58. Shared Words
Harry coughed as more dirt scattered around him. Wiping beads of sweat of his face, he looked over the attic he was clearing out. It was part of Sirius' family mansion. To his annoyance, there were too many potential dark items for him to use magic to clean.
A shame really, he had hoped to use the house cleaning charms he practiced with Mrs. Weasley. Still, it wasn't too much of a hassle, he was used to this kind of work. At least this time it was for someone who actually needed the assistance.
"You don't have to do this. I'm plenty fine," Sirius attempted to persuade. Compared to his initial escape from Azkaban, he looked a lot healthier. Treatment in Ys had been kind to him. While his eyes still seemed hallow and tired, his skin had more color, and his body was fuller.
So far, he and Harry had an amiable relationship. This meant that Sirius was officially the closest family he had. "Don't push yourself too much. Someone has to clean this place up; it's where you'll live now."
"This old man will get you a drink," Sirius offered as he began his journey to the kitchen. "James and Lily would be so proud of you," he whispered to himself.
"You two make for an awkward pair," Teleute mentioned as she came through one of the many doors in attic. Today, she wore a rather traditional maid uniform. Her umbrella was now in the shape of a feather duster.
All in all, Harry thought she looked fantastic. Her hair was what truly caught his gaze. It was tied in a simple ribbon, yet the knots were so intricate.
Teleute proceeded to do an adorable curtsy, "You spoil me with your compliments." Taking a spin, she sat daintily on a pile of stacked boxes. The contents of the boxes acting rather timidly once she begun using it as a seat.
She giggled as Harry looked at her in awe. Teleute made for a picturesque contrast to the dusty attic. A playful air hovered around her, blowing the dust away, as though to leave nothing but a spotless image for Harry's eyes to drink up.
"You deserve every one of them and more," Harry responded at last, the words leaving easier than he would have thought. A warmness spread throughout him, yet the panic he usually felt was a touch bearable.
"Thank you," she returned sweetly, a soft smile adorning her features. "But we're moving off topic."
Harry pulled a rather old, but safe, chair and sat before her. "Sirius is a nice guy. I really think we can be a family. Still, he's so sad. He misses my parents, and I'm a poor replacement. He must feel lonely."
"Life has its hardships, but that's what makes it so sweet. And, I think you're forgetting something, he's not alone anymore." She tapped him lightly on the chest, "He has you and that makes a world of difference."
Harry seemed contemplative at her assertion. Personally, he never thought he could find a replacement for Ron and Hermione, let alone Teleute of all people.
Sounds of shuffling feet halted any further conversation. Sirius entered their sights with a tray of tea and sandwiches. "I'm not interrupting anything?" His tone was a valiant attempt of merriment and a touch of teasing.
"Allow me," Teleute suggested gently. Her hands took the tray and began walking to a little table with matching chairs that wasn't there before.
Sirius looked at her with distant eyes. Taking his sights away from her, his attention turned to his godson. "Harry? Are you… happy?" Somewhere in his words were a desperate hope.
Harry looked over his life. On one hand, he had Teleute, friends, magic, and a godfather. On the other hand, he had to deal with Hogwarts students, the Dursleys and Voldemort. "I'm living," he answered with clear and confident eyes.
"With a lovely girl like that, James would've been bragging. You aren't like either of your parents, not truly," he muttered with a distant look.
"Sorry."
"Don't be. It's just the ramblings of an old man unwilling to let go. I've never been good at that and look where that's brought me. The last few years of my life has been in prison and I wasn't there for you. So, I don't think I have the right to tell you how you should be." Sirius held Harry by both his shoulders and looked him firmly in the eyes, "Your parents would have loved you, don't let anyone tell you different. You understand?"
A brief smile graced Harry lips, "Yes, I do."
"Good lad," Sirius complimented proudly. He then began guiding Harry towards the patiently waiting Teleute, "I hear you and my godson have been dating, everything going well I hope."
Taking a sip of some hot black tea, she grinned, "Wonderfully."
"James made a right git of himself trying to get Lily's favor. Please tell me Harry wasn't as bad as James."
Teleute covered her mouth, though her mirth was clear in her eyes, "Hardly. Actually, he was quite the charmer. Let me tell you about our first outing."
Sirius rubbed his hands in anticipation.
Admittedly, this was nice. If this what a real family was like, he could really get used to it. For the moment, Harry was content amongst his family and lover.
Never mind the embarrassment of Teleute retelling his nerve-wracking first date.
