James and Lily

❧

James Potter woke up on the 1st of November, he rolled over and smiled at his wife.

“Pinch, Punch first day of the month no returns” Lily said eyes closed as she reached over and pinched his gut. “Tubby.”

“Tubby. Tubby. Careful who your calling tubby” James said gasping in horror as he kissed Lily. Climbing ontop of her. “Perhaps I’ll sleep like this.”

“Do it. And your never sleeping with me again” Lily grunted.

James rolled off her instantly. “Who’s turn is it, to get our calf up?”

“Yours. And you need to stop calling him that” Lily frowned.

“I’m a stag, your a doe. He’s our prodgeny, ergo Calf”

“I’m regretting holding that leaf in my mouth” Lily sighed.

“What else did we have to do during august? I still think we should have tried with Harry.”

“He’s one and a half. He’d have swallowed it” Lily chuckled.

James grinned and patted Lily’s stomach. “I tell you what. I’ll make breakfast,”

“Nothing involving the stove. You burn everything you touch”

“Got it. Cold food only” James nodded sitting up he looked down at the bloated mound in his lap. “I really am tubby.”

Lily nodded, before she rolled over onto her side. “Sexy and tubby.”

James grinned and heaved himself out of bed. Walking toward the room they’d co-opted into being a nursery. Harry was stood upright in the crib gripping on the bars tightly.

“How’s my calf. Do you feel more relaxed after sleep prison?” James grinned as he lifted Harry into his arms. “No bad dreams? This Halloween night?”

“Fat Dada” Harry said patting James chest with his small fist.

“That’s right. I’m your fat daddy. Hey wait a second” James frowned. “Lily!” There was a sound of sniggering from their bedroom. Harry was smiling at proudly, “can’t stay mad at you. Come on breakfast” he grinned. “Then you can have tit juice.”

James carried Harry downstairs, the morning sun streaming through the windows. Everything was quiet. Peaceful.

He put Harry down infront of the television, and flipped it on, waiting for it to warm up. “We are so getting a new tv at our place” James muttered messing his sons hair.

“Okay. Breakfast” James said walking into the kitchen. He couldn’t wait to go home, and hug Sirius again. He probably should diet, before he got any fatter, he’d never be able to live it down.

James Potter’s stomach rumbled. He’d diet tomorrow …. Maybe.

❧

Elsewhere…

Sirius stared at the lifeless body of Peter Pettigrew. A sheet had been draped over him, as they stood in the ruins of an abandoned castle.

“Muggles will be around soon” Sirius commented. “We should hide the body.”

Regulus Black shrugged and lifted a locket from his pocket. Battered with an S of emeralds embedded into its surface. “He was a traitor to you. Let him rot, not even muggles come here. They think it’s haunted. Might take a week to find him.”

Sirius scoffed. “It probably is then, what’s that? Gift from our dearly departed Mumsy.”

“A horcrux the Dark lord created.”

Sirius shifted, “That’s Dark magic. It’s…”

“I know” Regulus confirmed. “Why do you think i disappeared. I killed Nagini and stole this.”

“Who?”

“His snake?” Regulus said shaking his head. “He has others. We need to find them and destroy them.”

“How many others?” Sirius asked.

“at least four” Regulus admitted. “I have notes at my hideout. So you’ll help me?”

“I’ll help you” Sirius agreed. “If this kills me. I swear I’ll haunt your ass.

“Understood” Regulus nodded. “I’m going to transfigure the body.” Sirius raised an eyebrow. “Transfigure him into some fruit and then eat it.” Sirius stared at his brother sickened. “Why do you think we call ourselves death eaters.” Regulus winked at him.

“Arsehole” Sirius muttered.

“Scorgify” Regulus said casting at the corpse. Before snapping the stolen wand he’d been using. “Okay let’s go.”

Chapter 2

Two brothers and a pregnant woman, end a war

“YOU! I would like to see my vault” Sirius Black said rather unsuccessfully trying to capture Bellatrix Lestrange’s specific tone. Instead sounding like Bellatrix attempting to sound like the queen. While the Pollyjuice potion made him look like Bellatrix, it wasn’t not remotely helpful in impersonating her.

Regulus coughed desperate to keep a straight face. The Goblin’s eyes narrowed.

“Would you mind presenting your key” He said looking over his glasses as he scanned a large book.

“Ah my key. Yes you see I’ve got it. I do” Sirius said looking at Regulus. “I wanted to show my dear cousin, how rich I got marrying Rudy.”

“Rudy?” Regulus muttered under his breath.

“We still need the key” The Goblin said rolling his eyes.

“Bella?” Came a familiar voice from behind them.

Both Sirius and Regulus tensed. “Oh shit” Sirius whispered. He turned and smiled at Narcissa Malfoy, who looked rather rundown. Her hair was looking unbrushed and put into a messy bun. A black faded dress that curved over a swollen pregnant middle. While she pushed a pram with a pudgy child sitting in it.

“Cissy” Sirius said haughtily. “My dearest sister. I’m ever so pleased to see you.”

“Why do you sound….” Narcissa trailed off and looked at Regulus. “Oh.”

“Bella” Narcissa said playing along. “You left so soon, you forgot your key. Your lucky I had to run a few errands in Diagon Alley.” Narcissa opened a black sequin and fringe purse, and pulled out a key. She offered it to Sirius.

Sirius took it and smiled at her, “How could I forget. I was far too focused on getting here. I didn’t want to miss dearest Reggie.”

Narcissa coughed into her fist in an attempt to fake a smile.

“We have the key” Sirius said to the goblin.

“Of course. Right this way” The goblin said.

“Thankyou cissy, we’ll have to catch up for tea soon” Sirius said with a kind smile.

“I’ll come with you Bella. I’m already here after all” Narcissa smiled back.

Regulus eyes narrowed at her, as they followed after Sirius. Not daring to verbally accuse of anything while the Goblin’s were in earshot.

They had a very silent ride down to the Lestrange vaults. As the Thief’s downfall washed over them. Beyond the polyjuice potion wearing off. Which was easily solved by swallowing a well timed swig.

“The Lestrange vault” The Goblin said turning back.

“Thankyou” Narcissa said. “Bella you might as well have the list back too. Of what you wanted from your vault” Narcissa said handing the paper to Sirius.

Regulus offered a hand to Narcissa as she manuvered the pram off the goblin’s cart. Sirius scowled and attempted to look intimidating as the Goblin opened the vault. He kept looking at him oddly.

“Are you going to keep looking at us Goblin? Hmm” Narcissa snapped.

“My apologies” The Goblin said.

“The Dark lord thinks there should be a cull. Too much power and not enough trust since the Goblin rebellion” Regulus said darkly. The goblin scowled and ushered them into the vault.

“away. Business for the dark lord” Sirius hissed.

The three waited for a long moment. “Okay. What on earth was that impression” Narcissa said looking at Sirius. “You sounded more like the queen.”

“It was an approximation” Sirius huffed.

“A bad one. Now what are you two up too?”

“Why should we tell you anything?” Sirius said frowning.

“Because I know the Dark Lord has noticed your ignoring him, and is angry that someone with important information suddenly disappeared. Not to mention that ridiculous snake dissapearing” Narcissa huffed. “Honestly it’s all Lucius complains about.”

“Yes. Fine. Voldemort created Horcruxes, I’ve destroyed two. He gave important items to Bellatrix and of course Lucius..”

“Merlin no wonder the Dark Lord is becoming unhinged. What was your plan there?” Narcissa squinted.

“Bribe your house elf. Kreacher said he wasn’t particularly bright” Regulus admitted.

“Leave Dobby alone. He’s lovely” Narcissa muttered. “And with how Lucius has been lately, Draco will be calling Dobby Dad, long before he says it to Lucius” Narcissa huffed. “I assume you two know of the charms on the vault” Narcissa said arms crossed.

“Obviously” regulus lied.

Sirius reached for something and Narcissa slapped his hand away. “Ow..”

“There’s a Duplication charm”

“Ah” Regulus realised.

“So what are you looking for. One of the Hogwarts legendary artifacts. So a tiara or a golden cup. Or something personal to Voldemort Which isn’t that helpful” Regulus muttered looking around.

“Look for something not covered in dust. And it’s the cup, Bellatrix mentioned it” Narcissa added.

“Why help us?” Sirius asked.

“He’s desperately attempting to kill a child. Muggles dying I can tolerate, but wizarding children” Narcissa shrugged. “I have limits and I’m tired I can’t raise children knowing their father might not come home.“

“I understand, I have a son and I haven’t seen him since his birth.”

Sirius did a double take. “Excuse me? You have a what?”

“A son” Regulus muttered. “His mother is a muggle.”

“Regulus! I can’t believe what would our mother say” Sirius said adoring every moment of this.

“Can we just look for this” Regulus muttered.

“I want to find out about my nephew” Sirius asked.

“What’s his name?”

“Dean. His mother picked the name”

“Found it” Narcissa said gesturing to the cup and picking it up gingerly. “Now what?”

Sirius pulled out a small vial of green liquid. “Basilisk venom. It’s embarrassing how much this cost”

“You didn’t pay for it” Regulus said taking the cup from Narcissa. Sirius uncorked the vial and poured it over the cup. The cup warped and melted as a thick cloud of black smog tore its way through the air. It roared and Draco began to cry before it dissipated.

“It’s okay. The nasty thing is gone” Narcissa said heaving Draco out of the pram. “It’s okay” she said comforting him.

“I haven’t said congratulations by the way” Sirius said wryly.

“Don’t smile like that, while your my sister. It’s creepy” Narcissa grimaced. “Let’s get back to the manor, Lucius won’t be home. So we can dispose of whatever nonsense he gave Lucius and then focus on the other items”

“Wait Narcissa, we appreciate the help with this. But you don’t have to be that involved.”

“Please. I’m pregnant and I desperately need a distraction. Lucius will have barely noticed I’d have been gone. He’s not the smartest.”

❧

“Dumbledore. I have tiny question” Sirius began still not quite used to sitting in Dumbledore’s office and not about to receive detention.

“No. There’s no more information about James and Lily. Until we figure out” Dumbledore began as he scrawled on his pad. Not looking up.

“Oh. No we figured out the traitor. This isn’t that, we’re trying to figure out the location of Ravenclaw’s Diadem” Sirius began.

“We? As in you and Remus?”

“No. As in myself, Regulus and Narcissa. So far we’ve managed to destroy four horcruxes” Sirius explained.

Dumbledore looked up and his attention was solely on Sirius. “What?” He said firmly. “Repeat that.”

“We are looking for Voldemort’s Horcruxes. He’s created six. Regulus found the first, and he came to me” Sirius began. “He and Narcissa have gone looking for one. And I’m on Diadem duty.”

“Regulus…and Narcissa” Dumbledore frowned.

“Yes. I trust them. Ish. But I trust them with this. They want to stop him.”

Dumbledore rose to his feet and now wore a fiercely terrifying expression. “Who was the traitor? You?”

“Me? No turned out to be Peter. Yeah feel a bit guilty over that. Regulus told me, apparently he’d been feeding knowledge about the order for a time. And we’ll after James and I really put our foot in it. He was about to give them up, and Regulus and I well…he’s dead now” Sirius said remorseful. It was clear even he wished it hadn’t come to that. “He really believed Voldemort was right. I never noticed how poisoned he was to Voldemort’s ideas.”

Dumbledore offered a gentle nod. “Unfortunately Ravenclaw’s Diadem is lost. It’s unlikely that Voldemort could have got a hold of it.”

“Yeah. But he managed to get his hands on Hufflepuffs cup and Salazar Slytherin’s locket. So given the sword is safe. It’s a strong guess he found the Diadem” Sirius said not remotely agreeing with Dumbledore’s hypothesis. “I just want this war over. For my friends. If Voldemort is that determined to get James and Lily. I want to ruin him.”

“The Grey lady will know” Dumbledore nodded.

“The ravenclaw ghost?” Sirius questioned.

“Rowena Ravenclaw’s daughter” Dumbledore nodded.

“Siriusly?” Sirius asked.

“Yes.”

“Did you see what I did there?” Dumbledore ignored him. “Blimey. Poor thing being stuck haunting your mothers school for eternity. That’s like if I died and got stuck Haunting Grimauld Place” Sirius shuddered.

“I probably wouldn’t tell her that” Dumbledore commented with a wry smile.

❧

“Salazar Slytherin’s locket” Regulus began. “And his Snake Nagini.”

“Helga Hufflepuff’s cup” Sirius added.

“Tom Riddle’s diary” Narcissa offered.

“Rowena Ravenclaw’s Diadem” Professor Mcgonagall commented.

“And the Gaunt family ring” Dumbledore added.

“Are we sure that’s all of them. It wouldn’t surprise me if Voldemort had another” Professor Mcgonagall commented.

“No. I think that’s all of them” Regulus answered.

“You think? Oh yes that’s reassuring me” Professor Mcgonagall said frowning.

“Minerva. Regulus is right. Voldemort is weakened. It’s a now or never situation” Dumbledore warned. “The rest of you stand back. He is a strong dueller.”

“Regulus. If you could”

Regulus rolled his sleeve and pressed his wand against the tattoo. He groaned as he felt the pain, it hurt. “He’s coming” Regulus said unsteady. “He’s mad.”

“I expected nothing less from Tom” Dumbledore nodded.

The five unlikely allies. Took positions between the trees. Hiding in the shadows of the forbidden forest.

Death Eaters began to apparate in, followed by Lord Voldemort himself. His sunken red eyes and the two hollow slits where his nose would be. His robes ashy in colour.

“Hello Tom” Dumbledore said. “I see you got my message.”

“Where is Regulus” Voldemort said. “He has absent..”

“Yes. He’s been on a mission for me. Collecting six Horcruxes.”

“No!” Voldemort roared, although it was aching and raspy.

“A soul isn’t meant to be stretched over six seperate pieces. Your fading away, weakening” Dumbledore said honestly.

“It’s over Tom. You know it to be true. Surrender yourself” Dumbledore. “That goes for any death eater. Surrender and you will be pardoned.”

“Surrender! We aren’t weak old man” Bellatrix sneered.

“Bellatrix, enough” Voldemort said raising a hand. “If any death eaters wish to surrender, you may. I’ll be certain to kill you first.”

There was a long silence.

“Lucius surrender or you’ll never see Draco again” Narcissa’s voice echoed through the trees.

“Cissy?” Bellatrix sneered. “You turned traitor.”

“Yes. I’m sick of having my husband being more married to Voldemort than me” Narcissa sneered. “I’m done. It’s me or Voldermort”

“Cissy” Lucius stepped forward. “Are you here? Really?” He said uncertain.

“I am” Narcissa fully aware if she stepped out from her hiding place, she would be very vulnerable.

“I…” Lucius began. “I surrender” he said pocketing his wand.

“You are a traitor Lucius Malfoy” Voldemort declared.

Lucius closed his eyes and walked forward. Expecting each step to be his last. Eventually he was forced to slowly open his eyes as he was pulled behind a tree.

“Hello” Narcissa said, concern lacing her voice as she emerged from her hiding spot to join Lucius.

“Cissy” Lucius said as he hugged her. “What have you done?”

“The best thing for our family” Narcissa said kissing him gently.

Soon other Death Eaters we’re crossing the clearing, while others simply Apparated away. Voldemorts numbers visibly dwindled.

“They will be delt with” Voldemort reassured. “And your loyalty will be rewarded.

“Tom. We found your six Horcruxes. Rather dangerous of you. If you we’re desperate to keep yourself from dying. There are easier methods” Dumbeldore commented.

“You know nothing.”

“Nagini, Your diary, your family ring, helga Hufflepuff’s cup, Rowena Ravenclaw’s diadem. And of course Salazar Slytherin’s locket” Dumbledore said holding out his wand and assuming a duelling stance. “All destroyed. Surrender Tom, this is over.”

“Never” Voldemort declared. “The prophecy said that only…”

“And the prophecy can be wrong. After all, you didn’t hear all the prophecy” Dumbledore smiled. “It was told to me in its entirety.”

“Lies…” Voldemort sneered as he cast a sharp vicious hex.

“Bombarda Maxima” Dumbledore cast flicking his wand effortlessly. The huge explosion sending Voldemort backwards. Without flinching Dumbeldore unleashed a flurry of spells until a fireball engulfed Voldemort raising him high in the air.

The remaining death eaters began to see the writing on the wall, and Dumbledore’s allies unleashed duelling. Even Narcissa who was making impressive work even if she was pregnant. Using the advantage to stun Bellatrix.

Voldemort died wailing as his body hit the ground with a crunch. Silence fell on the clearing.

“It’s over” Narcissa said breaking the silence.

“Yes. It is” Dumbledore agreed.

“Good riddance” Sirius sneered.

Regulus sighed, “I wish I’d realised sooner.”

“You we’re a young boy, and young boys are easily influenced by powerful men. You weren’t the first and I certainly doubt you’ll be the last either” Professor Mcgonagall said. Before casting a flare, the bright light soaring high in the air. “Now once we get this sorted I think we retire to the Hogwarts kitchens for some food.”

“I can’t wait to see my best friend again” Sirius smiled. “No more hiding. But… Peter I don’t want James to know about his betrayal. I won’t break his heart like that.”

Chapter 3

As Good as New

The latch on the door opened and the chain caught the door. “Dammit” Sirius muttered.

“Sirius?” Remus said standing in the living room of their cramped flat.

“Yes. Can you let me in? Please?” Sirius asked closing the door.

Remus hand shook a little, but his shoulders slumped. “I don’t know if I can do this. Where did you go? I heard nothing…for months… you left me.” Remus pressed his hand to the door.

“I had no choice” Sirius answered but even he could tell it sounded hollow. “Because even I didn’t think it would succeed.”

“James and Lily in hiding. You dissapear off the face of the planet. Peter dissapeared. I heard nothing but two notes with ‘I’m safe, love Pads.’” Remus leaned against the door. “I thought you loved me.”

“I do Remus” Sirius admitted.

An LP slid under the door. A copy of ABBA’s Voulez Vous. A note was attached with a badly drawn heart and I love you in Sirius unmistakable handwriting. “You bought an ABBA album? That just have been very difficult for you.”

“It was. But I would do it again for you. In fact I bought two” Sirius added.

A second vinyl slid under the door. “It’s their newest Album. You don’t tend to but thinks for yourself Mooney. So I thought…”

“Thanks” Remus nodded. “Things can’t go back to how they were. I thought I’d lost you…”

“I know. I screwed up” Sirius agreed. “I still believe in Us. Do you?”

Remus sighed, “I wish I could desperately say no. But I do.”

Remus could hear Sirius grin. “I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

Remus sighed and got up, unlocking the door. He pulled it open and Sirius was waiting on one knee. A ring box in his hand. His long brown hair was completely gone, shaved into a buzz cut. He had a few cuts that had scabbed over on his face.

“Mooney. I’m sorry, but I love you. And I know I’ll spend the rest of my days trying to make it up to you. You have a tender heart and I should have considered you more. I want to be an us. A family. The Lupins…”

Remus swallowed staring at the sight of his boyfriend on his knee. And his really short hair. “What did you do to your hair. I like your hair?”

“I’m pouring my heart out and that’s what your focusing on” Sirius puffed.

“Yes. It’s very very odd” Remus repeated. “You look bald.”

“Would you love me if I went bald?”

“I could love you. I don’t think your ego could handle it” Remus replied wryly.

“You wound me. And speaking of wounding me. Are you going to answer or?” Sirius said holding the ring box out. “I spent multiple hours agonising over this.”

Remus chuckled and smiled. “Yes Sirius I’ll marry you.”

“Finally. My knees were aching. This is not a comfortable position” Sirius said slid the ring onto Remus finger.

Remus offered a hand and Sirius took it as he got to his feet. He stepped closer to Remus and hugged him tightly. “I love you” Sirius muttered, “which as your aware is very difficult for me to say. But I do.”

“I know. I love you too” Remus reassured and kissed him gently. His hands reaching around him. “You feel so slim? Have you been eating properly. Shaved head, thin and bony. I can’t leave you alone for one second.”

“I’d go mad without you” Sirius chuckled kissing Remus neck. “But it’s over. No more Voldemort, no more missions.”

“Good” Remus said a wicked smile in his eyes. “Bedroom” he whispered.

“Yeah?” Sirius said hugging Remus and rubbing against him. “What about protection…”

“I want bareback” Remus growled.

Sirius blushed suddenly. “Oh” he realised. “You want that now.”

“I want that now” Remus said his hand cupping Sirius cheeks. “You want me as husband. I want you as a wife.”

Sirius shuddered, “I love your dominant side” he murmured. “I’d be a great wife.”

Remus grinned and kissed Sirius firmly. “And it’s really over? Who was the traitor?”

Sirius swallowed, “Not one of us” he lied. “It’s better you don’t know.”

Remus eyes narrowed knowingly, but decided not to push.

“Oh! Oh!” Sirius pulled away and grinned at Remus. “My Brother, my Pureblood brother apple of mothers eye. Wouldn’t put a step wrong brother. He got a muggle woman pregnant and has a child.”

Remus chuckled, “Really?”

“Really. I couldn’t believe when he told me?” Sirius grinned.

“When he told you? But he’s a death eater?” Remus frowned.

“Not anymore. It’s a long story” Sirius smiled. “The war is over, and my brother was the one who helped stop it. Now he gets his happy ending with Muggle girlfriend. Honestly I couldn’t be more proud of him.” Remus chuckled warmly.

❧

It was a new day. The war was done, Voldemort was dead. The Death Eaters who didn’t switch sides were being rounded up and captured. Even his Dark Mark was already fading, it would always be there. But it was fading.

Although even Regulus knew it would be an uphill battle to cope with everything he’d done. Everyone he killed.

He had dressed in a nice shirt and tie. With a bunch of flowers and chocolates. He’d even grabbed a teddy for his son. He headed up the stairs of the council estate, it had been maybe two years. Nothing had really changed, even the chip shop had the same yellowed posters.

He turned the corner and suddenly his stomach dropped out. The estate was on fire, the building was erupting with flames. Police cars were around the estates residents were being kept back by police as firefighters went at the building with hoses. Ambulances were parked nearby.

“What’s going on?” Regulus said pushing to the front. “Excuse me Officer?” He said flagging down a Bobbie.

“Some gang attacked the estate. Flat 54 went up completely”

“No, No, No, No” Regulus stammered swallowing.

“Sir? We’ll ask you to keep back” The officer who’s badge read P.C Price.

“My son, and my girlfriend. That was their apartment” Regulus said horrified. “What’s happened to them? Please!”

“Your Son and Girlfriend?” PC asked.

“Yeah. I’ve been away because of work. I was coming to visit for the first time in a while” Regulus explained. “They live in number 54. Erica Thomas? And her son Dean?”

PC Price winced and nodded, “Just over beside the ambulance. Follow me.”

Regulus swallowed fear in his eyes, he slowly followed PC Price between the fire trucks and finally to an ambulance with its doors open. Two paramedics were fussing over a young toddler who was wrapped in a blanket. He was crying and looked terrified.

“I haven’t seen him in months” Reglus muttered eyes watering. Although that might have been from the smoke.

“Do you know why they were attacked” PC Price asked.

“Yes. I suspect at least. I was stationed overseas, it made me unpopular, I believe a gang attacked as retaliation” Regulus said. Talking around the concept of death eaters. “I’d like to see my son? And Erica where is she?”

“I’m sorry. She’s was pronounced dead, I’m sorry” PC Price said honestly.

“No. No…no” Regulus said shaking his head. “No” he sobbed.

❧

Sirius stretched as he lay in the bed beside Remus. Remus looked peaky. “We probably shouldn’t have rushed into this. So soon after the moon.”

Remus chuckled, “I didn’t mind. I think it needed it. Mark you” he smirked.

Sirius rolled his eyes. “Yeah yeah, if James ever finds out I’m the bottom. I’ll never sleep with you again.”

“Is that who you picture when we sleep together?” Remus enquired.

“No” Sirius said shaking his head. “It’s weird that it’s over, and we have to be adults now.”

Remus nodded, “It’ll be good to see Lily again. It’s been so long, It’ll be so strange” he agreed.

“As long as James hasn’t done anything stupid like get her pregnant again. Honestly he has no self control” Sirius shook his head. “Harry my godson is adorable, however.”

“Your going to end up eating those words. Mark my words” Remus chuckled sitting up. “You okay?”

“I’m proplapsed all the way to regents street” Sirius said wryly. “Fine.”

“Good. I’m gonna shower” Remus stretched his back arching.

Sirius smirked taking the sight in, “Definitely missed this.”

“Yeah?” Remus thought was interrupted by a furious knock at the door. Remus frowned and pulled on his dressing gown. As he walked to the front door. He squinted through the peephole and saw Regulus standing on the other side. “Your brothers here?”

There was a loud thump. “What?”

Remus ignored him and opened the door. “Hello Regulus?” Remus asked curiously.

“Sorry. I didn’t know where else to go” Regulus said looking shaken, a toddler in his arms.

“Hey. Reggie, thought you’d be sick of me” Sirius grinned sauntering over in a silk dressing gown. that barely covered his crotch.

“Could you not have found pants?” Remus commented glancing at him.

“I went to see my girl…we’ll. They’d been attacked, dark wizards. The whole estate was on fire. I’ve spent the afternoon at the hospital and police station” Regulus explained.

“Come in, I’ll make a pot of tea, and after we put on some pants” Remus said elbowing Sirius.

“Oh. Did I interrupt something?” Regulus eyes widening.

“No. We were done” Sirius said wryly. “Make your self comfortable. And who’s the kid?”

“My son Dean” Regulus said. “I haven’t seen him in so long. I was worried he wouldn’t recognise me.”

“Your welcome to our couch. Me casa is su casa” Sirius grinned. Regulus looked at him blankly. “It’s Spanish?”

Chapter 3

Happy Xmas (War is Over)

“Fat Dada! Fat Dada” Harry chanted as he ran around the sitting room.

“You’ve ruined our perfectly good child” James frowned at Lily.

Lily raised an eyebrow, “Remember James things you say out loud. Tend to bite you in the arse” she reminded him.

“It’s an incendiary nickname” James protested. “I’m going to wear a girdle before they turn up anyway” he said.

“Really? You can’t admit to your best friend that you’ve gotten a bit fat.”

“A bit?” James pulled up his sweater and jiggled his love handles. “I jiggle. I used to be thin. You could see my ribs. Now you can tell I’ve been eating ribs” James pouted. “Harry’s looking thick too.”

“He’s a toddler. He needs the padding for when he falls over” lily said honestly. “If it bothers you, exercise. Dumbeldore said, we can go out a bit more. We’ve been able to put Christmas decorations up.”

“Ones we borrowed from Bathilda, which is lovely of her. But I just want to go home” James admitted. “I want to take Harry out on his little broom and fly around the estate. Build him a cubby house and a massive playground.”

Lily softened and patted James belly. “You can do that. And be fat.”

James lips quirked into a smile. “I know you can’t get your hands off it. And I do like that.”

“You like being the centre of attention” Lily teased.

“Do we have enough time to warm the mead” James asked.

“Yes, and dinner is in the oven” Lily nodded. “And the door is unlocked, ready for our visitors.”

“Next year we’ll do a big Christmas, like the ones Mum and Dad used to throw” James smiled. “Normal. It’ll be good to finally get back to normal.”

Someone hammered on the door. “Prongs, open up. My balls are about to drop off” Sirius replied.

“Shit” James hissed. “Cover for me. Tell them I’ve got diahorea.”

“Go open the door” Lily said wryly.

“But I look fat” James pouted.

“Go on. Or I tell them anyway” Lily said heaving Harry up. “Sweetheart. You are getting big. Or maybe mummy is just getting tired.”

“You wouldn’t, and see..”

“I would.”

“Yeah you would” James conceded. He walked over to the front door and unlocked it. “Sirius!” He said sucking his tummy.

“James!” Sirius replied and hugged him. “Merlin’s fat arse, how I’ve missed you.”

“Missed you so much. Both of you” he looked up at Remus. “How are you?”

“Alive. Taking it one day at a time” Remus shrugged.

James broke the hug and ushered them inside. “Just the two of you? Where’s Peter?” James asked looking between them. “Running late again?”

Sirius and Remus faces fell.

“What?” James said confused.

Lily tightened, “I feel like we’re going to need to sit down” she looked at Remus who nodded unable to meet her eye. “Come on James.”

“What?” James said frowning.

They all sat down on the couches, and waited. “So what do you know?” Remus asked.

“We know Voldermort’s dead, but that’s only because Bathilda told us. Otherwise….nothing” James said.

“Dumbledore hasn’t come by?” Sirius asked.

“He sent a note, saying to stay out until after Christmas. Then we can move home” Lily explained.

“Okay. Great. Thankyou Dumbledore” Sirius muttered. He sighed and looked up at James and Lily’s expectant faces. “So you know how there’s been a mole in the order. And they’ve been struggling to find out who.”

“Yeah. I remember. Trust no one” James said impersonating mad eye moody.

“Well. It was Peter” Sirius said simply.

“You could have eased him a little” Remus hissed.

“Peter? No, he wouldn’t. He wouldn’t. He was my friend, I’ve known him since I was a kid. There’s no…no…your wrong” James said the anger in his voice rising.

Lily hesitated, “Maybe I put Harry upstairs” she said getting up, feeling Harry press against her belly. Fear in his eyes.

James stopped himself. “I’m sorry” he looked at lily. “Maybe that’s for the best” James agreed, feeling a little ashamed. Harry shouldn’t see him like this.

Lily carried Harry upstairs.

“How did you find out” James asked quietly.

“We should wait for lily” Sirius swallowed his hands gripping the couch.

“Tell me” James growled darkly.

“My brother, he’d been having second thoughts for a while, since an incident with Kreacher. He arrived for a meeting and Peter was there, smirking and revealing details” Sirius explained. “He came to me, with details about voldermort, that I was able to confirm. We ended up luring Peter out, and..” Sirius swallowed.

“Say it…” James said with venom.

“I killed him. I killed Peter Pettigrew, because if I hadn’t then he would have….we fucked up. He was going to Voldemort. He would have handed you over on a silver platter. Harry, lily and you all gone, I don’t want to live through that” Sirius said breaking down into ugly tears.

“Good. Peter deserves it” Lily said cooly, as she walked over and sat down. James stared at her horrifed. “If he remotely agreed with Voldermort wanted, then yes I’m glad he’s dead. Do you agree with Voldermort.”

There was a ferocity in Lily’s eyes, that cowed James. “No. I just. I just can’t see it. That he would have..”

“He was a Pureblood, his parents were always traditionalists. They weren’t at my parents level, but I can see why he fell for it.

He rode our coat tails.”

“No he didn’t. He was our friend” James said firmly.

“James” Lily said squeezing his leg. “He was your friend, and he clearly valued Voldermort over your friendship.”

James stood up, and punched a wall, his fist causing the plaster to break. “Fuck!” He bellowed. James punched the wall with his other fist, “Dammit Peter” he said his shoulders sinking. He turned to lily, Sirius and Remus.

“I’m going for a walk. Do not follow me” he said. Before he walked outside.

There was a long silence before anyone spoke.

“That could have gone better” Lily reflected.

“I’ll go after him” Sirius said. “Any ideas where…”

“He’s gone to McDonald’s. He thinks I don’t notice him sneaking off” Lily said wryly. “He’s become a bit reliant on it. Its his comfort food, and being cooped up in here.”

Remus raised an eyebrow. “James has packed on a stone.”

“Or two” Lily smiled wryly. “He is a teeny bit self conscious about it.”

“James has got fat?” Sirius in shock. “I don’t believe it.”

“Don’t tell him I told you” Lily said firmly.

“Which way is the McDonald’s?” Remus asked curiously.

“Toward the train station. It’s about five minutes walk” Lily smiled.

Sirius transformed into a black dog before he bounded out the door.

“Tea?” Lily asked.

“Anything harder?” Remus smirked.

0o0o0

James sat at at table outside McDonald’s. He angrily began ripping open the paper bag. As he pulled out two big mac’s and a quarter pounder. He unwrapped the paper and took a big bite of the Big Mac.

“Stupid … Peter” James said after swallowing a bite. “Stupid Sirius” he said taking another bite, and then another. It wasn’t long before the burger completely disappeared. “Urrrrrpppp” James belched slovenly. As he picked up his large drink and began taking large swigs. “Idiots…”

He grabbed the Quarter pounder and started chewing it. Muttering under his breath as he did. “Stupid idiots” he grunted the oil running down his chin.

“Woof..”

“Fuck off” James snarled without hesitating.

The large black dog whimpered and rubbed against his leg. James snatched his leg away. He shoveled the burger into his mouth, chewing it relentlessly. He felt like a pig. But he felt sated. “I’m not talking to a dog” James said reaching into the bag and pulling the red cardboard sleeve bulging with French fries.

The dog ignored James and waited.

James ignored him and kept eating. An hour ago he’d be self conscious. Now all he could think about was how good it would feel to kick the black dog in front of him.

“Urrrrrrpppppp” James belched and leaned back. He let his hand rest on his belly and closed his eyes. The black dog cocked it’s head. He waited for a moment and opened one eye. “Shut up. I know what your thinking and shut up.”

The dog didn’t reply. He just trotted away. Moments later and Sirius was now seated infront of him.

James swung his fist and clocked Sirius in the eye.

“I deserved that.”

“Yes you fucking did” James roared spitting at Sirius. “Where is he buried?”

“We just left him” Sirius answered honestly.

James swung to punch him again, and Sirius caught his fist. “Enough.”

“Fuck you” James swore.

“He would have killed you. You know that” Sirius said firmly.

“I know” James agreed. “If he had. And you were standing in-front of him. I’d hope you’d kill him for me.”

Sirius smiled that cocky smile. “So are we talking about this.” He gestured to the carnage of James meal.

“Nope. Stay out of it” James replied.

“Still got those anger issues” Sirius commented wryly.

“Yes” James answered sharply. “I’d rather go for a walk, clear my head and eat. Then turn any of that on Lily or Harry. They deserve me at my best” James admitted. “You try being cooped up in a house with only a 1 year old.

Who can barely talk. And a neighbour who’s lost most of her faculties.”

“Should we walk back?” Sirius asked.

“Yeah. I’m starving” James admitted cleaning up his rubbish.

Sirius stared at him. “I watched you eat three burgers….geez.”

“Shut up” James muttered. “I’m going to go on a diet. Once we move back to the manor.”

“Sure James” Sirius said patting his back. “Sure..”

0o0o0

“Harry’s grown. Has he always been that pudgy?” Remus asked as Lily got Harry seated in the high chair.

Lily smiled, “Yes” she lied. “So how are you?” She asked changing topic. “Given Sirius is the only one who ever bothers to write letters.”

“Okay. Sirius and I talked. We’d been drifting apart for a little bit. Everything going on with the order and then..” Remus sighed and messed Harry’s hair. “I thought Sirius was the traitor” he admitted.

“Ah” Lily nodded.

“Yeah. I didn’t think we could recover” he said honestly. “If I deserved to.”

“Everyone deserves happiness, there’s no reason to be a martyr” Lily reassured. “Grab plates, top cupboard.”

Remus nodded and grabbed plates.

“So are you ever going to tell Sirius about your fetish?” She asked.

Remus straightened, “I don’t know what your talking about.”

“Uh huh” lily smirked.

“Are you going to tell James. He’s looking a little bigger.”

“All his doing. He anger eats or stress eats, and I barely have to enable him” Lily said with a wry shrug.

“Alright” Remus looked around and covered Harry’s ears. “Since we’re being honest. I didn’t use a condom when I slept with Sirius.”

“Remus!” Lily gasped.

“Remus. He didn’t ask, I didn’t follow it up” Remus admitted. “And my other side, has been itching for it…”

“To” Lily glanced at Harry. “Baste Sirius.”

Remus looked confused and lily grabbed a turkey baster from a drawer.

“Oh. Yeah badly….heat” Remus admitted.

“I won’t tell Sirius, if you won’t tell James” Lily explained.

“Deal” Remus laughed.

The front door of the cottage opened, “We’re back” James said all smiles.

Remus looked visibly relieved, which quickly turned to horror when he saw Sirius black eye. “James!”

“It’s fine. Put your claws away” Sirius said grinning. “We talked it though.”

Lily raised a severe eyebrow that cowed James enthusiasm. “Your going to make me apologise aren’t you.”

“Yes” Lily said crossing her arms. “What kind of…”

“Example am I setting for Harry” James sighed. He turned to Sirius, “We okay?”

“We’re fine” Sirius reassured.

Lily rolled her eyes but was satisfied. James wrapped his arms around her, pressing his face into her shoulder. “Should we tell them our news” James asked.

“It’s very early” Lily pointed out.

“They’re our best friends” James frowned.

“Your best friends” Lily corrected. “Go on.”

James grinned proudly. “Lily’s pregnant, we’re expanding our brood.”

Sirius gaped at them, Remus smirked and gave Sirius a side eye. “You owe me two galleons.”

“Dammit” Sirius frowned. “Congratulations, though!”

“Hey, hey. Language” James frowned. “Harry is repeating everything.”

“Fat Dada! Fat Dada” Harry grinned.

Sirius snorted, “who taught him that?” He

Said ruffling Harry’s hair.

Lily looked away wryly. “Dinner. It’s not our usual Christmas fair. Same reason as we aren’t doing presents this year.”

“You can’t leave the house” Remus said wryly.

“The co-op and back. And even then once a day if at all” James said shaking his head.

“Ahh” Remus nodded. “Now things are starting to make sense.”

“What’s that meant to mean” James frowned. Sirius looked confused.

“Why Lily’s pregnant and why you’ve put on a couple of stone” he said prodding James belly.

James gaped at him, and Lilly chuckled quietly. “I don’t know why I’m friends with you both.”

“Because no one else would put up with you” Sirius grinned.

“Dinner” Lily said waving her wand as the table filled with food. “I’ve done my best. Next year will be back to normal.” She filled a heaving plate for James patting his belly as she handed it to him. Before she made an equally large plate and handed to Sirius.

“For me?” Sirius frowned.

“Your really going to let James eat more than you?” Lily asked innocently.

“Bet” Sirius smirked, taking the plate.

“My god. Your evil” Remus remarked.

“Don’t you want a fat wife” Lily whispered to him. Remus blushed trying to suppress his grin. “Indulge yourself Remus. Let yourself be happy…”

“But…he…”

“He’ll love you” Lily smiled. As she filled Remus plate.

“Sirius and I have some news too” Remus smiled.

“Oh yeah, We’re getting..” Sirius began.

“We’re having a baby” Remus finished off. “Sirius will the size of a house soon.”

“I’m …. Excuse me… what?” He hissed.

“Yeah. That potion I needed your urine for. Pregnancy test” Remus smiled.

“We’re having kids together” James beamed as he hugged Sirius. “Your going to be such a good dad.”

“No..but what about…” Sirius said mid hug and ignoring James.

“I need you pregnant Sirius” Remus said a growl in his voice.

Sirius shuddered his face going red. “We’re having a baby, apparently. Fuck me…”

“Yes that’s usually how they’re conceived” Lily said wryly.

Chapter 4

“Urhhhhh” Harry whined fussing in James arms.

“Kiddo. Your uncle’s are getting married. You have to wear the suit” James reassured. “I’m wearing a suit. So your wearing a suit.”

“James. He’s not even two. His clothes usually consist of pyjamas with feet. Are you surpised he doesn’t like a shirt, trousers, vest and bow tie” Sirius commented shaking his head.

“But he looks adorable. Just like his Dad” James grinned at Harry. He began making faces at him, poking his tongue out and making odd noises.

Harry frown softened, and quickly he began to laugh.

“I don’t know how you do that so easily” Sirius commented.

“I dunno, you just sort of figure it out. It’s mostly improvision and good luck” James grinned.

Sirius scoffed, “Your just a natural.”

“Nah. Bullshit” James shook his head. “You can be a good parent, but you learn. Or you can choose to ignore it. But it’s a choice.”

“My parents…”

“Were assholes” James said firmly.

“He’s gonna start repeating your bad language” Sirius wanted.

“Down” Harry said thumping James chest.

“Oi! Gently” James said frowning. But put Harry down either way. “The point is. Your not your mum or Dad. You’ve proved that time and time again. You just have to love your child unconditionally, and probably do the opposite of what your parents would do.”

“You make it sound so easy” Sirius sighed.

James cackled, “No it’s the most difficult exhausting thing in the world. But it’s so worth it” he said looking as Harry slowly toddled around the room.

“He walks a bit like that time we saw Hagrid after he’d been drinking” Sirius grinned, a hand on his belly. “Do you think Moony and I are doing the right thing?”

“Yes. You both love each other. When your not being stubbornly ignorant of each others feelings. You love each other, if you remember to communicate you’ll be fine” James said wryly.