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. This chapter, an added warning (don't you feel special!) - male pregnancy warning!! (Am I supposed to warn you about that?)

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

~Endless Possibilities~

Chapter 4
Mmm. It was so nice and warm. Soft and comfy. Sirius snuggled deeper into the pillows, pulling the covers up even higher. Such a nice bed. He wanted to stay here and sleep forever. Maybe, if he was lucky, he'd wake up from this psychotic dream and find himself back at Grimmauld Place, with Molly yelling at him to get out of bed and eat something before Arthur brought the kids home from King's Cross.

Siri, get up!

Someone was tugging on his blankets.

Sod off! Sirius growled, clinging to the covers.

NOW, SIRI!

Finally he had had enough. Sirius sat up, prepared to scream, but his words died before leaving his mouth when he saw who had been trying to rouse him - James Potter.

James was scowling at him, tapping his fingers on the nightstand. Siri, you stupid git, it's nearly twelve. You know the wedding's at one; Remmie'll kill you if you're late. Come on, get up!

Sirius struggled free of the blankets he was entwined in.

His best friend threw his hands up in exasperation. SIRIUS BLACK! How stupid are you? You've been banging on about this wedding since you proposed to Remmie a year ago. How could you possibly forget?!

Sorry, mental blank, Sirius grunted as he was shoved into the bathroom by James.

You're sorry, my arse. You're never sorry. Hurry up, get dressed!

Still slightly bewildered, Sirius took the quickest shower in the history of man and put on his tuxedo shirt and trousers. The rest, it transpired, was in the bedroom, and heaving a sigh he went to collect the lot.

But he had barely opened the door before James assaulted him, throwing his socks at him and trying to get Sirius' cummerbund on straight. At the same time, Peter came running in and tied Sirius' tie for him, so tightly that Sirius was sure Peter was trying to do him in, but he had no time to complain. His shoes were thrust at him and he was ordered to put them on, just as Harry, who looked to be only a year old, toddled into the room waving his diaper happily in the air. James seized his son and re-diapered him as Sirius was tying one of his shoes (Peter had grabbed the other).

Oh, good, you found him, said Lily as she rushed in with a comb. She attacked Sirius' hair, combing it out fiercely and braiding it so tightly that his scalp ached for an hour afterwards. Dammit, Sirius, she wailed in despair, Why can't you ever be on time for once? Poor Remus is going to pieces - it's almost time for the wedding, your own wedding, how could you possibly be late?

Jim was late for his, Sirius retorted, standing. Lily ignored this and began picking lint off his jacket and inspecting him critically, making adjustments to his tie, cummerbund, and jacket. Once he finally met her strict approval, he was herded outside and into a waiting limousine by the Potters and Peter.

Everyone else seemed sightly out-of-sorts and exasperated with him, so Sirius kept silent on the way to the church. Well, apparently this was not his reality either, but if he was getting married to Remus he had no complaints. He had wanted to marry Remus since they were eighteen years old; but the unfortunate circumstances piled against them had made it impossible. But here, at least, his wish was coming true.

And that wasn't the only surprise, he found out, as the limousine pulled up to the church. He had barely gotten out when a warm voice called out to him.

Sirius, dear! I was afraid you'd be late!

Sirius gaped. It was his mother, but she looked sweeter and younger than he had ever seen her. The scowl lines around her mouth and the grey streaks in her long black hair were gone, and she was smiling brilliantly at him. Right behind her was his younger brother Regulus, smiling as widely as his mother.

Mrs. Black kissed her elder son's cheek and began unwrapping a small package in her hand. Your corsage. I'm glad I picked it up for you, or you'd really have been in trouble!

Great job, Siri, Regulus grinned as Mrs. Black pinned the flower to Sirius' lapel and began fussing with it to get it straight. Almost sleeping through your own wedding.

Eh, well - Sirius said weakly, amazed by the tremendous change in his family, but he didn't have time to finish. He was herded inside the church and dragged down the aisle, where the minister and Remus were waiting for him.

Another good sign. Remus was not a woman, as Sirius had feared he might be. He was dressed entirely in white, and Sirius' heart melted at the sight of him. He was beautiful.

It's about time, Remus whispered, sounding amused, as the Blacks, Peter, Lily, and Harry scrambled to their seats. James, the best man, stayed beside Sirius.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of these men, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, in holy matrimony, the minister began, and Sirius suddenly realized he was feeling very nervous. He swallowed and willed himself not to shake.

Anyone who has reason to believe that this pair should not be wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace.....

No one spoke. Out of the corner of his eye, Sirius could see his mother sniffling and dabbing at her eyes with a hanky. She had shown more emotion to him in the past five minutes then she had during his entire childhood. It was amazing.

Very good. The rings.....

James brought them over. He held them out to Remus, who took one and held Sirius' hand in his.

Siri..... you've been by my side for so long, Remus murmured. You've loved me despite knowing what I am - you've always been the most supportive person I've ever met. Nothing on James and Peter - or my family - but you've stood by me so faithfully. And now... and now we can finally be together... He slipped the ring on Sirius' finger and beamed up at him, tears glistening in his hazel eyes.

Sirius smiled back. Remmie - I can't see how anyone could not love you. You're the sweetest person ever to grace this earth, and it makes me proud to say you're my lover. You know I don't give a damn about what you become once in awhile - it can't be helped, and it wasn't your fault. I'm just glad of what you are - gentle and kind... and mine. And starting today, I'm finally able to call you my husband. He slid the ring onto Remus' finger. I love you.

I love you too.

By the power vested in me, I pronounce you partners for life, the minister said. You may now kiss each other.

Lily, Mrs. Black, and Remus' sister, aunt, grandmother, and mother burst into tears as the two men kissed. Peter sniffled; Harry screamed happily and threw his teddy bear at the minister; James smiled and punched his two friends in the shoulder. As he and Remus started up the aisle, the guests cheering and clapping, Sirius looked at Remus and smiled. His new husband smiled back and squeezed his hand. Sirius' heart felt light with happiness, almost as if he could fly - this was wonderful, this was perfect. This was exactly how he wanted his life to go....

~*~*~*~*~

The reception after the wedding was incredible. Sirius was kissed and hugged by people he had never expected to be kissed and hugged by, like his cousins Narcissa and Bellatrix and their husbands. He expected no less from Andromeda, whom he loved to pieces, and wasn't fazed in the least as Andromeda and her daughter Nymphadora grabbed him both at once for a group hug. James' parents were there; Peter's girlfriend Grace was there; countless other people Sirius and Remus knew were there - Kingsley Shacklebolt and his wife; Alastor Moody; Mundungus Fletcher; Hestia Jones; Frank and Alice Longbottom; and Emmeline Vance, just to name a few. Albus Dumbledore was easily the most noticeable person there, with his long silver hair and beard and his delicately embroidered plum-coloured robes.

Surrounded by friends and a loving family he had never dreamed of in real life, Sirius felt happier than he could ever recall. And best of all was having Remus by his side at every moment. Just being close to Remus for such a long time was enough to make Sirius dizzy with joy - he had hated staying alone at Grimmauld Place by himself with only Kreacher for company; this was more than making up for it, even if it was only a fantasy.

So when he and Remus got into bed that night, it was no wonder Sirius was feeling a little lightheaded and giddy. All right, maybe his truly heroic intake of wine at the reception had something to do with it. He undressed and slid between the sheets, not taking his eyes off Remus, who was taking off his clothes in a very slow, shy way.

What's wrong, Remmie? he inquired, as his husband climbed into bed.

Nothing, love.... I'm just a... a little nervous. Our first time and all...

Oh. So he was worried about that. Sirius grinned and pulled his mate close for a kiss. Nothing to be nervous about. I'll be gentle.

Oh? And who said I was going to be on the bottom? When I said nervous, I meant nervous about hurting you. Remus giggled.

Sirius growled, leaning closer so they bumped noses. Yeah? Well, you're going to have to fight me for the privilege! he leered, tickling Remus, who squirmed and giggled and tried to tickle back.

And though he put up a very good fight, Remus still ended up on the bottom.

~*~*~*~*~

Siri..... love?



Um... I need to tell you something....

What is it?

Remus bit his lip, and Sirius could see a dark flush spreading across his cheeks. The normally cool and collected young man was rubbing his elbows and shuffling his feet, a sure sign he was very nervous.

Sirius and Remus had been married for six months by now, and all was going very well. Remus was in his final year of wizarding college in London, at a school not far from their flat. He was majoring in Defense Against the Dark Arts, because he wanted to teach it after his graduation. Sirius, on the other hand, had passed all his Auror tests with flying colours, and had become one of the youngest Aurors employed by the Ministry of Magic. (The night he got his acceptance letter had been very memorable indeed; Sirius couldn't remember ever having so much fun in the kitchen before.) They were making good money and were perfectly happy with each other; their marriage was peaceful, the sex great - so why was Remus looking like he did?

What is it? Sirius repeated, putting aside the sheaf of parchment he had been reading and pulling his husband into his lap.

Um... well... do you remember the night you got your letter from the Ministry?

How could I forget? Sirius mumbled, kissing Remus' neck. After you gave me the best fu-

Yes, I know. Remus blushed deeper. But, um... that night.. when you and I... you know... I mean - oh, this is so embarrassing -

Sirius chuckled. What's so embarrassing? Yeah, I know we fell off the bed, but that was kinda fun, wasn't it?

No, it's not that - it's - um, well - I'm - I'm pregnant, Sirius.

Silence reigned as dark blue eyes widened and stared into hazel ones. Finally, Sirius cleared his throat and spoke.

Er - pregnant?

Now an amazing shade of red, Remus nodded vigorously.

As in - with a kid - in there? Sirius asked in disbelief, laying a hand against Remus' flat stomach.

Remus couldn't help but giggle. Yes, Sirius. That's generally what being pregnant means.

Sirius let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding and rested his chin on his lover's shoulder. Wow... wow, he repeated weakly.

Remus giggled again. Is that all you can say?

Right about now, yeah... Sirius closed his eyes and gave Remus a gentle squeeze. But.... um... I don't get it. We're men, Remmie. Or are you hiding something from me?

Sirius! You know as well as I do that I'm a man! Remus smiled and ran his fingers through Sirius' hair. No, it's the werewolf thing again.

Male werewolves can get pregnant now?

They always could, or so I've found out... I did some reading after I started suspecting that I was... well... I should say, it doesn't happen really often, since it generally only happens to male werewolves who have a male lover.... you know, it's really unusual -

Sirius smiled. I think I get it now. And I'll grant we're not a very usual couple. He cradled Remus' face in his hands and planted a kiss on his husband's nose. Then I guess we can say we got really lucky that night. He stood up and carried Remus down the hall to their bedroom. And who knows? Maybe it'll be twins.

~*~*~*~*~

Afterwards, as they lay quietly together, Remus playing with Sirius' hair, Sirius was thinking hard. He was beginning to see that this new dimension was made up of his deepest desires that were almost impossible even in the wizarding world - marrying Remus, starting a family with him, getting his dream job - and it was scary how time seemed to be moving so fast. Six months here already; he remembered what Padfoot said about time flowing differently in each dimension, and couldn't help but wonder how long it had been by the standards of the real world. But his thoughts were cut short by Remus' voice.

Are you all right, love? Really all right?

I'm fine. Sirius sat up and smiled at his lover. Just... thinking, is all.

A great feat for you, Sirius Black. Remus smiled back, reaching up to brush Sirius' hair out of his eyes. What about? You looked like you were concentrating pretty hard.

Eh... just wondering what we're going to name this kid. Or kids, Sirius lied. You know... never too early to give it some thought.

Remus' smile widened, and Sirius felt a little guilty about lying, but hey, Remus wouldn't believe him if he started yammering about alternate dimensions and time travel.

He leaned down and kissed Remus' belly. Love you, kid, he murmured, before laying down beside Remus once more. He looked at Remus, whose eyes were glimmering with tears of happiness by now, and put the thought of dimensions out of his mind. He'd worry about it later, he decided, as he and Remus kissed.

And I love you, Remmie, he murmured.

And I you, my star.

~*~*~*~*~

Antares Lupin-Black was born on August first, after making his demands to be let out known at Harry's second birthday party the day before. He was a gorgeous child with Sirius' eyes and hair, and Remus' nose, mouth, and thankfully, temperament. He was the quietest baby either man had ever met - until he turned five months old and discovered the joys of screaming just to hear himself scream.



Sirius jumped, knocking over his coffee. He dropped his Daily Prophet as he scrambled to mop up the mess, scattering pages all over the floor, and completing the mess by knocking the sugar bowl right into the spreading puddle of coffee. Remus groaned.

Antares surveyed his fathers with distinct pleasure and gurgled with what Sirius guessed could only be pride with being the cause of such a mess. Then he decided to complete the mayhem by spitting up on Remus' shoulder.

Oh, Antares! Remus cried in exasperation, putting down the baby's bottle and edging around Sirius mopping up the coffee to get to the kitchen.

I told you not to take the towel off your shoulder, Sirius sighed.

I thought he was done.... Remus wrinkled his nose. The familiar odor of a stinky diaper began to permeate the air as he mopped off his shoulder. Not again! he said, rushing off to the baby's room with Antares gurgling happily.

Sirius finished cleaning up the coffee and sat back on his heels with a sigh. Raising a kid was much, much harder than he'd ever imagined, even after disastrous days babysitting Harry for James and Lily, but he was happier than he ever could have been back home. He sometimes wondered what was going on back with the real Harry and Remus; but felt no inclination to go back. This fantasy was so much better.

You really think so?

Padfoot appeared suddenly, sitting in the midst of Daily Prophet papers and looking rather fierce. Sirius, come on, you've been here almost a whole year. You can't go on like this - Harry and Remus are worried sick, they can barely function. You've got to go back to them.

Sirius glared back, pitching his voice low so that the Remus in the bedroom wouldn't hear him. Listen. I'm happy here. Here I've got everything I ever wanted.

The dog bared his sharp fangs. Fine, you insensitive bastard. But the minute you find the Veil in this world, I'm pushing you through it, no questions asked. He disappeared.

Sirius scooped up the paper, a selfish, sullen reluctance coming over him. If he went back to his real life, what would happen? He'd just be stuck at Grimmauld Place for another year or however long Dumbledore decided he should stay there; everyone would still be thinking he was a mad mass murderer; Harry would always have to go somewhere that he couldn't. It wasn't fair, he told himself. What had he ever done to deserve all that, his best friends dead and getting the blame for it all and being taken away from his lover and his godson? Nothing, that's what.
And that train of thought supported him for the next seven years.

He and Remus both prospered in their jobs and made good money, and their marriage was as solid as ever. They moved from the small flat in London to a house in Kent, where there was a large garden for Antares to play in, accompanied by his dog Snuffles. Every thought of the Veil and his previous life had been driven from Sirius' mind, and he was glad to see it go. Every once in awhile he awoke feeling strangely sad, and wondering if today was the day he'd return home; but then the alarm would ring and Remus would get up, and Sirius would forget again.

Antares was growing up amazingly fast; at seven he was already beginning to show the ethereal beauty of his Black genes, accentuated by the delicate features of his Lupin side. He was slender and agile and loved to play; he and Harry were good friends and the two boys were inseparable at times. James and Sirius often took their sons for rides on their broomsticks, and it was evident both boys had inherited the Quidditch abilities of their fathers. All in all, it was everything Sirius wanted.

~*~*~*~*~

I want you to stay and play with me, Daddy! Antares looked up at Sirius, his blue eyes pleading.

I'd love to stay and play with you, Sirius said, scooping his son up and kissing him, but I've got to go to work. Maybe Papa will let you have Harry over to play.

Antares pouted. I want you, he said. Papa does, too.

Sirius chuckled. I know. I won't be gone long. I'll tell you what - we'll go out to dinner tonight when I get home, how's that?

You spoil him, Siri, Remus smiled, coming into the room with a stack of papers for marking.

You resist that face, his husband grinned. He kissed his son again and set him down, then kissed Remus. I'll be back. Love you both.

Love you, too. Have a good day, Remus replied cheerfully. Come on, Antares, you can help me mark these papers.
It ended up being another plain, ordinary day at the Ministry. Reports to read, reports to file, and a long meeting with Kingsley Shacklebolt over a band of marauding wizards in the East who'd been eluding capture for many years. Quite boring, until -

Oi! Black!

Sirius turned, pausing on his way to the lift, as a sallow-skinned, melancholy-looking man hurried up to him. Oh, Bode - what is it?

We need you down in Courtroom Ten. The Minister wants your testimony against that guy they caught the other day - MacGregor or whatever his name is.

Oh, lovely. Couldn't he have remembered that before I promised my family I'd be home early? Sirius grumbled, following Bode into the lift.

Yeah, well, the trial's running longer than anyone expected it to. MacGregor's got a lot of people giving testimony in his defense - you're the one who caught him red-handed torturing those Muggles, if you don't talk he'll walk free.

Didn't Fudge read my report?

He did, but he says it'll carry more weight if you're there. Bode eyed the other man, taking in his waist-length, ebony hair, flashing midnight-blue eyes, and fierce scowl - all combining to make Sirius look particularly threatening. And I've got to agree with him. When you're in court, you're mean, you're rough, and you're kind of scary. Intimidation, you know.

Sirius snorted as the lift clattered to a halt. He and Bode exited it and hurried down the hall to Courtroom Ten. I don't know whether that's a complement or an insult.

Bode clapped him on the shoulder as they paused outside the door. I meant it as a compliment. Trust me, Black - you're one of the best we've got.

Thanks, love, Sirius said, rolling his eyes. Bode flipped him off, scowling. Sirius returned the favour, grinning, and pushed open the door.

Ah, Black - I'm glad you're here, when I sent Bode after you I was afraid you'd gone home -

No problem, Minister, Sirius shrugged, casting a glare at the pockmarked, greasy-haired MacGregor, who was seated in the chair with the chains on the arms. Let's get this done -

He faltered as he crossed the floor to join the Wizengamot. Directly behind the chained chair was the Veil, moving ever so slightly. He stopped and stared, his brow creasing.

Er - Black?

He jumped. The Minister and the rest of the Wizengamot were looking at him curiously, and MacGregor had a smirk on his face that Sirius didn't like - probably thought Sirius was afraid of him. Sirius gave MacGregor a withering look which wiped the smirk off the man's heavily bearded face, and picked up his notes. Sorry, Minister.... let's begin...

~*~*~*~*~

That was the Veil, Sirius muttered to himself that night, lying in bed. Remus was sleeping peacefully beside him; Antares was safe in bed across the hall; and Sirius couldn't sleep. He didn't feel drowsy in the least. For the past hour he had been lying there staring at the ceiling, chewing on his bottom lip and thinking.

Something large jumped up onto the bed beside him - something furry. A wet nose prodded him in the ribs, making him growl and push the dog's head away. Gerroff, Snuffles.

I'm Padfoot, not Snuffles, a voice said in his ear. Like I'd want to be called by the dumb name you made up.

What else was I supposed to say? Sirius grumbled. I mean, they couldn't call me Sirius in school, everyone would find out they were in contact with me -

Do shut up, Padfoot huffed from beside him. Listen to me. You've got to go back to the Ministry, as soon as you can get some trousers on, and go through that Veil.

You don't listen, do you? I'm not going back!

You're the one who doesn't listen, Padfoot shouted. You don't even KNOW what's going on at home without you - The dog laid its head over Sirius' heart; and suddenly Sirius was seeing things on the ceiling in the patch of moonlight coming in the window, like on a cinema screen - Remus, dressed in the tatty and frayed robes he always wore, sitting on a bed in a dingy bedroom with Harry's head on his knee. Harry had his glasses off and was crying into Remus' robes; Remus was stroking Harry's hair, eyes tightly shut, tears flowing silently down his cheeks. Faintly, as though from far away, Sirius heard his godson's voice.

Why - why did he have to die? Remus, why did he die? He should have come out, there's no room for anyone behind that veil - why didn't he come back? Doesn't he know we miss him? Doesn't he know we love him? He.. he.. Harry's words dissolved back into sobs, and Padfoot lifted his head from Sirius' chest. As the images faded, Sirius became aware that tears were slowly sliding down his own cheeks.

God... Harry... Remus... I... I'm sorry! Sirius cried, sitting up and driving his fist deep into the pillows. What the hell am I doing here? I need to get back to them... He looked down at the Remus sleeping beside him, and thought of Antares in the other room, and his heart seemed to clench.

It's an illusion, Sirius, Padfoot said softly. It's an illusion, you have to go back home.

Sirius got out of bed and fumbled for his clothes, pulling on a pair of jeans and a plain white t-shirt. He leaned over and kissed Remus, then pulled on his cloak. Padfoot followed him as he left the room and crossed the hallway to stand in Antares' doorway. He paused there, wiping his eyes on the back of his hand, watching his son sleep. Finally, he went into the room and bent to kiss the child's forehead.

I love you, even if you're not real, he whispered, his heart breaking. Daddy loves you, remember that - be a good boy for Papa.

Padfoot didn't say a word as Sirius straightened up and wiped his eyes again. When he spoke, he sounded as if he had a bad head cold. Let's go, I guess.

Padfoot respectfully averted his gaze from the man's tearstained face. See you there, he said, and vanished. Sirius drew a shuddery sigh, and Disapparated.

~*~*~*~*~

They stood in front of the Veil in Courtroom Ten. Sirius brushed his hair out of his eyes and took a deep breath.

I wanted to stay, Paddy... Everything I've ever wanted is here... but I can't leave Harry and Remus to suffer like that anymore...

I know. But Dumbledore said something once... It does not do to dwell on dreams, and forget to live'.

True enough, I suppose. Sirius took another deep breath. Listen... I'm sorry I was such a bitch.

The dog smiled. Yeah, well.... it's okay. I'm you, remember? I knew I'd have a hard time convincing you - er - myself - to leave everything I - you - we - oh, screw it - wanted.

I just hope I'm going to someplace good, Sirius sighed, before stepping through the Veil.
To Be Continued....
(A/N: Wow! Sorry for the very long wait. I've been suffering from mild mental blocks on almost all my continuing stories.... but now that I've buckled down and straightened out my computer, my computer desk, and my Muse selection, I'm beginning to get moving again. For fans of Back From Beyond The Veil, I can only say that chapter 9 is under construction, and I hope to finish it soon. However, Valentine's week is - I will be VERY busy at the flower shop all week (even Saturday!), so I probably won't have time to write. Please don't give up reading, I promise I'll update all my stories as soon as I can!)