Chapter Text
“Harry,” Lily says with a frown on her face, “Harry, wake up.”
Harry grumbles, sitting up with a disgruntled look on his face. It was the middle of summer holidays, but soon he’ll be going back to Hogwarts for his sixth year, and boy is he looking forward to it.
”What do you want?” Harry questions, rubbing his eyes groggily.
Lily positions her hands on her hips, “For you to get up and have breakfast with us, it’s nearly 10 Harry.” Lily Evans, ex Lily Evans Potter was a kind woman, but as Harry began to get older he soon realised that she had many layers.
“Alright Mother, give me a minute and I’ll be down.” Lily turned from Harry’s room with a nod in Harry’s direction.
Harry moves to get out of bed, ruffling his hair and putting on his slippers. Waving his arm in a casual motion, his bed begins to make itself, and Harry turns to follow Lily’s path out of his room. For the first half of the summer holidays, Harry was to stay with his mother. In the second half of the holidays, he has to stay with his father, James Potter and his partner, Regulus Black.
It was a big scandal, back when Harry was younger. Sirius Blacks Brother? But James is married! People would whisper. Harry had always liked Regulus though, whenever he was over at the manor he would give Harry extra cookies after dinner when his parents weren’t looking.
As Harry goes down the stairs he hears muffled voices. He walks quietly into the room, shuffling his way to sit down at the dining room table. Lily is at the head of the table, with Harry to her left and James Potter to her right. Next to James sits Regulus.
“Hey Harry!” James exclaims with a smile. Regulus smirks at Harry from across the table, nodding his head in greeting.
“Hi Father, Reg.” Nodding his head to Regulus.
James’ smile falters for a second, before beaming again. “How’s your holidays been so far Harry?”
Harry reaches for a slice of warm toast, already buttered with raspberry jam, courtesy of the house elves. “It’s been fine, lots of reading for sixth year preparations.”
“That’s our little Slytherin, always wanting to be prepared,” Regulus says, smirking at James.
“Ugh! Harry why couldn’t you be a Gryffindor like your dad.” James moans.
“I blame Regulus’ influence,” Lily states, half joking, half not, “Harry has always modeled his behaviour after him.”
Awkward silence takes up the table, Regulus’ lips thinned out, stroking the butter knife that he held. Harry couldn’t help thinking that this happens every summer when his parents meet for the half of the holidays. When Regulus and James have breakfast with Lily and Harry that signifies the end of the first half of summer. Lily never quite got over James’ affair with Regulus, even when Regulus had James first.
“When are we leaving?” Harry asks James.
“As soon as we’re done eating, we’ll be staying with Sirius and Remus for the rest of the holidays.” James shuffled his eyes a little, making Harry wonder what he’s hiding. James always does that when he’s lying.
For the rest of breakfast silence takes over, the only thing to be heard is the sharp forks scraping against plates.
“I’ll go grab my bags then.” Harry pushes his chair back in and walks towards the stairs.
*
In his room, Harry grabs his wand and puts it in his wand holder that’s stationed on his forearm. Grabbing his already-packed bags, he heads straight out the door, not looking back at his half-empty room. He heads out to the room where the floo is stationed, where the rest of the family is already standing around.
Lily steps forward and halfheartedly hugs Harry, “I’ll see you during your next holidays Harry. Keep your grades up.”
Harry nods, while James and Regulus exchange a look.
“Ready to go champ?” James says, waving his hand to the Floo.
“Yeah,” Harry grabs his bag, and Regulus grabbed his other one. He grabs some Floo powder on the fireplace, steps into the fireplace, and yells.
“Grimmauld Place!”
A flash of ash swirls around Harry, transporting him straight to where Sirius and Remus live.
“HARRY!” Harry yelps as he is tackled to the ground.
“Sirius be careful!” Comes a voice from behind them.
At their feet the Floo signals movement. James and Regulus come out of the Floo.
“Sirius get off my son!” James laughs, while Regulus huffs, rolling his eyes.
“Harry! How are you little Prongsy!”
“I’m good Sirius, although I think you broke a rib,” Harry huffs, quite similarly to Regulus. A fact that James smiles at.
“Sorry sorry, up you get,” Sirius says smiling, guiding Harry and his bag up from off the floor.
“Hello Harry,” Remus says from the doorway.
Harry turns to the doorway, “Hey Remus. I don’t know how you put up with this dog of yours,” he moves his hand to point vaguely at Sirius.
“Hey!” Calls from behind them, with snickering from James following it.
“He has his uses,” Remus smirks, walking up to Harry and giving him a hug. “You ready for the rest of your summer? We have a special guest staying for a few days before they have to go back to Hogwarts to prepare for the next year.”
“Yeah of course. Who’s staying with us?” Harry questions, looking around the room.
“Hello Mr. Potter.”
Harry turns to the doorway once more. His breath catches in his throat. The striking figure is leaning his weight on the doorway, with his arms crossed over in a casual position.
“Professor Gaunt.”