บท 46: The Potters
The next evening, Alex dressed up for the Christmas dinner. He wore sharp gray trousers, a French-style dark blue shirt, and a silver-gray vest, finished off with a narrow silver-and-black striped tie. His carefully styled hair added to his mature look. If it weren't for his height of about 1.5 meters, he might've looked like a young adult.
Sirius, on the other hand, wore a casual formal outfit, skipping the tie entirely and leaving his collar slightly undone, looking every bit the dashing rogue.
"So, when you said we'd head to the Potters', you meant by motorbike?" Alex asked, eyeing the motorcycle Sirius had just rolled out.
Sirius chuckled, patting the bike proudly. "Absolutely! I have to show this beauty off to James and Remus. Besides, my trunk has an Undetectable Extension Charm, so we'll have room for all your gifts."
With a resigned sigh, Alex climbed on behind Sirius, muttering, 'I worked hard on my hair… If this bike ruins it, I'll never forgive you.'
Sirius just laughed, revving the bike as they took to the sky, heading for Godric's Hollow. Alex, meanwhile, cast a shield charm to block the cold wind and preserve his hairstyle.
Godric's Hollow, nestled in southwest England, was a mixed wizard and Muggle community. Although wizards resided there, magic use in front of Muggles was still forbidden.
When they finally landed in front of the Potters' home, Sirius parked the motorcycle with style. Alex, however, wasn't amused. Despite his efforts, his hair had still gotten windswept, and he tried in vain to smooth it out.
"Stop fussing over your hair," Sirius teased. "You look great! Just like me—carefree and charming."
Alex muttered under his breath, 'That's exactly why I didn't want this look.'
Sirius knocked on the door, and it soon swung open to reveal Lily Potter, her long auburn hair falling down her shoulders. She greeted them with a warm smile.
"Sirius, Alex! Welcome! You're the last ones to arrive."
Alex shot Sirius a knowing glance. If it hadn't been for the detour with the bike, they would've arrived on time. Sirius, unfazed, grinned.
"It's all the same. Haven't seen you in ages, Lily! You're looking radiant as ever."
Alex smiled politely. "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Potter. Thank you for inviting me."
Lily's eyes softened. "Please, call me Lily. Ever since we met, I've felt a connection to you. Besides, you saved Sirius, so you're family to us now. Come inside; it's freezing out there."
Sirius scoffed. "Saved me? This kid just got lucky. I could've handled those two idiots myself."
Lily only smiled, exchanging a knowing glance with Alex, before leading them inside.
The Potters' house was warm and cozy, bathed in a soft glow from magical candles and oil lamps. In the living room, a group of familiar faces was gathered around the fireplace. There was James Potter, and next to him, a young man in an old-fashioned suit and a cheerful, broadly built man. Across from them sat Frank Longbottom and his wife, Alice. Alex recognized Frank from a brief encounter; he was an Auror who'd escorted Alex to the Leaky Cauldron before.
Sirius strode forward, arms open wide. "James! Remus! Peter! Merry Christmas!" He greeted each of them with a hug. "And the Longbottoms! Didn't expect to see you two here, but it's a real treat," Sirius said, shaking Frank and Alice's hands warmly.
Frank nodded with a smile. "Dumbledore thought it'd be wise for us to spend Christmas together. Harry and Neville are only a day apart in age, so it's the perfect chance for them to play together. Alice and my mum were thrilled with the idea, so here we are."
James pulled Alex aside to ask how he was adjusting to life in the wizarding world.
"I'm getting there," Alex said with a grin. "Although there's a lot to learn, I have some excellent teachers." He nodded in Sirius's direction, who was now recounting one of his wild Hogwarts stories to Frank and Remus.
James chuckled. "Sirius might be a bit of a handful, but he has a good heart. I'm glad you two found each other. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Let me introduce everyone properly. Alex, this tall guy here is Remus Lupin, the one over there is Peter Pettigrew, and you've already met James. And these are Frank and Alice Longbottom."
"Hello, Alex," Remus said, shaking his hand with a friendly smile. "Thanks for looking out for Sirius."
Peter Pettigrew, a bit shy, nodded. "Hello, Alex. Nice to meet you."
Alex returned their greetings politely, feeling welcomed by the group. Just then, a middle-aged woman with an apron around her waist marched in from the kitchen, hands on her hips.
"Well? Are you all just going to sit here, or will someone help me in the kitchen? Or am I, an old woman, supposed to do everything by myself?"
Frank Longbottom chuckled and rolled his eyes. "Mum, you're not even fifty! Don't make yourself sound ancient."
Augusta Longbottom shot her son a stern look. "If I'm old, it's because you've aged me, you worrywart!"
Seeing an opportunity, Alex stepped forward. "Mrs. Longbottom, you've been working hard. Please, let me help."
Augusta's eyes softened as she watched Alex take off his coat and roll up his sleeves. She gave Frank a pointed look. "See? A young lad who's more sensible than my own son!"
Then, turning to Alex, she said, "Thank you, child, but don't trouble yourself. Let us grown-ups handle the cooking. We wouldn't want you burning yourself."
Frank made a face, trying to duck away from his mother's rebuke, while Sirius chimed in, "Mrs. Longbottom, don't underestimate Alex. The kid's a whiz in the kitchen. I've gained weight just from his cooking these past few days!"
Hearing that, Augusta looked at Alex with newfound appreciation and led him into the kitchen. Inside, Lily was bustling around, and Alex quickly donned an apron, diving into the prep work alongside her.
Augusta couldn't help but smile. "I didn't expect someone so young to be this responsible and know their way around the kitchen."
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