A/N: After a much needed and very amazing holiday to my favourite place in the world, we're back with a new chapter. I just wanted to let everyone reading this know that just because I do not reply to every single review does not mean I don't appreciate them. So thank you to everyone who takes the time to review and know I love them!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Every muscle in Remus' body tensed as he heard Sirius shriek, bursting into their usual meeting spot with his wand raised in time to see the boy being turned upside down by an invisible force while James was sprawled out on the ground.
But even as he hurriedly tried to think of a spell to help him, Sirius let out a surprised laugh.
Blinking confused, Remus took a second look at the scene he had walked into as his friend muttered a spell and Peeves suddenly appeared above him with a yelp while dropping the boy.
Sirius dropped into a roll to land and began to shoot spells at the Poltergeist; changing his hideous neon green vest red and covered it in purple polka dots as well as shooting his bell covered hat from his head, even before he ended his roll into a crouch.
He cheered as he caught the hat with his magic before Peeves could grab it, Summoning it to him and Peeves turned upside down as he crackled in laughter as a tickling charm hit him.
"You win," the Poltergeist bowed as Sirius released his spell and accepted back his hat.
"What are you doing?"
Sirius swirled around at the sound of Remus' voice with his wand drawn, but even as his face lit up he was tackled by a black blur, making him yelp as he was knocked off his feet.
Feeling like an utter idiot standing there with his wand drawn as James laughingly pinned Sirius to the ground, Remus put away his wand as it was clear neither of them were under attack in any way.
"Welcome back, Remus," James cheerfully greeted him, yelping as Sirius managed to struggle loose enough to place a well aimed kick to his leg but managed to pin him in place once more. "You're back early; I thought the train didn't arrive until five?"
"It's after five," Remus dryly commented, not entirely sure if he should step in to help Sirius as the other was clearly having trouble breaking free. "Mind if I ask exactly what you are doing?"
"We are practising."
"Practising what?" smiling as Sirius suddenly twisted enough to unbalance James and knock him to the side, Remus stepped forward to help him up before he could be pinned down again.
"Thank you," Sirius breathed out. "We're strengthening our magical core and increasing our stamina, would you like to join us?"
"Eh...no, thank you," he didn't think he would be able to explain why he was so much stronger than them but Sirius was luckily distracted as James tried to tackle him once more.
But Peeves acted before he could, pulling the rug they were wrestling on out from under them and James squeaked as he slipped and tumbled straight into Sirius, knocking them both down again.
"That's unfair!" James protested even as Sirius laughed; a carefree laugh that Remus hadn't heard from him before as Peeves roared in laughter as well.
The Poltergeist floated up behind Sirius as they untangled themselves, sticking out his orange tongue before dropping a water balloon, squeaking as the balloon bounced off a bluish white shield, bursting as it did.
Peeves was soaked and, after blinking stupidly for several moments, cracked out in laughter once more before tossing a pile of books to the ground. "Ready for a new round?"
"Bring it on," Sirius raised his hand and the same shield formed over the books, a ball of pure magic formed in Peeves' hands, attacking the shield with them.
"What is that?" Remus stared in awe as Peeves formed more crackling magic in his hands as the balls disappeared upon impact.
"A specialized Protego," James answered as Sirius was focusing completely on maintaining the shield.
"But the Shield Charm is Fourth year material; you said you were working on Second year spells!"
"That was weeks ago," James snorted. "Siri and I have been playing around with all kinds of spells now. And this doesn't really count as it is a speciality of his that he has been developing for years apparently."
They watched Peeves attack the shield relentlessly for several minutes before Sirius began to falter, his arm trembling and Remus suddenly realised he wasn't holding a wand. "How is he doing that?"
"With wandless magic," the pride was clear to hear in James' grin. "We discovered he can use wandless magic shortly before Christmas and have been working on training that ability ever since."
"That's amazing!" Remus exclaimed even as James eyed Sirius' efforts for a moment before suddenly sending a stinging curse his way. It was blocked by the same shield he was holding on the books, but both immediately faltered afterwards, disappearing even as Sirius collapsed.
James reacted quicker than Remus could and caught him before he could actually fall, gently lowering them both to the floor as Sirius was breathing heavily and trembling slightly. "Darn it."
The crackling balls disappeared from Peeves' hands as he straightened. "Is he all right?"
"Tired and he's mean," Sirius complained as he leaned into James' side for a long moment as he caught his breath. "I still can't hold it for long and lose control the moment I try to defend myself as well."
"You lasted longer than last time," Peeves floated down to reassure himself he truly was all right. "Were you absorbing the magic I used?"
"I was trying to strengthen the shield that way after what you told me happened near Christmas, but I couldn't maintain it very well despite the power boost," Sirius sighed. "I can hold the shield up to fifteen minutes with my wand despite being under constant attack by now, but barely manage to do so wandlessly for five minutes."
"With practice, that shield will become near unyielding no matter the possession of a wand," Peeves assured him. "And not many wizards in Western Culture can use wandless magic in the first place."
"I know I'm being silly, but it's still frustrating."
"Why exactly are you doing this?" Remus felt stupid for having to ask again, but he didn't understand what the two were doing.
"We are preparing for the future," James answered as he helped Sirius up.
"The future?" Remus raised an eyebrow as Sirius breathed out slowly before raising his wand; chairs and tables returning to their usual positions with a muttered spell.
"Yes," James nodded.
"The future included you both being attacked by water balloons and crackling balls of pure magic?"
"That is just for training," Sirius' smile had disappeared again and he looked at Remus more serious than he'd ever seen him before. "There is a war going on outside of these walls. A war that we will become involved in eventually and we want to be ready for it."
Remus wasn't deaf to the stories going around about Voldemort's forces growing or the deeds the man performed and chances were that it would indeed reach them before the end of it.
But he didn't understand what his friends thought they could do and he voiced as much.
"It doesn't matter what we can or cannot do," James ran a hand through his hair. "We will become involved, whether we like it or not."
"You don't have to," but Remus didn't believe that himself, not really. He and Peter might be able to walk away from the war without becoming involved, if no one ever discovered exactly what he was, but that would not be an option for his two friends and Sirius confirmed his belief.
"We are the Heirs to two of the old Houses," Sirius softly said. "One is already openly fighting Voldemort and the other's members are steadily joining his cause every day."
"What does that mean for the two of you?"
James sighed. "They will force us to take a stance one day and we will need to be ready for that."
"But your Houses stand on different sides in this," Remus realised. "How will you face each other?"
A flash of hurt crossed Sirius' expression before turning grim. "You seem to be quite sure that we will stand on opposite sides."
"They are your family," Remus found that he could not look away from the intensive gaze in those stony grey eyes and swallowed, not quite sure why he suddenly felt so horrible.
"I am not my relatives," Sirius' voice was like steel, the intensity only disappearing out of his gaze when James' hand found his and he sighed, eyes softening as he looked at the other boy. "I made my choice."
Sirius' answer only managed to confuse Remus, especially as James squeezed his friend's hand in clear understanding, but he couldn't bring himself to ask for clarification, not when it would most likely bring back that stony gaze he found he never wanted to see again.
"We both did," James' eyes were unreadable as he looked at Sirius while the other turned to Peeves and raised his wand at him questioning.
The Poltergeist spread his short pale arms wide and a muttered incantation later Peeves' clothes began to steam and dry but he shook his head as Sirius raised his wand again.
"I rather like my clothes as they are now," Peeves grinned and stroked a hand over his hideous vest. "Leave them for now."
"All right, same time next week?"
"That would be great. What kind of ammunition should we count on?" Sirius and James both straightened their robes.
"I was thinking of knives and other sharp pointy things," the grin on Peeves' pale face wasn't filled with malice despite his words, a look of almost fond pride in his eyes as he stared down at Sirius.
"All right, thank you, Peevsie," Sirius grinned mischievously as the Poltergeist balked in laughter, clearly approving of the nickname.
"I won't hold back...Silly Siri," Peeves teased back, cackling in laughter as Sirius barked out a laugh in response. "Be sure to have Potty Potter practice or I will make him drop another pot on his own head."
"That was one time!" James protested even though he couldn't hold back his own laughter.
"We will make sure to practice," Sirius patted James' shoulder in comfort. "Until next week."
"Next week," Peeves nodded to Remus before disappearing and James picked up the two disregarded cloaks they had hung over one of the chairs, handing one over to Sirius. "Where is Peter?"
"I assume in the kitchen. He wanted to get something to eat before dinner after arriving so I said I would go look for you two."
"Did you have a lot of trouble finding us?" Sirius slipped a hand in James' as they walked down the hallway.
"Not at all. It was either the library or the Astronomy Tower when it's snowing like this. I was on my way to the Astronomy Tower when I heard your voices," it wasn't an entire lie as his nose had indeed led him into the direction of the Astronomy Tower.
"Are we truly that predictable?"
"A little, but only because I know where you like to hang out," Remus tried to reassure Sirius without looking guilty.
"Hmm, we need to find new hiding places that not everyone would be able to locate so easily," James grumbled.
"Then we are going to need to pick up on our idea to enhance that map I made, making sure everyone is included through the idea Peeves gave me so we always know where everyone is," Sirius said. "It wouldn't do to find new hiding places if others can just follow us to them when we aren't careful."
"That sounds like a good idea. We can see if we can find anything else that might be useful for the map in the library after the holidays ended, Siri," James blinked as Remus turned to him. "What did I do?"
"Siri?" Remus teased, laughing as James flushed.
"I don't know, I didn't even realise I used it, sorry," James turned to Sirius apologetic.
"Don't be, you've been calling me that since just before Christmas already," Sirius shrugged, smiling as James flushed even more, clearly not having been aware. "I don't mind, brothers usually have nicknames for their younger siblings, don't they?"
James' answering smile was almost blinding and Remus couldn't help but smile as well, even if he didn't understand what they were talking about.
"Oh, I've decided to adopt Sirius as my little brother," James' cheerful answer made Remus realise he'd spoken out loud.
"When did that happen?" Bemused, Remus watched as the two shared a smile.
"Just before the Christmas holidays," James was practically vibrating with happiness as he threw an arm around Sirius' shoulders and the other leaned into him for a moment without hesitation.
"Right," shaking his head fondly, Remus smiled. "Congratulations. Should we make our way to the kitchen to pick Peter up before dinner?"
"Would he truly still be stuffing himself with sweets so close to dinner?" Sirius asked, though they automatically began to make their way to the kitchen as the two separated again and James' hand found Sirius' again.
"Do you really need to ask?" Remus laughed. "But either way, do you think you could help me a little after dinner? I don't know about Pete, but I really could use some help with the teacup transformation."
"It would be wise, Peter's mouse is still squeaking despite having the shape of a teacup and yours is still walking around," James chuckled. "But it shouldn't take too long any more before you both get it right."
"I hope so, I also still haven't gotten my mind wrapped around the Potions assignment," Remus sighed and turned to Sirius. "Dad tried to help me with it during the holidays, but Potions has never been his strongest subject and if I am honest then I have to admit that I usually grasp it much easier when you do the explaining. Would you mind helping me out?"
"Not at all. I love it when you finally get something and I know I had a hand in it," Sirius looked down a little embarrassed at the admission.
"That is because you are a born teacher," James beamed. "Maybe it's something to think about to do after graduation?"
"Become a teacher?" a hesitant smile crossed Sirius' lips. "I think I would like that."
"You would be good at it, too," Remus said. "You already get a lot of practice with Peter and me; learning the meaning of patience at the same time."
"You guys aren't so bad, it's a nice challenge," Sirius tried to reassure him, but Remus was well aware that both he and Peter had to have tried his patience at times even if he didn't want to admit it.
"But if James helps Peter with his Transfiguration work, I'll focus on you so that we could have a look at your Potions assignment afterwards."
"It might be easier if you both just work in the Common Room as to not be distracted as I will probably need a whole lot longer with Peter than you'll need with Remus," James sighed.
"Nonsense, we have taken this challenge on together," Sirius said. "I'm sure Peter will get it eventually. I've asked around and learned that the first year Transfiguration exam always consists of transforming a small animal into an object, so we are on the right track."
"And the exams are still months away," James ran a hand through his hair again. "We will need that time, though."
"If it is truly needed, we could always suggest adding a third evening of tutoring to get him up to date before it is too late," Sirius shrugged.
"Let's hope that is not needed," Remus was the one to sigh this time, knowing both he and Peter still had a long way to go. "Can I ask something completely unrelated?"
"Of course," James immediately said.
"Why were you also tackling Sirius if you were increasing your magical core and stamina?"
"Because we also want to learn how to defend ourselves in Muggle ways, so that we can handle ourselves should the need arise," James explained. "Sirius asked Peeves to join us so that he could test and increase our reaction time while also strengthening our stamina."
"But you have magic, why would you need Muggle defence?"
"A wand can be knocked out of your hand and it is not always possible to use magic to defend yourself. Or wandless magic," James added as Remus opened his mouth to point Sirius' ability out.
"It gives us an advantage over other wizards; especially Pure-Bloods," Sirius added. "Wandless magic is not always reliable and if we can fight, even without magic, we will be more capable than most others. Did you know that over ninety percent of the Wizarding population would be utterly defenceless if they are disarmed?"
"That makes sense, most magical humans are completely reliant on their wands," Remus had to admit. "But why are you doing it in secrecy?"
"We're not," James smiled a little apologetic. "We have been testing the best techniques and what does and doesn't work so that when the time comes, we could include you and Peter in our practices if you would be interested."
Remus swallowed, automatically thinking of all the ways he could accidentally hurt them with his strength if he would join. If Sirius couldn't easily break free from James then he didn't stand a chance against Remus himself. But when he thought back to their earlier words and how both were set on becoming involved in the war some day, a wave of fear washed over him at the idea of either of his friends coming across other werewolves, ones not like Remus and he suddenly wanted nothing more than to help them get stronger so that they at least stood a chance.
"I would like to learn, but I am afraid that I might hurt you both as I do know Muggle fighting. Mum made sure I learned some growing up."
"That is why we are learning the basics of different kinds first, so we have a concept of Muggle fighting and can actually hold our own against someone who has grown up around Muggles," Sirius paused, hesitating as he glanced at James. "I also need to learn not to react automatically when someone comes at me at training. I'm still not used entirely to you all and James is the least likely one to be hurt if I react badly to anything that is thrown at me."
"That is actually a very smart idea," Remus admitted. "But if you would like, I could join you next time you practice. Not to participate, but I could tell you about some of the different techniques I have seen in fighting movies. And I can ask Mum to send me a book about martial arts as Grandpa might have one or two."
"Please do," James grinned as Sirius stepped up to tickle the pear. "We got our hands on a few pamphlets through the catalogue in the Shop, but that would be much better."
"Welcome," several squeaky voices greeted them and Remus smiled as a female House-elf darted forward to pull Sirius further into the kitchen with her, faintly recognising her as the one to bring Sirius food before the holidays had started.
"We are not here for food," James tried to protest, but already several small wrapped packages were pushed into his hands.
"What are you guys doing here?" Peter called out from further into the kitchen, a piece of pie in his hands.
"We are here to pick you up for dinner," James rolled his eyes. "Should you be eating all that right before dinner?"
"I didn't have anything on the train, Mum didn't give me any pocket money," Peter complained.
"Probably because she knew you would spend it all on candy," Sirius smiled as the little elf who had pulled him with her handed him a wrapped package. "What is this, Tiffy?"
"Lemon cake Tiffy made herself," she smiled. "Because Siri does nots care for sweets."
"Thank you," Sirius smiled and put the cake into his bag, seemingly not even noticing that the little elf was using the same endearment Peeves and James had. "I'll be sure to try it after dinner."
"You should get cleaned up, you are covered in crumbs. McGonagall isn't going to be happy if you show up for dinner looking like that," James rolled his eyes as Peter squeaked at seeing his own dirty robes and hurried out of the kitchen without another word.
Remus made to follow him but paused as Tiffy tugged on Sirius' sleeve to hand him another wrapped package. "Siri wants more snacks for tonight?"
She completely ignored the packages James was still stuffing into his bag and looked at him intently.
"I think we have more than enough already, but thank you Tiffy," Sirius smiled at her. "I actually wanted to thank you for the lovely package you left me for Christmas, but I haven't managed to catch you since."
"Siri liked it?" Bat-like ears shot up in happiness as the elf's large blue eyes shone up to him.
"I loved it," Sirius smiled. "They are lovely warm and cosy."
"And really soft, too," James laughed. "He's wearing those gloves every day we go outside."
Remus didn't think it was possible for the little elf to beam any wider.
"I do; I hope you all liked your present as well?" Sirius looked over her to the others; who all nodded enthusiastically as they gathered around him.
Remus didn't have a lot of experience with the little creatures, only ever having interacted with them here at Hogwarts. But while they had almost obsessively grovelled to make him and Peter happy on their visits, they seemed to be truly delighted to have Sirius among them as they all enthusiastically spoke up about their presents.
Though Tiffy seemed to have a special position as she was the only one to actually touch Sirius, her small hand firmly entwined in his sleeve as all the elves spoke over each other to personally tell him how much they had liked...
"Cookies?" Remus looked at Sirius incredulously, not really able to image the boy baking.
"Tiffy helped me practice the last few weeks," Sirius knelt down between them; lifting a tiny House-elf into his lap as the little one stumbled trying to get to the front. "Hello Pippy."
The little elf squeaked in excitement at him having remembered her name and happily smiled up to him.
"Rainy is your mother, isn't she?" A House-elf further back shifted nervously for some reason, clearly not pleased to see her child.
"Siri remembered Pippy's Mama," blue eyes widened comically and all the House-elves suddenly tensed as if she had sworn loudly, even James blinked surprised.
"Have you heard me call him that?"
"Peeves did when hes spoke to Tiffy last week," Pippy hesitantly admitted as Sirius smiled reassuring at her.
"Well, my friends do call me that and I would be honoured if you would consider me a friend as well," his words caused a wave of relief to wash over the elves present and little brown eyes beamed.
"Siri is our friend," Tiffy looked at Sirius; something passing between the two that Remus couldn't decipher but made Sirius smile warmly.
"You always have been," he simply stated as he set Pippy onto her own two little feet again as Tiffy returned the smile. "But aren't you a little bit too young to be in the kitchen already?"
"Pippy snucks out," the brown eyes shone in adoration as she looked up to Sirius, clearly attempting to whisper but failing miserably with her squeaky voice. "Moky said Siri's friend came to kitchen and then Pippy heard Siri's voice so Pippy snucks out."
"I always look forward to seeing you, but I am sure your mum would think it safer if you don't come out if I am not alone or with one of these two."
Receiving a fierce nod, the little elf darted away and disappeared in the crowd as Sirius searched the crowd of elves. "I hope I can see her again some time?"
Remus couldn't pick out the elf who had looked uncomfortable before any more from the others, but Sirius clearly did as he smiled and rose to his feet again.
"Siri's Jamsie and friend look hungry," Tiffy noted, turning Sirius' attention back to her.
"They do, don't they? We should get ready for dinner and I would hate for you all to get into trouble for being distracted from your work," Sirius smile grew as the House-elves immediately scrambled apart to let them through. "Thank you for all the food, we will be sure to enjoy it after dinner later tonight."
"Siri and Siri's Jamsie always welcome," Tiffy half hid behind Sirius' leg, uncertainty suddenly in her stance as well as a dare. "As is Siri's Remsie."
Remus flushed as both Sirius and James laughed and the little elf beamed at the response from the two, rising to her full height again as Sirius smiled.
"We will see you all soon enough again," James slipped a hand in Sirius' as they said their final goodbyes and Remus followed them out.
"Why did they all tense like that?"
"They are House-elves, servants," James explained. "Most wizards demand to be referred to as Master or at the very least Sir. Calling their owners by their given name is considered a terrible taboo."
"But we aren't their masters," Remus noted.
"Which is why they refer to us as Sir most of the time or our full names. I've rarely seen a House-elf refer to someone like they do to Sirius."
"I asked Tiffy to call me by name when we first met," Sirius admitted. "I assume she has related it to the other House-elves as they have always referred to me by name."
"All right, so they know they have permission to call you by your given name," Remus wondered if it was a day to just confuse him as he didn't understand why the elves had reacted as they had.
"You're not getting it, are you?" James seemed to realise his confusion. "The little elf gave Sirius a nickname; it is the greatest offence an elf could give to a wizard."
"But...why?"
"Because wizards are a bunch of insane bigoted idiots," Sirius said. "Over the centuries they have given House-elves demeaning names, humiliating them until they actually began to see the names a normal and began to call their own children by silly ones. But if anything other than the full name was used in return, the house-elf in question might very well have been told to kill themselves in punishment."
"They wouldn't," horror washed over Remus at the blank looks he was given in return. "That is horrible!"
"It is, but that is why they all tensed when the little one slipped up. She may only be small, but she could still have been ordered to kill herself if he had protested against the name," James explained. "Young House-elves are kept hidden until they are trained by their parents to behave properly."
"Pippy is still in her training and should, according to the rules, not be seen by humans under any circumstances."
"But you have met her before," Remus pointed out.
"I've seen her when visiting Tiffy, yes. But that doesn't count as I came to their territory on those occasions. They are not supposed to come out unless given specific permission."
"There are some things in the Wizarding world that are truly messed up," Remus grumbled. "It's pure slavery!"
"It is, though I am not really in a position to make any changes for them. All I can do right now is try and make things easier for them in any way I can."
"But Tiffy called your Siri before Pippy did and no one reacted at all when she did," Remus frowned. "What is the difference?"
"They know Tiffy is my friend and probably simply assumed I had given her permission to do so as I never react when she does," Sirius shrugged. "She's been calling me by that nickname almost as long as Peeves and James have," Sirius turned to James. "Do you mind?"
"Why would I? I apparently am your Jamsie and that suits me just fine," James actually grinned, brushing against Sirius. "Even the House-elves can see that we are brothers."
Sirius chuckled and shook his head fondly before turning to Remus. "Do you?"
"Knowing what I do now, I don't. But does that mean you will start calling me that as well?" Remus asked. "Because I am not entirely sure how I'd feel about that."
"I think I would prefer to call you Rem," James teased, coming to a stop as Sirius did, staring out of the window they were passing.
"It's back?" James' question made Remus glance outside as well, but as expected couldn't see anything.
Weeks of hitting the library before the Christmas holidays had wielded no results as they had nothing to go on beyond the invisibility of the animal Sirius had seen at that first flying lesson and drawn for them.
"Hagrid is with it," suddenly Sirius hurried off, James not even hesitating before following and Remus was left with no choice but to run after them as he didn't want to be left behind.
He followed the two as they ran all the way to Hagrid's hut.
"Hello, should yeh all not be getting ready fer dinner?" Hagrid looked up from where he was kneeling beside his pumpkin field.
"Hello, what is that for a creature?" Sirius didn't waste time on pleasantries as he stared intently at Hagrid's left, causing Hagrid to raise an eyebrow.
"It is not usual fer a first year to be able ter see a Thestral."
"Why can't we see it?" James shifted a little uncomfortable as Sirius stepped closer to Hagrid, eyes still on the invisible creature before him.
"On'y those who have seen death can see 'em," Hagrid explained, frowning at something that neither James or Remus could see but as Sirius' gaze rose and he raised his hand before he made a petting gesture after a moment it was clear what had happened.
"Be careful," James warned.
"Thestral's don' hurt a fly," Hagrid scoffed.
"Is he hurt?" Sirius shifted to the side, both hands coming up to pet at what looked like thin air.
"I think one of 'em other creatures in the forest got 'em," smiling Hagrid rose to his feet as well. "He likes yeh."
"I like him as well," Sirius answered. "He is beautiful, what is his name?"
"He don't have one," Hagrid said. "He's part of a whole herd so I didn't name 'em. Not many people think them to be beautiful. They see a Thestral as an Omen of death to come."
Sirius' gaze dropped to the humps of raw meat at Hagrid's feet. "May I feed him?"
"'course," it had been weird to see Sirius pet thin air, but it was much more so to see the meat disappear from his hands, the blood vanishing as well in what appeared to be licks.
"Do yeh want to make a roun'?" Hagrid asked as Sirius laughed and reached out to pet thin air again.
"As in flying?"
Remus expected Sirius to immediately back off considering his last experience with flying, but instead grey eyes turned back to the invisible creature hesitantly before becoming determined.
But before Hagrid could move, both suddenly looked down. "Definitely likes yeh. They don't just get down fer anyone."
It was surreal to watch Sirius climb up on nothing, hovering a little above the ground as he settled before rising as if something with four legs was rising to his feet.
"That's not creepy at all," James muttered at his side, stepping forward when Sirius didn't move any more. "Are you all right up there?"
"Yes," Sirius actually smiled, looking much more at ease on the Thestral than he had been on the broom, though Remus supposed it didn't look half as scary to him since he could actually see what he was sitting on top of.
"Do me a favour, will you?" James eyed him worriedly. "Fly over the lake so that if you should fall, you will land softer than you would on the ground."
"He won't let me fall," the confidence in Sirius' voice felt entirely misplaced when he had only just met the beast he was sitting on now, though Remus surprisingly actually felt a little reassured by the certainty in his tone.
"Humour me," James apparently didn't share his confidence, looking half determined to pull him down before he could get hurt.
"What do you think, gorgeous?" Sirius reached forward to place a hand on what Remus assumed was the creature's head.
A sudden strong wind startled both Remus and James and they instinctively stepped back when it billowed up their robes, blinking when Sirius was suddenly in the air.
"And now I am terrified," James let out a shaky laugh. "How is this better than a broom?"
"No idea," Remus swallowed as Sirius moved past them at incredible speed, taking off towards the lake.
"He's fine," Hagrid tried to reassure them. "Thestral's are beyon' loyal creatures."
"What did you mean, when you said only those who have seen death can see them?" James' words pulled Remus' attention back to the gigantic man beside them.
"Yeh can only see a Thestral when yeh have seen someone die and understood what happened," Hagrid answer made Remus' heart clench and he knew James wasn't feeling much better. "They are invisible ter everyone else."
James swallowed thickly, his eyes never leaving the tiny shape moving through the air above the Lake. "Merlin... he's coming back."
Seeing James was right, they both stepped to Hagrid's side so the creature would have enough space to land, not knowing how large it was.
Sirius let out a delighted laugh as he flew over them once before another strong wind signalled the creature landing. "That was brilliant!"
"That was crazy!" Peter's voice made them all turn around to see the wide-eyed boy hurry towards them. "I saw you from the window, how are you doing that?!"
"I found the creature we were looking for," Sirius looked entirely windswept as he slid off the creature's back and caressed what Remus assumed was its neck. "He is a Thestral."
"Why can't I see it?"
"Only those who have seen death can apparently see it," James stepped forward to take Sirius' hand. "Sirius?"
"One of my grandfather's House-elves, Tuffy, died before my eyes," Sirius answered his unspoken question, an unreadable expression crossing over his features before he smiled at something the Thestral did. "Will he be able to touch you?"
The last seemed to be directed to the Thestral as Sirius smiled before taking James' free hand and raising it with his.
James blinked as his hand apparently met something solid, a hesitant smile crossing his lips as he ran his hand down the creature. "Amazing, though I still don't understand how this wasn't as scary as flying on a broom."
"He is a solid and firm presence. He won't just be broken by a strong breeze and I just knew he wouldn't let me fall," Sirius shrugged. "It's just different."
"So, you don't hate flying after all?" Remus hesitantly stepped forward, smiling a little as Sirius guided his hand to let it rest on something hard yet surprisingly softer than he had imagined from the picture Sirius had drawn before.
"I don't like flying on a broom but I did like flying with him."
"This is so unreal," he whispered as he caressed his hand down what felt like a neck, feeling bones under his fingers that fit perfectly with the almost skeleton frame he was envisioning in his mind. Something soft brushed over the back of his hand as he moved his hand up again, making him tense back. "What is that?"
"His mane," Sirius looked over. "It's long and black, reaching all the way down to your midriff so be careful not to hurt him when you move."
"You all look really weird, petting thin air," Peter bit his lip to not laugh, stepping backwards when Sirius turned to him in clear invitation. "I'm good here...far from the death omen I can't see."
"If yeh liked flying with 'im, yeh will probably like flyin' with a Hippogriff, too," Hagrid ignored Peter's squeak.
"There are Hippogriffs here?" Sirius sounded way too excited for Remus' liking, something James clearly agreed upon as he stepped back.
"Maybe another day? We don't want to be late for dinner, do we?"
"Right," Sirius walked around Remus and reached up both hands to caress what Remus was fairly sure was the creature's head. "Thank you for the ride."
He laughed that same carefree laugh as he had done with Peeves, the shoulder of his robes turning slightly damp, telling Remus the creature had done something to his shoulder before he stepped back.
Giving one last smile and a little wave, Sirius turned around, James quick to fall into step beside him as Peter and Remus followed them back towards the castle.
"You're not really going to ride a Hippogriff, aren't you?" Peter asked.
"I don't know, I might if it would let me," Sirius gave a little hesitant smile.
James slipped a hand in his. "I don't think I have ever been as terrified as I was than when I saw you in the air like that without being able to see what you were flying on."
James waved his apology away before it could come out of his mouth. "You really had fun flying with the Thestral?"
"I did," Sirius' smile grew. "It was brilliant."
"Then I look forward to seeing you fly on a Hippogriff. Maybe we can fly together some day, you with an animal and me on a broom."
"I would like that," Sirius agreed.
"You are both nuts," Peter decided as they paused near the side entrance so they could wash their hands at the fountain there.
"There are worse things we could be," James shrugged.
There was nothing Remus could say to that, though he did share an amused look with Peter as they followed their friends to the Great Hall.