Nem (Host)

Sirius and Andromeda were now bawling at the tops of their lungs, joined by James and Philomena.

Remus smiled, and at the same moment finally caught sight of Darius.

The old man was steaming drunk now, leaning heavily on the banister in the hallway and talking to an old woman who looked like she would very much like to get away from him.

Remus straightened his back and consciously smoothed his features.

He'd borrowed a set of James's smart dress robes for the occasion,

and Philomena had kindly performed a cosmetic spell on his scars.

As such, he hoped that he'd get away with at least appearing to be the son of a famous wizard, rather than a muggle brat from a children's home.

"'Good evening, Mr. Barebones,' he said, affecting an accent learnt from three years of listening to James and Sirius's received pronunciation."

He held out a hand to the old man, who shook it, looking at him, puzzled.

Remus Lupin, you remember we met last year?

Ah, yes, the Lupin boy.

That's right, Remus nodded, smiling serenely, keeping his expression controlled.

He handed Darius another whiskey, as the witch the old man had previously been talking to snuck away.

"'I believe you knew my father?'

"'Lyle Lupin, best dueler I ever knew.

Married a muggle somewhere in Wales, didn't he?'

"'That's right,' Remus said, steadily.

"'My mother.'

He took a careful breath as Darius guzzled more whiskey, then cleared his throat.

"'Did you know Lyle very well?'