Hello Fam :)

Warning: Sirius being his Sirius self. :P

Happy Reading...

It was the last Quidditch practice of the semester before the Christmas break and Philip Wood wanted to practice so much that the students couldn't forget during the holidays. The holidays in question were barely a month and most of Gryffindor wasn't even going home, Wood excluded due to some family emergency. Hence their beloved captain asked everyone to assemble on the ground at eight in the morning sharp right after their breakfast.

Waking up for Quidditch wasn't a hardship for the Gryffindor boys but today was different. James was not in his element and Sirius was worried. He woke up early, leaving his best friend to sleep in. Once it was eight and James still didn't bother to open his eyes, Sirius shook his awake.

"James, wake up. We are getting late for the practice", said Sirius.

"Can't we skip the practice today?"

Sirius controlled his urge to gape at the boy and shook his head, keeping his face neutral. "And invite death to our room? Remember, Wood? Our beloved Captain?", he asked, as if anyone could forget their Quidditch-obsessed captain. "He would cut his head off after beheading us. So, just get ready and let me try to jinx him so that he will be an hour late." He rummaged through his trunk as James dragged his feet towards the washroom.

"Padfoot?"

"Hey, Moons. Morning. What are you doing awake? Go to sleep?", said Sirius.

"I am just worried for him", said Remus. "Look after him for me, will you?"

Sirius sighed. "Do you need to mention it, Remus?" James was his brother in everything that counts. He would of course look after him with his dying breath.

"I am sorry. I am just"

Sirius winced recollecting the defensiveness in his tone earlier. It was Moony and Moony always worries about his friends. "I am sorry. Not your fault. I understand okay? I wouldn't let that idiot hurt himself. We are putting that to an end soon but for now, I need to mix this in Wood's fresh pumpkin juice. I can buy James a little time. Blimey, I can do anything in the world. Padfoot be the best."

Remus shakes his head off laughing before pulling the covers over himself as Sirius exits the room. On his way, he caught a redhead disappearing into the Girl's dorm, blankets trailing behind her. Looks like she spent the night in the common room. The pair of idiots he has around himself. Sirius groans before leaving to find Wood.

XXX

When Sirius returns back to the Gryffindor tower, James was throwing his Quidditch outfit haphazardly before his gaze went to the empty couch near the fireplace. Looks like the redhead is actually a reason for his Jamsie boy to look so forlorn. But that raises the question about Lily's mood because if they had a hexing row recently, Lily would be fuming in anger instead of looking heartbroken and lost. When James took moments longer gazing at the empty couch, Sirius grabbed the boy by his shoulder and pushed him towards the said couch. He was evil like that. "Prongsie, breakfast", he said, before taking out a wrapped sandwich from the pocket of his robe which he managed to sneak away for him after putting jinxing Wood's juice.

"I don't feel hungry", said James. "Let's leave for practice."

"Not unless you eat something", he said, waggling his eyebrows at the said sandwich.

"Didn't you say we are getting late and Wood might behead us?"

"True but Wood will be with Madam Pomfrey for a while and you can do something for me until then", said Sirius, taking out the sandwich from James's hand and stuffing it forcefully into his mouth.

"I told you I am not hungry", he protested between the bites.

"And I want my best friend flying above the ground, not fainting in the middle of the practice. You need your strength, Prongsie. Shut up and eat."

When they are done, he dragged James out of the tower but not before getting a glimpse of the said redhead again, eavesdropping silently out of their line of sight. But she was Lily Evans and Lily Evans doesn't eavesdrop. Maybe she was avoiding James's presence altogether. He suppressed another groan. Looks like he had to figure this mess sooner before going crazy. Not that going crazy was anything new to a Black but he would rather go crazy for a more cool reason, not because his friends were heartbroken and couldn't figure their shit.

XXX

Quidditch was rubbish that morning. Let alone scoring a goal, James missed all the balls flung towards him. Sirius, on the other hand, was busy beating around the balls before they could hurt his best friend. Finally, when Wood had enough of them playing their own game, he blew the whistle, asking everyone to come down.

"Black, that's a game, not a bloody battlefield. And you were supposed to protect the seeker, not the chaser", said their captain.

Sirius shrugged. "Too bad. Next time try to make James the seeker and I would protect the seeker."

Knowing it's a waste of time to argue with him, he turned to James. "Potter, can we talk for a moment? Alone?", he added a moment later when he saw Sirius tagging along.

"Bold of you to assume I would leave my best friend with you when he is feeling low. I understand, he sort of ruined your practice, but he isn't well."

Wood rubbed his head, before laying a hand on James's shoulder. "Potter, I don't know what's wrong with you today but get your shit back. You are the best on our team and we need you to win our next match after the vacation. Take care, Potter." He squeezed James's arm, threw a glare at Sirius, before marching off the ground.

Sirius gave him an innocent grin before turning towards his best friend. "Where to next, James?"

"Can I stay here for a while?", he asked.

"Of course, Prongsie", said Sirius and sat down beside James.

"Alone?"

"Of course, not, Prongsie", he answered in the same tone.

James snapped his head towards him but then sighed and slumped his shoulders. Sirius tried to decipher his expression to find any clue about his best friend. "So?", he asked after several moments of silence.

"So, nothing", muttered James, grabbing his broom. "Let's go back. Remus might be worried." Without waiting for the other person to process his words, he left the ground.

Sirius scrambled to get his broom and followed James. The boy took random turns, probably getting further away from Sirius until they were in a corridor they were never before. "Well done, Prongs. The marauders have discovered yet another corridor. How do you think we could put it on the map? But before that, we need to see where this takes us."

James turned around, glaring at him. "Why are you following me?"

"Am I?", he asked, feigning innocence. "I thought you were going back to our room because Moony was worried. How would I know that you were lying to your best friend?"

James snorted. "You perfectly knew I wasn't taking the usual route."

Sirius grinned. "I thought you discovered a new corridor and taking me there. Well, I am not entirely wrong. Wow, I can be a seer one day."

"And I would throw you down from the North tower on that day."

Sirius winced. "Oops, I would rather live."

"Good. Just go find your way back to the Gryffindor tower", said James.

"And leaving you alone in a stranded corridor especially when you are not in one of your best moods?"

"I am not complaining, Sirius", he muttered.

Sirius glared at him and crossed his arms. "Sure you aren't. And all this mood since yesterday is because of a certain redhead. Isn't it?"

"Sirius", muttered James, the fight leaving his body.

Sirius dropped his arms and took a step forward, standing in front of his best friend. He stroked his best friend's cheek, something he know Mrs. Potter did a lot when the boy was sad. "Prongsie, whatever it is, things will be fine, okay? Stop making yourself sick thinking about it."

"She hates me, Padfoot. She hates me and I can't do anything about it", he muttered.

"No, she doesn't. Did she say something to you?", asked Sirius, the question that has been bothering him since the previous day.

"I overheard her conversation with Snape. She broke their friendship. That's why she has been crying and down since yesterday. I haven't seen her sad or crying ever. And it's all because of me. If only I didn't hex him yesterday, things would be at least fine."

Sirius shook his head, cutting James off his rant midway. "No, it wouldn't. You were asking her out for years and yet she didn't acknowledge your presence. Even if it's sad to hear, she has nothing to do with you. Prongs, if she had lost her friend, it's because of what he is. Don't you know he is intending on becoming a death eater? And Lily would eventually break her friendship with him."

"But now, it's because of me and I gave her the perfect reason to hate me."

"No one, who knows you enough would hate you, James. And she just doesn't know you enough. Now that Snape's out of her life, she might think about you", said Sirius with a grin.

James scrunched his nose. "That sounded too selfish."

"I know", said Sirius. "But you are my best friend and I wouldn't let you sad even if I have to give some false reassurances."

"Yeah? I am feeling much better."

Sirius grinned at the sarcastic tone. His best friend wasn't totally fine but was getting there. "Let me make it even better for you. Lily will fall in love with you and you would get married to her in which I will be your best man. No arguments there, Prongs. You will have a cute little daughter who would be my princess. No, wait. I want a boy who would grow up to become my best friend."

James rolled his eyes. "Is there anything you want to add, Lord Black?"

"I could be your boy's Godfather but that would be pushing too much. I can't believe I predicted all that. I could really be a seer one day. What do you think are my chances of you not throwing me off the North Tower?"

"Slim to None."

"I guess I can change my mind. Or Confound you."

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU BOTH ARE DOING HERE?"

They both turned around to find their newly appointed caretaker, Filch. Sirius looked at themselves and saw his finger was still stroking James's cheek. He smirked, removing his hand.

"I repeat. What are you both doing in a secluded corridor in this awkward position?", he repeated, scrunching his nose in disgust. It confirmed the rumor that he was a squib. Wizards were often flexible with the idea of sexuality unless Filch is a squib and went to a muggle school.

"Of course, we were kissing each other", said Sirius. It would be fun riling him up. "What do you think we were doing?"

Filch shifts uncomfortably at his open admission while James gapes at him. The boy tried to protest but Sirius stomps his foot in time.

"Horrendous", muttered Filch. "Never heard something like this. Crazy bunch of students. Your head of the house will see to this. Follow me."

"What was that?", whispered James.

"We don't know our way back. Isn't it the easy way?"

"And nasty. I can't even imagine kissing you", muttered his best friend.

Of course, he wouldn't. No one could. They are brothers through and through but whatever takes his best friend's mind out of his gloom. "I can help you with that, Prongs", he said, bumping their shoulders.

"Shut up."

Filch turns to them before muttering a few more abuses under his breath, taking them to the very familiar corridor of Professor McGonagall. "Professor McGonagall, I want you to take strict action against these students of your house and punish them severely for their horrendous crime."

She raised her head and when her eyes landed on the two, she sighed. "Why doesn't it surprise me to see you two again? What did they do now?"

"They are criminals", said Filch. "Horrendous crime. They were found in a secluded corridor kissing each other."

That caught the attention of their house head. The surprise was written all over her usually stoic face. "Out of all the things, this was the last reason I have imagined they would be caught for."

Sirius grinned shamelessly.

"Argus, I will give detention if they prove themselves guilty. You can go back to work."

"Professor, promise me, you wouldn't be lenient on them because they are students of your house?"

Professor McGonagall glared at the man. "Have I ever done something like that? Thank you for bringing them to my notice. You may leave", she said dismissively.

He leaves the room after a final glare towards the boys. Minerva asks them to take their seats before turning towards the other occupant of the room. "Ms. Evans, is it okay if I have a word with these two, or would it disturb you?"

Sirius saw the exact moment James noticed Lily's presence in the room before ducking his head, avoiding everyone's eyes.

"It's fine, Professor. Anyway, this looks more interesting."

When Sirius heard the amusement in her voice, he grinned at the redhead.

"So, what's all this, Mr. Black? Potter?"

Sirius leaned forward, all business. He has only his wit and charm to get out of the room. "Is it a crime to love their best friend, Professor?"

Minerva suppressed a snort. "Of course not, Mr. Black. Because as far as I know, you are the most decent student and wouldn't even think of breaking any rule of Hogwarts ever."

"You know me so well, Minnie", he said and ignored her glare. Siriusly, people need to up their game. He was immune to the great Walburga's glare. "I have realized today that James is my soulmate. Is it wrong to declare myself as his better half? To be frank, I am his best half. You know me, right, Minnie? I am the best. And it wouldn't be a problem in James's house. Mrs. P loves me more than James. She would trade me in place of James any day. I have that charm in me. Anyone would fall in love with me. So, where was I? Yeah, James is my soulmate."

"So, when are you two getting married? After graduating from Hogwarts?"

"Professor, that's rubbish", interrupted James.

Sirius gasps and clutches his heart. "Prongsie, stop insulting my love for you."

When James shoots a glare in his direction, Minerva clears her throat. "Potter, mind telling the truth then?"

"We were returning from Quidditch practice and got lost in a corridor when Filch found us. Sirius thought since we didn't know the route, it would be a good idea to get back to Gryffindor."

"James, I really really love you and I can even get married to you if that takes you to believe it."

James scoffed. "Shut up."

Sirius pouted and then something unbelievable happened. Both Lily and Minerva burst out laughing. Sirius saw James not so subtly sneaking glances at the redhead.

"Get out, you two", said Minerva in between her laughter.

Sirius grinned and followed James, who bolted out of his seat as soon as the words left Minnie's mouth.

XXX

"You are not my best friend", accused James as soon as they were out of Professor McGonagall's earshot. "You have proved yourself as my enemy. How could you even do this to the person you claim to be as your best friend? You embarrassed the shit out of me. You made me look like an idiot there. What would Professor Mcgonagall think about me after this little stunt of yours? What would-"

"Evans think of you?", said Sirius. "She smiled though." That made James snap his head towards Sirius but a confused frown appeared on his head. Sirius rolled his eyes. "James, she smiled. Isn't that what you were worried about since yesterday? And look here, you made her smile today. You brought her smile back, mate" He wrapped his arms around James, ruffling his hair. His brother could be an oblivious idiot when he wants to be.

They parted apart when they heard a clearing of a throat and found Lily Evans standing there with an eyebrow raised. "So, it's true? Whatever you have confessed over there?"

"Are you jealous, Lily-bean?", asked Sirius.

The girl just laughed out loud and went towards their dorm.

"Just like that? No hexing. No comeback. No glaring or abusing. What's wrong with her?", muttered James.

Sirius cuffed James on his head. "You are so hopeless, Prongs. Because she is finding it amusing, idiot. Come on. Mate, stop worrying. It's Christmas week and we have to celebrate with whoever is left in the castle minus Slytherins. We have a party in the evening.

They meet Remus and Peter in the Great hall. Sirius relishes whatever has happened in Professor McGonagall's office, poking James in the arm from time to time asking him to finish his food. The boy was just pushing it around the plate. "Finish it, Prongs. Otherwise, I am going to announce your fantasies about a certain redhead in this very place."

"I don't fantasize about anything", he muttered.

"Don't you worry, mate. I can pretty much make it up."

"You remind me of my mother sometimes", complained James.

Sirius grinned. "Thanks for the compliment, Prongsie."

He muttered under his breath but silently finished his food. 

Spoiler: James and Lily 'talk'. 

Lot's of future planning. Do tell me what you think about the chapter. *Fingers crossed* :)