Cheated Of Feature By Dissembling Nature (
blanketforts Day 11)
Jan. 13th, 2006 01:41 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Title: Cheated Of Feature By Dissembling Nature
Rating: PG for language.
Disclaimer: They're not mine. I'm just borrowing them because I like them.
Wordcount: 1244
Prompt: One kind word can warm three winter months.
Notes: I go for a three day moon. In January 1979 that's the 11th to the 13th. Remus isn't feeling too well the day before the moon. Title from Richard III
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Remus was wilting.
It was the best simile he’d thought of yet. With every half hour that crept by, Remus’ head swayed further forward, his quill scratching steadily across the scroll.
Sirius glowered.
“You shouldn’t be here.”
“I shall be missing enough time,” Remus said, his voice pinched and polite.
“You’re going to have to leave at lunchtime anyway. Before it gets dark.”
“I’m aware of that, thank you, Sirius.”
“So go now.”
“No.”
Sirius scowled. All they were doing was writing up the interviews from earlier in the week. It was bloody boring and Remus didn’t need to be doing it. He needed to be resting, readying himself for the moon. Annoyed, he began to kick at the partition. Bloody Remus never knew what was good for him.
He got the prim voice again. “I have a headache.”
“Then go home!”
“You’re annoying our neighbours.”
“Too bloody right,” Alice Longbottom said, her head appearing over the top of the partition. “What’s your problem, Black?”
“Him,” Sirius muttered and grinned up at her. “You grew.”
“I’m standing on my desk, you prat.”
“Whose desk?” a male voice rumbled.
“Fine. I’m standing on Frank’s desk. Though, as he’s currently using mine to put together a scale model of King’s Cross, I don’t see what right he has to complain. Why’s Lupin your problem?” She tilted her head to study Remus, blonde hair sliding down her neck.
“He’s here,” Sirius said shortly.
“Friendly bugger, aren’t you? Is he always such a charmer, Lupin?”
“Yes,” Remus said without looking up.
“I must admit he has a point. You look like shit, kid.”
“See,” said Sirius, folding his arms.
“I have a report to write.”
“You’re actually writing it. Ted got blackmail material or something?”
“Only on me,” Sirius interjected.
She flapped a hand at him. “Shut it, you. Lupin, nobody writes the bloody reports.” She raised her voice to a bellow. “Oy! Tonks! Stop corrupting minors!”
“Do some fucking work, Longbottom!”
“He was so much more fun when we were fifteen,” she confided in a stage whisper. “What’s wrong with you, Lupin?”
“I’m fine.”
“He’s not,” Sirius said, sensing an ally.
“Wasn’t asking you, cheap and cheerful.”
Sirius smirked at her and leant back in his chair. “A Black is never cheap.”
She snickered. Remus hunched his shoulders and bent forward further over his desk. Alice folded her arms on the top of the barrier and purred, “Little cocky, aren’t we, gorgeous?”
“Leave the kid alone, Alice,” Frank rumbled.
“Aw. I like him. He makes the place look pretty. Besides, I’m not your type, am I, gorgeous?”
“Sorry to disappoint.”
“Sirius,” Remus said, and he could just tell he was gritting his teeth.
There was another thump from behind the partition and Frank Longbottom appeared next to his wife. He smiled down at them cheerfully and then frowned. “You look terrible, Lupin. No point in being here if you’re that bad.”
“I can last until lunchtime.”
“But you don’t need to,” Sirius said.
Remus kept writing. Sirius could see how his quill was dipping with each stroke.
“Lupin,” Frank said kindly. “Really. If you’re not on top form, we don’t mind if you go.” He leant on the partition and it creaked ominously.
“Do they collapse?” Sirius asked because he could see the tightness in Remus’ shoulders which meant he wouldn’t budge.
“Like dominoes,” Alice said, raising an eyebrow at him in concerned query. “Save it for when Ted’s in a really pissy mood, though.”
“Longbottom, I’m warning you!”
“Alice,” Frank said warningly.
Remus put his quill down and quietly settled his head against the wood. Sirius shot up and crossed the cubicle in one step. He put his hand on Remus’ shoulder and tried not to think of Remus writhing against him; Remus’ hands warm on his skin.
There was a thump and he turned in time to see the flash of ankles and a swirl of robes, and hear Ted bellow, “Longbottom!”
Alice landed on his desk and then came over to stand beside him. “Come on, chicken, chin up. We’ll get gorgeous here to take you home.”
“I don’t want to go home,” Remus said.
“What’s wrong with him?”
Lily had worked out the perfect excuse. But he wasn’t allowed to remember it perfectly. Everyone knew he always got Muggle things wrong. He shrugged and said, “He gets ill sometimes. Malorria.”
“Who’s got malaria?” Ted asked sharply, coming in with Frank.
“Remus.”
“I have not.”
“He did have,” Sirius said and wished it was as easy to lie about big things as about small ones. “Years ago. It comes back.”
“I’m fine.”
“Do we need to get him to a healer?” Frank asked.
“No,” Sirius snapped. “He just needs his medicine and a few days in bed.”
“I am perfectly capable,” Remus said. He was blushing right across the back of his neck and Sirius suddenly wanted him out of here, away from all these well-intentioned strangers.
“Shut up, Remus,” Ted said kindly. “How long will it take you to get home?”
“He’s staying at mine.”
“Take him home, then.”
“I have a report to finish.”
“I’ll finish it,” Sirius said.
“Get out of here,” Ted said. “Unlike some people, you pull your weight.”
Alice sighed mournfully and winked at Frank. “Ted doesn’t love us anymore. I’ll get your coat, chicken.”
Ted eyed her. “And when you’ve done that-”
“I shall do some work, Head Boy, just to stop you taking points off Gryffindor.”
She and Frank disappeared and Ted sat on the desk, stretching his legs out. He glanced across at Sirius. “You okay?”
“It’s not infectious.”
“Wasn’t what I meant.”
“I’m fine,” Sirius said and shoved his hands into his pockets. Nobody was supposed to be worrying about him. Ted looked at him thoughtfully but didn’t say anything more.
Alice came back with Remus’ coat and then went, shooting Sirius a sympathetic smile. Should he put a notice up? - No, I am not shagging Remus Lupin. Thank you for asking.
Remus struggled into his coat. Sirius didn’t help. He was certain it wouldn’t be welcome. He turned to Ted instead. “I’ll come straight back.”
“I should hope so. Nothing wrong with you. Lupin, I don’t want to see you until you’re well again.”
Remus looked unhappy about it but Sirius felt himself grin with relief. Ted was alright, really, even if he was a moody git at work.
Ted clapped him on the back. “Go on. Out.” Then he murmured, “And stop fretting. You’re as transparent as glass.”
It wasn’t until they were leaving Leicester Square that Remus deigned to speak to him. “You didn’t need to make a scene.”
“Thought I was setting up your alibi, actually, mate. And I didn’t make a scene. You should never have come in today.”
Remus set his lips and folded his arms, hunching forward as he walked along.
“Does it ache?” Sirius asked gently.
“Everywhere.”
“I’ll make you tea.”
“You need to get back.”
“Ted’s alright.”
“You shouldn’t take advantage.”
“I’m not,” Sirius said, hurt. Then he relented and slung an arm around Remus’ shoulders. “Lean on me, you prat.”
“You’ll get us arrested.”
“We’re in Soho, mate. Nobody gives a shit.” Sirius chuckled. “Heh.”
“What?”
“I’m gorgeous and you’re chicken.”
“Oh, fuck off, you.” But Remus leant on his shoulder and Sirius smiled. Everything would be fine. He wasn’t sure how, or when, but it would all work out in the end.
Rating: PG for language.
Disclaimer: They're not mine. I'm just borrowing them because I like them.
Wordcount: 1244
Prompt: One kind word can warm three winter months.
Notes: I go for a three day moon. In January 1979 that's the 11th to the 13th. Remus isn't feeling too well the day before the moon. Title from Richard III
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Remus was wilting.
It was the best simile he’d thought of yet. With every half hour that crept by, Remus’ head swayed further forward, his quill scratching steadily across the scroll.
Sirius glowered.
“You shouldn’t be here.”
“I shall be missing enough time,” Remus said, his voice pinched and polite.
“You’re going to have to leave at lunchtime anyway. Before it gets dark.”
“I’m aware of that, thank you, Sirius.”
“So go now.”
“No.”
Sirius scowled. All they were doing was writing up the interviews from earlier in the week. It was bloody boring and Remus didn’t need to be doing it. He needed to be resting, readying himself for the moon. Annoyed, he began to kick at the partition. Bloody Remus never knew what was good for him.
He got the prim voice again. “I have a headache.”
“Then go home!”
“You’re annoying our neighbours.”
“Too bloody right,” Alice Longbottom said, her head appearing over the top of the partition. “What’s your problem, Black?”
“Him,” Sirius muttered and grinned up at her. “You grew.”
“I’m standing on my desk, you prat.”
“Whose desk?” a male voice rumbled.
“Fine. I’m standing on Frank’s desk. Though, as he’s currently using mine to put together a scale model of King’s Cross, I don’t see what right he has to complain. Why’s Lupin your problem?” She tilted her head to study Remus, blonde hair sliding down her neck.
“He’s here,” Sirius said shortly.
“Friendly bugger, aren’t you? Is he always such a charmer, Lupin?”
“Yes,” Remus said without looking up.
“I must admit he has a point. You look like shit, kid.”
“See,” said Sirius, folding his arms.
“I have a report to write.”
“You’re actually writing it. Ted got blackmail material or something?”
“Only on me,” Sirius interjected.
She flapped a hand at him. “Shut it, you. Lupin, nobody writes the bloody reports.” She raised her voice to a bellow. “Oy! Tonks! Stop corrupting minors!”
“Do some fucking work, Longbottom!”
“He was so much more fun when we were fifteen,” she confided in a stage whisper. “What’s wrong with you, Lupin?”
“I’m fine.”
“He’s not,” Sirius said, sensing an ally.
“Wasn’t asking you, cheap and cheerful.”
Sirius smirked at her and leant back in his chair. “A Black is never cheap.”
She snickered. Remus hunched his shoulders and bent forward further over his desk. Alice folded her arms on the top of the barrier and purred, “Little cocky, aren’t we, gorgeous?”
“Leave the kid alone, Alice,” Frank rumbled.
“Aw. I like him. He makes the place look pretty. Besides, I’m not your type, am I, gorgeous?”
“Sorry to disappoint.”
“Sirius,” Remus said, and he could just tell he was gritting his teeth.
There was another thump from behind the partition and Frank Longbottom appeared next to his wife. He smiled down at them cheerfully and then frowned. “You look terrible, Lupin. No point in being here if you’re that bad.”
“I can last until lunchtime.”
“But you don’t need to,” Sirius said.
Remus kept writing. Sirius could see how his quill was dipping with each stroke.
“Lupin,” Frank said kindly. “Really. If you’re not on top form, we don’t mind if you go.” He leant on the partition and it creaked ominously.
“Do they collapse?” Sirius asked because he could see the tightness in Remus’ shoulders which meant he wouldn’t budge.
“Like dominoes,” Alice said, raising an eyebrow at him in concerned query. “Save it for when Ted’s in a really pissy mood, though.”
“Longbottom, I’m warning you!”
“Alice,” Frank said warningly.
Remus put his quill down and quietly settled his head against the wood. Sirius shot up and crossed the cubicle in one step. He put his hand on Remus’ shoulder and tried not to think of Remus writhing against him; Remus’ hands warm on his skin.
There was a thump and he turned in time to see the flash of ankles and a swirl of robes, and hear Ted bellow, “Longbottom!”
Alice landed on his desk and then came over to stand beside him. “Come on, chicken, chin up. We’ll get gorgeous here to take you home.”
“I don’t want to go home,” Remus said.
“What’s wrong with him?”
Lily had worked out the perfect excuse. But he wasn’t allowed to remember it perfectly. Everyone knew he always got Muggle things wrong. He shrugged and said, “He gets ill sometimes. Malorria.”
“Who’s got malaria?” Ted asked sharply, coming in with Frank.
“Remus.”
“I have not.”
“He did have,” Sirius said and wished it was as easy to lie about big things as about small ones. “Years ago. It comes back.”
“I’m fine.”
“Do we need to get him to a healer?” Frank asked.
“No,” Sirius snapped. “He just needs his medicine and a few days in bed.”
“I am perfectly capable,” Remus said. He was blushing right across the back of his neck and Sirius suddenly wanted him out of here, away from all these well-intentioned strangers.
“Shut up, Remus,” Ted said kindly. “How long will it take you to get home?”
“He’s staying at mine.”
“Take him home, then.”
“I have a report to finish.”
“I’ll finish it,” Sirius said.
“Get out of here,” Ted said. “Unlike some people, you pull your weight.”
Alice sighed mournfully and winked at Frank. “Ted doesn’t love us anymore. I’ll get your coat, chicken.”
Ted eyed her. “And when you’ve done that-”
“I shall do some work, Head Boy, just to stop you taking points off Gryffindor.”
She and Frank disappeared and Ted sat on the desk, stretching his legs out. He glanced across at Sirius. “You okay?”
“It’s not infectious.”
“Wasn’t what I meant.”
“I’m fine,” Sirius said and shoved his hands into his pockets. Nobody was supposed to be worrying about him. Ted looked at him thoughtfully but didn’t say anything more.
Alice came back with Remus’ coat and then went, shooting Sirius a sympathetic smile. Should he put a notice up? - No, I am not shagging Remus Lupin. Thank you for asking.
Remus struggled into his coat. Sirius didn’t help. He was certain it wouldn’t be welcome. He turned to Ted instead. “I’ll come straight back.”
“I should hope so. Nothing wrong with you. Lupin, I don’t want to see you until you’re well again.”
Remus looked unhappy about it but Sirius felt himself grin with relief. Ted was alright, really, even if he was a moody git at work.
Ted clapped him on the back. “Go on. Out.” Then he murmured, “And stop fretting. You’re as transparent as glass.”
It wasn’t until they were leaving Leicester Square that Remus deigned to speak to him. “You didn’t need to make a scene.”
“Thought I was setting up your alibi, actually, mate. And I didn’t make a scene. You should never have come in today.”
Remus set his lips and folded his arms, hunching forward as he walked along.
“Does it ache?” Sirius asked gently.
“Everywhere.”
“I’ll make you tea.”
“You need to get back.”
“Ted’s alright.”
“You shouldn’t take advantage.”
“I’m not,” Sirius said, hurt. Then he relented and slung an arm around Remus’ shoulders. “Lean on me, you prat.”
“You’ll get us arrested.”
“We’re in Soho, mate. Nobody gives a shit.” Sirius chuckled. “Heh.”
“What?”
“I’m gorgeous and you’re chicken.”
“Oh, fuck off, you.” But Remus leant on his shoulder and Sirius smiled. Everything would be fine. He wasn’t sure how, or when, but it would all work out in the end.
no subject
Date: 2006-01-13 02:54 am (UTC)Poor Sirius. Getting into so much trouble for trying to help his Moony. But at least Remus has mastered the art of saying, "fuck off" and making it sound like "I'm sorry and I'm hopelessly in love with you."
no subject
Date: 2006-01-13 09:56 am (UTC)Poor Sirius. He isn't appreciated enough (he thinks so too).
Remus really doesn't like being defeated by his condition. He's not too ungracious about it, though.
Thanks for the comment :)
AWESOME
Date: 2006-01-13 03:39 am (UTC)“I’m gorgeous and you’re chicken.”
“Oh, fuck off, you.”
Darling author, you are sunshine on a cloudy day. When it's cold outside, you're the month of May. Thanks for writing. :-D
Re: AWESOME
Date: 2006-01-13 09:59 am (UTC)I really enjoyed writing this lot. Ensemble pieces are such fun.
no subject
Date: 2006-01-13 05:34 am (UTC)And then the sickly Remus, refusing to be taken care of... Oh, sweet. ^-^
no subject
Date: 2006-01-13 10:01 am (UTC)I had such fun with my Aurors. I'm determined to breathe a bit of life into that generation, particularly the female characters.
Thanks for the comment :)
no subject
Date: 2006-01-13 11:55 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-01-13 07:32 am (UTC)And I know I've said it before, but the details you put into the adult wizarding world are just magnificent.. <3
no subject
Date: 2006-01-13 10:15 am (UTC)Thanks for the comment :)
no subject
Date: 2006-01-13 07:54 am (UTC)I want more!
I loved Alice! It was nice that in your fic she is older than remus and Sirius. The way she addressed the two puppies was very funny and I loved it!
I also liked Ted and Frank.
I don't udnerstand Sirius very well.
Why is it that he is rejecting Remus?
I hope you update soon.
no subject
Date: 2006-01-13 10:20 am (UTC)I think Frank and Alice must be a little older. One of the few things we're told about them is that they're well known in the Wizarding World so it makes sense that they've been out of Hogwarts a bit longer.
Sirius is still being an idiot about the aftereffects of the prank.
I should have another update today.
no subject
Date: 2006-01-13 01:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-01-13 02:42 pm (UTC)I always liked the sound of the Auror Office. Dropping this lot into the middle of it was too tempting to resist.
Thanks for the comment :)
no subject
Date: 2006-01-13 11:05 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-01-14 12:04 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2006-01-14 05:05 am (UTC)Ted is pretty darn cool, too! I really enjoy him as an auror.
And Sirius is so sweet, trying to take care of Remus.
no subject
Date: 2006-01-14 11:07 am (UTC)I must admit that my starting point for Ted's characterisation was basically Ted is very, very cool..
Thanks for the comment :)
no subject
Date: 2007-08-12 01:57 am (UTC)It was the best simile he’d thought of yet. With every half hour that crept by, Remus’ head swayed further forward, his quill scratching steadily across the scroll."
*sigh* why, Remus, why?
This is good.