Chapter Text
On Tuesday, professor Vector lets out her last period math class (or as she likes to call it arithmetic, which like, this is 2024, not the 70’s!) early. Sirius rushes across the school to get to Moony’s English class. He gets there just as the bell rings and students flood the hall, including Remus and Lily, who are talking to each other about whatever book they’re being forced to read; though he swears he catches the words ‘fascinating’ and ‘accidentally read ahead’.
“Moony! What are you doing tonight? Let’s go see a movie or something- I still have some cash from mum’s allowance.”
“Hello to you too Sirius,” Lily says.
“Hi Lily, how are you? Anyway Moony, what do you say?”
“Um.” Remus adjusts the straps of his bookbag on his shoulder. He looks at Lily.
Sirius frowns. He stops in front of some random kid’s locker. “What?”
Lily lifts her arms, exasperated. “Oh just tell him Remus.”
“Tell him what?” Sirius asks.
“Um,” Remus says again, his eyes focusing on anything but Sirius.
It’s really too bad Remus is so tall, because Sirius would absolutely love to shove him into this locker right now. Maybe it’s worth a try; it doesn’t have a lock on it.
“Remus is going over to Evan’s with Pete and your brother tonight. They’re going to work on Evan’s song,” Lily tells him, looking at Remus.
Sirius freezes, his hands on the hinge, about to open it.
“Huh?”
Remus raises his shoulders halfheartedly. “Well, Evan asked us yesterday before we all left.”
“And you said yes?”
“I mean, yeah?”
Sirius drops his hands. He turns on his heel and struts away. “What is the world coming to? You think you know someone for seven years. Seven years! And then they go and turn around and do this? Teaming up with the enemy?”
Remus follows behind him at a walking pace. Damn him and his long, toned legs.
Lily calls out behind them: “Bye Remus! See you tomorrow!”
“Sirius, you remember what it was like when you came out,” Remus says.
“What?” Sirius slows down. “What does that have to do with anything?”
Remus runs a hand through his hair, leaving it charmingly ruffled. Sirius wants to run his own hands through it- he bets Remus’ hair is super soft. Maybe he should ask him what his hair routine is.
“Evan’s been out for ages. I don’t think anyone even thinks about that anymore. To be honest I totally forgot until you just brought it up,” Sirius says.
“Oh I'm sure that’ll make him happy to hear.”
“What? It’s true! You’re the one who mentioned it! I still don’t understand what Evan being trans has to do with you ditching me,” Sirius whines.
“First of all,” Remus stops walking and crosses his arms over his chest, his bag hanging off his left shoulder. “I’m not actually ditching you since we never had plans.”
Sirius scrunches his nose.
“Second, I think the song he chose is really personal to him, and he’s shy about singing in front of everyone. So, if we can help then I think that’s a good thing. Don’t you?”
Sirius looks at a spot above Moony's shoulder. What is he supposed to say to that?
“No one’s forcing him to be there,” is what he goes with.
Remus frowns. The crinkle in between his eyebrows is adorable. It also makes Sirius feel bad.
“Fine. Go hang out with my little brother and his little friend and be a good ‘ally’ or whatever. I’ll just go home and watch sad movies on my own and write in my diary about how sad and alone I am.”
“You could hang out with James?”
“It’s Tuesday.” Tuesday is when James volunteers at the local animal shelter. Sirius does not know where his best friend finds the time or the energy to be such a good person. It’s sickening really.
“You could do your homework?” Remus offers.
Sirius blinks at him.
Remus finally uncrosses his arms to place a hand on Sirius’ shoulder.
“You’re a great friend.”
Internally, Sirius screams.
He does go home to hide in his room. At least his space here at the Potter’s feels more like home than his parent’s place ever did. He tries not to think about his brother as he drops his bag onto the hardwood floor and flops onto his soft downy mattress next to the window. The smell of Mrs Potter’s cooking, of onions and garlic and fresh cilantro, wafts up and fills Sirius with warmth. He takes in his surroundings; his dirty socks on the floor, his posters of Messi and Ronaldo and Britney Spears, the photographs above his desk of him and James and Pete and Remus. It’s hard to ignore the knot in his stomach when he thinks about his brother in his room at home-perfectly made black and grey sheets, dark oak furniture devoid of any personality. It’s fine though. Regulus likes it there. He’s happy. Probably. Even if he isn’t, why is that Sirius's problem? Sirius has bigger things to worry about! Like how to get out of this stupid club. And the issue of his friends suddenly undergoing personality transplants! And, perhaps most importantly, Remus being his ‘friend’ at all.
Sirius groans and buries his face into his pillow. It’s not like Remus is entirely straight. After Sirius was forced out of the closet, the marauders had all sat in James’ room just across the hall. James had confessed his own bisexuality proudly and promised to beat the shit out of anyone who even looked at him funny. He never tried it with Walburga Black, but Sirius doesn’t begrudge him that. In the end, he hadn’t needed to. Peter had been awkward, but still reassured Sirius that nothing would change in their friendship. Remus was quiet, which wasn’t unusual for him but still left a hole in Sirius’ fragile heart; until afterwards when they had been alone and Remus had shyly whispered “me too. I’m like you too,” without making eye contact. Sirius never told James or Pete about that, and Remus never brought it up again.
Nearly two years have passed since, and sometimes Sirius wonders if he hallucinated that conversation entirely. It’s not like Remus has ever shown interest in girls, or dating, but still. Maybe he meant something else? Sirius ruminates on this more than he would like to admit. Especially when Remus goes and says stuff like ‘you're such a great friend.’ Sirius is a great friend. He could’ve been a lot more mean about Remus going off to fraternise with Regulus, deservedly so! At least Barty wasn’t going too, or else Sirius would’ve really gone off. Also, Sirius has respected Remus’ clear boundary about not wanting to talk about whatever his sexuality is, despite the fact that keeping this secret sometimes drives him insane.
On one hand, Sirius loves praise, especially when it comes from Moony. It’s not like he needs the validation, or the compliments. But like, he’s not gonna complain about them either. But, on the other hand, there’s the dreaded F word. Honestly, he would rather Remus called him the other F word, the one that Orion spat out the same night of that talk. From Remus’ lips, he thinks the word would probably sound pretty nice. A lot nicer than friend anyway.
“Meu querido! Sirius love, would you like some aroz com pollo?” Mrs Potter’s voice rings across the hall. Sirius' stomach rumbles. She always seems to know just what he needs.
“Coming mum!”
“Good. I need you to set the table then.”
“Suddenly I have been overcome with a deep seated exhaustion and must take to bed.”
Euphemia laughs. Sirius extends his legs and plants his feet on the ground. In spite of himself, he smiles.
Tragically, Wednesday’s football practice does not bring about any life-threatening, or even mildly sympathy inducing injuries. So when Thursday afternoon rolls around, Sirius once again finds himself outside the band room. Horrible, really.
“Oh hello Mr Potter. Mr Black, Nervous, is it?” Trelawney greets them as they enter.
“What? I’m not nervous.” I’d just rather be anywhere else .
Trelawney looks at Sirius. “Oh I'm sorry dear, I thought that was your name.”
James stifles a laugh.
“No, it’s Sirius-like the star?” Doesn’t she teach an astronomy elective?
He hears a suspicious cough from the side of the room his brother and his friends are already occupying. At least Sirius is a cooler name than Regulus. He glares at them.
“Oh yes! That makes a lot more sense. I’m sorry darling- won’t happen again.”
Remus and Peter are setting up their instruments in the corner as Lily, Mary and Marlene enter. Sirius turns his glare onto James. Not only are they participating in Glee club, now they’re even getting there early!
“Wonderful! We’re all here now. Mr Rosier, would you like to come up?”
Evan freezes for a moment before hunching over in his seat. Sirius relates.
“Don’t be shy dear,” Trewlaney says gently.
Evan’s face is flushed red. He looks at Barty, who gives his friend an encouraging nod. It makes Evan blush harder. He looks at Regulus next, who also nods solemnly.
He gets up slowly, walking to the center of the room at a snail's pace.
“Oh! I forgot to mention,” Trelawney says suddenly, jumping up and rushing to the supply closet in the corner next to Remus. “Since we technically have ten members now, professor Flitwick has agreed to let us use his microphones!”
The girls titter excitedly. Evan’s eyes widen almost comically. “Um- that’s- i mean- I don’t have to-”
“Oh don’t be silly,” Trelawney tuts, dragging out a microphone stand and placing it in front of him. “I’ll just go plug it in.”
Evan stands there, shoulders slumped, eyes darting towards his friends. A loud screech hisses from the microphone. Sirius cringes.
“Perfect!” Trelawny trills. She sits down behind her music stand, crossing her legs. “Go ahead now love.”
Evan doesn’t move.
It’s Remus who gets things started. “Ready Evan?” he asks. He’s so good at that. Sirius fights an irrational surge of jealousy from shooting up his spine. Evan blinks, then nods once at Remus and Pete, who play the opening to the song.
Sirius loves watching Remus play guitar. He gets this focused look on his face, his eyebrows furrow together, and sometimes he bites his lip. It’s very distracting. Not to mention the fact that he’s actually good at it too, which is so attractive by itself. When Evan sings the first line Sirius has to force his eyes away from Remus to look at the boy performing.
I'm a dumb teen boy
I eat sticks and rocks and mud
It comes out shaky and his voice cracks on the first words. Evan’s hands are buried in his pockets.
I don't care about the government
and I really need a hug
Evan turns towards Remus for encouragement, which Remus gives him with a small smile.
I feel stupid, ugly
Pretend it doesn’t bother me
I’m not very strong, but
I’ll fuck you up if you’re mean to bugs
Evan gathers his courage, the words coming out more clear and in tune. His hands are now resting by his sides. Sirius sees Regulus and Barty both with their lips turned up at the corners. It warms his heart a little to see Regulus being a good friend, at least.
Sirius can’t help but let his own smile tug on his lips as he watches Remus strum his chords. He turns his head quickly when Remus looks up.
It's getting cold down here underneath the weather
I skipped class to sit with you
I really like your spotty sweater
Barty looks at his own green jumper and Sirius swears Evan’s face goes even more crimson.
If ladybugs are girls
How do you make kids together?
What's it like in a female world?
I bet it's just so much better
Sirius lets the lyrics sink it. Is it better in a female world? He looks at Lily and Marlene and Mary, who are all tapping their feet. Then he looks at James, wearing a big proud grin for this boy they aren’t even supposed to like on principle.
I just turned 14
And I think this year, i’m gonna be mean
Evan’s cheeks are still pink, but his eyes are no longer wide and panicked. He’s holding the microphone now, very tightly but still. Sirius feels oddly proud too, watching Evan come out of his shell. He’s honestly got a decent voice too.
Don’t mess with me, i’m a big boy now and i’m very scary
Sirius hears Barty laugh, but it doesn’t sound mean. It is a little funny, but Sirius thinks it makes sense. Didn’t he also have a mean phase? Where he just wanted to hurt everyone? On instinct, he looks at his brother. Their eyes meet for a second and they both look away at the same time.
Don't mess with me, I'm a big boy now, and I'm very scary
I punch my walls, stay out at night, and I do karate
Don't message me 'cause I won't reply, I wanna make you cry
Ain't that how it's s'posed to be? Though it isn't me
Boys will be bugs, right?
Boys will be bugs, right?
Sirius catches Remus’ eye again, and Remus breaks his focus for a second to dart his eyes towards Evan and raise a shoulder. Like, ‘see?’ Sirius rolls his eyes. He’s still a little salty that Remus abandoned him for this, but he does admittedly understand a little.
I'm a dumb teen boy
All I wanna do is quit
My mum told me that she's worried
And I couldn't give a shit
I have friends who understand me
Their names are spider, beetle, bee
They don't say much, but
They have always listened to me
Everyone in the room is tuned in, the music and lyrics striking home; it’s weirdly relatable to Sirius.
The other boys at school
Think it's cool to hate your parents
But they're lying all the time
The bugs advised that I should let 'em
Sirius again looks at his brother on instinct. Does Regulus hate their parents? He sure doesn’t act like it.
And if you wanna cry
Make sure that they never see it
Or even better yet
Block it out and never feel it
Evan’s voice is coming out powerful now, the words seeming to really come from within him at the chorus.
I just turned 14
And I think I know everything
Don't mess with me, I'm a big boy now, and I'm very scary
I punch my walls, stay out at night, and I do karate
Don't message me 'cause I won't reply, I wanna make you cry
Ain't that how it's s'posed to be? Though it isn't me
Boys will be bugs, right?
Boys will be bugs, right?
The bridge and chorus repeat one more time. When Remus and Pete hit the last beat, Evan drops his hands from the mic. James is the first one on his feet, cheering and clapping loudly. The girls are next, starting with Lily. Sirius stands too, a moment later. Evan seems to return to his body, turning towards the band first before dropping his gaze to the floor. He shuffles back to his seat without making eye contact with anyone.
“That was awesome Ev!” Barty tells him with genuine enthusiasm. Even Regulus lets down his guard for a minute to reassure his friend. Sirius can see Evan smiling even with his eyes trained on the ground.
“That was lovely Evan,” Trelawney says. “And wonderful job boys,” she adds to Remus and Pete. Peter beams, and Remus just shrugs, but Sirius can see a little flush creep up his neck.
Trelawney stands in the middle of the room addressing everyone.
“Now, I know some of us are new so I'll just explain how we run things here.”
Oh God, is he going to have to sing again? Sirius should’ve prepared some ideas, but he was truly banking on getting out of this by today.
“Every week, we have a theme. Usually Mondays we have a sort of open mic session or I let you practice your songs depending on how we’re all feeling. Thursdays we show off our work. Now, last week I assigned you to all pick a song by an artist or group from your backgrounds. Obviously those of you who just joined don’t have to participate, but feel free to jump in if you have an idea. Who would like to go first?”
Sirius is not expecting the first arm to shoot up into the air to almost hit him in the face with its enthusiasm, but he’s realizing that perhaps he does not know James Potter as well as he thought.
“Mr Potter?” Apparently. Sirius is not the only one confused.
“After his song on Monday, I asked him if he would do a duet with me,” Marlene explains, standing up.
“You did?” Mary asks, frowning. Marlene smiles shyly.
“Well, alright.” Trelwaney retreats to her seat as James grabs hold of Marlene and walks her to the raised platform that they’re qualifying as a ‘stage’.
“Be right back,” he tells her, plopping a dramatic kiss on her hand before releasing it as he goes to set up the song.
As soon as it starts playing on Youtube, Sirius fights a groan. James waggles his eyebrows at him.
James starts up, affecting a deeper voice than usual and holding the mic with his hips in a loose stance while Marlene sticks hers out.
Ladies up in here tonight
No fighting, no fighting
We got the refugees up in here
No fighting, no fighting
Shakira, Shakira
“Oh my god,” Lily says, laughing breathlessly.
James winks at her.
I never really knew that should could dance like this
She make a man want to speak Spanish
¿Cómo se llama? (¡Sí!), ¿bonita? (¡Sí!)
Shakira, Shakira
Marlene is dancing around him, swishing her hips and moving her waist with a surprising amount of control. It’s only then that Sirius notices she’s dressed up for the occasion, wearing a black skirt that’s definitely shorter than regulation- but he can see that there are shorts under it at least. She is a good dancer, not enough to make Sirius want to speak Spanish, but maybe enough to make him consider bisexuality as an option.
Oh, baby, when you talk like that (Oh!)
You make a woman go mad (Come on!)
So be wise (¡Sí!), and keep on (¡Sí!)
Reading the signs of my body (Put your hands up!)
Marlene doesn’t even bother with going to the mic when it’s her part; she just keeps moving her body while James does the same behind her. Predictably, Regulus has his eyes on the ceiling. Though this time, Sirius almost understands where he’s coming from.
You know my hips don’t lie
And I'm starting to feel you, boy (Come on!)
Come on, let's go (Sí!)
Real slow (Sí!)
Don’t you see, baby? This is perfection
Marlene’s alto voice is surprisingly clear despite her dancing, and their bodies move in sync (though thankfully with a respectful distance between them- Sirius can see Trelawney’s fingers hovering over the space bar of her laptop).
And I'm on tonight
You know my hips don't lie
And I'm starting to feel it's right
All the attraction, the tension
Don't you see baby, this is perfection
James is ready for his moment and grabs the mic again, grinning at Marlene as she continues shaking her hips.
Hey Girl, I can see your body moving
And it's driving me crazy
And I didn't have the slightest idea
Until I saw you dancing
And when you walk up on the dance floor
Nobody cannot ignore the way you move your body, girl
And everything so unexpected - the way you right and left it
So you can keep on shaking it
She does. Barty whoops.
I never really knew that she could dance like this
She makes a man want to speak Spanish
Como se llama (si), bonita (si), mi casa (si, Shakira Shakira), su casa
Shakira, Shakira
James steps away from the mic and lifts his arm for Marlene to twirl under it as she sings her part of the song.
And I'm on tonight
You know my hips don't lie
And I am starting to feel you boy
Come on lets go, real slow
Don't you see baby asi es perfecto
She keeps singing until they get to a lyric in Spanish, which James sings flawlessly. Even Sirius once again feels a rush of heat at the way the words flow from his lips.
Baila en la calle de noche
Baila en la calle de día
Marlene repeats the Spanish words, but they come out a little harsh, the syllables don’t roll off her tongue as naturally as they did James’.
I never really knew that she could dance like this
She makes a man want to speak Spanish
Como se llama (si), bonita (si), mi casa (si, Shakira Shakira), su casa
Shakira, Shakira
Oh baby when you talk like that
You know you got me hypnotized
So be wise and keep on
Reading the signs of my body
They repeat their individual parts, though Marlene’s voice is now coming out airier, clearly worn out by her hypnotizing dancing.
Senorita, feel the conga, let me see you move like you come from Colombia -
James is clearly ready to keep going, but the music stops. Thank God. That was fun for sure, but Sirius doesn’t know if he can handle James rapping in front of everyone. Clearly Trelawney has some common sense at least.
“Thank you! That was very…” Trelawney trails off, struggling to find the words.
“Titillating?” Sirius offers.
Trelawney ignores him. “Well done.” James grabs Marlene’s hand again and drops them both into a large bow.
Marlene is sweaty as she returns to her seat.
“I didn’t know you were Spanish?” Sirius says.
Lily narrows her eyes at him. “She’s half Colombian. We all know this.”
“We do?”
James looks at him. “Yeah, we’ve talked about it before. She’s Colombian on her dad’s side.”
“Isn’t your dad dead?”
“Sirius!” James shoves him in the shoulder, but Marlene just laughs.
“Yes he’s dead, he died when I was two. That’s why my Spanish is so shit.”
“Oh,” Sirius sinks into his chair.
“Don’t beat yourself up too much,” Lily tells him. “We all know you only remember things when it comes to your marauders.”
Sirius sits up again, affronted. “That’s not true,” he protests.
“Okay, what’s Remus’ background then?” Lily asks, crossing her arms.
“He’s Welsh on both sides. His mum, Hope, was born in-”
“Exactly,” Lily says. Even Mary is looking at him apologetically, like ‘sorry but she’s right’. That’s not fair though, everyone knows that Remus is Welsh. He moved here from Wales! He still has his accent sometimes when he’s really sleepy, or really mad. Whatever. Sirius stands up and goes to sit next to Remus, who’s tuning his guitar.
“Hey Moony, what song would you pick, if you had to pick a Welsh artist?” He sits down beside him, swinging his legs.
“I wouldn’t,” Remus says, not looking up.
“Yeah, but like if you had to.”
“But I wouldn’t be in a situation where I have to.”
Sirius inhales deeply.
“Okay, but like pretend. It doesn’t even have to be someone from Wales. Just like, if you had to pick any song.”
“Why would I be in a situation where I’m forced to sing?”
Sirius chews the inside of his cheek.
“Okay what if,” he tries. “What if you were a werewolf-”
Remus meets his eyes. “A werewolf?”
“Yeah, like you know those guys who turn into wolves at the full moon? You’d be a good werewolf I think, I mean you’re already so mysterious and strong and….” Remus eyes widen a bit and Sirius changes tactics quickly. “Okay anyway, so what if you were a werewolf and you were trapped, like kidnapped by a bunch of other eviler wolves and they trapped you in a cage and the only way for you to get out is by like, annoying them really bad or something. So in this scenario, you have to sing to them to get them to let you out. What song are you picking then?”
Remus' mouth hangs open slightly, and his eyes are still a bit wide. He shakes his head and a strangled laugh comes out. “You’re really something Sirius.”
Sirius locks his ankles together and bites his cheek harder. “That doesn’t answer the question though.”
Remus laughs again, still giving Sirius a bewildered expression. “Fine. If I had to pick a song in this scenario, I guess I would go with Changes by David Bowie. Does that make you happy?”
“Immensely.” Sirius grins. Remus grins back. Sirius’ heart skips a beat and Remus’ knee accidentally knocks against his own. When did Remus’ lips get so close? Sirius holds his breath and-
“Mary, would you like to go next?”
“I better go back over there,” Sirius says, getting up abruptly and rushing back to sit next to James.
Mary stands up, straightening her pink cardigan. “Sure, I’ll go. I’ll be performing on my own today,” she says, holding up her chin.
She sashays to the computer, loading up her song, then strikes a pose by the mic; one hand on her hip and the other on the mic stand.
I've been looking for a driver who is qualified
So if you think that you're the one step into my ride
Yes Mary! Sirius beams at her. Mary removes the mic from the stand and does a lap of the stage.
I'm a fine-tuned supersonic speed machine
Got a sunroof top and a gangster lean
So if you feel me, let me know, know, know
Come on now, what you waiting for, for, for?
She stops in the middle, widening her stance and leaning on her lip with the microphone tilted to the ceiling.
My engine's ready to explode, explode, explode
So start me up and watch me go, go, go, go
Then she’s back to strutting around the stage, all eyes on her.
Get you where you wanna go, if you know what I mean
Got a ride that's smoother than a limousine
Can you handle the curves? Can you run all the lights?
If you can, baby boy, then we can go all night
'Cause I'm zero to sixty in 3.5
Baby, you got the keys
Now shut up and drive, drive, drive (drive)
Shut up and drive, drive, drive (drive)
Mary mimes throwing an invisible rope across the room, at Sirius. Sirius grabs a hold of it and lets himself be pulled towards her. He almost gets up and goes to join her, but this is her moment not his. Plus, that would mean that he was enjoying himself- which he isn’t. Obviously. It’s just that objectively, Mary is a good performer. It has nothing to do with Sirius having fun or not. When she drops the lasso, he crosses his arms.
I got class like a '57 Cadillac
Got overdrive with a whole lot of boom in the back
You look like you can handle what's under my hood
She cocks her hip out and checks out her own ass, which happens to be a very nice one.
You keep saying that you will, boy, I wish you would
So if you feel me, let me know, know, know
Come on now, what you waiting for, for, for?
She places the mic back in its stand to sing the rest, but she still hits dynamic poses from her new spot.
My engine's ready to explode, explode, explode
So start me up and watch me go, go, go, go
Get you where you wanna go, if you know what I mean
Got a ride that's smoother than a limousine
Can you handle the curves? Can you run all the lights?
If you can, baby boy, then we can go all night
Cause I'm zero to sixty in 3.5
Baby, you got the keys
With her hands free, she grips a steering wheel in front of her and twists in all directions.
Now shut up and drive, drive, drive (drive)
Shut up and drive, drive, drive (drive)
'Cause your Maybach ain't got what I got
Get it, get it, don't stop, it's a sure shot
And your Ferrari, huh, boy, I'm sorry
I ain't even worried, so step inside
And ride, ride, ride, ride
Ride, ride, ride, ride
Ride, ride, ride, ride
Ride, ride, ride, ride
(Shut up and drive, drive, drive, drive)
(Shut up and drive, drive, drive, drive)
Drive, drive, drive, drive, drive, drive, drive (oh)
For a second, Mary steps back and Sirius is reminded of the Alyssa vs Tatiana lip synch to this song from Drag Race All Stars 2. It almost looks like Mary is about to jump and do the splits, but instead she just takes a deep breath before grabbing the mic again and holding it to her lips to belt out the end of the song. Sirius figures it would be hard to recreate such an iconic double splits moment anyway, seeing as she’s only one person. If only Sirius was flexible; Maybe he’ll practice at home tonight.
Get you where you wanna go, if you know what I mean
Got a ride that's smoother than a limousine
Can you handle the curves? Can you run all the lights?
If you can, baby boy then we can go all night
'Cause I'm zero to sixty in 3.5
Baby, you got the keys
Now shut up and drive
She drops the mic. It rolls across the floor. This time, Sirius is the first one jumping up to applaud. “Yes Mary!” Her smile is wide, showing off all her perfect pearly white teeth. She jumps up and gives him a hug, wrapping her arms around his neck. She smells like cherry blossoms.
“That was so good!” Sirius says, releasing her.
“Yes, wonderful Mary,” Trelawney agrees. “But, isn’t Rihanna from Barbados, not Jamaica?”
Mary shrugs. “It’s all in the Caribbean isn’t it?”
Trelawney opens her mouth, but then closes it, evidently deciding not to argue about whether or not the artist Mary chose to represent her own ethnicity was valid.
“I’ll go next,” Lily announces, swishing her braids again. This time, James manages to duck out of the way.
“Go Lil,” he says, smiling. She rolls her eyes at him. Some things never change.
“To represent my Irish heritage, I’ll be singing a song by Hozier,” Lily informs the crowd, selecting her song.
“Next time, I’ll learn it for you,” Remus says as they wait for the ads to become skippable.
“Thank you Remus.” Sirius almost glares at Remus, but he’s still jumpy from that moment they shared earlier, so he looks at James instead. James is sitting up straight, hands in his lap like this is first grade. Logically, Sirius knows he isn’t in the position to be judging embarrassing crushes- but it’s hard not to anyway.
It can’t be said i’m an early bird
It’s 10 o’clock before I say a word
Unlike Mary, Lily chooses to stay at the microphone the whole time. Sirius is surprised that her voice works so well with this song, a little bit rough around the edges. She looks at a spot over everyone’s head.
Baby, I can never tell
How do you sleep so well?
You keep tellin' me to live right
To go to bed before the daylight
But then you wake up for the sunrise
You know you don't gotta pretend
Baby now and then
Sirius glances over beside him at James to find him watching, enraptured. Sirius swears he feels an ominous pair of eyes shooting daggers at them, but when he looks to the other side of the room, he finds Regulus picking at his nails. Rude. Maybe Sirius imagined it; Barty and Evan seem to be focused enough on Lily, their thighs pressed against each other. Evan looks a little distracted, maybe, but not irritated.
Don't you just wanna wake up, dark as a lake
Smellin' like a bonfire, lost in a haze?
If you're drunk on life, babe, I think it's great
Lily’s eyes dart towards James for a split second. Sirius catches it, but he’s not sure if James does. Oh.
But while in this world
I think I'll take my whiskey neat
My coffee black
This is true, Sirius has seen her chugging the dark sludge in their early morning classes. He’d rather drink his vanilla oat lattes any day, thank you very much. James doesn’t even need caffeine at all, the madman.
and my bed at 3
You’re too sweet for me
You’re too sweet for me
Lily is a really good singer, and it helps that Sirius has always had a soft spot for Hozier, he feels like maybe in another life they’re the same person or something.
I take my whiskеy neat
My coffee black and my bed at 3
You're too sweet for mе
You're too swee t for me
I aim low
I aim true, and the ground's where I go
I work late where I'm free from the phone
And the job gets done
But you worry some, I know
But who wants to live forever, babe?
You treat your mouth as if it's Heaven's gate
The rest of you like you're the TSA
She powers through, even though Sirius always cringes at that line. The TSA? Really?
I wish I could go along
Babe, don't get me wrong
You know you're bright as the morning, as soft as the rain
Pretty as a vine, as sweet as a grape
If you can sit in a barrel, maybe I'll wait
Until that day
I'd rather take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at 3
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
I take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at 3
You're too sweet for me
You're too sweet for me
Everyone claps for her, even Regulus, as she returns to her seat.
“That was so good Lily!” James says, nodding earnestly.
Lily smiles tightly. “Thank you James.”
Sirius nudges him. “Who do you think that was about?” He whispers.
James sticks out his bottom lip, thinking.
“It was about you, you idiot. She’s saying you’re too soft for her.”
Instead of deepening his pout, James lights up. “You think I'm sweet?” He asks Lily, beaming.
Marlene giggles. Lily just shoots Sirius an irritated glance without replying, talking to her friends instead.
“Wait, is that a bad thing?”
Oh James.
“Regulus, that leaves you then dear,” Trelawney says.
Regulus gets up, his back perfectly straight. He doesn’t look to anyone for reassurance as he moves the microphone over to the keyboard by Remus and Pete.
“Is it okay if I play and sing?” He asks Trewlaney, innocently. Sirius’ eyebrow twitches. ‘Is it okay?’ show off.
“Oh wow,” James breathes beside him. What is that supposed to mean?
Regulus sits at the keyboard with his perfect posture, he runs his fingers along the plastic keys. Beside him, Sirius feels James adjust his own posture. Sirius slouches.
When he hits the first notes, James inhales sharply. “It’s not that cool,” Sirius says. “I can play too.” James just nods, his eyes fixed on Regulus deft hands hitting the notes beautifully. Regulus was always better than him at piano, but James doesn’t need to know that.
When Regulus opens his mouth, even Sirius is momentarily stunned. He knew his brother was talented, that he has a gorgeous singing voice. ‘Like an angel!’ his mothers friends would always coo. It’s been a while since he’s heard it though, and it’s gotten deeper with age. Fuck. Regulus is by far the best singer of the group- and no one is lacking in the talent department.
There is a house built out of stone
Wooden floors, walls and window sills
Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust
This is a place where I don't feel alone
This is a place where I feel at home
The soft notes of the piano and Regulus’ haunting voice make Sirius uncomfortable. Especially with James’ wide eyes taking it all in behind his glasses, which have slipped down his nose. Sirius focuses on that instead.
'Cause, I built a home
For you
For me
Until it disappeared
From me
From you
And now, it's time to leave and turn to dust
It’s easier when it’s just the piano, even though Regulus plays each note so gracefully. Outside the keys, the room is eerily silent; like everyone is holding their breaths. Sirius wants to scuff his feet on the ground.
Out in the garden where we planted the seeds
There is a tree as old as me
Branches were sewn by the color of green
Ground had arose and passed it's knees
By the cracks of the skin I climbed to the top
I climbed the tree to see the world
When the gusts came around to blow me down
I held on as tightly as you held onto me
I held on as tightly as you held onto me
And, I built a home
For you
For me
Until it disappeared
From me
From you
Sirius watches James blink. Are those tears forming in his best friends eyes?
And now, it's time
To leave and turn
To dust
For a moment after the last notes, no one makes a sound. Then Trelwaney speaks up, sniffling slightly. “That was beautiful Regulus.”
“Excuse me,” Sirius speaks up. Eight pairs of eyes turn to him. He shrinks back a bit. “Sorry, I’m just confused. Wasn’t the assignment to pick a song related to our backgrounds?”
Regulus eyes become slits. “The singer is French,” he says sharply.
“He’s Quebecois, not French,” Sirius shoots back.
“They speak French there,” Regulus replies primly. Sirius wants to scream.
“Yeah, but-”
“What, did you want him to sing something by Celine Dion then?” Barty jokes.
“She’s Canadian too!”
Barty sticks out his tongue. Is that a tongue piercing?
“Well, whatever the case may be, you did a wonderful job,” Trelawney says.
“Yeah,” Peter agrees- the traitor. “You’re so talented.”
James puts a hand on Sirius’ shoulder to stop him from doing something drastic. Regulus smiles sweetly at his brother. Sirius turns to face James, ready to unload all his vitriol but stops when he sees James' concerned expression.
“Don’t you think that song was kind of sad?”
“Huh? Of course it’s sad. That’s Regulus’ whole thing.” Sirius shrugs, confused.
“Do you think he was trying to tell me-I mean us, something?”
“No?” Sirius crunches his nose. “He just likes depressing music. Even when we were kids, I would try to get him to practice his music lessons by trying to get him to write songs and he was always coming up with lyrics like ‘the sky is so grey/today is the worst day/’. Even when I tried to come up with something fun he would always change it back to something emo.” Sirius shrugs again, surprised at his own honesty. He tries to avoid thinking about his brother, let alone talking about him. “I wouldn’t worry about it,” he says. James nods, but Sirius can tell he’s still thinking about it.
“What a lovely session we’ve had today,” Trelawney says gathering her papers. “Everyone should be very proud of themselves.” She smiles at Evan as she says this. “Next week, the theme is ‘pop punk’ so everyone should start thinking about what they’ll want to perform.” To Remus, she says “I have access to a database for sheet music and chords, so i’ll be able to get whatever you need to learn the songs as long as people let you know ahead of time.” Barty grins. Sirius is only focused on the fact that this is finally over.
James is hovering around, shooting glances towards Barty and Co. Sirius grabs his arm and rushes him towards Remus. “You have your car right Moony?” He asks. “Let’s get out of here, now!” He grabs Pete too, linking their arms together and ignoring James pout as they watch everyone else leave. “I’m thinking we should try to sneak into the Three Broomstick, Remus you’re almost eighteen now…”