Assignment 6 - Floristry: Task #12 - Black Rose: (Rebirth/New Beginnings) Write about someone attempting to start over.

A New Life

In the same day, Remus gets a new identity and a date with his gorgeous neighbour, Sirius.

"Your name is Remus Lupin now," Frank says, handing over the passport and other legal documents. "Greyback is in prison. He thinks you're dead."

Remus accepts the forms with shaking hands. When he first met Fenrir, he had been twenty years old and had a promising future. Now he was a shaking mess of a man who had to give up his whole identity and being in order to have a life again.

His real self is dead now. He's Remus Lupin, because Remus Lupin didn't suffer at the hands of a monster. Remus Lupin didn't live in fear.

He can do this. He can be Remus Lupin. He can take on this fake identity and make it his own, because he doesn't plan to change his identity a second time.

"I'll be checking in on you," Frank insists gently. "You have my number if you need me. But it's for the best that it's all few and far between in calls and visits. I don't want to draw attention to you."

Remus nods. He understands this. But he's scared. He has no-one. Well, he didn't have anyone in his previous life either. His parents passed before he even met Fenrir, and the few friends he did have seemed to fade away.

Greyback divided him from the people in his life until he could only rely on the other man. He just didn't see how controlling Fenrir was until Fenrir had almost killed Remus in a fit of rage.

But now Fenrir thinks he's dead, but he'll be living his life as Remus Lupin.

"Remus Lupin," he whispers, trying to get used to saying the name.

Frank smiles. "Good luck," he tells him. "I've got to go. But… but think of this as a new start, a new life."

Remus nods. He's seeing it as just that. He's going to start over, and he knows that Remus Lupin isn't going to let people treat him like Fenrir did.

He heads into the block of flats behind him as Frank leaves. His stuff has already arrived, already brought in by someone else in the witness protection programme. He's just got to go and see his new place.

He walks through the first door and into the building itself. It's clean, he notes approvingly. He glances at the key. Door number two.

At least he's downstairs.

He reaches the door and inserts the key, but before he can open the door, a man comes into the building, whistling as he does so. He walks past Remus, but his gaze lingers and he slows down, key in hand.

"You just moving in?" the man asks, glancing him over.

Remus nods nervously. This man is utterly gorgeous. He's got a leather jacket on, tight jeans and his dark curls are pulled up into a bun.

The man walks back, hand outstretched. "Sirius Black."

Remus hesitates, the wrong name - his old name - almost falling from his lips, before he realises his mistake. That man is dead. He's Remus Lupin now.

"I'm Remus Lupin," he says firmly. "It's nice to meet you."

The man glances at the key in Remus' hand. "You too. I imagine that you haven't got yourself set up. Oven, microwave, kettle…" he trails off. "So if you want to stop in for a cup of tea, or want me to cook you a great dinner - and I'm an amazing cook - just knock. Okay?"

"Yeah, that sounds… sounds nice."

Sirius grins. "Perfect. I'll start cooking immediately. We'll be having shepherd's pie if that's okay with you - unless you'd prefer pasta?"

Remus hesitates for a moment. "I'll let you surprise me," he replies, a little surprised at himself. He used to be meek, more shy. But Remus Lupin has a bit more confidence and he's going to allow himself to be this new man.

"And dessert?" Sirius checks.

"As long as it's chocolate," Remus says with a grin. Sirius smiles back.

"Is seven good?"

Remus nods. "I'll be over at seven." He offers Sirius another smile before opening his door and heading inside. He hasn't closed it all the way before he hears a shout.

"James! I got a date with the gorgeous guy who just moved in next door. I think I might be in love."

Remus smiles. He's going to enjoy his new start as Remus Lupin. Maybe he'll finally find happiness.

Review please :)