Memories of the Heart || Harry Potter x Reader

Y6 ~ Horace Slughorn

Lupin's Cottage stood like a serene outpost amidst a world of chaos, its stone walls cloaked in ivy and its wooden shutters weathered yet sturdy. The air was fragrant with the scent of freshly baked pastries, courtesy of Tonks, who had made it her unofficial mission to bring some joy into their lives with her baking experiments. Sunlight spilled through the latticed windows, casting soft golden patches on the worn wooden floors. A faint crackle of the hearth added warmth to the cozy interior, where books were stacked haphazardly, and a few enchanted knick-knacks hovered lazily in the air.

In the backyard, under the wide embrace of an ancient oak, Sirius's tombstone stood as a quiet monument to his memory. Its polished surface shimmered faintly in the afternoon sun, inscribed with the words: Sirius Black – A Father, A Loyal Friend, A Fierce Protector, Forever Free.

Y/N sat cross-legged before the grave, her hands absently twisting the edge of her skirt. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, as she spoke to the gravestone. "I don't even know where to begin today, Dad," she murmured, her lips trembling. "It's like there's so much happening, and I can't keep up. Draco... he wrote me again." Her cheeks flushed, and a small, wistful smile played on her lips. "You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but every letter feels like the first. He's so... different when it's just the two of us."

The oak's branches swayed gently in the breeze, casting shifting shadows across the grass. She pulled a parchment from her pocket and unfolded it carefully, her fingers brushing over the elegant handwriting. "He called me his 'light in the dark.' Can you believe that?" She let out a soft laugh, but it faltered as her eyes grew distant. "I don't know how to tell Harry. Or if I even can."

The crunch of footsteps on gravel startled her, and she quickly folded the letter, tucking it away. She turned to see Tonks approaching, her expression a mixture of concern and quiet understanding. She carried a tray with two steaming mugs of tea.

"I thought you could use this," she said gently, setting the tray down beside her before easing onto the grass. Hee movements were deliberate, almost cautious, as though she didn't want to disturb the sanctity of the moment.

"Thanks, Dora," Y/N said, taking a mug and cradling it in her hands. The warmth seeped into her palms, grounding her.

Tonks studied her in silence for a moment before speaking. "You've been out here a lot lately," she observed, her tone light but laced with concern. "Talking to Sirius?"

She nodded, her gaze fixed on the tombstone. "It helps. Like he's still here, you know? Like he's listening." Her voice cracked slightly, and she quickly sipped her tea to mask it.

Tonks reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "He'd be proud of you, Y/N. More than you realize."

They sat in silence for a while, the gentle rustling of leaves filling the space between them. Finally, Tonks spoke again, her voice tinged with curiosity. "You mentioned Draco. Things are... progressing, then?"

Y/N hesitated, her grip on the mug tightening. "They are," she admitted. "He's... he's not what people think, Tonks. When it's just us, he's kind, thoughtful. He makes me feel like I matter."

Tonks' brows furrowed slightly, her head tilting as she leaned forward. "And yet, you haven't told Harry. Or Remus."

Y/N looked down, a sigh escaping her lips as she stared into the dark liquid of her tea.

"How can I? Everyone thinks Harry and I..." She stopped herself, shaking her head. "I don't want to hurt him. He's been through so much already. But the longer I keep this from him, the worse it feels. And Remus..." Her voice wavered, and she ran a hand through her hair. "I'm terrified of what he'll think. Especially since Draco's a Malfoy."