Christmas eve had come, and since Remus's little flat did not have a fireplace, Remus apparated with Romulus to the front of twelve Grimmauld Place. The ground was covered in a light layer of snow, and the branches of the trees looked like they were gilded with a crisp whiteness. There was a festive wreath adorning the front door. Remus and Romulus had brought along their bundle of gifts, and although Remus was looking forward to seeing Sirius, Harry and Rosie again, his mood was subdued. Today was the day that they were going to visit James and Lily Potter in St. Mungo's. Remus hadn't seen them in decade, though he did visit them in St. Mungo's once, long ago. The experience had wrecked his sensitive emotional state, and as he remembered the damage that had been done to his friends, feelings of intense guilt flooded him once again. Remus took a deep breath, and let the guilt pass through him, until the force of the feelings had subsided. Then he knocked on the door.
The familiar face of Kreacher answered the door, and he looked even more wrinkled than Remus remembered. However, before he could throw out any insults, Harry and Rosie came up behind him, and ushered Remus and Romulus through the door. Their smiles were warm, but also strained. It was evident that visiting their parents was an emotional burden for the children.
"Hi Remus, Hi Rom. You can give the gifts to Kreacher," Rosie was saying. "He'll put them under the tree."
"Sirius should be down soon," Harry told them. "He's just prettying himself up."
Remus couldn't help but smile at that. Sirius was vain, yes, but he also never put that much thought into his looks. He was more the type who just threw something on, and somehow looked good in it. After removing his coat and scarf, Remus looked around the hallway, and peered into the dining room. He noticed that the place was as gloomy as ever and had barely changed. Sirius used to loathe this place and Remus thought that Sirius would have wanted to do a complete overhaul of the decor once it was his. On the other hand, he also couldn't imagine Sirius picking out wallpaper and furniture. It seemed more like him to just settle down and make himself comfortable, wherever he was. The children certainly didn't appear to notice the dreariness of the atmosphere.
Romulus was examining the house with mild curiosity. The place smelled old - very old. On top of that, the house gave him a prickling feeling that brought to mind Dark Magic. Despite looking like a fairly large home, the gloomy colour scheme, and dim lighting enhanced the shadows, and made the house feel oppressive.
"Try not to wake old Walburga there," Remus said to Romulus softly, indicating the portrait framed by velvet curtains. Romulus nodded. He usually tried to stay as silent as he could, but having a reminder never hurt. It was instinctive for him to try and go unnoticed.
"Would you like a tour?" Primrose asked him. Romulus inclined his head, and Primrose indicated for him to follow. Though Primrose usually offered a verbal description as she showed guests through the house, she remained silent with Romulus. She knew that talk would only disrupt his observations. As Romulus trailed behind her, first up the stairs, and then peering into the various rooms and bathrooms, she wondered how the house appeared to him. She found herself looking at Grimmauld place through new eyes. It certainly wasn't as majestic and awe-inspiring as Hogwarts, nor as stately and grand as the Longbottom Estate. But at the same time, it was home. When she looked around, she didn't see the furniture or the wallpaper - she saw the pranks that she and Harry had played on Sirius (not to mention the pranks he played on them). She saw her favourite childhood toys, and the imaginary fort that she had Harry used to have. She remembered books she read, and the things that her tutors had taught her. This, more than anyplace else, was her home.
Romulus found Primrose's home surprisingly interesting. After all, it was the home of his friend, and he felt curious about where she lived. Grimmauld Place felt completely different from Remus's flat (which always seemed more utilitarian than homey), and also very different than Hogwarts. Though the magic at Hogwarts was very powerful, it also generally felt benign, as though the school itself sought to protect its inhabitants. Grimmauld Place did not feel at all benign. At the same time, there wasn't any feeling of overt threat, but he had the sense that the house wasn't precisely willing to accept him. If anything, as much as he was on guard in this house, it was on guard against him. Too many generations of purebloods had imbued this house with their old values. Creatures such as himself were to be kept at an arm's length at best, or if the pureblood's antipathy was particularly strong, then it was believed that non-human magical beings needed to be put down or enslaved.
Primrose ended up showing Romulus the entire house, aside from the bedrooms that were occupied. She had even brought him up to the attic, which was, in a way, most interesting of all, because of the old power that he could sense from some of the items that had been set aside and forgotten. There was quite a lot of old, damaged pieces of furniture. There were boxes that contained some very ancient looking magazines, advertising old fashioned products such as magical snuff boxes, and crude looking broomsticks. Other boxes contained strange containers and vials that smelled unfamiliar (though not necessarily dangerous). There were strange knick knacks and tools, and as he held them up, he could see that even Primrose had no idea what they were for. He even noticed an old, make-shift potions lab (and a blackened hole in the floor). Evidently, the Potter children had experienced some potions mishaps here in the attic.
Romulus did not get a chance to explore all the attic had to offer. Before long, the children were called downstairs. It was soon time to depart for St. Mungo's. Romulus had been indecisive about whether or not he wanted to go. He had no relation at all to the Potters, and unease had radiated off Remus as well as Primrose at the prospect of seeing Lily and James Potter. True, he felt a morbid sort of curiosity about what they were like, but it would have been disrespectful to visit his friend's parents out of morbid curiosity.
In the end, Romulus decided he would go, if only to offer support to his adopted father and his friend Primrose. Remus was looking particularly pale - almost paler than he would be during the time before and after the full moon. It was odd to see Remus feeling a mix of both apprehension as well as determination, and even longing. Remus had told him very little about his own past, but Romulus could surmise that Remus had been as close to James Potter as he was to Sirius Black. They were all bearing small gifts for James and Lily Potter, to celebrate the Christmas season.
The group of them apparated to an isolated alleyway and walked up to a red-bricked, condemned department store that was the gateway to St. Mungos. Romulus had never before visited the hospital. He wasn't even certain if hospitals served werewolves like himself. The interior to St. Mungo's was open and bright. The walls were an off-white, and the reception area was fairly busy, with both Healers in their lime green uniforms, and nurses, as well as patients and their waiting family members. However, despite all the people, it was relatively quiet. Patients and their families seemed to keep their voices low. Only the staff maintained a brisk, and bustling demeanour. The gifts that Sirius, Primrose, Harry and Remus had brought were carefully examined at the reception area to ensure they would cause no harm. As this was being done, Romulus carefully examined his surroundings.
Romulus could see brightly coloured signs that directed staff and patients to the various wards. On the first floor, there were signs indicating the Artefact Accidents ward and the Creature-Induced Injuries ward. There was another sign indicating that the second floor dealt with Magical Bugs and Diseases. Once the gifts were declared safe, Romulus followed behind Primrose's family as they made their way to the lift up to the fourth floor. The sign there indicated that this ward dealt specifically with spell damage. They walked along a corridor, and turned a bend. This took them to ward where long-term residents were kept. The ward was kept locked, and there was a receptionist desk where a weary-looking nurse sat. Sirius went up to the desk, and spoke softly to the nurse, who seemed to recognize him, and gave him warm smile, nodding to both Primrose and Harry. She gave them all a form to sign, and as Romulus wrote down his signature, he felt a mild buzz of benign magic.
Pressing what looked like a shiny bracelet on her wrist, the receptionist called over a nurse, who strode into the ward with a business-like demeanour. The nurse unlocked the long-term residents ward and led the group within. Romulus could feel the tension of the group increasing. Remus's breathing was shallow, while Primrose and Harry kept their gaze cast downwards. It made the hairs on his arms and neck rise with foreboding. There was a long corridor behind the door, and after turning a corner, the nurse unlocked another door to the private room where James and Lily Potter permanently resided.
Sirius, Primrose and Harry filed into the room first, followed by Remus and finally Romulus. The chamber was simple, with two beds on each end, and a table between. On one bed sat James Potter. On the other bed, Lily Potter was lying down and curled up into a tight ball, trembling.
"Hello, Prongs, Hello Lily," Sirius said gently. He had purchased a soft, new throw blanket charmed with a calming spell, and he untied the ribbons, and gently placed it over Lily. However, Lily was unresponsive, and continued to tremble.
"Hi mum, Hi dad," Primrose and Harry were saying. "Merry Christmas." The siblings had purchased a set of plush deer, a stag and a doe, and they placed these on the table by the beds.
Romulus, who had been watching James and Lily noticed that the Potters acted completely unaware that they had any visitors. James seemed to be muttering something incomprehensible, occasionally punctuated by sharp yelps, while Lily only whimpered and moaned. It was unnerving, how much the Potter children resembled their parents. Harry's face was so much like James's, whereas Primrose resembled her mother. It made him afraid, as though he were glimpsing some strange omen of doom.
He looked over at Primrose, and found himself wishing that such a fate should never befall her. It had never occurred to him that he might ever lose her, but now, the idea had a sharp-edged reality in his mind. She was his friend - a real friend. It made him feel protective, and yet helpless at the same time. He almost wanted to touch her, just to make sure she was solid. Romulus wasn't prone to intense feelings, but the sudden depth of his emotions for his friend startled him. However, he was able to convince himself that it was natural to feel this way about packmates.
Beyond that, Romulus could also feel a prickling instinctive fear. It was the natural sort of fear that any animal would feel when encountering another creature with an illness or affliction - the fear that warned one to run away, and keep safe. There was something that seemed so very wrong about the Potters. He knew beforehand what to expect, but hearing something, and seeing it before his very eyes was completely different. He wanted to run and to be as far as this place as he could be, but he forced himself to stay still.
"Hi Prongs, Hi Lily," he could hear Remus saying, though Remus's voice seemed to break. "It's been a long time. I'm - so sorry. About everything." Remus had purchased some sweets for the Potters, but these had to be given over to the nurse, who promised to give them to the Potters at meal time.
Primrose and Harry had chosen to sit by Lily on the edge of her bed, while Remus stood by James, resting a hand on the man's shoulder. All of them seemed to be having one-sided conversations with the completely passive residents of the room. Remus and Sirius were gently talking to James about old times. Harry and Primrose were telling their mother about Hogwarts and their various classes. Unsure of what to do, Romulus stood by his adopted father, silently offering him strength and comfort. Remus could not help the silent tears that fell from his eyes, but Sirius, Primrose and Harry were dried eyed.
After an hour, the group decided to depart. They were all quiet and lost in their own thoughts. He could hear Sirius softly comment to Primrose and Harry that it had been a good visit. Primrose had warned Romulus that sometimes, the elder Potters had fits of unstoppable screaming. Romulus could see how this visit had been comparably good. Romulus glanced over at his his friend. She seemed sadder than he had ever seen her, and he felt the oddest twist in his heart. Her sadness made him feel sad as well, which left him puzzled. Romulus didn't consider himself the emotional-sort. Why should Primrose's sadness make him so sad? He gave a slight shake of his head, as though trying to shed the emotions.
"I'm glad you came," He could hear Sirius saying to Remus in a low voice. Remus looked at his friend and nodded. "It might not seem like it, but - I like to think that on some level, they know we've come by to see them." At this words, Remus could feel the prickling tightness once again rising in his throat.
"I - I'd like to see them again," Remus said. Sirius nodded solemnly.
When they were back at Grimmauld Place, the mood remained somber. This bothered Romulus more than it typically would. He generally had a serious and quiet temperament, but his emotions had a heavier feel than usual. Rather than going their separate ways, the group had all sat down at the long rectangular table in the dining room. At some point, Sirius had started reminiscing about the little things he remembered about James and Lily, and Remus began to join in, recalling his own memories.
The warm tones of Sirius's and Remus's stories appeared to pull Primrose and Harry out of their stupor, and they leaned in to listen to tales they had heard, as well as others that were completely new to them. Remus's perspective provided a yet unheard of perspective of their parents. They were able to see James and Lily in a new light, and it brought smiles to their faces to think of the vibrant people that their parents once were. Somehow, with all of them together, they were able to bring a measure of healing to their own hearts, and by evening, most of them were smiling, and filled with a renewed sense of love for James and Lily Potter. Most of them except for Romulus. He couldn't help but feel like an intruder, amidst a family where he did not quite belong. But when Remus wrapped an arm around his shoulder, drawing him into his warmth, Romulus felt the loneliness start to unravel.
Christmas had finally arrived. Romulus, as usual, had woken up in the middle of the night. It was unsettling to wake in an unfamiliar place, but it helped that the house carried Primrose's scent. Fortunately, the strange sadness of yesterday was gone, and he felt relieved to return to his usual emotional state. His emotions were like the early morning mist - quiet, subtle and still. He didn't usually feel deep sadness, but neither was he prone to heights of joy.
Rather than staying in the room, he crept up to the attic to see what interesting things he could find. Christmas had never been a particularly exciting time for Romulus. Sometimes, he and Remus would exchange gifts, but other times, they would just enjoy a shared activity, such as travelling to some place that neither of them had been to before. Romulus particularly liked places with mystical or magical histories, such as Druidic landmarks or monuments. However, one of the greatest benefits of travelling was being able to collect new and unusual plants for uses in his potions.
Romulus decided that it would be an interesting experience to spend Christmas with another family. Though Sirius Black was much livelier and more playful than Remus, Romulus found him to be likeable. In part, this was because he was Remus's friend, and Romulus was a bit biased towards liking those who liked Remus. However, he couldn't say the same for Harry. Romulus knew that Primrose had concerns about Harry, and although Romulus could not explain it, he sensed something was off as well.
It didn't have anything to do with how Harry smelled - Harry's basic scent was usually unvarying. It was just that sometimes, Harry made the hair on the back of his arms and neck rise. There was something inconsistent about Harry, and normal people weren't usually so inconsistent. Sometimes, he wondered whether Harry might be insane, but as far as he was aware, madness wasn't common in the Potter line, the way it was in the Black line. Harry's magic also seemed to fluctuate. At times, he seemed average, but at other times, he seemed to radiate with immense magical ability. It wasn't as though Romulus could see magical auras (if such a thing existed.) Iit was just that as a werewolf, he was more sensitive to magic than humans were. He noticed too that Harry frequently visited the Come and Go Room. He could never tell what Harry did there, and on it's own, it was hardly suspicious. Unfortunately, it did not seem possible to enter the Come and Go room when it was already in use.
When Romulus could hear the other inhabitants starting to rise, he put down the old magazine he had been reading in the attic. The article was describing an interesting blood ritual that could be used to enhance protective potions. Romulus knew that in previous ages, Dark magic was more acceptable, and blood magic was common. Nowadays, any hint of blood magic was looked upon with immediate suspicion, and whispers that one was a Death Eater. As he climbed down the stairs, he was greeted by Primrose and Harry who were still in their pyjamas.
"I don't think Sirius will wake until past noon," Primrose told him. "But - well, since it is Christmas, he might make an effort to get up early." Primrose turned to look at Harry and grinned mischievously. "That or we could find a way to terrify him into wakefulness."
Harry's eyes twinkled with amusement. "What do you have in mind?"
"How about a competition?" Primrose suggested. "We'll each come up with one idea. Oh! I know! We can ask Remus to judge. And whoever wins - umm -" Primrose and Harry paused and both wore looks of thoughtful consideration. As two people who already had too many things, it was hard to think of a suitable prize.
"Whoever loses will have to drink a mystery potion that I have brewed," Romulus said. The Potter children both looked at him with surprise, though mostly because it was so unusual for him to speak.
Primrose broke into a wide grin. "Sure! That works for me. Harry?"
Harry looked at Romulus consideringly and nodded. "It won't be anything that hurts us, will it? You won't give us a poison?"
"Harry!" Primrose exclaimed, affronted on Romulus's behalf, though a part of her did wonder if Romulus would feed them a poison. If he did, it would probably only be a mild one.
"It won't be a poison," Romulus said. The siblings nodded. The trio walked down to the dining room and sat down at their usual spots, across from one another. Remus was already awake, and was eating breakfast, and reading one of Primrose's old editions of The Quibbler.
"Hey cubs, Merry Christmas!" said Remus.
"Merry Christmas Remus!" the children chimed happily.
"You're reading The Quibbler!" Primrose exclaimed.
"This is yours then?" Remus asked. Primrose nodded and then looked towards the kitchen, calling for Kreacher. While she wasn't looking Harry and Remus shared a look of mutual understanding, and Harry rolled his eyes. Remus gave him a knowing grin. Once Kreacher had set out plates of food for all the children, Primrose and Harry explained their competition to scare Sirius awake. They informed Remus that he had been appointed as the judge.
"I see that Sirius has kept the Marauder tradition well and alive," Remus said with amusement. "So what are your ideas?"
"We haven't thought of that yet," Primrose said.
"We'll think of something by the end of breakfast," Harry decided. Primrose agreed. As a result, breakfast was eaten in relative silence, while the Potter children contemplated the best way to wake Sirius. Once the last bit of food was finished off, the siblings set down their utensils, and gave each other a look.
"Ready?" Remus asked. They nodded.
"You first," said Harry.
"Fine," Primrose agreed. "My idea was - well -" she grinned wickedly. "Summoning an infestation of fleas."
Remus cringed. "Ooh - that's just heartless cruelty. Harry? Do you have an idea that can beat that?"
"Hm -" said Harry. "I was thinking of something along the lines of a fake Howler. From a very angry ex, of course."
That elicited another wince from Remus. "How does Padfoot even live with you two?" He asked. "I'm surprised he's survived for this long."
Both children grinned, taking it as a compliment. "So?" Primrose asked. "How shall we wake Padfoot?"
"At this point, I'm tempted just to let Padfoot sleep," Remus confessed. Neither children seemed particularly pleased about this idea. "Since I really don't want to be caught in the backlash of a flea infestation, I'd say that Harry wins this round."
"Yes!" Harry exclaimed triumphantly. "I even know which ex I'll use."
"Bambi?" Primrose asked.
"Bambi," Harry echoed.
"Padfoot dated a girl named Bambi?" Remus's face showed a mix of disgust and repugnance at the notion. The siblings shared his expression of disgust, mingled with wry amusement.
Romulus was mildly amused by the exchange, but he had been disappointed that Harry had won. He had been planning to give Harry a potion that detected if a person was affected by Dark magic. Now, instead, he'd have to think up something to use on Primrose. Perhaps a Giggling Draught. It was a potion he had created, which was a milder version of the Laugh-Inducing Potion. It mostly just caused the drinker to giggle at the most inopportune moments for several hours. Plus, after how much Primrose's sadness had affected him yesterday, he wanted to see her laughing.
Harry set off to create the Howler, using a charm to modify his voice to sound like the so-called Bambi. Primrose and Harry giggled over what they would make the Howler say. Their heads were touching as they whispered and laughed. Romulus watched the scene with a distant sort of curiosity. Harry didn't feel dangerous at the moment, but Romulus mistrusted him in general. It was still interesting to see how Primrose behaved outside of school. She was much more playful and light-hearted. He found himself thinking that it would be nice to see more of that side of her. But he couldn't imagine himself being the sort of person who could bring out that aspect of her personality. As for the Howler, it was designed so that as soon as Hedwig released it onto Sirius's bed, it would start screaming. Once they were done, they gave the Howler to Hedwig. Being the clever owl that she was, she had been trained to use a piece of wire to unlatch Sirius's bedroom window from the outside.
In excitement, the group of them dashed up the stairs and listened eagerly in front of Sirius's bedroom for the fateful letter to arrive. Primrose and Harry were kneeling, with ears pressed at the door, while Remus stood above them. Romulus stayed a bit behind, but he was still curious to see what would happen. If he hadn't heard the stories, he never would have guessed that Remus had ever engaged in pranking. It was never a part of his life as he grew up. It wasn't a long wait for the letter to arrive. Hedwig dropped the letter onto Sirius's bed, and flew off immediately, just as the letter began it's angry tirade.
SIRI-POO! The letter screeched in an extremely nasal-sounding, feminine voice. The voice was more painful to listen to that nails on a blackboard.
HOW DARE YOU IGNORE ME!
They could hear Sirius jump awake, and they muffled their giggles. "Merlin's bollocks!" Sirius exclaimed. "Not her - not again!"
I KNOW YOU STILL WUV ME, SIRI-POO. DON'T DENY IT! WE HAD SOMETHING SPECIAL! The nasally voice continued
JUST YOU WAIT! I'LL MAKE YOU WUV ME AGAIN, SIRI-POO! WE CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER, AND EVER, AND EVER, AND EVER, AND EVER, AND EVER…..
Sirius pulled open his door only to trip and tumble over his godchildren who had been kneeling by his door. His sleeping robes were wrinkled and crooked, and Sirius's hair looked like a wild bird's nest. Primrose and Harry, and even Remus were laughing at Sirius's horrified expression as he scrambled to escape the voice of the so-called Bambi. As soon as he noticed Harry and Primrose, Sirius's expression changed from horror to exasperation.
"You little brats!" Sirius exclaimed, from his awkward position on the floor.
"Merry Christmas, Padfoot!" they chorused innocently, before breaking into another fit of uncontrollable giggles. Even Remus was laughing, not with mild amusement, but with a full laugh that had him doubled over, and wiping away tears of mirth from his eyes.
"Your face!" Remus blurted out, between laughs. "I always said all those pranks would come back and bite you!"
Sirius scowled at Remus, but he couldn't hold on to his annoyance for long. He soon found himself chuckling in amusement at the children's cleverness (not to mention that he was now wide-awake, without even having had a cup of coffee.)
"What time is it?" Sirius asked. It felt early - far too early.
"A bit before eleven," Remus replied. Sirius groaned. It was definitely too early.
"Shall we open presents?" Primrose asked. She was more excited about giving presents than receiving them. With guests this year, her sense of anticipation only increased. She was curious to see if Romulus would react to his present, or show the same indifference or coldness that he showed regarding everything else. She wanted to know of Remus would like the book that she found for him. As for Harry - well, it was difficult to guess. Whether he liked a present or not, Harry always acted grateful.
As for Romulus, he didn't feel much enthusiasm towards most aspects of Christmas. However, seeing Remus relaxed and happy was itself a wonderful gift, and seeing Primrose smiling and laughing gave him a pleasant sense of assurance. The group of them made their way down to the parlour, where a beautiful Christmas tree sat in the corner. It was decorated in Gryffindor Red and Gold (with a few, new Ravenclaw Blue ornaments thrown in). There were little golden stags that appeared to be running, dancing gingerbread men, globes that would glow red and then gold before turning back to red, sparkling lights that winked in and out of existence, and Bertie Bott's every flavour candy canes. Fairies were scattered throughout the tree to serve as lights, and there was a long string of tiny golden bells that chimed softly.
Beneath the tree was the largest assortment of presents that Romulus had ever seen. Of course, Romulus was accustomed to receiving one or two presents at most, so anything more than that would seem abundant. Primrose and Harry had situated themselves on the parlour floor, sitting cross legged, while Sirius and Remus plopped down on the sofa. Romulus made his way towards one of the chairs, but when he caught Primrose's beseeching expression, he sat on the floor next to her instead, as far from Harry as would be considered polite. She gave him a wide smile in return, and he suddenly felt better. The house elf Kreacher was called upon to dole out the presents, and before long, Romulus found himself surrounded by brightly wrapped boxes, bags and packets.
Neither Primrose nor Harry seemed to have any hesitation about unwrapping their gifts, so Romulus began on his own pile, curious about what he had received. Around him, he could hear gasps of delight, and amused comments. He also heard Primrose and Harry thanking Sirius and Remus, and Remus and Sirius thanking Primrose and Harry.
"It's wonderful Harry!" Primrose exclaimed, as she put a sparkling bracelet on her wrist.
"It's charmed to enhance healing magic," Harry told her with a warm smile.
Remus seemed to be surrounded by books and more books, but he was delighted and excited about all his new reading material. As for Romulus, he received some chocolate from Harry (and had purchased chocolate for Harry in turn); a set of rectangular-framed glasses from Sirius with a note informing him that it would enable him to see as clearly in the dark as he could during the day; a collapsable cauldron from Remus, which would make brewing potions easier when he was out in the field; and a beautiful potion stirrer from Primrose. The core of the stirrer was wood, engraved with runes that could strengthen a brew, and it was coated in a thick layer of pure gold. Romulus was carefully examining the stirring stick when he felt the hairs on his arms rising. Warily, he looked over at Harry, and found himself wishing he sat closer to the door, which would have made it easier to run away. The feeling of lightness had quickly dissipated. Now, he felt only that instinctive unease that warned of trouble.
Harry was pulling what looked like a serpent out of a box, but the serpent's back was covered with iridescent blackish green feathers. It was a fairly small creature, but Romulus could immediately sense the threat it represented. He had noticed the odd scent of the creature all day, and though he had not seen the feathered serpent until now, he recognized its predatory dominance. The feeling of danger seemed to intensify. He could feel magical power radiating from Harry, and when he flicked a glance over at Primrose, she was as stiff as a stone statue. Without conscious thought, Romulus was backing away, desperate to be free of the danger. He glanced over at Remus, and even his adopted father was looking particularly alert.
"What's that, Harry?" Sirius called, and suddenly, the feeling of danger melted away. It was as though an oppressive shadow that had been looming over Romulus had been chased away by the flick of a light.
"He's beautiful, Rosie," Harry said, sounding almost breathless as he looked over at his sister. He twisted towards Sirius, and showed his godfather the feathered serpent that was coiling itself around his arm.
"It's a Kukulkan," Primrose said softly. She seemed troubled, but whatever had happened, she seemed to have no intention of confronting Harry about it. "It's a rare creature from South America."
"Does he have a name?" Harry asked, holding the Kukulkan up to gaze into its luminous golden eyes.
"I'm not sure," Primrose replied. She peeked a glance over at Sirius. While their godfather knew that they could speak parseltongue, she wasn't certain that it was a good idea to reveal this information in front of Remus or Romulus. It had been a family secret for so long, and they kept it closely guarded.
Romulus felt himself slowly starting to relax. The sense of magic around Harry seemed to be returning back to normal levels, but nonetheless, there was no way that Romulus could ever feel comfortable around him. After thanking all the appropriate people, he gathered up his gifts and walked over to Remus, as though intending to show his adopted father all his presents. In fact, he had stood simply because it was easier to run when standing. It was tempting to grab Primrose by the arm and pull her along with him, but he knew that it would be inappropriate. Fortunately, the sense of immediate danger did not return, and the rest of Christmas was spent peacefully and surprisingly happily.
