Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The heat of the sun burned down like there was no tomorrow in the small town of Godric's Hollow. For most of the residents, the sun's burning rays were normal, but for Remus Lupin, who was simply passing through the town, it was more than unbearable.

Remus simply wanted to leave this town and never come back. The people were insipid and ridiculous. At least the ones he managed to converse with. All they wanted to know was his name and the name on his wrist. In a small town like this, with people hoping to find their soulmate, his presence attracted too much attention. Which wasn't good for him because Remus was a Bounty Hunter. He couldn't exactly announce himself to the criminals and expect them not to run.

"You, Mr. Bounty Hunter, come inside. It's cooler here," A woman called out from just outside the Saloon. She had soft red hair and was wearing pants instead of a dress. That wasn't too unusual nowadays. Remus nodded, anything to get away from this heat.

He wasn't going to find anyone dangerous in this town anyhow. "Thank you, ma'am."

"I'm Lily Potter." She shrugged and walked inside, leaving him to follow. Remus hurriedly caught up and it actually did feel just a bit cooler inside.

"Thank my husband. He saw you outside and couldn't believe someone was standing in the heat. He's an idiot, but he's got a big heart," she sighed, wearing a fond smile. "But, please, do come in."

"Is he your soulmate?" Remus asked, looking around the place to see if anything suspicious was going on. When he determined there was nothing, he looked back at Lily who looked amused. "Sorry, a force of habit."

"It's okay. I'd be more surprised if you didn't," she laughed. "And, yes, James is my soulmate. It took me a long time to accept it."

Remus nodded, sitting at the bar. He watched as James, or who he assumed to be James because of the way Lily stared him, bounce over to him.

"What can I get you?" He asked, smiling friendly.

"A cold glass of water, thanks," Remus replied, not wanting to end up like those people at the corner who were drunk in the afternoon.

"Sure!" James happily placed the water in front of him. "Now, you seem like a fellow who enjoys peace and quiet."

Remus snorted. He did, but his profession didn't allow it. "You'd be correct."

"Yeah, I thought so. Well, my best friend's gonna come through those doors any moment, and trust me, he's too dramatic. Maybe a table would suit you better?" James motioned over to the small, black tables.

"I'm fine. I'm sure I can handle him."

James laughed, grinning. "We'll see about that."

As if on cue, the doors flew open and a very impeccable dressed man walked in: black fitted leather chaps, white pressed collared shirt, black suspenders barely visible because of the long black duster he wore, and mid-length black curly hair with piercing gray eyes.

He surveyed the room with little interest, eyes lingering on Remus. He smirked, bowing his head as he took the seat right next to him.

"Why, hello there. I don't think we've met yet," the man drawled, leaning an elbow against the bar.

Remus had to be blind not to see how handsome the man was. "I'm not staying long."

He laughed, white teeth flashing. "Sense of humor. I like that."

"No, no, no, no. Don't antagonize my customers. That's the last thing I need," James said, placing water in front of the man. "Now, how was the meeting with your dad?"

The man sighed, taking a large swing of water. "Stupid. You know, James, he says he put a bounty on my head. He says I need to be taught a lesson."

Remus looked at the man. "It's not that easy to get a bounty placed on your head. Either you dad's super rich or he's bluffing."

"Oh, and how do you know?" The man teased. "Do you have a bounty on your head?"

"I'm a Bounty Hunter, actually. And you're what? A thief?" Remus questioned, leaning towards the man who became considerably paler.

"Padfoot," he blurted out, gesturing towards himself. "If I got a bounty, my name should be Padfoot."

Remus' eyes widened. What Bounty Hunter didn't recognize the name? Catch Padfoot, and you've made yourself a millionaire. "You killed someone. Some Peter guy. You're worth a lot."

"Lies!" Padfoot cried. "My father did that. He's trying to ruin my life. Killed someone? Shit."

"Sirius would never," James interrupted, glancing nervously towards the doors. "How long has his wanted order been up?"

"A week," Remus replied, preoccupied with the name which just came out of James' mouth. "Is you name Sirius? Sirius Black?"

Remus didn't fail to notice how Sirius began distancing himself from him. "Yes?" Sirius answered hesitantly. "Are you going to arrest me? Because I'm innocent. I am."

"You're my soulmate," Remus murmured, and then repeated it in a louder voice. He pulled back his sleeve and Sirius Black was scrawled there in black ink on his wrist.

"Remus Lupin, right? Please, tell me you're not joking." Sirius eagerly showed him his own wrist.

"No, I'm n—"

"Padfoot, you're mine," snarled Greyback, another Bounty Hunter, who kicked the door down. He held a gun in his hand. "Say your prayers."

Before Greyback could even aim the pistol at Sirius, Remus had shot a warning shot to Greyback's stomach. The older man screamed, but Remus grabbed Sirius' hand and rushed them out of the saloon.

"Oh, my God. You just shot someone," Sirius breathed, looking oddly impressed with him. "That was so hot."

"My horse is over there. We gotta go." Remus and Sirius ran hand in hand until they made it to Moony, Remus' horse. "Get on behind me. There's bound to be more people behind Greyback. I'm not going to let them take you away from me."

"Okay." Sirius nodded, face flushed. He quickly mounted Moony and wrapped his arms around Remus' midsection. "Did you just become a fugitive?"

Remus grinned, placing a quick kiss on Sirius' cheeks. "I want to get to know you. That's not gonna happen if you're behind a cell. So hold on tight and trust me."

Remus smiled. While he did enjoy peace and quiet, running and dangerous situation gave him an adrenaline rush. It was the reason he had become a Bounty Hunter. And as far as he was concerned, he had the biggest treasure with him; he wasn't planning on letting Sirius slip from his fingers.