No Dawn, No Day, I'm Always In This Twilight, In The Shadow of Your Heart
Remus had managed to do it. He had tracked Peter down to be living in the Burrow with the Weasley’s youngest son. He had learned this through the teaching position he had procured at Hogwarts due to the Headmaster’s behest that it would ‘ease his mind from the pain of betrayal’. Dumbledore had found a way to break the curse on the Défense Against the Dark Arts position and had offered Remus the job as a favour for all the missions he had gone on.
Remus was currently in his teaching quarters, grading papers when he decided to greet his husband, scowling slightly at the fact that he hadn’t woken up beside the silver eyed man like he should have done. He thought with a small smile, “Good night, my handsome mate. I highly doubt that either of us will sleep. We both know that I’m not going to be sleeping a damned wink without you by my side, sweetheart." The tall sandy blond knew full well that he wouldn't sleep a solitary wink of sleep without Sirius, snoring soundly beside him. He added, tears rolling down his scarred pale face, "I miss you so much, sweetheart. My heart feels hollow and I want to howl at the unfairness of you not being here, Pads. I miss the feeling of your hands in mine." He couldn’t help but look down at his hands; calloused and larger than Sirius’, a symptom of lycanthropy. Sirius' hands were smaller and almost elegant with long fingers, arms and hands covered in tattoos collected over the years.
In his cell in Azkaban, Sirius murmured inwardly, knowing that Remus could hear him, "I miss you too, darling. Oh love, I want to howl with you at the fucking unfairness of it all. We deserved better, right?" He felt the damp shadows of the Dementors floating past his cell, wailing and looking for someone to suck happy thoughts out of. The Animgaus shuddered, knowing that his Patronus would keep him safe should he need it, and his husband had taught him now to do it without a wand.
Remus tried to blink back the tears that were slowly falling into his teacup, shaking hands trying to unwrap the flimsy wrapper on the thick slab of dark chocolate, that was usually used for emotional balance from Honeydukes, “We deserved so much better, sweetheart.” He took a shallow shuddering breath and spoke gently in his mind, "I’ll be thinking of you in my every waking and non-waking moment, my lovely star. I’m going to go get that foul rat bastard and we’ll get you freed." He fell asleep there, slumped uncomfortably on the sofa, unable to face going back to the empty bed that was clearly meant for two people.
He didn't wake until a while after noon the next day. The days went on like that for the foreseeable future; drinking tea, or often something stronger, eating chocolate and sending as well as replying to Sirius’ thoughts and memories. The thought process they could share became a coping mechanism for the wolf and the star, helping them into being able to barely tolerate their time apart. Slowly, the days turned into months and sooner than you would think it possible, it had been five months since they had seen each other face to face last, when Remus had visited him in his cell. He had talked almost non-stop to the Animagus he loved every day since figuring the mental bond out. He awoke one morning and thought to Sirius, “You’re likely not awake, but good morning, stardust.”
Sirius answered immediately, “How could I sleep in a hellish place like this, moonbeam? Especially without your lovely self, beside me. Not that I would ever want you in a place like this. Not you.”
The werewolf smiled a bit, “Soon, we’ll have you out of there and the first thing I will be doing is taking you in my arms and hardly ever letting you go again, sweetheart.” He scratched the back of his neck as he added, “Everything set for today?”
Sirius smirked in his prison cell, he had shifted into his Animagus form of a large black wolfhound-like dog, “Oh good, because remember when we first got together, rember how clingy, possessive and irrational I was? Yeah, that’ll be me again, love. All set to go, moonbeam.”
Remus grinned, “I can’t wait to see you, stardust. I’ll be waiting for you.” He chuckled, remembering how the Animagus had acted around him during the first few years of their relationship, but shot back, “I’m more in tune with myself than I ever was, so there’s plenty more ways to get you to shut up now, my lovely mate.” he teased him fondly.
He sent a memory of them kissing, in which the werewolf had been particularly eager to kiss him with tongue, and had showed off his lycanthropic strength, picking the shorter wizard up like it was nothing and holding him tight to his body. He thought, clearly smirking a little, “Merlin, I wish I was doing that right now… It’s so sexy when you go all wild and unhinged on me, Moons. Picking me up, pinning me in place, that sort of thing...it’ll be the end of me.”
He remembered that particular kiss quite well; they’d been in seventh year and Marlene had asked Sirius to go with her to some ball that was going on to mark the end of the school term. He had refused her, coming out quite bluntly as being gay and happily taken, but Remus had still gotten possessive of his mate, having found out the shorter wizard was his mate in fourth year, when they’d started dating. He smiled fondly at the memory as he replied, “The second I see you; I’m kissing those amazing lips of yours, as well as hugging you tight.”
Sirius replied with a tiny smile, “That irresistible, am I?” Remus felt his breath hitch, but he replied steadily with a small smile, “Yes, yes you are, my lovely mate. And you know you are, so stop being such a tease and giving me ideas of how to better reunite with you, baby.” He hadn’t called him that in a long time, it was reseved for when the black haired wizard was a bit more sensitive than usual, or when he was being a bit too reckless for the werewolf’s liking.
“Darling...please don’t call me that when I can’t kiss that gorgeous, clever mouth shut...” he whined to the sandy blond wizard, groaning a little at being called ‘baby’ by the taller man did things to him he couldn’t explain. Sirius smiled a little, “I’m way too excited. I haven’t stopped wagging my tail! Well, unless a ‘mentor comes by, ‘course but still!”
Tying his tie in the mirror, having always been horrific at it to a point where Sirius had to tie his for him when they were at school, he fondly replied, “Don’t whine, baby. You’ll be able to kiss me in a matter of hours, sweetheart. I promise.” He added softly, getting dressed to go to the Ministry of Magic. “I have something to show you, my handsome mate.”
Sirius replied swiftly, “What is it, moonbeam?” Remus grinned, “I finally found him, Pads. Pettigrew, I mean, the bastard. He was given to the Weasleys as a pet rat by bumblefuck. I still think that’s an amazing nickname you managed to think up, sweetheart.”
Sirius replied immediately, his voice echoing the excited yips his dog form would no doubt be making, “You found him? Oh, Moony! You amazing, brilliant, gorgeous, clever, wonderful wolf of mine. You’re going to get me free the proper way!”
Remus chuckled a bit, “What did you think I was going to do? Breeze over there and bust you out no problem? We agreed that isn’t a life for us. On the run all the time.”
He sheepishly replied, “Well, either way was fine with me, I just want to be free of this place... Go do what you need to do, darling. Sooner it’s done, the sooner you can come get me.” There was the ghost of a silly, ecstatic grin in his tone that made his husband want to cry.
Remus sent him a memory of him kissing his forehead as they lay in bed one Sunday morning when they’d been living in Beaumaris by the sea as he replied, “Soon, this will be our lives again, my lovely mate. I’ll see you later, Pads.” The Animagus hummed at the memory and told his husband he would see him soon
Sirius smiled and lay down in the freezing, lonely, isolated cell and suddenly, it didn’t matter where he was, because his husband would come and get him soon. Soon, he’d be in Remus’ arms and like hell was he ever leaving those lanky, protective, long, firm, scarred arms ever again. Sirius assessed his situation, his mind suddenly floating with happy memories of him and Remus, living their lives together happily. He rested in the knowledge that his husband would be coming by later, after he dealt with the Ministry of Magic.
Remus headed to the Ministry of Magic, bringing a body-bound rat form of Peter Pettigrew with him. He had demanded for an official meeting in a calm manner with the Minister herself, having made it clear that no one else would do. Minister Bagnold was curious as to what reason was behind Remus urgency, but let him into her office regardless.
She asked clearly, cutting to the chase, “Mr. Lupin, you wished to speak to me about your husband’s imprisonment in Azkaban?”
Remus nodded and cast the spell that would shift Peter Pettigrew into his human form while still under the Petrificus Totalus spell. He spoke softly, “My husband was wrongly imprisoned under the assumption that he was the secret keeper for the Potters. This.” he took a deep breath, refusing to call Pettigrew one of the foulest names he could think of in front of the Minister, that could be done privately later with his mate’s colourful tongue helping to think up a whole new collection of words, “This man here, Peter Pettigrew, was their secret keeper. I was one of James’ four best friends along with this… man. His betrayal cost people their lives and the unjust imprisonment of my husband. I demand that you release my husband from Azkaban.” he stated thunderously, trying to not show his temper at the situation or at Dumbledore.
Minister Bagnold nodded, thinking long and hard while she made notes and checked Pettigrew over for glamors and enchantments. Finding none, except the Petrificus Totalus, she signed some papers and spoke in a clear tone, “Mr. Lupin, my apologies for your husband’s unjust imprisonment. I will see to it that he is released at once. As it is currently the year 1986, which means that your husband has been wrongly imprisoned for five years. The Ministry will compensate you both for this grievous error on our part. Will there be anything else, before I call the head of the Department for Magical Law Enforcement?”
Remus nodded, “If it’s not any trouble, could I possibly be the one to collect my husband from Azkaban? He’s generally a bit skittish and easily excitable.” he smiled sheepishly.
Minister Bagnold gave him a pitying look, “Of course you may, Mr. Lupin. I’ll send a representative with you so the Dementors don’t think you’re an intruder or convict. When would you like to go?”
He bit his lip to stop himself demanding to go right this instant, but instead, politely asked sheepishly with a small nervous smile, “Is now too soon?”
She chuckled a little, “Not at all. If you’ll let me and a few representatives of mine deal with the legal mutterings, you and one of our lot can go and get your husband.”
Remus nodded, a small smile on his face, he offered his hand to shake, “Thank you, Minister Bagnold.” She smiled and shook his hand, “Come along, Mr. Lupin, we have things that need attending too.” She rose from her seat and exited her office with Remus.
A young Auror by the name of Nymphadora Tonks begged her supervisor to let her go with the werewolf to Azkaban for whatever reason he was going, not even knowing that her crush was happily married. It didn’t matter much, since she was immediately denied such. An older Auror went with him, not offering a word to Remus, which was just fine with the werewolf. There was only one person he wanted to talk to at this rate, and it most certainly wasn’t some Ministry underling. He patiently walked through the Floo Network with the official, entering Azkban, getting more and more impatient every second he didn’t see his husband.
Sirius was elated to see him and practically jumped on him when he came to collect him. Instead of yelling his name like he wanted to, he waited until he was being hugged tightly by the werewolf he loved to whisper, “I’m back where I belong now, Remy. In these arms of yours.”
Remus felt tears pricking his now pure gold eyes and snuggled Sirius close to him, “I’m back where I belong too then, my star. Come on, let’s get you home. You could do with a good bath, some snuggles and a nice warm meal. You’re skin and bone.” He looked disapprovingly at the fact he could see his husband’s ribs through hsi prison uniform, but that could be fixed with nutrient potions, good food and some love.
Sirius chuckled at this and refused to leave Remus’ side, needing to be in physical contact with the werewolf at all times, more than ecstatic to be back with his husband.
Remus entwined their fingers, it just felt so… so right to have those thin, elegant fingers entwined with his long calloused digits. With a kiss to his temple, he brought him home to their cosy little cottage not far from the sea in Beaumaris, Wales, where he made dinner for Sirius before drawing him a bath, thoroughly cleaning him before drying him off and snuggling with him by the fire before bed.
As they lay by the fire on the couch, Sirius hid his face in his husband’s neck, practically wrapped around him, “Missed you so bloody much, ‘n love you...” he sleepily said, nuzzling him.
Remus chuckled softly, pressing a soft array of kisses to his husband’s face, “Come on sweetheart, I think it’s time we go to bed, you’re shattered and I am too, my mate. I won’t lie to you baby, I’m excited to sleep by your side, curl you close in my arms and wake with you in the morning.” he murmured into his ear, gently getting up, even though his joints still popped. With animal grace, he carried his almost asleep husband up the stairs, crawling into bed with him, curling around him protectively. In the morning, they sent away for custodial rights for Harry Potter, under the Headmaster’s nose, of course. What Dumbledore didn’t know would hurt him.
About a week later, Sirius woke up in his own bed, beside the man he loved and felt the tears rolling down his face. He was just so bloody happy to be back home with his husband.
Remus woke up a few minutes after him, hugging him close, “Good morning, stardust.” he rumbled, sleepy voice a bit rough.
The werwolf’s morning voice had been making weak in the knees since the blond’s voice broke, but he surprised them both when he kissed him deeply, holding him as close as possibly able, almost climbing on top of him.
Remus chuckled against his lips but kissed him back tenderly, not bothering to bite down on his lips, keeping things soft and sweet for now. He eventually pulled away, to which pulled a whine out of his husband. He smirked a bit at that, “More of that later, my handsome mate. We need to have breakfast and shower first, don’t we?” The fact his eyes were completely golden should have clued the shorter wizard into where his thoughts lay, but he also knew his husband picked up on dirty intentions and flirting at lighting strike pace.
Sirius smirked back at him, knowing full well what his wonderful husband was talking about, but he wanted to take care of him too, so he suggested “Breakfast first, I think. I’ll make us chocolate chip pancakes, eh? It’s been ages since I cooked for my wonderful, caring husband.”
Remus smiled warmly at that, but held him close, as he murmured into his wild, dark curls, “Such a charmer that I love. Thank you, my handsome mate, that sounds amazing.”
The shorter man begrudgingly left Remus’ arms, pulling him into the kitchen. Sirius just finished flipping a batch of fluffly, golden brown, chocolate chip pancakes as the taller of them finished the tea and coffee.
An owl flew through the open window with an official looking seal that hinted that it was from the Ministry itself. Remus opened it and grinned, beginning to read out loud, “Dear Mr. Lupin and Mr. Lupin, we are happy to inform you that you have been granted full custodial rights to one Harold James Potter under the terms of the last will and testament of James Fleamont Potter. You may collect Mr. Potter whenever you wish from his current address which is listed below. Sincerely, Minister for Magic, Millicent Bagnold. The address is No. 4, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey.”
Sirius grinned with delight, hugging his husband close, “We’re getting the little fawn, my darling wolf!” Remus grinned, playfully nipping his ear, “And then we can talk about those cubs of our own that you promised.”
Sirius pouted, knowing that was almost as dangerous as his puppy dog eyes to the usually iron-willed werewolf he loved, “But Moony, how will we have children? We’re both blokes.” he pointed out, not wanting to break his promise to his husband.
Remus smirked coyly at him, caressing his face gently as he murmured into his hair from where he stood, “I think you know very well the answer to that question, Padfoot.” He knew full well his husband knew damn well how they were to have kids, but he wasn’t sure if he remembered, Azkaban had to do a number on one’s memory, even if he had all but demanded he go to a mind-healer, which he had agreed to.
Sirius smirked a bit, pouting a bit more, “Humour me, Moony, my love?” he pleaded, resting his shoulder on the taller wizard’s chest.
To which he chuckled, whispering into his ear, “We, my lovely mate and husband, have to go to the hospital, get a potion, make love like we usually do when the mood striekes our fancy. We then have to take potion tester bottles of our sperm, from when we had sex, to St. Mungo’s and hope to Merlin that they can help us.”
The canine Animagus grinned widely at his husband, “I am very excited, as you can probably tell, love but when am I not excited about sex with you, darling?” he chuckled.
Remus smirked, raking a hand through his husband’s dark curls, “Yes, I can tell. Now come one, breakfast will be cold. After that, we’re showering...don’t look at me like that! We’re showering and then we’re going to rescue Harry, deal?”
Sirius had given him a cheeky grin, his eyes going flinty with desire, almost as if the mention of the word ‘shower’ unlocked the key to all of his not so innocuous thoughts. His husband soon saw to the the fact they both showered, picking Sirius up and carrying him to the bathroom, pressing hot, needy, reckless kisses to his neck. About an hour passed boy, and so went a particularly nice shower. After drying and getting dressed, Sirius Apparated them outside of No. 4, Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey.