When We Fell In Love

Chapter 25: Epilogue

1986

Sirius and Remus had been living together for years, ever since leaving Hogwarts. They had discussed their post-school plans extensively during their final year. Sirius, who had been living with the Potters for a few years, had no intention of becoming a burden to the family that had been so dear to him. Remus, on the other hand, did not have any concrete plans; his lycanthropy prevented him from holding a steady job in the wizarding world for more than a few months. When James and Peter suggested going into business together, Remus threw himself headlong into the new adventure.

They spent months brainstorming and debating; each of the four had a different idea. Peter wanted to open a café dedicated to magical chess enthusiasts — though they quickly realised that idea probably would not attract much of a following. Remus liked the concept of a literary café, with shelves packed full of books and excellent coffee. James dismissed it as dull and began conspiring with Sirius. Those two had always had a knack for mischief and for inventing new gadgets to put their ideas into practice.

Thanks to a hefty inheritance from his uncle Alphard, Sirius managed to purchase an entire three-story building in Diagon Alley. Each floor was dedicated to one of their ideas: the ground floor became Remus' café-library; the middle floor housed James and Sirius' lab and shop, while the top floor was dedicated to Peter's chess room.

Their odd blend of businesses quickly gained attention, and their clientele grew exponentially over the years. Now they have a thriving, profitable business and even have employees working for them.

Remus and Sirius' apartment is not far from where James and Regulus live. Peter lives only a few streets away from Diagon Alley with his fiancée — and soon-to-be wife — Isadora. Every Friday evening, they all gather at one of the three homes, dining together and uncorking an indefinite number of beers and wine bottles. Often, Dorcas, Marlene, Mary, and Lily, who live in a large house in the countryside, join them as well.

The initial excitement of living together had settled into a comfortable routine. Sirius has learned to cook superbly from Euphemia, delighting Remus' taste buds with his culinary experiments. Remus, in turn, discovered he had a knack for housekeeping; after years in their chaotic dormitory, he has come to appreciate order, cleanliness, and a place for everything.

Their living room is centred around a fireplace connected to the Floo Network, through which they communicate with Lyall and Hope Lupin, the Potters, and friends who do not live in the city. Two of the remaining walls are covered with a massive bookshelf, holding not only all of Remus' books but also Sirius' vast collection of records — and his most prized possession, the enchanted record player that had been so cherished at Gryffindor parties.

The relationship between Regulus and Sirius has been a journey of highs and lows over the years. Regulus' path has not been straightforward, and self-acceptance has come to him only through a painful process. James has been his steadfast companion through it all, a pillar of support who helped keep him from falling into despair.

That summer ten years ago had been one of the lowest points in their lives: despite Sirius and Regulus finding a home with the Potters, Walburga and Orion tried everything they could to find them and bring them back to Grimmauld Place. The two brothers would never be able to thank Euphemia and Fleamont enough for the effort they put into protecting them.

Regulus remains the stubborn, sometimes harsh young man he had been during his Hogwarts years, but James' presence has softened his prickly demeanour. His love for James still baffled him, even though he cannot imagine life without him. Sometimes, thoughts of Walburga and Orion creep in, bringing with them a pang of guilt. During those times, he instinctively seeks out his brother for support.