Harry shrugged before walking to the werewolf and giving him a hug. "I'm scary," he deadpanned.
Remus smiled and pulled Harry in tighter. "Even if you're terrifying we'll still love you."
Harry smiled into his cardigan before pulling out of the hug. "That's nice. Also, Remus, how do you fancy teaching? The Defence Against the Dark Arts post has just become available."
Remus blinked. "I'm not surprised. Has Lockhart been arrested?"
Harry grinned darkly. "No, not arrested; however, he has faced his judgement."
Sirius burst out in more doglike laughter at that before telling Remus what Harry had done and why. By the end of the tale Remus' eyes were flashing gold, showing just how Moony felt about his cub being threatened. The idea of teaching was immediately forgotten.
"A fair punishment, I'd say," he all but growled out.
Harry laughed lightly. "I'm glad you both approve. Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to unpack and have a quick shower before dinner."
"That's fine," Remus said.
~
For Harry, the days leading up to Yule were filled with both a sense of serenity and anxiety. Remus, by leave of Sirius, had been left to collect all of the required ingredients for the ritual which would bring Harry one step closer to being reunited with Tom. It was not an overly complicated ritual. It did, however, require the caster's blood willingly given and them to be of pure heart—meaning they had to want the person who created the horcrux healed and made whole with their entire being.
"Are you ready for tonight?" Sirius asked. They had declined the Malfoy's invitation to celebrate Yule together in order to perform the ritual at the correct time.
"I believe so," Harry said, placing a mark in his book and turning to look at Sirius.
The dog animagus truly looked like a different man from the one he had known. His hair was thick and healthy, any traces of premature grey gone. His eyes, although still older than they should be, lacked the horror and pain they once held. His body was no longer gaunt and frail, instead he stood tall and proud, lightly muscled and tanned.
Smiling slightly, Harry considered is next words and their impact. "I believe we should bring Lucius in on a few things. He is a Dark wizard and a supporter of Tom's after all, as well as being in close contact with us both."
Sirius surprised Harry when he didn't outright object - but Harry hadn't seen them when they were alone together out of the public eye, when they didn't have to maintain a certain level of decorum, so he didn't know just how close their friendship had become. "I think you're right," he said eventually.
Harry nodded. "Maybe Severus as well." Sirius smiled at the mention of the Potion Master's name, making Harry consider him for a second.
"They will probably be like you and Remus."
"What?"
"I don't think that Dumbledore will have limited himself on who he dosed."
Sirius looked confused for a moment before s look of understanding and anger passed over his face. "There are probably hundreds of witches and wizards…."
Harry nodded. "I know," he said, not concealing his disgust. An image of a young Tom Riddle filled his mind; he wasn't sure, but he would bet his Gringotts vault that Albus Dumbledore was the reason behind Tom's eventual unravelling and psychosis.
~
23rd December 1992, Grimmauld Place, London
Lucius was pleasantly surprised when he entered Grimmauld Place. The last time he had been inside, the townhouse was practically a cesspit; it had been dark, dank, and poorly kept. Narcissa had visited her aunt shortly before she had died, the old woman insisting on seeing the remains of her family. Now however, the house actually felt like a home, the furnishings clearly new and well-kept.
"Welcome, Lord Malfoy," a slightly gravelly voice said, drawing his eye to an elderly house-elf. Before he could speak another figure emerged from the green flames.
"Lucius," Severus greeted after flicking his wrist to rid himself of any dust the floo had left behind.
"Ah, Severus. I didn't know you were also invited."
"Indeed. Have you any idea what this is about?" The Potions Master asked.
"No, though I hope it shan't take too long. I hate to leave Narcissa and Draco alone for long on such a holiday - Yule is a time to be with family."
Severus rolled his eyes at the jab. The blond had been trying to get him to join them for such celebrations for years.
The opening of a door drew their attention and both looked up when Remus entered. The wolf looked much healthier than he had in years and Severus was reluctantly pleased about this.
"Gentlemen, thank Remus said.
you
for
coming," "It's no bother," Severus said quietly. He was still slightly uncomfortable around the man.
"If you would follow me, I believe Harry and Sirius are waiting in the family parlour for us."
•
🚀New updates on my Ko-fi!🚀
Support me and read the novel, now available in PDF, with the advanced chapters.
•
https://ko-fi.com/cmrowling