𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐒 [𝐑. 𝐋𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐧]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐀𝐍 𝐎𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐄

But most importantly, the Claires didn't really practice magic. He couldn't understand whether it was a simple lifestyle choice or if something else had caused that, but he had learnt not to question it. Vera worked as a secretary to a famous fashion company that was usually featured in the muggle magazines his mother bought, while Thomas worked as a link between the Ministry of Magic and the Muggle Ministry.

Even though they weren't the usual suburban couple he saw in the muggle movies, the Claires were relatively normal; or so he thought until that eventful morning of August.

Remus had woken up early this morning after his dear mother, Hope Lupin, commanded that "he gets his arse off the bed before she comes in the room.".  Although Hope was generally a very sweet and thoughtful woman, the week before Remus boarded the train for Hogwarts was difficult for her. She truly loved the boy with all her heart and she was really proud of him even though she didn't really comprehend how magic or his school worked. Yet, she couldn't help but miss her only son. And so, the woman had dragged Remus at the front garden as soon as the sun had risen in the sky.

"Have you gotten your letter yet?" Hope questioned, pouring some tea in her cup.

Remus nodded, "Yes, it came yesterday with James' mail."

"I have an early shift tomorrow so you can take your friends and go shopping." She proposed, stirring the beverage. "But don't stay out too long. We're having lunch as a family this week."

"Okay, mom." Remus sighed, putting his legs on the chair opposite from him. "I'll make sure I'm back home before dad comes."

Hope beamed at him, giving a court nod of approval. Silence fell as she opened the book she was currently reading and he curiously glanced at the cover, smiling softly as he realized it was the book he had recommended the past week. It was no secret that Hope couldn't decide what book to read next even if her life depended on it so Remus, being a good son, hadn't hesitated to prepare a list for her. Remus looked around the garden, his eyes falling on the mansion opposite from him. The windows were as always closed and the gate was probably locked, not that it really mattered. Nobody would dare to try and break in the house.

Suddenly, a yellow taxi stopped in front of their house, the driver getting out of the car to open the portbagaj as a girl came out of the car. Remus glanced at his mother who was observing the scene in front of her, curiosity written all over her face. The people in the village rarely got visitors and if they did, they would constantly ramble on about it for at least a week prior to the actual arrival. The driver took out two huge trunks from the back of the car, obviously struggling to lift them. The girl watched in amusement as he let out a huff of air and handed him the fee, smiling sweetly before he got in the car. The smile on her lips immediately fell and she dragged the trucks in front of the mansion. Remus watched as the put a hand in the pockets of her jeans, her eyebrows knitting together in annoyance.

"Have you seen her before?" Hope whispered, putting the book on the desk.

"I don't think so." He was certain that he had never seen her before. There was nobody around his age close to his house and even if there was, he was sure that they wouldn't try to break in the Claires mansion.

"Are you looking for someone, darling?" Hope shouted, standing up. The girl looked at her left, slightly startled.

"This is where the Claires live, right?" She asked, her eyes averting from Hope to Remus. Heat rose to his cheeks as she glanced at him up and down before looking back at his mother.

"Yes, but they're not here right now." Hope answered, opening the low garden hate for her to come in. "Are you their niece?"

"Niece?" She spat, her eyebrow quirking up. "I'm their daughter!"