Moonlit Bonds

15. The Confession

They left the Shrieking Shack in silence, the air around them tense as they made their way back to the castle. Moony's mind was racing, each step feeling heavier than the last. What would Prongs and Wormtail think? Would they understand? The fear of losing their closest friends gnawed at him, but with Padfoot beside him, he found the courage to keep moving forward.

By the time they reached the Gryffindor Common Room, the fire was crackling softly, casting long shadows on the walls. Prongs and Wormtail were lounging on the couches, mid-conversation, when they saw Moony and Padfoot enter. Their relaxed expressions shifted to curiosity as they noticed the seriousness in their friends' faces.

Moony swallowed hard, his heart hammering in his chest. He looked to Padfoot for a moment, gathering strength from the steady presence at his side. Then, turning back to Prongs and Wormtail, he took a deep breath. "We need to talk," he said, his voice barely above a whisper but filled with determination.

The room felt smaller as the four of them huddled around the fireplace. The warmth from the flames flickered across their faces, but the truth Moony was about to reveal felt colder than the wind outside.

Padfoot, always the more straightforward of the two, took the lead. "There's something we've been hiding," he began, his usual carefree tone replaced with something more serious. His dark eyes flickered between Prongs and Wormtail. "For a while now."

Prongs frowned, leaning forward. "What's going on? Is something wrong?" His voice held a mix of concern and confusion.

Moony sighed, the weight of the secret pressing heavily on his chest. "It's about us," he said quietly, glancing at Padfoot. "Padfoot and me."

Wormtail raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting between them. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice cautious.

"We've been... dreaming," Moony started, searching for the right words.

"About each other. The dreams—they weren't just ordinary dreams. They were intense, vivid, and... well, they led to something more."

Padfoot, sensing Moony's struggle, stepped in. "We've been keeping this to ourselves for a while, but it's time we told you. Moony and I—we're together. We've been hiding it because we didn't know how to tell you."

The silence that followed was thick, almost suffocating. Prongs's expression was unreadable, his brows furrowed as if he were trying to piece it all together. Wormtail looked like he was still processing the words, his wide eyes darting between Moony and Padfoot.

Finally, Prongs let out a long breath and ran a hand through his messy hair. "Bloody hell," he muttered, shaking his head slightly. "I never knew. I mean... I guess I always thought you two were close, but... like this?"

Padfoot nodded; his jaw tight as he waited for their reactions. "Yeah, like this."

Wormtail, who had been uncharacteristically quiet, spoke next. "So... you've been dreaming about each other? And now you're... together?" His voice was filled with both confusion and curiosity.

Moony nodded, feeling his pulse quicken. "It's more than just the dreams, Wormtail. It's been building for a long time. We didn't want to keep it from you, but we were scared... of what you'd think."

Prongs's expression softened slightly. He leaned back in his chair, studying them both for a moment before speaking again. "Listen," he said, his voice calm but firm. "I don't pretend to understand everything, but I know you two. You're my brothers. If this is what makes you happy, then that's all that matters."

Moony felt a wave of relief wash over him, his heart lightening at Prongs's words. He hadn't realized how much he'd feared this moment until now.

Wormtail nodded fervently, his face brightening. "Yeah, we're with you," he said, his tone filled with sincerity. "You're still Moony and Padfoot. Nothing changes that. Always."

Padfoot exhaled, the tension in his shoulders visibly easing. "Thanks," he said softly, glancing at Moony with a small smile.

The crackle of the fire filled the silence as the weight of the secret they had carried for so long finally lifted. Moony's gaze flickered between Prongs and Wormtail, their unwavering support a comfort he hadn't dared to hope for. The bond between the four of them felt stronger now, forged in the trust and loyalty they shared.

Prongs smirked suddenly, the corners of his mouth lifting. "But I swear, if you two start snogging in the middle of a Quidditch match, I'm going to hex the both of you."

Laughter erupted from the group; the tension finally broken. Even Padfoot, who had been so serious moments before, couldn't suppress a grin. "No promises, Prongs," he teased, winking.

Moony chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. As the night wore on, they talked about everything—about the dreams, about their fears, about the future. They knew the road ahead would be difficult, filled with challenges and prejudice, but for now, they were united. And that was enough.

As the fire died down, the four friends sattogether, their bond stronger than ever. Whatever the future held, they wouldface it together.