A Season of Change

A/N: These first few chapters will be posted rather quickly as I´ve been writing this for a couple of months. Just a little exposition in this chapter--let´s see how well Remus and Sirius adjust to being daddies! Perhaps we should just enjoy the pleasantries of the moment before things become... err... more difficult, shall we say? Thanks for the wonderful reviews--you guys are such an inspiration!

Chapter 5

Sirius settled into Mrs. Lupin´s chintz armchair with a deep sigh of satisfaction. He draped his arms limply and settled his long legs in a comfortable position, wriggling his sock-clad toes.

Hedwig was currently in en route to the Burrow bearing happy tidings of little Elizabeth´s homecoming. They had found the snowy owl hunched over on the ledge of the kitchen window awaiting their arrival bearing a messily scrawled note from Harry. Sirius had penned a quick reply, inviting Harry to tea tomorrow afternoon.

Remus entered the room, his slippered feet padding softly across the hardwood floor. He had changed out of his formal attire, donning a pair of soft black trousers that skimmed his slender legs and an orange-red button down shirt, the sleeves rolled to the elbows. With his silvery golden brown hair and sparkling eyes, he reminded Sirius of fall foliage at its peak.

He set the tea service down and poured plain black tea for his mate. To appease his own sweet tooth, he added two spoons of sugar and a healthy splash of milk to his steaming liquid. Remus passed Sirius his cup and saucer before curling up in the corner of the couch. Long shadows danced on the walls as the driftwood crackled merrily. The harmony of home and the beauty of love reverberated through the walls of the little home, and the two men smiled at each other, content.

Staring at the fire, Remus spoke softly, "I think this is the quietest we can expect the house to be for quite some time."

Sirius chuckled in his cup. "She´s going to wake up soon. She´s been asleep ever since we arrived back from the IWPA."

A comfortable silence fell over the room as Remus sipped his tea and began to thumb through the book Angelina had given them. It was hard to image the little angel sleeping so calmly upstairs would possibly behave in such a way to warrant the use of the book. But, he reasoned wryly, tempests are usually concealed. From his professor days, he could recall that some of the more mischievous antics were pulled off by the most unassuming students. Like myself.

"When your wizard or witch begins to display the early signs of a tantrum it is best to be observant of repeat behaviors..." he read under his breath. Looking up, he saw that Sirius´ eyes were closed and his head rolled back, the steaming tea balanced on his outstretched knee. "Accio Sirius´ tea," he whispered. The little cup and saucer flew across the room and landed in his outstretched hand. Sirius didn´t move a muscle.

An hour later, Remus was fully engrossed in A Daddy´s Guide to Handling Tantrums. His eyes were stretched to their limit as he read horrifying after horrifying story. A little witch in Dorset set her daddy´s dress robes on fire when he refused to give her any more ice cream. And she didn´t even have a wand! Remus was stunned, his mind drifting to the handsome pair of robes Sirius had bought him for his birthday. A wizard toddler set the new record for the longest continuous screaming fit--five days, three hours, and thirteen minutes. Remus´ ears hurt at the very thought of Elizabeth screaming. Especially, he thought wincing, if it´s any time near the full moon when my senses are heightened. He shuddered at the thought of an out of control child. Muggles at least don´t have to deal with magic!

Sirius´ mouth hung open. A soft snore whistled through his teeth.

Fussing sounds made their way down the stairs and across the room. Sirius shifted slightly in his sleep. Remus laid his book aside and moved to tap his mate on the shoulder. "Wake up, Padfoot. Elizabeth´s crying."

Yawning, Sirius opened a sleepy eye. "Wha--Moony?"

Remus pried the groggy man´s eyelids open and blew lightly.

"Argh!" Sirius jerked his head back. "Moony! Don´t do that! You know I have sensitive eyes."

Smiling smugly, Remus watched as Sirius rubbed his eyes. "Come on," he said after a moment.

Sirius turned his head toward the doorway and squeezed his eyes shut. "I don´t hear anything," he mumbled.

"There," Remus said exasperatedly, pointing out the babbling sound.

It was a tiny trickle, a sweet high-pitched group of nonsensical sounds. The two men exchanged broad grins.

"Race you," Sirius grinned devilishly. They charged down the hall and barreled up the stairs.

"We can´t do this every time she calls," Remus panted. "You don´t want her to set your robes on fire!"

Sirius threw his mate an odd look as they halted in the doorway to their room.

"Daddy´s guide to tantrums and the like," Remus wheezed, leaning against the doorframe.

Sirius wagged his eyebrows. "Looks like you are a bit winded there, old man"

Remus elbowed him sharply.

They walked over to the cradle and watched in amazement as their daughter sucked on her left foot and gurgled.

"Damn and I thought you were flexible, Moony," Sirius joked. He reached down and smoothed a lock of hair off her porcelain forehead. "I can´t believe how perfect she is. She--she reminds me of a Bernie Botts strawberry cream bean."

Remus smiled fondly at his lover. "Ah, you begin to wax poetic, my dear Padfoot." He gently took Elizabeth´s foot out of her mouth. Elizabeth began to wave her arms begging to be picked up. "May I?" Sirius nodded and stepped back.

He bent down and lifted the squirming bundle of baby into his strong arms. Rubbing his nose in her soft dark hair, he breathed deeply. Elizabeth reached up and tugged on his chin length locks. Giggling, she immediately put the hair in her little mouth.

"We appear to have picked one with a voracious appetite." Remus pried the hair out of her mouth. Elizabeth swung backwards over his arm, rolling her head towards Sirius. "Ba ba," she cried, reaching out for Sirius. He winked at the look of consternation Remus shot him and eagerly reached for her. She giggled again and instantly reached for one of his black locks.

Remus laughed. "And you thought she wanted you."

Sirius smiled sheepishly. "Come sweetheart; let´s get you a bite to eat."

**********

"Right then, all right, all right, we can do this. Moony, if you would be so kind as to hand me the towel." Remus looked quizzically at Sirius.

"Ahem. Ah, Sirius, you know that you have to lift her dress first."

Sirius pulled the little white cotton dress up over her stomach. She grabbed hold of it and tried to cover her head. He tugged gently, and she promptly rolled to her side toward the edge of the table. "Elizabeth!" he cried. "Moony, come make her stay still. Put an impedimenta spell on her or something!"

"She´s just a baby, Padfoot. Molly said that they never like to stay still. We can´t make her do something using magic," Remus frowned.

"Ever noble," Sirius teased half-heartedly. Grabbing his daughter by her nappy, he hauled her back. "Elizabeth," he reasoned, "you need a clean nappy. Stay still."

Elizabeth Lupin-Black laid quietly, her violet eyes following the movements of the frowning man looming above. Sirius breathed in relief and proceeded to gingerly remove the soiled nappy.

"Argh," he cried in disgust. "Moony, I have to be able to use a cleaning spell. C´mon, this is just too awful." His nose wrinkled in disgust. "What were they feeding her?"

Remus cast a quick anti-smelling charm on the room. "We should know how to do it both ways. What if we´re ever in a place where magic is prohibited?" He walked over to the bookshelf and looked for the guide on basic baby care. "Besides, Padfoot," he called over his shoulder, "I´ve always wanted to see you up to your elbows in you know what."

"Don´t be so smug, Moony. The next one is yours--aw bloody hell, Elizabeth."

"Sirius! Don´t swear. Aha." He pulled down the guide and muttered, "Nappy duty." The book flipped open to the correct section. He smiled, reminding himself to thank Molly for the helpful spell. Reading the passage, he walked over to his family. "It says here that you should use a soft cloth with warm water and a mild soap if you don´t have any wipes and--what happened?" He surveyed the scene in amazement. Sirius and Elizabeth stared each other down with identical frowns, neither of them moving. Her soiled nappy had managed to spread its contents everywhere.

"Ah, Padfoot," he began hesitantly, not sure if he wanted to laugh at the way Elizabeth mimicked her father or cry at the stains on his freshly painted wall.

"Remus, I have this under control. Why don´t you go below and make her a bottle. I´ll finish up here." Remus looked at him worriedly. Making his way to the door, he peeked back. Neither one had yet to move. Smiling inwardly, he went to do as his mate ordered.

**********

Life was filled with wonders. Exuberance of the type he had never known filled his soul the brim, and the wolf struggled furiously with the man as howl after howl threatened to break free. Giddiness, the swing you around by your arms until you feel weightless type, caught Remus off guard, and much to his amusement, he found himself twirling his wand like a baton. Several failed attempts and numerous clatters on the floor later, Remus settled himself in the armchair to read a letter from Cecilia Bracey. He tossed his wand/baton to the side table rather ruefully and yawned.

September 28

From: Miss Cecilia Bracey, Ward 1 IWPA

To: Mr. Remus Lupin and Mr. Sirius Black

Dear Gentlemen,

It was a pleasure making your acquaintance this afternoon. I hope Elizabeth has settled in. I have complete faith in your abilities as parents and know that she will benefit from growing up in such a loving atmosphere.

I am enclosing Elizabeth´s IWPA Birth Certificate and medical history. Miss Lancaster forgot to pass this to you. I also wanted to inform you that Miss Genevieve Powell will be the caseworker assigned to your first house visitation. She will arrive on October 15, at half past ten in the morning. I trust you will be comfortable with her.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if anything should arise. Miss Lancaster frowns upon contact with the families; however, if you make the letter appear to be of a personal nature she will not interfere. I would very much like to be informed as to little Elizabeth´s progress.

Cordially,

Cecilia Bracey

P.S. Elizabeth is a very active child and Genevieve found it useful to use the impedimenta spell when changing her.

Laughter pealed through the front room. Oh, the expression on Sirius´ face was too priceless, Remus howled in remembrance. He stood and moved to add another log to the fire. Bending down, he recalled the fuss he made over the dust. A twinge of remorse shook him as he thought of Sirius slaving away the whole afternoon. How insignificant it seems now. He stared into the fire and thought of the expression of sheer joy that graced his lover´s stoic features as their daughter snuggled into his arms for comfort before falling asleep.

"Moony?"

Remus turned, a smile spreading over his face. Sirius stood there proudly, Elizabeth sitting up in the cradle of his arms. Her dark brown hair was damp from her bath, and she donned a very familiar maroon sleeper set with a little sleeping lamb gracing the front. She smiled up at Remus and he felt his heart catch in his throat. The room filled with the scent of talc powder and sweetness. Suppressing the urge to run across the room and shower her little face with kisses, he just stood there and took in the emotions swirling around his mind.

"I have her bottle here," he said softly.

Sirius remained in the same spot, his arms pulling her a little tighter. Holding her reminded him of a night like this almost 23 years ago.

James and Lily stood in front of him, Lily smiling benevolently, James with a very Marauder-like twinkle in his eyes.

"If you drop him," James warned, "You´re going to answer to me if he can´t play Quidditch due to a lack of balance."

Lily poked him in the side. "Let Sirius try. He needs to practice. Some day he´ll be a daddy." James moved forward and placed a beautiful black-haired baby with the most gorgeous green eyes into his godfather´s arms.

"Watch his head," he cautioned.

Sirius pulled the little body into his arms and melted when the little boy reached up and tugged on his jumper. "Hello Harry," he whispered. "Hello you amazing little mischief maker. Just wait until you are older."

Lily wrapped her arm around James´ waist, her own green eyes sparkling with unshed tears. She didn´t even bother to break the magic of the moment by chiding Sirius about his intentions. "Isn´t he perfect with him?" James nodded in immediate agreement. Sirius was his best mate, closer to him than any brother could ever be. Watching him hold his son moved him deeply.

"Lily, grab the camera, love. We need to get a photo of this." Lily ran to get the camera as James continued to watch Sirius rocking his son, his tall frame moving with surprising grace. Lily returned and placed the camera in his hands. "Sirius," he called, "Look over here."

Sirius and Harry both looked over at the voice. Harry´s eyes crinkled as he smiled at his dad´s voice. Click!

"There," Lily sighed in happiness. "You´ve been immortalized, boys."

Sirius looked proudly at the messy haired child. "Do you think I´ll ever have this?" he asked wistfully.

James nodded firmly. "Padfoot, you´ll surprise even yourself."

"Padfoot?"

Sirius smiled at the concern in his lover´s voice. He wished Remus had been there that night but it had been right after the full moon and he needed to rest. "I was just remembering the first time I held Harry."

Remus nodded, understanding the mists of memories that overtook them both at times. "He was the first miracle to come out of all of our friendships. Sirius," he paused, trying to organize his thoughts in a coherent manner. "Sirius, I know that James and Lily are watching us this very minute, and you know what? They´re filled with joy. They are," he affirmed, "just so pleased that we have finally given ourselves the happiness they experienced with Harry. It´s a gift, a precious wonderful gift, and you, Elizabeth," he walked across the room and gripped her soft plump hands in his own strong ones. "You are our miracle. Harry is going to be so happy to have a little sister."

Sirius´s eyes didn´t know where to look, so he focused on way that tree Remus had nagged him for weeks to trim rapped sharply against the pane. Tomorrow I´ll take care of that. His insides were such a conflict of emotions--happiness, wonderment, anger, grief, and love... He thought his heart would burst with the amount of love he felt for Remus and Elizabeth, and at the same time, his heart had never felt more whole.

Elizabeth squirmed slightly in his arms. Remus took her from Sirius and walked over to the chair. He settled himself in and marveled at the way her little lips sucked greedily on the nipple. Small fingers reached up to hold the bottle. Nature´s instinct needed no better guide.

"She´s very independent, Padfoot. I don´t think you have any cause for concern. She´ll be out-maraudering you pretty soon," he teased.

Sirius laughed with pleasure. "I have to consult Charlie and see if he knows of any child-proof broom spells. She´s already rolling about and propping herself up on those fat little arms. It won´t be long before she should learn to fly." He propped himself on the arm of the chair. Remus playfully cuffed his head.

"She´s not even six months old, Paddy! Let her learn to walk first!"

"My mum said I learned to fly before I walked. I think she´s going to take after me. What´s this?" he pulled out the letter from the side of the chair.

"Oh, it´s from Cecilia. She sent us Elizabeth´s birth certificate and wanted to know if she could keep in touch." Remus gently wiped a trail of milk from Elizabeth´s chin with the pad of his thumb.

Sirius read the letter silently. "She was a decent sort. Very kind. Now that Lancaster woman--"

Remus shot him a pained expression.

"Well, I suppose it´s good that Genevieve is our caseworker. She seemed reasonable enough."

Remus nodded. He had no desire to speak of the vileness Margaret Lancaster had show to them, to him, he amended. His very insides churned unpleasantly when thinking about that afternoon. He hated that his happiest day, the day he became a father, was tainted with such bitterness. He shifted his daughter´s head slightly on his arm and motioned towards the fire. "It´s very chilly tonight. Perhaps we had better light a fire in the bedroom, hmm?"

Sirius watched him carefully. Avoidance was one of Moony´s favorite tools when it came to dealing with his own problems. Anyone else´s problems and one couldn´t get him to shut up. "All right, Moony," he sighed in resignation. "Bring her up to bed when you are finished?"

Remus grunted in acquiescence and stroked her downy cheek, marveling at the softness of her skin. He watched as lids closed over her violet eyes, blinking slower and slower as the hands of sleep gripped her. As he sat there in the silence of the room, he became very determined that she should not grow up with nightmares or fears of any type. He placed the bottle to the side and ran his gentle hand down her neck and followed a path over her chest, her little round belly, and soft plump legs. He drew his hand up and caressed the shells of her ears, wondering at their perfection and symmetry. He had held Harry numerous times, but he couldn´t recall holding him while he slept. His daughter slumbered, her chest rising with each breath. Her eyes danced beneath veined lids, and she hiccupped once in her sleep. He wondered what babies dreamt.

Standing, he whispered the spell to bank the fire and moved quietly to the staircase. Climbing, he recalled that this time last night the little cradle was empty. His body warmed in exhilaration. Never had he experienced this type of peace. Love with Sirius, all emotions with Sirius, he amended, existed on one all encompassing plane. Elizabeth, however, was a fulfillment of a million other dreams. He just hoped fervently that he wouldn´t disappoint her.

Entering their bedroom, he breathed in a sigh of surprise. Sirius lay in bed, his gleaming tan chest glowing in the firelight. Candles were lit on the bedside tables casting a soft yellow light in the cozy room.

Putting aside the book he was reading, Sirius asked quietly, "Is she asleep?"

Remus nodded. He pushed aside the little yellow quilt and laid her gently on her back, a trick Molly pounded in their heads before she took her leave two nights ago. She nestled her head on the soft white sheets. He gently drew the blanket up over her and kissed her gently. Sirius joined him and leaned forward to plant his own kiss on her forehead.

"We love you, Elizabeth," Sirius whispered. Pulling Remus away, he climbed back in bed and settled the blankets. "Burr... it is getting chilly."

Remus walked into the bathroom and spread toothpaste on his toothbrush. The man in the reflection scrubbed his teeth absently, the muscles in his cheeks moving to the rhythm of the brush. Surprisingly, there was no noticeable change in the man in the mirror. The rather long tawny hair fell in the same manner as it had this morning, sharp collarbones protruded over the smooth length of torso, and the sleek cut muscles of his upper arms tensed and un-tensed as he squeezed his fists. Funny, he thought, for I feel transformed. He changed quickly out of his clothes and got ready for bed. "What are you reading, love?"

Sirius blushed. He held up his book. A Daddy´s Guide to Handling Tantrums--How to Tame Even the Most Rambunctious Wizard or Witch.

Remus tried to keep his laughter low.

Sirius shrugged. "She gave me a run for my money, Moony! Even Genevieve uses the impedimenta spell!" He ducked as Remus chucked his pillow at him.

"You can´t use magic for everything, Padfoot. I suppose I´ll learn my lesson tomorrow and probably regret ever saying that though."

"Yeah, you and your feather dusters and your damn burnt eggs," he teased, whacking him back with his own pillow.

Remus dodged the pillow and smoothly executed another strike right on the mark. Smiling contentedly, he lay back and propped his head up with his hands.

"Hey, how old do you think Cecilia is?"

Remus shook his head. "I don´t know. Late twenties perhaps? Why?"

Sirius pounded his pillow. Remus always made them far too fluffy. "I don´t know. I was thinking that we should introduce her to Charlie. It´s not healthy for her to work in such conditions. I wonder why she stays."

His lover propped himself up on his elbow and lazily traced a path down the smooth expanse of chest presented to him. "Playing matchmaker, hmm Sirius?"

He blushed then shivered as Moony hit a particularly sensitive spot on his ribcage. Remus watched him and ran his nail across the same spot. Sirius jerked. Remus repeated the torture again.

"Just say when," he whispered.

Sirius clamped his mouth shut.

"All right, have it your way then," Remus growled. He rolled to his side and executed a quick silencing charm. "Now then, has my poor baby had a hard day?" Sirius tried to remain nonchalant, a slight smile cracking through. "Ah," Remus continued in a seductive voice, "I think the answer is yes but someone´s afraid to answer." He shifted positions so that he lay partially over his lover. With great purpose, he traced the individual ripples of muscle on Sirius´ broad chest with his soft tongue. Sirius groaned aloud as Remus hit the spot on his ribcage.

Remus raised glowing golden eyes and locked his piercing gaze with the fiery blue eyes staring down at him. Reaching upwards with his head, he slowly pressed his lips to the other man´s. He deliberately traced the outline of Sirius´ luscious mouth with his pointed tongue before capturing one of the soft lips between his teeth. He pulled the morsel into his mouth and proceeded to suck. Sirius raised his hands and began to smooth a path down his lover´s sleek back, taking special care to stop right before he reached the soft creamy skin of his lover´s rear. He pulled his fingers back up and then dragged his nails down in a sweeping motion.

The men groaned in each other´s mouths as ecstasy took over. Their tongues collided as Remus released Sirius´s swollen lip. Sleek wet muscles danced madly, passionately, in a wild chase back and forth between the two caverns. Hazily, Remus wondered how he survived the whole afternoon without kissing his mate once. He pulled back, panting. Passion-filled blue eyes bore deeply into his soul, seeking fulfillment. Remus knew that he had reached the point where he couldn´t turn back. And we haven´t done anything but kiss, he thought ruefully. Each time it just gets better...

"Do you think...?" Sirius began thickly, nodding towards the cradle. Remus glanced down once again and was amused by the love and desire he saw mirrored in his lover´s eyes. Growling, he reached down with his hand and searched for hidden treasures. Sirius bucked his hips off the bed.

"I beyond thinking right now, love..." Remus whispered against his lips before pulling him into another soul-searching kiss.

"Good," Sirius groaned. "Because I have to tell you now that I love you before I completely lose my mind."

"I love you too, Sirius, god how I love you..." he paused, then added slowly, "Thank you for being my family."

Sirius pulled him down into his arms and held him tightly, his emotions tumbling about madly. Raising Remus´ face he playfully kissed both cheeks. "You have always been my family, Moony. Now, let´s get back to business. No magic allowed."