October 1993

Darcy dragged her feet all the way to her guardians' living quarters, absolutely dreading the conversation she was about to have.

She and Draco Malfoy had started arguing outside of the Great Hall after lunch, and soon they both had their wands out and were trading hexes. Professor McGonagall was, to put it mildly, less than pleased with both of them and brought them to her office to hand out their consequences.

McGonagall gave them a thorough telling off before announcing that she would be sending a letter to Draco's parents regarding his behavior. Darcy was feeling, and apparently looking, rather triumphant at that - until her Head of House gave her a stern look.

"I did not forget about you, Miss Potter", Minerva said. "I will be writing a letter to your guardians as well. However, as they now reside in the castle, you will be delivering it to them yourself."

In Darcy's opinion, that was way worse than having a letter sent home. What was Draco's mother going to do? Threaten to punish him over Christmas holiday?

So there Darcy was, trying to work up the courage to enter the quarters and give Sirius the letter. She took some small comfort in the fact Remus was still recovering from the full moon, so she would only have to face her godfather. Sirius scolded her from time to time, but she could handle that.

Darcy finally walked through the door and found Sirius working at the table in the small dining room/kitchen area of the quarters

"Hey, kiddo", he greeted her. "How was your day?"

"It was okay", Darcy replied. "I…Professor McGonnagall told me to give this to you."

She held the parchment out to him.

Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Do I want to know what this is about?"

"You know, I don't think you do", Darcy shook her head as she backed away. "It's probably not that important, I'll just go-"

"Come back here, Darcy Lily", Sirius cut her off sternly. "Give me the letter."

Darcy trudged back to him and handed it over. She fidgeted with her hands while he read it. The silence was killing her. She wanted her godfather to say something, anything…

"You're grounded."

Except that.

"But Sirius-"

"No", he shook his head and set the parchment down on the table. "You know better than to raise your wand to someone unless you are defending yourself. Was Draco trying to attack you?"

"I mean, he did have his wand out first", Darcy said weakly.

"And what did you do?"

"I got mine out."

"And who cast the first hex?", Sirius asked knowingly.

"Well-"

"That's what I thought. So not only are you grounded, but you and I are going to Professor McGonnagall's office tomorrow night to have a meeting with her, Draco, and his mother. I swear, of all the people you had to fight, it had to be my cousin's kid?"

"I'm sorry", Darcy tried.

"I'm sure you are. Get started on your homework, you won't have much time after dinner before bed."

"Sirius", Darcy whined. "Do I have to go to bed early?"

"What is your bedtime when you're grounded?", he asked sternly.

"Eight", the girl mumbled.

"Exactly. Sit down and get comfortable."

The next evening, Darcy trailed behind her godfather as they made their way to Minerva's office. Sirius stopped a few doors before.

"Listen to me", he said quietly but firmly. "I know you and Draco don't get along, but you are going to keep your comments to yourself while we are in the office, got it? I want you to apologize to Professor McGonnagall and show her that you know how to behave and do as you're told. If you decide not to, you won't like what happens. Do we understand each other?"

Darcy nodded quickly. Sirius was typically the more relaxed of her guardians, but he would not stand for any disrespect toward his former head of house, and Darcy knew that well.

"Alright, let's go."

They reached the door to Minerva's office and Sirius was slightly surprised to see that Narcissa and her son weren't there yet. He wondered momentarily if they would even show up - but of course he couldn't be that lucky. Sirius heard the click of high heels against the hard castle floors and steeled himself. Here we go.

"Sirius", Narcissa greeted him, her son at her side. "My, it has been ages, hasn't it? I do wish it were under better circumstances."

"Narcissa", he nodded. "It has been quite some time."

"I hear you and your friend are teaching this term", Narcissa commented. "I was quite shocked, seeing as you did not value your own education."

Sirius cleared his throat. "People change, Cissy. Remus and I have enjoyed teaching so far, the students are wonderful."

Draco scoffed and rolled his eyes. Narcissa gave him a stern look before glancing at the girl.

"My, don't you look like your mother", she told Darcy. "What was your name again, darling?"

Sirius wanted to scream at his cousin - how dare she, the wife of a notorious Death Eater, speak about Lily? He managed to hold his tongue. He couldn't lose his composure with Narcissa after scolding Darcy for doing the same with Draco.

At least not in front of Darcy.

Sirius put a hand on his goddaughter's back and gently pulled her forward.

"I'm Darcy", she replied.

"Right, Darcy", Narcissa gave her a smile that seemed far from genuine. "A lovely name."

"Thank you", Darcy said without thinking. Merlin, this was awkward.

Silence reigned for what felt like an eternity before the office door opened, revealing Professor McGonnagall.

"Ah, you're all here", she nodded. "Come in, please."

Narcissa and Draco entered first, with Sirius and Darcy trailing behind. There were two chairs in front of Minerva's desk. Draco sat in one with his mother standing at his side. Sirius nodded for Darcy to take the other while he stood behind her.

"Thank you for joining us on such short notice, Mrs. Malfoy", Minerva began. "I believed this was a matter best discussed in person than through letters."

"Not a problem, Minerva", Narcissa gave another small, fake smile. "I would cross the world twice for my Draco, you know. Especially concerning his education."

Sirius refrained from rolling his eyes, though he wasn't entirely sure how.

"Yes, and that is appreciated", McGonnagall nodded. "Now, I want to make sure Mr. Malfoy and Miss Potter understand that dueling in the corridors will not be tolerated in any circumstance. I am sure you both agree that it is best to instill this sooner rather than later."

"Of course", Narcissa agreed.

Sirius nodded but didnt speak.

Minerva turned her attention to the children. "I will say this once to the both of you: I know that you two know better than to behave this way. If you are ever caught fighting in the corridors again, the consequences will be severe. I hardly want to suspend or, Merlin forbid, expel two students, however that may eventually happen if you two cannot be mature and civil with one another. Am I understood?"

"Yes, ma'am", Darcy answered without hesitation. "I'm sorry, it'll never happen again."

Minerva looked at the boy. "Mr. Malfoy? Am I understood?"

"Yes, ma'am", Draco repeated quietly. "But Potter really did start it-"

Darcy opened her mouth to disagree, but Sirius squeezed her shoulder in a silent warning, so she swallowed her comment.

"Draco", Narcissa admonished her son. "That is enough. Apologize to Professor McGonnagall."

Draco gave her a look before sighing. "I'm sorry, Professor."

"Unless anyone has anything else they wish to talk about, you all may go", Minerva dismissed them. "Thank you for your time this evening."

"Thank you", Sirius echoed. "Let's go, Darcy. You have homework to do before bed."

Darcy stood up and glared at him. Did he have to mention her punishment in front of everyone? In front of Draco?

"Don't give me that look. Come on."

Darcy sighed and made her way to the door. Sirius followed behind her, but as soon as he stepped into the corridor, he felt a hand on his arm.

"Sirius", Narcissa stopped him. "Could I have a word?"

"I suppose. Go ahead, Darcy, I'll be there soon."

"Draco", his cousin said. "I will meet you outside of your common room shortly."

The children went their separate ways, leaving the two adults who hadn't spoken in years by themselves.

"I wanted to say", Narcissa cleared her throat. "It seems you are doing well with your goddaughter."

"I could always count on your confidence in me", Sirius said dryly.

"Forgive me, the last time I saw you, I believe you were sixteen and causing havoc. You have matured, and it is nice to see."

Sirius nodded. "Thank you. I suppose I will be seeing you around, if your son decides to continue antagonizing my goddaughter."

"Excuse me?", Narcissa sputtered. "Your goddaughter is hardly innocent in this!"

"I didn't say she was", the man shrugged. "I have a feeling those two will be at each other's throats for the rest of their time in school, so again, I'll be seeing you."

Sirius turned on his heel and walked down the corridor.

Honestly, he hoped he would never have a meeting like that one ever again.

Or, at the very least, send Remus instead.