Fleamont was concerned. Not just because less than a week ago his son's best friend, and Black family heir, had shown up half dead on their doorstep, though that was a large part of it. He was concerned because he wasn't acting like the rambunctious troublemaker he had heard so much about from not only James, but Peter and Minerva.
He hardly even saw the boy, he hid in James's or the guest room the majority of the day and if he did come out he kept his eyes on the ground, only looking up to answer questions, and was perfectly mannered.
Not that Fleamont blamed the poor boy, he was probably scared to his wits end. Still it wasn't right, the boy was a teenager, he was supposed to be out, having fun, making bad decisions.
He briefly entertained the idea of intervening, making him come out and do things, but quickly dismissed it. It wasn't that he believed he wouldn't comply, but rather that he feared it'd just make the problem worse. He'd just have to wait, give him time.
- - -
Things got better when the Lupin boy showed up. Euphemia had finally joined the argument about whether or not to invite him. James had tried to owl him but Sirius objected every time.
“There's no need to bother him Prongs.”
“It's not like he's doing anything else, Pads. Besides, he's already asked about you.” Euphemia hummed and continued folding the newly clean towels.
“He's worried about you dear. Besides, it's no bother to me, any friends of yours are always welcome here.” And that had been the end of it. Remus had shown up the next day and the moment he and Sirius saw each other they had seen the boy's first real smile since the night he arrived.
Remus had practically flown across the room to wrap him in a hug, much to the amusement of James. Fleamont just smiled at Euphemia.
“Ah, young love, I remember being their age.” Sirius had turned a vibrant shade of crimson and he had been rewarded by a lighthearted slap from his wife.
“They were having a moment!”
- - -
Peter returned from abroad a few days after that. He had just walked in during lunch and sat down, much to the horror of Sirius. He'd glanced from Pete to the two adults, concern evident. Euphemia just smiled.
“Hello dear, how was your trip?” Peter grinned.
“It was wonderful, I'm under strict orders not to tell you anything though I'm afraid. My parents want you to go over for tea and tell you all about it.” Fleamont sighed dramatically.
“And I thought I'd get to hear about dragons over lunch.” Sirius's brows were furrowed slightly but didn't look quite so nervous.
“Well we'll have to stop over later, help yourself dear.”
- - -
“Come on Pads, you can borrow my old broom, come fly with me.” Sirius just shook his head.
“You guys can go on, I'm feeling a little tired.” Fleamont didn't look up from the Daily Prophet but frowned. They'd convinced him to go outside yesterday for a few minutes but he was back to his polite refusals today. Remus spoke up, not looking up from his book.
“I'll come watch.” He saw Sirius’s eyes widened slightly and Fleamont had the impression this was a very large offer.
“Okay.” He scurried upstairs to change and there was a palpable relief in the room.
- - -
Fleamont wasn't sure what he expected to see when he came downstairs to make tea at two in the morning. It wasn't Sirius Black, wearing one of Remus’s shirts, leaning on the counter, cup in hand.
“Well hello.” Sirius jumped and spun, nearly spilling his drink.
“Oh, hi. Uh, I was just getting water. I'm sorry, I'll get out of your hair. Sorry.” Fleamont gave him a reassuring smile.
“It's okay to want water, Sirius. You don't have to run off.”
“Oh.”
“I was just going to make some tea, if you'd like to stay. You don't have to, of course.” Sirius hesitated.
“If… if you want me to, I'll stay.” Making his way into the kitchen pulling out a cup Fleamont patiently reiterated his statement.
“You don't have to. If you want to stay,” He put stress on the “want to” part. “Then I'd love to have your company.” Sirius chewed his lip nervously.
“I think I'd like to stay.”
“Would you like some tea?” He paused for a second before continuing. “You don't have to say yes if you don't want it.”
“No thank you.” Fleamont nodded and with a flick of his hand the tea started brewing itself. Usually he'd brew it himself, it tasted better that way, but he wanted to give Sirius his full attention. The boy had leaned back onto the counter, watching him curiously.
“How have you been feeling?”
“Fine.” The answer was quick and carried a fair amount of irritation. Quickly he amended the statement. “Sorry, I didn't mean to snap. Just tired of the question.” He nodded understanding.
“It's quite alright. Though it's…” He glanced over at the clock. “Three in the morning. Fine people don't typically stand in the kitchen drinking water looking so alert at this hour. You haven't gone to bed yet have you?” He hesitated then shook his head.
“No.” Fleamont pursed his lips.
“I'm assuming you stay up this late every night?” He nodded.
“Later usually.” Fleamont picked up his finished tea and took a sip. There was silence for a while before he spoke again.
“You know, it's okay to do what you want. You don't have to hide all the time.” Sirius went to speak but he cut him off gently. “Just allow me to speak for a moment please. I know you're scared but no one here is going to hurt you, no one here is going to get mad at you for wanting things. I want you to know that. You're part of our family now.” Sirius looked stunned and had to open and close his mouth several times before he could finally speak.
“Oh.” He swallowed hard. “Thank you.” Fleamont nodded.
“Of course.” Sirius retreated after that, leaving Fleamont wondering if that was the right decision, or a very wrong one.
- - -
He didn't have to wait very long to find out. The sun had barely risen before James ran down the stairs, closely followed by a grinning Sirius who was dragging a very tired Remus.
“I don't know why you two have to fly so damn early.” Sirius rolled his eyes.
“Because, Moons, it's prime weather. Later it gets hot and then it's just uncomfortable.”
“But I don't see you waking Pete up at some ungodly hour.” He whined and Sirius’s grin widened.
“James! Moony says we should go wake Wormtail up!” Cutting Sirius with a hand over his mouth Remus shook his head fiercely.
“I did not say that! That is not what I said and you know it.” Sirius pushed his hand away.
“Is too!” Euphemia glanced over at James, confusion written all over her face. When James just shrugged she turned to Fleamont. He gave her a shrug as well, then hurriedly hid his grin behind the morning paper.