STAGES HAS REACHED OVER 500 REVIEWS, ALONG WITH OVER 500 FOLLOWERS AND CLOSE TO 400 FAVORITES. And we're not even halfway through with the story. I'm just blown away. I wanna say thanks so much guys. Means the world to me.

Chapter 25: New Summer, New Beginning

Harry noticed a pattern in his school. Each year, he made a promise to himself to do well, have fun with friends, and stay out of trouble. And each time, usually towards the end of the year, he found himself barely escaping from the dangerous trap he was lured into. First year, it was a ploy set by Voldemort, using a teacher as his crutch. Second year, Ginny was the puppet he stringed along, as well as the basilisk, to wreak havoc on the school. Third year, while Voldemort himself didn't attack him directly, a member (or minion he should say) from his inner circle did cause quite a mess.

According to Remus, two good things came out of that miserable night: Sirius's name was cleared, first and foremost, although Dumbledore did mention that not everyone from the Ministry believed his innocence. Second, because Harry saved Pettigrew from death, he was owed a life-debt.

Remus believed it was a good thing, one that would benefit him in the future. Maybe he was right, but Harry refused to see it that way, wanting nothing to do with the rodent. Pettigrew was Dad's friend as well as Mum's. He was Sirius's friend. They trusted him but, thanks to his cowardice, he killed them all.

Well, maybe he didn't actually draw his wand and cast the killing curse himself but he sold his parents out to Voldemort. He made the world-including Harry-believe that Sirius was the traitor.

Harry's heart went out to poor Ron; he was beyond shocked and horrified to find out that his pet rat was actually a man. One who often slept in the bed with him, rested on his lap, and crawled up his shirt when he was being fussy. As soon as Ron was released from the hospital wing, he took five straight showers, using almost all the soap that was stocked in the bathroom. Then sanitized every inch of the room, had all his clothes washed and re-washed, determined to remove every inch of Pettigrew.

"It's like I can still feel him crawling on my skin." he said to Harry days later at lunch. Ron scratched his arms that were already bright red. "I'll never be able to look at rats the same way again."

Harry understood the feeling.

The rest of the school year went off without a hitch. Dumbledore decided to cancel final exams to everyone's joy, even Hermione's surprisingly. And for the first time, in over two years, Gryffindor beat out Slytherin for the House Cup, resulting in excited cheers from the lions and sullen scowls from the snakes as changes were made to the decor.

Draco wore the sullenest scowl, which went perfectly with the ice-cold glare in his eyes as he looked over at the Gryffindors. Several of them climbed onto the table and danced in celebration of their victory, not caring who was watching. Seamus was among the dancers, breaking into a victorious Irish step. "It's only because the insect and weasel were involved in the stupid rescue mission. And the fact Lupin keeps giving them extra bloody points."

Harry looked over at the table in the front where the teachers were gathered and felt a pang hitting his chest as he noticed Remus's empty chair.

Shortly after he was released from the hospital, Harry went to his quarters to talk more and was shocked to find him packing.

"You're leaving." he croaked.

Remus packed the last set of his books into his suitcase and turned over to Harry, offering him a small smile. "To shorten an incredibly long story," he said. "A few rumors have been floating around the school about my situation. It won't be long before it reaches the ears of concerned parents, then the Ministry."

"But Dumbledore-" Remus cut him off with another smile.

"Has already taken a great risk in hiring me."

"But-"

"It's alright, pup. I'm honestly used to it by now. Not to worry. We shall see each other again soon. I'm sure of it."

He handed Harry back the map as a farewell gift and took his leave. He assured him he would have plenty to keep him busy: helping Sirius get back on his feet, helping Sirius fix up his house, trying to keep Sirius from trouble since it was drawn to the man like a magnet and it was only a matter of time before he got a firecall or an owled-letter urging him to come home because of a small, tiny incident.

Thinking about Remus made Harry think of Sirius, and how, while his reappearance made things good, it also made things difficult.

The Ministry, or at least the bigot half, still believed that Sirius was under Voldemort's influence and wanted him to be sent to Azkaban along with Pettigrew. To settle things once and for all, Minister Fudge arranged a trial on the day right after the boys were released from school, so Harry could attend along with the Malfoys. With his system laced with Veritaserum, Sirius repeated the truth in a calm, steady voice that never wavered. That Pettigrew was chosen as the new oathkeeper since he was a less obvious choice, then sold out James and Lily, which led to their deaths. Coming to Pettigrew's house and discovering his close-to-dead brother who warned him of the rodent's treachery, then going to the Godric Hollow cottage where he saw for himself the result of that treachery. Confronting Pettigrew, who confessed his crimes, and running after the rodent's disappearance because he knew how bad it looked. Knew he'd be thrown into prison.

He wanted to and clear his name and make the truth known.

"Why not then come forward after you discovered Pettigrew was alive? Why not contact us?" one member asked, an unattractive, plump woman clad in pink from head to toe.

Sirius looked like he was ready to bite her, either with his teeth or a nasty comment that would seal his fate. Growling, he took in a deep breath and said, "Let's just say I had a very strong feeling before that I could even finish the sentence, I'd already be locked away in a pretty, little cell."

A scowl curled the woman's lips, but Minister Fudge cut her off before she got a word out.

After what felt-like long hours of hushed whispers between members and distrustful glances aimed at Sirius, the jury found him not guilty on all charges, issuing that all accounts under his name be unfrozen and restored, property returned to him, and so forth. By the grin on his face, Harry knew Sirius was pleased. However he discovered, as Minister Fudge led him, Sirius, and the Malfoys into his office, that wasn't quite enough for him.

"I want full custody of Harry!" he demanded.

Harry was glad he declined the bottled water Minister's assistant offered him otherwise he would have spat it out. His jaw, though, nearly dropped to the floor.

Draco was on his feet in an instant, knocking the chair against the door as he snarled, "Over my dead body!"

Dear Merlin, Harry groaned.

Lucius snapped his fingers and Draco's fallen chair came back to its' proper place. He forced his son back down to his seat as Narcissa rose from hers, walking over to Sirius who was standing in front of Minister's desk, keeping a good amount of distance between them. Her face appeared neutral, even calm, but Harry lived with them long enough to know when she was analyzing an opponent (pests as she distastefully called them) and their weaknesses. Judging by the slight lift of her lip that was too faint, too chilled for a normal smile, she spotted plenty in her cousin.

"And what makes you think I'd allow it?" she asked.

Sirius scowled at her. "How about the fact I missed six years of Harry's life because a spineless rodent framed me? How about the fact I'm his godfather and I want him back in my life? Or how about the fact I'd sooner trust Snape not to strangle me in my sleep than letting him stay under your roof and you poisoning his mind, you spoiled, nefarious ice-queen bitc-"

"You will hold your tongue, Black," Uncle spat, his eyes cold as winter's night. "While it's still attached."

Just as animosity between Sirius and Severus hadn't disappeared, neither had the one he had with the Malfoys.

Groaning, Harry slumped lower in his seat. This was just as bad as the meeting that happened over the summer when they were forced to cut their vacation short due to Minister's Fudge unexpected visit. Correction, this was even worse. Sirius had a tongue that was just as sharp as Narcissa's, but where she was precise with hers, he was reckless with his, which led to problems.

Much like now.

Minister Fudge banged his gravel in a feeble attempt to break the tension. "Despite Mr. Black's choice of words, I do believe his request is not an outrageous one, Mrs. Malfoy. It could even-"

"Minister Fudge, your opinion on the matter holds the same irrelevant value then as they do now," Fudge flinched as if he were slapped. Narcissa didn't spare him a glance, focusing her cool gaze on Sirius, who returned it with an icy glare of his own. "Allow me to rephrase the question. What makes you think I'd allow you full custody?"

Sirius was seething, face flushed, clenched fists held by his sides. Harry had a strong guess as to what he wished he could swing one of those fists at. Through clenched teeth, he said "James picked me to care for Harry if anything should happen to them-"

"Just as Lily picked me for the very same reason," she reminded with a biting smile. "Suffice to say, I've done a fine job. You can ask the court, Severus, even Mr. Lupin. Harry has been well-protected and well cared for."

Draco dipped his head in a nod, a satisfied smirk on his face.

"However," she continued. "While full custody is out of the question, a summer visit is reasonable. Perhaps even for the whole summer."

Harry knew for sure that his jaw hit the ground-and saw he wasn't the only one. Draco, Sirius, even the Minister stared at her with their jaws slacked. Only Lucius managed to keep his jaw locked, but even he couldn't hide his shock, both arched brows touching his hairline.

"I-I-I-" Sirius stammered. "I beg your pardon."

"A summer visitation for the entire summer." she repeated, speaking slowly. "This summer Draco shall be attending a special retreat in France."

Draco's jaw nearly went right through the floor.

"And I'd hate for Harry to be lonely at the Manor. Besides," she added. "A summer apart will do the boys some good."

"What?!" Draco shrieked, oblivious to the warning glare Uncle shot him as he was back on his feet. Harry was too stunned to speak. He was tempted to punch his own arm to make sure he wasn't caught in some strange dream.

As it turned out, Aunt Cissa's kind gesture did come with conditions. First and foremost, she requested that Sirius be forced to seek therapy at St. Mungo's for whatever trauma six years on the run might have brought on. At least three times a week, an actual face-to-face conversation with a psychiatrist. Second was that Harry would spend the weekends at Severus's, arriving Friday night and leaving at the same time on Sunday since she and Uncle were going to France with Draco, and she wanted to make sure Harry's wits were still intact. Third, she expected a letter from Harry twice a week. If not, then she'd send for him immediately.

"Anything else you wish to add, dear cousin?" Sirius spat.

Aunt Cissa smiled with a chilled edge to her thin lips. "Yes. Keep up that attitude and I'll happily reduce the visitation to a week."

"A week?!" Sirius repeated.

"Would you rather I make it a weekend?"

Sirius looked like there were hundreds of things he'd rather say instead, and judging by the anger flashing in his eyes and the tightness of his fists, they were colorful words.

"Of course, it's all up to Harry," The ice on her face faded away as she looked over her shoulder and gave Harry a warm smile. "Would you mind staying with Sirius, darling? At least for the summer?"

"At least?" Sirius parroted.

The words flew over Narcissa's head.

Heat burnt Harry's cheeks as five pairs of eyes, including Minister Fudge's, flickered over to him. He resisted the great urge to melt into the ground. Or make himself disappear.

"Darling?" He blinked, brought back to the present by his aunt's voice.

"I wouldn't mind it." he answered truthfully.

Sirius grinned as if he won the World Quidditch Cup.

Uncle Lucius gave a curt nod while the corner of Narcissa's lips rose.

Draco backed away from Harry as if he was punched, jaw dropped, face flushed.

Then moved over to the empty chair next to him, leaving a wide gap between them.

Draco didn't speak to Harry for the rest of the day. Turning his head the other direction as the adults, mostly Sirius and Narcissa, went over the summer arrangements. Sitting at the opposite side of the table instead of his customary seat next to Harry when Uncle Lucius took them out for lunch, keeping as far away from him as he could. The tense silence continued on for days. Draco bluntly ignored Harry whenever he attempted to talk to him, pretending not to hear or leaving the room altogether. While they still slept in the same room, Draco strictly kept to his side, turning his back to Harry.

More than once Harry wanted to hex him-or give him a good punch in the face for being such a prat. It was just one summer. Draco was acting like Harry was going away forever. Besides he needed this. Sirius did too. This was a good chance for them to get to know each other again. Only Draco was being a complete jerk about it as if Harry wronged him, which was completely infuriating.

Also, as infuriating as it was, the cold shoulder hurt him as well.

"Are you seriously not going to talk to me?" Harry demanded during his last day at the manor. He could hear the floo roaring, and knew Sirius had arrived.

Draco lounged at the window seat, looking out the backyard, arms stubbornly crossed.

Growling, Harry packed a small collection of his favorite books into his duffle bag and zipped it up, swinging it onto his shoulder. "Fine, you prat. Be a big baby. See you in September."

Curses shot through his mind as he headed towards the door. He was halfway through the room before he heard his name. A soft "Harry," that cut through his thoughts like a knife, bringing his steps to a halt.

He heard footsteps behind him before he felt Draco's arms wrap around his shoulders. Harry was tempted to return the gesture with the same coldness he had been receiving for the past few days. He should shrug off Draco's touch, knock him away. Instead, his bag slid onto the floor, either by low dip of Harry's shrug or Draco pushing it away, and he leaned into Draco.

It was practically alarming how a simple touch dissolved his anger. It shouldn't be fair. It shouldn't be allowed. Yet Harry still leaned into him.

"You can be a real prat, you know that right?" he muttered.

Draco made a small sound that was like a hum as he nuzzled into his shoulder. "I don't like you being away from me."

Harry sighed, rolling his eyes. "Draco, it's just for the summer. We've been apart before. Remember the summer before second year? I left for Moscow and came right back."

"Still miserable." he murmured.

Harry couldn't say that was a lie concerning the countless letters he received from Draco asking him when he was coming back. Actually, now that he thought about it, Draco wasn't the only one who suffered that summer. If there was someone who was just as eager for Harry's return, it was Uncle Lucius; the man had written tons of letters expressing his annoyance of having to deal with Draco's whining, moping, and pacing. "You managed."

"Barely."

Rolling his eyes again, Harry pushed Draco away and looked up at him. "I'm not the only one going away, remember? You're going to France, one of your favorite countries in the world."

"Yes," Draco scoffed with an eye roll. "To some mysterious retreat for only Merlin knows what."

Harry's brows creased. "Aunt Cissa didn't tell you why you're going?"

Another scoff delivered with another eye roll. "To a place that will help me learn more about myself. Unlock a side I never knew existed. I swear trying to get a straight answer from her is like trying to wrangle one out of the old goat."

"With less lemon drops."

"True, thank Merlin."

"Boys," Uncle Lucius called. "Come down."

Harry picked up his bag and Draco was right by his side as they headed downstairs. The adults were gathered in the parlor room, Sirius set to one side, his aunt and uncle at the other. Their faces were set into hard, irritated masks that were quickly peeled off as the boys entered the room.

Sirius grinned as he came over to hug Harry, ruffling his hair. "Hey, kiddo. You ready for some fun?"

"You bet."

Narcissa took one step forward, a simple move that caused Sirius's grin to fall into a scowl as he looked at her. "I suppose I should thank you for allowing the visitation."

"Think nothing of it."

"I said suppose," Sirius smirked. "And should. Doesn't mean will."

Oh brother. Harry bit down a groan. He was hoping to avoid tension when Sirius came for him. Clearly, the man had other ideas.

Narcissa returned her cousin's smirk with a thin-lipped, sharp smile. "Do hope you value your time with Harry, Sirius, and recognize the great generosity behind it. I doubt the same will be offered a second time."

Sirius bristled at the words. Harry quickly jumped in before things went from tense to downright ugly. "We better go."

Sirius jerked his head curtly as if being in the Manor was making his skin crawl.

"I don't need to remind you to mind yourself, do I?" Lucius said as Harry approached them. He shook his head, and a faint smile touched his uncle's mouth. "Good. I'd hate to see seven years of potential get corrupted by Black's idiocy."

"I'm right here!" Sirius snapped. Uncle pretended not to hear.

"As much as you are a Potter, you are also a Malfoy. Every choice and action you make reflects not only on you, but the family as a whole. You be sure to remember that."

"Yes uncle."

Narcissa cupped Harry's face. "I was not lying about the letters," she reminded. "Two a week or I'm taking you back. Then Sirius can spend the remaining summer with you through the firecall."

Behind Harry, Sirius muttered something so low, he couldn't hear it.

"I promise." he told her.

His aunt smiled and kissed his forehead.

When it was Draco's turn, the blond pulled Harry into a tight hug that was returned fiercely. Harry shivered as Draco's cool breath brushed against his skin, sending a chill down his spine.

"I'll miss you." Draco murmured.

"I'll miss you too." Harry said. "But remember, it's only for the summer. It'll be over before you know it."

"Still don't like it."

"Boys," Narcissa said. "It's time to go."

Draco refused to part so easily, at least not without making an impression. He pulled Harry close to him, buried his face in Harry's neck, and pressed a swift, sharp bite right there.

Harry's skin was stinging. He nearly jumped as he felt the bite, then was pierced with a strange feeling-longing, sadness?- that stabbed his chest as they separated.

"I'll see you soon." Harry whispered.

Draco's eyes weren't burning silver but they were filled with a sharp intensity that made Harry feel exposed, practically naked, as he nodded his head.

He took a step back. Sirius placed a hand on his shoulder and directed him to the fireplace, where the two disappeared into the green flames.

Grimmauld place was just as Harry remembered. Beautiful and spacious like the Manor, but where the Manor resembled a castle, the Grimmauld place was almost like an apartment building that could house dozens of tenants when actually it occupied only one family, then soon only one man. Another difference between the two was the structure. Grimmauld place, as beautiful as it was, was gloomy in a sorts thanks to the Gothic details added to the house and the lack of brightness. However, the big difference between then and now was the fact Remus was the first face Harry saw as they walked into the living room.

"Hello pup." he greeted with a warm smile.

"Remus!" Harry dropped his bag and went over to hug him. "I can't believe it."

"Well, I did say that we would see each other again soon."

Harry stepped back. "I didn't think it would be that soon. What are you doing here?"

Light red colored Remus's cheeks. "We-um-you. Funny story, actually-"

"I believe, kiddo," Sirius said. "I can explain this in three easy steps."

With a grin on his face, he strutted over to Remus, dipped him low, and planted a deep, rough kiss that had Harry, Kreacher the house-elf, and almost every portrait in the room gawking with slack jaws and widened eyes.

After what felt like an hour, Sirius released Remus. The poor man was flustered; face red as a tomato, attempting to straighten himself up while Sirius wore a smirk of someone too proud of himself.

"That…we-Sirius!" Remus growled.

"You know me, Moony," he shrugged. "I've always been more of a show than tell type of guy."

Remus glared at him.

Harry finally retrieved his slacked jaw. "So you two are together?"

"No!" Remus cried at the same time Sirius said "Yes!"

Shooting Sirius another glare, Remus said, "We're still trying to figure out where we stand. After all, it has been awhile." The last bit of words were aimed at Sirius, sharpened with a bite.

"Which is Remus-code for continuing right where we left off."

"Sirius!"

"What?" He tried (and failed) to keep an innocent face. "Its better we let it all out in the open. Tear the bandage off and all that jazz. Besides, Moony, Harry's going to wonder why our room is always locked and silent."

"Sirius!"

"I'm just gonna…" Harry grabbed his bag and followed Kreacher upstairs.

"For Merlin's sake, Sirius!" He heard Remus say. "I thought we agreed that I'd do the talking."

"You agreed that you'd do the talking," Sirius corrected. "I just decided to save everyone the trouble and give the Cliff notes version."

Harry couldn't hear what Remus said after that, but he did hear Sirus's response.

"Moony, as much as I love you, you do tend to go overboard. And practically take forever to explain things. I can only imagine how your talk on the birds and bees went with kiddo."

"I'll have you know that it was very informative."

Too informative. Far-too heavily, mortifyingly-detailed informative, lasting almost an entire day with binders filled with notes and pictures and at some points dolls. Actual dolls.

It was a bit of an adjustment settling in. It was surprising to step into his old room, even more so that it was adjusted from being a room fit for a child to one for a teenager, with his old toys being replaced with books and records and some games. Harry only imagined how much time Sirius put in, making the room perfect for him, struggling to figure out what he may or may not like. However, despite the changes and the unexpected PDA that greeted him on his first night, Harry still had fun.

Sirius, despite his prestigious family name and fancy house, was the personified definition of easy-going. Anti-formalities and rule-breaking were part of his motto. For dinner, instead of having Kreacher whip up something in the kitchen, Sirius ordered out: Chinese take-out, double bacon cheeseburgers and loads of fries, stacks of pizza with crazy combinations, and a triple-layer, triple-chocolate cake to celebrate Harry's belated birthday. One of many to make up for the last six years.

He encouraged all-day pajama-day unless there was somewhere else they had to be. Was big on feasting on leftovers, mashing them up together, and then pigging out more. Blared loud, wild rock 'n' roll music, much to Kreacher's and even Remus's chagrin, in every room of the house till it felt like they were in a constant earthquake. It was how Harry often woke up in the morning.

Harry's days at the Grimmauld place soon fell into routine. They'd meet at the one of the less fancy dining rooms to have breakfast, sometimes prepared by Remus, most times prepared by Kreacher who begged Sirius to give him something to do. After breakfast, Sirius left for St. Mungo's, murmuring complaints under his breath about his quack of a shrink. During the time he was gone, Harry would read in the library, work a bit on his homework, sometimes ask Remus more questions about being a werewolf, but most times do research on the winged-creature from Aunt Cissa's mysterious book. When Sirius did come back, he'd carry out whatever plan of adventure he had for the day. Like taking them to Romania, where Harry met one of Ron's older brothers, Charlie, to watch actual dragons fly. Racing up the steps of the Great Wall of China, a race which ended with Remus coming out as the unexpected winner, a panting Harry in second place, and Sirius dead last (he collapsed halfway through). Visiting almost every haunted house in New Orleans, where Sirius scared the locals and the tourists even more by adding a magical dab to the theatrics.

"Hope you got your swim-trunks, Kiddo," Sirius grinned, popping back into the living room after another therapy session. "Because we're going to the beach."

Harry put away the letter he was working on for Draco and raised a surprised brow. "The beach?" It seemed like such a normal thing to do after all the places and sights they've visited.

Sirius's eyes twinkled playfully. "Did I mention that we were beaching in…Hawaii?"

"Sirius, for goodness's sake," Remus said. "You're finally home after six years of hopping from one place to the next. Don't you want to rest?"

"I'll rest when I'm dead." At the deadpan expression planted on Remus's face, Sirius smiled charmingly. "The difference between then and now is the fact I no longer have to constantly look over my shoulder. Or worry about people recognizing me and alerting the Ministry. Plus, I plan to give my kiddo," He pulled Harry against him and gave him a noogie. "the best summer of his life."

"Well, you're definitely succeeding." Harry replied with a smile.

Sirius's smile broadened to a grin.

The beach day was everything Harry expected it to be and more. They spent most of the time enjoying the beautiful, blue ocean, swimming, splashing each other, trying their hand (or in this case foot) in surfing that often resulted in them tumbling off the board before the waves rose. Once their skins were pruned like raisins, they took their fun back to shore. Remus decided to lounge underneath the sun while Harry and Sirius had a one-on-one volley ball match.

It took a few minutes to explain the game to Sirius, emphasizing the rule of zero-use of magic, but after a few times he got into the game. He definitely had himself a laugh when one of his serves shot straight up in the air, knocking into a seagull that had been flying over their heads.

"Aww, look at that."

Harry blinked and turned his head over to the direction where Sirius's attention was focused on. It looked like sun-bathing for Remus turned into a sun-napping. The man was dead to the world; head tilted back, loud snores booming from his agape mouth.

"Well," Harry said after a moment. "He definitely looks peaceful."

"That he does." A wicked gleam sparked in Sirius's eyes as he looked back at Harry. "Let's bury him."

Oh dear Merlin. "No," he said with a laugh.

"And why not?"

"For one he'll kill you."

"Then I'll die a satisfied man." Sirius thought for a moment. "Well maybe not completely satisfied but close enough."

Times like this reminded Harry just how wacky the man could be. He should have reminded Sirius the consequences of setting off an enraged werewolf, but it would be cruel to crush the rare spark gleaming in Sirius's eyes. Also, the more Harry thought about it, the more idea appealed to him.

Biting his lip to hold in chuckles, he followed Sirius quietly over to Remus. They had to use their magic to dig the perfect hole that wasn't too shallow or too deep. They carefully carried Remus over from his lounge chair to the hole. Once he was in, they packed up the hole with pounds of sand, filling and filling it until Remus's head was only visible body part sticking out from the sand.

"And now," Sirius grinned. "for the finishing touch."

He grabbed a hermit crab that had been crawling along and placed the creature right in front of Remus.

"He's so gonna kill you." Harry snickered.

"Then I shall die a happy man."

Once they were done, they took a few steps back and shared a smile. Winking at Harry, Sirius cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, "It's a tidal wave!"

"What?" Remus's head jerked as he awakened, his eyes widening as they took in his new position.

The crab leaped into his opened mouth, and that was all it took for Harry and Sirius to collapse on the ground, nearly laughing their guts out.

As for Remus, judging by the way his head was fervently whipping back and forth, he was locked in a tight battle with the crab that was clearly trying to make the man's mouth its' new home. With a loud, strangled grunt, Remus finally spat the crab out and tilted his head back.

"SIRIUS!"

The scream was practically a crescendo throughout the place, causing a flock of birds to disperse, making Sirius and Harry laugh harder.

Just as Harry predicted, Remus was not happy. While he didn't kill Sirius right on the spot as soon as he was freed, he did give the man a frightening, low growl that promised a slow, painful demise later on before walking off to the bathroom to clean himself up.

They waited for him at the beach's burger shack.

"Remus is gonna kill you," Harry said. "And he's gonna use that crab to do it."

Sirius waved a dismissive hand. "He always says it but never does it. Can't say I blame him. After all, it would be a shame to take this," He gestured towards his face. "beauty outta the world."

Harry rolled his eyes, but before he could tell Sirius more, their order had arrived, brought to them by a young waitress with amazing balance. Without breaking a sweat, she placed a platter of cheeseburgers with a large basket of fries, another platter of chicken kabobs, two salads and three pineapple pina-coladas.

"If you need anything else, just call." she said.

Not that her arms were free, Harry was able to get a better look. She was younger than he though, around his age. She was definitely pretty with her dark-caramel skin glowing from the sun, a yellow flower tucked into wavy black hair following the wind's direction, and deep-set hazel eyes. Her attractiveness increased tenfold as he took in her clothes: a white tube-top that showed her toned belly and a long, sarong skirt.

Realizing he was still staring, Harry murmured, "Will-will do." Warmth crawled into his cheeks like a snake.

The girl gave him a slow, feline smile that increased the temperature of his burning face and left them with an extra swing in her hips, looking back once to send Harry a wink.

Sirius let out a low whistle. "Way a go, kiddo. I approve. Greatly approve."

"That-she-I wasn't-"

"No need to worry. You're the son of one of the most infamous heartbreakers ever to grace Hogwarts' halls. It's bound for the torch to be passed along."

There was no torch. Nothing to pass. "That's not-I mean she is pretty."

"And clearly wants you," Sirius teased. "I say go for it. It's summertime. You deserve to have some fun."

"Sirius!"

"What?" he asked. "You like her, she likes you. The answer to this question is very simple: good, ol' snogging."

"Sirius!" Harry's voice rose as did the temperature of his burning face.

"What?" He raised a curious brow and leaned in close. "Unless you already have a snogging partner?"

A pair of smirking, stony-gray eyes danced across his mind. Harry forced the image away before his burning face combusted. "N-no." he cleared his throat. "No."

Sirius smiled, but it was one that said he didn't believe him one bit. Not trusting himself to speak, Harry took a long sip of his drink, needing something to do. Sirius's smile changed; less teasing, more sincere. "In all seriousness, I'm glad you're here, Harry. I have to say, I thought I'd never be able to do this with you."

His earlier frustration and embarrassment dissolved as a small smile curved his lips. "Me too." he said.

Sirius ruffled his hair, and the two celebrated the fun day with a clank of their glasses just as Remus came to join them.