The Christmas holiday has arrived.
Although it's called the Christmas holiday, there's actually a week to go before Christmas when the break begins.
And the day before that, Vid received a funeral invitation from the Black Family.
"Sirius doesn't plan to invite too many people," Lupin told them. "But he wants to make it formal. He believes Regulus deserves a solemn funeral."
After discussing with his parents, Vid decided to go home after attending the funeral, with Ferdinand and Fiona also expressing their support.
Besides Vid, Harry also invited all the Weasleys from school.
Their parents will take the holiday as an opportunity to visit another son, Bill, while the other children remain at school.
But the Weasleys figured that rather than staying in the school they've grown tired of, they might as well go with Harry.
Apparently, Percy wanted to stay, but the twins stole his stay application form, not allowing him to be alone at school.
Aside from Vid, most people from Umbrella House accepted the invitation, except Padma, whose parents insisted she must go home with her sister.
"I really wish I could go with you, really," Padma apologized. "But my aunt and cousin specifically came to see us, so my parents... well, you know, elders always believe our own matters aren't important enough."
"Don't worry," Michael immediately said. "I'll update you every day on what we discover."
Padma smiled at him.
Theo coughed loudly.
The two of them thought their relationship change was unnoticed by anyone, while in fact, everyone except Harry had already realized.
On the last day of the semester, students still had to take the train to leave school. The Thestral-drawn carriages headed to the station, stopping midway when Hagrid called out, and several carriages halted.
They had reached Hogsmeade Village, where Lupin awaited by the roadside.
Vid and the others jumped off the carriage and greeted Lupin. Meeting him for the first time, Percy and Ginny appeared somewhat reserved, standing together as siblings.
"Welcome," Lupin said with a gentle smile.
"Harry!" Hagrid, in a carriage by himself, poked his head out and shouted, "Enjoy your holiday, I'll be visiting the Black residence in a few days too."
"Alright!"
Seeing other students casting surprised glances their way, Harry quickly called out, looking a bit confused.
He didn't yet know about the funeral.
"Goodbye, kids! Goodbye, Remus! Say hi to Sirius for me!"
Hagrid waved his arms, and the carriages gradually departed.
"Come with me," Lupin said, leading the group towards his home.
"Remus, are we going to the old Black residence?" Harry asked proactively. "Where's Sirius? Isn't he there?"
He thought he would see his godfather as soon as he got off the train!
"Sirius… well, he's not doing too well…"
Lupin said worriedly, "The condition of the old Black residence is worse than we expected; temporarily it's not suitable for living. Tonight, you'll have to stay at my place, it's not large, so everyone might have to squeeze a bit."
"What happened to Sirius?" Harry asked urgently.
Lupin hesitated, exchanged a glance with Vid, as if saying—
[You didn't tell Harry?]
[I thought you would tell him.]
Vid pushed responsibility back without hesitation.
On the way, Lupin then slowly shared Regulus's story.
Of course, he did not mention the Soul Artifact in his story.
The children didn't know Regulus, most had only heard Sirius's name through newspapers. But putting together the brothers' experiences, anyone could feel the heaviness and sorrow within.
For over a decade, two brothers fighting against Voldemort; one imprisoned in the most terrifying jail in the world, the other submerged in a cold lake.
The commonality was that they both bore a stigma.
What a hell of a joke!
No one spoke for quite a while.
After some time, Harry said, "I want to accompany Sirius… this kind of moment shouldn't leave him alone. Where is he?"
"At the old Black residence," Lupin said.
"Didn't you say that place isn't suitable for living?"
"Yes, that house's condition is awful! Since Sirius's mother passed away, no one has taken care of it. There's also a House-Elf committed to opposing us… Sirius has been trying hard to tidy it up, hoping to provide his brother a dignified funeral."
"I can help!" Harry instantly said.
"But…"
"We'll go too!" Leian said. "When Harry initially invited us, didn't he mention hoping we could help clean? We're here for that reason."
Harry blushed a bit; he didn't expect it meant doing lots of work.
Everyone laughed, even stern-faced Percy couldn't help but smile briefly.
Fred said, "Ha-ha, my mom has always wanted a House-Elf. I'd like to see how such a creature could cause trouble for its owner."
"I'm here to experience what an ancient Wizard Clan is like. Honestly, the more eerie and terrifying, the better, right?" Michael glanced at everyone, not concealing his excitement.
Theo simply nodded, saying, "More people, faster work."
Hermione said, "We are not the type to just find places to enjoy, and shy away from trouble."
"Oh, seriously." Ron slapped his forehead, "Since I was three, I've been doing chores under my mom's command, I'm quite skilled!"
Everyone eagerly expressed their desire to help, not at all bothered by the prospect of extra work.
The children's kind intentions were so straightforward and pure that Lupin couldn't help but display a genuine smile.
"Alright, then, let's head there. I hope you don't regret it after seeing the old Black residence."
At this point, the old Black residence hadn't become the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, and naturally wasn't protected by the Fidelius Charm.
Though the Black Family had been casting numerous spells on it for generations to prevent it from being discovered by Muggles or Wizards, it didn't stop Sirius from connecting it to the Floo Network.
One by one, everyone scattered Floo Powder, loudly announcing "Number 12, Grimmauld Place," disappearing in the green flames.
Vid remained at the back.
Before entering the fireplace, he turned to ask, "Remus, where is Regulus's body?"
"In the house next to Sirius's," Lupin said, "Sirius hopes to bring him back once the funeral venue is prepared."
Vid nodded slightly but said, "I think we should bring him back now."
"The old Black residence might seem like an unpleasant place to Sirius, but to Regulus, it's surely his soul's yearned-for home."