Chapter Text
The air was cool and crisp, announcing the arrival of autumn in mid-October. In the Lupin-Black living room, Sirius Lupin-Black and Remus Lupin-Black sat together. The soothing crackle of a fire danced in the fireplace. Remus lounged on the couch, book in one hand, and a cup of steaming tea in the other. Sirius occupied a large rocking chair, their recently adopted daughter Ember nestled on his lap.
They had welcomed Ember into their lives three months ago, a reserved five-year-old whose parents had entrusted her to them. The reasons behind her adoption were unknown, leaving Ember with trust issues that Remus and Sirius patiently worked to mend.
Remus cherished these serene family moments. He glanced at Sirius, whose hair was being fashioned into a sloppy braid by Ember. The sight of his daughter's smile mirrored on Sirius' face brought warmth to Remus' heart. It had taken time, but Ember was now happy, smiling more often.
Breaking the tranquil atmosphere, Sirius pondered aloud, "Rem, what's our plan for dinner?" Remus, usually the chef, didn't feel like cooking tonight. "Don't know, any suggestions?" he replied. A mischievous smirk crept onto Sirius' face. "Well... we could owl Prongs and invite him, Lily, and Harry to that new Muggle restaurant a few blocks away." Remus chuckled at Sirius' typical enthusiasm to involve James in everything, but he agreed, realizing they hadn't seen their friends in a while.
Half an hour later, James, Lily, and a lively Harry stood in their living room. Harry, an energetic five-year-old, chatted animatedly with Sirius while Ember shyly hid behind Remus' legs. Harry soon noticed Ember and began chatting with her. Ember, initially horrified, warmed up as James gently pulled Harry away.
Remus kneeled in front of Ember, encouraging her to befriend Harry. He suggested she show him her room, hoping it would be the start of a friendship. Ember, tapping Harry's shoulder, asked hesitantly, "Do you want to see my room?" Their hands clasped, breaking the ice. The two giggling five-year-olds headed to Ember's room, leaving Remus smiling.
Back with their friends, the adults chatted as they heard laughter echoing from Ember's room down the hallway. Lily complimented them, "You did a good job with her." Remus smiled, acknowledging the challenges Ember had overcome. James, ever the disruptor of silence, playfully bumped Remus' shoulder, suggesting they could do without the emotional moments.
Remus laughed, grateful for his amazing friends and, most importantly, his wonderful boyfriend. Holding Sirius' hand, he whispered, "I love you, Pads." Sirius replied, "Love you to moons." In that moment, everything felt perfect, and they all knew it.