Remus Lupin²

Christmas break had arrived, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione had been invited to spend the holidays at Remus Lupin's home. They'd heard plenty about Remus's adopted child but had never met them.

After a long journey, the trio arrived at a cosy house filled with books, family photographs, and the smell of something baking.

Remus:"Come in, you three. You must be freezing."

Harry:"Thanks for inviting us, Remus."

Remus:"You're welcome, Harry."

Ron:"Does this mean we can raid your kitchen?"

Remus:"I had a feeling you'd ask that."

Hermione glanced curiously at the photographs lining the walls. Several showed Remus with Sirius, while others featured someone she assumed was his child.

Hermione:"Are these your family pictures?"

Remus:"Most of them. Sirius took far too many during our last holiday."

Ron:"Can anyone actually take too many pictures?"

Remus:"Ask Sirius. He'll give you a two-hour lecture explaining why the answer is no."

Harry chuckled, setting his bag beside the sofa. The house felt warm and welcoming, nothing like the places he'd spent previous holidays. For once, he didn't feel like an unwanted guest.

Harry:"Your child is here for Christmas too, right?"

Remus:"Of course. They're upstairs at the moment. They'll probably come down soon."

Ron:"Do they know we're coming?"

Remus:"Yes. I've mentioned it a few times."

Hermione:"A few?"

Remus:"Perhaps more than a few."

Remus smiled and took their coats before heading towards the kitchen. Harry glanced around the living room, wondering what his host's child would be like. Hearing stories about someone wasn't quite the same as meeting them.

They had barely settled when a faint sound came from upstairs, followed by footsteps crossing the floor above them.

Remus paused and glanced towards the ceiling.

Remus:"Ah. I think someone's noticed we have guests."