Chapter 49
Lily leant against the door frame for a moment. Sirius and James had been inseparable since they met. When she married James, she knew Sirius would come part of the package. She hadn't even asked who James would want as Harry's godfather; she already knew the answer. Sirius never intruded. And then, when they were the darkest moments of the war. When they thought all help was lost. When their one-year-old son's life was threatened. It was Sirius who stood up. He was the one who stood forward and was prepared to sacrifice himself for Harry, for all of them. And he did. He had been their secret keeper. He had been taken hostage and tortured for fourteen years, but never had broken. He had never forsaken their secret. He had kept them safe. He had returned, near death, but once again rose like a phoenix from the ashes. So, when he had left to hunt down the Horcruxes, she knew she knew it was only a matter of time before James followed him.
Deep down she knew Sirius would never return. She knew James probably would never return. She hoped everyday she would be wrong but as the days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, her heart grew heavy. Yes, it was a noble cause. Yes, it was to protect Harry and her. But it would still render her a widow. She didn't doubt her husband's ability, but she knew Sirius was a large part of why he was half asleep on their sofa.
"Darling?"
James slowly opened his eyes and found a large smile. "Lily."
"How? I thought, I don't know," Lily started, tears stinging her eyes.
"I know, I'm not sure either," James replied, taking her hand, pulling her onto the sofa. "But somehow I am."
"But the Horcruxes?"
"We got them all."
"What were they?"
"Lily, do we have to? I promise I will tell you, just I really don't want to talk about them right now. I just want to be with you," James said softly, as he pulled her closer.
"Sorry," Lily replied, smiling. "It's just, I never thought I would see you again. I thought I had lost you."
"I thought I would never see you as well," James replied, pulling his wife still closer. "You know I had to do what I did. Sirius was amazing, but he couldn't have done it alone. Maybe, someone else-"
"No," Lily said, putting a finger to James' lips. "No, don't do that. I don't know what you two had to do, but I know it was hard and I know Sirius was at the front of it. I don't know what he had to do, or what he had to sacrifice but he needed someone he trusted. He needed someone he trusted with every fibre of his body. He needed his brother. He needed you."
James found a small smile. "I know, but, well." He took a breath and closed his eyes for a moment. "You know I had dreams about returning, but lamely all I want to do is sleep."
"It's okay," Lily replied smiling. "We have the rest of our lives."
"I just need to write a couple of letters," James replied tiredly.
"Can't they wait?"
"No," James said, shaking his head. "I need to let mum and dad know Sirius and I are okay. And I need to let Remus know. He deserves to know, and this news will spread like wildfire through the school. I don't want Harry to find out from idle school gossip and run to conclusions."
"Of course, I understand," Lily replied softly, not moving from her place, her head still resting against her husband's.
"Thank you. I'm not sure how I deserve you."
Lily found a smile. "We were all idiots at school."
"I know, but still. Thank you for being my wife." He closed his eyes for a moment, before pulling out a piece of parchment and a quill and started to write.
—-
Remus sat slightly stiffly in one of the armchairs in the staff room. Morning sunshine shined through the window, bathing the whole room in the most magical golden light. He wasn't stiff because of his monthly condition; no, it was two weeks to the next full moon. It was because, even though he had been teaching for a year, he still expected to be caught and thrown out of the room. He looked out over the grounds, to the Quidditch pitch, the Whomping Willow and found himself smiling, as he thought of his friends. He thought of the adventures they shared. The laughter they shared. His expression grew grim and familiar stab of guilt as he thought of Peter. He was the one who befriended him. He was the one who urged James and Sirius to accept him. If he hadn't then maybe this whole thing would have never happened. He found a small smile as he thought of his other two friends, James, and Sirius. Two friends who accepted him for who he was. Two friends who helped him. Who defended him. Two friends he ultimately would never see again. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair before returning his attention back to marking his 4th years' essays.
"Remus."
Remus blinked a couple of times, as the voice pulled him out of his thoughts. "Yes," he managed.
"I think you have post," Minerva McGonagall said, as she attempted to catch the owl.
Remus looked and frowned, as he saw the familiar owl. The Potter's owl. He and Lily had started corresponded over the last year. It was a source of comfort for both of them. But he had only just written to Lily last night, he wasn't expecting a response so soon. Unless. Unless she had news. Reluctantly, he held out his hand, allowing the owl to land. Carefully taking the rolled parchment, he sat and waited for a moment before opening it.
He frowned as he recognised the familiar untidy scrawl. James, he thought. He wasn't expecting this. He read the short note, and had reread as his confused mind struggled to take it in.
Moony,
Sorry, this is short but I'm exhausted. Sirius and I are both okay. It's over. Voldemort is dead. Sirius killed him. The key Death Eaters have been arrested.
We will see you soon.
Prongs.
Remus felt a stupid grin forming in his face. He knew he hadn't quite processed the words, but he was still grinning like a mad man. He found himself standing. "Yes!" he yelled, punching the air.
"Remus!" Minerva said in alarm, staring at her colleague as though he was mad.
"Sorry, it's just," Remus started nervously, suddenly finding all of his colleagues. All of his former professors were staring at him. Was he the right person to tell them? Surely it should be Dumbledore or someone, well more senior than him. "It's just."
"Remus?" Minerva said gently, as she laid a hand on his shoulder.
Remus looked away for a moment and took a breath as he tried to prepare himself. "It's over," he finally managed.
"What's over?" Minerva questioned; her brow furrowed.
Remus looked down at the letter then at his former head of house. "The war. It's over."
"What?!" Minerva gasped. "How?"
"Voldemort. He's dead," Remus said, finding more strength.
"How do you know? Who told you?" Filius Flitwick demanded, speaking up for the first time.
"James, he wrote to me."
"They were successful?!"
"Yeah," Remus breathed, the feeling slowly returning to his body. "James wrote a brief letter to say, him and Sirius were okay. They were tired but okay. And that, Sirius killed Voldemort."
"What about the Death Eaters?"
"Umm, the key Death Eaters have been arrested."
"Wow, I don't know what to say," Filius replied, the first to recover.
"I know," Remus managed, running a hand through his hair. Moments ago, he thought his friends were dead and now, well the war was over, and they were alive. "I'm struggling to process it."
Minerva found herself smiling. "I told you it would be a Gryffindor."
"Minerva, I thought you said you said they would be the death of you!" Filius joked.
"I knew if they stopped messing around for two seconds and put their minds to something, they could achieve anything they wanted to," Minerva corrected, with a raised eyebrow.
"We better go to breakfast," Filius said, hearing the gong. "Oh, today is going to be a world of fun. I've written off any chance of teaching any of my classes."
"I will be carrying on as normal," Minerva replied stiffly.
"Do you honestly think you will actually be doing any teaching?"
"No," Minerva replied with a slight smile, as she looked at Remus. "I can at least hope the Weasley twins are slightly less destructive than your two friends."
"I think we can forgive them now," Filius replied with a slight laugh, as they walked into the great hall. "What do you think is going to happen?"
"Filius?" Minerva questioned.
"How do you think Dumbledore will tell the school?"
Remus stiffened Harry, he thought. He knew James had told him because they were great friends but there was another reason. Harry. He didn't want Harry to find out via idle gossip. He started towards the hall, but his way was blocked. In the distance he could see Dumbledore standing and making an announcement. His blood ran cold. He needed to protect Harry. This news would be a celebration to three quarters, maybe more of school. But to Harry. Harry would think he would have lost his father and godfather. He watched, as though in a trance as the whole hall seemed to explode. So, it had happened. He had failed Harry. He dropped his head for a moment, before racing around the corridor to get to the next entrance. Ignoring the cries from his colleagues.
People jumped, screamed, and cheered around him. Of course, he was happy it was happy it was over. Only a selfish person or a Death Eater won't but. But this fantastic news also made his heart grow heavy. If Voldemort was dead, then so was his father and Sirius. He dropped down and slowly slipped out, not wanting to be part of the celebration right now. He didn't want to ruin a moment that his schoolmates would remember for the rest of their lives. He quietly slipped out of the hall into the corridor and leant against the cool wall. No tears fell. He felt numb. Devolved of all emotions.
"Harry?"
Harry looked up and tried to find a smile for his History of Magic Professor. "Hi professor," he finally managed.
"No Harry. Your Dad and Sirius are fine. They are alive," Remus said quickly, as he found a broad smile.
"What?!"
"I'm so sorry I didn't manage to tell you before, but I only just found out. I'm sorry you had to go through that."
"No, it's okay. Are they really okay? Do you know what happened?!"
"I don't know a lot. Your dad didn't write a lot," Remus replied, as he stood next to his best friend's son and put an arm around him. "He said, he and Sirius were fine. They were tired but okay. And that Sirius killed Voldemort. Here, why don't you read it?"
Harry took the letter with a shaking hand. He scanned it a couple of times and then looked up. "So, it's really over?"
"Yeah, it's over," Remus said slowly, as he too continued to try and process the information. "I know, I can't quite believe it." He stopped and looked at Harry for a moment. He was young, but he wasn't so young he couldn't understand what he was going to say next. "I haven't processed what has just happened, I doubt I will for a while. And that your dad and Sirius are alive. Harry, I like you thought I would never see them again. So, it's just. Well, I am so happy."
"Yeah," Harry replied, grinning widely. "It's, I don't know. I know I shouldn't be happy someone is dead, but it's, it was Voldemort!"
"I know Harry, and that's completely normal," Remus reasoned. "Why don't you go and join the celebrations? It's definitely a Gryffindor celebration! No doubt there will be a visit to the kitchens," he added with a raised eyebrow.
"But?!"
"I may be you Professor, but I wasn't always. Plus, if I don't turn a blind eye to this once, I will never hear the end of it from your dad and Sirius."
"Okay," Harry replied, still grinning. "Thanks Professor." Momentarily forgetting Remus was his professor, or many he didn't care, he threw his arms around him. He looked up, stupid smile still in place. "I better go, thank you!" Without a further word, he turned and headed back into the hall. But he walked with a spring in his step. The war was over, of course he knew that before but now he was armed with facts. His dad and Sirius were alive.
"Harry?" Hermione said, as she approached hesitantly.
"It's okay," Harry replied, still grinning. "Dad and Sirius are okay."
"What? Oh Harry, that's fantastic news."
"Really?!" Ron said, appearing next to her. "How? What happened?"
"I don't know. Dad wrote to Professor Lupin saying they were both okay and Sirius had killed Voldemort."
"What?!" Ron replied quickly, his eyes practically popping out of their sockets. "That's awesome. Come on, let's join the fun."
"Ron, maybe Harry doesn't-"
"No, I do," Harry replied, his beginning to ache from grinning so much. "It's a Gryffindor victory."
"A what?" Fred said, as Harry made it to the table.
"Sirius Black killed Voldemort."
Fred stared at him open mouthed for a moment before jumping into action. "Oh, well this really calls for a celebration. Bigger than Hogwarts has ever seen. What do you reckon George? The Whizzy Great Surprise?"
"It is the only one that might honour our greatest hero and that was before he defeated Voldemort. I think it is only reasonable that we use it and Fred, I think a visit to the kitchen is in order."
—-
James sat quietly, nursing a mug of steaming tea. The events of the last forty-eight hours still hadn't sunk in, and he doubted they would for a while. He kept looking up expecting to see Sirius' dead body. Or Voldemort's cruel face bearing down on him. But he didn't. He was at home. He was safe. Lily and Harry were safe. Sirius was alive. He was upstairs, still snoring away.
He looked up when he heard a knock at the door. Putting down his mug, he let his head fall into his hands. His parents. Part of him was overjoyed to see them. He had always enjoyed a happy and very close relationship with them. The other. The other part of him wasn't ready for the questions they would undoubtedly ask. Okay, his mum would ask them. His dad wouldn't ask them verbally, but his eyes would ask the same questions. What did he say? Hi mum and dad. Yes, I'm fine. We destroyed all the Horcruxes, including the one in Sirius. You remember Sirius, your adopted son. Standing slowly, he found a nervous smile playing on his lips.
"Hi mum. Hi dad," he greeted, opening the door.
"James! My darling," Euphemia cried, stepping forward and embracing her son. "Oh James, my darling boy. I was so worried."
"Darling, let James at least let us into his house," Fleamont urged, with a huge grin on his face as he looked his son up and down. He looked tired, but alive. He had no doubt Euphemia would comment on his weight or health, or something. But to him, James looked perfect. With war, and mission his son had been on. This, his exhausted looking son, standing in front of him, breathing. Smiling. Talking. It was nothing short of a miracle.
With some reluctance, Euphemia slightly eased her hold on her son, allowing him to shuffle in and close the door. She stood back, her hands not leaving him, and looked up and down. The dark circles under his eyes. The pale face. The way too thin frame. "Oh James," she repeated, hugging him again. "How are you? And don't you lie to me!"
James exchanged glances with his father, knowing it was pointless lying, before returning his attention to his mother. "I'm," he paused for a moment, before looking down at his mum and meeting her eyes. "I don't think I've even been as tired as I am, but I slept really well last night. We didn't have the opportunity to eat as well as we should have but Lily has made all of these potions. I'll be fine."
"Thank you Lily, at least there is someone with sense here," Euphemia said, with a gentle smile, before sending her son a pointed look. "Where's Sirius?"
"He's upstairs, asleep."
"Darling, leave him be," Fleamont called out, knowing it was rather pointlessly, after his wife.
"No, I need to check on my son!"
"Mum, he's fine. He's exhausted but he's okay," James tried to reason.
Fleamont held out his hand. "Let her go, you won't stop her anyway."
"Yeah," James replied, running a hand through his dishevelled hair.
"Anyway," Fleamont started, his whole face aching from the plastered over his face. "This. This, this is better than my wildest dreams."
"I know dad," James replied quietly, accepting the warm hug from his father. "You and me both."
"How?" Fleamont asked, not really caring for the answer.
"I promise I'll explain everything."
"Just take your time. You know how your mother gets, but don't let her, well speak about something you're not ready for. Her heart is in the right place. She just gets a little overprotective of her boys."
"Thanks dad," James replied thickly, as he slowly pulled back from the embrace. He looked away for a moment, before returning his gaze to his father. "Dad, when I tell you what happened, can you. Can you make sure mum does go racing up to Sirius and start, I don't know, running every diagnostic spell to wizarding kind."
"James?" Lily pushed, stepping forward.
"Lil, you ran multiple diagnostic spells on him and he's fine. Exhausted. Malnourished. But okay. Ellie did the same and got the same results. He's not in the best of nick, but nothing, a few good night's sleep and decent meals won't fix," James argued, defending his friend. Looked to the ceiling, and towards the room Sirius was staying in and hoped their mother was disturbing too much.
Fleamont nodded grimly. "So, he really?"
"Whatever you think he did, he did ten times that. The only person I thought could have done what Sirius did was Dumbledore. I've always thought I've known Sirius better than I know myself, but he surprised me," James said, looking between his father and his wife. He rubbed his face, as he considered his words. "Please dad, can you try and stop her from completely freaking out."
"I can't promise anything, but I'll do my best," Fleamont replied. Mentally adding, 'I can't promise anything because I'm not sure if I won't freak out.'
"Well, he seems okay," Euphemia said, as she swept into the room. "He's thin, you both are. What did you eat out there?"
"Whatever we could. We weren't in the position to liberally shop and eat what we wanted to. We barely spent more than two nights in each location."
Euphemia nodded. She observed the tense expressions on his husband, son, and daughter in law. "So, what happened James?"
James swallowed a couple of times. Did he go the long route, or did he go straight to the point? "You know we were hunting Horcruxes," he started.
"Yes," Euphemia replied, sending her son a piercing look.
"There were six, weren't there?" Fleamont cut in, in an attempt to help his son.
"No, there were seven," James replied quietly, waiting for the reaction.
"Seven?" Lily asked, frowning. "What were they?"
"Voldemort's Hogwarts letter, Slytherin's locket, Marvolo Gaunt's Ring, Hufflepuff's Cup, Ravenclaw's Diadem, Voldemort's snake-." James stopped and looked away. Memories of the last few months came flooding back. How he essentially had kept his friend alive in order to be murdered. He thought of the last time he thought he would see Sirius, when they walked through the Riddle Manor and gone their separate ways.
"James? James, what was the final horcrux?" Lily asked nervously.
"Sirius," James replied in a whisper, so quiet it was almost inaudible.
"But-but," Euphemia stammered, as she began to rise.
"How?" Fleamont replied, finishing for his wife.
"It's complicated."
"How long have you known?"
"A few months before Sirius left to hunt horcruxes."
"And Sirius?"
"Just before the second task."
"He's known all that time. Why didn't he say?" Euphemia exclaimed, as she again tried to stand and check on her son.
"Because he didn't want to be remembered as a horcrux. He didn't want anyone to look at him any different. It was hard enough for him as it was. He felt under so much pressure. Everyone seemed to think he had all the ideas. All the expectations, yet he was struggling to stay afloat. He wanted to fight, he just didn't want the extra attention," James explained sadly. "If people knew he had a horcrux in him. If they knew he had part of Voldemort's soul in him, he thought. He thought would distrust him. He thought they would hate him."
Euphemia covered her mouth. "Oh, my poor baby." She stood suddenly and walked towards the stairs.
"Mum, leave him. You saw him a couple of moments ago. I'm still exhausted, but that's nothing compared to him. He really needs to sleep," James pleaded.
"But with everything."
"I know mum. He'll be okay."
"James," Fleamont said quietly. "How did you destroy the horcruxes?"
"We, I." James stopped, pulling off his glasses, he rubbed his face. "We used Sirius's blood and the killing curse."
"But" Fleamont pushed, knowing there was more to it.
"Sirius and Moody destroyed the first one. But it became obvious Sirius couldn't destroy them alone."
"Why?"
"It badly affected him. He lost consciousness and became quite ill. I had to destroy them. Sirius would get these visions when he got anywhere near them," James explained.
"Who from?!" Euphemia asked, horrified.
"Voldemort."
"How, how long has he had them?" Lily managed.
"Since Voldemort returned. I haven't asked him, as so much has happened, but I don't think he's had anymore since he killed Voldemort."
"James, how did you destroy the final horcrux?" Fleamont asked carefully.
"We did our research and discovered this potion, tardus cor-"
"James! That potion is still in development level, it's really dangerous! It's designed to lower the person's heart rate to almost undetectable levels. It's designed for people with heart problems. Sirius is healthy!" Lily exclaimed, exasperated.
"That was our theory. The killing curse would be confused and kill what it thought was alive. If it couldn't detect Sirius's heartbeat, it would think he was dead and target the horcrux."
"James, that was a massive gamble!"
"Mum, do you think I didn't know that!" James snapped. "Do you think I liked the fact I was basically keeping my brother alive so Voldemort could kill him?! We were clutching at straws. Do you think we didn't think it was dangerous?! We both knew that he was more than likely going to die when we stepped through those doors and faced Voldemort." He stopped again, and mirrored his earlier actions, taking off his glasses and rubbing his face. "Sorry, I didn't mean to snap like that. It's just, well I fully expected that was the last time I would see him. Who survives the killing curse? One person we know of and he's upstairs, but twice?!"
The room was so silent, you could have heard a pin drop. "I'm sorry James," Fleamont said, breaking the silence. "It was hard enough for us; I can't even begin to imagine how tough it was for you two."
The still, sleeping figure upstairs was unaware of the tense conversation happening below. Slowly his eyes fluttered open. Rays of sunlight filtered into the room through the gaps in the curtains. He moved his battered and aching body. Bed? He struggled to engage his sluggish brain. Why? He rubbed his tired face, as the events of the last couple of days filtered slowly back. Was it really over? Had he really killed Voldemort? How was he still alive? He shifted slightly and frowned, when he felt something warm and heavy next to him. Hesitantly, he stretched out his hand to be met with wiry fur. His dog? He couldn't really remember much after leaving the Ministry, but he had been with James, so he guessed he was at the Potters. Sitting up slowly, he rubbed his eyes as more memories came to him. Meeting Lily. Ellie, Lily's friend, had been there. He vaguely remembered the conversation but not much of it.
"Oi," he muttered in a hoarse voice, he didn't recognise it as his own, as Lancelot attempted to lick him to death again. "Sure, I will take you out."
He scanned the room for his clothes he undoubtedly had thrown off at whatever time he had crawled into bed, to find he was still wearing them. His eyes set upon a goblet and a note on the bedside table.
Sirius,
Firstly, thank you for bringing yourself and James home.
When you wake up, drink this. It's just a basic nutrient potion. I've also left a set of James' clothes for you.
Love Lily.
He found himself smiling as he re-read the letter. It seemed so normal. So, every day. It was the kind of note he would receive from Lily at the very beginning of the war, before everything went to rat shit. Before they knew Voldemort was targeting the Potters personally. But could that really be happening? He asked himself again. Was the war really over? Were James, Lily and Harry really safe?
Lancelot jumped onto the bed, pulling him out of his thoughts. The voices from downstairs gently filtered up into the room. James, Lily, mum, and dad. Four out of five people in the world who wouldn't ask any questions. They wouldn't demand anything from him. Yet, he still didn't feel quite ready to see them. He threw his old clothes onto the bed and pulled on the one's Lily had left. Draining the potion in one gulp, he stood and left the room, not caring to put on his boots.
Euphemia looked up, as she heard footsteps on the stairs. "Sirius," she whispered. She frowned, when they quietened, and the back door opened.
"Mum, leave him," James said quietly, as he watched his mother stand.
"But," Euphemia started.
"He needs a bit of space," James explained. 'I know I would,' he added mentally.
"But what if he's hurt? What if he collapses out there?"
"You saw him half an hour ago, and he was fine," Fleamont cut in. "You know how he is. You know he sometimes just needs a bit of space to collect his thoughts."
"But-"
"Give him a few moments to walk his dog. With everything James has just told us, he no doubt conflicted. I know, you, I know none of us will judge him, but he needs to probably try and come to terms with what has happened. Please darling, I know you are worried about him. I know you want to see him, but give him a bit of time," Fleamont urged.
Sirius heard snippets of conversation but ignored them. He knew they wanted to see him and so did he. But he needed a bit of time. He needed to try and figure out what had happened. He knew that would happen in the brief moments he took outside walking his dog, but it would give him a moment to try and settle his thoughts. He smiled and looked down at his feet, as his bare soles met the warm, dry grass. He smiled as he smelt the smell of freshly cut grass waffling through the air. He looked up at the cloudless blue sky and smiled. He was alive. How? He knew the details, of course, but really how? He did not know. His bare toes knocked the discarded tennis ball. He found a smile as the rough and fluffy texture met his hand. Pulling back his arm, he let the ball fly, Lancelot bounding after it. He sighed, who was he kidding? He wanted to see his parents. He wanted to see Lily and even James, despite the fact he had spent the last ten months in his constant company. He shrugged his shoulders and turned towards the house, Lancelot in tow.
"Sirius!" Euphemia cried, as she raced towards her son as soon as he walked through the door. "Oh, my darling, I've been so worried."
"Hi mum," Sirius replied hesitantly.
"Oh," Euphemia managed, tears streaming down her face, burying her face in her son's shoulder. "Oh, just. I don't know. I've been so worried about the both of you. I know you had to do what you did but it doesn't mean I don't have to like it."
"Mum," Sirius tried. "I'm. I'm sorry."
"No, don't you say that. I don't need to say I am proud of you because I have always been proud of you. But what you did. What you were prepared to sacrifice is, well." Euphemia stopped, and looked away for a moment. "Well, I am so happy. No, that doesn't describe it. I'm just, well beyond happy that you are okay."
"Me too mum," Sirius said with a slight laugh.
"Sirius," Fleamont said, as he approached the two.
"Dad," Sirius replied slowly, looking up and finding a bigger smile for his adopted father.
"Come here," Fleamont replied with a broad grin.
Sirius stepped forward, accepting the hug. Mentally he shook his head. Why had he been so nervous about this reunion? These people were his mum and dad. The people who had given him a home when he thought all hope was lost. The people who finally made him feel that he had a place on this earth. The people who had made him feel accepted. Loved. "Dad," he managed, not bothering to hold back the tears stinging his eyes. "I, I am really sorry how I left."
"I understand. And I understand why you didn't say you had a horcrux in you. I would have judged you. You would have still been just Sirius to me, but I understand."
"I know, and I am sorry."
"No," Fleamont replied fiercely, shaking his head. "No. What you had to do was the impossible. What you both did was brave beyond anything I have ever heard of, seen, or read. And Sirius what you were prepared to sacrifice. What you sacrificed. Well-" He stopped, smiled and shook his head. "I know you questioned if the sorting hat put you in the right house. We both debated it. But I think I've won that debate. You are definitely a Gryffindor; you always have been."
"Thanks dad," Sirius replied shyly, looking down and away. "But I need. I need to go to the Ministry."
"NO! No, you don't!"
"Mum?" Sirius questioned.
"You can both go to the Ministry, but not before you have both have a decent. You are both too thin. Especially you Sirius!" Euphemia replied sharply.
"But mum," Sirius tried.
"No. James, you can peel the potatoes. Sirius, you can chop the vegetables," Euphemia replied, with a look that said her words were a demand not a question.
James exchanged a sly look with his best friend. "Mate, we better get to work," he replied with a raised eyebrow.
