Shared Meals
The warm ambiance of the Leaky Cauldron wrapped around Harry like a comforting blanket, the low hum of conversation blending with the soft clinking of glasses and plates. The scent of hearty stew and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making his stomach rumble in response. It felt good to be here, away from the Dursleys, even if just for a short while. As he settled into the worn wooden chair, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope mixed with apprehension about what the future held for him.
Harry picked up the menu, his eyes scanning the offerings while his mind ran in circles. Each item seemed to whisper promises of deliciousness, but with each glance, he noted the prices alongside them. The numbers danced before his eyes, and he instinctively felt a tightening in his chest. He had learned long ago that indulgence came with consequences, especially in a world where every knut counted.
Remus, sensing Harry's hesitation, smiled warmly. "Take your time, Harry. You don’t need to rush."
Harry nodded, grateful for the reassurance but still acutely aware of the weight of expectation. He forced himself to focus on the menu, trying to block out the internal voice that reminded him of how many times he had been forced to make do with less. He settled on a bowl of pumpkin soup and a slice of bread, still feeling the need to keep things simple.
“What do you think, Harry?” Remus asked, glancing up from his own menu. “Anything catch your eye?”
Harry hesitated before pointing to his choices. “I’ll have the pumpkin soup and a slice of bread, please.”
“Excellent choice,” Remus replied, nodding appreciatively. “I think I’ll have the shepherd's pie. It’s a classic here.” He turned to the server as she approached their table. “I’ll have the shepherd's pie, and he’ll have the pumpkin soup and bread, please.”
The server jotted down their order, her quill moving swiftly across the parchment. “Would you like anything to drink?”
Harry looked up, suddenly aware of the prices of the drinks, too. “Just water for me, please.”
“And I’ll have a butterbeer,” Remus added, smiling at Harry. “It’s a treat you can’t miss.”
As the server walked away, Harry shifted in his seat, still feeling the edges of his apprehension. “You really didn’t have to bring me here, Professor. I mean… it’s really nice and all, but I don’t want to take advantage of your kindness.”
For a brief moment, Remus’s eyes flashed with an emotion Harry couldn’t quite decipher, something between hurt and longing. It made Harry’s stomach twist, and he immediately regretted his words. “Harry,” Remus said softly, his voice steadying as he leaned slightly forward. “I just want to spend time with you. I’ve missed out on thirteen years of your life.
Harry looked down at the table, feeling a wave of guilt wash over him. “I… I didn’t mean it like that,” he stammered, suddenly aware of how harsh his words must have sounded. “I just—”
He fell silent, a couple of seconds stretching between them like a taut wire. The bustling sounds of the Leaky Cauldron faded into the background as he collected his thoughts. He could feel Remus's gaze on him, patient yet expectant, urging him to continue.
“Um,,” Harry finally spoke, his voice quieter now, “I need to ask you something… something important.”
Remus looked at Harry intently, his gaze steady and encouraging as he waited for him to continue. He could sense the weight of the question hanging in the air, and a part of him braced for the storm of emotions that was bound to follow.
Harry’s breath hitched slightly, his eyes glistening with unshed tears as he struggled to find the words. “Do you… do you want me?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. The vulnerability in his question hung heavy, a raw admission of his deepest fear.
“I know it can be a lot to find out you have a kid, and I don’t want to be a burden or anything,” Harry rushed on, his words tumbling out in a rush. “I mean, the Dursley’s never really cared, and I just—”
Harry’s voice broke, and he felt the tears welling up, hot and heavy. The weight of his loneliness, the yearning for belonging, all surged to the surface, and he couldn’t hold it back any longer. The tears streamed down his cheeks, and he turned away, ashamed.
Seeing Harry's distress, Remus immediately stood up, his heart aching at the sight of his son in pain. He quickly moved around the table and wrapped his arms around Harry, pulling him close.
Harry leaned into the embrace, sobs wracking his body as Remus held him tight, their connection growing stronger with every heartbeat.
“I’ve got you, Harry,” Remus whispered, his voice thick with emotion. He felt tears prick at the corners of his own eyes, his heart breaking for the boy who had endured so much alone. “You’re safe here. You’re not alone anymore.”
Harry cried into Remus’s shoulder, the warmth of his father’s presence enveloping him. The closeness felt foreign yet comforting, and he let the floodgates open, releasing all the pent-up feelings he had buried for so long.
After a moment, Remus gently pulled back, cupping Harry’s face in his hands so their eyes met. “The greatest moment of my life was when I held you for the first time after you were born,” he said softly, his voice trembling with raw sincerity. “I had always wanted to be a father, and that moment felt like a dream come true. But a part of me died the day I thought I lost you.”
Harry’s heart ached at Remus’s words, the profound sorrow and love evident in his father’s gaze. “I want to be your dad, Harry. I want that more than anything. But only if you want me too.”
The sincerity in Remus's voice struck a chord deep within Harry. He looked into his father's eyes, searching for any hint of doubt, but all he found was love and longing. “I do,” he said, his voice barely a whisper but full of conviction. “I want you to be my dad.”
Remus's expression shifted instantly, a radiant smile breaking through his tears. The warmth in his chest swelled, pushing aside the years of pain and longing he had carried. “Oh, Harry,” he breathed, his voice trembling with emotion. “You have no idea how much that means to me.”
Harry felt a flutter of hope as he saw the genuine joy in Remus’s eyes. A thought suddenly sparked in his mind, and he hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Can I… can I call you Dad?” The words felt both terrifying and exhilarating, heavy with significance.
Remus's smile widened even more, tears glistening as he nodded. “I would love that,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “More than anything, Harry. You can call me Dad whenever you want.”
With a soft, tentative smile, Harry whispered, “Dad.” The word rolled off his tongue, filling the space between them with warmth and a sense of belonging he had always craved.
Just then, the server arrived, balancing their steaming plates with practiced ease. The rich aroma of shepherd's pie wafted toward them as Remus's dish was placed in front of him, while the server set down a bowl of vibrant pumpkin soup in front of Harry. The bright orange color seemed to glow in the dim light of the Leaky Cauldron.
“Wow,” Harry said, his eyes widening as he took in the creamy texture of the soup. “That looks amazing!” He picked up his spoon, eager to dive in.
Remus chuckled softly, his heart lighter now. “It’s one of my favorites, too. I hope you like the soup.” He lifted his fork, eager to taste the shepherd's pie, and took a bite. The flavors were rich and familiar, reminding him of home-cooked meals shared with friends long ago.
Harry’s first taste of the pumpkin soup brought an immediate smile to his face. “This is incredible!” he exclaimed, warmth spreading through him as he savored the comforting blend of spices.
“I’m glad you think so,” Remus replied, enjoying the sight of Harry genuinely relishing his meal. The atmosphere around them felt warmer, lighter, as they continued to eat together.
As they shared bites and laughter, Harry found himself asking Remus about his favorite foods and what it was like to be a teacher at Hogwarts. Remus, delighted to engage in this conversation, shared stories of his own school days.
For the first time in a long while, Harry felt safe and happy. Each spoonful of pumpkin soup seemed to thaw away the memories of his past, and in its place was this new, unexpected connection with his father. As he listened to Remus speak, Harry savored every moment, feeling as if he were finally discovering the family he had always longed for.