"Lupin stop acting like a fucking hormonal teenage kid."
Remus knew there would be no sleep for him tonight. Perhaps it was the new scar plaguing his left forearm or perhaps it was the war that was looming over them once more. Dare he acknowledge that maybe, just maybe, it was the thought of a certain someone clouding his mind and preventing him from sleep.
He groaned to himself, grabbing a pillow with his right arm and burying his face into it. Never mind that the man who had nearly kissed him had been the brother of the certain someone that plagued his thoughts. His mind reviewed the scenario over and over again, watching Grant lean into his face, only to flinch away from hurt moments later. Remus couldn't fathom what had come over the younger man's head for him to come onto him. Surely he hadn't led him on?
As much as he wanted to feel guilty and find a way to talk to Grant, an attempt to smooth things over, he could not for the life of himself rid of the thoughts of Guinevere.
She had stopped him the other night, hadn't she? The look on her face said she wanted to speak to him, to tell him something. No matter how impractical or what nonsense she had to say, Remus found himself mulling over it, wanting to hear whatever it was she had to say. But a part of him hated it. He hated how she had looked at him that night, how her eyes told a completely different story, albeit seeing her kiss another guy just a fortnight ago.
Or perhaps he was making it all up, imagining whatever had happened between the two of them. Except, what exactly happened between the two of them? A few stolen glances, a few conversations, and Merlin knows how many arguments.
Groaning for the umpteenth time tonight, he released his face from the pillow and threw it across the room, knocking off a stack of books with a thump. He murmured a few incoherent words to himself, something along the lines of "Lupin stop acting like a fucking hormonal teenage kid."
The door suddenly flew open, revealing a disheveled Sirius Black. The man's eyes were wide, scanning the room as if to see what happened.
"Thanks for knocking," Remus muttered, eyeing the man suspiciously. To say the werewolf was beyond confused would be an understatement. He noticed Black's eyes stop at the pile of books on the floor, a relieved look taking over his face. "What in Merlin's left saggy ball are you doing in here in the middle of the night, Pads?" He asked, his voice louder than earlier.
The smaller man's eyes flitted to his friend's eyes, "I could ask you the same thing, are you trying to knock off all the things in this shithole? Or are you simply trying to scare everyone into thinking it's a full moon and somehow, we've bloody forgotten about it and you just transformed right in this very room, Remus?!"
Lupin looked at Sirius with an amused expression on his face. Clearly there's been a huge misunderstanding on his friend's part; nonetheless, the concern evident on Sirius's face touched him.
"Well Sirius, you'll be glad to know that I wasn't and I've no intention of doing any of those actions you've presented me." He said smugly.
"Pity," Sirius smiled, "Would've liked to see the look on my dear old mother's face to see her beloved ancestral house having gone to ruins."
They both laughed at this, Remus shaking his head as if to oppose that idea. He wasn't sure of a lot of things, but he was damn sure he didn't want to witness Walburga Black's screaming portrait as much as he could to avoid it.
By now, Sirius was at least two steps in the room and deciding his little visit had come to suffice, he turned around but said something before leaving. "Gigi told me Grant will be stopping by tomorrow. So get to sleep, best we have enough energy to tend to our visitor."
Lupin's eyes grew wide, he knew nothing good will come out of this, at least for him. He all but choked when he heard Sirius ask him a question. "S'there something wrong?"
Coming up with the best lie he could with the little 10
seconds he had. "That's too bad, I'll be out all day tomorrow, send my regards to Grant though." He said, trying to sound at least disappointed. "Oh and please shut the door on your way out."
Sirius nodded at this and didn't ask anymore questions. And with a small smile, he left the room and closed the door behind him.
***
The three sat idly in the sitting room as they fell into an easy conversation, much about Sirius and his hair maintenance and how Grant was managing here and there. Apparently, Sirius had all sorts of products to help him tend to his hair– this bit didn't come much of a surprise to both Lilith siblings, their cousin did have a knack to make sure to stay on the substantial side of things.
"As diverting this tête-à-tête was, alas I shall take my leave." Sirius announced dramatically, earning an eye roll from Guinevere and a raised brow from Grant. Ignoring Guinevere's sour reaction, he turned to meet Grant's questioning gaze. "I'm afraid I must submit to my godfather duties, wouldn't do anyone good to keep my old godson waiting."
Grant nodded in discernment, seeing as there would be no reason to keep the man back. "If that seems to be the case, then by all means." He smiled curtly, before adding. "I'll see you when I see you, cousin."
"Soon, of course. I wouldn't be so selfish to rob you of this beautiful sight, Laurence." He joked, Grant visibly cringing at the use of his name.
Guinevere scoffed playfully, oh this cousin of hers would be the death of the entirety of the wizarding world. "Sod off, Black." She challenged, earning a mock 'hit to the chest' gesture from Sirius. "Do give Harry my best."
With Sirius gone from the room, the pair fell into comfortable silence. Neither of the two spoke, as they sat across each other on armchairs, watching how the fire slowly died down. Looking towards her brother, she noticed him wrap his own arms around himself, as though to keep himself warm. With a flick of her wand, the fire from the fireplace became strong enough to keep them both warm and to illuminate the room. With the newly found lighting, Guinevere was able to take in Grant's whole appearance. Even with the knitted turtleneck he was wearing, he looked thinner than when she saw him weeks ago, if not frail and sickly. By looking at him, you can tell he hasn't had much sleep lately just with the more than visible bags under his eyes.
Guinevere sunk back into the armchair, getting into a more comfortable position. "How are.. mother and father?" She starts. Yes, ask about your very loving parents, Guinevere. What a way to start a conversation if you want him opening up, you idiot! She thought bitterly.
Grant laughed at this and looked at her pointedly, as though she just asked the most absurd question. Perhaps she did. He ran a hand through his black curls and let it drop on the armrest, resting his chin on his palm. "And this concerns you because..?" He asked curiously, the look on his face almost made him look amused. He found it hard to believe that despite everything their parents have done, here she is, asking about them.
"I'm merely curious, is all." She says defensively.
Grant shrugged at her and sat back into the armchair, crossing his legs.
"So?" Guinevere asks expectantly.
He looked to be in deep thought, as if contemplating how to answer the question. Truth be told, he didn't really know how to answer the ruddy question. As much as he can control it, he wouldn't be caught in the same room as their parents. Finally, he answers. "As fine as eager followers of a mad man could be, I suppose."
"You suppose?" She inquired.
"Yes, I suppose."
For the umpteenth time today, Guinevere raised a brow, urging him to continue. In turn, the younger Lilith looked at her expectantly, as though he was also waiting for an answer or a reaction.
"Dear Gods! Why are we playing 20 questions?" Guinevere asked exasperatedly. "Get on with it Grant! What do you mean you suppose?"
He rolled his eyes at his sister's impatience and answered, "I suppose because while I do live with them, I find it hard to breathe in the same room as them, hence my absence and lack of care for their welfare." He huffs, before adding, "Besides, they seem to be fending for themselves alright, better than the Malfoys that's for sure. S'pose they're finally back in the good graces of the Dark Lord."
Guinevere seemed to deem the answer acceptable, as she asked no questions further. She couldn't care less about their parents, to say this was more of a way to get Grant talking to her would be more accurate. But as he answered her, it seems she ended up more confused and with more questions about them.
She couldn't help but find the situation quite inane. After everything they've put she and her siblings through, here she is, worrying about their safety like a gullible fool. Pushing her feelings back down, she looks at the person who matters most to her right now.
"And you?"
"And me?" He asks plainly.
"Oh you know what I mean, Grant."
A small smirk tugs up from his lips. "Perhaps I don't."
"Good God Grant, when have you become so difficult?" She asks, throwing her hands up. "I'm asking about you' How are you?"
He looks at her amusedly, "I'm alright."
Now calmer she says, "I can tell something's bothering you. You know you can tell me anything right?"
Ever the bright witch, my sister, he thought, perhaps too much for her own good. Had he been so predictable and easily read that Guinevere's figured out something's bothering him? Surely that wouldn't suffice, double spy and whatnot, if his feelings were that foreseeable he'd be in big trouble.
He smiles sadly at her, "I know that." Memories of the night he dreaded began to flood his head, putting him into a more foul mood. Grant contemplated on whether or not he'd confide in Guinevere. For fuck's sake she lives with the man! Heaven knows how close they've become, she might go off hexing the man knowing his sister's temper. "If only it were that easy."
Guinevere scoffed, "Except it is, Grant. I'm all eyes and ears, and my lips are locked. I swear on Grace's grave." Realizing what she had just said, her eyes widened and she bit her lip.
The young man let out a soft chuckle, it seems his dear old sister is starting to finally accept what happened to their older sister. Guinevere was right, it was just her. If there was anyone he could trust, it would be Guinevere and just her. Deciding that opening up to her would do no one any harm, he jokingly rolled his eyes at her and started, "Fine, since you're so adamant. There's this bloke."
Her mouth flew open. Guinevere didn't know what she was expecting but it certainly wasn't this. She knew Grant was attracted to men ever since the start of his fifth year, he had told her and Grace when they caught him and another boy shoving their tongues down each other's throat.
"Do I need to hex him? I may not be the scariest person, but oh trust me I've got some tricks up my sleeve." She half joked.
He shook his head, "None of that would be necessary."
"So I take it that things went alright then?"
He shook his head once more and with a grimace he said, "Hardly. It seems I've read things the wrong way. We were having a moment, or so I thought, I leaned in to kiss him but it was one-sided." He explained.
"I'm not sure that's much of a loss, Grant. Seeing as he's witless enough to bugger up this chance with you."
"Oh I wouldn't call him that. Perhaps he just didn't like me, c'est la vie."
She smiled, reaching out a hand to hold his. "All the more reasons to call him stupid. You're my brother, the last thing you are is unattractive." Guinevere winked at him.
This comment made Grant smile genuinely. If there's anyone he could count on, he knew it would be Guinevere. As if suddenly aware where he was, he looked around warily and asked. "Is uh– anyone home?"
"Aside from us? Just Sirius, I doubt he was eavesdropping on us though." She answered assuringly.
He was hesitant to ask, but still did so. "Remus?"
Guinevere rolled her eyes at the mention of the man, "Merlin knows he's not here. I couldn't care less anyway."
Grant raised a questioning brow at the statement, as if to question what she said.
"We don't get along quite well." She explained shortly.
"Ah,"
"Ah indeed." She chuckled.
Once more, they fell into a comfortable quietude. Guinevere found herself deep in thought about what her brother had just revealed. She was a lot more curious about said bloke and her brother, more than she'd like to admit.
For what could've been an hour, Grant spoke quoting her own words. "And you?"
"And me?" She feigned innocence, earning a middle finger from Grant.
Dramatically, she brought a hand up to her chest. Clearly, Sirius has been rubbing off her. "My my, you wound me brother."
Grant smirked.
After a fleeting moment, the older sibling started. "I kissed someone." She blurted out, a blush slowly creeping up her cheek.
Grant was about to say something when Guinevere suddenly spoke again, cutting him off. "Well technically he kissed me! Not the other way around." She defended herself, as if she was trying to prove a point.
The young man stared at her amusedly and was about to say something, only for Guinevere to start rambling again. It seems this little outburst was already bound to happen, thank Merlin it was him to witness it.
"And then he has the nerve to quite literally ignore me!" She huffed, "Unbelievable, right? He kissed me and I've yet to hear a word from him since then. It's not as if I care, he could be out there dying and I wouldn't give two flying fucks."
Grant's brows furrowed, "You don't mean that."
"Ugh of course I don't, but still!" She all but groaned loudly.
Guinevere honestly didn't know why she was all riled up. It's not as if her and Charlie were a thing, who was she to demand these things from him? Besides which, he could be busy and doing important things. Unlike her, he actually had a job and a duty to fulfill. In spite of all the excuses she could think of, she still couldn't help but feel mad. And Lupin! God he's not even here and he makes me infuriated.
After making sure Guinevere had nothing to say left, Grant finally spoke up. "Well that fellow seems like a right arse." He stated.
"Yes but he has his moments. A gentleman when not giving a cold-shoulder to the women he kisses."
Grant laughed at this, as much as it pains him to admit, this whole conversation with his sister was enlightening. They were in somewhat similar situations and he found that quite comical. "Well how about we forget about said men and enjoy each other's company as of the moment. Merlin knows when we'll be able to sit down and talk like this again."
"Quite." The brunette smiled at him genuinely and joked, "Perhaps we should swear off boys for the meantime. You know with the ongoing war and all that."
Grant raising his glass and nodding to his sister he says, "Well here's to us swearing off men."
——
A/N
our apologies for having the weirdest updating schedule ;-; anyway, enjoy this one :)) xx katie