YourSide, Their Side and the Truth by Mizzy ( )
Part XIII - Natural Assumptions (13.45)
Disclaimer: Harry Potter doesn't belong to me, this is a fan fiction, by a fan for the fans. No money has exchanged hands during its production.
Sirius checked his watch, frowning as he realised that Mercury was well past the fifth house and that it was really time to get some food, maybe a drink. He'd only been chasing after Remus for the last week but it was almost as if the werewolf had disappeared off the face of the earth.
"Perhaps I'm not trying hard enough," he said bitterly, passing one hand through his unruly mess of dark black hair. Then he stopped and sighed. Twisting around he saw his trail of boot prints leading away through the snow. The falling snowflakes were already covering up his trail.
"Perhaps I never did," he added softly. The words echoed morosely through the air. Shaking his head, the animagi folded his arms and sighed again, his breath frosty on the winter air.
He'd tried at first at Azkaban. Everything seemed to be going quite well. Apart from a bit of a rumpus with some of the younger giants last week they'd adapted to their new task. Sirius smiled wanly, remembering Remus' quick tactics of employing the giants to their aid; he knew that once the war was over and the people realised that the giants had been saving them they'd have no choice but to accept them again.
Thinking of Remus again made his stomach tightened and he paused, dizzy. Perhaps the food was a good idea after all, he reflected. Bringing out his wand, he tapped the whippy length of eleven inches of beech containing one single hair against his leg before muttering a few words and disapparating.
He reappeared somewhere not twenty miles south of where he searched outside a friendly Wizarding pub. This was one of the only few Wizarding places in the world and now the fact of his innocence had been steadily proven the inhabitants more than warmed to him, especially considering his connections with Harry Potter. Sirius definitely didn't want to take any kind of advantage from being Harry's godfather, but quite often it was beyond his control.
Trying to shake the majority of the snow off his sodden clothes, he pushed the door of the pub open and strode over to the bar. The barkeep recognized him and smiled.
"Hullo Sirius. Usual, I presume?"
Sirius nodded, his cheeks rosy from the sudden impact of the warmth.
"Yes, thanks David," Sirius said; grinning. For the last three days he'd had his dinner at this pub and it had always been the same; chicken, potato, vegetables, gravy and a pint of some kind of alcoholic substance. Sirius wasn't exactly sure of what it was, except that it warmed him up and for just a few moments let him forget everything. That kind of feeling didn't have a price in the Wizarding world. As David brought over his dinner and drink, and Sirius paid him with a healthy tip, he reflected on that.
"Strange," he said out loud, "how our kind can be so against muggles but really we owe them a lot too."
"Isn't it just?"
Sirius blinked and looked upwards; relief flooding his face when he realised who had spoken.
"Fleur! Fleur Delacour!"
Fleur smiled warmly; tossing her silver hair back over her shoulder and looking pointedly at the empty space. Sirius got it rather quickly and nodded.
"No-one's with me," he said softly. Fleur nodded her thanks and dropped down in the seat opposite; balancing her plate of food and a pile of books in one arm as she sat down. Sirius raised his eyebrows and looked at the titles of the books. "The life and habits of the silver Himalayan/Hebridean wolves" and "Stags: Life and times."
She noticed his gaze and laughed; a laugh which held not much of trace of humour.
"Network business," she said almost regretfully. Sirius sighed and looked down; gripping his glass with his hand.
"So they're employing as young as you now?" He asked, his voice low. Fleur nodded.
"We need all the people we can get," she said, her voice still with the distinct French timbre to it.
Sirius studied her for a second before his gaze moving down to the books. "And they're employing even younger than you," he said softly, closing his eyes in almost disgust. Her eyes lifted up questioningly. "Prongs made a good stag. His son will too."
Fleur gasped quickly. "How did you-"
Sirius lifted up one hand to interrupt her. "Fleur, when you've been in the business shall we say as long as I have you get to know how to read the signs, you get to learn how to read the stars like the centaurs do… And those four are our only hope."
Fleur nodded, her eyes downcast. "It always seems so unfair," she said.
"It always is. That's how the other half play I'm afraid," Sirius said, leaning on his hands his eyes distant and food forgotten.
"Have you heard of the recent attacks?" Fleur asked softly, her food also forgotten.
Sirius shook his head dumbly.
"They're sabotaging all our efforts to keep everything on track so everything will end properly," Fleur said, with a shake of her silver head. "Wizards all over the world have been reporting attacks of these creatures but no-one's been able to get a good glance of them yet at all."
Sirius sighed. "I figured they'd try something like that… They don't want the circle to end, because the circle is exactly what gives them power and everything they want! They have no advantages if the circle broke. Unfortunately Harry's encounter with you-kn..." Sirius bit his lip. "With Mr. Riddle didn't completely finish the cycle like we'd hoped… It did go some considerable way to it, though, which is why they are considerably annoyed at my godson." He grinned rakishly. "I've never been more proud of him," he added; smiling softly.
"You must love Harry very much," Fleur said softly. Sirius nodded, his eyes going distant again. Fleur suspected he was finding it hard not to cry at the mention of Harry's name. Sirius sat there softly before casting his gaze back down to his dinner and without another word to the delicate part-Veela French girl he steadfastly concentrated on devouring his lunch. Fleur watched him silently for a second; noting the pain in his tightened features before returning her attention to her own meal and the books.
Out in the kitchens two thoughtful eyes grazed across the scene before turning away.
"He doesn't want to see me," Remus said dejectedly, leaning against the cupboard sighing. David, the barkeeper, frowned and poked him in the shoulder.
"No cousin of mine is acting like that," David Lupin said firmly. Remus frowned and glared. "If you notice I think the girl is an acquaintance and I bet she's involved in the Network too."
Remus frowned softly. "I… I…" He slumped his shoulders again.
"I have to go back out there," David said, jerking his head back towards the main area of the pub. "Think about it, ok?"
Remus stiffened and turned away. "Yeah…" He said gently. "But he doesn't want to see me."
"Are you putting a bet on that Moony?"
Remus gasped and whirled around abruptly to see Sirius lounging against the doorway. He stepped backwards reflexively.
"Sirius," Remus said tentatively. David looked at the two, noticing the sudden tension in the room and he coughed uncomfortably.
"I'll be leaving you to it," he said; moving backwards. As he caught up with Sirius at the door he leaned into the black-haired man. "You hurt my cousin and I will kill you," he hissed before moving away and letting the door slide shut.
"I… I didn't expect to see you here," Remus said almost fearfully.
Sirius rolled his eyes. "You would have been expecting someone at least." He stared at Remus for a long second, noticing with dismay the ragged figure beneath the shabby robes. He rummaged in his robes pockets and withdrew a large flask. "The potion. Snape sent some up for you." Sirius held it up and cautiously Remus stepped forwards to retrieve it. Looking up to say thank you, Remus was shocked and surprised to see tears in Sirius' eyes. Remus took the flask and set it to the side before impulsively engulfing the taller man in a crushing hug. Sirius stayed in the embrace perhaps a moment too long… Or maybe not even long enough. He pulled back long enough to wipe his face on his sleeves.
"Why did you come Sirius?" Remus asked sharply.
Sirius blinked. "To give you the potion."
Remus walked away and leaned his forehead against the cool surface of the silver-metallic fridge David kept in his kitchen.
"That's not the only reason," Remus said closely, his eyes screwing up.
"I didn't say it was," Sirius said mildly.
"Anyone could have done it. Heck it could have even been transported to me by owl post," Remus said flatly; turning around and folding his arms. "Why did you come here?" He repeated.
"I had to see you again," Sirius' words came out in a rush. "The whole thing with the giants was all business, we had no time to talk and it was the kids who convinced me not to let something like this go from small petty arguments. But I know that if it wasn't for my stupid idea that Peter should be the secret-keeper, then James and Lily would.. would be alive, so I guess… I guess I came to apologise and ask if you could ever forgive me…" Sirius' gaze dropped to the floor and he was so absorbed in his thoughts that he almost didn't notice Remus crossing the floor and putting his thin arms around Sirius' lanky frame again.
"You daft coot," Remus whispered wonderingly. "If anything you should hate me I didn't believe that you hadn't done it…"
"It was a natural assumption," Sirius said glumly. "If I was in your place I would have believed I'd done it. And if –"
"Shut the hell up, Sirius."
The words slipped out and Sirius stopped in shock. Remus pulled back and held Sirius at arm's length, studying him carefully before smiling.
"We couldn't have done anything to stop what has happened. And we like hell can't change it. All we can do now is cherish the good times and remember them in a good way. And help sort out this whole sorry mess without feeling sorry for ourselves all the time!"
Sirius started to look ashamed.
"I –" Sirius started.
"—talk too much, yes I know," Remus finished. "We're both square, right?"
Sirius met Remus' eyes, shocked and befuddled. "I…" He smiled reluctantly. "Square," he agreed softly.
"Good," Remus noted before pulling the startled Sirius into a kiss. Sirius' eyes widened for a fraction of a second as he realised what was going on and closed his eyes as he melted into the kiss; memories of past moments like that flooding back in the simple, warm touch of his beloved and they both knew – all past discretions were forgiven, all broken barriers were mended, all old ties were immediately as strong as before if not stronger.
Remus pulled back eventually as the need for oxygen came quite urgent; a twinkle replacing his old saddened expression.
"I shut you up," Remus said with a slightly dazed expression.
"I'll give you shut up," Sirius returned; the only hint as to what he was going to do was betrayed by a slightly roguish expression as Sirius entangled his hands in his beloved's hair and yanked the other closer. Remus let out a startled: "Oomph!" as their lips met forcefully together. Nothing much was said in the next few minutes as the two melded together almost as if they'd never been apart.
"Ahem."
A slightly exaggerated cough from the doorway made the two men realise that they weren't exactly alone and they leapt apart almost as if they were electrocuted; blushing like hormonal teenage boys caught in the act by a teacher. Fleur was leaning against the doorpost looking highly amused.
"I just came to say goodbye…" she said softly; her lilting French accent filling the kitchen. Remus was flushing a brilliant crimson and Sirius looked entirely ruffled but still quite cool. "And to wish you well in your continued life together."
Remus smiled. "Thank you, Miss. Delacour."
Fleur frowned; the creases looking out of place on her normally smooth brow. "It's Fleur. I will see you again, I feel."
Sirius nodded. "I feel that too. Until then."
"Until then," Fleur said softly; bowing slightly and leaving with a roguish grin inhabiting her normally neutral features.
"Is she working for them then?" Remus asked, knowing the answer.
Sirius nodded, his heart heavy. "Yes," he admitted.
"She's young," Remus breathed.
"Not as young as the newest recruits," Sirius said, frowning. Remus nodded.
"If it's what needs to happen then I hope to the heavens that they haven't made the wrong choice for their champions," Remus said; then paused. "Ah. Whoops."
"What's that whoops for?" Sirius asked suspiciously.
Remus pulled a face. "I was supposed to owl Harding yesterday. Announce that we'd be dropping four surprises on him and Charlie Weasley tomorrow."
"Remus!" Sirius gasped, shocked.
"Better do it now, I suppose," Remus said; laughing as he moved to the doorway. "Coming?"
Sirius mumbled something and started to follow Remus. Remus frowned and just grabbed hold of Sirius' hand and pulled him out into the main pub. He caught David's glance and grinned.
"I see he did want to see you then," David said, winking. "You keep him well, Black, or I'll hunt you down and…"
"You'll kick my ass, yada, yada, yada," Sirius said dismissively.
"Thanks, cousin," Remus added. "We have to go owl someone now. Catch you later." Sirius felt Remus tug his hand sharply and grinned as they began to leave the pub. They were mostly at the door when David cottoned on to what was going on.
"Remus please tell me you've owled Harding already?"
Remus turned back and grinned impishly at his cousin. "I could but it would be a lie," he quipped softly before leaving the pub; leaving David sighing in acceptance.
"This is nice," Sirius commented.
There was no need for Remus to ask what exactly was nice as it was fairly obvious. The two had traipsed back from the owlery slowly, hand in hand without either of them realising it. Remus suddenly stopped in the middle of the snowy path and Sirius slowed next to him concern evident in his deep brown eyes.
"Wha—" Sirius started, but Remus placed two of his fingers on Sirius' lips. Sirius stared at him, mystified.
"Do you think –" Remus looked almost shy. "Do you think that things between us can ever go back to the way they were?"
Sirius stood there softly, resembling a snowman more and more every passing moment as he was covered in snowflakes. "No," he whispered softly.
"Oh," Remus said, his voice catching on the simple word.
"Too much has happened, too many things have changed," Sirius said bluntly before pausing. He could see the hurt in Remus' eyes and didn't like it one bit. "But I think we could be stronger than before."
Remus blinked and thought over those words and it took a while for it to sink in properly.
"I thought—" Remus started.
"What?" Sirius looked almost amused. "You thought I'd stop loving you just because a few things happened that we didn't plan? Get this right, Mr. Lupin, that when I said I would love you forever, I meant it. I do. I love you. Deal."
Remus looked completely startled. "I love you too. I'd love you less as Mr. Frosty."
Sirius looked completely bemused until he realised what Remus meant.
"We'd better get inside somewhere," Sirius said softly. "But before you go.. I want to ask you something."
"What?" Remus asked; not asking what kind of question it would be rather immediately trusting his beloved.
"When the summer holidays begin I'll be returning to Hogwarts to pick up Harry. I'd like it if you came and lived with us, and I know he would too. He thinks very highly of you," Sirius said rapidly, chewing on his bottom lip self-consciously. He was answered seconds later when Remus leapt at him, knocking them both over in the snow while Remus kissed Sirius thoroughly.
"Is that a yes?" Sirius asked cheekily, smiling up at his lover.
Remus cocked his head to one side. "I think –" he kissed Sirius softly –"that" – another kiss- "the answer" – another kiss – "is yes."
Sirius whooped and then frowned.
"What?" Remus asked; worried he'd said something wrong.
"I'm all soggy and wet," Sirius said, frowning. Remus quickly leapt to his feet and dragged the other man up with him.
"Let's get back to where I'm staying," Remus said quickly. "Before we stay out here too long and I get an abominable snowman as a boyfriend."
They were back at where Remus had been staying for the last few days; in a cosy small apartment half a block away from David's. They were both now dry, warm and dressed in clean albeit shabby robes and were snuggled up together on the sofa. Both of them were smiling like cats the got the cream. Maybe it was from just being together. Or perhaps it was from the way Sirius had complained that he there was only enough water for one shower and they both needed one. Maybe it was from the way they'd gotten ahem around that problem.
Whatever the reason they were both in a very good mood.
"I missed this," Sirius admitted frankly.
Remus raised an eyebrow and looked across at their drying robes over in the corner.
"What the this where we are together, or the this where our madcap adventures leave us in a horrible tangle?" Remus asked slowly.
Sirius laughed before leaning over and moving his hand downwards. Remus didn't have to look where it was going, the sharp pain in his backside immediately telling him that Sirius had pinched him and exactly where he'd pinched him.
"Don't do that," Remus advised languidly. "Unless you have enough energy for another go."
"Might," Sirius said teasingly. Remus rolled his eyes.
"You're not the one who's going to be sore for days," he complained.
Sirius grinned evilly. "You weren't complaining before."
Remus rolled his eyes to the ceiling again. "I suppose I wasn't. So you really, really want me to come and live with you and Harry? Are you sure he won't mind?"
Sirius leant backwards; head resting against the pine headboard. "I'm sure. You know, you're almost as bad as Harry."
Remus laughed lightly. "Guess it's been a dream for both of us." At Sirius' questioning gaze he explained it further. "I guess, in both mine and Harry's case, when you're around.. Everything seems like it's going to be all right."
Sirius looked surprised. Remus smiled at his lover's expression before resting his head on his shoulder.
"I'm tired," Remus said quietly. Sirius laughed.
"Well go to sleep," he reasoned softly. Remus nodded and pulled up the covers, covering up both of them as he wrapped his arms around Sirius gingerly – as if he were afraid the other would leave if he didn't hold on. Remus waved his wand sleepily at the light and it went off. He put his wand back on the bedside table and snuggled closer to Sirius; closing his eyes and surrendering himself to the familiar warmth and smells.
"I'm not going to disappear in the morning," Sirius whispered roughly to Remus, breathing in the other's scent. "I love you."
Sirius was almost afraid that Remus hadn't heard him as it appeared the other was in a light sleep. He sighed and snuggled down next to the man he loved, tightening his arms around the other's waist. He was astonished to hear the mumbled: "I love you too, Sirius" from his partner and it was with a smile on his face that he finally surrendered to the first dreamless sleep he'd had in years.
Remus awoke with a start, breathing heavily. He'd dreamt that Sirius had come back to him, and everything was forgiven, and then he'd disappeared. Turning around, he blinked furiously trying to get his normal vision back. As soon as he could see properly he started. The other side of the bed was completely empty. Remus felt something inside slam into his chest and everything seemed to go grey. It was all a dream… Sirius hadn't been here at all…
His line of thought was cut short when the door banged open and someone walked through; covered in a heavy coat and snow. Remus blinked fuzzily and watched in shock as Sirius heaved off the coat and shut the door. The memories of the night before hit Remus and he smiled lopsidedly as Sirius dropped a bag on the table.
"Thought you'd like some breakfast in bed," Sirius said softly, picking up the beg and climbing back under the covers.
"Hey, you're cold!" Remus complained instinctively as Sirius' skin touched his own.
"I've just been out in the bloomin' snow, what do you expect?" Sirius said grouchily. "We got coffee, we got doughnuts. What do you want first?"
"Coffee and doughnuts for breakfast?" Remus shook his head in mirth; pushing one hand through his hair while using the other to rub the grunge out of his eyes.
Sirius stuck his tongue out and opened the bag. "Suit yourself, I'll just have yours as well as mine," he said; smiling as Remus snatched the bag off him.
"I didn't say I wouldn't eat it," Remus said defensively, narrowing his eyes as Sirius laughed at him. Remus rolled his eyes and picked up the sugary sweet doughnut, depositing his coffee on the table before passing the bag back to Sirius. Sirius pulled out his own breakfast and nibbled on the doughnut; making sure he didn't spill coffee all over the floor.
"That's one thing I'll say about the Americans," Remus commented, polishing off his doughnut and sipping on the hot coffee. "They do know how to make good food."
Sirius nodded; gulping his coffee down regardless of the fact that it was still steaming hot.
"I—"
No-one discovered what Remus was about to say as there was a lot of noise from outside.
"I'll go and see what the fuss is about," Sirius said grudgingly. He slipped out of the bed and padded out of the room. Remus quickly slid out of bed and put on his robe which turned out to be a good thing. Sirius rushed back in moments later.
"There's another attack…" he breathed. "At the pub. No-one's seen what's attacking either."
Remus grabbed his wand and pelt out of the door, Sirius following moments later. A full twenty seconds later almost all of the wizarding population of the village had gathered outside the pub. The entire building was on fire.
"DAVID!" Remus yelled; pushing to the front of the crowd. "David?"
"He's ok." Remus recognized one of the chefs from the pub and he turned on him. "Where is he?"
"I'm right here," David said; staggering forwards. Remus breathed out in relief, hugging his cousin abruptly.
"I… I thought you…" Remus started.
"It's all right," David affirmed. Sirius rushed up too and David nodding his greeting. "Not every thing is all right," he added. "The pub isn't… And that isn't."
At David's words, almost all of them gathered looked up in the air.
Hanging above the smoking remains of the building, its colours standing out darkly in the sky was the morbid symbol that all wizards feared.
The Dark Mark.