Stairway to heaven
December 15, 1984,
Graz, Austria.
Sirius awoke to the gentle rhythm of Emma's breath against his chest. Planting a tender kiss on her head, he gingerly extricated himself from beneath her and slipped out of bed. Stepping towards the window, Sirius stretched his limbs, his gaze fixed on the snowflakes descending upon the aged rooftops of the town below. It had been six months since his daring escape from Germany, but this time he hadn't roamed like a vagabond through the forests of the continent, scavenging for refuge and sustenance. Instead, he entrusted his heart to guide him, acting as his compass and followed a direct path towards the destination Emma had discreetly shared by tucking an address into his back pocket before they parted ways on that bridge.
Following the tumultuous events in Bonn, Emma and Walter embarked on a fresh chapter of their lives. The quaint estate nestled in the heart of the town, bequeathed to them by their grandparents, had remained vacant for years. Although Sirius suggested expediting the renovations, they declined, recognizing the labor ahead as a golden chance to fortify their connection. Consequently, Sirius placed Ryan's wand within his nightstand drawer, where it remained untouched for a span of six months.
After a considerable amount of time and effort, the renovations reached completion, resulting in individual small apartments for each sibling. Meanwhile, their grandparents' former convenience store underwent a remarkable transformation into a vibrant pub, skillfully helmed by Emma, who had long nurtured the dream of owning her own business. In this new venture, Sirius found his calling as a devoted waiter, faithfully supporting Emma in her new pursuit.
Two months elapsed since the trio had established themselves in Graz, during which time Áurea and Hans resolved their personal affairs and eventually arrived in town. Áurea promptly joined Emma's workforce, sharing their apartment while they searched for a suitable residence nearby. Before long, they discovered a place to call their own, followed by the fortuitous availability of a vacant local. Áurea wasted no time in transforming it into a serene yoga studio, attracting the attention of the townsfolk. Intrigued by the practice, parents eagerly enrolled their children, leading Walter and Emma to take turns teaching judo classes to both the town's youngsters and adults who developed an interest after witnessing their children's progress.
As enticing as it sounded, the five of them found themselves engaged in a lengthy conversation that compelled them to open their hearts and divulge their deepest secrets, all in the hopes of laying a solid foundation for their joint endeavor. Despite Hans' initial intention to leave his job, circumstances dictated otherwise. However, to their surprise, he not only remained employed but also received a promotion. Leveraging his newfound position, Hans orchestrated a strategic maneuver, organizing the deployment of the muggle authorities to Angola in search of Sirius. Confident that the information had reached the ears of the Auror, they were only inconvenienced by Hans' frequent absences, knowing he was embarking on perilous missions.
Lost in contemplation, Sirius failed to notice Emma awakening and tenderly wrapping her arms around his waist, planting soft kisses upon his bare back.
"Do we really have to open today, boss?" Sirius inquired, a hint of reluctance in his voice as he watched the snowfall.
"I'm afraid we must... We need money" Emma replied, playfully squeezing his ass before heading off to the bathroom.
Sirius chuckled as he dressed himself before making his way to the kitchen. As Emma showered, he switched on the television and began preparing breakfast for the both of them. However, his attention quickly became captivated by a commercial featuring two enthusiastic kids engrossed in a game on their television screen.
"…Will you be the one to witness the incredible birth of the Nintendo entertainment system? The one to play with Rob the extraordinary video robot (batteries not included)? He helps tackle even the toughest challenge. Will you be the first to raise the incredibly accurate zapper and play games like duck hunt or action-packed Hogan's Alley and high-flying kung fu (each sold separately)? Will you be the one to experience the Nintendo Entertainment system?..."
"I heard all the kids are dying to have one of those for Christmas," Emma remarked, as she finished wrapping a towel around her hair before preparing coffee for both of them.
"Yeah, I know... I've been saving," Sirius replied.
"You want to get one?" Emma asked, surprised.
"Not for me! I want to send it to Harry for Christmas. I think he'll be thrilled to have one. I can make it seem like he won a lottery or something..." Sirius explained.
"How old is he again?" Emma inquired.
"He's four," Sirius replied, settling down at the table to eat his breakfast.
"Four? He's too young for a video game console, Sirius," Emma chuckled.
"I thought they were making them for kids," Sirius defended.
"Yes, but not that young! Sirius, he won't even understand what it is!" Emma pointed out.
"Oh... Alright then," Sirius conceded.
"So, you're thinking about reaching out to him?" Emma asked.
"I'm dying to... Time has flown by so fast, and I've already missed three birthdays. I know he's too young to remember, but I still want to do something," Sirius expressed.
"Don't rush it, Sirius... What about that plan you and Hans have?" Emma suggested.
"It's not what I would consider a plan... I simply provided him with all the information he'll need to identify Peter or Wormtail, along with some ideas I came up with to lure him into a trap or expose him," Sirius clarified.
"Um... I thought he might be dead," Emma stated.
"He's not! I'm certain of it!" Sirius insisted.
"How can you be so sure?" Emma questioned.
"These peaceful months... They've completely healed my body and mind. I vividly remember seeing him cut his finger and escape with the other rats. He's alive, and I know he's not cut out for a hard life. So, trust me, he's not living in the sewers," Sirius responded, continuing to eat.
"Then trust Hans! You know it's personal for him now too," Emma advised.
"I do trust him! And you're right; I need to be cautious," Sirius acknowledged. "By the way, did Áurea tell you if Hans is coming back for Christmas?"
"No... It's been a month since she received any news," Emma replied.
"He'll show up," Sirius assured.
"Of course, he will... Anyway, I'll go work out in her studio this morning before I join you at the pub... Will you be okay on your own?" Emma asked.
"No worries," Sirius reassured her, just as they heard the apartment door open, and Walter appeared in the kitchen doorway.
"Guten Tag!" he greeted, helping himself to a muffin from the table.
"What did we say about that spare key?" Emma reminded him.
"Only for emergencies," Walter replied, taking a bite of his muffin.
"And..." Emma prompted, raising an eyebrow.
"This is an emergency! We still don't have a Christmas tree, and It's around the corner. I don't think I'll make it to my class this morning. Can you cover for me, please?" Walter requested.
"I was just telling Sirius that I was going to the studio this morning... Get a good tree," Emma agreed.
"Thanks!" Walter exclaimed, giving her a kiss on the head. "Sirius..." he added, nodding in Sirius' direction.
"I like the hair," Sirius complimented, nodding at the blonde hair Walter had let grow over the past few months.
"Thanks!" Walter exclaimed before taking his leave.
"Well, I hope my keikogi is dry... How about you? Your third kyu grading exam is in two weeks, and I won't take it easy on you," Emma stated.
"I don't care about grades or earning a black belt; I simply want to learn to defend myself in case I don't have my wand... But I'll head to practice tonight after work, once Áurea's yoga class is over," Sirius replied.
"Good boy!" Emma praised, ruffling his hair before heading off to the bedroom.
Later in the evening:
Sirius patiently waited for Emma outside as she made sure all the lights were switched off before joining him. With the working day coming to a close, Sirius began to lower the pub's curtains. Emma cast a brief glance at him, retrieving a light blue beanie from her bag and firmly placing it on his head. She then carefully adjusted his scarf, ensuring it was snug around his neck.
"You're going to catch a cold," Emma warned him.
"Thanks," Sirius replied.
"Are you still going to the studio now?" Emma inquired.
"Yeah... It's already half past ten, so I suppose her class must have ended by now," Sirius confirmed.
"Alright! I'll probably be in bed by the time you return. Try not to wake me up," Emma said, giving him a kiss.
"Got it," Sirius acknowledged, slinging his bag over his shoulder before walking away.
He walked for approximately ten minutes in the chilly weather until he reached the front of the studio. A group of women was hastily zipping up their coats as they exited. Sirius paused for a moment, allowing them to pass before entering the studio. Once they were gone and the studio was empty, he closed the door behind him. Áurea greeted him with a smile as he removed his coat and hung it up on the rack.
"Give me five minutes to finish my stretching, and the tatami will be entirely at your disposal," Áurea conveyed.
"Take all the time you need! How has your day been?" Sirius inquired, slipping off his boots.
"Good! Yours?" Áurea asked back, lying on the tatami with her arms alongside her body, before bringing her knees to her forehead and slowly straightening her legs, reaching the toes to the floor over her head.
"Perfect!" Sirius said, looking at her, " If I try to do that, I'm sure I'll break my back", making her chuckle.
"You can start with some beginner poses, and if you're interested, I have a beginner's group," Áurea said, letting out a satisfied sigh.
"A group? I thought you would offer me some private classes!" Sirius said.
"That would be my pleasure...But..." Áurea said before sitting on the tatami, crossing her legs, "I don't think I would behave", wiping the sweat on her forehead with her hand before wincing as she smelt her shirt. "I stink!"
Their gazes locked, and Sirius's eyes traced the path of a solitary droplet of sweat as it cascaded down Áurea's neck, vanishing within the tightness of her cleavage. Áurea, aware of his lingering glance, responded with a knowing smile before Sirius pushed her backward onto the tatami. An exchange of passionate kisses ensued, followed by Áurea shedding her tank top, casually discarding it aside. Sirius's mouth fervently explored the contours of her large breast, before burying his face in her armpit.
"SIRIUS! GROSS!" As Sirius's tongue retraced its path to her bosom, Áurea's voice trembled with desire. A blissful moan escaped her lips as Sirius's mouth enveloped her sensitive nipple.
"I don't care," He replied. Sirius's lips claimed hers in a passionate kiss. He then tenderly loosened Áurea's pants, prompting a nod of approval from her. Without hesitation, Áurea swiftly lowered her pants, revealing her desire. In a bold move, she firmly grasped Sirius's face, drawing him closer to meet her longing gaze.
Áurea undressed Sirius, hastily removing his shirt, and enveloped his chest with her arms, embracing him tightly as their lips met in a fervent, passionate kiss. Sirius trailed his mouth across her skin, leaving a trail of kisses that elicited delightful moans from Áurea's lips. As his skilled tongue began its sensual exploration, she arched her back, succumbing to waves of pleasure. With her hands guiding Sirius's head between her thighs, she held him there, reveling in the exquisite sensations.
As Áurea released her grip on his hair, Sirius crawled himself atop her, and she eagerly welcomed the sensation of his hardened length entering her. A delightful shiver ran through her as her teeth grazed his neck, accompanied by fervent moans escaping her lips. With her powerful legs securely wrapped around his waist, Sirius delved deeper and deeper into her, intensifying the rhythm until Áurea reached the apex of pleasure, her cries echoing with ecstasy. In perfect synchrony, he followed suit, burying his face in the curve of her neck.
Sirius shifted beside her, enveloping Áurea in his embrace. They lay in tranquil silence, their heavy breaths harmonizing as they basked in the aftermath of their intimate connection.
"I fucking needed this", Áurea said after a moment.
"I thought you and Emma met quite often..." Sirius said.
"I mean a cock", Áurea said, standing up and collecting her clothes.
"Oh..." Sirius sighed, adjusting his posture as he settled onto the tatami. "Did he call?"
"No... Nothing," Áurea replied, pulling up her pants before tossing his jeans to him.
"Why don't you stay with us when he's not here?... At least for Christmas," Sirius suggested.
"Sirius, of course, we're spending Christmas together! But thank you for your concern. Emma has also invited me, and I'll tell you the same. I don't feel lonely, and I value having my own space. It's just that I wish he had a different job... Something safe and closer to home," Áurea confided.
"I'm certain it's only a matter of time before he finds one," Sirius assured, slipping on his shirt. "He loves you, and I know he detests being away... He didn't want to leave the last time, but..."
"...It's complicated... Yeah, I'm familiar with that tune. It's getting late, could you please apparate me back home? I'd rather not walk in the cold..." Áurea requested, casting her gaze toward the window.
"As if I would ever allow you to!" Sirius declared, taking hold of her arm firmly.
December 20, 1984:
After Emma's senior class concluded, Sirius lingered a while longer in the studio, honing his skills with Walter's assistance until his training partner grew weary and departed as well. Alone in the studio, Sirius continued his rigorous regimen, transitioning from sets of push-ups to skipping and then unleashing powerful punches upon the heavy bag. As the intensity of his workout reached its peak, he eventually succumbed to exhaustion, collapsing onto the tatami, his breath labored, and body spent.
Feeling a drowsiness wash over him, Sirius closed his eyes, allowing his heartbeat to steady as he sought a moment of respite. However, his tranquility was disrupted by the sound of the door, prompting him to stir. With a hint of annoyance, he called out, "We're closed!" irritated by the intrusion.
"Sorry, but it's freezing outside, and I happen to own this place," a familiar voice chimed in.
Sirius glanced at the source of the voice and broke into a smile as he recognized Hans, casually dropping his bag on the floor before shrugging off his coat.
"Welcome back!" Sirius greeted him, rising from his seat.
"Thank you! Is Áurea around?" Hans inquired, removing his boots before stepping onto the mat.
"No, she left with Emma as soon as the Judo class ended... You've returned just in time to lend a hand with decorating the tree. We kept putting it off..." Sirius informed him.
"Great! So, how's the training going? Have you made any progress?" Hans asked, patting Sirius on the shoulders.
"Yeah, I've been practicing a lot..." Sirius responded before Hans swiftly tackled him, pinning him to the ground and securing his wrists above his head.
"Emma is too gentle with you," Hans remarked, a fierce smile on his face.
"Firstly, I wasn't prepared..." Sirius countered.
"You're never prepared when it happens," Hans retorted.
"...And secondly, I'm exhausted, so you basically tackled a lifeless dummy," Sirius added.
"Yeah, because your enemies won't wait for you to be in your prime condition," Hans commented, leaning in for a deep kiss. "I missed you," Hans confessed, releasing Sirius's wrists and settling down beside him.
"I missed you too... All of us did, especially Áurea," Sirius replied, sliding his hand under Hans's jumper and gently stroking his back.
"I know... I can imagine she must be furious with me. I went silent for an entire month," Hans admitted.
"She is, but she also understands... Where were you this time?" Sirius inquired.
"South Africa... As expected, the East is facing a severe economic crisis. They can barely provide for their people... They are in desperate need of cash," Hans explained.
"What does that have to do with South Africa?" Sirius questioned.
"Eight years ago, due to the apartheid, the UN imposed an embargo on arms sales to South Africa. Consequently, it became nearly impossible for them to acquire weapons for their police and military. The East saw this as an opportunity, and the Stasi initiated a secret operation to sell them the weapons they desired. It was a win-win situation for both parties. The BND sent me there to sabotage the deal," Hans disclosed.
"Did you succeed?" Sirius asked.
To the best of my knowledge, yes... and no lives were lost," Hans confirmed.
"Alright... So, why the somber expression?" Sirius inquired.
Hans sighed, his gaze drifting towards the window where they could witness the snow gently falling, and said, "Sirius, I can't continue doing this job anymore, and I won't burden you with the things I had to do to gain their trust... But how can I carry out all these tasks and return to Áurea as if nothing happened?" Hans pondered.
"Why don't you quit?" Sirius suggested.
"I can't reveal the reasons... But I like to believe that I'm doing all of this to contribute to a better world," Hans said, rising to his feet and extending his hand to help Sirius up. "Let's head home!"
December 24th, 1984:
After their satisfying breakfast, they embarked on a cheerful morning adventure in the square, joining forces with the neighborhood children, many of them being Emma's students, to construct an imposing snowman. As midday approached, they bid their small friends a temporary farewell and reconvened for a well-deserved lunch.
Once their appetites were appeased, an epic snowball showdown unfolded, igniting the thrill of competition between them. Amidst the flurry of icy projectiles, fate dealt a mischievous hand when Sirius pinned Walter to the ground, his body embraced by the snowy blanket. Sirius, overcome with mirth, reveled in his triumphant moment, relentlessly bombarding Walter's face with snowballs. Yet, in an act of sibling heroism, Emma sprang into action, leaping onto Sirius's back, and delivering a timely rescue to her brother. Laughter resonated through the wintry landscape as their playful escapade continued.
Nestled in the cozy embrace of the living room, they whiled away the afternoon beside the crackling fireplace, indulging in steaming cups of hot chocolate. As the room exuded warmth and comfort, their attention turned to Sirius. With awe-filled gazes, they watched his mesmerizing display, captivated by the wonders he conjured before their very eyes.
Following dinner, Sirius relinquished his spot on the couch to Áurea and Emma, allowing them to flank Walter on either side. With curious intent, they began probing him about the enigmatic girl who had made sporadic appearances at the pub exclusively during his shifts in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Sirius sought the company of Hans on the small balcony, who put a joint between Sirius' lips.
"This is some good stuff," Sirius remarked.
"Always when I supply. So, what's up?" Hans inquired.
"I had started to believe I would never celebrate Christmas again, so it couldn't be better," Sirius replied.
"I'm glad I made it too... I really wanted to be here today," Hans expressed.
"Do you have any idea how long you can stay before you have to leave again?" Sirius asked, leaning against the railing.
"You never know for sure. They might call me tomorrow, three months from now, or even a year... But after my last job, I'm betting they'll leave me alone for a good while," Hans explained.
"Good, listen... I think it's time we had a talk," Sirius requested.
"Sirius, dude! It's Christmas Eve..." Hans sighed.
"Yeah, another Christmas where I won't get to see my nephew open his gifts," Sirius lamented. "So, let's talk now... How have things been since you left last time? I haven't heard a single word from Alexa since I left, and..."
"I told you I took care of it!" Hans interrupted.
"How exactly?" Sirius inquired.
Hans took the joint from him and waited a moment before responding, "Well, don't blow a fuse, but it didn't go as well as I had hoped..."
"Alright... Tell me," Sirius urged.
"I didn't meet her, but I had a meeting with Benjamin Acker... He informed me that the German Ministry of Magic had accused her of being your accomplice, but..." Hans began before Sirius interrupted with a shout.
"WHAT?"
"BUT... They found her not guilty... People from your country intervened," Hans continued. "Albus Dumbledore... Apparently, the guy is a big shot. Benjamin said the case didn't go beyond his opening statement. However, she's aware that she got lucky, and her parents want you to stay away from her. Even though she managed to avoid a criminal record, this incident will undoubtedly haunt her for the rest of her life. Her academic future, career plans, everything!"
"I'll fix everything! I'll find a way to make them believe I forced her..." Sirius declared.
"Sirius! You're the reason she got into trouble in the first place. You started all of this! What the hell did you have in mind? Dragging a twelve-year-old kid into your mess! What did you expect would happen?" Hans asked angrily.
"I never wanted any of this!" Sirius replied.
"Well, it still happened!" Hans retorted, pointing towards the living room where Emma and Áurea were seated. "Look at what we have here... One single mistake, and it's all gone! Do you have any idea how difficult it was to keep them away? Thanks to me, they believe you're in Angola, and as far as we know, they've stopped searching for you in Europe. I haven't heard your name mentioned in the past six months, and trust me, I've been listening!"
"So, you're telling me to just let it go? Is that what you're saying? I've been framed; my nephew will grow up thinking I murdered his parents; I've ruined a child's life while the real traitor is living it up... And you expect me to drop it?" Sirius asked, his anger evident.
"Get your damn ears checked! I'm telling you that I'm working on it! We will find a way, I promise it's my top priority, but we need to be cautious and not ruin everything we've built..." Hans said, exasperated, before falling silent as Emma's head appeared on the balcony.
"Are you guys okay?" she asked them, looking at Sirius, who had his fist clenched.
"Yeah, we're fine!" Hans replied, smiling at her.
"Alright... Come inside then; it's time to open the bottle Walter brought with him," Emma said before disappearing back inside.
Hans sighed and turned to Sirius. "Sirius, can you at least set this aside until after the holidays? For the sake of the girls and me?"
"Don't you dare make it seem like I don't care!" Sirius snapped.
"That's not what I meant..." Hans said, rolling his eyes.
"Good, because I do care!" Sirius retorted before heading back into the apartment as Emma called them again.
