Sirius Black and Remus Lupin

"Look, I'm not saying it's simple," Sirius interrupted, unusually serious now, his voice dropping lower. "But we've spent years pretending we don't want things because we thought we couldn't have them. And here we are, together, happy, raising Teddy. And she's-" He gestured vaguely toward the hallway, where another burst of laughter filled the air. "She's already a part of this."

Sirius Black and Remus Lupin

"Look, I'm not saying it's simple," Sirius interrupted, unusually serious now, his voice dropping lower. "But we've spent years pretending we don't want things because we thought we couldn't have them. And here we are, together, happy, raising Teddy. And she's-" He gestured vaguely toward the hallway, where another burst of laughter filled the air. "She's already a part of this."

The warm glow of the enchanted chandelier cast soft golden light over the sitting room, its flickering reflections bouncing off the polished wooden floors. The heavy, ancient furniture that had once given Grimmauld Place its oppressive air had been replaced with soft chairs, a cozy, overstuffed sofa, and books stacked haphazardly on nearly every available surface. The scent of tea and firewood mingled in the air, a stark contrast to what the house had been years ago.

Remus Lupin sat in one of the armchairs, fingers curled around a cup of tea that had long since gone cold. His gaze drifted toward the archway, where the distant sound of laughter echoed through the halls. Teddy's high-pitched giggles rang out, followed by the steady rhythm of footsteps chasing after him.

Sirius Black, sprawled out on the couch in the most dramatic fashion possible, smirked as he tilted his head toward the sound. "He's got her completely wrapped around his little finger."

Remus huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. "She was supposed to be here for drinks with us, not to be kidnapped by a six-year-old."

Sirius shrugged, watching the fire crackle. "Not that I blame the kid. If I had a choice between running around like a maniac with her or listening to you lecture me about moderation, I know which I'd pick."

Remus rolled his eyes but said nothing. His fingers tapped absentmindedly against his mug. The laughter outside the room continued, Teddy shrieking as he was undoubtedly almost caught, followed by a peal of bright, unrestrained laughter that sent something warm curling in his chest.