held homemade posters. Lily held one above her head with a cheesy grin with Regulus smiling next to her. ‘Gagnez pour nous Sirius’ it said in glittery blue letters. Win for us Sirius.

He sent a wink towards them before walking towards a horse shaped kelpie that was looking at Sirius with innocent eyes. It bowed its head when he came closer, and Sirius would have believed it was an actual horse but he knew it wasn’t.

“Good luck to me.” He whispered before using a bubblehead charm on himself and getting onto the kelpie horse.

The minute he got on the kelpie it jumped into the water with such speed that if Sirius hadn’t been holding onto the mane he would have fallen off.

“Shit.” He yelled as the kelpie galloped into the darkness that was the Black Lake.

They reached the bottom when the kelpie looked at Sirius with pure red eyes, its teeth gleamed in the darkness and Sirius wanted to scream. He jumped off the kelpie and it snapped at his bare feet, snarling angrily.

“Aqua Eructo!” He screamed at the kelpie, his wand produced a strong jet of water that made the kelpie go backwards five feet. But unfortunately this only seemed to make it angrier, it swam full speed at Sirius and opened its mouth to eat him.

In a moment of panic, Sirius said the first spell that came to mind in this situation. “Incendio!” He screamed with full at the kelpie. He didn’t know if fire would work down here but what did he have to loose? Luckily, fire did work in water and the kelpie yelped and swam away with its tail alight. Sirius laughed at himself and used Lumos to try and find the oyster shell.

He found it on a pile of rocks sitting gracefully on top.

“You better be easy on me.” And with full force, he used Ascendio to get to the top. His charm came off as he landed with a hard thump on the stand that was covered with students.

The Beauxbaton students were cheering and he felt someone wrap him in a warm fluffy towel.

“tu l'as fait frère. j'étais si inquiet.” Regulus whispered as he wrapped Sirius in his arms. “You did made it brother. I was so worried.”

“I’m fine Reggie, the water didn’t down me like you thought, eh.” He joked, Reg didn’t find it funny and he started crying into his towelled shoulder.

“Monsieur Dumbledore magicked made the water clear so we could see you and I thought the kelpie had you.” He said in rushed French. Sirius stroked his hair and kissed his ear.

“I’m fine now, see? You can’t get rid of me that easily.” Sirius continued to stay wrapped in his brothers arms as the others completed the task. Sirius had completed it in 6 minutes and 14 seconds. James took 6 minutes and 17 seconds (he was very annoyed by that and Sirius teased him) but Remus won with only 3 minutes and 50 seconds.

“How’d you do that?” Sirius asked him at the party in the common room after they got back. He was very drunk and very French and thought Remus was very sexy.

“I saw the oyster before the Kelpie was halfway down so I bewitched sleeped that thing and accio-d the oyster then swam up. Pretty simple when I think about it.” Remus said with a shrug.

Sirius was staring at him and the lighting made his scars all nice and his eyes all pretty and Sirius just had to kiss him.

He leaned in and it was short and sweet. When he pulled back to find Remus with his eyes closed. “What was that for Padfoot?” He whispered. Sirius blushed a bit but kissed him again.

“Why not, je te trouve sexy.' He said into Remus’s ear and Remus burst out laughing.

“I heard the word sexy and I can’t take you seriously.”

“Everyone takes me Siriusly.” He joked and made Remus laugh harder.

“Thats even worse you wanker.”

“I want to open the oyster but I’m tired and would rather do it tomorrow.” Remus whined. Marlene appeared and laughed at her best friend.

“Jesus I don’t want to know what you’ll do with the prize money.”

“Money, books and the occasional lap dancer.” Remus muttered, his face turned between Sirius’s shoulder and the couch pillow.

“Wise ambitions young man. So much potential.” Lily said, sitting next to Marlene in the two seater.

“Lily will you be the lap dancer?” Sirius chuckled and put his face in his friends curls.

“I thought you were gay.” Marlene teased, gulping more beer.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy my friend giving me a lap dance does it?” Remus said sounding half asleep.

Sirius started to sit up and pull Remus with him. “Come on Mooneyes. You’re going to look like a walking skull soon. Marlene I can’t go to his dorm, can you do it?”

“Ugh, Remus being tired after 7 cups of alcohol should’ve been a red flag the minute I saw you at our first party.” Marlene whined, carrying her friend up the stairs.

“We should get some sleep to Sirius. It’s 1:14 am. We have four weeks to figure out the oyster and there’s the Yule Ball next week.” Lily said, Sirius nodded only half listening. Lily took his hand and led him up the stairs.

Chapter Text

It was Mid December and snow had been falling softly since the holidays began.

Everyone was staying at school for the Yule Ball except the 1-3 years. The students were shaking with excitement as they got their formal outfits ready and getting the courage to ask crushes if they’d be their date.

The first task had been five days ago and the boys still hadn’t figured how to open it. The ball was far from their minds.

James saw his friends sitting at the Gryffindor table and grinned.

Surrounding them was a group of students giving them ideas on how to open the oyster. When James sat down, he saw Sirius had his oyster on his lap and Remus was quickly writing suggestions in a note book.

“I’ve got a sledge hammer you can borrow, maybe that’ll do the trick.” A Scottish boy suggested.

“No, throwing it off the astronomy tower would be more efficient.” Someone else said.

“Get a niffler on it. They can find their way into anything.” Said a Durmstrang girl.

“Have you tried Alohomora? That’s the basic opening spell.” Lily said next to James.

“Lily that’s to easy! This wouldn’t be a tournament if everything could be opened with Alohomora.” Sirius said, stroking the smooth shell of the oyster.

“Maybe thats why it could work, we are all convinced this is meant to be hard but what if it’s simple.” Alice fought. Remus took Sirius’s wand out of his ponytail and muttered the opening spell.

Immediately the oyster slowly opened and everyone gasped. Inside was a large black pearl.

“You’re a genius Lily.” James said in awe. Lily blushed muttered thank you.

“Remus, we need to get ours. Boys meet me in the Gryffindor Common Room. Oh, and Lily and maybe Marlene if you see her. And no touching the pearl Padfoot!”

——

“Why’s it so heavy?” Sirius whined, he tried to pick up the pearl but he couldn’t move it from the oyster.

“Because it’s suctioned to the oyster, they’re living creatures you know.” Remus said chuckling.

Sirius lay his head on the boys lap and told James to try and pick it up too.

“It’s not going to come out for any of us.” James complained. He looked annoyed.

“The Yule Ball’s next week you know.” Sirius mentioned softly. Remus was threading is fingers through his hair.

“Oh yeah!” James realised, he turned to Lily who was on the couch behind him, “Oi Evans, want to go to the ball with me?”

Lily was reading a Stephen King book Remus leant her, she put it down and raised an eyebrow at the enthusiastic boy.

“Sure, we have to match though. That means no orange or red.”

James looked surprised but he grinned widely at Sirius and pumped a fist in the air.

“I wouldn’t dream of it Evans. But don’t expect my pants not to flare.”

Sirius turned his head to look at Remus to see he was examining the pearl and writing down notes. His hand still in Sirius’s hair.

“Want to go to the ball with me Moony?” He asked quietly. Remus looked down and smiled softly.

“I don’t think champions are allowed to go with other champions.”

“Then let’s be the first!”

“I would love too, honestly, but I’m going with Mary as a friend. She asked me two days ago and I said yes. I’m sorry, maybe we could still dance.” Remus looked apologetic but continued to stroke his hair. Sirius was disappointed but maybe it wouldn’t be smart to dance with a boy in front of the three biggest wizarding schools in Britain, it was the 70’s after all.

“Thats alright.” He sighed, “Hey Mckinnon, wanna go to the dance with me? As friends of course.” He said quickly, Remus chuckled and Marlene looked unamused.

“Yeah alright. Better not stand on my toes though.” She said seriously. Sirius pretended to be offended.

“Excuse-fucking-me! I am from the ancient most noble house of Black thank you very much! I had compulsory ballroom lessons before I could walk, I think I know how to waltz without stepping on anyones toes.” He said whilst exaggerating his aristocratic accent.

Marlene put her hands in the air, “okay sorry, you win.”

“Ooo what have I won?” He perked up.

“My hand in marriage.” She chuckled. Sirius shammed a faint.

“I’m too gay for this nonsense.”The room started laughing and Marlene raised her water bottle, “Here, here.”

Sirius had an idea and he led Marlene to the common room in which they shared. He hurried up the stairs and got out what he had planned to wear.

“Okay so here is what I had planned for the Yule Ball.” Sirius started. He had brought down the box that had his Yule Ball outfit nicely folded. His family had made him pack dress robes but Sirius had other plans.

Marlene looked jittery and made grabby hands at the box. “Let me open it, I love surprises.”

Marlene lifted the lid and inside was a glittery dark blue ball gown. It had flown sleeves that ended at the elbows and a v-neck collar, it had a thin white belt and a long skirt.

“Oh Merlin, Sirius it’s beautiful.” She said sincerely, she stroked the fabric and admired the sleeves.

“Are you going to wear this?”

Sirius nodded. “I wanted to have fun with my last year, make a statement. Déclaration de mode.” He said with a twist of his wrist.

Marlene grinned at him with a glint in her eyes. “I have an idea and it’s going to be in the books. You in?”

——

“Remus hurry up! The Champions need to be down there first.” Mary yelled.

Remus hurried down the stairs in his blood red Durmstrang dress robes. His right shoulder covered in a fur shawl and his feet in heavy boots.

He had tried to defrizz his hair but the frizz was against him today and all he could do was put water on it and hope it stayed as curls.

“Don’t you look handsome.” Mary gushed. August was behind him and gaped at her.

“You look beautiful Mary.” Remus praised. Her dress was pale pink with hearts sewn on, it had puffy sleeves and showed some cleavage. She looked gorgeous.

“I know, now let’s go before your headmaster takes your head.”

“August, where’s Igor?” Remus asked.

“Oh, he said he was meeting someone but I thought he’d be back by now.” Remus shrugged his concern away as Mary took his elbow.

The Great Hall had been emptied and and decorated to fit the Christmas Eve aesthetic. There were ice sculptures of horses and pearls inside oysters, the ceiling and walls had turned a pretty blue, a crystal chandelier hung above the dance floor and the floor had been transfigured to be transparent like ice. A huge Christmas tree that was coloured white was decorated with candles and a large star that shone brightly was where the staff table was. It was beautiful and Remus wanted to look around all evening but he was soon pulled by Mary to the line of Champions and their partners.

Only James and Lily were there so far and looking stunning. James wore a dark maroon and black dress robe with flared pants like he promised, his hair was as crazy as ever and his glasses were a little wonky. Lily looked beautiful in a sage green dress that flowed from her waist. They made a lovely pair.

“Don’t you two look splendid.” Mary gushed, she and Lily started whispering and squealing in their girl circle with Alice joining, waiting for Sirius and Marlene.

“Those flares add to the outfit, Prongs.” Remus teased, kicking the extra fabric with his feet.

“Your dress robes aren’t to unique yourself, Moony.” James laughed, flicking his woollen shawl.

“Shut up, this was mandatory. Headmaster said it ’shows people who we are’ or something gross. But these are actually really comfy, I’d wear this to any formal event”

“I like it,” Frank started, “makes you look like a bear.”

James started laughing when the girls gasped, looking over the boys shoulders.

Lily looked like she was trying not to smile and Mary and Alice had their jaws on the floor.

Turning around, Remus’s jaw too went to the floor.

Walking towards them, Marlene and Sirius were giggling to themselves as all the attention went to them. They looked better than every other couple here.

Sirius wore a dark blue gown and placed his hair in its usual updo using his wand. He was wearing dress shoes and had done his make up. Remus had always thought he was beautiful but this was a whole other thing.

Marlene had a matching power suit with heels and her hair was straightened and held back with clips. Her make up was done the same as Sirius’s.

“Good Godric you two. Outdressing all of us! The audacity.” Mary explained, not looking angry at all.

Sirius and Marlene grinned at each other and did a complicated handshake.

“Amazing, this dress is something else Siri.” Lily gushed, her hands grazing the skirt.

“Why thank you Redhind, tu es belle aussi.” He replied with a wink. “You look beautiful as well.”

Remus couldn’t stop looking at him and when the horn started to begin the dance, Mary had too physically pull him with her.

The group of six walked down an aisle made by students and they walked onto the empty dance floor. Remus had done some dance lessons before arriving and he was a gymnast so he hoped he wouldn’t muck this up.

Professor Flitwick was standing on an ice block as he raised his wand and began conducting the orchestra the school hired.

Remus was holding onto Marys waist as the music started, the practised routine was in his head as he spun them around. Mary was giggling as he lifted her in the air at the high notes.

“Shit sorry,” he whispered when he stepped on her toes the first time.

“I thought you were a gymnast.” Mary giggled again, Remus sighed and tried not to ruin the dance again.

Across from him, Sirius and Marlene were having the time of their lives. They took turns in lifting each other and Marlene spun Sirius around when it came to the part of the song. James and Lily were dancing happily as well, they kept on misplacing their feet so James lifted her onto his feet and they danced like that for the rest of the waltz.

After a few minutes, Dumbledore led McGonagall onto the dance floor, they grinned at each other and joined in with the teenagers. This was the invitation for the others to join. Everyone grabbed their partners and led them onto the floor. The orchestra got louder as the girls were lifted into the air. It felt like a dream as the students laughed and spun around and Remus couldn’t be gladder to have been chosen as Champion.

Deciding to take a break, Mary and Remus left the dance floor to get some punch.

“You aren’t as bad as I thought you’d be.” Mary said sipping from her cup.

“Thank you?”

Mary laughed and threw her head back. “Whats all this excitement about?” Sirius called as he and Marlene walked over. Looking flushed and happy.

Remus poured them some punch and rolled his eyes. “Mary was just saying that I wasn’t as bad as she thought I’d be so thats helpful.” He glared at his partner and she laughed harder.

“Its a compliment! I’m saying you dance well.”

Remus hummed and poured some more punch for himself.

“Want to be my partner for the next dance?” Sirius asked, his hand held out with hopeful eyes.

“Of course, then you can add your own review to my waltzing skills.” He joked but took Sirius’s hand and walked them onto the dance floor.

“Umm, where do I put your hands? Do you want to lead or should I?” Remus whispered before the next song started. Sirius rolled his eyes and grabbed Remus’s hands, putting one on his waist and the other in tight in his grasp.

“There we go, and I’ll put my hand on your shoulder and all is parfait.” Sirius said, his hand on Remus’s shoulder stroked the wool.

“This is warm, won’t you get too hot?”

“No, I get cold all the time so this is exactly what I need.” Sirius chuckled lightly and the song began. Remus led them and looked at his feet too make sure he doesn’t step on him.

“Why do you go to the school thats literally in the snow when you don’t like the cold?” Sirius asked while they danced.

“I don’t go outside, the castles warm but that stupid ship Arnoldi makes us take everywhere isn’t.” Remus grumbled not wanting feel that motion sick ever again.

Sirius pouted sympathetically, “So you get seasick and don’t like the cold?”

Remus tried not to laugh but ended up anyway. “It’s so stupid I know, and I’ve been at Durmstrang for seven years. I don’t hate it but the travel and destination is a bit off putting.”

“At Beauxbatons, the spring is my favourite. We breed the horses that fly our carriages, the ones we used to get here, and we get to skip classes to see the baby foals. C’est la chose la plus douce.” Sirius sighed thinking about his school. “Is the sweetest thing.”

Remus twirled him around and smiled as the dress glittered in the chandelier light. He truly was beautiful.

Sirius laughed as Remus pulled him back in.

“Are you glad you wore this dress then?” Remus asked, his hand on Sirius’s waist curling around the belt a bit.

“I love it. Makes me feel free.” And Remus twirled him again just cause he could.

“Well I think it looks better on you than it would on any of the girls here.” Remus whispered in Sirius’s ear.

Sirius laughed softly and wrapped his arms around Remus’s neck, Remus did the same to his waist.

The song came to a finish as the orchestra took a break. The boys stayed hugging on the dance floor as the crowd left to talk and get some food.

“Would you like to make a review on my waltzing skills?” Remus said quietly

“Hmmm, tu étais plus brillant que n'importe qui d'autre.”Sirius said in his ear. Remus shivered and hugged his waist tighter.

“I heard the word brilliant so I’m going to take that as a good thing.” Remus chuckled a breath, Sirius started playing with his curls at the back of his neck.

“Tellement bouclé, j'adore ça.” Sirius said again, separating them a bit and playing with the curls near his forehead.

“Stop speaking French or I’m going to start speaking Welsh just to piss you off.” Remus said, trying to sound harsh but failing.

“You speak Welsh?” Sirius asked sounding amused. He traced a scar on Remus’s eyebrow that went over his right eye.

“Yn amlwg, ble buoch chi.” He said with a sly grin, Sirius looked shocked and started chuckling.

“Of course you do, mon lune.”

“Oi lovebirds, get over here and try these roll things. They’re brilliant!” James yelled.

Lily and Marlene gave them a pointed look when the boys walked over. James stuffed a roll in Remus’s mouth and it was instantly filled with melted chocolate.

“Bloody hell this is heaven.” He moaned, taking another one and having a bite.

Pete walked over with Dorcas on his heel. They were both wearing white and Dorcas looked angelic as it contrasted with her nearly black skin.

“Did someone say heavenly food?” Dorcas said, taking a chocolate bun and eating it. She pointed a finger at Remus and nodded her head in understanding.

“Remmy boy, where did this come from cause I want 200 of them.”

“These are actually French and are called petits pains au chocolat which translates to chocolate buns. They’re a Beauxbaton delicacy and I too am obsessed.” Sirius explained, taking three and eating them at the same time.

“Can I hide in your trunk? Take me with you.” Remus begged, taking another one and closing his eyes at the taste.

“I see your true intentions now! You only befriended me so you could eat all the chocolate buns!” Sirius gasped, Remus laughed and wrapped an arm around the shorter boys shoulders.

“You’ve figured me out, I must hide away in shame and never see the light again.” Remus joked, Sirius snorted and wrapped an arm around his waist.

“How many layers have you got on under there?” He asked, unwrapping himself from Remus’s grasp and poking the boys stomach.

“I’ve got this coat, a sweater but its thin and a long sleeved shirt so three.”

“Three!” Sirius gasped. “I’m only in this and I’m boiling.”

“You are aren’t you?” Remus said hazily, he looked over Sirius’s outfit again and blushed. He was so obvious it was painful.

“Okay! Remus, you me the dance floor?” Marlene suggested as the orchestra sat back down and retuned their instruments.

“Thank you Marly.” He breathed.

“I bet 10 galleons that Marlene and Dorcas will be snogging by the end of the night.” James bet, as the three champions sat at an empty table.

Some students had gone to bed early and it was almost 11 pm but most were still here, dancing. Remus would normally be tired by this time but he was wide awake.

“Nah, watch them make out after this song.” Remus said with a grin. James held out his hand and Remus shook it.

“I’m on Prongies side for this one, it’s in front of a lot of students and teachers and they might get in trouble for pda.” Sirius said loyally.

“Thanks Padfoot. Not that Marlene seems like the girl who’s into pda.”

Remus scoffed but didn’t retaliate.

James and Sirius laughed and watched as the song ended. Dorcas had Marlene in a dip and Marlene grabbed her by the neck and kissed her.

Remus cheered. James groaned and stuck his middle finger at the taller boy.

“I’ll be expecting that 10 galleons tomorrow morning.” Remus said.

James nodded with a sad expression, “as promised Moony.”

“Evening gentlemen, I hope you’re all behaving.” Marlene smirked as she and Dorcas made their why over to them.

“Of course McKinnon, we are perfect angels.” James said solemnly.

Remus pointed over to Professor McGonagall who was getting punch with a teacher from Beauxbatons.

“You’ll get 5 galleons back if you dance with Minnie.” He dared. James smirked dangerously.

“I was planning on doing that anyway, but thanks for the push.” He swaggered over and bowed, holding a hand out to his professor.

She looked amused and took his hand. Sirius and Remus whistled loudly and clapped as they got ready for the next song.

The next song played and the pair waltzed, James was grinning and McGonagall was chuckling well heartedly.

“Awww my favourite l'amoureux.” Sirius sniggered as James spun her around.

“Whatever that is, I agree.” Remus chuckled.

The song finished and James bowed while McGonagall curtsied. He made it over to them skipping and moved Lily out of his seat which she occupied, then placed her on his lap.

“You two timing cheat! McGonagall loves you, how could you do this to her?” Mary cried, James rolled his eyes and tightened his arms around Lily with his chin on her shoulder.

“What will your children think?” Remus said sadly.

Sirius giggled and put a dramatic hand on his forehead. “And you said she was your forever.”

“What is who’s forever?” Regulus asked, he was in a pure black suit, shirt and all. His hair was parted differently and he looked happy.

“Reggie! Everyone meet my dear baby brother, and he hasn’t talked to me since the start of the night.” Sirius said the last part sternly but was smiling widely.

“I was with my friends, and I see you ended up wearing the gown.” Sirius spun around at the mention of his glorious dress.

“Obviously, only the best for this fine Christmas Eve.” Sirius took his brothers hand and gestured him to his friends.

“Regulus meet Mary, Marlene, Dorcas, Pete, Remus and James. You already know Lily obviously and myself.”

“I’ve heard so much about you.” Regulus said, taking Remus’s hand and then James’s.

He greeted the others and pulled Sirius away from the group. Remus began to worry at the stern look on Regulus face and the small frown between Sirius’s brows.

Sirius and Reg returned moments later. The younger boy looked pale and Sirius put a smile on.

“Everything good, mate?” James asked.

Sirius nodded, “Just our family being our family. Pas de soucis. Now, I thought you were gonna show us the dance routine you made for that Weird Sisters song.” He said to James.

He looked concerned but changed it for a smile as he jumped up and grabbed Remus and Sirius by the hands and led them to the dance floor.

The Weird Sisters were setting up the stage as the orchestra packed up and looking at the boys with a smile. James skipped over to them and whispered something in the singers ear, they chuckled and ruffled James’s hair.

“He touched my hair! I’m never washing again.” He fan-girled.

Everyone made it back on the dance floor when one loud note on the guitar got their attention. They must have played James’s request because he squealed and cleared a circle on the floor.

Teaching the boys the dance was easy. Remus got it immediately as James showed the moves. Sirius didn’t understand the rhythm and over exaggerated the hand movements.

When the chorus started again, the students around them clapped and applauded as their Champions did the routine. James was laughing loudly and the students screamed with delight when Remus jumped into the splits. The formal part of the evening was over.

James taught Regulus the moonwalk he saw a kid do at a muggle park. Everyone cheered and many others followed is tutorial, Mary even found a fedora that she put on her head.

David Bowies Oh! You Pretty things played and Remus had tears streaming down his face from laughter. Sirius fell in love with Bowie and the song and he almost slapped Pete when he said he had the Hunky Dory record.

“All this time you had David Bowie in your dorm and didn’t tell me!”

Someone charmed the speakers to play hip hop and the circle on the dance floor returned. Marlene was spinning on her head and getting a roar of screams and clapping in return. Remus back flipped and Professor Flitwick got carried through the crowd.

The punch had got intoxicated with alcohol at some point and everyone was very drunk and very excited. James and Lily had run off sometime ago and Marlene and Dorcas were making out in a dark corner. Peter went to bed with a sick stomach and Regulus left when the hip hop began.

Sirius and Remus were leaning against each other and giggling along the cold stone of the unknown castle. They open mouthed kissed, and laughed as their tongues met. Neither of them could remember where their common room was nor what the password was, instead they made out against a wall. Sirius’s hair was falling out from his makeshift ponytail, Remus grabbed a fistful of hair and kissed him deeper. He may have been drunk but sober him would probably do this too.

Remus moved away from him with a sly smile and led him down the corridor, lanterns as their only source of light. A door appeared at the end of the corridor that the boys were sure wasn’t there before. They went inside and saw that it was filled with junk.

Sirius found a couch and lay down on it, his ball gown scrunched up to his thighs.

Remus grinned and jumped on top of him, making them both burst in laughter. Sirius grabbed his face and gave him a sensual kiss.

“You know how gorgeous you looked tonight, Moony?” Sirius muttered as he kissed along his jaw.

“Says you. Bloody hell Padfoot, you’re so beautiful I can’t even think sometimes.”

Sirius grinned against Remus’s mouth. “Lets stay here forever.” He breathed.

Remus couldn’t answer, he kissed him again and again and again.

“Is this okay?” Remus’s hand was at the zipper on the back of the dress. They were both sober now and Sirius nodded with an encouraging smile. His make up was smudged but he still managed to look handsome.

“Tout va bien pour toi, mon Moony.”

They spent the night breathless and on the verge of love.

Chapter Text

The full moon had been a week after the Yule Ball which Remus was grateful for.

This years Christmas was the best he ever had as he spent it with his new best friends and a hung over cohort.

After their shared night, Sirius and Remus got closer. They had woken up to the sunlight streaming in and both of them only covered in Remus’s coat. They had giggled and kissed the morning away and Remus knew he was feeling something deep, something he shouldn’t be feeling since they’d probably never meet again after this.

James had to remind them of the unopened pearls after Remus recovered from the full moon. The boys hadn’t been as reluctant to fall for the ‘my mother is sick’ excuse again so Remus had to say his dad had returned and wanted to see him. Even though Lyall Lupin hadn’t been back since Remus was bitten when he was five years old.

“Welcome back Moony. I hope you had a nice break because for the next two weeks, we are not resting until we open this damn pearl.” James said, he was in quidditch captain mode and made the boys and their friends study for hours each day for something that could help them.

Igor Karkaroff had been missing since the Yule Ball. James and Sirius didn’t like him but Remus was worried, they had been friends since the start and he was one of the only people that didn’t make fun of scars when he was 11. Frank said he was You-know-who’s lapdog and Remus dislocated his nose with a fist.

“If had to open something that was stuck to a living creature what would you do?” Sirius asked a book who didn’t seem to know the answer either.

It was 5am and Remus couldn’t sleep. He had been studying all day and had read something about The Goblin rebellion of 1612 that couldn’t leave his mind.

“…due to the harsh weather on the days of the rebellion, many Goblins weapons froze in their hands. Weapons included pick axes…”

The Black Lake had been very cold that day and Merlin knows how long the oysters stayed down there. So what if they heated them up? Will the pearl unfreeze or maybe the oyster will stop suctioning onto it?

Remus shot up and ran down the stairs, he had his dressing gown wrapped around him in the hurry as he ran down the ancient halls to the Gryffindor Common Room.

“Sugar Quill!” He yelled at the Fat Lady.

James was fast asleep with dribble running down his chin when Remus shook him awake.

“James wake up! I’ve figured it out, I know how to open the pearl.” He whispered as his friend started to wake.

“Bloody hell Moony, it’s 2 in the fucking morning. What have you possibly woken me up for that couldn’t wait till morning?” He groaned, reaching for his glasses and wand.

“It’s actually 5 in the morning but I’ve figured out how to open the pearl!”

“Really?” James said, waking up now, “why didn’t you bloody say anything? Tell me, tell me.”

“We need to heat it up, it’s stuck to the oyster cause it’s frozen, or suctioned. But either way heat extracts moister yeah, so we need to heat up the oyster so it makes it less wet!” Remus explained with excitement, James whooped loudly and wrapped his arms around him.

“You genius you!” He said kissing Remus’s forehead.

“We need to get Padfoot, why didn’t you bring him?” James looked around for their friend.

“I can’t go into his dorm, the schools worried we’ll corrupt each other or something.” He chuckled.

James sighed and lay down with exasperation. “Now I won’t be able to get back to sleep.”

“Can I stay here tonight? I’m not in the mood to freeze my feet off again.” Remus asked quietly. Frank and Peter remained fast asleep and on of them was snoring.

“Sure thing Moons, come under here.” James lifted his blanket and Remus got in quickly.

“Gross, are my feet in… crumbs?” He complained, feeling something crunchy between his toes.

“Oh yeah, I like Jaffa cakes and mum sends me them for my birthday. Just ignore them, you’ll forget they exist.”

Remus snorted a laugh and brought his knees to his chin. “Night Prongs.”

“Night Moony.”

——

The Champions and a following group of fans were huddled in the Potions classroom.

James hadn’t been able to sleep after Remus told him his idea. It was so simple yet he would never have been able to figure that out. They told Sirius the minute they saw him.

Lily had knocked her fist to her forehead and cursed at her stupidity. “Why didn’t I think of that? That is so smart.”

Remus, Sirius and James got permission from Professor Slughorn to use the Potions classroom in honour of the tournament and put their oyster over a a stove looking device they found in a cupboard. The flames had turned blue and purple after an hour and the pearls were starting to sweat.

“Do you really think this will work?” Sirius asked after the hundredth time.

Remus hit his shoulder, “This is our only lead so far so it better work.”

James was catching and letting go of the snitch he stole from his first quidditch match. Lots of their fans were getting bored and decided to leave, but the few remaining never stopped looking expectantly at the pearls.

Lily groaned and put her head on the table, Mary was behind her braiding her hair. “It shouldn’t take a bloody hour for a pearl to unstick, we’d be cooking the oyster if we wait any longer.”

“Food?” Marlene asked. Peter perked up and ran to the kitchens for something to do.

“Get those caramel slices we had yesterday please?” Remus yelled out, getting a positive reply from the hallway.

James looked at the pearls and saw his one start to crack. He gasped and the whole room woke from their faze.

“Something's happening, I can’t believe it.” James gasped in relief, the other boys saw that theirs were starting to crack too.

“Moony it really worked you beautiful genius!” Sirius said, kissing the taller boy on the cheek.

“Is something happening?” A 2nd year asked, her eyes big and glassy.

“Shit, Marly give me back my notebook, I need to write this down.” Remus rushed, he got the pencil from behind his ear and jotted something.

“It’s happening, don’t panic!” Sirius dramatically yelled, so loudly a group of students that heard from the hallway ran in to see what was happening.

After another two minutes of slow cracking the black pearls broke in half to reveal a scroll wrapped in a red ribbon.

James grabbed his scroll and hurriedly unrolled it to reveal ancient runes instead of words.

“Fucking fucks sake.” James swore, kicking the desk and putting his hands in his hair.

“This is going to take weeks to translate!” Remus groaned. The parchment was about 12 inches long, the ancient runes taking up most of it, leaving an inch between the sides.

“Can we just guess what the next challenge is and hope it uses spells we already know?” Sirius suggested. Lily was looking at his scroll, her green eyes observant.

“No that is not an option. Does anyone at this school study ancient runes?” Remus said hurriedly. Lily pointed to herself and Mary was about to speak before she was interrupted.

“You called?” Dorcas smirked widely, standing in the doorway with Peter under her arm who was holding a large plate of caramel slices.

Dorcas strutted over and grabbed the scripture from Remus, reading over it with a frown between her brows.

“See that rune there, thats a lion and it’s next to a rune of an eagle. I’m not very good at care for magical creatures but I bet its a Griffin.’ Dorcas explained.

James took deep breath at the stern look on Dorcas’s face. “They’re usually used to guard treasure or something of extreme importance. Maybe you have to take something from them and hope they don’t eat your arm off.” Dorcas said with amusement.

“They fly though, would we have to fly?” Remus asked, looking over her shoulder at his scroll.

“I recognise that one,” James pointed to one rune on their parchment, “thats the rune meaning flight, it looks like a broom, thats how I remember it.”

“I guess so.” Dorcas says with a shrug. “I can translate it for you if you guys want. It’ll only take a day or two, but I demand 24 hour service of kitchen rans when I ask.”

“Agreed.” Sirius sighed in relief, giving her his scroll.

——

The day of the second task was perfect. It was February, the chill of winter was still there but the sun was out more.

Remus was holding his borrowed broom tightly as the students cheered at them.

He had never been good at flying a broom, the wolf probably preferred the ground and therefore made Remus feel like vomiting whenever he went higher than 5 feet.

Dorcas had finished translating their scrolls after two days, the boys had been at her beck and call as they gave her everything she asked for. Starting from pizza buns to a bouquet of roses.

The scripture said:

‘For the second challenge, you must manage,
The fear of loosing one you love,
They will be in danger, not used to the stranger,
Magic you will have to think of.
They will be well guarded, in a tall stone tower,
Looked over by an eagle half lion,
He is very fierce, and will leave you forever pierced,
So be quick when you fly in.
To get to the tower, you must leave at witch hour,
And pray on your life you don’t sneeze.
Retrieve your heart, and think very smart,
Not to steal any-thing.’

Remus had mentioned his discomfort for flying to James and Sirius, they had promised to teach him everything they knew.

They made him get up and meet them at ridiculous hours in the morning to practice flying techniques. He was quite good at skidding to a stop and swooping low to the ground, but actually going faster than 60 km/hr was a challenge. Sirius and James could fly faster than 200 when they wanted to and this made Remus predict his failure in this challenge.

“Since when was flying something we should be tested on?” Remus complained one morning.

“You know flying on brooms is literally part of a wizards personality.” Sirius joked doing 360’s around him.

He was too tired for this.

After weeks of early morning practices, Remus got the gist and could fly fast enough to miss a curse if one was coming at him. He trained trying to pick up objects from the floor and learnt that looking down was what made the wolf so sick, so he looked forward or at specific objects. He felt less sick looking at a stick on the ground that the actual ground if he were more than 5 feet in the air.

After his first time going 50 feet in the air and not feeling like he could throw up, Sirius rewarded him with kisses.

Remus really wanted to kiss him but the minister was getting ready to talk to them. And James was there but Remus thinks he knows about them.

The boys for this challenge were wearing quidditch robes. Remus’s ones were blood red and pale brown like everything else he wore for this tournament, it had a cape that swished around his ankles. Sirius had a pale blue one on and James’s was red and gold. They each had their surname on the back.

The minister gestured for the champions to surround him. “Your second challenge is of no surprise if you opened the pearl and translated the scripture. But if you are unaware I will explain.”

He sighed deeply. ”Your task is to retrieve something from a Griffin we have placed in a tower. We will not tell you which one, but when you find it you will find the person you care for most. Do not worry, they are not conscious so the Griffins will not harm them-” This did not seem to make the boys any less worried “-your task is to retrieve them from the Griffin. They are known to be fierce protectors.” Clapping his hands with a small smile, “now then, try not to let the room take you and good luck boys.”

“What the fuck did he mean by that?” James whispered.

“ Do you mean the ‘Try not to let the room take you’ or everything else?” Sirius said with a small laugh.

The Champions walked into the arena and was met with a loud applause. The sky was getting dark as witching hour grew closer.

The Durmstrang students were shouting ‘Lupin’ over and over with posters and tiny flags. Remus smiled and waved at them, August whistled loudly.

Sirius and James were pale but smiling at their classmates as they screamed their names.

“I hope the Griffin plural was just an accident.” Remus said to them before they got on their brooms and flew off.

“Shit do you think there’s more than one?” James asked while they were in the air.

“Ugh we are so going to die from doing this.” Sirius groaned, Remus tried to laugh but it was weak.

“You better not die doing a stupid tournament Padfoot.” Remus demanded.

“Stop being a worry wart.”

James circled around the first tower, saying this was the Gryffindor Tower.

“Nothing here!” He yelled at them.

They circled the Ravenclaw Tower, James said it was called to also find it empty.

The next tower was the Divination tower and inside was a Griffin. It was staring at them with hunger.

“Fucking shit!” Remus screamed as the Griffin snapped at them but it stayed in its tower, because behind it was a tower of gold.

“Look at all that gold though.” James sighed, his eyes seemed to glaze over a bit and he edged his broom closer.

“What the hell Prongs, what the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Remus snapped, he grabbed the back of his friends broom and pulled it backwards.

“Crap, sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” James shivered. Remus and Sirius looked at him with concern but moved forward.

They checked the owlery which had two Griffins in it. They seemed to be befriending the owls. They were sitting on a pile of gold as the owls flew around squawking at them.

In the Astrology Tower were four Griffins. And behind them were three unconscious people laying on diamonds and gems.

The first person Remus noticed was Marlene. Then he saw Regulus who was next to Lily.

“We need to get them. Now.” Sirius demanded as Regulus stirred.

“We can’t face four Griffins on a bloody broom.” Remus mumbled, he tried not to look down but his broom was swaying in the breeze.

“Then let’s get them!” James said strongly, he moved forward slowly with his wand in his hand.

They moved closer and immediately back when two of the Griffins snapped at them. Sirius was a bit spontaneous and used Expalliarmus on the closest Griffin who opened its wings in response and… roared at them, Remus thinks, like a lion would. It flew at them and chased Sirius around the tower. It would have been funny if Sirius didn’t look so frightened.

Sirius got a set look on his face as he came up with a plan. He flew around the tower twice more before going on a sharp right angle and zooming up to behind the sleeping hostages.

He grabbed his brothers hand and woke him up quickly but softly to not alert the other Griffins. Regulus got on the back of his broom and when they went to fly off, the Griffin that was chasing Sirius appeared in front of them. It roared again and snapped at Sirius’s feet and he yelped in pain but got moving in the other direction. He flew off in the direction of the arena and Regulus waved at the boys. The Griffin shook its head in frustration and sat facing the hostages.

“Great, bloody great. Now we have to do that too.” James groaned. He gestured for Remus to follow him and he flew behind the building where the hostages were. Two more Griffins sat facing them with a daring glint.

“Remus, you get Marlene while I distract them.”

Remus shook his head, “no, I distract the Griffins and you get Lily. I have an idea, please just do it and don’t wait for me.”

He really didn’t have a plan but he felt bad for James coming last the first time He was going to figure something out.

“You sure or are you just being selfless?” James said.

“I’m sure.” Remus said sternly before flying up and putting a stinging jinx on a Griffin, it roared and opened its large wings to follow him.

Remus took off and flew away from the tower, not too far that the Griffin would turn back.

“Go James, go!” He screamed at the other champion who already had Lily on his broom but was watching Remus.

James looked pained to leave but did, he flew fast and Remus realised he was absolutely fucked.

He decided to exhilarate his broom but the Griffin flew to his speed. He was about to die.

Remus rolled his eyes at himself as he flew for the middle of the Astronomy Tower where the three other Griffins were waiting and Marlene was sleeping. He swooped low and picked up Marlene from the pile, she woke up and smiled happily at him. Before they could exchange pleasantries, he now had four angry Griffins following him.

Marlene went to the back of his broom and whooped as Remus flew vertically faster than he ever had before. Two Griffins were now following him and before he hit the bottom, he pulled up quickly and swerved out the way. Marlene looked behind them and cackled.

“Look at you facing your fear of heights.” She yelled in his ear, he smiled at her and she hugged his waist.

He looked back at the tower which was now vacant of Griffins. The gems looked very big and expensive and Remus thought of a million things he could do with them, like buying his mam an actually liveable house. The gems glittered and looked so tempting that he moved towards them, he went to reach out and take one when Marlene slapped him.

“What the fuck Marly?” He pouted rubbing the side of his head that she slapped.

“No, more like what the fuck you? The scroll specifically said and I quote “Retrieve your heart, and think very smart, Not to steal any-thing.’ And what are you fucking doing? Stealing. This is all part of the tournament, they’re meant to look tempting but as champion you’re meant to be better than that. Now let’s go before I push you off myself.”

Remus flew back feeling guilty. James and Sirius hadn’t been tempted - except for the owlery fiasco with James but that was different. James and Sirius were rich and didn’t need to steal any gems, but Remus wasn’t. His mam could barely afford the rent on their house and he had to do jobs over the summer to help. The boys didn’t need the prize money from this tournament as much as Remus did. And now he felt even more guilty for thinking all that.

The crowd cheered when they came into view, the arena looked like a cinema with a large screen that showed him and Marlene coming down.

Sirius and James jumped to hug him tightly. Sirius was sniffling softly and James was thumping his back.

“Good Godric, for someone who doesn’t like flying you sure have some skills.” James praised.

Sirius remained hugging him tightly like they did at the ball as the crowd cheered for them.

“Tu étais incroyable. Tu es toujours incroyable.” Sirius whispered.

“You know I can’t understand you.” Remus muttered but hugged a little harder.

“Lupin my boy, you had it in you. I knew you did!” Arnoldi boomed. He patted Remus hard on the shoulder.

“You came last but you were selfless. Brilliant boy, like your father.”

Remus hated that Arnoldi thought it was a compliment.

The crowd raced down when the horn echoed across the arena. Sirius was lifted into the air by his Beauxbaton peers and smiled widely at them. James was getting congratulated by Hogwarts before Lily hugged him so hard that he tripped and some students had to push them up.

“I thought they had you, Lupin.” August shouted, he pulled Remus into a hug and slapped his back.

Behind him was Igor Karkaroff who was grinning and ruffled Remus’s hair.

“Where have you been? I haven’t seen you since before the ball!” Remus asked angrily, putting his hands on his hips.

“I’ve been meeting some important people. I’ll tell you later.” He explained. Remus slapped his shoulder and grinned at his friend.

“Congratulations champions. We have discussed your marks,” Dumbledore yelled, everyone quieted down. “In first place we have Sirius Black.”

Sirius smiled widely and put an arm around his brother who looked proud. The Beauxbatons crowd cheered loudly.

“In second place, we have decided to draw with James Potter and Remus Lupin. Although Potter came second, Lupin is rewarded for bravery and selflessness.”

James grinned at Remus and shook his shoulders.

“Congratulations once again. The night is young and you are free to do as you please.”

---

The party in the Gryffindor Common Room was one that will be talked about for nights after. But Remus had been sitting in quiet guilt for the past hour with a full cup of alcohol in his hand.

"You alright, Moony?" James asked loudly as he sat with a humph.

"Yeah I'm fine Prongs, just doing some thinking."

James chuckled, "what, about if you're going to go up to that boy whose been eyeing you the whole night or if he's going to come to you?" Remus looked for the first time to a tall black boy, he had no hair and was talking to Frank. He sneaked a glance at Remus and saw he was looking. The boy smirked and held eye contact.

"Who is he?" Remus asked, still holding eyecontact.

"That's Kingsley Shaklebolt, he's a Hufflepuff and the best damn flyer I've ever seen. Other than myself of course."

Kingsley looked like he was going to come over but in that moment, Sirius decided to prance over with a determined grin and a half empty cup. He looked Remus up and down before sitting gentlemanly on his lap, he kissed Remus's cheek and chugged the rest of his drink.

James winked at Remus and went over to Kingsley. "See you later, mates." He had said.

“What’s up with you Pads? You look kind of drunk.” Remus said with a laugh, putting his hands on the boys hips.

Sirius looked at him through his lashes and put an arm around him. “Can I not enjoy the company of a very sexy male?”

Remus blushed and pushed his head into Sirius’ shoulder, the shorter boy laughed loudly and kissed his curls.

“You are so easy to fluster, I love it.”

“Hate you.” Remus mumbled into the shoulder, he felt Sirius shake with laughter and tug on the golden curls like he did at the Yule Ball.

“Tell me, how do you feel about a dance. Bowie's about to play next, I recommended it.” Sirius continued to play with his hair as he waited for an answer.

“Hmmm, I was rather comfortable here. I’ll watch you dance if it makes you feel better.”

Sirius lifted Remus’s head by the chin and looked him in the eyes, looking rather earnest. “Did you want the Shaklebolt kid to dance with you instead?”

Remus shook his head and laughed, “no Pads, but he does look rather agile don’t you think?”

Sirius sucked a breath in and removed his hand from Remus’s chin, Remus looked up with concern and instantly felt bad for joking.

“I was joking, please stop pouting. I’d only ever want to dance with you, you know.” He sounding solemn.

Sirius chuckled and kissed Remus lightly between the brows, earning a wolf whistle from Marlene and Dorcas who were across the room.

“We look extremely obvious.” Remus said, rubbing his hands up and down Sirius’s sides.

“Let us look obvious, I want to kiss you till you can’t remember your own name, mon chéri.”

“Ugh I can’t stand when you speak French.” Remus sighed and hugged him close, Sirius put his arms around his neck tighter and they sat like that for ages.

“You know this is a party, not a pda snog fest.” Mary joked, sitting next to the hugging boys and ruffling Sirius’s hair.

Sirius yelped and smacked Mary on the hand, “No one touches my hair unless you’re over 6,2, have curly hair and can do the splits without stretching.”

“And we weren’t snogging Mary, that was a hug.” Remus blushed as he said snogging.

“Why are you always such a prude?” Marlene asked, sitting on Dorcas’s lap.

“What you should be asking is why you’re mad at us for pda when James and Lily are literally snogging in the middle of the room!” Remus explained, pointing to their embraced friends.

“Yeah, are ya’ll homophobic or something?” Sirius said kissing Remus’s cheek again.

Before their friends could answer, Igor and August walked over to the couch and Igor sat between the hugging couples.

“Lupin! Good job with the task today.” He said with a strained looking smile. Sirius sat snugger into Remus’s lap.

“Thanks Karkaroff, bit worried I was a goner but…” Remus replied with a shrug at the end. His dorm mates laughed and August looked at Sirius with raised eyebrows.

“Comfortable Black?”

“The mouse on the couch wishes he were me.” Sirius said, his chin pointed.

“Oi Igor, what did you want to tell me? You said something before the challenge.”

Igor looked surprised and looked at August with wide eyes. “Not important, enjoy your party and we’ll leave you with your… company.”

Remus frowned at his friends hard faces when they left, their sticks thumping the ground with every step.

“Everything good Moony?” Marlene asked, looking just as concerned.

“They’re mad about something, don’t worry about it.”

Sirius grinned and put his hand in Remus’s hair. “But they’re right! Enjoy this party and get drunk on chocolate cake.”

Remus started laughing loudly and kissed Sirius’s chin. He did indeed get drunk on chocolate cake, very much indeed.

Chapter Text

After the second task, all everyone could do was wait.

The third task apparently took three months to create and Sirius thought it took that long because the ministry didn’t think they’d make it this far.

“Reggie?” Sirius carried the ‘e’.

“What?” His brother laughed. They were in their dorm which they shared because they were the only boys from Beauxbaton that came to Hogwarts.

“I’m bored and Remus is napping and James is with Lily.”

Regulus rolled his eyes and put his art book down. “Want to try drawing a self portrait again?” He suggested.

Sirius snorted and rolled onto his back. “You’re just saying that so you can show off again.”

“Je ne suis pas!” He gasped. “I am not!”

Sirius hummed. “Oui, vous l'êtes.” “Yes you are!”

It was silent for a moment.

“I learnt some Welsh, cause your boyfriend is- you know- from Wales.” Regulus muttered.

Sirius sat up and stared at him in awe. Reg had always been quick at learning languages, he spoke 5 fluently. French, English, Latin, Greek and Portuguese.

Now 6th being Welsh.

“I will forever never understand how you pick these things up.” Sirius said shaking his head. Regulus shrugged and went back to admiring artwork.

“When you’re passionate about something enough you can pick it up easily.”

“What, so you want to be a language whore or something?” Sirius chuckled.

“No.” Regulus replied. Sirius groaned and fell back onto the bed.

“You and your short answers I swear to Seigneur.”

At dinner a few days later, Sirius was starting to notice a pattern.

Once a month Remus had to go. Go see his mother, meet with his father or something rather. And whenever he returned he was limping and wincing whenever someone pat his shoulder.

“You notice somethings wrong with Remus?” Sirius asked James at dinner before the others got there.

James took a bite out of his roll and had a thoughtful expression. “Sometimes. He’s too skinny for his own good and those scars look nasty but it’s rude to ask.”

“I know,” Sirius groaned. “But I’m worried and he was limping all day today. He said he’s doing something for Arnoldi tonight but I don’t believe it.”

“So, you’re suggesting we follow him? Like a heist?” James looked excited.

“Thats exactly what I’m suggesting Prongs! You in?”

James nodded quickly and put a smirk on his face, taking another bite of his roll. “And I have just the thing.”

Remus had come to dinner looking pale and winced when anyone raised their voice. Sirius knew he wasn’t okay and as someone who came from an abusive household - physically and verbally - he’s taking it upon himself to look out for his Moony.

Remus had mumbled that he had to leave at 6:40 and James and Sirius watched him limp slightly out of the Hall.

“How did I not notice before? He looks awful.” James pouted.

“Thats why we’re doing this, for the sake of our fellow Champion.” Sirius said putting a finger up.

“Ooo what are you guys planning? I know that tone anywhere Padfoot.” Lily questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“Nothing of importance just… Marauder business, yeah, Marauder business.” Sirius stumbled. James laughed and put an arm around his neck.

“Don’t ask questions cause we ain’t going to answer, Lily flower.” James said with a wink at his girlfriend.

Lily sighed and returned to eating. “Don’t get caught alright?”

James and Sirius winked one last time at their friends before James pulled him out of the Great Hall. He took him behind a dark corner of a staircase with a wicked grin.

“You gonna kill me Prongs?” Sirius teased.

James shook his head, “It’s better than killing you Pads, it’s this.” And he picked up a folded blanket and spread it out, putting it around his body and disappearing except for his head.

Sirius gasped and felt the fabric. “You’ve had an invisibility cloak this whole bloody time and didn’t think to mention it! My mum would kill for this.”

James laughed and put the cloak on top of Sirius. “Its my dads, he let me take it school as long as mum doesn’t find out. Wormy, Frank and I have done some sweet pranks with this over the years.”

Sirius suddenly felt jealous. He could have gone here, but his parents just had to be French and it just had to be in their noble Black name to attend Beauxbatons and not Hogwarts. If things were different, maybe Remus could have gone here too. The boys could’ve shared a room with Peter and Frank and James and they could have done so many pranks. Stalking the night under this magnificent cloak, making the teachers lives hell, being the loudest group at every meal. Having Christmas with the Gryffindors had been the best Christmas Sirius ever had, he didn’t have to go home and he felt so safe. Maybe in another life the Marauders could be real, maybe he and Remus could be together, maybe Regulus would’ve been in the same house as him and they could be the Black sheep together. Maybe is a dangerous game that could drive Sirius into insanity if he got hung up on it. Maybe doesn’t exist here, this is his life and he was going to live it to the fullest. He and Remus could still a couple, they could write to each other every day and then move in together after they graduate. After Sirius saves him from whatever makes him come back more vulnerable than he was before he left, he was going to ask him and he was going to tell him he loves him.

“Oi, you okay Pads? I’ve been talking to you for 10 minutes and you haven’t made a snarky remark about me being whipped for Evans.” James chuckled.

“I’m fine, just thinking about Remus and hoping he’s okay. I think I saw him go to McGonagall’s office one time so he’s probably there.” Sirius said quickly.

“Are you and him together?” James asked curiously.

Sirius breathed a laugh. “We aren’t exactly together together but I want to talk to him about it. After the Yule Ball we were kind of drunk and we did some stuff, by stuff I mean shaggi-“

“Okay! I don’t need the details thank you,” James said harshly, although he was laughing.

“You told me every tiny detail about you and Evans and did I complain?” Sirius replied.

“Yes. Numerous times actually.” James sounded monotone.

“Then you can suck it up and see how it feels.”

“Fine, but don’t say anything you wouldn’t say to your mother.”

“If my mother found out I was a poof, she’d throw me out the window before I even get to talk about Remus.” Sirius shivered at the thought of disgust in her eyes.

“Well, I won’t throw you out the window for being a poof. Alice would be so smug if you told her about you and Moony though. She predicted Remus was gay before she even talked to him all that time ago in September.” James sighed at the memory. They reached McGonagall’s office which opened so quickly the boys had to step back.

Remus and Madame Pompfrey walked out, she looked at Remus with pity that went to the pit of Sirius’s stomach.

“You’re going to be alright Remus. Your hip after last month looked really bad so I did some reading and concocted a potion that may ease the pain, we can try it in the morning okay? Have something to look forward to.” She said kindly with a hand lightly on Remus’s arm. Remus looked like he was about to tip over.

“We should get going dear, can you walk or do I need to get a stretcher?”

Sirius had to put a hand over his mouth to stop himself from gasping. What the hell was going on with Remus that he had to get a stretcher?

“M’alright, please stop worrying.” He said tiredly. The pair started walking off, Remus more limping and the boys followed them.

They walked across the ground and stopped in front of the Whooping Willow which James explained had been planted at the start of the year. Poppy waved her wand and the tree stopped swaying. She and Remus went to the trunk of the tree and then disappeared.

“What the fuck is happening?” James whispered. Sirius shrugged but with the cloak still on, they went to the trunk and saw a tunnel.

“Is this a dungeon? Is he getting whipped by goblins or something?” James said. Sirius punched his shoulder and they went into the tunnel. It was dark, so dark that Sirius had to use Lumos. The boys followed the voice of Madam Pomphrey where she and Remus were in a room that was scratched up and bloody. Remus was sitting on a wooden bed with a thin mattress, he was changing out of his clothes but left his boxers on as Pomphrey kept talking.

“-schools are trying to get the ministry to change the date of the last challenge dear. The ministry are stubborn old men that are set on the date of the full moon, I will not let you be in danger, or let any student be in danger. Although you are not really a student here, you are my patient and I care about you okay? Madam Finley wrote to me saying the best potions for the harsher moons so I will be more prepared. I’ll leave you to it then, I’ll be back to get you at dawn alright dear.” Sirius saw her leave the room and use a locking spell on the door. She leaned against it and stifled a sob, took a deep breath and walked past them.

“Bloody hell.” James whispered furiously. Sirius could only nod.

They unlocked the door and took off the cloak. Remus looked up and gasped, he had fear in his eyes.

“Get the fuck out, now!” He screamed at them, his body was heaving heavily and Sirius wanted to run and hug him.

The champions stared at each other in silence then Sirius couldn’t hold back and hugged the taller boy. He expected to get hugged back but definitely not to be thrown to ground with Remus staring at him with such fear.

“It’s alright Moony, we’ll get you out of here. We want to help you.” He said slowly, with a slight smile.

Remus shook his head and gestured for them to leave. His body was heaving more now and then his back clicked and he gasped in pain.

Sirius and James went to him with worried eyes. Remus was shaking his head with tears streaming down his cheeks.

“Out, out, out! It’s going to literally kill you if you don’t” Remus gasped in pain.

“Remus, please you’re scaring us.” James said loudly, Remus scoffed a little.

Then the full moons light streamed in through the cracks of the covered windows. Remus looked so desperate and pointed to the door, speaking wasn’t an option anymore. His body collapsed onto the floor and his back cracked again, his arms snapped the wrong way and he threw his head back to scream. Sirius and James were huddled near the door watching as their friend screamed, his body transforming against his will.

As if trying to hold back his transformation his looked at them and sobbed as his knees cracked and he fell fully onto the floor. His boxers ripped as his shins got thinner and his thighs bigger. His back bones became so prominent that Sirius thought the skin was going to tear, instead skin was covered with brown fur. The curls that Sirius loved to run his hands through became shorter
and Remus’s ears turned pointed. He heaved one last time and then everyone was silent. Sirius and James were holding their breaths and Sirius knew he was crying.

“Moony?” He whispered. Remus snapped his head and his golden eyes were wolfine. Instead of a gorgeous face, his was furred and he had a face of a werewolf. He bared his teeth at them and growled.

“Sirius, we need to go. Like, right now.” James whimpered. He took Sirius’s elbow and pulled, Sirius tried to resist but James was stronger and as the wolf stalked towards them with saliva
streaming down his mouth, James slammed the door shut and put the locking spell on it.

They leaned against the opposite wall as they heard the sounds of the wolf trying to break down the door. He howled and Sirius started sobbing.

“He’s a werewolf! Moony is a bloody werewolf.” He sobbed into James’s shoulder. James was flinching at every bang as the wolf made.

“He really isn’t doing something for Arnoldi.” James said hoarsely.

“We- we can’t leave him there, the wolf- the wolf took him he… wouldn’t.” Sirius stammered. James shook his head and lead them out of the shack. The whooping willow had returned to normal so they put on the invisibility cloak and sprinted away, bodies shaking with fear and tears.

James took the black haired boy back to his dorm where they sat in silence. James was throwing and catching his snitch and Sirius was staring at the floor.

“That explains a lot.” Sirius started. James nodded with empathy.

“He looked so scared to see us. We should tell him it’s alright, you know how people are with half humans.”

“But he’s not a half human. He’s Moony, and he’s the bravest most human person I know.” Sirius said fiercely.

James put a hand on his shoulder, “Of course he’s still Moony, just with a furry little problem.”

Sirius laughed. “You think anyone else knows, like from Durmstrang?”

“Marlene knows, she walks on eggshells around him all day on full moons.”

“What about Igor and the other one?”

“Bloody hell, I don’t know Padfoot. And his name’s August which you should learn if you’re going to be with Remus. And Igor is a git, he’d probably use Remus on full moons to like, kill people or something. Do you think he’s killed anyone?”

“Lets hope not, I don’t want to be in love with a criminal.” Sirius chuckled to himself.

James’s eyes widened and he gasped at his friend. “You love him!”

“Well duh, we’ve been hooking up since Christmas and have you seen him? Who wouldn’t love that adorable face?” Sirius rolled his eyes, James still looked wide eyed.

“You love him even after all that?”

Sirius frowned. “Yes. It doesn’t change who he is, and I was just confused, I didn’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t that. Moony deserves love, and I’ll give it to him, all of it.”

“What about after the tournament, do you think you can make it work?” James sounded concerned.

“You and Lily are making it work so why can’t Remus and me? If he wants to be with me still and reciprocates my feelings then yes, we can make it work.” He fiddled with his rings. He remembered one time between the first challenge when he touched Remus’s hand and Remus had hissed, taking back his hand quickly. Sirius had been upset with the reaction but thinking back on it, werewolf’s couldn’t touch silver without it burning their skin. He took them off and put them in his jean pocket.

“He’ll be in the infirmary tomorrow morning. Let’s go in and visit him, tell him it’s okay and we still want to be friends with him. He’ll be bashing himself up about it knowing him.” Sirius suggested. James nodded with a smile saying it was a good idea.

Sirius stayed in the Gryffindor dorms that night but couldn’t sleep for the life of him.

——

Remus was disappointed he woke up the next morning.

His friends saw him. They followed him and didn’t listen and saw him turn into a monster.

Remus had never seen himself transform but it felt ugly and agonisingly painful, and he predicted it would’ve looked the same.

What if he injured either of them? What if he killed them?

He looked down at his naked body and started crying. His right side was heavily bruised and he saw a giant bleeding scar starting from his left shoulder to the bruises. He tasted blood on his lips and felt it drip from his nose. His body wracked with sobs as he imagined his friends reactions when they see him. Or maybe they won’t see him. The thought made Remus feel sick.

James’s usual confident smirk had disappeared when he had seen Remus last night, he looked frightened and pushed against the door. And Sirius. Oh Sirius. He was sobbing as if he couldn’t believe Remus was a dark creature, he had hidden underneath James’s arms when Remus looked at him. They looked so scared of him, and Remus could have killed them.

“Remus, are you okay in there?” Madame Pomphrey called out.

She must have heard his sobs because she entered and ran down to his crying form. She sighed and pulled him into a motherly hug, stroking down his hair like Marlene does and rocking him back and forth.

“I know dear, no one should have to go through what you go do. Such a brave young man you are, such a worthy champion.” She softly spoke, this only made Remus cry harder and he buried his face into her neck.

He remembered he was naked and moved his knees to his chest, the motion hurt but he didn’t wince. Poppy pulled back and smiled at him softly, the dawn sun was coming through the cracks.

“Can you walk love?”

Remus nodded and put his boxers and shirt on quickly. The blood from his cut seeped through his shirt and he crossed his arms to cover it. He was limping and his face felt bloody and animalistic, but it was his blood which he had never been so grateful for.

“Rest dear, I’ll heal your wounds.” Madam Pomphrey said as he lay in bed, his tears had dried but if he spoke he’d probably start crying. He drank the sleeping drought quickly and hoped it would sedate him until after the Tournament.

“He’s not in here, get out!” Remus heard Marlene yell as he slowly woke up.

“We know he’s in here.” James yelled back. Remus froze and started panicking. They were here to kick him out of the Tournament! And he was only in a nightdress with bandages wrapped around his torso and a thin cubicle curtain covering his bed.

“Well you must’ve been high last night cause I’ve never seen Remus in here.”

“We literally saw him when we walked in here.” Sirius deadpanned. Remus held his breath and hoped Marlene would make them go. He couldn’t face Sirius today.

“Get what you came here to get then get lost!” Marlene threatened, he imagined her crossing her arms with a deadly glare.

“But we came here to see Remus.” Sirius replied in her same tone and Remus really started panicking.

Marlene was silent and Remus heard loud footsteps heading his way. The blinds were ripped open and standing over him were Sirius and James.

Remus suddenly felts uncomfortably vulnerable as the boys stared at each other. Sirius was frowning and James was scratching his ear.

He couldn’t take it anymore and started crying, they could see his scarred arms and were looking at his scarred face and his upper lip had dried blood on it. He was so terrifyingly ugly and he was so in love with the unfathomable beauty that was Sirius Black and James Potter was the handsome heart taker of Hogwarts and it wasn’t fair. They were his best friends and they hated him now. He always predicted Marlene hated him but felt sorry for him so she didn’t leave, but she let the boys see him all vulnerable and ugly and it seemed like she hated him too.

“Just fucking say it. Get it over with.” Remus cried into his hands.

Sirius and James were now both frowning and Remus wanted to hide in his blankets forever. “What are you on about mate?” James said steadily.

“That you hate me now and don’t want to be my friends. About how ugly I am and that I’m a monster who wanted to rip you to shreds last night.” He sobbed. Remus felt a soft hand on his shoulder that made him flinch. He looked up and saw Sirius smiling down at him.

“You must be bloody mad to think we’d ditch you because you can turn into a furry.”

Remus laughed wetly. “Padfoot, you don’t have to say all this kind nonsense, I can ta-“

“You know you just get sexier every time I learn something new about you?” Sirius said with a large smile, “That half man half wolf thing you have going on is doing stuff to me Moony, I cannot lie to you.”

James scoffed and hit the back of Sirius’s head. “We are here to show our support, not explain your kinks to our friend. We had a plan Padfoot, stick to it! Sorry about him Moony, he’s had a hard morning.”

“Pun very much intended.” Sirius added with a wicked smirk.

Remus was holding his breath and looked at the boys with a confused look.

“You- you aren’t scared of me?”

James snorted. “You bloody fold my shirts for me whenever you come to my dorm, sorry if I’m not shaking at the sight of you.”

Remus put a sad smile on and felt himself start to tear up again. “Last night you both looked pretty shaken up.”

“We weren’t expecting it Remus. And you were on the ground screaming and it- it was a horrifying sound. “ Sirius said softly, he was holding both of Remus’s hands now, stroking along the knuckles, he was sitting on the edge of the bed. “And you aren’t ugly. I don’t know where you got that from but I feel rather offended since I quite like your face.” Sirius started caressing his cheeks and kissed a stray tear.

Remus turned red and saw James turn away to give them privacy. Marlene must have ran off after the interrogation started.

“You don’t- you don’t have to Padfoot. You’re gorgeous and can have anyone you want, literally anyone and I’ll understand, sure I’l-“

Sirius kissed him with both hands holding his face. He had taken off his rings which he normally always wore and Remus had to start wearing thick gloves when they began holding hands. Sirius
kissed him for a long while, deep and with so much tongue Remus was sure it was going to reach the back of his throat. Then Sirius pulled away smiling, licking Remus’s lips for good measure.

Remus couldn’t believe it. And for him, most things were too good to be true. “Is this a joke or something.” His voice cracked.

Sirius looked taken aback and nosed his cheek. “Why would I joke about something as precious as you?”

“I’m- I’m a werewolf though!”

“So?”

“So! I could have killed you last night and you deserve the best, you deserve the best in the world and I’m a dark fucking creature! You can’t get worse than that.”

“And I’m the eldest son and heir to the most wealthy house in the whole of Britain. And to beat that, I’m also the bloody disappointment. I literally got an unforgivable done on me because my parents heard I wasn't in the 'family house' at Beauxbatons!” Sirius breathed deeply and kissed Remus’s hands. “If this is a competition on who has the worse life, this is going to be a long conversation, my darling.”

Remus shuddered and hugged Sirius tightly. This is not how he was expecting this to go.

“You had an unforgivable on you?” He whispered, he felt Sirius nod against his neck.

“It was cruciatos curse,“ Sirius breathed. ”I was left to die on my dads office floor but Reggie got me out. Took me to my Uncle Alphard’s apartment that he left to me and we stayed there for the
rest of the holidays. And now I’m here, with you and I feel like they can’t touch me.”

Remus kissed his head and stroked his long hair. It was always so soft and shiny. “I’m so sorry.”

“I’ll be fine, I have Reggie and James said his parents love me so I’m sure they’d let me stay over. Lily is like my sister and Mary and Marlene are bloody brilliant.” Sirius chuckled and hugged Remus harder.

“You have me too, Padfoot. Always, always.” He whispered.

Sirius pulled them apart and kissed Remus lightly with a caring smile that made Remus feel loved. Remus pulled Sirius in again and kissed him harder, pulling on the dark locks and getting a rewarding moan.

“Whoever blessed me too met such a great kisser and shagger, I better send them a fruit basket.” Sirius joked, kissing along Remus’s jaw.

“My reading smut faze has finally come in handy.” Remus muttered as Sirius bit into his neck. Sirius snickered and laughed through his nose.

“You bloody handsome nerd.”

They kissed deeper and deeper and Sirius put a hand up Remus’s night dress. He was only in his boxers underneath but Sirius had already seen everything. He felt the bandages and pulled away from the kiss to put his head under the nightdress and fucking lick them.

Remus was breathing heavily and put his head against the pillow while Sirius worshiped his new scars. Who knew that this perfect specimen would be worshipping him of all people, but he wasn’t complaining because Sirius got to his nipples and Remus had to bite into his fist to stop the moan from coming out. The blinds surrounding the bed were shut but not sound proof.

“Merlin, Sirius. You’re tryna kill me?” Remus breathed as Sirius’s head popped out from the collar of the dress. His grin was childlike and his black hair was matted on his head, his lips red and wet from kissing Remus’s body. Even wetter when Remus started kissing him again.

“Have you seen your body, Lupin? Gymnastics have been kind to you.”

Remus laughed into Sirius’s mouth and pulled him even closer; if that was possible. The dark haired boys hands were exploring and traced every scar it could feel. His hands skimmed over Remus’s hard on before gripping it, his body still in the night dress. Remus was getting sick and very hard from the foreplay so he rolled them over and Sirius gasped.

“Get out.” Remus demanded, his pupils were wide and only a slimmer of amber could be seen. Sirius breathed a yes and shimmied out of their shared dress.

“Talk to me.” He demanded again, kissing along Sirius’s face.

“Oh ummm, I first saw at the entrance and you climbed up that fucking stick with your big hands around it and I remember thinking ‘that is the hottest man to ever walk the earth.’” Sirius chuckled to himself, his hands playing with Remus’s curls.

“Ummm- are you making a hickey?”

“Talking Sirius.”

“Oh yes, then you laughed in the common room the first night and I died because you were leaning against the coach with your perfect hips and I wanted to bend you over so bad. And at the Yule Ball, you proved my theories were right because you do have perfect hips and I lo- I really liked it, so much.” Sirius moaned as Remus bit his shoulder, his hand coming to wrap around Sirius’s neck.

“I don’t fucking bend over.” Remus practically growled. He was surprised by his voice but Sirius was very much into it as he stretched his neck higher so Remus could take more of it.

“Oh Remus dear, you’re awake! You were pretty scratched up after last night. Oh Mr Black, what a pleasure! Are you friends with Mr Lupin?” Madam Pomphrey said kindly, carrying a plate of steaming dinner.

Remus took off his hand from Sirius’s neck and blushed furiously. He rolled off from atop of Sirius and tried to fix his hair, Sirius looked like he was trying to remember how to breath.

“Ye-yes, Marlene had to go and she didn’t want me to be alone.” Remus stammered a response.

“Lovely, well visiting hours are over and I wanted to keep you in for another night. Shoo, off you go Mr Black.” She hurried Sirius away who smiled and blew Remus a kiss cheekily.

Remus was blushing still and moved to lay on his stomach under the warm covers. His bed felt empty and he messed the pressure Sirius put everywhere.

“You alright Remus? Looking a bit red there.” She smirked with a chuckle. Remus covered his face and groaned.

Poppy was laughing and put his dinner on the bedside table. “Eat up when you’re ready and drink this potion. I don’t want any sneaky visitors until the morning, understood?”

Remus nodded and looked at his dinner, it was steak with potatoes tonight, one of his favourites.

“The bandages holding up I imagine?”

He nodded with a smile, “Oh yes, you did a wonderful job.”

Chapter Text

“You and Sirius Black are getting close, no?” Igor said rather seriously at lunch a few days after the moon.

Him being a werewolf had in fact not been a toll on his relationships with anyone. Marlene had apologised for letting them interrogate him and even bought him Honeydukes finest chocolate. His friendship with his fellow Champion and new friend, James, hadn’t differed at all. They still worked on quidditch and explored the castle together, stole food from the kitchens and gushed about certain Beauxbaton students.

And Sirius, he was more than perfect. He didn’t treat Remus like a mutt and all his families views on dark creatures didn’t seem to effect him at all. Remus had thought the boys would spill his secret at every meal but they didn’t, they acted like nothing had changed. And this made their friendship stronger, as Remus found them in the library memorising the full moons for the next decade with dedicated eyes.

Remus guessed this meant they wanted to stay friends with him even after the Tournament which filled him with such happiness and hope he almost cries at the thought.

“Yeah you could say that. Why?”

Igor smirked and leaned closer. “You know he’s a fag right?”

Remus’s eyes widened and he tried to even out is heartbeat. Is Igor homophobic or something to have used the f slur?

“Why does that matter?” He asked defensively, not knowing if it’s more for himself or Sirius.

“You could use it to your advantage, he looks like a perv around you.”

A Slytherin named Severus Snape who was rude to James before the Goblet of Fire spat out his drink.

“He is? The Black heir is gay?” Severus said with a sneer that seemed to be his facial expression 99% of the time.

“Apparently so.”

Remus couldn’t focus, this didn’t seem like the sort of news that needed to be out in the school.

“Maybe you should talk about something thats actually your business.” Remus said with an eye roll.

“This is your business! Black wants to put his dick in you and you don’t even know it.” Severus laughed at Igor before looking at Remus with fake pity.

“Me and my friends could beat him up for you if you get uncomfortable.”

Igor chuckled and patted Remus hard on the back, “or, you could use this to your advantage.”

“How could I use my friends sexuality to my advantage? All I want is to pass these tasks and get the prize money and buy a library.”

“Oh Remus, you sarcastic molerat. You seduce him of course.” Igor said with a grin. “I’ve already talked to Headmaster Arnoldi about it, he said its a good distraction tactic that could get us to the cup! Do it for Durmstrang, do it for the money if you need a motive.”

Remus kind of wanted to throw up. “That is disgusting! Sirius is my friend and I’d rather loose the tournament than use him.”

Igor turned grim looking and Snape rolled his eyes, sticking his nose up in distain. “Headmaster Arnoldi wants to speak with you, he asked me to tell you.”

Remus swallowed and wished he hadn’t sat at the Slytherin table.

“Ahh, Remus Lupin. My favourite student! Come sit, sit.” Arnoldi said happily, pointed to a chair across from his desk.

Remus sat down and played with his staff. Arnoldi made them carry it when they walked around the school as the third task drew nearer.

“Has Igor told you of our plan to seduce Mr Black?”

Remus nodded, “And I told him I’m not going to do that.”

Arnoldi face moulded into the same grim expression his dorm mate had before. “This is a smart tactic Remus, get rid of one of the contestants and the cup is practically ours.”

“I’m not using my friend.”

“You aren’t going to use him, we need a different word. I hate English.” His headmaster muttered, clicking his fingers like he does when he needs an English word.

“Ahh yes, you’re going to benefit from him.”

“Benefit?” Remus asked.

“Gain his trust, you’ve already done that if your peers haven’t been telling me lies. You make him fall for you, which seems to have happened already as no one has that expression when they look at a friend. Then you break his heart. Black is strong, yes? He shouldn’t expect a werewolf to be capable of love.” Arnoldi grinned as Remus’s blood ran cold.

“Wh-what are you saying, sir?”

“If you don’t do this for me, I just might slip some veritaserum into your pumpkin juice and we’ll both see if you’ll be alive by morning.” Remus had never stood up faster. His headmaster wouldn’t do this to him, he gave him a chance to learn as a werewolf and made him feel at home among wizards. He let him join gymnastics and share a room with other boys his age. He was the father he never had!

“How dare you use that against me.” Remus whispered, tears were started to spill.

Arnoldi shrugged with a convincing smile. “It’s your call. The press will be all so sad to hear that sweet James Potter was taken over by jealousy that he used the killing curse on you. His smirk wouldn’t look too proud in Azkaban.”

“You wouldn’t. He would never!” Remus screamed. He hated his headmaster, this was torture worse than his transformations. He’d rather turn into a werewolf every night than do this.

“I’m merely suggesting you do what is told of you than let an innocent man rot in jail.”

Remus put his head in his hands to stifle his crying. He couldn’t do this to Sirius or himself. He was already in love with the short French boy that let him twirl him around at the Yule Ball and kissed him with such passion after finding out about his lyncanthropy. With Sirius’s shiny hair and perfect face. Eyes filled with such trust when they looked at Remus. And all Remus could think about was that trust replaced with repulse and hurt and anger, and Remus hated it so much he felt his heart tear and he hadn’t even agreed.

But he had to agree. He could be killed and the blame would be on an innocent boy who had a heart bigger than Gringotts. James and Sirius would make the same sacrifice. Remus thought. They would understand.

“Fine, I’ll do it. But if I win, I’m giving every penny to my mother and you and I will not get a cent!” Remus said as deadly as he could.

“That’s fine. I don’t need your money, all I need is the thought that I helped you get there. You’ll be thanking me later Remus Lupin.”

Remus wanted to scream at Arnoldi but instead he went with a deadly glare and slamming the office door extremely hard. He leaned against it and slid down to floor, his knees against his nose.

“I’m so sorry Sirius, I’m so sorry.”

——

Remus had come down to dinner looking exhausted and depressingly upset. He couldn’t even look at Sirius without tearing up.

Sirius was confused. They were doing so well and all of a sudden he couldn’t even look at him! Sirius glared at his lasagna and poked at it angrily with his fork.

“You alright Pads?” James asked, Remus finally looked at him with a distressed expression.

“Oh I’m fine, just that one particular person won’t look or talk to me!” Sirius said angrily too James. James looked at Remus with raised eyebrows.

“All good on your end Moony?”

Remus smiled unconvincingly, “of course, just a bit distracted with the third task coming up and all that…”

“You can always talk to us you know. We are you friends.” Sirius said softly, putting his hand over Remus.

Remus was seriously about to cry. “I know. But maybe I’ll sit at the Slytherin table today. Talk to you guys later.”

Sirius looked longingly as Remus hurried away with his plate to sit next to Igor and August. They looked at their friend with big smiles and Igor and August exchanged fist pumps.

“What is up with him?” James said with a grimace.

“I wish I knew Prongs.”

The students of Hogwarts ran off to their classes and Sirius was left to himself. He’d normally be with Remus right now inside a cupboard snogging the brains out of each other or giving him a broom ride as they explore the Forbidden Forest. But Remus ran off with his Durmstrang friends with their annoying staffs that Remus doesn’t even like!

Sirius sulked around the empty compass with his hands deep in his blue blazer and his pencil skirt hugging his legs.

He was about to go back to the common room when he noticed an open door he hadn’t seen before. It didn’t look like the mysterious door him and Remus found on the night of the Yule Ball and loud noises were coming from inside.

He heard jazz music that Remus and his friend August listened too in the common room. It echoed through the castle and Sirius’s curiosity got the better of him.

He looked through the door with as little sound he could make and what he saw inside made him stop dead in his tracks.

Remus was stretching in the tiniest, thinnest shorts he could own. His back was to Sirius and they really didn’t leave much to the imagination. His shirt was tight and brown with red strips. His legs were so long and never ending as they went above his head with pointed toes. Remus’s arms stretched and his muscles flexed, his shirt rided up and showed a slither of skin- it was as if he knew Sirius was watching.

Sirius stayed where he was at the door when the song changed into a more upbeat sound. Remus shook his body and grabbed his large staff that was leaning against the wall. And like at the entrance introduction, his large hands climbed up the stick bringing his body with them.

Then he was fucking pole dancing. With every item of clothing tight to his thin body and his curls glistening with sweat. Sirius was going to black out.

“Oh Sirius, what are you doing here?”

Sirius was brought out of daze as he saw Remus slide down the stick, his annoying shirt scrunching up to show his annoyingly toned stomach.

“I uh- heard the jazz music you and your mates listen too, and I didn’t know you were in here- I can leave.” Sirius stammered, his face burning.

Remus smiled, “Please stay, I love it when you watch me.”

Sirius grinned and stalked over to give Remus a snog when a hand intervened.

“I said, I love it when you watch me. So you’re going to watch.” Remus grinned wickedly as he pushed Sirius into a chair he hadn’t seen before walking away, his hips exaggerating movements.

“Firstly, I need to stretch my lower back. You know how tight my back muscles get, Sirius.”

Sirius didn’t, in fact, know. But he tried to even his breathing as Remus put his hands on his knees and extended his back. His shorts riding up his arse as his back muscles made a satisfying click.

“Secondly, I need to make sure my staff is well suited to carry my weight. You never know when it might break in half with too much pressure.”

Remus resumed what he was doing before Sirius came in and carried himself up his stick. He got to the top, winked at Sirius, and balanced with one hand as his legs straightened in front of him. The staff wobbled a bit but Remus maintained focus and balance. It was inthralling as he flipped off and landed on one knee, his staff making a loud bang in front of him.

Sirius clapped and Remus bowed.

“Thirdly, I need to make sure I can bend into small spaces. It’s no use being a gymnast without any fragility.”

Remus walked over to Sirius with a sad twinkle in his eyes before smirking and sitting on his lap. His thighs on either side. The chair Sirius was in had arm rests and a straight back which Sirius thought was what Remus meant by ‘small spaces’. Remus looked Sirius in the eyes and put his forehead to meet the other boys. They sat like that for a moment before Remus put his hands on either side of his face and kissed him. Sirius grinned into the kiss and brought Remus’s hips closer to his.

“Is this how all you gymnasts train?” He joked, kissing the boys lips again and again.

“It’s recommended for those who have someone to assist.”

Sirius smirked, “well I’d be truly disappointed if you found someone else to help you train.”

“Then I’d better stick with you then.” Remus said with a big toothy grin that made Sirius kiss him again.

Oh, how much of an unnecessary distraction this is.

Chapter Text

James was angry.

He was angry at Remus.

He was angry at Sirius.

And he was angry at himself for letting this happen.

They were an adorable couple. Perfect for each other. Soulmates even. But when Remus treats Sirius like the king he is, then runs over to his friends who are giggling like a bunch of school girls. James cannot accept it.

“Are you being a git on purpose or are you Durmstrang lads just really into gossip?” James asked with his arms crossed. Remus was lying on a comfy couch in the guest common room with a rugged book in his hands.

“What are you on about, Prongs?” Remus chuckled.

“You! I’m on about you!”

“What have I done?”

“You know what you’ve done!”

“No, please remind me. It appears I’ve forgotten.” Remus stood up, his book still in his hand.

“At lunch, you sit with us and are all sweet with Pads, then we finish and you run off to Igor and the other git who are always giggling like lunatics!”

“They have a big sense of humour!” Remus shrugged.

“Then why do they laugh at us?”

“Maybe because you’re funny?”

“No! I know a pack of bullies when I see one and your little group is definitely that.”

“What are you on about, Prongs?” Remus sighed tiredly.

“I think you’re doing something for the tournament and I think it isn’t good.” James put his hands on his hips.

“Aren’t we all doing something for the tournament?” Remus yelled in return.

“Not whatever the fuck you’re doing! This is about making friends and meeting other students and definitely not using people for whatever plan you and your goons have going on.”

Remus was silent and didn’t meet James’s eyes.

“Are you using Sirius or something?” James asked angrily, “Is this a ‘tactic’ you and your friends came up with? Because if it is, cut it the fuck out or else I’m going to have to use fists.”

Remus began tearing up and without his permission, he started sobbing. He hid his face in his hands, shoulders shaking with every sob. His book dropped to the floor and one of the pages folded.

“Shit Moony, you okay?” James asked in confusion, rubbing his back comfortingly.

“No! Fuck Prongs, this is the worse thing to ever happen to me.” Remus cried, his face was still covered but against James’s shoulder.

“You can talk to me about anything you know, I’ve been told I’m a great listener.” James said with a grin, patting Remus’s head.

“Oh James,” Remus sobbed, James’s shirt was beginning to feel wet, “I love him, I would never do this to him but I’m being forced!”

“What! Forced to do what?”

“I would never, I could never. He’s brilliant and gorgeous and- and I don’t deserve it for what I’ve been doing.”

“Rem, please tell me before you get snot on my shirt.” He tried to be funny but Remus cried harder and wrapped his arms around the slightly shorter boy.

“You’ll hate me too and I love you guys. You’re the best things that ever happened too me!” Remus weeped.

“You’ll never loose us you silly git.” James rolled his eyes. “You’re stuck with us, unfortunately. And I’ve already made you one of my grooms men when I marry Lily.”

Remus cried more and shook his head. “You’ll change your mind when you find out!”

“It can’t be that ba-“

“I’M BEING FORCED TO BE IN LOVE WITH SIRIUS OR ELSE I’LL BE FUCKING OUTED! OKAY?” Remus yelled.

James was shooked for a moment before it turned into confusion, then anger.

“You- you what?”

“It’s not my fault I swear! I do love him. So, so, so much and it’s not fake at all!” Remus rushed, he looked frantic and James almost felt sorry for him.

“But you’re playing along?”

“I have too! Don’t you get it? Or else Arnoldi will tell everyone where I go once a month.”

“Shit.” James opened his arms and Remus fell into them sobbing, “But it’s real right? You do love Sirius?”

“I’ve been in love with him before Arnoldi told me to fake it.”

“Well that’s good, what’s the problem then?”

“Igor or someone will spill their plan sooner or later and Sirius will think I used him and he’d never trust me again and he’ll never believe I ever love him as much as I do!” And the water works started up again, making James’s shirt even wetter.

“Why don’t you tell them to fuck themselves?”

Remus laughed humourlessly. “I wish. If only you knew the outcome that would come from that.”

“Tell Sirius, then he won’t be upset with you when they spill?” James suggested.

“But then he’d think it was fake the whole time!” Remus wailed, “Sirius would go to the worse possible outcome, I know he would.”

“He adores you Remus, he’ll believe you if you tell him earlier on than let it get any worse.”

“Why does everyone call you a himbo? You’re so fucking smart.” Remus cried even more.

James was starting to regret not wearing a thicker shirt.

“You know what! I’ll go get him and you can tell Sirius all your feelings then call me in so we can slander your school, okay? He’ll believe you more if you have someone on your side.” He suggested again. Remus nodded sadly and wiped his eyes and nose in a childlike way.

“Okay, thanks mate.”

——

Sirius was definitely confused.

“Padfoot, I love you.” Remus had said with a small smile.

He had felt on top of the world so he grabbed the boy and kissed him, which was pretty damn close.

“I love you too, Moony.” He replied into his mouth, the boys had giggled and kissed some more.

And now they have pulled apart and Remus looks blanched.

“There’s something you should know.”

Sirius laughed and kissed his cheek. “What? That you’re a werewolf.”

“Ha ha, it’s something worse I think.”

Sirius traced one of Remus’s scars, the one from his left eye through his right cheek that ended at his jaw.

“Now I’m curious. Am I a mistress?” He chuckled, Remus rolled his eyes but looked less pale.

“More like every Durmstrang that came here thinks I’m using you for my own advantage to win the cup.”

Sirius was more than confused.

“What?” He pulled away.

“It’s not true! I’m so in love with you I can’t even breathe sometimes, but my Headmaster thinks I’m using you to win the cup. I think he believes I’ll be a-“

“Shut up Lupin!” Sirius swore loudly, “you can’t just confess your feelings then tell me you’re using me.”

“But I’d never use you, I’ve been in love with you since before Arnoldi forced me to go with his plan!”

“Yeah right, as if you wouldn’t use me.” Sirius yelled back, his eyes were wet.

“What the fuck does that mean” Remus asked, he looked extremely hurt.

“Come on Remus, you need the prize money for your mum and you’re scared you’ll not get it unless you get into my pants!” Sirius seethed.

“Is that what you think of me?” Remus whispered, looking like Sirius punched him.

Sirius groaned and walked forward to take Remus’s elbow, who was turning away. “No Moony, I’m sorry I’m just tired.”

“But you wouldn’t have said it if you didn’t mean it!” Remus stepped backwards. He was crying now.

“No I swear, Moony please sit down. I’m sorry.”

“No!” Remus cried. “You really think I’d sleep with you just to win the cup? If you have that must trust in me then you really mustn’t love me us much as I love you.”

“You just fucking told me you’re using me!”

“I fucking told you that Arnoldi thinks I’m using you but I’ve been in love with you since the first fucking night in this damned castle!”

“Then why does Arnoldi think you’re using me?” Sirius yelled, Remus scrunched his own hair and groaned in frustration.

“Because he’s a bastard that’s trying to get you out of the competition and me to the cup and the only reason I agreed to his stupid plan - even though I’m not actually- is cause he said he’d out me and I wouldn’t wake up in the morning and Prongs would get the blame and-and I’m so confused and I hate him and I hate my school and I would never purposely do this to you!” Remus sobbed out.

Sirius’s anger hadn’t faded at all. “Prongs what?”

“Arnoldi practically told me that he’d kill me if I didn’t agree to his plan and that James would get the blame for it. He’d go to Azkaban an innocent man and I’d be dead and my poor mam and poor you and-“ Remus was cut off by Sirius’s strong hug that pushed them onto the couch.

“Bloody hell, mon loup.” Sirius muttered into his curls.

“I would die rather than use you but I couldn’t let James be falsely imprisoned, I could never.” Remus sobbed into his shoulder. Sirius kissed his head and stroked his scalp.

“It’s not fair, the position you were in. I would’ve done the same.”

Remus chuckled bitterly, “I still haven’t forgotten that you thought I’d get into your pants only to win the stupid cup.”

“You’re right Remus, that was a dick thing to say.” Sirius said solemnly, hugging his lover tightly. “But I do love you.”

“And I love you.”

Sirius grinned widely and hugged Remus tighter.

“And I was- this is so embarrassing- it was my first time, the night of the Yule Ball. So it wasn’t a small thing for me.” Remus said shyly.

Sirius pulled away and grabbed his face then started assaulting it with kisses.

“Hahaha, Pads stop! Hahaha that tickles!” Remus laughed as the kisses continued.

Sirius thought he was absolutely adorable. “I just love to kiss you.”

With one last loud kiss on the cheek, Sirius smiled down at Remus who was flushed from kisses. Merlin he loved him.

“I’m honoured I was your first. At least you know it was good sex.” He winked and Remus covered his face with a groan.

“Get off me you oaf.”

“Nope! Can’t let you run off to those gits you called friends when you could be with me.”

“I wanted to read actually, but I’m glad you like my company.” Remus gruffed, pushing him off.

“Hey Moony, I’m sorry. I’m just mad they wanted you to use me and threaten your life! It may be a little thing for you but that isn’t normal.” Sirius fought. The atmosphere turning cold again.

“You think I wanted to be threatened! If anyone else finds out about my furry problem I may well be as good as dead, no one wants their child to be near a monster. My father certainly didn’t.”

“You know that’s not true, you are certainly not a monster! And I’m sorry again for saying that. I really am fucking up tonight.” Sirius apologised. He patted up and down Remus’s sweatered arm that smelt like the amortentia he made in sixth year.

His mind flickered with an idea.

“This sweater smells very familiar.” He started, “along with those chocolate bars you’re obsessed with and a hint of forest.” Remus looked confused with one eyebrow raised.

“I remember smelling these smells in sixth year when Monsieur Graem taught us it in cours de potions.” Sirius saw Remus blushed and look over his face with wondering eyes.

“You’re a smart boy Moony, you know what potion I’m talking about. La potion d'amour.” the potion of love

“Shit Pads.” Remus groaned, hiding his face in Sirius’s shoulder.

He giggled and hugged the boy closer.

“You have to tell me what you smelt now. I almost blacked out when I realised why you smelt so familiar.” Sirius chuckled, a little nervous in case Remus’s amortentia was something different.

Remus shook his head and dug deeper into Sirius’s shoulder.

“Way to change the topic to amortentia.”

“I truly am curious! And you can tell me if you didn’t smell me, I’ll be sad for sure, but sup-“

Remus kissed him again with a grin. Sirius was starting to like the way he shuts him up.

“I smelt motor oil, the cologne you wear every damn day that was driving me crazy,” Remus started looking embarrassed.

“Go on.”

“Old books and dirt, maybe leather but it was a year ago so I don’t remember.”

Sirius smiled at his lover again, kissing his forehead and hugging him closer.

“We are written in the stars, Moonbeam.”

“Of course you get poetic after love affirmations.”

“Only for you, Moonyeyes.”

“I don’t like that one.” Remus chuckled.

“Mooncakes.”

“No.”

“Moonsicle?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Moonymine.”

“That one’s cute actually.”

“Moonymoon.”

“Ha ha.”

“My Moony.” Sirius whispered. Remus stopped laughing at his nicknames and looked at Sirius with large eyes.

“My beautiful Padfoot.” Remus whispered back, touching Sirius’s face like it was glass.

“Does that count as a nickname?” Sirius muttered, admiring the boys amber eyes.

“Would you rather I call you Paddywack?”

Sirius laughed loudly, throwing his head back. Remus was giggling and started kissing his exposed neck.

“Padfoon then?”

“The fuck is that?” Sirius asks with a giggle.

“Pad Thai?” Remus said with a wink.

“Haha yummy.”

“Paddleboat?”

“I gave you romantic additions of your name and you’re giving me these?” Sirius sighed.

“It’s hard.” Remus groaned.

“Call me Daddy then?” Sirius suggested, winking again.

“Should I bite my lip whenever I call you that?” Remus chuckled.

“Like. Daddy.” Remus said in a husky voice, he bit his lip but started laughing after he did it.

Sirius was, unfortunately, turned on.

“Good grief Remus, mon dieu.” He sighed making Remus giggle more.

“Must make up for the lack of fatherly figures in our lives.”

Sirius laughed through his nose and kissed Remus’s hair.

“Who needs fathers? They fight all the time anyway.” Sirius said, playing with the thick ringlets.

Remus nodded. “Agreed.”

“Did you talk to him Moony?” James asked, walking in with a hopeful voice.

“Oh sorry Prongs, I forgot to call you in.” Remus said, pulling out of the embrace but staying on the couch.

“Are we back to being Marauders? Can we plan pranks on Arnoldi now?”

“Marauders?” Remus asked.

James and Sirius locked eye contact and nodded. “Of course! It’s our gang name!”

Remus scoffed and fell back into Sirius’s chest. “ I’ll only join if we get Arnoldi back real bad.”

“Obviously. Anything for you Moony.”

——

“Pete, we’ll send you back if you don’t stop stepping on my toes.” Sirius snapped.

As the boys went to retrieve James’s invisible cloak, they were discovered by Peter who was writing an essay in his bed. Frank was with Alice and Peter was extremely bored and kept asking questions.

“Fine you can come, but only if you don’t ask what this is for, okay?” Sirius said sternly.

Remus had noticed those two didn’t get on very well. Peter was jealous his friendship with James was threatened and Sirius thought Peter was a lieability who would only slow them down.

It was rather annoying.

“Will you two stop bickering or we’ll send you both back.” Remus snapped.

“Sorry Moony.” Sirius muttered.

“Apologies.”

“Arnoldis office is here. I was thinking we do something to his staff, he carries it around even in his nightclothes. Maybe we jinx it or something. Any ideas are welcome.” Remus said, feeling proud to be in this group and under the cloak.

“Will you be carrying your staff?” James asked.

Remus nodded. “We have staff training tomorrow so yeah. Gotta practice spinning it around our arms and banging it on the ground so loudly sparks fly up and stuff.” He rolled his eyes at the thought.

“Will you be wearing those shorts?” Sirius asked.

“Haha no, we wear our full uniform like always with this sort of practice.”

“Stupid uniform.” He heard Sirius mutter.

“Anyway,” James said loudly. “I think we should prank you guys at the training.”

“And do what? Turn the ground into foam whenever someone’s staff touched the ground?” Remus joked.

“That’s not that bad actually!” Pete exclaimed.

“That could be good?” He asked.

“Yes! You have a mind of a prankster, my dear Moony.” James said, putting an arm around his shoulders.

“Gerrof.” Remus grumbled with a blush.

“Do we enchant the staffs or the ground?” Peter asked.

“The ground.”-“The staff.” James and Sirius said at the same time.

“The ground wouldn’t be able to be enchanted because it might feel any hard presence and turn into foam and that wouldn’t be the prank.” Remus concluded. “I’ll enchant the staffs tonight if we find the spell.”

“Bet 5 pounds I’ll find the spell first.” Sirius yelled gleefully.

Remus found the spell first.

———

“Okay here they come!” James jittered with excitement.

He loved a good prank and Remus seemed to be the brain to his brawn when it came to them.

Sirius, him and Pete were sitting at the Gryffindor table for breakfast when the Durmstrang students came walking in like they owned the place. Their staffs were banging on the floor and Arnoldi looked like he wanted to charm everyone dead. Remus winked at them and James blew him a kiss. Marlene was beside him looking smug in their wooly uniform and when all of them banged their staffs on the ground, the sparks that usually appeared were met with a bouncing sound.

“Oh Merlin it’s working!” Sirius sang.

The hall looked shocked and Remus was giggling into his collar. Marlene gave him a pointed look and stuck her tongue at the boys on the table. Arnoldi looked at his staff with distrust as ordered everyone to bang them again. The result was the same spongy sound and James saw Igors staff bounce a little.

“What is this childish nonsense?” Arnoldi roared.

Dumbledore was smiling kindly, “It appears we have some pranksters in our midsts. The soft landing charm is very easy to reverse, I will return your staffs back to normal Stefan. But for now, please take a seat and enjoy this devine breakfast.”

Remus practically skipped to their table with Marlene in tow.

“That worked brilliantly!” He gushed about his work. He kissed Sirius on the forehead as he sat down and started stacking pancakes into his plate.

“Woah woah woah! What was that Rem?” Marlene asked with her eyebrows raised.

He looked confused, “what was what?”

“That with Sirius? The forehead kiss.”

“Did I not tell you? Sirius is my boyfriend.”

Sirius looked at Remus in awe and blushed incredibly. Marlene looked speechless and James was about to stand up and kick her out if she said anything.

“Why didn’t you tell me? We could’ve been simping about our boyfriend and girlfriend all this time!” She said looking mad. It was Remus’s turn to be speechless.

“You have a girlfriend?!”

Marlene scoffed and pointed to the Ravenclaw table. “Yeah, Dorcas and I have been going at it since the Yule Ball. I thought you and Siri had a thing going on that night too.”

“Don’t call me that.” Sirius grumbled.

“We did!” Remus gasped in excitement.

“I fucking knew you were gay.”

“I was oblivious! You and Alyona were making out right in front of me in fourth year and I thought that was a normal thing for girls to do.”

“Haven’t we all made out with our girl friends?” Mary said. “Don’t look at me like that! I was curious and Dorcas was probably horny.”

“You kissed Dorky?” Frank gasped as he and Alice sat down.

Mary shrugged and looked at Remus.

“So Alice was right about you.” She smirked.

“I’m right about a lot of things, be specific please.” Alice said, picking at a bacon bun.

“That Rem was gay.”

“Oh please, I thought we all knew that when he and Sirius were snogging at the party after the first challenge.”

“I didn’t snog him, Moony looked hot and he completed the task way to quickly which made him ten times hotter an-“

“Pads, think about an ugly teacher at Beauxbatons but in a bikini.” James said with a mouthful of egg.

Sirius closed his eyes and nodded solemnly. “Thanks Prongsie, I needed that.”

“You good Sirius?”

“Please don’t talk to me Remus, I need a breather.”

It was silent for a moment when Sirius opened his eyes and nodded at everyone.

“All good. Please continue.”

“You did not just get a boner at the breakfast table.” Lily scolded.

Sirius blushed and put a finger up at her. “It was an accident.”

Lily rolled her eyes and James put an arm around her. “I need to get paid being your friend.”

“Reg doesn’t complain and he lives with me.”

“You only masterbait at night but I have to deal with you during the day which is much worse!”

“Do you think I wank when I should be asleep?” Sirius gasped in fake betrayal, his hand over his heart.

“I bet everything I own that you do.” Everyone laughed.

“Prongs! Your girlfriend is bullying me.” Sirius wined.

James laughed and kissed Lily’s hair. “She didn’t lie though.”

“I have never been so offended by something so true.” Sirius gasped again, leaning against Remus with a hand on his head.

“I wouldn’t mean against Moony if I were you.” James teased. Remus looked put off and pushed the boy off him. Sirius winked at him and blew a kiss.

Lily shook her head and took a large bite of her egg roll.

“Get a room you two.”

Chapter Text

From when they had arrived at Hogwarts to the time for the third task, it was early March and Sirius just found out it was Remus’s 18th birthday in three days.

“You couldn’t have told me weeks ago! I only have three days to plan your party!” Sirius explained to Remus who looked tired and was reading a book in the Gryffindor Common Room.

“Please stop Sirius, I don’t need a party. I need to focus on the next task and so far I have nothing.”

Sirius sighed and sat next to his boyfriend.

Since their declarations, they had been very open. The boys held hands in the halls and played with each others clothes. They kissed all the time and have gotten used to their friends yelling at them to find a room. It was marvellous and Sirius wouldn’t change it for the world. Although the smirks and winks the Durmstrang students give Remus was an annoying reminder that no one knew this was real.

At least Regulus was happy for him, he and Remus had been speaking Welsh together. It filled Sirius’s heart with warmth to see his brother being so open with his partner. Merlin knows what they talk about but they smile and laugh a lot so it must be good.

Suffragette City started playing on a record player belonging to a fifth year. Sirius nodded along to the words and shimmied his shoulders towards Remus.

Remus laughed and put his book down to smile at him as Sirius got up to dance.

Oh don't lean on me man, 'cause you can't afford the ticket

I'm back on Suffragette City

Oh don't lean on me man

'Cause you ain't got time to check it

You know my Suffragette City

Is outta sight she's all right

Sirius sung along, his pale blue blazer was open and he was in long pants today. He held his hands out for Remus and he took them. The fifth years that were studying saw them dancing and whooped at them, some getting up to dance.

Don't lean on me man "cause you ain't got time to check it

You know my Suffragette City

Is outta sight she's all right

Sirius spun Remus was around and the tall boy had to duck to get under his arm. They laughed and some more students came to join in the dancing. The boys held hands and Remus copied Sirius’s feet as he moved them on the ground.

I'm back on Suffragette City, I'm back on Suffragette City

Ooo, Sufraggete city, ooo, Suffragette City

Oooh-how, Sufragette City, oooh-how, Sufragette City

Ohhh, wham bam thank you ma'am

“You’re so stupid!” Remus laughed as Sirius wormed his arms.

“It’s called dancing, Moony. You should try it.”

“I can put my foot on the top of your head if I wanted.”

“Gotta see to believe.” Sirius sing-songed, he felt a weight on his crown and realised Remus had actually put his foot on his head.

“I fucking love your legs.” He said over the music, rubbing Remus’s ankle that was on his forehead.

“So weird.” Remus joked as he put his foot down and pulled Sirius closer. David Bowie changing to a different artist.

Oh you gonna take me home tonight

Oh down beside that red fire light

Oh you gonna let it all hang out

Fat-bottomed girls you make the rocking world go round

“I hate this song.” Sirius stated as they started swaying to this song.

“It’s new isn’t it? A Queen one.”

Sirius nodded, “Some gits at my school played it whenever Lil’s entered a room. I taught them a lesson or two about human decency.”

“Did you break their noses?” Remus chuckled, stroking Sirius’s brow.

“More like put termites in their bed sheets and replaced conditioner with Veet.” He shrugged with a smug grin.

“So creative, yet so effective.”

“You sound surprised.”

“They’re such childish things to do but they get the job done.”

“Is that, dare I say, pride?” Sirius gasped in feigned shock.

Remus sighed. “Don’t tell Marlene, she’d freak out.”

“Too late, this is something we must celebrate.”

“Nooo. I just told you I didn’t want a birthday party.”

“But we have too. We celebrated mine!” Sirius tried to keep the pleading from his voice.

“That’s you, I don’t like loud noises and being reminded I’m one year closer to death.” Remus deadpanned.

“Well with that mindset anyone would.”

“I quite like my mindset. People with my furry problem don’t get a long and free life like you’d get. I’m going to die young you know? If not from the pain of transformations then from the ministry.”

“It’s painful?” Sirius asked in a small voice.

“It’s fine, Padfoot. I’ve lived with it for so long I can barely feel it.”

Sirius knew that was a lie. He saw the transformation and that agonising scream that haunts his dreams is enough to make anyone feel Remus’s pain.

“How about a small party, with just the Marauders and the girls. If you want any of your friends to come then we’ll invite them too.” Sirius suggested.

“No one else okay?” Remus raised his eyebrows.

“I promise.”

———

It must have spread somehow because on the 10th of March, Remus walked into the Great Hall with his Durmstrang mates to find a banner above the tables saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY REMUS in red glittery letters.

“What the fuck is this?” Remus muttered. Marlene, Igor and August laughed and clapped Remus on the back. Students at the tables turned and screamed Happy Birthday in the loudest voices they could muster. Remus was literally going to faint.

Marlene led the boys to the Slytherin table who welcomed him with a quiet Happy Birthday and some of the second year Slytherins even came up to him with a present.

“For you Mr Champion.” They said in unison. One of the girls put a heart shaped card on the table with a blush before they giggled off to the front.

“Ooo, looks like you have a fan club.” August teased, grabbing the heart card and opening it.

He cleared his throat and read the card allowed in a high pitch voice.

“Dearest Remus Lupin, Have a happy birthday and I wish you all the best in the final challenge. May your day be filled with love and happiness.
Love from Ariana Montague Xx.” He finished with a breathy sigh and bowed as the people around him clapped.

“Don’t you love fan mail Remmy?”

“My favourite delight.” He monotoned as the owls started coming in.

He knew he’d get mail today but not that much. About 20 owls dropped packages and cards onto is lap, landing on his omelette and spilling his orange juice.

“Good god, Remus! That’s more than you get in a year.” Igor exclaimed in shock. He grabbed a package and shook it.

Remus snatched it off him and put it on the pile he was making. “This is definitely excessive.”

“Open one, open one!” Marlene chanted.

He rolled his eyes and opened the box he snatched from Igor. There wasn’t a card and it was wrapped in brown paper topped with a green bow. Inside was the most beautiful sweater he had ever seen.

“No fucking way.” He gasped. It was the same texture of his other ones, it was brown and woollen with little green trees knitted around the arms.

“Another grandpa sweater, not like you don’t have enough already.” August teased.

“I love it! Did you see it come with a card?” He hugged it to his chest and looked around for a card.

“It was from me!” A voice sung. Sirius came skipping over and hugged Remus from behind, kissing his cheek.

“I see you like it.” Remus heard a grin in his voice as he looked over the sweater.

“I love the pattern, and the texture and everything! Thank you, Pads.” He smiled widely and kissed Sirius on the lips.

“Anything for my Moony.” Sirius sighed into his lips.

A cough reminded the boys that they weren’t alone and they pulled apart. Igor looked at them with curiosity and August was smirking.

“You can have your Moony tonight, but he’s ours for the day. Birthdays are a school friend event.” A Durmstrang boy called Mulciber who was a year younger said.

“I think it’s up to Remus to decide.” Sirius sassed. Arms crossing on his chest.

Sirius did look great today, he was in a light blue vest and a flowy white skirt Remus mentioned he liked once. He himself was in his Durmstrang uniform, Remus felt awfully underdressed.

“I’ll eat lunch with you guys, but I do want to open my presents. Thank you again for the beautiful sweater, I’ll wear it all day.” Remus told Sirius who looked slightly betrayed. Remus brought him closer with his chin and pecked his lips.

“Maybe for another present you can ask the kitchen staff to make chocolate waffles for lunch.” Sirius rolled his eyes but chuckled, kissing Remus on the temple.

“See you at lunch then.” Sirius winked and walked over to the Gryffindor table.

“He’s going to find out this is all fake and you’ll have to ask the kitchen elves yourself.” Igor said, August laughed loudly and banged the table.

“No more pretty sweaters for Moony moo.”

Remus tried not to growl, “Shut up or I’ll open the presents in my room, alone.”

“Fine, fine. But that kiss did look awfully passionate, care to elaborate?” Igor rasied his messy eyebrows.

Remus tensed and as if sensing is discomfort, Sirius looked over and smiled reassuringly. “It-it’s nothing, he’s a good kisser.”

“You do kiss him a lot.” August nodded. Marlene gave him a look and gestured for him to follow her lead.

“Come Moony, I need to show you my present. It cannot be presented in the presence of such an open place.” She said, standing up and helping Remus carry his mail.

Some of the boys wolf whistled and wiggled their eyebrows.

Why was Remus attracted to such an immature gender?

“Of course Marly.” He said quickly, they grabbed the rest of the packages, he glanced at the Gryffindor table before running out of the Hall with Marlene.

“Thanks for that.” Remus breathed, as they sat on his bed and separated the presents around the quilt.

“You looked kinda stuck, just helping a friend.”

“This is why you’re my best friend.”

Marlene scoffed but looked pleased. “You wouldn’t last a day without me.”

“Ha, you’re totally right.”

“Alright, I want to know what all these fans got you. Open that one, it’s huge!”

——

“Sugar Quill.” Remus whispered to the Fat Lady.

Him and Marlene tip toed up the staircase and knocked on James’s door.

“Shit, he’s here.” They heard someone whisper hysterically.

“Wormy, please just put it down, he’s not going to care.”

“I want him to like it!”

“But Moony isn’t the fucking Queen of England.”

“The way you talk about him, he might as well be!”

“It’s called being in love, you might be unfamiliar with the concept.”

“Merlin you two, get your heads outta your arses and open the door!”

Remus and Marlene exchanged glances before the door open and they were met with Sirius who was smiling brightly.

“Come in, come in. Don’t you look lovely McKinnon.”

“Not so bad yourself Black.” She hugged him before strolling over to Dorcas and Alice.

“I see you’re still wearing the sweater.”

“It’s my new favourite.” Remus blushed at himself and Sirius kissed his cheek.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOONYLOON!” James screeched, launching himself at the tall boy.

“Do you feel older?” He asked.

“Oh yes,” Remus nodded, “I have all the knowledge of the universe.”

“Ooo, tell me my future!” James was like a five year old sometimes.

“In 17 days, you will have the same fate as I.” Remus said in a dreamy voice, his hands whimsical.

“I already knew that, you suck at being a seer.” James poked his tongue out and Remus flicked his nose.

“Must have better things to do with my life.”

“Like giving me a hug?” Mary smiled coming towards him with her arms open. Remus rolled his eyes but gave her a tight embrace.

“I love the shirt Mary.”

“Thanks Rem, I cut the heart out myself, adds character.”

“You haven’t commented on my outfit, Moonflower.” Sirius grumbled, coming behind him while he talked to Mary.

“Funnily enough, not everything is about you.” Mary said.

“It should be.” Sirius sighed.

“Enough chit chat, open our presents!” Lily chanted from James’s lap.

“Crap guys, you didn’t have to.” Remus looked over at the mountain of presents on the middle of the floor.

Peter rolled his eyes and put an arm around him. “ course we did, can’t leave you to those bastards giving you vodka.”

Remus laughed long with everyone else. “Just because half of my friends are Russian doesn’t mean I only get vodka.”

“Wouldn’t surprise me.”

“Open my one Moony!”

“No, mine’s better.”

“At least I wrote a card.”

By the end of the night Remus had gone back to his dorm with three new sweaters, a small fortune of chocolate, muggle magazines and lots of thick socks. Lily even knitted him a lord of the rings fellowship scarf which he promised to wear everyday back at Durmstrang.

“Good birthday then Rem?” Marlene asked with a smile as they put his stuff on his bed. Igor and August were fast asleep and huddled deep in their blankets.

“It was perfect.”

“You now have enough sweaters to last you a lifetime.” She picked one up with a dinosaur pattern.

“Nuh, plenty of room in my wardrobe for more.”

“Such a grandpa.”

Remus hushed her and brought her in for a hug, “Thank you for coming with me.”

“I love our new friends, wouldn’t miss a chance for more sweets.”

Remus gasped, “you only use me for my chocolate? I knew it.”

“Stolen chocolate always tastes better.”

“Ha ha, go to bed Marly we have a big week coming up.”

Marlene sighed and looked at Remus with sad eyes. “You too. Gute nacht schatz.” Good night sweetheart.

Chapter Text

The morning of the third task met James in a cold sweat.

He had had a nightmare and he woke in a sob.

“You alright Prongs?” Frank asked with concern. His voice groggy with sleep.

“Yeah yeah, just a bad dream. The third task hasn’t exactly been keeping him sane.” He joked but his voice was dwindled.

“You’ll do fine, if anyone is capable of completing this tournament it’s you.”

“But Remus deserves it so much more than I do, and Sirius needs the money to get away from his- I’m just saying that we all have good reasons to win, I don’t want anyone dying for entertainment.”

Frank nodded and sat next to him. “Obviously, no ones getting hurt intentionally.”

“My parents are coming for the challenge.” James stated suddenly.

“Oh that’s wonderful! I love Effie and Monty, will they bring those cookies again?”

“Those cookies along with a big hug would be nice.”

“You can always ask me to give you a hug you know.”

“But mum hugs are different, they’re nice and reassuring and I just want to stay in them forever.” James felt overwhelmingly sad as he thought about Effie hugs.

“You’ll be seeing them today. Anyway, it’s 5 in the bloody morning and you need as much rest as you can get.”

“Always so wise, night Franky.”

“Night Prongsie.”

The Hogwarts school band was blasting encouraging music with Beauxbaton students singing in tune and Durmstrang banging large drums and staffs along to every fourth beat.

James, Remus and Sirius walked through an archway that lead to the middle of the small stadium that they travelled to by portkey.

The boys were dressed in a long shirt with their names on the back and the school colours. They were only allowed their wands; the ministry even brought examiners to check if they snuck anything in.

When the champions walked out the stadium roared. Students waved flags and banners and the music intensified, some even started dancing, smiles wide on their faces.

James looked over the crowd and waved to everyone, making the crowd go wild. His parents came down from their seats and his mum made grabby hands for her son.

“My baby boy, look at you!” She said tearily, caressing his face.

“Please stop calling me a baby.” James deadpanned.

“Never, my ickleberry Jamesie pie.” Effie smooshed his cheeks together and pulled him in for a hug.

“Dad, save me.” James gasped dramatically.

“We’re just so proud of you, our ickle James.” Fleamont teased, scruffing his sons hair up more.

“Godric save me.”

“Is that Sirius Black I see? And he didn’t come over for a hug?!” His mum yelled in shock. Sirius, who was talking to Remus’s mother, looked up with wide eyes and smiled happily at Euphemia.

“I wouldn’t miss giving you a hug even if I tried, Effie.” He said softly, getting pulled into a hug by James’s harassing mother.

“I am so, so so proud of you boys.” She whispered tearily, Remus had come over and all three boys were now in a tight embrace.

“Good grief.” James muttered but he couldn’t be happier.

They pulled apart and Effie met Hope, Remus’s mum, they seemed to get along well.

James’s dad was talking to Dumbledore in a hushed voice but the band continued to play and the students continued to cheer and dance.

“Is all this celebration meant to make me less nervous because it’s doing the opposite.” Remus said, looking at a group of boys holding a REMUS FOR CHAMPION sign.

“We’re in the press, this is an important event.” Sirius stated.

“Event cement, I’m scared as fuck that I’m gonna die and everyone will be here to see my body.” James joked stiffly. Lily was jumping in the crowd on his left and he was just as scared to loose her as he was to loose his parents.

“You’re going to make it to your 18th Prongs, don’t worry.” Remus calmed.

“Yeah, this is a corporation school event thing, it can’t be that dangerous.”

James rolled his eyed at Sirius and messed up his bun. “Whats a little bit of death for publicity? Everyone knows that the death toll is really high yet they’re doing it anyway, the schools mustn’t be too concerned for us if we’re doing the Triwizard Tournament in the first place.”

"Settle down, settle down!” Dumbeldore demanded to the noisy stadium.

“Welcome to the third task of the Triwizard Tournament!” And the room erupted in noise once again.

The schools headmasters and mistresses came out and went their chosen champions. Regulus was with Headmistress Arquette as they came beside Sirius and talked in rapid French. Remus tensed as Arnoldi put a hand on his shoulder and whispered something in his ear, Hope must have noticed because she took her sons hand and stroked his shoulder. Dumbledore came over with Monty and Effie to James and smiled at him with pride. Dumbledore knelt to James’s level and winked childishly.

“This is the hardest task of them all, but if anyone can complete it, it’s you.” James nodded.

“Use your wand if need be and don’t let your fears take control of your sanity.”

James looked up in confusion. “Hang on, what do you mean by that sir?”

Dumbledore only smiled and gestured for everyone to surround him.

“Congratulations all of you for getting to the final task. Now, this is a dangerous challenge that will test your bravery, coodernation and magical ability. If you are in any trouble at all, send a signal using the ‘point me’ spell, we will see it and send help immediately. Your goal is to find the Triwizard Cup to be named Triwizard Champion.” -Dumbledore pointed to the three large closed doors that were along the stadium- “These are the doorways to the Triwizard Hall of Mirrors, as Sirius Black won the second challenge, he will go in first, then James and Remus who drawed for second place.”

“Sir’us, ze door will opan zoon, b’e riddy.” Madame Arquette said.

Sirius looked at James with nervous eyes. “Good luck, Pads, we’ll see you in there.”

“It was an honour working with you boys, see you on the other side.” Sirius saluted.

“Stay safe Sirius.” Remus muttered before kissing him lightly on the lips.

The crowd cheered loudly and the band played up again as the first door opened to show a misty corridor, the walls made of mirrors. Sirius looked back to his brother and the boys before taking a deep breath and walking in slowly, the door shut with a thud behind him.

“Oh gosh, he just went in there!” Remus rushed, looking scared and flustered.

“He’ll be fine, the goblet wouldn’t have chosen him if he wasn’t good enough.”

“I know, I know.”

About five minutes passed before the other two doors opened and Dumbledore and Arnoldi gestured for them to go through. The crowd was loud enough to still hear even after the large doors slammed shut. James looked around the misty corridor and saw his reflection. He turned around and saw it again. This was a Maze of Mirrors.

The only sound was his footsteps as he rushed around corners, his wand out and breathing heavy.

“Godric guide me.” He muttered whenever he made a spontaneous turn.

Every corridor was misty and every wall had a mirror that showed his terrified face. More than once he ran into his reflection.

James spun around when he heard a willowing scream that sounded a lot like Sirius’s.

“Sirius? Padfoot are you alright?” He called out, running towards the sound.

He was sprinting now, accidentally running into mirrors and loosing corners. He heard another traumatic scream that sounded like Remus’s when he transformed.

“Moony! I’m coming, stay where you are.” He yelled.

He turned a sharp corner and gasped at what was on the other side. A figure that was Sirius was sobbing on the floor, his shoulders were shaking and his wand discarded.

“Oh god Pads, are you alright? I heard you scream and ca-“ He stopped when Sirius turned around to have sharrow and hatred on his face.

“Hey, it’s me. It’s Prongs, James, I know this task is scary but we’ve got to do it.” James tried to reassure, Sirius scoffed and went back to crying.

James sighed and and squatted next to his friend. “Come on Pads, lets’ do this together.”

“Prongs?” A voice behind him whispered. He wizzed around to see Peter.

“Wormy, what are you doing here?”

“Looking for you. I’ve stopped eating, I wish I looked like you and got all the girls. I wish you payed attention to me and not your new friends, your better friends. I know I’m boring and fat and can’t do advanced spells but at least I’m loyal.” Peter spat.

James frowned and stood to comfort his roommate. “Petey you’re my best friend, let’s go to the kitchens after this okay? You need to eat.”

“Then what?” A voice that sounded like Remus’s sneered behind him, “you gonna tell him about my furry little problem? Are you gonna leave me like everyone else in my life? Treat me like a mutt who deserves to die?”

“Oh Moony, of course not! How could you think that? You’re my friend.” James pleaded, suddenly feeling very upset.

“Then why have you left Sirius to cry on the floor? Is that how much he means to you?” Lily Evans spited, standing above Sirius and patting his head. “If this is how you treat your best friends imagine how you would treat me after school. Would you leave me if you found out I was pregnant?”

James was about to start crying. “Never, Lily, I would support you and your child.”

“Well it doesn’t look like it. You pathetic, selfish, arrogant toe rag of a man.” Lily sobbed, crying next to Sirius.

“All this time, our friendship has been based off lies?” Frank whimpered in one corner.

Mary wailed next to him with mascara running down her pretty face. “You left me! I wanted you to help me but you left!”

“What kind of friend are you? The one time I needed you, you weren’t there.” Alice bawled onto a shoulder of a scowling Dorcas.

“Such a terrible friend. You don’t deserve us.”

“No, I would never! Let me help you all please!” James cried out.

The cries and betrayed faces of his friends seemed to become louder and clearer, the mirrors showed their faces and echoed their voices 10 times more. James felt like he was spinning as cries got louder. Even if he closed his eyes he could still see the hurt faces of the people he held most dear.

“PLease no, I would never let this happen!” He screamed out, trying to get the crying to stop.

“Yet you did.” A familiar voice said, normally so kind and filled with love, sounded so cold and untrusting.

“Dad?”

“Don’t call me that! Only sons who make me proud get to call me dad, and you have done the opposite. You have disgraced as all with your stupidity and childish ways.” James’s dad yelled. Where was the love in his eyes? What had James done?

“What did I do? I can fix it, I swear!” James had tears streaming down his face.

“You can’t make us trust you James, you did this yourself, this is all your fault.” His mum hissed, James turned to the left and saw her reflection staring daggers at him, he looked to the right and saw her again, her disappointment. He looked forward and saw his friends look of betrayal and sadness.

Everywhere he looked was torture.

“I didn’t mean too, I swear, I swear!” I pleaded, he was on the floor now.

The voices started up again and spoke fast words.

“We never loved you.”

“You’re no friend of mine.”

“Pathetic.”

“Try hard, talentless.”

“Not worthy to be a Gryffindor.”

“No son of mine.”

“I have never been so disappointed.”

“RIDICULOUS!” James screamed, his wand pointed in the direction Sirius was crying.

“Ridiculous, ridiculous, ridiculous.” He said over and over until the voices were gone. He looked in a mirror and only saw himself on the floor, puffy eyes and wet cheeks.

His heavy breathing was the only sound echoing off the mirrors. James closed his eyes and braced himself to get back up and find the cup. The mist was thick and James couldn’t see his hands in front of him.

"Get yourself together.” He muttered, legs shaky and mind unsteady.

He sprinted down the corridor and hit his head against a mirror. He turned corners and banged himself some more before the mist became thinner and the mirrors reflected a pale blue light.

The Triwizard Cup.

Wiping his wet cheeks, James sprinted towards the light, this corridor seemed too long and James was running out of breath.

There it was. Sitting on a marble stand those Greek philosopher heads usually were put, James looked around for the other Champions before looking at the cup in awe. It was transparent with dark blue glass and cool dragon looking things as handles. Embedded on the front were the letters W I Z surrounded by little leaf patterns.

Shaking his hands, he grabbed the neck of it and held it in the air as if it would do something. Sensing it was lifted, James felt a cool breeze blow away the mist, the only light was the faint light from the cup and the ground rumbled.

James blinked and suddenly he was back in the stadium, walking through the door he went in at the start. The crowd cheered when they saw him, the band playing up again with happiness. James smiled fondly at his parents before raising the cup, receiving a thundering applause in return. Many students from the competing schools scowled but clapped and James swore he saw Igor hand some money to a third year Hufflepuff.

“Yes, Yes! That’s my boy, I’m so proud of you!” Fleamont gushed, pulling James into a hug that made him want to cry. His mum joined with tears in her eyes, messing up his hair and kissing his forehead.

“I can’t believe you won, my talented Jamie.” James blushed at his mum but hugged her tightly, trying to forget the bitterness on her face in the maze.

“James!” Lily screeched, throwing herself into his arms. James laughed loudly, handing the cup to his dad and wrapping both arms around his girlfriend.

“You won, I can’t believe you won!” She whispered, pampering his face with kisses.

“Congratulations mate.” Peter grinned beside Frank.

“Thanks guys.” James said while pulling his dorm mates into a hug.

“You must be right mad to put your name in the goblet.” Frank said. They laughed.

“Our Prongsie is pretty mad.” Sirius said behind him.

James turned quickly to see Sirius and Remus smiling shyly. Sirius looked flushed with pride whereas Remus looked pale and extremely puffy eyed.

“Oh come here you.” James hurried to pull his friends into a tight embrace.

“You okay Moony? Padfoot?”

Remus nodded a little and gripped to his shirt tighter. “M’alright, a bit shaken.”

“Same, I wasn’t expecting boggarts, not sure what I was expecting but it wasn’t those.”

“We made it out, and that’s all that matters.” James concluded.

“Truly, congratulations Prongs, you deserve it.” Remus said quietly, putting an arm around the shorter boy.

“Yeah mate, I’m so proud of you.”

James started feeling emotional again at all the sentiments.

“Aww guys, stop it.”

“Say cheese for the prophet!” None other than Riter Skeeter sang at them, flashing a large camera in their faces.

“Now one of the Champion with his family. Hold the cup on the left a bit, per-fect deary.” She gushed as James grinned into the camera.

Dumbledore came over and smiled at the reporter from behind James. “You did very well James, you made Gryffindor proud today.”

“Thank you sir, it means a lot coming from you.” James said as Rita moved to do the others.

“We should depart shortly and you and the others should get some rest. Poor Mr Lupin looks like he could use some chocolate.”

James snorted but looked concerned at his friend. “Yeah, there were boggarts in the mirror maze and I think they pushed Remus around a bit.”

“All the more reason to get back to Hogwarts and eat the voluptuous feast prepared for us.” Dumbledore said loudly, the other Headmasters nodded and put their wands together, the minister smiled warily and put his wand in the middle and James felt like he was in limbo.

Chapter Text

Sirius woke up listening to his horrified screaming again. He had a cold sweat running down his back and his blanket was bunched around his legs.

He was breathing heavily and closed his eyes. The boggart was haunting his dreams even four days after the final task..

“Souffle, Sirius.” Breath Sirius. Regulus whispered coming out of his bed and into his brothers.

“Cela est arrivé à nouveau.” It happened again. Sirius whimpered, leaning against Regulus.

“You should tell Headmistress Arquette, she’s been worried over you.”

Sirius scoffed, “I’d rather suffer through this than have her tell our parents I’m having nightmares. They’d treat me like I’m fragile.”

“Tu es fragile.” You are fragile.

“Shut your face.” Sirius said in French as Regulus laughed and held his brother tighter.

“You aren’t weak, you’re stronger than any of us.”

“You have to say that out of pity.”

“I don’t have to say anything. We all saw you during the Tournament and it was pure talent. I would have died in the first task and you know it.”

“That’s because I ride a motorbike.”

“Cette moto est une machine de mort.” That motorbike is a death machine.

“And I’m alive so it mustn’t be as dangerous as you think.”

Regulus sighed and smacked Sirius’s shoulder. “Idiot.”

Sirius smirked and pinched his brothers shoulder back. “Idiot vivant.” Alive idiot.

It was silent for a while but Regulus soon broke it.

“Your champion friends asked about you today. I think your Moony noticed something was off.”

“What did you say?” Sirius groaned. But he internally smiled at ‘your Moony’.

“That the third challenge threw you off.”

“As if they didn’t know that already.” Sirius deadpanned.

“Est-ce qu'ils savent? A propos de notre famille?” Do they know? About our family?

Sirius shook his head and Regulus hugged him tighter.

“I’m waiting for Lily to tell them so I don’t have too.”

Regulus laughed humourlessly. “She won’t say anything unless you tell her she can.”

“We’ve talked about families before and I told them that the Blacks are racist, homophobic, intolerant arseholes which speaks for itself. I hoped they got the memo.”

“Jaques-Louis David would be proud.” His younger brother said quietly.

“Jaques qui?” Jaques who?

“He’s an artist in the 18th century who was a politician during the French Revolution, one of his paintings was denied public display in one of the Paris Salons so during the war he voted for this man Lavoisier’s execution. Lavoisier was a tax collector for the Royal Family and he predicted Jaques’s downfall.”

“He has nothing to do with this conversation.”

“It’s the same though, Jaques was told he would fail so he used karma and his enemy ended up dying. If you tell enough people of our families ways then we could bring them down, non?”

“I feel like you’ve thought about this a lot.” Sirius teased.

“Obviously.” Regulus said in the same tone.

“I can’t believe your random facts made me feel better.” Sirius chuckled, Regulus gasped.

“My random facts are brilliant, thank you.”

“Hmmm, name one.”

“Michelangelo first rose to prominence after a failed art fraud.”

“Wait, really?”

“He wasn’t with the times, kind of a rebel like you.”

“Stop comparing us to renaissance artists! Is this why you don’t have any friends?” Sirius laughed loudly while Regulus gasped in offence and pushed him backwards.

“Lily’s my friend.”

“She’s your friend out of obligation.”

“Your my friend.”

“Unfortunately out of obligation too.”

Regulus cocked his head to the side and frowned a bit. Sirius stopped laughing, suddenly feeling bad and started shaking his head.

“Of course we’re your friends, you’re my best friend Reggie. Vous et moi contre le monde.” You and me against the world.

“Toi et moi.” You and me Regulus whispered back, they rested their foreheads together and breathed softly.

“I feel like shit for not winning the Tournament for us, we could have lived anywhere we wanted. Away from Paris and away from that restrictive house.” Sirius muttered sadly.

“Don’t worry, you graduate soon and then you can be free and I’m only a year behind. We’ll get through it, I promise.”

How much of an empty promise was this?

“I promise you too.”

“Padfoot!” James shouted across the Great Hall as Sirius and Regulus walked in the next morning.

Sirius turned to his brother with concern. “You sitting with us or..?”

“My random renaissance facts are more useful at a different table, see you later.” Regulus winked and walked over to the Slytherin table where a boy and two girls greeted him with wide smiles.

Sirius grinned and swaggered to where his best friends were eating breakfast.

After the final task, the three boys were treated like royalty. James had been taken to the ministry with his parents to sign some things about the small fortune he won as well as keeping the Triwizard Cup safe. And Sirius spent the following days getting congratulated and showered with fan mail. Some fan mail consisted of female undergarments and long letters about how in love they were with him. He also stopped eating the chocolate he got gifted as one of the Ravenclaw boys ate one and was suddenly in love with a girl named Niamh.

Remus was quiet through it all, the third task at taken a toll on him too it seems. His Durmstrang mates were surrounding him like a caged lion whenever they walked around the grounds, making Sirius cut back on his boyfriend time. They continued to glare and laugh at him whenever Sirius tried to talk to Remus and one buff boy even threatened him. Marlene hadn’t let him or James see Remus after the full moon that month which made the boys feel distanced from the third Champion. Although Remus looked far away most of the time he smiled at Sirius and blew him kisses across the corridors which raised Sirius’s hopes for them after school.

The champion himself, James fucking Potter, was handling fame like he did it every other weekend. He signed photos of himself whenever a student came up to him, he wrote replies to fan mail, walked with more confidence than before (if that’s possible), and even made time to be a good boyfriend to Lily and a brilliant friend. He was superman but with an unstylish school robe and glasses that can’t stay on his nose.

“How’s it going over here this fine morning?” Sirius asked as he sat next to Lily.

“I wish I stayed in bed.” Mary groaned, resting her head on Dorcas’s shoulder.

“Is it that time of the month?” Frank sympathised.

His girlfriend glared at him where she was resting on Dorcas’s other shoulder.

“No shit Sherlock.”

Frank raised his hands in defeat, “sorry loves.”

“Are we attacking Frank again or did ABBA release a new song?” Marlene joked as she and Remus sat at the table.

Remus looked tired but happy as he sat on Sirius’s lap, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and kissing his temple.

“Good morning to you too Moonshine.” Sirius said softly, putting his hands on the taller boys lap and resting his chin on his shoulder.

“Morning, love.” Remus sighed out.

“Keep the love to a minimum please, I’m trying not to cry out of loneliness.” Mary whined.

Dorcas snickered and kissed Marlene on the lips with a smack. Alice winked as she walked over the table and onto Franks lap who then continued to embrace, Lily and James were already sitting together other and whispering sweet nothings into each others ears.

Mary whined some more and pushed herself off Dorcas, Sirius laughed as she and Peter held eye contact with a renouncing expression.

“Why am I friends with you people.” Peter asked into his cereal.

“Because no one else would take you.” Dorcas joked making everyone laugh.

“We have other friends, we can get up and leave whenever we want.” Mary threatened.

James snorted. “As if.”

“Ugh let’s go Pete, we have better things to do than sit and mope about our love lives.”

“I bet they’re going to the library.” Lily said with a smug grin as they watched their single friends walk out.

Alice twirled Franks fringe and smiled, “They’d be friendless without us.”

“I feel kind of bad for them.”

“Prongs, there’s nothing they can do but wait. Attraction doesn’t appear out of thin air.”

“Says you Pads. ‘Oh he’s so hot.’ ‘Do you think he noticed my skirt today?’ ‘I wanna snog his gorgeous mouth off.’ ‘His but-“

Sirius complained and hugged his boyfriend tighter. “Shut up Lillian! No one asked.”

“You’re telling me more later.” Remus winked at Lily.

“Maybe Wormy and Mary should get together.” Frank suggested.

Marlene gasped out a snort, “those two are the least compatible people I know. They’d break up after the first date.”

“Sorry baby, but this is why you aren’t the cupid of this friend group.” Alice sympathised.

They talked some more and while Remus started eating pancakes Sirius drew patterns on his exposed neck. They only had one week left at Hogwarts before they returned to their schools and did end of year exams. Madame Arquette encouraged Beauxbatons to go to the year 7 classes because they were learning the same stuff, just different teachers, and in English. A cold shiver went through him at the idea of Remus being on the other side of Europe, returning on that ship that made him so seasick he vomited three times, wearing thick scarfs and walking around with that heavy staff. Sirius was starting to think he’d get separation anxiety.

“You ok Pads, you’ve been unusually quiet.” Remus asked. Always so reassuring and kind.

“I’m alright, mon amour.” Sirius hugged his boyfriend closer and kissed where he had drawn patterns on his neck.

He kissed along the pale skin, following a red scar and biting down softly where it ended. He sucked on it some more and smiled when Remus sighed happily.

“Ugh, get a room.” He heard James mutter as he and the others left the table. Marlene pushed his head when she past but Sirius didn’t stop smothering Remus’s neck with well deserved kisses.

Remus laughed and put a hand in Sirius’s hair, taking him off his neck and meeting his lips.

“That disappearing room is looking quite inviting.” Remus muttered against his lips.

Sirius could only nod vigorously as Remus grinned and took his hand, leading them down the now well known halls.

---

“Are you a faggot now too, Lupin?” Snape sneered with a group of Durmstrang boys behind him.

Sirius and Remus had just left the disappearing room with rumpled uniforms and puffy lips. Sirius knew he had visible purple hickeys across his neck.

Remus stopped walking and let go of Sirius’s elbow. “What?”

“I said are you a faggot, Lupin?”

“Why do you care Snivellous, are you jealous?” Sirius replied with a smirk, though Remus still looked stiff besides him.

Snape’s nose flared with anger as he took out his wand and pointed it at the boys. Igor came beside the Slytherin and glared at Remus in disgust.

“Have forgotten the agreement or do I need remind you.” Igors Russian accent sounded more prominent, Remus frowned a bit and grabbed Sirius’s arm to push him behind him.

Remus sighed impatiently. “What are you on about, Karkaroff?”

“Arnoldi’s plan. Seduce the French champion, fuck him around, and win the cup. But it seems you forgot the last part.” He grinned evilly, his uneven teeth looking grimier than ever.

“James won the cup, not Sirius so you can leave him alone.” Remus snapped, his hand slowly reaching into his pocket to get out his wand.

“Wet aren’t here for your fuck toy, we’re here for you.” August spoke up.

“Severus, get French boy out, we’re dealing with the wolf.” Igor smirked with power.

Remus stiffened, not leaving his classmates sight. Snape rolled his eyes and gripped Sirius by the blazer, taking him out of the corridor and up some stairs into an empty classroom.

Sirius twisted around, trying to get to his boyfriend. “Get off me you merde gluante!” slimy piece of shit!

“Stop squirming or I’ll hex you.” Snape snapped.

Sirius yelled in frustration and pushed the Slytherin off him, making Snape trip. They both took out their wands and glared.

“What are they going to do to Remus?” Sirius asked slowly.

“None of your business, disgusting queer.”

Sirius darkened and walked closer to the boy on the floor. “Say that again, I fucking dare you.”

“SECTUMSEMPRA!” Snape yelled, his wand did a motion and soon Sirius was the one on the floor in unexplainable pain.

“Oh mon dieu!” oh my god Sirius sobbed out. He watched Snape stand up and look down at him with a smirk.

He kicked him in the stomach, making Sirius curl up and cry, his blood was soaking his blazer and flooding the stone floor. Snape walked around him and put his foot on Sirius’s hand, putting all his weight on the hand until it snapped.

“Qu'est-ce que tu m'as fait?” What have you done to me? Sirius cried out, his dominate hand now bent in the wrong direction.

Snape bent down and gripped Sirius’s hair “You’ll be dead before anyone finds you,” Snape whispered in his ear with a smile. “Just know that Remus Lupin is getting 10 times worse than this.” With one last strong kick in the crotch, Snape walked out of the empty classroom and spelled the door locked.

“Quelqu'un! N'importe qui!” Someone! Anyone! Sirius yelled, his wand was in his back pocket and he didn’t have the strength to get it. There was no way to contact anyone.

Sirius’s brain couldn’t translate to English at the moment but all he could think about was Remus. His Moony, being told his closest friends knew his cursed secret. His Mooneyes, getting punished for a curse that wasn’t his fault. His Moonshine, probably getting outed to the ministry and every Wizarding school in Europe. His Moonlight being unaware that Sirius was screaming on the floor, surrounded by his own blood.

With a pained and frustrated scream, he reached for his wand with the hand that wasn’t broken. It was weak in his hand but Sirius closed his eyes and whispered the patronus charm. It only produced an Incorporeal Patronus but that was better than nothing.

“Reggie, trouvez-moi, s'il vous plaît.” Reggie, find me, please. He pleaded in a weak voice. The Patronus disappeared and his wand went slack in his hand. He hoped Regulus got the message, or anyone for that matter.

“Je suis vraiment désolé.” I’m so sorry. Sirius whispered. Not knowing if that was for Remus, his brother, James, Lily or everyone else.

He closed his eyes as his tears mixed with blood.

——

“Does anyone know where James went?” Lily asked to the group in the common room.

Regulus had sprinted in a few minutes ago with tears down his face, he grabbed James and the boys rushed out. No one had seen Remus or Sirius for the past two hours.

“Maybe Reg saw his brother doing the deed and needs moral support.” Marlene joked. Lily was not convinced, the only time she had seen Regulus in such a state was when Sirius fell 150 meters from his broom during a quidditch match. He hadn’t left his brothers bedside until Sirius woke up.

“I’m going to check the infirmary, I feel like somethings wrong.” Lily said warily. Dorcas nodded with calculating eyes but no one else seems bothered.

She walked down the memorised compass until she heard angry voices speaking in German.

Curiosity got the better of her and Lily went to see what the problem was. Headmaster Arnoldi of Durmstrang’s office was open and Lily saw him standing in front of Remus, all the boys were behind him with differing expressions.

Arnoldi said something that made Remus stand upright, he grabbed the boys staff and bonked it hard on his head. Remus flinched but stood straighter and Arnoldi laughed with ruthless amusement.

Lily thought she heard the word ‘wolf’ and some of the Durmstrang boys gasped, looking at Remus was fear. Arnoldi cackled again and stabbed Remus in the stomach with his staff so fiercely that Remus sputtered and fell onto the floor. Lily put her hand over her mouth to stop from making a noise. She heard the word ‘homosexua’l and the other boys laughed with their headmaster, Remus had his head down and was breathing hard. This was nothing like the brave, bookish boy she knew.

“Gib ihm die Hölle.” Arnoldi growled, his office door slammed shut but not before Lily saw Igors staff bump Remus in the temple with such force he fell unconsciously onto the floor. One of the boys shouted but she was unable to hear nor translate what they were saying. Lily hadn’t noticed she was crying until she removed her hands from her mouth and weeped.

With one last look at the closed office, Lily ran back to the Gryffindor Common Room.

——

“Oh mon dieu, Sirius!”

“What happened to him, is he okay?”

“When I find out who did this to him, I’m going to end them.”

“It’s alright dear, I’ll fix him up.”

“Restez avec moi.” Stay with me.

“Did he send you a message or were you walking by?”

“… so much blood loss.”

“Expulsion is the only suitable punishment for this.”

“C'est bon Siri, nous sommes là. je suis ici.” It's alright Siri, we're here. I'm here.

“… Remus…. It looked bad…. Marlene went…”

“Réveille-toi frère.” Wake up brother.

Sirius’s eyes fluttered as he slowly regained consciousness. Everything hurt when he tried to move and he had the sudden urge to puke. His friends were surrounding him with nervous expressions and red eyes. Everyone but Remus and Marlene.

Lily was sitting on a chair with James’s head on her lap, playing with his hair and talking to Alice and Peter. She turned to look at him and gasped when she noticed he was awake.

“Sirius! You’re awake Thank Merlin!” She cried, jumping out of her chair wrapping him in a soft embrace and sniffling into his neck.

Regulus had is head on Sirius’s pillow but appeared to be asleep, his cheeks had tear streaks running down.

“Shhh, Reggie is sleeping.” Sirius creaked out. Lily pulled back sheepishly and looked over her friends face.

“Are you okay? Gave us a bit of a scare there.” She chuckled but it sounded upset.

Sirius rolled his eyes and pulled Lily back into a hug. “I’ll be fine, just a bit sore.”

He hadn’t noticed Frank and Alice had left until they opened his hospital curtains and walked in with Professor McGonagall and his Headmistress Arquette.

“Oh Zir’us, T’was sworried zick!” Arquette worried, she held his face and had to use her delicate wings to sit on the edge of the bed.

Professor McGonagall smiled softly at him but it quickly turned stern when everyone quieted down.

“Mr Black, you are a victim of a spell that no one should perform on a student, or anyone for that matter.” Everyone nodded and Sirius shuffled uncomfortably under their glances. “When you’re ready, tell us their name and I’ll have them expelled.”

“Where’s Remus?” He asked James, everybody gasped and Lily started crying.

McGonagall looked shocked. “Was it Mr Lupin who spelled you? I assumed he wa-“

“Of course it wasn’t Remus, he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body.”

Arquette sighed sadly and put some loose hair behind his ears.

“Ben tell uz oo did do ‘it.”

“It was Sniv- Severus Snape. He dragged me into a classroom and and-“

“Snape that grimy, greasy, scum!” James shouted with his hands in fists.

“Mr Potter!” McGonagall scolded. “Leave this to the adults. I will speak with Professor Slughorn and Headmaster Dumbledore and we will discuss Mr Snape’s expulsion. For now, don’t give Madame Pompfrey a hard time and comfort your friend.” With that she smiled at Sirius one last time before walking out with the tiny fairy behind her.

“She will always be my favourite teacher.” James gushed.

Regulus finally stirred and started crying.

“Quel est le problème Reg?” What’s the matter Reg? Sirius hushed, Regulus cried more and hugged him tightly.

“Je pensais que vous étiez mort!” I though you were dead!

Sirius patted his brothers hair and eased his tight hold. “But I’m not, I’m alright because you saved me. You saved my life Reggie.”

“I was so worried, they contacted our parents and they’re coming here tonight.”

“What? Dis-leur de revenir.” Tell them to go back. Sirius shot, he looked at Lily who shrugged.

Mary raised her hand. “Hey, in English please. Not all of us can speak the language of love.”

Regulus rolled his eyes, “our parents are coming here tonight to see Sirius and Sirius is mad about it.”

“I’m not mad, I’d just rather they don’t come.” He crossed his arms and pouted.

Everyone besides James and Lily looked confused. “Wouldn’t that be good to see your parents? They didn’t come to any of the tasks.” Peter asked.

“Shut it Pettigrew.” Dorcas snapped. “Not everyone has supportive parents.”

“That’s besides the point,” Sirius interrupted. “Where’s Moony?”

No one talked but they all looked sad. Lily’s eyes began watering again and James put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Where is he?” Sirius pleaded.

Lily shook her head and even Mary looked emotional- she was never emotional.

“What happened to him? Tell me?!” His voice broke.

“Sirius,” Regulus started, looking teary eyed too. “Il n'est pas ici.” He’s not here.

“What do you mean, where is he?” Sirius yelled.

James took his hand and smiled a little as if it were comforting. “Remus got injured, like really injured, to the point of St Margo’s.”

“He- He’s in St Margos! And no one thought to tell me?” Sirius yelled, angry tears spilling his eyes.

“No one wanted to mention it,” Alice whispered, “Arnoldi told us he was a werewolf and needed to be away from the students in case he turned them.”

Sirius’s eyes widened. “He got outed?”

“It was pretty bad. Some students even screamed and most of the Slytherins wanted the benches Remus sat at to be burned.” James shrugged sadly.

“The minister came in and yelled at all the Headmasters for letting a dark creature be a champion in the tournament.”

“He’s not a dark creature, and whenever he does turn it is in a safe location!” Sirius defended.

Mary smiled dolefully, “no one knows tha-“

“If you’re all going to be rude about my boyfriend then I unkindly ask you to leave.”

No one left until Madame Pomphrey threw them out in time for dinner. Sirius stared at his steaming bowl of beef and veggie stew, feeling pain worse than his wound. Snape had said Remus would get worse than him, and Sirius had merely ended in the schools infirmary, what could be worse than this?

He recounted every time Remus had shown signs of doing anything wolfish. And except being a beast in bed, Sirius couldn’t think of anytime he thought he was in danger.

The whole student body was aware that him and Remus were in a relationship. They didn’t hide it nor did they intend too, but most of them thought it was fake for Arnoldi’s master plan on winning the cup, which they didn’t. Why did everything have to make this so complicated? It wasn’t even Remus’s fault any of this was happening, if it wasn’t for Headmaster Arnoldi, none of this would’ve happened. None of the students had even suspected Remus of being half human, not even Sirius had and he spent every waking moment with the boy.

This Tournament had gotten out of hand and all Sirius wanted to do now was cry.

Chapter Text

Remus slowly opened his eyes, flinching when the light blinded him.

Groaning, he looked around and noticed it wasn’t the Hogwarts infirmary nor the Durmstrang one. It was quieter and much less crowded, he was in a room by himself.

On his bedside table, before he even looked, he could strongly smell a bouquet of flowers that made him sneeze. They were pastel and pretty, something his mother would give him if she was overwhelmed with pity for him. As much as he loved his mam she couldn’t hide emotions for the life of her, making it known to him what she felt about his lycanthropy on more than one occasion.

Then he began to manic. If he wasn’t at Hogwarts then where was he? All he could remember was his Headmaster exposing his condition to all the boys of Durmstrang then darkness. What had happened to him? Where was he? What about Sirius or James? Where did that Snivelly bastard do to his boyfriend?

Before he could get himself into a possessive frenzy, an old nurse came in and smiled kindly.

“Good morning Mr Lupin, it appears you have finally awoken.” Her voice was croaky but motherly, like a grandma. She was carrying a steaming bowl of soup with a large glass of water. Her eyes reminded him of James.

“Just let me get you rewrapped then I’ll leave you to rest.”

Only then did Remus notice he was covered in thick bandages along is arms and torso, his head was sore and he felt a bandage wrapped tightly over his forehead.

“Ummm, what happened to me?” He asked quietly as the matron undid the bandages on his arms.

She looked up sadly and pressed gently against his temple. “Do you not remember anything? There was a chance you could get amnesia.”

“No, no. I do remember about Arnoldi and getting knocked out, but why am I here and not at Hogwarts?”

“You’ve been unconscious for five days dear, you got hit in the head pretty bad. And don’t even start on the fear the ministry has of you being around young school children. My grandson is at Hogwarts, you see, and I know for sure Dumbledore wouldn’t have let you come to his school if you weren’t kept under great surveillance during the full moons.” She smiled kindly again as she moved onto his torso. “To be damned with lycanthropy at such a young age must have been so horrible. I sympathise with you dear, and to loose your father over something so significant…” The woman shook her head with distaste. “No man should abandon his young wife and child when they need him more than ever.”

Remus nodded uncomfortably. He hated conversations about the father he barely remembered.

“But mams great.” He said with a forced smile.

“Oh yes,” The old woman laughed cheerily. “Hope’s been here every day and night, we made her go home yesterday. Poor dear had periorbital’s darker than the night sky.”

“Can I see her?”

“We will let her know you’ve gained consciousness, yes. She needs the reassurance.”

Remus smiled at the nurse as she finished with his bandaged head.

“Who’s your grandson? I’ve only been at Hogwarts for the tournament but I might know him.”

She grinned widely. “You would know him! He did the tournament with you. James Potter is always trying to find ways to prove he’s braver than everyone. Such a silly boy, but I love him for it.”

“Prongs?” Remus laughed loudly, “hell yeah I know him, I wouldn’t have survived the tournament without him!”

“Talking about him, he’s asked about you. You’ve made your new friends rather worried.”

“What did you tell them? Are they okay?” He played with his fingers, anxious.

The matron nodded with comfort. “They’re furious at your headmaster, the minister, everyone. They really want to see you.”

“Me too.” Remus whispered. “Can they come to see me?”

“The minister threatened to fire Dumbledore and Arnoldi for letting you be around people. He- he came in here on the third day and wanted to discuss execution dates.”

He stiffened and his hand involuntarily went to his neck. “What did everyone say?”

“Your mother told him to get his head out of his arse,” Remus laughed at her language, “and your friends wrote a petition to get you to come back. It was Mr Blacks idea, James speaks highly of that boy.”

“Sirius.” Remus breathed, his heart fluttered and he couldn’t help the large grin on his face.

“It’s in the Prophet,” -The elderly woman gestured to the Daily Prophet on his bedside table-“ the petition and Sirius Black saying he’d rather get disinherited than have you in the ‘clutches of the ministry’, it was all very noble if you ask me.”

“Sirius said what?!”

“Oh yes,” she winked cheekily. “His parents came to see him on the second night, their meeting was recorded for the Prophet or evidence or something and Sirius Black made his feelings very clear when it came to what happened to you.”

Remus flushed and nodded for her to continue. The nurse got out the paper and showed his a moving picture of Sirius yelling at his parents, his hand was over his heart and he had that determined angry look Remus loved. The text beside it was repeating what he had said:

”Why the fuck do you pretend to care about me when all you care about is the family name? And why the fuck would you care about a boy who had never done anything to do with you? Remus Lupin is in containment because bigots like you and the whole bloody ministry are in charge! I love him. He is my boyfriend and I dare you to use Crucio on me again for being gay. Do it in front of the crowd! I dare you! Then everyone will know what Regulus and I have had to deal with for our whole lives.” Sirius Black yelled. His eyes were shimmering with the trauma of his past but his voice was strong.

“Sirius Orion Black!” Walburga Black said loudly. “You have ashamed yourself and our family! You are done here, we are done here and you and Regulus are coming home this instance. I will not have a- the failure of the Triwizard Tournament be the heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Back!” Walburga and Orion Black had stood and went to turn to leave. The crowd was twitching with anticipation as Sirius and Regulus Black stared at each other, then to surprise as even more, Sirius winked!

“We won’t leave until you sign my petition.” He said, smirking roguishly. Everyone (including myself) gasped as The Black Family - one of the oldest and richest families in all of Britain- stared each other down. Orion scoffed and pulled on his wife’s arm to leave, but she pushed him off.

“So you will only leave if we encourage dark creatures to roam freely with normal humans?” She said in disbelief.

Sirius Black nodded and Regulus Black held out the petition with over 3,000 signatures. We thought their mother would sign it as her hand twitched, to my belief, but instead she scoffed along with her husband and the couple walked out.

But not before saying: “You will be disowned for this.” The air turned cold when they past me, their glares were so piercing if looks could kill, I’d be dead.

We turned back to the Black brothers who were speaking in rapid French, I had no translator nearby and everyone from Beauxbatons Academy of Magic refused to tell me what they had said. This school loyalty is beautiful. Then James Potter - winner of the Triwizard Tournament 1978 - grabbed their elbows and with other friends the Black Brothers had made at Hogwarts, pulled them out and no one has informed me where they would be!

This is one of the first times the public has seen a glimpse of how the Black siblings have been raised and their sexuality. Many students have told me of Sirius Blacks relationship with Durmstrang Champion Remus Lupin, they were open and proud with their relationship but then Igor Karkaroff from Durmstrang informed me of Headmasters Arnoldi’s plan to use Sirius Blacks vulnerability and insure Remus Lupin gets the Triwizard Cup. Stephan Arnoldi is currently under surveillance as Auror Alastor Moody uncovers the secrets behind his master plan.

Remus Lupin is currently in the safety of St Mungos Hospital, and still unconscious from an unfortunate accident. I, Rita Skeeter, will be back with more information on the unrequited romance between our two Champions.

Remus put the news paper down and suddenly got a headache.

The nurse laughed and put a warm hand over his. “It’s quite a bit to comprehend.”

He could only nod slowly.

“I’ll leave you to rest, your mam will be here when you wake up.”

“Thank you, Mrs Potter.”

“Oh, called me Dorea dear.”

Remus was asleep before he could worry about his boyfriend.

——

James, Sirius, Marlene and Lily were jumping out of Hogwarts with gleeful smiles. They had just had a meeting with Dumbledore and the Minister to discuss the petition for Remus. They were there for an hour and a half since the minister had an obvious fear of dark creatures. With some convincing and menacing glares, Dumbledore was on their side with letting the werewolf return and the minister just had to agree.

It was all very bias and Sirius made the decision to never get a ministry job.

“We did it! Moony’s coming back!” James screeched. Some students out the front heard and cheered with them.

“I’m going to smother him with kisses until he forgets this ever happened.” Sirius sighed.

While Lily and Marlene went back inside to tell the others the good news, James and Sirius bagged a large willow tree to sit under. Both smiling and making plans for when the other champion came back.

“I think I’m going to share my prize money.” James set on.

Sirius scoffed a laugh. “Why?”

“Because I’m rich enough to last me five lifetimes and Moony will need the money more than I ever will. Also you and Regulus wanted to get an apartment away from your parents and I can help! I never want any of my friends, for as long as you have me none of you will ever be helpless.”

Sirius had the urge to cry as he hugged his best friend. “Always the hero Prongs.”

“Well someone has to save you damsels.”

“Oi! If anyones the damsel it’s you.”

“As if. You’re so short I could use you as an arm rest.” James shrugged as if it were obvious.

“No damsel will want you with a head as big as yours.”

James winked, “that goes for both ‘heads’ I assume?”

Sirius gagged and pushed James away. “Répugnant!” Disgusting!

“Aww I forgot you spoke French when you were grossed out. Only a damsel would do that.”

“No, speaking French makes me smart and very attractive.”

“It’s only attractive because no one knows what you’re saying.”

“That’s why I speak it.” Sirius grinned and James gasped in realisation.

“So when you spoke French to those girls before the Yule Ball when they asked you out, you said…”

“Tu sens les cacahuètes.” Sirius deadpanned.

“Which means?”

“You smell like peanuts.”

James burst out laughing, holding his stomach and covering his eyes. “She did though, even I smelt that!”

“That’s what I said?” Sirius laughed along.

“Why are you French people so mean?” James chuckled.

“We aren’t mean, we’re honest.” Sirius emphasised. “You don’t have to sugar coat everything, not like Britain needs anymore sugar anyway.”

This only made James laugh harder and very soon the boys were silently laughing and had to hold onto each other. James tried to mimic his accent but this only made Sirius laugh even more, the silence only making it funnier.

“Oh Godric!” James breathed.

Sirius had to take a few deep breaths to compose himself. “Okay, alright. I’m okay.”

The girls returned with the rest of their friends who ran up to them and hugged.

“You guys did it!” Peter cried, he was on his tip toes with his arm around James’s shoulders.

“The minister is a bastard and no one even remembers his name.” Mary said.

Marlene snorted. “All I know is that I hope he gets eaten by something, preferably something dark and magical.”

“Maybe we should lock him in the place Remus transforms and see what happens.” James joked. Sirius and Marlene glared and elbowed him in the ribs.

“What was that for?” James cried out, holding his sore ribs.

“Remus didn’t want anyone to know about his furry problem because he didn’t want to be seen as a fearful killer, he’s a human everyday except for once a month and he needs to be treated as such!” Marlene snapped. Jame looked guilty and apologised thoroughly.

“Anyway, when is he coming back? You have three days before returning to your own schools.” Dorcas asked.

“It depends when he wakes up. And it also depends if Durmstrang are comfortable with him coming back to finish his schooling. It’s July so he only has two months left, if not, then he can do exams at Hogwarts I think.” Sirius recited what Dumbledore had said.

“I hope he wakes up soon.” Lily sighed sadly.

——

“Send for me if you feel uncomfortable, go to Madame Pompfrey or Dumbledore for anything and please stay safe.” Hope told her son, they were in Professor McGonagall’s office which had one of the only flu powder networks in Hogwarts.

“Yes mam.” Remus muttered as she kissed his forehead. He was so much taller he had to bend in half.

“I love you, my baby boy.” She cried as they hugged.

“Love you too.”

After his mother returned home, Remus opened the office door. He was met with James and Sirius smiling widely at him. Sirius was jittering with impatience and jumped into Remus’s arms and kissed him deeply.

“I missed you so much, mon loup.” Sirius mumbled against his mouth.

“I missed you too.”

“Yeah, I missed you to Moony.” James said loudly from behind Sirius. Remus chuckled and put his boyfriend down.

James pulled him into a hug and slapped his back good naturally. Sirius made a wounded sound and join in, Remus hadn’t felt this safe all week.

“How is everyone?” He asked as they pulled apart.

“We were worried sick about you.” James breathed, running a hand through his already messy hair.

“I made a petition and everything!” Sirius put in, connecting his and Remus’s hands. “It got me disowned but you know, consequences for my actions and all that.”

“It got you what?!” Remus revelated, letting go of the boys hand.

Sirius shifted on his feet and looked at James for help. “Well, mother wasn’t to pleased that I had a boyfriend who could turn into a werewolf, I don’t think she was pleased with the boyfriend part anyway. But not everyone thinks you’re as hot as I do.” He shrugged and grinned wickedly at Remus.

“Merlin, keep it in your pants for one fucking moment.” James groaned.

“I’m glad you find this funny Padfoot,” Remus started, feeling red with anger. “But you can’t get disowned because of me! We might not even stay together for very long and you’d be disowned with no money and no family to fall back on! Also I’m poor as fuck and I know you know that, I can’t give you the life you’re used too. I won’t let you throw away that lifestyle, you won’t stay happy with me.”

Sirius frowned and took a step back, looking hurt. “You don’t think we’d last forever?”

Remus groaned in frustration and took a fistful of his own curls. “I want to, I would love nothing more than to live with you forever but I’m a fucking werewolf with no inheritance and you haven’t even lived with me before! We might buy an apartment and after the first week you get sick of me, I wouldn’t be able to handle that and then I’d be homeless and nothing is worse than a fucking homeless, heartbroken werewolf!” Remus whispered and took Sirius by the shoulders, shaking them gently. “And didn’t you want to live with your brother? What happened to winning the Tournament and buying an apartment away from your family? He needs you and you certainly don’t need me.”

“I love you Sirius Black but I’m not worth the sacrifice of all of that.” He whispered, tears stinging his eyes.

Sirius was breathing heavily and looking at Remus with a small smile.

“Don’t you remember I told you about getting my uncle Alphards inheritance after he died. We can travel across Europe, buy a house in each country and still have enough money.”

“Pads love, you’re being unreasonable.” Remus groaned but Sirius continued to talk.

“I don’t like my family, I never have. They’re abusive and my parents are bloody second cousins, that says something.” He chuckled a bit which made Sirius smirk. “I’d love nothing more than to spend my dead gay uncles money on my gorgeous werewolf boyfriend, if he’d let me.”

“Regulus?”

“Reggie will always be near, I won’t leave him alone in that awful house even if my life depends on it. Besides, he loves you enough to learn Welsh! He’d be sadder than anyone if we don’t live together.”

“I’d be pretty sad if you don’t live together.” James commented. Remus and Sirius whipped their heads around to see James still leaning against the wall looking emotional.

“Prongs, you fucktard.” Remus chuckled.

“Ooo new word, does talking about the future make you smarter?”

“Go aways Jame.” Sirius joked. James shrugged and blew kisses to the both of them before leaving them alone.

“Fucktard is rather imaginative.” Sirius winked.

Remus rolled his eyes and turned his face down. “I was- I was put on the spot okay?”

“Whatever you say Moonshine.”

It was quiet for a moment and Remus had a sudden jolt of confidence. He pushed Sirius against the opposite wall, grinning down at the flustered boy, then kissing him softly. Sirius moaned into the kiss and put a hand in his auburn curls. Remus giggled a little which set Sirius off and soon the two were laughing more than kissing.

“My beautiful Padfoot, I’ll love nothing more than to live with you.”

Sirius tried to fight a smile and just kissed him instead. “My Moony, you’ll never regret this.”

Remus wished to every divine being looking over him that that was true.

Chapter Text

James was currently lying on the front row of benches as he waited for his friends to arrive. Professor McGonagall was looking at him with fond annoyance but didn’t tell him to stop taking up all the seat space. Very soon Marlene, Lily, Dorcas, Mary and Alice glided into the Great Hall that was set up in a whole school assembly manner. The tables were gone but the benches were moved to face the stage where the staff table normally was.

“James, you’re such a dork.” Dorcas chuckled fondly, moving his outstretched legs and sitting down.

He sat up and tried to find his boy friends.

“Don’t get your man titties in a twist,” Mary started. “They forgot there was a whole school meeting, and are getting dressed.”

“But I literally saw Frank and Peter before I got down here, they were half dressed!”

“Oh those guys are talking to St Nicholas, apparently he was alive when chocolate was invented or something.” Alice said, plaiting Marlenes ponytail.

James gasped and looked at Dorcas. “They’re more of a dork than I am.”

“Keep telling yourself that, Mr Head Boy.”

“Don’t use my brilliance as a bullying mechanism, jealousy isn’t a good look on you, Dorky.” James emphasised.

“Is Dorky jelly of Jamie?” Sirius snickered as the four boys sat in the remaining space.

Dorcas rolled her eyes and messed Sirius’s hair. “Shut up princess.”

“Oh here we go again.” James heard Remus mutter as Sirius looked offended and went on about how he was anything but a princess.

“Do we know what this assembly is for?” Peter asked.

Frank shrugged, “Maybe that awful protection speech. That was so awkward in fourth year.”

James laughed loudly and slapped Frank on the back. “Yes! Minnie teaching us how many children are deemed acceptable is something I’ll never forget.”

“We had this Norwegian hippy come in and teach us sex ed in third year.” Remus giggled. “She had fucking diagrams and even started undressing in front of 16 thirteen year olds. Marls, remember the trauma, you turned so red.”

Marlene sighed happily at the memory. “Ahh yes, my gay awakening. She had nice boobs.”

Lily wheezed a weird noise and sat on James’s lap to hit Sirius, getting his attention. “That happened to Padfoot, tell them.” She demanded.

“Bon dieu,” He groaned. “We may or may not have had this really fit blond guy with the deepest voice I had ever heard tell us how to have sex. Like, he full on thrusted his hips to show us how to do it and… I wanked myself so raw when I got back to my dorm.”

Everyone laughed but Sirius didn’t look embarrassed at all. “Lily shaved every inch of her body ‘because she felt like it’ then stopped after the guy left. He was there for three weeks.”

This made everyone laugh even harder, Lily turned her head into James’s neck and hide her face in shame. James just laughed louder but hugged her tightly. Running a hand through her hair and kissing the crown he lifted her chin and smirked when she had extremely red cheeks.

“Oh Redhind, you so wished he would make your hind red.” Mary joked, making Lily’s face even redder.

Putting a protective arm around his girlfriend, James faked a cross expression. “Enough teasing, we need all our attention for when Dumbledore demonstrates how to put a condom on a banana.”

Someone from behind him kicked his back and told him to stop being inappropriate, it turned out to be a year four sitting with a bunch of first years. James immediately felt guilty and started apologising, telling the first years it probably wasn’t that.

The hall quieted down and Lily moved from his lap to the spot next to him. Dumbledore walked out and smiled warmly at the joint schools.

“Thank you, I wanted to start this assembly by congratulating James Potter, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. Our Champions please stand.” The Hall erupted with celebration as the three boys stood.

Remus looked nervous and waved shyly to the crowd, he was met with a loud applause but some students were glaring or booing, James and Sirius raised the bird at those students with a scowl. Then Sirius blew kisses to the crowd and James smirked and pumped his fist in the air, a group of students standing at the back whooped and waved a homemade sign that had his name and a painted picture of his face on it.

Dumbledore gestured for the boys to come up to the stage and ease the crowds excitement. “You boys completed the tasks with bravery and courage, very few have survived what you were made to face, with that I commend you, and gift Remus and Sirius with a cup. Not the Triwizard Cup, that is still Mr Potters-“ students cheered and clapped- “instead you shall have to do with these miniature versions. They are exact replicas but smaller. Please, congratulate Mr Lupin and Mr Black.” Dumbledore gave Remus and Sirius smaller Triwizard Cups with a shake of their hands. James clapped loudly and cheered for his friends.

Dumbledore then moved his hand and his very own Triwizard Cup was now on the table. His headmaster smiled fondly at him and James beamed. “And for our winner of the 1978 Triwizard Tournament, I regift James Potter with the Triwizard Cup. Congratulations Mr Potter.” And the crowd elated again. James shook Dumbledores hand and took his cup, holding it above his head like he did with every quidditch cup Gryffindor had won, and appeasing the students.

A camera appeared in the champions faces and the man gestured for them to come together and smile. James was in the middle with his always handsome smirk, with Sirius’s arm around his neck who was laughing, Remus was on his other side, smiling a shy toothy grin. The camera flashed and the cameraman put a thumbs up.

“Thank you boys, please take your seats.” Dumbledore said with a chuckle.

When they went back to their seats, Marlene who had already seen and touched the Triwizard Cup a million times, made grabby hands at it. James rolled his eyes but handed it to her anyway.

“You could put a barrel worth of firewiskey in here!” She gushed.

James chuckled and took back the cup. “I might hold you to that.”

Dumbledore got the hall to be quiet and smiled sadly. “This, unfortunately, is also the last day our esteemed guests stay with us. We will send them off the way they deserve after we discuss everything.”

Everyone gasped and James looked at Lily grievously. “I forgot it was your last day, Lilyflower.” He whined.

“Let’s not think about that yet.” Lily whispered with tears in her eyes, she kissed James’s nose before turning back to the front.

“It has come to my attention, that many of you are wondering if the news about Stephan Arnoldi headmaster of Durmstrang is true.” Dumbledore said to the crowd, many students nodded but some turned sour. James felt Remus stiffen and he put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It is true. Arnoldi is a death eater who was using his Champion to gain followers and power, but fortunelty, Mr Lupin did not win the Tournament and therefore Arnoldi failed.”

Mutters filled the air and Remus stiffened even more. Sirius took his hand and kissed the knuckles.

“You aren’t a death eater Remus, I know what you’re thinking.” Sirius scolded softly. James nodded and squeezed his shoulder.

“But everyone else might,” Remus whispered miserably, so only the two boys could hear. “I just got outed as a werewolf and everyone knows werewolves are on the dark side of this war. I am a literal liability.”

Before James and Sirius could butt in and tell Remus how wrong he was, the room went silent again. “With that said,” Dumbledore grinned as if it were amusing. “I will finish this on a high note and say that the feast is ready! Dig in before your trips home!”

When James blinked, he was sitting back at the Gryffindor table between Lily and Remus and across form Mary and Dorcas. The table was covered in fancy food that only appeared on special occasion. James licked his lips and took three large pumpkin pasties, a large spoonful of salad and feta.

“This is my last day and you’re eating instead of smothering me with love and affection?” Lily teased, her chin on her fist and a cheeky smile.

James freezed, his forkful of lettuce and feta almost in his open mouth. Instead he put it down and pulled Lily in for a hug. She hugged back with a giggle and put her chin on his chest, looking up at him with her mesmerising eyes.

“You’re so lovely Lily.” James whispered, caressing her forehead with his thumb.

Lily smiled sadly and kissed him. Pulling back she had tears streaming down her cheeks which made James start to fuss. “No sweetheart, no need to cry, we can send letters until we graduate! Then we can live together and-“

He was stopped by Lily kissing him again. “I love you, James Potter.”

“I love you too, Lily Evans-soon-to-be-Potter.” He joked seriously, he had been making that her surname until she was finally a Potter.

“What if I want to keep my maiden name, then you’d have to be James Potter-soon-to-be-Evans.” Lily said, James could only grin.

“Then I’ll be James Potter-soon-to-be-Evans, as long as I marry you then I’m happy.”

He felt a napkin hit his face and he turned to see Peter glaring at him.

“Enough being in love, are you gonna eat all those pumpkin pasties?”

James chuckled and pushed his plate towards his friend.

“Help yourself Wormtail.”

——

It was a rush in the guest common room as Durmstrang to Beauxbatons alike hurried around trying to find lost possessions.

“Accio right slipper!”

“Accio slap watch.”

“Has anyone seen a brown kitten?”

“Accio Toblerone.”

“This is what happens when you don’t pack the night before.” Remus told a group of 6 year Durmstrang students who asked him for help.

“I got that, thanks wolf.” One of the boys snapped. They walked off and Remus wished he had agreed.

“What happened there, do you need me to bash anyone again? I’m wearing rings.” Marlene strolled over, showing off her gemmed fingers.

Remus shrugged. “Not now, maybe on the boat I’ll be in need of a bodyguard.”

“I’m the fittest bodyguard you’ll ever get, Moonypie.” Marlene teased, messing his hair.

Remus pushed her off in frustration. “Gerrof, I’ll call for you if you’re needed.”

“Oh you’re in one of those moods.” Marlene raised an eyebrow.

“I guess, just leave me alone.”

“I’m sure Paddywack will be down to entertain you soon.”

Remus only groaned while Marlene cackled. They had their luggage already on the boat and all they could do was wait for everyone to finish and the Durmstrang vice Headmaster to get his head out of whatever toilet it was in. That guy was odd.

—

Another hour passed and the guest rooms were completely immune of student items. It was like they had never been here.

“Follow me to the courtyard, keep up or you’ll be left behind.” Filch grumbled as if he couldn’t think of anything worse. Igor laughed and both schools followed the ground keeper outside.

“Hey you.” Sirius whispered skipping next to him as they went down a corridor.

“Hi.” Remus smiled, Sirius grinned and kissed his cheek. This earned a groan from behind them.

“So prude and so homophobic!” Sirius gasped, the students behind them grumbled and one girl even apologised.

Remus took his boyfriends hand and swung it between them. “How are you feeling?”

“Not any better than you are. My darling boyfriend is going to be living on the other side of Europe for two months and all that can be passed between us are dirty letters and used lingerie.”

Remus stifled a laugh but they made it to the noisy courtyard in time for him to chortle.

“Idiot.” He pushed the shorter boy away just as James came sprinting up and pulling them in for a group hug.

“The next two months are going to be sooo boring without you guys. Can you just ask your Headmasters to let you stay and do exams here?” James whined.

“We can still send letters, it won’t be that bad.” Remus sympathised, James rolled his eyes and flicked Remus’s brow.

“As if that was meant to be reassuring! It’s not the bloody same.”

“I see the Head Boy is being patriotic towards his school as always.” Alice teased as she and Frank came up to hug the guests goodbye.

James turned red and groaned in annoyance. “I love Hogwarts! All I’m asking is for my dear friends to stay and love Hogwarts with me!”

"Are Frank and I not good enough for you?” Peter questioned.

“No Wormy, Frankenstein, I love you both so much I’d marry you, but we could achieve so much more if we had more boys in our dorm.”

Peter narrowed his eyes. “You’re making this sound so weird right now mate.”

“As much as I’d gladly snog each and every one of you, my heart is in the clutches of Lily Evans-soon-to-be-Potter.”

“How poetic Prongs.” Sirius chuckled, taking Remus by the elbow and leading him away from the group.

They went to a secluded corner, Sirius looked around a bit before pulling Remus into a snog.

“We haven’t even left yet and you’re already kissing like you missed me.” Remus whispered sadly after they pulled away.

Sirius looked on the verge of tears. “Moony-mine, I already miss you.” And then the tears started to fall and Remus kissed them away as they came.

“We’ll talk everyday I swear, then we can live together till our dying days. I promise I want that life, it sounds so perfect.”

Sirius giggled through the tears and pulled Remus into a tight hug.

“Z’e are le’ving soon dor Beauxbatons. De hors’s are most re’dy.” Headmistress Arquette yelled, her wings glistening in the sun.

“We have to go soon, mon amour, I’ll think of you every minute.” Sirius sounded desperate, pulling him closer.

Remus kissed his face and caressed his dark hair. “We’ll be fine, I love you, I love you.”

Regulus appeared behind Sirius and waved at Remus with a tight smile.

He put a hand on his brothers shoulder and tugged it gently. “Nous devons y aller maintenant, Sirius.” We need to go now, Sirius.

“No Reggie I can’t leave, leave without me.” Sirius mumbled into Remus’s uniform.

Regulus laughed and pulled harder on his shoulder. “As much as I’d like to stay too, we must go.”

Sirius nodded and pulled back a little if only to look over Remus’s face. Sirius held onto the sides and kissed him fiercely.

“Owl me, I’ll reply every time.” He whispered, leaving with his brother after Remus nodded.

“We’re going as well Moony.” Marlene said with red eyes. Remus took her outstretched hand, as if it was the only thing anchoring him and pulled him towards the large viking ship.

“Hurry up, get on. We have things we need to do.” The vice headmaster yelled as everyone went into the ship. Remus turned to see the Hogwarts students waving maniacally as the guests boarded their transport. He waved back before the vice headmaster grabbed his shoulder and pushed him through the door.

Remus and Marlene sat on one of the comfy couches next to a large window and watched as their view turned dark blue.