A Mate

Remus Lupin has always kept secrets. It was necessary – any other alternative was inconceivable. But with the beginning of the fifth year of Hogwarts, Remus has acquired a new secret, one that is to change his whole life, again.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my deepest pleasure to introduce you to the post-pubescent Remus Lupin!"

'Remus paused before the Great Hall and staggered a little. He could feel the energy of all those bodies inside the room from here. His ears rang with the painful pandemonium of a hundred conversations all taking place at once, and the tangy smell of human sweat swirled around him, causing his nostrils to flare. The scent practically burned its way down to his stomach, making him want to throw up in an attempt to rid himself of the invasive stench. He staggered dizzily, feeling detached from his body as he was taken over by unwanted sensation. '

'Remus thought that he heard a quiet shuffle and looked reproachfully at the conspicuous empty space in the corner of the room. Madam Pomfrey left with one last anxious glance, shutting the door behind her. When it locked with a click, he sighed irritably. The moon had sapped his strength so he hadn’t the energy to be angry.

'Ever since they’d left the Shrieking Shack he’d felt strange, less… inhibited.

'"I told you, James,” Sirius growled after a moment of seething silence. “That bitch really is after him.”

'Remus had been going through this ‘puberty’, and he hadn’t told anyone. He had been given a time limit on his very life and still Remus had said nothing. The one solution being love, he’d ignored the possible help from his friends. All the odd behaviour Sirius had observed in his best friend now came into the light, and with Rachel’s sudden appearance, he sighed at the inevitable conclusion.

'James was sure he heard a ‘click’ in his mind, as he slotted all the pieces together. “Sirius is Remus’ mate.” James smiled. “Sirius thinks it’s Rachel who’s his mate, and Remus, probably believing Sirius to be straight, has tried to go on, despite his feelings. Oh, they don’t know what is coming to them.” James’ grin was disturbingly on the edge of what could be described as ‘manic’, and he let out a low chuckle. “Right, time to sort this little mess out, but first a confirmation.” With that, James walked down to the common room to see a certain redhead.' James has a plan. No more nonsense! Remus and Sirius have a talk (and a lot more!)...