Sirius, Remus, and Harry sat together in the sitting room before the fireplace, even though mid-August was far too warm to have a fire. Sirius, of course, would quip to Remus that no number of fires would take the chill from his childhood home. It was far more welcome, having been cleaned thoroughly before Harry's arrival and removed of dark artifacts, but without Harry, it still would have felt dreary.

At least the three years before his arrival gave Sirius plenty of time to vent his rage and get his family house ready for non-dark witches and wizards. No doubt, Voldemort himself would have felt entirely at home here before.

Sirius glanced over at his best friend and godson as they waited for Neville and Augusta Longbottom. They were due to arrive at 11, and it was currently ten of. Harry was playing with one of his new puzzles, and Remus was attempting to read the Daily Prophet. Sirius was trying not to go stir crazy, as he was too anxious to sit still, but between himself and Remus (and Harry helping), the house was more than ready for visitors.

"Settle down, Padfoot," Remus murmured, as Sirius stood up for the third time in as many minutes. "It's only five minutes to."

"Thought I heard a noise," Sirius explained, sure his face was a bit red.

Remus rolled his eyes. "We're hardly living in a tomb."

Sirius snorted. "Not anymore," he agreed.

Grimmauld Place being the most protected place for a child, and Snape's Protection potion, was the only reason Sirius would have entered the house that hadn't been a home to him since before he left for Hogwarts. It was worth it, to be able to take care of his pup and keep him safe.

All the same, memories didn't just disappear.

"Have some tea," Remus suggested, now abandoning the paper to study him. "Or, perhaps, a Calming Draught?"

Sirius snorted again. "I'll be fine, Moony."

As soon as those words were out, a rather short woman, holding a boy, appeared in the flames. She landed with practiced ease outside the fireplace, and with equal ease, Vanished the soot from herself and the boy. Then, she set the child down, took his hand, and turned her attention to Sirius and Remus.

Harry immediately abandoned his puzzle and took Sirius' hand. His guardian gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Good morning, gentlemen," Augusta greeted, smiling genially at the three of them. "Neville and I would like to thank you for inviting us into your home."

Pure blood training in place, Sirius extended his free hand to the matriarch.

"The pleasure is ours, Mrs. Longbottom," he assured her.

"Please call me Augusta," she insisted, smiling as Sirius guided her and Neville to the plush couch.

"Very well. It's lovely to meet you, officially, Augusta," Sirius answered. "This is Remus, my best friend and an uncle to Harry."

Augusta chuckled as she shook Remus' hand. "Ah, Frank told me tales of your escapades at school. You, Remus, were somewhat of a voice of sanity among the group."

"You're too kind, Augusta," Remus answered, with a light laugh. "I fear I encouraged their mischief rather more than I ought to."

"The benefit of having matured, perhaps," she returned. "And now, the purpose behind our visit, I presume. This is my dear grandson, Neville."

"Hello," Neville answered, with a small smile, still clinging to his grandmother's hand.

"Hello," Harry murmured, also holding tightly to his godfather's.

As there was little chance of persuading the two to go off on their own right away, Sirius decided that some light conversation and tea would be best.

A glance at Remus, and then at Augusta, told him they were all thinking along the same lines.

Sirius placed his free arm around Harry's shoulders before removing his hand from the child's. Reassured at the former, Harry curled up a bit closer to Sirius, making no protest at the loss of his hand being held.

Across from them, Augusta Longbottom had done the same.

"This tea looks delicious," Remus offered, holding up the tray. "Sirius has rather outdone himself. May I offer you some?"

Augusta nodded, taking a sandwich and allowing Remus to pour her a cup of tea.

"Your house elf is quite a good cook," she pronounced, upon taking a bite.

Sirius grinned--a real grin. "That would be me."

Augusta held a hand over her mouth. "My apologies! I only assumed..."

"It's all right," Sirius reassured her, quickly. "There was one, but he isn't serving us anymore."

A quick glance at Harry prevented Augusta from asking further questions, and she merely nodded.

"Well, you have my compliments and my respect. I doubt that either my son or my husband would be able to craft something so fine." She took another bite in appreciation.

Sirius thanked her, and they continued to make small talk until he was able to persuade Harry and Neville to go off and play in the adjoining room.

Author's note: I wanted to include Sirius' perspective here, but the next chapter will be filled with Harry and Neville. I realize I probably painted Augusta in a more gentle note than we see her in canon. Keep in mind that Neville is only five at this point, and she still has her husband (I see him as her opposite, and can help her keep her cool, as it were). Also, this is a social/company situation, where she's a guest.

As always, helpful feedback is much appreciated!