Eclipsed

The marble floors of the Ministry of Magic gleamed under the fluorescent lights, reflecting the bustling energy of the Atrium. James Potter and Dorcas Meadowes walked side by side, their footsteps echoing softly as they navigated through the crowds of witches and wizards going about their daily business. James’s cane was folded and tucked beneath his left arm, concealed as Dorcas led the way, James holding onto her elbow with his right.

They turned down a corridor lined with polished wood and elegant, frosted glass partitions. Each office door was marked with a sleek bronze nameplate, and the air was filled with the soft hum of conversations and the occasional rustle of parchment. As they approached the end of the corridor, the door to the office they were heading to came into view.

The door was adorned with a simple yet stylish sign that read “Wizengamot- Elias Thorn.” James could feel the subtle shift in the atmosphere as they neared the door, the buzz of anticipation tangible in the air.

Dorcas gave the door a gentle knock before opening it. Inside, the office was a blend of modernity and warmth. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with legal tomes, magical artifacts, and a few framed certificates and accolades. A large mahogany desk stood in the center of the room, its surface neatly organized with stacks of parchment and an array of magical quills and inkpots. A window behind the desk let in a generous amount of natural light, casting a pleasant glow over the room.

At the desk sat a young wizard with an air of calm authority. He was in his early thirties, with a sharp, intelligent gaze that contrasted with his tousled brown hair and easygoing demeanor. 

The man stood up as James and Dorcas entered, offering a warm, welcoming smile. “Ms. Meadowes, Mr. Potter—good to see you both! I’m Elias Thorn, Wizengamot member and your supervisor during your internship.”

James extended his hand, feeling the firmness of Elias’s handshake as the older man met his. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Thorn. I’m excited to start.”

Elias’s smile widened. “Please, call me Elias. I’m thrilled to have you both here. Your enthusiasm and commitment to Muggleborn rights and the rights of all individuals in our society are exactly what we need in the Wizengamot.”

Dorcas gave Elias a bright smile. “I’m really looking forward to working with you, Elias. I’ve heard great things about your office.”

Elias nodded appreciatively. “Thank you, Ms. Meadowes. I’m proud of the initiatives we’ve undertaken here. Our goal is to promote fair and just treatment for everyone, regardless of their background. Having passionate and dedicated individuals like yourselves on the team will only help us advance that cause.”

He gestured towards a couple of chairs opposite his desk. “Why don’t you both have a seat? I’d like to go over some of the projects you’ll be working on and answer any questions you might have.”

As they settled into the chairs, Elias began outlining the various tasks and projects that awaited them. His enthusiasm was palpable as he spoke about their upcoming responsibilities.

“We have several key initiatives underway,” Elias began, leaning forward with a grin. “Firstly, we’re working on revising the regulations governing the treatment of Muggleborns. This involves updating the existing laws to ensure that Muggleborns receive equal access to resources and opportunities, and addressing any discriminatory practices that may still be in place.”

James nodded, his interest piqued. “What kind of changes are you looking to implement?”

Elias adjusted his glasses and continued. “We’re aiming to make magical education more accessible and inclusive, develop support systems for Muggleborn students facing discrimination, and advocate for better representation of Muggleborns in the magical workforce. You’ll be involved in drafting proposals, conducting research, and meeting with advocacy groups to gather insights.”

Dorcas’s eyes lit up. “That sounds incredible.”

Elias smiled. “Absolutely. Additionally, we’re focusing on the rights of magical beings and other sentient creatures. This includes addressing issues related to their legal status, living conditions, and integration into magical society. We’re working on legislation to improve the welfare of house-elves, centaurs, werewolves, and other beings who often face unjust treatment.”

James’s brow furrowed slightly. “What specific projects are there for that?”

Elias responded, “We’re drafting a comprehensive report on the status of magical creatures, evaluating existing laws, and proposing new measures to protect their rights. We’re also collaborating with various organizations to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. Your tasks will include analyzing case studies, attending meetings with representatives from these groups, and contributing to policy drafts.”

Dorcas nodded thoughtfully. “It sounds like there’s a lot of important work to be done.”

Elias leaned back in his chair, his expression one of satisfaction. “Indeed. We’re lucky to have you both on board.” 

As the meeting wrapped up, the older man’s expression grew more serious. He leaned forward, clasping his hands on the desk. “Before you both head out, there’s one more thing we need to discuss. Given the nature of the work you’ll be involved in, particularly regarding Muggleborn rights and the welfare of magical beings, it’s important that you both stay aware of potential risks.”

James and Dorcas exchanged curious glances. Elias continued, his tone somber. “We’ve been receiving threats from blood purists who oppose the changes we’re trying to implement. These individuals are quite vocal and, unfortunately, sometimes resort to intimidation. I want you both to be cautious and prepared for some backlash.”

Dorcas’s expression tightened with concern. “Threats? How serious are they?”

Elias nodded grimly. “We’ve had a few incidents where objects were left at our office, and there have been threatening notes. Nothing has escalated beyond that, but it’s crucial to be vigilant. If you ever feel unsafe or notice anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to contact security.”

James’s jaw clenched, but he nodded in understanding. “I appreciate the heads-up, Mr. Thorn. We’ll be careful.”

Elias’s gaze shifted to James, and his expression softened with concern. “Mr. Potter, I also wanted to check in about any accommodations you might need to perform your tasks effectively. I understand you’re managing a significant visual impairment, and we want to ensure you have everything necessary to do your job well.”

James hesitated for a moment, feeling a flush of embarrassment. He appreciated the offer but wasn’t sure how to articulate his needs. 

“Well, to be transparent with you, I can see a bit, mostly some blurs of colors but nothing very detailed, and I would have to hold something very, very close to my face to begin to try and see something, and nothing in the periphery, which means that mostly I shouldn't be working with anything related to photographs or images” James began, taking a deep breath. “If it isn’t too much trouble, it would also be helpful to have a quiet workspace- especially since for written texts I use audio-transcription spells, and it’s easier for me to focus with less background noise.”

Elias nodded attentively. “I can arrange that for you. Anything else?”

James continued, his voice slightly rushed. “I’d really need text versions of anything that’s, you know, verbally or visually shared. Like, if there are charts or images in meetings, I’d need them described in text, so I can follow along. It’s… just easier for me, since then I can get like, my own mental image later when I look back at it. And, if it’s not a bother, if someone could show me around the office, like, actually take me through where everything is—meeting rooms and offices and all that—so I can get a better mental map, that would be really helpful. It’d also be great if people could announce themselves when they come up to speak with me, and maybe try not to leave things on the floor? I don’t want to, you know, accidentally bump into something or someone, and cause a scene or anything. Just, I guess, a bit of extra consideration would really help.”

Elias chuckled softly, clearly touched by James’s nervousness. “James, you’re doing perfectly fine. We want you to succeed, and I’ll make sure we provide whatever support you need to make that happen. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you think of anything else.”

Dorcas, trying to lighten the mood, interjected with a playful smile, “And if you could arrange for people to stop being racist, that would be fantastic.”

Elias and James laughed, the tension easing a bit as the room filled with more relaxed energy. “I wish I could wave a wand and fix that,” Elias said with a grin. “But we’ll definitely do everything we can to make your experience here as smooth as possible.”

As they said their goodbyes, and left the office, Dorcas turned to James with a bright smile. “Elias really seems like a great guy. I’m so excited to get started.”

James nodded, his mood brightening despite the underlying anxiety. “I agree. He seems very supportive.”

They made their way out of the office, their steps lighter after the positive exchange. However, the concern about potential backlash from their work lingered in the back of their minds. The promise of important work ahead was exhilarating, but the shadow of possible hostility cast a more somber tone over their enthusiasm. Despite this, both were committed to the cause, ready to face challenges from their colleagues and whatever dark forces were around them head on.

Sirius Black arrived at the Lupin household with a sense of foreboding that had become all too familiar. The modest home, nestled in the Welsh countryside, usually exuded warmth and comfort. Tonight, however, the air was thick with anxiety and worry. He knocked on the door, and it was quickly opened by Lyall, his tall frame and broad shoulders filling the doorway. 

“Sirius, come in,” Lyall said, his voice steady but his eyes betraying his concern. “We’re just getting settled in for the night.”

“Thanks, Lyall,” Sirius replied, stepping inside and shrugging off his coat. “Any word from Remus?”

Lyall shook his head. “Not since the last owl. We’re hoping he’ll make it back before moonrise.”

As Sirius entered the living room, he was struck by Hope Lupin’s appearance. She looked tired and a bit frazzled, with worry lines etched on her face. Her hair, usually vibrant, seemed duller, and there was a weariness in her eyes that spoke of many sleepless nights.

“Hope, are you alright?” Sirius asked, his healer instincts kicking in. “You’re looking a little under the weather.” 

Hope forced a smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m fine, Sirius. Just a bit stressed, that’s all.”

Sirius frowned. “Are you sure? I could—”

“I said I’m fine,” Hope interrupted, her tone sharper than she intended, and Sirius flinched, and inhaled sharply. She softened immediately, remembering all that Remus had told her about Sirius’ childhood, and the abuse he’d suffered from his mother. Gently she reached out to touch Sirius’s arm. “I’m so sorry, cariad, I didn't mean to raise my voice. I’m okay. It’s okay. Really, it’s just the worry about Remus.”

Lyall placed a hand on Sirius’s shoulder, his silent presence backing up his wife’s words. Sirius tried to relax, and took a long breath out. 

“Promise me you’ll let me check you out if you’re not feeling better soon, though, alright?” he said.

Hope nodded, avoiding his gaze. “Of course.”

They moved to the living room where they prepared to wait for Remus. The hours ticked by, the tension in the room growing thicker with each passing minute. The moon rose, casting a silver light through the windows, but there was no sign of Remus.

“This is the second month in a row,” Sirius muttered, pacing restlessly. “Dumbledore sending him off for ‘research.’ It’s a load of rubbish. What if something happens to him during the transformation?”

Hope looked up at Sirius, her face etched with worry. “Sirius, dear, you’re wearing yourself out. You should try to rest.”

Sirius shook his head, his expression fierce. “I can’t rest, Hope. Not with him out there, not knowing where he is or if he’s safe. He should be with us. He needs to be with us.”

Lyall placed a reassuring hand on Hope’s shoulder. “We have to trust that he’ll be okay. He’s strong, and he’s been through worse.”

Hope nodded, though her eyes betrayed her fear. “You’re right. He’ll be fine.”

The night dragged on, each hour feeling like an eternity. They stayed up, waiting for any sign of Remus. As the first light of dawn began to filter through the windows, their hopes dwindled. Remus still hadn’t returned.

Lyall, who had been silent for hours, looked at Sirius for a long moment, pursing his lips as he decided what to say. “Sirius, do you think you could speak to Dumbledore on our behalf? Maybe get some answers?”

Sirius stopped pacing, looking at Lyall. “I’ll try. But you know how he is. Getting a straight answer from Dumbledore is like catching smoke with your bare hands.”

The night dragged on, and Remus still didn’t show up. As the first light of dawn crept into the sky, Sirius stood up, stretching his stiff limbs.

“I need to get to work,” he said, trying to mask his exhaustion. “Hope, Lyall, I’ll do my best to find out what’s going on with Dumbledore.”

Hope’s worry was clear in her eyes. “Sirius, you haven’t slept. Are you sure you’re up for this?”

Sirius gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m fine, really. I’ll grab a coffee when I get there. Don’t worry about me.”

He stepped outside, the cold morning air waking him up a bit. With a final wave, he Apparated to St. Mungo’s, arriving just in time for his shift. The bustling hospital was a stark contrast to the quiet tension of the Lupins' home, but Sirius couldn’t shake the worry gnawing at his mind.

The dim light of the early evening cast long shadows across the corridors of Hogwarts. James and Sirius approached the headmaster’s office, their footsteps muffled on the old stone floors. The office door, with its dark wood and ornate silver handle, stood imposing and unyielding. Sirius knocked briskly, and after a moment, the door creaked open. Dumbledore’s calm presence was immediately apparent as he looked up from behind his desk, a faint smile touching his lips.

“Mr. Black, Mr Potter. So glad you could join me this afternoon. Please, come in.” 

The room was as they remembered it: filled with eclectic trinkets and soft, golden light from the enchanted candles. Dumbledore glided around them and sat in the grand chair behind his desk, his blue eyes studying them with a hint of curiosity, and amusement, Sirius would later say. 

“So, what brings you here today?” Dumbledore asked, his gaze shifting between the two men.

James spoke first, his tone polite but tinged with urgency. “Professor, we’re here about Remus. It’s been over two months since he’s been unreachable. We just want to know how he’s doing.”

Dumbledore’s expression became solemn. “I understand your concern. Mr. Lupin is involved in an important project. Unfortunately, I cannot disclose the specifics due to its sensitive nature.”

Sirius’s jaw tightened. “Important project? Is that what you call it? Remus hasn’t been here for the past two moons, and I’m– his parents– they– we’re worried about him. Is he safe? Does he have access to proper care for his transformation?”

Dumbledore’s eyes softened, but his resolve remained firm. “Rest assured, Sirius, Remus’ work is crucial to keeping our world safe. I can assure you that he is in good hands.”

James’s voice grew more urgent. “But what kind of work is so important that it justifies leaving him without the usual treatment and recovery time he received prior to his working for you?

“It's not a matter of disregarding his well-being,” Dumbledore replied gently. “The nature of his work is critical to national security. I understand your concern, but I assure you, Remus is safe and receiving care.”

James glanced at Sirius, sensing his mounting distress. “Dumbledore, can you at least give us some specifics? How is he coping? Does he have the support he needs?”

Dumbledore’s face remained impassive. “I’m afraid I can’t divulge details of his location or the specifics of his situation. However, I can confirm that he is being cared for after each full moon.”

Sirius’s face flushed with anger, and his voice grew louder. “Cared for? Cared for how? Does whoever he’s with even know what he goes through? Do they know how his hip dislocates almost every time, but he sometimes won’t tell anyone because of how much it hurts to get it back in? Does anyone know how hard it is to make him eat because he sometimes stops on his own? You say he’s being cared for, but is it real care, or stupidly trusting Remus when he says he’s fine on his own?”

Dumbledore’s expression shifted from calm to one of surprise and genuine concern. “Mr. Black, I—”

“No,” Sirius interrupted, his voice trembling. “You don’t get to just brush this off. You can’t—You can’t just throw him into a situation and assume it’s all right. We know him- he could be in pain, alone, in danger and we would never know if something happened– and you’re supposed to be responsible! I bet you wouldn’t even look for him, if you never heard from him again.”

Dumbledore looked taken aback, his usual composure slipping. “I’m truly sorry, my boy. I can’t reveal any more information. What I can say is that Remus’s situation is closely monitored, and he is being well taken care of.”

Sirius’ breath stopped. For a moment, his anger seemed to dissipate, replaced by a profound sadness. But as quickly as it came, Sirius’s grief quickly turned back to fury.

“You know what?” Sirius snapped, his voice rising again. “It’s not just about the damn care. It’s about the fact that you’re hiding him away like some dirty secret. If his work is so important, then why not let us know what’s going on? Why not let us help, instead of making his parents worry themselves sick?”

Dumbledore’s face showed a flicker of hurt, but he remained resolute. “I understand your frustration, but I cannot compromise the security of the project.”

“Security?” Sirius roared. “What about Remus’s security? You’re so wrapped up in your so-called secrets that you’re ignoring the very real, very dangerous situation he’s in. If you cared about him, really cared, you wouldn’t leave him out there alone, not knowing if he’s safe or not. You’d find a way to make sure he’s getting the care he needs.”

Dumbledore’s calm demeanor faltered as he struggled to respond. “Sirius, I’m truly sorry. I cannot give you any more details, but I assure you, Remus’s safety is our top priority.”

James, feeling the tension between Sirius and Dumbledore reaching a breaking point, placed a steadying hand on Sirius’s shoulder. “Sirius, let’s go. We’ve done all we can here.”

Sirius, still fuming, took a deep breath and nodded, before finding James’ hand and sticking it to his elbow, guiding him toward the door. As they walked out, James could feel the emotions coming off Sirius in waves—anger, frustration, and a deep sense of helplessness.

As they exited Hogwarts and the crisp spring air met them, both men felt the weight of their worries but remained resolute. James kept a steady hand on Sirius, offering silent support.

“James,” Sirius said in a broken voice, “I just don’t know what to do.”

James gave him a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll just have to wait.” 

The dimly lit restaurant in Hogsmeade was a cozy haven from the chilly evening air. James and Sirius arrived first, finding a booth in the corner. James fidgeted with his glasses, trying to shake off the tension from the day’s earlier confrontation with Dumbledore. Sirius, his usual bravado somewhat dimmed, rubbed his temples in frustration.

“Hey,” Lily greeted, sliding into the booth beside James and kissing him on the cheek. “How did it go with Dumbledore?”

Peter followed Lily, taking a seat next to Sirius. “Yeah, did you get anything useful out of him?”

Sirius’s expression was a mix of anger and exhaustion. “Nothing useful. He kept dodging our questions and insisted that Remus’s work is vital for national security.” Sirius rolled his eyes, and lily let out a loud scoff. 

“National security? It sounds like a load of crap.” She took a sip from James’ butterbeer while Peter nodded in agreement

James rubbed his temples, his anxiety evident. “I just don’t get it. How can he say Remus is fine and then refuse to tell us anything? It doesn’t add up.”

Lily frowned, her usual fiery demeanor igniting. “It’s obvious something more serious is going on. Dumbledore’s being cryptic, and that’s never a good sign. What kind of research could possibly be so critical that it justifies keeping Remus in the dark? And why keep him away from us like that?”

Peter finally spoke up. “Maybe it’s something involving more than just Remus, something dangerous.” 

Sirius leaned forward, his eyes blazing. “But why the secrecy? What’s so dangerous that it requires Remus to be kept away from everyone who cares about him? It’s not just research if they’re going to these lengths.”

James shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his hands clasped tightly on the table. “What if Dumbledore’s not telling us everything? What if Remus is in some sort of trouble and he’s trying to protect us by keeping us out of it?”

Sirius’s face darkened. “I don’t trust Dumbledore. If they’re saying he’s ‘safe,’ but won’t give us details, it sounds like they’re covering up something.”

Peter looked thoughtful, his brows furrowed. “Do you think it’s possible that Dumbledore’s withholding information because it’s tied to something, like a high-stakes operation or dark magic or something? Remus wouldn’t be used as a pawn without a significant reason.”

Lily’s eyes narrowed. “Or maybe they’re using him in some way that we can’t even imagine. Whatever it is, it’s clearly something they don’t want us to know. And keeping Remus away from us? That’s just cruel.”

James sighed heavily, his anxiety palpable. “We need to figure out what’s really going on. And stop calling Remus a pawn, Wormtail. He’s a person.” 

Sirius let out an angry hum. “If Dumbledore won’t be honest with us, then we have to find out what he’s hiding.” His hands clenched into fists. “Where do we start? We don’t have any leads or evidence, just a lot of unanswered questions.”

Lily shrugged. “So what? We’ll keep an eye out for anything unusual. Maybe someone will hear something.”

Sirius’s gaze was intense, his frustration not entirely subsided. “We need to be prepared for anything. And if Dumbledore won’t give us answers, we’ll have to find them ourselves.”

Sirius stood at the doorstep of the Lupin residence, a sense of foreboding settling in his chest. The morning sun cast long shadows across the yard, but the bright light did little to lift his spirits. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

Hope Lupin answered, her appearance even more frail than the last time Sirius had seen her. Her smile was warm, but it didn't reach her tired eyes. “Sirius, come in. Lyall and I were just having breakfast.”

Sirius followed her inside, noting the slight tremble in her hands as she led him to the kitchen. Lyall looked up from his coffee, his expression neutral but with a hint of concern.

“Sirius,” Lyall greeted, gesturing for him to sit. “Any news?”

Sirius took a seat, his gaze shifting between Hope and Lyall. “I spoke with Dumbledore yesterday. James and I tried to get answers about where Remus is and what he’s doing. But...”

Hope’s face fell. “But he didn’t tell you anything, did he?”

Sirius shook his head, frustration evident in his eyes. “No. He insisted that Remus’s work is crucial and that he’s safe, but he wouldn’t give us any specifics. It feels like he’s hiding something.”

Lyall’s grip tightened around his coffee cup. “I feared as much. Dumbledore always has his reasons, but it doesn’t make it any easier for us.”

Hope’s eyes filled with tears, her voice barely above a whisper. “We’ve always known there was a risk, when Dumbledore accepted him into Hogwarts, and when he offered him a job. We knew there’d be conditions, that we’d have to pay him back somehow. But Remus has never been gone this long without a word. I’m so scared for him.”

Sirius reached out, placing a comforting hand on Hope’s. “We’ll keep listening for any news. If we hear anything from Remus, we’ll let you know immediately.”

Lyall nodded, his expression softening. “Thank you.”

Hope managed a small smile. “Thank you, Sirius. Just knowing you’re looking out for him means a lot.”

Sirius hesitated for a moment, glancing at Hope. She looked tired, but he remembered what she’d said to him only a few days ago, and kept quiet. “Take care of yourselves. I’ll keep you updated if we learn anything new.”

Sirius sat alone in the breakroom at St. Mungos, a textbook open on the table in front of him, and the clock ticking as the end of his break approached. The accelerated healing program was great in that it got him practicing much faster than the typical three-year training program would’ve, but the downside was that he was still taking exams and completing training courses on top of an almost full-time schedule. 

It’s good to be busy, Sirius thought to himself. I know what would happen if I wasn’t. He was exhausted, and upset, and sad, more than anything, missing Remus and worried that something bad had happened to his boyfriend. Sirius knew what he wanted to do, to feel better, but he also knew exactly what he shouldn’t do. However, the temptation was almost unbearable, the desire to drown his anger and sadness in alcohol clawing at him.

But he couldn’t. Not after everything. Not after the promises he’d made to himself, to Remus, to James, and to Effie.

Sirius closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He needed to hold on. For Remus. For himself. He could almost hear Effie’s voice in his head, gentle but firm, reminding him that he was stronger than his cravings.

Effie’s surprise visits to St. Mungo’s had become a lifeline. Every day around lunchtime, just as Sirius felt his resolve weakening, she would appear, her smile brightening his day. Effie, once a renowned healer at St. Mungo’s, had retired but still carried the air of authority and compassion that had made her a legend.

His 10 minute break over, he set out on the floor of the magical burns unit, Sirius’ least favorite. He was 3 hours deep, in the middle of his rounds when he heard her familiar voice. “Sirius, darling, how’s my favorite healer doing today?”

He turned, a genuine smile breaking through his somber expression. “Mum!”

Effie walked over, her eyes twinkling with warmth. “Meal break, my dear, I’ve already talked to the head healer, and it’s settled. Let’s sit and talk.”

And so they would, Effie bringing Sirius back to reality when he needed it, not to mention some good food and a break where some other first-year healers might not get one. It was good for him to get out of his head even if only for a half hour. 

The mornings with James were another anchor, a ritual of camaraderie and support. They ran with a tether, James’ hand gripping one end while Sirius held the other, guiding him through the familiar paths.

One chilly morning, as they jogged through the park, James broke the silence. “How are you holding up, Padfoot?”

Sirius hesitated, the rhythmic sound of their footsteps filling the pause. “I’m managing. It’s hard, though..”

James squeezed the tether lightly. “He’ll be back soon, I know it. And in the meantime, we stick together, alright? Just like we always have.”

Sirius nodded, the determination in James’ voice giving him strength. “Thanks, Prongs.”

As the sun rose higher, casting a golden hue over the park, Sirius felt a flicker of hope.