Different

fixing wardrobes

It seemed as if the intel had been correct: Emaline didn't make an appearance for the rest of Christmas break. The family stayed in the safe house anyways and the Order kept a watch on them, but they still enjoyed their time as much as they could. Regulus was able to send a letter and while it didn't give his exact location, they knew he was somewhere in Germany. That didn't keep Sirius from worrying, but it helped a little. 

"Write to me every day."

"Every week," Claire responded to her dad. The pair were walking down the streets of London, Tonks, and Charlie walking a few steps behind them. As a precaution, they split up the family and let Claire and Remus have some alone time. As much as they loved Sirius and Harry, they both missed when it was just the two of them.

"Every other day," Remus countered, a happy smirk on his face. His eyes were constantly scanning the crowd and his left hand was resting in his pocket, ready to bring out his wand at the first sign of danger. Laughter from Charlie and Tonks behind them made the man relax a little.

"Every week," Claire repeated. Remus grinned and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, bringing her closer. The cold London air made Claire shiver and pull her leather jacker tighter, Draco's scarf around her neck to cover the bruises. They were finally mostly healed, but they were still visible. 

"Fine," Remus fake sighed. "I do have one request for you."

"What's that?" Claire questioned.

"Let Professor Dumbledore or Professor McGonagall know if your mother talks to you again. Same for any major visions," Remus instructed. "And if the Death Eaters try anything serious with Malfoy, go to them or Snape. Talk to them so that another necklace situation doesn't happen."

"Draco dropped that necklace off in an alley," Claire defended. "We thought that was safest. We didn't know that Katie Bell would find it."

"I know. We questioned Malfoy, remember?" Remus said. Claire pulled a confused face, not knowing anytime that Remus had been alone with Draco. 

"When did you do that?" Claire asked, making Remus wince a little.

"He snuck in a few nights ago," Remus admitted, looking sheepish. "He wanted to wake you up but Harry was in the room and you looked peaceful."

"I'm so mad at you," Claire huffed. "I haven't seen him in so long."

"I went twelve years without seeing Siri," Remus reminded her. Claire mocked him, making the werewolf playfully bump into her. Without meaning to, they both slowed down as they got closer to the train station. 

"I'm scared," Claire whispered. Remus wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his side, sighing heavily. 

"Me too. I don't know what is going to happen, but we both know that it might not be good. Just promise me that you will communicate with us."

Claire nodded and gave her father one last hug, waving goodbye to Tonks and Charlie before making her way into the train station. Mad-Eye Moody grunted when he saw her, nodding his head at the other three and then guiding her into the busy station. None of the muggles thought anything of the pair or even the cat. 

"Go ahead," Mad-Eye instructed. Claire nodded and ran into the wall, stumbling when she made it to the other side. The trio were waiting for her, Ginny joining them. Mad-Eye and Arthur Weasley nodded at one another and the red-haired man took over, not giving the teens time to say hello before whisking them off into the direction of the train. Mrs. Weasley was sobbing as she watched Ron and Ginny get onto the train, neither one looking happy at what her actions. 

"Have a good year," Mr. Weasley yelled to his children. The two teens both hesitated for a second before turning back to give their dad a hug, all three of them holding on for an extra second.