Sirius had barely realised he had dozed off in the chair beside Remus's bed, his body sagging with exhaustion from the sleepless night spent keeping vigil over Remus. He hadn't really slept well before either, too anxious and too wired from being in this place. So, it was no surprise that the moment he let his guard down, sleep took him.

What did surprise him, though, was being jolted awake by the unmistakable sound of loud swearing from downstairs, followed by a heavy thud . Sirius blinked, momentarily disoriented, before his mind caught up to the situation.

"Tonks," he muttered under his breath, already guessing what had happened. She had likely tripped on the troll leg umbrella stand again, a notorious hazard in Grimmauld Place, and unfortunately, her clumsiness had set off his mother's portrait, which was now spewing its usual pureblood nonsense at full volume.

The shrill, hateful voice of Walburga Black filled the house, echoing up the staircase. "Filthy blood traitors! Defiling this house of my fathers! You—!"

Sirius sat up abruptly, but not before he noticed Remus stirring beside him, his face creased with confusion as he was jolted from sleep. Almost immediately, Remus was overtaken by a massive coughing fit, one hand reaching for his handkerchief, while the other clutched at his chest as the coughs wracked his body.

Sirius was at his side in an instant, placing a reassuring hand on his arm, his voice calm despite the chaos downstairs. "Shh, shh, it's alright, Moony," he soothed, waiting for the coughing fit to subside. Remus's eyes, bleary and still a little feverish, flicked toward him, silently asking what was going on.

Once Remus was able to catch his breath, Sirius leaned in close, his voice low and steady. "Everything's alright, just go back to sleep. It's only Tonks causing a bit of trouble, but I'll deal with it."

Remus gave him a tired but sceptical look, his brow furrowing as if he wasn't quite convinced. But he was too exhausted to argue, nodding weakly as he sank back into the pillows, still breathing heavily from the coughing.

Sirius gently tucked the blankets up around him, making sure he was comfortable before standing up. "I'll be back soon," he murmured, giving Remus's arm a soft pat before heading for the door.

As soon as he stepped into the hallway, the shrill voice of his mother's portrait became deafening. "Blood traitors and filth in my house! How dare—"

Sirius rolled his eyes, his patience already thin as he stormed down the stairs. Sure enough, Tonks was standing there, looking both sheepish and frustrated, her arms crossed as she glared at the troll leg umbrella stand, which had undoubtedly caused her latest misstep. Her hair was a wild shade of bubblegum pink, clearly reflecting her annoyance.

"Sorry, Sirius," Tonks said, throwing him an apologetic look over the noise. "Stupid stand got me again."

Sirius waved off her apology, already pulling the heavy curtains shut over the portrait, silencing his mother's rant mid-sentence. The sudden quiet was a welcome relief, and Sirius let out a long breath, running a hand through his hair.

"Don't worry about it," he muttered, his voice still laced with fatigue. "That stand's been tripping people for decades. I'm about ready to set it on fire."

Tonks grinned, though she looked concerned as she glanced toward the stairs. "How's Remus?"

Sirius's expression softened, though the worry never left his eyes. "He's managing. Fever's still up, though. I sent for you because we need some Muggle medicine. You know, the stuff that'll actually help without making him worse."

Tonks nodded, her expression immediately serious. "I figured. I stopped by a pharmacy on the way. Got some cold medicine, lozenges, and a few other things that should help."

She held up the bag of supplies, and Sirius's relief was palpable. "You're a lifesaver," he muttered, taking the bag from her.

"How's he really doing?" Tonks asked, her voice softer now.

Sirius sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "He was pretending he's fine, but he's not. Typical Remus, right?" He gave a tired smile, though the concern lingered. "He'll be alright, I think. Got him to admit it at least. Just… needs time. And probably some sleep without my bloody mother yelling from the walls."

Tonks chuckled softly. "Yeah, that'll do wonders." She clapped him on the shoulder, her expression warm. "I'll leave you to it, then. Owl me if you need anything else, alright?"

Sirius nodded, grateful for her help. "Thanks, Tonks."

She gave him a quick wave before heading out, leaving Sirius standing in the hallway with the bag of supplies in hand. With one last glance at the now-silent portrait of his mother, Sirius headed back upstairs to Remus, determined to make sure he rested properly this time.

As he stepped into the room, Remus's tired eyes fluttered open, still fighting sleep. Sirius gave him a small smile, holding up the bag of medicine. "Got you the good stuff, Moony. Let's get you sorted, yeah?"

Remus, still half-propped up on the pillows, gave a weak but amused hum. "I'm surprised Nymphadora hasn't insisted on barging in to check on me herself."

Sirius blinked, caught off guard by the comment. "What do you mean?" He pulled out the bottle of cold medicine, handing it over while raising an eyebrow.

Remus sighed softly, a hint of colour rising in his fever-flushed cheeks that Sirius didn't miss. "She's been… kind of interested in me, I think."

Sirius stared at him for a moment, his mind processing the words before his lips curled into a knowing smirk. Ah, so that's what this is about, he thought. "Interested, huh?" His voice took on a teasing lilt, though there was no malice in it—just curiosity. "Are you telling me our dear Tonks has a crush on you?"

Remus let out a tired laugh, though it was quickly interrupted by a cough, and he reached for the handkerchief again. Once the fit subsided, he glanced over at Sirius, shaking his head slightly. "It's not like that, really. Just… I don't know. She's been around a lot more. Asking questions, sticking close in meetings. I can't tell if she's just being Tonks or if there's something more."

Sirius grinned, sitting down on the edge of the bed, clearly enjoying this development. "Well, she's Tonks, so that already answers half your question. She's definitely not subtle. But… yeah, I'd say you're probably right. Sounds like she's got her eye on you."

Remus let out a long sigh, though there was a faint blush creeping up his cheeks. "I thought so," he muttered, rubbing at his temples. "I just… wasn't sure."

Sirius tilted his head, studying his friend. "And what do you think about it?"

Remus shifted uncomfortably again, clearly unsure how to answer. "I don't know," he admitted. "I mean, she's... she's brilliant, really. But I'm..." His voice trailed off as he gestured vaguely at himself, clearly referring to the situation—the werewolf, the war, his tendency to keep people at arm's length.

Sirius's grin faded, his tone becoming more serious. "You're you, Moony. And if she's interested, she knows exactly who you are. The question is, do you think you deserve it?"

Remus opened his mouth to protest, but Sirius held up a hand. "Because I know you, mate. You're going to come up with a thousand reasons why she shouldn't be interested. Why she'd be better off with someone else. But the thing is, if she wants to be with you, then let her make that choice."

Remus seemed to consider Sirius's words for a long moment, his tired eyes thoughtful. He sighed again, this time more resigned than anything. "I don't know if I'm ready for something like that. Especially now."

Sirius shrugged, though his expression was gentle. "You don't have to be ready now. But maybe it's worth thinking about when you're not half dead with a cold."

Remus let out a quiet laugh, which quickly turned into a cough. Sirius, ever quick on the uptake, handed him the fresh tea from earlier, his smirk returning.

"Here," Sirius said. "Take this, get yourself together, and then we'll sort out the complicated stuff later."

Remus nodded, taking a sip of the tea. "Complicated," he muttered. "That's one word for it."

Sirius leaned back in his chair, watching his friend with a mixture of affection and amusement. "Well, when you've got Nymphadora Tonks interested in you, mate, I'd say 'complicated' is a good start."

Remus just shook his head, a faint but genuine smile tugging at his lips as he settled back into the pillows, too exhausted to dwell on the conversation any longer. The weight of his illness, combined with the fever, had taken its toll, and it was clear that even thinking about Tonks—or anything else—was too much for the moment.

Sirius watched him with a soft, almost fond expression, knowing when to let the teasing drop. He could see how tired Remus was, how much his body was begging for rest, even though the coughing and discomfort weren't making it easy.

"Alright, medicine time," Sirius said, his tone more serious now as he unscrewed the cap on the bottle of cold medicine.

Remus gave a weak groan at the prospect but didn't resist, his eyelids already drooping again. "I feel like a first-year in the hospital wing," he muttered, though there was no real bite in his words. Just exhaustion.

Sirius grinned, holding out the small cup of medicine. "Yeah, well, someone's gotta make sure you take care of yourself. And since Madam Pomfrey isn't here, you're stuck with me."

Remus took the medicine, his face scrunching up slightly at the taste, but he swallowed it down without complaint. "You'd make a terrible nurse," he muttered, his voice hoarse but amused.

Sirius snorted. "Lucky for you, I'm not in it for the career. Now, lie back and get some sleep, Moony. That's an order."

Remus rolled his eyes—though they were already half-closed—as he settled further into the pillows. "Yes, sir," he mumbled, the weight of sleep already pulling him under.

Sirius stayed by the bed for a moment longer, making sure Remus was comfortable before sitting back in his chair, his gaze never leaving his friend. "Sleep well, Remus," he whispered, leaning back but still keeping his watchful vigil.


Sirius woke to the gentle touch of Remus shaking him awake, his eyes fluttering open as he tried to remember where he was. His neck immediately protested, stiff and sore from how it had been awkwardly hanging off the back of the chair.

"You're going to wreck your neck like that," Remus said softly, his voice still a bit raspy but tinged with concern.

Sirius blinked, his mind catching up to the moment. He sat up straighter, wincing as he rolled his shoulders. "Yeah, well, I've slept in worse places," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck as if to ease the stiffness.

Remus, looking a little pale but determined, had already started moving toward the edge of the bed. Sirius watched him closely, his concern rising again as he noticed the unsteady way Remus shifted his legs off the side. "Where are you going?" Sirius asked, his voice still groggy.

"The loo," Remus replied, his tone casual, though there was a hint of strain in his voice as he stood up, gripping the bedpost for balance.

Sirius was on alert immediately. "Oh, okay. You sure you can make it?" His eyes narrowed slightly, ready to spring into action if Remus so much as wobbled.

Remus gave him a tired but slightly amused smile, though the way he leaned into the bedpost told Sirius he wasn't at full strength. "I'm not that far gone," Remus said, trying to sound reassuring. But the way his body swayed just a little said otherwise.

Sirius stood up, hovering just close enough to offer help if needed. "Yeah, well, I'm not convinced. Want a hand?"

Remus sighed softly, a flicker of exasperation passing over his face, but it was more directed at himself than at Sirius. "No, I've got it," he muttered, but he didn't push Sirius away when he took a half-step closer, just in case.

"Alright, but I'll be right here if you decide to keel over." Sirius's voice was teasing, but the underlying worry was evident.

Remus gave him a weak chuckle, shaking his head. "I'll let you know," he muttered before slowly making his way out of the room, his steps careful and deliberate.

Sirius watched him go, still tense, ready to jump in if Remus needed him. It wasn't until Remus disappeared around the corner that Sirius let out a breath, rolling his stiff neck again as he sat back down, the worry still gnawing at him.

Sirius's ears perked up immediately at the sound of loud, forceful sneezes coming from the direction of the bathroom. It wasn't just one or two—Remus rarely let himself sneeze like that in front of anyone else, always stifling them when others were around, keeping his discomfort private.

But now, in the relative privacy of the bathroom, the sneezes echoed through the hallway, sounding rough and almost painful. Sirius's heart twisted with concern. He knew Remus was stubborn, always trying to downplay how ill he felt, but those sneezes told a different story.

Sirius stood up instinctively, already moving toward the bathroom door before he could even think about it. "Moony?" he called softly, knocking lightly on the door. "You alright in there?"

There was a pause before Remus's muffled voice came through, still raspy but trying to sound casual. "Fine. Just—ugh—just a bit sneezy."

Sirius frowned, leaning against the doorframe. "Sounds like more than a bit," he muttered, though he didn't push too hard. He knew Remus hated being fussed over, but that didn't stop the worry from gnawing at him.

"You need anything?" Sirius asked after a moment, his voice softer this time. "I can grab you more handkerchiefs or... something."

Another pause, then the sound of Remus clearing his throat. "I'm fine, Sirius. Really."

Sirius sighed, though he didn't move from his spot by the door. "Just… take your time, yeah? I'm here if you need me."

There was no immediate response, but Sirius stayed close, unwilling to leave until he was sure Remus was alright. He hated the feeling of helplessness that came with seeing his friend sick, but for now, all he could do was wait and be there when Remus needed him.

When Remus finally reemerged from the bathroom, Sirius's heart sank at the sight of him. His usually calm and composed friend looked utterly drained, ashen-faced and shaky, save for the fever flush high in his cheeks. Every step seemed like an effort, and it was clear the trip had taken far more out of him than Sirius had expected.

Sirius was up in an instant, moving toward Remus before he could even reach the bed. "Moony, you alright?" he asked, his voice low but thick with concern. He could see the exhaustion written all over Remus's face—the pale skin, the slight unsteadiness in his movements. His heart twisted at the sight.

Remus just gave him a weak, tired smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm fine," he murmured, but his voice was hoarse, rough with fatigue and congestion. He took a few more steps, but it was clear his energy had been completely sapped. His legs wobbled slightly, and Sirius reached out instinctively, steadying him with a firm hand on his arm.

"Alright, come on," Sirius said gently, guiding Remus back toward the bed. "Let's get you back under the covers. You're done for the day."

Remus didn't argue, allowing Sirius to help him sit on the edge of the bed before he slowly lowered himself back into the pillows. His breathing was shallow, and he looked like the simple act of walking had left him completely worn out.

Sirius hovered for a moment, watching closely as Remus settled in. He wasn't quite sure how much time had passed since Remus had last taken his medicine, but from the way his friend looked now—feverish and completely drained—he figured it was probably time for another dose.

"Hang on," Sirius muttered, grabbing the bottle of cold medicine from the bedside table and checking the time. "I think it's about time for some more of this."

Remus groaned softly, his eyes fluttering closed as he sank deeper into the pillows. "Do I have to?" he mumbled, though it was clear he didn't have the energy to fight.

Sirius gave a soft chuckle, though the worry never left his eyes. "Yes, you do. I didn't haul all this medicine here for nothing."

Remus cracked one eye open, a faint smirk playing at his lips despite how tired he looked. "You're relentless."

"Only when it comes to you," Sirius replied with a wink, pouring the next dose of medicine into the small cap. He handed it to Remus, watching as his friend took it without protest, though his face scrunched up slightly at the taste.

Sirius sat back down beside the bed, his gaze never leaving Remus as he relaxed again, the fever still painting his cheeks. "Just rest now, alright?" Sirius said softly, leaning forward a bit. "I'll be right here if you need anything."

Remus gave a slight nod, his eyes already closing again as he let out a long, tired sigh. "Thanks," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Then, after a moment of hesitation, he added softly, "Stay?"

Sirius blinked in surprise, looking at Remus's hand as he weakly patted the bed beside him. "As Padfoot?" Sirius asked, his voice gentle, though he already knew the answer.

Remus only nodded, his expression half-pleading, too exhausted for words.

Sirius didn't hesitate. Without saying anything, he transformed into Padfoot, his large, black dog form appearing in an instant. He padded softly to the bed, climbing up with care, careful not to jostle Remus too much. Padfoot curled up beside him, pressing his warm, solid body against Remus's side.

Remus exhaled a shaky breath, his hand instinctively finding its way into Padfoot's fur, fingers curling gently into the thick coat. He let out a soft, contented hum, the warmth and comfort of Padfoot's presence easing some of the tension from his feverish body.


Sirius stirred awake, still in his Animagus form as Padfoot, sensing a change in the air. The warmth that had been radiating from Remus all night had shifted. He blinked, lifting his head and immediately noticing that Remus was drenched in sweat, his body limp and the feverish flush from earlier now replaced with a clammy dampness.

For a moment, Sirius's heart skipped, his protective instincts surging, but then he realised what this meant. The fever had broken.

Finally.

Sirius transformed back into his human form, carefully sliding off the bed and crouching beside it, watching Remus's face. The tension that had been etched in his features from the fever and the discomfort seemed to have eased, his breathing a little steadier, though he was clearly exhausted from the whole ordeal.

"Moony?" Sirius whispered, gently brushing the sweat-soaked hair away from Remus's forehead. "You with me?"

Remus stirred weakly, blinking up at him, his eyes half-open but more aware than they had been in hours. His lips curled into a small, tired smile. "Mm... hey," he mumbled, his voice still hoarse, but the feverish rasp was gone.

Sirius grinned, relief flooding through him. "Hey yourself," he said, keeping his tone light. "Looks like your fever finally broke."

Remus blinked, looking down at himself, noticing the sweat-drenched state of his shirt and blankets. "Ugh, I'm a mess," he muttered, though there was no real energy in the complaint. His body felt heavy, drained from the fever breaking, but there was a small sense of relief in his voice as well.

Sirius chuckled, standing up and grabbing a fresh towel from the bedside table. "Yeah, you're a bit of a wreck," he teased lightly, gently wiping the sweat from Remus's brow. "But at least you're a wreck that's not burning up anymore."

Remus sighed, closing his eyes briefly as Sirius wiped him down. "Feels better," he admitted, though the exhaustion was still evident in his voice.

Sirius nodded, grabbing a clean shirt from the drawer nearby. "Let's get you out of these sweaty clothes, yeah? You'll feel better once you're clean and dry."

Remus gave a faint nod, too tired to argue. Sirius helped him sit up just enough to swap out the drenched shirt for a fresh one, taking extra care not to jostle him too much. Once Remus was settled back into the pillows, Sirius tucked the blankets back around him, leaving him more comfortable than before.

"Thanks," Remus murmured, his eyes already closing again as the last remnants of the fever left him feeling drained but no longer miserable.

Sirius sat back down on the edge of the bed, his watchful gaze still fixed on his friend. "Get some rest, Moony," he said softly. "You're through the worst of it."

Remus's lips curved into a small, content smile as he drifted back to sleep, and for the first time in days, Sirius allowed himself to relax, knowing that Remus would be alright.