Christmas '78
December 1978
There was a new sense of panic and wariness that seemed to follow Hermione around these days. At home, at work, even out with friends – even more so on Order watches, like she half expected the Deatheaters to jump out of nowhere and cause more chaos. It lingered in her dreams and made her feel like she was constantly checking over her shoulder for something.
She knew it wasn’t just her.
Diagon Alley, once bustling and lively with activity seemed empty these days, even as Christmas grew closer. Many people seemed to do their shopping as fast as they could and get out there just as quickly, eyes flickering over everything and wands not far from their hands.
Hermione couldn’t blame them, the papers had reported on the attack and the couple of others that followed in gruesome details, leaving out only the Order and names.
“Merlin, it’s dead.” Marlene groaned from beside her, holding bags full of presents as she looked around. “Why did you even want to go shopping here?” She turned icy eyes to look at Lily, who was watching everything with narrowed eyes.
The past few weeks had shaken her up but also strengthened her in a way, letting everyone know Lily Evans was not going to hole herself up in her house but continue living her life and being more prepared to face off against someone who might want her dead. James had been a mess about it all, wanting nothing more than to wrap his fiancee in a bubble charm and make her stay home.
But he had enough sense to know Lily could take care of herself and she was a free woman. And to complain to Hermione in private, and make sure none of them were ever alone.
“Someone said this shop has nice dresses.” Lily explained as she gestured to the shop.
“But like Wizard ones, I thought you wanted a Muggle one?” Marlene asked with a small frown as they stood outside the shop, her eyes on the mannikins and the dresses they wore which looked a bit more like formal white robes.
“I do, I just wanted to look – I mean I have a few weeks until -”
“I thought you were supposed to be engaged a year before getting married?” Marlene asked, cutting Lily off and ignoring her friend as she rolled her eyes.
“You’re also supposed to wait to move in together until after you get married.” Hermione joked as Marlene cackled and Lily looked at her unimpressed.
“Oh look at you living in sin – does this mean you can’t wear white?” Marlene whispered, a wide grin on her face and her icy eyes twinkling.
“Traditionally.” Lily replied deadpanned. “I don’t to be waiting around to get married though, not with the state of things – I want to call James my husband and begin our lives together sooner rather than later.” She said as she moved towards the door, pushing it open and stepping inside as Hermione and Marlene followed after her.
“Wow – and this is coming from the girl who once said she wanted to push James off the Astronomy Tower.” Marlene teased as the door shut behind them, the warmth of the shop settling over them. “So why wait until February?”
“My parents weren’t happy about me moving out or getting engaged so soon, so they said after my nineteenth I could get married with their support, if not to make sure it’s not a shotgun wedding.” Lily explained as she rolled her eyes. “Otherwise I would have been married during Christmas – can you imagine how magical that would have been?” Emerald eyes looked at something far away.
Hermione raised an eyebrow, letting out a small laugh. “Seems a bit unfair to make a family holiday about you and James – especially when you already know how he gets when he doesn’t have the spotlight.”
Footsteps sounded as an elderly woman came from the back to stand before them and offer a wary grin. “Can I help you ladies with anything?”
“Oh no, thank you, we’re just looking for the moment.” Lily explained politely as the woman’s smile dropped slightly.
“Well, if you need anything I’ll be in the back.” And with that she turned and walked away, leaving the three girls to watch her go, mumbling under her breath probably about them.
“Will do...and don’t even get me started on that.” Lily said, turning to look at Hermione. “I thought it was supposed to be the women who were crazy about their weddings but James is like a Groomzilla with extravagant taste and temper tantrums.” She added with a slight huff of a laugh as she looked at one dress.
“Well, he has been planning this wedding since he was twelve.”
Lily blushed as Hermione smirked and Marlene chuckled. “Still – that doesn’t mean we need a flock of doves to fly over us as we have our ‘first kiss’ or that I want Sirius to sing for our first dance.” Lily ranted, letting go of the dress to look at another one.
“He does have a lovely voice.” Marlene said with a nod as she pulled out a dress and put it back with a wince.
“He does but that’s not the point.” Lily relented before she fired up again, shaking her head. “And don’t even get me started on flowers and decoration or the colours he wanted!” She sighed out, rubbing a hand over her face.
“Did he want it Gryffindor themed?” Hermione asked with a chuckle as Lily led the way to the bridesmaid robes and dresses.
“Which is lovely, and don’t get me wrong it will compliment the both of you, but when he starts adding bringing an actual lion as a ring bearer, well that’s when I have to draw the line.” Lily scoffed out but there was a smile on her face that said she was a bite more amused than she was letting on.
Marlene smirked, raising an eyebrow and shaking her golden locks. “You know, I can fulfil that wish for you.”
“As entertaining as I’m sure that would be, I’m sure my parents would freak out if a lioness walked down the aisle and changed into you halfway through.” Lily said before she snorted. “Though if Petunia pisses me off halfway through then feel free to give her a little fright.”
“She’s coming?” Marlene and Hermione asked together.
It was well known that Petunia and Lily didn’t get along and had barely spoke since Lily graduated. James had met Petunia and Vernon, had thoroughly disliked them both. Had a few choice things to say whenever he came back from seeing them much to the amusement of the rest of his friends.
Hermione thought Petunia was jealous. It was no secret the woman had been fuming that Lily had graduated Hogwarts with nearly all O’s, and had gotten herself a job, an expensive engagement ring and a house within a few months at the age of eighteen, and would soon have access to an ancient and sprawling family vault filled with enough money to last the next few generations of Potter.
Not to mention that James was handsome and loved Lily with everything he had.
Hermione was jealous sometimes, not of the money, she had enough of that, but the love and their relationship. How it had bloomed and formed into something beautiful.
“Mum made me invite her and is making her come – thankfully I wasn’t forced to make her a bridesmaid because trying to find a dress that would suite her and you both – well that would be impossible.” Lily scoffed out as she picked up a dress and gave an approving nod, folding it over her arm.
“I love it when your mean.” Marlene sighed out with a happy grin.
...
Friday the 22nd of December 1978
“Holy shit!” Hermione shouted, gripping the edge of the doorway into the kitchen, a hand on her chest and a stuttering breath leaving her mouth as she tried to calm down her racing heart.
Regulus Black stood in her kitchen, sans shirt, and staring back at her with wide eyes as he held a mug of tea in his hands before blinking at her like some kind of owl and then frowning, like it was her fault she had walked into her kitchen and found him there at two in the morning.
“What the fuck are you doing?” She snapped out as she stepped further into the kitchen, grabbing a mug from the cupboard and glaring at him as he watched.
“What does it look like? I’m making a tea.” He answered as he took the mug from her and plopped a tea bag into it before pouring hot water from the kettle onto it. Like it was normal for him to be half naked and here.
“I mean in my kitchen.”
“Again, I’m making a tea.”
“Don’t you have your own home with suspicious parents to go back to?” Hermione grumbled out as she grabbed the milk from the fridge and placed it on the counter while he hummed.
“Sure, not as fun as being here though.” He joked as he poured the milk into the mugs and offered her a small smile that made him look too much like his brother.
“Yeah, well keep that fun away from my kitchen.” Hermione grumbled.
“You’re very fixed on the kitchen part.”
“More on the fact that you’re wandering round half naked – couldn’t you put on a shirt before coming out here?” She asked, gesturing to him and then looking away. He was lean, on the more unhealthy side, the faint outline of his ribs easy to see even in the dim light. It was worrying.
“I didn’t think I would have company at two in the morning.” He muttered back, running a hand through his black hair.
“Yeah, neither did I.” She had thought she would come and get a tea, maybe read and try to make herself tired enough to go to sleep deeply without nightmares.
Nightmares had plagued her whole life, and it was the only way these days to seeming escape to the past or the future, whatever it was, but none of it seemed to stick for more than a few minutes and only left her with feelings of unease for the rest of the day. Or the nightmares were of the attack at Diagon Alley or last month, glassy eyes staring back at her and panic taking over.
She had woken up more times than she could count covered in sweat and breathing heavily, the only saving grace is there was no blood under her nose and the faint scar on her arm was distant and barely there.
“I missed her, and I was worried – it’s not like meeting at Hogsmeade is as romantic or the time for talking.” Regulus’ voice cut off her thoughts as she looked at him while he looked towards Marlene’s door where she was probably sleeping slightly.
Hermione huffed out a laugh as she brought the mug to her lips and blew the steam away. “I can imagine.” Regulus raised an eyebrow at her. “Doesn’t mean you can show up at my house whenever you want.” She added with a slight sneer.
“Look, I know things have been a bit tense since the attack -”
“An attack you were a part of.” She cut in bitterly, sending him a glare. And not once did she think she would be having a tea with Deatheater.
“You know better than anyone, Hermione, that it’s not always so black and white.” Regulus sighed out, looking so much older than the eighteen years he actually had. “I do what I need to do to stay alive.” She flinched and put down her mug.
“Even if it means killing other people.”
“I didn’t kill anyone.” His bright blue eyes were earnest as they looked at her, wide and almost childlike but so wise and knowing.
She believed him. Believed that he wasn’t cruel and he had found a way to get around being an actual murderer but that didn’t mean he hadn’t been there, that if push came to shove then he would do what he had to do just like he had said.
Yet, she couldn’t hold that against him, because she would do the same too. She had injured Bellatrix before she could attack Lily – she would have shoved someone else in the way before anyone she cared about could be hurt, consequences be damned.
Her jaw clenched as she looked away from him. “Right.”
“It messed her up...the attack – I messed her up and maybe if I was a stronger man I would have ended things and let her go on her way but I’m not.” Regulus admitted softly into the night, his hand clenching the mug tightly. “I need her and I hate that I do, but I do.” His eyes seemed to glisten as he looked back at her.
“What if it gets her or you killed?”
Regulus was silent, now looking down at the tea in his mug as though it would give him the answers to everything. Hermione had never been one for divination so she doubted it would say anything other than a few grains of tea that settled at the bottom.
She also knew that Regulus must have thought about that a million times over. He loved Marlene, that much was clear but maybe it was more than that. Marlene seemed to be the hope he could cling to and hold onto when he couldn’t with anyone else – even his own brother. It had been Marlene that he came back to and who welcomed him with open arms.
It was Marlene who defended him and loved him. It was Marlene who cried late at night in worry for him, who risked her life to make sure she could see him – and Regulus who did the same by coming here.
Hermione sighed as she put down her mug and turned to look at him. “We could keep talking about it until we’re blue in the face, nothing I say would change anything for either of you...so I guess all I can say is don’t take any stupid risks.”
“I’m not -”
“You’re welcome here, I won’t say anything, but you have to be careful.” Hermione spoke softly as he blinked at her again. “I won’t let you put Marlene at risk, and the moment I think you are then things will change.” It was a threat and one that had Regulus glaring.
“I won’t put her at risk.” He snarled back.
“The same goes for you.” She added, ignoring him as his mouth dropped open. “If Marlene puts you at risk, if you put yourself at risk then things will change.” He stared at her like he had no idea who she was and she couldn’t blame him.
It was rare that she showed concern for him above her friends and family, but he was family in some way and in other ways he was something of a friend. That friend you weren’t sure you really liked and questioned but a friend nonetheless, and Hermione was nothing if she didn’t look out for her friends.
“I won’t.” He whispered back at her, still seeming shocked.
Hermione nodded her head and grabbed her mug, taking a sip of her tea. There was nothing more that needed to be said, or if there was then it was for another time when Regulus didn’t looked so out of place.
She downed the rest of her tea and moved around him to put her mug in the sink before heading to the door. “Though, next time, put on a shirt – I don’t need to see that.” She waved at his chest as he spluttered and blushed slightly while she chuckled and headed back to her room.
Her bed felt warmer when she climbed into it, the sheets wrapping around her like a warm hug and pulling her into a deep sleep.
…
Sunday 24th of December 1978
Snow settled on the ground outside Potter Manor, landing on her eyelashes as she blinked and tried to ignore her stroppy friend stomping beside her.
“I just thought we could have celebrated together!”
“What? With his parents?” Hermione asked with a small laugh as she pushed open the gate and stepped into the front garden, the feeling of the wards wrapping around her as she did so. “That would go down well ‘Hi Walburga and Orion, so lovely to meet you – I’ve been secretly seeing your son for a while, I’m an Auror and a member of the Order, and your son isn’t so devoted to the Dark Lord’s cause as you think he is.’” She mimicked Marlene’s nonchalant voice and flicked her hair over her shoulder.
“I meant with him at our flat.”
“Marlene, my parents would kill you if you didn’t show up and Regulus’ parents would kill him.” Hermione said as she walked up the path, rolling her eyes. “Plus, I think it’s good for you to finally be out of your bedroom and him to be clothed – I’m tired of seeing the both you in various states of undress.”
“Don’t be jealous just because I’m getting some action with a beautiful man while you’re stuck with your hand.” Marlene snapped back as she adjusted the bag on her shoulder and sent Hermione something that was between a smirk and a glare.
Hermione gaped as Marlene patted her blushing cheek, moving towards the door and swinging it open as Hermione stumbled behind, pouting slightly.
“I could get -” Her words were cut off as something crashed from one of the rooms and sounds of running feet were heard.
Sirius, James and Remus came running into the hallway, throwing things around and chasing each other with the decorations they were supposed to decorating with. They looked young and carefree and it was pleasing to see.
None of them noticed the girls as they ran into the kitchen, still laughing and joking around while something else crashed.
“ARGH!” Lily’s voice shouted as Marlene and Hermione ran behind them to see Lily stood looking over a broken bowl with something burnt on the floor.
“Boys! No running in the kitchen! Go play outside!” Euphemia shouted with a sigh as the boys grimaced before she moved to Lily’s side. “Oh...don’t worry dear, we can fix the dish and we have lots of food.” She tried to comfort but Hermione could see that her mother wasn’t too upset about not having to serve whatever Lily had been making.
Lily pouted, moving to his fiancee’s side and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “Sorry – but er...I can help you make it again if you want – whatever it was.”
“What do you mean whatever it was?” Lily asked, turning to face James so she could glare at him. “It was obviously Yorkshire Pudding.”
“It was?” James asked before his eyes went wide as Lily clenched her jaw. “It was! Of course it was! Well, I’m not a fan of Yorkshire Pudding anyway, far too heavy – right guys?” He turned to look at Sirius and Remus who were both grimacing.
“Nope. Hate it.” Sirius said, clasping his hands and looking down at the floor before he looked to Remus who was pouting slightly.
“Yeah, of course I hate my girlfriend’s county dish.” He said, looking at the floor like he couldn’t decide whether to be sad about what it meant or happy he didn’t have to eat the burnt dish.
“You’re all idiots – I can make it again.” Lily said but she seemed happier.
“Oh, how about I make it dear and you go relax.” Euphemia said before she looked up to see Hermione and Marlene stood watching the whole thing. “Yes, see the girls are here and I’m sure you all have so much to talk about.” She added, patting Lily’s shoulder before coming over to kiss Hermione’s cheek and give Marlene a side hug. “I love her but please get her out of here.”
Hermione chuckled and nodded her head. “Come on Lil’, Marlene’s been complaining all morning and I need someone else to tell her how stupid she’s being.”
“I’m not being stupid.” Marlene snapped, rolling her eyes and walking out of the kitchen as Hermione followed with Lily trailing behind them both.
...
Many families have traditions on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The Potter’s had many too, and ones that had changed over the years. The ball was a no go this year with the war, and Hermione couldn’t say that she missed it, the last two years without it had been tense but a relief from not having to follow traditional ways or having to dress up in some expensive dress while dancing with multiple people who were eager to ask for her hand or pimp out someone they knew.
Hence, she was fine with sitting with her friends late in the evening, her parents in bed, the rest of them drinking and eating snacks. The only thing that felt wrong is Andromeda, Ted and Nymphadora not being here, but they hadn’t been here for years – it was like they were some childhood imaginary friend that faded with time.
She could only hope that one day she would see them again.
A sigh left her mouth as something hit her forehead, a piece of popcorn landing in her lap as she looked up to glare at James as he spoke. “It’s rude to daydream when people are talking.”
“Talk about something interesting then.” Hermione grumbled back as she threw the piece of popcorn back at him, frowning when he caught it in his mouth with a grin. “Show off.”
“Fine, how about we go over the wedding again?”
“That would imply that you’ve actually planned the wedding instead of changing things every five seconds.”
“We have decided on things!”
“The dresses and whatever you lot are wearing doesn’t count.” Hermione said as she gestured to the boys. “Neither does the food you’re going to serve.” She added as his mouth snapped closed and he glared at her, she smiled back at him, reaching for the bowl of popcorn and threw one in her mouth.
“So, did you hear -” Sirius began to say only for Lily to cough and shake her head.
“No war stuff or work stuff – it’s Christmas, we’re supposed to be happy and not depressed over what is happening outside.” She commanded, holding up her hands and narrowing her eyes.
“Then what do you want to talk about? It’s not like we have a shit ton of good stuff going on in our lives right now.” Sirius complained, rolling his eyes and running his fingers through his hair as he sighed.
“Speak for yourself, we’re getting married.” James commented as he pointed to him and Lily who nodded in agreement.
“In a few weeks.” Sirius retaliated.
Remus smirked, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning forward in a way that let everyone know he was going to say something that would annoy Sirius. “Me and Edith are still going strong.”
“Me and Regulus spent the first part of the holidays getting reacquainted with each other.” Marlene added as Sirius glared between her and Remus while James and Lily chuckled and Hermione smirked as she sipped her drink.
“That’s too much information.” Sirius cringed as he said it, shaking his head.
“Works going well for me and it helps keep me away from the couple in my flat who know no boundaries.” Hermione held up her cup, everyone but Sirius and Marlene cheering with her, ignoring the two as they glared.
“I said I was sorry!”
“No you didn’t.” Hermione retorted to Marlene before knocking back the rest of her drink.
The conversation drifted onto lighter subjects from there, pranks pulled at Hogwarts, time spent together until all of them were tipsy and giggling together like they did when they were younger. If she closed her eyes she could pretend they were in the boys dorms, sixteen again before things got complicated and they were able to enjoy each others company without any tension.
Hermione hadn’t laughed so hard in what felt like a long time, she chuckled now and then – said jokes and had a general good time when she could, but her life had been consumed with being an adult in a war that people were dying over. It felt good to be this light again.
…
Tuesday the 26th of December 1978
“Merlin, you would think we spent far too much time together.” Hermione sighed out as she fell back on James’ and Lily’s sofa with a huff.
“We do.” Remus replied as he sat beside her, a bowl of food in his hand, that he was eating from with more vigor than necessary.
“Do you ever stop eating?”
“Not when it comes to your mum’s and Poppy’s cooking.” Remus said around a mouthful of whatever it was that he was eating. “That and I didn’t really eat much last night.” He added, swallowing and letting out a sigh.
“The whole reason mum made dinner so early was because you were supposed to be eating with Edith and her family.” Hermione said, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you couldn’t handle two Christmas dinners in one day?” She gasped out.
Remus shifted, looking uncomfortable before he leaned closer to her. “Alright – don’t say anything but...but Edith is a shit cook.”
“What?” Hermione asked before she started laughing as Remus shifted again, looking guilty. “Remus…please don’t tell me you told her that.”
“I didn’t – I’m not Prongs.” He pouted slightly. “I gave it to her dog, thing clearly has no taste if he’s more than happy to eat her food from a werewolf’s hand under the table.” He add, with a slight hint of amusement as Hermione chuckled.
“I didn’t know she had a dog.”
“Yeah, stupid one too.” He had the same smile on his face, the fond little one that was reserved for things he liked but didn’t want to admit for whatever reason. “Ugly little thing, looks like one of those Medieval drawings of a dog.”
“That’s mean.” Hermione clicked her tongue and shook her head though she smiled. She had always had a soft spot for the ‘ugly’ animals, Crookshanks was no exception with his squished face and constantly annoyed eyes but he was cute in a way and he was her baby.
“I’m going to tell Edith you hate her food and her dog when she gets here.” Hermione sighed out as she stretched out her legs.
“I don’t hate her dog – he may not be a looker but he’s sweet.” Remus relented, the same fond smile on his face as he rolled his eyes.
“Aw, look at you getting all soft.” Hermione said as she poked his shoulder.
“Shut up.”
“What are the pair of you doing?” Lily cried as she entered the living room looking at the pair of them, hands on her hips as she reached for Remus’ bowl and ignored his cry. “We have guests coming soon, so the pair of you need to get up and help out.” She commanded in a tone all too similar to that of Mrs Potter.
“Lil’, you have exactly two guests coming and one of them is his girlfriend who has been here before.” Hermione remarked as she jabbed a thumb at Remus who was looking longingly at the bowl in Lily’s hand. “Your house is spotless on account of James and you don’t even have to cook – so just sit down and chill out.” It was the wrong thing to say as Lily’s eyes narrowed.
“I can’t chill out!” She hissed, pacing slightly. “I mean, he’s coming here...I said he could come here and now I’m freaking out because we all know what he is and I invited him into my home.” Her voice took on a hint of panic.
“I can go tell him not to come if you want, he’ll understand.” Hermione said softer as Remus pursed his lips beside her.
Lily seemed to consider it for a moment, teeth digging into her bottom lip and eyes flickering towards the door before she breathed out a sigh. “No, no – just...just make sure the wards are secure.” She muttered softly.
Hermione nodded her head. “Already done, they’re fine.”
“Well then, let’s...let’s just make sure he feels welcome…” Lily breathed out before she looked at Remus. “Are you sure Edith will be ok with this?” She asked, shifting on her spot.
“She’ll be fine.” Remus answered with a wave of his hand as Lily nodded her head and moved back to the kitchen, leaving Hermione and Remus watching after her before they turned to look at each other, the same apprehension on their faces.
…
Christmas music played softly in the background, a table in the living room set up with drinks and leftovers. It was chill, the friends and Edith speaking and relaxing on the floor of the living room when a knock on the door sounded and the room seemed to freeze, all of their heads turning towards the sound.
“Aren’t one of you going to get that?” Edith asked as she looked at them with narrowed eyes.
James nodded, sending a look to Lily who seemed to find the carpet under her more interesting, trailing her hands over it while Sirius sighed, and Remus shifted. Only Hermione remained easy, leaning back against the sofa and watching as James shifted.
“Oh for the love of Merlin – I’ll get it.” Sirius said as he stood up, moving towards the door.
“Make sure to ask them both a question!” James shouted after him but seemed happier to let Sirius go and let his guests in.
“Yeah I know.” Sirius called back as the rest of the room went silent, listening as Sirius opened the door just as much as the chain would allow so he could ask them something. “Marlene, if that is you...bit late, aren’t you?”
“Shut up and just ask the question, it’s fucking freezing out here.” Marlene’s voice came through the door, irritated by the sounds of it and already done with Sirius.
“Well, which one would you like me to do?” Sirius teased before sighing, Hermione could almost picture the glare he was getting. “You slept with a mutual friend of ours during Hogwarts – tell me, Miss McKinnon, how I found out about you and said mutual friend doing the devil’s tango?” James groaned from where he sat and Lily glared at the door.
“You’re an arsehole.” Marlene snapped back.
“You want entry then answer.”
“Because you caught us in the act, screamed like a little girl then made a stupid comment.” Marlene hissed out, there was a chuckle from outside.
“You lack details but it will do – now for you…” Sirius’ teasing tone dropped slightly, his voice wasn’t harsh but there was an air of uncertainty there, even more so when he looked back at Lily who was still glaring at him.
“Sirius, I already asked him a question earlier…”
“Good for you, but now I’m asking him one.” Sirius snapped back. “When we were kids, what did you steal from Walburga and then blame on me?” There was an edge to his voice and something else there too that made Hermione frown.
“Some brooch of hers, it was shiny and large and I wanted it but I didn’t want her to know I had it so I told you did, and you were punished and I felt guilty so I put it back in her room and it made no difference.” His voice flooded through the door and made the rest of them freeze as Edith frowned in confusion.
“Alright, we don’t need the whole story – just get in here.” Sirius said, seemingly happy enough with the answer as he undid the chain and opened the door fully.
Everyone in the living room waited as Sirius came in, Marlene behind him and then Regulus – he looked just as unsure as the rest of them and much more Muggle than normal. His bright blue eyes scanned the room before stopping on Lily and James as he took a cautious step forward.
“Erm...hi.” He muttered weakly as Lily watched him and James tilted his head. “Thank you for inviting me – I...er...I brought you a gift.” His voice was slightly tight as he revealed a bottle of Elf wine from behind his back and held it out.
Lily watched him for a second longer before she smiled softly and stood up, taking the gift from him as everyone seemed to hold their breaths. “Thank you, that’s kind of you.” She said just as softly as she looked it over.
Regulus smiled, his mouth opening and closing but someone else beat him to the punch. “Does someone want to explain to me why Regulus Black, known deatheater is in your house and giving out gifts?”
In Edith’s defence she didn’t sound angry but just confused as everyone looked at her and shifted. They knew there would be questions, everyone who knew Marlene as a friend, so the five people who had been her friends for years had known of her relationship. But Edith didn’t, it had been kept from her for a reason and now it was revealed.
It was like pulling a blind off someone and throwing them into the deep end of the pool, except maybe worse as Regulus winced and Marlene glared at Edith like she had said something horrible.
“Wait…” Edith said, and Hermione could almost see the lightbulb going off over her head. “Me and Hermione caught you in a broom closet with someone – you were that someone!” Edith cried before pointing at Marlene. “Never figured you the sort to sleep with a deatheater.”
“He’s not a deatheater.” Marlene snapped as Regulus cringed and looked ready to head out the way he came. Probably wasn’t what he pictured when he was invited for an evening at the Potter’s – probably expected it to be like the time under the Whomping Willow all those years ago.
“He is.” Sirius said around some food he was chewing, ignoring Lily as she hit his leg. “He’s just one of the better ones?” He added with a shrug as Edith scoffed.
“That exists?” She asked, stormy blue eyes moving back to Regulus as she looked him over before she turned back to the group. “If this lot think you’re alright to be here then fine, doesn’t mean I trust you though, Black.” She said, looking back at him as he narrowed his eyes.
“Right back at you, Gilbert.” He said as Marlene pulled him to sit down.