Disarranged

Sirius and I quickly struck up a friendship, albeit tumultuous at times. No stronger bond could be struck than our mutual, deep-rooted hatred of those that had terrorized and killed our friends and family.

I found Sirius to be good company, although I learned he could have an explosive temper if certain topics were bought up. I diligently avoided those.

I started to become accustomed to his bark-like laugh, something I secretly found endearing. He enjoyed my sense of humor and wit, so I was able to hear it often.

Sometimes he joined me when I tended to the roses. I think he developed a particular attachment to them. I would catch him looking at them with a gentleness I would not otherwise see. He would cup a blossom in his hands and gently pet its petals with his calloused thumb before noticing my gaze, quickly backing away and stuffing his hands in his pockets.

I know that at times when he made himself scarce he was trying to contact Harry. I pretended not to know.

I saw his physical appearance improve. He had arrived at my abode gaunt with a waxy complexion, a haunted look in his eyes and his teeth yellowed and his hair wild and dingy. He had seemed like a corpse. He had luckily gained some color back to his skin, although I doubted the bags under his eyes would ever disappear. Thanks to DeeDee's cooking he had also gained a little weight back, but was still noticeably thin for a man his height and age. And as for his teeth and hair, it was nothing that a bath and a toothbrush couldn't fix.

I briefly began to wonder if Dumbledore had entrusted me with this man because of our similarities. If one only glanced at Sirius and I, they would think us polar opposites. He was loud, blunt, and quick-tempered. I was reserved, careful with words, and preferred my sofa to any hustle and bustle. But underneath those outward differences, we both had a hurting in us that transcended our personalities.

A knock from the door roused me from my deep thoughts. I approached it before DeeDee could, wary of who it may be. I had my wand ready in case the situation escalated.

Opening the door I was greeted with the familiar face of Remus Lupin, an ally in the battle against Voldemort.

"What was the first thing I said to you when we met?" I quickly interrogated.

"'Wow, you look like you've been through a blender,'" Remus quoted. I gave a grin and embraced him. I noted his gaze went over my shoulder, and I turned around to find Sirius standing there.

"Would anyone like some tea?" I asked, looking between the two men. Sirius barked his usual laugh, endlessly amused by what he labelled as 'my tea obsession.' It didn't stop Sirius from giving Remus a hard look, however.

"I came here to talk to Sirius, actually," stated Remus.

"Well, how about you two use the sitting room?" I suggested. "I'll be in the dayroom if either of you need me." I could tell this was going to be a tense conversation, and I wasn't keen on being in the middle of it.

The two headed down a small hall into the aforementioned room, closing the French doors behind them. DeeDee was at my side, looking up at me in concern.

"They won't be breaking any furniture? Or getting it sooty?" she worriedly questioned.

"I don't believe so," I answered. "Maybe brew them some passionflower tea. Hopefully that will calm them down a bit."



Remus and Sirius sat in the chairs farthest apart from one another in the room. Despite the events during Harry's third year, not all wounds were healed and not all was settled between them.

DeeDee quietly entered the room, placing a cup delicately near each man and leaving the pot in between before leaving the room once more.

Remus took a sip and shook his head. "Passionflower," he identified. "She thinks we're going to fight."

"What does tea have to do with anything?" Sirius asked curtly.

"Passionflower is believed to have calming effects," Remus simply explained, not surprised that Sirius didn't recognize the tea.

"Are we going to fight?" Sirius questioned bluntly.

"I didn't come here to fight," explained Remus. "I came here to talk."



Although I had led the two men to believe that I would be relaxing in the dayroom, I was actually kneeled outside the curtain covered French doors of the sitting room, trying to hear what they were saying.

They were speaking in low tones, so I couldn't catch more than a few words here and there. "Betrayal" was one of them. I was crouching for a long time and my knees began to hurt. I was curious more than worried. I knew Sirius could be erratic, but I also knew Remus was often able to remain cool and diffuse an escalating situation.

I was caught off guard when the door I was leaning on opened, causing me to fall past the threshold with an "umph."

"You are terrible at eavesdropping," Remus lightheartedly jested as he helped me up.

"I don't believe this is the dayroom!" Sirius exclaimed from within the room with a bark-like laugh.

I crossed my arms with a huff. "Well excuse me for being concerned for my antique furniture," I blatantly lied. Remus chuckled and led me into the room. I took a seat next to Sirius, who was in between Remus and I. I noted a tea cup on the far side of the room and reasoned Sirius must have moved over during some point of the conversation.

"I hope Sirius hasn't been causing you too much trouble," Remus said lightly.

I grinned. "Only when he piddles on the carpets."

Sirius gave an offended, "Hey!"

"Oh, is someone upset?" I cooed too sweetly and ruffled his hair. Sirius 'harumph-ed' and sat back in the chair with arms folded.

"You two are incorrigible," he moodily accused.

"I think that's the first time I haven't heard that phrase directed at you, old friend," Remus chuckled.

"So has he been saying terrible things about me?" I queried, mirth apparent in my tone. I may not enjoy company, generally, but there were a few people I liked enough.

"Yes, I've been saying how you make me drink gallons of tea everyday and go on and on about their names and distinctions like an old granny," Sirius teased, earning him a swat on his arm.

"Now, now, children," Remus chided. "Sirius has only been saying nice things."

"Oh?" I asked, curiosity piqued. I looked at Sirius for affirmation, but he played dumb and pretended to look around the room.

"He says you are very good at dealing with him," revealed Remus. Sirius gave him a dissatisfied look. It was obviously something he didn't want me to know.

"That's very sweet," I earnestly replied. I knew not to tease Sirius when something meaningful was said.

"There's also some business to discuss," Remus seriously continued. I nodded.

"I inherited a home, number 12 Grimmauld Place," Sirius confessed. "And I've offered it to Dumbledore to use for a headquarters."

"Oh?" I asked, unsure of what this meant.

"I mean, it's gone to shit since I've been gone I'm sure," Sirius conceded, sounding somewhat apologetic. "It's not nearly as nice as here."

"But we will be moving Sirius there within the next few months," Remus finally explained. "It will be less vulnerable than Adamite Manor. Dumbledore has requested, but not ordered, that you go there as well."

I was speechless. Move? I didn't believe myself to be an immediate or urgent target for the Death Eaters, and I was very attached with the manor. It provided me with serenity and happy memories.

"You don't have to make the decision right away," Remus added. "But I urge you to move. You know as well as anyone it's dangerous to stay anywhere too long."

"I'll think about it," I yielded with a tired sigh.

"That's all I ask," Remus urged. I felt Sirius' hand gripping my forearm. I wasn't sure why he was doing so.

"Anyway," I began, tone lighter. "Will you stay for a snack?"

"Oh, no, I really have to--" Remus began.

"Not even for a big slice of chocolate cake?" lured Sirius, his tone knowing and a large grin plastered on his face.

Remus paused, looking between Sirius and me. "You two truly are incorrigible."