Wolfsong - Ch 6
Okay. So I couldn't help putting in some history here. I hope everyone likes it. And I didn't get to the smut. Maybe later. Plot came up.
0-0-0
The WolfSong
Paring - Remus/Sirius
Warnings - Violence, and sex (I think)
Rating - NC17
Disclaimer - I do not own the character's of Harry Potter. I am not making any money off this story. However, ALL OC's are MINE and I call Copyright on them. So fucking there!
A/N - This story is AU. There is a lot that didn't happen. Such as, MWPP were simply WPP - Because Sirius, James and Peter still learned to become Animagi. They just thought they needed more of a challenge. And, if Sirius isn't some of the things I want to do won't work. So I need to keep that. Remus Lupine conceders Greyback his arch rival and is intent on killing him. Lupine is not weak in this story and you may not like his character. I expect him to be more of a Werewolf than he is in canon. Sorry, it just has to go that way. If there are any other questions, don't be shy, go ahead and ask me. I'll be happy to answer anything as much as I can.
Summary - Sirius Black is sent out on a mission to stop a Rogue Werewolf who is killing children in the hopes of changing them. Sirius suspects its Greback, a known Murderer and Werewolf. However, he crosses paths with Remus Lupine, a Werewolf who is intent on revenge. And the only way to do it is by Magic and he needs a competent Wizard to teach him.
0-0-0
Chapter 6 - Home is where the Heart Is
Sirius loved the way the leather pants made his arse look beautiful. He reminded himself that vanity was a sin and not something people liked. So, he kept that thought to himself. He wore a white button down shirt that had slight embroidery in silver thread so that it shone in the right light. Jo finished this off with the knee length boots Sirius kept in his never-ending-bag for those trips into the marsh. The boots were shinned up with a simple spell but still looked worn to pieces.
"Can't you afford new boots?" Jo asked quizzically.
"Despite what some people have taught you, wizards aren't made of money," Sirius snorted. Then he took a look in the mirror. He decided that he looked somewhere between being well off and not so well off. The boots were scuffed up enough to make it look as if he were trying. That was the total truth of the matter. He'd been careful about his inheritance from his Uncle Alphard. The money was a blessing he didn't want to waste on extravagant things. And besides, shopping second hand was fun. He'd found things he liked at an affordable price. He still looked decent, and that was what he was going for.
Not to mention Remus was staring at his arse and it made his spine thrill just at the thought. He glanced at Remus' reflection in the mirror. The Alpha was not paying him attention, eyes riveted on his bottom as they were, it gave him time to contemplate Remus. He was young, possibly Sirius' own age even. He looked worn from the Curse of the Moon, the whole pack had that look - even the children. Their clothing was far more worn than his, and they made it all. This, Sirius concluded, was what a family should be. And he wished for it. Yes, even the curse if it meant he could be loved by people who accepted him and loved him despite his flaws.
Remus looked up. Sirius didn't look away but he didn't offer up any of his inner thoughts. "What are you going to wear, Remus?" Sirius asked instead.
"Oh, I've nothing half as royal as..."
"You can borrow anything you want," Sirius interrupted. And then went red in the face. He covered his eyes with his fingers and held his breath. After a couple of seconds ticked by, Jo giggled.
"Yes, yes, I know," Sirius flapped his other hand, "I didn't mean it like it came out,"
"You like Alpha Remus, don't you?" Jo called him to the floor, and just made him groan in reply.
Remus watched them both, a smile tugging on his lips.
"I'm afraid I can't do that," Remus shook his head, "But, I think you look rather dashing. I'm afraid I'll have to fight off all the females," he wasn't joking. Sirius looked at him through his fingers.
"So you do like me...like that?" Sirius asked.
Remus smirked; "This is not the sort of conversation to have in front of the cub," he looked pointedly at Jo.
Jo gasped and looked at her bare wrist; "Gee, look at the time, I gotta go and put on my best dress! see you at the feast..." and then she was out of the cabin lightning fast. Remus and Sirius watched her go, both blinking owlishly.
"Ah, Children," Sirius sighed, "I was one once,"
"She's a breath of fresh air," Remus was stripping off his every day clothing. Not bothered at all that Sirius stood and watched until the pants dropped to the floor. The Wizard was then picking up clothing, and folding them before placing them back into his bag. "and messy too," Sirius mock-complained just to have something to say.
Remus pulled out some deer skin pants, a dark red woven shirt and a matching vest. Then he pulled out worn dragon hide boots and slipped them on. Sirius could see muscle flexing beneath the skin tight pants. Now the tables were turned and he was ogling Remus' ass. He couldn't remember the last time he was attracted to someone with such vivid surety.
The last girlfriend he had was Vivian Waters. She left him after school, though. Maybe that didn't count. He looked away. He didn't want Remus all for the sex, he couldn't facilitate a romantic relationship with the man in any capacity. He had obligations, not only to the Ministry but to the Order as well. And the Werewolves wren't going to do anything with them or against them. Mainly because even if the Death Eater's were defeated - the laws wouldn't change.
And, there was the slight chance that if Voldemort did make well on his promises, that the Werewolves would be granted all the rights of a Wizard. Something that they wanted but hardly asked for because they knew it wouldn't happen. Even now Umbridge was working on the Werewolf Registration. It worked much like the system the Muggle Adolf Hitler used on the Jews when captured and sent to the Concentration Camps.
"Sirius?" Remus was close and Sirius jumped back a little. He tripped and fell on the bed. "Let's celebrate tonight and worry tomorrow," Remus helped Sirius up and off the bed. Sirius nodded. After all, he dishonored the family, he held no power over the Ministry. He couldn't help the Pack out there.
0-0-0
Angus sat in the prison hut watching Lockhart watch the village gathering. They had long tables that were slowly being filled with food and mead. They were dressed in their best garb and a small band had begun playing folk songs they never heard before this night. Leroy lay in the pile of hay that made up on of four beds.
"I can't believe one Auror took us down," Victor whined from his hay pile. He was older than Leroy by a couple of years and younger than Gilderoy and Angus by a good five or ten. In essence, he was the middle child.
"Stop yer complanin'," Angus growled.
"I want to know why we can't apparate," Leroy sighed.
"Black out up the anti-apparition spell after he got back and was so graciously accepted by those idiots," Victor clucked his tongue in annoyance.
"I don't get it," Leroy said as he chewed the end of a straw, "didn't we want to get caught?"
"Wait..." Victor sat up and glared at Gilderoy's back, "was that the plan?"
Gilderoy gulped, and then schooled his face, when he turned to the three gruff men, he had a winning smile on his soft lips and he spoke with enthusiasm; "Why yes!" his voice went up an octave, "I planned it to go down exactly as it did, that fire ball was a bit of a surprise though..." he shrugged. "However, we are exactly where we need to be,"
"Why?" Angus asked, "what are we supposed to do now?"
"Well, my contact has promised us a huge reward for Lupin's head, and I mean head literally, a million galleons if we bring Lupin's head to Greyback in a sack,"
A trio of low whistles met this statement.
0-0-0
The night sky was darker with clouds hovering over the forest; a light drizzle had stared up just as the huge party had begun. But no one cared. A canopy held up by strong poles was erected above the fire. Children took cuts of meat to cook above the coals that a old women tended so that no one got hurt. Other tarps and poles sheltered the food. Soggy food made for a horrible party. Remus gladly led Sirius over to the food.
The gaggle of girls gave Sirius bright smiles and offered up their deserts of choice. "try my spotted dick," , "I've lemon custard!" , "Toffee pudding?" and other options were all thrust at him on spoons or forks by the young ladies who had been taught the age old adage women used on their husbands or men they were gunning for; The way to a mans heart is through his stomach.
Remus helped himself and even got a few charming smiles and giggles from the young ladies. And Sirius played along. Remus pulled him away and promised to be back after sampling the main dishes. Sirius laughed.
"Oh my, I think I'm going to have some competition," Remus winked.
"Why, My Lord, I do think you shall," Sirius agreed jokingly.
The party lasted well into the night. The band kept playing with small breaks, while an old man told the story of the Pack to the children. Sirius couldn't help listening in on some of a scop.
THUS seethed unceasing the son of Healfdene
with the woe of these days; not wisest men
assuaged his sorrow; too sore the anguish,
loathly and long, that lay on his folk,
most baneful of burdens and bales of the night.
This heard in his home Hygelac's thane,
great among Geats, of Grendel's doings.
He was the mightiest man of valor
in that same day of this our life,
stalwart and stately. A stout wave-walker
he bade make ready. Yon battle-king, said he,
far o'er the swan-road he fain would seek,
the noble monarch who needed men!
The prince's journey by prudent folk
was little blamed, though they loved him dear;
they whetted the hero, and hailed good omens.
And now the bold one from bands of Geats
comrades chose, the keenest of warriors
e'er he could find; with fourteen men
the sea-wood he sought, and, sailor proved,
led them on to the land's confines.
Time had now flown; afloat was the ship,
boat under bluff. On board they climbed,
warriors ready; waves were churning
sea with sand; the sailors bore
on the breast of the bark their bright array,
their mail and weapons: the men pushed off,
on its willing way, the well-braced craft.
Then moved o'er the waters by might of the wind
that bark like a bird with breast of foam,
till in season due, on the second day,
the curved prow such course had run
that sailors now could see the land,
sea-cliffs shining, steep high hills,
headlands broad. Their haven was found,
their journey ended.
"Wait...your pack is related, somehow to Beowulf?" Sirius whispered to Remus. Remus nodded. They quietly stood at the back of the small crowed and continued to listen. Sirius had heard a little about the Vikings in History of Magic class. The hero's were all Wizards, it seemed, and Beowulf was the ultimate hero. Of course, it made sense to trace one's ancestry as far back as you could and even if the Pack weren't related by blood - it would be a bonding to find out where the pack came from.
Sirius wasn't at all sure, though, if Beowulf was a Werewolf. They didn't cover a lot in Magic History class because Professor Binns died giving a lecture on the Goblin Wars ( 1200 bc, 1700 ac). And that was all he ever lectured upon; it made Sirius question that much of his magical education.
The scop was long and soon it turned to a more mundane story; the old man promised to finish the story of Beowulf another time. Sirius and Remus wondered away and back to the desserts table. Thankfully the women had wondered off with males that were far more accepting and Sirius and Remus could be alone.
"This is some party, I haven't had one like it since my seventeenth birthday," Sirius said as he served up some apple crumble for him and Remus who'd been eyeing it wolfishly. He handed a plate over to Remus first.
"We haven't even gotten to the ceremony yet," Remus replied.
"Right, and what do I do?" Sirius asked, "only, I don't want to mess it up," he didn't look up at Remus.
"All you and I will do is slit our palms, and hold each other's hands as if we are shaking, and then we make the vow," Remus replied.
"And the vow? what sort of magic is it?"
"Ancient magic," Remus replied. "Everyone who joins makes the vow,"
"And what happens if the vow is broken? has it happened before?"
"My are you curious," Remus smirked around a bite of food.
"It's just that...well...vows can go wrong. Have you heard of the Unbreakable Vow?" Sirius asked.
"Refresh my memory," Remus softly demanded.
"Basically if you don't do what you Vow you die," Sirius shrugged.
"Oh, there are some protections woven in, but it's nothing like that," Remus shook his head, "Everyone has a different feeling, but I guess...it feels like home,"
Sirius couldn't keep eye contact any longer; he knew he shouldn't go through with the ceremony. It was too late now to do so politely and he highly doubted he could have when Rebecca had kissed him - in a very motherly way - and he was suddenly transplanted to another time and place when his Mother liked him and didn't yell or verbally abused him. He could be useful in a far better way than ever as an Auror.
Whatever gold he had would help a lot with getting books for education the Pack needed and...well...he wouldn't feel like such a failure.
"Sirius?" Remus poked Sirius in the elbow.
"I'm fine," Sirius replied, "I'm just so honored,"
Remus wasn't sure what to say to that. But, for some reason, no words were needed.
0-0-0
The Ceremony took place by the bon fire. Remus called the whole Pack together and they all stood quietly for the Ceremony to begin. Rebecca and Cory - who Sirius had learned was Remus' older brother - stood a bit behind the Alpha. Sirius tried to hide his nervousness.
Remus raised his hands, calling for silence even though everyone was respectfully quiet; "Tonight," Remus face the crowed, "we welcome a new brother to our pack, Sirius Orion Black, who not only saved my Mother, but a cub and our village," he turned to Sirius, "I welcome you to our pack,"
Sirius bowed his head slightly; "I am honored to join your family," he didn't yell, but the words were spoken strongly and with want that Sirius wasn't able to hide so well. Jo stepped out of the crowd with a wooden box. On it were carvings on ancient Runes Sirius was partly able to decipher by a single glance; the words Family, knife and blood were all he could read as Remus opened the box lid. Inside was old red velvet lining. And the knife was in good condition. It looked rather dangerous though. The long bronze knife held a sharp edge. The hilt was made entirely of onyx with a single purple stone set in the middle. There had to be history behind this knife. It had to be important because Remus picked it up with reverence that resounded. Once the light hit the knife the whole crowd "ooohed" appropriately.
Remus held the knife in on hand and slit his right palm. A Werewolf elder behind Sirius grabbed Sirius' left arm and held out that palm of his hand. Sirius wanted to pull away but instead he straightened out his hand so that his palm was defenseless. Remus slashed the palm, at a diagonal. Sirius didn't even grunt as he watched the blood bubble up from the wound.
Then he was clasping Remus' right hand.
"I, Alpha Remus Lupin Son of Benedict and Rebecca Chase, vow to protect SIrius Black to the best of my ability," Remus said clearly for all to hear. There was a smattering of clapping.
And then it was Sirius' turn.
"I, Sirius Black, Son of Orion and Walburga Black, declare my never ending love and devotion to my Alpha, Remus Lupin. I vow to protect the pack at the cost of my life,"
The clapping after this was much stronger. Remus squeezed Sirius' hand and Sirius tried to squeeze back. Just to let Remus know he wasn't weak, that he could give just as well as he took. And then the grip was lost and the elder who had gripped Sirius' arm the entire time poured hot water over the wound. He dried it and then layered salve that smelt of honey and lavender over it and bandaged it. Rebecca had done the same to Remus' hand.
"Now, it is almost midnight, let us have one last cheer and mug of mead before we retire!" Remus announced. The cheering this time surprised Sirius. He was pulled away from the fire and towards the food tables. The treats weren't nearly gone, so there would be plenty left over for later. Mead was handed around and Sirius was welcomed with open arms.
Yes, he decided as he crawled into bed later, with Remus right behind him, this was home. And it was even better because Remus liked to snuggle in his sleep.
0-0-0
The WolfSong
Paring - Remus/Sirius
Warnings - Violence, and sex (I think)
Rating - NC17
Disclaimer - I do not own the character's of Harry Potter. I am not making any money off this story. However, ALL OC's are MINE and I call Copyright on them. So fucking there!
A/N - This story is AU. There is a lot that didn't happen. Such as, MWPP were simply WPP - Because Sirius, James and Peter still learned to become Animagi. They just thought they needed more of a challenge. And, if Sirius isn't some of the things I want to do won't work. So I need to keep that. Remus Lupine conceders Greyback his arch rival and is intent on killing him. Lupine is not weak in this story and you may not like his character. I expect him to be more of a Werewolf than he is in canon. Sorry, it just has to go that way. If there are any other questions, don't be shy, go ahead and ask me. I'll be happy to answer anything as much as I can.
Summary - Sirius Black is sent out on a mission to stop a Rogue Werewolf who is killing children in the hopes of changing them. Sirius suspects its Greback, a known Murderer and Werewolf. However, he crosses paths with Remus Lupine, a Werewolf who is intent on revenge. And the only way to do it is by Magic and he needs a competent Wizard to teach him.
0-0-0
Chapter 6 - Home is where the Heart Is
Sirius loved the way the leather pants made his arse look beautiful. He reminded himself that vanity was a sin and not something people liked. So, he kept that thought to himself. He wore a white button down shirt that had slight embroidery in silver thread so that it shone in the right light. Jo finished this off with the knee length boots Sirius kept in his never-ending-bag for those trips into the marsh. The boots were shinned up with a simple spell but still looked worn to pieces.
"Can't you afford new boots?" Jo asked quizzically.
"Despite what some people have taught you, wizards aren't made of money," Sirius snorted. Then he took a look in the mirror. He decided that he looked somewhere between being well off and not so well off. The boots were scuffed up enough to make it look as if he were trying. That was the total truth of the matter. He'd been careful about his inheritance from his Uncle Alphard. The money was a blessing he didn't want to waste on extravagant things. And besides, shopping second hand was fun. He'd found things he liked at an affordable price. He still looked decent, and that was what he was going for.
Not to mention Remus was staring at his arse and it made his spine thrill just at the thought. He glanced at Remus' reflection in the mirror. The Alpha was not paying him attention, eyes riveted on his bottom as they were, it gave him time to contemplate Remus. He was young, possibly Sirius' own age even. He looked worn from the Curse of the Moon, the whole pack had that look - even the children. Their clothing was far more worn than his, and they made it all. This, Sirius concluded, was what a family should be. And he wished for it. Yes, even the curse if it meant he could be loved by people who accepted him and loved him despite his flaws.
Remus looked up. Sirius didn't look away but he didn't offer up any of his inner thoughts. "What are you going to wear, Remus?" Sirius asked instead.
"Oh, I've nothing half as royal as..."
"You can borrow anything you want," Sirius interrupted. And then went red in the face. He covered his eyes with his fingers and held his breath. After a couple of seconds ticked by, Jo giggled.
"Yes, yes, I know," Sirius flapped his other hand, "I didn't mean it like it came out,"
"You like Alpha Remus, don't you?" Jo called him to the floor, and just made him groan in reply.
Remus watched them both, a smile tugging on his lips.
"I'm afraid I can't do that," Remus shook his head, "But, I think you look rather dashing. I'm afraid I'll have to fight off all the females," he wasn't joking. Sirius looked at him through his fingers.
"So you do like me...like that?" Sirius asked.
Remus smirked; "This is not the sort of conversation to have in front of the cub," he looked pointedly at Jo.
Jo gasped and looked at her bare wrist; "Gee, look at the time, I gotta go and put on my best dress! see you at the feast..." and then she was out of the cabin lightning fast. Remus and Sirius watched her go, both blinking owlishly.
"Ah, Children," Sirius sighed, "I was one once,"
"She's a breath of fresh air," Remus was stripping off his every day clothing. Not bothered at all that Sirius stood and watched until the pants dropped to the floor. The Wizard was then picking up clothing, and folding them before placing them back into his bag. "and messy too," Sirius mock-complained just to have something to say.
Remus pulled out some deer skin pants, a dark red woven shirt and a matching vest. Then he pulled out worn dragon hide boots and slipped them on. Sirius could see muscle flexing beneath the skin tight pants. Now the tables were turned and he was ogling Remus' ass. He couldn't remember the last time he was attracted to someone with such vivid surety.
The last girlfriend he had was Vivian Waters. She left him after school, though. Maybe that didn't count. He looked away. He didn't want Remus all for the sex, he couldn't facilitate a romantic relationship with the man in any capacity. He had obligations, not only to the Ministry but to the Order as well. And the Werewolves wren't going to do anything with them or against them. Mainly because even if the Death Eater's were defeated - the laws wouldn't change.
And, there was the slight chance that if Voldemort did make well on his promises, that the Werewolves would be granted all the rights of a Wizard. Something that they wanted but hardly asked for because they knew it wouldn't happen. Even now Umbridge was working on the Werewolf Registration. It worked much like the system the Muggle Adolf Hitler used on the Jews when captured and sent to the Concentration Camps.
"Sirius?" Remus was close and Sirius jumped back a little. He tripped and fell on the bed. "Let's celebrate tonight and worry tomorrow," Remus helped Sirius up and off the bed. Sirius nodded. After all, he dishonored the family, he held no power over the Ministry. He couldn't help the Pack out there.
0-0-0
Angus sat in the prison hut watching Lockhart watch the village gathering. They had long tables that were slowly being filled with food and mead. They were dressed in their best garb and a small band had begun playing folk songs they never heard before this night. Leroy lay in the pile of hay that made up on of four beds.
"I can't believe one Auror took us down," Victor whined from his hay pile. He was older than Leroy by a couple of years and younger than Gilderoy and Angus by a good five or ten. In essence, he was the middle child.
"Stop yer complanin'," Angus growled.
"I want to know why we can't apparate," Leroy sighed.
"Black out up the anti-apparition spell after he got back and was so graciously accepted by those idiots," Victor clucked his tongue in annoyance.
"I don't get it," Leroy said as he chewed the end of a straw, "didn't we want to get caught?"
"Wait..." Victor sat up and glared at Gilderoy's back, "was that the plan?"
Gilderoy gulped, and then schooled his face, when he turned to the three gruff men, he had a winning smile on his soft lips and he spoke with enthusiasm; "Why yes!" his voice went up an octave, "I planned it to go down exactly as it did, that fire ball was a bit of a surprise though..." he shrugged. "However, we are exactly where we need to be,"
"Why?" Angus asked, "what are we supposed to do now?"
"Well, my contact has promised us a huge reward for Lupin's head, and I mean head literally, a million galleons if we bring Lupin's head to Greyback in a sack,"
A trio of low whistles met this statement.
0-0-0
The night sky was darker with clouds hovering over the forest; a light drizzle had stared up just as the huge party had begun. But no one cared. A canopy held up by strong poles was erected above the fire. Children took cuts of meat to cook above the coals that a old women tended so that no one got hurt. Other tarps and poles sheltered the food. Soggy food made for a horrible party. Remus gladly led Sirius over to the food.
The gaggle of girls gave Sirius bright smiles and offered up their deserts of choice. "try my spotted dick," , "I've lemon custard!" , "Toffee pudding?" and other options were all thrust at him on spoons or forks by the young ladies who had been taught the age old adage women used on their husbands or men they were gunning for; The way to a mans heart is through his stomach.
Remus helped himself and even got a few charming smiles and giggles from the young ladies. And Sirius played along. Remus pulled him away and promised to be back after sampling the main dishes. Sirius laughed.
"Oh my, I think I'm going to have some competition," Remus winked.
"Why, My Lord, I do think you shall," Sirius agreed jokingly.
The party lasted well into the night. The band kept playing with small breaks, while an old man told the story of the Pack to the children. Sirius couldn't help listening in on some of a scop.
THUS seethed unceasing the son of Healfdene
with the woe of these days; not wisest men
assuaged his sorrow; too sore the anguish,
loathly and long, that lay on his folk,
most baneful of burdens and bales of the night.
This heard in his home Hygelac's thane,
great among Geats, of Grendel's doings.
He was the mightiest man of valor
in that same day of this our life,
stalwart and stately. A stout wave-walker
he bade make ready. Yon battle-king, said he,
far o'er the swan-road he fain would seek,
the noble monarch who needed men!
The prince's journey by prudent folk
was little blamed, though they loved him dear;
they whetted the hero, and hailed good omens.
And now the bold one from bands of Geats
comrades chose, the keenest of warriors
e'er he could find; with fourteen men
the sea-wood he sought, and, sailor proved,
led them on to the land's confines.
Time had now flown; afloat was the ship,
boat under bluff. On board they climbed,
warriors ready; waves were churning
sea with sand; the sailors bore
on the breast of the bark their bright array,
their mail and weapons: the men pushed off,
on its willing way, the well-braced craft.
Then moved o'er the waters by might of the wind
that bark like a bird with breast of foam,
till in season due, on the second day,
the curved prow such course had run
that sailors now could see the land,
sea-cliffs shining, steep high hills,
headlands broad. Their haven was found,
their journey ended.
"Wait...your pack is related, somehow to Beowulf?" Sirius whispered to Remus. Remus nodded. They quietly stood at the back of the small crowed and continued to listen. Sirius had heard a little about the Vikings in History of Magic class. The hero's were all Wizards, it seemed, and Beowulf was the ultimate hero. Of course, it made sense to trace one's ancestry as far back as you could and even if the Pack weren't related by blood - it would be a bonding to find out where the pack came from.
Sirius wasn't at all sure, though, if Beowulf was a Werewolf. They didn't cover a lot in Magic History class because Professor Binns died giving a lecture on the Goblin Wars ( 1200 bc, 1700 ac). And that was all he ever lectured upon; it made Sirius question that much of his magical education.
The scop was long and soon it turned to a more mundane story; the old man promised to finish the story of Beowulf another time. Sirius and Remus wondered away and back to the desserts table. Thankfully the women had wondered off with males that were far more accepting and Sirius and Remus could be alone.
"This is some party, I haven't had one like it since my seventeenth birthday," Sirius said as he served up some apple crumble for him and Remus who'd been eyeing it wolfishly. He handed a plate over to Remus first.
"We haven't even gotten to the ceremony yet," Remus replied.
"Right, and what do I do?" Sirius asked, "only, I don't want to mess it up," he didn't look up at Remus.
"All you and I will do is slit our palms, and hold each other's hands as if we are shaking, and then we make the vow," Remus replied.
"And the vow? what sort of magic is it?"
"Ancient magic," Remus replied. "Everyone who joins makes the vow,"
"And what happens if the vow is broken? has it happened before?"
"My are you curious," Remus smirked around a bite of food.
"It's just that...well...vows can go wrong. Have you heard of the Unbreakable Vow?" Sirius asked.
"Refresh my memory," Remus softly demanded.
"Basically if you don't do what you Vow you die," Sirius shrugged.
"Oh, there are some protections woven in, but it's nothing like that," Remus shook his head, "Everyone has a different feeling, but I guess...it feels like home,"
Sirius couldn't keep eye contact any longer; he knew he shouldn't go through with the ceremony. It was too late now to do so politely and he highly doubted he could have when Rebecca had kissed him - in a very motherly way - and he was suddenly transplanted to another time and place when his Mother liked him and didn't yell or verbally abused him. He could be useful in a far better way than ever as an Auror.
Whatever gold he had would help a lot with getting books for education the Pack needed and...well...he wouldn't feel like such a failure.
"Sirius?" Remus poked Sirius in the elbow.
"I'm fine," Sirius replied, "I'm just so honored,"
Remus wasn't sure what to say to that. But, for some reason, no words were needed.
0-0-0
The Ceremony took place by the bon fire. Remus called the whole Pack together and they all stood quietly for the Ceremony to begin. Rebecca and Cory - who Sirius had learned was Remus' older brother - stood a bit behind the Alpha. Sirius tried to hide his nervousness.
Remus raised his hands, calling for silence even though everyone was respectfully quiet; "Tonight," Remus face the crowed, "we welcome a new brother to our pack, Sirius Orion Black, who not only saved my Mother, but a cub and our village," he turned to Sirius, "I welcome you to our pack,"
Sirius bowed his head slightly; "I am honored to join your family," he didn't yell, but the words were spoken strongly and with want that Sirius wasn't able to hide so well. Jo stepped out of the crowd with a wooden box. On it were carvings on ancient Runes Sirius was partly able to decipher by a single glance; the words Family, knife and blood were all he could read as Remus opened the box lid. Inside was old red velvet lining. And the knife was in good condition. It looked rather dangerous though. The long bronze knife held a sharp edge. The hilt was made entirely of onyx with a single purple stone set in the middle. There had to be history behind this knife. It had to be important because Remus picked it up with reverence that resounded. Once the light hit the knife the whole crowd "ooohed" appropriately.
Remus held the knife in on hand and slit his right palm. A Werewolf elder behind Sirius grabbed Sirius' left arm and held out that palm of his hand. Sirius wanted to pull away but instead he straightened out his hand so that his palm was defenseless. Remus slashed the palm, at a diagonal. Sirius didn't even grunt as he watched the blood bubble up from the wound.
Then he was clasping Remus' right hand.
"I, Alpha Remus Lupin Son of Benedict and Rebecca Chase, vow to protect SIrius Black to the best of my ability," Remus said clearly for all to hear. There was a smattering of clapping.
And then it was Sirius' turn.
"I, Sirius Black, Son of Orion and Walburga Black, declare my never ending love and devotion to my Alpha, Remus Lupin. I vow to protect the pack at the cost of my life,"
The clapping after this was much stronger. Remus squeezed Sirius' hand and Sirius tried to squeeze back. Just to let Remus know he wasn't weak, that he could give just as well as he took. And then the grip was lost and the elder who had gripped Sirius' arm the entire time poured hot water over the wound. He dried it and then layered salve that smelt of honey and lavender over it and bandaged it. Rebecca had done the same to Remus' hand.
"Now, it is almost midnight, let us have one last cheer and mug of mead before we retire!" Remus announced. The cheering this time surprised Sirius. He was pulled away from the fire and towards the food tables. The treats weren't nearly gone, so there would be plenty left over for later. Mead was handed around and Sirius was welcomed with open arms.
Yes, he decided as he crawled into bed later, with Remus right behind him, this was home. And it was even better because Remus liked to snuggle in his sleep.