Taking Care Of Lupin
You were able to get Remus at least out of bed after a week, after convincing him that Hogwarts is the safest place to be and he was the new DADA teacher that year. “I know it took a long time last time, but there are people here for you now. We all want you to get better, and not to feel miserable, because we care about you. You don't have to go straight back to normal, but at least try. If not for me, then for Castor since I know he hates to see you like this.” you said while walking out the door to finish dinner. When you were setting the small table, you hear his door click and see him stumble out and into the living room looking like he hasn't brushed his hair out in days, was in desperate need of a shower, and had been wearing the same clothes since you told him the news. “See, we’re making progress. Baby steps though.” you said and then brought dinner out. It was a simple meal that wouldn't hurt his stomach since he hasn't eaten much at all lately. The Weasley's would be back in 2 weeks, and you wanted to make sure he was stable before school started. Castor helped you clean up dinner, and you let Remus go back to his room so you could take a little bit larger of a step tomorrow by running a bath for him. After Castor went to sleep, you thought back to Sirius Black and why he was imprisoned. You knew about what happened with the muggles and Pettigrew, but you wouldn't only find a finger if only his chest or torso was aimed at. You would mostly find more of a leg than a finger, and if it had been aimed to the torso, why was there a larger explosion towards the sewers?... Merlin, Peter escaped! Sirius is innocent! You can't tell Remus just yet, you don't have any proof except for common knowledge. You are going to look more into that tomorrow, but until then you need your sleep.
That morning Remus had gotten up for breakfast then you ran him a bath and picked out some comfy clothes for him to wear after. When lunch arrived, you made some sandwiches and asked Remus to look after Castor while you went somewhere. You already knew that the house in the forest would have answers, so you went there. You met Lyra, who had given you another vial for the pensieve, which you used immediately after thanking her. There was Black, Pettigrew, and of course the muggles. You watched closely, and before Sirius had time to react after confronting Pettigrew, he almost immediately started laughing as Pettigrew exploded. You looked in the sewers and sure enough, saw a rat identical to the stuffed Wormtail. Sirius truly was innocent. Looking at the rat closer, you realized that it seemed a lot like Scabbers, Percy’s old rat. You put it all together as you left the pensieve and teleported back to the flat. You knew even though you had proof now, nobody would believe you and telling Remus would only hurt him from thinking so poorly of Sirius for the past 12 years. You kept on taking care of Remus, as it was the only thing you could do right now. You don't know what you will do when school comes, but you have taken the house in the forest into consideration.
You found a record player in the storage and some David Bowie albums, so you three had got to jam out to some great music. At one point you all were singing and having a great time but when Lady Stardust came on, Remus’s mood had changed entirely. He went from singing and laughing-something he hadn't done in a long time- to silent and secretive. You guessed he was thinking about Sirius from the lyrics “People stared at the makeup on his face. Laughed at his long black hair, his animal grace…”. You thought how much Sirius must have meant to him and turned the record off for now, not wanting to undo all of his progress. You turned on the television for Castor and let Remus know “If you ever want to talk about anything, I just want you to know I’m here for you.” to which he replied “Merlin, I’m supposed to be the one offering that to you and not the other way around. I’ve just got you back and I’m already failing as a father like I did when you were born.”. “Remus, you are the best dad I have ever had. Well, that I can remember. But anyways, it doesn't matter. I love you and I’d like to care for you when you need it. No if’s, and’s, or but’s about it. You aren't being a terrible father to me, you have a lot going on right now. No matter what I am going to be here for you if you need it like I know you would be for me if I was going through something.” and he just hugged you. “I don't think I could have gotten a better daughter in the whole world. What did I do to deserve you?” he said to which you replied ”I’m not sure, maybe living was the accomplishment? That’s all I’ve been trying to do.” and you both just laughed. Remus had gotten better, but not fully better. With what he’s been through, you wouldn't blame him. There are terrors you remember that you will most likely never get over.