We will meet again ~ Fred Weasley

- The People We Loved -

"The cruel thing about hope is that it always feels strongest right before it's tested."

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A week later, Christmas break seemed to disappear far too quickly.

Before Katherine knew it, trunks were packed, scarves were wrapped around necks, and everyone was preparing to return to Hogwarts.

The atmosphere at Grimmauld Place had changed since Arthur's attack.

The house still felt dark and crowded, but there had been laughter too. Late-night conversations. Chess games. Family dinners. Moments that almost felt normal.

Which only made leaving harder.

Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Katherine were making their way downstairs when Katherine noticed Harry slowing near one of the hallways.

Instead of heading towards the front door, he turned towards a room they rarely entered.

Curious, Katherine followed.

The door had barely opened when a familiar croaking voice drifted through the darkness.

"Blood traitors... mudblood lovers... filthy little half-breeds infesting my Mistress's house..."

Kreacher emerged from the shadows carrying a bundle of filthy rags.

Katherine immediately groaned.

"Good morning to you too."

The old house-elf sneered.

"Mistress would be disgusted. Disgusted! Her noble house reduced to this—"

"KREACHER!"

Sirius's voice echoed down the corridor.

Kreacher flinched violently.

"Out."

The elf muttered something foul under his breath before disappearing from sight.

A moment later Sirius appeared in the doorway.

"Sorry about that," he said with a tired smile. "He never was pleasant. Even when I was a boy."

Harry glanced around the room.

It was dusty and dimly lit, with a huge tapestry covering the far wall.

"You grew up here?"

Sirius followed his gaze.

"Unfortunately."

There was a bitterness in his voice Katherine rarely heard.

"This was my parents' house. The Black family home."

He stepped into the room beside them.

"I offered it to Dumbledore for Headquarters. About the only useful thing I've managed to do lately."

Katherine's heart sank.

She knew that look.

The same look Sirius always wore after Order meetings.

The look that appeared whenever everyone else left to fight while he remained trapped inside.

"Sirius," she said firmly.

He looked over.

"That's not true."

His expression softened slightly.

"Kat—"

"No. I'm serious."

Harry nodded immediately.