Never Letting Go [A Marauder's Story]

An Unexpected Traveller

Sirius and James spent the first 20 minutes of the journey obsessing over the vinyl, Sirius practically jumping in place, itching to get it onto his record player which he'd hid at James' house. He'd been doing this since first year and every year James would bring it back to his best friend for school.

The new record excited Remus too but he wouldn't look excited, he couldn't. He just remained stone cold serious. After the conversation on David Bowie died down, the carriage fell into an uncomfortable silence. So much that they were all relieved when the sweet trolley arrived at their compartment. James leapt up to get everyone something.

"What you do you want Moony?" He asked as he fished some coins from his jean pockets.

"Um...nothing. Not hungry" Remus muttered, keeping his eyes on the window, intently staring at the passing scenery.

"Since when?" James teased but when he didn't get an answer he went on to buy both Sirius and Peter some chocolate frogs and bought a third for Remus, just in case.

Just as Sirius unwrapped his chocolate frog, Remus spoke up, above a mutter.

"Just gotta...go for a walk" Remus said standing up, unable to stay in the same compartment with Sirius for much longer before losing his mind.

"Alright mate" James said, knowing not to make a big deal.

Remus nodded gratefully before making his way out of the compartment, not making eye contact with Sirius as he did. He was gone in a flash.

Once the door shut, Sirius put down his chocolate frog and looked at James, no longer smiling.

"How long is he gonna be angry at me?" Sirius asked, clearly frustrated and upset.

"As long as he needs. You really hurt him Sirius" James said, knowing that Remus only needed time to figure out this situation.

"I know but you forgave me..."

"Yeah but I'm not the werewolf that almost killed Snape because of what you did" James said bluntly, knowing that beating around the bush wasn't going to get them anywhere.

Sirius looked to the ground and sighed "I hate what I did. I  just snapped okay? I wish I'd never..."

"I know" James said, patting Sirius on the shoulder comfortingly. "I know" he sighed before picking up Sirius' chocolate frog card and starting a new conversation on the trading card.

..............................

Remus didn't realise he'd been holding his breath until he let all of it out as soon as he exited the carriage. How the hell was he going to deal with this all year? He knew he couldn't stay mad at Sirius forever but he didn't know when he'd forgive him. In a month? A year? A decade?

With that thought, he made his way to one of the bathrooms, locking himself in and splashing cold water onto his face and taking two slow deep breaths trying to get his mind off Sirius. What happened next was definitely enough to do that.

A knock came at the door and Remus figured he should leave, giving that he felt a little better. With cold water still dripping from his face, he reached for the lock and opened the door. What he saw made his nerves drop to the pit of his stomach.

"Grant?"

"Hi" Grant said, a smirk on his face "Wow you have so much explaining to do" he said, stepping into the bathroom and shutting the door, so no other students would hear him.

"What...how...." Remus stuttered, now nervous for a completely different reason.

"Wanted to see you off before school and matron said I couldn't come so...grabbed a taxi, followed you and when I saw you disappear into that barrier I stared at the wall for about 5 minutes" Grant said chuckling, like this was all the most normal thing in the world.