Roses in the Moonlight

Chapter 13

Sirius POV

As James and Sirius walked through the halls the next morning, they quickly got into their usual mischievous banter. They had spent all night trying to figure out who had left that gift for Sirius.

"Who in Merlin's name do you think left those chocolates and roses by your bed last night?" James asked with a smirk.

Sirius chuckled and shrugged, trying hard to look nonchalant. "Could be anyone, really."

He gave James a smirk. "Maybe it was MacDonald. She's been giving me the eye lately."

James raised an eyebrow and playfully jabbed Sirius in the side. "MacDonald? Really? I thought you were gonna say Moaning Myrtle."

Sirius pretended to be offended, putting a hand over his heart. "Watch your tongue, Prongs. I'll have you know I have impeccable taste in witches."

James laughed and rolled his eyes, joining in on the banter. "You mean you'll have anyone that'll give you the time of day, you arrogant git."

Sirius faked hurt, dramatically throwing a hand up. "How dare you? I am a perfect gentleman. I would never settle for just anyone."

As Peter and Remus approached, they overheard James and Sirius's banter. Peter chuckled, shaking his head. However, Remus's mood was noticeably different. He glanced at the discussion, his expression tight and his jaw clenched. James and Sirius continued to joke about who had left the chocolates and flowers, utterly oblivious to Remus's mood. Peter laughed alongside them as usual, finding their banter amusing. Remus, however, couldn't hide his annoyance any longer.

"Can you two find something better to talk about than gossiping like a couple of old ladies?" he snapped.

James and Sirius both looked at Remus, surprised at his sudden outburst. James chuckled nervously, trying to lighten the mood.

"Come on, Moony, where's your sense of fun?"

But Remus's annoyance didn't subside. He spoke through clenched teeth.

"Maybe I'd be more fun if you two idiots talked about something worthwhile."

Merlin's beard. Someone clearly skipped breakfast. What's with this man? He should really be acting nicer if he wants to get back in my good graces after nearly KILLING ME.

Sensing the tension, James quickly tried to shift the conversation as Sirius rolled his eyes at Remus's comments.

"Alright, alright, we'll change the subject," he said quickly, trying to appease Remus. "How about we ask Lily, Mary, and Marlene if they have any idea who left the gift by Sirius's bed?"

Peter chimed in, "That's a good idea, James! Maybe they can give us some insight."

Remus huffed, rolling his eyes, but said nothing. The four of them then made their way over to where the girls were standing, engrossed in their own conversation. When they approached, the girls looked up, a bit surprised by their sudden presence.

James quickly spoke up. "Hello ladies, we have a bit of a mystery we were hoping you could help us solve," he said, a cocky smirk on his face.

Marlene raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of mystery?"

James glanced at Sirius who smirked before replying, "Someone left some chocolates and roses by Padfoot's bed last night, and we're trying to figure out who it was."

The girls exchanged glances, a mix of surprise and amusement on their faces. Marlene spoke up first. "Roses and chocolates, eh? Sounds like someone has a secret admirer."