Fanfic: Have and Withhold 2d
Arthur Weasley had been attacked while on Order duty at the Department of Mysteries. Sirius sent Moony a Patronus to confirm that Harry and the Weasleys would be staying at Grimmauld Place while Arthur recovered at Saint Mungo’s. Sender and recipient were surprised to see the corporeal form of a falcon. It still adhered to boring textbook behaviour. When Moony arrived at the townhouse, he immediately began helping Sirius making the guest rooms more hospitable for his unfortunate yet entirely welcome abundance of guests.
“You’ve done something you’re not proud of,” Remus said as they freshened bedlinens.
“Lost my temper at the Weasley children. Tried to be patient because of course they wanted to go immediately to Arthur instead of waiting here as Dumbledore instructed. I wanted to take them but am forbidden from stepping out my front door in Muggle bloody London! If Molly hadn’t messaged them, the twins would have tried apparating, probably with the younger pair. Splinchings everywhere. Dismembered children would really improve the day. Arthur’s on the verge of death and I’m being a selfish, sulking prat.”
“You always were a sullen git.”
“Always with the compliments. People will talk.”
“Sorry I can’t be here more often.” Moony was spending more time infiltrating werewolf colonies and doing other Order errands. Tonks was happily paired with him on some of their rotations. Sirius was jealous, but not of their relationship.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You have a unique skill set. If I’m left alone with Kreacher for too long I’ll be tempted to follow you to a colony and deliberately put myself on the menu, just to be outside regularly. Then there’d be two Order members undermining Voldemort and Greyback’s propaganda. I’d be useful. Except you’d pull your present expression at me,” Sirius gestured to the despair and disdain on Moony’s face, “so I stay in my familial home rather than disappoint you again. I spent half my childhood locked in the discipline room of this house. It can only be entered and exited via apparition. Out here I have food and space to walk around, but it feels like merely an extension of that room. Your werewolf aspect would understand that trapped sensation better than you. At least it gets out three days a month.”
“Sorry, which room makes being a werewolf seem pleasant in comparison?” Remus asked as he sank onto the corner of a single bed.
“Not sure precisely where… There’s no window or door. Whichever parent took us in would bring us out-unless Regulus cheated and used Kreacher. Once, Orion came to fetch me and was surprised to find Regulus there too. “What have you done? Nevermind. Out you come.” Nicest thing I ever heard Orion say to him.”
“Did James know about this room?”
“We were surprised that our cousins didn’t, so we never told outsiders.”
“I’ll try to obtain some Polyjuice to get you out for a bit.”
“You will not,” Sirius said sternly. “This is not a worthy cause.”
“Harry feels the same about you Padfooting through Hogsmeade, which I why he told you not to.”
“Directly seeing that my godson isn’t possessed or otherwise being controlled by Voldemort, is not a worthy cause.”
“Not to Harry. He needs you here, not back in Azkaban. Petunia had him sleeping in a stair cupboard until after your escape. She’ll stuff him back in if you’re gone again.”
~~~
Sirius was determined to provide a comfortable, cheery Christmas for Harry and the Weasleys and put aside his petty woes for their sakes. Molly’s gratitude almost broke his heart. They’d clashed consistently since Harry was first brought to Grimmauld Place. Sirius hoped they wouldn’t return to petty resentment. The way Molly had said Harry was as good as one of her sons reminded Sirius of Mrs Potter saying “Sirius is part of our family” to Walburga in the Diagon Alley apothecary while the two mothers bought potions supplies for their sons. Regulus had been across the road with Orion. It was the last time Sirius saw their father, who gave no indication of dying weeks later. Sirius recounted some of this to Molly. “Harry is lucky to have the friends he has, and to be welcomed into your family. I want to live up to the responsibilities granted by his parents, not steal him from you.”
“I know dear. I’m a mite sorry, too. I’ve only been able to directly care for him for just over four years, and you’re itching to make up for lost time. We need to provide a united front, or he won’t know which way to turn when he’s in trouble or feeling lost. The trouble we’re having with Percy…”
Sirius listened to Molly’s fury and sorrow over the estrangement without interrupting.
“…He’s not the evil toerag George insists he is, just overly ambitious.”
Sirius passed Molly a cup of tea and glass of sherry. Once she finished both, Sirius spoke. “The four younger ones will be more determined to fight after what happened to Arthur. The twins should get some training from Tonks and Moony,” he raised a finger to halt Molly’s protest, “to better defend themselves at the very least. You won’t be able to prevent them from jumping in once they’ve made that decision, but can prepare them for what they’ll be facing, which that Umbridge fool isn’t doing. Voldemort doesn’t respect boundaries or families. He detests children and will show them no mercy.”
The truce endured through giving the townhouse a more thorough clean-still without Kreacher’s help, sulking bastard-and decorating for Christmas. Molly didn’t complain when Sirius sent a Patronus to Mundungus Fletcher to supply the tree. “Big enough to cover the monstrous family tree, Dung.”
“Falcon again,” said Remus.
They discussed what the form of the Patronus could indicate.
“What was it before?” Tonks asked, having arrived mid-conversation.
“It was originally a falcon, then a dog, now it’s returned to a falcon,” said Remus.
“It was non-existent during and post Azkaban until recently,” Sirius added.
“What determines their shape?” Tonks asked. “Why are they always animals? Textbooks never explain why each Patronus is what it is. Why do some seem to be inherited, like Harry’s, yet some families never have a repeat? Even Fred and George have a different Patronus.”
“The mind boggles,” Sirius said dryly, which Orion once said in response to a barrage of questions from five-year-old Regulus.
“Indeed, it does,” Tonks replied-just as Regulus had-then grinned at Sirius and made her hair iridescent green-which Regulus had not.
“That garish colour has blinded me!” Remus declared, covering his eyes.
Sirius’ laugh began with an almost snort.
“Dorm snorts,” Moony said, referring to the snorting half-laughs the Marauders had been prone to when they should have been sleeping during term. Tonks asked about that. Sirius deliberately let Remus carry the resultant conversation.
Once Remus was properly invested in the subject matter and thoroughly engaged in his companion’s contributions, Sirius left them talking.
Harry was avoiding everyone, wracked with guilt as though he’d been responsible for Arthur’s attack. His friends were irritated and concerned by his sudden, determined introversion. Sirius was able to distract Ginny and Hermione by telling them about the settlement of fairies in the tiny back garden.
“These are the tiny, light-bearing, floral variety, not the bitey ones, so you should be able to coax them inside and into the tree branches using warm honeyed milk and crystallised fruit. That’s how Luna’s father taught my brother to do it, and it worked for him every time. We had to apply a shield charm to keep our aunt’s horrid cat from killing them. The only thing my parents and I agreed on is hating that cat.” Sirius stooped to lift Hermione’s cat from his foot. “You won’t eat the fairies, will you Crookshanks?” Sirius said, lightly scratching the back of its head between the ears. “Not if you want to remain a pampered indoor cat.” Crookshanks made a resigned chuffing sound then settled in to be rewarded with affection.
The young witches were delighted when the strategy worked and basked in Molly’s praise of the finished product.
Sirius told Fred and George about getting flogged every year for putting novelty Christmas hats on the House Elf heads mounted along the staircase wall. “With extra thrashings for each jingly bell. Lost all feeling in my leg one year and toned it down to plain Santa hats after that. Feel free to give them beards to match,” he said as he used Orion’s wand to Accio the stash of novelty hats from beneath his bed. “Don’t let Hermione give one to Kreacher. The creepy snot can wait until he’s dead and beheaded for the privilege, like his ancestors.”
Remus must have realised he’d been alone with Tonks because he was suddenly on the stairs with Sirius and the twins as they enchanted tinsel to wind through the balustrade like a snake. Tonks was hopefully downstairs doing the dishes with Molly. The more plates Tonks broke washing up, the better. Sirius once accidentally turned a bar of dish soap into a Dark Artefact as a child. Who knew what the malingering Dark Arts residue in the townhouse was doing to the crockery and cutlery? Sirius asked Remus how to help Harry through his current existential crisis. “Should I invade his privacy or wait for him to approach?”
“Why are you asking me?”
“Molly is in her own crisis. What manner of prick is Percy to have Molly doubting her maternal instincts? Rhetorical question!” he declared to stop the twins responding.
“With only our mutual adolescence as a reference point, waiting worked best on us. Making enquiries made you tetchier.”
“Then I suggest we hang back and send his friends unto the breach. They can all be tetchy together.”
Remus and the twins agreed that was the wiser course.
~~~
Having the twins encourage Harry’s friends to confront him did the trick. He left his self-imposed exile much happier, and Sirius felt able to enjoy Christmas rather than pretending.
“I might not be too shite at this,” he said to Remus, who now slept across the landing when he was here. “Provided Molly’s willing to help rather than snaffle Harry away. You reckon Tonks is terrifying, wait until-"
“No, Sirius. No encouraging her and certainly no mentioning procreation, not even in jest, ever again. Unless you wish to discuss another relationship to keep things balanced.”
“Point taken.”
“Is it?” Remus snapped at him. “Anticipating this crap from you and James is why I never expressed-”
“Everything alright?” Fred asked, appearing on the landing from nowhere. “We know things are grimmer than Mum’s allowing anyone to let on. We’re keeping the full school situation from her for the same reason. That Umbridge creature exhibits less humanity than Kreacher. At least he only mutters about cursing children!”
“Has Umbridge had a go at the Longbottom boy yet?” Sirius asked.
“Not to the extent she picks on Harry or us.”
“Strange how none of them consider Neville a threat,” Sirius said pointedly.
“Timid Neville?” Fred scoffed.
“Terrified, not timid,” said Remus. “Want to know how grim things get when confronted by Death Eaters? Ask Neville. Do it privately and respectfully. Neville gets enough of that other sort from Malfoy.”
“We need to get Neville into the Order, Remus,” said Sirius.
“He’s not ready.”
“He’ll have no time to get ready if-”
“He’s part of the DA, Neville,” said Fred. “Seems scared of his own wand half the time but he’s determined to be there.”
“Get him the same set of books I asked you to buy Harry for Christmas,” Sirius told Remus and gave him a minimised coin pouch. “Present it in person along with the appropriate encouragement. Hopefully Dumbledore can convince Augusta to hire you as a private tutor during the holidays.”
“Why would Dumbledore do that?” Remus asked.
“Because I intend to suggest it. You not being a teach is a waste.” Sirius nonverbally summoned the NEWT level DADA texts from his brother’s room and gave them to Fred. “Use these to supplement the rubbish set by Professor Garbage. Once the younger five are in bed, I’ll teach you and George some practicals each night you’re here. Blab to them and the deal’s off. Although there’s nothing stopping you showing off acquired skills to them at DA meetings.”
“Are these your books?” Fred asked, eagerly opening one.
“My brother’s. Be careful. He became a Death Eater, so there might be more Dark Arts in the margins than defence in the body text.” Sirius waved his wand over them. “Safe to go.”
“Whose wand is that?” Fred asked. “Aren’t wands of Azkaban detainees destroyed at sentencing?”
“This is my father’s. I suspect an alternate wand was destroyed in place of my cousin’s. She remained adamant that Voldemort would release her.”
Fred was clearly in the mood for questions without Molly present to stifle him. “Did you pair truly create the Marauders Map with Harry’s dad and Scabbers?”
Sirius and Remus chuckled at the use of Scabbers. “Messrs Padfoot and Moony at your service,” Sirius said with a flourish.
The books in Fred’s hands shrunk as he stuffed them into a pocket to vigorously shake their hands. “Words cannot express the gratitude and affections inspired by that parchment! Thanks for not retrieving it after it was confiscated!”
“We did,” said Remus. His tone and expression prepared to spark contention. Fred left. “You didn’t tell us it had been confiscated again.”
“He apologised for losing it.” Sirius entered his brother’s room. Remus followed. Sirius locked the door behind them and extracted a memory then used a flick followed by an expanding gesture to project it into the room, as an overlay. The bedcovers were decorated in constellations made of snitches, bludgers, and quaffles. Model dragons, hippogriffs, centaurs, and thestrals paraded along the windowsill or flew between curtains that matched the bedcovers. All gifts from Sirius. Cusp-of-eleven Regulus sat in the centre of the floor surrounded by books, parchment, and scrolls. There was one quill in his hand and another behind his ear.
“Are you and Xeno competing to pass NEWT during first year?” the memory of twelve-year-old Sirius asked.
“I’m researching the possibility of transfiguring human anatomy to utilise other mammalian traits.”
“And give yourself a horse cock?”
“Is vulgarity all you’ve learned at Hogwarts? Perhaps I should apply to Durmstrang.”
“You’ll learn the entertainment value of crudity soon enough. Pray, continue.”
“Bats and various marine creatures use sonar to locate prey, threats, and manufactured objects. If I could apply those principles during quidditch…”
“You want to mutate yourself to cheat?”
“It won’t be a permanent genetic change and isn’t cheating.” Regulus passed Sirius the official rulebook. “Thus far all I’ve found is the Animagus transformation, which is a full-body affair. Could be useful for you as protection against your werewolf roommate.”
“Is this a wild Xeno tale?” Sirius asked.
“The frequently sickly friend is named Lupin, correct? Remus Lupin.”
“Yes.”
“Lupin isn’t ill. He’s a werewolf.” Regulus gestured for Sirius to sit beside him and reached for a bound periodical. “His father wrote this. It’s been taken out of circulation, probably since Remus showed enough aptitude to be enrolled at Hogwarts. The first werewolf student in British magical history! Possibly global! The Animagus transformation is difficult and dangerous until mastered, but since werewolves only attack humans and never non-human beings or beasts, becoming an Animagus allows you to accompany and observe the werewolf during full moons. Provided you survive the learning process.” Regulus passed Sirius another book. “You’re beyond clever enough,” Regulus said proudly. “I wouldn’t mind a pet Grim,” he added hopefully.
Young Sirius was skimming the werewolf publication. “None of this sounds like Remus. He doesn’t stink and certainly isn’t vicious, mindless, or slobbering. This bit fits, though.”
They began drawing comparison charts using various sources and Sirius’ direct knowledge.
“Conclusion: werewolf,” said Regulus. “Remember he was not born this. Once a cure is found he will be an ordinary wizard again. Although Remus Lupin could hardly be ordinary to begin with if becoming infected has not made him a monster. The first werewolf to attend Hogwarts!” Regulus repeated excitedly.
“He’d live in the library if he had his way. Me and James are too rowdy, apparently…”
Sirius retracted the memory with a sweep and snap of his wand then returned it to his mind. “We never gave up wanting to return to that version of our relationship,” he told Remus. “Without his inspiration there’d be no Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, or Map. He deserved to have it.”
Remus nodded solemnly.
“Don’t get too bigheaded over what you just heard. He called you a filthy halfblooded muggle-spawn soon after.”
“Ego remains undiminished since he confessed to finding me ‘a bit lovely’ a few years later.” Remus looked around the room, sparsely decorated in muted green and silver. An adult’s room opposed the remembered child’s. “You let James take credit for the Animagus idea.”
“Convincing James he’d thought of it ensured he’d find it brilliant. Peter followed James like Junior Crouch followed Regulus, which guaranteed Peter wouldn’t dob us in. The simpering rat stopped worshipping James just as James came to rely on it.”
Remus put his hand on the doorknob. “I originally became friends with the pair of you because I was terrified of being your constant victim if I didn’t. Peter was the one who immediately liked you. I thought you were horrific until I met your brother on the platform and he insisted you weren’t so horrendous at home.”
“Don’t blame James for me being an arsehole,” Sirius said darkly.
“I’m not. Simply pointing out that you and James were no different to Peter when it came to wanting to impress each other.”
“Remus,” Sirius said as Remus began opening the door, “would you rather I’d stayed in Azkaban?”
“Never,” Remus said adamantly. His entire face furrowed. “Do you?”
“Sometimes I’m confused to whether I actually left or if this is the elaborate result of my mind irreparably breaking.”
“Then best we get on with ending this war and getting you out of here before that happens. Thank you for trusting me with that moment, Sirius. The results of that conversation mean more to me than you could possibly comprehend.”
“Same,” Sirius said honestly.
“No alcohol tonight. Directly to bed after coaching the twins in defence.”
“Yes, Professor Lupin.”
~~~
Christmas was done. Dumbledore told Sirius about arranging for Snape to teach Harry Occlumency. “None of you like the arrangement but Severus is on hand at Hogwarts, and you will not be ruthless enough.”
“There must be something I can do besides host tea parties for the Order,” Sirius insisted.
“Being Harry’s godfather is the most important thing you can do for Harry and the Order. The boy needs an adult to turn to when he’s in crisis. Remus fulfilled that role while he was teaching. Crouch Junior abused that need whilst posing as Alastor. You have a better understanding of the directions he’s torn in, not belonging at the place he is supposed to consider home, raised in neglect alongside a spoiled favourite. You do not consider yourself spoiled, but no expense was spared on you, even when you disappointed your parents’ hopes. You were never allowed to spend holidays at school although as you matured you spent a greater proportion with your friends than at home. Regulus was not allowed home unless the school was closed after Orion’s death. The Potters approached the school, offering to take Regulus in as well. He refused to reside in a home where his brother was welcome.”
“He never mentioned that.”
“My younger brother never mentioned how much he resented my existence until the day our sister was killed and has since never let me forget.” Dumbledore looked around the drab, dank, decaying townhouse interior. “Harry prefers being here to Petunia’s modern, immaculate home and has sought permission to return during summer.”
“How is Peculiar?” Sirius asked drolly.
“Still pretending to harbour no fondness for her sister. Petunia may have been kinder had Harry more obviously resembled Lily. Or may have been crueller for the same reason. She hoped to stifle if not prevent the manifestation of magical talent that divided the sisters. I sometimes reread letters she wrote as a child begging to attend Hogwarts to better understand and protect her sister. I sometimes revisit the memory of a small boy smuggled into Hogwarts by his family’s House Elf for the distinct purpose of the telling the Sorting Hat that ambition would be toxic for his older brother, so by no means was it to Sort him into Slytherin. I asked the Hat why Regulus was not Sorted into Gryffindor. It wanted him in Ravenclaw for being the first to recognise that House Elves could bring people in and out of Hogwarts undetected-which has since been remedied-but made him Slytherin because Regulus made Orion proud that morning and believed being Sorted Slytherin would ensure it happened again. Back to Harry: correspond freely but no Padfooting around campus.”
“Did you say Regulus is the reason I was Sorted into Gryffindor?”
“Neither of you wanted you in Slytherin. Horace Slughorn remains disappointed, and once asked if he could swap anyone but Severus for you. I made the counteroffer of giving him Peter Pettigrew in exchange for moving Severus to Gryffindor. Horace declined. You and Severus would be more dangerous as friends than enemies, so please continue to not get along.”
~~~
Depression hit Sirius like a bludger. It wasn’t a new phenomenon. Azkaban had obliterated his coping mechanisms. No, Peter did that. Azkaban gave no opportunity to develop new ones.
Remus, red-faced and breathless, apparated into the room from the front door, newspaper in hand. “Advanced copy,” he announced. “Horrific yet not wholly unexpected news.”
Ten Death Eaters had escaped Azkaban. The ten worst ones, including Bellatrix.
“Did I give Harry the other mirror?” Sirius asked leadenly. He’d been checking his daily to no avail.
“Yes, but wait for him to use it,” said Remus.
“He and Neville need to know before breakfast post!” Sirius insisted.
“The Ministry and press are predictably blaming you! Wait for Harry.”
Fawkes flew out of the fireplace in a conflagration of green and red. The message dropped into Remus’ hand. “Ensure Sirius stays put,” he read aloud. “Order members will be arriving shortly.”
Sirius kept the communication mirror in his palm, but Harry did not make contact.
~~~
More time passed. Severus had not resumed the Occlumency lessons. Harry wrote about being relieved. Sirius sided with Dumbledore, not to spite Snape.
“Potter refuses to practice. Each session does more harm than good. He deliberately makes himself susceptible. He wants to see what the Dark Lord sees and cherishes the unique power he is convinced that gives him. Berating me will not make Potter do as he’s told.”
Remus put a restraining hand against Sirius’ chest. “Harry is stubborn, which is working against us this time after being beneficial in the past.”
“He doesn’t have time to figure that out!” Sirius snapped at Remus, for once agreeing with Severus while still despising him. Sirius could not recall how the loathing between them began. What made them target Severus in the first place? Sirius turned to him. “The way we treated you was horrendous. Don’t take that out on Harry. He’s nothing like us. He looks like James, flies like him, produces the same Patronus, but that’s honestly it.”
“You’ve been in his presence for less than thirty consecutive days. He is entirely-"
“Not entirely,” Remus interjected humbly. “If you weren’t so blinded by hatred for James, you would see his resemblances to Lily.”
“I have a class to teach,” Severus said brusquely then left.
“Does he still…?” Remus began asking in surprise.
“I’m still in love with Regulus, so possibly. Aimer, sincerement et toujours.”
~~~
Sirius was wallowing. He knew he was wallowing. He didn’t care. He sat across his brother’s doorway, back against one jamb, feet either side of the other, knees slightly bent, watching his memory of the last time he saw Regulus. He had it on loop.
Regulus had clung to him; scared, angry, confused, and alone.
“So young,” Sirius murmured mournfully. He’d found no clues as to where Regulus intended to go, where or how he died, or who was most likely responsible. The room, once so vibrantly decorated, had become soullessly generic. It did not represent the inhabitant.
Walburga began shouting downstairs the moment before Remus and Tonks apparated onto the landing. Bit sad that they knew precisely where to find him.
“Harry told Severus that the Death Eaters have you in the Room of Prophecy,” Remus said urgently. “Kreacher told him you weren’t here. Dumbledore sent us to check. He wants you to-”
“Stiff,” Sirius said bluntly, leaping to his feet. “How do we get in?”
“I’m an Auror, so I’m bringing you in,” said Tonks. “Then you’re getting away.”
“That won’t do much for your career,” said Sirius.
“If that prophecy is accurate, then Harry is more important than all of us. The criminal entrance is the closest access point. Mad-Eye will join us in hunting for notorious prison escapee Sirius Black through the Department of Mysteries. We won’t be the only Order members.”
“Albus is certain Voldemort will make an appearance to kill Harry directly,” said Remus.
“Do we have anyone in the Ministry with the authority to use the Trace to help us locate Harry?” Sirius asked.
“Madam Bones isn’t officially in the Order,” said Tonks while distributing defensive materials other than wands, “but she believes Harry regarding the Dementor event in Little Whingeing and Voldemort’s return.”
“You,” Sirius said emphatically, giving Tonks a nudge with his elbow and a deep grin, “are remarkable.”
Her hair and eyes flickered brighter as she grinned back. “Thanks, Sirius. You’re under arrest.”
~~~
“Since the rooms in the Department of Mysteries are in constant motion, the Trace can only direct you to whichever room Harry Potter is in when you disembark. He is not alone,” said Madam Bones.
Neville Longbottom was on the short list of Harry’s companions.
“Remus, stick to Neville. I’m on Harry,” said Sirius. “Tonks-”
“Prioritise safety of the potential saviours, then worry about apprehending Death Eaters.”
They landed, scattered, in a rectangular amphitheatre with a veiled arch in the centre of the sunken stage. Sirius immediately apparated to Harry’s side to help him. He could yell at Molly later for coddling these young warriors, who’d be much better prepared had they been tutored by Order members while at headquarters. The children weren’t doing too bad. The DA lessons provided sturdy foundations. Poor Neville had a slightly smashed in face, so couldn’t pronounce spells properly, but he wasn’t giving up. Sirius would make time to express his pride in them later.
Bella and Tonks were duelling. Tonks toppled. Bella relished the victory over her sister’s daughter. Sirius chose to focus on Bella, the greatest threat to both Harry and Neville. Neville could still be the Chosen One if Dumbledore was mistaken, which had been known to happen, albeit rarely. Sirius and Bella laughed at every point scored of each other. Sirius hadn’t felt so free in well over a decade. Yet Bella would laugh last.
It wasn’t the killing curse, but enough to render Sirius powerless as gravity caried him back into the arch. His body fell heavily, emptily. He looked at it and felt himself surrounded by indistinct, insubstantial whisperers. Was he one of them now?
“Sirius,” he heard a young, familiar whisper clearer than the rest. “This won’t be the end unless you choose it.” Sirius tried to locate and catch the source of the words, but it was no more defined or substantial than the rest. He could no longer see the veil or hear the living on the other side. He was beyond.
Inestimable time passed. He heard another, more solid whisper. “I am about to die.” Harry! Sirius was suddenly at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Still dead, though. He was also with James and Lily - and Moony! Remus looked worse than the day Sirius died. Harry must be an adult now. Shit, barely. Sirius let Lily and James do all the talking. Harry was their son. They hadn’t the opportunities to know him as Remus and Sirius had. Sirius expected a ghostly hang out with his friends, not to be back in whisper-world as soon as Harry dropped an ugly ring on the forest floor. Perhaps they were all here. Sirius called for them. His voice that was the one voice he’d heard clearly. Even beyond, the little weirdo’s magic followed its own rules. No response.
Sirius passed ‘time’ wondering why Moony had been so far away when they’d been called to Harry. Perhaps he was too freshly dead and too heavily anchored in the living world. The afterlife brought interminable questions and not a single answer. “Do not recommend,” he murmured in homage to the soul he missed most.
He did not choose this to be the end.