Sirius awoke to the feeling of a cool, gentle breeze tickling his face. Yawning loudly, he stretched languorously and opened his eyes. The bed curtains were still drawn, but a small crack let in a ray of golden light that spilled over the blankets, tinting the red an almost amber color.

Amber...now why did that sound so familiar...?

Ignoring the strange fluttering in his chest at the idea of the rich, warm color, he moved to rise from the bed and shut the window that had obviously been left open all night. But before he could even manage to swing his feet over the side, he felt movement beside him and spun around to gaze at its source.

Sirius froze.

Remus Lupin was lying next to him in his bed.

The boy smiled faintly in his sleep and rolled over onto his side to face Sirius, nuzzling lightly into the blankets. The look of utter contentment and peace that washed over him wouldn't have worried the black haired boy if it hadn't been for the fact that as Remus moved, the sheets were pulled away a bit to reveal an unclothed chest and a very naked thigh. Sirius hitched his breath, staring down at that patch of smooth pale flesh. Then slowly, he pulled the blankets away from his own form and discovered to his horror that he was just as scantily clad. In fact, if what he was wearing was any indication of what Remus had on, both of them were quite nude indeed.

Hastily, Sirius gathered the coverlet about himself and rose from the bed, determined to sneak away from the awkward scene before Remus could wake up and discover what they had obviously done together the night before. He glanced around the room anxiously and was relieved to discover that James and Peter's bed hangings were still pulled closed.

He gazed toward the window at the enchanting oranges and reds of the swiftly rising sun, and once again found himself mesmerized by the swirling colors, though he couldn't quite pinpoint why.

"Sirius...?"

He cringed inwardly. Straightening his shoulders, he turned slowly to face his friend--a boy who, up until now, he'd thought of as a brother and who he'd been certain had referred to him in much the same manner. He couldn't help but wonder what was going through the other boy's mind as that impassive face stared back at him, the only hint of emotion the expressive glowing eyes.

Remus' eyes. They were amber.

Sirius swallowed as disjointed memories of the night before suddenly began to swim in his head. The feel of skin against smooth skin, large amber eyes staring passionately back into his own. An intense feeling of such need as two bodies joined hotly to become one. Oh god...had they actually...done that?

"Sirius, what...why am I...in your bed?"

But Sirius could only stare.

Remus closed his eyes for a moment as his own wave of mental images flashed before them. He felt Sirius' hot breath against his own mouth, the tickling of soft black hair against his cheekbones and bare shoulders. The strong, slightly calloused hands traveling lightly over sensitive scars. Realizing he was sitting there quite naked, those very same blemishes open for Sirius' perusal, he pulled the sheets up higher around himself as he once again turned to look at his friend questioningly.

Sirius wanted to laugh at Remus' seemingly naive innocence. What did it look like Remus was doing in his bed? But instead, he simply said "I...I don't know..."

Remus shifted uncomfortably in the bed, the sheets sliding gently over his naked form. He gazed down at his lap, and Sirius followed suit, unable for some inexplicable reason to look away as more smooth flesh was exposed. Remus' face felt hot and he quickly pulled a blanket around him, clearing his throat softly. "I ummm...we didn't...I..."

Sirius finally found the courage to glance away. "I...I think maybe..."

"Where are my clothes?" Remus' voice had suddenly taken on a steely tone.

Sirius just stared at him for a moment, confused at the abrupt change in his friend's behavior. "I'm not sure," he said at last. "I can't remember what I--well...what I might have done with..." He let his voice trail off as he felt his own face heat up in embarrassment.

"Yes, well..." Remus threw the covers off of himself and jumped up from the bed in a huff. He turned away from Sirius and began to rummage through the bed linens hastily. When he found nothing, he turned his back on the bed and bent over to search the floor. Sirius openly gawked at the naked arse whose muscles clenched and contracted as the lean body below it swiftly scooped up the boy's shirt and trousers.

Remus jerked on his pants, buttoning them with fumbling fingers. Sirius actually felt the disappointment waft through him as the other boy's body was swiftly hidden from view. He shook his head. What was wrong with him anyway? Had those brief flashes of fine boned hands and smooth pale skin really been a representation of what had happened last night? If so, had he really enjoyed it as much as he suspected? Did he have feelings for Remus Lupin? He surely hoped not. For it was quite clear that the boy in question had no desire whatsoever to relive whatever moment of intimacy might have passed between them. The thought hurt somewhere deep in his chest, and he forced himself to once again look away.

"Remus, I...I don't..."

"Please, Sirius. I don't want to talk about it," he said coldly.

"Right..." Sirius' heart sank. All he could do was sit there quietly, staring at his hands as Remus quickly and quietly left the room.

***

At breakfast, things between them were no less awkward. He caught Remus glancing at him a couple of times, and he'd flashed the boy a small, hopeful smile, but Remus had only nodded politely before returning his attention to his omelet.

Sirius tried to retain the grinning carefree mask he'd so carefully constructed that morning after their little discovery in the dorm room, but he knew he was beginning to fail miserably. He'd always worn his emotions on his sleeve, whether he wanted to or no. So great was the pain at seeing Remus so upset with him over something that for all important purposes should have been a beautiful memory, that his heart clenched and his face fell. He spent the rest of breakfast pushing around the uneaten food on his plate. When he finally did manage to spare a glance upward, he caught James and Peter exchanging very confused, worried looks.

"Soo...Padfoot..." James tried, hoping to relieve some of the inexplicable tension that was evident between his two friends. "Who's the lucky lady?"

Sirius' eyes grew very wide, and he dropped his fork to the plate with a loud clatter. "What?"

James smirked. It had always been such sport to catch Sirius off guard. "The lucky lady. You know, the one you took up to our room last night. She must have been special for all the noises you were making."

Now he heard a distinct choking sound coming from Remus' direction, but he simply could not bring himself to look the boy in the eyes. Blanching visibly, he lowered his gaze to the mutilated eggs and toast that lay on his plate untouched.

"I ummm...I don't know what you're talking about..."

Peter snorted. "Oh come on, Padfoot," he rolled his eyes. "You had the door locked and everything. Surely you didn't think that we'd come back from detention that late to a locked door and not realize what was going on in there."

"Forget the locked door, Wormtail. I mean...I'm sure Moony and Padfoot could have been getting into all sorts of trouble they wouldn't have wanted anyone to just walk in on."

Oh, if only you knew the half of it, Prongs!, Sirius thought miserably.

Once again, Remus made a strangling noise that he tried to mask with a quick clearing of his throat. Sirius managed a hurried glance in his direction and found that his face was even paler than usual, the gold in his eyes seeming to glow with an ethereal light.

"It was the sounds that really gave it away," James continued. "All that panting and moaning. Really, Sirius, next time find some other less conspicuous place to sort your wares, would you? Peter and I had to sleep on the sofas downstairs. I woke up with quite a crick in my neck."

With that, Remus stood up and snatched up his schoolbag. "Excuse me," he said quietly at their inquisitive looks. "I agreed to meet with Professor Binns before class to go over my extra credit assignment." He forced a weak smile without meeting any of their eyes. "See you all there."

Sirius watched him go, never once taking his eyes off of the delicious backside until the boy had disappeared beyond the doors. Then he slumped in his seat looking defeated.

"Sirius?" He jumped when James laid a tentative hand on his shoulder. "Everything okay, mate?"

"Yeah..." he grumped. "Peachy."

This time he didn't notice the confused look that passed between the other two as he was too busy wallowing in his own confusion and guilt.

***

History of Magic was quite possibly the most boring class in the entire world, Sirius reflected as he pretended to scribble down notes. Professor Binns spoke in a monotone voice that droned on and on for the better part of an hour, only pausing here and there when the ghost would lose his train of thought. Add to that frustration the strain of trying to decide whether it was in fact a better idea to avoid one of his best friends completely or inundate him with conversation, and Sirius was a very antsy, fidgety teenager indeed.

He remembered kissing Remus last night--of that he was certain. What had led up to his actions remained fuzzy at the moment, but he could envision that one exact moment clearly now in his head. They'd gone up to the dorm room (how they'd gotten there he still couldn't be certain) and had begun changing for bed. Remus had complained of a stiff shoulder--it was common for his muscles to cramp around the full moon--and without even thinking, Sirius had taken it upon himself to work the kinks out of the sore area. He'd done this a lot in the past--they were friends after all, but last night, something had been different. As his hand stroked over the smooth pale flesh, he began to notice just how captivating it was. Suddenly, he'd wanted nothing more than to taste it. He'd longed to run his lips over the gentle curves of a toned bicep, to devour that flesh as it deserved to be devoured. Finally, he gave in to his urges and placed a tentative kiss where neck meets shoulder. He'd felt Remus shudder beneath him, and he pulled away hesitantly to look the boy in the face. Remus sighed and closed his eyes.

"Sirius..." he whispered.

And before he knew it, Sirius was leaning in, pressing his lips against the soft cherry mouth of the other boy. Their heated bodies pressed together and they kissed hungrily, parting their lips to deepen the embrace.

As Sirius relived this first act of intimacy between them, he couldn't help but think that it had been the most erotic...the truest thing he'd ever experienced. He bit his lip against a moan, wishing that now that he was coherent, he might experience it all again. He had to know if what he remembered was accurate. Had he really felt that soul-searing connection? Had Remus actually slid his tongue so languorously over his own? Had the kiss tasted of chocolate and cinnamon as he remembered, or was that just his imagination?

He spared a glance at the boy in question, watching fondly as his brown haired friend chewed his lower lip, quickly scratching down notes as the teacher droned on. He ran a hand through the crop of messy hair, and Sirius found himself wishing that Remus would allow him to do that. So entranced was he with the golden toned locks in fact, that he hadn't realized when the bell had rung and class was dismissed. He sat at his desk in a sort of trance, finally snapping out of it when James shook his shoulder.

"Padfoot? Earth to Padfoot!"

"Huh? Wha--" Sirius blinked and gazed up at him.

"What has gotten into you today, mate?"

But instead of answering, Sirius spared another quick glance at Remus who was currently glaring at him. Once they made eye contact, he turned his back quickly, scooped up his books and stalked away.

"Did you and Moony have a fight?" Peter asked in concern.

"Hmm? Oh...umm...no. Not really..."

James just stared at him skeptically, but decided it was a matter to be pursued later. It was time for Transfiguration, and Lily Evans would be there. He didn't want to be late.

***

Remus sighed as he set his schoolbag down and sank into a seat near the front of the classroom. The Marauders always sat near the back. Together. But Remus couldn't bring himself to speak to Sirius right now, much less be forced to look him in the eye. Why had Sirius done it? It was obvious that he'd taken advantage of him the night before. Remus couldn't even remember most of what had happened, let alone what they'd done to lead up to such events. James' confirmation at breakfast this morning only increased the tension on the knots that had already been clenching in his stomach. Remus had always found something extra special about Sirius Black, but he had never actually harbored feelings for him beyond very strong friendship and brotherhood. He would have never approached the boy for any contact or interaction that crossed that line into intimacy. And with all of the looks and giggles and whispers from girls that followed Sirius everywhere, he simply could not imagine why his friend would chose him as his conquest, of all people.

Still, when he thought about it, Sirius had never really paid any of those girls too much attention. It was almost as if he was oblivious to their advances. Remus often found himself wondering if Sirius was in fact blind, or perhaps just stupid. But he knew Sirius to be very intelligent, and the type of person who always went after what he really wanted. Sirius would never take no for an answer. Of course, he reflected, that was really why he was so angry with him at present. Just what had Sirius drugged him with anyway? Had they been drinking last night? He simply could not remember, and that thought nearly choked the breath out of him. It was bad enough that one night out of the month he had no control over his own body or his own actions. It was frightening beyond belief to wake up with barely a recollection of what he might have done the night before, who he might have hurt. It infuriated him to no end then to imagine that Sirius--a boy who he'd always thought truly understood him--could cloud his mind this way and steal him of the careful control he'd worked so hard to maintain the rest of the month. He'd told Sirius time and again how terrifying it was to be the werewolf, how important it was to him that he never lose control of his emotions or actions. And to think that Sirius used this manipulation as a means to get what he wanted out of Remus...well, it was just sick.

It was really too bad too, because Remus was only starting to realize how much he really cared for his friend. The thought that they might have been intimate--preferably under better circumstances of course--intrigued him. He found himself shooting Sirius curious stares, watching with interest as the adam's apple bobbed when he swallowed, or the way the shiny black hair flowed over muscular shoulders whenever he turned his head.

And he hated himself for it. And he hated Sirius for making him feel this way. For taking advantage of him like that. Didn't he know that all he would have to do is ask Remus for something, and he would have gladly granted it? Well, no...perhaps not. How could Sirius have known how Remus felt when he hadn't even realized it himself until now? And he reminded himself that he had never known Sirius to take advantage of his friends. Perhaps Remus had been the initiator last night. Clearly, they had both been drunk or drugged somehow to have acted upon these feelings that until now, they'd never even known had existed between them. But did Sirius really feel the way Remus did? People who were under the influence of alcohol had been known for doing bizarre things that they never would have dreamed of while sober.

Remus' shoulders sagged and his heart dropped as his friends entered the classroom and converged upon their usual seats near the back. He knew he had to talk with Sirius, but he could not endure the idea that the other boy might not return his feelings. For Remus, although the night they shared remained a mystery, it had in its own way been special. But he figured that it hadn't meant nearly as much to Sirius--a boy who could practically have his pick of the girls in the school, whether or not he'd ever actually acted upon it.

"You're looking a bit peaked, Lupin. Perhaps you should visit the Hospital Wing...?" A sneering voice drawled.

Remus glanced up at the hook nosed boy, his face impassive as always. "Is there something you wanted, Severus?"

"Me? Oh, no..." He spared a glance at Black, who glared at him threateningly from the back of the room. Severus knew that Sirius was very protective of the shorter boy, but he was also aware that Remus did not appreciate his friends fighting his battles for him. He sneered again and returned his attention to Lupin. "I just noticed the bags under your eyes. Up all night, were you?"

Remus frowned at him, unable to mask his annoyance and the slight shiver of fear that had begun to creep up his spine. Did Severus know something about what happened last night? But no, that was ludicrous. "I slept quite soundly, thanks," he responded at last.

Snape just smirked and scoffed. "Whatever you say, Lupin." He lowered his voice then so only the two of them could hear. "But if you ask me, a...creature such as yourself really should get his sleep. After all, you never know when someone might try to attack you. I hear werewolf claws and fur are becoming quite desirable as wand cores."

"You take that back," A low, steely voice spoke near Remus' left ear. He turned to gaze upon the seething form of Sirius, whose light gray-blue eyes were nearly sparkling with fury as he stared at their Slytherin adversary.

Severus merely smirked and crossed his arms. "Oh? And I suppose you're going to beat me up if I don't? Really Black, you need to learn to control that temper. Those emotions of yours are going to get you into trouble someday." He glanced down at Remus, then turned to walk away.

"Grrrrr..." Sirius was so angry, his face was turning red. His fists were balled at his sides so tightly the knuckles had gone white.

"Sirius..." Remus held him back with one arm. "Just let it go."

"But...Remus, he insulted you!"

"Yes, and I chose to ignore it. Now please, sit down."

Sirius remained standing for a long moment, glaring at the Slytherin who now sat on the opposite end of the room, seemingly engrossed in his Potions book. "Stupid hose nosed git..." he mumbled. But eventually, his shoulders sagged, and begrudgingly, he did as Remus requested. He really couldn't stay all that mad anyway. After all, Remus was at least speaking to him again.

***

"Remus? Hey, Remus...are you awake?"

"Mmm...not now, Sirius..." the boy mumbled. He rolled over and buried his head in the pillow.

"Remus...please. I need to talk to you. It's important.

Remus yawned and flung an arm over his eyes. "Can't it wait until morning?"

"Not really, no. Please, Remus, it'll only take a moment and then you can go back to bed, I promise."

Remus sighed and opened his eyes. With his lupine senses, he could barely make out Sirius' silhouette in the darkness. Slowly, he pulled himself up into a sitting position, yawning again and rubbing his eyes. "Alright. What is it?"

"Not here," Sirius whispered.

Remus reached for his wand on the bedside table and softly said "Lumos." Blue light lit up at the end of his wand. That was better. At least he could make out the soft shadows and angular lines of Sirius' face now.

Sirius blinked against the light's intrusion. Noting the confused expression on Remus' face, he held up James' invisibility cloak and nodded toward the door. "The library. No one will find us in there at this hour."

Remus gazed at him skeptically. He'd already decided that perhaps he wasn't as innocent in the whole "bed incident" as he'd first tried to convince himself. Still, he would not walk willingly into what could possibly be another trap. "Why can't we discuss this here?"

Sirius sighed exasperatedly, then glanced to the two other beds that were currently occupied. "That's why. Besides, there's something I want to show you. Don't look at me like that Moony. Come on...you trust me, don't you?"

Remus gazed into his eyes for a moment, and even in the dim light, he could see the sincerity there. Of course he trusted Sirius. How could he not? Perhaps he'd been a bit unfair to the boy. They were friends after all, and until this morning, he had never had reason to doubt him.

"Fine," Remus rose from the bed and pulled on his bathrobe, tying it hastily at his waist. "But Sirius, make this quick, okay? We have that Astrology test in the morning, and I need my sleep. The full moon is in four days."

"Don't worry, Moony. This won't take long, I promise."

***

A silvery shimmer lit up the darkness as the invisibility cloak was pulled away and discarded, revealing two mischievous teenaged boys. Remus scooped the cloak up and draped it over his arm as Sirius grinned and took his other hand, pulling him down a row of books. They paused near the restricted section, and Remus gazed at him in curiosity.

"Sirius, what is this about?"

"Snape." Came the simple answer.

"Snape...?"

Sirius nodded, a dark emotion flashing in his eyes.

Remus frowned as he studied his friend's face. "I'm afraid I don't get it..."

Sirius bit his lip and sighed. "Remus, I...well, I've been starting to remember things...from last night..."

"Oh..."

Both boys glanced away from one another, their faces taking on a rosy hue in the muted light. Remus silently wondered how they'd ever allowed themselves to get into such an embarrassing situation. Things had always been so comfortable and natural between them, and now with one badly timed decision, they were finding it hard to even meet one another's gaze.

"Remus," Sirius said at last, his voice so low the other boy had to strain to hear it. "I think that Snape is the one who...well...you know..."

"What do you mean? You think he poisoned us..?"

"No." Sirius mustered up his courage and turned to face him now, taking note of the inquisitive light in the golden eyes. He'd always found Remus' quest for knowledge endearing and he had to fight back an affectionate smile. "Do you remember last night, when that sniveling git and I got into that argument in the hall? You were standing behind me and he started in again on watching out what company I keep or the other students would start to think that I was a Death Eater. I knew he was purposely making a jab at you again, and I can't stand that Remus, I really can't. At least you're not a hook-nosed, greasy haired freak--and I told him as much. Well, he got really angry and we sort of got in one another's faces, and then our wands were drawn, and before I knew what I was doing, I had aimed a hex at him.

"Ahh yes, I remember," Remus said quietly. "Nasus Crescerus."

Sirius couldn't help but chuckle. "Yes...that's the one. Poor Sniv's nose grew so big the end of it was hanging down past his chin."

"How he ever managed to get his lips to move from behind that monstrous thing to hex you back, I'll never know," Remus spoke matter-of-factly, but burst out laughing a moment later.

Sirius laughed too, and it felt good. It was as things should have been, this easy comfort with one another. Especially when it entailed a good laugh at Snape's expense.

After several long moments, the boys caught their breath, and Sirius grew somber again. "Do you remember what Snape shouted back?"

Remus thought for a moment. No, he couldn't recall...

"I remember it now. Something like 'Exacuere Optare.'"

Remus gasped and stared at him with wide eyes. "Sirius, that's forbidden!"

"It makes sense though, doesn't it. I mean...think about it."

Remus had to admit that a desire-intensifying spell really would explain a heck of a lot about what went on last night and why. He shook his head. "But why would Snape want us to...?"

"I tried to duck the curse, and it accidentally hit us both. I think he meant it only for me, probably to get me into some kind of trouble that would land me in detention for the rest of the year or get me expelled. It seems it was quite a powerful spell." Again, he felt his face heat up, but this time, he refused to look away from the large amber eyes that stared back at him in wonder.

"It must have knocked us out for a few moments," Remus began to remember. "We woke up on the floor and rather drunkenly helped one another back to Gryffindor tower.

"Yes..." Sirius nodded, remembering.

"I remember Snape laughing as we fell. He seemed to find our situation most humorous."

"Oh, now this will be priceless!" Snape's voice rang in his head.

"Yeah, the stupid git. I guess he realized what would probably happen between us from there, and he probably hoped that it would ruin our friendship."

An awkward silence passed between them, during which neither boy could quite bring himself to look the other in the eyes. Finally, Sirius spoke in a very soft voice.

"Our friendship isn't ruined, Moony...is it?"

Remus bit his lip and forced himself to meet the other boy's gaze. There was hurt in those eyes, worry, guilt, and desperation. Remus shook his head, the sting of tears prickling his eyes.

"No, Sirius," he whispered. "I certainly hope not."

Without pausing to think about it, Sirius wrapped his arms around Remus, pulling him close. He buried his face in Remus' neck, inhaling the sweet scent of his hair. "I couldn't stand to lose you, Remus. I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

Remus hugged him back, savoring the feel of the strong, warm body pressing protectively against his own. "There's nothing to forgive," he whispered.

Sirius pulled back a bit to look him in the eyes. Remus offered a shy smile.

"He hexed us both. There was nothing we could have done..."

"Oh..." Sirius nodded, though Remus thought he saw a flash of disappointment in the stormy eyes. "Right."

"I was just as much to blame," he continued, blushing. "I remember looking at you and feeling instantly attracted..."

"And how about now...?" Sirius ventured.

That had caught Remus off guard. He swallowed nervously, the red of his cheeks deepening, and ran a shaky hand back through his hair. "I ummm...I think that...well..."

"Because I remember that it was nice," Sirius was quickly finding his courage once again. He had to tell Remus what that night had meant to him, even if he couldn't quite recall every detail. "I remember it feeling safe, and...well...right. Like that's where I belonged--with you."

Remus stared at him in disbelief. "You...?"

"I'm sorry, Remus. I'm sorry. I just...I had to tell you. It's okay if you don't feel the same, and I hope that it won't ruin anything between us, but I thought you had a right to know. I'd never thought about you that way until...and, well...it was special to me. You're special to me, Remus."

A smile slowly began to spread across Remus' face, and he took a step closer to his friend, reaching up to lightly stroke the side of his jaw. "You're special to me too, Sirius," he said softly. And then his lips met the other boy's.

***

It turned out that aphrodisiac charms were really not that hard to learn. Remus and Sirius had stayed up late into the night researching the books in the Restricted Section, trying to find a counter-hex they might perform on Snape the following day. In the end, Remus' suggestion won out.

"Here's one!" he'd exclaimed, golden eyes lighting up with mischief. "We can make him fall in love with flobberworms!"

They'd laughed and laughed over that, and finally decided that it was quite a grand idea.

Remus flashed Sirius a genuine, contented smile as they joined hands and made their way up to bed in hopes of reinacting last night's encounter (with their wits and senses intact this time). His heart was filled with joy for the first time in a long while as he thought about the love and desire he shared with Sirius. Theirs was a special bond, founded on friendship and trust. Deep in his mind somewhere, he figured he owed Severus one. After all, it seemed that he and Sirius had always harbored more intense feelings for one another deep down, but had never had an occasion to explore or experiment with deeper emotions until the Slytherin's hex amplified their hidden affection to full force. Snape was certain to be humiliated in the morning when a sudden desire for the disgusting, slimy flobberworms came to light. That would give the Marauders a good laugh for certain. But Severus' own plan had backfired on him, and had paved the way for Remus and Sirius' true happiness. And that, he reflected, would be the ultimate revenge.