you are loved. - r.lupin (ft. THE s.black)

sirius jr.

2 years later

Caroline was reading a newspaper article on a large beige couch and she was wearing a flowery dress. Her hair was short now, falling just above her shoulders, and her eyes seemed to become a lighter blue, if that was even possible.

One hand was holding the paper while the other hand was petting a black poodle curled up next to Caroline. He was young, around 5 years old, and he was really small for a dog. 

The front door suddenly creaked open and Sirius emerged, looking as exhausted as ever. There were dark bags under his eyes and his white shirt was crinkled, his tie leaning towards the right instead of resting in the middle.

Sirius had spent a few weeks on a mission given by the Order and completely passed out in a chair when he got back to the Headquarters, which explains the crinkles shirt and lopsided tie. Caroline still didn't know about the Order so Sirius told her that he would be going on an Auror mission with his mentor.

Caroline spent most of her days in her house, not having much to do or a job. They were still using the sum of money that Sirius' relative had given Sirius in his will.

"Hi," Caroline said softly. Sirius' eyes immediately lit up at the sight of Caroline and he walked over to her. Caroline stood and put the newspaper to the side to kiss him. Their dog jumped off of the couch and started nuzzling his head into Sirius' leg, just happy to see him.

She finally pulled away and kissed him again for good measure. "How was the mission?"

"Good," Sirius replied. Before Caroline could ask him more about it, Sirius changed the subject. "So, what do you wanna do for dinner?"

"I made mac and cheese but I didn't try it yet," Caroline said. Sirius bent down and scooped up their poodle with one arm.

"Let's try it then," Sirius suggested. Caroline intertwined their hands and pulled him to their kitchen, which had a blue pot with the lid on top over the stove. She took the lid off and grabbed a spoon from one of the drawers.

Sirius took the spoon from her and spooned some mac and cheese. It looked a bit funny, like a bit too watery to be mac and cheese. Sirius hesitantly ate it and managed to swallow it so he wouldn't offend Caroline.

"Is this one good?" Caroline asked hopefully. "I've been trying to perfect it since you were gone and I literally followed the recipe every time."

"It's getting better," Sirius said with a smile. "But for now, why don't we just get pizza?"

"Okay," Caroline agreed. The blonde reached for the dog in Sirius' arms and held him up. "Sirius Junior, we're going to get pizza but we'll be back."

Sirius Jr. always gave Caroline PTSD from Peter Jr., her old family owl. James plans on naming his child James Jr., so it seems like all the Marauders liked naming things after themselves.

Caroline set Sirius Jr. down and Sirius kissed the blonde again. Then, he grabbed her hand and started running to the door. "PIZZA!"

"I've married a child," Caroline muttered.

"Well I've married a woman who can't cook," Sirius shot back jokingly.

"The only thing you've managed to cook is pancakes!" Caroline laughed. Sirius turned to face her with raised eyebrows.

"At least I can make something!"

---------------

Caroline was a light sleeper. She always has been, always will be. So when her Sirius tried to leave their house late at night, she noticed. "What're you doing?" she mumbled groggily. "Go back to sleep."

Sirius was standing near their bed but not facing her and he turned to her when she spoke. He smiled softly at her and walked around so he was standing by her side of the bed. "Something doesn't feel right," he explained. "I'm going to visit James and Lily."

"It's still dark outside," Caroline noted. "Can't you wait till morning?" Sirius leaned down and kissed her forehead lovingly.

"I just want to make sure they're okay and then I'll come back," the dark-haired boy promised. "Go back to sleep and I will be in the bed when you wake up again, okay?"

"Do you want me to come with you?" she offered, sitting upright. Caroline began to leave the bed but Sirius gently pushed her backwards.

"I'll be alright on my own. You can't move too much," Sirius warned.

"Sirius, we don't even know if I'm pregnant. And I can still move around," the blonde giggled. Sirius smiled at her again and kissed her lips softly.

"Please just stay here," he begged. Caroline wondered why he was so worried but she just nodded and didn't ask any questions. "Besides, if you are pregnant, a baby can't grow while you're on my bloody motorcycle. I'll be back soon, I promise."

"You better be. I still don't know how to make pancakes," Caroline said jokingly. Sirius chuckled and fixed his leather jacket in the standing mirror.

"We can try again when I get back," Sirius laughed. "And if you aren't pregnant yet, make sure to use your manifestation rock."

"I thought you said that was stupid."

"Every bit helps." He kissed his wife one last time and let his lips linger on hers for a few seconds. "I'll be back," he repeated. "I love you."

"I love you too," Caroline replied. Sirius left their home and Caroline pulled the covers over herself again, trying her best to go back to sleep.

That morning, Sirius Black broke his promise.