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Comfort Crowd

Chapter 15: Pressed flowers

Sneak peek of tomorrow’s chapter:

Sirius wasn’t in the Great Hall during breakfast, so the previous night’s assurance wasn’t off to a great start. The rest of the group wasn’t feeling too good either, but for a different reason.

Mary was by far the worst of them, with her forehead glued to the table because of an inability to sit upright. “I’m never drinking again,” she moaned.

“Until Saturday,” Marlene grinned. She was one of those people who were blessed with the inability to have a hangover, so she was by far the most chipper person in the group.

“Until Saturday,” Mary agreed sadly. But a moment later her mouth formed a smile. Her birthday was on Saturday. Remus had been mentally preparing himself for that party for a while, so hopefully, his brain would agree to go once the time came.

“You better give her something good, Lils,” James commented. “So you can set the standard for your own birthday.”

Lily tapped her chin, as if thinking through the possibilities of that.

“I want something pretty,” Mary said, and she appeared to fight back a smile, “so like, a picture of you.”

The group made teasing noises at Lily about how quickly her face turned red. Though she cleared her throat and quickly recovered; the effect of being a prefect who preferred a perfect, responsible image. “I already have your present. And I know you’ll love it.”

Mary hummed happily.

Just then, the morning owls flew in. James got a letter from his parents, asking about how he (and Remus and Peter) had settled back in, and if he had forgotten anything they needed to send. There wasn’t a package this time, because he still had plenty from what they had sent with him. Lily also received a short note, which she stuffed in her bag after reading through it a couple of times. Her eyes flickered to Remus for a moment.

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my ao3 emails are temperamental so what kinda time do you normally update comfort crowd!! I love your writing im munching and crunching on this fic<3

Hi! Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoy the story :D

I aim to post on Sundays at 11 am BST — so 12 hours from now

[rawenbeau]

Comfort Crowd

Chapter 14: Sunrise

Sneak peek of tomorrow’s chapter:

Remus couldn’t take his eyes away from Sirius.

He stood a bit further away on the platform, next to his parents and Regulus, and there was something off about him. Remus couldn’t put his finger on it exactly, but his posture was too statue-like, too straight. It just wasn’t natural.

Regulus shifted and seemed to kick his foot against Sirius’ — where their parents couldn’t see — which snapped Sirius out of whatever trance he had been in. This didn’t do anything to ease Remus’ mind, as Sirius’ movements turned out to be stiff and machine-like.

Sirius looked at Regulus for a brief moment, and after a wordless conversation, turned to exchange a few words with their parents. Then they were let go.

Whenever they were at the platform and weren’t able to acknowledge each other, Sirius would always find a way to sneak a glance at Remus, but his gaze didn’t wander this time.

Peter touched Remus’ arm to get his attention. He was wearing his headphones to block out the noise from the platform. “Go to him. I’ll take care of your things.”

Remus quickly thanked him before stepping onto the train as well. He spotted Sirius alone walking towards the back — why wasn’t Regulus with him? There were a lot of other students hauling large trunks with them down the narrow hall, and Remus did his best to dodge them while keeping an eye on Sirius.

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Remus: Did you guys know that you feel better if you take care of yourself?

James:

James:

James: YES

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Comfort Crowd

Chapter 13: Ice skating

Sneak peek of tomorrow’s chapter:

The catching up continued as they walked into town where the ice skating rink was set up. They were all packed up in hats, gloves and thick jackets. They also all wore their Gryffindor scarves, except Remus, who couldn’t afford official uniform accessories from Madam Malkin's. Amalija had knitted this one for him; it had a dark yellow instead of gold, but it blended in just fine.

Once they had paid to borrow ice skates, and Remus was looking at his friends stumbling on the ice, he tried to remember the last time he had done this, but came up with nothing.

After a short learning period, James was skating with ease (he was infuriatingly always good at everything), but Peter, Lily and Mary were all going slow, spreading their arms out to keep balance. Marlene, who could fly on a broom like a bird, was usually clumsy on the ground, and was now clinging to Dorcas for dear life to keep upright.

Remus pushed himself up and tried his best to move forward without falling. This proved easier said than done, because every few seconds, he was either almost falling forward or almost falling backwards. He managed to skate several rounds and participate in a couple of games, like a race, which he lost every time. Marlene might have been clumsy, but she still held far more athletic ability in her little finger than Remus did in his entire body.

The really motivating part was watching all the small children skating five rounds where he could only manage one, and then scream with delight as well. Remus was beginning to lose sensation in his extremities and was out of breath.

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Comfort Crowd

Chapter 12: Reassembled family

Sneak peek of tomorrow’s chapter:

Remus spent most of the train ride back to King’s Cross Station looking at his knuckles where Sirius had kissed him.

He kept wondering if it was a French thing, a Sirius thing or if he had meant it in a romantic way. Friends didn’t usually kiss each other’s hands, right? But then friends also didn’t usually hold hands at all, so Remus wasn’t entirely sure how to interpret it.

The Trolley Witch, an elderly lady, stopped by the compartment and asked if they wanted anything, and James bought a general assortment of sweets. He handed over the chocolate frogs, and Remus accepted them without protest. It had taken several years of stubborn insistence on James’ side for that to be possible.

The trading card was with Norah Sanburg, so Remus handed it over to James, who was still obsessed with them and the loop they invented, which he still hadn’t managed to perform. The first thing he did was charm the card, so it displayed the correct pronouns.

Unfortunately, the reminder of his idol prompted James to go on a rant about Norah Sanburg, quidditch, what plays he was considering for their next game, and so on.

Remus mostly tuned it out, but Peter listened eagerly and supplied things every now and then. It was just very difficult to cut in once James got started on something he was passionate about.

He wondered if Sirius could go on an equally excited rant about quidditch, given the opportunity. If he could, that could be something for the two to bond over, unless that would just make James competitive… He wished they could just get along.

When the train pulled into platform 9 3/4, they stayed in the compartment while the rest of the students poured out, eager to reunite with their families. The boys had formed a habit of waiting for the crowd to thin out because Remus didn’t function well with so many people in such a small space.

Once they stepped onto the platform, it only took a few seconds for James to exclaim:

“Romulus!”

Remus looked up in surprise and spotted his older brother waiting, and now waving, by one of the columns.

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In celebration of posting the extended version of the story ‘Engaged for 43 years’ one year ago I have decided to share my favourite quotes from each chapter.

Spoilers ahead!

(I did not realise till after that most of these are Sirius’ POV xD)

First year

“We’re going to be the best pranksters this school has ever seen!”

“Tricksters!” James added.

“Menaces,” Sirius shot back.

“Marauders,” Peter squeaked.

Remus’ lips pulled ever so slightly at the corners, and wasn’t he just so beautiful when he smiled? “I like that one,” he said gently.

“Marauders!” Sirius grinned, wild and carefree and nothing like what his parents would ever allow, but he had never been this happy.

Second year

After a few moments, Remus tapped Sirius’ shoulder to make him let go. He was still shaking. “Does that mean you’ll still marry me?”

Even though Remus was smirking, Sirius had a feeling it wasn’t a joke. It might not be a marriage proposal either, but Sirius had a feeling it meant something. Remus wasn’t asking if they were still engaged, he was asking if they were still friends, and would continue to be forever. Sirius didn’t have a moment of hesitation.

“I’ll still marry you.”

Third year

“Yes,” Sirius nodded, and spoke with confidence, as if this was the most logical thing in the world. “The more chocolate you eat, the happier you are and the more time I get to spend with you. Happy wife, happy life, right?” He paused, then frowned. “Happy spouse, peaceful house? Happy Moony, life no gloomy?”

Fourth year

Hanging out with Marlene was like hanging out with his friends, so Sirius didn’t mind being with her at all. She was so easy to be around, and she was less demanding than the other girls he had been with. They didn’t kiss or hold hands or anything like that; this was Sirius’ favourite part of their relationship.

Fifth year

Sirius’ eyes found Remus’ again, and he was simultaneously overwhelmed by the need to tell and the need to keep the secret forever. Remus was the best person in the entire world, so his acceptance meant everything would be okay. But Remus was the best person in the entire world, so his rejection meant nothing would ever be okay again.

Sixth year

“What are you thinking about?”

“The sky is kissing me.”

Sirius blinked. “What?”

“It feels like kisses when the rain lands on my–”

“You’re cheating on me with the sky?” Sirius accused, voice shrill and dramatic.

Seventh year

“Can I say just one more thing?” Sirius cradled Remus’ cheek with his hand, and stroked the part of the scar he could reach with his thumb. It was fresh, and therefore still red and gory and ran jaggedly across his face, from his forehead to his jawline. At Remus’ agreement, he continued. “No one likes the bad parts of themselves, and while I wish nothing bad had ever happened to you, it is part of you, and I think it’s beautiful. Beauty is subjective, and to me, you’re the most beautiful person in the world.”

1978

“So, will you make me the happiest man on earth and marry me?”

Remus let out a long breath, stuck his hands in the pockets of his trousers and shrugged. “I’m not quite sure.”

But Sirius must have seen right through the joke, because his expression never wavered, instead he simply smiled fondly.

However, Remus wanted revenge from being messed with for an entire week. “I think I can do better,” he added thoughtfully. “I think I can find someone hotter.”

Sirius spluttered.

“Someone with better hair,” Remus continued.

“Moony!” he whined. “That’s over the line.”

1981 pt 1

They stared at each other, through the brick wall between them. Remus was getting it all wrong. He didn’t understand. Why didn’t he understand? Why couldn’t he see that Dumbledore was using him?

1981 pt 2

Breathe.

Are you the spy?

In and out.

Do you work for Voldemort?

Breathe. Oh, Merlin, please breathe.

Are you working for Greyback?

In and out.

Had Sirius ever known

or loved

or seen him at all?

1986

“I love you more than it’s possible to love a single person.”

“I love you more than that,” Sirius said.

Remus shook his head, but wasn’t able to wipe the stupid grin away. “Not possible.”

“I’ll make it possible.”

He believed that, because Sirius had been able to make every single one of Remus’ wildest dreams come true. Though there was still one collective dream of theirs they needed to fulfil.

But they had been engaged for fifteen years already. Surely, they wouldn’t have to wait much longer.

2013

When Remus had finally become a teacher, he had decided to pretend he didn’t hate his scars. He didn’t want his students to feel ashamed of them the same way he had, and hoped he could be a role model for them. Over the years he had slowly gotten more comfortable, and eventually he was showing the scars off without a second thought. Sirius knew that Remus still didn’t love his scars, but he didn’t hate them, and he figured that was just as good. Besides, Sirius had plenty of love for them already.

2057

Sirius’ lips turned upwards. “So you’re happy you decided to spend your life with me?”

Remus hummed. He ran his hands through Sirius’ hair while he thought about their life. They had been so young when they first met; back when they were both looking for a place to belong and had found that in each other.

Remus should have expected that nothing with Sirius would ever feel normal, because he had always been wild and unpredictable, but that’s what had made their whole lives together an adventure.

Remus cradled Sirius’ cheek and stared lovingly into his eyes. “I am. Out of every alternative universe, I think this one has been the happiest.”

2063

“I’m not ready for us to end yet,” Sirius managed through sobs.

“Oh, Pads.” Remus stroked his cheek and forced their eyes to meet. “I’ll always love you, so that means this isn’t the end. Our story is ongoing, and it’s forever.”

It was true that what they had done would always exist. The love shared between two young boys had changed the world, in a way they never could have predicted, because they wanted to be in it together. Their love had left a mark on this world that could never be erased.

Bonus

I’m also pleased to announce that I have written 3,5 chapters of the jily version of this story.

[rawenbeau]

Comfort Crowd

Chapter 11: Protective

Sneak peek of tomorrow’s chapter:

“I hadn’t thought about lycanthropy that way before I read the book,” Sirius said. “No other books describe it as something that affects the person other times than the full moon.”

“I feel it all the time. My senses are heightened because of it, and it damages my general health, organs and bones.” Remus hadn’t considered this before (having no frame of reference for other werewolves’ life experiences), but the author described needing to use a cane when they were very young and predicted having to use a wheelchair in the future. Remus wasn’t looking forward to this, as those would only complicate his communication. “And that’s without mentioning all the systematic issues.”

“Hm.” Sirius squeezed Remus’ arm as if checking the strength of his bones, but let his hands stay there a moment. The warm touch lingered when he let go. “If there’s anything I can do to help, you just tell me.”

Remus thought about the fact that James and Peter had become animagi for him. “Chocolate helps.”

Sirius narrowed his eyes. “Is that a real medical thing, or just a you thing?”

“A real medical thing,” he lied.

“So if I ask Madam Pomfrey, she’d say the same thing?”

“Yes,” he insisted, straightening his back to look confident. “But I haven’t told her that you know, so you can’t speak with her yet.”

Sirius clicked his tongue. “Well, isn’t that convenient for you?”

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Moongazing

Summary:

Sirius' all-time favourite hobby was moongazing, or well, Moony-gazing.

[Basically, Sirius is watching autistic!Remus while he's stimming]

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Comfort Crowd

Chapter 10: Musical pranks

Sneak peek of tomorrow’s chapter:

Remus regretfully had to let go while he signed, but he took Sirius’ hand again the second he was finished. “When did you realise?”

Sirius tilted his head. “It’s odd. A part of me was aware that I was queer, even before I had my oh moment. I think my uncle’s influence made it feel very natural. But at the start of this school year, I saw a very handsome boy, and well…”

Sirius’ cheeks turned a pretty shade of light pink, and his gaze moved to their conjoined hands.

Then Remus noticed the time on Sirius’ wristwatch.

“I have to go meet up with my friends now.” It was almost time for dinner, and they had a little errand to run before. He packed the record player and the vinyl (his hands were already cold from the lack of touch) but put it down to sign a goodbye, then added, “Maybe stick to water at dinner.”

Sirius’ beautiful eyebrow arched in question.

“You’ll see,” was all he told before leaving the secret room.

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Moony the Jumper Thief

(I used Viktor as a base for the drawing, so I’m including it to be transparent)

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Sign-ups and Claiming for Padfoot Fest 2025 Starts Today

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Comfort Crowd

Chapter 9: A letter

Sneak peak of tomorrow’s chapter:

The realisation that Remus liked Sirius hit him like a train, except he now saw that he had been standing on the tracks for a long time.

The hit had left him breathless and dizzy and confused. It explained so many things but brought a tirade of new questions with it. Like, did Sirius like him back?

Oh, no, no, no, no. That thought had his stomach flipping upside down, so he better not speculate about it while still figuring out the depths of his own feelings… but did he?

He had given Remus flowers, after all, and that felt like an affection reserved for a partner or crush. But maybe not? Was it normal to gift flowers when someone was ill? How had Sirius meant it?

Remus’ mind was racing, and his eyes were wandering, and they kept coming back to the Slytherin table, where Sirius was sitting next to Regulus and Regulus’ friends. Every once in a while, their eyes met, and Remus would blush and quickly look away. But Sirius was like a magnet.

James had noticed his shifting gaze and kept sending death glares towards the Slytherin table.

Remus was momentarily distracted from confusing feelings when a horde of owls flew into the Great Hall to deliver letters and newspapers. James received a modest package of sweets from his parents, which was only modest because they would all be going home by the end of the week.

Sirius received a letter as well. The delivery owl had black feathers and stood tall and impressive amongst the other owls. As soon as it had delivered the letter, it took off again. Sirius read it slowly, then exchanged a few words with Regulus, bearing that smile Remus saw in his dreams. However, it dropped the instant Regulus looked away.

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My loves❤️

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Comfort Crowd

Chapter 8: The second lake talk

Sneak peak of tomorrow’s chapter:

Remus had looked for an opportunity to speak with Peter alone ever since he had finished Hairy Snout, Human Heart. James was simply too overprotective to even consider what Remus wanted to do, but Peter might understand.

He pulled the book out from the small bag he had brought with him. “Sirius lent me this book,” he explained before handing it over.

With mild curiosity, Peter flipped through it. He stopped to read the places where Sirius had highlighted certain parts and added his thoughts to them. In some places it was one word, and in others, he had written whole paragraphs. On the page where the author described the transformation, Sirius had simply drawn a sad face. All the notes were written in different inks or different pens, so he had clearly read it many times over.

Everything written in the book was like taken out of one of Remus’ wildest dreams. The words of the author themself were incredible in their own way. Remus had never spoken to another werewolf about his lycanthropy before, much less read about an experience that was so alike his own. The book in itself was the greatest present Remus had ever received, but Sirius’ words on top of that were out of this world.

Despite all James and Peter had done for Remus, they had never talked about his lycanthropy before. It was partially because he was scared of what they would think, but to have Sirius’ thoughts so clearly written out like this, it was… incredible. And all he had written had nothing to do with Remus. These were Sirius’ thoughts, unrelated to what he thought about him.

Once Peter had gotten an impression of the content, Remus signed: “Do you think I could tell him?”

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Comfort Crowd

Chapter 7: Hairy Snout, Human Heart

Sneak peak of tomorrow’s chapter:

Another time turned out to be the next day. Sirius really did have a talent for finding Remus when he was alone.

“Hey.” Sirius took the seat next to Remus, who had managed to secure that amazing spot in the library again. It always felt like their professors assigned their longest assignments on the days Remus was gone, so he found himself back there often.

Remus blushed instantly. “Hey.”

“What essay are you working on?”

“Defence Against the Dark Arts.” That was one of the classes they didn’t share, and while it was usually one of his favourite subjects, he wasn’t enjoying it as much this year. “I’m not sure I like our substitute professor. She gives too many assignments and readings, and too few practical classes.”

The only time he had actively disliked the class prior to that, was when they had learned about werewolves. Everyone hated werewolves; it was an immutable fact, but Remus hadn’t found it very fun listening to his classmates discuss whether or not he deserved to have rights. Whether he should even be allowed to live amongst “normal” people.

James had tried to say something during class, but Remus had begged him not to. He didn’t need that sort of werewolf-positive spotlight on their group. Though he and Peter had spent the rest of the day in the dorm bashing the professor for having such outdated views. It hadn’t helped at all to point out that his views fit the times. No, Professor Vives was bogue, phony, so stunned, a putz, boge, freaky deaky and a rah rah.

(James had previously to that just learned a bunch of muggle slang in class).

Sirius let out a long sigh, while pulling up a blue book from his bag. “Tell me about it.”

“What about you?”

“I’m ahead, so I’m reading this for fun.”

They turned silent as they began working on their own projects, but Remus couldn’t help sneaking glances at Sirius every now and then. He hadn’t previously been aware that Sirius read books for fun, so he was curious as to what had gotten his attention.