Seeing Alan so interested in magical theory, Sirius gave him an early Christmas gift: a copy of Applied Runes for Communication. The book contained various techniques for laying out the Floo Network and detailed the principles behind magical fireside links. Alan felt as if he had discovered a treasure trove. Having spent his recent weeks studying Ancient Runes, the text provided ample material for him to practice and absorb.
"So, this is Snape?" Alan asked one afternoon, flipping through one of Sirius's old photo albums. It was a group shot from their school days, likely taken during a club event rather than a formal graduation.
"That's him. It was taken at one of Slughorn's Slug Club parties," Sirius said, leaning over his shoulder. "Look, there's Avery, that's Dolohov, and that one—the one who looks like he's sucking a lemon—is Snape. You should memorize their faces. If you ever run into them in the future, you need to be on your guard."
Alan focused on Snape. He still possessed the advanced Potions textbook signed by the "Half-Blood Prince." After discovering the Sectumsempra spell scribbled in the margins, he was nearly certain the Prince was Snape. Judging by the intricate notes, Snape's understanding of Potions and Dark Arts was formidable even as a student. In the photo, a younger Snape stared back with melancholic, steady eyes. It was difficult to imagine such a face ever breaking into a smile.
The next day was the evening of the Christmas dinner. Alan dressed with meticulous care, opting for slim-fit charcoal trousers, an ink-colored shirt, and a silver-grey waistcoat. He added a narrow tie with silver and black stripes and a matching overcoat. With his hair carefully styled, he looked sharp and energetic. Ignoring his height of only five feet, he carried himself with the poise of a refined gentleman.
Sirius, by contrast, wore a formal suit but left the tie off and his top buttons undone, looking like a rakish, handsome rogue.
"You're telling me I have to ride in that sidecar to the party?" Alan asked flatly. He had assumed they would travel via Apparition or the Floo Network. When he saw Sirius dramatically wheeling out the motorcycle, he realized his mistake.
"Haha! I have to let James and Remus see my darling. Don't worry, the storage compartment has a Traceless Extension Charm. It'll hold all your gifts," Sirius laughed, stroking the chrome of his bike with an affection that made Alan slightly queasy.
Alan climbed into the sidecar with a sigh of resignation. "I spent ages on my hair. You don't care about your own mess, but if the wind ruins my styling, I'm holding you responsible."
Sirius ignored the threat, kicked the engine to life, and soared into the sky toward Godric's Hollow. Throughout the flight, Alan maintained a steady Shield Charm in front of the sidecar to deflect the biting wind and preserve his dignity.
Godric's Hollow, located in the southwest of England, was a semi-wizarding community. While many wizards resided there, they lived alongside Muggles and were required to keep their magic discreet. Sirius touched down on a quiet street and dispelled the bike's concealment charm, parking it cheerfully in an empty space next to a large, inviting house.
Alan, however, was not cheerful. Despite his best efforts with the Shield Charm, the wind had managed to catch his hair. He tried to smooth it back with his hands, but it stubbornly returned to his usual shoulder-length style. He shot Sirius a look of pure resentment.
Sirius merely shrugged and chuckled. "Don't fuss over it. You look better this way anyway—unrestrained and dashing, just like me."
*I specifically tried not to look like you,* Alan thought, but he bit back the retort. The more he complained, the more Sirius would enjoy it.
Sirius led the way and knocked on the door. It was opened by Lily, her dark red hair glowing in the warm light of the hallway. She beamed at them. "Welcome, Sirius, Alan! You're just in time. Everyone else is already here."
"Early or late, it's all the same," Sirius said with a grin. "Long time no see, Lily. You're looking more beautiful than ever."
Alan stepped forward politely. "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Potter. Thank you for having me."
Lily gave him a gentle smile. "Please, just call me Lily. I felt a connection with you the moment we met, Alan. And since you saved this old dog's life, you're practically family. Come in and get warm; it's freezing out there."
"Can everyone stop saying he saved me?" Sirius grumbled. "I was a second away from knocking those two fools flat."
Lily didn't argue; she simply shared a knowing look with Alan and ushered them inside. The Potter house was decorated warmly, lit by magical candles and lanterns that cast a soft, golden glow. The living room was already full. Alan recognized James Potter, as well as two other men: one in a somewhat frayed suit and a shorter, stouter man with watery eyes.
Across from them sat Frank Longbottom and a woman who could only be his wife, Alice. Frank had been the Auror who escorted Alan back to the Leaky Cauldron after the incident in Knockturn Alley.
"James! Remus! Peter! Merry Christmas!" Sirius roared, spreading his arms to greet his oldest friends with exuberant hugs. He turned to the other couple. "Frank, Alice! I didn't expect to see you here. It's a full house today."
Frank stood to shake Sirius's hand. "Dumbledore suggested our families spend the holiday together for safety. Besides, Harry and Neville were born only a day apart. It's the perfect chance for the little ones to play together. Alice and my mother thought it was a wonderful idea."