Memories of the Heart || Harry Potter x Reader

Y5 ~ Umbridge

The kitchen of Grimmauld Place buzzed with forced cheerfulness that morning, but a palpable tension lay just beneath the surface. The aroma of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee filled the room, mingling with the soft chatter of those gathered at the long wooden table. Sunlight streamed through the worn curtains, casting a warm glow over the mismatched plates and utensils set before them.

Harry and Y/N entered the room together, their footsteps hesitant. "Morning," they said in unison, their voices subdued.

A chorus of "Good morning" followed, though it was less enthusiastic than usual. Only Sirius seemed unbothered by the tension.

"Ah, Mini-Lily and Mini-James have arrived," Sirius quipped with a grin, winking at them from his spot at the head of the table. His casual humor was a thin veneer over his own nerves, but he wouldn't let it show.

Y/N managed a small smile at the nickname, leaning down to kiss her father's cheek. She took her usual seat beside him, glancing briefly at Remus, who sat across the table, hidden behind a newspaper. She waited, expecting a greeting, but none came.

"Did you two sleep alright?" Mrs. Weasley asked, bustling over with a tray of toast.

Harry hesitated. "Not really," he admitted. "My scar was hurting again."

"Mine too," Y/N added quietly, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her sleeve.

At her words, Sirius and Remus exchanged a quick, concerned glance.

"Probably just nerves," Mr. Weasley said with an encouraging smile, though the lines of worry etched on his face betrayed him.

"Yeah... nerves," Harry echoed, though his voice lacked conviction.

The room fell into an awkward silence, save for the clinking of cutlery. Y/N poured herself a bowl of cereal, her movements slow and deliberate. When she finally broke the silence, her voice was pointed. "Good morning, Godfather."

Remus, still hidden behind the newspaper, muttered a half-hearted, "Morning."

Mrs. Weasley stopped mid-step, turning to give Remus a sharp look. "Remus, don't be rude," she said sternly. "At least give your goddaughter a proper greeting."

With a sigh that sounded more resigned than annoyed, Remus lowered the paper, revealing his tired, careworn face. His amber eyes met Y/N's, softening slightly at the hurt in her gaze. "Good morning, Princess," he said, his voice warmer this time.

A small smile tugged at Y/N's lips. "Thank you, Mrs. Weasley," she said, casting the older woman a grateful look.

"Anytime, dear," Mrs. Weasley replied with a kind smile before returning to her cleaning.

"I'm sorry," Remus said, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's just... not easy being a godfather. My mind's constantly racing, overthinking everything when it comes to you. I don't know how Sirius manages with both you and Harry."

"I'm just awesome like that," Sirius said with a smirk, taking a bite of his toast.

Y/N laughed softly, the tension in her shoulders easing for a moment. Even Harry managed a small smile, though his worry lingered.

"I swear, Sirius," Remus muttered, shaking his head. "You act like you're still seventeen."

"And you act like you're a hundred," Sirius shot back, grinning.

Their bickering drew a round of chuckles from the table. Even Hermione, seated between Ron and Harry, couldn't help but smile.

Remus folded the newspaper neatly and placed it on the table. His movements were deliberate, as if he were carefully preparing himself for the conversation he needed to have. He looked at Y/N, his amber eyes soft with concern but edged with hesitation.