Inglorious Bastards [Theodore Nott]

Chapter Seventy-Two

Sirius returned just as the sun came out on the horizon. It was another long night running in the forest to keep Remus company in his transformation, tiring, very tiring. He wondered how he and James managed to do an all nightery in the woods and still have the energy come morning. Maybe it was age, he thought, but then shook his head to rid of the thought. No, if he started thinking that, then he would be accepting that he was old. And according to their little group, the only one who was old was Remus, seeing that he continuously took the role of "mother" in their group.

"Long night?" Charity came and gave Sirius a cup of tea and some pie.

"I can't really tell anymore," Sirius sighed.

"Then, finish your tea and pie, then go upstairs – clean up, and then sleep. I'll put a charm around your room so you won't be disturbed," Charity said.

"Not a good idea... what if something happens while I'm asleep, with that charm I won't be able to hear you."

"Sirius, nothing is going to happen. We're safe, and you need to rest. Ease your mind – you haven't gotten a proper rest since we moved here, and you grew even more tensed when Carina, Harry, and Maisie left for Hogwarts."

"The last time I felt this way... was when I left Emmanuelle and Carina to hunt down Pettigrew... I feel like, if I even think of resting or closing my eyes, something bad is going to happen... and I'm letting them down – Ned, Tom, Emmanuelle."

"Oh, Sirius," Charity sighed. "This is different... we're safe, the children are safe –"

"How many more, Charity?" Sirius sighed. "Everyone of Ned's family is gone, and all because of me... maybe I should stay far away from you and the children, who knows what would happen if I stayed –"

"Sirius!" Charity knelt before him and took his hands in hers. "Emmanuelle's death isn't your fault. Ned's death isn't your fault. Tom's death isn't your fault! They died fighting – Emmanuelle died fighting to protect your daughter. Tom died fighting... and Ned, he died not because of you, he died because he couldn't get over the grief of losing his wife and daughter... none of it is your fault! I know that it's hard to live on happily when others have passed, but Sirius we can't mourn them forever, we need to move on and continue fighting... continue the fight that they died for."

Sirius massaged the bridge of his nose, "I'm sorry. I made you worry even more."

"It's alright, Sirius. You're human, it's alright to feel these emotions... you don't always have to put up that brave face that you've been keeping since you took the role of father for this family... it's alright to be vulnerable."

A few tears fell from Sirius's eyes. He wiped them away and then took a deep breath.

"Who knew fatherhood would be this tiring," Sirius joked.

Charity got up, she went behind the man and wrapped him in an embrace. Sirius smiled and held on to her.

"What is it with Hufflepuffs, your lot seems to always know what to do," Sirius said.

"What is it with Gryffindors, your lot always think that you have to carry the whole world on your shoulders," Charity retorted.

"Must be the pride."

Charity chuckled, "Well, I guess, Hufflepuffs are just compassionate... now, come on, stop your crying and finish your meal, then upstairs to rest."

"Yes, Ma'am," Sirius teased.

"Good, because once you wake up, you have something to do – and it's not Order business."

"What?"