Chapter 2
2
As James and Hari drove toward Sirius and Remus’s home, the soft hum of the engine was the only sound filling the air. James glanced in the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of Hari's reflection. The little boy was animatedly chattering away about all the fun things they could do with Uncle Pads and Moony.
“Daddy, do you think we can have pizza for dinner?” Hari asked, his voice bright with excitement.
James smiled, his heart swelling with affection. “Of course, Jaan. We can even make it a pizza party. What do you think?”
“Yay! Can we put pineapple on it?” Hari’s eyes sparkled with mischief.
James chuckled, “Only if you promise to share, and no complaints about it being fruit on pizza!”
“Deal!” Hari giggled, clapping his hands.
James found comfort in their lighthearted banter. It was moments like these that reminded him why he had chosen this path. His heart swelled with love, and he hoped that their new life would be filled with laughter and joy, far away from the shadows of Sam.
They arrived at Sirius and Remus’s home, a cozy cottage nestled among tall trees. The scent of baked goods wafted through the air as they stepped inside. Sirius was busy in the kitchen, his dark hair slightly tousled, flour dusting his cheeks.
“James! Hari!” Sirius exclaimed, dropping the whisk as he rushed over to envelop them both in a warm embrace. “I’m so glad you’re here!”
“Uncle Pads!” Hari squealed, wrapping his little arms around Sirius’s waist.
“Hey there, buddy!” Sirius replied, lifting him effortlessly. “You ready for some fun?”
James smiled at the sight. “Just make sure he doesn’t eat all the cookie dough before it gets baked, alright?”
Sirius laughed, “No promises! I might need some of that myself.”
“Not if Moony catches you!” James replied with a teasing grin.
“Speaking of which,” Remus called from the living room, his accent warm and inviting. “I’ve set up a movie night. Hope you’re both ready for popcorn and chaos!”
“Always!” James replied, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders as he settled into this familiar warmth. The three of them had built a family of sorts—one where love and understanding prevailed, and the past was just that: a distant memory.
As they settled into the living room, the comforting sounds of Remus setting up the movie filled the space. James watched as Sirius and Remus exchanged playful banter in both English and French, the easy rhythm of their relationship evident in their interactions.
“Remus, tu veux du pop-corn?” Sirius asked, throwing in a cheeky wink.
“Only if you promise to stop eating it all before I get any!” Remus shot back, a playful glint in his eyes.
James couldn’t help but chuckle, feeling the warmth of belonging wrap around him like a cozy blanket. He leaned over to Hari, who was eagerly chattering about his favorite movies, and said softly in Urdu, “Hari Jaan, you’re lucky to have such amazing uncles.”
“Main jaanta hoon, Daddy!” Hari replied, his excitement palpable. “Uncle Pads and Moony are the best!”
As the movie started, the flickering light from the screen cast a warm glow around the room. James felt a sense of peace settle over him, knowing that this was where they belonged—together, safe, and loved.