This could be considered filler to show what was happening between Harry's 2nd birthday and Lupin's visit, I didn't really want to express too much in this chapter
(Thanks to CaskettFan5 for pointing out my mistakes in the previous version of this chapter)

Chapter 4: Unexpected Allies

The days following Remus's departure were a mix of routine and preparation. Sirius knew that their peaceful life at the manor would not remain forever like so. The visit from Mundungus Fletcher had been a reminder that the wizarding world was still very much in turmoil. Sirius decided to take a proactive approach, using the time to strengthen their defenses.

One morning, after putting Harry down for his nap, Sirius found himself in the drawing room, poring over old family texts and defensive spells. He was interrupted by a sudden knock at the front door. His heart quickened—unexpected visitors were rarely a good sign.

"Kreacher," he called, and the house-elf appeared with a grudging bow. "See who it is, but be careful."

Kreacher shuffled off, and Sirius listened intently. Moments later, Kreacher returned, looking displeased. "It's a witch, Master Sirius. Says her name is Emmeline Vance."

Sirius's mood lightened instantly. "Emmeline? Let her in, Kreacher."

Moments later, a tall witch with dark hair and a kind, smiling expression entered the room. "Sirius, it's good to see you."

"Emmeline! It's been too long," Sirius said, pulling her into a hug. "What brings you here?"

Emmeline's smile faded slightly. "I've heard some troubling rumors. Thought I'd check in on you and Harry."

Sirius's face grew serious. "What kind of rumors?"

"That you're back at the manor, lying low," Emmeline said, her expression grave. "And that there might be some... unwanted attention from certain elements."

Sirius nodded. "Mundungus was here the other day. I have a feeling he's not the only one who knows about us."

Emmeline's eyes sparkled with determination. "He's trouble. You should be careful, Sirius."

"I know," Sirius said. "But we could use some help. There's only so much I can do alone."

Emmeline's expression softened. "You're not alone, Sirius. The Order is still out there. We can help."

A surge of relief washed over Sirius. The Order of the Phoenix had been his lifeline during the darkest times. "Do you think Dumbledore would be willing to involve the Order again?"

Emmeline nodded confidently. "I'm sure of it. There are still many of us who believe in the cause. And with you and Harry... we'd do anything to help."

"That's brilliant, Emmeline!" Sirius exclaimed. "But how do we contact Dumbledore discreetly? We can't exactly send an owl to Hogwarts."

Emmeline grinned. "Leave that to me. I know a few ways to get messages to the Order that don't involve owls or suspicious postmen."

The rest of the afternoon was spent with Sirius and Emmeline catching up on lost time, sharing stories of their experiences since the fall of Voldemort. Emmeline regaled him with tales of her work with the Ministry and the challenges of maintaining order in a world still recovering from the war. Sirius, in turn, filled her in on the quiet moments of his life with Harry, the joy of watching him grow and learn.

"He's such a bright spark, Sirius," Emmeline said, watching Harry play with a stuffed hippogriff. "Just like James and Lily."

A pang of sadness flickered through Sirius, but it was quickly overshadowed by a protectiveness. "He is, isn't he?" he agreed. "And we'll do everything in our power to keep him safe."

"We will," Emmeline promised solemnly. They lapsed into a comfortable silence for a moment, both lost in their thoughts.

"So," Emmeline said, breaking the silence, "tell me about these defenses you're setting up. Any chance I can help with some of the more… explosive ones?"

A smile tugged at Sirius's lips. "Maybe a little later, Emmeline. Right now, we need to focus on wards and charms to keep unwanted visitors out."

The following days were buzzy in the Black Manor. Emmeline, with her skills as a talented witch and her experience with the Order, proved to be very helpful in setting up defensive spells and enchantments. She effortlessly taught Sirius a variety of new charms, from disillusionment charms to jinxes that would alert them to any magical tampering around the manor.

One evening, as they were practicing a particularly complex shield charm, Sirius turned to Emmeline with a grin. "You know, you're a lot more than just a talented witch, Emmeline. You're a right laugh," Sirius finished, dodging a wayward spark that shot from Emmeline's wand during the charm. Laughter filled the room as Emmeline sputtered and then laughed.

"Alright, alright," she conceded, "Maybe I need a bit more practice with that one."

Harry toddled over, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Emmeline, your wand's funny!"

Emmeline laughed, changing her wand's grip to fit Harry's tiny hand for a moment. "You think so, Harry? What kind of magic do you like best?"

Harry pondered seriously for a moment, then beamed. "Flying! Like a broomstick!"

"Flying it is," Emmeline said, conjuring a small, harmless magical creature that hovered and fluttered around Harry. He clapped his hands in delight, chasing it around the room.

Kingsley Shacklebolt, who had been quietly watching from the doorway, stepped forward with a smile. "You've got quite the talent for entertaining, Emmeline."

She winked. "It's all part of the service."

Kingsley turned to Sirius, his expression growing serious. "We need to talk about the wards. I've got some ideas that could enhance what we've already set up."

Sirius nodded, shifting Harry to his other arm. "Let's hear them."

Kingsley outlined a series of layered protective spells that would make it nearly impossible for anyone to breach the manor's defenses without triggering multiple alarms. As they discussed the details, Harry listened intently, his bright eyes darting between the adults.

"Dada, what's a ward?" he asked, his voice curious.

Sirius smiled down at him. "A ward is a special kind of magic that helps keep us safe, Harry. It makes sure that only people we want can come into the house."

Harry nodded. "I like wards."

The arrival of the Order brought a new sense of purpose to the manor. Sirius and his friends worked tirelessly to fortify their home. They set up wards, charms, and enchantments that would alert them to any potential threats. The manor became a fortress, a safe haven for Harry and everyone within its walls.

One evening, as Sirius sat by the fire, a familiar voice called out from the floo. "Sirius? Are you there?"

He turned to see the face of Minerva McGonagall in the flames. "Minerva! Come through."

In a swirl of green flames, McGonagall stepped into the room, brushing soot from her robes. "Good evening, Sirius."

"Minerva, it's good to see you. What brings you here?"

"I heard about your situation," she said, her eyes softening as they landed on Harry, who was playing nearby. "I wanted to offer my assistance. Albus has authorized me to help in any way I can."

Sirius felt a wave of relief. "Thank you, Minerva. We could use all the help we can get."

As they worked, Harry toddled over, clutching his stuffed hippogriff. He looked up at McGonagall with wide, curious eyes. "Who are you?"

McGonagall smiled kindly. "I'm Professor McGonagall, Harry. A friend of your father's."

Harry's eyes widened. "Are you a witch too? Like Emmeline?"

"Yes, indeed I am," McGonagall replied, her tone gentle. "And I hear you're quite a clever boy. What have you been learning?"

Harry puffed up with pride. "I know lots of words! I can say full sentences. Dada says I'm smart."

McGonagall chuckled. "You certainly are, Harry. Quite advanced for your age."

Sirius beamed with pride. "Yes, he's incredibly smart. He surprises me every day with the things he understands and says. He's definitely got Lily's brains."

McGonagall smiled warmly at Harry, who was playing with his toy. "James and Lily would be so proud."

A mix of sorrow and pride welled up in Sirius. "I hope I'm doing right by him, Minerva. I want him to have the best life possible."

"You are, Sirius. He's surrounded by love and protection. That's the most important thing."

As the weeks turned into months, the manor became a hub of activity. Order members came and went, bringing news and supplies. Harry's second birthday approached, and the excitement in the house was palpable. Sirius wanted to make it a special day, a celebration of the life they were building together.

One evening, as they sat around the kitchen table, planning, Sirius looked around at his friends and family. The road ahead was still uncertain, but with the support of the Order and the love that filled their home, he knew they could face whatever challenges came their way.

Sirius raised his glass in a toast. "To family, friends, and the future. May we continue to find strength in each other."

The clink of glasses and the warmth of their smiles filled the room with a sense of unity and hope.

The days passed quickly, filled with laughter, hard work, and the steady rhythm of a life rebuilt. Sirius watched as Harry grew, surrounded by love and protection. And as the night before Harry's birthday approached, Sirius knew that they had found something precious amidst the chaos—a sense of family and a hope for the future.