Previously on When The Devil Falls -
Remus hesitated before speaking. "Dumbledore manipulated Harry, placed compulsion charms on him, and forcefully sent him to live with the Dursleys. Harry needed time alone to process everything, especially after Dumbledore's death. At least that is what Harry said. I know he is hiding something or isn't telling us the whole truth but I have faith in him. If he wants to tell us, he will. We could have raised him together, Padfoot. He would have had a normal childhood - a happy childhood! You wouldn't have been in Azkaban. We could have been a happy family. Dumbledore apparently ruined all of that as per what Harry implied."
Sirius's eyes narrowed. "Compulsion charms? Manipulation? Moony, what the hell happened to our world? And why are you so calm about this?"
Remus sighed deeply. "I'm not calm, Sirius. I'm just trying to understand and support Harry. He's been through a lot, and he's just discovered that a man who he trusted his whole life was manipulating him. He probably doesn't know who to trust. I hate to think this but I believe he doesn't fully trust us either. I don't want to overwhelm him, Padfoot. I want to go by his pace."
Sirius sighed as well, running a hand through his hair. "I don't like this, Moony."
The air in the room seemed charged with unspoken emotions as Sirius gazed at Remus, a mixture of concern, determination and tears in his stormy grey eyes. Remus, in turn, met his gaze, the flickering firelight casting a warm glow on his features. The gravity of the situation hung between them like an invisible veil, but underneath it all was an unspoken understanding.
Remus took a sip of his fire whiskey, his eyes never leaving Sirius's. "I know this is a lot to take in, Sirius. But Harry needs our support now more than ever."
Sirius nodded, his expression softening. "I get that, Moony. I just need to wrap my head around everything. I want to be there for Harry. I don't want him to pull away from us because of Dumbledore"
Remus, sensing a need for a momentary escape from the weight of the discussion, stood up and walked toward the window, glancing out at the moonlit grounds of Hogwarts. Sirius followed suit, his eyes fixed on Remus's silhouette against the night sky.
"Moony," Sirius began, his voice carrying a mix of vulnerability and longing. "I hope we can fix this."
Remus turned to face him, the moonlight highlighting the contours of his face. There was a silent acknowledgement in his eyes, a recognition of the years they had spent apart.
"I hope the same, Sirius," Remus admitted, his voice a gentle murmur. He hated seeing Sirius like this - hopeless. The only two other times he had seen Sirius like this was the first time they had talked about his home life and the other time was when James and Lily had died.
Sirius closed the distance between them, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. Their eyes locked.
Dusty grey and Chocolate brown.
Sirius cupped Remus's face in his hands, his touch tentative and filled with love. Remus, in response, leaned into the contact, the lines of worry on his face softening.
Their lips met in a tender, hesitant kiss, a silent affirmation of the bond that had endured through time and distance. The kiss deepened gradually. The warmth of the fire, the moonlight spilling through the window, and the taste of fire whiskey on their lips created an intimate backdrop to their reunion.
The initial softness of their kiss gave way to an increasing intensity, fueled by the emotions they were feeling after these recent revelations. Sirius's hands gently traced the contours of Remus's face, conveying a silent understanding. Remus, in turn, threaded his fingers through Sirius's dark hair, pulling him closer.
Their lips moved in a dance of love, each touch a proof of the deep connection they had always shared. The taste of fire whiskey lingered, a bittersweet backdrop to the rising heat between them. The kiss grew more fervent, an unspoken agreement to lose themselves in the moment.
As the need for proximity intensified, Sirius guided Remus toward the bedroom, their lips never breaking contact. The moonlit room became a sanctuary reminding them of their rendezvous at their time in Hogwarts in one Room Of Requirement, a space where the complexities of the world outside ceased to exist.
Remus's fingers deftly worked on the buttons of Sirius's shirt, revealing the familiar contours of a body that had been etched into his memory. Sirius reciprocated, their movements a seamless synchronization born from years of familiarity - almost habitual at this stage in their life. The soft glow of the moon highlighted the lines and scars on their bodies, a testament to the battles they had fought both together and apart.
They stumbled onto the bed, their hands exploring each other with an urgency. Clothes were shed, revealing the desire that had always lingered beneath the surface.
In the dimly lit study of Malfoy Manor, the Dark Lord, immersed in the tedious task of reviewing paperwork related to his plans for the upcoming term, was suddenly interrupted by the subtle buzzing of a leather-bound journal. With a flick of his wand, the journal floated gracefully across the room and landed on the stack of papers before him.
Curious, Tom Riddle opened the journal, revealing the elegant handwriting of Draco Malfoy. His eyes scanned the page, absorbing the heartfelt words penned by his perfect lover.
Tom Riddle's lips curved into a satisfied smirk as he read Draco's words. The loyalty and devotion expressed in the young Malfoy's letter had only just reaffirmed his belief in the strength of their bond. With a sense of quiet satisfaction, he folded the journal and tucked it away, knowing exactly what he had to do to make sure that his beloved wasn't plagued by nightmares anymore.
In the soft morning light filtering through the windows of Remus's room, it shone brightly on Draco, Harry, Remus, Sirius, Blaise, and Theo who had gathered there. Harry took a deep breath, knowing he needed to share his truth with those he trusted most.
As he recounted the events of his tumultuous summer, Draco stepped in when Harry could not muster up anything but guilty tears, adding details and context to Harry's home life with the Dursleys and the part about his eating struggles. The room grew heavy with tension as Harry spoke about the abuse he endured at the hands of the Dursleys, his voice trembling with suppressed anger and pain. Blaise and Theo, flanking Harry on either side, tensed visibly, their expressions a mix of shock and indignation. It was the first time they had heard the extent of Harry's suffering, and it struck a chord deep within them.
Draco, who had felt the raging magic roll of them in waves along with Remus and Sirius, assured them that the Dursleys were dead and it was the Dark Lord who had killed them mercilessly. When Harry revealed the truth about his inheritance, the theft by the Weasleys, and the manipulation with love and compulsion potions and also the fact that it was Dumbledore who had led Lily and James to their death and that it wasn't the Dark Lord's fault, Remus and Sirius were visibly shaken. Their hearts broke as they listened to the betrayal Harry had endured, their eyes reflecting a mixture of sorrow for what had happened to their baby, guilt that it had happened right under their noses and fury at the audacity of those mudbloods and blood traitors. They de-constructed an entire belief system - one they had wholeheartedly put their faith in for years since they were children - in a matter of minutes because Harry needed them the most right then.
Unable to contain his emotions any longer, Harry broke down in tears, seeking solace in the arms of Remus and Sirius. Sirius pulled him close, holding him tightly against his chest as Harry's tears soaked through his shirt. Remus wrapped his arms around them both, offering silent reassurance and unwavering support.
Draco, Blaise and Theodore smiled at the scene in front of them. Harry had parents who loved him more than anything. In that moment of shared vulnerability, Remus and Sirius made a solemn vow to protect Harry at all costs. They promised to sever ties with the Order if it meant ensuring Harry's safety. And in a gesture of unwavering devotion, they even offered to take up the Dark Mark if it meant shielding Harry from harm.