Chapter Twenty-Eight
Sirius and Remus arrived home still laughing, only to find no one waiting for them.
"They might still be in the garden," said Remus.
"Then let's go," said Sirius, "it's almost time to start dinner. I know you're probably as tired as I am, so why don't we ask Dee to cook something?"
Remus smiled, "yes I am, and that sounds good."
They arrived in the backyard to find a deep hole gouged in the earth with a long swath connected to it, and a Harry who was covered head to toe in mud, with a grinning Dee beside him.
"What in Merlin's name happened here?" asked Sirius, laughing at the state of Harry.
Harry grinned sheepishly, "I wanted to surprise you and make a lake and river, but Dee says you'll have to put the water in."
Remus smiled, "and how on earth did you end up covered in mud?" he asked.
"Dee did a spell to dig up the ground, and I wanted to help," said Harry, futilely wiping at his face, "it happened like the tinsel."
Sirius and Remus looked at each other before bursting out laughing.
"OK cub," said Remus, still laughing, "into the tub with you. I have a feeling it'll take a while to clean off all that mud."
"OK," said Harry, " can I bring in my boats?"
"All right," said Sirius, "let's head in."
…..
After Harry was c3eaned off, (it took almost an hour and the water was filthy afterwards) the tub was refilled, and Harry was allowed to play with his boats. While Dee cooked up a huge meal, Sirius and Remus relaxed with a cup of tea. In celebration, Sirius insisted they lace it with a bit of firewhiskey, and Remus agreed.
"Just a bit," Remus cautioned too late as Sirius splashed a generous measure into both their cups.
"Ooops," sa5d Sirius as he let a bit more fall into Remus' cup.
"Sirius Black!" said Remus mock sternly, "are you trying to get me drunk?"
Sirius grinned, "maybe. Drunk Moony is fun in so many ways," he said with a smirk and a suggestive wink, "and we deserve to celebrate."
"True," said Remus, reaching for his cup.
"Let's have Dee watch Harry tonight," said Sirius, "maybe we can go to your cottage, or one of my properties. I think I still have our old flat…"
Remus sipped at his cup, grinned widely, and kissed Sirius softly, "I think that's your best idea yet."
Sirius grinned, "after dinner then."
Remus nodded as he continued to sip his drink.
….
Albus barely managed to conceal his anger at the happenings of the Wizengamot meeting until he got to his office. Damn damn damn! He thought angrily, I thought for sure that would work! I was sure the law would pass and Black would leave with the stupid werewolf. He slammed his hands onto his desk, causing a huge pile of parchment to fall off in a disorganized heap. He swore fluently and creatively, cursing the mutt and the werewolf for ruining his plans again.
…..
When the two Marauders returned late the next day, they found that the 'river' was longer and wider, but this time Harry was thankfully not covered in mud. There were even some hills and a few waterfalls dotting the landscape, which if anything, looked larger than it had been.
"Seems like there's a lot more yard than there was yesterday," Sirius said with a grin.
"Master Harry is asking Dee to make yard bigger," said Dee, "to make room for the river."
Remus smiled, "that's OK Dee," he said.
"Just how much bigger can you make this place anyway?" Sirius asked curiously.
"I can only bes making it half of what it is now bigger," said Dee, "Is you wanting me to do it?"
Sirius gave a low whistle, the 'yard' was already huge, "yes,"
He said, "make it as big as you can."
"Yes, Mister Sirees," said Dee. With a snap of her fingers, the yard grew noticeably larger.
After Dee had popped away, Remus turned, "why did you want it bigger? We could already fit half of Hogwarts in here."
"Well, I figured Harry has so many ideas, and I have a few, too. I figured you might have some too."
"Like what?" asked Remus.
"Well," said Sirius, "I thought maybe a little forest where we could run."
"Sirius….." said Remus with a bit of exasperation.
Sirius waved his hand, "I know, I know. I make your potion every month since it was discovered. And you know very well that Moony wouldn't or couldn't hurt Harry anyway. Even if he did come out here."
Remus ran a hand through his hair, "I know, but I could never live with myself if something happened to him. Even if by accident…"
Sirius put his arm around Remus' waist, "I know, but what if we get Dee to stay with him every moon? She'll keep Harry safe."
Just then, Harry walked up and hugged both of them, "I won't come here full moon, I promise. Not til I'm older and can turn into an animal like Uncle Sirius." Harry smiled, "but I know you wouldn't hurt me ever, Uncle Moony."
Remus ruffled his hair, "that's true cub, but accidents can happen."
Harry just smiled, "I know, that's why I promised not to come here full moons."
Remus smiled and hugged his family, "all right."
Sirius smiled, "but Dee or another elf will still be coming to stay with you, in case you need anything."
"OK," said Harry, "can I help you make the forest?"
"Yes cub," said Remus, "you can help."
"That fertilizer of your mum's will make everything go faster," said Sirius with a smile.
"Yeah!" said Harry excitedly, "I can put some bags on the Copier Shelf. Then we can get some more fruit trees and…."
Sirius laughed, "all right pup. We have almost two weeks to plan and plant what we want. In the meantime, I do believe it's almost time for dinner. Who's hungry?"
Harry's answer was a loud stomach growl. Remus laughed when Sirius' stomach answered in kind, and headed for the kitchen.
A\N; I don't know exactly when the Wolfsbane Potion was invented, so I'm just assuming it was available, if not widely so, at the time of my story. My thanks to everyone who followed, favorited, and reviewed this story. Your response has been overwhelmingly positive and make writing this worthwhile.
Kiani Skyrider
