Padfoot was a stubborn bastard, and Moony knew this better than anyone. Despite this, the werewolf was growing closer and closer to reaching his limit with the animagus.

"Sirius for heaven's sake-"

"No, Moony, he can't be trusted!"

"But he hasn't-"

"No!"

"Please try to-"

"Nope!"

"At least-"

"No way!"

"If you could just-"

"Nu-uh, not listening!" The wizard placed his hands over his ears and began singing loudly, off-key.

Remus dragged a hand over his face in exasperation. This bloody bastard was going to make him grow white hairs at the rate their so-called 'discussion' was going. He combed a hand through his soft brown lock when a light bulb went off in his head. He turned his back to Sirius and shrugged. "I suppose I'll just have to go myself then and tell Lord Peverell that you were too frightened by his mere presence to attend. Such a shame-" 

Before he even had the chance to finish his sentence something flung itself at him knocking the man over and pinning him to the ground. He felt Sirius' hot breath brush over his neck, giving him goosebumps. Remus rolled over, shoving the raven-haired smug bastard off with a playful growl. Nevertheless, the wizard refused to admit defeat, leaping atop his friend and pinning him by his wrists onto the carpeted floor once more.

"I'm not a coward." His low voice rumbled off the maroon walls as his silvery eyes pierced into his friends with an intensity that reminded Remus of their younger years, before Sirius had ever seen the horrors of the war and that damned hellhole, Azkaban. 

"I'll go to that bloody meeting, but don't expect me to kiss that entitled prick's ass!" He finally grumbled after what felt like an eternity pushing himself off the werewolf and standing up offering his hand. Lupin accepted allowing the animagus to pull him up a gentle mock-exasperated smile playing on his face. He knew that it was hard for Sirius to trust anyone at this point, but the fact he had accepted to attend Lord Peverell's invitation and act somewhat civil was more than Remus could have asked for.

With that, the two wizards headed to their fireplace, allowing the magical flames to take them to The Leaky Cauldron. The establishment greeted them with the scent of coriander and ale, a strange combination, but not entirely unpleasant. As they made their way through the familiar round tables the two noticed how very few people were even present, not even seven people, strewn around the place. This was understandable, as it was the middle of the week in the morning, and not many people had the privilege of spending their time in a bar at such early hours. Nevertheless, Sirius' uneasiness was practically palpable to the auburn-haired man beside him, who clutched his hand tightly in an effort to reassure him. This appeared to work for a good few moments before the pair laid eyes on the man awaiting them.

In a more private corner of The Leaky Cauldron near a window stood the relaxed figure of the wizard. He was, as always, clothed in dark - visibly expensive - robes, that, although simplistic in nature, gave off a powerful vibe. His raven hair had been brushed back, although a few loose strands still hung around his face, framing it, and his - very noticeable - bright green eyes skimmed over the pages of that morning's Prophet without a spark of interest. Before him on the wooden table rested a notepad that Sirius recognized as being identical to the one his Mid Healer would use to report on his progress and a cup of freshly brewed coffee from which withe wisps of steam were still rising.

Henry made no movement to acknowledge them until they were a mere few steps away, at which point he folded the paper and placed it neatly next to the notebook. He gave a polite nod when the pair sat down his expression eerily blank.

"It is wonderful to see you both this morning. How have you been?"

"We have been quite well, thank you. And you?" Remus replied, trying to cover his friend's mocking snort. To his eternal relief, Lord Peverell merely smiled politely, choosing to ignore the wizard's lack of manners or respect.

"I have been well, thank you-"

"Cut to the chase", Sirus barked out, cutting him off, "why'd you call us here at the buttcrack of the morning?"

 Remus resisted the urge to facepalm at his sheer lack of tact. Ten o'clock in the morning could not be considered even close to daybreak, but he didn't bother to correct the animagus. He forced a small apologetic smile on his face, but it only ended up looking as if he was constipated, something Henry chose to gracefully ignore.

"I came to update you on the legal proceedings regarding the repossession of your assets, though it would seem you are not in the mood for such talks."Sirius huffed," So I suppose we should move on to our next point of interest, your...relationship to the Headmaster of Hogwarts." At this, both men perked up.

"What relationship?!" The former convict spat, trying to gauge the lord's reaction. He had lost most of his loyalty to the old coot when he had left him to rot, but he didn't have much trust in this unknown pureblood lord, so he resorted to keeping his cards close to his chest for the time being.

"I will get straight to the point then." Henry paused, staring him dead in the eyes. Avada Kedavra green clashed with pale steel eyes and Sirus suppressed a shiver. "What do you intend to do about what he has done to your goddaughter? Are you going to be the "bigger man" and just forgive him and continued to be his lap-dog?"

Sirus stammered for a moment, speechless. What did any of this have to do with Lord Peverell? It was Remus who spoke up, sharing the raven-haired animagus' exact thoughts.

"We will never forgive him, and we will never work with- no, for him again. But for now, there's nothing we can actually do against him. He surpasses us in skills, reputation, wit, and influence."

The admission came out bitterly, so the pair almost jumped out of their chairs when Henry suddenly clapped his hands together with a satisfied expression. "Perfect!" Before he spoke again he flickered his wand and the steaming cup disappeared. "Well then, we don't need this anymore."

"Wha-What was in that?" Sirius stuttered out, suddenly feeling lightheaded.

"Oh, don't worry", Henry chirped, "just an infusion of Veritaseum." He paused, a mischievous smirk tugging at his lips as he placed his elbows on the table and brought his hand together under his chin like a businessman. The glint in his eyes sent a shiver down both of their spines. There was no doubt that the man before them had plans, big plans, that would shake the wizarding world from its bones.