A Taste of Magic

Chapter 51: 51st Course - You are Cordially Invited

"Is something wrong with the list Harry made?" Andromeda asked.

"Not wrong, really," Sirius said slowly, looking at the list. It was the day after and Harry had finalized his list and handed it to Sirius for his permission. He had no reason to deny anyone of course, but seeing the names on it gave him pause. "I know Harry's not like a spoiled kid who wants to invite people because he can and the family might be able to make it happen."

"Like when you asked for the Harpies to come to one of yours," Andromeda said, smiling.

Sirius grinned. "Yeah like that. But like I was saying, kind of surprised by some of these names. Like for example, the Flamels."

"The Flamels? As in THE Flamels?" Andromeda asked, eyes wide.

"Oh he does know them well actually," Remus said. "They have visited the school several times and I do believe they exchange correspondence. They are genuinely fond of him."

"Huh, I have to hear that story eventually," Sirius said. "He invited old man Abe and Ariana as well as the Headmaster."

"Makes sense," Andromeda said. "They have become close these last few weeks, Aberforth and Ariana rather."

"Yup. A fair chunk of his classmates of course. A Muggleborn, a general mix of others." Sirius' eyebrows rose. "And a few Purebloods."

"Oh?" Andromeda took the offered list and her own eyebrows rose. "Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bulstrode and Sunny Bulstrode? He is friends with the Parkinsons and the Bulstrodes?"

"He is, and close friends," Remus nodded.

"Huh, have to hear how that happened too," Sirius said. "Wait, Sunny, isn't that Bulstrode's kneazle?"

"Yes, and she is very fond of Harry too," Remus smiled.

"I'm fond of her too," Sirius grinned. "Helped me she did, same with Granger's kneazle Crookshanks."

"Who also has an invitation," Andromeda smiled. "That's darling."

"Those two helped me out a lot," Sirius said seriously. "They're welcome too."

"What are you thinking?" Andromeda asked. "Reluctant to invite the Parkinson and Bulstrodes?"

"No, not if they make Harry happy. Just the whole getting back into Society thing and who knows if they'll let them come. I never was the paragon of Purebloodedness after all. And with all the hoopla of me coming back and the Blacks coming back," Sirius mused.

"Well, perhaps we should extend invitations to parents to accompany their children," Andromeda suggested. "Let you interact with them and make some new acquaintances, allay their fears, and provide a more open environment for all. Ted and I will assist of course."

"I like that, great idea," Sirius said gratefully. "My mind healer has been wanting me to slowly be more social and not dwell. As good as a way as any really." His smile grew. "Gosh, I'm getting excited too."

"Then let's finish up the floor and then we can make proper preparations," Remus grinned, also growing enthusiastic.

"Yeah! Then I'll knock up a formal invitation letter and then send them all out later." Sirius blanched a little when he noticed Hedwig perched on a lantern holder and looking at him intently. "And ask Hedwig to deliver the letters."