Have you heard the news that you're dead?

Even if it was the last thing he did, Sirius would prove his innocence. He just needed Wormtail to do so. And more than anything else; he needed to protect Harry James Potter. Halloween 1981 was the last time Wormtail would hurt one of the Potters, Sirius would make sure of it.

In the early days of August, Sirius had found an abandoned cottage, in the forgotten corners of Hogsmeade. It was old, fragile, and almost unnoticeable. Whereas Hogsmeade was full of life, this cottage was deprived of it, and it showed. It was a brown rusty old thing, and no one ever paid it any attention. This was, of course, why Sirius had chosen to live in this particular cottage above everything else. It had one living room, a bathroom, and one bedroom. It was so different from everything else Sirius Black was used to. This was, however, the closest he could get to his godson without being noticed, so he made the cottage his temporary home.

For weeks, Sirius had been surviving off of the scraps he could find left behind in Hogsmeade. One morning, as he read the Daily Prophet—which he had stolen from a man when he wasn't paying attention—he heard a knock on the door that shook the walls of the fragile room and Sirius went still. Sirius was smarter than to rush and open it, he was a wanted criminal after all. He didn't want to be taken right back to Azkaban. So he waited and checked out the window to see if anyone was there, until he was sure he could look out safely. He transformed into Padfoot and nudged the door open just enough so he could see. There was no one there. He couldn't even see a single soul anywhere nearby. Just when he started to wonder if he imagined the knock, he smelled a tray of food placed on the mat. He sniffed it suspiciously, but ended up grabbing it and began to eat. 

This cycle continued on for weeks; someone would knock on the door, Sirius would wait for a while, and then he’d finally open the door, take the food, and eat it. Whoever it was that was doing this for Sirius, he was beyond grateful. 

Maybe I do have someone on my side, he thought, maybe just maybe someone believes I’m innocent. The thought filled him with joy. After being known as a murderer for so long, it was nice to know that someone out there was questioning the circumstances. That someone out there, whoever they were, knew the real Sirius and had faith in him when everyone else had lost theirs. 

It was nice to know that someone out there didn't think he’d ever betray James Potter.

It also gave him comfort to know that someone out there knew he'd never turn into the very thing he fought against his entire life. He would never be a Black. He might share the same name as them, but he would never be anything like them. Black was the name he was stuck with, it meant nothing else to Sirius. 

Sirius never managed to catch the person that brought him food every single day. He also didn't know how they knew he was hiding in this particular cottage. No one ever paid it a second thought. That’s why he had chosen this spot to begin with. He didn't mind though; this act of kindness was more than he had ever expected.

As Sirius had gotten more comfortable with the area surrounding his cottage he started to venture out more—specifically to the forbidden forest. 

On one particularly chilly night in late September he decided he wanted to go run around the forest he was all too familiar with. He ran through the narrow trees, his paws crunching the leaves as he jogged along when he heard a howl. He stopped in his tracks and looked above him. 

He saw the bright, round, full moon. 

After a moment of silence—aside from his panting—he bolted towards the shrieking shack. No one or no thing was there. He was all alone. He realised it was merely the memory of Moony that he heard. Padfoot was missing his little pack. To Padfoot the forest meant Moony, it meant Prongs, it meant playing around, barking and howling to the moon. Padfoot looked at the moon, and started howling hoping that Moony, wherever he was, was hearing him.

Sirius had found his way to the outskirts of the woods by the castle, only to find Harry looking out of the window at the full moon. Had he been in his human form, he would’ve smiled. Not to Harry, but more to himself. It had been twelve years since he last saw the little boy, and he had grown up so much. 

Harry’s focus turned directly at Sirius's shaggy form, and then he looked away, not seeming to notice Sirius in the shadows. He retreated farther back out of sight completely as he didn't want to scare Harry off. He had already had an encounter with his godson a while ago, when he was seemingly running away from home. Sirius had gone to the neighbourhood of the Dursleys to catch a glimpse of Harry before he made his journey to Hogsmeade. Harry had seen him, and fell over in his shock. He had already scared him once, he didn't want to do it twice.

In the future, Sirius would return to the area around the shack, every full moon. Even though he knew Remus wouldn't be there, and even though he knew it wouldn't help him, his spirit was enough, he hoped it reached Remus as well.

Once the sun had started to set, Sirius trotted back home as Padfoot and was delighted to see yet another tray of food. He transformed back, picked it up and walked inside.

His mysterious friend had brought a tray with chicken, some rice, a salad, and bread on it. Sirius had run a lot in the forbidden forest today, to get rid of all the tension and stress and he was starving because of it. Being Padfoot always helped him to get rid of his emotions, and Padfoot loved running around freely. He had missed it after twelve years of Azkaban. He greedily devoured all the food.

When Sirius had finished his food, and made sure that not even a crumb of it was left, he washed his dishes and sat on the couch that he had conjured a while ago. God, he thought, it’s really good to be a wizard.

As Sirius sat there, his mind drifted off to where it always drifted off; James Potter.

Sirius thought about every time James had been by his side, and every time he had saved him. Sometimes from his family, sometimes from death eaters, most times from himself. As he thought of that, he inevitably thought about the times he couldn't be by his side, and the times he couldn't save him; and the time when that mattered most. Sirius felt like he had failed James, and a part of him felt like he deserved what he got; he deserved to be in Azkaban. He was the reason that his best friends died. That James and Lily couldn't witness their son growing up, and Harry had no memories whatsoever with the two people that had created him. Sirius had felt awful about that ever since he found out that James was gone.

Another part of him knew he shouldn't think like that, he knew that he shouldn't blame himself. How could he have known? How could any of them have known that Peter would turn his back on them when they needed him the most? 

He knew James would've been mad at him for even thinking about it, let it alone feel guilty about the whole thing. Sirius could already imagine how James would comfort him, even in a situation like this. Even if Sirius’ mistake had cost him his life. Sirius just knew that James would've done everything to comfort him. That was who James Potter was; the greatest friend someone could ever wish for. 

James had always been the steady rock that Sirius had leaned on, and took comfort off. He remembered all the times James had told him that everything would be alright, and all the times he had believed him. He remembered all the times that James personally had fixed his problems. 

If Sirius only had known when he first met James that James wouldn't just become his friend, but a brother, something even more than that; he would've appreciated that very moment more than he had when it happened. James had given him a way out, he had given him hope and made him realize he didn't have to be like his family. James was his doorway into a whole different life. The bond they created the second they had met had caused him to go to Gryffindor, and that had changed his life forever. 

Everything James had done for Sirius had been for the better. Sirius would muck things up and James would fix it. Sirius’ life would be mucked up out of his control, and even then James did everything within his power to fix it. And he did fix it, Sirius had practically become the Potters’ adoptive son. Sirius appreciated him more than James already knew, and his heart ached because of the fact that he could never let him know about that. James knew Sirius loved him but it just wasn't enough. Sirius wished he would have had one more chance to tell James that he meant more to him than the whole world. 

But he did not.

It pained him to think that his closest friends thought he would turn his back on James, when Sirius had quite literally become his brother. He couldn't stomach it to think that Sirius would ever do anything to cause harm to James or his family. James was the best thing that ever happened to him. They were inseparable… You could never see James without Sirius, or Sirius without James. How could Sirius have ever betrayed a bond like that? He would've given his life for James.

Sirius, deep in his thoughts, had fallen asleep on the couch.

He woke up the next morning to yet another knock. As per routine, he waited for a while and then went to the door, opened it and took the plate of pancakes that was left for him. Needless to say, he finished it within minutes.

His day was pretty eventless. He didn't go to Hogwarts, didn't even go outside, he just stayed in his little cottage and sat. After a while he transformed into Padfoot and started running around the house. His mind would always be a dark place if it weren't for Padfoot. The dog didn't have complicated feelings or thoughts, so Sirius had always preferred his dog counterpart over his human one.

Hours had passed by when Padfoot’s ears and nose had caught a voice and scent he was distinctly familiar with. One that smelled of long nights sitting in the Hogwarts dorm room laughing and creating pranks to use the next morning. Running through hallways invincible to everything and everyone as if nothing else mattered. Racing around in the forest, playing and entertaining Moony. A scent that reminded him of their shenanigans during classes, but particularly during potions, where they could never really stiffle their laughter. Sirius turned back into a human and just sat for a while, ignoring what he had just experienced. Because surely acknowledging something like that was just beyond stupid right? How could he have picked up that scent? That just wasn't possible.

After a while, his curiosity won over his sanity, so he morphed back into Padfoot and headed outside. Sirius felt his heart stop at the sight he was witnessing.

“Sirius,” the familiar voice sobbed. “Just come home.”

Padfoot advanced towards the voice and stood right behind him, sniffling his back. 

The stranger turned around, tears still falling from his eyes. And there it was, there he was.

Padfoot turned back into Sirius and crouched down before him, staring at him, as if he were examining his very soul.

“James?” he asked reluctantly. “You’re– you’re–” But he couldn't finish his sentence. He tackled James into a hug instead, holding onto him like a lifeline. Maybe James was just that; Sirius’ lifeline. 

“You’re here, you’re alive, you’re-“ Sirius said as he broke it off and held James at arm's length, never fully letting go.

Sirius couldn't believe his luck, he was afraid his eyes were playing mind games with him. But he was holding James. It couldn't have been anything but real. Twelve years he’s mourned his brother’s death, yet here he was; right in front of him. Alive. Alive. Alive. He couldn't believe he’d gotten what he wished for, yet simultaneously every bone in his body told him it was true. 

This was James. 

He smiled so brightly it actually hurt. Sirius hadn't smiled in more than twelve years, but now he was grinning from ear to ear like he hadn't had a care in the world. 

He remembered what James had said when he found him. He answered, “Why home is wherever I’m with you, of course, Prongsie.”

James laughed, “You’re an idiot.”

Sirius had so many questions. And was this really James Potter? Or was it some sick game of the ministry to catch him?

Sirius punched himself for not thinking of this beforehand. “Tell me something only the real James would know,” he said.

James just sat there for a couple of seconds before answering, “You called me on our mirror in the summer of our sixth year, I broke you out of your house and we went to a Queen concert. I of course am not as big of a fan as you are, but it made me happy that you were happy,” he replied.

Sirius’ eyes welled with tears. He smiled and hugged his best friend again. The questions could wait a bit longer, Sirius needed this hug. He needed James close to him for now. If he could, he would never let go again.

“I could’ve just transformed into Prongs you know,” James teased.

Sirius smiled. “Yeah, but it wouldn't be as fun to watch you struggle to come up with a memory,” he said happily. He broke off the hug again and looked at James. “Wait, James,” Sirius said suddenly, “where’s Lily?”

James laughed, “Don’t worry, she’s okay. I’ll tell you later.”

Sirius blew out a breath of relief and his face turned into his mischievous grin. “So have you heard the news that you’re dead, mate?” Sirius teased.

James grinned. "Yeah. Have you heard the news that you’ve got the same fate, you flea ridden mutt?" he said, and then he started to chase him. Sirius ran fast, but James had always been faster. Sirius had a hard time trying to dodge him. They howled with laughter as they ran around the cottage. They were laughing together, genuinely laughing for the first time in twelve years.

They were home at last. 

Sirius transformed into Padfoot at some point, and now they were playing a weird sort of chasing game. One second James was chasing Padfoot, and then the other second Padfoot would turn around and chase him instead. Sirius transformed mid run, and tackled James to the ground. They couldn't stop laughing.

After their breaths had gone and their laughter faded, they decided to head inside to not attract any more attention to them.

James sat down on the creaky little couch and Sirius sat beside him.

“I can't really go to the town to buy some tea or coffee, or anything else really, so you’ll have to do with water if you want. I could also change the water to tea or coffee if you want to, but it never tastes as good that way,” Sirius said.

James smiled before responding, “It’s fine, Sirius. We’ll drink some tea when we get home. Aberforth gave me two butterbeers though, if you’d like?”

Sirius grinned. He had missed butterbeer. Aberforth’s butterbeers had nothing on those of Rosmerta, but Sirius thought it was good enough. He simply nodded. James took out the two bottles, and gave one to Sirius.

After a while of solidarity silence, Sirius was the first to talk again. “So? Mate, last time I checked you were dead. How? Why? When? How? Just—how?”

James chuckled. “It's a bit of a long story really, one I’m not fully familiar with myself if I’ve got to be honest. Basically what happened was… well, I remember getting hit with a curse, but then I opened my eyes and I was in a hospital. There I found out that Lily and I had been in comas for twelve years and that she hadn’t woken up yet, and that everyone believes us to be dead. But the nurse told me that waiting for her to wake up wouldn't be of any use since there's nothing I could do to help.”

Sirius looked haunted. Sure; James was his best friend, his brother, but Lily became his best friend as well. He loved Lily dearly and it hurt him more than he could describe when he heard what had happened to her. Though she was safe and okay, Sirius knew James was not. Sirius could tell the strong face he wore was a front for the fear gnawing at him.

“She’ll be alright, she's one of the strongest people I’ve ever met, ” he said. “She’s also the most stubborn person I’ve ever met, and that means something coming from me. I have to live with myself every single day, you know. She’s always done everything she put her mind to. She’ll do it once more.”

James chuckled. “Yeah, she’s quite stubborn.” He paused for a breath. “It took a while before I could walk properly and had some power and energy back. After that I went home, determined to get you, Harry and Remus back. I found out you were a fugitive, and quickly connected the dots. I decided that finding you was more important, since I already knew that Harry was safe at Hogwarts, and that I could see him later. So I’ve been looking for you everywhere. I finally found you here. Sirius I just—” James’ voice shook and he cleared his throat, like he was determined not to cry. After a while he smiled. “We’ve shed enough tears, let's just be happy for a while,” he said, sporting a melancholic smile. 

“It's fine, James. It’s alright. I’m just really glad you're alive,” Sirius said.

James stared at the wall until he finally whispered—his voice was so faint that Sirius thought if it hadn't been for his animagus side he wouldn't have heard him at all.

“It's awful, what happened. You didn't deserve any of this.”

“You didn't either.”

James looked at Sirius with bright eyes, and suddenly beamed at him.

“But now I’m here we can prove that they were wrong, right? We can prove your innocence. Who better to tell them you didn't do the crime than the very man you supposedly betrayed?”

Sirius shook his head. “No, we're not going anywhere, not yet.”

James looked shocked, “Why—why not?”

“Pettigrew,” Sirius said simply.

James‘ face turned to disgust as he gritted his teeth.

“What about that bloody traitor?”

“He’s at Hogwarts!” Sirius said, matching James’ anger.

“What?! He’s in Hogwarts? That's only more reason to go right now, Sirius! Harry could be in danger right this second. If you don't want to go to the ministry, let's at least go see Dumbledore!”

“I don't trust Dumbledore, Prongs. He said he’d protect you guys and look what happened! He could've heard me out, but he didn't give me the time of day. He sent Harry off to those muggles, while Harry could've stayed with Remus as well. And Prongs, the most important bit; he didn't tell Remus that you're alive! Everyone thinks you're dead, mate, but he could've at least told Remus.”

“Remus?” James asked. “What about you?”

“I was in Azkaban, I didn't expect him to visit me to give me the news. But he could've told Remus, mate. Since I’ve escaped, and even before that I was always so upset about how alone Remus must be and feel, if he’d just known about you—maybe he would've felt less alone,” Sirius answered.

James laughed silently, “Even after everything that happened—to you, to me, to all of us—you think of Remus,” he said. But it wasn't like an accusation, he seemed delighted by it. “Nothing has changed, Padfoot,” he chuckled. 

Sirius just smiled sheepishly.

“How’s that more important than you getting wrongfully accused of crimes you didn't commit?” James asked.

“It just—it is James. It’s Remus, James, it's Remus. I just want him to be happy, and I don't want him to feel alone, and I want him to be loved and cherished and absolutely spoiled, because that's what he deserves. Merlin, there's no one who deserves it more,” Sirius said.

James only smiled fondly, until his mouth fell and he turned to Sirius.

“So Dumbledore didn't listen to you?” James asked

“No, I tried though, I tried to contact him, I asked them if I could just talk to Dumbledore. They didn't listen, he didn't listen. I don't trust him, James, I just—I can’t. I hope you can understand that.”

“But then, what are we going to do mate? Wormtail is at Hogwarts, the place where Harry is. You’re a fugitive, I’m a dead man, it's not like we can casually go into Hogwarts to get him. If we tell Dumbledore, he’ll help us. I don't think there’s another way, Pads,” James said.

“There is,” Sirius answered solemnly.

“There is? What?”

“Remus,” Sirius said.

“What? Look, mate, I know you must've missed him and all that, but this is not the time for love and romance. We need to focus and come up with a solution,” James replied.

Sirius sighed. “Remus is the solution. Remus is at Hogwarts as well, James!” Sirius said and he looked so proud. “He’s a professor, he teaches defense.”

“What? How? How do you even know that?”

“I made friends sith a kneazle that’s staying at Hogwarts. You remember those right? Very bright cats; they’re only sure of ose who are trustworthy. He told me about Remus and I may not trust old Dumbledore that was really great of him to do that for Remus.”

“Yeah,” James smiled. “So Remus is in Hogwarts? Okay then what are we going to do?”

“It’s obvious, isn't it? We’re going to get Remus, and after that we’ll catch Peter. He’ll be our eyes within Hogwarts, and he’ll keep his eyes open for Peter. I have no doubt that he’s already protecting Harry, even though it is for the wrong person,” Sirius said the last part in a bit of pain.

He hated the thought of Remus, above all people, not knowing what really happened. Of Remus thinking he was a filthy, backstabbing, son of a bitch. Well the son of a bitch part is rather true, Sirius thought. Sirius also thought it was rather fitting; he had suspected Remus to be the traitor instead of Peter, in a way he deserved this. Though it wasn't because Remus wasn't trustworthy, it was more that Peter was such a talentless idiot that he couldn't possibly have suspected him. Sirius knew he wasn't the traitor, and James betraying James would be beyond weird, so among Peter and Remus, Remus was the smarter and talented one. He hadn't suspected Remus because of Remus, but because of Peter.

“Everyone will be alright,” Sirius said, more to himself. ”Lily will wake up, and Remus won’t have to be alone anymore, and Harry won’t ever have to go back to Lily’s evil sister's house because we’re going to protect him with everything we’ve got, yeah? I didn't escape Azkaban for nothing, mate. Protecting Harry is the very reason I’m here right now. He’s going to be fine,” Sirius said.

James peaked up at that last bit and seemed to smile a little. “You escaped for Harry?”

“Of course. He’s my godson after all. I would do anything to protect that kid, Prongs, you know that,” Sirius answered.

James smiled. “Thanks, Padfoot. I’m glad we chose you as his godfather.”

“Of course you were going to choose me. Who else could it be?!” Sirius said, pretending to be hurt by the very idea of James and Lily taking someone else in consideration for this most sacred job.

“Well— I remember my mother’s cousin’s daughter was very interested in the role, you know. It was a close call, we almost chose her over you! But then Lily insisted that you’d whine about it until the day we die; and so we decided. All votes for Sirius as godfather.”

“Oh, that's just low, Prongs, even for you.”

Laughter felt like a distant friend to Sirius; like an acquaintance he saw once in a few years, or a family member he saw from Christmas to Christmas. 

But with James at his side, that friend became more and more familiar. James to Sirius meant the very definition of happiness, laughter, light, and family.

Sirius was sure laughter would become a brother to him again soon enough because James was his brother, and James was laughter. He was every good and warm thing all at once. 

James Potter was the sun, walking on earth.

Sirius sighed. It had been a very long day indeed, but in a way it still felt like he was in some kind of dream—a very good dream—one he would never want to wake up from but he knew this was all real. His depressed brain could never come up with something this happy for him, considering this was possibly the best thing that could’ve happened in the past 12 years. James looked at Sirius for a moment. “You know, Sirius, I’ve got the keys to the manor. I’ve been staying there and I’ve been cleaning the house up. I was planning on finding you and bringing you back home. Your room is still intact, you know, so you can stay at the manor with me. You don't have to live like a fugitive anymore, you don't have to hide.”

Sirius just smiled, “Well what are we waiting for then,” he asked. “I’m sure the manor has missed my presence.” 

James grinned. 

“Of course it did, Pads. Of course it did.”

And Sirius knew he meant it, even though James made sure he sounded sarcastic, James’ eyes gave him away. He never was really good at lying, not to Sirius at least. Sirius could always read James like an open book. 

James altered his appearance again, and Sirius transformed into Padfoot. They took off, and they were going home at last.

Sirius was really excited to see the place. It had been almost thirteen years since he had last entered the house he had called home for the better part of seven years. Even when he didn’t live there, if anyone would’ve asked him he would say that home is where the Potters are. That never really changed. Home is where the Potters are. That’ll always be Sirius’ home.

When they arrived at the manor, James kept looking at Sirius. He had a melancholic kind of smile, “Welcome home, mate,” he said. Welcome home, Sirius echoed in his mind.

When they entered the house, it was just like he remembered. The grand hallway was lined with portraits of old family members and dull, striped wall paper that reminded Sirius of Grimmauld Place. He always figured it must be a wizard thing to have terrible taste in house decor. Sirius watched the laughing portraits—something they’d never be doing at Grimmauld place—as James led them into the living room. The room was lined with windows showing the dull sky outside and a ceiling Sirius wasn’t even sure he could levitate to. Though lots of Sirius’s happiest memories had been in this place, it seemed to have grown dreary in the years of vacancy. The room had a long, faded dark blue couch that faced the blank fireplace. Along the mantle stood a small, dusty bookcase full of old books; both muggle and wizarding ones. In it were books about potions, transfiguration, and all other sorts of books for your casual magical research, as well as normal fictional books. Sirius looked at the shelf and smiled to himself when his eyes found the romance section. Effie, James’ mother, enjoyed reading romance books a lot. She was the one that used the bookcase in the living room the most. But for more in depth research about magic, the Potters had a library that most would think of as too big for one house. 

There was a small table in front of the couch with a Daily Prophet article lying on it. James plopped on the couch as Sirius looked to his left and saw the dining table, looking pale in comparison to what it used to be. When there wasn't food on it, Effie usually decorated it with plants and other things of the sort. Now it was just empty; another strong reminder of Effie’s absence. Or perhaps, Sirius thought, it was a reminder of the absence of Lily, because she had continued the tradition when Effie passed. Perhaps it was both. 

Sirius craned his head and could see the door that led to a small hallway that in turn led to the kitchen.

Even the scent of the place was the same as it had always been. The smell of his loved ones never truly fading. 

He smiled. Home, he thought. 

Though there was one thing that was missing.

“So when are we going to get Remus?” Sirius asked.

“I was thinking you could get some rest today, I’m dead on my feet as well. We’ll go get Remus tomorrow, and I really want to see Harry. First though you need some food in your stomach, a shower, and a good night’s rest. Don’t even try to argue with me on this one, you can’t convince me otherwise,” James replied.

Sirius agreed begrudgingly, though in reality he thanked Merlin for creating James Potter. He missed him so much that not getting his way would not even make him angry or annoyed. James knows what he’s doing, he thought, he always knows.

Sirius noticed that he didn’t see the house elves.

“Where are Buddy and Pixie?” he asked.

“I’ve no idea,” James answered. “It would’ve been a lot easier if they were here, but I don’t know what Dumbledore did with them.”

“Did you not call them?”

“No, they probably think I’m dead so I don't want to give them a heart attack or something. I’ll get them back when it’s time.”

“Time?” Sirius asked.

“Yeah,” James replied.

“When will you know when that is?”

“We’ll know,” he said. 

James looked sad, and Sirius understood him. Buddy and Pixie weren't like Kreacher—the house elf Sirius grew up with—they were always a very valued part of the Potter family. The Potters treated them like equals, and like family. After Effie and Monty died, James and Lily continued to treat them the same way. James and by extent Lily had always cared very deeply for them, and Sirius knew that James missed them as well. Not because they made life easier for James, but because he grew up with them, and he loved them. 

James' life had fallen completely apart. Sirius could not help but relate to him, and he vowed he would do anything to help James with everything that was going on, because it was too much for one person to take on on their own. James would never be alone, for as long as Sirius lived.

Sirius went up the creaky staircase to get the hot shower he had been longing for for years. He stayed there for an hour, because even after only scrubbing once he couldn’t get the dirt that was seemingly implanted off his skin. Many washes later, he finally got out of the shower, and went downstairs—a feast was waiting for him. Sirius had no idea how James had managed to make so many delicious foods in such a short amount of time, but he was thankful for it nonetheless.

While they were eating dinner, Sirius and James started to talk about light topics, but the conversation had taken a sharp turn.

“I think we should go there, hang out in his office till he comes and then just act like everything is normal,” James said. “He’ll be like ‘Weren’t you dead?’ and then we’ll say ‘What are you talking about Moony, are you okay?’ and just act like nothing bad happened and he's gone crazy or something.”

“Wow, that’s just pure evil, Prongs,” Sirius chimed in. “I like it,” he then added with a bark of laughter. “But we can do better. Come on, be creative. Or has coma done a number on you? I can come up with a prank if that's too hard for you, you know.” Sirius grinned.

“I can come up with a prank.” James huffed and crossed his arms like a petulant child.

“You're on a pranking’s block. Don't worry, it happens to the best of us,” Sirius said.

“A pranking’s what?” James asked, looking confused.

“A pranking’s block. Just made it up, that's how serious I take my job. I got it from writer’s block, I remember Remus telling me about it. Something about a poet? Anyway—No need to feel ashamed about it, Jamie, my boy.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

James punched Sirius lightly in the arm.

“You foul git, I should've left you on the street, that would've taught you.”

Sirius was holding his sides from all the laughing. 

“Shush, shush, Prongsie, let the professional do his job,” Sirius said. He acted as though he was deep in thought.

“Okay hear me out what if we combine a couple of our pranks, alright. Our signature ones, the ones we're most famous for, the ones that we're still being remembered by, the ones that little wizards and witches generations later will hear about. The ones Remus could only ever possibly associate with us. We get them, combine them, and then apply them on Remus. We give certain pranks certain trigger words, like for example every time Remus says the name Harry his face could get red. Or every time he says detention, a cloud appears above him and it just starts pouring water. Or every time he says prank items just start flying away from him, you know items he wants to grab so he has to chase them,” Sirius said with childlike excitement in his voice and eyes. He was clearly having the time of his life. “Or, or every time he says McGonnagal or Minerva, he feels like he’s getting pinched. Every time he says a number something explodes. Stuff like that. I’m aware that we’ve had way better pranks that we could use in this one but let's not make it too hard on ourselves.”

James just looked at Sirius for a while and then said, “No one’s got the bloody time.”

Sirius looked wounded. “You're so hard to please,” he said suggestively, wiggling his eyebrows again.

James barked in laughter.

“Firework?” Sirius said.

“For the entire school to see and hear?”

“Blowing something up?”

“Did you not hear my previous answer?”

“Setting something on fire?”

“What is it with you and wanting to damage something?”

“Blowing Snivellus up?”

“No,” James said firmly.

“Blowing me up?”

James didn't even bother to answer this time, he just looked at Sirius with a scowl on his face.

“Why won't you let me blow something up?”

“Sirius.”

“Fine!” he said. “No blowing things up,” he muttered. “You're no fun.” He crossed his arms.

“Let's go back to the firework idea,” Sirius said after a minute. “What if we make fireworks that takes the form of a dog, a stag, and a wolf, and those just follow him around wherever he goes.”

“I like the way you're thinking, but no fireworks. Let's keep it simple, yeah?”

They went back and forth for a while before settling on an idea. Sirius thought they could do better, and he thought that what they came up with could barely count as a prank, but James didn't want to attract any attention and they didn't want to give Remus a heart attack.

Of course both Sirius and James were sad for everything they had lost and missed, but they tried to not focus on that.

For now focusing on Remus, and their reunion was enough for them.

After a while, they both went to their rooms with smiles on their faces and wished each other good night.

When Sirius lay in his bed the only thing he could think of was Remus. What would his reaction be when he saw them? Would Remus forgive him for thinking he was the spy? Would he believe him when they explained what happened? Did Remus miss him as much as he missed Remus? Could they ever get together again? Could they ever get back together again?

He fell asleep while desperately hoping that Remus did not hate him. It was not a good night of sleep, but it was the best night of sleep he had had in twelve years.