Sirius Black

Oh do grow up, Black. You seem too obsessed with what’s under my robes.

Time: 8:00 pm @on-borrxwed-time

Sirius tossed his empty bottle into the neighbour’s front garden. It was nearly dusk and there weren’t many wizards out these days. Sirius enjoyed the walk from the end of the Potter’s street down to the house. It gave him a chance to finish off his beer before grabbing James. 

He had been lazily hanging about the Marauder flat and had just cracked open a beer, when Remus and Peter hurriedly informed him of the time. 

“Alright alright… Fucksake.” he muttered from the couch, begrudgingly tossing aside the daily crossword. “Well I ain’ just throwing this away now.” He added, getting up to his feet to grab his keys, while the others flailed about. 

“See you muggles when you get back, ha!” he bragged, knowing his mates probably rather spending a night with James, than stuck at his cousin’s house for an Order meeting.

“Try not to fall asleep to Dumbledore’s long-winded speeches, ay,” he laughed, jogging several steps to pin Peter into the wall playfully.

“I ain’t gunna listen to another long ass lecture about how using the term ‘muggle’ is derogatory,” he snapped back. “See you when you all get back,” he flipped them both the finger before apparating to James’ street. 

“Jamie!!” He shot down the wards without having to think and opened the door, announcing his entrance obnoxiously.

“Quit doing your hair– oh hey Lily, where’s the moptop?” Sirius walked straight to the fridge looking for another beer. 

But life was life and there was no way in hell he could accompany his wife everywhere and he was quite certain that Lily wouldn’t take kindly to him hovering over her constantly. Her own personal feelings and the hormones (something he definitely shouldn’t comment on with her nearby) would probably result in a few well-aimed hexes just like in their old Hogwarts days.

The first thing he realized before Sirius stepped into their house was the wards being taken down. Taught by the past, he made sure his wand was close at hand, but then Sirius’ voice could be heard carrying over the place in the most obnoxious manner possible. At least he didn’t start by calling James Jim. 

Though there was an underlying annoyance at the fact that they were going to either have to make due with warm beer, or bring something else.  Sirius straightened up and slammed the door of the fridge.

“Good thing I brought this here ‘long,” he flashed James the silver flask from inside his leather jacket. “Should keep the ole’ loins warm.”

He furrowed his brow, eyes flashing towards the clock. He made a face and sucked his teeth. He was barely late-- so much so, that he was practically on time. Why were people wound up so tight these days?

"Yah yah, well we best be off then, shouldn't we? It's not like Dumbledore is on the time keeper." He raised a cheeky brow in James' direction.

Sirius nodded. It was a pretty common argument in the wizard world. There had even been a couple crazy societal groups– mostly concerned mums– who tried to get the Ministry to ban them. With so many other ways to travel, what was the point of having such a dangerous one available. As if flying a broom was safer than a car, dumb gits. 

But people just didn’t understand it.

He burst a laugh at the man’s proverbial way of describing the scene in front of them. “Right? Fucksake.” He agreed with a laugh. 

They exchanged glances and Sirius just smirked, rolling his eyes and shaking his head. 

He followed the man’s glance towards the machine behind him. 

“Oh that, well its one of those flying things you were just bitching about,” he teased with a laugh. 

“But no really, its a motorbike.” he turned around and touched the metal frame, picking at a red spot of rust on it. “Had to get it from a client, bringing it back to the shop.”

“Yah ‘Reiners’, just up on 5th st. there,” he nodded with his chin generally down the road. “If yer buddy ever needs something fixed, tell him to come by. Probably manage a cheeky discount for ‘em.” he smirked. 

“Its gunna be a ruby red, flying cafe racer by the time I’m done with’er,” he moved his hand slowly down one of the metal bars, caressing it.

“Fact, if you change yer mind, I’m sure theres something you’d like– none of this old lady crap.” he gestured with the side of his head to the bus accident.

“I’m Sirius by the way,” he held a hand out for a shake.

A couple of obliviators and aurors had arrived but it seemed to be causing a bigger fuss. The bus driver looked angry.

“Who the fuck are you? No, get your hand off me. I’m gunna ring the cops. Hey buddy!” He yelled redfaced to either Sirius or Crabbe, swatting away the aurors. “Get on the ringer and phone the bobby will yah?” 

Sirius made a face and looked to the man beside him. “Whats he sayin’? Think he’s talking to you mate.” he pawned off the task to the older man. He looked like he could handle it. 

Sep supposed he ought to apologize for his comments about cars and the like when the other wizard pointed out that the device at his side fell into the same category. Then again, he wasn’t actually sorry, so he didn’t see much point. He had a hard enough time apologizing when he did regret his actions, he felt no urge whatsoever to do so when he didn’t.

Okay, maybe he felt a little bad – just a tiny bit – as the man went on to kindly offer the services of his mechanics shop to Ramsey, should he ever need it. Still, it wasn’t enough to make Sep want to backtrack and say sorry. Instead he chuckled and nodded, even as most of the explanation went right over his head. He had no idea what a ‘cafe racer’ was, but the lad seemed proud of it, whatever it might be. Sep continued nodding vaguely, only really gaining confidence at the description of the witches’ car as ‘old lady crap’. He laughed at that.

Only for his amusement to fade a moment later, when the other wizard finally introduced himself. Sirius. There was only one Sirius that Sep knew of and if this were that one, it would explain why he seemed so familiar. Sirius Black. Brother of the missing Regulus. Black sheep of the Black family. And member of the Order of the Phoenix.

Sirius’ immediate distraction at the hands of a scuffle between the newly arrived Obliviators and the bus driver turned out to be a lucky break for Sep. His first instinct had been to blurt out exactly what he knew about the social outcast. But as the bus driver interrupted their conversation, he was given much-needed time to consider what might be a better course of action. Sep blinked several times, distracted by his revelation. “Er… what? Yeah, no, got no idea, mate,” he said. And he really didn’t. He wasn’t even sure the Muggle was speaking English. “Jog on, pal,” he added to the bus driver for good measure. 

The driver drew himself up in indignation, his face going an interesting shade of red as he presumably prepared to unleash an assault of furious words on Sep and the other wizards. Unfortunately for him, the momentary distraction was all the Obliviator that hurried over to them needed. One spell and the Muggle’s face went suddenly blank. The Obliviator took him gently by the arm and pulled him away.

Sep watched them wander off, but his mind wasn’t on them. He was thinking about the blood traitor beside him. Maybe confrontation wasn’t the best way to go. After all, it didn’t seem like Sirius recognized him. Maybe if he could weasel some sort of information from him, that’d please the Dark Lord and ease things up a bit for Ramsey…

He saw the mirrored look of confusion on his new companion’s face and assumed the driver would be on his own for this one. It was hard to know who in the magical world interacted with muggles. Hell, sometimes the wizards you meet nowadays had families full of them. Though that was getting rarer and rarer to hear about, let alone see. And no one in their right mind would flaunt it.

Sirius watched amused at the man’s reaction. If they were in closer range, Sirius wouldn’t have been surprised if it turned into an all-out fight. 

“Think he wants to clip’ya’good one,” Sirius laughed, seeing the oblivators make their move. 

Sirius nodded at the introduction, realizing that maybe the man just had one of those faces. He looked like a regular sort of bloke, millions in the city like him. He ought to stop thinking about his past so much, he reminded himself. It was over and done with.

“Groovy,” Sirius crossed his arms and watched the aurors try to tackle the kids next. They didn’t seem to be giving too much trouble, especially now that the bus driver was on planet Mars. 

“Well, guess I ought ta see if they need a wand,” he gestured with the side of his head to the chaos. He wasn’t too eager to return to his shop and figured he could spare a couple minutes to help with the kids. No guarantee they would accept it, considering he wasn’t in the profession. But sometimes it helped to have an extra wand around with a big group of muggles.

“Nice chattin’ to yah mate,” Sirius nodded at him. “An’ I’m serious about that offer. I’m sure we got something you’d like. Guaranteed chick magnet.” he laughed. 

Date: July 1st, 1980, 10 pm Location: 12 Grimmauld Place, London

@blackestxlestrange

Hosting after parties like this had become somewhat of a routine for Sirius. The jealousy of the Dark Lord choosing Malfoy Manor over the Black residence for meetings had long since passed. 

His youngest cousin Narcissa was no longer his problem, since she’d married Malfoy. It had been a strong match, which he had been too young to have any part in. However he admired his father’s handiwork, which was written all over it. 

Even with his cousins married off, that would never completely free him from their burden. As head of the house, he would follow in his father’s footsteps and rule the family with an iron fist. 

Hosting an after party, for only the elite and most favorable Death Eaters, seemed like the perfect way to keep tabs on his family. From here, he was not only privy to the latest gossip, but he could ensure any new developments would pass through his hands. 

And sometimes, on the rare occasion, even the Dark Lord graced the home with his presence. 

“Cousin, “ he caught sight of Bellatrix passing through the kitchen. He held up a finger to stop the man he was talking to from speaking. 

“Cousin,” she tilted her head towards him with a coquettish smile on her face as she poured herself a big glass of wine and knocked it back in one gulp, then poured herself another glass. She offered the man he had been talking to previously an apologetic glance and a bat of her eyelashes. “Yes, I was having a great deal of fun on my honeymoon with my husband. Why are you bringing it up, do you need to know the details?”

Sirius watched the wine disappear into her mouth. He enjoyed partying, especially when he was young, just as much as he liked drinking, sex, potions, and things that went fast. But the purpose of these after parties weren’t for him to get drunk. 

“You know that fucking your husband and consummating your marriage, isn’t the kind of fun that I’m talking about Bellatrix.” he warned, moving closer. He was a lion after all, and this rat (family or not) had fallen into his den. 

“I thought you knew where I stood in this family.” he hissed in her ear, pressed hip against hip, with an arm around her waist. 

“If the Dark Lord gives you a job or mission, you don’t go to your husband, you don’t go to your sister, you don’t throw a fucking Tupperware party, you come to me. Clear?”

Was it really a big deal if she was having a tete-a-tete with the Dark Lord? No, not really. But Sirius knew how ambitious his family was and he knew he had to watch his back. 

She should probably be a little more cautious around him, but she had never particularly cared for playing things safe and easy. She leaned her head against his shoulder and blinked up at him, her eyelashes grazing her cheek, an innocently coy expression on her face. “And what Tupperware party? You’re the host of this one, darling, and I fail to remember when I hosted anything that fits that description. Oh, wait, I didn’t. The Lestrange Christmas party, also known as the only damn party that family has hosted this entire decade, was in fact hosted by my brother-in-law. So, Sirius, my dearest cousin who just so happens to be the perfect host for the wonderful event that I’m not allowed to participate in for some reason tonight…what fun are you talking about?”

“You are the man of the house, you hear me?” His father’s booming voice echoed in his ears. “Men don’t cry-- Smarten up” slap. 

Sirius could still feel the burning hand mark pressed into the side of his mouth. He was the man of the house, and head of the Black family. It was his job to see to the family issues. It was his job to keep them together at all costs, marriage or not. 

Sirius resisted the urge to back away as she encroached in on his personal space. She nestled her head into the crook of his shoulder and he looked down at her face with a snarl of annoyance. His hand snapped and he forcefully grabbed her wrist, while she moved to press her body into him. 

It was a classic Bella move. One that felt very familiar. It was hard to admit that it was working. 

“I will not tolerate insubordination.” he growled back at her, still refusing to back away, though this was far too close for cousins. 

“I am head of our house, married or not.” he reminded her, though it somehow felt weaker compared to when his father said it. He was struggling to find a next move and knew this viper would be able to sense his weakness. He couldn’t show weakness. He was the Black name. He was the true Heir. It was his kingdom to rule and he wouldn’t be overshadowed by a woman!

“Need I remind you, I can remove you from that table if I want to. You’re not the only one with Our Lord’s ear. You can suddenly find yourself quite busy with flower arranging.” His lip curled as he mocked her. He did have a couple tricks left and Sirius was never one to back away from a fight. 

“And this..” he yanked her wrist so she pressed into him again. His other hand slid between them and he caressed her lower stomach. His brows narrowed cockily and his eyes darkened and didn’t break eye contact. 

But people just didn’t understand it.

He burst a laugh at the man’s proverbial way of describing the scene in front of them. “Right? Fucksake.” He agreed with a laugh. 

They exchanged glances and Sirius just smirked, rolling his eyes and shaking his head. 

He followed the man’s glance towards the machine behind him. 

“Oh that, well its one of those flying things you were just bitching about,” he teased with a laugh. 

“But no really, its a motorbike.” he turned around and touched the metal frame, picking at a red spot of rust on it. “Had to get it from a client, bringing it back to the shop.”

“Yah ‘Reiners’, just up on 5th st. there,” he nodded with his chin generally down the road. “If yer buddy ever needs something fixed, tell him to come by. Probably manage a cheeky discount for ‘em.” he smirked. 

“Its gunna be a ruby red, flying cafe racer by the time I’m done with’er,” he moved his hand slowly down one of the metal bars, caressing it.

“Fact, if you change yer mind, I’m sure theres something you’d like-- none of this old lady crap.” he gestured with the side of his head to the bus accident.

“I’m Sirius by the way,” he held a hand out for a shake.

A couple of obliviators and aurors had arrived but it seemed to be causing a bigger fuss. The bus driver looked angry.

“Who the fuck are you? No, get your hand off me. I’m gunna ring the cops. Hey buddy!” He yelled redfaced to either Sirius or Crabbe, swatting away the aurors. “Get on the ringer and phone the bobby will yah?” 

Lily said yes, so I’m on it!

Wait… Do they want me to bring all those things? Little leeches, the lot of you!

Yah mate, bring it all. Just raid the cupboard, will’ya.

Sirius’ eyes flickered at the wand with the purple steam. He knew what that meant, he knew his old ‘friend’ well.

Sirius chuckled, though was slightly taken back by the move. It was exactly what he wanted.

Sirius smirked down at Snape, instinctively puffing out his chest so it pressed against the other man’s.

He wagged his brow, careful not to move his head. A wand to the neck was never a great spot to be in. He used his eyes to gesture downwards. His own wand was pointed directly at Snape’s crotch.

“Little or not, I’d doubt you’d like to lose it.” The joke was wearing off and even Sirius felt the tenseness between them.

Sirius didn’t appreciate being threatened. His eyes flickered to a couple of nervous wizards passing by.

“Now now Severus,” he practically spat, pushing the other man’s wand and tucking his own away quickly. “And I thought you were happy to see me…” he brushed the other man’s shoulders off roughly.

Severus’ eyes trailed down slowly and he saw the proximity of Sirius’ wand to his groin. It was a lot harder to be intimidating then, as his nostrils flared with an indrawn breath. 

He stepped back, but kept his wand close by and snarled wordlessly. “Why would I ever be happy to see your sorry sack of bones, Black?” Bastard. Black had wound him up again. He’d have to get him back somehow. He’d do it. Get him back so badly he never bothered him again.

He took a step back, as though to leave, but thought better of it. “You know, Black, one of these days, someone will poison you. Believe that.” He knew that ordinarily, threats like this were unwise, but right now, right at this moment right now, he didn’t care. In fact-

“Too fucking easy Snivels, really.” he shook his head and sucked his teeth. “After all these years, yer still just a greasy kid from the north country.” 

Sirius took a step back, putting a little more distance between them. 

“Ohhhhh,” he waved his hands in the air mockingly. “Who’s that gunna be? You?” he laughed. 

He rolled his eyes and aparated away with a loud crack. 

@seriouslypaddy

It was a night like any other. The other Marauders all had plans to come over for dinner, Lily had decided on a very easy dinner of making James pick something up, and Sirius was already at the house aggravating her. Lily wouldn’t have it any other way. James had decided that he needed both Peter and Remus to assist him in getting the food so it looked to be just Lily and Sirius for a while. 

She had settled on the couch with one of her new potions books, flipping idly back and forth through the pages without paying much attention - to the book or to Sirius. If he made a mess of the house, he could clean it up. Or James could. Lily was a million years pregnant, and she was going to relax.

Or at least, that was the plan. But then she needed a pillow, and then a blanket, and then she was too hot, and then she decided that what she really needed was a cup of tea. “Tea?” She called to Sirius, although she wasn’t paying any attention to his answer and just breezed on into the kitchen to start the tea whether or not he wanted any. She was in the middle of filling the kettle when she felt an odd trickle -

“Sirius!” It didn’t take a genius to put together what was going on; it might not be happening the way it did on the telly, but she and Andie had talked about this enough times that she knew. “Sirius!” Her voice was high pitched and frantic - it wasn’t supposed to happen this way! James was meant to be there, the baby wasn’t supposed to come yet, they were supposed to have more time to get ready. 

“Sirius the baby is coming!” She and Andie had talked extensively about birth and she hoped to have a little time before active labor started but before she could even turn around from the sink, the first contraction hit. She had the presence of mind to count through it, unsurprised that it was less than a minute. She should have a decent bit of time before the next one came.

“Oh sure,” he replied. “Oh can you put in some of that cinnamon-sugar that I like-” he realized he was talking to the air. “Annnndd she’s gone.” he muttered to himself, not really bothered. Lily made a decent cuppa. 

“You move fast for a pregnant lady!” He yelled instead with a laugh.

“Ohh ‘wizengamot’ “ he resumed talked to himself, writing it in quickly with his quill. Good thing Remus wasn’t around or he would have gotten some shit for not getting it sooner. 

He was part way through filling in the bottom right corner when he heard his name. “Yeah!?” He called back absentmindedly. There was a long pause, so Sirius continued with what he was doing. 

“Sirius!” 

“Oh forfuckssake,” he mumbled under his breath, shifting to get up. He’d have to remember the next couple words he’d just figured out. 

“Sirius the baby is coming!” 

Sirius’ eyebrows rose to the ceiling, ear pointed towards the kitchen. He thought he just heard that the baby was coming. Yet there was no screaming in pain. He narrowed his brows confusedly and marched to the kitchen. 

“Funny that. Thought I just heard you say that the baby was coming...” He chuckled, shoving the Prophet daily into the back pocket of his jeans. 

Judging by the look on her face, it seemed like there was something going on. 

“Oh c’mon, yer gunna have to try a lot harder than that to trick me. This is so bad, even for you Lils.” He laughed. 

“C’mon out, you fuckers!” He yelled out into the living-room, knowing the Marauders were somewhere hidden in the house. 

“You know how many stupid muggle movies I’ve had to sit through, where the lady gives birth!” He yelled into the empty house. “There’s a hell of a lot more screaming, really Lily, I’d of thought you’d do more research, seeing as it’ll be you in a few months.”

Date: July 1st, 1980, 10 pm Location: 12 Grimmauld Place, London

@blackestxlestrange

Hosting after parties like this had become somewhat of a routine for Sirius. The jealousy of the Dark Lord choosing Malfoy Manor over the Black residence for meetings had long since passed. 

His youngest cousin Narcissa was no longer his problem, since she’d married Malfoy. It had been a strong match, which he had been too young to have any part in. However he admired his father’s handiwork, which was written all over it. 

Even with his cousins married off, that would never completely free him from their burden. As head of the house, he would follow in his father’s footsteps and rule the family with an iron fist. 

Hosting an after party, for only the elite and most favorable Death Eaters, seemed like the perfect way to keep tabs on his family. From here, he was not only privy to the latest gossip, but he could ensure any new developments would pass through his hands. 

And sometimes, on the rare occasion, even the Dark Lord graced the home with his presence. 

“Cousin, “ he caught sight of Bellatrix passing through the kitchen. He held up a finger to stop the man he was talking to from speaking. 

“Cousin,” she tilted her head towards him with a coquettish smile on her face as she poured herself a big glass of wine and knocked it back in one gulp, then poured herself another glass. She offered the man he had been talking to previously an apologetic glance and a bat of her eyelashes. “Yes, I was having a great deal of fun on my honeymoon with my husband. Why are you bringing it up, do you need to know the details?”

Sirius watched the wine disappear into her mouth. He enjoyed partying, especially when he was young, just as much as he liked drinking, sex, potions, and things that went fast. But the purpose of these after parties weren’t for him to get drunk. 

“You know that fucking your husband and consummating your marriage, isn’t the kind of fun that I’m talking about Bellatrix.” he warned, moving closer. He was a lion after all, and this rat (family or not) had fallen into his den. 

“I thought you knew where I stood in this family.” he hissed in her ear, pressed hip against hip, with an arm around her waist. 

"If the Dark Lord gives you a job or mission, you don't go to your husband, you don't go to your sister, you don't throw a fucking Tupperware party, you come to me. Clear?"

Was it really a big deal if she was having a tete-a-tete with the Dark Lord? No, not really. But Sirius knew how ambitious his family was and he knew he had to watch his back. 

Warsaw, Indiana

March, 2020

He flashed a grin back at her, taking a few coins from the bottle. He decided seconds later that he might in fact need more, and took a couple more. That should do the trick. 

Sirius raised a brow at her, but waited till he was sure he heard the water. He grabbed her keys and slipped out the door. He knew he had to pick up more alcohol and definitely some food. Other daily groceries could wait. Sirius practically ran to the shops, hurrying the cashier impatiently to take his money and barely waiting for the change. He wanted to be there when she came out. Just in case she needed him. 

He ran back up her stairs, taking them two at a time, proper out of breath. Slipping back inside her apartment, he sighed with relief. He could still hear the shower. 

It was minutes before the shower finally turned off. Then it was even longer, till the door finally opened. 

Sirius peeked his head out at the sound of his name. 

“Mmmh” He held up a sizzling frying pan for her to see the fresh bacon cooking in neat lines. His eyes scanned her quickly. She already looked better. 

“This is almost done here,” he called. “One egg or two?” He added. 

He had the breakfast materials and two plates already set out. The table wasn’t set by any means, but then again he didn’t intend for them to eat anywhere other than her bed or the couch. A bottle of vodka and some orange juice were also out on the counter. 

“I’m a smart shopper these days,” he laughed, talking to the bacon as he picked it out from the pan and onto the plate. “Shoppin’ the deals, I did.”

A tempting smell was coming from the kitchen, which surprised her, as she had expected to find it set on fire with Sirius possibly trying to put it out by spilling vodka on it. She placed her wand on the kitchen counter and leaned over it, looking at Sirius with pleasant surprise. “I didn’t know there was a cook in you” she pointed out in a teasing tone “That actually looks edible. I’ll have two”. She actually realized that even her stomach was awake and demanding properly cooked food and not just crackers from three days ago. In an hour Sirius had achieved more than any of her family members; who had barely made it past the door.

Maybe it was because their was no need of explaining what she felt or what was going on inside her head to Sirius. He understood enough on his own, and the rest, the did not need. They were both broken pieces, and Merlin, did it feel nice not having to try and fit into a puzzle for a change.

She noticed the bottle of alcohol and the jug of juice sitting in a corner. Stepping into her narrow kitchen, she nudged Sirius with her hip to give her some space and reached on her tiptoes to fetch two glasses from the cupboards. She walked over to the bottles, and halted, her hand mid-way towards the vodka. She bit her lower lip and gripped the orange juice mug firmly, pouring herself a full glass “Vodka? Orange? Both?” she asked, showing him the empty glass. Taking a sip of her own glass, it was strange at first not to feel the bitterness of the alcohol and the burning sensation running down her throat, but the sweetness almost seemed to clear her head even further.

"Back when the house elf was taken to the Amalfi Coast, and I was stuck at the summer cottage." He scoffed a laugh. Now satisfied with the butter, he went for the two eggs.

Using one hand, he gave an egg a sharp tap on the side of the pan and split it open with nimble fingers. He repeated it for the second, before adding salt and pepper.

He turned back around at her question, "Both for me, more vodka than orange though." He assumed she must have already done the same for herself in another glass. They were going to get drunk after all.

He watched as she snooped through the bags. He reached and grabbed his drink, taking a large gulp from it.

"Dang it McKinnon! Are you try'na get me drunk?!" He took another gulp despite the taste and turned back to the eggs. They needed some attention. He turned down the heat, fiddling with the knobs.

"Bought some crisps, but not really.. you shoulda told me!" It wasn't really meant to be an accusation. It showed his affinity for salty over sweet.

"I can go out and grab some if you want," he offered, picking up the frying pan and flipping the two eggs.

He set it back down for another couple seconds before carrying it over to her plate.

"Order up!" He slid them onto her plate and pushed it towards her.

He turned back to get started on his own, though not before taking another couple gulps from his drink.

It didn't take long before he had two eggs smiling back at him.

“No no, that’s alright..” he spun on his heels idly and took a long sip from his beer.

He moved towards where she was working, turning to the whistling pots on the stove. He picked up a lid and peered curiously at the food inside.

He jumped to another pot, touching the lid to do the same. It burned his hand at the touch.

“Ah!” Sirius dropped it in surprise and waved his hand in the air. He put a finger into his mouth to suck the hurt away.

“Hot,” he explained sheepishly, flashing Lily a blushing grin.

He wouldn’t be surprised if she shooed him right out of the kitchen. It wouldn’t be the first time.

He dropped his finger and switched hands to let his beer cool it down. Sirius leaned against the counter again.

“So what have you been up to… lately..?”

That’s alright, he said. Like he wasn’t coming in here and disturbing the peace and quiet and order in her kitchen. If he didn’t need something to eat, then he needed to go. And Lily nearly said so but stopped herself in time. Most of her irritation came from the pregnancy, she knew, and there was no need to take it out on Sirius. He might be more annoying than normal but she didn’t have to lose her temper. She and James had talked a lot about Sirius over the years, and she did try to be understanding with him.

Anyway, he got what he deserved when he picked up the hot lid. Lily hid a smug smirk; served him right, touching her things. “Run it under water,” she ordered, pointing with her spoon in the direction of the sink. “And don’t touch the things on the stove!” Though she was itching to make him leave, she peered through the door and exchanged looks with James, and then turned back to her pots and tamped down the urge. Be kind. 

It was like he had just conquered his own mortality. And also partially that he'd gotten away with touching something he knew he shouldn't.

The mention of Marlene got at something that had been bugging him a lot lately. He too had visited Marlene and it had been far from normal or pleasant. Not that he minded. No, he just was worried.

"Oh, groovy," he nodded his head like it was just a normal day.

"Yup yup, it's coming along great." He said hurriedly, brushing it off.

"I visited Marlene too." He showed some of his cards.

Sirius turned his attention back to his hand, that was resting under the water.

"How long do I do this for?" He'd never heard of using water as a healing potion. Usually he just used burn salve. But he'd learned long ago to never question the muggleborns (or halfbloods).

Meddling || Lily & Sirius

@thelionheartedxlily

Sirius could often be found at the Potter’s; It was one of three other places, none of which were his own apartment.

He got up from his spot on the couch, leaving James and his beer eagerly perched by the quidditch radio.

The smell of dinner came wafting pleasantly from the kitchen and Sirius’ belly growled. He gave it an absentminded rub and entered, empty can in hand.

Formality was long gone and Sirius pulled open the Potter fridge for another, like it was his own.

“Hey Lils,” he greeted her, closing the fridge and popping the top. He took a chilling sip, his mind beginning to wander.

He crossed his arms, giving himself a hug, as he leaned his back against their counter.

Rather than going right back to James and the game, he lingered.

He pushed off the counter and paced a little, looking at the items stuck to the fridge, opening the top of a couple jars and peering in, opening the freezer and closing it again.

Lily had not really expected to get married and have a fully grown child dropped onto her lap but here they were. Sirius was over at their place more often than not, and she had eventually just accepted it and started shopping for three when she went out. It was just as easy to prepare for him when she cooked anyway, and as much as she grumbled and teased about Sirius being there all the time, she would never think of sending him away. Sirius and James were family, and Lily understood what it was like to lose a sibling. She wouldn’t do that to James, or to Sirius after he had already given up so much.

Normally the boys entertained themselves while Lily cooked; she had asked for help one time, and one time only. It was not an experiment worth repeating. And there was something cozy about having them in the other room listening to whatever it was - Quidditch tonight - while she did the cooking. Having the boys making noise in the other room just made her more excited for when their baby came. 

“Are you going to be out there with them, or in here with me, baby? Or maybe both.” She kept waffling on if she wanted a boy or a girl - she mostly wanted a healthy baby, obviously. A little girl to help in the kitchen would be so much fun, but then she kept getting images of James teaching a little boy how to play Quidditch and well. That just made her melt. And it could go the other way; she’d seen enough good female Quidditch players or male chefs to know that. “Just be healthy -”

He moved towards where she was working, turning to the whistling pots on the stove. He picked up a lid and peered curiously at the food inside.

He jumped to another pot, touching the lid to do the same. It burned his hand at the touch.

"Ah!" Sirius dropped it in surprise and waved his hand in the air. He put a finger into his mouth to suck the hurt away.

"Hot," he explained sheepishly, flashing Lily a blushing grin.

He wouldn't be surprised if she shooed him right out of the kitchen. It wouldn't be the first time.

He dropped his finger and switched hands to let his beer cool it down. Sirius leaned against the counter again.

She heard her cousin’s voice, but ignored it until she had her opponent trussed up in thick ropes and their wand in her hand. With their own wand she had them stunned before she snapped it in half effortlessly. She used her own wand to vanish the broken pieces, a wide grin on her face.

As she turned around she finally saw her cousin, Sirius, for the first time in years. The grin was still on her face. “How nice - I win an opponent and get a family reunion in return.” Her voice was thick with sarcasm but her eyes were bright with some strange emotion.

She tucked her wand between her breasts and stepped towards him, her arms extended. She forcefully pulled him towards her in a loose hug of sorts, their bodies never actually touching. “So tell me, Sirius, what the fuck are you doing here?” She hissed into his ear, shoving him away towards the building as she spoke. “Why are you interfering with my business when you were the one who said you wouldn’t have anything to do with me? Why is it that I find you here again right as I am defending myself from death?”

She had tugged his wand away from his grasp. The thin strip of wood was in her hand, but she made no move to attack and simply stood in a guarded stance a foot away from him. She looked genuinely curious to hear his answer.

"Well it doesn't look like he's gunna do any more damage from there..." He scoffed, pointing with his chin to the bloke, who must be fully regretting his interaction with Bellatrix. 

Sirius shrunk away from her hug, making a face like he was 8 again.

"I know you better than that, the poor sod was probably just trying to get some."

"See cousin, now that really sounds like you missed me." He flashed his lopsided grin. "Though can't say the same, you always were a right cunt to me." He spat the insult at her. 

He allowed himself to be shoved, taking a step back, happy to be free of her. It wasn’t until she’d yanked his wand right from his hand, that he realized she was up to her old tricks. 

In Black fashion, his face didn’t even flinch at the move. Instead, Sirius crossed his arms and grinned. “I think you’re giving yourself too much credit cousin.” he drawled boredly. “No one cares what you think, you’re just a woman.” He shrugged.