Holy crap guys, I am so sorry, amongst the chaos called life I completely forgot I was supposed to update this every day or so. Geez I feel stupid now. Ah well, please enjoy this guys and the next one will be up tomorrow, I promise =] Enjoy!

Oh, and again, very AU because there is a meeting between Remus and Sirius here to fill in the gap =] Hope it isn't too out of character!

It had been several weeks since Remus ad started giving Harry anti-dementor lessons. And he had to say, the boy picked it up incredibly fast. James's son indeed.

Remus was so proud of him, he could barely describe it. Their next lesson would be in a few days and he would have to go check up on their boggart. But at the moment Remus was enjoying a rather quiet evening in his room, with a cup of tea and a good book. The fireplace crackled loudly in front of him, producing a wonderful warmth at this time of winter.

He finished up his tea rather quickly and placed the cup onto a small table beside his armchair and continued reading his book. Eventually though, the werewolf began to doze off. And just when he was about to sink into a blissful sleep-

"Lupin!" Remus jerked awake and saw his fireplace blazing wildly "I want a word!"

The first thing that came to Remus's mind was Oh boy, what did Harry do this time? But then he decided he probably should have a bit more faith in his best friend's son. But that was exactly the problem wasn't it? That he was James's son?

Remus smiled a bit to himself before glancing at the fireplace once more, but it had died back to it's normal crackling. He sighed and pulled himself off of the armchair. He set his book aside and grabbed a fistful of floo powder from a jar on the mantle and tossed it into the fireplace. He then stepped in and prepared for the trip to Snape's office.

A second later Remus clambered out of the fireplace of Snape's office. The first thing he noticed was Snape standing with his trademark frown in place and next to him...Harry. Remus frowned, nevertheless he said in a mild voice "You called Severus?"

"I certainly did" Snape said as his face contorted with fury "I have just asked Mr. Potter to empty his pockets. He was carrying this." Snape pointed a piece of old parchment which in more than familiar writing were the words:

Mr. Moony presents his compliments to Professor Snape, and begs him to keep his abnormally large nose out of other people's business.

Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, and would like to add that Professor Snape is an ugly git.

Mr. Padfoot would like to register his astonishment that an idiot like that ever became a professor.

Mr. Wormtail bids Professor Snape a good day, and advises him to wash his hair, the slimy git.

The words looked all too familiar to Remus and for about the millionth time that year, his heart leapt to his throat. An odd expression came over his face as a million and one things raced through his head.

How on earth had Harry gotten the Marauder's Map? Last time he looked that thing had gotten confiscated from James, Sirius, Peter and himself by Mr. Filch on their last day. Pity it was but again, how in the name of Merlin did Harry get his hands on it?

He stared at the map, still in shock from seeing the map after so many years. Merlin, him and the other three used to love that thing! After all they were the ones that had created that piece of pure genius and to see it again...

"Well?" said Snape.

Remus's thoughts raced. He had to think of something fast, to cover for both himself and Harry. He glanced over at the teen whom he got the impression, knew he was doing some quick thinking.

"Well?" Snape said again "This parchment is plainly full of Dark Magic. This is supposed to be your area of expertise, Lupin. Where do you imagine Potter got such a thing?"

Remus looked up and, by the merest half-glance in Harry's direction, told to let him handle this and not to interrupt.

"Full of Dark Magic?" Remus repeated mildly "Do you really think so, Severus? It looks to me as though it is merely a piece of parchment that insults anybody who reads it. Childish, but surely not dangerous? I imagine Harry got it from a joke shop-"

"Indeed?" Snape cut his colleague off. His jaw had gone rigid with anger. "You think a joke shop could supply him with such a thing? You don't think it more likely that he got it directly from the manufacturers?"

Harry and Remus both raised a brow. Remus got the feeling Snape suspected him of giving Harry the map-which clearly he didn't do.

So Remus smoothly replied "You mean, by Mr. Wormtail or one of these people? Harry do you know any of these men?"

"No" Harry said quickly.

"You see, Severus" Remus said turning back to Snape "It looks like a Zonko product to me-"

But Remus was cut off as Ron came bursting into the office. He stopped a few inches short of Snape and took several deep breaths before he managed to speak between his panting "I-gave-Harry-that-stuff" he choked "Bought-it...in Zonko's...ages-ago..."

"Well!" Remus said clapping his hands together and looking around cheerfully; he was more than happy about Ron's fantastically timed intrusion. "That seems to clear that up! Severus, I'll take this back, shall I?" Remus tried not to look to eager to take back what was rightfully his and tuck it into his pocket. "Harry, Ron come with me, I need a word about my vampire essay-excuse us Severus."

Remus quickly turned to the door and gestured for the boys to follow. He didn't dare look at Snape as they left his office. He led them all the way back to the entrance hall before Harry turned to Remus.

"Professor I-"

"I don't want to hear explanations" Partially because I'm almost afraid to hear what happened "I happen to know that this map was confiscated by Mr. Filch many years ago" Remus said to both boys "Yes, I know it's a map" he added seeing the bewildered expressions on both of their faces. "I don't want to know how it fell into your possession. I am, however, astounded that you didn't hand it in" the wolf inside of him couldn't help but discipline as if speaking to it's own cub. " And I'm afraid I can't let you have it back, Harry" he continued.

Harry nodded, accepting the judgment. Remus was happy he decided to calmly take it; after all nothing would hurt him more than to have to actually punish the boy.

"Why did Snape think I'd got it from the manufacturers?" Harry asked suddenly.

"Because..." Remus searched for an answer "because these mapmakers" and by makers I mean not James, Peter or I, I mean Sirius Black "would have wanted to lure you out of the school. They'd think it extremely entertaining."

"Do you know them?" Harry asked in a rather impressed tone.

"We've met" Remus said with the grim memory of Sirius "Don't expect me to cover for you again, Harry. I cannot make you take Sirius Black seriously. But I would have thought that what you have heard when the dementors drew near you would have had more of an effect on you" Remus was in full parent mode, his wolf insisting on tending to his cub's misbehavior. "Your parents gave their lives to keep you alive, Harry. Poor way to repay them-gambling their sacrifices for a bag of magic tricks." And with that, Remus turned and walked away, having delivered a successful guilt trip, full blow.

It was only after a little while that Remus felt a bit bad for having been a tad too harsh. His thoughts suddenly went to James and Lily...how would they have reacted to his speaking to their son that way?

He could just hear James voice right now...He's a kid Moony, he'll mess up sometimes and we're adults. We'll mess up sometimes too. No problem. He'll get over it.

Yes that sounded very much like James.

Remus shook his head and pulled the map out of his pocket and pressed the tip of his wand to it. And in a shaky, low voice, slowly said "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

The blank piece of parchment immediately filled up with what was The Marauders map. Remus's thoughts raced at the sight of the painfully familiar print. He tapped his wand once more "Mischief managed." The ink disappeared and he tucked the map back into his pocket. He shoved back all the emotions that had suddenly filled him up and quickened his pace.

He needed to take a walk.

HP

HP******HP

HP

About 20 minutes later, Remus found himself walking through the Forbidden Forest at his own soft, steady pace.

It was still very light out and he wasn't too worried about being attacked by any creatures. Plus, being a werewolf, creatures knew to stay away from him the second they had one glance at him. So he was safe.

His hands stuffed into his pockets-one of them occasionally fingering the Marauder's Map-he strolled along in a rather pensive mood. And he had to admit he was pretty relaxed as well.

That is until, his nose suddenly picked something up. Being a werewolf, his senses were ridiculously heightened, especially his smell and hearing. He listened closely and heard the soft noise of paws against the ground some 10 or 15 feet away. He sniffed the air once more and met with the overwhelming scent of...Sirius Black.

Remus frowned. He wasn't sure if he should just keep walking and pretend he hadn't sensed a thing...or he could call out to Sirius. Part of him wanted to and part of him was afraid. Of course he wanted an explanation more than anything in the world, but above even that he was afraid to learn that maybe Sirius really was a murdering traitor.

He decided to keep walking, but a sudden rush of anger for Sirius came over him. No, I'm not running from this anymore. That bloody git is going to explain to me why my life is in shambles and he's going to do it bloody well or I'll hex him into oblivion. He growled to himself before abruptly stopping dead in his tracks. The soft padding against the ground came to a halt as well. Now all Remus could hear was the soft puffs of breath that had replaced the sound of the paws.

"Sirius" he called out "I know you're there."

Maddening silence came over the area.

"Sirius" Remus called once more "I'm alone. I'm not going to hurt you" he added, calming down a bit. He felt like he was trying to coax out a puppy or something...well technically...

Remus suddenly heard the soft padding resume until a large jet-black bear like dog emerged from the bushes. And as it came to Remus's side, it transformed into a tall grown human male.

Sirius Black had shoulder length wavy black hair, and an unkempt beard to match. He was tall and last time Remus looked he was broad shouldered as well. However now, he was skinny and very haggard looking. Not to mention his shabby, torn and dirty Azkaban clothes. Remus frowned upon the sight of his old friend.

Sirius looked terribly pale, the only color on his face being that of the dirt scattered across it. And if his eyes hadn't been shining out of the deep, dark sockets, he might have been a corpse. Remus spotted the large elaborate tattoos scattered across Sirius's chest and arms; tattoos he remembered taking Sirius to get.

"Moony..." the man's voice sounded hoarse from lack of use.

"Don't call me that Sirius" Remus snapped quickly "What are you doing here? And why have you been following me around?" He continued walking, even quickening his pace a bit. Sirius had to take a small jump forward to keep up with him.

"How do you-oh..heightened senses...almost forgot" Sirius gave the most dry laugh imaginable "Truth, I haven't exactly been able to build up the courage to approach you..."

Remus did not respond.

"I know you're upset with me but just let me explain Remus. It's not what it looks like-"

"This is exactly what it looks like Sirius!" Remus growled as he stopped dead in his tracks and turned to face his old friend "You killed James and Lilly, you killed Peter and you ruined everything!" he yelled despite having spent the last 13 years trying to convince himself the complete opposite of that statement. He jabbed Sirius in the dirt covered, bony chest with every name he spoke.

"I...it's not like that Remus, I swear, just let me explain" Sirius pleaded, a genuine look of desperation on his face.

Remus suddenly realized that they had come to the forest lake. It was such a desolate lake that no one had even bothered to name it, and it was for this reason that the lake had become such a quick hangout for the Marauders all those years ago.

He hesitated a bit before he spoke "Come...sit" he said as he slowly lowered himself on to the ground. He was hit with such a strong wave of emotions as he remembered sitting in this very spot, James right next to him, Sirius on the other side and Peter looking over his shoulder. It hurt so badly.

It was a while before Sirius decided to sit down next to his old friend as well. They both looked anywhere but at one another.

"You wanna start explaining why I'm a hopeless looser, James and Peter are dead and you're and escaped convict?" Remus asked slowly.

"Ok...well..where to start.." Sirius muttered, nervously "Look Remus, there is very little that I can actually tell you now. Just know that when I ran off to find Peter, I found him in the middle of a busy street. The little rat was terrified when he saw me so he blew up half the street, transformed into a rat and cut off his own finger to make it look like he was dead. He ran off like the coward he always was. It looked like I killed them all. I had no one to prove otherwise and I was thrown into Azkaban."

"What?!" Remus spat "Why were you after-"

"Remus, I honestly can't tell you that right now, but I promise in time I'll tell you everything

Remus ran a hand through his light brown hair and let out a breath "So Pete's alive?"

"Unfortunately he is. And he's still a rat somewhere out there. I just have to find him and-Remus you have to help me find him" Sirius pleaded.

"Why do we need to find him?" Remus asked, confused.

"All I can say for now is that he's dangerous Remus, and he's out to get Harry. And I'm sure of that. Please, you need to help me..."

Remus shook his head slowly, trying to let everything sink. He was confused, shocked....but most of all he was so hurt. So indescribably hurt by the actions of his friend.

"Why..." he choked out "Why should I help you....when you're the one that messed everything up? Why should I help the one that ruined everything for everyone just because he went after Peter for what reason I don't even know!?" Remus looked away as the hurt and anger inside of him released themselves as stinging tears in the back of his eyes "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't turn you in to the ministry this instant Sirius Black!" he screamed turning back to face him.

Sirius cringed slightly, he'd never actually heard Remus scream before. As a matter of fact, even as he was hearing it, it felt very unnatural.

"God dammit, how do I even know if you're telling the truth?!" Remus shouted once more as he shot up, and turning away. He stepped over to a nearby tree and kicked the base roughly.

Sirius looked down, ashamed out of his mind. What had he expected? Remus to welcome him back with wide arms? ….Erm well...sort of....

"Remus...listen to me.." Sirius said quietly as he stood up as well. He walked over to his friend and stopped right behind him, putting a hand on his shoulder. When Remus seemed to have calmed down enough to look stay still, he continued, "Back in our school days....I wasn't the nicest person you could run into...I wasn't a very good person and very few people accepted me for who I was. So I was extremely lonely. You where the first person to ever take me in for me. And then I ran into James and Peter. But somehow I became closer to James. He became like my brother. No, he was my brother. He was the only one I had. Or so I thought, I mean I had you, but somehow I was blind to it. And I took advantage of it, and when I needed you the most, right before I was thrown into Azkaban, I couldn't reach you. And today, I need you this one more time and I just-" Sirius choked on his words. Remus heard the unshed tears in his voice as he continued "Look Remus, I'm no good at this whole letting my emotions out deal. All I'm trying to say is that I need you. You're the closest I've ever had and ever will have to family and I just-" Sirius tightened his grip on Remus's shoulder and pulled the werewolf to turn and face him "I just need you to forgive me."

"Sirius" Remus growled coldly "Just go away. Leave me be, suffice to say I have suffered enough without you here." He was not going to let Sirius mess things up even more for him. Even if his friend's words were sincere. What right did he have to leave Remus hanging like that in his time of need, and then to just come strutting back thinking he would be welcomed with opened arms?

"Please Remus" Sirius begged softly.

"Get lost Sirius" Remus gave an exasperated sigh "Please, before I turn you in."

An almost horrified look came over Sirius's features "Remus, please..."

"I said, bloody get lost, Padfoot!" Remus immediately gasped as he realized what had just slipped out of his mouth. He had just accidentally called Sirius by his Marauder name, wait to keep his emotions in check.

Sirius's expression suddenly brightened. It looked a bit odd now, to see such a haunted face smiling at him. Remus made no reaction.

"Thank you, Moony" Sirius smiled genuinely. Not that stupid grin that Remus was used to seeing on the dog-animagus's face. Oh no, this was a true smile of gratefulness. And suddenly Remus was happy he had accidentally slipped. "Thank you so much" Sirius said once more.

And for one simply, calm and peaceful moment, Remus stared into Sirius's grey eyes and Sirius's into his friend's brown. And silently made their amends.

Sirius opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off as a sudden feeling of cold darkness settled in. "Bloody hell" he growled under his breath, then turned to Remus "The dementors...they've sensed me. I have to go, before they catch you with me. Please don't tell Dumbledore that we've met or anything about Peter, I'm going to find the rat and then I'll go to Dumbledore myself" Sirius took a deep breath "I'm sorry our reunion was so short lived. I do hope to see you soon, Moony" he said before giving friends' shoulders one last squeeze and running off, transforming back into a dog before jumping into the bushes.

Remus let out a breath he wasn't aware he held.

He vaguely wondered if he had just dreamt that all up or if it had really happened. He prayed to Merlin that it was real because no one would ever know how relieved he was to hear that Sirius was indeed innocent. And to finally have found out the missing piece that he had tried to find for the past 13 years....well some part of it at least. As much as it didn't seem like it, he trusted Sirius to fill him in on things when the time was right.

He suddenly felt the cold once more and decided he should probably get going before the dementors got on his trail. He shoved his hands back into his pockets and suddenly remembered the map that was in it. He silently cursed himself for not having brought it up to Sirius; he probably would have loved to see this old thing still around, and even more, who had found it again.

Remus turned around a headed back to the castle, in an unusually good mood. And as he walked along a little slip of paper suddenly appeared in front of him and floated into his hand. Remus took a hold of the scrap of paper and found it was just a blank scrap of paper.

But suddenly an idea hit him. He drew his wand and tapped the paper lightly "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Ink dripped into the paper and a small message appeared. Remus re-sheathed his wand with a smile, typical Sirius to code his message like that. He settled his eyes on the paper which read in very familiar print:

Was wondering if you could do me a little favor. Christmas is in a few days. I think Harry would like a new broomstick after what happened to his old one(yes I was there, I saw the match...as Snuffles of course) but the problem is I can't possibly even dream of trying to access my Gringotts account now. Think you can withdraw some money and buy that new Firebolt from Diagon Alley, for me? Knowing you I'm sure you still remember my account number from all those years ago. Then could you send it off to him in anonymous? If he asks then tell him it was from you...

Thanks a million Moony.

By the way if you're at the Shrieking Shack next moon then just know that I'll be waiting.

Remus smiled as he tucked the paper into his pocket and walked along, a broad grin on his face.

So...Gringotts eh?

HP

HP******HP

HP

Alright, well that was that. I meeting wasn't way too out of it. And the ending was a cute little thing I thought I'd add on =]

Hope you liked and Please Review!!!