Chapter 12: A New Sense of Normal
Life at Willow House was as different as possible from life on Privet Drive. Far from being ignored or treated as if he were little more than a slug, Harry's company was actively sought out by Sirius. Over the next week they finished building the Quidditch pitch, watched a bunch of Muggle movies recommended by Hermione, visited the nearby Wizarding village, set fire to two tea towels while attempting a new dinner recipe, and began exploring some of the trails in the woods, managing to get lost twice. Remus visited often, despite Sirius' many attempts to prank him, and even got in a few of his own.
On the eighth morning after his arrival, Harry made his way downstairs to the comical sight of Sirius arguing with the hall mirror while Remus leaned against the wall watching with amusement, obviously having just arrived.
"– is not scraggly." Sirius was insisting firmly.
"It's just a bit uneven, dear," said the mirror in a placating tone.
"It's called rugged. Nothing wrong with that."
"No, no, no, of course not, but your hair is rather long. If you trimmed it you'd look years younger."
Looking disgruntled, Sirius turned away from the mirror, his face lighting up when he saw Harry. "Ah, just the man I want to see." He slung an arm around Harry's shoulders. "We're trying to settle an argument. Bridget over there," – Harry blinked, surprised that a mirror actually had a name – "thinks my hair and beard look scraggly. I need another opinion."
Harry looked between the two men and the mirror, feeling decidedly bemused. From behind Sirius' back, Remus was mouthing something that he couldn't quite make out. Compromising, Harry just shrugged and said, "Personally, I think you're acting like a girl worrying about your looks so much," and headed off to the kitchen, winking at Remus on his way past.
Sirius looked mildly shocked. Remus clapped him on the back. "Well, there's the second opinion you wanted so badly. Let's eat."
After breakfast, Harry was sprawled across the couch flipping through Quidditch magazines and half-listening to the banter between his godfather and Remus in the next room. The fireplace suddenly roared to life. Giving a startled yelp, Harry tumbled to the ground in a muddle of paper and flailing limbs, banging his elbow on the coffee table. The fireplace lit up for the second time and two voices rang out with laughter at the sight of Harry lying in a heap on the floor.
"Harry!" Sirius and Remus came bursting into the room, wands out, and eyes scanning the room for the danger. When they set eyes on the new arrivals, Sirius let out a bark-like laugh and leant casually against the doorframe.
"Oh, right… Knew there was something I had forgotten. I was supposed to tell you that Ron and Hermione were coming for a visit." Sirius said flippantly.
"Thanks," said Harry dryly as he clambered to his feet.
"You're welcome."
Rolling his eyes, Harry turned to greet his friends and was almost knocked over when Hermione hugged him. "Whoa, Hermione, take it easy. You only saw me a week ago."
She gave him a stern look. "We know better than anyone about your tendency to attract trouble in all forms," she said before moving to greet Remus and Sirius.
"Yeah," agreed Ron as he clapped Harry on the shoulder. "Who knows what horrors you endured in the space of seven entire days?"
"Well, you're right about that. This week has been one death-defying adventure after another," Harry said, feigning a grave demeanor. "Already I've been threatened with poisoning, starvation and fire."
When they blinked at him in shock, he couldn't stop from breaking into a grin. "All from Sirius' cooking abilities if you can believe it."
"Oy!" Sirius protested feebly, "They weren't that bad."
Harry gave him a condescending pat on the shoulder. "Whatever you say, Sirius." In a stage whisper he said to his friends, "Don't eat anything he offers you. It's a health risk."
"You're still alive aren't you? I fail to see what you're complaining about." replied Sirius with a teasing grin. "The dizzy spells and nausea passed after around six days." he joked.
Rolling his eyes, Remus grabbed Sirius' sleeve. "Well, we'll leave you to it. Sirius probably wants to get back to his knitting."
As he was pulled toward the door, the kids distinctly heard Sirius mutter, "Knitting, Remus? Knitting? Seriously? You couldn't think up something the slightest bit more macho?"
"You two seem to be getting along well," Ron commented happily.
"Yeah, we are." Harry grinned contentedly.
"So, how's your summer been so far?" Hermione asked curiously, still smiling at the banter between Harry and his godfather.
"Brilliant," said Harry. "Though it does feel odd to actually be enjoying my summer for once. And Sirius is proving to be a great mother, fussing over the slightest thing."
"I heard that!" Sirius called from the kitchen.
"Good!" Harry returned as he plopped back onto the couch, gesturing for his friends to do likewise. He lowered his voice a tone. "Hopefully he calms down soon, being tackled to the ground every time he thinks he sees or hears an incoming spell from a Death Eater is getting old fast."
"That does sound a bit too overprotective," Hermione said sympathetically, "but you can't really blame him, he's come really close to losing you several times, the most recent time only a few weeks ago. It's just his way of showing he cares. Give him time, he'll settle down."
"I guess," Harry said slowly. He hesitated before admitting, "I was following him around for a week after… I suppose I still do but I didn't really notice since it's only the two of us living here. He hasn't complained about it, so I guess he either hasn't noticed or doesn't mind."
"I did it too," Ron confided. "I would always have to constantly check that Ginny was alright for a month after second year, and then again for Dad when he was hurt. I reckon it's normal."
Glancing at Ron in amazement for showing some small degree of tact, Hermione seemed to forget what she was going to say for a moment. "Oh… well, yes…"
"I'm starving," Ron said suddenly, ruining the moment. "When's lunch?"