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whatstruthgottodowithit · 2 months

Text

Comfort Zone

Fandom: Harry Potter

Pairing: Sirius Black x James Potter x Remus Lupin x Reader, Marauders x Reader

Characters: Sirius Black, James Potter, Remus Lupin, Reader

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 2751

Summary: You and the boys go out of your comfort zone.

Tags/Warnings: PolyMarauders, Marauders, F/M/M/M, Post Hogwarts, Maraduers Era, Poly, Kissing, Angst, Fluff, Arguing

Notes: I am trying to get the other evans girl finished but the ideas wont stop and I have no self control x

MASTERLISTS // TAG LIST

‘You know he’s going to say no right?’ Remus said, watching you as you pulled the pie from the oven and placed it on counter top. James looked up from where he was lounging on the sofa, laughing as you scowled.

‘You don’t know that,’ you countered, moving to grab the potatoes that were near spilling over.

‘I know Padfoot,’ Remus said, placing his book down.

‘We all know Padfoot Moony,’ James said rolling his eyes before he clambered out of his seat and came towards you, his hand dancing along your waist as he watched you cook.

’Exactly,’ you said, ‘and I know that he can be persuaded.’

‘What by a good meal,’ Remus said with a raised eyebrow, coming towards you too, resting his elbows on the counter as he eyed the pair of you.

‘By a good meal and dessert,’ you mused. James chuckled, ‘she might have a point there.’

‘All I’m saying is don’t get your hopes up,’ Remus said softly watching as your face fell in a frown, not relieved by James touch as he kissed your temple.

‘Moonys right sweetheart,’ James said softly. You looked at him, worried that the hopes you’d pinned on this might’ve been in vain.

‘It’ll be fine,’ you said unsure who you were trying to convince, ‘I’ll make a good case for it you know me.’

The boys shared a look as you busied yourself obliviously thinking over the game plan as you finished dinner. You were just finishing up dolloping mash potatoes onto each of their plates when the fire in the living room glowed green, Sirius stepping out not a moment later.

‘Hey,’ he said, shrugging his leather jacket off and coming towards you, placing a kiss on your temple as he said, ‘something smells good.’

‘I made your favourite,’ you said, gesturing to the steak and ale pie on the counter top, ‘pop it on the table will you. Dinner will only be a minute.’

‘How about that for service eh Pads?’ James ribbed, taking his seat at the table as did Remus with Sirius joining a moment later, placing the pie in the centre.

‘Can’t complain,’ he mused as you placed their plates down, dropping into a seat yourself as Remus started to dish out the pie you’d made.

It was quite the squeeze, your tiny kitchen feeling even tinier with the four of you around the table, but you loved it like this. It hadn’t been the plan of course; James and Sirius had moved in once leaving school and as your relationship developed you and Remus had sort of never left but you wouldn’t trade it. Even if it meant you had to run your wants and needs by everyone you loved, something you were building up to ask about but as Sirius looked at you your nerve went and instead you said ‘so how was work?’

‘Fine,’ Sirius said, ‘got a good case today.’

‘Yeah?’ you asked.

‘Yeah apparently there’s been quite a few dragon eggs smuggled into the country. Don’t know where from yet of course but should be interesting.’

‘That is interesting,’ you said, trying to figure out how to steer the conversation back around.

‘What about you?’ Sirius asked, taking a bit of pie.

‘Oh you know not much,’ you shrugged, ‘got the flat tidy.’

‘Just you?’ Sirius said looking at James who hadn’t been paying attention until then but glared at the inference.

‘It’s my day off,’ James protested.

‘Your day to be a lazy git,’ Sirius teased and though you knew he was joking there was an edge to it that you frowned at especially when James pretended to shrug it off. It was funny to you how your roles within this little thing could be defined so quickly. How even though Sirius had no more a claim over you than the others he was still so certain to make sure you weren’t being taken advantage of, the one you turned to when you needed help. How James was your relief, the one who kept your spirits up, who made you laugh even if he couldn’t make a bed or pick up a pair of socks to save his life. And Remus was the one you shared your worries with. The one who made you feel heard and seen in a house full of boys.

‘Rem helped when he got back,’ you said reassuringly.

‘See,’ James said,’ besides I thought you wanted practice looking after something I’m just giving you opportunity.’

‘Why would she want that?’ Sirius asked confused.

‘No reason,’ you said far too quickly to ever be casual. You’d been gearing up to ask but seeing the conversation teetering on a row you’d decided to postpone until James opened his big mouth. Sirius’ eyes narrowed.

‘What is it?’ he asked.

‘Nothing,’ you lied, ‘I mean I don’t know what he’s on about.’

‘Sweetheart,’ Sirius said, his voice low and daring. You looked to James and Remus to find them interested in their meals, no help to you even as Sirius said, ‘alright what’s going on?’

‘Well,’ you said nervously, ‘I wanted to ask you something.’

‘Why what’s wrong?’ Sirius asked worriedly.

‘Nothing bad,’ you said placing your hand on his reassuringly.

‘Jesus mate lighten up,’ James teased. Sirius rolled his eyes but elected to ignore him, his gaze falling on you as he said, ‘what is it love?’

‘It’s just well I’ve been thinking,’ you said.

‘What about?’ Sirius asked.

‘Well about us,’ you said bashfully, ‘about this little thing we’ve got going on.’

‘Right,’ Sirius said dubiously.

‘And I was just thinking that it might be nice if we expanded a little,’ you said meekly.

‘Expanded?’ he asked, thoughts whizzing visibly behind his eyes.

‘Yeah,’ you said.

‘Like someone else?’ Sirius asked glancing at James and Remus before back at you.

‘No, no of course not. I don’t want anyone else but you lot you know that,’ you said, squeezing his hand. That appeared to trigger something as he said, ‘you’re pregnant?’

‘What?’ you and James baulked, with Remus inhaling a piece of broccoli at the same time which made him cough and splutter as you protested, ‘no of course not!’

‘Well what else could it be?’ Sirius protested, glancing at Remus to make sure he was okay before his eyes went back to you.

‘Not that Jesus,’ James huffed, thumping a still watery eyed Remus on the back to help dislodge the issue.

‘Well excuse me for jumping to conclusions when you’re obviously all in on whatever this is,’ Sirius said irritably, gesturing between the three of you.

‘That’s cos we won’t say no,’ James countered.

‘I never said yes,’ Remus said, his voice still weak as he glugged down a drink of water.

‘Yes to?’ Sirius asked.

‘I want a kitten,’ you said quickly realising there was no point beating around the bush anymore given the anarchy that had already been caused.

‘What?’ Sirius asked as if he hadn’t heard you.

‘A kitten,’ you reiterated, ‘I was thinking about it and don’t you think a little-’

‘No,’ Sirius said flatly.

‘But-’ you protested but he waved you off stating, ‘you know I hate cats.’

‘You don’t know that,’ you said.

‘Yes I do,’ he said firmly.

‘How do you know?’ you pressed, ‘I mean you might do.’

‘I don’t,’ Sirius said, his tone challenging you not to talk back to him. As if this was the end of the discussion, but you weren’t done.

‘You don’t know that you just think you do because-’

‘He’s a dog?’ James finished.

‘Because you’ve never been around them!’ you corrected, ‘but I think it’ll be really good-’

‘What to have it scratching everything up and shitting in a box in the corner?’ Sirius scoffed.

‘We can let it go outside,’ you offered.

‘In the middle of a city yeah right,’ he said shaking his head.

‘Oh Pads please,’ you begged.

‘I said no,’ Sirius said firmly.

‘Oh go on mate,’ James sighed. Sirius glowered at him, as he started, ‘just because you’re bendable to whatever she wants-’

‘Because I want her to be happy,’ James challenged.

‘Because you like pissing me off and being her favourite,’ Sirius said making James scowl.

‘Pads please,’ you pleaded.

‘I said no,’ he said pulling his hand out from under yours as he started to eat again. Irritated you looked away from him, looking to Remus who’s remained quiet even though he had been watching.

‘Please Rem?’ you asked.

‘I don’t know love,’ he said.

‘Come on majority rules. James said yes-’

‘James would say yes to anything that would get your top off,’ Sirius muttered.

‘And you wouldn’t?’ James scoffed; Sirius’ digs seemingly having gone too far to be just light hearted teasing. A sentiment that was confirmed as Remus, the nominated peacemaker, said, ‘lads stop it.’

Unfortunately he hadn’t said anything about you and so you looked to Sirius and challenged him, ‘okay what about a baby then?’

‘What?’ Sirius gawped.

‘See kitten isn’t as mad as that,’ you challenged.

‘She’s got a point,’ James said, making you smile smugly that you still had him on side.

‘She doesn’t have any point she’s being ridiculous!’ Sirius snapped.

‘I’m being ridiculous? You’re the one who won’t even hear me out I mean did you even wonder why I want one?’ you challenged. As the boys looked at you silently you continued, ‘I want a kitten because I want something for me. Something that’s just mine that I don’t have to share with anyone. Now I’m not saying I hate what we have going I love you all you know that. I just like our little home; I think we make it really lovely and you take such good care of me I just want something to love besides you three.’

All three of them remained silent, staring at you. When none of them spoke the weight of your words started hitting you, your vulnerability and longing now feeling more like a weakness rather than strength, as if you were in the middle of the ocean surrounded by three sharks.

‘Fine,’ you huffed as your embarrassment caught the better of you, slamming your fork down and standing up.

‘Oh come on don’t get in a strop,’ Sirius scoffed, throwing his own utensils down.

‘Babe come on,’ James said tugging at your sleeve though you yanked it from his grip.

‘Pads is right let’s not fall out over something silly,’ Remus said, and though his was the nicest tone of the three of them it was that which made you see red.

‘Oh so I’m being silly now?’ you snapped, ‘when you won’t even contemplate doing something a little out of your comfort zone.’

‘You know I don’t like them,’ Sirius reasoned weakly.

‘Yeah you’ve made that clear I just thought I’d mean enough to try something you don’t like,’ you said curtly, throwing him a glare as you added, ‘I mean haven’t we all gone out of our comfort zone.’

‘That’s not the same,’ Sirius scoffed.

‘Isn’t it?’ you challenged.

‘You know it isn’t,’ he replied darkly.

‘Feels like it’s one rule for the boys one for me,’ you said firmly.

‘Babe you it’s not like that you know it’s not,’ James said softly. Sirius however didn’t seem to be caving, his jaw clenched at the accusation.

‘Look,’ he started.

‘You know what forget it,’ you snapped, pulling away from the table and slamming your chair under it no doubt knocking a couple of knees as you did not that anyone complained. In fact the other boys looked worried, Remus especially as he said, ‘aren’t you going to eat your dinner?’

‘I’m not hungry,’ you lied, storming off to your bedroom, the door slamming behind you.

As James and Remus looked towards Sirius they found him on his feet too, grabbing his coat from where he’d hung it and shrugging it on.

‘Mate come on,’ Remus grumbled. Sirius ignored him, heading to the fireplace.

‘Where are you going?’ James asked, turning so that he could see him.

‘Out,’ Sirius said and before they could protest he disappeared through green flame.

✵✵✵

‘I still don’t think they’re good together,’ James said, his voice rumbling against your belly where his head was resting, your fingers running through his messy locks soothingly.

‘I don’t mind them,’ you said, trying not to giggle and tease him about the fact he’d maintained he had no interest in watching the soap you were currently watching.

‘Hmm,’ he muttered neither in agreement nor rebuttal.

Before you could say anything though the door clicked open, making him lift his head from your stomach, and Sirius appeared in the doorway. Though James had been on your side, telling you how he agreed Sirius was being unreasonable he straightened up, no doubt aiming to be peacemaker as he said, ‘hey mate.’

‘Hey,’ Sirius said hesitantly, frowning as you refused to look in his direction. Nevertheless he cleared his throat and continued, ‘can I borrow you for a minute?’

‘Uh yeah sure,’ James said scrambling off you though as Sirius threw him a look James said, ‘oh you don’t mean me.’

You glanced their way for a fraction of a second before turning your attention back to the screen, thankful neither of them saw it. Sirius sighed and leant on the door frame, ‘are you still not talking to me?’

‘Are you still being selfish?’ you replied, your eyes still ahead, arms folded across your chest.

‘Guys,’ James sighed.

‘No actually,’ Sirius said cutting him off and earning a scoff from you. With a sigh he walked forward towards the bed, sitting down on the edge of it as he said, ‘would you just come into the living room? Please?’

You watched him for a moment, his grey eyes pleading with you in a way that made your heart thump. It was enough to make you let your guard down as you sighed and said, ‘fine.’

He climbed up before you heading to the door with you and James following him out into the living room. You were still miffed at him but more annoyed at yourself for being so malleable when it came to any of them playing on your heart strings.

‘Now I understand if you don’t like it but there wasn’t much I could do at this time of night,’ Sirius said, turning to face you. Your gaze skimmed the living room, clocking Remus who was sitting on the couch but nothing that gave you any clues as to what he was talking about. As he watched you his face grew nervous.

‘Well?’ he asked, still you weren’t sure but before you could ask him what the hell he was on about you heard a little mewling chirp. Your eyes immediately flew in the direction of the noise where you found a tiny kitten trotting around on Remus’ lap, tiny claws clinging from his jumper as it threw itself about.

‘Oh my god!’ you squealed, racing forward to scoop the tiny little thing off of Remus’ lap. It wriggled about in your arms as you fawned over it.

‘Hi sweetheart, oh my god, hi, hi,’ you cooed, cuddling it to you, ‘oh my god aren’t you cute!’

‘It’s a good job he is otherwise he’d be long gone given how many times he’s scratched me on the way over here,’ Sirius grumbled, making you look up from your fit of fawning.

‘Aw sweetie do you not like the big doggy,’ you teased, earning a mew from the tiny black kitten in your arms.

‘And yet he’s been awful fond of the big bad wolf,’ Sirius joked earning a chuckle from you all. You smiled and decanted the kitten into Remus’ arms so that you could go to him, your arms wrapping around his neck as he held you to him, a smirk playing on his lips. That was also the beauty of your relationship, whenever you did argue or disagree about something it never lasted long.

‘Hi,’ he said, moving a strand of hair from your face.

‘Hi,’ you replied.

‘Did I do alright?’ he asked hesitantly.

‘Sirius this is amazing,’ you whispered, ‘thank you so much.’

‘Yeah well it’s good to get out your comfort zone I suppose,’ he shrugged.

‘You might be right,’ you said, leaning in to kiss him tenderly, ‘are you sure we just want one?’

‘Don’t push it,’ he mumbled into your lips.

SIRIUS BLACK TAGS

@caitlin1996

#my writing #comfort zone #poly marauders #Sirius black x reader #james potter x reader #remus lupin x reader #sirius black x james potter x remus lupin x reader #marauders x reader #marauders era fic #marauders #marauders fic #harry potter fic #hp fic

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svnflower-writes · 5 months

Text

real sweet but i wish you were sober

Description: in which the mutual pining becomes something both Remus and Sirius have wanted for years due to a drunk, jealous slip up on Sirius' part.

ship: wolfstar + background jegulus

warnings: nothing major I can think of—alcohol consumption, so much fluff, unresolved sexual and romantic tension, painfully obvious flirting, james regulus and peter are a bunch of little shits, jealousy

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51762532

authors note: SO MUCH FLUFF and remus is second guessing EVERYTHING. obviously inspired by wish you were sober by conan gray :) they’re not together when this starts and remus is feeling very unsure about a lot of things. sirius helps him out with that though ;) somehow from the dining table by harry styles possessed me to write this in half an hour idk why it doesn’t even give the same vibes but ig it feels like a wolfstar song to me soooo —as always this is unedited and i wrote it at 2am so i might read it later and think it's total shit (but currently this is my fave wolfstar fic i've writen) also this was meant to be like 500 words and its almost 2k lmaooo

Remus was a blushing mess. Sirius had insisted on doing Remus’ eyeliner—saying that Remus would just look ‘so hot’ in it—and who was he to refuse? For Sirius, he would do anything. The problem was, he hadn’t exactly pictured agreeing to this resulting in Sirius straddling his hips, leaning extremely close to his face with his tongue poked out due to his level of focus.

“Merlin, Moony, you’ll be the hottest one at the party.” Well, one of us certainly will be, and it’s not me.

Remus was screaming internally, but he mustered a playful smirk and a quick: “am I not already?”

Sirius sent him a grin as he continued to do his makeup, “of course you are, darling. Anyone who disagrees is blind.”

Remus was certainly not blind when it came to noticing the tiny things Sirius was doing, however. The way he pushed his dark curls out of his eyes with one hand and clenched his jaw slightly in concentration with one eyebrow slightly raised? Fucking hell, it drove him insane. Remus wanted so strongly to just grab his face and smash their lips together.

He didn’t do that, obviously.

“Okay, I’m almost done,” Sirius muttered while he did the final touches to the eyeliner. “You ready for everyone at this party to fall madly in love with you?” I only want you to love me.

Remus swallowed a lump in his throat and looked up at Sirius, “as long as you’re one of them.”

Sirius looked a little taken aback for a moment and Remus could’ve sworn he saw him blush, but he was likely just seeing what he wanted to see. At the look on Sirius’ face, Remus mentally cursed himself for speaking his thoughts aloud. Remus’ worry was unnecessary—as it often was—because a broad smile soon took over his features and he pressed a kiss to Remus’ cheek. “You can count on that.”

Even after he had pulled away, Remus could feel the ghost of his lips where they had been on his cheek, and he refused to look at Sirius because he knew he was a blushing mess.

“Moony?”

This broke Remus out of his thoughts, and he looked up with wide eyes. “Yeah?”

Sirius smirked in amusement at Remus’ absentmindedness and the fluffy-haired boy could only hope that he was unaware that he was the cause of it all. “Could you go check if James is ready? I need to fix my outfit.”

Remus scoffed softly, “Pads, I hardly think your outfit needs fixing.” Sirius was wearing a white cropped tank top—Moony loved it because showed off his tattoos and biceps— with an array of necklaces draped around his neck. He had on his favourite baggy jeans (the ones with stars on them that Remus had helped him make) and a black belt adorning his waist, and the look was finished off with a pair of Dr. Martens.

Sirius winked at him, “well, you know me. I have to look perfect for you, my love.”

The last two words almost resulted in Sirius being pushed up against the wall, so Remus opted for a short: “You always look perfect to me, darling,” before he exited the room as fast as he possibly could.

He found James downstairs in their common room, lying on the couch with Regulus curled up at his side. James was stroking Regulus’ hair and whispering sweet nothings into his ears, and Remus smiled at the two as he flopped down on the seat opposite them. James looked up and surveyed his flushed cheeks, he then asked casually, “so, have you two made out yet?”

Remus threw the nearest book (which happened to be Lily’s current reread, Pride and Prejudice) at him before glancing across at Lily, who was sat across the common room watching the exchange with a grin. “Sorry, Lily. it was for a good cause.”

“No, no. I’m curious too. Are the two of you,” she wiggled her eyebrows playfully, “getting any action?”

Remus glared at his friend, “shut up. And for your information, no.”

Regulus cooed at him from where he sat with James, “oh, poor Remus. So much flirting, so little of anything else—including your transfiguration notes, by the way. I wanted to borrow someone’s notes for the class I missed, so I asked James, who obviously redirected me to your extensive pile of notes on your desk. That desk is very disorganised, by the way. But alas, no notes. Never thought you were the type to forget to take notes. Spending too much time yearning over my brother in that class, Lupin?”

Remus looked away in embarrassment, “don’t rely on someone else’s notes next time, Reggie.”

“Don’t spend hours on end staring at my brother and I wouldn’t have to call you out for not having your notes.”

Groaning, Remus stood up, “okay, I’m going to get a sweater. See you guys soon!” he began to walk up the stairs but he was stopped when he walked into Sirius walking down. He had redone his hair and put it half into a low bun, and he had gained several rings and had a leather jacket in his hands.

He grinned at Remus, “ready to go?”

“Oh, I need-”

His favourite woollen jumper was shoved into his arms and he blinked slowly as Sirius spoke. “I thought you might want it.”

Remus shifted his weight from side to side as he looked down at the sweater in his hands and he was overcome with an overwhelming sense of adoration for the boy standing in front of him.

He didn’t realise how long he had been staring down at it until Sirius ruffled his hair softly.

“Hey, you okay? You zoned out.”

“Oh, uh, yeah. I’m fine, thanks for getting this. We can go down now, if you want?”

Sirius nodded, taking Remus’ hand and tugging him gently down the stairs. Remus felt his heart beating faster than he deemed normal, but he couldn’t remember anything about human biology at that moment due to his mind racing at a million miles per minute. As the two walked into the common room, he met eyes with Lily and sent her an alarmed expression, to which she smirked at. She tapped Mary’s shoulder and pointed at Sirius and Remus’ entwined hands. Mary grinned and gave a silent cheer directed to Remus.

There were already more people in the common room, a variation of people Remus recognised and people he didn’t (admittedly more of the later group). Sirius led Remus towards James, Regulus, and Peter, who were now sitting upright on the couch. Remus sat next to Regulus and the boy smirked at him.

“You’re a mess, Lupin.”

Peter walked around the back of the couch to whisper in Remus’ ear, “I say just kiss and be done with it. This flirting is sickening.” Remus gently slapped Peter’s shoulder with the hand that wasn’t still clasped in Sirius’ ring-clad one and the other boy lightly gasped. “Well, they do say love makes people crazy.”

Remus groaned loudly at Peter’s words, and Sirius turned to him. “You okay?”

“No, he’s in-” Remus pressed his free hand over Peter’s mouth with a warning expression directed at the shorter boy.

“Yeah, I’m okay.” He smiled at Sirius, who looked unconvinced and squeezed his hand reassuringly. Remus almost melted right then and there, and Peter snickered at the interaction.

James stood up abruptly, “alright, who wants some firewhisky?”

Sirius cheered, standing up to follow James and pulling Remus to his feet by the hand he didn’t quite want to let go of just yet.

Ten minutes later, Remus was leaning against the wall with a half full glass of firewhisky and a small smile on his face as he watched Sirius participating in some stupid dare. The long-haired boy kept sending little glances over at Remus to see if he was watching and letting his teasing gaze linger when they made eye contact. Somehow, Sirius had convinced Regulus to participate in the game, and the two brothers had light, carefree smiles on their faces.

Remus felt another presence next to him and looked over to see James, watching the Black brothers with a yearning look on his face similar to the one that was probably adorning Remus’ face. Smiling at Remus,

James muttered, “oh, our stars are so pretty.”

Remus nodded in agreement, “so pretty.”

The two stood there with adoring expressions painting their features for another ten minutes minutes before Remus felt an arm wrap around his shoulders, warm breath alarmingly close to his ear. He was overcome with an immense feeling of discomfort.

A sultry feminine voice whispered, “well, aren’t you a handsome specimen, what if I-”

The voice didn’t even get a chance to finish before Remus felt a well-known hand grab his own. “What if you piss off and take your wandering hands out of my boyfriend’s personal space?”

Remus did a double take.

His eyes widened slightly and he glanced at where James had been with a confused expression, only to find that his friend had disappeared. When he finally mustered the courage to look at Sirius, he was surprised to find him with a deep blush covering his cheeks. They met eyes.

“Fuck, I’m sorry! I didn’t know how else to get her away from you—and you were so uncomfortable, I couldn’t just stand there and watch. Plus, I didn’t want her touching you– I’m sorry, I’m rambling, fuck.”

Remus had the best idea he had had all night long. “Who said it was something to be sorry for?”

Sirius froze. “What do you mean?”

“What do you think I mean?”

Sirius looked into Remus’ eyes for a few moments before grabbing his face and smashing their lips together. It was a messy kiss, all teeth clashing and hands grabbing at hair.

Remus pulled away suddenly, “how drunk are you, exactly?”

“Not drunk enough to be making this up, if that’s what you’re asking?”

“Sober enough to remember it in the morning?”

“Well, if I don’t, we can always recreate it.” Sirius winked playfully and squeezed Remus’ hand.

“Hmm, can’t say I’d be opposed to that, darling…” Remus trailed off slowly as he pushed Sirius against the wall, bringing their lips together in another kiss. This kiss was slow, sweet, and a stark contrast to their first kiss. Remus had one hand resting on Sirius’ cheek and another tangled in his curls, and Sirius’ had his arms draped over Remus’ shoulders.

Remus’ eyes suddenly caught the metal glint of a necklace hanging around Sirius’ neck, and he raised an eyebrow as he pulled slightly away from the kiss. “Is that mine?”

Sirius scoffed, “you never wore it, anyway. It was wasted on you.” Remus smiled softly and wasted no time in bringing their lips together once again.

54 notes · View notes

berrieluv · 2 years

Note

Any harry Potter character with a reader who is studious and only cares about school, so they try to convince them(reader) to give them(character of your choice) a chance. Super fluffy please

I love Rory Gilmore!Reader (if that's a thing), like, I wanna be her so bad. I'm using her gif but I really don't describe reader's features (I mention long–medium hair, I mean enough to make a bun) , I just love Chilton Rory I mean, look at my girl she's the best.

Remus Lupin x Slytherin!Fem!Reader (she/her pronouns used)

Remus is deeply in love, Y/N on the other hand, has other priorities.

Just a Little Bit of Luck.

If you ask any of the Marauders, or the Gryffindors in general, they would all agree that Remus Lupin was a Golden Boy, for many of them the Golden Boy.

There were too little things people weren’t willing to do for Remus, and he earned it. Despite his grumpy nature and his tendency to isolate himself, Remus was alway looking forward to help. Even if it was as small like a galleon borrowed – even gifted most of the times –, if Remus had it in him, you had it for sure. When you needed to skip classes and Remus was with you in any of them, you had nothing to worry about, it was almost stated that Lupin would have all the notes delivered to you at the end of the day. And he would always make time in case you needed a tutor.

And for everyone, it was weird, borderline concerning, how could he be seeking for a girl's attention when it rained for him most of the times. Even on his worst days. And not any girl's attention. Her attention.

The good thing about her – or that's what James tries to tell the other Marauders to forget a little about the fact that Remus' new and current love was a Slytherin – was that just like Regulus, she only minded her business.

You would never find Y/N fighting about the blood purity because it has never been an issue for her. Or her family. Maybe that was the reason the Black's despite them. And certainly was the reason why Sirius thought she was one of the only savable Slytherins. But he would never admit it.

For Remus, she was the most precious creature to ever walk on earth. Her delicate movements and little chuckles would send that man's head over the moon.

Remus eyes were everywhere but the class, they found her hands delicate, and Remus wondered how tiny they would look compared to his. That was where his eyes were for the last five minutes. Three minutes of class he watched her hair, it didn't matter if it was tide up or free, he loved the movement it made and how his werewolf senses allowed him to smell it, even if he was five tables behind her. But what he could never stop looking at was her back movements. That's where Remus' eyes were most of the time. Y/N's well positioned shoulders, making her look like royalty. How they would get a little smaller when she would laugh and how quick they would come back to its place when she felt the teacher looking.

Definitely, Remus Lupin was head over heels for someone who barely noticed him.

He thought every girl was beautiful, stunning, and he was a romantic. He had no problem dating any of them – he has, if that matters –. He loved girls as much as he hated himself. It would be a crime against his personality to reject any of them, always a strong believer that he was for everyone. And the only one to blame there would be Merlin, and his good looks, because if that was Merlin's plan; who would he be to deny them.

The only force strong enough to interfere on the mighty above's plan was a Slytherin girl herself. With a tidy but messy uniform – if that made sense –.

Remus was an A grade kind of boy. His notes were ones of the best and his projects were always praised by teachers.

"And yet that's not enough?"

Remus looked at James indignant face. His incredulous voice catching almost everyone's attention around the common room. "What else could a girl ask for if it isn't Remus Lupin?"

An A+ grade kind of boy. Maybe. "I, James Potter, am too, in love with Remus Lupin. It just– It seems crazy. Delusional if you ask me" He says, earning a chuckle from Lily, his girlfriend "In all the years I've got to know him. You..." James says, pointing at the boy receiving an intervention from his friends "... have never desire on settle down. She comes around, she does this thing she does with her shoulders and suddenly you're truly, madly, deeply in love?" Remus only shrugs. "She doesn't deserves you, moony"

Oh, but she does. She definitely does. For some reason, Remus convinced himself that she was the love of his life. Not the only woman made for him, because that would be lying. Remus thought and knew that every woman was made for him. But Y/N was the only woman he wanted now.

"I'll keep trying" Remus says, smiling and getting up of the couch, reaching with his arms the banner with ‘INTERVENTION’ written in red ink and capital letters. "I'm really not taking advice on that. She's what I want, she's what I'll have"

What may sound like obsession, was not it, at all. Remus liked her, he liked the idea of spending the rest of his days with her. But he really liked her. Liked her in the way that he knew the possibility of Y/N rejecting him was always on the table, and he would be find with it. But he needed to at least try.

But how do you fight the fear of messing it up. Remus only had one chance, he could invite her out in their first conversation and risk it all for the easy way. Or he could learn about her.

Finaly know the reason why she draws little hearts on the "i"s. Be maybe the one and only to know why she hated butter beer so much. Because he knew she did. Even if she drinks it at parties, Remus could see the disgusted grin Y/N would make with a sip of it, but she wouldn't say anything to anyone. She would keep drinking.

"Is this seat taken?" Y/N's eyes were fast to follow Remus actions, she smiles a little with surprise overflowing from them. It wasn't a common occurrence that a Gryffindor would seek for a place next to a Slytherin. Most of the times they would rather go away "Can I sit?"

She nods, happy to have someone around. Her eyes go back to the book, Y/N's finger moves to her mouth and she bites it a little, completely focused on her task.

Remus thought that was the most angelic thing he could have seen. World would never be the same for him, not after seeing her frowned eyebrows, the confused eyes and lips being bite.

"You shouldn't bite your lips, you know?"

His heart was ricing, if he was able to make an observation like that, it could only mean he was observing her. He smiles nervously, his fingers fidgeting when she looks at him. Y/N offers him a smile and release her lower lip from her tooth. "Why?"

She asks. In a melodically voice. Accompanied with a concerning tone and a confused look.

"It– Um, it makes– Your, your lip it– I think it's bleeding a bit"

She gasped at Remus' words, her pretty fingers, the ones Remus' desire to hold was burning inside of every part of him like Hell itself, traveled to her lips, getting stained with a little bit of red.

"Oh, geez. You're right"

He nods, when she's about to pack her things and go Remus is quick to get out of his backpack a rag. His rag.

"You don't have to go, you looked really– I mean really busy and, you could just clean it and, I don't know maybe a bit of balm could help?"

And there was that smile again. How could a simple gesture make him feel so many things, all at once. Was he in love, overwhelmed by her beauty or just happy to help? It was almost impossible to describe the hurricane of feelings Remus was getting. Far from butterflies and near from a wildebeest stampede.

"You're really kind, Remus" And she knew his name. "Thank you"

Remus fought the urge to answer with a 'I would do everything you need me to do, for you nothing seems like much. There's no amount of things that I could do that would ever be enough for me to show how grateful for your existence I am', instead he responded with something similar, but far less intense.

"It's really nothing"

It's not surprise to say that Remus can't concentrate for the whole evening. But to be fair, it wasn't his intention to concentrate at all. Her fingers tapping the wood would sometimes distract him. By the expression on her face, he knew taps with one finger meant she was in something hard to understand. Two fingers meant boredom.

"Y/N?" He tried his luck. Knowing how annoying could be someone distracting you "I– I was– I was thinking, I mean, that maybe–"

'But she never dates anyone' Regulus said 'Even if she did, it had to be someone on her level. Remus is pretty smart, but he's not A+’ Sirius looked at his brother, incredulous. Then at Remus 'I'm not trying to be mean. Just warning you. She doesn't go on dates. She's too focused on school, doesn't have time for anything else'

'Has she never like anyone? In this entire castle, has no one catch her eye?' At this point, Remus wanted Sirius to stop talking. He looked desperate, and he knew Regulus was his brother, but he spends more time with Y/N than he does with Sirius. If Regulus were about to say something, Y/N would hear it first 'There has to be someone'

'She thought a Ravenclaw boy was pretty. But as I tell you; she does not go on dates'

'Of course a Ravenclaw' Sirius says, annoyed, as id she was trying to chase the girl 'Who was it? I bet it was stupid Henry Rogers. Bloody nerd he is, innit?'

Remus frowned. Henry Rogers wasn't bad. It made sense why Y/N would like him and not Remus. He liked the guy and in certain level they were friends too.

Of course she would fall for him. Now, Remus in any way considered himself disastrous, not on James and Sirius level anyways, but sure a bit more than Peter. Henry on the other hand was the man anyone could see by her side. His notes were the best of his class, he was a year older than them, and quite a legend on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, part of the selected and small group of people who has give James a hard time.

Henry was a A+ kind of boy while Remus was only A.

Coming back to the present time, Remus wondered how could he ever dare to ask her out. Not only a 'no' would be devastating but a 'yes' would also be. His mind was in a declare war every time he though about her.

Yes, he was a good guy. He had a lot to offer and giving him the right chance, he knew he could give her everything she could ask for.

But no, there was still a part of him yelling, kicking and screaming; Y/N deserves more.

Maybe it was his lycanthropy or his straight A's. Remus never thought he would feel an 'A' not worthy.

"Remus?" The sweet voice entered his ears, his thoughts were completely shout when she spoke. His brain went blank, knowing that his whole body was currently existing for her "Are you alright?"

"Yeah– Yeah, good"

She smiles and his world light up; "You spaced out"

"I did, didn't I?" He chuckles.

"You wanted to ask me for something?"

He wanted to ask her for a glimpse of attention at least. He wanted to reclaim his heart, body and soul back. He was happy with her owning all of him, but she wasn't quite aware of that.

"I– No, no I–" Maybe, if he was lucky enough... "Can I see your Transfiguration homework?"

Today wasn't the day.

"Ouh, sure. Of course"

Remus walked all the way to Regulus' prefect room after his encounter with Y/N. Feeling little and embarrassed. Asking her for her homework wasn’t really adding points for him. His third time talking to Y/N and he asks her for a Homework due a few hours after that. How would that make him look.

"I think you're spinning the matter way too much. More than needed" Remus sighs. He knows. "I'm not a pessimist..." Regulus says, but after a pause he continues "... well, sometimes I am. But I mean it when I say you're only wasting your time, Remus"

"I believe it could be something. I feel it" Remus had to admit, he felt pathetic telling that out loud. Maybe he should listen to Regulus, her best friend, and stop chasing after something that would never be his, but then he would feel betrayed. By himself. If he listens to his brain to stop the beat of his heart, he knew there wasn't a way he could ever forgive it. At least he had to try; "Sounds silly, I know..."

"No, no" Regulus said, looking at him and smiling "I respect that. Hey, if you feel it, it must be for something."

Remus knew big gestures wouldn't do the trick. It wasn't like him, and it wasn't like her. He had to make an effort, he had to really know her if he wanted to have a chance.

"Suck it, Remus. You're breaking your mind for a single girl when you could have literally everyone else" Sirius said when Remus found himself reading Y/N's favorite book. Underlining his favorite quotes and leaving sticky notes with his thoughts, a profess of his love. But a very subtle one. "Since when do you read romance books?"

"I'm always open to read new things"

Remus was a romantic. Romance came easy to him, love words came to him without try it. He had never been a fan of Romance Books because his brain couldn't possible need more ideas.

All Mr. Darcy could do, he could do better.

And yet, Y/N seemed to like someone who doesn't exist more than him. It couldn't be his fault.

Remus didn't need to try harder. Remus needed to actually talk to you; or that's what Lily thought. He had receive advice from all of his friends, and yet, none of them seemed enough.

"Yeah, but it isn't like you," Peter mentioned this time "I think you should quit it. I won't say she's not worth it; if she wasn't you wouldn't be doing all of these. She deserves it, that's for sure. But you deserve it too. To receive, not to only give"

"Just fucking talk to her, bloody hell"

That was Marlene. At that point, it seemed like the only coherent thing to do.

How could he receive what Peter says he deserves if she doesn't even know it. How can all of it be reciprocal if she isn't aware of his feelings.

Remus has talk to her a total of six times. Seven if you count the time he only babbled and walked away. His heart was getting tired of the cowardliness and he knew, all of him knew; he had to do something before is too late. Because Y/N may not be interested on someone right now, but it doesn't mean she would never be, and if in a future, it happens, and Remus is not the lucky one due to his insecurities, he knows forgiveness would never come to him.

"What if she rejects me?"

"You'll move on"

"What if she says I'm not good enough?"

"You'll be better"

"What if she says she likes someone else?"

"You leave her alone"

Lily smiled, calm surrounding her whole body while all of Remus' extremities were shaking. He takes a deep breath and makes his way inside the library, where he thought he'll find her and he did.

Just one simple question. 'No' meant she had to walk away. 'Yes' meant; well he didn't know yet. But he'll figure it out.

"Hey, Y/N" He said, smiling and looking at her. "Is this seat taken?"

"No, no" She said, her big smile coming out as soon as Remus stood in front of her "Never for you, Remus"

Remus was too nervous to note the flirting comment she let out. His shaking hands barely managed to take the chair out, sitting was even harder, his legs could barely stand by themselves and they let him fall on the chair.

"How– How are you?"

"I'm alright" Another smile. A small one this time.

"I was wondering– Maybe, what if– I mean you don't have to say 'yes', you– can say 'no', I mean whatever you feel like but I– I mean I have the right to ask, don't I?" She chuckles and nods at Remus’ babbling "I– well, maybe– You know this, this party the Gryffindors organize at, well at the end of the– Before summer vacation, and I was. Just thinking. I'm a big dreamer I must say"

Remus' words stop when he hears her laugh, not at him but entertained with his incoherent thoughts, and he smiled. And her warm lips and the light in her eyes made him think that maybe, and just maybe, he was worthy. And if he was lucky enough, just a little bit lucky, he had nothing to worry about.

"Would you like to go with me?"

"Yes"

"Like on a date" He continued.

"Yes"

"I mean, I know you're busy. All the time, and– Like, this is not your kind of places or..."

"I will go"

"... your favorite thing to do a Saturday night but– It means a lot for my friends and–"

"I want to go with you"

"Well, it means a lot for me too– I, I dunno, does that make me sound dumb or inferior to your intelligence level?"

"No, it doesn't. I want to be your date, Remus"

"Well if it does I'm really sorry I– I know you prefer smarter guys than me and I don't fit with your type at all but–"

"I really like you"

"But I mean, just, give me a chance? I'm sure you'll like the party and– I'll treat you right I, I've been reading and..."

"I'm sure I'll like it if I go with you"

"And I know your favorite book, I was thinking 'I could do that, I could be Mr. Darcy' for you, you know but I mean if you–"

"I don't want you to be Mr. Darcy, Remus. I want you to be Remus Lupin"

"If you don't want to just– You don't want to, right? Yeah, I, that makes more sense I mean, you don't like my type and– I'm sorry for bothering"

"I do like you"

"I'm sorry, I– I'll go..."

"Remmy" She called again, the whole scenario was fun. And after saying out loud she liked Remus Lupin as well, he only stopped talking when she called him 'Remmy'.

"How did you call me?"

"Remmy" Y/N said again, Remus went back to his place, he couldn't feel his legs and standing up would only end in a fall. "I would love to go with you" She said and Remus eyes were filled with spark "It would be an honor. And even fun. I really like your friends; and you"

She liked him. She also liked his friends, but she liked him.

Remus was about to faint, his heart felt little for his chest and he knew that in any moment it could scape because his body seemed really for it now. His breathing was heavy and no force on earth could make him erase that dumb smile.

Y/N walked to him with her backpack on her shoulder and stood in front of him. "Would you pick me up?" He would do anything for her. But he just nodded. "Fantastic"

And, mark his words. Remus Lupin died, a Wednesday afternoon at the Hogwarts Castle Library. His heart stopped working when gracefully, she leaned to him and smiled, leaving a tiny, very tiny, kiss on his lips. A kiss that was enough to get him hypnotized, a naive gesture, where he could almost taste the peach lipstick, just the enough amount to make him want more. And that day, Remus Lupin swore, he could never taste other lips if it weren't hers.

Remus Lupin could never love the same. And with that kiss, he knew the purpose of his soul was being completely and irrevocable in love with her. And even if – Merlin forbid – it ends, he was sure to know, he would never regret to love her like this.

#remus lupin x reader #remus lupin imagine #remus lupin fanfic #remus lupin fanfiction #sirius black x remus lupin #remus x reader #remus fluff #remus x you #remus lupin fluff #the marauders x reader #the marauders imagine #the marauders fic #the marauders fanfiction #the marauders x you #the marauders fluff #the marauders fanart #the marauders x y/n

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mandoatsea · 1 year

Text

darling, dearest | prologue

pairing: regulus black x f!reader

rating: mature but don’t worry, it’s gonna get spicy

word count: 6k

warnings: angst, mentions of execution and murder, references to cults (sorry death eaters), forced marriage, some iffy coping mechanisms (nail picking, pain), enemies to lovers, divergence from canon (just a little bc the first wizarding war is such a bummer and james deserves a baby sister), friendship turmoil, some manipulation because sirius is desperate, albus dumbledore jumpscare, tiny baby sprinkles of wolfstar if you squint ... i think that’s it, but please let me know if i missed anything!

a/n: helloooo! i was shocked at how many people saw the sneak peek and let me know they were excited for the first chapter! welcome to the first installment of the dumpster fire that is my regulus black obsession. he deserved so much better, and i’m dedicated to giving him a happy ending. i decided to start with a prologue, as this one is more of setup to the main story. i took a little liberty with the court system and marriage because they’re not super detailed in the books as far as i know. i hope you enjoy, and join the taglist if you want to keep up!

⭒☆⭒

If you were asked what you thought about the end of the Wizarding War, you would have to say it all felt rather anticlimactic. One minute you were obsessively checking the radio for news of attacks and casting wards every hour, and the next – everything was quiet.

"It's quite eerie, isn't it?" James remarks from the end of the dining table, glasses crooked. His green cardigan hugs his shoulders – broad but thinner now after months of stress. His spitting image, Harry, is bouncing happily on his father's knee and chewing on his knuckles. You wince as drool hits the knee of James' slacks.

"It's lovely," Remus moans from the couch, an arm thrown over his eyes and his long legs crossed at the ankle. His dark gray cardigan practically swallows him as he blindly spins his wand between long fingers. "Only you could find an issue with the end of a war, Prongs."

You grin at him, fingertips tapping nervously at the grain in the wood. Your brother pouts at Remus and Harry seems to pick up on his disdain because he turns and frowns at his father until James grins at him cheerfully.

James practically glowing as he carelessly wipes slobber from Harry's chin, declaring half-heartedly, “Don’t be a prat, Moony.”

"Has anyone heard from him yet?" Lily asks as she glides into the room, her wand suspending four mugs of tea that trail after her. Her long red hair is tied back in a plait. The question makes you swallow nervously. Two of the mugs land in front of you and James, the other settling neatly on the floor next to Remus, and the final one settles against Lily’s palm.

"Nothing," James sighs, expression suddenly pinched as Lily settles in the chair next to him and tugs Harry into her lap in response to his grabbing fingers, tapping his nose with her finger and earning a delighted squeal. "The trial was supposed to end hours ago."

"No news is good news," you offer rather unhelpfully as your stomach continues to twist itself into knots, "maybe he took him to celebrate."

Silence hangs over the room. The chances that anyone is going to be celebrating tonight are dismally low.

Remus seems to pull himself from his dozing, sitting up on the couch and lifting his mug of tea cautiously to his lips and your fingers curl around your warm mug.

"I've cooled it, Moony," Lily calls with a soft smile, "it shouldn't be too hot." Remus smiles sheepishly in thanks over his mug, taking a healthy swallow. You focus on a rip at the bottom of his sleeve, worrying your bottom lip with your teeth and relishing the slight sting.

More silence.

"It shouldn't be too bad," James says rather factually, though his voice is pinched with nerves. "He did help at the end–"

"James." Remus cuts him off quietly, his eyes serious. "Let's just see what happens." James sinks slightly in his seat, draping an arm over the back of his wife's chair.

You swallow, nausea beginning to stir in your gut. Remus is more knowledgeable about the Wizengamot than anyone you know, and his guarded expression leaves you feeling sick.

"Poor Sirius," Lily's normally cheerful voice is pained and Harry has dozed off against her neck, "I hope it's not too–"

The silence is broken as someone apparates into the living room with a sharp crack.

Sirius stands in the middle of the living room, hunched slightly at the waist as though he’s about to be sick. Your heart sinks like stone. Remus and James stand and Remus crosses the short distance as Sirius' knees appear to buckle. Remus gathers him in a firm hug and you stare in disbelief as Sirius hugs him desperately.

Sirius Black's usually amused expression is twisted into one of profound grief. His black robes are rumpled and his hands shake as they twist in the fabric covering Remus' back. Purple smudges of exhaustion from the war are nearly black now and his curls have gone limp and frizzy – most likely because he's been tugging at them all day.

"Sirius," James says worriedly as Remus guides him to the couch, and he crosses over to his friend, "what's happened?" Remus sits next to Sirius, his brow furrowed and his lips pursed in concern.

Both you and Lily watch worriedly as Sirius swallows a few times. His shaking fingers worry at the fraying hem of his robes.

Voice wrecked, his voice is barely a croak as he announces, "He's getting Kissed."

You suck in a gasp of disbelief. It feels like someone has wrapped a hand around your lungs and squeezed as tightly as they can. Lily's slender fingers press against her mouth, her green eyes are suddenly shiny under the light of the dining room.

Remus stares at Sirius blankly, though you can see that his knuckles are white where they're gripping the edge of the couch cushion. You watch as your brother merely shakes his head.

"That's not possible," he says, voice hollow, "he... he was the one who destroyed–“

"James," you say firmly, "stop." Sirius has begun to rub frantically at his eyes. You’re not sure how you make it from the dining room table to kneeling in front of Sirius, but you do. Your hands wrap around his wrists and pull his hands from his eyes – his skin is clammy and cool.

Sirius whimpers quietly, brown eyes red and full of tears. He looks like he's going to be sick, his light complexion washed even paler. Your throat squeezes tightly and you lace your fingers with his, giving him a gentle squeeze as James rests a shaking hand on his shoulder.

"It's my fault," Sirius chokes, and you shake your head immediately, his figure wobbling as your eyes sting with tears, "I should have never left him in that fucking house."

You’ve never heard the entire story of the night Sirius fled Black Manor and ended up shivering on their doorstep, stinking of Dark magic, his eye bruised, begging for James. The guilt he harbors over that night is something he rarely shares with anyone. All you know is that leaving his baby brother was something Sirius never fully recovered from.

Terror strikes you now. You’ve seen what happens when Sirius closes up, locking everyone out and weathering his emotional storms all alone. Maybe it's a skill he learned growing up – the ability to throw up walls and barricade himself deep in his subconscious. The last time – when he'd found out about the most recent legion of Death Eaters and their Dark Marks – he didn’t leave his room for days.

He’d refused to talk to anyone, even Remus.

"It's not your fault," is all you can tell him, "it's not, Sirius."

Don't shut me out, you think, squeezing his hands as he shudders, please, let me help you.

You love Sirius the way you love James – deep, undying love. Regardless of the endless pranks and infuriating overprotection, he's one of the most important people in her life. The sight of him so devastated has you breathless – floundering for anything that might stop the course he’s on.

"He took the Mark when he was sixteen!" The words break as Sirius spits them furiously. "He was a fucking child!" His head tips forward as a sob splits loose from his chest.

"We'll fix it, Sirius," Remus says quietly, "surely there has to be something we can do." He locks eyes with you as a tear makes its way down your cheek.

"The end of the week," Sirius whispers, "they're going to kill him at the end of the week with all those bloody murderers." You brush a limp curl behind his ear before James pulls him into one of his tight, nearly suffocating hugs. Sirius’ panicked heaving is muffled against James’ shoulder.

It takes an hour and a vial of Dreamless Sleep to finally get Sirius to bed, and you lean against the wall outside of his bedroom, waiting for Remus to reappear. The door opens slowly and Remus emerges, brow furrowed as he shuts the door as gently as possible.

"Is he alright?" You ask him. Remus rubs an anxious hand along the back of his neck, his sleeve pooling at his elbow. Thin, pale scars along his forearm shimmer slightly before he tugs the sleeve back to its rightful place and his arm falls back to his side.

"No," he sighs heavily, hand closing on your upper arm, pulling you into his chest, "no, he's not." You hug him tightly, fingers buried in the soft fabric of his robes. Your eyes sting and you press your nose to his shoulder, inhaling the smell of clean cotton and mint.

"There has to be something we can do," you whisper.

Remus knows the ins and outs of the Wizengamot like the back of his hand. After applying as an Auror, he’d been questioned for ages – hours in front of the members trying to convince them that he was still fit for training despite his “affliction.” He had practically lived at the Ministry for months.

"I'll stop by tomorrow and talk to Doris," Remus remarks quietly against your hair, referencing the advocate that had been assigned to his case, "maybe there's some way we can get him out in a few years. Sometimes it's just a matter of showing them what they want to see. I doubt he had a third-party advocate." You nod and the door to James and Lily's room opens cautiously.

"Is he asleep?" Lily asks, stepping out into the hallway as you and Remus step apart.

"Passed out," Remus tells her, James stepping into the hallway after his wife. "He didn't stop shaking for a good ten minutes, but I think the potion finally kicked in."

"Merlin," James' voice is crushed as he leans against the wall, "hasn't he been through enough already?"

"He's bound to feel some guilt," Lily states factually, "he probably thinks he would have gotten the Mark instead if he'd stayed."

"Of course he thinks that," Remus says, voice tinged with rare anger, volume raising, “that’s what his parents made him believe before he left.”

You could wake him, you realize rather suddenly, and place your hand on Remus' arm to quiet him, earning an exhausted sigh. The last thing you need is for Sirius to hear you confirming his worst fears. Nibbling anxiously at your thumbnail you vaguely recall a few books in the manor's library about Azkaban and the Dementor's Kiss – a rather morbid fascination of your father’s for a few months at the beginning of the War.

"Remus is going to The Ministry tomorrow," you announce quietly to James and Lily, "I'm going to do some research of my own. Maybe we can find ... a reason for an appeal, or a loophole. There has to be something. He helped The Order, it should count for something." James seems to perk up at the idea and Lily smiles fondly at you.

"I'll go with Remus."

"No." You and Remus say simultaneously, earning a shocked and disbelieving pout from James.

"Someone has to stay with him, Prongs," Remus says pleadingly, "I don't know what he'll do if we leave him alone. He needs a Calming Draught and about a hundred cups of tea. Please stay with him."

Almost immediately James sags, bobbing his head of dark curls once in understanding. Lily slides a hand up his back, rubbing comforting circles between his shoulder blades.

“We should all get some sleep,” she announces and you nod immediately, stretching your arms above your head with a groan, muscles stretching taunt in your shoulders, “we can worry about all of this in the morning.”

“Alright,” Remus agrees, slumping as though someone has cut the string holding him up, “I’m going to crash on the couch.”

Normally you would argue, protesting about his back, but your attention is almost solely on the books. By the time you all go your separate ways, you’re so absorbed in which titles to pull first that your feet practically carry you to the library – you stay there until the sun creeps over the horizon and your hand aches from its grip on your quill.

⭒☆⭒

James catches you on your fourth trip to the library in as many days. You and Remus have barely spoken, ships in the night as he leaves for the Ministry and doesn’t return until late. Sirius has spent days pacing the living room, eyes cloudy with exhaustion, or passed out on the couch after another Calming Draught. Much to your frustration, none of the books have offered any useful information.

“Moony and Padfoot are in the study,” your brother tells you, “it seems important.” Hope flares in your chest and you nod hurriedly.

“Yeah, alright,” you say, already turning back around to head to the study, “are you coming?”

“I’ve got to drop off Harry,” James says with a shake of his head, “mum and dad have been dying to see him. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Sure,” you call, already heading down the hall to the study, “tell them I miss them, please.”

“Sure, love.”

Rushing down the hall lands you in front of the study rather quickly. You knock twice before swinging the door open. Remus and Sirius are talking in hushed, tense voices at the large table in front of the fireplace. The side of Sirius’ face is illuminated with firelight, reflecting his nearly manic expression. His eyes are wide and pleading as Remus stares at him with a disappointed expression, shaking his head in disapproval every few seconds. His normally bruised under-eyes are even darker with exhaustion.

“When did you get back?” You call in greeting, hesitant to interrupt their tense discussion. Remus’ head lifts immediately, softening at the sight of you. A pleased grin lifts the corner of his mouth, pulling a very faint scar on his cheek tight. Sirius’ throat bobs before he turns to look at you as well.

“Hi, darling,” Remus greets, “I only just arrived. I’ve been with Doris all night.” You make your way across the study to the table, squeezing Sirius’ shoulder as you settle at the table.

“You must be exhausted,” you remark sympathetically, worrying welling as you take in Remus’ drawn expression, “are you alright?”

“Fine, fine,” he brushes you off, “I’ll head home in a bit.”

“Did Doris tell you anything helpful?”

Your question seems to land like a bomb.

Remus’ lips press in a thin line and Sirius turns to look at you, his expression open and full of hope. He looks so young that it takes your breath away.

“Remus talked to Albus Dumbledore,” he tells you, “he said–”

“Sirius.” Remus snips, his gaze cool. “Don’t.” Sirius deflates slightly at the reprimand but appears to steel himself before looking at you again.

Sirius' voice has taken on a pleading quality when he says your name, his dark brown eyes brimming with sorrow, "Darling, you know–" his voice breaks and you suck in a breath. "You know I would never ask you to do this if I had a choice."

“Ask me to do what?” Your eyes flicker between them.

"The Wizengamot would be inclined to pass down a more lenient sentence," Remus informs you quietly, "if it could be proven that he had a motive to help The Order." Disdain colors his tone.

"Motive." You parrot blankly. Your mind is swimming. The Wizengamot has been in disarray since the start of the war and lately, they seem to be doing all they can to move cases through the court as rapidly as possible. You’ve heard a few previous life sentences cut down to a few years in Azkaban or house arrest when new information is presented. An unsettled feeling has begun to churn in your gut as Sirius worries the edge of his sleeve between his long fingers.

"Remus thinks maybe if he had been in a relationship with someone in The Order, people would more easily believe he destroyed the locket." Sirius' voice is hopeful. "Helping The Order would get him a few years of house arrest, they probably wouldn't even hold him in Azkaban."

You shake your head, brow furrowing. You can't remember any relationships other than James and Lily throughout the entirety of the war. Maybe Frank and Alice Longbottom, but you hadn't been particularly invested in romantic drama – no one was. It was too much energy to waste when everyone was exhausted by stress and grief.

"Who was he with?" You ask, locking eyes with Remus. His expression is pinched, hair falling over his right eye, making him look boyish and haughty. "I don't remember him even speaking to anyone, but maybe if we can find some witnesses–"

"He wasn't seeing anyone," Remus says quietly, "no one in The Order would have wanted to touch a blood purist anyway." There's a bite in his voice that earns him a sharp glare from Sirius, and you feel dread crawl its way up your throat.

"I don't understand." You confess tightly. "Why are you even exploring that as an option?"

"It's the only option," Sirius says sharply, "there's nothing else we can do. This is the only way we can–"

"I still don't understand why–"

"I'm asking you–" Sirius' voice is shaky and he lifts his brown eyes to yours, "to marry him."

Static buzzes in your ears, quietly and then louder as the seconds tick by. Remus grimaces at his hands, thumb pressed against the pale scar that runs along his thumb and disappears under his sleeve. The world feels faintly tilted, and you shake your head in an attempt to rebalance yourself.

The second the statement leaves Sirius' mouth, you know you’ll do it. It’s an absent, emotionless conclusion. Anything Sirius asks of you, you'll do – because you love him. You want his trust, and to earn that trust you’ll do whatever he needs. Anything to keep him out of the unreachable place he flees to in times of grief. Losing his brother would kill him, and if you refuse he'll never forgive you – something you can't risk.

You come to the additional deduction, as you look at him, that he knows all of this. The request doesn't come from a place of clouded or misguided desperation – the look in his eye is calculating rather than manic. You realize, suddenly, that he has already added up the cost of this request and the consequences it will have on your relationship.

He just doesn't care.

You stare at him for a few more seconds in suffocating silence.

"You're asking me to marry your brother." You confirm quietly. Sirius' expression falters for a moment before he tips his chin up, emotions shuttered.

"It's the only way they'll let him out." He tells you, his voice flat. An ache opens up in your chest and you have the fleeting thought that you’re not going to recover from this for a long, long time. "I don't have any other options."

"Don't decide now. This is..." Remus starts to plead with you, openly devastated. "It's an impossible choice you have. Please, for me, sleep on it–"

"I'll do it." You interrupt him, earning you a disbelieving stare. "Assuming he agrees, I'll do it." You look at Sirius sharply. "You already knew that though, didn't you?"

The only response you get is the twitch of his jaw, his eyes falling to the table. Very suddenly, emotion wells in your throat and behind your eyes – suffocating in its intensity. In a panic, you stand from the table and make for the door.

"I'm sorry," Sirius calls out to you as you reach for the doorknob, "I hope one day you'll forgive me."

The only response you give is the violent bang of the door shutting behind you.

⭒☆⭒

The wait to leave for The Ministry is passed in silence.

James' knuckles are white and his grip on your hand borders on painful. His jaw clenches furiously as he stares at the fireplace, flames flickering in his blank expression. It feels as though you’ve gone numb – unable to even summon the energy to soothe your brother. Your gaze is locked blankly on your free hand, throat tight with anxiety and dread.

"You don't have to do this," James whispers furiously, abruptly abandoning his stewing to stare at you, "I can't believe he asked you to–"

"James." You tell him quietly. "It's fine."

"It's not fine!" He continues to whisper, turning to you fully now. "The bond is forever. It's an Unbreakable Vow. He's a fucking Death Eater. He's a blood purist."

"If you knew," you ask flatly, "that you could do something to save my life, would you?" You turn your head and meet his eyes. Surprise flickers on your brother's face before his lips press in a thin line. "Would you?"

"Of course, I would. I would do anything." James says, the words hushed, "But–"

"I would too." You tell him, squeezing his hand. "For you or Sirius, I would do anything." Your lips quirk in a wry smile and you return your gaze to your fingers. "It's just my luck that I have to."

James doesn't seem to know how to respond to that particular conclusion, and he sinks back in his seat – squeezing your hand.

Marrying a Death Eater was, without a doubt, not part of your plan. You can't say you ever really had an image of whoever would be on the other side of the bond – but a murdering blood purist was certainly not on the table. Faintly, you recognize that it is all sort of funny. You’ve spent the last few years obsessing over how to dismantle Voldemort and his followers, only for you to marry one of them.

The urge to laugh evaporates quickly when you realize the life you wanted has gone up in flames. Your parents have always set the marriage standard since you were little. Fleamont and Euphemia have been soulmates since their first year of Hogwarts and they've never wavered in their adoration for one another – even when raising two children and through a devastating war. When James and Lily got married, it only further cemented your surety that one day it would happen for you. You believed that everyone in your family was just lucky with love.

The irony is enough to make you faint.

A light knock on the doorframe pulls you from your thoughts – which is quite fortunate, you think, as an embarrassing set of tears have begun to make their way down your face. Rapidly, you pull your hand from James' and wipe your eyes, cheeks burning from the fabric of your robes. Remus steps into the living room, gifting you with a soft smile.

"Alright?" He asks, with his natural way of conveying that he already knows. You fist your robes, nodding and giving him a faint smile. "I think we're about ready to leave." All you can do is nod again, and all at once, the room feels like it's rapidly losing oxygen. Remus seems to sense your spike in anxiety and he pads across the carpeted floor to crouch in front of you – wincing as his back pops.

"It won't be too bad, darling," he says, taking your hand and squeezing gently, "they won't make you take any Veritaserum or anything frightening. I think they all want this case to be over rather quickly, and no one wants to upset The Order." You nod, tongue feeling thick in your mouth. "They'll ask you a few questions, reach a verdict, and then we can go home."

"Will he–" your voice cracks and James' hand settles on your shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze, "will he be there?"

"Probably," Remus tells you honestly, and you take the tip of your tongue between your teeth. "He'll be sitting in the back most likely, and probably surrounded by Aurors. He won't be anything to worry about."

That's rather nice to hear, you think drily, seeing as I'm marrying him tomorrow.

Remus glances at his watch, lips pressing together in a flat line. Your anxiety begins to climb.

"We should go," Remus says quietly, and James squeezes your shoulder again before standing and helping you up off the couch. Remus retrieves a small pouch from his pocket, making his way to the fireplace as he takes a small pinch of powder between his fingers. Tossing the tiny amount of powder, the flame roars as it turns emerald green. Remus turns and offers another quick smile before he steps into the flames and disappears with a whoosh.

You’re next, staring at the green flames with burning eyes until James drops your hand and nudges you forward. You inhale deeply, squeezing your eyes shut before stepping into the flames. The room blurs around you before you appear rather suddenly at the entrance to the Ministry. Remus is standing at the edge of the fireplace, arm out for you to take as you step out and onto the marble floor. James appears with a gust of air behind you and stumbles out of the fireplace with a cough, brushing soot from his shoulder.

“Merlin, I hate that,” he mutters, coming to stand beside you.

Wizards in all colors and styles of robes bustle past you, some alone and some in groups. A few carry briefcases and some wear heels that click sharply on the immaculate marble floor. Chatter bounces off the walls of dark brick that tower over your head and you marvel at the stunning statues lined down the enormous hall – a variety of glimmering witches, wizards, centaurs, and countless others. Only Remus' hand on the small of your back pulls you from your admiration and rather quickly back to reality.

"The courtroom is just a few halls down," he explains as the three of you enter the throng of movement and make your way through the Ministry, "we're just a bit early." Sweat begins to bead on your forehead and your robes feel suffocating, the fabric clinging to your arms and chest. You fight the urge to place a hand at your throat to ensure you’re still breathing as Remus continues his quick explanation. "There will be a few formalities, just some legal rubbish. You’ll give your testimony, he’ll affirm it, and then they’ll reach a verdict."

Two large wooden doors come into view, large ornate letters reading WIZENGAMOT. It would all come across as incredibly posh if you weren't on the verge of a panic attack. Remus comes to a halt a few feet away from the doors and turns to you.

"Alright?" Remus asks you, the words heavy with concern. He reaches for you, a cool palm settling on the side of your neck. The gesture is grounding. His hazel eyes are full of comfort. You manage a weak smile, nodding just once, and Remus nods back before turning to the doors. His wand raises, and with a slight flick of his wrist, the large oak doors creak open.

The courtroom is quiet, save for the low murmurs from members of the court. All at once, you feel the weight of several pairs of eyes on you. Without thinking, you cast your eyes up toward the court.

The unsettling blue eyes of Albus Dumbledore are the first you catch, plum robes stark against his long, white beard and pale skin. His stare is curious, almost amused, but deeply unsettling. You clench your jaw, pulling your gaze away as you follow Remus to the bench. Sirius is already sitting, his posture rigid and his hair pulled back in a low bun. Briefly, his brown eyes meet yours before they flicker away. Your heart gives a pitiful, wrenching throb before you swallow it down and settle in your seat.

The minutes pass in agonizing silence. Your nerves leave you to pick at your nails, avoiding the harsh stares by keeping your focus on your lap. The cuticle of your thumb begins to bleed and you bring it to your mouth with a curse, nausea swarming as the metallic taste fills your mouth. The heavy wooden doors continue to open and shut with heavy slams. Occasionally, you accidentally meet the chilling gaze of one of the members. Every glance is welling with pity or disdain.

You’re not sure which is worse.

Dumbledore's clear, sharp voice startles you as it breaks the low mumble of noise. “All rise, for the opening remarks.”

Your knees wobble as you stand and you grip the back of the bench in front of you to keep yourself steady. The remarks pass in a blur, and at some point you return to the bench, hands anxiously smoothing down your thighs. A lot of jargon you don’t understand, a summary of the charges, and a quick introduction of the appeal. Relational motive is the term they seem to prefer when referring to the appeal. You fight the hysterical urge to snort. Finally, the speech comes to an end as Dumbledore clears his throat.

“Will the accused be brought forward for the court?”

Heavy, black doors, that you’ve somehow missed, creak at the far end of the courtroom. Sirius straightens, his fingers clenched into fists. The low hum of muttering fills the court again. Slowly, the doors grate against their hinges until they shudder to a stop, revealing a dark hallway.

Two tall, serious-looking Aurors step out onto the marble floor. One is taller than the other, both in the dark robes of their profession. Their wands are drawn, but relaxed. Your fingertips press into your thighs, relishing in the grounding sting.

Behind the Aurors, a tall, lean figure makes his way to the center of the room. Black, shaggy curls are limp and greasy, his head bowed and hiding his face. Broad shoulders make clear impressions against the gray uniform, the bones far too defined. Sirius lurches forward in concern as the figure’s steps falter – almost as if he wasn’t sure his legs would hold him for a moment.

Despite his bedraggled appearance, there’s a certain aristocratic air to him. It seems to be a piece of his very essence. Long, elegant fingers are clasped together tightly at his waist, silver restraints clasped around his wrists, linking them together. Two more Aurors emerge behind him, the doors swaying before slamming shut.

Your fingernails continue to dig into your thigh.

Dumbledore cuts through the murmuring as he announces, “The appeal trial will begin as soon as the accused is seated.”

The murmurs crescendo.

One of the Aurors mutters something to the man handcuffed in the middle of the room, his head tipping slightly as they speak to him in a low voice. Two of the wizards make their way to the chair in the center of the room, standing on either side. The Auror speaking to him seems to inform him of something upsetting – his knuckles white as his fingers clench, shoulders pulling up to his ears.

He lifts his head, light hitting his face, and a pit of dread opens in your stomach as you meet the flat, dark gaze of Regulus Black.

⭒☆⭒

taglist: @coffeeaddictednymph @wbellab @houseofblackbaby @ainasadge

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peaseblossom-and-cobweb · 2 years

Text

Bramble

“Ah!” Remus half shouted as he lurched forward on uncertain footing. His leg twisted slightly unnaturally as he watched his half-drunk coffee bounce dramatically and then roll under the bramble bushes. He had a brief moment where he really truly believed he would finally succumb as he crumbled to the floor. He wasn’t proud when the only thought that flitted through his mind was a half-dejected I didn’t get to finish my Cornettos in the freezer.

Instead, his palms collided rather painfully with the pavement and he let out a pathetic little wheeze of air you could barely call an exclamation. Do not go gently into that dark night, indeed.

It was bright for an April morning, almost cheery. Remus didn’t like when the mornings after full moons were too happy, it felt like the world was mocking him. It was, but he didn’t need the constant reminder. He contemplated staying on the ground forever, but he had a job and some semblance of a life to get back to. He huffed out a breath as the sky began to regain its color through his spotty vision and tried to muster the energy to even sit up. He hoped the coffee cup hadn’t made its way to Russia by the time he stood. He was a responsible recycler, at the very least.

Brown eyes blinked down at him in the corner of his vision. They were set in a thin face behind large round spectacles. The boy’s hair was a riot, standing out against his scalp as if personally offended by its roots. On his forehead was a scar that threaded through his brow like a tributary map.

Remus would have found it odd to be staring at Harry Potter if his life wasn’t made up of odd occurrences.

“Hello.” He said from the ground.

The boy who lived blinked slowly a few times. Then- “Are you dead?”

“I surely hope not.” Remus replied.

Harry looked away to someone outside Remus’s field of vision. “Dad?” He said at mid-volume with a shrill uncertainty.

“Merlin’s beard, Harry you can’t run off like that- oh.” A very posh voice stopped just far enough so Remus could not see the owner. He nudged his chin down into his chest to see and only got a crown of dark hair as a reward. “Harry, did you knock this man over?”

Harry put his hands on his hips and huffed. “No. I found him like that.”

There was a crunch of gravel and suddenly the man was there beside him and oh no, Remus thought. Too pretty.

“Can I help you?” Remus’s sarcasm seemed to remain annoyingly intact in the face of this gorgeous man.

Luckily he seemed to like the bite. He smiled. “You’re on the ground.”

“It seems I am.”

“Do you need help?”

Remus thought about it. “I’ll be up in a moment. I’m resting.”

“He dropped his coffee and it spilled everywhere.” Harry supplied unhelpfully. The man’s lips were twitching.

“Hm.” He said. His eyes were grey- the color of a recently departed storm. If he were a poetic man Remus would say comment on the depth of them.

“Don’t you worry. Carry on.” Remus waved up at him from the ground. The man caught his hand and gave it a tug.

“Something tells me you are lying.” The man muttered, gingerly pulling Remus up to an upright position. The smile he wore was more of a ghost of one than anything, but it seemed to be an ever-present feature on his face. When Remus was fully upright it was no better- the man was just as pretty vertical as he was horizontal. Damn. His eyes crinkled at the corners. “Sirius Black.”

Remus had nothing to give except his name. So he did. “Remus Lupin.”

They watched each other for a moment when suddenly there was a rustle from the bramble bushes. Harry had leaves in his hair and a dour expression on his face. In his tiny hand was an empty coffee cup. “You shouldn’t litter Mr. Lupin.”

@wolfstarmicrofic

#wolfstar #wolfstar microfic #writ #Harry Potter

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etherealacoustic · 2 years

Text

Promise Ring

Pairing - Remus Lupin x daughter!OC, George Weasley x OC.

Warnings - none

Summary - George Weasley talks to Remus about marrying his daughter and dear Remus freaks out a little.

Pt. 2 link here

Remus Lupin was pacing back and forth in the frontyard of the Weasley's home. A slightly troubled expression seen on his scarred and weary face.

The sun had set about three hours ago, it was almost late evening and there was no sign of his daughter.

"Remus!" Molly's voice called him and he turned to see her walking towards his direction.

"Want any help?" He asked immediately.

Molly shook her head and looked up at him, recognising the concern hidden beneath his small smile. "She's going to be okay. She'll be home in no time".

He exhaled heavily and leaned against one of the trees, hands in the pockets of his trousers as he thought. "Yeah, but it's late. She said she'll be here by evening and it's almost night".

"Work must've held her back," the woman soothed. "Don't worry so much".

But Remus couldn't help it, these days were full of dark times. Terror spread over everyone as soon as it turned dark. Families got worried when their loved ones got home even a tiny bit late.

He was no stranger to worrying, he was no stranger to loss. But he couldn't bear another one. His mind, his body that was still recovering from the death of his best friend, could not handle another major loss.

"She's not here yet?" George spoke up quietly from behind them.

"No dear," said Molly. "But don't you worry, she'll be here soon enough".

Remus looked at George to see the boy's face drowned in concern and anxiety. The young man nodded and went back inside.

And just then there was a pop and both of them turned to see Ophelia Lupin walking towards them, shaking off her coat and taking out her wand.

Remus stepped forward, his wand pointed towards his daughter rather unwillingly on his part. But the safety measures were necessary, he had to follow them.

"What did I give you on your nineteenth birthday?" He questioned firmly.

"A photo album," she answered with a smile. "Filled with our pictures".

But then her face turned serious and she was the one to enquire him, "What was the last flower Sirius gave me?"

"A black rose," Remus said and after what felt like ages, a smile stretched across his lips and he went forward to pull his daughter in his arms.

Ophelia sighed as she rested her head on his shoulder, finally getting the feeling of home as she hugged him back just as tightly.

"You're late," he murmured. "What happened? I was worried".

"Got held up," she replied and hugged Molly who almost cried in relief at seeing her unharmed and completely well. "Had to investigate some cases, we got a lead on something".

"Let's go then. Dinner's ready," Molly smiled and went forward, leaving the two behind.

Ophelia analysed her father's expression. Taking note of the crease between his eyebrows, a constant indication of his non-stop thinking.

"Dad," she said softly. "I'm fine, I'll be fine. Nothing's gonna happen to me, okay?"

Remus smiled a little and nodded, putting his arm around her shoulder as they stepped inside the house.

"Lia!" Ginny grinned and immediately got up from her seat on the couch over to her favorite elder girl.

"Hey Gin," Ophelia chuckled and pulled the girl in a side-hug. "Hello there, Harold!"

Harry rolled his eyes fondly at the name and came closer to hug his not blood-related sister too. "Everything alright?"

"Fantastic," she smiled and ruffled his messy hair earning her a small slap from him.

"Phea!" Said a voice with a strong French accent. "You're finally 'ere".

"Hello Fleur," she greeted the gorgeous half-veela and the fierce woman.

"Love!" George exclaimed and a huge grin slowly spread on his face. He almost ran up to his girl and pulled her in his embrace, the two chuckling lightly as they stumbled and swayed clumsily.

"I missed you too," she laughed and pecked his cheek as he placed a kiss on her forehead, his mind clearly relieved.

"Let's eat now shall we?" Arthur called out and everyone nodded, taking up plates and cutlery.

Ophelia was seated between her Dad and Harry, a bright look replacing the previous tired expression that she wore.

"You ready for your sixth year, Gin?" She asked and took a bite of the potatoes.

"As I'll ever be," Ginny smiled but it faded away, replaced by a sullen look. "But it'll be more boring with these three not being there".

The air went tense at her sentence, every person stared at the young trio and Ophelia, everybody knowing about these four going to a deadly mission after a few days.

"How's work going, Lia?" Hermione asked in an attempt to break the uncomfortable stretch.

"Oh it's great," Ophelia answered honestly. "Sometimes though I do feel the strong urge to rip out someone's skin".

The table shook with laughter at her comment and it continued on for awhile until the dinner was over and everyone was helping in cleaning.

The girls were all chatting about the wedding that was approaching within a few days, all very excited at the prospect of a bright occasion in these terrible times.

Bill and Ron were playing chess and also simultaneously sneaking glances at Fleur and Hermione respectively.

"So 'mione," Ophelia began with a little smirk. "Your man still isn't making a move?"

"What?" The girl asked in disbelief and blushed furiously.

"Nothing," the grey-eyed girl replied innocently, unable to hide the mischief.

They were talking for quite a time and the younger two bid her goodbye as they left to sleep, followed by Harry, Ron, Bill and Fleur as well. The twins were out somewhere, probably in Diagon Alley for a while.

Ophelia's body was overcome with exhaustion all of a sudden. The hardwork and difficult training finally getting to her. She shook her head and went over towards the couch to take a seat beside Remus.

He glanced at her and didn't fail to identify her thinking expression. "What're you thinking about?" He questioned softly, keeping the book aside.

"Pads," she replied and brought her knees up to her chest. "I miss him".

His heart clenched, a look of pain flashing in his eyes as he looked at her. The mischievous smirk that usually painted her lips reminded him a lot of Sirius. "Yeah, I miss him too. A lot".

"Do you think if he's- you know- proud... of me?" She asked and fiddled with her fingers.

"Hey," Remus whispered and took hold of her shoulders, noticing her eyes shining silver as she looked up at him.

"I know for a fact that he's proud, so proud of you. You're here living your life, healing and moving on, working for the better of our world, taking care of everyone. What more would anyone ask for in their goddaughter?" He smiled gently.

Ophelia pressed her lips together in thought and then gave him a small nod.

"You okay, darling?" He asked as she laid her head on his lap, eyes closing quickly.

"Tired," she mumbled and let out another deep breath as he stroked her head.

"Take a rest then," he said and continued to gently lull her to sleep with his soft caress on her forehead, exactly how he used to when she was a child.

Soon enough, Ophelia was fast asleep. Soft snores coming as her chest rose and fell back. Not a crease of worry on her face as she slept without any care.

"Asleep already?" Molly asked and came over to sit on the opposite sofa, the only light being the small yellow one in the living room.

"Yeah," Remus chuckled and looked down at his little girl. "Work seemed to drain her".

"I have told you this a lot of times before, but she really is a wonderful one," Molly said with clear love for Ophelia.

He just smiled and nodded, "I consider myself lucky and blessed".

Her smile fell a little as she said her next words, "But she's also suffered a lot that one. Much more than any of us, and to an extent that we can only imagine".

"I know," he frowned. His voice starting to shake as he brushed the strands of hair on the sleeping girl's forehead.

"Now don't you blame yourself, Remus," she scolded gently. "It's all because of you that Ophelia's so wonderful, so kind, helpful, loving, caring. She's grown up to be a beautiful woman".

"She grew up a little too quickly," he muttered. "Is almost twenty now".

Molly chuckled softly at the disapproval in his voice. Her smiling as she remembered Arthur's words about Ginny. "You fathers, you're all the same. Just yesterday Arthur told me that Gin's growing up fast".

Remus laughed, "Well you can't blame us for wanting our girls to stay little forever".

Just then there was a knock on the door and the two became alert but relaxed after hearing the voices of George and Fred. After the questions, the two stepped in. Fred with his usual grin and George with a nervous look.

"Everything good in the shop then?" Molly questioned and sat down on her seat.

"All well," Fred nodded and smiled brightly as he went in the kitchen for some water.

"George? What's wrong, dear?"

"I- Nothing," George shook his head and offered a forced smile as he took a seat next to his mother, his eyes landing on Ophelia.

"She's asleep earlier than usual," he commented and couldn't help but gaze lovingly at her relaxed figure.

"Definitely overworked herself," Fred replied and then shot his brother a look.

"What's going on with you two?" Remus asked and furrowed his eyebrows at the two communicating with their eyes and doing suspicious gestures.

"Uh- see ya later, mum! Night Remus! And my dear brother, good luck," smirked Fred and went out, disapparating to his flat.

"George?" Molly asked worriedly. "Everything's okay isn't it?"

"Yeah," he nodded heavily. "I just- just wanted to talk to you about something".

"Go on," she smiled reassuringly and patted his shoulder. Though it seemed she had an idea of what her son was going to speak as his eyes flicked from Remus to Ophelia quite often. The man in question on the other hand was totally oblivious.

George opened his mouth to speak but closed it. Not finding the words, not knowing how to start the conversation. "I- erm- I've- I've been thinking".

"About what?" Remus asked with slight confusion at the boy's extreme nervousness.

"Uh- I don't know how to talk about this," he chuckled nervously. "Remus it's... I wanted to talk about me and... Ophelia".

Remus' eyes widened at that, what was this boy insinuating? Countless thoughts ran through his head. Was he going to break his relationship? Was he going to leave Ophelia?

"What about it?" He finally managed to ask and cleared his throat.

"We've- we've been together for almost four years now," said George and glanced at the two adults who nodded. "And I love her a lot. So I was just thinking that maybe- maybe I should take the next step?"

Molly had a huge smile on her face as she internally cheered while Remus still had an oblivious expression.

"Next step?" He asked.

George swallowed, hesitatingly looking up at the man before blurting out, "Marriage".

Remus almost had a heart attack there, his eyes were wide beyond belief, "M- Marriage?" He croaked out.

"Not exactly," George said quickly. "I mean I do want to marry her but not now. I just wanted to ask for your permission. I want to give her a promise ring".

Remus' thoughts were a mess. Marriage? That was a big topic even though the idea had come into his mind loads of times. He had thought of the day when her daughter would get proposed, when her man would ask his permission for her hand. He had imagined it but had always brushed it off.

"I won't do it if you don't want me to," The red-head boy muttered after the lack of response. He looked at his mother nervously but Molly just smiled.

"A promise ring, you say?" Remus said and looked at him.

George nodded. "I don't want to marry her now, it's too soon for the both of us. But she's going on that mission and everyone knows it's going to be risky as hell. So I couldn't help myself from thinking this through. It's just a promise, that I will marry her when she gets back. Sort of like a reminder for her to come back to me. And a comfort for me, knowing she'll come back some day".

"But if it's too soon for you, I won't do it. I promise I'll wait until you say so. I just love her a lot, I want her by my side. The ring will be something like a piece of me with her, when she'll go," he said and blushed a little.

Remus was listening to every word of his with complete concentration and all he found was the boy's genuine love for his daughter. Yes it was soon for him, but it's not like they were getting married the next day. It was just a promise, a promise that George will marry her someday.

He didn't want to say yes. Wanting to selfishly keep his daughter close to him, not wanting to let her go. He loved his little girl to death and couldn't stand the fact of her being married, of leaving him and going away to stay with her husband.

But he wanted to see her happy. And he knew this was one of the things that would bring a smile to her face. He knew George well these past years, he was certain this boy would treat Ophelia well, would never make her feel uncomfortable.

The deep sigh left his lungs as he looked to see the son and mother looking at him expectantly. He gazed down at his daughter still sleeping peacefully and his lips curved up in a fond smile involuntarily.

"Okay," Remus said and George's face brightened ten times more. "You can give her a promise ring, you have my permission".

"Thank you," George smiled sincerely, he understood knew how hard it must be.

"She'll be well-treated Remus," Molly laughed cheerfully. "Despite his extreme mischief, my son's a gentleman. He'll treat her well, I'll make sure if it".

"I have no doubts," Remus replied back and tried to stop the tears from welling in his eyes. He didn't want to get emotional.

He cleared his throat and said, "You have the ring? When will you give it to her?"

"Maybe in 2-3 days," George responded and pulled out a black box from his pocket to show then the simple but gorgeous ornament.

"It's beautiful," Molly breathed in awe and hugged her son, her being proud of him.

"Good luck," Remus smiled genuinely and he nodded. "I'll put her to sleep," he said and lifted Ophelia up easily. His actions filled with outmost gentleness as he bid the two Weasleys goodbye and climbed the stairs to her bedroom.

He laid Ophelia down on the bed and placed a blanket on top of her, tucking in the sides carefully. It reminded him of old times, specifically when she was a kid and wouldn't sleep if he hadn't tucked her.

He chuckled softly, nostalgia spreading through him as he just looked at his daughter with certain fondness. He pressed a kiss on her forehead and got up, taking one last look before closing the door.

He smiled at George who was waiting outside the door. "She's asleep".

George nodded and returned the smile, "It really is okay with you right?"

"Of course. Just keep her happy won't you? She's my only girl, the only family I've got. Take care of her won't you?" He asked with a slight desperation. "Ophelia's suffered a lot until now, she deserves some happiness".

"I give you my word," George said with every bit of sincerity. "I'll always keep her happy".

Remus smiled a full smile, one that was both happy and also a tiny bit sad. His daughter, his little girl was not so little anymore.

And despite knowing that the day when she'll be married would be coming soon, he couldn't help but that small excitement that was burning inside.

**********************************************

Interested for a Part 2?

#remus lupin fanfiction #remus lupin fic #remus lupin #remus john lupin #remus lupin x daughter #remus lupin daughter #george weasley #george weasley fanfiction #george weasley fic #george weasley fluff #marauders ff #harry potter ff #harry potter #harry potter fanfiction #harry potter fandom #sirius black

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greyeyedmonster-18 · 2 years

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(saw this on my dash and had to dribble with it. featuring my own HC about a neurodivergent Not!Albus ((but for purposes of this, he is still named Albus though I stand by in a universe in which sirius black is alive, over his body would Harry ever be allowed to get away with that shit)). xoxo)

in which sirius knows a thing or two about being sorted somewhere unexpected.

It had taken some years, longer than Sirius would've liked to admit, to be able to decipher between the different types of quiet, as far as his middle grandchild was concerned. In a family full of big voices and a bold opinions (a grandfather who didn't hesitate to call bullshit in legal proceedings, a mother who never bit her tongue around the daily prophet, a father who called a spade a spade and had been raised in home where feeling wasn't a bad thing. His older brother never stopped moving; his little sister stamped her foot and couldn't be moved) Al felt things deeply. Thoughtfully. Took time to process information, his surroundings, retreating into books and writings in his journal to make sense of everything. It took time for Sirius to learn, with the help of his husband, that quiet didn't mean that something was wrong necessarily. Sirius knew what it was like to want a quiet space--his own study turning into a place of refuge, thankful that for once he had put a boundary and everyone had to knock-- and for Al, it seemed the quiet space was his own mind.

There was the quiet Albus got during holiday dinners, smiling and nodding and laughing along with everyone, enjoying the company without speaking. Sirius would be sure to pepper in check-ins, or else give Al odd jobs to do away from the noise, the two of them often retreating into the kitchen and taking a painstakingly long time to cut the pie. Breaks, so to speak. Time to bond otherwise, different traditions forming for the two of them.

There was the quiet Albus got while working on schoolwork, or reading a book. A train could come and he wouldn't break focus, but a single question of how do you like it? would open an entirely new world. Albus talked fast like his father--like James-- and it made Sirius smile every time.

There was the quiet Albus got after a fight with his siblings or his parents, seeking out Remus for equally quiet comfort at Number 12.

But this, was a new type of quiet entirely. Albus fidgeting and worrying his lower lip the first Sunday at tea in Remus's office. Because Sunday tea was a standing tradition with James Sirius and Albus, who had just started Hogwarts was now a part of it. He hadn't touched his tea, and while James was talking enthusiastically, Al hadn't said a word. New. Uncharted grounds.

Remus noticed too, able to reach over and gently pull the hand out of Albus's mouth, nails already bitten, and cuticles already red. Sirius furrowed his eyebrows, recognizing the silence as new but the expression wasn't. Al was sitting there trying not to cry as James talked about the beginning of third year and upcoming quidditch tryouts and the new electives he had started.

Sirius exchanged a brief look with Remus before standing up, "I'm so sorry, babe, I just remembered I have a book at Number 12 that I meant to bring here," he said, excuse leaving his mouth, and James shrugged.

"You're so weird," James said, "Book emergency? Whatever."

Sirius grinned, crossing the room easily and messing up James's hair roughly, "And now you look just as weird as I am," he teased, James laughing and swatting Sirius's hand away, "Al, how about you floo back with me? You can take a look at some I thought you might like."

It wasn't Sirius's best performance by any means, as far as lies and apologies and excuses went, but Al stood up easily, not posing any questions, walking with Sirius to the floo in Remus's office. They landed in the parlor of Number 12, Sirius brushing some of the soot of his shoulders, walking to stand in front of Albus and taking a knee.

"Better?"

A tiny nod, green eyes looking down at the ground.

"I do have a book I can show you if you're interested," Sirius started, "It's a sort of memoir about a wizard who didn't use magic for four years..."

"Why'd you read that? Doesn't seem like a you book."

"For work, boring reasons, but it was a good read," he said smiling softly, reaching to put a finger under Albus's chin and tilting his head up, "I'm also here to listen if you're interested in that."

Quiet.

The clock ticked, but Sirius didn't move.

"I'm not in Gryffindor," Al whispered, "Are people mad? I feel like they're mad and just not saying anything...pretending to be happy, but I'm not in Gryffindor, but they actually hate me and are angry. And James said I should ask to try again but I don't think it works that way..."

"Oh, mon amour, no one is mad, I can promise you that." Sirius said, ignoring the aching in his knees from being on the ground for so long, realizing he was definitely not twenty-something anymore, and ignoring his impulse to hug Al and never let go. He stayed, running a thumb across his grandson's cheekbone, "And to be honest with you, we're not even that surprised."

"Because I'm different!"

"Yes." Sirius said simply, "You are. How boring of a world would it be if we were all the same?" He asked, watching as Albus's eyes filled with tears.

"I'm always different and...Grandma made me that big blanket with Gryffindor colors for my bed and I can't....use it because it's just wrong. A-a-and everyone's been nice there! At my table! But no one...they're not James's friends, and nothing I own is green or silver or...I don't think Mum and Dad wanted me there....even if they're not saying it. Because I'm a Potter. What kind of Potter goes into Slytherin?" he finished despairingly, voice shaky and tears streaming down his face.

Sirius inhaled deeply. He wasn't twenty anymore. But he could easily remember what it was like to be eleven and sitting on a stool, listening to a hat shout out an unexpected choice, and the feeling of having the rug pulled out from underneath your feet. Like an amateur muggle-magician, pulling the tablecloth on a delicately set table only to have every single piece of glass shatter. Sirius was older now and still cleaning up the shards left behind.

"Come with me?"

"Where?"

"Upstairs?" A tiny nod, and Sirius apparated them both upstairs into a bedroom of Number 12 that had been untouched for years, though Sirius went in there monthly to make sure it was clean. How his brother would've wanted it.

A Slytherin banner hung on the wall, the curtains on Regulus's windows dark and heavy, his brother unable to sleep with any sort of light coming through. The bed was made with handsome grey sheets, all of Regulus's books on the shelf. A trunk at the foot of the bed.

"What's....where is this?"

"This is my brother's room."

Albus's eyes went wide, a single sentence stopping the tears, "But you don't let people in here! We're not allowed; that's the rule. Did you break a rule?"

"I make the rules so I can break them," Sirius grinned, his hand on Albus's shoulder, "When I was your age... I was sorted in Gryffindor, after my entire family for years, I'm talking hundreds of years had been in Slytherin," Sirius said looking down at Albus, "And my parents weren't as great as yours, but...if they knew one thing it was that you cannot control a hat. I argued with that hat for so long and it made no difference."

"I did too...I tried."

"Hat knows best."

"Were they mad?"

"Not at the sorting, no," Sirius told him, leaving out the part where his parents were only mad at who he became after. "I was pretty out of sorts about it at first, disappointed a bunch of people...being a rebel wasn't as cool as I initially thought in reality. But then I met your Granddad James and Granddad Moony...and I learned so many new things that made being different worth it. I got a best friend out of it, and I got to fall in love, and Professor McGonagall was...my perfect Head of House who understood what I needed to be my very best. And I'm certain yours will do the same. Hat doesn't make mistakes."

"Really?"

Sirius nodded, breaking away from Albus to walk towards his brother's trunk at the foot of his bed, popping it open for the first time in years but knowing the contents like the backs of his hand. "We're all so proud of you, Al, you can trust in that. It doesn't make you less of a Potter, it doesn't make you less a part of this family--at least not where I'm concerned and I make the rules..."

"You don't make all the rules...that's what Mum says anyway."

"I make the important ones. Like...I love you so much, no matter what happens. So does Moony, and your parents. And your sister and brother," he said, smiling as he reached into the trunk, pulling out a blanket--green and silver, neatly folded-- and setting it on the bed. He pulled out a sweater. A quidditch jersey, BLACK in silver letters on the back.

Albus walked slowly to Sirius, pausing before taking a seat on the bed, in a room that no one else had been allowed in for years. Al pulled his legs up, sitting crossed-legged, tears and worry subsiding slowly as he ran a hand over the soft material of the blanket. "A...blanket?"

"It's not hand-knitted, you'll have to give me some time to do that," Sirius said, "But...it is very soft, and I can't think of a better person to take care of my little brother's belongings. You're very careful. You see the world for all its complexities, smarter than I've ever been," Sirius said, closing the lid and catching green eyes in his own, "You are exactly where you are supposed to be. And sometimes...it's very necessary to break family tradition."

"What if I don't play Quidditch? I don't think I like Quidditch, I just like Mum..." Albus ran his hand over the faded letters on the back, speaking softly.

"It's still yours to wear," Sirius smiled, "I know it doesn't say Potter, but the Blacks and the Potters have--"

"They're the same. It's the same name. Dad says so."

"See? Not so different."

Another quiet settled in, Albus sitting on the bed, looking around the room with wide eyes. The familiar kind Sirius knew that wasn't full of worrying and unspent tears, but just the kind that said I'm processing. Emotions, environments, words. But Albus was smiling, sitting in a room that mimicked Albus's at his own home. One that was neat and tidy and simple. A quiet space. Sirius let out a breath before joining him in the same position, making a mental note to check for pain potion in the medicine cabinet, two Slytherin banners in his hand. One for a dormitory. One for a study.

#sirius black #albus potter #granddad sirius black #also wolfstar granddads #also some regulus black in here #whoops

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krethes · 2 years

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@wolfstarmicrofic July, Day Six: powerful

Set in my own canon universe, vaguely NSFW at the end.

Remus knows his own strength. He's been a host for a raging, wild animal since he was four years old, and his raw ability to wreak destruction is not unknown. It sneaks up on him sometimes and gets away from him in the accidental shattering of a teacup, or a door wrought off its hinges, of a bedframe cracked down the middle. He's never had to actually worry about being physically overpowered, not by a regular human, anyway, and not without magic.

His own magic is formidable, too. He's the best duellist of their generation (even Alastor lauded praise onto him), and his defensive spells are unmatched, a gift of genetics, perhaps, from his father whose solo wards could contain a snarling, teenage werewolf with ease.

So, Remus knows he is a force to be reckoned with.

It's Sirius whose might takes him by surprise.

Sirius, whose otherworldly beauty does not lend itself to violence. Sirius, whose stomach still turns at the prospect of killing. Sirius, whose hands are velvet soft and gentle when they hold him.

But Sirius was the heir, the scion to an ancient bloodline, of wizards who go back to the days when perhaps they weren't exactly human, when wilder magic thrived and kept them secret from Muggles. For all the self-importance and racist prejudices housed in the House of Black, their magical power was not overinflated.

He sees it now, in the raging inferno that surrounds them, the offensive barrier that keeps the three of them—Remus, Sirius, Harry—safe from the Death Eaters who ambushed them outside of the Tonks's cottage. Andromeda, at Sirius's demand, took Ted and Nymphadora and went to safety. They want Harry, yes, but they also want Sirius and Andromeda. They want to pull them back into the fold, need to rebuild their ranks now that their leader has fallen.

But Sirius does not go gently into that night, no. Remus shields Harry with his own magic and body, but Sirius is the true protector, honing his wild magic's power into a personification of his rage, of all of the pain and anguish and grief he feels. The blaze is his anger at being robbed of the only family who loved him. The roaring wind that whips it into the faces of the Death Eaters is his rebellion against the expectations levied at him. The iron blades he forms from the very earth are his unyielding will, his sole focus of determination to protect Harry.

Their attackers retreat, and Remus and Sirius take a series of complicated Apparation jumps to get back to Polaris Cove, shaking and would-be tails off their backs. Harry protests, because of course he does. Apparation is very uncomfortable, especially for a little one, but Sirius is able to soothe him in a way Remus has never been capable of. He curls Harry in his arms and presses his squalling face into his neck, and Harry's cries subside to whimpers, to little hiccups, and finally to sleepy mumbles and then the nasally breaths of a sleeping toddler.

Home is a balm. A sanctuary. They knew they were taking a risk leaving Polaris Cove, but there's only so much of being cooped up that they can take. It's not a tiny house, but with their nervous energy and the growing pains of their new normal, it felt a little smothering. But it's a reprieve now. The wards are ironclad and welcome them in. They check them again anyway, once Harry is down in his crib, and the routine of that settles their combined nerves.

They were live wires minutes ago, sparks arching between them, spitting at everything in the rawness of "this was a bad idea" and "never should have left", but with the danger behind them, that anger is snuffed out. It's replaced by those soft, searching, securing hands ghosting over a small cut on Remus's face, rose-petal lips pressing against his with an exhale that they both feel, taking the fight out of them, leaving them hollow.

They refill with hungry, desperate kisses, hastily-split flies and rough, frantic pulls until they break, that fight leaving them, too, dragging them down to the bed where they connect in slow, deliberate movements, moans drowned in each other's mouths so only the sounds of their bodies surging together echo in the room.

Powerful though he is, Sirius tempers it to a tender caress of a cleaning charm that ripples over Remus's body, and drapes a warming charm across their legs because the duvet's been flung to the far corner of the room. When their eyes meet, Remus loses himself in the fractals of silver and grey and the faintest flecks of blue and is overcome by the magnitude of the love he sees reflected back at him. In a time of war and betrayal and death, they have peace and truth and life between them, and Remus hopes he'll never take it for granted.

#wolfstar #remus lupin #sirius black #my fics #wolfstar raising harry #microfic #wolfstarmicrofic #powerful #bamf sirius black

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drowningregulus7 · 9 months

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Hear me out:

Sirius Black can be irrational, right? A flaw that’s slowly gotten better over time, but not completely gone. Imagine him stuck in his house, unable to visit his friends, even when his best friend’s wife is pregnant. He decides to drink his stress away, taking his motor bike to the nearest club he can find. He drinks, and drinks, and drinks, but no one knows he’s gone. He gets even worse while he’s drunk, and he wakes up in someone else’s bed. A woman’s. He gives her his address and a letter, in a friendly way, because he’s not an asshole who just leaves without any warning after an.. eventful night. Two weeks later he gets a letter.

She’s pregnant.

Of course, he wants the kid. They both have no romantic attraction towards each other, but there’s certainly enough milk that he doesn’t have to go and buy more. He’s over the moon, writing letters to James, Remus, and Peter alike. Strangely, Remus isn’t as excited. (I wonder why.. hmm..) After a few months, things are getting worse. Muggles dying everywhere, wizards going missing, it’s scary.

Then, the mother of his child bursts into his house.

“Sirius- I think- I need- please-” she blurts out, sobbing. Sirius immediately takes her to St. Mungos. He’s in a bad way, restless energy taking over him. It’s too early, will the baby be okay? Will she? All these thoughts run through his head, and then he turns to see James. James, with Lily, who is obviously in pain. Sirius looks at his best friend, James looks back with a bewildered expression.

“Are you.. is..”

“The same day? The SAME day?! They’ll be like twins!”

James is ecstatic, Sirius is a worried mess. He paces around the room, and a healer gestures for him to come over.

“I’m pleased to say that the baby is quite healthy, despite his early birth.. but, unfortunately, his mother-”

-and Sirius falls to his knees. This is his fault. Why did he leave the house? Why can’t he just control himself? Why did he accept her choice to have the baby? He didn’t love her, not romantically, at least. Why, why, why-

“Sir? Sir, please calm down..”

Sirius is so distraught he can’t even cry. He gives money to the woman’s family for the funeral, goes to Lily to visit her, to see if she’s okay. But she’s with her newborn son, with James, who is happily rambling about how cute he is. A part of him is jealous. But he’s happy for them all the same, and even happier when he’s announced Harry James Potter’s godfather. That’s when he makes his decision.

He storms to St. Mungos, demanding to see the young healer who had delivered the news that made his world fall apart at the seams. He slams a quill on the table, his eyes filled with tears

“I want my son. I want him. I’m raising him. Who in the name of Merlin’s beard gives a shit about whether I’m a woman or not? He’s my child, mine, I’m taking him home.”

And so he does. He holds the newborn carefully, looking down at him with pure love. How can anything be so small? He never really held a baby before, unless you counted the time when Regulus was born and Sirius was a curious toddler, he still has the picture. He watches as his son raises a tiny hand, and Sirius takes it in two of his fingers.(p

“Regulus..” he whispers, biting his lip. Regulus, who was foolish enough to believe his family. Regulus, who he hadn’t spoken to since he got sorted. Regulus, who never came back to him.

“I’ll take care of you better than I took care of him, I swear.”

And so, Regulus Black Jr is taken home.

Sirius has a ton of help from Lily, he names Remus godfather, Lily godmother. Regulus and Harry get along as well as babies can do, and Sirius is livid that they can’t spend their first birthday together. Nevertheless, Remus and Sirius enjoy themselves as little regulus somehow makes a mess of the cake. Remus offers to stay the night, which was probably for the best, since Regulus was on a sugar high until 2 in the morning. Sirius cries a little about Regulus’s mother, he took regulus to her grave. Even if he had no clue what was going on, it felt right for Sirius to take him. Remus, being the best friend (sure.. friend..) he is, comforted him. They then fell asleep on the sofa, at around 4 in the morning.

He hears the news about James, about Lily, about his godson. He drops regulus off at Remus’s, getting on his motor bike and speeding to find Peter. First he lost his son’s mother, now his godmother and uncle? Sirius’s best friend? His best friend’s son? Hagrid refuses to hand over his godson.. how dare he? How dare he?! Who cares about Dumbledore? Dumbledore’s the one who couldn’t protect Lily and James! He wipes the hot tears streaming down his face, then practically pounces the second he lays eyes on Peter.

I think you know the rest.

Remus finds himself fighting for his right to keep regulus, as his godfather. Sirius, a traitor? He was a father, he couldn’t, surely.. That doesn’t mean his child deserves to be punished too. He’s still fighting his case, over the years, but regulus is in his custody while he’s doing so.

Fast forward ten years. Regulus is the spitting image of his father, except with soft brown hair. It makes Remus cry sometimes, he does his best to hide it, not that he’s good at it. Regulus also acts very much like his father, a social butterfly with an unfortunate habit of attracting trouble. Or being the trouble.

“Reg, stop running! And push your own trolley, I’m not doing it for you.”

“But Pa, the train leaves at eleven! It’s on platform 9 and 3/4, right? All I have to do is run through there! The trolley will slow me down!”

Harry overhears this conversation, edging to Remus and poking his arm

“Excuse me, sir.. I don’t know.. how..”

Remus jumps. Suddenly, he’s eleven years old again, seeing James Potter with his hair sticking out from the back. Except this time he’s nervous, fragile, a little scared, with a lightning scar on his forehead. He wants to cry and hug the young boy, but he stops himself. A conversation for another day, another time, another place.

“To get on the platform? Don’t worry, cub, it’s regulus’s first day too.” he mentally slaps himself. Cub? Why’d he say that? He hasn’t called Harry that in ten years, he hasn’t seen Harry in ten years.

“Yeah! It is! C’mon, I’ll show you!” regulus takes Harry’s hand, and runs straight at the barrier, dragging the green eyed boy. Harry’s practically screaming.

“There- There’s a wall! Are you MAD? THERE’S A WA-” Harry closes his eyes, preparing to feel extreme pain. But he doesn’t. He hears regulus laugh, and lets go of his hand as he slowly opens his eyes. It’s the Hogwarts Express, platform 9 and 3/4. In the end, Remus did push Regulus’s trolley, he also pushed Harry’s.

Harry and Regulus rush to the train, finding an empty compartment. Regulus rambles about houses, and quidditch, and magic in general. Harry is amazed. Then Ron Weasley peeks in, asking if he can join them. Regulus agrees, Harry just nods nervously.

“I’m Ron, Ron Weasley.”

“Regulus Black! Junior, that is.”

“Uh.. Harry. Harry Potter.”

Regulus jaw drops, looking from Ron to Harry.

“WHAT? You said Harry, you didn’t say POTTER! Why didn’t pa tell me? He saw you too! Do you have the scar? Can I see? I mean, only if you want, it was probably super scary, right? Can you remember it?” he starts bombarding Harry with questions, and he does get answers.

A few hours later, they’re munching on chocolate frogs, fizzing whizz bees and pumpkin pasties. A girl with bushy brown hair and rather large front teeth pokes in, her Hogwarts robes already on.

You get the drill.

So, imagine this.

Harry Potter, staring at Hermione Granger curiously. Ronald Weasley and Regulus Black Jr sharing bewildered expressions.

The Marauders Jr.

#harry potter #writing #sirius orion black #james potter #regulus black #lily evans #wolfstar #i just want to sleep #i need sleep #idk what im doing #first post

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jillianallen14 · 2 years

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Sirius Black was a DAMN good godfather

I came across a Tiktok that was talking about how Molly was wrong in her argument with Sirius in OOTP about whether or not Harry should have been kept in the loop (which is a take I agree with). However, in the comments, there were a slew of people saying things like, “No, Molly was right” and “Sirius just saw Harry as a replacement for James” and “Sirius was an unfit guardian.” I massively disagree with all of those statements and think they do a disservice to the beautiful relationship between Harry and Sirius that exists even outside of James. I’m going to articulate what I mean in a little essay for anyone who’s interested in reading it.

Sirius didn’t see Harry as a replacement for James. I think he saw pieces of James in Harry, sure. I also think he saw pieces of Lily in Harry, who he also knew well and loved. And, for that matter, I think he saw himself in Harry as well, which I’ll get to later in this essay. And maybe even a tiny little bit of Remus, too. But Harry wasn’t a replacement for James. Sirius had genuine paternal care for Harry, which he obviously had never had for James. In James & Sirius’s relationship, James was generally more of the care-taker. In Sirius’s relationship with Harry, however, he assumes a paternal role, and I can give some examples. For one, he lived off of rats in a cave simply to keep Harry safe & communicate with him. He usually did not encourage reckless behavior in Harry (do we remember in GOF when he got upset with Harry for going off on his own with Krum and told Harry not to sneak out to Hogsmeade to see him [Sirius]?) He was careful with Harry’s wellbeing & was generally very responsible with Harry’s life.

The one scene people always bring up when they accuse Sirius of confusing James and Harry is in OOTP when Sirius tells Harry that he doesn’t have as much of James in him as he thought he did. However, this moment is not an example of Sirius conflating Harry and James as the same person; instead, it’s a moment of Sirius trying to manipulate Harry into doing what Sirius wants him to do by way of using his father. This is terrible in and of itself, and is definitely the lowest point in Sirius and Harry’s relationship. However, it’s also worth mentioning that this is the only time Sirius ever does anything like this in the entirety of his relationship with Harry, and it’s also worth mentioning that Remus also does this exact thing in Deathly Hallows when he’s trying to convince Harry to let him tag along with them on their Horcrux quest. Harry says no, and Remus brings up the father card. Both Remus and Sirius figured out very quickly that Harry was insecure about wanting to be like his father, and in these scenes, they use that to their advantage. It’s terrible that they both do this, but I think it’s interesting that Remus never gets as much hate for doing it as Sirius does.

Sirius tells Harry how much like his father he is when Harry asks at other points in the books, but he doesn’t compare them, and he doesn’t act like Harry isn’t living up to Sirius’s expectations of who he thinks he should be. This is the only scene between the two of them where anything like that ever happens. It’s also worth mentioning the context surrounding this scene. Sirius is trying to manipulate Harry into meeting up with him despite the risk; Sirius is doing this because he is at his lowest point, incredibly lonely, and in a generally terrible mental state. He misses Harry, he’s worried about Harry, he wants to see him. Because of this, he makes a mistake, a mistake he never gets to atone for because he dies before he gets the chance. This scene is evidence of the complex and sometimes flawed relationship between Harry and Sirius, but it is not evidence of Sirius trying to use Harry as a replacement for his best friend.

I’ve made my case for why I believe Sirius never saw Harry as a replacement for James. Now, I’m going to make my case for why I think Sirius was actually a great parental figure for Harry.

In my opinion, Sirius is the person throughout the books who seems to most understand Harry. I think a large part of this comes from the fact that he and Harry are a lot alike. They are both reckless and fiercely loyal, they both came from abusive and dysfunctional homes, they both survived their upbringings by finding family in friendship (which they relied on in times of trouble), and they are both prone to anger and impulsivity and moodiness. They have both been outcasts, they distrust adults and authority figures and have a tendency to rebel or assert their own independence, they don’t like being told what to do, they’ve both been falsely accused of things (especially in OOTP), they’ve both had the oppressive weights of their family names (Potter and Black, respectively) as a looming shadow over them their whole lives. They both consistently feel as if they’re misunderstood (and sometimes they genuinely are misunderstood!). They are both struggling to deal with the same loss (James and Lily Potter), and they have both been seriously traumatized by the things they’ve experienced in their lives. Sirius has a revenge streak that Harry did not have when he was younger but does start to develop as he gets older. They are extremely similar characters, and I think Sirius sees this pretty clearly. And I think he sees this as both a good thing (because it allows him to better know how to help and support Harry) and a bad thing (because he hates the fact that his best friend’s kid ended up more like him than James). I think Sirius wishes Harry had more James in him but not because he wants his best friend back; he wishes Harry had more James in him because James was far happier and more loved and more well adjusted than Sirius and Harry could ever be. He wants Harry to have that, too. Personally, I think Harry has more Sirius in him than he has James or Lily. They could relate to each other and understand each other in a way that has nothing to do with James and everything to do with who they are as individuals. Harry was not just James’s kid; he was Sirius’s godson.

This mutual understanding leads to many instances in the books where Sirius really truly does understand what’s best for Harry and how best to parent him. In OOTP when Sirius finds out about Harry leading the DA meetings, he reacts with pride. Sirius understood Harry well enough to know that there was no way he would sit back and not practice defense, and he understood that chastising him would do nothing but alienate him. So instead, he chooses to support Harry and to be a resource, should Harry need help or advice. Earlier in OOTP, he understands that if Harry is not kept in the loop and told about what’s going on, he will find his own answers and will react recklessly (because it’s exactly what Sirius would do & Sirius understands how similar he and Harry are), which is what sparks his argument with Molly. Unfortunately, Sirius ends up being completely right about this, which he pays for with his life. Sirius allows Harry his independence, while also being a solid and dependable (well, as dependable as he could be, given the circumstances) support system for Harry.

Harry goes to Sirius about everything. When he has girl troubles, he wants to go to Sirius about it. When his scar hurts, he tells Sirius. When he has troubling dreams, he tells Sirius. When he is terrified in GOF, he goes to Sirius. When he’s fighting with Ron, he goes to Sirius. When he’s worried about whether he’s actually a good person, he goes to Sirius. Sirius is exactly the kind of figure Harry needed in his life because he had no other adults who could fulfill that role for him. And Sirius cultivated that relationship specifically by being trustworthy, by sometimes treating Harry more like a brother or a friend than a son, by treating Harry like his own person, by being the kind of authority figure that Harry could truly and genuinely trust. A lot of this came from Sirius and Harry’s innate similarities and mutual understanding of one another, but a lot of this also came from Sirius genuinely being a good parental figure to Harry. He made mistakes, but most of the time, he understood what was best for Harry more than any other adult, besides perhaps Remus and occasionally Arthur. He wanted to protect Harry, but he did so in a way that wouldn’t alienate Harry. And most importantly, he listened to Harry, respected Harry, never treated Harry like his property, and truly considered Harry’s POV.

Sirius was 21 (almost 22) when James and Lily died. He was young, he was immature, he was single (in canon; my headcanon is that he was in a relationship with Remus), he was not ready for the responsibility of taking on a kid. Yet when James and Lily died, he begged Hagrid to let him take Harry. It was his first thought. He didn’t know the first thing about being a dad, but he was willing to step up to the plate, both to honor the commitment he made to James and Lily and also because of the genuine love he had for Harry. This was his godson; he knew this kid, he had held this kid, he had probably played with and babysat him. He was probably ecstatic when James and Lily had a kid that he could love and cherish and be a good, loving adult figure for, the kind he didn’t have when he was Harry’s age. He wanted to give Harry the loving upbringing he never had, even as he dealt with the immense grief of losing two of his best friends at the hands of one of his other best friends. He didn’t decide at 21 that he was willing to take on the immense responsibility of being a single parent simply because of a commitment he made to James. He did it for Harry, too. When he was denied, he did the next best thing he could - keep Harry safe by accosting the man who killed his parents, a man he knew would get away if he didn’t because the authorities didn’t know he could turn into a rat.

Sirius was not perfect, but he was always up for the task, no matter how daunting that task was. He was not a perfect parental figure, but my god, did he try. And you know what? He was pretty damn successful most of the time. I’m tired of people acting like Molly was such a better and more responsible parental figure for Harry when in reality, she barely knew Harry. Yes, she treated Harry very well and took care of him, and I am not trying to hate on Molly; she was an important figure in Harry’s life, too. But it’s true that she barely actually knew Harry, and she certainly didn’t understand him.

Sirius did the best he could with the time and circumstances he was given, and frankly, he did a beautiful job. If my best friends died at 21 and their child had nowhere else to go, I’d hope I’d be even half as willing to care for their child as Sirius was when it came to caring for Harry. I’m two weeks away from turning 22, about the age Sirius was when he lost the people he loved most in this world, and I can’t imagine being willing to take on a whole ass child in addition to my grief. He doesn’t get enough credit for the amazing job he did as a godfather to Harry.

tl;dr: Sirius did not see Harry as a replacement for James and, actually, he understood that Harry was much more like him than he was like James, which made him the perfect parental guardian for Harry because he could understand Harry in a way no other adults could. He did the best he could with the time and circumstances he was given, and his relationship with Harry was beautiful.

#sirius black #marauders #harry potter #james potter #lily potter #lily evans #molly weasley #order of the phoenix #OOTP #harry potter and the order of the phoenix #goblet of fire #GOF #remus lupin

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shipsgaysfordays · 1 year

Text

Mary and Harry: The Ultimate Dynamic Duo

Another chapter, and NOT a month later, I’m shocked too.

This chapter is a bit more separated from the current plot, so if you missed the past few chapters then you should be fine.

Mary is babysitting Harry during this chapter, she’s a bit overwhelmed, but they have fun, it’s a fun little romp.

Links to other chapters here

Remus’ pronouns are they/them, Sirius’ are ze/zis/zer/zhe/zeir/zey.

Fuck JKR and her hateful rhetoric, and fuck you if you repeat that terf antisemitic racist shit, don’t buy the stupid game.

There is a child in the living room. A CHILD. LILY’S CHILD. HARRY POTTER. Or I guess it’s more I’m in this child’s kitchen, or in the Potter’s kitchen. How in god’s name did I end up in this situation?

The cogs turned in Mary’s head as she remembered exactly how she got here, a school crush, a complicated relationship turning into simply a friendship with some unresolved feelings, James Potter being a part of it all, the Potter’s “dying”, trying to keep in touch with Remus, trying to get into the muggle world, the Potter’s not dying, all leading up to these stupid words:

“You stay here with Harry and watch him while Sirius, Lily, and I go talk with Remus?”

“That could work, as long as I get some stories in return,” she winked at Lily.

She WINKED at Lily, I’m a queer disaster, that’s my conclusion I’m a queer disaster. FLIRTING WITH A WOMAN IN FRONT OF HER HUSBAND WHILE TALKING ABOUT BABYSITTING HER CHILD.

Opening the fridge there weren’t really any leftovers, of course they couldn’t make this easy, Mary grabbed out some cheese and butter, then began the search for bread. Through cupboards, cabinets, pantries, until finally finding a breadbox. Then the thought finally dawned on her: would Harry even want to eat this?

Swinging the door open, she swept her eyes across the room until finding the boy sitting and playing with some blocks, those sticky together blocks with the little round bits.

“Hey….buddy,” Mary said awkwardly, “would you want some cheese toasties for dinner? And maybe a bit of tomato soup?”

Harry looked up and nodded, then returned to his…what are those tiny blocks CALLED?

As Mary paced around the kitchen, toasting bread, melting cheese, heating a can of soup, she couldn’t help worrying a bit about the child in the other room. What if he somehow aparates away, what if his first bit of magic makes a fire somehow, what if he finds James’ stupid invisibility cloak and won’t come out–WHY THE FUCK DID THEY LEAVE ME HERE ALONE!

Her mind went back, back to that stupid conversation, they had always been planning on leaving her in the dark. It’s funnier being left in the dark about caring for a child than left in the dark about the other thing, but…Mary’s mind couldn’t help wandering back again and again to how hurt she felt.

….

Crumbs fell all around the table as Harry ate across from her. Dear lord, children are so messy, was all Mary could think as the pile of toasted spheres accumulated like some sort of burnt snow.

“Where are my Mummy and Daddy?” Harry asked, for what felt like the millionth time, and it felt like an arrow through Mary’s heart for the millionth time.

“They’re out,” Mary said, quickly, trying not to concern the boy across from her.

“I know that, but they barely go out together, not without me. Where did they go?”

“I’m not sure I should say, it’s a bit of a secret.”

“I’m 5 years old, I can handle secrets, I can handle anything.”

Mary smiled, “Well…you got me there. Hmmm: have you ever heard of a creature called a werewolf?”

Harry nodded, “Daddy will tell me about werewolves all the time. The kids in school always call them beasts and evil and thieves, but Daddy will say they’re nice and brave and smart. Like Moony, he’ll tell stories about Moony all the time, especially at a full moon-y.”

The Potter’s can’t come up with an original story to save their lives, can they?

“Well, you’re Mommy and Daddy went out to go and try to help our friend who’s a werewolf. They’ve been having a hard time lately…and they have an even worse time asking for help, so after your Mommy and Daddy heard about that they knew they needed to see their friend Moony again. Do you understand?”

“Is Moony hurt?” Harry frowned, the gears visibly working in his little mind.

“In a way, yes.”

Harry got up from the table, running off somewhere.

He’s old enough to help clean up, right, yeah he’s old enough to help clean up. “Harry,” Mary called out, “Harry, buddy, I need your help cleaning up dinner!”

“One minute, I needa get something,” Harry called from across the house.

When he returned, Harry was holding tightly onto colored papers and some crayons.

Mary raised a brow, “What’s that?”

“Some paper and crayons,” Harry said, well obviously it’s–

Mary took a deep breath, “What is it for?”

“A get well card, for Moony.”

Water started to form just a little bit in Mary’s eyes, “That’s a great idea,” Mary patted Harry on the shoulder and smiled, “A wonderful idea.”

Harry smiled back.

“Let's put the papers down on the chair for a second though, we need to clean our dishes and the table so we don’t get our art dirty before we can even make it,” Mary said in her best teachery, parenty, adult voice.

“Oh,” Harry nodded.

And so they cleaned for a moment.

….

Once all of that was over, Mary stared at the green paper spread in front of her, what can I say that hasn’t already been said? What can be said to help them? What do you tell someone?

Harry tapped her hand, Mary looked down at him and asked “What is it?”’

“How do you spell ‘get well soon’?”

And so they went through each letter, Harry diligently writing one after the other, putting the words very close to each other despite Mary trying to warn him not to. Right after he started a new word.

“Do you need help with the next word?” Mary pondered.

“No, L-O-V-E spells love, everyone knows that, and U is also easy. I need help with their name though.”

They…they really just had the most perfect sweet child, didn’t they? And they hid him away. Mary’s looked around in realization, do I correct him on the U thing? Moony would think it’s cute but like…well it’s not like I’m his teacher.

“Moony is spelled M–”

“LIKE MARAUDER!” Harry shouts, excitedly as he scribbles the word.

“How do you–nevermind, yes like marauder, and like Mary. Then O-O, so two O’s, it’ll look a bit like your glasses,” Mary smiled as she remembered the stupid way James would wiggle his glasses around after making the WORST jokes that could ever exist.

“N, like Neverland, have you seen the movie Peter Pan?”

Harry nodded.

“And finally a Y, like the word Yesterday, or Yikes, or You.”

And so Harry stared down, proud of his hard work writing, then quickly started grabbing an assortment of colored crayons. Mary looked back down at her own sheet, took a deep breath, grabbed a pencil, and began drawing a flower. Though Remus always preferred the gift of chocolates, they would probably still somewhat enjoy a drawn flower.

What if they hate it? What if they visibly hate it? What if they hurt Harry?...or Lily, or Sirius? It’s still Remus but….is it?

As Mary’s thoughts spiraled she looked around the room, seeing a little record player cabinet, Mary needed to see what they had, she just needed to, it was a must. She got up and quickly found herself flipping through an assortment of records: Queen (from/for Sirius), Bowie (from/for Remus), and some other records that she flipped through until she found it, perfection–ABBA.

Harry was staring at her from across the table, “Which music?”

“It is witch music, yes, but it’s fun music,” Mary smiled.

“No, which music?”

“ABBA.”

“ABBA?” He cocked his head, kinda like Sirius in dog form.

Don’t tell me he doesn’t know ABBA, he’s gotta know-- “Dancing queen,” she started singing, “young and sweet, only seventeen.”

“ABBA! YES, play the music Miss Mary!”

“You like ABBA?”

“Yes! Mommy plays it all the time and we dance around the room, and normally we’re even able to convince Daddy to join.”

“Can you show me your moves? And then we can get back to our drawing.”

Harry gave a big gapped tooth grin as he slid out of his chair, Mary put on the record, skipping to Waterloo.

Shaking their hips, flinging their arms around, twirling, tiring myself out, Mary gasped and continued jumping around and dancing with the boy, reaching out to hold his hands and swinging their interlocked hands together.

…

Hours pass as they dance and draw, until Mary looks up at the time and it’s far too late for a child to still be awake. It’s 9 at night, “Okay Harry, let’s get going to bed,” she said a bit frantically, trying not to think about–while still very much thinking about how long the Potter’s are taking to get home.

Pajamas, brushing teeth, and now the five year old is sitting up in bed looking to Mary as if she knows what to do next. And that’s when the tears come.

“Mommy,” Harry cries, for a woman who isn’t here to hear him for one of the first times in his life.

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Mary held his hand, “she’ll be back in a little bit, it’s okay. If we go to sleep then she’ll be back even sooner.”

“And Daddy?” his watering eyes looked up.

“And Daddy,” Mary nodded as she wiped the tears away, then got a tissue from a nearby table, handing it to the boy.

“What can I do for you? Sing? Tell a story? Just be here?”

Harry looks around, the stuffed animals around him, the pictures on his wall, it feels incomplete without Lily and James. “Mommy and Daddy normally tell me a story about magic and Hogwarts and marauders.”

Mary thought back to the stories in her head, Cinderella would be far easier than this, but he made a request and she’ll try to fulfill it.

“Once upon a time,” Mary patted his head, just lay down, kid.

“There was the bravest of brave knights, named Marlene The Strong, she could take down anyone in a battle of the brawn. Though…she hadn’t always had the best intellect, meaning she wasn’t always that smart. Which is just fine, we’re always working on our brains and brawn throughout our life.

One day as she was passing through the halls she came across a bridge guarded by a riddling rambunctious witch who wouldn’t let her pass unless she answered her riddle’s 3.”

“What was the witch named?”

“Dorcas,” Mary smiled, thinking back to the strange stupid time this happened.

And so, Mary continued rambling on about puzzles and pranks and riddles. About a hairbrush, some polyjuice potion, and an eventual kiss that grossed Harry out. Eventually the kid fell asleep, thankfully before Mary had run out of story ideas that weren’t too sad. But now, sitting next to this child, her mind filled with the thoughts of Marlene and Dorcas, they missed him growing up. They’d only seen him a few times. Marlene would have taught him flying skills far better than James could. Dorcas would leave him loving the nature and world around him more. But instead he’s laying here, in a world where both of these incredible women are gone. And Mary’s sitting in this world too.

What if I just looked up–STOP, a part of her mind began to speak, but was quickly shut down by the other part of herself. They deserved to rest in peace. Though, in some ways it felt unfair, that Lily and James and Sirius and Remus and her all got to live.

On multiple occasions Mary had wished she could do something about it, that she could just bring everyone back so things could go back to how they were. So she could be with her best friends again. So she could be with the loves of her life again, platonic and romantic.

There were times when Mary looked around her, at the ways Remus had been treating themself, at the emptiness she felt to her core–she wanted to forget it all.

Where would I be if I did?

Mary looked out the window, to the night sky. Clouds all around, like some sort of barrier between her and the cosmic beasts that were her friends. Just watch over them, please. Just please let them be okay. Just let them get back.

She looked into the dark navy and gray once more, I miss you.

Her eyes glazed over, looking out the window for what seemed to be forever, until she stood up and began moving to the room. The Potter’s bedroom. Peering in, it felt like a place Mary was never meant to be. Being the ex, she shouldn’t be there, at least not without James and Lily there. She turned around and wandered the halls, opening and shutting doors in search of a closet, in search of some blankets and pillows that she finally found. Holding them in her hands, she went back to Harry’s room, laid them on the floor, and slept in there instead. Just in case anything happened.

#the marauders #maraduers #marauders era #Marauders #marauders fanfiction #marauders fic #marauders fanfic #Mary MacDonald #mary mcdonald #marylily #mary macdonald pov #harry potter #marauders babysitting harry #dorlene #wolfstar

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padfootastic · 1 year

Note

once again i have basket of compliments that you will listen to without feeling overwhelmed or under selling yourself

idk why i have this hunch that while you're normally a confident bean but whenever someone compliments you you're just like pen.exe has stopped working i need a table to hide under

1) sausaude (also the spellings of these are definitely gonna be wrong) -

the entirety of it just i was screaming on the inside. it's SO GOOD.

IT'S SO GOOD THAT I WANT TO DO A DANDWAT PRANAM FOR IT, don't worry I'm not gonna do it

also if you're worried that the break you took made your writing weak or something. don't. that was a masterpiece you wrote.

but esp the end parts like when sirius finally spoke. and just i for .2 seconds wanted them to reconcile cause they have such a history among them and they're the last ones standing BUT then i remembered it's because of that fucking history they can't cause Remus knew padfoot. knew James. knew their bond. and then this happened so no remus will never get padfoot again and they will live on like shattered glass with a piece missing (James) so they can never fix it. they burned too bright and their sun was taken away and now they're just planets with no sun left to orbit

2) notes app drabbles, the entire series like i just— can't tell you how many times i randomly go back to it to read it in middle of night, whenever i want the oomf and saltiness and it's to a point that i now have lines memorised. and boy didn't that hurt? shouldn't he be used to betrayal from that corner in room hits like a gold mine at 3am idk what to say and also the one where harry says (politely) stfu mrs Weasley.

3) shovel talk!!!! i love it so so so much cause it's the quiet arrogance that does it for me. I'm such a sucker for that. and lily going from confidence to pro max to oh I'm talking sirius back and actually feeling that talk which si retroactively hilarious.

4) I FALL TO PIECES WHEN I'M WITH YOU

so we all are all fucking emotional whores here and definitely not prudes so you know that i have definitely read some serious explicit shit with the straightest face ever.

idk what it is about that fic BUT ISTG I BLUSH LIKE A TEENAGE GIRL WHENEVER I'M READING IT AND YOU SAID IT WAS YOUR FIRST TIME WRITING MATURE/EXPLICIT

bhai i really really could not tell that not kidding comes in top 5 best explicit work I've ever read . it's that good for me.

5 ) i can't just lost all of them na, but it's true like i love little tiny things in all of them that i try to type we'll be here for 375849 hours—the descriptions of tattoos/ sirius's lip ring (which knowing about yours is ehfjfjfjn)/ harry liking smell of cigarette/ RANI/ labor of love and that vivid scene of just a kid on counter mashing potatoes while you add masalas.

you invoke imagination like no other.

FOUNDATIONS OF DEACAY I'm so so looking forward to that cause it's intresting so see what harry will do next

ash you— i— i’m so??? incoherent!??

(stop it stop calling me out, i’ve had people physically restrain me while giving me a compliment because i break out in literal hives and even reading this kept making me hide behind my hands and curl my toes because!!!!)

also!!!! the fact that ur fav fics (saudade, shovel talk, fall to pieces) r literally the ones closest to my heart is so—we’re on the same wavelength fr.

ur way too sweet to be real, ash. i don’t even know what to do w myself rn. pen.exe really has stopped working. needs a reboot.

Tell me what you love about my writing

#it took me like. 2 days to figure out how to reply to this #bc i am OVERWHELMED #also overheated #ur so!!!!!!! good!!!!!!!#idk what i did to deserve it but thank u thank u #and the fact that u have!!! lines!!! memorised omg #that line is literally one of my favs too 😭😭😭#(harry’s love for cigs is also projection sksksks)#but i just.#very Speechless.#ppb #pen’s asks

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camelliacats · 2 years

Text

a proper sit-down

My two favorite Marauders confiding… :'3

Fic: "a proper sit-down" [FFN] [AO3]

Pairings/Characters: Sirius Black/Remus Lupin

Rating: K+

Words: ~1,240

Additional info: romance, slash, lightangst, Maydayverse, Harry's era, 3rd person POV

Summary: With a new war on the horizon, Sirius and Remus finally have a chat, just the two of them, nearly fourteen years in the making…

It…was nicer than he remembered, Sirius thought at the early morning hour as he stared up at the plaster ceiling overhead and traced with his eyes the crack where the plaster was chipping away. He frowned and fumbled in the dim light for his wand on the tiny nightstand to his left, casting a quick-fix spell on the deteriorating ceiling. There. Remus wouldn't mind too much. Would he?

At the thought of his friend, Sirius pricked up his ears and sought out the sounds in the hallway and Remus' small kitchen. Yes, there he was—the sleepy shuffle of a bookworm who'd stayed up a hair too late and now was wandering into the kitchen for sustenance.

…well, Sirius hoped it was a thrilling read that had kept him up, and not Sirius' late-night arrival with the intent to crash here for now, per Dumbledore's orders.

Sirius mustered a weak smile and sat up in bed in Remus' spare room. He hadn't brought much of anything with him. There'd been little need and no time after making the trip to catch Figg up and expending the effort to track down Fletcher. He ran a tired hand through his hair before bracing himself and setting foot outside his borrowed room.

Remus' back was to Sirius when the latter joined him in the eat-in kitchen. "The only tea I've got is ginger and peppermint," Remus said as he put the kettle on. He paused when he moved the tea tins aside and found a dark brown bag. "…and apparently a bag of ground coffee from I don't know when. Your choice." It was easy to hear the frown in his voice even without seeing it.

Sirius sank into one of two rickety chairs at the round dining table and smiled at Remus. "I thought I'd start with 'Good morning, Remus.'"

Remus spun around, wide brown eyes zeroing in on Sirius. That must've woken him up the rest of the way, because he spluttered, "A-Ah, right. Good morning. Sirius." He turned back to his stovetop. "Did you sleep all right?"

"I did, thanks. It's nice not to be a dog and to have an actual bed…" Sirius winced, not particularly keen to discuss his life on the run, not since escaping Azkaban and certainly not since setting things right with Harry and Remus last year by revealing Pettigrew's betrayal. He ran his hand through his hair again and cleared his throat. "Did you?"

He mused whether Remus heard him. The kettle was bubbling, surely, but not yet whistling. Still, it was a moment before Remus huffed a sigh and admitted, "Not really."

Sirius' smile fell. This was why he'd worried about coming here, Dumbledore's orders be damned. Because, yes, he'd set things right with Remus—

—but they had yet to clear the air.

The Black son cleared his throat as the kettle whistled. He fidgeted while he waited for Remus to prep two mugs and bring them and the tea tins over. But, even then, sitting across from each other solved nothing, least of all with Sirius boring holes through Remus with his gaze and Remus pointedly making himself a mug of peppermint tea.

Remus waited two minutes for the leaves to steep and his drink to cool. Then he took a sip and met Sirius' silver stare. "It's a little different, suddenly having you here."

Sirius blinked and furrowed his brow. "How d'you mean?"

His fellow wizard stifled a sigh. "…it was a relief, reuniting with you last year, Sirius—"

His heart soared. He reached for one of those pale hands encircling Remus' drink—

"—and it was brief, seeing each other during Harry's tasks for the Triwizard Tournament—"

—Sirius cupped the back of Remus' left hand and thumbed the other man's knuckles—

"—but now is different. Harry's not here, Sirius. There's no advice to give, no history to fill him in on." Remus pursed his lips. His eyes dropped for a second to Sirius' ministrations. "It's just you and me, and I've had some time to think."

Oh, hell. Sirius didn't shrink back, but he had a long history with those six words, and they never bode well for him. He swallowed a lump in his throat. "It's just you and me," he echoed.

Perhaps Sirius' fright or vulnerability did the trick, because Remus' hard edges softened, and he gave his fellow Marauder a small, sweet smile. …but it was bittersweet. "Sirius, there's one thing about your story with Wormtail that's had me buggered."

"What?"

Remus shook his head. "It's just—not that, at the time, the idea of Wormtail as unlikely candidate for Secret Keeper wasn't brilliant, because we didn't know his plans, but—" He peered at Sirius. "I know you, Sirius. Even now, you wouldn't betray Lily and James. Why didn't you accept the position?"

Sirius swallowed a second lump in his throat. When a third formed, he drank from his mug to assist, only to be reminded he had not tea but hot water. He mechanically added ginger tea leaves to his mug and watched them swirl around. "…I told you before, I had my trust issues."

His companion sighed. "I know. My being a werewolf on lone missions…not helped when I went against Dumbledore's requests and informed you that he had me trying to convince the werewolves to take sides."

"Rem…it wasn't just that."

Sirius caught Remus' quizzical expression in the reflection of his tea.

"Even if you were a spy, my trust issues also lay with me."

"Sirius, what—?"

He lifted his head. "I feared that You-Know-Who knew us Order members a little too well. If you were a spy, Remus, and me their Secret Keeper… There's nothing I won't tell you, Remus. You can be used against me."

Remus wore that wide-eyed, deer-in-the-wandlight expression. His mouth popped open in a small "o." "But…the same…could've been said of…James…"

Sirius cocked his head to one side and resumed the slow strokes along the knuckles on the back of Remus' hand. "Remus, luv, I said 'you' because I meant you and only you." He frowned then and gave Remus' hand a squeeze. "I'm just sorry I didn't tell you sooner. If I had—or if I'd taken a more serious chance with you after we graduated…perhaps then I never would've doubted you, or myself. A lot of things could've played out differently back then."

"Perhaps," Remus conceded. He set his mug aside, though, and took Sirius' hand in his own—and interlaced their fingers. "But I could've acted, just the same. That was just where you and I were at the time, Sirius. And what happened wasn't our fault, because a Dark wizard still existed who wanted to hurt us, our friends, our family." He smiled, a bright sight in this drab house.

Sirius timidly returned the expression. He gripped Remus' hand. "So…you had feelings to act on then, too?"

"I still have them, Sirius."

"Then if you and I were in a different place back then, where does that leave us now?"

Stunningly, Remus chuckled. "Thanks to Professor Dumbledore's machinations, with my house just to the two of us for the foreseeable future. Until we're summoned, of course."

Perhaps it was the lilt in Remus' voice or it was the slight way Remus seemed to tug on Sirius' hand, but Sirius found himself wishing for such summons never to come.

:') THESE TWO! Tbh, thinking about Sirius being on the run/in hiding and even with the Triwizard Tournament in GoF, I feel that he and Remus likely wouldn't've had a true breather to discuss where they stood until summer '95, rly, when Dumbly actually told Sirius to go gather some Order members and then lie low at Remus'. Hence…this story. But the real detail about why Sirius pulled the Secret Keeper switcheroo cropped up when I was reviewing deets about the role, and it just makes sense to me that Sirius feared Voldy would've used Remus against him. GOOD GODRIC, honestly these two are so bloody canon, I cannot…! I imagine they attempted to enjoy the alone time before having to relocate to Twelve Grimmauld Place, tho, *lol*. Anyway! Another Maydayverse (my overall headcanon) fic bc I'm tryna write more of my OTPs for MDV…there's just never enough time in the world. Dx

Thanks for reading, and feel free to leave an anon/unsigned review via the FFN link or comment via the AO3 link at the top of the post, especially if you enjoyed this!

~mew

#hp #harry potter #wolfstar #remmius #sirius black #remus lupin #<2500 #romance #slash #angst #maydayverse #trio era #rated: PG #3rd POV

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alindakb · 2 years

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Soundless Love - Chapter 8.3

Harry rips the Daily Prophet from Hermione’s hands when he sees the front page.

“Can I see that, Hermione?” Hermione says. Her hands are still stretched out in the same spot where she just held the newspaper.

“Sorry, ‘Mione,” Harry says without looking at her. “I need to see this.”

“It’s Hermione, and I was reading that,” Hermione says.

Harry doesn’t pay her any attention. He scans the article on the front page. Pettigrew has been spotted again. This time it was close to Remus and Sirius’ home in Hogsmeade. Harry recognises the street name. This settles it, Pettigrew is on the hunt to hurt the people who put him away. And Harry and Neville have no choice. They need to stop the rat before he hurts any of them.

“Harry, give me back the Prophet,” Hermione says. She holds out her hand. Her mouth is a tin line. It won’t be long before she starts giving a lecture, so Harry gives back the paper.

“Here you go,” he says with a grin on his face.

“I hate you,” Hermione says, but the smile on her face gives away her true feelings.

“Love you too, Hermione,” Harry says. He sits down and starts to dish up his breakfast. It isn’t long before Ron and Neville join them.

“Pettigrew was spotted again,” Harry says.

Ron and Hermione shake their heads. They don’t agree with this newfound plan to find Pettigrew. Harry doesn’t care. It has helped him to keep his mind busy when he’s alone.

“I still don’t get where he’s hiding,” Neville says. “We’ve checked the woods around the path to Hogsmeade. He never shows up on the map. And he’s not in the caves on the other side of Hogsmeade.”

“Maybe that should tell you, that you aren’t the one that is supposed to find him,” Hermione says.

“Or, he’s hiding in plain sight, and we just haven’t figured out yet how he does it,” Ron says.

“Don’t you start too,” Hermione complains. She places the Daily Prophet on the table. “I don’t want you all to get killed,” she says. She finishes her juice and then gets up. “I need to get to class early. Don’t do anything stupid while I’m gone.” She turns and walks away.

Ron stares after her. “I still don’t get how she does it,” he says.

“Being a prick?” Neville asks with a raised eyebrow.

“She’s just worried, as always,” Ron says. “She means well.”

“Still annoying,” Harry says. He pulls the Prophet towards him and studies the picture of Pettigrew.

“Well, she’s gone now,” Ron says. He grins and leans over the table. “So how do we find Pettigrew?” he asks.

Neville and Harry look at each other. “We have no clue,” Neville says. “That’s the whole problem.”

Harry still stares at the picture of Pettigrew. It’s a picture of Pettigrew when he was sentenced to Azkaban, and is twelve years old. But already, Pettigrew’s face has some rat-like features. His mouth looks a little bit like a snout. And his eyes are tiny and black.

“He’s hiding in plain view,” Harry says. “He’s a rat.”

“Fuck,” Neville says at the same time as Ron asks what Harry is on about.

“He’s an Animagus. A rat Animagus,” Harry explains. He buzzes and he knows he solved the mystery of how Pettigrew is able to stay hidden for so long.

“As in, he can turn himself into a rat?” Ron asks.

Harry nods and then looks at the picture again. “He looks a little like a rat here. Dad once said it was because Pettigrew had been hiding like a rat before they found him.”

“And you think he’s doing that again?” Ron asks.

“He must be,” Neville says. “It’s why the Aurors can’t find him.”

“Dad probably didn’t tell, to keep Sirius and himself out of trouble,” Harry continues. “Or put attention on Remus’ condition.”

“What condition?” Ron asks.

Harry looks up. His eyes widen and he opens his mouth to come up with something. But his mind is blank. He messed up big time. Nobody is supposed to know. It might cost Remus his job if others find out.

“Nothing serious,” Neville says quickly.

Ron looks at Neville and Harry. “I don’t believe you,” he says. “If it was nothing serious, you wouldn’t mind telling me.”

“Fine,” Harry snaps. “It’s something serious. But we still can’t say. Nobody is supposed to know.”

“Look, I know he’s sick a lot,” Ron says. “And you guys can tell me. I won’t tell anyone else.”

And that is true. Ron is good when it comes to secrets. He’s never before betrayed Harry or Neville. And he won’t do it now. He isn’t Pettigrew. Harry looks at Neville and raises his shoulders. They might as well.

Neville sighs and shakes his head. “We promised not to say,” he says.

“Yes, but we also promised not to go after Pettigrew,” Harry says. “And it’s Ron. He hangs out with us all the time. He won’t mind.”

“Okay, fine,” Neville says and then he turns to Ron. He makes eye contact and his eyebrows pinch together. “Ron, you can’t tell a soul,” he says. “Not even Hermione.”

“I won’t,” Ron promises.

“Uncle Remus, he’s been sick for a long time,” Neville says. “Ever since he got bitten by a werewolf when he was just a child.”

Ron’s eyes become twice as large as normal and his mouth falls open. “Bloody hell,” he says. “Professor Lupin is a werewolf?”

“Keep your voice down,” Harry snaps while he looks around them. Nobody sits close enough to overhear them, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. “Nobody is to know.”

“Yeah, sorry,” Ron says in a softer volume. He bends over the table again so they can whisper. “But a werewolf teaching? That’s asking for problems.”

Harry and Neville bend over the table too. Their heads are close together when Neville says: “It’s been fine all year. Everyone loves Professor Lupin.”

Ron nods and then his eyes scan the table around them. “I think Hermione already knows,” he says. “Ever since Professor Snape made us write that essay on werewolves.”

“Of course she does,” Neville and Harry say in unison.

“But what has this all to do with Pettigrew being an Animagus?” Ron asks.

“Well, Pettigrew used to be friends with Remus, Sirius and dad,” Harry says. “And when they found out about Remus’ condition, they illegally became Animagi so they could join him on the full moon, to make sure that Remus wouldn’t be alone.”

“They became Animagi before they graduated Hogwarts?” Ron asks.

“Yes, they did,” Neville says. “But they aren’t registered. And they can get in a lot of trouble if that comes out.” And that is putting it lightly. Both James and Sirius work for the Ministry. If it becomes public knowledge that they have been in violation of the law since they were fifteen years old, they probably lose their jobs and can get sent to jail.

“What does your dad turn into?” Ron asks.

“A stag, just as his Patronus,” Harry informs Ron. “And Sirius is a black dog.”

“Cool,” Ron says.

Harry can’t disagree there. They don’t turn that often, and Harry has only seen it a handful of times. But it’s impressive to see the large stag that his father turns into. The animal is beautiful.

“But if Pettigrew is hiding as a rat, he’ll be impossible to find,” Ron says. “There are probably a million rats around Hogwarts.”

“Will he still show up on the map when he’s a rat?” Neville asks.

Harry shakes his head. “Don’t know. If he doesn’t, that will make it easier for him to hide.”

“There are spells to capture rats,” Ron says. “I’ve seen my mum use them from time to time at the Burrow.”

Harry and Neville grin at Ron and a plan starts to form. Together they go over the different spells and traps they can set for Pettigrew. They will find the idiot before the exams start. And then they will be the heroes of the school. And everyone will forget about Harry being gay and his misfortune with Draco. Everything will get back to normal once they capture Pettigrew.

MASTERLIST

#drarry #soundless love #harry potter #neville longbottom #peter pettigrew #hermione granger #ron weasley #secrets #animagi

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whatstruthgottodowithit · 2 months

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The Other Evans Girl [Part Nineteen]

Fandom: Harry Potter [Marauder’s Era]

Pairing: Sirius Black x Original Female Character, Sirius Black x Daisy Evans, James Potter x Lily Evans

Characters: Sirius Black, Original Female Character, Daisy Evans, Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, James Potter, Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, Alice Fortescue, Frank Longbottom, Marlene McKinnon, Albus Dumbledore, Voldemort, Peter Pettigrew, Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix LeStrange, Walburga Black, Orion Black, Jasper Thicknesse, Barty Crouch Jr, Mulciber, Walden McNair

Word Count: 9006

Rating: Mature

Summary: Hogwarts is a safe haven, a home for many, but it’s often a place where heartache, love and complex emotions dwell and none know that better than the Marauders. Lily Evans just wants to make it out as a successful witch though the oncoming war and the ongoing advances of James Potter threaten that. Daisy Evans, her twin, has other goals. Join the Evans sisters as they make their way through Hogwarts, prepare for war and eventually find love.

Tags/ Warnings: Hogwarts, Friends, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Marauder’s Era, Teenage Angst, Babies, Weddings, Dating, Crying, Loss of Virginity, First Wizarding War, Love, Kissing, Teenagers, James Potter is a bit of a dick, Hogsmeade, 1970s, Fighting, Loss of Parents, Grief, Babies, Injuries, Gore, Harm, Christmas, The Potter’s Mansion // Daisy’s Dress // NYE Lily’s Dress // NYE Daisy’s Dress // Lily’s Ring // Daisy’s Ring

Notes: Okay so I’ve been working on updating this and I’ve finally gone through all the chapters already written before I start writing more. It’s changed a lot so I’ve decided it’s just better to completely re-upload it.

If you want tagging let me know

LINK TO AO3 // LINK TO PINTEREST // LINK TO ALL PARTS

Daisy was warm, stiflingly so. She was sitting behind the desk at the local post office, the location of her new summer job, a thing that had necessity after a couple weeks at home. Whereas Lily had been proactive, heading down to the local baths what felt like the moment they’d stepped off the train, she’d wanted to enjoy her summer. However with her sister out of the house most days and then headed off to see Marlene her parents had sort of flocked to her, as if she was an only child. It had only taken a couple weeks of her mum nagging her to tidy her room or her dad insisting she help him in the garden from dawn till dusk for her to head out looking for help wanted signs.

The job itself wasn’t too bad. It was a little shop but it catered to the needs of the whole village and she didn’t doubt she’d prefer sitting at a desk to what Lily was doing, watching kids splash each other and chastising spotty teens who’d thought they could get away with a cannonballing into the pool. The only real problem was is that it was kind of boring. Sure it catered to the whole village but given Cokeworth was tiny it meant that day to day trade wasn’t booming. Which was why she was here now, sitting at her desk in an uncomfortably polyester shirt in the rampant August heat, trying not to fall asleep. That was the other problem. In her effort to keep herself awake she found herself overthinking, mostly about Sirius admittedly. Though he never really spoke about his home life much she hadn’t really worried about it, not until his replies to her letters had stopped, even more so when he’d replied completely unlike himself. To make matters worse none of the boys had heard from him either, not even James, and since he was in an all-wizarding household it wasn’t like she could just ring him up and make sure he was fine, or at least hear his voice. Remus was the only one with a phone and so he had borne the brunt of her worries as she called him almost every night to see if he had any news.

She was in the middle of thinking about him when her boss, Sharon, entered. Daisy watched as she flitted in, pushing her sunglasses up onto what looked like a freshly blow-dried hairdo, unbothered that she was almost forty-five minutes late. With any of her other colleagues Daisy probably wouldn’t have been bothered but even for a manager Sharon had an air of superiority that Daisy couldn’t gel with.

‘Hiya!’ she said as she waltzed through the shop, heading towards the back room as Daisy muttered a ‘hello’ in return. When she reappeared, standing by Daisy’s side as if waiting for her to get up out of the chair she was sitting in even though Daisy still had five minutes left of her shift. Daisy sighed and slid off the chair, allowing her to take a seat as she said, ‘how’s the shift been? Sorry I’m late by the way, I had to take Brian to the dentist.’ ‘It’s okay,’ she shrugged, ‘I mean I’ve hardly been rushed off my feet.’ ‘Yes well I’m sure there’s been enough to keep you busy,’ Sharon said in a slightly disapproving tone.

Daisy fought the urge to roll her eyes or make a sarcastic comment about her managers own indiscretions. After all she didn’t need any lectures or hassle, not now she was free for the rest of the day. After a quick run-down of her upcoming shifts she grabbed her bag from the back office and left as quickly as she could. When she got outside the sun was still beating down, the cobbles on the high street baking under its vibrant rays, as did Daisy as she started her walk home. Even though it was a Saturday afternoon the village was almost deserted save for the occasional shopper and a gang of teenagers she didn’t know loitering at the end of the high street by the park. Yet as Daisy got further out of the centre of town, walking towards home, she started feeling odd. As if she were being watched. As casually as she could she looked around, down the lane which had houses on either side, only to find herself alone on the street. And still she couldn’t help but feel eyes on her. Instinctively, she put her hand in her pocket and wrapped her fingers wrapped around the ten-inch mahogany wand inside the handy compartment she’d sewed into her work pants. She walked another ten yards up the lane before making an abrupt turn into the graveyard figuring that if she did have to take her wand out she’d at least be somewhere secluded.

Even on the lane things had been quiet but inside the graveyard was silent. The summer sun was shining down on the headstones, glinting off the marble and into her eyes as she walked past each one, not that it mattered as she was keeping her focus on listening for anything that signalled someone was following her. And about halfway across the graveyard she heard a twig snap. Daisy spun around darting towards the treeline in an attempt to get a better visual of whatever she was looking for. There was no one there but as her eyes scanned the grounds she noticed a pair of eyes watching her from behind an ornate marble headstone.

It was a dog, and a bloody big one at that.

Padfoot.

As she rushed forward he ran towards her excitedly only stopping as she did, watching him hesitantly. His black fur was shaggy and unkempt and he seemed bigger than she remembered meaning that the closer she got the more she started to second guess herself. Confused at the hesitance the dog tilted its head.

‘Padfoot, is it you?’ she said, stepping a touch closer. Of course the dog didn’t answer but it came up to her, nuzzling into her thigh as if to confirm it. Daisy felt relief flood through her and dropped to a squat, stroking him under his ears which made his tail wag. Yet before she could say anything else he pulled away from her, trotting away down between a row of graves, leaving her perplexed. She scrambled to follow him, wondering where an earth he could be going and why he wasn’t slowing. In fact he only slowed as they to closer to the church, the ajar door creaking open further as he pushed inside, ignoring Daisy’s hisses at him to stop. She ran inside after him yet as she got there she found the place deserted.

‘Sirius!’ she hissed as she ran down the aisle looking down each pew trying to find him, ‘Sirius where are you!?’ ‘Well you’ll not find me standing at the end of an altar,’ a deep voice replied. Daisy immediately whispered around to find him stood watching her, leaning against a thick stone column, a smile on his face. Even in the sweltering heat he was wearing his leather jacket and a pair of jeans and his hair was longer, shaggy and unruly around his face. Daisy didn’t care about any of it, she rushed forward, flinging her arms around his neck as she embraced him trying to reassure herself that he was here. That all the worrying she had been doing was worth it. He hugged her back, wrapping his arms around her, finding she fit comfortably just under his chin. It was a warm embrace, which admittedly wasn’t the most desirable in this heat, but neither of them seemed to care.

Yet as she pulled back she started to notice that in her haste to touch him, to ensure he was really there with her, she hadn’t observed him properly. And she found that worry start to creep in. His skin was paler than normal, making the dark purple circles underneath his eyes more noticeable. His hair was tangled as if he hadn’t brushed it in a couple of days and his lip looked as if it was healing from being busted.

‘Sirius, what the hell’s going on!’ she said, her hand holding his chin in place as she inspected the cut lip. Sirius pulled out of his grasp with a wince but she couldn’t stop, ‘what are you doing here? Did something happen? I’ve been so worried about you! I mean I wrote to James but-’ ‘Are you going to give me a chance to answer?’ he asked, looking down at her with a smile. Daisy pulled back, moving to go and sit on a pew. He followed her lead, sitting down next to her and slinging an arm up on the back of the wooden bench behind her. As she watched him worriedly he sighed, ‘first of all I’m sorry I got you worried. I couldn’t really respond much.’

‘James said your mum sometimes stops you,’ Daisy murmured.

‘Kind of,’ Sirius said, ‘she was just reading everything and every time someone wrote to me I got aggro so it was better to just sort of stop. I know it worried you.’

‘Yeah I was but I’m more worried now,’ she said, ‘what are you doing here?’ ‘Well, that’s sort of a long story,’ he said. Daisy raised her brow waiting for him to continue. Sirius sighed, ‘okay, okay. Well I guess nothing was really going on until recently. I mean I was home and everything was still as terrible as normal but I was making it work by staying out of the way. I spent most of my time in my room and Regulus fulfilled his role as mummy’s favourite child so it wasn’t that bad. But then the social season arrived.’

‘Social season?’ Daisy asked.

‘Yeah, it’s the same every year. Boring posh pureblood families hosting dinner parties on a rotation. Sure enough they’re hosting at ours and spouting the same disgusting politics and pure-blood mania they always do except it was different this year,’ Sirius said grimly, Daisy swallowed thickly. His eyes were dark and stormy, staring at the stone floor in front of him barely paying her any attention.

‘Why?’ she asked quietly.

‘I mean they always talk about stuff like that but this time was different. Less benign chatter and more like propaganda,’ he admitted, ‘I mean some of their friends didn’t want to know. Happy to spout ludicrous views so long as they didn’t need to put any meaning to it but not all of them did. Pretty soon I realised what they were doing…’

‘What?’ Daisy asked, confused. ‘Recruiting,’ he said darkly.

‘Recruiting for what?’ she asked, the idea of an impending war flashing back into her brain.

‘Him. ‘He who must not be named’ or whatever rubbish he’s calling himself these days,’ Sirius said grimly.

‘Who is he?’ she asked.

‘A dark wizard, really dark. He wants power, to rule the entirety of wizarding kind, and to do that he needs allies…and well that’s my parents and their friends,’ Sirius said. ‘What they’re his followers?’ Daisy asked incredulously. ‘Yeah, ‘death eaters’ is what they call themselves but I prefer utter pillocks,’ he scoffed. ‘So they’re trying to get others involved?’ she said. ‘Not trying, they’re succeeding,’ Sirius said gloomily, ‘that’s why I left.’ ‘You left?’ Daisy baulked, ‘what like for good?’ ‘I’d had it. They had a party a couple of days ago and invited all of those that wanted to sign up around and he came-’ ‘What like the actual guy?’ Daisy asked, cutting him off. Sirius nodded and replied, ‘yeah, shrouded in all black cloaks and acting like the bloody Queen of England. You should’ve seen the way they fawned over him, binding themselves to him and vowing they’d do whatever he needed to further their cause. Dais it was horrible.’

‘I bet,’ she whispered.

‘And my parents were front and centre. My mother was tripping over herself to impress him, vowing that her sons would be the first people out of Hogwarts to join his cause…that’s when I knew I had no choice. I had to get out of there,’ he said firmly, and though he seemed firm in his decision she couldn’t help but notice the sadness in his voice. Even if he didn’t like them, at the end of the day they were his family.

‘So you came here?’ she asked.

‘Well it wasn’t my first option,’ he admitted, ‘but only because I knew the Potter’s wouldn’t mind if I went there. So I packed my shit and went to James’. ‘

‘So why aren’t you there?’ she said, confused. ‘I’d forgot my jacket,’ he admitted sheepishly, ‘I’d ran up to my room to get it and when I got back to the study Regulus had caught me. I tried to convince him to come with me but he wasn’t having it, spouting the same rubbish at me that my parents do. He’s brainwashed like totally and utterly gone. And before I could get away he called my parents in and they blocked my path. We argued and then I told them I was leaving and never coming back. Needless to say they weren’t exactly devastated, but the shame of having a disgrace for a son earned me quite the blinder off my dad,’ he said gesturing to his lip.

‘So you left?’ she said. ‘Yeah, I couldn’t get through the floo network so I just legged it out of there as fast as I could. Only slowed down about a mile from the house and then I realised all my stuff was at the Potter’s and I had no cash so I transformed and started walking,’ he shrugged. ‘You walked all the way here? From where?’ she asked. ‘London,’ he said simply. ‘That’s like a hundred miles,’ she said agog. ‘It’s not too bad a walk as a dog,’ he chuckled, making Daisy giggle despite her shock. As her laughter died down they fell quiet with Daisy eyeing him under her lashes, hoping he wouldn’t see how she was worriedly assessing his condition.

‘So,’ she said, fiddling with a hole in his jeans as she asked, ‘how did you find me?’ ‘Well, I knew you lived in Cokeworth so I headed up here and hung out as Padfoot for a bit. Presumed you’d show up at some point and I spotted you walking into town and heading into the post office so I figured I’d hang about for when you came out,’ he said.

‘That was like seven hours ago!’ she said looking up in shock, ‘why didn’t you just come and see me?!’ ‘I mean I couldn’t exactly walk in as a massive dog now could I?’ he said.

‘Well yeah but you could’ve come in as yourself,’ she countered.

‘I figured once you saw me you’d want an explanation and well given you were in your work uniform I guessed it should probably wait,’ he said, ‘don’t worry it’s not been too bad.’

‘I’m glad,’ she said, ‘so…what’s the plan?’ ‘Well I’d wondered if I could stay with you…just for the night for some food and a place to sleep and then I’ll head on up to James’. He doesn’t live too much further on but I’m knacked,’ he admitted.

‘I’m not surprised! But of course, you can,’ she said, ‘I mean I might have to work around my parents but we can sort it out I’m sure.’ ‘Ace,’ he said. ‘Come on,’ she said standing up and smoothing out her clothes, ‘I hope a ten-minute walk is enough time to think about what the hell we’re going to tell my parents.’

✵✵✵

‘How long?’ Daisy’s mum, Helen, said, eyeing her daughter suspiciously.

‘Just a day or two,’ Daisy said, trying to remain calm, ‘Sharon should be fine by then and he can go home.’ said. ‘I’m not sure Dais,’ Helen replied. As she turned back around to continue with the washing up Daisy looked worriedly at Sirius, who was sitting in dog form by her back door, panting heavily in the summer’s heat. On their walk home they’d discussed what they should tell Daisy’s parents. One for fear they’d try and send Sirius home and the other because they realised her mum and dad might not be too keen to have a teenage boy living in her bedroom, even if it was just for a night. ‘Oh mum please,’ Daisy said, trying to put as much pleading into her voice as she could, ‘she’s no one else to have him. He’s no trouble honestly.’ ‘Why do you even want to help her? You don’t even like Sharon,’ Lily asked sceptically as she came into the kitchen, watching her sister suspiciously. ‘She’s alright and besides she’s boss it’s not like I could say no,’ Daisy said, hoping Lily would butt out. If was just her and her mum she had a chance at turning the tide in her favour, as evidenced by the way her mother turned around to look at her, her expression softening.

‘Fine he can stay,’ Helen sighed, pulling her rubber gloves off and pointing at her youngest, mustering as much warning as she could as she added, ‘but as soon as Sharon is sorted he’s out of here okay?’ ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you,’ Daisy said running to her mum and cuddling her.

‘I mean it Dais,’ her mother said, holding her close before she pulled away.

‘I know, I know,’ Daisy said excitedly, beckoning Sirius in from the door, ‘come on Snuffles.’

Sirius bounded in through the back door and immediately heeled at Daisy’s side, nuzzling into her leg as if nudging her forward. Lily watched from the door way, her eyes narrowing as she took in the big shaggy dog, now following her sister as she left the kitchen and headed upstairs. Daisy fled upstairs, hurrying Sirius into her bedroom, which thankfully since Petunia had moved out was no longer shared with her twin. He trotted inside, barely allowing her time to turn around and lock the door before he transformed into himself, shirking his jacket off before flinging himself onto her bed and pushing himself back until he was sitting up against the wall.

‘Well, that was easy,’ he said, smiling at her as she turned around. Daisy giggled, climbing onto the bed beside him.

‘To be honest I can’t believe she bought it,’ she smiled, ‘I bloody hate Sharon.’ ‘I can tell,’ he chuckled, falling silent for a moment before he said, ‘thanks by the way. For letting me stay I mean.’ ‘Oh it’s nothing,’ she said waving him off, before adding seriously, ‘I’m just happy you’re out of there.’ ‘Me too,’ he replied sadly. Daisy watched him sadly but he smiled at her reassuringly, his grey eyes locking with hers for long moment. It made her heart beat harder in her chest but then she was snapped out of it by the sound of knocking at the door. The pair jumped apart, Daisy leaping up and straightening out her hair in an effort to hide the pink on her cheeks having not realised just how close they’d gotten on the bed.

‘Dais?’ Lily’s voice echoed through the wood, the door handle rattling a moment later, ‘why’s the door locked?’ ‘Um, I’m just changing,’ Daisy lied, whipping around as quick as a flash to grab a dirty shirt and pair of shorts of the back of her chair to change into, gesturing for Sirius to turn away which he did so obediently. She got dressed in a flurry but took a moment to compose herself before she opened the door as casually as possible, finding her sister standing behind a suspicious look on her face.

‘What’s up Lil?’ Daisy asked blasély, hanging on the door handle.

‘What’s going on?’ Lily replied seriously, ignoring the look her sister gave her as she pushed past her into the room, her eyes surveying the entire thing suspiciously before they landed on the big shaggy dog now lounging across her sister’s bed.

‘What do you mean?’ Daisy asked, shutting the door behind her and moving to sit on the bed, Sirius instantly nuzzling into her side reassuringly though he couldn’t settle the way her heart was beating under her sister’s scrutinous gaze. ‘You know what I mean,’ Lily said, folding her arms across her chest, ‘what’s with the dog? Because there’s no way you would’ve done anything to help Sharon.’ ‘Well I’m just being a helpful colleague,’ Daisy shrugged. ‘Or you’re up to something,’ Lily reasoned. ‘And what could I possibly be up to?’ she scoffed. ‘I don’t know but I work with Brian, Sharon’s son,’ Lily said, watching the flash of panic on her sister’s face as she added, ‘and he’s not mentioned anything about her being unwell.’ ‘Well she’s not a death’s door,’ Daisy said, wondering how to skirt around this snag in her backstory. ‘He also doesn’t have a dog,’ Lily replied with an air of finality, ‘so, tell me what’s going on.’

Daisy sighed. There were many things she loved about Lily, admired even, but her penchant for being able to sniff out whenever Daisy wasn’t being truthful did grate on her at times. Before she spoke though she looked at Sirius, her eyes asking silently if he would be okay with her telling Lily what was going on. He merely turned his head, burrowing into her side as if to give her permission.

‘Okay, okay, I’ll tell you,’ she conceded, her fingers running through Sirius’ fur as she looked back at her sister, ‘but if I do you have to promise me you won’t tell anyone. Not even mum and dad.’ ‘Daisy you’re worrying me,’ Lily said panicked.. ‘Please Lil, promise me you won’t tell a soul,’ Daisy repeated. Lily paused. She knew her sister wouldn’t tell her if she didn’t promise but given the severity of previous secrets kept by her younger sister she was panicked about what she might be about to confess. After a moment she said, ‘fine. I promise.’

‘Well I think it’s better if we show you,’ Daisy said, looking down at Sirius who lifted himself from where he had been laying, his head across her lap.

‘Show me what?’ Lily asked though she needn’t have bothered because in a flash, the dog had jumped off the bed, turning into a fully grown boy right in front of her eyes. Lily watched opened mouthed as Sirius smiled at her, before taking a seat back on the bed next to Daisy, enjoying the befuddled look on the redhead’s face. No one spoke for a moment. Daisy too nervous to, Lily too surprised to make words form, and Sirius too sensible to know not to get involved between them. Eventually though Lily managed to make her mouth work, her words coming out louder than intended as she shouted, ‘what the hell?!’ ‘Bloody hell Lil not so loud,’ Daisy shushed, her eyes darting to the door as if her mum was going to come bursting in any second. ‘Don’t tell me to be quiet,’ Lily retorted, her mind still reeling, ‘your mate just appeared from dog form and I’m supposed to be quiet?’ ‘It’s not a big deal,’ Daisy reasoned. Sirius, knowing it wasn’t a good idea to jump in said nothing. ‘Not a big deal he’s an animagus!’ her sister replied, the last bit whispered as realisation set in. ‘Yeah, a secret animagus!’ Daisy replied through gritted teeth, ‘so shush!’

‘Oh, even better he’s illegally here as an animagus! Are you trying to get us expelled or thrown in Azkaban for that matter!’ Lily asked. ‘Would you just let me explain?’ Daisy said exasperatedly. Lily looked between the pair of them and then took a seat on the chair by Daisy’s desk, her arms folded and her mouth in a tight line, reminiscent of McGonagall’s, before she said, ‘fine but it better be a bloody good explanation.’

And as if she was pleading her case to her head of house Daisy broke into the tale. She explained how the boys had become animagi for Remus’ benefit, not failing to mention how much it had helped their friend greatly. She told them of what Sirius’ parents had been doing, how he’d had no choice but to flee and had spent days walking all the way to Cokeworth. She told her how she’d had to lie, how if her parents knew the truth they wouldn’t understand and they wouldn’t let him stay. All the while Sirius stayed silent, looking as downtrodden as he could muster to win the redhead’s sympathies though he was trying to suppress an amused smirk at just how well the blonde could turn on the charm when she needed to. Unfortunately though he couldn’t read Lily that well. Where he could tell Daisy was turning on the charm she remained an enigma, her eyes flitting to him every so often, but her mouth in a tight line, never wavering until Daisy finished speaking.

‘So,’ she said as Daisy stopped, ‘you want me to just say nothing about three sixth year students who took it upon themselves to become illegal animagi? And keep it to myself that one student has run away from home and is walking half the length of the country? Not to mention lie to mum and dad so he can stay here under false pretences? ‘He’s got nowhere to go Lil! Please just let us do this for a day or two?’ Daisy pleaded, watching as Lily considered it carefully before she sighed and grumbled, ‘ugh fine.’ ‘Really?’ Daisy said with excitement. ‘Really. I mean I suppose it’s not Sirius’ fault that his parents are well you know,’ she said, throwing him a sympathetic look that he shrugged off. He didn’t need her to apologise for his parents, it wasn’t anything he hadn’t thought himself. Lily continued, ‘not that I condone breaking the law. Or not telling anyone you’ve left home. Or-’ ‘Well the breaking the law thing is an old issue,’ Daisy reasoned. Lily rolled her eyes. ‘Yeah and in my defence I was trying to tell the Potter’s I’d run away,’ Sirius said, ‘but I promise I’ll tell McGonagall once I’m back at school though maybe not about the animagi thing.’

‘Well I suppose it’s better than nothing,’ Lily said wryly. ‘So he can stay then?’ Daisy said after a beat. Lily nodded. ‘And I won’t say anything to mum or dad but promise me you’ll be careful?’ Lily begged, ‘no making too much noise or getting lax with him being in the house. If they find out they’ll flip and I’m not being grounded over this.’ ‘I promise,’ Daisy said leaning forward off the bed so she could hug her sister. Lily hugged her back and then stood up. ‘Right, I’ll head downstairs and keep mum busy so you can sort yourselves out,’ she said, looking between the pair of them in a way that made Daisy’s heart thump again. Then she flounced out, shutting the door behind her and heading downstairs.

‘So,’ Daisy said, turning around and looking at Sirius, suddenly realising that the two of them were completely alone in her bedroom which seemed even smaller with him in it. ‘So,’ he said with a smile, moving back onto the bed so he was rested against the wall. Daisy perched on the edge of it. ‘What should we do? I mean we could play a board game or something?’ she said, fiddling with the bed sheet nervously, ‘or Lily’s got a few books she’ll lend us. We could even play cards, the muggle version of course I don’t have the magical version though I don’t know if you can even play exploding snap here. With it being magic and all-’

‘I’m happy with whatever,’ Sirius said interrupting her rambling, causing her big green eyes to look at him, ‘it’s just nice to be a house where you don’t feel on tenterhooks all the time.’

‘Yeah until we’re worrying about my parents or Lily barging in,’ she countered, clambering onto the bed beside him. He felt giant beside her, taking up more space than she’d anticipated in her tiny single bed though he was only half a foot taller than her. And yet she didn’t mind it. In fact she leant into him, her head resting on his shoulder gently.

‘Thanks by the way,’ he said after a moment of quiet. ‘For what?’ she asked quietly, staring at her crumpled work uniform strewn over the back of her chair. ‘For everything,’ he said earnestly, ‘it means a lot.’ ‘It’s not a big deal. I’d do anything for you,’ she said, her cheeks flushing in a way she was glad he couldn’t see as she added, ‘any of you lot. I mean you guys are my family you know.’

‘The only family I’ve got,’ Sirius whispered.

✵✵✵

‘I don’t think that’s such a good idea,’ Helen said from her chair, watching her daughter over the top of her glasses with an apologetic gaze. ‘It’s only a couple of hours,’ Daisy pleaded. ‘But you’re on your own my love,’ Helen reason, ‘and your dad is more than happy to drive you.’ ‘No!’ Daisy said with a bit too much force, causing Sirius’ ears to prick up from where he’d been laying at her feet, pretending not to listen. This had been his life for the past three days. When he wasn’t following Daisy around in dog form, pretending to be the world’s most well-behaved canine, they were holed away in her room. Of course he hadn’t intended to stay this long but his idea of walking the rest of the way to James’ the day after he’d arrived had immediately been shot down by Daisy, and to his surprise Lily, who’d convinced him he might as well stay a few days and the pair of them go together up to the Potter’s as planned. And he was thankful he’d listened because even when it wasn’t ideal like the amount of time he spent in dog form, being snuck food in secret, or cramped in Daisy’s tiny bed to save sleeping on the floor it wasn’t all bad. In her room he could be himself, spending time with her playing board games or listening to music, and they managed to get out and about, sometimes even with Lily in tow, under the guise of walking the dog. It was the most fun he’d had all summer. The only snag was that upon telling her mother her plans to head to the Potter’s on the train alone her mother had become worried, insisting her father drop her off given it wasn’t all that far.

‘What?’ Helen said exasperatedly, ‘oh Daisy don’t be so dramatic. It’s just that I don’t think it’s wise for a young girl to be getting the train on her own.’ ‘It’s not that far!’ Daisy protested.

‘Even so I don’t like the idea of you on your own love,’ Helen reasoned.

‘What if I take snuffles?’ Daisy asked, making Sirius raise his head up at the mention of his name. Helen glanced at the dog with a frown.

‘I don’t know if your boss will like him going with you I mean didn’t you say she’d want him back soon,’ Helen said. Daisy bit her lip feeling every yarn she attempted to spin unravel before it gained traction. Every option felt like hard work. If she told them she was on her own her mother would insist she go with her dad instead of on the train. If she went with her dad Sirius would either have to walk it on his own or risk being cramped up for two hours in their tiny car and though he’d mastered staying in form he grew weary of it after a while. And she didn’t dare broach the idea of having human Sirius anywhere near her parents. Sure they knew about her new found friendships with the marauders, but Daisy may have skated over just how entangled their lives had become this past year. And, love them as she did she was sure her parents would have a coronary at the idea of her being alone with a teenage boy for any amount of time. Especially one still sporting a black eye and a healing fat lip.

‘She won’t mind, right Lil?’ Daisy said, looking at her sister with eyes pleading for help. Lily looked up from her book, which she had been given by her new book buddy Remus, and said, ‘what?’ ‘I said, I don’t think that Sharon would mind me bringing Snuffles to James’ for a bit,’ she said. ‘I don’t know, I don’t think it’s fair to Snuffles dragging him all that way,’ Lily goaded, smirking as Daisy’s face fell into a scowl, ‘I mean why doesn’t he just stay here? I’ll look after him.’ ‘Or,’ Daisy said, challenging her sister, ‘Snuffles could stay here and you could come with me! James said you’re invited if you want to come and two of us on the train together is alright right mum? I mean you were happy for Lil to go out and about when she stayed at Mar’s because they were together.’

‘Well, maybe if you both went that wouldn’t be so bad,’ Helen said, contemplating her daughter’s point. ‘I am not going to James Potter’s house,’ Lily said with disgust, narrowing her eyes at Daisy who widened hers threateningly. Lily sighed, ‘Dais is right mum. I mean I’m sure she’ll be fine on the train with a dog and Brian would probably even go and pick Snuffles up when they need him back.’ ‘Well, I guess it is only a couple of hours and he is such a big dog I doubt even the conductor will come near you… okay fine,’ Helen relented. Daisy leapt up and dashed over to hug her as her mum mumbled, ‘but you must call when you get there! And someone must meet you on the other platform!’

‘Of course! I’ll go and write James right now!’ Daisy squeaked happily before dashing out of the room, Sirius following behind her instantly. As she disappeared Helen rolled her eyes, an act that made her look the spitting image of her daughters and chuckled, ‘she’s a nutter, that child of mine.’ ‘You don’t even know half of it,’ Lily said with a sigh as her eyes fell back to her book.

✵✵✵

By the following day, the plan was set in motion. Daisy had packed all her things and was currently cramming everything into the boot of her Dad’s car as her mum waited by the front door, watching with a sad look though she smiled as Daisy turned around.

‘Now then,’ Helen said, placing her hands on Daisy’s shoulders as she stood in front of her, ‘promise me you’ll be careful.’

‘I will,’ Daisy promised.

‘Don’t speak to any strangers or wander off. Just get on the train and off okay. And keep Snuffles close to you at all times,’ Helen said, ‘oh and make sure you ring once you’re at the other station okay?’ ‘Okay, okay,’ Daisy said, rolling her eyes. ‘I mean it, Dais,’ Helen said seriously, ‘I’m trusting you to be responsible. Getting to your friends and getting back to school.’

‘James’ parents have sorted it all out,’ Daisy promised.

‘Well good,’ Helen said, ‘speaking of your friends I want you to promise me you’ll stay out of trouble this year okay? No funny business you hear me? You need to knuckle down, I don’t want any letters from the headmaster this year, okay?’ ‘I swear it,’ Daisy said, though she felt a nudge from Sirius’ wet snout that gave her the idea that wasn’t going to happen. ‘I’ll see you at Christmas, my love,’ Helen said, pulling her in for a hug. Daisy hugged her back, offering her mother a reassuring smile before she pulled out of her arms. Though as she did she found Sirius had disappeared around the other side of the car, in what she was sure was an attempt to escape watching the motherly affection she was being smothered by. ‘Bye mum, love you,’ Daisy said.

‘Love you too sweetheart,’ Helen replied, moving back to stand on the doorstep as Daisy climbed into the car, Sirius climbing in after her and immediately settling down on the seat beside her, his head propped up on her thigh. Her father, Alan, was sitting in the driver’s seat, chattering away about the radio to Lily who was sitting beside him, though upon noticing everyone was ready he turned on the ignition and pulled onto the street. Daisy looked out the window as they drove away, watching as her mother grew smaller and smaller in the rearview, her hand stroking Sirius’ head absentmindedly.

Fortunately it didn’t take long to get to the train station and soon enough they were parked up outside, Daisy trying to get her mountains of luggage out of the boot it had been crammed into, with Sirius waiting patiently on the pavement, unable to help. As Daisy heaved the last trunk out of the car, allowing it’s weight to bring it to the floor with a crash Lily giggled.

‘Don’t laugh,’ Daisy smirked, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to get this lot to the train.’ ‘Don’t worry I’ll give you a hand,’ Lily said, rolling her eyes and grabbing one of the many items of baggage Daisy had with her. ‘Don’t be long Lil I’ve only got fifteen minutes free here,’ Alan called from the front of the car, leaning out of his window to look at the girls now standing on the pavement. ‘We won’t,’ Lily promised. ‘Bye Dad!’ Daisy said, moving to the front of the car and leaning in to look through the window, as low as she could reach when laden with luggage. ‘Bye Dais,’ he said with a smile, ‘have a good term.’

‘I will,’ Daisy promised.

‘And behave,’ he winked.

‘I will,’ Daisy giggled.

‘You’re home for Christmas this time right?’ he asked, Daisy nodded ignoring the twinge of guilt over missing last year, ‘see you at King’s Cross the eh?’

‘See you then,’ Daisy grinned before turning around to head in, finding Lily and Sirius waiting for her near the entrance, thankfully now with most of her luggage laden on a trolley. It wasn’t too busy inside the station, but after so long in the car she was conscious of getting Sirius back into his regular self and so looked to her sister and said, ‘can you go and sort our tickets out why I find somewhere to change?’

‘Change?’ Lily asked, getting the hint as Daisy’s gaze flitted to the dog beside her, ‘oh change right. Yeah sure. Leave your stuff with me.’

‘Not be long,’ Daisy said, before heading off in search of somewhere secluded. It didn’t take long, her quest ending as she found that the small station only had two toilets, one of which was rather large and vacant. She quickly hurried Sirius inside. She’d barely been able to close the door behind them before he was transforming into himself, stretching his neck as though it was stiff.

‘Are you okay?’ she asked as he moved to the mirror, fluffing out his hair so it wasn’t in his eyes.

‘Yeah I’m fine,’ he said, smiling at her, ‘bloody warm in that car though.’

‘I know,’ she said, ‘and sorry about my dad’s singing.’

‘He’s got some pipes on him I’ll give him that,’ Sirius grinned.

‘A unique vocal style I’d say,’ she quipped.

‘Definitely though I wasn’t paying much attention. I was too focused on the ear scratch,’ he said with a grin that made her feel hotter than she had been in the car.

‘Come on Lil’ll be waiting,’ she said, thanking god she had an excuse to get out of there and stop her hands from sweating. Sirius didn’t seem to notice her haste, following behind her as they headed back towards the entrance, finding Lily waiting in the foyer though as she clocked them she started moving, pushing the trolley past them as she said, ‘come on you two your train will be here any minute.’

Neither of them argued, allowing her to lead them to the correct platform where the train was already pulling in. As it docked Lily pushed the cart towards Sirius who took it dutifully, heading towards the train to load Daisy’s things on whilst the pair of them said goodbye.

‘Well, that’s you off then,’ Lily said, handing the tickets to her sister with a sad smile.

‘Sure you don’t want to join us?’ Daisy said with a smirk. ‘Definitely not,’ Lily replied, wrinkling her face in disgust.

‘Fine, I guess I’ll have to settle for seeing you on the Hogwarts express yeah?’ Daisy grinned. ‘Yeah, I guess,’ Lily said, disappointment on her face.

‘C’mon Lil it’s not forever,’ Daisy reasoned, ‘besides you went to see Mar for the same amount of time.’

‘I know, I know,’ Lily said, ‘I guess I just feel like we’ve barely seen each other this summer. I’ve been with Mar, you’ve had Sirius and well you’re away now. It’s not even like I have Sev to hang around with.’

‘Like I said you can always come with,’ Daisy reasoned. Lily rolled her eyes, ‘and two weeks is nothing. First week back at school you’ll be sick of me I bet.’

‘Probably,’ Lily giggled. As she spoke Sirius emerged at the train door, looking at the pair apologetically as he said, ‘Dais, we gotta go.’

‘Coming,’ Daisy said, not looking up at him. Instead she leant in and wrapped herself around her sister who hugged her back immediately, but as the conductor blew the whistle she pushed her away, nudging her towards Sirius and the train. Daisy threw her sister one last smile and climbed aboard, waving back at her for a moment before she disappeared into the carriage, leaving the redhead standing alone on the platform, trying to ignore the jealous feeling that niggled at her as she watched her sister head off to the James Potter’s house.

Even though their route to James’ village wasn’t a direct one the journey was a relatively quick, only slowed down by the change to car at the station and the fact it took Daisy twenty minutes to get her hands on a phone so she could call home. Yet they made it, the sleek black car pulling effortlessly into the long drive of the manor, and immediately being descended on by three rambunctious boys.

And unfortunately for Daisy the day didn’t slow down any from there. Whilst Sirius was shepherded into the drawing room for a talk with Euphemia and Fleamont, Daisy was dragged out to the quidditch field, her belongings left behind in the car. Fortunately James’ insistence she play was negated the moment Sirius appeared, meaning she was allowed to umpire from the ground, the boys darting around in the sky above her as she watched amusedly, until finally they were all called in for dinner.

And the party didn’t stop there. Having not seen each other in so long dinner took longer than ever, everyone recapping their summers and their O.W.L. results, before everyone retired to the drawing room for a night of boardgames. It had been a nice night for Daisy, but as they got into yet another round of a wizards trivia game she hardly knew any answers for, she felt her eyelids grow heavy, dragging her into slumber where she sat.

‘Oh, Daisy dear you look as if you’re dead on your feet!’ Euphemia said startling Daisy, who was tucked into Sirius’ side, her head on his shoulder, awake. ‘Oh, I’m okay,’ she said with a yawn. She felt Sirius’ body rumble with a chuckle next to her. ‘You can go to bed if you want Dais,’ James said. ‘Maybe you should all call it a night,’ Fleamont said, ‘I mean you’ve got a couple of weeks together after all.’ ‘Your father’s right James. Up to bed all of you,’ Euphemia agreed. There was a grumble from James, but his friends, too polite to argue with their doting host, nodded and clambered up off the couches, heading to bed. Once in the foyer Remus, Peter and James headed for the stairs but Daisy lingered at the bottom, remembering she’d had been moved to the annexe for the duration of their stay to save her from spending two weeks on a camp bed. Seeing her stop Sirius did too.

‘What’s up?’ he asked, stopping on the first step. James who was only one more further stopped too.

‘Nothing, I’m in the annexe tonight right,’ she said, gesturing to the long hallway where her bedroom was.

‘Oh yeah,’ Sirius muttered.

‘You know where it is right?’ James asked, realising in his excitement he’d forgotten to show her.

‘Yeah, through that door right?’ Daisy asked.

‘Yeah third one down,’ he nodded, ‘I can show you if you want.’

‘Nah it’s okay I’ll find it,’ she smiled.

‘Are you sure you’re okay?’ Sirius asked worriedly, ‘sleeping out there I mean.’

‘It’s not a third world country mate,’ James said rolling his eyes.

‘I know,’ Sirius said defensively, ‘it’s just a bit far from everyone isn’t it?’ ‘Daisy’s a big girl and I’m sure she’ll be okay,’ James said, unsure as to why the other boy was fussing so much.

‘James is right,’ Daisy smiled, ‘I’ll be fine.’

‘See,’ James said, leaning forward to give Daisy a one-armed hug, ‘night Dais.’

‘Night,’ she replied, smiling at him before her eyes went to Sirius who still looked unsure but allowed her to hug him briefly as she said, ‘night Pads.’

‘Yeah, night,’ he mumbled, watching as she disappeared down the hall towards her room. When he stopped he found James watching him curiously but he ignored him, stalking off up the stairs at a pace, the younger boy following behind him as quick as he could.

‘What was that about?’ James said the moment they were in his room, the door closed firmly behind them.

‘What?’ Sirius asked, not looking at him as he grabbed his trunk off the floor and threw it on the bed, flinging it open, happy to see his own clothes for a change and not something he’d stolen off Daisy’s dad. ‘You asking Daisy if she was okay in the annexe,’ James said ‘I just thought she might be lonely out there, that’s all,’ he shrugged as he pulled out a pair of pyjamas. ‘You sure that’s all it was?’ James said with a raised eyebrow. ‘Yeah what else would it be,’ Sirius scoffed. ‘I don’t know. It just felt weird I mean-’ James reasoned but Sirius cut him off. ‘I said that’s all it was,’ Sirius grunted, and before James could protest he grabbed his things off the bed and headed into the bathroom, slamming the door loudly behind him.

When he got inside he threw his clothes on the toilet lid, ignoring them as he observed himself in the mirror. He looked different, older, as if the summer had added ten years onto him. He supposed he knew why. Walking on eggshells for an entire summer and an impeding war was bound to take a toll on a man even if he’d played it as cool as possible. In fact the only time in the past month he’d felt like he wasn’t pretending to be okay was when he was around Daisy which is probably why he was reluctant to spend a night without her. She seemed to calm him. Even snoring in his ear as she smushed against him in her tiny single bed he felt more comforted than he did in his own room. He’d even take sleeping on the camp bed to have her in the room with him. Not that he could tell James that.

He change quickly and walked back into the room, climbing into James’ four poster without a word. James didn’t speak either, seemingly having taken offence at his friend’s sharp tongue, and headed to the bathroom himself, emerging a couple of minutes later and sliding into bed beside him without a word. The two of them lay in silence until eventually James’ breathing grew deeper, signalling he’d fallen asleep. Sirius however couldn’t sleep. His eyes stung from tiredness but he couldn’t stop his mind from whirring. About his family, about the war, about Daisy, until finally he couldn’t cope and got out of bed and strolled to the window to look out. It wasn’t really dark yet, the summer’s night casting a blue hue over the gardens, yet as he looked down at the annexe he spotted a light on, partially illuminating the patio. So, without a thought he headed downstairs towards the light.

Moving from the cosy drawing room and into the colder annexe and thin pyjamas had woken Daisy up a bit so when a knock echoed on her door she was still up, reading a book Lily had given her to pass on to Remus.

‘Come in,’ Daisy said curiously, wondering who it could be though as the door opened she found Sirius standing hesitantly behind it.

‘Hey, everything okay?’ she said, watching as he hesitated before deciding to come in and perch at the end of her bed. Sirius nodded, though his expression didn’t support that. In fact he looked, nervous. It worried her, ‘are you sure?’

‘Yeah,’ he said, swallowing hard before he said, ‘no…I don’t know.’

He was quiet for a moment, looking at his sock covered feet instead of her, which worried her. So she climbed out from under the covers until she was sitting beside him, wrapping her arm around him as she waited for him to speak. She didn’t push. Over the time she had spent with him she had realised there was very little point to do so. She didn’t blame him, given the household he’d grown up in, getting his feelings out wasn’t always easy, but so long as she was patient, whatever was bothering him would soon come out. She just had to let him decide when that was.

‘You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,’ she said, ‘we can just sit here for a bit.’ ‘Nah it’s okay,’ he mumbled, ‘I guess I just feel confused.’ ‘About what?’ she asked, pulling back from where she’d been cuddled into his side to look at him, her wide green eyes roving over his face which made his stomach flip-flop and only added to his confusion. ‘Everything,’ he admitted, ‘I mean don’t get me wrong I’m glad I’m out of that place but I don’t feel right putting on James’ parents you know? I mean they assured me I was fine to stay here whenever I want especially until the end of school.’ ‘That’s what they wanted to speak to you about,’ Daisy concluded. ‘Yeah,’ he said, ‘and I get that they’re well-meaning and I love them for it. I just feel conflicted.’ ‘That’s understandable,’ she said, resting her head back against him, ‘but they love you like you’re theirs so it’s not a bad thing.’ ‘I guess,’ he shrugged, ‘it’s not just that…’ ‘What is it?’ she said looking at him, making his mouth dry up immediately the words he’d wanted to say getting stuck in his throat.

What he wanted to tell her was how much he had come to cherish her over the past year. How she had been a welcome relief in a painful summer and that the past few days at her house had been some of the best he’d ever had, even if he was forced to live it as a dog. He wanted to tell her how pretty he thought she was and how anyone would be lucky to call her theirs. The more he thought about what he wanted to say the more he realised that what he wanted to say was; I think I love you. But he didn’t. He couldn’t get the words out past his lips so he said, ‘I feel bad on you all the way out here. You know on your own and that.’ Daisy giggled loudly, ‘you’re conflicted about me having my own proper bed and sleeping in a room as big as my house! Oh, Pads don’t worry about me.’ ‘Haha,’ he mumbled, ‘yeah I guess you’re right…I just thought you’d be distraught not to have my snoring nearby.’ ‘Oh, I’m heartbroken to have to sleep in this comfy bed like a starfish with absolutely no noise to wake me up. Or no dog breath on my face,’ she mushed. ‘I suppose when you put it like that,’ he said, getting up, ‘I suppose I better leave you to it.’ ‘Only if that’s all you wanted to speak about?’ she asked, quirking her eyebrow. Sirius nodded. ‘Yeah, I’ve got it all off my chest,’ he said leaning down to give her a hug. Her arms snaked up around his neck and pulled him into her. Sirius revelled in the warmth of her trying to will his heart to stop hammering. If she’d have let him he would’ve stayed there all night but eventually, she pulled away, forcing him to stand back up.

‘Night Pads,’ she said with a smile as she pushed herself back into the bed and got settled.

‘Night Dais,’ Sirius said, heading to the door quietly. As he trudged back to his room, slipping back into bed beside a snoring James, he thought of her. None of his troubles had gone away of course and yet she’d somehow put him at ease. As always.

SIRIUS BLACK/SERIES TAGS

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#my writing #sirius black #sirius black x ofc #sirius black fic #sirius black x daisy evans #the other evans girl #marauders #marauders fic

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