The Space Boy and The Red Head

5 - Haggis, Neeps and Tatties

Sunday - 31st December 1995

It was New Year's Eve in Grimmauld Place and Molly Weasley had done a wonderful job tidying the place up for the evening's festivities. Everyone that was currently staying at the residence had agreed that as they had Scottish visitors with them, they would celebrate Hogmanay. The McLaggen's assured them it wouldn't be necessary as they didn't usually make a big fuss of it themselves but the others insisted.

Apollo hadn't come out of the room much since arriving there a few weeks ago. He briefly socialised on Christmas, but his nerves of others finding out his secret kept him up in his room. Mostly venturing down stairs at night to get something to eat or when causing secret mischief with the twins, trying not to be caught by either set of parents. His leg was still rather sore too but the bone had healed. It just meant that walking around was still quite difficult. Apollo hadn't even met Sirius yet despite living in his house. He'd heard all about how amazing he and Remus were from the twins. The boy could hardly believe his ex-Defence Against the Dark Arts professor had been part of the marauders. A creator of the incredible map that the twins, himself and of course Lee, had used to assist in so much of their own pranks. The twins had also briefed him on The Order. That didn't help his nerves either as a lot of them were Aurors or worked in the ministry, they'd definitely know how to spot a werewolf. He was certain they'd find out and tell his friends, put him on the registry and his life would be over.

Today would be his first time meeting a lot of the members of the secret group, at least the ones who had agreed to attend the evening. David had been teaching ceilidh dances to Arthur who had been fascinated by the muggle traditions of the festivities. Molly was preparing Haggis, Neeps and Tatties but had insisted on using a vegetarian recipe after seeing the ingredients but had agreed that a steak pie the following day would be acceptable.

The meal had been incredibly well received. It was warm, filling and delicious. The smell was rich and pleasant. The vegetarian haggis had gone down a storm too. Molly Weasley was lapping up the praise from the guests as she magically tidied up the table.

"Oh it was nothing really. No fuss" she had said but struggled to hide her big grin.

The twins, wanting to surprise Apollo, had created a new product. It was a sort of fireworks that was safe for indoor use, it used no spark but still had the familiar gunpowder smell. The fireworks could be charmed to explode into any image desired. They had the idea after seeing the fireworks at the Quidditch World Cup the year before.

Apollo had dressed in some slightly more presentable clothes for the evening. Still trying to cover as many of his scars as he could using the same combination of muggle and magic techniques he used at school. Only his family, Madame Pomfrey, and the twins had seen the scars on his face properly. His black hair was pulled back into a rough bundle on the back of his head, held secure with his wand. He descended the stairs tentatively, trying not to put too much pressure on his leg. The twins, mainly George, had been pestering him about what had happened. They were evidently greatly concerned for his health.

As he walked into the living room he noticed about 15 people there. He was the second last to arrive. He also noticed that the majority were red heads. The Weasley's were a big family and he knew that not all of them were going to be there.
He was ushered around by his parents, being introduced to everyone he hadn't met yet. He found the real Mad-Eye Moody to be quite intimidating and wondered if he could tell that he was a werewolf based on the harsh glare he was giving him. He was fond of Tonks though, she was funny and could change her face and hair. He felt underdressed when he met Kingsley Shacklebolt. The man was tall and dressed in wonderful robes, he had a graceful yet powerful aura that Apollo was in awe of. Bill Weasley however was super cool to Apollo, he always loved the Weasley family but Bill was awesome. He had long hair tied back in a ponytail, dragonhide boots and he had an earring. Plus he was super smart according to what the others told him.

Apollo had already met Hermione, Ron and Harry. The whole school knew those three. Through his many visits to the Burrow he also knew most of the Weasleys. Mr and Mrs Weasley were like a second family to him. The twins had made sure to introduce him to Ginny too when she started school. They wanted to keep an eye out for her incase any of the Slytherins gave her trouble. Percy and Charlie weren't there.

After saying hello to the Weasleys and golden trio he quickly went over to his brother and parents. Wishing him a Happy Hogmanay then going over to his old teacher.

"Hello Professor Lu-, oh, I mean i guess Mr Lupin, how are you?" Apollo greeted him.

"Ah Apollo, please just call me Remus, or Moony. And I am quite well thanks. A lovely party so far" he winked at him.

"Indeed." Apollo felt awkward at how formal he was trying to be.

"Relax boy, I'm not going to be handing out any detentions now am I? And I believe the twins have told you all about my adventures at Hogwarts" Remus said chuckling as the boy grew red in the face.

"They have Sir, sorry, I mean yes, they have Remus" he stuttered. As if he couldn't embarrass himself enough a house elf ran over to him, pushing people out of his way.

"Master Black, Master Black! You have returned! You have returned!" The elf cried, now hugging the boys sore leg. His trousers were covered in tears from the elf.

"Oh Kreacher let the poor boy go" said Arthur as he walked past to head to the kitchen to replenish the drink he had spilled when Kreacher had knocked into him. Everyone else in the room had stopped to observe the strange scene.

"You have come home at last master. Kreacher is most happy to see you. I didn't let them use your room Master. Filthy scum they are, but I kept it the way you like it" the elf said, scowling at the others.

Remus was shocked by the scene in front of him. Kreacher seemed to know this boy, he stared hard at him for a moment before the pieces fell into place in his mind. Apollo bore an extraordinarily striking resemblance to Sirius's younger brother, Regulus. Kreacher had mistaken Apollo for Regulus.

"I'm really sorry Sir, I don't think I am who you believe me to be" said Apollo now, snapping out of his confusion to crouch down to be level with the elf. He rubbed the house elf's back gently, trying to soothe his sobs. "Your master must have been very lucky to have a such a dedicated friend like yourself" he said.

"No, No. you are Master Black. You are my Master Black. I will show you your room then you'll remember!" Kreacher said grabbing Apollos hand. Then a loud popping noise filled the room as the two disappeared. At that moment Sirius walked in.

He glanced around the room, seeing everyone's confused faces then turned to Remus.
"Did I miss something? What the bloody hell happened?"

Remus just shook his head confused and passed Sirius the extra glass he was holding for him.

"I'm not sure Padfoot, I'm not sure"