Four To The End (prev Shifting Lines) Book Three (Marauders Era)

Chapter Eighty-Two - The Boy He Loved

Author's Note: drizzies are based on dreughs from the Elder Scrolls universe; I tend to look to Pokemon and the Elder Scrolls for animal and plant inspiration haha

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James didn't really say anything about the cologne or the incident with Lily to the other Marauders; when Sirius tried to bring it up on Sunday evening, James gave him a death glare and that was it. He also did his best to avoid Lily, which was probably part of a reward for her.

By the time Monday rolled around, everything seemed to be settling back into place. Which, of course, was when another crisis hit. This one worse than the cologne, in Remus's opinion.

After History of Magic, the Marauders found a nice spot to relax in. The others chattered while James and Sirius occasionally shot the tripping jinx out at passersby; meanwhile, Remus read. He had his nose stuck in Children Of Alchemy, which was the book James had bought him. Things had gotten exciting again. Belthar, the evil wizard mysteriously after the kids, had struck again. This time the siblings ended up separated. Amelia and Johnny went out to sea while Theodore and Shearlow ended up in a heavily wooded, secluded area which Remus hadn't thought of existing in New York. He always imagined the whole state being a busy place like the city, but according to the book there were loads of woods and places to camp or hide out, which the two boys were doing.

"I'm not the best with healing," Theodore said after conjuring some bandages to wrap around Shearlow's hurt wrist. "Perhaps we should see a doctor."

"We have to stay hidden," the other boy said firmly, looking up at Theodore with determined eyes.

Theodore's fingers lingered on Shearlow's wrist. After a few seconds he spoke again, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "I cannot have you hurt."

"It's merely a sprain, I'll be fine. We could probably find ingredients to make a crude potion if need be." Shearlow glanced away however did not try to take his hand from Theodore's.

A creeping feeling went down Remus's back out of nowhere. He shifted his body, pulling his feet up onto the bench to try to shield the book from his friends' view. His heart began thudding in his chest as he read the next few lines.

"I can't help worrying." Theodore ran his thumb along Shealow's knuckles then brought his injured hand to his chest. "I cannot stand to see you hurt."

Shearlow looked back, at his hand at Theodore's heart, then up at his friend. "Then don't. Sit and see me hurt."

Theodore smiled, sitting down close to Shearlow, still holding his hand. "I don't like this either."

"Then don't. Close your eyes."

But he didn't. They stared at each other, into the other's soul. Theodore's fingers curled gently into Shearlow's. "I don't want to look away from you."

Shearlow tilted his head and whispered, "Then don't."

Remus swallowed, feeling shaky. He couldn't understand what was written, what was being said. It made no sense. It made no sense at all. It sounded—but no, it couldn't be. He wanted to keep reading but also didn't dare, not in front of his friends if—if—

It's not, he told himself, looking up as James tripped a second year Hufflepuff. His friends laughed while Remus merely returned to his book, his jaw set. It was silly to think something like that would happen because it wouldn't, it was only projection again.

"Only if you don't either," Theodore whispered, his mouth close to Shearlow.

It wasn't. It wouldn't!