Chocolate Covered Strawberries [Remus Lupin]

𝚜𝚒𝚡𝚝𝚢-𝚏𝚘𝚞𝚛

Chapter sixty-four; Quiet home

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It was no surprise that when Jasmine stepped foot onto the King's Cross platform she couldn't see either of her parents waiting for her to take her home. She first found William who was saying goodbye to his friends, rather sadly to add. Jasmine lingered her eyes on him and Tom for quite some time yet she didn't find anything peculiar. Of course not since they were in public. Jasmine said all her farewells in the compartment knowing they will all lose each other in the thick crowd outside. Once William joined her they searched for someone that came to get them only to find their house-elf Tinker standing near the border. Jasmine smiled gleefully at the elf but William looked more than disappointed yet his comments stayed at bay.

A pleasant smile tugged on Jasmine's lips as her feet planted on the short pathway to their family home. She stayed put as Tinker led the way, followed by William to the front door. Looking around she tried to suck in and lock every good feeling inside her, the nostalgia of remembering her mum and her planting flowers in the garden in front of the house, the laughter her whole family shared as they had a late summer afternoon picnic outside at the back of the house when Jasmine was barely five years old and the cosy evenings inside by the fireplace.

Until all things took a sharp turn after William's parents died. That's when the first crack started and it only spread from then on. All things considered, Jasmine was glad to be home, her father will be working most days which meant she could exist in the house mostly stress-free. Her whole luggage except for Isla, who Jasmine carried in her hands, was already inside the house all she needed was to step over the threshold. In the foyer, it was all quiet and empty. Jasmine let Isla go and the black cat sped away and up the stairs. Jasmine strained her ears to listen to any sounds and soon she heard two pattering feet coming closer.

''Tasha.'' A smile spread on the Hufflepuff's ears.

''Miss Pearson.'' The little elf squeaked happily. ''It's good to have you home.''

''Please, Tasha, for the last time. I'm Jasmine to you.'' Jasmine bent down and hugged the small elf, which Tasha gladly returned.

She moved away with a worried glance then. ''But Master Pearson –''

''Well, my dad is nowhere near so it's okay,'' Jasmine reassured.

Tasha nodded before she scurried away, whispering different things under her breath that she has to do now that there will be more people again in this house. Jasmine peered into the living room but that was empty as well. Then when she finally advanced into the house she heard a noise coming from the dining room. She pushed the door wider and was surprised to see William already sitting there a full meal in front of him. Pig, thought Jasmine. What surprised her more though was that her dad was there as well even though she distinctly remembered him mentioning something about not being home when they arrive in his last letter.

''Hello, dad,'' Jasmine said timidly and didn't look him in the eyes as she greeted him.

Mr Pearson glanced up from the Daily Prophet for a second before he readjusted the paper in her hands. ''Jasmina.'' He said simply with a distant voice.

Jasmine stepped from one foot to the other awkwardly as she didn't know if she should sit, leave or just stand there. She spotted movement out of the corner of her eyes and saw Tinker carrying a plate full of delicious-looking dinner to the table. He stopped abruptly when Mr Pearson spoke up again.

''Have you unpacked yet?'' He asked.

Jasmine knew the question was meant for her because he didn't look at her. If he would speak to William he would look at him and smile, yet she always felt like an object in the room in every conversation.