A Serious Conversation
Writings
Flashbacks
Silent communication
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Sirius could not remember the last time he felt this happy. Happy wasn’t even a strong enough word to encompass how elated he was feeling.
If he thought hard enough, he would say there were three moments that he had ever felt this way.
The first, when James and Lily asked him to be Harry’s third parent. To know that they loved and trusted him enough to entrust him with the life of the one they all loved with all their hearts, every fiber of their being. They gave him a chance to have what had been so cruelly and painfully taken from him. The love he felt for his two friends in that moment, for the small, precious bundle that he held in his arms filled him to his very core.
The second, was after the Blood Adoption. The first time he held his son in his arms. This tiny little thing, perfect in every way, was now his. He was now a part of Harry, and Harry was a part of him. Forever bonded by Blood and family. Sirius will love and protect him with every breath in his body, every beat of his heart.
The third, was her. Her beautiful blue eyes, the color so clear, bright, and breathtaking that they put sapphires to shame with their brilliance. When those eyes stared into his and made him the happiest man in the word with just one word.
“Yes.”
How, with that one word, his life felt complete. His future was set. He wouldn’t be alone.
She’ll be there.
Then everything fell apart.
His family was ripped apart and he was locked away in Azkaban to rot.
Not one day passed that Sirius didn’t think about her. Not one day passed with his love for her ever fading.
It never would.
Even if she didn’t feel the same, Sirius would love her to his last breath.
Pain coursed through him at the thought that she was made to believe that he was part of a group that had devastated and wounded her beyond anything imaginable. That he was part of the group that nearly killed every member of her family.
Which nearly killed her.
When he remembered how the most beautiful, strongest woman had broken down in his arms, he felt waves of pain.
That she was made to believe that he would be part of the ones who would do that to her makes him want to howl with rage and loss.
They’ve both lost so much. Too much.
Sirius couldn’t think of that right now though. He couldn’t think that he'd soon see her for the first time in over fourteen years.
He was happy, more than happy. He needed to focus on that.
Harry, his son, knew.
He knew everything.
He was aware of the Blood Adoption. Knew that Sirius was his father.
Harry knew but more importantly, he didn’t hate Sirius.
Instead of the blame, anger, and antipathy that Sirius had feared, Harry welcomed the knowledge with open arms.
Literally.
The way his son launched himself into his arms, holding onto Sirius as though he never wanted to let go, scared that it was a dream, was more than the man could have ever hoped for.
His son wanted him, wanted him to be his father.
Not only that but his son had agreed with the readings happening, said he wouldn’t do anything to fight them, all because it would show that Sirius was innocent.
His son was willing to sacrifice his privacy and be on display for all to see in order for Sirius to be free.
He never would wish his son to ever make such a sacrifice for him. However, he couldn’t stop the warmth that enveloped him at just how much his son truly loved him.
What he was willing to give up for Sirius.
He was blessed to have Harry in his life, and he’ll cherish him as he should have always been.
It was these thoughts that floated through Sirius’ head as he as Padfoot, Remus, Andie, Ted, and Dora made their way to the Entrance Hall in comfortable silence.
Andie had informed Minnie that she would have them all head there to meet with her and the other guest when it came close to the end of dinner for the students. Wanting to give the woman one less thing to worry about.
It was shortly after they arrived that they saw Minnie making her way down the hall with the rest of the Order members, and the three Dursleys. She had a harassed and annoyed expression on her face.
If the fat whale did something to upset Minnie, he’ll have to deal with Sirius.
The group made their way to Sirius and the others.
“I’m giving that boy as many points as I damn well please. He must have the patience of a saint to deal with that…that…THAT.” Oh, Minnie was more than mad. Her Scottish brogue was more pronounced than Sirius had ever heard it.
Sirius couldn’t help but give Remus a look who returned it in kind.
“No one messes with Minnie.”
“What happened?” There was a growl in Remus’ voice. His eyes were glowing like a raging fire at the prospect that these people must have been truly horrible to have their former Head of House so riled and infuriated.
The flames in his eyes only burned brighter when in her seething rage, Minnie was unable to form full sentences. Sirius felt his hackles rise in response, ready to attack the disgusting monster of a man.
“It seems that Harry’s aunt and uncle were unaware of Arabella's association with the Magical World. They made their displeasure about it known loudly, hatefully, and vulgarly. They were very fond of using the words, ‘freak’, ‘abnormality’, and ‘abomination.’. Considering Arabella’s past, it had quite the effect on her.” Hestia had informed them, a dark look crossing her face, anger burning in her eyes.
“Oh, is that so?” The question sounded more like a growl. The inferno of his eyes fixed firmly on the two oldest Dursley’s.
Sirius could feel his own rage at these two despicable people grow exponentially. The thought of them so easily uttering such vicious things was an indicator of what they must have regularly thrown at his son.
While looking at Arabella's scared and tear-filled face, his rage nearly consumed his rational mind. Emmeline wrapped a protective arm around her. His respect for the cat-loving lady had grown tremendously when he watched her verbally beat down Dumbledore when he had informed her of the readings. The way that she had stuck up and fumed over Harry’s treatment endeared the woman to him. Sirius was aware that Remus felt the same
“Unfortunately. Yes. Although you should have seen Minerva. After that, I’m surprised it’s a tabby and not a lioness that’s her Animagus form. It was magnificent.” Of course, it was. Minnie was the absolute best. She was the most caring, protective, and ferocious when it came to protecting those she cared for and who were under her care. Sirius always greatly admired the woman and often dreamed that she was his mother instead of Walburga.
“Calm down, the two of you. I was perfectly capable of handling it.” It seemed Minnie was able to get herself under control. She now had a gentle, comforting hand on Remus’ shoulder and on his head. Sirius couldn’t help but lean into the touch and calmed further at the gentle look she gave him at the action.
“It just infuriates me at the nerve of them. The thought that someone as kind and loving as Harry was forced to endure growing up under their care.” Sirius couldn’t blame her one bit. He felt the same and it pained him knowing that these people didn’t love and appreciate his pup like they should have.
"If you would like, we can remind them of behavior that is and isn't acceptable." The timber of his brother's voice was rough, but he had grown calmer from Minnie’s presence.
“Thank you, Remus. I appreciate the offer but I’m sure you’re more than aware that I am perfectly capable of doing that myself.” There was slight humor in her voice from the years of memories that she has of them being unruly lions in her House.
“Ah, of course.” The slight red hue would be funny if Sirius knew he wouldn’t be sporting the same if he wasn’t currently Padfoot.
Suddenly, a scent assaults Sirius’ nose, bringing him back to another life. One filled with happiness, love, and a hopeful, promising future.
It reminded him of how he loved the spring, summer, and early fall days while at Hogwarts, where there was a slight breeze, and it was pleasant enough to sit outside and enjoy the weather. How before he had gathered his courage, he would try to catch and memorize it as it danced in the wind. Then when he had finally gained the courage that he always seemed to lack around her as he felt bare when in her sight, he would find himself lost in it as he held her in her arms, not wanting to be anywhere else, for why leave heaven when it’s right there?
It smelled as though he was sitting in a garden, for how else could he describe her? Filled with beauty and life. The sunlight was warm and gentle like amber, the scent of cinnamon, tonka bean, cacao, vanilla, and almond wafting from the cup of coffee in front of him. The scent of it mingled in the air with the praline on his plate. The smell of bergamot, lemon, and orange blossoms drifted down from the branches hanging above him. The smell of tuberose, Bulgarian rose, jasmine sambac, orris, and patchouli danced in the breeze from the flowers surrounding him. In the distance, sandalwood and cedar emanated from the trees.
It all comes together to be her.
It's his peace, his love, his future.
All until it wasn't.
Now it's his past, his pain, his regret.
It's still his love.
It always will be.
"Good evening, Professor McGonagall." That voice, he hadn't heard it in so long.
It sends pain tearing through him.
If he wasn't currently Padfoot, Sirius was sure he would die from it.
Turning around he sees her for the first time, that isn't from photos in the paper, in nearly a decade and a half.
She's still as beautiful as the first time he laid eyes on her.
Hair was like spun gold, every strand precious and beautiful. He remembered the feel of the silky stands as he ran his hand through them as he tried to remember the contours of her face, peaceful as she slept. Blue eyes were more beautiful, more radiant than an ocean of sapphires shimmering in the afternoon summer sun. Captivating and mesmerizing in their beauty, one would be more than happy to be adrift in. Her face was just as perfect, just as beautiful, just the same as it had been when he last saw her. The only difference is the slight lines around her eyes.
Sirius couldn't help but think that if there was ever a woman who would make age and the passage of time look beautiful, it would be her.
"Amelia, it's good to see you." The small smile on her face makes his heart stop. Her voice is the music in his life that has been missing for almost fifteen years.
"Even though I told you countless times to call me Minerva." The smile widens and Sirius falls in love all over again. It's impossible not to with this woman in front of him.
"Of course, Minerva. Forgive me it's been quite a day." The stress in her voice at the end of that sentence makes Sirius want to gather her in his arms as he used to always do.
"I understand more than I would like, dear. Unfortunately, it's not even over yet." He watches as her back straightens at Minnie’s words, as though preparing herself at the reminder.
"Unfortunately." It always amazed him at how much emotion she was always able to pack into one word.
"Mimsey." Minnie called out loud, a House Elf appearing a moment later.
"Will you please take Madame Bones' things to the rooms she has been given for her time here? Please, also have a few of the others ready for when the other guests start to arrive." He was reminded that he was going to be seeing her for the foreseeable future, every day. He didn't know if it would make his heart sing or bleed.
Sirius didn't care which it was. He'd spent so long without her that he'd take whatever he could get.
As the House Elf popped away to do as Minnie had asked, Sirius saw her eyes slide over to where Remus was and widen a fraction.
"Hello, Amelia. It's been a while." The soft voice of Remus greeted her. He felt Remus' hand softly stroke his head in comfort. The other man knew better than anyone what her presence would do to Sirius. He couldn't be more grateful for his brother.
"Remus, yes it has. It's a pleasure to see you. How have you been?" Her voice was sincere, yet slightly strained.
Sirius knew that it was him that caused it.
His memory, his supposed crime, their shared past.
She came closer and Sirius couldn't help but hide himself behind his old friend.
He always lost his courage in her presence.
"I've been well, and you?" His voice was pleasant and friendly as he spoke to her. They used to be good friends before the war destroyed all their happiness.
"Busy. Between work and Susan, I've had my hands full. It's been easier since she started Hogwarts." The thought that little Susie and Harry could have grown up as siblings had things played out differently came to Sirius' mind. Instead of having a cousin who had been taught by his parents to make Harry’s life miserable, he could have a fierce older sister by his side.
"Sorry, excuse me, it seems more of our guests have arrived." Sirius couldn't see from his position who it was, but now it was just him, Remus, and her. When they saw Minnie had calmed him and Remus, everyone broke into groups and started their own conversations.
"Poor Minerva has a lot she has to deal with right now. I know it's us Hufflepuffs that are known to be hard working, but that woman puts us all to shame." It was nearly impossible for anyone not to admire the Head of Gryffindor House.
"Yes, she does. I believe it's even more difficult for her than for some since we're all here due to one of her lions." Sirius saw as her head snapped back to face Remus.
"Harry." She would've been the one to help him raise his son after James and Lily were killed. Just as he would have helped raise Susie.
"I saw your name on the list of people required for the readings. I figured though it wasn't because you're part of the Order, even though I know you are." Of course, his girl would understand. She always knew everything. There was extraordinarily little Sirius could keep from her. In both cases, Sirius believed he was protecting her.
If only she had known everything would have turned out so differently.
"I knew the reason you must have been requested was for your connection to Harry, not the Order. Considering everything, considering the past, it made the most sense." There was grief and hurt in her eyes and Sirius wished he could kiss it all away as he used to.
"I'm sorry he is being forced to go through this. It's more than any one person should ever have to go through. I tried to stop it, but I was overruled. I will do what I can though to help." She always tries to do what is right. It's who she is. Sirius loves her even more for wanting to protect his son.
"Thank you, I know Harry will sincerely appreciate it." His son appreciates all the kindness that people give to him. He's been deprived of it for so long.
"And you're right, of course. Harry comes before the Order. He's my main priority." The love and steel in his friend’s voice when talking about his son always calmed a part of Sirius. He knew that Remus would never allow anything to happen to Harry as long as he was alive.
"Also, my connection to both James and Sirius." It was easy to see the way her entire body ceased all movement. There wasn't even a slight rise and fall of her chest to show she was breathing. She looked as though she had been petrified when she heard his name.
"James and Sirius were my best friends, my family. James was Harry’s father, Sirius his godfather." There was a slight shake to her hands that Sirius wished he could hold and tell her that everything was fine.
"I taught here during Harry’s third year, when Sirius escaped." There was a calculating note in his friend's voice as he watched and analyzed the effect his words had on her.
"Did you know we ran into him, Harry and I?" Her eyes snapped to him, filled with unshed tears, grief, pain, and surprise in those jeweled color irises.
"He told us everything that happened. What really happened. The truth of it all." He could smell the regret rolling off Remus in waves. He knew the guilt that he wasn't there for Sirius still ate away at his brother.
"The truth?" The words were barely more than a breath. So much emotion in her whispered question.
"I think you better prepare yourself, Mia." They would all call her Amy.
It was only Sirius that ever called her Mia.
He could see she understood the significance of it from the sharp inhale she took.
Before she could respond the voices of Umbridge and Fudge echoed in the corridor, calling everyone to them.
Walking by Remus' side, farthest away from her, they made their way over. Before they took more than three steps her hand shot out to grab Remus, causing both man and dog to immediately stop, their backs still turned to her.
"You said James and Sirius." Her voice broke over his name and even with all the pain in it, he loved hearing his name on her lips.
"You said they were your best friends, your family." Her voice was thick with emotion, but Sirius knew that didn't stop her mind from running a million miles per minute.
"I did." He was calm, cool, and collected.
"What about Peter? You didn't say Peter." The words were quick, as though she was trying to put the little she had together and figure it all out.
Without turning, Remus gave her a look from over his shoulder, eyes hard and burning, mouth set in a hard line.
"No, I didn't." The growl was filled with hate and scorn. Its power startled her visibly.
Remus closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them, the fire within calmed.
"He loves you, Amelia. Always has. Prepare yourself. These readings will affect us in more ways than you could imagine." Remus says before he faces front to continue his way forward. Sirius is a few moments behind him as it's nearly impossible for him to look away from her.
Before he follows his friend, he sees her clutching something to her chest that appears to be connected to a chain around her neck.
Sirius spares one more thought before he needs to focus his attention back on what is about to happen. Back to his son.
"Oh, Mia, I love you."