Sirius was stir crazy, but he knew that only a few minutes had passed since he had started sitting on the bench in the 'Red' cooperative. He wasn't happy about having to let his pup go again. He did have the promise of seeing him in a few days, which was more than Wizarding Britain offered.
What a day he'd experienced and it wasn't over yet! It all started when Remus hollered at him through the floo too early in the morning. It was something that the wolf would only do in a dire emergency. Sirius found out that his pup was tied into a contract against his will and Dumbledore wanted him to come fix it. The man who couldn't find time to give him a trial needed him to fix something. Sirius remembered laughing at that.
A white-haired witch, called Ms. Wendy was tearing into the headmaster when he arrived in his animagus form. She abruptly stopped the verbal sparring match when his godson made his appearance. Sirius had enjoyed the warm hug from his godson before the brilliant witch called attention to his canine self. She was as sharp as a tack to notice an animagus. His situation was explained which didn't seem to faze the American witch. Dumbledore ended up frustrated since they wouldn't do as they were told like good little boys. They chose to leave Hogwarts for a small magical cooperative in the States.
Sirius' memory of the old folks having their heated debate sent chills through him. He had reacted quickly to get Harry out of there before one of them exploded. The witch's spunk reminded him of Lily and her temper could get away from her. Harry's mum would be pleased that they were protecting her son even if it meant braving the unknown.
By time the pair's argument was came to a close, Sirius wished that the Principal was Lily. He believed the headmaster was in need of hexing and Lily would have done it. Dumbledore was going soft in the head if he believed the nonsense that he was spouting. His godson was just a child after all. Sirius learned that Ms. Wendy wasn't like Lily, she was in a class all her own. She waltzed right out of the office when she was done, making the marauders chase behind her.
The moment Ms. Wendy stopped, Remus started asking tons of questions that Sirius didn't follow. No, he spent his time daydreaming about taking care of his pup. Azkaban wasn't helpful to his ever flitting attention span. He volunteered to show Ms. Wendy around Hogsmead because there was no way he could sit still and read an information packet. Remi would fill him and he'd get the chance to find out more about the Principal.
Ms. Wendy didn't seem to mind that he acted like a hyperactive dog. She laughed at his antics while she collected books, seeds and cuttings. She told him about some of the cooperative's struggles and her dreams to improve things. All in all the trip was successful.
Yes, Principal Lawson had won Sirius' loyalty. That was the only reason why he was trying to restrain himself. Waiting on a bench was driving him crazy. Where was this Puzzle person that Ms. Wendy said would come?
A balding dark-haired man showed up a few minutes later. He limped as he walked, but he had a stately presence about him. Sirius guessed the man was about the same age as Aunt Minnie. Puzzle stuck out a calloused hand to greet them. The only person Sirius knew with similar hands is Hagrid.
"You must be the teachers Ms. Wendy brought back with her. We're lucky if we get a new teacher every year but the two of you bring the total this year to 4. Do you need any thing to eat or are you ready to go to the training center? Sorry I'm getting ahead of myself, I'm Puzzle one of the mentors here at the cooperative."
"I'm Remus and this is Sirius and we're ready for the training center."
"This way then. This is Cottonwood Glen, it one of 3 properties that has a training center but this is the only for care givers. The bunk house is right over there and the bath house is down the hill but I'm not sure where housing will put you," he pointed.
Sirius noticed lots of little buildings scattered among trees. The difference in temperature was getting to him. He was dressed too warmly, he could tell that he was not in Scotland anymore. He started wringing his hands as they walked.
"You don't sit still well do you?"
"Not particularly."
"I'd recommend that you use the pensieve memory training. It longer than the packets but you don't have to sit still to read it."
"Thanks"
"I'll leave you to it. If you need anything ask Helen. I'll see you at Harry's first conference."
"Bit odd don't you think?"
"Sirius, you discovered me to be a werewolf in second year and you think that guy is odd."
"Point made."
"He's just unique like us. Come on Sirius, let's get this done so we can get back to Harry."
A blind woman greeted them when they entered the building. "New to the cooperative?" She questioned.
"Yes, I'm Remus and this is Sirius, we're needing entrance training, care giver and teaching training. Puzzle mentioned that there are pensieve classes."
"Oh, that will be a problem only one person can go through the pensieve material at a time."
"Not a problem, I prefer the packets," Remus answered.
"Follow me"
The interior reminded Sirius of the library at the Blacks' summer residence. The differences were the large oversized work tables and fewer bookcases. Helen took them to a nook that housed a large pensieve.
"You need the red case for the intro, the white one for care giving, and the green one for teaching. It's best to start with the introduction or you'll flounder in the rest. Use the memories in numerical order and set a timer so you don't miss your meals."
"Remus, you can take over this work table. I'll be back in a moment with the packets."
"She is blind."
"Sirius, that is obvious. I bet her hearing is better than most so don't stick your foot in your mouth. The cooperative takes all kinds of people, including werewolves."
"Remus, I don't have a problem with it or her. It's just that my mother would have condemned her to death as soon as she went blind."
"I think she was born that way."
Sirius shrugged, "Bad mental image… I need to get my mother out of my head."
"Here I will get the green one down for you. You better get started."
"Pup is worth it," Sirius mumbled as he dumped the first memory into the pensieve.
…
"Remus don't do that!" Sirius reacted to unwillingly being dragged from the pensieve.
"Sorry, I need a break. My eyes are starting to cross."
"Glad you're reading and not me."
"It's broken up with questions. It's not bad."
"I have those too, after every memory."
"Who's teaching in them?"
"A much younger Ms. Wendy."
Remus smiled as he looked over Sirius question sheets. "Puzzle is right about the packets being quicker. I think I'm ahead of you by 4 questions."
"Argh"
"It could be worse Sirius. You could be forced to make do with the packets. If that happened, knowing you, you'd have even less done."
"What do you think?"
"I'll answer that after we get outside. Let's get moving."
Looking for the helpful lady, Remus spoke up, "Helen can we leave our stuff like it is or do we need to clean up?"
Helen answered affirmatively from across the room. And the friends made their way outside.
"Remi what time is it?"
"4:15 co-op time."
"This is one long day."
"We'll survive. To answer your question from earlier, I don't know what I think about the cooperative. Everything here is so different than anything I've ever been exposed to. And I even spent time with a French covent."
"One of the memories had every member gathered together at one of the properties. I saw more people than what would fit into the great hall."
"Well, 2200 to 2600 people," Remus whistled. "600 of those are under age. The school starts here at 3 unlike Hogwarts 11."
"Oh how I would have liked getting away from my mother at 3." Sirius asked, "Have you learned anything else about the school?"
"Haven't gotten there in the training but Principal Lawson answered plenty of questions. You'd know that if you weren't tuning us out."
"Sorry"
"What do you want to know?"
"I don't know. Would Lily approve?"
"If Lily knew about this place I think she would have come here to pursue her mastery. She would thrive here. But this place would have driven James nuts. He'd have a hard time letting go of all the stories his father told about Hogwarts. His father made the school part of his heritage. I'm sure he supports us in protecting Prongslet."
"Will Harry like it here?"
"I don't know Sirius. I know he's glad that he doesn't have to compete in the tournament. I think and hope he will. He's going to miss his friends."
"We've got lots of options here don't we?"
"Yes and no. We've agreed to teach. Which property we work on depends on which classrooms the children are utilizing. That can change at any given time. The children are allowed to choose where they want to study. You do realize that work is involved here?"
"I realized that in Hogsmead. Ms. Wendy was constantly talking to Padfoot. The requirement is only 35 hours per week."
"Sirius those time quotes only work if you meet the cooperative standards. It's more of a point system on completed work. If it takes you longer than the time allotted, you work more."
"I can work."
"I know you can. Your old funny business is not going to fly here. Many people here come from rough backgrounds which is why most pranks are forbidden."
"We'll have to throw lots of parties."
"You'll never grow up."
"Well I'll start by getting back to work." Sirius stuck out his tongue.
…
"They're over there Chip," Helen said as Remus broke out of his trance.
"Don't do that!" Sirius squawked. Remus pointed to the approaching teen. "Oh"
"Greetings, Nurse Watson sent me over with your pepper-up potions. I'd recommend taking it after you eat dinner. I'm Chip by the way."
"Hello, I'm Sirius and this is Remus. Sorry, his brain turns to mush at the stroke of midnight. It hasn't gotten the memo that it been transplanted halfway around the world."
Chip laughed before asking, "Do you know were the mess hall is?"
"Nope, we haven't looked for it yet."
"I'll lead the way. Any chance you came here with Brit?"
"Ah… is that a nickname?"
"Yes, sorry I didn't catch his given. Wild dark hair, glasses and some sort of scar he tries to cover up."
"Yes, Brit is my godson. How did he earn that?"
"Jewel…"
"Male? Female?"
"Sirius," Remus reprimanded him.
"She's 8. Latched onto him as soon as they met. Gave him that name because he's British and she didn't want to find out what the others would call him. Some of the recent name have been lousy."
"Is he doing alright?"
"Jewel's teaching him the ropes. She's a real Cracker Jack. She doesn't miss much and is more thorough than the rest of the gang. Plus it's good she has something to focus on besides Diva's attitude."
"Can I assume that Diva is trouble?"
"That's an understatement. I think she jealous. She's in a one sided battle to out shine Jewel."
"Some things don't change where ever you are."
The trio walk into a diner with counters spread with food. It was clean but had seen better days. The red upholstery of the booths were worn at all the edges and the tables tops were no longer flat from years of use.
"How's it going Maple?" Chip asked.
"It's slow, looks like you're the only 3 here tonight. Most the groups over at Maybees for the dance and poker."
"Are you also covering housing?"
"Right in one."
"I'll have the guys get their keys before we leave. Everything here is self serve, all that is asked is that you do your best not to be wasteful."
"Moony, it time to eat," Sirius muttered to the walking zombie to his left.
"Hey, you're holding out on me. Any other nicknames I need to be aware of or is that it?"
"Padfoot, I thought you couldn't name yourself."
"You can't, but I don't believe you gave yourself that name."
"True"
Remus was barely going through the motions of eating. Sirius looked concerned.
"Don't worry he'll perk up after he has the pepper-up." Chip commented.
"Should we give it to him now so he doesn't fall asleep during the meal?"
"Can he eat after taking potions?"
"Yes"
"Well go ahead."
Sirius handed Remus the potion. "Drink up mate"
Remus jumped in his chair as the potion took effect. "Did I sleep walk?"
"Very close mate."
"Not good. Ah.. Sorry I missed your name."
"Chip"
"What's the last thing you remember, Moony?"
"Elbowing you but I don't remember why. Knowing you, it had something to do with the female species."
Chip laughed and asked, "How long have you know each other?"
"We been friends since we were 11."
"Can I ask another question?"
Remus stared at him strangely before answering, "May you and yes you may."
"Oh sorry. Ah.."
"Just ask"
"How long have you been turned?"
Sirius eyes got real large. Then he started to notice the faint scars on Chip's arms.
"Since I was 4. Yourself?"
Chip winced. "It will be 2 years in a few months."
"Sorry"
"Sirius?"
"What? He wants to know more Remi but he's not going to ask."
"He's lives it, Siri. And none of us are near as nosey as you were at 12."
"I'm still here guys. Alright I'll ask another. Did your parents abandon you?"
"No."
The marauders could see that the same was not true for Chip.
Sirius, who didn't like being serious stated, "And I thought my parents were bad. Ouch what's that for."
Remus glared but Chip interrupted, "Don't worry I understand the sentiment. I do live in a group home after all."
"Are there many more?"
"About 12 under age. I believe some did bring families with them. The cooperative is the only place willing to give us a good magical education, here in the States. Many older wolves come when they can't hold down jobs."
Remus nodded with understanding. "What are you hoping to do with your education?"
"Healing"
"How's potions going for you?"
"I barely had a sense of smell before I was bit. My ability to smell is now slightly above the average human."
"That helps, I was always overwhelmed by the smells, nearly lost my stomach my first class."
"Have you picked out what type of work you're planning to do for the cooperative?"
"Ah.. We agreed before we came to be teachers. Ms. Wendy has an idea for us. I not sure what it is," answered Remus.
"Remi, I think she planning on having me teach animagus transformation."
Chip whistled. "You're one, aren't you."
"Yeah, a few friends and I wanted to keep him company on the full moon."
"I hadn't thought of that. If you teaching that, it'll be more than students that want to learn."
"Many may give up after they find out what their form is. Why waste the time if the form isn't useful."
Chip nodded. "Do you know which property you are going use to make your base?"
"That depends on Harry."
"Harry who?"
"Oops, Brit."
"Oh" Chip asked, "Moony were you assigned a safe zone?"
"Not yet. Ms. Wendy believes that almost any will work if I don't have issues with the alphas. She's hoping Padfoot is willing to police full moons to make it safer for all of us. Do you know how many of age wolves roam here?"
"The cooperative lets any werewolf utilize the runs as long as they are not found guilty of negligence or risky behavior. It is different every month, sometimes we have full packs come through. The cooperative only patches up wolves that are members. I'm biased, but Nurse Watson is the best. She only servesas healer for the lower 8 runs."
"Thanks for the insight."
"Sorry guys but I have to get. See you around."
"Bye Chip"
"Oh before I forget Maple has the keys to your temporary housing. The training center is self service after 7. You don't have a work requirement for today but your training does count to your totals. All of the particulars will be covered in the training. Moony you need to get the werewolf training. The counts are modified around the full moon. The training will go over your options. Padfoot don't forget your pepper-up."
"Nice kid" Remus stated.
"Yeah, it was nice to know that Harry's already found a friend even if she is only 8."
"What"
Sirius fill Remus in while they finished dinner.
"It's Maple right?" Sirius waved to the lady. "Do we need to do anything with our dishes?"
"Don't worry about them. Ready for your keys?"
"Yes ma'am. We'll need directions too."
"You two lucked out. There is a free 3 bedroom TLF available. The paper work Wendy sent over shows that you qualify. The third room is set-up like a nursery right now. You'll need to change that for a teenager."
"TLF?"
"Temporary Living Facility"
"Do you know how long we'll be using it?"
"That depends on you and what you want to do. Most people are out in less than a month." Maple motioned for them to follow her outside. "You can barely see unit A from here but it's the white building with a green roof over there. You're in D. You can't miss it if you follow this path and take a left after unit A."
"Thank you"
"No problem, see you around."
"So housing or more training?" Remus asked.
"Moony, it's hard to learn on pepper-up. And.."
"You think it's important."
"Yeah."
"Lets go see the TLF."
In the second that Remus turned his head to look at a bird, Sirius transformed into Padfoot. Remus rolled his eyes at the man acting like an oversized puppy. His tail was wagging as he zigzagged down the path. Remus was grateful that the dog had not picked up the habit of marking territory.
A bit of green space was found on the opposite side of the TLF units, it wasn't filled with trees like the rest of Cottonwood Glen. The modest little unit had white siding with green trim that matched the roof. A few chairs were scattered between the 4 matching porches. Everything seemed small compared to the European wizard mansions.
"Pad, I refuse to go in with you in that form."
Sirius pouted but changed back before Remus placed his key against the green door. Right inside was a common area with a little kitchenette on one wall with a small table and a few chairs. A sofa and an easy chair were in the other side of the room. A small hallway housed the entrances to a single bathroom and 3 bedrooms.
Maple was right, the smallest room was setup as a nursery. Remus was glad that every thing was in baby pink so Sirius wouldn't reminisce about what he had lost.
"Harry can't have this."
"You're good at transfiguration. Fix it, Sirius."
He didn't need to be told twice. The pink wall were turned a greyish blue. The cot was converted to a bed suitable for a teen. The dresser's bright white finish was dulled to ash grey. Sirius transfigured the rocker into a book shelf before getting frustrated.
"We'll have to find something that will work for a desk and get new bedding."
"Sirius, he can use the kitchen table. It's not like we are here forever."
"But…"
"No buts I know you want it to be perfect. Just don't go crazy over it."
"What are we going to do now?"
"Relax."
"We need to stay awake Remi."
"Relaxing does not mean snoozing. What is your training covering?"
"The 'red' cooperative duh"
"Sirius.."
"Remi most of our time here was spent on training stuff. Unlike you I don't relax when I'm going over what I've learned. Something, anything else."
"I could turn your hair blue."
"No thank you."
"It's too dark to go for a walk."
"At least there's street lamps."
"I have a few books."
Sirius glared at him.
"I might have a deck of exploding snap."
"Sorry I'm trying to grow up." Sirius smiled.
"We could plan what we need when we do get a house."
"Remi, you're too tired if you can't come up with any better ideas. And I'm sorry I'm antsy. I know I'm not quite right in the head."
"Pad, you need time and nutrition."
"I miss them." Sirius whispered.
"They're with us even if it's not the way we want. Let's remember them living, not dying. What would James do if he were here?"
"He'd make you some bad hot chocolate. And force me trim my hair."
"He would, wouldn't he. What kinds of oils are in the cupboard?"
"I don't know. Why'd you.."
"Siri this is a new start for us. James would force us to make the most of it. Something needs to be done about your hair and I know you don't want to cut it all off."
"What does that have to do with cooking oil?"
"It will help with combing out the tangles. Don't ask how I know."
"Canola and processed coconut."
"Bring the coconut oil and a comb over here," Remus said as he moved over to the kitchen side of the room. Remus let Sirius sit before he started dousing his head with oil.
"Your sure this isn't a prank."
"Positive, but you'll need to wash your hair a few times so you don't look like.."
"Don't say it.."
"I won't. What would Lily be doing right now?"
"She'd go over her extensive notes, add questions, and come up with her plan. Remi, do you think they'd let us use a pensieve to show Harry memories?"
"If they won't, I'm sure Ms. Wendy would find a way to make it happen."
"We should start a list of memories we want to show him."
"Alright."
…
3 hours later Remus finished detangling Sirius's hair. It was an annoying process to sit there and let his friend mess with his hair. He was so tired that by the time he was showering, he was afraid he'd fall asleep standing up. For the first time in years, he could get his fingers through all of his hair. He had messed with the worst of it after Harry sent him away with the hippogriff. But this was different, he felt different like a weight was lifted off his shoulders. This was a start and he would make the most of it.
A/N More I write the more I respect Rowling. Keeping track tons of named characters and their backgrounds is challenging. I love reading feed back. Next week I hope to have 2 new chapters up due to the short nature of the next chapter.
