The moment the ending sign was given Harry looked up to catch Neville grinning at him from a few rows before him, and smiling he made his way towards him.
"Did well?"
"Yeah, I didn't second guess myself for a single question, you?"
"It was surprisingly easy. Do you want to wait for the others outside?"
"Might be a good idea," collecting his bag they quickly made their way outside. "If the practical is as easy as the theory was then I might even ace it."
Admitting his own confidence seemed to make Neville shy again as he ducked his head low.
"I think we'll both do really well," grinning Harry nodded to the others as they joined them in sitting just outside of the Great Hall, knowing lunch would start soon.
"Do you think Professor Sirius and Professor Lupin will be there this afternoon?" Lavender asked once it was confirmed they had all done well.
"If not both then certainly Professor Sirius will be there," the confidence in Dean's voice made most look at him curiously. "Technically it is his class."
Chuckling Harry nodded, knowing Sirius would indeed be there. He settled on the ground and leaned back against the wall as they waited for the Great Hall to be returned to its usual four House tables instead of the rows of single desks it had now.
"Are you still nervous?"
"I haven't needed a calming draught yet," Seamus joked.
"It's going remarkably well. Much better than I had ever expected. If this keeps up then I'm almost certain I'm in for several O.W.L.s," Parvati revealed.
"I think we all might be," yawning Dean glanced at the closed doors. "I do hope they'll hurry up, I'm starving."
"It shouldn't be long now, the other students are starting to arrive, too," Blaise assured him and no sooner were the words out of his mouth or the doors opened to reveal a restored Great Hall.
"You should have taken Divination," Harry teased him, laughing when the dark-skinned boy shot him a shudder as they rose to their feet and made their way inside.
After a relaxing lunch the fifth years gathered in the small chamber beside the Great Hall as with every practical exam so far. Malfoy glared at the several Slytherins chatting with the Gryffindors, but his eyes immediately widened and he stepped back as Sirius joined them with a long list of names in his hand.
Grinning Harry watched as Sirius took a small group with him into the Great Hall and he settled against the wall, knowing it was done alphabetically, so it would take a while. Some of the others were muttering quietly to themselves as they nervously awaited their turn, not knowing what to expect as those already tested did not return.
Daphne and Hermione were called in at the same time, the latter trembling with nerves while Daphne looked mostly confident and he wished them luck before catching Neville's eye again.
The blond grinned at him nervously, not practising like the others and Harry was happy for it. Sirius had asked them both not to and they had honoured his request, although Harry only understood the reasoning now.
The others were increasingly getting more nervous as they practised silently, messing up their spell work as nerves took over. But Harry and Neville were both still calm and collected, and as Neville was eventually called in by Sirius he grinned as he passed Harry.
"Reminds me to tell him he's a genius."
Chuckling quietly Harry nodded, taking a deep breath when his turn finally came.
Shooting his godfather a smile as he winked at him, he made his way to Professor Tofty, an examiner he'd had before and who Harry liked.
Performing the tasks with ease he enjoyed the exam thoroughly, relishing in the knowledge that Sirius was watching him, a soft smile on his lips as he leaned against the wall.
Grinning broadly as he was dismissed, he returned the cheerful wave Sirius gave him, ignoring the examiner's raised eyebrows and the glare Malfoy shot his way, still not finished with his exam.
He smiled as Professor Tofty's chuckle reached his ears, having learned through Remus that the man had been an examiner in their time, too. The man had been very impressed by both his fathers and Sirius' skill and to this day their scores were still unbroken.
A score that he knew he wouldn't have broken, though he was fairly certain he'd just gotten an Outstanding.
He found the other Gryffindors gathered just outside of the Great Hall and he learned they had done fairly well despite their nerves as they waited for Dean and Ron before making their way to Gryffindor Tower to freshen up for dinner.
To congratulate themselves on their success they decided to take the Friday off from revision since they had no exams, only Hermione, Harry and Neville making their way to the Ancient Runes exams before they could call it a weekend, too.
Splitting up from the two after the exam Harry made his way to his godfather, locating him near the lake.
It didn't take long to spot him as his godfather was sitting cross legged underneath his usual tree, leaning back against Buckbeak while Crookshanks was resting in his lap, surrounded by stacks of papers.
"Sticking charm?" he asked in greeting as he sat down, being careful not to dislodge any of the piles while tapping his glasses to change them into sunglasses so the sun wouldn't bother him. A trick Sirius had taught him and he gratefully made use of.
"Yeah, it was too hot to remain inside," it took a moment to understand the distracted reply as Sirius kept writing but accepting the explanation Harry picked up one of the sheets from the pile in front of him to look at the list of spells written on it.
"Is this for the other year's exams?"
Distractedly Sirius smiled at him before scratching something else onto the paper he was holding.
"No, lesson plan for next year."
"It's still weird, I've never had a defence teacher two years in a row," Harry chuckled as he returned the paper to its place.
"Only because the previous Headmaster was a stupid imbecile who wasn't worthy of being called a wizard."
"Yeah," thinking back at how easily Sirius had removed the curse on the position it was laughable. He would have been ready to accept his godfather was just that powerful if not for Professor Flitwick' anger upon learning of the nature of the curse.
Watching in silence as the man piled the stacks up before Vanishing them, he frowned.
"Why isn't Remus helping you?"
"He is arranging some things at Gringotts for our holiday. I'm doing this as a surprise for him so I'm glad I got to finish it before he's back."
"Where are we going?"
"No idea, we still have to plan that. Where do you want to go?"
"I assume we'll be staying home until after the full moon?"
"Yes, it'll be the first of two full moons in one month and I don't know how well he'll handle that even with the help of the Wolfspoly," Sirius explained. "So I'll feel better if we are somewhere safe and comfortable."
"Of course. After he's regained his strength it would be nice to go sightseeing for a bit and just relax near a beach or so?"
"There's an estate in Italy. It has a decent amount of land and a private beach attached to it that's charmed against Muggles. We could spend some time there, unless you'd rather blend in with the tourists?"
"The private beach sounds nice. Not only would Dobby and Buckbeak be able to run around freely without us having to worry about anyone seeing them; we could also simply relax without having to be on guard all the time," Harry mused. "And from there we could go make plans for sightseeing and other activities. Have you ever been there?"
"A few times, the Villa is my favourite residence after our home. That is actually where your dad proposed to your mum."
"That wasn't by a villa, was it?" trying to pull forth the memory Sirius had showed him months ago.
They had been staying in a large cottage, the simplicity of it at the time having surprised Harry as he knew his family was very rich and he couldn't imagine his wealthy grandparents willingly staying in such a small building.
But that had been before he had gotten to know the two of them through Sirius' memories and had learned that his grandparents were actually very adaptable and enjoyed the simple things in life.
"It's called the Villa. I told you we went on vacation to Italy after fifth year, right?"
"Yeah, where Dad taught you how to swim."
"Yes. The two of us went looking around, sightseeing one day, found that cottage, and just fell in love with it. When we went back to show Mum and Dad what we'd found, your dad jokingly introduced it as our own personal Villa," Sirius smiled warmly as he was clearly recalling the memory.
"We took lodging there for a few days and two years later, when we graduated Mum and Dad revealed they had bought it for us as a graduation gift, naming it the Villa."
"And Dad took Mum there?"
"Yes. We took Remus and your mum there shortly after graduation, before we got completely involved in the war."
"Not the rat?" shifting in his spot Harry looked at his godfather.
"No, he claimed his mother had gotten sick. You know, your mum was always convinced that is where you were conceived."
"That is one piece of information I'm pretty sure I never wanted to know about my parents," grimacing he glared as Sirius laughed.
"I could tell you all kinds of embarrassing things about them, pup," shuddering at his godfather's teasing he shook his head.
"I'm good, thanks. Did Remus like it there, too?"
"He loved the privacy and scenery. We'll have to discuss it, but I'm pretty sure he'll love the idea. And if you speak of the devil he shall appear," Sirius grinned as he spotted the man coming towards them before his eyes narrowed.
Half turning as his godfather rose to his feet he frowned as Remus greeted Sirius.
"Hey sweetheart."
The strange greeting was weird, but it was the sight of the man sweeping his godfather into a hug before kissing him squarely on the lips that made his eyes widen in surprise.
Harry could only stare at them in amusement as Sirius wrapped his arms around Remus' neck, not sure what was going on, before he noticed two women had followed Remus, now looking rather taken back by the display before them.
Clearing his throat to get their attention the two broke apart; and thanks to them having slightly turned in the initial contact, Harry had a perfect view of the mischievous grin that had slid over both pairs of lips.
The devilish grin on Remus' lips turned to one of surprise as he turned to face the women. "Hmmm? Oh sorry, I hadn't realised you were following me. I did say I would bring him to you, didn't I?"
The words were said innocently enough, but Harry knew they were a blatant lie as he knew Remus was always aware of who was around them.
Suddenly he realised what was going on as an arm slipped around Sirius' waist and linked into a belt loop possessively. He was relieved that he was wearing sunglasses so his initial reaction hadn't given them away.
"Siri, Harry, these are Miss Renegan and Miss..."
"Mrs. Baines," the older of the two women corrected, coming to her senses even if they both kept their distance due to Buckbeak's presence, Crookshanks having run off when Sirius rose to his feet.
"Hello. You were looking for me?" Sirius calmly leaned into Remus' hold, something Harry knew neither of the women missed from the nervous shifting of their weights.
"Yes...I..."
"Hey Professor!"
They all turned to see Blaise and Neville running up to them.
"What is it?" Sirius asked as both boys bowed to Buckbeak without being prompted.
The proud Hippogriff never reacted to Harry's presence any more, having accepted him as part of Sirius' pack like Remus already had been last summer. But others still had to bow before they could approach close and all the students knew that.
"Professor Tonks asked if you could join her for our Potions class this afternoon," Blaise spoke up once Buckbeak returned the gesture and they straightened.
"Would you be so kind as to tell her we'll see her during lunch and join her then?" Remus nodded.
"Of course, who're you?" Blaise rudely stared at the two women.
"This are Miss Renegan and Mrs. Baines, they followed me from the Ministry because they both wished to speak to Professor Sirius," Remus explained.
"Hope it's not a marriage proposal again. I'd hate to see another woman ripped to shreds, sir," Blaise commented.
"It isn't Sirius' fault that Remus is so possessive and that woman couldn't understand the meaning of no." It satisfied Harry to see Miss Renegan shift nervously at his words.
"I was more thinking of the red-head that got carried out of here some time ago. She sure was a sight to behold," the almost professional regretful expression on the dark-skinned boys face looked sincere as he turned. "Remember her, Nev?"
"I don't think anyone can ever forget her," Neville sighed heavily. "Last thing I heard is that she hasn't left her house since it happened."
"Boy's, there is no need to terrify these two ladies. I'm sure they are here for something completely different," Sirius looked at them sternly even as Harry had to suppress a snicker as he knew they meant Molly Weasley.
"Whatever you say Professor, I haven't forgotten the mess the House-Elves had to clean up after you were done with that banshee," Blaise shrugged dismissively.
Harry forced himself to keep his expression schooled as both woman's expressions paled at the topic the two fifth years were calmly discussing, clearly imagining horrible and bloody scenarios while in truth the House-Elves only had to clean up the spilled food and overturned furniture.
"It is not his fault that woman couldn't keep her hands to herself," Harry protested on his godfather's behalf.
"That's true, she brought it onto herself. She honesty should have known better," Neville agreed. "Though I don't think anyone has forgotten Burke's fate yet either."
"Isn't that girl still seeing a counsellor since she tried to make a pass on Harry?" Blaise asked, faking confusion.
"No that's Cho Chang, I heard she's now slowly recovering since facing Sirius," Neville pulled a face. "Burke was the seventh year who foolishly tried to slip Sirius a love potion and had to answer to Professor Lupin. He's the one in Azkaban."
Harry snorted as he recognised the name.
Rowan Burke had been a seventh year Ravenclaw who had believed he could get his hands on the Black fortune if he'd dose Sirius with love potions. When Sirius had been unwell after the giant incident and unable to identify the potion, the guy had taken action and slipped one into his tea during a lesson.
Unfortunately for him Remus had arrived in class unexpectedly and had immediately recognised the scent. It had only been a matter of moments before the werewolf had found the culprit.
It was both lucky and unlucky for Burke that Sirius was both immune and protected against most kinds of potions or he'd have been slaughtered by Remus instead of facing lifelong imprisonment in Azkaban.
It was also lucky for him that Sirius hadn't been able to use magic at the time or he'd have torn a piece from him, not that Remus hadn't hexed him into a weeping and bloody mess before he'd thrown the guy into McGonagall's office but Harry believed he'd gotten what he deserved.
"Anyone knows they should keep their hands off what is clearly mine," Remus growled even as Blaise's expression turned to realisation and Miss Renegan's hold on her handbag tightened.
"I know, dear," patting Remus' arm affectionately Sirius turned back to the women. "But enough of that, how can I help you?"
"I..." Renegan's eyes flashed from Remus' slightly manic smile to the hand Sirius left resting on the man's lower arm and her hands tightened on her purse, which undoubtedly to Harry held a marriage proposal.
"We've come here to inform you that Witch Weekly has elected you as the most desired bachelor of the year," Baines blurted out in an attempt to help her companion out before she blanched as both men stared at her blankly.
"Are you for real? Have you looked at him? In what universe would he still be single?" snorting Blaise stared at her in disdain.
"Everyone knows the Professors live together and have for quite some time," Neville added.
"It might be wiser if you two leave," Sirius looked at Remus as the man smiled, one that looked utterly terrifying. "Before you make even bigger fools of yourselves."
"Y-yes...I...I'm sorry for taking up your time," pulling Renegan with her Baines left in a hurry and Sirius, Neville and Harry cheerfully waved after them until they were out of sight.
"Well, that was rather funny," Sirius' comment broke the dam as they all burst into laughter.
"Great timing boys," wiping his eyes Remus grinned as he released Sirius.
"We noticed them following you and realised what was going on when you swept him into a kiss so we thought we'd come help you out," Blaise smiled at a grinning Neville.
"It's been a while," Sirius hummed.
"What? That you've been swept off your feet and kissed senseless?" Harry teased him, making Sirius snort.
"That too, but also that someone showed up with a marriage proposal in person. Usually they just send propositions to my junk mail that are automatically turned down by Dobby."
"Renegan came to me while I was making my way out of the Ministry and Baines called out to me when I made my way to the Floo," sighing Remus watched as Sirius patted Buckbeak before collecting his bag and shrinking it so he could pocket it.
"I gathered they cornered you."
"When did you realise what was going on?" Harry asked as the Hippogriff took off towards the Forbidden Forest and they began to make their way towards the castle.
"At sweetheart, he'd always use that to greet me after Hogwarts in warning of what was following him. The kiss was a new touch though; I assume it meant she was a leech?"
"I didn't think an endearing name was going to cut it with her so I had to take a more drastic action," frowning Remus turned to Harry. "For a moment I thought you were never going to interrupt us though."
"I had no idea what was going on!" Harry defended himself.
"I'm surprised you didn't stare at us in shock, giving everything away," chuckling Sirius ruffled his hair.
"Living with you guys has taught me to be ready for anything. And since you immediately responded without hesitation I knew you knew what you were doing."
"You certainly made a lot of girls happy today," grinning at the groans from both men Neville winked at Harry.
"How did you realise we were there to help though?" Blaise asked.
"You said Professor Tonks requested our presence in your Potions class. You're in the middle of your exams," Sirius explained to Blaise' delight. "Anyway, ten points to all three of you for a prank brilliantly executed."
"It was a pleasure," nodding to them Blaise separated from them to make his way back to his friends, Neville however looked at them.
"Why don't the two of you simply get a civil union? It would get people off your back, wouldn't it?"
"It would certainly keep Tonks off your back," teasing his friend Sirius sidestepped the slap Remus aimed at him.
"She backed up a little since the court incident," Harry laughed.
"Professor Tonks is after you?" confused Neville stared at Remus.
"No, her daughter. She's been flirting with me since last summer."
"And you aren't interested?"
"Not at all. I'm more than happy with the situation as it is now; I have no interest in a relationship."
"Technically you are already kind of in one," Harry disagreed.
"A sexual relationship then, smart-ass," Remus shot back at him.
"And she doesn't accept that?" ignoring the tongue Harry stuck out and Sirius' chuckle, Neville kept his attention on Remus.
"She seems to think I am in denial and insecure about myself, though granted we've not seen her since the court session any more so she might have changed her mind."
"After your action in court it would be strange if she still had hope," Harry mused.
"Maybe we should just sign one of those forms," Remus sighed. "It would keep people off our backs and let them know neither of us is available."
"It would mean you'd have to adopt Harry too, though," Neville admitted.
"I've already done that. We signed a second set of adoption papers in private shortly after Sirius adopted Harry. He wasn't going to take the chance that Dumbledore would take him from me again if something were to happen to him."
"Smart move, congratulations," smiling at them Neville turned as Dean and Lavender called his name. "I should go; I promised them we'd play Exploding Snap."
"Of course, thank you for your help and have a nice weekend," Sirius smiled as Neville waved them goodbye before running off.
They made their way towards their chambers, and Remus made tea for them while Sirius arranged for a small bite to eat as they gathered in the kitchen.
"If you two do sign a registered partnership wouldn't you be expected to wear rings?" Harry mused as he sat down, not having wanted to ask in the hallways where people could overhear.
"That's not really a problem," Remus turned to Sirius. "What do you think?"
"Why, are you proposing to me?" as Remus slapped him on the arm he laughed and Harry grinned at their playful behaviour.
"All joking aside; for all intents and purposes we are technically in a relationship, Harry has a point there," he hesitated, turning serious as he looked down at his cup.
"So much has happened since everything went to hell and everything changed. Neither of us is the same person as we were when we graduated. I'm still settling back into a normal life properly, but for the first time in a very long time I can honestly say that I am happy and that is because I have the two of you."
"I've said before that I'm not interested in pursuing a sexual relationship and I meant it. I don't think I'll ever be able to, not after all that's happened and what it did to me, to us. I am happy with where we are now, just the three of us. You guys are my home, my family and I love you both more than anything and would not mind spending the rest of my life like this. If to keep what we have undisturbed I have to sign some papers and call you my partner, I'm more than willing to do so. So, if you are absolutely sure, then I'd say yes."
Sirius looked up to Remus, his content expression and the honest admission making Harry swallow as he knew his godfather was truly happy for the first time in a long time.
"A lot has happened and we are indeed not the same people we used to be all that time ago," Remus reached forward to take his hand, squeezing it before entwining their fingers.
"Twenty-five years ago I started Hogwarts, terrified of what was to come and sure I would never fit in until a pale dark-haired boy spoke to me at the Gryffindor table and pulled me into a conversation with the friend he had made at the train. You were the one who befriended me and gave me a place to belong. A lot has changed since that day, and I've made many mistakes, but that hasn't changed."
He reached out with his free hand to Harry's, which he readily gave, before moving it onto the table and placing their entwined hands over his. "This is where I found my place, at your and Harry's sides and that is where I want to stay."
He placed his free hand over theirs and Harry felt tears rise at the emotion in the man's words.
"In the past I've allowed people to let me doubt you, let them come between us despite the fact that I should have known better. No more. I won't let anyone take my family away from me again, no matter what. And if getting people to back off from what's mine means putting a ring on our fingers, then so be it. I'm not letting anyone separate us ever again," Remus smiled. "You know you are my world and I love you, even if it's not in the way our little smart-ass happily remarked and I get this not so little monster I love dearly with the package."
Harry grinned as Remus ruffled his hair with a fond smile before his gaze returned to Sirius. "If I am to bind myself to anyone in this life, I cannot think of a better person to do so to than you."
"So you are proposing?" Sirius chuckled, clearing his throat with twinkling eyes.
"If you'll have me," smiling at his teasing, Remus squeezed his hand.
"I suppose it can't be help. Seems we've been doomed to be stuck with each other from the start, huh?"
"Seems like it," Remus grinned.
"Then I accept your proposal," suddenly Sirius choked out a laugh. "I bet James is laughing his butt off up there right now."
"No doubt about it. He's said we'd end up together from the start," Remus laughed before he turned to Harry.
"Would you be all right with that?"
"You guys have always acted like a married couple anyway and I know you guys love each other: this would just make it official and get people to see where you guys belong and leave you alone," Harry smiled. "I assume you'd need witnesses to be able to sign that kind of papers?"
"Two witnesses of age and a registrar. The Minister is capable, so we could have Kingsley act as one?" Sirius looked at Remus.
"Or we could ask Professor M, I know she has the same qualifications and I know you would be more comfortable with her than with Kingsley. Besides, asking Kingsley would call attention to it and I think we'd both prefer to keep it as small as possible and that would be not possible due to our social standings right now."
"I can't deny that I'd prefer Professor M over Kingsley. If she'd agree to do that then all we'd need would be two witnesses. It's a shame you're out as they need to be adults."
"I'll just be the third unofficial witness," Harry shrugged before he grinned. "You could have Buckbeak carry the rings though."
"It's not going to be an actual wedding ceremony, you know," chuckling Sirius ruffled his hair. "What about Fred and George?"
"As witnesses?" Remus asked for confirmation. "They are adults and they are basically family so they would be a fine choice. Anyone else you'd want to be there?"
Sirius hesitated and Harry chuckled, knowing what his godfather was thinking about and from Remus' smile he did as well.
"You are going to invite Luna and Neville, aren't you? I mean, they are as much part of our family as Fred and George are and it would be nice to have our family present when you sign those papers."
"I guess that's settled, do you have anyone you'd like to be there beside those two?" Sirius turned to Remus.
"Those four and Harry sound perfect to me as they are indeed family to both of us."
"Then all we need is to get the papers and ask them," Sirius smiled.
"And arrange for rings. If you could go out and get those tomorrow and ask McGonagall and the others while I go pick up the papers we could sign them tomorrow afternoon?" Remus suggested.
"I think I could have a pair of rings charmed and ready by tomorrow afternoon," Sirius nodded. "Sounds like a plan."
"You don't waste time once you've set your mind to something, do you?" chuckling Harry looked up surprised as Sirius rose to his feet. "Where are you going?"
"Starting dinner, it's already rather late and I completely forgot to ask about your exam."
Remus waved him off as he made to rise, getting to his feet himself. "You worked hard today so let us make dinner while you tell us about your day."
Chuckling Harry settled back in his seat as he told them about the exam, actually enjoying it when they discussed the exam with him while he watched them prepare dinner, knowing that tomorrow they would officially become a family for the world.