Recycled Pain

Sirius POV:

I'm in the library, trying my damnedest to keep out of sight, not least of all because I have the sneaking suspicion that I'm still supposed to be banned from the place. People have no sense of humour. I can hear my target just a few shelves away, in the furthest study section from the door. That's just as well - I can't afford to screw this up by being caught.

I stroll casually - or as close to that as I could manage - to a spot where I could see Remus and Snape more clearly. They are bent over a book, talking in low voices. I feel a stab of jealousy - what does Snape think he's doing? Well. I know exactly what - deliberately keeping me from Remus, that's what. The slimy bastard seems to have gotten over his little issue with Remus's species and is now determined to ... I dunno.

Snape has stopped looking at the book now, and is staring at Remus.

'What?' I hear him say softly, smiling.

'I never noticed before,' Snape murmurs. 'But your eyes change colour with your mood.'

Remus blushes prettily and says 'It's nothing special.'

'Yes.' Snape says firmly. 'Yes it is. And so are you.'

Remus looks up, and then the bottom drops out of my stomach as he leans forward to brush his lips against Snape's.

I stumble back, eyes wide, and flee the library with one hand over my mouth to stop myself from screaming. Where is James? Where is he? Where the fuck is he?! Ah, there he is, giving some fourth year Ravenclaws a dressing down for running in the halls.

'James ...' I'm surprised my voice still works. 'I need to speak to you. Now!'

He takes one look at me and drags me into an empty classroom, locking the door and casting an anti-eavesdropping spell.

'This is about Remus, isn't it?'

Howthefuckdoesheknow?!

'You're a wee bit obvious, Padfoot.' He gives me a sympathetic smile. 'What happened? Did you tell him and he turned you down?'

I almost wish it had been that. I slump onto a desk and bury my face in my hands. 'Christ, James - it's ten times worse than that! I was in the library looking for-' I see his expression and give up. 'Okay, okay. I was spying on Snape and Remus! They were studying, and that oily git starts going on about Remus's eyes changing colour, and how he was special, and-'

James's mouth tightens. 'He kissed Remus, didn't he? I swear I'm gonna-'

'No!' I wail helplessly. 'Remus kissed Snape!'

Even the omniscient Potter didn't see that one coming. I almost laugh at the sight of our Head Boy's mouth flapping soundlessly, until I remember why he's speechless. Then I almost cry.

James finally finds his vocal chords. 'What?'

'Remus Lupin,' I almost sob. 'Leaned over and initiated a kiss with Severus 'Slimiest-Bastard-On-The-Planet' Snape.'

James re-adjusts his glasses. 'What did Snape do?'

'I don't know!' I'm wailing again. 'You think I wanted to see any more?'