Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter characters. I get tired of saying that!

Warning: Contains major *OOTP SPOILERS* and *SB/RL SLASH*. If you wish to avoid those things, please turn back now.

Notes: *PLEASE READ!* This story is COMPLETELY AU, meaning it never happened and probably never will (sadly). This is just me trying to bring back the character I love the most.

Sorry about the slight rating increase, but the first few paragraphs are objectionable to some.....


~*~*~*~*~
Back from Beyond the Veil, Part 3



Hot, sweet breath against his neck.
Long, long, silky black hair, hanging around them like a curtain as they kissed.
White skin, such a striking contrast to the hair....... long fingers running through his own silvery-brown hair.
Gentle kisses and exquisite pleasure.

Remus would have sold his soul for all of this; had come quite close to giving his life for it. But he couldn't be happier.
He and Sirius were in bed, making love for what seemed like the hundredth time in the past week. Not that Remus minded at all.
he breathed, barely able to believe that the man making love to him was alive, that he had come back from the rim of Death only seven days before.
Sirius murmured, placing light kisses on his lover's neck.
Remus whispered, his hands running down Sirius' back and through his beautiful ebony hair, leaning up slightly to nip at the other man's throat.
Sirius moaned.

Sirius! Remus! Get up already!
both men groaned at once, instantly recognizing that voice.
Loud knocks rattled their bedroom door. Get up! Ron yelled through the door. Do I have to come in and get you?
No, you won't want to be doing that! Sirius yelled back. We'll be there in a minute!
As Ron's footsteps went down the stairs, Sirius heaved a heavy sigh and nuzzled Remus' neck. It's not fair, Remmie.
Remus chuckled. You talk like this has been our only opportunity all week.
What does he actually think we're doing in here? Sirius pondered, reluctantly disentangling his long legs from the sheets and sitting up on his haunches.
Sleeping, Siri. You know perfectly well teenagers don't think anyone over twenty-five has sex. You never did when you were their age.
Well, I was stupid at sixteen, Sirius shrugged, getting up and pulling clean robes from the wardrobe.
Remus smiled, putting on his own robes. You can't be too mad at Ron. After all, you're going to see Harry soon.
said Sirius. If he doesn't flee screaming.

When they got into the kitchen, Molly was busily serving breakfast, assisted by Hermione and Ginny.
Good morning! she greeted them cheerfully. Arthur, Ron, and the twins have gone to fetch Harry. I don't know when they'll be back, it all depends on how willingly his aunt and uncle let him go...
They'll be back very soon, then, Sirius muttered. Gods, would I like to take care of them....
Well, you can't, Remus said firmly, as Molly shook her head disapprovingly.
I know, I know, sighed Sirius, sitting down in an effort to stop his legs from trembling. Why was he so nervous? He never got nervous. Well, unless you counted the time he had had to tell his parents about himself and Remus... yet another reason why the majority of the family hated him so.
Hermione seemed to know what was wrong. Don't get nervous, Sirius, she said comfortingly, bringing him a cup of coffee. Harry will be really glad to see you. After all, it was he who believed you weren't really dead....
I guess you're right, Sirius said, adding his usual four sugars and half a cup of cream to his coffee and stirring it.

Remus and Sirius were just finished eating when the kitchen door opened and Arthur tiptoed in.
Harry's here, Sirius, he said, shutting the door behind him. Ron, Fred, and George are helping him get settled and all. Now how should we handle this?
Sirius shrugged. I haven't the slightest idea, he said.
Remus stood. I'll talk to him. Siri, wait out in the hall, and I'll call you in, ok?
Er.. sure.

Harry was unpacking his trunk, noticeably subdued. He laughed at the stories Ron, Fred, and George were telling him, but he wasn't really in a funny mood. Even after three weeks, Harry still couldn't get over Sirius' death. He had felt sure, so sure, that Sirius had merely fallen behind the veil, and would emerge at any minute. It hadn't happened. If Remus hadn't held him back, Harry might have gotten to him in time....
He and Remus had written to each other over the summer, and Harry was beginning to find solace in his former professor. Remus was really the only person he had now who was anything like a parent; true, he had the Weasleys too, but somehow Remus and Sirius had always felt more like parents to him....

There was a soft knock on the door, and Remus entered.
Hello, boys, he said, smiling. Was everything okay with your aunt and uncle, Harry?
They couldn't wait to get rid of me, Harry grumbled, putting socks away in his dresser drawer.
Remus shook his head and sat at the foot of Ron's bed (Harry's was covered in his stuff). Harry, I've got something to tell you...
Is this one of those leave-the-room-now kind of things? Ron asked.
You can stay or go, Remus said, smiling. I imagine you'll find out no matter what I tell you to do.
Harry had a feeling Remus knew about the twins' Extendible Ears.
All right, he said, sitting down next to Remus. What is it?
Well. Er - I know you won't like this but - do you remember.... that night in the Department of Mysteries?
Harry stared. How could he forget? The night he had lost his godfather and been possessed by Voldemort himself? How in the hell could he forget that? He had been having nightmares about it, mixed with dreams of Cedric and the graveyard. Why was Remus bringing this up?
I don't want to talk about it, he said quietly.
But we have to, Remus said firmly.
No, we don't!
There you go, a voice said, and they all looked up to see that Phineas Nigellus had sidled into his portrait at that moment.
Teenagers are so rebellious, Phineas Nigellus continued. They won't listen to their elders. You know, boy, I'm sure Lupin has something to tell you that could be counted as good advice. Listen to him. If there's one thing I can't stand, it's sass-back.... that lousy great-great grandson of mine was just like you...
Remus turned quickly to Harry, before Harry (who was turning red) could let his temper get out of hand listening to Phineas Nigellus talk about Sirius.
Harry, listen to me. he said. You were right.
Right? About what? Harry asked.
Sirius.... isn't dead.
Harry stared at him. What d'you mean? he finally managed.
He isn't dead, Remus said softly. He's alive, Harry.
There was silence.

I don't believe you, Harry finally said, growing angry once more. What are you playing at? Remus, you *told* me he was dead in the Department of Mysteries! Dumbledore told me he was dead! He looked at his former professor rather sourly. You're a goddamned liar.
a sharp voice barked from the doorway.
They all turned to see Sirius striding into the room.
gasped Harry, turning white as salt. You're really alive?!
Right as rain, Sirius said grimly. And before we go any further, I think you owe Remus an apology.
Harry felt ashamed. Sorry, Remus, he said. I didn't mean to call you a liar, or to swear at you. It was .... just pretty unbelievable.
I understand, Remus said softly, giving Harry a brief hug. Apology accepted. He stood. Ron, Fred, George, I think your mother's calling us.
I didn't hear her, Fred said.
Then let's go and *find her*, Remus said pointedly.
Oh! Right, said all three boys at once, and hurried out the door behind him.

Once they were gone, Sirius sat down beside Harry and gave him a one-armed hug. You okay?
Dunno yet, Harry said weakly. He wrapped his arms around his godfather and rested his head on Sirius' shoulder. You're really alive.....
That I am, Sirius agreed, putting his arms around Harry. And don't worry - I'm not a Death Eater in disguise or anything like that. Moody's made sure.
Harry chuckled. I guess he would, he said. Moody's great and all, but so paranoid...
The pair were silent for a minute, just holding each other. Harry finally gave voice to one of the questions he was longing to ask.
Sirius? How... did you do it? I mean, how did it happen? How'd you... come back?
Um. Well, it's kind of a long story, but I guess it starts with you calling me....

~*~*~*~*~

Harry said, staring wide-eyed up at his godfather.
And then Remus and I had to spend the night at St. Mungo's, Sirius said with a shrug. Our injuries weren't really that serious, at least by magical standards. And here we are.
Wait a minute. I don't get something. Why did Remus' blood make all the difference? I mean, wouldn't Dumbledore's work too? Or how about Tonks, she is your cousin. Harry said.
Sirius sighed. The one thing he had been trying to sidestep hadn't escaped his godson's attention. You had to admit, the kid was as sharp as a tack.
Well...... Harry, Remus and I are........ he trailed off, thinking just what to say.
You're what? Harry prompted.
Um. Well. Ahem. Er - how much do you know about werewolves?
Harry shrugged. They kill, they're evil, they stop at nothing to sink their fangs into a human being. All that stuff they tell you to make you scared, the stuff that doesn't apply to Remus or really the majority of werewolves. Why do you ask?
Well, then I suppose you never read anything about the personality of werewolves, or their lifestyle, or their - er, mating habits.
Nah, that's more Hermione's thing, she always reads tons of extra books on the topics we cover in class. You know that, Harry said.
Well, then.... werewolves... see, Harry, they... well, have to choose their mates carefully, said Sirius, feeling himself beginning to blush. It suddenly hit him that he'd probably have to be the one to give Harry The Talk' - and soon, too.

Well, because, the first person the werewolf is... uh.... physically with- (ye gods, was this embarrassing) -in either wolf or human form, is destined to be the werewolf's mate forever. Like real wolves, werewolves keep only one mate for their whole lives.
Harry raised an eyebrow. What does this have to do with Remus' blood?
Um.... the blood of someone dearly loved can be used to reverse evil magic, Sirius said delicately.
Harry's green eyes grew huge as this sunk in. Are you telling me that you and Remus are... you know, together?
Sirius said, blushing beet red. I guess I am.
And it's because of that those creepy women took his blood and let you go?
said Sirius.
Harry grinned.
Sirius stared at him in disbelief. he echoed.
Yeah. I mean, it's not every day you find out your godfather's with your ex-professor, but I think it's cool. I dunno, just always seemed to me that you two were perfect for each other - even if you are complete opposites.

Sirius couldn't help from grinning. He knew he probably looked stupid, but he couldn't help himself. You know, you've probably taken the news the best out of anyone, he said.
I guess your parents weren't too thrilled, Harry said. That is - um, if you were together before... you know, Azkaban.
We were, and they weren't, Sirius agreed. And neither was he, he added, jerking his thumb irritably in the direction of Phineas Nigellus.
Damn right I wasn't! Phineas Nigellus shouted. Lousy no-good brat, you broke your mother's heart!
Oh, please, Sirius said, rolling his eyes and getting to his feet. You know just as well as I do my mother was upset only because she thought a gay son would ruin the Black family reputation.
But if you weren't - if you weren't - if you didn't like boys, the Black name would continue! barked Phineas Nigellus.
With a twisted smile, Sirius looked at Harry. I guess you can take a stab at how my parents reacted. Just more of a reason to favour Regulus - they thought he'd be the one to proudly pass the Black name to his sons. He snorted. You know as well as I how *that* turned out. Let's go downstairs, I can't stand listening to that old geezer crab at me all day.
You'd better have some respect! Phineas Nigellus shouted, outraged, as Harry and Sirius hurried out into the hallway. I'm your great-great-grandfather, if it weren't for me you'd never have been born! I -
Sirius slammed the door shut, cutting Phineas Nigellus off in mid-sentance. Dear Lord.

They headed downstairs. Remus was coming up, carrying a pile of freshly-laundered sheets for the beds.
Everything all right? he asked, smiling.
Unless you count Phineas Nigellus screaming at me, Sirius said.
Ignore him. He's just a painting.
A talking painting. Is it almost time for lunch?
Almost. Molly's looking for you - she thinks we missed a few gremlins in the pantry.

Harry started to follow his godfather down the stairs, but changed his mind. Sirius, go ahead, okay? I'll be down in a minute - I just want to talk to Remus.
Sure thing.

Harry turned and headed up the stairs, meeting up with Remus as he headed into Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's room with the sheets.
Remus! Can I talk to you? he asked, following the older man into the room.
said Remus, pulling the old sheets off the bed and shaking out a new one. Help me with this, will you?
Harry grabbed the corners of the ground sheet, helped Remus stretch it over the mattress, and tuck it in. What's on your mind? Remus asked, as they shook out the other sheet and began putting that on the bed.
Well, when I was talking to Sirius, he - sorta told me you two were.... er, in love.
Did he tell you, or did you pry it out of him? Remus asked.
I kind of pried it out of him, Harry said sheepishly. But it wasn't that hard, to be honest.
With a soft laugh, Remus tossed him a pillowcase. Well, you had to know sometime. Now it's my turn to ask a question, and I want you to be truly honest. What do you think of Sirius and I being together?
Harry mused, plumping up the pillow and placing it at the head of the bed. I think it's great, I really do. It'll take some getting used to, you know - I mean, Uncle Vernon was always dead set against gay people, and I don't know how much of it has stuck with me. But I think you and Sirius are... I dunno, it's just cool you're together. He leaned over and gave Remus an impulsive hug.
Thank you, Harry, Remus smiled, and from downstairs Molly called, Harry! Remus! Time for lunch, dears!
There's our cue, Harry grinned, and he and Remus headed downstairs together.




To Be Continued....

(A/N: How did I write touching scenes while listening to Metallica's St. Anger album? Beats me. Oh well. Now that Harry knows, what's to come next? Pointless fluff and lots of cuddles! But there *will* be a plot as well, don't worry about that.)