Opposite Day: Write a role reversal

Insane House Competition: kissing your sleeping partner on the cheek

365 Prompts Challenge: role reversal!au

Sticker Challenge, House-Elf: Write about someone looking out for someone

Word Count: 1302

A/N: My first and only role reversal fic. I don't think I'll try this again. I called Remus "Sirius" six times while writing. Oops.

There are two things on Remus' mind when he escapes from Azkaban, and he doesn't know which should be a higher priority. He can still see that image from the newspaper. To the rest of the world, it would look like an ordinary rat, but he knows the truth. Peter Pettigrew is alive and well. The very rat that sent him to Azkaban in the first place is still in this world, and Remus has every intention of committing the murder he'd been imprisoned for.

And yet, through the haze of anger and vengeance, there is a strange calm in his mind. He can still see that dark hair and those mischievous grey eyes, lit up with laughter. Sirius is one of the reasons Remus has stayed sane in Azkaban.

He wonders if Sirius is okay. The moon is full in the sky. Somewhere out there, his beloved Sirius is having to go through another transformation alone.

Remus swears under his breath. He had promised Sirius he would never have to be alone again. It's just another promise he's broken thanks to Peter.

Rage boils his blood and blurs his vision. If he can't think clearly, he's useless. Remus transforms, shifting into a large black dog. His emotions are simpler now, and it makes his decision easier.

Even as a dog, Sirius is on his mind. He knows what he needs to do.

…

It's morning by the time he reaches Sirius' home. Remus looks around, checking that no one is around who might see him. Coming here is probably a stupid decision. It's too risky. Then again, Remus has never been able to resist a challenge.

Satisfied that no one is around, he changes back into a human, stretching his arms and legs. Being a dog may grant him some peace of mind, but it leaves his limbs feeling stiff. Remus circles the perimeter of the house, half to ease the stiffness in his joints and half to calm his nerves. This isn't like the many times he's found himself at Sirius' door. After Remus' arrest, Sirius must have believed him to be a traitor. Can Remus really face him now? Sirius has always been the voice of reason in the group, but will he listen to Remus now?

Remus comes to a stop at the front door again. He tries the knob and chuckles to himself. Sirius never bothers locking the door. Remus opens it and steps inside.

The living room hasn't changed much in twelve years. The overstuffed, weathered leather couch is still by the window. A plaid blanket is draped over it, and whatever book Sirius is currently reading rests on the couch's tattered arm. The polished mahogany table is still in the center. Coasters rest among the glossy wood, and Remus smiles to himself. There is only one ring staining the surface, and it's one he had caused by accident, much to Sirius' annoyance.

The only noticeable thing that's changed breaks his heart. Once, years ago, there had been a picture of them together on the mantle over the fireplace. It's gone now, and judging by the layer of dust that's built up in its place, Remus guesses it hasn't been there in years. Twelve years, probably.

Remus forces himself not to focus on it just yet. There will be time to make things right; he just has to talk to Sirius first.

…

Sirius is still asleep. Remus feels his heart flutter at the sight of him. Sirius has always been so beautiful when he sleeps.

He steps closer, pressing a chaste kiss to Sirius' scarred cheek. With a groan, Sirius stirs, and Remus scurries back. Sirius sits up, rubbing his eyes. When he finally focuses on Remus, a strange smile plays at his lips. "Still dreaming," he mutters before sinking back into the pillows. "Hello, Padfoot."

"Moony…"

The word seems to break the spell. Sirius bolts upright, blinking rapidly. "You… You're in Azkaban!"

Remus offers him his signature crooked grin. "Not really my style," he chuckles. "Got lonely. Thought I'd see how my Moonpie was doing."

Sirius climbs to his feet, undoubtedly to search for his wand. His legs give out, and he stumbles. Remus rushes forward, catching Sirius before he can hit the floor. Sirius thrashes in his arms, trying to pull away. "Don't touch me!" he screams. "Lily and James, Remus! Did they mean nothing to you? And Peter! How could you?"

"Shh… Shh… You don't need to exhaust yourself, Moony," Remus murmurs. "Lay down."

Sirius still protests. Even when he's back in bed, he continues to glare daggers at Remus. Remus ignores him and opens the drawer to the bedside table, chuckling. Of course, Sirius' chocolate stash is still in the same place. He peels back the wrapper and hands it to the other man. "You'll feel better," he says, echoing Sirius' oldest bit of advice. "I'll fix you breakfast in bed like old times, then we'll talk."

"I won't eat anything you cook," Sirius says sharply, nibbling at the chocolate. "You're here to kill me, aren't you? Finish the last of us off…"

Remus rolls his eyes. For someone so clever, Sirius can really be a dumbass sometimes. "Your wand is in the same place. If I wanted to kill you, I would have already," he says calmly. "I'm here to talk."

"About what?"

"What really happened the night James and Lily were killed."

…

Sirius has barely touched his food. Remus wonders if it's more from distrust or from the aftereffects of his transformation the night before. To his credit, though, Sirius listens to Remus without interruption.

"Why should I believe you?" Sirius asks when Remus finishes his tale.

"Look me in the eyes, Sirius. Have I ever lied to you?"

Sirius meets his gaze and holds it for several moments. A weak smile tugs at his lips, and he holds out his arms. Remus hugs him, taking care not to dump the food out. "I missed you, Padfoot," Sirius whispers. "I hated you, but I missed you so much."

Remus pulls back, wiping the tears from his eyes. He's dreamt of this moment for so long. It's kept him sane during his time away. Now, he has Sirius again, and everything feels like it's going to be okay.

"What are we going to do about Wormtail?" Sirius asks.

We. The word causes Remus' grin to broaden. He isn't alone anymore; Sirius is faithfully by his side.

"He's become a pet for the Weasley family," Remus answers. "So, he's going to be at Hogwarts."

Sirius smiles softly. "What a coincidence. Dumbledore has offered me a teaching position, so I'll be at Hogwarts as well."

Remus doesn't even think about this stroke of good luck. He kisses Sirius, his heart swelling with pride. Sirius' furry little problem has made employment impossible. Now, the world is growing brighter by the second. "Professor Moony," he laughs. "How fitting."

Sirius clears his throat. "Focus, Padfoot," he says. "Wormtail, remember?"

Remus considers. He hasn't put too much thought into exactly how he'll have his revenge. He's dreamt of murder, but he hasn't worked out the details quite yet. "We'll figure that out later," he says.

In this moment, he doesn't want to think about Peter. Remus has Sirius back, and vengeance can wait. "I'll put the kettle on," he says. "You still look unwell."

Sirius groans. "I'm a grown man. I can look after myself."

Remus drowns his protests with a soft peck on the lips. "You've had to look out for yourself all these years. Rest. Let me take care of you."

Sirius continues to grumble, but he doesn't put up much of a fight. Remus grins and makes his way to the kitchen. Their world isn't perfect yet, but they're a step closer.