The Light

Chapter 40- The Christmas Ball

AN: Quick important thing: I have changed the time of the fic! It doesn't affect the story too much, except instead of it being Halloween (October) it's now Christmas (December) just because it felt to be lagging and I wanted to speed it up a bit. This fits much better!! It's also better for the ball.

I have been going through altering it, which is why I haven't updated but if I've missed anything please tell me!!

Sorry for the long silence, I'm in my school show so I've had rehearsals every night and most weekends and whilst I've been writing, I haven't had time to sit down and put it all together to form a coherent chapter.

Chapter 40- The Christmas Ball

Remus sat on his bed. He still hadn't made it from that morning, so the covers were all over the place and his uniform was strewn across the floor from where he'd left it. He was already dressed in his robes, unlike the others, and since he had no date to impress, he didn't fancy staring at his appearance in the mirror more than he had to. His scars always looked whiter the longer he stared, until he blinked and was forced to look away so he didn't break the mirror.

Sirius returning from the bathroom, towel wrapped loosely around his waist. He sauntered over, and Remus' eyes were attracted to him. He let them trace the leanness of his torso, the straight but firm set of his shoulders, the definition in his arms sculptured from years of Quidditch practise. He couldn't help but connect the few beauty spots and scars that decorated Sirius' back, joining them up like they were constellations in the sky.

"Enjoying the view, Moony?" Sirius grinned.

Remus ducked his head, averting his eyes quickly, and it was only half-hearted when he said, "Your arrogance proceeds you."

Sirius barked a laugh but he pulled a shirt over his head, and Remus, blushing, looked at him again. As Sirius pulled his trousers on, his eyes snagged on him, and he frowned. After buckling his belt, he said, "What's wrong?"

Remus raised his eyebrows. "Nothing."

Sirius didn't look convinced. He narrowed his eyes slightly, and said, "Seriously, Remus. What's happened?"

He dropped his jacket on the floor, and came over to sit beside him on the bed. Remus shuffled over so they could both fit, and their arms were pressed against each other. He could feel Sirius' heart beating and hear it loud in his ears.

He looked sideways, but his gaze quickly redirected to the floor when Sirius looked back. He swallowed.

"I don't know," Remus offered, a small and painful smile curled his lips. "I didn't sleep very well last night."

Sirius breathed in. He said, "I thought it was getting better?"

"It was," said Remus shortly. "And then it stopped."

He could feel Sirius' eyes, steady and concerned, burning into him. "Do you want me to go on a walk with you tonight? I don't mind. We can go to that place we used to go to, when we both couldn't sleep, remember-?"

"It's fine."

"I don't mind-" began Sirius.

"I'm okay," Remus cut him off, and he forced himself to look him in the eye. He knew he looked tired, but he hoped the urging and resolution would sate Sirius. It didn't.

"No," Sirius said quietly. "You're not."

Remus opened his mouth to reply, but it was at that moment that James came out of the bathroom. He looked between them and said, eyes wide behind his glasses, "Are you ready to go then?"