Harry woke up early the next day. He hadn't asked how Sirius and Remus
would be coming, but he assumed it would be by floo powder and he sat down
with his homework by the fireplace.
Harry had gotten all the way through his charms reading (without remembering a thing he had read) when there was a knock at the front door. Arabella burst out of the kitchen. Last time Harry had seen her she had been covered in food, but to his surprise she was clean now, and Harry could see that the Kitchen table was sagging under the weight of a mound full of food platters.
"Aren't you going to let them in?" Arabella asked.
Harry jumped up and ran to the door, flinging it open. There was Sirius and Remus looking awkward in muggle clothes. They were both grinning at Harry, and Harry grinned back stepping aside to let them in.
After many "Hellos" and "How are yous" Arabella ushered everyone into the dining room and started bringing out food. She had not been kidding when she said she had cooked enough for twelve. The food kept piling up, and Arabella made frequent trips into the kitchen taking back platters and bringing out more.
Conversation was general during dinner. Sirius and Remus told Harry that they had been traveling a lot, contacting people for Dumbledore, but would not be more specific. Harry did notice they were both thin, and kept pushing them to eat more. Remus caught on to this right away.
"Harry," He said, trying to be stern, "I know you are concerned about Sirius and I, but I am starting to wonder if you are trying to fatten us up for the kill."
Sirius stopped eating in mid bite, and looked at Lupin.
"Fatten us up?" he asked curiously.
"I can't believe you haven't noticed Sirius, but Harry has been loading your plate with food every time you turn away."
Sirius looked down at his plate, over to Lupin, back at his plate, and then to Harry. He smiled and pulled his godson closer to him in a half-hug.
"Harry!" he said in mock pain, "are you planning to use us in the next batch of chili?"
"yes sir" Harry said trying to keep a straight face but failing
"Ha!" said Arabella walking in from the kitchen again, "you will ALL be chili if you don't save room for dessert!"
Remus and Sirius perked up.
"You made your specialty didn't you!" Remus said eagerly. "Arabella used to make dessert for the entire school at the end of the year banquet. People would not eat for days in anticipation." Sirius explained to Harry.
"What kind of dessert is it?" Harry asked excitedly.
Lupin was about to answer when there was another knock at the door.
Harry looked uncertainly at Arabella, who was looking uncertainly at the door.
"Should I answer it?" Harry asked.
Arabella nodded and followed Harry towards the door. A dark figure stood in the doorway. For a split second Harry had the urge to slam the door and run, but he froze when he recognized who it was.
Snape.
Harry was shocked. He watched, rooted to the spot, as Snape looked at him and took a step forward. Suddenly Snape lunged at him, Harry flinched unable to move in time.
Arabella stepped in front of him and caught Snape before his head hit the floor. He hadn't lunged, he had fallen.
"Help me Remus, Sirius! Harry, close the door, mum, get my bag!"
Arabella tried to drag Snape in, but he was too heavy for her. Remus hesitated a second, but then got up to help Arabella get him on the couch. Harry shut the door quickly and followed them. Mrs. Figg was handing Arabella a wet cloth and a glass of water, Sirius had remained in his seat. He was watching over them all with an unattractive sneer, his arms folded in front of him.
Arabella searched for any sign of injury on Snape, but didn't find anything. She wiped off his face and tried to speak to him.
"Severus, its Arabella, can you hear me?"
Snape mumbled something but did not open his eyes. Arabella seemed content with this. she stood up and put a blanket over him.
"He's fine," she said putting a hand on Harry shoulder. "He's just over tired, why don't we go have dessert."
"Yes, let's not let that slime ball ruin dinner."
Sirius had come over to the couch and was now looking down at Snape with extreme dislike. Arabella narrowed her eyes. When she spoke it was in a silky growl.
"Mr. Black, if you say one more word along that line you will be sleeping outside tonight."
Sirius glared at her.
"I never understood what you saw in him." Arabella didn't move, so he continued, "He's nothing but a horrible slime ball. He never washes his hair, and he is never nice to anyone. He is cruel to Harry!"
Harry was about to say something, he wasn't sure what, when Arabella exploded. Harry hadn't heard anyone yell that loud since Ron's last howler. Mrs. Figg and Remus both retreated a few steps, but Sirius kept his ground.
"DAMN YOU BLACK! IF YOU SAY THAT AGAIN YOU WILL REGRET IT! I DID NOT INVITE YOU HERE TO BE SUCH A BLOODY GIT! IF YOU DON'T WANT TO END UP BACK IN AZKABAN I SUGGEST YOU HOLD YOUR TONGUE!"
A deathly silence fell over the room. It seemed to Harry that everyone had stopped breathing. Sirius had gone pale.
"I promise you I'll do it." Arabella said in almost a whisper. Harry noticed she was about as pale as Sirius.
Sirius and Arabella stood looking at each other, neither one was moving, or even blinking when a weak voice came up from the couch.
"I hope this is not all for my sake."
Snape had his eyes half opened. His face was unreadable to Harry, it seemed like a mixture of annoyance and amusement. Arabella looked at Snape, and back up at Sirius who had a haunted look in his eyes. Harry went to him and gave him a protective hug. Sirius looked surprised but hugged Harry back fiercely.
"I'm sorry Harry" Arabella said, and after a short hesitation "and I apologize Sirius, it was inappropriate of me to say that. Will you forgive me?"
Sirius looked at her in a way that suggested he was not planning to forgive her anytime soon, but before he could say anything Lupin stepped between them.
"Of course he does Bella dear, we all know your. er. temper. Why don't we all go have some pie now?"
"Pie!" said Harry catching on to what Lupin was trying to do, "what kind of pie?"
"A special kind of pumpkin pie harry." Mrs. Figg said while pushing him lightly towards the dining room. "A recipe from my great grandmother. Very famous really, but don't ask what's in it we will never tell!"
Everyone went back into the dining room, the only trouble was when Snape followed. Arabella opened her mouth but didn't say anything, Lupin fidgeted in his chair looking uncomfortable, and Sirius gave Snape a look that could only be described as pure hatred. Mrs. Figg ignored them all and got an extra chair for Snape.
"Sit down please professor Snape"
"Thank you" Snape said. Harry noticed how hollow his voice seemed.
The rest of dinner consisted of Harry, Lupin and Mrs. Figg trying to keep a conversation going. Arabella hardly ate any pie and kept her eyes on her plate. Sirius and Snape both ate a lot, but spent the entire time looking distastefully at one another. Finally everyone had finished. Harry couldn't remember the last time he had been so relieved.
Arabella showed Remus and Sirius upstairs to their room so they could change back into muggle clothes. Harry mumbled some excuse and followed after them. He hid and watched Arabella stop Sirius before he went into the room. They exchanged a few words, but Harry couldn't hear what they were saying. Arabella looked down at the floor, while Sirius looked at her with a blank face. For a second Harry thought his godfather would cry, but instead he smiled a very small smile and grabbed Arabella's hand. She looked up at him, smiled, and squeezed his hand back before Sirius disappeared into the room. Harry bolted back downstairs before Arabella could see him.
Snape was in the kitchen helping Mrs. Figg clean up the last plates left from dessert. He shot a suspicious glance at Harry when he came in, but said nothing. Arabella was right on his heals.
"Mum!" she exclaimed. "What do you think you are doing! Severus needs to rest."
"AND he needs to tell us why he is here dear, I know calm down."
Mrs. Figg finished the last dishes, and they moved into the living room once again. everyone sat down, except Snape.
"I'm surprised you haven't heard yet Arabella, but Voldemort made his first attack today."
Both Harry and Mrs. Figg spoke at the same time, but with a look from Arabella they fell quiet.
"Where Snape?" She asked, the apprehension she felt poorly hidden.
"Right in the middle of London. A bunch of muggles saw it all, the ministry has been working hard to undo the damage. So far Fudge has been quiet on the subject, but he won't be able to remain so for long. There are many people up in arms against him, they are wondering why he didn't know Voldemort was still alive."
"And Dumbledore?" Arabella asked quietly.
"I have not spoken with the headmaster yet." Snape replied, and Harry had the distinct impression that Snape wanted to say more.
"What did Voldemort do?" He asked, and flinched as Snape's cold eyes turned on him.
Snape held Harry's gaze for a second before saying very slowly "He killed a mother and her three children while they were on the way to Diagon Alley."
Harry knew there was something Snape was not saying.
"Why? Where they enemies of Voldemort?" He asked boldly.
"Voldemort does not need a reason to kill. They could have been enemies, or not, either way the purpose of today's attack was to announce his return."
Harry knew that this was probably true, but he could not shake the feeling that Snape was hiding something.
"Who where they?"
The question came out before Harry even thought to ask it. As he watched Snape he knew his instinct had been right. Snape's eyes dropped quickly to the floor, and a violent emotion passed over his face which Harry could not see. When Snape lifted his head to look at Harry again the normal look of disgust was in place.
"I don't know. It is rather inconsequential Potter, perhaps we can move on to more important matters."
As Arabella asked more questions about Fudge, Harry left his mind wander. He knew Snape had lied to him. Snape knew who the victims of Voldemort's attack had been, but why was he lying about it?
Harry had gotten all the way through his charms reading (without remembering a thing he had read) when there was a knock at the front door. Arabella burst out of the kitchen. Last time Harry had seen her she had been covered in food, but to his surprise she was clean now, and Harry could see that the Kitchen table was sagging under the weight of a mound full of food platters.
"Aren't you going to let them in?" Arabella asked.
Harry jumped up and ran to the door, flinging it open. There was Sirius and Remus looking awkward in muggle clothes. They were both grinning at Harry, and Harry grinned back stepping aside to let them in.
After many "Hellos" and "How are yous" Arabella ushered everyone into the dining room and started bringing out food. She had not been kidding when she said she had cooked enough for twelve. The food kept piling up, and Arabella made frequent trips into the kitchen taking back platters and bringing out more.
Conversation was general during dinner. Sirius and Remus told Harry that they had been traveling a lot, contacting people for Dumbledore, but would not be more specific. Harry did notice they were both thin, and kept pushing them to eat more. Remus caught on to this right away.
"Harry," He said, trying to be stern, "I know you are concerned about Sirius and I, but I am starting to wonder if you are trying to fatten us up for the kill."
Sirius stopped eating in mid bite, and looked at Lupin.
"Fatten us up?" he asked curiously.
"I can't believe you haven't noticed Sirius, but Harry has been loading your plate with food every time you turn away."
Sirius looked down at his plate, over to Lupin, back at his plate, and then to Harry. He smiled and pulled his godson closer to him in a half-hug.
"Harry!" he said in mock pain, "are you planning to use us in the next batch of chili?"
"yes sir" Harry said trying to keep a straight face but failing
"Ha!" said Arabella walking in from the kitchen again, "you will ALL be chili if you don't save room for dessert!"
Remus and Sirius perked up.
"You made your specialty didn't you!" Remus said eagerly. "Arabella used to make dessert for the entire school at the end of the year banquet. People would not eat for days in anticipation." Sirius explained to Harry.
"What kind of dessert is it?" Harry asked excitedly.
Lupin was about to answer when there was another knock at the door.
Harry looked uncertainly at Arabella, who was looking uncertainly at the door.
"Should I answer it?" Harry asked.
Arabella nodded and followed Harry towards the door. A dark figure stood in the doorway. For a split second Harry had the urge to slam the door and run, but he froze when he recognized who it was.
Snape.
Harry was shocked. He watched, rooted to the spot, as Snape looked at him and took a step forward. Suddenly Snape lunged at him, Harry flinched unable to move in time.
Arabella stepped in front of him and caught Snape before his head hit the floor. He hadn't lunged, he had fallen.
"Help me Remus, Sirius! Harry, close the door, mum, get my bag!"
Arabella tried to drag Snape in, but he was too heavy for her. Remus hesitated a second, but then got up to help Arabella get him on the couch. Harry shut the door quickly and followed them. Mrs. Figg was handing Arabella a wet cloth and a glass of water, Sirius had remained in his seat. He was watching over them all with an unattractive sneer, his arms folded in front of him.
Arabella searched for any sign of injury on Snape, but didn't find anything. She wiped off his face and tried to speak to him.
"Severus, its Arabella, can you hear me?"
Snape mumbled something but did not open his eyes. Arabella seemed content with this. she stood up and put a blanket over him.
"He's fine," she said putting a hand on Harry shoulder. "He's just over tired, why don't we go have dessert."
"Yes, let's not let that slime ball ruin dinner."
Sirius had come over to the couch and was now looking down at Snape with extreme dislike. Arabella narrowed her eyes. When she spoke it was in a silky growl.
"Mr. Black, if you say one more word along that line you will be sleeping outside tonight."
Sirius glared at her.
"I never understood what you saw in him." Arabella didn't move, so he continued, "He's nothing but a horrible slime ball. He never washes his hair, and he is never nice to anyone. He is cruel to Harry!"
Harry was about to say something, he wasn't sure what, when Arabella exploded. Harry hadn't heard anyone yell that loud since Ron's last howler. Mrs. Figg and Remus both retreated a few steps, but Sirius kept his ground.
"DAMN YOU BLACK! IF YOU SAY THAT AGAIN YOU WILL REGRET IT! I DID NOT INVITE YOU HERE TO BE SUCH A BLOODY GIT! IF YOU DON'T WANT TO END UP BACK IN AZKABAN I SUGGEST YOU HOLD YOUR TONGUE!"
A deathly silence fell over the room. It seemed to Harry that everyone had stopped breathing. Sirius had gone pale.
"I promise you I'll do it." Arabella said in almost a whisper. Harry noticed she was about as pale as Sirius.
Sirius and Arabella stood looking at each other, neither one was moving, or even blinking when a weak voice came up from the couch.
"I hope this is not all for my sake."
Snape had his eyes half opened. His face was unreadable to Harry, it seemed like a mixture of annoyance and amusement. Arabella looked at Snape, and back up at Sirius who had a haunted look in his eyes. Harry went to him and gave him a protective hug. Sirius looked surprised but hugged Harry back fiercely.
"I'm sorry Harry" Arabella said, and after a short hesitation "and I apologize Sirius, it was inappropriate of me to say that. Will you forgive me?"
Sirius looked at her in a way that suggested he was not planning to forgive her anytime soon, but before he could say anything Lupin stepped between them.
"Of course he does Bella dear, we all know your. er. temper. Why don't we all go have some pie now?"
"Pie!" said Harry catching on to what Lupin was trying to do, "what kind of pie?"
"A special kind of pumpkin pie harry." Mrs. Figg said while pushing him lightly towards the dining room. "A recipe from my great grandmother. Very famous really, but don't ask what's in it we will never tell!"
Everyone went back into the dining room, the only trouble was when Snape followed. Arabella opened her mouth but didn't say anything, Lupin fidgeted in his chair looking uncomfortable, and Sirius gave Snape a look that could only be described as pure hatred. Mrs. Figg ignored them all and got an extra chair for Snape.
"Sit down please professor Snape"
"Thank you" Snape said. Harry noticed how hollow his voice seemed.
The rest of dinner consisted of Harry, Lupin and Mrs. Figg trying to keep a conversation going. Arabella hardly ate any pie and kept her eyes on her plate. Sirius and Snape both ate a lot, but spent the entire time looking distastefully at one another. Finally everyone had finished. Harry couldn't remember the last time he had been so relieved.
Arabella showed Remus and Sirius upstairs to their room so they could change back into muggle clothes. Harry mumbled some excuse and followed after them. He hid and watched Arabella stop Sirius before he went into the room. They exchanged a few words, but Harry couldn't hear what they were saying. Arabella looked down at the floor, while Sirius looked at her with a blank face. For a second Harry thought his godfather would cry, but instead he smiled a very small smile and grabbed Arabella's hand. She looked up at him, smiled, and squeezed his hand back before Sirius disappeared into the room. Harry bolted back downstairs before Arabella could see him.
Snape was in the kitchen helping Mrs. Figg clean up the last plates left from dessert. He shot a suspicious glance at Harry when he came in, but said nothing. Arabella was right on his heals.
"Mum!" she exclaimed. "What do you think you are doing! Severus needs to rest."
"AND he needs to tell us why he is here dear, I know calm down."
Mrs. Figg finished the last dishes, and they moved into the living room once again. everyone sat down, except Snape.
"I'm surprised you haven't heard yet Arabella, but Voldemort made his first attack today."
Both Harry and Mrs. Figg spoke at the same time, but with a look from Arabella they fell quiet.
"Where Snape?" She asked, the apprehension she felt poorly hidden.
"Right in the middle of London. A bunch of muggles saw it all, the ministry has been working hard to undo the damage. So far Fudge has been quiet on the subject, but he won't be able to remain so for long. There are many people up in arms against him, they are wondering why he didn't know Voldemort was still alive."
"And Dumbledore?" Arabella asked quietly.
"I have not spoken with the headmaster yet." Snape replied, and Harry had the distinct impression that Snape wanted to say more.
"What did Voldemort do?" He asked, and flinched as Snape's cold eyes turned on him.
Snape held Harry's gaze for a second before saying very slowly "He killed a mother and her three children while they were on the way to Diagon Alley."
Harry knew there was something Snape was not saying.
"Why? Where they enemies of Voldemort?" He asked boldly.
"Voldemort does not need a reason to kill. They could have been enemies, or not, either way the purpose of today's attack was to announce his return."
Harry knew that this was probably true, but he could not shake the feeling that Snape was hiding something.
"Who where they?"
The question came out before Harry even thought to ask it. As he watched Snape he knew his instinct had been right. Snape's eyes dropped quickly to the floor, and a violent emotion passed over his face which Harry could not see. When Snape lifted his head to look at Harry again the normal look of disgust was in place.
"I don't know. It is rather inconsequential Potter, perhaps we can move on to more important matters."
As Arabella asked more questions about Fudge, Harry left his mind wander. He knew Snape had lied to him. Snape knew who the victims of Voldemort's attack had been, but why was he lying about it?