Christmas 1994
The letter took hours. Should it be casual? Or filled with emotional blackmail? How could they keep it interesting and yet innocuous at the same time? Andromeda's irritation at their ulterior motive faded swiftly though, once she and Sirius had set about their task together and Remus was afforded a rare glimpse into something happy from the Black childhood. An easy friendship. Some real love.
‘We can't put that!’ Andy was laughing, ‘She’ll know in a second it’s from you!’
‘Ok, ok,’ Sirius pushed the parchment back across the table, ‘You do it.’
In the end, they settled for something simple and relatively brief. Andromeda missed her sister. It had been years and their children were almost grown. Water under the bridge. Would she come for tea? Andy took the letter home with her to send with her own owl and promised to keep them informed and to visit again, just for fun this time.
‘Send our best to Ted and Dora,’ Sirius said as she vanished in a burst of green flame.
‘She was nice,’ Remus said as they returned to the table, ‘So pleased to see you.’
‘Yeah, Andy's great,’ Sirius replied, eyes still on the grate.
‘Do you think it'll work?’
‘I think it's worth a try.’
*
Wintery light filtered in through the library windows and onto the book Remus was holding. It was one he had already read at least twice.
‘Maybe he only made three,’ Sirius said, letting his own book fall onto the table with a loud slap, ‘Maybe we’re done. Happy days.’
Remus sighed, lowering his more carefully, ‘Maybe.’
Their research had been sending them in circles for weeks now and they were both frustrated. It was a strangely desperate sensation, to feel the puzzle needed solving so urgently but to have no real idea of what it should look like or when might be too late. There had been no word from Narcissa, although they had seen a lot more of Andy.
They'd been going for dinner regularly. Remus would be set to work, chopping vegetables or grating cheese, while Andy oversaw the more delicate tasks, some by hand, some by magic. Sirius would sit at the kitchen table, reading the paper or doing the crossword, calling out clues here and there, whenever it was something he knew Remus would know the answer to. Ted usually joined them in good time, pulling the sports pages out from beneath Sirius’ puzzles and Dora would arrive last minute, in a flurry of red robes and brown paper folders, ready to regale them with tales of her latest exploits in the Auror department. I was all wonderfully - domestic, and Remus would find himself sitting back in his chair after dinner, watching the way Sirius smiled across at his cousin as she teased him gently; the way he indulged Dora, refraining from letting his own dislike of Moody dull her reverie about her mentor.
They were there again one Friday night. It had gotten later than usual - Dora insisting on a vicious game of chess which had dragged long into the evening, neither her or Sirius willing to concede. Eventually, to his great dismay, she had beaten him and gone off to finish her paperwork, Ted departing for bed shortly after. Sirius and Andy had stayed, stretched out on the sofa, heads together, talking softly. Remus was curled in an armchair, too many whiskeys in to properly read the book he'd pulled from the shelf behind him, when there was a tap at the window.
Andy struggled to her feet, having been the one insisting on the whiskeys, and opened the curtains to reveal a handsome tawny owl, a letter at its leg. She untied it and turned it over, looking up at them, her expression suddenly sober.
‘It’s from Cissy,’ she said.
Remus sat up so suddenly, the book on his lap hit the floor. He felt a bit like someone had emptied a bucket of water over him, the cosy feeling he'd been enjoying just moments before had vanished. He glanced at Sirius who had leant forward in his seat, face tense.
‘Open it then.’
She pulled at the handsome wax seal and it cracked under her fingers as she unfolded the parchment. From what Remus could see at a distance the note was short. He watched Andromeda scan the elegant handwriting, her eyes moving quickly across the page.
‘Andy -’ Sirius began.
‘She's agreed,’ Andromeda breathed, ‘She’s said yes. Oh Sirius -’
Sirius rose and took the letter, reading it for himself.
‘Christmas eve,’ he said, eyes meeting Remus’.
*
‘Sirius? Are you there?’
Harry’s face appeared in the mirror and Sirius flashed it at Remus so he could nod his greeting.
‘What’s up?’ he asked.
‘There is going to be a dance,’ Harry said, grimacing, ‘Like you thought - and it's on Christmas Day, and I have to lead the dancing.’
Sirius laughed lightly, ‘Not excited then?’
‘No! What am I going to do? I can't dance. And I'm supposed to have a partner!’
Remus leant over so he could see. Harry's eyes were wide with incredulity.
‘I told McGonagall I don't dance! But she just said I had to -’
‘Harry-’
‘And that I had to find someone to take. I can't ask someone -’
‘Harry, stop-’
‘And it's on Christmas Day and I was thinking, I was hoping that I could -’
‘Harry!’ Sirius raised his voice, finally getting Harry's attention, ‘Take a deep breath. One thing at a time.’
Harry exhaled looking hard into the mirror.
‘What am I going to do?’ he said.
‘Why don't you ask that girl that was staring at you in The Three Broomsticks?’
Harry's face reddened. He'd obviously already thought about it.
‘I can't. She's - she's a fifth year and she's probably already -’ he tailed off.
‘Ok, why don't you ask a friend?’
‘I haven't got any friends!’ Harry wailed, and then paused, ‘Not that I can dance with I mean - not because -’ he looked up at them, his expression suddenly horrified, ‘Not that boys can't dance with boys I just - I think - for me - for this time anyway -’
Sirius laughed again, ‘Ok, ok, so we're thinking girl on this occasion, got it, but what about Hermione?’
Harry stared blankly back at them.
‘Hermione,’ Sirius repeated, ‘Your friend, who's a girl.’
‘I know,’ said Harry, brow furrowed slightly, as if he was trying to understand something difficult, ‘I can't ask Hermione because - well - because - I just don't think I can.’
‘Mmm ok,’ Sirius mused, raising his eyebrows at Remus, ‘Well what about one of the other Gryffindor girls? You must be friendly with them.’
‘Yeah I suppose - but how?’ Harry wailed.
‘Just ask,’ Sirius said simply, ‘Just say “hey, I was wondering if you would like to go to the dance with me?” It's easy.’
‘Hey, I was wondering if you would you like to go to the dance with me?’ Harry repeated.
‘No thanks, I'm taken,’ Sirius grinned.
‘Shut up,’ Harry rolled his eyes.
‘And don’t worry about Christmas Day - I’m sure you can come here afterwards. I’ll speak to Professor Dumbledore.’
Harry smiled, ‘Really?’
‘Really. As for the dancing itself, that's easy too,’
Remus chuckled, ‘Not all of us grew up taking dancing lessons, Sirius.’
‘You what?’ Harry laughed as Sirius scoffed.
‘Hey,’ he protested, ‘Dancing is an art.’
*
They’d been planning to go to Hogsmeade anyway: the full moon was approaching and Remus was hoping for a repeat of last month - if they could do with anything it was a good run through the forest. There was still more than a day to go, but he was already feeling achy and tired as he huddled in an armchair by the fire in their now regular room at The Hog’s Head.
‘No, not like that,’ Sirius was saying, gripping Harry by the shoulders, ‘One hand here, and the other here.’ He pulled Harry’s arms into position. ‘Ok, so step forward with your left foot, left, Harry, yes, and then to the right,’ he kicked Harry’s foot, ‘Good, and then bring the first foot up to meet it, yes -’
They continued on like this, round the room for a few moments, before Sirius stepped back.
‘OK, Ron, now you take over here.’
Sirius steered Ron towards Harry, placing his arms and talking them through the steps again as he crossed the room and arranged Neville and Hermione in the same positions.
‘OK!’ he said again, reaching for his wand and tapping the ancient wireless on the windowsill, ‘On three: 1, 2, dance!’
‘Ow!’
‘Oof, sorry.’
‘Stop, stop, stop.’
Remus tried not to laugh as the couples broke apart, Hermione rubbing her foot and Harry his forehead. Sirius hurried forward again, repositioning them.
‘Here, Ron, you have a turn at the lead part - switch with Neville. Hermione you do the same as before, Neville you follow Harry.’
They swapped partners and Sirius restarted the music, counting them in once more. This time went a little smoother, for a few seconds anyway.
‘You need to hold your heads up,’ Sirius instructed, ‘Stop looking at your feet. And again!’
He moved between them as they danced, chucking Harry under the chin before stepping behind Ron, straightening his shoulders and placing both hands on his head, turning it gently.
‘Look to your left, like this, that's it. You need to counterbalance each other as you travel around the room - yes - now, gentlemen, step forward -’
‘Is all this really necessary?’ Harry grumbled, ‘It’s only one waltz at the beginning, then everyone will be dancing normally.’
‘This was your idea!’ Sirius countered, ‘You didn't want to look like an idiot -’
‘I’m starting to think that's unavoidable either way,’ Harry muttered, looking back down at his feet, and hopping backwards awkwardly to avoid Neville's advancing boot, ‘This is stupid.’
‘I don't know,’ Ron chimed in, arms still in position around Hermione, ‘I actually think it's OK.’
‘Eyes to the left, Ron! Come on, you're improving, let's go again. Ready?’
By the time they departed, Remus had to admit that Sirius had worked his magic and produced four passable dancers. They'd each practised in both positions, Sirius insisting it was important to know both lead and follow. ‘You never know who you might want to dance with,’ he told them, ‘and you need to be able to anticipate your partner's movements.’ The children had left in good spirits, chattering about the afternoon's activities.
‘We just need dates now,’ Ron said, quite cheerfully, Remus thought, as they saw them out of the pub and sent them off up the lane back to school.
‘Well that was a success!’ Sirius grinned, as they returned to their room.
‘Enjoy yourself?’
‘I would've enjoyed it more if you'd been feeling up to helping me demonstrate.’
‘Plenty of time for that,’ Remus smiled back, rubbing his sore hip, ‘C’mon, we’d better get to the forest, it's getting dark.’
*
Christmas Eve arrived more quickly than expected and that evening Remus found himself at Grimmauld Place with only Kreacher for company. After a harrowingly last minute shopping trip to both Diagon Alley and Oxford Street, Sirius had departed for Andy's to see if Narcissa would keep her word and Remus had set about decorating the living room. They'd found a box of horrible old ornaments in the attic: a wreath of imitation poison ivy and some baubles that looked unnervingly like the heads of shrunken house elves. Nothing sentimental or festive, nothing Sirius had fashioned as a child. Instead, Remus had magicked charming wreaths of holly, which he'd hung on the kitchen door - it would be a waste on the front door of an unplottable house - and draped along the living room fireplace. Sirius had insisted on the biggest tree the shop had left, and as a result it required shrinking to make room for the golden star they'd picked up at Selfridge's.
‘Kreacher is finding these in a cupboard upstairs,’ Kreacher croaked as he backed into the room holding a large cardboard box. He set it down on the coffee table and lifted out a delicate glass figure, which closer inspection showed to be shaped exactly like a pixie, accurate down to its wicked little grin. Remus pulled out another, this one a miniature troll. They were oddly charming.
‘Kreacher knows these did not belong to Mistress Black,’ he muttered, lifting out another, this one an imp. ‘Perhaps Mistress Ursula - Miss Belvina did like pretty things.’
Remus looked up at him, ‘How long have you lived here Kreacher?’
‘Kreacher has lived at Grimmauld Place since the Black family acquired it.’
‘And before then? Were you with them before that?’
‘Kreacher has always been with the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black.’
Remus considered him for a minute. He cut such a tiny, withered figure against the rich backdrop of the Black’s grand living room. How many centuries had he lived? How much had he seen? How many people had he lost? He thought of Regulus' final impossible command and of Hermione's petition.
‘These are beautiful,’ Remus said, holding up a decoration, ‘Would you like to add them to the tree?’
Kreacher looked back at him and nodded solemnly.
He was sitting on the floor wrapping presents when Sirius appeared in the doorway. It was well past midnight and Remus could see how tired he looked. Wrung out.
‘This place looks incredible,’ he said as he sat down on the velvet sofa. ‘Like it's really Christmas.’
‘How did it go?’ Remus asked, sticking down his last piece of spellotape, ‘She turned up then?’
‘She did.’
Remus watched him closely, waiting for him to speak again.
‘It was intense,’ he said eventually, ‘I’m nervous. I didn't tell her anything, obviously, but she knew we had an ulterior motive.’
‘Was she annoyed?’ Remus asked, ‘That Andromeda had tricked her?’
‘No I don't think so. I think she really wanted to see Andy. We talked about other stuff - you know. It's been a long time. I think she's lonely up in that manor, husband out at work all the time, kid at school, cut off from her family. Lucius sounds like a right nasty piece of work.’
‘Hmm, no surprise there. Why does she stay?’
‘Is what it is I think. And Draco of course.’
‘Yeah,’ Remus paused. He'd taught Draco for a whole year. He was bright, but arrogant and generally pretty unpleasant. Harry didn't like him, that had been clear.
‘He’s her obvious weakness,’ Sirius continued, ‘She knows something's happening and she thinks Lucius will drag Draco into whatever it turns out to be.’
‘Would he do that? Draco's just a boy -’
‘It took us ages to get it out of her, but it sounds like Lucius is pretty worried about what might happen to him if Voldemort was to return - you know because he claimed he was Imperioused to stay out of Azkaban - and yeah she thinks he might offer Draco up as a way to redeem himself.’
Remus felt his blood run cold. ‘Fucking hell, really?’
‘I don't think she'd have told us if she wasn't really desperate.’
‘What did you tell her?’
‘I told her to keep her head down, and keep Draco close and that if it came to it, we'd help her get out.’
Remus paused, watching as Sirius clenched his hands over his thighs. ‘How do you feel about that? If it comes to it?’
‘I don't know,’ Sirius rubbed his knuckles anxiously on his trousers, ‘I mean, she chose her side, but it was a long time ago and she didn't have a lot of options. I don't think she has any interest in another war; she only cares about keeping Draco safe. And as much as I hate to use it as a reason for anything, she is family.’
Remus sighed, gazing at the coloured lights that Kreacher had helped him to string across the tree. They blurred slightly in his tired vision and he scrubbed at his eyes.
‘What’s got Lucius so worried? Does he have a source somewhere?’
‘No, that's the thing -’ Sirius said, eyes suddenly wide, ‘He’s got this tattoo-’
They sent Dumbledore an owl, requesting an audience as soon as he could and retired to bed. Sirius curled up in his usual ball and was almost immediately asleep. Remus lay beside him, staring at the ceiling. Christmas Eve. Had it really been a whole year since a moon shaped stone with a star scratched into it had dropped out of his morning paper? He thought of that morning, the first morning he had really believed Sirius reachable and rolled over, opening the bedside drawer, fumbling inside it until he found it. It was cool and smooth aside from the little asterisk etched at one end and he rubbed his thumb across it, over and over until he fell asleep.
*
‘It’s Christmas!’
Remus opened his eyes to a shaft of wintery morning light filtering through a gap in the heavy curtains. Sirius was sitting up in bed, grinning at him.
‘Come on, sleepyhead! Wake up!’
‘What for?’ Remus grumbled, turning over and burying his face in the pillow.
‘Presents of course!’
‘All I want for Christmas is a nice lie in,’ he said into the mattress.
‘Too bad. Come on, get your slippers on Moons, let's go and enjoy the decorations downstairs.’
They descended the stairs and into the living room, Remus shuffling along in his dressing gown, Sirius bounding down them full of excitement. Remus huddled on the sofa whilst Sirius dug under the tree.
‘Oo,’ he said, ‘Look, this one's for me’.
He pulled out a little red box, peeling off the tape that held it closed.
‘It’s small -’ Remus started to say, but Sirius had already lifted the lid.
‘Oh!’
He lifted out a leather wallet, dark brown and smooth. He ran his fingers across it, stopping at the bottom corner where an embossed silhouette gambolled along the stitching. It was a dog, moving in laps round the folded leather, sitting back on its haunches and barking silently before moving off again. He looked up at Remus, beaming.
‘I love it!’
‘I just saw it, you know. I thought it was nice.’
‘It is. Very,’ Sirius grinned and reached back under the tree. ‘And here’s one for you.’
He handed Remus a large, soft parcel wrapped in midnight blue paper. Remus untied the ribbon that bound it, and pulled off the paper, revealing a thick wool coat. It was dark grey, and so soft. He undid it, admiring the lapels and gasped as it opened to reveal a dark blue lining, covered with stars. Some were moving, their tails silver threads as they shot across the panels of the coat, some twinkled gently in place.
‘It’s the night sky,’ Sirius said, ‘the real one. I thought you could do with a new coat, and look -’
He pointed to a cluster of stars just beneath the breast pocket.
‘I’m right here.’
A tap on the window alerted them to the presence of two owls, jostling for space on the other side of the glass. Remus rose and pulled open the sash, untying a large parcel from one, who looked very relieved and a small note from the other. He tossed the package to Sirius, and unsealed the piece of parchment.
‘Dumbledore says 2pm. Today.’
‘Festive,’ Sirius muttered, pulling at the string that held together the parcel, ‘Oh wow!’
He unfolded two woolly jumpers, one purple and one burgundy. A Christmas card slipped out from in between them.
‘They’re from Molly,’ he said, tugging the purple one over his head, ‘Looks like we're Weasleys now.’
They passed the morning quite pleasantly, working alongside Kreacher to make a small Christmas lunch, which Sirius surprised Remus by insisting Kreacher partake in with them at the kitchen table. Two o’clock arrived quickly, and they stepped into the Floo at the chime of the clock, appearing moments later in Dumbledore's office.
‘Good afternoon,’ he greeted them as they brushed themselves off on the hearth rug ‘Merry Christmas! Please do come and have a seat.’
They settled themselves on the armchairs opposite Dumbledore’s desk, watching silently as he magicked three glasses, filling them from a jug with reddish liquid.
‘Mulled wine,’ he said, sending the glasses towards them, ‘It is Christmas after all.’
They took them, graciously, glancing at each other. Remus nodded, encouragingly
‘Last night,’ Sirius began, ‘I met with Narcissa Malfoy.’
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows, placing his own glass carefully down on the table and looking up, his interest piqued.
‘My cousin Andromeda managed to get in touch with her, and she came to visit, while Lucius was otherwise engaged.’
‘Go on,’ Dumbledore said.
‘She didn't have much information,’ Sirius continued, ‘But Lucius has given her reason to believe something is imminent. She said he has a tattoo -’
‘Ah yes,’ Dumbledore nodded, ‘Once faded, but gradually returning?’
Remus, who had been watching Sirius, looked up at the headmaster in surprise.
‘You know of it?’
‘Indeed,’ Dumbledore nodded, matter of fact, ‘Severus has one.’
Sirius looked as alarmed as Remus felt.
‘So you know they've been getting clearer. That it means Voldemort is getting stronger?’
‘Is that what Narcissa said?’
‘Not in so many words, but Lucius has clearly been disturbed enough to frighten her.’
‘Hmm,’ Dumbledore hummed thoughtfully, ‘This is very interesting. And has she identified exactly what it is she is frightened of?’
Sirius looked utterly bewildered.
‘Possibly the return of the most evil wizard to have ever lived?’ he asked, voice strained.
‘So she doesn't consider herself his supporter?’
‘She’s scared for Draco -,’ Remus said, realising what Albus was actually asking, ‘- about what might happen to him if Lucius has to convince Voldemort of his loyalty. She's not on their side, but she's not on ours either.’
‘I see,’ Dumbledore inclined his head very slightly, ‘Very interesting. Very good, Sirius. And you don't think she'll tell Lucius?’
Sirius paused. ‘No, I don't.’
‘And do you think she'd like to visit Andromeda again.’
‘I do.’
‘If the tattoos getting darker means he is gaining strength,’ Remus said, ‘it suggests there are more Horcruxes to find?’
‘I fear it may,’ Dumbledore replied gravely.
‘So we need to try harder! To find them, and to find Peter.’
‘Indeed we do,’ Dumbledore agreed, taking a sip from his glass, ‘and I do not underestimate the urgency of the task, but I do believe we have a little time, at least, and today is Christmas Day. How would you like to go to a Ball?’
*
They'd had to return home for appropriate dress robes, of which Remus had none of course, but Sirius managed a lovely job on some of Orion’s they'd dug out of a musty cupboard, and, as expected, looked exceptionally dapper in his own tailored set. They found themselves loitering, slightly awkwardly, in the entrance hall, as students from all the participating schools milled about, chartering excitedly. The hallway had been decorated with two enormous fir trees which stretched high above them, scraping the vaulted ceiling, thousands of ornaments hanging from their branches.
‘Oh, what a surprise, I didn't know you would be here!’
The voice came from behind them and Remus turned to find Percy Weasley, looking business-like in plain black, his red hair slicked back.
‘Yes, Dumbledore extended an invite last minute. You?’
‘I’ve been promoted,’ Percy said proudly, standing tall, ‘Mr Crouch is unavailable this evening so he has sent me along in his place. I'm his personal assistant you see.’
‘Oh, great,’ said Remus, stepping on Sirius' foot to stop him smirking, ‘A perk of the job.’
‘Not at all, I am here on Ministry business,’ Percy replied, quite affronted at the suggestion he might be about to enjoy his evening. ‘Poor Mr Crouch - hasn’t been right since the World Cup - a fiasco for the whole Ministry, and then, the huge personal shock with the misbehaviour of that house-elf of his, Blinky, or whatever she was called. And then we had the tournament to arrange, and the aftermath of the Cup to deal with - that revolting Skeeter woman buzzing around, poor man, he’s having a well earned, quiet Christmas. I’m just glad he knew he had someone he could rely upon to take his place.’
‘Mmm -’ Remus nodded, searching for some response to Percy's speech, when two voices chorused behind them:
‘What are you doing here?’
The tone of each was quite different, and they all turned to find Harry and Ron approaching, one with an expression of sheer joy and the other mild disdain. Harry looked smart in the green robes they'd chosen in the summer and Ron was wearing an interesting maroon creation, tugging awkwardly at his collar and cuffs.
‘I’ve been promoted -’ Percy began.
‘Thought we'd come and join the party,’ Sirius cut in, hugging Harry with one arm, ‘Are you going to introduce us?’ He nodded towards the two girls hovering behind them.
‘Oh, yeah,’ Harry replied, ‘Yeah this is Parvati, and Padma - she's here with Ron.’
Sirius looked between them for a moment, taking in the scene.
‘Lovely to meet you both,’ he smiled, ‘Ron, could I just uh, have a word, over here? Be back in a minute, Moony.’
Remus nodded, turning to Harry and the girls who he remembered well from last year. They smiled shyly, whispering to each other as Harry bounced nervously on the spot.
‘I think we’ll be in in a minute,’ he said, biting his lip, ‘We have to start the dancing.’
‘Where’s Hermione?’ Remus asked, looking around, and finding Neville just behind him, Ginny on his arm. He gave him a smile and clapped him on the shoulder.
‘No idea,’ Harry replied, ‘She’s got a secret date, she wouldn't say who - wow -’
Remus turned in the direction in which both Harry and the two girls were now staring, to find Ron looking incredibly sharp in Sirius' robes, and Sirius, somehow, looking desperately gorgeous in Ron's frilly maroon ones. Padma’s expression had brightened quite considerably as they approached, and she took the arm Ron offered her.
‘You’re a good man,’ Remus whispered, as Sirius returned to his side, ‘And you're really pulling that off.’
‘Of course,’ Sirius shrugged. ‘Ah! Here she is!’ He smiled across the hall.
Hermione was approaching, looking lovely in a floaty blue dress, her hair tamed into an elegant bun. She grinned widely at them, and gave a little wave, before being intercepted by the burly figure of Viktor Krum.
‘She’s here with Krum?’ Harry hissed, in his surprise, more loudly than he had perhaps meant to.
Ron was staring at her in disbelief as she hurried over, pulling Krum along by the arm. She stopped, looking back at him, her eyes running from his shoes, to his hair and back again.
‘You look amazing, Hermione,’ Parvati said, breaking the tension, ‘I love your dress.’
‘You both look great too,’ Hermione gushed, huddling with the other girls, admiring their outfits. Krum stood silently at her elbow, expression serious.
‘You alright there, Ron?’ Sirius whispered, ‘maybe she’ll save a dance for you.’
‘What? No -’
‘Champions over here, please!’ Minerva called, beckoning to Harry and Krum, and turning to look for the others.
They headed into the Great Hall with the rest of the students and teachers, settling themselves at one of the round tables beside Ron and Padma. The walls of the hall had been covered in a silvery frost that sparkled beneath thousands of candles suspended between wreaths of ivy and mistletoe. They applauded as the Champions entered, taking their places at the top table.
‘Oh look, lucky Harry,’ Ron snorted, as they watched him reluctantly take a seat beside Percy.
The food, as usual for Hogwarts, was delicious. They tucked into their selections from the enchanted menu, Sirius chattering away to Neville and Ginny who had also sat down alongside them. Remus was just slicing carefully into his beef wellington when he noticed Ron, staring fixedly up at the top table, while his date prodded glumly at her potatoes. He followed his gaze, to where Hermione was laughing at something Viktor Krum had said.
‘You OK?’ Remus asked quietly.
‘He’s too old for her,’ Ron grumbled under his breath, ‘And he's from Durmstrang. He's competing against Harry -’
‘Is that really the problem, do you think?’
Ron faltered, looking up at Remus reproachfully.
‘Listen, you look great, enjoy your date. Let Hermione enjoy hers. You've got plenty of time to figure things out.’
Remus nodded subtly towards Padma, elbowing Ron lightly encouraging him to turn towards her rather than craning his neck across the hall.
‘Ask her something,’ he hissed, turning his attention to Sirius, as if he'd been doing so all along.
When the plates were cleared and the tables moved to the edges of the hall, they stood with their drinks watching the band set up.
‘You know these guys?’ Sirius asked, as the Weird Sisters took the stage, tuning up.
‘Yeah they're always on the radio,’ Remus shrugged, ‘They’re alright. Not really our style but the kids love them.’
Sirius grinned, ‘Wishing it was you up there with a box full of records and a charmed speaker?’
‘I mean, no, but -’
‘They’re going to dance! Come on, Harry, right hand on her back.’
They watched as Harry led Parvati onto the floor. She was beaming, clearly enjoying her role as partner of a champion. Harry's brow was furrowed with concentration, eyes on his feet.
‘Eyes up!’ Sirius hissed.
The Weird Sisters struck up a slow waltz, and Harry lifted his head, pulling Parvati into closed position, leading her gently across the hall. The surprise on her face was replaced quickly with a real smile, as he led her in smooth revolutions around the floor.
‘He’s counting,’ Sirius groaned.
‘Only you can see that, he's doing amazing.’
Dumbledore stepped out onto the floor, leading Madame Maxime by the tips of her fingers, and other teachers and students began to join them.
‘Right boys,’ Sirius said, slapping both Neville and Ron simultaneously on the back, ‘let’s see what you're made of.’
He gave them both a gentle shove towards the dance floor, and they went, pulling their partners with them.
‘Merlin, what would they do without us?’ Sirius said, watching with his arms folded as they took to the floor, ‘They’d be sulking round the edges only talking to each other.’
‘Like us right now you mean?’
‘We’re not sulking! We’re overseeing,’ he grinned, ‘Are you saying you want to dance Moony?’
Remus looked across the dance floor, filled now with revolving bodies, faces glowing under the flickering candle light, absorbed in their partners. Why not?
‘Go on then. Just one.’
It was the last slow dance of the set, the Weird Sisters breaking out abruptly into something more up-tempo, the crowd of students going wild. Remus and Sirius returned to their seats, only to be joined moments later by Harry and Ron.
‘How’s it going?’ Sirius asked, ‘You both looked great out there.’
‘Just about held it together, yeah,’ Harry replied, but his expression was pleased.
‘Where are the girls?’
‘Gone to dance with their friends,’ Ron said, ‘But Padma said I had to come back if they played another slow one so -’ he shrugged, the tips of his ears blushing pink.
Hermione arrived, sitting down beside Ron, sweeping loose curls away from her face.
‘Hello!’ she said, ‘It’s hot, isn’t it? Viktor’s just gone to get some drinks.’
‘Viktor?’ Ron said, earning a surprised look from Hermione and a sharp elbow in the ribs from Remus that made him cough awkwardly, ‘That’s nice of him,’ he spluttered.
‘He is really nice actually,’ Hermione said, beaming, ‘he said he'd been coming to the library every day to come and talk to me, but hadn't been able to pluck up the courage!’
‘Padma’s asked me to dance with her the next time there's a slow one,’ Ron said quickly.
‘Oh,’ said Hermione, looking at him for a long moment, ‘Ok, well, enjoy that,’ she smiled again, but tightly and hurried off to meet Viktor who was approaching with a goblet in each hand.
‘Almost,’ Remus said, ruffling Ron's hair.
‘What do you mean?’ he replied, sounding put out.
‘Wow, look at Neville,’ said Harry, nodding towards the dancefloor where Neville was spinning Ginny enthusiastically while she laughed happily up at him.
‘Atta boy,’ Sirius murmured, ‘Maybe I should go into teaching. I clearly have a knack for it!’
‘Hey! That's my sister!’ Ron exclaimed.
‘What’s that about our sister?’ Percy asked, coming to take Hermione's empty seat. The top table stood empty, the rest of the judges dancing amongst the crowd. They watched as Ludo Bagman released Minerva, kissing her hand and turning, only to be accosted by Fred and George.
‘What do they think they’re doing, annoying senior Ministry members at a school event?’ Percy hissed. ‘Mr Bagman?’ he called, ‘Can I be of assistance?’
Bagman approached, leaving the twins behind him, smiling widely.
‘No, no, not at all. Just wanted to talk about some ideas I had for marketing their excellent fake wands - I have some contacts you know…’
‘How do you feel the tournament’s going, Mr. Bagman?’ Percy interrupted, ‘Our department’s quite satisfied - the hitch with the Goblet of Fire’ - he glanced at Harry and earned an undignified snort from Sirius - ‘was a little unfortunate, of course, but it seems to have gone very smoothly since, don’t you think?’
‘Oh yes,’ Bagman said cheerfully, ‘It’s all been enormous fun. How’s old Barty doing? Shame he couldn’t come.’
‘Oh I’m sure Mr. Crouch will be up and about in no time,’ said Percy importantly, ‘but in the meantime, I’m more than willing to take up the slack. Of course, it’s not all attending balls-’
‘We’re just gonna -’ Sirius stood, grasping Remus by the arm and gesturing vaguely in no particular direction, ‘see you later boys.’
‘Bit harsh to just abandon them,’ Remus said, glancing back at Harry and Ron as they moved towards the doors.
‘They're fine - look,’ Sirius replied. He was right: Parvati and her sister had emerged from the throng and were now dragging the boys towards the dance floor.
‘Let’s get some fresh air,’ Sirius suggested and they headed out into the entrance hall and down the front steps. The surrounding grounds had been transformed into a sprawling rose garden and they found themselves amongst bushes thick with satiny flowers. They wandered a little way, their feet crunching on the snowy path.
‘I wish I had my new coat,’ Remus said, shivering.
‘Come here, I'll warm you up,’ Sirius said, pulling Remus onto a nearby bench and putting an arm around him.
‘It’s funny being back here,’ Remus said, ‘with you, I mean. It felt so wrong last year, back at Hogwarts without everyone. It's still weird, y’know, after all this time. Being here and being old, but it feels kind of good now.’
Sirius was watching him, eyes soft. He reached for Remus’ hand, his arm still around his shoulders and wove their fingers together. He opened his mouth, about to speak when -
‘- don’t see what there is to fuss about, Igor.’
‘Severus, you cannot pretend this isn’t happening!’
‘Igor?’ Remus mouthed? ‘Karkaroff?’
Sirius nodded, finger to his lips.
‘It’s been getting clearer and clearer for months,’ Karkaroff’s voice was anxious, ‘I am becoming seriously concerned, I can’t deny it.’
‘Then flee,’ Snape replied curtly. ‘Flee — I will make your excuses. I, however, am remaining at Hogwarts.’
Their voices faded as they passed by an adjacent path. Remus and Sirius ducked down, holding still until they could no longer hear them.
‘So they've both got one of these tattoos then, the bastards,’ Sirius hissed.
‘Sounded like Karkaroff was scared though,’ Remus replied, ‘if he's thinking of running then doesn't sound like he's already in touch with Voldemort - or doing his bidding by putting Harry's name in the Goblet.’
‘So who did then? Reckon Dumbledore's invited a third Death Eater into the school?’
The bushes next to them rustled, revealing a girl with long dark hair and a boy in a Beauxbatons uniform. They looked at them in surprise for a moment, before breaking into giggles and dashing off down the path.
‘C’mon, that's enough fresh air,’ Remus said, ‘let’s go and see if Ron has realised how much he wants to ask Hermione to dance.’
They re-entered the Great Hall to find the Weird Sisters announcing their last song. Harry and Ron were standing at the edge of the crowd, both sweaty and smiling.
‘Only one more?’ Ron groaned as Hermione hobbled over, stopping to remove her shoe and rub her foot.
‘Viktor said he wanted to get off to bed,’ she announced, ‘apparently he has to get up and train, even on Boxing Day - can you imagine? Wouldn't even stay for one more song!’
‘What a shame,’ said Ron, the sarcasm in his voice only lightly concealed.
‘I know, nevermind,’ Hermione replied breezily, ‘my feet are sore anyway -’
‘Ron,’ Sirius chimed in, ‘weren’t you just saying how much you wanted to be out on the floor for the last song? Why don't you two - you know -’ he looked pointedly at Hermione, back at Ron, who did not follow, and then back at Hermione again.
‘Was I? Oh! Oh, erm,’ he looked slightly panicked, but turned back to Hermione, ‘Um, would you like to dance the last one? With me?’
‘Yes, alright,’ Hermione replied, a little breathlessly, following Ron back onto the dance floor.
Sirius turned to Harry, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
‘Good night?’
‘Yeah,’ Harry said, ‘yeah, pretty good night.’
‘Ready to grab your stuff and head home with us?’
‘Let’s go.’
They were half way up the staircase, heading to Gryffindor tower to collect Harry’s trunk when a voice called out behind them.
‘Hey - Harry!’
It was Cedric, running up the stairs toward them. He caught up, his eyes moved to Remus and Sirius as if he didn’t want to say whatever it was in front of them. Remus tugged at Sirius’ elbow, pulling him aside.
‘We’ll wait for you up here, Harry,’ he said.
They continued up the stairs, but Harry arrived alongside them just moments later.
‘Alright?’
‘Yeah,’ Harry replied, ‘Yeah. Bit weird, he just told me I need to have a bath - with the golden egg.’