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Chapter Text

The cells down in the depths of the Ministry were utterly freezing. Delphi was sure they’d gotten colder each day she’d been down there and after five days, she was half frozen to death. At this point, she half hoped that death would soon take her but she knew that the Aurors had specific orders to keep her alive. So she knew she would not be so lucky as to die down there. But the further time ticked on while she was down there, the more she was uncertain as to what they were planning to do with her.

She thought she was headed for Azkaban, no debate in that. But if she was, surely they’d have shipped her off there straight after the questioning she’d had four days ago. And so as time passed, the more she wondered if they were going to do something else with her. Perhaps there was more up for debate than just the simple fact that she’d tortured Scorpius Malfoy and killed another student. But what else was there?

During her questioning with Harry Potter and Hermione Granger the other day, they’d delved into memories she wished would stay hidden. They dug into every inch of her backstory, every corner of her childhood and teenage years, every crevice of her mind. They’d used Occlumency in order to dig into some of the deepest, most private memories she had, against her will and she tried so damn hard to shut them out but they pushed through her mental defences with such force there was no hope. She was half unconscious by the time they finished, sobbing in the chair she was chained to. She used to be able to put up and keep up her defences against even the strongest of invasions, but this was different, this was brutal. And she had no idea why they were doing it in the first place. It felt so wrong. Yes, she’d done some truly fucked up things in the last week but this was horrific.

But maybe from what they saw in her mind, what memories they witnessed, the might show some sympathy. Maybe she’d stand a chance of getting parole after perhaps forty years or so. Maybe after they saw how truly twisted her childhood was, saw how many gut-twisting memories she had and how she ended up being forced down the route she went, they might show her some sympathy. If they wanted more evidence, she had enough scars to back up those memories, scars that would stay with her for a lifetime, both physical and mental.

But right now, Delphi wanted simply for everything to end. She knew what was to come, she had done terrible things, all for the tiny glint of hope that she might find a family. A family who loved her. A proper family like everyone else in that world seemed to have but her. She wanted a family, just one damn person so she wouldn’t be alone anymore, so that she wouldn’t have to deal with her darkest times on her own, so that someone might see some value in her existence. She had sacrificed her freedom to chase after that tiny spark of hope she so desperately clung to, all for the sake of a chance.

Delphi knew she didn’t deserve anything more than her future within Azkaban, but it just felt so wrong. She felt as if everything had failed her. Euphemia failed her, Rodolphus failed her, the Ministry had failed her, the world itself had failed her. And she’d failed herself. Everything had failed her.

Despite dragging herself into St Mungo’s to find help after managing to slip from Rodolphus’ grasp, she was still dismissed without a second thought. The Ministry case worker and the auror who had come to talk to her had told her there was nothing they could do because she didn’t know where he had gone, because it wasn’t a ‘priority’. It wasn’t important enough. She wasn’t important enough. She didn’t matter. She had just managed to escape from sixteen years of isolation and abuse. She was so broken, so vulnerable, and they did nothing to help her.

It simply just proved everything Rodolphus and Euphemia had said to her countless times. It proved to her that she was worthless, that she didn’t matter to a single soul on this damn earth. It proved to her that she would always be alone. She would never receive help from those who were supposed to give it to her. Because everyone in this fucking world would fail her.

From then onwards, she knew she was on her own. And she always would be. She would have to look out for herself because no-one else would be there to do it for her. She could give everything she could, she could fight with her entire will and might, but it would get her nowhere. She had fought like hell. But ultimately, it was not enough, it became her downfall.

Delphi had no family, no friends, nobody. Just herself. She grew up alone, she fought alone, she escaped alone, she would ultimately die alone too.

It was a bleak, miserable and dark life ahead of her. It would be lonely, it would be sad, it would be long and empty. And this thought made her stomach turn on itself and her heart clench in a tight fist. She was just exhausted now, her limp body tired and heavy as she pulled her knees in towards her chest, feeling a warm tear fall down her freezing face, stinging her cheeks. Her hands were practically white, her fingers numb and she was shivering all over, draining the last few drops of her energy. The iron shackles around her wrists to stop her using her magic were ice cold on the bare skin of her wrists. She knew they stopped her using magic because she tried and they practically seared her wrists alive. Every time the irons ran over the raw skin, they stung and sent a horrible wave of hot yet icy jolts down her arms.

God she was an absolute state…

She just let her tears fall now, no will to hold them back anymore. She sobbed silently into her knees, just praying that an Auror wouldn’t walk in to check that she was still alive and see her in this state.

And much to her dismay, she heard the door to the hallway open and footsteps approach her. She looked up quickly, drying her face with the ends of her sleeves as fast as she could. She glanced up at who was outside the cell, seeing two men outside, one dressed in Auror uniform, the other who she recognised but could not put a name to his face.

“This is her?” The man asked. The Auror nodded. “Thank you.”

To her surprise, the Auror retreated down the hallway, the door shutting behind him, leaving Delphi and this man alone. She looked up at him, observing his manner. He had somewhat of a kind face, dressed smartly with a shirt, waistcoat and a long magenta trench coat. She sat up slightly. The man let out a heavy breath.

“Hello Delphini…” He said, calmly.

“It’s just Delphi.” She replied, swallowing hard. There was a pause, silence hanging between the pair of them. “Who are you?” She finally said, quietly.

“My name is Sirius Black.” He answered. Delphi sat up slightly. That’s where she knew his face.

“What are you doing here?”

“You’re awaiting a trial, am I correct?”

She nodded slowly, glancing away again.

“I expect you’re wondering what you’re doing waiting down here for this long. But my godson has been discussing your situation with me over the last few days.”

“Yeah, after he invaded my mind and dug through every single, what was, private memory I have. Did he mention that?”

“He did mention there was Occlumency involved, yes.”

“Cut to it. What has he asked of you?”

“He’s asked if I would be willing to let you stay with me for a while.”

She paused, clenching her fist. “I won’t stay with you. If I’m going to stay with anyone, it will be myself, on my own. I’ve learned that staying with someone only causes more pain than it’s worth. Why would staying with you be any different? Why would I agree to stay with someone I’ve just met? Someone who is working with yet another person who has caused me pain?”

“Because I’m the only damn family you have left.” Black snapped at her.

Delphi chewed on her lip anxiously. “What’s the benefit for you?” She asked.

“I want to help you, Delphi. I really do. I could give you a home, I could give you a chance.” Black paused. “You will stay with me for a while until the Ministry deem you fit to begin full parole. So you’ll serve your sentence, but under my roof and in my care. Think of it like house arrest.”

“And if I decline?”

“You don’t really have much of a choice. You either come with me, or you serve a fair sentence in Azkaban. Your choice. Either way, the public will be told you’re serving a full life sentence in Azkaban.”

“Why do you want to help me?”

“Because you’re family. And so many people have wronged you in your life, you’ve suffered so much in such short time.”

Delphi fought back her tears, pushing back the growing lump in her throat.

“So many people have failed you. They don’t want to fail you more than they already have. You don’t have to fight alone. Not anymore.” Black paused. “When I was your age, I was in the same position as you. Waiting to be shipped off to Azkaban to serve a life sentence.”

“Yeah, but I’m not innocent like you, am I? That makes us different.” She snapped, “I actually killed someone. I did unspeakable things, horrific things that I don’t ever deserve to be forgiven for or shown mercy.”

“But I understand your feeling of growing up in a household where you felt unsafe, where you were disregarded and hurt by the ones who were supposed to look after us, supposed to protect us and nurture us. Yet they did not and took it upon themselves to punish us in the harshest way possible.”

“You don’t know the first thing about me. Don’t you dare compare your life to mine.”

“I know that you’re the child of the Dark Lord, I know you’ve suffered years of abuse and manipulation. I know your facing a grim future because you let your desperation overcome you. You wanted a better life, a family.”

“Potter had no right to tell you that all.”

“But I also know that you deserved better.”

Delphi paused, breathing quickly and heavily.

“You truly deserved better…” He repeated again.

“I’ll consider the offer…” She replied, quietly, barely a whisper.

“If you are smart, then you will accept it.”

“I never said I was stupid. I’m a lot cleverer than people may think.”

“I’m sure you are.” Black paused, “You have a day to decide. If you do not come to a decision by this time tomorrow, then you will be escorted to Azkaban to begin serving your sentence. I hope you choose the better of the two options, I know what one I would.” And with that, Black began to walk towards the door to leave.

Delphi got up from the floor hastily, calling after him. “Wait!”

Black turned around, stopping in his tracks. “Yes?”

“I’ll accept your offer…” She said, a sad, desperate look in her eyes.

Black nodded. Delphi could’ve sworn she saw a hint of a smile on his face. “I’ll let my godson know you’ve come to a decision. I’ll see you soon, Delphi.”

“Thank you…”

Black left with another nod, leaving Delphi alone once more.

Chapter Text

The next day, Delphi awoke to the sound of keys turning in the lock and the door to her cell creaking open. Two Aurors walked in, reaching out for her and hauling her to her feet. Her knees buckled beneath her and her whole body swayed with exhaustion. They walked her out and down the hallways of the Ministry of Magic, wands drawn on her from the moment they picked her up to the moment they set her down in a chair in what she assumed to be Harry Potter’s office, judging by the photo of his family on his desk.

She waited there for a while, not chained to the chair but still with her wrists bound by the cursed shackles. Her leg bounced up and down quickly and she twisted her rings around her fingers again and again out of pure nervous habit. She had no idea what was going to happen. She knew she’d be going to stay with Sirius damn Black at some point but she didn’t know when. Would they keep her for a few more days? Would they just change their minds entirely? Would they set up a proper trial? She wouldn’t be surprised if they changed their minds about what to do with her. She was surprised that this was the only thing she’d get for what she did. And she truly felt that she did not deserve it. It was merciful. And she did not deserve mercy.

The door opened once more and two people walked in. She turned her head to see Harry Potter and Hermione Granger walk in and sit down in chairs opposite her. She swallowed hard.

“My godfather tells me that you’ve accepted his offer. Good.” Harry said. “The Ministry and my department believe in reform, and after what we uncovered in your questioning, we believe this decision is best suited to your circumstances and your situation. I will be checking in three times a week for the next few months and Mr Black will also be providing me with information on your behaviour.”

He continued talking at her for a while, explaining what she could and couldn’t do, what would happen if she did not show signs of reform or change or if she was not making sufficient effort. And it sounded like Azkaban was not entirely out of the picture. If she didn’t put in any effort or make any change to herself or broke one of her conditions, she would be transferred there.

“We’re taking a huge risk in giving you this chance. Please don’t make us regret it.” Hermione said. “Do you understand?”

“I do.” Delphi replied. “I’ll try my best…”

“Good.”

She remained sat in the chair while they waited for Mr Black to arrive, a tense silence filling the room. Delphi picked at a loose thread on her sleeve, chewing on the inside of her mouth anxiously. And then when the door finally opened behind them, she turned her head round so see Mr Black walk into the room, shutting the door behind him. He passed Delphi a smile and she exchanged a small one back before she turned back around.

“Sirius. Thank you for doing this.” Harry stood up, hugging his godfather.

“It’s no problem my boy.” Mr Black replied before he turned to Delphi. “I guess we’ll be off then.”

“I’ll be dropping around in two days time to check in. In the mean time, I hope you settle in well.” Harry walked over to Delphi, pointing his wand at the shackles on her wrists and they unlocked, falling into her lap. She picked them up and placed them on the desk tentatively.

She stood up slowly, not really sure what she was doing. But she stepped slowly towards Mr Black.

“I don’t suppose you mind if we use your Floo, Harry?” Mr Black asked.

“Not at all.” Harry gestured to his fireplace.

Mr Black walked Delphi towards it, stepping inside and throwing down a handful of Floo powder. Bright green flames engulfed them before the pair of them stepped out of the fireplace into a large, warm living room. One of the walls was lined from floor to ceiling with books. Two arm chairs sat in-front of the fireplace, a coffee table between them and a smaller bookshelf was in the back corner, stacked with muggle vinyl records and a player sat on top of it. It was welcoming and homely. Delphi gazed around, slightly in awe and still in complete confusion as to why they had decided on sending her here.

“Do you- do you like it?” Black asked. Delphi nodded in reply. “I’ll show you around and then I’ll leave you to yourself for a bit while I get some food on.”

Delphi followed him through the hall and into the kitchen, into the study and the drawing room before heading upstairs to the first floor. It really was a huge house for just one person. It had five bedrooms in all, three of which seeming to not have been used for a while. Overall it was a lovely house, walls lined with pictures and paintings. But it felt safe. No home Delphi had ever lived in had ever felt this safe.

Black showed her to a room on the second floor, painted a dark, navy blue. It looked as if it had been cleaned recently, with fresh sheets on the bed, the floorboards slightly shinier than some of the rest of the house and the wood of the furniture was polished. But what Delphi seemed to notice first was the window. It overlooked the street outside, but also looked into the distance over London.

“Is this alright for you?” He asked.

Delphi nodded. “You have a beautiful home Mr Black.”

“Thank you. I’ve been trying to do it up over the last few years, it’s been in need of a bit of love and attention for a while. There’s a bathroom next-door you can use. You’re free to roam the house as you please, but I would appreciate if you did stayed out from my room and the attic.”

“That’s okay.”

“There’s a few clothes in the dresser if you need them. Unfortunately you’re not going to be allowed to leave the house for the next few months unless you’re with me and only for essential reasons. And uh- clothes shopping doesn’t exactly come under that so there’s some of my old shirts and jeans in there if you need them. But if you let me know what size you are, I can pop out and get some for you at some point. I hope they’re alright.”

She opened up the drawers to the dresser, a few slightly faded muggle band t-shirts sat clean and folded in there along with a pair of black jeans and a burgundy jumper. They were very generous of him.

“Thank you, Mr Black.”

“Please, call me Sirius. There’s a few bits in the bathroom I thought you might need, like a toothbrush, shampoo, soap etcetera. But if there’s anything you need that isn’t there, just let me know.”

She nodded again.

“Oh- and I hope risotto is okay for tea.”

“Risotto is fine.”

“Perfect, I’ll leave you to get settled and I’ll let you know when tea is ready. Feel free to have a shower, get changed, do whatever you please.”

“Thanks.”

And with a warm smile, Mr Black walked back downstairs, leaving Delphi to herself. She shut the door quietly behind him. She exhaled heavily, looking around the room before she sat down on the edge of the bed.

She just sat there, staring into space, losing herself in the tangle and mess of her thoughts. She didn’t deserve this, she didn’t deserve this kindness. She’d hurt, she’d killed. And yet she was being given help, she was being shown kindness, mercy. She was so confused. It made her guilt a hundred times heavier, knowing that she was not receiving the punishment she so deserved for what she’d done. It felt as if she’d slipped her way out.

But she was being offered help, something she needed so desperately all those years ago when she never received it. And so if she was being offered it, she’d take it. Because her future self, and her younger self, would be thankful for it.

Chapter Text

Delphi managed to get herself showered and changed after lying on her bed for almost an hour debating whether if it would even be worth her getting up at all. She didn’t deserve this. She kept remembering that. She kept remembering what she’d done and what had happened. And each time she did, it twisted her gut painfully and pulled on her heart. She was mortified by herself.

But she somehow managed to drag herself up and into the bathroom next door, undress and step into the shower. She managed to wash her hair and her body and her face before she changed into a clean set of clothes Mr Black had given her. The trousers were really quite large on her and even with her belt, they still seemed to swallow her up entirely. She’d picked out a t-shirt with a muggle band called ‘Queen’ on who she vaguely recognised from windows of shops and posters. But even that was still too big. So she bought the pile of her own clothes downstairs with her in hopes of being able to wash them somehow.

She walked down the wooden stairs quietly and slowly before she appeared at the kitchen doorway. She knocked on the wood gently, Mr Black stood over the stove at one end of the kitchen. He turned around and grinned.

“Delphi, there you are. I was about to come and get you.” He said. “You don’t have to knock. Come in, come in!”

She slipped inside, holding her clothes tight up against her. “Um, Mr Black I don’t suppose I could wash these? It’s not that I’m not grateful for the clothes you gave me- please don’t think that I’m not. It’s just—”

“They’re a bit big I gather?” Mr Black chuckled, looking her up and down. “Ah- yes they are a bit.”

“I promise, I’m not ungrateful—”

“I know, don’t worry. I’ll take those and I’ll get them washed for you. You’ll have them back by the morning.”

“Thank you so much.”

“It’s no problem. I needed to do some washing anyway.” Mr Black took the pile of clothes Delphi was clutching from her and walked into a room connected to the end of the kitchen. He reappeared not a few minutes later. “But as I said earlier, just let me know your size and what you like and what you need, and I’ll pop out tomorrow and get some clothes for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Would you like some dinner then?”

She nodded, following Mr Black over to the stove where he served out two portions of risotto into two bowls. It smelled wonderful. Delphi’s stomach ached with hunger having not even eaten for the last four days, either because she was stuck in Godric’s damn Hollow thirty-nine years in the past or she was sat in a holding cell in the bowels of the Ministry of Magic.

Mr Black ran two glasses of water and he passed one and a bowl of risotto to Delphi who took them with shaking hands.

“Are you alright?” He noticed.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I just haven’t eaten today.” She replied, making an excuse. Admittedly it was probably part of the reason but she was nervous, she had no idea what she was supposed to do. Was she supposed to go off and eat it on her own? Was she allowed to sit down at the table? Was she allowed to have a second portion? Was she allowed to sit down and eat with him?

“You’re shaking, come on sit down and lets get some food down you.”

She walked slowly over to the table and stood behind a chair. “Am I allowed to sit here?” She asked.

“Of course, you can sit anywhere you like.”

She placed the bowl and the glass down before she pulled out the chair and sat down. She waited until Mr Black sat down before she even touched the cutlery.

“Go on, you can start, don’t let it get cold. You don’t need to wait for me.” Mr Black laughed.

“Sorry…”

“You don’t have to apologise for it. You’re hungry, you need food.”

Delphi didn’t question him and she started her food, finishing it all in less than two minutes then realising she probably shouldn’t have eaten that fast. Rodolphus would have scalded her for that, called her greedy and an animal. But Mr Black didn’t even bat an eye.

“There’s plenty more if you want it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course, help yourself.”

“Thank you.” She stood up again, accidentally knocking the glass over with her plate, water spilling all across the table. She panicked, freezing over. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to, it was an accident—”

“Delphi, it’s just water. Don’t worry about it. It’s okay, accidents happen.” Mr Black took out his wand, gestured across the table with it and the puddle dried up.

“I’m sorry- it’s just—”

“It’s alright. See? Cleaned up.” Mr Black paused, noticing the colour drained from Delphi’s face and the sudden wave of terror that seemed to have overcome her. “What makes you think I’d be angry over some water?”

“I um- I once spilt some and my guardian got really angry over it and—” She stopped, trying to compose herself a little, “Sorry it’s not that big of a deal, it doesn’t matter really.”

“No, Delphi. It does matter. Your guardian was Euphemia Rowle, was it not?”

She nodded before she added quietly, “And then Rodolphus Lestrange.”

“Oh…”

“Did Potter not tell you that?”

“I knew Euphemia had you for a while. But I didn’t know Rodolphus did.”

“I was only there for two years. I ran away when I was sixteen.”

“Where did you go?”

She shrugged. “I don’t really know. Just wherever seemed to be safe and dry.”

Mr Black realised what she meant. “You lived homeless?”

“Mhm.” She sighed. “Sorry- I don’t like talking about it very much. Can we not discuss it any further?”

“Of course. I understand.”

“Thanks.”

Mr Black passed her a kind smile. “Go on, grab some more if you still want it.”

“I think I’ve lost my appetite, sorry. Um- I’ll just wash up and then I think I might go to bed. It’s just- it’s been a long few days and I’m really tired and I think I just need some time to myself—”

“That’s perfectly fine. You don’t have to explain yourself.”

“Sorry.”

“You really do apologise a lot.”

“Sorry…”

“Just leave your plate on the side and I’ll do it, don’t worry about it. You go and get some sleep, you need it.”

“Thanks…”

“Sleep well, good night Delphi.”

“Good night Mr Black, thank you for dinner.”

Mr Black smiled again and Delphi managed a small one in reply before she placed her plate on the side gently and disappeared off upstairs, light and quiet on her feet like she was used to doing. She shut her bedroom door gently and slipped under the covers.

She just lay there for hours, staring up at the ceiling, lost in her thoughts and her emotions once again. And then after a while, once the clock downstairs chimed two in the morning, she finally drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

The next day was still as strange. Delphi had woken up late in the morning, realising just how much she’d slept in and was surprised no-one had come in to tell her to get up and get started on jobs around the house or to continue brutal training. She hurriedly raced out her bedroom and downstairs into the kitchen.

“I’m so sorry Mr Black, I overslept. It won’t happen again—” She stammered.

“Oh there you are!” Mr Black smiled, placing the morning’s copy of the Daily Prophet down on the table. “Did you sleep okay?”

“Um- yes. I’m sorry I overslept.”

“Don’t apologise, you obviously needed it. Now, can I get you anything to eat?”

“Oh- um, what is there?”

“Well, what do you fancy? I can do bacon, eggs, scrambled, fried or poached, cereal, porridge, toast. Whatever you’d like.”

“Could I have some toast please?”

“Of course you can.”

Mr Black stood up, walking over to the counter and taking two slices of bread and placing them in the toaster. “Do you want anything to drink?”

“No, I’m okay but thank you.” Delphi replied, still stood in the doorway, her arms wrapped around herself.

“Come on, sit down.”

She took a seat again in the same one she sat in the previous evening.

“Did you sleep okay? I hope the bed was comfortable enough.” Mr Black chuckled.

“It was fine.”

“You’re not much of a talker, are you?”

Delphi shrugged. "It depends." And then she heard the sound as the toast popped up from the counter.

“What would you like on it? I’ve got butter, marmalade, chocolate spread, jam.”

“Butter is fine.”

“Coming right up.”

Mr Black spread a knob of butter over the toast, stuck the two pieces on a plate and bought it over to the table, placing it down in front of Delphi before he sat back down opposite her.

“Thanks.” She smiled before she picked up a slice and began to eat it, taking small, nervous bites.

“So I was going to pop out to the shops to get you some more clothes and I need to pick up a few bits for myself. Is there anything I can get you?”

“A pair of jeans would be good. And some um- underwear. And maybe a bra and some socks…” She replied.

“Hang on, I’ll make a list.” He summoned a notepad and a pen from the side and caught them in one hand. He scribbled a few things down and then looked back up.

“What size do you need? Any preference on colour?”

“Um- size eight for trousers and underwear. And thirty-two B for bras, anything plain will do, just not underwired. And then size five for socks.”

“I don’t understand women’s sizing, it’s so much more complicated than it has to be.”

“I know.” Delphi chuckled lightly. “If they don’t say, small for everything is fine.”

“Anything else?”

She shook her head.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Mr Black smiled at her, tucking the notebook into his trouser pocket.

“Thank you, I really appreciate it. Um- do you want any money towards it or—”

“Oh, no don’t worry about it. I’ll pay for it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure. It’s only a few clothes.”

“Thank you…”

The pair exchanged a warm smile before Delphi continued to eat her toast, Mr Black turning back to his paper.

“Oh- also, I completely forgot but this weekend some of the family are coming around for lunch. I need to speak with Harry and the others first, but I’d like for you to join us, or at least come down to eat with us.”

Delphi’s stomach turned over on itself and suddenly she completely went off her toast, placing the last half of a slice back down onto the plate.

“I did suggest to Harry about moving it to somewhere else but he assured me it was fine to keep it here. It’s nothing big. There’s only a few people coming.”

“Who would be going?”

“Myself, my cousin Andromeda and her grandson, Teddy, as well as Harry and Ginny. Teddy is your age, he’s working in the Department for the Control of Magical Creatures.”

Delphi just stared at the toast on her plate in-front of her, chewing on her lip.

“Have a think. As I say, I’ll talk to Harry tomorrow about it when he comes over to check in on you. You don’t have to, I just thought it might be quite nice to get to know your family a little bit.”

Delphi nodded. “I’m not very hungry anymore. Sorry…”

“That’s okay. I get that it must be a bit- weird being here. I don’t expect it’s what you’re used to.”

She shook her head.

“Right, I’m going to head out into town in a minute. Feel free to do as you please. If the owl comes with the post, just let it drop it and fly out. And if someone knocks on the door, don’t answer.”

“What? Isn’t that a bit- rude?”

“Well, not a lot of people know you’re here. And the longer it stays that way, the better. You understand it’s for your safety?”

“Mhm…”

“Good. I shouldn’t be more than an hour or two. If you’re hungry, take anything you want from the cupboard or the fridge. If there’s any issues, there’s a phone in the living room. Harry made me pick up a muggle phone for myself a few months ago and I’ll have that on me. I’ll leave the number next to the phone for you. Is that alright?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

“Perfect. I’ll see you later.”

“See you later, Mr Black.”

“Just call me Sirius.”

*

Delphi lay on her bed again, curled up on her side and staring out of the window. She hated feeling like this. She hated the guilt eating away at her insides, the anxiety of the whole situation, the hatred for herself. She still found everything odd, she still found herself feeling like she’d probably be better off dead. Because when one day she was allowed back out, allowed to get a job and get her life back, people would hold her heritage and her actions against her, people would only ever see her as her father, not her own person.

Throughout her life, Delphi had always thought she was very different to her father, except for the one similarity in the fact that they were both lonely children which drove them down the paths they went down. Delphi had always thought she was much more like her mother, even Rodolphus agreed she certainly took after her. They seemed to share the same well-structured face, same short temper, same loyalty, same eyes and same hair, especially when she was younger before she dyed it once she ran away.

Delphi was loyal to her father, the same way her mother was. But unlike her mother, it was not because she was loyal to what he believed in, she was loyal to him because he was her father, he was her family. But she was different to both her parents in the end, she guessed, as a person anyway. She didn’t want to be seen as them. She wanted to be seen as Delphi, not her mother, not her father.

And she knew no matter what she did, people would not see her as Delphi. They never would. People had every right to hate her, Mr Black had every right to revoke his offer, Harry had every right to shut her in Azkaban. It was the law. And she knew it was unjust. People would want justice. And honestly, she thought the world would be better off, safer, if she was dead. It wouldn’t matter, no-one would mourn, she had nobody who’d care. If she was lucky, she might get a headstone, maybe some form of proper burial. But she didn’t matter to anyone, no one would go to a funeral if she had one. There was no one to go. Unless Mr Black cared enough, but then again he’d probably be thankful to have her off his hands.

She felt like a nuisance to him, she felt like she was taking advantage of his generosity. He’d kept insisting it was no problem at all, but Delphi second guessed it. He was too kind to her, she should be being punished, not shown kindness and another chance.

A few small tears streaked down her face as she stared blankly out the window while she lay there on the bed. And then there was a knock at the door and she jumped, sitting up quickly and drying her eyes, her heart thumping in her chest as she door opened.

“Hi Delphi, I got you—” Mr Black stood in the doorway with two brown paper bags. He smiled before he picked up on her fright. “Are you alright?”

“Oh- yeah, just um- dust.” Delphi shrugged.

Mr Black sighed before he walked over to her, “Do you mind if I sit down?”

Delphi shook her head and Mr Black sat down on the edge of her bed, turning towards her.

“Delphi, I want you to know that you can talk to me, alright?”

“Yeah, I know. It’s just—”

“It’s what?”

“I don’t know, I’m not very good at it. I’ve not really had anyone who I can talk to about things before and this is all new and—”

“It’s okay, I understand.”

“Thanks.”

“But I want you to know that I’m not just here as the person who owns the house you’re staying in, I’m here as a friend. I don’t think you’ve really had a lot of those before, have you?”

“No. Not unless imaginary friends count.”

“Well, I don’t know if you know, but I’m also your family.”

“I know.”

“We’re cousins. Or at least first cousins once-removed.”

The pair of them chuckled. Delphi smiled a little.

“And because I’m family and your friend, I’m here for you if you ever need someone to talk to.”

Delphi smiled again, nodding.

“Oh, these are for you. I hope they fit, I tried my best to get what I think you’d like but if you don’t like anything or if it doesn’t fit, just say and I’ll take it back and swap it or something. I picked up a few more things for you as well.” Mr Black passed over the two paper bags to her.

“Thank you.” Delphi replied.

“It’s no problem. I just need to put the groceries away and then start making dinner. Do you want a cup of tea or anything?”

“No, I’m okay. Thanks though.”

“Alright, I’ll leave you to it. And let me know if everything is okay. I’ll see you in a bit.”

“See you later.”

Mr Black smiled, resting a hand on Delphi’s shoulder for a moment. She tensed under the touch and pulled away.

“Sorry, I didn’t- I should have asked. I’m sorry.” He apologised.

“I don’t really like people touching me, sorry…”

“No, that’s completely understandable. I won’t do it again.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.” He said, smiling again before he walked out the room, closing the door quietly behind himself.

She waited until his footsteps retreated downstairs before she opened up the bags slowly, taking out what was in them. He’d gotten everything she’d asked for and even in the right size. There were two pairs of jeans, one black, one dark grey, both in the right size. There was even two dark blue t-shirts and a crewneck jumper which he’d picked up for her as well. And then he’d managed to decipher the bra sizes and had gotten her three plain black ones and then a pack of underwear and some socks. He really had outdone himself. Delphi smiled to herself. Mr Black really did seem to be trying to welcome her into his home.

She quickly tried everything on just for sizing and it was all fine, much to her thanks. She then saw something underneath a pile of receipts at the bottom of one of the bags. She dug it out, revealing two new books which appeared to be some kind of fantasy novels. She assumed they were for Mr Black so placed them back in the bag to take down later. She folded up the t-shirts, jumper and jeans, placing them in the dresser with the other clothes Mr Black had given her.

Delphi thought she should probably go down and help make tea, it was only fair. She wanted to help out, she wanted to make the effort to try. Plus it would make Harry happy, it would show him she was trying to reform somehow. Plus she had to thank Mr Black for the new clothes in some way shape or form.

She picked up the bag with the receipts and the books in and wandered quietly downstairs and then down the hallway, music playing from the kitchen behind the door which was slightly open. She stuck her head round, knocking gently.

Mr Black was singing quietly along to a record playing, stood over the hob with a wooden spoon and frying what smelled like chicken. He turned around, spotting Delphi.

“Everything alright?” He asked, pausing the record.

“Yeah, I um- I wanted to ask if I could help make tea?” She replied.

“Of course you can. Come in, come in. You don’t have to knock to come into the kitchen.”

“Um, the receipts are in here, all the clothes are perfect, thank you so much.” She held out the bag to Mr Black who took it from her. “You left some books in there as well.”

“That’s good to hear. Oh- wait,” He took out the books, “These are for you too.”

“Really? Thanks.” She smiled, taking them. “How did you know I liked fantasy?”

“I just had a hunch.” He shrugged. “They’re for you though, and you’re welcome to read anything on the bookshelves as well.” He walked over to the record player, “Do you have a favourite band? Or do you like any muggle music?”

“No, I’ve not listened to a lot of music.”

“Well, That’s going to change. If you learn one thing about me, is that I love muggle music. I mean, you’ve seen the amount of records I own.” Mr Black laughed, taking out a record with an orange and blue cover with people sat around a table.

He took the record on the turntable off, placing it back in its case and then slipped the other record out. He placed it on the turntable and placed the needle on and it started up.

“You strike me as a rock person.”

“What gives you that impression?”

“I think it’s the hair and the uh- grunge teenager look.”

Delphi laughed, listening as the music started. “What’s this then?”

“This is a band called Muse, they’re quite popular in the muggle world. This is their fourth album. It’s one of my favourites, I think you’ll like it.”

“Can I do anything to help?” Delphi asked, following Mr Black back over to the hob.

“Could you chop the potatoes up? Then stick them on a baking tray and drizzle some olive oil, salt and pepper over them. Is that alright?”

“Mhm.” Delphi took the chopping board from the side, a knife and began to cut up the potatoes into halves then quarters and then in halves again before placing them on a baking tray, drizzling some oil on top and then cracking some pepper and salt over them. “Done.”

“Oh- wow, you’re fast.”

“I used to help out in the kitchens at St Oswald’s sometimes.”

“That sounds like hell.”

“It was.”

The pair laughed, Delphi placing the tray of potatoes into the oven.

“Thanks, that’s a big help.” Sirius smiled.

“I like this music, it’s pretty good.” Delphi replied. “What’s this one called?”

“Ah, this one’s Map of the Problematique. It’s definitely a good one. But you’ve not heard the best one yet.”

“What’s the best one?”

“You’ll see.”

“Alright then.” Delphi chuckled.

“How about when we make dinner, we have a new album on each evening? It means you get to explore music and we can get to know each other a bit better. How does that sound?”

“Sounds good.”

“So, Delphi. Do you have any hobbies?”

“I like to read. And I like to draw.”

“What’s your favourite book?”

“A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab. What’s yours?”

“The Lord of the Rings.”

“That was one of the first muggle fantasy books I read.”

“Really?”

“Well, it was the only one Euphemia had on her shelves. I think I was eleven the first time I read it.”

“Wow. That’s um- quite impressive.”

“I was a lot smarter than Euphemia or Rodolphus ever gave me credit for. I taught myself to read and write, I taught myself the basics of magic and how to use wandless magic. I taught myself to draw, I taught myself how to tie my shoelaces, how to brush my hair and how to do a ponytail, I taught myself how to sew and make repairs to clothes. I taught myself a lot of things I should have been taught by someone else.”

“I wonder if Euphemia was definitely the one who was supposed to raise you.”

Delphi shrugged. “It doesn’t matter now, does it? I’m all grown up. And now I’m here. Even though I probably don’t deserve to be.”

“You said you like to draw? What do you like to draw?”

“Anything really, I liked to draw people. I like to draw birds too. Thankfully I got my sketchbook back with my bag.”

“Do you draw a lot?”

“It depends. Sometimes I’ll draw for hours, sometimes I can’t even bare the thought of picking up a pencil. Do you have any hobbies?”

“Well, I read a lot. And I like to play piano. I like to play chess. I used to ride a motorbike.”

“You used to ride a motorbike?”

“I did indeed. Now it just sits in the garage collecting dust. I do miss it, but I think I’m a bit too old and a bit too fragile for it now. It used to fly and everything.”

“Wow. That’s so cool.” Delphi grinned. “I wish I could ride a motorbike.”

Sirius smiled. “I like you Delphi. I made a good choice taking up Harry’s request.”

“I think I made an alright choice too.”

Chapter Text

“Can I get you a cup of tea, Harry?” Mr Black asked as Harry stepped out of the fireplace and into the living room. Delphi stood silently behind Mr Black as Harry took his coat off and set it down over the back of one of the arm chairs.

“I’m alright, but thank you Sirius.” Harry replied.

“Delphi? Can I get you anything?”

Delphi shook her head. “No but thank you.”

“I’ll be next door if you need anything.” Mr Black smiled before he walked out the room, shutting the door behind him.

Harry turned to Delphi, sitting down in the arm chair. He nodded over to the one opposite him, gesturing for her to sit down. She swallowed before she walked slowly over to it and sat down, bounding her leg up and down anxiously.

“So, tell me. How’s it been then?” Harry asked.

“It’s been alright.” Delphi shrugged, avoiding any and all eye contact with her visitor.

“Sirius tells me you’ve been helping make dinner. It’s nice to hear you’re getting to know each other a bit as well.”

“I wanted to actually make a bit of effort. Plus Mr Black is doing all this for me, it’s the least I can do, I guess.”

“But that’s good of you. He says you’re a bit quiet but honestly, I don’t blame you, it must be taking a bit of adjusting.”

She shrugged again.

“Are you getting along well?”

“I think so. He’s very nice. And he’s respectful of me. I’ve never really been respected as a living, breathing person, so I guess it’s a nice change.”

“Has Sirius told you about this weekend? The lunch with the family?”

“Yeah…”

“I think maybe give it a miss this time. I’m really sorry, I just don’t think it’s the best idea, especially as it’s so soon after everything.”

“No, that’s fine. I understand.”

“I just don’t want to risk anything happening.”

“What?”

“I’m just worried someone will say the wrong thing and you might do something.”

Delphi’s heart sunk slightly. “I get it, I understand.”

“It’s all just very soon. And you are technically serving a criminal sentence for quite a serious crime. I’m sorry, maybe next time.”

“It’s fine, I get it.”

“I’ll make sure we save you some lunch though, Andromeda’s puddings are to die for, I’d hate for you to miss out on that.”

“Thanks.”

The pair spoke for another half an hour or so. Or at least Harry asked her some questions and she responded fairly bluntly. She was tired and she needed some time to herself. But once they finished their conversation, Mr Black came in and joined for another ten minutes or so where both him and Harry laid out a plan for her over the next few weeks, focusing on her social skills, mental health and some general education. It seemed alright and it gave her something to do. And if it was going to help get her back to some form of normality, if it was going to help her begin her life again, then she’d go through with it.

“Right, I might catch you on Sunday, if I don’t, have a good weekend and I’ll see you on Monday. I’ll see you later Delphi.” Harry smiled, Delphi returning a small one to him before he stood up. “Bye Sirius, I’ll see you on Sunday.”

“See you Sunday my boy.” Mr Black waved before Harry stepped into the fireplace, dropping down a handful of Floo powder and vanished in bright green flames. Mr Black turned to Delphi, “Well, fancy a game of chess?”

*

Delphi awoke suddenly, letting out a scream, breathing fast and heavily as she sat up sharply. She stared out into the darkness of her bedroom for a moment, tears brimming in her eyes, her shirt clinging damp to her skin. She buried her face into her hands, trying to get her breathing back together and calm herself.

She’d had nightmares for years, memories of the time she spent in Euphemia’s or Rodolphus’ care. But this was new. She’d started to get nightmares and dreams about what had happened in those awful twenty-four hours at the start of that week. She’d dreamed that she’d killed both Albus and Scorpius. And it terrified her.

Footsteps sounded from down the hall and her door swung open, a soft blue light illuminating the room. Mr Black stood in the doorway, wrapped in a dressing gown, holding out his wand and lighting up the space.

“Delphi- is everything okay?” He asked, genuine concern in his voice.

“Yeah, just a bad dream. Sorry about waking you up, I didn’t mean to—” She replied.

“It’s alright, are you sure you’re okay?”

Mr Black sighed. “Come on, let’s get you a hot drink and a dry top.”

Delphi slipped out of bed slowly, taking a clean shirt out from the drawer.

“I’ll be outside.” Mr Black shut the door quietly, leaving Delphi to slip off the damp shirt and replace it with the clean one before she pulled a jumper over the top. She walked outside where Mr Black was waiting and he flicked the light downstairs on and they wandered down the stairs and through to the kitchen.

Mr Black filled the kettle up, turning it on and taking two mugs out from the cupboard, placing several heaped spoons of hot chocolate powder into them. Delphi stood in the corner, her arms wrapped around herself, shaking slightly. She chewed on the inside of her cheeks anxiously 

The kettle finished boiling and Mr Black poured it into the mugs, stirring through the powder before adding in a splosh of milk to each of them and he handed one to her. Delphi took it slowly.

“Come on, lets go next door.” He led her through to the living room where he placed the mug on the floor and he sat down beside it. Delphi too sat down on the floor opposite him, clutching the mug between her hands.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Mr Black asked.

“Not particularly.” Delphi replied, her voice breaking.

“That’s okay, I understand. But you’re not the only one who gets bad dreams, I still get them too, and I’m sixty-one.” Mr Black chuckled.

“I’ve always got them, they've been happening for years. But this one was just horrible. It was terrifying…”

“You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. But if you do, I will listen to you, okay?”

“Thank you…”

“How’s the hot chocolate?”

“Hot.”

Mr Black chuckled.

“I’m sorry about waking you up.”

“It’s completely fine. Don’t you worry.”

“It’s strange having someone be kind to me…”

“I guess not a lot of people have been kind to you.”

Delphi shook her head. “I always thought I deserved it when I was a kid, but looking back, I don’t know what I did to deserve it. I mean, now I feel like I don’t deserve this. I don’t deserve this kindness. But I needed it. So I keep telling myself that.”

“You deserve kindness, Delphi. You’ve lived for such a short time yet you’ve suffered so much in a life that’s been unreasonably cruel to you. You deserve kindness, and you deserve help.”

Delphi swallowed hard.

“I really hope you know that. Because I truly think there’s a good heart in there.”

She looked up at Mr Black. “You do?”

“I really do.”

She smiled, taking a sip of her hot chocolate. The pair sat in quiet for a while, drinking their drinks before they headed back upstairs to bed again.

“I’ll see you in the morning, alright?” Mr Black said. “I hope you get a bit of a better sleep.”

“Me too. Thank you so much for the hot chocolate.”

“It does wonders. Now get some sleep my dear.”

“Thank you Sirius.” Delphi smiled.

“You’re very welcome.”

Chapter Text

Delphi stood chopping up vegetables at the kitchen counter, Sirius making gravy over the stove as another record played in the background. Sirius’ family were coming around for the lunch in an hour and so they were trying to finish off the cooking as quickly as they could before everyone turned up.

Sirius did admittedly feel bad that Delphi wasn’t allowed to join them, but he understood Harry’s reasoning, and he was Head of Magical Law Enforcement so he didn’t object to it. Delphi seemed quiet though, a little upset even, as she cut up carrots and parsnips and placed them in a baking tray before she moved onto the potatoes without really speaking a word.

“You alright?” He asked.

“Mhm.” Delphi nodded.

“Sorry you’re not allowed to join us for lunch…”

“It’s okay, I get why and it’s fairly justified I guess…” She shrugged, not looking up from the chopping board. She really was a bit upset that she wasn’t allowed to sit and eat lunch with everyone, that she wasn’t allowed to meet the rest of her family all because Harry didn’t trust her at all, that he was worried she’d do something. She assumed he was worried she’d lash out at someone or even worse, hurt someone. She knew she wouldn’t, she knew she didn’t want to. But then again, she thought that when she tortured Scorpius…

Sirius seemed to pick up on it. “Tell you what, I’ll make sure I save a serving for you and I’ll chat with Teddy and see if he could hang back after everyone else leaves. I think you two will get on well.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. If Harry finds out, he’ll be furious and I don’t want to risk anything. I don’t want you to get in trouble. Or Teddy.”

“It is a bit of a risk, yes. But I think it would be worth it. And what Harry doesn’t know, won’t hurt him. Teddy is responsible and I think it would be good for you.”

“I don’t want Harry to lose any of the trust he might have in me. Which- I don’t think is very much anyway…”

“Give him some time, he’s just like that, he takes a while to trust people. Do you trust him?”

“I don’t know. I mean, he spared me Azkaban and is trying to give me another chance at things. So I guess I have to trust him a little. I’ve always found it hard to trust people though.”

“I don’t expect there’s been a lot of people in your life you can trust.”

“Not really…”

“Well, I hope- in time- you can trust me.” Sirius smiled.

Delphi nodded, a small, genuine smile appearing on her face as she turned to him. “You’re the first person I’ve felt I can trust.”

“I feel very privileged.” Sirius chuckled. “Oh- the record has finished.” He walked over to the record player, taking the vinyl that had just finished off and slipping back in its cover. “Do you want to pick the next one?”

“I can?”

“Of course you can, come on, take your pick.”

Delphi flicked through the small stack on the shelf below it. “What one would I like?”

“You liked the Kiss record I played yesterday, right?”

“Yeah, that one was great!”

“I think you’ll like this one.” Sirius gestured to a cool green cover.

“Motley Crue?” Delphi took it from the shelf and handed it to Sirius who took it out its sleeve and placed it carefully onto the turntable. “Are they good?”

“They’re one of my favourite bands.”

“You have a lot of favourite bands.”

“Well, they’re my second favourite.”

“Who’s your favourite then?”

“Foo Fighters.”

“Who?”

“I’ll put them on this evening.”

*

It felt ironic really. The first time Delphi met Albus Potter, he was sat at the top of the stairs listening into a conversation between his dad and Amos Diggory. And now Delphi was the one sat at the top of the stairs listening into conversations going on in the kitchen. There was laughing, there was chatting, there was a generally happy atmosphere. And she wasn’t allowed to join. It did hurt a bit, that she wasn’t allowed to sit down with her family for lunch. But then again she understood the reasons why.

So instead, she sat at the top of the stairs, her chin on her knees, listening to what was going on in the kitchen. It sounded nice. There was music on in the background and honestly, if she was allowed to be there, she really thought she’d enjoy it. And then the mood seemed to shift and then she heard her name mentioned and her heart jumped.

“Sirius, where’s Delphi?” An older woman asked. “I thought she’d be joining us, it would’ve been nice for her to meet everyone.”

“Oh- she’s—” Sirius began but he was interrupted.

“I didn’t think it would be a good idea. It was too risky.” Harry butted in quickly.

“Risky? What on earth do you mean? She’s just a girl.” The older woman argued.

“You do know she’s technically serving a criminal sentence, Andromeda”

“For what?”

Silence settled from down the hall and Delphi swallowed hard. There was the sound of cutlery placed down onto plates and she crept down a few steps carefully.

“You heard about the student who died at Hogwarts the other day?” Harry said, quietly.

“Of course I did, everyone has.”

“That was her.”

“What? Then why isn’t she—”

“There’s reasons too complicated and too private to disclose. But to put it shortly, she needs rehabilitation and she needs help. But the public have been told she is serving time in Azkaban.”

“Then how are we allowed to know she’s here?”

“Because you’d find out eventually and well, you’re the last family she has left…”

“What’s she like Sirius? Not too much like Bellatrix I hope.”

“She’s actually- quite different to her mother, Andy.” Sirius replied. “She’s really quite a lovely young woman. She’s a bit quiet sometimes, but honestly, I’m quite fond of her. And I think she’s warming up to me as well.”

“That’s quite surprising that she’s not particularly like her mother. But it’s nice to hear you’re both getting on. She’s the same age as Teddy, am I correct?”

“Yes, they would’ve been in the same year at Hogwarts.”

“Shame she’s not allowed to meet him.”

“I do think you’d get on well with her Teddy.”

“Really?” A younger boy replied.

“Yeah, I think you would.” Sirius paused before Delphi heard the sound of a chair scraping against the floor. “Right, I’m just going to run some lunch up for Delphi and I’ll be right back down.”

Delphi scampered back up the stairs quickly and slipped back into her room, grabbing a book from the side and opening it up to where she had left off earlier. She had done so just in time as she could hear footsteps coming up the stairs and pause outside her room before there was a knock at the door.

She got up, walking over to and opening the door. Sirius stood with a plate of roast chicken, potatoes, vegetables, gravy and even a Yorkshire pudding, along with a set of cutlery for her.

“Everything okay?” He asked.

“Mhm.” She nodded.

“This is for you, I hope it’s alright.”

“Thanks. I’m sure it’ll be good.”

“I think everyone will be gone in the next hour or so. I’m sorry you have to stay cooped up in here, I hope you’re not too bored.”

“Oh- no I’m fine, I’ve got a book.” She chuckled, taking the plate and the cutlery,

“Always good. Again, if you need anything, just come downstairs okay? The others won’t mind.”

“Okay. Um- could you say hello to them for me? I know I can’t come down and say it myself but I don’t want to be rude and not even—”

“Of course I can. I’ll tell them hello for you.” Sirius smiled. “Right, I’ll leave you to it. Enjoy the food.”

“Thank you. See you later.”

“See you later.”

And Delphi shut the door again, listening as Sirius’ footsteps retreated downstairs. She sat down on the edge of her bed, digging into her lunch in the quiet. It did feel quite miserable sat shut up in her room, eating her lunch all by herself while people were downstairs. But that’s what she was used to, especially at Euphemia’s and Rodolphus’, when she was actually given food there anyway. Even when she was working at St Oswald’s, she’d either be sat on her own on a table in the corner of the staff room or sat up in her room. None of the other nurses particularly liked her. She never used a Confundus charm on any of them, only Amos, and they all seemed to believe that she was indeed his niece. They just didn’t like her. They never sat with her, always gave her dirty looks, always complained if she was too slow or did something wrong. Someone had once spilt hot tea all down her on purpose, leaving her with a burnt thigh and back of her hand. She still had scarring from them.

So usually she’d keep to herself, she’d eat on her own. And so this wasn’t really any different. But it still didn’t feel any less miserable.

She finished off the food, leaving the plate on the side before she walked into the bathroom next door to wash her hands off and get a drink from the tap. But on her way out as she turned round, she knocked a mirror off the side and it fell to the floor, the glass breaking and shattering across the tiles. She jumped, her heart pounding and she bent down to try and tidy it up. She picked up the frame and placed it back on the side before she covered her hand in a towel and tried to pick up as many of the shards as she could. Sharp pain came from her palm and she took the towel away to see blood seeping out from a fair sized gash on her palm. A shard of glass had torn its way through the material of the towel and must have cut her.

“Fuck…” She swore. She got rid of the glass, taking a bunch of tissue from the side and curled her fist around it, pressing it against the cut while she fumbled around the cabinet for a bandage or something. She came away unsuccessful. She’d have to go downstairs and ask. So she took a breath, pressing the tissues up against her palm as she made her way downstairs, nervously.

She reached the kitchen door and knocked gently. Silence fell over the room quickly and everyone stared at her. Sirius stood up.

“Delphi, is everything alright?” He asked.

“I um- I accidentally broke a mirror in the bathroom and I cut my hand trying to clear it up. Could I just get a bandage or something?” She replied, quietly.

“Oh, of course. Come on.” Sirius beckoned her through.

She stepped inside, following Sirius awkwardly through the kitchen to the utility room off at the side. The others stared at her, watching her intently. Sirius dug through a cabinet on the wall, taking out a bottle of antiseptic and a bandage.

“Let’s have a look, shall we?” He said.

Delphi held out her hand and he took the bloody tissue away. He took a clean tissue and soaked it in antiseptic and wiped over the cut. Delphi winced, her palm stinging painfully.

“I’m sorry, it stings but it means it’s doing the job. It’s not very deep, you’ll be alright.” He said, cleaning up the cut before he took the bandage and wrapped it around her palm and her thumb to keep it in place. “There we are. All done.”

“Thank you. Sorry about interrupting.” Delphi apologised.

“It’s okay, don’t you worry about it.”

“I’ll um- I’ll head back upstairs again. Thanks…”

Sirius nodded, smiling before the pair walked back out into the kitchen. The others still stared at her as she walked back through, but she passed them a smile and disappeared back up the stairs and perching herself at the top of them.

“Good god she looks like her mother.” The older woman said, who Delphi had worked out was Andromeda. “I mean, apart from her hair. But her face, it’s like looking at my sister again.”

“She seems nice.” The younger boy said, who she’d figured out was Teddy. “And I think her hair is nice, Nan.”

Delphi sat there and listened to their conversations for the next hour or so, the pain in her palm soon dulling down and slowly disappeared. Then there was the sound of chairs scraping against the floor and she slipped back into her room again as she heard as everyone left.

She opened up her book again, sat curled up on her bed. There was another knock at her door and she got up once more and answered it. Sirius stood there again.

“There’s someone here I think you should meet.” He said.

Delphi swallowed, following him back downstairs and into the kitchen again where she saw the young boy sat at the table, a cup of tea in his hand. He had bright blue, rather fluffy hair, a set of round glasses and a pair of yellow dungarees on. His face was kind and he passed Delphi a warm smile as she walked in.

“Delphi, this is Teddy Lupin. He’s another cousin.” Sirius introduced them. Delphi sat down opposite him. Teddy stuck out a hand and Delphi took it tentatively, shaking it.

“It’s great to meet you Delphi.” Teddy beamed.

“It’s good to meet you too.” She replied.

“How are you doing? It can’t have been nice to be shut up in your room and miss out on having lunch with everyone. That must’ve been a bit rubbish.”

“It’s fine. I’m kind of used to it. But I’m okay, how are you?”

“I’m good, thanks. I like your hair by the way, it looks cool.”

“Oh- thanks. I think yours is really cool too.”

“You think that’s cool? Just watch.” Teddy scrunched up his face, and before Delphi knew it, his hair turned from bright blue to neon pink.

“You’re a Metamorphagus?” Delphi chuckled.

“Yeah.”

“That’s so cool. I wish I could do something like that.”

“Yeah, but I hear you can fly without a broom. And use wandless magic? That’s pretty impressive.”

“I guess it is a bit. There’s nothing else really interesting about me.”

“Oh I’m sure there’s loads! Like- do you have any hobbies or anything?”

“I like to read. And I like drawing. Sorry, I’m really rubbish at small talk.”

“It’s okay, I can’t seem to stop talking, that’s my issue. Nan says I can’t shut up. But I guess it’s quite good because it means I’m pretty good at making friends.”

“I’m useless.”

“Well, you can’t be that useless.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve just made a friend, me.” Teddy laughed.

“You actually want to be friends with me?”

“Of course, I want to be a friend to you, not just your first cousin once removed. Or whatever we are in relation to each other.”

Delphi chuckled. “Thank you Teddy. It means a lot.”

The pair spoke for the next half an hour or so before Teddy ultimately had to go home. But Delphi seemed to warm up to him quite quickly. He seemed nice and Sirius was right, they did get along very well. Delphi felt she could relax a little, she didn’t have to hold herself up in fear. She felt rather at ease. But Teddy did not bring up what she’d done to end up here, he didn’t even mention it or bring the conversation anywhere near it, which she was quite thankful for.

Teddy offered to write to her and would ask Harry if he could join in on a meeting between him and Delphi at some point. But Delphi appreciated it. And that conversation made the day a whole lot better and a whole lot less miserable

Chapter Text

A few weeks had passed since Delphi had come to Sirius’ and they were entering the run up to Christmas. So one afternoon after Harry had gone home from his regular visit, Sirius asked if Delphi wanted to help decorate the house for Christmas. He’d got the boxes of decorations down from the attic that morning and had bought them downstairs into the living room. Delphi agreed to help decorate, so Sirius made the pair of them a cup of tea each before he put on a record of Christmas carols and they set to work.

“We’ll put the tree up first, I need a hand putting it all together.” Sirius said, taking a large, tall green cardboard box and taking out parts of a fake Christmas tree. Delphi sat down on the floor, Sirius following and they began to put it all together, the fire crackling next to them. Once they put it all together, they left it for a bit and went to put up decorations elsewhere.

Delphi put up ornaments on the mantle piece, along with a garland and two candle sticks, putting two new candles in them. Sirius placed a table cloth over the side table and two cushions with knitted covers with snowflakes on them onto the arm chairs before he put up a garland over the windowsill. The pair put a string of lights up around the kitchen, pegging Christmas cards to a piece of string hanging between across the window. They wrapped another set of lights around the banister in the hallway before they wrapped a set around the tree in the living room.

Sirius took out an old biscuit tin from another box and opened it up to reveal baubles and other decorations for the tree. Delphi reached into the box and found three more like it.

“Where do I start?” She chuckled.

“With whatever you fancy.” Sirius replied, taking out a string of tinsel and began to wrap it around the tree.

Delphi picked out a few shiny red baubles and started to hang them on the branches of the tree. “I’ve never decorated a Christmas tree before.” She said.

“You haven’t?”

“Christmas wasn’t exactly a thing in Euphemia’s house. Or Rodolphus’. So I’ve not really been able to celebrate it before.”

“Well, you’re going to have a lovely Christmas here, I can promise you that.”

“I’m just excited for Christmas lunch.”

“Some people say Christmas lunch is the best part.”

“We had it at St Oswald’s once. It was probably the best food we got given there. And well- the best food I’d eaten for years.”

“Rodolphus doesn’t seem like the type of person to make a Christmas lunch.”

“No, not at all. He wasn’t the type to give presents or anything either. All I got on Christmas day was more training and a split lip. That’s if I was lucky.”

“Is um- is there anything you’d like for Christmas?” Sirius asked and Delphi just looked at him blankly.

“What?” She replied, a little confused.

“Is there anything you’d like for Christmas?” Sirius repeated.

Delphi swallowed, looking away and going back to putting up ornaments and baubles. “To be loved. And to have a proper family.” She said, quietly.

“You shouldn’t have to ask for that for Christmas.” Sirius replied, “You deserve it, every day of your life, not just for Christmas.”

“Is there anything you’d like for Christmas? I can see what I can do…”

“Oh- no, don’t worry about it. You’re in a slightly different situation.”

“No, I want to get you something. You’re doing all this for me, I have to thank you somehow.”

“Delphi, you really don’t have to. But if you really want to know what I’d like, I’d like for you to be happy and have a nice Christmas with family you deserve. And for you to feel welcome and feel safe.”

Delphi put down the tin, swallowing again and looking up at Sirius. And then she smiled. “Thank you…”

*

That afternoon, the pair got ready to go out for a walk. After a few weeks in the house, without being allowed to leave, Harry had finally taken the decision to allow Delphi out for a bit of exercise when she needed so she and Sirius had decided to go for a walk.

Delphi put her boots on, tying up her laces and then slipped her jacket on, looking forward to being able to get out the house. She waited as Sirius put his shoes on and pulled a coat on over the top before she walked outside, Sirius following behind her. The first breath of fresh air was wonderful and she took it all in as the pair walked down the road.

“Go right at the end of the road and keep following it down. I thought perhaps we could walk down to the river and then get a coffee or something.” Sirius suggested.

“That sounds great.” Delphi replied, beaming. She was excited to get out the house again, excited to go and explore a little bit now that she was allowed to.

“Also, if we see anyone I know, I’ll introduce you as Teddy’s friend from school, is that alright? You can introduce yourself as Delphi as your name hasn’t gone public.”

“It hasn’t?”

“No, it’s for your safety, and for privacy and legal purposes.”

“Oh…”

“I don’t think they plan on ever making it public. So you can still use your name.”

“That’s good. I like my name. Well, I like Delphi anyway. I don’t know what surname I can use, so I always just used Lestrange. But after what Rodolphus did, I don’t think I could keep using that name.”

“Then what name would you use?”

Delphi shrugged. “I don’t know. I couldn’t use Riddle. I couldn’t use Lestrange. I guess the only name I think I’d be able to use would be Black.”

“I think Delphi Black is a nice name.”

“You’d let me use it?”

“Of course, you’re part of the Black family, are you not?”

“I guess I am.”

“You’re more than welcome to use the Black surname.”

“Thank you…”

The pair walked the hour to the waterfront where they stopped, Sirius buying them both coffees before they took a seat on a bench overlooking the river.

“I bet it’s nice to finally get some fresh air. You’ve been cooped up in the house for weeks.” Sirius chuckled.

“My god it is. I mean, as fresh as London air can get.”

“Yeah. As fresh as London air gets.” Sirius paused. “So, I was going to tell you earlier, but I got a letter explaining what the plan is at Christmas.”

“What do you mean?”

“So every year, the family does this big get together on Christmas day. We usually all go to the Weasley’s but obviously, things are a bit different this year.”

“You mean me.”

“Yeah. So, instead, we’re going to have some family over on Christmas Eve for a smaller celebration and then I’m going to go over to the big one at the Weasley’s on Christmas Day in the evening for a few hours. I didn’t want you to have to spend all Christmas Day alone, that wouldn’t be very fair at all. So, Harry’s said you’re welcome to join us on Christmas Eve. Then we can have Christmas Day together, then I’ll go out to the Weasley’s in the evening and you can have the evening to yourself. Does that sound okay?”

“That sounds great.” Delphi replied, smiling. “It’s very thoughtful of you.”

“I just didn’t want you missing out on celebrating properly and having to spend Christmas Day on your own. It just wasn’t very fair.”

“Who’s coming Christmas Eve then?”

“Andromeda and Teddy, Harry and Ginny, and perhaps Hermione and Ron but they haven’t got back to me yet. But the others have all said they’d be happy for you to join on Christmas Eve. We’ll just sit down for a meal, hand out presents, maybe play a few card games and we’ll have cake too.”

“That sounds- that sounds amazing. I think I’m going to have a nice Christmas for once.”

“You’ll have to get used to it, because you’re going to be having a lot of nice Christmases.”

“I mean, anything is better than sitting under a bridge, eating a cold tin of soup you stole from a corner shop on Christmas Day.”

“You stole?”

Delphi shrugged, “Here and there, only when I really had to. I didn’t have a lot of money, if not none at all. I would maybe get lucky and find a fiver or a few quid on the ground, but it wasn’t enough in the end and every now and again I’d pick pocket a passer by or something. And then sometimes if I was really desperate, I’d steal something from a shop. But that was only when I was one hundred percent certain I could get away with it. And luckily, I did. I had a few close calls, but I think they just felt sorry for me and they brushed it off.”

“How old were you at this point?”

“Sixteen…”

“Oh bless you, that’s awful…”

“Yeah, I know. I lived like that for almost three years. Then I landed myself at St Oswald’s for a year. And well- now I’m here. So I guess things work out in the end.”

“Things do. They do work out in the end. I know that better than anyone.” Sirius smiled at Delphi who passed him a warm one back. “Come on, we need to head back. Harry will kill me if we’re out for too long. I think we’ll take the tube back, it’s a bit quicker than walking. Plus my old feed hurt.”

“I’ve never taken the tube before.”

“You’re not missing much.”

“I don’t expect I am.”

“Come on, let’s head home.”

The pair got up and walked back to the nearest tube station that would take them back to Islington and Sirius gave Delphi his card to scan through the ticket barriers. Sirius meanwhile used what apparently the muggles called an ‘Oyster card’ and Sirius explained how all the tickets and paying worked on the tubes to her as they walked down the stairs and out to the platform, waiting for the next train to turn up.

“Muggles are so clever.” Delphi laughed. “Like- to think they can come up with all this, it’s so cool. I don’t understand how they do it all without magic but it's quite impressive.”

“I do wonder sometimes too.” Sirius replied. “Muggles are so interesting.”

“I always thought they were too.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I mean- after living in the muggle world for three years, I think they can be quite interesting.  And the books they have are great. And the music.”

“Very much agreed.”

A train pulled into the station, coming to a stop and doors opened, letting people off before Sirius and Delphi walked inside and sat down on two empty seats. The train began to move again and Delphi laughed.

“This is so weird.” She laughed.

“I guess it takes a bit of getting used to.” Sirius chuckled.

Chapter Text

Delphi stood in the mirror, checking over herself and doubting whether she looked reasonably presentable, or at least presentable enough for the Christmas Eve meet up with the family. She’d put on a pair of plain black jeans and tucked her shirt into them and put a light grey knitted cardigan over the top. She’d brushed her hair down instead of the usual high ponytail and put on a bit of make up. She wanted to make an effort, she wanted to make a better first impression than she had the previous times she’d met the family. She felt sick with nerves, her hands trembling slightly.

She promised herself that she’d try her very best to be polite, seem like she wasn’t actually terrified to be there. Admittedly, she had been looking forward to it right up until last night where all the questions began to run riot in her head and the nerves set in. She knew she had every right to be worried about it. The last time she’d seen Hermione, it was a few days after she’d had her mind invaded in a questioning, and the last time she saw Ginny, she’d tried to kill both her son and her husband. And then she’d never met Andromeda properly yet. She knew Harry fairly well at this point. And she and Teddy had been keeping in touch. But knowing that still made no difference. She still ended up crying quietly to herself in the middle of the night in her bed.

She picked up her rings from the side and slipped them on her shaking fingers before she did up the clasp to her necklace, letting it sit around the base of her neck. She swallowed hard, taking a breath and nodding at herself in the mirror.

“It’ll be fine. It’ll all be fine.” She muttered to herself. “If it goes to shit, if I feel like it’s going to go wrong, I can just excuse myself, come up here, calm down and sort myself out. It’ll be fine.”

“Delphi? Is everything okay in there?” Sirius called from outside.

“Yeah, everything’s fine, I’m just- I’m getting changed.” She called back.

“Okay, everyone’ll be here soon, don’t be too long, alright?”

“I won’t be, don’t worry.”

She heard the sound of Sirius’ footsteps retreat downstairs and she cursed to herself. She took one final breath and walked out her room and downstairs and into the kitchen.

“There you are.” Sirius glanced at her and then looked back properly, a bit of shock appearing on his face. “You look nice.”

“I can brush up quite well if I try.” Delphi replied, fiddling with her rings to keep her fingers from shaking.

“You really do. You definitely have the Black genes I tell you that.” Sirius chuckled. “You do look lovely though.”

“Thank you. I um- I like your waist-coat.” Delphi nodded at the burgundy waist-coat Sirius was wearing over a light grey shirt. He glanced down at it.

“Why thank you. It comes out this time of year. I don’t suppose you mind setting the table just while I finish off this cake? All the stuff is out on the side, you just need to lay it out properly.”

“Oh- of course.” Delphi nodded, taking a table cloth from the side and laying it over the table. She set out placemats, cutlery, glasses and Christmas crackers as well as candles. Just as she struck a match to light them, the doorbell sounded and Sirius looked up from dusting icing sugar over the top of a chocolate Yule log. Delphi swallowed as she looked up as well.  

“I’ll get that. My bets it’s Hermione and Ron. They’re always early, I think it’s a Hermione thing.” Sirius chuckled, putting down the spoon and tea strainer he was using as a sieve, and he walked out the kitchen and towards the front door. Delphi continued to light all the candles and then busied herself with rolling up napkins and placing rings around them to keep them in place, setting them out between the cutlery. Happy chattering sounded from down the hallway and then people walked into the kitchen.

“Can I get anyone a drink? I bought some some prosecco yesterday.” Sirius said as they all walked in, the chattering dying down as soon as they caught sight of Delphi. To her surprise, everyone had turned up at the same time.

“Hey Delphi.” Teddy waved with a wide smile. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas.” She replied, a little nervously. But seeing Teddy’s smile made her relax a little.

“It’s good to see you again. You look well.” Hermione said.

“I’m alright, yeah. How um- how are all of you?”

“We’re all okay I think. Thank you for asking.” Hermione smiled too.

“Right, drinks anyone? If you all go next door, we’ll bring them through for you.” Sirius said. There was several calls out for one and then one by one, everyone turned back around and walked next-door.

Delphi walked over to where Sirius was taking glasses out the cupboard. He took out his wand, flicking it and the corks from a bottle of prosecco and red wine popped themselves out and they began to fill up several of the glasses.

“Would you like a drink?” He asked.

“I’m okay, I’m not a fan of prosecco. Or wine.” Delphi replied.

“What do you like? I’ve got gin, vodka, whiskey. Or you could just have lemonade or cordial or just water. Anything you like.”

“Gin is good.”

“What do you have it with?”

“Lemonade is alright.”

“One gin and lemonade coming up. Single or double?”

“Double.” Delphi chuckled, “I’m going to need it.”

“You’ll be alright, please don’t worry about this. I just wanted you to be able to meet the family properly and have a nice afternoon. Are you sure everything is alright?”

“Yeah, I’m just a bit nervous. I mean- last time I saw Ron, Hermione and Ginny, it wasn’t exactly good. And honestly, they have every right to hate me. I’ve been worrying about it for the last day. I don’t want someone to say something, not mean it and I get upset and do something. I don’t want that to happen.”

“It won’t, okay? I promise you, it won’t.”

“I’m just scared it might.”

“It won’t. I promise, Delphi. Please, you need to trust me with this.”

“I do trust you, Sirius. It takes a lot for someone to earn that…”

“You have no idea how happy that makes me to hear.” Sirius beamed. Delphi passed him another smile back.

“Um, should I start taking these through?”

“If you could, that would be a massive help. Thanks.”

Delphi picked up two glasses of prosecco and walked through to next-door. “Who wanted prosecco?” She asked.

“Oh- me and Ginny did.” Hermione said. Delphi handed one glass to her and the other to Ginny, both of them saying thank you with a nice smile. She went back to the kitchen where she picked up two glasses of wine and took them through. She then went back a final time to bring through a bottle of cider for Teddy and another glass of prosecco for Andromeda while Sirius bought his and Delphi’s drinks through. They handed them out before they took a seat along with everyone else.

Sirius had moved some of the chairs in the kitchen through for everyone and Delphi sat down on one between Teddy and Sirius, still fiddling with her rings after she placed her drink down on the floor.

The adults chatted amongst each other, discussing the plans for tomorrow and things that had been going on outside of the family. Thankfully, the conversation avoided the events the previous month and did not seem to be steering anywhere in that direction. So Delphi just sat there listening before she heard her name.

“So, Delphi. How have you been settling in?” Hermione asked her.

“It’s been good, yeah. Um- I think I’ve settled in quite well.” She replied. “I mean- it’s very different to what I’m used to.”

“In a good way?”

“Yes, yes definitely a good way. Well, this is the first time I’ve been able to celebrate Christmas, so it’s definitely good.”

“I expect it’s a nice change. I’m glad to hear you’re doing well.”

“Thank you for asking.”

“How’s the hand? I know last time we saw you, you hurt it.” Andromeda asked.

“Oh- that, it’s fine now. It’s scarring over, just another one to add to the collection.” She chuckled, uneasily, and was met by slightly stunned silence. Shit, that was the wrong thing to say… “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.” She apologised quietly.

“Well, um- Sirius, you said you were making a chocolate Yule log, did you in the end?” Hermione shifted the conversation away from it.

Delphi could’ve kicked herself. It was a stupid thing to say. Why couldn’t she have just kept her mouth shut? Or keep it brief?

The conversations continued but Delphi managed to zone out from it completely, only coming back when she felt someone tap her shoulder. Teddy was looking at her, a little concerned.

“Delphi, are you alright? You seem a bit out of it.” He asked quietly as the conversations between the others continued in the background.

“Yeah, I um- I just zoned out.” She replied.

“Are you sure? You went all quiet.”

“Mhm. I’m fine, I just don’t really know how these things work. I’ve- well, I’ve never been to a family gathering or anything like this before. And I don’t want to mess things up.”

“You haven’t and you won’t, don’t worry about it.”

“I know it’s easier said than done but I promise, you won’t. Alright?”

Delphi nodded.

“Right, I think it’s time we have some lunch. I don’t know about all of you, but I am starving.” Sirius chuckled.

“I think that sounds perfect, shall we go through next door?” Hermione asked.

“Yes, go ahead. I’ll start getting things served up.” Sirius stood up along with everyone else before they made their way into the kitchen. Delphi left last, following behind Teddy and when she got into the kitchen, she tapped Sirius on the shoulder.

“Do you want a hand?” She asked.

“Oh- no, I’ll be alright. You take a seat. You’re between me and Teddy, I hope that’s alright.” Sirius said.

“That’s perfect. Thanks.” She sat down beside Teddy and next to the empty chair where Sirius would be. One by one, they were handed plates of beef and potatoes before they helped themselves to vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, gravy and all the other trimmings laid out on the table.

Sirius sat down and insisted on everyone starting, so they did. A few conversations continued here and there over the lunch, while a Christmas carols record played quietly in the background.

“So, Delphi. It’s lovely to meet you properly.” Andromeda turned to Delphi who suddenly stopped eating, putting her cutlery down and swallowing the mouthful of Yorkshire pudding she had.

“And you.” She replied quietly.

“Sirius tells me you like to read. Do you have a favourite book?”

“Oh- yeah, it’s called A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab. It’s a muggle fantasy book.”

“I haven’t heard of it, but I do like a muggle novel.”

“Do you have a favourite?”

“Personally I’m quite a fan of the classics. But I think my favourite is probably Wuthering Heights, do you know it?”

Delphi nodded, “I read a copy of it when I was thirteen. It was one of the only muggle books my guardian had on her shelves.”

“Your guardian? Who did you grow up with?”

“Um- Euphemia Rowle. Why do you ask?”

“Oh, no particular reason, I just wondered.” Andromeda paused, “Say, what are you doing here?”

“She shouldn’t really be here.” Ginny said from down the other end of the table, not looking up from her plate. “Honestly I think it’s ridiculous this whole arrangement.”

“Ginny—” Harry tried to intervene.

“I don’t really understand it either.” Ron shrugged, getting a disapproving look from his wife.

“There are reasons we cannot disclose. And they are very valid, very private reasons.” Harry attempted to reason.

“You saw what she’d done to Albus.” Ginny muttered to her husband. “I will not stand to be in the same room as the woman who’s hurt and tried to kill my son. She does not deserve to be sat at a family meal with us.”

And with that, Delphi threw her cutlery down onto her plate, stood up and walked out the room. She stormed upstairs and into her room, shutting the door behind her. She sat down on her bed, burying her head into her hands, trying desperately to not let Ginny’s words get to her, trying to keep her temper together and to not let her emotions get the better of her.

She truly did understand why Ginny wouldn’t particularly like her, and she sympathised that the last thing she’d probably want to do was to spend Christmas Eve eating lunch with the person who almost killed her son. But her words really did seem to cut into her, especially when the woman knew next to nothing about her.

Delphi took long deep breaths, a few tears streaking down her cheeks but she dried them away with the end of her sleeves quickly. She was sat there for perhaps five minutes, the words running rife in her head, before there was a knock at her door.

“Give me a bit, I’ll come back down in ten minutes or so.” She said, her voice croaky.

But the door opened and Sirius slipped inside. She looked up, drying the tears from her face. Sirius sighed, walking over and perching on the end of her bed.

“I’m sorry about what Ginny said. It wasn’t on at all and she understands that. She wants to apologise when you’re ready to come back downstairs.” He said. “Are you alright though?”

“I just thought I was going to have a nice Christmas for once. I knew something like this would happen.” She looked away, wrapping her arms around herself.

“You don’t have to come back now, take some time then pop back down when you’re ready. I’ll pop your plate in the oven so your food doesn’t get cold.”

“Thanks…”

“Listen, I’m so sorry about what she said. And she does want to apologise. I want you to have a lovely Christmas just as much as you do, I hope we can move past it. I know it’s not me who’s upset, so it’s not on me to say it or tell you what to do. But I do hope it doesn’t ruin the rest of your day. I’ll leave you to yourself for a bit, just come back when you’re ready.”

Delphi nodded, taking a long breath. “Thank you for checking up on me by the way. I appreciate it…”

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay. That’s what family is for.”

Delphi smiled, sniffing a little. She looked at Sirius who passed her the familiar, warm smile he always gave her back. Something in her head told her she should give him a hug, or at least suggested the idea. She trusted him enough to do so.

“Um- I’ll come back down now. I think I’m alright. Plus I’m hungry.” She said, standing up. Sirius too got to his feet.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. Thank you.” They looked at each other for a moment. And then Delphi stepped forwards, wrapping her arms around Sirius. It must’ve taken him a little by surprise as it seemed to take him a while to realise what she was doing. But soon enough, Delphi felt as he hugged her back and she instantly relaxed.

“This is- new. I thought you said you didn’t like people touching you.” Sirius said.

“I guess if I trust them enough, then I don’t mind as much.” Delphi replied, moving apart from him. “I um- I’ve never really had a hug before.”

“Really?”

“Euphemia and Rodolphus were never really the hugging type. I gave Albus one once, but that was it.”

“Shall we head back down.”

She nodded again before she followed him out and back downstairs, fiddling with her rings as she walked slowly back into the now silent kitchen. She took her plate from the still slightly warm oven and sat back down at the table with everyone else.

“Sorry about walking out.” She said, picking her knife and fork back up.

“No, don’t worry about it. It’s okay, we understand.” Andromeda waved her hand in dismissal of the situation.

“I’d like to apologise for what I said to you Delphi, it was completely uncalled for and I’m very sorry if it hurt you.” Ginny apologised, her tone softer than earlier.

Delphi swallowed hard before she nodded. “Thank you. It means a lot.”

Ginny passed her a smile and Delphi returned one before they turned back to their lunch.

*

People began to go home a few hours after finishing lunch, opening presents and a few final drinks before they went off to probably do final preparations for the next day. Delphi was surprised that she’d ended up with a small pile of gifts from people, surprised she’d ended up with anything to be honest. Harry had given her a pair of blue fluffy socks and a large box of chocolate which she was slightly surprised about, but was ecstatic at. Andromeda and Teddy had gotten her a pair of knitted gloves and a nice sketchbook which was even more exciting to her. But the fact she got anything at all shocked her a little, especially after things that had happened.

Just before Harry and Ginny left, Harry pulled Delphi aside into the kitchen to pass over the present Delphi had asked if he could pick up for her to which she gave him the money for.

“I got what you asked, I think Sirius will love it. It’s very thoughtful of you.” Harry said.

“Well, he has done all of this for me, I wanted to at least give him something to say thank you.” She replied, “Oh- and speaking of thank yous…” She took a silver and gold gift bag from the side and handed it to Harry. “This is for you. It’s not much, I was on a bit of a budget, but it’s to say Merry Christmas, and thank you for giving me a chance. And thank you for listening to me and doing everything to try and help me turn things around.”

“Oh Delphi, it’s very generous of you. You really didn’t have to.” Harry grinned, digging through the bag to pull out a bottle of gin and an assorted box of fancy looking muggle chocolates. “How did you know Tanqueray gin was my favourite?”

“Well, I am currently living with your Godfather, so…”

“Thank you Delphi, I truly mean it. It’s very sweet of you. And again, I am so sorry about earlier, I’ll speak to Ginny when I get home again.”

“No- um, its me who should be sorry, really. I mean- after everything I did to your family, the least I can do is to apologise…”

“Thank you…”

“Would you be able to say hello to Albus for me? I want to know how he’s doing.”

“Oh- of course I can. He’s doing okay. Scorpius is staying over for New Year so he’s very excited about that.”

“I can imagine.” Delphi chuckled. “But that’s good to hear. I um- I do think about him. And Scorpius. I am so sorry about what I did to them, and honestly, there is nothing I can do to make them forgive me. I don’t expect forgiveness, I just want them to know I am- truly sorry. It was awful what I did and they did nothing to deserve it. Please don’t let Albus blame himself for any of it, because none of it is his fault. It was mine, and mine only. Please don’t let him pin all that blame on himself.”

“I know he’ll appreciate hearing that from you. I’ll pass it onto him for you. But I want you to know that I also appreciate hearing that from you, and that it’s very good of you to admit that. I wanted to give you a chance after I saw what happened to you, I always had my doubts, but honestly, I think I’ve made a very smart decision. A good decision. This is what I hoped I’d see from you by giving you this chance. And I’m so very glad to see it.” Harry beamed at her, Delphi sensing a little bit of pride. “Anyway, I must be off. I have wrapping and cooking of my own to do.”

Delphi chuckled. “Well, have a wonderful Christmas, all of you.”

“We will, and you enjoy yourself. It’s your first proper Christmas, make the most of it alright?”

“I will.”

“See you soon Delphi.”

“See you soon.”

The pair walked out the kitchen, Delphi walking upstairs to go and put the present she’d got for Sirius away in her room, and Harry splitting off to the living room again where he and Ginny took the Floo home.

Chapter Text

Delphi woke up the next day in the late morning. She’d slept well that night, much to her surprise. But she assumed it might have been because of her conversation with Harry the previous day which seemed to help wash away part of the lingering guilt that had been sat on her shoulders for a while. But once she got up, she slipped a jumper over her top and quickly brushed her teeth, her hair and washed her face before she wandered downstairs into the kitchen.

Another Christmas carols record was playing quietly in the background as she walked in to see Sirius sat at the table with the morning paper and a cup of coffee.

“Merry Christmas.” Delphi said, sitting down opposite him.

Sirius put the paper down and beamed. “Merry Christmas my dear. Do you want anything to eat?”

“I’m okay for now, maybe later. I think I’m still full from yesterday.”

“I’m not surprised, I think I still am too. Um- there’s a few presents for you under the tree if you’d like to open them?”

Delphi’s face lit up. “Really?”

“Yeah, come on, I want to see your reaction.”

She got up and went next door to see a small pile of presents underneath the tree, wrapped in blue and silver paper. She laughed excitedly. God, she felt like a kid. But then again, she never got to have this as a child so she thought she should make the most of it and embrace it. And she honestly felt a little part of her heart begin to stitch itself back together.

“I um- I got a few things for you too.” She said, gesturing to a few presents wrapped in red paper with a holly leaf pattern on.

“Oh Delphi, you didn’t have to.” Sirius grinned.

“I wanted to. I had to get Harry to get them and I just passed him the money for them.”

The pair sat down on the floor, Sirius placing his mug of coffee on the side table.

“Go on, open them up.” He chuckled.

Delphi took one from under the tree, tearing off the wrapping paper carefully to reveal a t-shirt with a Muse logo on. She gaped at it in excitement and joy. “Oh my god, thank you!”

“I knew you liked them so I thought you might have liked a t-shirt.”

“It’s so cool, thank you so much!”

“Oh you’re very welcome.”

“Why don’t you open one?”

“Alright, I’ll pick this one.” Sirius took a large flat present from under the tree and tore off the paper to reveal another record, one which he’d been eyeing up for a while but had never gotten around to getting it. “Oh wow! How—”

“You bring it up every time we make tea.”

“Thank you so much, it’s amazing.”

The pair opened the rest of their presents, Delphi finishing up with a few new books, some sketching supplies, and a plant for her bedroom. Sirius ended up with two records and a mug with the Foo Fighters logo on as well as an assortment of fancy tea.

The two of them went through to the kitchen to get some food before they decided they would go out on a walk that morning, considering it was bright and sunny outside, even though it was bitterly cold.

Delphi walked out the door first, Sirius shortly following before they headed off down the road.

“We’ll head up to the park, walk round and then head back, does that sound alright?” Sirius asked.

Delphi nodded, still beaming with a smile.

“I don’t know if anyone’s ever told you, but you have a lovely smile, Delphi.”

“Really?”

“Yes. You really do.”

“Thank you…”

Sirius wrapped an arm around her shoulder softly, squeezing it gently as they continued down the road.

*

Delphi and Sirius sat playing a muggle game Sirius had found in the attic when he’d cleared it out the other day, called Operation. They had been trying to get little plastic pieces shaped like bones or organs out from holes shaped to them in a box with a picture of a person on, without touching the sides of the holes. Sirius had managed to hit the side of one and the game had made a loud buzzing sound and a big red light on the person’s nose lit up and they laughed.

“My go.” Delphi took the little pair of tweezers, attempting to take out a bone shaped piece from what was the man’s leg. And she managed to do it. “Aha! That’s how you do it. I’m too good at this.” She laughed. “That’s another point to me.”

“Oh we’ll see about that.” Sirius said, taking the tweezers and attempting to take out a tiny plastic stomach, this time not hitting the side. “Look at that!”

“I’m still winning.” She took the tweezers. And then she hit the side, jumping out of her seat as the game buzzed loudly.

“Now you’re not.”

“You distracted me!”

“I did no such thing!”

“Well, I had to do a really hard piece!”

“You’re just very competitive.”

“I am not. And I am not a sore loser if that’s what you think.” She crossed her arms. Sirius glared at her, chuckling. “Okay, maybe I am a bit. But I never got to play games like this as a kid. I want to win.”

“Alright, whoever gets the last piece out wins.”

“Alright then.”

She sat back down, narrowing her eyes as she stared at Sirius who attempted to get the last piece out. And then the game buzzed loudly and he laughed loudly. “Oh I so wanted to beat you.”

Delphi had a go, and got the little bone out without any problem. “That- is how you do it.” She waved the tweezers in Sirius’ face. “Again?”

“What? Just so you can beat me like you have the last three times?”

“Pretty much.” She shrugged, giggling.

Sirius glanced over at the clock, suddenly realising what the time was and he leapt out his chair. “Oh shit.”

“What’s wrong?” Delphi asked.

“I’m late to the gathering.”

“Oh.”

“I’m so sorry Delphi, I’ve got to go but I’ll be back in a few hours. We can play again later if you’d like? Or I can try and find another game?”

“I don’t mind.”

“There’s left overs from yesterday in the fridge and there’s another few slices of Yule log left to, just help yourself. I’ll be back by eight, half-eight. Okay?”

“Okay. Have a good evening.” Delphi said.

“I’ll see you later, please don’t burn the house down while I’m gone.”

“I won’t, don’t worry.” Delphi chuckled. Sirius waved as he dashed out the room and then Delphi heard the familiar sound of apparition from the front hall. Her smile quickly faded off and she sunk back into the chair, staring down at the game on the table in-front of her. The joy of the day seemed to quickly fade off, the bright beam of happiness inside her died down slowly.

She took a heavy breath before she stood up again and walked out of the room and upstairs. She sat back down on her bed, taking out her sketchbook and a pencil and began to draw.

She sat there for the next three hours, just drawing whatever seemed to come to her mind. At first, she sketched out a bird that was perched on her windowsill before she turned over the page and drew it again, this time imagining it in the air with its wings spread. But then after a while, her wrist hurt and the side of her hand was covered with graphite, so she put it down.

And by the time she did so, she heard the front door close again and Sirius call up the stairs, “I’m back!”

She sat up, leaving her stuff on her bed and wandering back downstairs to see Sirius taking his shoes and his coat off again.

“There you are, I’m so sorry about rushing off. I guess we were having so much fun, I completely forgot about the time.” He chuckled.

“It’s okay, don’t worry. How was it?” Delphi replied, stood on the staircase.

“It was lovely, thank you for asking. Everyone seems alright. Albus is doing well and he asked if I could say hello to you for him. He wanted to know how you were.”

“Oh…”

“Say, would you like a drink?”

“Um- yeah, sure. Why not?”

“Come on then.”

She followed him into the kitchen where Sirius took out a large selection of bottles and cans and two glasses from a cabinet and placed them all on the table.

“Have anything you like.” He said, gesturing to it all. “Have as much as you want. I don’t mind you getting a bit tipsy.”

“Are you sure? Surely it doesn’t look very good for—”

“It’s Christmas. And Harry never said that you couldn’t drink in your conditions on staying here. And it’s my house, my rules. Have whatever you like.”

“Alright then.” Delphi shrugged, pouring herself a double vodka and lemonade into a glass and sat down at the table, sipping slowly.

Sirius took a bottle of cider and popped the lid off, pouring it out into a pint glass before he sat down with her again. “Have you been drawing?” He noticed the graphite all down the side of her hand.

“Oh- yeah…”

“Did you try out the new sketching set?”

“Yeah, it’s fantastic, thank you so much. My old pencils were on their last legs anyway so it’s nice to have a fresh set.”

“I bet it is.” Sirius beamed, “Oh, and before you- and probably me, get too pissed, I wanted to say thank you so much for the presents. You’re ever so thoughtful and I really, really appreciate them. I love them all so much, you truly are a lovely young woman.”

“I think I’ll say this now before I get too tipsy too. But honestly Sirius, you have given me such a wonderful day. I hoped Christmas would be nicer than usual, but this- this was just beyond anything I expected.” She paused, “I just feel so welcome, and so accepted and so appreciated. And I never had that before I came here. I think I’m a lot better of a person because I’ve been here, and because of the amount of care and kindness you seem to show me. And I think some of the pieces of my soul are beginning to mend…”

“Oh Delphi…” Sirius walked over to her, pulling her into a warm hug. “Everyone deserves kindness. Kindness costs nothing. And you certainly needed it. I just want you to know that when you are under my roof, you will be treated with care and respect and kindness, no matter what. We are family, by blood and choice. And I truly hope you know that you deserve this happiness, okay? You deserve a family like this.”

Delphi nodded, blinking back a few tears. “Thank you…”

Chapter Text

Another month or so passed and it was now leading up to Delphi’s birthday. The evening before it, Delphi and Sirius had finished eating tea before Delphi went upstairs for a shower. She washed her hair and her body before getting out, drying herself off and changing into pyjamas, slipping a jumper on over the top and tying her damp hair up. She picked up her clothes from the bathroom floor and went to go and take them downstairs to the laundry but stopped when she heard Sirius and someone else talking in the study. 

She paused at the top of the stairs, listening into the conversation between him and what sounded like Andromeda where she heard her name mentioned. It was fairly hushed but she could certainly hear it. She kept quiet and listened in, crouching down at the top of the stairs.

“Narcissa wrote to me asking about Delphi. It turns out she knew the whole time about her.” Andromeda said.

“Of course she would, she was there when she was born.” Sirius replied. “I wonder why she never reached out until now.”

“Me too, I do wonder. But I do also wonder how she came to be in Euphemia’s care if Narcissa knew- Sirius- what is it?”

Sirius sighed.

“Sirius- what aren’t you telling me? Or Delphi?”

There was the sound of a drawer opening, Delphi just about able to hear it over the thumping of her heart. She was scared. She was terrified to find out what it might be about. but something horrible in her gut told her that Sirius may have been part of the reason she ended up where she did…

“Twenty three years ago, Narcissa sent me this letter, asking if I was able to look after Bellatrix’s child. She could not look after her herself and she turned to people to take her in instead, one of who- one of who was- was me…”

Delphi’s heart lurched inside her, her stomach twisting itself into tight, unyielding knots.

“But- then- why didn’t you take her in?”

“Andromeda- you saw what state I was at that point in my life. I was in no fit state to raise a child. I’d just lost Remus, we’d just fought a war, and I needed time to heal. There was no way I would have been able to look after a child.”

“Sirius…”

“I replied saying I couldn’t. But I said maybe in a year or two, then I could have another think and maybe then I would take her in. I didn’t just forget about her that day. I did always wonder where she went, how she was doing. I tried to reach out a few years later and I never got a reply. And now- well, she ended up here anyway…”

“Sirius, you can’t tell her this.”

“I know—”

“She can’t know, not for a while anyway."

“Andromeda, I know... It would break her to find out. And well- she’s happy. I won’t take that away from her.”

“I just hope she never does find out…”

Delphi stood up quickly, slipping back into her bedroom where she shut the door silently and pressed her back up against it. Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the pile of clothes in her hands, staring into space, numb.

Her thoughts ached in her head, spinning and collapsing in on themselves. And then a wave of anger swept over her and she threw the pile of clothes she was holding to the floor and she slid down the door to the ground.

She went through all that pain and all that suffering because Sirius didn’t take her in. She never would have had to go through all of it if it wasn’t for him. If he’d taken her in when she was a child, then she wouldn’t have trauma that would stick with her for the rest of her life. She could have been spared so much suffering.

He was the reason for it…

She sobbed silently into her knees, curled up on the floor in-front of her door. She did not come downstairs for the rest of the evening.

*

The next day, every one of Delphi’s limbs felt heavy and she could hardly even bring herself to get out of bed, even though it was her birthday. It felt like before, like days at St Oswald’s she had slipped into such a low state the night before, the next day she could hardly even find the strength to leave bed. This was like that again.

Her eyes were sore and tired, her body basically glued to the bed beneath her. She knew she’d have to pretend that she was fine, that she hadn’t overheard a conversation she really shouldn’t have, a conversation that had made her so angry. She’d have to pretend like she wasn’t angry, that nothing had changed. She didn’t know if she’d even be able to look at Sirius the same way again. She’d put so much trust in him and he was keeping something like this from her, and everyone else.

So after lying there, unable to bring herself to move for an hour or so, she finally willed enough strength to sit up and get out of bed. She just tried to get on with her day, tried to clean herself up, tried to get dressed and tried to go downstairs, knowing she’d see Sirius. But she knew she wouldn’t be able to stay in her room all day, she knew he’d come up and check if she was alright because it was her birthday. But that was truly the last thing on her mind at that moment.

She took a deep breath as she walked downstairs and into the kitchen, putting on a smile. “Morning.” She said.

“Happy birthday!” Sirius exclaimed from the table, putting the morning paper down.

“Thanks.”

“Can I get you breakfast?”

“No thanks, I’m not very hungry.”

“Are you alright? You don’t seem yourself.”

“I’m fine, I just- didn’t sleep very well, that’s all.”

“Oh, that’s rubbish…”

“Yeah, I know.”

“Well, I got a few things for you I thought you’d like. It is your birthday after all.” Sirius stood up and reached into a cupboard, taking out a small pile of nicely wrapped presents and an envelope with her name written on the front. He passed them to her and she took them with a smile.

She may have been upset at Sirius, but she really was grateful for this. “Thank you so much, you really didn’t have to.” She said.

“Oh, I wanted to.”

“It’s ever so kind of you.” Delphi began to open up the little pile of presents in-front of her, her mind still jumping back and forth between happiness and gratitude, then back to anger and upset when she’d remember the conversation she’d heard the previous evening.

Delphi wasn’t necessarily just upset about what Sirius had done, she was more upset that he was trying to hide it from her. She’d put so much trust into him. For the first time in her life, she trusted someone. And this made her regret putting so much trust in him, it just made her realise that no matter who she trusted, they would always break it. She’d learned that lesson long ago, yet she still seemed to trust Sirius with her life. But now after this, she began to question as to if she could trust him with anything else.

But she really did not want to linger on the thought to long, she would not let it ruin her birthday. Sirius seemed to have put in so much effort in giving her a proper celebration and as much as it hurt her what he’d done, she still had to appreciate this.

Delphi had ended up with a duology by her favourite author, a set of watercolour paints and paintbrushes and a poster for her bedroom. There was one small, box shaped present left which she unwrapped and opened up a small, faded blue box. Inside sat a silver watch, a little old and beaten, but still ticking away. She stared at it, breathing out slowly.

She may not have grown up in a normal household, but she knew the tradition of being given a watch on your seventeenth birthday. But she did not expect it, especially that she was turning twenty-three, not seventeen.

She looked up at Sirius.

“It was mine. I was given it by the Potter’s on my seventeenth birthday. It’s a bit of a tradition to be given a watch on your seventeenth birthday, I know it’s six years late, but I thought you might like it. I know it’s a bit old and worn, but it still has plenty of life left in it.” Sirius said.

“Thank you…” Delphi smiled, a terrible mix of emotions in her. As much as she was upset, she was also happy, grateful. “It’s a very kind gesture.”

“Do you like it?”

“It’s lovely, I love it, thank you so much. It’s so thoughtful of you.” She took it out from the box and did the leather strap up around her wrist.

That afternoon, Delphi sat at the kitchen table with her new paints and her sketchbook while Sirius stood making a cake on the counter, beating all the ingredients together before he poured it into a tin and placed it in the oven.

“I’ve just realised we don’t have any icing sugar so I need to pop to the shops. I won’t be long, maybe fifteen minutes or so. If the timer goes off, could you take the cake out the oven for me?” Sirius asked.

“Mhm, that’s fine.”

“I’ll see you in a bit.” Sirius smiled before he walked out, pulled his coat and his boots on before he walked out the door.

Delphi put her paintbrush down, getting up as soon as she heard the door close. She darted into the study, between the kitchen and the living room, and began to scout the room for the letter Sirius had mentioned yesterday to Andromeda. She made an attempt not to disturb anything, making sure it didn’t look like she’d been digging through the room. It was a fairly tidy room, the desk clear, the drawers well organised and files sorted.

After about five minutes of searching, she was preparing to give up. She’d wasted enough time, Sirius would be coming home soon and she could not afford to be seen rummaging around in there. And then in the bottom drawer of the desk, her finger came across a groove in the bottom of it. Her fingers curled around it and she lifted the bottom of it up, revealing a secret compartment. And sat within it was a faded parchment envelope, addressed to Sirius, dated to June 1998. She took it out slowly, slipping the letter out from the envelope and she began to read through it.

Her heart sunk and hurt as she read through it. It was indeed the letter she had set out to look for.

But then she heard the sound of the front door opening and closing again. She stuffed the letter back into the envelope before she went to put it away. Sirius walked past outside before he stopped in the doorway. He saw Delphi, his usual warm expression quickly turning stern. And then he saw the letter in her hands and his face paled.

“Delphi- what are you doing in here?” He asked, stepping inside.

“What’s this?” She asked, holding up the letter. Sirius paced over, trying to take the letter from her grip but she pulled it away, out of his reach.

“Delphi, give me the letter.”

“No.”

“I can explain, okay?”

“I know, I heard you and Andromeda talking last night.”

Sirius quickly realised what Delphi meant.

“You were supposed to look after me as a child…”

“I was asked to, yes.”

“Why did you say no then?”

“Because- Delphi, can we talk about this later?”

“No, I want to talk about it now. I want answers, even though I probably already know them.”

“Listen, yes I was asked if I could take you in as a child. But I couldn’t, there was no way I would have been able to. I wasn’t in the right place to do so. I would’ve, I truly would’ve. But Delphi, you have to understand that—”

“I went through sixteen years of abuse, three years of homelessness. All because you didn’t take me in…” Delphi’s voice broke, tears pricking at her eyes, “I went through so much pain and so much suffering and agony as a child, do you know just what Euphemia and Rodolphus did to me? Do you know?”

“No I don’t but—”

“I’ll tell you then. Euphemia starved me, she beat me, she locked me in a cupboard for days at a time. She once put me under a full body binding spell, gagged me, and stuffed me under the floorboards because I tried to take a slice of bread after I hadn’t eaten for four days. Rodolphus tormented me, he tortured me with the Cruciatis curse until I could resist it or throw it off, so much so I went numb to it. He wanted to sell my body to the other Death Eaters, as a reward for their services to my father. I won’t ever get over that, I won’t ever be able to forget that. It will stick with me for a lifetime. I was completely and utterly broken when I came here. I had been through enough. I WANTED TO DIE.”

“Delphi- that’s awful, I’m so sorry…”

“Sorry doesn’t mean anything now! That all happened to me because you didn’t take me in. That all happened- BECAUSE OF YOU!” She yelled, her temper rising dangerously inside her. “And then you try and hide it from me. You lie about it to my face. You lie about this and you keep it from me, not ever intending to tell me.”

“Because I was worried you react like this!” Sirius’ voice began to rise.

“I HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO REACT LIKE THIS!” She shouted, “I’m more upset at the fact you tried to hide this from me. Because I trusted you, Sirius… I’d never trusted anyone in my life like I trusted you.”

“Delphi, I am so sorry—”

“SORRY. DOESN’T. MEAN. ANYTHING.” She screamed, snapping completely. “You broke my trust. Just like everyone else in my fucking life has.”

“Delphi, listen, please. There are reasons why I couldn’t take you in. I never knew where you ended up, I even reached out a few years later to—”

“I DON’T CARE. I still ended up in the hands of that god-forsaken bitch of a woman, and then a man who was even worse. I have so much trauma, I have scars that will last a lifetime. And you are part of the reason…” She sobbed. “I would have been spared so much suffering if it wasn’t for you…”

“I think we should sit down and—”

“And then you tried to hide it from me… You were the one person in my fucking life I trusted. And you broke it… Why did I ever think that I would be able to trust anyone in this world?” She scoffed. “Why did I ever think that you would be any different? Why did I even agree to this whole thing? WHY?”

“What, you’d rather spend the rest of your life in Azkaban?!”

“No- I mean- I don’t know, if I had gone there then I wouldn’t have built up my trust in you only for you to throw it all away. There’s times I think that I don’t deserve this, there’s times I think I should be in Azkaban instead!”

“Well there are times that I think it would be easier for both of us if I never agreed to this!”

Silence.

Delphi stepped back, exhaling sharply as a tear fell down her cheek as she gripped the parchment letter in her hand.

Sirius immediately realised what he had said. “I didn’t mean—”

“Yes, you did.”

“No, Delphi I didn’t.”

“You meant it. And I think so too…” And with that, she unbuckled the watch, throwing it onto the desk and walked out the room. She pulled her boots on and her coat and ran out the house, Sirius going to run after her but she was gone by the time he got out the door.

Chapter Text

Delphi did not stop running until she reached the river front, where she practically collapsed. She leant herself up against the railings dividing the path from the river itself, her arms shaking under her body weight as she tried to catch her breath while still sobbing. She just let the tears fall, she let all her emotions and her hurt out, sobbing until her throat was raw and she felt like she couldn’t even breathe.

She put so much trust in Sirius. Only for him to throw it all away. And maybe it would have been better for them both if Delphi had just gone to Azkaban instead, like she was supposed to, like she probably deserved.

Sirius had his reasons as to why he couldn’t take her in as a child, and the more she thought about it, the more she understood. But at the same time, it still seemed that he played a role in the all shit she had gone through. Yet she found she was more angry at the fact he tried to hide it from her, that’s what really got to her.

She trusted him so much, more than anyone else she’d ever met. He was so kind to her, so welcoming, so caring. Delphi hadn't wanted to admit it, or realise it, but she had felt like for the first time in her life, she was loved. And after this, she started to rethink it.

She knew she shouldn’t be out here on her own, she was breaking her conditions and if she was found, she’d most likely have them tightened again. She knew she should go back, she knew she probably should apologise to Sirius for things she said to him, and apologise for running off. But she needed to calm down first. There was no way she’d even be able to begin the walk home with her temper like this.

Delphi stared out at the river, taking long and deep breaths, trying desperately to compose herself. But nothing seemed to be working.

And then to make things even worse, she heard someone call her name from her side. And when she looked up, she saw the last person she’d want to see her outside on her own. Harry walked over towards her quickly.

“You’re fucking kidding me…” She muttered, pushing herself off the railings and she began to walk in the opposite direction.

“Delphi!” Harry called after her.

She looked over her shoulder to see him speed up to a jog. And so she broke into a run. She could not face Harry in this state. If her conditions got tightened, then so be it. She didn’t care at this point.

“DELPHI!” He yelled this time as she turned a corner, hearing the sound of dissapparation.

But as she went to turn again, Harry appeared out of thin air and she skidded to a stop, turning in the opposite direction before she felt him grab her from behind.

“NO! GET OFF ME!” She shouted, flailing in his grasp, managing to free one arm. And in a violent attempt to pull herself free, she heard the sound of bone breaking as her elbow slammed into Harry’s nose. It wasn’t intentional, she hadn't intended or wanted to hurt him, but he cried out, letting her go for a moment. She stumbled backwards, scared at what she’d done. And then he paced forwards, grabbed her by the arm and dissapparated with her.

They appeared back in a corridor Delphi recognised as one from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and her stomach sank further. Harry led her through and back down to the holding cells she had spent four days in after her arrest. And then he pushed her inside one, locking the door behind him before he walked straight back out without saying a word to her.

Oh she had really fucked up…

She hadn’t meant to break his nose, she was just trying to get out of his grip. She was angry, she was upset, what did Harry think was going to happen if he tried to grab her?

But she still sunk to the floor in the corner once more and buried her head in her hands.

*

Sirius had been searching for three hours now, anywhere that Delphi knew, and yet he’d not seen her. He’d asked passers by if they’d seen her, describing her to them, but there was no luck. And so he decided he’d head back, hoping that she was either already back, or if she would come back later. But as he turned into the road, his phone rang in his back pocket and he took it out to see Harry’s number pop up on the little screen. He answered the call, listening to Harry’s voice down the phone, before dissapparated to the Ministry.

He ran through the Atrium and the hallway towards Harry’s office where he didn’t even knock before he walked in. Harry was stood behind his desk, holding a bloody tissue and a pack ice up to his nose.

“Harry- what happened?” He said, panicked.

“Ask Delphi.” Harry snapped.

“Where is she? Is she alright?”

“She’s fine. I found her out on her own and she ran away from me. I went after her and when I eventually caught up, she tried to get away and she broke my nose with her fucking elbow.”

“Where is she Harry?”

“She’s in the holding cells.”

“What?!”

“She technically assaulted an Auror!” Harry shouted.

“This is all my damn fault…” Sirius sighed.

“What was she even doing out? As I remember, the only times she’s allowed out, is if she’s with you and only for exercise or essential reasons!”

“We um- we got in a bit of an argument, I said something I shouldn’t have and it upset her. She just walked out. I went to go after her but she was gone by the time I got out the door. Listen, Harry, just let her go, alright? It wasn’t her fault, if you need someone to blame, then blame me.”

“Sirius, I have full right to put her in Azkaban. And quite frankly, I think it would be for the best. What if it was a member of the public this happened to? What then?"

“No, Harry. Please—”

“I can and I will.”

“Come on, this is the first thing that’s happened since she’s been with me. And even you said how well she’s been doing! It’s not her fault, okay? Tighten her conditions, keep her in overnight, do what you wish. Just please keep her out of Azkaban…” Sirius practically begged.

Harry thought over Sirius’ words for a moment. And then he sighed, “Fine. But I’m keeping her in overnight, just as a precaution. If you two had an argument, I don’t think she’s in the right headspace to come back with you just yet. I think you both need to cool off a little bit. She has one fucking temper, she does.”

“She is Bellatrix’s after all, what more could you expect?”

“I can fucking tell.”

“Could I at least see her? I need to apologise and let her know what’s going on…”

“Give her an hour. Then I’ll take you down.”

“Thank you, Harry.”

“While you wait, I’m going to go find someone to fix my nose.”

*

Delphi wasn’t sure how long she’d been down there, but it felt like forever. But as time ticked on, she began to have her doubts as to if she was even going to be allowed to go back home with Sirius. She hadn’t meant to break Harry’s nose, it was completely accidental. But he just grabbed her while she was angry and upset, what more did he expect?

She had definitely calmed down a little, but she was more panicked than angry now, worried as to what was going to happen with her. She was even worried about Sirius. He probably didn’t even know where she was. Would he get in trouble for letting her run off?

God if she got Sirius in trouble for something as stupid as this. All because she couldn’t keep her temper under control, all because she got upset over something she really had no control over, or could do nothing to change. And the more she thought about Sirius’ reasons as to why he didn’t take her in, the more she seemed to understand and the worse she seemed to feel about getting upset over it all…

She twisted her rings around and around her fingers anxiously as she sat in the corner of the cell, listening to the faint dripping of a pipe in the corner of the room.

Great way to ruin your own fucking birthday, Delphi.

Time ticked on further before she heard the sound of the door opening at the end of the corridor and footsteps rush down to where she was. She looked up to see Sirius darting over to her.

“Delphi- oh my god, I was so worried…” He exclaimed.

She sat up, taking a long deep breath before she got to her feet and walked over.

“Are you alright? Are you hurt at all?” He asked.

“No, I’m alright. I’m just worried about what’s going to happen to me.” She said, her voice dry. “Just tell me, are they sending me to Azkaban or what?”

“No, I managed to convince Harry otherwise. But he wants to keep you in overnight just as a precaution.”

Delphi nodded, swallowing hard. “You’re not going to get in trouble for all this, are you?”

“I don’t think so. Well, I hope not.”

“I’m so sorry about all of this. I just—”

“Delphi, it’s okay. If anything, this is all my fault. I said some really nasty things which I really didn’t mean. And trying to hide what I did from you- that wasn’t right, I am so sorry.”

“Thank you…” Her voice broke, “I didn’t mean to hurt Harry, it was an accident and I’m sorry about getting angry and shouting at you. I’ve just got a really short temper and—”

“It’s fine, don’t worry. It’s uh- very clear you’re your mother’s daughter.”

Delphi chuckled a little. “Yeah… Rodolphus found that out quite quickly.”

“Listen, I think when you get back, we should sit down and talk about things. I owe you a proper explanation. Is that okay?”

“Mhm…”

“Again, Delphi, I am so sorry for trying to keep what I did from you. And I am truly sorry that you went through all that as a child, it’s awful and no-one deserves to go through something like that. I know you probably won’t straight away, but I do hope that at some point you can forgive me.”

Delphi nodded. “Thank you Sirius…”

“I need to go I’m afraid. But I’ll be back tomorrow morning to take you home. For now, just- don’t do anything stupid.”

“I’ll try not to.”

“Good. Right, I really must go, Harry is breathing down my neck about this whole thing. But I’ll see you tomorrow okay?”

“Okay…”

Sirius passed her a sad smile before he turned and walked off back down the hallway, leaving Delphi to herself once more.

Chapter Text

Delphi awoke to the sound of the hinges of the cell door creaking and she sat up from where she had been lying on the ground. She rubbed her eyes slightly, startled a little by the light. Harry stood in the doorway, a fairly pissed off look on his face, his nose bruised.

“Up, come on.” He said, blankly. But she did so and she pushed herself up off the floor, walking slowly over to Harry who took her forearm and walked her back down the hallway and up to his office. The walk over was silent. She couldn't stand it. Delphi wanted to say something, she wanted to apologise. But she didn’t know what to say. So she just kept walking, despite her body and her bones aching.

They arrived at Harry’s office where they walked in and Delphi saw Sirius waiting in a chair in-front of the desk. He stood up quickly, walking over. She stood there for a moment, unsure what she should do. But she eventually decided on hugging him, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face into his shoulder as Sirius hugged her back.

“I was so worried about you…” He said.

“I’m sorry.” She replied, quietly before she drifted apart from him. Sirius passed her a warm, comforting smile before Harry walked her over to an empty chair beside the one Sirius was sat in. She took a seat, Sirius sitting down beside her and Harry opposite them behind his desk.

“Well…” He said, sighing heavily. “Do you have anything to say for yourself?”

“I’m sorry about- all of this. And um- breaking your nose.” Delphi replied quietly, looking away. “I didn’t mean to, it was an accident. I’m really sorry…”

“It’s fine, I forgive you.” Harry replied.

Delphi swallowed before she nodded slightly.

“But do you have any idea how serious this was? I have full right and full justification to send you to Azkaban.” He paused. Delphi felt her stomach turn over inside her. “But you can thank Sirius for convincing me not to.”

She let out a short breath of relief, glancing over at Sirius.

“But you cannot go unpunished. You were out of the house without supervision and you assaulted an Auror.”

“It was an accident! I didn’t mean to!” She cried.

“Accident or not, this is serious. Therefore, I’m tightening your conditions. You aren’t allowed out without Sirius, and only in emergencies. Other than that, you do not leave that house. You won’t be allowed to join with family gatherings until I see fit. And I’ll be checking in every other day.”

“Fine.” She shrugged.

“I gave you a chance, Delphi. Don’t make me regret it. You were doing so damn well…”

“Then I’ll do better.”

“May I ask what happened that led to you being out by yourself?”

“Sirius and I- we had a bit of an argument. I got upset and I just walked out. I wasn’t thinking at the time, I was just angry and upset and needed to get out the house. And well, you found me at the wrong time. Then you grabbed me and that just made everything worse. I don’t like people touching me when I don’t say they can.”

“Why’s that?”

Delphi shrugged. “I just don’t.”

“Why?”

“I just- don’t, okay? Some things happened to me as a kid and now I don’t like being touched without permission or if it’s not someone I trust.”

“You don’t trust me?”

“I did a little. But after that, no. Not particularly anyway…”

“You trust Sirius?”

She paused. Sirius glanced over at her and she made eye contact for a brief moment before looking down at her feet. “I guess so. I do, well I mean- I did, anyway…”

“What do you mean, you did?”

“Part of the reason I was upset is because I felt like my trust in him was broken. It takes quite a lot for me to trust someone, and Sirius was the first person I felt that I could.”

“I see…”

There was a pause.

“I’m sorry about breaking your nose, Harry. I didn’t mean it, I promise. It was an accident, I never meant to hurt you.”

“It’s okay, it’s been mended, it’ll just be a bit tender for the next week or so. But I believe you that it was an accident. And I’m glad you didn’t use magic, because then you really would not be going home.”

“I haven’t used magic in almost three months…”

“Good.”

“My wand hasn’t even left my drawer.”

“Well, you don’t exactly need it, do you?”

“Not really. I only use it to look normal. I’m a thousand times more competent without one.”

“From what I saw, if you’re that skilled with a wand, then I’d be afraid to see you at your full power without.”

Delphi crossed her arms, wrapping them around herself. “It’s not that impressive.”

“It’s not a very common gift. Look, I want to forgive you, put this behind us, and move on. And I’m sure you would like to as well. You’re going to accept that it happened, and move forward. Okay?”

Delphi nodded, chewing on the inside of her lip.

“I think when you get back, you two should sit down and talk with each other. And then move forward, enjoy your birthday.”

“My birthday was yesterday.”

“Well I’m sorry you had to spend it here.”

“I’ve had worse birthdays.”

“Right, I think you should go home now. I’ll see you in two days to check in.”

“I’m sorry Harry…” Delphi said quietly, standing up.

“I forgive you. Now go on, I’m sure you want to get home.”

She nodded again, Sirius getting to his feet.

“If you’re going to use the Floo, go from here. Don’t walk through the Ministry to the Atrium. I don’t want people asking questions.” Harry said.

“Thanks Harry. Sorry about all this.”

“As I said, it’s fine, we’ll put it behind us and move on. It’s all we can do.”

Sirius passed his Godson a warm smile before he and Delphi walked over to Harry’s fireplace. Sirius threw down a handful of Floo powder and they disappeared in a burst of green flames and appeared once again in the living room. They stepped out, Delphi following slowly behind Sirius.

“Do you want something to eat? I expect you’re hungry.” Sirius asked, slipping his coat off.

“A bit.” Delphi replied.

“Come on then, lets get some food down you.”

The pair walked into the kitchen where Sirius put two crumpets in the toaster and Delphi sat down at the table. She leaned back in the chair, fiddling with her rings again in silence. The crumpets popped up and Sirius placed them on a plate before he spread some butter over the top of them and handed them over to Delphi.

She ate them slowly, taking small bites out of them. Sirius poured himself a cup of coffee, ran Delphi a glass of water, and sat down opposite her. The pair of them sat in silence, the only sound being the clock ticking gently in the corridor outside.

Once she finished eating, Delphi washed up her plate and her glass quickly, dried them off and put them away.

“So, should we talk about it?” Sirius asked.

“Yeah…” Delphi walked back over and sat down again, twisting her rings around her fingers once more. Sirius took notice.

“I never noticed your rings, they’re very pretty.” He said.

“Thanks.”

There was a pause.

“So, I’d like to start off and say that I am so sorry about what I did and that I tried to cover it up. It was not fair on you, especially as you put so much trust into me and it was not right to break that trust. I hope you can forgive me someday.” Sirius said.

“Thank you. I want to say sorry about getting angry at you and not listening to what you were trying to tell me. It was horrible of me to not listen to your reasonings as to why you couldn’t take me in. And I’m really sorry about causing the whole situation with Harry…”

“Thank you Delphi.” Sirius passed her the familiar warm smile he always did and Delphi managed a small one back. “I think you should know the reason as to why I didn’t take you in, why I couldn’t. It’s only fair…”

“Yeah…”

“It’s not that I didn’t want to, I promise you. It was because I was in no state to do so, we had just won the war when I was asked. I was mourning, I had just lost someone very, very dear to me, and countless others. I was in such a dark place, such a low state, there was physically no way I would have been able to raise a child at that point in my life. But I didn’t just forget about you. I did try to reach out a few years later but I never got a reply, I never got any news. I never knew where you went. But I never forgot you, I always wondered where you had ended up, how you were doing. And if I had managed to find you all those years ago, then I promise you, I would have taken you in, given you the childhood and the life you deserved. I did not just forget about you, Delphi.”

“You didn’t?”

“I couldn’t. And then I heard about what was happening with Harry’s son, about what you were trying to do. And I knew. I knew it was you, and honestly, I blamed myself for what happened to Albus and Scorpius. Because I knew that if I had just taken you in, if I had looked even harder, then maybe none of it would have ever happened. That’s why when Harry asked me about this arrangement, I agreed. Because I knew that even if everything that had happened, happened, I could at least try and give you another chance at your life, a chance with a family. I was going to finally find you. And I was going to do my best to give you what I promised I’d give you if I ever found you as a child: Happiness, and a proper family.”

Delphi gazed at him for a while before she burst into tears, burying her face into her hands.

“Oh Delphi.” Sirius walked around and sat down in the chair beside her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. She cried quietly into his chest.

“Thank you Sirius…” She stammered. “You have no idea just how much you mean to me.”

“I love you.” Sirius beamed, squeezing her shoulder gently. “I love you so much…”

Delphi paused, the three words she’d just heard sinking in, three words she'd never heard spoken to her once in her life before now. And then her voice shook slightly as she said, “I love you too…”

Chapter Text

The next day Delphi was quiet. She didn’t really say anything at breakfast, despite Sirius’ attempts to make conversation with her. He put it down to her being tired from the last two days and so did not try to force it. But the pair yesterday, over a few slices of birthday cake and cups of tea, sat down and discussed what happened to Delphi in her childhood. Sirius had tried to say that she didn’t have to if she didn’t want to, or if it was going to be too difficult, but Delphi said she’d tell him as much as she could and thought it was important that she did, simply so that they could understand each other a bit more.

Delphi had never really talked about what happened to her as a child with anyone. The closest thing to it was in her questioning when Harry and Hermione delved into her memories and soon realised just how fucked up some of it had been. But she thought perhaps talking about it might be good for her, that’s what Harry had said. Or at least he said that talking about things would sometimes help.

Admittedly, Delphi knew that initially Sirius did not know a lot about her childhood apart from the things she’d blurted out the other day and whatever Harry had told him before he took her in. But they sat down and spoke about it, Delphi talking and explaining, trying to keep herself together while Sirius listened, not asking questions, just listening.

It wasn’t easy, discussing everything, bringing it all back up. But she did feel a little weight lift from her chest. She did end up with a small pile of tissues on the table beside the armchair, but Delphi genuinely felt proud of herself. She’d tried so hard to forget it, tried so hard to bury it deep inside her mind despite it leaving so much pain in her, not sure if she’d ever even be able to bring it up again, but she did. And Sirius listened to every last word she said which was what she valued the very most.

They finished the discussion with a long, comforting hug and another slice of cake before they left it there, and moved on.

The pair sat at the table, Delphi eating a bowl of porridge slowly while Sirius tackled some of the washing up from the previous day. The radio played quietly in the background so it wasn’t silent, but Delphi was quiet anyway. Even though everything was sorted and everything was fine, she still felt a bit shit about it.

She wasn’t even allowed to go out for a damn walk now. She couldn’t even leave the house at all. And even though she had apologised to Harry and Sirius, she still felt awful about it. And even though Sirius had apologised to her, it still lingered on her mind. And to top it all off, she thought she might be coming down with some sort of illness as her throat had begun to turn scratchy and she felt groggy and tired.

She pushed away the last bit of her porridge and took a few small sips of water before she stood up and scraped the remains into the bin. Sirius noticed and looked over.

“Not hungry?” He asked.

“Not particularly.” Delphi replied, sitting down again.

“Are you alright? You’re just very quiet.”

Delphi shrugged, “I think the last few days are catching up to me. And I think I’m getting ill as well.”

“Do you need anything? Paracetamol? Remedial potion?”

“I think I’ll be alright, thanks though.”

“Alright. But if you do, just let me know. I need to pop out and do a food shop this morning and I’m meeting up with Andromeda for a coffee this afternoon, will you be okay here on your own?”

Delphi nodded. “Yeah, I’ll be fine.”

Sirius sighed, “Tell you what, I’ll pick up some drinks and we can have a few together tonight, how does that sound?”

“That sounds great.” Delphi chuckled. “I need a drink after these last few days.”

“I think we both do.”

*

Sirius took out a few tins of cider, a bottle of vodka, a bottle of whiskey and a bottle of Irish Cream, placing them on the table along with a few glasses before he set a record playing on the turntable. He sat down opposite Delphi who immediately poured herself a rather large measure of vodka and topped it off with lemonade. Sirius took a can of cider and opened it up.

“Cheers.” He said, and they toasted their drinks.

Delphi drunk heavily, her first drink gone in a matter of minutes before she poured herself another.

“You look like you needed that.” Sirius watched her start on her second drink while he’d just got halfway through his first.

“I fucking did.” Delphi replied, her stomach feeling warm from the drink. “Give it twenty minutes and I’ll be lying on the floor giggling.”

“Good thing you had something to eat before.”

“I used to drink on an empty stomach all the time.” Delphi shrugged, finishing off her second drink. “I was used to an empty stomach anyway, even though I could get three decent meals a day at St Oswald’s, but more often than not, I only really went down for breakfast and tea. If I was drinking in the evening I wouldn’t have tea though because it meant it would hit me harder and I just wanted that complete obliviousness to everything. The faster it could hit me, the better.”

“Do you know how bad that is to drink on an empty stomach?”

“Of course I do. Most of the time I’d throw up in the alley behind the pub on my way out. I didn’t really give a shit though.” She poured herself a third.

“You sound like me when I was a teenager.”

“When I can go out again, can we go to the pub together?”

“Of course we can, just don’t drink like—” He watched her down her third drink. “—That…”

“What?”

“That was your third drink in fifteen minutes.”

“And?”

“I wish I had your stomach.”

Delphi hiccupped, giggling as she opened a can of cider. Sirius watched as that too disappeared in perhaps ten minutes or so. He finished his off, pouring himself a glass of whiskey.

“Well, I’m not letting you get pissed by yourself.” He downed the whole thing, pouring out another.

“Look at you old man.” Delphi laughed.

“I am not an old man.”

“You’re- what? Sixty-one?”

“Well- yes. But that does not classify me as old.”

“I classify that as old.”

“Oi.”

An hour later, their drinks had certainly set it, Delphi now having gone through almost a third of the bottle of vodka. She was in a fit of laughter, leant right up against the table, her drink still in her hand while Sirius too was certainly on his way to the state Delphi was in.

“So this one time I’m in the pub right—” Delphi giggled, her words slurring together, “I’m- I’m on my like fifth drink- and this muggle comes up to me, and we start talking. We’re both a bit tipsy- I mean, not as- not like- but that doesn’t matter, right.” She giggled again, “And this muggle starts flirting with me- and then we go outside because she wants to have a smoke right- and then- oh my god you won’t believe this.” She couldn’t keep herself together, collapsing on the table.

“What happened?” Sirius laughed, hiccupping, his drink definitely hitting him.

“You know I’m Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange’s child? Like, the two most muggle hating people to probably ever exist. Yet you know what happens?” She giggled again, her voice turning to a whisper, “I fucking kiss this muggle.”

“What?!” Sirius burst out laughing.

“No- right, she kisses me and we’re kissing for like twenty minutes. And then she lives next door to the pub right- and then she takes me back and—”

“Whoaaaa, I think I know what happens next thank you.”

“I didn’t get to finish my story! That’s rude!” Delphi rolled over on the table, still laughing.

“Your sex life is not any of my business.”

“I was going to say we went back and had a few more drinks and I passed out on her floor—"

“Hm, well- I expected—”

“—After we had sex.”

Sirius burst out laughed, Delphi trying to keep it in but ultimately ended up letting out a howl of laughter.

“Do you uh- have a girlfriend?” Sirius asked, still giggling.

“Of course I don’t. I never have, that was the first time I’d done anything like that. I mean- Rodolphus may have tried to offer me to the Death Eaters, but thank fuck nothing ever happened. Because I wouldn’t have been up for shit like that night!” Delphi laughed still, her words slurring together badly. She wasn't thinking about anything that was coming out her damn mouth at this point.

Despite being completely and utterly pissed, she knew what she was saying and quite frankly, because she was so drunk she didn’t particularly care. It seemed like she could brush it off when she was like this. Even though she usually didn’t like people touching her without her permission, but when she was a few drinks in, she really did not care. She wouldn’t have even bought up that one night if she wasn’t in a state like this, it was so private, so strange and so out of the blue.

“Sirius, do you think one day I might find a girlfriend? Like- one with nice hair and a nice face, and a nice personality? Do you think—” She hiccupped, “You think I might find someone? Because who in their right mind would love this?” She gestured to herself, slumping back in her seat.

“I’m sure you’ll find someone,” Sirius hiccupped too, “Whoever you end up with, she’ll be very, very lucky. And I certainly am in my right mind, even though I’m definitely not sober.”

Delphi took another shot of vodka, falling back into her chair again. “Well I think I got very lucky to end up here. And I was very lucky not to send myself to Azkaban yesterday. Because that would mean I couldn’t get pissed with you!”

“What a shame that would have been!” Sirius laughed.

And then all of a sudden, Delphi’s giggling stopped and her face turned ill looking.

“Delphi- are you alright?” Sirius’ face turned concerned and he felt himself almost immediately begin to sober up.

She forced herself to her feet, attempting to leg it to the bathroom, swaying with each step and walking into the doorframe of the kitchen. Sirius scrambled to his feet, dashing after her, clinging to the table for balance. Delphi stumbled into the bathroom, falling to her knees and throwing up into the toilet. Sirius walked in, tying her hair up out the way, crouched down behind her with one hand on her back. He felt himself sober up in an instant, the parental instincts kicking in as he watched her throw up again.

“You’re alright, don’t worry… Just get it all up, you’ll be okay.” He said.

Delphi groaned, fumbling around for the flush. Sirius pulled it and flushed it.

“Come on, lets get you some water and get you to bed. I think you’ve had enough.”

“Mhm.” Delphi mumbled, feeling like absolute shit. “Don’t tell- don’t tell Harry, will you?”

“No, I won’t, don’t worry. I just hope you’re not too hungover tomorrow.”

“I don’t get hungover.” She groaned, Sirius hauling her up and helping her through to the kitchen. He ran her a glass of water which she sipped slowly as they made their way upstairs slowly. Sirius placed the glass on her bedside table, setting her down on her bed before he went next-door to the bathroom and squeezed a bead of toothpaste out onto her toothbrush and took it through to Delphi.

“Here you go, you need to brush your teeth after you’ve been sick. You’ll regret it tomorrow otherwise.”

She took it and brushed her teeth slowly, Sirius sitting down beside her. She leant her head up against his shoulder, her eyes drooping shut.

“Oh Delphi.” He chuckled lightly. “I love you so much.”

“Me too…” She mumbled. “I need to spit this out.”

“Hang on.” Sirius helped her up, taking her next-door.

She spat out the toothpaste and rinsed out her mouth and they went back to her room.

“Right, I’ll let you get changed and get to bed, okay?”

“Mhm…” She groaned, “Sorry about this.”

“Don’t you worry about it, it happens to everyone.” Sirius chuckled. “I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”

Delphi nodded slowly before Sirius walked out her room, closing the door behind him. Delphi got changed, stumbling around, her balance thrown off and she fell onto her bed once she’d done so. She crawled under the covers, and by the time her head hit her pillow, she was out like a light.

Chapter Text

Delphi woke up feeling like complete shit the next day. She was correct in her thinking that she was coming down with an illness as it had truly begun to kick in, and on top of it, she was certainly hungover. She struggled to even get herself out of bed, her head throbbing and her throat scratchy. It was a horrible combination. Why did she drink that much? And that quickly? She couldn’t even remember half of it. All she remembered was blurting out something that made both her and Sirius lose themselves in a fit of drunken giggles, and then throwing up before Sirius got her to bed.

She eventually hauled herself out of bed, the world spinning and she grabbed onto the side table to keep herself upright. She took a moment to balance herself before she made an attempt to get herself downstairs slowly. She walked groggily into the kitchen, slumping down in a seat as Sirius poured himself a cup of coffee.

“Morning.” He said.

"Morning." Delphi groaned in response.

“Hungover?”

“Mhm…”

“You said you didn’t get hungover.” Sirius chuckled.

“Well, I lied.”

“Harry’s coming at twelve, you’ve got two hours to sort yourself out a bit.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake I forgot about that…” She leaned forward onto the table and lied down on it with her top half, burying her face downwards. “Don’t tell him about this, please?”

“I won’t, don’t worry. I’m sure he’ll figure it out himself though.”

“I’ll be fine.”

Sirius raised his eyebrows, “Really?”

“Mhm.” She groaned again. “I found crumpets and a big glass of water gets rid of my hangovers.”

“I’ll put some crumpets in the toaster then.”

*

Harry arrived at noon. Delphi still felt rough, but less than she had two hours ago. It was mostly the illness that was making her feel that shit, but the combination of it and the remains of her hangover made it worse than she would have liked. But she and Harry sat down in the living room like usual and began their meeting like normal.

“How are we then?” He asked.

“Alright. I’m ill so I feel a bit rough.” Delphi replied. “How’s your nose?”

“Better, still a bit tender, but it’s fine otherwise.” Harry took a breath. “So, did you and Sirius have that talk?”

“Yeah.”

“How did it go then?”

“It was fine. I mean- I understand his side of things, and I think he understands my side as well.”

“That’s good to hear. So you’re both on good terms.”

“Mhm.”

“Good.” Harry paused. “Um- if you don’t mind me asking, what was your argument about?”

“Oh- um…” Delphi thought over. Would it get Sirius in trouble, the fact that he knew of her existence and didn’t do anything? Surely it couldn’t. She hoped it wouldn’t. “If I say, it won’t get Sirius in trouble, will it?”

Something seemed to click in Harry’s mind. “I think I know what it might’ve been about. And don’t worry, it won’t. I promise. The whole situation has been classified and the record of it will live in my office. As far as the rest of my department know of it, it never happened.”

“Well- it turns out Sirius was asked to look after me as a child. And he said no. But he told me why, and I understand.”

“I thought that might have been it.” Harry sighed slightly.

“Things would have been very different for me if he had. But that wasn’t what hurt me, it was more the fact that he tried to hide it from me. That’s what made me upset, especially as I’d put so much trust in him.”

“I can understand that. And I’m so sorry that it happened.”

Delphi nodded. “I think I’ve come to accept it now. I can’t change the past, I learned that lesson already.”

“I do understand you, Delphi. There are so many things I wish I could change in the past too. I do empathise with you on that. But I’m glad you’ve accepted that, because it is a very hard truth to swallow and accept. It does hurt, it really does, but when you accept it, it makes it easier and it makes you cherish what you have in the now.”

“Yeah…” She replied, quietly. “It’s easier to do so now I actually have something- someone to value. And someone who values me.”

“I expect it is.”

She nodded again.

“And its good to hear.”

The pair continued to talk for the next half an hour or so before they wrapped it up and Harry went to head back home. He stood up from his chair, slipping his coat back on and finishing the remains of his tea quickly.

“That’s all today. You’re certainly back on track by the sounds of it. Keep it up, it’s what I want to see from you.” He said. “I’ll be back in two days to check in again. And then I’ll leave you be and enjoy your weekend.”

“I’ll try.”

“Good.”

Delphi stood up too, walking out the room behind Harry.

“Oh, and don’t think I didn’t notice you’re hungover.” He said.

“I am not.” Delphi lied.

Harry simply passed her a look and said, “I have two teenage boys, I can tell when someone’s hungover.”

“You never said I couldn’t drink.”

“I know, but don’t think I don’t notice.”

“It was worth it.” Delphi chuckled. “Most of it anyway.”

“Hm. Well, I’ll pretend that I never noticed. And I’ll see you in two days.”

“See you later Harry.”

“Take care, alright?”

“I will.”

Harry passed her a soft smile before he walked out the front door once again. Delphi ran a hand through her hair, breathing out heavily once he left. She walked back into the kitchen where Sirius was stood cleaning the worktop.

“How was that? Alright?” He asked.

“Yeah, it was fine. He um- he figured out I was hungover though.” Delphi replied, filling the kettle up with water to make herself a cup of tea.

“I’m not surprised. You still look like hell.”

“Cheers.” Delphi rolled her eyes. “Tea?”

“If you’re offering.”

Delphi took two mugs out from the cupboard, placing two teabags inside them and waited for the kettle to boil.

*

Delphi stepped out of the shower that evening, drying herself off with a towel before she got changed into pyjamas and washed her face quickly. She hung the towel up to dry again and walked back into her room to sit with her sketchbook to try and finish a drawing she’d started that afternoon. But she glanced over at the desk in the corner of the room where the watch Sirius had given her sat. She hadn’t taken it up here herself and had left it on the desk downstairs for the last two days so Sirius must have bought it back up and left it there for her to put back on whenever she was ready.

She stared at it for a while, chewing on the inside of her lip. And then she picked it up and did it up around her wrist once more. She took her book from her side table, and a jumper from the back of her chair, slipping it over her head before she made her way downstairs.

Delphi joined Sirius in the living room downstairs, sitting down in the armchair opposite him. A record was playing quietly in the background as she took out her book and started to read. Sirius glanced up from his own book.

“What are you reading now?” He asked.

“Oh- Mockingjay. The third Hunger Games book.” She replied. “I finished the second one yesterday.”

“My god you read fast.”

“They’re not very long.” Delphi chuckled. “I used to get through five books a week when I was a kid.”

“I get through about five a month.”

“That’s not bad. I’m getting through about five a month right now too.”

Sirius took notice of the watch on Delphi’s wrist and smiled. “You found the watch, I was worried you wouldn't see it.”

“Oh, yeah I saw it on my desk. Did you put it there?”

“Yes, I put it there yesterday evening.”

“It’s a lovely watch.”

“It suits you.”

“Thank you…”

Chapter Text

Another month or so passed where Delphi still seemed to be under lock and key in the house. She was only allowed outside in the garden in order to get fresh air, and she was getting a little restless. Especially as it had snowed overnight and left a thick covering outside the house. It was still snowing by mid morning and she just sat by the window in the living room, staring out at the people and the families on the road outside and the little park behind the fence, laughing, running around, enjoying being outside.

She felt her heart sink. She loved the snow, even when she was living on the streets. It made her happy for a bit, before she got cold and remembered that it wasn’t really that pleasant when you had nowhere warm to go. But she did this time, and she wasn’t allowed out except for the garden. She’d been out that morning, stood outside in the snow which settled on her coat and her hair, but she wished she could just take a long walk outside, walk through the parks, walk down to the river, She wanted to go outside where it was not just the garden.

Delphi took out her sketchbook and began sketching out the scene outside quickly and roughly before she added in a few more shapes and shadows and tones. Sirius walked inside joining her with two cups of tea. He noticed her sketching, looking almost a little sorry for herself.

“You like the snow?” He asked, sitting down beside her.

Delphi nodded in reply, continuing to sketch.

“What are you drawing?”

She turned the sketchbook to him. “Just whatever’s going on outside.”

“You’re really talented, you know.” He said.

Delphi scoffed, “I’m really not.”

“No, you are. Honestly, I think you really have an eye for things. It’s a beautiful drawing.”

“Thank you.” She smiled softly. “I just wish I could go outside other than just the garden.”

Sirius thought over for a moment, “I’m sure Harry wouldn’t mind if you just went on the road outside with me. And the last month you’ve been doing so well. It’s only what- ten meters from the front door?”

“Are you sure it’s okay?”

“Yeah, and you’ll be with me. It’ll be fine.”

“I’ll get my shoes on then.” So she stood up, closing her sketchbook up and leaving it on the windowsill. She and Sirius walked into the hallway, slipping their coats on. Delphi did up her boots and followed Sirius outside where it was still snowing and her face broke into a wide smile. She ran down the steps and out onto the street outside where she left deep footprints wherever she walked. She spun round slowly, arms outstretched as snow began to settle on top of her head and her coat.

“This is amazing!” She exclaimed excitedly, running up and down the road through the snow. She felt like a complete child, but once more, she seemed to feel her inner child heal a little. Sirius stood at the bottom of the steps outside the door, laughing at her. He bent down, scooping up a handful of snow and forming into a ball before he threw it at her, hitting her in the back.

“Hey!” She laughed, returning the favour by throwing a snowball back at Sirius, hitting his shoulder.

“Oh no you don’t.” He laughed, walking over and forming another snowball to lob at her.

Delphi did the same, throwing hers as Sirius’ hit her and she felt snow go down the back of her neck. “That went down my neck!” She cried, giggling as she threw another.

They spent the next twenty minutes running around, throwing snowballs at each other in the street, laughing and giggling. The pair made two little snowmen on the front steps, giving them each a face, sticks for arms and woolly hats. Delphi named them Fergus and Frankie, with no reason why. It just made her laugh.

Sirius ran inside quickly and came back out with an old looking camera, fumbling around with it a little.

“Right, stand next to them and smile.” He said.

Delphi did so, smiling proudly at her little pair of snowmen on the front step. There was a click and a flash and it was done.

“Come on, I want to get one of us together out in the snow.” Sirius said, beckoning her out onto the street again. She stood beside him as he held the camera out in-front of him, the pair smiling as he took another picture.

“Do you want me to take a photo for you?” Someone asked from the other side of the street, walking over with a golden Labrador dog on a lead.

“If you could, that would be wonderful!” Sirius beamed. “Can we say hello to your dog?”

“Of course, he’s very friendly.” The person said, the dog bounding up to Sirius.

He crouched down, scratching the dog behind its ears and under its chin. “Oh you’re a gorgeous boy aren’t you? You like the snow?” The dog licked Sirius’ chin in response. “Yeah, I bet. Lots of fun to run around.”

Delphi chuckled softly, a little nervous at the dog. She wasn’t massively keen on them simply because she’d never come across them very much. But she crouched down too, stroking the dog’s silky gold head with one hand and a smile appeared on her face again.

“Not a dog person?” The person asked her.

“Not really.” She replied. “But he’s very sweet.”

Sirius stood back up, giving the dog one final pat before he handed the man the camera. He and Delphi stood in-front of the snow covered house smiling. Sirius slipped his arm around Delphi’s shoulder and she edged a little closer. They smiled brightly as the man took a photo for them and handed the camera back to them.

“Thank you. Have a lovely day won’t you?” Sirius said.

“No worries at all. Come on Barney.” The man said to his dog before they continued on down the street.

“You’re not a fan of dogs?” Sirius asked Delphi.

She shrugged. “I’ve just not really come across a lot. Once when I was living on the streets some guy with this big dog approached me and threatened to have the dog tear off each of my fingers if I didn’t give him the cash I’d scraped up off the ground. I’d much rather keep all my fingers for the rest of my life instead of having a full stomach for the next few days.” She paused. “You’re very fond of dogs. Did you have one?”

“Not exactly. But I suppose I am very fond of them.” Sirius chuckled. “Come on, lets head back inside. I have something I want to show you.”

The pair headed back inside, taking off their boots and coats. Delphi walked into the kitchen, turning around to ask if Sirius wanted tea, but he was not there. In his place stood a rather large, long-haired dog.

“What the—” She jumped. The dog barked. And then Delphi realised. “Sirius?”

The dog barked again. And then the dog vanished, its form replaced by Sirius.

“You’re an Animagus.” Delphi stared at him in slight admiration before she chuckled softly.

“Yes. I suppose I take being a dog person quite literally.”

“I suppose so. Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“It wasn’t really important. I hardly ever use that form now, it takes so much effort to shift at my age.”

“It’s an interesting ability. I wanted to be an Animagus when I was younger. So I could escape from my guardians, so I could take a breath whenever I needed. Honestly, I probably would have stayed in an Animagus form.”

“I did for a while. It kept me alive and sane. It can truly be a blessing sometimes. Everything is so much simpler.” Sirius sighed softly. “I wonder what for yours would have taken.”

“I don’t know. Perhaps an Augurey.”

“Is that your Patronus form?”

“My Patronus form?” Delphi laughed before she went quiet, “I’ve never been able to produce one.”

“Oh.”

“I’ve tried, I will admit. I read about them and wanted to try it. I thought it might keep some of the darkness in my life at bay. I thought it would offer some comfort, some light. But it never came.”

“How come?”

“I didn’t have a memory that was truly happy. I had perhaps two or three that I thought might have done it, but in the end, they weren’t enough. There was always darkness that came with them. So they never worked.” She paused, “What form does yours take then?”

“A dog, no surprises there.”

“Consider me shocked.” Delphi chuckled, leaning back on the countertop. “I think if I did ever try to cast one, it would be an Augurey.”

“Why’s that?”

“Euphemia kept one in a cage when I was growing up. I liked the bird and it seemed to be fairly fond of me. I used to sneak it scraps every now and again. But Euphemia used to tell me that the bird was crying because it could see I was going to come to a sticky end. And I thought it was right. I did come to a sticky end. Yet you came along that day and helped me out, gave me another chance at life, let me make my future brighter.” She paused. “I got a tattoo of an Augurey a year or so ago, to remind me that I will not be afraid, that the future is mine to make, and that there will always be hope.” She slipped her jacket off, moving her hair out the way to reveal the bird that covered most of the upper portion of her back.

“It’s a beautiful tattoo. And it’s a beautiful reminder.” Sirius said, admiring the artwork.

“Thank you…” She smiled softly, pulling her jacket back on.

“Do you- do you think you could cast a Patronus if you tried?”

Delphi swallowed. And then nodded slowly. “I do.” She said, “Because I am happy. More happy than I ever have been. And you’ve been kind enough to give me that, Sirius. You’ve given me so much joy these last four months. More joy than I have ever experienced. So yes, I think I maybe could produce a Patronus now…”

Sirius said nothing, just pulled her into a warm, comforting hug.

And then Delphi said softly, “Thank you for giving me a light in the darkness.”

Chapter Text

Spring soon shifted through to summer, the days becoming longer and warmer. June had arrived quicker than either Sirius or Delphi could have comprehended, the previous few months rushing past in a blur. But Delphi was glad that Harry had loosened her conditions a little, letting her go outside for walks once more, and had even let her join a family meal the other week before Teddy stayed back after for a few hours to catch up with Delphi.

But one day that had been creeping up which had been bugging Delphi’s mind for the last few weeks had finally come. She really didn’t know what way it would go. But after thinking almost non-stop about it in the week leading up to it, she had finally made a decision.

It was Father’s Day. And Delphi had made and written a card, as well as done a painting inspired by one of Sirius’ favourite albums to give to him. She had only decided the previous night what she was going to do with them, despite having been working on them for the last week. It had toyed with her mind constantly, worrying that it would seem out the blue, or it would not go down well with Sirius. He wasn’t just her friend, he wasn’t just the person she was living with, he wasn’t just a random family member. Delphi truly seemed to see him as a father figure, something she’d never had in her life. Sirius was the closest thing she’d ever get to a father, and he seemed to have realised that. He'd done so much for her over the last eight months and it was the very minimum Delphi could do to say thank you.

In the last few months they had also managed to sort out the situation with the money that was rightfully Delphi’s through her mother’s inheritance. And while she was not allowed to get a job, she insisted on contributing to groceries and bills as well as helping out around the house in general. Sirius too insisted that he couldn’t accept it, but Delphi persuaded him to let her contribute even a little. It was probably the very least she could do.

Sirius on the other hand had decided he’d put that money aside to give back to her when the day came she could leave and find somewhere for herself, whenever that would be. He had more than enough saved up from his family’s inheritance, his own savings, and a rather large amount of compensation he received after his pardon twenty three years ago. And then as well as his pension on top of that. He appreciated the gesture, but he knew she would need that money far more than he would in the future.

Delphi went downstairs that morning, holding the card and the painting behind her nervously as she walked into the kitchen where Sirius was sat with that day’s copy of the Daily Prophet and another card in-front of him for Father’s Day which she assumed was from Harry. She sat down opposite him and he put the paper down.

“Morning.” He smiled.

“Morning.” She replied, taking a breath. “Did Harry send that up for you?”

“Yes, he did. His owl dropped it off this morning. It’s a lovely card, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it’s lovely. Um- I- These are for you too.” She held out the card and the painting, Sirius taking them a little surprised.

“Oh- thank you.” He beamed, admiring the painting, “Is that based on the Absolution cover?” He chuckled.

Delphi nodded. “I painted it myself.”

“It’s incredible, you’re so talented oh my god!” He stood it up on the windowsill, next to the shelf with the records on. He sat down again, opening the card to see another painting on the front, this time of an array of guitars, different body shapes, colours and designs. He opened it up and read what was written inside.

“Happy Father’s Day.” Delphi said, smally. Her voice broke slightly with nerves.

Sirius’ smile broadened as he looked up from the card and spied Delphi’s nervous face. He stood up, walking around to Delphi and hugged her. She let herself relax a little, hugging him back.

“I know you’re not really my dad, but your as good as.” She said quietly.

“Oh Delphi. Thank you…” Sirius beamed.

“You’re very welcome.”

“You truly have no idea how happy this makes me.”

The pair drifted apart slowly.

“When I took you in, I didn’t want you to just see me as the person you were living with, but a friend, and most importantly, a father figure. A proper one, just like I was supposed to be.”

“You’re honestly- you’re honestly the father I never had.”

“You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that.” Sirius beamed, squeezing her shoulder softly. “You needed a family, you deserved one. And I’m so glad you trust me enough to give you one.”

“You gave me a chance. You were kind to me when no-one else was.”

“And you deserved that too. A little kindness goes a long way, does it not?”

“It really does.” In that moment, a few pieces of Delphi’s heart stitched themselves back up, back together. She had finally found what her soul had ached for all those years, even though it was not from where she expected it to be from. It was very different to what she thought, but it was more than enough for her, it was better than anything she could have hoped for.

Delphi did wonder why she was so nervous about it all. It wasn’t so bad after all. She felt stupid for working herself up about it now that it had actually gone very, very well.

Sirius was right. They were family. By blood and choice. And she knew, that no matter what, he would be kind to her. She truly wondered what might have happened if Sirius had taken her in twenty three years ago, how much love and care she would have experienced, grown up with. She wished that the Delphi who was taken in by him in another world, another timeline, got to experience it all. She wished her all the very best. She was happy for her, and just wished she could tell her just how lucky she was to have a dad like Sirius Black.

Chapter Text

“Right, I’m just heading to the supermarket, I think we’re in need of a food shop.” Sirius said, stuffing a few plastic bags into his pockets.

“Oh- here.” Delphi passed him a muggle twenty pound note as her contribution to the groceries.

“I’ve said every time, you don’t need to.” Sirius chuckled.

“And every time, I insist.”

“Alright then.” He took it and placed it in his wallet. “Thank you. I’ll be back in an hour or so.”

“See you in a bit.” Delphi smiled, Sirius squeezing her shoulder gently before he walked out the house, the door shutting behind him. Delphi got up from the living room and went into the kitchen to do the washing up from last night. She put a record on, picking one of her favourite ones out from the shelf and she placed it on the turntable and started it up.

The sun streamed through the window, warming her face in bright summer light as she filled up the sink with hot water and squeezed some soap out from the bottle behind the tap. She began scrubbing at the pots and pans, the record playing quietly in the background.

In recent weeks, Harry had begun to let her use magic again. Not much, but little bits here and there and she would be able to use it in self defence if something happened when she and Sirius were out. So she took out her wand in one hand when the record finished, drew a small arc motion in the air and the record flipped over and began playing the next side. She tucked her wand away back into the side of her jeans and continued with the washing up.

Delphi finished washing and began on drying as she heard the front door open. She didn’t turn around, assuming Sirius was back early.

“Hi Sirius. I’ve done the washing up—” She turned around but her words were cut off when she saw the face of someone she never wished to see again. Her heart stopped, sure her mind was playing a cruel trick on her.

Rodolphus Lestrange was in the house, walking towards her with his wand drawn. “Hello Delphini.”

“No- no this isn’t real—" Delphi’s hand darted for her own as stumbled backwards into the kitchen counter.

Rodolphus drew closer and she ran down the length of the kitchen. But he simply followed her every movement, trapping her like a mouse. She attempted to disarm him but he blocked it with ease. Her magic had gotten sloppy after she’d not been able to use it for months and it was very clear that her duelling skills would not be up to the standards they used to be. She ran for the kitchen door, darting down the hallway before she felt a curse strike her in her lower back and she grabbed onto the table to stop her from falling, but all she did was bring everything on top of it down to the floor with her.

Delphi desperately tried to scramble to her feet, letting out a yelp of pain as she made to haul herself up, her back aching from the curse that had struck her. But a foot shoved her back to the floor and held her down firmly.

“No- get off—” She cried, Rodolphus plucking her wand from her hand and throwing it aside, far out from her reach and he knelt down on top of her. He yanked her head up from the ground by her hair and she yelped again.

“Good to see you too, you little bitch.” He snarled in her ear.

She reached out for the metal vase that had fallen to the floor, grabbing it and swung it up and behind her with all the strength she could muster. But it missed, clanging to the floor behind them.

Instead, Rodolphus reached out for it himself and the last thing Delphi remembered was a sharp, painful blow to the back of her head before everything went dark.

*

Sirius walked up the stairs to the front door, his arms aching from the two bags of food in his hands. He unlocked the door, pushing it open to a state on the hallway floor. He walked inside, treading carefully around the mess.

“Delphi?” He called. There was no response. “Delphi.”

He walked into the kitchen. The sink was still full with lukewarm water with the last few soapy bubbles sat on top of it. Dishes sat upside down beside it and a tea towel over the top of them, a little soggy.

“Delphi!” He called again, worried now. He put the groceries down on the table before he jogged upstairs and into her room. She wasn’t there either. “DELPHI!” He yelled this time. No response. He darted downstairs, almost tripping on a metal vase. He glanced down at it, the base of it shining with crimson blood. And then he noticed Delphi's wand lying on the floor in the very corner of the hallway.

Sirius’ stomach turned over on itself in panic. Something was very, very wrong. Had- had someone gotten into the house and Delphi tried to fight them off or something? His mind raced with fear, panic and questions. His entire body seemed to freeze over, he didn’t know what to do or where to start.

But that was when his eyes caught sight of a note pinned to the back of the front door. He walked over slowly, ripping it from the pin and read it through.

Your Godson has something I need. Bring it to me if you ever want to see your murderer again, alive. She’s valuable, but not so much that I will not hesitate to kill her if you do not comply.

Charing Cross underground station. 

The Time Turner. Whoever it was wanted the Time Turner. Sirius swore under his breath, taking his phone out from his pocket, dialling in Harry’s number. He listened to the ringing tone on the other end for a few moments before Harry picked up.

“Hello?” Harry said on the other end of the phone.

“Harry, you need to get here, right now.” Sirius panted down the line.

“Sirius, is everything okay? Has something happened.”

“I- It- please, something bad has happened, something really bad. I don’t know who or what but- oh god…” He half sobbed, his panic setting in full motion. He couldn’t think, couldn’t move, couldn’t talk. His words froze in his mouth.

“Sirius? What’s happened?”

“I—”

“Sirius.”

He forced out his words after fighting through painfully. “I think Delphi’s been kidnapped or something. There’s a note and they want the Time Turner whoever it is.”

“Shit. Okay, right. I’ll be there soon. Just- stay calm, I’m on my way.”

Sirius nodded. “Hurry- please. I don’t want something to happen to her because we took to long or something.”

“I’m coming, I promise. I’ll see you soon.”

Harry hung up the phone. Sirius took a long, deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest, his head spinning. Not a minute later, there was a crack of apparition outside the door and Harry walked inside, flustered and frightened.

“I think I have a feeling I know who this is.” He said. “Let’s go. Now.”

“The note says Charing Cross station, I think we need to meet them there. Or at least go there and we’ll be kidnapped too.” Sirius showed him the note as they walked out the front door.

“They’ll want us to meet there and they’ll take us to a second location. That’s never good.”

“And the Time Turner? Did you bring it?”

“I bought a fake. The real one was destroyed nine months ago. We keep a fake lying around in case of things like this. It’s just a portkey which will set any clock on your body back by however far back you go.”

Sirius nodded.

“Come on, we’ll apparate there and see what awaits us. It will be fine. Believe me, I’ve dealt with things like this more than enough times to be able to predict what they’ll do with us and what we need to do.”

The pair dissapparated on the spot.

*

They had been waiting for twenty minutes outside the front of Charing Cross station and nobody and nothing was out of the ordinary. Sirius and Harry kept their wits about them and their wands drawn though.

“What are they waiting for?” Sirius muttered to Harry. “Surely they have to be here.”

“I expect he’s got a group. He’ll send someone out to get us and bring us back to god knows where.” Harry replied. “There he’ll make us hand over the Time Turner. I expect he’s going to finish the job Delphi couldn’t.”

“Who’s he?” Sirius asked, really hoping for an answer that was not who he was thinking. But Harry looked at him and that was all he needed to understand that it was exactly who he thought it was. “Shit… Rodolphus Lestrange. Of course…”

“Are you not surprised?”

“Not in the slightest.”

At that moment, two men in dark robes paced towards them. Harry spotted them.

“That’ll be them.” He said.

“What do we do?” Sirius asked.

“Do exactly as they say. I have somewhat of a plan. I've got a tracking spell on me and I organised a team to back us up. Wherever we end up, they'll join us soon after.”

Sirius nodded slowly as the two man approached them, grabbing them by their arms before they dissapparated. They appeared in some kind of house which seemed to be very large, very expensive, and very much abandoned. Except for another figure stood at the other end of the room.

The pair holding Sirius and Harry pushed them forwards and they stumbled a little. The figure turned around, their fears confirmed.

“Rodolphus Lestrange, it’s been a while.” Sirius said.

“I guess it has been.” Rodolphus replied, stalking towards them, his wand already drawn.

“You’ve been busy.”

“You could say so. I’ve been rallying the last few remaining Death Eaters in hopes of undoing the last few years of time. Or well, the last twenty three.”

“Where is she?”

“Who?”

“You know who. Delphini. Your stepdaughter.”

“Oh, of course, Delphini.”

“WHERE IS SHE?” Sirius yelled.

“She was making a bit too much noise so we shut her up. Turns out she’s even weaker than I remember. She couldn’t even handle a few seconds of the Cruciatis curse.” Rodolphus laughed cruelly.

Sirius’ stomach turned over inside himself again as he felt his face drain of colour. He felt utterly sick. “You dare harm another hair on her head and I’ll—”

“What? You’ll do what?”

“I’ll make sure that you wish you died like your bastard wife twenty three years ago.”

“I’d like to see you try.”

Sirius lunged forward. Harry grabbed his arm and pulled him back.

“Don’t. Not now. We need to cooperate.” Harry whispered.

Sirius stepped backwards again, flushed with anger and panic.

“We’ll do what you want, anything you want us to do, we’ll do it. Just let Delphi go, she’s not done anything.”

“Not done anything?” Rodolphus chuckled, “Potter, you of all people should know that she has certainly not not done anything.”

“That isn’t relevant to this. What do you want?”

“You have something I need. I hope you bought it with you.”

Harry reached inside his robes slowly to reveal a golden, shining device. The fake Time Turner. But of course Rodolphus didn’t know that. He walked calmly toward Rodolphus, handing it over to him. Sirius had to admire his calmness, if he was afraid, he was doing a damn good job at hiding it.

“You have what you want, now let us and Delphi go.” Sirius said, trying to hide the shaking in his voice.

“Thank you very much for this. You’re right, I have what I want.” Rodolphus looked over at the two others behind Sirius and Harry. “Kill the girl. I have no use for her.”

Chapter Text

“NO!” Sirius yelled, lunging forward. Harry grabbed his arm, pulling him back. He passed him a scarily calm look and Sirius recoiled slightly, stepping backwards.

“Yes, she had her uses, but honestly, there’s not much point in leaving her lying around anymore. After all, she’s no better than me I guess. If not worse.” Rodolphus simply shrugged. “At least I didn’t kill a child.”

“You’re plenty worse than her. At least she’s trying to change, be a better person. And she’s doing a damn good job at it. You’re part of the reason for it too, don’t forget that.”

“Murderer or not, I have no need for her. Perhaps you’d like to watch as we put her out of her misery?”

It took all of Sirius’ strength not to react, not to lunge at Rodolphus and wrap his hands around his throat. He drew his wand, feeling its weight in his hand as he planted his feet, ready for whatever may come next. Harry did the same, readying himself.

“Oh, no? Willing to put up a fight are we?” Rodolphus laughed, cruelly. “I expected no less.”

“I think you’ve forgotten that last time I faced you, I knocked you out cold for three hours.”

“But that was twenty three years ago. You’ve gotten older, slower.”

“So have you.”

“Let’s see about that.” He threw a bolt at the pair of them. Sirius blocked it in the nick of time, Harry sending one back. And before long, the pair were locked in a full duel, three against them. Sparks flew, curses and spells cracked with noise as they met in mid-air. Chaos rained down.

Harry took one of them out quickly, Sirius facing Rodolphus in the meantime.

“The team should be here any minute, just hold on a little longer—” Harry called through gritted teeth. Sirius nodded, turning back to his fight as Harry finally took out the second. He joined beside his Godson.

The sound of feet rushing down towards them sounded from down the hallway, but the pair did not let their guards down. They kept up their fight with vicious skill. Sirius had no idea that he could still duel like that.

And just as his stunning spell found home, knocking Rodolphus backwards onto the ground where he groaned in pain, a team of five Aurors burst into the room.

Harry and Sirius stood their panting, their limbs aching and hearts racing, the magic still electric in their veins. Sirius walked towards Rodolphus, holding him down with a foot to the chest and a wand aimed at his neck.

“Where’s Delphi? WHERE IS SHE?” He yelled, rage and desperation seeping through, his heel digging into the man’s chest and Rodolphus tensed in pain.

“Outside- in the back of- the car—” Rodolphus strained.

“You dare ever lay a finger on her again, I will kill you. Do you hear me? And I mean it. I will kill you.” He spat. Rodolphus nodded slightly and Sirius retracted his foot. He and Harry darted out down the hall towards the door that led outside, while the Aurors sorted out the three Death Eaters left in the room.

A black, beaten up saloon car was parked up outside and Sirius ran over to it, his hands shaking as he unlocked the boot of the car with his wand, throwing it open.

Delphi lay inside, her hands and legs tied up in vicious looking bindings, blood caking her face and her clothes, mixed with her tears. Her eyes widened at the sight of Sirius.

Sirius hastily undid the bindings and reached for her, hauling her out of the back of the car as she sobbed onto his shoulder. He too cried softly.

“Sirius…” Delphi sobbed.

“It’s okay, you’re okay…” Sirius whispered. “You’re safe now. We’re here. I’m here…”

Delphi nodded, tears streaking down her face as Sirius held her tightly.

“Delphi- oh my god…” Harry exhaled in relief.

Delphi shifted apart from Sirius for a moment to see Harry. Before she hugged him too, taking him a little by surprise. But he didn’t think twice before he hugged her back, just grateful she was alive and safe.

“Are you okay? Are you hurt?” Sirius asked, panicked at the amount of blood on her.

“I- um- I—” Delphi stammered, struggling to get her words out and to even form what she wanted to even say in her head.

“I think we should get you to St Mungo’s, okay? They’ll sort you out and then we’ll talk about what happened.” Harry said.

Delphi said nothing, just nodded, wrapping her arms around Sirius again.

“You’re safe, he can’t hurt you again, okay? You’re safe…” He said quietly.

“Thank you…” She replied hoarsely.

*

Harry sat with Delphi in a room at St Mungo’s while Sirius went back to get her a change of clothes and a few other bits she might need. The healer had told her she was going to keep her over night just to keep an eye on her as she had several signs of concussion. So she’d shown her to a room to stay in that night, leaving them to themselves.

Delphi had several cuts and bruises, as well as a good sized gash on the back of her head where Rodolphus had knocked her out with a metal vase which had also left her with a decent concussion. She wasn’t quite with it and had thrown up twice since they’d been there. But Harry offered to stay there with her while Sirius went home quickly to get her a clean set of clothes and stuff for the night.

Delphi was sat up in bed, tucked under the covers and fiddling with the end of the little paper and plastic bracelet they’d given her to wear on her wrist. She was quiet and had not really said very much and looked generally exhausted. But Harry was just pleased she was safe.

“You okay?” He asked softly.

Delphi nodded.

“Would you like to play a game of exploding snap while we wait for Sirius to come back? There’s a deck of cards on the table outside.”

She shook her head, blinking back tears. Harry sighed.

“What um- what happened Delphi?” He asked, picking up on what might be the issue.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” She replied, her voice small and dry.

“That’s okay. But if you do, I’ll be here to listen. Okay?”

She nodded again, managing the faintest of smiles. “Thanks.”

Sirius returned perhaps twenty minutes later, holding a bag of things for Delphi. He handed them to her and the pair walked out the room to let her get changed.

Harry turned to Sirius as they waited outside. “If Rodolphus was telling the truth about using the Cruciatis curse on her, then it’s done something to her. She’s really, really not herself.”

“Did you ask her what happened?” Sirius asked.

“I tried, she didn’t want to talk about it though.”

“Alright. I’ll try and talk to her again when we get home, but I won’t force her. We should let her tell us in her own time. Right now, she needs a damn good sleep and a good meal.”

“She also needs to know that she’s safe. If it’s reassuring to her, and you, Rodolphus and the others have been taken in by the Ministry. They won’t be seeing past the walls of Azkaban for a long time.”

“Good. That does reassure me. We’ll see what she thinks though.”

“Just try and be there for her, okay? I think it’s all we can do for the time being.”

“Of course. She knows I’m here. It’ll be okay.”

Delphi opened the door again, changed into her pyjamas and a jumper and the pair walked back inside. She clambered back into bed slowly.

“Right, I need to get going I think. Will you two be okay?” Harry said.

“I think so.” Sirius replied, Delphi nodding from beside him.

“Good. I’ll come back and check in tomorrow. I’m just glad you’re safe, Delphi. And if either of you need anything, just let me know.”

Sirius smiled, hugging his Godson. “Thank you Harry.”

“I’ll see you both tomorrow.” He smiled and walked out the room, closing the door gently behind him.

Sirius sat down on a chair beside the bed as Delphi unpacked the remains of the bag and sorting it all out onto the side table. She picked up her book.

“How’s the head?” Sirius asked.

“It hurts but it’s better. I still feel a bit dizzy though.”

“Maybe don’t read, it might make you feel sick again.”

“Yeah, probably…” She placed it down on the side table again, going back to fiddling with the bracelet on her wrist, not taking her eyes from it. Sirius noticed her fingers trembling slightly. He reached out and clasped his hand gently around hers to try and stop them shaking.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” He asked, his voice soft. “You can talk to me, you know that.”

A single tear streaked down Delphi’s cheek and she withdrew her hand from his, wiping the tear from her face. She took a heavy breath and nodded.

“Sorry, it’s stupid.” She said quietly.

“It’s not stupid.”

“It’s all my fault. If I’d just—”

“Delphi, none of this is your fault. None of it, okay?”

“Okay.”

“I know it’s quite soon, but can I ask what did Rodolphus do? You don't have to say right now if you don't want to.”

Delphi swallowed hard, clenching her fists. “He hit me round the back of my head that knocked me out. When I woke up again I had bruises and cuts all over me. I don’t know what happened.”

“Rodolphus, he said something about—” Sirius paused, “Did he use the Cruciatis curse on you?”

Delphi looked away, blinking back her tears. And then she nodded slowly. “Three times.” Her voice broke.

“Oh Delphi…” Sirius went pale again. He rested a hand on her shoulder, just to let her know he was here.

“I thought I’d gotten used to it. I thought I was numb to it. But it was like nothing I’d ever felt before.”

“That’s awful, I am so sorry…”

“I thought I was dying, it was that bad. I passed out from it and I really thought that was it.” She paused. “But you know what the worst thing was? I thought I was dying and I never got to say thank you to you. I know I say it a lot, but I wanted to say it one more time. Because you saved me, Sirius. In every way that a person can be saved. And I never got to say thank you for that.”

Sirius just smiled, his eyes too shining with tears. “You are so very welcome. I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

Delphi reached over and hugged him tightly. The pair remained like that for a while before they drifted apart once more. Sirius passed another warm smile to her, rubbing her shoulder softly.

“I best be off. The healers don’t like if you stay too long.” He said. “I’ll come back tomorrow morning to bring you home, alright?”

“Mhm.”

“In the mean time, eat your tea when it comes, and get a good night’s sleep if you can.”

“I’ll try.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow my dear.”

“See you tomorrow Sirius.”

Chapter Text

(Six years later)

“Sirius, have you seen my purse? I can’t find it anywhere.” Delphi called up the stairs.

“It’s on the side in the kitchen!” Sirius called back from his bedroom.

Delphi darted through into the kitchen, grabbing her purse from the side and tucking it into a little black cross body bag. She ran upstairs again to grab a set of low black heels from the back of her wardrobe she’d bought especially for today. She hastily did the little leather straps up around her ankles before she quickly touched up her make up and wrapped a cloak around her shoulders. She rushed back downstairs as quickly as she could without rolling her ankle in the shoes she really did not like very much but thought she should wear instead of the boots she always did that were now practically falling apart.

“Ready to go?” Sirius asked, rushing downstairs too, dressed in a white shirt, burgundy waistcoat and a grey suit.

“Yeah, I think so.” Delphi replied, dressed in a dark blue dress that came down to her shins and low at the back here her tattoo was visible, although it was covered up by her cloak at that moment.

It was a lovely dress, simple with a lace hem at the bottom of the skirt and on the short sleeves. She wore her mothers necklace with it as well as her watch and her rings and she’d done her hair nicely, half up and half down.

“Do I look okay?” She asked, straightening out her cloak between shaking fingers.

“You look lovely, dear.” Sirius replied, squeezing her shoulder. “Excited?”

“And nervous.”

“What are you nervous about?”

“I don’t know, I’m always nervous about seeing lots of your family. And it’s such a special day for everyone, especially Albus and Scorpius. I don’t want me being there to ruin it.”

“Delphi, they were both very adamant that they wanted you to come. And you talked to Harry about it and he wanted you to go too. You’re as welcome there as everyone else.”

Delphi took a deep breath, nodding. “Yeah. Yeah, it’ll be fine.”

“It’ll be absolutely fine. I promise you. Come on, we don’t want to be late, do we?”

The pair walked towards the fireplace, Sirius throwing down a handful of floo powder and they disappeared in a burst of bright green flame. They walked out to the living room in the Burrow, greeted by Ginny and her mother.

“Sirius, Delphi. You made it.” Ginny beamed. “Everyone’s out in the marquee outside, take a seat wherever you like.”

“How are the boys?” Sirius asked.

“Nervous, obviously, but I think they’re very excited.”

“This is for the happy couple.” He held out a sage green gift bag, containing presents for both the grooms. “It’s from the both of us.”

“Oh thank you, I’ll pop it with the others.” Ginny took it, placing it beside what looked like the rest of the gifts. “I’ll leave you to go and get settled, I need to go up and see Albus quickly anyway.”

“We’ll see you in a bit.”

Sirius and Delphi walked through to the front of the house and out into the fields surrounding it where a large canvas marquee was set up, garlands of flowers hung up with rows of chairs and what looked like a little altar at the front of it.

Today was Albus and Scorpius’ wedding. And much to Delphi’s surprise, she had been invited along with Sirius to it. She’d sent off apology letters to the pair of them four years ago, their only contacts before that being through Harry. But once she’d sent apologies to both of the boys, that contact had been re-established.

Scorpius, to Delphi’s shock and guilt, came around very quickly, his reasoning being that she was family and he knew what it was like to feel lonely and he seemed to empathise a lot with her. Albus understandably took a little longer to come around, but when he did so, he came over and the pair talked in person and he even bought Scorpius along. And Albus accepted, and appreciated Delphi’s words. It was a weight off her consciousness, but the guilt never faded, no matter how forgiving the boys were. But the years following, the three of them had become acquaintances, and then friends. And it was nice…

Delphi was still living with Sirius, although the last year they had been trying to hunt down a flat nearby and had been discussing with Harry about the possibility of moving out to it. But they’d had no such luck with the flat hunt, and Harry thought it might be best if she stayed with Sirius a little while longer. Not that either of them minded. Delphi had been allowed to get a job, and so she picked up one at a muggle book shop down the street which she seemed to enjoy, and it paid decently too. So she’d been contributing money towards the bills and the groceries like she had been before, and then still insisted on paying Sirius some rent. But Sirius had been saving that money to give back to her for when she eventually did move out into her own place. She didn’t know that though.

The pair took a seat beside Andromeda and Teddy, who too were dressed smartly for the occasion. Delphi said hi to Teddy and they began chatting while Sirius and Andromeda too began to talk.

“How’s the flat hunting been going?” Andromeda asked.

Sirius sighed, “Not very successful. Everywhere is insanely expensive around here and anything cheap is god-awful. Harry thinks she should stay with me a little longer anyway.”

“And you don’t mind?”

“Of course I don’t. She’s practically like my daughter. Delphi insists on paying me rent and contributing to the bills and the groceries anyway. I’ve been putting what she pays me in rent into a savings to give back to her when she eventually moves out to her own place, whenever that might be.”

“That’s a nice idea. It’s just that it’s been almost seven years now. Isn’t it time she went her own way?”

“Well, we’re going with what Harry says. She’s not far off at all, but I think he wants to get through the wedding and then he’ll probably give her the green light. But she needed time, and it’s done her good, so very good.”

“I never said this before, but honestly, I think she’s a really lovely young woman.” Andromeda said, peering over at Teddy and Delphi who were chatting and laughing together. “I think it’s just a shame what happened to her as a child and what it drove her to do.”

“If I had known back then, I would have searched and searched for her. And you’re right Andy, she is a really lovely young woman. She just needed a bit of love and kindness.”

“A bit of kindness goes a long way, does it not?”

“It truly does.” Sirius beamed, glancing over at Delphi, a bit of pride flickering in his chest.

Then the room went quiet as a piano began to play and the ceremony began. Scorpius walked down the aisle first, his father by his side. And then Albus, his mother beside him.

Delphi couldn’t help but smile through the entire thing. She knew the pair had something special between them, she knew that from when she’d first met them. And she always seemed to think that this would be where they ended up together, walking down the aisle on their wedding day.

It was a beautiful ceremony, a beautiful exchange of love. And it truly made Delphi happy watching it. She felt so privileged and so thankful that she had been asked to watch it take place. And she did cry a little doing so.

Afterwards, during the reception, she and Teddy stood holding glasses of champagne chatting when Albus and Scorpius approached them, beaming.

“Delphi, Teddy, you both made it!” Scorpius smiled.

“Congratulations both of you.” Delphi replied brightly. “It was a lovely ceremony.”

“Thank you. Um- Teddy, would you mind giving us a moment?”

“Of course.” Teddy nodded, “I’ll go find the table.”

“Is um- everything okay?” Delphi asked.

“Yeah, everything’s fine. We just wanted to say thank you for coming. We weren’t sure if you would.” Albus said.

“No, I wanted to. Plus I bought a dress and everything and Sirius wanted me to go.” She replied, “Thank you for inviting me. Honestly, I really appreciate it. I wasn’t sure if I’d be welcome here after- well, everything.”

“You’re as welcome here as everyone else. Just remember that.” Scorpius smiled at her.

“Thank you…”

“And it’s so good to see you’re doing better. We’re very happy for you. And we wish you all the very best. We truly do.” Scorpius stepped forward, hugging Delphi gently. She wrapped her arms around him too, feeling part of the remaining weight on her shoulders wash away a little.

“I wish you the best too, Scorpius. You deserve the world.” She said quietly.

The pair drifted apart slowly. Delphi turned to Albus.

“And you Albus. Albus Severus Potter, you deserve the world too. And I truly wish you both all the happiness in the world. Because you two are each other’s joy. You were practically made for each other and I knew that from the day I first met you.”

“Thank you Delphi. I wish you all the very best too.” Albus said before he and Delphi hugged too.

“I know I’ve said it before, but I really am so sorry.” She whispered. “I am so, so sorry.”

“I know. And we forgive you.”

“Thank you…”

They drifted apart. Delphi squeezed Albus’ shoulder softly, smiling.

“Don’t be a stranger, alright?” Albus said, returning the smile back.

“I won’t be, don’t worry.”

And with that, the pair walked off again, fingers intertwined. Delphi watched as they chatted quietly, their sides brushing up against each other. But it made her so happy seeing that. So she smiled to herself and went off to find Teddy and Sirius again.

Later on after a large meal and some speeches, people had begun to dance, Albus and Scorpius having the first dance. But soon after, others were invited up to join. Delphi sat to the side, watching as Teddy and James tried to figure out how to dance properly, not very successfully so she ended up laughing at them.

“You alright?” Sirius appeared over her shoulder.

“Yeah, I can’t dance so I’m happy just watching.” She chuckled.

“Come on, I’ll teach you.”

“Oh no, I’m okay—”

“Come on.” Sirius grinned at her, holding out a hand.

She sighed, getting to her feet and the pair walked over to where everyone else was dancing. Sirius took her hand in his on one side and rested the other on her shoulder. Delphi did the same, resting her other hand on his shoulder.

“Okay, so just move with me, move with the music.” Sirius explained, moving around slowly.

Delphi made an attempt to follow his footing, struggling at first. But then she cracked it and she got the hang of it after a while.

“There you go, you’ve got it now!” Sirius beamed.

“I think so.”

They continued dancing, moving to the music, cherishing that moment with each other. As a family. The music slowed slightly and they slowed with it. Delphi felt something inside her at that moment as they moved gently.

Joy. She felt so much joy. And it hit her just how much of a part Sirius had played in her life, and turning herself around and coming slowly back into the light. He had helped drag herself out of such a dark place, giving her light, giving her a reason to keep going even when she didn’t want to. Just knowing that she mattered to someone, that someone cared about her, that someone loved her, that made it all worth it.

She had craved for love, she always had. And she’d found it, even if it was somewhere unexpected. But it was love and was what she needed. And it was more than enough for her.

Delphi found herself staring out at nothing over Sirius’ shoulder, still dancing. Sirius noticed.

“Are you alright?” He asked quietly.

“Oh- yeah.” Delphi chuckled, breaking out of her trance. “Just thinking.”

“About what?”

Delphi shrugged, “A lot of things.”

“Good things?”

“Yeah, good things. And being happy.”

“Good.” Sirius smiled softly. “You’ve come such a long way, you deserve to be happy.”

Delphi nodded.

“Hey, I am so proud of you. So damn proud.” Sirius squeezed her shoulder gently. “I was talking to Andromeda earlier, and she thinks you’re a wonderful young woman. And so do I. And I am so glad you chose to let me help you that day.”

“So am I. And I am so thankful that you offered it to me in the first place. It helped pull me out of such a dark place, and I can’t every thank you enough for it. For giving me a family and the love that comes with it.”

“You will always be loved, Delphi. We are family, by blood and choice. And I promise, I will always be here for you. And I will always show you the love and the kindness you so deserve.”

Delphi said nothing, just hugged Sirius. He hugged her back, the pair still swaying softly to the music. They stayed like that for a while.

“I love you, Sirius.” Delphi said quietly.

“I love you too, so much.” Sirius replied. “So damn much…”