Padfoot and his Pup

24. | The Incident™️ - Part II

Every week Harry, Sirius and the Weasleys would meet at either the Burrow or Black Manor for one big dinner and it was their turn to play host that weekend. Remus also joined on certain occasions.

The selected cuisine that night was Thai and their house elf had outdone herself.

"Ronniekins, how are you doing over there? Any trouble sitting down?"

Ron shot George a murderous look although it wasn't as effective as he'd hoped with his mouth stuffed. "Yer a pr'ck."

"Leave him be or you two will have a lot more trouble sitting down than him." Molly threatened the twins who developed a sudden interest in their plates.

"How're you liking your new job?" She turned to Sirius instead.

"It's not really new since I was an Auror during the war, but it's different now. Things aren't quite as... busy anymore. Other than the odd rebel or old loyalist who pops up and a good number of thieves, it's pretty quiet out there. Lots of new faces, plenty of people who... left and I'm pretty sure the new ones are afraid of me."

"Well that's only because you're a tyrant at work."

Sirius narrowed his eyes at his godson and the boy grinned from across the table, the mischievous one that had only recently started making regular appearances. It was the most endearing thing Sirius had ever seen.

And it always spelt trouble.

"Lies and slander." Sirius shot back although even he had to admit there was some truth in that statement. He'd always been that way, even as a child. Why? That was a tale for another time.

"I think it's true. But strangely, they don't hate you for it. On the contrary, I think they sort of like it. Like seriously like it. I overheard your colleagues talking the other day."

"So you were eavesdropping?" Sirius inquired, directing a raised eyebrow at the boy.

"Uhh... In my defence, they were talking about you, their boss. Was I simply not supposed to listen?"

"That's precisely what you should've done." He told the lad with a pointed look.

It was astonishing how one transformed from playboy to parent within a only a month, not counting the decade in Azkaban of course.

"Then how was I supposed to defend you if they said anything nasty?" Harry countered with such sincerity that Sirius was momentarily taken aback.

In that moment, he had no doubt that his five foot something twelve year old would stand up for Sirius if anyone tried or said anything funny.

He was touched and amused at the same time. He took a sip of his water and levelled Harry with an even look.

"I'm honoured. But at the same time, we'll talk about your eavesdropping abilities later."

Harry shot him an all too innocent smile. "Okay but before you yell at me, remember that you love me."

This kid.

"But on the bright side, even though you're hard on your colleagues, they don't hold it against you. I think they quite like it."