"To have endured all the horrors he did, to have seen the worst of humanity and have your life made unrecognizable by it, to come out of all that the honorable and brave and good person I knew him to be— *that* was magical."
― Ransom Riggs, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Sirius

»What d'you reckon is wrong with Pete these days? «, Sirius asked as he, James and Lily sat James' and Lily's new home. After the attack in Godric's Hollow, the couple had decided to move in in James' parents' house.

»Dunno. Probably a bit much for him, I mean first he loses his whole family, then we can watch half the Order being assassinated and then he's here when - «, James halted. They still couldn't talk about what had happened but it was all too clear what he wanted to say. »Anyway, he's probably scared. Can't blame him, really. Shit, I'm scared. «, he admitted.

»We all are, James. «, Lily said. She lounged on the sofa, her head laid in James' lap and one hand on her belly. »But we're safe here. «

»Are we, though? To be honest, I didn't like the sound of Dumbledore's words last time I spoke to him. He said, once the baby's born we would have to go into hiding because, and I quote 'Voldemort might show a special interest in us', I mean, does that even mean? He always had a 'special interest' in us just because we're always in the front line of the Order. What about the Battle of the Thames? Or the attack in the Ministry? What about, when Voldemort killed my parents? «, James shouted in frustration. No one said anything because of course, he was right. Voldemort had always had an interests in them. In all of them. There was no reason why Lily and James should suddenly be more in danger just because they got a child; unless of course Voldemort should be interested in the child, but that is nonsense, Sirius thought.

»Pads? «

»Huh? «

»You zoned out, there for a moment? You okay? «

»Fine, just…thinking…«

»You trying to take Moony's part over now? «, James joked and Sirius chuckled lightly.

»Nah, don't want to become a boring bookworm, do I? No, I've been thinking…that child…it's just…bruh…«, he had no idea what exactly he wanted to say. It was too much. Too fast. »I mean; how will it grow up? Everything's shit now and that little kid has to live in a world full of hatred and mistrust. It's just not fair. «

James blinked. »Didn't know you cared. «, he said but he smiled. »That's what we're fighting for, though isn't it? So that our son or daughter will know something better than this. «

Sirius nodded. He still wasn't quite convinced but he could see James' point.

»Actually, we thought of making you the godfather. «, James said. Sirius looked up in surprise.

»Me? Really? «

»Of course you, you dimwit. Who else? Unless you don't want that, of course. «

»Unless I – Of course I want to! Merlin, this is…huge. I don't know what say. Thank you! «. Sirius grinned at his two best friends. For the first time in months he forgot about everything that was going wrong. He forgot about the war and Voldemort. He forgot about the people they had lost and he forgot about Remus. This was how it was supposed to be. His two best friends were going to be parents and he would spoil the child with sweets and teach it swearwords.

The moment was gone when suddenly the image of a cat appeared in the middle of the living room.

»That's Emmeline's. «, Lily said and sat up. Patronuses almost never meant good news.

»You should all come to the Burrow. It's Remus. He's back. «.

Remus

It was hard to say how he had made it back to England. His escape from his camp and everything after that was a blur and the next thing he clearly remembered was, that he lay on the damp grass in front of the Burrow, in his hand an empty bottle. When he woke up again he was lying on a very comfortable sofa in the Weasley's living room.

»Hello there. Welcome back. «. Remus turned his head and saw Emeline sitting next to him, smiling widely. »Don't move. A few of those cuts were really nasty and I didn't have the right equipment to tend them. «, she said as Remus tried to sit up. Remus nodded and stayed still. He didn't know what to say but Emeline didn't seem to expect anything. She stood up and walked through the room. »Molly! He's awake, I'm going to get some potions and ointments from the hospital, could you make a cup of tea in the meantime? «. Remus heard her speak, then she left the house and seconds later, Molly Weasley rushed in.

»Remus dear, we were so worried. It's good to see you awake again. Emeline will be right back, she's just gone to fetch some things from St. Mungos and I think she wants to tell your friends you're here. «, she chattered and pressed a cup of hot tea into his hand.

»'anks. «, Remus croaked. His throat felt dry and raw and he was startled by his own voice.

Molly smiled in the warm, understanding way she always did and sat down where Emeline had sat moments ago. She started talking again but Remus didn't listen. Emeline wanted to tell his friends he was back. His friends. That hadn't even known he had been gone.

»Remus! «, a highly pregnant Lily rushed towards him and flung her arms around his neck. »My god, I'm so glad you're okay. I was so worried. We all were. Why didn't you say anything for Merlin's sake? Oh, never mind. You're here now. «, she hugged him again and Remus suddenly realized that she was crying.

»I's okay Lils. 'm okay. «, he whispered and Lily let go of him. Remus eyes wandered two the other two people that had entered the room with her. Right behind Lily stood James, grinning at him like he used to after the full moon and far behind in the background was Sirius. Sirius was not smiling. His faced seemed like it was carved out of stone, eyes fixed on him. Remus swallowed.

»Hey mate. Glad to see you alive. «, James said and ruffled his hair. Remus laughed but he did not look at James, his eyes were locked on Sirius'. James noticed the awkward tension and cleared his throat. »Right. Molly, you've got another kid, don't you? «, he suddenly said and dragged Lily out of the room, leaving Remus and Sirius alone. Slowly, very slowly, Sirius came nearer.

»Hello. «

»Hello. «

»I'm - «. »Listen - «

The had both spoken at the same time and then stopped.

»You first. «, Sirius whispered.

»I wanted to apologise. «, Remus said. »I shouldn't have gone off without saying anything. I'm sorry. «

»Right. «, Sirius seemed to hesitate. »Well, I'm glad you're alive. I didn't know – I mean – you could have – you know? And I wouldn't even - «.

Remus understood perfectly what Sirius was trying to say. He shuddered. That had been his exact thoughts.

»I know. Believe me, I know. I'm sorry. «

They sat in silence for a bit longer and Sirius eyes softened a bit as he took a closer look at Remus' injuries. He looked worried.

»It's nothing. «, Remus whispered and Sirius snorted.

»Nothing? Bloody hell you look like someone's tried to shred you to pieces. Multiple times. «

»It's nothing. «

»James' parents are dead. «, Sirius suddenly said.

»What? «

»James' parents. They're dead. «

Remus stared at his friend, not quiet processing what he had just heard.

»That's – That's not possible. «, he mumbled. The Potters had been Purebloods. Voldemort did not just deliberately attack Purebloods.

»It is. I was there. I saw them, it was - «, Sirius swallowed and it hit Remus that, in a way, it had been his parents as well. The Potters had been more of a family to Sirius than the Blacks had ever been. Without thinking about it, Remus took Sirius' hand and squeezed it gently.

»Not just James' parents. «, he said. »Yours too. You were like a son to them. «

Sirius smiled sadly. »I know. I miss them, Moony. «

Sirius

It had been bloody weird to see Remus again. Sirius felt like he hadn't seen him in ages which was kind of true. He knew that Remus was probably not allowed to talk about his injuries because Sirius was sure that they were connected to his 'secret mission' but for some reason that didn't even matter. Moony was back and he had promised that he wouldn't leave for a while. Everything could go back to normal again. Emeline had patched Remus up as good as she could and had then, given him another sleeping draught, so that Remus was now lying on the sofa, looking more peacefully than ever before.

»What happened? «, James asked Molly Weasley who was currently feeding her newborn son Ronald.

»He just showed up on our lawn, covered in blood and half unconscious. Muttered something about that it was too dangerous and that he had to get away. I think he mentioned the name Greyback. «

James and Sirius exchanged a look. That did not sound good.

»Do you think he's been attacked by that monster? Is that why he looks like that? «, Molly asked concerned.

»Hard to tell, really. «, Sirius said, carefully. There weren't many people, even in the Order who knew about Remus' condition and he really didn't want to be the one to tell others.

»Oh, you don't think he's been bitten, do you? Emeline hasn't said anything about that. «

»I don't think he's been bitten last night. No. «, said Sirius firmly. He didn't like the direction this conversation was going and desperately searched for another topic. Gladly, he wasn't the only one.

»Molly, could you answer me a few questions. I have to admit I'm a bit nervous about giving birth and you've done it a few times already. «, Lily suddenly said and successfully distracted Molly from Remus. Sirius had to fight back a snort, Lily and being nervous, yeah right, but it served its purpose and that was what mattered.

»Do you think he's had a run in with Greyback? «, James asked in a low voice.

Sirius frowned, »I'm not sure. He wouldn't be so stupid to seek him out, would he? «

»This is Remus we're talking about. He doesn't do stupid. No, there's something off about this. «

»Well he won't tell us 'course its secret. «, Sirius muttered bitterly. He hated this secrecy; he just wanted his best mate back.

»Don't be mad at him. It's not his fault that Dumbledore probably gets off to thinks like that, you know, half – truths and secrets. «

Sirius grimaced. He really didn't want to think about what Dumbledore might be getting off to.

It was late in the night when Sirius entered his flat but he didn't feel tired at all. He just decided that it would be a wonderful idea to open a bottle of wine when someone knocked at the door. With his wand drawn, Sirius opened the door, ready to hex whoever might be standing behind it.

»Regulus? «, he asked surprised and lowered his wand immediately. There stood his brother, looking like misery itself. »What are you doing here? «.

»I – I need your help. «, Regulus whispered; his eyes were fixed on the floor.

»My help? With what? «, Sirius asked suspiciously.

»I fucked up. Big time. Please. Sirius. I need your help. «, he sounded so desperate, so broken that Sirius didn't even hesitate much but instead grabbed his coat and stepped outside the flat. Regulus grabbed his arm and Appareted and just then, Sirius cursed himself for being so stupid. Regulus could take him anywhere and he couldn't do anything about it.

All the more surprised he was when he saw where Regulus had taken him. Sirius and his brother stood at the edge of a cliff, the roaring of the sea drowning every other sound.

»Come on! «, Regulus shouted and dragged Sirius forward. Carefully they climbed down into the water and Sirius was more and more wondering what the hell this was about. They reached a cave and quickly dried themselves with a charm. Regulus looked around, like he was looking for something in the wall.

»Regulus, what the fuck is going on? Why are we here? Where are we? «

»I can explain, Sirius, just – just, trust me, please? «, and that was all Regulus said before he approached on of the walls and took out a knife.

»Reg what - «, Sirius began but shut up when he saw that Regulus cut himself and smeared the blood onto the rock. Sirius eyes widened, when suddenly silvery, glimmering line started to appear and the wall vanished. Regulus looked very satisfied with himself and entered the door without any hesitation. Frowning, Sirius followed. He didn't even care nay longer if this was a trap, it was too good to chicken out now. They came into a bigger cave. The air was thick and wet and a green – ish light filled the darkness. There was a huge lake, whose look Sirius didn't like at all. Regulus followed the bank, his hands outstretched in mid – air as if he was trying to feel something and Sirius followed his brother in some distance. He took a closer look at the lake. The water was pitch – black and completely still. Suddenly, he ran into Regulus, who had stopped, his hand apparently gripping something invisible and he smiled.

Once they had crossed the lake with the little boat and stood in the island Sirius, saw where the green light was coming from. They stood in front of a stone basin with a bright, green liquid.

»Right, Regulus, that's it. What's going on? «, Sirius asked impatiently.

»Have you – Do you know what a Horcrux is? «, Regulus asked and Sirius shuddered. He did know. He remembered an especially tough lesson during his Auror training where they had spoken about dark magic. «

»Yes. «

»He's done it. The Dark Lord. «

Somehow, Sirius wasn't surprised at all, by this revelation. But still, »How d'you know? «

»He always says how he cannot be killed. That he's invincible. The others believe him just because he's a great wizard - «, Sirius scowled, »- he is, Sirius. He's a very powerful wizard and you shouldn't underestimate him. Anyway, I still found it a bit odd. No one's invincible just because their good duelers so I did some research and came across Horcruxes but I still couldn't quite believe that he would do something like that. I mean, it's just wrong. «. Regulus made a pause but Sirius didn't say anything. He didn't want to interrupt his brother. »But then – Oh, Merlin, Sirius I was so stupid! He asked for my help and of course I said yes. I would have done anything for him. He said that he needed our house – elf because he had to hide something very precious. Kreacher's dead now but before he died he told me where they had gone and what the Dark Lord had hidden. It was his Horcrux. I've got a replica here and I need you to switch the lockets and destroy the Horcrux. Please,Sirius. I was wrong, okay? I was wrong and I'm sorry for not seeing it. I'm sorry for not going with you when I should have. «, there was pleading tone in Regulus' voice and it pained Sirius to see his brother like this.

»It's okay. «, he said, because it was. »It doesn't matter now; what matters is that you can get out of there now. We can protect you. «

But Regulus shook his head and laughed bitterly, »Protect me? Like you could protect the Pettigrews? The Bones? The Potters? No, Sirius. You can't protect me. No one can. I need to do this and then I will die either way. You need to promise me something, Sirius. I have to drink this potion and you have to make sure I do, okay? No matter what I do or say, I have to drink it. Can you do that? «

Sirius looked at his brother in shock. He couldn't quite process what was happening. His brother looked so desperate, so broken and yet there was still that fire I his eyes that all the Blacks had when they were determined to achieve something. The lion was still roaring. Sirius nodded, unable to speak but it seemed enough for Regulus.

»And, Sirius. Don't bother to get me out of here. Just take the Horcrux and then leave. Please. «

»Reg, I can't just - «

»Sirius. Promise me. «

»For fuck's sake, no. I will not do that! I've lost you before I'm not going to lose you again. I will get us both out of here and then I will protect you with my life and if Voldemort thinks he could take my little brother away from me again then he will see what kind of a Black I am. «

This time it was Regulus that looked dumbstruck and Sirius couldn't blame him. He couldn't remember the last time he had acted so protective of Regulus.

»You want me to trust you, then you have to trust me too. «, Sirius added and to his great relief, Regulus nodded; then he began to drink.

Remus

Remus was just making some tea for himself in Lily's and James' house when soddenly a very distraught looking Sirius stumbled out of the fireplace.

»Where's Lily? «, he asked.

»I dunno, she - «, but he was interrupted by a stream of swearing by Sirius who had already disappeared again. Remus frowned. He couldn't work Sirius out, at one moment it seemed like everything was okay between them and then the next one it was not. Remus felt bad already as it was and he didn't really need any more trouble because of Sirius right now. He had no work and no place to live anymore but he hadn't told his friends that yet because he hated it to see their concerned any sorry faces. James had said that he could live with him and Lily for some time because Remus' injuries were still quite bad and Remus was grateful for that. He was also grateful that no one asked him about what had happened. While he was drinking his tea, Remus sent a Patronus to Dumbledore, asking for a meeting to talk about their further actions. He frowned when he saw that it was still a big dog. Bloody Sirius, he thought.

Sirius

When he had finally found Lily, Sirius felt very close to an emotional breakdown. Seeing his brother in absolute agony, drinking that potion and muttering about their parents had been bad enough. The corpses that came out of the water had been even worse. He didn't even remember how he had managed to get Regulus back to his flat but now he was in desperate need of help. Someone he trusted. Someone that wouldn't turn Regulus in for being a Death Eater, first thing they say him. Someone like Lily.

»Lily, oh thank Merlin, Lily please, I need your help. «, he begged and Lily looked at him bewildered.

»Sirius, what happened? «

»I can't – just – come with me, please. Please? «

»Oh, alright. «

»Thank you so much. «

He took her to his flat, not even thinking about, what James might think or say if he found out about this and dragged her into his bedroom. Regulus lay in is bed, sleeping. His breath was unsteady and was too pale.

»Sirius, is that - «, Lily began but stopped himself. She turned around and gave him a look, Sirius couldn't quite decipher.

»Just…can you help him? Please, I'll explain everything just, do something. I don't want him to die. I don't want to lose him again. «.

»Okay. «, Lily whispered and then gave him a long list of instructions and Sirius was glad that he had something to do. Something to distract him from his own feelings and thoughts.

Remus

»Thank you for seeing me so quickly, sir. «, Remus said, when he sat down in Dumbledore's office.

»Not at all, Remus. Not at all. I hope you feel better, I hear Miss Vance is a very talented Healer? «

»She is, sir. «, Remus said and wondered how Dumbledore already knew what had happened; but then again, he was Dumbledore.

»What did you want to talk about? «

»Well, I was wondering what we should do next? The pack I had contact with is dead. Lycaon Greyback, the brother of Fenrir Greyback found them and killed them. He was also the one that kept me captive. I only managed to flee because two wolves helped me; I Don't even know if they're still alive. «

Dumbledore nodded. He seemed to be deep in though and Remus knew better than to disturb him. »I thank you for telling me. «, Dumbledore said, eventually. »The situation has surely changed. The attacks by Fenrir Greyback's pack have increased during the previous months. Now, I understand that this incident with his brother puts you in danger but I will have to ask you to try once more to gain the trust of the wolves that might not agree with Greyback's drastic views. However, there is time. You should get better at first and I am sure your friend Mrs. Lily Potter, will be thankful for your support, once the baby is there. The Potters will have to go into hiding, then because we have information that Voldemort might show great interest in the child. «

Remus frowned. What was that supposed to mean? Why would Voldemort show interest in a new born child? He was just about to ask when he saw Dumbledore's expression; it was clear, that he would not explain the matter any further.

»Right. «, he said instead. »Well, thank you anyway, sir. I'd best be going. Goodbye. «

»Goodbye, Remus. «

Remus opened the door of Dumbledore's office and almost ran into a very desperate looking Sirius.

Sirius

»Moony. «

»Pads. «

There was a moment of awkward silence, then, they both noticed that they still stood in the doorframe of Dumbledore's office and Sirius remembered the reason why he came here in the first place. Remus stepped away and Sirius entered the office, giving Remus a thankful smile.

»See you later, then? «, Remus asked and Sirius nodded absently. The door closed and Dumbledore gave Sirius a welcoming smile.

»Hello Sirius. «

»Sir. I have something that might interest you. «

»Do sit down. «

Sirius obliged. He had always felt a bit nervous in the Headmaster's office. The fact that he was no longer a student didn't change that much.

»What was it that you want to talk about? «

»Oh, right. «, Sirius said and pulled out the locket. »This. «, he said and put the Horcrux on the table. »My – er – my brother, Regulus, came to me last night and asked me for help. He took me to a cave somewhere at the coast, where we found this. He says it's a Horcrux. «

»Does he, indeed? And what makes your brother so sure of that? «. Dumbledore asked. He didn't even look at the locket, but had his eyes fixed on Sirius.

»Sir, I know that my brother used to be a Death Eater but he wants to get out of that. He came to me because he needed my help. He wants to help us to defeat Voldemort. He says that Voldemort always says how he is invincible and he found that odd because no one is invincible and then Voldemort asked Regulus to give the house – elf to him because he needed to hide something 'very precious'. Regulus obeyed and the elf died but he told Regulus what had happened. «

After a long moment of silence, Dumbledore finally spoke, »I belief you, Sirius. «. Sirius let out a breath of relief he hadn't even noticed he had been holding. »However, «, Dumbledore continued, »that does not mean that I belief what your brother says. I will have to talk to him myself. «

»He is currently at my flat. Lily is with him. He's not good. He drank some kind of potion that was protecting this locket and – well I'm not sure what it was but he was half – dead when we came back. «

»I understand. Please, take me to your flat immediately. «. Dumbledore stood up. Sirius was slightly taken aback by the apparent urgency but he followed Dumbledore to the fireplace.

»Oi, you fucking maniac! Have you lost your bloody mind? Leaving her alone with him? What if something had happened? He could have killed her! He could have called Voldemort! Do you ever fucking think before you do anything, you – oh – hello Professor. «. James stood in the middle of Sirius' living room, his face was red and he was breathing heavy but as soon as he had seen Dumbledore stepping out of the fireplace right after Sirius he had fortunately stopped his shouting.

»Hello, James. «, Dumbledore said. He looked bemused by the outbreak. Sirius was glad that he was there. He couldn't blame James for being furious. He was right, it had been rather stupid to leave a Death Eater alone with a highly pregnant woman but he had been worried sick and had really needed to talk to Dumbledore. »Why don't you show me, where your brother is, Sirius. «

»Right. Of course. «

He led Dumbledore to his bedroom where he found Regulus awake, lying in his bed exactly where he had left him and Lily was sitting next to him looking hale and hearty.

»Charming husband, you've got Evans. «, Regulus just said and Lily giggled.

»I'll talk to him. «, Lily responded and left the room.

»Sirius could you leave me alone with your brother, please? «. Dumbledore had phrased it like a question but it was clear that it was not a request, so Sirius followed Lily without hesitation. He was not surprised to see Lily and James sitting on his sofa.

»So? «, James asked, a bit calmer this time. »What were you thinking? «

»I'm sorry, James, I probably wasn't. I was just scared for Reg because he was really sick and Lily was the only one I could think of. The only one I knew I could trust. «

The seemed to calm James even more. »Right. What's he doing here anyway? «

»He asked me for help. He wants to break ties with Voldemort and he knows a was how to defeat him, so he came to me. «

Both, Lily and James looked surprised. They surely, hadn't expected that.

»Wait. What do you mean 'he knows a way how to defeat him'? «

»I – I'm not sure I'm supposed to tell you. You better ask Dumbledore. «, Sirius mumbled. He felt bad because he couldn't share this great piece of information with his two best friends. Suddenly, he understood how Remus must feel. »I'm sorry. «

»It's okay. «, James said with a shrug. »Anyway. We'd best be off. Remus is all alone in the house. «

»I've just seen him. He was seeing Dumbledore, right before me. «, Sirius told them. »So, he's living with you then for now? «

»For now, yes. «, Lily answered. »I really don't like the idea of him living on his own, while he's still hurt. Merlin knows what they did to him. «

And they were gone and almost at the same time as Lily and James entered his fireplace, Dumbledore came out of his bedroom again.

»Your brother is asleep now. He told his side of the story and I belief he tells the truth. He wants to help us. There is, however, a rather disturbing detail. Regulus told me, that Voldemort has a spy within the Order, though he does not now their identity. «

Sirius swallowed. A spy? He remembered the incident months ago, when they had almost lost the Prewett brothers and Peter had suspected Remus to pass on information. But that was not possible, was it?