Finally a new chapter, this one took forever! I can't get into my reviews at the moment so I can't reply to them in any detail but BIG, BIG, BIG thank-you's to those who reviewed my last chapter. Special thanks to Polkat for giving me a kick up the bum with this one!

Young At Heart

It was early in the evening before Sirius returned to the Lupin house. The walk home had been long and strenuous, although the news of Ebony had lifted his spirits greatly. Once inside the old farmhouse he was relieved to see that the Lupin's were out, he hadn't the energy to talk to them now, he needed time alone to think and plan his course of action. It was a sign of his love for Ebony that he was taking time to consider his options, where he would normally act on impulse and jump in feet first he knew where this could lead. His hot-headed temperament had gotten him in serious trouble before, now he could not afford to make mistakes, he had to be careful. Dumbledore had once told him 'You get only one chance to make a first impression, and there are few who are willing to give a second chance.' Sirius was already on shaky ground with regards to his sister, it was after all a second chance he needed and it concerned him that a sixteen year old girl may not feel inclined to forgive a man who had spent so long in Azkaban. Dumbledore had also once told him that 'mud sticks', which Sirius had found out to his cost.

The Lupin kitchen was a welcome, smiling face compared to the deathly atmosphere of Belle Reve. Although slightly cramped it was cosy and homely. Sirius sat down at the small, rickety table facing the bright, blazing fire. The copper pots that hung over-head gleamed brightly, reflecting the glistening fire-light around the warm room. He drew out his wand and muttered a half-hearted incantation. As if from out of nowhere four large wooden boxes appeared in the air and fell to the floor with a clunk. They were the boxes he had retrieved from Ebony's room at Belle Reve. As he reached into his robes to pull out

Ebony's certificate his attention was drawn to another envelope which lay on the kitchen table, it was addressed to him. Tearing open the envelope Sirius discovered a letter from Remus.

Padfoot

Happy birthday, mate! Hope you're having a good one! Mum told me she hasn't seen you today, seemed a bit put out that you didn't come back for tea. Well her and dad are with me now if you're wondering why you're alone. I'll catch the Knight

Bus over, pick you up at eight.

-Moony

Sirius re-read the note in confusion. His birthday? It couldn't be, but the calendar on the wall confirmed that it was indeed November 17th. How could he forget? He had been so caught up in Ebony and Belle Reve that such a simple thing as the date seemed unimportant. Remembering that he had not celebrated his birthday in sixteen years it was unsurprising that it had slipped his mind.

Looking at the clock he saw that he had two hours until Lupin arrived, just enough time to get changed and have a quick rummage through the boxes.

Enchanting each crate with a motion charm, Sirius made his way up the narrow, creaking staircase, the bewitched objects following him awkwardly.

In half an hour Sirius had carefully sifted through the contents of two of the four boxes, the contents of which were strewn across his unmade bed. Rattles, teddy-bears, tattered dolls; they were all there, some still covered in Ebony's small, sticky fingerprints. He examined each toy carefully, instantly recalling its name, the time it was bought and occasions on which it was played with.

While many would have been saddened to be in this position Sirius was over-joyed. For sixteen years he had been denied these memories, had them physically sucked from his mind. For the first time since his escape he felt like he could finally remember his sister properly, feel her presence, feel hopeful of her return.

With great enthusiasm Sirius tore into the third box, like a small child opening their Christmas presents. He pulled out more toys, games......and there was something else....something dark and soft. Peering into the mahogany depths Sirius tried to determine what the object was as it was caught stubbornly on a metal nail in the bottom corner of the container. He couldn't pull it free. It felt soft in his hand, somewhat leathery-but Ebony didn't own anything leather.

With a sharp, heavy tug the item finally became detached and hung loosely in Sirius's hand. For a second he couldn't believe his eyes- this wasn't a possession of Ebony's, it was his! How had it gotten here? He had thought it was lost!

Sirius broke into an enormous grin. It was his old biker jacket. He had received it for his seventeenth birthday as a gift from his father but two years later it had gone missing and he had had it replaced. He couldn't believe he had found it after all of these years.

Promptly pulling the black jacket over his robes Sirius ran across the landing to the bathroom to fully appreciate his find in front of the mirror.

'Yes, I always thought you looked.....good…. in that.' giggled the silver, tarnished mirror as Sirius posed before it admiring the snug fit of the leather over his broad shoulders. Blushing slightly he returned to his bedroom where he changed into a pair of old jeans and a t-shirt. He didn't know whether Remus was planning on taking him somewhere wizarding or somewhere muggle, he didn't even care. Nothing was going to separate him from his beloved jacket again.

After changing Sirius once again found himself before the rather flirtatious bathroom mirror which wolf-whistled on his approach.

'Easy there!' he grinned at the polished surface as he gazed at his reflection.

Looking at himself now it was as though he had walked back into the past. Every summer during his time at Hogwarts he had stood before this mirror, dressed in this very jacket, getting ready to go out with his friends. For the first time in years he felt as though he could remember his time at Hogwarts, and remember his seventeen year old self. He could almost be back in his teens, his hair was slightly longer and his face slightly older but it was almost as though he had found his lost years. He could remember the feeling of those times so clearly now, dressed in his trusty jacket, preparing to take his beloved motorcycle for a ride.

A sudden chord of sadness then struck in Sirius's mind, his bike was gone. He wouldn't be riding it tonight and he was no longer a teenager. He needed to remember that; he had been to Azkaban and time had passed. Harry had never answered his query as to where his bike was, that could only mean one thing. Hagrid had disposed of it.

Pushing a mass of thick black hair from his face Sirius reminded himself of Ebony and the happier things at hand. His youth was no longer important, what he had gained since those days counted for a lot more and that included his sister.

Where was the relevance in childhood, in an old bike, when the return of his precious sister was so close?

A clatter from downstairs told Sirius that Remus had arrived. Checking that the adoption certificate was safely tucked into his inner pocket Sirius ran noisily down the flimsy stairs. Of course, he was well aware that he had no need to be carrying the certificate, but he felt a sense of warmth knowing that it was there, burrowing against his heart like a parchment talisman.

'Padfoot, happy birthday!' cried Remus as his friend came to meet him at the front door. Sirius was pleased to see that Lupin was looking a lot happier than he had on their parting. His normally weary face looked flushed and healthy; his pale eyes sparkled with a confident air of happiness.

'Thanks Moony.' Sirius replied reciprocating Lupin's brotherly embrace. 'It's great to see you again! You're mother isn't too upset with me is she? To be totally honest I'd forgotten all....'

'Don't worry mate.' Lupin cut across. 'She realised that you'd gone to Belle Reve and understands.'

Remus nodded towards his friend's chest. 'I see you found the old witch-magnet.' he grinned cheekily.

Sirius gave a short laugh that sounded very much like a bark.  'Yeah, she still fits as well as she used to.' He smiled at his friend whilst running a loving hand across his leather sleeve. 'So where are we going?'

'Hogwarts,' came the short reply.

Sirius looked at his friend in a rather confused manner.

'School?' he said slowly, thinking he must have misheard his fellow Marauder.

'You didn't think Harry would allow your birthday to go unnoticed did you?'

Lupin inquired brightly.

Grinning widely Sirius stepped out into the Lupin's yard where he found the Knight Bus waiting for him on the drive-way.

The journey to Hogwarts was speedy. Due to the lack of wizards aboard the big, purple bus, Sirius and Remus were risked to their destination without delay.

The castle was strangely empty with most of the students either in their common rooms or dormitories. Lupin ushered his friend into the Great Hall where a magnificent spread had been arranged for the birthday-boy.

Burning blue candles hovered several feet above the staff table where several guests were waiting to receive their friend. A huge banner hung upon the wall behind, the words 'Happy Birthday Padfoot' burned upon it in flame. Balloons hovered all around the Hall and the enchanted ceiling had been bewitched to show the constellation Canus Major, the Dog Star shining brightest of them all.

Sirius felt a choking lump swell in his throat.

Was all of this really for him?

Just a few months ago he had suffered international hatred, and now this!

Harry was the first to speak.

'Happy Birthday Sirius!' he beamed as his godfather and Remus settled at the table.

Sirius thanked Harry with a grin and a hug before seating himself between Lupin and Hermione. He was surprised to see so many people had come to celebrate his birthday. Also present were the Weasley family-minus Percy and Charlie,

Mr and Mrs Lupin, Hagrid, Mad-Eye Moody, Professor Mc Gonagall, Dumbledore and a very sour looking Snape. It was apparent that the latter had been forced to attend but Sirius didn't mind, any opportunity to see Snape suffering was welcome.

Dumbledore, who sat at the head of the table, arose.

'Welcome Sirius' he smiled at the new arrival, 'and a very Happy Birthday!'

The rest of the group took this opportunity to give their best wishes to their guest and he shook hands with each, gripping slightly more aggressively on the hand of Severus Snape.

Dumbledore cleared his throat politely and continued, his blue eyes twinkling even more than usual in the coloured candle-light.

'Well, as you are all aware we are gathered here to celebrate the birthday of our dear friend Sirius Black.' directing his gaze towards Ron, Harry and

Hermione he said:

'I know that our students are famished due to deprivation of supper so I will quickly give our united best wishes to Sirius and thank him for gracing us with his presence. Now, may the feast commence.'

With a swift swish of his hand Dumbledore conjured an amazing feast. The long, narrow table was at once crammed with plate-pies, quiches, pastries and trifles.

Large flagons of Butterbeer appeared in the centre of the table along with a very large cake decorated with white icing and permanently burning candles.

As everyone began to fill their silver plates with food Sirius caught Harry's attention.

'How have you been?' he asked his godson eagerly.

'Ok', Harry said with a stony half glance in Snape's direction.

'And how are things between you and Lupin?' Sirius asked quietly.

'They're fine.' Harry gave a weak smile. 'I know I was wrong, I just....'

Sirius nodded knowingly and made a bee-line for a pile of sandwiches.

Snape, who sat opposite Sirius, looked extremely displeased. He picked half-heartedly at a lump of pork pie, his lip curling unpleasantly. Black noticed this and the smug look he wore on his face showed how much he was enjoying his old enemy's discomfort.

'Snivellus, Could you.....'

Harry looked up at Sirius thinking he must have misheard what his godfather had said.

'Oh...erm....I mean….' Sirius tried to glaze over what he had said as a slip of the tongue. 'I, beg your pardon Severus…' he 'corrected' himself failing to conceal the grin on his face.. Snape turned red with anger, his face contorting in fury. Sirius noticed this with glee and glanced sideways to Harry. Apparently satisfied with the boy's humoured reaction he continued;

'I just wondered if you could pass the pumpkin pasties.'

'If I am not mistaken,' said Snape in an icy tone 'there is a plate of pumpkin pasties right by your left hand.'

'Oh I know Severus.' Sirius replied airily 'But I'd rather have some from over there, the ones here look slightly....greasy.'

Harry let out a stifled snigger which he attempted to turn into a cough. Ron on the other hand laughed loudly earning himself a look of reproach from his mother. The other guests who hadn't heard Sirius's remark looked at the youngest Weasley boy with a look of bewilderment. Hermione on the other hand scowled at her two friends disapprovingly. No matter how much she hated Snape she would not tolerate bullying a point which she made to Sirius under her breath.

In half an hour the food was gone and it was time to cut the cake. Before handing Sirius a knife Dumbledore arose once again.

'Well, now that we are all delightfully stuffed.' he began, 'I wish to propose a toast.'

'As all of you know life has not been kind to Sirius,' the Headmaster continued with a solemn expression. 'I myself have known him since the tender age of eleven, when he first walked through Hogwarts' doors. During his time here he proved himself immensely talented, undoubtedly naughty,' the Head now broke into a smile, 'but also an amazingly popular individual and a wonderful friend. It is through his compassion for others and incredible strength of character that he sits with us tonight, among those who for so long condemned him.

 I'm sure that young Harry will agree that before us sits a very loving and warm hearted young man.....'

 With this statement Snape snorted, a look of contempt upon his face, but

Dumbledore did not seem to notice

'I would like you all to raise your glasses in celebration of our guest, Sirius Black.'

'To Sirius', the guests chorused as they each raised their Butterbeer.

Dumbledore handed the flushing guest a long, silver knife and realising that attempting to blow out his candles was pointless, Sirius proceeded to cut his cake.

While the others became engrossed in their dessert Sirius could hardly eat a bite. Dumbledore's words rung in his ears. He had felt embarrassed and self conscious as the Headmaster had offered him such high praise but now he felt deeply touched. During his years at Hogwarts, Dumbledore had often displeased with him, as had most of the staff. After leaving school he had been thrown into prison; it seemed impossible that those kind words could possibly have been directed at him. But they were, and he had never felt as happy in years.

Once the cake was finished Hagrid leaned over to Sirius and began to speak.

'Me, Lupin an' Harry 'ave got somethin' to show yer out in the courtyard.'

The half-giant pointed a fat, stubby finger towards the door as he clambered to his feet. Lupin and Harry followed suit and lead an intrigued Sirius out of the Hall.

In reality the night sky was dull and covered in blank clouds, the courtyard was in complete darkness but for a few dim lights coming from the dormitories above.

'Lumos,' Lupin muttered, allowing a silver streak of wand-light to guide them.

The party came to a stop by the outer wall of Gryffindor Tower. Sirius got the distinct impression that Hagrid was trying to block something from sight.

'Well.' The grounds-keeper began. 'I 'ad a bit o' trouble gettin' this back off

Arthur Weasley bu' he finally parted with it.'

Hagrid beamed like a small child desperate to reveal a secret.

'Well, 'ere yer go.' he stood to one side, allowing Sirius to see what he had been hiding.

Black's eyes grew wide as Hagrid announced,

'It's yer ol' bike!'

Sirius looked as though he had been hit with a Stunning Charm as fought to find the words.

'I...I thought....I, mean, I...' he stuttered in disbelief. 'I thought you'd have ...have disposed of it.'

'I've had it restored for you.' Lupin said putting a hand on his friend's shoulder, ' I thought you'd appreciate that more than a new present.'

Sirius ran his eyes over his old motorcycle, unable to believe that he had it back and looking better than ever. Flawless black paint work gleamed in Remus's wand-light, the large, round headlights unscratched. Eagerly he climbed upon the newly covered saddle unable to conceal his excitement.

'Thanks Moony, this is amazing!' he gushed whilst gently pulling the break handle and admiring the new suspension.

'It's practically a new bike!'

'Not quite.' Remus said quietly gesturing towards the bike's back tyre.

Sirius turned his head to follow his friend's gaze. A picture of a large dog shone in silver flame upon the rear end of the motorcycle. On spotting its old owner the dog wagged its tail and jumped excitedly onto its back legs its tongue hanging from its mouth. Sirius remembered the day that James had drawn that dog, using his wand with expert precision before enchanting it to move.

'Moony,' Sirius began, frowning slightly, 'how did you....'

'I am Assistant Headmaster of Hogwarts School.' Remus declared, knowing exactly what his friend was about to ask. 'I do get paid, and quite handsomely.'

Sirius nodded with a grin, he was going to have to get used to the new 'wealthy Lupin'. Ever since their friendship began Lupin had always been the 'poor one', this had always made Sirius and James very uncomfortable as they were so well-off. Harry knew how his godfather felt; he felt the same awkward guilt when spending money in front of Ron.

'There are more presents inside.' the young boy grinned, feeling slightly guilty for wanting to tear Sirius from his long-lost friend.

Once the group were re-seated in the Great Hall the present opening formally began.

First off, Harry handed Sirius a large square package wrapped in shiny blue paper. Black ripped away the paper to reveal a midnight blue, enchanted crash helmet.

'This is brilliant.' Sirius grinned, 'Thank you Harry.'

Sirius held the helmet tightly in his hands, turning it slowly to admire it. The helmet had obviously been originally blue but now it was enchanted, like the ceiling, to show the Great Dog against the night sky. Purple clouds flitted across the sky in between the occasional display of lightning.

'Professor Lupin told me that it was my dad that put that dog on your bike.'

Harry began to explain. 'I thought you might like it if I did something similar.

Hermione came up with the Dog Star idea and I asked Professor Flitwick for help with the Charm.'

Sirius smiled tenderly at his godson. 'Thank you Harry.' he said softly looking into the boy's emerald eyes. 'That was a lovely thought, it's perfect.'

Sirius found that a large percentage of his gifts were based around his motorcycle. He received an engraved compass from Hermione ('Do you have any idea how easily you could get lost up there?'), a small silver device from Dumbledore which when attached to the dashboard would make his bike invisible, and an anti-Dark Arts device from Moody in case any one should try and jinx him whilst airborne. Sirius also received an infamous Weasley sweater and a promise from Arthur not to report the existence of the flying motorbike, ('It's illegal now you know!') Mr and Mrs Lupin apologised that they could not afford to buy Sirius a gift but he insisted that they had already done enough for him.

At half-past ten Dumbledore announced that it was time for his students to go to bed. After a lot of grumbling Ron, Hermione and Harry bid Sirius farewell and made their way to bed after extracting a promise of a Christmas visit. It was not long after that the party broke up and Sirius and Remus were left sitting alone.

'Well, where to now Padfoot?' Lupin asked his friend. 'The Three Broomsticks? The Leaky Cauldron?'

'To be honest,' Sirius replied lazily, swinging onto the back legs of his chair, 'all I want to do is ride my motorbike.'

Remus smirked, 'Well, I do believe the Sirius Black I used to know has returned!'

'Yup' Sirius smiled. 'It's a good job I found this old jacket. I thought I'd lost it in Hogsmeade, even bought another one but it was there in the old house the whole time.'

Remus rested his head in his palm looking thoughtful. 'I remember when you got it for your seventeenth birthday, you were so happy me and James thought you'd won the Wizard Lottery.'

A vacant expression came over Padfoot's face as though he was lost in thought.

After a few moments of silence he spoke.

'There's something I want to discuss with you Moony. What do you say to riding over to your parents' house and I'll bring you back in tomorrow? It will be Saturday after all.'

A look of concern spread across Remus's face, he seemed to know what this discussion would concern. Not wanting to argue with his old friend on his birthday Lupin agreed.

In no time at all Sirius had mounted his beloved motorbike with Lupin settled behind him. After checking that Dumbledore's device was working Sirius revved the engine to life and pulled the front of the bike so that it was pointing sky-wards. The engine gave a loud roar as the bike rose rapidly into the cool night air. The wind howled past the pair as they sped upwards into the sky.

Panic raised in Lupin's heart as the wind-whipped his frost bitten face causing his eyes to water. He wished he had a helmet too; Sirius had always been a speed-demon, scarily so, but tonight the elements were definitely less than suitable. As the bike straightened up beyond the clouds the strong winds caused it to tip dangerously and occasionally veer off course, but if Remus felt frightened the feeling was certainly not shared by his friend.

With his hands clutched tightly around his handle-bars Sirius had never felt so alive. Safely inside his helmet and thick leather jacket he wouldn't have noticed the wind had it not been for the bike's jerky movements. The rush of adrenaline pulsing throughout his body warmed him to the core, he felt electrified. Through the tint of his visor he could just make out the wispy, grey cloud cover below that put him in mind of an Arctic snowdrift. Just above him a slim sliver of moon shone silver, the night sky was a graceful, dark blue.

Sirius had waited for this moment for fifteen years. James had often described to him the elation he felt whilst playing Quidditch- the thrill of the speed, the unbeatable sensation of flying through the air , miles above all else. To Sirius the pleasure of riding his bike was even greater, if he held out his hand he could almost touch the stars.

This joy, however, was wasted on Remus. His grip on Padfoot's waist tightened with every second, he wanted nothing more than to have his feet back on flat, motionless ground.

After two long, fearful hours of flight he had his wish. When the motorcycle landed with a bump in the Lupin's yard Remus was positively green. As he came to his feet he felt a strange dizzy sensation, as though he had just been on a long rollercoaster ride. His legs almost folded beneath him as he made his first step.

Sirius did not move from the bike. He sat there perfectly still, savouring every last detail of the journey. Casting a charm upon the bike that allowed it to stand freely he tipped back his head and pulled off his helmet with a loud bark-like laugh. He shook a tangle of long, dark hair from his face and beamed at Remus.

'This is the best birthday ever!' Sirius cried, finally dismounting his cherished motorcycle.

He planted a leather clad arm across his friend's shoulder and steered him indoors.

'What do you think Moony? Doesn't it bring back memories?'

With a sidelong glance at his friend Sirius saw his reply in Lupin's pasty, sickened complexion.

'No, I suppose it never was your thing.'

Sirius remembered how Remus had always hated to fly; he wouldn't even join in when Sirius and James would play Quidditch during the summer holidays; he would always, instead, sit with James's sister Sonny. It had been James who had loved to fly; he and Sirius would often go for long journeys on the bike. They never went anywhere in particular; they just enjoyed the thrill of soaring through the air with the wind in their hair and the world at there feet. Sirius smiled affectionately as he recalled so many old memories.

Once seated at the Lupin's kitchen table with a mug of tea in front of him Sirius decided that it was now time to talk seriously with Remus. He wanted desperately to share his news with his oldest remaining friend but he knew that the subject was not one that Remus would be happy to discuss.

'Remus, I want to show you something, it's about Ebony,' Sirius pulled the envelope from his inner pocket.

Lupin gave an involuntary sigh; a fine line appeared between his eyebrows.

This was it, the moment he had been dreading.

Sirius had found out, he had received a letter and now he knew. He knew that it was he, Remus, who had given authority for Ebony to be taken away. If only he had been honest from the start neither of them would be facing this conversation now.

What could he say? Could Sirius face the truth?

Could Remus really tell his best friend the hurtful truth about his abandonment of Ebony? There was no easy way of saying it. Deep down Remus knew that he had done the right thing all of those years ago. He had not sent Ebony away because he did not want her, but to protect her. He knew that one day the child would want to know about her family. He knew he could not lie to her. How could he possibly look into young girls eyes and tell her that her brother was a murderer? It had seemed kinder to send her away, to protect her from the horrible truth.

Ebony's new family did not need to tell her the truth, they could lie and they could pretend that the reality was different. Remus knew that he couldn't. Despite what he thought of Sirius at the time he could not lie about him, pretend that he did not exist or that he had never met him. Maybe Remus had been cowardly and looked for an easier option but he knew that the farther away from her brother's memory Ebony was the better. If he had known that Sirius had been innocent there would have been no problem, he could have told that to Ebony with faith. If he had known that Sirius would be freed then he would never have sent Ebony away. The circumstances had been unfortunate, nothing could be done now.

Looking at Padfoot's happy face Remus felt his heart break in two. It was his fault that Ebony had been taken away, if Sirius wanted to find her then it was his duty to help, even if he did not personally agree with his friend's motives.

Sirius pulled the parchment out from the envelope, a small smile forming on his lips.

'This is Ebony's adoption certificate.' he grinned pulling his chair closer to his friend's allowing him to read it.

'Look here, it's got her address and everything. I know you don't want me to find her Remus but I have to try, she's all I have.'

'You have Harry.' Remus argued half-heartedly waiting for the difficult questions to begin.

'Yes, and I love him like my own but he.......'

Sirius stopped abruptly, his face contorting in confusion. His eyes moved rapidly across the parchment as though he was trying to make sense of something.

Remus's heart sank. Sirius hadn't known, he hadn't read it properly.....but now?

Sirius slowly turned his eyes from the parchment, the look of confusion still visible in the lines on his fore head.

When he finally spoke his words came very slowly.

'Moony, can you explain why your name is on here?'