Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter characters, situations, details, etc., etc. No money is being made off this.

Warnings: SB/RL slash, SB/other characters, RL/other characters, language.

Summary: I wrote this after getting the following idea from the Sirius Black and Remus Lupin slash group on Yahoo!. Meaning, the idea wasn't mine. (See below.) Some chapters are sad, some Sirius (pun intended!), some funny, and some ridiculous. Enjoy!

Nutters Inc. has opened a challenge-archive called Veils of Possibility, and we'd like to invite you to join us on our playground.

The basic idea is a bit like "Sliders": When Sirius fell through the veil, he didn't die, but entered an alternative reality, a parallel dimension of his own world. In order to get back to his own reality, he has to travel through the veil again and again, until he finds his own dimension from a myriad of possibilities.
The realities he encounters are sometimes similar to his own, sometimes entirely different. In each world he has to find his way back to the Arch to travel on. Will Sirius return to his own reality? Will he ever see Remus again? Or will he succumb to the dangers or temptations of the possibilities he encounters? There's a few more details, like there *must* be SB/RL slash. Naturally.

I don't know if I'm going to send in my finished product to the challenge.... I'll see how it works out here first.

Thanks: To Nutters Inc. and the Sirius Black and Remus Lupin Mail Group for the idea! dragon_princess2028 for the beta! Let's begin!

~*~*~*~*~


~Endless Possibilities~

Chapter 1


Sirius! SIRIUS!
He can't come back, Harry.... he can't come back, because he's d-
HE - IS - NOT-DEAD! SIRIUS!

 With a strangled cry, Sirius Black sat up. Wide-eyed and panting for breath, he looked quickly around to register his surroundings. He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, his heart galloping in his chest. It had all been a nightmare, just a nightmare.... the same nightmare he'd been having for the past week or so....

He opened his eyes and looked round the room once more. He was in a hotel room that must have been lovely at one point, before he had gotten to it, anyway. Now bottles of vodka, one smashed, littered the floor, their contents soaked into the rug. Clothes were draped over every available surface, looking as though they had been torn from their owners and flung aside. The curtains hung, ripped, from their rod, and a guitar with a leather thong draped over it leaned in the corner. It looked like the scene of a particularly violent orgy.

Likewise, the huge king-sized bed Sirius sat in now was a mess. The sheets were rumpled and stained, an empty vodka bottle lay at the foot, and a black t-shirt was draped over the headboard. On either side of him was a large blanket-wrapped lump.
Sirius groaned and put his head in his hands. A pounding headache had developed there while he was asleep, and he felt slightly nauseous. Great. Another hangover. He loved alcohol, but he wished there was a way he could drink his fill without waking up to a pounding head, cotton-filled throat, and a sick feeling in his stomach.

He flopped back down and put an arm over his eyes. He tried in vain to remember what had happened last night, and who he had gone to bed with. No dice. He had been so wasted last night that he couldn't remember a thing.
His stomach lurched uncomfortably. With a groan, he crawled over one of the people in his bed and picked his way around the mess to get to the bathroom. He fell to his knees in front of the toilet and pulled his waist-length black hair away from his face, waiting for the inevitable.

~*~*~*~*~

After a glass of water, three aspirin, and two spoonfuls of Pepto-Bismol, Sirius climbed wearily back into bed and closed his eyes, wishing for death as he always did during his worst hangovers. But he didn't fall asleep. He was too curious as to who was in his bed.

He sat up and yanked the blankets off the person to his left. It was a man. His shaggy, light brown hair was tousled and hanging in his eyes. His long eyelashes rested on his pale cheeks, his mouth open slightly. He was curled up in the fetal position, sleeping peacefully. Scratches, bruises, and bite marks marred his pale, creamy skin. Must have been some rough sex last night. Sirius let his eyes wander down the man's slender, almost feminine body, his hangover forgotten in a sudden rush of arousal.

He groaned. He wanted another piece of this one before he had to go, that was sure. But first....

He pulled the blankets off the person to his right - another man. This one was asleep on his stomach, his head turned slightly to the side. He had long, flaming-red hair, almost as long as Sirius' own; cute freckles, and a fang earring in one ear. He was much taller and more muscular than the brunette, and had a very nice arse. He was covered in bites and scratches too. Sirius moaned longingly and looked over at the clock beside the bed. Eight AM. He had no idea when he was going to leave, but he'd be damned if he was going to leave before having another wild ride with both these beautiful men.

He looked in between them, undecided. As he sat there, trying to decide which one to have first, a voice said loudly,

He looked around. At the foot of the bed sat a very large, black dog.

Shit, what was I drinking last night? he muttered to himself. Dogs don't talk.

This one does, the dog said angrily. Listen to me, Sirius.

With a chuckle, Sirius shrugged. Why not?

The dog gave him an irritated look. To begin, I'm you.

You're me? That's the biggest load of bulls-

Your alternate form, the dog said curtly. Sirius, this isn't your life.

Not my life?

You're in a different dimension, the dog said. An alternate universe, if you will. You died - well, not really - do you remember the Department of Mysteries?

Something stirred in Sirius' mind at those last few words. Department of Mysteries.... a part of his dream rose unbidden in his mind. The boy, screaming his name.... the brown-haired man, holding the boy back with tears streaming down his cheeks.... His eyes widened and he whipped his head around to stare at the brunette man sleeping beside him.

God, it's him! he gasped, his mind fumbling for the man's name.

The dog's tail thumped the blankets. Do you remember? he asked eagerly.

Sirius buried his face in his hands. I was dreaming.... a kid.... Harry?... calling my name... he thought I was dead... and this man - Remus - holding him back.... A woman, I remember a woman.... I was fighting with her.... And you! You are me - I'm an Animagus, I can turn into a dog!

The dog's tail thumped harder. That's it, that's it! You do remember!

Sirius looked hopelessly up at the dog. But I remember being here, he said. I was born in London.... my parents were peaceniks in the 60's... I went to school at Eton.... I'm a rock star! I remember! How can I have two lives?!

You fell through the Veil at the Department of Mysteries, the dog answered. Everyone thought you were dead. But you're not. Instead, you have fallen into an alternate universe, where time flows differently, and your mind has created a fantasy for you to live in. But this isn't your life, Sirius.

Veil.... that woman knocked me through.... how do I get back to my own reality?

You'll have to go through the Veil once more. But it won't be that easy. You may go back to your reality at once; or you may have to travel through several different dimensions before coming home for good. It's not going to be easy. But I'll be with you to help you out.

With a soft sigh, Remus began to stir. The dog gave Sirius a panicked look.

If you need me, just call my name. You remember, right?

Sirius muttered softly.

Yep. But only you can see me, so try to be alone when you call me - I'll see you later, Padfoot said, and vanished as Remus sat up with a yawn. He snuggled close to Sirius and put his arms around his neck.

Mmm. Morning, love. He kissed Sirius' neck, and Sirius became aware that his interest in the men in his bed hadn't waned in the slightest while he was talking to Padfoot. Remus chuckled softly and ran a teasing finger along the inside of Sirius' thigh, skillfully avoiding what was begging for attention. Were you waiting for me?

Screw reality. This fantasy was pretty damn tempting. Sirius put Padfoot out of his mind and nipped at Remus' throat. You'd have woken up to me screwing you if I hadn't gotten a.. phone call.

Damn them, calling you. Should I wake Bill?

Sirius looked over his shoulder at the sleeping redhead, recognizing him for the first time, and suddenly lost any interest he had had in either man. Bill? Bill?! Fuck! He had slept with Bill? God, they were related! The sick feeling swooped back into his stomach. Yeah, they were only something like second or third cousins, but still... it made Sirius sick to think about it.

What's wrong? Remus asked him. Siri, are you all right?

I slept with him? Sirius asked.

Remus smirked and ran a hand lightly along Sirius' thigh. I'll say you did. My God, I haven't seen something that enjoyable since Velvet Goldmine.

But - he's my cousin! Sirius choked out.

The brunette gave him a quizzical look. Your cousin? Siri, he's just a fan you picked up after the show last night. Don't you remember? He leaned close to Sirius' ear, giving the lobe a quick lick before continuing. You asked me last night if I wanted a hot redhead in our bed, and I agreed. You asked him right out, I remember. It was the sexiest thing. You walked right up to him, kissed him, and asked him if he wanted to come play with us. He giggled. I've never seen anyone blush so, but he wasn't making up any excuses not to. He planted several teasing kisses along Sirius' neck and down onto his shoulder.

Sirius stared at him, but as he did he remembered what Padfoot had said about alternate universes. If this wasn't his reality... then Remus was right. Maybe he and Bill weren't related here.... but even so, he couldn't bring himself to touch the redhead.

No, don't wake him, he muttered finally. I'm not in the mood.

Remus looked down, and sighed. You were a minute ago.

I really don't feel like it. My... my hangover has caught up with me, Sirius said quickly. It wasn't really a lie. His head still hurt like hell.

Remus' disappointed expression vanished almost instantly. Oh, my poor Siri. He kissed Sirius' forehead. All right, I'll wait until tonight.

Sirius smiled a little and rested his head on Remus' shoulder. It was good to know that even in other dimensions, Remus was still as sweet and kind as he was in reality.

A loud knocking sounded on the door just then. Remus jumped out of bed and hastily pulled on a pair of jeans that were lying beside the bed before hurrying to answer it. When he opened the door, a young woman with long red hair and almond-shaped green eyes hurried in. She was wearing tight jeans, an equally tight black t-shirt with Rock Goddess' scrawled on it in silver glitter, and a scowl. She groaned at the sight of the room, and at Sirius and the still-sleeping Bill in bed.

My God, you're insatiable! she cried, kicking a shoe and a bottle out of her way as she marched over to the bed.

Sirius gasped, looking into the furious emerald gaze of a woman long dead. But she wasn't dead, at least not here; she was very much alive. She seized a hank of his long hair and pulled him forward, dragging him painfully onto Bill, who woke up with a shout of protest. Lily ignored him and shouted, Goddamn it, Sirius, sometimes you're impossible!

Remus hurriedly closed the door as Sirius stared up at his best friend's wife. What's wrong?

What's wrong? What's wrong?! Sirius, we have to be in New York by noon, and you're not even dressed yet! She let go of his hair in disgust. You'd think after ten years you'd actually listen to me. But noooo, what does a manager know? Get up! Get him dressed! she snapped, this last directed to Remus. And don't you dare take the time for another threesome, or I'll kill you!

And with that, she stormed out of the room.

Remus sighed as Bill struggled out of bed. Sirius rubbed his forehead tiredly. Bill dressed quickly, then tilted Sirius' face up to his own and kissed him hungrily. Sirius moaned softly against Bill's mouth and allowed the younger man to slip his teasing tongue between his lips, unable to help himself. But the kiss wasn't nearly as long as he'd like it. Bill pulled away after only a few seconds and dropped Sirius a wink. He kissed Remus as well, and said to them, Next time you're back here in Berlin, give me a call. You're both fantastic. And with that, he left.

Sirius had barely registered the fact that he was in Germany before he found himself being pushed into the shower by Remus, who stripped off his jeans and joined him. He shrieked as Remus turned on the water, which was freezing cold.

Sorry, but it's what we both need right now, Remus said briskly, turning Sirius around and rubbing a handful of shampoo into his lover's long hair. Sirius stood still and shivered, letting Remus wash him, and was grateful when he was pushed out of the shower and allowed to wrap himself in warm, thick towels. Remus washed himself up even faster than he had washed Sirius, stepped out of the shower, wrapped a towel around his waist, and made a fast job of blow-drying Sirius' hair.

You're lovely. Go get dressed, he said, and Sirius went back into the bedroom. He found some suitcases under the bed and pulled out a tight pair of jeans and a black t-shirt, along with some underwear and a leather jacket. He dressed, got his shoes on, and made a vain attempt to clean up some of the mess in the room.

Remus emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later, dressed in baggy cargo pants and a white t-shirt. He had an armload of their bathroom things, which he tipped into a plastic bag. Sit down, you lump. I'll do the packing.

He packed their suitcases in record time, throwing a wallet, a cell phone, and a pair of sunglasses to Sirius, who popped them into his jacket without question.

After a second scouring of the room to be sure they hadn't left anything behind, Remus nodded and pushed two of the suitcases into Sirius' hands. Let's go, before Lily comes up for us.

~*~*~*~*~

Hours later, Sirius was dozing on a plane flying over the Atlantic Ocean. He was sitting between Lily, who was gabbling on her cell phone, and Remus, who was reading a huge book and looking more like a rock star's accountant rather than a rock star's lover. Sirius wished Lily would shut up so he could get to sleep, but she was shouting angrily at someone on the phone and didn't seem like shutting up anytime soon.
He wasn't looking forward to the show he was doing tonight in New York City. His hangover was clearing up, but only very slightly, and Lily wasn't helping his headache any. His hand ached a little from signing autographs outside the hotel and in the airport, and the smell of Sharpie markers had made him decidedly dizzy. And the airplane's coffee tasted like mud.

A soft, cool hand on his forehead made him open his eyes. Remus was holding his hand to Sirius' head, looking concerned.

Love, are you feeling all right?

Like shit, Sirius muttered. Head hurts.

Poor darling. Do you want to cancel the show tonight?

Lil'd skin us both, Sirius mumbled with a nod at his manager, who was listening to the person on the phone with a look of deadly anger on her face.

All right then....

Remus kissed his cheek before going back to his book. Sirius sighed and closed his eyes again, but he had only been dozing for ten minutes before the pilot announced, Ladies and gentlemen, we will be landing in New York City in ten minutes' time. Thank you.

Lily jabbed him painfully in the ribs with her elbow. Get up, Siri! We'll be getting off soon!

I didn't even get a chance to sleep, Sirius groused, but no one paid him any attention.

~*~*~*~*~

Dammit, how useless ARE you people?! Lily screamed at the stagehands. Stupid Americans!

Sirius sighed for the ninetieth time that day. Lily had been screaming for a very long time, overseeing the setup. Lily's husband and Sirius' guitar roadie, James, was running back and forth, bellowing orders and shouting at the crew to be careful with Sirius' guitars. Sirius himself had just been freed from a very long press conference and an equally long photo shoot. Still dressed in the scandalously tight leather trousers and bell-sleeved shirt he had worn for the interview, he was sitting on one of the amplifiers with his head in his hands. Remus was brushing his hair and murmuring softly to him, trying to make him feel better.

After this, you can get a nice, long sleep.... I'll give you a back massage with the rose body oils you like so much... order some tea from room service..... you'd like that, wouldn't you?

Sirius murmured, raising his head obediently for his makeup woman, Grace, who had just appeared with her huge cosmetics case. He closed his eyes and let her do her magic with mascara, silver eyeliner, rouge, black lipliner, and dark red lipstick. She was very talented - it was her hand that made his pale skin and stubbly cheeks into the darkly beautiful, slightly Gothic face of the rock star side of his persona. She knew exactly what to use to bring out his high cheekbones and dark blue eyes. Remus, meanwhile, who served as Sirius' hairdresser as well as lover and comforter, finished brushing his hair and kissed the top of his lover's head.

All done, Grace said triumphantly after a second application of lipstick. She grabbed his hands and peered critically at his black-painted nails. Argh, chipped, but there's no use painting them now, no time. They'd just get ruined again anyway.
Thanks, dear, Sirius said, blowing her a kiss so as not to ruin his lipstick. He staggered to his feet as James ran up to him.
Come on, come on, Lil's furious, the opening band totally sucks. You're almost on, James said, thrusting Sirius' favourite black guitar decorated with a silver wolf into his hands. Sirius shrugged the strap over his shoulder and allowed himself to be hustled along to the stage.
It happened like it always did - his attitude changed as he adjusted the guitar strap and followed James along the corridor. His hangover was now forgotten, and his excitement was growing. It was always this way - as unenthusiastic about a show as he could sometimes be, when it came time to go onstage he was filled with a sense of excitement and pleasure.

Good luck, love, Remus whispered, brushing a kiss along the line of Sirius' jaw. Sirius winked at him and stepped out on stage.

He was greeted by the screams of five thousand adoring fans, most clad in black clothes and overly-dramatic makeup like his. With a grin, Sirius tossed his long hair and strummed a few chords on his guitar as he strode over to the microphone. The crowd screamed their approval; Sirius' heart leapt. As sucky as the rock star life could be at times, he couldn't help but love it when he got up in front of a crowd of loyal fans. He flashed his brightest, best naughty-boy grin at the audience, ebony strands of hair falling into his eyes, and leaned close to the microphone. Hello, New York!!

Halfway through his first song he noticed his backdrop for the first time. Still concentrating mightily on the solo he was playing, he shot a quick glance at it.

It was a tattered black curtain, hung from a crumbling archway.

It had been there throughout his tour; he was sure of it. But every night it had looked rather fake and cheap, or in other words, looking like the prop it was. But something about it tonight seemed real. The arch seemed less like plastic marble than like real marble, something about the curtain had a sinister air about it. And his dream came back to his mind... but he was beginning to realize it was more than a dream. It was real, a memory, and he could see in his mind's eye the same veil on display in the Department of Mysteries....

He kept his eye on it during the entire show. It seemed to be pulling at him, calling to him. He wanted to approach it, to jump through it, see where it went....

Yeah, right. And knock it down? Lily would have a fit. And someone might get hurt.

But he couldn't help the feeling he had, as if someone was trying to summon him from behind the veil. He ducked his head, trying not to look at it, tossing his long hair around and playing his guitar as well as he could, urging the crowd to sing along.

No use. He stopped playing, looking intently at the veil. Hadn't Padfoot told him to look for the Veil in each of these dimensions, to find his way home? To cross through?

He was only vaguely aware of the crowd's loud, angry protests as he stopped playing and dropped his guitar, walking dreamily towards the veil. He ignored the whine of feedback as the instrument hit the floor, and James' indignant yell at his treatment of the guitar. Everyone was yelling, but their voices faded to a dull background rumble as Sirius stopped before the veil.

He took one look back at the audience, and at his crew; at Remus and Lily, who were yelling something at him. It seemed he was looking at them all through a haze or a heavy fog. Then he took a deep breath and turned to look at the veil.

For better or ill, Paddy, he murmured to himself, and dove through.




To Be Continued.......