AN: Inspired by a story request from tigergirl-moonstar. Please note that I have taken some personal liberties with the storyline and certain characters. For example, Tonks is born in 1962 instead of 1973.

Disclaimer: All characters are owned by JK Rowling except any OCs.

Warnings: Slash, torture, angst, abuse, abduction, sexual themes

Chapter 13

The Rickety Stool

Remus' eyes dragged over the reports, taking in nothing. There'd been no sign of the muggles since they'd gone missing, and it was generally suspected now that they'd be dead. Since then there had been no sign of Fenrir Greyback, which could mean anything. Had he just killed the muggles for fun and was now melding back into the forest from whence he came? Was he still on the move, talking to werewolves and rallying to potentially join Voldemort? Remus felt sure that he was, but then… where was he? Contacts in areas more densely populated with werewolves hadn't seen him either. Of course, it was always possible that Greyback had bought their silence.

"Alright there, Remus?" Kingsley stood in the doorway of his office, a cup of tea in hand. Remus gestured to the report in front of him.

"There's been no sightings of Greyback and my contacts are coming back dry."

"Are we sure they haven't seen him or heard anything?" Remus shook his head.

"Greyback is quite formidable. He could have easily influenced them to keep their silence. I may need to make a trip myself and begin interviewing the locals."

Gathering information could take several trips, depending on if people were willing to talk. He'd need to visit Osbourney, the town the missing muggles had hailed from, and perhaps other wizarding communities as well, especially if it appeared Greyback had moved on. Other werewolves tended to distrust Remus, so he could have a hard time getting honest information, even from known contacts, not to mention having to wade through the general prejudices of the community. Kingsley understood Remus' apprehension. It would be an uncomfortable trip, though Remus increasingly felt it may be the only way to get honest answers. Either he wasn't reaching out to the right people and they really didn't know, or his contacts had been compromised.

"Do you think that's necessary?"

"I'm waiting on a couple more correspondents. If I haven't heard from them or there are no leads, I'll leave Monday." Kingsley nodded. Remus expected him to ask if he was ready or to bring up the full moon which was just over a fortnight away, but the wizard didn't share his concerns or ask about Remus' plans. Of course, maybe he already knew. Remus would have to spend this full moon among the werewolf community. With Greyback on the loose, he had to represent the softer side of the Ministry and show the others that it was possible to work with the wizard government if one only had patience. Often, Remus felt it was a losing battle.

"Let me know if you need anything." Kingsley gave Remus a meaningful look that let him know that, yes, he was still concerned for him, and then left. Returning to the parchment in front of him, Remus read over it again and again, trying to see if there were any hidden messages or clues as to what the situation was in the werewolf communities. Again, he found nothing.

The remainder of the day seemed to stretch into eternity for Remus. There was little to do on his current case but wait, however Remus was loathe to leave the office early. While Kingsley had been the only one to question Remus' well being, he knew that there were many other eyes on him. Afterall, there were many people who didn't agree with Remus obtaining his position in the first place. Not everyone was aware of Remus' condition, but those that mattered were well aware, and not all of them supportive. It was exceedingly important that he not let any weakness show or he could easily be deemed unsuitable for a position as an auror.

Sirius drifted to the front of his mind, the image of the dark-haired, grey-eyed man brought him some peace from his frustrations. Over the last few days Sirius had increasingly delved into the muggle world. He'd seen a couple more movies and gone out to the store without Remus again. While you couldn't say he was 'fluent' in muggle ways, other than a few oddities here and there, the lack of historical knowledge, and the improving (but still terrible) grasp on pop culture, Sirius was well on his way and would be able to pass for muggle in most situations.

To celebrate Sirius' acclimation as well as to help Sirius fully understand the muggle night scene and drinks, plans were made to go out that night to one of the bars downtown and get absolutely pissed on all the different muggle drinks. They'd sent owls to James and Lily as well as Peter, who'd previously sent an owl with a heartfelt apology for his prior actions. They all agreed to meet at Remus' flat that night so they could take on downtown London - muggle-style.

Remus was eager to put the negative events from the visit with Lily behind them. He truly hoped that Peter had come around and would be accepting and supportive of their relationship. Sirius, on the other hand, was still holding a grudge, though he agreed to spending time with Peter for Remus' sake.

Finally, after what felt like forever, it was a decent hour to leave the office. No more memos appeared on Remus' desk to notify him of correspondence from his werewolf contacts and no progress had been made on the Greyback case. An uneasy feeling settled in Remus' gut. He knew this meant that come Monday he'd have to go in person - unless Greyback made a move or another lead developed.

The queue for the floo network seemed to move quicker than usual and soon enough Remus stepped up for his turn in the fireplace and threw down the floo powder so he could leave. As he shouted his address he thought of the flat with Sirius lounging over the edge of the sofa. With a jerk and a twist, he was shuttled through the floo network and found himself standing on the hearth in his lounge.

"That you, Remus?" Sirius' voice drifted from the kitchen. Nobody in their right mind would have ever expected anyone of 'The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black' to be in a tiny kitchen of a London flat cooking dinner in muggle fashion, but that was the sight that greeted Remus as he walked into the kitchen. Sirius seemed to be concentrating very hard on the pot of boiling water he had on the stove. He was stirring it fervently and it only took a moment for Remus to realize why - a little too late.

"Remus what do I do?!" The pot boiled over despite his stirring and Sirius held an expression of mild panic on his face. The sight was so hysterical to Remus that it took everything he had not to laugh out loud even as he reached over and grasped the handle of the pot, pulling it from the heat.

"You've got the heat on too high. What are you making?" Sirius turned the burner down a bit and looked a little embarrassed.

"Nothing special really. I just thought I'd try to make some pasta before you came home. Cooking the muggle way is a lot of work. I've probably cocked it up."

"Not at all. It just boiled over a bit. It should be fine now." Remus replaced the pot and it began to bubble much more gently.

"Thank you. So, are you ready for tonight then?"

"Of course I am!" Remus grinned wide. After a week like he'd had he was more than ready for a night of frivolity and getting completely pissed.

"An owl came for you earlier." Remus looked at the envelope Sirius had gestured toward, his heart sinking at the sight of the dark purple writing. He didn't need to read the letter to know that it had come from Phil's office and probably contained the time for his next appointment. It didn't say who had sent it on the outside, but Remus couldn't help but wonder if Sirius somehow knew regardless, if he would think down on an auror who couldn't keep it together.

"Are you alright, Remus?"

"Oh," Remus was startled out of his thoughts and took in Sirius' look of concern. "I'm fine, not to worry. I'm just a little tired from work. I'll need to travel next week to try and gather intel on Greyback. Since the deaths of those muggles he's been laying low." Sirius seemed to consider this a moment.

"How long will you be gone?"

"Hopefully only a day or two at the most."

"Well I'll have to give you something to remember while you're gone, just in case it takes longer." There was a dark, lusty look in Sirius' eyes that went straight to Remus' groin. Within seconds supper was forgotten and the two men were locked at the lips, each vying for dominance of the kiss. The counter dug into the small of Remus' back as Sirius pressed into him hungrily. Warm fingertips reached into the opening of his auror robes, caressing the skin there and eliciting a light moan from Remus.

"Merlin's beard! Do you have to do that in the kitchen?!" Remus nearly jumped out of his skin, but Sirius held him tight, smiling against Remus' neck where his lips fell during the interruption.

"Oh, hello there James. We didn't hear you come in." James stared at the men, a look of pure incredulity on his face.

"Aren't you a bit early, mate," Remus ground out as evenly as he could while Sirius nipped the side of his neck teasingly. He couldn't help the annoyance in his voice at the intrusion.

"Lily's annoyed with me, you're annoyed with me, where is a poor bloke supposed to go that he's wanted?" James stepped out of the kitchen, into the lounge, and landed heavily into the armchair.

"You do see that you're interrupting something, right?"

"Oh, carry on then, just keep the slurping and moaning down to a dull roar would you?" Remus sighed and pushed Sirius gently so he'd allow him to walk after James. The mood was well and truly killed now anyway.

"What's the matter, James-y?" Sirius followed Remus into the lounge and leaned over the armchair to peer into James' face. "If you're feeling left out, I have to say this is really a two-man show, so -"

"Nope! Not that!" James was shaking his head vehemently and Remus couldn't help laughing at the scene, even as he wanted to roll his eyes at Sirius who was making a great show at looking offended by James' response.

"What's the matter then, James?" Remus wheedled, trying to get his friend to talk.

"Oh, nothing, nothing. Is that supper you've got in there?" James was already up and walking into the kitchen, eager to see what food was in the pot.

"James." Remus followed him into the kitchen, Sirius only a step behind him.

"Fine, fine. You've dragged it from me." James leaned against the counter dramatically. "Lily is a bit annoyed with me lately. It turns out my charm -"

"Is that what it's called?" Sirius smirked at James.

"Har-har. Yes - as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted -"

"You mean like how you rudely interrupted us," Remus supplied.

"Very rudely," Sirius added. "We were in the middle of very important business."

"Do you want me to tell you or not?"

"Yes, yes, go on then." Remus grinned and waved his hand, indicating that James should continue.

"Alright then. So, as I was saying, my charm and Lily's hormones aren't such a great mix. She practically begged me to leave, can you believe it? Said she needed some peace and quiet so she could relax, as though I'm not a perfectly relaxing person to be around."

"Well she is pregnant."

"So you're on her side then, Remus?"

"Hey now, you know what they say." James looked at Sirius with a so-what-do-they-say face. "Happy wife, happy life! If she wants you out for a bit, just give her some time and hang out with us."

"Oh, but I thought I wasn't wanted since I was interrupting something."

"Yes, that does put a damper on the night, doesn't it. Well, Remus, should we forgive him?"

"I don't know. It was very inconsiderate. At minimum you'll have to purchase the first two rounds."

"Two rounds? You still had your clothes on, that's worth one at best!"

"Am I hearing three rounds?"

"҉

"Peter!" Sirius' head rose to see the portly young man had just apparated into Remus' lounge and was met by enthusiasm from James.

"It's good to see you. I feel like it's been ages since we've been out all together." Remus' smile seemed genuine, perhaps enough to make up for the irritation Sirius felt at his presence. After the way he'd acted at the Potter's he just wasn't prepared to be friendly. Still, he'd try for Remus.

"Yeah it's been awhile. Is that pasta?"

"Yeah, but Sirius made it so it's pretty awful."

"Hey, I worked hard on that!" James shrugged.

"Hate to be that way, mate, but it's true." Peter's watery eyes ran over to Sirius and then back to James again, evidently deciding that was a safer place.

"Next time I feed you I'll be sure to remember this."

"Anyway," Remus intejected. "Have we decided where we're going?" James nodded emphatically, but refused to say more as he shoveled the last forkful of pasta into his mouth - despite it being so awful - and stood up.

"Come along, chaps! The night awaits!"

James loved taking charge. He already had the entire night planned out and had led the way out of the flat and down to the street to take a muggle cab. Sirius and Peter finally had something to relate to as neither of them had taken muggle transport. However, while Sirius relished the experience, finding the muggle vehicle fascinating and taking in the experience of being squished in the back seat with Remus and Peter while James rode in the passenger seat as a way to learn more about the muggle world so he could blend in seamlessly, Peter had an overall different experience.

First, Peter was put on the spot as the taxi driver looked him up and down. Peter had tried to wear muggle clothing, but his choice of plaid golfing trousers combined with his refusal to leave his cloak behind (he didn't have a muggle coat), meant that he looked a little odd. Then, once they arrived at their destination, Peter complained that he didn't understand why they couldn't have apparated or even gone to a wizard establishment.

"Sirius is going to try to try his hand at becoming a bartender, so we've got to try all the muggle drinks!" James was clearly excited, treating the night like an adventure.

"Won't we have to be really careful about what we say, though?"

"The danger's part of the fun." Remus gave a wink to Peter before settling his gaze on Sirius, a smile on his face suggesting just how much fun he wanted to have that made Sirius wonder if he'd really not rather be at the flat with Remus in bed.

Bruno's Pub was a warm, homey place, not at all what Sirius had been expecting after his first experience. The barman poured them a round of beer, which James paid for as promised, and they took them to a corner booth where they could talk a little privately.

"Sirius, my good lad, the first thing you'll need to know is that most muggle drinking places are kind of like the Three Broomsticks, only less busy. Or the Hogs Head, only more busy."

"It's a little quiet."

"It is. We won't be here long, just for a round. I just wanted you to know all your options."

"I think I like butterbeer better." Peter was looking into his glass a bit morosely. "It's bitter."

"Well, it is beer, Peter." Remus had taken a long pull from his as soon as he received it and was smiling quite content. "I rather enjoy it, myself."

"Don't worry Peter. Plenty of muggles only like sweet drinks. We can get that at the next place."

True to his word, James had them ushered out of the pub as soon as they'd finished their beers. A few blocks of walking and the quartet found themselves in front of an entirely different establishment. Loud music was pouring from the open door and a stocky, thick-necked muggle in jeans and a leather jacket stood near the front, taking money at the entrance.

"How much am I supposed to give him?" Peter whispered nervously.

"You still don't know how to count muggle money?" Peter shook his head toward James.

"I don't use it as often as you guys."

"I'll help you." Sirius needed to keep practicing with counting out bills so that he could be as fast as someone who'd grown up with it, so he didn't mind the extra practice by helping out Peter. Afterwards, he stood near Remus again, taking in the brightly lit sign hanging over the door. "Oi, Remus. I think I know this place." Remus' eyes turned toward him, curious.

"How?"

"Do you remember that girl I told you helped me pick out my clothes? She said she worked at a bar, and I'm fairly certain she said it was the Rickety Stool." As they drew closer to the entrance they became aware that this was a busy night for the bar. A live band was playing and people were shoulder-to-shoulder inside the small space, eager to see the band's performance. Remus appeared to dislike the crowd and was beginning to press into Sirius to avoid touching the strangers around him.

"This place seems popular," he commented on the obvious. Soon, they were through the doors and made their way to the bar, the bouncer not giving them any trouble though he started for a while at Peter before letting him through. Most of the patrons were surrounding a small area that served as a stage where the band members were bent over their instruments, belting out lyrics and chords, eager to please the fans surrounding them.

"Sirius!" A busty brunette turned away from a customer she'd just provided a beer. "What can I get for you?" She turned her entire attention to him, folding her arms over the bar and leaning forward so her cleavage was clearly visible. Remus stiffened next to Sirius and he knew that he wasn't expecting such a beautiful - and seemingly available - girl.

"Hello!" James stepped in before Sirius could respond. "My fellows and I would care for a drink." Jessica's eyebrows drew together.

"What kind of drink would you like?" James thought a moment, unsure and clearly trying to word his request in a way other than 'what do muggles drink?'.

"Surprise us with something other than a beer, please."

"Alright, then, cola and whiskey it is." Sirius was curious. A spirit and his favorite muggle beverage? Count him in. He drew closer to the bar, urging Remus forward as Jessica prepared the drinks.

"So, Sirius, these are your friends?"

"Yeah, they are. James is the one who ordered, Peter is the quiet one hiding behind him -"

"Oi! I'm not hiding!"

"And Remus here," he gestured to the wary brunette, "is actually my boyfriend." He wasn't sure how muggles handled same-sex relations outside of the clubs clearly geared toward them, but he'd rather ruin his chances at a friendship with Jessica than risk botching things up with Remus.

Jessica's eyes grew wide as she looked up, the cola overflowing in the glass a moment before she came to her senses.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realise." Her cheeks flushed as her eyes darted between the men. "I didn't mean -"

"It's quite alright. Besides, even if I was available, I get the impression that Lucas is fond of you." Jessica waved him off as she made another drink to replace the one she'd ruined and recovered herself nicely as she turned back to Sirius.

"Lucas had his chance and he blew it. Anyway, what brings you lot to the Rickety Stool?"

"Just out for a good time," Sirius responded.

"Is it always like this?" Remus asked, gesturing toward the crowd. Jessica looked at him and thought a moment before responding.

"Well, every time we have these guys play here it is." She nodded toward the band who was in the full throes of their music, seducing the crowd with their punk rock. "Otherwise, we have our regulars." An older man down the bar waived his hand for her and Jessica turned back toward Remus. "Speaking of which, I'd better get to work."

"Oi," Peter pushed his way past James toward Sirius and Remus. "Who was that?" Sirius grinned smugly as he picked up the drink in front of him and sipped, savoring the sweet cola and the spiciness of the spirit underneath.

"Nobody you'd like Peter. She's a muggle anyway."

"Don't be coy!" Sirius smiled, relishing Peter's eagerness and the fact that he had something the other wanted.

"Well, if you must know, her name is Jessica."

"Jessica is beautiful," Peter breathed, leaned against the bar, practically begging for the brunette's attention. "To think you'd turn her down…" Sirius let it go as he turned his attention to the gorgeous man at his side. Golden brown eyes sought his.

"You've nothing to worry about."

"I know."

"Good." Remus' lips quirked into a smile, even as he picked up the mixed drink. Sirius' senses began to dull as the beverage took over, but his smile grew.

"So mates," James began, a wide grin on his own face. "What shall we try next?"

They ordered more drinks, enjoying the atmosphere the bar provided their inhibitions dropping as the crowd grew louder. Jessica was available at the bar the whole night and supplied them a different drink every round. The group meandered between the band and the bar, enjoying the cool spirits and the loud riffs all the same. Even Peter seemed to be enjoying himself.

"Jessica," Peter slurred at one point, eager to gain the curvy woman's attention.

"No, Peter," Remus slurred as well, his rum and cola sloshing a bit as he gestured to where Jessica was laughing at something a blond man had said. "I love you, mate, but I think she's a bit preoccupied,"

"Yeah, let's just have another drink and go back to the band," Sirius seconded. The band was entering into a new song, the lead singer riling the crowd up by gyrating himself against the microphone, a cigarette in hand.

"No, no, it's fine. Oi! Jessica!" The brunette turned toward the pair and smiled apologetically at the blond before making her way toward them.

"What can I get you, dear?"

"Let me get you dinner," Peter pressed despite the warning in Remus' eyes.

"Oh," Jessica began, a little embarrassed. "Thank you, how about a drink instead?" Peter's face betrayed his emotions, but James came to the rescue.

"C'mere, Wormtail," he said affectionately. "The band's really getting into it, now." He pulled him away, but Sirius couldn't shake the way Peter's eyes turned from hurt to anger.

"Sorry about your friend," Jessica said, turning to Remus and Sirius.

"It's alright, he'll move on," Remus said. Sirius hoped so.

The night blurred together as the drinks mingled in their systems. Sirius moved close to Remus daring him to close the distance with his eyes while knowing the public display of their emotions could cause potential problems with the muggles (not to mention Peter). Bodies shuffled around them and Sirius soon found Remus pressed against him, their lips only a breath apart. The bar was so crowded nobody paid them any mind, none of them could have known that Sirius was looking down into the eyes of the man who was quickly meaning more to him than any other.

"Another drink, gentlemen?" Remus turned toward Jessica as he took a step back. They both knew better than to cause a scene despite the urges that drew them together.

"Another of whatever you've got."

"Absinthe it is!" The bubbly bartender set out the glasses and spoons, making quick work of the green drink. Sirius couldn't help likening the way she mixed the beverages to a significantly less magical versions of potions, especially when Jessica lit the sugar cubes on fire, using a strange tool that he'd have to remember to ask Remus about later.

"You know, I fancy the idea of bartending," Sirius announced as they watched her pour the chilled water over the cubes. "I don't suppose you know of any bars or pubs hiring round the area?"

"You know, I may be able to put in a word for you with the boss if you're a hard worker. Do you have any experience?"

"No, I can't say that I do. I'm a fast learner though."

"Well, the boss comes in tomorrow. How about you come in around four? We won't be too busy around then." Sirius was surprised. Could it be this easy to get his first job?

"I'll be here, thank you."

"I look forward to it. Here you are, now. Careful, though. They're strong." Jessica smiled and passed them their drinks before turning toward another patron, leaving the wizards to themselves.

"The muggle worlds not so different when it comes to employment, then," Remus said with a smile as he took a sip from his drink. "Oh! This tastes a bit like licorice snaps."

"How do you mean?"

"Try yours and you'll see." Sirius rolled eyes, knowing that Remus knew what he meant.

"And what were you saying about the muggle world not being so different."

"Oh, that, yes. Well, I got my job in the Ministry because Kingsley met me at an Order meeting and liked me. He put in a good word so that I could start the training and gain my position, even though there are those who opposed it." He took another sip. "It's not necessarily what you know or how good you are at it. Often, it's who you know that helps you get the job." Sirius nodded and took a sip of his drink as well.

"Merlin, you're right! Exactly like licorice snaps."

"҉

"Come on, bo-ys! Iss time ta go!" James slung a drunken arm around Remus, his other wrapped around Peter, whose face was red and whose eyes were still darting toward the bar, even as he was steered toward the exit. Jessica had called for last calls a while ago and was now trying to close out tabs as quickly as she could.

"Hold on, I've got to pay my tab." Remus tried hard not to slur his words, but knew he was probably too drunk not to. Whatever that last drink was - absinthe - Jessica was not kidding.

As he turned to the bar, he found Sirius against him. Sirius had to be as drunk, but he seemed intent on not showing it. Probably that prim and proper pure-blood upbringing kept him from becoming the sloppy, but ever-so-loveable type of drunk that James slipped into.

"Are you alright?" Sirius' hands were on his shoulders propping him up a bit and Remus was made aware that the reason Sirius was pressed against him was because of his own inability to stand straight.

"Quite alright." Sirius nodded gently then leaned toward Remus' ear so he could talk a little quieter.

"I have a bit of muggle money left, but I'll need to go to Gringotts and take out some gold -"

"No," Remus shook his head vehemently. "Last time you went was dangerous enough, wasn't it?" Sirius frowned.

"I can't let you keep paying for everything, you know."

"You can pay when you get your job."

"Oi, lovebirds, we're gon'ta leave you behind!" James was leaning heavily against Peter who was leaning against him as much. How much had they had? They seemed far more pissed than Remus was anyway.

Not delaying any longer, Remus paid for the drinks and they were soon stumbling out of the bar like the other drunken muggles.

"Do we have to take a cab?" Peter was nearly pouting at the idea.

"Yes, of course we do," James insisted.

"Let's just apparate."

"Peter, you can't drink'n apparate," James protested, eyes wide. "You'll get splinched!"

"I wish we had a portkey," Peter grumbled.

Finding the cabbie, thankfully, was easy, though squeezing four grown men into a small vehicle was a bit more of a challenge now than it had been earlier in the day. Remus felt Peter's pain on this one: a portkey would have been much more pleasant. By the time they piled through the door to Remus' flat they were all exhausted. James and Peter immediately took up residences on the sofa and armchair.

"I think iss bes' we kip here tonigh'." James gave a sleepy yawn, stretched over the cushions. Peter nodded in agreement, but didn't say anything.

"Make yourselves at home."

"We'll try to keep it down," Sirius supplied, earning a glare from Peter. "Kidding! Merlin's beard, Peter, take a joke."

Remus smiled at the interaction, hoping this meant that Sirius and Peter would be able to have some semblance of friendship in the future. Peter really had seemed to mean his apology and, while he wasn't on the same level of support as James, Remus felt that he'd come around.

Sirius was already laying face-first on the bed when Remus remembered the letter from Healer Neuman, still sitting on the counter.

"I'll be right back." Sirius nodded into pillow by way of response, his breath already evening out. Remus didn't bother turning the light on in the kitchen, able to make out the white rectangular shape of the envelopes on the counter. One benefit of lycanthropy was improved night vision at least.

The paper was innocuous, no different from any other save the writing on it. Yet Remus' pulse quickened just from looking at deep purple writing. It was as he'd expected. Inside the envelope was an appointment card from Healer Neuman's office for Monday at three in the afternoon. Reluctance flooded through him as his mind searched for an appropriate excuse, then, just as quickly, left him. After all, he'd not gotten a response in regards to the Greyback case, so he'd be tied up on assignment come Monday. They'd just have to reschedule.