When S/rius and R/mus were finally able to reunite after 12 years, they not only tied the knot, but decided to take on a much greater challenge. D/mbledore had asked them to take in and look after the children of the De4th Eaters who had been sent to prison. And while Mattheo, Lorenzo and Theodore had no intention of trusting them, the ice began to break. Initial cautious approaches led to meaningful bonds, and when the boys were able to return to their old homes, they chose to stay with their new parents.

The living room was alive with warmth and laughter. The boys were scattered around in their usual spots, their postures relaxed. You couldn’t help but feel a quiet sense of awe at how far they’d come—how far all of them had come.

S/rius lounged on the couch. “And that, boys, is how I charmed the broom to fling Sn/pe into the lake during third year.”

Mattheo and Theodore let out a loud bark of laughter. “You didn’t!” Mattheo said.

“Oh, he did,” R/mus chimed in. “And he got detention for a month. Somehow, that part doesn’t make it into his version of the story.”

“Details,” S/rius waved off dismissively.

Lorenzo, sitting with a chessboard on the table, moved a piece and smirked at R/mus. “Checkmate,” he announced smugly.

R/mus blinked. “Well played, Lorenzo. I’d like to blame the distractions, but I’m fairly certain you’d still win.”

“I always do,” Lorenzo replied smoothly.

Mattheo flopped back against the couch. “Merlin, this is weird.”

“What’s weird?” R/mus asked.

Mattheo gestured lazily around the room. “This. Us. Sitting here, laughing like—like we’re a family.”

S/rius sat up. “That’s because we are a family, Mattheo. Well, you lot have officially stolen my heart. Don’t go letting it go to your heads now.”

R/mus chuckled. “We’re proud of all of you. You’ve come so far, and no matter what happens, this will always be your home.”

They noticed the way S/rius and R/mus' grins faded as they looked at them. This wasn't just a moment of happiness - it was a glimpse of something unbreakable. A family.