A/N: Right, I know it's been way too long and I'm sorry… but I promise I'll try to be better about getting these chapters out, I really will (I always say that… you probably don't believe me). Anyways, my current beta, Conscience, has gotten all bogged down with school and whatnot so I kind of need a new one. If you want to help out, drop me a PM. If not… well, that really sucks. Anyways, I've got the next chapter beta-ed but after that, I really do need a new beta. I think that's all I have for this one… oh, and I should probably remind you lot how much I love reviews.
DISCLAIMER: Still don't own it, guys. If I did, do you think I'd be writing here? Actually, I probably would. I'm such a dork…
Harry squealed gleefully as his father tossed him into the air. It was a Saturday and the two were home together while Lily was out doing the shopping and running errands.
"Don't drop my godson," Sirius stated as he walked into the Potter home without knocking. He looked odd, wearing muggle jeans and a black t-shirt with a prism on it, but James was used to weird with Sirius. "Harry will, hopefully, get Lily's brains and not yours. If you drop him, there's no hope." James scowled at his best friend.
"Why are you here?" James asked, setting Harry down to play with his toys.
"You know the big meeting tonight?" Sirius asked. James rolled his eyes and nodded. "Well, can you see if your mum would be willing to 'babysit' my little brother tonight?" He looked hopeful.
"I'll see. She might be mad though. Petunia's got dibs on Baby Harry tonight." James just shrugged.
"Just tell her you're socializing him. I mean, Dudley will be there, after all."
"You're coming with me. You've got my mum wrapped around your little finger. She absolutely adores you," James insisted. Sirius just shrugged.
"Moony and Regulus will be along in a few minutes because I knew you'd say yes and I knew you'd need a babysitter for a few minutes-- that's Moony-- and your mum will likely want to inspect my little brother-- that's Reggie." Sirius grinned.
"You're an idiot, you know that?" James sighed, shaking his head at Sirius.
"You're the bigger idiot, mate," Sirius replied easily. "Women nag and you're married to one."
"You'll never get over that, will you?" James asked, sighing. Sirius shrugged as Remus and Regulus walked in.
"Where is Harry?" Remus asked, getting straight to business. James pointed to where the baby was kicking his feet at the toys hanging above him. "They're not teaching you bad things, are they, Harry?" Remus asked, sitting next to the child. "Because if they are, so help me, I will do very bad things to them… and then let your mummy have a go." He said this all in a cheery voice, directed at Baby Harry.
"So why am I being 'babysat' by Mrs. Potter again?" Regulus asked. He still wasn't quite sure on the details.
"Well that's easy!" Sirius exclaimed happily. "Your front is that you're pretending to like me again to try and worm secrets out for Lord Dumbbutt. But I, being the intelligent being that I am, don't trust you. I know my little brother after all, so I'm very careful about Order secrets. Of course, I also don't trust to you enough to leave you alone in my house for a few hours unattended. And, my front for this meeting is a big blowout with all my old friends from school at an undisclosed location. So, of course, I would be too incapacitated when I returned home to stop you from snooping around my house. Thus, I decided you needed to be watched."
"Wow, Padfoot," James looked astonished. "That's probably one of the most confusing things I've ever heard you say."
"Why is a raven like a writing desk?" Sirius asked mischievously. Remus groaned.
"You lot go now, please," he ordered. "I don't want to deal with Sirius when he's like this." The other three left, leaving Remus with Harry.
"MUM!" James called loudly.
"MRS. P!" Sirius called just as loudly.
"Boys!" Mrs. Potter exclaimed, coming into the foyer where the boys stood. "I was never properly introduced to your brother, Sirius," she chided.
"Ah, Mrs. P, this is my little brother Regulus. Regulus, this is Mrs. Potter, James' mum." Sirius watched the reaction between the two.
"Now, why are you here?" She looked suspicious. She knew the expressions that James and Sirius were wearing meant that they could only want something.
"Well, see, the thing is we have a really important Order meeting tonight," James told his mother.
"Do you want me to watch my grandson?" she asked, looking excited.
"No, Petunia's watching him tonight," James explained carefully.
"We were wondering if you could keep an eye on Regulus," Sirius explained with a broad grin.
"Why?" Mrs. Potter looked confused.
"Because Regulus is a spy for the Order, so he has to keep up appearances for He-Who-Has-A-Big-Head." Sirius was cheerful throughout his explanation.
"And why would you pick Petunia to watch your child over me, James Andrew Potter?" Mrs. Potter turned on her son.
"Petunia offered," James stated meekly. "And she has her own son about Harry's age. We're socializing them."
"You didn't even think to ask me, you mean," Mrs. Potter gazed sternly at him. Regulus was in shock. Even McGonagall hadn't managed to strike this much fear into these two. Sirius had yet to butt in and make a crack at James, which was highly uncharacteristic, and James was letting Mrs. Potter walk all over him.
"I'm sorry!" James cried. "I didn't think to ask you, but I promise I will next time!"
"I'm sorry these boys are so terrible, Regulus. I've tried to set them straight but they resist all my attempts." Mrs. Potter shook her head sadly.
"You do better than anyone I've ever seen," Regulus looked shocked. "Barring Lily with James and Remus with Sirius, of course," he amended. "Those two are whipped."
"WE ARE NOT!" the two Marauders in question shouted indignantly.
"Now boys, it's nothing to be ashamed of," Mrs. Potter tried to calm them. "Now Regulus dear, what time will you be by tonight?"
"He'll be by for dinner," James replied quickly. "I left Harry with Remus so we should be getting back."
"James Potter, you should not be afraid to leave your son with a werewolf. You know full well that it's new moon tonight." Mrs. Potter scowled at her son.
"Actually, I didn't," James replied earnestly.
"It's not, though. New moon is tomorrow," Sirius replied.
"You only count so you know what day you get to have hot dog sex," James accused.
"So what if I'm a horny little mutt?" Sirius asked. "It's perfectly normal for a man my age. Reggie has been sleeping with different girls all week."
"Why am I not surprised?" James asked.
"Because he's my brother?" Sirius guessed.
"That's probably it," James admitted.
"I'll see you tonight, Regulus," Mrs. Potter smiled warmly. She then shoved the three out the door, where they apparated back to James' house.
"I can definitely see why you like her better than Mum," Regulus said to his brother, who nodded.
"You're all jealous. You wish you had a mum like mine," James boasted.
"No," Lily said. Apparently she'd gotten home in the few minutes they'd been gone. "I'm sure you all wish you had a mother like Harry has." Her son was, at that very moment, balanced happily on her hip. He was reaching for her red hair.
"No, I don't think I'd like a mum like you." Sirius looked slightly scared at the prospect. "You've got an odd fixation with the rules." After a rather stunning display of anger and dramatics, Sirius, Remus and Regulus left the Potters to have a family day. James was spending most of his time either at his job (cooking at a muggle restaurant with a bunch of teenagers) or helping out for the Order and the boys thought that he needed some time with his wife and son.
The boys were sitting in their living room-- Remus reading; Sirius sprawled across the couch, head in Remus' lap, talking to no one in particular about how fabulous he was; Regulus idly sketching (a hobby of his)-- when there was knock at the door. Regulus hopped up to answer it, realizing that Sirius was too lazy to answer and Remus was hindered by Sirius being on top of him.
"Hi Regulus," the girl said flirtatiously. She lived a few apartments down and they'd been flirting since Regulus had moved in. She didn't even know that he shared the flat with his brother and Remus. "Who are they?"
As Regulus scanned his brain for her name, Sirius whined loudly, "Moony, you're not paying enough attention to me."
"You were just saying that my book couldn't possibly be as entertaining as your rousing conversation," Remus replied off-handedly.
"Melissa," he said, finally remembering her name, "that's my brother Sirius and his boyfriend Remus," Regulus introduced.
"Your brother is beautiful," she replied in awe.
"Many have said that," Sirius remarked, hopping to his feet. "They were right, of course, but my beauty can be a hindrance at the best of times. Regulus got lucky. He's just beautiful enough to be appreciated but not so very beautiful that he cannot be attained by your average woman."
"And what kind of woman does it take to attain you?" she asked, the flirtatious tone moving to Sirius. Regulus sighed. So much for this one.
"Alas, not a woman on this planet could attain me now," Sirius stated dramatically. "And there is only one man for which it is possible." Remus snorted, and bookmarked his place.
"Sirius, do be serious," Remus remarked dryly.
"But I am!" he cried. "My name is still Sirius. Well, it was, last I checked." Sirius wore a large smirk.
"I meant that you shouldn't be so very ridiculous." The werewolf sighed.
"Would you like to come in, Melissa?" Regulus offered.
"Thanks," she replied, not taking her eyes off the canines. "They're quite the pair."
"I often say that Remus is the peanut butter to my jelly," Sirius replied. "What flavor jelly am I, Moony darling?"
"Hmm?" Remus asked playfully. "I wasn't listening. Your idiocy has astounded me once again."
"Come, Moony. Let us retire to the bedroom where we won't be a hindrance to my young brother and his quest for love," Sirius declared, yanking the werewolf off the couch and dragging him down the hall to their bedroom.
"So, what are you doing tonight, Regulus?" Melissa batted her eyes at him. She was quite attractive, dark curls and large blue eyes along with her perfect figure. Regulus was somewhat shocked she even gave him the time of day. Then again, he was only slightly less beautiful than his brother.
"I'm actually busy tonight," Regulus remarked sadly. "Tomorrow night, however, I'm perfectly free."
"Really? I'm free tomorrow night as well. What a coincidence." She wore a coy smile.
"Would you like to go out with me tomorrow night then?" he asked in amusement.
"Pick me up at eight," she ordered. "And I expect it to be a nice restaurant." With that, she turned and left.
"Ah, ickle Reggie-kins has a date!" Sirius cried jokingly.
"You're being a prat," Regulus remarked good-naturedly before shutting himself up in his room for the rest of the day.
When he arrived at the Potters', he wasn't looking forward to a night with people he hardly knew. He decided, however, that it was much better than spending it in the company of Death Eaters. His cousin Bella was going insane; there was no way around it.
"Ah, Regulus darling!" Mrs. Potter cried. He was astounded by how accepting she was. Then again, she had taken in his mischief-making brother. What could really be worse than James and Sirius under one roof together?
"Mrs. Potter," he said, somewhat awkwardly. He didn't know what to do, really. She, however, made the decision for him, wrapping him in a tight, motherly embrace. He wasn't used to it by any means (his own mother wasn't much for affection) but he found he didn't mind.
"You're just in time. Supper is just about to begin." Mrs. Potter led him to the dining room where Mr. Potter was sitting at the head of the table. Mrs. Potter sat in her normal place and Regulus sat at the only other place that was set.
"That's not Sirius," Mr. Potter muttered to his wife. "But he looks an awful lot like Sirius."
"Of course he does, Rudy dear," Mrs. Potter chuckled. "It's his little brother, Regulus."
"I thought Sirius didn't get on with his family," Mr. Potter looked puzzled. As they conversed, the food had come to the table. Regulus assumed it was house elves. Things were being passed and served.
"He doesn't, for the most part," Regulus said, a dark edge to his voice.
"Do explain," Mr. Potter looked intrigued. It was the same look his son got when he heard of some spell that he could use for pranking.
"Well, Sirius was always a rebel and hardly listened to Mum and Dad. I followed their instructions out of fear and, the older we got, the more Sirius resented me for it. And then, of course, the family's morals clash with his own, so when he was a Gryffindor over a Slytherin, that was the last straw for Dad. They never spoke after that. He and I taunted each other at school. Mum… well, the last straw for her was his last letter, talking about him and Remus. But his last straw with the lot of us was when he ran off." Regulus scowled at his plate, blaming himself for his brother's grievances with the family.
"When he came here," Mr. Potter said, almost harshly.
"Yeah, I know. You lot are a much better family than he ever got at home and he was lucky to have you," Regulus snapped. Mr. Potter didn't seem to like him much. "I get that my family is wrong on all counts. Do you really think Sirius would let me back in his life if he wasn't sure of my motives?"
"I didn't question you, boy." Mr. Potter scowled at him.
"You were going to," Regulus muttered dejectedly. "May I go to the bathroom?" he looked up at Mrs. Potter, who looked worried for him.
"Of course, dear. Down the hall, third door to your left," she gestured. "James would say 'It's the room with the toilet. Can't miss it.'" She smiled warmly at him. Regulus nodded, set his napkin on the table, and made his way to the bathroom.
"Rudy, darling, don't be so harsh on the boy," Mrs. Potter whispered, well-used to having a werewolf in her house.
"I don't like the lot he's a part of." Mr. Potter scowled.
"He spends most of his time with your son, Rudolph Potter," she said sternly. "And with your son's friends. You approve of those boys, don't you, Rudolph?" It was a rare day when Alice Potter used her husband's full first name, and whenever she did, she meant business.
"Alice," he said in a warning tone.
"Don't you 'Alice' me, Rudolph," she shot her husband a glare. "James and Sirius trust him. That boy has seen more than you or I have. This war has obviously taken a toll on him. Let. Him. Be. There's good in him yet and I'll ask you not to squash it."
Regulus returned, his stormy grey eyes warily observing the scene in front of him. Mr. Potter nodded to his wife as Regulus sat down. "I'm sorry, son, for being so rude," he muttered.
"It's all right." Regulus wore a sad half-smile. "It's not the worst I've dealt with. I just figured that, for all the respect Sirius has for the two of you, you'd be uncannily kind people. It caught me off guard is all."
"Normally, Rudy is very nice," Mrs. Potter said quietly. "And he realizes that he wasn't being very nice to you earlier, either. He's terribly sorry."
"Thank you. Both of you." Regulus gave them a sincere look.
"So, have you seen much of my grandson?" Mrs. Potter asked Regulus. Then, the two launched into a conversation about Baby Harry. Mr. Potter was silent through the rest of the meal.
When Monday morning rolled around, Regulus awoke to an unfamiliar face in his bed. "Oh good, you're awake," she said, relieved. "Forgive me for sounding whorish but I can't, for the life of me, remember your name." She blushed a deep crimson (an easy feat with skin as fair as hers).
"Regulus Black," he replied, slightly muffled by his pillow. "And, forgive me for sounding whorish, but I can't remember your name either."
"Lana Robinson," she replied. "So, Regulus Black, what's for breakfast?" she sent a smirk his way.
"Do you have to work this morning? It is a Monday, after all." He rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling.
"No, I don't work Mondays," she said cryptically.
"Ah, well, follow me to the kitchen, I suppose," he said, rolling out of bed. He threw on a pair of boxers and a pair of jeans while she threw on her clothes from the night before. The two went out to the kitchen to see Remus and Sirius already having breakfast. Remus was sipping coffee, reading the Prophet. Sirius was munching down cereal quickly.
Regulus poured himself a mug of coffee and snatched the sports section from Remus' pile of paper. Lana grabbed an apple from the counter and sat down on Regulus' lap. "So, who's the guy who looks scary like you, Regulus?" she asked before taking a loud bite of apple.
"That's my brother Sirius," he replied simply, looking at the week's quidditch match-ups.
"And who's the cute bookish one?" she asked.
"My brother's boyfriend, Remus," Regulus stated, flipping to the article on the previous day's quidditch match.
"Why are they so quiet?" she stared down at Regulus with big doe-eyes. Regulus was starting to faintly remember why he'd picked her up at the pub the previous night.
"We're not morning people," Sirius stated. "This isn't the girl you went out with, Reggie."
"Oh, she said he was insensitive and so she left him at the restaurant before they even ordered their meal," she replied easily. "So he came to the pub where I'd just finished my set, told me his story and, well, one thing led to another…" She smiled sheepishly.
"Regulus you dog!" Sirius cried teasingly.
"You're the dog, Padfoot," Remus muttered unthinkingly. Sirius let out a bark-like laugh. Regulus just chuckled into the sports section.
"I'm missing something," Lana said.
"Sirius is the name of the dog star," Sirius explained, "or Canis Major. It's the brightest star in the sky." He puffed his chest out proudly. She nodded, vaguely comprehending what he was saying.
"Oh my, look at the time!" Lana cried after a glance at the clock. "I'd better go; my roommate will wonder where I've been!" She kissed Regulus on the cheek and waved to the other two as she headed to the door. "Maybe I'll see you around, Regulus," she said before leaving.
"I should go as well. Work calls," Sirius smiled, planted a kiss on Remus' lips, ruffled Regulus' hair, and went off to work.
Regulus finished his breakfast, got dressed and then took his leave as well, going off to Knockturn Alley where he would snoop around for info. When he arrived there, he spotted his cousins Bellatrix and Narcissa in a dark corner. They motioned him over.
"Where've you been staying? Auntie says you moved out," Narcissa scowled at him. Regulus knew both were married and that Narcissa even had a son about Harry's age if he remembered correctly.
"I've been staying with my brother to see if I can get any information from him and his friends," Regulus replied, reverting to the lie he'd been using all the months he'd stayed with his brother.
"Have you gotten much of anything?" Bellatrix had a crazed look in her dark eyes.
"No. Sirius is paranoid," Regulus replied.
"You're excellent at gathering information!" Bella balked. "Our Lord values you for that reason only."
"That did wonders for my ego," Regulus muttered sarcastically. "And my information gathering is limited mostly to wheedling information out of people who aren't the best at keeping secrets. Loose lips sink ships, and all." Regulus shrugged.
Bellatrix scowled at him. "What good are you then?" she screeched. Regulus winced as he was reminded of his mother.
"Bella, we really ought to be leaving," Narcissa muttered.
"Oh shut it, Cissy. I'm not finished crushing the baby yet," she said, her narrowed eyes staring at her younger cousin.
"We really ought to get back. I don't want to leave Draco alone too long with Lucius' mother. She'll corrupt my poor darling."
"The child's only five months old, Cissy," Bella rolled her eyes. "He can hardly be corrupted in one afternoon. Especially at this age."
"Still," Narcissa muttered. "I don't want to risk it." As the sisters fought, Regulus crept away. Somehow, he made it up to Diagon Alley. He sighed, figuring it was for the best, and popped over to the stationary store to look at quills and parchment.
Around that time, Severus was dragging James to an orphanage. "They're letting me adopt this girl," he said excitedly. "Her name is Rose," he continued to explain.
"I haven't seen you this happy in a long time," James said with a smile.
"Regulus has already met her. I wanted you to meet her too. I get to take her home today." To the casual observer, he was just indifferently listing facts. James, however, knew Severus better than that and knew the man was excited.
"Are you going to bring her around to meet Lily and Harry?" James asked
"I've arranged to bring her by tomorrow, while you're at work," he explained. "Apparently, Petunia's bringing Dudley by as well and the three are going to have a playdate."
"Those girls," James sighed. Severus gave a small smile. James stood outside the office of the Ministry-funded orphanage, waiting for Severus to finish filling out the paperwork. A little kid, a girl with curly hair held back by a headband, stared up at him with big pale blue eyes.
"Who are you?" she asked. "Do you know Mr. Snape?"
"Yes, I do," he replied simply.
"He's adopting little Rosie," the girl said. "Her mummy was killed by You-Know-Who. No one knows who her daddy is."
"Mr. Snape's going to be her daddy after today," James reminded her.
"Yeah. He'll make a good daddy. He's very patient. My daddy wasn't patient. That's why Mummy's dead and I'm here." She seemed so calm talking about such things.
"I'm sorry to hear that," James replied. "I hope you find a good mummy and daddy to take care of you too," he added. She smiled at him and he smiled back. Then, she darted off to play with her friends.
About fifteen minutes later, Snape emerged from the office and motioned for James to follow him. "Hullo Mr. Snape! Mr. Snape's Friend," the girl from earlier called.
"I see you've met Louise," Snape remarked quietly.
"She's cute," James replied. "Shame about her parents though."
"You remember Vineridge, right? He was a few years ahead of us, hung around Lucius Malfoy." James nodded. "That's Louise's father."
"I heard he was sent to Azkaban on murder counts but I didn't know he'd killed his wife," James muttered.
"His wife and his mistress. Actually, Louise's mother is the mistress." James just shook his head.
They picked up little Rose and James was astounded by how cute she was. She had dark hair already growing on her head and sapphire blue eyes that stared up at him curiously. They apparated back to Severus' house where he sat down on the couch with Rose.
"You look like a father," James said, staring at Severus happily.
"I don't think I do," Severus replied almost sadly.
"Takes one to know one; you look like a father," James said sternly.
"I suppose you'd know," Severus replied. Rose let out a little yawn.
"You should probably put her down for a nap," James informed Severus, who nodded.
When he returned, he gave James a thankful look. "I have no idea what I'm doing," he admitted.
"Of course you don't," James assured him. "None of us do when we're just starting out. Hell, I've got four months of parenting on you and I still don't have the foggiest as to what I'm doing."
The two stood there staring at each other for a moment and then, somehow, their lips ended up pressed together. They both grasped onto each other with urgency and, just like before, before there could be any tongue involved, the two jumped apart, realizing what they were doing.
"I'm sorry," Severus muttered. "I shouldn't have done that again."
"S'all right," James muttered, wiping his mouth. "I was just as much to blame."
"Did you tell Lily about last time?" Snape looked scared. James shook his head.
"She was so pregnant with Harry, otherwise I probably would have. Told Sirius though." James shrugged. Neither could meet the other's eyes.
"A given," Snape agreed. "Will you tell her this time?"
"I dunno. I'll probably ask Sirius what he thinks I should do," James replied simply.
"I should get back to my potions," Severus murmured. James nodded and turned to take his leave.
"Oh, Severus," James said, remembering something. Snape turned back to look at James. "Louise said that you'd make a good father, and I agree with her."
"You WHAT?!" Sirius asked. James had arrived at the all but empty flat (Remus was visiting his sick father and Regulus was out doing Merlin knows what) and spilled what had just happened to his best friend.
"I couldn't help it!" James cried in defense. "Why does this always happen?"
"Because you're a selfish prat and can't choose who you love," Sirius replied simply.
"What should I do?" James asked.
"I think you should tell Lily," Sirius said. "She deserves to know."
"Yeah," James sighed.
"I think she'll be understanding," Sirius tried to comfort him. James nodded, afraid of what would happen if Sirius was wrong.
After Lily and James put Harry to bed that night, James said, "Lily, I have something important to tell you."
"What is it, James?" she asked, looking afraid.
"Well, I've only been alone with Severus twice since he switched back to our side," James said carefully. "And both times, we ended up… kissing." It was hard for him to say this but, thankfully, he had Gryffindor courage on his side.
"Oh my," Lily said. James couldn't read her expression. "Are you leaving me for him?"
"No!" James cried hastily. "Of course not! Lily, I could never do that to you, let alone, Harry," James assured. Lily nodded.
"But you're still in love with him." It wasn't a question.
"Very much so," James admitted. "I can't help it though. And I love you just as much."
"And Harry?" Lily looked upset.
"Harry is the perfect son and I adore him, Lily. You know that." His hazel eyes were pleading.
"You have no idea what you want," she accused.
"It doesn't matter," he replied. "I married you. We have Harry. There's nothing left to choose."
"I love you, James Potter," Lily said sternly. "Don't you dare break my heart."
"I wouldn't dream of it."
"Peter," Annabel sobbed. They'd just been in another fight for no reason. Annabel had thought moving in together would bring them closer. Instead, it was driving the two apart.
"Don't be such a baby, Annabel," Peter muttered. "All I do is work all day and I come home and you expect me to clean up the place!"
"I work too, Peter," Annabel cried in outrage. "I don't know if you know this, but I'm very serious about becoming one of the most renowned robe designers." She scowled at him through her tears. "Lady Cassandra works me to the bone every day, just to keep up with demands."
"It's not like I've got it easy either, Annabel." Peter growled dangerously. "I slave away everyday in that office, fetching someone this, or getting them that. It's terrible."
"Then quit," she said. "Become a full time traitor." She was one of the few people that Peter had told about his double life. "I'm sure your friends would appreciate that."
"You don't know anything!" he shouted.
"I'm going to bed!" she cried angrily. "Because you're being a right ass!" With that, she stalked to their bedroom, slammed the door, and locked it. Peter was sleeping on the couch again tonight.
There was a knock at the door, and Remus was the only one who had heard it, meaning he had to get it. Sirius was still asleep (it was 10 and Sirius usually slept until noon on his days off) and Regulus was locked up in his room, brooding or some other such nonsense.
"Where's my son?" the woman in front of him screeched. Both Black boys had heard that and they both popped their bedroom doors open a smidge, sharing a look across the hallway.
"Which one?" Remus asked, remembering Mrs. Black from the few times he'd seen her at King's Cross.
"I only have one son," Mrs. Black replied with contempt. "Or hadn't you heard that my former son is bedding a werewolf."
"Oh, I'd heard that," Remus replied with a smirk. "Just a second." He let Mrs. Black stand in the doorway as he went down the hall.
"No way in hell," Regulus replied before the lycanthrope could even open his mouth. "I'm not dealing with her. Not today."
"I can take care of her!" Sirius cried gleefully. "I do so love to see her angry."
"I've got to see this," Regulus crept down the hallway and stood watching Remus and Sirius.
"Is this the right one?" Remus asked, playing dumb.
"No." Mrs. Black scowled at her eldest son.
"Lo Mum," he said with a cheery grin. "Nice weather."
"Where's my Regulus?" she asked angrily.
"Couldn't be roused from his deep slumber," Sirius replied with ease. "I hear he's waiting for the kiss of a fair maiden to wake."
"I need to speak with Regulus." Mrs. Black glared at the two boys in front of her.
"So, did you get my letter? The one about me and Remus?" Sirius asked, slinging an arm around Remus' shoulders.
"I did," she replied tersely. "No son of mine sleeps with men and no son of mine sleeps with werewolves."
"Now now, Mum," Sirius tutted. "It isn't becoming for a lady to lie. Of course, you're not much of a lady…"
"Sirius! I won't hear such things from you!" Mrs. Black glared angrily at her eldest son, who was grinning his usual impish grin (though it was intensified greatly with his glee).
"I'm allowed to say whatever I like in my flat," Sirius replied sagely. "And it is my flat. I'm paying the rent."
"What about that mutt?" Mrs. Black asked. "And my dear Reggie? Don't they pay for the flat as well?"
"I don't make my darling boyfriend pay," Sirius replied simply. "And I won't take money from my little brother. I'm the sole provider in this household." Remus looked slightly ashamed at that, though he couldn't much help it. It was hard, after all, to get work when one was a werewolf.
"I suppose you're living off that ridiculous inheritance Alphard gave you." Mrs. Black looked as if she'd gained the upper hand in this argument.
"What? I hardly touched that money," Sirius replied simply. "I used it for the first month's payment of the flat and now I use my own wages. Wages that also go to food and whatnot. I'm not completely useless."
"And where have you been working?" Mrs. Black asked tersely.
"Here and there," Sirius said vaguely. "Mostly Muggle London." He watched her reaction at that. She seemed to swell with anger and looked around the flat wildly. "I saw Regulus over there," she cried. "I did. I did. I did!"
Regulus swore quietly under his breath, put on a brave face, and stepped out of the hallway. "Oh, hello Mum."