chapter 42

                                    

                                          
Chapter 42: A Family Reunion
The sound of the doorbell echoed through Grimmauld Place, breaking the warmth of the conversation in the living room. Riena glanced toward the hallway with a knowing smile.
“They’re here,” she said softly, standing up gracefully. She turned to Remus, who had been sitting quietly with an amused smile at Sirius’s antics. “You’re staying, Remus. You’re family too.”
Remus blinked, caught off guard. “Riena, I don’t want to intrude—”
“You’re not intruding,” she interrupted firmly, her sapphire eyes glinting. “You belong here, just as much as any of us. Stay.”
Before Remus could protest further, Sirius clapped him on the back. “You heard her, Moony. You’re part of this crazy Black family whether you like it or not.”
Riena smiled at Sirius, then turned toward the hall, Harry following close behind her. When they opened the door, Andromeda Tonks stood there, her sharp features softened with nervous anticipation. Beside her were Ted, whose warm demeanor put people at ease, and Nymphadora—her pink hair as vibrant as ever—who was wearing a mismatched outfit that seemed to defy all sense of color coordination.
“Lady Riena,” Andromeda said, inclining her head respectfully.
Riena’s smile widened. “Please, no formalities tonight. We’re here as family.” She stepped aside and gestured for them to enter. “Welcome to Grimmauld Place.”
As the Tonks family stepped inside, Harry extended his hand to Ted, offering a firm shake. “Mr. Tonks, good to see you. And you must be Nymphadora,” he added with a teasing smile.
“It’s Tonks,” she corrected quickly, narrowing her eyes playfully. “No one calls me Nymphadora except my mum.”
Ted chuckled. “She’s been trying to bury that name for years. It’s a losing battle.”
Andromeda rolled her eyes but smiled as she removed her cloak. “You can call her whatever you like, Harry. She’ll survive.”
Riena chuckled, leading them into the living room. “Come on, everyone. Let’s get comfortable.”
As they entered, Sirius jumped to his feet, his grin wide and genuine. “Andromeda!” he exclaimed, pulling her into a hug before she could say a word.
Andromeda stiffened for a moment, her composure cracking, but then she hugged him back tightly. “Sirius,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “It’s been too long.”
“Far too long,” Sirius agreed, pulling back to look at her properly. “You look good, Andi. Ted, I see she’s still keeping you on your toes.”
Ted laughed, shaking Sirius’s hand. “Always. Someone has to.”
Nymphadora’s eyes lit up as she stepped forward. “Uncle Sirius! It’s good to see you looking... well, not like a skeleton anymore.”
Sirius laughed. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Dora.”
“It’s Tonks!” she shot back, crossing her arms.
Riena stepped in before the banter could escalate, gesturing toward Remus. “Everyone, this is Remus Lupin. He’s part of the family, too.”
Remus stood awkwardly, giving a small wave. “Nice to meet you,” he said, his voice polite but hesitant.
Andromeda’s eyes softened as she looked at him. “Remus Lupin… I’ve heard so much about you. Sirius never shuts up about his friends.”
Remus chuckled, glancing at Sirius. “I can imagine.”
Nymphadora tilted her head, studying him. “You’re the one they call Moony, right? Part of the Marauders?”
Remus gave a sheepish nod. “Guilty as charged.”
“Well,” Nymphadora said with a grin, “you don’t look half as scary as Mum made you sound when I was little.”
Ted laughed, nudging his daughter. “I don’t think your mum was telling you scary stories about him, Dora.”
“It’s Tonks!” she corrected again, though her tone was more playful now.
Riena clapped her hands lightly, drawing everyone’s attention. “Alright, let’s all sit down. Dinner will be ready soon, and we can talk business after we’ve eaten. Tonight’s about family first.”
The group settled into the cozy living room, the atmosphere growing warmer by the second. Sirius immediately took his place in the largest armchair, looking as relaxed as ever, while Andromeda and Ted sat together on the couch. Nymphadora plopped herself down next to Remus, her curious gaze still fixed on him.
“So,” she began, “is it true you lot turned Snape’s robes into a singing choir?”
Remus groaned, covering his face. “Why does everyone remember that?”
“Because it was brilliant,” Sirius said proudly, lounging back in his chair. “One of our finest moments.”
“It was also detention for a month,” Remus reminded him.
Harry laughed, sitting beside Riena. “Sounds worth it to me.”
“Harry,” Andromeda said, her voice soft, “it’s so good to see you again. You’ve grown into quite the young man.”
Harry smiled warmly. “Thanks, Andromeda. It’s good to see you, too. It’s been too long.”
Nymphadora leaned forward, her grin mischievous. “I babysat you once, you know. You were a little terror. Refused to eat your peas.”
Harry groaned. “Please don’t tell me you’re one of those babysitters who remembers every embarrassing thing I did as a kid.”
“Absolutely,” she said with a laugh.
Ted chuckled. “It’s a family tradition to embarrass the younger generation. Don’t fight it.”
Riena watched the exchange with a soft smile, her heart warming at the easy camaraderie forming in the room. “You all are terrible,” she said teasingly, her eyes twinkling.
“And you love us for it,” Sirius said with a wink.
As laughter filled the room, the smell of dinner began wafting in from the kitchen, promising an evening full of warmth, food, and the bonds of family being rebuilt.

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End of Chapter 42