When Christian and Diana returned home after the meeting with Sirius, Remus, and McGonagall, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow through the windows. The evening air was cool, but inside their cozy home, a sense of exhaustion enveloped them. They had poured themselves into the discussions about Harry's future, about the sacrifices made by those who loved him. All they wanted now was a comforting cup of tea and a soft seat to collapse into. But, as soon as they stepped inside, their plans were thwarted.
The moment they crossed the threshold, six little boys erupted into the room like a whirlwind of energy. Their laughter filled the space, a stark contrast to the heavy emotions that had weighed on Christian and Diana just moments before. Each boy seemed to bounce with excitement as they rushed toward their parents.
Diana felt a wave of guilt wash over her. This past week had been chaotic; meetings and preparations had taken precedence over family time. She exchanged a glance with Christian, whose weary eyes mirrored her own feelings of regret. They had been so caught up in their responsibilities that they had neglected the most important part of their lives—their boys.
"How about breakfast for dinner?" Christian suggested, his voice breaking through the noise and instantly capturing the boys' attention. "Banana pancakes with chocolate syrup!"
"Yay!" The five snow-white-haired boys shouted in unison, their faces lighting up with joy. Harry, with his messy black hair and bright green eyes, beamed up at Christian as if he were a superhero.
"Then to the kitchen!" Christian exclaimed dramatically, marching toward the heart of their home like a captain leading his crew. The boys followed him eagerly, chanting "Pancakes! Pancakes! Pancakes!" Their voices echoed through the halls, filling Diana's heart with warmth.
Watching them go, Diana felt an overwhelming sense of love, Just then, she felt a gentle tug on her robes and looked down to see Harry gazing up at her with wide eyes filled with both affection and question.
"Come here, sweetheart," she said softly as she bent down to scoop him into her arms. He nestled into her neck like he always did nowadays when he needed comfort. His small frame fit perfectly against her shoulder, reminding her just how slim he still is.
Diana began to rub his back gently while humming a soft lullaby—a melody she hoped would soothe both him and herself. "Is something wrong, sweetie?" she asked quietly.
Harry didn't pull away but shook his head vigorously. "No. Missed you and Da-Christian," he admitted in a small voice that made Diana's heart ache.
She felt a pang of guilt twist inside her; it was heartbreaking to think that her-yes he was hers-little boy felt neglected because of their busy lives. "I'm so sorry, sweetie," she said softly. "We've just been very busy getting some things ready for you."
Harry pulled back slightly, his large green eyes searching hers for answers. "me?"
Diana nodded as she began walking down the hallway with him still in her arms. "Yes! We'd like you to meet some people—some very important people."
"Important people?" His brows furrowed in confusion.
"Yes, Harry," she replied gently but firmly. The weight of what she was about to say hung heavily in the air between them. "Just people who knew your parents."
At that revelation, Harry's expression shifted from curiosity to confusion and then to something deeper—fear? "But…" he started hesitantly.
"Your real parents," Diana said softly but firmly as they reached the kitchen doorway where pancakes were already being prepared by Christian and the other boys were buzzing around excitedly. The houseelves who worked in the kitchen were no where to be found.
His eyes became watery as he tucked himself back into her shoulder. "Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon said they were bad people and that's why they died, are these people bad people too?" he whispered the last part almost inaudibly.
Diana's heart shattered a little at his words; She tightened her hold on him as if trying to shield him from all the hurtful lies he had been fed. "Well," she said gently but resolutely, "they lied." She paused for a moment to collect herself before continuing. "That's not true, Harry. Your parents were good people—brave and loving people. The people you are going to meet are no different."
Harry sniffled softly against her shoulder as tears threatened to spill over his lashes again. His innocence tugged at Diana's heartstrings; "Their deaths were very… unfortunate," she added carefully.
He nodded slowly, processing her words but not saying anything else, Christian and the kids still hadn't noticed them and Diana didn't mind that. The kitchen was already starting to get messy, the kids and Christian weren't careful at all. Spilling flour almost on every surface, yelling and laughing while causing massive destruction to the kitchen, They were happy so Diana didn't call them out for it.
As they stood there together in that warm kitchen filled with laughter and love from his brothers—and Christian's joyful banter—Diana realized how crucial this meeting was for Harry's understanding of who he was and where he came from.
In this small space where pancakes sizzled on the stove and children laughed freely, Diana vowed silently that she would always fight for Harry's truth—to help him see that love could conquer even the darkest lies told by those who should have protected him instead.