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Saving Remus Lupin	By : AngelUpSideDownCake Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Remus/Sirius Views: 1503 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: The Harry Potter series and all characters within that series are owned by JK Rowling. I make no money in any way from this work.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
Chapter 7
The Window

Landing hard onto the ground, the three wizards apparated before a tandemonium of sound and movement about a hundred meters away. Remus recognized their location, the dirt path and old barn being very familiar to him, even in the chaos of curses and black robes. Somehow, Death Eaters had emerged and attacked Dora right outside the Weasley’s home just outside of Ottery St. Catchpole.
“Remus!” Caught off-guard, the air was rushed out of Remus’ lungs as Sirius barreled into him, only a second before a particularly nasty purple-hued hex whizzed over head. Despite narrowly avoiding injury, they didn’t have time to waste. James was already running toward the fray, wand at the ready. In the midst of the curses, Dora could be seen dodging and shouting spells thrown at her from two Death Eaters, a deep look of concentration on her face, and a third hooded figure laid at her feet. Sirius and Remus rushed to their feet, not stopping to look at each other, and ran toward Dora.
“Expelliarmus!” James’ deep voice rang out among the noise and one of the Death Eater’s wands flew into the air and into his hand. The other Death Eater turned her eyes from Dora for a moment -- only a moment. They immediately locked in with Remus’ and he only just barely managed not to trip as his feet seemed to reject moving any closer to the coal-black eyes of Bellatrix Lestrange. Those eyes flicked from Remus to Sirius and she knew. If the Death Eaters hadn’t suspected Sirius’ betrayal before, they would know for certain now.
Bellatrix’s distraction was just enough for Dora to land a curse, which hit the dark witch in the arm and caused her to screech in pain as large boils erupted on her skin. Her wide eyes were like windows to her thoughts: the fight had been three-to-one, but now she was the only one either conscious or with a wand against four wizards -- two of which were fully qualified aurors -- and she was injured. With sudden determination, she shot a blasting spell at Dora, which sent her back, grabbed the unconscious Death Eater, demanding the other to grab her hand, and disapparated before James reached them, narrowly missing the stunning spell that Remus felt more than heard leave Sirius’ lips.
Remus’ chest was heaving, his breath came in short gasps as the edge of his vision darkened and he could feel the trickle of sweat down the side of his face. They hadn’t made it far, so he hadn’t physically exerted himself too much, yet he felt like he’d just run a marathon. Ever nerve-ending tingled, adrenaline coursed through his veins. It was fear that gripped him. Fear and panic at facing Bellatrix again so soon after his ordeal. Somehow, the knowledge that just her sight had this affect on him frightened him more, causing him to breath even harder and the darkness at the edge of his vision to crowd inward until it finally darkness was all he could see.
҉
“What did you do to him? What’s wrong with Remus?” Sirius looked up from where he’d just prevented Remus from slamming face-first into the dirt, the wizard held in his arms. Dora was tearing across the grass and dirt toward them, worry and anger smeared across her face like war paint.
“I didn’t do anything,” Sirius defended. “He just kind of passed out.” Sirius could have sworn that Remus just had a panic attack. Normally, one wouldn’t think too much about a witch or wizard having a panic attack at the sight of a Death Eater brawl, especially when Bellatrix was in the middle of it, but Remus was an auror. An auror who had just gone through three days of torture at the hands of Lord Voldemort and lived to tell the tale. It’s too soon, Sirius realized. Remus hadn’t talked much about his ordeal since they’d made it to the flat. In fact, Sirius thought maybe he was already getting over it. Then again, wasn’t it unusual for someone, even an auror, to just ‘get over’ something like this as if it hadn’t happened? Guilt welled up inside of Sirius. He should have known that Remus might be suffering; should have tried to talk to him about it.
Dora was finally upon them, leaning over Remus as though to blot Sirius from the picture, James only a second behind her.
“Remus,” she gasped, her hands already on his shoulders, trying to shake him awake. Sirius feared they may need to do something more drastic to rouse him, when he felt Remus’ arm twitch in his hold. “It’s ok,” Dora cooed, realizing at the same time that he was beginning to wake up. Sure enough, Remus’ eyes peered open and he fixed a frown at Dora before his eyes slid over to Sirius’ and the edge of a smile tugged on his lips, before turning back to Dora and becoming more somber again. The wizard moved to sit up and Sirius helped him slowly.
“What happened?” Remus’ words were raspy, but strong, despite his apparent weakened state.
“You fainted, mate,” James supplied from behind Dora, amusement in his voice despite the situation. Dora smacked his leg admonishingly, not appreciating his tone.
“No,” Remus shook his head slowly, “I don’t mean what happened to me.” A confused look crossed James and Dora’s face.
“He means why were the Death Eaters here,” Sirius clarified, moving to stand, ready to help Remus if he needed it. Dora was glaring up at him, as though he had rudely interrupted a private moment.
“Yes, that’s what I meant,” Remus confirmed as he pushed himself up, accepting Sirius’ outstretched hand. “How did they know to come here? Have you any idea?” Dora looked at the men around her. When her eyes flicked to Sirius, they cast down almost immediately, embarrassed.
“Molly and I were walking,” she began. “We were talking about Order business. I said his name.” Her eyes drifted back up first to Sirius then to Remus. “I didn’t think it would really happen,” she defended, “but it did happen. I’m so sorry.”
“Is Molly ok?” James stood in front of Dora now, his features a clear picture of the concern he felt for his friend. Dora nodded fervently and sniffed a little. Her eyes were turning red, along with the tip of her nose, and Sirius realized she was trying not to cry.
“Yes, she... she’s fine. As soon as they came she stunned the first one and disapparated.”
“In her condition?!”
“What choice did she have, James?” Tears were now streaming down Dora’s face in earnest, but she stood resolutely, determined not to acknowledge them. “She did alright, didn’t she? She knocked out one of the wankers, at least.”
“But the baby!” Remus this time expressed his concern, all of his earlier weakness appearing to have faded. “We need to make sure she’s ok.”
“I k-know!” Dora’s voice cracked and she finally gave in to her sobs. “Sh-she didn’t have a ch-choice but to disapparate! I d-didn’t know they’d come! I-I’m s-sorry!” Remus was already rushing up the dirt road, determined to pass the old barn. Sirius was fast on his heels. Whoever this Molly was, she had disapparated when apparently pregnant. While Sirius didn’t know much about pregnancy, he knew that disapparition during one was very dangerous and could result in a loss of the child if anything went wrong. Behind him, James footsteps could be heard slapping the ground and he could only assume Dora was following as well.
After a few moments of running, the group had passed the barn and followed the path up a hill, past a wooden sign which read ‘The Burrow’, and finally up to a gate which surrounded the garden in front of possibly one of the strangest houses Sirius had ever seen. In reality, it didn’t look like one house at all, but several distinctive houses perched one on top of the other. The front door lay half open, a small head poked out from the opening, and Sirius saw cool blue eyes peering up innocently at the group from under a mop of fiery red hair on top of a child around nine years old. Suddenly, it hit him: these were Weasleys!
“Hello, Billy,” Remus said, breathless, as they approached the front door. “We need to see your mum.” The child hung onto the door, wide eyes peering at the group, settling on Sirius. It dawned on him then that he must frighten the child, that he must be the only member of the group that he didn’t know. Remus glanced between the two and noticed it immediately, as well.
“Bill,” Remus said firmly, but gently, as he knelt on his knees in front of the boy. “Sirius is our friend, you don’t need to worry about him. May we come inside to see your mum please?” The child considered this a moment before nodding.
“Mum’s in the lounge. She told me not to let anybody in, but I think you’re ok.”
“You’re a very good lad, Billy.” Remus smiled fondly at the child and they filed suit after him into the cramped, homey kitchen. Despite being small and cluttered, there were bits and pieces about that showed this was a loved home: a toy wand on the kitchen table, children’s drawings tacked onto the cupboards with sticking charms, a dented and well used cauldron was in the sink, and handmade dishcloths laid on the counters.
Ushered into the home by Bill, the group quickly spilled into the lounge, where Molly Weasley sat on the sofa, a hand on her swollen abdomen and red-brimmed eyes, a small round mirror on the end table next to her.
“Mum,” the boy announced, “Mister Potter, and Mister Lupin, and Miss Tonks, and their friend are here to see you.”
“I see, Billy.” The woman held out her arms to her son and embraced him. “Thank you for being such a good helper,” she said quietly to him. “Now, why don’t you go on upstairs and keep an eye on your brothers for me, hmm?”
“I thought Charlie was doing that,” pouted Bill.
“Oh, he was, but I think he needs a little help from the oldest, don’t you?” Being reminded that he was the oldest and, therefore, the most responsible seemed to have the desired effect on the young boy, and he nodded fervently before going up the stairs. Distantly, Sirius could hear what sounded like the boy announcing to his brothers that he was in charge now, and that they’d all do well to listen to him.
҉
“Molly,” Remus started, sitting down on the sofa next to his friend. “Are you alright?” Her warm hazel eyes fell on him and she nodded her head even as her lower lip trembled.
“Yes, Remus I -- we -- are fine.”
“Oh, Molly!” Dora moved forward from behind James. She’d stopped crying for the moment, but looked as though she could start again at any time. Remus couldn’t help the surge of anger he felt at her. He’d warned her! When he first came back he had floo’d Kingsley and she’d been there with him and he had warned them! She hadn’t listened, though, and now look. His eyes were drawn back to Dora as she started speaking again. “I’m sorry, Molly. I am so sorry!”
“Shh,” Molly consoled, despite being the one who should have been comforted. Remus supposed it was her over-abundance of maternal instinct that gave Molly this air of calmness and love. “It’s fine, Dora. We know for certain now. And, look, no harm done, now.” The auburn-haired woman grasped Dora’s hand and placed on her belly. “See,” she said, “feel little Ron kicking? He’s going to be fine.” Remus let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been hold and saw that Sirius and James had done the same.
“I’m glad you’re ok, Molly,” James said, relief heavy in his voice. “Thank goodness you had that two-way mirror. If you hadn’t been able to tell Lily what was happening...” He trailed off, unable to complete the thought.
“Ah!” Next to James, Sirius was hissing in pain and clutching his arm. Remus was immediately on alert.
“What’s wrong?” Remus was already at Sirius’ side, but the dark haired wizard had straightened and was trying to straighten the grimace on his face.
“It’s him,” he explained, as his gray eyes locked with Remus. No further explanation was necessary. It was so obvious. Bellatrix had seen him with Remus and had no doubt alerted Voldemort.
“What’s going on?” James was staring hard at Sirius, not having understood immediately as Remus had.
“It’s the Dark Mark,” Remus explained.
“Bellatrix saw me with you,” Sirius elaborated. “She must have told You-Know-Who. He’s trying to call all of the Death Eaters through the Dark Mark.”
“And it hurts?” James had a disgusted look on his face and Sirius rolled his eyes.
“Yes, it blood well hurts.”
“I’m sorry,” Molly interrupted, “but what is going on? Why is there a-a Death Eater in my home?!” Her hand was clutched to her stomach and a look somewhere between fear and anger contorted her features.
“That,” Dora spoke up, before Remus could intervene, “is Sirius Black. You know, the one I told you about.” Molly’s eyes narrowed into slits and Remus knew exactly what kind of picture Dora had painted of him.
“Look,” Remus defended, “Sirius may have at one time been a Death Eater, but he has defected. He helped me escape, and he’s the one who told us about the Trace. Which,” he spat toward Dora, “if you had paid any heed to at all we wouldn’t be standing here now.”
“I have already apologized for that, Remus!”
“I don’t particularly care if you’ve apologized. You should have listened in the first place. What if Molly hadn’t been able to get away? What if we couldn’t get to you? Did you think about that, Dora?”
“Enough!” James intervened, cutting between the harsh glare Remus shot at Dora and the hurt expression on her face. “Dora, you did a stupid thing, but this proves that Sirius was right about the Trace. Remus,” James fixed his stare at Remus, “quit being an arse.” He couldn’t help feeling irritated, despite being admonished by his friend. Dora had been nothing but harsh towards Sirius from the get-go, and she was now spreading her feelings toward his friends.
“Would it kill her to just try to be nice to him?”
“You know, mate, I just said to quit being an arse.” James crossed his arms over his chest. Remus was about to speak again when a soft pressure on his shoulder interrupted him. Sirius had his hand on his shoulder and was smiling down at him, igniting a flurry of butterflies in Remus’ stomach.
“It’s fine, Remus. Let it go.”
“Alright,” Remus said with a sigh, not feeling that it was alright at all. “Molly, someone needs to report this in. Do you mind if I use your fireplace to floo this in to Kingsley?”
“That’s fine, but try not to take too long. Arthur will be heading home soon.”
“Thank you. And, Molly,” her eyes held Remus’, “I trust Sirius. I would never have brought him here if I didn’t. I hope you realize that.” She nodded her head after moment.
“I know, Remus.”
҉
With Remus preoccupied at the fireplace, Sirius felt very exposed. His arm ached fiercely and he was acutely aware of Dora’s angry gaze and Molly’s discomfort. Only James seemed fine with his presence.
“Molly,” James began. The pregnant witch turned towards him. “I think it would be best if you talked with Arthur about staying somewhere else for a while, just to make sure the Death Eaters don’t return here. At the very least you should have Gideon and Fabian stay with you for a while.”
“Yes, I think you’re right. My great aunt Muriel may be able to put us up for a while.” A loud thump from upstairs and a wail caused her to shake her head a laugh a little. “It’ll be quite the task, mind you. I have four boys already,” she explained pointedly, then looked down at her belly, “and another on the way.” Definitely a Weasley, Sirius confirmed to himself. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go tend to those boys right quick.” Molly lifted herself from the couch and went to the stairs as the wailing grew louder, Dora following closely.
“Sirius, do you think I could have a word with you?”
“Sure, mate,” Sirius answered, a little uneasily. This would be the first time they’d be alone, and he had to wonder what the other wizard could possibly want talk about. James led the way back through the kitchen and out to the garden. A pair of old rickety-looking wood chairs sat against the house and he chose one of these to sit in, leaving the other for Sirius.
“I can tell you fancy Remus.” The abruptness caught Sirius off-guard.
“What of it, then?” He wasn’t going to deny it, didn’t have the energy to put forth the effort.
“Well, to be honest, I think he fancies you too.” Sirius scoffed. “No,” James insisted, “really. He’s been my best mate for ages. When we were at Hogwarts there was a bloke a couple years ahead of us. Remus fancied him too and they went on for a short while. That was before Dora, mind.”
“So, what? Remus dated a bloke, but that doesn’t mean he’s into me.”
“Trust me, he is.” James took removed glasses and cleaned them off with the corner of his shirt. “Look, I’m telling you this because he is my best mate. I don’t want to see him hurt.” The glasses were returned to his face and his sharp eyes were back on Sirius. “Right now, he’s hurting. I can’t be with him all the time. Remus, though, he’s like a brother to me. If you care about him, make sure he stays safe. And, also, help him through whatever’s going on in his head.” So that’s all this was? James was worried about his friend and wanted Sirius to watch over him? Remus was clearly still dealing with his run-in with Voldemort. Somehow, James seemed to think Sirius could help him with that as well. “Can you do that for me, Sirius?” He hadn’t realized that he’d been quiet for so long.
“Yes. I’ll do anything I can.” James nodded, this answer seeming to be enough for him.
“I trust Remus with my life and the lives of my family. I know he’d never willingly reveal our location to You-Know-Who. Being Secret Keeper is very dangerous business, though.” Sirius nodded, understandingly. Despite the knowledge that Secret Keepers couldn’t be forced or bewitched into sharing the secret they held, many wizards believed they could be persuaded to desire to divulge the secret. Voldemort was one of them.
“So,” Sirius said, breaking up the brief silence that had fallen over them and wishing to divert his thoughts, “what is the deal with Dora?” James snorted.
“She’d let you have it for being so familiar. You might want to call her Tonks if you address her. She only lets certain people call her Dora.”
“She prefers to be called by her surname?” James shrugged.
“She’s a strange girl.”
“So what’s her deal? I get that she doesn’t trust me, but she seems to have some sort of outright animosity toward me.” James sighed.
“I’m probably not the best person to ask. After Remus broke up with her she came ‘round and spoke to Lily -- she’s one of the only other people who knows our whereabouts. She was raving that you’d come along and Remus had taken to you and didn’t want anything to do with her. Honestly, I think she blames you for Remus breaking things off with her.”
“I can see why, I suppose, but from what I’ve gathered he was unhappy before I came along.” James nodded in agreement.
“He was, but he’s always been unhappy, really. At first he seemed happy enough, but when she moved in with him it was pretty obvious they weren’t good for each other. I think he knew that, but he wanted to make it work. He grew up as a werewolf, and know, this being war times and all, I think he just wanted a part of his life to be normal.”
Sirius felt he could relate to that. His entire childhood had been dedicated to the dark arts -- upholding the sanctity of pure-blooded wizards and learning skills which would be useful in serving the Dark Lord as he gained power were top on his mother’s list. He remembered being forced to study the family trees of notable pure-bloods and learning spells whose only aim was to cause harm, or blood loss, or to maim the victim. Many nights were spent crying in his room alone. He’d hated learning spells that would hurt others, hated that he was forced to practice them on his younger brother and be his target in turn. He had begged to not be forced to that kind of ‘study’, but his mother had insisted he learn skills that would be valuable to Voldemort.
Sirius had only felt normal when he was at school. Hogwarts felt like a reprieve from a terrible nightmare as his mother became more and more obsessed with raising the perfect servants for her master. It was at Hogwarts when he saw Professor McGonagall’s transformation into her tabby cat form that he learned this would be his ticket. During the Christmas vacation he’d shared his thoughts with his mother. She saw this as a highly useful skill and sent him to study straight away, eager to provide an intelligence agent to the ranks of the Dark Lord.
Becoming an animagus was hard work that took consistent practice. Sirius had accomplished what felt like the unattainable by his third year. While his study did not completely exclude him from the terrible practices his mother insisted upon, it did reduce the amount of time he spent doing them greatly. He chose to keep it hidden that he had successfully become an animagus. In the summer of his fourth year, however, he had been found out by Bellatrix. There was a mixture of celebration and fierce punishment. Celebration for the skilled wizard that would soon join the ranks of the Death Eaters, punishment for keeping it a secret and shirking his other duties. Bellatrix had been the one to hand out that punishment. Sirius’ heart still raced at the memory.
These days, he just wanted something to be normal, too.
҉
“There you are!” Remus stepped through the doorway fully now that he realized James and Remus were sitting in the chairs against the front of the house, overlooking the garden. A gnome scurried away from the other side of them and toward the stone wall at the end of the property, startled by Remus’ sudden outburst. Sirius and James’ heads darted up toward him, also startled.
“Here we are,” James said wryly. The pair had looks on their faces like they’d been in deep thought and Remus had just interrupted.
“I’ve just finished speaking with Kingsley. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement is going to make an official statement to the Prophet tomorrow and they are already pasting posters up in Diagon Alley -- there’s been several attacks and an abduction already.” Remus swallowed the lump in his throat, wishing he’d been more urgent with his warnings. He’d thought they had more time.
“Merlin,” James breathed out. “I’m glad we got here when we did.” Sirius nodded. There was a thump and a worried shout of “Molly!” from inside the home. Remus turned back into the house, knowing James and Sirius would be right behind him, and went into the kitchen to see a wild-eyed Arthur in the lounge. The man was in complete disarray, his cloak half-on, half-off, his briefcase laid forgotten on the floor.
“Molly! Are you alright?” He was shouting even as he was running toward the stairs taking them two at a time.
“Arthur, I’m fine,” came her response, sounding very tired. “I just had a bit of a scare.”
“A bit of a scare?!” Arthur pulled her into his arms as she was coming down the stairs, enveloping her tightly. “There have been reports of Death Eater attacks all over the country! Kingsley said he spoke with Remus that there was one here. Molly...” He trailed off, words failing him.
“Arthur, I’m fine.” The words came out sure, but muffled against Arthur’s shoulder as she held onto him just as tightly.
Remus looked behind him at James and Sirius, who seemed to be trying to look anywhere but at the intimate seen before them. Even Dora, who had come down the stairs behind Molly, seemed to be trying to make herself scarce so as not to interrupt the moment. After a long few moments, Arthur and Molly broke apart and he placed a warm kiss on her forehead. The red-haired man looked up at Dora then turned to face Remus and the others.
“I want to thank you all for keeping Molly safe,” he began, “I am entirely indebted to you.”
“It was nothing, really,” James said, waving off Arthur’s thanks. “We’re just happy to have gotten here when we did.” Arthur first reached an arm out toward Dora, insisting on a hug, then he walked down the few steps and towards the wizards.
“I cannot express how happy I am to see her well. Thank you all so much.” Arthur’s eyes scanned between James and Remus and then stopped somewhere behind Remus’ head. “I’m sorry, I don’t believe we’ve met, I am Arthur Weasley.” Arthur stuck his hand out and Remus moved over a bit so that Sirius could return the gesture.
“I’m Sirius Black. I’m a friend of Remus’.” A moment of recognition flashed across Arthur’s face and his eyes darted to Remus before he swallowed his surprise and shook Sirius’ hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise,” Sirius replied before flashing a smile that made Remus’ knees feel weak. “I’m always happy to help.” Arthur smiled in turn.
“Would you all like to stay for supper? It’s a bit of a tight fit, but we absolutely must thank you all.”
“Yes,” Molly said from the stairs. “We would love if you stayed.” Remus was already shaking his head, though. He was tired and wanted nothing more than to go home. Now that the excitement was over, his thoughts drifted to his earlier panic and he felt ashamed. He’d need to think on this some more.
“We should really get going,” Remus insisted.
“I’d stay, but Lily is already worried sick I’m sure. I need to get back to her,” James agreed.
“Well there must be something I can do for you before you go,” insisted the pregnant witch. Remus remembered that he had wanted to visit her earlier.
“Actually, there is something you might be able to help me with.” Remus crossed the room toward Molly, wanting to keep his next words quieter. “When I was held captive, I became injured -- nothing life-threatening, just some cuts. They’re healing on their own, but, I fear they will scar. Do you have anything that might help?” Molly nodded her head, her face grim at Remus’ request.
“I do have some dittany, but...” her voice trailed off. “It has been several days now, hasn’t it? I can’t be sure if it will prevent the scarring.” Remus had figured that might be the case.
“That is fine. If you have any you can spare I’d appreciate it.” Molly nodded fervently and headed to the kitchen. Remus followed her and, after a moment of rummaging through a drawer, he was given a small phial. “Here you are, now. Just put it where you need it once you’re home.” She put a hand on Remus’ arm comfortingly. “Even if the scars don’t go away, I’m sure they’re not that bad, and even if they are it won’t matter to those who love you.” She smiled warmly and Remus wrapped his arms around her in a warm embrace.
“Thank you, Molly.”
“No, Remus, thank you.” Remus didn’t feel like he’d done much, but he accepted her gratitude anyway and turned back toward the lounge. James and Sirius were talking with Arthur who was still thanking them, but Dora was standing in the doorway, looking expectantly at Remus, as though waiting for him to say something to her, like an apology or an overdue announcement. Remus, however, didn’t fancy the idea of a conversation at all.
“Well, we need to get going,” Remus said again. “Arthur, if you or Molly need anything at all, please do not hesitate to let me know.” Arthur nodded.
“Yes, of course. Thank you.”
“It was great meeting you and Molly,” Sirius said, shaking Arthur’s hand again and flashing a smile at Molly before turning toward Remus and pushing past Dora, who looked like she wanted to stop them, but didn’t. Once they were out in the garden, Remus placed his hand on Sirius’ arm and pictured his flat very clearly. After only a second the pair was squeezing through space, hurdling toward their destination.
Remus’ flat was just as they had left it: the open pizza box on the coffee table, and the hissing sound of the record still turning though the songs had finished. It felt like ages since they had been back at the flat. Sirius was already heading towards the record player.
“Why isn’t it playing music anymore?” Remus smiled at the question, amused by Sirius’ lack of knowledge when it came to anything muggle.
“It’s at the end of the track list on that side. If you stop the turntable you can flip over the record and play the next songs.” Sirius turned confused eyes towards him like he’d just given the most complicated instructions ever. Remus rolled his eyes and walked over to the little table that the record player sat on. Sirius peered down at Remus’ hands as he stopped the power and moved the tone arm over, flipped the record, then replaced the tone arm and turned the power back on.
Music began to pour out of the speakers and Remus was acutely aware of Sirius’ presence. It was warm and he could smell his own soap on Sirius’ skin, mixed with the muskiness of the wizard’s own scent. They sat there like that, quietly enjoying the music and looking out at the street beneath the window. Already, the sky was darkening -- a combination of the low hanging clouds which pervaded the sky and the short December days. Remus realized with a distant thought that Christmas would be soon. He’d initially planned to spend it with Dora and her family. It looked like he’d have to find other plans now. His thoughts turned to Sirius and he realized that he, too, would need alternate plans. Somehow, he doubted that his Sirius’ family would be keen on celebrating Christmas together after Bellatrix told them about earlier today.
“Thank you, Remus.” The dark-haired wizard was staring at him, a small smile on his lips. Remus was confused.
“What for?”
“For letting me stay here. I know it’s a bit inconvenient. Tomorrow I’ll go into Diagon Alley and pull out some gold. I can start looking for a place.” Remus was already shaking his head.
“Don’t worry about that. You can stay as long as you need. Besides, now that Bellatrix knows you escaped with me, it’s probably dangerous. I don’t think Diagon Alley is the safest place to be right now.” Sirius was grinning, though, completely dismissing his concern.
“I’ll be fine, I promise.” Remus’ chest felt pained as he thought of Bellatrix capturing Sirius, hurting him to get at Remus.
“I don’t want her to catch you.”
“Hey,” Sirius held Remus’ gaze, confident. “I’m going to be fine. I can handle Bellatrix.” Remus’ eyes slid shut and he nodded his head, though the feeling didn’t leave. “Remus, about what happened earlier today,” Remus was shaken from his thoughts. It was as if Sirius could feel Remus’ heartbeat, could feel the cold sweat that threatened to break loose.
“It was nothing,” he insisted. “Just a fluke.” Sirius nodded.
“Well, I just want you to know I’ve got your back.” Remus was quiet and Sirius’ gaze went out to the street, pensively. The record paused and began the next track, the vocalists words thrummed across the air between them.
“Thank you,” Remus replied, wishing he didn’t appear so weak in front of Sirius.
“I mean it.” Sirius turned toward Remus and he realized once again that they were so close, just like they had been on the sofa before James came. “I know we only met a few days ago, but, Remus, I already care about you so much.” He was centimeters from Remus now, sincerity painted his face like the finest lighting. “I don’t want you to ever worry about her, Remus. She will never get to you as long as I’m around.” Remus believed him, but it wasn’t just himself that he was concerned about. Besides, Sirius couldn’t be there constantly and, dammit, Remus was an auror. He had to be strong for himself, for the wizards and witches he served and protected. Even with these thoughts in his head, he was struck by Sirius’ sincerity and desperately wanted to allow himself to be comforted.
They were so close now, their breath mingled together and Remus decided it was time to just give in. Leaning forward only slightly, almost imperceptibly, he closed the gap between them and their lips met. Sirius’ lips were soft and warm, yet firm against Remus’. Already, Sirius’ hands were on Remus’ waist and his own fingers wound into the other man’s long black locks as their lips parted and their tongues met, their kiss moving from something soft and warm to something fierce and hot. The music faded away, the day and all of his worries melted into nothingness, and Remus Lupin had never felt so happy.

AN: I really wanted to make the last part of this chapter a songfic, but decided against it. If you are curious what record Sirius has been listening to, it is Cheap Trick at Budoken by Cheap Trick, and the song would have been “I Want You to Want Me”.
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Saving Remus Lupin