For Build A House! Challenge on the Ministry of Magic Discord.
When Remus shuffles into the kitchen at Number 12 Grimmauld Place, Sirius is all smiles. Warming his bony hands on a hot cup of tea, he chirpily tells Remus about his night—the best night's sleep he's had since Azkaban, apparently.
"I have a question," Remus interrupts suddenly. "I have something. Something I'd like to give to Harry. I'm just not—I'm not sure."
Sirius cocks his head to the side, curiosity piqued. It's only now that Sirius takes a moment to look at his friend. Remus leans against the doorframe, his shoulders shrinking into his chest.
When Remus doesn't elaborate, Sirius prompts, "You haven't asked the question yet, Moony."
Remus takes a tentative step forward. Then, hands shaking, he takes the leather jacket from his hands and splays it over the kitchen counter. Only then does he lift his gaze from the floor to meet Sirius' eyes.
"That…" Sirius' eyes are wide. "Is that James'?"
Remus nods.
"But how…?"
"He left it at mine once," Remus answers, his tone hesitant. "He and Lily went into hiding before I could return it."
"He left it at yours," Sirius echoes. He leans over the counter, his fingers reaching for the soft leather. As he makes contact, the realisation hits. "Oh. He left it at yours after..."
"It was only once," Remus says quickly, instantly on the defensive. "We were drunk. It was—it was nothing."
It's all so absurd that Sirius can't help but to laugh. Loud, raucous cackles that echo through the house.
"Moony," he manages finally. "You don't have to explain. Not that."
"Don't I?"
"Not to me." Sirius pushes the jacket back towards his friend. "And I don't think you have to mention it to Harry when you give him the jacket. Which he'll love. But you know that."
"And I don't have to explain."
"Remus, he'll be so thrilled, he won't even ask why you have it."
"Right."
"Right," Sirius says. Then, watching as Remus fists tighten around the leather, he asks, "You don't have to give it to him. Not if you don't want to."
"Yes, I do." Then, once more with conviction, "I do. It's time. And it'll mean more to Harry than it does it to me."
Sirius goes back to his coffee, trying to a hide a smile. Although he has no doubt that the jacket will mean a lot to Harry, he also gets the feeling that it means more to Remus than he's willing to let on. A lot more.
