Nowhere Boy (Wolfstar)

Blue

December 1995

It was Christmas Day and a party was in full swing in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place. Now that Arthur Weasley was out of the woods, his family had relaxed somewhat and was able to enjoy the festivities that Sirius had organised in an effort to lift their spirits. The mood was still rather sedate in Arthur's absence, but at least they were able to sit down and enjoy their Christmas meal knowing that he was comfortable and safe at St. Mungo's.

The twins had taken it upon themselves to entertain everyone sitting around the kitchen table by demonstrating the latest range of indoor festive fireworks they claimed to have purchased from Zonko's Joke Shop. Although Sirius suspected otherwise, he kept this to himself. Ginny, Ron and Hermione whooped and clapped as glittering Christmas trees exploded into life, bathing the gloomy kitchen in bright green light. Red and silver Santa Clauses cartwheeled in mid-air before erupting into a dazzling display of colour before enchanted snow settled in their hair and on the cold, flagstone floor. Remus smiled and watched proceedings in silence, giving Sirius' hand a tight squeeze as he enjoyed the show. Even Molly didn't protest. Sirius supposed that she was glad of the noise and chaos if only to distract her from thinking of her husband in hospital.

Sirius couldn't help but enjoy himself, too. It gave him a vicious pleasure knowing how much it would irk his parents to see what their beloved house had become; headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix, a haven for mudbloods and blood traitors alike, and a home for their detestable son and the man he loved. There had never been so much laughter and love in his familial home than there was now. Despite the circumstances, it was the best Christmas that Sirius had had in many years, maybe ever. The only person who didn't seem to be enjoying themselves was Harry.

Sirius watched his godson closely with mounting concern. After they had returned from visiting Arthur at the hospital this morning, Harry had immediately locked himself in his room all day, even ignoring Molly's summons for lunch. He had only been coaxed down to join the Christmas feast by Sirius on the promise that he could go back to his room immediately after the meal had concluded. Even then, he hadn't spoken to anyone during the meal, instead staring at a plateful of food he barely touched.

Molly ducked as a reindeer, shimmering silver with a bright red nose, soared passed her head and galloped across the kitchen table.

"Watch it!" she warned the twins sharply, but Fred just laughed.

"They're perfectly safe, Mum!" he assured her. "One hundred percent fireproof!"

Just as the words left his mouth, the reindeer dived into the large Christmas tree in the corner room and exploded into flames, setting the tree alight. Molly screamed.

"Okay, maybe about eighty percent fireproof," George relented, pulling his wand out of his pocket and dashing forward to put out the fire. While everyone tried to extinguish the flames, Harry took advantage of the commotion and attempted to slip unseen from the kitchen. Sirius watched him him leave before glancing at Remus.

"Go check on Harry," said Remus quietly. "I'll keep everyone else entertained in your absence."

Sirius gave Remus a quick kiss and slipped out of the room unnoticed. Climbing the stairs he instinctively placed another silencing charm on his mother's portrait, just for good measure in case the previous one had begun to wear off. Continuing his ascent, Sirius paused on the second floor landing, knowing where Harry would have wandered off to. Pushing open the bedroom door to where Buckbeak now resided, he found Harry sitting in the far corner of the room, stroking the hippogriff's head as it dozed.

"Not in the mood for fireworks?" he asked closing the door behind him. Harry shrugged and said nothing.

"Bah, humbug," joked Sirius. Harry gave a weak smile but his eyes remained distant and red as though he had been crying. Sirius stood awkwardly for a moment, unsure of what to say. He ought to impart his wisdom to his godson, be able to put his mind at ease. But he was woefully inexperienced at dealing with broody teenagers, particularly those with real concerns like the ones Harry had to deal with.