Chapter 4
“Happy Birthday!” Remus and Lily shout whilst holding a candle lit cake. James sits up in bed, letting his eyes adjust to the change in light.
“You are getting so bloody old.” Remus grins, ruffling James’ hair with his free hand.
“Not that old.” James frowns, crossing his legs so the cake can be put down in front of him. He blows out the candles quickly, closing his eyes harshly.
“Make a wish!” Lily smiles, watching the rainbow wax drip onto the icing. “What did you wish for?”
“You know the rules. Can’t tell you or it won’t come true.” James defends, handing the cake back to Remus.
“What time are your parents coming tonight?” Remus asks, secretly planning Sirius’ arrival for the dinner party.
“They said around seven. But by the time they have packed the car, made sandwiches and stopped for the bathroom ten times, it’s more likely seven-thirty.” James decides whilst pulling away the covers and picking out clothes from the wardrobe.
“That’s great.” Remus nods. “I wanted to ask if i could…”
“Yes?” James turns around from the wardrobe, eyebrows raised.
“…Bring someone?” Remus whispers, rocking back on his heels self consciously. He puts down the cake on the desk to steady his balance.
“You’re joking?” Lily asks.
“Not joking, but thank you.”
“Hold on a second.” James steps closer to Remus, one finger in front to signal a pause in this conversation. “This isn’t the chap that you rushed to see yesterday is it?”
“Possibly.” Remus shrugs, sitting down on the mattress corner like it’s no big deal.
“Finally!” Lily jumps up and down. “I was waiting until you would mention him again.”
“Well, i’m done mentioning him. James, i was just wondering if i could bring a… date. It’s your birthday, i wanted to check it was okay.”
“Of course!” James pats Remus on the shoulder like a proud dad. “To be honest, i’m glad you are finally putting yourself out there.”
“Me too, i was starting to get worried.” Lily shrugs her shoulders.
“Excuse me, being single was my own choice. I was focusing on my career.” Remus defends.
Partly true.
“Yes, yes, you are right. Just tell him to come at seven.”
“Great, thank you James.” Remus stands up and hugs him. Partly because it’s his birthday and deserves a hug, but also because he has permission to see Sirius again.
If James had refused, i doubt Sirius would have tried to reschedule.
The day goes by quickly. They spend hours watching terrible day time television, eating junk and gossiping about the latest events in Notting Hill. James decides to save present opening until dinner, so they spend more time chopping vegetables and preparing deserts. Remus has never been a great cook, so he lets James and Lily take over for the most part.
Six-forty-five, the clock on the fireplace reads. Remus made sure to get dressed early to save a breakdown like yesterday, so he’s sat on the sofa waiting for the doorbell.
I hope i didn’t write the wrong address. Why would I? Stop overthinking this, he’s on his way. Or he’s not, whatever.
“Stop freaking out.” Lily leans against the lounge door frame observing Remus tense posture. “He will be here.”
“I hope so.” Remus rubs his eyes harshly until he sees squares. “Can you promise me something Lily?“
“Anything.”
“Try and act natural.” Remus says honestly, seeing how Lily takes the suggestion.
“Are you talking to me, or yourself?” Lily smirks.
“You and James. You see…um… this guy is different.”
“Different how?” Remus can sense Lily’s curiosity, but pushes forward. “Just tell me who he is, Remus.”
I’m not sure explaining right now is a good idea. Might leave it up to the element of surprise.
“Different as in, recognisable.” Remus tries, not able to find the right words.
“I don’t understand.” Lily frowns, standing up straight from the doorframe.
Luckily, the door bell rings to save his explanation.
Mr and Mrs Potter, or Sirius? let’s see how this goes.
“I’ll get it!” James shouts from the front door. Remus doesn’t have time to stop him. He can hear the locks opening and can only let it happen.
“Holy Fuck.” James yells, causing Remus to run down the hallway to the wide front door.
Not James’ parents.
Sirius is standing with rain soaked hair, and a partly ripped present with a blue bow on it. “It’s nice to meet you.” He smiles, holding out an icy hand to James.
“I’m sorry Sir, but i think you have the wrong house.” James says, not moving a muscle, and has his mouth slightly parted. Remus just hides behind his body, letting it play out.
Does he recognise Sirius? Who am i kidding, of course he does.
“James?” Sirius asks, handing him the bashed present.
“Ye-yeah, that’s me. James Potter.” James continues to stand still, letting Sirius get further soaked in the rain storm.
“Happy birthday.” Sirius smiles, not noticing Remus’ hiding position yet. “My…my friend invited me. Remus. You did know about this right?”
“Of course! Come on in! Don’t forget to wipe those shiny shoes on our lovely mat!” James bellows, smiling and swinging his arms around like a groupie.
“Thanks for inviting me.” Sirius smiles, glad that he’s at the right place. “I know i’m a bit early.”
“You are welcome here any time, Mr Black. Sirius Black. Because that is your name. Given by your parents. When you were born. How are your parents by the way? Scary fuckers i’ll tell you.” James continues, not letting Sirius get any further down the corridor. “Remus and I were at the premiere actually! For that lover in the entrance movie. Not to my taste, but great acting mate. Remus loved it more, surprise surprise.”
Sirius only continues to grin at the mention of his family and slight criticism of his career. He’s likely used to the shock of people meeting him for the first time.
“Why don’t you let him come inside properly?” Remus finally says, deciding he should step in.
“Remus! Didn’t even notice you were there!” James jumps, grateful to be saved from being the host for a short while.
“Yes, why don’t you go and get Sirius a drink?” Remus remains calm, signalling to the kitchen.
“Of course! See you pair in the dining room.” James practically races to Lily, bursting with the news of the movie stars arrival at their run down house in Notting Hill.
That could of gone better. It’s my own fault, why did i think this would be a good idea. This better not ruin James’ birthday, i don’t want the focus off him.
“He’s exactly how you described him.” Sirius says whilst taking off his coat and scarf, hanging it on an empty peg.
“Yeah, i’m sorry. Expect a lot of shocked, socially awkward people tonight.” Remus admits.
They stare at each other for a while, wanting to step closer but acknowledging the unspoken rule.
None of that tonight.
“Let’s go meet Lily.”
Sirius follows close behind him, looking at the pictures of the group over the years in frames. All smiley and doing something stupid. Sirius craves that freedom of a family. He gets the impression that this night will leave him with the reminder of what he will never have.
Lily and James are whispering next to the stove when Remus enters with Sirius. “Wow, you are the spitting image of…” She begins, examining his features.
“Lily, this is Sirius.” Remus introduces, moving out the way so they can shake hands.
“Nice to meet you Lily.” Sirius smiles perfectly.
“And you.” Lily glares at Remus, as if she’s angry that he didn’t mention this sooner. “Can i get you a drink?”
“Yes, please.” Sirius slightly shrinks, growing uncomfortable that all eyes are on him.
“Are you nervous?” Remus whispers in his ear, giggling like a teenager whilst James and Lily get out some beers.
“Shut up.” Sirius hisses, pushing him away. “I’m not used to meeting the family so early.”
“Don’t forget that this was your suggestion. Too late to back out now.”
The doorbell goes again.
“That will be the parents.” James reaches the front door, hugging them over and over again. They shower him in kisses, and stacks of presents.
“You never told me his parents were coming?” Sirius whispers as they begin to enter the dining room.
“There wasn’t much time. Your assistant who thought i was with Horse and Hound magazine was about to walk in with the next interviewer.”
There wasn’t time to discuss it further, as Euphemia Potter begins to bring Sirius into a hug as well.
Either she doesn’t recognise him, or she just doesn’t care.
Once Sirius is released, she looks him up and down. “You are one handsome young man.” Euphemia pinches his pale cheek, causing Sirius to scrunch his face.
“Nice to you meet you, Mrs Potter.” He says once left alone.
“How do you know James?”
“Just met him actually. I’m a friend of Remus.”
“Oooooo, i know a love match when i see it.” Euphemia declares, pointing at Remus with laughs. “I knew it wouldn’t take long for him to find a nice man. Won’t find any better than Remus, let me tell you.”
“Dear lord mum.” James sighs. “Give him some space.”
“Fine, fine.” She steps back, letting her husband step in.
“I will start by apologising for my wife.” Fleamont beams, shaking Sirius hands. “But she’s right, don’t break our Remus’ heart.”
I’m going to need a lie down after this.
Remus decides to help James, Lily and Euphemia with the dinner while Sirius sits at the table with Fleamont discussing life in general.
“So.” Fleamont begins, taking a large gulp of beer. “What do you do for a living?”
Remus glances at them with a smirk in between peeling potatoes, wondering how he will handle this one.
I forget that some people live in the countryside and have no clue who celebrities are.
“I’m an actor.” Sirius politely responds.
“Oh, splendid! Good for you.” He takes another slurp and pushes his chair in closer. “I had a friend at school that went into the acting business. Scraping money each year, almost lost his house. It’s no life.”
“Hm.” Sirius nods, refusing to look at Remus as he knows he wouldn’t remain straight faced.
“For example, last project you were in, how much did you make?” Fleamont wonders, swirling his glass.
“Umm, around fourteen million.” Sirius plainly replies, not noticing how the room falls silent.
Fleamont coughs, trying his best to cover up the shock. “I suppose that’s pretty good then.”
Remus doesn’t get chance to hear the rest of the conversation as he’s getting pulled into the lounge by James. He locks the glass doors behind them.
“You better start talking.” James points at him, half angry, half amused.
“It’s complicated.”
“It bloody hell isn’t. Let’s start with why Sirius Black is currently sat at our dining room table discussing finances with my father. God, it sounds insane out loud.”
“It is insane. I met him at the premiere.”
“When? You didn’t leave my side.”
“In the bathroom. He came in for a break, and i was washing my hands.”
“Did you sleep with him?” James lowers his voice. “Don’t lie to me on my Birthday.”
“Jesus, no!” Remus steps back, growing hot. “It was just a kiss. Then he called me from the Ritz with a different name. He wanted to check that i was okay. But then…”
“Again?” James’ eyes widen.
“I don’t know what happened. Then he’s asking if i’m free and wondering if he can come over. It all happened so fast, it’s only been two days.”
“You need to figure out what he wants Remus. This could get messy very quickly.”
“I know that. I just get so distracted by his face that i struggle to string two words together.”
“Number one, valid excuse. Number two, this could put both your careers on the line. Have you even asked him about your own script? What happened to wanting him in your own movie?”
“I don’t think i will mention that. I don’t want him thinking i’m using him just for my own movie.”
“Then you need to make that clear.”
Remus nods, looking through the glass at Sirius.
When did James become so good at giving advice?
“But he’s even hotter in person.” James looks at Sirius as well.
“Literally! I thought it was just me.”
“Like the way his eyes are so much brighter…”
“Hello?” Lily taps on the glass doors. “Planning on coming back in?”
They both give her a thumbs up.
The meal is surprisingly a success. There are zero arguments, James loved his presents, and everyone managed to keep the questions about Sirius to a minimum.
They are currently eating desert, staring at the last brownie on the plate.
“Let’s play a little Potter house game called, ‘who gets the last brownie’. It’s pretty self explanatory.” Fleamont begins, putting the white plate in front of him. “Whoever has the saddest life, gets the last one.”
“I will go first.” Lily smirks. “Started Cello lessons when i was five, broke my hand when i was seven meaning i was out of practise for eighteen months. Auditioned for London’s film Orchestra at twenty, accepted at twenty one, broke my hand again, another eighteen months off, close to being fired, and now i’m here.”
The table boo. Lily chuckles at her sob story, but knows there are worse seated at the table.
“I love you Lily, but that was a pathetic attempt at getting the last brownie. Remus’ life is much more pitiful than yours.” James protests.
“That is true.” Remus agrees. “Where do i begin?”
Sirius is sat closely next to Remus, realising that he actually knows nothing about him.
“Dad died when i was young, mum wasn’t a master of taking care of me but she tried her best. We lived on scraps for a few years until she was well enough to work again. Watched ‘singing in the rain’ and decided to make shitty movies, resulting in crap money. Fell in love a few times, guys that treated me terribly, got broken up with, and now i live in a house with two other friends in the broke film business. There.” Remus shrugs, knowing he has won.
“I don’t think the rest of us should bother. Well done Remus, no one has a life more pathetic than yours.” Fleamont agrees, sliding the brownie plate over to Remus.
“Hey, what about me?” Sirius objects.
“What about you?” Remus holds the brownie in his hand, desperate to inhale it. “You don’t seriously think you qualify for this brownie do you? I’m going to fight for it, i don’t care how handsome you are.”
“I think i deserve a fighting chance.” Sirius decides, taking the brownie from his hands and putting it back on the plate.
“Love to see you try.”
“Challenge accepted. Let’s start with my creepy house that was always cold. I had ten nannies by the time i was five, meaning i had to remember many names and start over. My parents weren’t the warmest of people, they often forgot my birthday. They were grateful that i grew up to be mildly attractive, otherwise they would have cut me off financially and told people i had died of a cold or something. They didn’t let me speak to my brother again after he left. They still watch my diet closely, keeping track of my exercise so i always stay ‘appealing for the screen’. They decide where i live, who i date…”
Sirius’ eyes briefly reach Remus’, but he doesn’t let his speech falter.
“They wanted me to get plastic surgery, which i refused to do. I have limited privacy, almost all my secrets end up splashed on the news front page. My meetings are organised by them, they track where i go on my free days. Apart from now, they think i’m in New York. And i can’t ever live my own life, otherwise i wouldn’t have any connections in this industry.”
The table stays silent, exchanging looks. “Nah, sorry mate.” James breaks the tension. “Still not good enough for the brownie, Remus it’s all yours.”
Sirius laughs, accepting defeat. “Fair enough.”
They have a few more rounds of drinks, until Sirius begins to stand up. “I hate to break this up, but i better be getting back.”
“Of course.” James smiles, standing up with him. “Thanks for coming.”
“Happy Birthday.” Sirius repeats, patting him on the back.
“I will walk you out.” Remus gets out of his chair following Sirius down the corridor.
It’s finally them alone. Sirius puts his coat and scarf back on, removing the hair out that was trapped under his collar.
“I hope that wasn’t too awkward for you.” Remus declares. “It could have gone worse.”
“It was great, don’t worry.” Sirius smiles, delicately taking Remus’ hands and stroking his knuckles. “it’s nice being in a home that’s warm.”
They both continue to grin at each other. Remus glances over his shoulder to check if anyones watching. He leans down slightly, and cups Sirius’ face, brining his mouth to his own.
They break away quickly, not letting it go too far.
“There are some things we need to talk about.” Remus finally has the courage to admit, James’ advice echoing in his head.
“I know.” Sirius nods. “Walk me home? To the hotel, that is.”
“Let’s go.” Remus agrees, hoping that some fresh air might clear his busy thoughts.
After the fight for the last brownie, it seems that i do not know Sirius Black at all. And that the reality of fame isn’t all cheques and bright lights. Some of them are trapped, unable to ever consider themselves lucky.