Some more angst, as if these poor characters hadn't been through enough. We get a bit more of Sirius and Remus in this chapter, as well as more glossing over baby Harry. He doesn't give much to the plot just yet, does he?
Nasty looks be damned, Severus attended James Potter's funeral. He found himself crying-him. The ruthless Death Eater and murderer, crying over the death of his worst enemy.
Harry clearly didn't know what was going on, but sat quietly on his mother's lap during the ceremony. After most everyone had left, Lily couldn't hold back her tears anymore. She tried to hide, but Severus found her. She buried her face in his chest, sobbing as he wordlessly pulled her close. There was no need to speak.
Afterwards, the five returned to Sirius' house. Remus volunteered himself and Sirius to watch Harry while supper was being prepared. Lily collapsed in one of the large armchairs in the sitting room, closing her eyes. Severus took a seat opposite, unsure of what to do or say. Finally. Lily looked up.
"I'm sorry, Sev." She sniffed, letting out a sigh. "I embarrassed you, didn't I?"
"What?" He shook his head, brows furrowing. "No, no. Of course you didn't!" He shifted in his seat so he was facing her. "What made you think that?"
She wiped her eyes. "I was out of control. I shouldn't have-and you had to stand there with me… I just…"
He held out a hand. "Come here." She sat down slowly beside him, and he held her close. "What you did was normal." He smiled gently. "Everyone else there was upset, and you of all people had a right to be."
Lily sighed once more. "I suppose…"
They were silent for a moment, until Severus spoke up. "So, are you and Harry going to stay here with Sirius?"
She nodded. "Our old place burned down, and I don't want to make trouble for my parents." She looked up. "Where are you going?"
Severus shrugged. "I really should just go home… but truthfully?" He let out a harsh laugh. "I despise that place. Besides, chances are someone with a grudge will try to destroy it anyways."
"Then sell it," Lily said suddenly. "You can live with us. Remus doesn't have a place to go, either."
"I…" Severus paused. "I would love to, but…"
"Come on," Lily insisted, wiping her eyes one last time. "It would make me happy. Besides, I need all the help I can get with Harry."
Severus chuckled lightly. "Well, I can't just leave a child in the clutches of Sirius…"
His fingers curled around hers, and he nodded. "Alright, if it means that much to you."
She smiled slightly. "It really does, Sev. Thank you."
That night, the big house was silent. That is, until the silencing charm on Sirius' room broke.
Remus awoke with a start, the strange howling noise filling his ears. He made his way through the house, and without hesitation entered. He felt his throat constrict as he realized he knew that sound.
A big black dog was baying at the sliver of a moon through the window, its howls filled with obvious pain. Remus quickly reset the charm, then hurried to his friend's side.
"Sirius…" He whispered softly so as not to startle the beast. His fingers gently stroked the dark fur, causing the dog the halt his cries momentarily.
"Sirius, it's alright," Remus crooned, repeating the same words that had been told him many times. "You're going to be fine. I'm right here."
The dog shrunk, and the shaken figure embraced Remus. He sobbed openly into his friend's shoulder, arms holding tightly. Remus rubbed his back slowly, trying to fight back tears of his own.
"Everything is going to be fine."
Sirius shuddered with every breath. "N- no it- it- it won't…!" He managed, unable to control his sobbing. "James- James is- and he- I can't-"
"Sirius," Remus repeated, looking into the tearful grey eyes. "It's alright."
He pulled the man closer, closing his eyes. "I never was good at this, so… let's just sit here a minute."
After the tears had mostly subsided, Sirius pulled away. "I'm sorry, R- Remus," He said, taking a shuddering breath. "I don't know what-"
"Don't apologize," Remus replied. "You needed to get that out."
Sirius managed a tiny, bark-like laugh. "How the tables have turned. M- Moony calming me down?"
"That's my job," Remus said quietly. "That's what friends do."
Sirius pushed a stray strand of black hair from his face. "I feel…" He sighed. "Still terrible."
Remus nodded. "To be expected." He blinked, eyes stinging.
"Do- do you think… I could take a turn?" He barely said before the tears came. Sirius shifted positions, wrapping his arms around the man.
"Of course you can," He said softly.
"Shh… it's okay, Moony. I'm here. Everything is going to be fine."