Chapter 158: Harrys Arrival (2/2)

Chris and Ginny entered the kitchen after everyone.

”Sit down, Harry,” said Sirius. ”You've met Mundungus, haven't you?”

”Some'n say m' name?” Mundungus mumbled sleepily. ”I 'gree with Sirius . . .”

He raised a very grubby hand in the air as though voting, his droopy, bloodshot eyes unfocused. Ginny giggled.

”The meeting's over, Dung,” said Sirius, but then suddenly, he looked a little annoyed as he spoke the next words. ”And this is Harry, Aurelia Cromwell.”

Chris followed Sirius and Harry's gaze and saw a witch talking to Remus. The witch wore square glasses, had long bright golden hair, perfect nose and lips. Chris had an impression that she could be a Veela but she realized she was wrong as there was no Veela aura around her.

As soon as Sirius addressed her, she stood up and came in front of Harry.

”Harry!” She smiled warmly at him and hold her hand out. ”There was no need to introduction, Black. I can recognize this glasses and untidy hair anywhere... and those green eyes too.”

”Yes. I know.” Sirius replied stiffly. ”Let's sit down.”

”Sure.” Aurelia Cromwell replied and sat down beside Remus.

”If you want dinner before midnight I'll need a hand,” Mrs. Weasley said to the room at large. ”No, you can stay where you are, Harry dear, you've had a long journey —”

Chris and Ginny hurried towards Mrs. Weasley when Harry noticed Chris.

”Chris!” He abruptly got up from her chair.

”Hey Harry.” Chris replied casually.

”I...” Harry noticed everyone in the room was staring at him so he sat back on his chair. ”Hi.”

Ginny gave Chris a will-you-try-not-to-sound-to-casual look and started helping Mrs. Weasley.

”Well, Harry, I think you don't know but Aurelia is Lily's friend.” Remus said to Harry.

”Right.” Aurelia replied. ”We were best friends in school, also roommates. Do you know Harry, when te first time I saw you, you were only few months old. Lily was so happy...”

Sirius snorted. Aurelia coldly looked at him.

”Do you have anything to say, Black?” she asked.

Sirius opened his mouth to reply but couldn't.

”Sirius?” said Mundungus, who did not appear to have paid any attention to this conversation, but had been minutely examining an empty goblet. ”This solid silver, mate?”

”Yes,” said Sirius, surveying it with distaste. ”Finest fifteenth-century goblin-wrought silver, embossed with the Black family crest.”

Sirius was still glaring at Aurelia, who had an equal cold gaze.

”It looks wonderful, Molly,” said Lupin, ladling stew onto a plate for her and handing it across the table.

For a few minutes there was silence but for the chink of plates and cutlery and the scraping of chairs as everyone settled down to their food. Unfortunately Chris got the seat beside Harry, Ginny chuckled as Chris shoot her a glare.

”Hi.” Chris said sitting beside Harry.

”Hi.” Harry said. Chris noticed he really was looking a little angry but he was very distracted by his godfather's behavior.