Different

family quidditch

"Can you stop?"

Claire grinned at Regulus, who was panting heavily and wiping sweat off of his forehead.

"When the fuck did you get so good at quidditch?" Regulus complained. 

"She's always been good," Sirius said proudly, flying up next to her. Regulus groaned and tried to catch the snitch but Claire shot another bludger at him and he had to duck down, letting Draco shoot forward and grab it. 

"Good job!" Lyall exclaimed happily, clapping loudly for Claire and Draco. Regulus landed with a groan, collapsing on the ground. Claire laughed happily, finally having truly enjoyed quidditch for the first time in months. Remus grinned and comforted a pouting Sirius. 

After a few weeks of bonding and getting used to their new housing arrangements, the family decided to take everyone to Lyall's house for some change. The man was more than happy for the family to come over, even if it meant protection spells had to be placed everywhere. 

"I finally got to see you play against other people," Remus said happily to Claire. She grinned at him, but they had been playing for so long that she was out of breath and couldn't respond. She leaned into Draco's side, letting him wrap an arm around her shoulder. Remus and Sirius had finally calmed down a little bit and let them actually spend time with each other, although it was limited.

"I have some lemonade ready for you guys," Lyall announced. Claire thanked her grandfather and happily plopped down in a chair outside, everyone else following. Draco didn't have a chair but he sat down in front of her on the grass, letting her run her hands through his hair. Remus passed everyone a glass of lemonade, which the quidditch players hurried to drink.

"So what are the plans for my birthday?" Claire asked since her dads were in a good mood.

"We'll have to celebrate the day after so we can get Harry," Sirius answered, which he apparently wasn't supposed to do based on the look Remus gave him. "Moons, they have a right to know."

"Claire is underaged," Remus argued. 

"I'm almost of age!" Claire reminded them.

"But not yet," Remus said softly. "None of you will be participating in the plan, so you don't need to know."

"I seem to remember that you didn't like when I didn't tell you anything," Lyall said to his son, a small smirk on his face. Remus smiled softly and shook his head.

"I guess I didn't," Remus sighed.

"It's only a week away," Regulus spoke up. "We'll find out soon enough. And I'm technically your age almost. I at least deserve to know."

"You're technically almost my age," Draco laughed. Regulus mocked Draco under his breath, making Draco throw a piece of grass at the older man. The hooting of an owl made everyone stop, none of them expecting anything. Claire's eyebrows furrowed when the owl landed on Draco's head, hooting at her. 

"Were you expecting anything?" Remus asked worriedly. Claire just shook her head no and hurried to open the letter. The owl happily stayed on Draco's head, cocking its head at her to tell her to hurry and give a response. 

"Who is it from?" Draco questioned, trying to get the owl to move but to no avail. 

"'Mione," Claire muttered, instantly recognizing the handwriting. Her frown deepened as she read.

"Is everything okay?" Sirius spoke up. Claire sniffled and blinked back tears, but nodded. 

"Can she come stay with us?" Claire asked. Remus and Sirius shared a look, both looking hesitant.