A Sliver of Change | S. Black

Part 2: Chapter 5

Part 2:

Chapter 5 –

December 25th, 1972

Despite Lia's threats towards her boys, they still managed to sneak gifts for her under the tree. They had decided to open gifts the night before with all their friends present. Marlene and Alice unfortunately couldn't make it, Marlene was going to Paris with her parents and Alice was spending the time with family that she had not seen in a while.

So, the six children spent the evening together, laughing and making memories in the process.

Lily had gotten her a muggle snow globe that Lia had once said she liked. Peter and Remus got her loads of chocolate and sweets, even though Remus had already eaten half of them throughout the night. James had gotten his sister a signed photograph of him playing quidditch – he also gave Lily one – and a book that she had been wanting to read. Sirius, bless his soul, got the girl a blanket with his face all over it. The kids laughed at that and despite Lia's initial humour, she was secretly happy to receive the gift.

As the night wore on, Lily and Peter made their leave, wishing the rest a Merry Christmas. It left Lia and her three boys to take on the Christmas day, and as night approached, Lia couldn't be happier.

"Mellie darling, could you fetch us a fresh pot of tea please," Octavia asked the house-elf.

The two parents and four children were sitting in the drawing room. Remus was leaving soon due to the full moon approaching in three days. He tried to hide how ill he was feeling but Lia, James and Sirius knew what was going on.

"Of course, mistress," Mellie replied, jumping off her seat to head to the kitchen. Despite Lia's mothers' protests to Mellie working on Christmas day, the house-elf refused to take it off, stating that she would never talk to Octavia again if she continued to mention it.

Remus stood as well, walking over to Lia's parents.

"Thanking for having me, Mr and Mrs. Potter. I've had a great Christmas, but it's time for me to go home," Remus said.

Octavia wrapped the boy in hug. Despite the kids knowing that Octavia couldn't possibly know about Remus' condition, Lia had an inkling that her mother had figured it out.

After leaving Octavia's embrace, Remus shook Fleamont's hand.

"You are more than welcome here any time, son," Lia's father said.

Octavia pitched in, "and if you ever need anything, we are always here for you dear."

Remus smiled thankfully, and Lia could tell that the boy truly appreciated their words. Despite his parents being there to help him through his changes, Remus had told her that they were no longer very affectionate with him. Instead, a cold atmosphere remained in the Lupin household.

Walking over to him, Lia whispered in his ear as she gave him a tight hug, "Owl me the day after the full moon please. I need to make sure you're okay."

Remus' tired eyes glanced over her as he nodded his head. Giving her a quick squeeze, he moved to hug Sirius and James, the two boys telling the sandy haired one the same thing.

The Potter family, plus Sirius, watched as Remus threw some floo powder into the fireplace, walking in after he stated his destination. Lia sighed as she watched the boy leave, worry filling her. But before it had time to consume her thoughts, Mellie walked back in with a tray of tea and biscuits.

"Thank you, Mellie," Octavia said as she plucked the tray from the house-elves hands, "now can you please sit and enjoy the rest of the night."

With a huff, Mellie sat down, repeatedly thanking Octavia as she set a cup of tea in front of the elf. Lia, James and Sirius thanked the mother as well after she set tea and biscuits in front of them.