Chapter II
Sirius
Sirius promised himself he wouldn't cry when Harry left for Hogwarts. His vision was just a bit misty...
Lily was fully sobbing like it was the end of the world and Narcissa had her stoic face on. Remus was holding Lily and looking so out of place Sirius would have laughed at him on any other occasion.
„He will be home for Christmas," Remus said. "It is only a few months away."
„Months!" Lily's sobbing voice replied.
„Come on, Lily, he will be okay. He is brave and kind and smart, Hogwarts will love him"
Lily nodded into his chest.
It took thirty minutes and a big cup of coffee to calm Lily and Narcissa down. Even if Narcissa had the pureblood emotions are beneath me mask, Sirius could feel her distress. He knew it was not easy to go back to an empty house and hear the echo of your own steps in the quiet.
„Do you want us to go with you?" Remus asked kindly.
Both women shook their heads.
„Floo us if anything happens, or...if you just want to chat, ok?" Remus said when they parted.
„Now you are the mother hen." Sirius laughed at his friend's worried face.
„You know that muggle psychologists have a word for this, the empty nest syndrome." Remus replied still watching the mothers walk away.
„No, but I know you are talking about the strongest women we know."
„Maybe Hogwarts starts too early. Why not at fourteen like normal highschool?" Remus's voice sounded more offended than expected.
„We will write to the Ministry," Sirius nodded.
Remus sighed exasperated. „Will you stop making fun?"
„Will you stop being ridiculous?" Sirius parroted him. „Come on, let's go home".
Remus took a big breath and all the fight left him.
„How about we watch something at my flat?" Sirius asked.
Remus nodded and let Sirius lead him towards the Floo.
Sirius had a small two bedrooms apartment in the muggle part of London. He stayed with the Potters during the war, but after James died... he couldn't anymore. So he bought his own place.
Sirius liked his flat better then Remus's – bigger, more aery and less concrete. Remus rented a place like a bunker and even without knowing much about muggle psychology Sirius could have pointed out why.
Remus felt like he should punish himself, like his house needed to be dark, sturdy and gloomy, to have small meals and not form connections with people that would miss him. Not more then he already had and he would have broken those too if he cared about less stubborn people.
After James's funeral, Sirius was at a complete loss. He felt like he should do something, help Lily and Harry, but he had no energy to do it. Then Moony showed up. He helped them up, cared for them and Harry when Sirius and Lily were unable to and brought them slowly back to life.
When Lily was okay enough to be left alone, Sirius followed Remus to his dingy apartment. He wanted to stay for a few days, till he got his own place, but then Remus fell ill, since he was neglecting himself while taking care of everyone. Moony was lucky he had werewolf genes. For a normal human that level of anemia would have been deadly, but he just bounced back after a few days.
Sirius stayed close, he couldn't risk losing Remus too. Not so soon after James. So he stayed more than planned, then he bought a place close by and now Remus was a constant in his life, like he'd been since they were eleven.
Remus loved muggle movies. He hated TV shows and the news and the chatter, but he liked to settle in on the sofa for a movie. In days when he was overthinking and worrying for nothing, Sirius put a film on for him.
Sirius was the one that made the TV work even in a flat with so much magic around, but it was Remus who actually operated the damn thing. At this point, they had a ritual, where Sirius made the tea and some snack while Remus picked the movie.
They settled in for a film and knowing Remus it was either a think piece with a lot of awards or a sad dog movie. Honestly, Sirius stopped trying to guess what it would be and just enjoyed it. They took the sofa each at an end and Sirius as always hogged the throw pillows.
The next day they were invited at Lily's to see the results of the sorting – either from the Prophet or Harry's letter, undecided yet. All day Remus was at his own flat and Sirius got bored a bit so he tinkered with his latest creation, a set of muggle phones he wanted to enhance using the enchanted mirrors he had. He was positive he could make them work even in places with high magic concentration, such as Hogwarts.
He got lost in the work and Remus had to let himself in when he came to drag him to dinner. Even if he had a key for a few years now, Remus always knocked, well usually, not in times he felt too impatient to be polite, such as now.
They used Sirius's Floo, since Remus never actually bothered to get his own connection. When they arrived, Lily and Narcissa were in a frenzy in the kitchen trying to release all of their nervous energy.
„Are we taking bets in what comes first, the letter or the Prophet?" Sirius grinned to lighten the atmosphere.
The two women glared at him, but he felt like the air got a bit more breathable now.
„Tough crowd tonight, Moony," He sighed.
„I bet on Harry." Remus deadpanned and Sirius grinned widely.
The long awaited owl scooped in, Sirius was sure that somehow the bird knew the importance of its own mission and took its sweet time with it. Turned out, Remus lost, because it was the Prophet.
Remus opened the newspaper ignoring the headlines, a break-in at Gringotts, Skitter's page, something about what Harry's pet and wand meant, Quidditch scores and finally the last page with all the sorted students.
„Okay let's see, Black, Draco... Slytherin," Remus said parroting the sorting hat.
Narcissa bit her lip as the only answer.
„Go straight to Harry and we can read the rest later," Lily urged him on.
„Potter, Harry... Slytherin!?" Remus widened his eyes.
„What!?" Sirius jumped from his seat. „I blame Snivellus entirely!" He pointed a finger at Lily.
„It's not Sev's fault," Lily defended her friend. „Besides, I can get Draco - long family of purebloods, good breeding, manners, values family above all else... But Harry?"
„Well... he does value family, he is resourceful and quite stubborn... Besides, the Potters are purebloods," Remus reasoned.
„Well, I am not, so he is half anyway... What if the others are mean to him?"
„If anyone is being a jerk I would worry about them first and not Harry" Sirius reassured her.
„Ron Weasley is in Gryffindor," Remus said glancing at the paper.
„They should give them a wing in the Tower at this point." Sirius snickered.
„The dungeons are quite cold, aren't they?" Lily asked Narcissa, the only Slytherin at the table.
„I packed Draco extra blankets; I calculated the chances are quite high for Slytherin. With the exception of Sirius, all of our family was in Slytherin."
„Then you should have a place in the dungeon too," Remus noted.
Narcissa shrugged. „We have a wing in the library."
„Yep, the restricted dark arts section," Sirius muttered.
„I should send Harry a care package... and an extra blanket," Lily thought out loud.
„I need time to process all of this..." Sirius's voice was wobbly.
„He will do well in Slytherin, Severus will be fair to him and he can grow a lot in that environment, all that competition..." Remus was once again the voice of reason.
„I hope he at least plays for the House team," Sirius still muttered unhappily.
„Then you will have to wear the green scarf." Lily laughed at him.
Sirius's eyes widened comically and he opened his mouth, but nothing came out, like he was incapable of processing the information. „Oh no!"
Sirius was looking out of his window onto the busy city. He was not under any way hunting for the owl with his godson's first letter from school. If he hadn't been hanging half out of the window, he would have not noticed the snow white owl Harry got a few days ago enter Remus's floor and fly out towards Godric's and he wouldn't have barged into Remus's flat. But he did stalk the bird, so not even ten minutes later he slammed open the door to Moony's place.
„You stalked the owl, didn't you?" Remus looked at him exasperated.
„You got a letter from Harry, didn't you?" Sirius parroted him back.
„Pads, if he didn't write to you yet, maybe he has a reason for it." Remus as always was the unwanted voice of reason.
"A stupid reason which I will debunk as soon as I know what it is from your letter."
„I will not betray Harry's trust," Remus said slowly as if talking to a kid.
„He is eleven, it's not like he has many secrets," Sirius pouted. „The kid tells me everything!" Sirius didn't know what expression he had, but it must have been quite something, because Remus hesitated.
„Let me scan it first," he compromised and Sirius nodded eagerly.
For a few agonizing minutes, Remus read the parchment as Sirius huffed by his side. At the end, Remus handed Sirius the letter with an amused smile on his face.
Sirius read avidly:
Dear Moony,
How are you? Are Ginny and Luna enough to keep you entertained? The old gang sends their regards. Neville looked at the teachers here and said he will miss you terribly.
The Great Hall is just like you and Pads told me, but the magic ceiling was still a shock to see. Nothing can prepare you for that. The muggleborn kids were fascinated by it, almost caused a pile up.
The train ride was very long though. Draco read the whole way and he was not much company, thank Merlin for Ron and Neville. We also met a muggleborn witch, named Hermione, but she doesn't seem very nice.
I assume you've seen the sorting by now... I got into Slytherin! I know you and mum don't care, but Padfoot will... I am sorry if I disappointed him... but I asked the hat to put me there. It was debating where and said I could fit in all, but I asked for Slytherin.
I mean, Draco was sorted ahead of me and he got Slytherin before the damn thing even reached his head and I saw the other kids snickering and laughing and I couldn't just leave him alone out there... I know he says he doesn't need anyone's help and all, but I do not want him to be bullied.
Love,
Harry.
Sirius finished the letter once and then read it again.
„That's so stupid! To think you could ever do anything that would make me stop loving you... You brat!" The sense of relief that took hold of him was almost palpable.
He put the letter on the table and turned away towards the door.
„What are you doing?" Remus's voice came clear from behind him.
„I am going to reassure my godson!" He called and stormed out.
Sirius's reply was two pages worth of parchment. In the first one he expressed how much he loved Harry and how proud of him he was. The second one described two secret passageways to get to the dungeons faster from the kitchen and Great Hall.
One morning, Sirius was woken up by a beak furiously pecking the window. He swore and opened it. The Black family's owl, big as a vulture, landed on the kitchen table. He hadn't gotten a letter from home in decades, the last announced the death of his younger brother.
He took the parchment from the sharp claws. It had the Black family seal. The only relative alive who could use it was his grandfather. Everyone else was either dead, in Azkaban or would never use the seal in their life.
For a few moments he just stared at it. He didn't remember a time when opening a letter with this seal had brought him joy. But he knew he couldn't let it fester, like a wound. He ripped the seal off like a band aid. The letter inside was not very thick.
The last will and Testament of Arcturus Black III
The paper felt like it was burning his hands, but he skimmed it.
To Sirius Orion Black, I leave the ancestral Black Home from Grimmauld Place, I restore the title of Black Heir and all the contents in the Black family vault, a quarter of which will be gifted to Draco Lucius Black at his coming of age, along with the title of heir if no other offsprings are born by that time.
Sirius kept staring at the letter unblinking. He didn't know how long he stayed that way for. His wards flared up announcing guests, and soon after Narcissa and Andromeda flooed in.
Narcissa looked at the open letter still on the table. „So you got one too."
„He was quite young for a wizard though," Andromeda said and started the kettle for some tea.
„He buried all of his kids and his youngest nephew," Sirius said in a small voice.
„Well, Blacks are not known for longevity," Narcissa sighed talking a seat at the table.
„I haven't read it all," Sirius confessed.
Andromeda poured all of them a cup of tea. „Well, the first page is just talking about how great the house is and how rich then about what he actually left us. We are lucky Azkaban prisoners can't inherit, he always had a soft spot for Bella."
Sirius curled his hands around the mug like a lifeline. „I thought he would leave everything to one of you."
„He did leave Draco a generous sum and the title if it gets to that," Narcissa said.
„What about you, Andi?" Sirius asked.
„Nothing, not like I need it. I left all that behind when I left."
„I thought I did too," Sirius's voice was small.
„You do not have to go there if you do not want to!" Andromeda put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
„Oh, I am going!" Sirius rose up." We all are! The white sheep of the Blacks, our time has come."
Andromeda laughed and even Narcissa smiled.
„My lovely cousins, will you accompany me to the ancestral home of our pureblood bigot family?" He extended his hand.
„It will be my pleasure," Andromeda smiled warmly. Narcissa nodded.
They apparated close to 12 Grimmauld Place. Sirius hadn't been here since he was sixteen, Andromeda – from her Hogwarts Years. Only Narcissa had been to Regulus's funeral in the last years.
The house was squished between two perpetually empty buildings. The Blacks bought them and then left unoccupied to hide their precious home. At the door of solid dark oak stood Kreacher, the last house elf.
He bowed before the small family and handed Sirius the master wand of the house. He didn't say anything and scurried away muttering about „disowned" and „wayward sons".
Andromeda sighed. „Charming as always."
They stepped inside the parlor. The house felt more dusty and gloomy than usual. Not like it was ever filled with light or laughter in Sirius's memories, but after being away for so long it was a bit overwhelming.
„Give it a go, Sirius. Vanish those dusty ghastly curtains, will you?" Andromeda asked.
He swished the wand, but the curtains gave a groan and released more dust into the air.
Narcissa opened all the windows with a flick of her wand and even the cold air was more welcoming than the stiff atmosphere inside.
They walked onwards to the main staircase. When they got to the fireplace they were greeted by a screeching voice yelling „traitors". Sirius stopped instantly; he recognized the voice, of course. But she had been dead for years.
„Aunt Walburga made a portrait, with the Dorian Grey technique," Narcissa supplied and stepped into the foyer. „Hello, aunt Walburga!"
The portrait's voice changed. „Oh, Cissy dear, how much have you grown!.. Traitors!" She shrieked suddenly seeing Andromeda and Sirius.
„Silencio! That is enough of you!" Andromeda said with a biting tone.
Narcissa took a step back „First item on the to do list is move that. It probably has a permanent sticking charm to it and you can't destroy it the conventional ways... Can you try and move it in the basement for now?"
Sirius just nodded, still rendered mute, and flicked his master wand. It worked for him this time and the painting was whisked away.
„Welcome home!" Sirius said dryly.
The main staircase was decorated with stuffed Elf Heads. An ancient Black tradition that Sirius loathed, they scared him so much as a child. This will be the second item on the list; he won't let Harry in before they are all gone.
The family visited the other rooms, mostly opening windows and letting the sun in. The house was unchanged. Even his bedroom was exactly like the day he left it. Time seemingly froze here, and stepping back into the rooms, Sirius felt small again. All those memories rushed back and he started wondering if he even wanted the house in the first place.
The tour got even more depressing when they saw the tapestry. Narcissa and Draco were the only ones still in it. They didn't even include Nymphadora.
„Tell me the good wine is still there!" Andromeda said in the silence that followed the end of the tour.
„Kreacher!" Narcissa called and the elf popped up grumpy. „A bottle of red wine and three glasses, to the library!"
The house elf nodded and disappeared.
„A screaming portrait of my bigot mother, an unhappy elf and the best collection of dark arts artefacts in the world... Lucky you, Sirius," He grumbled.
„Well, with a few changes, I think you can make a good home here!" Narcissa said practical.
„Do I even want to?" Sirius asked.
„I think it will be therapeutic to remove every trace of them and reclaim your legacy," Andromeda said.
They arrived into the library. An open bottle of wine awaited them by the lit fire. There were more chairs than usual. Sirius assumed Kreacher helped with that.
„It is entirely your decision, Sirius. No one has any claim to the house except you!" Narcissa called.
„What if I have a kid someday and they want to know their legacy?" Sirius asked.
„Then you take them to meet their wonderful aunts. Your family is not in this house and it hasn't been in a long time," Andromeda said.
„Take out all the Black, it is a good house. And now you would want a bigger home anyway." Narcissa said.
Sirius narrowed his eyes. „What do you mean by „now"?"
Andromeda poured them all wine and handed each a glass.
„Well, you are not expected to live alone forever. And now with Harry at Hogwarts you need to focus on yourself," Narcissa continued.
He sighed „Not this again."
„You can't be alone, Sirius. It's not healthy."
„I am not alone. If I decide to move here, I actually want to ask Remus to join me."
The sisters exchanged a look, but did not comment further.
„Do you think he would like to come?" Andromeda asked after a long breath of silence.
„Imagine how dear mother would react to that," Sirius laughed.
Andromeda laughed as well and even Narcissa smiled.
„Well, to us." Andromeda raised her glass. "The white sheep."
They toasted and drank in silence each stuck in their head.
„I am such a disgrace – not only I inherited the house while disowned, my future housemate is a halfblood werewolf," Sirius said.
The adults all knew about Remus's condition. He told them himself before they brought their children to him. So far, no one cared.
„I married a muggleborn," Andromeda clunked her glass to Sirius's.
„I am divorced," Narcissa smiled widely.
Andromeda raised her glass. „I will drink to that!"
„I am gay! And the heir!" Sirius went on.
„I broke Draco's betrothal with the Greengrasse's that was set before their births."
„I let my daughter train for the Aurors, in the most dangerous division!"
Sirius laughed merrily. „We are such fuck-ups, huh?"
His cousins joined him. All of a sudden the house did not seem so overbearing anymore.
He returned to his flat in the evening. The house seemed too empty after today, so Sirius made his way to Remus's.
He let himself in. In the living room, Remus had Dora and Charlie Weasley poring over application essays, by the sound of it.
„Evening," he called walking in.
Dora's face turned pink and she hugged him happily. Charlie shook his hand.
„Is it this late?" Remus said instead of greeting. „I am so sorry, I didn't intend to keep you till dinner time."
„It's okay, mister Lupin, I prefer that to having a bad essay," Charlie said.
„You are very clever, dedicated and the best Care of Magical Creatures student since Newt Scamander," Remus called his voice going soft.
„Thank you!" The young man beamed.
Remus gathered his papers. „Just stay focused and don't panic and you both will do fine!"
„Thanks, Remus!" Dora hugged him briefly.
They both rose from the couch at the same time, Sirius felt like there was less chatter and laughter in the air than usual, but didn't comment on it.
Dora and Charlie walked out stiff and less close together. They politely said good-bye and even Dora forgot the usual „Uncle" she would slip in to make Sirius feel old.
„Did something happen?" Sirius asked taking the now free couch.
„Dora is not happy Charlie picked Romania over Ireland, his initial plan. Romania has more fierce dragons and is also a while away," Remus said.
„Oh, I hope they work it out, it's weird not seeing Dora chatty and jumping around."
„Well, falling in love with your best friend usually sucks." Remus said grim.
Sirius jumped from the couch. „Falling in love!? Dora!? But she is only... oh, 18 now... I guess it is the time for that..."
„You are so oblivious some times," Remus sighed.
„Well, you are the one pairing people all the time," Sirius called. „How can I know it is real and not one of your schemes?"
„I do not do that," Remus defended himself although he was smiling.
Sirius pointed an accusing finger at him. „I know you separate people you think will go together in groups!"
„I resent that implication," Remus glared. „Tea?" He asked rising from the couch.
„Yes, please. By the way, you won't guess what letter I got today?"
„Did Harry write back already?"
„Not yet, but I got the Black family owl with..." Sirius went on telling Remus about his day.
Two cups of tea later the story was done.
„And do you actually plan on moving in that big house alone?" Remus asked.
„Not really," Sirius frowned. "I was actually planning on asking you to... move in with me?"
For a few moments Remus didn't answer and just stared at him in disbelief.
„I mean, I got the flat to be near you and your self-destructive tendencies... And you always complain about how much the rent is... And that you need more space."
Remus still blinked at him owlishly.
„We already shared a room at Hogwarts and I know we can share the same space... The house is huge and we can even get chambers at different parts of it... And I threw all the silverware away and..."
„Ok," Remus whispered in the middle of this tirade.
„Thank you!" Sirius's face lighted up.
„Of course!" Remus smiled.
„We can move by the next month! I know the house needs some redecorating, but I am confident we both can work it out!" Sirius beamed proud.
Harry's letter came a while later. Sirius was working on removing the sticking charms on the House Elves heads in Grimmauld Place with a very tired Lily. She had only a few hours of sleep after a night shift. Usually he wouldn't have bothered her, but she was the best at Charms among all of them.
Hedwig landed in the kitchen and made enough of a ruckus to get their attention.
„He wrote to me first!" Sirius beamed.
Lily rolled her pretty eyes at him and took a seat in the kitchen. The house had a formal dining hall, but they usually avoided it. To Kreacher's ire, they brought a solid wooden table and put it in the kitchen. Sirius loved it.
„Dear Padfoot," Sirius read. „Clearly I am the favorite one," he added.
Harry's letter read as followed:
Dear Padfoot,
Thank you for your last letter, I am glad you are happy for me. Houses should not matter anyway, they only divide people. I will wear a Gryffindor scarf the whole next week. Ron said we can swap.
Miss McGonagall seemed very relieved I was not in her House, but I like her class, Transfigurations are cool. Moony said that it was your best subject in school, was it?
We had Potions as well, but Severus is very different in class. Draco is very good at Potions and he said Severus ignores me as to not seem to have favorites. I would think that they are just kind words, but this is Draco so no chance there, he even may be right.
I followed your suggestion and helped Hermione fit in. People were very mean to her, but I do not understand why. She can be annoying, but once you get to know her she is really clever.
I left the best news for last! We had our first flying lesson yesterday. Me and Draco were flying way before others did, because of all the lessons you gave us. But then Neville tried to get to us and he dropped his Rememberall. I dove to get it before it break to the ground. McGonagall saw me and said it was pretty impressive for a first year. And said that I could make it on the team!
I hope Severus lets me join and is not influenced by mum since she is scared it is too dangerous. Can you talk to her for me?
Love,
Harry
„My godson, the youngest seeker in hundreds of years!" Sirius's face lit up like a Christmas tree.
„I thought you need to be…" Lily mutters. „I thought I had more time to..."
Sirius turned to her mortified. „You can't just not let him play!"
„It's dangerous! I remember the wounds you lot had after Quidditch!"
„I only remember the fun I had doing it!"
„It's up to Severus anyway..."
„And he will do whatever you want because he is the same puppy he was in school."
Lily gave him a warning glare. „Black!"
„Let him have this! It's nothing Pomfrey can't fix! She mended worse for us!" Sirius pleaded.
„If he gets hurt..."
„You can't put him under a glass ball, Lily!"
„I know..." She sighed defeated.
„I love him too and want the best for him!" Sirius said in a much calmer voice.
„I know!" Lily said. „Seeker, huh? That is at least out of the fray, right?"
„Sure, Rose," Sirius said smiling.
Sirius took Remus shopping in Diagon Ally. They needed to replace some furniture Sirius found unsuitable and to choose new wallpapers for most of the house.
"I still don't understand why I need to be here!" Remus complained.
„Because it's your house too." Sirius defended.
„You are basically my landlord!"
„I am not taking money for rent!" Sirius pointed out. „Only manual labor from you, Mooney!"
„Slave driver," Remus muttered with a big smile on his face.
„It's not my fault you are so handy. I had no idea so many Boggarts lived in the house!"
Remus laughed. „I've never seen so many moons in my life."
They were walking down the main road towards Poppy's hard store that was on one of the side streets. Remus was talking about one of his students, when something caught Sirius's attention.
A broom glistening from the store front of Quality Quidditch Supplies. The new Nimbus 2000.
Remus shook Sirius. „Are you even listening?"
„I was, something about Luna's parents," Sirius reassured him. "Moony, check this!"
„A broom?"
„Not just a broom! A Nimbus 2000 broom!"
„A good broom?" Remus said unimpressed.
„I can now, since Harry joined the team!" Sirius muttered to himself.
„Sirius! Lily won't like it!"
„Deny me my present to my godson?"
„Sirius!" Remus had his warning tone.
„I am getting it! Harry will have the best gear!"
Sirius ran inside the shop and Remus sighed after a completely lost cause.
It was Halloween... Sirius hated Halloween, they all did. Harry never dressed up for it, he went to his father's gravestone instead.
This year it was only Remus, Sirius and Lily. They hadn't seen Peter as much lately, but he would always show up on this day, except this year. He said he couldn't get a free day in the middle of the week. Lily had a day off, she always reserved one for Halloween and since it was Thursday and she was a prodigy they let her have Friday as well.
James was buried in Godric's Hollow. Remus and Sirius flooed to Lily's at around mid-day. The house was spotless, no toys or books scattered anywhere. Lily herself was in the kitchen with the wireless on although she was not listening.
Sirius knew the feeling – turn some noise on, anything to fill the dreadful silence.
He took a seat beside her. Remus fetched a vase and put the flowers in water. They got lilies, James's favorite. They did not know if it actually was or that was because of Lily, but ever since the fourth year he claimed it was his favorite flower.
They moved around each other like ghosts. Each in their own head, each seeing a different James. The goofy kid, the bold teenager, the doting lover, the loyal best friend, the fierce fighter... the flame that went out too soon.
Sometimes when he closed his eyes, Sirius saw a green spell and heard Voldemort's voice. Sometimes in his dreams, sometimes not.
They got to the empty cemetery before the sun set. James's grave had a lot of flowers and lit candles on it. Sometimes strange wizards and witches visited the grave and left them. Sirius knew Lily visited once a week too. He wondered if it would ever get easier and then berated himself for thinking that.
They left the flowers and made their way home. They had a quiet dinner with Lily. Everything would return to normal tomorrow, but this day was for mourning, had been for ten years.
They hugged Lily and were ready to go home when the Floo lit up with an urgent message.
„I better pick it up, it may be from work!" She said.
In the flames, Severus Snape's face looked worried and a bit fearful.
Lily jumped. „What happened to Harry?"
„He is safe now! He is fine." He reassured her.
„Now!?" Lily's voice was high enough to break glass.
„There was an incident with a troll in the castle," Severus explained.
„How can a troll get in?" Remus asked.
„We think someone let it in, my best guess is to cause a distraction." Severus said in this level tone.
„Sod that, where was Harry?' Lily asked.
„In the dungeon," Severus gulped. „He... we evacuated all the houses, but he went back inside..."
„Why?'
„Someone... Draco Black was locked in the bathroom."
Now it was Sirius's turn to raise his voice „Locked!?"
„He doesn't want to tell us who did it. When everyone was led out, Harry sneaked out and went to get him... The troll found them when they were making their way back."
„Found them!?"
„They are both ok, Lily. I noticed them gone and went to look for them. It wasn't needed since they got themselves out of the situation. And knocked the troll out in the process."
„Was anyone hurt?"
„No, everyone is fine. We even released the troll back in the mountains."
„But who let it in?' Sirius pressed.
„We do not know."
„Who do you think it is?' Lily asked staring straight into Snape's eyes.
„Quirrell. But I have no proof."
„Quirrell!? Wasn't he below us at Hogwarts?" Sirius asked.
„One year, Ravenclaw," Remus supplied.
„He is teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, right?" Lily asked.
„Yes. He took a year-long sabbatical last year and now he returned, but something is different about him... I tried to find out what, but I have nothing."
„Do you think he is after Harry?" Lily asked.
„That or the Philosopher's Stone that is inside Hogwarts this year," Remus said.
Three pair of eyes turned to him surprised.
„It makes sense that the stone is there. Flamel gave it to Dumbledore to be destroyed. It is logical Dumbledore would hide it in the safest place he knows."
„Is it bad that I hope he is just a madman that wants eternal youth?" Lily asked.
„No. Either way, I will keep my eyes on him." Severus reassured her.
Lily smiled warmly at him. „Thank you!"
„And what was that about my nephew being bullied?" Sirius asked.
„He doesn't want to give any names, but he keeps getting locked outside the castle, the dungeon, inside lockers and bathrooms. Harry is staying by his side constantly and now they bicker all the time..."
„Why? Because of the crap with his father? Why would Slytherins care?"
„May I remind you, Slytherins fought in the war too?" Severus's tone turned sharp.
„I mean, they care about purity and wits, the kid have both on his side," Sirius backtracked.
„But he is also smarter than them and doesn't mingle with anyone, except Harry. He makes it very hard for himself as well."
„Smugness is not a sin for Slytherins." Sirius muttered.
„What measures has been taken?" Lily asked instead drowning Sirius's words.
Severus sighed and looks remorseful. „Nothing till he tells us the names. There is nothing I can do in the meantime!"
„Thank you for taking care of the kids!" Lily said with a soft smile on her face.
„My pleasure. Lily, Remus, Black." He nodded at each and the Firecall ended.
„Well, fuck," Sirius summed it up.
It was only a few days later when Sirius got a letter from Harry.
Dear Padfoot
I hope the house is treating you and Remus well. I can't wait to see it for Christmas.
My classes are going good. I am lucky I got to pick my partner in Potions and got Draco, I am not afraid of failing it anymore.
Remus advised me to start tutoring with Hermione already, but we are only a few weeks in, I will worry when it gets closer to the exams.
I really like Defense against the Dark Arts, Quirrell is a good teacher although his stuttering makes it hard for us to understand him sometimes.
By the way, mum said she is coming to the game next week, we play Gryffindor. You and Remus are coming too, right?
I was meaning to ask... How do you take care of a person that doesn't want your help? I know mum said to respect this person wishes, but I know he they are bullied and would benefit from being my friend and let me help them... Can you please help me?
Love,
Harry
Sirius finished the letter and stared into the fire. He was in the library, his current favorite room since they got to finish this one before the rest.
Most of the house still had a distinct Black aura about it, but he would strip most the wallpapers and he would go as far to change all the flooring to get rid of it. Remus accommodated slowly... He kept mostly to his room and the library where he also kept his tutoring sessions.
His first transformation in the house was hard, they apparated in a secluded forest and transformed, but the next day Remus woke up screaming because for a second he forgot where he was. Sirius kept him company till he fell asleep... and most of the day to make sure he would not get spooked again.
„How do you take care of a person that doesn't want your help?" Harry's question rang in his mind.
You follow him around till you know his secret, you find a way to make it easy even if it is dangerous, you keep a leaf in your mouth for a whole month and hope he doesn't notice and try to stop you, you learn how to navigate a whole different body just to keep him safe. You join a war to make sure everyone you love survive and pick up the broken pieces when they didn't...
You bring them tea before they ask and refill it all throughout the day because they were too absorbed in a book to notice. You bully them into eating and keep them close and never give up on them because you can't stand the thought of them not being there...
Because you were both broken and you mended together by picking the pieces of yourselves till you did not know how to be alone anymore, because not all the pieces that made you were yours anymore...
You got a damn house and made changes to fit him before you even asked him to move in, because the thought he wouldn't was unbearable...
Sirius's eyes were the size of dinner plates and even if his body was still he could feel it buzzing „Damn it, Black, how could we miss that!?"
„Miss what?" Remus asked and he stepped in with a tea tray and a book.
He put a cup down by Sirius's elbow and looked on worried. „H... Harry is asking if we will go to his first game." He mumbled.
Remus beamed. „Of course, we will!"
Sirius, Remus and Lily took a port-key to Hogsmeade and walked to Hogwarts the rest of the way. There were a lot of parents also going to the match, mostly for the lower classes, since the big kids were too cool for that.
It was pretty chilly outside, but they bundled up in their scarfs and long coats. Sirius felt he was too old to freeze his ass off in the stands. Remus just sighed long suffering and suddenly Sirius was feeling better. A wandless, wordless heating charm – of course, Moony was a show off.
Sirius wanted to turn to him and make a joke or remark, but he didn't know how to react now in light of his revelation. Would a joke show too much? Could everyone see it on his face, in his eyes, that he was in love with his best friend? That he had been for quite a while, long enough that Sirius didn't even want to think about it.
„Thank you," He muttered instead.
Lily looked at him oddly, but didn't comment.
They were all wearing green scarfs.
„I think my family would have been proud of me now," Sirius had joked in the morning when they had spelled their old Gryffindor scarfs.
„Narcissa and Andromeda are always proud of you. Especially when you are a supportive godfather," Remus had replied from the foyer. „How about we get going already? You spent twenty minutes with you hair... you look good, come on."
You look good had hit differently now.
They made their way to the Slytherin stands in the Parents lounge. Severus slipped beside them as well, on Lily's side as usual. Sirius knew the guy had changed and could love whoever he liked. But Sirius still saw the hateful teenager that Snape had been in school, always glued to Lily's side.
Once the game started, Sirius was enchanted. He barely played in school and mostly did it for James, but he always liked the game. Harry's face when he lifted in the air was priceless. Sirius could see James on his first match, James in his Quidditch Captain Attire, James winning the Cup.
The game was tight and Gryffindor played well and fair. Slytherins were aggressive as always, but he did note that Harry hovered above the fray most of the time. That should calm Lily's nerves.
Harry's face changed when he got sight of the snitch. Sirius couldn't see it yet, but he never had what it took for a seeker.
„Harry saw the Snitch," He whispered to his companions. Lily was gripping Severus's hand – unconsciously, Sirius guesses. Severus looked like he was in a trance. Remus for once was actually watching the game. That was a first for Sirius. Back in school, Moony would come to most games and even some training sessions, but he always got a book for when he got bored. Now he watched the game, careful and slightly worried and in awe.
Harry was on the chase. The Gryffindor Seeker whose name Sirius didn't bother to learn was after him, a bit too late though. Harry's broom started to shake uncontrollably. Harry looked distressed and worried as the school standard broom buckled underneath him.
Sirius was on his feet and with his wand out to help steady Harry, so was Lily and Remus while Severus was muttering a counter curse under his breath.
Draco and a girl with frizzy hair that Sirius assumed to be Hermione rose from the seats and chanted something. In a few seconds, all the school robes, the Quidditch gears, the banners and the scarfs turned a violent pink.
For a few seconds the only sound was Harry fighting his broom. But that stopped, either to Severus or the panic that was caused by the young spell casters, Sirius was not sure, but he was grateful nevertheless.
Everyone looked around confused. There was so much pink around that Sirius laughed. Severus looked stern in his pink scarf and Sirius laughed harder.
There was a whistle. His eyes returned to the field. Harry got the snitch in his hand.
„ And Harry Potter got the snitch ensuring the victory for..." The commenter looked lost.
„Pink team!" Sirius screamed.
McGonagall gave him a stern look from the Professors' lounge. He remembered that look; she would give him detention now if she could.
Harry looked on smiling and smug, most people were cheering, but some Gryffindors and even Slytherins were throwing his godson mean looks.
„Slytherin won the game," McGonagall said in a tight voice. „But Hermione Granger and Draco Black – you two report to me after Christmas for detention."
„But Professor, it was all my idea!" Harry insisted.
„Very well. Granger, Black – and Potter. Hopefully, the time spend in detention will help them pick better leaders next time," McGonagall said in a tight voice.
„Now I feel like I am a student again," Sirius whispered to Remus.
„This is your bad influence," Severus said in a low voice.
„The feeling to rebel and stand for what you believe in? No, that is all James," Sirius said defiant.
Lily was shocked. „My son got his first detention..."
„It's a huge milestone, we should celebrate," Sirius said cheerily.
They decided to host the Christmas party in Grimmauld Place this year. Sirius and Remus spent a lot of time trying to decorate the house. The library really liked Remus and Sirius, but the other rooms shook the decorations off the moment their backs were turned.
And then there was mistletoe sprouting everywhere...
Remus was talking about the Lovegood girl and how smart and lively she was. Sirius was really listening, but then his eyes fell to Remus's lips and pop... a mistletoe. And it kept happening too. Whenever Sirius looked at Moony too long or stared at his lips, the house sprouted more.
So the only decorated room was the library that hosted a big tree Sirius was quite proud of. Most of the food was brought by the others since both Sirius and Remus were pants at cooking and Kreacher barely made them breakfast.
They did manage to make punch, spiced and regular one for the kids, eggnog and got some butterbeer. Molly sent over the turkey and Narcissa the sweets, since her house elves did not went rouge. Lily worked all through the holiday and had no time for cooking, but promised to make the mashed potatoes and bring the vegetables.
The Weasleys were all visiting Charlie in Romania, except for Ron so they had him over for dinner as well. Thank god for Molly's cooking. Remus was very proud when Charley got into the dragon taming program.
Harry had been over already exploring the house top to bottom. He didn't like the Tapestry and Walburga's portrait, but it couldn't he helped. The house looked less dusty and more lived in, but it still didn't obey their commands. They tried to lock everything dangerous – dark magical artefacts, books or rare potion ingredients – in the attic. And when they went to check on Harry in his room he was reading a book about Animagi.
Harry really liked his room and the room seemed to be partial to him. Maybe it felt he was a Slytherin. The whole room was draped in green and Slytherin banners.
Harry was already over on the night of the dinner. Lily would drop by straight after her shift. Usually they gave their presents after dinner on Christmas– a tradition they got over the years so everyone could go home with their gift.
Remus was the one that put all the presents beneath the tree under a charm to keep Harry away from them. Sirius did give him the Nimbus 2000 knowing that Lily would have to accept it now since it was Christmas.
He knew Remus gave Harry a wizarding chess set, but he was confident his present was cooler. It was a good idea to hide them last night since Harry was awake at seven in the morning... and of course he woke them up as well.
They made their way to the kitchen groggy. Harry was inspecting the tree to see if he could make the present appear in any way and Sirius was making sure he couldn't, because anything was possible with his godson. Ron was still sleeping, as a smart boy he had locked his door against Harry's insistence.
„Here you go!" Remus's voice called from his right and handed him a hot cup of tea.
„Thank you, Moony!" Sirius smiled and again the damn mistletoe appeared above their heads.
So far Remus hadn't said anything about it. Sirius didn't even know if he saw it too or just him since... he was the only one that wanted to kiss his best friend.
„What is that!?" Harry called.
Sirius gulped.
„What is what, pup?"
„That thing above your heads... Is it mistletoe?" Harry's voice sound closer, but Sirius couldn't tear his eyes from Remus's face.
„The house makes it," Remus said in a strange voice.
„On its own?"
„Yes, Harry, it is a very old and magic house." He added in his teacher voice. „Some wizarding houses are so full of magic that after a long number of years, they start developing a mind of their own."
„So why the house's mind makes mistletoe?" His godson innocent voice called.
Ron chose this perfect moment to trope down the stairs and distract Harry.
For a fleeting moment, Sirius locked eyes with Remus. Big brown chocolate eyes. Scared, hopeful and so familiar to his own. Unconsciously Sirius moved closer.
And the damn Floo went off. Lily was a cockblock, Sirius cursed. Or a savior. He had no idea what would have happened if he went through with it.
The guests trickled in after that. The dinner was good. Harry got the most presents as usual, even Molly sent a knitted green jumper with an H on it, matching the one she sent for Ron, red with an R.
Draco took his presents with a wonder on his face that made Sirius hurt inside. He nodded and thanked everyone with the cold pride of his mother, but knowing that mask so well, Sirius could see the cracks.
Everyone was full with wine and cheer and the kids were in the library playing chess. Narcissa and Andromeda were laughing in a corner about some family or the other, their Black side showing.
Ted and Remus were sharing tales about Dora. They were laughing and Remus's face seemed to light up and... here was the damn mistletoe.
Sirius rose hoping no one saw it and made his way to check on the boys in the library.
Ron and Harry were playing with his new chess set and Draco was reading a book. Well, he did look like it, but Sirius saw him mutter moves that Harry could have made under his breath.
Sirius smiled to himself and went back, hoping he had it under control. He heard raised voices though and took a detour.
„I told you it was a bad idea to move in here," Lily's voice sounded soft, like talking to a frightened animal.
„I know..." Remus's voice was so broken. „I thought I could do it..."
„There is mistletoe everywhere, Lupin."
„I know! I do not know what to do!"
„If living arrangements are a problem, you can always move in with us... Harry is away most of the year at school." Lily said reassuring.
Whatever Remus said, if he did, was lost in the rush of blood Sirius felt through all of his being. Remus knew about his feelings and wanted to leave because he didn't feel the same... His stupid feelings could make Remus go away... No, he would not allow it, he would burry everything. It was not something to lose Moony over.
He turned around and entered the living room where the others were still talking merry like nothing was wrong. Like Sirius's world didn't suffer a tear.
The rest of the evening went by. Sirius didn't remember talking to anyone. He remembered all the conversations Remus had though, and how many times mistletoe appeared – two. And the time he got so mad he actually burnt one. Anything to get Remus to stay.