Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter characters, they belong to J.K. Rowling, I think you know that quite well by now. Don't sue!
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-Une Soirée-
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Chapter 3 - Preparations
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This is the most insane idea I've ever heard, James stated flatly.
Two days before the dreaded party, James, Lily, and Sirius were at Remus' house, helping him pack for his move to Sirius' flat. James and Lily had been well-informed about the party from the beginning, but they hadn't the chance to talk about it with their friends until now.
Lily carried a neat stack of Remus' books across the room and placed them in the box labeled Books & Such'. Her diamond engagement ring glinted on her left hand. It's not so bad, James, she said, though she sounded quite unconvinced.
Poor, sweet, innocent Lily. She had never met the Blacks, and neither James nor Sirius had been willing to fill her in on most of the details of Sirius' childhood, so she did not know what horrors the Blacks could cause.
Yes it is, Sirius groused. He was sitting on the floor, folding up Remus' winter clothes for packing. They went mad at me when I told them about Remus. I can't even begin to imagine why they accepted the invite. Up to something unsavoury, I'll bet, he finished, piling Remus' jumpers in the winter clothes box.
I still think you're being a tad ridiculous, Lily huffed, adding more books to her box. Remus' parents are wonderful, decent people. I'm sure your parents won't find a thing to complain about.You'd be surprised, Lil, Remus' voice said from under the bed, where he was making an attempt to sweep out at least thirteen years' worth of dust bunnies. My family parties are always a bit... you know. Everyone's just having a lot of fun. But I dunno if our idea of fun is appealing to Sirius' family...
Lily sighed, tired of arguing. Let's just wait and see, okay?
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The day before the party, Remus was a nervous wreck. He woke up at five, as abruptly as if someone had popped a paper bag over his head or something. He sat up in bed. His room was a mass of boxes, neatly taped shut and labeled. The only things not packed were his toothbrush, hairbrush, and enough clothes for the next few days.
He got up, put on his slippers, and trudged downstairs. He didn't expect anyone else to be up this early, but his mother was already in the kitchen, making a fresh pitcher of orange juice.
'Morning, Mum. Remus kissed her cheek.
Morning, lamb. What are you doing up so early?Couldn't sleep. He accepted the glass of juice his mother offered him. Excited, I guess. He didn't mention how simply, bloody, nearly-wetting-himself scared he was thinking of tomorrow's events.
Mrs. Lupin smiled, brushing her son's bangs aside to kiss his forehead. You'll be fine. Sirius loves you very much. I'm glad he wants you to live with him. I think... I think Sirius is a very lonely person. If he has you with him, maybe he won't... you know, feel so bad anymore.
Remus paused in sipping his drink as his mother turned to the stove, his eyes wide. Without knowing it, his mother had hit the nail on the head. Sirius was a very lonely person. He had pretty much had to raise himself, as no one in his family cared about him, and had gone through his entire childhood without ever being loved by his parents. As much as Sirius loathed his family, Remus was sure their treatment of their son would leave a deep scar in his lover's memory. He smiled secretly to himself. It would be okay, though. He would be Sirius' family now.
Everyone's coming in to Heathrow this afternoon, Mrs. Lupin said, interrupting Remus' thoughts. Your father and Guillaume will pick them up, but I'd really appreciate if you, Henri, and Serena would help me get the house ready for when they arrive.Sure, Mum. Have we got enough room?Of course. Your aunt and uncle will take the sleeper sofa in the den, and your grandmother will have the extra bed in Serena's room. We should be all right for a few days.Okay. I think I'll call Sirius, see if he wants to help.
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Normally all the Lupin children hated cleaning with all their power (except Remus, who was a fanatic for neatness) but with Sirius helping out, it was a lot of fun. Remus had had no idea Sirius could be so quick and adept with a dustcloth (especially after seeing his messy flat), but Sirius could make even the stubborn old dresser in the dining room glow. He watched his mate in amusement as he helped polish the silver. Sirius was doing Dumbledore impressions across the room as Serena (who had always had a crush on her brother's boyfriend) giggled helplessly, almost dropping the cut-glass butter dish she was holding.
Knock it off, Fido, before Sere wets herself, Henri said, poking his head into the dining room. Mum wants the silver polished sometime before everybody gets here.Okay, okay. Sirius grabbed a rag and took the seat beside Remus, moving close enough to rest his thigh casually against Remus'. Planning a big dinner, Mrs. Lupin? he called, reaching for a handful of spoons and ignoring the blush that appeared on his mate's face.
Remus' mother poked her head into the dining room with a smile. Her long blonde hair was pinned up in a knot, and she was wearing her frilly pink apron. Yes, dear. We've got relatives flying in for the party, so I figured we'd have a nice, fancy dinner beforehand. Would you join us?
Sirius' grin widened, and Remus mentally blessed his mother for including Sirius in the family plans. Love to. That is, if there's enough food to go around!You don't have to worry about that, Mrs. Lupin said, tucking a stray strand of hair out of her eyes before returning to her cooking.
The whole day had the feel of Christmas as the Lupins and Sirius got everything ready for the rest of the family. Mr. Lupin and Guillaume left around four to go to Heathrow airport. Remus and Serena got the sofa in the den ready for their aunt and uncle, unfolding the sofa-bed and putting sheets, blankets, and pillows on it. Henri and Sirius added the extra leaves to the dining-room table, and Mrs. Lupin spread her best snowy-white tablecloth out and anchored it in place with two heavy silver candlesticks. It was beautiful when they finished, set with gleaming silverware and Mrs. Lupin's lovely wedding china with the pink flowers.
Dad will be back soon, we'd better get cleaned up, Remus said, pulling Sirius into the bathroom.
Do you lads mind? Henri asked with a groan.
Shut up.
Remus began to feel nervous again when his father's car pulled into the drive. How were his relatives going to react when they were introduced to Sirius? He squeezed Sirius' hand, and Sirius smiled reassuringly at him and squeezed back. Remus could read his thoughts in his eyes - I love you, it'll be all right.We're home! The front door swung open and Remus' father entered, carrying several suitcases. Uncle Nicholas followed with the rest of the luggage, while Aunt Beatrice and Grandmamma brought up the rear.
Beatrice, Nicholas, Dominique! Mrs. Lupin hurried forward to embrace her in-laws. It's so nice to see you again! Was your flight all right?Very good, Aunt Beatrice replied, moving into the living room to hug her nephews and niece. Remus swallowed hard and plastered a smile on his face as she hugged and kissed him. Her eyes rested on Sirius, and she smiled. Who is this?
Ack. The Time Of Judgment. Remus smiled nervously and said, This i-is Sirius Black, Auntie. He's... he's my boyfriend.
He expected an explosion, something on a scale with the atomic bomb, but his aunt just smiled wider and hugged Sirius. So this is the Sirius we've heard about! He's so handsome.
Henri and Serena giggled behind Sirius' back, while Remus cast a confused look at his mother. Mum -?I thought it would be easier on you if I broke the news to them, Mrs. Lupin whispered. They've known for awhile that you and Sirius are together.Oh - thanks, then, Remus said, feeling slightly confused. Well, it was something of a relief to know his relatives already knew - now that only left the Blacks.
Great.
After the flurry of hugs and kisses was over, and the luggage safely put away, and everyone herded into the dining room for drinks before dinner, Remus managed to grab Sirius' arm and pull him into the bathroom for a moment.
I can't believe Mum told them already, he pouted. I mean, I wasn't looking forward to it or anything, but I figured it was one of those growing-up things...
Sirius shook his head. Just wait until you meet my family, he muttered. Then he smiled. Your family's great, Remmie. I mean it. They're... the kind of family I always wanted to be a part of.
Remus beamed and threw his arms around his boyfriend's neck, planting a firm kiss on Sirius' lips. You're way beyond sweet sometimes, he murmured. I love you.Love you, too. Sirius kissed back. It might have turned into a steamy moment, if their names hadn't been called.
Remus! Sirius! Where are you? It's almost time to eat!Coming, Mum! Guess we'll have to finish this later, Remus smiled, taking his lover by the hand and leading him into the dining room.
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Dinner was a huge success that night. The adults chattered away while the Lupin children and Sirius stuffed themselves with everything within reach. Dessert was a giant chocolate gateau topped with cherries and real whipped cream - Mrs. Lupin's specialty. All too soon, it was time for bed. Sirius said goodbye to everyone, and Remus walked him out to the sidewalk, where his motorcycle was parked.
Sirius kissed him. Get lots of rest, love. Tomorrow's the big day.
Remus gulped. You make it sound like we're getting married.I suppose we are, in a way, Sirius shrugged, pulling on his leather jacket. At least I know there'll be a few people here who won't want to tear my head off.
Remus sighed as he watched Sirius strap on his helmet. I'm so nervous, he admitted.
Feh. Don't be. I'll take care of them if - when - they act up. Sirius kissed him again. Remus stuck his fingers in his ears as Sirius revved the bike up, then waved as his mate drove off. He headed back inside to say goodnight to everyone. It wasn't going to be easy, he thought, biting his lip. Tomorrow might turn out to be a nightmare...
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Sirius reached his building twenty minutes later, and parked his motorcycle at the curb. He dismounted, cast a sneaky look around, and, seeing no one, cast a quick anti-thieving charm on the bike. He headed into the building and trudged upstairs to his flat, stifling a yawn. He wasn't really tired yet, so he plopped down on the sofa to watch the telly for awhile. He began pulling his hair into a loose braid.
I have a feeling it is going to be a very long day.... he muttered.
To Be Continued.
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(A/N: I know, this chapter was on the boring side. I apologise. I know I didn't elaborate much on dinner with the Lupins, but who cares? You'll get to see enough of that in the next chapter. I promise! Hehee. I have a lot in store planned for our poor pups and their families, just you wait. It'll be funny, too. (Or at least, it'll be MY twisted version of humour, but if you like Snippets From The Potterverse', you'll like this too.)
Randomly, randomly, I drew a picture of Sirius and Remus in... mafia-ish clothes. Well, they were both wearing sunglasses and a whole lot of black, anyway. It was fun giving Sirius a huge collar made out of feathers. Even more randomly, I gave him a cigarette. My mother complimented me on their outfits. Maybe I should become a fashion designer.... I also drew a Saiyuki picture of Sanzo throwing a cucumber to Gojyo. Kappa love cucumbers...I don't know why I'm telling you any of this. You don't care. You only care about the next chapter, right? Yessir! I'll get cracking on it right now!)