Disclaimer: If I owned the HP world, why oh why would I get rid of a perfect character like Sirius?
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Previously:
Unfortunately for him, someone noticed Harry's actions and his reactions. Amber eyes took on an intrigued yet moderately wary light, and one Remus Lupin resolved to speak to his old friend soon about any impending feelings the canine had towards his 'cub' (as he had secretly taken to thinking of Harry since Sirius' death).
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Remus got his chance the following day.
Harry and Ron had Quidditch practice; at first Harry had outright refused to captain or even rejoin the Quidditch team, but Ron and Ginny had convinced him to simply recruit and train an entire reserve team – especially in light of the many times they had needed replacement players the previous year. Today both teams were playing a scrimmage match as their practice, and Sirius was one of many Gryffindors who had come out to watch.
This was where Remus had found his friend.
While it had at first been strange teaching (or in Sirius' case learning) Defense Against the Dark Arts to his old friend, they had vowed to remain close and met up several times a week to talk. So there was no real awkwardness in their conversations, or need for an excuse to talk. Today, however, Remus had not one reason but two.
"Hey Padfoot."
Sirius tore his eyes away from the match to give his friend a large grin and a brief hug. "Moony!"
Remus smiled and looked high above the pitch, where a figure with wild black hair circled the pitch while shouting instructions, advice and compliments to his team.
"Harry's quite the flyer, isn't he?"
Harry apparently was also searching for the Snitch and trying to shake his reserve Seeker at the same time. Sirius' eyes lit up as he too turned back in time to see Harry perform a perfect Wronski Feint.
"I've never seen anyone like him." Sirius exalted Harry's skill, " He could play for England! He's even better than James – and I never thought I'd say that. He'd be so proud."
This last sentence put both them into a melancholy mood for a while, and they watched the game in silence, remembering their lost brother.
"You know, apart from his looks, he's really very different from him."
"Who?"
"Harry. It's like he's the same as Prongs, but different. He's his own person, I guess?" Sirius stated, really making an observation without need for a response.
Remus contemplated this. He already knew this fact about Harry, of course, from his knowledge of the young man in Harry's third year. But the 'other Sirius' had always had trouble understanding that, or even accepting it until very near the end of his life, when he and Remus had stayed up all night after Harry had spoken to them in the fire, coming to terms with who Harry really was and what Harry had truly needed from Sirius.
Those plans had never come to fruition, but maybe now Padfoot could find a new place in Harry's life. Remembering his purpose in coming down to the pitch, Remus broke the silence.
"Well, Padfoot, I came by for a reason, after all. I noticed that when you got your new supplies, you didn't get a broom. I know how you love to fly, so… I got you one." And he presented the younger man with a shiny new Nimbus 2000.
"Wow Moony!" Padfoot exclaimed, his hands eagerly grasping his new broom.
"I know it's not as nice as a Firebolt…"
"Are you kidding? This is great! Thank you!" Sirius embraced Remus fiercely, which Remus happily returned.
Padfoot excitedly examined his new broom as his friend described its features. When Moony was done, Padfoot asked the 6 million-galleon question:
"By the way, how'd Harry get that Firebolt anyway? I hear they're really expensive."
Remus chuckled, "I'm surprised he didn't already tell you."
When Sirius just looked at him confused, he continued, "He got the broom from you. Rather, the 'other Sirius' bought it for him in his third year after his old one was destroyed by the Whomping Willow."
"I gave him that broom?"
"I believe you told me something along the lines of: 'Consider it 13 years worth of Christmas and Birthday gifts rolled into one,' or something like that. Only Sirius Black could find a way to buy me a gift when he was on the run from the Ministry," a deep voice laughed.
Both men turned to see Harry hovering in front of them, a big grin on his face and his hair even more of a rumpled mess than usual.
"A Nimbus 2000, huh?" Harry looked appreciatively at the broom in Sirius' hands. "That's a good model. Practice is over. Ron, Dean and I were going to have a race. You up for it?"
Sirius jumped to his feet at the challenge. "You're on Potter!"
Harry turned lively green eyes to Remus, a mischievous grin on his face. "How about you, Professor?"
"Oh no, I don't think so Harry. I really ought to be heading back -"
"What's the matter Moony?" Sirius interrupted, "Too old and professor-y to fly with us kids? Scared we'll whoop your butt? Because we surely will." Sirius taunted, now hovering over the stands as well.
"Yeah! Come on, Moony," Harry joined in, "Live a little. I'll even let you ride my broom. It's not like you would have a fighting chance against me otherwise." The overconfident jeers and spark of laughter in the emerald depths reminded Remus so forcibly of James that he could not help but laugh and accept the challenge.
Harry cheered and landed in the stands, pausing only to hand over his precious Firebolt with care before racing off to get another broom.
For a minute Remus just held it, amazed that Harry cared about him and trusted him enough to want him to not only race with them, but on his broom. He was broken out of his sentimental reverie, however, but a whining Padfoot.
"Come on! Are we racing today or next century?"
Moony grinned and kicked off from the stands, doing a few joy laps around the pitch before the race. For the first time in many years, the light of his youth returned to his face, making him look healthier and younger. For the rest of the day the boys raced and played on each other's brooms, refusing to return to the castle until after dark.
Remus decided to wait on his 'talk' with his friend about a prospective romantic relationship with Harry. There was still time, after all, and he didn't want to weigh either of them down with serious discussions.
Besides, he wanted to bask in the joy of beating Harry Potter and three other 17 year olds in 3 races for a while longer.