the ballroom-platonic moonwater-microfic
Remus was studying in the library when a shadow casted over his charms textbook.
“For the love of Merlin,” Regulus hissed, “I am not small, and I’m certainly not a child.”
Remus smirked, “That’s debatable.”
The younger boy huffed and sat down, his transfiguration textbook making a loud thud as he sat next to Remus.
Most of the time, they worked in silence and occasionally softly asking if what they were saying made sense. Today, Regulus was particularly chatty, “I cannot stand my brother sometimes. I don’t know how you put up with him.”
Remus continued to scan his charms textbook, eyebrows slightly furrowing, “What’s he done this time then?”
“He charmed me to only say the truth for the foreseeable future,” Regulus mumbled.
The werewolf sighed and set his quill down, “I’ll talk to him later.”
“Honestly,” Regulus wrapped his arms around himself(Remus learned it was a nervous habit of his), “He could’ve charmed my hair a different color and I would have been okay with it, but…”
“You’re a keep-to-yourself kind of person. I understand.”
Regulus huffed, “Yeah, you would. It’s still bloody frustrating.”
There’s a lull of silence between them before Remus packs up his books and taps a finger against Regulus’ palm, “C’mon then.”
“Somewhere cool,” Remus replied vaguely.
Regulus rolled his eyes, but there was a slight twitch of his lip, “I swear if you’re taking me on a wild goose chase, Lupin-“
“No goose chase,” Remus smirked, “You’ll see when we get there.”
He led Regulus to a portrait in the library and knocked four times. The younger was confused until the portrait swung open, revealing a secret passage way.
“Alright, then,” Regulus muttered to himself in bewilderment as he followed Remus through the narrow passage.
They walked for around five minutes before they stumbled upon a door.
“You’re insane, Lupin. Honestly,” Regulus hissed, “How did you find this?”
Remus shrugged, “I was curious why this portrait didn’t move like the others, so I knocked.”
The werewolf tugged the door open, a ballroom was waiting on the other side.
Regulus was lost for words. Glancing at Remus, he found the same gobsmacked expression.
“You idiot!,” Regulus breathed, “You had no idea what we were going to run into, did you?”
Remus tilted his head back and laughed, a bright, booming thing, and held out a hand, dramatically announcing, “May I have this dance?”
“You’re lucky I tolerate you,” Regulus shook his head. Slowly, a smile took over his face, “Yes, but in return, you have to do something for me.”
Remus rolled his eyes playfully, “This is for you.”
“What I mean to say, is that I’d like you to help me get revenge on my brother.”
There was a sigh as Remus placed his hands on Regulus’ waist, “Name your price, you menace.”
Regulus smiled, a genuine gesture, “Help me charm his hair greasy until he removes the one on me.”
“Truly, the most foul,” Regulus agreed, “Well?”
Remus sighed dramatically, “I suppose.”
“Good. Now, dance with me before Barty tries to fetch me from my studies.”
“Your studies,” Remus chuckled, “Right.”
“I will not hesitate to hex you,” Regulus looked too smug for his own good.
Remus, deciding not to test that truth charm, promptly shut up and began to waltz in a slightly unpracticed manner.
Decades later, when he’s sat down at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, Sirius hands him a photo that makes his heart stop,
“He always said you were the best dancer,” he whispered, “I didn’t believe him. I didn’t know you were friends.”
“Right,” Remus tucked the photo gently into his pocket. He truly lost all his friends to Voldemort.