A/N: I don't own the rights to any of these characters, settings or anything to do with Wizarding World. This is a work of fiction based on
the universe created by J.K Rowling.
CHAPTER TWENTY - REMUS
December 1978
The cold wind blew snow across the street as Remus hurried along, clutching his bags and parcels of various sizes. Christmas was in three days and Diagon Alley was full of witches and wizards buying their gifts and stocking up for the holidays. Remus was excited. Sirius had been away on a mission with James for the past week and they were due home that evening. Remus had only heard from Sirius twice, he missed him. While they had been away Remus and Lily had organised a Christmas dinner with their friends. Lily had brought her old family Christmas tree and Remus had promised to help her decorate it that evening.
Remus stopped in the street and wrapped his scarf around his neck again when he spotted a small red haired family just ahead of him and smiled. Remus began walking again until he caught up with the family and tapped the father on the shoulder.
"Merlin's beard!" Arthur Weasley exclaimed, "Remus, how are you?"
"I'm doing well Arthur, thank you." Remus replied, "And you? Are you well?"
"All good on the Weasley front!" Arthur replied.
Three young boys, the eldest eight years old, had begun throwing snow at each other and a short plump red haired woman bent over the pram to check on the baby twins nestled inside. Remus crouched down and waved at the twins.
"This must be the young Fred and George that Gideon and Fabian keep going on about." Remus said, "How old are they now? Eight months?"
"That's right." Molly said, beaming at the twins, "Born April 1st!"
"April Fools Day. Suppose we've got some troublemakers on our hands then!" Remus chuckled.
"They are quite a handful, but they're good boys." Molly added as a snowball flew by and collided with Arthur Weasley, "Charlie be careful! That's enough boys."
"We better press on Molly, we still need to visit Flourish and Blotts before we meet Muriel." Arthur said and scooped up the smallest boy, "What do you think Percy shall we keep moving?"
"Yeah!" Cried Percy, "Onward, onward!"
Remus chuckled and stood up, "Was nice to see you again. Merry Christmas to you all."
"Merry Christmas to you too dear, give our love to the others won't you?" Molly said and began pushing the pram again.
"Merry Christmas Remus, all the best!" Arthur said and led the young boys along.
Remus ducked into the artefact shop and wandered around the store looking for Peter, who was normally stationed by the front of the store so he could watch the street. Remus searched the whole store before he found its owner, Alfred, cleaning a bronze candlestick.
"Alfred", Remus said, "Where can I find Peter?"
"I fired that boy weeks ago." Alfred said without looking up, "So I haven't the foggiest."
"You fired him?" Remus said, "What for?"
"Barely turned up and when he did, he was useless to me. Broke more than he sold."
Remus frowned, "Sorry to have bothered you, Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas Remus." Alfred said and picked up the candlestick, "Keep an eye on that boy, make sure he's alright."
"I will." Remus said and waved goodbye to Alfred.
Remus exited the store and hurried along the street again. He wondered why Peter hadn't told him he no longer worked in the shop. Remus felt concerned as he navigated his way through the crowded street, why did Peter hide this from him? What was happening for him that he lied to his friends? Remus tried to shrug the niggling feeling away as he entered The Leaky Cauldron. Warmth began to spread across his body as he spotted a group seated in the corner. Remus smiled. Carodac, Edgar, Frank and Dorcas were laughing as Remus approached the table.
"Well what do we have here?" Remus asked and winked at the boys, "You alright lads?"
"Remus!" Edgar cried, "Pull up a chair."
"Yeah, join us." Carodac said and smiled at Remus sadly.
"I'll stay for one and only one!" Remus said and sat down beside Dorcas.
Frank poured Remus a butterbeer, "Getting your last minute things for Christmas I see."
"Just needed a few more things. Lily brought her old family Christmas tree to the house. We're decorating it tonight before the boys come home. Thought I'd get a few more things to decorate." Remus said and took a swig of butterbeer.
"So they're home tonight then?" Dorcas asked.
"Yes, finally!" Remus said and the boys chuckled.
"I'm heading off after Christmas. Going deep to find those bastards who killed Benjy." Carodac said suddenly and everyone put their glass down.
"Carodac…" Remus said gently, "I know losing Benjy has been particularly hard on you-"
"I don't need someone else to pity me." Carodac snapped, "Not even you Remus."
"Carodac… Mate." Dorcas said, "You're not alone in this. We all miss him."
"I still expect him to come bounding through the door and tell me one of his lame jokes." Edgar said and stared at his pint.
"Running off and chasing down the ones who did this isn't going to bring him back." Frank whispered.
"But it might take the pain away. Even if it's just a little bit." Carodac said and drained the remainder of his pint.
Remus reached out to Carodac, "Benjy wouldn't want you to do this. Stay with us and the order. We can keep fighting this war and win it for him. For everyone we've lost along the way."
"I loved him." Carodac whispered, crying softly, "I still love him now."
Silence hung over the table and Remus noticed Dorcas and Edgar exchange confused glances. Frank sat there unsurprised and wrapped his arm around Carodac's shaking shoulders.
"He was a great man. One of the best." Frank said, "You're not alone in this, I promise. But please don't go running off out there in this emotion. I can't lose you too."
Carodac looked up and wiped away his tears, "I won't promise that I'll stay here. But I promise I will think it over again."
"I think that's a fair agreement." Dorcas said.
"Promise accepted." Edgar agreed.
Remus tilted his glass at Carodac before draining the remaining butterbeer, "On that note, I need to get going. Promised Lil I'd be back by 6."
"Give her our love." Frank said.
"And the boys too once they get back!" Edgar added.
"Tell James he owes me a broom race!" Dorcas said, pouring himself another pint.
"Bye Rem", Carodac muttered, "Sorry for snapping at you."
"No need to apologise. I get it." Remus said, "Think it over. I'll see you soon."
Remus waved goodbye to the boys and made his way through the pub and out onto the busy Muggle street. He hurried along the snowy pavement until he found a quiet spot in between two shops and turned on the spot. Remus shook the snow out of his hair and gazed around the quiet Muggle street. No one seemed to have noticed he had suddenly appeared. Remus was still getting used to apparating, once he had accidentally apparated into a very alarmed Muggle's lounge room and one memory charm later he was running up the street with a hysterical Sirius trailing behind him.
Remus' stomach flipped as he remembered the incident, Sirius would be home soon. It wouldn't be long now until they could curl up together by the fire. Remus walked back to the Potter's house and found himself panting by the time he had reached the front door. He shrugged out of his coat in the entry and hung it on the rack off to the side. Remus heard laughter coming from the drawing room, he placed his parcels on the ground and wandered up the hallway to find Lily giggling by the fire. Remus entered the room, Fleamont and Euphemia sat opposite Lily clutching their cups of tea and laughing.
"Remus, welcome back!" Euphemia said, "Can I get you a cup of tea, my dear?"
"That would be great, thank you. It's freezing out there!"
"I know! I was dress shopping with Marlene and Alice earlier today. Quite the snow storm!" Lily remarked, "But it was worth it. I found the dress."
"You know Sirius is going to be heartbroken he wasn't involved." Remus chuckled.
"He can dress James instead!" Lily laughed.
Euphemia walked back in the room with a cup and saucer for Remus, a chocolate biscuit resting in the saucer. Fleamont rested his cup back on the little table to his side and beamed at Lily.
"Getting closer to the big day now!" Fleamont said, "In a few months time you'll officially be a Potter!"
"Of course you're already family dear." Euphemia said, "Couldn't have asked for a better daughter in law."
"That's very sweet, thank you." Lily said, "I'm so glad to be marrying your son, getting you both as in laws. I just wish my parents were here for this, you would've loved them."
"They'll be with you on the day Lily." Fleamont said, "And you will always have us."
Lily beamed at Fleamont and finished her tea. Remus dipped his chocolate biscuit into his tea and popped it in his mouth. He'd been feeling for Lily lately. All the wedding planning had been lovely and she's been in high spirits, but sometimes he would catch her looking sad or taking a moment to steady herself. Losing her parents had been hard on Lily, as strong as she was it took its toll at times. Remus and Lily were by far the worst sleepers in the house and would often find one another in the upstairs lounge room at odd hours of the night. They would spend hours talking to one another or sometimes just sitting in silence together knowing what the other was suffering with and that being there with each other was enough. Remus cherished those nights.
"You two better decorate this tree if you want it done before the boys get home." Fleamont reminded them and Lily jumped to her feet.
"You're right! Thank you for the tea and chat." Lily said, "Come on Rem, I've already set the tree up."
Remus chuckled, "Alright, alright. See you both later"
"Have fun!" Euphemia called after them as Lily dragged Remus from the room.
They dashed upstairs, Remus' parcels conjured and flying up behind them. Remus drained the remainder of his tea when Lily pushed open the lounge room doors. The tree stood, bare, to the right of the fireplace. Holly and Ivy were draped delicately along the fireplace and mistletoe hung from discrete places around the room. Twinkle lights were strung up in various areas around the room. It was warm, inviting and just what they had wanted.
"See you've done more than put up the tree." Remus said.
"I couldn't help myself!" Lily exclaimed, "I love Christmas and I just wanted it to be perfect."
"It is." Remus said, "How about we sort out this tree."
Lily beamed and flicked her wand at the nearby record player. Remus smiled as he heard Frank Sinatra's voice fill the room.
"Have yourself a merry little christmas…"
"Who told you?" Remus asked.
Lily opened a nearby box of tinsel and smiled, "Sirius. He said your Mum used to play it for you."
"Every Christmas."
Lily and Remus spend the next few hours dressing the tree, by the time it was done it was wrapped in gold and red tinsel with delicate red and green baubles hanging and a gold star perched at the top with gold ribbon hanging down in four strips. Remus had just finished charming away the empty boxes when the doors burst open. Sirius and James stood in the door frame for a moment grinning from ear to ear.
"Honey, I'm home!" James announced and dashed across the room to Lily, lifting her up into his arms.
Sirius sauntered across the room to Remus and wrapped his arms around him, kissing him passionately.
"You can go away more often if that's how I'll be greeted." Remus said as they broke apart.
"I missed you." Sirius whispered and kissed him again.
Remus hugged Sirius tighter and buried his face into Sirius' neck, "I missed you too."
"I tell you what. The French are bloody useless." James said and walked over to the liquor cabinet, "Scotch anyone?"
"Dear Merlin yes!" Sirius said, pulling Remus on to the couch.
"Me too please!" Lily said, sitting on the couch opposite them.
"Why the hell not." Remus said, "And what's wrong with the French?"
James poured four glasses of scotch and levitated them over to the couches before sitting down next to Lily.
"It's not our problem." James said, mimicking a French accent, "We don't want to fight in your little war. We have more important things to do like eat croissants."
"And make our baguettes!" Sirius added in a terrible French accent.
"And eat our little snails!" James added.
"They did not say that to you." Remus said.
James laughed, "They may as well have."
"Don't want to get involved. Not going to us not to bother coming back." Sirius said, "Useless. Such a waste of time."
"I went to France and all I got was a lousy rejection." James said, sighing dramatically, "I knew I didn't like the French for a reason!"
"Pompous pricks." Sirius said.
Lily shook her head, "I can't believe they're not going to get involved."
"They only care about themselves Evans. They've clearly already forgotten Grindelwald and everything that happened with that." James muttered.
"Well how about some good news instead?" Lily said and James beamed, "I found my dress today."
"WITHOUT ME" Sirius cried and clutched his heart.
"Told you." Remus said.
Lily chuckled, "You can dress James, how about that?"
"And the bridesmaids?" Sirius bargained.
"They must be in navy blue." Lily instructed.
"I can work with that." Sirius said, "I'll have it sorted in no time!"
Remus shook his head, "You kill me."
"Hope not." Sirius said and lent into Remus, "But if I dress you at least you'd look good."
James waved his now empty glass, "I'm going to call it, I know it's early but I feel like I've barely slept all week."
"Prongs, mate. We all know you just want some alone time with the future Mrs Potter." Sirius said, winking.
Lily smirked and stood up pulling James up with her, "Don't come up our wing of the house for a while boys."
Sirius wolf whistled as Lily dragged James out the door. Remus finished his scotch and placed his glass on the coffee table. He was worried about the lack of help from the French. The other side was growing stronger every day and the chances of winning this war were starting to feel small. Remus turned to talk to Sirius when suddenly Sirius was kissing him, his hands running down Remus' body. Startled Remus fell back and watched Sirius lean back and remove his shirt.
"Are you sure there's nothing else we can do to get the French involved?" Remus asked.
"Doubt it." Sirius said as he lent back down and began kissing down Remus' neck and tugging at his shirt.
"What if we sent other people over there too. Surely there's someone in the Order who will have French connections. What about Newt? He spent some time in France once, I heard Dumbledore mentioning it recently. He could take some people over and help set something up…"
"BABE" Sirius said and kissed Remus again, "I'm trying to create a mood here and the French have no place in it!"
"Right." Remus said, "Shall I take my shirt off? Would that help?"
"You should take everything off." Sirius said and flicked his wand dimming the light in the room, "Now."
Remus grinned and began to undress. Tonight would just be about them, Remus decided they could talk about politics later. He felt Sirius tug his pants off and the two of them rolled on to the floor near the fireplace where they stayed until the sun began to rise the next day.
The next few days flew by for Remus, in between Order meetings and helping arrange things for Christmas he barely found time to relax. Lily was set on having the perfect Christmas. When Christmas Day finally arrived Remus was relieved to have nothing left to do. He sat by the fire playing chess with James while Lily rushed about making last minute adjustments to the room. Sirius was sitting on the couch playing his guitar and singing softly to himself. Remus watched as James' Bishop took out his Rook and found himself in checkmate.
"Well, fuck." Remus said.
"Merlin's beard Moony, do you kiss our Padfoot with that mouth?" James exclaimed.
Sirius chuckled and continued to sing to himself, "And these children that you spit on as they try to change their world. Are immune to your consultations, they're quite aware of what they're going through…"
"Bowie?" Remus asked.
"But of course." Sirius said, "Trying my hand at some of the Hunky Dory songs."
"Great album." James said and waved his wand resetting the chess board, "Learn The Bewley Brothers next. It's a classic."
"Only for you Prongs."
Remus grinned as the doors opened. Frank, Alice, Marlene and Dorcas entered the room carrying various sized packages. Alice and Marlene beelined for Lily and the three of them hugged.
"The place looks great Lil." Alice said.
"It's perfect." Marlene added.
"Yeah great work guys, it really feels like Christmas here." Dorcas said.
"Dorcas!" James said, "Hope you brought your broom!"
"Left it downstairs James, are we finally going to get that broom race in?"
"You'll be weeping when I beat you!"
"I'm going to go ahead and bet on Dorcas for the win." Sirius said as he rested his guitar back its case, "No offence Prongs."
"I am outraged." James gasped.
"You've already had three scotches, you've got no chance!" Sirius teased.
"I fly better drunk and you know it!" James protested.
"There will be no drunk flying today James or merlin's beard you'll be on the couch tonight!" Lily warned.
James looked dumbfounded and shrugged at Dorcas, "You heard her. Another time it is."
"You're never going to win that race."
A voice came from behind and Remus turned around to see Carodac walking across the room, the same look of sadness across his face the last time Remus had seen him. Lily moved around the room handing out glasses of champagne to everyone. Remus patted Carodac on the back and grinned at him.
"Good to see you again." Remus said.
"You too Remus." Carodac replied, taking a swig of champagne.
James and Frank helped Malene place all the presents around the tree while Dorcas and Sirius sat down chatting with one another. Lily and Alice stood by the table drinking their champagne and talking animatedly with one another. Remus sipped his champagne and eyed Carodac.
"How have things been for you since I last saw you?" Remus asked.
"Much the same." Carodac replied, "I've kept my promise and I've been thinking about it since the Leaky Cauldron."
"And?"
"And I've decided I'm still going to go."
"Carodac…"
"Don't. Don't try to talk me out of it. This is something I have to do."
"Then all I ask is that you be careful."
Carodac nodded, "I'll keep low, out of sight and track them down. Less Death Eaters for you to worry about."
"As long as we get you back. That's all that matters."
Before Carodac could answer the door opened again and Peter hurried across the room.
"Sorry I'm late everyone, we were busy at the shop so I stayed back to help out." Peter squeaked.
Remus frowned and Lily handed Peter a glass of champagne, "Merry Christmas Peter."
"Merry Christmas Lily." Peter said and beamed around the room at everyone.
Remus watched Peter gulp his champagne. He looked tired and irritated, he continued to smile around at everyone as he walked over to sit with Sirius and Dorcas but Remus wasn't fooled. Peter didn't really look happy, it was all that little bit too forced. Frank suddenly cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"I have an announcement I'd like to make. I proposed to Alice last night, we're getting married."
Marlene squealed across the room as Alice waved her right hand, a diamond ring shining on her finger.
"Congratulations!" James said and pulled Frank into a hug.
"Brilliant news, congratulations to you both!" Dorcas said, getting to his feet.
Lily hugged Alice, "When are you thinking?"
"Late spring. So a little while after you and James." Alice said, grinning.
Carodac drained his glass and filled himself another one before sitting down next to Sirius. Dorcas was standing to the side chatting with James and Frank while the girls were excitedly talking about flower arrangements by the table. Remus sipped his champagne and watched Sirius talk with Carodac, his face soft and serious as he muttered to him. Remus had told him Carodac's plans to find Benjy's murderers' and deal with them, that's when Sirius had told him what Benjy said that night about loving Carodac. Sirius promised he would relay it to Carodac in the gentlest way, hoping it would keep him from chasing after the death eaters. Maybe knowing that Benjy loved him back would be enough. Remus feared it would only spur him on.
A movement by the fireplace caught his eye. Peter was looking at the photos along the mantlepiece. Remus finished his champagne and poured himself another glass before walking over to Peter.
"So you were caught up at the shop then?" Remus asked.
Peter looked up in surprise, "What? Oh, yes. Christmas Day, it's the day Alfred likes to stocktake all the artefacts apparently."
"I thought Alfred fired you weeks ago? At least that's what he said when I dropped by three days ago."
Peter stared at Remus and turned bright red, "Remus. I can explain."
"Why would you lie to us Peter?"
"Because I was ashamed. It was embarrassing enough working in that shop let alone being fired from it."
"Alfred said you had stopped turning up."
"I hated it there. And what was I supposed to do, keep the job just because Dumbledore says to?"
"We need eyes on the streets Peter, you know that."
"Well it's not me anymore. I was miserable Remus. And I was useless at the job anyway. Broke more than I sold…"
Remus chuckled, "I can believe that."
"I'm sorry I kept it from you. All of you."
"I understand. I always understand Peter."
"I know you do."
"So don't lie to me ever again. In these times, we can't afford to lie to one another."
Peter nodded, "I won't. I promise. I won't ever lie to you again."
Remus smiled and raised his glass, "Water under the bridge."
"What bridge?" Peter asked.
"It's just a saying Peter." Remus said and chinked his glass against Peter's, "Merry christmas."
"Merry Christmas Remus."
"Dinner's ready everyone!" Lily cried out.
James whooped and everyone began sitting down at the table. Sirius stopped Remus along the way and kissed him softly. Remus looked up to see mistletoe.
"I would've kissed you anyway." Sirius said.
"I swear you get gayer everytime you talk to me." Remus chuckled.
"Probably." Sirius said and kissed Remus again. Remus' stomach flipped and he wrapped his arms around Sirius' neck.
"How did it go with Carodac?"
"I told him what Benjy said to me. He got upset about that but is glad he knows Benjy loved him."
"And his plans?"
"Remain intact. I tried everything Rem but he's leaving tomorrow morning."
"Oh Sirius…"
"Let's make sure he has a good time tonight. I want him to have one more happy memory with all of us before he leaves."
"You got it." Remus whispered and kissed Sirius softly, "Then later I want you to unwrap your other present."
"What is it?" Sirius asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"You'll have to take my clothes off later to find out."
Sirius grinned and winked at Remus, "You won't need to remind me to do that."
Remus laughed and followed Sirius to the table. They sat opposite James and Lily, Peter sat on the other side of James and once everyone was seated James rose to his feet and raised his glass.
"Thank you all for coming and making Lily's Christmas dreams come true! Just because there's a war going on out there doesn't mean we can't come together like this and remember what's important. Here's to Lily for bringing us all together. I love you all. Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas!" They all echoed and glasses chinked along the table.
"Now let's eat!" Sirius whined.
Remus filled his plate with the roast turkey and vegetables and watched the others around the table. Marlene was pulling a Christmas cracker with Lily, the two of them laughing as it exploded. Dorcas was laughing, his mouth filled with turkey while Carodac read out a joke. Alice and Frank gazed at each other, wrapped up in the joy that they were getting married. James was talking with Peter while they ate, smiling in between bites and Sirius sat next to him with his Santa hat on crooked and green and red tinsel draped around his neck like a scarf.
In that moment Remus forgot about the useless French. He forgot about Carodac leaving the next day and all the pain and worry that came with the war. In that moment Remus believed in happiness more than anything. As long as he had that, he could do anything.