#brief wolfstar

[the-colourful-witch]

🐉 A Brief History of Dragons by Eyra🐉

I read this fic last summer and it was so pretty. It’s super short and sweet and it was just what I needed at the time. It’s Wolfstar meets Arthurian legend, in a modern AU.

I wanted to do some more book covers for my portfolio, so I made this one.

I want to thank @eyra for the beautiful story, I loved it. This one is for you✨💛

Here’s a little work in progress for this cover.

Ps: I’m working on Andromeda right now, I’ve had a busy week. Hang in there💛

[a-sunset-outside-my-window]

fic recs of the month

This is just a collection of my fic recs for the month of march, have fun <3

The Lab

by @de-sire-blog (de_sire) on Ao3

“I don’t get it,” Sirius says truthfully. “Remus is such a nice person, why does everyone pretend like he’s some kind of wicked stepmother?”

James laughs joyfully and winks at Sirius. “Are we even talking about the same person?” He holds out his hand above his head. “Big guy, about this tall, curly hair? Temper like a sleeping dragon? Smart, but a bit full of himself? Can kill you with his eyes?”

Sirius raises his eyebrows and laughs as well. “No, I don’t think we are talking about the same person at all.”  

A love story about healing, new beginnings and growing up. Academia! Romance! Shared cigarettes, cute cats, lots of coffee and the most amorous business trip you have ever seen.

the hare and the hound

by @steelycunt (aeridi0nis) on Ao3

‘He’ll never have to do it again, Remus realises. He can just keep being good, if he just behaves, he’ll never have to do it again, never with the dark and the bleeding and the crying. He just can’t give them reason to be angry at him, and he won’t, he hasn’t. And his mum is right – the drink does make him feel a little better.’

or:

Remus is a terribly behaved five-year-old. He doesn’t really think so himself, but his parents lock him in the cellar every month, so he must be doing something to deserve it. Well, not anymore. He’s got a plan, see, sort of. He’ll never go downstairs again.

Dusk

by @theresthesnitch on Ao3

“That’s not fair.” Sirius was crying now, and Remus swiped his tears away with his thumb. “This isn’t fair. We haven’t had enough time. It’s not fair.” 

“I know, love.” Remus leaned in for a kiss, and wondered if it would be the last. “I have loved you for sixty-two years, and it’s nowhere near enough.” 

Or

Sirius loses his memories.

Lupine

by @wolfstarbuxks (BayleyWinchester) on Ao3

Lupine adjective lu·pine | \ ˈlü-ˌpīn \ Definition of lupine : WOLFISH

Teddy is Remus' everything in life. He'd do anything for his son - including going to the same zoo, twice a week for a year so that his son could see the wolves that he had fallen in love with.

And if that meant that Remus got to met a sexy zookeeper, who was he to complain?

CONSTANT VIGILANCE and COMMON SENSE

by darkbluedark on Ao3

In which Alastor not-yet-"Mad-Eye"-but-still-quite-Mad Moody does as Alastor "Just Mad" Moody does, and brings a sneakoscope to an Order meeting.

~The kind of fix-it that makes so much sense that the fact that it isn't canon should be considered a plot hole in itself~

A Brief History of Dragons

by @eyra on Ao3

It's lovely up here; all meadows dotted with wildflowers, wind-beaten tracks criss-crossing this way and that through the fields, weaving inland to the pinewoods. The sun's hot on his back as he passes ramshackle stone walls, long since crumbled to piles of ancient rubble and scree, and then the path winds downwards, still following the line of the coast until Sirius finds himself outside an old white cottage, tucked away behind the hill with a rose garden that faces out to the sea.

Sirius moves to Cornwall for the summer and meets a rude, beautiful boy who is writing a book that may or may not be about dragons.

The Phoenix Agency

by LupinsChocolatePraline on Ao3

Sirius Black is excited to start his first full-time job after Uni, but this life change doesn’t sit well with his boyfriend who is difficult to live with on a good day, abusive on all other days. Sirius is good at pretending that everything is alright, he can even convince himself, but sometimes he wishes things were different. The problem is – Fabian is all Sirius has. Or so they both think.

Remus Lupin is a senior copywriter at an advertising agency, currently single by choice, and very comfortable with his unchanging daily routine, his familiar colleagues and his company-issued ergonomic chair that’s been his for three years now. When his favourite graphic designer is replaced by a twitchy, fresh-out-of-university Sirius Black, his peaceful routine takes an unexpected hit.

[impishtubist]

happy birthday, reese <3

For @r33sespieces :) 

---

“Shh, no, you have to be quiet.” 

Sirius pauses outside Harry’s room, cocking his head. Harry’s been holed up in there since shortly after dinner, but Sirius hadn’t thought too much of it. It’s been pissing down all afternoon, and Sirius figured both of them could use a lazy day. For his part, he took a luxurious nap earlier, and the newest book in a romance series he’s been following arrived by owl post this morning. He’s looking forward to curling up with it in front of the fire. If he’s lucky, maybe Harry will come downstairs with his chess set later and ask to play a game together.

There’s a whine from behind the closed door, and then a soft yip. Sirius blinks.

“Hazza,” he says, rapping his knuckles softly on the door, and he hears Harry curse. “Everything alright?”

“Fine!” Harry says quickly. “I’m just--”

He’s interrupted by a loud bark, and Sirius’s eyebrows fly up to his hairline.

“Can I come in?” he asks, and he hears Harry sigh.

“Yeah.” 

Harry’s standing over by the bed, dripping wet and clutching a soaked brown-and-white puppy against his chest. 

“Well, hello,” Sirius says as he steps into the room. “Who’s this?”

“Dunno,” Harry says, cuddling the puppy close and shrinking away when Sirius takes a step forward. Sirius freezes. “Found him out in the garden.” 

“Poor thing,” Sirius says. It’s been miserable outside for two days now. “Can I take a look at him?”

“Why?” Harry asks, instantly suspicious. 

“I just want to make sure he’s okay, that he doesn’t have any injuries or anything like that.” Sirius starts to pull out his wand, but Harry backs away, so he quickly pockets it. “Can we sit down?”

They sit on the circular rug in the middle of Harry’s bedroom, and Harry gently places the puppy in front of him. The puppy shivers, and then takes a few uncertain steps. He’s wobbly, but that seems to be due to how young he is, not any injuries. Sirius puts out his hand, and the puppy sniffs him. His tail wags.

“Aren’t you mad?” Harry asks softly, not meeting Sirius’s eyes.

“I’m not thrilled you snuck a puppy in here without talking to me first,” Sirius says. “But no, Harry, I’m not mad. If you’d told me you’d found him in the garden, I would’ve had you bring him inside, too. We can keep him warm and dry for a night, and then tomorrow we’ll take him to a shelter. Speaking of, can I dry him off? He’s shivering. You as well, kiddo.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Harry nods, and Sirius pulls out his wand. He performs a quick drying spell, and then a cleaning charm, and then casts a heating spell over both Harry and the puppy.

“I bet he’s hungry,” Sirius says. “Why don’t you bring him down to the kitchen, and we can feed him?”

Harry hesitates again, then gathers the puppy in his arms and goes down to the kitchen, Sirius following them. He doesn’t know what exactly is causing Harry’s reluctance, but he has a suspicion. 

He cuts up some leftover chicken for Harry to feed the puppy, and then goes into Remus’s office to gather up the rope toys Moony likes to use, as well as the crate he sometimes curls up in to nap off the Wolfsbane during full moons. Harry eyes the crate warily when Sirius comes back into the kitchen.

“So he’ll have somewhere warm and safe to sleep tonight,” Sirius says. “I doubt he’s house-trained, and sorry mate, but I don’t fancy him pissing all over the house all night.” 

Harry reluctantly nods. “Yeah, okay.” 

The puppy eats and drinks his fill, and then Harry entices him to play with one of the rope toys. Sirius can’t help the smile that touches his lips as he watches them, the puppy having the time of his life and Harry giggling--giggling!--while they play.

The puppy eventually tires himself out and falls asleep curled up in Harry’s lap. 

“There was a dog in the Dursleys’ garden once.” Harry’s not looking at him. He strokes one of the puppy’s ears with a gentle finger. “She was a stray. I brought her scraps from the table whenever Aunt Petunia sent me outside to do chores.” 

Scraps that Harry had probably needed for himself, but he’d split them with a stray instead. His heart ached. “That was really kind of you, Hazza.”

“She was my first friend,” Harry says softly. “My only friend. She lived in the garden for most of the summer, until Dudley found out about her.” 

“Oh, Harry.”

“He and his friends chased her off. Hit her with sticks and threw rocks at her. I never saw her again.” 

“She probably found a home,” Sirius says. “She sounds friendly. I’m sure someone took her in.”

“Yeah,” Harry says. “I hope so.” 

Sirius hears the Floo roar, and then Remus calls out a hello.

“In here, Remus,” he says.

Remus comes into the kitchen, and his eyes widen. “Well, you two were certainly busy today.” 

“Harry found him in the garden,” Sirius says. “The weather’s shite. I don’t see a problem with letting him stay tonight, and then we’ll take him to a shelter tomorrow.”

“Sure, of course we will,” Remus says, sounding amused. 

The puppy wakes himself up with a yawn, and then eyes Remus curiously. He gets out of Harry’s lap and trots over to the other man, sniffing him curiously. Remus holds very still--animals tend to have very strong reactions to him. Either they adore him, or they’re terrified of him. 

The puppy is apparently in the former category, because his tail starts to wag and he lets out a series of happy yips. Remus crouches down to pet him. 

“You’re a handsome fellow, aren’t you,” he says. “Yes, you are. And much better behaved than Padfoot.”

“You hear how he talks to me, Harry?” 

Harry laughs, and Sirius wishes he could bottle the sound. It doesn’t happen enough.

Harry and the puppy are inseparable for the rest of the evening. Remus keeps throwing Sirius significant looks that he tries to ignore. They’re not getting a pet. Hedwig is enough. In the morning, they’ll take the puppy to the nearest shelter, and Sirius will personally make sure he goes to a good home. 

When it comes time for bed, Harry lines the crate with plenty of blankets and sets the puppy inside. He closes the door and locks it, and the puppy immediately begins to whimper.

Harry chews on his bottom lip. “You’re sure he’s going to be alright in there?” 

The puppy whines, and Harry looks distraught. Remus squeezes his shoulder.

“He’ll be fine. He’s got toys and water and soft blankets. He’ll probably make a mess, but that’s alright. That’s what magic is for. He’ll settle down as soon as we all leave him be.” 

***

The puppy cries for an hour after they all retire upstairs. 

Sirius stares at the ceiling. He’s not going to give in and check on the puppy. He’s not. 

“Don’t even think it, Sirius,” Remus murmurs from his side of the bed.

“I’m not,” Sirius says. “It’s just--do you think he’s cold?”

“We gave him blankets and cast a heating charm.” 

“Maybe he’s hurt.”

“You checked him over before bed. He’s perfectly fine.” Remus rolls over and rests his head on Sirius’s chest. “He’ll settle down eventually.”

Remus is right--the puppy does eventually quiet down. Remus’s breathing evens out soon after that, and Sirius quickly follows him into sleep.

Sirius wakes up before dawn, his new normal, and pads downstairs to make some tea. Harry will sleep for at least another couple of hours, and they won’t see Remus until almost noon. 

But when he comes into the kitchen, the first thing he notices is his godson curled up on the floor. The crate is open, and the puppy is nestled in Harry’s arms, also fast asleep. 

“Sirius?” Remus comes up behind him, knuckling his eyes. 

“What are you doing up?” Sirius whispers.

“Needed a piss, and the bed’s cold without you. What--” Remus finally catches sight of Harry and the puppy, and immediately softens. “Oh.” 

“That’s why the puppy stopped whining last night, I bet.” 

“Probably,” Remus says. He wraps his arms around Sirius’s waist and props his chin on Sirius’s shoulder, though he has to stretch to reach it. “You can’t make him go to a shelter.”

“No,” Sirius sighs. “I won’t. Looks like we’ve got a pet, Moons.” 

“Looks like it. Where are you going?”

“I’ve got to write to the Board of Governors,” Sirius says. “I have six weeks to persuade them to add dogs to the list of approved pets for Hogwarts students.”

[frieden-ring]

a wonderful wonderful fanfic “A Brief History of Dragons” inspired me to make this. @eyra thank you so much for creating such an incredible story, I really wanted to spend some more time being surrounded by it.

[shootingthe-stars]

chapter 61 of nowhere man is out!!

fun and also not fun at all

chapter 61 or from the beginning!

[introvertedlolly]

A brief history of dragons by @eyra on Ao3

This piece is based on the wonderful fic named above. It is one of my all time favourite fics, maybe tied with

Beneath A Big Blue Sky 😉 I’ve been hanging onto this one for SOOOO long but its never gonna be at the level of perfect that I want. So here we go!

[moonydoodlez]

current wip is a comic for A brief history of dragons by @eyra

[realitybitesyouknowit]

Chapters: 96/96 Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling, The Avengers (Marvel Movies), Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Amazing Spider-Man (Movies - Webb) Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Harry Potter & Tony Stark, Peter Parker/Harry Potter, Tony Stark/Pepper Potts, Sirius Black/Stephen Strange Characters: Harry Potter, Tony Stark, Happy Hogan, Sirius Black, Steve Rogers, Bruce Banner, Jarvis (Iron Man movies), Clint Barton, Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Pepper Potts, Peter Parker, James "Bucky" Barnes, Gwen Stacy (The Amazing Spider-Man), Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Pietro Maximoff Additional Tags: Post-Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Post-Avengers (2012), Parent Tony Stark, Abused Harry Potter, Family Shenanigans, Good Parent Tony Stark, Harry Potter is a Little Shit, Harry Potter is Bad at Feelings, Protective Tony Stark, Sirius Black is a good godfather, Fluff, Angst and Feels, Slow Burn, Harry Potter is Tony Stark's Child, Peter Parker Played By Andrew Garfield, Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Creator chose not to use archive warnings - Freeform, which is a warning in itself, Complete Summary:

With Voldemort back, Harry returned to the Dursley house, and Sirius imprisoned ‘living’ at Grimmauld Place, Sirius decides to go check on his godson.

And when he doesn’t like what he finds at Number Four Privet Drive, Sirius decides to do something else- tell Harry a fifteen year old secret and send him off the the United States to meet his biological father.

[olivers-cocoapuffs]

When in their dorm, the Marauders wear minimal clothing. They’re shirtless, or just in boxers or in a dressing gown or in a towel still wet from the shower. They just don’t care.

[mydarlingdearestdead]

Devotion

Remus Lupin found himself with a lot of extra time post-war. It wasn't that he missed bloodshed, or the constant state of fear, he even found it quite entertaining to watch Regulus and James dance around each other on occasion. At least they understood the weight laying between them wasn't going away without discussion, that's what Sirius said.

Speaking of Sirius, he had taken to doing everything he couldn't during the war. Pestering Regulus was, perhaps, his favourite past time since their relationship had started resembling something close to family once more. After that, he immensely enjoyed muggle movies. Musicals in particular.

Remus didn't know where Sirius had first heard of Grease, or why he'd watched it over a dozen times.

He tolerated it for weeks in favour not upsetting the balance they held, but that all went to hell when Sirius broke away from him during a kiss to whisper "I'm hopelessly devoted to you."

Remus groaned, pushing Sirius away. "Love, we need to talk about... something." Sirius flashed him a look of bewilderment, his satisfied smirk fading.

"I- It's just... well, the Grease thing, Sirius."

Sirius gasped like he'd received a mortal wound, "Are you telling me you don't adore Olivia Newton Jon? Surely not my moony, moonbean, moonagedaydream, moonshine, mooncake, moonsy, moonpie?"

Remus smothered another groan in Sirius' hair, internally giving in. He could take a couple of Grease references, and even sacrifice a few evenings of his life to torturous viewings if it made Sirius happy.

@wolfstarmicrofic

[clios-purls]

Sometimes, sometimes a fic is marketed so directly at you, that you have simply no choice but to spend all day reading it

[livingforcoopsandoknutzy]

⚠️CONTENT WARNINGS ARE IN THE TAGS PLS READ⚠️

link to fic on ao3

☆☆☆

Remus Lupin has been best friends with James Potter, Peter Pettigrew, and Lily Evans since Year 5. He’s been friends with Sirius Black even longer. When he turned five his family moved from their old house in Merthyr Mawr, Wales to a new one in Yorkshire, England. It was nothing extravagant but enough to get by for the three of them. He was just old enough to join Alexander’s All Boys School. It was a private school that held Years 1 through 13. His family definitely couldn’t afford the tuition but his father taught history there so they got a rather hefty scholarship.

Remus had never been more excited about anything in his life. He was practically vibrating and Hope couldn’t help but laugh at her young son’s excitement. Lyall just shook his head fondly and gently reminded him that he needed to calm down so Hope could help him get ready or they’d be late. Remus pulled a distraught face before shaking himself and giving his mother a rather determined look, well as determined as a five year old could be. “Iawn, iawn.” Hope clicked her tongue and shook her head.

“Remember, cariad, no Welsh at school. Otherwise they won’t be able to understand you. Try your best to speak English.” Remus nodded vigorously. “I know, sorry. Got excited.” Hope smiled affectionately and ruffled her son’s hair who let out a distraught sound at the move. “Na, mam.” Hope tutted at the Welsh but put her hands up in surrender. “Alright, little man, I’m sorry. You’re all ready. Did you make sure to pack everything?” Remus nodded and jumped up to grab his backpack. “Backpack.” Lyall laughed and nodded. “Alright, buddy, let’s get in the car then.”

Lyall had to ask Remus to stop moving six times before he settled enough for Lyall to buckle him into the carseat. Hope kissed him on the forehead, cheek, and nose before Remus leaned away giggling. “Mam, na!” Hope chuckled and gave him one last kiss on his forehead. “I hope you have a great day at school. I can’t wait for you to tell me all about it.” Remus smiled and nodded, his small hands coming to grab her cheeks so he could smack a kiss to her cheek. Hope squeezed his hand before letting it go and waving as her boys drove away.

Remus was undoubtedly excited. That much was clear in the first five minutes of him being in Mrs. Barlowe’s class. She was glad that he was one of the excited kids. The ones that didn’t want to be there were typically the problem. Kids such as Sirius Black. Their family were very important to the school and to be quite frank they were as snobby as they were rich, which was truly saying something. She wasn’t quite sure what to expect of the young boy. Sufficient to say he was quite whiny and quite stuck up. Determined to speak only in French because apparently it made him much better than the other boys. Much smatter, apparently. At least that’s what his mother had told him.

When Remus walked in and took the seat next to him, nearly bouncing in his seat, Sirius had simply glared and stayed silent. Remus had ignored it and eagerly introduced himself. Mrs. Barlowe winced as she listened to Sirius let out a harsh breath. “Ne me parle pas.” Remus gasped and Mrs. Barlowe got ready to step between them as she had had to do between Sirius and a lot of the boys. He was a very… unfriendly sort. “I can speak another language too!” Remus squeaked. Sirius made an outraged sound and pouted. “No you can’t.” Mrs. Barlowe’s eyebrows raised as she listened to the boy finally speak English.

Remus giggled. “Course I can, silly. I can’t lie. That’s bad.” Sirius watched him pensively. “Prove it.” He demanded. Remus looked at him funny and shook his head. “Mam said I can’t. Have to speak English.” Sirius laughed at him and Remus frowned. Mrs. Barlowe sighed deeply. “You’re lying. You only know English.” Remus shook his head, his little eyebrows furrowed. “No. I speak Welsh, Mam just told me not too.” Sirius patted his head condescendingly and smiled smugly. “D’accord, petit menteur.”

Sirius went back to drawing. Rather well for a five year old, Mrs. Barlowe couldn’t help but think. Remus let out a frustrated grunt. “Na. Dwi'n siarad cymraeg. Rydych chi'n bod yn gymedrol. Dydw i ddim yn hoffi chi.” Mrs. Barlowe stifled a laugh when she saw Sirius’s perplexed expression. Suddenly his eyes narrow. “That’s not a real language. You’re making things up. Petit menteur.” Remus let out a sound startlingly like a squawk. “W-But- No. I proved it! You can’t call me a liar just because you don’t believe me!”

Gray eyes met and amber. Defiance clear in both before Sirius’s hand shot up. He hadn’t broken eye contact. Mrs. Barlowe let out a sigh and counted to five before she made her way over. Sometimes she really questions herself as to why she thought teaching a whole bunch of five year olds was a smart choice.

“Yes, Sirius.” Sirius finally broke eye contact with Remus when she reached them. “Is Welsh a real thing?” Mrs. Barlowe’s eyebrows raised. “The language? Yes.” Sirius nodded and Remus looked at him with a see? expression. Sirius huffed before giving Remus a contemplative look. Eventually, Sirius nodded firmly. “Okay, you can be my friend then. I guess we are equal.” Remus beamed at him before turning his bright smile to Mrs. Barlowe. “We’re friends.” Mrs. Barlowe gave an impressed nod. “It looks that way. Now you just have to make sure he is nice to other people too.” Remus looked between her and Sirius before nodding firmly. “I will.”

And so he did.

_________________________________________

Remus and Sirius became a THING after that day. You never really found one without the other. When you did, it meant trouble. Their teachers knew better than to sit them anywhere near each other after the first day of school. By the time they reached Year 5 they were notorious for their pranks and silent conversations. Most of them were under the impression that Remus followed Sirius around like a lost puppy but they had it completely wrong.

Sirius didn’t quite know what to do without Remus. He had changed a lot over the years. He had to unlearn a lot of what his parents had taught him about people ‘lesser’ than him. Remus had been there to help him every step of the way. Sirius was a lot more outgoing than he was and Remus was a little quieter than he used to be. Four years of having the boys at their school talk down to him took away most of the excitement that was there at the beginning.

When they got into Year 5 they met James Potter and Peter Pettigrew. The four of them bonded almost immediately when someone made a remark on Remus’s second hand book and James immediately hit the kid with his own book before telling the kid that had been a very rude thing to say. Peter had shown more of a silent support by slipping into the chair on the other side of him, the one not taken up by Sirius, and getting his own second hand book out. Sirius had immediately approved of them and it was finalized when James had mentioned something about pranking the boy back. Sirius and Remus had shared a smile that was full of hidden words and that was that.

The Marauders were born.

☆☆☆

Lily Evans moved into the house next to Remus a week after the first day of school. He had spent the week with James, Peter, and Sirius. He wanted to spend as much time as he could with his new friends and Sirius practically lived at his house so that was already expected.

Sirius had just left when someone knocked on the Lupin’s door. Remus went to open the door, assuming it was Sirius coming back for something he forgot. It was not Sirius. Instead, a girl around his age stood at the door holding a rather gross looking pie. She smiled brightly when he opened the door.

“Hello, I’m Lily Evans. My mother and I just moved in next door so I thought I’d bake something for the neighbors. I have a feeling we’ll be best friends. I’m very excited to have someone my age living so close because I didn’t have anyone at my Dad’s house that was even close to my age.” Remus liked this girl. She talked a lot and she reminded him a bit of Sirius. He took the pie from her and waved her in. “Well, Lily Evans, I am Remus Lupin. I am very excited to meet you and I think we will be very good friends.”

Lily nodded firmly. “I can predict the future so I can definitely tell you we will be friends.” Remus laughed at that and went to answer but his mouth beat him to it. “I do believe everyone should have a friend that can see the future. My name’s Hope, I’m Remus’s mother. You’re our new neighbor, right?” Lily nodded and bit her lip shyly. Remus found her sudden switch up rather amusing.

“I’m Lily. I brought a pie over.” Hope nodded and moved from her spot in the door frame to leave. “We appreciate it, dear. Let your parents know I appreciate it.” Lily winced slightly but nodded nonetheless. Remus made a mental note to tell his mum that Lily only lives with her mum.

Remus went and pulled out two forks. “Care to share some pie?” Lily scoffed. “Aren’t you supposed to eat it yourself?” Remus raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so you don’t want any pie? I can definitely eat it all but I just thought you’d want some.” Lily seemed to debate something for a moment before she shrugged and took a fork. “Alright, but you offered.”

They each got a piece of the pie and Remus tried to hide the grimace after the first bite. “Mmm.” He said rather unconvincingly as he tried to think of a way to spit the bite out without making Lily feel bad. Lilt took a bite and immediately started laughing. “Oh my god. I thought Tunie was joking when she said this tasted like death. This is so bad.” Remus shook his head. “No, it’s good.” He said weakly. Lily laughed even harder and shook her head.

“Oh, my god. Don’t lie, Remus. That’s horrid.” Remus threw his head back and joined in laughing. “It’s quite bad.” Lily nodded. “I should have mentioned I’m not the best baker.” Remus shook his head, already feeling quite fond of the girl. “It’s alright. Who’s Tunie?” Lily’s face faltered for a moment before she regained control of her smile. “That’s my sister, Petunia. She’s a few years older than me. She lives with my dad but she’s helping my mum and I unpack.”

Remus nodded. “I don’t have any siblings. I always wished I did. I’ve always wanted a sister.” Lily makes a face and shakes her head. “Trust me they aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.” Remus pursed his lips as he thought. “That’s fair. I just want someone who would listen to my music with me, I guess. Doesn’t really matter if it's a sister or brother.”

Lily made a face of approval. “What music do you listen to?” Remus hesitated. The boys all laugh at him when he mentions his love of Taylor Swift. Well, everyone except Sirius. He figures she won’t judge him too much.

“I quite enjoy Taylor Swift.” Lily claps her hands excitedly. “Remus Lupin, I love you! I knew this was going to be a great friendship. I LOVE Taylor Swift.”

And thus another friendship began.

Combining his friends proved easy. Lily had fit seamlessly into their little group of friends. She had come over one night with snacks in hopes that Remus was free. Hope had opened the door and welcomed her in but she quickly realized that Remus was in fact being tackled but three other boys. She knew of them of course but she had yet to meet them. She had stomped her way into the living room and wacked each of the boys on the head with a book she had picked up on the way in. “Move your arses, Wheel of Fortune is on.” None of the boys had questioned her and she had been welcomed into the group after that. The boys were all slightly scared of her but she figured that was a good thing.

_________________________________________

When Remus turned thirteen he started getting sick. Unsurprisingly, it was Sirius that first noticed it. Sirius was over at his house for their weekly Friday night movie. Sirius had been spending more time with Remus and his family and Remus was growing increasingly more worried every time he showed up with faint bruises up and down his arms.

Sirius always brushed it off but Remus had a pretty good feeling he knew how Sirius was getting them. Especially when Sirius started bringing his brother Regulus to their hangouts. Regulus more often than not had identical bruises but he wouldn’t talk about it either.

They were about halfway through Captain America when Sirius noticed Remus’s bobbing head. Remus never fell asleep during Friday night movies. Especially, when it was Marvel. When Remus’s head fell on his shoulder, he left it there and let his friend sleep through the rest of the movie. Once the end credits started rolling, he gently shook Remus until he woke up.

“Beth sy’n digwydd?” Remus slurred. He had barely managed to sit up before he slumped against Sirius again. Sirius’s eyebrows furrowed and he moved to run a hand through Remus’s hair. “English, chéri.” Remus made a faint sound before sitting up again, much slower than the first time. “Are you alright?” Sirius asked softly as he ran his hand through Remus’s hair again.

Remus sat still for a moment then turned to look back up. “Fine, just tired. Got a bit dizzy.” Sirius frowned and felt Remus’s forehead with the back of his hand. “No fever. Have you been feeling bad for long?” Remus shrugged which did nothing to quell the ever growing concern Sirius was feeling. “It’s been on and off. I guess I just over did it.” Remus murmured as he took a deep breath. “When did it start?” Sirius asked as he cupped Remus’s cheek and slid his thumb under his eye. Remus leaned into the feeling.

“I’m not sure. It’s not that bad honestly.” Sirius huffed a little before he released Remus and placed his hands in his lap. “Alright. I need you to let me know if it gets worse, okay? I mean it. None of your bothering people business. You won’t bother me.” Remus smiled softly and nodded, his hand coming up to cover his mouth as he yawned. “Okay, I promise. I am pretty tired though so I think I’m going to go to sleep. Are you staying?” Sirius shook his head slowly. “I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome.” He murmured.

Truthfully, there is nothing he would rather do than stay at the Lupin’s. They always welcomed him with warm smiles and open arms. Nothing like the cold looks and harsh hands of his own parents.

Remus scoffed. He would never admit it but Sirius made him feel safe. He made him feel uncomfortable in the best way, his stomach always fluttered. Lily called it a crush and said there was no way someone could relate to so many Taylor Swift songs and not have a crush but Remus knew better. He was just really close to Sirius. That was all, Lily just didn’t have a bond with anyone that was like the one he had with Sirius.

“Like you could ever overstay your welcome. I’m fairly certain my mam has forgotten you’re not actually her child.” Sirius let out a laugh. He really did love Hope, she was the kindest woman he had ever met. “Only if you’re sure.” Sirius really hoped he was. Remus gave him an exasperated look before he grabbed Sirius’s hand, ignoring the tug in his chest, and pulled him up the stairs. “I am very sure. Now let your parents know and come on.”

Sirius didn’t bother telling his parents, they wouldn’t care. He sent a quick text to his brother before turning his phone off and joining Remus in his too small bed.

☆☆☆

Remus seemed to get progressively worse after that. Bad enough that Peter, James, and Lily had all tried to breach the topic.

They were all walking to Remus’s house after school one day, the walk only took about ten minutes but Remus had had to stop twice to catch his breath. He was looking progressively more annoyed by the fact but all of his friends were feeling rather worried.

Eventually, when he had to stop a third time within about twenty feet of his house, Sirius had stood in front of him and waved their friends along with the promise that they would catch up in a moment. There were a few shared looks but no one protested.

Remus sat down rather abruptly and Sirius kneeled in front of him, bracing his hands on Remus’s thighs. “Alright, chéri, what’s going on?” Remus continued breathing heavily and rested his head on Sirius’s chest, a wave of relief washing over him when Sirius brought one hand to hold the back of his head. It made him feel safe which was hard with the anxiety running through him. His chest burned and he was fighting a strange floaty feeling and everything was just off.

“Can’t,” He paused again to take another deep breath. “Can’t breathe very well.” He said softly. A shiver ran down Sirius’s spine and his grip tightened on Remus’s thigh. “What do you mean?” Sirius asked softly. His heart was racing and he was dreading the answer.

He didn’t get one because all Remus was able to get out was a small whisper, dizzy, before he slumped completely onto Sirius.

Sirius was screaming for Hope in seconds.

☆☆☆

They found out that day that Remus had a very severe form of Anemia.

Hope had sat them down that night while Remus was sleeping and told them that Remus may have a little trouble keeping up when they were doing outdoor activities and even indoor ones. She told them that he’ll probably get dizzy more often and he’ll get tired much easier than before. She told them that he’ll need to be careful from now on but he’ll be fine. She had to explain that it’s something he’ll have to live with and there isn’t a solid cure yet.

Lily, James, and Peter had lots of questions. She was glad to answer them and quite honestly relieved that it hadn’t sent any of them running. She hadn’t expected it would but she was glad to have the proof anyway. Sirius sat silently through the whole ordeal and stared down at his hands. She didn’t miss the way James pressed against his side and she couldn’t help but thank the gods for the friend group her son had found. Not only were they wonderful to her son but they were wonderful to each other. It was rare to find that, especially to find it so young. She didn’t have a doubt that they were going to truly be friends forever.

After she had taken everyone home she got back to hers and smiled at Sirius. He looked tired and his eyes were red rimmed. He had sat in the hospital with them all day and she didn’t doubt he was tired. “I just wanted to make sure that it was okay for me to stay before I went to Re’s room.” He said quietly. She sat down next to him on the couch and held out an arm. He immediately collapsed into her side. She pressed a kiss to his hair and rested her cheek on his head.

“Course it’s okay, cariad.” She felt more than heard Sirius’s breath hitch. She wrapped her arm around him more firmly and didn’t mention anything when she felt the warm tears on her shirt. “He’s going to be okay, right?” Hope nodded and ran her hand up and down his arm comfortingly. “I promise he will. This isn’t something that is going to make his life miserable, Sirius. He’s going to be okay and he’ll be able to do the things he used to. He just has to be a bit more cautious now. He’s going to be just fine.” Sirius nodded and they sat in silence for a while, both of them basking in comfort.

Eventually, Sirius pulled away and wiped his eyes. He gave Hope a watery smile and hugged her. Hope pulled away and placed one last kiss on his forehead. “I hope you know that we love you so much Sirius. Not just because you’re such a great friend to Re. We love you because you are such a brilliant young man. We’re so proud of you and how much you’ve grown. We will always be here for you just as much as we are for Remus. That means you can tell us anything.” Hope looked at him firmly and Sirius couldn’t tell if he should feel dread or relief. She must know, or at least she knows something. “We want nothing more for you boys to be happy and safe. I want you to always remember that.”

Sirius would remember that talk for years to come.

_________________________________________

When Remus turned fourteen things started to make sense. It took about two months to really come to terms with the fact that he was gay. The fact that he liked guys. It only took a week to realize he liked Sirius.

He realized that it wasn't just his and Sirius’s bond that made him stare. It wasn’t their friendship that made his stomach a jumbled mess. Butterflies, as Lily put it. He realized that friends don’t look at friends the way he looks at Sirius. He and Lily listened to a lot of Taylor Swift while he tried to figure it out.

You Belong With Me and Everything Has Changed was played a lot.

Lily was brilliant and he loved her a lot. They weren’t as close as he and Sirius were but she was the closest thing he’s ever had to having a sister. She’s not afraid to take the piss and she’s blunt enough that it makes Remus consider just about everything she says seriously.

Telling the boys wasn’t hard. He wasn’t scared that they would leave him. They were all way too far into this friendship to let Remus being gay ruin it. He was a little more nervous to tell Sirius but it had nothing to do with being accepted or not and everything to do with the fact that he liked Sirius a lot.

The boys all hugged him tightly when he told them. They reminded him that they loved him no matter what and that there was nothing that he could do to make them love him any less. Remus was once again struck with the thought that he had the best friends he could ever imagine. There was nothing about any of them that he would change. He loved them so much.

He loved how James was so unapologetically himself. He loved how strongly James loved people and how loyal he stayed when he decided that you had deserved his loyalty. He loved how James wasn’t afraid to tell people off if they were bothering any of his friends. He loved how James always made sure he was feeling good and drinking enough water and making sure Remus never pushed himself too hard. He loved James a lot.

He loved how Peter was always there to listen to him if he needed someone to talk to. He loved how Peter wasn’t afraid to smack them if they were being stupid. He loved that Peter was always willing to talk about books with him and never once judged him or called him a bookworm. He loved that Peter was always ready for a game of chess and never made fun of Remus when he lost. He loved everything about Peter.

He loved how Sirius never let him feel alone. He loved how physically affectionate Sirius was and how he was always always in Remus’s corner. He loved how Sirius would let him braid his hair when he was feeling anxious or shaky. He loved how Sirius would always keep an eye out for him when they were doing something as a group. He loved how Sirius would look at him when something funny happened or when he made a joke. He loved how much Sirius loved Hope and Lyall. He loved Sirius.

He loved Sirius.

Well fuck.

☆☆☆

Remus spent the next five years silently pining. His friends would send him sad glances or worried looks every time Sirius voiced his most recent crush. Remus would just wave them off. Sure, it hurt but he knew there was something there. He just had to be patient. And if nothing ever came from it…

Well at least he still had Sirius in some way.

_________________________________________

Everything came to a head on the day of Sirius’s 19th birthday. They had a surprise party ready at Remus’s house. There was Remus, Lily, James, and Peter, but there were also a few of their other friends who had managed to wiggle their way into their friend group through the years: Marlene, Dorcas, Mary, Alice, and Frank.

They had planned the party for 5 pm. They had told Sirius they were going to have a study group. He had complained about having a study group on his birthday but Remus and Lily had just rolled their eyes and told him to grin and bear it. They had put on a rather convincing performance.

Which is why they were all concerned when 5 rolled around and Sirius wasn’t there. 6, 7, and 8 came and passed without a word. Eventually, it was only the original four left. Hope was sitting in the kitchen with them as Remus paced and the others sat at the table. James had eventually made him sit down when his breathing started getting too short.

It wasn’t until 10 that James got a message from Regulus saying that Sirius was sorry but he couldn’t make it. It left everyone with an uneasy feeling but they started filtering out one at a time until it was just Hope and Remus left. Remus stayed sitting at the table with his eyes fixed on the front door. Hope sighed and kissed his head as she walked to her room. She didn’t think it was worth it to try and fight with him to get him in bed. He wasn’t going to when he was worried about Sirius.

So, Remus stayed there. He sat silently staring at the door and listened to the rain that had started to fall a little after 11. Remus’s eyes were trying their best to close but he just kept pinching himself until he wasn’t on the brink of sleep.

It was a quarter til 1 when there was a knock at the door. Remus was up in seconds, pushing past the dizziness and yanking the door open.

Sirius was standing there shaking like a leaf on the porch. He was drenched from the rain and his teeth were chattering. His lip was busted and his eye was swollen. He had a dark red patch on his cheek that Remus had no doubt would bruise. He was holding his arm weird and Remus could tell his breath was hitching. Remus felt his own eyes start watering.

“Oh, fy nghariad. Come here.” He whispered and he held his arms out to his friend. Sirius was in his arms sobbing in seconds. Remus walked them backwards slowly so he could pull him into the room and shut the door. Sirius was leaning completely on Remus and Remus sat them both gently on the floor, being mindful of Sirius’s arm.

Remus wrapped his arms around him and pulled Sirius closer to his chest. Sirius hid his face in Remus’s neck while Remus rocked them slowly. “They w-wouldn’t leave me a- I couldn’t- S-She- Remus.” Remus shushed him softly and kissed his temple. “You’re okay, fy nghariad. You can explain later but right now you’re here, you’re safe. I promise. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Love you too much for that.”

When Sirius had calmed down enough to stop choking on his sobs, Remus led him quietly to the bathroom. He helped Sirius sit on the counter and opened the cabinet next to him. He pulled out the first aid kit and some bruise balm that he bought specifically for Sirius. He wanted to be prepared if the time ever did come. He was glad he did.

He got everything together and grabbed a wipe and ran it under warm water before pressing it gently to Sirius’s lip. He looked at Sirius apologetically when he winced at the pressure. “I know, I’m sorry.” He handed Sirius the wipe and made sure he was applying pressure before he moved on to the bruise balm. He stepped between Sirius’s legs and rubbed his thumb gently under his slightly swollen eye. When he finished he leaned forward to rest their foreheads together.

He lets his eyes fall closed and listens to the soft sigh that Sirius lets out. “Maddeu i mi.” Remus said weakly before moving back slightly and lowering Sirius’s hand so he could grab both of them. “You need help, fy nghariad.” Sirius took a shuddering breath but he didn’t interrupt. Remus took that as a good sign. “You can’t just keep going back, Siri. This is bad. You can stay here o-or with James. Just somewhere safe.” Remus was a little embarrassed to say there were tears on his face now. He loved Sirius so much and he didn’t deserve anything this life gave him.

Sirius stares at him for a moment as if he can’t figure something out. He brings his hand up to Remus’s face slowly and wipes the tears that are falling. Remus leans into the touch and closes his eyes. He kisses Sirius’s palm lightly and Sirius just watches him.

Sirius doesn’t quite understand how Remus can love him and care for him so freely. He doesn’t ever want anything from him. He doesn’t expect anything from Sirius. Not like his mother and father do. Not like all the people at school. He doesn’t have to be fake with Remus because Remus never gave him a chance to. He loved him when he was a brat of a child. He loved him when he was trying to sort through what he was taught growing up. He loved him when Sirius felt like no one ever did.

He’s always loved Remus. It’s never been a question. Always and forever, unconditionally.

He loves how forgiving Remus is, how understanding. He loves how Remus’s eyes light up when he talks about something he’s excited about. He loves how Remus snorts when he finds something really funny. He loves the embarrassed look he gets after. He loves how Remus always looks at him softly but never underestimates him. He loves how Remus takes Sirius’s need for physical affection so seriously, never once pushing him away. He loves how Remus looks at him when they’re in a crowded room. He loves how Remus always smiles when he sees Sirius as if he can’t help it.

He loves everything about Remus. He just loves Remus.

And, oh. Oh. He loves Remus.

He thinks he may remember this moment forever because how could he have not noticed that he was in love with his best friend. He’s known him for fifteen years and who knows how long he’s been in love with him. It could have been-

“Sirius?” Remus asked softly, and god has he always sounded so soft? “Siri, are you okay?” Somehow they've made their way to Remus's bedroom. Remus bends down slightly to catch Sirius’s eye. Sirius doesn’t think he really has to try. He doesn’t know how to look at anything other than Remus. Remus, who smiles uncertainty at him. “You with me, fy nghariad?” Sirius nods, unblinking. He let's Remus guide them to the bed until they're both laying down facing one another.

“What does that mean?” Sirius asked, his voice trembles slightly and he hates himself for it when Remus frowns. “That’s not important. You left for a moment, where’d you go?” He questions as he runs his fingers through Sirius’s rain matted hair. Sirius leans into the touch and feels his cheeks head when Remus smiles fondly at him. “Just had a bit of a revelation?” Remus huffs a laugh. “Oh, really?” His face falls into something more serious. “About leaving?”

Sirius looks down for a second before meeting his eyes again. “I don’t know yet.” Remus nods at that and leans into Sirius again. Sirius gladly welcomes the embrace and pressed a kiss to Remus’s temple when Remus rests his head on his chest. “I love you.” He says tenderly. Remus smiles happily and squeezes his hand a little. “Love you too, S.”

It’s not as hard as Sirius would have thought it to be when he shakes his head. “Non, je t'aime. Tu es plus que mon meilleur ami Remus, tu es tout pour moi.” Remus is watching him closely, there’s a furrow between his eyebrows that Sirius finds endearing. “English, fy nghariad.” Sirius chuckles. “Hypocrite. I love you,” He raises his hand to cup Remus’s cheek. He can tell Remus is catching on because he’s gone deathly still but his eyes are still soft. “You’re more than my best friend, Re. You’re everything to me.” Sirius lets his gaze fall to Remus’s lips as he says the next word. “Everything.”

There’s a moment of silence but Sirius doesn’t freak out. He’s not nervous. He thinks he should be but he isn’t. “Holy fuck,” Remus says softly and Sirius can’t help but let out a startled laugh. An affectionate smile taking over his freckled face. “It took you long enough, huh?” Sirius lets out a wet laugh and pushes his shoulder gently. Remus only moves closer. “I’ve loved you since I was fourteen.”

Sirius didn’t think it was possible to love him anymore. A comfortable silence settles over them. “What does fy nghariad.” Normally Remus would laugh at his terrible pronunciation but he just runs his hand down Sirius’s neck and hides his smile in the pillow. His voice is slightly muffled when he speaks.

“My love.”

[gaydeadwizardsfromthe70]

So, I'm re-reading "A brief history about dragons" as usual, because that fic it's the fucking best, an AO3 just crashed? Wft? It's 2.30 a.m. what I'm supposed to do? Sleep?

Unacceptable.

[rosekillerismylife]

A brief history of dragons by eyra on AO3

Holy shit, this was so short but so good.

So basically, there's author Remus, concerned Sirius and a little of mean James. Like what else do I need?

Remus deserves to write a book and be as weird as he wants about it while Sirius just exists with him and shares every little weird adventure with him. I really fell in love with Remus in this, you have absolutely no idea. He is far from perfect, he has issues and he is extremely passionate about his writing. I LOVE IT! Like, the whole concept with Remus living in a little village, having a routine and being known by everyone in town but no one really knows him, you know what I mean? It's so lovely and aesthetic and so Remus, I can't...

And Sirius?! I love him so much in this. He's so caring and utterly ignorant about Remus being weird. It's so sweet and so, so, so him although it sometimes felt as if Sirius and James swapt their personalities in this fic but then again, each author individually interprets the characters of their fanfictions differently and I love reading thos different interpretations because they sometimes overlap with the original but are still so different that I can't help but love the characters even more. You know what I mean? Anyway, the way Remus and Sirius interacted with each other and how they basically were each others safe zones was so well written and cute and lovely and I really adore them.

Last but really not least, mean James. Like, yeah, James is the nicest guy on earth and he has a heart made of gold etc. but no one can be good all the time. So in this fic, he was kind of mean, well, mostly to Remus because he just didn't know him well but he still was kinda mean and he has the absolute right to be mean. It must be horrible to always be in a good mood and to always comfort other people and help them and be kind to them. He deserves a break and this fic really balanced mean James and nice James: On one hand, he judges Remus and is a little mean about him but on the other hand, he still helps Sirius through a lot and is also there for other people. It's the best mixed version of him that I ever saw.

So, really, if you haven't read it yet:

[lielowat-lupins]

[actuallyitskal]

hi, hello. i just wanted to encourage every and each person who did not read A Brief History of Dragons, to do so.

this fic is so joyful, it's pure serotonin. also, the writing is beautiful. it might be my new hyperfixation too.

anyway, here's link to this masterpiece by eyra on ao3

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24114526/chapters/58052638