Hand-me-Downs

In the summer after Voldemort's return, the Order of the Phoenix goes to work turning the Black House into a headquarters. However, it begins to seem as if Sirius's childhood home is taking a worse toll on him than Azkaban. Lupin realises that it's up to him to stand up for old friend---and in this he may be standing alone, even among his allies. (A/U split after GoF but influenced by OotP; WolfStar 'ship, but ambiguous/nonsexual). 7/18 - reposting polished and in (mercifully!) smaller chapters.

Work on the Black House continues, but keeping peace within the ranks proves something of a challenge.

Lupin dreams of a night long ago at Grimmauld Place---the young Sirius's last night in his parents' house. Is it just a dream, or a vision?

Work continues at Grimmauld Place, including a discovery in Regulus Black's old wardrobe. However, a strange mood seems to be coming over Sirius, and meanwhile the Weasleys have troubles of their own.

A fresh coat of paint makes the Black House feel friendlier---but Kreacher isn't happy. And after his first watch at the Ministry, Lupin stops by for a talk with Arabella, and she gives him some surprising revelations.

The Black house keeps improving, but Sirius's mood keeps getting worse. Taking his monthly potion, Lupin has an opportunity to discuss things with Dumbledore---and stand up to the Headmaster in a way he could hardly have imagined, with a little unexpected help. Cameos by Fawkes and Severus Snape.

Full moon comes, and even having taken his potion, Remus's transformations are always trying---especially since Kreacher's "Lady" wouldn't approve of a werewolf in her house, and Sirius's orders to the house-elf can be taken in ways other than what was intended... Cameos this chapter by Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and the Weasley Twins.

New Order of the Phoenix members come to the headquarters at Grimmauld Place for dinner, just as Sirius has become more of a shadow lurking about the house than a host. Remus desperately counts the hours until he turns human again and tries to think of anything he can do...

At last human again, Remus might have a clue to the cause of Sirius's strange mood, but Ministry beaurocracy and prejudice proves the most frustrating obstacle yet. A daring adventure in the dark of night bypasses their blockade, but the clue Remus searched for proves a more terrifying revelation than he imagined.

Conclusion. Mrs. Black's curse is at its climax, turning Grimmauld Place upside-down---and trying to kill Sirius, who is too deeply under its influence even to see and hear his best friend running to his rescue. But what can Remus do? A direct attack on the spell only lands him in its grip as well, and there may be only one resort left... "that no curse, no matter how powerful, could survive a person willingly giving their life to break it."