Many Moons

Summer Before 6th Year

The Blacks apparated to what could hardly be called Sirius' home, which was more like a prison. They allowed both him and Regulus to head up to their respective rooms to put their trunks away. It was at dinner when things got serious. Walburga announced,
"Now, Sirius, it has come to our attention that you are a homosexual and are involved with that filthy, half-breed who thinks it's a boy."
Sirius didn't say anything, genuinely too afraid to speak. Walburga screamed,
"Answer me!!!"
Sirius murmured, terrified,
"Yes, mother, it's true..."
Orion began to use the Cruciatus Curse on Sirius, causing him to fall limp at the table. They threw him into his room, locking the door and window, so he couldn't escape. He stirred awake almost a week after he'd been brought "home." He was weak from the beatings that he must have gotten while unconscious. Starving and tired, he couldn't go on much longer. So, with his wand and his trunk in hand, late that night, when his parents were fast asleep, he shakily escaped that horrid house. Little did he know that his door had been unlocked by Regulus. Although Regulus acted like he hated his brother in front of their parents, he truly didn't and knew he had to help him escape.
Sirius made his way down the block before collapsing. He must have sent off a signal with his wand unconsciously because he found himself being carried by someone. As his vision cleared, he made out those recognizable round glasses and messy hair, slurring,
"Mate...what are you doing?"
James just said,
"Shhh, Sirius. I'm here now."
Feeling safe, Sirius slipped back into sleep, and, when he woke up again, he was in a familiar room: the Potter's living room.
Sirius woke up, drowsy from the potions Mrs. Potter gave him, asking,
"What happened???"
James frantically said,
"Sirius, we found you passed out on the side of the road nearly dead. What the bloody hell happened?"
Sirius began to shake, slowly remembering what had happened. The memories of the beating, the yelling, the curses, and the hunger came rushing back and he began to cry. He said,
"M—My parents found out that Remus and I are dating and...let's just say, they weren't happy..."
James immediately knew what was going on, wrapping Sirius into a gentle hug, reassuring him,
"It'll be alright, brother. You're safe now."
James talked to his parents, begging them to let Sirius live with them pleading,
"You can't bloody make him go back! They are beating him, starving him, using unforgivables on him, you have to let him stay! Please!!!"
They agreed to let Sirius live with them as long as he wanted to after hearing the circumstances of his household.
Mr. and Mrs. Potter came down the steps and said,
"Sirius, after hearing everything, we want you to know that, if you want, this can be your home."
Sirius, burst into tears, leaping onto Mr. and Mrs. Potter, thanking them a million times. Sirius had a family who wanted him, and for that, he was exceedingly thankful.
Remus' holiday hadn't gone as well as past holidays had. He came home to his mother welcoming him with open arms as always, and, like usual, his father wasn't there. He was on a work trip for half of the summer.
While his father was gone, Remus and his mother spent a lot of time together and Remus decided to tell her the truth about him. He said,
"Mum, can I talk to you?"
Hope said,
"Of course honey. What's wrong?"
Remus said,
"Well, Mum...I'm gay and I have a boyfriend. I'm sorry that I didn't talk to you, I just...I didn't want you to think I was even more freakish than you remembered..."
Hope walked over and hugged Remus, stroking his hair saying,
"Honey, you being different is what makes you special and you're not a freak, you are just brave enough to be yourself. I'd love to meet this boyfriend of yours."
Remus reddened a bit, questioning,
"Really?"
"Of course! You should invite him over for dinner."
Remus was ecstatic. He raced to his room to write James, knowing he had to contact James to talk to Sirius. He began,
"Dear James,
I need you to send Padfoot a letter on my behalf. My mum has requested that Sirius join us for dinner on July 25th.

Thank you and I hope you are having an amazing holiday.

- Love, Remus J. Lupin"

He received a response from James.
"Hello, Remus,
It is good to hear from you. I must inform you that Sirius no longer lives with his "family." Rather, he lives with my parents and I now. It is not my place to tell you why, but I have shown Sirius your letter and he is writing a reply.