'So, you don't have anything?'
'Only what I have on my back and in my trunk at school.'
'We're going to have to see your trunk then.'
Anthony sighs. 'They all gave me away because they couldn't afford new clothes and books ... and because I was too old.'
'Well, you're lucky you found us,' Draco says cheerfully, still filling out forms in the living room while Anthony helps me prepare dinner.
'No kidding,' he mumbles.
'Hey, don't worry about it. We'll keep you fed, clothed, and warm,' I tell him pointing to the cupboard of plates.
'Or cold,' Draco shouts from the living room. 'Depends how you like it.'
'Is lukewarm too much to ask?' he asks cheekily.
'Ha, ha, ha,' I laugh sarcastically, hitting him lightly with the tea towel.
'It might be,' Draco shouts. I only shake my head.
'Did you want us to call you Anthony?' I ask as Draco makes an appearance, the aroma of shepherd's pie drawing him to the hubbub of activity.
'Or is Anton okay?' Draco asks. Anthony pulls a face.
'Not Anton,' he says, shaking his head vigorously. 'Tony is fine.'
Draco and I both laugh. Thank the Lord we got a funny one. He's so full of life I can barely stand it ... but I'll try.
Tony's quiet for a moment, while our laughter subsides.
'Can I take your name?' he asks quickly.
Taking both Draco and myself by surprise, neither of us answers for a moment.
'Are you sure?' I ask him. 'I mean, you don't want to keep your –'
'No,' he says, almost immediately. 'I want you to be my parents.'
Tears fill my eyes, and Draco is beaming.
'Sure,' Draco whispers, and I can tell he's on the verge of tears as well. 'We'll go down to the ministry and change it.'
Tony is beaming. I can tell that he really likes it here, and I'm glad. So glad I have to turn around and wipe my eyes on the tea towel.
'Don't cry!' Tony exclaims, wrapping me in a hug.
'I'm just – just – so – so happy!'
Draco laughs at my statement, and I can't help but laugh as well. Soon we're all laughing, and for a long time, none of us can stop.