Chapter 12

Vacation with Padfoot

When they switched to Spain, even with them continuing to train the place was too full of life for Harry to think of his worries. They were staying at a muggle resort renting a villa with its own private beach. But at night they would walk into the public part and join the fiesta. Sangria soon became Harry's favourite drink. Sirius didn't overcrowd Harry at the parties. He kept an eye out for anything suspicious but since Harry already had transfigured parts of his face and changed the colour of both his hair and eyes, no one knew who he was, not that they were in the presence of witches or wizards. He loved his anonymity. And what he enjoyed most was the freedom it came with. He made vacation friends who just wanted to dance and laugh and play beach volley. He even got the courage to dance to the latin music and even enjoyed the company of a girl who had kissed him on the lips one night leaving Harry wide eyed. He did enjoy it, though he was sure he didn't do a good job with the kissing. He also found out, a few days near Barcelona that he had to be careful how much he drank of the juicy Sangria after the one night when he woke up with a huge hangover. Sirius didn't prohibit drinking, but he didn't go easy on Harry that day, so Harry had to endure his training with a splitting head ache made worse by Occlumency lessons. The end result was clear, Harry stayed far away from alcoholic beverages.

When that day in June came around Harry woke up screaming from the nightmare he was dreading having ever since he realized he'd go past that same day once more. Cedric's dead body looking accusingly at him, he was on vacation when he could have tried to save his life. He felt like throwing up as he fought to stop the tears from falling and hastily trying to wipe them away when Sirius entered his room.

'Harry, are you OK?' the man had heard the screams and then seeing Harry's distressed face he was there next to Harry in heartbeats pulling the teen in a hug and then Harry couldn't hold it in anymore and let himself cry. Sirius waited until he gathered his nerves and finally detached himself from the older man.

'I'm sorry.' He said his voice hoarse from crying.

'Why?'

'I woke you up…'

'I wasn't really asleep.' Sirius admitted.

'Why?'

'Somewhere in England right now, my earlier me almost lost you. And the earlier you went through hell.' Sirius smiled sadly trying to reassure Harry. 'But as much as I want to march to Hogwarts and spare you the trauma, I can't, because it would mean betraying the now you.'

'Betraying me?' Harry frowned.

'The you, you became. And I know it can't be easy for you either. But you can't save Cedric, and it wasn't your fault the boy died, Wormtail and Voldemort, Crouch even is to blame. But not you.'

'I told him to take the cup together. If I…if I hadn't said that…'

'You wanted to do a good thing for him. To share the prize.'

'But it turned out so badly. I can't help but blame myself.'

'I know, I blame myself for your parents' deaths too.'

'But that wasn't your fault!'

'I convinced James to switch to Peter.'

'Yeah but it's not the same?'

'How is it not the same? You convinced Cedric.'

'Yes but you didn't mean to…'

'Did you mean for Cedric to die?'

'NO! But I…'

'Harry, it really wasn't your fault. I am sure Cedric never blamed you…you told me he only asked you to take his body back. He wouldn't have asked that of the person he deemed responsible for his death.' After a long pause Harry finally spoke.

'Does it ever go away? The pain, the loss?'

'It gets better, with time. But I won't lie, losing a friend leaves a small hole inside you.'

'How do you deal with it? With dad not being here?'

'Well at first I dealt with it rather badly. But now I have you, and no, you're not a replacement. But you are the reason why I kept on going. James made me your godfather, and meant for me to take care of you. I decided to focus on that, and on Moony, and Andromeda, Tonks, even Hughes and the Swiss mages. Cedric would want you to live your life not feel sorry for something you couldn't control. Cedric isn't the one haunting you, it's Voldemort, and you can't let him win. You can't give into the nightmares and the despair. That's how he wins, that's how Cedric's death will truly become a burden.'

'I don't know if I can do that…'

'Maybe not today, not even a month from now, but one day the nightmares will stop.'

'And until then?'

'I'll be there for you. We can talk until dawn comes and casts a light on your worries.'

'Very poetic.'

'Shut up, I'm trying.' joked Sirius

'Thank you Padfoot.'

'Anytime, think you can sleep or do you want to talk some more?'

'I'd like to talk. Can you tell me a fun story about mum and dad?'

'Only one?' Sirius chuckled and started reminiscing his first year when Lily hated James's guts and James still was convinced girls had bibbly dibblies.

It was right before his birthday (again) and Harry and Sirius were in Kyoto Japan enjoying a very nice inn with the traditional Japanese Onsen.

'These thermal baths are the best.' said Harry as the two were sizzling away in a private pool overlooking a lush green garden.

'Especially after I kicked your butt in practice.'

'You're still heavier than me. Just you wait until Margot's potion does its job.'

'Oh really? Will Margot's potion give you skills too?'

'No, but I can gain those from you.'

'You're 20 years too young to catch up, pup.' laughed Sirius

'I'm almost 15, again. And I don't need 20 years to catch up with a rusty old man like you.' Harry grinned cheekily.

'Rusty old man?'

'Didn't that girl call you Ojii-san.'

'That's like uncle.'

'I heard it's grandpa.'

'She was 4.'

'So? You would have a 4 year old granddaughter at the age of 35?'

'So you admit I'm not a grandpa!'

'You shouldn't be, but you are, at least according to that girl.'

'Why you little ungrateful...come here so I can donk you.'

'You'll have to catch me first.'

They chased around the water for less than a minute before getting tired, it was too hot and they were too sore from practice. They settled back to sitting and relaxing.

'Do you really think I still need 20 years to get at your level?' Harry asked.

Sirius snorted 'You're almost there pup, I was just making fun of you. You'll need to build up some muscle and continue practicing for a year or so and you'll be there.'

'So soon?'

'I'm not a martial arts expert. And I've been in Azkaban for 12 years, my skills are rusty. Now if you want to be like sensei Ishida the other day, then yes, you have about 20 years to go.'

'The man was incredible. I never thought a match without magic could be so exiting.'

'Better thank Izumi for the recommendation then.' Sirius grinned and Harry blushed a bit. Izumi was the inn's manager's daughter and Harry had a small crush on her. They had stayed one week more in Kyoto just for them to go the next day, on Harry's birthday, to a festival that Izumi said was a must see. Sirius was amused.

Why do you have to be so insufferable?' sighed Harry.

'I'm just teasing you. Besides, the girl is cute. Speaking of cute girls. I owe you a talk.'

'You really don't have to.'

'I'll be the judge of that and besides I've postponed it long enough. If I'm to let you scurry off with Izumi tomorrow evening I best make sure I don't become an unexpected grandpa.'

'I seriously doubt she will want to go that far on a first date with a stranger who is going to leave two days from now.'

'Even so, better safe than sorry.'

'I can't convince you to forget it, can I?'

'Nope.'

'Fine, go ahead, humiliate me.' Harry sighed.

'This isn't about humiliating you. It's about making sure you are prepared. Anyway. I assume you know how babies are made.'

'Yes, I know that.'

'Good. Have you ever had a girlfriend?'

Harry went a bit redder and shook his head.

'So you've never kissed another girl, or guy.'

'Or guy?' Harry almost slipped and went under water

'Hey, I don't judge. You can try anything and everything and like what you like.'

'Really?'

'Obviously. I tried it once with a guy, not really my cup of pumpkin juice, but I was curious.'

'Y-you did?'

'Is that so surprising?'

'Somehow, no. But you have so many women who like you.'

'And I like women, mostly. But this isn't about me. Well, if you never had a girlfriend or boyfriend, we should start with the beginning. Asking someone out. Usually it's best you do it in person. Yes, I know girls like to travel in packs, but you can always ask to speak with your chosen one privately, or send her a note to meet you somewhere.'

'Why didn't I think of a note?'

'Sorry?'

'Nothing, I was just thinking that this would have been helpful advice last year when I had to ask a girl to the Yule ball.'

'Ah, well, next ball then. So, you got them alone and now you ask them if they want to go out. If they say yes, you obviously make a date, time, place, yada, yada. Note, that if you're on a date you should clear your schedule for anything else. It's not nice to ditch the person since you were the one asking.'

'What if she says no?'

'Then you can say it's no problem, even if it is. That you just wanted to get to know her better or something and she will probably apologize if she has any manners. You'll say it's ok and back off with a see you around, or in class.'

'What if she tells the whole school and I become the butt of jokes.'

'Then you really have bad tastes in girls. Usually girls are more secretive about such things. They may complain about you if you break up with them, but they don't make a big deal out of rejecting a boy.'

'Why?'

'It's probably pity.'

'I'm not sure that makes me feel any better.'

'Izumi is interested.'

'I'm not talking about that! Moving on, date material. Where is it ok to take a girl on a first date?'

'Well, to a festival is always a good idea. If you don't know her well enough, a walk about a town or a festival can bring up topics of conversation much easier than just sitting in a restaurant for hours, where your main focus is conversation. You can combine with a coffee or maybe even dinner at the end, but to be safe go for somewhere outside.'

'So, Hogsmead would be a good idea.'

'Yes. You should also accompany her back to her house, or at least the castle gates. You can try to kiss her then, but make sure she's ok with it. A simple: may I kiss you? Can save you from a harsh slap.'

'Noted. Did you ever get slapped?'

'Several times, but maybe just once or twice for a first kiss.'

'What about dad?'

'Oh, Lily did slap your dad a few times. As I said, we didn't make a very good first impression on her.'

'Was mom the only...'

'Yes, actually. Your dad was dead set on her since our third year and he never changed his mind.'

'What about you?'

'I was a bit of a wild child. But I did try one or two more serious relationships. Sadly not very successful.'

'What about now?'

'What about now what?'

'Is there someone you would like to settle down with?'

'No, I've hardly had the chance to meet someone decent in Azkaban and then on the run.'

'But now that you're free you could...find someone, get married, have kids of your own.'

'Harry, let's focus on our vacation first. I'm not really looking for a marriage partner anyway. As for kids, well, I have you now, and for the moment it's all I need and want.'

'I just don't want you to pull yourself back because of me...'

'I'm not. But you have to understand, it will take some time for me to get back in the game.'

'I think those witches in Italy would disagree.'

'They weren't serious.'

'Neither were you.'

'I'm not going to comment on that. I will however get us back on track. So if you are like your dad, or Remus for that matter. You will first date the girl and then gradually get to the making babies part.'

Harry went red, he really had hoped to stop Sirius but no, the man was adamant to embarrass him on the eve of his birthday.

'If you're like me, you'll jump right in. There is no right or wrong, although most people prefer to become intimate with someone they know better, and I would advise you to do the same. Also, don't do anything you're not ready for, or are uncomfortable with. And most important thing of all, if the girl says no, it means no. Same for you. Don't get pressured into doing something you don't want to.'

'Right.'

'That being said, if you do decide to take the leap, just remember two things. One is to always be protected, there's a spell for that, way better than the Muggle contraception methods.'

'Er, are there such thing in the muggle world?'

'Of course, although I wouldn't rely too much on them. So the spell, incantation Sterillium, wand movement a circle with a slash. If done right you will feel a slight tingle in your jewels. Got that?'

'Sterillium and circle with a slash.' And Harry was feeling redder by the second.

'Good, I'm too young to be a grandpa.'

'Sirius, I don't have a girlfriend, I doubt I'll be able to make babies without one.'

'Hey, it only takes one girl and tomorrow you're going out with Izumi.'

'Shut up!'

'And the second thing to remember.'

'Merlin, it's not over yet?'

'No, now shut up and let me finish or I'll never be over.'

Harry sighed but made a move to show that Sirius could continue.

'So the second thing is, sex isn't only about babies. It's about pleasure too, making sure your partner enjoys him or herself is the gentlemanly thing to do and no partner is the same. So take your time and explore, don't rush, chances are at the age you will try neither of you will have that much experience. That being said you should have fun.'

Now that was not what Harry thought would be Sirius's end note but he had to admit it was a good one.

'Now it's finished?'

'Yes. Although I still have a few things I'd like to talk to you about.'

'Please no more sex talk!'

'At least you're saying the word.' Sirius grinned 'And no, it's not about that, although if you do have questions or want advice, I'm always there for you. There's also a book I left in your room with all sorts of interesting tips.'

'You're evil. So what is it about?'

'Well, two things actually. I'd like your opinion on a decision and I'd like you to think about a proposition.'

'OK, why the confusing wording?'

'Er, the steam is getting to me.' Sirius said dismissively. 'Anyway, first the proposition, and mind you, you can think about it as long as you need, also there's no pressure, if you don't feel comfortable we can just forget about it.'

'Sirius you're not making much sense.' Harry was confused to say the least.

'Right, well, here goes. I'd like to adopt you.'

'You'd like to what?'

'Adopt you. I know I'm not James, and I don't intend to take his place. I just, well, you're like a son to me anyway, and if you want, we can formalize it, be a family, not that we're not one now, just, well, think about it.'

'You really want me?'

'Er, I thought that was obvious, I did take over as your guardian. I mean...'

'Yes, I do want to be your son.'

'A-are you sure? I mean, I'm not exactly father material.'

'You're like a father, and besides, you gave me the awkward talk, I think that's reason enough to formalize this.'

'That was the godfather talk, if you want the father talk, I'll give that to you after the paperwork goes through.' Sirius grinned.

'You're evil.'

'Still, are you sure? You can still think about it.'

'Do you still need to think about it?'

'No.'

'Then you know my answer.' Harry grinned.

'Good, well then, second thing to talk to you about. You know how Malfoy's wife is my cousin.'

'Yes.'

'As Meda was leaving, Narcissa popped in for a chat.'

'Draco's mom?'

'Yes, she came to ask for the House of Black's protection and the Lord's protection for her son.'

'Er, why?'

'It's a way to keep Draco out of Voldemort's hands. The Lord's protection comes with a vow from Draco to never do harm to the house of Black and that includes you. I told her I'd think about it.' Sirius sighed and waited before continuing. 'I'm not sure how I feel about it, since the kid won't have a say in it either way. But I understand Narcissa's desire to protect her son.'

'Draco is a spoiled evil little...'

'But would you leave him to Voldemort?'

'If he decides to go...I don't know.' Harry sighed, sure Draco was a git, but was he that bad, or were his parents to blame for spoiling him and telling him lies?

'I'm the same. I don't know what to decide, on the one hand, refusing Cissy will surely mean that I will throw both her and her son to Voldemort's mercy. But accepting her request even if it is what Cissy asks for, may not be what Draco wants. One wrong step from the boy and he could lose his magic, or die.'

'How come?'

'I won't let her or him into the family without a sacred vow that neither she nor him would act or say anything that could potentially endanger or harm our family, consciously of course. But that would mean that if Draco can't stop himself from speaking ill of you, he'd be breaking that vow.'

'And that would result in him dying?'

'Well, first in him losing his magic, and then dying.'

'I'm not sure Draco can do that.'

'That's why I am in such a dilemma.'

'Maybe if you gave him some leeway?'

'Like?'

'Like he can still argue with me, just not be malicious.'

'So you would accept them?'

'They don't have to live at the Den.'

'No, they will have to live at the manor though. But I'll give them the pavilion in the garden that can be almost separate from the whole compound that is if Narcissa and Draco agree to do this.'

'How long do they have to decide?'

'Until August 22nd.'

'Still a long way away.'

'For us.'

'I'll have to think about it.'

'I know, that's why I told you now and not on the 20th.'

'But you didn't tell me at the beginning because?'

'Well, I wanted to leave you some time to relax, no stress, no problems to ponder.'

'No faith of your school nemesis to decide.'

'Draco has to decide it for himself.'

'Do you think he can change?'

'I don't see why not.'

'I hope you're right.'

A/N: I love reading Sirius giving the talk to Harry. I am pretty sure there are better versions of this on the site but I'm satisfied how it turned out so far. Next up, the end of our heroes' vacation. Until next time, have a nice weekend.