@jegulus-microfic December 7, Word count 489
Regulus was floored by how generous the Potters had been. His pile of presents had been full of all his favourite sweets, new quills, multiple hand-knitted items from Monty, a selection of Muggle books he’d wanted and, of course, no Christmas would be complete without new socks and pants. “We’ve also set up an apprenticeship for you over the summer,” Monty told him once all the gifts had been opened and Tiffy the house-elf, who had dressed for the occasion in multicoloured tinsel and had forced a child’s headband over her round head that jingled pleasantly as she bobbed her head at everyone, was passing around a plate of mince pies with fat loops of whipped cream on top. Regulus gaped at Monty.
“With me, of course,” Monty said, his eyes gleaming as he took in Regulus’s relief. “What did you think I’d send you off to J. Pippin’s? Not a chance. I refuse to let that fool take all the glory for discovering your natural talent for potion brewing. That and the other half of this gift, if James and Sirius are in agreement.” He paused to look at the pair, who were trying to blow the biggest bubble with their Drooble’s best blowing gum. “At some point in the future, I will have to retire, and I would like to hand over the running of my little potion enterprise to you.”
“Me? Why me?” Regulus was stunned. His brain could barely tick over. “But what about James?” Regulus asked, looking over to him and Sirius again, both somehow covered head to foot in the bright blue, sticky gum. Monty raised an eyebrow at him, and Regulus snorted. “Yeah, dumb question.”
“Think it over. You don’t have to say yes right now. Besides, who knows how many years this old dogs got left in him?” Monty stretched his hands above his head, and his body let out a few loud cracks before he lowered them again.
“Careful, my love, you don’t want to pull anything on Christmas.” Effie chastised softly as she hugged her new scarf to her cheek.
“Yes, darling,” Monty replied, blowing her a kiss.
“Thank you,” Regulus said once Monty’s attention was back on him. “Thank you for everything.”
“Pish, you’re my son, and I’d like to keep the company in the family. I can’t think of a better candidate,” Monty told him earnestly. Regulus blushed profusely, and for the first time, he truly felt like he was part of a family worth being a part of.
“Can we go for a run?” James blurted out suddenly, having just de-gummed himself.
“Only if we can join you,” Effie grinned slyly. James’s jaw dropped open.
“You figured out how to do it, didn’t you?!” James gasped excitedly. Effie nodded once and stood from her chair, Monty following her. They closed their eyes and took a deep breath before the air around them began to shimmer.
