Chapter 3
As the laughter died down, Harry crossed his arms, fixing Sirius with a mock glare.
"You just got here, and you're already corrupting my children," Harry said in mock sternness. "Don't make me hex you."
"Please," Sirius snorted. "I'd like to see you try."
"Don't encourage him, Paddy!" Remus groaned, running a hand down his face.
Salazar, still clinging to Sirius’ arm, gasped dramatically. "Uncle Moony, are you scared of daddy too?"
"Absolutely terrified," Remus said dryly, his lips twitching.
"See?" Salazar whispered to Sirius, nodding wisely. "Told you."
Voldemort, standing silently behind Harry, arched a brow. "I’m sure I should be insulted."
"Don’t worry, Papa!" Erebus piped up cheerfully. "Sal says you’re the nice one."
"The nice one?" Voldemort repeated in disbelief. "Are you sure we're talking about the same person?"
"Well..." Ares cut in thoughtfully. "Daddy’s the one who says 'No' more. So you're the nice one."
Voldemort blinked, genuinely speechless. Harry covered his face with his hand to hide his grin.
"Clearly, I’ve failed as a Dark Lord," Voldemort muttered.
"Don’t feel bad, Papa," Salazar said brightly. "I think you're scary sometimes!"
"Thank you...?" Voldemort replied, unsure whether to feel comforted or concerned.
Just then, Mrs. Weasley wiped her eyes and walked over to Harry, cupping his face with both hands.
"Oh, Harry," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Your family... they’re wonderful."
Harry smiled. "They’re a handful, but yeah... they’re pretty great."
"Now," Mrs. Weasley announced, clapping her hands together, "Who’s ready for dinner?"
Before anyone could answer, Salazar threw both hands in the air and yelled, "ME!"
"Me too!" Ares followed.
"Me three!" Erebus chimed in.
"Me four!" Erus added with a grin.
Sirius jumped to his feet, grinning like a madman. "Me five!"
The children squealed with laughter, and before long, they all filed into the dining room, where Mrs. Weasley’s famous cooking awaited them. The meal was loud, chaotic, and filled with banter — and by the end of the evening, Harry couldn't help but feel grateful.