Chapter 12: Dates

The next day Remus was feeling strong and he and Harry decided to sneak away for a date of their own in muggle London. When Sirius apparated down to the village to get groceries Harry left a short note on the table telling Sirius they were going out and not to worry. They apparated to a small alley near the muggle entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.

The first thing Harry did was drag Remus to some of the clothing shops in the neighborhood. "Come on. You can't wear Sirius's clothes forever. To tell you the truth it kind of creeps me out when I'm ripping them off you." Harry said with an exaggerated grimace.

"I know you mean well, but I can't be a kept man. I'll look for work now that I'm healthier and I'll buy new clothes then."

"Just a few things, so you look good when you are looking for work. If it helps think about it as my parent's and Sirius's money. They wouldn't want you to go without," said Harry, hoping he wouldn't offend Remus further.

Remus sighed. "A few things." Harry threw his arms around the older man. "I want to see you in something much tighter," he whispered and was pleased to see Remus blush.

They went in and out of several shops and both of them tried on various things, making sure to take time to admire the other. Finally Harry was satisfied with their wardrobes and discreetly cast shrinking and feather-light charms on their purchases. It was nearing dinner so Harry led Remus a few blocks away to a cozy Italian restaurant. Harry slipped a few pounds to the hostess and they were seated in a secluded booth in the back of the restaurant. Harry ordered a bottle of wine for them to share and each chose a pasta dish to share as well.

Remus smiled at Harry and took a deep breath, "I think we should tell Sirius the truth at dinner tomorrow. He probably already knows and I think it's time to come clean."

"If you feel ready, I'm with you all the way. So what exactly are you going to tell him?"

Remus took Harry's hand and said, "The truth. That I'm falling in love with you and I think you are the best thing that ever happened to me. "

Whatever Harry had been going to say was completely lost as he stared at Remus. "What? I mean, why?" Harry managed to choke out. It wasn't that he was shocked by the sentiment itself. He knew Remus felt very strongly about him, as he did about Remus. It was just the bluntness of Remus's declaration that took him by surprise.

"Why?" Remus asked with a smirk.

Harry blushed and shook his head. "No, never mind. What I meant to say is that I feel the same way."

Sirius returned home to find Harry's note and was faced with a bit of a dilemma. He could continue his harassment of the other two men until they finally decided to tell him the truth, or he could spend a quiet evening at home. Never one to sit around, he decided on the former. He figured there were four spots that Harry would likely take Remus. There was the curry place, the coffee shop, an Italian restaurant, and the zoo, although Harry tended to avoid the reptile house.

Stopping only to pick up his muggle style coat Sirius apparated to the alley next to the curry place. Trying his best to look casual he wandered in the door and looked around for Remus and Harry. He and Harry had eaten here a lot during Harry's last few summers in school and he knew it was one of Harry's favorites. Harry and Remus were nowhere to be found and Sirius sighed. Who knew being a pain in the ass would be so much work?

He decided to try the coffee shop next. It was a quiet place near the university and Harry and his friends had often gone there to hang out with people their own age. Sirius went to the counter and got a black coffee before taking a minute to look around. Remus and Harry weren't there either, but suddenly Sirius didn't care.

He spotted Hermione tucked into the corner with her nose buried in a muggle novel and a grin split his face. He strolled confidently over to her table and asked, "Is this seat taken?"

Expecting a stranger she looked up sharply, but smiled when she saw Sirius.

"It is now. What brings you here?" She asked while Sirius made himself comfortable.

"Well, I was looking to get a little revenge on my godson for last night," he said, embarrassed to have to admit his childish behavior in front of her.

He was relieved when she just laughed, "Yes, but I think you had that coming didn't you?"

Sirius tried his best innocent look, but it was obvious she didn't buy it for a minute. He gave her credit for that. "I may have been making things a bit difficult for the lovebirds lately."

"Hah! I figured you already knew. So are you going to tell them you're okay with it? You are okay with it, right?"

"I might consider telling them. I was a little shocked at first, but I've always told Harry to follow his heart and do what makes him happy. Age is just a number, don't you think?" he asked hopefully, pulling his chair close to hers.

She looked up into his eyes and he took a sharp breath. "Yes," she said quietly, "after all, a few years is nothing considering a wizard's life span."

He gently touched her cheek, and was encouraged when she smiled and licked her lips. He tilted his head just a little and leaned closer to her.

Just then a loud shrieking noise erupted from her bag and she quickly jerked back. She reached down and pulled out a small wooden box with a window in the front.

"The hospital needs me to come right away. I'm sorry Sirius. I'll floo you tomorrow, " she said gathering her coat and heading for the nearest safe place to apparate.

Sirius smiled and waved her off. As soon as she disappeared through the door he slumped back in his seat and sighed but he could not help the dopey little grin that seemed stuck on his face. Resigned to his evening alone he sipped his coffee and picked up the discarded newspaper from the next table.