Epilogue
August 1995
‘Open it.’
‘Oh Sirius, what’s this?’
It was the last day of the summer, and they were sitting on the patio, soaking up the last of the sun's rays. Remus was due at Hogwarts the next day, as was Harry who would be coming up on the train, having spent the last week of the holidays at The Burrow.
‘I had to get something. A going away present.’
‘I’m going to be back every night I’m not on duty - like tomorrow night, for example -’
‘Open it.’
Remus pulled at the ribbon and unpeeled the spellotape, revealing a dark brown leather briefcase. He ran his thumb across the embossed initials that glimmered in the sunshine.
‘Thought you needed an upgrade - from the one you’ve been using since school - think I found a bit of it under the sofa the other day -’
‘It’s beautiful,’ Remus said, ‘I love it.’
Sirius smiled at him, and looked away, out over the garden towards the trees. Remus watched him for a moment, taking in every inch of him, his dark hair, almost at his shoulders now, his grey eyes half closed against the setting sun, his arms clasped across his chest, hands half covered by the tatty sleeves of the old jumper he had pulled on in the chill of the evening. It was something he found himself doing more and more these days: just looking at Sirius, revelling in the sight of him, unable to drag his eyes away. Sometimes he wondered if it was his body’s way of making up for lost time, letting his eyes and brain have their fill of something that should have been a daily staple. Sometimes he thought it was the only way he could stay sure that any of this was real.
‘It’ll be OK you know,’ he said, reaching out and unfolding Sirius’ arms, taking one of his hands in his own.
‘I know,’ Sirius said, ‘I know.’
February 1996
‘Oh my god what am I going to do?’
‘Look, it’s fine, you’ve just got to talk to him, Harry, honestly, he’s your best friend -’
‘He’s going to kill me -’
‘He’s not going to kill you, you just need to explain -’
‘What’s happened?’ Sirius said, coming into the kitchen, and setting his bike helmet down on the table. ‘Why all the panic?’
Harry didn’t reply, instead looking wide eyed at Remus, as if he had lost the ability to speak and it was obvious that Remus should fill in the blanks.
‘Harry’s asked Ginny on a date to Madam Puddifoot’s.’
SIrius grinned, coming forward to clap Harry on the back, ‘Absolutely excellent work. Puddifoot’s is very romantic isn’t it Moons? I remember when we first went there -’ He faltered as Remus shook his head quickly, ‘So - what’s the problem? She didn’t - she didn’t say no did she?’
Harry still said nothing, his eyes firmly on the tabletop.
‘She didn’t say no,’ Remus confirmed, ‘In fact, it seems like it was quite an enthusiastic yes,’ he glanced at Harry whose cheeks were now very pink. ‘The problem is that Ron doesn’t know yet.’
‘Oh,’ Sirius said, sitting down opposite Remus, ‘I see.’
‘He’s going to kill me,’ Harry whispered again, eyes still fixed in the same spot.
‘He’s not,’ Sirius said, ‘Listen, if you’re serious about her, you’ve just got to talk to him about it. He knows you’re a good guy, you’ve just got to be honest with him.’
‘What am I going to say?’ Harry replied, looking up at them, the terror clear in his eyes. ‘Hey mate, by the way, hope it’s OK, but I’ve asked out your little sister?!’
‘You just need to set it out, make your intentions clear. Show him he doesn’t need to worry about his sister, and he doesn’t need to worry about losing his best friend.’
‘Oh no!’ Harry cried, ‘I hadn’t even thought about it from that angle. You think he’ll think that?’
‘He won’t think that,’ Remus added quickly, ‘But make sure he knows it anyway.’
Harry groaned, dropping his head into his hands.
‘And if all else fails, you could just remind him you gave him a Firebolt?’
‘Sirius!’
December 1996
‘Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Oh thank you! Do come through - Harry dear, let me take that from you. Oh fantastic. Presents under the tree, yes, come on through.’
Andromeda ushered them through into the kitchen, taking their coats and sending them off into the hall cupboard with a flick of her wand. Remus found a drink in his hand, almost without noticing where it had come from, and sat down as directed in a chair somewhere in the middle of the long table. Sirius emerged from between hugs and greetings sitting opposite him, Harry a couple of seats to his left between Dora and - Draco.
He watched Dora grin at Harry as he sat down, ruffling his hair and earning an eye roll in return. She chatted to him for a few seconds before -
‘Erm - sorry, mum? Is this? Have you put me on the kids’ table?’
Andromeda tutted vaguely and waved a tea towel at her, but continued her conversation with Alastor, who seemed to be several whiskeys deep already.
‘So you're still seeing her then?’ he heard Andy say, quietly, her wine glass held over her lips at an attempt at secrecy.
‘On and off -’
‘You could've brought her -’
‘She's mad as a box of cats -’
‘Alastor, what the heart wants -’
He was distracted by Ted, settling into the seat beside him.
‘Food’ll be out soon,’ he said, ‘Just waiting for the potatoes. How are you guys doing? Haven't seen you since Halloween - hope you've recovered -’
Remus chuckled, remembering slightly nervously the tray of mystery shots Andy and Sirius had brought out around midnight.
‘Yeah, just about.’
‘Don’t worry,’ Ted said with a grin, ‘At the rate she's going, she'll be in bed by 10. How's the teaching going? Still good? And Sirius' project?’
‘Yeah, yeah still good. Really enjoying it, actually,’ he smiled to himself, ‘Actually just introduced a new module, about the history of the Dark Arts. Good to put it all in context, you know?’
‘Sure, sure,’ Ted nodded, ‘Those who cannot learn from history and all that -’
‘Exactly. And I think the book is going well,’ Remus nodded to Sirius, who was engaged in what looked like a very entertaining conversation with Narcissa, ‘Still editing it, but it's been really cathartic for him I think, putting all of Regulus’ work to good use - should be out end of next year.’
‘Brilliant, brilliant,’ Ted said, as Sirius let out a shriek of laughter and Narcissa clapped a hand over his mouth, her eyes wide with warning.
‘What do you think they're talking about?’ Remus asked.
‘Cissy’s dating again,’ Ted said, raising his eyebrows and rising out of his chair. ‘Think those potatoes will be about done now.’
July 1997
‘OK, here it is! A first pint for the birthday boy! Aberforth sends his regards -’
‘You guys know this isn't my first pint right?’
‘Well first time I've bought you one -’
‘It isn't-’
‘Well,’ Sirius shrugged, ‘First time I've bought you one legally then. Happy Birthday Harry!’
‘Cheers.’
Harry smiled as they clinked their glasses, taking a large sip of his drink, and choking in surprise.
‘Sirius what is this?’
‘Hog’s Head Brew,’ Sirius replied, ‘Ab’s special recipe. Put a few hairs on your chest.’
‘Uh - great,’ Harry replied, taking another much more careful sip and wincing slightly, ‘Mmm.’
‘You don't have to drink it Harry,’ Remus began.
‘So, what are the plans this evening? Is everyone coming round? Should we order in or -’
‘Yeah, meeting at ours, Harry said, ‘But then, we were actually thinking of going out. Now everyone's seventeen, you know.’
‘Oh,’ Sirius’ face fell only slightly, and he recovered himself quickly. ‘Yeah, sounds great.’
‘It’s just -’ Harry had caught it, ‘They’ve had to wait so long for me to be able to get in anywhere, you know -’
‘I told you I'd charm you a fake ID -’
‘I’m unfortunately quite recognisable, Sirius.’
‘I don't think so, your new glasses-’
‘It sounds fun, Harry,’ Remus said, ‘Make sure you look after each other, and let us know if you end up staying the night somewhere else.’
‘Oh no, we’ll be back here for sure,’ Harry replied, ‘Ron’s mum isn't - and Mrs Longbottom - also not cool,’ he laughed nervously and Remus wondered if he was also remembering the time Augusta had arrived on their doorstep, Harry’s earlobe between two of her fingers, raving about something the boys had decided to do with fire in the middle of her manicured lawn.
‘Do you hear that, Moony?’ Sirius grinned, ‘We’re the cool house.’
Remus smiled, ‘Is it just you four then?’
‘Maybe a couple of others,’ Harry said, dismissively, looking down at his drink.
‘Ah ok, er - cool,’ Sirius said, and Remus smiled at the clear effort it was taking for him not to probe further.
Later that evening, they watched as Harry and his friends disappeared through the Floo, headed for the Leaky Cauldron and then - well Remus dreaded to think. Sirius leaned round him, pouring them both another glass of wine.
‘Do you think he'll be alright?’
‘I think he'll have a sore head tomorrow morning, but other than that, yeah. I think he'll be just fine.’
November 1997
‘Sirius! Sirius! It's here! I think this is it!
Sirius clattered into the kitchen, seizing the parcel Remus had just untied from the leg of an enormous eagle owl. It bowed its head and took flight again, soaring back over the cottage.
‘Open it!’
‘I am!’ Sirius replied, struggling with the knot on the string that held the paper. ‘Cut it.’
Remus severed the string with a flick of his wand, and Sirius pulled the paper off, revealing a clothbound book, its green cover inlaid with golden letters, positioned above an illustration of a fat cauldron filled with bubbling potion.
An Introduction to Creative Potion Brewing by Regulus Black
Edited by Sirius Black
With foreword by Severus Snape.
‘It’s beautiful,’ Remus said, reaching out to run a finger across the text as Sirius slid into one of the kitchen chairs, holding the book reverently in front of him.
‘There’s this as well,’ Remus spoke again, pushing an envelope across the table, ‘It fell out of the paper.’
Sirius opened it, turning the piece of parchment over in his hands.
‘It’s the review for the paper,’ he said, ‘The one they'll publish on the release date.’
‘Have you read it?’
‘Not yet -’
He unfolded the parchment and smoothed it out between them.
It is a special kind of wizard who takes the magic he has learned in school, holds it in his hands, examines it, and finds a way to further it. It requires creativity and foresight, and a singular kind of determination. The ideas in this book show us that Regulus Black was such a wizard. A man unbound by what he knew, and inspired by what he didn't.
Collated from material found posthumously by his brother Sirius, this book takes all the potions you should know (plus a few you shouldn't!) and shows you the power of thinking outside the cauldron.
The love and care that has gone into this book can be felt through the pages, with anecdotes about the use and significance of each potion in the life of the writer, offering a rare insight into the home of one of the wizarding community’s most infamous families. If you thought you knew something about the Blacks, I can assure you, it was wrong. Coupled with a foreword by one of this century's most esteemed potioneers, this is a book not to be missed.
August 1998
‘This, Harry?’
‘Yeah, thanks.’
‘This one?’
‘Mmm, no that can stay here.’
Remus hooked the hanger back into the wardrobe, moving onto the next one.
‘This?’
‘It’s August. I'm moving to London, not the South Pole -’
‘They have winter in London -’
‘Yeah but I'll be back before then -’
Remus refolded the jumper and placed it back in Harry’s chest of drawers, instead stacking a pile of t-shirts in one corner of his trunk. They had been encouraging him to get packed for days, but he had inevitably left it until the last minute and it was now a team effort. Remus was on clothes, and Sirius -
‘Oh Merlin, look at this one. Look at you, you were so sweet -’
He held up the photo album, now thick with years of memories. It was the photograph of Harry on the beach at Pwll Du, on the rock that Lily had sat on -
‘Sirius are you going to put anything in the trunk or -?’
‘Are you taking this with you?’ Sirius asked, turning another page and holding up another photo. ‘Look, it's your fourteenth birthday. Look at Neville's little face -’
‘Sirius!’
Sirius sighed and closed the album, packing it carefully between two sweatshirts, and reaching for Harry’s stack of Quidditch annuals.
‘Are you taking any of these? Hey, imagine, this time next year, you'll be in one!’
Harry huffed and shook his head, ‘It’s just the academy for now. You know they don't -’
‘Would you sign it for us?’ Remus added, grinning at Harry as he rolled his eyes. ‘We could frame it. Hang it up in the downstairs loo -’
‘Stop it!’
Remus dropped a pair of trousers into Harry's trunk, and settled himself on the floor beside it, looking around at Harry's room: the posters and flags pasted across the walls, the trainers kicked under the bed, the shelves higgledy piggledy with years of novels and textbooks. He looked at his desk, letters from friends pinned up around it, Hermione's elegant script, and what looked like a rather rude drawing from Ron. The school books piled in one corner, the Quidditch robes fling across a chair.
‘You’ll want your broomstick stuff out the shed,’ Sirius said, and Harry nodded, getting up to clamber across the room towards the door. They listened as he thundered down the stairs.
‘Can you believe it?’ Sirius said, leaning back against the trunk, ‘All grown up and off to flying school.’
‘Whatever will we do with an empty house?’ Remus asked, tossing a pair of socks at him.
‘I can think of a few things.’
June 2007
‘Where’s Sirius? Have you seen him?’
‘He’s just getting the last few guests seated. He’ll be here any sec -’
‘Ok, ok and the rings?
‘Got them. Safe and sound. Nothing to worry about.’
‘Ok.’
‘Ok?’
‘Yeah - what about -’
‘Everything is sorted, Harry, there is literally nothing to worry about.’
Ron appeared at the door, looking rather dashing in a dark blue suit, his red hair combed neatly to one side.
‘Ready?’
‘Ready.’
*
‘It was a beautiful ceremony, just lovely.’
‘Thank you. It was -’
‘Absolutely stunning, I can't believe he's all grown up!’
‘Yes, I know -’
‘Is that a free bar?’
‘Yes - ‘
‘Fantastic. Arabella? Over here -’
‘Oh Remus, what a gorgeous couple -’
‘Thanks very much Poppy,’ Sirius said, grinning at her as he grabbed Remus by the hand. ‘Sorry, need to borrow this one.’
Remus found him dragged rather roughly towards the dancefloor, weaving between couples and groups who were all bouncing to the beat of the band. He caught a glimpse of Harry between the twirling bodies before he was pulled into Sirius’ tight embrace. He settled his arms around his waist, allowing Sirius to sway him back and forth, as he gazed at him unashamedly.
‘Having a nice time?’
‘Definitely. It's a great party.’
They spun round as the music changed, guests coupling off for a slow song, revolving gently around the dance floor. Remus reached up to adjust Sirius' buttonhole, straightening it on his lapel.
‘You look great.’
‘So do you. Maybe we should wear matching outfits more often.’
Remus laughed lightly, smiling at Molly and Arthur as they passed.
‘Everyone seems very happy.’
‘They do. They are.’
Sirius steered him gently round, his hand finding Remus’ and grasping it tightly.
‘James and Lily would have loved this.’
‘They would have.’
‘Harry did really well. Made it through.’
‘He did.’
Sirius pulled Remus back in close, reaching up to trace his thumb along his jaw.
‘So did we.’
‘We did.’