That night, after Teddy and Hermione are asleep, Harry settles into his usual armchair with a cup of black tea and a long sigh. Closing his eyes, he sips the bitter drink, savouring it in a way he hasn't been able to for the past week.
The mission went off without a hitch. His asset maintained her cover and found all the information they needed and then some, allowing another team to move in on their target. Still, even the simplest recon has the potential to turn bad, and he spent most of his time away on edge, listening for any signs that she'd been made.
They say there's no place like home, and he's inclined to agree. The whole time he was away, he missed this — Teddy, his friends, his house...
He opens his eyes, and his gaze catches on the peeling wallpaper opposite him. Strips of grey patterned paper curl out, revealing patches of plain brown backing. That's one thing he didn't miss. Dark and bleak, the wallpaper would have been dreary when it was first bought. Now, it's pathetic.
Just like everything in Grimmauld Place. The traumas of its past are written across its walls, sewn into its curtains, tucked between its sofa cushions… Even someone with no knowledge of the Blacks would be able to see the pain in their history.
Teddy's laughter never fails to brighten up the place, and living here isn't bad for him. He's as curious, active and happy as any other child. Still, it's far from an ideal place to grow up. He should have more light, fresher air… fewer elf head displays.
Nor is it a good place for a man to heal. Sirius never could, and maybe Harry can't either.
What is it that Luna said when she visited in the leadup to Christmas? "Start small"?
Harry drinks his tea as he thinks. He tried to remodel back then, but he only got as far as rearranging a few cupboards before the sadness caught up to him.
Maybe it's time to try again. One room at a time, one task at a time, one step at a time.
But this time, he won't try to do it alone. As much as the media pretends otherwise, he didn't defeat Voldemort alone, nor did he survive Hogwarts alone. His friends helped, and he knows they'll be happy to help again.
Hermione is sure to know more about interior design than he does. Fred and George have furnished a flat before and will know what stores to use. Ron will be as in the dark as Harry, but he can help keep him accountable.
Even Teddy is old enough to help with some smaller decisions, like colour selection and choice of lamps. And when things get tough, his involvement may help to remind Harry why he's doing this.
Downing the rest of his tea, Harry quickly rinses the cup and heads upstairs. Tomorrow will be a new day — and, with any luck, a new beginning.