Wolfstar: Two Men And a Baby

By Rosie. Geee

This is a prequal to my previous story, Raised by WolfSar: Slytherin Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone Re-Write, where it will show the circumstances as to which Sirius and Remus ended up raising Harry Potter, and the love that forms between them over time. Hope you enjoy and feel free to leave comments at the bottom.

### Chapter 1: The End, and The Beginning

It had been a horrible, horrible day. The death toll had continued to rise and as an auror, Remus Lupin had to witness many massacres and there aftermaths first hand. He also felt ever alone.

Besides his former mentor, now his division superior, Vincent MacBones, Remus had no one at work he would call his friend. His old school friend Jame’s and his wife and child were in hiding so Remus couldn’t even receive owls from them. He still wasn’t talking to his father so that was another connection lost. And finally his closest friend in the world, Sirius Black, the man he had admired since they had been sorted together, had not visited or written him in almost eight months.

It was quarter after midnight and yet Remus had only been home in his snug little apartment for less than an hour. Work had been long and painful and he was expected to be back at it in just under six hours so despite all the death and heart-wrenching things he had seen today he needed to sleep.

He had just heated up some milk to take to bed with him when his fireplace suddenly lit up with emerald flame. He whipped around, with his wand drawn, but there wasn’t a person in the chimney, just a face, and a familiar one at that.

‘Sirius, I, what,’ he stuttered in his confusion, he than composed himself. ‘Sirius now is not a good time.’

But something about Sirius’ face told Remus he would not be sleeping for some time to come.

‘They are dead,’ he finally said. ‘James and Lily are dead, Remus.’

Remus dropped his wand and rushed to the fireplace.

‘What, what happened? Are you alright, is the child ok?’

‘No, nothing is alright, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I need to go, there is something I need to do, but I desperately need a favour from you right now Remus.’

‘Anything.’ And he meant it, despite getting the distinct feeling the last year that Sirius no longer trusted him, this was one of those moments that past drama did not matter, he was ready to do what needed to be done.

‘Go to Godric’s Hollow, near the graveyard you’ll meet up with Hagrid from Hogwarts, I need you to-‘ his voice broke, ‘I need you to pick up Harry, keep him safe. I need you to be there now.’

And with a near manic face Sirius disappeared from the fire light. Remus grabbed his wand and a coat and apparated to the village. It did not take him long to find the graveyard, it was not a big village, and standing outside the gate next to what appeared to be Sirius’ motorcycle was the biggest man Remus knew.

The eleven and a half foot tall man looked very worried and impatient. When he saw Remus he raised his umbrella.

‘Who does there?’

‘Remus Lupin, Sirius just sent for me.’

‘He told me ter wait fer his friend, I’m glad yer here cause I can’t wait no longer.’

Hagrid started walking towards a side street of houses. And with his wand drawn, Remus followed.

‘What happened, how were they killed?’

‘Don’t know the full story meself, Dumbledore jus’ told me that You-Know-Who killed them and that I had ter safely deliver Harry to a location.’

Hearing it from a second person made it all but true, Remus though was still in denial, his friend of over a decade murdered. They came to a small two story cottage, it’s curtains open and door blown off its hinges. The fantasy that James could still be alive were now broken, as lying on his back in a cramped hallway was his old dorm mate, hazel eyes still open.

Remus couldn’t breath, the walls felt like they were getting closer and closer and that his body was trying to crawl out of his skin. The only thing that snapped him out of it was the sound of an infant crying upstairs. Remus forced himself to take deep breaths, and then carefully walked passed James’ body. Somehow Hagrid managed to do the same.

As they climbed the stairs Hagrid spoke.

‘I’m sorry Lupin, I know how much Potter an’ his wife meant to yeh.’

Remus couldn’t answer, Remus couldn’t speak at all, it was as though a spell had removed his voice.

As they reached the nursery doorway Remus could then see her, Lily. She lay too on the floor, but unlike her husband it was almost as though she laid down gently. Her hair was neatly underneath her and her eyes were closed.

Remus couldn’t think about this oddity for long as poor Harry was bawling and screaming in his crib. Remus raced over and scooped up the boy.

‘Harry, shhh, shh, shh. I’m here. No more harm is going to come to you. I’m here.’ The crying didn’t stop but he did calm a bit. Remus got a good look at the room, the doorway and area where Lily and the crib remained was intact, but the ceiling on the other side of the room had caved in, seemingly from a powerful blast. Remus then turned his attention to the fifteen month old in his arms.

Harry’s face was covered in blood, Remus cleaned it up a bit with the fabric of his sleeve and soon realized there was a nasty cut on his forehead.

He pointed his wand at the child’s forehead.

‘Episkey.’

But nothing happened. But Remus knew that spell was finicky on what it could and could not heal, he tried a more powerful spell.

‘Vulnera Sanentur.’ That stopped the bleeding, but the cut itself was still open. If Remus was any other wizard he might try again, but secretly being a werewolf he had experience with magical wounds that can’t be closed with a spell, and knew if he kept trying it could actually hurt Harry. Instead he cast a simple spell that always worked on him

‘Ferula.’

A small bandage covered the cut, it should also help prevent it from getting infected.

Not long later aurors arrived at the scene, including Alastor Moody and Vincent MacBones. There was not much to do but document everything, transport the bodies, and interview Remus and Hagrid for there statements. During this time Remus found some formula in a fridge and gave it to Harry, he wasn’t sure how exactly to hold a baby as they ate but Harry didn’t appear to be choking so for now it was ok.

Remus and Hagrid got a little suspicious however when over an hour later they were still not allowed to leave. Eventually Remus handed Harry off to Hagrid and pulled his former mentor aside.

‘Bones, why are we still here, why is a small army of aurors in this house, why are even you acting skittish?’

MacBones sighed and then pulled Remus close and whispered.

‘Dumbledore has claimed that Voldemort has been defeated, in this very house no less.’

‘What!’

‘Shh boy, only higher up officials are supposed to know.’

‘That can’t be possible, there’s no body, and no one in this house could have killed him.’

‘It’s suspicious, and normally I wouldn’t trust solely the word of Dumbledore, however for the past three hours dozens of wizards and witches who had been under the Imperius curse have returned home, and several of his followers have been captured today and are all saying the same thing, he’s gone.’

Hours continued to pass, no one was allowed to leave until the Minister for Magic, Millicent Bagnold, herself sent the all good sign. In that time Remus gave Harry a bath and changed his clothes. It was just after noon that Remus was informed of Sirius Blacks arrest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sirius’ hands were bound, he was scared, and didn’t understand what had just happened. Peter had cast the Blasting Curse, causing several muggle casualties and yet it was Sirius being arrested.

‘What is going on, it is Peter Pettigrew you want, not me. He cast the curse.’

‘And yet it is you who remains, Black. The surviving muggles are already reporting Pettigrew yelling that you betrayed the Potters before you each cast a spell.’

‘I didn’t betray, he was the Secret-Keeper, we switched in secret, and the spell I cast was the Protego Charm, check my wand.’

‘We got orders to immediately charge you and bring you to Crouch.’

Sirius resisted being led, and instead got down on his knees.

‘Please, I beg you, check my wand. It’s the bare minimum you can do, please.’

The wizard seemingly took pity and did as he asked, after a minute his eyes widened.

‘Sir, he’s telling the truth.’

‘What? But that can’t be, Pettigrew is dead.’

And idea suddenly came into Sirius’ mind. ‘Is there a body?’

‘Excuse me?’

‘How do you know he is dead, did you find his body?’

‘Well, no, but no one has apparated from this area, the sewers are empty, and we found the severed finger of Pettigrew.’

‘He’s in the sewers.’

‘He just told you the sewers are empty.’

‘Of people, but not of rats. Peter Pettigrew was secretly an Animagus.’

‘How do you know this?’ He asked suspiciously.

‘I was his roommate for seven years, I had seen him transform. Check the sewers for a rat missing a finger, it will be him, I swear.’

Sirius didn’t think they would believe him, he thought they would continue dragging him away for sure, but instead they called over two others to guard him and they entered the crater themselves.

Minutes ticked by, Sirius started fearing they wouldn’t be able to find him and he’d be dragged off. But suddenly there was a flash of light, and then the two officers from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement came out dragging an unconscious Peter behind them, blood dripping from his hand.

‘In light of new evidence we are now letting you go, however we need you to remain here until we do a thorough investigation of the area. Also, even after we permit you to leave, until the case is officially closed you are not allowed to leave the country.’

‘Yes Sir, thank you Sir.’

It would be close to ten when they finally allowed him to leave. He wanted to go to a pub and drink until he passed out, however the thought of his godson frightened and all alone got him to temporarily clear his head. He knew where he needed to be.

When they crossed paths, Rubeus Hagrid has mentioned Dumbledore had given him orders to transport Harry to the boy’s aunt Petunia. And despite his protest, Sirius was pretty certain that is where Harry would now be.

He’d never been to Petunia’s house, he knew she didn’t live in the old Even’s house, so Sirius would have to use a trick he learned a few months back. The muggle phone book. He found a telephone booth and started going through the Even’s. It eventually occurred to him that she had gotten married and that he should probably be searching for her husband. James has made fun of Petunia and her family a lot, so he now was going through the Dursley’s.

Ten to eleven, and now with a firm address in mind, he apparated to the closest location he had been to that address, from there he walked. He knew he had reached the right spot when he saw his motorcycle parked on the street in front of 4 Privet Drive. Hagrid, Remus, and Harry must have taken it here. The lights were all on and Sirius could hear many loud voices as he approached. Just as he was walking up the path, the front door opened and Hagrid managed to squeeze out.

‘Ah, Sirius, yer alright, was worried about ya when I heard da news. Ya best get in there, they’re arguing on who gets ter keep the boy.’

Sirius should have thanked Hagrid for the update, but instead he rushed by him into the house. The living room was quite a sight to behold, not because of the furniture, but the people inside. There was Albus Dumbledore himself, with his crescent moon glasses, Vernon Dursley, fat as ever, Remus, exhausted but not letting Harry out of his arms, Petunia, trying to rock her own baby back to sleep as they argued, and to Sirius’s surprise, Minerva McGonagall.

‘QUIET!’ He yelled as he entered. Everyone turned to him in shock, he had even managed to temporarily silence the Dursley baby, but not for long. Sirius then marched over to Remus who gladly handed Harry over. With all of there attention, he now calmly spoke.

‘I don’t know what has been discussed, or if a verdict had been made, but I need this to be clear right here, right now. Harry is my godson and it will be me who raises him.’ Remus nodded as though he had been preaching those exact words while he was gone.

‘Take him,’ said Petunia coldly, although Sirius noted her eyes were blotchy meaning she might have been crying earlier. ‘I do not want another freak living with me, growing up with one was enough.’

Sirius was about to give her some strong words for insulting his best friends wife, but Dumbledore intervened first. ‘Sirius, my dear boy, it is not so simple as to who wants him.’

Sirius was confused, what was the old man talking about?

‘The following information does not leave this room, it shall never be spoken again, not to each other, not to Harry, to no one. When Harry arrived here I examined him, it is my understanding that the reason Voldemort was defeat while Harry still lives is that Lily imbued her love into Harry.’

‘But don’t all mothers do that.’

‘Most mothers love there children, yes Remus, but it is my believe that moments before Voldemort tried to kill Harry, that Lily gave her life specifically to save him. He has been marked by her love, and that mark will keep him safe.’

‘Okay, that’s great, but why does that mean I can’t keep my godson Dumbledore?’

‘Sirius, you’ve been out of school for over two years, call me Albus, and the reason is for the mark to effectively work, it needs to be close to someone who shares her blood, at this point Lily’s only living blood relatives are Petunia here, and her son.’

There was silence for a while, but then McGonagall spoke.

‘How long can the boy be apart from her?’

‘Minerva?’

‘Well, for almost twenty-four hours the boy was kilometres away from his aunt and yet the mark still holds, how long do you think the boy can be apart from her before it endangers the mark?’

Dumbledore approached Harry and gently put a hand on the toddlers head.

‘I think the boy must be in close proximity to her for somewhere around eight to ten weeks a year. Preferably sleeping under the same roof as if he considers her home his home, even the slightest bit, it’ll strengthen the mark.’

‘Well then let the boy live with Mr Black, and then a seventy day period that they decide amongst themselves can be spent here.’

Vernon Dursley now spoke up, ‘I object to this, I do not want these two freaks living in my house for a fifth of the year.’

Dumbledore chuckle, ‘Well, the two other options is Sirius drops off Harry for the seventy days and you take care of him yourself, or he doesn’t get custody at all and you take care of him full time.’

Vernon went purple in the face. ‘Fine, when they are here they can all sleep in the small bedroom, however I wish to be compensated, financially speaking.’

Sirius now spoke up. ‘Are we all in agreement then?’ Everyone either nodded or vocally said yes.

‘Okay then, with all that settled I wish to now take my godson home and figure out what I need to do.’

He had just turned around to go out the door, when a letter floated through the slot and landed in the centre of the living room. The back of it read:

Mr S. O. Black

4 Privet Drive

Little Whinging

Surrey

Sirius tapped the letter with his foot, it sprang to live and went on to deliver its message.

“Dear Mr Black,

In light of your resent involvement in the murder of twelve muggles this morning, you will be trialed to test if you are fit to be the legal guardian of Harry James Potter. Your hearing will take place on November third, at three p.m.

Hoping you are well,

Yours sincerely,

Dolores Umbridge.”

### Chapter 2: The Hearing To Change Fates

Until Sirius was found a fit guardian, Sirius had to hand Harry over to the Dursley’s, which he did not like one bit. And despite Sirius and the Dursley’s already coming to an agreement, they would have to preach there cases all over again.

In the two days leading up to the trial Sirius spent it preparing his case, and preparing his tiny little flat for the arrival of his godson. The later proved difficult as he had been unemployed for quite sometime as he had focused all his efforts to fighting the Dark Lord and his deatheaters. He managed to get a secondhand crib, a small box of diapers, and a single container of formula mix before his money ran out. For the case preparations however he felt more confident, he had Dumbledore and Remus in his corner, as well as the Dursley’s agreement that they simply don’t want Harry.

Sirius was confident up until he stood outside the chaber where the Wizengamot would be soon deciding his fate and the fate of Harry Potter. He now felt overwelmed, the weight of the situation was getting to him. He probably would have started spiraling if Remus hadn’t noticed his distress and put his hands on his shoulders.

'Sirius, Sirius, are you ok?'

'I don't know Remus, what if this doesn't go well, what neither I nor the Dursley's get Harry, then he wouldn't be safe and it would be all my fault, and-'

'Sirius, calm down, its going to be ok. Dumbledore and I have your back. I am not going to let them take Harry, I am here for you Sirius.'

It just occurred to Sirius that he never apologized for breaking contact with Remus, and despite the months of silence here his best friend was, by his side. He was about to say something when the doors opened and a young assistant in all pink stuck out.

'They are ready for you Mr Black.'

It was not a big trial, only three judges. Sirius took his place at the podium while the others were of to the side. The judge in the centre of the three began.

‘Sirius Orion Black, you have been called here today to see if you truly are a fit guardian to raise the fifteen month old Harry James Potter. You will state your case, we will state the opposition, there will be a brief intermission, you will have a chance to make last minute additions, and then we shall come to a verdict. Do you understand?’

‘Yes, I do.’

‘Then you may now proceed.’

‘To start, in James Potter’s will, I am chosen to be Harry’s guardian. This is not including the fact that the secondary guardian candidates, the Dursley’s, have already written in writing that they do not wish to be Harry Potter’s caretakers.

‘For my character, I am a loyal friend, and a man who will fight for what’s right. I fought against You-Know-Who so that we can be free, and now I wish to fight to give Harry as happy and as normal a life as he can. If my word is not strong enough, you have in front of you two long written statements by the auror Remus Lupin, and Professor Albus Dumbledore himself, and they are here in person to clarify anything there written statement doesn’t say.’

‘Thank you Sirius Black. Now, we must state our concerns. Both your brother Regulus Black and your first cousin Bellatrix Lestrange were known deatheaters, the later just being arrested for the crime of using the Cruciatus Curse in two innocent people until insanity-‘

‘She did?!’

Sirius was in shock, he knew through the Order of the Phoenix that Bellatrix had indeed become a deatheater, but even then he never would have assumed she would ever do such a thing. The last light he held for his family dimmed.

‘Indeed, and you were raised under the same roof as these terrorists, we can’t hold you responsible for there actions, but we have to consider you potentially as dangerous. Speaking of which, on the first of November you were involved in an altercation that resulted in the death of twelve muggles as well as injured many more, and although you have been proven innocent of casting the spell itself, if you hadn’t tracked down Pettigrew in broad daylight for a wizards duel, those muggles would almost certainly still be alive today.

‘We will also be considering your history, you were a trouble maker all through your education, constantly in trouble and barely passed all of your classes, and then since school you have constantly been losing jobs, not holding a career for more than five months, how can we be sure you can commit to raising a child, let alone afford to care for it. Your vault in Gringotts is empty, do you plan on getting a job, if so who is looking after the child as you work?’

‘-I-‘

‘Finally, before the intermission, we must question your mental fitness.’

‘My what? Sorry-?’

‘Sirius, you have been fighting a losing battle with the Dark Lord and his forces ever since you graduated, which we thank you for, however that, and combined with the resent murder of your adoptive brother James Potter and his wife Lily Potter, you are almost certainly traumatized. Have you considered that you are mentally unfit at this time to look after another, let along yourself?’

Sirius just stood there, he didn’t know what to respond with, he had just been called out and he did not know what to say to make the situation more to his favour. The judges saw that he was frozen and took charge.

‘We will reconvene for final statements in an hour. You are temporarily dismissed.’

Sirius didn’t remember moving, but he found himself now standing outside the door, Remus right next to him. Remus was talking to him but he didn’t hear anything, he stopped him and asked a question.

‘Did you know about my cousin?’

Remus went red, ‘I found out when I arrived this morning, I didn’t want to alarm you or distract you, it was my mistake, I should have told you.’

‘It’s ok, you meant no harm. It doesn’t matter anyway, they are right, I got no money, I got no room in my tiny flat for a child, how did I ever think I could do this?’

‘Because you have to do this, Harry needs you, if his own flesh and blood doesn’t want him, then you are the only family he has left. Maybe I can help. I don’t make much but I could offer you any extra money that I make, to help you get on your feet.’

Sirius laughed, ‘Thank you Remus, but no. Two rents would be to expensive for you then just paying one.’

It was as though a little light came onto Remus’ face, an awkward smile lit him up.

‘What is it, what did you just think of?’

‘Well, what if I was only paying one rent? Our rent. If we moved in together we could pool our time and resources. I’ll pay for now, and you can look after Harry until you find a job, and once you do then we would have enough to hire a babysitter or a part-time nanny. What do you say?’

Sirius was in disbelief. ‘But Remus, you are a nomadic auror, to do this you would have to take a stationary position. And I have treated you poorly this last year, why would you derail your life for me and a child you technically hadn’t met until the other night?’

There was something in Remus’ sparkly green eyes, he opened his mouth to say something, but then looked as though he reconsidered, and finally spoke.

‘Because Marauders got to stick together, remember? No more debate, I’m doing this, let me get my boss as he’ll both sort out my new position as well as speak for my character.’

And before Sirius could protest, Remus had run off. The minutes ticked by and Sirius soon feared Remus and his boss wouldn’t make it, but one minute before the doors would open once more the two men turned the corner. The nearly seventy year old man was surprisingly in the lead.

‘Ok, we got a plan.’ Remus said out of breath. ‘Dumbledore, will you also speak to my character?’

‘I shall.’

And with that the doors opened, instead of Sirius taking the podium, Remus did, with Sirius, Dumbledore, and MacBones in the stands.

‘This is unorthodox, but state your case.’

‘I am Remus Lupin, and I have come to an agreement with Sirius Black to be co-guardian of Harry Potter with Sirius Black. I graduated in June of 1978, and immediately started the journey of becoming an auror. With the war getting more and more deadly I was allowed to finish my training early and I have been fully employed by the Auror Office for the past year, so I have a stable income. I was also close friends with James Potter, and was a Prefect with Lily Potter for our senior years of Hogwarts. If you let me and Sirius both have custody of Harry than I can financially support us while Sirius looks after Harry and finds a job.’

‘Let us hear from Albus Dumbledore and Vincent MacBones, on your character.’

Remus stepped down and stood next to Sirius, while Dumbledore took his place.

‘I was Remus’ Headmaster for his entire time at Hogwarts. He got in trouble far less then his friend group and had very high grades. As he mentioned, he was chosen to be a Prefect and he upheld his duties as required. In total Remus was hard working, smart, and a caring soul.’

‘Thank you Mr Dumbledore. Now Mr MacBones.’

Dumbledore stepped down, and MacBones took his place.

‘I have known Remus for over three years now. He was amongst the new recruits that I mentored and is now one of the aurors under my division. Even though he has only been on the job for a year, I can safely say he is focused, level headed, and as Dumbledore said very hard working. He is also incredibly loyal. If you allow him to take custody of Harry Potter the only thing I must say is he should switch from his more abroad duties to domestic ones here in England.’

‘Very well, thank you Mr MacBones.’

It was time for a verdict, Sirius was very nervous, if this goes wrong he wasn’t sure what he’d do. Suddenly a hand squeezed his own hand and he looked over to Remus who was giving him an encouraging look. Remus then let go and Sirius one last time took the stands.

‘Sirius Black, it is our decision, that if the following conditions are constantly met, that you and Remus Lupin will be granted joined custody of Harry James Potter.’ Sirius couldn’t believe it, he had done it, his heart was singing, it took all of his strength not to scream for joy.

‘You must actively try and find a job, you must not get charged with anymore crimes no matter the severity, and you must fulfill all the needs of Mr Potter and keep him healthy and Harry. If the previous conditions are not met Harry will be taken from both of your custody and given to the care of the muggle Dursley’s family where you will not be permitted to see him. One final thing, to insure no corruption, you and Remus Lupin will not be permitted to access Potter’s vault, nor will he be allowed to access his own vault until he is eleven years old. These are our conditions, do the two of you agree?’

‘Yes, thank you, thank you all so much.’

‘I also agree.’

‘Then we now pronounce you Sirius Orion Black and Remus Lobo Lupin the legal guardians of Harry James Potter.’

Sirius had done it, but he wouldn’t have succeeded without Remus’ help. Since he hadn’t really seen Remus in a year he wondered if he was ready to move in with him, or better yet if either of them were truly prepared for what parenthood entailed.

### Chapter 3: Finding a New Normal

The week that followed was jam packed. First Sirius and Remus had to sign a bunch of paperwork, and Remus had to confront his previous landlord so that he could move. And then after a couple days of searching, the two men finally found a decent flat with two bedrooms on Charing Cross Road in London. Remus moved all of his stuff in, Sirius brought his few worldly possessions including the stuff he bought for Harry, and finally there little apartment was feeling like a home.

A week after the trial Remus started at his new position within the auror.

‘Sirius, I’m going out now. Be good with Harry, I’ll be back after six, hopefully.’

‘Ok, bye Moony.’

And then it was just Sirius and Harry. He had been taking care of Harry for a week, but he always had Remus to concur any decision he made. Now he had to interpret Harry’s every need on his own.

It was hard, but soon Sirius realized Lily and James had done some of the work for him. Harry knew, amongst a small vocabulary of other simple words, “bottle”, so Sirius at the very least knew when he was hungry. Sirius spent the morning playing with him, and watching Harry explore his new surroundings by crawling all over the place. However before the clock had even struck noon, Harry was showing all the signs of a tired toddler, so when he started crying out of no where Sirius scooped him up and brought him to the small bedroom. He plopped him down in the crib, but Harry started saying something between sobs.

‘Fwedy-fwedy-fwedy’

Sirius wasn’t certain, but he assumed this was a toy Harry had. As part of the investigation into Voldemort’s defeat, Sirius wasn’t allowed to return to the Potter’s house in Godric's Hollow to collect any of Harry’s old stuff. Instead Sirius picked up a child sized soft blanket Remus had bought Harry, and handed it to the small toddler.

‘Sorry Fawny, no Freddy.’

Harry took the blanket, but continued to cry and cry until he put himself to sleep. Sirius sighed and then went to his room.

The apartment only had two bedrooms, so Remus and Sirius had cast a spell to magically split the bigger bedroom into two small ones, each with a single sized bed and there personal possessions. Sirius just sat on his bed, he had originally the intention of doing a task, but the sudden silence got to him.

In the ten days since he found out about James and Lily’s death he had not once had a moment to process that fact. He had constantly been doing jobs that needed to be done to raise Harry, and then pass out from exhaustion, he never once had the time to truly think about the fact that James was gone.

Anger, frustration, and immense sadness flooded him. He thought about his basically adopted brother, how he was never going to fight along side him again, tell jokes together again, go on motorcycle rides, or simply be friends in old age together. The thought also lingered that if he had just checked on that blasted Pettigrew a few hours earlier, he might have been able to warn them and get them out of the house. Why did he trust Peter, why hadn’t he gone earlier, how could he be responsible for such a tragedy.

Sirius felt like screaming, breaking something, crying profoundly, but instead he just kept sitting on that bed, for hours and hours.

Sirius probably would have remained in that state if Harry hadn’t woken up and started crying again. Sirius forced himself to get up, and head to Harry’s room. When Harry saw him, he started crying, ‘Up. Up.’

Sirius scooped him up and held him in his arms. Sirius rocked him, and held him close, but Harry kept crying and calling for his Freddy, but he finally did calm a little and then said something that would break his heart.

‘Mommy...?’ He said it in the saddest voice Sirius had ever heard, and he once again just wanted to break down, but he forced it deep deep down and spoke calmly to Harry.

‘Li-Mommy isn’t here Harry. But I am. And I am going to promise you this now, I am never going to leave you, and I am never going to let anything bad happen to you again.’

An idea popped into his head. He walked to his bedroom and put Harry down on his bed gently. Sirius dug through his nightstand and got out a picture of James and Lily, it was the only one he had of the to of them together. He sat down and put Harry in his lap and showed it to Harry, the picture of his parents waved and smiled at him.

This only had the opposite result however, Harry continued to bawl, and cry, and scream. Sirius just didn’t know what to do. He was lost and for the first time he was truly, one-hundred percent doubting his ability to raise Harry. Not long later, however, the flat’s door opened and a familiar voice called out.

‘I’m home!’

Sirius had never been so relieved to hear a wizards voice.

‘We’re in my room. I can’t get him to stop crying Moony, he wants his comfort toy, and I think he’s finally noticed the absence of his parents.’

‘I think I may be able to help with both, Padfoot.’

Remus walked in, carrying a giant box in his arms. He set it down in front of Harry and Sirius, and when Sirius looked down he was shocked at what he saw.

‘This is all of Fawny’s stuff from Godric’s Hollow, how did you get it, that place is off limits.’

‘I’m an auror, remember, I asked my boss for a favour. He knows just as much as we do that this stuff wouldn’t explain why You-Know-Who is gone, and that they are of greater use here then collecting dust back there.’

Remus reaches in and pulled out specifically all of Harry’s soft toys, and the little boy cried out in joy.

‘Fwedy!’

He was reaching for a white, hand sewn stuffed creature, with two cute blue button eyes. This calmed him right down.

Sirius day up and walked to Harry’s room and put him and his Freddy into the crib where he began to snuggle and babble at the stuffed toy. Remus then entered with the box, and together the two of them filled the room with Harry’s old possessions. The box also contained all photos the house contained of James, Harry, Lily, and any combination of the three. They stuck them in places Harry could see, and when they were finished the room finally felt like a nursery.

They then proceeded to make supper. Simply spaghetti for the two of them, and mashed up vegetables for Harry. As they prepared, Remus spoke.

‘I noticed you called him Fawny, what’s that about?’

‘Oh, it’s something James referred to Harry as in his letters, I think it was a cute way to reference his Animagus form and Lily’s Patronus.’

‘I think it is sweet as well.’

Sirius took a deep breath.

‘Remus, I’m glad you came home when you did. I was so lost today, I did everything I could and yet I still couldn’t keep him happy. I don’t know how I’m going to do this, I am not ready. I-‘

‘Sirius, hey Sirius, listen to me. You are not doing this alone. You here me, I am going to help you as much as I can and together we can do this.’

‘Remus, I am really grateful for your financial support, but I don’t want to ruin your life any more than I already have. You should be spending your evenings enjoying yourself, maybe meeting someone, not changing diapers and watching the kid when I am out.’

‘Padfoot. You are not ruining my life, trust me, I am happy to help in anyway you need. I am legally Harry’s guardian as well, remember. And I intend to be his guardian in more than just title.’

Sirius looked into Remus’s green eyes, and just got lost in the sincerity in them, and the confidence and kindness.

That evening Remus watched Harry as Sirius went out to Diagon Ally to drop off many resumes. He could only hope he would get a response and quick.

The next day Remus had to leave work early as moon rise would be at four-thirty and he didn’t want to not have enough time to set up. Sirius and Remus removed all of the furniture in the living room and set it aside, including magically removing the floor tiles revealing the concrete floor below. Sirius cast a spell to have increabibly strong chains spawn from the floor and attached the cuffs to Remus’ wrists and ankles.

He hated seeming his friend chained like this, but they didn’t have an isolated location for Remus to transform in, so for Harry and other tenets safety this was the best option. The final step was Sirius cast a sound dampening spell so no one outside the living room could hear Remus.

‘You should go, I don’t want you seeing me like that.’

‘But I always stayed before, as my Scottish Deerhound form, it always kept you calm before...’

‘We aren’t kids anymore Sirius, I don’t want you to see me-‘

‘But Remus-‘

However instead of a a verbal response, he got only the sound of rustling chains. Sirius turned to see his dear friend go ridged, nothing he hadn’t seen before. He morphed himself into the Hound. Lupin’s limbs began to shake, then lengthen. Remus made a terrible snarling noice that broke Sirius’ heart every time, so sad, so in pain.

But then it occurred to Sirius, Remus was still growing. At hogwarts he only every free to be about seven feet tall, but he was past that now. Finally, as his head morphed into a muzzle, his shoulders hunched, hands turned to paws and claws, and grey fur grew all over his body, did he stop growing at around 10 feet.

Sirius couldn’t speak as a dog, but if he could he probably would said how much more terrifying Remus had become. He wanted to now follow Remus’ request, but he couldn’t, he knew that a calm werewolf is less likely to hurt itself or try to escape. So despite how scared he was, he stayed with Lupin all night, just like he used to with James and Petter in the Shrieking Shack.

At about seven-thirty the moon finally set and painfully Remus transformed back. He sat there shaking, as always. Sirius undid the chains and knelt next to him. Remus slowly calmed down, there was silence for a bit, but then he spoke.

‘I told you to go.’

‘Remus, just like how you aren’t going to abandon me, I am not going to abandon you. Although a warning about the growth spurt would have been appreciated.’ Sirius said jokingly.

‘Yeah, that happened shortly after hogwarts, I think that’s the last one though, I won’t get any bigger or meaner.’

‘That’s a relief. Hey, do you want anything, I can make breakfast while you recover.’

Sirius got up and was just about to open a cupboard when he heard Remus call out.

‘Sirius-‘

‘Yeah?’

‘Thank you...’

### Chapter 4: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Sirius learned that he was accepted to be a cashier and salesman for 2nd Hand Brooms, so knowing extra income was coming the two of them decided to hire a nanny to watch Harry while they work. They chose Sarah Baker, great-niece of Leaky Cauldron owner Tom Dodderidge and the next day after she arrived Sirius began his job.

They slowly began to settle into a routine. They wake up, if Harry’s awake they dress him and feed him but if not they let him sleep, make there own breakfast, Remus goes to work, Sirius waits for Sarah then goes to work himself, Sirius is home by five and cooks supper and takes care of Harry, Remus is home at six, they eat, they play with and entertain Harry, then go to bed. Rinse and repeat every day, the only variation is when they got to stay the weekend at the Dursley’s, and on those days they are practically locked in the smallest bedroom the entire time with nothing but two single beds and a crib.

They aren’t allowed to just be there either, they got to pay the equivalent of eight galleons each every weekend that they stay. Sirius quickly learned why Lily rarely spoke about her sister’s family, they were truly awful.

Near the beginning of December Sirius had gotten so low that he didn’t even put a fake smile on when he was home anymore, he was having a very hard time finding the joy in life. Remus noticed pretty quickly and thought he was just bored from working all the time, he decided to try and cheer him up.

One day Remus had off he gave Ms Baker a couple extra hours worth of pay and when Sirius got home threw his muggle leather jacket at him.

‘Get changed, I’m taking you out.’

‘What?’

‘You heard me, get some muggle civies on and meet me outside.’

He reluctantly did and allowed Remus to take him to a near by bar. It was nothing special, decent amount of people and popular songs playing like Queen and David Bowie’s new song. They sat down at the table and the waiter came over.

‘Can I get you guys anything to eat or drink?’

Sirius had begun to say “water” when Remus interrupted.

‘We’ll both have whatever the special is and as for drinks, do you got any Bass Red Triangle?’

‘We do-‘

‘Then we’ll take two of those.’

The waiter left and Sirius turned to Remus really confused.

‘What are you doing Moony? I don’t want any of this stuff?’

‘I’m trying to bring some surprise back into our lives, we’ve been stuck in a routine and it’s been getting to you. So I picked a bar we’ve never been to and ordered completely random food so we have no idea how tonight will go.’

‘But what about Harry?’

‘He’s fine, Sarah is watching him. Just relax and have a little fun tonight.’

And soon there drinks were here and Remus took a mouthful of his beer but Sirius didn’t even touch his.

‘I wasn’t fully serious before Padfoot, if you wanted something else you can order a different drink.’

Miserably Sirius mumbled, ‘I don’t really want to drink.’

‘That’s alright I guess, but since when do you not want to drink?’

‘I just don’t, alright. Drop it Remus.’

‘But what happened to the party man, the man who loved going to bars in his leather jacket?’

‘He died.’

‘What do you me he died?’

‘They died! They’re all dead! How can I have fun when every single person I know and loved is dead!’

Everyone in the bar turned to look at them, but no one said anything, Remus stayed silent as well.

‘How can I be happy when they no longer can.’ And with that he got up and ran out.

Remus quickly got up as well, put muggle money down to pay for the drinks and food they would not be drinking and for the seen they had caused, and ran after Sirius.

He got out and couldn’t see him, so he ran down the street calling his name and looking in every alleyway.

‘Sirius! Sirius! SIRIUS!’

Finally he found him, in an alleyway near there flat. He was sitting on a crate and crying heavily and had his arms wrapped around himself. Remus sat next to him and put a hand on his shoulder to show that he was there for him, but let him keep crying.

They stayed like this for several minutes, but very slowly Sirius began to calm. His breath was heavy, but was becoming more steady. Sirius took a deep breath and finally spoke.

‘How can I live my life if James is gone?’

‘You do it one hour at a time, and always aim for the horizon. You got to stop keeping yourself miserable, you got to try and get some joy into your life. If not for yourself or me, try for Harry, he really needs you Sirius. I am here for you by the way, anything you need I will help you. I’m not going anywhere. So what do you need Sirius?’

Sirius, still with tears rolling down his face, pulled Remus into a tight hug. Almost imperceptible Sirius whispered to Remus.

‘Just hold me.’

Red rose to Remus’ cheeks, but he did as he was told, he wrapped his arms tightly around his oldest friend and didn’t let go. They just stayed like that, holding each other in their arms.

Finally Sirius let go and the two young men stood up.

‘There is something I think I need Remus, I need to ask you a favour.’

‘Anything.’

‘I need to clear my head, I think I need to go for a couple days, get out of my routine and this city, break the cycle. Will you look after Harry for a couple days.’

‘Yes, but wait, are you leaving right now?’

‘Yes, this is something I need to do.’

‘Okay then.’

So they headed back up to there flat, dismissed Ms Baker for the night, Sirius packed a small duffle-bag, Remus packed some food and water, and finally Sirius hugged Harry goodbye before leaving and getting on his motorcycle. Remus watched him take off from the window.

He played with Harry, read to him, and put him down to bed when he got tired. Now alone he tried to get some work done, over the last year he had started collecting information on werewolves and other supernatural creatures, and writing it down. It originally was just meant to be notes to help him with work, but it was quickly becoming the beginnings of a novel, potentially a big one.

But after an hour of no progress he had to put the quill down. He could not get what happened out of his head. Not just the melt down, but something else, something that kept replaying over and over again in his mind. The hug, he had hugged Padfoot many times before, but never like that, nor had it ever felt like that. Sirius had hugged him, and made Remus feel like he never wanted Sirius to let go.

Remus eventually decided to go to bed. He got comfortable under the blankets and slowly started drifting to sleep. It was just as he was being to doze off that it occurred to him and he was suddenly wide awake.

‘Oh bullocks, no no no. I can’t, he’s my best friend.’

But there was no denying what he realized he had felt. He had developing feelings for Sirius.

The following 36 hours he tried to distract himself from this fact. He spent the day trying to teach Harry more simple words, including him and Sirius’ names, he also tried an advanced scar healing spell he had leaned that week on Harry’s forehead to no avail, but he eventually couldn’t run from what was on his mind.

He sat down to think. He knew Sirius liked men, he had told the Marauders in there third year, but it had taken Remus many more years to figure out his own sexuality. If he was being honest he still wasn’t fully sure. He knew he liked women, but it was only after he graduated that he realized he might like men to. And he had always felt a special connection with Sirius specifically, but he hadn’t realized until yesterday that connection was romantic.

But what does he do, if it was two months ago he would just tell him and accept a yes or no answer, but things were much more complicated now. Him and Sirius were now legally bound together, so if he told Sirius and he reacted badly then it could destroy there friendship and result in Harry being raised by his aunt.

Before Sirius returned Sunday afternoon, Remus had come to a decision. He would not be acting upon his feelings, he would simply remain friends with Sirius and raise Harry platonically.

‘Sirius, welcome home. How are you.’

‘A bit better I think. I went randomly cycling through the countryside and stayed in this little village I found. The crisp air really was refreshing.’

He didn’t appear to be one-hundred percent better, but his small adventure did seem to do him a lot of good. His eyes no longer seemed empty of joy. He put his bag down next to his rooms door and went to Harry’s room, Remus followed.

‘There’s my godson!’

He picked up Harry, who was playing on the floor with some blocks, and held the sixteen month old in his arms.

‘I missed you a lot my little fawn.’

‘Paddy!’

The room went quiet, this was the first time Harry had said this. Sirius looked at Remus, then back to Harry, and he know had the biggest smile ever on his face.

‘Yes, I am Paddy, I am your Paddy.’

After an hour of excitedly getting Harry to repeat that word as many times as possible, they made supper, and then set Harry down for the night. It was then just the two of them.

‘I had tried to get him to say “Sirius”and “Remus” all weekend, but I think it was to advanced, he must have heard me call you “Padfoot” on many occasions and just-‘

‘-I missed you too, Moony.’

‘Sorry?’

‘When I got back the first thing I did was tell Harry how much I missed him, I missed you as well. While I was gone it also occurred to me that when I was upset I said that everyone I care about is dead, but that isn’t true, I care about you too and it means a lot to me what you did, I’m sorry if I came off as an ass.

Remus laughed a bit. ‘You are an ass, but your an ass I care about. I’m glad you got some things out of your system. We should add in some time for things we enjoy to our routine to help keep us sane, that’s a mistake we can’t repeat.’

‘Yeah, I think you are right.’

‘Welp, I’m off to bed. We both got work tomorrow so don’t stay up to late Padfoot.’

‘Remus-‘

‘Yes Sirius?’

‘About the other night, thank you for being with me.’

‘Always.’

### Chapter 5: Unforgettable Holidays

December twenty-first Sirius was making supper magically which freed up time for him to show Harry flash cards to help with his expanding vocabulary. He had already learned so many more words since Hallowe’en. Over the last month, alongside growing the starts of a beard, Sirius had had many more deeply down moments, but he know talked to Remus when they happened and slowly they are getting fewer and far between. And for the first time in months Sirius felt truly happy.

‘Owl, this is an owl Harry, say owl.’

‘Elo.’

‘No Fawny, owl. Ow-wool, ow-wool.’

‘Ow.’

‘That’s good Harry. Here’s the next one. Harry, say moon.’

But weather Harry said anything Sirius could not tell because the door had opened and slammed shut. Remus came in, face red, and Sirius couldn’t tell if he was angry or deeply worried.

‘Mate, what’s the matter, why are you upset?’

‘We need to talk, something has happened. Dinner won’t catch fire if you take a minute, won’t it?’

‘No, it shouldn’t. One second.’

He picked up the toddler and put him in the makeshift play-pen and then followed Remus into his room. They both sat down on Remus’ bed.

‘There has been a vote today by the International Magical Office of Law, on a proposed werewolf restriction law, it passed.’

‘Oh Remus, I’m so sorry. That is terrible.’

‘Sirius, it is more then terrible, the law allows any employers to fire werewolf employees without cause, and for business to refuse service to werewolves. This could be life ruining.’

‘Hey, Remus, it’s going to be alright, your not a registered werewolf, the ministry can’t effect you.’

‘My god Sirius, you aren’t listening, this law to me is very up-‘

CRASH! In the kitchen there was the sound of a pot hitting the floor, and then the loud cries of a baby.

‘Harry!’

Sirius ran into the kitchen, Remus right behind, and found the pot of boiling soup splattered on the floor, centimetres from where Harry sat. Quickly Sirius scooped up Harry and Remus used magic to clean up.

‘Is he ok?’

Sirius gave Harry a one over and then started comforting him.

‘The little fawn is ok, just really spooked. Guess we’re having tuna sandwiches tonight.’

And so they did, with Harry having a mashed up boiled egg. Remus stayed silent all supper so Sirius took that as a hint to be quite as well. That evening Remus helped Harry practice walking and then eventually put Harry to bed.

Sirius assumed Remus would Then go to bed, but instead he came and sat next to Sirius on the couch they had in the living section.

‘You reacted really fast earlier, parental instincts are really kicking in.’

‘I guess.’

They sat in silence for a bit, finally Sirius talked.

‘I wanted to tell you something, I noticed a lot recently that you tend to refer to only me as Harry’s parent, you’ll say you help look after him but not that you are raising him, why?’

‘Because you’re his kin, not me. I’m really growing to care for the boy, but I’m not his father technically, you are. There is something I need to talk to you about as well, with this new law it could be harmful to you and Harry’s financial situation if I am found out, so once you get a raise or two I am going to get a meeting with the Wizengamots and move out.’

‘What, no, you can’t. What about Harry, you just said you care about him, I don’t think it would be healthy for another parental figure to leave him, and you yourself told me you didn’t think being here was a burden.’

‘I don’t think it’s a burden, it’s been an honour, but I am not his parent, and I think getting attached like I have to our living arrangement is unhealthy, and-‘

Sirius took Remus’ hand. ‘Moony, you are just as much Harry’s father as I am, he needs you. I need-‘

He couldn’t find the words to finish though. They were now looking into each other’s eyes, Remus had gotten lost in his blueish-grey eyes. Remus found himself leaning in when Harry started crying. Sirius stood up.

‘I’ll get him, then I’m going to bed. Good night Remus.’

‘Yes, um, good night.’

A couple days passed, Sirius had Christmas Eve afternoon off, and both Sirius and Remus had Christmas Day off. There wasn’t snow, but the bitter cold covered the outside and windows with beautiful white frost.

Christmas morning both men managed to sleep in for once, Harry was quite until almost nine in the morning. When they did awake to Harry making noice, they both met up in the small hallway.

‘Ready for Harry’s first Christmas?’

‘I hope, let’s do this Remus.’

And with that they walked into Harry’s room and let him out of his crib. They then led the wobbly walking toddler to main area of the apartment where a small evergreen was surrounded by a small pile of presents.

They started helping Harry open his presents, which included some fun toy, new clothes as he was quickly growing out of his own, as well as a foldable play tent to replace the makeshift play-pen. To Remus’ surprise there was a present from his father to Harry which was a blanket that had “To Harry, Love Paw-Paw” written on it. Harry immediately fell in love with the tent and started babbling inside it with some old and new toys. This left Sirius and Remus some time to give each other there gifts.

Remus handed Sirius two big boxes.

‘The first one I got you are you went on your first random motorcycle trip, and the second I have just been picking up here and there.’

Sirius opened the biggest box to find a silver Bell Star motorcycle helmet with a painted hound on both sides of it.

‘I know you already have a helmet, but it just came to mind and now your old one can be a spare.’

‘Thank you Remus, I think this is really touching.’

Sirius opened the second to find a bunch of muggle albums. Including “The Visitors”, “Welcome to Hell”, “Ten Years of Harmony”, “Damaged”, and “For Those About to Rock We Salute You”.

‘They’re all albums that came out within the last month I believe, not sure what you liked to I hope they’re all good.’

‘I am sure they are, can’t wait to listen to the AC/DC one. Now your turn Moony.’

‘Ok, ok.’

Sirius passed him a medium sized box, plus a handful of wrapped gifts that were obviously books. He opened the box first.

‘I practically raided Sugarplums’ shop.’

Inside the box was a dozen of different sweet treats, including Ginger Newt biscuits, shortbread cookies, butterscotch, a Chocolate Cauldron, Treacle and Butterbeer fudge, a couple peppermint toads, and some toffees.

‘This’ll definitely get me through until Easter, thank you Sirius.’

‘You’re welcome, now open the others.’

He did, and as he suspected they were books, however surprisingly they were cooking and baking books.

‘I remember you mentioning once or twice in school mentioning you wanted to learn how to make different foods, and I know you love sweets, so I thought these would be fun when you have down time. I know you are trying to do some research to, but I wasn’t sure what you needed, so there are a couple vouchers for Flourish and Blotts in there too.’

‘This is incredible, thank you so much Sirius, I will put all of these to good use.’

Harry then stuck his head out from his tent and called out, ‘Moony!’ Remus went from having a soft smile, to an ear to ear grin.

‘Sirius, Sirius did you hear that? He called me Moony, he called me Moony.’

‘Yes, we are his Moony and Paddy.’

The rest of the day went very well, they played with Harry, listened to music, and instead of having a feast they had a home cooked macaroni and cheese casserole. By evening Harry was fast asleep from all the excitement of the day. This left Sirius and Remus siting inform of the cracklings fire place with two glasses of spiked eggnog.

‘It might be the aged rum talking, but I can’t get our discussion from the other night out of my head. I don’t want you to go Remus, not just because Harry needs you are that you have helped me through a difficult time, but because I don’t want you to go. I really enjoy you by my side Remus.’

‘I don’t really want to go either, but I’m like a ticking time bomb, sooner or later the Ministry will kick me out, or I’ll transform and Harry’s see, or both, I don’t want to put you two through anymore hardships or trauma.’

‘But I don’t see you as a risk, I see you as someone who cares deeply for those he loves, and fights for what’s right, and is always there for you when needed, and Remus I think I need to tell you something but I don’t want to ruin our-‘

He could not finish however, as Remus had closed the distance between them with a kiss. Sirius was surprised for a second, but then leaned into it and put his hand on Remus’ scared face to caress his cheek.

Eventually they separated, an almost giddy smile on Remus’ face.

‘I was so scared before to tell you that I told myself I would never tell you, but now I am not scared anymore. I really like you Sirius, I don’t want go, not if you will have me here.’

‘I wouldn’t want you anywhere else.’

Christmas of 1981 was one of the happiest they would ever experience, if only they’d known the tragedies that were to come.

### Chapter 6: The Six Weeks of Tragedy

Over the next week there was very little change in Remus and Sirius’ relationship then before Christmas night. They still had the same routine, they worked, they played with Harry and taught him skills, and cooked and ate supper together, the only difference was now they also started doing newly couple things. They talked about how they felt for one another, they started holding hands when next to one another, and now kissed on occasion however it was still new so the more physical stuff was currently at a minimum.

January fourth Remus came home to a distraught and nervous Sirius, who was clearly waiting for him. Remus puts his work briefcase down.

‘What’s wrong, what has happened?’

‘I don’t want you to worry, but I have been fired.’

‘What, what happened. Why would they fire you?’

‘They told me it was due to lack of sales, but I think had to due with my darkened mood for the first couple months I was working. I never said anything impolite or sarcastic, but I hardly ever smiled or looked happy either and I think that made customers uncomfortable.’

‘That’s hardly fair though, you should go and explain to them that you are better now and need to be able to support Harry. I can afford our food and rent, but not the nanny and part of the custody agreement was you having a job.’

‘Remus, I think it’s ok, I told you not to worry because back in November I applied to several stores and I was accepted to a few. I chose to work at the broom shop, but I talked with Flourish and Blotts Bookseller and they said there offer still stands and that after some training I can start in a couple days. See, it’s going to be ok, that and Flourish pays its employees well, in a few years we could afford a house, maybe even a nice vacation every so often.’

‘A vacation does sound nice, ok, then tonight we should celebrate your new job. After supper me, you, and Harry are going out for ice cream.’

Remus kisses Sirius on the cheek, blushing Sirius replied, ‘Can’t wait.’

The night before his new job Sirius had a hard time sleeping so he barely managed to keep his eyes open the whole day, but he was wide awake when he opened there flats door.

‘Bloody Hell! What happened?’

There was stuff thrown everywhere, the smaller furniture was all broken, and he could hear sobbing. He carefully walked to Remus’ room and found the man in emotional agony.

‘What the bloody hell is going on Remus, what have you done to our flat?’

‘He’s dead, she killed him!’

‘What do you mean he’s dead, your father?’

‘No it’s not my father, if you paid attention at all these past few months you’d know we aren’t on speaking terms. No, it’s the man who saved me and my parents life, the man who’s the bloody reason I’m not a registered werewolf, the man who’s made it possible for me to be an auror in the first place. Vincent MacBones has been murdered and it is my fault!’

After learning Remus got Sarah to babysit Harry away from the flat, Sirius have Remus the time to calm down and after a quick mending the two men where sitting at the dinner table. Sirius did not wish to upset his new romantic partner but they had to talk.

‘Do you want to tell me what happened?’

‘Yesterday, while I was locked up here, Vincent went out on a field mission. He hardly does anymore because of how old he is, but I was out so I guess they were down a man. They managed to find the whereabouts of one of You-Know-Who’s deadliest followers, Ronna Trooner. They caught her, but not before Trooner cast the killing curse at Vincent. If I had only been there he might be dead.’

‘But it sounds like if you had you would have taken his place, Remus you are alive because of him.’

‘But he shouldn’t have died, he shouldn’t have even been on the force, he’s only an auror because of me.’

‘What are you talking about, he’s been an auror for decades. You mentioned that he saved your life and is the reason you are employed, what was that about?’

‘That night, when I was four, it was him who came to my family’s rescue and forced Greyback away. He knew I was bitten, but he wrote up the attack as one of a Manticore and that it happened the following night, it might have been because he knew my dad, or because he was an unregistered animagus, but he lied and kept me off the werewolf registry.’

‘What animal was he?’

‘He was an Eurasian eagle-owl, that’s how he got down from his office to your trial so fast, no one really questions the occasional owl flying around. Anyway he retired to a desk job not long after, but went back on active duty when he saw I was accepted for auror training. He was my personal trainer and didn’t report my absences on full moons, he’s the one who suggested taking a nomadic position so it would be harder for them to track my transformations, and he became my reporting officer. If I hadn’t became an auror he’d still be safe at a desk or even fully retired right now, but instead he is dead.’

‘Again, Remus I am so sorry, I had no idea he was such a big part of your life. However his death isn’t your fault, you had no control over becoming a werewolf, and you didn’t ask him to take all those risks. It’s not your fault.’

They sat in silence for a long time, Remus’ head still down. After what seemed like hours but was only a couple minutes, Remus spoke.

‘You may go pick up Harry, but I think I need to be alone right now. I’ll be in my room.’

And indeed he went to his room where he remained.

On January ninth there was a full moon, so they asked Sarah to watch Harry at her place for the day again and Remus did not go to work. He had to chain himself up as Sirius would not be home from work in time and he couldn’t risk being fired again by leaving early. Remus transformed alone, and was in pain without anyone by his side for hours.

Sirius eventually came home with Harry, rushed him to his room and locked him there, and then transformed himself to try and calm his lover, he spent the entire night with him. It was always a risk to have Remus alone as if he got to agitated he could turn the damage he couldn’t cause to others onto himself.

The next morning, despite the pain, and the exhaustion, they both went into work.

Time passed, over the next month Remus continued to mourn and was a bit broken inside, however Sirius didn’t notice as Remus put up a facade of recovering. He didn’t want to upset Harry any further, nor Sirius, however deep down he was really hurting and really wanted Sirius to comfort him.

Because of his closed-offness there relationship remained vague, some affection here, a date there, but never changing. Neither fully noticed however due to there jobs. All the problems of the last six weeks came to a head when Remus was summoned during his shift to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and was not so warmly greeted by Cecil Lee of the Werewolf Capture Unit, Negotium Perficitur of the Werewolf Registry, and Gethsemane Prickle of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.

‘Sit down Mr Lupin.’

His heart was racing out of his chest but he knew if he showed fear then it would be over. Before he could speak, Cecil Lee turned towards his fellow interrogators.

‘I don’t see why I am here, my job deals with known werewolves, currently Remus Lupin here is not documented.’

Ms Prickle answered his question.

‘Your job pertains to determining whether a werewolf in question, in human form, is safe to be in society, or if they are "too far gone". That will most likely be needed for this case.’

‘Why am I here today Ms Prickle.’

‘I think from those that are currently present it is quite obvious the reason you have been summoned. It has come to your new supervisor’s attention that you have missed a day of work this past month. After further investigation we believe you are a werewolf and are here to officially determine that. Now Mr Lupin-‘

Before she could continue, Amelia Bones, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, along with Canem Amans burst into the room.

‘Good day Lee, Ms Prickle, Mr Perficitur. Mr Lupin will not be subjected to any questions without Mr Amans beside him. I will also be standing in this interrogation.’

‘Who even is Mr Amans?’ Ms Prickle asked.

‘He is head of Werewolf Support Services and as a suspected werewolf Mr Lupin is entitled to his council.’

‘Very well, if there will be no further interruptions, Mr Perficitur, you may begin your questioning.’

‘Thank you. Mr Remus John Lupin, born March tenth, 1960, you officially have missed ten days over the last forty-three months however going deep into your records you have actually missed sixty-four days, almost all of those days being on or right next to a full moon. What is your petty excuse for that?’

‘Objection, please refrain from insulting my client.’

‘I still need an answer from his lips.’

‘I am sure you are all aware I am now raising a toddler, do you know how germy they can be, I get sick a lot.’

‘This was happening before you and Mr Black adopted the young Mr Potter.’

‘Yes, before we adopted him we were fighting against the dark lord, so that the blood bath can end, apologies for not coming in when we were preventing murders of innocent people.’

‘Now could you explain the large amount of claw-like scarring covering both your face and body.’

‘On records I was attacked by a wild Manticore as a child. The more recent scarring comes from my dangerous life as an auror.’

‘Funny, that a Manticore would attack you with its claws instead of its tail, like it is so well known to do. Also curious how this alleged attack happened the night after a full moon when the vicious Fenrir Greyback was spotted in that area, and that the now deceased Vincent MacBones was the one to save you who would later be both your mentor and boss. Sounds to me like he repeatedly covered for you.’

‘I have no comment, I was attacked by a Manticore, not a werewolf.’

‘Ms Prickle, he is not being very cooperative, might I suggest the use of Veritaserum or the Where-Wolf charm?’

Remus got mad at this, ‘Using Veritaserum on me is against my rights.’

‘As a werewolf you have very little of those.’

‘You have yet to prove that. Veritaserum is only permitted in criminal interrogations and trials, which this is not as I have committed no crimes.’

Canem Amans then spoke up.

‘And as Mr Lee well knows, the Where-Wolf charm can only be used on suspected werewolves in custody the day before or of a full moon to insure the safety of the other inmates. If you are not going to charge Mr Lupin with a crime, then you can not cast that spell.’

‘They are both correct, you may not use Veritaserum or the Where-Wolf charm on Mr Lupin as of yet,’ Ms Bones concluded.

Ms Prickle spoke up, ‘Then I guess our only option is to ask Mr Scrimgeour to fire you.’

‘Under what pretences? As you have not proven anything today the Werewolf Restriction Law does not apply to me.’

‘That is true, that is why you are being fired for taking fifty-four paid undocumented sick days. We also have enough evidence to place “probable lycanthropy” on your permanent record.’

In shock, Remus turned to Amelia Bones, who nodded sadly.

‘They do have the right to fire you under those pretences. I am sorry. However you could fight these charges or seek an appeal.’

Mr Perficitur smiled a nasty grin, ‘True, sadly the only available hearing day in the coming weeks is the eighth, tomorrow, which as I am sure you are aware is a full moon. Would you like that time slot Mr Lupin?’

Remus hung his head low, ‘No, I am busy that day.’

Ms Prickle then spoke, ‘Then I regret to inform you Mr Lupin, but you are hereby stripped of your title as auror and the privileges the job entails. You may take the day to collect your things but after that you are no longer permitted in the auror offices unless under civilian means. Your final check will be available in a week. Good day.’

Remus was in shock, he wasn’t sure if he could move. He just lost the job he had worked so hard for. Ms Bones lead him out.

‘I am so sorry Mr Lupin, when I heard that you would be interrogated today I tried my very best to turn the tides in your favour, but I couldn’t change the law or there verdict.’

In his immense anger he snapped at the head of Law Enforcement.

‘I’m sorry, but who are you to me, we have never met before so why intervene like that?’

Thankfully Amelia Bones did not take this as an insult.

‘We have more in common than you think Mr Lupin, you fought side by side with my brother Edgar Bones. My sister, Edgar, his wife and children were all murdered by deatheaters and I have been raising my niece Susan for the last six months. I know the hardships of the war and the raising of an orphan just as you do, I didn’t think it fair you be punished for something not in your control, especially when you risked so much every day to keep our world safe.’

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were Edgar’s sister. I do appreciate what you did, but I think I got to go now. There is a lot I have got to do.’

‘Fair enough. If you ever need anything let me now. Good day.’

And with that she was off, and so was Lupin. He went straight home and entered to Ms Baker feeding Harry lunch.

‘Mr Lupin, you are home early again, there hasn’t been another awful murder has there?’

‘No Ms Baker, but I sadly must dismiss you permanently today. We can no longer afford your services. I will pay you today’s full salary. I am so sorry for such short notice.’

She looked a bit emotional but put on a smile.

‘It’s ok Mr Lupin, you and Mr Black have been so kind, I wish you luck.’

‘I wish you luck as well, if you every need a job reference let me know.’

‘Thank you Sir.’

He paid her and she left. After finishing feeding Harry he put him next to his play tent and then got to work. He spent the rest of the afternoon crunching the numbers and calculating how much money him and Sirius had in total. He also was writing down job ideas for him to apply to. By the time Sirius arrived home, Remus had covered there entire dining room table in paper and was physically and emotionally exhausted.

‘Remus, why are you home, why is there paper everywhere?’

‘I was fired today, under suspicion of Lycanthropy, I am trying to figure out how long we can afford rent and food.’

‘Woah, woah, slow down. That’s terrible, and there was no warning?’

‘No, there was plenty of warning. There was the Werewolf Restriction Law passing in December, and Vincent, who was my main cover, dying last month. I told you this was coming and you didn’t believe me.’

Sirius didn’t respond, seemingly not knowing what to say that wouldn’t upset Remus.

‘How long do we have?’

‘Until we can no longer afford rent, three weeks.’

‘But I have job, I already told you how good it pays.’

‘I was paid a little under double your current salary, just enough to pay your combined rent and buy essentially, once we started splitting the rent we both started saving our extra money, but your current payment isn’t enough, and the saving don’t compensate.’

‘Well what do we do? How do we get more money?’

‘I’ve already let Sarah Baker, if I manage to get another job we’ll figure out who watches Harry then, I have started separating my eventual items from ones I can sell, and I have compiled a list of jobs I am able to perform however I fear that I will not be excepted for any of them because of my new status.’

‘Remus, it’s going to be ok, not everyone in the wizarding world cares about whether your a werewolf or not, me James and Dumbledore didn’t, nor did your boss.’

‘But half of the people you mentioned are now dead. Sirius you aren’t taking this seriously. This is really important.’

Remus was now quite red in the face.

‘I know Remus, but please calm down, you don’t need to get upset.’

‘Get upset?! Get upset?! I have been upset for over a month now, Sirius!’

‘Wait, what do you mean?’

‘My entire life has been falling apart and you haven’t noticed at all, I have been drowning, but you have been so wrapped up in your own head to notice!’

This turned very quick into a very long and loud argument that went back and forth for over an hour. Both yelling each other’s fallacies and flaws at each other while proclaiming the other was right. It finally came to a head around eleven at night.

‘You are acting completely bloody insane Remus, for bloody sakes it was just a job.’

‘That job was the reason Harry isn’t living with his horrible aunt and uncle right now, I have been working my butt off while you go on little solo adventures every other weekend. We are supposed to split raising Harry and yet I feel as though I am doing this job more than you are.’

‘Well at least I have an actual job, unlike you now.’

‘That is so immature!’

‘I’m sorry that I don’t have quippy comebacks like you’ve been using all night. I have been dealing with the murder of my best friend slash brother and his wife.’

‘And you think that I haven’t! I have been helping you through your pain and trauma for months now, and I know it doesn’t just go away, but not once every have you asked how I’m doing with it, and after the law was signed you told me that it was fine, and after my mentor was bloody murdered you treated it as a sad thing and not a completely soul wrenching event. That is it, you are out!’

‘Excuse me?!’

‘You heard me perfectly well Sirius Black, get out!’

Sirius looked as he was about to explode, however he just turned on his heel and went to pick up Harry.

‘Oh no, you have absolutely no idea where you are going, I am not risking having Harry on the streets in the middle of the night.’

‘But tomorrow is a-‘

‘A blasted full moon, is aware, I will figure it out, now get lost!’

And so Sirius left and slammed the door behind him. Remus just wanted to keep screaming, but he didn’t have the energy. He deactivated the one way sound proofing he had cast so that Harry could not here them arguing, and found the infant sound asleep in his tiny tent.

‘Come on Harry,’ Remus whispered, ‘Time for bed.’

He scooped up the sleeping tot and tucked him into the crib that was starting to get to small. He then proceeded to pass out on his own bed, not even getting changed or under the covers.

The following day he wrote up resumes, and with Harry in arm, started delivering them to many businesses within Diagon Alley. He also stopped by the The Junk Shop and Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment to sell off some of his unprized possessions.

‘Please Mr Colpitts, I bought this broom for 100 Galleons, I think 80 is fair to ask for it. It’s only a year old.’

‘But brooms go out of date really quickly, and it wasn’t even top of the line when you bought it. 30 is my final offer.’

‘50, please sir.’

‘45, take it or leave it.’

‘Thank you Sir.’

Remus managed to get a hundred and twenty-five Galleon by selling many of his personal effects, but in the long run that was nothing. And even as he was making his way towards the Dursley’s at four in the afternoon he was already receiving rejection owls stating they could not risk a having a werewolf employee.

Very down, he knocked on the Dursley’s front door. After three minutes of waiting Petunia entered the doorway.

‘You aren’t supposed to be here until Friday, why are you here?’

‘I need your family to watch over Harry for the night.’

‘Out of the question, I have plans, I will not accept-‘

‘One, I’ll pay you, and two if you don’t accept there’s the chance I might eat him tonight.’

‘Eat him?’

‘Yes, best not to ask questions. I have thirty muggle pounds on me, will you watch him.’

‘For that low of compensation, I hardly think so.’

‘Fine, here is forty, that’s literally all I have.’

‘Fine then. This is highly regular though, and where is your boyfriend?’

Anger once again rose in Remus.

‘He is not my boyfriend!’

‘My goodness, it was only a joke, obviously you two are not homosexuals.’

‘I don’t know what that term means, however it doesn’t matter, I must go. Good evening Petunia.’

And with that he apparated away.

He chained himself up as best he could, however he knew that without anyone there he would turn all his attention towards himself. It became a long and tortuous night.

At 7:26 AM the sun rose and Remus morphed back to human. In agony he undid the chains and entered the small bathroom to look in the mirror. The chains had prevented his claws from reaching his face, but there were new deep cuts along his back and arms. Wincing, he treated them and applied bandages, but he knew that would only save them from infection and that every single one of them would scar.

After cleaning himself up a bit he apparated to the Dursley’s house where he picked up Harry, Vernon met him at the door.

‘I don’t want anymore of these surprise drop offs, you hear me, we are not your babysitter. Of course what would a couple of pansies know about raising a child. Ha.’

‘Pansies?’

‘I spoke with my wife, she said how defensive you got when she said you were, ug, boyfriends. You and that Black fellow are a couple of homosexuals for sure now that I think about it.’

‘I’m not going to satisfy you with an answer, but with a statement. We in the wizarding world don’t put such stigma on what kind of people we love or the colour of ones skin, we apparently save it all for people who were born or became different not under there control. Now I can’t promise there won’t be anymore surprise drop offs, but I will try to limit them. Good bye Dudley.’

‘I’m Vernon, not Dudley. Bloody hell.’

With that Remus went home with his adopted son in his arms. They spent the day playing, but whenever Harry took a nap Remus would turn his attention to his ever bleakening financial situation. He believed it would be possible to get a job again, the problem was he couldn’t guarantee that it would be within the next few weeks.

Another thing that was worrying him was Sirius. Regret had been washing over Remus for the last few hours now, he was still really mad but now he just wanted him back. He was worried too because Sirius had seemingly left his motorcycle behind.

By that evening Remus was a mess and stayed up most of the night not being able to sleep.

The next day Remus was now very worried, he didn’t know where Sirius was and was fearing the worst.

“What is one of you-know-who’s followers got him? It’s all my fault he’s who knows where and alone. Why did I have to take it all out on him, why can’t he be here now. What am I going to do?” He thought over and over again in a spiral of doubt and stress. He was only brought out of it a little by the one and a half year old wobbly standing next to him.

‘Moony, where’s Paddy?’

‘Oh, don’t worry Fawny dear, Paddy is ok. He will be back soon.’

Harry then did a little dance. ‘Paddy, Paddy, Paddy, I love Paddy.’

‘I know love, I know.’

The day crept by and soon Remus concluded that the three of them weren’t getting out of the situation they were in without outside help, a temporary support for them to fall back on if everything does turn for the worst. He knew right away who he much get in contact with, but he procrastinated making the floo call all evening.

At quarter to nine he had the floo powder in his had and was about to say the name “Lyall Lupin” when the fireplace erupted in emerald flames and Sirius’ face was in the fire.

‘Sirius! Oh thank goodness you are ok! I am so sorry, I didn’t mean almost any of what I said and I-‘

But Sirius cut him off. ‘We can discuss what happened later. But I’ve been doing some thinking and I believe we need a little help. I’ve run into a cousin I didn’t think I’d ever see again. Pack up yours and Harry’s stuff, I’ll come and get mine, and then we are moving in my cousin and her family.’

‘But I thought Narcissa Black was the worst of the worst.’

‘What, no! We’re going to Bedford Bedfordshire, where going to stay with Andromeda Tonks.’

### Chapter 7: The Healing

Remus did what he was told, he packed the rest of his and Harry’s stuff into a couple boxes, then Sirius arrived and did packed up his own stuff.

‘I have changed my mind slightly, you floo to Andromeda’s with Harry and your boxes and I’ll deal with the landlord and take my motorcycle and boxes to the Tonks’.’

Remus nodded. That was the first thing they said to each other, and would be the last for a couple hours. They were still both hurt and didn’t want to deal with there feelings until they had a more secure roof over there heads.

Remus took a handful of floo powder and through it into the fire.

‘2002 Circe Way, Bedford Bedfordshire, England.’

The fire turned emerald green. With Harry in one hand and a couple boxes in the other he walks in. He’ll never quite get used to traveling via floo, but after the twists and turns him and Harry were now standing in the living room of a cozy and inviting house.

‘Welcome. Edward, help him with his stuff.’ This greeting came from a lovely witch with long light brown hair, hazel eyes, and silky black robes. She seemed a few years older, around six to eight, from him and Sirius. Edward was a wizard of around the same age as his wife with dark blonde hair, blue eyes, and a nice mustache.

‘Thank you. And thank you so much for helping us. I promise it won’t be for to long.’

‘You, Harry, and Sirius can stay as long as you need. It’s late though, we can discuss everything in the morning.’

‘Mummy, who are they?’

‘Nymphadora, you should long be in bed asleep.’

‘I heard the chimney go, I thought uncle Sirius was back.’

‘No, Sirius won’t be back for a couple hours. This is Sirius’ friend and Sirius’ son Harry.’

The little girl, who looked about Hogwarts age, had shoulder length brown hair with blue ends, and blue eyes.

‘My name is Remus Lupin. How old are you?’

‘I’m ten, also I prefer just Dora.’

‘Ah, so almost ready for Hogwarts, just Dora?’

‘You’re funny. Mummy, can’t I wait for uncle Sirius.’

‘No, it’s far past time for bed. Wish Remus and Harry goodnight.’

‘Goodnight Remus, goodnight Harry.’

‘Godnit.’

‘Goodnight Dora.’

The little girl walked away. Remus turned to the two adults.

‘I have a crib for Harry, he should really get back to sleep, but after that I’m going to stay up for Sirius. Is that ok with you Sir? Ma’am?’

‘Yes, you can set up the crib tonight in the guest room. Andromeda will get blackest ready for the couch. I’ll show you the way.’

‘Thank you, Edward is it?’

‘Yes, Edward Tonks. I was a Gryffindor seventh year when you were a first year.’

‘Oh yes.’

Edward lead him to the guest room. It wasn’t huge but it was for bigger then the bedroom the Dursley’s stuck Harry and then in. Edward put the two boxes down and Remus used magics to quickly reconstruct the crib and put the blankets and stuffed animals back. Remus gently picked up Harry and put the toddler in the bed.

‘Goodnight Fawny. I love you.’

‘Love you Moony.’

The Tonks’ then went to bed, but Remus sat on the made-up coach for a little under two hours, waiting. Ten after midnight Remus could hear the sound of a motorcycle landing outside. He went to the door and opened it.

‘How did it go with the landlord?’

Sirius took off him helmet, tired Remus couldn’t help but admire how attractive that made him look. He shook it off and levitated the rest of the boxes in the side car into the house.

‘Thanks. No, he didn’t want to end our lease, I managed to get us out of it. I also filed a report stating that this is now our permanent residence so no one thinks we are homeless and takes Harry away.’

‘That’s good thinking.’

‘Yeah, I had a lot of time these past couple days to do that.’

Remus hated how much it kept happening, but they were once again stuck in silence. It hurt almost more than the fight they had, and Remus couldn’t take it anymore. Calmly he put the boxes down.

‘Sirius, first I want to say how grateful I am you found us a solution. Second I want to talk about what happened, I want all cards on the table and figure out where we both now stand, but not tonight. It’s late and if we start now it might end in disaster again, so let’s wait until we are well rested, ok?’

‘Ok.’

‘Did Andromeda show you the guest room?’

‘Yes.’

‘Then I’ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight Sirius.’

‘Goodnight...Remus?’

‘Yes?’

Sirius did not ask a question however, before Remus could react Sirius had pulled him into a tight hug.

‘I really missed you Moony.’

Remus’ eyes got a little misty.

‘I-I missed you too.’

The next morning Andromeda made breakfast for them all, and Remus put his expanding baking talents to use and made blueberry muffins.

‘Thanks for breakfast honey, you to Remus. I’ll be home from the office late. Can we have supper slightly later?’

‘Of course Ted, love. Have a good day.’

He kissed her and then left. Sirius then stood from the table and grabbed an apple and a water bottle.

‘I must go now to. I’ll be back around five. Remus-‘

‘Yes?’

‘Um, I...See you later.’

‘Yes, see you later.’

Sirius left and then it was just the ladies, Harry, and Remus. Remus had moved the crib into Nymphadora’s, who turned out to be a Metamorphmagus as he hair and eyes were completely different colours, room so she was talking about it.

‘Does this make him my brother?’

‘Well he is technically your adopted second cousin, but I think just cousin would work.’

‘Will he cry all night?’

‘Me and Sirius have trained him pretty well. He should only cry at night if something wakes him up.’

‘Can I play with him?’

‘I don’t see why not, just be careful with him, he isn’t even two yet.’

‘Come on Harry, we’re going to play dolls.’

The two adults cleaned up and then moved to the living room.

‘So, how did you and Sirius get in contact? He had said that once you were disowned he lost contact with you.’

‘Yesterday evening I had been shopping in London and had come across him leaving the book shop. We got to chatting and I invited him to supper, after which he explained his situation and we came to an agreement.’

‘That is something I meant to ask, what are the conditions of our stay.’

‘You, Sirius, and the boy who lived can stay here as long as you need to get back on your feet. You don’t need to pay rent but we would like a small payment each week to over food. And you will help with household chores. That’s really it.’

Remus couldn’t believe his ears.

‘You, you’ll let us stay for free, why?’

‘Sirius is family, the only family who cared about me growing up. I missed him dearly when I was kicked out, I wanted to find him after he graduated but he moved so much I couldn’t. So now he is back and I don’t want him to go through more hardship if he doesn’t have to. So of course I’ll help him, his child, and his boyfriend.’

‘Oh, um, I’m not entirely sure we are together anymore. What did he say?’

‘He didn’t really, he just talked really fondly of you, but also sounded heart broken. You also wanted to stay up late just to see him when you could have waited until morning.’

‘I guess it was obvious then. Yes we were starting a romance, but tragedy kept happening and it all just kept rising until the other day when we blew up at each other. I doubt he still cares for me.’

‘He could have petitioned to have your position be replaced by my husband, but he never even mentioned it, in fact the first thing he asked when we offered our home to him and Harry was if you could stay too. Trust me, he can hold a grudge, but he really cares about you still.’

This had been news to Remus. But it could be true, Sirius had pulled him into that hug. Remus thought about this for the rest of the day. Nymphadora gifted Harry a lot of her old books and was reading them to him so this left Remus pretty free to think about what he wanted and how Sirius fit into it all.

At four-thirty Andromeda took Nymphadora to the park for an hour and offered to take Harry, which Remus accepted. Leaving Remus and Sirius alone when he got home. Remus got to work and brewed a pot of tea and set it on the tea table.

Sirius got home five to five.

‘Padfoot.’

‘Oh, hey Moony, I didn’t see you there.’

‘Could you come sit with me Sirius. No one is home and I thought we could talk.’

His face turned very serious and he took off his uniform jacket.’

‘Yes, I suppose we do.’

Sirius sat next to Remus. Remus lifted an empty cup. ‘Tea? Far warning, it has a splash of whiskey in it.’

‘Yeah poor me some.’

They both sip from there cup and then Remus starts the conversation.

‘I need to apologize Sirius. I am very sorry, I was hurting and I took it out on you, which I really never should have done. I should have talked it out with you when it first started getting bad instead of letting it boil inside me. I also shouldn’t have kicked you out. I think I just couldn’t be around you at that minute, but kicking you out wasn’t the answer.’

‘It’s my fault as well though. Even if you should have told me, I couldn’t tell how bad you were suffering, or how stressed you were. You had been helping me through my trauma but when it came my turn to take care of you I acted like it wasn’t a big deal. But it was a big deal, wasn’t it?’

‘Yes.’

‘I’m also sorry because I think I was halting the relationship we had formed, I was so focused on myself I wasn’t putting any effort into us. That is something I want to make up to you, if you still will have me. I need to confess something to you Remus.’

‘What is it.’

‘I don’t want to freak you out, and maybe you don’t feel the same, but I think I really love you Remus Lupin, and I-‘

‘I love you too.’

‘You do?’

‘Yes, oh yes. By the next day I was really worried about you and was regretting what I had done. Sirius Black, I love you too.’

Remus had taken Sirius’ hand, and after a second of hesitation the two leaned in for a kiss. The kiss was passionate, happy, and oh so sweet.

After about a minute they pulled away, but kept holding hands. Remus took a sip of his tea. Sirius then spoke up.

‘I know it’s to late, but I want to listen now. I want you to tell me all that is bothering you so that I can listen, and I won’t interrupt or give advice unless you ask about it.’

‘Ok then.’

And so for next twenty minutes Remus started explaining all that had been going on. How he felt betrayed by his father for still being apart of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and that despite saying how supportive he is of his condition, had voted for the previous anti-werewolf bill. He told him about how much the current werewolf bill passing effected him and made him feel worthless and wrong. He told him about the pain he felt by Vincent’s death as he was like a father figure and the second closest person in his life other than Sirius. The greatest pain though was from the betrayal he felt for being fired just for being a werewolf, he had loved that job, he felt like was making a difference and learning so much and he worked so hard for them, so to be fired for something he had no control over felt the absolute worst. And now he couldn’t get a job because of the “probable werewolf” on his permanent record.’

‘Wait, so you need help getting a job?’

‘Yes, all my applications have either been declined or ignored.’

‘I got an idea, what time does Gringotts close, being a guard is one of your backups right?’

‘Um, seven I think.’

‘Cool, get chanced into something presentable. I’ll explain what you need to do.’

And so Remus arrived at the famous wizarding bank and asked to speak to Blorak who was know for being a bit gentler on humans.

‘I would like to be a Gringotts Guard Mr Blordak.’

‘Mr Lupin, I deal with wizards wishing to open accounts, if you want to be a guard you should speak with Marius.’

‘I did apply to Marius, however I can only assume my application is still being looked over as days later I haven’t heard a thing, perhaps you could just look at my application.’

‘Very well.’

He took the paper, he nodded a couple times approvingly but then squealed as he reached the werewolf part.

‘I am sorry Mr Lupin, but Gringotts can not risk hiring a potentially dangerous employee.’

‘That is why I came to you. I will not confirm nor deny my lycanthropy, however even unproven I am classified as less than humanoid, something Goblins outside of Gringotts know quite a lot about.’

‘How dare you presume we are equally discriminated, you can walk into a store without being judged, you can walk around the muggle world freely, you can own a wand. How dare you.’

‘I am not claiming we are equal in any means, just stating we have something in common. And if I were, say, a werewolf, then our forefathers have also fought side by side in the 1752 Goblin rebellion. Together our species caused the resignation of two Minister of Magic over just two months. What I am trying to get at is the humans will look at my application and just see non-human and pass it, but a Goblin knows there is far more to a sentient being then there blood or looks. Please sir, give me a chance.’

The Goblin looked at the application, look at Remus, than back at the application.

Sirius was waiting just outside the banks doors.

‘How did it go?’

‘I start training tomorrow and start officially on Monday. You are a genius Sirius.’

‘I had a lot of practice at being cunning at hogwarts.’

‘Yes you did.’ Remus kissed Sirius on the cheek. ‘Come on Sirius, I believe there is a lovely supper waiting for us.’

‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world.’

### Chapter 8: Ups and Downs of Life

Over the next couple of weeks everything was going smoothly. Remus had started his job at Gringotts, it wasn’t challenging but it was bringing in income. Sirius was making up for lost time and really bonded with his family. Remus and Sirius had rekindled there spark and were going strong. Sirius, Remus, Andromeda, and Nymphadora were reading Harry lots of books and he got a kick out of them. Finally Nymphadora was really bonding to Harry despite the age gap and would play with him any chance she got.

One evening the Tonks’ were out to see a play featuring Penelope Zabini, and after a day of playing Harry was fast asleep, leaving it just Remus and Sirius. After making out for a bit, Remus eventually pulled away.

‘It’s getting late. I should probably get the blankets onto the couch and settle in for the night soon. Will you help?’

Sirius took Remus’ hand and smiled cheekily.

‘It’s a shame really, that you have to sleep out here, and now that Harry’s crib is in Nymphadora’s room I am so lonely at night.’

Remus kissed Sirius. ‘Well maybe I could join you then?’

‘It would be my absolute best pleasure.’

A night of pleasure it was. Awkward at first, but oh so passionate by the end. This left them both in good moods in the morning as well as when they went to work. So when a man in fancy robes and long silvery-blonde hair entered Flourish and Blotts Sirius greeted him with a smile.

‘Good day Sir, how may I help you?’

‘Yes, I am looking for “Abracadabra: An A-Z of Spooky Spells” to read to my son.’

Sirius pointed directly to the left of the entrance.

‘Right over here.’

He took him to where the book should be, but there was an empty spot.

‘We seem to be out here, I’ll ask the manager if there is any out back.’

He took a couple steps away and called out.

‘Villanelle, are there any copies of “Abracadabra: An A-Z of Spooky Spells” with you?’

‘No Mr Black, a shipment arrives on Monday.’

‘Sorry Sir, unless there is another book, I would suggest Obscurus Books or the Second-Hand Bookshop, but it’s a pretty new book so-‘

‘I’m sorry, but did she call you Mr Black?’

Confused Sirius put out his hand. ‘Sirius Black, at your service, and you are?’ But he did not take his hand.

‘To think, a member of the noble house of black reduced to selling books to get by.’

‘Pardon?’ He was taken aback.

‘You heard me, how you and that blood traitor cousin of yours have ruined your families good name.’

Anger was rising to dangerous levels in Sirius, his heart was pumping fast.

‘How dare you insult my family li-‘

‘It is the other way around, you are the insult to the noble house of Black’s name. Rumour even has it you are staying with a filthy werewolf just to make ends me-‘

The man did not get to finish his sentence, as Sirius had punched him in the face, knocking him off balance. The man took a swing but Sirius easily dodged and managed to land another punch to his gut, knocking him to the ground. Villanelle had ran in and was now standing between them.

‘Gentlemen, gentlemen, that is enough!’

That evening Remus came home to Sirius sitting anxiously on the couch.

‘What was happened?’

‘I was fired.’

‘This is unexpected, I thought you were doing well?’

‘I was, however I got into a fight with a man named Lucius Malfoy who insulted Andromeda, you, and myself. My boss wasn’t even going to fire me but just give a warning, but right before closing he came back with a couple high ranking Ministery workers saying they’d press charges against Flourish and Blotts unless I was fired. Not knowing if pressing charges against my work because of me would count as me getting in trouble with the law and having Harry taken away I chose there alternative.’

‘Ok, it’s going to be ok, but this truly throws a fork in the plan.’

‘What plan? We are still secure, you have a job, we have my savings, and a roof over our heads.’

‘But we can’t stay here much longer. The full moon is in less than two weeks. How am I supposed to go through that with the Tonks’ around?’

‘Remus, I am so sorry, in all that has happened I forgot to tell you. When they first offered for me, you, and Harry to live here I told them there was something about you they needed to know but had to promise they wouldn’t tell anyone. When they both promised I told them you are a werewolf and after a bit of a discussion they agree to let you stay and to allow you to transform in the basement. I’m sorry if this breaks your trust but I was a little desperate at the time.’

‘I don’t like that you told my secret, but they have treated me as an equal while I am here, and haven’t mentioned it once, so I guess I trust them.’

‘So then, what do we need to get back on track for your plan?’

‘We need both of us to have a job for about a month to save up enough of a safety net to securely move back into an apartment. Since we’re now together we don’t need to look for a flat with a small and large bedroom, we can make due with two small, so that should save us some rent. Where do you plan on applying?’

‘I got a few places in mind. Places that gave me acceptance when I first went job hunting. We’ll be ok.’

But the next day Sirius came home from job hunting extra furious.

‘That slimy snake.’

Andromeda can to the entrance from the sound of Sirius’ rage.

‘Sirius, what in heavens name is wrong?’

‘That snivelling jerk Lucius Malfoy went to every single business in Diagon Alley and told them if they hire me they’ll lose him and his family as customers. I got rejection after rejection.’

‘He was a little brat a couple years bellow me, if I could have gotten away with it I would have slipped him some jinxed chocolates. What do you plan on doing?’

‘Well I don’t qualify for most ministry positions, and those I do are to low of pay. Despite being a wizard, Ted works in a muggle profession?’

‘Yes, he is an architect, they design buildings.’

‘Do you think it possible he could find me a muggle job?’

‘Perhaps, he’ll be home in an hour or so. Speaking of which can you help me in the kitchen prepare supper?’

‘Of course.’

So temporarily there conversation on employment stopped and instead focused on cooking. Eventually however Andromeda started up a new topic to discuss.

‘So, have you ever considered having Harry go on playdates?’

‘Playdates?’

‘Well now that the war is over it is far safer to visit others, and I think it’s a shame most magical children grow up not knowing anyone outside there household until hogwarts. Are you close with any families with kids?’

‘Most of the people I was close to are either dead or insane right now.’

‘So you know no kids Harry’s age?’

‘Well there is the Longbottom’s kid, I heard that he survived the attack, he’s probably with relatives.’

‘See, there’s someone. Anyone else?’

‘Remus told me my old friend Edgar had a niece around Harry’s age, and her aunt seemed rather friendly. Perhaps we could get in touch with her.’

‘Oh, and what about our second cousin, Arthur. I remember him from hogwarts, real nice man, I believe he has many kids, a couple must be about Harry’s age.’

‘Oh yes, didn’t he marry Molly Prewett? Her brothers were close friends of mine.’

‘Then it’s settled, you will get in contact with these people and ask if there children would like a playmate.’

They continued talking and cooking, soon both Edward and Remus were home and the the Black cousins served the meal.

‘This is delicious dear.’

‘Thank you love, Sirius helped as well. Speaking of Sirius he has a question for you.’

‘Oh?’

‘Yes. My search for a job in the wizarding world has hit a snag. I was wondering if there were any opens at your office I could apply for?’

‘There are a couple, but unfortunately you can’t have them?’

‘Why not.’

‘In the wizarding world hogwarts is our main education, any extra training you get it in your job, but most muggle jobs aren’t like that. You need references, GPA’s, a past they can find, and most importantly a muggle degree. I’m muggle born so I have many muggle connections, the Ministry got me a social Insurance number and helped me convert my hogwarts marks to a muggle GPA, and I attended university for an architectural degree after graduation. When I applied for my job I was able to show them all this, but all you have is British citizenship.’

‘So what do you suggest I do? Try other wizarding areas?’

‘You could, but you could also just try and find low paying muggle jobs that don’t care about what I said. You just need enough to pay for a small apartment right?’

‘That is true. Ok, tomorrow I’ll go muggle job hunting.’

And so Sirius went up and down Charing Cross Road and surrounding streets asking for a job. Many of the people seemed eager but once he said he didn’t have a social security number they all turned him away. He was running out of hope when we came across a small convenience store. He entered it down hearted with little expectation.

‘Welcome Sir to Laghari’s Convenience, if you want it we got it.’

The young man, no older than twenty, was of Indian decent. He had a kind smile and an energetic personality.

‘Hi. Does your store have a job opening by any chance?’

‘We do, you’ll have to speak to my Pita. He is in the back through that door.’

‘Thank you.’

Sirius went to the door the young man was pointing to and knocked.

‘Come in.’

Sirius opened the door and entered. It was a very small room that doubled as an office and break room. And older man, also of Indian decent, around fifty, sat at the desk.

‘How may I help you?’

‘I heard you were looking for an extra employee? I am in need of a job.’

‘A young man such as yourself, wouldn’t you want a more fulfilling career?’

‘My partner makes a living wage for one, but it doesn’t quite cover two, I just need enough so that we can live here in the city.’

‘A noble sacrifice. Tell me about yourself then.’

‘My name is Sirius Black. I am twenty-one. Last October I survived a tragedy that nearly ruined my life but I have been working very hard to overcome it. I am a hard and loyal worker and I just need a job right now to help get me by.’

‘Ok Mr Black, that sounds really promising.’

‘Thank you Sir, but I must confess something. I only have a birth certificate. If you give me sometime I can I get my GPA and social insurance number, but I don’t know how long that will take.’

The bosses face went darker.

‘I’m sorry, there is no way I can hire you.’

‘Please sir, I have a son, he’s only nineteen months and if I don’t find a job soon he will be taken away.’

The darkness in his expression softened.

‘What is his name?’

‘Harry, and I love him with all my heart.’

The man did not speak for over a minute, clearly contemplating what he should do. Finally he spoke.

‘I can’t pay you minimum wage or else the government will wonder why an employee’s salary worth of money disappears each week. I’m offering you an after hours janitorial and retail position of four pounds an hour, twenty-four hours a week. Do you accept?’

‘Yes, oh yes. Thank you sir.’

‘Once you bring me a SIN card I’ll increase your pay to 6.25 an hour and move your sifts to better hours. Now come back in four hours and Advik will show you what you must do.’

‘You have no idea how greatful I am, thank you again Sir.’

Before apparating home, Sirius stopped by the Ministry and applied to receive a social insurance number. He knew what he would make wouldn’t be much, but it would be enough.

He returned home proud, and that evening after Advik trained him, he went and gave Remus a big kiss when he saw him.

‘I did it, I got a job, and there is no wizarding ties so Lucius Mcdirtface can’t get me fired.’

‘That’s great padfoot, hopefully it’ll be the edge that we need. If all goes well, in one month we’ll be independent once more.’

The next little while went relatively smoothly, Remus got in touch with Amelia Bones and introduced Harry to Susan. Sirius did the same with Augusta Longbottom and the Weasley’s who had a two year old, and two three year olds. They also had a seventh month old but she was to young to be playing. They were all very little so they mostly just played with toys near one another, but they seemed to get along.

Soon however Sirius and Remus’ plans for moving out would hit a slight road block however on the tenth of March. The night prior had been a full moon, and so as always Remus took that afternoon off. He played it off as a birthday celebration, and although Blordak did not mind and granted his request, when Remus went to work the morning of the tenth he was greeted by an angry Marius.

‘Happy Birthday, you’re fired.’

‘I’m sorry, on what grounds. And seriously sir it’s my birthday.’

‘Because of your obvious Lycanthropy. I never wanted to hire you, and now that you have missed work on a full moon I am legally justified in letting you go. Drop off your uniform and get out.’

This angered Remus, but not nearly to the extent losing his first job had. This was more frustrating and annoying as he had worked hard to get a new job and now he’d have to do it all over again, and although he very much enjoyed being with the Tonks he couldn’t help feeling like a burden.

He did not wish to upset Sirius however, as he knew his partner had but a lot of energy into a party at the Leaky Cauldron and he didn’t want to ruin it. He hung around there old the outside of there old apartment for the hours he would have been on shift and then went home at five.

‘Hi honey, Dedalus Diggle and Elphias Doge owled saying they can not attend, but wish you a happy birthday. Everyone else is attending.’

‘That’s good to know.’

‘Yes, so go get ready, we leave when Ted gets home.’

It occurred to Remus that the two of them were probably going to spend a lot tonight, they had a fairly good savings going however if that were gone there was no way Sirius’s measly 19 galleons and 8 sickles a week would keep them afloat. He did what he was told however and got into his nice robes and did his hair.

It was just an adults party so Edward’s parents were asked to babysit Nymphadora and Harry while everyone was out. They wished Remus a happy birthday on him and everyone’s way out the door.

When they arrived Remus was pleasantly surprised, the usually somber pub was full of music. The guests in attendance besides Sirius, Andromeda, and Edward were two of Remus’s old auror coworkers Gawain Robards and Kingsley Shacklebolt, and two Order members Sturgis Podmore and Emmeline Vance. Amelia Bones was also in attendance as Remus invited her. The bar was obviously maned by Tom Dodderidge.

‘Wow Sirius, this is amazing. Thank you.’

‘You’re welcome, now go have fun.’

And he did, for a few hours he just drank, ate food, talked with the only friends he had, danced, played some drinking games, and simply partied with his unemployment in the very back of his mind. However there was a brief quiet moment where no one was directly interacting with him that he went to the bar.

‘Tom, what’s your strongest drink?’

‘Well there’s Dragon Scale, Blishen's Fire Cinnamon Whisky, and our house made Swott Malt Whisky. You’re pick.’

‘I’ll take a shot of Blishen’s.’

As he poured the Whiskey, Sarah Baker entered.

‘Uncle, I think I left my books here last night, did you find any?’

‘Yes Sarah dear, but I’m dealing with the birthday man right now, can you wait a minute or two?’

‘Of course.’

With that she sat a couple seats away from Remus.

‘Now, why does such a young man look so down on his birthday and seemingly wants to drown his sorrows in Whiskey?’

‘I was fired today, I did everything right and I was still fired.’

‘I think I heard about your situation. I wish there was something I could do?’

‘But there is something you could do uncle, hire him.’

‘Sarah, you shouldn’t listen into conversations that don’t concern you.’

‘I apologize for that, but uncle you always say you wish you could reduce your hours standing on your feet behind the bar, you definitely make enough to hire a bartender. Hire Mr Lupin.’

‘Sarah, dearest, I wish I could but the Leaky Cauldron and my reputation-‘

‘He’s a werewolf, I know, I have known for months, but he is a good man and you shouldn’t turn him away just because he’s different. I’m a squib, I’m different to in this community, but I didn’t succumb to the pressure to leave and neither should he. He’s not dangerous, he’s just as normal as you and me twenty-nine days of the year, and for that single evening just don’t give him a shift. This discussion is over, give him a job or I’ll take this to auntie Dara.’

Tom looked annoyed, but put out his hand and Remus took it.

‘Well birthday boy, your training starts tomorrow.’

Remus was ever so grateful to Ms Sarah Baker. With her unbelievable kindness Remus was back on track, only a days pay removed from him and Sirius’s plan. The rest in the evening he spent truest elated and had the time of his life with the peers he could truly call his friends and family.

Time slowly moved on. On the ides of March the two men chose a new apartment a bit further down Charing Cross Road with one really big bedroom and by the twentieth Sirius and Remus had all there things packed. The Tonks’ gifted them many of Nymphadora’s hand-me-downs which they appreciated. Upon arriving the two once again used magic to split a bedroom into two and that night for the first time in over a month they had a place to call there own.

They didn’t quite have the funds to hire a nanny, that and Sarah had found a new job working at Potage's Cauldron Shop, so days they both worked they dropped off Harry with Andromeda to babysit. Everything truly was going smoothly and no more roadblocks accrued. Some customers that heard rumours of Remus refused to be served by him, and Sirius was still only making six muggle pounds an hour, but after all they had been through the were quite grateful for there luck.

April 11th the Tonks’ invited them to join them for Easter feast, stating that they were family now. They all gathered around a meal Andromeda and Remus helped prepare and ate as one big family. When the eating slowed Remus stood and held up his drink.

‘While we are all here I would like to make a speech. Today I am honoured to be able to say that I am amongst friends. It has not been an easy war, we have all lost so much, and it has not been an easy six months, but after surviving the hardest moments in my life I am so grateful to say that I now have sitting around me two amazing people who accept me and I think now of as kin, an amazing niece, a lover who I now can’t imagine life without, and a son who gives me purpose every day. Thank you all for all that you have done and I can only hope I can be the same to you.’

‘Remus, you are just as much family now as Sirius is to me.’

‘It has been so nice to get to know Yeah mate.’

‘You’re a pretty good uncle, uncle Moony.’

‘And I couldn’t wish for a better lover either Remus. The war was bloody, and bleak, and I know that no one in this room will truly ever get over it, but it brought me and you together, and then us to Harry, and than us to the Tonks’, I now know I wouldn’t change the past but instead look to the future. I love you and I love you all.’

Afterwards there were tears, and there were hugs and laughter, and most importantly there was great love.

### Chapter 9: A New Start

The summer slowly went by, Sirius got his social insurance number so got a pay raise as well as shift increase, Remus learned a great deal from his new job, and Harry got to have many more play dates with his new friends. Only July 31 Sirius, Remus, and the Tonks’ showed Harry in birthday gifts. They spent the rest of the beautiful hot days mostly outside, showing Harry parks and beaches.

The warm days turned cold, and before they knew it it was once again Hallowe’en. With all that happened immediately after the previous Hallowe’en, and how busy and traumatized they were for months afterward, neither Sirius nor Remus had gone to see there best friends graves.

They dressed warmly, and bundled Harry up as well, and took the motorcycle to Godric’s Hollow. It turns out that they shared a tombstone made of shining white marble, and at the bottom was described a message.

“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”

‘We should have been here for the funeral.’

‘We were busy just surviving Sirius, they would have understood, and what matters is we are hear now.’

‘Why we here?’

Harry didn’t quite understand what was going on and Sirius took a knee in front of him.

‘Your mummy and daddy loved you very much, but they are no longer with us, this is where your mummy and daddy now rest.’

Harry looked very confused, but he put his hand to the marble stone.

‘I love you mummy and daddy.’

And to the two men’s shock a couple daisies sprouted from the ground despite the cold. Sirius cheered and excitedly picked the boy up.

‘Harry, you just did magic! I am so proud!’

That night they went to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour to celebrate the life of James and Lily as well as Harry’s first use of magic that they knew of.

Three days later it was Sirius’ birthday. The previous year they were both so focused on getting custody of Harry they forgot. This year he celebrated his birthday at the Tonks’, Andromeda was not there when the three family members arrived.

‘Hello Ted, beautiful day out.’

‘Quite, very crisp, happy birthday Sirius.’

‘Thank you. Where is that dear cousin of mine?’

‘She was called away, she should be back soon, for now we have plenty of sweet things as well as some beer.’

The children played while the men talked and laughed, Sirius and Remus had bonded a lot with Edward over the last nine months. Soon Andromeda did come home, but with a concerned look on her face.

‘Sirius, I hate to do this but I must speak with you in private.’

He did as he was told, she brought him to the spare room and they both sat on the bed.

‘I want to to take a deep breath.’

‘Who is it, my mother, I won’t care if it’s my mother. Or is it your father, because if so I am very sorry.’

‘Pish posh, I wish it were him. No, it’s our uncle Alphard, I knew how close the two of you were so I arranged a meeting with him at the tea shop to escort him here, but instead of him showing I learn that he has died. I’m really sorry Sirius, I know how much he meant to you.’

A few tears crawled down his cheeks but he quickly wiped them.

‘He would have wanted me to be happy today, so in his memory I am going to part tonight.’

And he kept his word, they all ate cake, told jokes and funny stories, the adults drank, and when the three went home and they were sure Harry was asleep Remus and Sirius kept the party going long into the night.

They were awaken the next morning by a knock on the door. Quickly Sirius put on some pants and pulled on a shirt and tried to make it look like he didn’t have bed head as he reached the door. When he opened, one of the men Lucius Malfoy had with him when he returned to threaten Sirius was standing there.

‘Sorry, I don’t want to deal with Lucidous Maltoy this early in the morning, good day.’

But before he could close the door he spoke, ‘I am not here today on the behalf of Mr Malfoy, I am here on behalf of Alphard Pollux Black, I have with me his last will and testament.’

Sirius sighed.

‘Fine, you may enter.’

The two men sat down, Remus eventually left him room and poured them some tea as the man got his paperwork ready.

‘Mr Black, I am here to inform you that your maternal uncle Alphard Pollux Black left you his entire portion of the Black family fortune. Your mother, Walburga Black, has laid claim to it but it is rightfully yours, so if you do not accept it the money will go to her.’

Sirius could not believe it, growing up there had been only two members of his family he felt close to, Andromeda and his uncle Alphard, but he always assumed that after his parents disowned him that his uncle stopped caring about him as well. And then there was the money, it could be the funds Sirius and Remus had been dreaming of to truely start a life with each other and Harry.

'I need a verbal acceptance as well as a couple signatures.'

'Right, right-I accept.' Sirius then signed a document that said he accepted the money, as well as a document from Gringotts alllowing for the transfer of Alphard's gold into his account, afterwards the man started packing up to leave.

'Very well, you should see the funds in your Gringotts account within the hour, good day Mr Black.'

And with that he left.

Remus then sat down next to him, bewildered as to what just happened.

'How much money is it?'

'Enough that if we spend wisely could last us the rest of both of our lives. Remus, this is a big opportunity, we don't have to keep desperately searching for jobs anymore, we can search for our passions at our own pace.'

'I know it is your money, but something I have been thinking about for a while, ever since we stayed with the Tonks, is that it would be nice to live in a house. I think Harry would enjoy a back yard and I found transforming in a basement easier then rearranging the living room every full moon.'

'No, I agree, finding a more comfortable space outside the city sounds lovely Remus.'

Over the next week they quit there jobs and started searched for houses available in villages with higher magical populations, they eventually found a house in Cotswolds called Mould-on-the-Wold cottage. They put an offer down on it, and on the 20 of November it was accepted, and by mid-December they had moved into there new home. The downstairs had a large kitchen, living room, and office space. The upstairs contained four bedrooms, and a far better bathroom then there previous two apartments.

Soon it was Christmas, and by default, there first anniversary. It had snowed so they spent the day playing outside with Harry, he was so happy. That evening the Tonks' came to there new home and they had a delicious meal all as one big family. Afterwards they all relaxed in the living room, playing games and simply enjoying each others company. Remus eventually went into the kitchen to get some sweets, and Sirius followed.

'Don't worry love, I got this.'

'No, I just wanted to be alone with you for a minute. There is something I wanted to say in private.'

'Ok, go ahead.'

'Last year my world ended, I was lost and didn't think there was a tomorrow. You saved me, we hadn't spoken in almost a year but you came to my aid and risked everything so that I wouldn't lose Harry.'

'I would do it all over again to, Sirius, I regret nothing.'

'But I have regrets, despite how much you helped me it took me so long to not only realize your feelings for me, but that you to were hurting inside. I never want to put you through that again.'

'Sirius, that is so sweet.'

'Yes, well, what I am trying to say is after all this time I think we bring out the best in one another, and that we wouldn't be here if we had gone our separate ways.' Sirius got down on one knee, 'Remus John Lupin, I don't know what tomorrow holds, or how everything might end, but I know one thing, that together we can handle it and that I want to spend the rest of my life with you Moony. Will you do me the immense honour of marrying me and becoming my husband?'

Remus had tears streaming down his face at this point, and was shaking all over.

'Sirius, I love you and have loved you for such a long time and can not think of my life with out you by my side. Yes, merlin's beard yes I will marry you.'

They hugged, and kiss, and then re-entered the living room to share there news with the rest of there family. There festive moods were revitalized and the celebration of the holiday was now joined with the celebration of the engagement of Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. The road ahead would not be easy, as love and life never is, but for the rest of their lives and beyond there love remained strong.