kat_scratches (kat_scratches) wrote in ficbits, @ 2007-08-04 00:29:00 |
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Entry tags: | hp, r, remus/sirius |
HP fic "Finding Sirius" (R)
Title: Finding Sirius
Rating: R, I think
Summary: Written for the Sirius/Remus FQF Xmas Challenge #8 - Harry finds out about Sirius & Remus' old relationship over the Christmas holidays the same way he found out about his father: through a Pensieve that he entered without permission.
Author's Notes: Billions of thank-yous and fresh-baked cookies to my betas, blackmurtlap and siryn99!
Finding Sirius
By the time Harry turned up on the doorstep of the cottage, the flurries of snow were flying thick and fast, rapidly sheeting the countryside with an even layer of white. Miniature drifts of it were collecting in the corners of the latticed windowpanes, and the two squat stone steps leading up to the heavy oaken door were very nearly covered over.
"I'd about given up on you," Remus said, wrestling the door shut against the yawing wind. "You must be frozen through."
Harry unwound his scarf - an early Christmas present from Hermione, hand-knitted in red and gold Gryffindor colours - from around his neck and the lower half of his face. Among the many folds of it, his breath had crystallized into ice, which crackled when he tugged the scarf off.
"This would've been much easier if you had your Floo hooked up," Harry said, pulling off his fogged-up glasses.
"Sorry about that," Remus said. "You could have Apparated, you know. You're old enough now. Give me that coat; you're dripping snow everywhere."
Harry shrugged out of his coat, after a moment's fumbling at the buttons with clumsy frozen fingers, and handed it over. "I haven't taken my Apparation test yet," he said. He nodded towards the coat. "There's some stuff in the pockets. Christmas presents for you from Dumbledore, Tonks, and a whole load from the Burrow."
"Noted. Go warm up while I hang this somewhere." Remus disappeared off towards the kitchen.
Putting his glasses back on, Harry wandered into the cozy living room. It was deliciously warm, a low fire crackling comfortably in the hearth, the mellow glow of the firelight driving the feeling back into his numb fingers and toes. Gratefully Harry sank into a wing chair, wriggling his toes against the soft, worn throw rug. He closed his eyes, breathing in deeply, inhaling the sweet scents of fir and cedar. Perhaps, he thought drowsily, this wasn't such a terrible idea after all.
He jerked awake a quarter of an hour later to the clatter of china as Remus set a tea tray down on the cluttered side table, pushing aside parchment and quills to make room.
"Sorry," Remus said. "I didn't realize you were so tired. I thought some tea might warm you up, but I daresay you'd like to get to bed."
"No, no," Harry said hastily, stifling a yawn with the back of one hand. "Just, y'know, the fire made me a bit sleepy."
"Well, if you're sure," Remus said, frowning slightly. "Still milk and two sugars?" At Harry's nod, he made Harry's cup and handed it to the boy, then fixed his own. "So," he continued, "the good headmaster finally convinced you to spend Christmas here, did he?"
Harry scowled. "I didn't want to stay at Hogwarts when none of my friends were going to be there, and I really, really didn't want to go… you know, back to the Dursleys." He refrained from mentioning that his odious aunt and uncle hadn't extended an invitation.
Remus took a sip of his tea. "Molly owled me that you were invited to the Burrow," he said casually. "She seemed rather put out that you declined."
"Too crowded," Harry said flatly. He flushed slightly. "I did stop off there on the way here. She asked again, but…" He shrugged, yawning hugely. "I just wanted to be somewhere quiet."
"Right. That's it," said Remus as Harry yawned yet again. "You're barely awake. Come on; I've made up the other bedroom for you."