MAGNOLIA ↠ S. BLACK

SIXTEEN

CW: MATURE CONTENT

The Potters as it turns out, were far more friendly and inviting than Magnolia's family. After about a dozen apologies to Sirius on the way there, the two had knocked at James' front door and brought his mother nearly to tears as she ushered them inside. Immediately, it was evident that Euphemia and Fleamont Potter adored Sirius as much as their own son.

Plates brimming with food were placed before them, even after stating they had already eaten. Euphemia insisted they shouldn't get up from the dinner table until their plates were clean.

"I'm sorry, again," sighed Magnolia as she forced down one last mouthful of mashed potatoes.

"Magnolia, if you apologize one more time I might turn you into a toad," mused Sirius.

"Harsh words, Snuffles," James teased as he walked by with a decadent trifle cake balancing carefully in his arms. "Trifle?"

"Potter, I can't possibly eat anymore," Magnolia countered with a smile, placing a hand to her bloated belly. "Thanks for having us."

"Anytime. Mum's always desperate for people to eat her food," James grinned, pushing some dark locks of hair from his face. "And I suppose you two don't make the worst company,"

"Thank you—seriously, mate," Sirius beamed, clapping his friend on the back as he stood up.

James led them into the parlor where his parents were seated each with a glass of wine and a smile. Euphemia was a beautiful older woman with bright green eyes and greying hair. Meanwhile, James was the spitting image of his father.

"You didn't invite Lily?" quipped Magnolia, elbowing James lightly as they sat down.

"She said she wasn't ready to meet the parents yet, but I'll take whatever I can get, Prewett."

Magnolia knew the two were meant to be, but she kept her thoughts to herself.

"Maybe by Easter," she suggested as he nodded enthusiastically.

"Anyone up for a round of Exploding Snap?" asked James, clapping his hands together as he jumped up and walked over to a bookshelf on the wall.

"Absolutely not, young man. You almost burned the house down last time! Besides, it's getting late," countered his mother.

At her comment, Magnolia couldn't help but stifle a yawn. "Tired dear?"

She was certainly sleepy, but merely smiled at the kind woman. It was nearly midnight.

"Sirius, I'm afraid you two will have to share your bedroom tonight. Fleamont's brother is in town, sound asleep in the guest room,"

"Uncle Potter is an odd bloke, I don't understand why he was invited—" grumbled James.

"That's fine, I can just sleep down here on the couch—" Sirius began before Magnolia's brow furrowed.

"We can share— it's no problem! Thank you so much for having us, Mr. and Mrs. Potter," gushed Magnolia, shooting her boyfriend a look.

His eyebrows raised in surprise but he said nothing as Euphemia allowed her lips to turn up into a smile while she got to her feet. Moments later she returned with a stack of blankets. "It's cold tonight,"

Magnolia muttered her thanks before taking the stack. Sirius led the way up the staircase to the room that he had been graciously living in.

It was simple, with a small bed in the corner, a Gryffindor banner on the wall, and the lingering scent of his cologne in the air. Their luggage sat neatly on the floor by the foot of the bed. Soft glowing light poured in through the window from a nearby lamppost.