Author's note – I survived! Sort of. I have been consumed with my rewrites that I haven't added anything to Flames since last week. I still have a few chapters done after this one but I wanted to let you all know that I'm trying to focus on Sirius and Dahlia but I am currently distracted by Loki, this is nothing new.

Shout outs –

Purplestan – Thank you! I hope you are well.

Twilight Veela – I know right?! I love Fawkes so much!

paulaa90 – You make good points, one more chapter before the detention scene.

FluffcakesandLemonade – Thank you for helping me with this scene and all the synonyms needed. Love you!

As always please enjoy, read, and review!

Sirius took out the hinged container and sighed when he opened it. Still so many issues were in the way of all of them being happy. Black wondered if it would ever be over. He snapped the object shut shaking his head, he couldn't think like that. Things would have to get better, they have to. He smiled slightly still holding the velvet covered cause of his worries fidgeting with it somewhat. Still he questioned giving this ring to Dahlia.

"Sirius," Tonks asked from the stairs having observed him for a few moments, "everything all right?"

"Huh," he cast his distracted eyes to his cousin coming down the stairs, "Fine, fine Dora." He put the box back in his pocket.

"Something you have in common with Remus, you do not know how to hide your feelings," she said taking a seat next to him.

The Marauder chuckled, "What a very Dahlia-esque thing to say," his smile grew, it always did when she passed through his thoughts.

"She is rather observant," they shared a laugh. "What's bothering you that you couldn't tell our precious Dahl?"

Sirius' smile dropped a bit pulling out the fabric covered cube once more, "This is the cause of my reservations."

Tonks's mouth dropped in disbelief, "She said no?"

"No, no," Sirius assured her, "I haven't proposed yet. I'm just unsure if this is the right ring or even the right time."

"May I," she asked holding out her hand. Sirius put the plush case in Dora's hand. She examined the item for a moment before opening the hinged container. Inside was this absolutely stunning engagement ring. There was an enormous square black diamond surrounded by smaller white diamonds. It was stunning but it perplexed her why Sirius was so upset about it. Dora exhaled, "This is gorgeous."

"I know," Sirius said his handsome face set in a grimace almost glaring at the ring.

She looked at him oddly, "What's the issue Sirius?"

"This was my great grandmother's ring, passed down to the oldest son. It is a Black artifact." Understanding crossed Tonks' face as Sirius continued. "Our cousin Bella would love to get her hands on it. I'm not sure someone like Dahlia would want an antique of my family. A family that has caused such harm to others. I was considering buying her a new one, symbolizing not only my love for her which if it could would span two eternities but new and welcome change in our lives."

Dora nodded, "All good points," she said, "but Dahlia's a smart girl she would know that even if given this ring that it comes from your heart and not the Black tradition of inclusivity and hatred."

Sirius chuckled softly, "You sound like her."

"That's what happens when you are stuffed into a cramped house for months on end."

They both laughed louder. The sound carried upstairs bringing down Remus, "Causing trouble Sirius?"

"Most assuredly Remus," he grinned. "Having a wonderful talk with your paramour," he grinned at his cousin, "She's too good for you, never let him tell you otherwise."

Lupin chuckled coming down the stairs, "I recall that I told Dahlia the same thing," he looked at Sirius then the small and soft package in Dora's hand, "What happened?"

"Buyer's remorse," she told him.

Lupin looked carefully at his friend, "The family ring," Sirius nodded. "Ah," understanding crossed his kind face his mouth pulling a crooked smile, "It's Dahlia Sirius, and she adores you more than anything in the world. Where the ring came from will not matter to her."

"I know," Sirius said, "I'm fretting over nothing, I just want it to be right and perfect," he took the cube from Dora putting it back in his pocket, "Dahlia deserves perfect."

"Quite right," Lupin said taking a seat next to Tonks. He looked at his friend kindly, "and she has it in you." Sirius looked at the former professor quizzically letting him continue, "I think everyone in this house and those outside that have seen you with our young teaching assistant have never seen either of you so content. The way you light up around each other, it is almost a beacon to others indicating how much you love one another. You fit together so well," Remus said sincerely. "There is nothing that could douse that light."

Black smiled, "Thank you Remus."

"No thanks are needed my friend, seeing you and Dahlia together is thanks enough."

"I feel quite the same way my old friend," he grinned pulling out his wand, "which makes this all the more enjoyable," he gave his wand a flick conjuring a papier-mâché cupid fluttering around the couple on the sofa plucking an off-key harp warbling an indiscernible love song. Floating hearts appeared around the cherub and popped like soap bubbles.

Remus and Tonks were so busy trying to make the trilling cherub vanish that Sirius apparated up to his room barking out laughter as he did. He and Dahlia would surely get retaliation however this little one up game was extremely entertaining and gave a most welcome distraction from all the dark that seemed to surround everyone.

Author's note – Just a cute little chapter with Sirius and Tonks, would love to know what you all think! Love you guys!