Disclaimer: I am not JK and these characters to not belong to me. I am merely borrowing them.
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Chapter 45 – Parting Glass
After my moment of angry breakdown I began to feel like something had lifted from the pits of my stomach. I ached still, Merlin yes it still hurt but the tension that had been building up inside of me had vanished like a wisp of smoke.
So Sirius then took it upon himself to not only bring happiness into my life but also into that of my parents. Never let it be said that Sirius Black didn't have his own thoughtful moments.
The weekend of that week arrived and Sirius accompanied me to my house where my father was now settled. We would stay the Saturday with them and then return to spend the Sunday back at Hogwarts with our friends.
Sirius planned to treat us all that night to a moment of blissful ignorance.
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
(1976)
"How're you holding up there Mr Lupin?" Sirius asked as he led the Lupin family down the streetlamp lit streets. Stars were twinkling down at them from across the vast ebony velvet sky above them and a brisk air made them pull their coats tighter around their necks.
"I'm fine Sirius, I'm not tired yet." Ethan said smiling at the young man before turning back to his wife again who was holding his hand. Remus was next to his father as he held onto Sirius's hand just as tightly.
Currently they were walking down the Bristol Harbour side around eight thirty in the evening as Sirius led them to an unknown destination. People would occasionally pass them, tipsy from early evening drinking until finally they stood before a small pub called 'Plumb of Feathers'. Sirius smiled at them all before leading them in, the Lupins all exchanging looks before they followed the teenager.
Inside the interior to the pub created a sense of cosiness. A Bar was on the right where a young woman and an older man were serving drinks to what must have been locals as they spoke with ease with the bartenders. Several circular tables were clustered a little on the left with a long sofa chair attached to the wall leading all down the length of it. Random chairs were dotted here and there around the other side of the tables where several paper beer mats were placed and an ashtray in the centre of it. Further back in the pub there was a large section of chairs but they were in a circular sequence like a group therapy meeting. In these chairs there were several merry looking men and women tuning all kinds of instruments like they intended to 'jam'.
"Over here." Sirius said squeezing past the customers with apologies, the Lupins following until Sirius led them to what looked like a little alcove just at the end of the bar. Sirius pulled out a chair for Mrs Lupin who thanked him before pulling out another for Mr Lupin. He and Remus sat across from them on one of the wall sofas so that everyone was facing the small 'jamming' group.
"What's this Sirius?" Remus asked curiously and Sirius smiled at him with that mischievous look in his eyes.
"Every Monday at around 8:30 in here this group of people always arrive to play Irish Folklore," Remus perked up at that as did Mrs Lupin, "I thought it might be a nice night out for you all."
Ethan smiled at Sirius who returned it.
"Thank you." He said quietly and the teenager nodded. Then feeling a slight sense of humour returning Ethan quirked an eyebrow.
"How exactly do you know about what goes on in this pub on Mondays?" He asked and Remus looked at his boyfriend as well. Sirius merely grinned before turning and pointing at the young lady behind the bar.
"That's my cousin Andromeda, she works here part time to pay for her tuition at college." Sirius called Andromeda's name and after looking around for the source she waved happily before Sirius turned back to the Lupins.
"Do you all want drinks? I can take your orders up for you?" He said.
"Ah I'll come with you Sirius." Ethan said, groanning a little as he stood but good-naturedly swatted away his wife's and son's concerned hands. "I'm fine, I'm fine."
He and Sirius pushed through the little crowd and waited behind a gentleman currently being served.
"Sirius..." Ethan started making the boy turn to him quizzically.
"...Thank you again...Brigit and Remus needed this, this...'normality' I suppose. And I guess I needed it too." The man said and he lay a hand on the teenager's shoulder to which the boy smiled in understanding.
"That's ok. I just couldn't see Remus like that anymore." He said quietly. Ethan nodded in agreement before a throat was cleared in front of them. They both turned to see a grinning black haired girl leaning on the counter at them. Sirius returned it and leant over it too to hug the young women.
"Merlin I haven't seen you in ages Hobbit!" The woman said and Ethan chuckled a little when Sirius pulled back looking horrified at the nickname.
"Hobbit?" Ethan asked amused causing Sirius to cringe.
"What? I was short last time she say me!" He said defensively making to the two elders laugh.
"So, I'm guessing that you'd like some drinks. What'll it be tonight?" Andromeda asked and Ethan pulled out a muggle £10 note.
"I think it'll have to be a simple water for me but my wife will have a double Vodka and the two lads here will have...Oh that looks ok, well these two will have a Smirnoff Ice each."
"OK that'll be £7.29 then please." She rang it through the cashier and then after returning the money handed him over the drinks. Sirius helped the older man carry them back over to their little alcove, just passing as one man tuned his acoustic guitar and strummed a little. Another was just having a few practices on his violin as another had a hand Irish drum in his lap, laughing merrily as he spoke to the man beside him. All in all there were at least 18 people seated there all with assortments of acoustic guitars, Violins, different sized Irish drums, Mandolins and some where even just sipping large pints as they laughed with their mates.
"They all look so cheerful." Brigit said looking at the group and Ethan snorted a little.
"Course they're happy, they're Irish!" He said and the two teenagers chuckled. Before anyone else could talk though the room seemed to hush a little as a violin broke out into a folklore tune. One man, Tall with a small greying beard stood with his pint in hand and began to sing in a strong yet soothing Irish accent.
"Oh all the money e'er had
I spent it in good company.
And all the harm that ever I've done
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit to memory now I don't recall
So fill to me the Parting Glass,
Good night and joy be with you all.
If I had money enough to spend
And leisure time to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in this town
That sorely has my heart beguiled
Her rosy cheek and ruby lips, I own
She has my heart in thrall
Then fill to me the Parting Glass
Good night and joy be with you all
Oh all the comrades I e'er I had
They're sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts e'er I had
They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you shall not
I gently rise and softly call
Goodnight and joy be with you all."
The man finished by taking a long sip of his drink and everyone applauded. Sirius whistled loudly before he turned back to the Lupins who just finishing clapping the man.
"Oh what a beautiful song." Brigit said as she leant over and kissed her husband's cheek.
"It's an Old Irish Drinking song, My Uncle Alphard used to sing it all the time at family gatherings. My mother hated it to no end but I always loved it." Sirius said speaking over a new livelier tune that had the drums creating a beat as the violins played over the top. A guitar strummed alongside it bringing the whole culture to life.
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Ethan had finally convinced Brigit to dance with him and the two were currently twirling as the Irish players played loudly along, the ones without instruments clapping to create a steady beat as they encouraged the pair. Remus had remained sitting beside Sirius, smiling truly as he watched his parents have the time of their lives.
"This is why you brought us isn't it?" He said suddenly as the two teenagers clapped along with the other people. He looked over at Sirius who was doing the same.
"Why did I bring you?" The animagus asked, curious as to what his boyfriend was thinking.
"To show me that he's not dead yet," They both looked over to the still happily dancing Ethan and Brigit, "That he still has life in him at the moment."
Sirius shuffled closer to Remus and placed an arm around his shoulders. The werewolf leant into the embrace so his head was resting on his mate's shoulder.
"Your father is ill, yes...But Moony look!" He gestured with his hand towards the laughing couple. "He's still alive for now and he's not going to want to spend his remaining days watching his family mourn him."
Remus nodded then looked up at Sirius again, a flicker of a smile on his face.
"I'm going to make them the best days of his life...will you help me?" He asked quietly.
Sirius kissed his boyfriend's forehead tenderly as he stroked soft hair back away from Remus's features.
"That's what I'm here for love."
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
The four walked out of the pub, calling good-byes over their shoulders to which the entire group returned a cheery departure in reply. Sirius waved one last time to his cousin before walking beside the comfortably silent family. Ethan was looking up at the stars with a vague smile on his face, his wife's hand tightly in his own. Remus was happily leaning into Sirius's side as they boy wrapped an arm around his waist.
"Thank you for taking us out tonight Sirius dear, I can't remember when I've had so much fun." Brigit said still slightly red-faced from all the dancing.
"Anytime, anytime." Sirius replied.
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
"I'm beat!" Sirius said falling back onto Remus's bed and the werewolf quickly followed him lying face down against his pillow. Both were ready to nod off but Mrs. Lupin had gone through so much trouble to find the old foldout bed they had for guests that they figured they should use it.
Rolling off Sirius crawled towards the bed where he began to fight with it, snorting when it sprang back into its folded position. Remus, chuckling lightly crawled off of his bed and helped his boyfriend with his predicament. When they finally got it open (and it remained open) Remus sat back on his hunches as he brushed his hair out of his face.
"Sirius..." He started as they other boy gingerly tested the bed, turning his head to look at the tawny boy.
"Yeah?"
"About the other day...in the Shrieking Shack...Look I want to apoloi..."
"It's ok," Sirius said cutting Remus off, "I understand why. Don't feel bad about it."
After a brief moment of simply looking at the animagus Remus smiled at him softly as he crawled forward to press a kiss tightly against the other boy's in thanks.
(TBC)
IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
AN: I love that song! It's called 'The Parting Glass'!
Thanks to:
Saturndragon: Lol, yeah I felt what better way to help Remus recover slightly then to vent on Malfoy! And I've always believed that about my cats, cats are supposed to have intimate bonds with Wiccans so maybe that's why I'm so attached to mine, why you to yours. Good luck in your path to Wicca and like I said to another friend, who was learning Wiccan, never rush it and don't worry if something doesn't happen straight away. I've been studying and practicing for 5 years and I –know- I'm no where near being what I suppose you could call a 'Professional' Witch! AH now I sound like I'm preaching, Sorry! Right, no more preaching (slaps her own hand).
Malfoyscutie: Writing both could be fun, maybe slip them in together. And glad you liked it!
Hp-Azn: It's slightly better, kind of funny to look through though!
Caity-cat: So here you are, Remus having a break! A nice one too, I actually went to that pub on the Irish night and thought what a wonderful chapter it would make. Out of curiosity, are you 'Cait' from 'Mischief managed' or am I just confusing you now?
Tigerseye1: Lol waterproofing, good idea. But here's an up-lifting chapter for everyone!
Yapi-is-gay-13: I think Remus will be able to let go of some grief but of course we can't expect him to be bouncing off the walls anytime soon.
Blue Winged Angel: Lol, ah I think Draco/Harry will always be a fanfiction dream rather then cannon lol! But I will always believe strongly that JK was hitting at R/S so I'm happy! Remus plushies! (That's a cuddly toy right? Cause I generally call them cuddlies over here. I got confussled!) And now I'm going to go soundproof a shoebox hehe!
Callista Silverheart: Ah that'll do fine! A brief kiss on the cheek can make any one's tummy flutter happily! LMAO ah a £2 romance novel writer, that would be so funny!
Jenna: Oh I know what you mean, I can't get into books that don't create visuals for me, I need to feel everything that the characters felt. OotP was so funny because I'd read a scene where Harry was pissed off and then I found myself stalking round the house in a bad mood! It was weird! Aye I'm in college, I have one year left then me and a friend of mine are hoping to take the summer holidays off to trek over England! Fingers crossed, I'd love to do that!
Avain: Well I feel that if you're all going to be honest about your opinions on my story or tell me about your life then the very least I can do is repay the favor. Then for me, like I've said before, you're real people and I hope that the feeling is mutual (doesn't matter if it isn't though). But this review is just wow, I mean when I started this story it was for fun and it still is but to gain that kind of reaction from a reader is just...it makes it worth while you know?
Kynny: Lol, ah I think everyone was yelling along with you! And thanks for all your good wishes man!
Legolas19: Thank you!
Seraphina pyro: Thanks and I know, but look (points up) a little happiness!
Elrohir Lover: LMAO I bet Taykayo is having a ball, we'll have to ask him when he gets back! Lucius is probably one of those hot guys that you know you should steer clear off but you can't help think 'Nice arse'! Aye my eye feels better now but it's very weird looking through it right now! I kept insisting I should get a Moody magical eye! And LMAO thank you (huggles back and kisses too) thanks for the other of the straight guys lol!
Guu-Sama: Hai, My cats are old animals, Figaro was 13 (although I'm not sure, he may have been 14 actually, he died just before his birthday) but I have another cat (still alive) who is 16, a year under me! She's Figaro's mum. Oh my verbal temper is terrible although I have gotten into a few physicals...with guys. I'm afraid I thought dirty though lol! I'm afraid the files didn't work but I'm going to try again!
Sidhelady: Aye, showering before hand is very relaxing for these chapters! And... "The Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat! If you offer me pheasant I'd rather have grouse!" So which 'Cats' member are you?
Tracy-Lou: Aye Remus strikes me as the type that lets things build up in him, a lot like Harry does only he's gotten better at hiding it then Harry over the years. I imagine he'd have quite the temper if he lost it, hence the shack scene! But thank you, everyone is really boosting my confidence on writing.
Happo: Attie...I can learn to love it lol!
Suzuka West: Glad you liked it, it was strangely relieving to write it as Remus really needed it.
Adhara1: Ah we'll just let him maul him next time lol! But yep this (points above) is the beginning of a path leading Remus into closure of sorts. And lol, unfortunately life does beckon me but never fear, I shall always write.
Kittie Kat: Oh don't worry about not reviewing last time, you have a life to which is fair! And tut tut, a pirate copy...how the hell did that get through lol? At the cinemas here the Cinema staff were given night vision goggled to make sure no one was taping POA...Seriously! And thank you, the project isn't that hard so I doubt writing this is going to make me fail!
Obviously Oblivious: Ah hello! And thanks lol!
IsisFireDancer: Merry Meet! Aye he needed to vent out something I felt. And I know what you mean, I'll be lying in bed waiting for Figaro to jump up and keep my feet warm of lie on my tummy. Oh well. And don't worry, the infection is not nearly as painful anymore (it's just kind of there lol). Blessed Be! Oh and PS, I found this bumper sticker in a Wiccan shop that I thought you might like; "My other Car is a Broomstick". If you can't poke fun at yourself then who will lol?
Venilia: Wow I had never thought about it like that before! My own writing and I never noticed that before. But lol, I liked that analysis, it was very good considering it was three am!