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Hogwarts Singletons Challenge - Prompt: When everyone you know is getting married or having children


Finding Teddy


"So," James said, once the party had started up. "I have something to tell you."

"Yeah, I heard. You're getting married," Sirius muttered.

James shook his head. "That's what the party is for, but… there's something else. It's not the reason we're getting married, but it's the reason why we're getting married so soon rather than next year."

"What do you mean?"

"We also didn't want to take the attention away from Alice since she only made her announcement during her dinner party yesterday."

Sirius took a step back. "Oh, Lily's…"

"Yeah."

"You're going to be... Prongs, are you sure about this? You can barely look after yourself!"

"Well, we'll have you to help. Don't tell anyone. I mean, I told Mum and Dad earlier, and Lily is telling her best friend, Remus."

"The elusive best friend. I still don't believe he exists."

James laughed. "Why?"

"Because every time he's invited to something I'm invited to, he doesn't come. I've never met him and you've been with Lily for almost a year."

"Well, he's here today. I'll introduce you. I think you'd get along well. He's single, attractive. Likes men…"

"Sounds like you want me to take him home with me," Sirius said, winking.

"And he has a four-year-old son. He's a single father," James finished. "So… best behaviour."

Sirius pouted. He was always on his best behaviour. It was a shame this Remus bloke was bringing his son. After all, he was sure that he'd be the best man at James' wedding and Remus would be the man-of-honour - or whatever the male version of maid-of-honour is - and it was a rule that they hook up.

"Whatever you are thinking, stop it," James said. "I know that face means nothing good."

...oOo...

"I'm lost."

Sirius jumped, quickly spinning around at the voice. He looked down at the little boy. "Kid, you shouldn't be outside," he said, dropping his cigarette and stamping on it to put it out. He took the boy's hand and headed back inside.

As he headed towards the hall, he saw a man rush towards them. "There you are!" the man said, grabbing Teddy. He looked extremely relieved at the sight and smiled at Sirius. "Thank you for finding him!"

"He was outside," Sirius supplied. "He said he was lost."

"Thank you. Teddy, I told you to stay with Lily whilst I used the loo. That was very naughty of you to wander off."

"I followed the man. I like his hair," Teddy said, pointing at Sirius. "And he has sparkles on his fingers."

"Sorry, mate, I didn't see him come out," Sirius said, glancing down at his glittery fingernails. "Your dad's right, kid. Next time, wait for someone to come back inside. You could have gotten lost."

The boy's lips started to shake and tears appeared in his eyes. Sirius glanced up at the dad helplessly.

"Can I brush your hair?" Teddy asked, his voice shaking.

Sirius looked down at the little boy who looked like he was about to burst into tears at any moment. "Sure, kid," he said, knowing he'd regret it.

...oOo...

Sirius winced as the brush smacked him hard on the head before the boy pulled it down. The man had disappeared to get drinks and Sirius wasn't quite sure why he had agreed to what the kid asked.

The father returned quickly, setting down some beers. "I'm sorry about Teddy, he can be quite a handful. Lily only took her eye off him for a moment, but that's how quick he can disappear. Thank you for finding him."

"Well, according to Teddy, I'm the reason he disappeared in the first place," Sirius laughed. He held out his hand. "Sirius Black."

"Remus Lupin," the man replied, reaching out to shake Sirius' hand.

"Oh, so you're Remus, are you? I've been hearing about you for a year. I was convinced you didn't exist," Sirius joked.

"Sorry," Remus said, smiling. "Teddy was small and had a few health issues. He's not so bad the last few weeks, but I still worry. We spend a lot of time indoors. What else have you heard about me?"

"Single and attractive keep popping up. I think James was a bit obvious about that. I think you have an admirer," Sirius chuckled.

"Lily would kill me. I'll just have to live with a broken heart and buy a hundred cats as I mourn what me and James could have had."

The brushing stopped. "Daddy, are we getting a hundred kitties?"

"Hats," Sirius quickly replied. "Your dad is going to buy a hundred hats."

"Oh." The hairbrush thunked Sirius on the head again before being pulled sideways through his hair. "I like hats."

"Good save," Remus said, amused. "We probably own that many hats already between us." He glanced between the pair for a moment. "So… I've been hearing a lot about how you're single and a great guy, and Teddy doesn't usually take a shine to people like this which is why I don't date often… Maybe… maybe I could see you again."

"What?" Sirius asked.

"I mean, I can't really date because I have Teddy… but I can order in a great takeaway."

"Isn't this the part where you impress me with your cooking skills?"

"Trust me, they wouldn't impress anyone," Remus snorted. "So… dinner one day?"

"Sure. But let me cook for you," Sirius insisted, wincing once more as the brush hit him on the head. "Stay still!" Teddy ordered, crossly. "I haven't put any clips in yet!"


Review Please :)

Thanks to Lizzy for betaing