A Season of Change

Chapter 2

Slivers of pale golden light crept between the folds of the curtains, little particles of dust dancing eagerly in the rays. The rug next to the armchair played host to a black robe, two jumpers and two trousers sprawled in an untidy heap. Various shoes were scattered about the floor and one of the occupants´ feet dangled from the side of the bed. The chamber was completely still, the silence only broken by an occasional cry from a passing bird outside the window.

Remus laid sprawled across the four-poster bed, a sheet thrown haphazardly across the smooth expanse of chest. His left arm was flung over his eyes and his graying hair, just the color of a Bernie Botts butterscotch bean, was swept into an untidy mess on his pillow. His chest rose slowly up and down in the cadence of his breathing and a small smile of one knowing a treasured secret graced his soft lips. Not a muscle moved on his sleek, slender form as he blissfully slept.

**********

Downstairs in the kitchen, Sirius hummed as he cast a quick boiling charm on the kettle. Pulling out a cup and saucer, he quickly prepared a cup of jasmine tea, oblivious to the state of disarray surrounding him. Today is going to be perfect, he thought happily as he strode to the back door and sat on the worn stoop facing the grove of trees. He pulled the tall collar of his dark green jumper up over his nose and stared forward, two sapphire eyes blinking in the morning sunlight. He wasn´t quite sure what was so pleasant about tucking his various body appendages into his clothes. He glanced down ruefully at his fingertips peeking from the cuffs and gripping the cup and saucer. It was a habit that he acquired as a child and had never been cured of.

The air was unseasonably chilly for the end of September, but he relished the changing of seasons and the waving in of autumn as summer gracefully bowed out. He had adored the start of each term at Hogwarts for this particular reason. The sensation of feeling the weight of the robes as they embraced his tall form and the way his scarf danced jauntily in the breeze as he made his way out to the Quidditch pitch were reminders to him that he was home. Ah Hogwarts...

A gentle hooting broke his reverie, and he glanced up in surprise as Hedwig flew in a graceful circle over his head and landed gently on his shoulder. He set his tea down and quickly untied a note scrawled in an untidy script. The snowy owl flew through the kitchen window to join their house owl, Corinthian.

Thursday, September 26^th, 7:00 am (note the time!)

From: Mr. Harry Potter

To: Mr. Sirius Black and Mr. Remus Lupin

Greetings Padfoot and Moony!

I´ve heard through the grapevine at the Ministry that a certain "pack" is going to acquire a "cub"? Why didn´t you guys tell me about this? Didja know that Hermione apparated directly into my bedroom this morning? She kept waving her hands around, and the only coherent thing I could get out of her for a full 20 minutes was "new Marauder". Now you both know she´s not one for mincing words! What´s going on? And is it safe to ask the question, "what is Hermione doing up at 5 am?"

Your very curious godson,

Harry

P.S. Ginny was visiting--I demand some retribution for the interruption!

Sirius chuckled at the image of being woken by a frantic Hermione. Well, word must be spreading fast! Jamison certainly can´t keep a secret. He pocketed the missive and moved into the house to write a reply. Striding across the front hall, his attention was drawn to an ear-piercing shriek from upstairs. Taking the stairs two at a time, he threw open the bedroom door and froze.

Pecking at the window ferociously were a good dozen owls all tied to rolls of parchment. The glass pane was raised four inches and some of the more determined birds were struggling to gain access. Sirius took in the amazing sight of his lover jumping about the middle of the bed pointing his wand at two brown barn owls flapping furiously around his head.

He doesn´t have a stitch of clothing on...

Sirius raised his wand lazily and said, "Accio birds." Instantly he was covered in owls of various sizes and color. He grinned lopsidedly at his lover and placing his hands of his hips, proceeded to walk nonchalantly around the bed. "Rise and shine, love" he commented cheerily. Remus groaned and sank back down to the mattress. Pushing aside the fringe of hair that had fallen into his eyes, he eyed Sirius the bird man and fumbled for his wand. Peering over the side of the bed, he swept his hand back and forth in search of the recalcitrant wand but only managed to stir up the dust bunnies sleeping in their dark corners.

"Dust..." he muttered, thinking to himself. Didn´t I just have this conversation with myself last night?

Sirius stood hungrily taking in his lover´s very delectable backside as he squirmed on the bed.

"Oh, Moony," he sang. "Looking for this?" He twirled Remus´ wand carelessly. Remus sat up and made a swipe at the offending object.

"C´mon, give it here--oomph." Remus landed halfway off the bed. Glancing up, he met those irresistible blue eyes sparking with mirth. A rumble of laughter formed in his chest. Laughing hysterically, Remus rolled back onto the bed and clutched at his side. "For Merlin´s sake, what a picture I must make!" Sirius´ shoulders began to shake with laughter. "And don´t deny that you were looking at my bum, you rascal!" Sirius sat down next to Remus and leaned over to join in the fun, a silly grin plastered on his handsome face. Indignant hoots from the owls perched precariously on his shoulders and head were ignored as he toppled on top of his lover.

Remus looked up at his beloved´s face and traced the chiseled jaw with reverence. "You are going to make a fantastic father," he said softly. He glanced over his shoulder and grinned as the owls shifted position on Sirius´ broad back. "Umm..." he breathed in deeply, his nose burrowing in his soft sweater. "I love this sweater..."

Sirius nuzzled his own nose ala Padfoot style into Remus´ soft hair, golden strands tickling his nostrils. "That´s because you bought it for me," he chuckled. Leaning back, he shrugged towards the owls, an eyebrow raised in question. Remus shook his head and pulled him back down for a deep kiss. "Later," he whispered.

Reluctantly, Sirius pulled himself out of the warm embrace and sat up. "We´ve already received an owl from Harry. According to him, Hermione apparated into his bedroom around five this morning and interrupted--erm--shall I just say that we have been ordered to make reparations, love." Remus´ brow furrowed. Sirius leaned forward and pressed his forehead against the worried smoothness. "I guess our little secret is out..." he choked.

Startled, Remus grabbed the closest parchment. "It´s from Hermione--she wants to know if we have a subscription to Dr. Zarif´s A-B-C´s to Raising Infant Wizard Children. If not she knows the editor at the publishing house and can get us two-years free." Tossing it aside, he picked up the next letter. "This one is from Ron. He says to ignore Hermione´s letter because she didn´t even take time to properly congratulate us--"

"And here´s one from Minerva: `Please see enclosed list of proper Wizarding names´--I guess your little dislike of Eustace got around."

"Little?" Remus snorted. "Molly, Arabella, Hagrid, Fred and George--oh no, we need to make certain they don´t get their hands on our little Marauder--Charlie with a coupon for free dragon riding lessons..." He shuffled through the letters scattered on the bed, his eyes lighting up as he came across one written on very familiar parchment.

Sirius peered at it, dropping a letter from Seamus Finnigan on the ins and outs of raising an Irish wizard. "Albus?"

Remus nodded and cracked the Hogwarts seal. "He says that he is so proud of us and that he has good authority to believe that we will make excellent parents. He adds that James and Lily would be so happy to know that the remaining band members are finally going to be fathers..." His voice broke. Sirius wrapped an arm around his mate comfortingly and continued in his low resonating voice, "The child you will bring into your home will be fortunate to be loved by two of the most respected men I have ever had the privilege of knowing. The next generation of Marauders is a very lucky group indeed. I look forward to greeting them in eleven years."

"Them?"

Sirius shrugged. "Perhaps he´s talking about Harry´s children as well."

Remus suddenly jumped up. "Oi! Sirius, we only have 2 days to get ready! We need to erect the infant wizard protection charms--"

"Yes, yes Moony. And we don´t have a crib, we don´t have this and that. Molly said that she and Arthur will stop by this evening with loads of baby items. I think she mentioned they still have the cradle that has a rocking charm on it."

"Two days," Remus sang, dancing to the bathroom. "Oh, I just can´t wait!"

**********

"Hallo! Sirius? Remus? Anyone home?"

"It´s Arthur!" Remus threw down the feather duster and rushed into the living room. Kneeling next to the hearth, he grinned at the smiling, tired face topped with graying red hair. "Arthur, lovely to see you. How are you and the family?"

Arthur Weasley laughed. "We are all fine. What´s this I hear about a new addition? Harry just flooed over and all he can talk about is this new cub that´s joining the pack. Molly has had the boys drag down every carton from the attic labeled `Weasley Baby´."

Remus chuckled and blushed. "Well, we did receive some good news last night from Jamison, who is our liaison with the IWPA--"

"Ah ha. Jamison. No wonder word traveled fast."

"Yes, well... Sirius and I have decided that we are going to adopt an infant wizard to raise as our own."

"Congratulations to you both! Now this is good news! When is the happy arrival day?" Arthur eagerly leaned his head forward in the flames.

"Actually, it´s this Saturday." Remus held up a finger. "Just a moment, Arthur, if I may..." He turned to the closed dining room doors and called out mischievously, "Sirius, Arthur would like a word."

"I´m not coming out," returned a muffled voice. Remus smiled and charmed the doors to slide open to reveal a very startled man in a ruffled purple apron and a floral patterned scarf tied around his tousled black curls. "Remus!" He hissed and hastily tried to duck under the table.

"Oh no you don´t," Remus laughed. He walked around the table and gripped the resisting hand. "Heel, Padfoot!" he called, earning himself a very dark look. Pulling the reluctant wizard forward, Remus made his way to the fireplace.

"Hello there Sirius!" Arthur took in his ensemble. "Just a bit of light housecleaning, eh?" At Sirius´ black look, Arthur continued hastily, "Listen, Molly and I were wondering if you might want to pop over for dinner tonight--say six o´clock? All the kids are home and would love to see you both--plus, we could use an extra hand in toting all the goodies back over here."

Remus nodded. "We would love to. Six o´clock it is."

"Excellent." And with a "pop", Arthur´s head disappeared.

Smiling broadly, Remus walked over to Sirius who made a delightful picture of a pouting child. "Aww... come on, Paddy. You just brightened up Arthur Weasley´s day. Just a spoonful of sugar..." he quipped, throwing an amused glance at his lover.

"Enough with the bloody Mary Poppins. You know they made a complete muck out of her magical abilities, what with the carpetbag and the flying umbrella--" Remus put out a hand to silence his tirade.

"C´mon," he said, picking up the feather duster. "Let´s finish. Oh and Sirius," he called to his mate´s disappearing back, "have you got a spare scarf? I´m rather partial to pink!"

**********

"George! What did I tell you about those lights? I don´t want naked cherubs illuminating the party!"

"Mum! It´s a baby shower and these represent the new arrival!" Molly shook her dishtowel at the innocent face in front of her.

"Hey Fred! Bring the cradle over here!"

"Harry! I told you I already put it up in the bough of the willow tree."

Voices escalated to a frantic pitch as the Weasley boys and Harry scrambled around the backyard in an attempt to get the party ready. Groans and cheers could be heard as muffled explosions sounded from various corners. Ginny peered out the kitchen window anxiously, Hermione and Penelope pressed up on either side.

"Do you think it was really such a good idea to let the boys plan the baby shower?" Hermione worried. Glancing over her shoulder she sighed in relief. Well, at least Molly is preparing the food...

Ginny moved away from the window and back to the pile of gifts on the floor. Resuming her position on the floor, she began to thumb through a very tattered book on wrapping and binding spells. "I know there has to be something in here about how to tie a perfect bow," she muttered before calling over her shoulder, "Hermione, it´s a baby shower for the Marauders. I highly doubt that they are going to mind a few explosions--in fact, I am certain that Sirius will have one or two up his sleeve."

"He´ll have what up his sleeves?" Molly asked distractedly as she curved her wand over the icing in a decorative spiral to read the words, "Welcome New Marauder".

"Oh nothing, Mum," Ginny glanced quickly at Hermione. "Shouldn´t they be here by now?"

**********

Remus tugged at his necktie uncomfortably and peered at his reflection skeptically. The man staring back at him looked as anxious as he felt inside. His golden eyes seemed a little too bright and his cheeks a little too flushed. He shrugged himself into his dress robes of dark indigo blue and tried desperately to calm the butterflies in his stomach. His fingers trembled as he fastened his clasp and he hazarded a glance in the mirror to see how Sirius was faring.

Sirius felt awful. In two days, a little one would be joining their ranks and he felt his confidence rapidly oozing away. Watching Moony in the mirror as he placidly smoothed his robes made him feel even more nauseous. Irritated, he wondered if anything shook his lover´s composure. He had a sinking feeling that dinner at the Weasley´s was going to be a little more involved than simply nourishing one´s body. He wasn´t sure if he was prepared to be drilled incessantly, nor did he even know what his answers would be.

"Ready?"

Sirius glanced up and felt a smile crack his stiff lips. His Moony was so beautiful. Dark indigo robes framed the tall, lithe body, the richness of the fabric accentuating his classic features. Golden eyes shone with love. Sirius reached up and pushed back the tendril of hair that always managed to fall despite the best anti-gravity charm. My Moony indeed...

Remus smiled with concern over the morose expression on the face of the man he loved. Perhaps I was a little hard on him during the dusting episode... "What is it, love? We are going to be late."

"Oh nothing," Sirius shrugged. Standing he put on his dark red dress robes and with a smile, patted Remus on the back. "I´m just brooding a bit. Nothing to concern yourself with. Ah... now where did I put those spare dungbombs..." Laughing, he strolled over to the bureau. Remus frowned.

"I don´t think it´s such a good idea to encourage them--"

"Remy, they own a joke shop. And besides, I am certain that they aren´t expecting anything less from us--erm--me," he amended. Shoving the packet into his robes, he gripped Remus by the other man´s shoulder and said in a serious tone, "Moony, just promise me that we are making the right decision. Say the words."

Remus raised startled eyes to the blue ones boring into his own. "Sirius, I don´t think it would be natural if we weren´t concerned. But," he added with conviction, "I promise you that this is the most wonderful decision we have ever made together. Everything will be fine. Besides," he continued nuzzling his lover´s smooth cheeks, "James and Lily would wish this happiness on their best friends. Don´t you remember the sheer joy you felt the first time James placed Harry in our arms? It´s time to share our love..." He backed slightly away and quirked his lip at Sirius. "Anyway, aren´t you excited?"

Sirius growled low and grabbed Remus backside through his robes. He yelped and slapped away the hand. "Behave, Padfoot. Shall we be off then?" In a flash, they apparated to the Burrow.