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 6 - Dessert

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No one answered. After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, Mrs. Lupin retreated into the kitchen to start bringing out desserts. Lily, Grace, and Aunt Beatrice followed her.

Sirius picked up the shining silver teapot and used it as a mirror while he dabbed at the smudged eyeliner on his cheeks. Remus closed his eyes and slumped wearily into the nearest chair - then jumped up with a squeak, since the chair was already occupied by Rabastan, who glared at him.

Mrs. Black was muttering malevolently under her breath, scrubbing furiously at her gown. It was a lost cause. It was ruined. She turned to her husband and growled through gritted teeth, I should make them pay for my frock - though by the looks of them and this house, they couldn't afford it...

The silver teapot crashed to the table, catching everyone's attention. Sirius had heard. He glared at his mother. Shut it, Mum.Don't talk to your mother like that - Mr. Black started.

I'll talk to her any way I damn well ple- Mrs. Lupin said, perhaps a little louder than necessary, as she entered the room carrying a platter of brownies and a giant strawberry tart. Lily followed with her cake and a box of cookies; Grace brought in her yummy cherry pie and the lemon squares; Aunt Beatrice followed with stacks of plates, forks, and spoons. A few more trips, and the long table was filled with all kinds of sugary-sweet confections. Mrs. Lupin's silverware gleamed in the light.

A few were not impressed by the beauty of the dessert table. Bellatrix sat in a corner, pouting and occasionally picking stray potato crisps from her long raven hair as she watched the others choose their desserts. Her aunt was likewise hanging back; Bellatrix didn't blame her. The lovely blue frock had cost hundreds of Galleons at the shop, and these lousy Mudbloods and Mudblood-lovers had ruined it in three seconds. How dare they!

Bella, want a biscuit? Regulus had piled his plate high with what looked like a sample of every dish on the table. Bellatrix shook her head firmly and continued to grind her teeth. Her dark-blue eyes rested on her cousin, who was laughing and sharing a slice of chocolate cake with his toy boy. In fact, he was allowing the nasty Mudblood scum to feed it to him. What was with him? What had turned Sirius into a traitor of the bloodline? What had possibly made him into the person he was now? She supposed if anyone knew, they could have set him straight long ago. He was the heir to the family, for Merlin's sake, and he was throwing it all away for a slut with a sweet smile?

a voice cut into her thoughts. Something brown cascaded over Bellatrix's lap. She screeched. It was chocolate pudding. Henri had tripped over someone's foot, causing him to deposit his dessert in her lap. She glared at him. If looks could kill, Henri would have dropped dead of a brain aneurysm at that moment.

You stupid fool! she snapped at him.

I'm sorry! Henri tried to wipe the pudding off her knees with a napkin. Most plopped back into the bowl, but the remainder just made a huge stain on Bellatrix's skirt. Mrs. Lupin had noticed the predicament, and was offering Bellatrix a change of clothes so the skirt could be washed. A vein throbbed dangerously near Bellatrix's hairline.

THAT'S IT! she shouted, unable to take it anymore. A ringing silence fell as everyone stared at her. She was breathing heavily, one hand clenched over the relish stain on her blouse, another in front of the huge pudding smear on her skirt. You stupid, stupid people!! How can you be so careless?! My best clothes - Auntie's best dress! - RUINED! She was trembling in fury. Regulus was looking at her with wide eyes, half a biscuit poking out of his mouth. Sirius had frozen with his fork halfway to Remus' mouth, about to feed him a bite of cherry pie. Bellatrix glared in their direction.

I can't stand watching this anymore, either! Are all you people mentally ill? she shrieked, this last directed at her sister and the Lupins. It's disgusting, a disgrace - Sirius is supposed to be the heir to our family, he's supposed to carry on the name - HOW IS HE SUPPOSED TO DO THAT WHEN HE'S SHAGGING ANOTHER BLOKE?!

An even louder silence fell. A few forks clattered to the floor. All eyes were now on Sirius and Remus, who both looked very pale. Regulus smirked behind his biscuit.

Mum - Remus couldn't look his parents in the eye, afraid of what he might see. Dad, I - What were they going to say about this news? He cringed.

What's the shame in that? Gill demanded loudly, jumping to his brother's defense. His hazel eyes flashed angrily as he stared at Bellatrix. He took off his rose-tinted specs. Is there something wrong with being in love with someone?It's not just someone! Bellatrix replied savagely. It's another boy! How could she make them see how disgusting it was? Even better, how could she make them understand the dishonour this brought upon the family name? How could she make them see that allowing Sirius to play with boys was just as good as forfeiting the family name? A family that had once been so proud, so numerous, was suddenly depending on two boys to carry on the name - and one of them was gay?

So what? Mr. Lupin looked a tad peeved. This is my son you're talking about, Mrs. Lestrange. I don't have a problem with him dating Sirius. I don't even care if they are having - he faltered a little- having sex.But -

Rodolphus laid a hand on her shoulder, silencing her. For a moment everyone was quiet, and then conversation resumed. Bella pushed her husband's hand off her shoulder, returning to her chair with a horrible frown on her face. Her uncle leaned over to murmur in her ear.

I don't like this any more than you do, Bella, he said softly. But while we're in the Lupins' home, perhaps it would be best to be a little more.... discreet... about your opinions. she snapped. When are we leaving?As soon as dessert is over.

But wine soon gave way to coffee, cutting off the Blacks' escape route, and almost everyone seemed very comfortable. The Blacks were far from happy, but the others were having fun again. Sirius was sitting with Lily and James, Remus in his lap.

That was so rude, Lily said, casting an anxious look at Bella's Corner Of Solitude and pitching her voice low. I mean, I never would have expected anyone to make that sort of an outburst on an occasion like this...Now that you've met my family, you will, Sirius groused. See how lucky you are to have Jim's family as potential in-laws? I got lucky in that area, but I think Remmie's in some deep shite.We're both in deep shite once this party's over, Remus moaned into his cupped hands. My parents are going to kill us. They'll give us the whole safe sex' lecture, and we'll never hear the end of it! They'll never let me move in with you after this, Siri.We'll talk them into it, Sirius said mildly. Your dad didn't seem to be all that fussed.That's what you think! I swear, Siri, this isn't the end of all this - Sirius stuck a brownie in Remus' mouth as Narcissa neared the table, intent on the platter of lemon squares. Oi, Cissa. Anyone tell you that many lemon squares will make you fat? They'll go straight to your thighs, darling. And I don't think your thighs can take much more.Shut up, Narcissa snapped. Though she was very thin, she was overly sensitive about her looks. They're for Lucius. And you have mascara on your face.I think it looks cool, James sniggered as Narcissa stomped back to Lucius, tilting his head and squinting at his best mate. Like Alice Cooper, a little bit. Very... dramatic.I don't know whether that's a compliment or an insult. Sirius took a sip of coffee.

I fancy some more pie, Remus said. Grace did a lovely job on it. He rose, brushing his shaggy bangs out of his eyes, and headed for the table. Sirius followed, leaving James to stuff himself further as Lily picked up Nymphadora (who had been crawling underfoot looking for crumbs to eat) and began to share a cookie with her.

Mr. Lupin stood up, clinking his spoon softly on his coffee cup. Remus jumped, and cast an anxious look at his father. What was he doing?

When he had everyone's attention, Mr. Lupin turned his smile on his son and his son's boyfriend. I'd like to propose a toast, if I may. Remus, Sirius - no matter what, I'd like you to know that you have my full support. Our full support, he added, as Mrs. Lupin stood beside him. I never imagined my youngest son would bring another lad home, but I'm happy he's found someone like Sirius. Siriusly.

The Lupins and the boys' friends chuckled slightly at the bad pun; the Blacks remained quite unmoved.

We'd like to welcome you to our family, Sirius, Mr. Lupin said warmly, his eyes fixed on the young man. He raised his mug. We want you to keep making our boy happy. Congratulations. the others said, raising their mugs and drinking to the two boys. Sirius put his arms around Remus and kissed him softly. There was a chorus of awww's', punctuated only by the grinding of teeth.

I'd like to say a few words as well, Sirius' mother burst out. She glared daggers at her son and Remus. I'd like to say this - I'm glad we burned you off the family tree! I'm glad we kicked you out of the house! You're nothing but a filthy slut! A disgrace to our name! I thought we told you what this would do to our reputation! You know your job in this family is to pass the Black name to your sons! And still, you dare to stand in front of us, kissing a boy, a werewolf, no less, the lowest scum you could possibly meet! He's a wretched werewolf with a family with no manners at ALL! And to think you've been doing unnatural things with him - you did it in our house, didn't you! You took him to bed in my house! I never should have let you bring him to our house, I knew it - Her rage was overpowering. It radiated from her like heat from a furnace. Everyone was staring at her with wide eyes.

I HATE YOU! YOU ARE NO SON OF MINE! FILTHY TRAITOR! ABOMINATION! SHAME OF MY FLESH! Mrs. Black was screaming at the top of her lungs, spittle flying from her lips. She looked quite mad. YOU'RE A FREAK! NEVER COME NEAR ME AGAIN! NEVER COME NEAR ANY OF US AGAIN!!

And with that, the Blacks turned sharply and stormed out of the house, leaving a stunned silence in their wake.

said Sirius finally. I thought they'd never leave.

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Much later, after the debris of the party had been cleared away and the rest of the guests had left, Sirius went outside to sit on the porch. He sighed, looking up at the stars that were beginning to show in the dark sky. It was a beautiful summer night, crickets chirping and fireflies drifting dreamily about the garden. Out here, the sounds of dishes clinking in the sink and the low murmur of the Lupins' voices were muffled.

The back door creaked slightly, and footsteps sounded. It was Remus. He sunk down onto the step beside his lover, looking concerned. Forget it, Remmie. I'm fine. Sirius didn't feel fine at all. He loathed his family, but the things they had said had cut deeply. He heaved a great sigh. I'm... I'm sorry. he muttered. The things they said, I mean. I didn't want you to hear any of that.I'm used to it. Remus ran a hand through Sirius' hair. We'd better get used to jabs like that, anyway. Most of the wizarding world won't be too happy when faced with a homosexual werewolf and his male lover. It came out sounding more bitter than he had intended. I'm more worried about you.

Sirius sniffed slightly. Don't be. It's kind of a good thing, you know. A nice, clean cut. I'm not tied to them anymore. I won't have to listen to their insults or take their abuse anymore.

But the cut was far from clean. He leaned into Remus' embrace and began to cry softly, letting his tears fall on the shoulder of Remus' sweatshirt. For a long time the two boys sat motionless on the porch, even after Sirius stopped crying and fell silent. Finally, he looked up and managed a small, wavery smile. Thank you, Remmie.You're welcome. Remus kissed his boyfriend softly on the lips. I love you.I love you, too. Sirius got to his feet, wincing as his legs prickled with pins and needles. He extended a hand to help Remus up. Think your parents would mind if I spent the night?Not at all. Remus kissed him again.

When they entered the house, everyone else had gone to bed, except for Mr. and Mrs. Lupin, who were talking quietly on the sofa. Remus paused. Goodnight, Mum, Dad.Goodnight, boys, Mrs. Lupin smiled. Sirius followed Remus to his room, but changed his mind halfway there.

Go ahead, Remmie. I'll catch you up.Er - okay, Remus said, looking bemused. Sirius turned and made his way back to the living room.

Er - Mr. and Mrs. Lupin?What is it, Sirius? Mr. Lupin asked.

I just wanted to apologise, Sirius said, standing in the doorway and nervously fiddling with his hair. For my family. I didn't think they'd behave like that. I really didn't....Oh, don't be silly. Mrs. Lupin got up and joined him at the door. She put a hand on his cheek and smiled up at him. It isn't your fault that your family acted the way they did.I thought they'd at least try to be polite. I didn't want them to come at all. I was afraid they'd be mean to you or Remus. But it was worse than I thought...It's all right, Sirius, Mrs. Lupin said, and hugged him. It was he first time he had ever been hugged like this, as if by a mother, and he bit his lip hard to keep from crying.

He smiled when she let him go. he said to her, and to her husband. I was touched about what you said... about me being a part of the family. I... I really appreciate it.

If he wasn't mistaken, that was a tear glimmering in Mrs. Lupin's eye. But she smiled back and said, You're welcome, Sirius.

He headed back upstairs and to Remus' room. Remus was already in bed, wearing his pj's and a look of curiosity. What was all that about?Nothing. I just wanted to apologise for Mum and Bellatrix, Sirius said. He stripped off his jeans and t-shirt and climbed into bed clad only in his boxers. Remus reached over and clicked off the lamp. They snuggled close.

I love you, Remmie.I love you, Siri.

Both boys closed their eyes and were asleep in minutes. It really had been a tiring day.

-The End-

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(A/N: And so ends another of my Sirius/Remus stories. I'm kind of sad that it's over. It was a lot of fun to write, except when the Blacks were being mean. But in the end, it turned out all right. Thanks for the reviews!!

I promise, I'll try not to rant anymore! But if you like reading my random ramblings (especially my S/R ones), please visit my brand-new LiveJournal at I will put fanart up there, too, so check for updates! Please, feel free to leave comments!)