Epilogue;
Three Men and a Firebolt
It was lightly snowing when Harry stepped off of the Hogwarts Express, creating a soft, quiet atmosphere despite the bustling holiday traffic.
Yes, that's right. Him, Harry Potter, was going home, _home_ during the Christmas holidays for the first time since coming to Hogwarts.
Ron and Hermione were right behind him. Mr. Weasley was pulled away from the Grangers, who were smiling and shaking their heads in a bemused sort of way, by his wife. He was still shouting about the wonders of Muggle microwaves. "They're not small and there are no waves I could find, but it'll cook anything you'd like, ingenious Molly! I say, do you think we could......"
"Not _now_ Arthur!!"
Molly, defying basic laws of physics and the limits of her own arms, hugged four red-heads in one grab, planting a kiss on each one's head with relish.
Hermione giggled at Ron's expression, while Harry gave him a thumbs-up.
"Harry" Hermione turned to him breathlessly. "You know you're always welcome to come to my home for a small visit. Ron and I have talked about it, just send an owl my way." Her dark brown eyes bore into Harry's green.
*Oh, right...okay. Hmm, Hermione's subltelty needs work.* "Sure thing, Mione." Hermione rolled her eyes at the nickname as she hugged him tightly. "Just remember what everyone's said, about you? And...um, things?" Her eyes were a bit misty as she kissed him lightly on the cheek.
Harry still wasn't quite used to that and fidgeted nervously. Especially when Ron squirmed his way out of his mother's then father's grasp to make his way over, eyes glancing at Harry suspiciously.
Harry grinned at him awkwardly and the red-haired boy's expression became less cloudy. "You're coming to the Burrow over the holiday, aren't you Harry? You and Sirius?"
Harry laughed. "_And_ Prof-, er....Remus. Sirius would like to see you all though, sure."
Ron gave him a mock glare. "And you don't, is that it?"
Harry punched him lightly on the arm and Ron did a double-check around the dissipating crowd before giving his best friend a quick hug.
Harry, surprised, returned it and grinned. Hermione looked as though she were about to squeal with the cuteness of it all and Ginny.....
*Holy Crickets, Ginny saw that?* Well, her eyes matched her hair.
"Aw, isn't that pwecious? Ickle Ronniekins has a bonding moment." Identical voices popped up beside the two. *Right, On Cue* Harry sighed.
Ron gritted his teeth and cleared his throat, quickly shaking Harry's hand and thumping him on the shoulder in a tough, manly kind of way.
Harry shook his head ruefully and smiled at Ginny. Her face blushed and her lips quivered a bit, but she didn't turn away.
Ron was yelling at his twin older brothers. "Hey Ronnie-boy, isn't any of our business. Doesn't make you less of a wizard."
"Shut UP!! He was, er...in a bad way for a while there. And he's my bloody best bleedin' friend!! In fact, he's the best ruddy friend a chap can have, why can't I let 'im know that I'm glad he's okay? He should know it, didn't know it for too _bloody_ long and....."
"RON!!" Arthur _and_ Molly reacted.
Molly glared daggers at her youngest son, her eyes promising late-night tortures involving soap and an open mouth.
The Weasley mum then hugged Harry good-bye, kissing him on the top of his head and smoothing his hair from his forehead. Harry had noticed that most of the adults he knew liked to do that. Must have been something about his uncontrollable mop that brought it out in them.
"Do take care, Harry dear. Ron _is_ right, you're always welcome in our home."
From his exceedingly uncomfortable position of Hermione hugging him tightly, Ron gasped out, "Yeah mate, you know where to find us!"
"Merry Christmas Harry!" Hermione winked at him and kissed Ron's cheek too, just to make things equal. Ron's face erupted like a pile of dry kindling touched by a flame. Then.....he kissed Hermione back......on the cheek.
Harry was open-mouthed for a split second. So was Hermione, being gently steered away by her parent, as she seemed to have lost all of her motor skills. Ron was being given the noogie to end all noogies by his ever-understanding older brothers as punishment for two soggy, emotional displays in one morning.
Harry recovered enough to yell out, "Merry Christmas, be careful!! I'll see you so- OOOFFF"
The Boy Who Lived was cut off by over a hundred pounds of big, black dog and a long, pink tongue attached to it. That same said tongue was licking Harry all over his face.
Harry was giggling like a little kid but didn't care. "Stop, st-stop!! Please....Sn-Snuffles, Pad-Padf-oot....Stop!! SIRIUS!!!"
Slobbering kisses were all he got in return but the dog let up a bit to give him a canine grin and licked him all over again.
"I'm...EW! Stop, you ha-..gl-glad to see...see you too" Harry was clutching his side. The dog suddenly transformed into a tall, dark-haired man who's face was absolutely beaming.
Sirius was dressed as Harry had never seen him, in a white T-shirt, jeans and a worn, leather jacket. Something about that jacket, from the way it smelled to its comfortable, near thread-bare patches that showed it was well-loved, stirred a memory in the young wizard.
Before he could comment though, Harry was crushed against Sirius again, this time in a human embrace and his godfather kissed him on top of the head before rubbing his hair, making it even more fly-away.
"Mmmff, Mmff, MMFF!"
"What was that, lad?"
"I think he's requesting some air, Padfoot." Someone said dryly.
Remus Lupin gave his best friend an exasperated smile and gently pulled Harry away.
Glasses askew, the young wizard accepted a more conservative, but no less caring, hug from his former professor.
"Good to see you Harry. Thought about those tutoring sessions we discussed before the holiday? Don't want to let anything pass you by, y'know."
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Ah, for pity's sake Moony, the poor boy doesn't want _lessons_ right now! What are we here for except to have fun?!"
Harry laughed and wrapped two thin arms around Sirius' waist, who put his own arm around his godson's shoulders.
"To think James thought you would be a good influence. I suppose it's up to me to get the luggage."
Hedwig squawked at Remus who stroked her feathers through the cage and waved his wand at Harry's trunk.
"Well, he probably knew you'd be there to even things out. Just so Harry could have a nice balance."
"Are you saying I'm stuffy, _old friend_?"
"C'mon, you're the most overly-sensitive werewolf I've ever known."
"I'm the _only_ werewolf you've ever known"
"That's what you think, why Harry, I could tell you tales that would...."
Harry smiled. Voldemort was still out there, probably planning all kinds of nastiness. Fudge and his cohorts were about as prepared as a David without any stones against super industrial-sized Goliath, but.......he couldn't help thinking that this holiday would be one of his best ever.
******************************************************************************
Sirius' flat was spacious, and decorated entirely in the most gaudy, cheesy, flashy decorations any one could think of.
And because Sirius happened to be a wizard, they all did various things. The lights would try and out-do each other in who could put on the best blinking show and therefore be left on the longest.
Ever-lasting candles glowed. Madam Rosmerta's special egg-nog recipe lay in a sparkling glass bowl, with a separate one for Harry, much to his disappointment. Tin soldiers that waged actual battles, (though no one got hurt, tin against tin wasn't too damaging), reindeer that looked and acted real, it went on and on.
Harry's room was still a little bare, but it was more than anything he'd ever had from the Dursleys. It had Quidditch pictures up of every team from the blood-red Wigtown Wanderers to the grey Falmouth Falcons. Harry thought he knew who put up what. There was even his retrieved Chudley Cannons poster and Ginny's small tank of frog-spawn, now grown to several small, croaking frogs.
There were his books, a special place for Hedwig with a stand and treats, even a light that looked like a Snitch. (Thanks Hallmark! AT)
But the most important thing were the photos. There were many of his parents when they were younger.
One of his favorites was of his mum looking absolutely stunning in a white dress with green trim, probably sometime around when she graduated from Hogwarts..
Harry also liked the one with his dad grasping a Quidditch Cup trophy and Sirius holding up both arms next to him, yelling his head off.
It reminded him of something.
Harry had just gotten comfortable on his bed, taking it all in when Sirius appeared, holding something behind his back.
His godfather looked a little out of sorts, even when Harry smiled broadly at him.
Sirius cleared his throat. "So, um...Harry, what d'you think?"
"It's great! It's...home." Harry blushed a little. Sirius looked very happy suddenly, sitting next to the boy on his bed and taking out what looked like a small, dusty picture.
"This was your first Christmas picture, Harry. I found it when I was looking through some of my old things. Um...your parents loved this time of year." Sirius' voice was getting raspy.
Harry took the picture from him gently and looked at it. There he was, squirming in what his mum had obviously thought was an adorable outfit but that he was plainly not happy in. His dad was tickling him a bit, just enough to make him grin for the camera.
"You sure were a cute fellow, look at those green eyes light up. Wonder what happened?"
"Shut up!" Harry snorted and lightly ran a finger down the picture. His mum and dad looked so young, so happy.
"Do you miss them?"
"Yes, every day. It was worse, though, before......." Sirius ran a hand through Harry's black hair. "They would've been very proud of you, my boy."
Harry couldn't speak, his throat felt all closed up. Tears were prickling at his eyes and Sirius just hugged him, not saying anything more.
"Are there any pictures of you?"
A gentle smile. "Sure kiddo, just let me do some more exploring. Want to help?" Harry nodded.
They stood up. "So, what this about some pretty red-head that's been making eyes at you. Isn't wise to go after the best friend's little sister, you dog, you."
"DOG! Me?! You're the animagi, and I'm...she's.....friend, nothing....to...I mean. Oy, shut up."
"Is that any way to talk to your elders, young man?"
******************************************************************************
Dobby sniffed slightly as he laid his gift for Harry Potter on the young wizard's bed. Harry Potter wasn't here this Christmas and Dobby was happy for him, yes certainly, but Harry Potter was one of Dobby's truest friends and even house-elves could miss their friends.
Another pair of socks, knitted in bright green, one with a white owl pattern, the other with a black dog. Dobby paid attention when it counted.
As Dobby made his way down to the kitchen, still sniffling and wiping his bulbous eyes, he saw a note addressed to him on the table.
Glancing around in confusion, he took the note with a wave of hope. It wasn't from Harry, but the knitted cap beside it with his name on it was. Great Harry Potter hadn't forgotten his Dobby on Christmas.
But.....Dobby looked at the note quizzically. Who would be sending Dobby a note? He was not worthy of such status, with parchment and ink and _everything_.
But his large grin quickly vanished when he read what it said....
~Dobby,
I is writing this note, but I's having to pinch my nose in's a cupboard for it. I is so sorry for Harry Potter being in danger. I is sorry I didn't stop the trouble, so sorry! Missus Mappe is gone, far away. I is looking for work. But when I is looking at Missus Mappe's stuff, to put away like I's suppose's to, I is finding a diary. Missus Mappe was writing it, with the Dark One who is coming closer. Missus Mappe's madness is not gone but she is still writing this! She was writing that he had a plan, a plan to hurt Harry Potter!! Trissy knows that Dobby is a dear, good friend to Harry Potter and Trissy is sorry for Harry Potter's troubles. Dobby must be watching Harry Potter! The Dark One will try to harm Harry Potter, Missus Mappe could see it. The Dark One is coming.
I is.....Trissy.
Dobby squeaked and began bonking himself on his head. Harry Potter was far away right now! But Dobby would watch him, keep his friend safe. Great Harry Potter couldn't be allowed to be harmed.
Not if Dobby could help it.
******************************************************************************
"Little more, little more....good!" Remus clapped Harry on the back, who fell back exhausted.
"Wand retrieval is very difficult, though extremely handy for many different situations. Well done." Harry smiled at his former teacher.
Remus' house, now that Harry could see it without being ill or in some kind of trance, was like Remus, Harry had decided.
Comfortable, not pretentious and full of hidden possibilities. Harry had quickly learned to ask about the many different doors and closets after spending the morning trapped in one and having to explain to two frantic adults where he'd been.
It was peaceful and out of the way and Harry liked the change of pace from Sirius' dizzying efforts in his own flat. Each place was like the other's personality, but Harry felt at home in both.
Remus' kitchen, set up with several cups of tea and some dripping candles, was a very cozy place to be in right now, with the cold wind howling outside and the sun having long since been replaced by the winter gloom.
Sirius would be back soon, Harry smirked imagining what his godfather was buying and the reaction he would get in most places he went to. Many simply weren't used to seeing the ex-convict, or didn't want to believe that he'd been wrongly accused.
Oh well. If Sirius was ready to handle it, Harry would be there to help all the way.
Remus had been teaching Harry various spells and magic techniques that might help him if he ever got into another bad situation
And though neither of his father's old friends ever said it, the possibility that Harry would have to face some tough challenges sooner rather than later, was getting more and more certain.
It was hard to think of dismal thoughts like that when basking in the soft cheer of Remus' home. He hadn't known that his old professor had a lady friend who came over to make him the complicated Wolfsbane potion but she was as nice as Lupin.
Sirius had teased him endlessly about it, but Remus, in his quiet way, had said they were just friends.
Harry couldn't help but be happy for 'Moony', though he wished that Lupin could have fulfilled his potential in what he was best at, teaching others, instead of his talents being wasted out here.
Sirius suddenly burst through the door, covered in snow and grinning. "Hey, how's the lesson coming? Ready for a break, Harry lad?" Sirius often called Harry this, much to the young wizard's public embarrassment and secret happiness.
His godfather was also rather demonstrative with his affections, something Harry had to get used to, and which also pleased him to no end.
"Since it's snowing, I thought...um, as a break, if it's all right with your ol' professor here, we could have a time honored Marauder tradition known as...." Dramatic pause "A snowball fight."
Without waiting for an answer, Sirius picked Harry up and practically tossed him outdoors, ignoring Remus' yells for the teenager to get back inside and at least put a scarf on.
Harry recovered quickly, gathering a mound of snow and hitting his godfather in the back of the head.
"Gonna pay for that, lad." With a *pop* a huge, black dog began bounding around after Harry, tossing up massive amounts of snow while chasing the young wizard who thought he would die laughing.
Once again, he was plowed over by Padfoot, who licked his face enthusiastically, tail wagging. Remus watched them from the glow of the doorway, a smile of deep contentment on his face.
Yup, definitely the best holiday ever.
******************************************************************************
Ahhh, a little bit longer than I expected for an epilogue. Oh well, hope you liked!
-Aly
Three Men and a Firebolt
It was lightly snowing when Harry stepped off of the Hogwarts Express, creating a soft, quiet atmosphere despite the bustling holiday traffic.
Yes, that's right. Him, Harry Potter, was going home, _home_ during the Christmas holidays for the first time since coming to Hogwarts.
Ron and Hermione were right behind him. Mr. Weasley was pulled away from the Grangers, who were smiling and shaking their heads in a bemused sort of way, by his wife. He was still shouting about the wonders of Muggle microwaves. "They're not small and there are no waves I could find, but it'll cook anything you'd like, ingenious Molly! I say, do you think we could......"
"Not _now_ Arthur!!"
Molly, defying basic laws of physics and the limits of her own arms, hugged four red-heads in one grab, planting a kiss on each one's head with relish.
Hermione giggled at Ron's expression, while Harry gave him a thumbs-up.
"Harry" Hermione turned to him breathlessly. "You know you're always welcome to come to my home for a small visit. Ron and I have talked about it, just send an owl my way." Her dark brown eyes bore into Harry's green.
*Oh, right...okay. Hmm, Hermione's subltelty needs work.* "Sure thing, Mione." Hermione rolled her eyes at the nickname as she hugged him tightly. "Just remember what everyone's said, about you? And...um, things?" Her eyes were a bit misty as she kissed him lightly on the cheek.
Harry still wasn't quite used to that and fidgeted nervously. Especially when Ron squirmed his way out of his mother's then father's grasp to make his way over, eyes glancing at Harry suspiciously.
Harry grinned at him awkwardly and the red-haired boy's expression became less cloudy. "You're coming to the Burrow over the holiday, aren't you Harry? You and Sirius?"
Harry laughed. "_And_ Prof-, er....Remus. Sirius would like to see you all though, sure."
Ron gave him a mock glare. "And you don't, is that it?"
Harry punched him lightly on the arm and Ron did a double-check around the dissipating crowd before giving his best friend a quick hug.
Harry, surprised, returned it and grinned. Hermione looked as though she were about to squeal with the cuteness of it all and Ginny.....
*Holy Crickets, Ginny saw that?* Well, her eyes matched her hair.
"Aw, isn't that pwecious? Ickle Ronniekins has a bonding moment." Identical voices popped up beside the two. *Right, On Cue* Harry sighed.
Ron gritted his teeth and cleared his throat, quickly shaking Harry's hand and thumping him on the shoulder in a tough, manly kind of way.
Harry shook his head ruefully and smiled at Ginny. Her face blushed and her lips quivered a bit, but she didn't turn away.
Ron was yelling at his twin older brothers. "Hey Ronnie-boy, isn't any of our business. Doesn't make you less of a wizard."
"Shut UP!! He was, er...in a bad way for a while there. And he's my bloody best bleedin' friend!! In fact, he's the best ruddy friend a chap can have, why can't I let 'im know that I'm glad he's okay? He should know it, didn't know it for too _bloody_ long and....."
"RON!!" Arthur _and_ Molly reacted.
Molly glared daggers at her youngest son, her eyes promising late-night tortures involving soap and an open mouth.
The Weasley mum then hugged Harry good-bye, kissing him on the top of his head and smoothing his hair from his forehead. Harry had noticed that most of the adults he knew liked to do that. Must have been something about his uncontrollable mop that brought it out in them.
"Do take care, Harry dear. Ron _is_ right, you're always welcome in our home."
From his exceedingly uncomfortable position of Hermione hugging him tightly, Ron gasped out, "Yeah mate, you know where to find us!"
"Merry Christmas Harry!" Hermione winked at him and kissed Ron's cheek too, just to make things equal. Ron's face erupted like a pile of dry kindling touched by a flame. Then.....he kissed Hermione back......on the cheek.
Harry was open-mouthed for a split second. So was Hermione, being gently steered away by her parent, as she seemed to have lost all of her motor skills. Ron was being given the noogie to end all noogies by his ever-understanding older brothers as punishment for two soggy, emotional displays in one morning.
Harry recovered enough to yell out, "Merry Christmas, be careful!! I'll see you so- OOOFFF"
The Boy Who Lived was cut off by over a hundred pounds of big, black dog and a long, pink tongue attached to it. That same said tongue was licking Harry all over his face.
Harry was giggling like a little kid but didn't care. "Stop, st-stop!! Please....Sn-Snuffles, Pad-Padf-oot....Stop!! SIRIUS!!!"
Slobbering kisses were all he got in return but the dog let up a bit to give him a canine grin and licked him all over again.
"I'm...EW! Stop, you ha-..gl-glad to see...see you too" Harry was clutching his side. The dog suddenly transformed into a tall, dark-haired man who's face was absolutely beaming.
Sirius was dressed as Harry had never seen him, in a white T-shirt, jeans and a worn, leather jacket. Something about that jacket, from the way it smelled to its comfortable, near thread-bare patches that showed it was well-loved, stirred a memory in the young wizard.
Before he could comment though, Harry was crushed against Sirius again, this time in a human embrace and his godfather kissed him on top of the head before rubbing his hair, making it even more fly-away.
"Mmmff, Mmff, MMFF!"
"What was that, lad?"
"I think he's requesting some air, Padfoot." Someone said dryly.
Remus Lupin gave his best friend an exasperated smile and gently pulled Harry away.
Glasses askew, the young wizard accepted a more conservative, but no less caring, hug from his former professor.
"Good to see you Harry. Thought about those tutoring sessions we discussed before the holiday? Don't want to let anything pass you by, y'know."
Sirius rolled his eyes. "Ah, for pity's sake Moony, the poor boy doesn't want _lessons_ right now! What are we here for except to have fun?!"
Harry laughed and wrapped two thin arms around Sirius' waist, who put his own arm around his godson's shoulders.
"To think James thought you would be a good influence. I suppose it's up to me to get the luggage."
Hedwig squawked at Remus who stroked her feathers through the cage and waved his wand at Harry's trunk.
"Well, he probably knew you'd be there to even things out. Just so Harry could have a nice balance."
"Are you saying I'm stuffy, _old friend_?"
"C'mon, you're the most overly-sensitive werewolf I've ever known."
"I'm the _only_ werewolf you've ever known"
"That's what you think, why Harry, I could tell you tales that would...."
Harry smiled. Voldemort was still out there, probably planning all kinds of nastiness. Fudge and his cohorts were about as prepared as a David without any stones against super industrial-sized Goliath, but.......he couldn't help thinking that this holiday would be one of his best ever.
******************************************************************************
Sirius' flat was spacious, and decorated entirely in the most gaudy, cheesy, flashy decorations any one could think of.
And because Sirius happened to be a wizard, they all did various things. The lights would try and out-do each other in who could put on the best blinking show and therefore be left on the longest.
Ever-lasting candles glowed. Madam Rosmerta's special egg-nog recipe lay in a sparkling glass bowl, with a separate one for Harry, much to his disappointment. Tin soldiers that waged actual battles, (though no one got hurt, tin against tin wasn't too damaging), reindeer that looked and acted real, it went on and on.
Harry's room was still a little bare, but it was more than anything he'd ever had from the Dursleys. It had Quidditch pictures up of every team from the blood-red Wigtown Wanderers to the grey Falmouth Falcons. Harry thought he knew who put up what. There was even his retrieved Chudley Cannons poster and Ginny's small tank of frog-spawn, now grown to several small, croaking frogs.
There were his books, a special place for Hedwig with a stand and treats, even a light that looked like a Snitch. (Thanks Hallmark! AT)
But the most important thing were the photos. There were many of his parents when they were younger.
One of his favorites was of his mum looking absolutely stunning in a white dress with green trim, probably sometime around when she graduated from Hogwarts..
Harry also liked the one with his dad grasping a Quidditch Cup trophy and Sirius holding up both arms next to him, yelling his head off.
It reminded him of something.
Harry had just gotten comfortable on his bed, taking it all in when Sirius appeared, holding something behind his back.
His godfather looked a little out of sorts, even when Harry smiled broadly at him.
Sirius cleared his throat. "So, um...Harry, what d'you think?"
"It's great! It's...home." Harry blushed a little. Sirius looked very happy suddenly, sitting next to the boy on his bed and taking out what looked like a small, dusty picture.
"This was your first Christmas picture, Harry. I found it when I was looking through some of my old things. Um...your parents loved this time of year." Sirius' voice was getting raspy.
Harry took the picture from him gently and looked at it. There he was, squirming in what his mum had obviously thought was an adorable outfit but that he was plainly not happy in. His dad was tickling him a bit, just enough to make him grin for the camera.
"You sure were a cute fellow, look at those green eyes light up. Wonder what happened?"
"Shut up!" Harry snorted and lightly ran a finger down the picture. His mum and dad looked so young, so happy.
"Do you miss them?"
"Yes, every day. It was worse, though, before......." Sirius ran a hand through Harry's black hair. "They would've been very proud of you, my boy."
Harry couldn't speak, his throat felt all closed up. Tears were prickling at his eyes and Sirius just hugged him, not saying anything more.
"Are there any pictures of you?"
A gentle smile. "Sure kiddo, just let me do some more exploring. Want to help?" Harry nodded.
They stood up. "So, what this about some pretty red-head that's been making eyes at you. Isn't wise to go after the best friend's little sister, you dog, you."
"DOG! Me?! You're the animagi, and I'm...she's.....friend, nothing....to...I mean. Oy, shut up."
"Is that any way to talk to your elders, young man?"
******************************************************************************
Dobby sniffed slightly as he laid his gift for Harry Potter on the young wizard's bed. Harry Potter wasn't here this Christmas and Dobby was happy for him, yes certainly, but Harry Potter was one of Dobby's truest friends and even house-elves could miss their friends.
Another pair of socks, knitted in bright green, one with a white owl pattern, the other with a black dog. Dobby paid attention when it counted.
As Dobby made his way down to the kitchen, still sniffling and wiping his bulbous eyes, he saw a note addressed to him on the table.
Glancing around in confusion, he took the note with a wave of hope. It wasn't from Harry, but the knitted cap beside it with his name on it was. Great Harry Potter hadn't forgotten his Dobby on Christmas.
But.....Dobby looked at the note quizzically. Who would be sending Dobby a note? He was not worthy of such status, with parchment and ink and _everything_.
But his large grin quickly vanished when he read what it said....
~Dobby,
I is writing this note, but I's having to pinch my nose in's a cupboard for it. I is so sorry for Harry Potter being in danger. I is sorry I didn't stop the trouble, so sorry! Missus Mappe is gone, far away. I is looking for work. But when I is looking at Missus Mappe's stuff, to put away like I's suppose's to, I is finding a diary. Missus Mappe was writing it, with the Dark One who is coming closer. Missus Mappe's madness is not gone but she is still writing this! She was writing that he had a plan, a plan to hurt Harry Potter!! Trissy knows that Dobby is a dear, good friend to Harry Potter and Trissy is sorry for Harry Potter's troubles. Dobby must be watching Harry Potter! The Dark One will try to harm Harry Potter, Missus Mappe could see it. The Dark One is coming.
I is.....Trissy.
Dobby squeaked and began bonking himself on his head. Harry Potter was far away right now! But Dobby would watch him, keep his friend safe. Great Harry Potter couldn't be allowed to be harmed.
Not if Dobby could help it.
******************************************************************************
"Little more, little more....good!" Remus clapped Harry on the back, who fell back exhausted.
"Wand retrieval is very difficult, though extremely handy for many different situations. Well done." Harry smiled at his former teacher.
Remus' house, now that Harry could see it without being ill or in some kind of trance, was like Remus, Harry had decided.
Comfortable, not pretentious and full of hidden possibilities. Harry had quickly learned to ask about the many different doors and closets after spending the morning trapped in one and having to explain to two frantic adults where he'd been.
It was peaceful and out of the way and Harry liked the change of pace from Sirius' dizzying efforts in his own flat. Each place was like the other's personality, but Harry felt at home in both.
Remus' kitchen, set up with several cups of tea and some dripping candles, was a very cozy place to be in right now, with the cold wind howling outside and the sun having long since been replaced by the winter gloom.
Sirius would be back soon, Harry smirked imagining what his godfather was buying and the reaction he would get in most places he went to. Many simply weren't used to seeing the ex-convict, or didn't want to believe that he'd been wrongly accused.
Oh well. If Sirius was ready to handle it, Harry would be there to help all the way.
Remus had been teaching Harry various spells and magic techniques that might help him if he ever got into another bad situation
And though neither of his father's old friends ever said it, the possibility that Harry would have to face some tough challenges sooner rather than later, was getting more and more certain.
It was hard to think of dismal thoughts like that when basking in the soft cheer of Remus' home. He hadn't known that his old professor had a lady friend who came over to make him the complicated Wolfsbane potion but she was as nice as Lupin.
Sirius had teased him endlessly about it, but Remus, in his quiet way, had said they were just friends.
Harry couldn't help but be happy for 'Moony', though he wished that Lupin could have fulfilled his potential in what he was best at, teaching others, instead of his talents being wasted out here.
Sirius suddenly burst through the door, covered in snow and grinning. "Hey, how's the lesson coming? Ready for a break, Harry lad?" Sirius often called Harry this, much to the young wizard's public embarrassment and secret happiness.
His godfather was also rather demonstrative with his affections, something Harry had to get used to, and which also pleased him to no end.
"Since it's snowing, I thought...um, as a break, if it's all right with your ol' professor here, we could have a time honored Marauder tradition known as...." Dramatic pause "A snowball fight."
Without waiting for an answer, Sirius picked Harry up and practically tossed him outdoors, ignoring Remus' yells for the teenager to get back inside and at least put a scarf on.
Harry recovered quickly, gathering a mound of snow and hitting his godfather in the back of the head.
"Gonna pay for that, lad." With a *pop* a huge, black dog began bounding around after Harry, tossing up massive amounts of snow while chasing the young wizard who thought he would die laughing.
Once again, he was plowed over by Padfoot, who licked his face enthusiastically, tail wagging. Remus watched them from the glow of the doorway, a smile of deep contentment on his face.
Yup, definitely the best holiday ever.
******************************************************************************
Ahhh, a little bit longer than I expected for an epilogue. Oh well, hope you liked!
-Aly