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“C’mon, Pads…we’re going to be late,” Remus said, poking his head out of his room, smoothing his Christmas jumper. He glanced at his watch. James and Lily were expecting them soon for Christmas Eve dinner. Sirius was at the mirror in his own room across the hall, still smoothing his hair. “Your hair is perfect, let’s go already.”
“Ok, ok, quit worrying, Moony,” Sirius grumbled, giving his hair one more shake before following Remus to the living room. There was a huge pile of gifts in the middle of the floor that Remus was surveying. “Are we taking the bike? I don’t think we can fit -”
Remus shook head he and waved his wand, shrinking the gifts so he could fit them in his pocket. “You were saying?”
Sirius chuckled. “Never mind, let’s go.”
“I don’t know why you spent so long on your hair if you were just going to put on a helmet,” Remus quipped as Sirius handed him his helmet.
Sirius shrugged and winked at him. “Why indeed?” He climbed onto the bike, his jeans stretching over his arse, hugging in all the right places…that Remus totally wasn’t looking at. He shook his head. He really needed to stop torturing himself.
He’d hoped this stupid crush would have abated now that the war was over and everyone could breathe again. But it didn’t. He still got funny flutters in his stomach when Sirius came to breakfast shirtless or when they curled up on the sofa together after a long day to read or watch television. Or when one of them couldn’t sleep and snuck across the hall to the other’s room, and they ended up sleeping together.
It was no use. His hopeless crush was here to stay.
“Are you walking to Godric’s Hollow or…?” Sirius asked, quirking an eyebrow in Remus’s direction as Remus refocused on the man in front of him. Remus climbed on behind Sirius and wrapped his arms around his waist like always. He’s been dubious, at best, about riding the bike with Sirius in the beginning but as the time went by, it became just something they did. They both liked it better than using the Floo or having to apparate almost a mile away from James and Lily’s house because of the wards that protected Godric’s Hollow in the aftermath of the war.
The motorbike roared to life as they took off, leaving the lights of London behind them. Soon enough, they were touching down in the almost rural town of Godric’s Hollow, where the Potters lived. The small town was alight with twinkling Christmas lights as Sirius drove them through the square. Remus had learned that everything was a blur when they rode the motorbike and that it was better to keep his eyes forward.
Sirius slowed down when they reached the Potter cottage. It looked newer than the other houses on their block since it had recently been mostly rebuilt. James and Lily had lived with James’ parents while the construction was happening but they’d been relieved to move back into the little house they’d chosen together. The house had been almost demolished last year, when they’d had their final showdown with Voldemort. But like so many things since then, it was rebuilt.
Remus handed Sirius his helmet when they both hopped off the bike. Sirius tapped the back compartment with his wand so he could stash them away, then followed Remus up the walk to the front door. Since James had to lift the wards to let them in, he already knew they were there even before they rang the doorbell. He stood at the door with a wriggling Harry in his arms and beamed at his two friends.
“Well, don’t just stand there, come in,” James said, stepping aside. Their house was warm and smelled of gingerbread. Remus breathed deeply as they followed James inside.
“Pa’foot!” Harry exclaimed, reaching for his godfather.
“Hey there, buddy, it’s so good to see you,” Sirius said, taking him from James and blowing a raspberry on his belly. Harry shrieked and giggled. Remus watched them for a moment, with a soft expression. Sirius always insisted that he didn’t like kids, but the way he got along with Harry said otherwise.
He didn’t want to hover, so he made his way into the kitchen to find Lily. She was at the stove, stirring a large pot of soup. She looked up when she heard his footsteps. “Does this need more salt?” she asked, brandishing a spoon in his direction. Remus obediently tasted the soup and shook his head.
“I don’t think so. Maybe some pepper.”
Lily nodded thoughtfully. She waved her wand at a pepper mill on the counter, which levitated over the pot, shaking a pinch or two into it. That finished, she stepped back and looked at Remus critically. “How are you?” she asked.
“I’m doing alright, Lil. How about you? How’s training going?” As if finishing off Voldemort wasn’t enough, Lily had promptly enrolled in the St. Mungo’s training program, and was studying to be a Healer, with a specialty in potion research.
“I’m working on something with Damocles Belby,” she said. “You know him?”
“A little,” Remus said, frowning. “Not well.”
“Anyway. He pulled me into a project, and I think it’ll really help you.”
“Me?” Remus asked, confused. “Why me?”
“It’s to help lycanthropy,” Lily said, beaming at him. Remus was struck dumb. His friends’ love and generosity never failed to surprise him. First, it was James, Sirius and Peter learning how to become animagi. Now it was Lily trying to use her expertise to help people like him. He choked up a little but tried to cover it up.
“That’s amazing…I’ll help any way I can,” he said thickly..
“Hi Lily,” Sirius said, bounding into the kitchen and kissing her cheek.
“I was wondering if you were going to come say hi to me,” she said, swatting him away.
“I’m sorry, I have forgotten my manners,” Sirius said. He took her hand in his, bowed over it and kissed it. “Thank you for inviting me to your humble abode, Madam Potter.”
Lily snorted. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Yup,” Sirius said, standing back up. “Do you need any help?”
“I think the table’s all sorted but if you want to pour drinks…”
“You got it,” Sirius said, waving his wand at the cupboard he knew held the glasses.
Remus went back into the living room. He took the shrunken gifts out of his pocket, put them under the Christmas tree next to the fireplace and resized them. It was funny how the Potters’ house looked the same, but different. Like it was a reflection in a mirror that was just slightly off. He wondered if they thought so too.
“Good to see you, Moony,” James said, coming back into the living room. Now that they were actual adults and the war was over, they didn’t see each other nearly as often as they had previously.
“You too,” Remus replied, accepting James’ bear hug. He held onto James for a moment longer than he normally would have, his mind straying back to all they’d been through the previous year.
“We’re all good,” James murmured, knowing what he was thinking.
“I know,” Remus said.
“Break it up or let me join,” Sirius said, coming back into the living room. James made room for Sirius, who immediately put an arm around both of them. They stood there, before letting go and sheepishly looking around, almost embarrassed at the emotions bubbling to the surface. Or at least Remus was. James and Sirius were never embarrassed, as far as he could tell.
“Pete coming?” Remus asked. After the war was over, and Pete could safely leave his undercover post in the Death Eaters, he’d taken off for a job in the US. Remus didn’t blame him. If he’d done and seen the things Pete did during the war, he’d have wanted to get as far away as possible too.
“He owled saying his mum was coming to him for Christmas,” James said.
Remus nodded. It would be the first Christmas in a long time when the four of them weren’t all together, but it was fine.
“Anyone hungry?” Lily asked, with Harry on her hip. “Dinner’s ready.”
They all trooped into the dining room, where the table was full of delicacies. There were all of the Christmas favorites and everything looked and smelled delicious. Remus knew Lily was proud of herself. She hadn’t had much experience cooking, but she’d bonded with James’ mum over learning to cook, and she’d taken to it with aplomb. Lily set up Harry in the high chair, then began passing plates and bowls back and forth.
“Have you heard from Regulus?” James asked Sirius as they tucked into their food.
“He’s been quiet lately,” Sirius said. Remus knew that was an understatement. Regulus had his own healing to do from the war, and that sometimes meant Sirius didn’t hear from his brother for months at a time. He knew Sirius tried to give him space, but it wasn’t always the easiest thing to do.
“We extended the invitation, but he didn’t respond,” Lily said carefully.
Sirius didn’t say anything. He just pursed his lips and nodded once.
“Anyway…do we like Puddlemere’s chances for the championship?” James said, changing the subject.
After dinner, they were all full and sleepy and they retired to the living room to open presents. James waved his wand, charming the gifts to find their recipients. Soon there were gifts flying all over the living room, with Harry giggling excitedly as a good many landed in front of him.
“It’s too much, you guys. You spoil him,” Lily said as she saw the gifts Remus and Sirius had brought for Harry.
“We spoil you, too,” Sirius said, indicating the gifts that had landed in her lap.
“Oh this is great, thank you,” Remus said, holding up a pair of slippers from James and Lily.
Sirius tsked. “You always have me to keep your feet warm, Moony.”
Remus bit his lip, not trusting himself to answer. But he sneaked a look at Sirius as he opened the gift Remus had gotten him. The laughing expression softened as he drew the item out. “Oh,” he breathed, looking at the vintage record and turning it over in his hands. “Moony, I can’t believe you found this.”
“You…like it?” Remus asked. He’d forgotten they weren’t alone as he held Sirius’s eye contact.
“I’ve been looking for this one for a while. I love it.”
“What is it?” James asked, curiously. “Doesn’t seem like your usual music, Pads.”
“No, it’s not…it’s just..when I was a kid, Uncle Alphard took me to a concert where they played Rhapsody in Blue and it was really amazing. He had the record and would play it when I would visit and…” Sirius took a deep breath as the emotions hit him. “When they cleaned out his house, I wanted his record and…well, it wasn’t in his things. But Remus found me the same record he used to play.”
Lily looked at Remus, who dropped his eyes, unsure of what she’d find there. He had a feeling she knew how he felt but he hoped she had too much tact to say anything.
Then, as they were opening the remaining gifts, the air around them seemed to change for a moment. James went tense, looking at Lily. “What’s wrong, Prongs?” Sirius asked, suddenly alert.
“There was a tug on the wards,” James said, standing. He was holding his wand as he went to the front door. Sirius followed him, covering his back.
Remus and Lily exchanged a glance, drawing out their wands too. Remus could see Lily calculating how far she’d have to lunge to pick up Harry if need be.
But it turned out they overreacted because a moment later, James and Sirius led Regulus into the living room. “Hello,” Regulus said, standing awkwardly in the middle of the room, still wearing his long, wool coat. “Happy Christmas."
Lily was the first to recover. She stood and gave Regulus a kiss on the cheek. “Welcome. Would you like some cocoa or coffee?” she asked, taking his coat and directing it to the coat rack with her wand.
“Coffee would be lovely, thank you,” Regulus said.
Regulus perched on one of the chairs while James and Lily shared the sofa. Sirius and Remus sat on the floor, watching Harry as he played with all of his new toys.
Lily passed Regulus a steaming mug and indicated the plate of gingerbread. “How are you?” she asked.
“I’m alright,” Regulus said. “I’m in the midst of sorting out a lot of the Black assets. It’s taking a good deal of untangling.”
Sirius snorted. “That’s because they tried to hide everything. Now it’s almost impossible to decipher.”
“Exactly,” Regulus said, sipping his coffee. Remus glanced at Sirius, and he knew they were both remembering that fateful night during the war when everything changed.
There was a knock on the door. Remus and Sirius were immediately on their guard. They weren’t expecting anyone and anyone in the Order always sent a Patronus first.
“Who’s there,” Sirius asked, his wand ready, with Remus covering him from behind.
“Your brother.”
“Identify yourself.”
“Regulus Arcturus Black, heir of the Black family.”
“What story did I read to you when you were little?”
“Babbity Rabbity. Let me in, Sirius.”
Sirius tapped the doorknob, raising the wards. Regulus came rushing in, wet to the bone, teeth chattering. Remus caught Sirius’s eye. He looked stricken. Regulus rarely was anything but calm, cool, and put together. Remus immediately sprang into action, casting a warming charm and gathering blankets to wrap around Regulus. He also waved his wand at the kettle, which started bubbling.
A few minutes later, Regulus was sitting on their sofa, wrapped in blankets, with a steaming cup of tea in his hands.
“What’s wrong?” Sirius asked, his eyes raking over his brother.
“I…” he started. His eyes flicked over to Remus.
“Whatever you have to tell me, you can say in front of Remus,” Sirius said stoutly.
“It’s ok, Pads…I can go.”
“No, it’s fine,” Regulus said. But Remus sought Sirius’s confirmation. He gave a little nod so Remus stayed where he was.
“What happened?” Sirius asked, more quietly, as if worried he was going to scare Regulus off.
Regulus closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his thoughts. He reached inside his robes and pulled out a large, ornate locket. He put it on the coffee table. Both Remus and Sirius leaned over to get a better look.
“Don’t touch it,” Regulus warned.
“Ok…” Sirius said.
“So…the Dark Lord gave me an assignment…” Regulus began. “I was to order Kreacher to bring this locket to this cave.”
“Why?” Remus interjected, even though he wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer.
“To protect it behind all of these enchantments…” Regulus said, sipping his tea. “It’s a horcrux.”
“A…what?” Remus asked blankly, but Sirius nodded in understanding. This was obviously some dark magic the Black had knowledge of because Sirius recoiled slightly when he looked at the locket, shining malevolently on their coffee table.
“It’s a piece of Voldemort’s soul,” Sirius said in a hushed voice.
“Oh,” Remus said.
“There are others,” Regulus said. “The Dark Lord all but confirmed.”
“Why are you telling us?” Sirius asked, his silver eyes bright.
“Because he’s gone too far and must be stopped,” Regulus said, evenly. He held Sirius’s eye contact.
“Are you willing to go to Dumbledore and tell him what you told us?” Sirius asked.
“Yes.”
“Why are you all wet?” Sirius asked, softly. He seemed to accept that Regulus was switching sides, so Remus didn’t say anything.
“There were inferi in the lake next to the cave. They tried to pull me under.”
Later, when Regulus had taken a sleeping potion and was tucked into bed in Sirius’s room, Remus looked at Sirius. “What do you reckon?”
“I think we need to see Dumbledore as early as possible. I’ll sleep out here tonight.”
“You can sleep in my room,” Remus said. “It’ll be like in the dorm.”
“A knut for your thoughts,” Sirius said, sliding over to Remus as he shook the memory away. They’d all come a long way since that night, Remus thought. Regulus was still cool and aloof, but he seemed to settle into the cozy atmosphere of the Potters’ house more easily than he had before.
Remus shrugged. “Nothing in particular.”
“Good. Come outside with me. I want to give you your gift.”
“My gift is outside?” Remus asked.
“No, Moony. Just come with me.” Sirius offered him his hand and he heaved himself up from his spot on the floor.
It was cold outside, but Remus cast a warming charm over them. Godric’s Hollow looked as though it was in a snow globe, all glittering, winking lights and swirling snow. A perfect Christmas picture.
Sirius took a small, wrapped package out of his pocket. “Happy Christmas, Moonshadow.”
Remus took the package and opened it carefully. He gave a small gasp when he saw the contents. It was a first edition copy of Curses and Counter-Curses signed by the author.
“Oh, Pads. It’s perfect,” Remus breathed. “Thank you.”
“Of course,” Sirius said. They stared at each other for a moment, the air around them shifting and changing. Then Remus leaned in and Sirius did at the same time, and they pressed their lips together in a soft kiss.
Even though it was cold, Sirius’s lips were warm, and a little chapped. One of his hands came up to cup Remus’s cheek as he deepened the kiss. Remus responded readily, opening up to him as they explored each other.
“Remus,” Sirius murmured when they broke the kiss.
“Yeah?”
“I’ve wanted to do that for a long time,” Sirius admitted, running his thumb along Remus’s jaw.
“Me too,” Remus said, his cheeks reddening.
“I guess we should have done that a long time ago,” Sirius said.
“Yeah, probably,” agreed Remus, as he tipped Sirius’s chin toward him and kissed him again.
“Want to go home?” Sirius asked, still so close.
“Yes,” Remus said. “We should say goodbye.”
Sirius nodded. He stood, stretching his hand out to Remus. Remus took it, marveling at the easy way their hands fit together. They went back inside to the living room. James looked from one to the other. “Aha!” he exclaimed. “You owe me five galleons,” he said to Regulus.
Regulus looked from one to the other, sighed, and took some coins out of his robe pockets. He slid the coins over to James, who pocketed them, looking satisfied with himself. “I suppose we don’t need this then,” he said, tossing a sprig of mistletoe into the air.
Sirius caught it. “Maybe Lily wants it,” he said with a wink.
“Lily doesn’t need it,” she said, taking it from Sirius and vanishing it. “So you’re leaving then?
“Yes…Happy Christmas. Thank you for having us.”
“Have fun at home, boys,” James said, wagging his eyebrows suggestively. Sirius punched him in the shoulder. “I want details tomorrow.”
“Good luck with that,” Sirius said, leading Remus out to where the motorbike was parked. A few minutes later, they flew off toward home.