The household buzzed with quiet excitement as the sun rose on Remus’s birthday. Sirius had been up early, orchestrating the day’s plans with his usual flair, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he whispered instructions to you, his three-year-old co-conspirator.

“Alright, little pup,” Sirius said, crouching to your level with a grin, his dark hair falling into his eyes. “Today is your papa’s special day, and it’s our job to make it the best birthday he’s ever had. You in?”

You nodded enthusiastically, clutching the small pile of paper and crayons Sirius had handed you earlier. You had already drawn a few “cards,” each one a masterpiece of squiggly lines and colorful hearts. Sirius ruffled your hair affectionately.

“Good work so far. Now, we’ve got cake duty next. Think you’re ready for that?”

“Cake!” you cheered, bouncing on the balls of your feet.

Sirius laughed, his bark-like chuckle filling the cozy kitchen. “That’s my girl. Let’s get to it before your papa wakes up.”

Together, the two of you worked on a simple chocolate cake. Well, Sirius did most of the heavy lifting, measuring and mixing with exaggerated care, while you focused on the most important job: taste-testing the frosting.

“Oi! That’s the third spoonful you’ve nicked!” Sirius teased, though he didn’t stop you from dipping your finger into the bowl again.

By the time the cake was in the oven and the small sitting room was decorated with colorful streamers and balloons, you were buzzing with excitement. Sirius lifted you into his arms and carried you to the sofa, pointing at the final touch—a hand-drawn banner in your shaky writing that read, “Happy Birthday, Papa!”

“He’s going to love it,” Sirius whispered, pressing a kiss to your temple. “And don’t forget, it’s a surprise, so no peeking when he comes down, alright?”