He Capers Nimbly In A Lady's Chamber (![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
blanketforts Day 16)
Jan. 18th, 2006 07:04 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rosie_ruesTitle: He Capers Nimbly In A Lady's Chamber
Rating: G
Disclaimer: They're not mine. I'm just borrowing them because I like them.
Wordcount: 2828
Prompt: Frost on windowpanes
Notes: Apologies for the delay - a combination of RL nasties, original fic demanding my attention and this one growing insanely. I wasn't going to cut it here but decided to for the sake of space. Tomorrow's will continue straight from here. Andromeda Tonks throws a dinner party. This one is for everyone who asked if Nymphadora was going to appear in this series. Title from Richard III
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
“I’m sorry we’re late,” Remus said as Andromeda closed the door behind them. “Have you seen the snow out there?”
“From inside, thankfully,” Andromeda said, taking their coats. “You both look soaked.”
Sirius, who had dived for the radiator, grinned at her. “All in a good cause. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a snow cloud from the inside.”
“I believe that counts as reason sixty-five Sirius Black won’t live to see forty,” Remus said dryly. “For reference, very wet, very cold and extremely poor visibility. Also, not the ideal conditions for a motorbike.”
Sirius wagged a finger at him. “You’ll hurt her feelings.” The radiator was burning two thin lines into his bum. He was still loath to move.
“Sirius!” Andromeda said. “You didn’t? Not when poor Remus has been ill. What’s wrong with the Floo?”
Remus looked mortified. Sirius thought it suited him, being all pink-cheeked and flushed. Then he said, “I don’t mind Marianne that much, really.”
“Don’t mind her that much!” Sirius spluttered. “Marianne! My Marianne!”
Andromeda glared at him. “Go and help Ted with the drinks. Remus, come with me. I’ll get you a hot drink.”
“Don’t I get a hot drink?”
Andromeda pointed down the hall. “Go. So, what are the first sixty-four reasons?”
“There’s only one that matters,” Sirius called as she shut the kitchen door in his face. “I’m too beautiful to get old.”
With only the blank door to answer him, he abandoned the radiator and went in search of Ted.
James and Lily were already installed on the sofa. Sirius twisted his eyebrows at James who shook his head gloomily. Sirius sighed heavily and selected a chair to fall across.
“Here’s trouble,” Lily said.
“Wotcher, Sirius,” Ted said without turning round. “Drink?”
“Would I decline your hospitality?” Sirius said expansively.
“Not if he’s offering alcohol,” Lily said sweetly.
“You wound me, Prongette.”
Ted passed him a gin and tonic. “I take it no introductions are required?”
“Sadly not,” James said. “We’ve been suffering for years. Did you drop Remus over Greenwich or something?”
“I’m here,” Remus said, coming through the connecting door, cradling a steaming mug.
Lily jumped up and went over to hug him.
There was a thunder of steps from the hall and Nymphadora Tonks burst in, squealing, “Sirius! Sirius! Sirius!”
He put his drink down hurriedly and held out his arms. “Now here’s trouble!”
She giggled and hurled herself onto him in a flurry of green pigtails and rainbow-coloured ribbons. “I’m not trouble!”
“No?” Sirius said, tickling her neck. “Must be Lily then.”
“Which one’s Lily?”
“Give you three guesses, pest.” He lowered his voice. “As a hint – she’s the only one who isn’t ugly.”
“You’re silly.”
“Not nearly as silly as your dad, right? How’s school, then?”
“I hate school. It’s boring.”
“No,” Sirius said, shaking his head. “That won’t do. You know what to do if you’re bored, don’t you?”
“No,” she said, widening her eyes until her face stretched sideways.
“Make things interesting.”
“Sirius Black!” Andromeda roared from the kitchen. “I heard that.”
Sirius sighed mournfully and Nym sniffed and said, “Mummy doesn’t like my trumpet, either.”
“I liked your trumpet.”
“I know that. You bought it, stupid.”
“And the rest of us have been paying ever since,” Ted muttered. “What possessed you, Sirius?”
Sirius grinned. “I never had noisy toys. I thought Nym might like it.”
“It was the bestest Christmas present ever in the world. Shall I get it?”
“No,” Ted said firmly. “Calm down, Nymphadora.”
She sighed but said, “Yes, daddy,” and settled on Sirius’ lap.
“Did you really buy her a trumpet?” Lily asked, looking like she was choking back laughter.
Sirius grinned at her. “I’m just practising. By the time I’m buying for James’ kids, I’ll have thought of something really noisy.”
James made a strangled noise and Lily laughed, though her cheeks had gone pink. “I think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself, Sirius.”
“Doesn’t he always?” Remus asked.
Nym said, “Oh!” and turned to stare at him.
Remus smiled. “Hello, Nymphadora. Do you remember me?”
She squeaked and buried her face in Sirius’ shoulder, her hair turning brown.
“Oh, dear,” Remus said.
James laughed. “You never were a ladies’ man, were you, Lupin?”
Sirius bent down and whispered to Nym, “You’re not scared of Remus, are you? He’s not scary. I’m much scarier than him.”
She shook her head, still not looking up.
“Shall I tell you a secret about him?” Sirius said, leaning against the top of her head. She smelt like soap and sugar and milk. “He lives with me-”
“Sirius, I don’t actually-”
Sirius glared him into silence. “And do you know what he did this morning? He put orange juice on his cornflakes.”
Nym looked up. “Really?”
“I promise.”
“It was in a milk bottle.”
“It was orange,” Sirius said. “Bright orange, and he didn’t even realise until he took the first mouthful. Funniest things I’ve seen. He looked just like this.” He mimed a face of absolute disgust.
Remus was looking long-suffering.
Andromeda stuck her head out of the kitchen. “Any sign of the others yet?”
Ted shook his head. “They’ve been having problems with their Floo. Frank said they had to dig their way to the shop for the paper this morning.”
“Aren’t the Muggles doing anything to clear the roads?” Andromeda asked.
“It depends where they are,” Lily said. “A lot of public sector workers are joining the strikes now.”
“It’s bad business, that,” Ted said. “Andie, come and sit down. Stick a charm on it and we’ll eat when they get here.”
She sighed and came through to perch on the arm of his chair. “I don’t understand it. Muggle politics confuse me.”
“You and me both, love,” Ted said. “It’s all to do with rates of pay not keeping up with inflation. People are struggling and, even in the Muggle world, government wages are the worst.”
“My Dad’s on the railways,” Lily said. “He’s striking. It’s not so bad for him, now my sister’s married and I’m earning, but a lot of his colleagues are in real trouble.”
“There’s that,” Ted said, “but there’s such a thing as going too far. They’ve got a genuine grievance, no denying it, but they’re asking a lot and the extent of it is too much. I remember the firemen’s strike a few years back. If they and ambulance drivers go again, Voldemort’s lot will take advantage. Folk should let the unions negotiate.”
“But the unions aren’t,” Lily said fiercely. “It’s not about the unions. They’re not doing anything – just laying down for the government to walk over. They’re betraying their members. There wouldn’t be any wildcat strikes if the unions weren’t crap.”
Sirius looked at James who shrugged, and then winced as Lily poked him. “Pay attention. This is important.”
“She’ll take points if you’re not careful,” Remus said dryly.
“Oh, I have much more effective methods now.”
James went pink again.
Nym was staring at Remus from behind Sirius’ arm. Sirius didn’t blame her. He liked staring at Remus too. He was restful, all lean lines and soft hues. There was nothing flashy about him, nothing brash. It was just unthinkable that he would ever break. There was too much strength in him, as quiet and stubborn as his humour.
Nym’s hair was slowly brightening under his chin, almost blue now.
Remus sipped his drink and it left a brown, milky stain on his top lip. Hot chocolate. It always made him contentedly pensive, his eyes lowered and his brows straight with thought. Not that Sirius sometimes bought cocoa for just that reason.
He took what must be the last mouthful and then licked his lip. Then he looked up. He obviously noticed them staring for he dropped a slow wink.
Nym giggled and ducked.
Sirius winked back.
Ted and Lily were still arguing about Muggle politics. Who on earth was Callaghan? James and Andromeda were discussing Quidditch.
The fire flared up and Nym clapped.
Alice Longbottom stepped out, brushing ash from her robes. “Andie, I’m so sorry. Half the chimneys on the way are blocked.”
“Not a word,” Andromeda said, rising to greet her. “Let me take your coat. Frank, dear, how lovely to see you.”
Pureblood manners, Sirius thought wryly. It took him an effort to avoid them.
Frank had gone straight to Ted, his face worried. Sirius heard him say quietly, “Any word from Radcliffe?”
Ted shook his head. “Not for days. I can’t believe he’d turn on us. Not Alan.”
Andromeda turned and said, “No war talk over dinner. Come through, everyone.”
Nym slid off his lap and ran to open the sliding doors, her legs extending so she could reach the latch at the top. Sirius downed the rest of his drink and walked over to join Remus, his eyes stinging.
“Hot chocolate?” he said. “You merit hot chocolate?”
“I’m a better person than you,” Remus said lightly, smiling at him.
“Old news,” Sirius said, not really joking. “I didn’t realise my secret was out.”
“Only to those who know you well,” Remus said, lowering his voice and leaning forward. “We can read you like a book.”
“A picture book?” Sirius asked. Damnit, what was Remus doing so close? He could feel his hair brushing his cheek.
“Far from it. A book of mysteries and marvels. Some dark, some ridiculous, some written in langauges no one understands. All worth reading.”
Sirius blinked, feeling his cheeks heat.
Lily poked him in the small of the back as she passed. “Will you two stop flirting and come to the table?”
“I’m not flirting,” Sirius protested.
“Aren’t you?” Remus said, and slipped away.
What?
Sirius chased him in. There were only two seats left, one beside Nym and the other opposite, between Alice and Lily. He turned towards Nym, keeping a wary eye on the dishes drifting overhead.
Nym pouted at the sight of him. “I don’t want to sit next to you.”
“Nymphadora,” Andromeda said warningly.
Sirius winced. He’d done a similar thing, at Nym’s age, when he refused to sit beside old Abraxas Malfoy at a family dinner. It had been a week before he could touch a piece of cutlery without pain shooting up his arms.
“I’ll sit with you, Nymphadora,” Remus said.
Andromeda nodded and then met Sirius’ gaze. He scrunched his fingers at her. She winced and said softly, “Another world, love.”
“For which I am ever grateful,” he murmured back.
“Are we missing something?” Frank asked.
“Family history,” Andromeda said. “Sirius, do sit down.”
Alice patted the chair beside her. “Looks like you’re stuck with me, gorgeous.”
“Who’s gorgeous?” Nym demanded.
“Your cousin Sirius, sweetpie.”
Nym wrinkled her nose. “He’s not. He’s silly.”
“Nobody appreciates my glory,” Sirius said. “Do you need a hand, Meda?”
“Just sit, Sirius.”
He relaxed back into his chair. Meda might still refer to cooking as Applied Potions but she produced a damn good spread. Good food, good company and the prospect of a long flight home – what could be better?
James and Lily were talking softly. Ted, Andromeda and Frank were arguing about Barty Crouch. Remus was cutting Nym’s meat for her while she chattered, her shyness gone.
Alice was watching them wistfully.
“The man goes too far!” Andromeda snapped. “He has no regard for the legal protections we’ve struggled to put in place.”
“Dark times, Andie,” Frank said soberly. “I dislike his methods as much as you do but You-Know-Who must be stopped.”
“And then?” Ted said. “We have to think beyond this war. If we destroy our own society, You-Know-Who wins, even if he himself is brought low. There’s a very steep slope down from the moral high ground and Crouch doesn’t seem to care how low we go. He’s a bad thing and I’ve said it before, in private and public.”
“Which is why,” Alice said quietly, “I keep telling you to watch your back. There’s more who agree with him than you.”
Ted snorted. “That’s what’s wrong with the Wizarding World. Too flighty to realise how fragile freedom is. The whole society is rotten through and through. Most wizards seem to think laws are like the rules of Quidditch – doesn’t matter if you break them, as long as you do it with style.”
“Ted,” Andromeda said soothingly.
“Look at this blasted Order of the Phoenix,” Ted continued, stabbing the air with his fork. “Damn masked vigilantes. That sort of haphazard intervention helps no one.”
“Except the people whose lives they’ve saved,” said Alice.
“Those people would be just as safe if this so-called Order had handed their information to the Aurors. They’re undermining trust in our work and that’s lethal. If people won’t seek our help there’s nothing we can do to slow this down. If they want to be of use, they can damn well volunteer to help through official channels.”
“Not everyone’s willing to give their name to the authorities,” Alice started but Frank shook his head at her.
“Ted,” he said. “You’ve complained as much as I have about how hard it is to get a conviction after we make an arrest.”
“That’s not our fault!” Both Lily and Andromeda burst out and then looked at each other sheepishly.
“I’m not saying it is. The truth of it is that they’re just too slippery to leave much trace of their doings. We’re never going to be able to hold people like the Malfoys and the Lestranges. If the Order, by whatever means, can counteract them, they’re doing more than we can.”
Ted glared at him. “And are you happy to see Aurors using Unforgiveables too? That will be next, mark my words.”
“Right,” Andromeda said. “Enough. This is about to turn into war talk and there’s-”
“No war talk at the table,” Sirius recited. “So, the Magpies, then?”
“Don’t be daft,” Alice said promptly. “The Wasps have Bagman.”
Lily sighed heavily beside him. “Quidditch,” she muttered. “Always blooming Quidditch.”
“Arrows!” Nym squeaked, turning pale blue.
“She knows all the team colours,” Ted said proudly.
Later, after dessert, they retired back to the living room. Sirius, who was feeling mellow, dropped onto the floor, leaning against Remus’ chair. If it hadn’t been for the Tonkses and Longbottoms, he would have changed into Padfoot and draped himself over Remus’ feet.
“Bedtime,” Ted was saying firmly.
“I don’t want to.”
“Somebody’s tired,” Remus murmured, his fingertips just brushing Sirius’ shoulder.
“You’ve already stayed up late, Nymphadora. Now it’s time for bed.”
“I don’t want to. I want a story.”
Ted sighed. “Get your book. I’ll read you one story and then bed. Or we won’t let you stay up next time Sirius comes.”
“Don’t want you. Want him.” She pointed at Remus, her lower lip swelling into a vast pout.
“Me?” Remus said blankly as she scuttled off.
She returned, dragging a book which was almost as tall as she was. “Story.”
“Looks like you’ve been nominated, Remus, mate,” Ted said. “You alright with that?”
Sirius looked up in time to see Remus smile, a hesitant curve of his lips. “I think I can manage. What story do you want, Nymphadora?”
She scrambled up Sirius’ side to perch on Remus’ lap. “You choose.”
“Okay.” Remus sounded pleasantly bemused. “Let me see. There’s one about Merlin.”
“I like Merlin,” Nym said.
Behind him Alice was saying to Lily, “We’ve thought about children but it doesn’t seem the right time, with the world being what it is and both of us having such dangerous jobs.”
“Once upon a time,” Remus began, his voice soft and cosy, “in the days when Arthur was king of the Britains, there lived a maiden called Nimue…”
“…have to pretend everything’s normal,” Lily said. “But it’s so hard when you can’t can’t be sure if tomorrow will come.”
“She’ll need her Snitch pajamas, Ted,” Andromeda said.
“…and so Merlin fell in love with Nimue…”
Frank and James had conjured up the illusion of a Quidditch pitch and were discussing tactics.
“Is Sirius asleep?” Andromeda asked. “And who wants tea?”
“I’m awake,” Sirius said. “Milk, two sugars.”
“That’s stupid,” Nym said. “She can’t be in love with him.”
“Why not?” Remus asked and nodded at Andromeda.
“He takes his black,” Sirius said. “Want a hand?”
“This time, yes.”
“Because he’s old,” Nym said scornfully.
“Maybe Nimue didn’t mind,” Remus said, chuckling. Sirius pushed himself up reluctantly.
“And he’s ugly.”
“A much more serious problem. Shall I keep reading?”
“Okay. He’s still old, though.”
Andromeda pushed him into the kitchen. “Come on. There’s mugs in the cupboard behind you. Shut the door.”
“Have I earnt a lecture?” Sirius asked, pushing it shut with his foot. Andromeda’s kitchen was heaped with pans and dishes.
“I just want to talk to you. Being the only interfering old bat you’ve got left.”
“What about?” He managed to clear enough space on the table to start setting out mugs.
“Remus, of course.”
Rating: G
Disclaimer: They're not mine. I'm just borrowing them because I like them.
Wordcount: 2828
Prompt: Frost on windowpanes
Notes: Apologies for the delay - a combination of RL nasties, original fic demanding my attention and this one growing insanely. I wasn't going to cut it here but decided to for the sake of space. Tomorrow's will continue straight from here. Andromeda Tonks throws a dinner party. This one is for everyone who asked if Nymphadora was going to appear in this series. Title from Richard III
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
“I’m sorry we’re late,” Remus said as Andromeda closed the door behind them. “Have you seen the snow out there?”
“From inside, thankfully,” Andromeda said, taking their coats. “You both look soaked.”
Sirius, who had dived for the radiator, grinned at her. “All in a good cause. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a snow cloud from the inside.”
“I believe that counts as reason sixty-five Sirius Black won’t live to see forty,” Remus said dryly. “For reference, very wet, very cold and extremely poor visibility. Also, not the ideal conditions for a motorbike.”
Sirius wagged a finger at him. “You’ll hurt her feelings.” The radiator was burning two thin lines into his bum. He was still loath to move.
“Sirius!” Andromeda said. “You didn’t? Not when poor Remus has been ill. What’s wrong with the Floo?”
Remus looked mortified. Sirius thought it suited him, being all pink-cheeked and flushed. Then he said, “I don’t mind Marianne that much, really.”
“Don’t mind her that much!” Sirius spluttered. “Marianne! My Marianne!”
Andromeda glared at him. “Go and help Ted with the drinks. Remus, come with me. I’ll get you a hot drink.”
“Don’t I get a hot drink?”
Andromeda pointed down the hall. “Go. So, what are the first sixty-four reasons?”
“There’s only one that matters,” Sirius called as she shut the kitchen door in his face. “I’m too beautiful to get old.”
With only the blank door to answer him, he abandoned the radiator and went in search of Ted.
James and Lily were already installed on the sofa. Sirius twisted his eyebrows at James who shook his head gloomily. Sirius sighed heavily and selected a chair to fall across.
“Here’s trouble,” Lily said.
“Wotcher, Sirius,” Ted said without turning round. “Drink?”
“Would I decline your hospitality?” Sirius said expansively.
“Not if he’s offering alcohol,” Lily said sweetly.
“You wound me, Prongette.”
Ted passed him a gin and tonic. “I take it no introductions are required?”
“Sadly not,” James said. “We’ve been suffering for years. Did you drop Remus over Greenwich or something?”
“I’m here,” Remus said, coming through the connecting door, cradling a steaming mug.
Lily jumped up and went over to hug him.
There was a thunder of steps from the hall and Nymphadora Tonks burst in, squealing, “Sirius! Sirius! Sirius!”
He put his drink down hurriedly and held out his arms. “Now here’s trouble!”
She giggled and hurled herself onto him in a flurry of green pigtails and rainbow-coloured ribbons. “I’m not trouble!”
“No?” Sirius said, tickling her neck. “Must be Lily then.”
“Which one’s Lily?”
“Give you three guesses, pest.” He lowered his voice. “As a hint – she’s the only one who isn’t ugly.”
“You’re silly.”
“Not nearly as silly as your dad, right? How’s school, then?”
“I hate school. It’s boring.”
“No,” Sirius said, shaking his head. “That won’t do. You know what to do if you’re bored, don’t you?”
“No,” she said, widening her eyes until her face stretched sideways.
“Make things interesting.”
“Sirius Black!” Andromeda roared from the kitchen. “I heard that.”
Sirius sighed mournfully and Nym sniffed and said, “Mummy doesn’t like my trumpet, either.”
“I liked your trumpet.”
“I know that. You bought it, stupid.”
“And the rest of us have been paying ever since,” Ted muttered. “What possessed you, Sirius?”
Sirius grinned. “I never had noisy toys. I thought Nym might like it.”
“It was the bestest Christmas present ever in the world. Shall I get it?”
“No,” Ted said firmly. “Calm down, Nymphadora.”
She sighed but said, “Yes, daddy,” and settled on Sirius’ lap.
“Did you really buy her a trumpet?” Lily asked, looking like she was choking back laughter.
Sirius grinned at her. “I’m just practising. By the time I’m buying for James’ kids, I’ll have thought of something really noisy.”
James made a strangled noise and Lily laughed, though her cheeks had gone pink. “I think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself, Sirius.”
“Doesn’t he always?” Remus asked.
Nym said, “Oh!” and turned to stare at him.
Remus smiled. “Hello, Nymphadora. Do you remember me?”
She squeaked and buried her face in Sirius’ shoulder, her hair turning brown.
“Oh, dear,” Remus said.
James laughed. “You never were a ladies’ man, were you, Lupin?”
Sirius bent down and whispered to Nym, “You’re not scared of Remus, are you? He’s not scary. I’m much scarier than him.”
She shook her head, still not looking up.
“Shall I tell you a secret about him?” Sirius said, leaning against the top of her head. She smelt like soap and sugar and milk. “He lives with me-”
“Sirius, I don’t actually-”
Sirius glared him into silence. “And do you know what he did this morning? He put orange juice on his cornflakes.”
Nym looked up. “Really?”
“I promise.”
“It was in a milk bottle.”
“It was orange,” Sirius said. “Bright orange, and he didn’t even realise until he took the first mouthful. Funniest things I’ve seen. He looked just like this.” He mimed a face of absolute disgust.
Remus was looking long-suffering.
Andromeda stuck her head out of the kitchen. “Any sign of the others yet?”
Ted shook his head. “They’ve been having problems with their Floo. Frank said they had to dig their way to the shop for the paper this morning.”
“Aren’t the Muggles doing anything to clear the roads?” Andromeda asked.
“It depends where they are,” Lily said. “A lot of public sector workers are joining the strikes now.”
“It’s bad business, that,” Ted said. “Andie, come and sit down. Stick a charm on it and we’ll eat when they get here.”
She sighed and came through to perch on the arm of his chair. “I don’t understand it. Muggle politics confuse me.”
“You and me both, love,” Ted said. “It’s all to do with rates of pay not keeping up with inflation. People are struggling and, even in the Muggle world, government wages are the worst.”
“My Dad’s on the railways,” Lily said. “He’s striking. It’s not so bad for him, now my sister’s married and I’m earning, but a lot of his colleagues are in real trouble.”
“There’s that,” Ted said, “but there’s such a thing as going too far. They’ve got a genuine grievance, no denying it, but they’re asking a lot and the extent of it is too much. I remember the firemen’s strike a few years back. If they and ambulance drivers go again, Voldemort’s lot will take advantage. Folk should let the unions negotiate.”
“But the unions aren’t,” Lily said fiercely. “It’s not about the unions. They’re not doing anything – just laying down for the government to walk over. They’re betraying their members. There wouldn’t be any wildcat strikes if the unions weren’t crap.”
Sirius looked at James who shrugged, and then winced as Lily poked him. “Pay attention. This is important.”
“She’ll take points if you’re not careful,” Remus said dryly.
“Oh, I have much more effective methods now.”
James went pink again.
Nym was staring at Remus from behind Sirius’ arm. Sirius didn’t blame her. He liked staring at Remus too. He was restful, all lean lines and soft hues. There was nothing flashy about him, nothing brash. It was just unthinkable that he would ever break. There was too much strength in him, as quiet and stubborn as his humour.
Nym’s hair was slowly brightening under his chin, almost blue now.
Remus sipped his drink and it left a brown, milky stain on his top lip. Hot chocolate. It always made him contentedly pensive, his eyes lowered and his brows straight with thought. Not that Sirius sometimes bought cocoa for just that reason.
He took what must be the last mouthful and then licked his lip. Then he looked up. He obviously noticed them staring for he dropped a slow wink.
Nym giggled and ducked.
Sirius winked back.
Ted and Lily were still arguing about Muggle politics. Who on earth was Callaghan? James and Andromeda were discussing Quidditch.
The fire flared up and Nym clapped.
Alice Longbottom stepped out, brushing ash from her robes. “Andie, I’m so sorry. Half the chimneys on the way are blocked.”
“Not a word,” Andromeda said, rising to greet her. “Let me take your coat. Frank, dear, how lovely to see you.”
Pureblood manners, Sirius thought wryly. It took him an effort to avoid them.
Frank had gone straight to Ted, his face worried. Sirius heard him say quietly, “Any word from Radcliffe?”
Ted shook his head. “Not for days. I can’t believe he’d turn on us. Not Alan.”
Andromeda turned and said, “No war talk over dinner. Come through, everyone.”
Nym slid off his lap and ran to open the sliding doors, her legs extending so she could reach the latch at the top. Sirius downed the rest of his drink and walked over to join Remus, his eyes stinging.
“Hot chocolate?” he said. “You merit hot chocolate?”
“I’m a better person than you,” Remus said lightly, smiling at him.
“Old news,” Sirius said, not really joking. “I didn’t realise my secret was out.”
“Only to those who know you well,” Remus said, lowering his voice and leaning forward. “We can read you like a book.”
“A picture book?” Sirius asked. Damnit, what was Remus doing so close? He could feel his hair brushing his cheek.
“Far from it. A book of mysteries and marvels. Some dark, some ridiculous, some written in langauges no one understands. All worth reading.”
Sirius blinked, feeling his cheeks heat.
Lily poked him in the small of the back as she passed. “Will you two stop flirting and come to the table?”
“I’m not flirting,” Sirius protested.
“Aren’t you?” Remus said, and slipped away.
What?
Sirius chased him in. There were only two seats left, one beside Nym and the other opposite, between Alice and Lily. He turned towards Nym, keeping a wary eye on the dishes drifting overhead.
Nym pouted at the sight of him. “I don’t want to sit next to you.”
“Nymphadora,” Andromeda said warningly.
Sirius winced. He’d done a similar thing, at Nym’s age, when he refused to sit beside old Abraxas Malfoy at a family dinner. It had been a week before he could touch a piece of cutlery without pain shooting up his arms.
“I’ll sit with you, Nymphadora,” Remus said.
Andromeda nodded and then met Sirius’ gaze. He scrunched his fingers at her. She winced and said softly, “Another world, love.”
“For which I am ever grateful,” he murmured back.
“Are we missing something?” Frank asked.
“Family history,” Andromeda said. “Sirius, do sit down.”
Alice patted the chair beside her. “Looks like you’re stuck with me, gorgeous.”
“Who’s gorgeous?” Nym demanded.
“Your cousin Sirius, sweetpie.”
Nym wrinkled her nose. “He’s not. He’s silly.”
“Nobody appreciates my glory,” Sirius said. “Do you need a hand, Meda?”
“Just sit, Sirius.”
He relaxed back into his chair. Meda might still refer to cooking as Applied Potions but she produced a damn good spread. Good food, good company and the prospect of a long flight home – what could be better?
James and Lily were talking softly. Ted, Andromeda and Frank were arguing about Barty Crouch. Remus was cutting Nym’s meat for her while she chattered, her shyness gone.
Alice was watching them wistfully.
“The man goes too far!” Andromeda snapped. “He has no regard for the legal protections we’ve struggled to put in place.”
“Dark times, Andie,” Frank said soberly. “I dislike his methods as much as you do but You-Know-Who must be stopped.”
“And then?” Ted said. “We have to think beyond this war. If we destroy our own society, You-Know-Who wins, even if he himself is brought low. There’s a very steep slope down from the moral high ground and Crouch doesn’t seem to care how low we go. He’s a bad thing and I’ve said it before, in private and public.”
“Which is why,” Alice said quietly, “I keep telling you to watch your back. There’s more who agree with him than you.”
Ted snorted. “That’s what’s wrong with the Wizarding World. Too flighty to realise how fragile freedom is. The whole society is rotten through and through. Most wizards seem to think laws are like the rules of Quidditch – doesn’t matter if you break them, as long as you do it with style.”
“Ted,” Andromeda said soothingly.
“Look at this blasted Order of the Phoenix,” Ted continued, stabbing the air with his fork. “Damn masked vigilantes. That sort of haphazard intervention helps no one.”
“Except the people whose lives they’ve saved,” said Alice.
“Those people would be just as safe if this so-called Order had handed their information to the Aurors. They’re undermining trust in our work and that’s lethal. If people won’t seek our help there’s nothing we can do to slow this down. If they want to be of use, they can damn well volunteer to help through official channels.”
“Not everyone’s willing to give their name to the authorities,” Alice started but Frank shook his head at her.
“Ted,” he said. “You’ve complained as much as I have about how hard it is to get a conviction after we make an arrest.”
“That’s not our fault!” Both Lily and Andromeda burst out and then looked at each other sheepishly.
“I’m not saying it is. The truth of it is that they’re just too slippery to leave much trace of their doings. We’re never going to be able to hold people like the Malfoys and the Lestranges. If the Order, by whatever means, can counteract them, they’re doing more than we can.”
Ted glared at him. “And are you happy to see Aurors using Unforgiveables too? That will be next, mark my words.”
“Right,” Andromeda said. “Enough. This is about to turn into war talk and there’s-”
“No war talk at the table,” Sirius recited. “So, the Magpies, then?”
“Don’t be daft,” Alice said promptly. “The Wasps have Bagman.”
Lily sighed heavily beside him. “Quidditch,” she muttered. “Always blooming Quidditch.”
“Arrows!” Nym squeaked, turning pale blue.
“She knows all the team colours,” Ted said proudly.
Later, after dessert, they retired back to the living room. Sirius, who was feeling mellow, dropped onto the floor, leaning against Remus’ chair. If it hadn’t been for the Tonkses and Longbottoms, he would have changed into Padfoot and draped himself over Remus’ feet.
“Bedtime,” Ted was saying firmly.
“I don’t want to.”
“Somebody’s tired,” Remus murmured, his fingertips just brushing Sirius’ shoulder.
“You’ve already stayed up late, Nymphadora. Now it’s time for bed.”
“I don’t want to. I want a story.”
Ted sighed. “Get your book. I’ll read you one story and then bed. Or we won’t let you stay up next time Sirius comes.”
“Don’t want you. Want him.” She pointed at Remus, her lower lip swelling into a vast pout.
“Me?” Remus said blankly as she scuttled off.
She returned, dragging a book which was almost as tall as she was. “Story.”
“Looks like you’ve been nominated, Remus, mate,” Ted said. “You alright with that?”
Sirius looked up in time to see Remus smile, a hesitant curve of his lips. “I think I can manage. What story do you want, Nymphadora?”
She scrambled up Sirius’ side to perch on Remus’ lap. “You choose.”
“Okay.” Remus sounded pleasantly bemused. “Let me see. There’s one about Merlin.”
“I like Merlin,” Nym said.
Behind him Alice was saying to Lily, “We’ve thought about children but it doesn’t seem the right time, with the world being what it is and both of us having such dangerous jobs.”
“Once upon a time,” Remus began, his voice soft and cosy, “in the days when Arthur was king of the Britains, there lived a maiden called Nimue…”
“…have to pretend everything’s normal,” Lily said. “But it’s so hard when you can’t can’t be sure if tomorrow will come.”
“She’ll need her Snitch pajamas, Ted,” Andromeda said.
“…and so Merlin fell in love with Nimue…”
Frank and James had conjured up the illusion of a Quidditch pitch and were discussing tactics.
“Is Sirius asleep?” Andromeda asked. “And who wants tea?”
“I’m awake,” Sirius said. “Milk, two sugars.”
“That’s stupid,” Nym said. “She can’t be in love with him.”
“Why not?” Remus asked and nodded at Andromeda.
“He takes his black,” Sirius said. “Want a hand?”
“This time, yes.”
“Because he’s old,” Nym said scornfully.
“Maybe Nimue didn’t mind,” Remus said, chuckling. Sirius pushed himself up reluctantly.
“And he’s ugly.”
“A much more serious problem. Shall I keep reading?”
“Okay. He’s still old, though.”
Andromeda pushed him into the kitchen. “Come on. There’s mugs in the cupboard behind you. Shut the door.”
“Have I earnt a lecture?” Sirius asked, pushing it shut with his foot. Andromeda’s kitchen was heaped with pans and dishes.
“I just want to talk to you. Being the only interfering old bat you’ve got left.”
“What about?” He managed to clear enough space on the table to start setting out mugs.
“Remus, of course.”
