Savior Complex || Sirius Black

(three.)

 Evander and Dalia had decided to grab a coffee in Hogsmeade before he left her at Hogwarts. It was a weird, queasy morning, and Dalia found herself surprised at how much she missed Ilvermorny. Her little home in New Jersey. Danny.

They were sitting at a place called Madam Puddifoot, a tea shop that looked as though Victorian Barbie had puked all over the interior. Dalia rather liked it, honestly, and the warm cup between her hands seemed to bat down the strange, first day of school deja vu she'd been experiencing all day. It being summer, and still two weeks away from the student populace arriving, the tea shop was eerily empty and quiet.

"That shit smells horrible." Evander deadpanned as Dalia brough the cup to her lips. She took a tentative sip, and wrinkled her nose slightly.

"Doesn't taste that great either. I miss cold brew." She set the cup down gently, and figured she probably wouldn't pick it up again. Evander made a small noise of agreement, and snagged one of the biscuits she'd gotten for herself from her plate. It had been weird, these past few weeks of staying with Evander. There was still a tense feeling between them, but it had lessened. Slackened, Evander commented one night when they'd gotten a little too drunk and tried to talk about it. She realized she didn't really know her brother at all, as she had watched him during the Order meetings. There hadn't been much for her to do during them; she'd caught a few glimpses of the kids here and there, but they'd always stayed away from the meetings for fear of Molly's wrath.

"I could probably make my own, actually. Do you think they carry coffee beans here?"

Evander shrugged, his expression disinterested.

"I mean, probably. They probably have it at that little market thing, towards the end of town, if not. But I've heard there are house elves in the kitchens. Bill told me they'll make you whatever you want, and figures that since you're going to be a prof, you'll probably get access or something."

Dalia let out a little sound, and Evander looked up from where he'd been dipping another stolen cookie in his tea. She pouted exaggeratedly.

"No pukwudgies." Her tone was childish, and Evander laughed slightly through his nose, snorting a little.

"No, not in England." His response lilted. Dalia remained quiet, thinking longingly for the grumpy little creatures that worked as Ilvermorny's helpers. "Listen, Dalia. Um- I was thinking, maybe we could-..." He trailed off, and cleared his throat as Dalia blinked her attention at him. "Connect the floo that'll be in your, I dunno, room or office or whatever, to the one in my apartment. So that, you know, you could call me. Whenever." He trained his eyes stubbornly at his tea, working his jaw. Dalia studied him for a few moments.

"Big brother, are you worried about me?" She said playfully. Evander rolled his eyes aggressively, but said nothing. Dalia's face split into a grin. "You are worried about me!" When his silence continued, her grin grew bright. "Do I finally get the protective older brother I've only been dreaming about for the past seventeen years?"

Evander snapped a glare up at her.

"I've always been protective." He said in an even tone. Dalia shrugged.

"Didn't feel that way." She muttered, picking at the lacy tablecloth. Evander let out a deep sigh, scrubbing a hand across his face and threw his hair as he sat back in his seat.

"You never wondered why nobody asked you to the Hallow's Eve dance?"

Dalia's face contorted in horror.

"That was you? I thought I was- I just assumed- I mean- I'd always-" She was sputtering as Evander donned a crooked grin, crossing his arms defiantly. "Please, Evander, tell me you didn't." Dalia continued. His grin widened, and Dalia let out a little cry, burying her head in her hands. "Nevermind, I take it back. I never want an older brother. Those years were horrible."