The Brighter Years of Black (3)

1982 (6)

Erica Black didn't truly understand what was going on around her, how could she? She was six years old and in a matter of weeks had lost almost everything. Her aunt Lily, her uncles Peter and James, her God brother; Harry and, unknowingly; her father too.

Now she was slightly older, Remus Lupin would put his Goddaughter to bed early once a month, place countless protection charms around the premises and disappear into the night only to return in the early hours of the morning.

"Mooney!" The little girl squeals as he walks through the door carrying a bag of groceries and a couple of books.
"Hello Pup," he smiles "help me?" He asks, holding out a bottle of milk and the books to the child who takes them happily and skips after her God father to their kitchen.

She drags the small stool out from under the sink to the counter, stepped onto it and begins placing the items her guardian gave her down.

Once the shopping was all put away Remus Lupin and his Goddaughter, Erica Black spent the cold autumn afternoon making filling and kneading pastry for their tea.
"Mooney?"
"Yes pup?" He replies, ducking his head slightly to hide his smile.
"Why do we do things with our hands? Uncle James and daddy always do everything with their magic"
Remus cringes at her small inquisitive voice, their names stabbing his chest.
" well Erica, your uncle and father used their wands because they liked to, they found it easier because they know how and more fun and doing it the muggle way" he explains "some things I like to do the magic way and others I prefer the muggle way" he continues "and when you're older pup and you're able to use your magic properly; I want you to be able to choose for yourself" he finishes with a fond smile.
"Okay" she nods in understanding.
There's a brief pause of silence between them but it's quickly broken.
"Mooney?"
He chuckles, "Yes pup?"
"Can we read after dinner?" She asks as she presses a fork around the edge of their pie.
He laughs loudly, "sure pup"