Chapter Twelve
Remus woke up in the dark room sweaty and his chest sticking to Sirius’ back which wasn’t a normal occurrence as they typically kept cooling charms on their sheets. Grimacing Remus rolled away from Sirius, laying on his back and threw the covers off his legs to try to alleviate the heat.
Taking a deep breath as he rubbed his sweaty hair from his face he thought Sirius’ scent was stronger than usual, but he dismissed it. Instead he decided to climb out of bed to take a cold shower to cool himself off and hopefully be able to climb back into bed for a few extra hours.
A few minutes later Remus was standing under the cool spray of the shower only it wasn’t helping. He still felt overheated and as he pressed his palms against the tiles bowing his head with his eyes closed he only hoped he wasn’t getting sick with everything else happening this month. He was so lost in his own head that he didn’t even hear Sirius entering the bathroom.
“Hey everything okay?” Remus jumped and turned to his Sirius standing beside the shower, only his face visible as he poked it in, “Is this cold water?” He asked frowning as he stuck his hand out only to take it back immediately.
“I’m overheating.” Remus said resting his chin on his arm to look at Sirius properly, “What are you doing awake?”
“I heard the shower running and wanted to check on you. Are you okay? Do you uh…need help with that?” Sirius asked with a grin
“Help with what?”
“That.” Sirius said looking down, Remus looked down, finding himself hard despite the cold water running down him, “You didn’t notice that?”
“No. I’m just really hot right now. I didn't even notice.”
“Are you sick?” Sirius asked, Remus gave up on the shower idea and turned off the water.
“I hope not. That’s the last thing I need. Can you hand me the towel?”
Sirius did as asked, handing over the black towel sitting on the counter. Stepping out of the shower Remus quickly dried himself off then wrapped the towel around his waist and looked at Sirius.
“I’m sorry I woke you up. It’s like one in the morning I think. We can go back to sleep for a few more hours.”
“Okay. I’ll redo the cooling charms on the blanket, maybe that’ll help you.” Sirius said, leaning over to press a chaste kiss to Remus’ lips.
Remus quickly cupped Sirius’ cheek with one hand, his fingers just barely reaching his hair as he kept Sirius there to deepen the kiss. Sirius made a surprised hum before a hand snaked around Remus’ waist and the other hand wrapped around his neck. The hand that was cupping the side of Sirius’ face tightened its hold just as Sirius’ back hit a wall. Then a hand found its way on Sirius’ bare stomach sliding around to his back and down to the waistband of the briefs Sirius’ must have slipped on before coming into the bathroom earlier.
“Mmm-Fuck Moony.” Sirius gasped, pulling away to get some much needed oxygen into his lungs.
Remus’ hand slid further into his hair and the other one slipped under the briefs. Sirius’ head fell back giving Remus enough room to mouth at his neck, licking and biting his way down to his collarbone then back up to just below his ear. Hand fumbling in its search for the doorknob, Sirius finally grabbed it and pulled the door open then pulled Remus with him towards the bed. He spun them around when they finally reached it and pushed Remus onto the edge then straddled his lap. He cupped Remus’ face with his hands and met his mouth with his own. Just as Remus was laying down on the bed, he stopped, pulling away and sat up again with his eyebrows pulled together.
“What? What’s wrong? Why are we stopping?” Sirius asked pouting
“Something’s wrong.” Remus said
“Yeah you stopped.”
“No I mean…” Remus gently pushed him off to the side then stood up, his towel falling to the floor, “Harry needs to be here.”
“What? Harry?! Absolutely not.” Sirius said shocked that Remus would even suggest such a thing, “Harry cannot and should not be here.”
“Yes he should. I’m going to go get him.” Remus said, pulling on a pair of sleeping pants.
“You’re what?” Sirius asked, still laying on the bed from where Remus had pushed him off of his lap.
“I’ll be right back.” Remus grabbed his wand from the bedside table so Sirius was quick to stand up and grab him.
“Remus you can not go-” Sirius was interrupted from saying more as Remus grabbed his face and kissed him.
Sirius was always a one track minded person so he relaxed against his husband and kissed him back going willingly when he was guided to the bed. With Remus on top of him between his legs Sirius completely forgot why they had stopped, especially when Remus pulled away to trail open mouth, kissed down his neck, across his chest, over his stomach, then on the bulge of his briefs. Then Remus kissed him lightly on the lips and stood up.
“I’ll be right back.” Remus said, kissing his nose before he was leaving the room, leaving Sirius on the bed. Sirius laid there, confused as he tried to understand what just happened. It took a few minutes for it to register, but when it did he was scrambling off the bed and running to James’ room walking in and shaking him awake.
“What?” James asked groggily as he glared at Sirius
“I fucked up.” Sirius told him
“At…almost two in the morning?” James asked looking at the time spelled on the wall
“I think Remus is in a rut and he just went after Harry.” James stared at him for five seconds before he too was scrambling off his bed.
“HE WHAT?”
“I know.” Sirius said, running a hand through his hair pacing as James pulled on some pants, “He’ll be fine right? He can turn into a giant wolf so he’ll be fine. I don’t know how long I just stood there confused and I don’t want to risk traveling in case I miss them and- I’m freaking out James.”
“Harry said the smell of him being a virgin should deter Remus from doing anything.”
“What? I read it’s like an addictive scent.”
“Normally it is! But in a Rut and a Heat it’s the opposite or something. I don't know, I haven't read that part yet.” James said, his voice frantic as he left his room, Sirius following him.
“So..what do we do?”
“I’m firecalling Henry.” James said
“Your grandfather?” Sirius asked, confused, making James look at him, “The one you named Harry after? Isn’t he dead?”
“Henry Black, Harry’s adoptive father, you dumbass.”
“Oh right! Yes! Firecall him!” James stared at him for another moment before he shook his head and headed to the fireplace. While he did that Sirius paced along the sitting area.
****
Harry was pulled from his Advanced Arithmancy book by frantic knocking on his door. Blinking rapidly, he looked around noticing how dark it was in his room with only one light on and cursed. He was just about to roll out of his bed when his door suddenly opened and when he turned to it Remus was entering his room shirtless and- Harry quickly averted his eyes.
“Remus, why are you here? Shirtless and in that state?” Harry asked, blushing as he looked anywhere but there. Remus didn’t talk as he came further into the room and when he kept advancing Harry ignored his embarrassment and stood up sensing something was wrong.
‘I had to come get you.” Remus said stopping just at the bed that’s when the scent finally hit Harry and he was quick to cover his nose and mouth with a hand.
“Okay.” Harry said, trying to think of something, he had a bag ready to go just in case SIrius or James came to get him, but he hadn’t planned for Remus himself to come to him in the beginning stages of his rut. He would have assumed James and SIrius would have been better prepared for this scenario since he had been telling him it was going to happen before the next moon for weeks. But apparently not.
He wasn’t worried Remus would do anything to him, he was more worried about if he fought back how upset the alpha would get. He didn’t want Remus’ first rut to be terrible, but it would be if Harry accidentally dominated Remus in a fight. Which he had no doubt he would. Remus had no training and Harry could turn into a wolf so really Remus had no chance.
“I need to get my school books…so I can come with you and still study. Is that okay?” Harry asked, “I have a bag of clothes in the wardrobe you can grab for me.”
Remust thought for a moment then nodded and turned to the wardrobe so Harry dove on the bed and grabbed his wand waving it to get all of his books in his bag not caring if he packed ones he didn’t need. He had just put his bag across his chest when he jumped at the feeling of arms wrapping around his waist. Grabbing both wrists quickly, Harry stepped out of the arms reach and spun around to face Remus.
“We should head back to Sirius don’t you think? He’s probably worried.” Remus hummed and stepped closer to Harry grabbing his hand and pulling him to his chest.
“You’re probably right.” Remus said bending low to brush his nose against Harry’s cheek “I left him in a hurry to come to you.” Remus jerked back with a frown when he breathed in Harry’s scent, “you smell…different.”
“I know. Come on I’m sure Sirius is really worried. We don’t want to worry him, do we?” Remus frowned, but released Harry and followed him.
Harry had precious few minutes left before Remus’ scent would start affecting Harry in more ways than one. His scent was already arousing, but Harry still had his mind with him and was able to resist, but that won’t be the case for long especially since his Heat was supposed to arrive soon as well. Remus’ rut could make it come quicker. The last thing they needed was for Harry’s heat to fall within the same week as Remus’ first rut.
Harry was able to convince Remus to let him apparate them because Remus would probably try to apparate them straight to the bedroom or get them splinched. It was a quick walk to the family suite, Harry staying far enough ahead that Remus couldn’t grab him though a few times he had and Harry had to quickly escape.
Walking into the family suite he wasn’t surprised to find James and Sirius both awake, but he was surprised to find his Papa there.
“See I told you he would be fine.” His Papa said
“Are you okay? Where’s Remus?” Sirius asked walking to him
“Of course I’m fine and he’s right behind me.” Just as Harry said that Remus came into the room and headed straight to Sirius grabbing his face and kissing him, backing him up until Sirius hit the wall hard.
“Did he do that to you?” James asked wide eyed as he looked between Harry and Remus.
“Do I look like I was snogged to the inch of my life? No. I kept him at arm's length and he’s only like that with Sirius because they’ve had sex before.” Harry said, “I’ll be back, make sure they don’t have sex.”
Harry walked into Sirius and Remus’ room rubbing his nose at the very apparent scent in the air. Looking around he found the comforter he left by the bedside table that was on Remus’ side. He pulled it out and laid it rolled up on the bed knowing Remus would eventually move it around until he was happy with it. With that done he walked out into the sitting room finding the couple very much still snogging.
“Alright Sirius, I need you to bring him to the bedroom.” Sirius pulled away to look at Harry for a moment then he nodded.
“No problem.”
“Wait you’re not-” Henry covered James’ mouth with his hand and pushed him down onto the chair.
“I’ve got him.” His Papa said, Harry nodded then followed Sirius into the bedroom closing the door behind him.
“Get him on the bed and give me his wand.” It took a moment but Sirius was soon straddling Remus on the bed and handing Harry his wand, “You do know you can’t have sex with him right?” Harry asked
“What?! Why?!” Sirius asked, shocked as Remus, tired of being ignored, sat up and started mouthing at Sirius’ neck again.
“Because it’s his first rut and he won’t have any real control once it really settles in his system and he will knot you and you could either die or never have sex again.”
“Okay so no sex I can still-” Harry shook his head, “what about-” another head shake, “Not even a handy?”
“No. He has to go through this alone.” Sirius stared at him as if his world had just fallen apart, “Come on give him a kiss then we need to escape.” Sirius pouted but with a sigh he pressed a lingering kiss to Remus’ lips then stood up and Harry was quick to shoot a body-bind at Remus, “Harry!”
“He’ll be fine now, come on.” Harry said, grabbing his wrist and pulling him out of the room quickly then he locked the door and reinforced it, “There once he realizes both of our scents are there he should calm down and…handle the situation by himself.” Harry said
“Well I’m glad someone is able to handle their situation.” Sirius grumbled moving to the kitchenette where he laid his forehead on the counter.
“So..now what?” James asked
“Now we all go to sleep. Remus will be okay, but if it’ll make you feel better I can sleep on the couch the first few days just to be sure.” His Papa said looking down at James
“I need to owl the school and-”
“I’ll do it. You go to sleep, you don’t look like someone who was woken up in the middle of the night.” Henry said looking at Harry as if he knew Harry had been studying far longer than he should have been.
“I have my Arthimancy NEWT tomorrow.” Harry told him, “I need to owl the tester-”
“I’ll do it. To bed with you. Both of you.”
“Excuse me?” Sirius said taken aback
“When was the last time you slept alone in a bed?” Henry asked challenging
“I don’t know, like 1979? Remus was away on Order business why?”
“Exactly. What makes you think you are going to be able to sleep alone in a bed? Despite being Human you are still affected by your mates, they release pheromones in their sleep that although you may not be able to smell entirely you do smell them. You’ve grown used to them. Your body will not sleep peacefully without those pheromones and while Harry’s will be different, it won’t be too different. So again, off to bed. Both of you.”
“I don’t-”
“James. Hand.” James covered his mouth with his own hand.
“I’m not so sure-” Sirius started, but Harry grabbed his arm and pulled him to his room.
“Best not to fight it Sirius. Papa has a mean stinging hex.” Harry told him before looking back at his Papa and James, “Goodnight see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight Harry. Sirius.” His Papa said, James said something though it was muffled behind his hand that Harry suspected his Papa stuck a sticking hex to it. He narrowed his eyes at it but then shook his head and entered his room, closing the door behind him and locking it, earning a muffled shout no doubt from James.
“I should sleep on the floor at least.” Sirius said
“Look we can put pillows between us if you’re so worried about touching in our sleep, but you have got to relax.” Harry said moving further into the room as he pulled off his school bag and set it at the desk for now.
“I just don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” Sirius told him
“If I’m uncomfortable I’d tell you and if I wouldn’t be okay with this Papa wouldn’t have suggested it without talking to me first. Look if you and Remus hadn’t been James’ friends since age 11 and just happened to be colleagues I’d be trying a lot harder to have a….stronger relationship than I am now.” Harry said, turning to look at Sirius as he pulled his sweater off that he had been wearing.
“What do you mean?” Harry moved to the bed and pulled the covers back then he grabbed the long pillow underneath the other pillows and put it in the middle of the bed under the covers so there was a barrier.
“You have to remember I’m seventeen or sixteen years old however you want to look at it and I’m practically going into a marriage as not only my first sexual relationship, but my first relationship at all. Well, unless we’re counting Cillian Coughlan.” Harry said
“Who?” Sirius asked, Harry’s eyes widened then he quickly looked away.
“Nobody. Anyway, why wouldn’t I want to spend a few nights with my mates to not only get to know them better but to let them get used to me sooner or later being a permanent fixture in their bed? Again if things were different face it you and Remus would be trying a lot more too.”
“Well yeah of course we would be. Especially if we didn’t know your real birthday would be July 31 instead of a few weeks ago.” Sirius said, taking a few hesitant steps towards the bed as well, “But we do know that, and James is our best friend and your biological father. And I’m still interested to know who this CIllian guy is.”
“Just get in and go to sleep will you? I have a NEWT test tomorrow. I’ll be lucky to get exactly eight hours of sleep.” Sirius hesitated another minute before sighing and getting into the bed. It took a little bit of shuffling for Sirius to get used to the pillow there, but once he did and was comfortable he stopped moving, letting the silence of the room soothe him.
Harry had his back towards him, the covers pulled up to his neck. Sirius didn’t think he was asleep yet, but he was definitely close to it as his breathing relaxed and even without being a wolf Srius could hear the slight growling coming from him. It wasn’t as loud as it was in his wolf body, it barely even reached his ears, it was sort of surprising considering not even Remus growl in his sleep. He’d have to ask Harry or Remus about that, why Harry growls, but not Remus.
Maybe it’s a Lycan vs Werewolf thing? Or an Omega vs Alpha thing? But if that was the case then why did the Omega growl when the Alpha didn’t? And who is Cillian?
“I can feel you thinking Sirius. What is it?” Harry asked suddenly pulling Sirius out of his thoughts
“Oh…sorry.” Sirius said, but Harry just laughed as he rolled onto his other side to face him.
“What are you possibly thinking about?”
“Why do you growl when Remus doesn’t even when you’re not your wolf.”
“Oh that? That’s because as much as Alpha’s like to pretend their big and bad they don’t have the protective instincts Omegas do. Don’t tell any Alpha I said that though. Omegas are always protecting their mates, cubs, family, anyone they consider important. Alphas have to see the danger to be protective, Omegas just have to know there is a chance that danger is out there even if it’s a 0.2 percent chance. Omegas are always protecting. The growl itself is almost like a trick, a way to make predators think the Omega knows it’s there, that the Omega is giving them a chance to flee, even if we don’t actually know that. It’s why Omegas need an Alpha, they’ll be so worried about protecting everyone else that they won’t watch their blindspot, that’s where the Alpha comes in.”
“Oh…that’s pretty cool, but wouldn’t an Alpha’s growl be more intimidating?”
“Depends, but usually there isn’t a difference. I can stop it if you need me to. I don’t do it on purpose but I can stop. I've learned how to do it.”
“No, I was just curious. It doesn’t bother me none.”
“According to the books and Frankie it should help soothe you after a long day and help ease you to sleep faster. You just have to let it, which means you have to relax, stop worrying about James and Remus, and just go to sleep. They both will be fine, tons of Alphas go into ruts every six months and tons of fathers have let their baby boy grow up and share a bed with someone. James would never do this if it was Charlie and a boyfriend even if that boyfriend was older. He’s just doing this because he feels he has a say in this because you’re his best friend and I’m his son. But the truth is he doesn’t. So relax. No one is going to come in here and castrate you if your finger accidentally brushes my asscheek. I promise. Now get comfortable because I know damn well you don’t sleep on your back with your hands folded on your stomach. You’re not cheating on anyone here, we're sharing a bed so your husband can wank to his heart's content and you can sleep so you don’t die teaching dueling to excited thirteen year olds.”
“Fine you’re right.” Sirius said, chuckling lightly as he rolled over onto his side so he was facing Harry, “Goodnight.”
“Finally. Goodnight to you too.” Harry said, rolling his eyes, but he was grinning as he settled more into the blankets and hugged his pillow. Harry blindly grabbed a wand on his bedside table and waved it, taking all the lights out plunging the room in complete darkness, “Oh and never tell me I’m right again unless you want to snog. It gets me going.”
Sirius burst into a loud laugh that shook the entire bed making Harry laugh into his pillow.
“WHAT'S GOING ON IN THERE?!”
“JAMES FLEAMONT POTTER GET YOUR ASS IN THAT BED OR SO HELP ME MERLIN I WILL TIE YOU TO IT! THEY ARE FINE!” Harry covered his mouth as his Papa’s voice carried through the entire family suite
“BUT-”
“I AM VERY PROFICIENT IN BONDAGE SPELLS JAMES POTTER I WILL HOGTIE AND GAG YOU IF YOU STEP ONE FOOT OUT OF THAT BEDROOM!” A second passed then a door slammed closed and Harry buried his face into his pillow as Sirius did the same, both of them trying very hard to be quiet.
“Ow my stomach hurts.” Sirius whispered
“Shut up.” Harry hissed, “Go to sleep you’re going to get me in trouble.”
“You! James is going to kill me tomorrow morning.”
“You’ll be fine. Just hide behind my Papa. He’ll protect you.”
“I am so dead tomorrow.” Sirius said, “This is the last time you’re going to see me alive, Harry. Any last words for me?”
“You’re a dramatic puppy. Now go to sleep.”
“You’re the one who made me laugh.”
“Sleep.”
“Alright. Stop talking. I can't sleep when people talk.”
Harry chuckled as he rolled over again and got comfortable, a small smile on his lips as he breathed in and was immediately met with the smell of at least one of his mates and the faint scent of the other still all over Sirius. It didn’t take long for both Harry and Sirius to fall asleep.