ETHALINE

THE CALL

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Ethaline sat on a rock, her hands twiddling and playing with each other as she looked at Sirius. "You're his godfather." She said slowly, "And you're...well you say you're innocent..."

"He is." Harry said confidently.

Ethaline nodded, considering it as she then said, "And you're the little dog I've been feeding...an unregistered Animgus...and you're not going to kill me..." she made sure as he nodded.

"Not unless you stop feeding me." Sirius joked, hoping to lighten the mood.

Ethaline smiled awkwardly and stood up, "Well then," she coughed, "If that's all I'll be on my way then—"

"How did you know we were here?" Ron asked skeptically, "And how did you manage to escape your posse?"

Ethaline frowned, "Free will?" She said, slightly sarcastic, "I also followed the little...paw prints." She said sheepishly as she reached behind her and grabbed a basket of food. "I told the others I'd be down at the book store and Draco wasn't having it so they stayed at the Three Broomsticks."

Sirius's face softened, "Are you sure you're a Malfoy?"

Ethaline looked down, "I am." She said, looking up at him and it was then Sirius recognized that sad glint in her eyes—the same one he had seen in his brother Regulus and the same one he saw in himself whenever he looked in the mirror of the Potter's house.

He then however noticed a sort of clouding haze in her eyes, her pupils were dilated as she looked away and stumbled back a bit. Harry rushed to her side, holding her steady as Sirius eyed them carefully.

"What's the matter?" Harry asked as Hermione and Ron stood up.

Ethaline groaned quietly; her fingers pressed against her temples as she felt a pull elsewhere. "I have to go...Theo.." She whispered, looking up at Harry.

He saw a slight flash go across her eyes before she pushed past him, not saying another word to anyone as she made her way out. Sirius narrowed his eyes, trying to connect the dots in his mind as he reached down for the basket.

"What just happened?" Ron asked.

Harry turned to face them, "I don't know, but we should head back."

Sirius raised an eyebrow as he dug into a candy cake, "Want to make sure she's okay?" He asked in a nonchalant tone as he leaned on the wall.

Harry nodded, slightly distracted before immediately shaking his head, "N-no. Just to make sure she doesn't tell." Harry said as he embraced his Godfather once more and they all said goodbye.

Ron and Hermione were the first out as Harry purposely left his jacket on accident so Sirius could have it to feel warmer. After that they rushed down the path and saw Ethaline in Theo's arm, a confused expression on her face.