Chapter Two: Night
Sirius collapsed on the bed next to Remus. "Well, I survived my first week of parenthood," he said, and sighed.
"And very nicely," said Remus, resting his head on Sirius's chest. "You know, I've been thinking…"
"Hmm?"
"Have you ever thought about us having any kids of our own?"
"You know," said Sirius, turning his head towards Remus, "I have. It couldn't be until my name is cleared, though."
Remus shut his eyes. "And we can't do that without Peter."
They lay there in silence for a while, listening to the clock on the nightstand tick away the seconds.
"Harry's taking us rather well," said Remus suddenly.
"What do you mean, us?"
"You know, us together. He doesn't seem to mind."
"No, I think you're right. I think he's like James that way; James never thought it was anything unusual." He paused. "Maybe the world is changing that way."
"Maybe. Sirius?'
"What?"
"Do you think they'd let me adopt kids?"
Sirius ran one hand gently through Remus's wavy hair. "Well, I think there's at least a chance that they might, as long as we took enough precautions. Dumbledore would probably vouch for you too. And if they don't, they're fools. You'd make a fantastic parent, Reme."
"Thanks," said Remus, smiling softly. "You would too." He lifted his head from Sirius's chest and sat up a bit. "So, how many do we want?"
"How does two or three sound to you?"
"Exactly what I had in mind. It's unfortunate that they won't be ours genetically…I can just imagine a little girl with shiny black hair and blue eyes…"
"Or a little boy with pale skin and long, delicate eyelashes…"
"Oh well, I'm sure they'll be gorgeous no matter what they look like," said Remus, yawning.
A mischievous glint flashed through Sirius's eye. "Even if they have stringy, greasy hair and cold, menacing eyes…"
"God forbid! Ugh, why did you even say that? I'm going to have nightmares now about raising a little miniature Snape. That's the most ghastly thing I ever heard of!"
"I'm only teasing, darling, it would never happen."
"I should hope not!" Remus shuttered and pulled the blanket up to his chin.
Sirius slid one arm around his waist. "Oh, I remembered something I forgot to tell you before. It said in the Daily Prophet that tomorrow night is supposed to be one of the best nights of the year for stargazing."
"Really?"
"Yeah. And I've noticed that the roof is completely flat."
Remus smiled to himself. Perfect. It would be the ideal romantic opportunity for something he'd been meaning to do lately.