A/N - I am back working on this story again. One of my recent reviewers motivated me to dedicate the time to catching up on where I was in the story and to continue it on. My sincere apologies for the length of time between postings. If you are still reading this, thank you. I hope not to let you down. This chapter has not been betaed, as I currently have no beta. I have gone over it more than once, but all errors are mine. I am still not J.K. Rowling and am making no profit from this.

Chapter Thirty-Three - An Afternoon at the Trattoria

Suddenly a stealthy movement off to the right caught Sirius's attention. Bill, ever on the alert immediately noticed his change in demeanour. He quietly kicked Viktor foot underneath the table and nodded towards Sirius. Very casually Sirius reseated himself and pulled Procyon down into the empty chair next to him.

Procyon looked as if he was about to protest, however, one look at Sirius's expression caused him to change his mind. He subtly checked his wand and let his gaze wander about the square.

Adopting a relaxed mien, Sirius explained what he had seen. "Off to the right, I noticed a man dressed in a black cloak ducking behind that post. I think there are at least two more cloaked men within spell range." He fingered his cup. "They all seem to be focusing their attention on this table. Do any of you recall being tailed? Anything suspicious on your way here?"

With equal calmness, Bill leaned back in his chair and stretched out his legs. "I'm fairly certain no one was following us. Working on digs lends itself to noticing anything that seems out of place. After all, when you're in the business of pursuing treasure, you always need to be highly aware of your surroundings." He paused and looked pointedly at Sirius. "I don't think we're the ones that brought them here. By the way, there are three more to the left of the cafe in front of a newstand."

Procyon started to lean forward, when a gesture from Sirius had him settling back into his seat. His whole body radiated tension and confusion.

Sirius whispered, "Do try and act normally. We do not want to alert them to the fact that we are on to them."

Procyon nodded in reply, and gestured to the waiter. "Uno moka caffè, per favore."

"Si, si, Signor. Nient altro?"

Procyon shook his head in reply and returned his attention to the three men at the table.

"Vell done, my young friend." Viktor complimented him. "I have de bad feeling dat dey are after me. I should have realised it sooner. I tink dey have been following me for some time. It vill not do vell for me to be seen sitting here vit you." He frowned, and then continued. "Dey must tink I vill join dem, or dat I have information dat can help dem. Eider possibility is not, how you say, reassuring?"

"Not reassuring at all," replied Sirius. "How long do you think they have been following you?"

Viktor nonchalantly picked up his cup, took another sip of his drink. "I suspect dey have been shadowing me for the last week, at least. Dere have been several times I have caught a glimpse of someone who did not belong. I tought I vas being paranoid. It appears not. Ve must do someting. I do not vant dem coming after my family."

Sirius nodded solemnly. "We must take them out before they can get away. Bill, you have the three in front of newstand in sight, correct?"

Bill indicated he did. "Wait a minute. One of them is moving to a far table. The other two are starting to stroll past the trattoria." He popped his wand out of his wand holster, under cover of tightening the tie on his ponytail. "I'll take the two walking by."

Viktor claimed the one to the right leaning against the advertisement post.

Sirius turned to his son. "Procyon, do you think you can stun the one at the table over there?"

Procyon gulped and nodded his head yes. He couldn't believe how calm the others appeared to be. His stomach was clenched in fear, and he could feel drops of sweat dampening the back of his shirt. Who were these people and what did they want with Viktor Krum? He could hardly believe he was about to attack a man for no other reason than his father, a man he had only just met, had told him to. He must be insane. Suddenly Harry's supper stories seemed all too real.

"Everyone ready then?" queried Sirius.

The others indicated they were. In an abrupt move, Sirius stood, knocking his chair over backwards with a clatter, and turned, aiming a silent stunner into the shadows across the way. A muffled thud followed his movement.

At the same time, Bill let loose two unknown amber curses towards his targets. One fell immediately to the ground, while the other nimbly jumped to the side. It was enough to alert the two remaining targets. As Procyon shouted Diffindo, the seated man upended the table to block the curse and fired off a nasty looking purple curse in return.

Procyon stared at it in shock, before he found himself flying out of his chair on a collision course with the table next to theirs. From his position on the ground he saw his father erect a shield around him with one hand, and launch a yellow curse at the man who had attacked him. Soon the two were in an all out battle, flashes of colour lighting up the area. All around them, people were shouting and running every which way, overcome with panic.

To Procyon's right, Viktor was engaged in an equally intense battle with his mark. The look on Viktor's face was one of fixed concentration and determination. I wouldn't want to face him, thought Procyon. He's positively deadly looking. Viktor bore down on his target wielding his staff with casual expertise. He swiftly had his man unconscious and trussed tighter than a chicken.

All of a sudden, a flurry of "pops" were heard, and a dozen men, dressed in the green and white of the Italian Aurors appeared. Within seconds, all the combatants were being held at wandpoint and those who were still mobile were being quietly herded to a remote corner of the square behind a hastily erected Notice-Me-Not spell. All around the square another series of "pops" were heard as the Italian Ministry arrived, and began working to defuse the situation.

As the Aurors were about to begin interrogating the prisoners, one of the captives clutched a medallion around his neck and disappeared. Before anyone else had a chance to follow his example, one of the Aurors, all the while cursing viciously, activated an Anti-Apparition shield, and all the prisoners were immobilised.

Turning to those of the prisoners who were still conscious, the lead Auror let loose a barrage of questions in rapid-fire Italian. Bill and Viktor regarded at him in obvious confusion, as did the man Sirius had been fighting.

Before Procyon had a chance to open his mouth, Sirius responded in fluent Italian, his accent impeccable. Procyon stared at him in amazement. He had no idea his father knew any Italian beyond a few basic words. His ease with the language was a rather eye-opening revelation.

After a brief exchange of words, Sirius introduced Signor Russo to the rest of the members of his group. He was able to successfully hide his snicker, when Signor Russo apologised profusely upon realising he had just apprehended Viktor Krum.

However, when Signor Russo promptly used the opportunity to his advantage and requested an autograph for his daughters. Sirius was forced to hide his laughter with a series of coughs. Avoiding catching Sirius's eye, Viktor graciously accepted the man's apology and signed his tablet with a flourish.

Redirecting Signor Russo's attention to the situation at hand, Sirius explained they had been quietly sitting enjoying the afternoon sun, when they had noticed several men acting in a very suspicious manner. He mentioned Viktor thought people had been tailing him for the last week or so. Sirius further informed the Auror they had decided to try and capture the men in order to determine what was going on in an effort to protect Viktor and his family.

Signor Russo volubly protested their actions, insisting it should have been the job of the Aurors to round up and interrogate the intruders. Sirius protested there had been no time to contact anyone, as the men had already begun to move in. He apologised profusely for having caused such a scene.

"Do you know who are these men and why they are following Signor Krum?" demanded Russo.

Sirius tactfully replied he suspected the men to be involved in Dark Magic, and suggested perhaps they had planned to kidnap Signor Krum and hold him for ransom.

Procyon silently applauded his father's handling of the situation. The Italians held an extremely dim view of kidnapping. With his mention of kidnapping, Sirius had just ensured the captives would be exhaustively questioned and kept in isolation.

Further, associating the kidnapping with such a high profile international figure would hopefully ensure no bribes would effect their premature release from custody. The Italian government had no interesting in attracting the type of scrutiny they were certain to come under were a beloved Quidditch icon to disappear while on holiday in their country.

Before Signor Russo had finished questioning Sirius, the other aurors had secured the remaining prisoners and led them out of the square, presumably to holding cells at the Italian ministry.

As he was endeavouring to explain the intricacies of the situation to Bill and Viktor, Procyon heard a voice speaking rapidly in Italian just a few feet away. Recognising his mother's voice, he shut his eyes in resignation. Hell was about to be let loose. Stepping outside the boundary of the Notice-Me-Not charm, he interrupted the efforts of a pleasant looking young Auror who was ineffectually attempting to calm his mother down.

"Mama, tutto va bene. I am here with my father and Signor Weasley and Viktor Krum," Procyon broke in.

Instantly his mother's attention transferred to him. "Procyon! I was so worried about you! What has happened? Why are they saying that you have been arrested? Where is your father?" Carina's voice started to rise alarmingly.

"Calmarsi, cara," came Sirius's voice as he stepped through the barrier. He caught Carina as she launched herself at him and cradled her against his chest, rubbing soft circles on her back.

Procyon just stared on in amazement. Her behaviour was quite unlike what he was accustomed to. Apparently he still had quite a bit to learn about his mother. He found it rather fascinating to watch her interactions with Sirius, never really having seen her in a such a situation before.

Signor Russo followed at Sirius' heels and greeted Carina effusively. As she stepped away from Sirius, Signor Russo took her hand with a flourish and kissed the back of it, bowing elegantly as he did so.

"Ah, Signora Conti. How lovely you look this afternoon. It is such a pleasure to see you again. I am at your service. Ask of me anything," he said with beaming smile.

A frown flitted across Sirius's face as he silently observed the Italian's actions.

As soon as she could, Carina removed her hand from that of Signor Russo. She looked pointedly at Sirius, who took a step back in response to censure in her eyes.

"Signor Russo, is my son free to leave? We have a prior appointment and need to be leaving. I would hate to keep the Minister waiting too long."

Practically falling over himself, Signor Russo indicated Procyon was free to depart. Any further information could be provided by Signor Black and his companions. Apologising profusely for having mistakenly detained Procyon, he hinted he was looking forward to seeing her again soon.

Carina thanked him politely and requested he extend her greetings to Signora Russo, which caused the man to flush slightly before he regained his aplomb and extended an effusive round of farewells.

With one last admiring glance at Carina's retreating figure, Signor Russo turned back to Sirius, and led him back behind the barrier. Taking statements from all three men, he questioned them closely in regards to Procyon's involvement. He appeared quite satisfied that Procyon had only been peripherally involved, having only thrown one curse.

Before releasing them, Signor Russo closely inquired as to their plans for the future. He seemed rather disturbed their plans did not involve a prolonged stay in his country.

Sirius hastened to assure Russo he could easily be reached through his solicitor's office, and, should the situation require it, he would be more than happy to return at a moment's notice.

Just as they were finishing, several loud voices were heard outside the barrier. Sirius and Bill's heads snapped up, and they turned to Signor Russo and informed him the rest of their party had arrived.

"Are we free to leave and reassure them as to our whereabouts and general state of well-being?"

Signor Russo nodded his assent, and Sirius bade him farewell. Upon emerging from behind the barrier, Sirius came face to face with an angry part-Veela and irritated Werewolf.

Spying his old friend, Remus demanded out. "Sirius, where the bloody hell have you been?"

"Language, Remus. There are impressionable youngsters listening to your every word," Sirius parried in an attempt at levity.

Harry simply regarded him with a grave face, and Sirius instantly regretted his attitude upon realising how profoundly his disappearance had affected his godson.

Walking quickly over to Harry, he murmured into his ear. "Sorry for disappearing, Pup. There was nothing I could do. I didn't even have time to send off a Patronus to let you know where we were. How did you find us?"

Harry gave him a small smile. "No problem, Sirius. I'm just glad we found you and everything's alright."

Meanwhile Fleur was glaring at Bill, hands on her hips, hair flying in all directions. Bill was unsuccessfully trying to placate her.

"Fleur, we had no time to contact anyone. One minute we were in the middle of a fight, the next we were being held at wand point by these fine gentlemen," he said indicating the Italian Aurors, who had cancelled the Notice-Me-Not charm and were gathered around in apparent fascination.

In the midst of the commotion, Harry came to the realisation Viktor Krum was a part of the group.

"Viktor!" he cried, hurrying up to him and slapping him on the back. "What are you doing here? I thought you would be back in Bulgaria, training for the upcoming season."

"Ah, Harry, it is good to see you." Viktor sent Sirius a questioning look and received a slight nod in response. "I vas meeting vid your godfader. Ve vere discussing business."

"Business?" replied Harry in befuddlement, glancing over at Ginny to see if she was any wiser.

Ginny shook her head, before enveloping Viktor in a warm hug.

"Viktor, it is so good to see you. This is such a surprise. I can't believe you're here, in Florence," Ginny exclaimed with a smile.

"Ah, Ginnee. It is good to see also."

Turning back to Harry, Ginny's expression turned serious. "We've been looking all over for you for a good half an hour. If we hadn't run into Carina, I'm not certain we would have found you at all. What in Merlin's name happened? Why were you all being detained by the Aurors? We were worriedt you had been arrested, and no one was quite sure what to do."

"Thank Merlin, you encountered Carina. I regret it did not even occur to me to have her pass on a message letting everyone know where we were and everything was fine. My apologies to you all," said Sirius looking from one person to another.

Noticing Signor Russo hovering nearby, Sirius motioned him over, saying, "May I introduce you all to Signor Russo, who heads up the Auror Department here in Florence. He has been quite diligent in his efforts to help us this afternoon. It appears some men with questionable intent have been following Viktor. Signor Russo has assured us of his determination to get to the bottom of the situation."

Signor Russo beamed at hearing Sirius praise his efforts. He bowed politely to both Remus and Harry and kissed the hands of the ladies with an elegant flourish, causing both Ginny and Tonks to blush prettily.

Fleur just took it in stride and flashed him a stunning smile, causing the man to stutter and his eyes to glaze over. Harry frowned at her, and Fleur just smirked in response, but she did turn her attention away from Signor Russo, allowing the man to regain his equilibrium.

"Signor Russo, allow me to present my friends. My godson Harry and his charming friend Ginny. This lovely young lady is Fleur. Next to her is my cousin Tonks, and finally my good friend Remus," finished Sirius with a sweep of his arm.

"Incantato," replied Signor Russo. "Any friends of Signor Black are friends of mine. I do hope your stay in Florence is both pleasurable and productive. Please, enjoy our magnificent city and do not hesitate to return again and again. Scusi. Unfortunately, I must bid you farewell and attend to this unpleasant business. Ciao," he bowed and, with a slight turn, disappeared with an audible pop, the other Aurors swiftly following their leader.

"Finally!" said Sirius. "I thought we would never get rid of the man. Ponce!"

Everyone except for Remus and Fleur laughed at the expression of disgust on Sirius' face. Neither of them had yet to forgive him for the trouble he had caused.

Edging over to where Sirius was standing, Harry whispered in his godfather's ear. Sirius shot him an appraising look, and then nodded his head curtly.

"I don't know about everyone else, but I still have some errands to run. Harry and I are planning on heading back to the shopping district. Why don't we all plan to meet at the Apparition point in about an hour?" suggested Sirius.

Ginny looked at Harry, a disgruntled expression on her face and beckoned him over.

"Gin, what is it? I need Sirius to take me shopping. Bloke type," he said by way of explanation.

The scowl on Ginny's face cleared slightly upon hearing his words, but she still hissed insistently, "I had hoped to spend time with you. We haven't really had a chance to simply spend time together, and it will probably be ages before we get another such opportunity. After today, I doubt Sirius will ever let us off the island again," she added with a humph.

Harry just laughed, and gave her a one armed hug. "Don't worry. I promise I'll make time for you. Even if I have to blackmail Sirius, I will secure us some time alone together after we meet back up. You know me, I would never pass up the chance to wander off alone with a pretty girl."

Ginny elbowed him in the ribs. "Smooth, Potter, smooth. I'll see you that you keep your word. And if you don't, be very afraid, Potter. Very afraid."

The devilish smile Ginny wore sent shivers all the way to Harry's toes. He would do anything to keep on her good side. Anything at all.

Kissing her forehead quickly, he grabbed Sirius' arm and practically dragged him down the street. He had a task to accomplish and very little time in which to do it.

The others broke up into groups of three, Viktor tagging along with Bill and Fleur, while Ginny chose to accompany Remus and Tonks. All were determined to put the afternoon's events behind them and make the most of their time in magical Florence.