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

Chapter One Hundred-Thirteen - The Letter?

Author's note: Forgot to add in last chapter's notes for anyone who hadn't seen, if you want to know what Sirius saw in the mirror I have a one shot of that. It's chapter 12 of my one shot collection, 'Wounds and Marks' on AO3. I will eventually get it to wattpad too haha.

CW: gaslighting, grief over pet loss

-x-

Remus wasn't sure how long it would be till Sirius forgave him; he wasn't even sure if it would happen before the holidays started. So he was surprised when, after supper (which Sirius wasn't at), he went to the room where they were working on the prank and Sirius cheerfully spoke to him like nothing happened. Remus eyed him and Sirius gave him a smile, along with a little shake of his head. The message was clear: we're fine but don't talk about it.

"This is our last chance to get everything right before tomorrow," James said, rubbing his hands, not even noticing the uneasiness between Sirius and Remus. Peter raised his hand and James rolled his eyes. "Yes, Mr. Pettigrew?" he asked in an imitation of Professor McGonagall.

"I think we should rethink our choice of music."

James beamed at him. "No."

"I agree with Peter," Remus said, shuffling around the edge of the room and sitting down on what used to be a teacher's desk, keeping space between him and Sirius. "It's going to get us in more trouble than the clothes will."

James held up a finger. "Incorrect. It's going to get me and Sirius in trouble. I'll make sure you two aren't dragged into this, like usual."

"Do you have a death wish?" Pete asked. "Cause McGonagall might murder you."

James let out a groan. "After all the trouble of getting the single and smuggling it in, you want to change things now?"

"It's a banned song," Remus said, swinging his legs, bumping his heels against the desk. "It's banned not even just because of the teachers, but parents as well."

"It's better with the song," Sirius said from where he was leaning casually against a wall. "It's a good song."

"It's a... really rude song," Peter pointed out.

"That's what makes it so good," laughed James. "No, we're using Blood Lollipop."

They worked until just before curfew and then headed out; James and Sirius would be sneaking out in the middle of the night to get the suit of armor to the passage, while the rest of the clothes would be taken in during the next morning's free period. As he watched Sirius skipping alongside James, he wished he had the courage to talk to him. He needed reassurance he wasn't mad at him anymore. But he didn't get a chance to talk to Sirius alone the rest of the evening. He was pretty sure Sirius was doing it on purpose, sticking very close to James.

When he went to bed he was still in agony, and slept fitfully all night. When morning came, he knew he couldn't put it off any longer so, on the way to breakfast, he tugged at Sirius's sleeve until they were walking a little ways behind the other two.

"Are... you mad at me?" Remus managed to somehow say as he resisted the urge to scratch at his wrists. He hated having to deal with moments like this, and his entire being felt itchy.

Sirius sighed, blowing back a strand of hair. "No. I was annoyed yesterday, but I got over it." I'm sorry I said it, except he wasn't that sorry. Except he probably should apologize. Before he could figure out what to say, though, Sirius added, "You look like death."

Remus bent his head. He had avoided looking in the mirror as much as possible as he was getting ready because he knew he looked really bad. He was very tired, too. Actually part of him hoped his parents did take him home that night since it would mean being able to sleep in as late as he wanted the next day. "Didn't sleep well last night, and tomorrow night's... well, I'm fine. Is... is Regulus okay?"