Chapter Text
Chapter Nine, The Wolf and the Ravens
Previously on Amour et Mort:
"It's from Franrakz," Sirius replied, taking in the contents of the letter a second time. "Apparently Lily and James had left Remus a sum of money and rare books if he had been separated from Dumbledore and all he stands for going on a decade. Which he apparently has as Franrakz has just bequeathed the contents to him and let him know the messages they left him along with that we're in France but leaving it up to my discretion whether to contact him and allow him to see Persephone or not. Do you think I should? At least talk to him myself and assess whether I have my friend back or not before he is within ten feet of my daughter?" Sirius asked his partner, Rabastan, Vinda and Falco.
"That is up to you, love." Rodolphus soothed. "But I think you should meet him a few times before he comes anywhere near OUR daughter." He added, emphasising 'our.' Sirius just laughed and kissed Rodolphus's cheek. He loved the possessive bastard.
"Perhaps even meet him in a neutral place to begin with like Café Abringer in Place Cachée." Falco suggested. "Although I believe he has changed and seen the error of his ways otherwise he would never have been bequeathed the books and money."
"True," Rabastan agreed with his father, but he also had to instil caution. "But better to be safe than sorry." They all agreed with that and agreed, as Sirius wrote a short missive to Remus, that they would all be in Place Cachée when Sirius met with Remus alone in case he needed backup.
***
- September 3rd 1991, Café Abringer, Place Cachée –
As Sirius sat at an outside table waiting on Remus to arrive he couldn't help the anxious buildup of emotions causing his left leg to bounce with his anxiety. Fortunately for Sirius he didn't have to wait much longer as Remus arrived dead at ten o'clock, ambling up to the table Sirius sat at rather awkwardly.
"Sirius." Remus muttered as he sat on the edge of his chair as if preparing to run while accepting the coffee (that was under a preservation charm) that Sirius pushed towards him. "I'm so sorry." He muttered sadly before Sirius could so much as greet him; although Sirius wasn't exactly sure what to say to his old friend.
"Remus, before you say anything I want you to know that Persephone is the most important person in the world to me, and that includes her health, and happiness. I'm also with Rodolphus and have been for a few years now. Persephone calls him Papa Rodo and he gets this silly stupid grin on his face every time he hears it." Sirius told him, a grin appearing upon his own face at the thought. "I just wanted you to hear it from me as I know during sixth year we dated for a year –"
"-but decided we were better off as best friends. It's fine, Padfoot. I'm glad you found someone who makes you so happy. That you and Persephone have people who truly care for you both; like I do but I screwed it all up." Remus interrupted with a sad sigh, but a reassuring smile never left his lips. "I really am so sorry, Padfoot." Remus apologised sadly.
"I realised nearly a decade, just shortly after James and Lily had died and you had cut me off from you and my cub, not that I could ever blame you for that, I had cut myself from Dumbledore and had avoided him and all those loyal to the old man like they were Inferius. No doubt much to the man's ire but I didn't care anymore! Because of me and the old fool, I've lost all of my pack, possibly for good. I can never make things right with Lily and James, hearing that they were disappointed in me and took measures to protect Persephone from me in the messages they left in their wills hurt more than I can say! I realise now that he manipulated me into doing his bidding as he made me feel like I owed him everything because I was the first werewolf allowed to attend Hogwarts.
When in actual fact I owe you, James, Lily and Mr and Mrs Potter everything for all you did for me and I can't believe I was so foolish, so idiotic. I don't even know what my cub looks like now, what she's like, what she loves, hates, anything and I am so incredibly ashamed over that! I regret everything I've done, Sirius! Because I chose that man over my best friends. I've lost my best friends, my family, my cub, everything and I have no one to blame but myself! But I swear to you Padfoot, on my life and on my magic that I have cut him off for nearly a decade, that I won't go back to him and will do anything to earn back your trust. I just hope you can forgive me." Remus finished rambling with tears running down his cheeks, a gold flash surrounding him as his vow took hold.
Sirius sat in silence for a moment as he digested all that Remus had said. He couldn't deny that he was still so incredibly angry with him but a part of him also wanted his best friend back, but he was also wary of having him anywhere near his princess for the time being, however, if he did what was suggested to him earlier by Rodo, and even having the meetings with himself and all of the Lestranges then they could truly gather if Remus was telling him the truth or not. His gut was telling him that Remus was telling the truth, but it was better to be cautious.
"I will give you one last chance, Remus." Sirius said firmly. "We will meet like this a few times just you and me, relearning our friendship and then Rodo, Rabastan, Vinda and Falco will join us before you even meet Persephone, she's at school anyway so you would have no choice but to agree." He added with a shrug leaning back in his chair.
"I understand he manipulated you, Moony but you hurt us when you disregarded us, our friendship and your pack for him. That wound will take time to heal."
"I know and I am so very sorry for that, Sirius, you have no idea how much I just want to take it all back, but I will make it up to you and prove to you that I'm telling you the truth." Remus apologised. "What's Persephone like?" A wide beaming smile stole across Sirius's face as all the tension bled out of him. Talking about Persephone was his favourite thing to do.
"Oh she's amazing! So smart, kind, and cheeky. Brave, no-nonsense kind of girl who doesn't want to hurt others, sweet but will handle herself in a fight if need be with a fiery temper. A mentor to one of her friends' little sister, and she's also like a big sister to the little girl.
She's mischievous, courageous and soft like silk and sweet like honey." Sirius explained as he delved into the never-ending well of information on his daughter.
How proud he was of her was clear for all to see as Remus soaked up each and every last bit of information he could. His mind turned over exactly how he could make things right with Sirius and Persephone and the family they had built with the Lestranges. He was so incredibly grateful that he had been given this chance, a chance he knew he didn't deserve, and was determined to not screw this up.
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Chapter Nine, The Wolf and the Ravens
- December 13th 1991, Café Abringer, Place Cachée –
Once more, a week before Yule, Remus was meeting Sirius in Café Abringer in Place Cachée, but this time all four Lestranges were in attendance instead of watching from afar. Remus had been staying in Hotel De Ginestou ever since he first met Sirius in this very café, only returning to England briefly to pack up his belongings before returning to France. Sirius and the Lestranges had checked with Phineas Nigellus whether Remus has had any contact with Dumbledore; which he hasn't much to the old man's ire as he raged that his letters were blocked.
This time Remus had arrived before the others due to living in the alley, using his new funds to pay for his stay, sat at a private table in the back corner of the café sipping on his hot chocolate pursuing the newspaper for ads for job or apartment vacancies. He had to admit he was a little anxious for this meeting and silently prayed to Mother Magic that all would go well. He and Sirius have met a few times since that first time back in September working on their friendship and trust in one another – more Remus earning Sirius's trust back. He understood the caution as he had betrayed his friends – something Remus will never forgive himself for – and should count himself lucky that Sirius was giving him the time of day.
The first few times they met were severely awkward, but the last one a fortnight ago had given Remus hope that they could be friends once more as they melded together better and got along better. He knew Sirius well enough to say that it also meant a lot to the Animagus. Now he would be meeting all of the Lestranges before he would – maybe – meet Persephone during Yule. Sirius had told him that Rabastan, Rodolphus' younger brother was not only Persephone's betrothed but also her mate as she was a quarter Veela from James and Euphemia. However it was all agreed between all of the Lestranges, Sirius himself, and Lily and James that no relationship will happen until Persephone was seventeen.
"Remus." Sirius's voice pulled the werewolf from his deep thoughts. Looking up, a happy but nervous smile crept across Remus's lips at the sight of Sirius standing before him, his hand intertwined with the Lestrange Heir. He could instantly see that Sirius was happy in his relationship with Rodolphus, more than he has ever seen his friend. Remus could also see that Sirius's feelings were reciprocated just as fiercely by the adoring looks cast his way by Rodolphus when he thought Sirius wasn't looking. Beside them could easily be Rabastan, Rodolphus's younger brother, as he had the same dark eyes and dark curly hair, but the younger Lestrange's hair was longer than his brothers. Beside the younger Lestrange stood a beautiful and gracefully ageing woman with chestnut brown hair and kind eyes who levelled out the fierce intimating man beside her.
"Sirius. It's good to see you." Remus greeted happily. "Lord, Lady, Heir and Master Lestrange it is a pleasure to finally meet you." Remus greeted nervously with a touch of formality.
"You as well Mr Lupin." Lady Lestrange nodded a soft smile on her lips, but a danger could easily be seen within her eyes. She may be a kind woman but there was a ferocious protective streak in her and she could and would be prepared to protect and defend her boys if the need arose. Which included Sirius. House Lupin had lost everything due to his father's gambling and debts so there was no formal greeting to use when greeting Remus, which he understood. He was just thankful there was no disdain directed at him and if there was he also was of the mind that he would not be due to his condition but his actions.
"I have to say this Mr Lupin that although you have been proving yourself to Sirius, and you have been working on your friendship and for intents and purposes left Britain behind for four months now, and Dumbledore behind for a decade, but at any point this proves to be false than you will sorely come to regret that decision." Lord Lestrange threatened. "We are a family and are as equally as protective of Sirius as we are of Persephone. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal." Remus confirmed.
"Excellent." He nodded, helping his wife into her seat at the booth signalling his sons and Sirius to take their own seats at the table.
It was silent for a moment as Sirius and the Lestranges decided what to have, tapping their wands against what drink they wanted on the menu, which then appeared on the table with a soft pop a moment later.
"Now that is out of the way," Lady Lestrange started, pausing to take a sip of her English Tea. "Remus, you may call me Vinda, my husband Flaco and my boys Rodolphus and Rabastan."
"Then you may all call me Remus." Remus nodded. "How have you been Sirius?"
"Good. I'm happy Remus. Really happy." Sirius smiled, squeezing Rodolphus's hand who smiled adoringly at the Animagus as he kissed his temple.
"I'm glad. I'm really happy for you Sirius. You deserve it, you truly do." Remus told him, and he meant it. If there was anyone who could offer Sirius the love, protection and security that he lacked growing up then he could easily see that Rodolphus offered him that. There was a lightness to Sirius that he had only ever seen when Sirius was around James. "You make a wonderful couple."
"Thank you Remus." Rodolphus nodded, assessing him all but for a moment before he saw the truth within his eyes.
"How is Persephone?" Remus asked, trying not to show how eager he was to learn more about his cub; he didn't want to give the wrong impression.
"She's good. We saw her ballet recital a few days ago and her horse-riding competition and art exhibition just after your last meeting with Sirius." Rabastan told him, a soft smile taking over his lips.
"Yesterday Rodo and I attended a meeting with her Head of House –"
"Is everything alright?" Remus asked, startled, interrupting Sirius with his alarm.
"Nothing like that Remus." Sirius assured. "At Beauxbâtons, the Head of Houses have a meeting with parents or guardians at the end of every term to discuss how things have been going, where they are in terms of their work, and if they need help with anything."
At that point Remus's eyes were as wide as saucers. That was much better than Hogwarts that had no contact with parents unless something serious were to happen but even then that was very rare. To hear that a school had that much contact with parents was surprising to the werewolf, but he knew that it was also so much better. He could tell that Sirius and Rodolphus flet reassured in their choice to send their daughter to Beauxbâtons as by the sound of it Persephone was fully supported by the staff and by other students.
"Even though she is very mischievous, loves to play pranks with either Sirius or Rodolphus at home, she's very serious while at school despite all the friends she's made. Persephone takes her schooling very seriously and works really hard during her lessons, often able to complete the spell on the first or second try, she takes all the extracurricular she can. Taking Ballet, art, fencing and horse riding. From what Rodolphus and Sirius have told us her Professors and Head of House are extremely happy with her." Falco explained, a proud smile on his face, his dark eyes gleaming with happiness. "She's even ahead in her Defence, Potions and Alchemy lessons."
"I miss playing pranks with my daughter." Sirius mused, a sad smile on his lips.
"I think you mean OUR daughter, Sirius." Rodolphus admonished his partner. "And so do I. So be prepared for a prank war once she's home for Yule. You never know you may end up with purple hair again." Remus winced at that. He knew that no Black, Sirius included, liked their hair being messed with. However, he was surprised when Sirius burst out laughing a proud smile on his face.
"It was the first prank my Princess did." Sirius explained. That certainly explained it, Remus knew that no matter what, Sirius would be proud of anything Persephone did.
The rest of the afternoon passed by with ease as they all got along perfectly well as they ordered some hot chicken casserole for lunch, and told Remus stories of Persephone, with even Remus and the Lestranges sharing stories about each other, breaking down the chasm between them. Until Sirius caught sight of the newspaper with apartments circled by a red self-inking quill. Sharing a look with Rodolphus, the pair silently communicated with each other, such was the strength of their relationship, until Rodolphus finally nodded with a soft smile and a kiss to the corner of Sirius's lips.
"Remus," Sirius started, turning to his friend after he kissed Rodolphus's cheek tenderly.
"As things have been going well between the two of us, and things are going well today, how about you move in with us. However, it all depends on how Persephone reacts during Yule as she is very nervous around new people. But then again she may remember you."
Remus knew Sirius wasn't meaning to hurt him with that suggestion as he was trying to help him, but it was also the truth as there was a chance that Persephone may remember him. But the most likely response is that his previous actions would cause Persephone to forget him which was no fault but his own. But he wouldn't turn down the hand offered to him as how else was he supposed to permanently fix things between himself and Sirius if he didn't try to also fix things between himself and Persephone?
"I'd like that Sirius." Remus spoke truthfully. "Thank you. I mean it, I won't let you down." Remus promised, Moony finally settled within his mind as he was on his way to having two of his old pack mates back and by the looks of things his pack will be growing with the addition of the Lestranges.
"I know you won't." Sirius agreed, glancing down at his pocket watch he cursed as he saw that his lunch break was almost over. Throwing some Galleons on the table for his meal and drink he quickly slipped on his coat, hat, scarf and gloves. "I'm sorry Remus but I need to get back to work. If you're looking for some work I know Tatienne Jumelle who runs the Astronomy shop here is looking for someone. It's called Luna et Aurore Jumelle."
"Head on to work love, I'll give Remus the directions otherwise you'll be late." Rodolphus advised.
"You're right. I'll see you tonight, love you. Remus, meet me here next Tuesday, the 17th, at five in the evening and I'll take you home with me after work. I'll see you all later." Sirius bid the other three Lestranges goodbye before he hurried out of the café.
"Sephy returns home on the 19th, so it'll give you two days to settle in." Rabastan clarified, knowing that was what Sirius was thinking.
"Oh I can't wait to see my daughter again." Rodolphus stated, making the others laugh. Who knew the Lestrange Heir could be such a sap. "Don't laugh now baby brother I know you miss Sephy as well, miss playing pranks on me and Sirius with her." Rodolphus admonished his chuckling little brother.
"True." Rabastan agreed, shrugging his shoulders he didn't really care to be honest. "The bookstore Magillard: Plumes et Tomes are also looking for someone as well." He added before giving the directions to the Astronomy shop and the bookstore to Remus who thanked the youngest Lestrange profusely.
"We all must be getting back to work as well." Falco stated, looking at the time on his new pocket watch that Persephone had brought him for his last birthday.
"Tell the shop owners that I sent you, Remus, that should get them to give you a fair interview and trial. They are more tolerant over here, but you never know. Anyway it was a pleasure to meet you. Keep it up and we will see you next week." Falco said as he placed Galleons down for the rest of the meals and beverages – including Remus's – before he stood, helped his wife stand and slip on her coat before even thinking of putting his own on. Like a true gentleman as all elite wizards had been raised. Like he had raised his own sons.
"I will, I promise. Thank you for everything and it was a pleasure to meet you all too." Remus agreed, shaking hands with the three male Lestranges and kissing Vinda's knuckles in farewell. As the Lestranges left, it felt like a weight had been lifted from Remus's thin shoulders. A relieved sigh left his lips as he was rather happy with how that meeting had gone and couldn't wait for the arrival of next Thursday when he would see his cub for the first time in a decade. And he was determined not to mess anything up.
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Author's note: DO NOT ask me to update in any way shape or form. There are other ways of telling me what you thought of this. Below is a poll if you could all vote and comment who you'd want the following characters paired with, along with a little refresher on who the current pairings are and the jobs the adults currently have and what their creature inheritance is if they have any.
Who should the following be paired with?
-Mila Helene Janssen (half-blood, witch - Netherlands).
-Fleur Angélique Delacour (1/4 Veela).
-Lea Devereaux (half-blood, witch).
-Lucienne Trouve (half-blood, witch).
-Solange Dujardin (ash tree nymph).
-Remus John Lupin (werewolf, pureblood).
Current Pairings:
-Persephone Abigail Adira Potter-Black (a 1/4 Veela) and Rabastan Corvus Lestrange.
-Sirius Orion Black and Rodolphus Julius Lestrange.
-Vinda Lestrange nee Rosier and Falco Lestrange.
-Oceane Delphine Laurent (half Veela) and Dominique Linette Durmont ( Pureblood French witch).
-Camille Adeline Moreau (half Dryads – forest nymph – ) and Audrey Rose Blanchet (half Nymph).
-Collette Moreau (Pureblood French witch) and Elise Moreau (Dryads – Forest Nymph).
-Marie Laurent (Veela) and Henri Laurent (Italian/Siberian Pureblood.
-Yara Janssen (Netherlands Pureblood witch) and Finn Janssen (Netherlands Half-blood wizard).
-Daniel Durmont (Pureblood French wizard) and Luca Durmont (Pureblood French wizard).
-Apolline Delacour (French ½ Veela) and Armand Delacour (Pureblood French wizard).
-Akura Blanchet (a nymph from Africa) and Gabriel Blanchet (Belgium-French Pureblood).
Adults and their jobs:
-Sirius: a part-time (while Persephone is in school) French Auror, partnered with Collette Moreau and Daniel Durmont.
-Rodolphus: Mastery in Defence and will write his own book.
-Falco: on the French Wizengamot for House Lestrange.
-Vinda: she is part of the Child Protective Services for the French Ministry. As well as on the French Wizengamot for Houses Black and Potter.
-Rabastan: has a Mastery in Ancient Runes and Defence.
-Armand Delacour: French wizard. Deputy French Minister.
-Apolline Delacour: tailor and co-owner of Retrobella Magic Boutique in Place Cachée.
-Collette Moreau: French Auror, with Daniel Durmont and Sirius Black (part-time) as part of her team.
-Elise Moreau: tailor and co-owner of Retrobella with Apolline Delacour.
-Daniel Durmont: a French Auror who works with Collette Moreau and Sirius Black.
-Luca Durmont: Mastery in Wandlore. Works in Baguettes Magiques de Cosme Acajor in Place Cachée.
-Finn Janssen: an Auror for the Netherland Ministry.
-Yara Janssen: tailor and shop owner of Janssen Clothing Emporium in Palace Stadshart, Netherlands.
-Henri Laurent: Potion Master and works in Dr Aziz Branchiflore Apothecary in Place Cachée.
-Marie Laurent: Healer at Hôpital St Laurel pour Transformations et Maladies Magiques (St Laurel's Hospital for Magical Transformations and Maladies).
-Solange Dujardin: current Quidditch coach for House Bellefeuille. She wants to become an expert on Herbology and see if she can find undiscovered Magical plants that could prove useful.
-Lea Devereaux: current Quidditch coach for House Papillonlisse. She wants to join the French National Quidditch team as a Chaser.
-Lucienne Trouve: current Quidditch coach for House Ombrelune. She wants to join the Ministry in the Department of Magical Accidents Catastrophes to make the world safer for both Mundanes and Wixens.