A/N: Wow, I really can't believe it has been over five years since I started writing this and I am nearly at the end. This is the penultimate chapter. And it feels weird to be finally finishing it. I never thought it would be as long as it is, but it's the same length as The Half Blood Prince! I've written it everywhere. On trains, planes, ferries, tube (yes, did miss my stop a couple of times and go to the end of the District Line). Up mountains. On beaches etc.

A massive thank you to my wonderful beta Ambush99

Chapter 50

"Are you ready for this?" James said, as they both stepped out from protective wards around his house.

"Sure, it's not as if I have a choice."

"Mate, you don't have to, if you don't want to," James replied, watching his friend carefully. Dark circles still marked his eyes. He still looked a touch pale, but a hundred times better than he did a couple of nights ago.

Sirius rolled his eyes but smiled. "James, let's be realistic for a moment. I am head of the Auror department. A couple of nights ago I killed Voldemort and then made several arrests. If you think people don't think I should be in the Ministry, then you are deluded. I shouldn't have taken the time I did, but I wouldn't have been able to operate if I hadn't."

"That, and it could have been a tad embarrassing if mum had turned up and dragged you home."

"Yeah, that too," Sirius laughed. He looked around for a moment, taking in the beautiful landscape. He ran a hand through his hair. "How's your work? Did you manage to get anything done when we were there?"

"I tried to. I picked up a piece of parchment and started reading it, but gave up after I realised I had been reading the same line for the last thirty minutes. It will be alright, I mean it will be pretty crap and all, but nothing compared to yours."

Sirius found a smile. "Kingsley has been doing a good job running it in my absence. So, paperwork should be kept to a minimum. It's just the fallout and well, you know."

"Yeah," James replied, with raised eyebrows. "Look mate, don't let that wanker get you down. I don't know what he's been doing since we left, but from the sounds of things, nothing."

"Dawlish certainly didn't have anything favourable to say about him. But still," Sirius replied with a shrug. "I guess we better get going, we're not going to solve anything here."

"Yeah, we better get going if we want to get to the pub in reasonable time. Did I tell you Remus will be joining us?"

"No, how did he manage to get the time off? I can only imagine the school is a bit of a nightmare right now. Can you imagine what it would have been like if we had been there when this happened?" Sirius replied, grinning.

"It would have been better than our end of NEWTs celebrations. I hope Harry is helping out. Thankfully, he does have the pranking part from me."

Sirius grinned and slapped his friend over the back of his head. "Mate, we really better get going."

"Sure," James said, eyeing his friend, hoping the Minister didn't attack him too badly. "I'm serious mate, don't listen to that bastard. You are ten times the person he is. You always have been."

"Thanks James," Sirius replied, not quite believing him, but he added a smile for good measure. Without a further word they apparated outside the Ministry.

"Are you ready mate?" James said, as he landed next to his friend.

"As much as I will ever be. I've got to do it sometime, and the longer I leave it, the worse it will be."

"And remember, if he starts having a go at you, just imagine him naked."

"What?! Really Prongs?! Really?! I now cannot get that mental image out of my head, and it's not a pleasant one."

"Sorry, it's what dad told me when I was nervous talking in front of a crowd," James replied, with a shrug.

"Dad gives great advice, but this is not something I am going to use. So, the Ministry Prongs, shall we?" Sirius replied, jokingly sweeping his hand forward.

"Sure," James replied, as he stepped into the floo point. He had thought about linking his house to the network, but ultimately had decided against it. Security was one thing. The other was he quite valued his private life.

Sirius flinched slightly as he stepped out the fire into the Atrium. The long hall, with its high ceilings, was full of people, chattering. He could have a couple of guesses what they were talking about but, as the hall slowly became deadly quiet as he and James made their way through the crowds to the lifts, he knew he would only need one guess. Voldemort. And him. People stopped and stared at him open mouthed. He wished they wouldn't. It unnerved him. He just wanted to get back and work like any other Ministry employee.

Sensing his friend's discomfort, James threw his arm around his shoulders and guided him towards the lifts. "As I was saying mate, I'm telling you the Tornados will win the league. You'd be mad to put money on the Falcons. You might as well piss money down the drain."

Sirius took a moment to figure out what James was doing. But that was James, his best friend, the one person who truly understood him, the person who had always had his back, the person who had offered his unwavering support throughout this whole mess. "Where's your sense of chance? How often do the Tornados get a bit cocky towards the end of the season and blow away their lead?"

"True, but the Falcons?! Come on Sirius, at least choose a team who has a chance and not one because you fancy the keeper!" James joked, as they stepped into the lift. He waited for the doors to close, before continuing, "You okay?"

"Yeah, it was just a bit weird, that's all," Sirius replied, as he leant back against the lift walls and took a careful breath. "Just, when it's been you and I, and then that. They stood there and stared at us, not saying anything."

"It was a bit," James replied, watching his friend for a moment. "I hate to say it, but you're going to have to get used to it. It will die down eventually."

"And you think you won't have to deal with this? You were there as well, remember?"

"Yeah, but I didn't kill the bastard," James replied. He stopped when the lift doors slid open. "You okay from here, Padfoot?"

Sirius forced himself to stand tall, rolled his shoulders and nodded. "Mate, this is the easy bit. These guys saw me a couple of days ago. They know the story, it's bloody Fudge I'm not looking forward to."

"Well, if you need backup, let me know."

"Cheers. I'm sure I will be fine, but it's good to know," Sirius replied, as he walked out of the lift. "Good luck as well, mate. I'm sure your colleagues will welcome you back, not like the rest of the Ministry."

"I'm not worried about that, just the bloody paperwork on my desk," James laughed. "See you in a bit, and remember, we need to be back at mine for six. Then we are headed to the Nag's Head to see Remus."

Sirius smiled and waved his hand at the closing doors. Right, he thought to himself. Right, let's get back to work. A bit of paperwork. A bit of catching up with Kingsley and then, he would probably have to deal with Fudge. Pushing open the doors, he strode back into his department.

"Kinglsey," he greeted.

"Sirius, good to see you again," Kingsley replied, as he stepped forward. He had been waiting for Sirius ever since he had owled him. "You look better," he observed.

"It's amazing what a decent night's sleep in your own bed and home cooked food will do for you," Sirius replied smiling.

"I can imagine."

Sirius made various nods, smiles and hellos, as he walked through the department. "Seems a bit quiet," he observed, noting the empty desks.

"I gave a few people the day off. We've been running on fumes for the last few months," Kingsley explained, as they walked into Sirius's office. "I hope that's okay."

"Yeah, that's totally fine. I would imagine we've been the busiest department in the whole Ministry," Sirius replied, as he carefully sank down behind his desk, silently groaning at the paperwork.

"Don't worry, that's not all yours," Kingsley replied, watching his boss's expression. "I'll clear it up in a bit. There's the appraisal forms."

"When do they need to be in by?"

"Today."

"Crap," Sirius muttered, grabbing a quill, and started to scribble his signature. "I trust there's nothing crazy in there."

"No," Kingsley replied, shaking his head. "Everyone has done a great job, especially under the circumstances."

Sirius looked up when there was a knock at the door. "Yes?"

"Sirius, Fudge has called the WP meeting," Dawlish said, as he stepped into the room.

"Fuck," Sirius replied, running a hand through his hair.

"I can go if you want," Kingsley offered.

"No, I need to go. When is it?"

"In five minutes."

"Fuck, he's still pulling this shit?!"

"Yup," Kingsley replied, nodding. "You know as well as I do, he doesn't want us there."

"Yeah. Fine," Sirius said, standing and running a hand over his face. "I'm sorry Kingsley, I'm going to have to come back to this. But I trust your judgement." Without a further word, he strode out of the office and towards the lift, dodging various Ministry workers. He knew they were interested, and they deserved answers, but he couldn't deal with them right now.

Less than five minutes later he arrived outside the plush cabinet room. He paced up and down for a moment, trying to collect his thoughts. Trying to prepare himself for what lay within those walls. He sighed, knowing he couldn't hold it off for any longer. He took a breath and pushed the door open.

"My apologies Ministers, my department was only just informed about the change of time," he said, ignoring the stares and silence as he made his way to the spare chair between Amelia Bones and Howard Temperance, Head of Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.

"No problem," Fudge replied, in a sickly, false voice. "As I was saying before I was interrupted, we need to deal with the fallout from the war."

Sirius nodded, ignoring Fudge's very unsubtle dig at him, and watched the room. Everyone looked tired and worn down, but there was something else. Something he hadn't seen before he left. They were all looking at Fudge with discontent. He sank back in the chair, interlaced his fingers, and watched, barely listening to the conversation around him, until his ears picked up at a certain word, 'werewolves'. It focused his mind as he eyeballed the toad of a woman in pink.

"As I have stated on numerous occasions, we need to round up the werewolves."

Sirius took a breath, as he made a vain attempt to restrain himself. "You are unbelievable!" he exclaimed, staring at Umbridge with a look of utter disgust. "In the space of twenty years we have fought two wars because of someone's bigoted ideology and now you want to do the same!"

"Now Mr. Black, I hardly think," Umbridge started nervously, as she looked around the silent room for support and found none.

"I think that's the problem, you never think. You are Voldemort, if he stuck on a pink dress and put a bow in his hair. No," Sirius half laughed, not attempting to restrain himself. Nor did he care. "You're worse than him. At least Voldemort didn't pretend to be anything other than a power hungry, murdering, sadist bastard."

"Mr. Black, I think-" Fudge started.

"And neither do you think. This war would have been over a lot earlier, in fact it may have never happened if you had just thought. How many people died needlessly because you refused to take action? How much blood do you have on your hands?"

"Mr. Black, please!" Fudge exclaimed, tapping a shaking hand nervously against the table.

"Okay," Sirius replied tensely, his nostrils flaring.

"What Madam Umbridge is proposing is a very reasonable law."

"Are you honestly going to allow your lap dog - or is she the puppet master - are you going to allow her to introduce this bigoted, racist policy into law?!"

"It's for the best!" Umbridge snapped, slamming her fist onto the table. "They are beasts!"

"No, they aren't. One night a month they are dangerous. But apart from that, they are no more dangerous than any of us. If I could figure that out as a twelve-year-old, I'm struggling to work out why educated adults can't."

"You're not at school anymore Sirius," Fudge said, practically spitting Sirius' name. "You're not playing games with a wolf."

"If you are referring to Professor Lupin, then please show him the respect he and his position deserve," Howard Temperance said, speaking up for the first time.

"Well-"

"My department has had a lot of dealings with Professor Lupin and honestly you would struggle to find a kinder, more intelligent, honourable individual. He has a condition that affects him for one night a month. He always takes above and beyond precautions during a full moon."

"But someone with his condition at a school?!"

"Mrs. Ericsson, I believe the school is expecting record OWLs and NEWTs in History of Magic this year?" Howard asked, speaking over Fudge and Umbridge.

"Yes, and it's heavily oversubscribed next year. We are looking at adding classes, but this is obviously troublesome with Professor Lupin's schedule," Louise Ericsson, Head of Education, filled in, ignoring Umbridge's outburst.

"Well, if you employ something with that condition," Umbridge spat.

"No dear, there are only twenty-four hours in the day. And the Professor does need time to mark the students' work, as well as eat and sleep," Louise replied dismissively. "Professor Lupin has my department's full support," she added, glaring at the squat woman in pink.

"As Mr. Black has pointed out, in the last twenty years we have fought two wars based on ideology, and I, for one, don't want to fight a third. I have lost too many friends, too many family members to these wars. My department has worked out how to manage the werewolf situation, not through control but by making wolfsbane more affordable. Frankly, I think it should be free. You don't pay for your treatment at St. Mungo's if you are hurt, or ill, so why should someone suffering from lycanthropy have to pay for something that makes their condition more manageable and safer for everyone involved," Howard stated. He took a moment to look around the room at the people nodding in agreement. "I think we need to take it further. We need to reach out to them. How many more witches and wizards have been infected with lycanthropy during this war? How many of them will now need to go into hiding because of our barbaric policies? How many children will be denied an education because we are so backward as a society? We are only forcing them underground. We are creating the conditions for a third wizarding war. As Mr. Black pointed out, if he and his friends could figure this out when they were twelve, why can't we?!"

"What does wolfsbane do?" enquired Tim Macintyre, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

"It turns them into a regular wolf. I'm not sure how it affects other werewolves, but Remus is pretty docile. He generally just curls up and sleeps," Sirius replied quietly.

"You've been there when he transforms?" Tim asked tentatively.

Sirius nodded, as he interlocked his fingers. "Obviously not in human form. It was the reason I became an animagi."

"So, you've seen him transform into a full werewolf?"

Sirius nodded again. "It's horrendous and terrifying but that's why we had to become animagi. So we could help him."

"How?"

"It distracts the wolf. It doesn't feel the need to attack itself as it's not alone. I can't imagine how terrified he must have been to go through all of that, to go through all of that pain alone, when he was five years old. No, people suffering from lycanthropy deserve better."

"Werewolves are monsters who attack-"

"Yes, there are depraved werewolves who actively attack people to infect or kill, but they are the minority. The majority are normal people who have to go through a horrific event alone, without support and with no painkillers. But as I said, these are the majority not the sadistic minority. There are corrupt, sinister, vile witches and wizards who kill or want to introduce barbaric laws which makes our society segregated, and places people as second class citizens with no rights just because they do not fit someone's ideals," Sirius replied quietly, with a sharp edge to his voice.

"Right," Fudge started, with a light, positive yet nervous voice, as he bobbed up and down on his chair. "So, I don't think we are getting anywhere on this topic. I think everyone is still a bit emotional from the events of the last couple of days."

"Of course, I think everyone is a little tired," Umbridge continued, ignoring the looks of disbelief and raised eyebrows. "Now, Goblins."

"Are you serious?!" Tim exclaimed. "I work with them every day. Yes, they can be difficult, but they are happy to work with us because it earns them gold. You put restrictions on them, you can kiss our economy goodbye overnight," Tim replied calmly, eyeballing Umbridge. "What is your problem with, err, other beings?"

"They are dangerous!" Umbridge spat.

"No more dangerous than you," Tim cut in. "You want to drive out people and other species, segregate them, force them underground. And you want to destroy our economy. Our whole banking system! Whether you realise it or not, you are creating another war."

"People, people," Fudge started nervously. "I think we need to rein this in. I think we need to talk about combat."

Amelia Bones shook her head and tried not to smile. "Minister, honestly, don't embarrass yourself. Don't talk about your combat experience in front of him," she said, pointing at Sirius.

"Well, talking about him. I think, I'm not sure he is suitable to be in his position," Fudge spat out, ignoring Sirius' presence.

"Mr. Black has my, and my whole department's, support," Amelia replied, fixing a cold glare.

"I second that," Howard replied.

"I support the motion," Tim replied.

Amelia looked around the room, seeing a full room of support, bar Fudge and Umbridge. "Is there anything else you would like to discuss?"

"No," Fudge huffed, as he stood up. "Next week's agenda will be sent out in due course." Without a further word he quickly left the room, with Umbridge in tow.

Tim looked around the room. "Right, now I think we need to discuss the most pressing issue. Sirius, I'm sorry, are you okay with me addressing you like that?" Tim asked politely.

Sirius waved his hand dismissively. "No problem."

"Excellent, and please call me Tim. Firstly, can I extend my, my family's and my whole department's sincere gratitude for what you did."

Amelia nodded. "I think I am safe in saying this, I can extend that gratitude on behalf of the whole wizarding community."

Sirius nodded; his cheeks slightly flushed. "Thanks," he replied shyly.

Tim looked around, realising Sirius didn't want to continue with that line of conversation. He cleared his throat and continued. "As I was saying, Sirius, I'm not sure how much you are aware of what has been happening in the Ministry."

"Not a lot. I didn't want to draw any unnecessary attention to myself," Sirius explained.

Tim nodded. "I understand. Fudge's leadership has been called into question for a considerable amount of time. But with Crouch in the Cabinet, it offered a degree of stability. With his unfortunate demise, it left the Ministry exposed. We wanted to push for a replacement but, with the climate as it was, well, the general consensus was-"

"It would threaten to destabilise the Ministry further?" Sirius offered.

"Yes," Tim replied. He watched Sirius for a moment but read nothing. But he wasn't surprised. The man was head of the Aurors. He had been a secret keeper for thirteen years but had never broken. Unsurprisingly, his Occlumency skills were second to none. "With Voldemort gone and the arrests of his key lieutenants, it gives us the great opportunity of change."

"So?" Sirius asked, with a raised eyebrow, volunteering no information.

"I am proposing a vote of no confidence."

"What does that involve?" Sirius asked unnecessarily, having read the process previously.

"We vote as members of the Cabinet. If two thirds approve it, the motion will be debated before the Wizengamot. If two thirds vote in favour, the motion is carried," Tim explained.

"I think it's time we vote on this issue, unless someone objects," Howard spoke up. The room muttered in approval. "Amelia, can you record this? All in favour in the vote of no confidence for Cornelius Fudge?"

Amelia looked around the room, recording the vote. She looked down, trying to hide her slight smile.

"All against?" Howard continued. "Amelia, do we have a result?"

"Yes, we do," Amelia replied, clearing her voice. "Nine votes in favour. None against. Two absent votes. Motion carried."

"Will you deliver this to the Wizengamot?"

"With pleasure," Amelia replied, not trying to hide her smile.

"Unless anyone has anything else, I think we should draw this meeting to a close," Howard said. He watched the other members shake their heads. "For obvious reasons, I'm not sure when the next meeting will take place."

"I need the Hogwarts budget signed off," Louise said.

"Of course. Shall we hold this meeting at the same time next week?" Tim asked. He watched the people in the room nod, before confirming the meeting.

Sirius stood and looked around the room for a moment. Well, that wasn't how he had expected his first encounter with Fudge to go. He didn't know if it was better or worse than Fudge trying to grind him down. It was certainly more dramatic than he had envisioned it. But was it a good thing? Would he come to be known as the dramatic one? He had definitely had that reputation at school, and a little afterwards but, as the years wore on, he slowly began to lose it. Of course, then he had seemingly disappeared. Most believed he was guilty of the most horrendous crimes. He had reappeared with the truth, and the dramatics returned, not that it was his doing. Sure, he had somehow survived the killing curse performed by Voldemort, and yes, Voldemort had somehow disappeared as a result of it. But he didn't want the dramatics. He just wanted to live his life like any other thirty something year old.

"Sirius?"

Sirius turned around, trying to shake the thoughts from his head and concentrate. "Yes," he managed, as he faced Amelia.

"I just want to reiterate what I said in there before. I cannot thank you enough for what you did."

Sirius slowly shook his head and found a small smile. "Amelia, I was just doing my job. You know that."

"Sure, but we both know it was more than that," Amelia replied with a smile. "If you need anything, if you need time off, anything at all, just let me know."

Sirius smiled, and looked away for a moment. "No, I'm fine. Thank you, though."

"If you change your mind, it's not a problem. I know we weren't sitting here idly, twiddling our thumbs, but we weren't doing what you and Mr. Potter were doing."

Sirius sighed and looked away for a moment. He wished people would stop referring to what they thought he had done. He had done the only thing he could. It was his purpose to bring down Voldemort. He was the only one who could do so. So, why did people think it was such a big thing? He closed his eyes for a moment and thought of the paperwork on his desk. "Actually Amelia, would it be possible to get a day's grace on the appraisals? I'm slightly drowning in paperwork and I wouldn't want my team to be adversely affected due to my absence."

"Of course, Sirius, take the week."

"Thank you," Sirius replied with a nod. "I better get back to the office and try to sort through some of it."

"Some of it can wait, and remember, it's likely we will be going through some big changes in the coming weeks, so use them to your advantage," Amelia replied, eyeing her subordinate carefully.

"Thanks again," Sirius replied as he slowly, with as much grace as he could, left the room. He looked around and cautiously stepped into the lift, hoping he wouldn't come across anyone else. He just needed peace and quiet. As the lift doors opened, he stood for a moment, his figure hidden in the shadows as a large group of people walked past. It was taking him ten times longer to get anywhere. Everyone wanted to stop and talk to him. Shake his hand. Hug him. Kiss him. It had been nearly three years since he had escaped Voldemort's hell hole, but he still wasn't overly comfortable with human contact, apart from a select few. So, this recent overpowering urge of people to touch him, coupled with the months of self-isolation, then only having the company of one person, was overwhelming him. He glanced up and down the corridor, checking it was clear, before stepping out of the shadows. He needed to speak to someone. Someone who understood him. Someone who wouldn't judge him. But he needed someone other than James. He needed to speak to his dad. With this in mind, he stepped out the shadows and quickly moved towards the apparation room.

"Mr. Black, it's an honour," one of the apparation room guards said, sweeping into a deep bow.

"Thank you," Sirius replied awkwardly. "Are any of the spots free?"

"They are all free for you, sir," the guard continued in a deep, respectful voice.

"Thank you." Without a further word, Sirius closed his eyes and thought of the Potter Manor. He thought of home and of the first time he had truly felt safe. He felt the familiar tug at his navel, before he felt as though he had been pushed through a tight tube. A few, uncomfortable seconds later, he arrived just outside the anti apparation wards of the Potter Manor. He tapped his wand against the invisible barrier. Recognising family, they let him in without a further do.

"Dad?" He called out as he opened the door, kicking off his boots as he stepped in. "It's Sirius," he added unnecessary.

"Sirius!" Fleamont replied, stepping out of his office with a wide smile. "How are you my boy?"

"I'm," Sirius started, as he considered his words. He thought about sugar coating it but what was the point? His adoptive father would see right through it in an instant and what good would it do him? "Dad, I don't know," he settled on.

Fleamont nodded. "Come on, let's have a beer and chat," he said, placing his arm around his adoptive son. Walking through the house, he handed Sirius a beer as they walked into the garden. "Your mum will go mad if she sees that," he said, looking down at Sirius' bare feet.

"What?" Sirius exclaimed, looking down at his feet.

"You know her, you might step on something or catch a cold."

"Dad, it's 30c, I very much doubt it."

"Son, you're her little boy. It doesn't matter how old you are, or what you've done. You are still her little boy."

Sirius looked down at his feet and flexed his toes. The full weight of Fleamont's words seemed to lighten the weight on his shoulders. He was someone, not some hero, or whatever the wizarding world wanted to call him. He took a large sip of his beer and looked out into the meadow, watching Lancelot leap and chase an imaginary prey. He closed his eyes as he allowed the scene in front of him to sink in.

"It's weird, how similar you two look," Fleamont started.

"What?"

"Your animagus form and Lancelot."

"You've seen my animagus form?"

Fleamont nodded. "A few times. When you first came back. I knew you were an animagus; James had told us. I was just a little surprised to find a dirty great big deerhound lying there, not my son."

"I'm-"

"Why?"

"Remus-"

"I know why you became one, but why did you transform?"

Sirius looked away and bit his lip, knowing what Fleamont was actually asking. "Because a dog's emotions are less complex than a human's."

Fleamont nodded sadly. He placed a hand on Sirius' shoulder. "Do you need to transform now?"

"I don't know," Sirius replied quietly.

Fleamont pulled his son closer. "Do whatever you need to do. I am here. I will always be here for you."

Sirius squeezed his eyes tightly, as tears threatened. "I, I don't know, dad. People expect me to have all the answers, but I don't. They think I'm, I don't know, a god, a saviour. But I'm not. They think, oh I don't know. I get they are happy, but I'm, I don't know. I'm just Sirius."

Fleamont held his son close. "I don't know what those people want, but you will always be more than just Sirius to me. You are my son. You are kind. You are brave. You are intelligent. You are funny. You are a terrible loser when you are playing chess. You like weird things for breakfast, but I love you. You may not be my flesh and blood, but you might as well be."

"What do I do?" Sirius replied quietly, closing his eyes as he leant his head against Fleamont's shoulder.

"Go on holiday. Get away from all of this."

"Get away?" Sirius questioned, pulling away and looking at Fleamont.

"Get away from the wizarding world."

"I don't understand. "

"Sirius, there is no two ways about it, you are famous. You will be famous for the rest of your life."

"I was just doing my job," Sirius replied quietly.

"I know," Fleamont said, holding his son close. "I know it was your job, but it doesn't mean I'm not damn proud of you. I've always been proud of you."

"So, you think I should go on holiday?"

"Yes, if anyone in our society has earned one, it's you. Just take a couple of months. James's boss has given him the summer off, you need to do at least the same."

"But Fudge, dad, it's complicated."

"What's happening with that illiterate bully?"

"The Cabinet voted on a vote of no confidence. It passed."

Fleamont nodded. "When does it go before the Wizengamot?"

"I'm not sure. I think in a couple of days."

"Good. It's about time something happened."

"But, well-"

"No Sirius, as a Cabinet member you voted on it, but now it's out of your hands. I hope the Wizengamot carry the motion, but there is nothing you can do," Fleamont said, cutting his son off, as he watched him trying to interject. "Regardless of the vote, there will be changes for sure, but you will be fine."

"Dad?"

"Fudge maybe an illiterate idiot, but he's not suicidal. He's not going to get rid of you. Like it or not, you are the wizarding world's darling."

"But the trials?"

"You cannot be anywhere near them. Your cousin. Your cousin-in-law. Others who you knew growing up. I know the arrests were 100% above board, but if I was their lawyer, and you were anywhere near the trials, I would be calling for the case to be dismissed."

"But dad, I have to ask Fudge."

"Why? Yes, you are a Cabinet member, but you work under the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, so any HR requests will need to go through them. You need to speak to Amelia Bones."

"It just seems, well, I don't know. I've been away for so long," Sirius struggled.

"Hunting Horcruxes and Voldemort, yes I know. It's not as if you and James were out on a jolly," Fleamont countered.

Sirius allowed his head to drop. "I'm just so tired."

"I know Sirius, I know. You've been fighting this for so long, too long. You need to take a break, get away from it all. Sod internal Ministry politics. Your health is far more important."

Sirius nodded. "I just feel there is so much pressure on me to do, I don't know, do something, react to stuff, have all the answers, but I am so tired it's hard to think straight anymore."

"What do you want to do?"

Sirius closed his eyes and thought for a moment. "Travel."

Fleamont smiled. "Where?"

"Not sure, but Europe is nice this time of year. I might buy a bike and ride all over. I think I'll give camping a break, as I think, over the last year, I've done enough camping."

Fleamont laughed. "Fair enough, son. I think we will wait a bit before telling your mother about the bike."

Sirius returned the laugh. "If she is going to worry about me walking around barefoot in June, then, yes I think it's best we wait until we tell her I'm going to bike all over Europe."

"Oh and, just to let you know, she is planning on sending you to work with food."

Sirius found himself grinning. "Actually dad, do you mind if I crash at yours? James and Lily would never say anything, but I do want to give them their space."

"Oh Sirius!" Fleamont exclaimed, you don't need to even ask that. I will remind you what I told you when you were sixteen. Wherever I live, there will always be a home for you."

"Thanks dad. Can you, can you not tell mum about the bike or the barefoot?"

"Sure," Fleamont replied with a nod and a smile. "Anyway, aren't you due somewhere?"

Sirius looked down at his watch. "Shite," he swore, and then looked up at his dad. "Sorry."

Fleamont rolled his eyes. "Go Sirius. Enjoy the spoils of war. Enjoy the victory. I know you don't want to be front and centre but enjoy it with James and Remus."

Sirius found himself grinning from ear to ear as he thought of his two closest friends. It wasn't about celebrating the victory for him. It wasn't even about celebrating the end of the war. It was the simple notion of having a pint or two with his two friends. Something, forty-eight hours ago he thought would never happen. "Yeah, thanks dad. I'll probably crash at James' tonight, but if it's okay with you, I'll come over tomorrow."

"Of course," Fleamont replied, patting his son's shoulder. "Now go! Enjoy yourself."

"Thanks dad. Thanks for everything!" Sirius replied, grinning and hugging his dad. "Anyway, I better go. I don't want James doing something stupid without me."

"No, he needs his partner in crime. Hopefully, with Remus there, you won't get into too much trouble."

"I doubt that. Bye dad, see you tomorrow." Sirius raised his arm and padded out the garden, picking up his boots as he walked through the house. The pub he thought. Wow, it really hadn't sunk in. He was really alive and going to live as long as he could. He had spent the last year or so thinking he was going to die. Before that, when he was held hostage, he had accepted he was going to die. But now. His whole life stretched in front of him, and he wasn't quite sure what he was going to do with it. But as James said, don't worry, you have your whole life to sort it out. Some plans will work, others won't, and it doesn't matter. Just enjoy the moment.

"Finally!" James exclaimed, as he looked down at his watch. "Cutting it a bit, mate!"

"Sorry, I needed to have a quick chat with dad!

"Oh," James replied, watching his friend carefully for a moment. "Sorry mate."

"Nah," Sirius replied, waving his hand dismissively. "We had a good chat about what has happened and how people are and what I should do."

"What did he say?"

"Well, firstly he suggested I needed to get down the pub with you and Remus. That hopefully Remus would make us more responsible."

"Ha! I doubt it. What else?"

"I go on holiday away from the wizarding world."

"That's not a bad shout, to be honest."

"Yeah, just trying to figure stuff out."

"Fair one, but fuck that tonight. Let's go and get pissed with Moony."

"Yeah," Sirius replied with a massive grin, throwing his arm around James's shoulders. "Let's do that. I never thought I would ever do this again, so, yeah. Fuck it, let's have a proper session. Beer. Firewhiskey. Shots."

"Now, you're talking Padfoot," James replied, grinning from ear to ear, as they stepped together down the street towards the pub.

Remus sat there, looking up briefly from his book, as he carefully nursed a pint. Despite his working at Hogwarts for a year, there were still people that eyed him with distrust. But tonight, he was beyond caring. The last couple of days at the school had been a nightmare. Parties. Fireworks. Everything happening all around the school. He had, of course, silently encouraged it. He had motioned to the Wesley twins to move on, when Filch was walking around the corridor. But regardless, it had been tiring. None of that mattered now. He was about to have a pint, or two, or more than likely several with his two greatest friends. He watched the door open, the crowd slowly growing quiet, and raised an eyebrow.

James put his hand on Sirius's back as they walked into the pub. It was just the way Sirius hoped it wouldn't be, but there was nothing they could do. Sure, they could have had a drink or several at home with Remus, but part of him knew that Sirius needed to get out. The longer he left it, the more curious people would be. This way, most of them would be drunk and could be persuaded back into drinking their pint. Or at least he hoped. "Come on mate, let's get through this and see Moony," he said, placing his hand on Sirius's back, pushing him through the crowd.

"But" Sirius started hesitantly, as a silent crowd formed around himself and James.

"Thanks everyone, but like all of you, Sirius and I just want to come in here and enjoy a drink or two with a friend," James said loudly, as he pushed through the crowd. "I know you might want to thank Sirius, but the poor bastard hasn't had a pint in months, which is positively criminal for a Brit." James smiled as he heard chuckles from the crowd. "I'm sure the Ministry has some fancy ceremony planned but, right now, can two blokes just meet up with a mate and get rat arsed?"

Sirius grinned, as he felt the crowd part. "Mate, how did you do that?"

"What appeals to the basic needs of most people in this pub? Anyway, it's our local. I know you have earned a bit of celebrity status, but here? Sure, you have it, but it's far less than anywhere else."

"Thanks."

"Not a problem," James replied, as they pushed past, unchallenged, through the crowded pub. "Right, let's find Moony!"

Remus smiled, as he watched his two friends walk through the pub. He waved his arm, grinning as he saw James acknowledge it. "Sirius! James!"

"Moony!" James cried, stepping forward and hugging his friend.

"Hey Moony," Sirius replied, with an easy smile.

"Guys!" Remus replied, his voice full of emotion. "Wow, I don't know."

"Mate, we don't know either, so how about we just enjoy the moment?" James suggested.

"Yeah. Yeah, I can do that," Remus replied, the stupid grin not leaving his face as he looked at his two friends. "So, what's your poison?"

"What are you drinking?" Sirius asked, as he sank onto the sofa next to his friend and took his pint, taking a sip. "Whatever this is, I reckon we get a few of these."

"Bishop's Finger."

"Right, a couple of these and some firewhisky. Do you know what else they have behind the bar?" James asked, as he eyed the bar.

"I don't know. It's your local," Remus responded, still grinning.

James shrugged. He started to rise but stopped as Tom the landlord hurried towards them. "James, Professor Lupin and," he paused and bowed, "Auror Black, how can I serve you?"

James looked awkwardly between his friends before returning his attention to Tom. "Can we get, let's see, six Bishop's Finger and a bottle of Firewhisky. Charge it to my account."

"No, James. There will be no charge for you sirs tonight."

"Tom?" James questioned.

"It's the least I could do. And anyway, you lot are the reason I am making my record sales."

"Oh, thanks," James replied awkwardly.

"And Professor Lupin, if anyone gives you any hassle because of your condition, let me know and I will have them barred."

"Err, thank you," Remus replied, looking down for a moment.

"I will leave you gentlemen in peace and bring your drinks," Tom replied, before bowing dramatically and sweeping away.

"Okay, that was," Sirius started, then paused, "well weird."

"Yeah," James replied, exchanging looks with Remus. "Mate," he trailed off.

"I know," Sirius replied, looking at the crowded pub before returning his attention to his friends. "I just want to be, well you know, normal?"

"I get it," Remus replied, nodding. "And I think we'll get it here. Try and chill out, and we'll abuse you. You aren't the saviour to us, you're bloody Sirius."

"Sorry, but I can be serious occasionally."

"You fucking twat," James laughed, punching his arm.

"So, how's the school? I hope they're not perfect," Sirius asked. He leant back on the sofa and took another sip from Remus's pint.

"OI! I will have that, you blood git," Remus exclaimed, taking the pint from his friend. "No, I may have helped a couple of students avoid Filch."

"I knew you had it in you somewhere Moony," James replied. He looked up and his grin broadened as he watched the pints and firewhisky float towards them. "Right boys, let's get stuck in."

"First one out is the rotten egg," Sirius added.

Remus rolled his eyes but smiled as he took the drinks from the floating tray. "Dangerous that, considering you two have been out of training." He added a wicked grin.

"What do you reckon, Padfoot? Shall we have him?" James replied with an evil smile.

"Sure, thing Prongs," Sirius said, as he took his pint and drank deeply. "You are going down, Professor Lupin!"