Regency in Diagon Alley [Theodore Nott | Harry Potter AU]

Chapter Twenty-Six

Walking through the streets of Clach Dhubh, Carina watched her family a few paces ahead of them as she remained beside Remus Lupin. A stranger and who happens to be her godfather. It wasn't because her uncle told her to get to know her godfather, rather she simply wanted to learn who the man was, especially when they claimed that he was very close friends with her mother and father.

Maisie and Diana approached the shop ran by a local Healer, the two looking through the witch's vialed potions and dried herbs. At their side were their mothers, both skilled in Herbology and Potion making, and found the products that the witch sold interesting. Charity even engaged in conversation and tested some of the herbs presented to her. Carina wouldn't be surprised if her aunt and godmother leaves the shop with purchases of their own.

Waiting outside the shop were Tom and James who looked out for Ethan and Elias as the twins played with Oberon and Alcander. Harry was simply looking at a shop that sold jewelry and was interested in the emerald necklace in display.

"I was not able to thank you earlier," Carina began. "For Oberon."

"Oberon? Oh, you mean, the dog," Remus said. "Yes... uh, you're welcome, my Lady."

"Please, you're my godfather, you don't have to call me as such."

"Old habits, I guess. I'll try to remember."

"How come I never got to see you or meet you before?" They went past shops that sold more trinkets, and when they came to a shop owned by a faery, Remus stopped and looked through the potions being sold. He was looking at ever vial there, checking the labels and the content.

"I... I did not think it was the right time to do so," Remus said. "Actually, I thought it was for the best that we did not meet."

"Why is that?"

Remus sighed in disappointment when he did not find the thing he was looking for. "I have a very complicated living situation."

"I don't see how that should be a problem," Carina caught up to him as he went to a shop ran by a woman selling sweets. She noticed how his eyes brightened at the sight of the beautifully packed chocolates, it made her smile to see a man in his mid-thirties finding pleasure in the sweets.

Remus took two packages and paid the woman. He handed one to Carina. "I... it's complicated, really." He led her back to where her uncles were, away from listening ears. "I have a condition, you see... I was cursed when I was little. And because of that curse, I've been – let's just say that I've had trouble finding jobs or keeping them, so I've been living a life as a nomad." He opened his package and started eating the chocolate inside, savoring the flavor that burst in his mouth. "This is really good."

"Will you be staying with us at Nott Manor?"

"No, no," he chuckled. "Some other night, maybe – if his Grace allows it – but not tonight." He took a breath. "Tonight, I have to seek for sanctuary because..."

"Because you're a werewolf."

Remus halted, his head looking around as if wondering if anyone heard or if someone was coming out with weapons and wands to drive him away. There was none. Seeing the man's panic, Carina took his hand, catching his attention, and then nodded at the direction of the shop keeper they purchased the chocolate from, "See her?" she started. "Theodore told me that she is a werewolf. She came to Clach Dhubh from a Muggle village, said to be one of the victims of Fenris Grayback. Her whole family was bitten, but she was the only one who survived the transformation. She came here after finding a group of werewolves seeking sanctuary. Then with the help of the community, she was able to build a life.

"She sells chocolates in the belief that it helps tame the beast inside, considering dogs don't eat them. Also, because she has a sweet tooth." Carina explained. "No one is going to drive you out of here, Remus. Theodore and his predecessor built this place to be a sanctuary for all magical beings, to mend the divide between them and the witches and wizards."