Sanctuary

Chapter 62

Saturday 23rd December

After getting Sirius into bed to sleep off the alcohol, Remus retreated to the safety of his own four-poster and drew the curtains, flopping back onto his pillows with a groan. What an absolute disaster. How could he have taken advantage of Sirius' drunkenness like that?

He'd been saying such lovely things, but Remus knew relentless flirting was a major part of Sirius' personality, so of course, drinking would intensify that. Not to mention making him even more impulsive than usual. When Sirius had kissed him, he should have gently pushed him away and made a joke or something. Not kissed him back.

Merlin, it was an amazing kiss, though.

Sirius' lips had been so warm and soft against his, and the feeling of them moving—caressing him—was indescribable. He'd been completely lost to it until Sirius deepened the kiss, and he'd tasted the alcohol on his breath.

Remus rolled onto his stomach and hid his face in his pillow. Fuck, he was a terrible person. Whatever punishment Sirius dished out was well deserved, and Remus would take it without complaint. He just hoped Sirius didn't take away his friendship. The Marauders were his world. He wasn't sure what he'd do without them. There was Lily and the other girls, he supposed. They might let him join their group, and — Oh shit. Marlene!

Sirius had a girlfriend.

Remus screamed into his pillow quietly. Not only had he taken advantage of his friend, but in doing so, he'd hurt another friend. Gods, he was an awful, terrible, despicable person. He didn't know how he would face Sirius in the morning.

After a fitful night of tossing and turning, Remus forced himself out of bed to take a shower, and by the time he returned, all three of his friends were awake. He walked in while James was interrogating Sirius about his disappearance from the party the night before.

'—Me and Pete to do everything without you. What the fuck?'

Sirius groaned and held his head. 'Can we talk about this when my head's not about to explode?'

'Hey, I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you clean up,' Remus said, not looking at Sirius.

James waved him off. 'You get a pass. The moon was only two nights ago.'

'Does anyone even care that I'm dying?' Sirius asked.

'You're not dying,' Peter said. 'You're hungover because you were drinking. Drink some water and you'll feel better.'

'Finally, someone offers some help.' Sirius attempted to swing his legs out of bed, but groaned again and stopped. 'Can someone get me some water?' he asked in a pitiful voice.

Before Remus could decide between getting Sirius water and making up for his behaviour a little, or not getting it and therefore not having to look at him, James sighed and went to the bathroom, returning a minute later with a gobletful.

'Thanks, Sunshine,' Sirius said. And Remus could imagine him smiling at James, but he didn't look to confirm that was happening. Instead, he concentrated on packing what he would need for the holidays. With the full moon and the party planning, they'd all neglected their packing, and it wasn't long before James and Peter joined him, creating a somewhat frenzied atmosphere in the dorm.

Sirius remained in his bed, periodically groaning, for another hour, but eventually gave in to the pressure of the ticking clock, and got up to shower. As soon as he was out of the room, James appeared next to him.

'Did you and Sirius have a row last night?'

Remus continued folding jumpers so he wouldn't have to look at James. 'No, why?'