Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns all, sees alls, and does all…well, with the possible exception of Dallas. We're pretty sure that belongs to some woman named Debbie.

Warnings: Um…deals with racial prejudices and bugs. Also just FYI, the section completely in italics is a dream sequence.

Chapter 26: Meeting the Parents

Paige and Sirius got into her car and set off for her parent's house. A few minutes into the ride, Paige turned on the radio. Intrigued, Sirius started fiddling with it, amazed at how many types of music came blaring into the car. She put up with the station changing every few seconds and answered his questions good naturedly.

Ten minutes later, Sirius had stopped switching stations to Paige's relief. However, he was currently dancing in his seat to the Macarena courtesy of Mix 94.7. She didn't like the song a year ago when it first came out and she sure didn't like it now, but she chose to hold her tongue since they had only reconciled a few hours before.

Twenty minutes later, Sirius was inspecting the dashboard. He pointed at a button with wavy lines drawn upon it. "What's that button?"

Paige glanced over. "That's the rear defrost."

"What's a rear defrost?", he asked.

"It warms up my back window and keeps it from fogging up.", she said with a small sigh.

"Can I defrost your rear?", Sirius asked suggestively.

Paige giggled. "Charming, but no."

Sirius huffed and pointed to another button. "What's this button do?"

"That's the hazard lights."

"This one, what's it do?"

"That's the AC."

"What's this one on the ceiling?"

"That's the sun roof, you push the button to open it."

Sirius opened it and cautiously stuck his head out. He whooped as the wind rushed around him and blew his hair back. His happiness ended when the car was suddenly enveloped in a dust-devil. Dirt, rocks, and bugs stung his face, making him gasp. A giant grasshopper splattered against his teeth. He almost reflexively bit down on it, but stopped and spit it out before going back into the car and closing the roof.

He made a face at Paige. "Yuck, do you have something I could wipe my face with?"

Paige shook her head. "Nope, dust bothering you?"

Sirius started hacking like a cat with a fur ball. "No, but that bug did." He licked his teeth a few times.

Paige looked horrified. "Oh God, Sirius! Please tell me you're joking!"

Sirius laughed. "Well, they taste better than rats so I can't complain." He gave her a toothy grin. "Do I have any in my teeth?"

Paige determinedly stared at the road. "I don't know and I am not going to look."

"Come on, luv, I don't want to show up at your mum's house with bits of bug in my teeth, what will she think of me?", he whined.

Paige snorted. "She'll think you're related to Jack." Sirius laughed and Paige continued. "We'll stop at this next exit and get you some mouthwash."

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Fifteen minutes later, a very amused Paige leaned against her care as Sirius repeatedly rinsed his mouth out. He walked back over to the car, passing four young women in Mustang. He winked at them, causing one to blow him a kiss and another to flash him. He stopped and blinked, making the four girls laugh. Shaking his head in amusement, he headed back towards Paige.

She stretched and yawned. "All better?"

Sirius nodded. "Yep. That bug had a rather nutty flavor." He heard giggles and hushed voices behind him. He turned to see the women he had just flirted with staring at him. He shrugged. "Sun roof.", he said with a laugh and turned back to Paige. "So are we going?"

Paige moved to the driver's side and got in. As her door closed, one of the women behind him spoke up, causing Sirius to turn and face her. "So, you eat bugs? I've been known to swallow serpents.", she took a step towards him and ran her hands up his chest and around his shoulders.

Sirius smiled down at her. "So does she", he motioned to the car, "and she's got references." The woman huffed and rejoined her friends, while Sirius got in the car.

Paige smiled at him. "Having fun out there?"

"Yes, I guess so. She said she swallowed serpents."

Paige put her head against the steering wheel and laughed. "Sirius, that has got to be the funniest thing I have ever heard. These girls are falling all over you after hearing that you eat bugs."

Sirius shifted uncomfortably. "What of it?"

Paige squeezed his knee before caressing his crotch briefly. "People in America don't normally eat bugs, dearie. They saw how absolutely striking you are and practically threw themselves at you. Not that I could blame them."

"Well, I'm not overly fond of them talking so blatantly about things.", Sirius commented, coloring slightly.

Paige glanced over and smiled, getting a rough idea of why Sirius was embarrassed. "Are you blushing?"

He adverted his gaze and replied "No. I just don't like ladies talking like that."

"Do you like me talking like that?", she teased. Sirius nodded but then shifted uncomfortably. Paige smirked and continued. "Good, because I had planned on doing so with you soon."

After seeing that there was no getting out of this conversation, Sirius decided to take a different approach. "Really, luv? Giving or receiving?", he asked exasperatedly.

Paige patted his leg. "Oh, I'm fond of both I've been told that I am very good at giving blow jobs."

"Wouldn't know, you've never given me one.", he stated, looking out the window.

Paige was quiet for a bit, giving them both time to think. Finally, she asked "Sirius? How many girls have you done this with?"

He sighed. "The thing you have to understand, luv, is that this sort of thing is somewhat kinky for me. The Wizarding world in England is a good twenty years behind the times. I don't know what it is like here now, but it's not easy for me to just talk about it. I will answer your question, though. I have only given and received oral sex three times with one girl. Any more questions?", he finished, raising an eyebrow.

Paige grinned. "Well, maybe. Did you like receiving it?"

He turned back from the window somberly. "Yes, of course. It's kind of embarrassing to talk about, though, so can we change the subject?"

Shaking her head, she pressed onward. "Did you like giving it?"

"Yes, luv, I liked it all. If I didn't, I wouldn't have done IT.", Sirius replied exasperatedly.

Patting his knee, she smiled. "Alright, didn't mean to upset you." Sirius crossed his arms, making Paige change the subject. "So, we're almost there…"

He looked eagerly out the window. "Good. I'm getting restless."

"Well, we still have another fifteen minutes or so. You'll be able to run around with the kids when we get there. Mom and Dad have a big yard, so feel free."

"Good to know. Is this a big family thing or do these kids you speak of live nearby?", Sirius asked.

Paige turned onto a bumpy dirt road. The car and its passengers were jostled about were jostled about with each dip and rise, making Sirius feel somewhat sick. He grimaced and put his hand on his stomach. Paige looked over and gave a concerned look. "Are you okay?"

"Fine, I'm just not used to this kind of movement in a car. Will we be there soon?", he asked, before swallowing hard.

"Yes, soon. Why don't you switch forms until we get there? You'll feel better as a dog."

Paige looked over and saw a big black dog sitting in the passenger seat. She scratched his ears and petted him, making him lean into her hand. "Good boy. Feel better?" Padfoot licked her hand and she chuckled softly. "Good. I'd hate for you to be sick over here."

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Sirius saw Paige get out and hug a little boy. "Corbin!", she exclaimed. "Where's your Mom?" Sirius smiled and got out of the car, listening to Corbin berate Paige for not bringing Rose.

"But she turns into a dog and plays with me!", the boy shouted.

Paige looked up at Sirius and stifled a smile. "Well, I brought another friend for you to play with. This is Orion."

Corbin turned to Sirius with a skeptical look on his face. "Well, you aren't as furry as Rose, but I guess I like you.", he grumbled.

Sirius smiled and spared a glance at Paige and was going to respond when the sound of a door closing caused him to turn around.

A man walked up, carrying a grease covered object. "Hey, Paige. You might want to watch out, Mom's in one of her moods. I just got grease all over the bathroom and she expected you about two hours ago so she is convinced you're dead."

Paige growled, "They won't hurt me, why doesn't she understand that?"

"Why don't I understand what, dear?", a woman said from behind Sirius. He whirled around to see a disheveled older version of Paige coming down the porch steps in a long pink gingham dress with a white lace half apron over the skirt. Her long brown hair was pinned in a messy bun.

Paige looked at her mom and snorted. "Mom, you look like Ma Wilder in that dress."

"Well", she huffed. "I'd like to see how you'd look after spending the morning making funeral arrangements for your daughter."

"Alright, Mum, I will call next time I drive in. I just decided to bring a friend last minute.", she said and motioned to Sirius.

Paige's Mom blew a strand of hair out of her eyes. "Mum, is it? He must be from England."

Sirius stepped forward and shook her hand. "Orion Evans, madam. I hope I'm not inconveniencing you by arriving unannounced."

She smiled at his formality and shook her head. "Oh no, honey; the kids always bring friends. We'll just set another plate at the table.", she said and ushered the two inside.

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The inside of the house was much bigger than it looked on the outside. This was a good thing, because it was packed full of people; laughing, talking, and shouting. Most of the noise was coming from the family room, where a big screen television could be seen.

Paige smiled. "Dad and the guys are watching football. You can join them in a bit, if you want."

Sirius followed her to the kitchen, where several women were cooking. Paige hugged a little woman that was working on a cherry pie. "Hi, Gramma."

She hugged Paige back, getting flour on Paige's clothes. "Well, hello Miss. Paige.", she said with a Texas lilt.

Paige looked down at her white-blotched clothes and chuckled. "Making my favorite food?"

Gramma brushed some flour off Paige's cheek and laughed. "Oh, I'm sorry. I got this all over you."

Paige shrugged it away and hugged another woman. "That's ok, you've been busy cooking."

Her mom pulled a dish out of the oven. "Your grandma has been busier'n a bee in a bucket a honey today getting everything cooked. Michael and I had it out over the upstairs bathroom, too."

Paige smiled. "He told me. So, what is he doing to his bike this time?"

"Who knows? He hasn't left it alone since he got it.", her Mom replied.

Paige shrugged and they left the room. After a quick hug for her father and brother, she and Sirius went upstairs.

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She lead him down the hall to her room, a cozy little place crammed full of furniture. Sirius eyed the yellow walls with amusement, wondering how this sunny color would look in Grimmauld Place. The bed was small, hardly big enough for one person, and had a down comforter on top with a daisy print. A worn blue doll with white pants and hat sat on the pillow.

Her dresser top was packed with various pieces of make-up and perfume. A mirror on the wall behind it was covered in pictures and had necklaces hanging off of it, virtually hiding the fact that it was a mirror at all.

Her desk had a strange contraption on it. Paige called it a computer and turned it on. Next to it was a doll dressed in brightly colored dress with vibrant orange hair. On the right of the desk was a big bookshelf packed full of books. The overall feel of the room was cramped but cozy.

Paige pulled out a set of robes from the dresser and started to change. Sirius watched her strip her shirt and pants off and stilled her hand before she could grab the robes. He smiled and kissed her softly, tugging her underwear down.

Paige pushed him away and pulled the underwear back up. "No! My family is downstairs!"

Sirius cast a silencing spell on the room and advanced on her. "They are downstairs, not up here.", he reasoned.

Paige giggled and stepped away again. "What if one of the kids came in? I'm not going to answer for that one."

Sirius grabbed for her and missed. She grabbed his wrists. "No", she said firmly.

The wizard pouted and sat on her bed, crossing his arms. "Fine, just remember that you won't have that excuse tonight when we get back to the apartment.", he warned.

Paige slipped into the clothes she had out and turned to the mirror. "You're right, I won't. I have to work tonight, though, so you're still out of luck", she retorted as she brushed her hair out.

"All the more reason to do it now, luv.", he purred. Paige made no response and Sirius laid down on the bed, his feet hanging over the edge.

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Sirius awoke to a sharp rapping on the door. He went over to it, wondering where he was. A young man was standing outside in a baggy sweatshirt and jeans. Sirius looked at him questioningly.

"I've been sent to tell you that lunch is ready.", he said. Sirius nodded and cautiously shut the door, leaving a confused man on the other side.

Randal shook his head and walked away muttering, "Why does she go for the quiet ones?" as he headed downstairs.

He saw Paige, through the passage to the kitchen, having a creamed horseradish fight with Susie. Paige ducked and a large blob of sauce landed on Michael as he walked by. Michael looked down and the substance on his arm and then at Paige. "This better be something that belongs in a kitchen, Winnie, or you will die soon.", he warned.

Paige burst into laughter. "Well, Mikie, it's either horseradish sauce or Susan got really excited."

Michael grabbed a napkin and wiped the white goo off his shirt. "Well, with you I can never be too careful.", he responded and walked away.

Randal watched the exchange in amusement, before tapping Paige on the shoulder. "Hey, that guy in your bedroom is strange, but I told him to come down for lunch anyway."

Paige stopped her cleaning of the mess from the fight. "How is he strange? I asked you to go up and say two things to him, you wouldn't know in that amount of time.", she asked.

Randal grabbed a wet wash cloth and helped clean everything up. "First of all, he acted like Erik and didn't even acknowledge me. Secondly, I don't know if he knew where he was."

Paige cast an annoyed look at her brother. "Orion isn't Erik, believe me. Matter of fact, his best friend is completely broke and probably will be for a while, so don't think that way. As for not knowing where he is, he just woke up after helping me last night.", she explained and ruffled his hair.

Randal peeked out into the living room and turned back to Paige. "Well, he still isn't down yet. Want me to check on him?"

Paige bit her lip. "No, I'll do it. He's kind of grumpy when he wakes up." Randal raised an eyebrow and playfully hit her in the shoulder, making her recover with "I know this because he's staying in the guest room and he was cranky last week in the morning." Randal nodded, although he didn't believe her, and waved her out of the kitchen.

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Paige went up and knocked twice before entering to see Sirius looking up intently at her. He smiled and she walked in. "What are you doing? Lunch is ready."

Sirius startled and let out a small laugh. "Sorry, luv, I was waiting for you because I don't want to say anything to upset your family.", he explained.

Paige smirked and took his hand as she started walking out the door. "You'll do fine. You're not going to offend anyone. Besides, I already told my parents that you are just a friend visiting from London. They only put you under the gun if you're my 'boyfriend'."

Sirius looked at her quizzically. "Under the gun? That's a phrase I've never heard before."

Paige stopped on the stairs and turned around. "Really?", she asked. He nodded and she shrugged in response. "Huh. Well, as long as you know what it means."

They went to the living room, where everyone had seemed to have gathered. Paige dragged Sirius to one side and got everyone's attention with a loud whistle. "Ok, everyone this is Orion. Orion, I'll introduce you to everyone, but I don't expect you to remember everyone's name." Sirius nodded as Paige pointed to each person as she told him the names. "First of all, this is my dad, just call him Phil." Sirius shook Phil's hand and Paige turned him to the left. "This is my mom, Victoria, either call her Vickie or just call her Mom like the rest of us do. Here's Randal, he woke you up. Next to him is Corbin, who has now decided you aren't hairy enough so he doesn't like you. His dad, Mike is sitting next to him. This is Mike's wife, Anelle with their new baby, Katie. Then there's Megan, Susie, Grant, John John, and Agatha in the back. Next to her is Caitlin, and her husband Leeland should be around here somewhere. And then Alex is behind you.", she finished.

Sirius turned around to see a boy with bright blue hair standing a few feet away. He smiled at Alex and took in the boy's indifferent expression, dismissive gesture and the way he walked away when Sirius tried to shake his hand. He chuckled and felt Paige's hand on his arm. He turned back to everyone and inclined his head to Phil and Vickie. "It's a pleasure to meet you and your lovely family. Thank you for inviting me into your home."

Vickie smiled her approval and guided Sirius into the dining room, where she sat him on her left and signaled Paige to sit across from him as everyone else took their places at the table.

Sirius watched as everyone started passing dishes around and helped himself to everything he was offered. Vickie asked him about his background, getting a threatening look from Paige. He tried to respond truthfully, but had to lie about having a job.

Everything was going fine until Vickie asked Sirius about where he lived in England. He gave a dazzling smile and replied, "I inherited a house in London, and I spend a lot of time fixing it up."

Phil took a sip of iced tea before saying, "That's where Christina lives."

Vickie brightened. "Oh, yes, do you know her? Of course, she changed her first name when she married Rabastan."

Sirius glanced up at Paige, who had become very still and was currently staring at her food. He turned back to Vickie. "Um, what would her name be now?"

"Hasn't Paige mentioned her? I guess not, seeing as they're not speaking to each other. Her name is now Cashlan Lestrange.", Vickie said cheerfully.

Sirius choked on his food and looked up at Paige again. She wouldn't meet his gaze so he swallowed and managed a weak smile. "I know of her. I'm muggleborn, though, so I don't have very much contact with her."

The room fell silent for a moment before Randal cleared his throat. "So, how did you like running with the pack last night? From what Paige tells us, it can be pretty exhausting."

Then animagus grinned at Paige's brother. "It was very tiring, but I think it's a wonderful idea for them to organize such a safe area for the kids."

Michael spoke up. "How can you say it's safe when all we ever hear is how dangerous those creatures are?"

Sirius thought for a moment before replying. "It can be unsafe when the proper precautions aren't taken."

Michael raised an eyebrow at the venomous glare he was receiving from Paige but remained nonplussed. "Are you so sure that they remember every step to safeguard humans every moon? Judging by all the werewolves I've met, they don't hardly think anything out before they act."

Sirius glanced at Vickie and Phil, who only looked at him with mild curiosity. "Oh? How many have you met?", he asked trying to keep calm.

Michael scoffed. "I've met enough. The question here, though is do you honestly believe that these creatures could possibly do everything in their power to protect people like you and me before each transformation?"

Sirius took a deep breath, and couldn't help but say. "No, I don't think they are protecting people like you. I believe that they are protecting themselves from us."

Michael snorted. "Us? What do they have to fear from us?", he asked as he challenged Sirius with a dark look.

The animagus matched his gaze and replied, "Too much ignorance and never enough tolerance." Michael moved to speak but Sirius cut him off. "I'm sorry, you wanted me to reassure you. With someone as diligent and thorough as Paige on the job, you have nothing to worry about from this pack.", he finished with a smile for Paige and noticed that both she and Randal were ready to speak up should Michael say anything more.

Vickie stood up and started gathering dishes. "Alright boys, that's enough."

Sirius wiped his mouth with napkin and stood up. "Would you like some help?", he asked as he watched her busy herself.

Vickie smiled. "Of course I would. Paige never wants to help me with the cleaning up, but I think she might now."

Paige handed her plate to Sirius and started herding the children outside. "Guess again, Mother. If Orion wants to deal with stinky dishwater, he can. I'm going to keep the kids outside like I always do so they don't drive you crazy.", she responded and ducked out the front door.

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Sirius and Vickie made short work of the mound of dishes they dirtied at lunch and he even mopped the floor for her. Once that was done, Vickie shooed him out of the kitchen saying "Go have fun, I'll finish up."

He shook his head. "No, ma'am, I'll stay. I don't mind, really."

Vickie smiled and started wiping down the counters. "No, you go have fun. Paige will be getting the kids ready for a hike about now. Go help her keep track of them, she'll need as many adults around as possible."

Sirius brightened. "A hike? That sounds lovely. I haven't been on a hike in years."

Vickie waved him away and he walked to the front door. He was just about to walk onto the front porch when he heard raised voices coming from the family room.

"Mike, if you would learn something about these people before you opened your mouth, you might rethink a thing or two. Maybe if you did that, you would realize what an idiot you are.", Paige growled.

Michael yelled back, "I don't need to learn anything. I already know enough. They are dangerous monsters."

Paige smirked and crossed her arms. "So is stupidity. You don't seem to have a problem with that though."

Michael replied, "You were bad before, but now you've got that bleeding-heart liberal telling you even more crap. And you're buying it! What do you think Mom and Dad think of him and his pathetic views on your little friends?"

Paige clenched his fists. "Mom loves him, she thinks he's great. You know what? Maybe if they taught us a little more tolerance of other people's opinions, just maybe the world would be a better place.", she yelled and stormed upstairs.

Sirius watched all of this and followed Paige upstairs. He knocked softly on her door and heard he say, "It's open."

He went in the room to see her sitting on her bed, pouting. In her arms was a worn teddy bear with a plaid bow tie. He raised an eyebrow at her and she scowled. He laughed and closed the door before sitting next to her. "So, I'm a liberal? I thought I was a social democrat."

Paige gave a short laugh and sniffed. "Don't listen to him. He's always a little drama queen."

Sirius chuckled and put an arm around her. "Well, don't let him get you down, luv. He only acts like this because it bothers you. Trust me as an older brother I know these things.", he said and took the bear out of her hands. Eyeing it, he set it down on her pillow. Paige sniffed again and slumped over on the bed. "I know he does, but that doesn't make it any better right now."

Sirius patted her shoulder and brushed the hair out of her eyes. "What can I do to make you feel better?"

Paige shrugged. "Can I curl up with Padfoot? I really liked that last night."

She looked up to see Padfoot sitting on the bed, his tail wagging furiously. She scooted against the wall and threw an arm over the big warm dog as he curled up next to her. Giving a contented sigh, she soon fell asleep.

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They were running through the desert, the moon high in sky. Black Mane turned suddenly, sighting a rabbit. Pixie raced to catch up with him, the scent of fear radiating off the prey.

Black Mane anticipated a turn and caught the quarry in his jaws. It gave a final scream before the wolf broke it's neck and began eating. Pixie trotted up and sat down, her purring making the wolf look up at her. She trilled and sauntered over to the rest of the pack. Padfoot came up and whined before nudging her with his snout. Pixie growled and flicked her tail in an agitated manner, signaling for him to back off.

Padfoot paid no attention to the warning and licked her neck, nuzzling her as he did so. Pixie snapped at him and he shied away for a moment.

He came back and she growled a warning as she took up a fighting stance. He whined and trotted away to Moony.

Pixie went to Quiet Paws and Brown Tail, swatting them both in the head before bolting. They chased her for a bit, pouncing on her when she finally collapsed on the ground. They nipped at her tail and ears, earning a swat to the nose before sauntering off in search of food.

She was brought out of her slumber sometime later by Padfoot. He tugged on her paw and yipped, trying to get her to follow him. Pixie stood up and stretched before yawning and looking at him. Padfoot yipped and the two trotted off over the land.

The came upon a cow carcass and Padfoot nudged her forward. Pixie approached cautiously, sniffing the air first and then the cow. Deciding that it was fresh enough, she ripped it open. After eating her fill, she laid down and watched as Padfoot began to eat.

After he was sated, he lay down a few feet from her and gave her a sideways glance. She was curled up in a ball, facing away from him. Her ears pricked up when he crawled towards her and she lifted her head. He nuzzled her chin and throat, making his apology. Pixie pulled away, chirping her displeasure. Padfoot didn't give up, though, and was soon curled up beside her fast asleep.

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Paige woke up her face being licked. She pushed Padfoot off the bed and rolled over. He barked and put his paws on the bed, sniffing her ear. He woofed, earning a swipe to the snout. "Go 'way", she mumbled and rolled onto her back. He hopped up on the bed and licked her stomach. Paige pushed him away again so he moved down a bit. He nosed her crotch and got the reaction he wanted. Paige sat up, yawned, and lifted his face up. "That's something you'd have to be in human form to do. Why do you want me awake, anyway?"

Padfoot looked out the window and Paige followed his gaze. Michael was revving up the engine of his motorcycle, ready to leave. She sighed. "Do you even know how to ride one? Even if you do, he wouldn't let you ride it. He's more protective of it than he is over his own children."

Padfoot whined and put his head on his paws, shaggy fur falling into his eyes. Paige patted him on the head. "Aw, don't be like that. It's a very expensive bike and he doesn't want to damage it."

Padfoot snorted and turned back into Sirius. "My bike was better.", he stated.

Paige rolled her eyes and sat down at her computer. She turned it on and waited for it to boot. Sirius sat entranced, he'd never seen anything like this before. She checked her email and got off. Walking to the door, she noticed the look of wonder on Sirius's face. Stifling a smile, she chided, "It's just a computer, Sirius."

He looked up at her, eyes wide. "Can I do that?"

Paige looked at her watch and then back at him. "I'll show you how at home. For now, we need to go on a hike. I have to work in a few hours."

Sirius stretched and yawned. "Alright, luv, sounds good."

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The horde of kids burst through the door, excited by their hike. A weary Paige and Sirius followed after, still trying to contain them. Alex followed purposefully staying a few steps behind the chaos. He had started warming up to Sirius, after noticing the tattoos on his arms. Apparently, they meant that he wasn't as straight laced as he appeared.

Paige paused by the kitchen counter, noticing several containers of leftovers and shook her head. "Mom, you don't have to feed me. Kate, Rose, and I can all cook."

Vickie wiped some hair out of her eyes and nodded. "I know. It's just Randal living here with your dad and I, we won't eat all of this."

Sirius eyed the food and gave Vickie his most charming smile. "Not to worry, I'll eat it all, Mrs. Pierce."

Vickie hugged Paige and patted Sirius's arm. "Please dear, call me Mom."

Sirius grinned. "Any request you make will be granted, Mom."

Paige giggled. "Oh my gosh, you've adopted another one. How many surrogates do you have now?"

Vickie gazed at her daughter with a lofty expression, making it almost impossible to tell the two apart. "None, they're all my children."

Paige shook her head and walked to the family room, where her dad was watching television. "Bye, Dad, have fun with the big screen."

Phil hugged his daughter and shook Sirius's hand. "I already have. It's football season.", he said earning a laugh from Paige.

Sirius looked at the television and back at Phil. "It's been nice to meet you, Mr. Pierce. Thank you for the fantastic lunch."

Phil smiled up at Sirius from his recliner. "Please call me Phil. It was interesting to hear your viewpoints on Paige's friends."

Sirius nodded and took the food from Vickie's hands before saying a final farewell.

Paige followed after, saying, "Bye, Momma. Bye, Daddy. See you in a month."

A/N: Oh well, you got to love family. Nothing like a good old Gondorian family reunion, I'll get the lamp oil, you fetch the lighter. Oops…wrong fanverse. Thank you Bagenders. And now for something completely different…

Hmm…where to begin? Well, first Hornhead's computer died. Then Hornhead misplaced the opening of this chapter and tried to convince me that I had it. And finally, I started a new job which has left me very little time to type and lots of time to work in a casino. Needless to say this fic has not been abandoned; it is just slowing down a bit. So thank you for your patience and for reading thus far.

Also a warm thank you to our reviewers for both Chapter 25 and Intermission.

Chapter 25

Amanda: Thank you for the encouragement it makes us feel all warm and fuzzy.

Surfergurl16: Not to worry, there is more Paige and Snuffles action on the way. Though, my lawyer has suggested I not say when because of certain escaped convicts that keep sending us howlers. Anyway, thank you for the review.

Sassafras: They are cute aren't they. As far as puppies go, werewolves (at least in this story)have a set fertility cycle because wolves have a set fertility cycle and both halves have to be fertile for a pregnancy to occur. So puppies are a possibility if lemons occur in February or March in the story timeline, otherwise they just get lots of practice time. (evil giggle)

MissMoony16: Never try to steal a werewolf's man, it gets really messy though he is very, very cute and sweet. (Leans over and checks Remus out) I mean if you could put literary characters on a "Guys I'd like to Shag" list I think he would be right up there with Mr. Darcy and Faramir. (Growling is heard to the left of Prof. Pendragon) But then he belongs to Kate so I really wouldn't want to do anything to upset her. Miss Gardener could you please lower your wand?

Jen: You always write really cool reviews, so I'm usually at a lost of where to start. So I guess I will start with a question. What is this cannon which you speak of? Sirius isn't dead. No, really he's not. He's at Radio Shack, the commercials are on cable constantly. Sirius is at Radio Shack, I guess Remus hasn't gotten the funds together to get him back yet. Oh well, I guess Da' Nile is just a river in Egypt and Luxor is just a hotel in Vegas for some of us.

Anyway on to Remus, he is very considerate and gentle. Which is partly a werewolf thing, they really are against harming their mates. Partly personal experience thing on my part, because I have been lucky enough to know a few really considerate men (keyword being few), whom I've modeled some Remus's personality quirks after. Part of it is the age card, Remus is 36 so he is going to be a little more mature than most men just starting off on the relationship adventure. And finally, it was her first time so he was being a gentleman and a very giving lover. As things progress, I really don't think she will have to ask a second time.

Lightning Rain: Yes, the rough patch is over well for a few chapters anyway. And lots of fluff is on the way. Woohoo!

Katarina McGonagall: Thank you for the review, I will try not to discriminate against Sirius but since he's not my character (evil giggle) so I really can't help his feelings of alienation and social inequality.

Intermission

Lightning Rain: (Blinks) I know sometimes we scare ourselves.

Miss Moony: Hornhead wishes me to convey the following message. "You can do whatever you like with Dumbly, just don't tell us any particulars! PotionsMaster69 would like pictures, though."

And that is all I'm going to write for the night. As always, thank you for witnessing our madness and reviews are most welcomed. Cheers—Prof. Pendragon.