Remus looked across the room to where you were say talking to Sirius. The two of you were giggling at something, he liked it when you giggled, but knowing that Sirius had been the the one to inspire it here made it a bittersweet sight. Marlene, sat next Remus looked sadly from Sirius to him. She knew how he felt.

"Marl?" Remus asked suddenly. "Do you want to go to the Yule Ball together, as friends I mean?" She frowned momentarily.

"Are you sure that's what you want Re?" she said, looking pointedly. "Isn't there someone you'd rather go with?" His face steeled.

"No, I know a lost cause when I see one. I'll meet you in front of the Great Hall at 7 tomorrow." He stormed off, but Marlene could have sworn she saw something glisten down his cheek.

Meanwhile, you and Sirius had stopped laughing. You had watched the encounter between your two friends, although you'd been two far away to catch what was said. You shared a concerned look across the room with Marlene, who smiled forcedly before crossing to talk to you.

"What just happened?" quizzed Sirius. Marlene paused a moment too long.

"Me and Remus are going to the Yule Ball together!" Her smile didn't meet her eyes, but you didn't notice.

"Oh," was all you could say. "Good for you." You soon excused yourself to go to bed.

***

The following evening you got ready in relative silence, not feeling hopeful of a good night. Once you had your gown on, you went into the common room where Sirius waited with menacing looking hair implements and a bottle of Sleakeasy's. It didn't take long for him to work his magic (hair was his thing). James then appeared - his hair characteristically messy. Due to the fact that Lily was still rejecting James and Sirius had just broken up with a Ravenclaw, you three were going together.

You reached the ball a friend on either side, feeling reassured, if not yet confident. There wasn't yet a sign of Remus. You were swept to the dance floor by Sirius, who was making a special effort to distract you, for which you were grateful. It was a while before your other friends joined you, including Marlene notably without Remus.

You paused your dancing to look for him, spotting him by the drinks. Sirius smiled encouragingly and ushered you away. As you approached Remus, he looked up and then away.

"Hey, how come you aren't joining us?" you asked. He shrugged.

"Didn't want to get in the way," he murmured. You threw him a sceptical look.

"Of what?"

"Of anyone." He paused. "Of you and Sirius, actually."

"What?" you exclaimed.

"Yeah, it's obvious, the two of you always talking and laughing, you came here together too."

"Us and James. The three of us came together because we were so f-ing single."

There was a moments silence as he processed your words.

"So, you aren't together?" He sighed in relief as you shook you head.

"You're such an idiot sometimes Re," you told him. "How could I be with him when-" He shut you up with a short kiss.

"I love you too. Now lets dash because Sirius is coming."