The heavy door at Number 12, Grimmauld Place, creaked open as you stepped into the dim hallway. The air smelled faintly of polish and something cooking in the kitchen. Before you could even take off your coat, a warm voice rang out.
“Oh, darling! Come in!” Molly Weasley bustled toward you, arms outstretched. She seized your shoulders, brushing snow from your hair and muttering about how thin you looked. “You’ll catch your death out there, honestly. Come along, come along, I’ve got cocoa warming.”
Before you could answer, Hermione appeared, beaming. “You made it!” She threw her arms around you, hugging tightly. “It’s so good to see you again.”
Harry and Ron followed closely behind. Harry’s grin was genuine, though still touched with the weariness he always carried these days. “Glad you’re here,” he said. Ron clapped you on the back, nearly knocking you forward. “Blimey, thought you’d never arrive. Mum’s been talking about it all week.”
Molly shooed you all toward the living room. “Now, don’t keep everyone waiting. They’re all in there.”
The door swung open, and suddenly the dim hallway gave way to warmth and light. The living room was alive with chatter, fire crackling merrily in the hearth. Faces turned as you entered, one by one lighting up.
Fred and George rose in unison, identical smirks tugging at their mouths. “Look who it is!” Fred called. “Our holiday guest of honor!” George added. “Careful,” Fred stage-whispered, “Mum’ll start fattening you up same as Harry.”
Ginny smiled warmly from the sofa. “About time. We’ve been saving a seat for you.”
Arthur Weasley approached with his usual, earnest kindness. “Wonderful to see you again. I was just telling Kingsley here about the toaster I found—”
Kingsley Shacklebolt inclined his head politely, his deep voice calm as ever. “It’s a pleasure.”
Bill and Fleur sat close together by the fire; Fleur looked radiant as ever, while Bill gave you a lopsided grin. “Good to have you here. The more the merrier, right?”
Mad-Eye Moody gave a gruff grunt of acknowledgment from the corner. His magical eye spun in its socket, landing on you with unnerving precision. “Constant vigilance,” he barked suddenly, making Tonks snort with laughter.
“Don’t scare them off, Mad-Eye,” Tonks said, bouncing up from her chair with her usual clumsy enthusiasm. “Hiya! Glad you made it.” She promptly tripped on the rug but caught herself with a grin.
And then Sirius Black strode forward, his eyes bright despite the weariness etched in his face. He clasped your hand firmly. “Welcome to the madhouse. You’ll fit right in.”
Remus Lupin was beside him, smiling warmly as always. “It’s good to see you again.”
You returned his smile, unable to stop yourself. “Thank you, Professor.”
His brow creased, though his tone was gentle. “You know you don’t have to call me that anymore.”
“Sorry, Professor,” you replied automatically, making Sirius chuckle.
“There’s no stopping it, Moony,” Sirius said, shaking his head. “Some habits die hard.”
Remus sighed good-naturedly, though the corner of his mouth twitched upward. “So it seems.”
“Enough chatter!” Molly interrupted, herding everyone back toward the dining table. “The food’s ready, and I won’t have it going cold while you lot stand around gossiping!”
Fred leaned toward you as you all moved toward the kitchen. “You know, she says that every year—”
“—and yet she’s always the one talking the most,” George finished, grinning.
Ginny rolled her eyes. “Don’t mind them.”
“Oi! We’re perfectly mindable,” Fred protested.
“Speak for yourself,” George said with a wink.
The laughter and warmth followed you as you were ushered to the long table, the clatter of plates and the scent of Molly’s cooking wrapping you in comfort. For the first time in a long while, it felt like home.