The Waiting Game▬RL 1

Sirius' Turn

Shortly after opening presents, Sirius—who was now clad in a new leather jacket from the younger girl, decided it was game time. Birthday-Sirius always gets what he wants. So, they made a circle on the floor. Renee sat beside Lily Evans and Dorcas; Matthew sat with a couple of Ravenclaw boys and Remus was beside Peter and Alice Fortescue. James explained the rules, placing an empty bottle of fire whiskey in the middle. He took a seat next to Evans and watched as Sirius spun the bottle.

A couple rounds, and many minutes in the common room closet later, a few of the players left to bed. Finally, it was Sirius' turn again. He spun it with a smirk. Renee inwardly groaned when it landed on her. "Ren, shall we?" Renee stood with Sirius' help. They quickly disappeared behind the wooden door, not before James had received a cheeky wink from his best mate. Remus had to pull the twin back to the floor.

Renee stood a foot away from the boy like a fly in a spider web. His hands clasped together while his tongue darted over his bottom lip. Sirius looked quite beautiful in the dim lighting. He didn't make a move to close in on her. She sort of hoped he would. But maybe that was the alcohol talking. "Who are you hoping to get?" He finally asked, a few minutes in.

"Hmm? Oh, I'm not sure. I don't care much." She stuttered, looking down at her fingers. Sirius stared at her, trying to read her expression.

"So, you don't care if the next person wants to kiss?" Ren locked eyes with him. "You do?"

"I've never kissed a boy." Black nodded then it seemed to click.

"A boy?" She nodded sheepishly. He pushed his hair out of his face, stepping forward so that they were pressed for space. "Do you want to?"

"Okay! That's it for time! Get out of there, now." James ripped the door open causing his sister to almost fall. Sirius was certain they had only been in there for five minutes but didn't comment on it.

"Right, I guess I should do this." Renee's jaw almost dropped. Without fail the bottle pointed at Remus who looked calm but was screaming inside. The werewolf stood and entered the closet while Ren hesitated. She scrambled up, pulling the door closed behind her. With a sudden burst of confidence, her eyes met his. Remus stared down at her from the other side of the small area. Unlike Sirius, he didn't make a move to be closer. So she took it upon herself. Inching the slightest bit. "Can I?" All of Remus' brain was saying no. However, he leant down, allowing her hand to grasp his cheek.

"Are you sure?" He asked, his voice coming out raspy. She nodded, the other hand clenching his shirt. His nose touched her own. Remus let out a shaky breath, causing chills to erupt in the girl. The boy's hands carefully fell upon her waist. The tension was too thick. He inhaled deeply, moving his left hand to cup her neck. Remus swiftly closed the gap between them.

Euphemia and Fleamont expressed how much they loved each other verbally in front of the twins. Claiming that they didn't know what they'd do without each other. Ren wondered if this was what they felt every time they kissed. The sparks, warmth, and familiarity. His lips worked against hers hungrily. As if they had waited for hers for eternity. Both hands had taken to grip her face. It was as if she could see the future. She and him, together, a nice home, friends all around, a couple of kids, and a cat. Renny didn't have time to pull away. The door ripped open once again.

"Alright, that's good," James stated, making them jump apart. Renee returned to her spot, meeting eyes with Wilson. He gave a tight smile and a firm nod. Renee had concluded. She didn't want a relationship yet. She saw the imaginary life she and Remus had, and although it was beautiful, it terrified her. Having a family of your own, having so much to lose. She couldn't even think about it. It didn't even have to be Remus she had this life with in the future. No matter who it was, she would lose them, or they would lose her. She sighed, running a hand over her face. Why was she even thinking about this? She had all the time in the world. Her eyes glanced at Remus and then quickly darted to the floor.

Remus however couldn't control his smile. Until he looked at her. Her fingers ghosted over her parted lips as she stared at the other boy. Remus was going to kill Sirius Black. That kiss would've been perfect. It would've solved everything. If only it wasn't a game. If only they hadn't been forced into a closet. But then again, she asked to. He made sure it was what she wanted before they kissed.

Remus tore his eyes from his friend standing and retreating into the boy's dorms. He sat on his bed, pulling at his hair frustrated.

✿

"That was something." Matthew stated, his arm hanging over Renee's, "Want me to walk you?" She shook her head, nodding to the portrait.

"Jamie will be out shortly to take me back. Thank you, I hope you had a good time." Matthew stepped away from her, holding both of her shoulders. He leant forward to be face-to-face.

"I just wish I could have been Lupin." He pulled her into a hug and kissed her head. "Goodnight Ren, I'll see you tomorrow." She watched as he disappeared down the stairs. She sighed pressed her back against the railing and slowly lowered herself to sit on a singular stair, her knees pressing to her chest.

"Potter?" Remus called from the portrait. She waved at him from her spot. Not turning to meet his stare.

"Please call me Renee or something. Potter seems too formal. Especially since we've snogged." He sat next to her. She looked up from her feet, still not meeting his gaze. Remus took this chance to admire her. Her ponytail was discarded, letting her long curls fall past her shoulders.

"Right, sorry. About everything, I shouldn't have kissed you, especially not like this."

"It's fine Remus, it was a game and I got carried away with things." She finally met his eyes. He seemed worried, back straight, and rigid. "Am I a good kisser? Dorcas said I am but she's biased." Remus smiled at this, his heart beating faster than before.

"Definitely, what about me?" She looked at him as if examining his face. Her thoughts go back to the event. The way his lips felt against her own. It was magical.

"Hmm, I think so. But don't let that go to your head. I don't have much experience."

"Really? I feel honoured." Renee let out a snigger, resulting in Remus laughing a bit. "Do you need a walk back to your common room?" Renee glanced over her shoulder towards the Fat Lady.

"He's not coming is he?" Remus shook his head, assuming she meant her brother. "Alright, let's go Lupin. Someone's got to save me from the big bad monsters." They stood and descended the stairs. They kept a good two feet between them at all times. Briskly making their way down to the basement. Remus stood awkwardly as she tapped the barrels. Renee quickly turned and waved, saying a quick thank you before she went inside.