Remus looked up from his book, his eyes somewhere far away. "I'm sorry?"

Molly gestured to the plate that was sitting beside his hand on the table, the steam long since dissipated. "Eat."

"I…how long has that been there?"

"You mean how long have you been pretending to read that book? How long ago did I give this to you and tell you to eat it? How long have you managed to ignore the fact that there are people in this house, living people, who wouldn't mind if you paid some attention to them?"

"Molly, if this is about Tonks again…"

"It's not about Tonks." She crossed her arms over her chest. "I may be old-fashioned in some respects, Remus Lupin, but I'm well aware that unless Tonks manages to mutate her power enough that she can change whole body parts, you've no intention of sneaking off to a quiet corner with her."

Remus dropped his book, bending over to pick it up to hide his embarrassment. Molly sighed and sat down next to him, folding her hands on the table in front of her and not looking at him.

"We all know you loved him, Remus."

"This isn't about Sirius, Molly."

"But it is. Maybe you don't think it is because you want it not to be so badly. But you've been this way since he fell through that veil and you must stop, Remus. You have to let him go."

"I've let Sirius go more times than I can count." Remus placed the book face down on the table and pulled the plate in front of him, poking at the cold food with his fork. "Sirius suspected me of being the one who betrayed the Order, Lily and James. I believed he had done the same."

"But you'd…"

"Fallen into easy habits?" Remus shrugged. "Believing him, in the face of Peter's existence, was easy. Releasing all that uneasy guilt and hatred that he had been behind it all was a relief. Wanting him, wanting something good in all of this, was simple." Molly didn't say anything and he laughed softly, "Well, as simple as Sirius allowed anything to be."

"Then I don't…"

"I loved him, Molly," Remus whispered softly. "So much that it hurt. And it always hurt. He hurt me with every practical joke he played because I loved him and wanted him and wanted him to love me so much that I let him get away with everything, nearly get away with murder. Of course, like everything else with Sirius, I would have been the murderer."

Molly bit her lower lip, looking at the wall opposite them, her eyes focused on the clock. "He loved you back."

"He did. Sirius loved me as much as he could allow himself to love anyone." Remus shook his head. "I'm sorry. I'm so angry at him." He laughed, the sound slanted with tears. "He was so damned stubborn, so damned angry and so damned proud. He was having the time of his life when he died, the stupid bastard."

Molly laughed suddenly, smothering the sound with the heel of her hand. Remus shook his head, his own laughter curling his lips. She stifled her own grin and brought her gaze down to his cold dinner. "Then why are you like this? Why have you been this way…"

"Everyone assumes that I'm mourning. And I am, but I mourned Sirius fourteen years ago. The Sirius I knew and loved so passionately died the second he went into Azkaban. He survived it, Molly, mostly intact, but not untouched. And while I tried to find the Sirius that I had…belonged to…when he returned, there were only glimpses."

"But you stayed with him."

"What choice did I have?" His words seemed ripped from somewhere deep in his chest, laced with raw pain. "What else did he have? Who else understood his pain? Who else knew what it was like to be exiled and abhorred? Who else could comfort him, when he let someone close enough? Who else could he lose himself inside of, pretending that he was still the man he used to be? Who else did he know that lived a life of pretending?"

"If you didn't…"

"I did. I wanted the same things he did. I wanted to be a teenager again, even a young man again, wanted to be safely wrapped up in the man I loved, be held and promised things, wanted to believe there was a future that wasn't full of pain and hurt and fear and death. I wanted those things just as badly as he did."

"Then why are you…"

"Because everyone expects me to mourn. Everyone expects me to be this way."

"We don't want you to be this way, Remus. None of us wants you to suffer any more than you already have." Molly reached over and touched his hand. "Maybe you need to find someone, something that makes you feel that way again. For real."

"Find myself a nice, young man and inflict my aged, tortured, scarred, wounded soul on him?"

"Well, I wouldn't put it that way if you approached someone in a pub." Molly chuckled. "You've always been wise and aged beyond your years, Remus. Maybe you need to remind yourself that there is fun out there, youth and joy. There are those things out there that make living through everything else worth it."

"You sure you're not trying to get me to date Tonks again?"

"Given that you've just actually admitted that you and Sirius were having a relationship and you suggested you find a nice, young man? I think trying to get you to date Tonks would be a lesson in futility."

"I think most of the nice, young men are off limits anymore." He watched Molly shift slightly in her chair, his eyes narrowing. "It's a dangerous time to look for someone you need in all the people you don't know."

"That is always a dangerous prospect, Remus." She dug her wand from her apron pocket and pointed it at his dinner, casting a warming spell. "But there are nice young men out there. You'll find one." She stood up and kissed the top of his head gently. "Now eat."

Remus smiled sadly, his heart wrenching as she bustled away. "Be careful what you wish for, Molly. Wishes can come true."

"I'm sorry, we're clo…" George looked up from the counter as the door swung open, the gong above the door ringing loud and clear in the empty store. "Oh."

"Not open on Halloween?"

"Everyone's already got their tricks by now. Besides, the bulk of our clientele is in Hogsmeade tonight. They'll be in Zonko's, not popping down to Diagon Alley." George cleared his throat and looked away from the intense gaze. "What're you doing here, Remus?"

"I thought I'd do a little shopping."

"Like I said, we're closed."

Remus nodded, clasping his wrists behind his back as he strolled through the shop, his eyebrow raised, his lips curled in amusement. "The door wasn't locked."

"Fred just left." George looked away, his quiet curse loud in the stillness. "He'll be right back."

"You've not been home much lately."

"How'd you know that?"

"Your mother thinks I'm too thin."

George's eyes moved involuntarily to Remus's hips then up his stomach and chest to his eyes. "You look…fine to me."

Remus didn't say anything for a few moments, still walking slowly in front of the display cases. "Anyway, your mother has taken to feeding me. She's a little perplexed as to why you and Fred seem to have disappeared."

"Fred's all wrapped up in Hermione. He spends all his free time writing letters, agonizing over the feelings he refuses to admit, writing more letters, then agonizing over the letters."

"I'd think that'd send you running straight home for a dose of sanity."

"At the Burrow?" George's brow furrowed. "You sure you're talking about my house?"

"She's worried."

"Nothing to worry about." He shrugged and grabbed a box from beneath the counter, stocking the pile of Culpability Crumbles. "Just busy. She should be pleased."

"You're not staying away because of me, are you, George?"

"You?" He cleared his throat and brought his voice back down to its normal register. "Why'd you think that? I mean, how's I supposed to know you were hanging around the Burrow eating all my Mum's food?"

"I thought," Remus rested his fingers on the edge of the counter, watching George's eyes lock on them as he slid them along the rim of the glass, "that maybe the other night might have…bothered you."

"The other night?" George shook his head, trying to tear his eyes away as Remus's long fingers caressed the smooth surface. "That was almost two months ago. I've not seen you since."

"Hence my concern." Remus reached across the counter, plucking a treat from inside George's box. His hands shook and he dropped the entire stock on the floor, cursing and bending down to pick it up, his face flaming. Remus moved slowly, predatorily around the counter. "Does my presence bother you, George?"

"It's just that," he straightened and turned, Remus's body heat swirling around him, "we're closed."

"So you said." Remus reached up and unhooked the clasp of George's robe. The sleek fabric fell away, hanging loosely on his shoulders. "I should probably go then?"

George nodded and swallowed hard as Remus slowly slid his hands over George's shoulders, beneath his robe, guiding the black fabric toward the floor. "You probably should."

"You know," Remus stepped closer, his breath playing lightly over George's lips, "that I'm not going anywhere, right?"

George nodded as Remus stepped closer, his fingers caressing George's collarbone as he found the top button of his shirt and unfastened it, brushing the bare skin beneath as he worked the next one free as well, making his way slowly down George's chest.

His shirt fell to the floor on top of his robes, his breath hitching in his chest as Remus's hands smoothed over it, fingertips gliding over hard nipples, tightening the flesh further.

"You know what I want to do to you?" Remus's breathing was heavy, labored as his hands splayed over George's bare stomach, his palms caressing the light smattering of ginger hair.

George closed his eyes, his lips parting as his own breathing shifted and deepened. His head fell back as Remus moved even closer, his words fanning over George's neck.

"I want to taste every inch of you." Remus's voice dropped to a throaty growl. "Feel you move beneath my hands." George's moan came from deep inside him as Remus's hand slipped down, covering his cock. "Feel every pulse of your blood."

George's hand curled into a fist at his side, the other scrambling for purchase on the counter. He groaned Remus's name softly, lifting his head to seek out the other man's lips. Remus purred hungrily as he captured George's mouth, his tongue pressing between his parted lips to slide inside the dark heat.

Remus pulled back, swallowing George's soft whimper before moving to nibble along the redhead's jaw, his fingertips running along George's skin just above the waistband of his jeans, stroking his pale skin with feather-light touches. "I want to lick the sweat from your skin. He placed warm, wet kisses along George's neck, nipping at the taut flesh as he worked his way down to the younger man's collarbone.

"Oh," George breathed as Remus's hands unfastened his belt and jeans, guiding the zipper down before sliding the denim over his slight hips. Remus captured the sound as he caught George in a hot, swift kiss before sinking down to his knees, circling George's navel with his tongue. "Oh, sweet…"

"I want to taste you as you come," Remus trailed his tongue down to the base of George's cock, growling low, the reverberations from the sound stiffening George's already impossibly hard shaft. "Feel you lose control deep in my throat."

"Re…mus," George turned slightly, sucking in huge gasps of air as he leaned back against the counter, his legs spread as far as his jeans allowed. Remus's smile was hungry and lupine as he moved languidly, running his hands up George's calves to the back of his thighs. "Re…"

"Is that what you want, George?"

George started to answer, stopping as Remus shook his head, silencing him. Swallowing hard, he watched helplessly as Remus licked his lips, parting them with his tongue as he leaned in. George bit his lower lip, closing his eyes and blocking out everything but the anticipation that flooded over him with every soft pant of Remus's breath. "I want to taste you," Remus whispered again, feeling George's heavy groan as the older man's mouth closed over his cock.

Remus slid his hands up and down the backs of George's thighs, stroking the younger man as he slid his tongue along his cock, feeling George tense beneath his hands. George's hands, palms sweaty, slid against the glass countertop, his whole body on fire. Remus moaned around him, the low hum of vibration causing George's hips to thrust forward.

Catching them, Remus stilled George for a moment then pulled back. His amber eyes glinted, his lips curved around George's cock, the moment frozen despite the heat between them, until he urged George forward, taking him deeper into his throat.

George shivered, begging softly, murmuring Remus's name beneath his breath, a panting litany of desire. Remus relaxed his grip on George's hips, the steady rhythm second nature. His hands slipped down George's thighs again then back up, curving around the taut flesh and muscle of George's ass.

Groaning, George threw his head back in pleasure as Remus squeezed gently before releasing him. Remus's tongue moved along the vein pulsing through George's cock, teasing the ridge before sliding over the slick head as he moved one hand between George's legs to fondle the firm flesh of his balls.

George arched his hips as his breath left him in a shudder, moving forward as the muscles in his thighs tensed. Remus growled his approval, suddenly sucking hard at the tip of George's cock.

He beat his fist against the edge of the counter before grabbing a handful of Remus's shaggy brown locks. Remus gasped, cool air shrouding George's cock for a moment until his mouth closed over it again, his tongue pressed hard to the base as he sucked desperately at the velvety hard flesh. His fingers, damp from his own saliva, slid back and pressed firmly to George's sphincter.

Remus pushed gently, one finger barely slipping past the surface. George's hips jerked and he tugged at Remus's hair, lost somewhere between needing release and finding relief. His hips pistoned forward, penetrating Remus's willing mouth, sliding wetly over his demanding tongue.

His second finger pressed up inside George, shallow thrusts filling him achingly slowly. He whimpered, barely recognizing the sound as Remus's mouth surrounded him, his fingers filling him as they slowly began to move.

George closed his eyes and held his breath, releasing Remus as he grabbed for the counter again, needing support as his knees buckled slightly, his body trembling as he came.

Remus's tongue caressed George's cock, stroking it as his orgasm spilled down the older man's throat. George's body still shook, tremoring with aftershocks as Remus's fingers continued moving inside him unabated.

"Remus. Remus. Remus." George's hushed begging grew louder and Remus pulled back, freeing George from the molten heat of his mouth. His fingers still moved, thrusting up inside George steadily, his free hand curving around his half-erect cock, stroking it as the redhead shivered uncontrollably.

"Tell me what you want, George," Remus purred against the swollen head of the younger man's cock, his tongue flickering over the smooth tip. His fingers stilled, pressed inside the tight walls of George's ass. "Tell me."

"You," George nodded, nearly begging. He gasped and groaned together as Remus pulled away from him, freeing him. George sank down to his knees, swaying gently as Remus caught his shoulders and guided him onto the floor, the tile cool against his bare back.

Remus looked at him, his amber eyes burning as they moved over George's prone body, tracing curves and lines, muscles and flesh, connecting lines of freckles with a piercing gaze. George shivered, unable to look away from Remus's hands as the older man began unhooking his robe, sliding it off and onto the floor at his feet.

Remus unbuttoned his shirt, easing it off his arms and shoulders, letting it pile with his robe over his calves. George's eyes strayed from his hands, focusing instead on the rough, dark hair matted on his chest. "Do you want to touch me?"

George's hips rose off the floor instinctively, his hungry groan adding emphasis to the sudden surge of his cock. He sat up, bringing his heels against his ass, his knees in the air as Remus moved closer, shedding his pants and boxers as he moved forward, fitting between George's spread thighs.

"Touch me," he breathed as George's hands threaded through the hair on his chest, tugging gently at the dark strands, his thumbs curving over Remus's pebbled nipples. Remus closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the feel, the tentative touch. When he opened them, George's lips were parted, his eyes fixed on the heavy throb of Remus's cock between his legs.

With a hungry rumble lacing his tone, Remus pushed George back to the floor and leaned over him, his cock rubbing against the younger man's. "I'm going to be inside you, George."

George nodded, reaching beside them, fumbling with the door to the display cabinet. He grabbed a bottle, nearly dropping it as he handed it to Remus.

Remus turned it to face him and smiled. "What's this?"

Swallowing hard, George managed a smile as well, weaker, far less predatory. "Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes secret ingredient."

"And what am I using it to make, George?" Remus uncapped the bottle and poured a small amount on his hand, rubbing his fingers together, the liquid warm and slick.

"I was hoping you'd use it to make me come." He grabbed Remus's hand and guided it down to his cock, thrusting up at the same time.

"Not exactly something you can market." Remus reminded him as he obliged George's insistent hips, wrapping his hand around the redhead's cock. "Is it?"

George closed his eyes, giving himself over to the feel of Remus's hand. He was about to comment when he felt more of the liquid spilled on his skin; Remus's fingers back at the puckered muscle, pushing inside him. "Oh."

"I'm sorry," Remus released George's cock and used his free hand to pour the clear slickness onto his own. He smiled hungrily as he slipped a third finger inside the tight opening of George's ass. "Did you say more?"

"Oh. Yes."

Without stopping his steady thrusting, Remus pressed his cock against George's, the slick surface gliding over his warm, wet skin. Pulse beat against pulse and they fell into a rhythm, ending as Remus pulled away, leaving George's hips bereft, his whole body wanting as he slipped his fingers free.

"Remus…"

"Don't worry, George," Remus's voice was melted promise, bathed in honeyed anticipation as he reached down and guided his cock to George's opening, pressing the tip against the skin. "I'm not going anywhere but deeper."

The rough rumble in Remus's chest was matched by George's hot groan as Remus slid inside him, inching in with slow, steady, shallow thrusts. The redhead's body clutched at him, muscles contracting and convulsing around Remus's cock as he pushed further, deeper.

George looked up at Remus with wide eyes, his lashes fluttering against his cheeks with every slow, lazy, disbelieving blink. He returned his hands to Remus's chest, running his fingers through the thick hair, his palms sliding over the rasp of it against his skin. "I've never…" he panted softly, his lips swollen and parted as Remus leaned into him and kissed him hard and fast, nipping his bottom lip with sharp teeth. George shook his head and forced himself to breathe, thrusting to meet Remus as their bodies collided. "I've never done it like this."

"Never?" Remus asked in a low, throaty voice full of promise.

"Not like this. With another..." George ran his thumbs over Remus's nipples and smile as the older man trembled, sped up his thrusts. "Never…" He groaned, losing speech as Remus's knees pressed against his ass and he arched off the floor, his shoulder blades hard against the tile as he used his honed leg muscles to push up against the older man.

Remus leaned further into George, the redhead's cock caught between them as he kissed him hard, his tongue demanding as it captured George's, sucked on it, teased it. George groaned, both of them swallowing the sound as he came, the liquid hot against their skin, binding them together as Remus grunted harshly, breaking away and sucking in a deep breath.

He grabbed George's hips and rocked into him, thrusting hard and fast and deep as his orgasm eluded him, hovering just out of his grasp. George's hands moved over his chest, his abdomen, raking through hair and against skin. Remus closed his eyes, swallowing air rapidly as he began the spiral out of control, falling forward onto George, his teeth grazing over the younger man's skin, his gentle bite changing, pressure increasing until the skin broke and Remus came with a muffled groan.

George stared up at the ceiling, his heartbeat slowly returning to normal. His hands had somehow buried themselves in Remus's hair, holding the older man's head to his shoulder, both of them trembling, unsure of which of them was responsible. "Well, I think it's safe to say that our secret ingredient does have a myriad of uses."

"Mmm," Remus licked George's throat. "So it does."

"I wonder how Fred'd react if I told him how I knew." He laughed softly, feeling Remus's thin form shake with a chuckle as well. Shaggy brown hair brushed the broken skin of George's shoulder and he glanced down at it, his brow wrinkling. "Should I worry?"

"What?"

George met Remus's gaze then looked down at the bite mark. "Should I worry? Tomorrow's a full moon."

Remus pulled away in one smooth gesture, his body slipping free of George's, both of them caught in his scourgify spell as he stood. George laid there, confusion apparent in his eyes, as Remus dressed without comment, without looking at George.

"What'd I say?"

"Nothing. I simply need to go." He hooked his robe and shook his head. "I…Happy Halloween, George."