Hello lovelies!

I know it's been longer than I anticipated, but a lot of things happened! Last month was extremely hectic. I can't promise that updates will come as swiftly as before, but I really do want to finish the story by the end of July latest! Either way, I really hope you all like this chapter!

Please leave a review and let me know what you think x

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Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and only the story line and any OC's belong to me

Wednesday, July 28th, 1999
Potter Manor
Full Moon

"I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I didn't think it would take that long to keep a bloody leaf under my tongue," Ron grumbled. Harry and Ron were sitting on the bottom steps of the grand staircase in Potter Manor's foyer.

Harry was tossing James's snitch back and forth as his brow tugged together in pensive thought. The pack members had continued to reverently comb through James's chest, unpacking and sorting through the items, but the snitch had been in the Potter's vault. Another item Dumbledore had entrusted to the goblins for safekeeping.

Harry had visited their family's joint vault four days ago. Draco said it was to get a better grasp on what he would be responsible for when he officially became Head of their House in a few weeks. Harry had been shocked and didn't believe his eyes when he saw the contents, however, he'd been drawn to the small golden ball on a table towards the front. Harry had carried the snitch with him everywhere since.

Harry couldn't remember it, but James had let him play with the snitch as a baby. The metal sparked with familiarity against his flesh whenever he held it.

Tonks, Riley and Teddy were gathered by the sidelites on either side of the front door. Tonks was pointing towards the Orchards, and Teddy was asking why he couldn't change and go running around in the forest with the others.

"When you're older sweetheart, then you can go running in the forest with Daddy and the others," Tonks promised before pressing a kiss to her sulking son's forehead.

"How long does it realistically take to become an animagus?" Harry asked no one in particular. Riley turned to face them, her long pale hair braided down her back.

"Why? Are you impatient to be out there with them like Teddy?" Riley asked.

"Yes," Harry admitted. Ron nodded in agreement.

Since Ron and Harry were becoming animagi through official means and channels, they had expressed their intent to the appropriate Ministry officials upon Graduation. As a result, they were required to submit regular reports on the progression of their animagus training. The Ministry insisted on a more stringent set of rules and procedures revolving around animagi after the reveal of several unregistered animagi in past decades.

Another requirement was selecting a liaison to consult with on a bi-weekly basis from the list of living animagi. Harry and Ron had chosen McGonagall.

On paper McGonagall was their 'Professor', but they normally bothered the older pack members with their inquiries. Mostly Draco and Sirius. Hermione wasn't very helpful in breaking down the intangible parts of the Visualisation process in readily understandable chunks.

Hermione's only piece of advice was that they go into the Orchards and meditate amongst nature. That it would draw out their inner instincts, and also that they would need to clear their minds in order to correctly visualise their animagus form.

Sirius and Draco had gone into the forest with them and led them through a meditative process, urging them to clear their minds and to feel the magic around them.

After their trip through the Marauders' memories, a peculiar thing happened to Harry. A silvery pink bite mark had appeared on his shoulder; it looked freshly healed. All offspring of the pack were automatically accepted into the pack, but they still had to willingly acknowledge and return the sentiment to seal the bond.

Harry hadn't mentioned the bite mark or shown it to the others, but he hadn't felt the need to. He was more interconnected with the pack now, he could see the intangible threads binding them together if he tried hard enough. He imagined the pack was able to sense that their bond had strengthened.

From the way Ron kept rubbing his shoulder when he didn't think anyone was looking, Harry suspected a similar mark had shown up on his shoulder.

A howl sounded from the Orchards, and answering calls came from the other animals running around.

There was no deadline they were racing to become animagi, but Harry was antsy and eager to finish his training as quickly as possible. It was magic that took years of dutiful practice to master for most wix. Harry didn't wish to wait years.

"Did Hermione give you the notebook to assist you?" Riley asked absently, working away at a tight knot in her shoulder.

Harry's brow furrowed. "Notebook?"

Riley pursed her lips. "Lily was the last one to use it, so it's probably in James's chest."

"It's about animagi?"

"The pack members found a book about animagi with some helpful information when they started their training. Over the years, they annotated it in the margins as they learned new things," Riley said, absently twirling a lock of hair around her finger.

"Why didn't they share it with us?" Ron asked with a tiny frown, rolling his wand between his open palms.

"Probably slipped their minds, besides you have several animagi at your disposal to assist with your training," Riley pointed out. Tonks strode over, bouncing a pouting Teddy on her hip.

Teddy reached for Harry. Harry instantly stood up and scooped his Godson from Tonks's grasp. Tonks's cropped hair shifted from yellow to bubblegum pink and she blew out a raspberry at her son's antics.

"Spoiled for attention you are," Tonks said with a crooked smile, brushing Teddy's blue hair off his forehead. Teddy laid his head on Harry's shoulder and played with Harry's t-shirt collar.

"I'm sure Hermione or Draco knows where the book is, and they can lend it to you in the morning," Riley stated, angling the conversation back onto the previous track. Harry nodded as he gently swayed back and forth with Teddy. The boy's fussing had quieted much to Tonks's exasperation.

Another howl sounded in Harry's ears, the sound called to something primal and ancient in his soul. Harry's pack bond burned in his chest, and the mark on his shoulder tingled.

Harry met Ron's electric blue eyes and a slew of words and unspoken sentiments were communicated without a sound passing through their lips. They hoped they followed in Lily's footsteps, and it didn't take them years to become animagi.

The call of the pack grew more enticing with every full moon that passed; it beckoned to them, encouraging them to run freely through the night.

Harry rubbed Teddy's back in comfort as he strolled over to the window, the moon's image reflected in his round, wide-rimmed glasses. Soft, warm breaths were blowing against Harry's neck as Teddy slipped into a light slumber, tuckered out from a long day; Sirius and Riley took Teddy into Muggle London for the day, and he'd managed to keep his features the same the entire time.

Harry rested his head atop Teddy's.

Riley came to stand beside him, and she placed her hand against his cheek. She peered at him thoughtfully and said, "it'll be interesting to see what they come up with as your Marauder name."

"Don't I get to choose my own?" Harry asked.

Riley's resulting, toothy grin spoke volumes. "Now, Little Fawn. What would be the fun in that?"

Saturday, July 31st, 1999
Potter Manor
Harry Potter's Nineteenth Birthday

"Happy birthday to you!" Harry's friends and family sang as they gathered around the birthday boy. Sirius and Remus were holding Harry's large strawberries and cream layered cake in between them.

Nineteen, small gold candles were embedded atop the cake, their flames flickered. A tinge of pink brushed Harry's cheeks.

"Make a wish, Harry!" Hermione encouraged, on the other side of the cake. Remus's camera was in her hands as she had been chosen as the designated photographer for the night.

Harry's bright green eyes scanned over the crowd gathered to celebrate his birthday and he couldn't think of anything to wish for. Everyone from old friends to new were here: Hagrid, Minerva, the Marauders, the Slytherins, the Weasleys, the Greengrasses, the Longbottoms, and the lions were all present. (He'd seen most of them at Neville's birthday celebration the day before, but the occasion still felt special.)

Regardless, Harry closed his eyes, sucked in a hefty breath and blew as hard as he could. Harry only had one wish; he wished he got to keep them all. That they would all live long, full lives. Harry wasn't clairvoyant or a Seer like Luna, but from the serene smile she gave him later on that night, he was filled with hope that his wish would come true.

A couple hours later, the celebration was as exuberant as it was prior to him blowing out his candles. The wix were gathered in the sun room, and it was as if a sliver of Dorea's soul was thrumming in the walls and her scent was heady in the air.

Harry found Remus reclining in a chair with Teddy curled up in his lap. Harry approached slowly from behind—allowing Remus to sense him through his heightened senses—and wrapped his arms around Remus's shoulders. Harry's back curved as he tucked his chin into the crook of Remus's neck. A faint pink dusted over the apples of Harry's cheeks.

"Hi, Little Fawn," Remus greeted, resting his head against Harry's.

"I haven't said it enough in the past, but…I love you, Remus. Thank you—"

"Harry—"

"Please, let me finish, Remus," Harry implored. Remus dipped his chin, his mouth quivering.

"I love you. I know you would have taken me in sooner if you could, and you helped make me into the person I am today. Thank you for always being there, Remus. Thank you for loving me."

Remus was silent for several moments, and Harry's cheeks reddened further. Remus cleared his throat, and coarsely—as if emotion had built up and clogged his airway—said, "happy birthday, Harry. Thank you for being one of the main reasons I kept going in my darkest times."

It was a hefty statement to carry on his shoulders, but Harry didn't feel burdened by it.

Remus cleared his throat, and errantly said, "Draco says you think your animagus form is a stag like your Dad." The comment brought some levity to the weighty atmosphere.

"It might just be wishful thinking, but I'm pretty sure it is." Harry said, scrunching his noise thoughtfully.

A broad grin spread across Remus's features. "Dammit, I owe Hermione and Sirius a galleon each."

"You made bets on what my animagus form would be?" Harry asked, eyes widening.

"We would be remiss not to. Don't worry, we made bets on Ron's as well." Remus said with a cavalier shrug.

"Riley mentioned that you guys are going to choose my Marauders name as well," Harry said.

Remus's mirth grew exponentially, and he showed his canines as he grinned at Harry. "We figured it out a couple days ago."

"Oh really?" Harry asked, unable to keep a grin off his own face. "And what did you decide on?"

"Buck."

Wednesday, August 4th, 1999
Muggle London, UK

Hermione liked the food and ambiance at the cafe with Kingsley so much that she'd dragged Lucius there for lunch. Lucius wasn't pleased by her choice of venue, but it was less about the cafe and more the lack of options he was afforded these days.

"It's a pity we can't tour Diagon Alley right now to actually see the property," Hermione grumbled as she took a sip of her chamomile tea.

Lucius made a noise of assent, but was delicately raising a spoonful of tomato basil soup to his lips.

"You shouldn't have to fear being attacked whenever you leave the house," Hermione ranted.

Lucius silently ate his soup, but his eyes flicked up to Hermione and saw the irate copper flames flashing amongst the hazel in her eyes. The ends of her raven hair were stiff with electricity as her magic seeped from her. Lucius straightened out and carefully placed the edge of his spoon—facing downwards—onto the edge of the plate his soup was sitting on.

"I did heinous things during the wars, Hermione. They think I deserve it."

"You are not the same man who committed those crimes, Lucius," Hermione said, taking another sip of her tea. "Do you think you deserve to be treated like this?"

"It doesn't matter what I think about the matter, or change the fact that I did commit atrocities in the past."

"So what? Are you meant to spend the rest of your hopefully long life wallowing in regret?" Hermione asked, placing her teacup back on its sky blue saucer. She propped her elbows on the table and leaned forward, her gaze unwavering and intense.

"No, but I do need to repent," Lucius said, sighing. He closed his eyes, and let the sounds of the passersby, and the warm summer breeze wash over him.

"Repenting does not mean suffering. You can repent without bloodshed or pain." Brevity was breathed into Hermione's tone as she altered the course of their conversation to a related topic. "Speaking of, Narcissa mentioned you are in the process of buying some land in the countryside to build a home for war orphans."

Lucius nodded absentmindedly, he opened his eyes and stared at the Muggles going about their everyday lives. "It's the least we can do."

Lucius cleared his throat, and met Hermione's gaze. "Regardless, you can go and tour the property on your own, you know. You don't have to drag me with you."

"I wanted to," Hermione retorted. "We've narrowed it down to three places, and I wanted your opinion on which one is the best."

"They are all good options, the asking price is a bit steep, but that is because everyone is trying to buy property in Diagon Alley again. In a way, we're lucky that there are still several vacated businesses because of the war, considering how some of those shops have been there for centuries," Lucius said as he began to tuck into his soup again. Thankfully it was still warm; eating cold soup was a miserable experience.

"Which one do you like best?" Hermione pressed.

Lucius shrugged. "Hermione. They are all evenly matched in my experience from the business end of things. You simply need to decide which one speaks best to you and Draco, and then I can help you negotiate for the best price and ensure all the legal aspects are watertight."

"The one along the same stretch as Ollivander's was my pick, but I do know that Draco liked the one closer to the Emporium," Hermione said, gnawing on her bottom lip.

"It seems like you two have much to discuss, and the sooner you reach a decision the better," Lucius replied with a muted smile. "Now, you should eat up before your food gets cold."

"Yes, Mother," Hermione replied as she picked up her cutlery, but a wry smile was fixed to her features.

Thursday, August 12th, 1999

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

"Sorry we're a little late, Minerva. We had a bit of a rough start this morning," Remus apologised with a bashful smile. Sirius echoed Remus's sentiments, but sent an audacious wink at the Headmistress as he reclined in his chair.

"Is Edward causing havoc now that he's started babbling?" Minerva asked. Her brow was knitted as she signed the bottom of a foot long roll of parchment. She twirled the quill between her fingers before she deftly placed it in the short jar of quills off to the side.

"No more than he was before," Remus said.

"And Nymphadora? Riley?"

The corners of Remus's lips twitched upwards. Sirius was beaming, his pearly whites on display. "Little Ginevra led an army of witches into Muggle London last night to celebrate her birthday," Sirius said.

Minerva's brow furrowed as she tried to ascertain the relevance of her statement. Remus was staring upwards, as if admiring the details of the enchanted ceiling..

"Tequila Tonks is my personal favourite highlight," Sirius smirked.

"You didn't have to deal with Tequila Tonks," Remus muttered, nose scrunched as he recalled Hermione and Tonks tumbling into his bed at three in the morning.

"Charming," Minerva said with a subtle shake of her head and a faint smile ghosting her lips. "Did either of you have a chance to eat Breakfast? I can ring down to the kitchens and have the Elves whip something up if you haven't."

"We managed to have some eggs, bacon and toast on the way out, but thank you for the offer, Minerva," Remus said.

Minerva laced her fingers together and placed them on the desk in front of her as she scrutinised the two wizards. "Good. Now, moving on to why I asked you here today."

"I bet Draco good money that you realised you've always loved me, and you wish to be with me," Sirius said with a devilish grin, sitting up and bracing his forearms against her desk.

"I think your pregnant wife may take grievances with that," Minerva replied evenly.

"I'm sure she would be willing to accept a third, we're going to need all the help we can get when the baby comes," Sirius shrugged.

"Moving along, Mister Black. The reason you are here today is because I would like to ask you to take up the Transfiguration, and Defence Against the Dark Arts teaching positions. If you would be amenable to it."

"I beg your pardon?" Sirius sputtered, taken aback whilst Remus was frozen stiff with shock. Minerva had asked him to take up the position last year, but part of him hadn't believed she was serious about the offer.

"I realise I should have asked you earlier in the summer, but I wished for you to enjoy your time as a reunited family . I think you would both be well suited for the positions—"

"What about you, Minerva?" Sirius croaked.

"I was somehow able to manage last school year, but being Headmistress and Transfiguration teacher at the same time is less than ideal."

"Remus I get, but me? Are you really sure you want me to shape the young minds of the next generation?" Sirius asked in heady disbelief, as if he hadn't wrapped his mind around her proposal.

"The students have endured great hardships due to the war, they are healing…Hogwarts is healing. The two of you are exactly the kind of professors they need now." Minerva's eyes lock onto Sirius. "You have an uncanny knack for Transfiguration, and you are an extremely charismatic person, Sirius Black. You would be a wonderful fit for the position."

"Minerva, the offer is generous, more than generous, but we've only just started settling back into our lives—"

Minerva raised her index finger. "I have thoughts on an arrangement that will work for all of us."

"An arrangement?"

"Most Hogwarts Professors live on the premises or in Hogsmeade year-round. However, I am willing to make some allowances," Minerva's evergreen eyes glinted in the soft morning light. "I can have your floo networks in your personal chambers connected to Potter Manor. That way you may go home on evenings and weekends."

"You certainly know how to proposition a wizard, don't you, Minnie?" Sirius whistled lowly. He twisted a lock of his hair pensively as he mulled over her offer.

"Well? Mister Black? Mister Lupin? Do you accept?"

"Yes," Sirius said, eyes widening. He'd surprised himself as his reply left his lips unwittingly.

"We'll have to discuss the particulars with our wives and the others," Remus replied with equal haste. Remus's chest was warm with excitement, a sharp thrill rushing through his veins.

"So we would be able to come and go from the Castle as we please?" Sirius clarified.

"Within reason," Minerva said with a slight incline of her head.

"How about we commit to being present for all our classes, and we will set aside specific times for students to pop in a couple times a week if they have questions, but otherwise, we will be able to come and go as we please?" Remus suggested. Minerva's lips curve upwards into a prim smile.

"We can discuss it in the upcoming weeks before term begins," Minerva said.

"Oh what about our book lists and lists of supplies?"

"I took the liberty of sending out the list you used during your last tenure as professor, with updated editions if there were any, Remus," Minerva said. She addressed Sirius subsequently, her lips twisting wryly. "I sent out the same list I have been using for the last few years, Sirius. I will also provide you with all my lesson plans and notes for the upcoming year to provide a basis for you to work off of."

"I think I will probably follow your lesson plans pretty closely this year," Sirius said, scratching behind his ear. Remus recognised the enthusiastic gleam in Sirius's eyes, if Remus had to guess, Sirius was already running through ideas about how to run his future classes.

"Anything else we should be aware of?"

"Not that I can think of, I will keep you abreast of any new developments or changes as soon as possible," Minerva said. She pushed her chair back, the legs dragging against the stone floor, and stood up. She laced her fingers together and rested her hands against the front of her skirts. "I have high hopes for you both, do you think you'll live up to them?" There was an airiness to her tone, a teasing lilt that took both men off-guard.

"Indubitably," Sirius smirked as he rose to his feet. He ruffled Remus's hair and shrugged innocently when Remus sent him a droll stare. "You won't regret this, Minnie, cross my heart." Sirius made a cross gesture over his heart and beamed at the elder witch.

Minerva shook her head fondly. "I truly hope not, Sirius."

This is a bit out of left field, but I have had an idea for original series since 2016, and I finally started writing the first few chapters. It'll be a new venture and I will have to figure out how to self-publish, but the characters have been living rent free in my head for years. All this to say, if I did actually write and publish a book, would any of you read it?

Anyway, all my love, and hopefully I can finish up the next few chapters swiftly, thank you all for your patience and continued support!

Indie x