The Things That Happen In The Night - Wolfstar

Chapter Five: Home Sweet Home

A week later we were on the Hogwarts Express ready to start our sixth year. James and I found an empty compartment and settled in waiting for Peter and Remus. We were excited to start our new year, James with a new idea on how to seduce Lily and I wanting to see Remus and Peter. James jumped up excitedly as the compartment door opened, but was disappointed when instead of Remus or Peter, it was Marlene McKinnon.

"Sirius!" She exclaimed happy to see me. I got up from my seat and kissed her, bringing her close to me with an arm around her waist. "Hey babe," I replied. She sat next to me as I sat back down next to James. "Where's Lily?" James asked Marlene,"she's usually with you." Marlene sighed, she was used to being asked about Lily by James. She usually tried to avoid James at all costs but as she dating me, that was pretty much impossible.

"I haven't seen her yet," Marlene replied quickly,"just leave her alone, she's pissed off enough." James was about to reply when the compartment door was opened again. James and I jumped up when we saw the person who opened it. "Remus!" "Moony!" We yelled together. Remus smiled at us as we embraced each other briefly.

When we returned to our seats Marlene got up," I'm going to find Lily," she said looking irritated as she got up and walked out. "Send her this way when you do!" James yelled after her. Remus gave me a concerned look which I brushed off. Typical Marlene. "How was both of your summers?" Remus says starting up a conversation. "Bloody amazing, mine was. Spent quite a bit of time with Lily." I chuckled at James' response. "More like spent time irritating her, but at least her mum loves you." James just grins and smacks me in the arm. Remus chuckled before piping up," so how exactly did you get Mrs. Evans to like you? You never explained that in your letters."

As James filled Remus in on how he seduced Mrs. Evans, I sat back in thought. I was never allowed to send letters to my friends. My parents didn't like who I chose to be friends with. Now that I was out of the house and on my own I could send all the letters to whoever I want. The only question now is where will I go when summer rolls around? I decide not to think about that now and put the thought to the back of my mind. I'm finally with my friends and I'm going to enjoy this year at Hogwarts.

"So you spent a week with James?" Remus asks me. I nod and was about to reply when the compartment door opens yet again. "Peter!" James shouted, jumping up to greet him.  I followed suit and Remus wasn't far behind. "Sorry I'm late, I forgot to pack last night." We laugh as we take our seats."don't worry you weren't the only one," I say casting a glance to James. He held his hands up in defense," I packed yesterday, I just forgot a couple things!"

I shook my head," like your entire bloody closet?" Remus just laughs and shakes his head. How Remus puts up with all our shit I'll never know. He's by far the most mature and responsible of the group though he still gets into a decent amount of trouble along with the rest of us.

"Fuck off," James replies with a shake of his head and a hint of a smile. Out of all my friends, I am closest to James.  He's like the brother I've always wanted, not some asshole like Regulus. We had the most in common between being the most obnoxious of our group, quidditch players, and the ones who generally came up with all the bad ideas that almost always lead to trouble. James was the friend I normally turned to when things got bad at home.

The train ride was spent discussing our summers, making plans for things we want to do this year (number one being to use the marauders map) and plans for after Hogwarts.  "I'm not sure where I'll be able to work, being a werewolf really limits me," Remus stated as we pulled into Hogsmeade.  "I'll make sure you get a job Moony, I'll become the fucking Minister of Magic and then fire all those prejudiced, pureblood prats and hire you in their place." Remus chuckles, grateful for his friends. As the train stops, we follow the crowd off the train and to the carriages with James babbling on about how great of a minister he would be.

The line to get on the carriages is long. We spend about 10 minutes waiting in line before I spot Lily, just a few people back from us. "James, your future wife is behind us," I try to whisper but end up failing as the rest of the boys hear me along with several people around us. James whips around and scans the line for her. Upon finding her with Marlene and her other friends Mary and Alice, James made his way over to her.

I turn my attention away when I hear Remus speak up. "Maybe you should go talk to Marlene, she still looks upset." Peter had followed James over to the group of girls, leaving Remus and I alone. I shake my head. I don't want to talk to her right now. I'd have time later to talk to her. "Not now and she'll come around. She always does." Remus doesn't look convinced.  He starts to say something but decides against it. "What were you going to say," I ask him. I know I shouldn't ask, he didn't say it for a reason. Remus sighs and shakes his head. "Nothing."

It's our turn to board the carriages and we hop on.  We're seated with Hufflepuff boy and a Slytherin girl, James and Peter must be with the girls still. I turn in my seat and face forwards, slightly irritated with Remus. Remus sighs again before giving in and answering my question, "Padfoot, I'm sorry, it's just...you don't exactly treat Marlene the best."

"What do you mean I don't treat her the best, I treat her just fine! She doesn't need my attention all the fucking time!" I yell at Remus as I turn around to face him. The Slytherin girl, who looks to be around 12, jumps in her seat when I raise my voice. "I'm just saying you could maybe care more about how she feels. She hasn't seen you all summer."

"That's not my fault. I haven't seen you or Peter all summer either." The two other students in the carriage start to look uncomfortable with the situation but continue to be quiet. "We're your best friends Sirius, she's your girlfriend. You're not just supposed to talk to her when you feel like it. You need to make time for her. If you truly love her then you wouldn't be arguing about having to spend time with her."

Deep down I know Remus is right, but I can't admit that out loud. I stay quiet and ignore him for the rest of the ride, to the relief of the other passengers in the carriage. I think about what Remus said all the way up to the castle. By the time we sat down in the Great Hall, with me and Remus sitting on opposite sides of James, I came to a realization.

I don't love Marlene.