James was visiting us, to discuss Order developments.

In recognition of this rare event, Sirius was sitting. He loved James' visits, which had been occurring less and less frequently now that Harry had been born.

Of course, Sirius didn't bother to enquire as to how Harry or Lily was, when James turned up unexpectedly one Tuesday morning. Sirius had problems with James' absence - what Sirius determined as neglect of his best friend - and was happy to blame them on his godson. I don't think James was comfortable with it, but I think it was easiest to blame the child - rather than admit that James had finally grown up, and Sirius was trying to live in the past.

We weren't accustomed to guests. I wouldn't have liked it if we were – the house was barely furnished and cramped, but it was home.

I busied myself making tea, while James and Sirius furiously argued about the latest happenings with the war. Snippets of conversation floated to my ears.

"…And there's been more murders – Dumbledore thinks the giants are involved," James said.

"Giants? I don't understand why we don't know any of this stuff. Not trustworthy…" I could sense Sirius' tone – he was pissed.

"You know why, they need Moony as a spy if Greyback gets involved, and they can't see you two gallivanting off together, it's just more of a reason to kill you, isn't it?"

"I guess."

But Sirius seemed unconvinced, and directed his frustration at me, rather than James. "Can't you hurry up, Moony? Merlin."

I carried the cups of tea over to the wooden table, covered in scratches and ink.

James thanked me, but Sirius remained silent.

They continued to talk, and I sat and listened – the way it always had been, and would be.

After his untouched cup of tea turned cold, Sirius excused himself to go to the bathroom.

Once out of earshot, James turned to me. "You guys alright?"

I shrugged. "Wouldn't really know, he doesn't talk a lot."

James put a hand to my shoulder.

"He wants to help. And he doesn't get to, really," I went on. "It'll pass."

James smiled. "Yeah."

Sirius re-entered the kitchen and James hurriedly pulled his hand off me.

We sat quietly, mulling in our own thoughts until James broke the silence.

"I've got an idea," he said.

Sirius looked over. "Yeah?"

"You two can baby sit Harry."

Sirius snorted. "Great."

"Show some enthusiasm, Padfoot. It's not every day you get to mind your only godson."

I cupped my chin in my hands, elbows resting on the table. "What do you think, Sirius? It could be good. Fun, even."

Sirius made a non-committal grunt.

Soon after, James departed. I suppose it wasn't wise for him to linger in one place too long, but Sirius' mood put a dampen on his arrival.

Once the door was safely shut behind James, Sirius spoke.

"There's no fucking way."

"What?"
"No fucking way we're baby sitting," Sirius looked disgusted even as he said it.

"Why not?"

"Because… Who does he think we are? A married couple? We don't like children."

"I do," I said.

Sirius frowned. "We're not baby-sitting, Moony, don't try and guilt-trip me."

I moved to stand behind him and linked my arms around his neck. "Please?"

Sirius tilted his head so he was looking into my eyes. "What did I just say about the guilt-trips?"

"I'll be your best friend."

Sirius' answer was lost in my mouth, but I took it for a yes.