rosie_rues: (Default)
rosie_rues ([personal profile] rosie_rues) wrote2005-10-31 12:17 am

A Superfluity of Scarves ([livejournal.com profile] scarvesnhats Day 27)

Title: A Superfluity of Scarves
Rating: PG (for language)
Disclaimer: They're not mine. I'm just borrowing them because they're more fun than playing with Barbie.
Wordcount: 1889
Prompt: Scarves. And hats.
Notes: Sixth year. Hee! Remus ponders. *waves at [livejournal.com profile] nekare* Well guessed.

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Remus Lupin had a mission.

He’d been performing it for several days now, though he was sure none of his friends knew.

He crouched below the windows of the hospital wing and wrapped his long scarf more securely around his neck. It was freezing out here, though the rain had stopped overnight. He’d needed his hat as well and now he tugged it down over his ears. They were already stinging with cold.

Wand ready, he scanned the sky.

“Lupin, while I’m sure my brother finds this ridiculous display touching in some fashion, I would rather like to get my own post one of these days.”

Remus jumped.

Regulus Black leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms. His scarf, green and silver, wasn’t full of holes. His hat didn’t have a bobble on it (Remus’ mother had charmed it on after he’d cut the last three off). His boots were fur-lined and his thick wool coat had round brass buttons rather than toggles. All in all, he looked both elegant and warm.

Not that Remus was jealous. Or cold.

He stood up and crossed his own arms. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Black.”

Regulus raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so someone else with no taste in knitwear has been chasing off the family owl every day?”

“It’s not my problem if your owl’s unreliable, Black.”

“Jormungardr is not unreliable!” Regulus snapped.

“You do know that’s a bloody stupid name for an owl?”

“Oh, hearken to the expert. Where’s your owl, Lupin? Oh, I forgot. You’re the only boy in the school who couldn’t afford a toad, aren’t you?”

“Better not affording a toad,” Remus said sweetly, “than not even being able to buy some friends.”

Regulus flushed. “I have friends. Without having to spread my legs for them.”

“I beg your pardon,” Remus said. He didn’t know how someone could look so like Sirius and yet be such a snotty little shit.

“Oh, please, Lupin. Everyone knows that Potter only puts up with you because you’re my brother’s catamite and Pettigrew because he’ll do anything Potter tells him too.”

Remus fought back the flush of rage and said mildly, “Catamite? Who on earth still uses the word catamite?”

Regulus flushed again, a splash of red along his high cheekbones. “Are you laughing at me, Lupin?”

“Only when you’re amusing, Black, which isn’t all that often.”

A low hoot distracted them both and Remus went for his wand. Regulus flung his arm up first and shouted, “Jormungardr! Here!”

The owl plummeted out of the sky. It landed on Regulus’ wrist with its wings flared. Remus could have sworn it sneered at him.

Regulus pulled his other glove off with his teeth and undid the letters from their bundle. He shoved three into his pocket and cast the other one of Remus’ feet. Then he threw his arm up and Jormungardr soared away. Regulus put his gloves back on with meticulous care and said, “Happy, Lupin? Do what you like with my brother’s correspondence.”

“He doesn’t want it,” Remus said.

“Neither do I. Reading my own letters will satisfy me.”

“Have you been getting Sirius’ post?”

Regulus paused as he turned away. “Not recently.”

“When?”

“Really, Lupin, I don’t see what-”

“When?”

Regulus shrugged. “Earlier in the month. It happens when the same owl carries them all. Most of them went straight to him. I don’t merit daily correspondence.”

Oh, yes, Gryffindor had been the best thing to ever happen to Sirius. Quietly, Remus asked, “Did you open them?”

Another flush of anger. “I don’t read other people’s post.” Then grudgingly. “The first one. I didn’t check the address.”

“What did it say?”

“That’s none of your fucking business, Lupin. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I actually intend to eat breakfast today.”

Remus nodded absently. Regulus had opened one of the letters. He wondered if Sirius knew. He watched him stalk away and absently ground the letter by his feet into the mud.

“Oy!” It was a hoarse whisper and it came from above.

Remus looked up. Sirius was hanging over the edge of the balcony, so swathed in scarves only his eyes were visible.

“Morning,” Remus said and couldn’t keep the daft grin off his face.

“You coming up?”

“Give me five minutes.”

“Nah,” Sirius said, eyes narrowed. “Up the wall.”

Remus looked at the wall and then looked at Sirius.

Sirius grinned and unwound one of his scarves.

“You’ll have a relapse,” Remus said sternly. “How long is that thing?”

“Good fifteen foot. House elves got confused. I’ve got six of them on, anyway, governess dear.” He knotted the end around one of the balusters and chucked the scarf over the edge. “Coming? Or are you scared?”

Remus sighed. “The problem with you is not just that you’re insane but that your insanity is infectious.” He picked up the end of the scarf and wrapped it loosely around his waist. “If this thing breaks, you’re paying for my funeral.”

“Least I can do, Moony, mate.”

He grasped the wool firmly, leant back and started up the wall. “I want white horses.”

“Six of them.”

“And choirs of Veela singing dirges.”

“Not sure who’d listen to the sermon, then, mate, but if you want.”

The fucking wall was slippery. “I want it at night. On a full moon.”

“No problem. I’ll howl at the moon on your behalf.”

He was almost there and Sirius reached out to drag him over the balustrade. Then he said promptly, “Legs!” and sat down, pulling Remus with him.

Remus managed to catch himself before he landed full on Sirius’ chest. Propping himself on his hands, he said, “What are you doing up?”

Beneath him Sirius was laughing, his belly vibrating against Remus’ thighs. “Legs,” he said again. “Jelly-legs without the curse.”

“You’re ill,” Remus said sternly and pushed himself up. He retrieved the scarf and tugged Sirius to his feet. Sirius stumbled and grabbed at him for balance and Remus steered him back to the chair further down the balcony. Sirius tried to pull him over again, smirking, and Remus batted him away.

“Put the scarf back on,” he said firmly.

“It’s ridiculous,” Sirius said, crossing his arms.

“Not as ridiculous as making yourself ill again because you’re embarrassed to wear a scarf. What are you doing outside?”

“Madam Pomfrey said I could get some fresh air for an hour. If it doesn’t make me worse and I behave all afternoon she might let me sleep in my own bed tonight.”

“Please,” Remus said urgently. “I like Lily. I really do. I just want to talk about something else when I’m trying to go to sleep.” He began to wind the scarf around Sirius’ neck again.

Sirius rolled his eyes. “Any word from Pete?”

“I’ve got a letter,” Remus said and fished into his pocket. Sirius started unravelling the scarf again.

Remus glared at him. “Do you want me to tie you to the chair with it?”

“Kinky,” Sirius said and smirked.

Remus handed him the letter. “Funeral’s today. He thinks he’ll be back on Saturday.”

“Halloween Sunday,” Sirius said. “Gryffindor party?”

“Pete might not be in the mood.”

“Or he might appreciate the distraction. Firewhiskey always helps.”

Remus rolled his eyes, wrapped the scarf around him and the back of the chair and sat by his feet. “And they wonder why the wizarding world has an alcohol problem.”

“Yeah,” Sirius said. “They never brew enough. Now shut up. I’m reading.”

Remus snorted but leant quietly against his knee. He didn’t know what this new almost-something was between them. It felt good and frightening and it didn’t really matter whether he thought it was a good idea or not because he couldn’t resist it. He had been longing for Sirius to touch him for so long. He had never really let himself hope it might happen. He knew his Sirius, after all.

Sirius didn’t love easily. He didn’t make friends easily. He would fight to the death for his friends. He would die for them. Remus suspected, rather uneasily, that he would kill for them. It was easy for him to be blithe about other people’s misfortunes because only a handful of people mattered to him. Remus knew perfectly well that he was one of those people. It was faintly frightening. Which meant that Sirius didn’t flirt. He might have dallied with someone who hadn’t earnt their place in his life and not cared if he hurt them. Within the circle, though, he was all seriousness. Remus had seen him reduced to self-hate before and every time it had been because he thought he had let down or betrayed one of his people.

Which meant if Sirius followed through with this, if he really, truly wanted him, it was forever.

Or until they destroyed each other and all their friendships with them.

Which was terrifying. Wonderful but terrifying. It might be easier to stay in this not-quite state, pretending nothing was happening but with every casual touch pregnant with meaning.

He wasn’t sure he could do that. He wanted to touch him openly, to put his hands on him and keep them there. The little touches just made him hungrier. He wanted to hold and he wanted the right to do so.

He wondered if James would understand this, with his unswerving devotion to Lily. He wondered if Lily, uneasy recipient of that steady love, would understand more.

Sirius put his hand on Remus’ head, burrowing his fingers into his hair. Remus leant against his knee and wrapped his hand around Sirius’ ankle.

The leaves were thin now and the bones of the trees were showing through, true and stark. Could he stand with Sirius, stripped of all his disguises, against the wind and the snow and the inevitable, rising storm?

“Poor bastard,” Sirius said. “I hate those fuckers.”

“I know,” Remus said.

“They were trying to kill me, y’know. With the flu.”

“What?” Remus didn’t realise he’d tightened his grip on Sirius’ ankle until the bones bruised his palm.

“Ted told me. Look, listen, because I’m missing something and you’re the one who understands plans. This is all top-secret and everything but I reckon you don’t count.”

“Thanks,” Remus said dryly.

“No,” Sirius said fiercely. “Listen.”

By the time he’d finished Remus was on his feet.

“I need to go to the library,” he said.

“What?”

“The library. I think – I’ve got an idea but I don’t even know if it’s possible.”

“We thought it was Bella’s wedding, Ted and me. The point when we all got cursed, that is.”

“No,” Remus said. “Not if I’m right. Get inside. Get warm. If it is possible I’ll come back and tell you.” He headed for the door.

“Remus!” Sirius called.

“Inside!”

“I’m still tied to the chair.”

Remus dashed back and unravelled him. As he dropped the scarf in Sirius’ lap, the other boy caught his hand.

“It’s killing people, Moony. Do you really think you’ve worked it out?”

“I don’t know,” Remus said, squeezing his hand. “I need to read.”

“That’s my Moony,” Sirius said and, though he grinned, his eyes were solemn.

Remus, reckless on inspiration, said, “Absolutely,” and brushed a kiss against his cheek.

Then, before he could panic, he ran. He could manage forever with Sirius Black.

[identity profile] fate-envies-us.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 12:38 am (UTC)(link)
You're making me giddy with anticipation, woman. :)
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
I'm afraid I'm about to give up for tonight so you'll have to hang on a bit longer. Today has gone on for far too long.

Thanks for the comment :)
busaikko: Something Wicked This Way Comes (Default)

[personal profile] busaikko 2005-10-31 12:49 am (UTC)(link)
Ooohh, that'll teach Regulus to read other people's mail!

Rebel Yell
(cuz I want more, more, more)
busaikko: Something Wicked This Way Comes (Default)

[personal profile] busaikko 2005-10-31 12:50 am (UTC)(link)
Damn, hit the wrong button... meant to say all kinds of things about Rapunzel!Sirius, and scarf-bondage, and sweetness between the boys, and happiness in busaikkoland. ... but also, more, more, more!
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 08:35 am (UTC)(link)
O_o You can see into my i-tunes? ~_^

Yeah, Reggie should learn his lesson now and join the good guys and.. *sighs* Poor brat.

Glad you enjoyed it. :)

[identity profile] sleeper6.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 01:05 am (UTC)(link)
Very much love your Regulus--very snotty indeed. But he is elegant.
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 08:36 am (UTC)(link)
I love Regulus. He's one of my favourite characters.

Thanks for the comment :)

[identity profile] summersalts.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 01:38 am (UTC)(link)
Yay! Happy ending! But boo, the series is nearly finished. I've really enjoyed the variety in your stories, the interactions, the sense of a whole school community, the surprise plotting--everything really. Thanks for all your effort! And I'm going to friend you, if you don't mind, cos I'd like to keep up with your stuff after [livejournal.com profile] scarvesnhats finishes.
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 08:37 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks. I'll be writing a lot less after this is over. I've really enjoyed this month, though.

[identity profile] nanagose.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 02:17 am (UTC)(link)
He didn’t know how someone could look so like Sirius and yet be such a snotty little shit.

Amen, Remus...amen.
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 08:38 am (UTC)(link)
I love Regulus. He's always fun to work into these.

[identity profile] ltlredhairdgirl.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 02:27 am (UTC)(link)
Moony is so wonderful and worrisome and smart and...sigh. I want a Moony from this story for my own. Better yet, a straight Moony. But I would be happy with the regular Moony...

But I digress. I loved this. Absolutely adored it. I can't believe this series is almost over. :( I'm so very glad I've friended you so I can keep up with your work. :) Can't wait for the next installment!
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 08:40 am (UTC)(link)
*sighs* I want a Moony. Or a clingy Sirius, come to think of it.

I'm glad you've been enjoying it. :)
ext_1310: (romantic)

[identity profile] musesfool.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 04:32 am (UTC)(link)
Oh Rapunzel!Sirius is adorable, and so is Remus's wibbling over the change in their relationship, and oh, everything. I'm enjoying this story so much. I hope you're going to archive it all in one spot when it's done, so I can link to it.
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 08:45 am (UTC)(link)
It always makes sense to me that Sirius would come to some decision by not-thinking and following his instincts and Remus would worry for them both.

I hadn't really thought about archiving. I'm certainly intending to tidy up the links here on my lj so it's possible to follow through from chapter to chapter but I hadn't thought beyond that.

[identity profile] nekare.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 06:40 am (UTC)(link)
*jumps up and down* I guessed! I guessed! (I knew there was something fishy with those letters...)

Amazing chapter, the way the pup's relationship is changing ever so subtly, and it was fun! (oh the rapunzel-alike scarf, and Sirius tied to the chair) Along with snotty Regulus who is always such an interesting character.

I don't really want this to end though... You may want to think of a sequel
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 08:51 am (UTC)(link)
*grins* It took me a while to work out what was in them.

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm a big Regulus-fan so it was fun to give him a bit of a scene.

I'm afraid I'm decided not to do a sequel. I really need to get back to my original writing. I did this to try to break my writer's block. It's well and truly pulverised now and my lot are getting disgruntled at my neglect.

[identity profile] liadlaith.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 10:00 am (UTC)(link)
Catamite = excellent word.

More people should use it!

Oh, yes, great installment too : )
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 10:03 am (UTC)(link)
It's such a Regulus word.

Thanks.

[identity profile] venilia.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 01:03 pm (UTC)(link)
Sssss! *squee*
I'm one happy little slasher.
This is so perfect!
And I like that Remus realizes from the get go that this is forever, or all their friendship, and their circle of friendship, is over.
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 07:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks :)

I think Remus understands things that Sirius can't really articulate.

[identity profile] moonix.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 02:11 pm (UTC)(link)
Heehee, let down your scarf, Rapunzel Sirius! Your prince is about to climb up. And behave just like the cute little werewolf ball that he is. *glomps*

Not that Remus was jealous. Or cold.

&

“I like Lily. I really do. I just want to talk about something else when I’m trying to go to sleep.”

*chuckles*

Oh! But the most beautiful image: the bones of the trees were showing through - Jesus. So simple. So incredibly poetic.
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 07:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks. I usually write mood pieces rather than the sort of dialogue heavy-stuff I've been doing this month.

I'm glad you liked it.

[identity profile] moonix.livejournal.com 2005-11-01 11:55 am (UTC)(link)
Trying out new things is always good, no matter what the results are. But I'd say you definitely did a great job here. ;)

[identity profile] futurestarlette.livejournal.com 2005-10-31 11:13 pm (UTC)(link)
I love how all of these pieces manage to be pensive as well as funny. Remus's thoughtfulness while climbing up a wall and tying Sirius to a chair is a perfect balance. Love his funeral as well. :D

XD Now I feel silly about my last review. Moony isn't bolting any more.
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-11-01 12:29 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks. It's that mix which makes me like this era.

*eyes the boys sourly* I almost wish he was still bolting. I'm terrible at writing R-rated stuff and I'm still on the 28th.

Thanks for the comment :)

[identity profile] futurestarlette.livejournal.com 2005-11-01 01:25 am (UTC)(link)
*gasp* R-rated? Those naughty boys! :D

[identity profile] copa-cetic.livejournal.com 2005-11-01 01:19 am (UTC)(link)
I love how fandom (and really, you) developed Reg *smiles*
This was lovely. I was checking my friend updates, and I saw this, and it made me very happy. I love your Remus.
ext_50422: (regulus potterpuffs)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-11-01 09:25 am (UTC)(link)
I love Regulus. What can be extrapolated from canon is fascinating and filling in the gaps is great fun.

I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
stellastars: (Default)

[personal profile] stellastars 2005-11-01 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
Remus is, quite possibly, the sweetest person ever. I didn't even notice the absence of owls from the last couple installments, but once I saw Remus and his plan, it all made sense. Really, the sweetest person ever!

I reckon you may be getting sick of all the coo-ing comments...
but your fic is sooo adorable! It's hard not to say "awwww" every time I read it!
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-11-02 05:39 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks :)

He is sweet. I've been trying hard not to make him too sweet but it's hard.

[identity profile] javajunkie13.livejournal.com 2005-11-02 11:59 pm (UTC)(link)
Which meant that Sirius didn’t flirt. He might have dallied with someone who hadn’t earnt their place in his life and not cared if he hurt them. Within the circle, though, he was all seriousness. Remus had seen him reduced to self-hate before and every time it had been because he thought he had let down or betrayed one of his people.

That whole part of Remus' musings is probably the best description of Sirius and his relationships with other people that I've ever read. It totally hits what I've always thought and why I can never buy the theories that Sirius used Remus for sex, or for fun, or whatever.

Anyway I loved this part, as always. XD Rapunzel!Sirius is adorable, and I love that he's embarrassed to be wearing a scarf (such a boy). And the end left me with a big, ridiculous smile on my face. XD
ext_50422: (Default)

[identity profile] rosemaryandrue.livejournal.com 2005-11-03 09:42 am (UTC)(link)
*nods* I've always thought that Sirius' greatest mistakes come when his loyalties overrule his common sense.

Glad you enjoyed it. It was another one which was fun to write.

[identity profile] marauder-s-mad.livejournal.com 2007-06-22 02:52 pm (UTC)(link)
So cute together ! I loved the last line ^^

[identity profile] shinzuku.livejournal.com 2007-08-12 06:52 pm (UTC)(link)
Whoa, this is getting so cool.