Author's Note: So, it seems I made a boo boo in scheduling when I'll update. The right days are now in the description on when I'll be updating. Now because I made said mistake I've decided to go ahead and post this chapter as an apology for any confusion. So just to clarify the following days are when I'll be updating for now on; Monday, Thursday and Saturday, and yes, that means there will be another update at some point tomorrow.

Shout out to the few that have reviewed as well as my followers. I hope each and every one of you continues to read and enjoy this, as I have to come to enjoy it.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Much like the night before she found herself in the Potter's library curled up in front of the fireplace. She'd just sent Anna up to bed a few moments before after promising that she'd take her to Diagon Alley for the rest of her school supplies. It came as no surprise when the young girl had gladly taken all of Tabbitha's old school books and supplies. Though it was obvious that she still needed quite a bit.

Staring at the fire burning bright she recalled back on how Mrs. Potter had insisted on making them each a cake as everyone sang happy birthday. Even though she protested that they only needed to celebrate Anna's they would have nothing of it. And it also came as no surprise that Anna enjoyed her present. It was a giant blanket with the Hogwarts crest on it. What was special about it was that it was change to her house crest on sorting night, much like Tabbitha's own throw blanket that she sat wrapped in. In bright yellow and black the blanket sported the Hufflepuff badger proudly. She had her legs crossed as she nursed a soon to be cold cup of hot cocoa.

"Would you like some more," came Sirius' voice from the door, closing it behind him as he walked in the room.

"No, I'm ok," she said, shaking her head not taking her eyes from the flames. She knew why he was there, but she wasn't sure why she was scared.

"Did Remus tell you where I had gone before I met you at yours," he asked, sitting down next to her bringing his knees up to rest his arms on them.

"Yeah, he said you had something to do at your place. Why do you ask?"

"I was busy setting things up today while you were gone and I was hoping it wouldn't be in vain." He sounded unsure as he scratched the back of his head. This wasn't the Sirius she was used to. The Sirius she was used to was sure everything and now he seemed almost scared.

"Setting up what? And why would it be vain," she asked, now turned towards him a look of concern etched across her features.

For a moment he was silent not looking at her at all. Then, he took a deep breath and said something she hadn't quite expected, "I want you and Anna to move in with me. I have two bedrooms. You can each have one and I'll just sleep on the couch. I know we're just friends and I suspect you want to keep it that way, but-," she stopped him mid sentence pressing a finger to his lips.

"Sirius, I can't. I know you mean well, but I just can't do that to you." Dropping her finger she stood up setting the mug on the table behind them as she held onto the blanket as a sort of protection. As she walked away towards the door he stood up grabbing onto her wrist so as to stop her.

"Why not? We don't have to do anything, you and I. We will remain as just friends, and besides, I know you are thinking about where you and Anna are going to live when you get out of school. And if I know you at all I know that you won't stay here for the same reason I'm not. Please, at least consider it," he pleaded with her.

"I can't." With that he let her slip out of his grasp as she walked out of the room closing the door behind her and leaving him there alone.

The next day found him lounging in his boxers eating crackers and drinking beer on his couch at his flat. With his feet propped up on the coffee table he leaned back in the chair mouthing the words to whatever song came on the muggle radio. He'd gotten when shopping for things for his flat. So zoned out he hadn't heard the pops of people apparating into his apartment behind him.

"Oi, the sun's still up, what are you doing drinking so early?" Laughed James from behind him as he gave his shoulder a firm shake.

"Dunno. Just felt like it," he shrugged, not looking either of the men that had popped in unannounced. "Beers' in the fridge. Help yourselves."

"Don't mind if I do. Want one Moony," asked James walking into the small kitchen.

"I'm alright," he declined, sitting to Sirius' left. "Mind telling us why you've decided to drink alone on a Sunday morning in nothing but your skippies?"

Before he could say anything James piped up with, "oh that's easy. Tabbitha declined his offer of sharing his home with her and Anna when she's done with school." To which Sirius glared at him for answering a question directed at him.

"I figured she'd say no." At Remus' words Sirius turned the glare towards him. "Don't you look at me that way, Padfoot. You know as well as I do that she's too independent to take you up on your offer." Before Sirius could protest he added in, "even if, she was aware of your feeling she would have still said no."

"How do you know that? How do you know she wouldn't have returned my feelings and taken the offer? How, Moony," Sirius spat, sitting up as he nearly spilled the bag of crackers that James' quickly snatched before his friend made a mess.

"I'm not saying she wouldn't return your feelings," he paused, sighing before continuing, "all I am saying is that no matter what she'd still say no. She doesn't want to be a burden on anyone. I'm sure she's got it in her mind that she has to do this on her own. She wants to brave and strong for Anna's sake. You see the way they are together. Anna looks up to her sister. In her eyes Tabbitha can do no wrong and is the strongest and most talented witch she's ever known. And she's taken it upon herself to raise the girl.

"Which means she's probably scared that you or anyone else will eventually realize that they don't want someone as young as Anna around and she'll be out of the street. She's determined to stand on her own two feet from the start."

Sirius now hunched forward with his head down still holding the now warm bottle of beer. He heard and understood everything that Moony had said. It all made sense and he could see what his friend meant, but he still didn't know why. Why she had to do this on her own. They all knew she was more than capable of achieving great things. Top of their class, quidditch captain, prefect with a strong desire to be an auror, the girl had everything going for her. So, why couldn't she let her friends help her? Why wouldn't she let him help her?

Sighing he set the beer on the table as he stood up walking over the window. Looking out he realized that life in muggle London would continue on as usual while their world crumpled. Before he could delve into his thoughts deeper James piped.

"Well, no sense in moping around while we still have two weeks till school starts. Let's go have some fun. What do ya say, Pads?"

"Sounds great," he said, shooting a grin at his friends before going to his room and getting ready for whatever shenanigans they were bound to get into. He'd think about Tabbitha later, but for now he wanted to enjoy his last true summer holiday.