A/N: O.K., P.A.R. has some explaining to do. First of all, this isn't going to be anything like I planned. I was going to do something very cheap, but decided you guys deserved better than that.

I think the title is self-explanatory. This is going out to all you people who said 'But can't you...(add someone, take someone out, put something in, etc.).'

Exceptions? I'm not killing anyone! Sorry.

Also, this is late, yes, I know. However, P.A.R.'s forced vacation got cut short by a few days and she ended up not having as much time to write as she thought she would. So, do not complain to me, folks, talk to the employer. (And P.A.R. would like to remind those of you who are already whining, that life isn't fair.)

P.A.R. would also like to mention for all of you who equally appreciated the idea, that the concept of turning the whole lot of the Dursley's into air-sick bags was that of The Unicorn Whisperer.

Sorry, but all bets are off after this on when I'll post next. Since this is the end of Fever, the next story will be a new one. Keep checking. It should come up about mid-January.

Finally, this isn't long, people. It's just, as Monty Python called it, contractual obligations. It will also hopefully help clear a few points as well as does it let you sort of see what was happening behind the scenes, so to speak. This is also giving you a brief introduction to the man so many of you got suddenly so very interested in without his every once physically entering the story, who, yes, you will be seeing in the sequel to Family Life; the man no one's seen, but so many love (explain it to me, people), Sirius' big brother, man of mystery, Orion Black!

Chapter Thirteen: Promises To Keep

Although Harry managed on several occasions to sneak past Remus simply to break the boredom of laying in a bed all day staring at the same four walls, his wanderings about the house didn't always escape notice.

Sirius did his best to try and cover for him or hide him from view whenever Remus came looking for the occupant of the empty bed upstairs. But that wasn't totally altruistic on Sirius' part either. Remus had practically set up a schedule stating when Sirius could visit Harry and when Remus expected Harry to be resting. A schedule that didn't sit well with godfather or godson at all.

And so Sirius and Harry managed to come up with a plan that worked around Remus' schedule fairly well.

Basically, it entailed keeping Remus out of the house as much as possible.

Either Sirius always needed something he'd forgotten in Hogsmeade to make dinner that night, or breakfast that morning, or lunch that afternoon, or Harry was suddenly feeling weak again and needed some sort of potion.

All in all, they managed to keep Remus fairly well traveled on the road to town.

But it also didn't take Remus long to catch on. And in the interest of relieving Harry's growing boredom, as well as preserving his shoe leather, Remus agreed to a compromise. But while he didn't consent to increasing the time Sirius could spend with Harry (which would have had to be something close to 24/7 to make Sirius happy), Remus did agree to allow Harry visitors.

Upon receiving the offer, Harry immediately had Hedwig off with letters to Ron and Hermione. In each letter he briefly explained the situation to them, telling them where he was and that he was staying at the shack with Remus and his pet dog, Snuffles, in case the letters were intercepted. He told them that the following week they could meet Professor Lupin in Hogsmeade and he would bring them to the house.

And so the following week Ron and Hermione went to Hogsmeade with Ron's mother, who stated she would look forward to a day in Hogsmeade while Ron and Hermione went to visit Harry, and that she could pick them up that evening and take them home.

Harry couldn't have been more excited to see his two friends. It certainly had been anything but the ordinary summer vacation, and he couldn't wait to tell them about it in person.

"We were really glad to finally get a letter from you, Harry." Ron stated as they settled on his bed. "We didn't know what to think when the Daily Prophet had the report in the paper, and Dad came home and told us about....."

"Wait a minute!" Harry interrupted suddenly. "What report in the Daily Prophet? Sirius didn't say anything about a report being in the paper about all this. How would they have known anything anyway?"

"Oh, it was front page for days, Harry." Hermione put in, talking in a rapid succession of words. "The Daily Prophet said you had been kidnapped from your aunt and uncle's house by Sirius Black. Of course, Ron and I knew you weren't in any danger, but we didn't know why Sirius had taken you. And the Daily Prophet was writing articles all over the place about what the ministry was doing to try and find you and a bunch of speculation columns on what had happened to you and how he had managed to get through all the protection wards. Of course, every one of them thought it was by some black magic Voldemort taught him."

"And then Dad came home and told us the ministry had no idea where you were." Ron jumped in. "He told us all these wild theories that they had. He said some of them were even speculating you were dead. But he said all Fudge seemed really worried about was how it was going to look for the ministry that a sole convict who they hadn't even managed to catch yet could get through all their protection spells and kidnap you. Dad said Fudge seemed more worried about how to keep things quiet than trying to find you."

"Well, it a good thing they didn't work too hard on it." Harry replied. "From what Sirius and Professor Lupin have told me, they had enough trouble just trying to find a cure for the poison without worrying about Fudge and his ministry misfits."

"Harry!" Hermione cried indignantly.

Harry blushed slightly. "Sorry. It's just that that's what Sirius always calls them." He explained. "I guess it sort of rubs off when you hear it half a dozen times a day."

Harry had briefly explained in his letter to them about the poison, but hadn't gone onto many details about it. Now he sat in his bed telling the whole tale as Remus and Sirius had told it to him to his two friends.

When Harry got to the part about Snape and Lupin going to the Dursley's to look for the poison, he carefully excluded the part about Professor Lupin getting shot by his uncle. Though Sirius had told Harry since he felt he had the right to know, he had cautioned Harry against repeating that part to anyone else. It was Remus' business, he had told his godson, and was best kept between the few people that did know. Anyone past that, it was up to Remus whether to tell them or not, and Harry had agreed.
Harry had also thought about skipping the part about talking to his parents. But Ron and Hermione didn't seem to think he was a raving lunatic at all for claiming to have seen them.

"It just seems to me," Hermione said thoughtfully, "that the times that you need them the most, they're there for you somehow."

"I suppose." Harry replied. "It was just nice to see them again. To be able to talk to them, even if it wasn't for very long."

Harry went on to explain how Sirius had revived him and finally explained Sirius' revenge on the Dursley's.

When Harry got to the part of Sirius turning his custody in part over to his brother, Orion, Ron practically fell off the bed as he leaned forward, his eyes big as saucers.

"What?" He stated suddenly. "Orion Black! That's Sirius' brother! No way! He's really Sirius' brother? Why didn't he ever tell us? Oh, Harry, this is way past just being cool."

Harry stared back at Ron as though he'd just lost his mind. "What are you going on about, Ron?" He asked. "You know Sirius' brother?"

"For years!" Ron exclaimed. "Oh, not personally, and I didn't know he was related to Sirius. I mean, 'Black' is a pretty common name and all. And this guy, well..., you'd never think he was related to Sirius. But, Dad tells us stories about him every now and then. But Harry, he works for the Department of Mysteries. You know, one of the 'Unspeakables'. And from the way Dad talks about him, he's pretty high up there. Real important."

"So what does your Dad say about him? I mean, what's he look like?"

"Couldn't say. Dad says in all the years he's worked for the ministry, he's never seen him. But he's always hearing stories about him. I mean, he's like a legend, Harry. And the stuff Dad tells us about him..., the missions he's been sent on...he's unbelievable. They say there's few people you-know-who wants more than Orion Black. This guy's put a lot of Deatheaters in Azkaban. Some of you-know-who's biggest and most powerful supporters. Listen, if you have to go live with him, you think we could meet him? That would be awesome. Fred and George would never live it down if I got to meet him."

"Ron!" Hermione admonished him with a slap on the arm. "Harry would only have to go to live with Sirius' brother if something really bad happened. And all you can think about is that you could use Harry to meet him? Honestly!"

Ron turned back to Harry. "Of course I don't want anything bad to happen to you, Harry. You know that. Especially after the summer you just had."

But Harry looked more interested than upset. Sirius had hardly told him anything at all about his brother, Orion. He had even purposefully changed the subject several times when Harry had tried to ask questions about him. Eventually Harry had given up, feeling that perhaps Sirius didn't like to think about the possibility that he might actually have to turn Harry over to his brother one day. But that hadn't stopped Harry's curiosity from growing about the man who could one day end up his guardian.

Even Remus hadn't been much help on the matter. Harry had asked him once about Orion Black. But other than being able to say he was Sirius' brother, Remus hadn't known much more about him other than that he knew Orion was older than Sirius due to the fact that he was a few years ahead of them in school. But past that, Remus had said he and the others rarely ever even saw Sirius' brother.

"You know anything else about him, Ron?" Harry asked curiously.

Hermione huffed at the two of them. "Really!" She stated. "He's probably very nice, Harry. He is, after all, Sirius' brother."

Ron gave her a skeptical look, then turned back to Harry. "Actually," he replied quietly, glancing back at the door to the room for a moment, "I've heard he's pretty ruthless. They say he was an Auror before he joined the Department of Mysteries. Said the Deatheaters were really afraid of him. Dad says some of the Ministry people swear even you-know-who is afraid of him."

"Sirius said he was a 'less tense version of Snape'." Harry commented.

Ron shook his head. "From the way Dad talks about him, I'd think he'd give old Snape a run for his money in the 'tense' department. Some of the missions Dad says he's been on......he's broken up a lot of Deatheater groups, Harry. One of the biggest they say he took out all by himself."

"Sounds like a lot of exaggeration being added to a lot of speculation if you ask me." Hermione put in. "If he works for the Department of Mysteries, no one really knows what he does, do they? Unspeakables are very secretive about what they do. I'm sure that if Harry ever has to go live with him, he'll find Sirius' brother is a lot like Sirius." She added, giving Harry a comforting smile. "And besides, it'll probably never happen anyway."

Harry sat in his bed, staring at his two friends. Silently he was hoping Hermione's prediction was true. That he would never actually have to go and live with Sirius' brother. With a very nervous feeling, he suddenly found he wasn't sure he was looking forward to ever meeting Orion Black.

Harry shook his head and gave Hermione a small smile.

"No," he replied, "it probably won't."

As promised, thank yous and Q&A at the end now.

Lin-z: Thank you for the review on A Dog's Day. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Abbsiegail: Thank you. This was one of my tries at out-right humor. I'm glad you liked it.

Zimmy Russell: So glad you liked it.

The Unicorn Whisperer: Hey, Whisp! Glad you liked it. I agree. Sirius got what he deserved. But remember, Arabella knew what she was getting into when she stepped back into a relationship with Sirius. She should expect things like this. Pranksters never really grow up.

First off, I think Harry would side with Sirius. For all I may try, he keeps coming out having a closer relationship with his godfather than his godmother. But then, he's just met her.

Secondly, hmmmm, I like the scene...........!

Oh dear, the last few lines of your review just killed me because I knew you're sitting there waiting for somethin' that wasn't gonna happen. (Read authors notes at top). I lost a couple of days I was going to use to finish that chapter. So, therefore, chapter thirteen was late in posting. Hope I still see you!

Ohhhhh, and yes, yes, the air-sick bag idea came from you. I gave you credit starting this chapter. I just couldn't remember who mentioned it. Thanks for reminding me.

Ohhhhhhh, no, dear! Orion Black is no Percy Weasley clone, I assure you. Actually, I don't know if Snape and Orion would even get along. Interesting thought though.

Black Sparkles: Surgery!? Heavens, I hope everything came out all right (so to speak).

Thank you. Glad you liked it.

She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named: (I just can't stand it!)

January20th, hmmm? I'll see what I can do.

Yeah, that made sinse.

Chapter Thirteen is now out. Enjoy.

Lotesse: Question. What's an OC?

I said this once before, I think. Sounds like an English teacher.......reads like an English teacher......writes like an English teacher.......I'm gonna guess....an English teacher?

Yes, yes. Should have been 'sordid'.

Explain!? Heavens no! That negates any reason for them to go and read and review Family Life! (It's a plot, you see.).

Harry's coming back. I just can't say how old he'll be. I'm thinking of posting The Ties That Bond next, but I haven't decided. It's a Sirius/Baby Harry story. About as long as Fever.

Juliana Black: I never miss an opportunity to let my reviewers now how much they are appreciated by P.A.R..

Ice Queen: I'm so glad you like the story. Did you check out any of my other ones? I love reviews. Gives me something to read for a change.

I'm pleased you liked the Snape/Lupin relationship. Some people did, some people did not.

P.A.R. currently does not write slash. So no need to worry...yet.

Bialystock and Bloom: Interesting name.

Whereas Fever itself isn't being sequeled (Stop whining! Stop it! I mean it now!), Orion is going to be fairly prominent in the sequel to Family Life, in which he also almost appeared. I hope people will like the character of Sirius' older brother when they finally meet him. He's certainly different.

SEEKER_2000: Thank you. I got a lot of nice reviews from that scene.

Teva Arsen: Ohhhhh, such a nice reviewer. P.A.R. likes you!

P.A.R. is my pen name, sort of. It's actually the initials of my pen name.

Unfortunately, due to the fact that I am a contracted writer, I can't tell you anything more about myself than I have or about anything I have written. What I'm doing here (giving it away for free), would get me in some serious trouble with my publisher. So please understand.

I am always happy to read and review others stories, especially those who read and review mine. I think its sort of a common courtesy. I am starting to do some reviews and will try to do a few each day. But currently I am working on a number of stories, including the sequel to Family Life, so I will in all likely hood get behind. However, I'll give you the same warning I give everyone else who asks me to review their story. I review honest, not nice. So be warned.

Sophie W.: Here you go.

Coqui: No, the courts wouldn't know. Why should they? There's nothing in the petition to implicate Dumbledore had anything to do with it. Also, keep in mind (although I know it read a bit confusing), Sirius isn't the one actually requesting a name change, Harry is. Sirius can't request to change Harry's name. He can, even though he's a criminal, say, 'yeah, it's O.K. with me if he (Harry) wants to adopt my family name, (as his legal guardian)'. And as Harry's legal guardian, Sirius can appoint another guardian in the event one becomes necessary. But the actual petitioner is Harry. Did that make sense?

I'm glad you're happy about the author's notes being moved.

Ummmm....currently P.A.R. does not write slash. I have no problem with it and have read some slash stories I thought were very good. But at this time I have too many other projects going to take on a new one. Sorry.

SarWolf Snape; Ohhhh, I don't know. I liked Family Life a lot. But I';m bias. Family Life was my first story on this site.

I'm glad you liked the Severus/Remus relationship. Most people liked it.

The scene you described is by far one of my favorites as well. I enjoyed writing it a great deal.

I think you have the main necessity already to be a successful writer. You just want to write. You definitely have to enjoy what you do to make it in this field. But I will warn you, you need three things to succeed, and I can't help you get any of them. First, you have to have genuine talent. Look, let's be honest about it. If you can't paint, you ain't gonna be a painter, I don't care how many classes you take. If the talent isn't there, it isn't there. Second, get yourself one really thick skin. You're gonna need it. Third, you better have patience and lots of it. It took me years to get published. It didn't happen overnight. There are a few people out there who that does happen to. A few lucky writers. But they are the exception, not the rule. Just remember, the writer of M.A.S.H. was rejected (if I remember the story right) hundreds of times before that story was accepted. But just look at where that story went.

RioRaptor: P.A.R. are the initials of my pen name.

Hermione Gulliver: I don't think Harry would use the name 'Black' in school. It would raise too many questions. If he did use the name, most likely they would associate the name with Orion, not Sirius. And as you can surmise from this chapter, Orion is no nameless face in a crowd himself.

I am trying to do some reviews. I see what I can do. Just remember, P.A.R. reviews honest, not nice.

Yes, P.A.R. is catholic and Christmas is kinda a big holiday for us.

P.A.R. are the initials of my pen name.

Haleyhedwig 11: O.K., P.A.R. is really bad at the abbreviations thing, so I gotta ask sometimes; what does (h) stand for?

I read most of the Sirius/Harry stories on the site, so I know most of them. What have you read?

I highly recommend the series Audiaa2 has going. (I think she's the author and I believe I have the name right. I'll correct next time if I'm wrong.) Check out her author's page. She's very good.

Anime Echo: Yes! Yes! Throw confetti all over the place!!! You ARE my 200th reviewer! P.A.R. is so pleased!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have a lot of projects I'm working on right now. Mainly the sequel to Family Life, which has evolved into a three part story, meaning there's a sequel to the sequel in the works. I have a few short stories I'm working on, which is amazing to my friends since the running joke among them about me is that my opening paragraph is usually 5000 words (P.A.R. is not known for writing short stories.). And I have another story close in length to Fever called The Ties That Bind that's almost finished. It's probably the biggest tear-jerker I have coming out. It's a Sirius/Baby Harry story.

And P.A.R. never gets tired of hearing that stuff, by the way.

Sphinx: Give J.K. a run for her money? Rowling? Oh no, I don't think so. P.A.R. isn't that good. But heavens, thank you for thinking so. You made P.A.R.'s day!

Peacock Girl: Ohhhh, thank you. Such a nice reviewer. I'm glad you liked the scene with Sirius and the empty chair. It was very well received over-all. And I'm pleased you like the Snape/Lupin relationship. Most people seemed to.

Yes, Family Life takes a little while to read.

I'm really not on the 'clear Sirius' name' wagon because it's a little too crowded for my liking. I think it's an 'easy out'. I like an ending that's a bit more complicated and tries to resolve that issue in a different way.

Basilisk: Awwwwwwwww. (Did I get in? Did I get in?)

Silverfox: No, sorry. Harry will stay Mr. Potter simply because of the questions it might raise and that could make life a little difficult for Sirius. And let's face it, folks, his life is difficult enough as it is.

Yes, you will be meeting Orion Black in the sequel to Family Life. He's an interesting character I think.

I think I miswrote. Diamond isn't so much a 'main' character as a 'constant' one from now on. If Analisa's in a scene, as she will be in the sequel to Family Life, Diamond is right there with her.

You don't want money?! You'd make a great writer! (We never get any either.).

Dumbledore's True Love:

Again!? What is it with me and that name?

Oh, well.

As you saw in this chapter, Sirius tries to get around Remus' rules as much as Harry does.

No Hyphen. Just Harry James Potter Black.

Kelly Potter: Thank you.

Silent Shadow: I'm still trying to get to reviews. Bare with me. Snape Summer, right?

LauraBlade: Thank you. I'm glad you enjoy my stories.

Wolf Of Solitude: Of course you are! You're consistant. You don't flame me. You always give nice long reviews. Why wouldn't you be one of P.A.R.'s favorites? (P.A.R. ain't crazy, you know.)

If the Dursley's think Orion is anything like Sirius, I think they'll pretty much lay off Harry from now on. And in his own way, I don't think Orion will be anything like Sirius when it comes to Harry. I think he'll be worse.

I thought the name had a nice ring to it too.

Rupert Grint or Ronald Weasely, etc.: Well, I tried.

People, people, people, where are you getting this Percy Weasley clone idea about poor Orion? He is nothing like Percy, I swear.

Anyway, glad you liked it. Hope you liked Chapter Thirteen.

Juliana Black: Thank you. Glad you liked it.

Zimmy Russell: Well, there's no way I can tell you where they sell it unless you live somewhere near Central Florida.

Yes, Remus is turning into just another surrogate father for Harry.

Yes, Orion 'appeared' briefly in Family Life. He's more prominent in the sequel.

There is more coming out involving the Snape/Lupin relationship. I have a story in the works on that.

I'm glad you liked Diamond. I am also a cat person, as that I have two of my own.

Pigwideon: I love it, 'coming out of the wizard closet'.

Good theory, but no. Uncle Vernon had nothing to do with it.

True to my word, I will tell you it was all Voldemort. Snape said so in one of the earlier chapters.

Nice theory though. It would make an interesting story.

hello, etc.: Thank you. I update as often as I can.

Again, if I missed anyone, I apologize. Let me know. Reviews are as of 12312001.