Remus steadies Harry with hands on his elbows, glancing over at Draco every other second.
“Professor Lupin.” Draco says, when Remus doesn’t speak first.
“Malfoy.” Remus says, nodding at Draco uncertainly. He releases Harry.
“He’s my boyfriend.” Harry finally manages, speaking through his teeth as another wave of nausea hits him. “I hate portkeys.”
“Boyfriend?”
“Romantic partner. Weasley mentioned you might be familiar with the concept?” Draco says, still just this side of curt.
“Which Weasley?”
“Ron.” Harry says. “He calls him Ron normally, he’s just pretending he’s still a berk.”
“Ron?” Remus says, looking between Harry and Draco. “Ron said what?”
Harry meets Draco’s eye.
“Uh… maybe he was wrong, then.”
“I doubt it.” Draco says, eyeing Remus. “Was he?”
“I don’t know what you’re referring to.” Remus says.
It’s quiet for another moment as Harry waits for Draco to ask, but Draco doesn’t.
“Ron said… well, he just guessed, it’s not like he was spying or anything. It’s just… when we were all in the house, you know-” Harry tries, waving his hands uselessly. “And it’s hard not to notice things- I- er, that is, he notices a lot-”
“Were you in a romantic relationship with my cousin?” Draco finally asks. Remus’ eyebrows lift high on his forehead.
“I- Yes, we- you mean Sirius?”
“Are you close with any of my other cousins?”
“I know Tonks. But she’s just an acquaintance.” Remus says, glancing at the house. “I received a most hostile response from our hosts. I think they’re eager to see what’s taking so long.”
Harry follows Remus’ gaze to see Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and Dudley all at the window, watching them.
“We should go.” Harry says, deciding to let Remus off the hook for now. “How long are you staying?”
“I’m Apparating back to the Order at dawn.” Remus says, running his hand over his face. “But I’ll be keeping guard out here. Mad-Eye is out front under his cloak.”
“Oh.” Harry says. “You could…”
But he doesn’t finish that sentence, because he’s certain Aunt Petunia wouldn’t appreciate another uninvited guest when she doesn’t even want Harry there to begin with.
“I’ve brought dinner from Molly.” Remus says, with an understanding smile. “We’ll be alright, thanks Harry. Get inside before one of them comes out.”
“Right.” Harry mutters. “Good to see you, Remus.”
“You too, Harry. See you around.”
Mustering up all his will power, Harry marches to the back door. He’s entirely unsurprised to find it locked.
“Alohomora.” Draco mutters, tapping the handle with his wand. It clicks, and the door swings open.
All three Dursleys are in the kitchen, goggle-eyed and in various states of irk.
“Great to be back.” Harry mutters, making for the hall, hoping to make it upstairs before anyone starts yelling. For the third summer in a row, Harry’s back after just witnessing someone’s death the previous term, though at least this year, it’s less fresh in his mind.
