Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter characters, situations, details, etc., etc. No money is being made off this.

Warnings: SB/RL slash, SB/other characters, RL/other characters, language.

Thanks: To Nutters Inc. and the Sirius Black and Remus Lupin Mail Group for the idea!


~*~*~*~*~

~Endless Possibilities~

Chapter 2



That was some job, a satisfied voice said in Sirius' ear.

Sirius cracked one eye open sleepily and looked into the face of Padfoot. What was?

Jumping through the Veil like that. In the middle of a show and all. Your fans will be talking about it for years.

Sirius mumbled and pulled the covers up to his nose. That's nice. Leave me alone, I'm trying to sleep.

Padfoot huffed. Well, fine. But I'll let you know this isn't your reality either, and you just might have a few unpleasant surprises when you finally decide to get up.

He vanished. Sirius sighed and rolled onto his back. It was no use going back to sleep again. The damn dog had talked just long enough to wake him up completely. Sirius tossed the covers back, yawned and went to scratch his chest.

Wait. Something was wrong here. Sirius looked down at himself and shrieked.

Fuck! I'm a woman!!

He jumped out of bed and ran across the room to the full-length mirror on the wall. He wailed aloud.

Though his hair and eyes remained the same, his face was softer, more rounded, and had a distinct lack of beard stubble. His body was now very curvy. His waist was thinner and his hips wider than he remembered, and he had breasts! Not a bad set, either, he complimented himself, but wailed again. He couldn't bear to look at his female body anymore, so he grabbed the nearest piece of clothing (a skimpy, almost nonexistent lacy nightgown) and pulled it on. It was very short.

he screamed, pounding the wall next to the mirror.

There was an irritated grunt from the bed behind him, and Sirius whirled around to see who was making the noise.

The grunting person sat up, yawned, and scratched. Sirius' heart pummeled to his knees.

He had slept with Mundungus Fletcher.

Mundungus yawned again, and shook his ginger hair out of his eyes. He looked over at Sirius and grinned. Sirius noticed with revulsion that Mundungus was naked and very eager to start something.

Up already, darlin'? he asked, his eyes wandering up Sirius' legs and over his (her?) breasts before stopping. Very uncomfortably, Sirius crossed an arm over his chest and yanked on the hem of the short nightgown, trying in vain to cover his legs. Mundungus got out of bed and crossed the room. He pulled Sirius against him and began kissing his neck, his lips finally wandering dangerously close to the low neckline of the nightgown. Sirius suppressed a shudder and pushed him away.

Er... Dung, I've got to go, he said, seizing a handful of women's clothing and hurrying into the bathroom. He locked the door behind himself and slumped against it. Mundungus pounded on the door angrily.

Go? What d'you mean, go?

I've got other things to do, Sirius said, going to the sink and splashing the remains of last night's makeup from his face. He hurriedly began to dress, wincing as he did. The skirt he had to wear was barely longer than the nightgown, and he only had a filmy pair of lace panties to wear underneath it. The blouse he had was very tight, and Sirius found that several of the top buttons were missing, so he had no choice but to leave it half-unbuttoned with quite a lot of cleavage showing. Highly embarrassed, he left the bathroom to find Mundungus sitting on the bed, an ugly look on his face.

You tramp, he snarled as Sirius stepped into a pair of high heels and snatched up a purse that was sitting on the dresser. You can't even give me one more hour?

Thank God! A woman's coat was draped over the doorknob. Sirius pulled it on gratefully and buttoned it all the way up, relieved. No. I have to go, he said distractedly, and ducked out the door.

He was in some kind of cheap, seedy motel. With a wince, he hurried out into the parking lot, and managed to hail a cab. The driver looked at him appreciatively as he got in, and Sirius muttered a silent curse to his voluptuous body.

Where are we going, love? the driver asked, staring at Sirius' legs.

London. Grimmauld Place, Sirius replied, giving him an angry glare. The driver shrugged and turned around.

As they drove, Sirius opened the purse he held, praying there was some money in it. This cab driver looked like the sort of guy who'd require some.... services in place of money if Sirius couldn't pay the fare.

To his astonishment, there was a wad of notes in the bag. Sirius sorted through them, gaping silently. It was a small fortune. Where had he gotten it? Mundungus' words echoed in his mind. You can't even give me one more hour?

Sirius' shoulders slumped and he felt like crying as the realization hit him. He had been having sex with Mundungus - and probably quite a few others, too, judging by the wad in his purse - for money. Great fantasy! Now he was a prostitute! A tear really did trickle down his cheek at the thought, and he managed to locate a tissue in his purse and dab at his eyes with it.

Well, this was one dimension he wanted to leave as soon as possible. He stared moodily out the window the whole rest of the ride into London, as if hoping to see the Veil standing in the middle of the sidewalk.

Another thing. Where was his wand? He hadn't had it in his past dimension either. Whether it was because he had dropped it falling behind the Veil, or just because he seemed to be trapped in situations as a Muggle, but he didn't have it now, either. He sighed unhappily. If he could use some magic... just a teensy bit.... he wouldn't have anything to worry about.... For one thing, he could turn himself back into a man, that was damn sure.

The cab pulled up at Grimmauld Place. Should I take you to your door, dear? the cabbie asked.

Sirius twitched. No, thank you, he muttered, thrusting a handful of notes into the driver's hand. I can walk from here, thanks. Keep the change.

Thanks, lady! the amazed cabbie said, looking down at the generous amount Sirius had put in his hands.

Sirius clicked away up the street, but stopped dead when he saw something totally wrong.

It was Number Twelve. He could see it. He shouldn't be able to, not from halfway down the street, not when his mind was on his depressing situation instead of the house. He also noticed that the house was not shabby and in need of painting, but fresh and neat. The serpent door knocker was no longer there, he saw as he climbed the front steps. It had been replaced with a plain, simple brass knocker.

Timidly, he raised his hand to knock. He wasn't even sure, especially now that the house had a distinct Muggle look to it, that anyone he knew lived here in this dimension. But before he could knock, the door opened and he found himself face-to-face with Remus Lupin.

But it was not Remus as Sirius remembered him. Rather than the sweet, slightly shabby man he loved with all his heart, a cold, gimlet-eyed stranger stood surveying him. Sirius could feel disapproval radiating from his lover, and he shrank back.

There you are, Remus hissed angrily, seizing him by the wrist and pulling him inside. The hall was almost the same as Sirius remembered, but brighter and decorated with cheerful paintings and vases of flowers rather than threatening portraits and various Dark items. But there was no time to admire it. Remus slapped him across the face.

Where have you been?! he shouted. Sirius backed away from him, horrified at this version of Remus, but Remus wasn't letting him go. He grabbed Sirius roughly by the wrist and pulled him back.

You've been selling yourself all night, haven't you? Remus breathed. His angry glare darted down to Sirius' purse, which he realized he hadn't closed. An ugly look passed over Remus' face when he saw the money inside. He slapped Sirius again, harder this time, making his mate cry out in pain and cover his cheek with his free hand. How many times do I have to tell you, Sirius? I do not want a slut for a wife! I work hard to give you this home, your food, your clothes - he cast a distasteful look at Sirius' outfit - and you're still out there doing it! I told you when we got married I wasn't going to stand for it!

He let go of Sirius' wrist and pushed him aside. Go upstairs and put on some decent clothes, he snapped, before going into the drawing room and slamming the door behind him.

Thoroughly miserable now, Sirius trudged upstairs to the master bedroom. He found several plain sets of women's underwear in the wardrobe, along with many long skirts and dresses. He selected a plain blue dress and took the clothes off to the bathroom, where he hopped into the shower. He tossed the clothes he had been wearing into the wastebasket with a shudder.

A woman's body was going to take some getting used to, he thought sourly as he washed up. After he was finished, he dried his hair and put it in a ponytail, then put on the clean underwear and the blue dress. Slipping his feet into a pair of warm slippers, he let out a shuddery sigh.

He sat down on the toilet seat. Padfoot... I need your help.

Almost instantly, the black dog appeared. See what I meant about unpleasant surprises?

Sirius ignored that. Where's my wand?

Which one? the dog asked with a smirk. Sirius glared at him, then sighed.

All right. I'm sorry I was mean to you. Now will you tell me what's going on?

Well, you went through the Veil again, but obviously, you are not back in your reality, Padfoot said. By the way, you look cute in that dress.

Sirius growled. When am I going to get home?

I don't know. You'll have to wait until you pass through the right Veil.

That might take forever, Sirius said unhappily.

A knock sounded on the door. Mum? Are you in there?

Sirius looked at the dog, and mouthed,

Padfoot merely smiled and vanished.

Sirius got up and opened the bathroom door. He had to fight down the urge to gasp. Standing outside the door was Harry, but he looked different than he usually did. The eyes behind their round glasses were a golden-hazel colour, like Remus', and there was no scar on his forehead. His black hair was no longer untidy, but sleek, straight, and neat, like Sirius'. In an instant Sirius realized what this meant. In this dimension, since he was a woman, he and Remus could have children together... and obviously, they had created Harry.

he asked weakly, holding onto the doorknob for dear life.

Mum, are you okay? Harry asked curiously. I heard Dad yelling at you. Is something wrong?

N-n-no! Nothing's wrong. I - I - how much did you hear?

Harry shrugged. I couldn't make anything out, I just heard Dad yelling.

Sirius let out a sigh and forced a smile. Everything's all right.

I thought I heard you talking to someone in there.

Oh - it was just me. I was, er, thinking out loud.

Harry shrugged again. Do you want some help with supper?

Sirius smiled. That would be lovely.

~*~*~*~*~

Remus maintained a stony silence all during the meal. Sirius ate with his head bowed, not looking at his husband. Harry kept glancing between the two, obviously wondering what was going on, but not being foolish enough to ask questions.

It wasn't until they were in bed that Remus spoke to Sirius. Sirius had followed him meekly up to the bedroom, quickly changed into a nightgown (much longer and nicer than the skimpy one), and climbed into bed, where he cowered, awaiting Remus' wrath. But no wrath came. Instead Remus got in bed beside him and turned out the light.

Sirius decided he would have to make the first move. Remmie.... love?

The light came back on and Remus glared at him.

I'm sorry, Sirius whispered, not able to help the tears that spilled down his cheeks. He reached for Remus' hand, but Remus pulled it away.

You always do this, Remus said, his voice pitched low so Harry couldn't hear them from his room down the hall. Every time I catch you with another man, you cry and tell me you're sorry until I forgive you. It can't go on like this, Sirius! You haven't been a very faithful wife for me. I've been faithful ever since we met at school, but you - you've broken my heart more than once.

I won't do it ever again, Sirius sobbed, terrified, crawling into Remus' lap and clinging to him. He couldn't imagine what kind of things the slut-woman he was in this dimension had gotten up to, but it sickened him to think that he might lose Remus. Even in a fantasy, he wanted Remus to love him forever.

You say that every time! How am I supposed to trust you? Remus demanded.

I won't go anywhere without you, Sirius cried. I love you, and I love Harry, and I want the three of us to be together forever! I love you, Remmie, please forgive me!

There was a long silence during which Sirius cried against Remus' shoulder. After what felt like an eternity, Remus put his arms around him.

Oh, Siri, he said softly, and now his voice was kind. Oh, love. I can't stay mad at you, dear. You're my wife and the mother of my child. But you know I can't bear the thought of you with other men.

I know, Sirius whispered. I know. I'll never do it again. I promise. He looked up into his lover's honey eyes. I love you.

I love you too, Remus murmured, kissing him and stroking his hair. He reached over and turned out the light.

~*~*~*~*~

Mum, get up.

Sirius opened one eye. Sunlight was streaming in the windows, and Harry was shaking him awake, dressed in a neat suit jacket and short pants.

Good morning, dear, Sirius murmured with a smile.

Harry grinned at him. Hi. Dad sent me to wake you up. You don't want to be late for the auction today, do you?

Sirius sat up.

Harry rolled his eyes. The art auction? The one at the museum? The one you've been babbling about for the past three weeks?

Um. Oh, right. Sirius tried to look as if he knew what was going on. Where is your father?

Right here, a cheerful voice answered, and Remus entered the room carrying a package. He sat on the bed and handed it to Sirius. For you. Open it, dear.

Sirius did. Inside was a lovely long frock, yellow with pink roses. He smiled. He wasn't much of a judge in women's clothing, but he thought the dress was rather pretty. Remus beamed as Sirius lifted the dress out of its wrappings.

You shouldn't have, Sirius said with a pang of guilt.

Remus smiled. Nonsense. I thought it would look lovely with your beige sandals and your cream hat. And I bought it because I love you.

Sirius blushed. Thank you, he murmured, kissing his husband's cheek.

Go on, Mum, Harry urged. Let's see, then, put it on.

All right, Sirius smiled, getting out of bed. He opened the wardrobe and saw at once the hat and shoes Remus had mentioned. Taking these, he went into the bathroom for a quick shower. Then he put on the frock, which fitted him beautifully. He brushed his hair and put on the hat and the shoes. Opening the medicine cabinet he found some mascara and pale pink lipstick. He applied both, and gave himself a critical glance in the mirror. Well! He didn't much care for being a woman, but he looked nice playing the part. He opened the bathroom door and went downstairs, where Remus and Harry were waiting for him.

Wow, Mum, Harry said in awe as Sirius paused, blushing, at the top of the steps. You look really beautiful.

Thank you, Harry, Sirius murmured, brushing a kiss across his son's cheek as he reached the foot of the stairs. He looked shyly at Remus, pleading with him silently to forgive him and love him. Remus smiled, and Sirius had hope that the message had gotten through.

All set? Remus asked him, holding out his arm.

Sirius took it with a smile. As ready as I'll ever be. Let's go.

~*~*~*~*~

The auction was being held in the garden of a nearby neighbour, Mrs. Hildebrant, whom Sirius was apparently supposed to know quite well. Mrs. Hildebrant had greeted him warmly at the door, hugging him and asking after his health while shaking hands with Remus and Harry. Sirius answered cheerfully and made polite inquiries of Mrs. Hildebrant, but in all actuality he didn't give a damn about her. She was just a secondary character in a made-up world.

She finally released them when another friend arrived. Sirius tried not to sigh in relief as he and Remus went to find seats, with Harry trailing behind them. He looked round curiously as they walked. The garden was beautiful, with all kinds of flowering trees and vines, and the whole place was surrounded by tall hedges. But more than once Sirius saw women whispering behind their hands and glancing at him. It kind of deflated his cheerful mood. Dully he wondered exactly how bad his reputation was. Remus seemed to have noticed as well. There was a sudden stiffness in his walk, and instead of smiling at the people who called out to him he responded with only a curt nod.

They chose seats in the third row. As Harry and Remus paged through their programs and chattered over what they were going to be seeing, Sirius shifted uncomfortably and jiggled his foot. He really had to pee.

Love, I'm running off to the women's loo, he muttered in an undertone to Remus, who nodded absently and took Sirius' purse when it was offered.

Sirius had not the slightest idea of where the restrooms were, so he got a little lost looking for them, still ignoring the people who gave him nasty looks. He didn't care; what mattered right now was finding the loo before he wet himself.

Ah! Finally! A discreet sign on one of the hedges quietly pointed the way to the restrooms. He followed the arrow and finally found himself in the ladies' room. Blessed relief!

He was leaving when a silky voice purred, Why, hello, Mrs. Lupin.

He turned and gulped. Striding towards him was Lucius Malfoy, his familiar better-than-you smirk fully in place. His long, white-blond hair was tied back in a queue and he was dressed in an elaborate suit of black silk.

Lucius sidled up to him. For the first time Sirius realized that he was very short as a woman. In real life he was three inches taller than his cousin-in-law; but now the top of his head barely reached Lucius' shoulder. He didn't like the sneering look on Lucius' face, but forced himself to put on a trace of a polite smile. Hello, Mr. Malfoy.

Mr. Malfoy, is it? Lucius said, sounding highly amused. Putting on airs in public, are we? I thought I was Luci to you, dear. Or have you forgotten our weekend in Majorca?

Sirius gulped again and the last of his good mood went up in a puff of smoke. This was not good. Evidently he had slept with Lucius at one point as well.

I love my husband, he said indignantly, glaring up into Lucius' grey eyes.

Lucius threw back his head and laughed loudly. Oh, I've heard that before! You love your husband - except when he's too busy to - ah - shall we say, please you sufficiently enough?

Sirius couldn't think of a response to that. Instead he said, very coldly, I must be getting back to the auction. Remus and Harry will wonder where I've gone. Good bye, Mr. Malfoy.

He tried to push past Lucius but Lucius grabbed his arm and pushed him back against the hedge. Sirius, dear, you aren't even going to give me a kiss? Without waiting for any kind of a response, he kissed Sirius' neck and pressed himself closer. Sirius tried to pull away, suffocating in the smell of Lucius' cologne, hating the feel of the man's lips on his skin. Lucius's free hand worked at the front of his dress, unbuttoning it just enough to slip his hand inside and stroke Sirius' breasts. Sirius struggled, but he was also learning he wasn't as strong as usual in this dimension. He opened his mouth to scream, but Lucius took advantage of the situation and kissed him firmly on the mouth. Sirius tried to pull away, but Lucius held him so tightly that he couldn't move at all.



Lucius pulled away and both he and Sirius looked over to the opening in the hedge. Remus was standing there, looking livid, his hazel eyes flashing.

What are you doing? he demanded, as Lucius pulled away and straightened his shirt.

Why, can't two old friends say hello, Lupin? Lucius sneered, flicking a leaf off his shoulder. He dropped a knowing wink at Sirius and strode off, leaving the raven-haired woman alone with his/her furious lover.

Remmie, I -

Remus grabbed him by the wrist and shoved him into the ladies' room. Clean yourself up, he said brusquely. Harry and I will be waiting for you back at our seats.

He strode off. Shaking, Sirius closed the door behind him and looked at himself in the mirror. He hurriedly buttoned his dress back up and smoothed it down, combed his fingers through his hair, and fixed his hat. With a twitch of revulsion, he noticed that Lucius had left a rather unattractive hickey on his neck. There was no way to hide it except let his hair hang over the spot and hope no one noticed it. When he finally looked more or less all right again, he returned to his seat as quickly as possible, keeping his head down and not meeting anyone's eye. When he sank back down into his chair, he took Remus' hand and tried to explain. Remmie, listen -

We will discuss this at home, Remus said stiffly. Sirius wanted to make him listen, right now!, but at that moment the auctioneer stepped up to the podium and banged his gavel for silence.

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to our third annual London Art Auction. Our first piece is entitled Darkness', and the bidding will begin at ten thousand pounds.

He indicated the first piece of artwork, a large, six-foot high painting of an eerie archway hung with a black veil, raised on a dais. Sirius gasped, his reaction lost in the sound of appreciative murmuring from the other bidders.

It was the Veil, he just knew it. The painting looked much too real to him to be anything but the Veil's counterpart or representation in this world. The painting was amazingly lifelike, looking to Sirius as if he could just walk up to it and step through.

He got to his feet and began walking dreamily up to the stage, ignoring Harry's call of, Where are you going, Mum? and Remus' hiss of, Sit down, Sirius!
Madame, please be seated! the auctioneer protested as Sirius climbed the steps to the stage. Sirius ignored his indignation and pushed him aside. He heard the crowd shrieking faintly and looked back to see the auctioneer had tumbled down the steps and hit his head, and was now unconscious. He didn't care.

Get down here NOW, Sirius! he heard Remus shout.

Mrs. Lupin, please! Mrs. Hildebrant called.

Sirius gave her a sour look. Shut up, bitch.

And he stepped into the painting and through the Veil.


To Be Continued.......