Chapter Fifteen

Lily pulled Orion's wand from her pocket as she crouched next to the manacled Sirius. She could feel Remus towering over her from behind and allowed herself a single glance back to where they had been seated, Lyall was standing in the gallery, holding Harry.

She took Sirius' wrist, feeling for his pulse and counted silently, then shook her head, 'This is doing him no favours.' She glanced up at Remus, 'He's just passed out, but we need this to be over, and soon.'

'Can you bring him 'round?' Remus waved James back over.

Lily nodded, 'Rennervate.'

Sirius blinked, frowning at her. His normally clever eyes dulled to a cloudy grey.

'Sirius, can you hear me?' She asked softly.

He blinked at her, 'Que fais-tu avec la baguette de mon Père?'

Remus crouched down then, frowning, 'Sirius, mon cher, comprenez vous?'

Lily looked up at him, 'French?'

Remus nodded, and Sirius turned to look at him, 'Oui. Bien sûr.'

'Parler en anglaise.'

Sirius shook his head, his eyes were still far away and cloudy.

'What are you saying?' Lily resisted the urge to grab Sirius' hand.

'I asked if he could understand me and told him to speak English. Maintenant, Sirius.' This last Remus directed at Sirius in a tone so firm it made Lily jump.

'Rémy? Où sommes-nous?'

'No. En anglaise.' Remus was snapping now, and Lily curled her fingers into his jumper.

'Remus.'

He shook her off.

'Sirius. We are at the Ministry, I need you to focus. I need English.'

'That is pointless.' A voice like ice cut across the floor. Lily spun in her crouch and Remus' took a firm grip on Sirius' arm. Pollux Black leant on cedar walking stick, his wand safely concealed within Sirius had told them once. 'Move aside Mrs. Potter.'

'Not a chance.' Lily stood, her voice calm and sure.

'My Grandson has more than a touch of his mother's… malady to him. I know how to deal with this behaviour.'

'I am a healer.' She insisted, 'I have no reason to let you near him.'

Pollux smiled, 'They are returning. This,' He gestured to Sirius, head hanging, eyes distant, 'Will not help his case.'

'If you harm him, we will destroy you.' Remus voice was low. He took Lily's arm and stepped neatly to the side.

Pollux strode across the floor and stood over his grandson. He would be shorter than Sirius, maybe James' height. James was watching, arms folded across his chest from where he stood with Lyall.

'Yassas Sirius, kalimera.'

Remus frowned but didn't move. Lily had no idea what Pollux was saying now, in one of Sirius' many, many languages. He spoke, at length and quietly.

Slowly Sirius head came up, 'You must be fucking joking.' He rasped.

Pollux laughed, but without much mirth, 'I shall leave it with you Sirius. The wheels are in motion, and we will await your owl.' He nodded to Lily, and to Remus, 'You may continue. Though, Mrs. Potter, I would not recommend using my son-in-law's wand again in this place. Many here would recognise it.' He swept back to the raised seats, the tip of his walking stick clicking on the floor.

Lily knelt on the marble floor next to Sirius again, 'Hey.'

His eyes were still smoke to their usual starlight, but he smiled, 'Hello.'

'How do you feel?'

'As though I've been run over by a herd of Abraxans.' He tried to lift a hand to rub his face and was stopped short by the chains.

'What did your – he say?'

'It is unimportant now. They're returning.' He nodded to the door above, the robed figures of the Wizengamot were filing through them.

Amelia Bones looked down at them, 'Mrs. Potter, Mr. Lupin, will you please take your seats.'

Lily stood again, on the other side of the chair to Remus, 'No, I'm sorry but I can't.'

'And why would that be?'

'I am a trained healer.' Lily stared her down, 'I believe Sirius' health is at risk.'

'Very well.' Amelia glanced down at her papers, 'It is my understanding that you have quite the list of character witnesses to call, Mr. Black?'

Sirius pushed himself back up, spine ramrod straight, forcing some of the glassiness from his eye by what appeared to be sheer willpower.

'Yes. Beginning with the Aurors Gideon and Fabian Prewett.'

'And after them?'

Sirius' eyes fluttered closed for a moment, Lily could almost feel him swaying on the edge of consciousness. She spoke up, 'After them the list includes myself, Lyall Lupin, Dorcus Meadowes, Benjy Fenwick, Caradoc Dearborn, Emmaline Vance, Minerva McGonagall. It would have also included Frank and Alice Longbottom had they been in a fit state to give evidence, but we are informed that is not the case.'

'I see. Thank you, Mrs. Potter.' Amelia paused for a moment, and then nodded to herself. 'It is my belief that all physical evidence points to Sirius Black having fought against He Who Must Not Be Named. I do not, however, feel that enough physical evidence has been provided to prove his innocence of the charges he has been found guilty of.'

Angry disagreements flowed from the witness seating, and Amelia was forced to bang her gavel to regain silence. Lily felt hot all over and didn't dare look at Remus, or Sirius or even James. Fury coursed through her.

'However,' Amelia tried again, 'However, it is my opinion that no evidence to prove his guilt has been, or has ever been presented, and this court does not convict based on blood.'

Lily blinked, not sure if she had heard what thought she had.

'As such, it is the decision of the Wizengamot that Sirius Orion Black, on this day, Friday the 19th March 1982, be released from Azkaban prison and acquitted of the charges laid against him. With the proviso that he submits to the wearing of Admonitors for a full year, followed by a review at the end of this period.' She fixed Sirius with a look, and Lily saw Remus dig his fingers into Sirius' shoulder out of the corner of her eye, 'Do you agree to this condition, Mr. Black?'

'I do.' He croaked.

Madam Bones smiled, 'So be it. Congratulations Mr. Black, you are a free man.'

As she spoke, the silver chains fell free of Sirius arms, and applause erupted from their friends.

Remus' fingers had very nearly found bone in Sirius' shoulder, when he slowly lifted his hand to pull them to his lips. Sirius didn't care that the Wizengamot were still in the room, gathering their things and chatting. He didn't care Pollux, or Dumbledore or any of them were still watching. It didn't matter.

All that mattered was – ooft!

James collided with him. Sirius hadn't even managed to stand yet. 'We did it!'

'Don't know what you were worrying about Prongs.' He managed to gasp.

Lily dragged James off of him, 'Go and get us squared away with Moody.' She gave him a little push towards the slightly pleased looking old Auror. James strode off. 'We need to get this done as fast as possible. Remus?'

Remus hadn't moved, his eyes were fixed on Sirius' fingers entwined with his.

He squeezed Remus' hand, 'Moon? Red is talking.'

Remus' head snapped up, 'Yes? Sorry.'

'I said we need to move quickly.' She smiled at Sirius, 'You gave me quite the scare, and I'm not happy with how pale you are.'

Remus nodded, 'Let's get moving then. They can sort everything out upstairs. There's no need to wait here.'

He stepped in front of Sirius, 'Can you stand?'

He nodded, not loosening his grip on their tangled fingers, and using his other arm to lever up. 'Stand, yes. Walking, I am not certain.'

Remus' arm around his waist felt like absolute heaven, even though his head was spinning, and the floor felt like walking on marshmallow. Lily and James went first, Lily carrying Harry again. Lyall was somewhere behind them, talking with the Prewetts. Sirius turned, pressing his face into Remus' neck, his lips to the soft place at the corner of his jaw. He let them brush against his skin as he whispered, 'Can we go home, after this?'

'That's the plan Pads.' Remus replied quietly.

'No. I want you to come home, to the flat, with me. Together.'

The eight of them – nine, including Harry – got into the lift together, and once the grill had shut Remus pulled Sirius against him, as they stood in the back corner. Everyone else was incredibly busy talking amongst themselves.

'You're sure?'

Sirius stared up into his amber eyes, 'Absolumont, if you'll have me.'

Remus cupped the back of Sirius head in one hand, just under the messy bun that had been the best they could do with his hair that morning, and leant in. His lips were warm and soft, and his tongue flicked lightly over Sirius' lips to gain entrance. Sirius parted his lips, fighting back a moan of pleasure at the lightning flashes it sent through him, the delight that curled into the pit of his stomach like a contented cat. Remus pulled back enough to breath the best word in any languages Sirius had ever heard.

'Yes.'

In the DLE office, Sirius leant against Remus' chest, their fingers tangled together where Remus' arms wrapped around his chest. Sirius wondered, idly, if it was obvious to see Remus was holding him upright. Or if no one was willing to look closely enough at them.

Finally, Mad-Eye stomped into view, 'Right, Black c'mere and we'll get these on ye.'

He was carrying a wooden box, and behind him came a trainee Auror, Sirius' exhausted mind produced the family name Shacklebolt, but his given name was gone for now. Even though they had been at Hogwarts together for… an amount of years.

Unwillingly he stepped away from the shelter of Remus' arms and crossed the few steps to Mad-Eye.

'How's the head?'

Sirius smirked, 'Fantastic, ta.' He held out his wrists, 'Be gentle with me Mad-Eye.'

'Ach, away wi' ye.' The Admonitors were, Sirius was relieved to see, pewter. One snapped on to each wrist. 'These'll no effect yer magic, but the Ministry will know exactly what magic you perform and when. Do you understand?'

'Yes, I understand.'

Sirius moved back and felt himself sway, 'What's in the boxes Shacklebolt?' He managed.

The young man laid two metal file boxes on the desk, one twice as wide as the other. With a tap of his wand, each opened.

Sirius ignored the way the room span, darting forward and snatching his wand from the slim box. He cradled it against his chest as though it was a living thing. The warm of it cascaded along its length and through his shirt. The runes along its length glowed and for a moment he could breathe easier.

James reclaimed his and Lily's wands, and Sirius saw the shock register on everyone's faces as he turned to Lily with his hand out.

'You have something that belongs to me.' Even his voice sounded stronger with his wand back in his hand.

Lily frowned, and then realisation hit. She reached into the coat – Marlene's coat, he remembered – and produced the cherry wand.

'I'm sorry Sirius, I needed a wand and – '

He held up a hand to stop her, taking the blasted thing and tucking it easily into the inside pocket of his jacket. He could feel it there, like a melting block of ice, slowly warming to match him.

'I'm glad it was of use.' He turned to James and Lyall, 'Let's go back to Soho. It's closest, and we could all do with a stop.' He raised an eyebrow at Remus, 'Don't you think?'

'Yes, come to ours.'

Lily smiled, 'Oh you two.'

Remus put his arm around Sirius, 'Don't. Let's just… go.'

It turned out Lily and James had done more than stop by to pick up Sirius' suit. When they stepped through the front door Remus was shocked to see everything had been repaired and righted.

As soon as Sirius was across the threshold the sleek, silver SL-1200 MK2 turntable started to spin. It was really Sirius' hi-fi, even if he insisted the tape deck was for Remus. The feedback clicks of the needle touching vinal gave way to the instantly recognisable tones of Freddy Mercury and John Deacon playing the base line of… oh gods.

'Don't do it don't you try it baby

Don't do that don't don't don't

Don't do that

You got a good thing going now'

Sirius had been listening to Don't Try Suicide the last time he was home. Sirius flicked a hand rapidly towards the hi-fi. Nothing happened. Remus did it himself, a wave of his hand removed the needle and the record put itself away.

Sirius shot him a grateful look and toppled gently over the arm of the sofa. Lily casually deposited Harry on his Godfather's stomach and took herself off to the kitchen.

Remus hovered, torn between being a good host and staying with Sirius. Lily fixed him a look across the tiny breakfast bar come partition between the microscopic kitchen and the lounge, 'Why don't you give your Dad the tour?'

Turning, Remus saw that James was sitting with Sirius and Harry, and his father was indeed standing in the lounge doorway looking a little out of place.

'Tour?'

Remus nodded, 'Yes. Go back the way we came, and I'll show you the rest.'

As he followed him back down the hallway, he heard Lily exclaim, 'Sirius! Why the fuck is the coffee in the tea jar, the tea in the sugar jar and the sugar in the coffee jar?!'

Remus smiled at the look Lyall threw him, and called back, 'Fizz where it always is Pads?'

James replied, 'He says yes.'

Remus diverted into their little bathroom and opened the frosted glass window. Outside was a small overhang, made by the mossy tiles of the roof next door that was lower than theirs. The flat bit of roof between the two never got any sun, and so in winter was a great place for storing alcohol. Remus pulled in two, ten-year-old bottles of Moët. He passed them to his father.

Lyall raised an eyebrow, 'So. Ye'll be well kept then?'

'Hush Tad.' Remus smiled, 'You're still alright with this?'

Lyall waved him on, 'Best continue the tour.'

He nodded and led the way to Sirius' – their – bedroom. Lily had fixed his duvet, it was in his favourite night blue cover, and folded neatly at the foot of the bed. The bed was made with the quilt she had made, and soft pillowcases. Remus rubbed his thumb over the border, Lily had stolen Sirius' sketches for the map and used his designs in it.

Lyall cleared his throat, and spoke softly, 'I've no right to an opinion on who you love, Remus. And I knew from the first time ye told us, that night he ran from his family, that you would love him all your days. As I loved Hope.' He smiled, 'And I ken that Sirius would tear the world and all the stars down for you. If you are happy, I am glad.'

Remus hugged him. Tight and hard and swallowed the lump in his throat.

Back in the lounge, James had got the fire lit, and Lily was rummaging under the sink. Remus took the bottles back from his father and went to join her.

'What are you looking for?'

'Potion's kit.' She muttered.

Remus turned and pulled the heavy wooden chest from on top of the high cabinets. He cleared his throat.

Lily climbed back out and nodded, 'I recognise this.'

'Sirius' from school.' Remus nodded, 'A Black family artifact.'

She opened it and fingered through the bundles of herbs and little bottles of decoctions.

'Do you have everything?'

Lily nodded, 'Yes, for tonight. Now, get that fizz opened and I'll get some of this on the go.'

A cheer went up as Remus popped the first cork, and he poured them each a measure into the Murano glass flutes he had found in Portobello when he first moved in, as a present to Sirius and the flat. It seemed fitting.

Sirius insisted on feeding Harry a sip of champagne, the bubbles went up his nose and made him – and everyone – giggle. James and Lily scored lunch from the Chinese downstairs, much to Lyall's delight, and Remus insisted he took the armchair next to the fire. After they ate, Lily curled under James' arm, and Sirius' head was in James' lap. Remus sat on the floor and sighed. He leant his head back against Sirius' leg and let the happy chatter of his family wash over him. For today, at least, he could stand down.

James shifted slightly on the sofa, disturbing Sirius and thus Remus too, he cleared his throat awkwardly, 'We need to tell you something. Something about Harry.'

AN: Hello! How we all doing? Did you think our poor heroes were done and safe? Not a chance! Early update this week so I can started on planning the next section of this fic and get some more chapters sketched out for the prequal (PX390 found here: s/13436963/1/PX390 ) Okay everyone, take care, stay safe, wear a mask.