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This was the first time that Sirius had heard the firsthand account and now understood the meaning behind the slur of his name. It was presumed that Grindelwald had killed Ariana just like it was presumed he had killed Pettigrew; and of course being involved with a Dumbledore. He looked at Dahlia sure that she had heard this story over and over as a precautionary tale and part of her history. Her middle name was Ariana, there was no doubt in his mind that Albus and Aberforth talked about their lost sister to her, and perhaps even comparisons were made. His face became contemplative that might not have been the best idea to compare a child to their sister, who was indeed powerful, but that was a lot to live up to, even for Dahlia.
Sirius looked to Lupin also enthralled at the tale, "Remus old friend, a moment," he said quietly.
Lupin nodded, "Excuse us for a moment," he told Aberforth and Dahlia.
Sirius and Remus walked to the far corner of the bar sitting in Dahlia's corner. Both of them still absorbing the information provided by her father. With Fudge determined to keep face against all odds it made the Tournament even more dangerous. Sirius looked at his friend worry plastered on his face.
"I want Dahlia away from the castle and Tournament," Sirius told the former professor.
"Understood, should she stay here?"
Sirius sat back in his chair blowing out a breath that he had been holding in, "If I had a choice I'd send her home," he leaned forward again, "but yes, here would be the most ideal place. I don't trust many at school." He paused once again, there had been too many odd happenings at school to really trust anyone. "Albus is busy fending off Fudge and preoccupied with the Tournament, and Snape still has classes to teach," Sirius looked at Lupin again leaning in closer and almost whispering, "There's something strange with Moody," he confessed, "I can't quite put my finger on it, but his actions and attitude are off."
Remus leaned back at Sirius' words, he hadn't been around to see any of this, but he trusted Black's judgement. There had been several instances where something suspicious had been going on. Most notably when Dahlia's cameo went missing and then it being returned by Karkaroff but nothing seemed amiss with it. Lupin slowly nodded agreeing with Sirius, "Will you be staying as well?"
Sirius shook his head before stopping to look at Dahlia, as much as he would like to spend the time with her, Harry needed him, "No, Harry is still vulnerable. I wish I could hide him away somewhere as well but alas I can't. At least with Dahlia here I will know she's safe."
"Understood," Remus said looking at the contemplative face of Sirius as he stared wistfully at the lilac haired witch, "she will be safe Sirius," Lupin said confidently, "her father and I will not let anything happen to her."
Sirius turned to the former professor, "I know my friend," his mouth twitched into a smile, "that doesn't stop me from worrying or missing her." He stood, "We should tell her," he smiled as Lupin stood, "and be prepared for the inevitable backlash from my little love."
Remus chuckled slightly, "Would you expect any less of her?"
They both looked at her giving each other a knowing smile before Sirius barked out a laugh causing Dahlia and Aberforth to turn, "No and if she had a different reaction I really would have cause for concern."
"What are you two scheming," Dahlia said grinning getting up from the fire to embrace the former convict.
Sirius smiled holding the witch close to him. He inhaled the light floral scent wafting from her hair before placing a soft kiss on her head. He just held her for a moment feeling her petite frame against his, feeling her heartbeat next to his chest, hearing her breathing so evenly. He held her hoping that the words he needed to tell her would come to him and hoping she would understand.
His hand rubbed her back slightly, "Come my little love," he kissed her head again, "we should talk."
Dahlia pulled away from him too look at his face reading the concern and care on his face. It made the youthful appearance darken slightly bringing out the worry lines and creases around his eyes and mouth. She knew what he was going to ask her, to stay away from the school, nothing good could come of it. Sirius turned holding her hand to lead her to the corner table but she stopped him, "I know what you want to ask of me."
Sirius turned with a smile, "Oh," he said unsurprised, "tell me."
Dahlia laughed quietly, "You want me to stay here," she told him looking at his eyebrows raise, "and you are expecting me to put up a fight, however," she said her grin growing, "as much as I hate to disappoint you, I agree with you and Remus."
"You heard," Sirius said pulling her into him by her hand.
"You two aren't exactly sly when planning," she told him to his amusement. "Although we should inform Albus and get my things before I concede to your plan."
Author's note – Thank you all for sticking with me through this huge undertaking. I appreciate each and every one of you! I crave feedback and I can only get better with it and it makes me want to get new content up faster for you guys! Love you all!