King of Lightning [HP FANFIC]

While Anduin was still feeling uneasy, the group of people watching the children seemed to have had enough fun. Sirius, seeing Anduin come out, picked up a child and said with a grin, "Hey, look, this is my godson, Harry".

Then he brought Harry closer to Anduin and, speaking to the innocent boy, added, "Hey, Harry, this is Anduin right here. You must remember in the future not to be as vain as this guy." The mischievous Sirius held Harry while teasing him with annoying words, not caring whether little Harry understood or not.

Anduin couldn't help but roll his eyes. Looking down at innocent little Harry, he also took the boy's hand and teased him, saying, "Hey, little Harry, your godfather might seem annoying, but in reality, he's even more annoying and mischievous, like a dog. Don't grow up to be as sloppy as him, okay?"

Sirius immediately scowled when he heard this. He pulled Harry away from Anduin and said, "What are you saying? Don't go corrupting my little Harry."

While holding Harry, Sirius didn't behave like his usual carefree self in public. Instead, his face was full of affection. One might have mistaken Harry for his own son.

Anduin played with Sirius and little Harry for a while until James called Sirius over to talk. Sirius handed Harry to Anduin and went to find James.

Holding little Harry, Anduin looked down at the boy sucking his thumb, showing no sign of being a future savior whatsoever.

Soon Sirius returned and said, "Anduin, James suggested we all take a group photo. Come join us."

Agreeing, Anduin carried Harry toward the fireplace. James and Lupin had already moved the furniture in the living room. Alice Longbottom had also called Lily and Augusta from the kitchen. The group lined up in a row, with James and the Longbottoms in the center. Sirius, Lupin, and Peter stood on James's side, while Augusta took the other. For symmetry in the photo, Anduin placed himself next to Augusta. James quickly adjusted the camera and signaled everyone to smile. A moment later, the flash went off.

But after the photo was taken, Anduin felt something was off. Looking down at his arms, he realized Harry was still in his embrace.

Everyone had been so focused on the photo that they forgot to have Lily and James hold Harry. Little Neville wasn't held by the Longbottom couple either, but by his grandmother, Augusta. The group photo had been taken in such a careless way.

"Hey, didn't you forget something when we took the picture? Aren't you even going to hold your own child?" Anduin asked the young couple, his tone incredulous.

At that moment, everyone else noticed the mishap too, and a wave of laughter filled the room. Lily then took Harry from Anduin and said, "It looks like Harry really likes you. He didn't even cry after being in your arms for so long. I can't believe I didn't notice."

"Do you want to retake it? Is it really a family photo if neither of your kids are being held by their parents?" Anduin asked.

"It's fine," Lily replied with an easy, philosophical tone. James and the Longbottoms had no intention of redoing the picture either. Instead, they all hurried into the dining room, ready to enjoy Christmas dinner.

It was as if fate had used that photo to foreshadow something—unaware that their futures would come to reflect that very scene.

At that moment, Anduin didn't think much of it and joined the others at the Christmas feast.

Everyone savored the holiday delicacies amid laughter and joy. After tasting Anduin's cooking, they showered him with generous praise.

After dinner, the content group gathered in the living room to exchange Christmas gifts. Anduin also brought out the presents he had prepared. For Lily, there were children's books and a music box. For James, he had a beautifully wrapped Joy Potion. He also brought out more of these potions, one for nearly everyone.

Everyone's impression of Anduin improved greatly when they saw he had prepared thoughtful gifts for all.

Augusta, seeing how polite Anduin was, felt a bit embarrassed that she hadn't prepared a gift for him beforehand. She then took out a silver chain she had with her and handed it to Anduin. It was originally a half-finished ornament she had commissioned from a craftsman. Her plan had been to add a locket with a photo of her grandson and turn it into a necklace for herself. But since she had nothing else to offer at the moment, she gave it to Anduin on behalf of the Longbottoms, thinking it would be easy to have another one made later.

The Potter family gifted Anduin a set of books titled Mysteries of Magical Defense. The books included blessings written by both Lily and James. Lily knew Anduin was diligent and had learned from Professor Flitwick that he had great potential in charms, so she copied this set from the Potter family library. These books were rare in the market and considered a valuable academic treasure.

Seeing the gift, Anduin felt as though he had found a priceless treasure and repeatedly thanked Lily and James.

Sirius also pulled out a gift with a mysterious air. Anduin had assumed that someone as carefree as Sirius would just hand over a bag of Galleons and call it a day. But the gift surprised him.

Sirius produced a small linen-like bag. Anduin took it and discovered it was an alchemical tool enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm. It held about three or four cubic meters of space—an excellent spatial item.

"So? Pretty good, huh? This magic bag's effective duration is about four or five years, which should last you until graduation. That day I saw you lugging so many things, I knew exactly what I wanted to give you," Sirius said proudly.

Anduin was thrilled by the unexpected gift. He had previously considered buying a spatial item, as he often needed to pack heavy when traveling. But he had learned that a bag with an Undetectable Extension Charm and only one or two years of magical shelf life cost twenty or thirty Galleons. He had hesitated, still undecided whether to purchase one. He never imagined Sirius would be so thoughtful.

For once, Anduin didn't mock Sirius. Instead, he offered sincere words of thanks, and Sirius laughed heartily with pride.

And so, the room was filled with laughter and joy.

"I guess the Death Eaters won't show up tonight. I wonder how the Weasleys are doing," Sirius whispered to Anduin. Despite all the merriment, it seemed he remained ever vigilant.

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