Hey guys! :) Back with chapter 24, so there will be only one more chapter after this one, and then I am planning to upload my new (and most likely last) story Taunting Thomas in October!

I will give you all a quick summary of Taunting Thomas in the next (and last) chapter! Hope to see you there again as readers! ;)

Thank you to my awesome reviewers Nimphxdora and Gypsyrose98 (thanks so much for offering! I will definitely keep that in mind)

"Harry?"

"Harry, please…"

"Please, what? What do you actually want from me, Remus?", his voice was full of scorn, "I thought you were busy sticking your tongue in Snape's throat."

Remus winced, knowing very well he deserved that, "I…can we talk? I want to explain."

"Sure, go ahead", Harry did not sound like he meant it, though, but Remus was too desperate to even realize that, "let's go to my quarters, okay? It's freezing out here."

"Fine", Harry followed him to his office without another word, sitting down on the couch in the living space wordlessly, his whole demeanor showing frustration and impatience.

"Would you like some tea?"

"No, thanks", Harry replied curtly, "I'm meeting Ron and Hermione in the library in twenty minutes, so if you could get to the point…", he let his voice trail off, and Remus swallowed hard. He had no clue how to deal with this cold, standoffish version of Harry, but he knew the boy deserved an explanation.

"You know that Gryffindor asked me to spy on Snape, right?", he began, and Harry nodded, "well, it turned out harder than expected to get any info from him- whatever I tried, I failed…and Gryffindor got more and more impatient with me."

"So you just decided to fake that you are in love with him?"

The way Harry said it was harsh- but it was the truth of course, "I…I thought…if I were…closer to him, I could get the information I needed", Remus mumbled, sounding somewhat ashamed, "I pretended to be his secret admirer and sent him…gifts, but he did not fall for any of it- and, well, I was getting desperate, so I thought…", he coughed, "uhm…I thought, I might have to get more…uhm…hands on."

Harry snorted, "great plan, really- what did Snape even do after I left? Cast some spells on you?"

Remus turned dark red, that was the last thing he wanted to talk about, "I…I rather keep…that private", he stuttered, "but…I did…find out that Snape is not…not on Dumbledore's side."

That was true, after Snape had fucked him, he had told him- in a very smug tone- that he could have saved himself all the trouble since he had never been on Dumbledore's side, he'd been a spy for Dumbledore and Voldemort, and he had also told him, and that had been the worst part, that he had been thinking of joining Gryffindor's army right around the time he had started his pathetic tries of spying- and when that had happened, Snape had decided to just wait and see, obviously amused by his sad little attempts to get information from him.

"I figured- he'd never supported Dumbledore's treatment of the Slytherins", Harry mumbled, "or the camps, or any of the laws. He has too much integrity for that."

There was something in his voice now Remus could not decipher, and he suddenly realized that he had never even asked why Harry had been in Snape's quarters all along, "what was the reason you were there? Did he give you detention?"

Harry shook his head, "we were just…talking", he eventually replied, "I've been…not too good lately, and Seve…uhm, Snape, he's been helping me a lot."

"You…you could have come to me, Harry", Remus started, surprised when Harry's expression hardened, "to you? Please, Remus- you don't even know what I need. All you ever tell me is to cheer up and not to worry, and I'm not even allowed to be mad at Sirius."

"Of…course you can be mad at Sirius."

"Really? Then why did you say I was being dramatic?", Harry was glaring at him now, "Sirius is the only family I have- and he does not give a damn about me. Do you have any idea how that makes me feel, Remus?"

The Lupin sighed, "I am sorry for saying that to you- it was wrong. I was wrong. I should not have downplayed your feelings like that. You are not the only one Sirius does not give a damn about- and it hurt me as well. To be honest with you, I don't think Sirius would ever have made a good godfather for you, Harry- he's too impulsive, too immature, and too self-centered for that, or he was, I guess."

Harry tensed, "you…you are saying that like he…did something happen to Sirius?"

Remus sighed again, he knew this would be a shock for Harry- but again, he deserved the truth. So, in a few sentences, he told him that Sirius had been taken to the camps to kill the Death Eaters, and that Godric Gryffindor had found him there and taken him home, and that he had deaged him and had sent him to Hogwarts as a third grader. He left out the parts that Godric had punished and trained Sirius on purpose.

"Wait, what? That sullen looking kid, that…Scipius, right? That's Sirius?"

"It is- he's helping Gryffindor spy for the alliance", Remus told him, his voice even, "and…there's something else you should know."

"What?"

"I don't think…Gryffindor is planning to transform him back", Remus said quietly, "I think…he would like to adopt Sirius and keep him as his boy."

For several minutes, Harry could only stare- and Remus started to fear he had really taking it too far now, but then Harry sighed, shaking his head, "I mean…I guess that would be good for Sirius- he deserves a family who loves him…someone who's giving him rules…", he sounded sad though, and Remus could hear the underlining longing in his voice, "you…you deserve that, too, Harry", he told him softly, "and I promise that I am going to…that I am going to be more involved in your life now. I've been selfish, and I am sorry. I should have asked you more about your feelings, and I should have spent more time with you."

Harry blinked, "do you think that's what I need? You to ask me how I am feeling?"

"Well, yes- and…to do more things together, we could have tea every…"

"That's not everything I need, Remus", Harry interrupted him, his voice surprisingly firm, "I don't need you to just cuddle me and have tea with me- I need…I need structure. I need…a parent, not…not a friend."

Remus swallowed hard, not knowing what to do with that confession, "I…uhm…I could…give you rules?", it sounded like the question it was, and to his surprise, Harry had to chuckle, "Snape has actually done a pretty good job with that already- you want to know what he did when I was acting out in his class?"

"He gave you detention?"

"No- he spanked me."

The Lupin paled, "he spanked you? I thought he was joking when he told me that…that you needed a good spanking."

Harry had to smile, "he was right- I did needed that. It helped me not to be so angry anymore…and Severus has also helped me make understand that it's not my fault that Sirius and you don't care about me."

Remus flinched like he had been slapped, "I do care about you, Harry!", he replied fiercely, "you have always been important to me, I just…I always thought, Sirius was…well, that he was your…family, and I just…a friend."

"Ron and Hermione are my friends, Remus", Harry replied softly, "I always thought you were never…interested in…being a parent for me."

"I am, I just did not want Sirius to think I am…stealing his spot or something", Remus mumbled, blushing, "since James made him your godfather- and not me", he did not even pretend to hide the bitterness from his voice. It had hurt back then- he had understand James' motives of course since he was a werewolf, but still, it had hurt.

"Did that bother you that he did not ask you?", Harry asked quietly, and Remus simply nodded, "yes, it did."

"I am sorry for assuming that you…I am sorry", Harry shot him a sheepish smile, "maybe we can start over somehow?"

"I would love that, yes", Remus smiled back at him, "and…how about you come home with me for Christmas Break? Would you like that?"

Harry's grin was answer enough, "of course, I'd love that! I…I still want to see Severus though if that's okay for you? He…has helped me a lot, and…it would be unfair to him to just ignore him now."

Remus' smile turned forced, "I…understand. I am sure Snape and I…can…uhm…figure out how to…interact…uhm…", he knew he was rambling, but he did not seem to be able to stop.

"Remus?"

"Yes?"

"Did you…when you pretended to be…to like Severus, was that…really all just pretend?"

Ohmygod.

Remus closed his eyes for a second, not knowing how the hell he should answer this, but then he heard Harry starting to laugh, "so, you actually have a thing for Snape?"

"I don't…have a thing for Snape", Remus tried his best to sound dignified and failed miserably, "it's…complicated."

Harry was grinning from ear to ear now, "so, does that mean he's not interested in you?"

"I…I wouldn't say that", Remus answered carefully, thinking of Snape's satisfied groan when he had released himself inside him, "but you know we can't be…I mean, that's just ridiculous."

"Why?"

Remus snorted, "really, Harry? Me and Snape?"

Harry just shrugged, "life is short, Remus", he told him softly, "and…if you care about him, and he cares about you…you deserve a family, too, Remus."

You deserve a family, too.

He suddenly had to blink back tears, and then he walked over to Harry and pulled him in a hug, "I love you, Harry", he whispered, "and I promise I'll be doing better from now on- let us both be the family we need."

And Harry hugged him back, blinking back tears as well, "love you too, Remus."

"How was the meeting?"

"Too long", Sirius mumbled, stifling a yawn, "but we got some important information."

"Yeah, Dumbledore was rambling a lot- he's mad that Daddy and the army attacked the other camps and freed all the prisoners" Tom chimed in, rubbing his eyes, "snuggles, Relius?"

"Come here, baby", Aurelius easily pulled the smaller boy on his lap, and when he saw Sirius looking down in defeat, he had to smile softly, "would you like some snuggles too, baby boy?"

"But…Tom…"

"I am very capable of snuggling both of you, Sirius", he winked at him, gently shifting Tom over to his left leg, "you're tired, hmm?"

"Yeah", Sirius yawned, and then he walked over and let Aurelius put him on his right leg, "hate those stupid meetings."

"I know- but we need the information, sweet boy. Dumbledore still does not trust me, so he barely says anything worth knowing at the fifth grade meetings", Aurelius told him, "Dad has been doing a great job recruiting more and more magical creatures, with Hagrid's help of course, so the army is ready to attack again."

"Dumbledore wants to attack, too", Tom informed him, "he didn't really say it, but it was kinda obvious, right, Sirius?"

"Yeah- I think he's gonna attack Malfoy Manor."

"Why Malfoy Manor?"

"Most of the remaining Death Eaters are hiding there now, Dumbledore actually told me that while I was still at the camp", Sirius explained, "it's Lucius, Draco, Narcissa, Devon Zabini, Blaise Zabini, Blaise's mother, Crabbe senior and junior, and the Parkinson's. Those are the only ones left that were not at the camp. Dumbledore said he would set the Slytherin nest on fire, and if he does not mean Slytherin Manor, it can only mean Malfoy Manor."

"He cannot attack Slytherin Manor- our protection spells are too strong for him", Aurelius answered, "but Malfoy Manor makes sense- did he say when?"

"No- but it sounded like it was only a matter of days, maybe", Sirius yawned again, snuggling closer, "and Dumbledore wants us to spy on the Slytherins that are still here- and find out what they are planning."

"He's getting paranoid- which is a good sign. A good amount of his army got killed when our army freed the camps, and he's been losing support at the Ministry as well."

"Mmmhhhnnn…", Sirius grunted, clearly not interested in talking more about the war, "can we have a story now?"

"I was hoping we could get some work done on the project tonight, baby boy- you know it's due in three days."

Sirius whined, "but…that's plenty of time! I want my story!", he blushed when he felt a soft tap on his butt, "and I want my boy to get an Outstanding- but that won't happen without putting in the work, baby boy."

"We can work tomorrow!"

"We will- and a little bit tonight. Just twenty minutes, okay? And then we'll do story time."

"Can I help, too?", Tom now asked, "I am very good at projects, I got an Outstanding in all my subjects so far!"

Sirius glared at him, getting jealous, "no, you can't help! It's not a project for first grade babies!"

"I am not a baby, you meanie!"

"Yes, you are- and you are a showoff for saying you always get Outstanding's!"

"Not my fault you are so lazy!"

"I'm not la…"

"That's enough now, boys", both boys yelped when they got a hard swat to their backsides, "it looks like none of you is getting story time tonight", Aurelius sounded disapproving, causing Tom and Sirius to hung their heads in shame, "Tom, it is not very nice to brag about your grades like that, and Sirius, it is not very kind to call Tom names for trying to help you with the project."

"'m sorry."

"I'm sorry."

They both sounded miserable, and Aurelius had to stifle a smile. Tom and Sirius had both come a long way- and it was actually a good sign that they were starting to show jealousy towards each other now, a normal behavior for siblings.

"Thank you for apologizing so nicely", he kept his voice soft, "I think you are both a little cranky because you are tired, hmm? So, here's what's going to happen: We are going to work longer on the project tomorrow, and tonight, both of you will have an early bedtime."

"But…the story, Relius?", Tom dared to ask, and Aurelius shook his head, "early bedtime means quiet time- so no story."

Both boys groaned at that, but when Aurelius raised an eyebrow in a silent warning, they instantly got silent, "let's get you ready for bed- and if you are being my good boys tonight, getting ready for bed nice and quiet, I have a special surprise for you."

Their eyes immediately lit up at that, and they were looking at him with excitement now.

"I can be totally quiet!"

"Me too, I can be quieter than you!"

Aurelius stifled a laugh, "it's not a competition, boys- let me see how quiet you can be now, hmm?", it warmed his heart when both of them nodded happily, both determined to wanting to show him how good they could be for him. He took both boys to the bathroom, and while Tom used the toilet and then washed his hands, Sirius brushed his teeth, and then they switched. They were comfortable with doing these things in front of each other now, not even thinking about it anymore. None of them said a single word while they got ready, but they were both grinning from ear to ear, clearly enjoying this.

A few minutes later, they were snuggled into bed, wearing cozy pajamas, their faces shining with pride and anticipation when Aurelius pulled them both close.

My sweet boys.

"I am so proud of you", he smiled when they snuggled even closer, "you both did a great job being nice and quiet- and you deserve a special reward for that."

The boys started to squirm in his lap, silently begging him to tell them what the surprise was, and he had to chuckle in amusement, "shhh…patience, sweet boys. Now, there is a full moon in two weeks, so I was thinking of taking you both for a little midnight hike- to go and look for bats."

You gonna take me for a walk at night sometime, Relius, so…I can look for bats?

Yes, baby bat, we'll do that one day.

Tom stared at him with absolute delight on his face, clearly remembering, and Aurelius winked at him, "I promised you, didn't I?"

"Thank you, Relius! That's gonna be so much fun!", Tom exclaimed, "did you know bats pee while they fly, Sirius?"

"For real?", Sirius had to laugh, "we gonna need helmets then!"

"I was thinking the exact same thing!", Tom blurted out, excited by the fact that Sirius also thought it was important to wear a helmet, "and we need bat treats to make them come to us!"

"What do bats like to eat?"

"Don't know- Relius, what do bats like to eat?"

"They like to eat beetles, moths, or mosquitos", Aurelius told them, amused by their excitement, "it's time for bed now, though- we can talk more about the hike tomorrow."

"Can…we just talk for ten minutes? Cause we were so good? I promise I make sure Tom goes to sleep right after", Sirius told him, and Aurelius' expression turned proud. Sirius might not have realized it yet, but he was slowly growing into his role as Tom's older brother, acting responsibly for the younger boy.

"Yes, you may talk for ten minutes- I'll let you know when your time is up."

"Thanks, Relius!", Sirius was grinning at him, causing Aurelius to laugh, "not so fast, little boy- because if I do hear you talk after your time is up, you will get punished for that- and only you, understand?"

"Yes, Aurelius", Sirius' voice was earnest, he understood- he was in charge, so he would be the one getting disciplined, "we…will be good."

"I know you will- have fun talking now, I'll see you in ten minutes", he left the room, smiling to himself when he heard the boys immediately starting to discuss the best way to lure a bat towards them. When he came back into the room ten minutes later to tell them their time was up, both of them instantly fell silent. The boys got praised for being good boys, and then they got their goodnight kiss, and when Aurelius left the room for the second time, there was no sound coming from the bed anymore. He loved having the boys over at his quarters for the weekends, and he was already looking forward to Christmas Break when he would be able to snuggle them every single night.

But first, they had a war to win.

It was a few days later when Sirius, who had been sleeping somewhat peacefully in his bed in the dorms suddenly awoke by some loud, banging noises. When he opened his eyes, still somewhat groggy from sleep, the other boys had already gotten up and they all started to scream at the same time when one of the windows burst all of a sudden, letting the cold October air in.

"What the heck is happening?", Colin shouted, stumbling towards the door, "what's the noise?"

"You need to get out of here, hurry!", another Gryffindor, maybe a sixth grader, yelled at them from the door, "let's go!"

There was no time to get dressed or ask questions, they all just stormed out the door, and the noise in the hallway was even louder, with Gryffindor's racing out of their dorms, most of them still dazed from sleep. It was cold, and mostly dark, and everyone hurried to get into the warm Common Room- which turned out to be a mess of screaming and running Gryffindor's, and the banging on the walls seemed to get worse, Sirius could hear the portraits on the wall screech with fury when they fell to the floor one after the other. Another window burst somewhere, the sound as loud as an explosion, and some second grade girls started to cry out when the fireplace suddenly collapsed, effectively extinguishing the fire.

"What's going on?"

"Are we getting attacked?"

No one seemed to know anything, but Sirius knew exactly who would be able to tell him- but first, he had to find Tom. It was almost impossible to see after the fire had gotten out, and he could hear some students cry out in frustration and fear when they realized that casting a Lumos spell did not work. They would find out soon that none of their spells worked anymore.

Sirius raced over to the group of first graders, exhaling in relief when he spotted Tom, huddled into a blanket in a corner, looking anxious and lonely. He looked so young, dressed in his green pajamas with tiny dragons on them, with his tousled hair and eyes still dazed from sleep. His eyes lit up when he saw Sirius though, and he did not want to admit how amazing that felt- now was not the time, "come here, little brother", no one batted an eye when he pulled the younger boy closer, after all, they were brothers, and that made this a lot easier, "are you okay, Tom?"

"Yah", Tom nodded, nuzzling his face into his chest, "find Relius?", he sounded hopeful, and Sirius nodded, "yes, we'll go find Relius now. You are going to hold my hand, okay? And keep that blankie around your shoulders, it's freezing in here."

"Yes, Sirius", Tom replied softly, easily accepting him as being in charge, and they carefully made their way through the groups of students, most of them getting more and more agitated now since no one seemed to know what was happening. Sirius saw Harry, and he had already opened his mouth to say something, when Remus suddenly appeared out of nowhere- and for some very strange reason, there was Snape, too, and then both of them rushed to take Harry with them, and they disappeared again before Sirius could have said anything. Seeing Harry with Remus should hurt him- but if he was honest, it was more relief what he felt. He knew he had never been a good godfather for the boy, and he knew Remus would be able to give Harry what he deserved. Besides, he had a little brother to worry about right now.

They eventually made it into the hallway since Aurelius did not seem to be inside the Common Room, and Sirius let out a deep breath when he spotted Aurelius running towards them. He could feel Tom tense next to him, wanting to bolt, so he tightened his grip, "not here, Tommy- be patient", he whispered into his ear, "we can't let anyone know, remember?"

"Sorry, Sirius", Tom whispered back, and then Aurelius was there, carefully pulling them both into a dark corner of the hallway, students running around them aimlessly, while the banging on the walls got louder and louder.

"Did you get hurt?", Aurelius asked them without wasting another second, and when they both shook their heads, he sighed with relief, "thank God. Let's go, we don't have much time. Keep your distance when you follow me, we cannot attract any attention right now, understand?"

They nodded, carefully leaving enough space between them and Aurelius when the older boy led them down the hallway, and Sirius was about to ask where Aurelius was taking them when he suddenly mumbled something, walking up and down by a part of the wall three times. Seconds later, a door appeared out of nowhere, and as soon as Aurelius had opened the door and quickly pulled them inside, Sirius realized where Aurelius had taken them to: The Room of Requirement. It was furnished very similar to Aurelius' quarters, with the only difference that all the rooms were inside one big room. The bathroom right from the door, the living room to the left, and the bedroom and kitchen on the opposite wall.

"What's happening, Relius?", Sirius blurted out as soon as the door has closed behind them, looking at him anxiously, "are we getting attacked?"

"Yes, it's an attack- from Dumbledore", Aurelius told them, his voice even, "you were right about him going to attack Malfoy Manor- the army was there waiting for him, and most of his army got eliminated. He's figured out then obviously that there is a leak in his alliance, so he has decided to go after everyone now."

"But…what is he doing?", Tom now asked, looking as cute as could be snuggled into the blanket, "what's the banging noise?"

"As a headmaster, he has certain powers, unfortunately- and one of them is to control the Hogwarts' army."

"I did not even know Hogwarts had an army!", Sirius exclaimed, and Aurelius nodded, "well, it does- and Dumbledore has activated it, that's what all the noise is from. They are knights, knights out of stone, and extremely dangerous. Another fun side effect of the army is that none of our spells work anymore- at least not the traditional ones. I can still do wandless magic."

"Are…we going to fight now, though? Fight Dumbledore?", Sirius asked, and Aurelius gave him a look, "I am going to fight, yes- but you are going to stay exactly here and snuggle into bed."

Tom seemed happy with that prospect, but Sirius scowled, "that's not fair, I could help, I…"

"Come here, Sirius."

He obeyed unwillingly, anticipating to get disciplined, but to his surprise, Aurelius smiled at him, pulling him close, "you can help, actually", he told him, his voice soft, "you can be my big boy tonight and be in charge of your little brother, Sirius. That means making sure Tom is safe and happy, and it means making sure he is being a good boy. Do you think you can do that for me, baby boy?"

Sirius flushed red with pleasure, knowing what this meant- Aurelius trusted him to take care of Tom all by himself for tonight, he'd be the one in charge!

"Ye…yes, I can…I can do that, Relius!", he stuttered, excitement in his voice, "I can take care of Tom for you!"

"Sweet boy", he got a soft kiss on the top of his head, and then Aurelius pulled him into a quick hug, "I'll be back soon, hopefully- there's hot chocolate in the kitchen for you, and if you get cold, add more wood to the fireplace, okay?"

Sirius nodded proudly, and Aurelius smiled, "you'll do great, baby boy- and Tom is going to be a good boy for you, right, Tommybear?"

Tom had already made his way to the kitchen part of the room, inspecting the hot chocolate, "yah, I'll be good", he promised, "can I have a story now? And snuggles?", he was clearly regressing, which was no surprise due to the stress and anxiety he had experienced that night, and Sirius nodded, "sure, let's take the hot chocolate to bed, okay? And then I tell you a story."

Tom happily nodded, not even registering that Aurelius had left, and minutes later, they were both snuggled into the big bed, sipping their warm drink. Once they were done, Tom demanded his story again, "story now, bat story!"

"We should go and brush our teeth first", Sirius suggested, sounding somewhat hesitant, and Tom immediately picked up on that and tried to manipulate him, "I already brushed my teeth last night before bed! You promised me a story, Sirius! Want my story!"

Sirius frowned, pretty certain that Tom never used that tone with Aurelius, "bathroom first- then you get your story, Tom", he told him, his voice getting more firm, and when the boy still refused to obey, he carefully turned him around, nervous about what he was going to do, "if you don't come to the bathroom with me now, you'll get spankies, Tommy", he informed him, and the boy next to him instantly started to squirm, "no! Don't want spankies! Mean Sirius!"

He was testing the limits, just like he had with Aurelius before- and once Sirius had realized that, the next step was easy, "you are being naughty, Tom", he told him firmly, and then he gave him a soft pat on his butt, "let's go to the bathroom", he had observed Aurelius doing that with Tom before- giving him a command, and when Tom refused to obey, he'd get a pat on his butt for encouragement, and then Aurelius would repeat the command. It usually helped Tom to obey instantly- just like it did now. Tom squirmed on the bed, but then he slowly turned around, looking at him with wide eyes, "you mad, Sirius?", he asked quietly, sounding miserable, and Sirius shook his head, "no, I'm not mad- are you ready to say sorry now?", he just did what Aurelius did with them, and it seemed to work, because Tom quickly nodded, "sorry for being bad, Sirius", he told him earnestly, "I'm ready to go to the bathroom now", he carefully extended his hand, and Sirius smiled at him, taking his hand, "you are all forgiven", he told the boy softly, "come on now, Tommy."

They went to the bathroom, and then Sirius added more wood to the small fire, keeping them nice and warm in the big room. Tom instantly snuggled up to him when he came back to bed, and while they could hear loud banging and explosions from outside, he told Tom a story about Briegel the Bat trying to fly to the moon, and Tom listened quietly, snuggling as close as he could. They eventually fell asleep, even with the noise from outside, snuggled together closely.

"Hnnnmmpp…"

"Sleepy boy", someone was laughing, and then he felt a soft hand in his hair, "did you boys stay up all night talking?"

"Mmmmhh…", Sirius blinked, slowly opening his eyes, "Re…Relius?"

"I am here, baby", he got picked up and seconds later, was pulled against Aurelius' chest, "missed you, little boy."

Sirius' lips curled into a smile, "missed you, too", he yawned quietly, "is…is it over?"

"Yes, Sirius, it's over", Aurelius confirmed, smiling from ear to ear, "Dumbledore lost- his army did not stay as loyal to him as he had thought once two of the Founders showed up."

"Dad and Daddy!", Tom interjected, crawling closer to them. He looked a little sleepy, but his eyes were shining with happiness, "they destroyed the army, right?"

"They did- and Dumbledore is already at the Ministry, waiting for his trial, along with the army members who did not get killed last night", Aurelius told them, "our parents made quick work out of Dumbledore's troops once they reconnected again", his voice had an edge of something in it, and Tom instantly understood what it meant, "are they back together? Is Dad coming home?"

"Yes, we are", Godric had to laugh when all three of his boys immediately jerked their heads around, and then he walked over to the bed, Salazar following closely behind.

"Is that true? You really coming home, Dad?", Tom sounded like he was about to burst with excitement, "we're a real family again?"

"We've always been a real family", Salazar said softly, picking up his excited youngest, "I realized last night that I made a mistake in separating myself from you like I did. I really…I was blindsided by Dumbledore for quite some time, not believing the true evil he was capable of", he exchanged a look with Godric, and the Founder nodded, "and I was wrong being so forceful and demanding with you, when I should have listened to you to understand your perspective better", he sounded rueful, "leave it to Dumbledore to bring us all back together", he smiled, and Sirius, who had gotten very still in Aurelius' lap, lowered his head. He had felt excluded from the Black family since the day he was born, and it had hurt like hell- but it was nothing compared to the heartbreaking pain he was feeling now. Knowing he'd never be part of them, never be part of their family, was making it almost impossible to breathe suddenly.

I'd reverse the deage spell once the spy mission at Hogwarts is completed, and then you would be free. Free to spend the rest of your life at Grimmauld's Place if you choose to do so.

For a long time, spending the rest of his life at Grimmauld's Place would have been a dream come true- but now all he could think of was that Aurelius would take Tom on the hike to look for bats without him, and he would not get that big birthday party Aurelius had promised him for his thirteenth birthday next week, and there would be no more snuggles, no more goodnight kisses, no more little boy and baby boy and little hedgehog…

He forced back the tears, knowing he had to get out of here before it all got too much. He knew he would not be able to watch Gryffindor and Salazar with Tom and Aurelius being a happy family together- just like it would be hard to watch Harry playing family with Remus now.

I should just go back to Grimmauld's Place and stay there forever. No one wants me anyways.

"You know that's not true, Sirius", Gryffindor's voice was mild, "we want you- you are part of our family, my boy, which we told you repeatedly in the letters we sent you."

Yeah, right.

"I don't need your pity or anything!", he sneered, forcefully getting off Aurelius' lap, "so you can stop lying now! You got your family right here, and I know when I am not needed anymore!", he turned for the door, ready to bolt, "just…leave me the hell alone, all of you!"

Tom's eyes went wide with shock, "what are you talking about? You're my brother, Sirius!"

"Well, you're not mine!", Sirius hissed at him, feeling like scum when he saw Tom paling, but this had to be done, "I…I don't even like you, I…was just faking all of it, and…I…I hate you! All of you! I HATE YOU!", he was basically screaming now, his eyes filling up with tears, and then he stormed around and left the room, running and running and running until he finally made it back to his dorm, which was empty, luckily. He threw himself onto the bed, crying in misery. He knew he had done the right thing- he was too much of a screw-up to be part of a family, and definitely not that family. He'd destroy their newfound happiness all over again, he'd disappoint them, and besides, why the hell would Gryffindor want someone like him if he already had Aurelius- perfect, brilliant, handsome, loyal Aurelius, and Tom- sweet, funny, mischievous and clever little Tom?

You're my brother, Sirius!

He sobbed into his pillow, not knowing what to do next, and not caring, either. He had never felt more miserable in his entire life, and for the next minutes which could have easily been hours, he just cried and cried, soaking his pillow with his tears. He'd been so stupid to allow himself to get that close to Aurelius and Tom, and stupid to believe that they could all be brothers, when truthfully, Gryffindor did not give a damn about him. He had been lying, of course he had been.

You are part of our family, my boy, which we told you repeatedly in the letters we sent you.

The letters we sent you.

The letters…

Abruptly, Sirius stopped crying, suddenly remembering something. The day they had taken the Hogwarts Express to school, the envelope with his name on it…he had shoved it into his pockets, meaning to throw it away later, but he had never gotten to it, so it was still in his suitcase now, crumbled into a ball. That letter would prove that Gryffindor had lied- because he was certain it was nothing but accusations and reprimands. His hands were shaking when he pulled his suitcase out from under his bed, and then he hastily grabbed the envelope and tore it open.

Dear Sirius, I hope you will believe me one day when I tell you that everything I did to you was because I love you. You are my boy, and you have been from the second I met you. You are loyal, and smart, and funny, and I know you will take great care of your little brother. Love, Daddy.

For a second or so, his vision whitened and he was unable to see. Gryffindor had…all this time…and he had ignored his letters…he had screamed at him that he hated him…

Sirius felt like throwing up, and he did not even know later how he had made it to Aurelius' quarters, all he knew was that he needed…he needed…

"Hey there, baby boy", Gryffindor was smiling at him, looking like he had expected him when he opened the door, and that was all it took. He started to cry, sounding more like a wounded animal than a little boy, and Gryffindor's smile turned soft, "shhh…I know, baby boy. Come here…Daddy's here, my boy…", and then he picked him up and carried him, humming something, and Sirius pressed his face so tightly into his chest it was bordering on painful, and his cries turned into sad little sniffs, and Gryffindor kept carrying him, walking him back and forth Aurelius' living room, "such a sweet boy…such a sweet, perfect little boy for Daddy…"

"Daddy", Sirius whispered, the word magical on his tongue, "Daddy…"

"Daddy is here, my boy. Daddy's got you."

Daddy got him. He was safe. He was finally, finally safe.

nearing the happy ending! There is only one chapter left, and there will be tons more Tom/ Relius/ Sirus fluff and another discipline scene.

I'd really appreciate some feedback from you all! :)

stay safe!

Antonie :)