When the Roses Bloom Again by TheBlack'sResurgence

Chapter 32

A Christmas to Remember (Part Two)

It had been a relief to see Harry at the church in Godric's Hollow on Christmas Day. Charlus had seen little of the man in the weeks since their last dinner plans at his home had been cut short when duty had called, and those encounters had been brief.

Ever the worker, that was Harry Evans.

It was hard for Charlus to separate the boy who had joined them in their sixth year, the Hit-Wizard he had become, and the kind, caring man that rolled up his sleeves to feed, and help those that needed it most during the festive period.

It was not as though he was obligated to, but Charlus, and the rest of the Potters appreciated it.

Still, even though Charlus knew him well, he wouldn't pretend to understand his friend, nor his motivation for doing what he did.

He need not spend much of his life traipsing across the globe and entangle himself with the most dangerous elements of wizarding society, not when it was abundantly clear that he was accumulating quite the portfolio for himself.

No, Charlus couldn't understand him.

Often, he wanted to grab Harry by the shoulders and give him quite the vigorous shake to see if he could be snapped out of it, but he knew it wouldn't work.

He was more stubborn than even the Lady Potter.

The thought brought a smirk to Charlus's lips.

His mother was a stubborn woman and had voiced her feelings on what Harry had chosen to do.

Oddly, he took it all in his stride, dismissing Angelica Potter's concerns with a laugh.

He'd even gone as far to torment the poor woman by saying he'd put in a good word to have Charlus recruited.

That joke had not gone down well, and were it any other than Harry who had made it, they would have been hexed.

Charlus chuckled at the memory of his mother chasing Harry around the church with a wooden spoon.

"Coward," he muttered amusedly.

Evans may well be comfortable having people trying to kill him, but he still had no idea how to handle a woman.

"And what is it that has tickled you, Potter?"

Charlus felt his mouth go suddenly dry at the sight of Dorea Black.

He had come to Flourish and Blotts to browse for any transfiguration books that took his fancy for his ongoing studies.

He certainly hadn't expected to run into her of all people.

"Just something I saw yesterday," he replied, composing himself as best he could. "And what brings you here today?"

"Well, I was looking to buy some books on necromancy, but it seems they are all out," Dorea sighed, her eyes twinkling in humour as Charlus recoiled. "You don't really think I practice that do you? Is my family reputation so depraved?"